Race #2: Richmond International Raceway (18Oct17)

[Hootius]

 FALB Memorial 400 Presented by Xsyse​

 
Race Length: 100 Laps (Stage 1: 30 Laps/ Stage 2: 70 Laps)
Race Name in Game: Federated Auto Parts 400

 

[XSYSE]

Race Sponsored.  FALB MEMORIAL 400

 

[XSYSE]

So I'll just post it here for any wondering Trooper Brian FALB passed away March of 2017, from brain cancer linked to his response to aid in the 911 recovery effort in NYC. His is one of many deaths from cancer directly attributed to the efforts after the attack.

 

[Sean420cali]

Sorry for your loss man I think that is really cool what you're doing with this.

 

[Hootius]

Thank you to Xsyse for sponsoring this race for such a great purpose. I looked up Trooper Brian Falb since I want to make sure proper recognition is given in the race recap summary. He was an 18 year veteran of the NYSP. He served at Ground Zero (which was a lead cause to his unfortunate diagnosis that took his life), help in recovery efforts after Hurricane Sandy, and was an integral part of the Dannemora manhunt. Trooper Falb passed away in March after 10 months after being diagnosed with Stage 4 brain cancer.

It goes without saying gents, that Trooper Falb had a wonderful impact on many lives and was a man worth looking up to. So in his honor, let's give Richmond on hell of a race on Wednesday night and make Xsyse and any other NY Trooper who might see this proud.

 

[Hootius]

**Pre-Race Interview**
1. From a restrictor plate track, to now a shorty. How do you like Richmond?

2. If you were Jr, would you have dumped Logano for those late race blocks with 2 to-go?

3. With the announcement that his wife is pregnant with a little girl, do you think that was the icing on the cake for Jr to retire after this year?

 

[Meattyloaf]

1. I'm hoping to do better than last season. I don't like to think of that race in particular as it is hands down my worst performance in the league other than Sonoma, but I didn't cost someone a win at Sonoma. I'm hoping that this race will be different and that I will actually be in contention for a decent finish as they have fixed the track in this game and it fits my driving style a little better. Goal though is to actually finish this race and hope my internet doesn't die on me.

2. I think Jr. made the right call. Dumping Logano would've probably sparked another wreck putting them in overtime with probably 5 cars left. Chances are dumping Logano wouldn't had won him the race as that kills momentum and his car was already wounded. Although, I called it as soon as I seen that block that Logano just became the most hated man in Talladega.

3. I believe this played a critical role is his initial announcement and I don't believe he will return to run any races except the ones he is already going to run in the Xfinity series next year.

 

[Hootius]

1. From a restrictor plate track, to now a shorty. How do you like Richmond?
I felt like last season I was too conservative and should have been better than a 5th place finish. Looking for at least a Top 3 to make up for the Daytona finish that cost me some points at the end. Of the 3 Cup short tracks, Richmond is my favorite in this game.

2. If you were Jr, would you have dumped Logano for those late race blocks with 2 to-go?
There is blocking, and then there is being a douche. Even though I know he didn't have anything for Keslow, I did wish Jr would have given him the bumper.

3. With the announcement that his wife is pregnant with a little girl, do you think that was the icing on the cake for Jr to retire after this year?
I think retirement has been on his mind for a while. But given his concussion history, I be the moment he and his wife found out the news, that was it for Jr. as a driver. No need to risk anything permanent anymore when you have a child coming into the world, I know that feeling.

 

[vWardude]

[font=Verdana, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif]**Pre-Race Interview**[/font]
[font=Verdana, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif]1. From a restrictor plate track, to now a shorty. How do you like Richmond?[/font]

I love short tracks. Richmond has never been my fastest track but I usually hover around 3rd. I feel with my new wheel and rig setup with the pedals I've gained speed(Although richmond seems a bit slower in this game then in evolution). This should be a fun battle between 3-4 drivers up front tomorrow night.

[font=Verdana, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif]2. If you were Jr, would you have dumped Logano for those late race blocks with 2 to-go?[/font]

Being a supporter and of JR since he started in Xfinity, I should say yes dump his ass, and I know JR wasn't happy but I don't think it would cross his mind to retaliate by wrecking potentially the rest of the field(Whatever was left of it at least). 

