My first NASCAR Race

[Matt S]

I was fortunate enough to get tickets to Friday's New Hampshire 300. It was quite the experience for someone who never watches NASCAR. We were on turns 3&4. Got to walk down the front straight to see them pit and was actually hit in the head with tire as they came off turn 4. Awesome. However, it may have been more exciting if I knew who to root for. I also don't understand why they don't call it the Jeff Gordon Race as it seemed to me that he dominated the whole race until he got penalized for being stupid. Is he that much better of a driver or is his crew better or better engine builder? Didn't seem like they had the same cars.

 

[Randy J]

Well Matt, I'm no Jeff Gordon fan, but you sure can't fault his driving. He's won 4 Cup (year long) championships now, with 2 different crew chiefs. There's no doubt his crew is good, and he has plenty of money behind him, but he is a good driver, like him or not. As for being stupid, I would have liked to see him punt Robby Gordon a little harder. Actually I try to never root for things like that, but I can't stand Robby, and his post-race interview where he said he "wouldn't purposely take someone out unless it was the last lap" kind of cemented my feelings for him. Anyway, welcome to NASCAR. If you keep watching, you'll get a feeling for who the good ones are, and who the bad ones are. Personally I like the ones that show good character - Dale Jarrett, Bobby Labonte, Ricky Rudd, etc. Sure is fun going to the races though, isn't it?

 

[roycrown]

Suggest you try an NHRA or IHRA national event drag race. There is no comparison whatsoever to the demolition derby of NASCAR. The fuel Hemis burn your eyes and make you a bit light headed, it is wonderful. You can walk right up to the cars and crews, talk to them, get auotographs, buy a still warm 300mph piston. The cars are beutifull, there are some classic musclecars 30 and 40 years old in stock/super stock. some of which have been raced their entire life. I could go on and on and on. Yes I have been to both, I am glad I went to a Nascar race, just for the comparison, and no I won't be going back there.

 

[Jeff H]

I think stewrt is a pric. I remember a while back him and gordan got into it. I geuss I can't blame gordan at all. But guys do get greedy.

 

[rob10858]

ive loved nascar for years, the sport, but never had a favorite driver. until now. my mom and wife were in a small sandwich shop in winston=salem,nc when my wife suddenly realized that the folks in the next booth were michael waltrip, his wife and daughter. my wife was hesitant to bother him, but my mom told her "honey if youd like to meet him . wait for the proper time then say that youve always been a fan" the only race that my mom and dad ever saw was the one #15 won when dale died. when mom approached him he was a true gentleman, in every sense of the word. my mom got mikey to autograph her check and he went above and beyond the bounds of politeness. guess who's my favorite driver now? it really doesnt matter in terms of results, its the guys that maintain their class along the way.

 

[BCFAST]

I agree with roycrown... try another motorsport and see how you like it! Winston Cup is... . boring (sorry fans)... NHRA et al are fun; nothing quite like feeling 9000hp beating against your chest! Then, do yourself a big favor and go try Road Atlanta for some road racing... lots of cool technology plus strategy and endurance... welcome to the sick, demented world of the racing fan!