Filed under: Carl Edwards, David Reutimann, Jeff Gordon, Sprint Cup, NASCAR
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Thanks to another Monday race, we’ve got a short week before we head to Talladega. The ARCA cars will take to the 2.66 mile tri-oval on Friday, with the Nationwide Series and Cup Series headlining the weekend. While the teams make last minute preparations, we’ve got more questions and answers for you. If you don’t know what this post is, we answer any and all reader questions every Wednesday, right here. So if you’ve got one, click on the ”Ask the Insiders” tab at the top of the page and send one to us. On to the questions…
1. From Allen:
What do you think of Kasey Kahne moving to Hendrick in 2012 and what do you predict his plans will be for 2011?
We’ll see. Hendrick’s driver performance is pretty hit and miss. Remember Casey Mears and Brian Vickers’ stints with the team? And when was the last time Jeff Gordon and Dale Earnhardt Jr. won a race? Check this out, it’s an interesting look at driver performance at Hendrick. He is certainly better positioned now, but there are a lot of factors in play. And if I had to bet, I’d put my money on Stewart-Haas for 2011. – Journo
2. From Paul:
I just read an ‘ask’ question about gear ratios. For ‘Dega and Daytona, why not mandate a gear to keep the speeds down and get rid of the restrictor?
NASCAR actually does have a gear rule at the restrictor plate tracks, to go along with the plate. I think though, that having just a mandated gear would result in the same kind of racing we have now. Everyone would be in a giant pack and passes would be based on aero and momentum. - T.C.
3. From Ike:
What is the fastest anyone has ever gone in the history of NASCAR?
The fastest official, recorded average speed is Bill Elliott’s 1987 qualifying run at Talladega – he went 212 mph. Rusty Wallace went out a few years ago and ran a car in the neighborhood of 230 (top speed) with averages around 220. It wasn’t official though. – Journo
4. From Loren:
They say the new rear deck fin length is adjustable. Can it be adjusted during a race or is the length determined before hand and then can’t be changed?
I’m not 100% sure on this one. I know that NASCAR allows a variance in how long the fin can be, but I don’t know if they’d allow a change to it during the race. If a team did decide to make a change, it would be a very lengthy one to make, as it would require either cutting or replacing the existing setup. – T.C.
5. From Allen:
I’ve noticed this since Daytona, but I’m sure it’s been going on longer: How come the cars do not have the “Official NASCAR Stock Car” logo already on the car when unloaded. I noticed a few weeks ago at Atlanta one car didn’t have it on Friday, but come Sunday it was there. I thought it was painted on, just a sticker?
That sticker is placed on the car after teams successfully make it through the inspection process. Those are NASCAR’s to put on the cars. – Journo
6. From Grover:
During a impound race, what are the teams allowed to change? I assume it is small stuff, tire pressure, tape on the nose, carb jetting, and topping off fluid levels.
It’s pretty much just tire pressure, grill tape, and wedge/trackbar adjustments. Other then those three, there is very little else that NASCAR will allow the teams to mess with. Any carb adjustments and fluid additions would have to be done pre-impound. NASCAR will sometimes make exceptions, but any adjustments have to be approved by NASCAR. – T.C.
7. From Clay:
I was listening to Dave Rogers (Kyle Busch’s Cup Crew Chief I believe) on Sirius Nascar Radio and he was saying that the reason they went with 4 tires at the end of the Phoenix race is that they scanned the other team radios and heard that Chad Knaus was also going with 4 tires. This got me thinking, why don’t the crew chiefs use code names for their pit stops so the competition won’t know who’s doing what on the next pit stop?
It’s unnecessary. Crew chiefs do listen in to other crew chiefs during the race, but the information that gets spewed on the radio isn’t always accurate. If a crew chief wanted to be discreet, it would be as simple as hopping off the box and telling his guys what the stop was going to be. The spotter plays a big role in this too, because he can see what other team’s stops are and pass that information along. – Journo
8. From Paul:
Ok, settle a bet for me. If a driver only completes 250 laps of a 500 lap race but is still running at the end, did he finish the race or only finish half of the race?
If I understand you correctly, it won’t mean that he gets a DNF. He will be shown as finishing the race. He’ll be scored 250 laps down, but he’ll finish. Hope that helps! – Journo
9. From Lost In Texas:
Is it my imagination or does it seem that the Monday races run smoother with less cautions. Is it because everyone just wants to get it over with or what?
