2021 Nascar - Race #7, Bristol

[GA_Boater]

The first new track of many this year. Not really new, but Bristol covered in dirt or possibly mud. This will be the first Cup/Grand National dirt race in over 50 years. I hope they didn't forget how to go dirt-trackin'! The weather doesn't look so good with a fair amount of rain today, along with Saturday and Sunday. The schedule from Nascar for Trucks and Cup. X-Men have the week off.

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News and Notes

• Starting off with the iRace on the Bristol dirt last night - William Byron was the winner. The dirt was dry. Maybe because it was fake?
• Atlanta penalties - Only 2 Trucks and 1 X-Car with a loose lugnut.
• Bristol's socially distanced grandstands are almost a complete sellout.
• With 6 winners in 6 races this year, how does that stack up to other years?
  • The last season until this season with six different Cup drivers winning the first 6 races is 2014.
  • The last year with 7 winners in the first 7 races? 2003.
  • Last time with 8, 9 or 10? In 2000 when 10 different drivers won the first 10 races.
  • With this race in the dirt, there is a good chance for matching 2003.
• TV ratings - Against March Madness, Atlanta got a rating of 2.21 and 3.72M viewers. Nothing to compare to from last year since Atlanta was COVID cancelled before any track activity began.

iBoats Fantasy Live

• Humpty's buddy won at Atlanta. He gets a .
• In a shocking turn of events, 64osby broke a tie to go to the top of the leader board by 1 point.
• iFL roster locks at 3:40 PM on Sunday. This week we'll all need a lotta luck.

Good luck and stay safe,

Humpty_Boater


PS - Send cookies.

 

[64osby]

In a shocking turn of events I'm leading both FL and the bball tourney. I should have bought a lottery ticket.

I doubt imy luck will last.

 

[aspeck]

How in the world do we even pick for this one?!???!!???? Bristol is bad enough with bumping and banging, now we had dirt and the need to steer the OTHER way ... side drafting could be an issue! LOL! If Smoke were driving I would pick him to win ... but he isn't, so ....

 

[aspeck]

 

[GA_Boater]

Side drafting is an issue? Ha! How about keeping 4 wheels pointing the right way? Keeping mud off the grille and windshield, too.

The 1st practice at 4 PM should be interesting.

 

[WIMUSKY]

https://www.facebook.com/100044250737944/posts/305920170893005

 

[WIMUSKY]

So basically, they're gonna be NASCAR bodies on dirt chassis's.....

 

[GA_Boater]

A good one!

 

[GA_Boater]

Autoweek has this;

What rules package is the Cup Series using?

This is a modified version of the higher horsepower, low downforce rules formula used on short tracks and road courses.

However, there will be no splitter overhang and a debris deflector will be permitted at a maximum of 18x6”. Unlike dirt Late Models, Cup cars will utilize windshields. The rear spoiler will be 6x51”, which is different from the 9x61 on superspeedway and 2.75x61 used on short tracks and road courses. Screens will be placed over various ducts to keep dirt and mud out. The right sides of the cars, which are expected to be tested by the outside retaining wall, will be given body stiffners. Deck-lid hinges. Spindle and steering arm assembly can be reinforced.

 

[GA_Boater]

Trucks are ready to start their 1st practice. They ran on dirt at Eldora last year.

 

[GA_Boater]

@64osby Your local guy was just interviewed and he was asked how much fun he's having. I didn't catch the whole answer, but he wasn't all smiles!

 

[GA_Boater]

It's been a long time since I posted practice times!

5 fastest from the first Truck practice; Lessard, Hocevar, Deegan, Briscoe and Friesen. Best Cup driver is Larson at 1th fastest.

Cup practice begins in minutes.

 

[GA_Boater]

Top 5 in the1st Cup practice - Bowman, Bell, TWT, Hamlin and Larson.

Final Truck practice is in about 30 minutes.

 

[GA_Boater]

Final Truck practice is in the books. Rhodes fastest over Newman, Gray, Friesen, Crafton, Briscoe, Kligerman, Ankrum, Sauter, Harvick were the top-10

 

[GA_Boater]

Final practice at Bristol is complete. Ryan Blaney was quickest, followed by Alex Bowman, Denny Hamlin, Joey and Chase Briscoe. Larson is changing his motor and will start in the rear on Sunday.

Tomorrow we'll have the Truck and Cup qualifying heats and the Truck race.

And a lot of dust if the rain holds off.

 

[64osby]

Might as well draw names out of a hat. Looks like tire wear and overheating engines will decide this race.

 

[WIMUSKY]

Tires can't take the HP??????

 

[GA_Boater]

Tires can't take the HP??????

Probably the high horsepower, low down force package used on Bristol concrete with lack of testing for a heavier car on dirt.

Could also be the drivers just aren't used to doing their job on dirt or have forgotten how?

I made my picks and I'm sharing.

Lightning McQueen, Doc Hudson, Snotrod, and Flo. In the garage - Eleanor.

 

[WIMUSKY]

Probably the high horsepower, low down force package used on Bristol concrete with lack of testing for a heavier car on dirt.

Could also be the drivers just aren't used to doing their job on dirt or have forgotten how?

I made my picks and I'm sharing.

Lightning McQueen, Doc Hudson, Snotrod, and Flo. In the garage - Eleanor.

Lol. Great movie......

 

[GA_Boater]

Truck qualifying races begin in about 30 minutes.