NEXTEL Cup’s Sabbatical is Over
Now that we have learned a new definition for “Montoya” (v2.0 Ironhead) down old Mexico’s way it’s time for NASCAR’s premier Series to pull into Las Vegas Los Wages.
Some things remain the same after Cup’s [ill timed] two week vacation.
LVMS still sits smack in the middle of a desert, the lights are still bright, the Hip-Hop nation still doesn’t get the Wayne Newton thing, and Michael Waltrip is still -27 points in the standings. (and the 3/4lb hot dog at Westward Ho Casino is far better than anything LVMS provides)
The week ahead will feature a few things.
Most prominently is the track configuration that has changed dramatically since last year’s UAW-DaimlerChrysler 400. The bulldozers and asphalt layers have increased banking from 12-degree to 20 degrees to [hopefully] allow for better side-by-side racing. The banking is similar to the banking at Homestead-Miami (18-20 degrees) where it’s reconfiguration has resulted in better racing.
The increased speeds (and unleaded fuel?) may present a problem. Kasey Kahne holds the lap record set in 2004 at 174.904 mph. In January testing most drivers were 12-14 mph faster. Sadler led the way with a speed of 188.772 mph.
“Everything’s good,” said 1999 NASCAR Nextel Cup Series champion Dale Jarrett. “There are a few bumps here and there, but that’s just what you learn about the race track. It is extremely fast and we’ve already got multiple grooves out there and that’s a really good thing.”
The new track and speeds led to Goodyears popping like cheap condoms in Amsterdam’s red light district during testing. Goodyear will bring a new left side compound for this weekend adding another wild card to the mix.
Fitting considering the location, but for the sake of everyone (including the starter who would get a form of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome waving all the yellows) let’s hope it’s not Jokers that are wild.
At this point I’m not ready to select a potential winner. The Dodges were fast during testing, Fords (mainly Roush Fenway) have won 5 of the last nine, with Chevys taking the remainder at LVMS.
In Blackjack terms it would be a Push between Ford and Chevy. In race track terms I doubt if many in the starting field want one. At 200 mph into turn one a push will see way to many yellows and broken race cars.
Las Vegas Motor Speedway, NASCAR, NEXTEL Cup, Sports, Auto Racing, Motorsports, Full Throttle
Great blog… It will be an exciting race with maybe too many cautions