NASCAR's 'State of the Sport' address has readers at odds with Autoweek contributor Jerry Bonkowski.
- NASCAR State of the Sport: Other Cities Looking to Follow Chicago, Host Cup Races
- Joey Logano Calls NASCAR Cup Championship ‘Bittersweet’ Following Coy Gibbs’s Death
- How American Ben Keating Can Make WEC History at 8 Hours of Bahrain
- How Joey Logano Captured His Second NASCAR Cup Championship
- Coy Gibbs, Father of NASCAR Xfinity Series Champ Ty Gibbs, Dies at 49
- Step Aside, Lewis Hamilton, Formula 1 Has Entered the Max Verstappen Era
- Slumping Ferrari Once Again Non-Factor in F1 Mexican Grand Prix
- IndyCar Looks to Indy NXT by Firestone to Freshen Up Indy Lights Series
- Historic Pomona Raceway Gets New Life With Meaty Track, NHRA Event Sponsor
- Wunnerful, Wunnerful: Racer Tony Stewart Won’t Say No to Lawrence Welk on Race Day
Both IndyCar and NASCAR have ended their seasons, NHRA wraps things up this weekend, and Formula 1 says adios to 2022 next weekend.
But Autoweek and REVVED UP! will keep rolling throughout the offseason every week (well, we may skip a week or two around the holidays).
So strap yourself in, put on your helmet and fire suit, and get your motor running for this week’s edition of REVVED UP!!
NASCAR State of the Sport: Other Cities Looking to Follow Chicago, Host Cup Races
NASCAR officials held a “State of the Series” address at Phoenix.
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Readers Say:
• NREsq: To the commenters that always start with: “In my day NASCAR did things this way…”
A series either evolves or it dies (along with its older fans). Everyone isn’t going to be happy with all the changes–but everyone wasn’t happy with everything about the old NASCAR either.
Like it or not, this is where NASCAR is going and they aren’t going to turn back. The success has gained momentum, in particular reaching out to groups that previously had little interest in motor racing. As long as NASCAR continues to innovate to improve the racing, and remains responsive to their fans’ response as to whether those changes are working, the success should continue.
• ty4444: Yeah okay you keep telling yourself that (and those perpetual optimists who continue to think like you). In the meantime, we’ll continue to see track attendance decline and tracks like Daytona lose seating sections for additional ad revenue spots because empty seats don’t look good to advertisers paying for commercial spots (IE: if stands are empty, that means ratings on TV are down too). When you are watching a race on TV, have you ever paid attention to the amount of empty seats in the stands? Bristol hasn’t sold out in YEARS just as exhibit A.
• justbob: So Mr. Phelps has proclaimed that ticket sales numbers are up over 20%. But he left out the part that this is since covid lockdowns and no fan races. Mr. Phelps proclaimed that numbers are up this year even though we have high inflation and gas prices. I instead would ask, how are the numbers compared to say, 2019? 2018? 2017? or say 2010 or 2000? I have a feeling you won’t be so brash in how great NASCAR is doing. So how do you explain the empty grand stands and stands being removed if ticket sales are so good? Why are there few if any big name sponsors left in the sport anymore if things are so great? It seems to me like Mr. Phelps is just being a typical politician, using misdirection to sell a false reality.
Races on dirt and temporary street circuits do not make for good racing unless it is a dirt track series. Temporary street circuits almost always have terrible racing and tend come at a cost to the owners and drivers alike. It is inevitable that a lot of drivers smash the walls because of the no leeway nature of the tracks.
F1 and IndyCar have a history of making this mistake and running events like this. But since temporary street circuits are very profitable for the series owners. Why would they worry about the product or cost to the teams that they will incur by being forced to participate in this portion of the circus. It’s all about profits. As such, NASCAR now wants to follow suit adding more circus acts to the other events under the big top. A total clown show.
Autoweek contributor Jerry Bonkowski says:
JB: I may be wrong in my thinking, but I’m giving NASCAR the benefit of the doubt. Some of the changes, such as the Next Generation car, the first-ever street race next July in Chicago, the preseason race at the L.A. Coliseum, the return to North Wilkesboro, and so much more proves to me that NASCAR will do anything and everything it can both to bring back former fans, as well as to attract new fans. I can’t complain about that, as it’s good business to do everything you can to attract new folks into the stands or in front of their TV sets. Folks need to be a lot less cynical about NASCAR. If they don’t like it, then just don’t pay attention. NASCAR won’t miss you, trust me.
