Friday, February 15, 2008

Extreme Makeover: Engine Edition


Ahhh … There’s nothing like the screaming, eardrum-popping sound of engine-change day.

Even the untrained ear can tell big things are happening here in the Daytona garage. In stall No. 2 sits Red Bull Racing Team’s No. 83, and it’s quite a different automobile compared to the piece Brian Vickers drove in Thursday’s qualifying race.

Already changed is the 850-horsepower TRD motor, a luxury NASCAR affords all teams because of the abuse, stress and general nastiness engines endured during previous practices and the Duel’s 150 miles. They are fired, re-fired and revved to point where making small talk 50 yards away is nearly impossible. Also changed is the transmission and rear end.

“It’s open game at the moment,” car chief Craig Smokstad said.

Today’s one and only practice begins at 1:40 p.m. ET, not long before Vickers hops into Braun Racing’s No. 10 Nationwide Series car for two laps of qualifying.

5 Comments:

Anonymous Anonymous said...

I'm sure the Red Bull car is fine tuned and ready to go! Good Luck to Brian today in qualifying and in the 500 on Sunday.

10:02 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

They couldnt keep Vickers down yesterday. He totally drove his ass off. He's got a good ride for the 500. Tough luck for AJ, but he has a bright future ahead. Good way for Brian to start off 2008! Good Luck Team Red Bull!!!

12:00 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Guys, I know a lot of good cars haven't practiced much this morning for safety reasons, but BV is tied for fastest 10 lap average with the 41 car. If you remember, the 41 was able to hang with Dale Junior in their 150 qualifying race. I have no doubts that we can get a top 10 tomorrow.

We just need luck to be on our side for once.

Let's go watch Toyota try to win the Nationwide Series race!

8:46 AM  
Blogger Kristin Weaver said...

Awesome 3rd place finish in the Busch race today, BV! Can't wait to see what the 500 has to offer. By the way, I never saw the skydiving feature? Did I miss it?

1:08 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Kristin, I never saw the skydriving thing either. I thought BV finished 3rd but they are crediting him with a 4 place.Good Luck tomorrow BV

1:20 PM  

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