The inner story of the secret agreement that changed the Daytona 500

by



[ad_1]

DAYTONA BEACH, Florida – Communication was inherently embarrassing because how often do these guys talk? They run in the same series, but they are certainly not friends.

Yes, they may share the goal of winning the Daytona 500, but the goals were very different. It was understandable that an epistolary can be triggered by the usually capricious chain of events triggered by a restart at Daytona International Speedway.

What a surprise that it happened so well.

Who would have thought that Chevrolet and Toyota would work together harmoniously on Sunday?

<p type = "text" content = "Yes, it was one of the most delightful side intrigues to emerge from the 61st race of the great American race. The fact that the only two remaining Ford Performance drivers did not perform well in the final laps of the biggest race of the season leaves something to be desired. Ford's cohesion had been key to its success. "Data-reactid =" 20 "> Yes, it was one of the most delicious subplots to emerge from the 61st race of the great American race. The fact that the only two remaining Ford Performance drivers did not perform well in the final laps of the biggest race of the season leaves something to be desired. Ford's cohesion has been key to its success.

But as these allegiances separated, an unholy alliance of improbable friends developed.

At a Saturday morning meeting, Hendrick Motorsports and Joe Gibbs Racing (with the help of Toyota Racing Development) drew up a plan to fight Ford's 12-car squadron that had dominated Speedweeks (sweeping the top three of most qualifiers on Thursday) and much of the restrictive plate. race for the past year.

Although some of the key players have refused to be identified, it's not hard to take a look at the Hendrick, JGR and Toyota lists and find obvious links. Several names have worked in at least two or three camps (in some cases).

And it was these previous connections that helped set the stage for Hendrick and Gibbs drivers who competed in the Daytona 500 together – although this seemed odd for many directors.

<p type = "text" content = "" I send a text message to HMS team leaders the night before and we talk about strategy. It's like, "What's going on in the world here?" "Daytona 500 winner Denny Hamlin said Dustin Long of NBCSports.com at his Monday morning championship breakfast on the track. "It's just crazy to sleep with the enemy." "Data-reactid =" 25 ">" I send a text message to the HMS crew leaders the night before and we talk about strategy, and it's like the world is going on here? "winner of the Daytona 500 Denny Hamlin told Dustin Long, of NBCSports.com, at his Monday morning champion's breakfast on the track. "It's just crazy you're sleeping with the enemy."

It was by necessity.

<p type = "text" content = "Although Chevy actually has more The drivers on the field that Ford, Hendrick and Richard Childress Racing have never been simpatico during the plate races. Toyota has only five drivers – Gibbs' Hambs quartet, Kyle Busch, Martin Truex Jr. and Erik Jones – and Matt DiBenedetto data-reactid = "27"> Although Chevy actually has more The drivers on the field that Ford, Hendrick and Richard Childress Racing have never been simpatico during the plate races. Toyota has only five drivers – Gibbs' Hambs quartet, Kyle Busch, Martin Truex Jr. and Erik Jones and Matt DiBenedetto of Leavine Family Racing.

And that seemed to work: unlike the Thursday qualifying races and the Clash (and many plate races last year) where Ford drivers seemed to control the project at will with long lines of cars, their fleet of Mustangs could not be organized as Sunday.

<p type = "text" content = "During the second leg, a six-car train of three Toyota (DiBenedetto, Busch, Jones) and three Chevy (Alex Bowman, Chase Elliott, William Byron) went to pit stops to control the pace. The peloton was two to three tenths of a second faster than the pack and put good cars from one lap to another. "Data-reactid =" 40 "> In the second stage, a six-car train of three Toyotas (DiBenedetto, Busch, Jones) and three Chevys (Alex Bowman, Chase Elliott, William Byron) have long made pit stops to control the pace. The peloton was two to three tenths of a second faster than the pack and put some good cars one lap behind.

Although several late accidents effectively defused the team's work in the closing laps, the strategy was a huge disruptive. The Hendrick and JGR / Toyota teams communicated through lookouts and other channels to make life more difficult for the Fords.

"We both understood that there were many powers and the disadvantage that our two organizations had, we are the manufacturer and we are only four," Hamlin said. "It was difficult for them to have enough Chevrolet that are competitive to ride and run with them. The best bet for us was: "Listen, we will not do our best to help each other, but we" will not try to fuck each other either. Work with strategy.

"They had an excellent strategic plan in play that would work well until a few caveats came down here and there. Of course, it was good to work with these guys and it was not just that: it was all the drivers and crew leaders I trusted, so when we came up with this plan to work together, I was confident that everything would run smoothly. "

The result was that JGR Toyotas clinched the second 1-2-3 finish (Hamlin, Busch, Jones) in the history of Daytona 500 and the first since … Hendrick Motorsports in 1997 (Jeff Gordon, Terry Labonte, Ricky Craven).

