Let’s Go Racing Boys… Daytona 2009
On paper and as far as points go…it’s just another race. In reality it is billed as the Super Bowl of NASCAR. Many people mistake this for meaning that its NASCARs World Championship. In “Super Bowl” the meaning does not translate to a ring or a banner though. But like the NFL version it is the crown jewel / biggest spectacle in the sport. On paper it is just another race…but in golf or tennis terms – It’s a Major. Thing Augusta. Think Wimbeldon.
NASCAR kicks off it’s 61st season with the 51st running of the Daytona 500. It is one of four restrictor plate races in NASCAR….What is restrictor plate race and how does it differ from regular NASCAR races…our friends a Wiki help us out with that after the jump:
The device limits the power output of the motor, hence slowing both the acceleration and the overall top speed obtainable on the tracks where the cars are so equipped. An undesired effect, however, is that all drivers tend to form very large “packs” of cars that run closely (there may only be one second separating the entire field at times) together for the majority of the race (it is especially difficult to break the packs at Talladega). These large packs reduce air resistance which allows the cars to run faster and makes drafting easier. These restrictions are supposedly in the interest of driver and fan safety, although many members of both of these groups feel that the closeness of cars and their inability to achieve separation may actually make the racing at these tracks more dangerous, as there are often massive and frightening multi-car pileups during races. Such a crash is dubbed “The Big One” by drivers and fans. At Daytona and Talladega, most races are marred by at least one occurrence of such a crash as cars rarely become separated. Talladega is considered the more likely track for these instances to occur as the track is wide enough to have three to four distinct lines of racing, compounding the chances of a mistake by a driver, as well as the fact that handling is less of a factor there.
That is what makes Daytona so exciting…close racing – the looming possibility of “The Big One” at every turn. I hate to lean on wiki for writing articles but I wanted to accurately describe restrictor plates to you. But I couldnt resist relaying that “The Big One” even has a Wiki entry. Enough with Wiki – though lets get on to the race itself.
What: The Daytona 500
When: Sunday February 15th 2p FOX
Where: Daytona International Speedway…Daytona Beach, Florida
Who: 43 Drivers…Qualifying is Complicated
The Race: 200 Laps / 500 Miles
The Field:
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The Prediciton: (Note – Most predictors below Know Nothing about NASCAR)
Mikey: Dale Earnhardt Jr.
Sparty: Jeff Gordon
Mizerle: Carl Edwards
Big D: Tony Stewart
Marco:
PatPhish: Dick Trickle (or Jimmy Johnson)
GITC:
GatorTrey: Jimmie Johnson (although I’d like to see Mark Martin pull it out)
What do you guys predict…We will have a comment / chat during the race so stop by Sunday for a few minutes
Popularity: 8% [?]



you guys are all wrong.
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yeah because the guys you entered arent racing
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i think Chick Hicks wins it
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Lightning McQueen > Chick Hicks
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thunder always comes after lightning
/science
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certainly, but Chick will cheat and win it
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breaking: jermaine oneal to heat for shawn marion
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http://www.spartyandfriends.com/?p=8509&cpage=1#comment-34212
broken earlier
/lazy’d
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Hey, I added my pick, but Mikey was still editing the post. I think my “driver to be named later” had as good a shot as anybody…
Or, Tony Stewart. One or the other.
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my bad…ive been knee deep in redneckedness
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is it tony stweart? thats your pick?
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yup. it’s official now – it’s in print (or digital print) and everything.
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shit… i just realized my sportscenter is delayed 30 minutes on tivo…haha…i bet the trade comment was 30 mins ago huh?
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My name is Juan Pablo Montoya. You killed my father. Prepare to die.
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gitc is checking his formula prior to posting his pick
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I’m going with Tony Stewart…either him or some other guy’s gonna win it.
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Mark john down for Paul Pierce as the winner.
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wait, can i change my pick to Cole
TickleTrickle?(Quote)
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cole “tickle”? is he related to “tickle me elmo”?
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ok now this is breaking….falcons trying to trade mike vicks rights
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I’d love to see Mark martin win it, but it probably won’t happen. He was jobbed in ‘07
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whoa trey..you wanna see mark martin pull what out?
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does everyone realize that marco isn’t around?
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yeah, any word from marco at all?
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he is doing well. just taking full advantage of his paternity leave. he will be back with us shortly.
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i like his pick..in fact
marcos pick > gitcs pick
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did the ACC have any good drivers in college?
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I’ve picked 11 straight Daytona winners.
/gitc’d
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everyone knows the good drivers are from the big east…oh and the sec
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SEC speeeeeeed!
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Which driver has the hottest wife? I vote for that guy.
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ricky bobby
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Cole Trickle > Ricky Bobby
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Jean Girard
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anyone think Jordan will make the cut?
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Never heard of him, but Stockton and Robinson were pretty good, so they should get in easily.
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sae, he better not get 100% of the vote.
/baseball writer’d
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i go with any of the hendrick boys.
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I support any and all mentions of Dick Trickle. +1 to patphish’s choice
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Also, Darrell Waltrip is annoying.
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i added a live commenting post for the 500
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