162 Comments on NASCAR Called Daytona 500 Too Soon

Fish on


NASCAR is it’s own WORST enemy, no consistency in anything!

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john Reply:
February 16th, 2009 at 8:03 pm

YES I AGREE THETY GAVE TO matt it will stand in win book but he dint desire the win he did not earn it

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Maureen Reply:
February 18th, 2009 at 3:40 pm

Last time I went to the Daytona 500 it was also called because of rain and Michael Waltrip was declared the winner. I was so mad I never went back until this year……..NOW I NEVER WILL! A race like the Daytona 500 should run its completion. You have lower the Daytona to a piece of nothing. You did it to me again. To think I was the one who talked everyone into going and you ruined it for all of us. I even had those not interested in NASCAR to come for some great fun and now they, too, will never go back. We would all be there for the running on Monday; but you selfish and caring folks only want money and do not care about any of the fans; which is obvious from Sunday’s Daytona 500. We had fun and lots of excitement going to Daytona but you put a damper on our return trip by cutting the race so early. We aren’t disposable you know, we can take some rain. We can make a fun trip out of rain but you guys are no fun since all you care about is money.

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Mike Reply:
February 17th, 2009 at 4:28 pm

yes i agree that nascar called the race to soon, if you look it had stopped raining when Matt was in the winner circle 10 min later. This is the biggest race of the year and should not be given away like they did nascar needs to watch how they run the program in these tough times. I dont think they would like to lose their fan base for being stupid.

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Helen Johnson Reply:
February 17th, 2009 at 6:50 pm

Matt didn’t win the race, give me a break. I am getting fed up, been a fan for years, but no fun watching any more.
Helen

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Jim Reply:
February 19th, 2009 at 7:38 pm

Hi; here’s my thoughts as a watcher of N@$$car racing and fan for 27 years now since we got cable here and ESPN in 1982:
NASCAR knew that the storm front was coming and they could have started racing @1:30pm or 2pm and got the race in barring a very lengthy RED FLAG event.
The announcers kept bragging that the 500 has never been rained out and re-run on the next day;BUT failed to mention the fact that it has been rain shortened I think{Not Sure}4 times now.
SADLY the fans that spent all THEIR money in tickets;travel;food and such were SCREWED over once again!!
Look at what ESPN did for Nascar and what did they do in appreciation?? they turned their backs on them cause they wouldnt pay the amount of $$ that Nascar wanted.I think Nascar should wake up and smell the coffee before they LOSE fans;and what will really hurt them=$$money$$.

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Eddie on


No, I do not think NASCAR made the right call. And I think the call that held Jr for a lap cause his tire was “touching the pit box line was ludicrous as well. We aren’t playing football here! I think the powers that be at NASCAR had better wake up before they lose a lot of good fans!

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Donna on


unreal…as a true fan…first race of the cup season….DAYTONA…such bull from nascar…i am very dissapointed…

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carl on


I think if it would have been 100 laps left they would have dryed the track. They called the race too soon this wasnt the end.

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JIm Mohn on


Nascar didn’t do enough to get the Daytona race in. I can’t believe I waited all winter to see this crap. I am a 50 year fan of Nascar and I am getting fed up with the NEW NASCAR. All cars, motors and all areequal for all. NASCAR, get on the ball and let them race. Soon you will see many like me that will give up on NASCAR just like professional football, basketball and baseball. I no longer particpate or support in any of these!

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lynne Reply:
February 18th, 2009 at 4:42 pm

i agree ! i’ve been a race fan since the dirt tracks before it became the nascar we know i paid a lot of money for my tickets and waited all year for this race ‘ it’s the super bowl and world series of racing and we needed to see it finished even if it meant returning the next day! i will not be attending daytona 500 next year ! i am not willing to waste my money i will stay home and watch it on tv ‘ maybe?

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judith ann morriss on


Like I heard earlier its daytona! Finish the race!

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John G on


NO they did not make the right call, in fact they need to get rid of that dumb rule, that is the dumbest rule I ever seen, no competition in that rule, finish the race the next day, not call it, especially when it’s the Daytona 500 !!!

If my man Jr was in front, I would feel the same way, race till the actual finish, that’s fair to all the fans including the paid fans and also the drivers.

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Mavis Rideout on


I think they should have waited awhile to try to get the race restarted. They said it would be late so possibly a lot of fans would have left the track but there are millions watching on TV if they could have broadcast it. It just doesn’t seem finished to me. Of course, being a Dale Jr fan, I wanted a better finish for him so maybe I am prejudiced that way.

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snapshot on


i don’t think nascar cares about the crowd. all they care about is the MONEY. They could have dryed that track out.like you said it might have been late but you came and spent a lot of money to see a RACE not a car setting on pit row covered up and being call the winner.come on nascar do what is right for one time.

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Aaron Delcambre on


I agree with everything you said. Ive been a nascar fans a long time. I’m a Dale Jr fan and i think he would of won this race if they would have went back to green. And in the pits when his tire was on the line that was so [blank] it could not have helped him in any way. i understand if half his car was out the pit box but just that little piece of his tire COME ON? When they called this race it was about 7:00 o’clock in Florida if it would of rained till 8 o’clock then about 30 minutes to dry the track then we would of been racing again at 8:30 plenty of time left to the night. Nascar needs to change there rule on ending a race because of rain. Make it 3/4 of the race has to be finish not just half. I mean come on NASCAR that`s so shitty to the people who love this sport to end the greatest race of the year like that. And all the people who spent money to see 200 LAPS NOT 152.

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Katherine on


As much as I am happy for Matt Kenseth, I do agree 100%. If I had paid for gasoline, hotel accomidations and the price for a ticket, etc., I would have been very upset. I have seen a lot more races delayed due to rain and even about 1 hour or a little more the race re-started and finished. They did not give enough time to see if the storm would pass and I even had my internet on weather.com and it looked as though it was not going to last long. Enough to re-dry the track in my opinion. Those race fans and car owners put in their time and hard earned money for this race… Hello!! It is the Daytona 500…I do think whomever was responsible for this call made a very very very poor decision!! I paid good money last year and drove over 600 miles one way to see the July Daytona race and let me tell you….If I had driven and spent hundreds of dollars to see the Daytona 500 – someone would hear from me I can tell you. Again, I am happy for Matt Kenseth, but very poor call by NASCAR!!

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Tom on


Absolutely not!! They had plenty of time to dry the track and get the race back underway. I looked at the radar not long after they made their call. It looked to me like there was an opening coming up. Probably enough to get the track dry and finish the race. The fans wouldn’t have cared if it was 10:00 or midnight. After all, they were at the “Superbowl of Motorsports, the Daytona 500″. For many of the fans, especially with the economy the way it is, this was a once in a lifetime chance to see the Daytona 500 and NASCAR deprived them of the chance to see a checkered flag. That was uncalled for.

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RICARDO on


I GET IT NASCAR FORGOT THAT THERE ARE A LOT OF PEOPLE THAT PAY FOR THOSE EXPENSIVE TICKETS TO SEE THE COMPLETE RACE IN THIS ECONOMIC TIME THAT THERE HAVING PROBLEMS WITH SPONSOR AND TEAMS YOU WOOD THINK THEY WOOD GIVE THERE PAYING CUSTOMERS A FULL RACE BEGINING TO END BUT IT DOSENT LOOK LIKE THATS IMPORTANT TO THEM BUT AT THIS RATE THEY WILL JUST KEEP LOSING GOOD VIEWERS AND CUSTOMERS THAN THEY GET ON TV AND COMPLAIN THAT THE ECONOMY ITS HURTING THEM IN ORDER TO KEEP CUSTOMERS YOU HAVE TO GIVE THEM A GOOD PRODUCT THAT MEANS A FULL RACE NOT A PARCIAL ONE I DONT SEE THEM GIVING SOME OF THE TICKET MONEY BACK TO ANY OF THOSE PEOPLE THAT PAY THE FULL PRICE OF A TICKET

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charlie m on


no i think it was a wrong call the first pionts race of the year and also no one should win the 500 setting in their car.And also if nascar thinks they are going to keep the fans going to races they are not going to this way. How would you have liked to have had tickets to this race

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DAVID,D on


YOU BETTER BELEAVE IT A NASCAR BOO BOO.SO THEY WON’T NEED TO WORRY ABOUT SELLING TICKETS, THEY WON’T HAVE ANY FANS.

