Pocky's Paddock
by Bob Pockrass
NASCAR needs pack mentality
April 16, 2008
More blog postings from Bob Pockrass
NASCAR has decided to add a Sprint Cup test in a couple of weeks at Lowe’s Motor Speedway. Some teams had been clamoring for a test; others weren’t sure if it was necessary. But now the big question: Does that go far enough?
The challenges with the new NASCAR car come more in traffic than they do in general get-up-to-speed single-car runs. Having 50 cars making single-car runs is helpful only to a point. The more data a team can get, the more of an idea it should have in order to make changes to a car that will improve performance during a race.
Teams have the option to run in packs, but shouldn’t NASCAR have a “pack session” much like a “drafting session” at Daytona? Maybe that should come the first night, so teams can practice single-car runs, test some things in packs and then go back to single-car runs. Granted, a pack of 10 might be different than 43, but a pack of 10 still likely would be better than no pack at all.
If the goal is for better racing with this new car, then NASCAR should make the test worthwhile for both teams who are trying to get a grip on the new car but also for the drivers who seem to be content with their cars in single-car runs but frustrated when they get in traffic.
The challenges with the new NASCAR car come more in traffic than they do in general get-up-to-speed single-car runs. Having 50 cars making single-car runs is helpful only to a point. The more data a team can get, the more of an idea it should have in order to make changes to a car that will improve performance during a race.
Teams have the option to run in packs, but shouldn’t NASCAR have a “pack session” much like a “drafting session” at Daytona? Maybe that should come the first night, so teams can practice single-car runs, test some things in packs and then go back to single-car runs. Granted, a pack of 10 might be different than 43, but a pack of 10 still likely would be better than no pack at all.
If the goal is for better racing with this new car, then NASCAR should make the test worthwhile for both teams who are trying to get a grip on the new car but also for the drivers who seem to be content with their cars in single-car runs but frustrated when they get in traffic.
Average Rating:
0.0
Add Your Comments
Other Recent Blog Entries by Bob Pockrass
Search
Other Blogs
Recent Blog Postings
- Pit crew challenge a unique experience
by Bob Pockrass | - Is Biffle NASCAR's new hard-luck driver?
by Jeff Owens | - Whatever happened to Kurt Busch?
by Jeff Gluck | - Stewart gives back to charity
by Carolyn Brewster | - Welcome NASCAR’s newest team owner
by Art Weinstein | - Sorry, Jon Wood
by Bob Pockrass | - All-star race eligibility confusion
by Bob Pockrass |
Poll Position
Who will be the first to win a NASCAR Sprint Cup championship?
Recent Comments: