By Lou Modestino
The typical NASCAR Sprint Cup “economy” runs like Last Sunday’s at MIS is what turns off NASCAR fans when they are forced to dig up mucho money for a “non-economy” ticket. It appears as though NASCAR and Sprint Cup teams have not as yet figured out that the exorbitant prices for tickets, among other factors, is what turns them off. Although I’m told that if your looking for tickets for any race you can haggle over them. Lots of empty seats at MIS.
Joey Logano, who started on the pole, won that one because his crew chief was able to determine that he’d have enough fuel to go the distance. The Middletown, Conn., driver ended up inheriting the lead when then leader Mark Martin exited as his fuel tank ran dry with only four laps to go. It was Joey’s first win of the season.
But the good paying customer wants to see lively competition with two or more drivers coming down to the checkers, not the same old, same old economy runs. That also is another factor contributing to the lack of ticket sales.
“This is unbelievable! I owe it all to my crew chief and my crew,” said a wide-grinned Logano in Victory Lane. Car owner Roger Penske thought that “The car ran perfect today.” The Captain watches the race from the spotters stand and was visibly happy to watch his winning driver as he crossed the finish line first.
The vanquished Mark Martin, who finished 27th said, “They (his crew) really rolled the dice today.” No doubt Martin wished that outcome would have been different had they timed their pit stops better.
Earning the runner-up spot was Kevin Harvick who said, “It was a great job for us today.” Third place Kurt Busch revealed, “At the end of the day it was the pit stops that got us this finish.” Paul Menard, finishing fourth, said, “My team really worked hard for me today. Fifth was Clint Bowyer who was thankful for something when he said, ” We managed to keep up the pace today”
Getting the rest were Marcos Ambrose, Kasey Kahne, Jeff Burton and Greg Biffle. Not as fortunate as the others was JR who admitted, “We had lots of problems today.” He finished way back. Jimmie Johnson still leads the point chase by 41 points over Clint Bowyer.
AJ Allmendinger won the Nationwide race at Mid-Ohio. It was not a suprise to hear that the crowd exceeded all expectations for the IZOD Indy Car event.
Check Jayski.com to see what’s happening in the world of motorsports this coming week into the weekend.