2013 Mid-Season Review

ToyYoda

ToyYoda

Team Owner
Joined
Feb 24, 2013
Messages
23,750
Points
1,033
Location
Nashville, TN
We're now officially at the halfway point of the 2013 season, with 18 of the 36 races now in the books. Here's my take on the season so far:

Best Race: California

Never thought I'd say this about what is typically one of the least exciting tracks in the series, but aside from all the drama, this was actually a very good race as well.

Worst Race: Pocono

Jimmie pretty much stunk up the show in this one. It was also TNT's first race, where we were introduced to the concept of eating the bones ;)

Most Surprising Driver: Matt Kenseth

I figured Matt would be good in the 20 car, but I thought it would take him awhile to get acclimated to his new team. I never would have thought he'd have 4 wins by the halfway point.

Most Disappointing Driver: Brad Keselowski

Bad Brad has been bad this year indeed, winless and 13th in points as of now. Looks like he might be the first defending champion since Tony Stewart in '06 to miss the Chase.

Oddest Moment:

The camera cable breaking at Charlotte.

Personal Favorite Moment:

Martin Truex Jr. snapping his 6-year winless streak at Sonoma.

What are some of your thoughts on the season so far?
 
Best Race: Fontana

The race was excellent. The drama made it even better. An honorable mention goes to Talladega.

Worst Race: Pocono

This was easily the worst race of the year. There was no racing, and the coverage was awful. It's the only race this year in which I haven't watched it from flag-to-flag.

Most Surprising Driver: Kevin Harvick

I expected Harvick to struggle to stay in the top 20 the whole season due to internal tension at RCR due to him going to SHR next season. What I didn't expect is for him to have 2 wins and be in the hunt for the win every week.

Biggest Disappointment: Denny Hamlin

If you go by the owner's points, Hamlin would be outside the top 20 even if he hadn't missed those five races. All the bad luck he's had this season makes him the biggest disappointment in my eyes.

Oddest Moment:

The camera breaking at Charlotte.

Personal Favorite Moment:

Ricky Stenhouse Jr. leading laps late at Kansas and having the race won had it not been for the final caution coming out when it did.
 
Favorite MOMENTS for me,

Daytona being swept for the first time since 1982 by Jimmie Johnson.

Worst race:

Any race where Johnson was up front and got screwed by some "mechanical failure" by some D Grade guy who knew it was going to break.

Best race of the year. Was California. I remember cheering from my couch. And when I went to bed I just hoped so much for aero tracks to become better
 
Favorite moment: Jimmie sweeping Daytona

Worst moment: Kentucky/Dover John Paul and Harvey Dent both realized, in order to beat Jimmie you have to botch the restart

Worst race: Las Vegas

Best race: California
 
ToyYoda said:
We're now officially at the halfway point of the 2013 season, with 18 of the 36 races now in the books. Here's my take on the season so far:

Best Race: California

Never thought I'd say this about what is typically one of the least exciting tracks in the series, but aside from all the drama, this was actually a very good race as well.

Worst Race: Pocono

Jimmie pretty much stunk up the show in this one. It was also TNT's first race, where we were introduced to the concept of eating the bones ;)
ii
Most Surprising Driver: Matt Kenseth

I figured Matt would be good in the 20 car, but I thought it would take him awhile to get acclimated to his new team. I never would have thought he'd have 4 wins by the halfway point.

Most Disappointing Driver: Brad Keselowski

Bad Brad has been bad this year indeed, winless and 13th in points as of now. Looks like he might be the first defending champion since Tony Stewart in '06 to miss the Chase.

Oddest Moment:

The camera cable breaking at Charlotte.

Personal Favorite Moment:

Martin Truex Jr. snapping his 6-year winless streak at Sonoma.

What are some of your thoughts on the season so far?
Click to expand...

Agreed with a few thoughts: My favorite personal moment(s) is seeing Kurt Busch redeeming himself, add Dinger to that list too.
Best Mild surprise, the 29 car and Harvick running good as lame ducks. I think Harvick is good enough to be a champion, good professionalism on RCRs part to give him good equipment in an awkward final year together.