It’s your imagination. Monday’s race at Texas actually had more cautions and more caution laps than the previous four races at Texas. And the Martinsville race earlier in the year was right in line with the recent races there. – T.C.
And that brings yet another “Ask The Insiders Wednesday” to a close. Thanks to everyone who sent in questions. And remember, if you’d like to be a part of next week, click on the ”Ask the Insiders” tab at the top of the page and send your question in!
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With the first off weekend of the season in the rear view, we head to Thunder Valley this week. The Cup cars are getting some spoiler testing in before they leave for Bristol, and while they do we have more questions and answers for you. If you don’t know what this post is, we answer any and all reader questions every Wednesday, right here. So if you’ve got one, click on the ”Ask the Insiders” tab at the top of the page and send one to us. On to the questions…
1. From Ric:
TC, when you are (un)tightening lugs, what is it you look for, feel for, listen for, etc. before you move on to the next?
It’s really all about feel. When you go to your local tire shop, you can hear what an impact sounds like when the lugnuts are really tight. That noise is the gun ratcheting over. For the good changers, you will never hear the gun ratchet over like that. We just want to stay on the nuts long enough that they are just tight. Don’t stay on long enough, and they will be loose, stay on too long, and you won’t be able to get them off on the next stop. After you’ve been doing pitstops for several years, your brain and your hands just know when to move to the next. – T.C.
2. From Lee:
I know that the drivers get to fly in private jets to and from races. What about the crew? Do they fly commercial or ride in the hauler? Do they usually travel together, or are they on their own to make it to the racetrack?
It depends on the team. Some teams have their guys fly commercial, others have private jets they fly their teams on. TC has actually written a couple of posts on the subject here and here (this one includes links to pictures of team planes). Teams like Roush, Hendrick, RCR, etc all have planes (Roush actually has 2 Boeing 727s); teams like Front Row fly commercial. For smaller teams, when the track is within driving distance, they’ll often make their guys drive – this is especially the case in lower series. They don’t ride in the truck though, they take vans. – Journo
3. From djones:
My question is regarding templates. In LV Robby Gordon’s car didn’t fit the template. If he has same at shop, why didn’t it? Same thing happened to JJ Cobb in ATL. Template didn’t fit. BTW, I don’t know which ones they were. Can templates get warped somehow? Does hot/cold affect them? Are any tolerances allowed? Thanks TC & Journo.
Templates are made of aluminum, and while I don’t know the chemical properties of aluminum, I don’t believe they really distort. Whenever cars are run through templates though, they are always in the shade. There are certain areas that NASCAR will let teams slide on if the template doesn’t quite fit. They may pass you, but tell you to fix it for next week. On top of that, NASCAR does allow for some tolerances on templates. If you ever make it to a track like Daytona, where the inspection areas are visible, you will see the officials use a small gauge that measures the tolerance between the template and the body. – T.C.
4. From Rick:
I’m a huge fan of Bill Elliott. Is he very respected in the garage and If given a good car, do you think he could win again?
My answer is yes and probably not. It’s hard not to have a lot of respect for Bill Elliott. He’s a good guy and great race car driver. While he is still pretty good with Wood Brothers (which doesn’t have bad equipment), I have a hard time seeing him make a Mark Martin like return to full-time competition. Remember Mark, even during his part-time seasons, remained very competitive. Bill has been OK, but just hasn’t had that spark since he retired from full-time competition. – Journo
5. From yankeegranny:
I am surprised that crew chiefs don’t do more to see that their drivers lead a lap during the pit stop sequences. A case in point, if JR had lead laps in the second and third races, he would be in the top 12 instead of sitting in 13th, In the first 26 races leading a lap in every race(not likely, but possible,) a driver could accumulate an additional 130 points, Now that is not chump change in anyone’s book. I want to throw something at the tv, everytime JR gets up to 3rd or 4th during pit stops and Lance tells him pit this lap, instead of telling him to lead a lap and then pit.
All of this sounds good, but it doesn’t always work out that a team can lead a lap during pit stops. It really depends on how far the car can go on fuel, and how much time a car is giving up on old tires to a car on new tires. Lance McGrew isn’t going to leave Dale Jr. on track to lead a lap if there is a chance he may run out of fuel. Five bonus points in that situation isn’t worth screwing up the whole race. The reasoning is the same for tires. If Dale Jr. is out front on old tires, and tires fall off a ton, somebody on new tires will be able to make up a ton of track position. When this is the case, when Jr. does finally pit, he will be further behind then he was before the sequence of pit stops. – T.C.
