At the beginning of the last two years since we opened TNI, we’ve done a rumor scorecard for the previous season. (See the ’08 and ’09 scorecards here and here.) With 2010 now officially behind us, I figured it was time to grade ourselves and our reporting for the year. Before I do though, let me just point out that for 2008 and 2009, our record is 19-3-3 (19 correct, 3 wrong, 3 pushes). Here we go…
Marc Davis To Race At Vegas: Our first rumor of 2010 was that Marc Davis would run the NNS race at Las Vegas. The deal was 99% done we’d heard (he was even on the entry list), but ended up falling apart at the last minute. Davis didn’t end up racing. We’ll call it minus one for the Insiders.
Another New Crew Chief for Robby Gordon: We heard in March that after starting the season with Iain Watts as crew chief, newly hired “consultant” Larry Carter would be taking over as crew chief for RGM. We know for certain that he did call some races for the #7 team, but whether or not he was ever actually officially the crew chief is unclear. Carter was one of several to call a race for RGM in 2010. We’ll call this a push.
NASCAR Considering Eliminating Catch Can Man: With the Truck Series as a test bed, we told you early in April that NASCAR was considering eliminating the catch can position and having both the Cup and Nationwide Series use the new self-vented fuel can. Over the course of the year, NASCAR listened to feedback on the rule change from many in the sport, and in the end, the rule was implemented. The official announcement was made just a few short weeks ago. Plus one for the Insiders.
Front Row Penalized Over Bleeder Valves: After Pocono in June, we were the first to tell you about a possible penalty coming from NASCAR over Front Row Motorsports’ possible use of illegal bleeder valves. We heard a short time later that NASCAR was preparing to hand down their biggest penalty for cheating ever. In the end however, Front Row was penalized but it wasn’t a record sanction. Before the penalty was announced, one unsubstantiated rumor we’d heard was that FRM owner Bob Jenkins actually privately pleaded with NASCAR to levy a smaller fine and points penalty, as anything larger would have put him out of business completely. Obviously, there was no way of knowing if that was actually true or not. We’ll call this plus one, and minus one for the Insiders.
Billy Johnson To Drive for RFR at Watkins Glen: We were the first to tell you that GRAND-AM driver Billy Johnson would be making his NNS debut for Roush Fenway Racing at Watkins Glen. Johnson started ninth in RFR’s #6 Ford, but was caught up in a wreck and finished 36th. It was his only NNS race of 2010. Plus one for the Insiders.
TJ Bell Racing with “Green” Sponsor: In August, we reported that T.J. Bell would be racing at Darlington with a new sponsor, Liberty Tire Recycling. Bell went on to make two starts for MAKE Motorsports with Libery on board. Plus one for the Insiders.
Rumors After Watkins Glen: After the NNS race at the Glen, we reported via Twitter that we’d heard NASCAR had taken a box of lugnuts from Marcos Ambrose’s team that they suspected were illegal. The bit was confirmed later by Scene Daily’s Kenny Bruce, but NASCAR ultimately decided there was no issue. In the same post, we told you that Kevin Conway’s days at FRM were numbered. The team had grown tired of his poor performances, and they were looking to bring in another driver. Following denials by his sponsor Extenze (they emailed us specifically), it was announced five days later that Tony Raines would replace Conway for the race at Michigan. We also added that we’d heard Aric Almirola was a candidate for a Cup ride at RPM. Almirola didn’t end up at RPM, but it was reported by both Fox Sports and ESPN that he’d had discussions with the team. We’ll call that plus three for the Insiders.
Darnell & Kenseth To Run RFR NNS Cars: We told you late in August that Roush Fenway would add Erik Darnell and Matt Kenseth to the round robin of drivers getting starts in their NNS cars. Darnell got three starts (Richmond, Dover, Texas), and Kenseth ran at Atlanta to go with two NNS starts he made earlier in the year. Plus one for the Insiders.
RMM Shuts Down #81 Team: Following the Bristol Truck Series race, we told you that Randy Moss Motorsports was shutting down the #81 team of David Starr. RMM did indeed close down their second team, but Starr never missed a beat. After being let go from the #81, he moved over to SS-Green Light Racing and finished the season. RMM would later run a second truck for Tayler Malsam in four races. Plus one for the Insiders.
