The official 2012 NASCAR Thread

[joshuar9476]

Trying a different crew chief for edwards is probably for the best ... can't really hurt at this point

[Happy29]

Proposed Sprint Cup Qualifying Change

Multiple sources say the sanctioning body is approaching drivers, crew chiefs and team owners seeking feedback on a major change to the Sprint Cup qualifying next season.

In recent years, the sanctioning body has awarded guaranteed starting spots to the Top-35 teams in owner points. Teams outside the Top-35 – known as “Go Or Go Home” teams – are left to fight over the seven remaining spots at the back of the field, with the final spot reserved for a Past Champion. The current system ensures that the sport’s biggest stars compete every week, but it saps all the excitement from qualifying day, since the vast majority of teams arrive at the track with a guaranteed starting spot already in hand.

NASCAR’s proposed new system could change all that.

If approved, the fastest 38 cars in time trials will qualify for the main event next season, regardless of the point standings. Positions 39-42 will go to the four highest-ranking point drivers who failed to qualify on time, with the 43rd position still awarded via Past Champion’s Provisional.

Fans won’t have to worry about Jimmie Johnson, Dale Earnhardt, Jr., or Kyle Busch missing the cut on race day, since in all but the most extreme cases, a quartet of point-based provisionals will safeguard high-ranking teams. Sponsors can continue to rest easy, knowing that their multi-million dollar investment will almost certainly be a part of the field every Sunday. Smaller teams will also benefit, since there will be a whopping 38 starting spots awarded on speed each week, rather than the current seven.

[Happy29]

The results are in from A.J. Allendinger B test have come in and it has also tested positive. For that NASCAR has suspended A.J. indefinitely.


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[joshuar9476]

Quote: Originally Posted by Happy29

The results are in from A.J. Allendinger B test have come in and it has also tested positive. For that NASCAR has suspended A.J. indefinitely. Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

that's a shame. i really liked him and would rather have him in the sport than kurt busch.

[Happy29]

Chevrolet introduced it's 2013 Nationwide series car this morning. Finally we are getting what we want a showdown of muscle cars. The Camaro will be facing off against the Mustang and the Challenger in 2013.

[Aggies7]

Quote: Originally Posted by Happy29

Chevrolet introduced it's 2013 Nationwide series car this morning. Finally we are getting what we want a showdown of muscle cars. The Camaro will be facing off against the Mustang and the Challenger in 2013.

I like that.

As for your qualifying post I am not a big fan of changing that system. I actually like the system as it is now for the simple reason a lot of those drivers that make it on tail end are start and park anyways.

I know they can't call it start and park anymore but you know what I mean they run about 10 laps and have a mysterious engine failure.

[Happy29]

Penske Racing announced today that AJ Allmendinger has been released as driver of the No. 22 Dodge Charger in the NASCAR Cup Series. Allmendinger was suspended indefinitely by NASCAR last week for a positive drug test.



"Penske Racing fully supports NASCAR's substance abuse policy and we are disappointed with AJ's positive drug test results," said Roger Penske. "AJ is a terrific driver, a good person and it is very unfortunate that we have to separate at this time. We have invested greatly in AJ and we were confident in his success with our team. The decision to dismiss him is consistent with how we would treat any other Penske Racing team member under similar circumstances. As AJ begins NASCAR's ‘Road to Recovery’ program, we wish him the best and look forward to seeing him compete again in NASCAR."



Sam Hornish Jr., will drive the No. 22 Dodge at Pocono this weekend and for the foreseeable future.



Penske Racing will evaluate its options for a driver of the No. 22 car for the 2013 NASCAR Sprint Cup season.

Grand Am series owner Michael Shank of Michael Shank Racing has stated that A.J. Almendinger has a ride waiting for him in one of his Rolex Sports Cars as soon as he completes his recovery program. Almendinger has admitted to taking something illegal, he hasn't said what it was but that he did it only one time. Let's hope he completes the program and stays clean from here on out and doesn't turn into another Shane Hmeil.


