It has now been almost two days since the conclusion of the longest Daytona 500 to date. A Daytona 500 in which we saw a ton of side-by-side racing for the good majority of the race. Also how the “choose rule” implications can and will impact a finish at the superspeedway races. Those are just a few of the things I noticed Sunday. So, let’s go over some post-race thoughts: Daytona 500 edition.
Side-by-side Competition
I’ve seen more comments about the broadcast quality than I probably should. However, I’ll touch on that later. In my very last-second article of things to watch during the 2023 Daytona 500, I mentioned don’t be surprised to see a lot of “boring” racing early. These drivers and teams not wanting to wreck out too soon or period if possible typically will line up and log laps after a while. I didn’t see that as much this year. The drivers seemed a lot more competitive even before the stage breaks approached but who know’s my ADHD-ridden self could’ve only paid attention to the double wide racing.
They were bumping and sliding all over the track for more of the race than not in my opinion. Why you may ask? Well, it could be anything honestly my post-race thoughts on this though are simple. The aero drag on these next-gen cars is high and the horsepower is limited. So, it takes more laps to move up than in prior Daytona 500s. Meaning when the momentum and moves are there the drivers had to take them instead of backing off in fear of an accident if they wanted any chance of taking home the trophy.
I for one loved the added competition, I know some race fans didn’t enjoy the on-track product but you can’t run the sport from your couch sorry everyone. Suck it up and tighten those belts because race season is here much like the “choose rule” at super-speedway races.
You Can Choose Wrong
This was arguably one of the biggest things that stood out to me when I was writing down my post-race thoughts. Whether that be because I predicted a Kyle Busch win, or because I honestly couldn’t believe how badly the RCR teams in my opinion botched one of the final restarts because of the “choose” rule. The “choose” rule isn’t new to NASCAR they’ve been doing this for a little while now. The driver and crew will make a decision to either start on the inside or outside line for the restart. It could be for a chance to be on the front row, or just be lined up with teammates. Either way, as we all saw on Sunday I feel like it is possible to choose wrong, especially on the superspeedways.
The RCR teammates (Kyle Busch and Austin Dillon) were leading the race with two laps to go before a caution came out. Now I get it there wasn’t much Chevrolet alliance toward the front of the pack so I get it, the decision isn’t easy. So, split the teams up then get the three Chevrolets back in line right? Well, no because when Dillon slowed the inside lane down for Busch to merge it opened up the top to blow by them with a lot less unphased momentum. That is where your eventual winner Ricky Stenhouse Jr. arose from after some late race moves.
What about the broadcast?
I know I’m about to sound like I’m beating a dead horse. Especially if you are active on NASCAR Twitter, but it needs to be brought up. I’ve seen the image posted below a few times so I know you have as well so why not talk about it right?
Why do you think it feels so much worse after Sunday’s race than before? https://t.co/gf7VnPLxKe
— Everything Nascar! (@Nascar4Every1) February 21, 2023
So, let’s get this out of the way first. Every single year you hear someone refer to The Daytona 500 as “The Super Bowl” of our sport right? Well, what is one of the biggest parts of The Super Bowl besides the halftime show and the game itself? The commercials, yes I know this is different because almost all of these commercials are ones we’ve saw before. However, the concept is still the same. If this is our equivalent of a super bowl then these companies and tv providers know the viewership will be up so more eyes are on them.
Do you need any more explanation? I know we missed seventy-eight laps due to those commercials. Yes, it sucks and irks me too but that’s part of the game with professionally televised sports. Those slots bring money into the sport and money coming in is the key point. Now the question I believe someone in NASCAR should look into going forward is this, do we put a commercial-free program behind a paywall?
Post-Race Thoughts Wrap Up
Well, that’s all folks as the great porky pigs said right? NASCAR is moving onto the west coast and Fontana, California next. A two-mile intermediate oval, nothing like the two-and-a-half-mile track they just raced on to kick off the season. Keep an eye on how the field manages the restarts, and let’s see if this becomes one of the follow-the-leader types of races it has been in the past. Oh, remember that you have the choice of reading this again. Hopefully, you stick around for the rest of the season.
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