On the Gas with Gappens
Loudon, NH — It’s an exciting time of the year for all of us in racing. After nearly three months of being dormant, Sunday, the green flag drops for the Daytona 500, signifying the start of another racing season. As with each new season, it all starts with great optimism from everyone in the sport, the drivers, teams, sponsors, NASCAR and especially the fans. Is this the year for your favorite driver?
During his anchoring tenure with CBS Sports’ live coverage of the event; legendary broadcaster Ken Squier dubbed the Daytona 500, “The Great American Race.” Why? Think about it. Most of the fabric that is NASCAR is truly “Americana.” Most of the drivers grew up on short tracks representing little dots on the road maps from around this great country, the fan base is pure American and the cars are all constructed here.
The Great American Race kicks it all off on Sunday, we’re get a glimpse of what the 2011 season holds and who emerges as the top-championship contenders this year.
In this month’s “Magic Mile” Insider, you will find some New Hampshire Motor Speedway winter traditions, up-to-date information regarding the Daytona 500, news and notes from NHMS and much more, including a new, simplified Sprint Cup Series point system.
This new system puts a premium on winning and a severe handicap on a very poor finish. The new “wild card” element adds to the Chase for the NASCAR Sprint Cup and gives race winners an opportunity to make NASCAR’s version of the playoffs.
As for a Daytona prediction, my sentimental choice is Dale Earnhardt, Jr. How fitting would it be to see “Junior” in victory lane Sunday as the ultimate tribute the legacy of his father, who we lost 10 years ago this weekend. It would be one of the biggest stories of the year and rejuvenate the legions of fans that are the “Earnhardt Nation!”
In closing, we truly appreciate your enthusiastic support for New Hampshire Motor Speedway and our continued efforts to make it better for you the fans. You asked for a new scoreboard video system and you’ll have it this year. It’ll be one of the greatest fan enhancements in the 21 year history of the speedway.
From NASCAR, to INDYCAR, with modifieds, motorcycles and American-Canadian Tour late models in between, we’ve got a great year of action and excitement planned for you. BUY YOUR TICKETS NOW!
It’s your track New England, let’s go racing!
Sources: NHMS PR