The wait was worth it! The 2024 NASCAR season has started with a bang! While my favorite driver, Josh Berry, has not started off great, there has still been plenty to cheer for. This entry, my third so far, I have titled Diary of a Revived NASCAR Fan: Two Races In. Here are my thoughts on the season so far and what I am looking forward to for the race in Vegas.
Daytona
The rain was a huge disappointment because it meant I could not watch the race. I had a basketball game to coach so I had to listen to as much of the race as I could until game time. The fine folks on MRN did a great job keeping me informed and engaged. After my basketball game, I took to social media to catch the race’s highlights and end. Not being able to watch or listen to the end live takes some of the fun out of it, but participating in fantasy still gives the thrill of victory and the agony of defeat.
The Ford’s ran well, but in the end, the Chevy’s and Toyota’s survived the big one and filled the top spots. While not great, my fantasy team still topped the other entries in my league. I was smart enough to spread my team out with multiple manufacturers.
Atlanta
The greatest finish in the history of motorsports? I do not quite go that far, but it was the closest, and therefore exciting. The cars did not handle well all day, which made for random wrecks. The racing was entertaining overall, but at the end of the day, the finish is all that matters. Three wide at the checkered flag and a photo finish! I was hoping the Ford, Ryan Blaney, was first, but he was inched out by Daniel Suarez. Suarez was considered on the hot seat coming into the season and was in desperate need of a win. The W in Atlanta secures his spot in the playoffs.
The Fox crew was good at calling the race. I really enjoyed the input from the retired drivers. I feel like they had lulls at times, but a solid performance.
Looking Ahead
William Byron and Daniel Suarez are locked into the playoffs. Suarez winning in Atlanta was not expected and will be something to watch throughout the year. The playoffs could fill up with race winners, and leave no room for points drivers.
Las Vegas is up next. Hendrick swept Vegas last year with wins by Byron and Kyle Larson. My fantasy team will include two Hendrick racers, and I will probably put Joey Logano and Denny Hamlin in the lineup also. I have been impressed with Michael McDowell and Austin Cindric so far, so I may add one of them. Kyle Busch is a must though in Vegas, and he has been fast this year again.
Tune in Wednesday to the Sports Stove Podcast as Vince will be joined by a guest to preview Las Vegas and talk about other NASCAR thoughts. Previous entries of the Diary of a Revived Nascar Fan are on BellyUpSports.com. (Entry one) (Entry two). Follow Vince on Twitter for more sports opinions.
