It will be a weekend full of left AND right turns as both the Cup and Nationwide Series will both take to road courses. The Cup cars are at Infineon Raceway in California and the NNS boys are at Road America in Wisconsin. While we wait for the racing to get here, we’ve got more questions and 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 Tony:
Guys – I know the S&P questions probably get as annoying as the practice itself, but here’s another. Earlier in the year, NASCAR implemented a rule that the first car out of the race for non-accident reason would have their engine taken and torn down. The portrayal I saw in the media was that this would be very expensive for these teams. Do you know how much this costs the team and if NASCAR is still doing this? If yes, what are your thoughts on the impact to S&Ps?
I believe the cost to rebuild an engine is in the $25,000 range. NASCAR has continued to tear down the first start-and-parker out of the race, but it doesn’t appear to have changed anything. The same teams that have been doing it all season continue to do it. Remember too, that only the first car out has to tear down, so it’s not like the teams have an extra $25,000 expense each week. These teams have found a loophole in NASCAR’s system, and I’m not sure there is really a lot NASCAR can do to stop them. – T.C.
2. From Joe:
I know i’m a week late, but during the Pocono race Kurt Busch got penalized for a missing valve stem cap. I’ve never heard this before. Is this a safety concern?
I know it’s a rule that each tire must have a valve stem cap, but I couldn’t really tell you what the rationale is. I don’t believe it is a safety issue, and would be more apt to say that it has to do with cheating and setup issues. – T.C.
3. From Andrew:
There’s a saying that racing improves the breed. I can definitely see that from F1 and maybe even Indy cars, but how does NASCAR racing improve the breed of the street cars we all drive?
I don’t know that it does. And to be honest, I haven’t ever heard a manufacturer rep try to sell their involvement like it did. The fact is, NASCAR’s use of technology is limited, so there isn’t a whole lot the manufacturers can learn – that is unless they’re planning on dumping fuel injection. I think we could see it benefit them with the introduction of fuel injection in NASCAR, but until that point, the days where racing improved the breed, at least in NASCAR, are behind us. – Journo
4. From Rebecca:
Hey guys. I watched the AMP chat this week, which featured Kip Wolfmeiyer, rear-tire changer for Dale Earnhardt Jr.’s No. 88 crew. Wolfmeiyer said he works with No. 5 crew during the week and race weekend, but works only with the 88 crew to pit the car on race day. This got me curious. I know the 5 and 88 team share a garage, but is it standard practice among race teams to have some crew members work with one team during the week and then another team on race day? Thanks for considering my question.
This crew sharing doesn’t happen a ton, but it does happen. There are a few guys here and there that work on one car during the week and weekend, and then switch and go pit another team car. It all comes down to where there are opportunities and holes that need to be filled. – T.C.
5. From Robert:
Do crewchiefs take into consideration time lost during deceleration/acceleration when chosing pits? I see some better qualifiers choosing mid road spots which use more time.
What it comes down to when picking pit stalls is getting an opening, either in or out. Once those stalls with openings are gone, then it’s about the timing lines. Each pit road has a specified number of timing lines that NASCAR uses to determine pit road speed. By knowing where those lines are, teams can pick a stall that will give them an advantage getting into their stall. What they will do is find a stall that is in between those lines. That allows the driver to speed up once they cross that line as they enter their stall; the idea being that going over the limit in that segment won’t hurt them because of the pit stop. – T.C.
6. From NASCAR fan:
I read this week that NASCAR held a meeting with drivers and owners to talk about possible improvements for the chase format. I think this is a positive, and would love to see increased bonus points for wins, say 25 instead of 10. But how about bonus points for where a driver finishes the regular season in the standings? Say 120 points for first place, 110 for second place, etc. Your thoughts? Do you really think NASCAR is looking to improve the chase format or just paying lip-service?
