Hunter not in favor of Labor Day race

DARLINGTON — If it’s not broke, don’t fix it.

That’s what Jim Hunter says about moving Darlington Raceway’s date back to Labor Day weekend.

Hunter, the former track president and now NASCAR Vice president of Corporate Communications, says there is no reason to change it, even if the Labor Day weekend opens back up. The track hosted a race on that weekend for more than 50 years before it was moved to California.

“I personally don’t think it would be a good move for Darlington,” Hunter said Saturday. “They have had four straight sellouts, added seats and made improvements to the place. They have found a niche about this Mother’s Day weekend Saturday night race.”

Hunter doubts, though, California will lose its second date or have it switched with Atlanta, a rumor that has been swirling for some time now.

“It (California) just too big of a market,” Hunter said.

He also thinks moving Darlington’s date and putting it in the Chase for the Championship isn’t the right thing.

But one thing Hunter agrees on is Darlington no longer has to sweat it out and worry about losing its date in the future. The track was put on notice by Bill France Jr. in 2003.

Four straight sellouts and the improvements, such as lights, a new grandstand and racing surface as well as possible future plans including a new Sprint Cup garage, have helped it cement its place in NASCAR.

“I think the talking of not having a race has been quelled. If it hasn’t it should have. There always will be a place for a race here,” Hunter said. “It looks better than it has ever been. Everybody has done a good job. They keep making improvements without changing the race track.

“No other track on the circuit is like it. It’s one of a kind.”

No love for Kyle

As expected, fans booed Kyle Busch soundly during driver introductions.

But Busch didn’t seem too bothered by the negative reaction and even played to the crowd and Earnhardt’s crew, who heckled him coming around Turn 1.

Busch responded showing them his middle finger and also cupped his ears, encouraging fans to make more noise.

The Las Vegas native took off his sunglasses, making it look like he was wiping away tears from his eyes.

No movement

Greg Biffle said this weekend there has been no progress in his contract negotiations with Roush Fenway Racing.

Biffle, whose contract runs out ay the end of the year, has expressed his interest to stay with the team and said the two sides will continue negotiations soon.

Tony’s troubles

Tony Stewart’s bid for a weekend sweep took a hit when he collided with Elliott Sadler on lap two. Both cars were able to return to the track but neither was a factor.

“I just got loose under him and spun up into him,” Sadler said. “I never had a problem with Tony and I know he is pretty upset with me right now. It’s my fault. I apologize to him and all of his fans.”

They said it

“We can have the romantic notion all we want that the series would be better if it didn’t have any Cup drivers in it, but the harsh reality of it is that’s not true. The series is better because of the Cup drivers in it.”
— Jeff Burton on the state of the Nationwide Series.