NASCAR Sprint Cup: Notes from the First Practice at Phoenix

One thing is crystal clear about the newly paved surface at Phoenix International Raceway: It is faster than ever before. Five drivers were able to rip off laps that were faster than the fastest qualifying lap ever recorded in Phoenix during the first Sprint Cup practice.

26.395 seconds was the fastest lap at Phoenix, set recently in February 2011. On the new track, Kasey Kahne, Jeff Burton, Greg Biffle, Ryan Newman and David Ragan were all able to eclipse this mark. Jeff Burton was able to clinch the top spot in the overcast, cloudy conditions: 25.836 seconds, more than one half second faster than ever before.

Much effort was made to wear the new track in before practice even began. Test cars ran 600 laps apiece to grind some rubber into the surface. After that, track officials had a zamboni-like machine circle the track, laying more rubber into the foundation while simultaneously smoothing out the surface, so as to not leave any bumpy spots.

Apparently, it worked. No driver slipped off of the newly refurbished turn four and it appears that at least one car will break the qualification record when the time comes.

At one point, points leader Carl Edwards was being shadowed by second place contender Tony Stewart, obviously and purposefully staying behind Edwards at a distance of two car lengths. What might that mean?

Kyle Busch, though he is not officially parked this weekend for his actions with Ron Hornaday in Texas, was effectively parked. Perhaps it is just karma. Busch had to change the engine in his No. 18 Interstate Batteries Toyota Camry because he feared that his motor would explode if he pushed it any harder.

After further analysis, it was deemed that his oil pump was not properly distributing the necessary lubricant to the rest of the engine to continue proper functionality. During the first practice, Shrub never completed a full lap.

Side Notes of Interest

This is Veterans Day weekend, and some of the teams have not forgotten:

Ryan Newman's No. 39 U.S. Army Chevrolet is adorned with pictures of veterans of the Vietnam War, probably our most under-appreciated veterans in American history.

Arizona native J.J. Yeley will be driving the No. 38 Vampt Ford with a paint-scheme designed by a former United States Marine who has been stricken with multiple sclerosis.

Scott Bates, the designer, has lost the use of his hands due to the disease, but has employed a computer program using laser technology that can be directed with his head to make digital graphic designs. It is my sincere hope that this car qualifies for the race, if nothing else than for the benefit and pride of Scott Bates.

Jimmie Johnson will be driving under his normal number and sponsor (No. 48 Lowe's Chevrolet), however his car is completely black with white numbers and sponsor decals. It appears as though he is dressing his car for the funeral of his failed sixth straight championship.

The weekend is shaping up to be another exciting and intriguing race endeavor. One never knows what a day may bring forth.