Q&A: Mears, Newman, Bowyer.

Tuesday, 21st February 2006

They may have come up a little short in NASCAR’s biggest race, but Daytona 500 runner-up Casey Mears, third place finisher Ryan Newman and top rookie Clint Bowyer still had plenty to smile (and talk) about after the race.

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Q.
Whatever you want to say. What I'm asking is, does the fact that a car that had been in question because of rules violations all week won the race have any effect on how this race will be perceived by you or your team or the fans, in your opinion?

CASEY MEARS:
I don't think so. I mean, in my mind, you know, the fact that they got caught earlier in the week took every doubt out of my mind that they actually would do anything, you know, to possibly cheat in this race. I think it was a well earned victory, obviously. You know, I mean, I agree with Ryan that, you know, it's disappointing that it has to happen in our sport. But I guess, you know, I don't even know what to say. I don't know. Good job. They did a good job today (laughter). Have to let NASCAR think about it.

Q.
Ryan, there were two or three aggressive driving penalties today. The first was to the guy who really asked for something to change. What were your thoughts about that and do you think it will work as we go forward?

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RYAN NEWMAN:
I mean, I was way back in the pack. I didn't see what happened between the 20 and the 17, so I'm going to decline to comment on the actual situation and circumstances. Whether that was coincidental with it being Tony, Tony's comment, or whatever that's beside the point. I hope in the future, the drivers can work this situation out as far as the bump drafting or any other situation that we have before NASCAR has to intervene. I think, you know, the days are gone where we can't take each other out back and have a little discussion, get some things done. I'm saying that because of the fact that cameras follow us everywhere and we don't want to be given the image of a "bad boy".

I think in the end, the bump drafting rule is not ideal, but it was something that helped get through the races a little bit cleaner, I think, because of the way it was implemented. Let me correct myself and say it wasn't necessarily a bump drafting rule, what was it called?

CASEY MEARS:
Aggressive driving.

RYAN NEWMAN:
Aggressive driving rule.

Q.
Ryan and Casey, do you think after this week, next week at California, this bump drafting and aggressive driving thing will kind of be an afterthought as far as NASCAR keeping such a close eye on everybody, what they're doing on the track?

RYAN NEWMAN:
I think it all depends on how much you guys make of it. It's part of racing. Just like Casey said, it's the way we pass now. If it's fun for the fans for us to be out there side by side, four deep, you know, four wide, four deep, not touch each other, NASCAR has to make some conclusions. Man, I'm stuttering all over myself. Say it, Casey.

CASEY MEARS:
I think the rules are fine. I think the racing is fun. As long as NASCAR stays on top of it a little bit, and makes sure that the guys don't get too out of hand, it's fun racing. I enjoy it.

RYAN NEWMAN:
We don't like being on the receiving end of a judgment call is the bottom line.