Let The Engines Roar: by Anthony Baker

    As we leave Daytona, there are two questions going on right now. Why are car’s flipping this frequent and what impact does removing grass have on a car flipping? Between Michigan and Daytona, we have seen 3 car flip in similar fashion and a car in different fashion that almost rolled over. There are different variables in how each flip occurred but it does seem weird that 2 of the 3 flips occurred at Michigan in the same weekend but different series. Also there was an adjustment made that involved a fin on the back of the car to help keep cars on the ground for Daytona. We had an another flip, on the back straight around the same area that Ryan Preece flipped last year. Did the grass really need to be moved? Let’s get into it.      For starters let’s get into the flips a little more to understand what’s going on. The Kyle Sieg flip last week in the NASCAR Xfinity series was a result of two cars spinning but the car in front is getting a push from the car in ...

          NASCAR use to bring feel good stories when a guy got his first win. The storyline has now changed with the current playoff format. The storyline turns into a driver making the playoffs and getting a chance at a championship no matter what position they were in. This is the Harrison Burton saga. Harrison Burton won last night, making a last lap pass on Kyle Busch and then throwing some precise blocks to hang on and get the first win of his career. It also comes after news that Harrison wouldn’t be returning to the 21 Wood Brothers Ford, so that’s one way to go out with the team at your last Daytona race together. Also like I said he now qualifies for the championship but there’s just one thing. Harrison is the lowest running driver points wise that can qualify for the playoffs at 34th. Let’s get into it here.        For starters, let’s congratulate Harrison on his first career Cup victory. This one came at a time that he needed it co...

          Over the years NASCAR has shifted from its traditional 1:00pm EST start times to 2:30-5:30 EST start times. This was a move to try and move NASCAR closer to the prime time slot. This move has some benefits but also needs some ironing out. Tracks with no lights getting later start times, while also tracks with lights not using them at all unless weather permits needs to be looked at. Also I believe the flexibility in moving a start time up should be looked at more as well. Let’s get into it.            The later start times gives people time to do stuff throughout the day and then once race time rolls around, there isn’t much to do but watch the race. It’s also more desirable to tv networks to have later start times because that is when most of the nation is up, as compared to an earlier start time. Now the argument to this is some fans feel that the later start time takes away their day because they can’t do anyt...

       As we are now one week removed from a controversial finish and decision by NASCAR at the end of the Richmond race, the Cup series now heads full send into Michigan as we are preparing to watch the Cup series action later on today.  Qualifying was rained out so Denny Hamlin is the pole sitter with Tyler Reddick starting along side in 2nd. Rain has been in and out of the area all weekend and is a threat for the race today as well so that will be something to watch out for strategy wise if we are able to get cars on track today. Darkness is around 8:30, and yesterdays NASCAR Xfinity Series race had a cutoff time of 8:20 local time so that’s also something to consider. Monday like always is also an option and at that point the field should watch out for Mr. Monday Martin Truex Jr as it seems like he’s a Monday guy. Without further ado let’s get into the storylines.          Fresh off a controversial finish and decision that followed,...

      After a two week break that felt like an eternity to the race fan in me, NASCAR racing returns tonight with NASCAR rolling into Richmond. The break was a breath of fresh air but I do rather miss seeing cars on track so I’m eagerly awaiting to see the Craftsman Truck Series and the Cup Series return to action.     As this starts up the second part of the season it brings up some interesting questions such as can anyone beat Kyle Larson right now, what’s going on with RCR and trackhouse and basically any Chevy cup team outside of HMS, and also silly season has gotten quite silly to say the least. Then this weekends Cup race will feature different tire compounds that teams can use so this could get interesting.        So far in the truck series it has been the Corey Heim show, with Christian Eckes in hot pursuit. These two should be a lock on favorites to make the final 4 as both guys are in a league of their own as the two have combi...