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Derrike's 2001 Questions & Answers

Derrike will answer your questions this year. You can also read Derrike's answers to your 19971998, 1999, 2000, and 2003-2004 questions.


March 1, 2001

Question: Do you plan on using the Kentucky Speedway for testing? What type of cars will you test there?
Derrike's Answer:
The Kentucky speedway is an excellent facility. When we have adequate sponsor funding to enlarge our testing program, we will probably test there. That speedway provides an opportunity to test a down-force car like we would use at Las Vegas and similar tracks.

Question: What is your opinion of the Winston Cup qualifying changes for the 2001 Winston Cup season?
Derrike's Answer:
I support the changes. Personally, I like one shot at qualifying with all cars competing for a starting spot on the same day. It saves teams money and enables the team to focus on the race setup on the second day. Personally, I prefer that qualifying be held on Friday as that is probably the most cost-effective approach.

Question: What type of information do you get from chassis-dyno testing that is not available from the standard dynamometer test?
Derrike's Answer:
The chassis-dyno gives the actual horsepower to the rear wheels. Typically, horsepower loss from the engine to the wheels through the drive train is about nine percent.

Question: What kind of investment is required to put a company name or logo on a Winston Cup car?
Derrike's Answer:
A one race deal may begin at around $10,000. The number of races sponsored and the location of the logo on the car all effect cost.

Question: How do handling and performance characteristics differ at Daytona for a cup car verses a truck?
Derrike's Answer:
The cup cars obviously are more sleek, draw less air and as a result create less of a wake behind the car. Because of their blunt shape, the trucks punch a larger hole in the air causing the truck to close more quickly in a drafting situation.


 
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