It seems that they had more in common than they did realize.

<p class = "canvas-atom text-canvas Mb (1.0em) Mb (0) – sm Mt (0.8em) – sm" type = "text" content = "The The era of the restriction plate has ended with a literal bang – too much fringe, actually. "Data-reactid =" 50 "> The The era of the restriction plate has ended with a literal bang – too many shots, actually.

During the last race, with the plates used for 30 years to reduce the air flow of engines and reduce speeds in the superspeedways of Daytona and Talladega (where cars are more inclined to sink in the stands), three multi-stacks and two flags over the last 20 laps as world-class pilots inexplicably made bad decisions and maneuvers. The 40-minute stop saw a larger audience in prime time, but also an extremely jerky finish, with the last 15 laps taking almost 90 minutes.

"In fact, I was looking at the clock on the dashboard," said Hamlin about sitting in his number 11 at the first red. "It was 5:40 pm, and I look at the dashboard and I say to myself," Wow, at 6:15 pm, we will know the end of the race. "And I look, and I am like:" At 6:30, we will know the end of this race. We are sitting under the red flag and I see that the ticker continues to say, "At 6:50, we will really know who won this race."

"It was crazy how long it took. I've already seen five laps take an hour before, but the track was just an absolute mess. "

<p class = "canvas-atom-text-canvas Mb (1.0em) Mb (0) – sm Mt (0.8em) – sm" type = "text" content = "This is partly a problem for NASCAR and the Track because long cleanings have been a problem in recent Speedweeks. "data-reactid =" 54 "> This is partly a problem for NASCAR and the track, as long cleanings have been a problem in the past.

But the biggest reward of the final demolition derby race was to point out the inevitable chaos – and almost stupid mistakes – as the checkered flag approached.

"Quite well," said Kyle Busch to the question of whether an end wreck-filled wreck was inevitable after the 475 relatively clean miles she had preceded. "The brains are off. That's all. The connection of the brain to the foot of the gas pedal does not really work the same way. There are a lot of mutual concessions all along the start of the races, then everything ends, and there is always some caution in the next 30 or 40 minutes that puts everyone at risk, then chaos. s & # 39; follows. . "

Logano said, "Yes, you know it's going to happen. And especially this race, you know what's at stake. It's the Daytona 500. Nobody really cares about the points or to qualify for the playoffs. Everyone says, I want to win the biggest race of the year and, as Kyle said, brains are not stuck. "

So, goodbye – or maybe a good riddance for some – in the era of plates … but it 's only a nominal change. As conical spacers are still used to control power, it is likely that the April 28 race at Talladega Superspeedway will look familiar. And if that's not the case, NASCAR will fine-tune the rules to make sure that's the case (as was the case with the 2011 tandem races).

Stuck with these parameters, it may be too much to ask the NASCAR stars to keep in mind that memorable races are based on sublime driving, and provided you do not hurt anyone, it is probably better to have too many falls. too little (according to the reaction to the single-file race that reigned in Daytona in the last 10 days).

But it would be good if the end of the era of the plates also puts a black point on the absurd demonstrations of the behavior observed during the difficult period of Sunday.

<p class = "canvas-atom canvas-text Mb (1.0em) Mb (0) – sm Mt (0.8em) – sm" type = "text" content = "Both NASCAR and some of its manufacturers are optimistic the Gen 7 car can be deployed from here to the 2021 season. "data-reactid =" 63 "> Both NASCAR and some of its manufacturers are optimistic: the Gen 7 car can be deployed by the season 2021.

<p class = "canvas-atom text-canvas Mb (1.0em) Mb (0) – sm Mt (0.8em) – sm" type = "text" content = "There are a few industry skepticism about this schedule for the new model. Toyota Racing Development President David Wilson told NBC Sports that the Gen 7 plans had to be defined "30 to 45 days from now" and that the track tests had to start from here. end of summer. "Data-reactid =" 64 "> There are some industry skepticism about this schedule for the new model. Toyota Racing Development President David Wilson told NBC Sports that the Gen 7 plans had to be defined "within the next 30 to 45 days" and that the track tests should begin by the end of the year. l & # 39; summer.

"I think our industry is late," Wilson said. "NASCAR is gathering feedback from across the industry. They always talked to all the garage crews this weekend. They assimilate this return. We are forming an action team with NASCAR. We had a meeting early (Saturday) morning (with the manufacturers) from the point of view of the process, on the way we work together. The good news is that we have a bit of a model that we use for Generation 6.

"We are always behind. We need to restore the soil somewhere. If you look at everything you need to contemplate with this car – safety, testing, manufacturing. The magnitude of the changes made to the hardware is going to be huge. "

But the benefits will be worth it. Mr. Wilson, who stated that the momentum of the project had started in August, at the beginning of the reign of President Jim France ("The greatest driver and the undisputed leader is Jim France." He has a discreet and discreet passion to In this respect. "), Estime the next car could bring a host of new builders to NASCAR.

