Cup drivers have upper hand in Nashville; Waltrip seeks turnaround
April 13, 2006Jeff Hammond says Michael Waltrip might have the key to winning the Nashville Busch race (Sat., 3:30 p.m. ET on FX), and he needs some momentum to turn around his Cup season.
Roush shakes up Edwards and McMurray's struggling teams
April 13, 2006Carl Edwards and Jamie McMurray got new crew chiefs Thursday in a Roush Racing shakeup designed to jump-start their struggling teams. Although car owner Jack Roush placed all five of his teams in the Chase for the championship last season, only Matt Kenseth and Mark Martin are currently ranked in the top 10. If the playoffs started this week, Edwards, McMurray and Greg Biffle would all be locked out. "Jack is known for deciding the time has come for a change," team president Geoff Smith said.
Ready for Richmond and beyond; Texas, COT keep getting better
April 13, 2006Larry McReynolds says the Richmond Cup test helps teams prepare for three tracks. Plus, Texas and the Car of Tomorrow have made great gains while one rookie's results aren't indicative of his strong start.
Biffle's girlfriend was concerned, not 'catfighting'
April 13, 2006Nicole Lunders' actions at Texas have been mischaracterized as "catfighting," according to Steve Byrnes who spoke with her immediately after the incident.
Renault 'want Schumacher in 2007'
April 13, 2006Renault boss Flavio Briatore wants Michael Schumacher to drive for his team next season, according to reports.
BRDC leaves Ecclestone door open
April 13, 2006The owners of Silverstone would listen to Bernie Ecclestone's reported plan to redevelop the track.
Softer bumpers coming at Talladega
April 13, 2006NASCAR is hoping that a new, less-rigid bumper configuration on its Nextel Cup cars will cut down on the bump drafting that has been blamed for some of the worst crashes in recent years. The new bumpers will be in use for the first time in the race April 30 at Talladega Superspeedway. Bump drafting is the art of banging into the rear of the car in front to gain momentum to make a pass.
NASCAR to use smaller fuel tanks at Lowe's
April 13, 2006Nextel Cup cars will use smaller fuel tanks when they race at Lowe's Motor Speedway in May, a move to create shorter runs between pit stops and tire changes. Officials at the Charlotte track spent $3 million this winter to repave the surface, which was too slick last year after it underwent two grinding projects to smooth out bumps.
Stewart worries about catching leaders, unplugging toilets
April 13, 2006Tony Stewart climbs fences. He also helps design them. The two-time and reigning Nextel Cup champion, who seems to be a long way from retirement as one of NASCAR's biggest stars, already has a second career. And he's gotten involved in everything as a dirt track owner at the grass-roots facility where he got his racing start. The driver of the No. 20 orange Home Depot Chevrolet, who has made scaling fences part of his victory celebrations, owns famed Eldora Speedway in Rossburg, Ohio.
Overexposing in-car communication
April 13, 2006Darrell Waltrip says listening to a team's radio during a race is a privilege, and drivers and crew chiefs shouldn't be judged or penalized for what they say in the heat of battle.
Roush "Gong Show'' winner preparing to take over for Martin
April 13, 2006Todd Kluever finally got on NASCAR's fast track by winning the "Gong Show." Less than 18 months after winning the Roush Racing tryout nicknamed after the once-popular TV game show, Kluever already has completed a successful NASCAR truck season. He is racing full-time this year in Busch and is in line to take over in the No. 6 Nextel Cup car for Mark Martin next season. "It's been quick. Obviously, everything's happened fast," Kluever said.
Roush Rookie Watch: Major hurdle cleared
April 13, 2006It may have taken more time than he had hoped, but rookie driver Todd Kluever feels his team finally cleared a major hurdle last weekend.