Black Cat Fireworks sponsoring Raines at Talladega: Black Cat Fireworks is celebrating its 60th Anniversary in the US in 2012 and what better way to celebrate than to go racing. Black Cat Fireworks and Tony Raines have teamed up again for this weekend's Sprint Cup Aaron's 499 at Talladega Superspeedway. Tony will be driving the #33 owned by Joe Falk. "I'm excited to be teamed up with Black Cat Fireworks again this year and about our opportunity this weekend." said Raines.(Black Cat)(5-4-2012)

Austin Dillon Featured in New ESPN NASCAR Spot: Rising young NASCAR star Austin Dillon and the legendary black #3 made famous by the late Dale Earnhardt are featured in a new ESPN promotional spot entitled "The Next Generation" that will begin airing next week. The 21-year-old Dillon is the leading rookie in the NASCAR Nationwide Series. All 33 races in the series will air on ESPN, ESPN2 or ABC this season and Dillon is the second Nationwide Series driver this year to be featured by ESPN in its promotional campaign for the series, joining 2011 series champion Ricky Stenhouse Jr. The 30-second spot, which continues ESPN's "Names Are Made Here" marketing campaign for the NASCAR Nationwide Series, traces Dillon's career through go karts, dirt tracks and the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series, where he was series champion last year. At the end of the spot, a team member opens a garage door to reveal the #3 car that Dillon is driving this season. "Here you go, Austin," the man says. "She's ready when you are." The #3, owned by Dillon's grandfather, longtime NASCAR team owner Richard Childress, has returned to regular use on a car this year for the first time since Earnhardt's death in the 2001 Daytona 500 and the new ESPN spot reflects the magnitude of the return of the number. Dillon won the Truck Series championship last year driving a Childress-owned #3 truck. The spot was produced by Wieden + Kennedy New York and will run across ESPN platforms.(ESPN)(4-8-2012)

Joe Falk to take over #33 team: Hermie Sadler will race in Sunday's "Goody's Fast Relief 500" at Martinsville Speedway, driving a #33 Chevrolet fielded - officially - by Richard Childress Racing. The Virginia native has confirmed, however, that the #33 team will soon belong to former Sprint Cup Series owner Joe Falk, who will make his return to the sport in two weeks at Texas Motor Speedway. "I had been talking to Richard about driving the #33 at some point this year," said Sadler on Sirius XM NASCAR Radio's Sirius XM Speedway. "And in the last week to 10 days, Richard made a deal with Joe Falk& to purchase the team and its (owner) points. Joe is a big NASCAR fan who has done pretty well in the car business. A lot of people know him, he's been around the sport forever." Sadler called this week's entry "a collaborative effort" between RCR and Falk, as part of a transition that will see Falk assume ownership of the car at Texas Motor Speedway on April 14. "This is technically an RCR effort this week," he said. "It's an older Richard Childress car with a Childress engine under the hood. Richard entered the car this weekend because of (NASCAR rules concerning) entry blanks and when they have to be submitted. After they filed the entry, conversations began between him and Joe about making the transition official in time for Texas." Falk was listed as co-owner of the Hillman Racing #40 Toyota that Michael Waltrip attempted to qualify for this year's Daytona 500, and sources say the #33 entry may be housed at the Hillman Racing shop in Mooresville, NC.(Godfather Motorsports)(3-30-2012)
UPDATE: Sprint Cup series car owner Joe Falk said on Monday that he expects Elliott Sadler, Austin Dillon and C.E. Falk to be among those who will drive the #33 Chevy for his team in upcoming races. Joe Falk is purchasing the #33 team from legendary Cup owner Richard Childress. Falk said that Hermie Sadler, who drove to a 31st-place finish in the team's first race on Sunday at Martinsville, also figures to drive some more races. Falk added that he is not ready yet to announce who will drive the Cup car on April 14 in Texas, but that Emporia native Sadler is a possibility. He said his team will be housed in the same Mooresville, N.C., garage as his Camping World Truck Series team. While Falk partners with Hillman Racing in the trucks series, his Cup team will be independent. "We're doing this as a development deal with Richard Childress Racing," Falk said. So Childress' grandson, Dillon - who won two Camping World Truck races last year and has three Nationwide Series top-fives in five starts this season - will get some Cup starts for Falk. And Falk's nephew C.E., who tied a Langley Speedway track record with his third consecutive Late Model title in 2011, should get a start.(Newport News Daily Press)(4-3-2012)

Hermie Sadler in the #33 at Martinsville: UPDATE: During SPEED's NASCAR Live on Saturday, John Roberts and Hermie Sadler mentioned that Sadler would run the #33 Richard Childress Racing Chevy in the Sprint Cup Series race at Martinsville Speedway next weekend, April 1.(3-24-2012)
UPDATE: Hermie Sadler has landed a one-race deal to drive Richard Childress Racing's #33 Chevy this weekend at Martinsville Speedway, a team spokesman confirmed Wednesday. Hermie Sadler has brought sponsorship from Anderson's Maple Syrup and Am Fm-Energy to RCR for this weekend's Goody's Fast Relief 500. The car is 35th in the owner standings and has a guaranteed spot in the field at Martinsville. Gil Martin, a former crew chief for Kevin Harvick who directs the RCR Nationwide program, has served as crew chief of the #33 car the first five weeks but a crew chief for this weekend is still to be determined.(Scene Daily)(3-29-2012)

RCR to Honor Team Member Frankie Allen: Richard Childress Racing's NASCAR Sprint Cup and Nationwide Series teams will carry a special decal this weekend at Bristol Motor Speedway in honor of Frankie Allen, a valued employee and three-year veteran of the RCR team, who passed away earlier this week. Allen worked as the shock specialist on the #2 Camping World Truck Series entry with drivers Kevin Harvick, Brendan Gaughan and Tim George Jr. The Rock Hill, S.C., native served as the car chief for George Jr's #31 ARCA Racing Series team for the 2010 and 2011 seasons. In addition to running memorial decals on RCR's Sprint Cup and Nationwide Series cars this weekend, the three RCR Truck Series teams will carry the decal honoring Allen for the Kroger 250 race at Martinsville Speedway on March 31. "Frankie put in a lot of hard work and effort at RCR and truly became a friend to me and others at the shop," said Mike Dillon, Vice President of Competition for RCR. "One of his favorite sayings was 'hurry up' so it seemed appropriate to have that phrase on the decals the cars will carry. He will definitely be missed at the shop and our thoughts and prayers are with his family during this tough time." Allen is survived by his wife Renee. Funeral arrangements are pending.(RCR)(3-15-2012)

Childress joins Growth Energy Board of Directors: On the opening day of its 2012 Executive Leadership Conference, Growth Energy announced that Richard Childress, President and Chief Executive Officer of Richard Childress Racing, has agreed to join the organization as a member of its Board of Directors. Growth Energy represents 75 U.S. ethanol producers and 63 associated companies. Through grassroots support, media relations and advocacy efforts, Growth Energy promotes reducing harmful emissions, creating American jobs and strengthening national security through increased use of ethanol. In 2011, Growth Energy, partnering with the National Corn Growers Association and others, agreed to a marketing partnership with NASCAR under the American Ethanol brand. In the 2011 racing season, NASCAR used Sunoco Green E15 racing fuel in all of its vehicles, proving in more than 1.5 million miles of racing, qualifying and practice laps that E15 (15 percent ethanol, 85 percent gasoline) is a safe and effective fuel blend for today's automobiles. American Ethanol has an agreement with RCR Racing to use Austin Dillon, driver of the #3 American Ethanol Chevy, as a spokesman for the industry.(RCR)(3-10-2012)

Childress looking for first Vegas win: Richard Childress Racing has earned a Sprint Cup Series victory at 19 of the 23 tracks on the 2012 schedule. The only tracks on the current schedule where RCR hasn't earned Sprint Cup Series wins are Homestead-Miami Speedway, Las Vegas Motor Speedway, Kansas Speedway and Kentucky Speedway. Additionally, RCR has Sprint Cup Series wins at 22 tracks overall, including North Wilkesboro (N.C.), Riverside (Calif.) and Rockingham (N.C.), which are no longer on the schedule.(RCR)(3-10-2012)

Brendan Gaughan returns to Sprint Cup this weekend: The Fresh Fit 500 will mark Brendan Gaughan's 38th career NASCAR Sprint Cup Series start and his first since the 2010 Daytona 500. The Las Vegas native raced full-time in NASCAR's top series during the 2004 season, posting one top-five and four top -10 finishes. Phoenix marks the first of four Sprint Cup Series starts with RCR for 2012, Gaughan will also race the #33 South Point Hotel & Casino Chevy at Las Vegas Motor Speedway, Bristol Motor Speeedway and Auto Club Speedway events during the month of March. South Point Hotel & Casino will serve as Gaughan's primary sponsor for the #33 Chevy at Phoenix.(RCR), see an image of the car on the #33 team paint schemes page.(3-1-2012)

Johnson talks about Daytona 500 wreck: UPDATE: #48-Jimmie Johnson  Sidelined in multi-car crash on lap 2 of the Daytona 500 at Daytona International Speedway on Monday, February 27, 2012, his comments from a Chevy PR:
LOOKED LIKE A HARD HIT. FIRST ARE YOU OK? WHAT HAPPENED?
Johnson: "Yes, I'm ok. That side hit was hard. We were all just trying to make our lane work. A lot of energy in the lane. I was kind of pushing the No. 78 (Regan Smith) a little bit. I could feel some help from behind. Just turned me around. Sent me down to the inside lane and back up to the outside lane. When I was l sitting in the middle of the race track, I knew at some point someone was going to come along unfortunately. David Ragan had nowhere to go. I unfortunately got drilled by him pretty hard. I'm just really, really bummed to start the season this way. For all the hard work that has gone into getting this Lowe's Chevrolet ready for tonight; we didn't get to complete two-and-a-half miles of green flag racing. So, I'm pretty bummed."
ARE YOU OK? "I'm ok. I'm just really bummed-out for this whole Lowe's team. To work as hard as everyone did at Hendrick Motorsports to get this Lowe's Chevrolet and to have it barely complete two-and-a-half miles of green flag racing is pretty sad. Disappointed, but nothing I can do about it now. We'll just go on and go to Phoenix and set our marks on winning that race."
DO YOU HAVE ANY IDEA WHAT HAPPENED? "We were all just getting up to speed and I had some help from behind that got me out of control. From there on I was just spinning."(Chevy PR)(2-28-2012)
UPDATE: Tuesday (Feb. 28) evening's edition of the NASCAR Race Hub on SPEED wrapped up a wild Daytona 500 with Elliott Sadler, driver of the #2 Richard Childress Racing Chevy, who re-capped his incident with five-time NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Champion, Jimmie Johnson. He spoke with host Danielle Trotta about what happened. "I just kind of got into the back of Jimmie, it was 100-percent my fault," said Sadler, describing the incident that started as the field had just entered the race's second lap. "It got other cars involved like you see in a lot of the restrictor plate races. We were coming into the outside lane, through the tri-oval, the #78 (Regan Smith) and the #48 (Jimmie Johnson) kind of get bunched up a little bit. They came down and its 100-percent my fault in getting into the back of Jimmie. We were kind of bogged down, everyone was side-by-side and I didn't check up in time, and I got into the left-rear quarter (panel) of Jimmie. It was just a little bit, but that is usually all it takes at these types of speeds. It's a bad way to get started."(SPEED)(2-29-2012)

#31 and #33 running special decal:
The #31 and #33 Chevys being driven in this week's events by Jeff Burton and Sadler will carry a special decal honoring Donald E. Becker, an executive vice president of The Kroger Co. and friend of the General Mills motorsports family who passed away last year during Speedweeks. During Becker's career, he held a number of leadership positions at Kroger, including Vice President of the Cincinnati/Dayton Ohio Division and President of the Central Division. Becker joined Kroger in 1969 as a clerk in the Cincinnati/Dayton Ohio Division. He helped Kroger strengthen relationships with customers and suppliers alike and was also an avid supporter of the Darwin T. Turner Scholars Program at the University of Cincinnati, the Greater Cincinnati Boy Scouts of America, Crayons to Computers, the Easter Seals Work Resource Center and St. Michael's Center. He earned an undergraduate degree from Central State University, graduating first in his Army ROTC Honors program and retired from his military service with the rank of Captain.(RCR)(2-24-2012)

Richard Childress, Ricky Rudd elected to NMPA Hall of Fame: Team owner Richard Childress and Ricky Rudd, the driver who gave Childress his first NASCAR win, have been elected to the National Motorsports Press Association's Hall of Fame. Each received more than the required 65 percent of the votes cast by the NMPA's members. Childress made his first NASCAR Sprint Cup start in 1969. He drove for five full seasons, 1976-80, with two top-five finishes. Twenty races into the 1981 season, Childress turned the wheel over to Dale Earnhardt, and in June 1983 at Riverside, Calif., Rudd gave Childress his first victory as a team owner. In 1984, Earnhardt rejoined Childress, and they would go on to win 66 races and six championships. Overall, Childress has 100 Cup wins, as well as 56 victories and five team-owner titles in the Nationwide ranks, and 24 wins and two Camping World Truck Series crowns. Rudd competed in Cup racing for 32 years, with stints for team owners such as Childress, Rick Hendrick, Bud Moore Roberts and others. Rudd earned 23 Cup wins, including the Brickyard 400 in 1997 as an owner-driver, and he holds the NASCAR Cup record for consecutive starts with 788. Rudd was also the 1992 titlist in the International Race of Champions series. Others receiving votes for the NMPA Hall of Fame were: drivers Donnie Allison, Bill Elliott, Tiny Lund and Sara Christian; former crew chief and team owner Ray Evernham; team owner Joe Gibbs; promoter Richard Howard; and photographer Ladon George.(Fayetteville Observer)(2-17-2012)

Sadler to run Daytona 500 for RCR: General Mills and The Kroger Co. announced it will partner with Richard Childress Racing and veteran driver Elliott Sadler on the #33 Chevy for the 54th annual Daytona 500 on February 26, 2012 at Daytona International Speedway. "It's great to be back in the Daytona 500. I've had a lot of success in this race in the past and want to thank General Mills, Kroger and Richard Childress for this opportunity," said Elliott Sadler. "When we started putting this program together the first thing that came to mind is how strong RCR's plate program has always been. We're going to go out and have a legitimate chance to win the race. Speedweeks can't get here soon enough!" General Mills, entering its fourth year of partnership with the Welcome, N.C.-based organization, is teaming up with The Kroger Co. for a special paint scheme celebrating the great brands from both organizations. The special red, white and blue paint scheme adorning Sadler's Chevrolet for "The Great American Race" will feature the Kroger Co. Family of Stores, Fred Meyer Jewelers and several General Mills brands. The Minneapolis, Minn.-based General Mills also sponsors RCR's #31 Wheaties Chevy with driver Jeff Burton. Leading the effort for the #33 team will be veteran crew chief Gil Martin, RCR's NASCAR Nationwide Series program team manager. Martin has been at RCR since 2000 and has served as crew chief for Kevin Harvick, Clint Bowyer, Casey Mears, Kerry Earnhardt and Robby Gordon. He is one of a select few crew chiefs to win races in NASCAR's Sprint Cup, Nationwide and Camping World Truck Series. Childress, a two-time Daytona 500 champion car owner, will use owner points accumulated during the 2011 Sprint Cup Series season to field the #33 Chevrolet entry as the team finished 13th in the final 2011 owner point standings.(RCR), see images of the schemes on my #33 Team Schemes page.(1-25-2012)

