Jayski's® Silly Season Site - Past NASCAR News/Rumors

2001 Past NASCAR news and rumors

NASCAR Wins Award: NASCAR and its Automotive Aftermarket program have earned the 2001 Supplier Award for Outstanding Retail Promotion from Aftermarket Auto Parts Alliance. The award, one of eight presented every year by the Aftermarket Alliance, recognizes outstanding marketing support for a retail promotion. In the case of NASCAR, it recognized the recently completed NASCAR Your Car promotion and other retail activity. Alliance members from more than 3,600 stores and 60 warehouse locations vote for these awards.(Retail Merchandiser Magazine)(12-29-2001)

Most Powerful in Sports: The Sporting News has tabbed NFL commissioner, Paul Tagliabue, as their Most Powerful Person in sports for 2001. Where do any NASCAR folks rank (out of 100)?
5th is Bill France, Chairman, board of directors, NASCAR; Chairman, ISC;
45th is Mike Helton, President, NASCAR;
52nd is Jim Hunter, Vice president, corporate communications, NASCAR;
66th is George Pyne, Vice president, NASCAR;
68th is Jeff Gordon, Driver, NASCAR;
95th is Teresa Earnhardt, Chairwoman, DEI;
See the story and links to lists at the Sporting News(12-27-2001)

Minimum Age Requirement: Effective for the 2002 season, NASCAR has implemented a minimum age requirement for all drivers, crew members and other participants in its top three series - Winston Cup, Grand National and Trucks - as well as its Touring series. NASCAR hasn't permitted anyone under 18 to participate in Winston Cup or the Winston West stock-car series since 1998, in part because of the series' sponsorship by R.J. Reynolds Tobacco Co. At least one driver will lose his chance at participating in one of NASCAR's top series next season as a result of the new rule. Kyle Busch, 16-year-old brother of Winston Cup driver Kurt Busch, was scheduled to run a full season for Roush Racing in NASCAR's Truck series, but will not be allowed to compete. Roush officials said Thursday he would remain under contract, however.(That's Racin') AND Busch, a high school student from Las Vegas, scored one top-10 effort. However, with the new ruling in place beginning with next year, it looks like Busch will be driving Late Model. With Busch sidelined for at least two years, that opens up the seat for someone else. The team has said that they will fulfill all contractual obligations to Busch. No driver has been named to the #99 CTS seat(NASCAR.com)(12-13-2001)

NASCAR and the Soap Box Derby? Goodyear has something in the works pertaining to the All-American Soap Box Derby. The company isn't saying what, because nothing has been finalized. But it's almost certain to involve some level of participation in the derby on the part of NASCAR racing. Goodyear supplies tires for the popular NASCAR stock car racing circuit, and the company clearly has interest in the idea of a Goodyear-NASCAR derby.(Akron Beacon Journal)(11-27-2001)

IRL and NASCAR to share engines? the AutoRacing1 site is reporting that both Ford and Chevy have suggested to NASCAR that they adopt the IRL 3.5 L normally aspirated engine as a replacement for their current 1950's technology pushrod and carburetors engines. They suggest this will save money...to have a common platform in both series. NASCAR is also looking for a way to cut their engine size and HP to rid themselves of restrictor plates. The smaller IRL engine might do it for them. Overhead cams? Fuel injection?(AutoRacing1)(11-25-2001)

NASCAR and Coca-Cola: NASCAR and The Coca-Cola Company have extended their partnership designating Coca-Cola as the Official Soft Drink of NASCAR. The new multi-year deal expands the relationship to add Dasani as the Official Water of NASCAR and Minute Maid as the Official Juice of NASCAR. The cornerstone of Coca-Cola's involvement in NASCAR, the Coca-Cola Racing Family, is a collection of the most popular drivers on the NASCAR Winston Cup Series and a few of the sport.s rising stars. Extended family members also include team owners and spouses. As part of its NASCAR relationship, Coca-Cola will continue to aggressively market the relationship through NASCAR-themed packaging, point-of-sale, advertising (including dedicated media on both television and Internet), promotions and premium merchandise. Coca-Cola Classic is the Official Soft Drink of NASCAR and the sponsor of the Coca-Cola 600 in Charlotte. Through its association with tracks and race teams, The Coca-Cola Company and its bottling partners have been involved in NASCAR for more than 30 years. The Company sponsored cars from 1969-76 and 1990-94 under the Coca-Cola and Mello Yello brands, respectively.(NASCAR PR)(11-21-2001)

Provisionals Stay in 2002: NASCAR president Mike Helton said in a chat on NASCAR.com this week that the series wouldn't change its provisional system for next year. The final seven starting spots each weekend are provisionals. Helton: It is a program designed to help someone who competes every week, but is having a bad week. The evolution of that process is that we have 7 provisionals in a 43-car field. We will keep looking at it and tweaking it, but we will not change anything for the 2002 season. (11-17-2001)
Some Facts: from my Provisional Page: #24-Jeff Gordon has never used a provisional in his Winston Cup career, he started 40th at Talladega in 1994 when there were only two provisional spots, 41 and 42. And in Nov 1997, Gordon started 37th at Atlanta but then NASCAR only used four (plus a champs) provisional. AND:
how provisionals have progressed over the past few years:
before 1994 not sure how it was handled
1994 - two
1995 - four
1996 - four plus 1 champs(if no champ used it, it went unused)
1997 - four plus 1 champs(if no champ used it, the next team in owners points got it)
1998 - six plus 1 champs(if no champ used it, the next team in owners points got it)
1999 - six plus 1 champs(if no champ used it, the next team in owners points got it)
2000 - six plus 1 champs(if no champ used it, the next team in owners points got it)
2001 - six plus 1 champs(if no champ used it, the next team in owners points got it)(11-18-2001)

Points System to Stay: NASCAR officials are content with the points distribution system currently in place in the Winston Cup Series and say they have no plans to overhaul the formula. That, despite the fact that there have been occasions when the points race has been decided well before the end of the season, and other occasions when a driver with the most wins in a season has come out on the short end of the overall battle. But Jim Hunter, NASCAR's vice president of corporate communications, says it's highly unlikely any changes will be made anytime soon to the current points structure.(Winston Cup Scene - need sub to read)(11-15-2001)

Change in the 2002 Rulebook? NASCAR President Mike Helton said that they were taking safety equipment under review. As far as apparel, there are no requirements as far as the drivers or the crew members are concerned as listed in the NASCAR 2001 Rule Book, but look for this to change in 2002. Since the beginning of the season, the requirement of a head and neck restraint device has gone into effect, and I would think that NASCAR will make more additions before the season starts in Daytona.(Sporting News). NOTE: the rulebook is not available to the public or found online(11-15-2001)

Air Dam Rules Change: A technical bulletin to Winston Cup teams allows Fords to add one-half inch to the air dams of their race cars while removing one inch from the two-inch extension given to Dodges in August. But no change was made to the Pontiac Grand Prix (or the Chevy Monte Carlo) by Tuesday's NASCAR bulletin.(That's Racin') AND On Tuesday, NASCAR officials informed teams that, effective immediately, the Ford Taurus will receive a half-inch kickout on its nose, while the Dodge Intrepid will have that same area reduced by one inch(NASCAR.com)(11-13-2001)

BIGGER car in 2003 UPDATE 2 or 2002?: NASCAR also had startling news for competitors about future stock car design. Helton told the assembly that NASCAR plans to introduce a "bigger" stock car into the Winston Cup Series beginning in 2003. "Mike discussed going to a bigger car in the future," said Jim Hunter, NASCAR vice president of communications. "We're looking at racing cars with a bigger greenhouse (expanded driver compartment). That's the car of the future. We can't expect teams to trash what they have run the last several years. We're looking at 2003. They'll be driving a lot different car than they're driving today. But we need to phase it in, probably at the bigger tracks." Hunter didn't elaborate about the reasons for the larger car but within the last two years NASCAR has tested a larger car hoping it would reduce speeds.(Daytona Beach News Journal)(11-2-2001)
UPDATE: NASCAR's plans for a bigger car that could roll out on the Winston Cup tour next fall at Talladega. The crews are trying hard not to look too far ahead to when NASCAR's proposed bigger race car is coming, possibly for next October's Talladega 500, as a preview for the 2003 season opener. But the bigger car would be a safer car, with more room for the driver. The roof would be three inches taller, the greenhouse would be four to five inches wider, and the driver's door bars could be four inches to the left.(Winston Salem Journal)(11-3-2001)
UPDATE 2: Jim Hunter, NASCAR vice president for corporate communications, confirmed Saturday that NASCAR president Mike Helton broached the subject of enlarging the "greenhouse" of Cup cars at Thursday's meeting of drivers, crew chiefs and car owners in Huntersville. Hunter said that the larger car might be used at Daytona or Talladega in 2003, then phased in at other tracks over time. The cars would allow for more room between the driver's compartment and structural elements of the car's roof and side panels.(That's Racin')(11-4-2001)

No Wreck, No Changes: NASCAR president Mike Helton admits that aerodynamic rules would probably not have changed before next season's Daytona 500 if the last-lap accident at Talladega Superspeedway had not happened.(That's Racin'/AP)(11-3-2001)

NASCAR/Teams to meet UPDATE Rules Changes for Daytona: During Sunday's prerace driver and crew chief meeting at Phoenix International Raceway, NASCAR officials announced a meeting would take place Thursday, Nov 1st, at Joe Gibbs Racing headquarters in Huntersville, NC, in which ideas for improving the aerodynamic package for the superspeedways would be discussed. Drivers, crew chiefs and car owners are invited to attend. NASCAR spokeswoman Danielle Humphrey said the meeting would serve as a "brain-storming" session, in which all ideas would be considered. Humphrey said NASCAR officials would take what comes from Thursday's session and determine the next step in the process.(That's Racin')(10-28/11-1-2001)
UPDATE: Winston Cup drivers, crew chiefs and car owners agreed Thursday on rule changes for races at Daytona and Talladega. NASCAR officials met with the teams at Joe Gibbs Racing headquarters in Huntersville, NC, to gather ideas after a 16-car wreck on the final lap of the EA Sports 500 at Talladega two weeks ago. The sanctioning body has been under increasing pressure from the teams to find a way to make the racing safer at the two tracks, the only two on the schedule where carburetor restrictor plates are used. Gone will be the thin metal strip across the roofs of Winston Cup cars and a spoiler angle of 55 degrees will be mandated. Cars will go to Daytona for testing in January with 57-inch-wide rear spoilers laid back from 70 to 55 degrees and with a maximum height of 6½ inches. The cars will continue to run with seven-eighths-inch carburetor restrictor plates. The dimensions of spoilers and air dams will be determined through pre-Daytona 500 testing during the off-season. The clearance of the front air dams for each of the four makes of cars used in Winston Cup will be finalized after January’s manufacturers’ tests at Daytona. The meeting was closed to the media, but drivers and NASCAR officials spoke with reporters afterward.(That's Racin')
AND: The new Daytona spoiler package will include a 55-degree spoiler angle rather than the 45-degree spoiler angle (actually it was 70 degrees) used at Talladega two weeks ago. This new package will allow a maximum spoiler height of 6 ½ inches and a maximum width of 57 inches. The size of the restrictor-plate remains at 7/8". The roof air deflectors and forward-facing flange on top of the spoiler used during restrictor plate races since last October will be removed. Teams will test this new combination in January during their scheduled testing period at Daytona International Speedway.(NASCAR PR)(11-1-2001)

More Dyno Testing: NASCAR officials tested nine cars on a chassis dyno after the race. The dyno measures horsepower. NASCAR did the same thing after last weekend's race at Talladega. Sunday, NASCAR officials tested the cars of #12-Mike Wallace, #2-Ricky Rudd, #24-Jeff Gordon, #20-Tony Stewart, #22-Ward Burton, #17-Matt Kenseth, #19-Casey Atwood and #31-Robby Gordon(RacingExtra)(10-29-2001)

Dyno Info UPDATE more testing: According to sources, the engines of #20-Tony Stewart's Pontiac and polesitter #92-Stacy Compton's Dodge topped the list and were within one horsepower of each other in the Chassis Dyno testing at Talladega . However, the #55 Chevy of Bobby Hamilton was not nearly as strong as the top two, and #99-Jeff Burton's Ford was 20 horsepower off the leaders. On Monday, NASCAR took the same four cars to the Lockheed Wind Tunnel in Marietta, Ga., and the results were the exact opposite of the chassis dyno. Burton's Ford proved to have the best aero package, followed by Hamilton's Chevy, Compton's Dodge and Stewart's Pontiac. It's no surprise that the Pontiac tanked given that it has lagged behind the other makes in terms of aerodynamic concessions from NASCAR.(Sporting News)(10-26-2001)
UPDATE: NASCAR officials will do more wind-tunnel testing this week in an effort to find ways to thin the packs in restrictor-plate races at Daytona and Talladega. NASCAR informed the above mentioned four teams this weekend that they want to take those same cars back to the wind tunnel this week for more testing. NASCAR has been looking at different rear spoiler angles, taking the roof air deflector off, and changes to the front of the cars in the air-dam area. Also, NASCAR is asking some teams to work on particular areas for a future on-track test, expected to take place in December.(Roanoke Times)(10-28-2001)

