Arena Raise Hell, Praise Dale - NASCAR/North American Racing Series Discussion

So this is kind of interesting. Dale, Jr. will definitely miss Sunday's race at Loudon due to a concussion, and a backup driver has been booked. However - if he has still not recovered from symptoms, and can't make the Brickyard 400 next week, ESPN is reporting that Hendrick may bring in Jeff Gordon to race in the 88 on a one-race deal - he's still an equity owner in Hendrick Motorsports, so it makes sense.

Hoping for the best for Dale, of course, and hope he heals up. After Dave Mirra's suicide, I think the understanding that CTE is not solely linked to football has really spread through the racing community.

Would be kind of neat to see Gordon in a different number, if it happens.

 

Confirmed today - Jeff Gordon will be on the wheel of the 88 for Hendrick Motorsports at Indy on Sunday and Pocono next week.

I'm concerned about Dale, though. Not hearing much good about his recovery.

 

Some awesome throwback paint schemes announced for Darlington/Southern 500 in two weeks. Lots of pictures, but cool ones.

Spoiler

McMurray ('97 Bill Elliott)


Keselowski (Original Blue Deuce)


Dillon ('83 Rudd)


Harvick ('79 Yarborough)


Bayne ('96 Mark Martin)


Regan Smith ('92 Kulwicki)


Hamlin ('84 D. Waltrip)


Stewart ('71 Bobby Allison)


Biffle ('92 Kulwicki w/sponsor)


Stenhouse ('75 D. Waltrip)


Kyle Busch ('93 Jarrett)


Edwards ('99 Stewart)


Kenseth (Craven, Rudd, Waltrip "Tide Car")


Logano ('98 B. Labonte)


Menard ('93 Unser Jr.)


J. Earnhardt (Earnhardt Wrangler Car)


Almirola (Petty 43)


Johnson ('79 Pearson)


Dale Earnhardt, Jr. (Buddy Baker "Grey Ghost")

 

Cousin Carl is retiring at 37, to pursue outside interests. Never been my favorite driver, but often one I pulled for. Even though he doesn't match their popularity, Edwards has always been a bit like John Cena, or Peyton Manning - an athlete who understood their marketing power from the very beginning, and used it to expand their brand.

Edwards' move is similar to Nico Rosberg's in F1, as this retirement is very early and unexpected - one difference being Carl's lack of a championship. Above all, I hope this isn't related to a health scare, or issue. Enjoy a long and happy retirement, Cousin Carl.

 

This is what I was worried about when I saw the news. I'll miss him, he a fun driver to watch.

 

Front row at Daytona will be 24-Elliott and 88-Earnhardt.

 

I think Dale is in a much healthier place than he's been at any point in his career. Racing isn't everything anymore, and he's had to live without it for some time.

I think that he will have a very good year.

 

Truex and AJ to the rear of the field, failed post-race after the duels.

Force Smuggler, you're the expert for NASCAR around here. Who you got for Sunday?

I've got Harvick, with Kyle Larson as my dark horse pick.

 

Earnhardt and Kyle both taken out in that wreck. Yikes, both had great cars.

Harvick just needs to stay out of the crap in the middle of the pack. He's driving well, Ford looks good.

 

That wreck pretty well destroyed my fantasy picks this week

 

Ugh. Took my boy out, too. McMurray being stupid.

At least we got the 2nd segment. I think one of the two Penske cars will get the win.

 

At this rate only like 5 cars are going to finish this race!

 

Two wrecks caused by McMurray. Driving like an idiot, ruined so many chances for good drivers.

I so want Truex to get this, now that Harvick is out. Kurt can't push worth a damn today, didn't help Larson and may cost Truex here too.

 

The ending was great. 24 got loose or something, Larson ran out of gas, Truex faded, and Kurt drove smart. It was the epitome of a lucky win in an average car. I like both Busch brothers so much more than I used to, though.

Ryan Blaney probably drove the best race. That kid is going to be very exciting if the team stays competitive. Dinger drove a great race, too - miraculously stayed clean and finished 3rd.

 

Where was Jeff Gordon when you need him.

Who caused the big wreck, btw?