All Jacked Up

Rain, rain go away

Posted by: Jason Randall

Saturday, March 15, 2008 2:14 AM

For the second time in the first five races of the season, qualifying was rained out Friday for Sunday's Sprint Cup Food City 500 at my favorite track, Bristol Motor Speedway.

I actually was offered a ticket to this weekend's race to go as a fan, not for work, but I wasn't able to find enough available vacation days to go. Knowing that there's a possibility the race could be finished on Monday makes things a little easier, but I'm still pretty bummed I'm not in Thunder Valley right now.

I will say that I'm glad this is the final race in which last season's owners points will determine the starting lineup in the event of a washout like they had Friday. After Sunday, this season's points are all that matter.

So, not much going on yet at Bristol, but I did read a report about a test earlier this week at Darlington. Jeff Gordon and a few other guys were trying out the new surface and were reaching speeds that raised some eyebrows.

The new surface at Darlington is said to be smooth and have some pretty darn good grip. Let's face it, it was time for The Lady in Black to get some work done, and apparently she's looking like she found the Fountain of Youth.

Drivers were going as much as 18 miles per hour faster than what the top speeds during a tire test at the track were last year. At the end of the backstretch, it was reported that guys were hitting 200 mph!

The lone Sprint Cup race at Darlington this season is May 10, and I can't wait! It could be one of the most exciting events of the year. Can you imagine what it's going to be like when 43 guys are hitting 200 heading into Turn 3? That's going to be absolute chaos. We can only hope David Gilliland and Mike Skinner don't qualify for the race, otherwise the whole field will be wrecked! Wait, they'll be at the back anyway.

In all seriousness, that should be a good one and so should Sunday's race at Bristol ... if Mother Nature cooperates. Check back Monday for my thoughts on the Food City 500, and in honor of Dale Jarrett running the last points race of his career, I'll tell a story about when I participated in The Dale Jarrett Racing Experience (or whatever it was called). Needless to say, it definitely was an experience.

Until next time, keep hittin' your marks!

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