July 6th, 2010 
T.C. We’ve made it to the Scott Speed edition of Ask The Insiders Wednesday (get it? 82…). Upcoming this weekend is a NASCAR mid-west triple header, with the Nationwide and Cup cars at Chicago, and the Trucks at Iowa. While we work through a short week, here are more reader questions and answers for you. 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 Woogeroo:
Howdy Insiders! The qualifying vs. race trim question from last week got me to wondering about what is allowed to be changed these days? I’ve read that Larry McReynolds had a some crazy number of things he would change back when he was a crew chief… but that was back when they could swap motors between racing/qualifying, no impounding and pre spoiler mobile. I’ve read of things like special oils/lubricants for various things just to run the two laps… then they drain it out and put the good stuff in for the race. Does NASCAR still allow all of these shenanigans? I guess what I am asking is… what all is being changed on the car?
Anything and everything is fair game. Like I said last week, whatever it takes to make the cars go as fast as possible for two laps. That means doing things like making the car as aerodynamic as possible (taping up openings), and doing whatever is necessary to move weight around (legally). Teams will also change chassis elements, put more air pressure in the tires, and use lighter lubricants. - T.C.
2. From Joseph:
Hey Guys, will Bobby L. race for the #09 for the rest of the year? Is there any other team your aware of for 2011 ? Do you think Bobby is done? I hope not I believe he still can drive he just needs that 2nd chance like Martin got. Thanks.
As of right now it’s only a two race deal – Chicago and Daytona. Certainly if they’re happy with him and money can be put together that could be extended. I don’t think Bobby’s done in NASCAR, but his Cup Series opportunities are dwindling. Could he have a resurgence? Its possible, but I don’t think it’s likely. – Journo
3. From Ryan:
Any word on sponsors for Smoke. I heard Maybe Stanley. Thanks.
To be honest, I haven’t heard even the slightest small rumor about who or what Stewart Haas is going after. I’m sure that Bass Pro Shops and Budweiser are in play, as is any other company that has an expiring contract. – T.C.
4. From Eddie:
What happened to Scott Lagassee Jr?
Lagassee started out the season with Baker Curb Racing in the #43 NNS car, but has been out of the car for a few weeks because of lack of funding. Unless he can find a sponsor or put more money together, you probably won’t see him back. – T.C.
5. From Dan:
Why didn’t Chevy use the Camaro in the NNS or even the Malibu. Did I miss something? People are referring to the new NNS cars as pony cars. My thinking is the Challenger and Mustang are true pony cars,but not the Impala and Camry.
You’d be correct in your assessment. I’m not sure why they didn’t use the Malibu – that’s not a bad idea – but they didn’t use the Camaro because the COT didn’t allow for them to do justice to the body lines of the car. GM’s Mark Kent said:
- Journo
6. From Billy:
What are your opinons of fan sponsored cars?
I don’t think there is anything wrong with fan sponsored cars. They though are not a sustainable way to run an operation. I’m assuming this question is coming up because of the ‘formation’ of that America’s Racing Team. I think I’m going to do my post on this for Thursday so I’ll elaborate then, but I hope no one opens their checkbook for it, I’ll say that. It’s one thing to send RAB Racing some money to get Scott Riggs on track – it’s a completely other thing to spend $500 on a ‘membership’ with some no-name start-up organization. – Journo
7. From Nancy:
How much do NASCAR spotters make?
Anywhere from $500 a race on up to a few thousand per race for the well known spotters with big name drivers. – T.C.
8. From Ric:
In the Coke Zero 400 why was Paul Menard given a “lucky dog” so late in the last caution? There was no way for him to make it around the track and reach the pack, not to mention get into the correct spot, for the restart.
What I believe you saw was Menard off and on pit road fixing damage. By the time he got back on track it was time for the restart – so the jump he got wasn’t a big one. They were already a lap down, so what mattered was that they get the damage fixed as best they could. They still got a lap back and a jump on the field with the lucky dog. It just wasn’t the advantage it could have been if his car was 100%. – Journo
9. From Kevin:
Can you guys comment on the sponsorship “issue” with the 29 car. I have been a Harvick fan since day 1, and he has always seemed like one of the more marketable drivers on the circuit. Granted the last couple of years were tough in the performance department, but he still got a lot of air time. Now that he is a legit title contender (yes, these exist outside of Henrick and Gibbs camp, depsite what the media thinks) why is is taking so long to solidify his 2011 sponsor? Do you think it is a case of having many options? Or a case of a sponsor from a current team *coughUPScough* leaving? Seems odd that a guy like Harvick leading the points, winning races, cant find a sponsor, even in these difficult times.
Shell Pennzoil is leaving RCR more for the business to business relationship with the Penske Automotive Group than they are for the competition end of things. A large number of sponsors are in the sport because of the opportunities they have to make money off the track. Take the Dupont, Hendrick Automotive Group relationship. I’m confident RCR won’t have a problem finding a sponsor or sponsors to fill the void being left by Shell. It’s not necessarily out of the ordinary that you aren’t hearing about anything. This is the time of the year that teams are waltzing sponsors, and the sponsors are looking for the most bang for their buck. Never fear, there is still a lot of time – things will be just fine. – 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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I am so dissapointed to see that Chevy NOW has the ugliest looking race car in the NNS!!!!!! What an embarassment for Chevy fans! How many times have you seen someone street racing an Impala next to a mustang or challenger…….NOT! – HUGE dissapointment!!!- Yet another reason NOT to watch the series…..
RE #2 Joseph on Bobby LaBonte: IMHO BL is a good driver, but his place as a utility player was most evident at Daytona. When the #71 TRG car (driven by Bliss in the 400) had issues and the booth all made comments as if BL was still the pilot….that is not a good sign.