Nascar Drivers Observe

Jeff Gordon spent the day in school, learning whatever he could about the new concrete surface at Dover Downs International Speedway.

His classroom was the top of his team trailer with a TV set, a vantage point from which he hoped to gain additional knowledge by watching the Busch Grand National race. The event, the first ever over the White Lightning surface that now covers the Monster Mile, was a precursor to today’s $1.5 million Miller Genuine Draft 500.

He wasn’t alone, as NASCAR and Goodyear proved after cars in Saturday’s Busch Grand National race had tire problems. As a result, Goodyear announced that it was immediately shipping in 1,100 tires with a thinner tread.

NASCAR also announced that an unprecedented practice session would be held early today, giving the teams 30 minutes or so work on their new setups.