Reality: Jr is a good driver, but 1W a year is as good as it gets.
Gordon can still win, but no more titles.
 
Best Race: Fontana

Never would have predicted this race would be so great. But this turned out to be a Hollywood quality ending in real life. Too bad Hammy got injured from it though.

Worst Race: Pocono

Unlike people on this thread, I liked Pocono. But I'm biased. Darlington was pitiful though. If it didnt annoy the old time Nascar fans I would lobby for this track to no longer host Nascar (it could be replaced by Road America or maybe Iowa).

Most Surprising Driver: Joey Logano

I predicted Joey to have his best season, and maybe finish around 15-16th in the standings. However he almost won a race, and even with a penalty was 10th in the standings last week!

Biggest Disappointment: Aric Almirola

The reason a lot of drivers that were high in points last season but low in points this season is because of bad luck (Brad K, Hammy, Gordy, etc.) but Almirola is lower than I thought because of bad runs. Sadly, I think he may have peaked late last season/early this season, which is too bad because I love that kid :(

Oddest Moment:

The camera breaking at Charlotte. But to be original I will add something else -- the fact that Fontana is actually good!

Personal Favorite Moment:

Seeing Dinger win at Road America. So happy for that kid.

Best Finish:

See best race.

Worst finish:

Dover. Hands down. Period. Complete BS.
 
Best Race- Auto Club - Wow!

Worst- Daytona 500 - Wooooooow... Zzzzzzzzzzzzz

Biggest Surprise - Kenseth, Logano..(in that order) both made good moves and are seeing positive results. With a shout out to Montoya for actually competing for a couple of wins on ovals. I wanted to see him win at Dover and Richmond.

Biggest Disappointment- BK and Hamlin - Don't know whats up with BK, .. Hamlin .. he's a whiny little girl, yeah he got hurt but his results weren't good to begin with and have been declining. I think he's losing his edge.

Oddest Moment- Daytona NNS wreck and the cable at Charlotte

Favorite- The last 10 laps at Auto Club... even if it wasn't my favorite driver that almost won and produced the best finish of the year it still was unexpectedly great racing for what has always been a boring track.
 
I agree with ToyYoda's post. I would add that I was hoping for a better rookie battle like Earnhardt and Kensith had when they came up to Cup.
 
KevinWI said:
6 races! Wow! I didn't remember him having that good of a year.
Click to expand...

Junior has never wanted to be compared to his dad and he shouldn't be . He doesn't have a championship and likely won't get one . He is , however , a top five Cup driver and that is a heck of an accomplishment for any driver , Earnhardt or not .IMO
 
KevinWI said:
6 races! Wow! I didn't remember him having that good of a year.
Click to expand...
Yeah, 2004 was definitely the pinnacle of Junior's career. He won the Daytona 500 and the other aforementioned 5 races, I really thought he was gonna take the whole thing that year.
 
ted@economy said:
Junior has never wanted to be compared to his dad and he shouldn't be . He doesn't have a championship and likely won't get one . He is , however , a top five Cup driver and that is a heck of an accomplishment for any driver , Earnhardt or not .IMO
Click to expand...

I agree that he shouldn't be compared to Sr., that is unfair imo. I do think "top five" is too generous when strictly appraising his driving. He has to be top five in terms of ownership, outside of Danica he is most marketable.
 
Greg said:
I agree that he shouldn't be compared to Sr., that is unfair imo. I do think "top five" is too generous when strictly appraising his driving. He has to be top five in terms of ownership, outside of Danica he is most marketable.
Click to expand...
agreed.. Junior's average finish in the Cup series is 16th
 
ted@economy said:
Damn that Nascar.com , it says he's in fifth . Sorry. :(
Click to expand...

There are 12 active drivers with a better win percentage. Also keep in mind that Dale started in a strong DEI car. Then he slumped, and his performances didnt get the bump or upgrade one should expect from a Hendrix car. Martin stepped into a HMS car and accomplished more in the first season. More wins closer to a title than all of Junior's HMS years.
Kahne matched his HMS win total in a single year.

