News for April 14th 2010

Talladega Superspeedway makes traffic improvements for race weekend

Officials at the Talladega Superspeedway have announced several procedural changes that they expect should help with traffic coming and going from the track.

The changes, by day, are:

Saturday
•    North parking lots 2N & 3N (located directly across from the main entrance to Talladega Superspeedway) will remain closed on Saturday only.  Race fans should make plans to park in lots nearest the track, lots 1E – 4E and 1W – 9W.  
•    West parking lots 10W & 11W (located off New Jackson Trace) will remain closed on Saturday only.  If entering the facility from New Jackson Trace, lot 9W will be open for race fans.
•    Allison Grandstand customers will now have a new “express lane” that leads them to Speedway Blvd without having to wait on cross-traffic exiting the Gate V9 Infield Crossover.

Sunday
•    North Park Free Camping lots will be held for two hours while traffic exits the Free Day Parking lots.
•    Reserved Family Camping lots will be held for two hours while traffic exits the Free Day Parking lots.
•    Allison Grandstand customers will again be able to use the new “express lane” that leads them to Speedway Blvd without having to wait on cross-traffic exiting the Gate V9 Infield Crossover.

Talladega officials also would like to remind race fans that the Superspeedway has enough free parking within walking distance of the track and a free tram is available to shuttle people to and from the race

Edited: April 14th, 2010

Mike Bliss and Tommy Baldwin Racing have parted ways

Bliss will replace Aric Almirola at Phoenix Racing.

Johnny Sauter will pilot the No. 36 Wave Energy Drink Chevrolet this weekend at Texas and next week at Talladega Superspeedway.

“Johnny’s been with us all year long helping us out,” Baldwin said. “It was short notice but he agreed to step up at Texas and Talladega.”

Bliss ran five of the first seven races for Baldwin. He failed to qualify at Bristol and last week at Phoenix. TBR is currently 38th in owner points.

Sauter piloted the No. 35 entry for TBR at Phoenix and finished 41st. It was his first Cup start of the season.

Edited: April 14th, 2010

Gordon Hits The Rim At Phoenix

There’s a recurring thought that keeps reminding me of a basketball game in the middle of Sprint Cup races. And it’s not a Denny Hamlin story. And there are no knee injuries.

There are championships involved and it’s one opponent versus another, more like drag racing than NASCAR. I keep getting the impression that in the comparison between teammates Jimmie Johnson and Jeff Gordon that the story looks a lot like the Duke versus Butler game for the NCAA championship.

Johnson is a dominant player who has lots of offensive firepower. Gordon races more like he’s on a defensive strategy. Keep it close, then try to win at the end.

I bring this up because it’s a situation that appears to be changing. The older, veteran driver is beginning to look more like his younger teammate – the one who has won four straight championships out of the same Hendrick Motorsports shop. Gordon is beginning to look and act more like a driver with flames on the side of his car. (more…)

Edited: April 14th, 2010