Junior Johnson Named Grand Marshal For Daytona 500: To mark the 50th anniversary of his 1960 Daytona 500 triumph, NASCAR legend Junior Johnson will serve as the Grand Marshal for the 52nd running of NASCAR’s most prestigious race – the Daytona 500 – on Sunday Feb. 14. As Grand Marshal, Johnson will deliver the four most famous words in motorsports – “Gentlemen, start your engines.” Johnson, who was the first driver to use drafting on the superspeedways, was recently selected in 2009 as one of the five inductees for the inaugural class for the NASCAR Hall of Fame. Inducted into the International Motorsports Hall of Fame in 1990 and named one of NASCAR’s 50 greatest drivers in 1998, Johnson claimed his only Daytona 500 win in 1960 driving for crew chief Ray Fox and owner John Masoni in a last-minute deal. Retiring from driving in 1966, Johnson moved into ownership earning 139 victories and six championships. Tickets for all of Hershey’s Milk & Milkshakes Speedweeks events, including the Daytona 500, are available at www.daytonainternationalspeedway.com or by calling 1-800-PITSHOP.(DIS)(2-9-2010)

Harry Connick Jr. To Sing National Anthem For Daytona 500: Singer and pianist Harry Connick Jr. will sing the National Anthem for the 52nd running of the Daytona 500 on Sunday, February 14, NASCAR biggest and most prestigious race of the season. Three-time Grammy Award winner Connick recently released his 24th album titled ‘YOUR SONGS,’ which consists of Connick singing classic songs with a full orchestra, and, as with nearly all of Connick’s previous albums, he arranged and orchestrated all of the songs himself. Connick has performed in front of the NASCAR family before singing at the season-ending awards ceremony back in 2003. Tickets for all of Hershey’s Milk & Milkshakes Speedweeks events, including the Daytona 500, are available at www.daytonainternationalspeedway.com or by calling 1-800-PITSHOP.(DIS)(2-9-2010)

Two Daytona 500-Winning Cars To Be Honored: The past and present will converge in the pace laps prior to the green flag for the 52nd annual Daytona 500 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series race on Sunday, Feb. 14 at Daytona International Speedway. To mark the 50th anniversary of Junior Johnson’s victory in the “The Great American Race”, a replica Daytona 500-winning #27 Chevrolet as well as the 2009 Daytona 500-winning car of #17-Matt Kenseth will take to the high banks and participate in the pace laps prior to the green flag of the Daytona 500. Johnson claimed his only Daytona 500 win in 1960 driving for crew chief Ray Fox and owner John Masoni. The ride came together in a last-minute deal and Fox only had seven days to build the Daytona 500-winning race car. On lap 191, Johnson was drafting Bobby Johns when, coming off of Turn 2, Johns’ car was hit with a gust of win. The air pressure popped out the rear window and put Johns in a spin. Johnson would claim the Daytona 500 by a margin of 23 seconds. Alongside the #27 Chevy during the Daytona 500 pace laps will be the winning car from the 2009 Daytona 500 – Matt Kenseth’s #17 DeWalt Ford from Roush Fenway Racing. Kenseth, who earned Roush his first NASCAR Sprint Cup Series championship in 2003, was able to deliver Roush his first Daytona 500 victory – a feat that has eluded the multi-team owner for over 20 years. The #17 was inducted into “The Official Attraction of NASCAR” – Daytona 500 Experience – after its victory in 2009 and will be returned to Roush Fenway Racing on Sunday morning, Feb. 14 prior to the start of the Daytona 500. Tickets for all of Hershey’s Milk & Milkshakes Speedweeks events, including the Daytona 500, are available at www.daytonainternationalspeedway.com or by calling 1-800-PITSHOP.(DIS)(2-9-2010)

If Danica Dominates Daytona, Fans win Indy Ticket deals: New Indianapolis 500 ticket customers can cash in on Danica Patrick’s participation in the ARCA Racing Series season opener Saturday, Feb. 6 at Daytona International Speedway. It’s up to Danica how much they’ll cash in. If Patrick leads many laps, she’ll drive big Tower Terrace ticket price reductions for the Indianapolis 500 on Sunday, May 30 at Indianapolis Motor Speedway. She is driving the #7 Go Daddy machine for Andretti Autosport in “The Greatest Spectacle in Racing.” For instance, if Patrick leads 40 laps, fans will receive a $40 reduction from the regular $90 price of a Tower Terrace ticket purchased between Saturday, Feb. 6 through Saturday Feb. 13. If she leads all 80 laps of the race, fans will receive the $90 ticket for $10! In honor of Patrick’s ground-breaking 19-lap run at the front in the closing laps of the Indianapolis 500 Mile Race in 2005, the Speedway will offer at least $19 savings on Tower Terrace tickets for the 2010 Indy 500 purchased during the promotion dates. If Patrick leads 19 or fewer laps in the #7 JR Motorsports Chevy, the ticket price reduction remains $19. The promotion is for new purchases of Tower Terrace tickets only. Tower Terrace is located along the Speedway’s main straightaway, also providing an excellent view of pit lane. Beginning immediately following the ARCA race Feb. 6, fans can purchase the discounted tickets online at www.indianapolismotorspeedway.com. The specially priced seats will be available 24 hours per day until 11:59pm/et Saturday, Feb. 13.(IMS)(2-5-2010)

