Time to cram for 2012
Winter testing got underway this past week at Daytona International Speedway for the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series. Rules changes—like no talking to fellow drivers during races, restrictor plate and other aero changes, etc.—aside, the three day test session was a reminder to fans—both in attendance and watching live coverage on television—fellow competitors, and broadcasters that the offseason that will be coming to an end soon was one of a change. There’s a lot of studying to do before the season gets underway next month to remind ourselves of what driver is in which car.
There’s still a handful of drivers who haven’t publicly announced what teams they’ll be with this year, if they even have a ride—Brian Vickers and David Ragan to name a couple.
Those drivers aside—here’s a quick rundown of drivers who won’t be where we’re used to seeing them when the 2012 season takes the green flag.
Kasey Kahne: old ride—the No. 4 at Red Bull Racing, new ride—the No. 5 at Hendrick Motorsports
David Reutimann: old ride—the No. 00 at Michael Waltrip Racing, new ride—the No. 35 at Tommy Baldwin Racing
Kurt Busch: old ride—the No. 22 at Penske Racing, new ride—the No. 51 at Phoenix Racing
A.J. Allmendinger: old ride—the No. 43 at Richard Petty Motorsports, new ride—the No. 22 at Penske Racing
Aric Almirola: old ride—the No. 88 Nationwide car at JR Motorsports, new ride—the No. 43 at Richard Petty Motorsports
Clint Bowyer: old ride—the No. 33 at Richard Childress Racing, new ride—the No. 15 at Michael Waltrip Racing
Mark Martin: old ride—the No. 5 at Hendrick Motorsports, new ride—sharing the No. 55 with team owner Michael Waltrip at MWR
There may be others that have slipped my mind, but this is enough to get you started. It’s almost enough to make one ask himself, “Is anyone going to be in the same car they were in last year?” And we won’t even get into the lengthy list of crew chief changes.
NASCAR drivers and their teams may be keeping busy getting ready for the 2012 race season. It looks like fans have a lot to do too, especially if they want to have team rosters fully updated in their minds come Daytona.
With all the changes, broadcasters are sure to make a few slip ups here and there, so don’t feel bad if it’s taking you awhile to catch up. Happy studying.
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