Mike's NASCAR Notebook 97-06-27

Mike's NASCAR Notebook (6/27/97) mike@nascarfans.com

NASCAR Taurus Update

A prototype Winston Cup 4-door Taurus has been built by Penske South, and may be unveiled by Ford during the Brickyard 400 that runs on Aug. 2. Ford isn't talking. Reports said lots of changes will pretty much ensure that the racing Taurus may not look like the production car. Mike Helton, NASCAR's vice president for competition, said the Taurus would have to fit the existing Winston Cup chassis and roll cage. Other reports also state that Roush Racing is working with the Penske team to co-develop the Winston Cup Taurus.

Tim Brewer in Consideration

Tim Brewer, who recently left the Morgan-McClure team that Sterling Marlin drives for, is being mentioned among the candidates to manage the new team being formed by Joe Washington and Julius Erving. The new owners have stated that they will be starting their team from scratch, and will not be purchasing Geoff Bodine's financially-struggling team.

Who Won the First Race at California?

No, not Jeff Gordon! It was Kenny Schrader, who beat fellow Winston Cup drivers Mike Wallace and David Green in the NASCAR Winston West race on June 21, the day before the California 500. Mark Martin also drove to victory the same day in the IROC race. His win pretty much locks up the 1997 IROC title for Mark.

Chevy C/K Sweep in Truck Race

Ron Hornaday won the Bristol NASCAR Craftsman Truck race from the pole. He led a Chevy C/K podium sweep, with Rich Bickle second, and Jay Sauter third.

Flyin' at Charlotte

In recent testing by the IRL cars at Charlotte Motor Speedway, Tony Stewart was the fastest driver at 214.548 mph. His lap was narly 30 mph faster than Ward Burton's track record in a Winston Cup car.

Sabates Speaks Out (Again)

Addressing reports that Robert Yates may want to swap Ernie Irvan for Felix Sabates' driver Wally Dallenbach, Sabates said, "I wouldn't swap Saddam Hussein for Ernie Irvan."

Quotes from California

Kyle Petty: "(The track) is light years ahead of anywhere else we go." Bill Davis: "This is the way all racetracks should be." Mark Martin: "We just didn't get the mileage we needed." Mark ran dry on the white flag lap. Jeff Gordon: "It was dry on the cool-down lap. I couldn't drive it all the way to victory lane." Gordon ran out of gas on the cool down lap after the checkered flag. Dale Jarrett: "You know it's a tradeoff between horsepower and fuel. We've got the horsepower. Today, it would have paid off to have the fuel." Speaking of limited garage bathroom facilities, Ricky Rudd said, "They've got a four-holer and they could use a six- or eight-holer."

July Birthdays (7/1 - 7/5)

Happy Birthday to Richard Petty (2nd), Jimmy Horton (3rd), Bob Labonte (5th, Terry/Bobby's Dad).

New Sponsor

Henderson and Wood Chevrolet/Chrysler dealership in Elkin, NC, has joined LJ Racing and Mike Wallace as an associate sponsor.

Good Ride

The Ford Bill Elliott drove at California was the same one he used at Charlotte, Pocono, and Michigan. Out of those three races, Elliott finished in the top 5 twice - Charlotte and Michigan.

Kyle Petty Quote on New Team

"Our two-car team has worked out awfully well for me. My honest opinion is that it's awfully one-sided. I mooch more off them than they are able to off me." Petty was speaking of his pe2 team, and their relationship with Petty Enterprises, the team his dad Richard owns.

Did-ya-know?

Ernie Irvan has won $1 million or more in four of last six years.

HAVE A GREAT VACATION, VON!

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