Official 2019 NASCAR Thread

[JEBar]

I sure didn't see this move coming ...

Chad Knaus will serve as crew chief of the No. 24 Chevrolet for driver William Byron in 2019, a move that will end the longest current driver-crew chief pairing in the NASCAR garage with Knaus and Jimmie Johnson.

Hendrick Motorsports announced the news Wednesday as part of a reshuffling of crew chiefs for two of its four teams in the Monster Energy Series. Johnson will be paired with Kevin Meendering, currently a crew chief for JR Motorsports in the NASCAR Xfinity Series, on the No. 48 Chevrolet operation next year.

info from NASCAR's website

[JEBar]

another change for 2019 that I hadn't heard was even being discussed


NASCAR drivers will no longer be able to make in-race trackbar adjustments from their cars in 2019.

The news emerged from a Monday morning appearance on SiriusXM NASCAR Radio by Scott Miller, NASCAR Senior Vice President of Competition. Miller said that drivers had pushed for the change.


info from NASCAR's website

[Cowboy Gun Fan]

Well, that is pretty interesting news. Chad and Jimmie have been a little stale lately, but I never imagined them parting ways as long as Jimmie was still driving.

I heard about the Trackbar change, but can't imagine why the drivers were pushing for it. I first figured that Nascar decided to just take it away. I always thought it was pretty cool for a driver to tweak it in themselves rather than radio it in and hope they got it right at the next pit stop.

[JEBar]

things that will be different in 2019 === > https://www.nascar.com/gallery/end-seas ... dition/#/0

[JEBar]

It's official.... Kurt Busch to the #1 Chevy Camaro CGR car w/ Monster as primary sponsor.

http://www.espn.com/jayski/cup/2018/sto ... ssi-racing

Interesting part of this... it's for a one year deal and is expected to be Kurt last year of full time competition.
Ok, I get that if you're Kurt. But have to wonder what Ganassi's long term plan is here? Obviously this means that CGR does not view Suarez as a long term fit. Perhaps this is just a one year hold before CGR puts another young up/comer in the 1 car for 2020?

Will be Kurt's 20th year in NASCAR. Crazy. Seems like just a couple years ago he was taking over for Chad Little... then getting punched in the mouth by Jimmy Spencer. LOL!!

[RetiredSeabee]

I just want to see the video of Jimmy Spencer punching him in the kisser.
I met Jimmy Spencer's sister. She was his media manager, really nice lady. But bless her heart she looked just like him.

[Cowboy Gun Fan]

It's official.... Kurt Busch to the #1 Chevy Camaro CGR car w/ Monster as primary sponsor.

http://www.espn.com/jayski/cup/2018/sto ... ssi-racing

Interesting part of this... it's for a one year deal and is expected to be Kurt last year of full time competition.
Ok, I get that if you're Kurt. But have to wonder what Ganassi's long term plan is here? Obviously this means that CGR does not view Suarez as a long term fit. Perhaps this is just a one year hold before CGR puts another young up/comer in the 1 car for 2020

The part that puzzles me is did Kurt want to leave SHR? or did Ganassi woo him away with a deal that he could not refuse?

As he sure seemed to be in a nice secure and successful ride at SHR.

And actually, when I first heard the rumors, I didn't believe them.

[JEBar]

when he was hired at SHR, it was widly reported that Tony wasn't for it .... I have no clue if that is still the case .... Gene had to create and sponsor a team for Kurt ....it will be interesting to see who they replace him with

[Cowboy Gun Fan]

when he was hired at SHR, it was widly reported that Tony wasn't for it .... I have no clue if that is still the case .... Gene had to create and sponsor a team for Kurt ....it will be interesting to see who they replace him with

Interesting, but they must have been happy with his performance there. Wonder if we will ever know the actual truth on it?

I agree, it will be interesting who they replace him with. Will it be a rookie, young gun, or veteran? Although they usually go with veterans.

[JEBar]

per Jayski .... Spire Sports + Entertainment, an agency that has worked with sponsors and drivers, confirms it has bought the Furniture Row Racing charter. It will operate a race team with the number 77. Driver and alliance details TBD.

[JEBar]

Glen Wood, a pioneering driver and co-founder of stock-car racing’s longest-running team, died Friday morning. He was 93.


https://www.nascar.com/news-media/2019/ ... ies-at-93/

[JEBar]

by introducing a system where race-winning teams found in violation of the rule book would be disqualified
NASCAR is making a major change in penalties they can impose for post race inspection violations ....

https://www.nascar.com/news-media/2019/ ... ion-track/

[RetiredSeabee]

Long overdue.

[BigAl52]

Thats a start. Now why dont they do like they do to players in NFL ect and do multiple race DQ"s Then maybe the temptation to cheat would be even less. Take a car disqualified for 4 races and that would put a hurt on the championship hope.

[Vaquero]

Thats a start. Now why dont they do like they do to players in NFL ect and do multiple race DQ"s Then maybe the temptation to cheat would be even less. Take a car disqualified for 4 races and that would put a hurt on the championship hope.

The sponsors would choke.
To much money.
That's what is wrong with most sports today.

RP

[BigAl52]

Those sponsors better hope for some other changes also. There not getting the fans to the tracks anymore and viewership on TV is way off.

[mlrifleNY]

Just read last night that they are making many changes to the cars to keep racing close. they think this will help bring the fans back. They came up with this by talking with the drivers, owners, and people involved in the series. I would think the best way to get more fans back would be to talk with the fans. Only they can tell what they really want.

Jim

[Vaquero]

I would think the best way to get more fans back would be to talk with the fans. Only they can tell what they really want.

Jim

Great idea, but it'll never happen.

Then most of the younger generation is not all that into the racing like we were at that age.

RP

[JEBar]

a pretty good review/analysis of the coming season for Hendrick Motor Sports


https://www.nascar.com/news-media/2019/ ... torsports/

[JEBar]

Daytona 500 - Daytona International Speedway


Sunday, February 17, 2019. Stages: 60/120/200. Green flag ~2:50pm/et. TV=Fox.