Monday, May 25, 2009
Restart rule debated
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CONCORD, N.C. -- Some NASCAR Sprint Cup drivers say they would like a rule used only in the all-star race added for all points races.
The all-star race features double-file restarts with lead-lap cars in the front. Cars a lap down restart behind all those on the lead lap. The current rule for double-file restarts features cars on the lead lap on the outside line only and cars a lap down on the low side.
The argument for changing the rule is that it puts the first- and second-place cars side-by-side at a restart instead of nose to tail. That, many say, could create more exciting racing.
An argument against such a move is that by allowing the cars a lap down to start beside the leader, it gives them a chance to pass the leader and get a lap back.
"There are many things we're going to look at,'' NASCAR chairman Brian France said of a scheduled meeting with drivers and owners Tuesday that could include discussion on the all-star restart procedure. "That being one of them to see if we can make the sport better.''
Mark Martin admits he has not been a fan of having cars a lap down on the inside during restarts since 1981.
"The beauty of that,'' Martin said of using the all-star procedure for all races, "would be to get the lapped cars from messing up the lead-lap cars.''
Carl Edwards said such a change can't come soon enough.
"I feel like the next evolution or the thing in restarts is to get rid of the lapped cars on the inside,'' he says. "When I'm a lapped car, I don't want to be down there. I don't want to be in the way.''
Jimmie Johnson, though, doesn't like the idea of changing restarts.
"I think that as a lap down car you need a chance to try to fight to get your lap back, and I like that option that the inside lane has the lapped car,'' he says.
Jeff Burton says both sides can be accommodated. He suggests keeping the rules the same until about the last 50 laps of a race. Then, the double-file restarts would feature the lead-lap cars at the front and cars a lap down in the back. Burton notes that doing it that way allows cars a lap down to get their lap back earlier. Making the adjustment at the end, then could enhance the excitement in the final laps.
Racing at DEI?
Kerry Earnhardt, son of Dale Earnhardt, says he'd love to make Dale Earnhardt Inc. a race team again.
Since merging with Chip Ganassi Racing last year to form Earnhardt Ganassi Racing, DEI has not had a NASCAR team in its Mooresville, N.C., shop.
"That's what I'd love to see there,'' Earnhardt said of a race team again working there. "That place was built on racing so what better than to have a racing entity there. We're trying to put together a Nationwide program there. I'd like to see one put together for [son] Jeffrey at Dale Earnhardt Inc.
Jeffrey Earnhardt is scheduled to make his Nationwide debut this week at Dover, driving for Rick Ware Racing.
Appeal set
Carl Long says his appeal will be heard June 2. NASCAR found that his team had an oversized engine at last weekend's all-star event. NASCAR fined crew chief Charles Swing $200,000 and suspended him for the next 12 Cup events. Long was penalized 200 driver points and also suspended 12 Cup races. His wife, Danielle, who is listed as the owner, also was suspended from the next 12 Cup events.
While awaiting the appeal, Long is allowed to compete. He's looking to put together a ride for next weekend at Dover.
Indy test
Goodyear has two tire tests scheduled next month at Indianapolis Motor Speedway as the tire manufacturer tries to find a way to avoid last year's debacle.
Nine cars are scheduled to test June 1-3. Those scheduled to test are Tony Stewart, Juan Pablo Montoya, Kasey Kahne, Robby Gordon, Scott Riggs, David Stremme, Greg Biffle, Bill Elliott, and either Casey Mears or Jeff Burton.
The second test is expected to have at least a dozen teams June 15-17.
Pit stops
Washington Redskins coach Jim Zorn was among the guests introduced in the pre-race drivers meeting. Olympic gold medal gymnast Shawn Johnson was driven around the track this weekend by Kyle Petty. Johnson said Petty reached 170 mph.
"I was squealing,'' she said.





