Sprint Cup drivers trying to adjust to the G6 cars
By Lou Modestino
Saturday night’s Sprint Unlimited didn’t really answer any questions about the new G6 car. As a matter of fact, we may not know what the verdict is until after the Thursday Duels and Sunday’s 500. In the meantime, Kevin Harvick seemed to have it all down pat, for now at least, when he held off Greg Biffle coming down to the end of the Sprint Unlimited at Daytona International Speedway.
Harvick had this to say in victory lane: “I was nervous about the 20 and 14. Rather than talking about being a Lame Duck at RCR, my guys want to win all of the time.” Harvick will leave the RCR Team at the end of the season. In the process, Harvick gave RCR it’s 8th win in the Sprint Unlimited event. Let’s see if he can carry it over into Thursday’s Duels or better still into Sunday’s 500. By the way, Kevin had to be pushed to victory lane because something happened to the car when he was doing those victory donuts!
Lots of buzz around the garage about Kevin being a Lame Duck, as it’s his last year driving for RCR
On why Greg Biffle couldn’t challenge Harvick at the end: “Kevin cut me out and I would have wrecked if I didn’t back off.”
Earlier during Daytona qualifying, Danica Patrick won the Daytona 500 pole making her the first female to pull off that feat. “I’m flattered and grateful about doing it. ” Tony Stewart, her boss, exclaimed, “That’s great!” Jeff Gordon, who was the second fastest qualifier, quipped, “It’s incredible to see her win the pole!” Both Patrick and Gordon are locked into the 500 while the rest of the crowd has to make the cut in Thursday’s Duels.
On the disappointing side by those drivers involved in that big mess, like Kyle Busch. “It was unfortunate that I got caught up in that wreck. Among them was Jimmie Johnson. I’m still encouraged though because the car handles real good.” Jeff Gordon was also among the casualties. “Handling wasn’t there. Several guys scuffled and that was it for me.” On some specifics JR said, “The bumpers didn’t line up. On Sunday’s 500, “The last 15 laps on Sunday will be interesting.”
Among the missing from that race was Brad Keselowski because he didn’t qualify for the Sprint Unlimited last year. However, he was in the Fox Sports Hollywood Hotel with Michael Waltrip and John Roberts. Brad said, ” Harvick made it happen because he was aggressive.” From the Fox anchor booth Darrell Waltrip said, “Harvick isn’t done yet.”
Bob Dilner, Speed’s man in the pits had this to say: “Nobody’s surprised at what Danica pulled off here because she was very fast in the January practice sessions. On Sunday’s 500 – that will be a big test for her. We think that Patrick’s efforts will translate into tickets sales for Sunday’s race which really comes at the right time. Analyst Jeff Hammond said, “There’s not a lot of comfort level in the garage. They are all nervous about the new G6 car.”
One other surprise were the new cameras suspended over the track, showing the action from all angles. Must’ve cost a pretty penny.
Earlier Saturday afternoon, John Wes Townley won the ARCA Lucas 200 while rising star Kyle Larson had to settle for runner-up. Both took advantage when Bobby Gerhart, always a favorite in the ARCA Daytona events, experienced fuel pump problems while very secure in the lead.
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