The 2021 Running NASCAR/IMSA/other racing things thread

Any idea if Junior Johnson tried to lean on one of the Smiths or the Frances to get them to do something about North Wilkesboro?

 

Dale Jr has more pull these days.

 

Well, obviously because Junior is no longer with us. But Junior grew up in Wilkes County, hence the question.

 

I seriously doubt it... at least in the last 20 years.
The last time I was around Junior Johnson (don't remember the year), he was pretty much living the life promoting Midnight Moon and making appearances.
The last time I was around Bruton (2012), he was already out of it. I took a piss beside Marcus the same day, and he might as well have been Brian France.

 

OK. Worth the question and worth the shot. IMO, stock-car racing would be better off with North Wilkesboro vs. some of the other cookie-cutter tracks now being used. Yes, the Frances didn't want to be pigeonholed as a Southern-only thing, but let's face it. Given their sagging ratings and interest, isn't it better to stick to an area that's more likely to continue giving you a shot?

Bruton/Marcus and the Frances are so arrogant and myopic that they don't see the rot growing under their feet, and they either don't see that the only reason the rot doesn't accelerate at an even faster rate is because of the long-term TV deals. Thing is, being slow and reactive is a great way for those same networks to either offer a lot less in the next bidding cycle or having those networks bail altogether.

I mean, did they really think it would end with sagging interest in the top circuit's title sponsor? Really?

 

Wikipedia (it must be true!) lists track capacity numbers. If accurate, the reduction over the past 20 years is insane. Dover used to sell out both of its races at 140k. Now I think it’s around 55k? Richmond was around 90k and now I think it’s around 45k?

The Chase was the beginning of the end. Not saying everything was perfect, but you had full fields and they were sending home 10 cars a week and NASCAR had two-thirds of the programming on Speed.

 

JRM No. 9 team disqualified after failing Darlington inspection | NASCAR

Very interesting.

 

I've been to Bristol when it had two concrete grandstands, you could stop at King's service station across the road and get a really good sandwich, park at the track, and walk up and get as many tickets as you wanted.
I've been there when traffic was backed up to Piney Flats trying to get in and people were battling over tickets in divorce settlements.
Now, they couldn't fill the place if they gave away tickets for free.

 

Oh, you thought it would be a slow NASCAR news day? Nope.

 

No surprise but the Toronto Indy, scheduled for July 9-11, has been cancelled.

 

I'd be thrilled for him if he got a top 20.