 WagonCrazy
"17th Year" Platinum Supporting Member
Posts: 3382
Loc: So Cal
Reg: 06-07-05
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09-26-23 06:44 PM - Post#2862881
is anyone even remotely excited about how the drivers are doing from week to week in these playoffs?
My dude Truex is sure climbing out of quite a hole they put themselves into once the playoffs got going.
Next week, Talledega baby.
57 Nomad -LS1 with C4 suspension
59 Apache Fleetside Shortbed BigWindow
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BigDogSS
"15th Year" Silver Supporting Member
Posts: 5115
Loc: SoCal
Reg: 12-21-01
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09-27-23 08:49 AM - Post#2862895
In response to WagonCrazy
I'm watching and like to see Larson, Buescher or Keselowski pull it off.
Question on the restart where Wallace took the lead: Did Wallace jump the start? There has been NO replays or talk of this. I thought he did at the time. There was 20 laps to go and I think Larson should have let Wallace go. Larson could have worked on Wallace for the pass on HIS terms...and pass him eventually.
1967 Chevrolet Impala SS convertible 327 - Ermine White C1 - VCCA Senior Award
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Rick_L
Member #409
Posts: 28093
Loc: Katy, Tx, USA
Reg: 07-06-00
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09-27-23 10:12 AM - Post#2862899
In response to BigDogSS
Can't argue with rooting for Larson, Buescher, or Keselowski. Throw in Byron.
I didn't see Wallace jumping the start, looked clean to me. Remember that if he's in the restart zone, it's his privilege as the leader to move first - they don't wait for the flag.
I do agree with you that with 20 to go, and Larson appearing to be slightly faster, that he could have been more patient.
Truex's performance peaked too soon. Someone else probably will too.
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WagonCrazy
"17th Year" Platinum Supporting Member
Posts: 3382
Loc: So Cal
Reg: 06-07-05
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09-28-23 06:27 PM - Post#2862938
In response to Rick_L
Tough to tell the landscape until they get past Talledega. Such a crap shoot to get thru that race in 1 piece.
57 Nomad -LS1 with C4 suspension
59 Apache Fleetside Shortbed BigWindow
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WagonCrazy
"17th Year" Platinum Supporting Member
Posts: 3382
Loc: So Cal
Reg: 06-07-05
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10-09-23 06:38 PM - Post#2863230
In response to WagonCrazy
It was looking good for Kyle Busch at the Roval, until that last 20 laps or so.
Almendinger sure put on a clinic for everyone. He was solidly not going to give up that lead.
And William Byron is right there in 2nd chasing him. He and HMS team are "peaking" right now.
57 Nomad -LS1 with C4 suspension
59 Apache Fleetside Shortbed BigWindow
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Rick_L
Member #409
Posts: 28093
Loc: Katy, Tx, USA
Reg: 07-06-00
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10-10-23 07:20 AM - Post#2863238
In response to WagonCrazy
Kyle Busch = too little too late. Actually he hasn't looked all that good outside of his 3 wins (which by itself is an excellent accomplishment).
Byron is looking strong. Larson not too bad but has some Kyle Busch things occasionally.
Looks to me like Kaulig Racing has perhaps gone broke, spent all that gutter guard money.
Your bud Truex peaked months ago. He won't recover.
Someone should take Hamlin out.
Someone should make Wallace shut up.
Fords don't have a chance. It's up to whichever Gibbs or Hendrick driver puts it all together.
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WagonCrazy
"17th Year" Platinum Supporting Member
Posts: 3382
Loc: So Cal
Reg: 06-07-05
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 10-10-23 08:09 AM - Post#2863241
In response to Rick_L
Rick old boy...you crack me up.
I'd say I agree with just about everything you stated.
But Im amazed at how the points deal works. Truex, after finishing the season in the #1 spot, has consistently terrible post season races, but manages to make it into the round of 8 (at the #8 slot)
But then, because of his regular season standing, he starts this next round in the #2 spot???
57 Nomad -LS1 with C4 suspension
59 Apache Fleetside Shortbed BigWindow
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Rick_L
Member #409
Posts: 28093
Loc: Katy, Tx, USA
Reg: 07-06-00
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10-10-23 04:10 PM - Post#2863255
In response to WagonCrazy
But Im amazed at how the points deal works.
The setup has been that way for several years, but it's very noticeable this year. A good seed + 2 mulligans - it's hard to compete with that.
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WagonCrazy
"17th Year" Platinum Supporting Member
Posts: 3382
Loc: So Cal
Reg: 06-07-05
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10-16-23 06:16 AM - Post#2863366
In response to Rick_L
Vegas odds had Larson picked as probable winner.
Nailed it.
57 Nomad -LS1 with C4 suspension
59 Apache Fleetside Shortbed BigWindow
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Rick_L
Member #409
Posts: 28093
Loc: Katy, Tx, USA
Reg: 07-06-00
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10-16-23 06:19 PM - Post#2863385
In response to WagonCrazy
Oddsmakers had it right.
Your boy Truex looked bad most of the race but made a small recovery at the end. Same for Buescher.
They DQ'd Blaney for an illegal shock but rescinded that today. Supposedly the "template was bad". I guess his was the only one checked. I wonder what was up with that???
