Toyota Wins Again

What a difference a year makes!  I’ve said that before, regarding Michael Waltrip Racing, but this time I’m talking about both Toyota and Hendrick Motorsports.  Last year, Hendrick had firmly established itself, even this early in the season.  Toyota, on the other hand, was struggling to make races with teams that had no guaranteed spots.

Power 10 For Martinsville, Mar. 30, 2008

After a week off, the drivers hit the track again. This week, they are on the smallest, slowest track on the circuit, Martinsville. Very few cars will leave this weekend without some sort of damage to their car and yellow will be the color of the day. Still, there are some drivers you can count on to have a good afternoon. That is, of course, assuming that they are able to stay out of the way of the drivers determined to end their day early.

What A Difference A Year Makes

Last year at this time, Michael Waltrip Racing was suffering.  The three car team had only made a few races, mostly with Dale Jarrett on the basis of his previous champions provisionals.  They were still reeling from the penalties and scandal from Michael’s car having been found to have an illegal substance in the fuel.  Because of these problems, the team struggled all season to make races, even though David Reutimann was able to make quite a few races toward the end of the season.

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.

Dale Jarrett, Class Act

This weekend will mark the end of Dale Jarrett’s career.  Dale will step out of the seat of the #44 UPS Toyota after the checkered flag falls at Bristol this weekend.  When that happens, NASCAR will lose one class act.

Power 10 For Bristol, Mar. 16, 2008

Bristol.  Anything goes.

Bristol and Martinsville, more than any other tracks, luck plays more a part of the race than being good.  The yellow flag will see its fair share of airtime.  Few cars will escape without damage.  Tempers will be hotter than the midday July sun in south Alabama.  Expect the unexpected.

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.