I think with all the changes NASCAR has made over the last couple of seasons (at the behest of the teams and the fans) I don’t think it’s just lip service. I don’t know if NASCAR believes there is anything wrong with the Chase, but I believe if they perceive it to be a problem with the teams (the drivers, the owners), and with the fans, they will do whatever they can to make it better. They are working hard right now to make sure people are happy, and getting the best product possible. If they hear enough bad feedback on the format, there could definitely be changes. What those changes might be, and what they’re thinking is, is anybody’s guess. – Journo
7. From Garry:
Watching the 24 hours of Le Mans and seeing the pit guys doing thier importaant job, it made me wonder if you guys ever have (or ever considered) swapping places for a weekend or two with other types of racing, maybe just to see how the other guys do it, and maybe learn a trick or two, which could cut 1/10 or 1/2 second here or there.
The pit stops and equipment used during stops is different among all the series, so I’m not sure we could really learn anything from those guys. In sports car racing, for example, most of the cars have wheels that only have one lugnut and the cars have built in air jacks. The duties of the crews are all different. In the IRL, there is one changer per wheel and fueling is done through a hose. While it would be fun to trade places for a week, I’m not sure it would really benefit either crew. – T.C.
8. From Michael:
In reference to the “gentlemen start your engines” at Michigan, who can I strangle for that? Is that really what NASCAR has become??????
Was it really that bad? They’re both comedians and they were trying to be funny. I personally like to see people get into giving the command. Would you have rather seen a no-name executive vice-president of HP Food (the owner of the Heluva Good! brand) do it? It’s supposed to be fun and entertaining. I think they did a good job at that. A matter of perspective I suppose. – Journo
9. From Kyle:
Last week Landon Cassill was in the 09, and this week it is sponsored by hendrickcars.com(entry list). Is it possible the deal may have been made for Kahne next year?
It’s certainly possible. All we’ve heard is what’s out in the press right now, but remember denials aren’t always denials. I think it’s a little suspicious that James Finch has sponsorship from HendrickCars.com this weekend. Finch and Hendrick though do have a past relationship. The fact is there aren’t a lot of good options for Hendrick. Phoenix is certainly a possibility (despite the denials), as are the other teams that we’ve heard about. – Journo
10. From Kyle:
There are 43 cars on this weeks Nationwide entry list. 21 of those cars do not have a sponsor (01,04,09,10,15,26,27,28,31,35,40,43,56,61,70,87,89,90,92,99) . 5 more are seriously underfunded(05,23,24,59,81). That leaves only 17 sponsored teams Of those many are self funded, Menard, Gaughan, 34 FRM car, 21 car (meant for Townley). Ive also heard the 10/11 Braun cars are “funded” drivers. Is the long term health of the Nationwide series in question?(especially with the COT looming in a few weeks)
When NASCAR first announced the Nationwide COT a couple of seasons ago, a lot of teams screamed that it would put them out of business. I don’t necessarily think that’s going to be the case, but I think what you point out speaks to the sport as a whole. Money is tight, very tight, across all three series. I think the series will be fine, but until the economy improves, or teams can figure out a way to make sponsorship more cost effective, this is the reality. – Journo
11. From Marcus:
I have a couple of #95 and #96 Caterpillar Chevrolet Monte Carlo die-cast cars (1/18 and 1/24 scale). I recieved these when I was youger (probably 1-3 years old) being my uncle works at Caterpillar. However, I cannot find what series they raced in. The decals on the side where the series logo would be are not there. And my uncle does not know either. I was just wondering if you could help me out. I know David Green drove them and that is about it. Thank you very much for any info you have.
The #95 is a Nationwide (Busch Series) car driven during the 1995 and 1996 seasons, and the #96 is a Cup car driven during the the 1997 and 1998 seasons. David Green drove most of the races in both cars, but Ward Burton, Robby Gordon, and a slew of other drivers had starts in them. Both of the cars were owned by Buz McCall. Happy to help! – Journo
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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As we mentioned this morning on Twitter, we are hearing Front Row Motorsports could be facing penalties from NASCAR after illegal bleeder mechanisms were discovered on the #38 car prior to Sunday’s race.
The rain delay appears to have played a role in the discovery of the issue. As Kvapil exited pit road following the delay, NASCAR backed him up because of two flat rear tires. NASCAR officials escorted the team’s tire specialist and the two tires in question to the NASCAR hauler. We are hearing bleeder mechanisms were responsible for the flat tires.
