will the COT closen the competition at talledega?

Question

top 5 1st practice speeds
1. 20 Tony Stewart Chevrolet The Home Depot 194.959 49.118 Leader
2. 24 Jeff Gordon Chevrolet Pepsi / DuPont 194.737 49.174 -0.056
3. 21 Ken Schrader Ford Motorcraft 194.508 49.232 -0.114
4. 7 Robby Gordon Ford Camping World
/ RVs.com 194.184 49.314 -0.196
5. 45 Kyle Petty Dodge Marathon American Spirit Motor Oil 193.984 49.365 -0.247

will any of the underdogs like robby gordon and ken schrader have a shot at winning

Answer 1

At Talladega any of the teams could win.
The COT is in its first event here so most teams are on a somewhat equal playing field.
But the Schraders,Gordon,Petty could win if their combinatuion setup is right.

Answer 2

I don't really think the COT will make the race any closer than it would normally be. The COT makes all the races pretty equal. Since Nascar has run so many races with them, the crews have really gotten a better handle on the cars. I think the drivers that know how to handle their cars and know the track will rise to the top. Mind you Talladega is famous for "The Big One", being in the right place at the right time will be very important. There have been several teams (my driver Jeff Gordon being one) that didn't even do the 2nd practice session because they didn't want to risk their cars. I think the drivers getting used to "The No Bumping" rule will be more important. Since bump drafting has always been a way of getting around the track here.
It should be a very interesting race and I can't wait. I just wish Nascar would come up with a set of rules at the very beginning of the year and stick with those rules. The way Nascar changes it's mind it's really confusing and takes away from what should be a great race every week. Way Too much drama. I've been a fan for over 30 years.
Oh ya the idea of combinding the Busch and Cup seris together wouldn't work. I think the cup drivers should stay in the cup and not race Busch.
thanks for letting me express my views.
Sherry

Answer 3

Speeds and top cars have some to do with Talledega. But you also have to have a drafting partner or partners. Getting caught up in the "big one" is definitely a factor. Not a typical race track where the car that looks the best in practice ends up winning. A little luck and skill to combine with speed is needed. It will be interesting to see if the COT makes the cars run in a tighter pack. If so, hang on to your hats. There could be a lot more cars limping to the finish line.

Answer 4

COT is still at this point (on Dega) is still kinda unknown, in RACE Trim. But should be interesting to see. One thing that well definetly be diffrent is the Bump Draft. The COT Bumpers match up alot better then the COY (car of yesterday). So we might not see people getting spun like before.

Answer 5

The power teams will always have an advantage, with all the resources they have, but it sure would be awesome to see one of the underdogs win one. One good thing about races, esp tracks like Talledega, you never know for sure until the checkered flag waves.

Answer 6

Talladega is notorious for being a very close race due to the restrictor plates i cant see it making to much of a difference other then maybe just a driver who gets the lead may be hard to pass without alot of help

Answer 7

Of course. It will be even more un-competitive than usual. No, RGordon and drivers like Schrader don't have a chance.

Answer 8

no more than they usually do at Talladega!

The COT evens things out in terms of aero packages but the huge difference is HP createde by the power teams! All the usual contenders should be the favorties, 8,24,48,2,20

Answer 9

I don't think very much. Practice is just that: practice. I see Jeff Gordon isn't even out yet at the second practice session.

Answer 10

Oh yeah !!! they tightened them up,that's FOR-SURE !!! Their 2m.p.h. slower,than the current car,at Talladega.
The #21 car in practice today,reminded me of Day's Gone By
Would love to see the Wood Brother's get ''BACK'' to V-lane