Saturday, January 12, 2013

How bad do NASCAR drivers want to win the Daytona 500?

   NASCAR Vice President of Competition Robin Pemberton offered up an entertaining answer on Saturday when asked if teams might still employ "bump drafting" in the final lap of the Daytona 500 in an attempt to win.

   “When it comes down to the trophy, the check and the trophy queen, all bets are off,” he said.

   “I expect them to run hard at the end (of the race) and make sure they are around for the end of the race and make sure they are positioned where they can get (to the checkered flag). There is no telling what you’ll see.”

   That may end up ranking up there with "Boys, have at it" as one of NASCAR's most quotable statements. 

New windshield improves safety in Cup cars


   One of the less-publicized changes to the 2013 model cars is the adaption of a new windshield.

   The windshields continue to be made of Lexan – a transparent plastic of high impact strength – but it will be slightly thicker overall since it consists of two thinner pieces laminated together.  

   “I liked to see the windshield. I am really happy about that. That has always been a concern of mine, something coming through the front of the car,” said driver Greg Biffle.

   “It’s similar to a passenger car windshield that has the protective stuff in the middle of it. Typically when you layer something it becomes stronger than a single piece anyway.”