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Greg on


Its hard to say without seeing the weather radar at the time. Having lived in Florida though, these are afternoon showers that usally don’t last long. It certainly was a dissapointment. Its hard to say what the motive was for calling the race but we need to have a little faith that NASCAR will make the right calls this season. This should be an exciting season!

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JEFF R on


BYE NASCAR IM DONE INDY CARS AND NHRA HERE I COME

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Rita on


I hate seeing a race called because of rain. I do not know if NASCAR made the right decision, I was not there and also have no idea of the duration of the rain.

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Jim on


I am in agreement with the others that the race (IF STOPPED) should of either waited to see if the rain would stop or finish the race on Monday as it’s a holiday so you would still have fans in the stands plus the TV people. As for the STUPID rule of Jr’s tire on the line a inch or so and hold him back a lap sounds like another rule that needs to be addressed. I’ve seen in other races the whole back end of a car not in the box and the driver didn’t have to wait a lap!!! I guess now that the NASCAR big wigs aren’t concerned about the fans now that the BIG Bucks are rolling for them….

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Marc Goulet on


YES I AGREE, IT’S RAIN USUALY OVER THERE FOR A BIT WAIT AND TRY TO DRY THE TRACK.

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Kasey's Ga Nana on


NASCAR IS LOSING FANS DUE TO THEIR INABILITY TO BE CONSISTENT. WHY WAS LEFFLER PENALIZED 5 LAPS ON SAT AND DALE, JR DOES THE EXACT SAME THING (OUT OF FRUSTRATION?) AND HE GET NO PENALTY!!!!! I HAVE BEEN A FAN SINCE THE 50′S WHEN THE RACE WAS ON THE BEACH AND CAN AFFORD MY TICKETS (HAVEN’T MISSED THE DAYTONA 500 FOR 6 YEARS) BUT I DON’T THINK I’LL BE BUYING MY ATLANTA TICKETS FOR NEXT MONTH. DALE, JR SHOULD HAVE DRAWN THE SAME PENALTY.

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Babe on


I think the announcers are very unfair to Dale Jr. They single him out when he just did something everyone else is doing all day. In cluding Jeff Burton saying he got bumped because Jr. made it three wide. Half the race was three wide.

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dammit on


I checked the starting time – 2pm on Fox – made sure I was on time to watch – the crap they had on before 3pm was BS! I don’t think I can be a “fan” much longer.

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john wesson on


Of course it was a bad call!! NASCAR’s action, attitude, and total dis-regard for anything but money had already caused me to stop spending money to make them rich. Television coverage has got so bad that I tape it and seldom even watch it . . . and with this kind of call, I won’t bother to even tape anything to do with NASCAR!! Back to supporting my local track. All involved know the value of fans!

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Betty Pierson on


I totally agree that the race was called toooo soon! Look what they did last year in Calif. & then screwed it up totally!!! I also think that 1″ ( ? ) Jr.’s tire was on the line was a totally wrong call! I would have understood it if he had been OUTSIDE the line an inch but barely on the line? Come on NASCAR you need to get real! I also have to comment on Jr.’s move that involved the big one. He told the truth! I have never heard him lie to protect himself – as Darrell Waltrip also agreed!!! This was the most disappointing/depressing Daytona 500 ever!

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Tom on


After Dale Jr screwed up and damaged a lot of good cars they could have just as well ended it then, the race was virtually over…well it was on my TV. I changed channels when I saw NASCAR didn’t park Jr. 5 laps like they did the driver in the Nationwide race Sat nite..for rough driving. That was as intentional as it gets and no penality for their golden boy. The politics of NASCAR is what ruins the show and has for years..Hopefully noone even tunes in or shows up at the next couple races just to show NASCAR they need to clean up their act..and run a clean race to the end even if it takes 2 days or late night to finish over a few raindrops.

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BadBob on


I can remember at least 2 times that a Nascar race did not end until 1 or 1:30AM because of a rain delay. Nascar called the 500 way to soon. The anouncers even said that Helton came of to the booth and said that the weather charts showed that it would rain for another hour and a half, so what. The fans sure did not get their monies worth. The fans did not come to the track to see somebody sing, they came to see a whole race. This was not a 500.

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bubba on


weres the rain! weres the blowers . the biggest track . with the most blowers and drying eqipment in the world didnt even try! nascar suck just like our gov. amen…

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Joe on


NASCAR did the right thing calling the race. Safety is more important than a green flag finish.

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JIm Mohn Reply:
February 16th, 2009 at 11:12 pm

How would you feel if they called the Super Bowl after three quarters, the World Series after 7 innings, NBA playoffs in the third quarter, Hockey in the middle of the third period, the presidential race after Nevada votes. If they dry the track, safety is not the issue anymore than then the beginning of the race. Run the race!

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lynne Reply:
February 18th, 2009 at 4:52 pm

i agree! i spent a lot of money tickets,hotel etc we needed to see the 500 finish the last lap 200, not___!

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Steve Reply:
February 17th, 2009 at 12:04 am

This comment is meant for you Joe,It sound’s like you dont know anything about racing. If you read other comments, the Datona 500 is like the Super Bowl of Motor Sports.You dont end on rain delay, you try everything to restart the race by drying the track out or finish the race on Monday. As far as what you say about Kyle Busch, he can be a dirty racer and a whiner.

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Kelley Reply:
February 20th, 2009 at 7:37 pm

Joe, you have no idea what you are talking about. Maybe you should spend some time watching races before you make ridiculously ignorant comments. What does safety have to do with anything? The track gets dried before the race is restarted. Therefore, it would have been just as safe to race after the rain delay as at the start of the race.

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Sandy on


The entire race was nothing but bad calls. Jeff Gordon came out of the pits a long way ahead of Kyle, but they gave Kyle the lead for the restart. Jr was penalized a lap for touching the line. They called the race too soon and gave the victory to some one that did not deserve it. Maybe we need a red flag to throw on the track to protest bad calls like the coaches have in football.

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Joe on


You all sound like a bunch of BOO HOO Kyle Busch fans !!!

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sweettater on


yes nascar made one of the biggest mess ups ever, LET THEM RACE THE WHOLE RACE !!

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Pat on


I think that the Daytona 500 should run the full 200 laps even if it goes into Presidents day.
That is one reason Nascar is loosing fans.
I went to Daytona for 12 years in a row and I would not go again to see it called like that.
Nascar wake up

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Bob J on


yes I think they stopped the race too sone

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Dan on


Since 3 the Earnhart movi came out I’ve become a nascar fan. But this has really made me rethink what am I gonna do with my day? I could easily watch something else or work on my car. NASCAR you might have lost another fan.

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Elaine on


Jr. is a great driver, but what he did was wrong. I was mad at himself for his mistakes, but he should not have taken it out on someone else. He wrecked a lot of cars because he was
Po’ed at himself. Nascar should be consistent with their penalties. Why hold one driver 5 laps and not penalize Jr. for doing the same thing Leoffler did but he came back up and hit
Vickers again. It is not the same as it used to be. Nascar needs to take a second look at their calls. I guess it all depends on what your name is. Proud of you Smoke, Hell of a job.

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Eda on


IT SUCKED !!!
There must be a more sportsman
way of ending … it’s not like
it (rain) won’t happen again !

