"I learned a long time ago if you get everybody involved, they can't complain," team owner Rick Hendrick said after exiting the morning session. "That's what happens in our sport, people don't feel like they get a voice."
So NASCAR gave everyone a chance to be heard, presiding over two open meetings at the research and development center located a few miles away from Lowe's Motor Speedway. Drivers, team owners and crew chiefs were assigned to one of two sessions, and the morning group of 53 participants needed a little over two hours to discuss the issues facing NASCAR.
The second group, which included three-time defending series champion Jimmie Johnson, two-time series champion Tony Stewart and a large contingent from Roush Fenway Racing, met later.
France and NASCAR president Mike Helton opened the first session by encouraging candid discussion on any subject, spokesman Jim Hunter said. NASCAR had 10 top officials in attendance, including France's sister, Lesa, an executive vice president of NASCAR. The two have presided over NASCAR, a family run business started by their grandfather, since their father's death two years ago.
"I think today was a really great step toward Brian, Lesa and all those folks answering questions and taking some criticism and explaining why some things are like they are and giving everybody a chance to speak up," Hendrick said. "I think if we can do more of these we can see that we all can work together to make this thing better. There's a lot of smart people in that garage area."
Drug testing was a main topic of the first session, which included Mark Martin and Ryan Newman, two drivers vocal with their concerns about the policy since Jeremy Mayfield's failed test. He received an indefinite suspension May 9 and, despite calls from drivers, NASCAR has not revealed the substance found in his sample.
The secrecy and lack of an official list of banned substances led many drivers to worry their careers could be put in jeopardy by a failed test for a simple prescription.
"If you're taking something as prescribed, I don't think you're going to lose your career," Martin said. "I feel much better now than I did before the meeting."
The slumping economy has taken a toll on NASCAR, which this season is suffering through drops in both attendance and TV ratings. Smaller teams are struggling to find sponsorship opportunities, and there's been differing opinions on the competition since NASCAR switched last season to the full-time use of its "Car of Tomorrow."
Although NASCAR has been steadfast in its stance that no changes were forthcoming to the car, Hunter said input collected would be considered.
"In the end there was no answer, but we also learned a lot of things we need to talk about," Newman said. "It's like a marriage. It's a two-way street. You need to talk about things to make it better."