Gaughan to run limited scheduled for RCR: Brendan Gaughan will compete in four races on the 2012 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series schedule, driving Richard Childress Racing's #33 South Point Hotel & Casino Chevrolet Impala in addition to his previously announced 18-race NASCAR Nationwide and NASCAR Camping World Truck Series schedule with the Welcome, N.C.  based race team. Leading the effort for the #33 team will be veteran crew chief Gil Martin, RCR's Nationwide Series program team manager. Martin has been at RCR since 2000 and has served as crew chief for Kevin Harvick, Clint Bowyer, Casey Mears, Kerry Earnhardt and Robby Gordon. He is one of a select few crew chiefs to win races in NASCAR's Sprint Cup, Nationwide and Camping World Truck Series. "The opportunity to run four races for Richard Childress in the Sprint Cup Series is truly amazing,' said Gaughan. "RCR has top-notch equipment and teamed me with a winning crew chief in Gil Martin. Everyone deserves a second chance and I am ecstatic that my second chance in the Sprint Cup Series is in the #33 Chevrolet with RCR." Gaughan's four-race Sprint Cup Series schedule will start at Phoenix in March at the 2nd race of the season, followed by the next three races of the season at Las Vegas, Bristol and Auto Club Speedway in Fontana, CA. RCR's No. 33 team finished 13th in final 2011 owner point standings and is locked into the first five races of the season.(RCR), see images of the schemes on my #33 Team Schemes page.(1-25-2012)

Sadler Hoping For Daytona 500 Start: Elliott Sadler confirmed that talks are underway to put him in a Richard Childress Racing Chevrolet for the 2012 Daytona 500. "I've said before if I got chance to be in competitive Cup car again, I would jump at the chance," said Sadler in an exclusive interview with SiriusXM NASCAR Radio's Sirius Speedway with Dave Moody. "Richard Childress and I have had some conversations, but what we really need is sponsorship, We're getting close to getting that done, but there's nothing done yet. I can't confirm anything right now, but I am damn sure pulling for it to happen." RCR will field full-time Sprint Cup Series entries in 2012 for drivers #31-Jeff Burton, #29-Kevin Harvick and #27-Paul Menard, but has an additional guaranteed starting spot in the first five races of this season; earned a year ago by Clint Bowyer's #33 Chevy. Sadler is expected to wheel the #33, if a financial backer can be found.(sirius-speedway.com)(1-25-2012)

American Ethanol to sponsor Austin Dillon in Cup race: In a nod to its commitment to the sport, American Ethanol announced at the NASCAR Preview fan event in Charlotte, N.C., that it will continue relationships with Richard Childress Racing and RAB Racing for the 2012 season. Austin Dillon, 2011 NASCAR Camping World Truck Series Champion, will drive the iconic #3 Chevy during the 2012 Nationwide Series season with American Ethanol serving as the primary sponsor for six races as well as one race in the Sprint Cup Series in 2012. Dillon's #3 American Ethanol Chevy paint scheme was unveiled at the event. In addition to American Ethanol's partnership with Dillon, the organization will serve as an associate sponsor with the entire RCR family of drivers. Team owner Richard Childress as well as RCR's Sprint Cup Series veterans Kevin Harvick, Jeff Burton and Paul Menard will also serve as spokesmen for the cause. Kenny Wallace, who notched 11 top-ten finishes last year, will drive the #09 Toyota Camry in the NASCAR Nationwide Series for RAB Racing. American Ethanol will partner with Wallace for the Sprint Cup Series Daytona 500, as well as five races in the Nationwide Series.(Richard Childress Racing)(1-22-2012)

RCR Racing Operation to Conduct Surplus Auction: Iron Horse Auction Company, Inc. of Rockingham, N.C. will conduct an auction of surplus racing equipment for the Richard Childress Racing Organization on December 6, 2011 at 10:00 am. The auction will include racing cars, racing engines, parts, accessories, equipment and much more. The auction will be held on site at RCR Racing Complex. Iron Horse Auction Company, Inc. and its principals are recognized on an international level for their knowledge and experience in the sale of NASCAR racing equipment. For further information, go to ironhorseauction.com(Iron Horse Auction Company)(11-30-2011)

Wilson replaces Martin as Harvick's crew chief: Richard Childress Racing has made organizational changes to its competition department in preparation for the 2012 NASCAR season. Long-time RCR crew chiefs Shane Wilson and Gil Martin have taken new assignments with the 14-time championship-winning organization. Wilson has been named the crew chief of the #29 Budweiser/Rheem/Jimmy John's team with driver Kevin Harvick after three seasons in the same position with RCR's #33 Cheerios/Hamburger Helper team. Martin, the #29 team crew chief since May 2009 and a crew chief at RCR since August 2000, has been named director of team operations, reporting to director of competition Kent Day. Further personnel changes within RCR's competition department will be announced in the coming weeks.(Richard Childress Racing)(11-23-2011)

Harvick to lose crew chief? UPDATE 3 denied in part: Matt Clark [formerly of RCR 2008-2011 and Hendrick Motorsports 2002-2007] reported on SPEED's NASCAR Racehub that #29 Richard Childress Racing's crew chief for #29-Kevin Harvick, Gil Martin, will not return as the crew chief in 2012, Supposedly Martin will move into RCR's Competition Director. No word who will take over as Harvick's crew chief. Fox Sports has already reported that Shane Wilson, crew chief for #33-Clint Bowyer will move to the #31 team and driver Jeff Burton in 2012. Luke Lambert, who was promoted from team engineer on the #31 team to crew chief on July 25, will crew chief Elliott Sadler as RCR absorbs the Kevin Harvick Inc. Nationwide Series squads.(11-18-2011)
UPDATE: The #29 Richard Childress Racing road crew was told its services would not be needed after this weekend. One crewman said he found out about the decision in the parking lot when he arrived at Homestead-Miami Speedway on Friday morning. Another crewman stated he found out via the Internet. "No one knows where we're going," said one 17-year veteran of RCR. Crew chief Gil Martin says his son Ford called to inform him that his job status was changing. Early Friday morning, rumors swirled that Martin, who still has two years on his contract, was out of the #29 crew chief's role and moving into the director of competition position. As Martin pointed out, that role is currently filled by Kent Day. Although sources say Shane Wilson was earmarked for the crew chief's role on the #31 team of Jeff Burton, his name is now being linked as a possible replacement on the #29 Chevrolet. Another possible candidate is Ernie Cope, who has been the crew chief for Kevin Harvick Inc. Nationwide Series driver Elliott Sadler and has worked with Harvick in the past. Luke Lambert, who is currently the crew chief for Burton and the #31 team is expected to assume the crew chief duties with Sadler in the Nationwide Series next year.(FoxSports)(11-18-2011)
UPDATE2 denied in part Richard Childress told Sirius XM NASCAR Radio's Sirius Speedway with Dave Moody that there is no truth to rumors that the #29 road crew has been informed that they will be terminated after this weekend's season finale at Homestead Miami Speedway. "There may be some changes made during the winter," said Childress, "but that is absolutely nothing but a rumor. Nobody has been told that they eill not return."(11-18-2011)
UPDATE 3: Childress said he will not fill the position lost when former competition director Scott Miller went to Michael Waltrip Racing. He elevated Kent Day from technical director of competition to interim competition director and won't fill Day's role.(SceneDaily)(11-19-2011)

Bowyer to run USO "Cheer" Paint Scheme at Phoenix: The #33 Richard Childress Racing Chevy driven by Clint Bowyer at the Phoenix International Raceway will carry a special message during the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series event this Veterans Day weekend. The design, unveiled at Charlotte Motor Speedway in October, features the message "send Cheer" to encourage fans to send thanks and spread cheer to military families whose loved ones are serving our country. The paint scheme is part of a partnership between Cheerios and the USO to help support military families by sending "Cheer" postcards from the front of specially marked packages of Cheerios cereal found in stores through November, 2011. People can simply cut out the postcard from the box, write a message of thanks on the back, add a stamp, and mail the pre-addressed postcard to the USO. The USO will deliver the postcards to military families at events at USO centers across the nation. In addition, Cheerios and the USO will host nearly 100 military family members at the Phoenix International Raceway this Sunday for the Kobalt Tools 500. Guests will be from nearby Luke Air Force Base, Army National Guard's Papago Military Reservation and wounded warriors. They will have the opportunity to meet Bowyer prior to the event. Cheerios will also send extra "Cheer" to all military families by donating $1 to the USO for each postcard received from specially marked packages. To kick off the campaign, Cheerios has already donated $150,000 to the USO, and will donate up to an additional $100,000 based upon the number of postcards received through November 30, 2012. The donation will go towards USO programs that help connect families with their loved ones while deployed. Race fans will also be able to send thanks and encouragement at Phoenix International Raceway by visiting the "Cheer" display located outside the track throughout the entire race weekend. You can fill out a postcard and have it sent to military families by the USO.(Cheerios/RCR), see imagew of the car on the #33 Team Schemes page.(11-8-2011)

Crew chief changes coming to RCR next season: Expect changes to Richard Childress Racing's crew chief lineup next season. Shane Wilson, who guided Clint Bowyer to three of his five career Sprint Cup Series wins, will move to the #31 team and driver Jeff Burton in 2012. Wilson joined RCR at the start of 2006 as crew chief of the #21 Nationwide Series team. He led that squad to 14 wins and one championship (2006) in three seasons. Wilson was named crew chief to the #33 Chevrolet team with Bowyer at the start of the 2009 season and qualified for NASCAR's Chase for the Sprint Cup the following year. Luke Lambert, who was promoted from team engineer on the #31 team to crew chief on July 25, will assume that same role with Elliott Sadler as RCR absorbs the Kevin Harvick Inc. Nationwide Series squads. Ernie Cope will be the crew chief of the #33 Nationwide team, which will feature a variety of drivers, including Kevin Harvick. Danny Stockman Jr. will continue his role as crew chief for Austin Dillon next season.(Fox Sports)(11-3-2011)

American Ethanol on Bowyer's #33 at Martinsville: This weekend, Bowyer's #33 Chevy will carry the black, silver and green colors of American Ethanol. American Ethanol, a renewable source of cleaner burning energy from the bounty of America's farmers, helps create new green jobs and a renewed sense of pride for the American worker, while helping to achieve greater energy security for our country. Led by Growth Energy, more than 100 different entities, from farmers and state corn growing boards to ethanol producers and biotech companies, are working with NASCAR to introduce a cleaner-burning fuel to America. The partnership with American Ethanol takes NASCAR's environmental commitment to the next level.(Richard Childress Racing), see an image of the car on my #33 team paint schemes page.(10-26-2011)

Richard Childress Racing Reaches 100th Win: With its sixth victory of the 2011 season, by #33-Clint Bowyer at Talladega Superspeedway, Richard Childress Racing reached historic NASCAR Sprint Cup Series win No. 100, a major milestone in the storied history of one of NASCAR's most prolific teams. It was the team's 12th win at Talladega, which puts it atop the all-time wins list at the historic track. Richard Childress Racing started its trek to the top of the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series in 1969, as a single-car team with its driver also its owner. Richard Childress paired his business acumen with driving skills that produced results. Childress finished his driving career with six top fives and 76 top 10s. But it was when Childress took the back seat that Richard Childress Racing exploded. It earned its first win in 1983 at Riverside International Raceway with driver Ricky Rudd. A year later, NASCAR Hall of Famer Dale Earnhardt joined the organization fulltime, and the rest  as they say  is history. Earnhardt won six NASCAR Sprint Cup Series championships and 67 races while flying the Richard Childress flag. Now, the team has reached another milestone, and another accolade  100 victories. RCR has won with seven different drivers, at 22 different tracks.
RCR Wins By Driver: Dale Earnhardt 67; Kevin Harvick 18; Clint Bowyer 5; Jeff Burton 4; Robby Gordon 3; Ricky Rudd 2; Paul Menard 1.(NASCAR)(10-24-2011)

Bowyer wins at Talladega: #33-Clint Bowyer won the Good Sam Club 500 Sprint Cup Series race at Talladega Superspeedway for his 5th career win and 1st of the season. The win is also the 100th win for Richard Childress Racing.
#312-Burton was leading at the white flag, #33-Bowyer was his partner and pushing, Bowyer moved over on the tri-oval to pass Burton and they had a drag race to the start-finish line with Bowyer winning.
#31-Burton finished 2nd [his first top 5 of the season] followed by #36-Blaney [the top 10 means kids eat free at Golden Corral], #2-Keselowski, #83-Vickers, #4-Kahne, #14-Stewart, #11-Hamlin, #15-Waltrip and #56-Truex Jr. Pole sitter #5-Martin led 2 laps, was involved in a late wreck and finished 20th.
#78-Smith was involved in a nasty wreck where he went head first into the wall, but walked away ok, but a fuel fire occurred at Furniture Row Racing's hauler, with some scary flames, but the first was put out fast and no major damage or injuries.
#99-Edwards leads the Chase by 14 points over #17-Kenseth.
There were 72 lead changes among 26 drivers and 9 cautions for 38 yellow flag laps. The attendance is listed as 105,000 down from 110,000 last year.
Scheduled Race Re-Airs: ESPN2, Monday, October 24 at 12:00am/et; SPEED, Wednesday, October 26 at 12:00pm/et
See race results, awards, laps led and more on Jayski's Talladega Race Results/Awards page.
See drivers championship points standings on Jayski's Drivers Points Standings page.
For the owner points standings, see my Owners Points Standings page.(10-23-2011)

RCR Teams With Extra F.U.E.L.: All Richard Childress Racing vehicles competing in this weekend's events at Talladega Superspeedway will carry a decal for Bryson's F.U.E.L.(Families United to Eliminate Leukemia ), an organization dedicated to assisting families who are currently battling childhood cancer. Bryson Smith, the four-year-old son of Jim (& Heather) Smith, who builds the RCR Street Performance Camaro, has been courageously fighting a battle with acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) since June. The Smiths started the Bryson's F.U.E.L Foundation in hopes of relieving the financial and emotional burden of families who are undergoing treatment at Levine's (Charlotte, N.C.) & Brenner's (Winston-Salem, N.C.) Children's Hospitals (RCR)(10-21-2011)

RCR Leasing Car and Hauler To Winston-Salem State's Motorsports Program: Richard Childress recently joined students, faculty and staff from Winston-Salem State University's motorsports management program to receive a special thank you from the school for the race car and hauler RCR is providing to the university. "We were pleased to be able to say 'thank you' and to recognize Richard Childress and the staff at RCR for all of their support," said Dr. Travis Teague, coordinator of the Motorsports Management Program. "This donation is a major step in our vision of having a race car for our educational purposes as well as being able to utilize it as a great marketing piece for the entire university." RCR donated the car to the university and is leasing the hauler to them for $1 a year. The celebration and thank you was held October 5 at the RCR Museum parking lot. WSSU is the only four-year university in the country and the only HBCU (Historically Black College and University) to offer a Bachelor of Science degree program in Motorsport Management. The program prepares students for entry-level positions in motorsports operations, marketing and event planning.(WSSU/RCR)(10-21-2011)

RCR to Honor Chevy's 100 Years with a special scheme on #33: Richard Childress Racing will honor Chevrolet's 100 years with a special silver-and-black paint scheme on the #33 Chevy driven by Clint Bowyer in the October 23 Good Sam Club 500 at Talladega Superspeedway. The hood from the #33 Chevy 100 Years Chevrolet Impala and the race-worn firesuit of driver Clint Bowyer will be auctioned by Chevrolet to benefit the American Cancer Society's Making Strides Against Breast Cancer program. The hood will be signed by Richard Childress, RCR's president and CEO, as well as Bowyer and RCR's other three NASCAR Sprint Cup Series drivers: Jeff Burton, Kevin Harvick and Paul Menard. Childress and Bowyer will also sign the firesuit.(RCR), see an image on the #33 Team Schemes page.(10-18-2011)

