Q Why didn’t Emporia’s NASCAR driver Clint Bowyer get to race in the Bud Shootout? Was it the 07 car that was qualified, rather than the driver? Why wasn’t he chosen to drive his new ride, or why couldn't he have driven the Jack Daniel’s car one more time, since the season hasn’t formally started yet? Does NASCAR make the rules up as they go along?
A Bowyer was not eligible to drive the Jack Daniel’s Chevrolet in the race, according to an explanation from Matt Klug, senior manager of communications for Richard Childress Racing.
Klug said that the starting lineup for the Shootout consisted of the top six cars in the final 2008 owner’s points standings from each of the division’s four manufacturers, plus an additional wild card entry from Chevrolet, Dodge, Ford and Toyota.
Eligibility was not based on the drivers’ records.
“Since Clint moved over to the No. 33 car, he wasn’t eligible to compete in the Bud Shootout. Eligibility for the race was based on where the respective teams finished in owner’s points last year,” Klug said. “Since Casey Mears is the new driver of the Jack Daniel’s Chevrolet, he became the beneficiary of where the No. 07 team finished in points last season.”
And, the way eligibility was granted was not the same as in the past.
“In years past, the starting grid was made up of pole sitters from the previous season and past winners of the event,” Klug said.
Readers who have questions on topics of local interest may send them to Because You Asked, in care of The Emporia Gazette, Drawer C, Emporia KS 66801. Questions need to be signed, but names will not be revealed. Questions submitted anonymously will not be answered.
dale011 (anonymous) says...
Clint now has Cheerios as his sponsor, but hats and stuff are still back ordered. I looked at the t-shrts that are available online and have decided I'm headed out to 6th street to the collectables shop to see what he has. I would much rather spend my money here than on the internet.
February 10, 2009 at 4:35 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
justthinkin (anonymous) says...
I'm justthinkin that the situation is a bunch of B.S..... and the answer is a bigger bunch of B.S..... interesting, too, I tried to contact Mr. Childress through his NASCAR website, but the contact line only links you to an opportunity to apply to work for him.... so, I went to another of his sites with a contact link and asked him about the basis for his decision --- guess what --- no answer ! My personal opinion is that Clint got SCREWED. I told RC that last year I cheered "Come On Jack".... this year my cheer is going to have to be "Jack to the Back" And, for that matter, I guess I'll have to change back to Wellers as my "additive" of choice.
February 10, 2009 at 4:36 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
jaalbrecht (anonymous) says...
Hey I moved to the North Carolina years ago. I go to Welcome,NC or call the office and I can order any thing I want. I have my stuff for Clint Bowyer in a week or so. Here is the number I call (Mike Smart) (336) 731-3389. Julie Albrecht Kannapolis, NC
February 10, 2009 at 8:16 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )