This week, we’ll catch up with some NASCAR off-season news and views. Here we go!
The Gatorade Twin 125 qualifiers held the Thursday before the Daytona 500 are no more. Beginning this year, a new format calls for twin 150-mile qualifiers under the name “Gatorade Duel at Daytona.” We don’t like the name at all, as “Twin (whatever)” or “Qualifiers” have been in existence since the track’s inception in 1959. This extra 10-lap format will force teams to apply more pit strategy, which we do like.
Mike Bliss takes over as full-time driver in the NetZero Chevy, replacing Ward Burton. … Road-race expert Boris Said has a minimum 10-race deal with financial backing from Centrix Financial. Best part of this deal is the addition of crew chief Frank Stoddard, who has 14 Cup wins to his credit. … Jimmy Spencer receives some part-time Cup rides in the No. 50 Don Arnold-owned Dodge, which was driven last year by several drivers, most notably Derrick Cope. … Look for Dave Blaney to do well in the Richard Childress Jack Daniels-sponsored Chevy. This is probably Blaney’s best shot at winning.
Racetracks will run shorter weekend schedules this year. You won’t see “Happy Hour” practice, as teams now must start the race with their qualifying setup, which includes the important rear-end gear-ratio selection. After qualifying, the cars will be impounded with no changes allowed. … New tires are on tap for 2005, as are smaller spoiler rules. …
The former provisional starting spots are mostly gone in ’05. In Cup racing, the top 35 drivers in car-owner points are now guaranteed a starting spot based on speed, while the final seven spots for those not in the top 35 receive a spot based on speed alone. As for provisionals, only one “former champion” provisional will be awarded. If no champ is entered, the final, 43rd spot goes to the non-35-in-points car with the final best time. … In Busch and Craftsman Truck, the same qualifying procedure applies, but only 30 cars will be seeded. We really like this new system, as it guarantees fans the best quality field. Also, major sponsors don’t have to worry that their car will be in the garage and not on nationwide television when the green flag drops.
The aforementioned Mike Bliss, a former Craftsman Truck Champ, was the quickest in the test sessions held at Daytona at 186.959 mph. However, don’t put much emphasis on these test speeds, as many teams don’t show their hand until qualifying day. … Speaking of former Craftsman standouts, Travis Kvapil in the No. 77 Dodge will run strong, and expect Carl Edwards to win a few in the Roush Ford he debuted in last year. … Rumors are flying concerning Michael Waltrip’s job security in the NAPA Chevy. Word has it if he doesn’t make the final top 10 in the Chase for the Cup, he’ll be ride-hunting come 2006. … Look for Jeff Burton to return to front-runner status. He’ll run the full schedule for Childress in the former Cingular Robby Gordon ride. … Tony Stewart and Jeff Gordon may have NASCAR’s new gear, spoiler and tire rules playing into their favor. When the cars are equal, Gordon and “Smoke” usually have the upper hand. … Dodge introduces its new Dodge Charger at Daytona, which brings us to Kasey Kahne. He should win at least three races for Ray Evernham in ’05.
In TV land, Alan Bestwick has been given the “black flag” and told to report to the pits. Former pitside host Bill Weber will now call the play-by-play upstairs. We feel Alan is one of the best out there, and we enjoyed his play-by-play.
Still, he’ll do a class job downstairs.