When you talk about the Toyota not qualifying...that's true. But you also have to remember that there are 50-55 teams showing up now trying to make the races. That is the largest number of guys trying to make the races in quite some time. Some are gonna make it and some aren't.

I'm not so sure I like the top 35 being locked in to the race either. It certainly screws some of the newer teams from making the race, even when they are faster than some of the others. I think it should be the fastest 43 cars, regardless of points. Sure would shake things up and get some of these other cars in the field.

It's really hard to compare what is happening now in 2007 to what happened in 2001. It's a total different set of qualifying rules and is like comparing apples to oranges.

Sterling had a great run today until the end...was sad to see him drop out late in the race.

As for Cheatin Michael Waltrip...it's easy to cast stones when we don't have all the facts. He's paying the price for what happened and I give him credit...not many people have the nerve to start up a race team, let alone 3 with a new manufacturer. Cut the guy some slack, will ya?

 

Too bad Nascar couldn`t make the Car-of-Tommorow, a non-descript car, then the race would be about talent and performance, rather than car make.
The IROC was like that, in the sense that the cars were all equal and you got a particular car by chance.
Takes the hate of a certain make out of the equation.

 

Well said BB. That's what racing shold be all about...talent and performance.

 

NASCARs have become so uniform they might as well be IROC cars. They used to actually resemble a real car. Why even call it stock car racing anymore,it's an abstract idea now.

 

Evidently some people can see the difference enough to root for or boo a particular car.
This thread was started to express the displeasure of a "Foreign" brand being introduced to the field, and the difficulty that brand is encountering.
Of course the fact that that brand is now made in the U.S., and the very car the author is driving/owns is made in a foreign country, never is a factor in the equation.

 

In 2001 there weren't nearly 30 cars trying to nab 8 spaces in the lineup either, I think I agree with DW that no one should have a guarranteed spot in the first 6 races of the year. Let them all qualify for the first 6 and then seed the top 35. There are a ridiculous number of cars trying to get in 43 spots for the first time in NASCAR. I wonder how many of the big names would sit out a race or two if they all had to make it in on time.
You are right and Toyota is concentrating on the COT they have said so.
Waltrip racing has a huge huge hurdle not only with a new car but a new organization. Imagine trying to do what they are doing, 3 brand new teams with all new cars AND some moron doping the fuel at the first race. DJ is doing what he has to do right now while they iron out the new car/team bugs, he is staying in the top 35. Team Waltrip has some serious problems like all new teams have but they will get them worked out.

 

Amen cpendlay...it's nice to know that I'm not the only one who understands what is happening here. Very well said. Thanks for stepping up to the plate.

 

Thanks Deb...:)
Another thing if anyone has really been paying attention the COT IS an attempt at making cup racing more like IROC.
BTW Deb I love your avatar and would love a similar one.

 

Does it bother anyone else that the cars are becoming more uniform, and that NASCAR seems to be disreguarding it's roots?

 

Which roots ?
I believe NASCAR is a spin-off/brainchild (for lack of a better word) of Moonshiners.
Sorta like lawbreakers.