PackME01VT0308 wrote:

I thought I would share a few thoughts from 2012 and going into 2013 for those that are interested.  First off, I was glad to see the #2 car win the championship.  I think they have been the best team the last year and a half and did a brilliant job of executing.  It was also nice to see Roger Penske get his first cup championship. From the few times I have met him and the people I know who have worked for him, he is extremely impressive.  He demands a lot, but he always gives his people respect and the resources they need to be successful.  He is one of the most respected men in all of motorsports for good reason.

As some of you know I spent most of last year working with the #10 car.  That was an extremely enjoyable experience and I learned a lot.  I really enjoyed working with Danica and wish her success.  She is extremely personable, humble, respectful, and great to be around.  I think she has a very good feel for what the car is doing and has a burning desire to learn what she needs out of the car.  The biggest things I think she needs to continue improving is to trust what she is feeling and have confidence to push the car.  Some of that comes from experience and some of it is a mentality.  In the Indy car series they only have 2-3 cars so it is a big deal if you crash one.  In our series the cars are somewhat disposable since they get rebuilt after every run.  The guys that are really fast may not like crashing a car, but they are quick to shake it off when it happens.  Most of the top guys have torn up a bunch of stuff going through the learning curve and that is just part of it.  I think Danica just needs to continue to work on the confidence to push the car on low tire pressure and early in the race.  She had many times where she was as fast as guys running in the top 5-10, so the next step is to start each run at that pace.  I know she has the right attitude, focus, and skill to get there.

Near the end of the season, I switched over to the #39 car as part of a team reorganization.  That was a neat experience to get to work with Ryan.  He is by far the most “plugged in” driver I have ever been around.  It is amazing the things he picks up on and how slow the game seems to move for him.  Ryan is very in-tune with what we are doing, which can be a challenge to keep up w/ him, but also very helpful to stay on the right track.  I feel we struggled a little with speed at the end of 2012, but did a really good job at execution allowing us to finish with two top 5s.

For the 2013 season, I am remaining with the #39 car.  I am really looking forward to the challenge and I think we can achieve great things.  The entire team is hungry to show that we can find speed and execute good strategy.  The most obvious change for this year is the new body, but there are a few other things that may be even more significant.  First off there are changes to the rear suspension rules outlawing many of the things (toed housing, rear axle skew, rear swaybars, truck arm bushings) that teams were using to turn the car.  I doubt there is a team in the garage that will not have to make any significant setup changes to work around these rules.  The car weights have also changed, so there will more emphasis than ever on building lighter parts.  Finally, NASCAR has gone to a new laser measurement platform for the chassis portion of the inspection process.  Learning how to work within the framework of the new system will be a challenge for the teams in the early going. 

Anyhow, we are off to a good start at SHR with speed in all of our cars during Daytona qualifying.  It will be interesting to see how that translates into the draft.  Then the real learning process begins at Phoenix and Las Vegas.  I hope everyone enjoys the season, and I will try to check in periodically with my experience from the road.

GO PACK!!! GO SHR !!!

PackME01VT0308 wrote:

I thought I would share a few thoughts from 2012 and going into 2013 for those that are interested.  First off, I was glad to see the #2 car win the championship.  I think they have been the best team the last year and a half and did a brilliant job of executing.  It was also nice to see Roger Penske get his first cup championship. From the few times I have met him and the people I know who have worked for him, he is extremely impressive.  He demands a lot, but he always gives his people respect and the resources they need to be successful.  He is one of the most respected men in all of motorsports for good reason.