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Elaine on


Already responded to this, but I remember several years ago, when it was like 2:00 in the
morning waiting for the finish of a race. They, Nascar, are not thinking about the fans anymore. Who keeps this going? FANS!!!!!!!!!!!. Get it together, Nascar.

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Larry on


And they wonder why the TV ratings are down.
Are they that stupid!

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walter on


the biggest race of the season deserves to be finished the most exciting part is the last two laps how can you do that to so many nascar fans that is only right for all the drivers still in the race,,,,, Sometimes you got to do what you got to do……. just dont do it to all the fans……..what a let down after all those hours…… maybe a few changes would be in order from nascar….. oh well,n another day another dollar. That is what it looks like. The powers to be won again.w

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bubba on


The fans are totally confused about calling this race too soon. Nascar still has not given quite the reason as to why. Other races have been delayed for hours before. Why not this race? THIS IS THE DAYTONA 500! HOW DISAPPOINTING!!!

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Susan Coley on


Yes, I think they called it too soon!! Us fan’s have waited all winter break for the Daytona 500 and I wanted to see the complete race with a winner crossing the finish line. I’m glad Matt was the one that ended up winning, but I wouldn’t have wanted to win under those circumstances! NASCAR……Stop and count to 10 for goddness sake’s, the FAN’S deserve it!! Without us, you wouldn’t be racing and there would be no NASCAR!! Don’t get so far out that you sink yourself!

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Daveroo on


ummmmm its STILL RAINING in daytona at 6:54 pst…they made the RIGHT CALL now shup..and JR fans shup…he screwed up..he should have been held for being on the line and was and he did in fact get into vickers..no doubt about it..end of story…

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Janet on


I like Matt and am happy for him, but Jr is my favorite. The race could have been continued on Monday. It left me with a duuuuuu is that all there is feeling about the Daytona race.

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bubba on


THE MAJORITY OF US FANS ARE KYLE BUSCH HATERS! AND DALE JR FANS. yOU MUST BE THE BUSCH FAN . SO BOO HOO HOO ON YOU!!

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sweettater on


Elaine,you told it right, NASCAR ARE YOU LISTING, Elaine you tell’em,, sweettater

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Texas Bob on


NASCAR made the wrong call – Plain and Simple. Who cares how long it takes to dry out the track. The Daytona 500 is NASCAR’s Super Bowl, World Series, Championship Game all rolled into one and right at the start of the season. What a way to start – UGH! Maybe NASCAR should think about starting earlier when there is a possibility of rain. I bet everyone who bought a ticket to this Daytona 500 was in their seat way before the start. Haven’t they done that at other Races???

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Barb on


I agree, they should have dried the track, and kept the race going! I was disappointed,I have been waiting for the Daytona 500, then its trashed like this!!

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harry kimmey on


less talk and more racing. talk all week and race 3 hours and commerials. all this bs on the races. nascar this time was right about calling the race. radar showed the rain and it is sunday and some people still have a job to go to. its just to much to go to the next day to finish the race. lot of the pit crews have other jobs to go to. H.K.

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dan on


Speak for yourself. You obviously didn’t get ripped the price for a ticket not to mention the whole vacation thing doesn’t compare to last years vacation there.

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LARRY on


IT WAS STOP TO SOON AND THEY NEED TO GET OFF jr.BACK NOW!!!!!!!

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C6Ron on


I’ve sat here for hours, yes H-O-U-R-S for a Race to start due to Rain Delay! I believe the longest I have waited is near 4 hours on a Sunday afternoon, only to be postponed to another day or the end of the season! Remember they Raced at NHIS in New Hampshire in late November (Thanksgiving)? How long did they wait this night, 15 minutes, a half hour? I know it wasn’t long, I also know it was NOT right either! I’ve waited all Winter for this Race, as did all the Drivers, Pit Crews, Owners, Fans and God only knows who else! This was WRONG and NASCAR really owes the Drivers, Pit Crews, Owners, Fans and anyone else that pays attention to NASCAR an apology for this running of the Daytona 500! It is really a shame when your wallet gets that fat, you can not sit on it another hour or so!

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LARRY on


GET OFF JR.

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harry kimmey on


take out the bands and all the prerace crap. the race would have been complete .h.k.

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Ray on


I beleive nascar has out grown itself. Its more fun and affordable going to the local races where they really do race with real cars and real drivers!! Fox needs to move nascar to the reality channel because it fits there since the so called reality shows are bunk. This long time nascar fan and supporter is at the last straw with it all.. Sorry Dale #3 and Dale Jr but the real racing in nascar is quickly passing.

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Elaine on


Bubba, I have never been a Kyle Busch fan and never will be, but what is good for one driver regardless whether it is Nationwide or Sprint, the penalty should be the same. You can bet there will be some negative feed back on this call. Jr. deliberatly took Vickers out and that is no BS.

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sid on


Started late & finished early, they are digging their grave!

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Lynn on


I was a little disappointed that they called the race so quickly. However, they knew the weather was closing in before the race started and even when they were in Victory Lane, it was still raining. I have been at Daytona in the rain and the spectator areas get really bad. They get muddy & slippery real quick when they get wet. I think some of the soil is clay. There also aren’t many places to take cover. Otherwise, it was a pretty good race. Some drivers made some mistakes and some were just in the wrong place at the wrong time. There were tire issues, etc., and everyone still getting used to everything for the new season. I was hoping for a different outcome but it was the first race of the season.

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mick on


After having the 2008 season leave with a terrible taste in my mouth, it’s come back – and on the very first race! What we saw out here in California was Jeff Gordon being interviewed, and he’s talking about how exciting the finish will be. In the middle of a comment, they just announce..’IT’S OVER!’ Jeff disappears..and that’s it, folks. WTF? What irritates me is I really enjoy Daryl and Mac…but I’m personally tuning out for the next couple of races…I’ve had it. An announcement made in that manner, without any discussion on Nascar possible weather decision at all, tells me they didn’t make it. I’m done! See ya’ll in a month or so. And I’d like to thank RacingWin for giving me a chance to say my piece. I truly enjoy considerate business people, and I feel sorry for that SOLD OUT crowd. Wonder how many will be back after blowing a grand to see that fiasco??

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Barbara on


Hey Everybody.. THIS IS FLORIDA>>>> When it rains in Florida, it’s over in a few minutes.. It never lasts very long…. Clouds come in,,, It rains,,, It’s over,,
BACK TO RACING.
Nascar, you should know better than that… Calling the DAYTONA 500…
SHAME ON YOU.

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bubba on


NASCAR GET RIGHT THIS TIME. WAIT A HOUR OK! DALE FAN. ITS OK HE WAS PUSHED TO THE GRASS, HE HAD NO WERE TO GO BUT RIGHT! END OF STORY! VICKERS WRECKS THATS HOW HE NOWS TO WIN! REMEBER TALLY! GET REAL! GONA QUIT ! IF IT STAYS LIKE THIS!!! THIS IS STUPID !@!!

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chuck on


The Jr.call,outside the box? WAS the right call
his pit crew screwed up by pushing the official out of the way as he tried to tell them he was out.Sr.tried to rewrite the rules to his favor and now we have Jr. to follow? Jr.can get the job done now that he joined Hendrick.Lets hope Daytona is not an example of the 09 season.

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karen on


Elain, your first comment was ‘right on’.

Now, folks. Some of you have forgotten the rules.

NASCAR doesnot care about fans at the track nor watching tv. They will never listen to what the fans have to say.

You have to get used to- NASCAR is GREED.

France Sr. started all this and then France Jr. screwed up and the present ‘higher ups’ are going to screw up even more.

France Sr. has been rolling over in his grave for many years at what his family did to all his hard work for the great sport of NASCAR.

Then you have Bruton Smith who will probably put on a performance of some kind this year. There is only one Hummpy Wheeler. Can’t wait for his book to be published.

