NASCAR refuses to listen

NASCAR officials are saying they plan no significant changes to the current Sprint Cup cars next season, despite complaints from drivers and crews about ill-handling characteristics, which many say make it tough to pass. But drivers seem a bit taken aback by that stance. Jimmie Johnson, who struggled with this new car much of the season, particularly at the mid-sized tracks, says that NASCAR shouldn't be so quick to say no. "A lot of us have ideas for changes we'd like to see them put in," he said. "As the season has gone on, we've all gotten smarter and 'helped' the car. But there still are some things I feel should be looked at and considered." Johnson says he is "hopeful that something would change, definitely." Drivers are mindful of the chewing out they got in June from NASCAR president Mike Helton for their continued criticism of the new car. Nevertheless Johnson says that if NASCAR would make some changes the racing could be better. — Winston-Salem Journal