Ask The Insiders Wednesday #58

It’s a busy NASCAR week, as the Charlotte Motor Speedway Media Tour means a ton of news and announcements.  And the Media Tour means we inch ever closer to Daytona.  And as we do, it’s Wednesday again, and that means more of your questions and our answers.  If you don’t know what this post is, we answer any and all reader questions every Wednesday, right here.  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 Ric:

Have heard that sometimes they adjust tire pressure on the inner tire to make a difference in the outer tire pressure. Is this common practice?

Yes, at the tracks where inner liners are used (they aren’t at places like Martinsville) the pressure of the liner affects handling characteristics and it is adjusted.  Somebody who knows more about tires could tell you why, but you don’t want the pressures to be equal.  When this happens, you’ll hear the TV guys say the tire has “equalized.” – T.C.

2. From Connie:

I saw something on TV about Jimmie Johnson  doing some show on/at Daytona before the new season starts ?

Jimmie is doing HBO’s 24/7 series. It’ll be four episodes and is being billed as a behind the scenes look at Jimmie Johnson and the #48 team. It starts next Tuesday (the 26th) at 10 p.m. and airs the next three Tuesdays at the same time. More info here. You might also want to check out Speed’s show on Joe Gibbs Racing’s push to Daytona. It too is four episodes and starts Sunday at 6 p.m. – Journo

3. From Ella:

NASCAR  is considering changing to a spoiler on the COT.  If that happens this season, will that change how the cars run?  Will it negate the test data collected on the cars so far?  Will it be a big impact or a small glitch for the crew chiefs, drivers and crews?

Yes, the handling of the cars will be different with a spoiler.  Teams will pretty much be starting over with data, because a spoiler will affect a car differently than the wing.  There will definitely be an adjustment period for the teams and the drivers, but just how big of a deal it will be remains to be seen.  I think we won’t know for sure until the teams get some track time with the new configuration. – T.C.

4. From Kevin:

Hey guys, I read something last week about RCR and their troubles last year.  They referenced a very specific part of their cars that was the root of their problems.  They didn’t say exactly what it was, but it was clear they all knew what it was, and after they realized what it was and started changing it on all their cars they got it turned around.  It appears it worked and they did run better in the Chase.  Do you guys know the part of the car they were referring to?

Let me put it this way.  If I don’t work for RCR, I probably don’t know what it is, as they aren’t saying.  If I do work for RCR, I can’t say because I don’t want other teams to know what we figured out.  So either way, I can’t say. – T.C.

5. From Patrick:

With the rear wing on its way out will we see more rear deck lid ads?

Every car that I know of (except maybe Penske) still utilizes the decklid for sponsor space. It will certainly be more visible, but it won’t change from what they do now. – Journo

6. From BB:

Just wondering why Michael Waltrip is running the 51 as opposed to the 55 this year, and if you have any news on why SPEED cancelled TWIN?

From Michael Waltrip’s Twitter: “i needed a change from the 55. we won Daytona in the 15. 51 is a variation of that. sorta in memory of.” And as far as TWIN goes, Speed President Hunter Nickell told Sports Business Journal, “the news and analysis format, hosted by Steve Byrnes, Michael Waltrip and a variety of other guests, “just wasn’t connecting with the fans anymore.” So TWIN will not be returning. Speed is adding several new shows though. Check out the article here (SBJ subscription required). – Journo

And that brings yet 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!

Related posts:

• Ask The Insiders Wednesday #57
• Ask The Insiders Wednesday #67
• Ask The Insiders Wednesday #82
• Ask The Insiders Wednesday #66
• Ask The Insiders Wednesday #71

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