Let’s just imagine for a moment that we’re back in the summer of 1994, which would mean you’re uploading a very bare version of The Podium Finish on Hyperterminal or on AOL. It’s the weekend of the first Brickyard 400 at Indianapolis Motor Speedway and your curiosity for how stock cars would compete at this 2.5-mile superspeedway. Fast forward it to the finish and we’ve witnessed a hometown (sorta) hero winning NASCAR’s first big race at Indy with 23-year-old Jeff Gordon celebrating in one of the most hallowed grounds in all of racing – Indianapolis Victory Lane.
The cars were boxier, passing was somewhat existent with drivers feeling out the track and their cars during the inaugural race but the excitement factor was definitely one rivaling that of a crown jewel stock car event. Fast forward to today, July 26th, 2015. Today’s Sprint Cup cars are not nearly the fast moving boxes that they were but more of a sleeker, refined machine which will have some aerodynamic enhancements that will, hopefully, promote more competitive action all around.
Taller spoilers with a wicker might not exactly be what drivers want but if yesterday’s NASCAR XFINITY Series race was any indicator, if the front two drivers have broken away from the rest of the pack, it’s definitely a race where either have a solid shot to win. Lap traffic, driver relapse, and the second place racer applying the heat for the win could be factors in today’s 400-miler along with of course, those hot summer temperatures.
This may not be Daytona during Independence Day conditions or Southern 500 ran on Labor Day Sunday but it’ll be a very physically demanding race. Just reflect back to last Sunday’s 5-HOUR Energy 301 at New Hampshire Motor Speedway, a race not typically grueling on the drivers. It’s quite easy to recall how a lot of racers and pit crew members were absolutely spent after nearly three and a half hours of racing – in the Granite State!
When all is said and done, there’ll be some brick kissing, which might mean the spouses and kiddies not wanting any part with knowing how Goodyear rubber tastes like but it’s still quite a cool feat. Once the checkered flag is waved, that racer and their team will have earned it, perhaps sweating it out quite more than usual. Races like today will be one that will remind the cynics that the women and men who are in that garage area, pit road, and in the driver’s seat are legitimate athletes.
Ready to talk more about today’s 400-miler at Indy (3 PM ET on NBCSN)? We thought so, as Ashley Hobbs, Ashley Hull, and Kimberly Melton are game and ready. So let’s get to this weekend’s Trending Topics right now!
Trending Topics by Rob Tiongson
Question 1
Kyle Busch has been virtually unstoppable, winning 3 of the past 4 races. Does this trend continue at Indy?
Question 2
AJ Allmendinger had a solid race last weekend with a 13th despite battling a strep throat and the hot, humid conditions at Loudon, which would be a gutsy performance in recent NASCAR memory. Which driver and team impressed you the most during the most adverse conditions over the past 10 years?
Then we have Brian Vickers, who is an absolute rockstar! Although he is currently sidelined, he really gave driving his all, even when dealing with a horrible condition like DVT. Michael Waltrip Racing stood by his side and supported him through the years, and that really impressed me.
Finally, let’s talk about Austin Dillon. Can I just share with everyone how emotional I got when I saw that wreck? I think I screamed loud enough for the neighbors to hear me. My scream was even louder when I saw Keselowski slide down the track and smash into him. I was expecting the worst, like everyone else. As we all held our breath and fought back the tears, praying to God he would be okay, here comes Dillon doing the Lane Frost wave like the cowboy he is.
Question 3
We’re heading to Indianapolis for the Brickyard 400, which has been a NASCAR tradition since 1994. What are some of your favorite Brickyard NASCAR moments?
Question 4
There’s been some speculation that Michael Waltrip Racing might move to the Chevrolet camp while Furniture Row has considered making the switch to Toyota. Taking the presumption that both moves happen, in the short haul, does this hurt or benefit either team in 2016?
The Track Talk team has given their two cents or dollars to this weekend’s four hot stories at Indy. Before we get to our race picks, let’s take a gander at this weekend’s points standings heading into Round 20 of 2015!
At some point, Patrick will have more than 2 points to show for but we’ve got a close battle for first place with reseeding taking place after Round 26 at Richmond. Now, let’s reveal our race picks for today’s Crown Royal Presents the Jeff Kyle 400 at Indianapolis Motor Speedway!
There you have it, race fans! The Track Talk crew has spoken and given their thoughts on the Crown Royal Presents the Jeff Kyle 400 at Indianapolis. How about you? What do you think are the biggest storylines heading into today’s race and who is your favorite to win? Also, we’d like to give our positive thoughts and prayers to Buddy Baker and his family. We’re all thinking of you and hoping you’re keeping strong in your brave battle!
Tweet us now @ThePodiumFinish and tell us now! Thanks as always to the TPF team. The opinions and thoughts express in Track Talk are solely of the authors and do not reflect on any organizations that we are affiliated with outside of TPF. This weekly feature is strictly for entertainment purposes and are not indicative of TPF, the organization, and its staff.
Rob Tiongson is a 30-something motorsports journalist who enjoys sports like baseball, basketball, football, soccer, track and field and hockey. A Boston native turned Austinite, racing was the first sport that caught his eyes. From interviews to retrospective articles, if it's about anything with an engine and four wheels, it'll be here on TPF, by him or by one of his talented columnists who have a passion for racing. Currently seeking a sports writing, public relations, or sports marketing career, particularly in motorsports. He enjoys editing and writing articles and features, as well as photography. Moreover, he enjoys time with his family and friends, traveling, cooking, working out and being a fun uncle or "funcle" to his nephew, niece and cat. Tiongson, a graduate of Southern New Hampshire University with a Bachelor of Arts in Communication, pursues his Master of Arts in Digital Journalism at St. Bonaventure University. Indeed, while Tiongson is proud to be from Massachusetts, he's an everywhere kind of man residing in Texas.