One Gordon wins, other moves up spot in points
June 22, 2003
Outside pole sitter Robby Gordon wins at Sonoma. Jeff Gordon took the number two spot in points from Dale Jr. with his second place finish. It was a great day for Childress as the 29 and the 31 battled in the top 5 all day. Pole sitter Boris Said came in 6th. Here is the summary from NASCAR.com…
NASCAR.com: R. Gordon starts, closes well at Sonoma
Of course Robby’s win was not without some controversy provided by Jeff Gordon’s complaints regarding Robby racing back to the yellow when Christian Fittipaldi crashed (hey, isn’t Christian supposed to be a road racer???)….
NASCAR.com: Winner, runner-up trade barbs after race
Rusty and Sears Point
June 21, 2003
He may be losing his competitive edge but the man could allways tell a good story and has allways been a good interview. Read about some of Rusty’s antics at Sears Point.
Happy Hour
June 21, 2003
The happy hour speeds were more or less consitent with qualifying.
Wireless wars begin?
June 21, 2003
AT&T Wireless was about to pick-up the sponsorship for the 99 car of Jack Roush Racing. What will be allowed under the new Nextel deal is still up in the air. My call is because it’s Jack Roush AT&T will be denied. If it were RCR or Wood Brothers Racing or a more “traditional” Nascar racing team ownership I would bet they would be allowed.
End of the road for road courses?
June 21, 2003
With new series sponsor, and pressure to expand to big markets are we seeing the end of the road races in Nascar? There are huge expenses for teams to build special cars for just two events. With the loss of double dates at existing southern tracks the opportunity to expand into new road courses presents itself.
The road course issue is at the “Crossroads” of existence for Nascar and its fans.
I agree with Clyde Torkle, we should leave the road courses alone, and add dates if possible
The Outsiders
June 21, 2003
Now matter how well they run the Nascar officials will find ways to make sure a “Regular” will win the race tomorrow. Maybe a pit lane speeding violation, or passing under caution for penalties. Even a late race caution flag to allow the field to close on an “Outsider” if one is still in the lead.
Trucks Turn 200
June 21, 2003
NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series will conduct it’s 200 race this weeeknd. Does this mean the Big Brown Truck can finally race yet?
Boris “Iron Man” Said
June 21, 2003
Not only is Boris on pole, he is driving in all three events at Sonoma; Nascar, Featherlite and Transam. Not a bad way to spend the weekend!
With Boris on pole, Robbie Gordon second and Ron fellows third, I expect Robbie the impatient to wreck himself , himself and Boris, or take out all first three starters within the first five laps.
Beneficiaries of Nextel deal
June 20, 2003
What other companies besides Nextel have the largest upside potential from the new Nextel deal? Cingular and Alltel. All other telephone companies will be prohibited from sponsorship in the new Nextel Cup series. As sponsors of the 31 and 12 cars, Cingular and Alltel will be “grandfathered” and allowed to remain as sponsors. Can you see Ryan Newman standing in the winners circle with his Alltel hat and car singing the praises of the Alltel team in front of the Nextel signs? Lets see how much Tim Donahue likes that!!
I predict that Cingular and Alltel will increase their funding to their teams in hopes of additional exposure in the winners circle (goodby Robbie Gordon!)
Nascar and Nextel
June 20, 2003
The primary reason RJR (Winston) was such a great corporate sponsor for Nascar was the consistant level of cash they could infuse into the series. Pete Pistone’s article highlights potential growth opportunities for sponsor and Nascar.
Question: Where does Nascar turn when the next tech market implosion occurs and Nextel becomes pinched for cash?