Still a top five contender. Other names in the mix include Gary Bradberry, Michael Ritch, Carl Long, Bob Strait, Hut Stricklin, David Green, David Murry, Bob Strait, Dan Pardus, Dick Trickle, Mike Wallace, Ted Musgrave, Jay Sauter and who knows, maybe even Busch standout Casey Atwood. And then there's Loy Allen Jr., Kenny Bouchard, Morgan Shepherd, Stanton Barrett and Rich Bickle all on the outside looking in. Now for the bad news. When the green flag drops at Daytona.
Drivers go, sponsors go, crew chiefs exit and the cycle goes on.
At this point, the monumental task is simply another Bruton Smith challenge. They plan on the cleanup operation taking three weeks to return the place back to the asphalt and concrete jungle it once was. On the local level , the area shops are buzzing. Pick a spot and there are sparks flying in pre-season race prep. The Rolex 24 race is next Saturday and Sunday, but they will be shaking out their cars in a brief stint in Savannah.