Blog
NASCAR Cup Watkins Glen
So Bob says...
Fan observations are always welcomed.
Lee Spencer
Edited: Aug 12, 2014, 3:03 AM
Copy link
Share on Viber
With the exception of AJ Allmendinger finally securing his first win, I’m glad to put Watkins Glen in the rearview mirror.
Just a side note, first: Our innkeeper Bob could not wait to sing Allmendinger’s praises on Monday morning. In this case, he’s a little late to the party.
Bob is an avid Jeff Gordon fan. He was convinced that the No. 24 Chevy would be back in Victory Lane by the end of the race. Had it not been for an electrical issue, Bob might have been right.
But this long-time racing enthusiast – and a Watkins Glen local – brought up two valid points. Marcos Ambrose is one of the greatest talents that NASCAR has ever seen, particularly on a road course. On Sunday, however, Allmendinger was just that much better.
Those of you that have followed my work for some time know I have a fondness for the Dinger. It’s difficult not to be drawn in by his affable demeanor. His father, a hobby racer, named him after A.J. Foyt. Growing up in Los Gatos, Calif., his mother made him decide between new shoes or another set of tires.
Did he really have a choice?
Once he arrived on the NASCAR scene, the party followed. So did the reality of racing at this level. As competitive as open wheel can be, a 38-race schedule can be daunting. Still, Allmendinger hung in there despite poor management and sub-standard equipment at the newly formed Red Bull Racing. What convinced me of his staying power was a test at Phoenix. This was early in 2008. Mike Skinner was subbing in the car. AJ could have easily blown off the test and stayed in Las Vegas, but he was committed to turning his deal around.
No, the Red Bull ride didn’t work out. But each year, Allmendinger gradually improved. He persevered through the Gillett Evernham Motorsports mess, accepted the uncertainty at Richard Petty Motorsports and finally broke through with Team Penske.
Despite Allmendinger’s misstep under Roger Penske’s watch, arguably, AJ doesn’t have a stronger ally in motorsports than The Captain. But whether it’s “the committee”, James Finch, Michael Shank, Tad Geschickter or anyone else that believed in The Dinger, sometimes it’s just the act of believing in a kid that allows him to start believing in himself. Some of us never stopped.
Bob’s second point – and yes, I have advocated this for some time – NASCAR needs to add more road courses to the Sprint Cup schedule. It’s by far the best racing on the tour but the sanctioning body keeps insisting on returning to some of its old stale venues. Bob asked why NASCAR doesn’t run additional races at Watkins Glen? While that is not feasible, there are other circuits that could stage an equally entertaining show. (Think Canada - the fans will support it.)
Although I don’t anticipate any new tracks – at least on the Sprint Cup schedule – there might be a few surprises after all. I just wish one of the changes included a road course in the Chase. Bob agrees.
PLEASE FORWARD QUESTIONS TO LEE.SPENCER@MOTORSPORT.COM
We want your opinion!
What would you like to see on Motorsport.com?
Take our 5 minute survey.
- The Motorsport.com Team
Read and post comments
Read also :
Share Or Save This Story
Copy link
Share on Viber
Previous article On-track gesturing a thing of the past? Local tracks take action
Next article 3M leaves Roush Fenway Racing for Hendrick Motorsports
Top Comments
There are no comments at the moment. Would you like to write one?
View More & Comment
More from
Lee Spencer
Harvick reflects on career after Atlanta win, honors Dale Earnhardt
NASCAR Cup
NASCAR Cup
Atlanta
Harvick reflects on career after Atlanta win, honors Dale Earnhardt
Chase Elliott: "We have a lot of work to do" after Atlanta showing
NASCAR Cup
NASCAR Cup
Atlanta
Chase Elliott: "We have a lot of work to do" after Atlanta showing
Harvick leads veteran charge at Atlanta Motor Speedway
NASCAR Cup
NASCAR Cup
Atlanta
Harvick leads veteran charge at Atlanta Motor Speedway
More from
AJ Allmendinger
Winners and losers from a thrilling NASCAR Cup return to Chicagoland
NASCAR Cup
NASCAR Cup
Chicago
Winners and losers from a thrilling NASCAR Cup return to Chicagoland
A.J. Allmendinger opens up on inner doubts as he reaches 500th NASCAR Cup start
NASCAR Cup
NASCAR Cup
Sonoma
A.J. Allmendinger opens up on inner doubts as he reaches 500th NASCAR Cup start
Ram celebrates triple top ten and strongest showing yet in NASCAR return
NASCAR Truck
NASCAR Truck
Watkins Glen
Ram celebrates triple top ten and strongest showing yet in NASCAR return
More from
Red Bull Racing
Max Verstappen puzzled by Q3 grip loss, but Austin shows how far Red Bull has progressed
Formula 1
Formula 1
United States GP
8 h
Max Verstappen puzzled by Q3 grip loss, but Austin shows how far Red Bull has progressed
Max Verstappen reacts to COTA boss: "He can drive my car, after five laps he won't be able to walk"
Formula 1
Formula 1
United States GP
10 h
Max Verstappen reacts to COTA boss: "He can drive my car, after five laps he won't be able to walk"
Latest news
F1 United States GP live commentary and updates - Will Kimi Antonelli become champion?
Formula 1
F1 Formula 1
United States GP
54 min
F1 United States GP live commentary and updates - Will Kimi Antonelli become champion?
Charles Leclerc reacts to Ferrari fear: 'We know what line not to cross'
Formula 1
F1 Formula 1
United States GP
3 h
Charles Leclerc reacts to Ferrari fear: 'We know what line not to cross'
Kyle Busch Remembered: Rowdy's wildest and most impressive Talladega moments
NASCAR Cup
NAS NASCAR Cup
Talladega II
4 h
Kyle Busch Remembered: Rowdy's wildest and most impressive Talladega moments
Lamborghini World Finals PRO-PRO/AM Race 2: Leitch/Stasi dominate to seal title
Lamborghini Super Trofeo
LBST Lamborghini Super Trofeo
World Finals - Monza 2026
4 h
Lamborghini World Finals PRO-PRO/AM Race 2: Leitch/Stasi dominate to seal title
Subscribe and access Motorsport.com with your ad-blocker.
From Formula 1 to MotoGP we report straight from the paddock because we love our sport, just like you. In order to keep delivering our expert journalism, our website uses advertising. Still, we want to give you the opportunity to enjoy an ad-free and tracker-free website and to continue using your adblocker.
You have 2 options:
- Become a subscriber.
- Disable your adblocker.
Subscribe now Already subscribed? Sign in here
Already disabled your adblocker?
Reload page
Manage Alerts
Subscribe