We asked spotters for their opinions about other drivers and the best and worst tracks on the circuit. Here's what they told us about Danica Patrick, Dale Earnhardt and "distractions" in the stands.
Situated high above, spotters are a drivers’ extra set of eyes and see all before something happens. Whether it’s warning a driver of impending danger or acting as a cheerleader, spotters play a critical role in a drivers’ success in a myriad of facets.
Which is why SB Nation asked 28 prominent spotters in the NASCAR garage the inside info of what they encounter on a weekly basis. As no one has as good an overview of the entirety of the field as a spotter. In return for their forthrightness, SB Nation promised anonymity. The answers below have only been edited for the sake of clarity.
Best track for a spotter?
1. Martinsville (15 votes)
2. Bristol (6)
3. Anywhere high with good sightlines (4)
Others receiving votes: Daytona, Talladega, Sonoma
"There’s nothing like the Bristol night race. The energy really amps it up and makes you focus all the more. It’s a challenge because the track is so fast and things can happen in a hurry, but Bristol at night — it’s special."
Worst track for a spotter?
1. Indianapolis (11)
2. Phoenix (10)
3. Pocono (3)
Others receiving votes: Watkins Glen, Daytona, Talladega, Michigan
"Phoenix and Indy are both lousy, but I’ll say Indy because I can only see half the track. At least at Phoenix, which sucks, I can see everything."
Who make you most apprehensive when your driver is around them?
1. No one (17)
2. Ryan Newman (3)
3. J.J Yeley (2)
Others receiving votes: Kyle Busch, AJ Allmendinger, everyone, rookies, Trevor Bayne, changes on the track
"Ryan Newman is a nice guy, but on the track he’s an asshole. He’s such a dick when his car is slow, he will not let you pass."
"Once they get in this (Cup) garage and put a helmet on, there isn’t anyone who I’m leery of. They all have talent, even the rookies."
Who are you most comfortable seeing your driver race with?
1. Jimmie Johnson (8)
Jeff Gordon (8)
3. Dale Earnhardt Jr. (4)
Others receiving votes: Matt Kenseth, Tony Stewart, Kevin Harvick, everyone
"(Earnhardt’s) old-school. He gets the old honor code and follows it. He doesn’t mess with people unnecessarily. There’s a reason he doesn’t get caught up in that stuff like Brad (Keselowski) does all the time."
"Any of the veterans who’ve been around I’m fine racing with — Jimmie and Jeff, especially. They get it. Matt is another one who’s really smart."
Who is the most underrated driver?
1. Josh Wise (10)
2. Michael McDowell (6)
3. Alex Bowman (5)
Others receiving votes: Greg Biffle, Allmendinger, Ricky Stenhouse Jr., Ryan Blaney, Cole Whitt, Danica Patrick
"Yeah, the hype can be much, but Danica, even though no one will agree with me. She pushes hard, gives maxim effort and considering where she’s come from she’s made big strides."
"It took him a long time, but Allmendinger is really figuring this out. And he’s only getting better. If he had better equipment, he’d be really good."
Who is the most overrated driver?
1. Earnhardt (11)
2. Patrick (8)
3. Kyle Busch (3)
Others receiving votes: Sam Hornish Jr., Brian Vickers, Martin Truex Jr., Michael Annett, Austin Dillon
"Nothing against him personally, but it has to be Dale Jr. He’s a great guy and a good driver, but no matter where he finishes he’s always the story. And no one can win enough to justify that kinda hype."
"(Danica) doesn’t belong over here (in Cup). She’s slow and constantly in the way and thinks she has a right to every spot. Look what she’s done and compare it to her teammates. I’ll be happy when she’s gone."
What’s the No. 1 distraction atop the spotter’s stand?
1. NASCAR (13)
2. Weather (7)
3. Women (3)
Others receiving votes: crew chief, other spotters, equipment failure, needing to go to the bathroom
"Hot chicks with big tits in low-cut shirts."
"When I’m cold I can’t focus. I’m miserable and just want to get off the [spotter] stand. I can’t tell you how many times I’ve cost my guy a spot because I had to pee."
What’s the No. 1 characteristic of a great spotter?
1. Seeing stuff before it happens (15)
2. Remaining calm (6)
3. Being able to decipher and communicate a lot of info quickly (5)
Others receiving votes: passion, focus,
"If you can’t process a lot of info in a short amount of time and relay that to your driver, you don’t belong up here. Period."
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