Gas 'n Go: Qualifying not just about 'go or go homers'
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Jeff Hammond: Unfortunately, it's a double-edge sword. It has to be fair to all teams that try to attempt to qualify. Sure, NASCAR wants to try and help the teams on the outside looking in, but it has to take care of everyone as a whole. You've had the off season to better your program and you've had the season so far to do the same.
NASCAR's ultimate responsibility is to those fans that paid their hard-earned money to see "the show," as we call it. It's not that officials are trying to penalize the teams on the outside, but everyone understands the rules of the game. If qualifying is rained out on Friday, they are lined up on points.
Twenty-Four Fan from Richmond, Va.: What makes the Toyota Racing engine so much stronger than the Chevy, Dodge and Ford engines.
Jeff Hammond: That's a really good question. I think it's the sum of the combination of things when they put this engine together originally. They worked very diligently within the framework of what NASCAR allowed them to do, and right now the end result is that they are just a teeny bit better than the others. I think what they have done better this year has been to maximize bottom-end torque, which helps the acceleration off the turn. Their top end has always been good, but they've definitely found the right combination with bottom-end torque.
Jason from Janesville, Wis: Jeff, do you think Yates Racing will be able to keep the No. 28 running without a sponsor, and do you think Travis Kvapil will be able to shine and compete for wins?
Jeff Hammond: No, unfortunately I don't believe Doug Yates can keep the No. 28 running without a sponsor. In today's NASCAR world, it just costs way too much money to run these cars week in and week out without sponsor support. Doug is a businessman and he understands that if he can't get this thing turned around and secure a sponsor soon, it's going to be really tough on him.
Now, that being said, do I think they can still secure a sponsor? Sure I do. If they can stay in the Top 35 in points, I think they will be able to land a sponsor before too awfully long.
As far as Travis Kvapil, I think this is a golden opportunity for him to shine. He is with one of the premier teams in our sport. They have their alliance with Roush Fenway Racing, so you know they have really good stuff to work with. They really have everything they need, so it's up to the drivers and crews to make it happen. Sure, it's possible and doable, but it's up to the drivers to make it happen.
Home away from home
I also wanted to mention an exciting business venture that I am fortunate to be part of in southern Virginia, not too awfully far from Bristol, Va.
| Speed Mail Jeff Hammond |
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It's going to be a race-themed development called Sheridan Ridge. It's a 1,500-acre development. It's surrounded by 6,000 acres of the Jefferson National Forest. Tony Stewart, Elliott Sadler, Denny Hamlin and Greg Zipadelli have agreed to join me on what they call a Motorsports Advisory Board.
It's a place where we can escape the rigors of the track to a place with 22 miles of ATV trails, horseback riding, fishing, etc. There will be shops, restaurants and will incorporate home dwellings, cabins and townhouses.
Hopefully this will allow us to have impact on what race fans like but also help an area of Virginia that has been heavily hit with the loss of jobs and industry in that area.
FOX race analyst Jeff Hammond led Darrell Waltrip to two of DW's three Winston Cup championships as his crew chief. They also teamed to win the 1989 Daytona 500.
For autographed copies of Jeff Hammond's book "Real Men Work in the Pits" plus magnets, hats and more, check out www.dwstore.com.
For photos and appearances, visit Jeff's web site www.jeffhammond.com.
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