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It’s back to the Irish Hills this week as NASCAR rolls into Michigan International Speedway and inches closer to the start of the Chase. But before we head to Brooklyn (Michigan that is), it’s time to answer your questions! 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 Michael:

“Fortunately for Pattie and Montoya, Chip Ganassi isn’t Jack Roush.” …..What do you mean?

Jack Roush has an affinity for not letting driver/crew chief relationships run their course (though Bob Osborne has made it longer, his second time around, than some of his peers). Jack’s not a patient man – he wants fast results, and if things aren’t happening within his time frame he tends to quickly make changes (ask Jimmy Fennig, Drew Blickensderfer, Todd Parrott etc.). My point was to say driver/crew chief relationships take time to develop – if Montoya and Pattie were at Roush there is a chance they wouldn’t have made it. – Journo

2. From Rob:

What is the proper etiquette in the garage w/ hot passes?? Thanks guys love the site..

The most important thing is to make sure you’re wearing the proper attire. Long pants, closed-toe shoes, and sleeves (short ones are fine) are a must. Beyond that, just make sure you’re always paying attention to what’s going on around you, and try to stay out of the way of those at work. Oh and have fun! – Journo

3. From Franq:

What would it take to make the Brickyard race into a road race using the excellent F1 course. I think this would put some life into an ever increasing boring race?

An act of Congress maybe? Seriously though I don’t think NASCAR has any interest in turning the Brickyard into a road course race. I don’t think it’s a bad idea; certainly the folks at IMS need to do something to bring life back to the race. I think though making it a road race would diminish NASCAR’s role at IMS – that is to say it would put them on different footing than the IndyCar Series and the Indianapolis 500. It would send the message that NASCAR can’t cut it on the big track, so they’re experimenting. Just my two cents. – Journo

4. From Sam:

I may be in the minority, but I really enjoy the road course races. I’ve noticed many oval tracks with two races also have road courses which use most of the oval but add some infield twisties. Has nascar ever considered using the oval for the spring race and the road course for the fall race, or vice versa. It would be an interesting way of introducing “new” tracks without really changing the schedule at all.

I’m with you, I love the road course races. They provide such a nice change of pace. Remember though NASCAR is primarily an oval racing series. Changing that changes the spirit of the sport. It would be interesting, but as you said there are a good number of people who don’t like seeing NASCAR go left and right. I think they would risk alienating a large segment of fans. – Journo

5. From Dwiltone:

I know that the teams use road race cars at Watkins Glen and Infineon. That aside. In my feeble mind I think that in some ways , setting up a car for a road course would be easier than for an oval track. One situation where lefty righty tighty loosey would equal out.  Any insight on my theory? Keep up the good work on the Web site. I read it every week.

I’m not really sure you can say setting up for one is easier then the other.  Both styles of tracks have their challenges that must be overcome.  For NASCAR teams, road courses may have a slight edge just for the simple fact that we only race on them a few times a year. – T.C.

6. From Doug in CA:

As I watched the Busch race from the Glen today, I noted that some cars are listed as being “out” of the race, while others are merely “off.” Are teams supposed to notify NASCAR when they have decided to pack it in for the day? P.S. LOVE that road racing!

Yes, when a team decides to retire from a race, they have to let a NASCAR official know.  The official will then let race control know the team is out of the race.  When a team is listed as “off” they are just in the garage working on the car. – T.C.

7. From Garry:

Is it my imagination, or are pit stops backwards at The Glen? It looks like they are coming in and going out the wrong direction. If this is true, how does that affect the way you guys operate..(if i am imagining this..then never mind; )… And could you please explain what the heck was the deal with Kyle Bush having to fix something at the start? Why wouldn’t this be something they had taken care of already? I tell ya…. following along at home by picking a fantasy team each week really makes it more personal … DANG IT!!

Yes, the teams pit the cars backwards at Watkins Glen.  I wrote a post all about it in 2008 (click here).  Kyle Busch’s team had an issue with their right side weights before the race at the Glen.  They were not secured as they should have been, and the weights were sliding back and forth in the tube.  Incidents like this can get guys fired. – T.C.

8. From Mark:

How does the pit crew line up stud holes on wheel and stud so quickly? What is the I.D. of hole compared to O.D. of stud?

The tire carriers use a piece of tape as a reference point that allows them to know exactly where the stud holes are on the wheel.  Check out this classic TNI blog post for more info.  And to be honest, I’m not sure what exactly the difference is between the stud and the stud hole.  It’s not much, whatever it is. – T.C.

9. From Steve:

If a driver goes into the pits during the pre-race pace laps (like Kyle Busch at the Glen), does he lose laps if he doesn’t come out before the pace car completes each lap? Or does he simply start at the back on the same lap as everybody else?

Pace laps are not official race laps, so a team would not lose any laps.  They will however have to start at the rear of the field.  Also, teams are not allowed to add fuel during pace laps. – T.C.

10. From Eddie:

Wasn’t Mark Martin supposed to retire after the 2005 season? Will he finally retire after 2011? I like Mark Martin, but what motivated him to come back to race full time after making retirement announcements like Brett Farve?

