Usually when NASCAR returns to Charlotte (N.C.) Motor Speedway for their annual Fall classic of events, the garage area is beaming with news from both sides of the fence. This weekend has proven to be no exception.
Of course, the biggest news this weekend has been Dale Earnhardt Jr. electing to step out of his No. 88 AMP Energy / National Guard Chevrolet for Hendrick Motorsports after suffering two concussions within a month and a half time frame. While NASCAR’s most popular driver is resting comfortably at home in Mooresville this weekend, recently NASCAR free agent Regan Smith has done a nice job stepping into some of the biggest shoes in the garage.
While undoubtedly Earnhardt’s decision to skip this weekend at Charlotte and Kansas Speedway next weekend will peg the headlines for weeks and maybe months to come, there still is other stories ticking around the feed and we’re digging down to try and find some of them for you.
NASCAR Nationwide Series Qualifying Rule Staying In Place: While the top-35 rule will evaporate in the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series in 2013, it is highly unlikely that it will carry over into the sanction’s number two series next season. Currently, the top-30 car owners are secured into an event via their points opening the door for 13 more teams to earn a starting spot for that particularly race. However, don’t be surprised if you see a possible change coming in 2014 as the NASCAR Nationwide Series usually follows it premiere series, eventually.
Last Race Of Season For Fowler: Georgia’s Kyle Fowler will make his final NASCAR Nationwide Series start of the season for Randy Hill Racing. Fowler, a former competitor in the ARCA Racing Series presented by Menards is trying to keep his rookie status in place for 2013. His team Randy Hill Racing will feature a very special paint scheme honoring Speedway Children’s Charities national executive director, retired U.S. Air Force Major General Tom Sadler.
Cope Not Focused On New Hampshire; Ready To Race Charlotte: Angela Cope, the niece of 1990 Daytona 500 champion Derrike Cope will make her final NASCAR Nationwide Series start of the season in tonight’s Dollar General 300. Cope making her third start of the season is driving the No. 00 Highland Wealth Advisors / Highway 55 Toyota Camry for Sr2 Motorsports will begin her concentration towards 2013 which is set to again include a limited schedule in the NASCAR Nationwide Series. No word on Cope’s twin sister Amber’s plans.
Hal Martin Announces Sponsor; Set For NASCAR Debut: Former ARCA Racing Series driver Hal Martin is readily preparing for his NASCAR Nationwide Series debut next weekend with TriStar Motorsports . Martin will be backed by a slew of companies with the primary logos coming from American Custom Yachts in tow with U.S. Forensic LLC., and Restore or Retreat (restoreorrretreat.org). In addition to Kansas, Martin will also race at Texas Motor Speedway and Homestead-Miami (Fla.) Speedway in November. Martin often dubbed as the Ragin Cajun’ is slated to compete (hopefully) full-time in 2013. Qualifying will not be a problem for Martin as the No. 44 is locked into the field through the team’s owner points.
Vibes For More In Better-Half Dash: The second annual Better Half Dash concluded last night (Thursday) with Lyn-Z Pastrana, wife of NASCAR driver Travis Pastrana taking the checkered flag. While the once-a-year race benefiting the Motor Racing Outreach has had monstrous success, the buzz at the track on Friday was the option to possibly expand the Better Half Dash into a mini-series, possibly of five races throughout the NASCAR calendar. Personally, I’m not sure if it’s possible, but something I think would be great for the sport and of course, the better half’s.
Stay glued for more updates from Charlotte.