Finally. GREED – all over at the tracks. Last time I went it was $1.00 for a glass of water. $2.00 for a glass of ice cubes – oh yes small styrofome cups and $3.00 for a pack of Winston cig.’s.

I guess if we are going to watch – I certainly would NOT attend – then we’ll meet here on Sunday night’s and at least we have the courtesy to listen to each other’s opinions.

‘Til next week.
Canada

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Susan on


I’m mad, really mad the race was called, it was much too soon. The Daytona 500, the season opener, what a crappy way to start the season. Nothing against the #17, but there were a lot of guys that could have won,it would and/or could have been an exciting finish instead it was nothing more than a ho-hum with Matt getting out of his car on pit road – give me a break!

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BJ on


NASCAR really blew it this time. The race was almost finished. I believe fans and drivers weren’t happy about the ending. Even Kennseth didn’t seem all that happy – I believe he would have been happier if he could have won by going all the way. As for Dale Jr. being on the white line, the official who made this call is completely off base. His tire was not on the other side of the white line! This was so minor compared to other things happening on the race track. I also think commentators should keep their comments to themselves. They should have never judged Dale Jr. by saying he retaliated when Vickers blocked him and he dropped below the yellow line. We all know how Vickers drives. I certainly remember Talledega. He even took out his own teammate. Jr. is the first one to admit he was wrong and would have taken responsibility for the big wreck. He would never done that deliberately! The commentators and NASCAR both have a lot to think about.

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mamadew88 on


If NASCAR keeps changing the rules like they change their minds, they are going to get NO ONE to go to the tracks. We can all sit in our nice warm homes and watch TV and save my hard earned money. I spent the whole afternoon and evening when it rained in California and went home miserable and VERY wet.It took NASCAR hours before they decided to run the next day when everyone had to go to work. If it were pouring rain today, I would agree, but rain in Florida is just a shower and passes by very quickly. NASCAR needs to get their act together and very soon.

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Marie on


I believe that they called the race way to soon. I know a lot of people that were there at the race and said by the time they got out of the parking lot it had stopped raining and they haven’t seen a drop of rain at all on their way home. NASCAR should have just waited a few more minutes. Come on NASCAR it’s FL first of all it never rains longer then 30 minutes and also it’s the Daytona 500, it should have never finished that way.

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sharon on


Daytona should not have been called!!! I went to the july race one year and there was a 3 HR delay because of rain, BUT that race was completed at 2am!!! and since this is florida why didn’t the race START at 2 like advertised??? there was plenty of time for the pre-race shows, which us tv viewers normally dont get to see along with the driver intros!! why delay the race for that?? As for Jr causing that wreck, could it possibly be that he was trying to regain control of his car that was forced outta bounds by vickers?? i watched that wreck at least 4 times and thought he was trying to regain control when he clipped vickers and I didnt think it was intentional, maybe vickers should have had more control of his car!!

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INfield420 on


YES once again NASCAR screwed up,not only by calling the race to early but I have not seen any comments about the late starting times.Back in the day this race would have started three hours earlier and had plenty of time to finish the race.Brain france just keeps putting nails in the coffin.I really feel sorry for the fans that spent their hard earned money to see 500 miles not 380.

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Joel Bailey on


If nascar can’t get who comes out of the pits first right. How are they going to get anything
else right. They should have waited longer.

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joel on


yes the race was called too soon i live in florida when it rains here it rains for 20 mins most. they could of restarted the race again at most in a hour daytonna does have lights you knowwhy have lights if you dont use them also for jrs being held a lap in the pits the rule states being outside of your pit bot his car tire was on the line half of it there fore not out side of the box as for vickers why did he try to wreck jr??? REMMEBER HE WRECKED JIMMY JOHNSON AND JR LAST YEAR JR HAD A CLEAR RUN ON HIM WHEN VICKERS TRIED TO WRECK HIM IN THE GRASS YOU WANT JR TO CHECK UP AND MAKE A WORSE WRECK IF I WAS JR I WOULD OF DONE THE SAME THING IM NOT GOING TO THE 4OO OR ANY MORE RACES TIL NASCAR GETS IT RIGHT THEN AGAIN I MIGHT NOT GO TO ANOTHER RACE AGAIN

[Reply]

Peggy on


Nascar was wrong…which is turning into the “Norm” anymore! They have postponed smaller races till the next day because of rain, so why not the “500″…the one big race everyone is geared up to watch each year! It sucks! And it’s not “winning” if they just hand you the trophy and title. It’s a win when the front end of that race car crosses the finish line. NOW….as to the comments about JR! Yes, I am a “devoted” JR. fan, but the tire touching that white line I think is ridiculous! If it was over the line..yeah I can see it! Some cars go in at a dang angle sometimes, and nothing is done about that! And now the wreck!! DON’T tell me JR. did it on purpose! He is NOT a dirty driver..unlike the punk smartmouth Bush! If JR. was a dirty driver, why didn’t he pay Kyle back when he put JR. in the wall and caused Jr. to lose that race? He didn’t cause he isn’t made that way. And what about the other 2 incidents that happened after the big wreck? Nothing was said about those were they? NO! Nascar has gone to the bottom of the pit as far as I am concerned. The big-wigs have ruined it, but don’t care as long as the green keeps flowing in and fattening their wallets!

[Reply]

Paula Woods on


I agree with everyone one else, nascar called the race to soon. I am a dale jr fan and have waited all winter for this race. Very bad choice.

[Reply]

Wayne Powers on


NASCAR IS DIGGING THE SPORT FURTHER AND FURTHER INTO THE GROUND WITH THEIR STUPID CALLS AND THE WAY THEY TREAT THEIR FANS. SOMEONE SHOULD GO TO THE TOP BRASS AND SET THEM DOWN AND MAKE SOME FAN RULES, INSTEAD OF FRANCE AND HELTON RULES. IT SEEMS THAT THE FANS ARE THE LEAST OF THEIR WORRIES AND THAT THEY CAN CARE LESS ABOUT THEM. I THINK THEY DON’T UNDERSTAND THAT WE, THE FANS, IS WHAT KEEPS THE SPORT ALIVE, BUT, THERE ARE A LOT OF US WHO ARE BECOMMING MORE AND MORE TIRED AND TICKED OFF WITH THE WAY WE ARE TREATED. WAKE UP PEOPLE!!!!!!!!!!!!

[Reply]

Capt Beau on


Consistency? NASCAR? They are mutually exclusive terms. I’m surprised the repercussions haven’t caught up with them before now. Talk about the best and the brightest, the powers that be at NASCAR demonstrate what can happen when cousins marry and you’re stuck at the shallow end of the gene pool.
Today’s ruling is just the latest in a long line of wrong-headed decisions that, if not addressed, will see the erosion of the fan base in the not-too-distant future. We should not be surprised, however. The money was locked in and delaying the race would not make any more, in fact it may have cost some additional dollars…..and you thought their decisions had something to do with the fans!
Remember the Daytona 500 that Mark Martin won? Oh, excuse me, the only one that thought he won was the rule book, not the geniuses in the hauler. Remember the fantasy rule that states that immediately (and I think the operative word is immediately) at a yellow flag the field is frozen? Go back and look at your tapess. When the yellow came out MM was leading Harvick i.e. he won.
So don’t be surprised at today’s decision. Congratulations, Matt, but I bet you’d feel a whole lot better if you had won the race.

[Reply]

mark Vallely on


This time Nascar called it right cause they gave everyone about 60 laps notice! I wish if the weather was threatening they could have shortened the prerace crap. Concerts should be performed at night for the people there. The problem I have is that the announcers shouldn’t be taking sides. Jimmy Spencer needs to start having sex with his wife not Kyle Busch every weekend at the race. His comments today were uncalled for, as it was the blocking that started the pile-up and usually is. Congrats to Matt Kenseth!!!

