[adrotate group=”1″] [wpcdt-countdown id=”15298″] [wpcdt-countdown id=”15300″] IT’S OFFICIAL !! MOTHER NSTURE WINS. Daytona 500 postponed until 16:00 EST Monday February 19. Will air on FOX Will the Daytona come off without a hitch? OR, will Mother Nature throw the RED flag with heavy rainfall. We will just have to wait and see. 🏀🏁 On February 18, 2024, sports enthusiasts will face a delightful dilemma: choosing between two major events that promise heart-pounding action. Let’s dive into the showdown between the NBA All-Star Game and the Daytona 500. The NBA All-Star Game Location: Indianapolis, Indiana Time: 8:00 PM ET Venue: Gainbridge Fieldhouse The NBA’s brightest stars will converge in Indianapolis for the 73rd All-Star Game. Expect jaw-dropping dunks, dazzling passes, and fierce competition. LeBron James, Kevin Durant, and other legends will battle it out, representing the Eastern and Western Conferences. But here’s the twist: fans who adore both basketball and high-speed racing face a scheduling conundrum. The Daytona 500 Location: Daytona International Speedway Time: 2:30 PM ET The Daytona 500, NASCAR’s crown jewel, kicks off the ,. Engines roar as drivers navigate 500 miles on the iconic oval track. Rickey Stenhouse, last year’s champion, aims to defend his title. But wait—this race coincides with the NBA All-Star Game! Fans torn between LeBron’s fadeaway jumpers and stock cars hurtling around turns must make a choice. The Fan Dilemma Basketball Lovers: Will you cheer for alley-oops or pit stops? The NBA’s elite showcasing their skills or Daytona’s thunderous horsepower? Speed Aficionados: Do you stick with the Daytona tradition or switch channels to witness slam dunks and three-pointers? Conflict Alert: Imagine a household divided—dad glued to the TV, toggling between LeBron’s triple-double and Blaney’s drafting maneuvers, while mom juggles nachos and chicken wings. Kids? They’re torn between LeBron jerseys and checkered flags. The Verdict Ultimately, it’s a matter of passion. Whether you’re Team Hoops or Team Wheels, February 18, 2024, promises adrenaline-fueled drama. So grab your remote, settle into your favorite spot, and brace for a sports extravaganza. Just remember: you can’t be courtside and trackside simultaneously! Note: If you’re a superfan, consider setting up dual screens or mastering the art of channel surfing. And may the sports gods forgive us for scheduling conflicts! 🏀🏁 Views: 133
Category: NASCAR
THE BEGINNINGS of the DAYTONA 500
[adrotate group=”1″] [wpcdt-countdown id=”15298″] 🏁 The Daytona 500 had its inaugural race on February 22, 1959, at the Daytona International Speedway in Daytona Beach, Florida. Here are some key moments from its early years: 1959: Lee Petty, the patriarch of the racing family, clinched victory in the first-ever Daytona 500. In a dramatic finish, he defeated Johnny Beauchamp in a highly unusual manner. The two were lapping Joe Weatherly at the finish line1. 1960: Junior Johnson employed the draft—a little-understood phenomenon at the time—to secure victory. He drove a slower, year-old car but used the draft to his advantage. The field consisted of a whopping 68 cars, making it the largest Daytona 500 lineup in history. Driver with the Most Wins When it comes to Daytona 500 victories, one name stands out: Richard Petty. The legendary driver has an impressive record of seven wins in this prestigious race. His dominance on the track and his iconic No. 43 car have left an indelible mark on Daytona 500 history. Fastest Speed Record In 1980, Buddy Baker achieved a remarkable feat by winning the Daytona 500 at an average speed of 177.602 miles per hour—a record that still stands as the fastest in the race’s history. Baker was also the first driver to break the 200 mph barrier on a closed course. His victory remains a testament to speed and skill on the high banks of Daytona. Fun Trivia Kurt Busch holds the distinction of leading the fewest laps (just one lap) and still winning the Daytona 500 in 2017. Matt Kenseth defied the odds by starting from the 39th position and emerging victorious in 2009. The slowest winning average speed belongs to Junior Johnson, who triumphed in 1960 with an average speed of 124.740 mph. The Daytona 500 continues to captivate fans, drivers, and racing enthusiasts alike. Its rich history and thrilling moments make it a true American racing spectacle. 🏎️💨 Views: 115
Belated Super Bowl Wrap-up
