CORNELIUS, N.C. — NASCAR announced its 2015 rules package Tuesday that included:
· Major reductions downforce and horsepower.
· Rain tires on road courses with mandatory wipers, defogger and rear flashing rain light.
· Elimination of all testing except for Goodyear’s full-field test sessions.
No. 55 Aaron’s Dream Machine Toyota driver Brian Vickers and his crew chief Billy Scott offered their thoughts on the changes.
BRIAN VICKERS: “Overall, I like the 2015 rules package. Reducing the downforce should make the driver a greater part of the success equation. We can debate whether NASCAR should have gone further, but it is a step in the right direction. Our racing has been good this year and I think these rules will make the racing even better for 2015 and beyond. I love the part about racing in the rain on road courses. I know we can’t do it on ovals, but there is no reason we shouldn’t be running in the rain with rain tires. I’m confident Goodyear will give us a good product. Our racing on road courses is the best in the world and can’t imagine the show we’ll put on in the rain. It might be the first time fans wake up hoping for rain in the weather forecast. There is a ton to absorb with the announcement today but I think all of the changes are in the right direction. The testing ban is the right decision. It saves the car owners some money and increases the quality of life for all the crew that don’t get a lot of time with their family.”
CREW CHIEF BILLY SCOTT ON NEW RULES: “I’m excited about the new rules package for next year. It is going to put some of the ability to improve on mechanical grip back in our hands instead of relying solely on aerodynamics. The reduced horsepower is going to help Goodyear make a good tire for us as we keep the speeds down. I like the new testing policy. It’s good for the sport. It’s going to save the owners money and it’s going to give us a little bit more time at home, so I am sure all the families in the sport will be excited about this as well.”
WILL THIS IMPROVE THE SHOW? “We tried this during the Michigan test and in the little bit of racing we did you could definitely see when the driver got into the corner a little too hot and slid up the track. This is really going to put the ability to pass back in the drivers’ hands. They will have less downforce so they will have to be more conscious of tire wear and managing that throughout a run. I think all that is good. The lack of testing will put a little more emphasis on the race weekend, but that’s the same for everybody. All organizations will now get to participate in the Goodyear tests instead of a rotation so the testing rule won’t change much of what fans see on Sundays.”
NOTES:
· DANCING WITH THE STARS: MWR founder and co-owner Michael Waltrip and his dance partner Emma Slater will find out if they made it to round three of Dancing with the Stars tonight during a live show at 8 p.m. ET on ABC. Waltrip and Slater danced the Samba on Monday’s show. The pair earned a score of 24 from the judges. You can follow the couple’s progress on social media. Twitter: @mw55 @emmaslaterdance Instagram: @emmaslaterdance @mwr55
· CHASSIS: Primary: 808-26th at Darlington, 42nd & 19th at Michigan races. Backup: 797-seventh at California, sixth at Charlotte, 26th at Kentucky & 21st at Bristol.
· CREW CHIEF BILLY SCOTT: No. 55 Aaron’s Dream Machine Crew Chief Billy Scott began racing motorcycles as a 5-year-old and stock cars when he turned 15. He worked in the truck series as a mechanic before he returned to college to obtain an engineering degree. After graduating in 2005 Scott worked at Robert Yates Racing and began as an engineer at MWR in 2008. The 36-year-old served exclusively as the No. 55 team’s lead engineer the last two seasons.
No. 55 CREW:
Billy Scott Crew Chief
Ryan Langley Front Tire Changer
Chris Hall Front Tire Carrier
Shannon Myers Rear Tire Changer
Blake Haugland Rear Tire Carrier
Wes Evans Jack Man
Jeff Kerr Gas Man
Steve Channing Car Chief
David Cropps Interior Mechanic
Roman Pemberton Spotter
Brandon Pope Race Engineer
Joe Bisson 2nd Engineer
Jeremy Sharpley Shock Specialist
Jacen Johns Front Mechanic
Joe Zanolini Rear Mechanic
Kevin White Tire Specialist
Denny Chandler Engine Tuner
Tim Bruce Engine Engineer
Glenn Shano Truck Driver
Al Nelson 2nd Truck Driver
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· AARON’S RACING REWARDS: Join Aaron’s Racing Rewards and take advantage of exclusive member benefits such as at-track discounts from Michael Waltrip Racing and FanVision. Become a member by Sept. 26 and you’ll be automatically entered in our Racing Rewards Sweepstakes where the grand prize is a $5,000 shopping spree at Aaron’s! Visit www.aarons.com/racingrewards for more information.
· AARON’S INC: Aaron’s joined MWR in 2000 serving as a primary sponsor in Sprint Cup and Nationwide Series races. The Atlanta-based company, with more than 2,130 stores across the country, helps customers own the life they want. Aaron’s carries only the best brand names in furniture, electronics, and appliances with a variety of flexible payment options. It’s really easy to “Own It” at Aaron’s with customers who are now pre-approved for up to $2,500 in merchandise without needing credit. Visit Aarons.com to find a store near you.