New Pontiac Testing: Currently, Joe Gibbs Racing is working on the new model for 2003 based on the Dodge Intrepid.(Sporting News)(10-26-2001)

To the Wind Tunnel: Stacy Compton's #92 Dodge, Tony Stewart's #20 Pontiac, Jeff Burton's #99 Ford and Bobby Hamilton's #55 Chevrolet were tested on the NASCAR chassis dyno [at the race track] and will be taken to a wind tunnel [Lockheed - Marietta, GA] for testing.(That's Racin')(10-22-2001)

NASCAR plans changes: NASCAR vice president Jim Hunter said Sunday the sanctioning body is "going back to work" to try to find a way to eliminate the close, packed racing that has become common on the Winston Cup series' biggest tracks. Sunday's EA Sports 500 at Talladega Superspeedway - which along with Daytona International Speedway requires the use of carburetor restrictor plates to reduce speeds - ended with a last-lap wreck that included more than 15 cars. Bobby Labonte, Dale Jarrett and Ricky Rudd's crew chief, Michael McSwain, were among almost a dozen drivers, crew chiefs and car owners who visited with NASCAR President Mike Helton following the race to vent their anger over the current aerodynamic package used at Talladega and Daytona. "There was a lot of complaining that we didn't do anything before this race and as long as we don't, there is the possibility of the big wreck," Hunter said. "Our response is. `What should we do?' and we don't have the answer right now. "We're going to work with the teams between now and Daytona (in February 2002) and figure this out. We're just as concerned as the drivers are about this." Hunter said the primary focus will be to develop a way to allow drivers and teams' abilities to show through during races. "We need a way for different abilities of drivers to come through and make their cars handle so they have to back off (the throttle) in the corners," Hunter said. "We need to make their cars work."(That's Racin')(10-21-2001)

Doctor, Doctor: NASCAR is in the process of hiring "three or four doctors," all specialists in trauma and emergency medicine, to care for drivers at Winston Cup races, NASCAR President Jim Hunter said Friday. In what Hunter called "a major philosophical change," NASCAR also will hire at least four engineers to work at its new research-and-development center near Conover, N.C. "Safety is going to be the primary focus of the R&D center," he said. NASCAR stopped short of creating a full-fledged, highly specialized, traveling medical and emergency team, such as those employed by all other major motor racing series in the world. Pressed on that issue, Hunter said, "You got your HANS," meaning NASCAR's mandate Wednesday of head-and-neck restraints for drivers.(Orlando Sentinel)(10-20-2001)

One Engine Rule for 2002: starting in the 2002 season, Cup teams must use the same engine to qualify and race, NASCAR announced Sunday at Martinsville Speedway. In the event the engine used to qualify the car does not start the race, then at the desretion of the Winston Cup Series director, the starting position will be relinquished and the car will drop to the rear of the field prior to the start of the race. According to NASCAR, certain events during the 2002 season may require ammendments to this rule, such as the Gatorade Twin 125-mile qualifying races and the Coca-Cola 600, due its length.(NASCAR.com)(10-14-2001) AND see an AP story at That's Racin': Race rained out; NASCAR adopts one-engine rule(10-15-2001)

Engine News: NASCAR officials have finally decided on weight limits on some key engine parts, including the piston, rods and pins, for next season in an attempt to keep the rampant escalation in engine technology and expense under control.(Winston Salem Journal)(10-13-2001)

Bigs Cars: Now that NASCAR has agreed to the one-engine per weekend rule (though the details are yet to be precisely laid out), the sanctioning body is looking again at the proposed "big car" option, a Winston Cup car four or five inches wider and three inches taller than current models(Winston Salem Journal)(10-16-2001)

Chevy Nose: A new Chevrolet nose is turning heads in the garage. The new nose has been wind-tunnel tested, but it's not clear if NASCAR will approve the new piece.(Winston Salem Journal)(10-15-2001)

No Changes at Talladega? UPDATE 4 Ford Spoiler change?: NASCAR officials are telling some teams that there will be no rules changes for next month's Talladega 500, but Ford teams and Pontiac teams say they haven't been told a thing yet(Winston Salem Journal)(9-22-2001)
UPDATE: The Winston Cup series will make no "significant" changes to its current aerodynamic package for the season's final restrictor-plate race, the Oct. 21 race at Talladega. NASCAR sources said Sunday if any changes are made at all, they wouild be minor spoiler or air-dam alterations to the Ford Taurus to make the car more in line in performance with the Pontiacs, Chevrolets and Dodges.(That's Racin')(9-24-2001)
UPDATE 2: NASCAR officials announced that they will be giving Pontiacs a slight aerodynamics break for the Talladega 500 and that they will be "tweaking" the Fords, probably pruning the rear spoiler on both makes. GM's Doug Duchardt says that it's time for NASCAR to take all the makes back to the wind tunnel to get some new baseline numbers before ordering any changes. NASCAR hasn't done a wind tunnel test since March.(Winston Salem Journal)(9-26-2001)
UPDATE 3: FSN's Totally NASCAR reports that Ford's spoiler size will be decreased and that the change would help the Pontiacs (??)(9-27-2001)
UPDATE 4: NASCAR officials do not plan to make a change to the aerodynamic package used at Talladega Superspeedway prior to the Oct. 21 race, but they are giving a break to the Ford teams. The Fords are getting an allowance on the rear spoiler, cutting three-quarters of an inch from each side. This change is designed to help the manufacturer remain competitive with other makes. "[There's] a possibility of one other small tweak to another make of the same thing," Nelson said. "We're waiting on one other piece of data to make that decision."(Richmond Times Dispatch)(10-8-2001)

Black Box Update: NASCAR expects most of the cars in Sunday's field at Charlotte to be carrying crash-recorder boxes, as part of its continuing preparation to mandate the devices on all cars next season. . . . Detroit engineers have long believed that more crash data can be gathered, much faster, in NASCAR than when recorders were instituted in Indy cars in the mid 1990s. Why? Because Cup cars run a lot more laps and crash a lot more often(Orlando Sentinel)(10-4-2001)

The 'Gate' at Kansas UPDATE: many readers noticed the while 'gate or fence' Winston Cup Officials held above Jeff Gordon so he couldn't get on the roof of the car in the winners circle/victory lane. On CNN/SI's NASCAR Plus, Benny Parsons was asked about the 'gate' and said he wasn't sure why, but that it was probably to keep the driver off the top of the car so a proper insepction could be done. Last year at California, the #12 Team was penalized for having a car that was too low and it was caused by Mayfield jumping on the roof of the car, denting the spot that the inspectors measure. Otherwise have seen nothing official on the reason for the gate(10-2-2001)
UPDATE: sources have confirmed that NASCAR doesnt want the drivers on the roof tops after the race for saftey and technical reasons(10-3-2001)

New Pit Crew Competion Rules UPDATE: NASCAR officials announced during Sunday's driver and crew chief meeting that the entry rules will be changed for this season's pit crew competition scheduled for Nov. 3 at North Carolina Speedway at Rockingham. Previously, any team that wished to participate could enter. Beginning this season, only those teams in the top 25 of car owner points will be eligible. The points used will be those from the previous race weekend, in this case following the Oct. 28 race at Phoenix(That's Racin')(10-1-2001)

UPDATE: The National Association of Pit Crew Members (NAPCM) disagrees with NASCAR's decision to change the rules governing November 3rd's Pit Crew Challenge in Rockingham, N.C. The Pit Crew Challenge is about the NASCAR Winston Cup Pit Crews getting to compete against each other to decide who is the best. Owner points have no bearing on this. As anyone knows, owner points depend on many variables. What NASCAR is doing is penalizing half of the crews by not allowing them to participate in the event that they look forward to all season.(NAPCM PR/site)(10-2-2001)

New Pontiac? NASCAR officials have begun studying Pontiac's plans for a new Winston Cup model for the 2003 season(Winston Salem Journal)(6-3-2001)
UPDATE: - Pontiac Gone? Might General Motors consider dropping the Pontiac brand from Winston Cup racing? A new model is expected for the 2003 season, but will GM invest in the redesign of its Grand Prix for NASCAR? Just an ugly rumor that it won't, said Terry Laise, General Motors competition and aerodynamics manager. "But anything is possible."(Sporting News)(6-18-2001)
UPDATE 2: during the Cup at Kansas, NBC mentioned that Joe Gibbs Racing had tested a new 2003 Pontiac Grand Prix in a wind tunnel and expects to present it to NASCAR for approval in mid 2002. Also have heard rumors that Pontiac would switch from a Grand Prix to their Bonneville model(10-2-2001)

Black Boxes at Dover, Kansas, Lowes UPDATE 2: NASCAR officials were uncertain whether drivers would be using black boxes this weekend. Last week, the boxes were in the cars of Jeff Gordon, Bobby Labonte, Jeremy Mayfield, Kenny Wallace and Sterling Marlin. Mayfield's was not set up to record crash data, but NASCAR officials will study information from Labonte's. Next week at Lowe's Motor Speedway, a total of 25-30 Busch Grand National and Winston Cup teams are expected to be running with the devices. The boxes will be mandatory for teams next season.(Richmond Times Dispatch)(9-28-2001)
UPDATE: NASCAR Winston Cup director Gary Nelson said the sanctioning body’s first use of data recorders, in three divisions last weekend at Dover Downs International Speedway, was a successful first step toward comprehensively using the devices in its three national touring series in the 2002 season. Nelson said the recorders did fine in acquiring data, including readings from the car of defending Winston Cup champion Bobby Labonte, which was involved in a crash early in the 400-lap race. Nelson declined to elaborate on what was found on Labonte’s recorder, though he did say “we got data from that.” The devices were used in the Busch North Series, cars of race winner Dale Shaw and Tom Carey Jr.; the Busch Series machines of Jimmie Johnson and Jason Keller; and the Cup cars of Labonte and Jeff Gordon. Nelson said the devices would not be used at Kansas Speedway this weekend. He did say he was looking at using them in an upcoming Craftsman Truck Series race, possibly Oct. 5 at Texas Motor Speedway. (NASCAR.com)(9-29-2001)
UPDATE 2: NASCAR spokesman Jim Hunter said Sunday the sanctioning body is expecting to test several more "black boxes," or accident-data recorders, during next weekend's Grand National and Winston Cup races at Lowe's Motor Speedway.(That's Racin')(10-1-2001)

Jarrett comments on NH in Nov UPDATE 2 Helton comments: Dale Jarrett implored NASCAR to rethink its decision to race in New Hampshire on Nov. 23. "As good a tire as Goodyear makes, there’s no way we can make that hard tire hook up on that track in that kind of cold weather," Jarrett said. He also said he did not want to be away from home on Thanksgiving, calling it an important respite and a holiday that was meaningful to him. He proposed instead, that the New Hampshire race be held midweek between the events at Lowe’s Motor Speedway on Oct. 7 and Martinsville, Va., on Oct. 14. "Is there anyone who wants to go up there on Nov. 23?" he asked.(Gaston Gazette)(9-22-2001)
UPDATE: NASCAR vice president for communications Jim Hunter said that NASCAR has no plans to reconsider its decision to run the New Hampshire 300, postponed from last weekend, on Nov. 23 - the day after Thanksgiving. "As much as I hate to miss Thanksgiving with my family, I plan to be in New Hampshire," Hunter said. "We made that decision after thinking things through. We thought it was the best overall decision knowing that a lot of people are going to be inconvenienced." Hunter said NASCAR would continue to look at its scheduling options and how it might be able to avoid a similar problem in the future. The final 20 races of the 2002 season, however, are scheduled for 20 consecutive weekends just as they were this year.(That's Racin')(9-22-2001)
AND see a column at the Winston Salem Journal: NASCAR Mutiny? - Winston Cup teams are rebelling against new date for Loudon race and Practice? Winston Cup series director Gary Nelson he expects teams competing in the one-day season finale Nov. 23 at New Hampshire will be allowed some practice time earlier that morning. Several drivers have been critical of NASCAR's decision to hold the race on Thanksgiving weekend, after postponing the event last weekend following terrorist attacks Sept. 11 in New York City and Washington(That's Racin')(9-23-2001)
UPDATE 2: NASCAR President Mike Helton, growing tired of increasing criticism from race team members regarding the rescheduled New Hampshire race now planned for Thanksgiving weekend, tried to put the talk to rest during Sunday's prerace driver and crew chief meeting. "We will be racing on Friday, Nov. 23 in New Hampshire," Helton said sternly. "We had to make a decision and we are sticking to it."(That's Racin')(9-24-2001)

