Not that I would ever expect those in charge of Formula 1 to talk to the powers that be at NASCAR, but the last series to see a tire issue as serious as this was the USGP at Indy earlier this year. NASCAR made
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| For the first time in three weeks of Nextel Cup racing, we may actually see a race. |
changes during the race, trying all they could to save what little face they could, which must have been hard with the lawyers for Good Year clogging up the phone lines to the NASCAR offices. NASCAR sent officials to check tire pressures, and then make sure teams were running the recommended tire pressure - a rule change while the race was going on. Then they red flagged the race to clean up the track the best they could. Kudos all around to NASCAR for making immediate decisions to cure a bad situation before it got worse. Although I'm not so sure how it could have been worse, but I'm sure somehow it could have been. About the only other thing they could have done was red flag the race, and run a quick schedule like the All Star Race. Run two 10 lap 'heats' and a 20 lap feature, rather than having cars
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| Martinsville is probably the best opportunity for Rusty Wallace to win. |
circulate at 80 percent of their potential for 320 laps, waiting to see whose tire would blow next.
Now, heading into the second half of the chase, Martinsville - next week - will set the tone. Traditionally short tracks see tempers flare, so for the first time in three weeks of Nextel Cup racing, we may actually see a race.
Martinsville is probably the best opportunity for Rusty Wallace to win, and Martin is good there to, but if Stewart can continue his current roll, he more than likely will leave Martinsville with the lead... time will tell.