[font=Verdana, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif]3. With the announcement that his wife is pregnant with a little girl, do you think that was the icing on the cake for Jr to retire after this year?[/font]

[font=Verdana, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif]I think JR just knew he didn't have it anymore along with the concussions. I wish he could have fought for more championships than he did but he still had a storied career. I believe we will see him racing in the 500 next year.[/font]

 

[TheNoahcat]

[font=Verdana, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif]1. From a restrictor plate track, to now a shorty. How do you like Richmond?
I don't really like Richmond or any short tracks, I am not very good with them, however, I will try my hardest to try to qualify well and finish strong.
2. If you were Jr, would you have dumped Logano for those late-race blocks with 2 to-go?
I wouldn't have because then it could just lead to fewer cars finishing, and that wouldn't guarantee a win.
3. With the announcement that his wife is pregnant with a little girl, do you think that was the icing on the cake for Jr to retire after this year?[/font]
[font=Verdana, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif]Yes, because something could happen to Jr if he continued to race. [/font]
[font=Verdana, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif]0 x http://precisionracingleague.com/forum/app.php/postlove/toggle/17609[/font]

 

[Sassafrass_3]

1. From a restrictor plate track, to now a shorty. How do you like Richmond?

I like watching Richmond on TV but I have never raced there. Looking forward to it.

2. If you were Jr, would you have dumped Logano for those late race blocks with 2 to-go?

Nah. He's never really been one to wreck people on purpose. 

3. With the announcement that his wife is pregnant with a little girl, do you think that was the icing on the cake for Jr to retire after this year?

Sure. It's a big deal and I think it's time to move on. I've been a fan since day one in the Busch series in 1998 and I feel like he should have retired last year. The poor performances and seemingly bad chemistry with his crew chief has been frustrating to watch. As a die hard fan I don't want to see him have something medically wrong for the rest of his life so, hang 'em up. I would be sad to see him go if it weren't for the concussions but since they're a problem I want him out of the car. Can't wait to see and hear him in the booth next season and I hope him and Dr. Angel Face (that's what I call her) have a lovely life together. 

 

[ZeKe_h30]

Wish I hadn't missed Daytona, going to have to wreck everyone tomorrow night to make up for lost points. Happy with how Brian finished though, glad he could carry our team for at least a handful of points. We will need every one of them. I like Richmond, but I maybe don't like how loose you can setup a car here, and have it be fast. Hopefully we will see some green flag laps, and hopefully we can avoid lap traffic incidents.
IDC about Jr. or his baby. Fuck Chase Elliot and fuck Suarez for wrecking Larson, everything after that point meant nothing to me. lol

 

[Sean420cali]

1. From a restrictor plate track, to now a shorty. How do you like Richmond?

This will be my 1st time racing it on PRL, I am really looking forward to it. Coming back from my medical leave, I just wanted to have fun and not put a lot of pressure or exceptions on where I would be at, so far so good lol. I'm just gonna see what happens tomorrow night

2. If you were Jr, would you have dumped Logano for those late race blocks with 2 to-go?

He could have got collected in the process trying to dumping Logano so no I don't think he should have it's not his style.

3. With the announcement that his wife is pregnant with a little girl, do you think that was the icing on the cake for Jr to retire after this year?

Let's be honest JR has had one foot in one foot out the last couple yr's with his head injuries and really could you blame him? With all the CTE issues with multiple concussions in the NFL and sports in general, I am glad he is getting out now while he can. I think Carl Edwards did the same thing last year. He has a family and baby on the way. That will always put life into perspective for a man.

 

[XSYSE]

1. I'm not thrilled with this track, I remember having my hands full here last year, and the exit to 2 will breed a bunch of early cautions.

2. That block was extreme and to take it that high into the corner was a shitty move, I think JR showed some good restrained.


3. I think JR will appreciate the decision more now.

 

[Meattyloaf]

Q:13th
Didn't have much practice time and I was still playing with adjustments going into qualifying. I felt good about my setup towards the end, but didn't like it come race time.