New Wind Tunnel: Gary Eaker, of Hendrick Motorsports, plans to break ground next month for a wind tunnel in Mooresville, NC. It will give Charlotte-based teams an alternative to facilities in Langley, VA, Detroit and Marietta, GA. Eaker, a former aerodynamicist with General Motors, joined Hendrick Racing in 1994. When the tunnel is finished, he will leave the team to manage it and will be replaced by Kurt Romberg, formerly of Petty Enterprises and General Motors(Sporting News)(9-17-2001)

NASCAR Offices Closed: NASCAR announced today that all of its offices (Daytona Beach, Fla., New York City, N.Y., Charlotte, N.C., Los Angeles, Calif., and Hickory, N.C.) will be closed on, Friday, September 14, in observance of a National Day of Mourning.(9-14-2001)

NASCAR donation to GOP draws notice AND: NASCAR gave $15,000 to the state Republican Party just one day after a judge upheld the constitutionality of a law passed by the GOP-controlled Legislature that bars access to autopsy photographs, including those of racing legend Dale Earnhardt. Campaign records show the Republican party reported the check on June 14, a day after Circuit Judge Joseph Will refused to release Earnhardt's autopsy photos, according to a Gannett News Service story published by the Pensacola News Journal, The News-Press in Fort Myers, and Florida Today in Melbourne. NASCAR and GOP officials denied any connection between the state political gift and the Legislature's swift passage of a bill blocking public access to autopsy photos. See full AP story at That's Racin': NASCAR gave $15,000 to GOP day after autopsy photos sealed(9-10-2001)
AND from CNN/SI - Questions remain - Ethicists debate independence of Earnhardt report(9-11-2001)

New Tires in 2002? Goodyear engineers are considering a change to larger, taller tires next season to cut speeds. Such tires have been tested, but crew chiefs expressed displeasure yesterday with such a plan(Winston Salem Journal)(9-9-2001)

Talladega Rules? NASCAR officials still have not announced rules for next month's Talladega race. NASCAR brought in 19 teams to test possible new Talladega rules two weeks ago, a test that team owners suggest cost them between $15,000 and $25,000 each. Some crew chiefs say NASCAR may wait until race week to announce the new rules, to try to keep teams from testing. But they add that the top teams are probably building new cars for the new rules, for wind-tunnel testing.(Winston Salem Journal)(9-9-2001)

Blackboxes Sooner? NASCAR is expected to make a decision on accident data recorders in the next few weeks. The ADRs will be mandatory in NASCAR's three major series next season and might be in Cup cars before the end of this season -- by the October 28 race at Phoenix. That would allow teams to adapt to the systems and provide time for offseason adjustments if necessary(Sporting News)(9-3-2001)

NASCAR and Engines: NASCAR officials met with engine builders Saturday morning to propose rule changes for next season and seek feedback. Among the plans is a rule that would limit teams to one engine per race weekend. Exceptions to that most likely would be Daytona in February, when the series is there for almost 10 days, and the Coca-Cola 600 because it is the Winston Cup's longest race. Another consideration is a minimum weight on engine parts, including pistons, rods and cranks. Some competitors say that some teams have spent thousands of dollars on strong, lightweight engine pieces. Crew chief Paul Andrews likes the suggestions. "It's no big deal for us," he said. "Our engine component weights are right there where NASCAR wants them anyway. We feel like our motors will run a weekend, qualifying all the way through. If your competitor is doing the same things, that's OK, that's not a bad thing. "They're doing stuff that makes sense. It will save money. It will save aggravation."(Racing Extra)(9-2-2001)

NASCAR's Statement on the the Talladega Testing: The following are comments from Gary Nelson, NASCAR Winston Cup Series director, regarding Monday's test by NASCAR at Talladega (Ala.) Superspeedway. This test was designed by NASCAR for its teams to test various changes to the current aerodynamics package in place for Daytona and Talladega. Drivers participating in the test were: Rusty Wallace, Kevin Lepage, Bill Elliott, Johnny Benson, Michael Waltrip, Tony Stewart, Elliott Sadler, Ward Burton, Jerry Nadeau, Jimmy Spencer, Ricky Rudd, Joe Nemechek, Ken Schrader, Sterling Marlin, John Andretti, Buckshot Jones, Bobby Hamilton and Todd Bodine. The No. 29 team participated with Dave Marcis as the driver. The teams tested, among other things, three different restrictor-plate sizes (15/16ths, 29/32nds and 7/8ths) and the removal of the roof air-deflector. "It was a very productive and informative day. We were able to learn many things. We couldn't have learned the things we did in a single-car test or in the wind tunnel or dyno-type tests. We needed a pack of cars to help us obtain all that we did. Our next step is to take the information gathered and analyze all of it. That will obviously assist us in our decision process. "We started the morning with 20-car drafts in 20-lap runs. Then we reduced the number to 15-car drafts and 15-lap runs. The idea was to make the current aero-package more efficient and to do so, we changed the plate size, rear spoiler angle and removed the air deflector on the roof. "At one point, we even had the teams use a combination that was similar to the aero-package the NASCAR Busch Series currently use (60 degree spoiler angle and no roof air deflector or rear spoiler deflector). "One example of the data we were searching for was to find a balance between aerodynamics and restrictor-plates. The way we did this was to reduce the aero-drag on the car, which in turn picks up speed and then we off set this with a smaller plate. The current aero-package in place is a high aero-drag combination. "Now keep in mind, the speeds at Daytona and Talladega, more so Talladega, have been satisfactory. We wanted to maintain that pace but with a lower drag combination. "With the number of teams here testing, we received an unprecedented amount of input from the drivers. We were able to zero in on what the driver was feeling after a run."(NASCAR PR)(8-29-2001)

Talladega Testing Done: A day after running three- and four-wide in an invitation-only NASCAR test, more than a dozen Winston Cup Series teams remained at Talladega Superspeedway to prepare for October’s EA SPORTS™ 500 on Oct. 21. On Monday, NASCAR officials sent 19 Winston Cup teams through the motions during a handful of 20-lap and 15-lap runs. On Tuesday, it was back to the norm for the teams, running test laps individually instead of drafting in packs. “Yesterday we ran in packs and it looked like a race,” said Kyle Petty, who was testing the #44 Dodge. “Today most everything is on an individual run. Most of this is just for qualifying.” Still, most of the 17 teams acknowledged the stay-over was well worth it at NASCAR’s Most Competitive Track. The only two teams from Monday’s test not staying for the second round were Dodge drivers #22-Ward Burton and #40-Sterling Marlin. “We had a list of things to try ... a, b, c ... to find speed,” said Bryant Frazier, overseeing the 44 team’s session. “We were finding the attitudes of the car, the performance related to the motor – just trying stuff back and forth looking for speed. On Monday we had two or three different packages look good as far as being competitive and putting on a good show for the fans, but they also would give the driver a break every now and then,” said Frazier. Petty, who had a couple of top-five finishes at Talladega in the mid-1980s, said many teams were trying “to get a leg up after yesterday.” Petty also applauded NASCAR’s efforts over the years. “They know the ups and the downs,” said Petty. “NASCAR has continued to change the rules, continued to adjust, continued to monitor. That’s one of the things we did Monday. We tried three or four different aero packages just to monitor and to see where the cars were headed and give NASCAR some additional information for rules changes that may come six months down the road or may come two years down the road. They are establishing a baseline.” Robin Pemberton, crew chief for the #2 Penske Racing Ford team, said he and driver Rusty Wallace were using the time at Talladega to work on other things as well. “We haven’t been here to test in two years,” said Pemberton. “We’re doing chassis things, doing some things with the shocks. We’re not messing with the aero package at all, really.” Teams participating Tuesday were: #29-Dave Marcis; #9-Bill Elliott; #28-Ricky Rudd, #20-Tony Stewart, #2-Rusty Wallace, #21-Elliott Sadler, #55-Bobby Hamilton, #25-Jerry Nadeau, #15-Michael Waltrip, #43-John Andretti, #44-Kyle Petty, #33-Joe Nemechek; #26-Jimmy Spencer, #66-Todd Bodine, #4-Kevin Lepage, #10-Johnny Benson, and #36-Ken Schrader.(Talladega Superspeedway PR). See past news below(8-28-2001)

Restrictor Plate Race Changes?/Talladega Testing UPDATE 3: NASCAR officials are testing a series of changes for restrictor-plate races. About 15-25 teams are expected to be involved in the session, scheduled for a week from tomorrow (didn't say which track DIS or Talladega). Teams are running cars without roof strips and with altered spoilers and possibly plates. The changes are aimed at finding a way to separate cars instead of forcing drivers to race in the tight packs that have become common at Talladega and Daytona(Richmond Times Dispatch)(8-19-2001)
UPDATE: NASCAR's original idea was to take the so-called "boxcars" to Talladega, cars up to 4in taller and wider than the present air-slick models. That did not work, many said (and some with a laugh) because the boxcars simply would not fit on the team transporters. So much for thinking of everything, Two possibilities are suggested. First, knock down the rear spoiler to something like 3in, give the teams a little more play on the front end to balance the cars, then let them race. That could also pay benefits at a non-restricted trak such as Michigan. Second, move toward Busch-style spring and shock rules. Busch enforces much heavier springs than in Winston Cup, and it uses the leaker shocks. Would that be good? Only testing will tell.(SpeedVision)
AND Teams have two days to work on changes to cars when they test at Talladega Superspeedway next week. The first day of the NASCAR session will involve testing changes the sanctioning body is considering, such as a ¨-inch restrictor plate instead of the current 1-inch model. The plates are used to limit airflow and horsepower. Teams can try their own ideas on the second day. About 15-25 Winston Cup teams are expected to show up for the session. NASCAR is looking for a way to separate cars from the tight packs that have become common in restrictor-plate racing(Richmond Times Dispatch)(8-20-2001)
UPDATE 2: Sixteen teams are scheduled to participate in a NASCAR test session at Talladega on Monday and Tuesday as series officials search for ways to separate the multi-car pack. Officials are expected to look at different rear spoiler sizes, different restrictor-plate sizes and other aerodynamic factors. If enough information can be gathered, the test might last only one day. "We need to run 195-200 [mph] at Talladega and get out of these big packs and these aero packages and all this stuff and let us race like we used to," said Sterling Marlin, who participated in a one-car test for NASCAR at Talladega in April that included raising the car's roof. Among the teams scheduled to test, according to NASCAR, are #40-Marlin, #28-Ricky Rudd, #20-Tony Stewart, #2-Rusty Wallace, #21-Elliott Sadler, #22-Ward Burton, #55-Bobby Hamilton, #25-Jerry Nadeau and #15-Michael Waltrip.(Racing Extra)(8-25-2001)
UPDATE 3: With the NASCAR Winston Cup Series garage half full at Talladega Superspeedway on Monday, NASCAR officials put 19 teams through several test runs at the 2.66-mile tri-oval. NASCAR officials were putting all of the teams through a series of combinations concerning the aerodynamics on the cars and the restrictor plates used at Talladega and Daytona. NASCAR officials used 20-lap and 15-lap sessions, allowing the drivers to observe the various aerodynamic-plate combinations in race-like situations. It is not known if any rules modifications – those tested on Monday or otherwise – will be implemented for this fall’s EA SPORTS 500™ at Talladega. “We started in the morning with a 60-degree spoiler and a 29/32 (inch) restrictor plate,” said Ray Evernham, owner of Evernham Motorsports which fields Dodges for Bill Elliott and Casey Atwood. “Then we moved to a 7/8-inch plate and no roof spoiler. Or may be it was the other way around. Any way we tried those combinations and looked at how they affected the car on the track. “Speeds were in the 190 mph range in the packs.” After each session, NASCAR officials, team members and drivers gathered for an informal talk on how each felt the aero/plate combinations worked. For some, like Marlin, the combination changes worked well. “I kind of liked this,” said Marlin. “We’ve run good here in the past. We just would like to get it to where we can get out from under everybody. “So far I like it better than it was,” said Marlin, between the morning and afternoon sessions. “Now we must be precise with our passing. It’s not as easy to pass as it was. “It has made it more difficult to pass, but you have that control.” Other teams participating were: #29-Dave Marcis; #9-Bill Elliott; #40-Sterling Marlin, #28-Ricky Rudd, #20-Tony Stewart, #2-Rusty Wallace, #21-Elliott Sadler, #22-Ward Burton, #55-Bobby Hamilton, #25-Jerry Nadeau, #15-Michael Waltrip, #43-John Andretti, #44-Kyle Petty, #33-Joe Nemechek; #26-Jimmy Spencer, #66-Todd Bodine, #4-Kevin Lepage, #10-Johnny Benson, and #36-Ken Schrader.(Talladega Superspeedway PR)(8-27-2001)

