Going To California

by Diecast Dude, Special To NASCAR commentary and driver pictures, 2011 NASCAR schedule, video, Bench Racing With Steve and Charlie

October 7, 2010 2:30 pm EDT 1 Comment

I am presently whisking my way down the lengthy ribbon of highway known as I-5, heading toward the golden metropolis of Fontana and a weekend of watching the roundy-rounds at Auto Club. No, I’m not blogging while driving. Although given how I-5 is straighter than the palm trees that increasingly dot the landscape as one moves from NorCal into SoCal, it’s not beyond the realm of possibility.

Given Auto Club’s alleged proximity to the la-la land machine, it’s not altogether surprising this coming weekend opens with a sequel: Danicamania II! Hollywood references aside, the hope is she’ll do better this go-round and in the remaining Nationwide races she is running this year than her forgettable outing here this past February. Thus far, Ms. Patrick has found the stock car learning curve to be both steep and slippery. Her gumption in giving it a go is admirable, but nothing replaces seat time. Finish this year as best you can, then spend next year running every race possible. As to the Nationwide race itself, given that barring a collapse of Ishtar-like proportions the championship is in Brad Keselowski’s bag whipping up interest is a tad difficult. Hopefully Danica’s presence will put a few fans in the seats.

Next comes our featured presentation, the Pepsi MAX 400. Originally this was going to be a 500 miler, but all parties concerned decided to have mercy and shed 100 pounds. Or 50 laps, if you prefer. No information as to whether the lap band was used for this is available at the present time. (This reference probably makes no sense unless you’ve driven through L.A. lately. But I digress.)

Despite the fear and loathing brought about by the mere mention of its name, Auto Club is just another bigger flatter track, perfect for open-wheel racing but when it comes to NASCAR not so much. There’s no super-duper secret to getting around here; simply find the line where your car works best and stay there. The track’s length lends itself to a fair amount of mash it and go, this occasionally resulting in some brutally mashed cars should things go wrong.

Hitting the set-up here is key, since a miss means misery as all parties present motor past you. Stout engines are preferable, but even with pumped-up ponies under the hood you need maximum communication between driver and crew chief for the dancing on a razor’s edge that is making adjustments at such a place. All of which leads to the five drivers most warranting watching all being named Jimmie Johnson. It’s not that a Johnson win is inexorable this coming Sunday. But I wouldn’t bet against it either.

See you at the track tomorrow.

Filed under: Auto Club Speedway

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Comments

One Response to “Going To California”

Charlie Turner on October 7th, 2010 7:48 pm

Can’t wait Dude!

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