Show notes:

Recap of the I Love New York 355 at Watkins Glen

• Truex ends the “Can only win on intermediate tracks” debate
  • Ryan McGee’s story on Truex: http://www.espn.com/racing/nascar/story/_/id/20283660
• Shortest race in the modern era
• Did not have the big moment that this race has had in recent years. Is that OK?
• Overall thoughts on the race?
• Stage racing in road racing – changes strategy a lot — is it still a good thing?
• Winners and losers?

Silly Season Discussion

• Kurt Busch says he has other offers  
• Kasey Kahne Released from Hendrick Motorsports: http://www.hendrickmotorsports.com/news/articles/83076/hendrick-motorsports-and-kasey-kahne-to-end-six-year-run
  • Will keep the ride through the end of this season
  • Has been with Hendrick for six years
• William Byron officially named the driver of the 5 car for 2018: https://www.motorsport.com/nascar-cup/news/nascar-byron-kahne-hendrick-2018-939590/
• Almirola plans to stay at RPM: https://www.frontstretch.com/2017/08/09/beyond-the-cockpit-aric-almirola-relieved-to-be-back-focused-on-his-future/
• Is this the most notable silly season ever?

Other discussion:

• NASCAR experimented the last two weeks with qualifying on Sunday. What did we learn?
  • Eric is not a fan of Sunday qualifying. IS a fan of Saturday qualifying.
  • Watkins Glen doesn’t like late start times:
• Xfinity Series will start using composite bodies later this year: http://www.nascar.com/news-media/2017/08/09/xfinity-series-teams-to-have-flange-fit-composite-body-option-in-17-full-time-by-19/
  • Richmond, Dover and Phoenix – option for this year
  • Full time by 2019

Preview the Pure Michigan 400 at Michigan

• Eric and James covering the race for The SuperSpeedway
  • Where we will be during the weekend
  • Storylines we want to chase
• MIS is dragging the tires again, but only above the groove, not to the wall: http://nascar.nbcsports.com/2017/08/08/michigan-seeks-to-widen-groove-in-corners-by-dragging-tires/
• What to expect.
  • Larson 3-peat?
• Darrell Wallace secures a 1-race deal in trucks: https://www.motorsport.com/nascar-truck/news/nascar-darrell-wallace-jr-michigan-truck-939682/
• James’ Pick: Chase Elliott
  • Dark Horse: Clint Bowyer
• Eric’s Pick:  Matt Kenseth
  • Dark Horse: Paul Menard

Shout outs

• Eric: Brian Keselowski @KeselowskiBrian
• James: MIS Fan Advisory Board

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