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Testing, testing, 1-2-3
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I think the reason it is coming about is because NASCAR has learned its lesson on the tire leasing program for testing. One of the reasons they went to the tire leasing program was to cut down on testing so teams wouldn't go out and get other brands of tires to use. But it has ended up costing the teams more money because instead of testing on the tires they race on and use every week, the teams were testing using old tires and other makes of tires from other manufacturers. It really has turned into a fiasco and never really accomplished what NASCAR had intended.
Remember this when we talk about rules that affect the teams. When they start talking about saving money, I don't think there is anyone in NASCAR today that realizes you can't save these teams money. It shouldn't be NASCAR's responsibility. They are not the accountants for these race teams. They should be worried about the cars at the track and what happens to those cars when they are under their control.
When those cars leave the race track, NASCAR shouldn't concern themselves about where teams go, what they do, how much they test, what they spend on technology or how many times they go to the wind tunnel. That is not NASCAR's problem. But they make it their problem and I think it has been a big mistake.
Listen to me: This is the rule of unintended consequences. NASCAR sits down and analyzes situations. They don't just knee-jerk every time they turn around. Until they own a race team (and they should have realized this after the amount of money they spent developing the COT car), you can't save money when it comes to racing. It's an oxymoron. It just doesn't work.
With the test leasing program, teams had to go out and spend more money to buy tires that really weren't even close to what they needed to be testing on because NASCAR wouldn't allow Goodyear to release tires to them.
I was a car owner. I paid my own bills from 1991 'til the spring of 1998 so I know what I am talking about. I speak from experience. I know what it takes to operate a race team. I realize it was 10 years ago and things have only gotten more expensive and things have only escalated.
One of the most frustrating things about the testing policy is that you have to run all over the country trying to find places to test. People now go to Kentucky, Nashville, Milwaukee, Iowa, Road Atlanta and so many others every day. If it's paved, they will go there. Big races tracks, small races tracks, road courses — it doesn't matter. These teams have test teams and R & D rigs and this is all they do, run all over the country and test.
An open testing policy will help everyone from big to little. I have always been of the opinion that they should open the track a day early. I have said this a million times but people always say, "Well, that's another day at the track." So let me get this straight: You don't mind flying people all over the country and driving up and down the highway, but you don't want to spend another day at the track? There's something wrong with that, isn't there?
That's why NASCAR can't help these guys, because they can't help themselves. Open the track a day early. You are at the right race track. You are there with everybody else. Let them put telemetry on the cars plus they will have the right tires at the right track. The information and data you get will be applicable to that track and that race.
That's why I always thought opening the track a day early was smart. We used to have a lot more practice time at the track than they do now. Now you only get a couple hours of practice time, then you go qualify, maybe a little more practice time and then you go race. We even used to have Happy Hour after the Nationwide race because track conditions for Sunday would be similar.
So open the track a day early. You don't have to come; it wouldn't be mandatory. If you didn't want to test, fine. But if you do, then you could have telemetry, two cars to try, NASCAR officials there, you are at the right track. And more important, you get information that is current and can be applied to that race weekend.
To me it is simple. Why they complicate it the way they do is beyond me. My final thought is NASCAR should do their job at the track and let teams do their job back at the shop. We have the COT because NASCAR thought they could build a better race car than these teams could — and that is just not possible. Let the teams be teams. Let the teams do what the teams do. NASCAR, well you be NASCAR and do what you do and don't try to be all things to all people.
Oh, by the way
Be There!
Visit SPEEDtv.com for the latest NASCAR show schedules.
I don't know if you have seen the story that was released to the media. Unbeknownst to me, someone at my dealerships in Franklin, Tenn., read a story about a young man that got ripped off on the Internet trying to buy a car. My dealership GM, John Gallagher, called me and filled me on this story of this decorated war hero who came home from Iraq, had saved his money to buy a car and got ripped off. So we decided to help this nice young man out. We weren't doing this for the publicity. We were, in our small way, just trying to help and make a difference to a war hero. He was totally blown away when we gave him the keys to the car. I just wanted to share it with you that we didn't do it for the publicity, we did it because it was the right thing to do for that young man who has done his part to help defend our country.
Oh, by the way II
We are going to be at Daytona this weekend. This will probably clear up some muddy water of who is going where and who is doing what in 2009. So things will be clearer after this weekend and then by the time we get to Indy for the Brickyard 400, that probably will be a big weekend for some announcements too. It should be pretty clear by then what folks are going to be doing next year, but if you want to know what they are doing simply go back and read my previous couple of columns.