Bleeder mechanisms are easily installed on the valve stem of the tire and are meant to help a car maintain tire air pressure. As pressure builds in the tire during a run, the valve opens and relieves pressure.
Penalties involving the fuel, the engine, and the tires are generally NASCAR’s severest. As we have seen in recent years with penalties involving Carl Long and Michael Waltrip, NASCAR has made a point to make examples of those found to be beyond the rulebook in those three areas.
As Front Row struggles with points and money this could hurt the team substantially. The team looked to be well on its way to locking all three cars into the top-35 after this weekend’s race. Obviously any points penalty could change that. Additionally, the team only has full-time sponsorship on one car – monetary fines could be detrimental to the team’s future.
Expect any penalty announcements to be made tomorrow.
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.
As the summer continues to roll along, we have reached the 29th edition of Ask The Insiders Wednesday. These posts continue to gain in popularity every week, and I’ve been told by many of you that ATIW is what you look forward to the most. That’s great to hear, and if you keep sending in the questions, we will keep trying to answer them! If you don’t know what this post is, until further notice, we will be answering 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 Scott from Canada:
On June 17th’s version of Ask the Insiders TC said that “there are no computer systems in today’s Cup, Nationwide, or Truck Series vehicles.” Well just how the heck do the TV stations get access to throttle/brake/RPM and speed data? Speed I could see coming from a GPS unit and the scoring/timing points but it wouldn’t be accurate to the foot as it appears to be. So? And do the teams have direct access to this information or do they get it from TV or NASCAR? And (#2) if they get the RPM data is it part of the fuel mileage calculations that causes them fits at various tracks. Sorry for the length but thanks for the answers!
I feel like I’ve been called out here. First, cars don’t have onboard computers, but some will have an onboard telemetry box and GPS unit that transmits back to the TV trucks. Information provided from these devices is what is used to create the telemetry you see on TV. A company called SportVision provides the equipment. But teams are not allowed access to this information, so as far as they are concerned, there are no onboard systems. Fuel mileage calculations are based on weather conditions and previous data gathered (engine performance, driver habits, etc.). - T.C.
2. From mangopants:
I’m new to the sport and have a very elementary question - is it “Pit Road” or “Pit Row”? I’ve seen it written both ways, and just can’t distinguish when the announcers say it.
The two are really interchangeable. In NASCAR, you will hear it more often referred to as pit road. By the way, welcome to the sport and thanks for stopping by TNI! - T.C.
3. From Measure:
How are the drivers reacting to Carlos Pardo’s death? Is there a serious investigation being done by NASCAR to make sure changes can be made to prevent that kind of crash in the future?
Honestly I haven’t heard a lot about it. I think everyone was pretty shocked by the accident, especially because this is a guy that a lot of people in the garage had interacted with. That being said it is not exactly the response if it were closer to home. Also remember this series is more comparable to a late model series than to the Sprint Cup Series and as such the safety equipment is much less advanced. While I’m sure there will be an investigation I don’t know if there will be any major changes as a result of this. - Journo
4. From August:
Sometimes, after practice or “happy hour,” you’ll hear a crew chief or driver state that they have a really aggressive setup in the car. What exactly does this mean? Are they setting up the car to the point where their options are limited on changing the handling of the car once the race begins? By the way, you guys have become a must-hit on the internet everyday since I stumbled upon this site a few months ago. Keep it up.
I would take that to mean they have the car set up to run as fast as possible, most likely over the short run. For example, qualifying setups are normally aggressive, i.e., nose taped up, tires pumped up, etc. The car will run fast over a very short run, but in race conditions would then fall off very quickly. Also, aggressive setups are usually uncomfortable for drivers. They will be fast, but they will require the driver to really hang it out. - T.C.
5. From Joel:
Why is pit road closed at times - especially right after a yellow flag? PS: Love you guys - keep up the great work!
