Drivers pleased with new schedule

If this were the old Cup schedule, there already would have been a week off. NASCAR used to have a week off after the second race of the season, then another weekend off for Easter.

Now, however, the drivers are five races into the season and have some momentum built up before taking Easter weekend off.

Popular opinion says that's a much better option.

"With all the snow delays and the coldness, it just seems like the season gets longer and longer every year and we start our season too soon," Kurt Busch said. "The season is long, and there are only a few off weekends. This one is Easter and is around family."

Busch's teammate, Ryan Newman, doesn't have any big plans.

"It's just kind of a vacation at home with the dogs, with [wife] Krissie, fishing and doing stuff outside," Newman said. "I might fire up the lawn mower for the first time even though the grass doesn't need to get cut. [I'll] just enjoy being around the house."

Childress excited about win and overseas trip

Richard Childress is not only a successful NASCAR team owner, but an adventurous outdoorsman. Childress has gone big-game hunting in several out-of-the-way locations.

This week, thanks to NASCAR's off week, Childress will follow his team's great showing at Bristol with a trip to Mongolia.

"We have to concentrate on the next race, and that's next week," Childress said after the race. "I'm going to let all these guys worry about that while I'm in Mongolia."

He leaves tomorrow, but said he'll be reachable by satellite phone should any emergencies arise in his absence.

When asked if he'd be eating barbecue, Childress quipped: "Yeah, sheep." - Jill Erwin