So I'm sitting here in Columbia, South Carolina getting set for the start of the NCAA Baseball Regional tournament as Manhattan plays #8 seeded South Carolina as Coastal Carolina and Clemson are also in the regional.
I wanted to write this at the beginning of the week, but prep for this weekend prevented that. There is a story, in every sporting event, that is played up by the media for the "underdog" of the event. However, the one being talked about this weekend, deserves to be overplayed to the point of exhaustion and then some.
Manhattan Jaspers senior pitcher, and starter today against the two-time defending national champion Gamecocks, Taylor Sewitt is coming off one of the most incredible performances I've ever seen in sports in my young life.
Sewitt, a walk-on shortstop turned pitcher, turned in an outing that single handedly gave Manhattan their second straight MAAC title. After the Jaspers dropped game one to Rider 6-4 on Thursday, sending them to the loser's bracket, Sewitt goes out and throws a 9 inning shutout in a 1-0 win over Fairfield with 12 strikeouts and 106 pitches.
The next day, he pitched two shutout innings in relief in the championship round over Canisius for a Manhattan come from behind win to force a decisive final game. In that game, Sewitt pitched 11 shutout innings in relief as the Jaspers won 3-2 over the Golden Griffins.
So lets review: after three straight days, Taylor Sewitt (a former shortstop) had a line that looked like this: 22 IP, 3-0, 10 H, 6 BB, 20 K, 0 R, 296 pitches. He was rightfully named MVP.
What made this so incredible to me, was that the sidearmer was dominant on all three days. Baseball "purists" who have heard the story are up in arms saying the coaching staff abused their starter. Here is what I say, ride the hot hand. Sewitt didn't just barely get by on those three days, he DOMINATED. Every time he came out of the dugout on Sunday my jaw dropped. Here was a senior who said time and time again "It was my last tournament and I wasn't going to lose. I was just asking my teammates to get one run." I give credit to the Manhattan staff for letting their horse run. They trusted him, they believed in him, and he proved them correct.
So today, at 4 p.m. on ESPNU, Sewitt will pitch in his second straight NCAA Tournament this time against a two-time national champ. Last year, he pitched five scoreless innings at Florida. Let me say that again, five SCORELESS innings AT FLORIDA. He doesn't have an overpowering fastball, he doesn't have a deadly curve, and he doesn't have high draft hopes. But he has something that every "underdog" story requires to stay alive: heart.
I'm beyond excited to watch this kid pitch again, and so should you. If you can, do it. Whether you root for him to win or not, you're going to see the best part about college sports, someone playing for love of the game and only that.
.
Friday, June 1, 2012
Sunday, May 27, 2012
Dan Wheldon: An Icon Not Easily Forgotten
Today is the "Greatest Spectacle in Racing" also known as the Indianapolis 500. It is the most famous race in the entire world and the pinnacle event in open-wheel racing. However, 2012 will be a very different feel to something so majestic. Aside from "Back Home Again" not being sung live, and Danica Patrick not competing, there is one icon that will never be back to the Indianapolis Brickyard.
Dan Wheldon, the defending (and 2-time) Indy 500 champion, will not defend his title. Wheldon passed away in a crash in 2011's season finale at Las Vegas on October 16, just five months after winning his second Indy 500. A man who was such a stunning influence on the sport, went out much in the way he stepped onto the international stage: fast.
He made his debut in 2002 as a charismatic and charming 23 year old from England. He had a face to be marketed, and a personality that welcomed it. As he grew in experience and ability, his popularity only grew, especially in the United States.
When he won the Indy 500 for the first time in 2005, a star was born and blew up IRL racing more than it had in years. When he passed six years later, his death sent shock waves across the sports world and the world itself.
A 33 year old husband and father of two, who was one of the brilliant faces of a sport beloved by its fans, and watched by almost all in cases where it's history outweighs its skeptics; Wheldon's ability to be advertised made him a heartthrob, and his skill made him a worthy adversary. But it was his personality that made him a great man.