Don’t quote me on this, but I believe pit road is closed right at the point of caution so no driver can gain an advantage by being able to duck down early and get their pit stop done before the other teams have a shot. If a car could pit before everyone else, they would then be out front when the remainder of the field pitted. Also, if a wreck or caution happens near the entrance, they will close pit road to allow the safety workers to do their job. - T.C.
6. From Jon:
I hate to ask about auto racing other than NASCAR… but I know you guys are fans of racing in general. I am an avid reader and have asked you guys a few questions, to which I was very thankful for your replies! I hope you answer this but if not I understand… have you heard of the radical news about the FOTA (Formula One Teams Association) pulling out of F1 for 2010? This is essentially every major F1 brand (Ferrari, Brawn, McLaren, Red Bull, etc) pulling out. It would be like Roush, Hendrick, Gibbs and RCR pulling out of NASCAR! It unfortunately also resembles the CART/IRL split that ruined American open wheel racing (AOWR) more or less. Do you guys really think that Max Mosley isn’t going to give in? It seems like if he doesn’t, he’ll basically lose the crown jewel of racing abroad. I realize NASCAR probably gets more TV viewers, but I think F1’s impact on the world of auto racing is even more far reaching than NASCAR. I love the technology and the skill it requires to run F1 and I hate the thought of it being compromised like the CART split compromised AOWR.
I actually think this split is a lot more comparable to the USAC-CART split in the late-70s. That being said my first instinct is that the teams are posturing to get their way. I know the heads of these organizations are pretty angry with the leadership of F1 and they are very serious about starting a breakaway series, but I truly believe they both know for better or worse they need each other. It sounds like Max Mosley is attempting to re-engage the teams, but what ultimately happens is hard to say. Should this split ultimately occur, I think it will be incredibly ugly. In the end, it would be a shame to have this globally loved series destroyed by bickering and infighting. - Journo
7. From Brian:
I saw this picture from the Nationwide race at Milwaukee: http://twitpic.com/7yhn0 How much PSI do teams typically start on their tires and how much PSI do the tires gain over a typical green-flag run?
Unfortunately I can’t really give you a hard and fast answer on this one. Initial pressures and what the tires build over a run is really going to depend on the track, the series, and the conditions. Usually at short tracks teams will start pressures (especially fronts) very low because the tires will build a lot more due to the added heat from brake use. I’ve seen tires with PSIs in the single digits before. And rights will be different front lefts, as will fronts vs. rears. Rights will usually build more because of the forces on them, and front vs. rear depends on the car’s setup. - T.C.
8. From Ric:
Do you guys practice and/or plan what you will do in situations of a damaged car coming in? Who grabs what, where to cut or not to cut, what has to be done in what order, etc. When working on a damaged car does the same group go over a wall to fix it, or would say the gas man stay back so an ignition specialist can check something out? Can different people go over the wall as long as the number stays at / below 7?
Yes, most teams will at least have a basic plan of who will do what when there is damage to be fixed over the wall. And yes, different guys can go over the wall as long as the number doesn’t exceed seven. Especially in the case of engines, you want your engine tuner over the wall in one of those situations because he is going to be able to best diagnose a problem. - T.C.
9. From Savannah:
Okay guys, since we are now about 10 races away from the Chase, it is time to ask your opinion on who will make the chase this year. So, who will be the lucky 12 drivers? Who do you think will be the surprise chase contender this year? Do you think that Dale Jr will be in the Chase? And if you’re feeling like taking a chance and looking into the crystal ball, who do you think will be the NASCAR Sprint Cup champion for 2009! Remember, this is just an opportunity for you to express your predictions. Now, my crystal ball is still slightly cloudy- hopefully, y’all will have better luck with yours! Thanks for answering all of the questions.
Actually if I had to pick a top-12 I really like the current standings. Obviously there is still a lot of room for movement, but given what we have seen this season, these are, in my opinion, the strongest 12. I don’t think Jr. will make the Chase this season. He has a lot of points to make up and unless he has a huge turn around quick, I don’t think this year is his. As far as who the Champion will be, I’m not ready to say quite yet, but I think Tony Stewart looks like a new man and those three Hendrick cars are very strong. Unfortunately my crystal ball is still very cloudy too. - Journo
10. From Steven:
How come some teams like Jay Robinson’s #49 and Dwayne Gaulding’ #21 start and park even though they have sponsorship? Are these teams offering companies (GetMoreVacations, Stock Car Steel, & Anderson’s Maple Syrup) space on the car for dirt cheap, or do they just give them a free ride?
