The idea of multi-car qualifying is nothing new to motorsports. Our readers who follow Formula 1 racing (or other open wheel series) know what I’m talking about. It is however, a fairly new system for NASCAR. We’ve seen the Nationwide Series use the process for road course races over the last few years, and this season the Truck Series has used it at Pocono and will again use it at Kentucky this weekend. CBS Sports reported on Thursday that NASCAR may be considering implementing multi-car qualifying for both the NNS and Cup Series on a regular basis. Is anyone else wondering why?
It appears that the main reason this system would be adopted by all the NASCAR series is to speed up the qualifying process. That’s fine, but I didn’t realize there was a problem with how quickly qualifying happened. This appears to me as something that isn’t necessarily broken, but NASCAR wants to fix it anyway.
Personally, my biggest objection with the multi-car qualifying idea is how fair this would be for everyone involved. We’ve seen plenty of times in other forms of racing where one driver’s bonzai qualifying lap was ruined by another driver in the name of strategy. With so much at stake, and the measures that teams go to in terms of finding an advantage, it isn’t crazy to think that this could happen in NASCAR. Single car qualifying runs eliminate any possibility of tampering by another team.
On top of that, what if a driver blows an engine while qualifying, and the other driver on track drives into the oil left behind and wrecks their primary car? A team could potentially have their weekend ruined before the race even starts. How is that fair? Under the system we have now, this would never happen, because NASCAR has the ability to clean the track in between qualifying runs.
With the current state of the sport I realize that NASCAR is trying to find ways to improve the racing and get more people to not only attend races, but also to watch on TV. To me though, implementing multi-car qualifying will cause more problems then it actually fixes.
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It’s back to the Tricky Triangle this week. The Cup Series makes its second stop of 2010 to Pocono, along with the debut of the Truck Series. The Nationwide Series is off to race in front of what hopes to be a sold out crowd at Iowa Speedway. While another week rolls along, we’ve got more reader questions 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:
I’m going to try and make this easy to understand, but back in March I was attending the Kobalt Tools 500… well I noticed about 50 laps in when certain cars went by the engines sounded a little different. Some had a “BUZZ!” rather than a “ROOM!” if that makes sense… I believe it was the Toyotas though I’m not 100% sure. Was this just from letting off the gas or what?
Teams have some freedom when choosing the type of exhaust components they use. To get the optimum horespower out of the engines, teams will try different headers and exhaust pipe combinations. Between that and the differences between each manufacturer’s engines, you will have some different sounds for each engine. – T.C.
2. From Garry:
…another Chicago question…I did not want to “hog up” the thread, so I wrote them down, and only ask one question per week. Why dont they let/make them practice and qualify under race conditions. If they race at night, why dont they qualify at night? PS swamisez … ummmmmprediction…. Jeff Gordon wins the 2010 Brickyard 400 (posted on July 21,2010)
It really depends on the scheduling for each weekend. Remember that very often, NASCAR must fit in practice and qualifying sessions for more then just one series. Also, some tracks have noise ordinances that go into effect at certain times at night. Often though, while they may not get to practice at the exact same times as the race, they usually get close. – T.C.
3. From Tom:
After seeing the fine NASCAR hit Carl Edwards with, I got to wondering something. When a driver, owner, crew chief (etc) gets fined, where does the money go ? It also seems to me that a points penalty would hit home to a driver much more than a monetary one.
All money collected from NASCAR fines is given to the NASCAR Foundation as per NASCAR policy. Certainly points penalties are far more damaging than monetary fines (unless you’re an underfunded driver or team). – Journo
4. From Kate:
What happened between Jeff Dickerson and Kyle Busch? Why isn’t he spotting? I will miss his dry humor on the radio. Is he still his agent? Being a fan of both, I hope it was an amicable split.
All we’ve heard about the situation is what’s been reported. Jeff Dickerson is no longer Kyle’s agent, or business manager, though Kyle is still with Motorsports Management. Was it amicable? I’m not privy to their personal relationship, so I won’t speculate. Dickerson is a very good spotter though. - Journo
5. From KathyCalculates:
We’ve seen the Parade of Haulers at Vegas and here in Indianapolis and wondered if they do this coming into all the venues and whether or not they travel across country in a sort of caravan or if they meet up near town in order to arrive together. It is so thrilling to witness!
