Two Cul De Sacs, Cowboys, and Cacti

Virginia transplant NASCAR fan from L.A. (You’re not a Yankee if you are from California. You’re not really anything.)

Rory drafted me to duty to provide my “expert” analysis of what’s to come in the next four races. Truthfully, I am not a fan of what Darrell Waltrip refers to “racing in a cul-de-sac” which is what the racing at Bristol and Martinsville remind me of. However, the DNA of the sport has deep roots in these half miles and the fans love them.

Bristol

The “bullring” some people love it some hate it.  It’s a challenge for the drivers, the spotters, the pit crews and the engineers. The drivers must keep their cool here; expect the bump, expect the anger. 

It is a game of survival for these guys. The drivers best friend is his spotter, especially with the COT wing. The pit crew has the challenge of making the most of the cautions; green flag stop even for the best of the teams means two laps down. 

The engineers:  the transmission to the lower (or higher in terms of ratio) gear ratio is subjected to a great deal of stress here due to the change in speed, the track surface and the heat generation. 

The recent repaving of the track has made Bristol more of racer’s track than entertainment for the masses who only come for vehicular mayhem.

Who does well at Bristol?  It’s one of Kyle Busch’s favorite tracks. Busch has finished in the top 10 in his last six of seven Nationwide races. 

Jeff Gordon, who is carrying the momentum of leading in the series seems like he and Steve LeTarte have finally figured the car out.  Jeff Burton will be defending his Food City title.

Martinsville

Another short track with a long NASCAR History. Located of course in the small town of Martinsville, Virginia; this is the hometown track ( “The Paper Clip” due to its shape) Hamlin, Burton and Sadler. You can expect Joe Gibbs’ senior driver No. 11 to defend his 2008 victory. 

The track is known for it’s hot dogs as well as it being a true hometown short track.  This track is the representation of the local track. The new thing this year: Toyota is the official car for the historic raceway.

Texas Motor Speedway

Oh yeah. Hook em’ horns! Back to 1.5 mile track, high speeds and drafting. As much as I hate to say it being a 18 fan, this the track that Carl Edwards, No. 99 owns, he has three wins here. 

However before “Concrete Carl” began his two year reign at this track, our three peat “champeen” Jimmy Johnson won here back in 2007. This is a favorite track of Martin,  Stewart, and Kenseth.

Phoenix International Raceway

The really cool thing about this track which has nothing to do with racing is that is like carved out of a mountain and people sit around on one side of the track with their pop up tents and coolers. 

It will be hot, slick and loose in Phoenix. Those that like loose, can you say “Wild Thing”, will be dominant at this one mile oval. Johnson won here last year; hopefully he can repeat it, he needs it.

Other stuff

Top 35: Separating go or go home is becoming critical with these races

The Dale Jr. Saga: He has to win.

Jeff Gordon: Glad to see him riding high.

The top 10: Wow, nice to not see the same faces.

Thanks Rory.