Just because it's getting close to that time of year where things start happening in Daytona, it's time to give this thread a little wake up.
I had been reading around the internet and in my local news paper that with the new track surface, according to Mark Martin, you could run 6 laps and not even wear the stickers off the tires. Going on to say, it may be possible to run massively long stints on the tires, or just never change them at all. Being that the fueling will still take time, I'm betting that tires will be opted for, just even if only two, because throwing some tires on is the natural thing to do in Nascar.
It's worth noting, the right side tires are the same as ran at Charlotte, which seems odd, I'd figure they would run a harder tire.
Apparently, the fastest lap was at 197.XXX miles per hour, Nascar had also commented on looking to add another 64th of an inch to drop the speed down some, which to me is senseless, how much worse is a 197mph crash than one that happens at 189-190mph. However I will say 197 sounds more exciting, regardless if anyone, the drivers included can tell the difference. Dale Jr. said about lapping the newly repaved surface at Talladega, with the fastest lap of 211mph, that it felt no different than the regular speeds the cars run. I say let them run, it's going to be mayhem even if it were at 75mph.
I'm excited to go to the Bud Shootout this year, I will however bring a hard hat, as flying debris may be an issue.
Another thought...
I really figured Jeff Gordon not having Dupont as his primary sponsor would be a sad thing, and it kind of is, as that was the last of the old sponsors that had been around sine the early 90's with the same driver. But, having seen his car done up in it new livery is not bad at all, in fact I really like it.
It's a really nice red color, something different from flames or rainbows, very cool.
This livery will be used for 22 races, the old flaming Dupont car will be ran for 14 races. According to Jayski's anyway.
There apparently is another pre-season test this Saturday at Daytona, maybe I'll make it over because its free. I've actually not seen the new surface, but I want to, maybe I should use this chance.
That's all I've got.
Edit: Apparently, and I've just found this out, Jimmie Johnson will not be allowed to use a spoiler this year.