[Reply]

Bill on


The Daytona 500 and NASCAR doesn’t even try
to wait out the rain and restart the biggest
race on their schedule.What a JOKE !!!!!
I’ve been a fan for 15 yrs.and am so tierd
of NASCAR’S BS,I’m not going waist my time
watching anymore,I’ll support my local track
and enjoy racing again…………..

[Reply]

Bill on


The Super Bowl of racing….Ha

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Paul Schaack on


I HOPE NASCAR IS READING THESE COMMENTS. THE FANS ARE GETTING TIRED OF THE WAY YOU OPERATE. THIS WAS A HUGE HUGE MISTAKE ON YOUR PART. NOTHING EITHER SIDE SAYS OR DOES WILL BRING THIS RACE BACK FROM THE GRAVE IT IS HEADED TO. GOOD LUCK WITH YOUR NEXT EVENT AT DAYTONA. YOU ARE GOING TO NEED IT.

[Reply]

Sheila Robinson on


Todays race was supposed to be the “Super Bowl of Racing” as many before me have said, the hype, the prices, the announcers (Jimmy Spencer on Speed TV & DW on Fox)the rules and the rain. Blaming JR for everything that goes wrong with NASCAR, last year the sales were down according to NASCAR because JR did not win races. This year track owners are using his name without his permission trying to sell tickets and JR gets gigged for calling the track owners on it and saying that they not the drivers need to do something to sell the tix, that it is not up to the drivers to do more than what they already do, especially JR. I am so fed up with NASCAR, I am a JR fan and I think more pressure is put on him than any other driver out there, no matter what he does it is not right to many people. He is an Earnhardt, that is NOT his fault, either you like him or you don’t. He is NOT his father, and you fault him for that, can’t he be himself. He is an honest, tell it like it is man, isn’t that something to be respected for, instead of being a lying, cheating SOB. Get over it, JR NATION stands strong for him and any drivers fans should wish that they had such a faithful following.
As far as the rain call, it continued to rain here very near Daytona, but not hard, I think it was an early call. For being the biggest race of the season, I think NASCAR or whoever called it blew it! That is not what all of those thousands of people paid good money for, I don’t care if they did lower the ticket prices — what about the people that paid the full price for the same type of tickets that got lowered????? Is that fair???? I know, nothing in life is fair, but think about it, I buy my ticket 3 months in advance and you get the seat next to me the day before the race for half of what I paid, you are happy sure, but me, Not so much!
NASCAR is CONSISTENTLY INCONSISTENT. And personally my husband (who I have to listen to rant thru every race about the way NASCAR does things), & I are getting sick of it all. We have been fans for more years than I want to count and it is sad what it is coming to and it is not the fault of the drivers. After every race that was held so far at Daytona, when a driver was interviewed, they said, something to the effect that they hoped it was fun for the fans to watch, etc. They are doing their part, what is NASCAR doing. For crying out loud, at the start of the race the announcement came that there was going to be a competition yellow at lap 25. On or around lap 23, I hear on my scanner that NASCAR has decided not to throw the yellow at lap 25, because there have been no problems and the weather had not changed since the start of the race. The next thing I see on TV is the yellow flag, and on the scanner, “NASCAR has decided to throw the yellow”. Here we are the first races of the season and they can’t get it right. One more thing, what about the truck race, I have not heard anyone say a word about the “Onion” and him causing a big wreck and no penalties and then winning the race after more than half the field gets knocked out????? Must be no one saw that race. (That last comment was from my husband, ranting in my ear as I type) Thanks for letting me vent.

[Reply]

margaret on


I AGREE WITH EVERYONE ELSE! CALLED TOO SOON!! JR. SHAFTED{AGAIN}……….

[Reply]

chaz on


i think its time to stop the monopoly,start a new org. called FASCAR. between the ownwers and sponsors that really like the ole time racing. in a couple years it would rule and the fans would flock there let them build them the way they want no resrictions lets go frickin racin and run whatcha brung.

[Reply]

Daniel on


Dosnt Nascar listen to radio, tv or email advertising?
Cheaper tickets on sale for the Daytona both Michigan Races, Taladegas races, tickets for sale every where for Bristal
NASCAR ,, ASLEEP AT THE WHEEL

[Reply]

Randy on


It jerks me that everyone assumes that Jr. wacket him on purpuse. How can any of you KNOW what was going through his mind. Who in there right mind would want to take someone out when you’re both in front of the whole field! Yes, Jr screwed up, but I’m sure it was an just an error in judgement on clearence.

[Reply]

JF on


Nascar continues to disappoint me with their bad decisions in many areas. Ending the DAYTONA 500 with 1/4 of the race left was a dumb call. I have been a NASCAR fan since the 70′s but I am just about ready to throw in the towel and quit watching it. I am sick of the crappy inconsistant rule calls, the generic cars (they haven’t been REAL cars for years), and the sickening sweet conduct rules for the drivers. NASCAR only has a few years left unless things change in a big way. WAKE UP NASCAR!

[Reply]

Pat on


Reply to Jim – The right(passenger side)rear tire is the only tire that by rule does not have to be in the box. All other tires have to be within the box. The operative word is “within” it does not say “in or on” the box.

[Reply]

Edward j Rogers Jr on


I think it was called to soon as well the end of a Race is more spectaciler than anything else the fight to the end!

[Reply]

Jim on


In the south its thunder showers in late evenings. If the damn race would have started at 1pm like it used to we would have seen a race!
I have stop watching sunday night raceing and Ca. and Tx. races, Too big-too wide and boring
Jim Ga.

[Reply]

trisha on


WRONG call……NASCAR comes across as the caricature so many non NASCAR fans think it is

[Reply]

Andrew on


Of course they did the wrong thing. The rain was gone from daytona not but 40 minutes after the unexpectedly called the race. NASCAR seemed to know it did something wrong when i had the announcers read that BS statement from the ‘president of NASCAR’ that said if they waited it wouldn’t be until 11:00 so they canceled it. well I’ve seen them restart races WELL past 11:00 especially ones that didn’t start until almost 4:00. They sould be ashamed of all that pre-race stuff. It killed this years Daytona 500

[Reply]

George Moffatt on


They stoped the Race TTTTTTOOOOOOOOOOOOO sooooooooon for sure

[Reply]

Doug Rice on


Bill France would turn over in in grave if he new what his Grandson was doing to NASCAR.It is going down the tubes. this guy had better wake up but it may be to late.I for one will never go to another race at Daytona

[Reply]

Lynn on


I agree with everyone else who said that the race was called too soon. The spectators who paid big money to attend were shortchanged. Perhaps Nascar should start the races earlier and forego all the pre race events. I am waiting for spring when the local northeast tracks and canadian tracks open so we can watch some good racing again. Nascar officials are taking all the “racing” out of racing.

[Reply]

Stash on


Next year, why doesn’t Nascar just draw a number out of a hat and declare a Daytona 500 winner. It’s too bad that Nascar doesn’t have to refund the ticket holders half of their money back. I think then they would finish the race.

[Reply]

Big Fish on


When the red flag came out to stop the race I knew it was over. I’ve been at dirt tracks till 4:00 in the morning so the fans could see what they paid for. now thats dedication and some DAMN GOOD RACING. nascar YOU SUCK!!!!!!!

[Reply]

DAWG ONE on


THER THEY GO AGAIN SHOOTING THEMSELFS IN THE FOOT. LOOKS LIKE NASCAR IS RUNNING THE FANS OUT OF THE STANDS INSTEAD OF IN THE STANDS.

[Reply]

DON SALISBURY on


to soon no good nascar gone to hell

[Reply]

BOB PREMEAUX on


PLEASE EXCUSE THE CAPITAL LETTERS. ARTHRITIS AND POOR EYESIGHT MAKE CAPITAL LETTERS A NECESSITY FOR ME.