Fan Vote in for Watkins Glen songs: The votes are in and in a race too close to call, the fans have decided that the rock song “Big” by Ten Man Push and the country song “Down at the Honky Tonk” by The Custom Taylor Band are the top songs on this year’s Summer Soundtrack to The Glen. Both songs will be used for the background music in the TV commercial for the Heluva Good! Sour Cream Dips at The Glen NASCAR Sprint Cup Series weekend, August 5-8, which will debut during the broadcast of the Daytona 500 on Sunday, February 14. Each band will also perform LIVE on the Red Cat Summer Stage during New York’s largest weekend sporting event on Saturday, August 7. The concert is included with the price of admission and weekend tickets start at only $60. Fans can download the entire Summer Soundtrack to The Glen for FREE by simply going to www.TheGlen.com/summersoundtrack. Tickets for the entire 2010 season including the Heluva Good! Sour Cream Dips at The Glen, August 5-8, and Camping World Grand Prix at The Glen, July 2-4, weekends are on sale now! Fans can take advantage of advanced sale prices and new options by calling the Watkins Glen International ticket office at 866-461-RACE (7223) or logging on to the official website, www.TheGlen.com.(WGI)(2-5-2010)

Texas race times pushed back two hours: Texas Motor Speedway received approval from NASCAR to move the start times of its two NASCAR Sprint Cup Series races for the upcoming season to be consistent with the Western Region start times. The Samsung Mobile 500 on April 18 and the Lone Star 500 on Nov. 7 will now have 2:00 pm Central Time starts, moving both races ahead two hours from their originally announced 12 noon CT times. The move was a result of Texas Motor Speedway petitioning NASCAR on behalf of its fans requesting a later start time as well as potential logistical issues posed by the earlier start. “On behalf of our fans, we greatly appreciate NASCAR, along with television broadcast partners FOX (Samsung Mobile 500) and ESPN (Lone Star 500), hearing their collective voice and making the time changes to better suit their wishes and needs,” Texas Motor Speedway President Eddie Gossage said. “NASCAR has made it clear that they are going to a ‘back to basics’ approach, and accommodating their promoters on behalf of their fans as well as avoid some potential logistical issues defines that new approach.”
The time change for both races will complement NASCAR’s move to uniform start times for all its races this season. NASCAR is just shifting Texas Motor Speedway from an “Eastern/Central Region” designation to a “Western Region” one, where it joins Infineon Raceway (California), Las Vegas Motor Speedway (Nevada), Auto Club Speedway (California) and Phoenix International Raceway (Arizona) for standardized 3:00pm/et (2:00pm/ct) starts. The remaining Sprint Cup races in the “Eastern/Central Region” (with the exception of night races) will begin at 1:00pm/et (12Noon/ct). Tickets for the Samsung Mobile 500 and Lone Star 500 race weekends are available by calling (817) 215-8500 or visiting www.texasmotorspeedway.com.(TMS)(2-4-2010)

LVMS invites President Obama to see Las Vegas from new perspective: Las Vegas Motor Speedway is inviting the President to see firsthand how visiting Las Vegas for entertainment is a boon to the economy. LVMS president Chris Powell is inviting President Barack Obama to be the grand marshal for the Shelby American NASCAR Sprint Cup Series race on Feb. 28 [FYI - he would replace current Grand Marshal Kim Kardashian if the President chose to attend]. The invitation comes less than 24 hours after the president told a gathering in New Hampshire that Americans shouldn't "blow a bunch of cash on Vegas" during the current economic climate. "It's a shame that the president doesn't realize the impact of tourism on the Las Vegas economy," Powell said. "Telling people not to visit Las Vegas is the same as telling them not to buy vegetables would be to a farmer in the Midwest - or telling them not to buy cars would be to an autoworker in Detroit. On the last weekend of this month, NASCAR Weekend at the speedway will bring in more than $150 million to the local economy. It will generate 3,000 jobs at the speedway alone. Hotels in town have reduced room rates. We've reduced ticket prices. And the races themselves will be a showcase of American knowhow and ingenuity. I would love to have the president come to Las Vegas Motor Speedway during NASCAR Weekend and see firsthand how important tourism is to our community. We'll even let him give the command to start engines. NASCAR Weekend is the largest sporting event in Nevada, and the 300,000 people who visit here during the weekend will surpass any event in Las Vegas in 2010."(LVMS)(2-4-2010)

Tracks lose over 100,000 seats: Some race tacks are downsizing by either eliminating some seats for fan zones of widening seats. The result is a decrease of 115,599 seats, based on changes in seating capacity this year to last year as noted in the NASCAR Sprint Cup media guide. Richmond held 112,029 seats before making changes. Now, the track's seating capacity is listed in the media guide as 97,912.(Virginian-Pilot)(2-4-2010)