I can remember years ago, when I was very young and not yet into the sport, watching my father visibly disturbed when golfing's Payne Stewart's plane crashed and killed all on board. A father and husband, Stewart was months removed from his third major win at the U.S. Open in 1999 when he died. Known for his incredibly "fashionable" knickers and hat, respected for the competitor he was, and loved for the man he became once the clubs were stowed away; I now understand how my dad felt when an individual athlete who was bigger than his sport, was taken away from the world.
Whether you followed the sport religiously, or only cared about the big race, this years Indianapolis 500 will feel emptier than any other one in recent memory. And it is because a man, a driver, and an icon will be missing; never to be seen again. Rest In Peace, Dan Wheldon. We still miss you.
.
Dan Wheldon, the defending (and 2-time) Indy 500 champion, will not defend his title. Wheldon passed away in a crash in 2011's season finale at Las Vegas on October 16, just five months after winning his second Indy 500. A man who was such a stunning influence on the sport, went out much in the way he stepped onto the international stage: fast.
He made his debut in 2002 as a charismatic and charming 23 year old from England. He had a face to be marketed, and a personality that welcomed it. As he grew in experience and ability, his popularity only grew, especially in the United States.
When he won the Indy 500 for the first time in 2005, a star was born and blew up IRL racing more than it had in years. When he passed six years later, his death sent shock waves across the sports world and the world itself.
A 33 year old husband and father of two, who was one of the brilliant faces of a sport beloved by its fans, and watched by almost all in cases where it's history outweighs its skeptics; Wheldon's ability to be advertised made him a heartthrob, and his skill made him a worthy adversary. But it was his personality that made him a great man.
I can remember years ago, when I was very young and not yet into the sport, watching my father visibly disturbed when golfing's Payne Stewart's plane crashed and killed all on board. A father and husband, Stewart was months removed from his third major win at the U.S. Open in 1999 when he died. Known for his incredibly "fashionable" knickers and hat, respected for the competitor he was, and loved for the man he became once the clubs were stowed away; I now understand how my dad felt when an individual athlete who was bigger than his sport, was taken away from the world.
Whether you followed the sport religiously, or only cared about the big race, this years Indianapolis 500 will feel emptier than any other one in recent memory. And it is because a man, a driver, and an icon will be missing; never to be seen again. Rest In Peace, Dan Wheldon. We still miss you.
.
Friday, May 11, 2012
Beckkkkett Close to Striking Out
Ok, it's been over a month since my last post and I've been holding back on my beloved Red Sox because quite frankly, the start to 2012 is more painful than the end of 2011 in my book. But, Mr. Josh Beckett has forced my hand. It came out the other day that one day after it was announced he was scratched for his next start due to injury, Beckett went out for a golf outing with fellow starter Clay Buchholz.
When I first heard this, I was totally ok with it. Sometimes you just have to go do something to get your mind off the stresses of life (and apparently the season, already) whether you're "injured" or not. I knew the Boston media would go crazy with this because thats what they do, especially when you start the year 12-19.
What got me going was when Josh sounded almost defiant and pissed off when asked in his postgame press conference if his golf outing had any effect on yet another poor start. I'm not sure if Josh realizes how idiotic he sounded when he goes "We get 18 off days a year. I think we deserve a little time to ourselves." First off, you're a pro ball player. I understand it can be a stressful job, especially in Beantown, but you're playing a game for a living and getting paid millions to do it; cry me a damn river. Secondly, you get a helluva lot more "off" days as a starting pitcher than an everyday position player like Dustin Pedroia.
Finally, you're right, it shouldn't matter to the public or anyone else how you spend your off days. But, you have to remember the enviornment you've been playing in since 2006. This isn't Florida where despite winning two World Series in eight years, they still can't get a sellout. This is Boston, where baseball means more than almost anything. This is a team that had the most historic collapse in history last year, and you were a key factor in that. This is a team that has started off the year 7.5 games BEHIND the Orioles. This is a pitching staff that would get shelled by the Bad News Bears and you apparently have decided to be this year's John Lackey and mouth off to the media in Boston and sound like a spoiled brat to the fans just cause the reporters are doing their jobs in trying to explain your well-below average beginning to this season.