Childress says three teams likely next year: Richard Childress was asked about his teams during a press conference at Charlotte on Thursday:
DO YOU ENVISION THE #33 CUP CAR ON THE TRACK NEXT YEAR, OR DO YOU SEE YOUR PROGRAM NOW AS THREE CUP CARS?
"Right now we're looking at three Cup cars with an occasional Cup race. Who knows what may come up between now and then? I've had offers to race people and race drivers and had another full sponsorship with a driver; I just want to make sure it's the right move when we make it. So we're still as of right now, we're three Cup teams."
JUST TO CLAIRFY, YOU MIGHT RUN A FOURTH CAR PART TIME NEXT YEAR IN CUP OR NOT?
"I'm sure if we don't have a team we may stick Austin in another car one or two times. We've got a couple of other people that said hey we want to run. If we see it's the right opportunity for a change that we can test something or look at a driver or something we may do that."
YOU TALK ABOUT THE BUSINESS MODEL, IF PEOPLE COULD BRING YOU A ONE OR TWO-RACE DEAL YOU COULD INSERT PEOPLE INTO THAT CAR AND HAVE A NUMBER OF SPONSORS AND HAVE A DIFFERENT BUSINESS MODEL.
"Yeah, but that's not really what we want to do. You can't be competitive like that. I'd rather have three teams that you can be competitive with and occasionally pick up a race or two along the way and if you've got something you want to try you do it."(Chevy PR)(10-13-2011)

USO scheme for Bowyer at Charlotte: UPDATE: Clint Bowyer will drive a special USO paint scheme on the #33 Richard Childress Racing Chevy at the Charlotte Motor Speedway. Cheerios will be announcing a campaign with the USO to honor military families.(10-11-2011)
UPDATE: Cheerios and the USO unveiled a special paint scheme that will adorn the #33 Chevy driven by Clint Bowyer at the Phoenix International Raceway during the Sprint Cup Series event the weekend of November 11-13. The design features the message "send Cheer" to encourage fans to send thanks and spread cheer to military families whose loved ones are serving our country. The car, unveiled at Charlotte Motor Speedway, is part of a partnership between Cheerios and the USO to help support military families by sending "Cheer" postcards from the front of specially marked packages of Cheerios cereal found in stores October through November, 2011. People can simply cut out the postcard from the box, write a message of thanks on the back, add a stamp, and mail the pre-addressed postcard to the USO. The USO will deliver the postcards to military families. In addition, Cheerios will send extra "Cheer" to military families by donating $1 to the USO for each postcard received from specially marked packages through November 30, 2012. To kick off the campaign, Cheerios has already donated $150,000 to the USO, and will donate up to an additional $100,000 based upon the number of postcards received. The donation will go towards USO programs that help connect families with their loved ones while deployed.(Breaking Limits)(10-13-2011)

Bowyer tried to put sponsor deal together at RCR, but: Clint Bowyer revealed a surprising twist about his decision [to leave RCR and go to MWR]. The 5-Hour Energy people came to him, and they were willing for him to stay at RCR. "We talked to Richard about it, but still couldn't put a deal together," Bowyer said. "At that point I said, 'OK, we'll go somewhere else.' That's what ultimately led to leaving RCR. It's a shame. I owe a lot to Richard." Bowyer said he was surprised and disappointed when Childress told him no, but Bowyer has no hard feelings. "I was in an auto shop in Kansas when he called me the first time," Bowyer said. "He changed my life, and I'll always be grateful. But it was time to move on." Childress opened the books to Bowyer, showing him the numbers didn't add up. Childress didn't feel the money from 5-Hour Energy was enough to continue to run a fourth car. And Childress wasn't going to pay the kind of money Bowyer was wanting (way north of $5 million a year) without full funding on the car.(ESPN)
AND Sponsor 5-Hour Energy, the 'energy-shot' beverage, is putting up a reported $13 million or so to back the operation. Precise figures were not announced.(MikeMulhern.net)(10-8-2011)

Bowyer signs with Michael Waltrip Racing UPDATE crew chief? Michael Waltrip Racing announced Clint Bowyer will drive the team's #15 Toyota with 5-hour Energy as the primary sponsor for the next three NASCAR Sprint Cup seasons beginning at the 2012 Daytona 500 [for 24 races a season]. The announcement ends months of speculation for the highly valued free agent. "This has been a very long summer, but I think for everyone involved, the best decision was made to be at Michael Waltrip Racing," said Bowyer. "I am a big fan of 5-hour Energy so I was really happy when they approached me about putting a deal together. We were diligent in working through our options and finally found the right fit. I have been so impressed with what's going on at MWR. Then when the 5-hour Energy executives met with Michael and his people, we knew this was going to be our home. I've been with one organization for my entire Sprint Cup career and leaving there was the hardest part of the decision. But now I'm ready to start the next chapter in my racing career."
Bowyer, 32, is a six-year veteran with four victories, two pole positions, 30 top-five finishes and 90 top-10s in Sprint Cup competition. MWR is finishing its fifth season competing in the Sprint Cup series and has scored two wins.
"This is a watershed moment for our young organization," said Michael Waltrip, who co-owns MWR with Rob Kauffman. "Clint is a proven winner and consistent Chase participant. He had a lot of options and it makes me proud that Clint and 5-hour Energy chose to race with us. "This announcement continues to show our partner Toyota, our sponsors, our employees and the entire NASCAR community that MWR is serious about success and dedicated to winning."
Bowyer, of Emporia Kan., unveiled the #15 Toyota in front of his home state fans at Kansas Speedway on Friday. "Michael Waltrip Racing is a growing team that is hiring a lot of the right people and on the brink of breaking out. I know I'm joining it at the right time," he said. Waltrip welcomed 5-hour Energy to the MWR partner family that includes primary sponsors NAPA Auto Parts, Aaron's and Toyota. "It is an exciting time in our company as we make the transition into the Sprint Cup series", said Scott Henderson, president of 5-hour Energy. "The chance to add a top notch driver and an avid 5-Hour Energy consumer like Clint Bowyer was one we felt like we could not pass up. As we both looked at options it became clear that MWR provided us the best opportunity to win races and continue to grow the 5-hour Energy brand. Michael, Rob and the whole team understand the importance of helping our company reach our marketing objectives. We are excited to be working with them, and we can't wait to see Clint and the 5-hour Energy Toyota in victory lane."(MWR), see an image of the car on my 2012 #15 Team Schemes page.(10-7-2011)
UPDATE Bowyers Crew Chief? But Waltrip wouldn't reveal Bowyer's new crew chief. However sources close to the team suggest it could be veteran crew chief Brian Pattie, who has been running Juan Pablo Montoya's team for car owner Chip Ganassi. Ganassi replaced Pattie with James Pohlman in July.(MikeMulhern.net)(10-8-2011)

Bowyer and the Harvicks to appear in ESPN spot: #29-Kevin Harvick, his wife DeLana and teammate #33-Clint Bowyer will appear in the latest NASCAR on ESPN commercial that will debut this weekend across ESPN networks. It will be the third in a series of four spots that will run this fall to promote ESPN's coverage of NASCAR. This year's campaign, "Nothing Beats First Place," leverages the changes to the point system to place an even greater emphasis on winning by featuring top drivers in humorous on and off-the-track situations that demonstrate their passion for winning. Featured drivers include Harvick, Bowyer, Jimmie Johnson, Kasey Kahne, Jeff Gordon, Joey Logano and Kyle Busch. Behind the scenes photos and a sneak peek at the commercial will be featured on RCRRacing.com this Saturday at 11 am/et.(Bud Racing PR)(10-6-2011)

Wheaties to co-sponsor Burton in 2012: Wheaties will become a co-primary sponsor of Richard Childress Racing's #31 Chevy with driver Jeff Burton beginning in the 2012 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series season. The multi-year program will continue General Mills' primary sponsorship with RCR for key races and associate positioning for the balance of each season with the #31 team. The famed Wheaties brand will be replacing Cheerios as the focus of the sponsorship. Wheaties has a proud history of fueling and celebrating sports performance. In addition, Wheaties shares a rich history with RCR, as Dale Earnhardt was the first NASCAR driver to be featured on a Wheaties box and he drove a Wheaties car for the 1997 All-Star Race. RCR began its current relationship with General Mills in 2008 with the #33 Chevy and driver Clint Bowyer, sponsored by its Cheerios and Hamburger Helper brands.
"With more than a dozen years in NASCAR, General Mills is looking forward to continuing our relationship with Richard Childress Racing," said Patrick Simmons, Vice President, Customer Marketing for General Mills, Inc. "At the same time, we're excited about the opportunity to forge a new relationship with Wheaties and Jeff Burton. We value our association with RCR and are thrilled to be part of their organization."
"I'm excited to have a company like General Mills and a brand like Wheaties join our #31 team," said Burton. "Wheaties is one of the most iconic brands in American history, and my kids use so many General Mills products that I'm sure we have a decent market share of the company in our pantry. I also like that they have worked hard to provide so many healthy choices."
"The General Mills partnership with RCR has been terrific, as they have leveraged their program across their portfolio of leading brands as well as with their retail partners," said Ben Schlosser, RCR's chief marketing officer. "General Mills is a blue-chip sponsor in our sport and with their extremely popular brands; they help carry both RCR and NASCAR to families throughout America. Jeff Burton will be a great ambassador for their program so we are very excited to continue the relationship in the coming years."(RCR). See an image of the scheme on my 2012 #31 Team Schemes page.(10-5-2011)

MWR likely to announce Bowyer as driver on Friday: #33-Clint Bowyer is expected to be introduced as the new driver for Michael Waltrip Racing on Friday at Kansas Speedway. Team owner Michael Waltrip confirmed there is a press conference scheduled at the track on Friday afternoon to discuss "the future of Michael Waltrip Racing'' and that everything was looking good for Bowyer, a native of Emporia, Kan. "I feel good about everything we're doing,'' Waltrip said before Sunday's Sprint Cup race at Dover International Speedway. Bowyer said he's in the process of finalizing the contract with MWR and that he was "hopeful'' it would be announced at his home track. Waltrip also hopes to keep his relationship with JTG Daugherty Racing, allowing the team to move that operation to its Harrisburg, N.C., shop but continue to receive cars and engines from MWR. Co-owner Brad Daugherty told ESPN.com earlier in the week that they had an offer from MWR and that the plan was to move from MWR to its own shop. "We'd like to think we will be together in some form or fashion,'' Waltrip said. Bowyer, wrapping up the final year of his contract with Richard Childress Racing, will give MWR three full-time Sprint Cup teams in 2012. He joins David Reutimann and Martin Truex Jr., the pole-sitter at Dover. Bowyer has spent all six of his Cup seasons at RCR, winning four races and making the Chase three times. Due to sponsorship issues, he was unable to renew a deal there even though both parties said they wanted to stay together. Bowyer will be sponsored for about half the 2012 season by 5-hour Energy drink. Waltrip said all other details will be revealed at Friday's press conference.(ESPN)(10-2-2011)

Bowyer "close" to announcement: At Chicagoland last weekend, rumors swirled that #33-Clint Bowyer and MWR were ready to announce a deal with Michael Waltrip Racing, but the two parties never made an announcement. Pressed about the issue during an appearance for the upcoming Good Sam Club 500 at Talladega Superspeedway, Bowyer seemed close to a decision. "We are getting close to making an announcement," he told News/Talk WSB. "I've had a lot of opportunities and a lot it hinges on funding." Longtime Richard Childress Racing employee and former Director of Competition Scott Miller has left RCR and is highly rumored to have taken a job at MWR - Bowyer's likely destination. When asked whether Miller's departure and destination were linked to his own, Bowyer grinned and said, "I wish him the best and, who knows, maybe I will be working with him someday."(WSB Radio Blog)(9-22-2011)

Scott Miller leaving RCR: UPDATES: Scott Miller and Richard Childress Racing have parted ways. Miller had served as director of competition since 2003 for RCR, whose drivers are Clint Bowyer, Jeff Burton, Kevin Harvick and Paul Menard. After a short sabbatical, sources said Tuesday, Miller will fill a similar role at Michael Waltrip Racing. Kent Day will serve as interim director of competiton for RCR until a permanent replacement can be found. Miller was in his second stint with RCR, having initially worked with the team from 1997 to 2001.(Fox Sports)(9-20-2011)
UPDATE: Richard Childress Racing has promoted Kent Day to interim director of competition from his previous position as technical director with the 12-time NASCAR championship winning organization. Former RCR director of competition Scott Miller has taken a position with another motorsports organization."Kent brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to his new position as interim director of competition at Richard Childress Racing," said Mike Dillon, RCR's vice president of competition. "As technical director, he played an integral role in the overhaul and turnaround of RCR's competition department beginning in mid-2008. He already understands our competition philosophy and will now play an even more important role in RCR's on-track success.(RCR)(9-20-2011)
UPDATE 2: Michael Waltrip Racing named industry veteran Scott Miller as executive vice president of competition effective at the conclusion of the 2011 NASCAR Sprint Cup season. Miller has served in several roles throughout his 16-year stint in NASCAR, most recently as director of competition at Richard Childress Racing. Miller has been a winning crew chief and has repeatedly guided teams into the Chase for the Sprint Cup from his management role. Miller will manage all competition aspects, including design, manufacturing and engineering, as well as the technical relationship between Toyota Racing Development's resource facilities in Salisbury, N.C., and Costa Mesa, Calif.(MWR)(9-21-2011)

Harvick gets some of Bowyer's crew members: Kevin Harvick was circumspect after Monday's GEICO 400, but those were Clint Bowyer's pit crew members he was standing beside during prerace ceremonies at Chicagoland Speedway. In fact, for the second time in as many seasons, Harvick has gotten pit crew help for the Chase from his Richard Childress Racing teammate. In an effort to bolster RCR's only Chase entry, front tire changer Jason Pulver, front tire carrier Austin Craven, rear tire changer Dustin Necaise, rear tire carrier Matt Kreuter and jack man Andrew Childers moved from Bowyer's #33 Chevy to Harvick's #29. Last year, most of Bowyer's crew went to Harvick's car before the sixth Chase race at Martinsville. By that time, Harvick was contending for the title and Bowyer was out of the running.(Sporting News)(9-20-2011)

Childress still looking for sponsorship for Bowyer: Richard Childress said on Sunday at Chicagoland Speedway that until Bowyer tells him his deal with Michael Waltrip Racing is done he will continue to work to find sponsorship for the driver of RCR's #33 Cup car. "Honestly, we're still trying today,'' Childress said. "We both agreed if an opportunity comes for him he needs to take it. But yes, we're still trying to put something together this week and last week.'' Childress said he has a list of four or five drivers, including Bowyer, to drive the 33 in 2012. He said several sponsors are interested for any of the drivers. Childress would not mention other drivers that might fill Bowyer's seat should sponsorship be found. But the prime candidates are Brian Vickers, Mark Martin and possibly David Ragan if he loses his ride at Roush Fenway Racing due to lack of sponsorship. Childress didn't rule out putting grandson Austin Dillon into a Cup ride for a few races with another driver filling out the rest of the season. But the plan for Dillon is to put him in a full Nationwide Series car next season with Childress' other grandson Ty Dillon replacing him in the #3 Bass Pro Shops ride in the Truck Series. Childress said there's a chance if he doesn't stay at four Cup teams that the 33 crew could drop down to Nationwide for Dillon.(ESPN)(9-18-2011)

