Getting this up now, while I'm thinking about it!
So, Five-Time is no more. Jimmie Johnson enters the '14 Cup season as a six-time champion - what price a seventh, to tie him with The King and The Intimidator?
The Rules Package
There's been some rules changes, oddly enough aimed at increasing downforce. Yes, you read that right. Funny what happens with a governing body that actually cares about the quality of the racing, isn't it? This package doesn't apply to the restrictor plate tracks (i.e. Daytona and 'dega):
Some thought was given to reducing engine power, as recently speeds have started climbing. That's been put on hold for the moment, but may be revisited. They may be able to control speeds with gearset changes for now, but the simple truth is that these engines are turning higher and higher revs and making more power. Lord knows where they'd be now if they'd allowed the horsepower race that started in the '60s to continue - those Boss 429 Fords and 426 Hemi Dodges were already making insane power when they were legislated out of the sport!
Drivers
There's been some driver changes in the field. A quick rundown as matters stand:
In the #3.
Dun dun DUUUUUUUUUUUUNNNNNNN!!!!!!!
So, Five-Time is no more. Jimmie Johnson enters the '14 Cup season as a six-time champion - what price a seventh, to tie him with The King and The Intimidator?
The Rules Package
There's been some rules changes, oddly enough aimed at increasing downforce. Yes, you read that right. Funny what happens with a governing body that actually cares about the quality of the racing, isn't it? This package doesn't apply to the restrictor plate tracks (i.e. Daytona and 'dega):
- Rear spoiler now 8in tall (up 0.75in from before)
- Rear fascia trimmed 1.375in higher in the current scallop region
- Skirts set with a ground clearance of 4in each side
- Front splitter must have a square leading edge
- Radiator pan now 43in by 13in.
Some thought was given to reducing engine power, as recently speeds have started climbing. That's been put on hold for the moment, but may be revisited. They may be able to control speeds with gearset changes for now, but the simple truth is that these engines are turning higher and higher revs and making more power. Lord knows where they'd be now if they'd allowed the horsepower race that started in the '60s to continue - those Boss 429 Fords and 426 Hemi Dodges were already making insane power when they were legislated out of the sport!
Drivers
There's been some driver changes in the field. A quick rundown as matters stand:
- A.J. Allmendinger replaces Bobby Labonte in the #47 JTG Daugherty Racing entry
- Kurt Busch will drive for Stewart-Haas Racing in the #41.
- Ryan Newman leaves SHR to replace the departing Jeff Burton in the #31 for Richard Childress Racing
- Kevin Harvick is leaving RCR, and moving to Stewart-Haas to drive the #4
- Martin Truex Jr. leaves Michael Waltrip Racing to join Furniture Row Racing
- Kyle Larson is taking the departing Juan Montoya's #42 Earnhardt-Ganassi car, he'll run for Rookie of the Year.
- Michael Annett is also going for RotY, driving for Tommy Baldwin Racing
- Brian Vickers is now in the #55 MWR car full-time
- Parker Kligerman and Cole Whitt are driving for Swan Racing as that team moves up to a two car operation
- Michael McDowell leaves Phil Parsons Racing to drive for Leavine Family Racing
- Josh Wise joins Phil Parsons Racing from Front Row.
In the #3.
Dun dun DUUUUUUUUUUUUNNNNNNN!!!!!!!