Helton Honored: NASCAR president Mike Helton was back home Thursday afternoon as John Battle High School honored the former Trojan. Helton, a 1971 Battle graduate, spoke to the student body during a back to school pep rally held on the Trojans' football field. At the conclusion of the assembly he was presented with a plaque recognizing him as a distinguished alumni. The Bristol Virginia native wished the students good luck on the coming school year and sprinkled in a few tips during his speech. And he also addressed NASCAR's report on the death of Dale Earnhardt, which was released Tuesday.(Bristol Herald Courier)(8-24-2001)

No Seat Belt Inspections: NASCAR has no immediate plans to inspect seat belt installations in race cars despite revelations that customized "variations" to Dale Earnhardt's belt system may have contributed to his death. Similar variations are widespread among Winston Cup drivers, said a safety expert who manufactures head and neck support systems. Instructions on how to install the seat belts are treated like directions that come with a new computer, said HANS maker Jim Downing. "You just leave them off to the side and go about (installing) it," said Downing, who works to fit individual drivers with head restraint systems. "We've seen some awful things. Seat belts too wide. Seat belts too far apart. Just awful." Jim Hunter, NASCAR's vice president of corporate communications, said Wednesday that Winston Cup officials don't monitor how the belts are installed. That process is left to the driver and belt manufacturer. Although the NASCAR rule book places all responsibility for proper safety precautions on the driver, it also states NASCAR officials will "take whatever action is deemed reasonable and appropriate in order to correct" safety problems in a driver's race car and equipment.(Daytona Beach News Journal)(8-23-2001)

Why the telemetry box blew: A Roush Industries investigation revealed that, as expected, an interior short in a lithium battery ignited the fire in the cockpit of Robby Gordon’s Chevrolet last week that cost Gordon a shot at victory in the Global Crossing at the Glen. The battery packs in the driver compartments are attached via "vibration mounts," but in the case of Gordon’s car, its box apparently experienced " a lot more vibration than normal," according to Sportvision’s Peter Larsen, and spread to the other batteries. This week, to facilitate the needs of TNT’s television coverage, the 12-volt lithium manganese dioxide batteries will be replaced by normal "D" alkaline batteries, and mounting procedures will be changed so that the vibration mounts do their job.(Gaston Gazette)(8-18-2001)

Microsoft and NASCAR? Microsoft, Bill Gates' multi-billion-dollar company, continues to rebuff NASCAR's best efforts at signing a sponsorship deal. Even ace salesman Jeff Gordon has been unable to persuade Gates to get on board the NASCAR marketing train(Winston Salem Journal)(8-13-2001)

The Big Cars: NASCAR officials plan to "phase in" the new "big car" rules next season, according to top Winston Cup drivers. The concept was tested by Sterling Marlin at Talladega in April - a car with a three-inch taller roof, a three-inch wider front bumper and a straighter windshield. If that car is to be used in next February's Daytona 500, NASCAR would like to run it first this fall at Talladega in October. That "big car" would eventually be used at every track. The major drawback at the moment is that the taller roof keeps air off the rear spoiler, which leads to faster speeds at Daytona and Talladega and less rear downforce at the other tracks. It is unclear how NASCAR might resolve that problem(Winston Salem Journal)(8-13-2001)

NASCAR Report - August 21st? UPDATE 5 The Location of the Announcement?: The NASCAR report on Dale Earnhardt's fatal accident is expected to be released the week after the Aug. 19 Winston Cup race at Michigan. Word in the garage is that the investigation has been concluded, and the official announcement of findings will be Aug. 21 in Atlanta.(Richmond Times Dispatch)(8-5-2001)
UPDATE: NASCAR officials said reports that they planned to announce the results of their Dale Earnhardt investigation in a press conference Aug. 21 in Atlanta might be premature, that they had more tests to run(Winston Salem Journal)(8-6-2001)
UPDATE 2: NASCAR will release its report on the crash that killed Dale Earnhardt on Aug. 21 and experts who took part in the investigation will be there to answer questions, a source within the organization has confirmed. A NASCAR source, who spoke on the condition of anonymity, confirmed on Thursday the news conference will be held in Atlanta at a site still to be determined. Earnhardt was killed in a last-lap crash during the Feb. 18 Daytona 500 and NASCAR hired experts to do an in-depth investigation. NASCAR president Mike Helton has said as many as 54 people have been working on the report. The source said the investigation has helped NASCAR develop a computer model of the Earnhardt crash. The report will also include information from the investigations into the deaths of Adam Petty, Kenny Irwin Jr. and Tony Roper. Among other things, the report is expected to address whether a lap belt was torn, as NASCAR officials have said, and if that contributed to Earnhardt's death. The question has lingered since Earnhardt's widow, Teresa Earnhardt, won a court order sealing the autopsy photos.(That's Racin'/AP)(8-9-2001)
UPDATE 3: NASCAR's investigation into the death of driver Dale Earnhardt reveals safety problems in the design of the race cars, according to reliable sources close to the investigation. The sources also said the investigators essentially confirm the findings of the court-appointed independent expert who determined Earnhardt died of a sudden head-whip action when his car hit the wall Feb. 18 in the Daytona 500. The four-month investigation has been the most far-reaching independent inquiry in NASCAR's 52-year history. Multiple sources closely tied to the investigation have revealed some of the findings to the Orlando Sentinel but have requested anonymity. Here are three key points, according to the sources: 1) NASCAR race cars lack sufficient crush resistance in the front ends; 2) Earnhardt's fatal basilar skull fracture will not be blamed on a broken seat belt; and 3) Emergency medical technician Tommy Propst might have incorrectly concluded that Earnhardt's lap belt was intact when he arrived at the crash scene. The two major organizations spearheading the investigation, sources say, are Biodynamic Research Corp. of San Antonio and the Midwest Roadside Safety Facility at the University of Nebraska at Lincoln. Both groups are outside the immediate NASCAR family of racing teams and suppliers.(See full story - it's a lot of info - at the Orlando Sentinel)(8-10-2001)
UPDATE 4: Our investigation is on schedule and we will discuss the results at a press conference once it is complete. Speculation prior to that time serves no useful purpose. We believe that this investigation is one of the most thorough and comprehensive in the history of motorsports and we are confident that the results will speak for themselves.(NASCAR PR)
UPDATE 5: hearing the announcment/press conference will be held at the CNN Center in Atlanta OR the Hyatt downtown near the CNN Center(8-11/12-2001)

Simpson Resigns: Bill Simpson, who dedicated his life to making motorsports safer for its participants, told NASCAR.com Tuesday night that he has resigned from the company that bears his name in the aftermath of Dale Earnhardt’s fatal accident in February. Simpson, who less than four years ago sold two-thirds of Simpson Performance Products -- a diverse company that makes a wide variety of safety equipment ranging from drivers’ helmets and uniforms to child safety seats -- said the decision came from an inability to separate his personal relationships from the business of safety in an inherently violent endeavor. "I can’t separate the two -- it’s tough," Simpson said. "I wrote my resignation letter two weeks ago and it was accepted, reluctantly, yesterday."(NASCAR.com)(7-31-2001)

NASCAR.com is 'stickiest': NASCAR.com can now lay claim to being one of the "stickiest" sites on the Internet. According to Nielsen/Net Ratings, Internet users at work spent an average of almost 20 minutes per visit on the official site of NASCAR, the most of any sports site. For that week, NASCAR.com also attracted 763,000 unique visitors, more than any other official league site.(AJC)(7-31-2001)

Talladega Rules? There are whispers that thought is being given to a larger roll cage and body configuration for cars in the October race at Talladega(Sporting News)(7-30-2001)

Data Recorders Revisited: There again was talk about accident data recorders during the manufacturers' safety meeting with Winston Cup drivers and crew chiefs last week at Indianapolis. The model discussed would be half the size of a laptop computer and wireless so teams would not be able to use the devices to enhance traction control or telemetry(Sporting News)(7-30-2001)

Dodge Rules Change: NASCAR officials announced today that modifications to the front air dam for the NASCAR Winston Cup Series 2001 Dodge Intrepid will go into effect beginning with next weekend's NASCAR Winston Cup event at Indianapolis Motor Speedway. This modification will allow Intrepid teams to extend their front air dam two inches forward below the bumper from the current measurement. The front air dam is described as the area below the bumper. The bumper will remain in its standard position(NASCAR PR)(7-27-2001)

Earnhardt Report Date Pushed Back: NASCAR president Mike Helton said the much-anticipated accident report from the crash that killed Earnhardt at Daytona in February won't be finished for several weeks. NASCAR initially said the report would be concluded in early August, perhaps before the Brickyard 400. "We're certainly into the middle of August now (before the release)," Helton said during Brickyard testing at IMS. "It might go to the end of the month, too." Helton confirmed that the sanctioning body conducted an extensive accident re-creation last week at Daytona International Speedway, although he would not elaborate on the session or discuss the findings that came from it. NASCAR might not be able to pinpoint what killed Earnhardt, given the many elements involved, including the impact of the crash, the driver's severed seat belt and the lack of a head-and-neck support system(Indianapolis Star)(7-27-2001)

One Engine Rule Again? NASCAR is moving closer and closer to a one-engine rule for Winston Cup, which means teams could use only one motor during a race weekend. Such a rule would do away with trick, and expensive, qualifying motors. Said driver Ken Schrader: "I think it's something we need. I think it would be good for our sport. It's not to make any difference in the show. It's just going to save a tremendous amount of money in the garage area. I think that is something that really needs to be addressed -- the cost of this sport. It's getting out of hand."(Daytona Beach News Journal)(7-29-2001)

RJR to make NASCAR it's Sole Sponsorship UPDATE: In a bid to comply with the 1998 tobacco settlement, R. J. Reynolds Tobacco Co. officials will announce Tuesday that their sole sponsorship next year will be bankrolling stock car racing's Winston Cup Series and will abandon its relationship with the NHRA Drag Racing Series. No decision has been made concerning RJR's future with golf's $1.6 million Vantage Championship. The settlement agreement doesn't preclude RJR from using the company name in other sponsorship, such as the golf tournament. NASCAR officials have operated all along with the understanding that RJR wouldn't turn away from a relationship that dates to 1971, but the manufacturer had to reduce its sponsorship to a single cigarette brand by the end of the year to comply with the tobacco settlement. R. J. Reynolds, through its Winston brand, has long been a major supporter of both the NASCAR stock car racing and NHRA drag racing series. The Winston Cup has been the championship trophy of NASCAR's premier series since 1971, with the company's support of the point fund growing from $100,000 the first year to more than $13 million this season. Since 1971, when driver Junior Johnson helped bring the parties together, RJR has contributed more than $112 million in NASCAR purse, bonus and points-fund money. It's not only pumped in money but also was influential in reshaping NASCAR so that it held fewer, bigger races. Studies reveal that Winston is far and away the No. 1-sponsor, in terms of on-air mentions, during televised NASCAR events. That exposure alone would cost Reynolds countless millions, if it were still allowed to buy the airtime. Winston also has significantly benefited from deep fan loyalty. RJR officials acknowledge the brand's share among NASCAR Winston Cup attendees and fans is five times that of its national share.(CNN/SI)(7-16-2001)
UPDATE: NASCAR kept its top sponsor Tuesday when R.J. Reynolds Tobacco Co. picked the Winston Cup stock car series as the one program it can bankroll under the 1998 tobacco settlement. Under the Master Settlement Agreement -- with which tobacco companies had to be in compliance by the end of the year -- cigarette manufacturers had to reduce their sponsorship to a single program over a 12-month period. RJR had to choose between NASCAR, the National Hot Rod Association and the Vantage Championship, a Senior PGA Tour event. RJR said it would end its 27-year partnership with the NHRA at the end of the year. It is still deciding what to do with the Vantage Championship, a golf tournament held near its headquarters in Winston-Salem, N.C., since 1987. RJR can continue to sponsor the event, but it can't be called the Vantage Championship because Vantage is another brand of cigarettes.(That's Racin'/AP) and a story: RJR faced difficult decision on sponsorship(7-18-2001)

Rules Change in the future? NASCAR officials are talking about ordering a major rules change for the October Talladega race, a physically larger car, as much as three inches taller, with a straighter windshield, to slow the cars aerodynamically and allow drivers to use more powerful engines, hopefully to help break up the large pack(Winston Salem Journal)(7-9-2001)

