[Bassdogs]

Will someone explain the engine rule at Daytona. The guys who changed engines prior to the duals started at the end of the field but JJ didn't lose his pole start in the 500. Yesterday I heard drivers talking about pulling their 500 engine for some of the practice but were putting the race engine back in for a few final laps before parking it. Thought the race that went thru tech at the beginning of the week had to be ran all week except for the shootout. I'm confused??

[Racer Duck]

Originally Posted by Bassdogs

Will someone explain the engine rule at Daytona. The guys who changed engines prior to the duals started at the end of the field but JJ didn't lose his pole start in the 500. Yesterday I heard drivers talking about pulling their 500 engine for some of the practice but were putting the race engine back in for a few final laps before parking it. Thought the race that went thru tech at the beginning of the week had to be ran all week except for the shootout. I'm confused??

I'm still muddling thru this one myself. However, without having the actual rules in front of me (does anyone?), I think I can explain some of it.

The timed qualifications were for 2 purposes:

1. to set the front row
2. to set the field for the qualifying races (Gatorade Duels)

So, we have JJ and Mikey on the front row.

The remainder of the qualifiers, and here's where I start getting a bit confused, were ranked by owner's points then split into 2 (heat) races: those ranked with odd numbers going into race 1 and the remainder into race 2, then sorted by qualifying speed within each race.

Then the 2 "qualifying races" are run with race 1 setting the inside row and race 2 setting the outside row (except for the front row which was set on "time trials" day. (Remember, the Indy 500 uses a similar concept where part of the field, including the front row, is set on the first qualifying day, then the remainder of the field is set on subsequent qualifying day(s).)

If that doesn't confuse you, you've a better brain than mine.

Now to the engines.

Since it's not an impound race, and since there's multiple practice sessions between "time trials" and race day, engine changes are permitted for practice. However, before an engine is removed it's tagged by NASCAR. This permits the teams to spend time in practice getting their "race setup" fine tuned without putting additional time on the race engine. Then, the night before (or even the morning of) race day the original engine is reinstalled in the car and during pre-race tech the tag/seal on the qualifying engine is verified. If good, the car keeps it's qualifying position. If not, to the rear .. for the qualifying races.

After the qualifying races, the teams are again permitted to change engines for practice. And, again, just before the race they put the "race/qualifying engine" back into the car and the same rules apply for the big race .. except for the front row.

That's it! Well, except for the machinations caused by the "who's guaranteed a starting spot and who has to race their way in" rules. I won't go into that as it's been covered before and is still a point of irritation to many.

I hope I've made a confusing situation a little clearer. I know it helped me to figure it out by sitting down an writing about it, so thanks for the question!

Oh yeah, one other little thing: NASCAR confiscates the Daytona 500 winning car and puts it on display. The winning team is not permitted to do anything, remove anything, add anything or even shine up the car. The way it reaches Winner's Circle is how they take it (and it'd better be legal ) I do think they'll allow a tire change for a flat, though .. just for ease of moving it around.

[Bassdogs]

Thanks!! I never understood that they could pull the race engine and use a spare for practice. Thought they had to use the race engine all thru the process. You've made me smarter. Is the same engine rule in play at the other tracks [non-impound] where they qualify on fri or sat and run on sat or sun?

[Racer Duck]

Originally Posted by Bassdogs

Thanks!! I never understood that they could pull the race engine and use a spare for practice. Thought they had to use the race engine all thru the process. You've made me smarter. Is the same engine rule in play at the other tracks [non-impound] where they qualify on fri or sat and run on sat or sun?

I think so, but, remember: this is NASCAR, so anything is possible...

[Bassdogs]

Another question for the experts.

I will be attending the March race at Bristol and have heard about some new changes to the rules about coolers and carry bags. Is anyone up to speed on what is allowed. I think the cooler size is pretty straight forward, but I was recently given a clear plastic bag that is "nascar" approved. Do the bags have to be clear or is that just to help avoid a search? How closely do they police things like this? I have a typical small backpack that would be convienent to carry in, but would be over the size limit if I tried to cram it full. If loosely packed it would easily fit under the seat. How about some advice from someone who has attended races recently. I haven't been to a race for 4 or 5 years so don't want to look like a rookie.