Childress elected to International Motorsports Hall of Fame: Richard Childress, a former independent driver who built a NASCAR team that won six Sprint Cup championships with Dale Earnhardt Sr. behind the wheel, has been voted into the International Motorsports Hall of Fame. Childress and two other new hall members (to be announced later) will be inducted into the Talladega, Ala. hall May 3 next year. Childress and the other new hall members were chosen from a list of 20 finalists in recent voting by news media members and other hall panelists. Among other candidates on the nominee list are Kenny Bernstein, John Force, Joie Chitwood, David Hobbs, Marvin Panch and Lee Shepherd.(SPEED)(9-18-2011)

Bowyer expected to sign with Michael Waltrip Racing: UPDATES: Sirius XM NASCAR Radio's Sirius Speedway with Dave Moody has learned that Clint Bowyer is near agreement on a new, multi-year contract with Michael Waltrip Racing, with an announcement expected within the next 24-48 hours. Bowyer will leave Richard Childress Racing at season's end, after being unable to come to terms with the team for which he has competed for his entire NASCAR Sprint Cup Series career. The Emporia, Kansas, native is reported to have spoken -- at least preliminarily -- with at least four teams; Richard Petty Motorsports, Roush Fenway Racing, Earnhardt-Ganassi Racing and Michael Waltrip Racing. MWR emerged as the leading candidate within the last two weeks, and now, final details are being wrapped up that will put Bowyer in an MWR Toyota Camry next season as a teammate to Martin Truex, Jr., and David Reutimann. Sponsorship will come from Five Hour Energy. The multi-year deal is in the final stages of negotiation, with an official announcement expected this weekend at Chicagoland Speedway.(Sirius Speedway)(9-15-2011)
UPDATE: Michael Waltrip issued the following statement Friday afternoon: "I can confirm we have had very productive conversations with Clint and a quality sponsor. Today, however, we don't have anything finalized and we're not in a position to make any formal announcements. Our goal has never changed. Rob (Kauffman) and I want to continue to improve the competitiveness of our team and be a consistent winner at NASCAR's highest level. Pursuing Chase-proven personnel, including drivers, has been a priority. As soon as we have more information to share, we will."(MWR)(9-16-2011)
UPDATE 2: During a Friday morning interview on Sirius Satellite Radio, Rusty Wallace confirmed that Five-Hour Energy was leaving his Nationwide team next year for Sprint Cup and was shopping itself as a package deal with Bowyer. "I hear they'll run about 20 races," Wallace said. "They've been with me for over four years and put a lot of money in our team and been awesome partners of mine, but they want to move to the Cup series, and I'm not in the Cup series. They aligned with Clint Bowyer because he was out of a ride with Childress."(USA Today)(9-17-2011)

RPM no longer interested in Bowyer: Richard Petty Motorsports has withdrawn its offer to Clint Bowyer to drive a car for the organization in 2012. Team owner Andrew Murstein confirmed to FOXSports.com that RPM has decided to go in another direction with the program. "We are no longer in discussions with Clint," Murstein said. "We just feel that RPM is in a great place today, especially how far we have come since last year. Both #9-Marcos (Ambrose) and #43-A.J. (Allmendinger) are not only having career years, but they are both moving in the right directions and improving. "Clint is a great driver and we wish him the best wherever he ends up. For now, we will continue to focus on our two teams and continuing to make great strides as we return the King and his unmatched tradition and legion of loyal fans back into Victory Lane." The most recent organization in the Bowyer sweepstakes is Michael Waltrip Racing. Bowyer was seen touring MWR last Thursday. If he ends up at MWR, expect the company to a run a third team along with current drivers #00-David Reutimann and #56-Martin Truex, Jr.(Fox Sports)(9-14-2011)

RCR teams running 9/11 decals at Richmond: Richard Childress Racing's four NASCAR Sprint Cup Series cars [#27-Menard, #29-Harvick, #31-Burton & #33-Bowyer] will be adorned with decals commemorating the 10th anniversary of 9/11 this weekend to honor the fallen heroes of the New York Police Department, the Fire Department of the City of New York and the Port Authority Police of New York and New Jersey. The decals, which the RCR cars first carried in 2002, were provided by Police Officer Victor Dipierro of the NYPD's 49th Precinct in The Bronx, N.Y. The Dirt Late Models that RCR's Austin Dillon and Ty Dillon will drive Sept. 10 in the World 100 at Eldora Speedway near Rossburg, Ohio will also be adorned with the 10th anniversary decals (RCR)(9-9-2011)

Childress discusses Bowyer's situation: on Wednesday, September 8th on SiriusXM NASCAR Radio, hosts Rick Benjamin and Chocolate Myers spoke with Richard Childress about the status of negotiations with driver #33-Clint Bowyer.
Host/Rick Benjamin: "What's the future of the #33 car and Clint Bowyer at this stage of the game with you?"
Richard Childress: "You know, we've tried and we've really worked really hard to put the deal together to keep Clint. It's not 100% off the table but it's getting tougher and tougher as the day goes by. Clint's got a couple of really good opportunities there facing him. We just, for us it just didn't seem that we could get everything worked out. Clint's still a good friend. I want the best for him. I feel like that we've done a lot together and I hope that if we can't put him in a car next year that he gets in a ride that he's really good and happy with."
Benjamin: "So the door's not completely closed yet but almost there, huh?"
Childress: "Well, the door's not closed for sure and it'll always be open no matter where he ends up. But we're still looking at other options and trying to put some things together. It'd be great to get him back in that #33 and run him but if we don't I want him to have the best for him because he's a great guy, a great talent, a lot of fun and I look at him as a good friend."
SiriusXM NASCAR Radio is available to listeners nationwide on channel 90 on Sirius and XM Premier (formerly known as "The Best of Sirius")(SiriusXM)(9-8-2011)

Bowyer discusses contract situation: from a #33-Clint Bowyer article on SPEED: "I'm still working on my deal to return to RCR next year. But it's all about sponsorship. These things take time and you can't just jump in with both feet  you've got to be patient and wait on the sponsorship search to pan out for you. Unfortunately, the media, and they're just doing their jobs, asks me every weekend and throughout the week about the status of my contract negotiations. Then rumors get started and folks start speculating about things they really know nothing about. In my opinion, that only complicates my situation and confuses all parties involved. But that little speech probably will go in one ear and out the other by the time we hit the track this weekend. I wish I could push the pressure to get a deal done aside that easily, but I certainly have been busy. The Chase is priority one now  it comes before this contract mess. I want to be in the Chase and I think our Cheerios/Hamburger Helper Chevrolet deserves a spot. We've still got a shot and we intend to do everything in our power to make that happen. Despite all the speculation and uncertainty, I'm 100-percent focused on performance when I climb into that race car each weekend. There's no reason to think otherwise at Atlanta this weekend. We've got a mission & and it's to make our way into the Chase."(SPEED)(9-1-2011)

Bowyer talking to other teams: Although he hopes to return to Richard Childress Racing in 2012, #33-Clint Bowyer is weighing offers from other teams. The latest is from Richard Petty Motorsports. According to RPM co-owner Andrew Murstein during a Saturday radio interview on SiriusXM Radio, Bowyer has an offer to drive a third car next year. "When we had that media day opportunity at the beginning of the year, I perhaps went a little further than I should and I said I wanted to add a third team pretty quickly, and Danica (Patrick) and Clint Bowyer came to mind," Murstein told SiriusXM at Bristol Motor Speedway. So we've been thinking about the third team for the last six months or so, and we're close to doing something. I don't know if it will be Clint." Bowyer admitted after the driver's meeting that he has talked to numerous teams about his next deal. "Obviously, that's what you've got to go and do right now, you've got to go out and get every offer possible, you know?" Bowyer said. "Go home and when it's time to make a decision, weigh them all out and make the best decision for your life, your performance and other things. Sources told ESPN.com that the big hang up has been Bowyer not wanting to take a pay cut, which many drivers have taken over the last year. Childress said he still expects things to work out with Bowyer. Bowyer, speculated to have a deal with 5-hour Energy to sponsor a portion of his races at RCR, said he "hopes" to return to RCR.(ESPN)(8-28-2011)

5-Hour Energy to the #33? Home Depot to the #99? Clint Bowyer would like nothing more than to extend his contract with Richard Childress Racing but despite both the driver and owner publicly admitting their desire to remain together, nothing has been announced. The reported hold-up is around finding necessary sponsorship for the RCR #33 entry, which will lose General Mills at the end of this season. Current Steven Wallace Nationwide Series sponsor 5-Hour Energy continues to be in the mix as a potential replacement but right now there is no agreement.
AND: Aflac is expected back in a limited role but the Michigan garage area was rampant with rumors Home Depot, who reportedly coveted having Edwards as its spokesperson had me made the move to Joe Gibbs Racing, might find its way to the #99 car. The home improvement giant has been a staple of the JGR sponsor stable for years, dating back to its two Sprint Cup championships with Tony Stewart. However since Joey Logano took over the ride from the departed Stewart, the struggling performance level for the young driver has forced Home Depot management to watch arch rival Lowes grab the spotlight for five years running with Jimmie Johnson's title runs.(CBS Sports)(8-25-2011)

RCR Releases pit crew coach UPDATE: Less than one day after #29-Kevin Harvick had trouble on pit road at Michigan International Speedway, Richard Childress Racing released pit-crew coach Matt Clark, SPEED sources confirmed Monday. Clark, who had the title of Director of Human Performance and Leadership Development at RCR, had been with the team since January 2008. In that position, he was charged with assembling and coaching RCR's Sprint Cup, Nationwide Series, Camping World Truck Series and ARCA Racing Series over-the-wall pit crews. The 40-year-old Clark previously had worked with Hendrick Motorsports in a variety of capacities from 2001 to 2007. Prior to that, he was with Team Rensi and had worked in the athletic departments of both Albertus Magnus College and South Central College, both institutions in New Haven, Conn. Calls to RCR seeking comment were not immediately returned. (SPEED)(8-22-2011)
UPDATE: RCR has replaced Clark with Eric Wilson. Wilson is currently the jackman for Harvick's #29 pit crew and was a jackman and coach for Richard Petty Motorsports last season.(NASCAR Insiders)(8-25-2011)

Special Scheme for Bowyer at Bristol: For the first and only time during the 2011 NSCS season, the red and black Hamburger Helper paint scheme will adorn Bowyer's #33 Chevy this weekend at the half-mile bullring of Bristol Motor Speedway.(RCR)(8-25-2011)

Bowyer talking to other teams: #33-Clint Bowyer is seriously considering offers from one or more Sprint Cup teams to leave Richard Childress Racing -- his home since making his series debut in 2005 -- following the 2011 season. Bowyer talked openly of his desire to remain at RCR earlier this season, but negotiations have dragged and, according to multiple sources, deteriorated. "They are at loggerheads right now," a source said. Discussions between Bowyer and team owner Richard Childress have been complicated by the lack of a primary sponsor for the #33 Chevrolet. For the past three seasons General Mills brands Cheerios and Hamburger Helper have been that sponsor. Childress had expressed confidence that General Mills would return a month ago, but it's now believed the company is looking at other options. With #99-Carl Edwards off the market, Bowyer is the top free agent available. In addition to Childress, Richard Petty Motorsports, Roush Fenway Racing, Michael Waltrip Racing and Joe Gibbs Racing are said to be interested in hiring Bowyer.
Petty has been pursuing Bowyer for several months in an attempt to expand to a three-car operation. Chief operating officer Robbie Loomis has been diligently working to put together a package for Bowyer that includes a Ford-backed deal similar to the Wood Brothers. Petty buys chassis from Roush Fenway and leases engines from Roush-Yates and the equipment may be attractive to Bowyer.
Waltrip also would like to expand to three cars and may have some support from Toyota to acquire Bowyer.
David Ragan seemed safe at Roush Fenway after his win at Daytona in July. It put him in the Chase, but he's since fallen out. Ragan, 23rd in points, needs a second victory to make the Chase. He's under contract to Roush Fenway for next season, but the team could move him to Petty and sign Bowyer.
Gibbs president J.D. Gibbs has said that a fourth car for next season was a "long shot." Its earlier attempt to sign Edwards was financially backed by Toyota. The manufacturer would have to spend less money to land Bowyer, but it certainly could outbid the other offers.
Childress should not be counted out. He has shown the ability to be resourceful in retaining drivers and finding sponsors. Negotiations between Bowyer and Childress are at a critical stage and the atmosphere isn't healthy. The overall situation regarding Bowyer's next contract is said to be "sensitive." Bowyer probably would like to make a decision as soon as possible to remove the uncertainty and distraction that comes with it. He'd much rather focus on making the Chase than worry about whom he'll be driving for next year.(Sports Illustrated)(8-19-2011)

Good Sam Club colors for Bowyer: The Good Sam Club returns as primary sponsor on the #33 Chevy of Clint Bowyer this weekend at Pocono. The Good Sam Club is your one-stop resource for all things RV (RCR), see an image of the scheme/car on the #33 Team Schemes page.(8-5-2011)

Bowyer says he is close to a deal to stay at RCR: #33-Clint Bowyer met with members of the media at Indianapolis Motor Speedway and discussed his contract status. The transcript in part:
Q) RICHARD SAYS HE HOPES TO HAVE YOUR DEAL DONE HERE IN A COUPLE OF WEEKS, ARE YOU COMMITTED TO HIM AND HE'S COMMITTED TO YOU?
Bowyer: "I hope we have it done in a couple of days. We're getting close."
Q) THERE ARE A LOT OF PEOPLE SAYING IF CARL EDWARDS LEAVES AND THAT WILL BE AN OPEN SEAT AND YOU ARE LOOKING THERE, ARE YOU LOOKING AROUND NOW?
Bowyer: "Yeah, that's the biggest thing. There are a lot of pieces of the puzzle that have to be put in place. Like Carl where he decides to go is a big part of that. Like you said the puzzle is not put together yet."
Q) BUT FOR YOU, ARE YOU LOOKING ANYWHERE ELSE?
Bowyer: "No, we are getting close to having a deal put together."(Team Chevy)(7-30-2011)

Congrats: Dustin Necaise, rear tire changer on the #33 Cheerios Chevy was married to his fiance Amanda Newsome on Saturday, July 23 in Savannah, Georgia.(7-25-2011)

Good Sam Club sponsoring Bowyer: The Good Sam Club joins RCR as primary sponsor on the #33 Chevy this weekend at NMHS. The Good Sam Club is your one-stop resource for all things RV. By joining the world's largest RV owners community, RVers will receive guaranteed savings and discounts, get helpful technical and troubleshooting advice, have access to a database of over 1,500 Good Sam Club Chapters across the country and have the ability to plan your own dream vacation with an array of planning tools and forums. Good Sam Club is the sister company to Camping World, America's largest retailer of RV supplies, accessories, services and new and used RVs.(RCR)(7-13-2011)

Bowyer to Make 200th Start at New Hampshire: Clint Bowyer, driver of the #33 Cheerios/Hamburger Helper Chevy, will make his 200th-career start in NASCAR's elite division this weekend when the series returns to New Hampshire Motor Speedway for the Lenox Industrial Tools 301. The 32-year-old Bowyer is no stranger to success at the one-mile oval known as "The Magic Mile." In 10 starts at the Loudon, N.H.-based facility, he has led more than 400 laps and visited NMHS Victory Lane twice with his most recent trip coming last September when he kicked off his 2010 NASCAR Chase for the Sprint Cup campaign. Bowyer, a native of Emporia, Kan., has amassed four wins, 30 top-five finishes, 87 top-10 finishes and two poles in six fulltime Sprint Cup Series seasons with Richard Childress Racing. He currently sits 12th in the 2011 NSCS driver championship point standings on the strength of three top-five and eight top-10 finishes.(RCR)(7-12-2011)

