On the way up to Loudon the NASCAR Sprint Cup Chase stopped off for a day of interviews in New York City. Quite amusing to this writer was the venue, the London Hotel.
It’s the first time I’ve seen a Union Jack and NASCAR as headliners together. This year the atmosphere was a very calm procedure bringing in two drivers at a time so there no worrying about missing an important quote.
So here’s what Auto123.com learned
How Cup cars gain weight
I often heard that the NASCAR stock cars gain weight, but, how can it be? They don’t eat, don’t attract barnacles. So how do Cup cars gain weight? Kevin Harvick explained that each time the car is washed the cars gain water weight. That’s why Richard Childress Racing (RCR) is bringing five new cars for the points leader before the reset. Still leaves the question of how porous these steel cars are.
Jimmie Johnson would settle for a guaranteed 15th at Talladega and watch it on television
There’s no question that Talladega Motor Speedway with the highest banks in NASCAR produces some of the most exciting hold-your-breath racing action on the schedule. The problem for the drivers is not getting caught up in someone else’s accident.
Even though he’s the four-time and four-straight-time and reigning Cup Champion Jimmie Johnson is all too aware of the luck factor at the 2.66 mile track.
Although every point counts Johnson is fully aware of how a non-finish can torpedo a championship run so he laughingly told the media that he settle for a 10th place, then switched to settling for a 15th place at Talladega and just enjoy the race like the rest of us with a bottle of beer in hand.
More teammates in the Chase can hurt more than help a driver
Jeff Burton is acknowledged as the most articulate and thoughtful driver in the Cup garage. He’s also one of the most respected among his peers.
He seemed like the perfect person to ask about RCR and Roush Fenway Racing being the only organizations with three cars apiece in the Chase.
For years we’ve been hearing that the multi-car teams have an advantage in developing, and sharing information. Before the four car cap rule was imposed by NASCAR officials Roush was up to five cars.
So it would seem to make sense that RCR and RFR have an advantage, right Jeff?
Not so fast.
Jeff Burton explained that if you have a “teammate” racing for the championship it’s a not reasonable to expect your teammate to give up a spot – and points - than if a driver has a teammate who is not in contention.
It’s the first time I’ve seen a Union Jack and NASCAR as headliners together. This year the atmosphere was a very calm procedure bringing in two drivers at a time so there no worrying about missing an important quote.
So here’s what Auto123.com learned
How Cup cars gain weight
I often heard that the NASCAR stock cars gain weight, but, how can it be? They don’t eat, don’t attract barnacles. So how do Cup cars gain weight? Kevin Harvick explained that each time the car is washed the cars gain water weight. That’s why Richard Childress Racing (RCR) is bringing five new cars for the points leader before the reset. Still leaves the question of how porous these steel cars are.
Jimmie Johnson would settle for a guaranteed 15th at Talladega and watch it on television
There’s no question that Talladega Motor Speedway with the highest banks in NASCAR produces some of the most exciting hold-your-breath racing action on the schedule. The problem for the drivers is not getting caught up in someone else’s accident.
Even though he’s the four-time and four-straight-time and reigning Cup Champion Jimmie Johnson is all too aware of the luck factor at the 2.66 mile track.
Although every point counts Johnson is fully aware of how a non-finish can torpedo a championship run so he laughingly told the media that he settle for a 10th place, then switched to settling for a 15th place at Talladega and just enjoy the race like the rest of us with a bottle of beer in hand.
More teammates in the Chase can hurt more than help a driver
Jeff Burton is acknowledged as the most articulate and thoughtful driver in the Cup garage. He’s also one of the most respected among his peers.
He seemed like the perfect person to ask about RCR and Roush Fenway Racing being the only organizations with three cars apiece in the Chase.
For years we’ve been hearing that the multi-car teams have an advantage in developing, and sharing information. Before the four car cap rule was imposed by NASCAR officials Roush was up to five cars.
So it would seem to make sense that RCR and RFR have an advantage, right Jeff?
Not so fast.
Jeff Burton explained that if you have a “teammate” racing for the championship it’s a not reasonable to expect your teammate to give up a spot – and points - than if a driver has a teammate who is not in contention.