Turner Motorsports & Marc Davis: While we weren’t the first to report on the possible sale of Braun Racing to Steve Turner, we were the first to tell you it was a done deal and we gave you the first picture of what the new Turner Motorsports would look like. Todd Braun did end up selling his team, and the new Turner Motorsports will have three NCWTS teams and four NNS teams. They will also run Chevrolets. And after a failed attempt to race at Las Vegas earlier in the season, we told you that Marc Davis would be running for R3 Motorsports at Dover. Davis started 30th and finished 23rd. Plus two for the Insiders.
Johanna Long & Tayler Malsam to Trucks: In September, we reported that both Malsam and Long would be making attempts in the NCWTS race at Las Vegas. Both did race at Vegas, and they both ran more races towards the end of the season. Plus two for the Insiders.
Trevor Bayne To RFR: We were the first to report that Bayne to Roush Fenway was a done deal, and that his new team would run a fifth NNS car for him at Kansas in October. Bayne finished out the season with RFR, and is prepared to run a full NNS schedule in 2011, along with an unspecified number of Cup races. Plus one for the Insiders.
Josh Wise To Drive At Charlotte: Josh Wise spent 2010 driving for several different organizations, and we reported in October that he would race at Charlotte for a team backed by veteran tire changer D.J. Copp. Wise started 39th and finished 18th. Plus one for the Insiders.
KHI, Elliott Sadler, RFR Trucks: Later in October we heard that KHI was putting together the personnel for a second full time Nationwide Series team, and that Elliott Sadler may run some races for them. Both turned out to be true, as it was later announced that Sadler will run the full 2011 schedule for KHI with sponsorship from CitiFinancial. We also told you that there were rumors that Ron Hornaday was shopping for a new NCWTS ride. We’d heard he had conversations with several organizations, but he ended up re-signing with KHI. The last bit we gave you was that Roush Fenway was working on resurrecting their Truck Series program. This story has cooled way down since then, but there is still a small chance it could happen. I’ll give us plus one, a push, and leave the RFR bit as still pending.
Caitlin Shaw To Race At Phoenix: In November we told you about yet another female driver who would be racing in 2010. Caitlin Shaw, after making one start in 2009, returned to the Truck Series in a truck prepared by Mario Gosselin’s DGM Racing at Phoenix. She started 33rd and finished 30th. Plus one for the Insiders.
Skinner Out? Kvapil In?: Our most recent rumor for you, we reported that Mike Skinner was likely out at Randy Moss Motorsports, and that the team would replace him with Travis Kvapil. Skinner won’t talk, and no official announcement has come from the team, so we’ll leave this one pending.
As you can see, we had a busy year reporting on the happenings in NASCAR. Our scorecard for the year looks like this: we had 17 correct, two wrong, two pushes, and still have two rumors pending. Adding up all three seasons worth of news and rumors, that makes us 36-5-5. We prove yet again that if you hear it from us, odds are pretty good that it’s true. Our solid track record doesn’t do much to prove that we are who we say we are, but at the very least we are very well connected janitors…
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The Chase is now upon us! This weekend’s race at New Hampshire marks the first of the ten race playoff. While we work through another week, here’s the 92nd edition of your questions and our answers. 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 Joe:
I read somewhere that Kenny Wallace said that NASCAR is banning the $1700 seats he uses and that they are going to be required to use a $4000 seat – which he needs five of. Have you heard anything about this ban?
I’m not aware of this specific instance, but it certainly wouldn’t surprise me. NASCAR is always making changes to the rules, and if this is true, it sounds like they’ve decided the type of seat he uses isn’t as safe as they would like. I know it sucks that this will probably cost Kenny or the team more money, but racing is a business and it isn’t cheap. – T.C.
2. From Marc:
I’ve been meaning to ask Journo a question similar to Garry’s crew-related question last week. What is life like for journalists in NASCAR? How many beat reporters are there? Are there a lot of free-lancers? Do columnists travel to every race or work from a home base? What are the different travel schedules like? What’s it like for those who have to try to cover all three series? In a nutshell, how do the routines of the reporters whose names we see in the bylines (and as well as those we don’t see as often) compare?
