Saturday, July 22, 2006
Introductions: Juan Pablo Montoya spent several days this week with his new employers as Chip Ganassi Racing prepares the Formula One driver for his transition to NASCAR. Despite the cultural differences and Montoya's limited knowledge of stock cars, crew chief Donnie Wingo quickly learned that racing is a universal language. "I think people like [Montoya] might have a little different lingo," Wingo said Saturday at Pocono Raceway. "Once we get all that squared away, we'll be OK." Montoya will replace Casey Mears in the No. 42 Dodge next season.
Gordon's crash: Jeff Gordon was cruising along at 190 mph along the front stretch at Pocono Raceway when he suddenly realized his brakes were out. That moment six weeks ago was one of the most frightening in Gordon's career. The brake failure led to an extremely hard crash into the wall, which Gordon walked away from unscathed. "I had such a long time without being able to get the car slowed down that, you know, the fear that's inside, how hard it's going to hit, is probably worse than when it actually happens," Gordon said. "It was very scary." Gordon said he felt "a little fuzzy" after the accident that sent the No. 24 Chevrolet into the wall and tore up a chunk of the SAFER barrier. "That's by far the worst day as a crew chief," Steve Letarte said. "You just kind of sit there on the radio and wait to hear him say something. At the same time, the whole thing made us feel really good about the equipment we are building in that he was able to walk away from that."
No track action: Both of Saturday's practice sessions were canceled because of a thick morning fog that quickly turned into heavy rain. It put a crimp in transportation plans, as the eight drivers also participating in the Busch race at Martinsville Speedway had to drive to the airport instead of helicopter out. But the flip-side was that it allowed them to get to Virginia in time for qualifying. Had they failed to arrive in time, all eight -- including points leader Kevin Harvick -- would have had to start the race from the back of the field.
Mr. Excitement: After failing to qualify for today's race, Jimmy Spencer began the short drive to his parents' house in nearby Berwick. He was about 15 minutes into the ride when his phone rang with word that he needed to return to the track -- he was in the race after all. Spencer made the field when Chad Chaffin's car failed post-qualifying inspection and his time was disallowed. It opened up a spot for Spencer, who is driving the No. 78 Chevrolet that Kenny Wallace normally pilots. "At least I've got a second shot at it," Spencer said. "I was born and raised 35 miles from here, and it means a lot. It's embarrassing [to miss races]."
Associated Press
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