Day Two of the Sprint Media Tour began with a breakfast presentation by Furniture Row Motorsports and the driver of the No. 78 Chevrolet, Kurt Busch. Busch commented that he was very happy with the testing of the new Chevrolet SS car.
“It’s something that fans and drivers can appreciate,” Busch said. “It’s race on Sunday and sell on Monday all the way.”
Busch commented that there were plenty of things to discover about the new car and that was a challenge, but it was new for everyone and that made the playing field level. It was announced that Furniture Row, although based in Colorado has a presence in North Carolina by virtue of their partnership with Richard Childress racing. They have offices at the RCR complex in Welcome, North Carolina.
Crew Chief Todd Barrier moved to Colorado to supervise the preparation of cars and has adjusted well, since his relocation. Even though parts have been a problem, it’s on NASCAR supplied parts, such as deck lids and only if they lose a car or a deck lid at Daytona does he see a problem.
Busch announced that he has only a few races planned with brother Kyle’s team if they come to pass. He is not looking for any more.
Next was a trip to the NASCAR Hall of Fame in Uptown Charlotte. Brian France called the new Generation 6 car and how it was a clean sheet of paper, the NASCAR Diversity Plan, and the Television package. They plan to have that finished soon.
Innovation was a key work there with a new track drying procedure that will drastically shorten track drying time using fresh air and heat instead of jet drivers. No details were given.
France reiterated his support for the Chase format and the Wild Card, which he said was an idea given to him by a competitor. He also mentioned that the new laser technology that shows whether or not a car was within specs was not to do away with templates, but to show teams that everyone is within the parameters established by NASCAR.
Tonight, we have the Chevrolet Dinner and the Nationwide hospitality event at the host hotel.
