NASCAR News - - February 2nd Edition

Safety Improvements Since February 2001

1. Softer SAFER walls.
2. The HANS Device (head-and-neck restraint).
3. The improved driver seats.
4. The better roll-bar padding. (Which is something that is NOT to be thrown out the window in order to cause a caution flag).
5.. The heftier seat belts.
6. The crash-impact data recorder.

The drivers who have benefited from these improvements include: Greg Biffle, Michael Waltrip, Kyle Petty, Kasey Kahne, Mark Martin and Jeff Burton. I am looking forward to seeing the benefits of the COT this season !!! Kudos to NASCAR for making these necessary changes and for saving lives.

2007 Nextel Cup Series Rookies

Brandon Whitt will drive the #72 Chevrolet Sponsored by Dutch Quality Stone.

A.J. Allmendinger will drive the #84 Toyota for Red Bull Racing.

David Regan will drive the #6 Ford for Jack Roush Racing.

David Reutimann will drive the #00 Toyota Sponsored by Domino's Pizza/Burger King for Michael Waltrip Racing.

Paul Menard will drive the #15 Chevrolet for Dale Earnhardt Incorporated.

Juan Pablo Montoya will drive the #42 Dodge Sponsored by Texaco Havoline for Chip Ganassi Racing.

Apparently not all teams have secured sponsors, at least that I am aware of at this writing.

NASCAR Decides To Change Qualifying Provisional

There has previously been no limit to how many times a past Cup Champion could use the provisional to ensure a spot in the field each week.

Now, a driver can only use the provisional six times in a year, AND the limit also applies to the ENTIRE TEAM.

"As NASCAR seeks to place more emphasis on competition, we have decided the time is right to limit the number of provisionals allowed." said Robin Pemberton, NASCAR's competition director. "We believe this revision brings the provisional policy in line with the continued growth of the sport." Am I missing something, I don't understand what the provisional provision has to do with the growth of our sport ? ? ?

Speeds Soar At Vegas Test

Now I ask you, what's a track owner supposed to do? Drivers and Fans alike aren't happy with a track, so the track owner makes improvements, and spends millions of dollars, I might add. Only to have Tony Stewart and other drivers and fans complain that its too fast. I have never heard a race car driver complain that the track was TOO FAST, but I guess there's a first time for everything !!! I can understand the safety issues, but if you have that much concern simply don't race at the Vegas track.

Here's what MY driver, veteran Michael Waltrip had to say about the Vegas track. "I don't know why people complain a bit. We're race car drivers for gosh sake, so the cars just go fast. It's not the track's fault. The cars would be easier to slow down that build a track that isn't fun for the fans to watch. That's my take."

By the way, among the Toyota drivers, Michael Waltrip was quickest at 186.162 mph ! ! ! Way to go Mikey ! ! !

NASCAR Seeks To Replace Busch As Sponsor

Just in case you happen to have an extra $30 million laying around in a shoe box at your house, NASCAR is seeking a sponsor for its second series. Sources close to Mr. Brian France say that he can be reached at 1-800- GOT BIG BUCKS. There is no clear front-runner at this point but they do admit that previously speculated suitors Subway, Samsung and Wal-Mart are accurate. I don't know, some how "The Wal-Mart Series" doesn't sound off any bells for me.

Craftsman Truck Series

New Sponsor, New Teammate for Rick Crawford. International Truck and Engine Corp. has signed on as the sponsor for the Circle Bar Racing team, however this investment goes beyond a paint scheme on the truck, for the first time, a teammate in his pursuit of a season championship. Can this be a good thing Rick? While Crawford will drive one Circle Bar Racing entry under the banner of Ford Power Stroke Diesel by International Truck, David Star has joined the race team to drive the #10 Maxx Force International Diesel Power truck. You might remember that International's Power Stroke Diesel previously sponsored driver Terry Cook.

"It's pretty exciting and I think it's going to turn out to be bigger than we think it is," Crawford said. "Circle Bar Racing is excited about it. It's the future of Circle Bar Racing to sign this sponsorship package and to have two trucks with Ford factory support." Well, I guess Rick answered my question, eh ???

Countdown to Daytona 500

The Wal-Nutz Maniac