Honestly the answer to all your questions is, it varies. These days there aren’t a ton of regular NASCAR beat reporters and not everyone travels every weekend – it gets expensive. The reporters you’ll regularly see at the track are Lee Spencer, Jim Utter, Dustin Long, Reid Spencer, Jenna Fryer, the NASCAR Scene reporters, of course the guys from PRN or MRN and the TV regulars, among others. From city to city there are bloggers and local reporters who come to the track. The life of a NASCAR journalist is hectic and constantly moving. Between blogging, and tweeting, you’re expected to produce regular content from the racetrack. This is on top of the content you’re expected to produce during the week. As far as travel schedules, they’re very similar to those who work in the sport. To your final question, the routines during the race weekend are similar. You pound the pavement (talk to people, work sources/contacts, build relationships, etc.), go to press conferences in the media center and behind haulers, you do interviews for longer features, and of course watch the race. I hope that answers your questions. – Journo
3. From Richard:
Do the teams use the sim programs for changing set-ups between the last practice session and the race. Do they ever use the sim programs during a race?
I’m not 100% up on the engineering side of racing, but I believe the engineers are working through the weekend to find any little gain. I’m also pretty sure they don’t use the sim programs during the race. The teams are getting real time information from their driver, and I’m not sure how much simmed data would help. – T.C.
4. From Gene:
Richmond’s surface used to be very dark because of a sealer that was applied. What was the purpose of the sealer, and why did they stop using it?
I’m not sure I know the answer to this question. They repaved the track in 2004. Perhaps that’s the change you saw? Sorry I don’t know, maybe someone else better knows the answer to this question? – Journo
5. From Billy:
How you assess John Wes Townley’s return to the Nationwide Series after the three races that he has run so far?
I think John Wes is better. I think he definitely improved some in his time with RCR, though I don’t think it helped his confidence – quite the opposite in fact. I think he is capable of keeping a car in the top-30 in points and running consistently. He’s a field filler, and likely always will be, but he’s running better. – Journo
6. From Christopher:
For the Richmond qualifying, I noticed Bobby Labonte got in on a Champion’s Provisional. But his brother, Terry, did not. But Terry was a champion too. What gives?
Only the most recent past Champion who fails to qualify for the race gets the provisional. Bobby won his championship in 2000, Terry won his most recent championship in 1996. Both needed it, but Bobby gets it because his was most recent. – Journo
7. From Steve:
Saturday night, Jeff Gordon got a lucky dog, he was running 18th (or so) at the time, but ended up restarting somewhere further back in the line (maybe 8 cars from the back). Why, if he was the last driver on the lead lap, wouldn’t he have started 18th. As it was, he had to spend a lot of time passing guys he was already ahead of just to get to the next driver ahead of him.
When a driver is given the lucky dog two things are required. First, the driver must still make any pit stops with the lap down cars on the second lap that pit road is open. And second, the driver must then restart the race at the tail end of the longest line. That is why Gordon restarted behind cars that were a lap down and subsequently had to pass a bunch of lap down cars. – T.C.
8. From Tina:
Why is it drivers have the same numbers for Nationwide & Sprint Cup & some don’t? Do the spotters go to victory lane if their driver wins?
NASCAR assigns numbers based on requests from the teams. Sometimes a team owner requests the same number in both series, sometimes they don’t. Remember also, some Cup drivers don’t drive for their Cup team owner in lower series (Kevin Harvick and Greg Biffle for instance). And yes spotters generally go to victory lane if their driver wins the race. – Journo
9. From Justin:
Terry Labonte took over the 55 and the scenedaily article says his crew worked on changing the setup from a s&p set to a race set. I thought this wasn’t allowed? What is the difference between going full blown qualifying set at Talladega, making the race, then putting in a race set and starting at the back and racing?
