The main topic of conversation was the trouble that some of the historically dominant Cup teams had during pole qualifying. The DEI cars of Dale Earnhardt Jr. and Michael Waltrip were WAY down the chart, which was particularly stunning considering they have owned the restrictor plate tracks for the past few seasons.
And while NASCAR isn't quite where F1 is with its 2x2 team qualifying grids (2 Ferraris, 2 Williams, 2 McLarens, etc....) it was interesting to note how many team drivers posted similar times to each other, underscoring how much Daytona 500 qualifying is 'won' during the winter on dynos. Apparently, the drivers aren't joking when they say that they're largely irrelevant when it comes to restrictor plate poles.
The Hendrick cars were very strong (Jimmie Johson second & Jeff Gordon third in qualifying); the Joe Gibbs Racing cars had a tough time, as did the Penske and Ganassi teams. One surprise was that Kyle Petty was the top performing Dodge qualifier (in 12th).
You have to mention veteran Dale Jarrett, who collected the pole for the Daytona 500 in his UPS Ford.
Aside from that, everyone seems to be shaking their heads at the ARCA spectacle... again.
Finally, kudos to Canadian short track racer Jerry Artuso who won nights #1, #2 and #3 at New Smyrna Speedway in the Late Model division of the World Series of Asphalt Stock Car Racing. Artuso has been a fixture at New Smyrna for several years but never enjoyed such success.... good for you Jerry!
There are several other Canucks in action at NSS, although there is one notable name missing from the action. Legend Junior Hanley isn't in Florida and word is that he may have hung up his helmet. Working with his son, Jeff, at Jeff's Milton, ON shop, the Hall of Fame racer is reportedly not optimistic about racing this season.
Good luck to Pete Shepherd, Kirk Hooker, Ron Van Es and the rest of the Canadians at Speedweek. Dave Franks is going to send in photos shortly so we'll have something to share with you.
- Greg.
No comments:
Post a Comment