Joey Logano Calls NASCAR Cup Championship ‘Bittersweet’ Following Coy Gibbs’s Death
Joey Logano’s championship came on a weekend when the sport suffered a tragic loss.
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Readers Say:
• justbob: This is the way to represent yourself. As already said, a true gentleman.
I always liked Joey since Mark Martin told us a lot about him way back when. I rooted for Joey when he took on the tall order of replacing Tony Stewart in the Joe Gibbs Home Depot No. 20. He faced a stiff learning curve and dealt with a lot of drivers trying to take advantage of his youth and inexperience by trying to push him around. So yes there were plenty of arguably controversial times. He has come a long way since that young man to become the man he is. I applaud him for his growth and accomplishments.
• rth5023: Regardless of whether or not you are a Logano Fan, his comments are genuine and true, well said Mr. Logano!
Autoweek contributor Jerry Bonkowski says:
JB: Joey has always been a class act in my mind. Sure, he’s had a few run-ins with opposing drivers like Matt Kenseth, Kyle Busch, Tony Stewart, and others, but Logano has definitely matured into a champion NASCAR can be proud of. Yes, I was pulling for Christopher Bell or Ross Chastain to earn underdog championships, but there’s no denying what Logano and his entire team did and accomplished, not just at Phoenix but all season long. You may hate Joey as a driver, but as a gentleman, he’s someone both Team Penske and NASCAR should be very proud of.
How American Ben Keating Can Make WEC History at 8 Hours of Bahrain
Ben Keating is trying to become the first American to bring home a WEC championship since the series was revived in 2012.
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Readers Say:
• roxie44: What a great representative for the 50+ people (that includes me). I just wish for a stock Corvette to cruise in when it’s not snowing.
• ChicagoRacing1: I’m so impressed with Ben Keating. I met him many years ago during his early days as a gentleman driver. He was unassuming and kind. Based on his comments in this article and his continued success, it looks like that attitude, along with good hard work and some natural talent, will take him very far.
Autoweek Contributor Jerry Bonkowski Says:
JB: I agree with Roxie44 that Ben is indeed a role model for folks aged 50 and above—present company included. And what better way to add to your resume than to move to racing a Corvette, which is what he hopes to do. I’m convinced Ben will have success with a Corvette, or any other make of car he will race.
How Joey Logano Captured His Second NASCAR Cup Championship
Joey Logan celebrates his second NASCAR Cup championship at Phoenix.
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Readers Say:
• justbob: I missed the race yesterday and just watched a replay of Joey’s interview after winning the race and his second championship. My congratulations to Joey. But you could see that emotion in his face when they spoke about Coy Gibbs. Starting his cup career at JGR, to me it seemed to still have a big effect on Joey, more than just the member of the racing family would suggest. To me it seemed like this tragedy was still part of his family even though years later. To me that speaks to the impact on people’s lives that the Gibbs family must invoke.
Again congratulations to Joey and the Penske organization. While sadly, at the same time, my thoughts and prayers go out to the members of the Gibbs family and organization.
• mbe1532: In a crazy season that shuffled the deck, Logano won by staying steady and avoiding trouble. And at only 32, he has a lot of years left.
• bar6253: I’ve watched Logano since he came into the sport. His early years (with Gibbs) he was just a youngster. Had more than a few rough days. When he landed the Penske ride he became a man, and a very accomplished and experienced driver. No doubt in my mind Brad Keselowski had a hand in that.
Personally I don’t think he’s done at 2 championships, he’s got more in him.
Autoweek Contributor Jerry Bonkowski Says:
JB: I really don’t have anything else to add that hasn’t been said already about Joey and Team Penske. He will be a good representative/champion for NASCAR both during the off-season as well as throughout the 2023 season. And don’t be surprised if Logano winds up winning championship No. 3 next year as well.
Coy Gibbs, Father of NASCAR Xfinity Series Champ Ty Gibbs, Dies at 49
Coy Gibbs, left, died just hours after son Ty won a NASCAR championship.