6. From Richard:
Why doesn’t Nascar make the wing or spoiler hinge against a stop so when the car goes backwards it just flips over and has no lift when going backwards.
I’m no engineer, but this sounds like something that wouldn’t be too reliable. I question whether or not it would work every time, or whether it would work like it should. Likewise a fixed wing and spoiler allow NASCAR to ensure equality among the teams; a revolving spoiler or wing would probably leave some room for fudging. It seems to me, having a fixed wing or spoiler is just a whole lot easier. – Journo
7. From Joe:
Can you give us an idea of exactly where the restrictor plate is located, perhaps using a quick diagram of the car? Also, how has the restrictor plate changed this year? What are the restrictor plate tracks? Can you also give us a rough estimate of the speed difference of a car with the restrictor plate and without?
The restrictor plate is located on top of the engine, in between the carburetor and the intake manifold. I found an image that illustrates the location here. NASCAR made the holes in the restrictor plate a little bigger this season, so the engines will have more horsepower. Restrictor plates are only used at Daytona and Talladega. In May of 1987, Bill Elliott sat on the pole at Talladega with an average speed around the 2.66 mile track of 212.809 mph without any restrictions. A year later at Talladega, with a restrictor plate with 1″ holes, Davey Allison sat on the pole with a speed of 198.696 mph. This season at Daytona, Mark Martin sat on the pole with a speed of 191.188 mph. So the restrictor plate does definitely slow the cars down quite a bit. – T.C.
And they’re off! The 2010 season is officially underway, and so is another Ask The Insiders Wednesday. If you don’t know what this post is, we answer any and all reader questions every Wednesday, right here. So if you’ve got one, click on the ”Ask the Insiders” tab at the top of the page and send one to us. On to the questions…
Is there an ejector mechanism that ejects lug nuts out of the impact? Do lug nuts ever get stuck?
Yes, inside the impact’s socket is a spring that helps eject the lugnuts during a changer’s off pattern. And yes, they do get stuck on occasion. – T.C.
2. From Kev:
From this side of the Atlantic most of those who are aware of her view Danica Patrick as a very good racing driver – not just a very good female driver – believing that you cannot run in the company she races against unless you have a pretty good talent. But . . . she has also gained a reputation as someone prone to hissy fits – throwing her toys out of the pram when things don’t go according to her plan. Her pulling Dan Wheldon during a disagreement, something a male driver would have ended up getting hurt if he’d tried it, was well documented in the UK as was her “handbags” spat with another lady racer whose name escapes me. My question to you guys is simply am I right in thinking those sort of tantrums will receive very short shrift with the NASCAR boys? I’m thinking her acceptance by them could be won or lost in one hot tempered moment. Thanks guys – your contribution to our appreciation of NASCAR is probably greater than you realise.
First of all, let me say thanks for reading! It’s good to know we’re read on both sides of the pond. As far as Danica goes, you’re very right in your thinking. It’ll definitely be interesting to see an outburst if and when it happens. I doubt anyone will put up with it and I would guess she’ll have to deal with the consequences on the track. Everyone is certainly giving her the benefit of the doubt right now, but that can be used up very quickly. -Journo
3. From Steve:
During the 150s on Thursday, I saw guys with Home Depot firesuits crewing for someone other than Logano (don’t recall who, but it wasn’t a big name). How does that work? Are they loaned out by JGR? Are they able to free-lance when their drivers not running?
This actually happened quite a bit during the 150’s. Many of the smaller teams who aren’t sure they will make the 500 will come to Daytona without crews. They will then hire a crew for another team to pit their car. Another example is the RCR CAT guys pitting for Casey Mears and the Keyed Up team. They are able to do a little freelancing as long as JGR’s bosses approve. Some teams allow this, and some don’t. - T.C.
4. From red8814:
Hey guys! Watching Daytona right now & someone has noticed that the 43 car has the number “515″ on the front of the hood. any idea what this represents? thanks!
Just like Lowe’s does and I believe a couple of others, it’s a store number. A good and exciting way to recognize those on the ground. – Journo
5. From Jerry:
Guys I noticed Sunday when Dale jr. got in and out of his car his Hans device was attached to his helmet. Other drivers would put there helmets on in the cars. How did they hook the device up inside of the car?
A crew member will lean inside the car and hook everything up while the driver is in the car. It’s not too difficult to do. It’s just a matter of hooking the Hans’ straps to the loops in the driver’s helmet. I guess it’s just a matter of personal preference for the driver. – T.C.
