[MikeNoun]

Rumors are flying that Danica was given the pole position.

As was stated above, NASCAR is in trouble, not able to fill the grandstands at any of the tracks. The tracks that appear to "sell out" are because they throw giant tarps over entire sections of the grandstands, forcing fans into other sections, making it appear to be a sellout for the TV cameras. A tactic MLB, NFL, and other sports are doing more and more (BTW, the Oakland Raiders just eliminated about 10-15 thousand seats too, using tarps with advertising on them).

Danica being on pole has generated MASSIVE interest in this race now, which was the plan all along. They most likely gave her a different restricter plate to run, giving her another 50 hp. And chances are that all the other drivers and teams knew all along, or if they didn't, they assumed they boosted her car.

It's all good, it's all for ratings, and all the drivers and teams understand that. No one cares who is on pole at Daytona anyway. By the end of lap 1, they won't be the leader, so no one really cares.

The #1 trending topic on Yahoo yesterday was Danica. ESPN's #1 story was Danica. Speed TV can't stop talking about her. All the talk shows and late night shows mention Danica, and state that "history has been made".

That was NASCAR's goal, and they succeeded. The ratings for the Daytona 500 may be the best ever this Sunday.

Danica won't win the Daytona 500, but I predict she WILL win a race this year. Not because of a boosted engine, but the car she's driving is good enough to win, and she IS a pretty good driver.

[Keith Seymore]

Originally Posted by MikeNoun

Rumors are flying that Danica was given the pole position.

As was stated above, NASCAR is in trouble, not able to fill the grandstands at any of the tracks. The tracks that appear to "sell out" are because they throw giant tarps over entire sections of the grandstands, forcing fans into other sections, making it appear to be a sellout for the TV cameras. A tactic MLB, NFL, and other sports are doing more and more (BTW, the Oakland Raiders just eliminated about 10-15 thousand seats too, using tarps with advertising on them).

Danica being on pole has generated MASSIVE interest in this race now, which was the plan all along. They most likely gave her a different restricter plate to run, giving her another 50 hp. And chances are that all the other drivers and teams knew all along, or if they didn't, they assumed they boosted her car.

It's all good, it's all for ratings, and all the drivers and teams understand that. No one cares who is on pole at Daytona anyway. By the end of lap 1, they won't be the leader, so no one really cares.

The #1 trending topic on Yahoo yesterday was Danica. ESPN's #1 story was Danica. Speed TV can't stop talking about her. All the talk shows and late night shows mention Danica, and state that "history has been made".

That was NASCAR's goal, and they succeeded. The ratings for the Daytona 500 may be the best ever this Sunday.

Danica won't win the Daytona 500, but I predict she WILL win a race this year. Not because of a boosted engine, but the car she's driving is good enough to win, and she IS a pretty good driver.

I agree entirely.

I've worked a few Nascar races as a representative of the OE manufacturers. Keep in mind it is primarily a "show".

As a lifelong racer, I am entirely convinced the pen is mightier than the wrench.

K