Richard Childress Racing Taps Torrey Galida as New COO: Richard Childress Racing has named Torrey Galida to the newly created position of Chief Operating Officer for the 12-time NASCAR championship-winning organization. In other RCR key management moves, long-time RCR executive Ben Schlosser has been named Chief Marketing Officer and Scott Frye has been promoted to Chief Financial Officer. Galida joins RCR following many years of experience in various motorsports industry capacities. He will be responsible for overseeing RCR's day-to-day business operations and will report to Richard Childress, RCR President & CEO. Schlosser has been with RCR since April 2002 and most recently served as Senior Vice President, Business Operations. He will continue to report to Childress. Scott Frye joined RCR as controller in April 2007 and replaces Art McCarter, who will retire later in the year. He will report to Galida, as will Executive Vice President Bill Patterson. Mike Dillon and Richie Gilmore will continue to report to Childress as heads of RCR competition and ECR Engines.
"I am excited about Torrey becoming a part of the RCR team," said Childress. "He has significant experience and is well respected in the industry. He will be a great asset as we position RCR for the long-term. Ben has played a key role in our success since becoming part of our team and has helped RCR move forward in the overall marketing and business development areas. With the planned retirement of Art McCarter, Scott has demonstrated his ability to move into the CFO position. People are the key to any successful business and we are fortunate to have such a strong management team at RCR."
Galida comes to RCR from TRG Motorsports, where he served as the Chief Marketing Officer and General Manager for the NASCAR and Rolex Sports Car Series organization. He was a top executive for more than a decade with the Ford Motor Company before assuming key executive positions with Roush Fenway Racing and Millsport Motorsports, a sports marketing and sponsorship agency. "I have an immense amount of respect for Richard Childress and the organization he has built," said Galida. "RCR is one of the premier sports teams in the country. I am delighted to have the opportunity to play a role in the team's continued success."(RCR)(7-3-2011)

Smoke and Mirrors scheme for Bowyer: This weekend at Daytona in the Coke Zero 400, Wheaties FUEL will put "Bowyer in Black" as the #33 Chevy of driver Clint Bowyer will feature a black-and-orange paint scheme for the Coke Zero 400. The scheme was voted in last month by Bowyer's fans through a special online sweepstakes promotion. The winning Wheaties FUEL car paint scheme was announced on RCR's Facebook page and was the "Smoke & Mirrors" scheme.(RCR), see an image of the scheme on the #33 Team Schemes page.(6-29-2011)

Bowyer says he plans to stay at RCR: #33-Clint Bowyer said Friday the only thing standing in the way of a three-year extension at Richard Childress Racing is sponsorship money. "I've said from Day 1 that I want to stay at RCR and we're actively pursuing that," Bowyer said at Infineon Raceway. "As far as I'm concerned, sign us up for three more years." Bowyer is in the final year of his contract with RCR. His name was recently linked as a replacement for Kasey Kahne at Red Bull, but any potential deal fell apart when Red Bull said this week it will leave NASCAR at the end of the season. Bowyer acted surprised Friday by all the Red Bull talk, and blamed the media for creating stories. When news of Red Bull's departure broke, Bowyer said he was golfing and his phone blew up with friends asking him what he'll do next.(Associated Press/ESPN.com)(6-25-2011)

Childress working with Bowyer, General Mills on contracts: Another free agent out there is #33-Clint Bowyer. Here's what car owner Richard Childress said about the Bowyer situation: "We're working really hard right now on sponsorship for him," Childress said. "We're all wanting to stay together but we're just looking for sponsorship. We've got some really good things going on but we've got to get them finalized." So what about the status of General Mills as a sponsor? "I think you'll see General Mills back next year,'' he said.(Virginian-Pilot)(6-20-2011)

Roush supportive of Childress: Jack Roush drew a few laughs after his team's NASCAR Nationwide victory, when he was asked his view of the fine handed down to fellow owner Richard Childress. Childress was fined $150,000 earlier this month for an altercation with Kyle Busch at Kansas Speedway. Childress was upset that Busch bumped into Joey Coulter on the cool-down lap after a race. "It was pretty high," Roush said about the fine. "I guess that pretty much puts the nail in the coffin of, 'Have at it, guys.' Maybe that was a boy and a man. I am not sure. Maybe that is different than the boys having at it. Kyle has been pretty rough on my cars over a period of time and for Richard to stand up for himself was OK," Roush said.(Associated Press)(6-19-2011)

UPS On The Move? Now that Kasey Kahne has Farmers Insurance as his primary sponsor for the majority of races next season, it eliminates one of the potential candidates for the UPS sponsorship. UPS is one of the top sponsors in the sport left to make its decision on where it will be in 2012. Its contract ends this year with Roush Fenway Racing and driver #6-David Ragan. Roush Fenway still needs to sign #99-Carl Edwards, and that could result in him wearing the UPS colors next season along with Aflac, depending on how much money each company wants to fork over for the current series points leader. That wouldn't be the preferable scenario for Roush Fenway but might be the only way it can keep Edwards in the organization. Another possibility for UPS would be #33-Clint Bowyer, whose personality would be a good fit with the company. General Mills has yet to re-sign with Richard Childress Racing and Bowyer, whose contract also is up at the end of this year.(Scene Daily)(6-15-2011)

Childress discusses penalty, incident with Busch: Richard Childress, Owner of Richard Childress Racing, met with members of the media at Pocono Raceway. The transcript:
RICHARD CHILDRESS: "Here is the deal. I am going to make one statement on this deal. I appreciate everyone's patience during the last week when I couldn't talk to everyone. The main thing is I take all the responsibility for my actions last week. I am very passionate about this sport. I am passionate about my race teams, our fans and I let my emotions get&come in front of my passion. But that is behind us. I guess the next thing is the fine that was levied against me, I'm going to pay it personal. I agree that NASCAR should have done something with me. I don't agree that they didn't handle the situation that happened on the cool-down lap. With that said, we had a lot of fans to send in donations last week toward our fine, I am going to pay it personally. All that money that has been sent in, that is still coming in, we're going to take and donate to the Childress Institute for Pediatric Trauma. At least in every bad situation, something good will come out of it. Hopefully Kyle (Busch) and myself will both end up learning something from this. Thank you all very much. Talk to you later. That's it.(Team Chevy)(6-10-2011)

Fans select white scheme for Harvick at Daytona: Budweiser and Kevin Harvick will celebrate Fourth of July this year with a special patriotic paint scheme selected by adult NASCAR fans. The paint scheme -- white with red and blue stars and stripes -- will be featured on the No. 29 Budweiser Chevrolet during the July 2 race at Daytona International Speedway. From April 30 to June 3, fans 21 years of age or older cast their vote on the Budweiser Facebook page for one of three patriotic paint schemes. After five weeks of voting, the white paint scheme edged out the red-and-white striped paint scheme by fewer than 700 votes. In addition to the special paint scheme, Budweiser is featuring a limited-edition red, white and blue Patriotic Can from Memorial Day through the Fourth of July. Budweiser will donate a portion of all sales May 26-July 10 to Folds of Honor -- an organization that provides post-secondary educational scholarships for families of U.S. military personnel killed or disabled while serving their country. In total, Budweiser is raising up to $2 million to support Folds of Honor this summer.(NASCAR), see image of the winning scheme car on the #29 Team Schemes page.(6-9-2011)

Bowyer Wins Seventh Annual Prelude to the Dream: The box score says that Clint Bowyer led all 30 laps in Wednesday night's Prelude to the Dream all-star dirt Late Model race at Eldora Speedway, but the native of Emporia, Kan., had to fend off strong charges from J.J. Yeley and Aric Almirola to finally capture a victory in the prestigious race that's a who's who of racing's elite. After finishing second in the past two Prelude to the Dream events, Bowyer sealed his first Prelude triumph by .531 of a second over Yeley, a former USAC champion who has logged numerous laps at Eldora.
"It's just so much fun to be able to come here and compete," said Bowyer, whose victory was presented live to the entire nation on HBO Pay-Per-View, with the net proceeds from the telecast supporting four of the nation's top children's hospitals. "What an awesome racetrack. I've always loved this place and I'm very proud of Tony Stewart and everybody behind him that makes this event awesome. There's a lot of hard work to put on something like this, and we are very lucky to have him put forth the effort."
Stewart, owner of Eldora Speedway and a three-time Prelude victor, finished 20th in the race he created in 2005. "We had another first-time winner tonight. That's what the fun part is," said Stewart, a two-time NASCAR Sprint Cup Series champion. "Watching Marcos Ambrose win his heat race and Jason Leffler win his heat race in their first time being here  that's the stuff that makes you smile, and it's fun to watch all these guys have a good time." The race was a team event. There was still an individual race winner in Bowyer, but there was also a race within the race, with the field broken up into four teams, each representing a children's hospital. See full results, comments from some of the drivers, links and more on my Racing Charities - Prelude to the Dream page.(6-9-2011)

Kyle Busch says Childress' fine is 'end of it': #18-Kyle Busch says that the $150,000 fine NASCAR levied against Richard Childress is the end of the matter for him. Childress was fined on Monday for assaulting Busch after a NASCAR Trucks race at Kansas Speedway, the latest incident between the driver and Childress' race teams. Busch was in Ohio on Wednesday to participate in Tony Stewart's annual charity race. "NASCAR decided to make the decisions that they felt were necessary," Busch said before the race at Eldora Speedway. "It's pretty much the end of it. It's not my fight."(Associated Press)(6-9-2011)

Jimmy Spencer says Childress was wrong: from a Jimmy Spencer article on SPEED - But take it from someone who has been there  Childress crossed the line in punching Busch. No one should ever hit or physically confront another individual. Arguing, hurling insults or yelling at someone is okay, but you shouldn't touch them. I picked the wrong way to handle my problem with another Busch brother, Kurt, years ago, and I still regret it. I think Kurt learned something from me punching him but I learned more, and if I had the chance to do it over again, I wouldn't have hit him. I've been in several brawls in my time and nobody ever wins. Childress got off too easy. NASCAR should have come down on him harder than a $150,000 fine. They should have suspended him for three races  that would get his attention. He took responsibility for what he did but never apologized because he's really not sorry. I speak from experience when I say that situations like last weekend's affect the younger generation a lot, especially the kids watching our sport. My biggest problem with what Childress did stems from the fact that he is representing major corporations with thousands of employees. Yet he let his temper get the best of him and he assaulted someone. That gave the sport the biggest black eye it has had in years. Fans and folks inside the sport may think it's funny, but these companies probably aren't happy about having a car owner representing them who assaulted someone.
And believe it or not, I think that Busch's sponsors can be proud of the way he handled himself. We're usually criticizing Busch's behavior, but I admire him for not fighting back and also for staying in the car at Darlington when Kevin Harvick came up to his car on pit road. Busch is the most exciting driver in our sport right now. Yes, he ruffles feathers, but so did the late, great Dale Earnhardt. But Earnhardt didn't outright attack other drivers. I admire Kyle for respecting Childress enough, although he got punched, to not punch back. It takes a strong person not to retaliate.
I still don't really see what Childress was so upset about. Busch wasn't out of line in bumping Coulter's truck on the cool-down lap. Rewind a few laps to when they were putting on a hell of a race for fifth place and Coulter slid up in front of Busch. If Busch hadn't lifted and let him go, both of them would have wrecked. Coulter was the one at fault there, so Busch bumped him after the race to teach him a lesson. That's just part of racing and how you teach younger drivers who are coming along. Sure, Busch did a little damage to Coulter's quarter panel, but he also did the same to his own truck.(in part from SPEED)(6-9-2011)

Wheaties holding fan vote for Bowyer's Daytona scheme: General Mills Inc. is putting #33-Clint Bowyer back in black. Now through June 15, fans have the opportunity to put "Bowyer in Black" by voting which black Wheaties FUEL paint scheme Richard Childress Racing driver Bowyer will pilot at the Coke Zero 400 at Daytona International Speedway on July 2nd, 2011. By visiting the official "Bowyer in Black" website at http://www.bowyerinblack.com, fans can simply log on and vote for their favorite orange-and-black paint scheme. The site boasts four options for the #33 Chevy and features an opportunity for fans to enter-to-win a sweepstakes with a grand prize VIP trip for two to a Sprint Cup Series race.(RCR)(6-7-2011)

Altercation between Childress and Kyle Busch after CWTS Race: UPDATE: fine and probation for Childress: From the SPEED Center Facebook page, "multiple witnesses tell SPEED there was a physical confrontation between Richard Childress and Kyle Busch after today's NASCAR Truck Series race..RCR driver Joey Coulter and Kyle battled for position..Kyle hit Coulter's truck on the cool-down lap..multiple sources say Childress took matters into his own hands".(6-4-2011)
UPDATE: Richard Childress had an altercation with Kyle Busch in the Camping World Truck Series garage area after the O'Reilly Auto Parts 250, sources confirmed Saturday night. NASCAR spokesman Kerry Tharp confirmed that NASCAR was looking into the rumors of an altercation following the Camping World Truck Series race at Kansas Speedway. The altercation happened in the garage area about 30 minutes after the conclusion of the race, according to the sources, who indicated that Childress initiated the altercation. Childress likely was upset that late in the race, Richard Childress Racing driver Joey Coulter and Busch had a tight battle for fifth with contact on the final lap. Busch tapped Coulter on the cool-down lap following the race.(Scene Daily)(6-4-2011)
UPDATE 2: NASCAR officials are investigating a physical altercation involving team owner Richard Childress and driver Kyle Busch in the garage area following Saturday's Truck series race at Kansas Speedway. According to a member of a Truck team who asked not to be identified, Childress took off his jewelry before approaching Busch in the garage area and struck him with his fist. The two were separated; traded insults and then Childress grabbed Busch in a headlock and struck him again before the incident was broken up. The crew member said Childress initiated the incident. Officials with Busch's team and Richard Childress Racing declined to comment on the incident.(Charlotte Observer)(6-5-2011
UPDATE 3: NASCAR officials met with Richard Childress and Kyle Busch Sunday morning at Kansas Speedway. Later NASCAR president Mike Helton met with the media and said that, in NASCAR's view, Kyle Busch did not do anything during or after race to violate his probation. NASCAR considered ejecting Childress from the track but decided to allow him to stay because his teams needed a race-day leader. However, Childress will have restrcitions on where he can go during the race and it not likely to be allowed on pit road. In addition, further penalties to Childress will be announced by Tuesday. Following is NASCAR's complete statement: "NASCAR has reviewed the incident involving Richard Childress and Kyle Busch after the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series race Saturday at Kansas Speedway. We have met with all parties involved and have determined what happened yesterday is unacceptable and will not be tolerated by NASCAR. Richard Childress's actions were not appropriate and fell far short of the standard we expect of owners in this sport. We have met with Childress this morning and made our position very clear to him. Further, we expect he will make it clear to all in his organization to ensure this situation does not escalate any further. We will announce our actions regarding this incident Monday. Kyle Busch remains on probation with NASCAR and we continue to watch his actions carefully. However, we have determined that Kyle's involvement in this incident does not violate his probation and no further action is required."(6-5-2011)
UPDATE 4: NASCAR has fined owner Richard Childress $150,000 and placed him on NASCAR probation until Dec. 31 for violating Section 12-1 (actions detrimental to stock car racing  involved in an altercation in the garage area) of the 2011 NASCAR rule book. The violation occurred following the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series race June 4 at Kansas Speedway. The probation includes all NASCAR-sanctioned events.
STATEMENT FROM NASCAR: "The penalty we have announced today for Richard Childress reflects NASCAR's response to the incident at Kansas Speedway on Saturday. We feel this action is appropriate and are confident all parties involved understand our position on this matter and will move forward appropriately."(NASCAR)
Statement from Childress: "First of all, I'm responsible for my actions, plain and simple. As you know, I am a very principled person and have a passion for what we do at Richard Childress Racing. I believe passionately in defending my race teams and my sponsor partners. In this instance, I let that passion and my emotions get the best of me. I accept the penalty NASCAR announced today and, as a company, we will now focus on this week's races at Pocono Raceway and Texas Motor Speedway."(RCR)(6-6-2011)

