Why does NASCAR allow new drivers to the cup circuit during the chase?
November 23, 2009 by
Filed under nascar
How ticked are people going to be if Keselowski takes out a chase driver due to a “rookie” error? I am all for people coming up through the ranks but during the playoffs of NASCAR I do not think it is the right time.
There is no rule about who can drive, or when. It would be unfair to all if they did.
I would be ticked too if that happens. I think part of the reason is if they do really well teams could have them run a full season in 2009 whereas if they ran a few at the beginning of the season they would have to wait a year to run a full season.
Hopefully he’ll do great and no “rookie” errors.
i think i would be more worried about logano than special K
I agree. They need to allow it only during the first part of the season and once the chase starts then that’s it. No more part timers.
Nascar has to approve all drivers being on the track. Keselowski, in the eyes of Nascar has the required experience to be on the track with the big boys. You or I could not show up on Friday and take to the track.
That’s a great question and I think during the Chase they shouldn’t allow it !
GREAT POINT! I agree with you, there are enough reglular season num nuts in the way out there without making it worse!!
GREAT QUESTION!!!
It gives the rookies a chance to drive against the top when the they are driving their hardest. If a rookie makes a mistake and creates a wreck that takes out a chase racer then it happens. Because wrecks happens every single race its not always the “rookie” drivers that cause the wreck. A lot of them are so nervous about being in the top races of the season that they really try hard not to wreck and to get teams looking at them for the next season.
Anyone can get on the entry list. A lot of the time these drivers don’t have any points and must qualify on time. With 35 locks and 1 provisional for a past champion, there are only 7 positions available for any race. If rookies can qualify, they should race. Since the cream rises to the top, the contenders for the Chase are usually way ahead of a new team and not around them.
Because NASCAR’S policy has always been that any qualified driver can bring a car and compete. If they can qualify, then they get to race. I admit that it would be awful if Brad took out a chase contender, but there is just as much chance that a wreck will be caused by a seasoned veteran. My personal feeling is that it would be wrong to exclude a driver his shot at making a race just because of the chase. The chase is supposed to be a blend of all the things it takes to win the Cup, and driving with rookies is part of the deal every season.
I think Keselowski is ready (he did race in 2007 too–Buch, and has had a full season in Nationwide this year,) so he has had some practice.
However, I was not happy they let Lagano race for the first time in cup during the chase when he had only run like 4 or 5 Nationwide races.
But you know what they say about the ‘politics’ of Nascar.
Both Keselowski and Lagano are driving for teams that each have three cars in the chase. If those owners don’t care it doesn’t bother me. Besides I’m not one of those people who think the Chase drivers should be given any type of special consideration in the heat of battle.If Nascar wants the 12 chasers to have special treatment for the last ten races then let the rest of the fields season end at Richmond!
Let the fastest cars run!!
PEACE!
Why does Yahoo let you moanand complain during the afternoons?
I agree that it makes no sense, but they do it to get up and coming drivers the chance to earn there license for certain tracks.
Because it is not all about the 12 drivers in the chase!!! The chase sucks!
Over all, I think it is a bad idea. But, I think Keselowski is doing pretty good and should be OK in the Cup races. I agree, it is bad timing for the Chase guys, but probably good timing for the other teams.
*MOJO*
It adds a challenge… the fear of the unknown. It’s really no different than baseball teams that call up strong minor leaguers for the playoffs…
I say why not. As long as they dont take out Carl Edwards. I still have him as the winner.
thats understandable but they are likely to get in a wreck with a veteran like mikey waltrip and thats stupid because its the chase then unexperienced drivers cant drive…thats racing and thats the way it is
If NASCAR did that I would never watch that would be so unfair. Also boring with only 12 cars out there.
Well most teams outside of the Chase choose to make the last 10 races their extra ‘10 next season races’ i.e. they experiment & prepare for next season.
You’re probably right, its not the best time to enter a rookie with the Chase and all, but at the same time, a “rookie” mistake can happen at anytime in any race & could screw up either a Chase shot or a Championship shot.
I think it’s just like in baseball when a team calls up rookies after they are eliminated from the playoffs. The teams have to start getting ready to be better for next year!