CUP: 2009 Season’s Biggest Stories, Best Rivalry And Other Newsmakers
Steve Byrnes, Mike Joy and Krista Voda, hosts of the Awards Ceremony for SPEED, discuss the 2009 season...
Q: What is the best rivalry in NASCAR right now?
“The best rivalry going is Brad Keselowski versus the rest of the field. Just wait a couple of months – Denny Hamlin won’t be the only driver standing in the anti-Keselowski line. But I love Brad's unbridled enthusiasm. He reminds me of a young Ernie Irvan but he just needs to learn how to harness some of that passion before someone harnesses it for him.”
- Steve Byrnes
“The Montoya-Stewart dust-up in Homestead was just a skirmish, but it’s the one that is going to be on the minds of the fans all winter. That'll keep people talking and that's good for the sport. Nothing like a couple of (mostly) dormant volcanoes to stir things up. The Denny Hamlin and Brad Keselowski feud bears watching, also." "Actually, NASCAR's biggest rivalry is Dale Jr. versus the COT platform. The sport needs Jr. to win that battle, and soon.”
- Mike Joy
“Last year, the most heated rivalry seemed to be Kyle Busch versus the fans. But I think the fans are warming up to him lately. He's earned their respect with the way he drives. I would love to see a true driver versus driver rivalry created in the Cup Series and I definitely think we need it.”
- Krista Voda
Q: Who or what was the biggest disappointment of the season?
“The year’s biggest letdown was that Carl Edwards didn't win a race, and that after Matt Kenseth's two season-opening wins, the Fords pretty much disappeared from contention.”
- Mike Joy
Q: What is Johnson’s place in NASCAR history?
“Jimmie's four-peat easily places him in the all-time NASCAR top ten. I wouldn't put him alongside Richard Petty and David Peason just yet, but let's say he's knocking on the door of the top five.”
- Mike Joy
Q: If you were NASCAR and could make one change over the off-season, what would it be?
“I would love to see NASCAR provide a bigger incentive for winning races. I don’t care if it’s five points or 50. Anything would help.”
- Steve Byrnes
Q: What are your thoughts on the inaugural Awards Ceremony in Las Vegas?
“Personally, I've always been a huge fan of the banquet being held in New York City. But, professionally, I understand the need for change. I think moving the Awards Ceremony to Las Vegas has infused new life and energy into the event. Glitz and glamour should be oozing out the sides of this year's banquet.”
- Krista Voda
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