Still looks like a Hendrick/Gibbs deal for the final 4, just a matter of which two Gibbs cars (or 3).
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WagonCrazy
"17th Year" Platinum Supporting Member
Posts: 3382
Loc: So Cal
Reg: 06-07-05
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10-18-23 04:57 AM - Post#2863408
In response to Rick_L
I've been listening in on the conversation between Truex and his crew chief James Small, and Martin is very direct with James. And James gives the appearance of not being sure of himself. I think Martin may be frustrated with the overall speed they bring from race to race, but his skills do show that he can work to get a less-than-optimal car thru the field. But at some point, it's not exactly feeling like momentum...as the Hendrick and Gibbs teams seem to have. We'll see. If he pulls a win off in the next 2 races, it will be hard fought.
The other nascar flag I have up in my garage is Larson's. I bought that one after his first year in cup, because I was impressed with his determined driving style.
And dang, Byron just looks strong here.
57 Nomad -LS1 with C4 suspension
59 Apache Fleetside Shortbed BigWindow
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WagonCrazy
"17th Year" Platinum Supporting Member
Posts: 3382
Loc: So Cal
Reg: 06-07-05
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10-24-23 05:57 AM - Post#2863559
In response to WagonCrazy
So now we have 2 veteran drivers still in this thing that need to go on a tear at Martinsville next Sunday. Both had great regular seasons, both have floundered in the playoffs.
A win puts you in the top 4 in Phoenix.
Do you race more aggressively than you normally do to get in the final 4 ?
Frankly, I hope so. Nascar needs some drama in Martinsville. Pushes to get out of the way, Fights in the pits, etc.
Its do or die Denny and Martin...let's see whatcha got.
57 Nomad -LS1 with C4 suspension
59 Apache Fleetside Shortbed BigWindow
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Edited by WagonCrazy on 10-24-23 05:58 AM. Reason for edit: No reason given.
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Rick_L
Member #409
Posts: 28093
Loc: Katy, Tx, USA
Reg: 07-06-00
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10-24-23 11:18 AM - Post#2863572
In response to WagonCrazy
Well I've been advocating for someone to take Hamlin out. Turns out he may have done it for himself. Good job if it sticks. He has a rep for doing well at Martinsville, but I saw where he hasn't won there since 2015, so that may be overrated.
Truex is just following the same form he's had since mid-summer. He's had some success at Martinsville but I don't think he'll get the job done.
Byron is in unless he simply screws up.
I think Blaney has a good shot at the last open spot. Not his best track but he's been trending upward there unlike the Gibbs drivers.
Drive harder? I think you have to drive pretty hard to run in the top 25 at Martinsville. And nobody will pull a Chastain either.
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Rick_L
Member #409
Posts: 28093
Loc: Katy, Tx, USA
Reg: 07-06-00
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10-29-23 05:53 PM - Post#2863723
In response to Rick_L
Well it all came down as discussed and with little drama.
Hamlin sure enough took himself out at Miami, ended up having to win it and couldn't.
Blaney's win was a mild surprise.
Truex just repeated his lack of excellence as expected, despite getting the pole.
Turns out the most drama was with Byron needing to maintain his mid teen running position to point in.
And in other news, the Camaro pace car was a DNF, they had to tow it off the track during a mid race caution and replace it with a backup car.
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WagonCrazy
"17th Year" Platinum Supporting Member
Posts: 3382
Loc: So Cal
Reg: 06-07-05
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 10-29-23 07:18 PM - Post#2863725
In response to Rick_L
Yep. First Truex shot himself in the foot with the pit lane speeding penalty, sending him to the back of the line at a track where NO ONE EVER comes from the back to the front.
then they blow some pit lane calls. (I thought they should have pitted early when they didnt)
Then his pit crew botched the jack procedure costing him like 10 or more seconds. That was the nail in the coffin.
Wierd how Byron gets in, while Hamlin finishes way ahead of him, but I was listening to how they add up the points, so it did make sense. Just feels wierd. Denny was poised to possibly have a shot at a win, until that last sequence, and then he couldn't catch Blaney.
Blaney had a stellar day.
Onto Phoenix. I'm rooting for Larsen.
57 Nomad -LS1 with C4 suspension
59 Apache Fleetside Shortbed BigWindow
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Edited by WagonCrazy on 10-29-23 07:19 PM. Reason for edit: No reason given.
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Rick_L
Member #409
Posts: 28093
Loc: Katy, Tx, USA
Reg: 07-06-00
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11-09-23 05:10 PM - Post#2864020
In response to WagonCrazy
Wagon Crazy, I've been waiting your comment.
My words from 10-10 - Fords don't have a chance.
That's all I have to say. Shows what I know.
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WagonCrazy
"17th Year" Platinum Supporting Member
Posts: 3382
Loc: So Cal
Reg: 06-07-05
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11-14-23 05:26 AM - Post#2864155
In response to Rick_L
Well Nascar's playoff format certainly makes it difficult to pick the winner until that very last race.
3 of the 4 guys who were in the running at Phoenix had a legitimate shot at a win. But it was Blaney who just couldn't be stopped at the end there.
Congrats to him, his team, and the Ford crew who so many were doubting early in the season.
57 Nomad -LS1 with C4 suspension
59 Apache Fleetside Shortbed BigWindow
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