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Readers Say:
• SUNBEAMDON: Ty’s remorse may well be a poetic one for the family. With the loss of his dad so soon after the race, it will be hard for young Ty to comprehend. That Gibbs’s racing family did so well over this weekend is a tribute to the entire team. We fans can only share a modest part of their victory and loss. RIP Coy.
• roxie44: Thoughts and prayers go out to the entire Gibbs family that has lost both Coy and his brother J.D. Some things are much bigger than racing.
Autoweek Contributor Jerry Bonkowski Says:
JB: Honestly, I don’t see how anyone on Joe Gibbs Racing’s Cup Series team—including Christopher Bell, Denny Hamlin, Martin Truex Jr., and Kyle Busch (in his final race for JGR)—was able to focus on the task at hand at Phoenix after learning of the sad passing of Coy Gibbs in his sleep. That was especially hard on Bell, as Gibbs did a lot for him during Bell’s tenure with JGR. Coy was almost like a second father to Bell and had a huge impact on Bell’s career. I give a lot of credit to all four JGR Cup drivers, but particularly to Bell, who had to do what any good NASCAR driver does: he compartmentalized the sadness and tragedy vs. the job he had to do at hand. And he went out and did that job in fine fashion. He may not have won the championship or even the race, but I think it’s fair to say Bell showed a lot of people something that will help him return year after year not just in the playoffs, but also all the way to the Championship 4 final round.
Step Aside, Lewis Hamilton, Formula 1 Has Entered the Max Verstappen Era
Max Verstappen’s second championship might be the beginning of a long stretch of dominance.
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Readers Say:
• vah5225: Is it Louise’s superior driving ability or his ride? Let’s look at the last two years when Princess Lewie has had a ride that wasn’t superior to the field by a wide margin and he hasn’t been Drivers Champion. Mercedes hasn’t provided him with a ride to make him drivers champion. Now that could be a failure to perform by the team or a result of Red Bull’s cheating. However, when Mercedes wasn’t superior Hamilton’s drivers talent couldn’t take him to that top step often enough to be DC. Pro athletes need to just do their jobs and keep their personal views to themselves. Like they did back in the bad old days. Yeah drivers can whine about track and car safety but they need to keep their views on social issues etc. to themselves. I will say this Sir Lewis has done something I didn’t think was possible and that is be a better whiner and complainer than Sir Jackie Stewart and his voice is even more annoying than Stewart’s.
• gt46665: Spot on vah5225! Hamster has had a FAR superior car for the vast majority of his career. Is he a good driver? Yes but without the best car he’d have maybe 1 championship. That was so obvious when Russell stepped into the car for that one race, and yes he’s even ahead of Ham in the championship now. Add in his constant whining about everything and he’s no fun.
Autoweek Contributor Jerry Bonkowski Says:
JB: I can’t help but laugh at the, shall we say, less than colorful adjectives that inundate and mock Hamilton and his team just because he has won so many races and championships. It was merely a case of jealousy and some folks wanting things they can’t have. Sure, Hamilton may only race one more year, but then again, he may stick around another 4–5 years if he wins the championship in 2023.
Slumping Ferrari Once Again Non-Factor in F1 Mexican Grand Prix
Charles Leclerc started the season fast, but was not a factor as the season wrapped up.
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Readers Say:
• tfe3095: That era of Ferrari is long gone..F1 fans have their own name too…., it would have been my second, again That era of Ferrari is long gone.. anyone can buy a Ferrari, no more seat fitting like in the past. Only Enzo required that. So if you want to be “snarky” please have the correct information to back it up. My life was all about passion for Ferraris but that was then this is now the era of the “woke” Ferrari company!
• qua1300: So, you go with whomever is “on top” this week? Then overlay that with a political slight? This sport operates at the cutting edge of realization. Stick with NASCAR. All the cars are the same and they ain’t “woke” obviously.
• jve7717: Binotto has to go.
Autoweek Contributor Jerry Bonkowski Says:
JB: I can’t agree more with most of the folks who wrote in on this subject. Scuderia Ferrari principal Mattia Binotto indeed has to go, I agree. Still, I think Binotto is going to be pushed, if he hasn’t already. Ferrari has been somewhat embarrassing the last few years for its complete lack of performance and success. It has become just another also-ran in F1. What Ferrari’s braintrust needs to do is fire virtually everyone on the team and start from scratch. That includes drivers, and I would be pleasantly surprised—not shocked—if Ferrari tries to sign Hamilton once Mercedes decides to chase younger drivers first (as if that isn’t already happening). Rebuilding Ferrari and its brand in F1 is going to take at least three years, but I feel confident we will soon see it back in contention and at the top of the speed charts.