"In 10 years, I see no reason why we could not have six or seven manufacturers," Wilson said. "You watch the sports car races. Our Lexus program involves competing with seven to eight manufacturers. We compete in the showrooms every day. Why can not we say the same for the racecourse?

"But it will be a trip. I am not absolutely certain that we will get there by 21. "

For reference, the Gen 6 car debuted in the 2013 season after talks between NASCAR and builders opened early in the year.

<p class = "canvas-atom web-text Mb (1.0em) Mb (0) – sm Mt (0.8em) – sm" type = "text" content = "In an interview with SiriusXM during media day in Daytona 500, President of NASCAR Steve Phelps framed the speculation of the 2020 timetable of a new way. Phelps said the tracks would not change but the goal will be to know if the races will be in the same order and when the season starts and ends. "data-reactid =" 71 "> In an interview with SiriusXM during Daytona 500 Media Day, Steve Phelps, President of NASCAR framed the speculation of the 2020 timetable of a new way. Phelps said the circuits would not change, but whether the races "will run in the same order" and when the season will begin and end.

The track presidents met with NASCAR leaders for more than three hours last week in Daytona and received some basic parameters for a solid discussion on the schedule: the Daytona 500 should be in mid-February, the Coca-Cola 600 will remain Memorial Day weekend the 500 South remains tied to the Labor Day weekend.

Virtually everything was considered a fair game after that. There were some setbacks that could move a race in hot weather or two at the end of January or early February, before the Daytona 500. The Great American Race is the first open game since 1982, but was the second or the third race of the season for the first time. 23 years old (1959-1981).

Although Daytona is maintaining its traditional schedule, whether or not it is preceded by another race, recent conjectures have reported a reshuffle of Speedweeks (which could certainly use fewer "dark" days on the track).

<p class = "canvas-atom canvas-text Mb (1.0em) Mb (0) – sm Mt (0.8em) – sm" type = "text" content = "Here is the view of this corner last year on this front with an addendum: it might be time to rethink the truck series at Daytona, and it's not a knee-jerk reaction to last Friday's race that set a record for yellow flags (11) and the warning towers (55). "reactid =" 75 "> Here is the point of view of last year on this front with an addendum: it may be time to rethink the truck series at Daytona, and this is not a reflex reaction to last Friday's race that created a record for yellow flags (11) and warning towers (55).

Of the 20 truck races held in Daytona since 2000, 15 have been run with caution for at least 25% of the race. Although 26 of the 32 trucks were involved in crashes last Friday, it was the fourth time in eight years that more than two dozen trucks were damaged. In 2012, 29 of the 36 trucks were in wrecks.

New Smyrna Speedway is just down the road … again, it's just a thought.

<p class = "canvas-atom web-text Mb (1.0em) Mb (0) – sm Mt (0.8em) – sm" type = "text" content = "While the three best national series of NASCAR started this last weekend, NASCAR Whelen Euro Series stays close to two months after the start of its eighth season with the opening of April 13 in Valencia, Spain. Its seven events calendar for 2019 draws attention, but: after 2000 champion Bobby Labonte participated last year in the series (which was won by two-time cup champion Alon Day, who also made two starts in the Cup.). "data-reactid =" 80 "> As NASCAR's top three domestic series kicked off this weekend, NASCAR Whelen Euro Series stays close to two months after the start of its eighth season with the opening of April 13 in Valencia, Spain. His seven-event schedule for 2019 draws a lot of attention, however, after the 2000 champion, Bobby Labonte, took part in the series last year (which was won by the double champion Cup Alon Day, who also made two starts in cup.).

<p class = "canvas-atom canvas-text Mb (1.0em) Mb (0) – sm Mt (0.8em) – sm" type = "text" content = "Jacques Villeneuve, F1 champion 1997, will be full time this season in NASCAR Whelen Euro. "data-reactid =" 81 "> Jacques Villeneuve, F1 champion in 1997, will race full time this season in the NASCAR Whelen Euro Championship.

The series also garnered keen interest from a recently retired former Cup champion and many lower-season drivers for the 2019 season.

"We have nothing finalized, so we can not announce who we are talking to," said Joe Balash, head of the series, NBC Sports. "But we had conversations with several drivers from several garages wishing to participate in the series."

The Whelen Euro series also had a driver exchange last year with the Pinty's Series in Canada and is studying a similar arrangement with the Peak Mexico series. The European circuit, which also runs in England, Germany, the Czech Republic and Belgium, is an attractive option as it is relatively inexpensive.

As a stock-car series, it costs around $ 100,000 US to handle the complete slate, which includes two divisions of two races per weekend. Teams can also line up two drivers of different skill levels (similar to the IMSA GTD division).