Helton Says NASCAR is Fine: The president of NASCAR believes Winston Cup racing remains in good shape despite the death of Dale Earnhardt, increased skepticism about driver safety, and scrutiny over how the circuit handled the tragedy. "I think there's a human factor you attach to sports that prevents you from being completely adequate," Mike Helton said in an interview with The Associated Press. "Still, I don't think we would have handled anything differently." Helton acknowledged that NASCAR's public-relations effort may have left some room for criticism. The sport once known for catering to the media and its fans was left open to accusations of a whitewash in the Earnhardt case. See interview at ESPN(6-30-2001)

No New Engine Rules? UPDATE: NASCAR officials have cancelled plans for new engine rules at Loudon, N.H., in three weeks, saying the proposals "have lost momentum." Some teams pointed to heavy politicking against the proposed changes by the Roger Penske camp. "We're preparing for a one-engine rule at Loudon, but we've heard several different things in the works for Loudon, even a 390 carburetor like they used on the Trucks at Texas," says crew chief Jimmy Makar of the Bobby Labonte team. "In this sport, you've got to be prepared, whether it's rumor or whether it's fact."(Winston Salem Journal)(6-23-2001)
UPDATE: NASCAR is having second thoughts about using one engine for the entire weekend at a few races this year, beginning with New Hampshire next month. Some teams didn't like the idea of using the same engines for practice, qualifying and races at New Hampshire, Bristol and Richmond, so it is likely that no such change will be ordered this season. But the one-engine rule for races of 300 miles or less is being considered for the 2002 season.(That's Racin')(6-24-2001)

Bigger Windows at Daytona: NASCAR plans to widen Winston Cup's shrinking driver-side window, which will allow drivers wearing neck restraints a faster exit in case of an emergency situation. NASCAR president Mike Helton confirmed the rule specifying a minimum, 17-inch window height will take effect for the July 7 Pepsi 400 at Daytona International Speedway. Helton said this is the first time NASCAR has instituted a window size for Winston Cup cars. Before this rule, NASCAR only monitored the distance between certain rollcage bars inside the race cars. "The specifics before were the height of the door bars and the height of the halo bar," said Helton. "What we were finding was that in an effort to create better aerodynamics, that opening was shrinking. We drew a line in the sand and say, 'OK, this is far as it can go.' " Competitors said the new rule makes sense especially for drivers equipped with the bulky HANS device, designed to restrain head and neck movement in the event of a severe accident. Two thirds of Winston Cup drivers now wear restraint devices. NASCAR said drivers needed a larger exit hatch in case of an emergency situation on the track.(Daytona Beach News Journal)(6-22-2001)

Mandatory Caution UPDATE NASCAR and Drivers Meet: NASCAR planned to give teams some help in Sunday's Pocono 500, but instead its plan to put out a competition caution on Lap 25 raised the ire of several crew chiefs and drivers. Typically, NASCAR announces the use of a competition caution - a planned caution - at the mandatory driver and crew chief meeting the morning of the race. Sunday at Pocono Raceway, NASCAR officials made the decision to have a caution after evaluating what the enormous amount of rainfall Saturday evening had done to the 2.5-mile triangular track. But they made the decision after the driver's meeting, and relayed the information to officials on pit road, who were, in turn, to inform crew chiefs. Communications broke down along pit road and some teams found out over their radios, while some didn't get the information at all.(That's Racin')(6-17-2001)
UPDATE: Several drivers, owners and NASCAR officials met after Sunday's Pocono 500 to discuss the competition yellow on lap 25. The result was an unlikely admission from president Mike Helton: "There was some comments by crew chiefs that they didn't get the word in time and made their decisions to go ahead and pit," Helton said. "Now, we have to give them the benefit of the doubt and figure that our guys didn't get the message delivered quick enough. This was a situation that we decided after the drivers' meeting was over with and it could have been a situation where the message wasn't completely conveyed up and down pit road correctly from our side, so we'll take this one."(CNN/SI)(6-19-2001)

Pontiac Gone? Might General Motors consider dropping the Pontiac brand from Winston Cup racing? A new model is expected for the 2003 season, but will GM invest in the redesign of its Grand Prix for NASCAR? Just an ugly rumor that it won't, said Terry Laise, General Motors competition and aerodynamics manager. "But anything is possible."(Sporting News)(6-18-2001)

Two More Cup races in 2002? NASCAR president Mike Helton said the sanctioning body is working on the 2002 schedule, but he refuses to comment on the garage rumor that there will be two more races -- 38 total -- next season. Word is Kentucky Speedway will be awarded an inaugural event and that California will get a second race. Other changes might include moving races at Rockingham, Atlanta and Darlington to dates that are more weather friendly(Sporting News)(6-11-2001)

Engine Rules Change UPDATE: NASCAR's plans to go to a one-engine-per-weekend rule at Loudon, Bristol and Richmond this season, with hopes of using the rule everywhere next season except Daytona Speedweeks, will push more Winston Cup teams into buying expensive new 'race simulation' engine dynos. Roger Penske has been using one of those dynos for several years now, but most other Cup teams have resisted the effort and expense it takes to design one. Other types of race simulation computer "dynos" are already in use, to help teams put actual parts and pieces, like gears and transmissions, through a race-simulated pace. While some engine men here were wondering yesterday if NASCAR had decided to back off from the engine change, Randy Dorton, head engine man for Rick Hendrick, said he was confident the new rules would go into effect at Loudon(Winston Slaem Journal) and more past news on my NASCAR Past News page(6-9-2001)
UPDATE: Winston Cup series director Gary Nelson said Saturday that NASCAR is exploring the use of one engine only for qualifying and the race, but that such a change could likely only be made with shorter races. Nelson said NASCAR has not selected a race to test the idea, but acknowledged that the New Hampshire race next month presents a good opportunity. Both New Hampshire races each season are 300 miles, among the shortest in the series outside of the two road course events(That's Racin')(6-10-2001)

No Aero Changes at Daytona: NASCAR is unlikely to make any aerodynamic changes to cars prior to the July 7 Pepsi 400 at Daytona, Winston Cup series director Gary Nelson said. Following the Talladega race in April, NASCAR and driver Sterling Marlin tested some changes, but the results were not helpful. Nelson said NASCAR continues to examine aerodynamic rules and will be go to the wind tunnel next week to test some new ideas. But time is short before a change could be made to cars even if NASCAR was pleased with the results(That's Racin')(6-10-2001)

New Dodge Engine? UPDATE: Dodge teams might receive help from NASCAR in the near future. Dodge has tested a new engine block that is 26 pounds lighter than the one its teams currently use. Dodge teams have been searching for a way to displace some of the front-end load, and this might be the answer. NASCAR is expected to make a decision soon(Sporting News)(6-4-2001)
UPDATE: Jim Julow, who heads the Dodge motorsports program, said he's looking for competitive changes in his Winston Cup fleet of Intrepid R/Ts. The Dodge engine weights more than 25 pounds more than a Ford or GM motor. "We think we got some weight in the engine we can take out, we think there are design changes that will help us in terms of making the car a more credible competitor," said Julow. "We're pursuing those . . . I think there are some we can incorporate this year, assuming NASCAR agrees they are not significant or wholesale changes, that they are in the realm of continuous improvement."(Daytona Beach News Journal)(6-5-2001)

New Pontiac? NASCAR officials have begun studying Pontiac's plans for a new Winston Cup model for the 2003 season(Winston Salem Journal)(6-3-2001)

Engines Rules update: NASCAR president Mike Helton says series officials are talking to teams about possible new engine rules, including one that would force teams to use the same engine for qualifying and the race. That would mean that NASCAR could test a new engine rule at a short track such as Martinsville or Bristol or Richmond, where an engine wouldn't have more than 600 miles on it during the weekend. The BGN series has a rule that limits teams to one engine for the weekend unless they have problems.(Roanoke Times)(5-29-2001)

No Back-up after Green Flag: NASCAR officials say there won't be any switches to backup cars in points races. Once the green-flag falls in points events, the laps start to count and there is no allowed changing of cars(Richmond Times Dispatch)(5-26-2001)

NASCAR Vitamins: General Nutrition Companies, Inc. (GNC Live Well), the nation's largest specialty retailer of vitamins and nutritional supplements, has teamed with (NASCAR as the "Official Vitamin Store of NASCAR," it was announced. The agreement is a multi-year deal beginning immediately, according to Don Smith, executive VP of sales and marketing for GNC Live Well. In addition to its three-year contract as an Official Sponsor of NASCAR, GNC Live Well is in its first season as the primary sponsor of the #36 Chevy driven by Hank Parker Jr. and owned by Cicci-Welliver Racing in the NASCAR Busch Series. Parker, now in his third full season of NASCAR Busch Series competition, claimed his first career NBS victory in April at the California Speedway. GNC Live Well's NASCAR marketing programs are already shifting into high gear with commercial spots airing on both radio and television. GNC Live Well will also be offering consumer sweepstakes programs and limited-edition premium racing merchandise for motorsports enthusiasts.(Keystone PR)(5-25-2001)

Father's Day: NASCAR announced plans for a NASCAR-themed month-long promotion in June at more than 2,600 Wal-Mart Stores. "NASCAR Fan Days" will begin June 1 with NASCAR drivers, teams, tracks and sponsor merchandise featured in Wal-Mart Discount Stores and SuperCenters across the country. Each store will support the event with themed signage and thirty-second radio spots for each of the participating brands on the Wal-Mart Radio Network. To keep the momentum going, host Terry Berry of Wal-Mart Radio will broadcast exclusive conversations with NASCAR drivers. On June 16, Father's Day, Wal-Mart and NASCAR will salute fathers across America. Wal-Mart greeters will hand out 1.5 million NASCAR Fan Days Fan Guides designed exclusively for Wal-Mart customers with NASCAR trivia, driver rosters, fun facts and puzzles, plus special feature stories on NASCAR fathers and sons and the multi-generations of NASCAR families(NASCAR PR)(5-24-2001)

Winston Open and the Pits: from the PPI Motorpsorts site, an explanation of what happened - Ricky Craven and the Tide team posted a strong run during the first segment of the two-leg Winston Open competition at Lowe's Motor Speedway. Starting fourth, Craven jockeyed between fourth and fifth for most of the caution-filled 30-lap run and stood in third when the race's third caution flag flew on Lap 28. With only three laps to go, it was clear the first segment would end under yellow - sending then-leader Johnny Benson to The Winston. This also put Craven in second position behind Ricky Rudd for the start of the 16-lap No Bull Sprint, the last race for a wildcard Winston starting position. As the field passed the entrance to pit lane on Lap 29, both Rudd and Craven understood pit lane to be closed and stayed on track. However, a late green flag was displayed at the entrance to pit lane - after Rudd and Craven had already passed it - that allowed the rest of the field to pit on Lap 29. To confuse matters even more, rules for the Winston Open (distributed earlier that evening at the drivers' meeting) explicitly stated that pit lane would be closed on Lap 29 - causing even more frustration for the Tide team and Rudd's crew. In spite of valiant efforts by both teams, NASCAR officials would not rectify the situation -- forcing both Craven and Rudd to pit out of sequence and forfeit their race-leading positions and any reasonable shot at winning the No Bull Sprint. Craven returned to the field in 22nd position and within 12 laps worked up to a strong 11th (six laps were run under caution), but nothing could quite make up for "what could have been" for the Tide team. Tide team owner Cal Wells on the situation: "It's just unbelievable. There were two infractions here by NASCAR - one was not opening pit lane for everyone, and the second was breaking their own rules by opening the pits on Lap 29. It's just incredibly frustrating. The lack of communication was astounding. We had a great Tide car today with a real shot at winning the second race, and it just went away like that. We've talked to the officials, and so has Yates, but there's nothing we can do about it."(PPI Motorsports Site)(5-22-2001)

New Spring Rules UPDATE 2: A fax from NASCAR informed the Cup teams of two changes, effective immediately: 1, that the springs used in the front end must now meet certain height requirements and 2, that the rubber discs that make the springs act stiffer can’t be used until after a race has begun. NASCAR tested its new rules last weekend during the truck race at Darlington and the Busch race at Loudon, N.H., then implemented them for Cup earlier this week(Fayetteville Observer)(5-18-2001)
UPDATE: NASCAR has implemented new spring rules for its Cup, BGN and CTS series vehicles. The rule went into effect last weekend for the BGN and CTS series and takes effect this weekend at Charlotte for the Winston Cup series. Under the new rules, teams are limited in their selection of front springs and in their mounting; and the use of spring rubbers in both qualifying and prior to the start of a race. The new guidelines prevent teams from mounting a car body on the frame, and also require springs be made of round magnetic wire. The use of spring rubbers - used to increase or decrease the contraction of the springs - is no longer allowed in qualifying and they can't be used prior to the completion of at least one lap of a race. After the first lap is completed a team can only add a spring rubber that will not exceed the span of one full coil of the spring that is in use. Finally, front springs will be at least 7.5 inches tall but no taller than 8.5 inches(That's Racin')(5-19-2001)
UPDATE 2: NASCAR's new rule that changes spring sizes to a minimum of 7.5 inches and a maximum of 8.5 inches will cost teams between $16,000 and $17,000 in replacement springs(Sporting News)(5-21-2001)

