by Darrell Waltrip

It may not look like they are going anywhere, but behind the scenes there is a ton of action taking place. Yes, like that little duck, they are just paddling away.

I fail to realize that myself a lot of time. I tend to get frustrated because there are times when I think NASCAR is re-active instead of being pro-active.

Around the track

Follow the action:

• Michigan schedule
• Michigan practices

Watch:

• Video Central

Picture perfect:

• Action at Watkins Glen

Read all about it:

• Dale Jr: Changes needed in NASCAR
• Vickers edges Martin for Cup pole

Analysis:

• White: Chasers feel the heat
• Spencer: Drivers to watch at Michigan

I've had the opportunity to visit with Mike Helton and his crowd over the last few weeks and I have to say I am pleasantly surprised and pleased to learn about things they are working on for the future. They are looking at all areas right now of how they can be leaner and more efficient because they want to lead by example. Much like these race teams, they are looking at travel expenses and the number of people they take to the track. These are difficult times all the way around, so they are looking across the board for ways to cut costs.

I also empathize with the position they are in right now because there are a number of things they have been working on and want to initiate but can't as they are being handcuffed by the bad economy just like everybody else. The things they are working on could have a real long-term positive effect on the sport.

Engines, for example, are one area they are concentrating on in the future. When they came up with this COT — Car of Tomorrow — they should have come up with the EOT — Engine of Tomorrow. Folks, these engines we have today are the same basic design of the ones we had back since the mid-'70s. No manufacturer builds a small block like what are used in these cars today anymore. If you want to build an engine for NASCAR, well you have to build something special.

I would prefer to see them go more state-of-the-art with fuel injection. As I have said many times, these engines put out 850 horsepower. I think if we had less horsepower in these cars, they would handle better and more importantly, race a lot better. I think the goal should be to get these engines down around the 600-horsepower mark.

NASCAR also has to get over their fear of electronics. They only inch along with timing and scoring and inspections, but they need to get over this fear and speed things up. Just look at how successful the other series like Formula 1 and IndyCar are using electronics. There's just a lot of technology there that we should be using but we aren't.

I've also been a big proponent of changing the tire design for these cars. We need to look at a bigger wheel. You know, we have had a 15-inch wheel on these cars, well, ever since we have had race cars. I just think we need a bigger wheel with a smaller profile sidewall tire particularly with the Car of Tomorrow. This new car has a higher roll center and with the current big sidewall tire, it just makes it so difficult to build a tire that is compatible with this car. I think we would have a better handling car with a small sidewall tire as the tire wouldn't be able to flex around so much. As an added bonus, I also think we would have fewer tire failures.

I was excited when I heard from them that these are all top priorities that they are looking at and working on. Like that little duck, who looks calm and cool above the water, while underneath the water there is a lot of activity going on. I have to tell you, that made me very optimistic for the future. If we can get the economy turned around and the sport healthy again, then a lot of these things are going to be exciting. It will make the sport better and more interesting and exciting.

Oh by the way

I have been really pleased to read in the last few weeks where these racetracks have taken one of my suggestions that I have been promoting for the last couple years and running with it.

As you know, I have said for quite awhile that these tracks need to work with the local chamber of commerce and offer race fans discounts when they come to town. If you have a ticket to a race, then you deserve a discount across the board — hotel, gas, food, souvenirs, etc. Lately I have been thrilled to read that the tracks are doing it now. I am a big believer in this because it is a good thing for the fans and ultimately a good thing for the sport.

Oh by the way too

As I mentioned last week, I went to Daytona for Fan Fest. Unfortunately the weather hampered things, especially on Friday when it was bitter cold. Saturday was a little better but it sure wasn't as warm as I had hoped it would be. I got to see all my buddies. I spent time with Dale Jr., who had been skiing. Jimmie Johnson had been relaxing in the Caribbean and has grown a beard, but I told him he needed to lose that. Jeff Gordon had been racing go-karts.

The thing that was exciting to me was all the guys were really pumped and can't wait to get there in a couple weeks. Tony Stewart was. So were Ryan Newman and Dale Jr. They all seemed to have the fire and were ready to go.

I think the implementation of the no-testing policy and finally having a real offseason like other major sports has made a huge impact. I think it's going to make for an exciting Speedweeks.

Oh by the way No. 3

I keep reading about everyone complaining about the format for the Bud Shootout.

Well, three words — get over it.

Don't worry about the format or how so and so got in. It's the opening race of the 2009 season. There will be cars on the track running under the lights. Isn't that really all that matters? They haven't messed up the Bud Shootout. It's a race and when that green flag falls, the guys are going to be after that trophy fighting tooth-and-nail. Just be glad we have the Bud Shootout and trust me, it will be fun to watch either from the grandstands or at home on the couch!

One final "Oh by the way"

This week marks an historic time for our country as our first ever African American President is getting sworn into office. It's an exciting time as well as the hopes and dreams of millions rest on him and his administration. While I am a conservative and a Republican, nonetheless, I will be praying for the new president that he can turn things around for all of us in the United States.