NASCAR Bill of Rights, Dale Jr. and other tidbits

Here's a Monday morning collection of items.

# Various reports indicate that Bobby Labonte could be in the No. 8 car at Earnhardt Ganassi Racing. Such a move would push Aric Almirola out of the car and into a ride that doesn't a sponsor. Almirola admits he's concerned a bit about this status for 2009.

# In the What-did-you-do-in-the-offseason category, here's a take from Dale Jr. and Carl Edwards.

Dale Jr. on his offseason:

DALE JR: "I took my family on a trip, which was good.  First time me, Kerry (brother) and Kelly (sister) and my sister Taylor have ever been anywhere together as a group, so that was pretty exciting for us.  I guess we all had to grow up a little bit and get a little older to appreciate being around each other.  

"I've just been kind of keeping it close to home.  We got the Whiskey River Bar down in Charlotte.  Been going down there and hanging out, keeping close to JR Motorsports, trying to get some more sponsorship into the No. 5 program (NASCAR Nationwide Series) to get that car running more races, staying in contact with Tony, Jr. (Eury, NASCAR Sprint Cup Series crew chief at Hendrick Motorsports), with what's going on with the No. 88 (AMP Energy/National Guard Impala SS) team.  Took my uncles Robert and Jimmy Gee and Tony, Jr., to Missouri, went deer hunting the week of Christmas.  That was fun.  

As for Edwards, he went to Thailand. You can see a video of that trip here.

# In case you missed it last, officials stated that Reed Sorenson will drive the No. 43 this season for the merged team between Gillett Evernham, Richard Petty and Petty Holdings.

# I'm looking at doing a future story about fans for next month, and I'm going to create a NASCAR Fan Bill of Rights. I asked for responses last week and got some good things. Still want to hear what others say. What are the expectations you the fan have for NASCAR, the tracks, TV networks and such that is not unreasonable and would make your NASCAR experience more enjoyable?

It could be anything from better bathroom facilities to a mandatory autograph sessions for fans each weekend at the track to doing away with some sort of rule. Remember, keep it reasonable. Tracks aren't going to give away free tickets, and TV networks aren't going to stop airing commericials.

Among the suggestions I've heard so far is making traffic flow is improved so parking lots can be empty about two hours or so after a race ... a network that broadcasts a race doesn't switch channels if it goes long ... better ticket pricing ... more night races ... etc.

What would you suggset? Send your ideas to me at dustin.long@news-record.com. Thanks. I'll collect them and put together a Bill of Rights for you the fan.

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