New points system? Really?
This blog has been neglected as of late. I'm surprised someone has not reported me to BPS (Blog Protective Services). Would someone please explain to me why there is yet another round of massive changes to my beloved sport?
Theory 1: The conspiracy theorist side of me is yearning to be free at this juncture. The "Drive-Who-Shall-Not-Be-Named" obviously needs a little more help from NASCAR getting into the chase. (Thank you J.K. Rowlings)
Theory 2: This is the result of some ideas written on a cocktail napkin after a long night of consuming massive quantities of adult type beverages.
Theory 3: The squeaky wheel gets the grease. Some fans were were dissatisfied with the current points system, complained loudly and frequently, the result being the latest round of changes. Those of us who were happy with the points system sat idly by and enjoyed the sport.
At www.nascar.com I found this paragraph.
"Under the new format, 12 drivers still will qualify for the 10-race Chase for the Sprint Cup -- but the last two will be "wild cards," or the two drivers with the most wins who are not in the top 10, as long as they are ranked in the top 20 in points. If there are two or more drivers tied with the same number of wins for one of those wild-card spots -- or if there are no drivers outside of the top 10 in points who have earned at least one race victory -- a tie-breaking system is in place."
I don't know about you, but I read this three times and I'm still saying - huh? So, once again I find myself asking, "New points system? Really?"
Thursday, January 27, 2011
Sunday, July 18, 2010
The Interviews
If you're not in a car, I don't want to hear it.
Once again NASCAR fans are debating the latest Carl Edwards and Brad Keselowski on track battle over real-estate. Who did what to whom and when and if it was safe or not... blah, blah, blah.
My issue is with the interviews of driver's parents. I'm all for interviewing the drivers who were actually involved in the on track incident. However, I don't really see the need to interview the parent or spouse or the second cousin's aunt's uncle's best friend's sister of the driver to get their reaction. The reaction of a relative is going to be an emotional one no doubt, but not a professional one.
Keep the interviews to the people who are actually paid to participate. The opinions of bystanders are going to be emotional not informational. On a side note, when being interviewed about an on track incident try to keep the relatives of the person with whom you have an issue with, out of it.
If you're not in a car, I don't want to hear it.
Once again NASCAR fans are debating the latest Carl Edwards and Brad Keselowski on track battle over real-estate. Who did what to whom and when and if it was safe or not... blah, blah, blah.
My issue is with the interviews of driver's parents. I'm all for interviewing the drivers who were actually involved in the on track incident. However, I don't really see the need to interview the parent or spouse or the second cousin's aunt's uncle's best friend's sister of the driver to get their reaction. The reaction of a relative is going to be an emotional one no doubt, but not a professional one.
Keep the interviews to the people who are actually paid to participate. The opinions of bystanders are going to be emotional not informational. On a side note, when being interviewed about an on track incident try to keep the relatives of the person with whom you have an issue with, out of it.
If you're not in a car, I don't want to hear it.
Sunday, May 16, 2010
To Rant or Not to Rant
I started this blog because....?
When I started this blog I needed an outlet to gripe about the crappy goings on in my favorite sport, NASCAR. In their infinite wisdom, the powers that be, actually made some rule changes that I actually understand AND agree with.
The "Have At It" rule. This controversial, not really a change but more of a modification to the existing rules, I LOVE! I think this modification allowed the sport to regain some of what it has lost, the emotional element, for lack of a better term. Let the drivers settle it amongst themselves while the officials wander off into the sunset whistling a happy tune. This works for me.
The 3rd Times a Charm rule. The addition of Green-White-Checkered attempts at finishing the race under green has added an element of "What will happen next?" The sport was starting to loose that "Fight to the Finish" spirit that is one of the fans favorite parts.
The Wave Around rule. No more did we get lapped in the pits based on misfortunate pit selection controversy. I found this to be a rather pleasing solution to the problem.
I don't always agree with the Powers That Be in NASCAR, but I do enjoy being able to share things that I do agree with for a change.
I started this blog because....?
When I started this blog I needed an outlet to gripe about the crappy goings on in my favorite sport, NASCAR. In their infinite wisdom, the powers that be, actually made some rule changes that I actually understand AND agree with.
