Drivers' council may be new, but Grubb says pit bosses discuss concerns too
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HUNTERSVILLE, N.C. -- NASCAR Sprint Cup Series drivers now have an official group that can bring their concerns, beliefs and ideas to officials on a regular basis.
The formation of a drivers' council was news several weeks ago, when a handful of competitors met with NASCAR officials while at Dover International Speedway.
There has been a less formal crew chief council for much longer.
"I think we get together every week to share our sorrows," joked Darian Grubb, crew chief for the Joe Gibbs Racing No. 19 Toyota of driver Carl Edwards.
Actually, NASCAR has hosted a monthly conference call with crew chiefs and representatives from the three auto manufacturers -- Chevrolet, Ford and Toyota -- to discuss topics of concern for some time now, according to Grubb.
"We have that opportunity and an open floor," he said. "If someone doesn't want to speak, that's their own prerogative. NASCAR has done a really good job about making sure they keep us informed and it's an open forum. If you want to ask a question, it's there."
Members of NASCAR's competition group, including Richard Buck, Sprint Cup Series Managing Director, and Robin Pemberton, Senior Vice President of Competition and Racing Development, participate in the monthly calls.
"Overall, it's usually just about consistency in the garage," Grubb said. "Knowing everybody is on the same page for rules and enforcement.
"You're always wondering what everyone else is getting away with versus us; that's our nature. We're all trying to push the limits of performance every day. So you automatically assume if somebody beats you, they got a different advantage and you know you have to work harder to try to overcome that."