Rick Minter's OBSERVATIONS

Another rainout prompts debate

NASCAR Kevin Harvick (left) presents keys to a minivan to Robert Ard, son of racing legend Sam Ard. Friday's rainout of Sprint Cup qualifying at Atlanta Motor Speedway was the third consecutive week of washout — and the 10th this season — and it renewed the debate over whether NASCAR should amend its procedures when rains affect time trials.

Points leader Jimmie Johnson, who inherited the pole again, said he and the other drivers at the top of the points standings did gain an advantage with the rainout.

"When you start up front on a big track like this, and the air is so important these days, the track position is everything," he said. "If you can start in the top five, it's much easier to stay in the top five than it is to start 15th and fight your way into the top five."

Johnson said he favors some sort of adjustment.

"I do agree that something needs to change," he said, explaining that there should be a procedure to hold a brief special qualifying session on Saturdays for the drivers outside the top 35 in carowner points and thereby not assured of a starting position. "I think a compromise is out there. We just need to think it through."

Jeff Burton said race fans are better off when drivers use Saturday to prepare their cars for racing, instead of using some of the time for qualifying.

"It's a 500-mile race," he said. "What we're here to do is focus on making our car drive well so we can put ourselves in position to win the race."

Benson wants title for team owners

Craftsman Truck Series points leader Johnny Benson already has one NASCAR championship, from the 1995 Nationwide Series, and he's just three races away from a second. He heads to Texas holding a 31-point lead over defending truck champion Ron Hornaday. Benson said that winning the truck title would carry extra meaning because it would be the first NASCAR championship for team owners Bill and Gail Davis.

"It means a lot to myself to be able to get that done," Benson said, adding that it would be especially nice given the way Davis has struggled in the Sprint Cup Series. "I think the team is trying really hard to do it. It's going to be a fun battle."

This year's trophy will be the last to carry the Craftsman name.

Beginning next year, the series will be sponsored by Camping World, which announced a seven-year deal last week. Harvicks give something back

When it comes to honoring the heroes of the early days of the Natiowide Series, few are as diligent as Kevin and DeLana Harvick. Kevin is a staunch supporter of the series, where he has won two titles and 32 races.

DeLana literally grew up in the series following her father, the late John Paul Linville, as he drove from 1982 to 1992.

On Saturday at AMS, the Harvicks presented a 2007 Chevrolet van to Robert Ard, son of former Nationwide Series champion Sam Ard. Sam Ard is battling Alzheimer's disease and is facing financial woes.

The NASCAR Foundation and Motor Racing Outreach also are working with the Harvicks to assist the Ards. To participate in a benefit online auction of racing memorabilia, visit www.nascar.com/foundation.