Ask The Insiders Wednesday #4

It’s Wednesday, so that means its time for another installment of “Ask The Insiders.”  We’ve got another good batch of reader questions to dig into.  In case you don’t know what this is, we will be answering any and all 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.  On to the questions…

1. From Amy:

This question is for TC and is kind of a second part to the question Savannah asked last week.  Can you talk about any close calls on pit road you have witnessed or experienced?

I’ve definitely seen and experienced  a few close calls since I came into the sport.  Everything from jackmen “shooting the gap” and jumping over hoods, to guys getting bumped by cars, to pit road fires.  I’ve even had a front row seat to a car hitting the pit wall during a stop!  It wasn’t quite “Days of Thunder” style, but it was close.  Pit road can be a very dangerous place, and accidents and close calls are going to happen.  The best I can do is keep my head up, pay attention, and try and react quickly if things go south. – T.C.

2. From Marc:

We’ve seen that Roush-Fenway making Yates a sort-of satellite team met with mediocre success, due in part, I assume, to Yates’ sponsorships woes.  Hall of Fame never got Gibbs’s best equipment just as MB2/Ginn and Haas-CNC did not get the best from Hendrick.  Will Stewart-Haas be different, or will they too receive less than the best?

I don’t necessarily think Yate’s problems are due to sponsorship. I think their biggest issues lie in their talent pool. But that is neither here nor there. As far as Stewart-Haas goes I think you will see a very different relationship than you have seen with others in the past. I think having Ryan Newman and Tony Stewart in the Hendrick family is far too good for Rick to pass up. You can bet they are going to get a lot of help from every area of Hendrick; that includes the engine department. - Journo

3. From Kenny:

What one thing do you think would enhance the average NASCAR fan’s enjoyment and or understanding each time he watches a race?

This is a hard one. I dont know if there is just one thing. I think any sport is more enjoyable when you truly understand it. For instance, hockey is a sport that I have a hard time with. The biggest reason for that is because I get totally lost. As far as NASCAR goes, I think knowing anything and everything you can about the cars and drivers and rules makes the sport more interesting. Even learning the history can make watching a race more fun. I know that isn’t the greatest answer, but I hope that helps a little. – Journo

4. From Mitch:

What’s the latest on Landon Cassill?

While I certainly can’t give any specifics, we have heard that Landon may be working on a deal to run in the Truck Series for ‘09.  I don’t believe you will see him in the JR Motorsports #5 next season because of the sponsorship issues with that team and with Brad Keselowski’s #88.  If they get something secured at Jr.’s place, the possibility still exists, but look for Cassill to possibly join the tailgate brigade next year. – T.C.

5. From Neon:

Guys, used to be that the Cup car had to use the roof, rear deck lid and hood of the production model (albeit the shell). Does the COT still have this req, or are they all the same given the specified 24 gauge cold rolled spec?

I don’t believe there is a single piece of a COT that resembles anything production.  NASCAR has allowed the manufacturers to brand the COT with the nose, hood, window panels, and headlight decals, but none of those bits are production.  The bodies on the COTs are mostly the same from manufacturer to manufacturer, and only differ in those superficial identifying areas. – T.C.

With that, this brings another “Ask The Insiders Wednesday” to a close.  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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