Oh, by the way III
Folks, I am old school. I must be because my brother tells me I am every day. I write my columns from my heart and what I feel at the time. I try to share with you what I am thinking and share as much insight as I can. I love feedback and I love hearing what you think. But very seldom on the comments following my stories do I see comments about the story I wrote. You folks are talking to each other. I am glad you are coming here and using the site. How about while you are in the process of communicating with each other at least let me know what you think about the column? It doesn't matter if you disagree with the story. Let me know, 'cause I would love to hear your opinion.
Oh, by the way IV
Speaking of Daytona, I think you are going to see the battle of the Gibbs cars and the Hendrick cars. I think someone who hasn't won a race this year, out of either of those two camps, will win the race Saturday night. That is my prediction. So watch the race and see if I'm right. Talk amongst yourselves and let me know what you think.
Member Comments
Good write up DW. It seems I remember some years ago the testing was changed because the multi car teams were able to test 3 to 4 times as much as a single car team. Why not say each organization gets 7 to 8 tests per year. This way all can test the same amount. Doesn't matter if you have 1 car or 4, you get the same amount of test sessions on nascar tracks only. Do away with testing anywhere anytime and that will save money. I don't understand why we are worried about money how ever with the budget some of these guys get from sponsors alone. I agree with opening the track a day early and I'm sure the track owners would love it to be able to charge for another day at the track. Also need a session after the Nationwide guys as you said. Limit the tests by all means.<br />OH BY THE WAY<br /> Ain't it great how these Jr fans complain about the Kyle articles? At least we hear about somebody other than Jr all the time. Spread it around a little more to other guys too. How about doing something each week on some of the guys you never hear about. Give the guys a day in the sun and tell us some things about their past accomplishments we don't know.<br />OH BY THE WAY II<br />Don't count out David Ragan tonight. The kid has run very well all year. Maybe time for a first timer to come through.
bluovl7/5/2008 8:56:00 AM(Report inappropriate content)
since we're talking about nascars'influence here... what if nascar didn't tell the teams what to use, but limited the amount the teams could spend to acheive it... <br />just a thought.
nenascarfan7/5/2008 7:32:00 AM(Report inappropriate content)
Have the teams came out and said how much money this COT is saving them??
runwhatyabrung7/5/2008 5:21:00 AM(Report inappropriate content)
DW how does the Sprint IROC series sound?It seems to me thats were headed.Get 1 or 2 companies to build the cars all the same.They can an old fashioned Iroc race.It would save alot of money LMAO
jbd50007/4/2008 22:56:00 PM(Report inappropriate content)
Top36 read the post called Artful Dodger at the top of the page that should answer your question from the source.
jbd50007/4/2008 22:48:00 PM(Report inappropriate content)
DW: As a former short track racer, and car owner, I agree with your idea for testing 100%. It might not suit everyone, but it is as fair as possible.
DirtSack7/4/2008 16:38:00 PM(Report inappropriate content)
Hey, DW, I always appreciate when a columnist doesn't pipe the Nascar tune. Fox and others have a few columnists who come across as Nascar shills, always saying how the drivers need to listen to Nascar, that Nascar is always looking out for the good of the sport.<br /><br />Answer this, please:<br />Why hasn't anyone ever thought of franchises instead of multi-team owners? If anything makes a mockery of the competition it's that drivers from a single garage are going to work together on the track, particularly when drafting is an issue. I remember back in 97 when Sterling Marlin had a car that could have won the Daytona 500, but late in the race he pulled out of the lead pack to try the inside line, no one went with him, and they freightrained right by him. I've hated multi-team ownership ever since then.
Top367/4/2008 12:36:00 PM(Report inappropriate content)
DW, i like to agree and disagree with you regularly. But you're always informative and entertaining.
BamSmash7/4/2008 12:36:00 PM(Report inappropriate content)
Your columns are the ones i like to read the most that and the ones by Larry Mac. They are usually neutral and are written very well on topics that are important to me, except the junior ones i get sick of those. And im starting to get sick of Kyle busch ones too. Just to let you know.
Seminolesfan7/4/2008 12:17:00 PM(Report inappropriate content)
D.W. I completely agree. These teams are testing all the time anyways at non Cup tracks so NASCAR's testing program isn't saving anyone any money. I think opening the track a day early for a full day of testing is an excellent idea and would make a lot more sense than their current policy.
Kenorv7/4/2008 12:01:00 PM(Report inappropriate content)
you have always been one of my favorites,the only problem i have with you and the other guys on fox,is the fact that you don't seem to know there are 42 other drivers out there becides jr.just kidding dw.you are always telling it like it is.i really like that.keep up the good work.
papawjoe657/4/2008 11:51:00 AM(Report inappropriate content)
Oh,by the way IV;I hope you're right,hopefully#24.
