We have a lot of drivers who speak for the garage area now. But Dale was like Michael Jordan. I don't think you'll ever replace him fully because of the type of person he was.
We have to be, and we will be, a performance-based series. You have to perform. You know what, the drivers ... don't want to limp in on a fan vote. They want to earn their way in or not earn their way in.
This move provides for even more intense competition on the track between drivers and manufacturers, which will provide more excitement and fan interest.
I think it definitely would be helpful. They're the two biggest stars in the sport. We'd love to see the most popular drivers be in the Chase, but you have to earn it. They would agree with that.
I congratulate Chris Powell and LVMS for launching this improvement project. The new garage area will give race fans an opportunity to see their favorite drivers up close. The strong relationship between fans and drivers is a NASCAR hallmark, which will be alive and well at LVMS.