NASCAR At The Meadowlands?: On Friday [January 22nd], New Jersey Governor Chris Christie released 19 reports prepared by his Transition New Jersey subcommittees, including the report on Gaming, Sports, and Entertainments that included the New Jersey Sports & Exhibition Authority and the Meadowlands. The report's Executive Summary on the NJSEA and horse racing at the Meadowlands is as follows: As budgeted for 2010, horseracing on track is projected to lose $22 million; the business model is broken. The agreements with the various Horsemen Associations will ensure continued losses; during 2010 these agreements need to be reopened and renegotiated. It is time to review options for racing in New Jersey. THE STATUS QUO IS NOT SUSTAINABLE. We encourage consideration of all the options to make horseracing self-sustaining, including consolidation of racing state-wide. The ultimate goal is to continue to have live racing at a venue where the Sports Authority and its OTW system can operate without a subsidy. (NJSEA budgeted total deficit for 2010 is $38 million). Another option to be considered is a feasibility study for the commercial redevelopment of the Meadowlands, including examining other potential uses such as NASCAR.(Standardbred Canada)(2-3-2010)

Las Vegas headliner Terry Fator to sing national anthem for Shelby American: Popular Las Vegas headliner Terry Fator has been tapped to sing the national anthem for the Shelby American NASCAR Sprint Cup Series race at Las Vegas Motor Speedway on Sunday, Feb. 28. Fator, known throughout the world for his celebrity singing impressions and unparalleled ventriloquism, won the second season of NBC-TV’s America’s Got Talent and currently performs at The Mirage Resort & Casino in Las Vegas. “It is an honor for me to sing the national anthem at the Shelby American race in Las Vegas,” said Fator. “I believe that my fans and NASCAR fans are one and the same, so it is a match made in Heaven. I grew up in Texas, so you know I’m a NASCAR fan!” Tickets for the Shelby American NASCAR Sprint Cup Series race and the NASCAR Nationwide Series Sam’s Town 300 are available by visiting www.lvms.com or by calling (800) 644-4444.(2-2-2010)

MIS Cares makes grant donations to various organizations: In its first year, Michigan International Speedway’s charitable arm, MIS Cares, took positive steps toward providing assistance to various organizations in 2009. MIS Cares donated more than $15,000 in grant donations to a number of area organizations and charities, including the American Red Cross, Michigan United Conservation Clubs (MUCC) and the Salvation Army’s Toys for Tots campaign. At its annual community holiday luncheon in December, MIS Cares presented checks to the Great Lakes Region of the American Red Cross and MUCC. The Red Cross received a donation of $8,000 to support the Spirit of America Blood Drive in addition to the $100,000 it received from MIS Director of Guest Services Tim Booth winning the Home Depot NMPA Humanitarian Award in November. Booth won the award for his efforts in making the Spirit of America Blood Drive the largest of its kind on 9-11. The MUCC received $5,700 to support the restoration of the beach at Cedar Lake in the Waterloo Recreation Area and for new camp programming for the Michigan Out-of-Doors Youth Camp. The Salvation Army’s Toys for Tots program in Jackson, Mich., received a donation from MIS Cares of $1,350, along with over 3,000 toys that were collected by the track’s Track Drive for Charity. The track drive was held in early December and allowed race fans to take a lap around the historic two-mile MIS oval for the donation of a toy or food item. The drive collected over 3,000 toys and also thousands of food items, which in turn was donated to the CCIS Food Pantry in Brooklyn, Mich. In 2010, MIS Cares plans to hold a variety of events surrounding its NASCAR Sprint Cup Series race weekends in June and August. Fishing tournaments along with another track drive are planned in the upcoming year. MIS’ Value Pricing Period begins on Feb. 1. NASCAR Sprint Cup Series tickets for the Heluva Good! Sour Cream Dips 400 on June 13 and CARFAX 400 on August 15 will be as low as $25. Visit MISpeedway.com or call the MIS ticket hotline at 800-354-1010 on Feb. 1 to take advantage of great pricing for 2010 events at MIS.(MIS)(2-2-2010)

Atlanta Motor Speedway Seeks Public Address Announcer for 2010 Events: Atlanta Motor Speedway is seeking a public address announcer for 2010 events held at the multiple-use motorsports facility located 30 miles south of Atlanta in Hampton, Ga. Applicants should mail a resume and a CD of sample audio work – preferably featuring a live-taped race call – to Atlanta Motor Speedway at: Atlanta Motor Speedway, Attn: PA Announcer Audition, 1500 Tara Place, Hampton, GA 30228. Audio submissions should be held to a five-minute length or less and applicants are asked to have knowledge of NASCAR and the sport’s history, in addition to the vocal ability to engage and excite fans. The deadline for submissions is Feb. 11. Finalists will be contacted by the Atlanta Motor Speedway Events department to participate in a final audition. For more information on Atlanta Motor Speedway’s upcoming Kobalt Tools 500 race weekend, contact the Atlanta Motor Speedway Ticket Office at (770) 946-4211, (877) 9-AMS-TIX or visit www.atlantamotorspeedway.com.(AMS)(2-1-2010)

