NASCAR says new car boosts competition
Quote selected text Published February 26th, 2008 in NASCAR News
A week after challenging two race records at the Daytona 500, the new car being used in the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series once again boosted competition at the front of the field — this time at the Auto Club Speedway.
The record for lead changes at the Auto Club Speedway toppled Monday, as a total of 33 lead changes took place during the Auto Club 500. The previous record was 30.
Additionally, there were 15 different leaders, which came one leader shy of breaking the record of 16 set in last year’s September race. The race continued an out-of-the-gate charge by the “new car.”
During last week’s Daytona 500, there were 42 lead changes among 16 drivers. The 42 lead changes were the most since 2001 and the fifth time since 1972 that the total reached 40. The 16 different leaders was the second highest total in Daytona 500 history (18 in 2006).
After a 16-race debut last season, the “new car” will run the full 36-race NASCAR Sprint Cup Series schedule in 2008. It did not race at either Daytona or Fontana last season.
Post-race statistics show a competitive race featuring dominant performances from many drivers. Seven drivers earned a Driver Rating of at least 100.0:
- WRC - Alex Bengue’s New Challenge
- NASCAR plans competition cautions for Indy today
- Jarrett to retire from full-time Nextel Cup competition
- NASCAR claims better restrictor plate competition at Talladega
- Hendrick re-ups with Chevy
Maybe we weren’t watching the same races. Probably two of the most boring
races I’ve ever seen. Maybe they are judging Daytona on the last 3 laps.
That was about all there was to watch. California, what a disaster!!!.
Boooorrrinnggg!!!! On top of that, starting the race when the track wasn’t
really ready. I’d guess that at least half of the lead changes and
different leaders took place under caution, but they don’t tell you that.
I don’t think it’s all the car.
California is just an inherently boring race. Why do they get two?? Maybe
shorten the races so the drivers have some reason to mix it up a little.
Make every race like the Shootout or the 150’s and you’ll see some good
racing.
But then…that’s just my opinion, man!!
Get rid of the restrictor plates now that we have this shiny, new, super duper car. That’s just my opinion.
to early in the season to tell, lets see how the COT does in a full season