NASCAR to begin policing bump drafting

DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. (AP) - NASCAR will begin policing
"bump-drafting'' during the qualifying races for the Daytona 500,
a change that probably will be met with apprehension from drivers
and teams.

Nextel Cup officials said Tuesday that spotters located in turns at
Daytona International Speedway will feed information to NASCAR,
which will then determine whether to penalize cars in Sunday's
season-opening race.

The decision came two days after defending series champion Tony
Stewart ripped the use of bump drafting - banging into another car
to gain momentum for a pass - in superspeedway racing and
warned that drivers could be hurt or killed if something is not
done.

NASCAR responded quickly, with vice president of competition
Robin Pemberton and Nextel Cup director John Darby outlining a
plan Tuesday to begin policing the bump drafting in Thursday's
two 150-mile qualifying races for Sunday's Daytona 500.

Pemberton said penalties for overzealous bumping could range
from driving through the pit lane at the pit road speed limit to
being parked for repeat offenses.

He said it will be up to the drivers to keep from getting into
trouble on track. "It's a serious matter,'' Pemberton said. "To
leave it in our hands when we're not out there, they may get a
call they didn't bargain for.''

http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2006/racing/wires/02/14/3010.ap.car.nascar.daytona.500.0253/

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"Alan Jones" <alan (AT) alanjones (DOT) us> wrote

Unbelievable. The stick those stupid plates on the cars and make it so you
can't pass without bumping, then they outlaw bumping. Duh.

Wow, Sundays race should be *real* exciting... <yawn>

"armpit" <udontneedit (AT) myemail (DOT) addy> wrote

The simpler solution would, of course, be to take away the strength from the
front bumper. Ideally, this should have been done before the beginning of
the season. It's not like this is a new problem.
racing, there is so much that is better, more accessible and cheaper, I am
amazed that folks still flock to the events. Then again football really
packs them in, too. About the only reason I catch the occasional NASCAR
event is because there are a few drivers that I like to keep track of.
Beyond that, I probably spend more time reading and going to USAC events
than anything else.

Carey in Manvel

armpit wrote:
Another rule that is a "judgement" call, what a bunch of BS. I hope
this is only for the 500 and they come up with something else before
Dega, like not allowing the teams to reinforce the bumpers. That's what
the drivers have been suggesting, so why not try it? Glad they at least
met with Tony Stewart and listened to him, it's something.

"Alan Jones" <alan (AT) alanjones (DOT) us> wrote

Well, so much for keeping their hands off the rules this year.

DEIfan

Carey Akin wrote:

Well, there you go with that common sense crap again Carey, see where
that'll get you! I actually only find myself watching nascar during my
off season and the occasional Sunday that not racing or working on the
car. Although, I am heading down for the 500 this year and looking
forward to it (probably more for the Florida weather as opposed to MN.
winters).

Any luck finding a new team to work with?
I just got off the phone with the machine shop, waiting to get a few
more parts back before I put my motor together for this year. Our opener
is now about 6 weeks away and I'm falling behind, like usual.
Good luck on the upcoming season. This'll be my first full year with the
new modified and I'm getting pretty excited to get back in the seat again.

"Carey Akin" <cmakin (AT) att (DOT) net> wrote

This idea has a lot of support from the talking heads, no doubt. I can
remember the time when drivers didn't want a single dimple on their cars at
aero/SS/plate races. Now, the cars damn near look like short track cars when
they're done with a race at Daytona or Dega. Doughnuts on the side, pushed
in rear bumper covers, dinged front fascias EVEN WITH all the extra support
being added to them. It's crazy, though expected. Long gone are the days
when cars were on different footing. They're so equal now, pushing their way
forward is the only way they can move.

If they don't fix it, somehow (beyond some subjective rule), then I say go
back to the roof blades, taller spoilers, and wicker bills. The NBS seems to
get by ok with that package. And drivers and commentators alike seem to
think it was a good package now that we're where we are today.

"Alan Jones" <alan (AT) alanjones (DOT) us> wrote


That will certainly make it easier to fix the race for Junior

Care to explain your logic?

So no bump drafting huh? Let's see how this is gonna play out. You're
going around at Daytona with your foot to the floor. Your closest
competitor is right on your back bumper. You wonder just how you can help
with his finishing status? Simple!! LIFT. Next thing you know this guy on
your rear bumper is now bump drafting you. Now he get's a penalty and
you're gonna be points ahead. How will the NASCAR spotters tell the
difference with all the cars so close?