I know it is rather late. I have been busy doing some consulting work. Then discovered had an issue with connection upon my return. So this will be short and sweet. YES!!! Seattle Seahawks with Russell Wilson WON! I wish we had a better game. With the top OFFENSE Vs. The top DEFENSE : We should have had a GREAT game. However as I predicted the difference was the Defensive effort. The Denver Broncos had that one blunder in the opening seconds of the game, which threw them in a tizzy. Between that awkward start and the smothering defense of the Seahawks, The Broncos could not recover. I do wish we had seen better showings by both Peyton Manning, and Montee Ball. But neither got much chance to show their skills. Seahawks defense all over them and every Bronco. Now the question is will we see key players from both or either team take advantage of their success this year, to enhance their PAYCHECK. Unfortunately the day of loyalty is long past. Few players have it. I think Peyton Manning would have taken a pay cut to stay with the Indianapolis Colts. Just one of the few LOYAL players around. Speaking of Mr. Manning: I think he may have another year in him. The question is this: Is the desire still beating in his heart. Little brother, has the Super Bowl bragging rights, but Peyton has all those records. I suppose we will just have to wait and see how this all unfolds. Congratulations to both teams for the exceptional season they put together That Is How I See It. P.S. I know the Daytona NASCAR race is coming up. But After all these years I could care less. I usually just flip through the channels and catch glimpses of it. Mike Helton and the powers behind him have ruined it for me. But we will be having our MARCH MADNESS posts. Look for them. Views: 105
Baltimore Ravens Win !!!
Perhaps the L-O-N-G-E-S-T Super Bowl game in History. BALTIMORE’S RAVENS bested the SAN FRANCISCO FORTY-NINER’S by a score of 34-31. Last night Championship was extended by a power outage. I have read some say it was an external feed, and another report that it was snafu inside the arena; an equipment failure. Either way the side line announcers had the burden of filling in unexpected time. Another thing that made it seem longer to me was the half baked,…er time show. I know many of you are Beyonce fans. But I would like to have more entertainment than a bunch of women in their swimsuits jumping around and making noise. I actually switched over to watch bits of a COLUMBO re-run. Now to the game. Yes my Math and my Scientific methods both failed. Therefore I could claim the Ravens win to be a fluke. But that was not the case. In fact it came down to, (as I said), D-E-F-E-N-S-E. Baltimore brought their defense and San Francisco’s was running way late on it’s arrival. I believe both QB’s did an excellent job. I also believe had San Francisco got their defense together before the power failure. They would have won the game. But they didn’t, and they didn’t. The game hinged on the 108 yard return by Ravens’ Jacoby Jones. There is no way that return should have happened. The 49’ers defense left the whole field unprotected. No one stayed back. Just as in a high school game I watched this past season. The kicker rushed down and tackled the receiver 5 yards after the catch. But that was a mistake. Even though he was able to do that. His coach wasted no time in letting him know it was a mistake. The rest of the season he stayed back and saved many potential scores. Flacco was GIFTED the MVP. Yeah, he did a good job. WAS it a better job than Kaepernick. Not in my eyes. The true MVP was the Ravens DEFENSE. But how do you give MVP, (the “P” is singular) to a group. Thus you give it to a single person. Jacoby Jones would be a fair choice, it was his run back that won the game. But that was only one play. The DEFENSE on the other hand was on thier game most all night. So I suppose as the QB is often considered the leader an Spokesman for the team, Flacco would be give MVP, on behalf of the team. After all , as in any T-E-A-M SPORT, one person can not win the game by himself. Congratulations to the BALTIMORE RAVENS. And I want to compliment fans on both sides. I have not seen any reports of rioting or anything. This shows me their fans are (both Baltimore, and San Francisco), are CHAMPIONS too. Hope to see you NFL fans back here again next year. I have time to try to figure what I did wrong this year. I suppose the next big event is NASCAR SEASON. and for some the NBA All-Star game. I don’t care for the All-Star game. Because they don’t really have any BASKETBALL stars. Merely Media Darlings. I will go into my feelings about the NBA at a later time. I may have opinions to share about NASCAR later. Looking forward to NCAA Basketball tournament. will give my picks, updates and OPINION; just like i did last year. For now We close the book on: 2012 FOOTBALL,and the 2013 SUPER BOWL XLVII. One final note some of the commercials were good. Some not. But at least some got more exposure due to the 34 minute delay. My favorite was, again Budweiser, with the CLYDESDALE COLT. Thank you for indulging me. Views: 103
