*Turn 2 Blog is a regular feature on InsideCircleTrack.com. Here, site operators Michael Moats and Richard Allen take turns offering their thoughts on the NASCAR and pavement short track racing topics of the day.
How does any work get done in a NASCAR garage area crowded with fans?
Richard: I don’t go to a lot of NASCAR races as a media member but this weekend at Nashville I was reminded of just how many people are allowed access into the areas where team members are preparing the cars literally just before those machines are to be rolled onto the starting grid. Sponsor guests, media members and fans are all swarming through the garage area taking photos, seeking autographs, looking for stories, or just looking around.
I quite honestly can’t see how any work gets done. Since you and I primarily cover dirt racing, the closest comparison I can make would be to that of the World Finals at The Dirt Track at Charlotte when Sprint Cars, Late Models and Big-Block Modifieds are all there at once.
I have a great deal of respect for the skill and knowledge possessed by the crew members who work on race cars, but this past weekend, I was reminded of just how much patience and focus they must maintain to get their work done.
A sea of humanity invades the NASCAR garage and pit area prior to the race
Michael: I have wondered that myself. Granted, I think a lot of work takes place before the swarm of fans get into the garage areas. Still, I can see how that can be a big distraction for everyone involved.
Having covered several Cup races at Bristol, it seems worse there because there is no specific garage area and the infield is so small, especially with 36 or so haulers crammed in there. The hauler area can be pretty bad about 90 minutes before the race. Fans camp out waiting for drivers to appear. Pit road is really crammed full of people just up to pre-race ceremonies. It’s like trying to get around Neyland Stadium during halftime of a sold out game.
Has Ross Chastain actually changed?
Richard: There were times during the Ally 400 this past Sunday at the Nashville Super Speedway when I just knew the next “Chastain’d” moment was about to happen. One year ago, or earlier this season for that matter, a more impatient Ross Chastain might not have been able to race three-wide with William Byron and Martin Truex Jr. for three consecutive laps without making some sort of move that would put him or his competitors in jeopardy.
Or, that Chastain of one year ago or less might not have had the patience to pursue the leader of the race lap after lap before finally being able to make the move for the top spot. But in both cases the driver of the No. 1 Trackhouse Chevrolet did those things and eventually came out on top.
I am beginning to believe that the way things went down late in the race this spring at Darlington Raceway had a deep impact. Whether there was a conversation with team co-owner Justin Marks or not, it seems as if Chastain realized that he absolutely threw away a chance for a win, or at least a good finish, by trying to get back at Kyle Larson for crowding him on an earlier restart.
Sunday’s win in Nashville seemed to demonstrate that he may very well have turned over a new leaf so to speak. But who knows, we might come to find out that we liked the impetuous Chastain better. That is, if the impetuous Chastain is really gone for good.
Ross Chastain(1) races three-wide with William Byron & Martin Truex Jr.
Michael: I think he showed a fair amount of patience on Sunday. I don’t know if it was from anyone talking to him or he knew he had that good of a car.
Any time I hear about a driver like Chastain, Kyle Busch, or even Ernie Irvan, I’m reminded of the old saying about it being easier to tame a wild horse than to get a timid one to be more aggressive. If you look at Irvan and Busch, the ruffled feathers early on, but finally settled in to what it was like to be a professional race car driver.
Are we seeing that with Chastain? I don’t know yet. Keep in mind he’s only won 3 Cup races and people act like he’s won a lot more of that. Time will tell.
Nashville Super Speedway or the Fairgrounds?
Richard: I think everyone would like to see a NASCAR race held at the historic Nashville Fairgrounds Speedway. But from my experience of attending the All-American 400 there a few times in recent years, that facility is nowhere near ready for such a show. Space to park the haulers and have an adequate garage area, a media center, suites for corporate and special guests, grandstand seating, parking, and so many other issues would have to be addressed for that to happen.
Of course, we saw a Herculean effort put into the revival of the North Wilkesboro Speedway earlier this year but I think the Fairgrounds might even have other issues beyond needing some upgrades.
Besides, the Nashville Super Speedway put on a pretty good show this past weekend in the Ally 400. And the way we have seen short track racing trend in the wrong direction with the Next Gen, staying on that type of track might not be such a bad option.
All that said, something like an All-Star Race or some other exhibition could be doable at the old track.
A sign placed in turn three at the Nashville Fairgrounds Speedway
Michael: I remember when the Fairgrounds was on the Cup schedule. Listening to some of those races on the radio had some wild action to them, especially the night races in July when it was hot and muggy.
Other than the history, I don’t see the appeal when NSS has provided three good races. There is plenty of room for haulers, fan parking, and it’s not in the middle of a city district at NSS. It’s the complete opposite from the Fairgrounds.
The people at Bristol Motor Speedway are behind the revival effort at the Fairgrounds. One wonders if they’d be better suited to put that effort into getting crowds back for theior spring race. Maybe they realize that ship has sailed and see Nashville as their next big thing. But when you’re 3 for 3 on sellouts at the other track with room to grow, why leave that? To me, it’s like an exercise in futility. No one knows what the Fairgrounds board will do when the next votes come up. There’s too much politics involved for my liking.
Please consider also reading:
Respond to this post on Twitter by following @RichardAllenIDR and @MichaelRMoats or by liking the InsideCircleTrack.com Facebook page.
Also, dirt racing fans can check out InsideDirtRacing.com for more racing content.