I BELIEVE NASCAR SHOULD FINISH EVERY RACE. I WENT TO THE NOVEMBER TEXAS RACE LAST YEAR AND WOULD HAVE STAYED UNTIL TUESDAY TO SEE THEM FINISH THE RACE. I HAD ALREADY SPENT A FORTUNE SO ANOTHER $200 TO SALVAGE THAT EXPENDITURE WOULD HAVE BEEN WORTH IT.

I THINK HALF OR MORE OF YESTERDAY’S FANS WOULD BE THERE TODAY TO SEE THE RACE FINISHED.

I HAVE ONLY BEEN A NASCAR FAN FOR 6 YEARS BUT I HAVE BECOME INCREASINGLY UNHAPPY WITH NASCARS ARBITRARY RULES. IT ONE RULE FOR THIS DRIVER AND THAT RULE IS INTERPRETED COMPLETELY DIFFERENT FOR ANOTHER. I HAVE SEEN SOME POSITIVES. SAFETY IS THE MAJOR POSITIVE BUT IT TOOK SR’S LIFE TO GET IT DONE. I DO LIKE THE CAR OF TOMORROW BECAUSE IT IS MORE DURABLE. IT IS NOT AFFECTED AS MUCH BY THE SMALLER DENTS THAT THE LAST CARS WERE. I COMPLETELY DISAGREE WITH THE RULE LAST YEAR TO RESTRICT TOYOTA’S POWER BECAUSE NASCAR FELT THAT THEY WERE PLAYING UNFAIR. IF I SPENT MILLIONS OF DOLLARS TO FIND A LEGAL ADVANTAGE OVER OTHER TEAMS, I DANG SURE WOULD NOT WANT IT TAKEN AWAY FROM ME.

IF I DID NOT LIKE TONY AND JR AS MUCH AS I DO, I WOULD ALREADY BE AN EX NASCAR FAN.

[Reply]

DaleJrRules88 on


ITS ABOUT TIME THAT DALE JR STARTS DRIVING LIKE HIS DADDY AND I’M PROUD OF HIM FOR PUSHING VICKERS OUT OF THE WAY AFTER VICKERS HIT HIM AND PUSHED HIM UNDER THE DOUBLE YELLOW LINE. TOO BAD FOR BURTON TO BE STUCK IN THE MIDDLE AND WENT BACK IN PLACES. THAT IS WHAT RACING IS ABOUT. IF NASCAR WOULD OF FINISHED THE RACE I’M SURE DALE JR WOULD OF WON THE RACE.

BUSH NEEDED TO BE WRECKED BECAUSE HOW MANY OF THE RACES LAST YEAR DID HE PURPOSELY WRECK PEOPLE TO WIN RACES. NASCAR DIDN’T DO ANYTHING TO HIM FOR HIS AGGRESSIVE DRIVING.

DALE JR KEEP UP THE DRIVING LIKE YOUR DADDY AND IT WILL TAKE YOU TO THE CHAMPIONSHIP THIS YEAR

LOVE YOU DALE JR

[Reply]

itlbrnm on


NASCAR….. as usual,the fix is in ! ! !

[Reply]

Fred Hogaboom on


Instead of waiting until 3:00 in the afternoon, start the race at noon. Florida is notorious for afternoon showers.

As for Jr’s pit box violation, what rules do you follow and what rules are you allowed to “break” a little bit. NASCAR is becoming joke, the car of tomorrow is a joke, eighteen year old drivers are a joke.

Wreck after wreck, caused by over zealous, bent-for-hell-attitude of egos gone wild. “Bunches” of cars do not make great races, just great video for TV.
Are we, the fans, supposed to wait with anticipation, for the “big one”, meanwhile watching a stupid cartoon character and listening to ex-crew chiefs and drivers spout off about inane subjects. If these crew chiefs and drivers are such experts, why aren’t they still crewing or driving.

Keep Mike Joy and add Dale Jarrett, get rid of Larry McTalksalot and “I am in love with myself” Waltrip.
And that guy in a white shirt and French cuffs working on a mock up of a race car is a disaster AND his sidekick reminds me of a cousin, uninvited to the wedding but shows up anyway.
For people who saw the “fight”, live on tv or in person, today’s NASCAR is like watching a “kiddie car” race with three year old’s.
……..and Jeffy, you don’t want to know.

[Reply]

barbara on


Hi, there! Well, I guess IF YOU CRY LOUD ENOUGH YOU GET HEARD. BUT ANYWAY THE BEST PART OF THE WHOLE RACE WAS WHEN JR, GAVE VICKERS EXACTLY WHAT HE DESERVED,OH, AND LET ME ADD KYLE AND DENNY WHO WERE TRYING TO WORK TOGETHER TO KEEP JR FROM GETTING ANYWHERE. But
I tell ya I was so glad to see them get what they deserved. If and when you watch the race again, you’ll see that Vickers could have gone forward, because there WAS NO ONE IN FRONT OF HIM, SO HE TRIED TO BLAME POOR JR FOR HIS MISTAKE, IF THEY WON’T SO JEALOUS OF HIM, MAYBE JUST MAYBE Vickers COULD DRIVE BETTER. IT
WON’T BE FAIR IF THEY FINE, JR BECAUSE Vickers
TOOK OUT HIM AND JIMMIE JOHNSON IN A RACE, WHERE JIMMIE WOULD HAVE PROBABLEY WON AND JR WOULD HAVE COME IN SECOND AND NOT ONLY THAT THEY WERE IN THE POINTS RACE AND HE WASN’T—-
DID THEY (NASCAR)do anything to Vickers NO THEY GAVE HIM THE WIN.
Also,I’m not a Jeff Gordon FAN BUT HE GOT RODE
OVER, HE CAME OUT BEFORE KYLE AND THEY PUT KYLE IN FRONT, I FEEL NASCAR IS SUCKING UP TO
GIBBS RACING and IT LOOKS VERY UNJUST.. BUT GIBBS RACING BETTER WATCH OUT, BECAUSE WHEN THE CREW GETS TOGETHER, THEY WILL SURVIVE…..
THAT’S JR, JIMMIE, JEFF, MARK,AND OH LET’S NOT FORGET TONI………GO GET UM BOYS….grammy 67

[Reply]

greg whetsell on


i was pretty disappointed with nascar.they totally blew this one.i have gone to races that have been rained out and they ran it on monday.so why not fnish it on monday?this is the superbowl of auto racing!nascar needs to get rid of the rule of if your past the half way point in a race it is official if called due to weather.the executives of nascar need to wake up and use better judgement.

[Reply]

BOB PREMEAUX on


Right on DaleJrRules88 – well said! Why not start penalizing everyone who moves someone out of the way like the shrub did Tony Saturday? I was ecstatic when Tony prevailed and the shrub came in fourth. I like most other fans hate the shrub. I now say let these guys race and the chips fall where they may. The only drivers who will put you in the wall to advance themselves like the shrub would soon find themselves on the receiving end of what they practice. Kudos to Montoya for admitting he put that little ahole in the wall last year. I dare say drivers like the shrub would staighten up their act or DNF every race with a torn up race car.

As for NASCARS ending the race – if they can honestly tell me that the US Weather Bureau, AccuWeather, The Weather Channel, their hired meteorologist or a local meteorologist told them it was going to rain on the track for the next 3 hours, I would cut them some slack; otherwise they had their head up their a__!

Even with the official weather knowledge, they could have finished the race today. That would never happen because they would not be able to sell the fans holding tickets new tickets for today. God forbid that NASCAR should do something that would cost them money for their soon to be ex loyal fans.

[Reply]

meme on


Race called to quick. as usual nascar messed up. HOW COME JR’S PIT STOP IS ALWAYS INCORRECT, HOW CLOSE WAS THE TIRE TO THE LINE? BE FOR REAL. GO GET UM JR.

