Ask The Insiders Wednesday #2

Ask The Insiders Wednesday is back for edition number 2!  In case you don’t know what this is, we will be answering any and all reader questions every Wednesday until at least Daytona comes around.  So if you’ve got one, click on the ”Ask the Insiders” tab at the top of the page and send one to us!  It’s answer time…

1. From Savannah:

How do you feel about fans wanting to know details about their favorite driver’s personal life?  In some ways, as a public figure, I think that it is relevant for them to be asked general questions about their personal lives.  However, some of the fans feel that they are entitled to know every little detail about the driver.  Are there any drivers that you dare not ask a question that could be interpreted as something about their personal lives.  I remember a rant that Tony Stewart had after reading some fans’ comments about one of his girlfriends.

I think there are certain instances when driver’s personal lives are newsworthy; for instance when Aaron Fike was caught doing heroin in the parking lot of that amusement park. However who is dating who, or who is divorcing who I don’t think is anyone’s business but the party’s involved. If a driver makes something public than they deserve people’s interest, however otherwise I would tend to say, stay away from it.

Now don’t get me wrong I understand why people are interested in these things. I like to hear gossip just like anybody else and there certainly is no shortage of it around this business. However I would never ask anybody about their personal lives in a professional capacity unless they instigated it - Journo

2. From DD:

Why does the gas can-man shake the can? Is this some kind of signal to the crew or driver that fueling has been completed, during the pit stop?

I believe you are referring to the catch can man, and yes his shaking the empty gas can is a signal.  He is letting the jackman know that the car is full of fuel.  The jackman usually controls when the driver leaves by dropping the jack, and the jackman won’t drop the car to release the driver until the car is full of fuel.  The jackman will watch the changers to see when they are done, and he can see that shaking can out of the corner of his eye.  Changers done, shaking can, and he’ll drop it - T.C.

3. From Amy:

How common is it for over-the-wall members to change positions? I mean do tire changers ever decide…ah..to heck with this- I wanna be a jackman??

I don’t want to say it’s common, but I also don’t want to say it’s uncommon.  It definitely does happen.  Depending on what skills they have and what opportunities are available, many guys will change positions out of necessity.  Need a carrier?  They are a carrier.  Need a jackman?  They can also jack.  There are a lot of guys who, along the way, just learned how to do the other positions.  So switching isn’t a big deal for them.  You will also see things like age and physical health affect position changes.  If a tire changer’s knees won’t let him change anymore, its not unheard of for guys to become carriers or catch can guys, etc.  So it does happen - T.C.

4. From Neon:

We know who is voted as the most popular driver by the fans. Who is considered the most popular driver in the garage area? And the most respected crew chief?

I would say Jeff Burton is probably the most respected driver around the Cup Series; he is often referred to as the Mayor. Generally it is the veteran drivers who garner the most respect, which makes sense.

As far as the most respected crew chief, one doesn’t really stand out. You could probably ask ten different people and get ten different answers - Journo

5. From Traci:

What happened to (Michael) McDowell??? Where is he now?

I honestly don’t know specifically what Michael McDowell is doing right now, but my guess would be that he is sitting at home by the phone waiting for someone to call him. He is in the unenviable position of trying to find a job right now and there are unfortunately not too many out there. I hope he is able to find something, but the odds are not in his favor - Journo

With that, this installment of “Ask The Insiders Wednesdays” is in the books.  Thanks to everyone who sent in questions.  And remember, if you’d like to be a part of next week, click on the ”Ask the Insiders” tab at the top of the page and send your question in!

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