First 500 from the Roof

Today was the first Daytona 500 that I have spotted for. I am really glad that I landed back with my dad and his new venture with MWR, UPS, and Toyota. Although they did not have a great finish they should be satisfied with their efforts. I know it is big business and that results are the main thing that counts but I believe that communication kept getting better leading up to the 500. Even with the testing and all of the off season phone calls and shop meetings it takes a race to really gain on communication between driver and team. Today they did what they needed to do to get on with their season.

It really helps to have the smartest driver out there. Sure, some say that hanging back until the end is not racing but it sure was nice to see that they will have a car they can work on and bring back an improved version for the July race at Daytona. I saw a lot of examples that prove to me that it doesn't matter where you are running on lap 20 or lap 175. There were guys that made it from 20th or worse up to the top ten for in the final 3 laps (David Stremme). Another example came earlier in the race when the 44 car passed 11 cars in 13 laps during an impressive green flag run. The caution comes out and that stat means nothing. My point is that DJ runs the races at Daytona and Talladega the way that works for him. He also knows that after the first five races he needs to be in the top 35 in points. There were a lot of factors in the race today that I am sure he was factoring in so he could be in a better position for the weeks to come.

The race was disappointing for me for a different reason. First, I was really excited to spot for my first Daytona 500. I had two plate races under my belt from last year so I thought I was going to be ready of any situation. But, for some reason I could not get my timing right between dad and myself. Daytona and Talladega are the tracks that you need to really be on top of things and especially anticipating what is going to happen from behind you. I did a bad job of anticipation during this race. We even talked about it yesterday and I thought I was on the same page with what he wanted to hear when guys were making a run on him. Although we did stay out of the wrecks, I should have done a better job helping him in the draft. I will talk to him some more about it and make the adjustments for the rest of the season.

I don't get to see everything that goes on during the race but there were a few drivers that I want to mention for having a good race. David Ragan comes to mind first and probably because I raced with him in ARCA but he finish 6th in his first 500. I hope his success continues. Mike Wallace is another one. Why he doesn't have a full time Nextel Cup ride is beyond me. David Stremme had a strong car all week and finished his Speedweeks off with a nice top ten. Mark Martin has put himself in a great position and I would not be surprised to see him complete the entire season if the first five or six races go as well as Daytona. Montoya. I think I am just a fan of his but he keeps impressing every time he takes the track. I am sure there were many others that I will see when I go home and watch the race but these are the ones that stick out in my mind for now.

Well, another Speedweeks has come and gone. It has been a long 11 days but I am glad that I was able to participate by being a spotter. The season is long and I am ready to see what the 44 team can do for the remainder of the races. I did learn some great new stories from my grandfather this week. Man, how times have changed. He has been here every year sine 1959 and still has fun when he shows up for the Daytona 500.

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