Montoya Ticket package at Auto Club Speedway: Auto Club Speedway has teamed up with #42-Juan Pablo Montoya for a special ticket package that will surely give Southern California race fans something to smile about. Fans that purchase the JPM Formula Smiles Foundation Ticket Package for only $142 will smile knowing that $42 from each ticket package will be donated to Montoya’s Formula Smiles Foundation benefitting the disadvantaged children of Montoya’s native country of Colombia. In addition to the $42 donation to the Formula Smiles Foundation, the JPM Formula Smiles Foundation Ticket Package includes:
· Lower Grandstand Reserved Seat (rows 11 to 23) to the Auto Club 500 on Sunday, Feb. 21
· Exclusive Q&A Session with Juan Pablo Montoya prior the Auto Club 500 on Sunday, Feb. 21
· Pre-Race Pit Pass providing up close access to pre-race activities
· Commemorative gift and Parking Pass
The JPM Formula Smiles Foundation Ticket Package expires on Monday, Feb. 15, or while supplies last. For more information on the JPM Formula Smiles Foundation Ticket Package, visit autoclubspeedway.com/JuanPablo. As always, fans experiencing Auto Club Speedway can also take advantage of free parking, bring in their own food, or partake in the unbelievable menu items on site as well as other cost-savings opportunities while enjoying a full day of entertainment and fun at a fantastic family value. Formula Smiles Foundation is a nonprofit organization incorporated in the United States, under status 501 c3, by Colombian racecar driver Juan Pablo Montoya and his wife Connie Freydell, which aims to improve, through sports, the quality of life of Colombian children in vulnerable situations.(Auto Club Speedway)(2-1-2010)

Pocono Raceway & Destination Pocono team up: To help reduce the environmental impact created by the thousands of NASCAR fans that travel in for the Pocono 500 & the Pennsylvania 500 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series races each summer, Pocono Raceway is thinking "green" again this year by encouraging race fans to park their cars and ride in on special buses. By participating in this program, fans can reduce the effect of their presence on local roadways and enjoy a safer travel option. The buses are available to all fans, local residents and visitors alike. A quick arrival at the track is ensured by specially-designated bus lanes and the help of Sheriff's department escorts. As a special treat for using this service, the arrival concludes with a lap around "the Tricky Triangle."(Pocono Raceway)(1-31-2010)

Darlington Expands family section: Darlington Raceway will expand its family section seating for the 2010 Southern 500 announced track President, Chris Browning. Family sections will now be available on both straight-aways at Darlington Raceway. Wallace grandstand section V on the frontstretch and Colvin grandstand section X on the backstretch will be designated family sections. Each family section will be designated as a non-smoking, non-drinking seating option geared towards families. Family seating can be purchased today by contacting the Darlington Raceway ticket office at 866-459-RACE or visiting DarlingtonRaceway.com.(Darlington PR)(1-31-2010)

Jeff Gordon part of Ohio track plan: Jeff Gordon's name is being linked to a project to turn an old Ohio baseball stadium into a race track, Gordon's stepfather, John Bickford, who's also the vice president and general manager of Jeff Gordon Inc., says Gordon would help design the half-mile track at Cooper Stadium in Columbus, OH. Bickford says the project also could include a school for mechanics school and auto technology center similar to one Gordon is involved with in Charlotte, N.C. The developer says Gordon's company would become a partner in the track, which still requires several approvals. Bickford came to Columbus yesterday to meet with community leaders and residents and gauge their interest. Some residents have been concerned that the track would be too noisy. Gordon's involvement brings credibility to a project that's been discussed for almost two years, said officials who attended the meeting at Cooper Stadium. Gordon is involved in the Joe Hendrick Center for Automotive Technology at Central Piedmont Community College in suburban Charlotte, N.C. A similar program could be created at the Cooper Stadium track, dubbed Cooper Park, Bickford said. Bickford said there's been no decision on whether Gordon's company would directly invest in the track.(Columbus Dispatch)(1-30-2010)

Daytona gets new flagstand: The checkered flag, the sight every driver dreams of seeing first when they cross the start/finish line at Daytona International Speedway, has a new state-of-the-art home. Race fans attending Hershey's Milk & Milkshakes Speedweeks 2010 events will see the debut of the newly installed flagstand complete with a full-color LED display that will overlook the legendary tri-oval of the "World Center of Racing." The flagstand, made of structural steel and standing 22 feet tall from the race track, will see its first racing action beginning with this weekend's Rolex 24 At Daytona GRAND-AM Rolex Sports Car Series race and the Fresh From Florida 200 Continental Tire Sports Car Challenge. Other interesting statistics behind the one-of-a-kind flagstand include:
oApproximately 60 square feet space at the top of flagstand for the starter
oEighteen steps to climb to the top of flagstand
oThe high resolution LED display is capable of showing race information, live video and replays as well as graphics and animations in 4.4 trillion colors.
oImpressive 49,920 pixel LED display that measures nearly four-feet tall and 22.5-feet wide.
oTwo new light tubes featuring super-bright green, red and amber LEDs above the display will flash the flag colors and provide fans and drivers greater visibility of the racing conditions.(Daytona PR)(1-30-2010)