[Reply]

TERRY on


this is suppose to be a 500 mile race not anything Less!why cant they finish the race today.In most other sports if rain delays the game,its delayed or postponed until the game can be completed-i would hate to take a championship that is called short of completion-do you think Kenseith would be the winner at the end of 500 miles-my guess is hell no.NASCAR needs more get out of my way or else drivers like Dale Jr. did yesterday-just like his daddy use to do.

[Reply]

LADYBLUE on


Nascar didn’t even give it a chance. Maybe their afraid the electric bill would of been too high leaving the lights on so long. So much for thinking about the fan! I would of stayed up all night to see a real end to the race. And what about the race off pit road? The replay didn’t even show Gordon’s car. Why? Because he was in front of Bush! Nascar is becoming a bunch of idiots! Just for the books, I’m a Junior fan but lets be fair.

[Reply]

Jack on


Jr. should have been penalized 5 laps, like Lefler, as he did the same thing. There is a difference ….the Earnhardt name Vs Leffler.

[Reply]

Rodger on


I just hope NASCAR reads all these remarks made by the fans. I also like the one where the person stated the reace would have had a conclusion if they had started it at 1:00m like they used to. Why in the world would you start that thing at 3:30pm. Makes no sense at
all to me, or half the fans evidently!

[Reply]

Frank on


Pres Obama wants CHANGE,Nascar is doing so. After being a fan for 50 plus years I am changing.

[Reply]

Susan on


Daytona Race was such a disappointment after looking forward to it for so long! Why did they rush into that decision.

[Reply]

Doloras on


I can’t believe the race ended like that. I was so upset. How long did we wait, maybe 30 min. Good grief. I’m fed up. And whats the deal getting all over Dale Jr. My God, it wasn’t even his fault. They can run all over him and he’s a real good guy about it. This wasn’t his fault and Darrell was all over him, I expected more understanding from him. The whole thing was a farce, his tire touching the white line get real. I was totaly disgusted. I’m a Junior fan too. But Fair is fair.

[Reply]

Taylor on


That was ridiculous at least make an attempt to get the race started again. I mean its been said many times but the fans is what makes NASCAR and any other sport for that matter. Also Jr. should have been penalized I mean he’s alright not my favorite but he is on my favorite drivers team. I do however think he is way over rated and lives off his dads reputation witch isn’t really his fault but he gets way to much hype and credit for not even winning a championship and best place is 3rd. I mean common Jr. nation is living in the past he’s a respectable guy but not that respectable.

[Reply]

Keith Sadler Canada on


I rushed home to watch the race because our Newspaper showed that Fox were going to broadcast the race at 2pm (EST)
What was the cause of the delay?
Had the race started at 2pm the whole race would have been completed before the rain started.
I will not rely on NASCAR to start future races when Fox shows the starting times any more.
Shame on you NASCAR…and FOX.
You have lost a lot of fans I believe.

[Reply]

John "JAK" on


lots of things were wrong with the race but the biggest issue is this article. Would the NFL call off the superbowl if the field got too muddy? no. they would keep playing till there was a champion. would Major league baseball call off the world series due to weather? hell they even postponed the game due to an earthquake!!! but the bottom line is they finished till there was a WINNER. each race is scheduled to run a certain number of laps just like each sport sets a timeline (go into extra innings or overtime till there is a winner). So keep racing till the end and if you cant, finish the race when possible. not 50% laps completed…not 75% laps completed…100% laps completed!!!

[Reply]

MIKE on


I have been a nascar fan for 30 years and I think Nascar should have tried to dry the track. They have had hours of delays before why not now!!!!!!!!!!

[Reply]

Evelyn on


Nascar is not taking care of their fans, when they started putting the racing on the tv and making impossible for us to watch the awards show they didn’t care what the fans throught. They are only after the all mighty dollar, and how ever they can get it. I heard that they didn’t even sale out the Daytona until the day of the race. Open your eyes and stop worring about the all mighty dollar. It is the fans that keeps you in the money. They even have bristol tickets for the whole weekend and that has never been in about 20 years. They better look at who keeps them in jobs!!!!

[Reply]

Maggie on


Hey Dawg—must disagree with you. Nascar did not shoot itself in the foot—-it was the head and all the brains were scattered!! I have been a Jeff Gordon for since before he hit the big leagues, by the same token there are a lot of good drivers that Nascar is playing with their minds. If they don’t want to keep their fans I have one old expression for them”**** or get off the pot” Let the drivers have some input and tone down the “idiot rules” How many laps around the track has MR. France made? And–thanks Jr. Vickers needed that after all he has done to racers including his teammates, sure shows where he was raised!

[Reply]

jw hope on


The France family and Helton think they are the kings of the sport. They may have forgotten who the main supporters are.

[Reply]

LD on


I TOTALLY AGREE–THE RACE WAS CALLED TO EARLY-AN THE ISSUE WITH JR. WAS STUPID, CONSIDERING HIS TIRE WAS JUST BARLEY TOUCHING THE LINE. I DON’T BELIEVE THE OUT COME WOULD HAVE BEEN THE SAME HAD THE RACE BEEN ALLOWED TO FINISH THE WAY IT SHOULD HAVE—WITH A GREEN FLAG WIN

[Reply]

Diane on


Many races that are rained out are held the next day. Even if they couldn’t race at midnight, they should have continued today. This race is HUGE! You continue it until someone wins. IT’S THE 500!

[Reply]

Karen Hillegas on


As one of the people who waited in the rain at the race to watch the last 48 laps, yes NASCAR called the race way to soon. Less than an hour after the race was called, it stopped raining and those last 48 laps could have been completed. I waited almost 10 years to go to the big race and although it was a great experience, the finish was a great let down!

[Reply]

Jesse Q on


I watch all types of racing and i to think that they should have raced to the end no matter what time. I also heard Darrel Wallace state on TV as a commentator that the drivers were not in for the Money.That sounded so Stupid, Why don’t they cut the addmission price to all the fans that support them? I am sure the team owners and drivers are all getting paid well. Thats it i probably said to much.

[Reply]

ehege on


Yes ,i agree with the rest.The race was called to soon.As for Dale Jr.,I think he drove the best yesterday,like back in the day,and as far as vickers goes,he deserved what he got.,And I’m sure vicker’s saw Dale coming,when he pushed him below the line,and Jr.was going to get in behind him,but ole vickers slowed down on Jr.,so he gets clipped.As far as some driver’s being taken out,that’s all part of racing.Yes,I am a Dale jr.fan,and proud of it..LOVE YOU DALE JR.GET IT DONE!

[Reply]

Alex on


I am going to start spending my race money at local tracks instead of putting up with those IDIOTS running Nascar.I’m 20 minutes from the California race and won’t waste my money. Jr. gave Vickers what he deserved.

[Reply]

Elaine on


Fred H., I couldn’t have said it better myself Waltrip needs to put out to pasture and they need to get someone who is not so biased against some of the drivers. Regardless of who they are, they all deserve a little respect from the announcers. The fans can say what they want about the drivers, that what we are here for. Everyone has a favorite driver and doesn’t like some of the things other drivers do to your favorite. That’s racing. But, the announcers should have an open mind to them all.
They need to ditch the cartoons before the race and all the hipe and get the race started. Yesterday’s prerace show was way too long and way overrated by the announcers. Digger is a cute addition, but I can do without the cartoons, they are for kids. So let’s go racing and cut all the crap!!!!!!!!!

[Reply]

MrDuffy on


Thank goodness for ABC Family!
At least there was one good race on yesterday.

Go Lightning McQueen ! ! !

[Reply]

Smokie on


All you Jr haters need to go jump in a big whole and cover yourself up. Jr did not do anything any other driver would do if they had the chance. So back off of Jr!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[Reply]

Brad on


Well to tell the truth I knew NASCAR would call the race as soon as they need because there would be a first time winning driver and car owner.
I fell the same as most of you it was called way to soon, NASCAR didn’t even try to get the blowers out there.
If NASCAR wants fans to stay they need to do what ever it takes to make us HAPPY! without us there is no NASCAR!!!! like it or not that is the way I see it….

