NASCAR Dirt Race this Weekend?!?

[MrBig]

https://www.nascar.com/gallery/bristol-motor-speed...

WTAF?!?

This might actually be worth watching... assuming we can find a way to see it in the UK?

[Blib]

Hasn't interest waned since Dale Jr quit? Maybe it's a way to attract fans back?

I'd certainly like to watch it, if possible.

[FourWheelDrift]

Video - https://twitter.com/NASCAR/status/1375540964643766...

Instead of being a dirt track it's just the normal Bristol track with dirt on it, so they'll clear a line in no time at all and it'll be a normal race. Don't see the point of it really, gimmick for gimmick's sake.

[anonymous-user]

Went to "the night race" at Bristol a couple of years back so will be interested to see how this dirt race works out. Lap times around 15 seconds make it fast and furious so the description of NASCAR at Bristol being like jet fighters in a gymnasium is highly appropriate!

I can't help thinking spectators (such as may be allowed in) will get absolutely filthy from cars throwing up dust for hours on end. And heaven knows how much crud will obstruct radiator grills etc. Or windscreens. It's not as if a Gen 6 NASCAR is built for the Paris/Dakar rally.

[realjv]

rockin said:

I can't help thinking spectators (such as may be allowed in) will get absolutely filthy from cars throwing up dust for hours on end.

That's a badge of honour and pride for hardcore dirt track fans. You will often see them up by the fence with a mask and goggles on getting covered. It's a bit like drag racing fans who flock from fuel car to fuel car in the pits as they are warmed up in order to get a face full of nitro.

[F12 Josh]

Truck race and qualifying heat races for both cancelled this evening.

Rain pushed the start back a bit and when they did get underway after lots of track prep they managed 1 laptop before a red flag - mud all over the screens so the drivers couldn't see. During that stoppage the rain came back hard.

Shame as was looking forward to that, see what tomorrow holds as apparently weather isn't great either.

[itsallyellow]

A great race and a great spectacle!

Not the result I would have wanted but really enjoyed it.

Wish there was a bit more about the car changes for dirt etc, would have liked to have seen more about the technical side.

Looking forward to martinsville!

[F12 Josh]

Fully agree, great race that one and definitely a sight to see!

Happy they have announced it will be happening again next year, hopefully with a few tweaks to resolve the issues they had - and hopefully order better weather!

[anonymous-user]

Best of all 7 different winners from the first 7 races of the season, including some first time winners.

F1 couldn't begin to dream of this. I doubt they've even had 7 winners in the last 3 seasons.

[entropy]

It turned out better than I expected. Bristol wasn't the first place I'd think of for a dirt race. Still prefer the old Bristol.

I reckon New Hampshire would make a great dirt track - can't do any worse than it is even though I'm in the minority who likes the place - and even the old Phoenix Raceway.

Can't believe I'm saying this but I'd love to see the Charlotte Roval as a dirt race and maybe add a jump on the back straight YEE HAH! *plays Dixie horn*

Also, I hear that NASCAR will test rain tyres on ovals

[WhiteBaron]

rockin said:

Best of all 7 different winners from the first 7 races of the season, including some first time winners.

F1 couldn't begin to dream of this. I doubt they've even had 7 winners in the last 3 seasons.

Last season 2020 - 5 winners 25% of the field, 4 different manufacturers....


Love the dirt, gives it a World of outlaw feel

[entropy]

WhiteBaron said:

Love the dirt, gives it a World of outlaw feel

Cup cars looked awkward and ungainly, they're big heavy cars with a long wheelbase. There wasn't much sliding on the top lane to begin with for instance.

Lesser series cars are quicker and offer a better spectacle of dirt racing. Truck series is a good example of this. Any wonder it became popular when it started off with Cup veterans and nobodies to being a recognised part of NASCAR's ladder system with up and coming kids and veterans.

[anonymous-user]

WhiteBaron said:

rockin said:

F1 couldn't begin to dream of this. I doubt they've even had 7 winners in the last 3 seasons.

Last season 2020 - 5 winners 25% of the field, 4 different manufacturers....

So let's look at all the past 3 seasons of F1 "excitement". No wonder I've switched to NASCAR. Hamilton's won nearly twice as many races as the whole of the rest of the field added together! Take the total Mercedes count and the Constructors' is even more one-sided.

Hamilton - 30 wins
Verstappen - 7
Bottas - 6
Vettel - 6
Leclerc - 2
Ricciardo - 2
Gasly - 1
Perez - 1
Raikkonen - 1

[rallycross]

I watched some of the practice sessions on YouTube with the sound crankedd up it was awesome to watch fantastic car control and greet to see big heavy 800bhp monsters being thrown around like rallycross cars!

[LightningBlue]

So far this was the best NASCAR race of the year for me. I’ve been watching for a while now on their YouTube channel (full race replays for anyone wondering how), not totally in love with the sport but this was a great spectacle.

[itsallyellow]

This weekends race at Martinsvile was great also!

Shaping up to be a very good year.