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""Part of the goal with our new car was to bring down the barriers to entry," France said. "I know the jury is still out on that, but that's our goal. We will do what can we do to attract new owners who will field competitive teams. That's what makes us work." France said"

Let me see here. You want to bring in owners that are going to be competitive in the sport. The first hurdle they must overcome is finding a sponsor. Not easy when you have 3 full time teams (inside the top 35 in points) that lack a full time sponsor. To make that more difficult you need a sponsor that is willing to take a risk on a team that has no secured spot in races because of the top 35 rule.

The top 35 rule is the biggest hindrance to new teams trying to enter the sport. Why would an owner want to risk several million dollars to enter a sport where the rules are designed to keep new teams from contending.

How many teams that started the season outside the top 35 in owner points made it into the top 35 the last 2 seasons?

This year the 3 MWR teams did, plus the 83 car with Vickers. How many teams ran full time in 2007 and missed the top 35 last season and have temporarily or completely shut down. The 49, the 4, the 36 (became 27 with Villenueve),

If France is really serious about bringing new owners in. He needs to level the playing field for teams getting in. To do that the qualifying format needs to be this:

Day 1, one round of qualifying to lock in the top 25 by speed. Day 2, a final round of qualifying in which a team may elected to re-run. This will determine the final 18 spots in the field. Everyone gets their spot in the race based on time. Another advantage is that if Day 1 is rained out, you can run a full qualifying session on Day 2 and not have to screw teams by setting the field by owner points/rule book.

For Daytona the only change I would make is that the top 2 spots are locked in Sunday (as now), the field is set for the Duals and those set the field for positions 3-30 (or whatever spot it used to be). The difference would be that for the final positions you either have a second round of qualifying, or a Last Chance race (Friday) to get into the field. This would be the only race to allow a provisional and that would be only for the DEFENDING Cup Series champion. (which is very unlikely to be needed). The reason for a second round of qualifying or a last chance race is this: One bad qualifying lap Sunday could cost you a spot in the race if you get caught up in an early wreck in the duals. The additional qualifying race/time trials would give a driver a second chance to make the race. It would prevent situations like what happened with Robby Gordon a couple years ago. Top 10 in the qualifying race and he missed the Daytona 500 due to the stupid qualifying rules.

Wow this guy is not going to stop until every single small team on the sprint cup is replaced by a billion dollar Conglomerate. The small mom and pop operation makes NASCAR look to "country" is the vibe I am getting.
"France said NASCAR will work aggressively to bring new owners into the sport."
Hey pal how about working with your existing owners who helped make you who you are.
He is basically telling the wood brothers to go to hell.

Beware of the BIG MONEY.

I was going to comment on this But = Asbel & chapmaja@yahoo.com
took ALL the words out of my mouth,,Very good guys,,And good morning

Did you'all notice Elephant Boy whinin' cuz Jr wouldn't work with him to pass the 20 car ... what the heck does he expect? LMAO

I wonder how long it will be before the GM boys get to use their new motor...

Well, if "sex, lies, and videos....not to mention racsim and civil rights violations are proven true.....Not even Bill Gates and Rupert Murdoch will be able to save NASCAR. The "****" of sports will drive itself right off the track.

"White-trash-of-sports"

Did last night race just seem too short for you guys?, I'll bet it took me longer to read the 1st entry on this morning then to watch the race. HaHa
Good stuff!
Good Morning all.
I'll pass comment on this subject, looks like most of you have it covered.

strong running last night for JR. You could tell by his comments after the race that this guy is becoming a Great Owner-- Come on Jr. Open up the checkbook, Teresa is sure to wanna sell soon!

Bring back all the cigarette advertisers ....that'll solve the problem and make it mandatory to have at least 1/3 of the car covered with junk food advertising ...

Why did Winston leave?

Floatman =$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$

Why did Winston leave?

Floatman | 07/05/08, 11:50 AM
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Ask your "honorable" elected officials ... had to do with the Surgeon General not liking kids seein' tobacco ads ... so Winston had a "no-more-race" penalty.

Winston left for a number of reasons. The official reason is that they wanted to re-direct their advertising efforts.

The real reason was due to the lawsuits and settlements filed.

As a result of the settlements, Winston and the other manufactures were limited to one sport/series/event they could continue sponsoring. That was the reason Winston left the NHRA where they had also been a longtime series sponsor. Despite the settlement "allowing" companies to still sponsor events, it became clear the pressure was on them to stop sponsoring major events.

The only events/teams still sponsored by tobacco companies now seem to be the Marlboro Team Penske cars in the Indy Car Series,

DEVO -- oh, just forget it ... your feckless uttering is not even worth comment!

I was going to lay into DEVO for his stupid comment but I am still a little hung over from the 4th's festivities.

Asbel -- get a chunk of fur from the dog that bit you and go for it!! LOL

chapmanja and Asbel....totally agree with you both.....this France guy is the worst guy to be "helping" Nascar with anything, but especially during these tough times.

Heard Smoke and Newman are going to HAAS -- Chevy bought the contracts and looks like Office Depot and Bass Pro Shops will be the sponsors ... no numbers yet. I wish Home Depot would have joined them -- I haven't set a foot in that place since they put their name on those Japanese cars. Lowe's is closer anyway ...

DEVO was here, Oh I didn't notice. (Loser)
Bass Pro to leave Truex?, thats sad.
Even sadder is if Truex goes to Penski, I would of liked to see him with Jr. or Tony.
Gonna be a Hreat race tonight at Daletona, Go Jr Go, Get up on that wheel and Fly!

Great!