Nationwide Move to IMS
Recently NASCAR announced it would move it’s popular Nationwide event from Clermont, Indiana’s Lucas Oil Raceway. (For those of you not familiar with Clermont, Indiana). Clermont is now a suburb of Indianpolis, just as Speedway, Home of IMS is. Confused. Indianapolis Motor Speedway is actually located in Speedway, Indiana. A town that has been swallowed up by Indianapolis. Clermont is a small town about 5 miles west of the Indianapolis Motor Speedway. Back to the move. NASCAR has been holding races here for many, many years. they have held the Busch Cup races, and the Craftsman Truck series. All very exciting races. Races that both Fans and Drivers enjoyed. Now for some reason, (probably the movement of equipment and fans from the INDY track to the Clermont track, OR just a power move by IMS people to eliminate a steadfast, competitor). INDY already hosts a Ho-Hum race, (most of the time), called the Brickyard 400. Would the Nationwide or Truck races be any different? I think not. Moving these races makes for a good time for a Siesta. Let us face it the only attraction of the Brickyard 400 is the history of the track. The first INDY 500’s were essentially Stock Cars. It has a big name, and a long history. Racing here is a sense of pride for the NASCAR drivers. And occasionally you will see a good race. I’m not sure if the road course at INDY is large enough to handle the bigger NASCAR vehicles, But I would rather see them race on the road course. But to move an exciting race like Nationwide, and Camping World to the big track. Ho-Hum,ZZZzzzzz. Be honest with yourself, if you would prefer to see a real race like is put on at Lucas Oil Raceway. BOYCOTT, the move. Don’t buy tickets for these races at the big track. This is the only thing NASCAR will understand. But just as sure as I am of writing this, People will give in and attend another sleeper. These are people who will follow NASCAR anywhere. Not RACE fans. That Is How I See It. they have Views: 96
Quaker State 400, Yawn
Quaker State 400. In Kentucky? Boy is my face red. One would think the Quaker State 400 would actually be run in Pennsylvania, (the Quaker State). It figures with NASCAR running things. Did everyone enjoy the “race”? Beside the Busch brothers. I found this race about as exciting as a snail race we had one day when I was a kid. On second thought the snail race was a much more contested event. And. Guess what. No one sat in their cars for hours, only to not see the race. I can’t say the traffic was NASCAR, or Burton Smith’s fault. But it does show a lack of preparation. By Both Parties. If first impressions are as important as most people claim. I’m afraid Kentucky’s Speedway is in a heap of hurt. Question: Did anyone check with the Kentucky Department of Transportation. They make traffic studies. Do I have an answer for the traffic problem. Not without the proper authorization to make studies. Maybe then I would find no problem. Maybe best move is to MOVE the track. But let’s be honest the location was not the only problem. The big problem was the racing. Reminds you of Formula 1. No passes on track for the lead. I like to see R-A-C-I-N-G, not just a parade of cars. I don’t blame the drivers I’m sure they were doing all they could to make a race of it. Racing just didn’t happen. As for me I would prefer to have another road course added instead of what we had at Sparta. Maybe they could change that speedway into a dirt track and invite NASCAR back next year. That is about the only thing I can see would bring the fans back to Sparta. Perhaps the ones who were stuck in traffic were the lucky ones. They probably saw more action, with people jockeying to improve their spot in traffic, than the fans at the track saw. That Is How I See It. find find find Views: 788
Trevor Bayne, Kurt Busch
Re: The Coke Zero 400 at Daytona. Restrictor plate racing is pretty much of a HO-HUM affair. However I did tune in to see how Daytona 500 winner Trevor Bayne would do on that track for his 2nd appearance. It started out as expected with Bayne running in the top 5. Then by some curious means Bayne paired up with Kurt Busch. This pairing up is to give additional PUSH, to the lead car and resulting in more speed for both pusher, and pushee. A Very popular thing for drivers to do at the so-called SIPER tracks. Kurt Busch is a seasoned driver he knows what he is doing. Therefore I would like to know why instead of pushing Bayne from the high side as most all drivers who were locked with the car ahead did, Why was Kurt Bucsh pushing in the middle or below of Bayne’s car and on the down side of the track. I’m Sure, Busch can come up with a reason (excuse) for this. I guess he will be the only one who really knows. It could have been mis-communication , or maybe he couldn’t hold his line for physical or mechanical reasons. But looking at it purely from a spactatorial view. I say it appeared to be deliberate, and a way to assure the young driver didn’t make the veterans look bad again. After all he wasn’t running for points, Bayne will be his usual polite self and not so much as suggest the possibility of this being anything other than a racing accident. But after watching it and again and again on replay, IT SURE APPEARED TO BE DELIBERATE. Did he? Or didn’t he. Only he and perhaps his team will know for sure. That Is How I See It. have been Views: 625