The "Have At It" rule. This controversial, not really a change but more of a modification to the existing rules, I LOVE! I think this modification allowed the sport to regain some of what it has lost, the emotional element, for lack of a better term. Let the drivers settle it amongst themselves while the officials wander off into the sunset whistling a happy tune. This works for me.
The 3rd Times a Charm rule. The addition of Green-White-Checkered attempts at finishing the race under green has added an element of "What will happen next?" The sport was starting to loose that "Fight to the Finish" spirit that is one of the fans favorite parts.
The Wave Around rule. No more did we get lapped in the pits based on misfortunate pit selection controversy. I found this to be a rather pleasing solution to the problem.
I don't always agree with the Powers That Be in NASCAR, but I do enjoy being able to share things that I do agree with for a change.
I started this blog because....?
Sunday, April 18, 2010
What would we do without Twitter?
That which shall be called a Rain Delay.
What is happening at Texas Motor Speedway? Shall I "Google" it? No, I have a better idea, who amongst the fabulous followers of 99FanGirl is at TMS this weekend?
Twitter has saved the day and provided a vast array of first hand information. Instead of waiting for the talking heads on the pre-race show to take a breath from their blathering to let fans know that the race is delayed we now have access to on the scene reporting.
As the fans lament another delay there are a vast array of people willing to share their thoughts and opinions about what they are doing while they wait for Mother Nature to finish her business and move on. One of my favorites is @NASCAR_WXMAN with a forecast accuracy of 99.9%. He gives fans up to the minute weather information to help pass the time. Other favorites include all of my fellow Carl Edwards fans. I love to read what they think is going to happen this week and why they think Carl is definitely going to win this time.
Has the season had too many rain delays? It's hard to say. It is spring and April showers bring May flowers. It may just be a case of we block out the many rain delays from the previous season and focus on our dismay at them this season. Cheer-up @SummerDreyer the sun has too shine eventually. We have the advantage now of Twitter to keep us entertained and informed during these interminable bouts of bad weather.
That which shall be called a Rain Delay.
What is happening at Texas Motor Speedway? Shall I "Google" it? No, I have a better idea, who amongst the fabulous followers of 99FanGirl is at TMS this weekend?
Twitter has saved the day and provided a vast array of first hand information. Instead of waiting for the talking heads on the pre-race show to take a breath from their blathering to let fans know that the race is delayed we now have access to on the scene reporting.
As the fans lament another delay there are a vast array of people willing to share their thoughts and opinions about what they are doing while they wait for Mother Nature to finish her business and move on. One of my favorites is @NASCAR_WXMAN with a forecast accuracy of 99.9%. He gives fans up to the minute weather information to help pass the time. Other favorites include all of my fellow Carl Edwards fans. I love to read what they think is going to happen this week and why they think Carl is definitely going to win this time.
Has the season had too many rain delays? It's hard to say. It is spring and April showers bring May flowers. It may just be a case of we block out the many rain delays from the previous season and focus on our dismay at them this season. Cheer-up @SummerDreyer the sun has too shine eventually. We have the advantage now of Twitter to keep us entertained and informed during these interminable bouts of bad weather.
That which shall be called a Rain Delay.
Sunday, March 28, 2010
A Picture is Worth a 1,000 Words
I went to Bristol!
Usually this blog is a rant about something that happened during a race. This week nothing to rant about because I so enjoyed my experience at Bristol Motor Speedway that I thought I would let some pictures speak for themselves. Enjoy.
Usually this blog is a rant about something that happened during a race. This week nothing to rant about because I so enjoyed my experience at Bristol Motor Speedway that I thought I would let some pictures speak for themselves. Enjoy.
Sunday, March 7, 2010
Accidentally on Purpose
How do you defend the indefensible?
I spent a lot of time on Twitter reading and posting comments about the now infamous Edwards/Keselowski on track disagreement. Fans on both sides offered different perspectives on the incident. It is no secret that I am a die hard fan of Carl Edwards and I will admit to getting caught up in the "BK must die" hysteria.
