Fine-tuning possible for Talledega plate
By DAVID POOLE - The Charlotte Observer
NASCAR vice president of competition Robin Pemberton said Tuesday that its possible a car of tomorrow test next week at Talladega Superspeedway could result in allowing Nextel Cup teams restrictor plates with larger openings for October’s race at the 2.66-mile track.
The Oct. 7 race at Talladega will be the first using the COT for a restrictor-place race.
“We’ll be there next week for a two-day test, fine-tuning the plate size and things of that nature,” Pemberton said.
“This car will allow us to open up the restriction a little bit on the engine. They’ll make a considerable amount of horsepower more than what they have raced at Talladega and Daytona in the past.”
Today’s Top News
Silly Season : What’s Left
By Tom Bowles
The last 48 hours have provided a litany of Silly Season news. From J.J. Yeley’s surprise signing with Hall of Fame Racing, to Joe Gibbs Racing’s announcement from Chevrolet to Toyota, to the pending announcement of Regan Smith to the No. 01 car next year, the biggest dominoes remaining in the Silly Season puzzle have already fallen.
So, what’s left to figure out other than Dale Earnhardt, Jr.’s continuing number and sponsor saga? Here’s a quick chart of possible rides and drivers still available, along with a few news bites as to what may happen to close those deals in the near future:
CARS
No. 00 (Michael Waltrip Racing) - Looks to be set for next year with David Reutimann, as long as the rookie wants to keep the ride. He’s reportedly being courted by two major organizations (RCR has talked with him, so that likely makes one) and Reutimann should make his decision by the time September is complete.
No. 01 (DEI) - Regan Smith will be announced as the new driver at Richmond. Sponsorship is rumored to be Coors Light.
No. 08 (E & M) - New team that made Michigan with Joe Nemechek, but its future status is undetermined now that Nemechek is likely headed for Furniture Row’s No. 78.
No. 10 (Gillett-Evernham) - Despite denials to the contrary, hearing that Scott Riggs won’t be back in 2008. That would open the ride to several candidates; could this be one of the major teams Reutimann is negotiating with? Boris Said could also wind up under consideration with a thin free agent pool; remember, he’s driven a number of Busch Series races for Evernham already, and the two have developed a solid relationship.
No. 21 (Wood Brothers) - Status completely up in the air now that Yeley is off the market. May be a last resort move for Jeremy Mayfield or even Tony Raines.
No. 33 (RCR) - Will know by September whether this team goes full or part-time. Dario Franchitti, Reutimann, and Scott Wimmer are leading candidates for this seat. Should Franchitti win the IRL title, chances are he’ll give this serious consideration; Reutimann and Wimmer are less attractive options for sponsors, so that leaves the formation of this team up in the air. Expect Wimmer to run the car and be given a chance if it goes part-time.
No. 78 (Furniture Row) - Joe Nemechek made the race at California, enough for him to be given a five-race trial run. Success will almost certainly mean an offer to drive the car in 2008.
No. 88 (Robert Yates Racing) - With Yeley gone, Kenny Wallace has emerged as the favorite to get this ride. Having already driven for the team to replace an injured Ernie Irvan way back in 1994, it’s not like he’s a stranger, and Yates may be willing to take a chance on a man desperately searching for the right equipment to give him one last chance at Cup success.
DRIVERS
Sterling Marlin - Likely headed to the Busch Series, if anywhere at all, unless Furniture Row can give him a second car to run a part-time schedule.
Jeremy Mayfield - Apparently back at square one after losing out on the open ride at DEI. May be forced to take a long look at the Wood Brothers Ford.
Joe Nemechek - Frontrunner to take over the No. 78.
Tony Raines - Barring a big surprise, will likely return back into the Busch or Truck Series.
Scott Riggs - Status unknown pending possible release. May need to wait it out and see if Kyle Petty retires after the season at Petty Enterprises.
David Reutimann - Will likely resign with MWR...as long as no one else makes him an official offer to go elsewhere.
Kenny Wallace - Frontrunner to take over Robert Yates Racing’s No. 88 Ford.