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BRISTOL, Tenn. -- NASCAR officials talked to teams earlier this month about the possibility of using fuel injection instead of carburetors in the future, a sign many in the garage like.

"Bring it on," said Mike Ford, crew chief for Denny Hamlin. "I don't think there's a car on the planet sold with a carburetor anymore. Anytime you can advance, I think it's positive."

Just when the change could happen is uncertain. Robin Pemberton, NASCAR Vice President of Competition, said there's no timetable for it.

Pemberton said NASCAR is looking at this now because with Ford's new engines all of the engines will be similar and that will make it "easier to regulate from a performance standpoint."

Pemberton also said NASCAR is putting together a group to examine the issue similar to what they did with the new car and new engine pieces.

An important aspect of having fuel injection is that it will have to be, as Pemberton says, "tamper proof." NASCAR officials have shied away from such technology previously, in part, for fear that teams could somehow tap into it for traction control.

SPECIAL INTROS: In a twist from the norm, drivers introduced themselves before Saturday's race and came in to the track to music they picked.

Dale Earnhardt Jr. came in to AC/DC's "Thunderstruck" and told fans "Let's raise some hell."

Jimmie Johnson entered to the same song -- and a chorus of boos from the fans. He said: "I know you love me."

Elliott Sadler entered to "2001: A Space Odyssey'' and did his best Ric Flair "Wooooo!"

GOING FOR GOOD? Reports that Brad Keselowski will drive the No. 12 car at Penske Racing next year would mean he's leaving JR Motorsports, his Nationwide ride, and Hendrick Motorsports, which has a contract with him.

But car owner Rick Hendrick suggests it might not be for long.

"I'm not saying he's going to be with us next year, and I'm not saying he won't be," Hendrick said before Saturday's race at Bristol Motor Speedway. "But wherever he goes, he'll always be close enough for me to get him and bring him back."

LEGENDS RETURNING: Bristol Motor Speedway will bring back the old-timers race in conjunction with its spring Cup/Nationwide weekend. Cale Yarborough and Harry Gant are among those who say they'll race in the event again.

There will be some changes to the race, though. To be eligible a driver cannot have competed in a Sprint Cup or a Nationwide race in the past seven years. Thus, last year's winner, Sterling Marlin, and runner-up, Rusty Wallace, will not be eligible. Also, drivers will not be allowed to bring their own cars but will use cars from USARacing Pro Cup teams. Also, no celebrity race next year.

Contact Dustin Long at 373-7062 or dustin.long@news-record.com