Atlanta Ticket Office Extends Hours and Open Weekends: In an effort to better serve fans and meet increased demand leading up to the March 5-7 Kobalt Tools 500 race weekend, the Atlanta Motor Speedway Ticket Office will open for four-consecutive weekends preceding the Kobalt Tools 500 weekend. The Ticket Office will open from 9 a.m. through 5 p.m. on Saturdays and will open from 1 p.m. through 5 p.m. on Sundays. In addition to opening on weekends, the Ticket Office will also feature extended weekday hours beginning on Monday, Feb. 15, with the Office open from 9 a.m. through 8 p.m. For more information on the upcoming Kobalt Tools 500 race weekend, contact the Atlanta Motor Speedway Ticket Office at (770) 946-4211, (877) 9-AMS-TIX, or visit www.atlantamotorspeedway.com.(Atlanta PR)(1-30-2010)

Sabates apologizes to Michigan: The fans have spoken; and so has Felix Sabates. The part-owner of NASCAR’s Earnhardt Ganassi Racing, who outraged many race fans and Michigan residents this week for suggesting Michigan International Speedway be cut from NASCAR’s Sprint Cup schedule because of the state’s economy, has issued an apology. “In an attempt at humor I made some comments about the city of Detroit and the people of Michigan that were in poor taste and that I sincerely apologize for,” Sabates said. “I have worked directly or indirectly with the auto industry for over 40 years as both an auto dealer and a NASCAR owner and it was never my intention to put down the auto industry, its workers, the city of Detroit or the state of Michigan. I have such respect for all of them. Speedway President Roger Curtis accepted the apology Friday, calling Sabates’ original comments, made at last week’s NASCAR media tour in Charlotte, N.C., a rally cry from the speedway’s loyal fan base who continually support the racetrack through tough economic times.Michigan PR)(1-29-2010)

Darlington President wins Littlejohn Award: Darlington Raceway President, Chris Browning, was award the prestigious Joe Littlejohn award at the 2010 National Motorsport Press Association convention in Concord, N.C. Browning, who has served as Darlington Raceway President since 2004, was selected by the members of the NMPA because of his commitment and dedication to motorsports. During his tenure at Darlington, Browning has made the NMPA Hall of Fame - located in the Darlington Raceway Museum - a top priority and has overseen numerous facility improvements. The Joe Littlejohn award is given annually to an individual who has made an outstanding contribution to the NMPA and motorsports.(Darlington Raceway)(1-29-2010)

Four more drivers added to Bristol Legends race: Bristol Motor Speedway officials announced the addition of four more drivers to the lineup for the March 20 running of the Scotts EZ Seed Showdown. Dave Marcis, a veteran of 883 Cup Series races, and Tommy Houston, a mainstay of the NASCAR Nationwide Series, will make their debuts in the exciting event which was a huge fan favorite a year ago. Jimmy Hensley, the Virginia Gentleman, also will make his first start in the race, while Phil Parsons returns after competing last season. The fans also will enjoy seeing Marcis' trademark wingtips once more. "I'll be wearing them," he said proudly. "I wore a pair when I ran my last cup race in Daytona in February 2002 and I'll have a pair on in Bristol." Cale Yarborough, Charlie Glotzbach, Jack Ingram and L.D. Ottinger were announced in August as the first 2010 Scotts EZ Seed Showdown competitors. The final four drivers will be announced at a later date.(Bristol PR)(1-28-2010)

Zac Brown Band To Perform Concerts, Anthem at Budweiser Shootout: Zac Brown Band, the GRAMMY nominees for Best New Artist whose platinum debut album 'The Foundation' (Atlantic Records) produced the No. 1 hit "Chicken Fried," will perform at the 32nd annual Budweiser Shootout on Saturday, Feb. 6 at Daytona International Speedway. The Atlanta-based group will perform a pre- and post-race concert, in addition to the National Anthem. Zac Brown Band - which consists of bandleader Zac Brown, bassist John Hopkins, violinist Jimmy De Martini, guitarist/organist Coy Bowles, drummer Chris Fryar and multi-instrumentalist and song writer Clay Cook - will perform three songs prior to the Budweiser Shootout on the Pre-Race Stage as well as the National Anthem, all of which will be carried live on FOX Sports. After the checkered flag waves, Zac Brown Band will perform a 60-minute post-race concert from the Sprint FANZONE Entertainment Stage.(Daytona PR)(1-28-2010)

Dover race will be "Autism Speaks 400 presented by Hershey's": For the fourth straight year, Dover International Speedway’s Spring NASCAR Sprint Cup Series race will create awareness for a very worthy cause. Dover announced the May 16, 2010 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series event will be called the “Autism Speaks 400 presented by HERSHEY’S Milk & Milkshakes.” The unique partnership between Dover, Autism Speaks and HERSHEY’S Milk & Milkshakes will provide a platform for Autism Speaks’ message of public awareness and education about autism to the masses at the track in Dover and to those watching the race nationally on FOX.(Dover PR)(1-27-2010)

