The new Dash Panel.
Kurt Busch using digital dashboard at Darlington: #41-Kurt Busch has a little bit of the new amid his car decked out with a retro paint scheme this weekend at Darlington Raceway. Busch is experimenting with the digital dashboard that NASCAR will require teams to have in 2016. The Stewart-Haas Racing driver and team, comfortably in the Chase for the Sprint Cup figured Darlington would be the best place to test the digital dash. Their car at Darlington is an older car that they're not planning to use in the Chase, so they won't have to worry about rewiring or reconverting the dashboard. The dashboard weighs a pound, and the team has worked to try to get weight out of other parts of the dashboard to compensate for it, including an entirely new steering column, according to crew chief Tony Gibson. Teams are allowed to customize what information the dash provides and how, as well as the colors and size of the displays. The digital dash is expected to be more accurate than traditional gauges. Busch was the only driver working with the digital dash at Darlington. No teams have used it in the first three races since NASCAR approved its use in early August. Busch tested with the digital dash in June at Darlington. The team thought it best to test the new display before the Chase, deciding they didn't want to fiddle with experimental equipment with the championship on the line, Gibson said. NASCAR hopes that fans eventually will be able to see the exact data each driver has on the digital dash through NASCAR's website or apps. Gibson said if tire pressures are among the data teams can access, it would improve safety as well as help drivers know whether they should pit or if they have debris on the tires that is only making them feel as if a wheel is loose.(NASCAR)(9-5-2015)
NASCAR testing restart zone at Darlington: NASCAR is testing a new design of its "restart zone" in this weekend's Xfinity and Sprint Cup series races at Darlington Raceway. Currently the restart zone, which begins at the end of Turn 4 and marks the area where the race leader restarts the race, is marked with double red hash marks and concludes with a single red hash mark. To highlight the area for fans, drivers and NASCAR officials, the area between the hash marks is highlighted with green colors from sponsor American Ethanol and the words "Go Zone." In recent weeks, several drivers have complained about what they perceive is inconsistent calls on restarts from NASCAR. The new design is currently only planned for this weekend's races.(Motorsport)(9-5-2014)
Stewart's attorney submits potential witness list in wrongful death suit: Paperwork filed by Tony Stewart's attorney Friday lists a number of possible witnesses who could testify in the wrongful death lawsuit Stewart faces and what information they could provide. The information is a part of request by Stewart's side to transfer the case from U.S. District Court for the Northern District of New York to the federal court overseeing the Western District of New York. In the filing, Stewart's attorney lists individuals expected to be key witnesses in the case. They are:
John Abraham, an investigator for Ontario County (N.Y.), who took Stewart's statement shortly after the accident.
Brad Falkey, a detective with the Ontario County Sheriff's office who interviewed Stewart regarding the incident.
Kevin Henderson, Ontario County coroner who performed the autopsy on Ward.
Deputy William Martin of Ontario County Sheriff's office and is stated as being the lead investigator in the criminal investigation of Ward's death.
Michael Rago of the Ontario County Sheriff's office, the first law enforcement official to speak with Stewart regarding the Aug. 9, 2014 incident.
The motion also lists eyewitnesses and other non-party witnesses whose testimony may be pertinent in the matter.(NBC Sports)(9-5-2015)
The new Dash Panel.