1. Talladega days
Talladega Superspeedway will open its 2.66-mile tri-oval to folks who want to noodle around the track in their passenger cars. It won’t be an all-out, pedal-to-the-metal deal. The people paying the $50 fee will go in groups behind a Talladega pace truck. The “Drive Days” are scheduled April 24 and April 26. Participants behind the wheel must be at least 19 years old. Oh heck, what could go wrong?
2. No rest for weary
Bristol had a three-day show, which stretched out to Monday to complete the Food City 500 because of persistent rain and "wintry mix." NASCAR got the race done, despite more rain Monday, but it will make for a short turnaround for Cup Series teams. They must report to Richmond Raceway by early Friday morning and be ready to go for an 11 a.m. practice session. Richmond runs its Cup race Saturday night.
3. Richmond forecast
Weather has been a big factor in NASCAR this season. Rain threatened the race at Atlanta Motor Speedway, but the race was staged. Qualifying was canceled at Texas Motor Speedway because of lightning. The race at Bristol Motor Speedway was red-flagged overnight for rain. On deck: Richmond, where the forecast is clear for Saturday night's race, with rain on Sunday. Fingers crossed.