Hahaha, Brett Favre. Well that’s a new one. There was an announcement (from Mark) though. I think he just realized there was still a lot of fight left in him, and he wouldn’t be content sitting on his couch watching races. Will he retire after 2011? That’s something you’d have to ask him. I honestly don’t know. At least he’s not waffling like Favre. When he got back in, he got back in. – Journo

11. From Marcus:

When GE Reveal, Philps Norelco, Suave, and AXE Twist sponsor Jamie McMurray are thay really sponsoring him or is it Target “showcasing” their different brands they offer? Jayski put it as “Philips Norelco sponsoring McMurray at Michigan”. Ganassi also does this in Indy Cars with Franchitti. Being he is sponsored by Target, I am asking this. I know it’s kind of a weird question but I am just curious.

Not a weird question at all – in fact I’m impressed you even noticed. Those deals are facilitated through Target, but those sponsors pay EGR to be on the car. It’s like Target provides Ganassi a marketplace of sponsors. Beyond those one-race deals though Target does have a very successful affiliate program with EGR and CGR (that’s why you’ll see Kimberly-Clark or Unilever products on JPM’s quarter panels when they’re running Target colors). Companies pay Target to get better placement in store and in advertisements and they also get the perk of Target’s motorsports program. It’s a win-win for all involved. And from what I’ve heard, Target’s affiliate program more or less pays for the sponsorship.  – Journo

12. From Billy:

What are your thoughts on Bill Jenkins and Latitude 43 Motorsports?

I’m guessing you are referring to the recent revelations that Bill Jenkins doesn’t seem to be paying his drivers.  This is a very small team, with extremely limited resources that is just trying to make it to the next week.  You can’t really fault their efforts, as at least they aren’t start and parking.  But when money starts running out, the first people to suffer are the drivers and employees.  This is a very common tale in racing.  The list of drivers and crew guys that have been screwed out of money by a team owner would probably circle the earth.  If Jenkins can’t afford to pay his drivers however, it’s probably easy to assume the end is near for the team. - T.C.

13. From Rowan:

How good is Marcos Ambrose rated as a serious Cup racer by other teams and fans and what is the likelyhood of him having a Cup drive for next season? I think his Cup drive at Watkins Glenn was awesome and probably his best performance I have seen. Thanks and regards…. an aussie Marcos fan

Marcos is certainly regarded as a legitimate driver in the Cup Series.  He showed flashes last season that he could get it done on ovals, but he’s just been the victim of a lot of bad luck this season.  I think it is very likely he will land with another Cup team for the 2011 season and beyond, with the most likely candidate being Richard Petty Motorsports. - T.C.

14. From Tom Skaggs:

I read this article a few years ago. The question I have is that it appears that Jamie McMurray is paying team expenses (payroll) out of his own pocket. I can understand paying agents, handlers et cetera, but is it common for drivers to be paying for team expenses? I’d assume that team owners would be paying these expenses.

I’m not sure what you read in this article that makes you think McMurray is paying team expenses.  This article is referring to some savings that McMurray had frozen for a time due to a bank fraud investigation.  Drivers don’t cover any team expenses with their earnings.  Many drivers have their own companies and organizations to help manage their careers, and they are obviously responsible for those expenses, but not for the teams they drive for. – 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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I don’t know about you, but I can’t wait for this weekend!  Both the Nationwide Series and Cup Series are headed to Darlington, and if you are like me, you can’t get enough of the “Track Too Tough To Tame.”  Don’t worry though, this week’s round of reader questions shouldn’t be too tough to tame.  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 Ella:

What has happened to Carl Edwards and his team this year? Seems he has been lagging behind his teammates as well as other top drivers. Will he stay with the same crew chief?

Jack Roush is a big fan of moving crew chiefs when things aren’t going right. I’m not saying I’ve heard anything, but if Bob Osborne doesn’t turn things around soon he may very well be out of a job. Roush as a whole had performance issues last season and Carl just hasn’t overcome his slump. It’s hard to say exactly what the issue/s is/are, but something is wrong. If their performance doesn’t improve soon, expect changes on that team. – Journo

2. From Kevin:

TC, regarding Woogeroo’s question about impound races, is Richmond (my favorite track – bit biased on that) an impound race too. If so, why? I guess I will find out in a couple of days.

I don’t know if you found out during the race broadcast or not, but Richmond is not an impound race.  I believe only the Talladega races and the July Daytona races are impound races. – T.C.

3. From Mike:

I’m wondering if you can tell me if Marcos Ambrose will be back in the #47 car next year, 2011?

I don’t see him going anywhere. JTG and Waltrip are certainly pleased with him and there aren’t really any open rides for him to go to, so I’d expect him back there next season. – Journo

4. From Brad:

Any discussion of the Dale Jr. story in the National Enquirer? I’m interested to know if you guys have any scoop….

