ENJOYABLE CUP RACE

I loved Saturday’s Sprint Cup race.

I loved that it was only 400 miles long.

I loved that there was plenty of drama near the end.

And I loved TNT’s “wide-open coverage” where the TV screen was split between a national commercial and live racing.

My routine is falling asleep during Cup races, usually when a commercial comes on. It’s kind of like taking allergy pills.

I always record the races in case I doze off so I can fast-forward past the boring parts and commercials. But I was wide awake throughout the race and only needed to jump channels during the 90-second local breakaways.

If I bought commercial time on the national telecasts I’d WANT the split screen.

Kyle Petty and Wally Dallenbach make these races fun and informative. They’re the two best in a motor sports TV booth.

1,000-FOOTERS FOR REST OF ’08

I’m hearing NHRA’s interim safety move of cutting races from 1,320 to 1,000 feet for Top Fuel and Funny Car will be for the rest of this season.

The first test comes this weekend near Denver.

More on this topic Friday in my column at LVRJ.com.

IF IT’S MARK, IT’S OK

When someone retires they should stay retired.

But it’s OK if Mark Martin wants to change his mind.

He should be welcomed back with wide-open arms as the full-time driver next year in Hendrick Motorsports No. 5 Chevy.

Every sport needs a straight-up guy and pure racer like Martin.

LAS VEGAS TRYING TO HELP

Las Vegas Motor Speedway has tickets on sale for its Feb. 27-March 1 NASCAR Weekend. It’s offering two ways to help you attend.

You only have to provide a one-half partial payment when ordering tickets with a credit card; the balance is due by Nov. 1.

The speedway will open RV lots at noon on Feb. 24. This is two days earlier than lots have opened in the past and there’s no extra charge. Anyone who has purchased an RV spot will be allowed early entry.

For RV spaces, Neon Garage passes or tickets: (800) 644-4444 or www.lvms.com.

NASCAR

Dale Earnhardt Inc. proved it can’t read schematics when its primary car for Martin Truex Jr. was confiscated Thursday in prerace inspection.

It failed the first time because the roof was too wide and blew a chance to correct it.

Rules are rules.

When NASCAR introduced its Car of Tomorrow last season, it warned teams that it would have zero tolerance for altering car bodies.

Look for big penalties Tuesday.

TRACKS TO FEEL CHEVROLET’S PAIN

Chevrolet will begin cutting back on its 12 track sponsorships in NASCAR, according to a Thursday story in The Charlotte Observer.

Jim Utter reports the move comes as General Motors stock hit a 54-year low last week, falling under $10 per share. Chevrolet's cost-cutting isn't expected to affect any race teams — yet.

Las Vegas Motor Speedway does not have an official vehicle deal other than the dragstrip, which is supported by GM. The speedway also doesn’t have a sponsor yet for its 2009 Cup race.