However, now that the adrenaline has worn off I am prepared to offer a calmer opinion. I go on record saying, "Carl you screwed up!" Carl was 151 laps down when he returned to the track after an earlier on track incident with Brad Keselowski. At this point Carl was turning laps to gain as many points as possible so as not to lose too many spots in the points. Why then, Mr. Edwards, did you feel it was necessary to turn Brad Keselowski with 5 laps to go?
It has been hypothesized that this was a retaliation for the incident earlier on the track. Your responses in the post black flag interview alluded to that fact as well. Therefore, shame on you! Your fans have been able to take pride in the fact that you are a "clean" racer and you own up to your mistakes. Often it has be credited to you that in tense situations you don't let your emotions get the better of you.
How then do you defend the indefensible?
I spent a lot of time on Twitter reading and posting comments about the now infamous Edwards/Keselowski on track disagreement. Fans on both sides offered different perspectives on the incident. It is no secret that I am a die hard fan of Carl Edwards and I will admit to getting caught up in the "BK must die" hysteria.
However, now that the adrenaline has worn off I am prepared to offer a calmer opinion. I go on record saying, "Carl you screwed up!" Carl was 151 laps down when he returned to the track after an earlier on track incident with Brad Keselowski. At this point Carl was turning laps to gain as many points as possible so as not to lose too many spots in the points. Why then, Mr. Edwards, did you feel it was necessary to turn Brad Keselowski with 5 laps to go?
It has been hypothesized that this was a retaliation for the incident earlier on the track. Your responses in the post black flag interview alluded to that fact as well. Therefore, shame on you! Your fans have been able to take pride in the fact that you are a "clean" racer and you own up to your mistakes. Often it has be credited to you that in tense situations you don't let your emotions get the better of you.
How then do you defend the indefensible?
Sunday, February 28, 2010
Good Sportsmanship
Jimmie Johnson wins again?
I want to be happy for any driver who wins because it is quite an accomplishment and so many things need to go your way in order for that to happen. However, I find myself wondering if Jimmie Johnson or Chad Knaus has made a deal with the devil.
I am a Carl Edwards fan, but Jamie McMurray winning the Daytona 500 was wonderful. Would I have enjoyed a backflip at Daytona? Definitely. Jimmie Johnson winning two races in a row? This is starting to be reminiscent of the last 4 years of his domination in the sport.
Jimmie Johnson obviously has the talent to win in this sport. He has proven his ability to be consistent. More than once events have occurred that have resulted in being beneficial to the 48 team and they have capitalized on them. I can not justify any feelings of animosity towards Jimmie Johnson and his team. They come prepared to win every week and that is exactly what they do.
I am a fan who enjoys seeing a different winner every week, with the exception of one driver who shall not be named and I hope never enters Victory Lane again. Let everyone have a shot at the spotlight.
Is this a realistic view of the sport? No. I just like the "sunshine and lollipops" view that everyone's hard work has the opportunity to be rewarded with a trip to Victory Lane. Dominance by one team is what is occurring in the sport and I figure Jimmie Johnson has to retire eventually.
Jimmie Johnson wins again?
I want to be happy for any driver who wins because it is quite an accomplishment and so many things need to go your way in order for that to happen. However, I find myself wondering if Jimmie Johnson or Chad Knaus has made a deal with the devil.
I am a Carl Edwards fan, but Jamie McMurray winning the Daytona 500 was wonderful. Would I have enjoyed a backflip at Daytona? Definitely. Jimmie Johnson winning two races in a row? This is starting to be reminiscent of the last 4 years of his domination in the sport.
Jimmie Johnson obviously has the talent to win in this sport. He has proven his ability to be consistent. More than once events have occurred that have resulted in being beneficial to the 48 team and they have capitalized on them. I can not justify any feelings of animosity towards Jimmie Johnson and his team. They come prepared to win every week and that is exactly what they do.
I am a fan who enjoys seeing a different winner every week, with the exception of one driver who shall not be named and I hope never enters Victory Lane again. Let everyone have a shot at the spotlight.
Is this a realistic view of the sport? No. I just like the "sunshine and lollipops" view that everyone's hard work has the opportunity to be rewarded with a trip to Victory Lane. Dominance by one team is what is occurring in the sport and I figure Jimmie Johnson has to retire eventually.
Jimmie Johnson wins again?
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