In the Pits- KSR

Drivers Need to Adjust to Changes

NASCAR is always fine-tuning the rules and regulations that govern the sport in order to maintain a level playing field for all of the competitors, ensure the safety of the drivers and enhance the race-day experience for the spectators. For the 2005 season, NASCAR implemented several policy changes that, while perhaps not as newsworthy as the championship points restructuring introduced last year, have nonetheless played a significant role in the handful of races held so far this year.

NASCAR, for example, has always had rules restricting how fast a car could travel on pit road. Starting in 2005, they appear to be enforcing it with renewed vigor, a change the drivers will need to adjust to or face the consequences.

“A lot is being made over NASCAR’s enforcement of speeding on pit road,” says Ken Schrader, driver of the No. 49 Schwan’s Home Service Dodge for BAM Racing. “Back in Daytona, we were caught for speeding, and it was only the second time I had ever been caught for speeding on pit road ever! It’s kind of hard to get mad because they’re clocking it electronically, but it was extremely frustrating. A lot of guys have been getting caught, so it’s something everyone is going to have to adjust to.

“The way I see it, you’re just going to have to slow down and make sure you don’t speed. Yeah, you might feel like you’re losing a little time getting in and out of the pits, but it’s better than having to come back in for a ‘pass-through’ penalty and drop off the lead lap. Some of the guys are trying to figure out where the timing traps are on pit road so that they can gain a little advantage, but as one of my co-panelists (on “Inside Nextel Cup”) will tell you, that didn’t work either.”

After finishing a strong 14th at Fontana the week after Daytona, Schrader and the BAM team had high hopes going into Las Vegas. Alas, a series of unfortunate circumstances de-railed their effort in Vegas and Atlanta. Despite the setbacks, Schrader remains positive as the season starts to heat up.

“Fontana was a big morale booster for this Schwan’s Home Service team,” Schra-der says. “You want to go out and get the results you know you’re capable of. We were good at Fontana, probably a little bit better than where we finished, but we proved that we’re capable of running that way. Now we have to go out and build on that momentum. It’s not easy; nothing ever is in Nextel Cup. But, we feel good about what we’ve got going here, and we all know what confidence can do for an organization.”