Leilani Munter Diary: Times are changing

I've spent the last two weeks at Daytona International Speedway on my first assignment with NASCAR.com. The Cup cars were testing for the 500 and we were trackside to report the latest news.

Entering the infield, aside from being in awe of this gigantic track, the first thing I noticed was the NASCAR Nextel Cup Series banners. The 76 ball was nowhere to be seen. Sunoco was in its place. What was once red is now yellow. You can't miss it.

	Leilani Munter

Change is the topic of the week, and the recent alterations to the points system is stirring up the garage. More than a few of the drivers I spoke to were not happy about the change. But it's not their decision, so what can they do but go along with it. No sense in being upset over something you can't do anything about. The final details will be announced live on NASCAR.com Tuesday at 9:30 a.m. ET.

Other changes were less controversial, like the shorter spoilers and softer tire package from Goodyear. Although Daytona has a new tire, it's not the softer compound tire that will be used at all non-superspeedway tracks.

Keep in mind that superspeedways are exceptions to a lot of the rules. The softer tires are going to have more grip, but they're going to wear faster. So tire management will become more of a factor.

No more taking no tires or two tires, you're going to want to change all four when you can. Due to the spoiler change, the cars should gain speed at Daytona as a result of less drag. At downforce tracks, such as Michigan and Indianapolis, the cars should lose speed in the corners as a result of less rear downforce.

I talked with Jeff Burton about that thing that looms over every race driver's head- sponsorship. While Nextel is pouring (wisely, I might add) millions of their advertising dollars into NASCAR, Burton is still in negotiations to solidify sponsorship to run a full-time Nextel Cup season.

Now here's a guy who finished in the top 10 in points in five of the past seven seasons. It's no longer just the back markers with sponsor issues. This guy runs up front. That is frightening.

VIDEO CLIPS Leilani Munter talks to drivers about the boredom of testing Play video Munter talks to drivers about potenial changes to the points system Play video  •  More Daytona videos

This sport is changing, no doubt. But I am thankful for some of that change. It wasn't so many years ago that women weren't even allowed in the garage area. Now there are women who own, build and race the cars.

So when you see something new, before you start hollering about why you don't like it, give it a chance. Change can be a good thing.

As we pulled out of the empty garage on Thursday, only one hauler remained in the infield -- the one that read "Nextel Cup Series." Part of me missed seeing that big red trailer. There's some pain associated with any kind of change, but pain fades and we move on.

I'll tell you one thing that hasn't changed. Daytona International Speedway remains the most storied racetrack in all of stock car auto racing. It is the stuff of legend. Thousands of cheers have been shouted and thousands of tears have been shed here. And that magic that this place holds within its grandstands will never fade.

NASCAR Dodge Weekly Racing Series driver Leilani Munter is a special correspondent for NASCAR.com. Her diary will appear periodically.