NASCAR Moves To Double-File Restarts

NASCAR has announced that starting at this weekend’s race at Pocono Raceway, the first- and second-place cars will line up side by side for restarts.

Brian France said:

We’ve heard the fans loud and clear: ‘double-file restarts — shootout style’ are coming to the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series. This addition to the race format is good for competition and good for the fans.

Tony Stewart and Kevin Harvick praised the decision, saying that it allows lead-lap cars and lap-down cars to race with each other, instead of having to race with competitors on different laps.

The new restart process allows the leader to pick whether they would like the inside or outside restart position.

The free pass will still remain, but going forward, the free pass will occur through the entire race. Previously, there was no free pass inside of 10 laps to go.

Also, lapped cars who chose to stay out will be allowed to pass the pace car and go to the tail of the field in their respective positions to allow the leaders a clean track in front of them on the restart.

Prelude to the Dream Postponed

The Prelude to the Dream has been postponed until Sept. 9 due to persistent rain at Eldora Speedway.

Those who have already purchased the event on pay-per-view will received refunds. Those who bought tickets can apply the face value of the ticket to the price of another ticket to any Eldora event.

No decision about the broadcast of the Sept. 9 event has been made at this time.

Lead Lap Redesign Almost Complete

The Lead Lap redesign is almost complete. We hope to have the site completely rolled out by July 1.

Here’s a snapshot of the site so far: (keep in mind things are still changing):

 

As a part of the redesign, The Lead Lap will also be on Twitter. Follow us here.

Hendrick Speaks About GM Bankruptcy

With General Motors filing for bankruptcy yesterday, Hendrick Motorsports owner, and chairman of Hendrick Automotive Group Rick Hendrick said:

I have an unwavering faith in the company’s leadership team and our government’s commitment to support this reorganization. After all of the efforts of the past several months, it’s unfortunate that bankruptcy has become the only option, but we at Hendrick Automotive Group and Hendrick Motorsports are certain that GM will emerge from this stronger and better equipped to compete than ever before.

He added that service will not be affected at his 27 GM franchises. This includes warranties and parts, he said.

In conclusion, he said:

It has been a great privilege to be a small part of GM’s rich history, and we are looking forward to an even brighter future together.

Johnson Wins Autism Speaks 400

Jimmie Johnson overcame a slow final pit stop, and charged through the field, passing Greg Biffle and Tony Stewart to win the Autism Speaks 400 from Dover International Speedway.

Top 5: Johnson, Stewart, Biffle, Matt Kenseth, and Kurt Busch.

Kasey Kahne, Carl Edwards, Ryan Newman, Casey Mears, and Mark Martin rounded out the top 10.

Notables: Clint Bowyer (11th), Dale Earnhardt Jr. (12th), Jeff Burton (16th), Kevin Harvick (17th), David Reutimann (18th), Kyle Busch (23rd), Jeff Gordon (26th), and Denny Hamlin (36th).

Give a call to Dale Earnhardt Jr, who finished 12th. After Brad Keselowski failed to make the race, Lance McGrew was freed up to serve as Dale Earnhardt Jr’s crew chief. Jr ran in the top 10 for most of the day, and might have finished in the top 5, had the crew overadjusted the car in the closing laps. All in all, all involved were pleased with the performance.

Keselowski Wins Helluva Good 200

Brad Keselowski won the Nationwide Series’ Helluva Good 200 from Dover International Speedway after taking the lead with two laps to go when Joey Logano ran into the back of Kyle Busch on the final restart.

Top 5: Keselowski, Joey Logano, Clint Bowyer, Brian Vickers, and Carl Edwards.

Paul Menard, Scott Speed, Jason Leffler, Jason Keller, and Justin Allgaier rounded out the top 10.

Notables: Kevin Harvick (13th), Kyle Busch (17th), Scott Wimmer (18th), Greg Biffle (25th), Steve Wallace (29th), David Ragan (30th), Ryan Newman (32nd), and Kenny Wallace (33rd).

Scott Wins AAA Insurance 200

Brian Scott chose to stay out with 10 laps to go while the leaders pitted, and he held off Dennis Setzer to win the Camping World Series’ AAA Insurance 200 from Dover International Speedway. The win was his first career victory.

Top 5: Scott, Setzer, David Starr, Jason White, and Johnny Sauter.

Matt Crafton, Chad McCumbee, Mike Skinner, Kyle Busch, and Terry Cook rounded out the top 10.

Notables: Stacey Compton (13th), Max Papis (16th), Todd Bodine (18th), Rick Crawford (19th), Johnny Benson (20th), Scott Wimmer (21st), Colin Braun (22nd), and Ron Hornaday (26th).