R: 3rd
Going into the first pitstop at the end of the stage I adjusted my tire pressure and it paid off. I ended up with 2 more laps of fuel than almost everyone else over the course of our green flag run. This paid off as I captured the lead and the caution came out locking several guys one to two laps down. I pitted came out in first. After the restart we had a caution about 2 laps in and we had a long yellow. Which helped with fuel mileage. I had a bad restart in the sense I over shot turn one and Sean and Kyle went by me. I continued to readjust as cars were going by me then I decided I was not going to pit as it was my only shot at the win. I began to save and save I did I went from 5 laps to the bad to one lap to the good over the last green flag stretch. Unfortunately X and my teammate Hootie had the same idea although they had to save way less fuel. My goal tonight coming in was to just finish the race, but instead I ended fighting for the win towards the end mainly on pit strategy because I was not having a fast night and it all paid off as I took home 3rd.

 

[XSYSE]

Q:7

R: 1st. Good feeling to wIn the race I sponsor for FALB
It was just a racing deal and came down to fuel. Not sure if we all got better or the game, but there was some hard racing and bumping, and we still kept cautions low, nice job all...Additionally Hootie and league for being flexible and giving everyone a shot to race after the late downloads, and server disconnects.

 

[vWardude]

Q:3rd

I really starting getting a feel of the track fueling qualifying and that relayed to the beginning of the race.

R:7th

Tough finish, I knew once I didn't pit with 30 to go that I made a mistake if a caution didn't come out. Before that though, I really started to lose momentum with about 40 left. I felt good throughout the race but lost my breaking point at that time in the race. I need to practice more if I want to defend my championship with 8 races to go.

 

[Hootius]

Q: 6th
Made an adjustment for quali that flat out didn't work. Should have been 3rd with the times I have been running in practice.

R: 2nd
Went back to what I was comfy with during the race and I was happy with my performance. I didn't have the speed of Kyle or Sean, but kept it close when those 2 were having some amazing battles. Made a goof on a pit entry and caught the barrels, which cost me a lot of track position. I was happy that I was able to recover thanks to the 2 back to back cautions, and then use fuel mileage on the last stint. I got too conservative and ended up 2 laps to the good on fuel, so I could have pushed harder to make Xsyse sweat it out. But to be truthfully honest, I am a lot more happier for X getting his first win on a race he made a wonderful dedication to, than I would be had I just won another race.

And great job to the league as a whole last night. Thanks again to everyone's willingness and patience on the delayed start for all of the guys fighting with the download. Tons of green flags and great battles last night. While fuel may have gotten the best of peeps at the end, it really was a race the league should be proud of from a performance stand point. Makes me wish we had another short track on the schedule lol

 

[ZeKe_h30]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P8Pc7G7Bh6E&t=77s

 

[Hootius]

This week was Race #2 of the 3rd Season for the PRL's PS4 Hascar Heat league. The nerves going in where high as the crew visited the only short track for this 10 race season, the 3/4 mile tri-oval of Richmond. The league would crown a new Richmond winner in the Hall of Fame, as last season's winner, Christopher Herring (CJHerring), was not in attendance for this race.

I would like to start this recap off by saying that this race was sponsored by Rob Besaw (Xsyse) for a very special dedication. Rob is a New York State Trooper who dedicated this race to a fallen colleague, Trooper Brian Falb. Trooper Falb was an 18 year veteran of the NYSP who lost his life in March 2017, after a 10-month battle with Stage 4 brain cancer. This cancer was deemed to be caused by Trooper Falb's time spent being of service in Ground Zero after the 9/11 attacks. Along with his courageous acts in wanting to help his fellow New Yorkers after that horrendous tragedy, Trooper Falb also spent time in the clean up and recovery efforts in New Orleans in 2005 after Hurricane Katrina, and also in Long Island after Hurricane Sandy in 2012. Trooper Falb was a great man who had a positive influence on the people around him, and was a role model who lead with proper actions. The PRL is very honored to be able to dedicate this race to a gentleman who was very much deserving of the respect.

After pacing several laps to let everyone make their car adjustments, the drivers had only 11 laps to put down their best heater. Kyle Ely (Rocksson2Kyle) captured his 4th career Pole Position, repeating the feat he accomplished in Season 2 at Richmond and just did miss out on breaking his own track record. Round 1: Daytona winner Sean Ryan (Sean420Cali) found the outside of Row 1, and was the only driver was within a tenth of a second to Kyle E. Michael Caterino (vWardude), Kyle Spencer (KDawgHonda777) and Brian Mosser (BrianMosser88) rounded out the Top 5 respectively in qualifying.

