Top Row Seat - Loudon
Dateline: 07/15/97
Ups And Downs
First of all let me say congratulations to Jeff Burton and Buddy Parrott for picking up their second win in just 48 starts. To start with a brand new Winston Cup team and be a contender after just a year and a half is truly remarkable. I'd also like to say thanks again to Kim Burton for enjoying winning so much. That's what winning a Winston Cup race should feel like.
On the other side of the coin we have Ernie Irvan who unfortunately started his race off on familiar ground by putting a bumper on Steve Grissom to move him out of his way. I guess Ernie is trying to impress potential car owners and sponsors by being an idiot. That's a brilliant strategy. When Ernie leaves Robert Yates Racing he will be leaving the best race car he will ever sit in. He will get a ride for next year, but it will not be anywhere near as good a team and it would not surprise me if he never won another race.
From The Top To The Bottom
In just seven days John Andretti moved up the popularity scale with a big win at Daytona and then ruined it all by flashing the Andretti temper that made his uncle famous. John accused Jeremy Mayfield of blocking and intentionally running him into the wall. I have to say that I have never seen Jeremy do anything dangerous or aggressive on the racetrack. However, I have seen John Andretti lose his temper before. (The spring race in Richmond last year comes to mind) So I'm inclined to believe Jeremy when he says "All I was trying to do was let them guys race." John, get over it.
Back To Pocono
This week it's back to Pocono, PA for the Pennsylvania 500. Weren't we just barely here?
I can honestly say that I've never met a race fan who enjoyed attending a Winston Cup race at Pocono. You can't see much more than at a road course from anywhere but the very top of the grandstand. The traffic getting into and out of the race is legendary because there is just one two-lane road leading to the track. Finally, NASCAR is the hottest sport in the country right now yet Pocono is unable to find a title sponsor for either of it's races which results in the lowest purse of the season.
Pocono International has got to be very concerned about it's place on the Winston Cup schedule. I personally hope that NASCAR racing stays at Pocono forever, but it wouldn't hurt my feelings much if they lost one date.
Go Fast, Turn Left, Stay Safe!
Send your tips, rumors and comments to me at nascar.guide@miningco.com.
