Comments on: NASCAR’s Test Ban Not The Answer

By: T.C.

T.C. — Thu, 20 Nov 2008 00:25:09 +0000

Neon: Even Greenville-Pickens is out because its on the East Series schedule…

By: Neon

Neon — Thu, 20 Nov 2008 00:18:59 +0000

Thanks for the clarification TC. With that being said, now I not only wish that I had a couple of shaker rigs to rent, but I also wish I was a track that NASCAR turned down for a race, just so I could make good money renting it out w/o all of the hassles. Maybe this was God’s way of looking out for the shunned tracks like Rockingham and North Wilkesboro. Greenville-Pickens should be an even more popular place now!

By: T.C.

T.C. — Tue, 18 Nov 2008 22:49:35 +0000

Neon: With the new policy, there are no rules about non-sanctioned tracks. So that pretty much means they can go to tracks like Rockingham, VIR, Road Atlanta, or one of the countless short tracks and test all they want. Goodyear only supplies tires to sanctioned tests. Teams will get tires for outside tests from Hoosier and other suppliers.

In terms of race tires, teams don’t actually “buy” them anymore. Tires are leased from Goodyear. After a race, ALL tires (used and unused) are dismounted from the team’s wheels and returned to Goodyear. Champion Tire & Wheel then loads up the team wheels in trailers and trucks them to the next track. This way, teams can’t use race tires outside of the races.

By: Neon

Neon — Tue, 18 Nov 2008 17:43:29 +0000

TC can you clarify for me…can a team test as much as they want on a non-sanctioned track that is not on any of the 3 series schedules? For example: Can they go to Road Atlanta or Nazereth or maybe the Lausitzring (Germany) for unlimited testing? As long as Goodyear doesn’t supply tires? Does Goodyear collect all tires (used and unused) after a race weekend? Does a team buy tires and get refund those not used?
I wish I owned a shaker rig or two right now! Just like F1, every ban or concoction leads to exponential spending.

By: midasmicah

midasmicah — Tue, 18 Nov 2008 17:18:57 +0000

Does na$car really think this testing ban will be of any help to the have-nots. Not really. The big teams will test at non sanctioned tracks while the smaller teams will not be able to keep up. I’ve been comparing na$car to iroc and f-1 for quite some time and it’s getting closer and closer. There has been a complete dis-connect between the drivers and the fans. And don’t think that’s part of the reason for a lot of long time fans leaving the sport. Like one person said, you’ve got millionaire drivers showing up on Sunday. No, the testing ban just masks other problems.

By: KP

KP — Tue, 18 Nov 2008 16:55:48 +0000

Simple solution.

Open up the track on Thursday, let the teams run all of the telemetry they want. This is your testing. It at least cuts down travel costs. You still pay the crew per diem and hotel expense, but you do not have them traveling all over the place.

Want to limit it, maybe only use it 5 or 7 times a year.

By: Steve C

Steve C — Tue, 18 Nov 2008 14:23:16 +0000

I understand NASCAR’s intent is to save money. That’s a givin. What I don’t understand is why did’nt BASCAR ban testing at all tracks period and back it up with some very heavy fines. NASCAR could have opened the scheduled race track a day or two early for open testing for all racing that weekend. Opening the track early would do two things, it would save the teams money and it could create new revenue for the track. This also would keep the playing feild a bit more level than the current ban. With the current ban in place it promotes more of the haves and more of the have nots.

By: Neon

Neon — Tue, 18 Nov 2008 04:33:02 +0000

The Prohibition Era of testing has begun. More money (for those who have it) will be spent in “black market” testing in obscure locations. A new market will emerge for “spy” photos of cars testing at Maverick tracks in sheepskin clothing. I love it. it’s more like F1 than ever before!
Between the COT and now the testing ban, why doesn’t NASCAR just take a page from IROC and NASCAR field 43 cars out of their own Daytona Beach stable, while the superstar drivers just “show up” each Sunday. Divide the season in 1/4′s. At the end of each quarter, those outside the top 35 are asked to never come back and get replaced by a completely new 8 drivers. Fresh points starting each quarter with a playoff at the end of the year.
Whala…NASCAR gets their stick-n-ball fix, we see new upcoming drivers, teams are not teams (just drivers), money is saved, shops are closed, communities suffer and what do ya know? We have a spec series in a socialistic society.
Hey, don’t blame me, I voted Republican!