The season kicks off with the Clash featuring the 2016 Chase drivers, the 2016 pole winners, one replacement driver – Daniel Suarez replaces the retired Carl Edwards. Dale Earnhardt Jr, as a previous Clash winner is qualified to run the race, but will instead call the race from the booth. Alex Bowman is in the Clash having won a pole last season. Since the Chase will now be called the playoffs that language is being used to describe the folks qualified for the Clash. Droll. Smoke qualified for the race, but since he’s retired he won’t compete. Personally I’m not digging the idea of everyone that made the Chase being qualified. We’re all aware of how much luck can play a role in getting in the Chase – but, whatever.<\/p>\n
Kenny Wallace yelled his way through an interview with Jimmie Johnson. Geez Kenny, you have a microphone so there’s no need to yell. He’s a mad man.<\/p>\n
Race Hub is showing Austin Theriault’s victory lane celebration and interview.<\/p>\n
It’s weird because it feels as though Carl Edwards’ retirement is getting much more screen time than Tony Stewart’s retirement last year. Very strange.<\/p>\n
Wally says they’re not targeting another audience, but they are going after a younger audience – Hammond says they’re definitely doing that.<\/p>\n
More yelling from Kenny Wallace in a segment called ‘Where’s Wallace’. Still have a mic, Kenny. Loud doesn’t equal exciting\/excited\/excitement.<\/p>\n
KHarv says this is the first year of a five year contract.<\/p>\n
And the good feeling and momentum grinds to a halt as John Roberts, Wacky Wally Dallenbach and Jeff Hammond kick the broadcast over to Chris Meyers and Michael Waltrip. Yuck.<\/p>\n
The blimp shot of the stage is for the birds – who can see anything. The whole group walks out together and the tv camera is on Alex Bowman exclusively. What’s up with that? And instead of watching the introductions we’re watching Mike Joy, Darrell Waltrip, and Jeff Gordon talk to Dale Earnhardt Jr. Obviously they’re not concerned with what the fans might want to see.<\/p>\n
I guess the intros are over since Jamie Little is interviewing Alex Bowman. Odd that they’d rather show a broadcast booth than the pre-show festivities which might be interesting, or entertaining.<\/p>\n
Looks like the rain has started again.<\/p>\n
The countdown in the corner of the screen says 37+ minutes to the green flag at 19:47. I thought it was supposed to begin at 20:00. Maybe that was just the television broadcast of the Clash.<\/p>\n
For the record I am at least one person who hates the commercials with that guy Jim Parsons. He’s just aggravating. Then again I that’s one of the reasons I had no interest in that show – the people on it were simply irritating which I don’t find amusing. Then again, I’ve been told I seem to have a more European sense of humor.<\/p>\n
We’re apparently in a rain delay.<\/p>\n
The Clash has been postponed until tomorrow morning. <\/p>\n
NASCAR News:<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n The season kicks off with the Clash featuring the 2016 Chase drivers, the 2016 pole winners, one replacement driver – Daniel Suarez replaces the retired Carl Edwards. Dale Earnhardt Jr, as a previous Clash winner is qualified to run the race, but will instead call the race from the booth. Alex Bowman is in the … <\/p>\n\n
Next Race: Daytona<\/h3>\n
GO 48!!!!<\/strong><\/span><\/h2>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"