No, they don’t do those in every city – they are very cool though. As far as travel goes, some teams require their drivers to run together, others don’t. Most of the time, regardless of company policy, hauler drivers will run with a couple of others. No big caravans normally, though during NASCAR’s run in Mexico they did run in large caravans with police escorts into Mexico City. And to your last question, the haulers are required to be at the track at a certain time on a certain day, usually Thursday morning (for the Cup Series) where they are put in order and brought into the track. – Journo
6. From Jerry:
Guys where did all this talk come from about a triple crown that includes the Indy 500. This kind of TV promotion seems to take away from the importance of our on Nascar triple crown.
I have no idea where it came from – and I’ll be honest, I don’t think the Daytona 500, the Indy 500 and the Brickyard 400 constitutes a “Triple Crown” of American motorsports. It seems to me you’d need to replace the Brickyard 400 with the 24 Hours at Daytona or the maybe the US Nationals. I don’t think it diminishes anything in NASCAR but even if it didn’t make a “triple crown” it was still a big accomplishment for Chip Ganassi, and his organization. – Journo
7. From Sterling:
Hi there… great blog. Keep up the great work I found it to be a curious comment made early during the broadcast about the lack of fans in the stands at the Brickyard and how the commentators wouldn’t be getting into it on air. After they made the comment I couldn’t stop looking at how empty the seats were all over the track. I know times are tough and fan attendance has been down at some tracks but can you shed some light on the Brickyard specifically and why they would reference this on-air with no follow up explanation.
Thanks for the love! Without much empirical evidence, my own personal opinion is that attendance was down at the Brickyard for a few reason. First, and most obvious is the economy. Fewer fans can afford to attend races than in the past. Second, I think the tire debacle at Indy in 2008 is still having an effect. That race was a complete nightmare, and many fans haven’t forgotten. Third, I just don’t think the racing at Indy is all that great. The track wasn’t really built for stock cars, and it’s difficult to pass which means not a ton of action. And finally, I believe the novelty of stock cars at Indy has ended. While the Indianapolis Motor Speedway is still absolutely hallowed ground, it’s just not as big a deal anymore that NASCAR goes there. And I believe it wasn’t fully explained on TV because ESPN wanted to focus on the racing in their first race of 2010. More of a glass half full stance. – T.C.
8. From Phil:
The Chase…I realize that NASCAR is attempting to create season ending excitement. But I hate the orginal Chase, the revised current chase, and the anticipated elimination style chase. Here’s my reason, which may I add, I’ve never heard anyone raise. Unlike all other sports, NASCAR participants can be victims of circumstances totally beyond their control. Flat tires, failure of a part that causes the engine to blow, a caution just after you’ve made a green flag stop, another driver makes a bone head move and takes you out, etc. Under the pre-Chase 36 race format, these should even out between drivers and a true deserving champion determined. With the 10 race Chase and even more so under an elimination format, these factors are more likely to impact and determine the championship outcome. Other sports do have to overcome injuries beyond their control, but otherwise their play dictates the championship. Like I said, I understand the reasons for the Chase, however the excitement NASCAR is trying to create seems forced, artificial and contrived. Just my own opinion but I’m curious the hear how insider’s feel, if you agree or disagree. BTW, love your column!!!
First off, thanks also for the love! I’m not personally against the Chase in it’s current form. The whole reason the Chase was implemented in the first place, was because we’d seen many drivers run away with the title, and guys like Kenseth win it while only winning a single race all season. Nobody seems to remember this, but fans used to complain about the old system like they complain about the Chase now. The Chase certainly creates some season ending drama, which I think is good. I think the elimination style Chase that has been proposed is a mistake however. In my opinion, I think NASCAR needs to get as much feedback as possible from all involved (fans, drivers, media, teams, sponsors, etc.) and completely rework how the points are awarded. The current system rewards consistency, and I think they need to figure out what they want a champion to be. – 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!
