Replies to This Discussion

Permalink Reply by Alex on April 17, 2010 at 2:32pm

No practice today, rained out.

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Permalink Reply by Turtle7 on April 17, 2010 at 3:30pm

Well it looks like staying in race trim paid off in Qualifying with practice canceled today. Let's hope that the Setup holds for the Green Track tomorrow and we stay on the lead lap until the competion caution. My guess is that it will be around lap 30.

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Permalink Reply by MartyP on April 17, 2010 at 5:11pm

Just being a casual fan ,and a Robby fan,I need some clarification.
In my mind ,you are better off running as much as you can in qualifying trim,so when its time to qualify you have a better shot at a higher starting position and a better pit stall.
Running laps before qualifying ,in race trim,tells me that there is a lack of confidence in the teams ability to change the car back to race trim quickly,or the drivers ability to communicate effectively with his team in order for them to understand exactly how the car is reacting and what changes are required

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Permalink Reply by Beagle7 on April 17, 2010 at 5:36pm

if the weather forecast is clear...I agree 100%...

but being locked in and with a very small chaqnce given the forecast of any practice on Saturday, focusing on race setup so we can run well on Sunday as to increase our breathing room in the top 35 was the right call...especially given the limits of a single car team...

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Permalink Reply by Garrett Gleason on April 17, 2010 at 11:21pm

I agree that qualifying should be more of a focus, but the race is what pays, and you can win a race starting 43rd in today's world. Sometimes what makes a good qualifying car does not make a good race car.

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Permalink Reply by R. ALDRIDGE on April 18, 2010 at 2:48am

Race trim is usually the best call. Better to start 40th and finish 20th than vice versa.

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Permalink Reply by TOG on April 17, 2010 at 11:11pm

Robby Gordon will have pitstall #24 at Texas , next to the #98 & #39 , one stall before the start/finish line

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Permalink Reply by MartyP on April 18, 2010 at 8:00am

So if you qualify( say 38th) in race trim ,practice and improve the car and finish 20 that is the best way.?
OR
Qualify in qualifying trim .Qualify 20th.Switch to race trim and improve the car during both practices,,Still start 20 ,get more TV coverage than if you started 38th,pass 18 less cars and finish better than 20th.
To me i go back to my original post and add,Robby has raced too much offroad and is no longer comfortable racing with cars around him ,that's why he always starts at the back!!
OR
I am really sorry,I didn't realize all the cars starting ahead of Robby qualified in race trim ,so it must be the way to go..So to me, qualifying in the back is like PUSHING a piece of string.Race on!!

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Permalink Reply by Beagle7 on April 18, 2010 at 8:57am

Marty..I missed it, how did Robby do in his two practices yesterday??? Did they improve the car any?? Make some solid adjustments?? Perhaps, take a few rounds of wedge out? hmmm? maybe do a long fuel run? Checking out that tire wear? hmmmm? (read above in your best Stewie asking Brian about his novel voice from Family Guy....lol)

"is no longer comfortable racing with cars aroud him..."

...my nominee for quote of the year here on the Planet!

Robby looked awfully uncomfortable passng all those cars at Phoenix last week...

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Permalink Reply by Garrett Gleason on April 18, 2010 at 2:45pm

What if Robby spent all his time on qualifying and qualified top 15 every week and sunk like a rock? If he qualifies poorly, you get to see him march through the field, which is much more exciting as fans than backsliding.

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Permalink Reply by R. ALDRIDGE on April 18, 2010 at 4:16pm

It's not as easy as you make it sound. With limited testing, NASCAR continuously changing spoiler, nose height, length, tire compound, etc., the practice time is a scarce, valuable resource. For most teams, unless you can contend (seriously) for the pole, or the 5 or 6 good pit stalls at each track, starting position is meaningless. Working on a true qualifying setup is a waste of precious time on track. The big teams can split up the duties and trade notes - IF they have drivers with similiar styles. For most of the others, Robby included, Q trim is basically 4 sticker tires and an extra piece of tape for downforce.

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Permalink Reply by Beagle7 on April 18, 2010 at 9:03am

Weather look slike they might et this one in....the front/low pressure system looks like it has just pushed by the Fort Worth area....all showers along it seem to be just north of te track and moving away....hopefully nothing else pops up that isnt on the radar already.

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