The difference between the Talladega races and the second Daytona race with everywhere else, is that those races are impound. Every other race on the Cup schedule doesn’t not invoke a post qualifying impound. Since Richmond isn’t an impound race, Labonte’s team was allowed to take the 55 after qualifying and turn the straight qualifying setup into a race setup. At the superspeedway races, the cars must start the race with the setup they qualify on, and any changes after qualifying will be viewed as unapproved and the team will then start in the back. – T.C.
10. From Mike:
Hello, please explain in detail the process of gluing the lugnuts to the wheels. What keeps the studs from forcing the lugnuts to the ground? Thank you.
Prior to the race, all the wheels will be prepped and cleaned. Teams use various brushes, a degreaser (usually SD-20) and something like brake clean or Acrysol to prep the wheels. Most teams then use a weatherstripping glue from a company called Norton to glue the lugnuts to the wheels. A bead of glue is run around the tapered edge of the lugnut, and the lug is placed over the stud hole. The gluing usually takes place around three hours prior to the start of the race. This allows the glue to dry to the point where it isn’t brittle. When the carrier hangs the tire, the glue actually stretches so that the lugs don’t fall off the end of the stud. If the glue is allowed to dry for too long, it will become brittle and lugnuts will pop off easily. – 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!
As a tire changer I have basically two jobs: take the lugnuts off and put the lugnuts on. Sounds simple enough right? Well don’t forget that during a pit stop there are 20 lugnuts to hit, that is 10 off and 10 back on. So in essence, that’s 20 chances to screw up. And trust me, there are a lot of ways to screw it up.
At Bristol, even though Jamie McMurray finished third, it was a tough night for his guys. After one round of pit stops under caution, McMurray had to bring his car back to pit road because the rear changer knocked off lugnuts. Meet tire changer deadly sin number one. When a new tire gets hung on the hub, the lugnuts sit on the end of the studs and wait for us to come back and tighten them up. On your way to getting them tight quickly, it only takes a small miss to knock one off. And sometimes the jackman is paying attention and sees you knock one off, so you can fix it without coming back to pit road. There are plenty of cases though, where a changer knocks one off, the official sees it, and the jackman sends the car. The team has just bought their driver a return trip to pit road. These situations aren’t exactly conducive to job security.
What’s interesting to note though, is that there are actually a lot of cases where a lugnut gets knocked off but the official doesn’t see it, and the car heads back to the race with only four. Things happen so quickly during a stop, that if a changer knocks one off, but is a good actor, the official won’t notice. Often times the official only knows a lug is missing because the changer was fumbling around.
The next deadly sin will also ruin a race for a team, and could cost the changer his job. This sin is usually predicated by a short radio message that goes like this: “I’ve got a vibration.” Those are words dreaded by every changer on pit road. Why? Because that can mean loose lugnuts. There are a ton of reasons why lugnuts could be left loose or come loose, but in any case, it’s really bad when they do. The vibration comes from the fact that the loose wheel is now wobbling on the hub, destroying both the wheel and the studs. And every changer has had those pit stops in his career where when he got done, he said a little prayer and thought “wow, I hope those are tight.” You then spend the next 60 laps praying that the car makes it to the next pit stop without hearing that dreaded message.
The other two sins I will mention here will kill pit stop times, but unless they are repeated over and over, probably won’t completely ruin a race. They are hanging lugnuts, and hitting more then 20 during a stop.
Hanging lugnuts means you hit all five off, but for whatever reason, one (or more) doesn’t come all the way off the stud. It’s a horrible feeling to grab a hold of the wheel to pull it off, only to be jarred by a stuck lugnut that won’t allow the wheel to come off. The next course of action is to either pick the gun back up and hit the offending nut off, or try and spin it with your fingers. And we will call attempting to spin the lug with your fingers deadly sin 3-B. Crew chiefs and pit crew coaches alike will chew some ass over that tactic because sometimes the lugnut might be stuck and your fingers aren’t strong enough to spin it off. Or maybe it took 10 turns to get the lug off. Either way, you just killed the stop.