We don’t know anything more than what was reported.  While it certainly could be classified as “inside” info, even if we did know something more, we wouldn’t share it.  Both myself and my partner leave that type of stuff alone when it comes to writing for the site.  Want rumors and info about the sport and the competition?  We are the right place to stop by.  Rumors and gossip about people’s personal lives is probably best left alone. – T.C.

5. From Allen:

Do you think the Camping World Truck Series is going to eventually become the IROC Series? (i.e disappear)

I don’t think NASCAR will abandon the series, but I do think they need to consider making changes to it. If you remember 10 years ago the stands would be packed at races (that was partly because they were racing at smaller venues in smaller markets), not the case today. The TV audience is good, but the series has its issues. It’ll be interesting to see if NASCAR is willing to try and breath new life into it. – Journo

6. From Marcus:

Is the Air National Guard really sponsoring the #26 Latitude 43 Motorsports car driven by David Stremme? I remember when they 1st ran it at Bristol they said it was for showing what the Air National Guard can do. But 5 races later the decals are still on the car and they have pit suits and everything. Also they are starting to run full races. Just wondering if you guys know because i’m curious. Thanks!

As far as I know, the Latitude 43 team is still not being sponsored by the ANG.  The “tribute” that was run at Bristol was officially extended to include Martinsville as well, but no further announcement has come out regarding their involvement.  You would think that if the ANG did in fact come on board as a sponsor that the team would put out some sort of release, and they haven’t done so.  Maybe they are hoping that by showing some good will towards the ANG that eventually they will help out. – T.C.

7. From BJ:

Watching the truck race on Sunday, with Johnny Benson & his glasses, got me wondering if any other drivers in the big 3 NASCAR divisions have less than 20/20 eyesight. Are there drivers there with contact lenses or laser-corrected vision? What about other kinds of everyday impairments that they have to deal with like diabetes, severe allergies, hearing loss? (I’m not asking you to ‘out’ anybody; just curious if things like that tend to winnow down the talent pool.)

The two examples that come immediately to mind in terms of any kind of impairments are John Wes Townley and Steve Wallace.  Townley used to wear glasses when he drove, but doesn’t anymore.  I believe he has had laser surgery.  And Wallace suffers from Tourrette’s Syndrome.  I’m sure there are many others, but as you might imagine, making that kind of info public would be a tough thing to do.  When it comes to these types of conditions, if it’s something that severely limited a driver’s ability to perform, or could potentially be life threatening, I doubt they would have made it to this level. - T.C.

8. From Michael:

Two questions for you guys: 1) Why do the COTs sometimes have white plastic pieces sticking up from the splitter at times, mostly during practice? What purpose do these plastic pieces serve? 2) Why does Darlington have two pit roads? Thanks TC & Journo!

Those white plastic pieces you see are wear indicators.  It helps the team figure out how low the nose of the car is getting in the corners.  Teams will also spray paint the bottoms of the splitters, so they can see if and where it’s rubbing through the turn.  And Darlington used to be like Bristol is today.  Some cars would pit on the frontstretch, and some on the back.  But in between the 1999 and 2000 seasons, the track extended the frontstretch pit road to include all 43 stalls.  When they did that, they just didn’t take out the old pit road. – T.C.

9. From windowlicker:

As we get close to our first Hall of Fame induction ceremony, I wonder about some of the inductees. In baseball there are tons of Hall of Famers who are considered to be jerks. What do people in racing think of Richard Petty? Is he a nice guy? Good to work for?

I’ll say this, there are people that love Richard Petty and there are people that don’t. I’ve never worked for the man, so I can’t say how that is. He’s certainly a fan favorite, and very good at glad handing. I think it’s important to point out though that Richard Petty isn’t getting into the Hall of Fame because he is universally liked; he’s there because of what he has done in the sport and done for the sport. I don’t think you’ll find anybody who’ll disagree with his inclusion in the first class. – Journo

10. From BJ:

Everyone at my workplace knows who my driver is. I am definitely not a neutral observer of NASCAR. My question is: Do the journalists who cover NASCAR have favorites? I don’t mean does a writer skew his/her pieces to favor a particular team. I mean that with 10 laps to go and a GWC looming do journalists turn into fans? What’s it like to walk that line between remaining an unbiased reporter & secretly needing to stand and cheer for your guy to take the checkers? Without blowing your cover, Journo, can you share any anecdotes of your experiences in balancing work vs. being a fan.

After you’ve been in this sport, or any sport for any length of time athletes lose their luster. In reality they’re pretty normal people. Personally I love NASCAR, and racing in general, so I like a good show and a good story. I can’t speak for everyone, but I think that’s pretty universal. Certainly there are teams and drivers that are more pleasant to work with, but as far as people rooting for someone in particular, that kind of goes out the window. As a result I can’t say I personally have any anecdotes. Sorry. – Journo

11. Neon:

How many more TNI followers were hatched after the Mike Joy plug?

You know, that’s a tough question to answer.  We definitely saw a traffic spike after the mention, and we’ve had several folks send emails and leave comments saying they came to the site because of the mention, but it would be difficult to put a number on it.  Even if it’s only one or two, we’re glad they are here! – 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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