NASCAR is officially back. The much anticipated 60th Annual Daytona 500 went down at the Daytona International Speedway and there was much to discuss. We asked fans, “Would they have done what Dillon did to win? Should Almirola be mad? Will Bubba Wallace win a race?” and, of course, fans shared their thoughts on the Great American Race.
Below are links to our top Twitter questions this week and also a few responses. Every Monday, we will host a #NASCARTalk Twitter party at 12:00 PM PST / 3:00 PM EST. Join us for some NASCAR talk. Have something to say? We would love to hear from you! Join the conversation on our next Twitter chat and tweet us a comment.
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Question 1: Let’s just addressed the drama now. Did Austin Dillon dump Aric Almirola? Would you have done what Dillon did? Should Almirola be mad? Thoughts? #NASCARTalk
Q1: Let’s just addressed the drama now. Did Austin Dillon dump Aric Almirola? Would you have done what Dillon did? Should Almirola be made? Thoughts? #NASCARTalk
— All Turns No Brakes (@turnsnobrakes) February 19, 2018
Answers:
A1 It was the Daytona 500, you do what you have to do to win the race!
— Daniel Schulz (@SDaniel56) February 19, 2018
A1: I felt that Almirola handled himself a lot better than most would. I would’ve been livid and ready for a confrontation! At the end of the day, I’m blessed we witnessed a great Daytona 500. #NASCAR
— Kobe Lambeth (@NASCARDaily) February 19, 2018
A1: From what was seen on TV he absolutely dumped him. Aric should be pissed, but. Obviously he feels he blocked a bit too much. And without actually being in the car. It’s hard to say, but. When it comes down to it. Until it becomes against the rules. It’s fair game.
— #NASCARLovingHiveling (@TheRobster2014) February 19, 2018
A1: From my view it looked like he did. Like Aric said it was for the Daytona 500 in the last lap. It’s understandable why people didn’t like it but he went all out for the biggest race of the year.
— Kenneth W Lee Jr. (@FrontRowKenny) February 19, 2018
Yes Dillon purposely took out Aric He’s a #SpoiledGreedySelfishBrat! Any other driver would have been penalized by @nascardaytona! Eric won!
— Lil’Beav (@LynnBever) February 19, 2018
In my opinion, no. He had a run and Almirola tried to throw the block but got punted out of the way. I’d have probably done the same thing, and if I’m Almirola, I’d be mad, but remember that it’s the 500.
— Zane Taylor (@ZaneTaylor33) February 19, 2018
Question 2: @FrontRowKenny asks, “should stage racing happen at plate tracks? #NASCARTalk
Q2: @FrontRowKenny asks, “should stage racing happen at plate tracks? #NASCARTalk
— All Turns No Brakes (@turnsnobrakes) February 19, 2018
Answers:
A2: Yes. However, I think NASCAR should have the end of stages stay green instead of throwing cautions. #NASCARTalk
— Alex 🏁🏎 (@AlexD77_) February 19, 2018
A2. I’d say the stages are arguably more important for plate racing than maybe any other platform. Whether #NASCAR likes it or not, multiple drivers have talked about how you just kinda ride around for 80% of the race. Can’t do that thanks to Truex showing the value of stage wins
— PETM Racing Podcast (@PETMpodcast) February 19, 2018
A2: In my opinion yes! I like the stages I think they add a bit of excitement to things whenever a race might be getting boring because drivers will sometimes fight for that stage win!
— Tiffany (@tiffanyshandell) February 19, 2018
A2: Yes. If stage racing is going to continue to be a thing. Which I love personally. It should be implemented at all tracks.
— #NASCARLovingHiveling (@TheRobster2014) February 19, 2018
A2: if it happens at pretty much every other track on the schedule and circuit yeah it should on the plate tracks because points count everywhere.
— Patrick R. Dron, Martin and Ryan Truex fan (@patrickdron78) February 19, 2018
A2 I’ve grown to love stage racing, and it breaks up the monotony of a long race. I’m good with stage racing at every track type. #NASCARTalk
— Donnie S. (@TheDingoDude) February 19, 2018
A2: Keep it.
— Danny Swanson (@DannySwanson90) February 19, 2018
Question 3:
Q3: How about Bubba Wallace Jr. He had an impressive debut. Do you see him winning a race this season? #NASCARTalk
— All Turns No Brakes (@turnsnobrakes) February 19, 2018
Answers:
#NASCARTalk I dunno about winning a race. RPM hasn’t had the greatest results in recent years. But he has a good shot at most popular driver and rookie of the year.
