“5 and 5 Rules”

by M.L. Morgan

Well, race fans - we got our first chance to see how the aerodynamic rule changes affect the race cars at Rockingham this past weekend. I don’t think it was a fair test.

First of all, the track surface at Rockingham is so bad the main concern for all the teams was tire wear. Reminded me of that alleged race in Texas last season. So far, Nascar hasn’t approved all-terrain tires . Maybe they should consider it. I vote for the Sears steel-belted radial. They are guaranteed forever - surely they will last for 400 miles. That will cut down on the tire bill for some of the lower-budget teams.

Then there is the fact the cars just don’t run very fast at Rockingham. Aerodynamics are not a major factor. Drafting doesn’t play a part. Horsepower and driving ability separate the winners from the also-rans, as much as anything. I have no problem with that. That’s why it’s called racing.

There were some great comments after the race was over. Darrell Waltrip, whose race was over 353 laps before the rest of the drivers, bitched and moaned as only DW can, about the rule changes. Mr. “Past-champion provisional qualifier” has never been known to be caught without an excuse. Bless his heart. The new rule changes made his car loose. Spare me please !

Ricky Craven, Jeff Gordon’s teammate, cried almost as loudly. I was embarrassed for him. He’s not a rookie any more so he doesn’t get a yellow strip on his rear bumper, but he needs a strip of yellow tape over his mouth. What he doesn’t know about Winston Cup Racing fills volumes.

The strangest comment came from Dale Jarrett, my pick to win the Championship this season. He wondered out loud if Jeff Gordon is really that much better than the other teams. Maybe his statement was meant to be a rhetorical question. It’s not a rhetorical question - trust me.

The #24 team is head and shoulders above their competitors. They do their homework every week. They are willing to make changes during the race which other teams are not willing to risk. They win and the other teams grumble. I say, “let ‘em grumble”. And other things.

Next Sunday the Winston Cup cars will run at Las Vegas for the first time. I think this race will be a better test of the “5 and 5" rule. We’ll see who does their homework.

It’s not my intention in this site to say “I told you so”, but I’m not above it.

If I’m wrong, you can let me hold it.

Have comments or questions? E-mail: M.L. Morgan

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