[Phils20]

Originally Posted by Bassdogs

Another question for the experts.

I will be attending the March race at Bristol and have heard about some new changes to the rules about coolers and carry bags. Is anyone up to speed on what is allowed. I think the cooler size is pretty straight forward, but I was recently given a clear plastic bag that is "nascar" approved. Do the bags have to be clear or is that just to help avoid a search? How closely do they police things like this? I have a typical small backpack that would be convienent to carry in, but would be over the size limit if I tried to cram it full. If loosely packed it would easily fit under the seat. How about some advice from someone who has attended races recently. I haven't been to a race for 4 or 5 years so don't want to look like a rookie.

Can' help ya much on new rules. I know I have taken my black pack pack to many tracks over the years, including Bristol for the fall race last year!

This link should be able to answer any and all questions!

Bristol Motor Speedway | Fan Guide

Bristol Motor Speedway | Fan Guide

[idahocpo]

My wife and I are heading to Vegas to watch our first Nascar Race. I have reserved a scanner with headphones for the race. Not sure if I should get a taxi to the race or take the bus. Also wondering what activities at the race track are worthwhile to check out. Looking for any advice for first timers that would make our trip a success.
Thansk in advance.

[Racer Duck]

Hi idahocpo, welcome to GoTeamsGo and the NASCAR Forums.

I wish I could help on the Las Vegas track info. I've been to Vegas several times, but never to the race track. But I'm sure we have a few members who've attended races and can give you some pointers. (Good move on renting the scanner .. it makes the racing so much more interesting!)

[NASCAR FAN]

I would like to know why we are only getting the fox feed for 6 months and then for the last 5 the tv feed is shared between abc/espn & tnt, its not fair because come july we won't have the expertise of messers waltrip, hammond, mcreynolds and joy.

[Team Yates]

Originally Posted by NASCAR FAN

I would like to know why we are only getting the fox feed for 6 months and then for the last 5 the tv feed is shared between abc/espn & tnt, its not fair because come july we won't have the expertise of messers waltrip, hammond, mcreynolds and joy.

This link should answer your question:
NASCAR.COM - Eight-year, multi-network*TV deal announced - Dec 7, 2005

[PenelopePitStop]

This has been buggin' me for close to a week!

From what I understand, the starting line-up for California was based on owner points from last year.

I thought they would line-up based on driver points earned this year ... just Daytona at this point.

Did I miss something?

[wingkey1]

Originally Posted by PenelopePitStop

This has been buggin' me for close to a week!

From what I understand, the starting line-up for California was based on owner points from last year.

I thought they would line-up based on driver points earned this year ... just Daytona at this point.

Did I miss something?

You are correct in your understanding. There is a string here that has the explanation of how starts are determined for the first 5 races of each year. Apparently this definition (of how line ups would be set in the first 5) has been around for a time, just apparently not previously needed.

Believe the infor was discovered on Jayski.com

You will see in the string referenced there has already been quite a lively and long discussion that was really set to rolling by the initial post that turned out to be inaccurate.

Found it. 'tis a long and winding road -

top 35 rain revision

[PenelopePitStop]

Thanks, Wing. The more I read, the more confused I got.

I guess these "first-five-races" rules are the cause for my confusion. I was involved in another thread regarding the "first-five" when Busch's owner points were transferred. Man, this stuff is complicated!








http://www.smileycentral.com/sig.jsp?pc=ZSzeb098&pp=ZN

[PenelopePitStop]

And by the way ...

Where's that post-race perspective thing that I enjoyed so much last year? Did I miss it? I always looked forward to reading them.

[bears9]

Originally Posted by PenelopePitStop

And by the way ...

Where's that post-race perspective thing that I enjoyed so much last year? Did I miss it? I always looked forward to reading them.

Racer Duck has had a few more important things on his plate as of late and hasn't had time to write them.