Atlanta Offers $149 Two-Day Package with Sunday Pit Passes for Kobalt Tools 500 Weekend: Atlanta Motor Speedway is offering a new two-day ticket package for the March 5-7 Kobalt Tools 500 race weekend that includes tickets and pre-race pit passes for the Kobalt Tools 500 Sprint Cup Series race and tickets for the Atlanta 200 NASCAR Camping World Truck Series event. Giving race fans an outstanding value to watch two days of high-speed NASCAR action on Atlanta's high banks, fans can purchase Upper Champions Grandstand tickets for Saturday and Sunday's action of the Kobalt Tools 500 race weekend for just $149. In addition, each package includes pre-race pit road access for Sunday's Kobalt Tools 500. For more information or to purchase tickets to the Kobalt Tools 500, call the Atlanta Motor Speedway Ticket Office at (770) 946-4211, (877) 9-AMS-TIX, or visit www.atlantamotorspeedway.com.(AMS PR)(1-27-2010)

LVMS secures discounted hotel rooms for NASCAR Weekend: Las Vegas Motor Speedway has partnered with 13 local hotels to bring deeply discounted room rates to race fans for the Feb. 26-28 NASCAR Weekend. “We understand that coming to races involves much more than just the purchase of a race ticket,” said LVMS president Chris Powell. “Several months ago, we announced the decision to lower all weekend and Sunday-only tickets for the NASCAR Weekend. We have been working since that time with our hotels for more affordable rates for our race fans. We are very appreciative to our hotel partners in helping us meet the needs of the thousands of race fans who travel from out of town to attend the races here at LVMS.” Participating hotels have dropped room rates by as much as 25 percent for the race weekend. In addition, many hotels are offering promotions such as free hats, free cocktail hours, discounted food options and gifts for kids. The following hotels are part of this partnership: Sam’s Town, The Orleans, Harrah’s, Imperial Palace, Flamingo, Bally’s, South Point, MGM Grand, Luxor, Excalibur, Mirage, Palace Station and Green Valley Ranch. Race fans interested in booking one of these deeply discounted rooms can do so by visiting www.lvms.com/hotels. Tickets for the Shelby American NASCAR Sprint Cup Series race and the Sam’s Town 300 featuring the Las Vegas debut of Indy star Danica Patrick are available at www.lvms.com or by calling 1-800-644-4444.(1-26-2010)

‘Women In The Winner’s Circle’ Traveling Exhibit Now Open At Daytona 500 Experience: ‘Women In The Winner’s Circle,’ a traveling exhibit on the history of women in racing, is now open at the Daytona 500 Experience. Daytona 500 Experience is the first venue to host this unique exhibit that recognizes the past history, the growing achievements and the future growth of women in racing and will be on display through March. Racing legend Lyn St. James, founder of the Women in the Winner’s Circle Foundation, joined forces with The Henry Ford of Dearborn, MI, to create the exhibit. Featured in the exhibit are informational panels, photographs, three race cars and personal artifacts that illustrate the history of women in motorsports, which dates as far back as 1903. Accomplishments of women drivers from five different eras are recognized in the exhibit, which has three cars on display – a replica of Louise Smith’s #94 Coupe, the 1989 Ford Thunderbird that St. James drove to set closed course speed records at Talladega Superspeedway with a speed of 212.577 mph, and Kara Hendrick’s TQ Midget which was restored by her brother, NASCAR driver Kenny Hendrick. Artifacts include Jutta Kleinschmidt’s helmet, shoes and gloves from her win in the 2001 Paris Dakar Rally, sports car and open wheel legend Desire Wilson’s helmet, shoes, and trophy, and a race suit worn by Sarah Fisher in the IZOD IndyCar Series. An interactive kiosk is setup so that visitors to the exhibit can read in depth biographies and see additional photos of the drivers, along with a glossary of racing terms, a list of driving schools and sanctioning bodies. More info at daytona500experience.com.(DIS)(1-26-2010)

NASCAR Honors Martinsville Speedway for Recognition of Race Fans: Martinsville Speedway and Darnell Communications were honored by NASCAR Friday with the first-ever “Fan Recognition Award” for making the fans the grand marshal and honorary starter for last fall’s TUMS Fast Relief 500. It was the first time in the history of NASCAR Sprint Cup racing that the fans had been given the duties of grand marshal and honorary starter. To make sure it was an authentic experience, every fan was given a replica green flag to signal the start of the race. And when the race began, the grandstands were a sea of green. “It was a moving moment for me to see all of those green flags waving. I’ve been around this sport all my life and I don’t think I’ve ever seen anything quite like it before,” said Martinsville Speedway President W. Clay Campbell. “We’ve always said that fans come first at Martinsville Speedway and this was just a way we could take that another step. We are honored to be recognized by NASCAR, but this award is for the fans. They are the ones who keep this sport rolling.” Darnell Communications, which provides public relations and media strategies and services in motorsports for the TUMS brand, produced the concept to feature the fans and TUMS management quickly gave approval. Darnell Communications, the staff of Martinsville Speedway and TUMS officials spent almost a year working on the fan initiative. The final result was so popular it will be repeated at the TUMS Fast Relief 500 at Martinsville Speedway on October 24.(Martinsville Speedway)(1-25-2010)