You’re absolutely correct. They pay a few thousand dollars to have their names on the car for a few laps. The money isn’t enough to make it worthwhile for them to run the whole race. It’s just one more way for these start and park team owners to make money. - Journo
11. From Amy:
I was at the track in Sonoma and my two questions stem from my experience there: 1. We had prerace cold pit access and while walking up and down the pit boxes taking pictures I noticed of all things in the arsenal of stuff packed into one of the pitboxes a can of cooking spray (PAM to be exact). WHY? 2. I took time sitting in both the grandstands on Friday and turn 7 on Sunday and noticed that with the elevation changes and turns- it must be a challenge to be a spotter at a track like that. Where were the spotters located? And do teams ever use more than one spotter at a road course?
First, teams will sometimes use cooking spray (such as PAM) on the wheels to avoid brake dust. PAM can hold up to the heat, yet it won’t allow so much dust to collect on the wheels. Second, spotting road courses is definitely a challenge. At Sonoma, the spotters are located up towards turn two at the top of the hill. They can see the majority of the track from there. And teams will normally use more then one spotter at a track like this (especially Watkins Glen) because you don’t want to put your driver in a bad position because one guy can’t see the whole track. - T.C.
12. From Mike:
I have been given tickets to the Daytona 500 Club for 4th. Can you see the race from here? It looks nice online but do we sit at bar the whole race? They’ll have to roll me out.
You know I’m not overly familiar with the Daytona 500 Club, but after looking around it looks like you can see the front stretch, but not the rest of the track. I’m sure there are TVs in the building though. With an open bar though, can you really go wrong? - Journo
13. From Kim:
Hi guys! 1. Has any team in NASCAR switched manufacturers mid-season? 2. I was watching the set up in the cold pit at Sonoma (Bud team, of course!) and wondered what each of the four monitors on the pit box showed during the race, and also the two flat screens behind the box. Thanks.
Me and Journo were discussing this one, and in the modern era, I don’t remember a team switching midseason. I’m sure its happened in the past, but no specific situation stands out. Maybe a reader knows? For your second question, the monitors up top are used to display the race broadcast, the feed from timing and scoring, any engineering data for the crew chief and engineer to use in strategy, and whatever other miscellaneous computer programs teams use (like instant messengers). The flat screens down low are also used to show the race broadcast, timing and scoring, and the playback from the pit stop camera(s). - T.C.
14. From Ric:
I have noticed that after the Catch Can Man waves his arms that the tank is full, they keep putting fuel in the car, until it?s down on all four tires, sometimes actually moving forward. I would think with the left side of the car up in the air more fuel would be in the tank, hoses, etc then when on all four tires. I do not believe the idling engine is burning that much fuel, so what is the story?
Normally what you are seeing is the catch can and fuel man trying to “pack” the car. They are trying to make sure the fuel cell and the fill and overflow tubes have every drop of fuel in them possible. The catch can man will wave when fuel comes out the overflow, then he and the gas man can work a carefully choreographed dance between the gas can and catch can and burp the system, filling it to the gills. - T.C.
15. From Dianne:
How long do we have to tolerate ESPN/TNT coverage? I am already sick of having to try and find races on TV. Fox was Fox and ABC was ABC! Now I gotta hunt to watch a race let alone listen to those know-nothing broadcasters. Bring me D.W. and Larry Mac!!! at least they KNOW racing…
Well you’ll have to deal with it at least until the end of the season. Beyond that I believe TV contracts are up in 2014. To be frank what we have now is much better then the TV situation 10+ years ago. Prior to now each track operator held their own TV contracts. And at that point in time you had more than just two major track operators. Literally you had a race on a different channel every week. As far as your comment on Larry McReynolds goes, he’s on TNT too. - Journo