Boywer running American Ethanol Chevy at Kansas: Clint Bowyer has returned near his hometown to drive the American Ethanol-sponsored Richard Childress Chevrolet Sunday in the STP 400 at Kansas Speedway, the closest NASCAR Sprint Cup Series track to his home. Bowyer's #33 Chevy will have new black, silver and green livery of American Ethanol for the STP 400. American Ethanol, a renewable source of cleaner burning energy from the bounty of America's farmers, helps create new green jobs and a renewed sense of pride for the American worker, while helping to achieve greater energy security for our country.(American Ethanol)See an image of the car on the #33 Team Schemes page.(6-3-2011)

Final 2011 race for BB&T: For the final time this season, Clint Bowyer's #33 RCR Chevy will sport the maroon and yellow paint scheme of BB&T at the Sprint All Star race in Charlotte. Based in Winston-Salem, N.C., the company operates approximately 1,800 financial centers in 12 states and Washington, D.C., and offers a full range of consumer and commercial banking, securities brokerage, asset management, mortgage and insurance products and services.(RCR), see images of the car on my #33 Team Schemes page.(5-19-2011)

BB&T returns to the #33: #33-Clint Bowyer's Chevy will sport the maroon and yellow paint scheme of BB&T this weekend under the lights. The Winston-Salem, N.C., corporation has three bank branches within a 12-mile radius of the historic track.(RCR), see an image of the car on the #33 team paint schemes page.(5-6-2011)

Richard and Judy Childress Receive Awards for Charity Work: Richard Childress received two awards for his charitable work in early April - one for his support of our troops from the Armed Forces Foundation and one for his family's work with the Childress Institute for Pediatric Trauma. While in Washington, D.C. for the seventh annual Armed Forces Foundation Congressional Gala, Mr. Childress took the opportunity to visit several injured soldiers at the National Naval Medical Center at Bethesda, Md. Most of the soldiers suffered from traumatic blast injuries and recently received the Purple Heart. At the gala later that evening, Mr. Childress received the Bill and Beverly Young Humanitarian of the Year Award. He has visited U.S. military troops across the nation, as well as in other countries, including Iraq, Bosnia, and Spain.
A few days later, the Winston-Salem branch of the Exchange/SCAN (Stop Child Abuse Now) organization awarded Richard and his wife, Judy Childress, with the 2011 Founders Award for their exceptional commitment to the health and well being of children. Forsyth County District Attorney Jim O'Neill presented the award to Mrs. Childress and cited the Childresses' work helping children since launching the Childress Institute for Pediatric Trauma at Wake Forest Baptist Medical Center in July 2008. The Institute is working to save the lives of children who experience serious injuries and help them recover quickly through research, education and prevention. April is Child Abuse Prevention month.(RCR)(4-28-2011)

RCR still looking for sponsorship in a few races for #33 car: #33-Clint Bowyer, was the guest on the NASCAR Weekly Video Teleconference. One question concerned sponsorship of the #33 in 2011:
Q. I was watching the Texas race, and you ran real well there, and afterwards when you were doing an interview, you were sort of inviting other people, or companies, to come and sponsor your car. I just wondered if you could talk a moment about the landscape for getting sponsors, how difficult it is, how challenging it is, in these economic times.
CLINT BOWYER: Very challenging. It's challenging for every race team. I mean, everybody is -- haven't been on easy street really, but for lack of a better term, things have been pretty easy to come by sponsors and things over the years. And through the economy the way it is and a lot of things happening, you know, it has made it a lot more difficult, and we do have some open races toward the end of the year. It's important to me to make sure that I do everything I can possibly do, not only in the race car but like I did there at Texas outside the race car to make sure that I help Richard and everybody at RCR sell sponsorship. We're as big a part of it as anybody, and if we're not doing our job, it makes their job even more difficult.
and as for Bowyer's Contract:
Q. Since last week they [RCR] announced Burton had re-signed, that kind of leaves you at RCR as the lone guy over there at RCR to re-sign for next year. I was wondering if you've made any progress on that in the last three months.
CLINT BOWYER: Yeah, we haven't -- I've talked to Richard a couple times, and hopefully we're getting close object that. I've just been having fun at the racetrack, focusing on what I can do. I haven't won, but we've been running well. The last four races have been really solid for us. If you go have fun at the racetrack then I feel like the rest will come. We've been doing that and doing a good job at that, and hopefully we can get our sponsors locked in and get everything put in place and not have to worry about it.(Team Chevy)(4-27-2011)

Mike Dillon returns to track: This weekend has been the best medicine possible for Richard Childress Racing vice president of competition Mike Dillon, who's officially back at a NASCAR race track for the first time since early March. Dillon was sidelined, and briefly hospitalized, when a blood clot was discovered in one of his lungs, between the NASCAR weekends at Las Vegas and Bristol. He was released from the hospital March 19 and since then, life as he had known it hasn't existed. Dillon was hospitalized and had to go on blood thinners. In conjunction with that, doctors forbade him from traveling by air, due to sitting at length and the danger of clots forming at altitude. Talladega was Dillon's first full-fledged race trip since Las Vegas, March 4-6. The interesting fact was he and Tina traveled by motorhome -- something Dillon said he'll do "to everything that's within about eight hours" until he's once again cleared to fly.(NASCAR.com)(4-17-2011)

Bowyer to run Ethanol colors: Clint Bowyer is scheduled to drive the #33 American Ethanol Chevy at Kansas Speedway on June 5, 2011. See an image of the car on the #33 Team Schemes page.(4-19-2011)

Cheerios returns to the #33: After a four-race hiatus, the familiar Cheerios/Hamburger Helper paint scheme will return to the #33 Chevy this weekend for the 334-lap event.(RCR) see an image of the scheme on the #33 Team Schemes page(4-7-2011)

Clint Bowyer building community center for his hometown: Clint Bowyer strapped on a hard hat instead of a racing helmet and gripped a gold-tipped shovel in place of a steering wheel. Then, as he does each Sunday as a Sprint Cup driver, Bowyer awaited the command, this one coming from Dan Foltz, the president of KBS Constructors Inc: "Gentleman, start your & shovels!" Bowyer and 11 other dignitaries responded by digging into the dirt on a chilly Monday morning and ceremonially broke ground for the Bowyer Community Building at the Lyon County Fairgrounds. The $1 million, 6,500 square-foot building is scheduled to open in September. It will serve Bowyer's hometown as a community center for business and organizational meetings, wedding receptions, graduation parties and simply as a safe and friendly place where youngsters can hang out. The community center is a private-public partnership. The building will be paid for through Bowyer's 79 Fund - named for the number of his first dirt car - and the county will provide street and parking improvements.(Kansas City Star)(3-29-2011)

Austin Dillion to make Cup debut: UPDATE: The Ronald Reagan Presidential Foundation's Centennial Celebration and the Childress Institute for Pediatric Trauma will be the primary sponsors when Austin Dillon makes his Sprint Cup Series debut later this season in the #98 Curb-Agajanian Performance Group Chevy. The Ronald Reagan Centennial is a historic, year-long celebration to commemorate the 100th birthday of the 40th President of the United States of America. A series of substantive and celebratory events, partnerships, and initiatives sponsored by the Ronald Reagan Presidential Foundation are planned throughout 2011. The specific race will be announced at a later date.(RCR)(3-27-2011)
UPDATE: Austin Dillon will make his Sprint Cup debut later this year at either Kansas in October or Phoenix in November in a car built by his grandfather's Richard Childress Racing. Team co-owner Mike Curb, owner of Curb Records, was a lieutenant governor under Reagan as well as co-chairman of Reagan's 1980 presidential campaign. The team for Dillon will get its car from RCR, an engine from Earnhardt Childress Racing and will use Dillon's RCR crew that fields his car in the Camping World Truck Series.(Scene Daily)(3-28-2011)

Ronald Reagan Centennial Celebration on the #33: The Ronald Reagan Presidential Foundation's Centennial Celebration and the Childress Institute for Pediatric Trauma will be the primary sponsors of Richard Childress Racing's #33 Chevy that Clint Bowyer will drive in the Auto Club 400 at Auto Club Speedway. The Ronald Reagan Centennial is a historic, year-long celebration to commemorate the 100th birthday of the 40th President of the United States of America. A series of substantive and celebratory events, partnerships and initiatives sponsored by the Ronald Reagan Presidential Foundation are planned throughout 2011. Future announcements including a second phase of RCR's involvement with the Ronald Reagan Presidential Foundation and Mike Curb will be forthcoming. Cheerios and BB&T, the #33 team's primary sponsors for the majority of the season, will also have prominent identification on the car.(RCR)(3-24-2011)

RCR's statement regarding Mike Dillon: The following is a statement from Richard Childress Racing, in response to numerous media inquiries on the health of vice president of competition Mike Dillon - 'Richard Childress Racing vice president of competition Mike Dillon was admitted to the hospital late last week after doctors discovered a blood clot in his lung. Dillon, 46, underwent a series of tests and is awaiting results but was released from the hospital earlier this afternoon.'(RCR)(3-19-2011)

BB&T colors on the #33: For the third time in the last three races, the #33 Chevy will sport a new paint scheme as longtime RCR partner, BB&T, adorns the car. Bowyer last ran the maroon and yellow paint scheme during last year's Chase for the NASCAR Sprint Cup event at Talladega Superspeedway, bringing home the checkered flag just ahead of RCR teammate Kevin Harvick (RCR), see an image of the scheme on the #33 Team Schemes page.(3-17-2011)

Forbes names most valuable NASCAR teams & highest paid drivers: The weak economy has pummeled NASCAR over the past three years, with sponsorships, merchandise sales, race winnings and subsidies from automakers falling. Fans have tuned out, sending TV ratings down 24% since 2006 and leaving more than 40,000 empty seats at some races last year. One of its longest-tenured teams, Richard Petty Motorsports, was scrambling for cash on a week-to-week basis so it could race on weekends last fall. Is NASCAR headed for a full-blown meltdown? Hardly. Yes, the value of the top 10 teams slid 5% in 2010, on average, to $136 million by [Forbes] count, as prize money dropped and sponsors dialed back their commitment, but a rebound in 2011 for the sport is a strong possibility. NASCAR's strongest and most valuable team remains Hendrick Motorsports. With a valuation of $350 million on revenues of $177 million in 2010, Hendrick is worth 56% more than the next-highest-grossing team, Roush Fenway Racing, which [Forbes] value at $224 million on revenues of $140 million last year. Hendrick earned a NASCAR-high $18 million in operating income (earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization) in 2010. Richard Childress Racing was third on the list, followed by Joe Gibbs Racing and Penske Racing. Rounding out the top 10: Stewart-Haas, Michael Waltrip Racing, Earnhardt-Ganassi Racing, Richard Petty Motorsports, and Red Bull Racing.
AND: Despite his lack of success in recent years on the track, Dale Earnhardt Jr. remains NASCAR's highest-paid driver, earning $29 million in 2010 thanks to merchandise sales that are the best in the sport and reportedly account for one-third of all NASCAR licensed merchandise sales. Other income streams include a 10-figure annual salary from Hendrick and a 50% share of his $4.9 million in winnings and bonuses in 2010 from Sprint Cup races. Earnhardt also has a bevy of personal endorsements, including Chevrolet, Nationwide and Wrangler. Hendrick teammate Jeff Gordon follows Earnhardt in the NASCAR money standings with earnings of $25 million last year. It is a clean sweep for Hendrick at the top with five-time Sprint Cup champion Jimmie Johnson, the third-highest-paid driver at $24 million. The rest of the top 10: Tony Stewart, Kevin Harvick, Carl Edwards, Kyle Busch, Kasey Kahne, Denny Hamlin, and Matt Kenseth.(Forbes)(2-24-2011)

RCR and ECR Honor Dale Earnhardt at Daytona: Richard Childress Racing and Earnhardt-Childress Racing Engines will pay tribute to the life and legacy of the legendary Dale Earnhardt throughout 2011 Speedweeks at Daytona International Speedway. Commemorative #3 decals will adorn all eight of RCR's race cars, transporters and pit boxes. ECR employees will wear special ECR/#3 hats at the track throughout Speedweeks while RCR employees will wear special RCR/#3 hats February 18.
"All of us at RCR and ECR are honored to pay tribute to Dale on this 10th anniversary," said Richard Childress, president and CEO of Richard Childress Racing and Earnhardt-Childress Racing Engines. "His legacy is still felt every day at RCR, ECR and throughout the world. We hope all of Dale's fans appreciate this salute to their hero and ours."
The #29 Budweiser Chevy has been adorned with a small #3 decal since Kevin Harvick assumed the driving duties of RCR's former No. 3 Chevrolet in the second race of the 2001 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series season after Earnhardt's passing at Daytona on February 18, 2001.(RCR)(2-11-2011)

Hartford not returning to sponsor the #33: from the Hartford Racing site: After 2 exciting and successful seasons, The Hartford has decided not to pursue a 2011 sponsorship with Richard Childress Racing and the #33 car driven by Clint Bowyer. Over the past 2 years, Richard Childress Racing has been a valued partner of The Hartford and we wish the entire Richard Childress Racing team continued success for years to come.(The Hartford)(2-2-2011)

Richard Petty Motorsports owner interested in Danica, Bowyer: Now that Richard Petty Motorsports is on firm financial footing, don't be surprised if Danica Patrick is part of a conversation about the organization's future. Financier Andrew Murstein, one of Richard Petty's partners in the revamped RPM, thinks Patrick would be an excellent fit for the Sprint Cup team. When 2012 arrives, however, Murstein would like to see a third car in the stable, and Patrick, who currently drives part-time for JR Motorsports in the Nationwide Series, is an intriguing possibility. Clint Bowyer of Richard Childress Racing is another driver who has caught Murstein's eye. Murstein said he eventually would like to see four Cup teams at RPM.(Sporting News)(1-27-2011)

Childress wins Sporting News award: Richard Childress, who oversaw a resurgence of Richard Childress Motorsports, is the Sporting News owner of the year, the magazine announced Wednesday.
RCR made a remarkable turnaround in 2010. After all four of Childress' drivers missed the Chase for the NASCAR Sprint Cup in 2009, the organization consolidated to three teams this year with drivers Kevin Harvick, Jeff Burton and Clint Bowyer. All three qualified for the Chase, and Harvick was in contention for the Cup championship until the final lap at Homestead. Bowyer won two of the 10 Chase races, at New Hampshire and California.(Sporting News)(12-2-2010)

