NASCAR mailbag: Do drivers have too much say in rules?

There was no shortage of feedback regarding NASCAR’s new All-Star Race format, but before tackling the idea conceptualized by Brad Keselowski, let’s begin the weekly mailbag by addressing a very familiar sight as of late.

Should I just accept Joe Gibbs Racing is going to win every race and likely the championship again? I only ask because I’m a diehard Chevy supporter and it feels like the Toyotas are running away with everything.

--Janene

It is quite apparent the Toyotas hold an edge over Ford and Chevrolet, evident in wins (six of 11 races) and with Kyle Busch, Carl Edwards, Matt Kenseth, Martin Truex Jr. and Denny Hamlin collectively leading 61 percent of all laps this season.

But if you’re looking for a reason to be hopeful, it’s that superiority is by no means absolute. All one has to do is look back to last year as proof of how quickly things can change.

Twelve months ago JGR was struggling and lagging behind the Hendrick Motorsports-supported Chevrolets and Team Penske’s Fords. That prompted Joe Gibbs to call a company-wide meeting where he essentially mandated better performance or else. Shortly thereafter the victories began steadily occurring and by the end of the season JGR had registered a series-best 14 wins with Busch taking the championship.

The point being, which team is strongest now has no assurance of being the best come the Chase for the Sprint Cup. Among Hendrick, Penske or Stewart-Haas Racing, one will emerge to challenge JGR and, in all likelihood, overcome its dominance.

I like the new All-Star Race format and that it looks like the last segment will have actual passing. My concern is that crew chiefs will somehow find a way to cheat the system and the second segment is going to be all about guys dropping back to save their tires and then using the invert to move up front. Am I wrong?

--Hank

You have every reason to think crew chiefs will attempt to game the system, because that’s exactly what will unfold as that’s what they’re paid to do. It is their responsibility to find an advantage and exploit it to the fullest, be it with something pertaining to a rule (lug nuts) or the format for an exhibition race that pays $1 million to win. The only uncertainty is what loophole those sitting atop the pit box will unearth.

To NASCAR’s credit it did insert a rule prohibiting teams from pitting beyond Lap 35, meaning drivers not required to stop will start Segment 3 with a minimum of 15 laps on their tires. That discrepancy should be enough of a deterrent to prevent any sandbagging, though one team still might be tempted thinking track position is more important than fresh tires -- especially if Goodyear brings a compound that shows wear after a few laps and sets up passing opportunities.

It seems as if drivers have increasing power when it comes to various rules, first they pushed for the low downforce [aerodynamic rules] package, then called for a change to the number of lug nuts used and now picked the All-Star Race format. Should I be concerned by this chumminess with NASCAR and that drivers are making rules?

--Joseph

Between a franchise agreement with car owners and the formation of the Sprint Cup Drivers Council, this is an unprecedented era where collaboration is now the guiding principle in how NASCAR conducts business. That mindset has guided several of NASCAR’s recent initiatives and has resulted in several positive changes, including the implementing of the low downforce aero package, which drivers long lobbied for but NASCAR officials adamantly resisted.

But don’t let that partnership confuse you, this is still very much NASCAR’s sandbox and ultimately it, and not the drivers, makes the rules. Witness Tony Stewart’s $35,000 fine for comments that most agree were rather benign.

As for whether you should be alarmed about drivers having a stronger voice, the answer is no. Because thus far they’ve been proven right in their belief a low downforce package would make racing better, while Keselowski’s idea for the All-Star Race on paper seems like a winning formula.

Now, if drivers start having a larger say in day-to-day operations and begin dictating not working with NASCAR on the challenges facing the sport, then you should be concerned. Until then, enjoy the positive direction NASCAR is headed with increased competition and quality racing.