Hello, motorsports enthusiasts! Welcome to another edition of Seven Points with Kobe Lambeth and Kenneth Lee Jr. We will provide a weekly discussion each Wednesday on various topics in motorsports. Most content will focus on NASCAR but other racing series will be discussed as well.
Lambeth is a student at the University of North Carolina at Charlotte, who is a Communications major with a concentration in mass media and minor in journalism. He contributes to motorsports coverage at The Podium Finish. Lee is a graduate of Tuskegee University with a bachelor's degree in Communications, an alumnus of the NASCAR Diversity Internship Program and an Associate Producer in Content Development for the Motor Racing Network. 1. Aston Martin Red Bull Racing announced that Alexander Albon will stay with the team, in 2020, as Max Verstappen’s teammate. Meanwhile, Daniil Kvyat and Pierre Gasly remain at Toro Rosso. Do you think Albon can challenge Verstappen? Are you surprised that Kvyat and Gasly are staying put? Lambeth: I actually believe that Albon’s form is rivaling Verstappen’s, at the moment. The kid has plenty of upside. Give him a full season in Red Bull equipment and we will see what he can really do. I have a feeling that he will push Verstappen to become an even better driver. As for the unchanged driver lineup at Toro Rosso, it does not surprise me at all. They do not have anyone in the Red Bull Junior program ready for a promotion. Kvyat is making the most of his return to the team. Plus, Gasly seems more at home here, in comparison to his time at Red Bull. This decision was almost a no brainer. Lee: I had a feeling this signing was on the way for Aston Martin Red Bull Racing. He’s had a solid season being sixth in the points and this was only on a half season. I think he can have a breakout year in 2020 and very well may turn into a great teammate for Max Verstappen. As for Kvyat and Gasly, I don’t think either surprise me because I don’t think there’s anyone ready to make the jump to their senior program. 2. Rebellion Racing took care of business, winning the FIA WEC 4 Hours of Shanghai. The trio of Bruno Senna, Gustavo Menezes and Norman Nato claimed the overall victory, defeating Toyota’s LMP1 Hybrid. Toyota driver Sebastien Buemi described the racing as “artificial,” due to the introduction of a success handicap. The goal is to create closer racing in the championship’s top category. Meanwhile, Gustavo Menezes believed that it helped produce “real racing” in LMP1 for the first time in a while. Is success handicap a good or a bad thing? Lambeth: Since this is the final year of the LMP1 regulations, I actually do not blame the series for trying to put on a better show. Since Audi and Porsche departed the LMP1 ranks, Toyota has dominated with its hybrid technology. The non-hybrid prototypes literally did not have a true shot at winning. With the success handicap, it allowed Rebellion Racing to blow by Toyota on the straights and ultimately secure the grand prize. However, I totally understand Buemi’s frustration. Toyota is usually blowing off everybody else’s doors. Last weekend, the roles were reversed. They were in unfamiliar territory. With the Hypercar era starting next season, you might as well try something to “fix” the racing for a season until the new regulations begin. It might be artificial like Buemi said, but it definitely put on some solid racing. Lee: In quite a fashion, Rebellion Racing picked up a win in Shanghai. Most folks probably thought it would be dominated by Toyota. Despite the BoP (Balance of Performance), I think you still have to give credit where credit is due when someone does beat you. I don’t think the “artificial” comment would have been made if Toyota won. I think the handicap can be a benefit in a class where most of the time one team dominates and takes it home. 3. Let’s talk about the package. Since ISM Raceway is hosting championship weekend, in 2020, was the on-track product last Sunday unacceptable? Should NASCAR consider making changes such as a smaller spoiler and less downforce for the 750 horsepower package? Lambeth: In my opinion, something must be done with the package that includes 750 horsepower. I am not an engineer but I think the small blade and less downforce would be a step in the right direction. I completely understand that every race will not be a “Game 7.” However, the drivers and fans deserved better than last Sunday’s race. With ISM Raceway hosting the championship race, in 2020, NASCAR should definitely consider making some changes to this particular package. Without a doubt, the latest Cup race at ISM Raceway should be deemed as unacceptable. I do not anticipate any changes, but I hope to be proven wrong. Lee: I think it’s quite clear that there has to be a change moving forward and that’s quite a simple fix to me. Small blade and lower downforce have to be implemented at the short tracks and road courses next year. I hope this changes but I’m not sure it will with no changes announced yet for 2020. 4. JD Motorsports announced that Jesse Little will join its 2020 NASCAR Xfinity Series program as a full-time driver. Could this finally be Little’s big break in his career? Lambeth: UNC Charlotte’s Jesse Little will have the opportunity of a lifetime. Going full-time Xfinity racing with a program owned by Johnny Davis and Gary Keller should definitely be considered a big break. This team is known for giving drivers a chance to showcase their skills behind the wheel. Ross Chastain is the prime example. Without his performances in the 4 car, he might not be where he is today. Chastain should serve as a good inspiration for a young driver such as Little looking to make his name in the Xfinity Series. Lee: The UNC Charlotte student is definitely a driver who deserves an opportunity to have a full-time ride. If there’s anyone who can make something out of very Little, it’s been him. Having a chance to be in a JDM car for a full year will be good for him. I think it may show a lot of people that don’t know, the type of talent he possesses. Best of luck to Jesse Little in the NASCAR Xfinity Series. 5. Prediction: 2019 NASCAR Gander Outdoors Truck Series champion. Lambeth: Ross Chastain. There is going to be a watermelon party in South Beach! Lee: This is the only similar pick me and Kobe have. I think Ross Chastain can take it home and finish writing the storybook championship ending. 6. Prediction: 2019 NASCAR Xfinity Series champion. Lambeth: Christopher Bell. This is the perfect way to go out on top, before graduating to Leavine Family Racing’s Cup program. Lee: I’m going with Justin Allgaier! Despite only having one win this season, I think he’ll be a sleeper pick for Saturday. 7. Prediction: 2019 Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series champion. Lambeth: Denny Hamlin. This could be his best chance to secure a title, so he will go all out and make the most of it. Lee: I’m taking Martin Truex Jr. I think out of the Championship 4 drivers, he’s the best at Homestead, in my opinion. It wouldn’t shock me if he wins his second title! Bonus Point: Peugeot will return to top flight prototype racing in 2022, with the French manufacturer announcing its commitment to the FIA WEC Hypercar concept. What are your thoughts on Peugeot returning to the sport? Lambeth: As a kid, I remember racing their last generation LMP1 car on Gran Turismo 6. The 908 HDi FAP is by far one of my favorite prototypes of all-time. Having them return is great for the sport. If all works out, it will be them taking on the likes of Toyota and Aston Martin for overall victory at the 24 Hours of Le Mans. Now, if we can get DPi to Le Mans with Hypercar, the 2020s should be a golden age for sports car racing with a variety of manufacturers. Lee: I think it’s huge that they are coming back to race on the world stage again. All you need is Audi to return and we’ve got ourself some early 2000s prototype racing. It’s great to have a household name coming back to the sport, so I’m pretty thrilled about it. BRING. BACK. THE. PLAYSTATION. LIVERY. PLEASE.
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