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| | Wednesday, August 30 Weber opens up his mailbag | |||||
| ESPN.com If there is one thing ESPN auto racing analyst Bill Weber loves more than being down in the pits for a NASCAR race, it's giving the fans the inside scoop. So he's opened up his e-mail to you, the fans, this season. The Winston Cup season is in full swing and Weber is following the circuit -- this week he's in at Thunder Mountain for the goracing.com 500. But before he makes his way to the Bristol Motor Speedway pits, Weber took the time to answer a few of your questions. "Why, when it's been almost a full year, do people still talk and ask Dale Earnhardt and Terry Labonte about the 1999 night Bristol race? It's over. I have never before seen or heard such a fuss made over ANY other driver when something like this has happened. Dale wasn't the first and he certainly won't be the last that this has happened with. I just again watched this on TV on RPM2Night on Sunday." Donna Forsythe,Cottage Grove Wis. You haven't seen anything yet! It's the same reason people love to see a Super Bowl rematch during the regular season, or a classic baseball matchup, or Tiger Woods playing great golf on a particular course. Fans love the rematch of two great teams, or in this case, great drivers. The incident may have happened one year ago, but it certainly isn't over. If you think it is, be sure to listen closely to driver introductions Saturday night. "Why hasn't NASCAR come out formally against Tony Stewart and his wrecking of Jeff Gordon at Watkins Glen? To have a three-time champion and winner of six straight road course races eliminated on the second lap with a cheap shot surely can't be good for the sport. I understand that wrecks are a part of racing but this was clearly behavior detrimental to the sport." John Clarke, Laguna Niguel, Calif. Sometimes these issues are handled better "informally." NASCAR handles each incident on an individual basis. What happened on-the-track at Watkins Glen should not be influence by what happened off-the-track. Tony did say in a post-race interview he felt he had no where else to go in that situation. That being the case, it's a racing "incident." But be assured, Big Brother is watching. "What is Rusty Wallace's real first name?" Mike Iaizzo, Grand Rapids, Min. Rusty is really Russell William Wallace, Jr. "Why has Dale Earnhardt slipped and what do you believe he has to do to win another championship?" William V. Day, Gibsonia, Pa. I'm giving Earnhardt your address and you can personally ask him why he has slipped. He's had some lousy luck the last couple of weeks, but he is third in points, 237 out of the lead. I still consider him a threat for the title and I believe the next two races will help determine if he can make a run at the eighth championship. "Bill, just wondering, but why are there two races called the Pepsi 400 during the Winston Cup Season? One at Daytona in early July, the other in mid-August at Michigan. Wouldn't it make more sense for NASCAR to seek a different sponsor for one of these races?" Richard Martin, Daytona Beach, Fla. The tracks line up sponsorship. A sponsor will pick an event or events that they believe will get them the most exposure. On the PGA tour I believe there are four events sponsored by Buick. "I was wondering if there was an official "NASCAR Rule Book" like there is for other sports that you could buy somewhere or print out?" Jeff Morehouse, San Diego, Calif. Yes there is one but it is not for sale. No, I don't know why. "Bill, are you or any of your esteemed colleagues ready to admit that Bobby Labonte HAS found the consistency needed to win the championship? He's led the points for all but one of the last 20 race weeks, and still all anyone talks about are the Dales. Funny how they've gotten close, but can't quite close the deal. For several years, I've called Labonte the 'Rodney Dangerfield of Racing.' First he's overshadowed by his brother, then by his flammable teammate. It's long past time Bobby gets the respect he deserves." Leisha Cowart, Gainesville, Ga. I have been waiting for this question. I think the 18 camp HAS shown solid consistency this season. But, until they win the title, there will always be that question: Can they get it done? Joe Gibbs Racing has all the people and parts in place to challenge for the Winston Cup, but to win it, they will have to beat two guys that have already done it ... two guys named Dale and Dale. "I was glad to see Robby Gordon finish well in fourth at the Glen. How many more WC races will he enter in 2000, and what are his plans next year?" P.K., Anchorage, Alaska Robby will run a limited schedule the rest of the season, not all the race dates have been announced. His plans for 2001 are unclear. He could continue his current operation or seek a ride with an established team. "How long will Mike Skinner stay with RCR having not won a race? And do think Richard Childress is happy with Mike's performances since he has been in Winston Cup? Benjamin Vance, Gurdon, Ark. Mike Skinner is staying, and Childress is committed to him. I don't think Richard is unhappy with Mike. I think the organization is frustrated with the fact that they haven't been able to win. Still, he is 12th in points. And his teammate, one of those guys named Dale, has just one win this season. "Why due they split the cars up into two groups, before the start of the race." Ron Oliver, Holladay, Utah It is easier to control the speed in smaller packs. The two pace cars are running the pit road speed so drivers can get a reading on their tach. "I am curious about Ray Evernham's new Dodge team. I know Bill Elliott is going to drive the No. 9 car, but have they announced who his main sponsor is going to be? Also, I see that Dodge has been promoting a No. 19 car and was wondering if that will be the second team car and who will be driving it?" Steve Alfoldy, Hillsboro, Ohio Casey Atwood will driver the second car for Ray. Casey will attempt to qualify for a handful of Winston Cup races this year beginning at Richmond. He will be driving a Ford this year and the Dodger in 2001. | ALSO SEE Weber's mailbag: Aug. 17 Weber's mailbag: Aug. 10 Weber's mailbag: July 19 Weber's mailbag: June 21 Weber's mailbag: June 7 Weber's mailbag: June 1 Weber's mailbag: May 3 Weber's mailbag: April 27 Weber's mailbag: April 12 Weber's mailbag: April 6 Weber's mailbag: March 29 Weber's mailbag: March 22 Weber's mailbag: March 15 Weber's mailbag: March 8 Weber's mailbag: March 1 Ask Bill Weber | |||||