Ask The Insiders Wednesday #60

The season has all but arrived, and so has another edition of Ask The Insiders Wednesday.  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:

Does every tire have it’s own unique tracking number or is it only done in batches?

Yes, each tire has it’s own number and subsequent barcode.  Goodyear has handhelds they use to scan each tire into their system and they are tracked from mounting all the way back to dismounting. – T.C.

2. From Doug:

Last week you had a question about Kyle Busch’s salary.  My question goes a bit further.  What kinds of things are in a driver contract?  Does it govern races outside of the primary cup team, either mandating them or barring them?  Does it incorporate manufacturer conditions, such as Danica Patrick not being able to test a NASCAR ride because of a clause in her Honda contract?  Does it mandate a minimum/maximum number of sponsor appearances?  What other things – other than money – might be part of the negotiation process?

Honestly contracts can and do have any number of things in them. Certainly sponsor appearances (the amount of time they spend at an appearance and how many a sponsor gets, though these are more likely to be in the sponsor’s contract) and sponsor conflict clauses exist in many drivers’ contracts. Other things? Drivers usually get a car (if you work for a bigger, manufacturer supported team). I can’t really think of too many other things. The money part is of course the most important part. – Journo

3. From Teresa:

Who could I inquire to about collectors cards?  Dale Earnhardt Sr had a promotion in the 1980s with Sundrop where you collected all 3 cards which were enclosed in 12 packs of Sundrop and since he has passed I wonder who I could talk about these.  Thank you for any information you can provide.

The only thing I can suggest is to check out eBay.  There are always some great collectors items that can be found there, and prices are about as fair as it gets. – T.C.

4. From Jon:

I’ve been watching a little of the Toyota All-Star race and was wondering what the major differences are between Nationwide cars, NASCAR Elite regional cars and ARCA cars. Thanks.

ARCA Series cars are very similar to Nationwide Series cars.  The NNS requires cars to have a 105″ wheelbase, whereas ARCA allows cars that are either 105″ or 110″ (110″ wheelbase cars are what the old style Cup cars were).  The major difference is the engines.  I don’t know exactly what the engine rules are for ARCA, but I’m sure they have less horsepower then a NNS car.  The East and West Series cars are also 105″ and 110″ wheelbase cars, with less horsepower then a NNS car.  Many East/West and ARCA cars are old NNS and Cup cars purchased from teams.  The Elite Regional Series cars are a latemodel car with a composite body, smaller wheelbase, and usually run rack and pinion steering, versus a steering box for the bigger NNS cars.  They will also have less horsepower, along with some other mechanical differences. – T.C.

5. From Mike:

How is Jim Hunter doing? Any Updates? Can cards be sent?

As far as I know he’s still doing OK. I’m sure if you wanted to send a card to the NASCAR address (1801 W. International Speed Blvd, Daytona Beach, FL, 32114) they would pass it on to him. – 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!

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