I like the guy, but top 5 ? Are you kidding me?
And why did Letarte need to rebuild his confidence if he was among the five best? I just believe there is enough empirical evidence to prove otherwise.
 
Hey , I had my nurse check Jayski , they got him 5th in points too. You guys are crazier than me .:D
 
harkin said:
Maybe he should drive it upside down and strung backwards.
Click to expand...

Whatever, but the underachieving remains. He is in a Hendrick car, a man that was able to cherry pick who signed with, everbody wanted the money he was bringing, and becoming one of the better drivers just hasnt happened.
 
Greg said:
Whatever, but the underachieving remains. He is in a Hendrick car, a man that was able to cherry pick who signed with, everbody wanted the money he was bringing, and becoming one of the better drivers just hasnt happened.
Click to expand...
The felon didn't brink Jr. over to HMS for his driving, he brought him over to help with the HMS image. Millions hated Hendick for his shady Honda scandal in the 80's and 90's and avoiding prison by claiming he was dying of leukemia then bribing Bill Clinton for a pardon. So he brings in the grieving son of a racing legend and all is forgiven
 
Sidewayz said:
The felon didn't brink Jr. over to HMS for his driving, he brought him over to help with the HMS image. Millions hated Hendick for his shady Honda scandal in the 80's and 90's and avoiding prison by claiming he was dying of leukemia then bribing Bill Clinton for a pardon. So he brings in the grieving son of a racing legend and all is forgiven
Click to expand...


Dang ! don't hold it inside, let it out, tell us how you really feel!! LMAO
 
Sidewayz said:
avoiding prison by claiming he was dying of leukemia [...] bribing Bill Clinton for a pardon.
Click to expand...

Lying about a medical condition to avoid a prison term and bribing the President of the United States are serious crimes. I don't suppose you have any proof of these claims?
 
I guess you don't know much about how things really work do ya.. how else do explain the Pardon and no jail time for a convicted felon..
 
Hell hath no fury like a hacked off Hendrix fan -Cooter Johnsons Juniors III

This should be interesting
 
Sidewayz said:
I guess you don't know much about how things really work do ya.. how else do explain the Pardon and no jail time for a convicted felon..
Click to expand...

So you have no proof that the biggest team owner in NASCAR lied to get out of a prison term and bribed the highest elected official in the country. Those are serious accusations. I'd watch accusations like that if you can't prove them, you're going to get your ass sued for libel one day.
Greg said:
Hell hath no fury like a hacked off Hendrix fan -Cooter Johnsons Juniors III

This should be interesting
Click to expand...
Not really, I don't like Hendrick. I'm a Chevrolet guy, but I don't care for Gordon or Johnson even though I respect them and what they've accomplished. I've just had it up to here with people and their "inside information" and "what I heard". Nobody here except for Nitro Dude and Allenbaba works for a race team.

I'm sick of people making claims that they "heard this" "heard that" or making asinine claims like the most successful NASCAR owner of the past 20 years is a crook. Maybe he made a donation to Clinton's campaign and Clinton pardoned him. That happens all the time. But "bribed" is a specific legal term that implies a explicit agreement between Clinton and Hendrick for money in exchange for services, and which would probably land both of them prison time if it really happened like that.

Sorry, but this is really a touchy subject for me, because of the a**hole who said Dick Trickle killed himself because he was broke, when it came out a few days later he had serious chest pains, probably from lung cancer from a lifetime of smoking. Some a**hole with "inside information" was libeling a great short track race car driver because he wanted to seem smarter than the room on some internet message board. If you didn't read it from a source like ESPN, AP or Jayski (who do have real inside sources in NASCAR), then it didn't happen. If you have some bull**** crazy speculative theory, present it as that, not a "rumor" you "heard from somebody". 95% of the people on this message board aren't in the position to "hear anything" from people involved in racing, so let's stop pretending like we all play horseshoes with somebody's crew chief on Thursdays and we all have an inside line to the garage.
 