We’ve made it to the Scott Speed edition of Ask The Insiders Wednesday (get it? 82…). Upcoming this weekend is a NASCAR mid-west triple header, with the Nationwide and Cup cars at Chicago, and the Trucks at Iowa. While we work through a short week, here are more reader 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 Woogeroo:
Howdy Insiders! The qualifying vs. race trim question from last week got me to wondering about what is allowed to be changed these days? I’ve read that Larry McReynolds had a some crazy number of things he would change back when he was a crew chief… but that was back when they could swap motors between racing/qualifying, no impounding and pre spoiler mobile. I’ve read of things like special oils/lubricants for various things just to run the two laps… then they drain it out and put the good stuff in for the race. Does NASCAR still allow all of these shenanigans? I guess what I am asking is… what all is being changed on the car?
Anything and everything is fair game. Like I said last week, whatever it takes to make the cars go as fast as possible for two laps. That means doing things like making the car as aerodynamic as possible (taping up openings), and doing whatever is necessary to move weight around (legally). Teams will also change chassis elements, put more air pressure in the tires, and use lighter lubricants. - T.C.
2. From Joseph:
Hey Guys, will Bobby L. race for the #09 for the rest of the year? Is there any other team your aware of for 2011 ? Do you think Bobby is done? I hope not I believe he still can drive he just needs that 2nd chance like Martin got. Thanks.
As of right now it’s only a two race deal – Chicago and Daytona. Certainly if they’re happy with him and money can be put together that could be extended. I don’t think Bobby’s done in NASCAR, but his Cup Series opportunities are dwindling. Could he have a resurgence? Its possible, but I don’t think it’s likely. – Journo
3. From Ryan:
Any word on sponsors for Smoke. I heard Maybe Stanley. Thanks.
To be honest, I haven’t heard even the slightest small rumor about who or what Stewart Haas is going after. I’m sure that Bass Pro Shops and Budweiser are in play, as is any other company that has an expiring contract. – T.C.
4. From Eddie:
What happened to Scott Lagassee Jr?
Lagassee started out the season with Baker Curb Racing in the #43 NNS car, but has been out of the car for a few weeks because of lack of funding. Unless he can find a sponsor or put more money together, you probably won’t see him back. – T.C.
5. From Dan:
Why didn’t Chevy use the Camaro in the NNS or even the Malibu. Did I miss something? People are referring to the new NNS cars as pony cars. My thinking is the Challenger and Mustang are true pony cars,but not the Impala and Camry.
You’d be correct in your assessment. I’m not sure why they didn’t use the Malibu – that’s not a bad idea – but they didn’t use the Camaro because the COT didn’t allow for them to do justice to the body lines of the car. GM’s Mark Kent said:
“At the end of the day, because of the quest for very close competition and the need to have templated bodies in that series, we felt that by forcing the Camaro into the Nationwide templates that we were compromising the body lines of an iconic car. So at the end of the day we just could not get the Camaro in the Nationwide series to satisfy our requirements.”
- Journo
6. From Billy:
What are your opinons of fan sponsored cars?
I don’t think there is anything wrong with fan sponsored cars. They though are not a sustainable way to run an operation. I’m assuming this question is coming up because of the ‘formation’ of that America’s Racing Team. I think I’m going to do my post on this for Thursday so I’ll elaborate then, but I hope no one opens their checkbook for it, I’ll say that. It’s one thing to send RAB Racing some money to get Scott Riggs on track – it’s a completely other thing to spend $500 on a ‘membership’ with some no-name start-up organization. – Journo
7. From Nancy:
How much do NASCAR spotters make?
Anywhere from $500 a race on up to a few thousand per race for the well known spotters with big name drivers. – T.C.
8. From Ric:
In the Coke Zero 400 why was Paul Menard given a “lucky dog” so late in the last caution? There was no way for him to make it around the track and reach the pack, not to mention get into the correct spot, for the restart.
What I believe you saw was Menard off and on pit road fixing damage. By the time he got back on track it was time for the restart – so the jump he got wasn’t a big one. They were already a lap down, so what mattered was that they get the damage fixed as best they could. They still got a lap back and a jump on the field with the lucky dog. It just wasn’t the advantage it could have been if his car was 100%. – Journo
9. From Kevin:
Can you guys comment on the sponsorship “issue” with the 29 car. I have been a Harvick fan since day 1, and he has always seemed like one of the more marketable drivers on the circuit. Granted the last couple of years were tough in the performance department, but he still got a lot of air time. Now that he is a legit title contender (yes, these exist outside of Henrick and Gibbs camp, depsite what the media thinks) why is is taking so long to solidify his 2011 sponsor? Do you think it is a case of having many options? Or a case of a sponsor from a current team *coughUPScough* leaving? Seems odd that a guy like Harvick leading the points, winning races, cant find a sponsor, even in these difficult times.
