New Age, Gear Rules On Tap After Daytona

Though Joey Lagano has enjoyed some big-time props from NASCAR veteran Mark Martin, he might not be able to find his way into the Sprint Cup Series for a while.

The 17-year-old driver from Connecticut has turned heads for awhile after Martin referred to Lagano as the "real deal" when he was just 15. In 2008, Lagono -- with a contract as a developmental driver for Joe Gibbs Racing -- is scheduled to compete in some Nationwide series events after his 18th birthday in May.

But NASCAR might have other plans, such as increasing the age limit of it's premier Sprint Cup series to keep younger drivers out. Sources in NASCAR have apparently confirmed that the rule is being considered to the Charlotte Observer's David Poole, who supposes the move is intended to increase strength of the Nationwide and Craftsman Truck Series:

"There are concerns that young drivers are being moved up through the ranks too soon, and that more time in the second-tier series would give them time to develop their skills on the track and to mature off of it.

Such a change could, theoretically, also bolster interest in the Nationwide and Truck series, since it would ensure that promising young drivers could build fan followings and attract sponsorships while competing at those lower levels."

I couldn't agree more. In the past few years, numerous young drivers have been elevated to the Sprint Cup series with limited success. Allowing them to develop more skill and more of a following could only be a good thing.

New Daytona Gear Rule Might Raise Speeds

Following this week's testing at Daytona, NASCAR was a little uneasy with the RPM's that cars were turning.

As a result, the sanctioning body wants to change the gear rule to make sure the engines will last the entire event. According to the NASCAR Scene, teams currently have a 370 or 375 gear and the change would put the teams running a 364 gear.

"If we change the rule, we won't do it officially until all of testing is completed," NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Director John Darby said Wednesday during testing. "I think all of the teams are already anticipating a change. I know a lot of teams last week tried a 364 gear and a lot of teams here have got 364s in."

Teams reached into the 189mph bracket this week at Daytona, and with the change, speeds could see a minimal bump due to the gear change.