The race started out with a 30 lap shootout that marked Stage 1 of the event. The Stage went caution free and quite a bit of back and forth passing throughout the whole field. Kyle E. took home is 1st career Stage win, and the 5 bonus points that came with it. Sean, Charles Sumner (Hootius), Michael and Adam Zemke (Zeke_H30) rounded out the Top 5 of Stage 1. As everyone pitted to prepare for the final remaining 70 laps, we saw more overtaking and another long green flag run before the first caution of the night flew on Lap 60, which happened during a cycle of pit stops. With only a few cars on the lead lap who pitted under yellow, most of the field stayed out to take the wave around and try to get back on the lead lap. We had only a few green flag laps before the caution flag waved again for the 2nd, and final time of the evening. This caution is when the race was decided... we just didn't know it yet. With around 30 to go, several did not pit due to thinking that everyone would just have to pit again, and chose to stay with track position. Those who did pit were not thinking about the finish yet at this point. But as a dozen or so laps started falling off in that final green flag run, that's when we started seeing cars dive in for a splash of fuel to make it to the end. At this point, Charles was the first to drop off of the pace to save fuel and make it to the end without having to pit again. His teammate Christopher Johnson (Meattyloaf), followed suit as well. As Charles was allowing cars to pass knowing that he would be successful in his fuel conservation, Rob Besaw (Xsyse) made the pass for the lead with 10 laps to go... it was just that Charles nor Rob realized it at the time. With just a couple laps remaining and it began to look like Rob had the fuel to make it, Charles lead a late charge to cut the lead down, but it was too little too late. Rob crossed the checkered flag, with the car running on fumes, to claim his first ever PRL victory. Christopher crossed the line 3rd, tying his best career finish. Christopher was also the Hard-Charger award winner for the race, gaining 10 spots from his 13th qualifying position. Those 3 drivers were the only ones to stretch the fuel at the end, and the only 3 cars who finished on the lead lap. Race long front runners Kyle E. and Sean rounded out the Top 5 after the slew of late fuel pit stops. One note to make, while the game has never tracked lead changes for a race, we are all pretty sure Kyle E. and Sean had to have set the record for most lead changes in one race, as those 2 driver put on an amazing show passing back and forth for the majority of the entire race. Kudos to them, and the field as a whole for a very competitive race with many, many overtakes throughout.

**Top 10 Finishing order for Richmond**
1. Rob Besaw (Xsyse) - First Career PRL win
2. Charles Sumner (Hootius) - 1st Top 5 of the Season; 22nd of his career (PRL record)
3. Christopher Johnson (Meattyloaf) - 1st Top 5 of the Season, tied career best finish
4. Kyle Ely (Rocksson2Kyle) - 2nd Top 5 of the Season
5. Sean Ryan (Sean420Cali) - 2nd Top 5 of the Season
6. Nick Michaud (Nickmichaud) - 2nd Top 10 of the Season
7. Michael Caterino (vWardude) - 2nd Top 10 of the Season; 32nd of his career (PRL record)
8. Adam Zemke (Zeke_H30) - 1st Top 10 of the Season
9. Brian Mosser (BrianMosser88) - 2nd Top 10 of the Season; 15th of his career
10. Owen Bridges (Habob69) - 2nd Top 10 of the Season

After 2 races, Sean Ryan (Sean420Cali) currently holds a 4 point lead over Kyle Ely (Rocksson2Kyle). Charles Sumner (Hootius) sits 7 points back of the lead, with Rob Besaw (Xsyse) 12 points back, and Nick Michaud (Nickmichaud) 15 points back to round out the Top 5.

For our Team championship, Driving on Adrenaline (Kyle E. and Rob) hold a 12 point lead over both Car Ramrod (Charles and Christopher) and The Bumper Killers (Sean and Noah Michalski) who are tied for 2nd place.

As the Playoff stands, both Sean and Rob have guaranteed themselves a spot in Round 2. There are currently 10 drivers that are within 10 points above, and below the current cutoff line for the Top 12 Drivers to make it to Round 2. 

Next week, the Nascar Heat crew head north to New Hampshire Motor Speedway to tackle the flat, 1-mile oval. Please join us, and one of our handful of driver who stream their POVs of the race, on Wednesday nights at 9pm Eastern.