Nascar Hotpass drivers announced for Daytona 500

[mcbeevee]

The 5 drivers to be featured on Hotpass during the Daytona 500 are:

Dale Earnhardt Jr. - Dale Earnhardt Incorporated
Kevin Harvick - Richard Childress Racing
Jimmie Johnson - Hendrick Motorsports
Tony Stewart - Joe Gibbs Racing
Michael Waltrip - Waltrip-Jasper Racing

http://phx.corporate-ir.net/phoenix.zhtml?c=127160&p=irol-newsArticle&ID=955188&highlight=

 

[jeffstra]

No Fords? Actually not sure who Waltrip is racing for.

 

[garn9173]

No Fords? Actually not sure who Waltrip is racing for.

Toyota

 

[Ramy]

No Fords? Actually not sure who Waltrip is racing for.

His own team.

 

[fluffybear]

No Fords? Actually not sure who Waltrip is racing for.

Michael Waltrip (Napa #55), Dale Jarrett (UPS #44), and David Reuttimann (Domino's Pizza/Burger King #00) all will be racing in Toyota's for Michael Waltrip Racing, Inc.

 

[stunnerkline]

Sign up?

"We're proud that the first five drivers who have decided to participate in this incredible new service are among NASCAR's most elite competitors," said David Hill, president of entertainment for DIRECTV. "The drivers are energized and excited about this new way to translate the incredible NASCAR experience, but it is the fans who are in for a truly amazing experience."


Does this mean that drivers/owners have to "sign up" to be part of this package? Does it mean that it will be the same drivers every week...I know they have said that it won't be the same drivers but if only a handful agree to participate....?

I also saw a question asked regarding if a driver crashes out of the race, then what, and the answer was that they would move to another driver. It seems like the service is quite married to the driver/teams, so how easy will it be to "move to another driver" if someone falls out?

These are just some things I'll be watching for. I'm a Nascar fan, and I've certainly wasted $80 on much more trivial things so I'll be watching to see what they do.

 

[ArtWIS]

Michael Waltrip (Napa #55), Dale Jarrett (UPS #44), and David Reuttimann (Domino's Pizza/Burger King #00) all will be racing in Toyota's for Michael Waltrip Racing, Inc.

Waltrip seems like an unusual pick. The top 35 teams from last year are guaranteed a spot in the race and Waltrip isn't one of them. Jarret has a spot as he's a past champion. That takes up 36 spots. There will be lots of other teams trying for the last 7 spots and Waltrip and Reuttimann have just an average chance at making the race. Well D* and NASCAR say they will just replace a car that wrecks or gets many laps down etc. so if Waltrip does't make it some other team will get the HOTPASS spot instead of Waltrip.

 

[jamieh1]

"We're proud that the first five drivers who have decided to participate in this incredible new service are among NASCAR's most elite competitors," said David Hill, president of entertainment for DIRECTV. "The drivers are energized and excited about this new way to translate the incredible NASCAR experience, but it is the fans who are in for a truly amazing experience."


Does this mean that drivers/owners have to "sign up" to be part of this package? Does it mean that it will be the same drivers every week...I know they have said that it won't be the same drivers but if only a handful agree to participate....?

I also saw a question asked regarding if a driver crashes out of the race, then what, and the answer was that they would move to another driver. It seems like the service is quite married to the driver/teams, so how easy will it be to "move to another driver" if someone falls out?

These are just some things I'll be watching for. I'm a Nascar fan, and I've certainly wasted $80 on much more trivial things so I'll be watching to see what they do.

NO Directv and Nascar choose different drivers each week.

 

[Tony1097]

Waltrip.. poor pick when you are trying to push a product. They took him over Kahne and Gordon?

 

[Beavis]

As long as Tony Stewart is part of the 5 most weeks, I'll be happy.

 

[spiderman865]

Anyone know if we'll get a free preview for the "500"?

 

[Tony1097]

DirecTV has said yes to the free preview on their website. too bad the price will have gone up 20 bucks by the time they let us have a preview! (repeating myself, I know) but all of the other sports packages wait until the free preview is over to jump the price up!

 

[Pakbackr]

If it's not offered in HD, I wouldn't pay a dime for it! Esp since the regular broadcasts will be carrying in-car camera in HD for the first time this year.

 

[Jimbo]

Waltrip.. poor pick when you are trying to push a product. They took him over Kahne and Gordon?

The took Waltrip because this is his first year as an owner AND this is Toyota's first race ... would be my guess.
Outside of those things, I doubt that he would have been in there on the first race, I hope.

Actuallty IF they want to do this right, you at home should be able to move to ANY driver ..... Thats not the way it is currently, but it should be.

If one guy drops out, thay say they will move to another driver, then that means they have the set up in more than 5 cars, why not offer all of the drivers available ?

ALL the drivers should be available if they want to do it right.

Imagine paying the cost of this and find out YOUR driver is not in but a few, how would that make you feel ?
Did they tell you what drivers would be in it before you bought it ?

Jimbo

 

[Jimbo]

Esp since the regular broadcasts will be carrying in-car camera in HD for the first time this year.

REALLY ??? I had not heard this, thats great

Jimbo

 

[memory]

Waltrip over kahne wtf are they insane and who picked these guys man I hope I didnt waste my money I think Kasey shoudl have been there over Michael Waltrip hmm well if he dont make it I hope they replace him with kasey

 

[Jimbo]

Waltrip over kahne wtf are they insane and who picked these guys man I hope I didnt waste my money I think Kasey shoudl have been there over Michael Waltrip hmm well if he dont make it I hope they replace him with kasey

1st paragraph , post # 14

 

[fluffybear]

Waltrip seems like an unusual pick. The top 35 teams from last year are guaranteed a spot in the race and Waltrip isn't one of them. Jarret has a spot as he's a past champion. That takes up 36 spots. There will be lots of other teams trying for the last 7 spots and Waltrip and Reuttimann have just an average chance at making the race. Well D* and NASCAR say they will just replace a car that wrecks or gets many laps down etc. so if Waltrip does't make it some other team will get the HOTPASS spot instead of Waltrip.

Waltrip is a 2-time Daytona Winner!

I'm not 100% up on the NASCAR rules but wouldn't he be assured a spot as well.

 

[Ramy]

Waltrip is a 2-time Daytona Winner!

I'm not 100% up on the NASCAR rules but wouldn't be assured a spot as well.

Nope, past winners of races do not qualify for exempt positions only past Cup Champions and the top 35 in points from the previous season.

 

[bjs188]

If it's not offered in HD, I wouldn't pay a dime for it! Esp since the regular broadcasts will be carrying in-car camera in HD for the first time this year.

ESPN has said that they would have in-car cameras in HD, has FOX said that yet?