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[Aggies7]

Quote: Originally Posted by Happy29

Penske Racing announced today that AJ Allmendinger has been released as driver of the No. 22 Dodge Charger in the NASCAR Cup Series. Allmendinger was suspended indefinitely by NASCAR last week for a positive drug test. "Penske Racing fully supports NASCAR's substance abuse policy and we are disappointed with AJ's positive drug test results," said Roger Penske. "AJ is a terrific driver, a good person and it is very unfortunate that we have to separate at this time. We have invested greatly in AJ and we were confident in his success with our team. The decision to dismiss him is consistent with how we would treat any other Penske Racing team member under similar circumstances. As AJ begins NASCAR's ‘Road to Recovery’ program, we wish him the best and look forward to seeing him compete again in NASCAR." Sam Hornish Jr., will drive the No. 22 Dodge at Pocono this weekend and for the foreseeable future. Penske Racing will evaluate its options for a driver of the No. 22 car for the 2013 NASCAR Sprint Cup season. Grand Am series owner Michael Shank of Michael Shank Racing has stated that A.J. Almendinger has a ride waiting for him in one of his Rolex Sports Cars as soon as he completes his recovery program. Almendinger has admitted to taking something illegal, he hasn't said what it was but that he did it only one time. Let's hope he completes the program and stays clean from here on out and doesn't turn into another Shane Hmeil. Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

It's good to hear he isn't denying and lying like Mayfield was. He is owning up to his mistake and seeking help.

[mercalnd]

Quote: Originally Posted by Aggies7

It's good to hear he isn't denying and lying like Mayfield was. He is owning up to his mistake and seeking help.

He isn't owning up to anything. He still claims he never took a banned substance voluntarily and has apparently hired a lab to test every product in his home to find out where the substance could have come from. I don't know whether he's telling the truth or not, nor do I have any positive or negative opinion of the guy.

With all the garbage in energy/power drinks these days, I truly believe it's possible for someone to test positive for a banned substance without even knowing they took said substance.

As far as "seeking help", he's just smart enough to know that fighting this tooth and nail will lead him nowhere and NASCAR's Road to Recovery program is his only chance at getting back into the sport. The program sounds like something to help drug addicts quit using, which is IMO less than useless for someone who is taking PEDs to gain an edge. So whether he knowingly took amphetamines or not, the only way this program actually helps him is by getting him back in NASCAR's good graces.

With all that said, I do applaud NASCAR for doing drug testing and suspending offenders. I just find that their apparent attitude of "you failed a drug test therefore you are an addict and need to detox" is quite shortsighted.

[Happy29]

Quote: Originally Posted by mercalnd

He isn't owning up to anything. He still claims he never took a banned substance voluntarily and has apparently hired a lab to test every product in his home to find out where the substance could have come from. I don't know whether he's telling the truth or not, nor do I have any positive or negative opinion of the guy. With all the garbage in energy/power drinks these days, I truly believe it's possible for someone to test positive for a banned substance without even knowing they took said substance. As far as "seeking help", he's just smart enough to know that fighting this tooth and nail will lead him nowhere and NASCAR's Road to Recovery program is his only chance at getting back into the sport. The program sounds like something to help drug addicts quit using, which is IMO less than useless for someone who is taking PEDs to gain an edge. So whether he knowingly took amphetamines or not, the only way this program actually helps him is by getting him back in NASCAR's good graces. With all that said, I do applaud NASCAR for doing drug testing and suspending offenders. I just find that their apparent attitude of "you failed a drug test therefore you are an addict and need to detox" is quite shortsighted.

Yeah you're right mercalnd, I got my facts wrong on the Allmendinger admitting to taking something. NASCAR is very good with it's drug policy and it's drivers having a chance to go through a recovery program to keep their career in the sport alive.