Coca Cola 600 \ News and notes

May 25, 2009 at 12:00a.m.

No fan of new car: Bobby Allison was not the only one of NASCAR’s top drivers, but also a whiz in the garage. He was hardly bashful in declaring he “started the aerodynamic revolution” when he designed Chevrolet’s Monte Carlo in the late 1960s. “That gave them a car that was truly a step into modern aerodynamics,” Allison said. “Now that’s gone too far.” Before serving as the grand marshal for the Coca-Cola 600 — a race he won three times — Allison was bemoaning NASCAR’s shift of racing cars that closely resembled those in dealership showrooms to the space-age Car of Tomorrow. “We need cars that the fans in the grandstand can really relate to,” Allison said. NASCAR shifted to the boxier, more aerodynamic car in hopes of creating competitive balance and reducing costs. But as he took part in the celebration of the 50th running of Charlotte’s Memorial Day weekend race, Allison was pining for the return of cars with an identity.

Rain: A brief afternoon shower had the dryers on the track, temporarily delaying teams from pushing their cars out for the start of the race. But just as they were assembled, a downpour had crews racing to cover the cars, delaying NASCAR’s longest race. The teams’ final practice on Saturday was also cut short by rain. Showers ended Saturday’s Nationwide race early, too.

Danica’s future: Danica Patrick’s contract is up at the end of this season and there’s speculation the Indy Racing League star, who finished third Sunday at the Indianapolis 500, might jump to NASCAR. There’s little doubt she would be attractive to sponsors, fans and just about every team owner. But Bruton Smith, the outspoken chairman of Speedway Motorsports Inc., isn’t sure it would be a smooth transition. “She’s small and does a good job where she is,” Smith said. “But I think if you tried to bring her [to NASCAR], you’ve got a two-year tour of duty in the race car because she’s not accustomed to what we’re running. But I think it would be wonderful if we could find some women who could really offer the appeal that you’re after and I’m after. It would be great.” Asked whether Patrick was too small in stature to handle the 800-horsepower stock cars, Smith suggested she would have her hands full.

Associated Press