Daily NASCAR

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!

TheNASCARInsiders.com

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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 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!

TheNASCARInsiders.com

Follow the Insiders on Twitter or be a fan on Facebook!

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by Holly Cain

Filed under: Daytona Int’l Speedway, Nationwide Series, Danica Patrick

DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. — All Danica Patrick wanted this blustery Saturday afternoon at NASCAR’s most hallowed track was experience without expectation. So to that end, she may consider her NASCAR debut successful, even if her No. 7 GoDaddy.com Chevy finished the day a twisted wreck and her first NASCAR finish was officially 35th place.

After driving a careful and conservative early race, Patrick was collected in a 12-car accident that sent a fourth of the field to the garage on lap 68 of the 120-lap NASCAR Nationwide Series season-opener at Daytona International Speedway.

The “story” of Speedweeks, Patrick chose to compete in the Nationwide Series race despite having only a few hours of practice in the car — energized and encouraged instead by a sixth-place finish in a lower-level ARCA Series race last weekend.

She started 15th on Saturday, but opted for a more cautious strategy, falling back to the rear of the field to watch and learn. Unfortunately for her, the view was too good. Josh Wise and rookie Colin Braun collided several cars in front of Patrick and she was unable to dodge a track full of spinning cars.

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So get this, JR Motorsports has three drivers. I know, it’s almost hard to believe.

In all seriousness, this week has got to be the pits for Kelly Bires. He started the month hopeful he’d be making his JR Motorsports debut at Daytona with Dale Earnhardt Jr., only to find out he was being booted from the ride in favor of Danica Patrick.

Now Danica is obviously an easy target. It looks pretty bad for her that Kelly Bires is now out of a ride (for Daytona). In one breath she says she’s got to consider he’s running for a championship and in the next she says “I want more racing.” While it’s a safe bet to start the blame game here I would caution you to wait.

As for Jr.’s ride in Daytona, the sponsor obligations were in place long ago. No matter what happened with the #5/#7, he was going to be in the #88. Why doesn’t Jr. just pony up the money you might ask? Again, while it might be easy to go here, this is not the problem (Click here for a response to that question and others).

You might be asking, who then is to blame? The long and short of it is the front office, though not the part you might think. The part I’m talking about is the part responsible for selling the team to corporate America. Through a tough economy and an inability to close any big new prospects (other than Danica and GoDaddy), the team finds itself short on sponsors; and as we know sponsors make the world go round.

I say this not suggesting that selling multi-million dollar deals is an easy thing. It most definitely is not. I do struggle though to understand how they were never able to lock everything up for Bires, when others have been able to. They even lost a sponsor in Fastenal. Mind you, Roush is notorious for undercutting other teams’ offers (they then are notorious for driving sponsors out of the sport, or out their front door); but that still isn’t a great excuse.

Roush was able to re-sign Conway Freight with Colin Braun this season, and last season Penske brought on Verizon (without logos in the Cup Series) to sponsor David Stremme and Justin Allgaier. While these situations certainly vary, they all lack the fundamental strength of JR Motorsports – Dale Earnhardt Jr.

I can’t say why JR hasn’t been able to sign any big new sponsorships. They could be asking for too much money, or they might not be offering enough support, who knows. What I do know is, is a team that operates as a satellite of Hendrick Motorsports and is owned by the most popular driver in the sport shouldn’t be struggling on the sponsorship front like they are.

So don’t blame Danica. She brings with her money and star-power and an existing commitment to run races with a partner she brought.

As we say here so often, this is a business, and this situation is a great example of the reality of that.

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by Holly Cain

Filed under: Daytona Int’l Speedway, Nationwide Series, Danica Patrick

DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. — After a top-10 taste of stock car racing over the weekend, Danica Patrick has decided to accelerate her learning curve and will enter Saturday’s NASCAR Nationwide Series season-opener at Daytona International Speedway.

Patrick announced her decision Monday, two days after finishing sixth at Daytona in an 80-lap race in the ARCA Series, which is an entry-level, training series for many drivers. The Nationwide Series is NASCAR’s version of Triple-A baseball and a significant step up.

“Racing in the Nationwide Series race was my goal during this entire two-month preparation process,” Patrick said, “but we wanted to make sure it was the right thing to do.

“The ARCA race was a blast and I’m not ready for my first Daytona Speedweeks to end just yet. I want more racing.”

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