Europeans A More Relaxed People
I have just been contemplating my busy lifestyle. Which by the way is probably not as busy as yours. (That is why I have time to write these little opinions of mine). It comes to mind that most of us here in the United States, are at least a little addicted to sports. We get excited at baseball, basketball, wrestling, football, auto racing, and a number of other sports, Sorry if I failed to mention your favorite. Then it occurred to me the Europeans must have a more relaxed lifestyle. When you look at all of the sports we enjoy. The smack of the ball coming off the bat, the nervous tension when a runner tries to steal a base, the anticipation of a home run or fly out. The constant motion of basketball, the 3 pointers, will that winning free throw rim in or out. That last second tip in, or the foul that caused us to lose. Wrestling, the real WRESTLING, like they do in high school, not that scripted stuff on TV. It is all you have for up to 6 minutes, (longer if it is a tie). You can’t let up , even for a second or you may lose. Football, you have 22 men and 7 zebras on the field. It is a game of battle strategy. The ball is the bomb. The 11 offensive men are trying to deliver the bomb to the opposing teams, camp. The 11 defensive players are trying to stop that delivery or if possible get possession of the bomb and turn it on the other teams camp. The 7 Zebras are there to monitor the action and assure that no team gets an unfair advantage. (Anyway that is what they are supposed to do. Ask any fan of the losing team and they will tell you differently). Auto Racing. We have so many varieties to choose from. Take NASCAR for example we have 43 large heavy cars being driven by athletes in top shape. Sometimes battling on tracks that if strung out in single file would have the lead car touching the last car’s bumper. Sometimes driving over 600 miles, in unbearable heat, shifting gears, stopping for fuel, tire changes, and dodging each other. These things we Americans find exciting. Now for the Europeans. They must have a very sedate lifestyle. When you look at the things that get them excited. Formula One. A parade of overpaid computer geeks who have computers do almost all the racing. The driver steers, and occasionally brake. The only time there is any racing going on is during the qualifying, which is all the cars driving around the track, for some time period, and the one who records the fastest time during this drive around gets to lead the start of the “race“. There is rarely any on track passing. I remember the first race I saw the leader spun out in a turn and still maintained the lead. Lead the race from start to finish. Whoopee! But for some reason the Europeans find this exciting and are very much into it. To me this not racing. Had I been born in Europe, I might. (Doubt it.) Then we have that game that little girls played when we boys were playing football. We call it Soccer, they call it by other names like footie. You have 22 people on the field (just like in Football) NOTE the number may vary depending on the league). One referee who has “full authority” to enforce the Laws Of The Game. (They don’t have rules. they have 17 LAWS OF THE GAME). Unlike Football they are not allowed to touch the ball with their hands, Unless they are special, These special players are called goalkeepers. The games I watch there is more contact in a non-contact game like Basketball, than is allowed in Soccer. (HOWEVER), I have seen some European games found some mild contact which if caught by an official draws a penalty. If the contact is deemed excessive a player might be punished by being given a YELLOW card. By being given a Yellow card the player is said to be BOOKED. the referee writes the offenders name in his book. A second YELLOW card can lead to a RED card, Even more excessive misbehavior and he may be punished with a RED card. The RED card is usually the one which sends the player off the field and no substitute allowed. The average score for a 90 minute game is 2.48 goals. Very BORING, in American terms. But the Europeans find this exciting and apparently they take it so seriously they often times end in having a free for all. (Maybe this is where their excitement comes in.) While I find Soccer a game for athletically challenged people. I must admit that all the running is a good way to keep in shape for sports. That Is How I See It. high school they have find find find Views: 592