Train Service suspended for Auto Club race weekend: Due to current economic strains on thousands of race fans, Auto Club Speedway will not utilize METROLINK charter train service during the West Coast Premiere of NASCAR in February. However, tens of thousands of free parking spaces with easy access entrances await the throngs of race fans who will attend the Stater Bros. 300 NNS event on Saturday, Feb. 20 and the Auto Club 500 NSCS event on Sunday, Feb. 21 at Auto Club Speedway. “With the current economic downturn, there is very little demand for a service, no matter how convenient, that charges between $20 and $35 per person to ride the train,” said Speedway President Gillian Zucker. “We have plenty of on-site parking that is free and hope our fans will take full advantage.” For those now driving, in addition to free parking and easy access entrances, Auto Club Speedway has partnered with the Inland Empire’s MRN affiliate – KFROG – to make the trip a little easier. Fans making their way to Southern California’s Premier motorsports facility, can tune to 95.1 FM en route to the track for real time traffic updates and tips for easy entrance into the facility. For more information on the races at Auto Club Speedway, Feb. 19-21, call 1-800-944-RACE (7223) or visit www.autoclubspeedway.com.(ACS)(1-25-2010)

VFW to sponsor Truck Series race at MIS: In an effort to recognize and salute veterans and their families around the country, the Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) Foundation will be the title sponsor of its first-ever NASCAR Camping World Truck Series race, the “VFW 200” on Saturday, June 12 at Michigan International Speedway. “The VFW 200 and our association with NASCAR aligns well with our mission to help America’s service members and their families. This will help bring public attention to their urgent needs,” said VFW Commander-In-Chief Thomas J. Tradewell, Sr. “The VFW Foundation has had a wonderful relationship with NASCAR driver, Kevin Harvick’s KHI racing team. We are excited about our on-going association with Kevin Harvick and proud to have the opportunity to sponsor the VFW 200. NASCAR, its fans, and the Michigan International Speedway are perfect for such a patriotic event,” added Tradewell. With the new VFW relationship, MIS has now secured sponsorship deals for all of its racing events in 2010. Additionally the Foundation will provide activities and informational venues at the track during the entire weekend to highlight the service and sacrifice of America’s U.S. service members and their families. Service members attending the event (many of whom are on leave from duty in Iraq and Afghanistan) will be given VIP status and provided with pit passes and access to NASCAR drivers, grandstand seating and complimentary food. The venue will allow the VFW Foundation to showcase its “Salute to Military Families” campaign, designed to bring awareness to the unique problems and needs of troops and their families. It will be the second year the VFW Foundation has sponsored the “Salute to Military Families” program. Through its “Unmet Needs” initiative, the VFW Foundation has provided more than $3 million in direct financial assistance to military families for rent, mortgage, utilities, vehicle repair, medical expenses and basic food assistance. For more information visit www.vfwfoundation.org. MIS’ Value Pricing Period begins on Feb. 1. NASCAR Sprint Cup Series tickets for the Heluva Good! Sour Cream Dips 400 on June 13 and CARFAX 400 on August 15 will be as low as $25. Visit MISpeedway.com or call the MIS ticket hotline at 800-354-1010 on Feb. 1 to take advantage of great pricing for 2010 events at MIS.(MIS)(1-25-2010)

Trucks to race at Darlington? UPDATE: Sirius NASCAR Radio's Sirius Speedway with host Dave Moody is reporting that the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series will compete at Darlington Raceway in August of this year, as a replacement for the now-canceled event at the Milwaukee Mile. Expect an official announcement during this week's NASCAR portion of the annual Media Tour.(Sirius Speedway PR)(1-19-2010)
UPDATE: been told that the date of the race will be August 14, 2010.(1-20-2010)
UPDATE: The NASCAR Camping World Truck Series will make a return to the track “Too Tough to Tame” on August 14, 2010 announced. “Our fans have asked us to bring back the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series because Darlington is a perfect fit for the tough racing the series offers,” said Darlington President Chris Browning. “We are excited to be able to bring back the trucks in 2010 and look forward to putting on a memorable show for all of our fans.” The NASCAR Camping World Truck Series raced at Darlington Raceway from 2001-04. The late Bobby Hamilton won the Inaugural event in 2001 and again in 2003. Ted Musgrave raced to Victory Lane in 2002 and Sprint Cup driver Kasey Kahne took the checkered flag in 2004 – the series’ last visit to the track. General admission seating is available for only $25 and children 12 and under will be admitted free. Each admission includes all practice and qualifying sessions as well as the Too Tough to Tame 200 which is set to take the green-flag at approximately 7:30 p.m. In addition to grandstand seating, fans may also purchase a pre-race pit pass for just $15 each. Tickets can be purchased by calling the Darlington Raceway ticket office at 866-459-RACE or online at http://www.darlingtonraceway.com/tickets/.(Darlington Raceway)(1-20-2010)