Saturday7/4/2008 11:19:00 AM(Report inappropriate content)
Just read Jr's comments on JPM, awesome, as he said, JPM does not take any BS from anyone and with the season he is having, very short fuse..lmao<br /><br />JPM trim dat shrub..lmao<br /><br />Shrub its just a racing thang...How many times has shrub said that..wooooo hooo go JPM<br /><br />Nice lap Brad in the 88!!!!!!!!!!!
ZACHdaMAN7/4/2008 10:51:00 AM(Report inappropriate content)
Hey DW!<br />I love the fact that you're old school. I grew up a Richard Petty fan, so I can appreciate old school. Someone has to stand up and call it like it is. For the most part, I love the way Nascar has grown over the years. There are still good guys, bad guys and the ones who fall somewhere in between.<br />I agree with you about the testing issue. It's absurd the way it is set up. If I didn't know any better, I would think the current policy was invented by some politicians in Washington D.C. No matter how they try to explain the reasoning, it just doesn't add up.<br /><br />As for the Kyle Bush issue, this whole uproar is certainly nothing new. Everyone thought Dale Sr. was a dangerous, reckless driver when he began in the Cup series. The hub bub died down after a few championships though and his style was accepted. I recall that people were less than pleased when it seemed like Jeff Gordon was winning all the time. To make matters worse, he was just so darn nice and polite about it. Where did this kid come from? D.W. has himself been in this position, as have folks like Tony Stewart. When you're on top, everyone hates you while secretly admiring your dominance. That's just racing, and here in America it's always about one of two things. You're either on the winning team or you're the underdog.<br />Keep up the good work D.W......
cidman20017/4/2008 10:41:00 AM(Report inappropriate content)
Peace, I went through the steps and think it was successful. I gather that it sometimes takes a while to show up, correct? Thanks so much.
sugaflash7/4/2008 10:25:00 AM(Report inappropriate content)
Man, DW if you actually read "reader comments" then I am happy to say this is one of your best. I have said it for sometime now, NASCAR has gotten itself twisted up like a pretzel--over legislated Cup racing to death.<br /><br />The tire testing-tire-leasing-Cup-testing issue is a joke. I would go further and the opposite of what you say to a degree. I would ban testing in the purest sense anywhere on the planet and then open the doors to these race tracks -- as you said -- a day earlier. It's monkey-see-monkey do in Cup. Someone testes at VIR for road course testing and then it's all the rage. yet Jeff Gordon says he hopes they never go to VIR again because it was a waste. Why test at tracks that you never run on in weather that is usually different on tires that you don't use? Man, talking about throwing money down a rat hole. Open up a day early at the tracks they are going to race at and let them test for 12 hours if they need to. The teams are bound to learn more than they are for that track than trying to replicate conditions at another track.<br /><br />There is no other entity that I know of that can spend boat loads of cash like a race team. It can go out the door like like no other business. DW you are correct, NASCAR cannot be accountants for these teams. They claim that the basis for many things is to save money -- crap. Wonder if any Cup team thinks that the COT has saved or will ever save them money? The CoT was a mistake (safety wise it was a good idea). NASCAR ain't too big on admitting mistakes. But it is what it is, so now let the teams have more leeway to make this tank run better and make the show better before we all have nothing to complain about. <br /><br />And oh by the way, I wonder if the brilliant thinkers at the Think Tank on Volusia Avenue are still hot-to-trot of Cot for Nationwide? Now that will be a real hoot if not tragic. First of all, let's see, hmmm, Cup CoT lite -- yeah there are boat loads of fans out there to see that. And let's not even talk about the money of changing these Nationwide cars over to CoT. That will seal the deal for the many non-Cup affiliated teams on the verge of collapse now in today's economy. But let's move on NASCAR, cause you have the owners best interest in mind...
harvardu887/4/2008 9:54:00 AM(Report inappropriate content)
This new computer doesn't spell very well. OR - maybe it's ME.
sugaflash7/4/2008 9:54:00 AM(Report inappropriate content)
Peace, I don't do the fantasy team thing. The only fantisies I have are whebn I'm sleeping. Ha, ha.
sugaflash7/4/2008 9:53:00 AM(Report inappropriate content)
Peace6, I had a "deadly" computer experience last Friday. Overnight, mine died. I think I have the new one the way I want it. I have loaded a photo to my profive page, but don't know how to make it my Avator (sp?). Maybe you or Pioneer could help me out with that.
sugaflash7/4/2008 9:50:00 AM(Report inappropriate content)
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