Now, I'm not asking you to not go golfing on your off days, hell go become a great golfer if you want. What I'm saying is that you need to try this thing called self-perception. Realize and understand how look to one of the most volatile fanbases in sports. Last year you started off as a Cy Young candidate, and by this time the Sox were looking like a title contender. Now, you look like a has been who should be fixing everything in Pawtucket while your team looks like a laughing stock.
I'm not gonna say that Beckett should be shipped away or anything like that. The guy is a pretty damn good pitcher when he's on. I personally love the guy and, next to Lester, he's my favorite one on that staff. So just please, please, Josh, be smart when you get in front of a microphone. Ask the guys up in the booth what to say, or how to look. Make friends with the media. After all, in Boston, they may be the only ones you ever have again.
.
When I first heard this, I was totally ok with it. Sometimes you just have to go do something to get your mind off the stresses of life (and apparently the season, already) whether you're "injured" or not. I knew the Boston media would go crazy with this because thats what they do, especially when you start the year 12-19.
What got me going was when Josh sounded almost defiant and pissed off when asked in his postgame press conference if his golf outing had any effect on yet another poor start. I'm not sure if Josh realizes how idiotic he sounded when he goes "We get 18 off days a year. I think we deserve a little time to ourselves." First off, you're a pro ball player. I understand it can be a stressful job, especially in Beantown, but you're playing a game for a living and getting paid millions to do it; cry me a damn river. Secondly, you get a helluva lot more "off" days as a starting pitcher than an everyday position player like Dustin Pedroia.
Finally, you're right, it shouldn't matter to the public or anyone else how you spend your off days. But, you have to remember the enviornment you've been playing in since 2006. This isn't Florida where despite winning two World Series in eight years, they still can't get a sellout. This is Boston, where baseball means more than almost anything. This is a team that had the most historic collapse in history last year, and you were a key factor in that. This is a team that has started off the year 7.5 games BEHIND the Orioles. This is a pitching staff that would get shelled by the Bad News Bears and you apparently have decided to be this year's John Lackey and mouth off to the media in Boston and sound like a spoiled brat to the fans just cause the reporters are doing their jobs in trying to explain your well-below average beginning to this season.
Now, I'm not asking you to not go golfing on your off days, hell go become a great golfer if you want. What I'm saying is that you need to try this thing called self-perception. Realize and understand how look to one of the most volatile fanbases in sports. Last year you started off as a Cy Young candidate, and by this time the Sox were looking like a title contender. Now, you look like a has been who should be fixing everything in Pawtucket while your team looks like a laughing stock.
I'm not gonna say that Beckett should be shipped away or anything like that. The guy is a pretty damn good pitcher when he's on. I personally love the guy and, next to Lester, he's my favorite one on that staff. So just please, please, Josh, be smart when you get in front of a microphone. Ask the guys up in the booth what to say, or how to look. Make friends with the media. After all, in Boston, they may be the only ones you ever have again.
.
Monday, March 26, 2012
Stalking Tiger, Hidden Champion
I was going to blog about this yesterday but was too busy watching some Elite 8 action and massive sensory overload with two fantasy baseball drafts at once. That being said, something wonderful happened yesterday at Bay Hill Country Club in Florida.
As he walked up the 18th fairway with a five stroke lead on the final day of the Arnold Palmer Invitational, Tiger Woods had that infectious smile on his face. The one that captivated us all 15 years ago at Augusta National when he dominated the Masters for the first time. The one that said "Hi, I'm Tiger Woods, and I'm the best in the game."
It wasn't typical Woods, pulling away from the field and leaving little doubt, but it was quintessential Tiger. The red shirt, the pin point accuracy from the fairway, the booming drives from the tee, the dominance on the green. He wasn't all the way back, but for the first time since September of 2009, he was a champion.
There had been 72 different winners on the PGA tour since his last victory, and Woods even dropped to 58th in the world. After winning his 72nd event, he has catapulted back up to sixth. The joy and adulation that came from Tiger after sinking that final point was a beam of hope to the game of golf.
