NASCAR Mailbag: Let’s Not Go Down That Road Again in Indianapolis

Tyler Reddick had an excellent weekend in Indianapolis, however the NASCAR Cup Collection as a complete didn’t. The Verizon 200 featured 9 lead modifications, however none within the remaining 25 laps. Everybody left city earlier than we acquired an excellent clarification (and we nonetheless don’t have one) about what precipitated Kyle Larson to obliterate Ty Dillon’s Chevy.

Naturally, Indy leads off this week’s mailbag.

I gave up my Brickyard 400 tickets way back however nearly went again to IMS over the weekend. I’m glad I didn’t. What’s the enchantment in sitting via three hours of so-so viewing solely to have the race come all the way down to the trainwreck on the finish? (From A.N. by way of AOL.com)

You couldn’t pay me to observe one other of these farces. (Editor’s notice: Uh, John, we have to discuss your familiarity along with your job description.) After watching the restarts after the stage breaks, I pleaded with the racing gods to verify there could be no want for a restart within the final 10 laps.

Alas, it wasn’t to be. We acquired the entire mess in Flip 1 to start out additional time.

So, how can we repair it?

Good: Line the vehicles up three-wide for restarts as a substitute of two lengthy traces. Whereas it sounds counterintuitive as a result of it bunches the sector up, it additionally retains 12 vehicles from swinging broad to create a cavalry cost until guys subsequent to them make a transfer. However extra guys within the internal and outer columns could be inclined to carry the road and have a shot at taking the primary flip no worse than three-wide.

Too radical? Yeah, in all probability. So go to a single-line restart and just about assure that the winner will come from one of many first three vehicles.

Higher: Transfer the beginning line again to offer vehicles an extended run on the principle straight to (hopefully) give the drivers extra time to create separation. Perhaps the five-wide visitors heading into the sharp proper flip thins out to be no worse than three-wide. That’s nonetheless going to power individuals onto the grass, however possibly not have an effect on the end result almost like we noticed Sunday.

Greatest: Neglect about ready till 2024 to return to the oval. Ditch the highway course now.

I’m comfortable that it appears like Aric Almirola will delay his retirement and return subsequent season, even when it’s solely part-time. What do you make the chances to be? (F.S. by way of Gmail)

Let me begin with the straightforward half: If Almirola is coming again, Stewart-Haas Racing can’t simply put him within the automotive part-time and take considered one of its vehicles out of the working for a spot within the NASCAR playoffs. Sponsors need the automotive with their identify out to be seen as a possible champion. Kaulig Racing has the posh of ride-sharing this yr with AJ Allmendinger, Noah Gragson, and Daniel Hemric within the No. 16 Chevy as a result of that automotive wasn’t going to contend within the crew’s Cup Collection debut.

Insiders level to the continuation of the Smithfield Meals sponsorship being dependent upon Almirola’s return. That’s virtually a full yr of protection for the No. 10 Ford. If Joe Gibbs Racing and Kyle Busch reportedly have been getting $25 million a yr for the M&M’s branding on 75% of races, then SHR should be paying in the identical neighborhood with Smithfield.

It sounds as if SHR has to make it price Almirola’s whereas to run the complete schedule with the intention to money in to the max. As it’s, Tony Stewart and Gene Haas have already got their fingers full with a choice on Cole Custer. Positive, reserve driver Ryan Preece can step in for one of many two, however not each.

I make it 90% that Almirola sticks round and runs one other full NASCAR season. After all, that merely serves to push the Smithfield sponsorship dilemma again a yr.

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Acquired a query or commentary about racing? Sportscasting’s John Moriello does a mailbag column every Friday. Write to him at JohnM@Sportscasting.com.

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