6. From Michele:
Hey guys, great column! Is the ’shark fin’ only for Restrictor Plate races or all tracks? Thanks!
I believe the shark fin is only for the restrictor plate tracks (Daytona & Talladega). It makes the cars more stable in the draft, and aids in keeping the cars on the ground if they get turned around. – T.C.
7. From Eric:
Could you get someone at NASCAR to clarify the new Green-White-Checkered rule? During the Daytona 500 they restarted with 2 laps to go. Technically they could say they didn’t use the first GWC, then use 3 more after that. Now I’m sure they will say it was used, but, I am worried that they could go either way in an attempt to have a particular driver win.
The green-white-checkered rule applies to extra laps. In the 500, the first GWC was actually still in regulation, so it didn’t count towards the rule. It just so happened that the restart happened with two to go. The three GWCs then only apply after the scheduled distance has been run. And trust me, NASCAR isn’t looking to affect a race to see a particular driver win. If that were the case, the series’ most popular driver wouldn’t go winless for two years. - T.C.
8. From Mike:
I’m all for letting drivers police themselves, but do some drivers just not understand the damage they do to the NASCAR brand when they bump in the turns and cause a big crash? Do some of them forget that NASCAR claims to have the best drivers in the world (and I’m convinced, but I’ve followed to sport for decades)? Do some of them not realize that the casual “don’t regularly follow NASCAR” viewer is asking themselves “but how can they be the best in the world when they crash so much?” Maybe the question isn’t “some drivers” but rather “one driver”?
I’m not exactly sure who that “one driver” is, but I think you have to understand wrecks are going to occur. Great drivers or not, things happen when you’re doing 200 mph closely bunched up with 43 other guys. Bump drafting isn’t necessarily bad, but drivers do need to be careful. It stinks to see wrecks that take out your favorite driver, but this is just a part of racing. – Journo
9. From Steven:
Do you guys know what’s up with MSRP Motorsports? There had been tell during the offseason that they were selling their equipment and opting to turn that operation into a second Cup team (The #55), but lo-and-behold, the #90 and #91 have shown up on the entry list this week…But Eddie D’Hondt is listed as the owner of the #90 car. Did he buy the remaining assets of the team, or something? And if so, why is Randy Humphrey still listed as the owner of the #91? What gives?
From my understanding, they have teamed up in some way (D’Hondt and Humphrey). Seeing as how neither car is sponsored, and what drivers are on the entry list, I wouldn’t expect anything less then to see both the 90 and 91 start and park if they make the show. They may be attempting to build for the future, but for now, don’t expect either team to race. – T.C.
10. From Dean:
Could it be that Junior was actually driving a Toyota and the gas pedal stuck and he was hanging on?
That’s a good theory, but I’m going to say it’s probably not a likely scenario. – Journo
11. From Eddie:
On the Dodge Charger, why is the “DODGE” name below the grill and the “CHARGER” name is above the grill this year?
I honestly don’t have a clue. I’d imagine the fine folks in Chrysler’s marketing department thought it looked better. Perhaps it shows up better on TV. – Journo
12. From Michael:
I was fortunate enough to have attended the 2010 Daytona 500 courtesy of a NASCAR sponsor. On the first caution for the pothole, is it true NASCAR contacted all the teams looking for any available Bondo?
I know there were some jokes going around about how NASCAR was bondoing the track, but I’m not aware of a call to the teams looking for any plastic body filler. – T.C.
13. From Joe:
In your opinion will the Wood Brothers and Bill Elliott ever run up front again?
I think the Wood Brothers still have good equipment, but I think Bill Elliott’s career is certainly in its twilight. He runs good here and there, but given his limited schedule and the point in his career you can’t expect him to go out and be ultra competitive when he races. That certainly isn’t a jab at “Awesome Bill” but he just isn’t as strong as he once was. – Journo
14. From Neon:
TC-You see a lot of coverage about “over the wall” crew members that practice pit stops almost daily at the shop (usually around Mooresville, NC) during the week. However, at the Cup level, are there many that live in other towns or states away from the shop and only practice and perform during the race weekend?
To be honest with you, especially at the Cup level, I don’t think a guy could make it if he didn’t live in town and wasn’t able to practice with his teammates regularly. The only way to be really good as a crew is to work together all the time and to know what each other is going to do at all times. The more you work with the same guys, the tighter your stops become. I can’t honestly say I know of anyone that lives away from Charlotte that is on a pit crew for a team based in Charlotte. – T.C.