During yesterday’s prerace drivers’ meeting, race-control chief David Hoots had a firm request: Whoever wins the race, go directly to victory lane and avoid doing grass-chewing doughnuts on the giant painted event logo. Giggles immediately were heard throughout the room. Earnhardt — who did the doughnut thing after winning last month’s Daytona 500 — just smiled. Added a grinning Hoots: “When you’ve done the race 20 times, then you can do it.” Actually, after winning his first Daytona 500 in 20 tries, Earnhardt radioed NASCAR control to ask permission before taking his victory-lane detour. That wasn’t the case last week at Rockingham, when Busch driver Matt Kenseth took to the grass after his win. NASCAR, not wanting such things to become the norm, was less than thrilled(Times-Dispatch)(3-2-98)