Coca-Cola 600
Another boring “race’ from NASCAR. I appreciate the concept of 600 miles to test the endurance of both car and driver, BUT that was about the highlight of this race. Which with all the cars having no personality, of their own, (rules require all cars look alike, and run same equipment), leave little to the test of car endurance. Only a “freakish” part malfunction, usually will retire a car from the endurance end. And YES sportsfans, NASCAR, had a rare chance to give Earnhardt Jr. a long awaited win. It amazes me how often they will try this. Remember when all the drivers were being penalized for dropping a wheel below the yellow line and complete a pass? Except for Jr. There was clearly room for him to stay above the line, but he had all 4 wheels below it. NASCAR ruled he was below to avoid an accident. RIIGGHT! This time Jr. had a lead and looked like he could win a race. BUT! A crash which in any other circumstance would bring out the YELLOW, NASCAR chose not to. Why Jr. had a chance to win. I realize his riding on his father’s name has launched him into the FANS FAVORITE. I have nothing against him I kind of like him too. He just hasn’t matured as a driver yet, but is well on his way. I think getting away from Earnhardt Racing was a good move for him to try to step out of his Father’s shadow. I’ve seen a lot of improvement this year. His time will come. He will “EARN..” his own wins. I think if you have a rule it should be interpreted the same with no regard as to whom it may affect. Any how Jr. still did not get the win. So considering the rule for the yellow flag is for safety purposes, why did NASCAR decide to put that aside for this instance. One train of thought I had. Asks, if they did throw the YELLOW, as they should have and would have in any other set of circumstances, in NASCAR’s defense. I’m going pretty far out here for this defense. How many cars would have been able to finish if there were another GREEN, WHITE, CHECKER. We know that there were cars running short of gas. So did NASCAR not throw the Yellow, in the interest of the fans seeing more cars finish? Or to aid Jr. That Is How I See It. have been Views: 207
Trevor Bayne, NASCAR At Daytona
TREVOR BAYNE. NASCAR’s youngest Daytona 500 winner in NASCAR History. Twenty years and one day. Who is Trevor Bayne? Where did he come from? Trevor Bayne won the Prestigious Title “Daytona Winner”. A title that has eluded so many a racer. He is the newcomer, the ROOKIE. But he didn’t drive like one in Sundays race. With all of the crashes, his car still looked like they had just brought it to the track. Bayne took care of his car, and the car took care of him. What can you say, the move at the end of the race was not a typical rookie move. Carl Edwards came charging from nowhere, and look surely to pass Bayne. What did the youngster do? Dropped down to block, (I know some of you flinch when I say block, but that is what he did), this left Edwards no other option than to push Bayne accross the finish line. Trevor may be a rookie in NASCAR but not in racing. Brilliant Move TB. But who is he and where is he from. Born in Knoxville Tennessee, February 19, 1991. Began racing go-karts at the tender age of 5 years. After 8 years of racing karts, he held 3 WORLD CHAMPIONSHIIPS. In 2004 he began his Legacy Racing career. While racing the Legacies he was the YOUNGEST number ONE Rookie. His second year saw him crowned as “NATIONAL CHAMPION”. Age 15 he moved to USAR Hooters Pro Cup Southern Division. Again receiving the HIGH ROOKIE AWARD. (See a Pattern Here). At this time he was signed by Dale Earnhardt INC.’s driver development program, and began driving in the Camping World World East Series. In 2009 he raced in the Toyota All Star Showdown. Where he won. (yup), Sunoco’s ROOKIE OF THE RACE Award. Bayne then signed a contract with Michael Waltrip for a limited schedule. Later signed with Roush -Fenway In 2010 he entered the Sprint Cup. Racing for Woods Brother’s Racing. Finishing 17th in the AAA Texas 500. He won his next Sprint Cup Race, again for the Woods Brother’s Racing in car 21, (the familiar red and white trademark of the Woods Brothers). It was a real joy to watch him race. And to see him return WOODS BROTHER’S FORD to the winner’s Circle. A small independent team overcame the odds to make history. That Is How I See It. Views: 128