An article in the Charlotte Observer dated 2-27-2001 by Peter Wallsten reported on Rick Hendrick, a Charlotte car dealer, who had pleaded guilty in a bribery case and was later pardoned by Clinton and the possible connection to a donation made to the Clinton Library by Hendrick. In his pardon application, Hendrick reportedly included a reference from his longtime friend and Bank of America CEO, Hugh McCall Jr., also a political ally of Clinton. Hendrick's pardon was issued on December 22, less than 3 weeks after the Bank of America Foundation made a $1,000,000 donation to the Clinton Library.
 
KevinWI said:
So you have no proof that the biggest team owner in NASCAR lied to get out of a prison term and bribed the highest elected official in the country. Those are serious accusations. I'd watch accusations like that if you can't prove them, you're going to get your ass sued for libel one day.

Not really, I don't like Hendrick. I'm a Chevrolet guy, but I don't care for Gordon or Johnson even though I respect them and what they've accomplished. I've just had it up to here with people and their "inside information" and "what I heard". Nobody here except for Nitro Dude and Allenbaba works for a race team.

I'm sick of people making claims that they "heard this" "heard that" or making asinine claims like the most successful NASCAR owner of the past 20 years is a crook. Maybe he made a donation to Clinton's campaign and Clinton pardoned him. That happens all the time. But "bribed" is a specific legal term that implies a explicit agreement between Clinton and Hendrick for money in exchange for services, and which would probably land both of them prison time if it really happened like that.

Sorry, but this is really a touchy subject for me, because of the a**hole who said Dick Trickle killed himself because he was broke, when it came out a few days later he had serious chest pains, probably from lung cancer from a lifetime of smoking. Some a**hole with "inside information" was libeling a great short track race car driver because he wanted to seem smarter than the room on some internet message board. If you didn't read it from a source like ESPN, AP or Jayski (who do have real inside sources in NASCAR), then it didn't happen. If you have some bull**** crazy speculative theory, present it as that, not a "rumor" you "heard from somebody". 95% of the people on this message board aren't in the position to "hear anything" from people involved in racing, so let's stop pretending like we all play horseshoes with somebody's crew chief on Thursdays and we all have an inside line to the garage.
Click to expand...

Aw I aint taking the charges serious, I have bigger problems to worry about. I dont like Trickles legacy being tarnished. Hendricks is a big boy and will be ok.
 
Sidewayz said:
I guess you don't know much about how things really work do ya.. how else do explain the Pardon and no jail time for a convicted felon..
Click to expand...
My guess is he fired your sorry ass for screwing something up and now you are crying like a baby trying to get even. Every so often some disgruntled ex HMS employee brings this crap up and it ends up where it belongs, in the trash heap.
 
Johali said:
My guess is he fired your sorry ass for screwing something up and now you are crying like a baby trying to get even. Every so often some disgruntled ex HMS employee brings this crap up and it ends up where it belongs, in the trash heap.
Click to expand...
Don't take it so hard bro.. There's no cryin' here, just stating the facts. I just don't like it when felons get away with their crimes becuase they have the money to get them special priveledges..
 
Sidewayz said:
Don't take it so hard bro.. There's no cryin' here, just stating the facts. I just don't like it when felons get away with their crimes becuase they have the money to get them special priveledges..
Click to expand...
Is that you Joe Gibbs?
 
Not to stir the pot here BUT,
• Rick Hendrick was sentenced in 1997 for his role in the bribery and kickback scandal at American Honda Motor Co. He pleaded guilty to mail fraud for sending $20,000 to a Honda executive and was sentenced to 12 months confinement to his home in Charlotte and placed on probation for three years. He also was fined $250,000 and ordered not to have anything to do with his auto dealership empire or his NASCAR racing operations during the home detention. President Bill Clinton pardoned him in 2000.

This was in the Charlotte Observer. The article was about the lawyer that defended him. He recently passed away.

Read more here: http://www.charlotteobserver.com/20...nt-charlotte-lawyer-harold.html#storylink=cpy
 
Read his side as I have, there are two sides to every story, facts are facts but there are extenuating circumstances to this story.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top Bottom