Nelson Rumor Revisited:Circle Racing Online NASCAR sources say the current garage talk about the future of Gary Nelson as Winston Cup Series Director is heating up, yet again. We first got a rippling of a possible "promotion up and out" for Nelson at last year's Phoenix Winston Cup race. Supposedly, his days were numbered until February of 2001. Well, it's at tribute to his staying power (or the general infidelity of vile garage talk rumors) that it's months later and Nelson still stands at the highest position in the Competition section of NASCAR's staff. But that was before Dale Earnhardt's death at this year's Daytona 500. The resulting public relations debacle for NASCAR has lately revived talk of Nelson's movement to a different position. The latest "best-case" version is that Nelson may head up NASCAR's new safety R&D facility in Hickory, NC, and that other BGN Director John Darby will move up to take his place. Darby's vacant BGN position would then be filled by current CTS Director Wayne Auton(Circle Racing Online)(5-15-2001)

Dyno Testing UPDATE: NASCAR put eight cars on the chassis dyno to measure rear-wheel horsepower after the NAPA Auto Parts 500 in California. The cars checked were those of #2-Rusty Wallace, #24-Jeff Gordon, #8-Dale Earnhardt Jr., #40-Sterling Marlin, #28-Ricky Rudd, #9-Bill Elliott, #55-Bobby Hamilton and #33-Joe Nemechek(That's Racin'). What is Chassis Dyno Testing? See my Racing FAQ page for the explanation(4-30-2001)
NASCAR's post-race testing at California showed Wallace the decisive winner with 722 horsepower at the rear wheels, considerably more than runner-up Jeff Gordon's 702, according to unofficial reports(Winston Salem Journal), these were the only two cars reported in the story(5-5-2001)

Same Engine? UPDATE more engine stuff: NASCAR is rumored to be considering a “one-engine rule” for races in 2002, meaning that teams would have to qualify and race using the same power plant(Gaston Gazette)(5-4-2001)
UPDATE: NASCAR officials are seriously considering a common engine rule for next season for their top three divisions, and the engine would be the current Busch series engine, a 358 c.i. with a small 390 CFM (cubic inch per minute air flow) carburetor and 9-to-1 compression, according to NASCAR sources (Jayski NOTE: actually BGN engines are now 12:1 compression now, same as Cup). NASCAR officials are close to ordering the one-engine rule into effect, requiring a team to race the same engine it qualifies. That may go into effect at Loudon, N.H. in July, in an attempt to cut some horsepower. And...NASCAR officials are again considering ordering weight limits on engine parts, to keep teams from going to ever-lighter and more expensive parts to gain horsepower(Winston Salem Journal)(5-5-2001)

No Coverup: NASCAR president Mike Helton issued a statement to the media Friday at Richmond, following a meeting with Winston Cup drivers and team owners to answer their questions about the on-going investigation into Dale Earnahrdt's death in a crash at Daytona on Feb. 18. See That's Racin' for the Transcript of Helton's statement (5-4-2001)

NASCAR Lawyers meet with firefighter: NASCAR attorneys met Thursday with an Orange County firefighter who says the driver’s seat belt did not break during a crash at the Daytona 500. During a 75-minute meeting at the firehouse where he works, Tommy Propst continued to insist that he found Earnhardt’s seat belts intact after the #3 Chevy hit the concrete wall of Daytona International Speedway. "He was interrogated, and he told the exact same story he has always told," said his attorney, Elizabeth Faiella of Winter Park. "They believe Tommy is telling the truth, but that he’s mistaken that the belt is not severed." Controversy about the belt and whether it broke occupied NASCAR lawyers in Orlando and Daytona Beach on Thursday. While two interrogated Propst, another blocked an attempt by seat-belt maker Bill Simpson to win an apology from NASCAR officials he accuses of maligning his product.(Orlando Sentinel)(5-4-2001)

NASCAR meets with BGN drivers: NASCAR president Mike Helton met with drivers and car owners from the Grand National series Thursday night to speak of safety concerns raised by a number of media reports over the past week involving the death of Dale Earnhardt. The group left the infield of Richmond International Raceway about 6:20 p.m. in a caravan of vans to a location outside the track and returned at 7 p.m. The Grand National series held qualifying Thursday night in preparation for Friday night's Hardee's 250. (Matt Kenseth won the pole). Helton said Thursday night's meeting was one of two planned for the weekend - a similar meeting will be conducted Friday morning with owners and drivers from the Winston Cup garage. "It was just a conversation with drivers and owners about the current headlines and our issues that we wanted to make sure they knew where we were coming from," Helton said. "It wasn't a conversation about us being in a (peeing) match with anybody and it wasn't a conversation about down-playing anything. It was a very frank conversation between NASCAR and the core of the sport - the drivers and the owners - about where we stood and about why we were doing things the way we were doing them and did they have any questions. We owe them answers. That's basically what it all boiled down to." Jeff Green, last season's Grand National series champion, called Thursday night's meeting "very productive."(That's Racin')(5-4-2001)

Simpson to meet with France and Helton on Thursday UPDATE 4 no meeting: Bill Simpson, founder and chairman of the company that made the seat belts in Dale Earnhardt's race car, said Tuesday that he will ask NASCAR's top two officials to issue a statement that the seatbelts in Earnhardt's car had nothing to do with Earnhardt's Feb. 18 death in the final lap of the Daytona 500. Simpson told ESPN's Kelly Neal that he would make the request in a meeting he has scheduled for Thursday morning with NASCAR chairman Bill France Jr. and NASCAR president Mike Helton in Daytona Beach(full story at ESPN)(5-1-2001)
UPDATE: Word on the street is that, in what appears to be a miscommunication, there will be no meeting Thursday morning between anyone at NASCAR and Bill Simpson of Simpson Racing Products. A spokesperson at Simpson's office in Mooresville, NC, said she could not reach Simpson or his pilot but "NASCAR apparently had canceled the meeting." A NASCAR spokesman said, "There never was a meeting -- there is nothing on Bill, Jim or Mike's calendars," referring to NASCAR chairman of the board Bill France, NASCAR executive vice president/secretary Jim France or NASCAR president Mike Helton.(NASCAR.com Buzz)(5-2-2001)
UPDATE 2: but the Orlando Sentinel is reporting: With a showdown meeting between Simpson and NASCAR chairman Bill France Jr. looming at 10:00am/et today in Daytona Beach, Simpson offered his version of events in the days after Earnhardt’s death during an interview with the Orlando Sentinel. Simpson wants to be exonerated by NASCAR, whose officials did not return repeated phone requests for comment
UPDATE 3: Bill Simpson came to Florida on Thursday looking for an apology from NASCAR over remarks that the failure of one of his products may have been responsible for the death of Dale Earnhardt. Instead, he waited alone in NASCAR's lobby for 15 minutes before being told that his lawyer didn't want him to have any contact with NASCAR without legal representation.(That's Racin'/AP)(5-3-2001)

NASCAR Cafe News: Rumors that a NASCAR Cafe might replace MacArthur Center's now-extinct Rainforest Cafe appear to be off track. Virginia Beach or Hampton are more likely locations than the downtown Norfolk mall, said the man who leads NASCAR Cafe, one of the latest concepts in the ``eatertainment'' industry. Headquartered in Knoxville, NASCAR Cafe has outlets in Myrtle Beach; Orlando, Fla.; Las Vegas; and Sevierville, Tenn., in the Smoky Mountains. The 25,000-square-foot cafes feature full restaurants offering dishes like Winston Cup Wings, Talladega Tenders and Collision Chicken. Racing decor, videos, arcade-style games and rides, and a retail shop with racewear and collectibles complete the concept. (full story at the Virginian-Pilot), the NASCAR Cafe in Nashville, recentlt shut down(4-29-2001)

Busch/Bud Changes? Anheuser-Busch(Budweisers/Busch) officials may be considering a shakeup in their sponsorship of the Busch tour, according to NASCAR sources. The St. Louis-based company has been a long-time sponsor of NASCAR's number two division(Winston Salem Journal)(4-28-2001)

Standard Springs? NASCAR officials are considering adding spring limits, such as used at Daytona and Talladega, across the board at all tracks, which has crew chiefs up in arms(Winston Salem Journal)(4-28-2001)

No More Winston in 'Winston Cup'? R. J. Reynolds Tobacco Co., stands accused of violating the 1998 multi-billion dollar tobacco settlement with state governments by advertising year-round at race tracks. If the signage is struck down, it could cause RJR to re-evaluate its financial support of racing, which industry sources believe approaches $40 million a year. See full story at the CNN/SI site: RJR accused of violating tobacco settlement, to much info to cut down or post here AND also at the CNN/SI site: What's in a name? - Future of 'Winston' Cup remains uncertain some highlights: If by some long-shot, R. J. Reynolds decides to withdraw its NASCAR sponsorship after the season, who'll fill the Winston Cup void? You might expect several corporate giants -- like soft-drink producers, for starters -- to eagerly line up and hand over tens of millions, industry sources say. It's also a fair bet NASCAR would ignore the big-money guys tied to edgier products, such as major beer companies Anheuser-Busch and Miller Brewing.(4-25-2001)

Testing at Talladega on Monday UPDATE 4: Officials are making plans for a Monday test at Talladega Superspeedway that could impact future events at stock car racing's biggest speedways. Several Winston Cup teams are expected to participate in test runs with the goal of studying alternatives to the current rules package used at Talladega and Daytona International Speedway in Daytona Beach, Fla. "We're talking about it, and right now we don't know at what level it will be," said Kevin Triplett, NASCAR's director of operations, Wednesday.(more at the Greenville News)(4-19-2001)
UPDATE: NASCAR will hold a major rules test here Monday, with hopes to find new aero rules for the July 400 at Daytona. But only one team will apparently be able to provide a car and driver, because these teams have to be loaded and on the road to California on Monday night for next weekend's Napa 500. The test will involve what is described as "a bigger car," with a larger "greenhouse" and wider front fenders. NASCAR has also scheduled a second test here for May 6 and 7, with all Winston Cup teams invited. That session will be open to the media, as part of a surprising new NASCAR public-relations campaign to repair the sanctioning body's image, bruised by negative reaction to the secrecy in handling the Dale Earnhardt investigation(Winston Salem Journal)(4-21-2001)
UPDATE 2: Chip Ganassi Racing and Hendrick Motorsports each will participate in a NASCAR test Monday at Talladega Superspeedway. Another test with more teams is likely in early May as NASCAR officials search for aerodynamic solutions so the cars are not bunched so close during races at Talladega and Daytona. Drivers have complained about the rules for the restrictor-plate races at Daytona and Talladega since the Daytona 500. They say the aerodynamic rule changes made last year have tightened the pack and led to the 19-car crash at Daytona where Tony Stewart 's car flipped down the backstretch(Roanoke Times)(4-22-2001)
UPDATE 3: Only Chip Ganassi Racing will test today at Talladega Superspeedway as NASCAR examines possible aerodynamic changes for Talladega and Daytona. Hendrick Motorsports planned to test but had to withdraw. Sterling Marlin will drive in the test. Although it will be only one car, NASCAR director of operations Kevin Triplett said the test would be helpful in showing series officials what might work(Roanoke Times)
UPDATE 4: The following are comments from Gary Nelson, NASCAR Winston Cup Series Director, regarding Monday's test by NASCAR at Talladega (Ala.) Superspeedway. Sterling Marlin, driver of the #40 Coors Light Dodge, participated in the test. Several ideas were experimented with that included various width and height changes to the rear spoiler and front fenders. The concentrated effort was on the green-house area in which a steeper-higher angled windshield and higher and wider green-house were used. The green-house is the area above the door-tops, cowl and deck-lid and contains the roof and all of the windows. "What we did today was a continuation of a test we conducted last year and actually several tests we've conducted over the last couple of years, where we tried a wider green-house area. Many well-respected teams offered a few suggestions to try and (Chip) Ganassi's team and Sterling (Marlin) did a great job in preparing the parts and components needed to conduct the test. "We ran about 50 laps with speeds ranging from 182 to 187 mph. The test was conducted without the use of the current aero-package that the teams used in last fall's race at Talladega and both restrictor-plate races this season (Daytona 500 and Talladega 500). "As we move along, the theory behind putting a wider and taller green-house area on the cars, should have given us another step in our ideas of enhancing the safety of the cars, while keeping the level of competition on the same playing field. However, the results we received were not promising. While the test did not provide us with any immediate answers, we will still study what we learned and possibly regroup to organize another test to continue to build on the theory of a bigger, less aerodynamic green-house."(NASCAR PR)(4-23-2001)