The man synonymous with the sport for the last 15 years was returning to the pedestal he had rightfully owned for a decade. You could see, and hear, that coming from the crowd who began chanting his name as if they had been rooting for him all along. And some have. Golf needs Tiger. As long as he is still an active player, he is the biggest draw to the game. His battles with Phil, Duval, and others were legendary. His potential meetings with McIlroy, Watson, and the young guns is awe-inspiring. The question is, can this happen when it truly matters: as he challenges Jack Nicklaus for "Greatest of All-Time" status.
This wasn't a typical field littered with the big names like Phil and Rory, but peppered with former surprised like Graeme McDowell and fading champions like Ernie Els. It wasn't an intimidating course like a Pebble Beach or a Congressional. It wasn't a pressure tournament like the Open, or the Masters which begins in 10 days.
I have gone on the record (with about five friends) as saying that Tiger will not catch the Bear. There are very few times I want to be wrong, this might be one of them. I love seeing Tiger compete because it draws you to something so basic it makes the most ordinary person feel a part of it. He isn't back just yet, but Tiger is certainly out of the Woods.
.
As he walked up the 18th fairway with a five stroke lead on the final day of the Arnold Palmer Invitational, Tiger Woods had that infectious smile on his face. The one that captivated us all 15 years ago at Augusta National when he dominated the Masters for the first time. The one that said "Hi, I'm Tiger Woods, and I'm the best in the game."
It wasn't typical Woods, pulling away from the field and leaving little doubt, but it was quintessential Tiger. The red shirt, the pin point accuracy from the fairway, the booming drives from the tee, the dominance on the green. He wasn't all the way back, but for the first time since September of 2009, he was a champion.
There had been 72 different winners on the PGA tour since his last victory, and Woods even dropped to 58th in the world. After winning his 72nd event, he has catapulted back up to sixth. The joy and adulation that came from Tiger after sinking that final point was a beam of hope to the game of golf.
The man synonymous with the sport for the last 15 years was returning to the pedestal he had rightfully owned for a decade. You could see, and hear, that coming from the crowd who began chanting his name as if they had been rooting for him all along. And some have. Golf needs Tiger. As long as he is still an active player, he is the biggest draw to the game. His battles with Phil, Duval, and others were legendary. His potential meetings with McIlroy, Watson, and the young guns is awe-inspiring. The question is, can this happen when it truly matters: as he challenges Jack Nicklaus for "Greatest of All-Time" status.
This wasn't a typical field littered with the big names like Phil and Rory, but peppered with former surprised like Graeme McDowell and fading champions like Ernie Els. It wasn't an intimidating course like a Pebble Beach or a Congressional. It wasn't a pressure tournament like the Open, or the Masters which begins in 10 days.
I have gone on the record (with about five friends) as saying that Tiger will not catch the Bear. There are very few times I want to be wrong, this might be one of them. I love seeing Tiger compete because it draws you to something so basic it makes the most ordinary person feel a part of it. He isn't back just yet, but Tiger is certainly out of the Woods.
.
Saturday, March 24, 2012
March 21, 2012 - The Day the NFL Changed Forever
After taking a day to be with those who needed a friend, and two days to enjoy the Sweet 16/Summer weather in NYC, it's time to get back to business. Just after noon on Wednesday, March 21, the National Football League announced two stunning developments that would shock the football world.
First, there was the announcement that the Denver Broncos, after signing Peyton Manning to a five year deal, would be trading quarterback Tim Tebow to the New York Jets. The second was that the NFL had issued their penalties regarding the New Orleans Saints "bounty" program. Among the various fines and loss of draft picks, former Defensive Coordinator Greg Williams (now with the St. Louis Rams) was suspended indefinitely and current Head Coach Sean Payton was banned for a year. It has since been learned that ban will cost Payton $5.8 million in salary.
Before I get to the big problem in the Big Easy, let's discuss Tebow. Essentially, what Woody Johnson has just done, is put the most marketable and polarizing player in recent memory, into the most marketable and opinionated city in the world. For whatever the reason, everyone has something to say about Tebow. Now, in the Big Apple, there will be distractions galore; but there will be even more people trying to catch Tim in a manner that is anything but the "saintly demeanor" we've all come to understand. No doubt there will be paparazzi trying to catch a glimpse of the poster boy drinking or clubbing, anything to try and harm his image.