IndyCar Looks to Indy NXT by Firestone to Freshen Up Indy Lights Series
IndyCar hopes a rebranding of the Indy Lights Series can help energize the support series.
Penske Entertainment/Chris Owens
Readers say:
• Roxie44: Is this a move to improve Indy NXT or is it more of a push for NBC Peacock sales? “Indy NXT” sure doesn’t roll off the tongue like “Indy Lights”. No marketing people were involved in that decision.
Autoweek Contributor Jerry Bonkowski Says:
JB: I agree with you, Roxie. I haven’t heard anything directly that any other series will be renamed, but I agree that “Indy NXT” just doesn’t roll off the tongue like “Indy Lights.” That being said, it’s possible that the IndyCar and Indy Lights folks got together and decided to kind of give Indy Lights a new, bolder look, and IndyCar will definitely help sweeten the pot financially.
Historic Pomona Raceway Gets New Life With Meaty Track, NHRA Event Sponsor
The NHRA will continue race at Pomona in part thanks to a new sponsorship deal.
NHRA/National Dragster
• Overpar: Great that they stepped in on the sponsorship. As far as the burgers? They’re okay. Not great. Worth waiting in a long line for? Debatable. I prefer Whataburger.
• rth5023: Whataburgers (I have had them) are OK, but In-N-Out is probably the best and fairest priced burger in America! Fresh, tasty and simple!
• 04SVTCorbra: 2 November: In-n-Out is first class and should be a great fit for NHRA and Pomona! Great news!
• rob5304: Awesome news, for it’s always been double doubles first then Pomona and the quarter mile, can’t wait.
Autoweek Contributor Jerry Bonkowski Says:
JB: I have to admit, In-n-Out Double Doubles are my favorite burger, bar none. Like many folks who live where there aren’t any In-n-Out restaurants nearby, whenever I fly into L.A., San Francisco, or Phoenix, as soon as I get my rental car I IMMEDIATELY go to In-n-Out first and then worry about everything else—including work and/or racing—second. I would NEVER do that for a WhatABurger (which are okay, but they’re no In-n-Out!). I hope this will be a great thing for NHRA, although I question whether the track will still be around 11 years from now. There have been a lot of rumors floating around that part—if not all—of the L.A. County Fairplex may be torn down or sold off. I can only hope those rumors are wrong, as the Fairplex track is one of my favorites in the sport.
Wunnerful, Wunnerful: Racer Tony Stewart Won’t Say No to Lawrence Welk on Race Day
Lawrence Welk sets the beat for Tony Stewart.
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Readers Say:
• mbe1532: I would think that you’d want to listen to something that’s really fast, like Motorhead or Slayer.
• har2838: Tony who?
Autoweek Contributor Jerry Bonkowski Says:
JB: Tony Stewart likes Lawrence Welk? Who knew? I would have expected Tony to be more of a Rick Springfield or Rick Astley kind of guy. And for you youngsters who have no idea who Lawrence Welk was, Google him or check out YouTube (if you don’t fall asleep from the sleep-inducing music he usually played first—unless it was a happy, snappy polka!). As for Motorhead or Slayer to motivate Leah, that might be a bit too heavy for my taste, although I could see Aerosmith, Bon Jovi, Van Halen, and maybe even Poison or Great White to bop till she drops. As for har2838, mark my word, Tony Stewart is going to make some serious noise in NHRA competition in the next year or so. I wouldn’t be surprised if he is unofficially being groomed to take over for John Force as the sport’s most popular driver. I’ve also heard rumors that Tony and Speedway Motorsports Inc.’s boss may be working together to buy NHRA in the next year. If that happens, it would be one of the best things to ever happen to the world of drag racing, in my opinion. I believe Tony has gotten disenchanted with NASCAR racing, and I wouldn’t be surprised if he sells his half of Stewart–Haas Racing and goes off on his own as a born-again drag racer!
Keyword: Revved Up! Readers React to Week's Biggest Racing News, Nov. 10 Edition