Full Throttle

A terminal velocity of 13 MPH can result in many things. If it’s the speed at which you’re clocked over the posted limit it buys you a hefty fine and increased insurance bills. (And probably a red-hot backseat driver) If you snatched the cops radar gun and pointed it at a running Squirrel the reading would be approximately 13 MPH.

In similar fashion, using NASCAR’s timing lights, Mike Skinner clocked in at 13 MPH over the previous qualifying record for the NCTS at Las Vegas. Think about that for a second… after the repaving and addition of “progressive banking” Skinner didn’t break the record, he drove, and the track allowed him to drive as if Sheriff Buford T. Justice were hot on his tail!

Amazing! Do you think the Cup guys are glad Las Vegas isn’t part of the Chase?

Those that took part in the Talledega tire test are already predicting consistent three-wide racing and increased speeds on that new surface. Add 13 MPH to Greg Biffle’s pole speed in the spring Vegas NEXTEL Cup race and you get a possible 185 plus MPH next year.

There might be more than desert flowers blooming next spring during NASCAR weekend at Vegas.

And don’t let it be said Skinner wasted the opportunity he worked for. He led 114 of the 146 laps in winning his first NCTS event since Richmond last fall. He passed Ted Musgrave with 20 laps remaining, Musgrave was followed across the line by Mike Bliss, Johnny Benson Jr., with Ron Hornaday filling out the top five.

Australian Rookie Marcos Ambrose turned in another fine performance finishing seventh overall.

Las Vegas Motor Speedway, Mike Skinner, NASCAR, NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series, NCTS, Sports, Auto Racing, Motorsports, Full Throttle