From a NASCAR Fan’s View
First of all, I can’t believe it’s already the end of May, and Memorial Day figures right into that. I don‘t ever want to forget the day for what it is. I am thankful for the men and women who gave their all so that we might be able to celebrate this Memorial Holiday by remembering what it cost them for us to be able to enjoy it in whatever way we desire. They are remembered by us all with solemn thankfulness for their sacrifice.
That is one thing I have always liked about NASCAR. I appreciate NASCAR’s efforts to honor the fallen heroes and the way they remember and celebrate all of those in service to our country at times other than Memorial Day. One thing is certain. Because of the sacrifice of those brave men and women we remember on this day, we are able to enjoy this holiday as we choose. I am not ashamed to admit that I appreciate the way that at NASCAR races they open with prayer, present our colors and sing the national anthem.
The Coca-Cola 600 is just one part of this long day of racing. This day is also many race fans’ favorite day because there are actually three races being held around the racing world. The Monaco Grand Prix, the Indy 500 and the Coca-Cola 600. For true race fans, it takes all day and into the night for all of them to be completed. Plus, it covers three different kinds of racing: grand prix, Indy cars and stock cars. What more could a race fan ask for?
Even though I could talk about all three, I choose to talk mostly about the Coca-Cola 600. Of course, right up front here, I can’t ignore the Indy 500. The biggest reason for that is because Kyle Larson is going to go for the double. If he makes all the laps at both of the races, that will add up to 1100 miles and that’s not counting the miles he will rack up traveling between Indianapolis and Charlotte. All in all, it will be a long day for the NASCAR points leader.
Now, about the 600. Chase Briscoe took the pole position but Kyle Larson almost beat him out. It was very close. The two of them will lead the field to green to start off the 600 miles that will lead into the night before it’s over.
There is no guarantee that either one of the two fastest qualifiers will make it to the end of the 600 miles and there are a lot of other cars that will be up against the same situations. After all, Charlotte Motor Speedway is one of the more difficult one and a half mile tracks on the Cup Circuit. Add to that this is the longest race on the circuit by one hundred miles and you can bet it will be a test of drivers and equipment. There’s just something about that extra one hundred miles that shows any weakness in the cars or the drivers and should prove to be a very interesting race. There are many in the field that want to win this one if for no other reason than the prestige of saying they endured the 600 miler and outran the rest of the field.
It is hard to tell which teams will end up at the front by the time this one is over. If we only look at the qualifying, there are the usual teams that have been showing themselves to be running strong. The most important thing to notice from this fan’s view is that the Hendrick Chevys have shown up with speed. Will that be the deciding factor? Well, that’s hard to say. A lot of things have to go right for the driver that ends up taking the final checkered flag.
No matter how you look at it, there are a lot of drivers and teams hungry to take the win. Some of them are desperate to turn their season around. Some of them absolutely need to have a good night and a win would solve a lot of their problems. Unfortunately, there are a lot drivers and teams that need to have not only a good night but a win. The other unfortunate thing about that is only one of them can win.
Just a side note from this fan on Kyle Larson trying to do the Memorial Day double. There is nothing easy about taking on this challenge and that he could finish or even win both races. Some would say it is an impossible task. One thing I’ve learned as I’ve watched him over the years. I don’t think Kyle Larson thinks it’s impossible and I think he will do whatever he can to make it happen. I hope he does finish all the laps at both races and maybe even win one or both of them. Yeah, it’s true. It does appear the cards may be stacked a bit against him, but…
Hey, this is Russ and that’s my view… See ya next time…
All views expressed are strictly the opinion of the writer
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Rusty Norman, Nascarfansview.com and Justafansview.com
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