Tuesday, June 24, 2008

Eyes in the Sky


Think spotters have it easy during Sprint Cup races? Think they’re just kicking back and relaxing, perched high above the speedway to see every move down below?

Certainly, that wasn’t the case last weekend at Infineon Raceway.

“We’re on a hill that is infested with snakes, all kinds of little termites, bugs and different animals,” said Chris Lambert, the No. 83 spotter and voice in Brian Vickers’ ear. “I have seen little lizards and actually had one crawl up my back. It’s just a running joke up there. Everyone plays with the leaves, making things rattle around while you’re spotting.”

On a hillside above turns three and 3a, Lambert and AJ Allmendinger’s spotter, Tim Fedewa, guided their drivers around the 1.99-mile, 12-turn road course. It was a difficult task, too, as they momentarily lost their drivers in turn 11 and through the frontstrech on each lap.

In years past, many teams utilized two spotters on road courses, but that can create too much cross chatter on the radio. So for Red Bull Racing Team, just one extra set of eyes.

Despite the challenges of spotting at a road course, Lambert said it’s nothing compared Bristol.

“Under green at Bristol, you’re really handcuffed,” Lambert said. “If you’re right there, you going to get caught up in it.”

18 Comments:

Anonymous Anonymous said...

Chris and Tim your doin an awesome spottin 4 BV and AJ! Keep up the good work and u might just find u guys in Victory Lane before the season is over.Or perhaps find u in the Chase 4 the Championship

8:52 AM  
Blogger Unknown said...

Just read now that RBRT could be up to 4 cars next year with Scott Speed, Micheal Annett, and Mark Martin (Part-Time). Guessing Annett or Speed would be also part-time.

Its fun to hear all of the expansion rumors for RBRT.

9:12 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

I can understand why. BV and AJ have been taking good care of the equipment.

9:27 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Good job Chris and Tim. Glad you are there for the guys. Everyone is doing a great job.

10:13 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Have y'all checked Jayski's "Silly Season" chart for '09? It's interesting to see all the rumors---some are down right HILARIOUS! But we'll see how it all comes out!

Keep up the good work Chris & Timmy!

WE BELIEVE!!!

1:30 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Timmy always does a great job helping AJ during his races - and not just being a spotter. Doesnt matter what track they are at. We love ya Timmy!!

1:34 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Yeah the Silly Season chart is ridiculous. Look at the #33/#66/#70 candidates. Casey Mears is supposed to be in there too. And something tells me that Dario Franchitti might not be in Cup next year. And on the #41 they have Dan Wheldon as a candidate, this is getting crazy.

But Red Bull Racing's silly season is all about expanding. That's awesome.

1:48 PM  
Blogger Kristin Weaver said...

Oh lord! Please don't let Annett come to RBR. He needs a more truck races under his belt. Kid has been racing part-time in the ARCA series all season, and just started truck racing last weekend. Give him more time!

By the way, Chris Lambert is one GORGEOUS spotter! Saw him at Talladega this year. Definitly one of the best looking spotters up there on the stands. LOL!

4:25 PM  
Blogger Daniel said...

I'd love to see Annett come to RBR. I WANT A FOUR CAR TEAM. I know, they'd all probably run like crap, but I like seeing our cars! They're so pretty!

6:41 PM  
Blogger Kristin Weaver said...

Wow Suzie, you have so much faith in Red Bull Racing. BV is actually doing GREAT this year. He's lead a lot of laps, came close to winning, and is moving up into the Top 12. AJ is coming into his own, and I really think sitting out for 5 races helped him. I'd love to see Annett get a full season behind the wheel of trucks or in the NWS. Moving him straight to cup, the same with Scott Speed, would be ridiculous.

7:06 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Good job guys! A.J. was doing great until his battery problem. I think he would have been able to place in the top 10. Coodoos to the pit crews that worked together trying to get A.J. on the road. That definitely shows the team spirit between the two crews when #83 crew came down to help the #84 crew push A.J.'s car. All of the guys are super!!!!

9:11 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

You're right about the pit crews. They are awesome. They are quick. Way to go Red Bull. You're time is coming, keep up the good work.

9:14 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

They're quick and cute. Check out the guys with their helmets off. WOW!!

9:18 PM  
Blogger Kristin Weaver said...

In June's issue of ESPN the Magazine, there is an article on Scott Speed. Thought I'd pass this along, in case someone wants to read it.

5:52 AM  
Blogger Daniel said...

I wasn't saying that RBR wasn't good, but that expanding so quickly with young drivers probably wouldn't be best to do.

9:53 AM  
Blogger Kristin Weaver said...

Ok, guess I read it wrong. I'm sorry for that. I really think Red Bull Racing needs to do 1 more year with 2 cars, then branch out. I know you learn more with a 3 or 4 car team but we need 2 cars in the Top 35 so we can concentrate on wins and whatnot. But whatever happens, I'll cheer loud and proud for RBR.

10:43 AM  
Blogger Nomar said...

Ok, BV's team store is kind of confusing..but I think I got it now. The store is officially open for business and all the sizes are in stock. I just ordered the Vickers Fury T, the new driver cap and two decals. So, I'm definitely looking forward to sporting my gear in support of 83. Thanks for the good products...

11:47 AM  
Blogger Kristin Weaver said...

AJ has a new column on Yahoo Sports and I just wanted to share. It's kinda cute! Glad to get an "insider" view. Awesome 1st column, AJ. Good luck!

http://sports.yahoo.com/nascar/news;_ylt=Avw9Dmyc0BDny1yyUhEcvjzov7YF?slug=aa-volumeone062508&prov=yhoo&type=lgns

8:24 PM  

Post a Comment

<< Home