Shell Pennzoil is leaving RCR more for the business to business relationship with the Penske Automotive Group than they are for the competition end of things. A large number of sponsors are in the sport because of the opportunities they have to make money off the track. Take the Dupont, Hendrick Automotive Group relationship. I’m confident RCR won’t have a problem finding a sponsor or sponsors to fill the void being left by Shell. It’s not necessarily out of the ordinary that you aren’t hearing about anything. This is the time of the year that teams are waltzing sponsors, and the sponsors are looking for the most bang for their buck. Never fear, there is still a lot of time – things will be just fine. – Journo
After two weeks at home in Charlotte, teams once again hit the road this week. The Truck Series is in the Lone Star State to take on Texas Motor Speedway, the Nationwide cars make their second trip to Nashville Superspeedway, and the Cup cars are in Pennsylvania to take on the Tricky Triangle of Pocono. Before the weekend arrives, we’ve got the 77th edition of ATIW. 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 Bob:
With last weeks question about shops, cars and tracks it got me thinking. Furniture Row is based in Denver, Colorado. Do they do all their work there or do they have a facility close to Charlotte? I know they have an alliance with Childress for engines. It seems like they would be at a significant disadvantage with distances between Colorado and most tracks. I do love the fact that they are the only Western based team!
Furniture Row actually gets just chassis from Childress. Their engines come from Hendrick Motorsports. I know in the past they used a little bit of space at an existing race shop to help with logistics, but I don’t believe they do that anymore. Between their own trucks, and the trucks used for the furniture stores, they are able to get everything they need out to Denver. – T.C.
2. From Steve:
On double file restarts, given how much drivers complain about being stuck in the bad line, any chance that NASCAR would adopt a policy of letting the cars pick where they wanted to line up? For example, the leader would pick his lane, the second driver would have the choice of lining up next to the leader or behind the leader, the next driver would have the choice of lining up behind the 2nd place driver or in the open spot next to the leader and so on. It would introduce another element of strategy – how far back do you start in the good line v starting further up in the so-called bad line? it would also allow crews to better adjust their car if they knew they were going to start inside or outside. Dreaming on my part?
I’m sorry to say I think you’re dreaming. It would certainly set up more opportunities for strategy (in regards to where you start), but it wouldn’t allow for a change in adjustments – teams make adjustments to make the car run as fast as possible, not to run the high or low side. I think ultimately it would make things a little too complicated on restarts. – Journo
3. From Christopher:
I’ve noticed some strange things at the bottom of the qualifiers in the final lineup. Take the Coca Cola 600. Greg Biffle did terrible and had to get in on owners points. JJ Yeley was the last person to qualify on time and did better than Biffle. Yet, Yeley’s 46 car was placed behind Biffle. Actually, Yeley was placed behind a few people he qualified better than. (I don’t mean dropping to the back because of a car change, etc. I mean it was listed this way right after qualifying and is the official starting order) What gives?
NASCAR determines the starting field through the 42nd starting position. It’s a combination of the top-35, where they qualify, and the top seven go-or-go-home drivers. The 43rd starting spot is reserved for the past champion, and if there is no need for the past champion to use it then it goes to the eighth fastest go-or-go-home driver, which in this case was JJ Yeley. – Journo
4. From Michael:
Just wondering why Charlotte Motor Speedway didn’t have any racing action (practice / qualifying) this past Friday. Seemed a little strange, but I’m sure there’s a reason. Thanks.
I’m not sure if this is the exact reason for it, but the Speedway hosts the World of Outlaw Sprint Cars at the Dirt Track across the street that night. I would imagine they are trying to minimize the amount of traffic, but have the maximum number of events. It could also be a case of that’s what they’ve always done. Sorry I don’t have a better answer. – Journo
5. From Steve T:
Is there any particular reason the fuel pickup can’t be moved to the left side of the tank ? Seems like it could make life a bit easier on restarts when everyone is low on fuel.
The pickup in the fuel cell is on the right side because of the centripetal force on the fuel while the car is on track. High speed and constant turning forces the fuel to the right side of the cell. If the pickup were on the left side, when the car went into the corner, the engine would stall because of lack of fuel. That’s why when a car is low on fuel under caution on a high banked track, the driver will bring the car to the apron of the track. That helps to keep the fuel from running to the left side, away from the pickup. – T.C.
