by Larry McReynolds

NASCARTV on SPEED: Daytona Fri., July 1: Nextel Cup practice, 1:30 p.m. ET Fri., July 1: Busch qualifying, 2:15 p.m. ET Sat., July 2: Craftsman Truck race on SPEED, 3 p.m. ET Photo Gallery... Stewart's road rules Also... | | Video: Who's the sexiest driver? Analysis... DW: Smoke slides ride past Rudd BYRNES: Stewart's single-handed win SPENCER:

Ed from Savannah, Ga.: How did Robby Gordon and Jeff Gordon receive free passes at Sunday's race in Sonoma? Don't the road-course rules exclude the free-pass rule?

Larry McReynolds: NASCAR installed the free pass back this year. It was not something that they did just before this race. They made that decision over the winter with the four road course races, two in Busch and two in Cup. But you're right. Last year, they did not have the free pass on road courses.

Time to say good-bye

Cathy from Oscoda, Mich.: Thank you for the piece on Rusty Wallace and Mark Martin. I have complained that FOX hasn't shown enough coverage of the two drivers retiring from Cup full-time, but I want to say thank you for giving Rusty and Mark some appreciation.

Speed Mail Larry
SpeedMail Subject: Comment/Question: Name:  Email:  Hometown:

Larry McReynolds: Over the course of our 16 races plus two special events — especially when they had good runs — we certainly paid close attention to them. We made special note at places like Las Vegas, Darlington and Infineon that it was their final event at those racetracks, and we tried to make note of their past records at those tracks. In the final 20 events, Steve Byrnes, Jeff Hammond and I will pay closer attention to them during our practice and qualifying shows on SPEED as they hit every track for the final time.

Martin and Wallace are right on target to make the Chase for the Nextel Cup. Martin bobbled a little bit on Sunday, but it would be very healthy for our sport if those guys made the Chase. It would be an even more exciting and notable closing chapter for these great drivers.

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FOX race analyst Larry McReynolds has more than 25 years of NASCAR experience as a mechanic, crew chief and broadcaster. He and his fellow Crew Chief Club members take you behind the wall at www.crewchiefclub.com.

"Larry McReynolds: The Big Picture" is on bookstore shelves now, or you may order your own autographed copy from www.DWStore.com.