Top Row Seat - Richmond
Dateline: 05/17/99Tires were the story at Richmond International Raceway this weekend as the Racing Eagles that Goodyear brought just could not take the "heat" of Winston Cup racing.
Jeff Gordon leads the list of drivers who had troubles with right-front tires blistering. Gordon was forced to pit under green for new tires and fell a lap down. He never recovered and finished a distant 31st.
Others who had tire related trouble include John Andretti, Ricky Rudd, Rusty Wallace (hit by Rudd), Terry Labonte and a handful of others.
Goodyear explained that the tires were not wearing out (which would reduce heat) but were staying intact, overheating and blistering. Goodyear also had problems in Texas this spring making this the second time in the first eleven races of 1999 that tire problems were the story of the race.
Goodyear should be less aggressive with their racing tires. NASCAR races should be decided on the race track not in a lab in Akron, OH.
Carelli Improving
After last week's scary incident in Memphis following a mechanical failure, Craftsman Truck driver Rick Carelli is improving and hopes to be racing again soon. According to the RE/MAX website, Rick's injuries are serious but not life threatening and Rick hopes to be back in the truck very soon.
Get well soon Rick!
What do you think of Goodyear's efforts lately? Voice your opinion on the bulletin board. Or you can vent your frustration in the chat room Wednesday night from 8-9pm EST.