Roland DGA Partnership with RCR: A whole new look is in store for Richard Childress Racing (RCR) thanks to wide-format inkjet printing technology from Roland DGA Corp. A partnership between the two companies, announced, establishes Roland DGA as the exclusive printer manufacturer for RCR, home to three of the top 2010 Sprint Cup Series Chase finishers, including #29-Kevin Harvick, #31-Jeff Burton and #33-Clint Bowyer. The partnership equips RCR's new state-of-the-art Graphics Center with Roland's most advanced wide-format inkjet printers and printer/cutters. Through the partnership, RCR will open its campus-like facility located in Welcome, NC, to Roland for training classes, dealer meetings, product demonstrations and other events, and will offer additional support to Roland advertising and marketing campaigns. Since opening the RCR graphics studio, Roland printers have been working around the clock to wrap RCR's extensive inventory of racing cars and trucks, show cars and delivery vehicles.(Roland DGA PR)(12-2-2010)

RCR Shop Takes Green to next level: In the first program of its kind, designed to prevent the unnecessary disposal of aerosol spray cans still containing chemical solutions that can eventually leak into the environment, Safety-Kleen and Richard Childress Racing are teaming up to make sure those cans are empty and recycled. "We've been helping keep NASCAR events and teams 'green' for years by properly managing a wide range of recyclable fluids used in their shops and cars," said Eric Zimmer, executive vice president of branch sales and service for Safety-Kleen. "Now we're taking that to the next level by focusing in on some of the less obvious potential sources of environmental contamination  such as spray cans  and we're proud to be undertaking this industry-leading effort with Richard Childress Racing." Many businesses simply throw used aerosol cans in the trash, which is perfectly legal, without even thinking about the fact that those cans are not completely empty and that the contents will eventually find their way into the environment. The better option is to make sure the cans are completely empty and then have them recycled, but that has not been easy to do. Now, using a new drain system developed by Safety-Kleen partner Justrite Manufacturing, businesses can easily get all of the material out of an aerosol can, simultaneously preparing the can for recycling and collecting the liquids for recycling or proper disposal. The Childress Racing teams will now be pioneering the use of these machines in their shops.(PRNewswire)(12-1-2010)

Some Spotters on the move: Silly season is just starting for NASCAR spotters.
Keith Barnwell goes from #1-Jamie McMurray to spotting for #56-Martin Truex Jr.
Lorin Ranier goes from the #6 Ford of David Ragan to the #1 team and McMurray.
Brett Griffin, fomerly Elliott Sadler's sponsor on the #19 RPM team that will close, replaces Rocky Ryan as the spotter for the #31
Chevy of Jeff Burton and is expected to continue his spotter duties with Elliott Sadler in the Nationwide Series.
Rocky Ryan could be a possible replacement for Ranier on the #6 car with David Ragan.
Kevin Hamlin started spotting for #33-Clint Bowyer at Texas in November.(FoxSports)(11-19-2010)

Bowyer wins at Talladega: #33-Clint Bowyer won the AMP Energy Juice 500 Sprint Cup Series race at Talladega Superspeedway for his 2nd win of 2010 and the 4th win of his career. #29-Kevin Harvick finished second followed by #42-Montoya, #00-Reutimann, #20-Logano, #56-Truex, Jr., #48-Johnson, #24-Gordon, #11-Hamlin, and #12-Keselowski.
The race ended under caution after a big wreck just past the start-finish line on the white flag laps. NASCAR reviewed video tape before declaring Bowyer the winner. Harvick overcame a mid-race accident that tore up the front of the car, but the team was able to repair it. There were 87 lead changes [one behind the record of 88 set at Talladega in April] among 26 drivers and 7 cautions for 19 yellow flag laps. The attendance was reported at 110,000 down from 2009 which was 127,500.
See race results, awards, laps led and more on Jayski's Talladega Race Results/Awards page.(10-31-2010)

BB&T returns to Bowyer's car: The burgundy, white and gold paint scheme of BB&T, the Winston-Salem, N.C.-based corporation, will adorn Clint Bowyer's #33 Richard Choldress Racing's Chevy for the first of two consecutive weeks, beginning with this weekend's race at Martinsville and again next week at Talladega (RCR), see images of the scheme on my #33 Team Schemes page.(10-23-2010)

Crew swap for the #29 & #33: #29-Kevin Harvick and #33-Clint Bowyer met with the media at Martinsville Speedway on Friday, and it was mentioned by both that Richard Childress Racing, has swapped crews beteern the #29 and #33 teams, with the full pit crew [not crew chiefs] being swapped,, the transcripts, in part:
Q) HAVE YOU DONE ANYTHING TO ADDRESS THE ISSUES YOU'VE HAD ON PIT ROAD? IF THEY DON'T GET ADDRESSED, ARE YOU GOING TO BE ABLE TO CONTEND OVER THE NEXT FIVE RACES?
Harvick: "Those issues have been addressed and I believe everything will be fine this week. Richard (Childress) made some huge changes this week."
Q) YOU ARE RUNNING A BLACK PAINT SCHEME SOME NEXT YEAR, IS THAT A TRIBUTE OR SIGNIFICANCE TO DALE EARNHARDT?
Harvick: "Nope."
Q) KEVIN WAS IN HERE EARLIER TALKING ABOUT PIT CREW CHANGES AND I UNDERSTAND THAT ALSO INVOLVES YOUR TEAMCOULD YOU ADDRESS THAT? WHAT'S GOING ON?
Bowyer: "There is no question that my team is arguably the best team at RCRthey've been together the longest. With us being out of the championship deal; Kevin is the last shot at RCR at basically bringing a championship home. We owe it to everybody involvedall the employees who try to bring that championship back home. Certainly I'm going to miss them, but we've got a brand new racecar built for here, it's an exact replicaas close as we could get itto the New Hampshire car so it should be fast again. I think we can win with his pit crew as well. There is certainly no slouch with what he had, and if he needed my crew to be better I was going to give it to him. I owe it to him as a teammate."
Q) IS THIS A PERMANENT SWITCH?
Bowyer: "We'll see. Obviously if he is out of the championship contention then I'll get them back, but as long as he's in that thing and he can win a championship for RCR, why not?"
Q) HOW HARD IS IT AS A DRIVER WHEN YOU SWITCH PIT CREWSIS IT MORE OF AN ADJUSTMENT FOR THOSE GUYS THAN IT IS FOR YOU IN THE CAR?
Bowyer: "Well, the ones that it is hard for is the guys that have been with him all year long and with five races to go you turn your back on themthat's who it is hard for. It's difficult for those guys, but it is what it is. We're in this business to win championships and if he thought that he needed that to win a championship then we've got to give it to him. A championship is a huge thing and that is our only shot a doing so."
Q) ARE SOME OF KEVIN'S OLD CREW MEMBERS ON THE TEAM TODAY, OR IS THAT A HIRED CREW THAT YOU BRING IN?
Bowyer: "They're the guys that I plan on winning this race with, so I'm fine with it. We're just switching the whole crew. It is what it is. That was the decision that was made and I'm fine with it. I'll get my guys back, I know that. A lot of my guys work and build my racecar, so we all work together week in and week out at the race shop and at the race track. I wanted to be the one. They called and told me that that is what they wanted to do and I owed it to those guys to go in and tell them that. On Tuesday morning, I went in myself and got my guys together and I told them what was going to happen, and that I thought we owed it to all the employeesthere are 400 employees at RCR, not just those over the wall guyswe owed it to everybody at the engine shop that has been doing an awesome job all year long, from the fab shop to everybody involved, even the guy that mows the grass. We owe it to them guys to bring a championship home and do everything we can do to that."(Team Chevy PR)(10-22-2010)

National Stock Car Racing Appeals Panel Statement - #33 Penalty Upheld, adjustments made: Following an appeal hearing earlier today in Concord, N.C., the National Stock Car Racing Chief Appellate Officer has upheld the penalty for the #33 Chevy in the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series, with the following revisions:
Crew chief Shane Wilson's fine has been reduced from $150,000 to $100,000 and Wilson and car chief.
Chad Haney's race suspensions have been lowered from six to four. Both are suspended from NASCAR until Nov. 3 and are on probation until Dec. 31.
The loss of 150 championship owner and driver points remains intact.
The #33 car was penalized by NASCAR on Sept. 22 as a result of rule infractions discovered during post-race inspection at the NASCAR Research and Development Center following the Sept. 19 race at New Hampshire Motor Speedway. Specifically, the car body location specifications in reference to the certified chassis did not meet NASCAR-approved specifications of the 2010 NASCAR Rule Book. "After reviewing all the data, presentation and factors involved, I am ruling NASCAR was correct in its decision to levy penalties," said John Middlebrook, the National Stock Car Racing Chief Appellate Officer who presided over the hearing. "I believe that the revisions that have been made to the penalties are consistent and fair to both parties involved."  John Middlebrook, National Stock Car Racing Chief Appellate.(NASCAR)(10-5-2010)
UPDATE - Richard Childress Racing Statement: The following is a statement from Richard Childress, president and chief executive officer of Richard Childress Racing, regarding the National Stock Car Racing Chief Appellate Officer's final ruling on the penalty of the #33 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series team following the September 19 race at New Hampshire Motor Speedway:
"I'm disappointed that the results are not what we wanted, but I feel we received a fair hearing today. The final step in the appeals process is very good, and I can assure you we would not have taken our case to the chief appellate officer if the first step in the process had been as fair as today's. I want to thank all of the fans for their support. I'm proud to be a part of this sport and proud to represent RCR's partners. We all need to put this behind us and get back to racing. There are seven races remaining in the Chase, and Richard Childress Racing will continue our focus on winning the 2010 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series championship."(RCR)(10-5-2010)

Clint Bowyer's final appeal Tuesday [today]: The final appeal on the penalties given to #33-Clint Bowyer's Sprint Cup team following his win in the Chase opener at New Hampshire will be heard on Tuesday. It will be the first ruling for NASCAR's new chief appellate officer, John Middlebrook. The National Stock Car Racing Commission voted 3-0 against the initial appeal made by Richard Childress Racing last Wednesday at NASCAR's Research and Development Center in Concord. Team owner Richard Childress insisted he had proof that Bowyer's car was out of tolerance because of a push from a wrecker after running out of gas following the victory burnout. He immediately paid the cost of the final appeal to be heard by Middlebrook, who took over as the chief appellate officer this year. Bowyer was fined 150 points and crew chief Shane Wilson was suspended for six weeks and fined $150,000, although he has yet to sit out a race while the process is under appeal. Childress hopes reconstruction analyst Dr. Charles Manning will be able to sway Middlebrook where he couldn't the commission.(ESPN)(10-5-2010)

Analyst critical of NASCAR's logic UPDATE NASCAR responds: The reconstruction analyst who testified that Clint Bowyer's New Hampshire Sprint Cup car was knocked out of tolerance by a wrecker labeled NASCAR's arguments against his findings as nonsense. Dr. Charles Manning of Raleigh, N.C.-based Accident Reconstruction Analysis said two tests of a wrecker pushing a car set up the same as Bowyer's winning #33 in the Chase opener showed the left rear end moved upward 40 thousandths of one inch. Testifying Wednesday on behalf of Richard Childress Racing, Manning told the National Stock Car Racing Commission that heard the appeal that his scientific study "clearly" explains the 39,000th of an inch NASCAR told RCR officials the car was beyond tolerances.
"They came out this morning and claimed it was negated by the telemetry which didn't show a very sharp impact," Manning said Thursday. "We didn't have any sharp impact, either. We pushed it easily. They said the visual inspection of the car showed nothing in the way of damage. Well, after we got through testing none of the cars showed anything of note or damage. They said the visual inspection of the postrace push showed they pushed very gentle. We pushed more gentle ... between six and 10 miles per hour. So what they said was a bunch of malarkey." Manning said the only way he can have more exact data than what he collected during the reconstruction at Charlotte Motor Speedway using a duplicate of Bowyer's car and a wrecker similar to the one at New Hampshire is to inspect the car in violation. He said NASCAR has not let him or RCR officials look at the car. "All we get from them is the stuff from behind closed doors," said Manning, whose company helped CMS win its case when a pedestrian bridge collapsed after a race in 2000. "I've been doing this for 45 years. When we go to court I've got photos and measurements. We haven't seen any photos. We haven't seen any measurements." NASCAR officials said they can't release specific data used to defend their case until the final appeal is heard.(full story and quotes at ESPN.com)(10-1-2010)
UPDATE: NASCAR is disputing allegations by Richard Childress Racing's top witness that the team was prevented from examining Clint Bowyer's Chevrolet in the days following his disputed win at New Hampshire Motor Speedway. NASCAR's Managing Director of Corporate Communications Ramsey Poston bristled at those accusations Saturday at Kansas Speedway, calling them "patently untrue." After consulting with Vice President of Competition Robin Pemberton and Sprint Cup Series Director John Darby, Poston said, "Dr. Manning never asked to see the car at any time." Poston also revealed that Richard Childress Racing was free to examine the car "anytime they want" and was well aware of that open-door policy.(Sirius NASCAR Radio's Sirius Speedway)(10-4-2010)

Bowyer comments on appeal loss: Clint Bowyer, #33 Cheerios/Hamburger Helper Chevy met with members of the media at Kansas Speedway on Friday and discussed the appeal decision, the transcript in part:
Q) WHAT DID YOU THINK OF THE DECISION BY THE APPEALS COMMITTEE AND DID YOUR FANS ASK YOU ABOUT IT?:
Bowyer: "Everyone of them, obviously they're your fans and everyone of them supports you on it and wish you the best. Just like anybody else, they don't understand, you know. I'll just save everybody's breath in asking me. Here's my answer to that  I'm very disappointed, not surprised at all. I'll just leave it at that. I'm looking forward to getting that behind me. This is an important weekend. I made some mistakes on the track last week that were uncharacteristic of myself, we made some mistakes as a team that were uncharacteristic and our heads weren't 100 percent in the game. I don't want this mess to bother us anymore. I'm at my home track, I'm having fun and that's what I aim to do."
Q) DO YOU STILL THINK YOU CAN GET IN THE CHASE BEING 235 POINTS BEHIND THE LEADER AT THIS POINT?:
Bowyer: "No, I think the championship hopes are done for myself. The thing that I have to do is be the best teammate I can be. We have to bring a championship home. We still have two shots at that, but for myself and our race team, I've never finished out of the top-five in the Chase and I want to continue that streak and want to continue that consistency in the Chase and I think that's an attainable goal. The biggest thing is to be the best teammate I can be."
Q) WOULDN'T IT BE EASY TO TEAR A TEAM APART AS A DRIVER IN THIS SITUATION?:
Bowyer: "Absolutely and that's what I'm trying to say is I'm not going to let that happen. I've told Richard (Childress, team owner), it's not worth fighting. In my opinion, their (NASCAR) minds are made up, it is what it is and if you want to be a part of this great thing we call a sport, you better just go on and enjoy what it is. He's fighting hard and I'm proud of the case that they put together. I think they worked very hard on it, they put a lot of time and energy and money into presenting a case that could prove less than a 16th of an inch how that car could be out. At the end of the day, if you're going to pick that, it is what it is."(Team Chevy)(10-2-2010)

RCR Statement Regarding NASCAR Penalty Appeal Ruling: The following is a statement from Richard Childress, president and chief executive officer of Richard Childress Racing, regarding the September 29 decision of the NASCAR appeals committee to uphold the penalty on the #33 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series team following the September 19 race at New Hampshire Motor Speedway:
"I am disappointed but not surprised by the decision knowing how the appeal system is structured. We proved beyond a reasonable doubt how the car was found to be out of tolerance after the race. Knowing how the system works, I brought a check with me to cover the cost of the appeal hearing and we have already submitted our request to appeal to the chief appellate officer. That being said, we will not let this be a distraction to the primary goal of one of our teams winning the Sprint Cup Series championship. We owe it to our fans and our sponsors to stay focused and bring the championship back to RCR. We will have no further comment on the matter until the appeal is final."(RCR)
STATEMENT: See info on the appeal and the full NASCAR response / release to the penalty on my 2010 Penalty News Page.(9-30-2010)

RCR Statement Regarding NASCAR Penalty Appeal Ruling: The following is a statement from Richard Childress, president and chief executive officer of Richard Childress Racing, regarding the September 29 decision of the NASCAR appeals committee to uphold the penalty on the #33 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series team following the September 19 race at New Hampshire Motor Speedway:
"I am disappointed but not surprised by the decision knowing how the appeal system is structured. We proved beyond a reasonable doubt how the car was found to be out of tolerance after the race. Knowing how the system works, I brought a check with me to cover the cost of the appeal hearing and we have already submitted our request to appeal to the chief appellate officer. That being said, we will not let this be a distraction to the primary goal of one of our teams winning the Sprint Cup Series championship. We owe it to our fans and our sponsors to stay focused and bring the championship back to RCR. We will have no further comment on the matter until the appeal is final."(RCR)
STATEMENT: See info on the appeal and the full NASCAR response / release to the penalty on my 2010 Penalty News Page.(9-30-2010)

NASCAR Stock Car Racing Appeals Panel Statement: On September 29, 2010, the National Stock Car Racing Appeals Panel heard and considered the appeal of Richard Childress Racing regarding four penalties issued by NASCAR relative to the #33 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series car. This stemmed from post-race inspection following a NASCAR Sprint Cup Series event at New Hampshire Motor Raceway on September 21, 2010.