As some of you know I spent most of last year working with the #10 car.  That was an extremely enjoyable experience and I learned a lot.  I really enjoyed working with Danica and wish her success.  She is extremely personable, humble, respectful, and great to be around.  I think she has a very good feel for what the car is doing and has a burning desire to learn what she needs out of the car.  The biggest things I think she needs to continue improving is to trust what she is feeling and have confidence to push the car.  Some of that comes from experience and some of it is a mentality.  In the Indy car series they only have 2-3 cars so it is a big deal if you crash one.  In our series the cars are somewhat disposable since they get rebuilt after every run.  The guys that are really fast may not like crashing a car, but they are quick to shake it off when it happens.  Most of the top guys have torn up a bunch of stuff going through the learning curve and that is just part of it.  I think Danica just needs to continue to work on the confidence to push the car on low tire pressure and early in the race.  She had many times where she was as fast as guys running in the top 5-10, so the next step is to start each run at that pace.  I know she has the right attitude, focus, and skill to get there.

Near the end of the season, I switched over to the #39 car as part of a team reorganization.  That was a neat experience to get to work with Ryan.  He is by far the most “plugged in” driver I have ever been around.  It is amazing the things he picks up on and how slow the game seems to move for him.  Ryan is very in-tune with what we are doing, which can be a challenge to keep up w/ him, but also very helpful to stay on the right track.  I feel we struggled a little with speed at the end of 2012, but did a really good job at execution allowing us to finish with two top 5s.

For the 2013 season, I am remaining with the #39 car.  I am really looking forward to the challenge and I think we can achieve great things.  The entire team is hungry to show that we can find speed and execute good strategy.  The most obvious change for this year is the new body, but there are a few other things that may be even more significant.  First off there are changes to the rear suspension rules outlawing many of the things (toed housing, rear axle skew, rear swaybars, truck arm bushings) that teams were using to turn the car.  I doubt there is a team in the garage that will not have to make any significant setup changes to work around these rules.  The car weights have also changed, so there will more emphasis than ever on building lighter parts.  Finally, NASCAR has gone to a new laser measurement platform for the chassis portion of the inspection process.  Learning how to work within the framework of the new system will be a challenge for the teams in the early going. 

Anyhow, we are off to a good start at SHR with speed in all of our cars during Daytona qualifying.  It will be interesting to see how that translates into the draft.  Then the real learning process begins at Phoenix and Las Vegas.  I hope everyone enjoys the season, and I will try to check in periodically with my experience from the road.

GO PACK!!! GO SHR !!!

CCjkt wrote:

PackME01VT0308 wrote:

I thought I would share a few thoughts from 2012 and going into 2013

I just wanna say I really appreciate your insights and willingness to share with us from time to time.

NeverQuitPacker wrote:

CCjkt wrote:

PackME01VT0308 wrote:

I thought I would share a few thoughts from 2012 and going into 2013

I just wanna say I really appreciate your insights and willingness to share with us from time to time.

+39

copper2945 wrote: I am not going to be able to watch the duels today, but will try to listen to them.  If someone can hook me up with a run-down of who looked strong, good, etc.,. I would appreciate it.  I am in a different fantasy league this year where we have to pick 5 drivers for each race.  Much thanks.

redterrors04 wrote: can you watch these online anywhere?

ABCman wrote: Anyone know if they will use the qualifying car in today's race...is it mandatory, etc.?

wolfer79 wrote:

ABCman wrote: Anyone know if they will use the qualifying car in today's race...is it mandatory, etc.?

pretty sure the car today is the car in the race. any changes sends you to back of field

ABCman wrote: I'm going to listen to it but I hope its on Speed tonight...should be anyway.

PackFan4evr wrote: Looks like MRN radio will be streaming the races today.

Here's the link

ABCman wrote: This is where NASCAR fails...unless you have vacation time you aren't seeing this race even if you are a local.

LumberWolf wrote: http://www.justin.tv/besweeet28#/w/4925777360/2

For those stuck at work like me...

PackFan4evr wrote: Bayne is leading at the halfway point in the 1st race.

Getting ready to pit.

ABCman wrote: ...and Carl takes them out!

Atta boy Caalllllvvviiinnnn.  Looks like the favorite for Sunday.  Can't wait. . . . not bad for a lame-duck driver.