We’re underway, already having talked to the Chip Ganassi with Felix Sabates team (all nine of the drivers represented) and made a trip to the NASCAR Research and Development Center.

Ganassi is a multinational conglomerate...six countries represented, and Reed Sorenson is the stock-car veteran of the Cup trio. He said he feels good about the upcoming season, and hopes this is the year CGRFS makes a run at competing with the Hendrick Motorsportses and Joe Gibbs Racings of the world.

At the R&D Center, they announced a couple of rule changes for next year, including a slight change to the top-35 rule. I’ve included the full rundown in my notebook for tomorrow, so check that out there.

OK, we’re on our way to Richard Childress Racing in about 20 minutes, so I’ll either update with that later tonight or tomorrow evening. Tomorrow I’m getting some one-on-one time with Tony Stewart and Greg Zipadelli for the cover story for our preseason section (Feb. 10!).

Wish me luck.