Published Saturday, Feb. 6, 2010 | 9:25 p.m.
Updated Saturday, Feb. 6, 2010 | 10:55 p.m.
The only thing missing from the Budweiser Shootout was a longer battle to the finish. A late-race caution on lap 70 worked to Kevin Harvick’s advantage, as he was able to grab the checkered flag in a dash to the finish with only two laps to go. Harvick, who had been fighting flu-like symptoms this week, captured his second consecutive Shootout victory. Harvick won this Shootout in a backup car.
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The larger restrictor plate and new aero package worked to create some great racing as the cars remained in one pack for the majority of the race. We didn’t see the cars separate into packs as we have in the past since the new plate gave the cars enough throttle response to rebound from being shuffled around on the track. I think we’ll have a lot of good racing to look forward to in the Daytona 500.
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Last laps of the Budweiser Shootout
After the caution on lap 70, the race was restarted with two laps to go. But the field was frozen during the green-white-checkered finish when Jeff Gordon bumped Greg Biffle, creating a wreck that ended the race under caution. I thought it was ironic that Gordon, who lobbied NASCAR to implement the no bump-drafting rule last year, bumped Biffle in turn three and caused the wreck that determined the outcome of the Saturday’s race.
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No aerodynamic detail is too small when the Cup teams are looking for every available advantage. I believe it was Larry McReynolds who mentioned that the teams apply several layers of clear coat to the cars in order to smooth over the edges of every decal. To think that something as thin as a decal could put a car at an aerodynamic disadvantage is amazing.







What's that old saying? Thar's 2 ways to skin a cat? Looks like to me Mr. Biffle couldn't keep up with Mr. Harvick. As to the clear coat, that seems to be a big part of the non racing to me. The cars are too slick, the car in the lead is impossible to pass. They really should outlaw tape, open up grille openings and wheel openings. And outlaw all the aero crap on the cars. Take the advantage away from the lead car. There needs to be a big disadvantage to leading the pack, as in the olden days!!!
Good points. What I noted was:
1. The cars came up to speed much faster than with the old plate.
2. Hendricks did not dominate with Smoke being the only way to make a decent run.
3. Fords are back.
4. DW becomes more imbeclilic in each passing year.
5. Mikey can wreck four times and its always the other drivers fault because he can't drive a hot nail is a wet snowball.
6. Mike Helton is the real pimp behind the #7.
It was good racing and it will be an interesting Daytona 500... But things can change in a weeks time....
It's been three days since the Bud Shootout...isn't it about time for NASCAR to change the rules?
McMurray looks hot! He's definitely in my Fantasy B-list picks. A.J. looks good in the C-list.