In practices and at the races, we are always told to “just hit 20.” Only hitting 20 lugnuts is what we all strive for. Sometimes though, that just doesn’t happen. Instead of hitting five, it’s not uncommon for a changer to hit six, or seven, or eight off. There are again a million reasons why this could happen, but every extra hit means the pit stop is longer by two to three tenths of a second. So if I miss one time during each pattern, that’s four extra hits for the whole stop, which just cost my team one second in the pits.
These are all deadly sins because if done enough, they will all lead to a changers demise. And trust me, having to explain why you just screwed up a race is not exactly a fun conversation. No race can ever be won in the pits, but it certainly can be lost.
This week, we go from the high banks of Talladega to a Saturday night short track shootout in Richmond. The Nationwide cars will kick the racing weekend off on Friday night at RIR, while the Truck Series heads west to Kansas for a rare Sunday race. While we wait for the weekend to arrive, here’s a big batch of reader questions and our 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 Don:
How do the teams get cars to tracks in such short times? Does the transporter go back to Charlotte each week or is there more than one transporter and they alternate weeks? The transporter has to be completely restocked each week and some times Charlotte is not on the way.
Most Cup Series teams have two drivers per truck. This allows them to make it back to Charlotte in a timely manner after a race (for races close by this isn’t a problem). In the case of West Coast races organizations will often send extra trucks from Charlotte to run equipment to their teams out West because driving to Charlotte and back just isn’t feasible. Smaller teams will often just turnover the equipment they already have. – Journo
2. From ATS:
Every weekend when I watch the beginning of the race I see the #00 and David Reutimann come to the front and run in the top-5 or top-10. Only to have a failure of MWR equipment ruin his day. Do you think we could see David move teams at the end of 2010?
I don’t see David Reutimann going anywhere. I believe his contract is up this year or next, but I think he’s pretty happy where he’s at. Remember he and Waltrip go back a long ways. And anyway, where would he go? There aren’t too many seats available. – Journo
3. From Marcus:
What happens to Penske Racing’s #12 car now? Will Justin Allgaier drive it or what happens? Just let me know if you get any inside information.
It could be used for Hornish or it could go away. I haven’t heard anything specific, but I don’t think Allgaier will be in it next year (full-time at least). It’s possible he could run a few races, but they won’t be moving him full-time to the Cup Series in 2011. We’ll let you know if we hear anything. – Journo
4. From West Coast Kenny:
T.C. and Journo, It seems like Robbie Gordon causes a yellow during every race. Is it possible he does that just to get TV time for his sponsors?
I’m going to say probably not, but anything is possible. – Journo
5. From Woogeroo:
What is the deal with some races being impound races and some of them are not? It seems to me like Detroit’s love affair with half the autos fasteners being metric and the other in inches… with no rhyme or reason. I can understand Daytona with all it’s goings ons… but what’s the deal with the rest of them?
It is my understanding that only the Talladega races and the Daytona race in July are true impound races. I don’t know for certain what NASCAR’s reasons are for impounding cars at these tracks, but I would imagine it’s because there are so many extra little rules. Impounding the cars allows NASCAR to have more control over what the teams can and can’t do. – T.C.
6. From Cinde:
Kurt to drive the #22 Shell/Pennzoil Dodge. Is Pennzoil that much better of a sponsor? Do they provide more sponsor money than Miller Lite? Or just pay the driver more? In your opinion why would Kurt go to Pennzoil? Or, perhaps did he really not have a choice at this time? Finally, do the CC and crew generally stay with the driver, or will that be a change as well? Thanks! Love your weekly writings!
It doesn’t have to do with Shell/Pennzoil being a better sponsor. And Miller is still with the organization. I’m not privy to their negotiations, but I would imagine Shell wanted Kurt Busch and Miller was OK with shifting their focus to Brad K. Wam, bam, Penske had a deal. In my experience drivers, for the most part, don’t really care who’s on the car, as long as they’re able to race. I’m sure Kurt Busch is just as happy hawking oil as he was beer. As far as switching crews, we haven’t heard anything about that and given the success the two teams are having in their current configurations, I don’t see Roger Penske making any major changes. – Journo
7. From Allen:
I’ve noticed during pit stops the lug nuts sometimes fall under the tires, has a lug nut ever been shot back and hit someone when the driver stomps on the throttle to leave?