6. From Kyle:
Do you guys have any inside info on Prism Motorsports? We all know its owned (partially) by Phil Parson (who formerly owned MSRP in Nationwide which now appears to be Humphrey-D’Hondt) and we also know they have ties to Michael Waltrip Racing, but what is their goal in NASCAR? It doesn’t appear as if they are trying to find sponsorship. They dont have even have a website, and they do absolutely no press at the track. What exactly does Michael Waltrip get out of this relationship (besides occasionally driving the 55)? Is there something we dont know about? They do occasionally steal a top 5 in qualifying. But supposedly their cars couldn’t possibly run the whole race based on how they are set up. How does NASCAR feel about one of their broadcasters starting and parking 2 cars in their premier series? Do people in the garage have a problem with this?
It’s very well known and understood through the garage that Phil Parsons and Randy Humphrey are at the track to make money. They’re there to win prize money. They aren’t actively looking for sponsors, because they neither want nor need them. I can’t say beyond sketchy rumors what Michael Waltrip gets out of the relationship, but I can say what you’ve probably read online is what I’ve heard. As far as NASCAR goes, it certainly sets up an uncomfortable situation for them, but they’ve maintained an atmosphere that allows this practice to continue. They don’t like it, but they don’t seem willing to make any serious offensive against it. – Journo
7. From Allen:
How is Biffle’s crew member doing after being whacked by Stewart’s car? Only heard he was taken to a hospital, no updates on injuries if any.
Heard today that Kevin McDowell does not have any broken bones, but has quite a bit of swelling. His availability for this weekend at Pocono is a big question mark for the team. We’ve also heard that Tony Stewart and Greg Biffle’s crew chief Greg Erwin may have had a bit of a confrontation after the race about McDowell getting hit. – T.C.
8. From Steve:
In the post-race comments, Kurt Busch and Addington made references to taking tires from the 77 because they ‘matched’. Please elaborate on what they are talking about. Aren’t tires from Goodyear tires from Goodyear?
They were probably referring to the tires’ stagger. Stagger refers to the difference in circumference between the right side and left side tires. Even though tires are all manufactured the same, there will be differences. Teams will measure all of their tires and then place them in sets based on the staggers. If the #2 team was getting tires from the #77 team, I’m guessing it’s because the #77 had tires that would give their sets the stagger numbers they were looking for. – T.C.
9. From bb:
In you recent post about Red Bull, you refer to the teams’ “extravagance”. Could you please elaborate? It would seem that things in a team that is essentially its own sponsor could be a fair bit different than the others. Thanks, and please continue your very interesting and informative posts!
Certainly. Red Bull is one of the better paying employers in the sport – in some cases by quite a bit. They employ several full-time pit crew members, something that is unheard of at any other team, and they pay them well. They have PR people who don’t really do any writing (there are people back in Mooresville who do that), and they have a motorhome that travels to races just for PR people and team executives. They also have a very fashionable crew, all of which are required to be decked out in Red Bull logos (down to their shoes and belts) while at the track. Now I’m sure they get a good bit of the apparel for free, but I’d bet not all of it is. Those are some things off the top of my head. – Journo
10. From Dan:
How many gas cans are allowed by NASCAR in the pit stalls at one time? Are there always 2 full ones ready and waiting at all times?
I can’t find a specific rule in the rulebook pertaining to a limit on gas cans, but most teams have 3-4 cans in their stall during the race. That allows for two cans to be available while the others are being refilled after a stop. – T.C.
The 2010 season is finally here! And with it comes a big batch of reader 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 Ric:
How many different measurements are taken before and after a tire is used in (race, practice, time trials, etc)?
Well let’s see if I can remember them all. The tires’ circumference is measured to check stagger and pressure for both the tire and applicable inner liner is measured and measured again. Tire specialists also use a tread depth gauge to check tire wear and a pyrometer to check tire temps at various points on the tire. I think that’s everything. – T.C.
2. From David:
Hey TC, any idea how much more power a cup engine out front would make than say a car back in 8th place at say Watkins Glen? I know cooler air makes more power than warmer air. Just thinking about exhaust from cars up front, make any sense?
