Is this NASCAR’s new world order?
Maybe. Maybe not. Next question!
OK, let’s try to go a little deeper with this speculation. Nine different race teams were represented among the top 10 finishers Sunday at Fontana. That obviously means some “outsiders” kicked down the door to make themselves heard — Erik Jones, Daniel Suarez and Tyler Reddick among them.
You had to assume some teams and drivers would adjust quickly to the Next Gen cars while others struggled for balance. We’ll know more after two or three more weeks, but early indication suggests that’s probably what’s going on.
Yes, “probably.”
At least for now.
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At least for now? Whaddaya sayin’?
Part of the Next Gen’s charm, at least in theory, would be its narrowing of the gulf between the richer and poorer teams.
With less opportunity for the teams of engineers to find additional horses and better aero, more is put back in the hands of the drivers and pit crews. So far, so good, you might say — unless you’ve been a fan of the four-wheeled caste system.
But don’t forget, the Haves still have more, and given more time, they could figure out where to direct those resources in a way that again separates them from the Have Nots. Meanwhile, Daniel Suarez says he expects a few wins and sooner than later.
Might be right. Might not.