Talladega weekend is here.
Tension increases as the series holds its first restrictor-plate race since Dale Earnhardt's fatal crash in the Daytona 500. Worry overwhelms at a track where seven Cup drivers have suffered serious injuries since 1991. Several drivers have spoken against the rules that produced 49 lead changes at Talladega last fall and Earnhardt's late-race charge from 18th to first. The only alterations have been slight changes to the Fords and Dodges for competitive issues. Dale Jarrett, Jeff Burton, Bobby Labonte and Rusty Wallace are among those who have said the rules need to be changed.