Sorry for posting so late, I figured someone else would say something about the race...

So what did the NASCAR fans think of the race yesterday? Helmets being thrown, cars smashing into each other, and let's not forget the "Sh" word being aired on national TV...
Wheewwwwww, What a race!

Haven't been able to watch lately (cable is limited in my rented house), but I heard it was exciting.

I can't wait for the next 9 races.

I thought these professional rush hour drivers were already in their playoffs??? I remember seeing how some guys made the "chase" and others fell out but then I see how some chase-worthy drivers finished like 30th in last week's race. What's the deal?

I was shocked truthfully. I watch nearly every race and couldn't believe the bahavior. I figured they would calm down to some extent this week now that the chase part was over. They were acting like a bunch of 4 year olds, but honestly I LOVE IT!!!

Seriously, that reminds me of the old style racing and how exciting it was before it got all white-washed. No offense to Jeff, but his calm mannerisms and good guy attitude need to be offset with some raw emotion.

If NASCAR became real meatheady and crashy I would definitely start watching. Could somebody please explain this made for TV playoff chase or does everybody have me on ignore?

The last 10 races of the season are called the Chase and the Top 10 drivers are the only ones "racing" for the championship. All drivers still race but the top 10 are the only ones eligible for the Trophy. If one of the top 10 drivers has a bad race, like Kurt Busch who finished 30' something it doesn't really matter because he there are only 9 other guys he really has to worry about for the championship.
Does that make sense?

Your explanation makes perfect sense; what NASCAR is doing is absurdly stupid. I would rank this championship determination right up there with the BCS.

It is kind of stupid but it makes for some exciting racing. To me, I like the fighting and name calling and throwing. But the Chase can be dangerous because other drivers, that are not in the chase, do not have the respect for the drivers that are in the Chase and they all get stupid and crazy.

And there were times when champions clinched the championship when there were still 2 or 3 races left. I think the "chase" was NASCAR's solution to that.

By the way, dalejrfanatic did I hear the Tony Eury Jr. is coming back to the #8 team?

Yes you did. Tony Jr was with Dale Jr this past weekend. Now maybe JR can get back to winning and making the team what it was. It was a very very disappointing season.

So do the 10 drivers start out with a clean slate of points or do they carry over from the "regular season"?

The points are seperated by 5. They start out I think the first driver has 5050 points. 2nd driver starts with 5 less and so on down the line. So basically anyone in the top 10 can win it. Just need to be consistent and have good finishes.

Actually J I am actually just trying to show that I am not this pig-headed SOB that most probably think I am. I actually like learning about new things. To be honest I would love to see a race live. Perhaps Daytona next year.

I just recently started watching NASCAR and love it. My girlfriend and her sister are the ones who actually got me into it. I've watched just about every race this season but I missed this last one and I'm kicking myself for it. Sounded like a great one.

I'm rooting for ol' Tony to make it through the chase on top. I really wanted McMurray in the chase but he just missed out in the last race for the chase. These next nine are going to be awesome, I'll be at the race at Texas Motor Speedway in November (WOOHOO!).

You have got to see it live to appreciate it.

Another way to appreciate it is to think of how you feel when you're going 50 mph down the road and that guy next to you drifts close to your car and how you get that nervous feeling that he's going to bump you.

Now, multiply that speed by almost 4 times and you have an idea of how it is behind the wheel.

What kind of sissies drive 50?!

A live race is the way to go. They are so much fun. You will have a agreat time and Texas would be a great place to see one.
Personally, I would want Jr to be in the chase but that didn't happen so I will be rooting for our local boy here!! Go Kenseth!!

Ron, lol, good response. Trust me, if you have ever visited FL and drove I-95, you would see that NO ONE under 80 drives less than 80, lol.

Everyday I drive PA 283 to and from work. It is affectionately known as the "amish autobahn" for its lack of police presense.