There’s an official beer, official motor oil, even an official grill (Pit Boss, by the way). But no antifreeze, which stinks because even NASCAR’s most fervent diehards, from Indiana down through the Southeast, where the latest arctic blast is roaring, are hoping they don’t run out of Suburban Propane yep, that’s the one
When Martin Truex Jr.’s upcoming Daytona 500 effort was announced late last week, the number of teams planning a Daytona attempt was up to 45.
The 36 Cup franchises — “chartered” teams — are all guaranteed starting spots throughout the season. Forty-four cars have been entered for the Daytona 500, and that number will grow to 45 if Carl Long’s team finds a driver (and sponsorship) to replace Mike Wallace, who was denied by NASCAR due to a 10-year layoff from high-speed ovals.
The entry of Helio Castroneves has added an asterisk to the eventual number of Daytona 500 entries. Under a new rule allowing an “outsider” with great racing chops to enter a Cup race, Helio is now automatically in, and if he fails to qualify for the 500 through qualifying, he’ll fill a 41st starting spot.
The unchartered drivers, outside of Helio and Truex, currently penciled in: Jimmie Johnson, BJ McLeod, Anthony Alfredo, JJ Yeley, Justin Allgaier and whomever is named to drive an additional Rick Ware Racing car .
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