<p class = "web-atom canvas-text Mb (1.0em) Mb (0) – sm Mt (0.8em) – sm" type = "text" content = "Chase Elliott's Speedweeks were largely forgettable in this the results (eighth qualifying on Thursday was his best), but as long as his personality is up to his personality, no one was more a man of the people than the most popular pilot reigning. "data-reactid =" 86 "> Chase Elliott's Speedweeks were largely forgettable in terms of results (his eighth place in a qualifying match on Thursday was his best), but at the height of his personality, no one was more a man of the people than the most popular pilot reigning.

The emerging star of Hendrick Motorsports did everything possible to spice up an action that often consisted of a single line on the 2.5-mile oval.

<p class = "canvas-atom canvas-text Mb (1.0em) Mb (0) – sm Mt (0.8em) – sm" type = "text" content = "Is he trying in vain to gain places in the Xfinity race (He waved to the crowd and said "Sorry" after finishing 10th), struggling furiously for positions in qualifying, or aggressively trying to stay ahead in the Daytona 500, Elliott was the only driver to have refused group thinking that had cars squeezing the wall against much of Speedweeks and proudly proclaiming that he had done it. data-reaid = "88"> S & he was vainly trying to gain seats in the Xfinity race (he waved to the crowd and said "Sorry"). after finishing 10th), struggling furiously for positions in qualifying, or aggressively trying to stay ahead in the Daytona 500, Elliott was the only driver to have refused group thinking that had cars squeezing the wall against much of Speedweeks and proudly proclaiming that he had done it. the legions carry his equipment (while projecting a little shade on those he ran).

"Hey, they're going to the top all day, I'll be happy to try it down and at least do something for the great people lurking in the stands," Elliott said Thursday.

<p class = "canvas-atom canvas-text Mb (1.0em) Mb (0) – sm Mt (0.8em) – sm" type = "text" content = "Last month, crew chief Alan Gustafson declared even if he did not realize how a series of 98 victories without victory had been on Elliott until his victory last August with the first of three victories in 2018. Elliott, 23, looks more comfortable than ever in his skin"Data-reactid =" 92 "> Last month, team leader Alan Gustafson said he did not realize how a series of 98 winless victories had been over Elliott until the last defeat. August with the first of three wins in 2018. Elliott, 23, looks more comfortable than ever and Daytona is a good example.

The pressure is relaxed and the public sees more and more an emerging star that he does not seem to love enough. This is a good sign for NASCAR – especially if Elliott can develop a more provocative and candid public side than his father ever embraced.

<p class = "canvas-atom canvas-text Mb (1.0em) Mb (0) – sm Mt (0.8em) – sm" type = "text" content = "To understand why Jim France's leadership style has been so well received, contrast his brief message to the drivers before Sunday's race the last time, a NASCAR CEO issued a similar directive at a meeting of pilots at Daytona 500. "data-reactid =" 94 "> To understand why Jim France's leadership style has been so well received, pitted his brief message to the drivers ahead of Sunday's race with the last time a NASCAR CEO issued a similar directive at a rally at Daytona 500.

It probably was not as long as you think.

<p class = "canvas-atom-canvas-text Mb (1.0em) Mb (0) – sm Mt (0.8em) – sm" type = "text" content = "Before the Daytona 500 2017, Brian France warned the field for 90 seconds about blocking in a curious speech that even his management team had trouble explaining. It was also unusual because Brian France (who retired to his uncle last August after being arrested for impaired driving) generally avoided competition. "Data-reactid =" 96 "> Before the 2017 Daytona 500, Brian France had criticized the pitch for 90 seconds for blocking a curious player.It was as unusual as Brian France (who gave way to his uncle last August after being arrested for drunken driving) avoided going to the competition, when he did, it sometimes lacked clarity (apparently because his marketing training sometimes been an obstacle).

<p class = "canvas-atom canvas-text Mb (1.0em) Mb (0) – sm Mt (0.8em) – sm" type = "text" content = "Jim France launches a simple and succinct query ("I'm hoping that some of your pilots will get to the bottom with Denny and Chase and present a good show today.") was revealing of his sober style this attracted raves and resonated around NASCAR. "data-reactid =" 97 "> The simple and succinct application of Jim France (" I hope that some of your pilots will expose themselves with Denny and Chase and make a good show today. ") was revealing his understated style that has garnered praise and resonated around NASCAR.

This may be another example: about two-and-a-half hours later, the green flag fell on a stage 1 full of activities. Todd Gordon, Joey Logano's team leader, told SiriusXM Tuesday morning that the tough race would probably have happened anyway. , but the drivers "listened (France) as if he were God".

Did France's comments have an impact on how the drivers ran the Daytona 500, which opened with the 60 fastest Speedweeks?

It is impossible to know for sure.

The only thing that probably matters is that he said it.

[ad_2]

Source link