NASCAR Media Tour Answers Questions... Well sort of...

NASCAR Update -

• Drivers can race in any series but are only eligible for one championship... If a Nationwide only driver finishes a race in second, behind a Cup driver, they will receive the points and money for the second place finish...

This was rumoured, and is now confirmed. I am sure drivers like Harvick and Rowdy will still race in all series when they feel the need, but now they will not earn any points or money in the Nationwide and Truck Series. Hopefully this will put the emphasis on the new, younger drivers in the Nationwide and Truck series, while also allowing them to race against some of the top Cup series names!

• NASCAR wants simpler points system - but no announcement yet, rumours of 43 points for 1st, 42 for 2nd, 41 for 3rd etc with bonus points for wins, watch this space...

The current points system has been around since the dawn of time, and to be fair it isn't the easiest system to follow, but changing it would be another move away from tradition. Making the Championship points race easier to follow would be an attempt at making NASCAR more accessible for fans who maybe find it hard to follow at the moment. While I may like the tradition, this has to be a good thing...

• NASCAR is thinking about changing which drivers are eligible for the Chase... maybe to include top 10 in points plus top 2 race winners not already eligible...

Again only a rumour at the moment. It sounds like NASCAR are trying to put more of an emphasis on race wins. Not sure of the implication of this one yet. To an "old school" fan the Chase, in any format, is wrong, and to a new fan the Chase is what it is, so I am not sure what NASCAR is trying to achieve with this sort of restructuring.

• No fuel injection for 2011, maybe introduced for 2012...

At a time when sponsorship money is in short supply NASCAR were never going to rush a change as dramatic as moving from the prehistoric carbs to fuel injection. This year's change is the new fronts on the cars, next years may be the fuel injection, and 2013 may bring more wholesale changes to the bodies of the cars. Bit by bit NASCAR are upgrading the race cars as they learn what works, while also minimising the financial pressure on the teams.

• NASCAR are happy with the testing speeds of just under 200mph for the Daytona 500. Sounds good to me... can't wait!! 

The Daytona 500 could be a good un!! New tarmac, slightly higher speeds but still with the ability to draft and overtake! Bring it on...

• Is this years watch word CREDIBILITY or K.I.S.S!?

The question of...  "How do you credibly keep it simple stupid?" seems to be the one question facing NASCAR from the inside. While they are attempting to lure back fans and sponsors, the media seem to be questioning the credibility of late decisions and late announcements. As long as the show is good, then give NASCAR some space guys. As I have said before... you can't keep everybody happy all of the time... 

• New Sprint Cup Director - Position still open!!

Where do I apply...