There was talk of restrictor plates coming to Pocono, after speeds into Turn 1 topped 212 mph. Thankfully that won’t happen, as cooler heads have prevailed and NASCAR is not concerned that the speeds are too high.
"No, absolutely not," Pemberton said of the prospect of implementing restrictor plates. "We're well within reason here. Average speed is going pretty good, so we're happy. There's a lot of grip here, so there's no reason for that."
This is a smart move. It’s only one part of the track, and restrictor plates should be avoided at all costs. I wish they weren’t necessary at Daytona or Talladega, as they put drivers in a touch situation where they have to rely too much on other cars.

Busch wins Eldora with Ford engine
He may be a Toyota guy in NASCAR, but when he took the checkered flag and won Tony Stewart’s Prelude to the Dream Wednesday night he had some help from Ford.
Busch was driving the car and engine of Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series Champion Scott Bloomquist in the charity race, and the car featured a Roush Yates engine.
"Whether you beat Tony Stewart or whether you beat Jimmie Johnson or whoever, it's still a lot of fun to race this race," said Busch.
Busch won the race by staying out of trouble and having one of the fastest cars on the track. Wrecks took out 11 cars of the 26 car field, leaving only 15 cars for the final restart. Fellow Sprint Cup driver Kasey Kahne was leading until he ran into Bobby Labonte after a spin in turn three. Busch was running second at the time and capitalized on the opportunity en route to winning the 40-lap race.
"I felt like our car's always been the best car in the long run, especially through traffic," said Busch. "It was definitely exciting getting through traffic. That's what makes this place fun."
Bloomquist will be back in the car for the Dream at Eldora on Saturday night.

Sad news: New Hall of Fame inductee Cotton Owens passes
Sad news broke Thursday, as newly inducted Hall of Famer Cotton Owens passed away at age 88. Owens will officially enter the NASCAR Hall of Fame on February 8, 2013, along with Rusty Wallace, Leonard Wood, Buck Baker and Herb Thomas.
Owens won nine times in Cup, including the 1957 Daytona Beach road course. He nearly won the 1959 title, finishing second to NASCAR Hall of Famer Lee Petty. Owens raced NASCAR modified stock cars and won the 1953-54 championships. He was also a successful car owner.
Here is some reaction to his death:
STATEMENT FROM THE OWENS FAMILY:
“The family would like to express gratitude for the thoughts and prayers of precious friends and fans.
“While Cotton was a racing legend with an incredible racing "family," we mourn the irreplaceable great granddad, granddad, father, uncle, brother-in-law and friend we have all lost. The family respectfully requests privacy at this difficult time.”

STATEMENT FROM BRIAN FRANCE, NASCAR CHAIRMAN AND CEO:
"NASCAR has lost one of its true pioneers, with the passing of Cotton Owens. On behalf of the France Family and everyone at NASCAR, I offer heartfelt condolences to Cotton's family and friends.
"This is a sad day for the NASCAR industry, but we are all consoled by the fact that Cotton was voted into the NASCAR Hall of Fame before his death. Today we have lost a portion of our past. But people like Cotton Owens are the reason our sport thrives today -- and can look forward to a promising future."

Statement from Winston Kelley, executive director, NASCAR Hall of Fame
“We lost one of NASCAR’s greats today. Our hearts go out to Cotton’s family, and we hope they find strength in the memories of his remarkable life and career. That career was topped off just a few weeks ago with his selection for the Class of 2013. In speaking to his grandson, Brandon Davis, he reiterated how much being an Inductee meant to Cotton and how much it lifted his spirit.
“I vividly remember when I first started following NASCAR in the early to mid-’60s watching his white and red No. 6 Dodge run up front with David Pearson and later Buddy Baker. I was just a child, but I still remember his car being a contender all the time. It was one of the ones to beat. In more recent years I remember how supportive he was of our initiatives. NASCAR recognized his career by inviting him to be an original member of our Voting Panel. You could always count on Cotton to be here for Voting Day and other hall events. He will be missed.”

Statement from Buz McKim, historian NASCAR Hall of Fame:
“Cotton Owens was one of the first heroes of NASCAR. He was exciting to watch, as he thrilled early-day fans with his patented broadsliding on dirt tracks. Not only a gifted driver, he was a fine mechanic and was a championship car owner. He also mentored many drivers, among them David Pearson. Another chapter of history closes today as the racing world has lost a great friend and pioneer, Everett “Cotton” Owens.”