No timetable, but fuel injection is on the table

BRISTOL, TENN.

NASCAR officials talked to teams this month about the possibility of using fuel injection instead of carburetors in the future, a sign many in the garage like.

"Bring it on," said Mike Ford, crew chief for Denny Hamlin. "I don't think there's a car on the planet sold with a carburetor anymore. Anytime you can advance, I think it's positive."

Just when the change could happen is uncertain. Robin Pemberton, NASCAR vice president of competition, said there's no timetable for it.

NASCAR is looking at this now, Pemberton said, because with Ford's new engines, all of the engines will be similar, and that will make it "easier to regulate from a performance standpoint."

Pemberton also said NASCAR is putting together a group to examine the issue, similar to what they did with the new car and new engine pieces.

An important aspect of having fuel injection is that it will have to be, as Pemberton says, "tamper-proof." NASCAR officials have shied away from such technology previously, in part for fear that teams could somehow tap into it for traction control.

Pemberton said no decision has been made on where to introduce fuel injection, whether with Cup or in the Camping World Truck or Nationwide series.

Jeff Andrews, director of engine operations at Hendrick Motorsports, said the switch will take time to examine.

"It's going to be a lot of work," he said. "Defining the system is kind of the next step. Fuel injection is a pretty broad term.

"We've got to be very careful that whatever is added and whatever the system is, it has to be durable. Most importantly, it can't affect the show we put on for the fans."

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Hendrick says Keselowski won't ever stray too far

Reports that Brad Keselowski will drive the No. 12 car at Penske Racing next year would mean he's leaving JR Motorsports, his Nationwide ride, and Hendrick Motorsports, which has a contract with him.

But car owner Rick Hendrick suggests it might not be for long.

"I'm not saying he's going to be with us next year, and I'm not saying he won't be," Hendrick said before Saturday's race at Bristol Motor Speedway. "But wherever he goes, he'll always be close enough for me to get him and bring him back. Make sure all the other car owners know I said that. He's a heck of a talent. He'll never be far enough away that I can't find him and bring him back."

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Bristol Speedway to welcome back old-timers

Bristol Motor Speedway will bring back the old-timers race in conjunction with its spring Cup/Nationwide weekend. Cale Yarborough and Harry Gant are among those who say they'll race in the event again.

There will be some changes to the race, though. To be eligible a driver cannot have competed in a Sprint Cup or a Nationwide race in the past seven years. Thus, last year's winner, Sterling Marlin, and runner-up, Rusty Wallace, will not be eligible. Also, drivers will not be allowed to bring their own cars but will use cars from USARacing Pro Cup teams. And there will be no celebrity race next year.

Twelve drivers are scheduled to compete. Also set to race are Jack Ingram, L.D. Ottinger, Phil Parsons and Larry Pearson.

Each driver will compete for a charity of his choice, with each charity guaranteed $3,500.

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Drivers' theme songs have Aussie flavor

In a twist, drivers introduced themselves before Saturday's race and came into the track to music they picked.

Dale Earnhardt Jr. came in to AC/DC's "Thunderstruck" and told fans "Let's raise some hell."

Jimmie Johnson entered to the same song - and a chorus of boos from the fans. He said, "I know you love me."

Marcos Ambrose, who is from Tasmania, had the song "Land Down Under" play when he entered and told fans, "I hope I finish."

Elliott Sadler entered to "2001: A Space Odyssey" and did his best Ric Flair: "Wooooo!"