NASCAR Invetigation: According to an insider, NASCAR is putting together the structure of its four-month investigation into the crash that killed seven-time champion Dale Earnhardt and what can be done to prevent future fatalities. Much of the scientific research is being done by the three manufacturers that participate in the Winston Cup Series: General Motors, Ford and DaimlerChrysler. One of the manufacturers is concentrating on front-chassis rigidity, another is working on new protective measures in the driver compartment, and the third is concentrating on the field of side impacts.(Gaston Gazette)(4-22-2001)

Darby Moving Up? Busch Series Director John Darby may be on the move after the season, but nobody in NASCAR will confirm his new duties. Speculation in recent months has been that Darby would replace Gary Nelson as Winston Cup director, with Nelson moving into a new role, possibly at NASCAR's new research and development center in Hickory, N.C. NASCAR President Mike Helton said, however, that the recent rumors were false, but wouldn't elaborate on Darby's status(Winston Cup Scene - need sub to read online)(4-19-2001)

Earnhardt Crash Info UPDATE 3 - Ford to Join: NASCAR remains tight-lipped about the progress of its investigation of the Daytona 500 crash which killed legend Dale Earnhardt. NASCAR officials say the matter is complex, and that definite answers may be a couple months off(SpeedVision)(4-8-2001)
UPDATE: NASCAR officials are expected to release an update on the Dale Earnhardt crash this week, possibly today(Richmond Times Dispatch)
UPDATE 2: In a Monday afternoon teleconference, NASCAR officials announced their investigation of the Feb. 18 Daytona 500 crash that took Dale Earnhardt's life included a reconstruction of the accident and would likely last until August. See the full text of the statement at That's Racin': Text of NASCAR update on Earnhardt crash investigation(4-9-2001)
UPDATE 3: At least one automobile manufacturer, Ford, apparently will participate in the "comprehensive accident-reconstruction review" proposed by NASCAR in its "safety update" Monday.(SpeedVision)(4-11-2001)

Black Boxes?: A General Motors representative said Sunday that NASCAR will mandate data record systems “black boxes” in the cars by the end of the season. The "black boxes," record data on the crash upon impact(NASCAR.com Buzz)
AND: Expect an upgrade for GPS boxes in Winston Cup cars before the end of the season, according to General Motors. Once NASCAR gives teams the green light to install more sophisticated black boxes, it will enable them to gather accurate g-force data and arrive at a better understanding of what happens to a car on impact in a crash. NASCAR and the race teams would be able to use the information to aid the development of new safety measures.(Sporting News)(4-9-2001)

Dyno's UPDATE - some numbers: The top six cars in Sunday's race were tested on a chassis dynamometer after the race by NASCAR. The dyno measures horsepower to the rear wheels. The cars tested were the Dale Jarrett(#88) and Kurt Busch(#97) Fords, the Steve Park(#1) and Jeff Gordon(#24) Chevys, Johnny Benson's (#10) Pontiac and Dave Blaney's (#93) Dodge(That's Racin')(4-1-2001)
UPDATE - some numbers: According to results from NASCAR's chassis dyno tests after Sunday's Harrah's 500 at Texas, Robert Yates had by far the most powerful engine. Yates' edge(the #88 was tested) over the two Chevrolets tested, #1-Steve Park's and #24-Jeff Gordon's, wasn't that significant, less than 10 horsepower. But Yates' edge over the two Jack Roush engines tested, in #97-Kurt Busch's third-place car, and #6-Mark Martin's eighth-place car, was considerable. According to NASCAR sources, Dale Jarrett had a peak horsepower advantage of 38 horsepower over Busch and 52 horsepower over Martin. And the Dodge engine from #93-Dave Blaney's car, though pulling more horsepower than either Roush motor, wasn't as strong as either Chevrolet motor or Yates' motor(Winston Salem Journal)(4-6-2001)

Boycott Unlikely, but...: A comment made by reigning Winston Cup champion Bobby Labonte last weekend at Bristol has mushroomed into reports that drivers are considering a boycott of the April 22 race at Talladega. Labonte said last week that he had heard talk that some sponsors had told their drivers they would support them if they didn't want to go to Talladega because NASCAR plans to use the same rules there that were used there last fall and at Daytona in February. There is virtually no chance any such boycott could materialize, of course. Late last year, before a return trip to New Hampshire International Speedway where Adam Petty and Kenny Irwin had died earlier in the season, drivers floated the same kind of suggestions to put pressure on NASCAR to change the rules(see full story at That's Racin')(4-1-2001)

More NASCAR Personnel News: Tom Deery is relaxing at his Florida home this week after resigning Monday as a NASCAR vice president. The former Rockford Speedway(IL) general manager said he reached an impasse with top NASCAR management and decided to resign.(See full story at the Rockford Register) AND am hearing that NASCAR is looking to upgrade its public relations effort as well in the form of two high-level media relations experts. As stated in a recent issue of PR Week, which is a public relations trade magazine, NASCAR has hired a New York City search firm, Marshall Consultants, to help fill these spots. The Marshall Consultants representative in charge of the search, Justin Meyer, was quoted as sayinig "They (NASCAR) are restructuring the (PR) department, designing it to ensure they have first rate coverage of the Winston Cup Series." As an aside, Meyer denied that the hires were connected to the Dale Earnhardt tragedy. Hearing that the former Director of Racing PR for Exide, Chris Dirato, may be a candidate for one of the two positions(3-29-2001)

Mercedes Benz In NASCAR:? No - April Fools: Been getting email about a story in a recent Mercedes Benz Newsletter(called The Star), a story talking about Mercedes Benz competing for three years starting with 2002 starting at the Daytona 500 with an announcment at the end of April. Been told that this is an April Fools joke(3-27-2001)

Turner Switches from TBS to TNT for NASCAR coverage: Turner Network Television (TNT) has announced plans to roll-out an extensive branding initiative targeting Drama Lovers. The new branding initiative is designed to build on its current core audience while attracting new viewers from its desired targeted audience of adults. TNT's programming slate will support the branding proposition of 100 percent dramatic entertainment, with upcoming fare including top TNT original movies, such as The Mists of Avalon and James Dean; the new original series Witchblade; the blue chip sports properties Wimbledon, NASCAR, the NBA playoffs and the PGA Championship; theatrical product such as You've Got Mail, Wag the Dog and L.A. Confidential; and top first-run off-network series including Law & Order. Joining the network line-up of championship sports programming will be NASCAR, the most dramatic of all sports. NASCAR will augment TNT's sports roster which also includes Wimbledon, the NBA and NBA playoffs, the Goodwill Games, the PGA Championship and WUSA. "This branding initiative will further differentiate TNT from sister network TBS Superstation," said Bradley J. Siegel, president of general entertainment networks for Turner Broadcasting System, Inc.(Turner Sports PR in part - it was huge).
AND from MotorsportsTV.com: Turner Sports has elected to move all of its NASCAR programming from TBS to TNT as part of a larger branding initiative for TNT. So, all NASCAR programming scheduled on Turner the second half of the year, including qualifying, Happy Hour, Busch races, and Winston Cup races will be on TNT. See more at a column on MotorsportsTV
AND from NASCAR PR: Officials from NASCAR confirmed today that Winston Cup and NASCAR Busch Series programming scheduled for TBS Superstation, as part of the sanctioning body's consolidated television package with NBC and Turner Sports, will be shifted to Turner Network Television (TNT), which is seen in 81.6 million homes, 96.9% of the cable universe penetration in the United States, and is part of Turner Broadcasting System. The shift means that seven NASCAR Winston Cup Series events and 13 NASCAR Busch Series events scheduled as part of the initial year of the NBC/Turner Sports joint venture will be seen on TNT. The 2001 schedule for TNT begins with the July 8 BGN event at Watkins Glen and the July 22 Cup race at New Hampshire. NBC Sports' NASCAR Winston Cup and NASCAR Busch Series programming schedule will not be affected. Jayski Note: If you do not get TNT, contact your local cable company or email TNT at tnt@turner.com. To write or call, see my TV/Media Contact Page(3-27-2001)

Drivers skipping Talladega?? UPDATE 2: in part from the Winston Salem Journal - ...But the big story of the day was furious driver reaction to NASCAR's continued inaction on Talladega rules. Bobby Labonte, the Winston Cup champ, said some sponsors have told their drivers if they want to skip the April Talladega 500 they'll support that decision. See the comments at the :Winston Salem Journal in the middle of the article(3-25-2001)
UPDATE: ..Everyone is scared to death over the Talladega race right now. There is even talk, not that anything is likely to materialize, of sponsors telling their teams they will allow them to skip the race, or of some drivers talking about running only a token lap and then parking their cars in protest. They aren’t telling NASCAR that. They’re afraid their car won’t get through inspection, or that NASCAR will start hitting them with arbitrary requirements that make it impossible for them to be competitive.(Gaston Gazette) AND see a story at the Stock Car Reporter: Talledega?(3-25-2001)
UPDATE 2: No one seriously expects any of the stars to pass up the April 22 race(at Talladega). But the fact that sponsors are getting into the safety debate is significant, because NASCAR executives who might dismiss complaints by drivers won't easily write off worries by the companies whose advertising dollars keep this sport running.(Winston Salem Journal)(3-26-2001)

New Series Rumor...again UPDATE: CBS, the first network to carry a Winston Cup race live from start to finish, a daring decision back in 1979, has been approached or will soon be approached about a proposed new stock-car racing series, according to NASCAR sources. And various stock-car teams have been approached to gauge interest in such a venture, according to team owners. Winston Cup team owners have been watching Fox's on-camera handling of car sponsors with an increasingly skeptical eye, some noting that Fox's coverage at times appears to be avoiding or downplaying teams whose sponsors haven't bought into the big TV advertising package(Winston Salem Journal)(3-19-2001)
UPDATE: Last weekend there were reports that CBS might be interested in counter-programming a new racing series. Now ABC executives have confirmed that such talks have taken place at their network. ABC and CBS have invested some 20 years in Winston Cup coverage, but they lost out in bidding to Fox and NBC for the next six years. When asked about the possibility of a package of counter-programming to NASCAR on Fox and NBC, Mark Quenzel, the senior vice president of programming for ESPN, said: "I know it's been brought up once or twice in the last year, that various people have discussed it. But my opinion is that this isn't football or baseball, where you have fields all over the country. There aren't that many race tracks, and the ones you do have are pretty much tied up. It would be very tough to start a competitive series. That is an expensive sport to run.(Winston Salem Journal)(3-26-2001)

Fuel Cell Changes? Mike Skinner's fiery crash at Darlington has NASCAR officials planning safety changes in the fuel-cell area. The top piece of Skinner's fuel cell, a cast aluminum piece with a safety-check valve to prevent spillage, was sheared off when Skinner backed into the wall after being hit by Rusty Wallace. NASCAR is looking at making the safety-check valve piece more "crushable."(Winston Salem Journal)(3-24-2001)

Talladega Rules Changes Ford/Dodge UPDATE: Ford teams will get a rules break after all, NASCAR decided yesterday. Ford will be allowed a two-inch narrower rear spoiler, giving them the same size rear spoiler as the Chevy at Talladega. Dodge teams will have to add a larger roof spoiler to their Intrepids. The new Dodge spoiler would be the same size as the one Ford teams used last fall at Talladega. Ford will still be allowed to run the smaller roof spoiler at Talladega even though the Ford and Dodge use essentially identical body templates(Winston Salem Journal)(3-22-2001)
UPDATE: NASCAR officials announced today modifications for the Ford and Dodge teams to be used in the Talladega 500 at Talladega (Ala.) Superspeedway on April 22, 2001. The width of the Ford's rear spoiler will be decreased from 59 inches to 57-inches wide. The Pontiac's rear spoiler will remain at 59-inches wide, while the Chevrolet's rear spoiler will still be 57-inches wide. The Dodge teams will still use a 1 3/8-inch tall roof mounted air deflector. However, the deflector will now have to form a straight line, which will raise the outer edges' height. Prior to this modification, the deflector had a shape similar to the contour of the roof. Measurements for the Chevrolet and Pontiac models remain unchanged(NASCAR PR)(3-22-2001)