The penalties concern Section 12-1 of the NASCAR Rule Book "Actions detrimental to stock car racing."; Section 12-4-J: "Any determination by NASCAR Officials that the Race Equipment used in the Event does not conform to NASCAR Rules"; and Section 20-3: "The car body location specifications in reference to the certified chassis does not meet the NASCAR-approved specifications."

The penalties assessed were:

-Loss of 150 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Championship Car Owner points for owner, Richard Childress

-Loss of 150 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Championship Driver points for driver, Clint Bowyer

-$150,000 fine; suspension from the next six (6) NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Championship Events; suspension from NASCAR until November 3, 2010; and probation until December 31, 2010 for crew chief Shane Wilson

- Suspension from the next six (6) NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Championship Events; suspension from NASCAR until November 3, 2010; and probation until December 31, 2010 for crew member Chad Haney

The Appellants requested and were granted a deferral of the suspensions and fine until such time as this hearing could be convened.

The Appellants did not contest that the car measured out of specifications upon inspection.

The Appellants argued that, having received a warning about the car body of the #33 car being "too close" following the Richmond race, that it was inconceivable that they would bring a non-conforming car to New Hampshire.

They argued that the left rear frame member was actually bent upward as a result of the car being pushed towards Victory Lane by a wrecker after the post-race burnouts, which resulted in the left rear measurement "hard point" being too high. To this end, they also presented an accident reconstruction specialist to demonstrate that a wrecker might bend up the left rear strut in the trunk under certain conditions. The specialists, however, indicated that such an occurrence would strictly affect the left rear because of the match-up between the wrecker pushbar and the angle of the racecar's rear bumper. He went on to say that the corresponding right rear measurements should not be affected, in his view, nor the frame member deformed as a team representative had alleged.

The Appellants also contested the severity and timing of the penalty.

Claims that the wrecker caused the infraction were negated by the telemetry from the car which did not show a sharp impact spike; by the fact that the rear template still fit snugly across the entire rear of the car; by a visual inspection of the rear of the car which showed nothing of note in the way of damage; and a visual review of the videotape of post race assistance tendered by the wrecker which appeared as relatively gentle pushing.

Of significance to the Panel were some additional facts which came to light during the hearing. Particularly of note were the facts that both rear hard points, left and right, were high, and that the rear of the body was offset on the frame.

The Panel found that the penalties were consistent for infractions of this magnitude.

Therefore, it is the unanimous decision of the National Stock Car Racing Appeals Panel to uphold the original penalties.

The periods of suspension shall be adjusted from the date of the hearing.

The Appellants have the right under Section 15 of the Rule Book to appeal this decision to the National Stock Car Racing Chief Appellate Officer. The Appellants submitted such a request and the fee immediately after the conclusion of the hearing.

John Capels
Lyn St James
Waddell Wilson
George Silbermann - Appellate Administrator and non-voting member.(NASCAR)(9-29-2010)

RCR's appeal of #33 penalty denied: The National Stock Car Racing Commission on Wednesday upheld NASCAR's punishment for the Sprint Cup team of Clint Bowyer. The governing body penalized Bowyer 150 points because the car that won the Chase opener at New Hampshire didn't meet specifications. Crew chief Shane Wilson was suspended for six weeks and fined $150,000. Richard Childress was docked 150 owner points. Childress said he was disappointed in the decision and plans to appeal to chief appellate officer John Middleton, who will have the final say. No date was given for that appeal. "We have proof," Childress said.
Childress brought in Dr. Charles Manning, who owns Accident Reconstruction Analysis in Raleigh, N.C. Manning said he has no doubt that Bowyer's car was knocked out of tolerance the sixty-thousands of an inch that NASCAR claimed by the wrecker that pushed it after it ran out of gas following the win. Manning said he duplicated the incident with a wrecker and car of the same specifications.
"They [the commission] paid no attention, which says something about what's going on in there," said Manning, noting his company, founded in 1979, has been used many times to prove cause in a court of law. "What we brought was positive proof that the damage was caused by the tow truck pushing the car." Manning was whisked away before further comment.
Bowyer had moved from 12th to second in points with the victory that ended an 88-race losing streak. The penalty knocked him from 35 points behind leader Denny Hamlin to 12th and 185 out. He finished 25th this past weekend at Dover to fall to 235 points out.
The three-member commission made its ruling after meeting with RCR and NASCAR officials at the Research and Development Center in Concord, N.C. The five-hours of deliberation took so long that Childress placed a sign in a window that said, "Order Pizza & Budweiser." Bowyer's team and Richard Childress Racing were warned on Tuesday after the car that finished sixth at Richmond to clinch a spot in the Chase barely passes inspection. The New Hampshire car passed post-race inspection at the track, but upon further review at the R&D Center they discovered issues with the back end tolerances. Childress claimed the illegal tolerance -- the car was too high in the back -- was the result of Bowyer's car being pushed by a wrecker.(ESPN)(9-29-2010)

RCR makes case for Clint Bowyer: Richard Childress Racing is arguing to have #33-Clint Bowyer's 150-point penalty reversed before a NASCAR appeals committee. Bowyer and his RCR team were penalized last week when the car Bowyer drove to victory at New Hampshire failed inspection. The win came in the opening race of the Chase for the NASCAR Sprint Cup championship and pushed Bowyer to second in the standings, 35 points behind leader Denny Hamlin. The penalty dropped Bowyer to 12th in the standings, and he trails Hamlin by 235 points with eight Chase races remaining. RCR is appealing the decision to the National Stock Car Racing Appeals Panel [today]. The appeal is a longshot. According to NASCAR, of the 132 appeals heard in the past decade, 92 of those decisions were upheld. Only 10 penalties were overturned.(ESPN/AP)(9-29-2010)

RCR appeal to be heard on Wednesday: UPDATE: According to a tweet by Ramsey Poston, NASCAR's Communications Manger, "Appeal hearing for the #33 team is scheduled for Wednesday afternoon, Sept. 29.(9-25-2010)
UPDATE: According to NASCAR, since 1999 there have been 132 appeals of penalties. The outcome? 88 were upheld (66%), 42 were reduced or overturned (32%) and 2 were increased (2%).(9-25-2010)

Bowyer and Childress respond to penalty: #33-Clint Bowyer came to the Dover International Speedway media center red-in-the-face fired up Friday. He came with a piece of yellow legal pad paper filled with notes he wrote at 6 a.m. and a quarter that he pulled from his pocket to show just how far NASCAR claimed his car was off after Sunday's victory at New Hampshire. He came to say he was wronged. But not everybody agreed. "This is not two weeks old," #11-Denny Hamlin pointed out sometime after Bowyer reminded us that Hamlin's car and Jimmie Johnson's car had to go through tech twice at New Hampshire before passing height inspection. "They were warned, and they were warned before Richmond. Everyone in the garage knows that. They [Bowyer's team] wanted to get everything they could. You can't fault them for that." A lot of people still want to know what NASCAR is talking about. A lot of people still are angry. People are wondering: If Bowyer's car can be found sixty-thousandths of an inch beyond the tolerances the governing body allows, how many other "illegal" cars are there in the garage? Crew chiefs up and down the garage will agree they're pushing the tolerances. They'll tell you that if more cars were taken to the R&D center, there'd be a lot more penalties. They'll also tell you they're paid to push the envelope. There's a lot of gray here. And when you consider that the # 33 team had been warned, that owner Richard Childress gave everybody what Bowyer called a "butt chewing" before New Hampshire, that the team was told the car would come back to the R&D center for review regardless of what it did at New Hampshire, then you're at least left wondering whether something happened to create this. Richard Childress claims the violation could have been the result of the tow truck pushing the car to the garage after it ran out of gas during a victory burnout. Bowyer on his yellow paper noted that possibility, as well as hard knocks by Tony Stewart during the race and the congratulatory bump by Dale Earnhardt Jr. afterward. Could that have happened to Bowyer's car? NASCAR vice president of competition Robin Pemberton hasn't seen such a case in his 30 or so years in the sport. He defends NASCAR's decision and the inspection process, saying there's no reason to bring 12 Chase cars or all 43 cars home for inspection. If Bowyer were king, he might blow up the R&D center. "I don't like the R&D center," he said. "I think what you bring to the racetrack is what they inspect." He went on to say that the cars are torn down at R&D to the point that they don't resemble what's on the track.(ESPN.com)(9-24-2010)

NASCAR looking at Bowyer's New Hampshire car: UPDATES: Two people familiar with the inspection process say NASCAR is taking a closer look at Clint Bowyer's race-winning car from New Hampshire. The #33 Chevy passed its initial inspection following Sunday's victory, but the people familiar with the situation say NASCAR discovered issues with the car in a more thorough inspection at its research and development center. They requested anonymity because the car is still being inspected. On Tuesday, NASCAR told RCR officials that Bowyer's chase-clinching car from Richmond came very close to failing inspection. Though NASCAR does not typically strip wins from drivers, a car that fails inspection would lead to a significant points penalty. Bowyer's wins pushed him to second from 12th in the Chase for the Sprint Cup championship, 35 points behind leader Denny Hamlin.(Associated Press/ESPN.com)(9-22-2010)
UPDATE: NASCAR has issued penalties, suspensions and fines as a result of rules infractions discovered this week during post-race inspection at the NASCAR Research and Development Center following last Sunday's race at New Hampshire Motor Speedway. The #33 team was found to be in violation of Sections 12-1 (actions detrimental to stock car racing); 12-4-J (any determination by NASCAR officials that the race equipment used in the event does not conform to NASCAR rules); and 20-3 (car body location specifications in reference to the certified chassis did not meet NASCAR-approved specifications) of the 2010 NASCAR Rule Book. As a result, crew chief Shane Wilson has been fined $150,000, suspended from the next six NASCAR Sprint Cup events, suspended from NASCAR until Nov. 3 and placed on probation until Dec. 31. Car chief Chad Haney has also been suspended from the next six NASCAR Sprint Cup events, suspended from NASCAR until Nov. 3 and placed on probation until Dec. 31. Driver Clint Bowyer and owner Richard Childress have been penalized with the loss of 150 championship driver and owner points, respectively. (NASCAR), the penalty drops Bowyer from 2nd in the driver point standings to 12th.(9-22-2010)
UPDATE 2: RCR Statement: "First of all, I'd like to apologize to our sponsors, our fans and everyone at RCR for the situation that has resulted from this ruling. RCR has a long-standing reputation of integrity on and off the race track. We pride ourselves on working within the rules established by the sanctioning body. NASCAR informed us after the Richmond race that we were very close to their maximum tolerances. They also told us they were going to take our New Hampshire car to the NASCAR Technical Center after that race. It doesn't make any sense at all that we would send a car to New Hampshire that wasn't within NASCAR's tolerances. I am confident we fixed the area of concern and the New Hampshire car left the race shop well within the tolerances required by NASCAR. We feel certain that the cause of the car being out of tolerance by sixty thousandths of an inch, less than 1/16 of an inch, happened as a result of the wrecker hitting the rear bumper when it pushed the car into winner's circle. The rear bumper was also hit on the cool down lap by other drivers congratulating Clint on his victory. That's the only logical way that the left-rear of the car was found to be high at the tech center. We will appeal NASCAR's ruling and take it all the way to the NASCAR commissioner for a final ruling, if need be."(RCR)(9-22-2010)

NASCAR warns RCR about Bowyer's Richmond car: NASCAR warned Richard Childress Racing that Clint Bowyer's car came close to failing inspection after his Chase-clinching drive at Richmond. NASCAR scheduled a Tuesday meeting with RCR officials to go over the #33 Chevy and determine if the team had not made a mistake in its own calculations. "They were in the box, but getting close to some of the tolerances and we asked them to come in to see if they aren't getting off on one of their build sheets," NASCAR vice president of competition Robin Pemberton told The Associated Press. "We have had their cars in quite a bit, and they were always spot-on. This one just seemed to be different, and we felt we owed it to them to make sure they just aren't off in one area." Bowyer's car was chosen by NASCAR for random inspection following his sixth-place finish at the Sept. 11 race. The run gave him the 12th and final spot in the Chase for the Sprint Cup championship, which began Sunday in New Hampshire. But as his team celebrated the victory, rival teams began to gossip about a potential problem with Bowyer's car from the week before. NASCAR on Tuesday confirmed that once the car got back to its North Carolina research and development center, it was discovered that the back end of the Chevy was very close to the mandated tolerance levels. NASCAR still has the car in its possession, and won't give it back to RCR until the team meets with the sanctioning body. Even if Bowyer's car had failed inspection, it wouldn't have changed the Chase field. The penalty for failed inspections runs anywhere from 50-to-100 points, and Bowyer had a 142-point cushion over Ryan Newman at the end of the Richmond race.(Associated Press/ESPN)(9-21-2010)

Bowyer wins at New Hampshire: #33-Clint Bowyer won the Sylvania 300 Sprint Cup Series race at New Hampshire Motor Speedway for his 1st win of 2010 and 3rd of his career. #14-Stewart led with 2 laps to go and ran out of gas, coasting to 24th. #11-Hamlin finished second followed by #1-McMurray, #88-Earnhardt Jr., #29-Harvick, #24-Gordon, #00-Reutimann, #39-Newman, #18-Busch and #77-Hornish Jr. Pole sitter #12-Keselowski finished 18th.
The win is the first for a car #33 since Joe Nemechek won at Rockingham in Nov 2001, the 21st win for the car #33. It is the first win for sponsor Cherrios since it came in to the sport with Roush Racing on the #26 car, moved to the #43 car from 2000-2008, and came to RCR's #33 starting in the 2009 season.
There were 21 lead changes among 8 drivers and 8 cautions for 34 yellow flag laps. The attendance was reported at 95,000, down from last years 101,000.
Scheduled Race Re-Airs are ESPN2, Monday, September 20 at 3:30am; and SPEED, Wednesday, September 22 at 12:00pm/et.
See race results, awards, laps led and more on Jayski's New Hampshire Race Results/Awards page.
See drivers championship points standings on Jayski's Drivers Points Standings page.(9-19-2010)