Well, they always say the cleaner air out front is best. I’m not sure what effect that has on engine performance though. They are usually referring to clean air on the nose for good downforce. You have to remember that exhaust dumps out the right side, down low; while the engine’s intake is at the base of the windshield in the cowl area. There may be a small difference, but it would be minimal at best. – T.C.
3. From Andrew:
What are you guys looking forward to most this season? A certain race, an event, a potential win, or something else?
I’m just looking forward to getting the season going period. I hate the down time during the offseason, and am always chomping at the bit to get going again come Daytona. I’m with a great team this year, and I’m excited for the opportunity to win some races. – T.C.
Like TC said, I’m just happy the season is back going. As is always the case, there are going to be great stories, and great races. I’m just ready for everything to start happening. – Journo
4. From Kenny:
Why is there significant variance between the primary car and the back-up they bring to different races? Aren’t both cars built to the same specs, with the parts and components coming from the same manufacturers and fabricators?
With the bigger teams anymore, there isn’t much difference between a primary and a backup car. Often times you will hear a driver say their backup actually felt better then a primary after a wreck. Sometimes though, for what appears to be no reason at all, some cars just run and feel better to a driver. And a driver who has confidence in his race car can be a very powerful thing. – T.C.
5. From Ross:
Did Danica Patrick have any on track practice in a Nationwide or Cup car before she started talking to teams about making the move?
I believe several years ago she went out and ran some laps in a car, but nothing substantial. Her first real chance to run a stock car was at that ARCA test last December. – Journo
6. From Scott:
While watching practice from Daytona I have noticed that cars are carrying alot less associate sponsor decals around the front fenders this year. I think most noticeable are the Hendrick cars. Is this a sign of a lack of companys sponsoring NASCAR or are teams just not opting into the sponsorship deals for other reasons? Thanks for your time and love your website!
I can’t say I noticed a difference. I went and looked at some pictures from over the weekend and it looked similar but I can’t say for certain. You might have noticed some of the teams that choose not to take advantage of the contingency program like Red Bull or Penske. Roger Penske for instance is a real stickler for how his cars look, so you don’t see too many. I wouldn’t read too much into this. And thank you! We’re glad you enjoy the site. – Journo
7. From Christopher:
I understand that if a driver changes an engine or car after qualifying, he must start at the end of the pack (43rd). But what happens if multiple drivers have to start at the end? How do they determine who starts 43rd, 42nd, 41st, etc.?
To be honest with you, I’m not sure on this one. I would imagine it’s one of two things: the highest in owners points gets the spot or the faster qualifier gets the spot. The rulebook doesn’t spell this one out specifically. – T.C.
8. From mangopants:
I’m so ready for racing! Hey – watching the Danica Show (the ARCA race today) I started to wonder… do drivers know when the in-car camera is on and showing what’s going on? Like a red light turns on or something? Followup – are drivers compensated for being the “in car reporter”? Do drivers find the radio/TV interviews *while racing is going on* a nuisance, or do they like it?
I don’t believe there is a red light, but I honestly can’t give you a definitive answer there. Generally the in-car camera’s are paid for by teams or sponsors for obvious exposure (that isn’t necessarily always the case). As far as the nuisance question goes, I would imagine it depends on the driver. Some guys are much more willing to talk than others. – Journo
9. From Keith:
Any word on what Jimmy Means is up to?
He has a car entered for the Daytona Nationwide Series race, with Donnie Neuenberger listed as the driver. You will most likely see more of the same from Means’ team. They’ll make as many starts and as many laps as the money will allow. – T.C.
10. From David:
Since Harvick did not practice the Shootout car, why was he allowed to start where Bowyer drew his spot and not start at the rear of the field?
David, you’re very correct that under normal circumstances a driver would have to practice the car in order to keep their starting position. There was some confusion about this over the weekend, but I can tell you, as far as I know, it was never really cleared up. I would imagine given the situation and the nature of the race, NASCAR didn’t feel it necessary to penalize this. It is NASCAR though. – Journo
11. From Michael:
A question about the Ford NW series cars – why don’t the Fusions have the new light / grill stickers like the COT does? I find it strange that the NW cars are an older look. Thanks.
I have seen at least one NNS paint scheme with the new headlight decals. I don’t know why they wouldn’t switch though, but it might be that the nose pieces are still molded for the old body style. – T.C.
