They’re called “road course ringers” but for nearly 40 years, they haven’t exactly rung the bell.
Several NASCAR Sprint Cup Series teams – especially those looking to add or solidify points toward a top-35 ranking – annually employ road course specialists for the schedule’s two left-and-right-turn events at Infineon Raceway and Watkins Glen International.
Dan Gurney was the most successful “ringer” winning five times at the old Riverside International Raceway in the 1960s, the final four in a car owned by the Wood Brothers. The late Mark Donohue was the last specialist to take a checkered flag, also at Riverside, driving a Roger Penske-owned AMC Matador to a one-lap victory over NASCAR Hall of Fame member Bobby Allison in 1973.
Jan Magnussen, in 12th, was the highest finisher among “ringers” in last year’s Toyota/Save Mart 350. Both Magnussen and Boris Said were lap leaders in the 2010 race.
Here’s a rundown on the specialists in this Sunday’s Infineon race:
• Tony Ave (No. 38 Ford) – best finish 31st Watkins Glen (2004).
• Tomy Drissi (No. 37 Ford) – NASCAR GRAND AM Road Racing veteran making NSCS debut.
• P.J. Jones (No. 77 Dodge) – best finish fourth Watkins Glen (2005).
• Andy Pilgrim (No. 46 Chevrolet) – seven-time GRAND-AM winner from Nottingham, England making NSCS debut.
• Boris Said (No. 51 Chevrolet) – best finish third at Watkins Glen (2005). Won NASCAR Camping World Truck Series race at Infineon in 1998 and the NASCAR Nationwide Series race at Montreal’s Circuit Gilles Villeneuve road course last season.
• Brian Simo (No. 81 Chevrolet) – best finish 10th at Infineon (2005).
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