It certainly has. The gas man and catch can man are usually the guys in the direct line of fire, but others have been hit. Trust me, it isn’t pleasant. – T.C.
8. From Doug:
You told us that you and Journo are Batman and Robin. Allow me to be just a little bit skeptical, if that’s OK. My question: do regulars in the press box and on pit row know who you are, are you both really in deep cover?
As far as we know our identities are unknown. If someone does know who we are, we haven’t heard about it. – Journo
9. From djones:
Regarding the recent penalties at MWR, are the drivers aware of suspect parts on the car, or other infractions? I’d like to believe they are innocent. Thanks.
I would say in most cases the driver probably doesn’t know. There is really no reason they need to know, plus keeping them in the dark gives the sport’s stars that oh-so-convenient “plausible deniability.” – T.C.
10. From Kim:
Sitting here in Talladega! If the race is an “impound” race and the cars would have been impounded after qualifying, what happens when qualifying is cancelled, as it was today? Are the cars deemed impounded at the moment qualifying is cancelled?
Actually, cars are impounded before qualifying, so the rainout doesn’t really matter. Teams were allowed to make any final adjustments to their cars on Friday evening, and then they were sealed until the race. The cars did go through an inspection on Sunday morning before the race, but teams were not allowed to do their usual race day work. - T.C.
11. From Amy:
While watching Talladega I am noticing that during the draft some of the cars have their hoodflaps popping open…I have never noticed that before- it that a product of the bump draft or the spoiler? Does it hurt anything?
It’s just a product of the aerodynamics and how the air travels over the cars. If I remember correctly, the flaps are coming up because they are in a low pressure area. And I don’t believe the car’s performance is hurt by it. – T.C.
12. From Michael:
A few years ago it seemed Jon Wood was on a path to a great future. Then, poof, he was gone. Any news?
Jon’s last start in any of the top NASCAR series was at the Phoenix truck race in November of 2008. He has not reappeared, I believe, because of his performance and because of his own personal issues (which I will not get into here). Wood made 17 truck starts in 2008, and only managed a best finish of 10th. Once the Wood Brothers team ran out of money to keep their truck program going, Jon was out of a ride. I would be surprised if he returned to competition down the road. It’s a shame too, because he could have been a very solid driver. – T.C.
13. From Kim:
Another question came up while sitting at Talladega: that hat hit the track close to where I was sitting. Why call a caution during practice for a bird, but not call a debris caution for a hat on the track? I’ve seen debris cautions called for a lot less!
Birds and other animals on track can (and have) actually cause significant damage to race cars. A hat on the other hand, especially like the one that ended up on the track at Talladega, is much less of a hazard. Didn’t the hat end up getting hit and destroyed anyway? – T.C.
14. From Dave:
I’m a little surprised you guys haven’t written about Roush’s situation in Nationwide since Colin Braun got ousted. I’m thinking as far as the 6 and 16 go, it looks pretty ugly. Does Roush go back to Erik Darnell at this point, Kenseth for the rest of the season, or does Roush stop running those cars when they’re unsponsored? Colin will run only, what, 10 more races? So I’m just assuming Stenhouse, who’s been equally as disappointing, won’t make it the full season anymore. Just seeing if you’ve heard anything… I don’t mean to sound happy about the situation, but I just don’t think the plan was ever a good one– two rookies in those cars full time. Thanks!
The situation at Roush has more to do with Jack’s frustration with Colin and the situations he puts himself in and the mistakes he continues to make than it does issues with young drivers or even unsponsored teams. Running these teams full time is exactly what Jack needed to do. He needs to see what these guys can do and see if they’re worth keeping (you can’t keep running part time schedules with young drivers and hope to accomplish anything). After three seasons with Colin, I think Jack has seen all he needs to see. With Ricky though, I don’t think he’ll get pulled unless there is some serious trouble down the road. Remember prior to this season Ricky had just one full ARCA season and a couple of Nationwide Series starts. – Journo
15. From David:
2 questions, what is the problem with racing someone hard(Jimmie Johnson – Jeff Gordon) also heard Hamlin complain. Do they think competition should move over for them because of who they are? Also how about a road course in the chase.