[Reply]

Diana Souza on


I think the races should start earlier in the day and when they knew it was going to rain they should have done away with the parade and entertainment. I will not go to any more Nascar Races. I am very disapointed in the whole Nascar Scene. My brother in-law and sister in-law were there also they will not be going anymore.

[Reply]

carole on


1. They would never stop the Super bowl at the end of the 3rd quarter.
2, They would never stop the World Series at the end of the 7th inning of the 7th game.
3. they would never stop the NBA championship at the end of the 3rd quarter of the 7th game.
4. Not one of the Triple Crown Races would be stopped at the final turn.
The Daytona 500 is called for rain with 25% of the race to go and that is why non-fans say NASCAR IS NOT A SPORT , and maybe they are right. If they had started the race at a reasonable time and not at 3:45, they could have finished the race. The rule needs to be changed and a race needs to be run to the end if it takes 2 or 3 days.

[Reply]

Smokie on


Why is it that every time Dale is up there to win a race something ALWAYS happens or someone is ALWAYS trying to blame him for something any other driver would do? When he wins his first race this season you other drivers better watch out cause Dale will own the tracks then. HE WILL BE THE ONE TO BEAT!!!!!!!!!!GO JUNEBUG

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ActionP24 on


That race should never had started so late – if they had to account for time and late night prime time shows should have started at a normnal time – like 1PM! it would have given the weather an extra hour and half!! lousy race – more than half of the top 12 wouldn’t have been there at the end….NASCAR better start reworking their schedule and have their second race closer to Florida and run the darn 500 to the end – whether start earlier – go pat midnight or finish it MOnday…and now I know why I never go to that track!

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Mama Donia on


NASCAR made no effort at drying the race track. 2009 will be a Jack Rousch year for racing. NASCAR will give Rousch everything they can to insure him a championship, probably for Carl Edwards. If Larry Mac had his way they would automatically crown Edwards now, he has a thing for Rousch, in love or whatever. Matt Kenseth is probably a good guy, but I totally despise Rousch. Because NASCAR is in Rousch’s front pocket is why the effort was not made to continue the race. Go Hendrick, and Childress Racing, give them hell!!!!!

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DWIGHT RUSSELL on


YES THEY SCREWED UP GOOD FASHON I HAVE GIVEN UP ON NASCAR GO JR> KEEP UP THE GOOD WORK

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marilyn on


I was at the race, and if they would start it at an earlier time instead of making us set through all the pre race CRAP, it would have been over way before the rain. When will they ever learn?? We now have 43 clone cars running at restricted speeds , which only causes big wrecks, and they don’t get it. Nascar needs a new LEADER and his name should not be FRANCE?

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Rob on


Good job Matt you won the Daytona 380. You did not however win a Daytona 500 I hate to break it to you.

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#1 Earnhardt fan on


I don’t think that Nascar did enough for the fans on Sunday. We all pay to see a race and they play god. It doesn’t matter if you are at the track or watching it on T.V. we all deserve to see the best car win.

We the fans have made Nascar what it is today and I think they forget that. With out us what do they have, I’ll tell ya, EMPTY POCKS.

Nascar if I were you, I would rethink cuting these races short and disappointing the people that line your pockets.

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Smokie on


Matt did not win the Daytona 500. The win was gave to him. He did not WIN anything.

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Bill on


I watched on T.V. Of course the race was called too soon. NASCAR is really killing themselves with these stupid decisions! Also that hour before the race filled with silly cartoons and a stage show really turned me off. I tuned in to watch a race. The whole mess was a giant disappointment.

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Real Racer on


Well I never…..I wish that was true. But I have ever and ever and over again and this just about does it for me. Going back to 1988 and the introduction of controlled racing with the restrictor plates being put in place, this sport, if you can now call it that, has been going down hill fast. There are a whole population of fans that NASCAR started losing in the late 80′s and early 90′s. They were replaced by a younger and newer fan by marketing to them and showed way back then that they really didn’t care about the fan. Stupid rule changes like the restrictor plate all the way up to the stupidest yet, the change in the Truck race of only gas or tires per pit stop. Susposedly to save teams money? Well you either run around on worn out tires or make two stops and risk injury on pit road. I have read through about all of the above and just about everything has been covered. I think the stupidest thing about Sunday was all of that pre-race crap. Digger? What in the f is that all about? What in the world does that have to do with racing? I could go on and on but it is not worth my time. I’m just sorry to see that a whole lot of people feel the same as I, but I don’t see and never have seen the Fan making a difference except if we do live up to all of our threats and stop going/watching. We start hitting them were it really does hurt, the pocket, and they might just do something. Whether it will be a good thing is doubtful but we’ll see. (used to be a) REAL RACER

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Smokie on


JR THE BEST
BUSH- JR WANNA BE
VICKERS-TROUBLE MAKER
JOHNSON-CRY BABY
DW BIG MOUTH
ENOUHGT SAID

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MrDuffy on


Has any one heard yet who NASCAR has picked to be champion this year?
Just thought it would be nice to know.

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lynne on


i belive i already stated my comment

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nascarbaby on


I waited 3 days at MIS,for a race to start.
Now we waited 3 mounths for the 500.They kill it in a half hour. Pissed off.
Jr was in the right,to rub him. It like killing the Super Bowl at the 3rd quarter.

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jrsgirl247 on


They already gotten the money for Daytona! So call it! Did you see the drivers faces when they called it? They looked confused but I was surprised none of them said anything about it.
But their faces told the story. I don’t think it’s about the same thing as it use to be. Tony where are you when we need someone to call them out!!!!!

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Marie on


Yes it certainly was called too soon. The Daytona 500 is touted as THE race and this one turned out to be a farce. I like Matt Kenseth but he DID NOT win that race! I have never seen them call a race so quickly because of rain. NASCAR had plenty of time to wait it out and get the track dried. The fans were cheated. Other potential winners were cheated. Matt Kenseth might have gone on to win anyway but at least he would have really won, not just have it handed to him. What kind of win is that? I wouldn’t think any driver would want to “win” that way. Reminds me of several years ago, I think it was Darlington (but not sure) that the race was stopped for rain and Bobby Labonte, who had not even led one lap was declared the winner. How, for Pete’s sake can you win a race without leading a lap? It was a pretty crappy race all around, what with Dale Jr’s bad luck and Mr. Vickers’ asinine little act and then blaming Jr. for it. I have never been so disappointed in a race, especially a Daytona 500.

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Marie on


Darrell Wallace? In that case how about Rusty Waltrip?????

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Marie on


Reply to Barbara on 2/16: You tell ‘em girl! I agree with everything you said. I am so glad to know that somebody besides myself sees that Kyle Busch and Denny Hamlin are both out to “get” Jr. I dislike all of those Gibbs drivers. And I am so sick and tired of Joey Logano being touted as the best thing since sliced bread and a phenom. If he is such a phenom, how come he wrecked three times during the weekend, through nobody’s fault but his own. He is a little punk just like his team mates. I am so glad Tony got out of that organization; I have always liked him but did not pull for him when he drove a Gibbs Toyota. Welcome back to Chevy Tony! You made one smart move and I wish you luck!

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amanda wilcox on


i think they called it to soon this race was daytona you need to earn this race this is the first race of the season and to actually watch a good race there is always a pile up at daytona and it was actually nice to see them race the way they did if you cant hang out with the big boys you better move that is what you called racing

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NASCAR Listening to Fans | RacingWin on


[...] was a complete turnaround from February when Matt Kenseth was declared the winner in about fifteen minutes after just one red [...]

multistage blowers on


I’ll agree with Fish, NASCAR is it’s own WORST enemy, and will continue to have a difficult time gaining new followers of the sport.

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