— Frank Pozen (@frankp316) February 19, 2018
A3: Absolutely yes! It’s no doubt he proved himself last year. Staying up front all race, dodging all the wrecks and edging out Hamlin to earn 2nd was a huge victory for him! I think Bubba will surprise us this year!
— Alex 🏁🏎 (@AlexD77_) February 19, 2018
I wouldn’t be surprised to see Bubba win. I am a little worried how his equipment stacks up on non plate tracks. Hoping the alliance with RCR improves those 43 cars this year.
— Brad 🇺🇸 #Di9 (@BeachandBHawks) February 19, 2018
A3: Absolutely!! He really impressed me yesterday! I’ve always liked Bubba but yesterday he showed just how much it meant to him to be racing this year and I think if he keeps racing like he did he will have a win in no time!
— Tiffany (@tiffanyshandell) February 19, 2018
A3: Gonna be a tough ask that sadly. Petty mentioned how they’ve scrambled a few things together at the last minute, so I’d be surprised if he does unless it’s a plate race or on fuel mileage.
— Jason (@JRodgers_9) February 19, 2018
Depends on the consistency of the ECR engines on the intermediate tracks. If he can’t keep up there, Martinsville, plate races, and Dover will be places to look for him. I think he racks up about 7 top 10s and competes for a playoff spot IF he doesn’t win a race.
— francis, denmother of the blueberries (@tannerpanorama) February 19, 2018
Question 4:
Q4: What was the most surprising thing that took place at the #Daytona500? Why? #NASCARTalk
— All Turns No Brakes (@turnsnobrakes) February 19, 2018
Answers:
Two things, Paul menard and bubba wallace ! Both ran fantastic !
— Bill Nolan Jr (@BillNolanJr1) February 20, 2018
A4: The amount of support for Bubba Wallace. It was the coolest thing that I’ve seen in a while. I’ve never seen a single driver grow his fan base from flag to flag like him. He handled himself well being in a high pressure situation surrounded by the media and fans. #NASCAR
— Kobe Lambeth (@NASCARDaily) February 19, 2018
A4: Jimmie Johnson going through 3 cars all speedweeks, wrecked in the clash, tore up a car in his qualifying race and the 500 it’s self still hasn’t gotten that 2017 bad luck out of him yet.
— Patrick R. Dron, Martin and Ryan Truex fan (@patrickdron78) February 19, 2018
Probably the aggressiveness of the drivers early in the race. New ride height rule, average speeds close to and above 200 mph, and not being super familiar with how the car was going to handle in that big of a pack.
— Zane Taylor (@ZaneTaylor33) February 19, 2018
A4: I think it was A. Dillon taking out Almirola. I know it’s legal but still found it a cheap shot.
— avery duck (@specialkitty2me) February 19, 2018
A4: I’d say the 3 winning on the 20 year anniversary of Dale’s win was the biggest surprise. Like KB41 last year, AD3 only led 1 lap. The money lap. #NASCARTalk
— Graydon Bunn 🇨🇦- Countdown to vaca is on! (@SmoothOper88or) February 19, 2018
Question 5:
Q5: @TheRobster2014 ask, “what do you think NASCAR could improve to help bring entry numbers back up in the Cup series?” Thoughts? #NASCARTalk
— All Turns No Brakes (@turnsnobrakes) February 19, 2018
Answers:
Bigger race purses. I don’t know the going rate for sponsoring races but if the payout to teams is more you have to think more teams would attempt to race
— ryan goodrum (@ryan_goodrum) February 20, 2018
Provide a bonus for the non charter teams. Guaranteed money to make those 4 spots. Or get rid of the stupid charter system. It’s done nothing but bad things for teams since it’s inception. Good team owners will find a way to raise the funds to race.
— Bill Steinbach III (@bill_steinie3) February 19, 2018
A5. Probably the same old tired answer here. Lower costs. As a potential owner I would hate to know I could potentially have four cars destroyed between the Daytona and Talladega speedway events alone. I hated seeing all those wrecked cars yesterday.
— Greg Clark (@gclarktweets2) February 19, 2018
A5: I think starting with a simple discussion at the table would be a great way to discuss business. Cutting costs is obviously one thing. I’m not an expert on this situation, but I will say “quality over quantity.” #NASCAR
— Kobe Lambeth (@NASCARDaily) February 19, 2018
Tags Bubba Wallace Jr. Dale Jr. Danica Patrick Daytona Daytona 500 Monster Energy Motorsports NASCAR Racing Ryan Blaney