What should be noted is that this makes incredible football sense for the Jets. With Tony Sparano in place, a man who loves the wildcat, you know have a QB who is designed for that role. Tebow will be able to operate in a situation similar to his freshman season at Florida, where he won a national title mind you. This issue is whether or not Mark Sanchez's supposed "fragile psyche" can handle the TebowMania. I think he will, and I think that if the team takes on even the slightest persona of their new backup, head coach included, they could make an interesting run in the playoffs. That is, if Manning and Brady don't go back to their usual dominance of the league.
Onto the bigger issue at hand. Some may say the season long suspension of Payton in New Orleans is too much, I will not be one of them. It is well known that I hate the continued "softening" of the natuarally violent game that is football. It's also true that I have no issue with putting a target on the best players back, if it's done in the right way. This was not. This was essentially a "pay-to-play" operation in which players opted to give financial rewards for taking out the opponent. I think what upsets me more is that NFL athletes need extra incentive to play that way. What irks the shield is that, while they are legal hits, players are actively attempting to injure others. At the very core, this was wrong.
Much in the way Joe Paterno was in the wrong for not saying anything if he knew something, so is Sean Payton. He, and the Saints, deserve this punishment. They will endure however because they are one of the premier franchises in the NFL. My fear is that Payton may lose his job, which should not happen, because of what he means to the team, and the city. Then again, like Joe Paterno, I've been wrong before.
,
First, there was the announcement that the Denver Broncos, after signing Peyton Manning to a five year deal, would be trading quarterback Tim Tebow to the New York Jets. The second was that the NFL had issued their penalties regarding the New Orleans Saints "bounty" program. Among the various fines and loss of draft picks, former Defensive Coordinator Greg Williams (now with the St. Louis Rams) was suspended indefinitely and current Head Coach Sean Payton was banned for a year. It has since been learned that ban will cost Payton $5.8 million in salary.
Before I get to the big problem in the Big Easy, let's discuss Tebow. Essentially, what Woody Johnson has just done, is put the most marketable and polarizing player in recent memory, into the most marketable and opinionated city in the world. For whatever the reason, everyone has something to say about Tebow. Now, in the Big Apple, there will be distractions galore; but there will be even more people trying to catch Tim in a manner that is anything but the "saintly demeanor" we've all come to understand. No doubt there will be paparazzi trying to catch a glimpse of the poster boy drinking or clubbing, anything to try and harm his image.
What should be noted is that this makes incredible football sense for the Jets. With Tony Sparano in place, a man who loves the wildcat, you know have a QB who is designed for that role. Tebow will be able to operate in a situation similar to his freshman season at Florida, where he won a national title mind you. This issue is whether or not Mark Sanchez's supposed "fragile psyche" can handle the TebowMania. I think he will, and I think that if the team takes on even the slightest persona of their new backup, head coach included, they could make an interesting run in the playoffs. That is, if Manning and Brady don't go back to their usual dominance of the league.
Onto the bigger issue at hand. Some may say the season long suspension of Payton in New Orleans is too much, I will not be one of them. It is well known that I hate the continued "softening" of the natuarally violent game that is football. It's also true that I have no issue with putting a target on the best players back, if it's done in the right way. This was not. This was essentially a "pay-to-play" operation in which players opted to give financial rewards for taking out the opponent. I think what upsets me more is that NFL athletes need extra incentive to play that way. What irks the shield is that, while they are legal hits, players are actively attempting to injure others. At the very core, this was wrong.
Much in the way Joe Paterno was in the wrong for not saying anything if he knew something, so is Sean Payton. He, and the Saints, deserve this punishment. They will endure however because they are one of the premier franchises in the NFL. My fear is that Payton may lose his job, which should not happen, because of what he means to the team, and the city. Then again, like Joe Paterno, I've been wrong before.
,
Thursday, March 1, 2012
Oh Captain, Our Captain!