I don’t think actually racing each other close is the problem with some of these guys. What bothers them is when that close racing turns into contact and wrecks. Jeff Gordon has been mad the last few weeks because he’s been wrecked while racing hard with someone, not because of the actual racing itself. You have to remember too, some of these guys just need something to complain about. If it isn’t the wing, it’s Toyota has more power, or it’s people racing “too” hard, etc. etc. For your second question, I’m all for adding another road course race. In fact, I wrote a post about it last season. See it here. – T.C.
16. From Rick:
I heard ricky rudd is helping the #23 team in the Nationwide series is that true or is he helping anyone?
I haven’t heard anything about that, but that doesn’t mean it’s not happening. Does anyone know anything about this? – Journo
I was amazed tonight to look up and realize this is our 70th edition of “Ask The Insiders Wednesday.” It’s crazy to think we’ve done this many all ready! 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:
We received some lug nuts (from BMS Fire/Rescue) that were painted yellow, but the tips had different colors on them, was told they came from different drivers. We later were discussing why the lug nuts are painted yellow. The reasons that were thrown out (Starting with darn sure): Easy to spot for the tire changer, the yellow sticks out on pit floor to make sure you cleaned them all after a pit stop, there is a special coating on/in the paint to help with putting on / taking off the lugs.
The paint is strictly to make the lugnuts easier to see for the tire changers. Lugs from the manufacturers are usually yellow, but you will often see them painted pink, white, or other bright colors. Each tire changer has his own preferences. – T.C.
2. From djones:
I am totally fascinated how the haulers are parked in the infield, most recently at Martinsville. Is there a certain order in which they are parked? Is it first come first serve? And the big question is, how do they park them in there so perfectly? Thank you TC & Journo.
The haulers are parked based off owners points. As far as them being parked perfectly it’s a combination of skill and help. These guys are all, for the most part, very skilled and experienced truck drivers so parking in tight quarters is not a problem. They also help each other out when things are particularly tight. – Journo
3. From Dale:
When do the Mustangs debut?
They’ll make their debut with all the other Nationwide COT’s at Daytona in July. – Journo
4. From Walt:
Who pays for Sunoco gas? Also what do the teams do after practice back at the hotels without getting anybody in trouble.
As part of Sunoco’s deal with NASCAR, the fuel is provided at no charge to the teams for race weekends. As for the crew’s activities away from the track, there really is no end to what teams do. Some guys get the chance to get out and attend other sporting events, while some just hang out at the hotels. And knowing that NASCAR has a strict substance abuse policy, along with the fear of losing one’s job goes a long way in making sure guys don’t get too crazy on the road. We aren’t on vacation on the weekends, we go to the track to work. – T.C.
5. From Sue:
The 14 car went backwards yet again at Phoenix. What’s going on?
At Phoenix a lot of teams struggled with the changing conditions throughout the day – Tony was among them. He led 15 laps early on, but they just couldn’t find the magic late in the race. Sometimes this happens and you have to deal with it . Fortunately the team is having a pretty good season and Tony is ninth in the points right now. I would expect him to continue to be competitive as the season progresses – wins will come if that’s what you’re wondering. – Journo
6. From Pat:
When Denny Hamlin got out of the car this weekend he talked about how there is more braking at Phoenix than most tracks due to running a gear that doesn’t slow the car down as much. Are they running a high gear or a low gear? What other tracks gear like Phoenix? Which tracks are the cars geared to slow without as much brake?
They are running a higher gear then some other tracks. Gearing is all about getting the maximum amount of power and torque out of the engine for the conditions. At short tracks, you use a lower gear gear for better acceleration off the corners. Lower gears allow for better torque, but mean lower top speeds. Lower top speeds don’t matter at a track like Martinsville, because the track isn’t big enough to run really fast. At big tracks, like Daytona, teams use a very high gear. The cars have less acceleration, but much higher top speeds. Since the drivers don’t get off the throttle and brake in the corners, acceleration isn’t as important. That’s why it takes almost two laps to get the cars to full speed. – 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
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.