[vincesanity82]

The inspection station on the east end of Daytona International Speedway's FanZone area will be demolished today at the request of NASCAR Sprint Cup Series officials. "Building 204," as it was known to Speedway employees, is being leveled to make room for NASCAR's monstrous measurement gadget nicknamed "the claw" by inspectors. The inspection station was just built in 2004 as part of the track's renovation of the garage and paddock areas. The FanZone opened during Speed Weeks 2005. "We continue to look at ways to improve our FanZone area," said David Talley, director of media relations. "Obviously, taking down that inspection station was a way NASCAR thought it would help." Sprint Cup Series director John Darby said by removing the small structure, race fans can still watch the NASCAR inspection process. -- Daytona Beach News-Journal



Racing news - newsjournalonline.com

[Racer Duck]

always tinkering...

[wingkey1]

Not sure we're reading this right so we'll venture forth our assumptive interpretation for the purpose of comment.

assumptive interpretation - physical structure changes are being made in the interest of allowing fans a closer physical experience with/to the activities associated with the event

Now, if the above approaches a reasonable degree of accuracy - good move on NASCAR's part.

Having attended many a NASCAR and CART/IRL event(s), one of the really fun things about CART/IRL was a pretty much "open" garage. You did not have to be anyone special to get in. All ya needed was a couple more $$ you were willing to part with. Access to drivers, teams, cars, officials, etc. was outstanding and thrilling. Our (very) young sons have sat on many a drivers lap (Rahal, Unser(s), Mears, Fittipaldi, Andretti(s), Foyt, etc., etc.), rode in team golf carts, and more.

This was workable in CART/IRL primarily because cars did not move through the garage under power. To this day NASCAR cars/drivers move through the garage area under power thusly making the "up close" experience for the fan limited to a very few.