In just about a half-hour, Jason Varitek will retire from Major League Baseball. He will do so after 14 seasons in "The Show", with every game in th bigs coming in a Red Sox uniform. After Boston made one of the best trades in franchise history, Varitek became the face of the franchise.
He has caught more games for the Beantowners than anyone in history, won two World Series rings, caught four no-hitters (the only catcher ever), and of course, he punched Alex Rodriguez in the face. Varitek became the first Boston player since Jim Rice to be namd captain and wear the "C" that every little kid thought was awesome.
But he did more than lead our beloved Sox into battle everyday, helping to end 86 years of frustration and heartbreak. He was the Red Sox. For 14 years, the only catcher I (or anyone from my generation) knew was wearing number 33. It was as sure as Opening Day itself.
Yes, his ability deteriorated over the last few seasons; to the point that I was praying he would retire instead of continue to embarass his legacy. But he was our Captain. And now, weeks after longtime starting pitcher and fan favorite Tim Wakefield rode off into the sunset, the page is officially turned.
Kevin Youkilis and David Ortiz are the only two who remain of that glorious 2004 Championship run (jump started by Tek shoving his mitt into the smug face of that tool A-Rod). It truly is the end of a era in Red Sox Nation. Youk and Papi are great, and Youk is still a career Sock, but the times they are a'changing.
These two men brought years of joy and a sense of belonging to so many fans, and they did it the right way. 2012 will truly be a different Red Sox team, one that will make so many new memories and hopefully bring at least another title. But we Fenway Faithul will always remember Wake and Tek as the two cornerstones of a decade of success. Sure there were the superstars like Manny, Papi, Schilling, and Pedro; but Tek and Wake were the pillars of that foundation.
So thank you, both. Each of you meant so much to the franchise and the fan base. And even if Cooperstown doesn't come calling, you are always welcome to walk out of the Green Monster and return to a hero's welcome. It was a pleasure to watch you perform, and I am honored to be a member of Red Sox Nation knowing you both donned that uniform.
.
He has caught more games for the Beantowners than anyone in history, won two World Series rings, caught four no-hitters (the only catcher ever), and of course, he punched Alex Rodriguez in the face. Varitek became the first Boston player since Jim Rice to be namd captain and wear the "C" that every little kid thought was awesome.
But he did more than lead our beloved Sox into battle everyday, helping to end 86 years of frustration and heartbreak. He was the Red Sox. For 14 years, the only catcher I (or anyone from my generation) knew was wearing number 33. It was as sure as Opening Day itself.
Yes, his ability deteriorated over the last few seasons; to the point that I was praying he would retire instead of continue to embarass his legacy. But he was our Captain. And now, weeks after longtime starting pitcher and fan favorite Tim Wakefield rode off into the sunset, the page is officially turned.
Kevin Youkilis and David Ortiz are the only two who remain of that glorious 2004 Championship run (jump started by Tek shoving his mitt into the smug face of that tool A-Rod). It truly is the end of a era in Red Sox Nation. Youk and Papi are great, and Youk is still a career Sock, but the times they are a'changing.
These two men brought years of joy and a sense of belonging to so many fans, and they did it the right way. 2012 will truly be a different Red Sox team, one that will make so many new memories and hopefully bring at least another title. But we Fenway Faithul will always remember Wake and Tek as the two cornerstones of a decade of success. Sure there were the superstars like Manny, Papi, Schilling, and Pedro; but Tek and Wake were the pillars of that foundation.
So thank you, both. Each of you meant so much to the franchise and the fan base. And even if Cooperstown doesn't come calling, you are always welcome to walk out of the Green Monster and return to a hero's welcome. It was a pleasure to watch you perform, and I am honored to be a member of Red Sox Nation knowing you both donned that uniform.
.
Sunday, February 26, 2012
The 2012 Daytona 500 a.k.a the post none of my New York friends will read
In just about 45 minutes, the 2012 NASCAR season will kick-off with the Great American Race down in Daytona Beach, Florida. As much as I want to debate everyone on whether or not this is a sport, what with is highly competitive atmosphere, requirements of team strategy and cohesion, playoff system which rewards a team/players consistency throughout the season; I unfortunately don't have enough time.
