Q - What are the subtle differences that teams have to change on their cars between Atlanta and Texas, even though the tracks are very similar?

“On paper they might be similar but there are still a lot of differences in the racetrack and the setup is quite a bit different. Both racetracks are very intense because they are both high speed tracks. Shock absorbers are a big part of getting through the bumps and having your car drive extremely well because of the intensity in speed.

“But, it’s really more of a difference in driver preference than car setup. It’s more of a driver’s attitude going into the race than the setup and having confidence in his abilities. Great race car drivers aren’t great at every racetrack.”

Q - Is tire wear as big of a factor at Texas as it was last week at Atlanta?

“You’re going to have tire issues in both places because anytime you’re running that fast on a racetrack you’re going to wear the tire down and you actually end up rubbing the binder away and running on stone. With asphalt you have rock, gravel and a binder or something that acts as an adhesive and holds it together. As the binder wears away and the stone and gravel are surfaced it becomes more abrasive. It’s always a concern and before the cars have had a chance to go on the track there is no rubber, no oil and it is relatively abrasive. The more laps that are run, the more rubber that’s laid down and the less abrasive it becomes. The tire wear gets progressively better as the day wears on.”

Q - What’s something unique to Texas Motor Speedway that fans should watch for in the Busch and Cup races this weekend?

“I would keep my eye on Jimmie Johnson and Jeff Gordon. It’s a two-man race. If one runs hard, the other has to run hard. If one sits back, the other can choose how hard to run. It will be a great cat and mouse game between two really great champions.

“In the Busch Series Race you’ve got to watch Carl Edwards to clinch the championship. I would also be looking for Jack Roush and Richard Childress in the race for the car owner’s championship.”

[ESPN]

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