Chevy, RCR, Jeff Burton Win First Race Of Season

Richard Childress Racing stormed back in full force with a 1-2-3 finish at Bristol over the weekend.  Suffering from a lack-luster start to the 2008 Sprint Cup season, the finish will surely brighten the shops for the next two weeks.  Jeff Burton led the RCR contingent to the strong finish, despite another strong showing from Joe Gibbs Racing.

Top 35 Rule Now Hurting Those It Was Supposed To Protect

Several years ago NASCAR came up with the Top 35 rule. The idea was that it was to protect those teams that raced each week from being bumped from a race by a part-time team. Teams such as the Petty’s and Wood Brothers, among others, were to benefit from running each week, thereby maintaining a higher place in the Owner’s Points than those who ran just a few races. By being in the Top 35, they were guaranteed a starting spot, no matter how poorly they qualified.

Toyota, Busch Finally Win

Kyle Busch finally leads Toyota to its first Sprint Cup victory, in its 40th start.  Kyle, the dominant car on the day, got the lead after Carl Edwards lost an engine with about 60 laps remaining to give Toyota its much deserved first win for the year.  From the looks of it, it won’t be the last, either.

Oil Caps, Penalties And Driver Changes

*UPDATED March 5, 2008

We’ve just gotten into the week and already there is quite a bit of action. There are several penalties from Speedweeks being appealed, speculation regarding Carl Edwards’ “issue” and one open-wheel driver on the outside looking in. This should make for good run-up to Atlanta at the end of the week.

Junior and Toyota Win Duels

Dale Earnhardt, Jr. won his Gatorade Duel yesterday, extending his rise back to the top after joining Hendrick in the off-season.  He led a majority of laps, coming from the back after an engine change the day before.  I would suppose this would solidify his fan base, especially those who were unhappy at his becoming a teammate to Jeff Gordon.  His two wins this week make him a favorite to win the Daytona 500 on Sunday.

Kurt Busch At It Again

It didn’t take long, just one day, in the new season to get the tempers and sheet metal flying.  During the first day of Daytona practice for the Bud Shootout, Kurt Busch and Tony Stewart were at it again.  They tangled on the track and Busch let his temper show as they entered pit road.

A Different Kind Of Championship Format

Much has been made of the NASCAR Sprint Cup championship format. The “playoff” format that has been use has had mixed results and reviews. Some have called for another revision. In fact, there are several issues that cause concern, among them the fact that someone could potentially miss a few races and still make the Chase, or that those who fans favor missing out. Maybe the Old School Racing Tour has an answer.