Today will also mark the Sprint Cup debut of Auto-Racing pinup model Danica Patrick, who has chosen to make the move to NASCAR after years in the IRL. Danica is a great racer, as evidenced by her furthering the sport among women drivers. But, does she have the chops to race with some of the roughest dudes around? Especially since she is in a backup car after two wrecks in three days of practice. Having Tony Stewart as her team owner and racing buddy will help, but her story will be the talk of the season.
Speaking of Smoke, the defending Cup Champion is still just as dangerous as he was going into the Chase last season. I'm not a big fan of him personally, but watching him drive is a lot like watching Kevin Durant play basketball. You know at any given moment he can do something that will separate him from the pack.
The Daytona 500 is also the return of "pack racing" in NASCAR. What this essentially does is allow for groups of racers to join together with strategy instead of the "tandem racing" we saw last year where you are limited to just one partner to draft off of. It puts a bigger emphasis on the individual driver and brings a much higher risk of the big crash. If you enjoy the excitement of watching paint scrape off, this year will be the year for you.
Sure there are other talking points for this year, when will Jr. win again? Can JJ get back to the top? How much juice does Edwards have left after last seasons playoffs? But all of those will be sorted out in the coming 36 races.
Before we go, here are my predictions for today's top five finishers:
5. Dale Jr. - NASCAR's most popular driver can still put it together, and he always races well here.
4. Carl Edwards - He has a lot fire in his belly the way last year ended and of course I'll pick a guy who races for Rousch Fenway.
3. Kevin Harvick - One of the most underrated drivers in the sport, Harvick has the ability to win at any venue.
2. Kyle Busch - I really hate this man but he is a high level racer and will most certainly bring it, if he doesn't wreck.
1. Tony Stewart - The guy OWNS Daytona the last few years on the Nationwide Circuit and with his finish last year, that will only carry over to today.
So enjoy the race folks and then go the complete opposite direction by watching the Oscars or NBA All-Star Game. Either way, they won't be as exciting as 500 miles of racing.
.
Today will also mark the Sprint Cup debut of Auto-Racing pinup model Danica Patrick, who has chosen to make the move to NASCAR after years in the IRL. Danica is a great racer, as evidenced by her furthering the sport among women drivers. But, does she have the chops to race with some of the roughest dudes around? Especially since she is in a backup car after two wrecks in three days of practice. Having Tony Stewart as her team owner and racing buddy will help, but her story will be the talk of the season.
Speaking of Smoke, the defending Cup Champion is still just as dangerous as he was going into the Chase last season. I'm not a big fan of him personally, but watching him drive is a lot like watching Kevin Durant play basketball. You know at any given moment he can do something that will separate him from the pack.
The Daytona 500 is also the return of "pack racing" in NASCAR. What this essentially does is allow for groups of racers to join together with strategy instead of the "tandem racing" we saw last year where you are limited to just one partner to draft off of. It puts a bigger emphasis on the individual driver and brings a much higher risk of the big crash. If you enjoy the excitement of watching paint scrape off, this year will be the year for you.
Sure there are other talking points for this year, when will Jr. win again? Can JJ get back to the top? How much juice does Edwards have left after last seasons playoffs? But all of those will be sorted out in the coming 36 races.
Before we go, here are my predictions for today's top five finishers:
5. Dale Jr. - NASCAR's most popular driver can still put it together, and he always races well here.
4. Carl Edwards - He has a lot fire in his belly the way last year ended and of course I'll pick a guy who races for Rousch Fenway.
3. Kevin Harvick - One of the most underrated drivers in the sport, Harvick has the ability to win at any venue.
2. Kyle Busch - I really hate this man but he is a high level racer and will most certainly bring it, if he doesn't wreck.
1. Tony Stewart - The guy OWNS Daytona the last few years on the Nationwide Circuit and with his finish last year, that will only carry over to today.
So enjoy the race folks and then go the complete opposite direction by watching the Oscars or NBA All-Star Game. Either way, they won't be as exciting as 500 miles of racing.
.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)