Wind Tunnel UPDATE 2: NASCAR took #'s 88, 24, 40 and 18 to the wind tunnel in Marietta, GA., following the race on Sunday at Atlanta(Sporting News)(3-12-2001)
The information from NASCAR's wind-tunnel last week showed all four brands within 20 pounds of each other in downforce. But Bobby Labonte's Pontiac showed the least drag, according to one GM official, which was a surprise(Winston Salem Journal)(3-18-2001)
UPDATE 2: some numbers(unofficial):
Test 1 Tested at inspection height, and with the nose taped off as for qualifying, at 3 degrees of yaw, slightly sideways as in entering a corner:
#18-1,344lbs of total downforce
#88-1340lbs
#24-1331lbs
#40-1325lbs
Test 2 Tested with the nose lowered, in more of a real-race situation:
#88-1521lbs of downforce
#40-1481lbs
#18-1456lbs
#24-1432lbs
Test 3 Drag Comparison - horsepower needed reach 200-mph in the wind tunnel:
#24-505
#88-513
#40-517
#18-538
These are the only numbers I have seen, can't say I totally understand them so don't ask me to explain, see the full story at the Winston Salem Journal(3-21-2001)

Lawsuit: Five states announced plans Monday to sue R.J. Reynolds Tobacco Co.. contending the company has violated a promise to stop marketing to youngsters. Lawyers for Arizona, California, Ohio, New York and Washington allege R. J. Reyolds has violated parts of a master settlement agreement signed by the major tobacco companies and the states, including provisions concerning stock car ads. Four states, Arizona, California, New York and Washington, want the company to remove Winston Cup billboards after a NASCAR race has been run instead of leaving them up at tracks on the Winston Cup circuit throughout the racing season. The agreement allowed signs to stay up for 10 days after "the last sponsored event." Reynolds said its signs comply with that rule(AP/Daytona Beach News Journal)(3-20-2001)

New Series Rumor...again: CBS, the first network to carry a Winston Cup race live from start to finish, a daring decision back in 1979, has been approached or will soon be approached about a proposed new stock-car racing series, according to NASCAR sources. And various stock-car teams have been approached to gauge interest in such a venture, according to team owners. Winston Cup team owners have been watching Fox's on-camera handling of car sponsors with an increasingly skeptical eye, some noting that Fox's coverage at times appears to be avoiding or downplaying teams whose sponsors haven't bought into the big TV advertising package(Winston Salem Journal)(3-19-2001)

Rethinking Qualifying: Darlington president Jim Hunter said the track and NASCAR will rethink the abbreviated Winston Cup schedule for the track's spring race. Until this year qualifying was held on Friday. But Saturday's qualifying for the Cup race at Darlington was fogged out to get in a morning practice for Winston Cup drivers(That's Racin'/AP)(3-19-2001)

No Rules Changes at Talladega: NASCAR President Mike Helton said he does not anticipate changes in the rules for the April 22 race at Talladega, where the engine and aerodynamic conditions are identical to Daytona and produce tight packs of cars traveling at high speeds. Those rules, first used at Talladega in October, provide breath-taking action but can create major multi-car crashes. There was a 19-car crash in the Daytona 500 in which Tony Stewart suffered a concussion. Helton said that while NASCAR recommends drivers use the HANS (Head and Neck Support) device or a similar restraint, he does not think it's a good idea to make that mandatory(That's Racin') AND NASCAR said Saturday that it is sticking with the controversial new aerodynamic rules at the next superspeedway race, the Talladega 500 on April 22. Mike Helton, president of NASCAR, revealed the decision on the eve of today's Carolina Dodge Dealers 400 at Darlington Raceway. "We are looking at different things as we normally do, but we are not anticipating any changes at the next restrictor-plate race that just happens to be at Talladega," Helton said.(Atlanta Journal Constitution)(3-18-2001)

Aero Changes? NASCAR President Mike Helton and Cup Series Director Gary Nelson said during a press conference, said that there will likely be some changes made by the end of next week but did not mention what those changes could be(FSN Practice Qualifying)(3-18-2001)

NASCAR Buys Building: NASCAR has bought a building in Conover, NC for its first research-and-development field office. NASCAR officials said that the building, formerly owned by racer Dale Jarrett's company, would be used as a safety-testing and competition center. The center has been planned for the past year and may be open by late summer(Winston Salem Journal) AND NASCAR has purchased Dale Jarrett's former BGN shop in Hickory, NC, and officials plan to put a safety crew at that site. Todd Bodine said that crew would build and test cars to make them safer(Richmond Times Dispatch)(3-10-2001)

Penalties #50: NASCAR officials announced they have penalized NASCAR Winston Cup Series crew chief Greg Conner for rules violations (A-frame not meeting the minimum thickness) discovered in inspection prior to last Sunday's UAW-Daimler Chrysler 400 at Las Vegas Motor Speedway in Las Vegas, Nev. Conner, crew chief of the #50 NASCAR Winston Cup Series team, was fined $1,000 and penalized under Section 12-4-Q in the 2001 NASCAR Winston Cup Series rule book: "Any determination by NASCAR Officials that parts and/or equipment used in the Event do not conform...or have not been approved by NASCAR..."(NASCAR PR)(3-9-2001)

Penalties #33: NASCAR officials announced today they have penalized NASCAR Winston Cup Series crew chief Chris Carrier for rules violations (A-frames not meeting the minimum thickness) discovered in inspection prior to last Sunday's UAW-Daimler Chrysler 400 at Las Vegas Motor Speedway in Las Vegas, Nev. Carrier, crew chief of the #33 NASCAR Winston Cup Series team, was fined $2,000 and penalized under Section 12-4-Q in the 2001 NASCAR Winston Cup Series rule book: "Any determination by NASCAR Officials that parts and/or equipment used in the Event do not conform...or have not been approved by NASCAR..."(NASCAR PR)(3-8-2001)

Penalties #12: NASCAR officials announced today they have penalized NASCAR Winston Cup Series crew chief Peter Sospenzo for rules violations (adjustable braces) discovered in inspection prior to last Sunday's UAW-Daimler Chrysler 400 at Las Vegas Motor Speedway in Las Vegas, Nev. Sospenzo, crew chief of the #12 NASCAR Winston Cup Series team, was fined $250 and penalized under Section 12-4-Q in the 2001 NASCAR Winston Cup Series rule book: "Any determination by NASCAR Officials that parts and/or equipment used in the Event do not conform...or have not been approved by NASCAR..."(NASCAR PR)(3-8-2001)

Penalties #31: NASCAR officials announced today they have penalized NASCAR Winston Cup Series crew chief Royce McGee for rules violations (performance enhancing additive to the air filter) discovered in inspection prior to last Sunday's UAW-Daimler Chrysler 400 at Las Vegas Motor Speedway in Las Vegas, Nev. McGee, crew chief of the #31 NASCAR Winston Cup Series team, was fined $5,000 and penalized under Section 12-4-Q, 20-5.12 in the 2001 NASCAR Winston Cup Series rule book: "Any determination by NASCAR Officials that parts and/or equipment used in the Event do not conform...or have not been approved by NASCAR..."(NASCAR PR)(3-8-2001)

Rules Changes? Expect NASCAR officials to shortly make a rules change that will enlarge the side-window areas of Winston Cup cars for all four makes, thus facilitating easier entry and exit for drivers equipped with the HANS devices(Gaston Gazette)(3-5-2001)

Rules...Make the Windows Bigger? The safety furor among Winston Cup drivers and crews these last few days has been incredible, with a flood of safety ideas being raised for consideration. Drivers are calling for NASCAR to intensify the search for "soft-wall" technology, and they want more crushability in the nose of cars. They want NASCAR to look more seriously at the fire issue, allowing them to move fuel pumps to safer locations. They want a bigger window area, to make it easier to get out of the car in an emergency. NASCAR is considering ordering teams to enlarge the window opening before the race in Atlanta on March 10th. Drivers are also questioning NASCAR's decision last year to increase the strength of the front-end roll bars from 93-hundreths to 125-hundreths steel. The stronger front-end bars could make the car less crushable. And there are complaints about crews being allowed to use chrome-moly alloy in the rollbars; that makes for stronger bars, but chrome-moly doesn't bend as easily as other steel and can actually fracture. Plus if welding isn't done just right, the welds can crystallize, crews say(in part from the Winston Salem Journal)(2-27-2001)

Rules Changes? NASCAR officials are considering taking the roof spoilers and rear-spoiler 'whiskers' off race cars and go back to last summer's Daytona rules, including the smaller 7/8ths-inch restrictor plate, for the race at Talladega in April, according to team sources. AND are they considering a rules break for Ford teams, who at Daytona had been asking for a smaller rear spoiler. According to one report, NASCAR plans a post-Vegas wind tunnel test next week of top finishers, and NASCAR officials are then prepared to give Ford teams some aero break, possible as soon as the Atlanta race(Winston Salem Journal)(2-26-2001)

Rules Change at 'Dega? #99-Jeff Burton said he believes there will be some sort of rules changes by the time the Winston Cup circuit goes to Talladega Superspeedway for the Talladega 500 on April 22. Burton said the crashes in the IROC and Winston Cup races at Daytona --- both of which were run under the aerodynamic rules that have been put in place for races at Daytona and Talladega --- should be enough to convince NASCAR to make a change(AJC)(2-25-2001)

Wind Tunnel and NASCAR: While NASCAR passed on a post-500 trip to the Lockheed wind tunnel - Dodge teams had asked NASCAR for a second wind-tunnel test because they said something fishy went on in the tunnel last week - NASCAR is expected to be hauling down-force cars to the wind tunnel in the next week or so, either after Sunday's race at Rockingham or the following Sunday stop at Las Vegas(Winston Salem Journal)(2-21-2001)

Chassis Dyno UPDATE: Following Thursday's Twin 125's, NASCAR officials took several cars from each race and tested them on a chassis dynometer, which tests rear-wheel horsepower. The cars of #40-Sterling Marlin, #9-Bill Elliott, #25-Jerry Nadeau, #26-Jimmy Spencer, #3-Dale Earnhardt and #96-Andy Houston were tested after the first qualifying race. From the second race, the cars of #8-Dale Earnhardt Jr., #32-Ricky Craven, #2-Rusty Wallace and #22-Ward Burton were examined(That's Racin'). What is a Chassis Dyno? See my Racing FAQ for a brief explanation(2-16-2001)
UPDATE: Rusty Wallace's Ford pulled 423 horsepower at the rear wheels, according to NASCAR sources. (The sanctioning body didn't release official figures.) But tghe #2 Ford was just a couple of horsepower better than the #22 Dodge whose motor was overheating late in the race, past 260 degrees. Eight cars tested were within 10 or so engine horsepower. But the #3 Chevy was so far off the pace on the dyno, pulling only 400 horsepower, that car owner Richard Childress ordered a second run to see what was wrong, and said that a valve problem was the culprit.(Winston Salem Journal)(2-17-2001)

TV Money: As originally announced, the new TV deals were to be worth $2.8 billion over six to eight years, with Fox's contracts running six years and NBC's eight. That works out to an average, as originally declared, of about $400m a year. Actually, the money is arranged on a scale, with about $257m due from the two networks this season, to increase in subsequent years. That's up from about $110m under last year's individual track contracts. As has been the case for 20 years, the money is divided thus: 65% to the tracks, 25% to the competitors (via the posted awards) and 10% to NASCAR for administration, etc. That means the racers should expect $64.25m through purses and other distribution this year, up from about $27.5m last year -- a difference of $36.75m, which should be the increase noted in 2001. Owners and drivers are examining the matter closely to see a) whether the announced money is being paid, and b) how it is being distributed.(See full story by Ben Blake at SpeedVision, much info there)(2-16-2001)

More on Winston Sponsorship: One way or another, expect R.J. Reynolds Tobacco Co. to continue its support of NASCAR's top division, as it's done since 1971. The Winston-Salem, N.C.-based tobacco company must drop all but one of its branded sports sponsorships as part of a master settlement agreement it signed with several states back in 1998. That agreement has led to speculation in recent weeks that RJR could drop its sponsorship of Winston Cup. But Rick Sanders, president of RJR's Sports Marketing Enterprises, said Feb. 8 that isn't the case. RJR will be allowed to keep one branded sponsorship - Winston Cup, for example - but it also will be allowed to have one or more sponsorships that carry its corporate name, just not a brand name of a cigarette. In theory, that would allow the company to stay involved in a number of sports and series.(in part from the Winston Cup Scene - need subscription to view online)(2-15-2001)

Wind Tunnel Trip UPDATE 3: NASCAR will take the top finishing manufacturer in the Bud Shootout to the Wind Tunnel in Marietta, GA for aero testing. The cars chosen were: #20-Stewart, #3-Chevy, #2-Ford and #9-Dodge(the only Dodge in the race-finished 12th)(Fox Sports Coverage)(2-11-2001)
UPDATE: hearing it was reported on FSN that the Dodge