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Crew chief
Drew Blickensderfer answers fan questions once a week.
Submit your question
here. |
June
25, 2009 |
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2009 Q&A
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Q |
Would you like to see NASCAR implement a tire
rule for the Sprint Cup cars like they have for
the Nationwide series and Camping World series?
Joel Busse,
Black River Falls, Wis. |
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A |
No. Because of the length of the races, more
tires are needed in practice and the race, so it would difficult to set the
amount before the weekend. I also like how Cup cars have the ability to come to
pit road and get four fresh tires and make adjustments under every caution if
you want.
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Q |
At Michigan, a loose wheel cost Matt several
positions. What do you tell the crew after
something like that happens? The Killer Bees are
nearly flawless most of the time.
Kevin Bassetti,
Hampton, Ark. |
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A |
It really depends on the crew member. Most of
the 17 guys are extremely experienced and they
know how to “deal” with the mistake during the
race. I deal with each issue differently based
on the person, place, or time. We usually try
and stay positive since they will be called upon
again shortly to perform at a high level.
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Q |
Mr. Drew, I’m five years old and want to be a
Killer Bee when I grow up. What does it take to
become a pit crew member? Good Luck this
weekend! Go Bees!
Blane Harris,
North Tazewell, Va. |
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A |
Blane, that is cool you want to be a “Killer
Bee.” I will make sure these guys know you want
their job so they work harder! One of the more
valuable things you can do at a young age is to
be around racing. Spend time at your local
tracks and get familiar with race cars.
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Q |
I read on “Ask Matt” that you have a secure
radio line during practice. Why don’t you have
one during the race? Wouldn’t it be an advantage
for other teams to know if the driver needs to
pit, or conserve gas, etc?
Lorrie C, Milton, Wis. |
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A |
It is illegal to have the “private” radio in the
race. Matt has to be on his regular channel
while on the race track so NASCAR can hear us
and the spotter can listen easily to any safety
issues NASCAR broadcasts over the radio. We hand
Matt the private radio through the window as he
rolls into the garage stall.
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Q |
I was wondering how do you and the crew get the
track each weekend? Do you guys fly with Matt?
Frank Juhasz, Lake Ariel, Pa. |
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A |
The
crews at Roush-Fenway fly on Roush Air. There
are two 727’s that take us all over the country.
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