NASCAR's change could alter balance of power

A couple of key moves were made Tuesday. Here's what they mean.

 

1. NASCAR announced that it will add a test at Lowe's Motor Speedway May 5-6 for Cup teams. The decision comes after Texas officials pleaded for a test session after the problems with tires at Atlanta. NASCAR balked and the Texas race was called boring by many. So, now Charlotte gets a test before it hosts the next two races on an intermediate track.

 

So, why do this? Better competition. And more.

 

Think TV. Coincidence or not but the Texas TV ratings were lower than last year's race. That's something NASCAR hadn't seen up to that point. It can be read as a sign that fans didn't like what they saw at Texas. If fans see more of it at Charlotte, NASCAR's TV ratings could dip there. TV is important.

 

The all-star race is broadcast by Speed Channel _ it's only Cup broadcast. That race typically is interesting with its special rules but a follow-the-leader race will turn people away and that could hurt the following week for the 600. Remember the 600 is on the same day as the Indianapolis 500, which likely will get extra attention this year because of the reunification of the IRL and Champ Car series. If Danica Patrick has any kind of success leading up to that race, the interest will grow. So, to prevent a ratings dip against Indy, NASCAR needs good races at Charlotte. Remember, while you might see NASCAR as a sport many in the industry see it as an entertainment business. Boring races don't sell.

 

Of course, there's consquences to this move. Roush Fenway Racing's reign could be ending a bit sooner than anticipated. Carl Edwards has won three races at intermediate tracks _ California, Las Vegas and Texas. Teammate Greg Biffle has two top-fives at the intermediate tracks. Teammate Matt Kenseth has three top-10s. David Ragan also has a top-10.

 

This could be critical because if you look at the points, the top eight drivers belong to either Richard Childress Racing, Hendrick Motorsports and Joe Gibbs Racing. Roush drivers are nine (Edwards), 10 (Biffle), 15 (Kenseth), 18 (Ragan) and 26th (McMurray) in the points. Take away the advantage they seem to have (especially Edwards) and it makes it more difficult to make the Chase. The more teams get to the test the better the chance they'll find what Roush has found and be stronger.

 

Of course for those who haven't done as well on the intermediate tracks, they love NASCAR's decision. It will be interesting to see what kind of races those are. The expectations will be higher for better races. Should those races not be as entertaining to the fans, the pressure will grow for NASCAR to make some changes to the car.

 

"As I've stated before, NASCAR and these teams have done an excellent job on the safety of the new car," Humpy Wheeler, president of Lowe's Motor Speedway, said in statement issued by the track. "But, they need some help getting the cars to perform to where they can produce more side-by-side racing, which is really what it's all about. Something needs to be done now and I applaud NASCAR for letting the teams test before they race here in May."

 

2. The other change Tuesday was that Chip Ganassi Racing announced crew chiefs Donnie Wingo and Jimmy Elledge will flip roles. Wingo goes from working with Juan Pablo Montoya to working with Reed Sorenson. Elledge goes from Sorenson to Montoya's crew chief.

 

The move seems curious. Ganassi ripped his teams a couple of weeks ago and said the communication between the teams wasn't as strong and was upset that rookie Dario Franchitti was one of three drivers not to make the Texas race.  This move does not address the Franchitti situation. If communication is an issue, the same people are in the same position just with a different team.

 

Monotya was 16th at Phoenix, his seventh consecutive top-20 finish, putting him 17th in the points. If nothing else, Ganassi _ who last year all but stated it was chase or bust for Montoya this year _ is anxious about seeing Montoya slip further away from the top 12 in points and a spot in the Chase.

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