2010 Shootout

[scott b]

Who will be representing for Dodge when teams go back to Daytona?

2009 field: Kasey Kahne, David Stremme, Kurt Busch, Reed Sorenson, Elliot Sadler, Robby Gordon, AJ Almendinger

2010 field, using points as of this week: Kurt Busch (repeat), Brad Kesolowski, Sam Hornish Jr, 09 Sterling Marlin?, 37 Tony Raines, 51 Travis Bean?, 75 Derrick Cope.

I listed a couple of drivers as questionable, since those teams used multiple drivers.  Also, the 09 has run both Chevy and Dodge in 2009, but would make the cut even if you only counted the Dodge starts.

Anyone have a feeling some rules will be rewritten before then? 

[Chris]

Basically I see only 3 drivers.  Busch, Keselowski, and Hornish (as full time teams)

I'm not sure any rules will be re-written... I think it'll matter more on if Dodge is willing to keep supporting NASCAR and investing money.
If so... NASCAR could do "something"... though not sure what.
LL the cars have to use the same templates, so any changes there are out.  We all know the only differences are the motors, and the spec for ALL the cars fall within certain peramaters... so yes it's possible NASCAR could give Dodge a little lee-way in the motor area... but I doubt if it'll be enough to do much.
Finally... It's highly likely Penskee will go back to being a "struggling" team next season.
Ford, Chevy, and Toyota all have numeous owners they can transfer info and technology with.  Penskee will be out on an island by themselves.  It kinda becaomes the same theory as a single car team, vs multi-car teams....
If I were Penske I'd give serious consideration to dropping Dodge also.

[scott b]

I didn't word that very well, I was only referring to rules changes regarding the qualifying for the "Shootout" event which was being hyped as a manufacturers' showdown with the current format.  Under the current rules, some big names (including Jr in the #88) would be watching from the sidelines while some low-budget teams made the field just because there are so few Dodge entries.  It's hard to imagine the promoters letting that slide.  Sure, it's only an exhibition, but it's a TELEVISED exhibition, and ratings are ratings.   

I do agree 100% with your assesment of the Dodge situation over the full season, though.  In the pre-COT era this would be handle with a little tweak to the front valance or something along those lines, but that isn't available anymore as an equalizer.

[Busch Babe 899]

I think it'll be moot after next season...at this rate, Dodge will be gone.

[Tyyrus]

They definitely have to revamp this event ! Last year was BORING !!

[Chris]

oh... my bad..
Yeah I see whyat you are getting at...
Good point also.
I know NASCAR will just HATE it if they can't find a way to get JR in the field...
Then again,.... when you have a 'mediocre" driver,... you CAN'T just keep changing the rules, when he can't get HIMSELF in.

I'm sure Jr has at least AS good equipment as his Hendrick teammates.. combined they have 8 wins (out of 26 races)  Thats 30% of the races run...
Has Jr even been CLOSE to a win... or even run competative very often??

[south jersey girl]

Has Jr even been CLOSE to a win... or even run competative very often??

wasn't he 2nd at 'dega?

[Tonyfan14]

If NASCAR found a way to get Tony Stewart in the field they will find a way to get Jr in. Fan vote here we come.

[Tyyrus]

TF14 don't even think it lol ! It was bad enough with Elloit Sadlers Exploits !

[scott b]

If NASCAR found a way to get Tony Stewart in the field they will find a way to get Jr in. Fan vote here we come.

Yeah, I was thinking fan vote as a possibility.  Jr's currently the 10th best Chevy driver, the best finish a reasonable person could expect would be 8th best Chevy team at the end of the season.  Fan vote would seem more likely than expanding the field any other way, so they could let in just ONE more driver.

Also, if I'm looking at this correctly, the wild card rule created to get Smoke in last year may leave the door open for Bobby Labonte to claim the 7th Chevy spot as a past champion should one of the scenarios play out that land him back with GM.

Or, they could have a race for pole winners from the previous year... oops, did I say that out loud?   

[S.D. Grady]

If NASCAR found a way to get Tony Stewart in the field they will find a way to get Jr in. Fan vote here we come.

NO FAN VOTE! nonononono      (knows NASCAR will do it anyway)