12. From Kevin:
Hey guys, last week in the Shootout the Hendrick guys were never really players. How much of that do you think was them maybe trying some out of the box stuff or how were they seriously lacking horsepower/handling? Tony Stewart ran up front, and he is driving the same cars for the most part. Also, good to see some Childress/Earnhardt engines upfront, that combo has been terribly underwhelming in the past few years. Maybe they are on to something. One more thing: how good would Kasey Khane have to finish this year to consider re-upping with RPM (or whatever it is called now) and Ford considering all that has happened between them. It would sure be hard for him to leave a Chase team wouldnt it? Thanks, and looking forward to a new season with TNI.
Remember Daytona is perhaps not the best indicator of how a team will run for the remainder of the season. As long as you’re fast, good in the draft and lucky, you’ll probably finish pretty well. Remember last season Matt Kenseth won the first two races out of the box and then was off and on for the rest of the year. Likewise Kevin Harvick won the Shootout last year, and we all know how he and the other RCR cars did. We’re going to need a couple of months to assess how things have changed. On the Kasey Kahne front, I would say how he finishes isn’t as important as how comfortable he is with the situation. He ran well last year despite the chaos at the team; and as we heard in his late season comments, that wasn’t the problem. If he chooses to leave he’s going to have a lot of good opportunities available to him, and you would think he would have to consider those. My early feeling on the situation is that RPM is going to have a hard time hanging on to him. – Journo
13. From Loren:
Are the two pole sitters(Dale Jr./M Martin) required to run in the Duels or is it optional?
Yes, the rule says a car must compete in the Duels in order to race in the 500. – Journo
14. From Amy:
What exactly does the “shark fin” on the cars do? They mentioned during the Bud Shootout broadcast that it was considered safety equipment…but what does it do and why do the cars not have one on each side?
From my understanding, the shark fin makes the cars more stable when they turn sideways. Think of it as a spoiler, but for a car moving broadside. Besides the roof flaps, NASCAR and the teams are trying to find other ways to keep these cars on the ground when they get turned sideways and backwards at tracks like Daytona and Talladega. – T.C.
15. From Anonymous:
Can you bring me up to date on what is happening with the Ford FR9 engine. Will it run at Daytona? Does it have problems? Etc.
I know for sure that the Wood Brothers team will run the FR9 at every race they run this season. I also know that the Roush teams have not yet fully implemented the new design yet. I believe they used it at the Shootout, but will switch to the old Ford engine for the 500. I’m not aware of any specific problems, but keep in mind that developing a whole new engine from the ground up takes time. – T.C.
In light of today’s announcement that starting this weekend at Pocono NASCAR will make all restarts double file, I thought it might be fun to get some of your thoughts on what else you would change or add to competition. It sounds as though many people are happy NASCAR made this change, and hopefully it will lead to some better racing.
Let me kick this off with a couple of suggestions. One is from me, and another from one of our great readers, George. They both have to do with qualifying.
First, here is George’s take on qualifying:
If I were in charge of competition, I would elect to start each year with a clean slate. When you show up at Daytona you have to get in the race based on performance. Keep the same format, but no more starting the race on owner points, past champions, etc. If after the first five events they want to have owners points get starting spots then so be it. I think the best is when it is all down to weekly performance.
How great would it be for qualifying to actually have a little bit of drama? I got this email from George following bump day for the Indy 500. Those nail-biting final minutes of the last day to qualify for the 500 are crazy intense. Imagine if it came right down to the wire for somebody like Dale Jr. or Tony Stewart to qualify for a race!
My suggestion for qualifying comes from the same place the double file restarts came from; the All Star race. What if we threw in a pit stop during qualifying? It would certainly shake things up and make it more interesting. Plus, it gets the crew more involved. You would not only have to have fast laps, but also a fast pit stop, and good entry and exit from pit road. All I keep thinking about was Tony Stewart leaving his stall after two tires, and having to throw it in reverse to get the left sides.
I feel like either qualifying suggestion would make the normally monotonous time trial sessions more entertaining, and I bet the tracks would sell more tickets for pole day.
Now I will turn it over to you. Feel free to either comment on the double file restart situation and/or throw out your own suggestions. I know Neon will throw out his heat racing idea…