Tony George resigned from posts at Indy: The Board of Directors of Hulman & Company and affiliated companies, including the Indianapolis Motor Speedway, has received the resignation of Anton H. “Tony” George from the board of directors effective immediately, according to Mari Hulman George, chairman. “As members of his family, we are sorry to see Tony leave,” said Mrs. George. “We are grateful for his service to our company as a board member and of course for formerly serving as CEO and president of our companies. I speak for our whole family in wishing him well. All of us had hoped that Tony would continue to serve on the board, and we made that clear to him. We are disappointed with his decision to step down despite our wishes.” His resignation removes George from any remaining role in Hulman & Company, Indianapolis Motor Speedway, Indy Racing League, IMS Productions and other affiliated companies. His term as CEO of the family companies ended June 30, 2009. He continues to be involved in racing through his ownership of Vision Racing, a competitor in the IZOD IndyCar Series of the Indy Racing League. The board vacancy will be addressed at a later date. In addition to Mari Hulman George, board members include Nancy George, Josie George, Kathi George-Conforti and Jack Snyder. Mari Hulman George said she is very pleased with the direction of the company and the progress that has been made during the last six months. “Our company is healthy and is weathering the economic recession well,” she said. “Jeff Belskus, president and CEO of the Indianapolis Motor Speedway, and Curt Brighton, president and CEO of Hulman & Company, are both doing excellent jobs in guiding our companies through this difficult time. Many hard decisions have been made, and now our companies are well positioned for the future.”(IMS)(1-20-2010)

Mayor of Speedweeks announced: The votes have been tallied and Ormond Beach resident Gordon Goodman has been declared Mayor of Hershey’s Milk & Milkshakes Speedweeks 2010. Goodman’s 100-word essay on “Why I Should Be Mayor” was selected by Facebook users as the winner of the annual contest held by Daytona International Speedway. "I’ve wanted to be Mayor for a long time,” said Goodman. “I’m so happy and proud. If you want an ambassador for Daytona, you got the right person.” Goodman, an avid NASCAR fan who calls local radio stations to give race reports often, has NASCAR memorabilia in every room of his house. Unique aspects of Goodman’s home include a rendering of the tri-oval at Daytona International Speedway on one wall. “In 1967, as a little kid, we had (ABC’s) ‘Wild World of Sports’ (on the television) and I happened to be walking through the living room of the house and they had a little bit of the Daytona 500 going on,” said Goodman. “I just stopped and started watching. I’ve been infatuated every since.” Goodman will wave the flag at the Rolex 24 At Daytona practice session to officially get Hershey’s Milk & Milkshakes Speedweeks 2010 underway as his first duty as Mayor. Other Mayor of Hershey’s Milk & Milkshakes Speedweeks perks for Goodman include Pre-Race/Sprint FANZONE access for the Daytona 500, two tickets to the Daytona 500 Experience, an invitation to the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series Driver’s Meeting and a chance to be part of the Gatorade Victory Lane celebration at NASCAR’s most prestigious race – the 52nd running of the Daytona 500. Tickets for all of Hershey’s Milk & Milkshakes Speedweeks events, including the Daytona 500, are available online at www.daytonainternationalspeedway.com or by calling 1-800-PITSHOP.(DIS)(1-19-2010)

CMS installing premium seats: As a part of the ongoing Fans First initiative, Charlotte Motor Speedway is installing approximately 15,000 new premium seats along the 1.5-mile speedway's frontstretch, and special bronze nameplates will adorn the seats of new Victory Lane Club season ticket holders in that area. To increase fan comfort, Charlotte Motor Speedway is removing narrow cast-metal seats in the Chrysler and General Motors grandstands and replacing them with new 21-inch, stadium-style seats. The deluxe flip-down seats with arm rests will be installed before the May 22 NASCAR Sprint All-Star Race and the Coca-Cola 600 on May 30. The new seats will offer a prime view of the start-finish line and pit road for both races.
Fans who join the Victory Lane Club as season ticket holders and purchase the same seat for all three NASCAR Sprint Cup races will receive two special added features - a personalized, bronze nameplate on the new seat and the chance to take home one of the historic seats as a keepsake piece of limited edition memorabilia. Season ticket holders in the Victory Lane Club, also receive more than $1,500 in added value for purchasing tickets to the NASCAR Sprint All-Star Race, Coca-Cola 600 and NASCAR Banking 500 only from Bank of America. Membership benefits include a personalized hard card, VIP parking, discounts on ticket purchases and souvenirs in the speedway's gift shop, a free six-month trial membership to The Speedway Club and more. For the new year, fans can reserve their seats for only a $20.10 down payment, and then establish a convenient, interest-free, payment plan for any event in the Spring Season of Speed at Charlotte Motor Speedway. In order to join the Victory Lane Club and purchase new seats along the frontstretch, fans must call the speedway ticket office at 1-800-455-FANS (3267) and speak directly to a Charlotte Motor Speedway ticket agent.(CMS)(1-19-2010)

ISC to evaluate tracks before deciding which loses race to Kansas: The chief operating officer for International Speedway Corp., Roger VanDerSnick, says the financial fortunes of Auto Club Speedway of Southern California, Phoenix International Raceway and Michigan International Speedway will be evaluated in 2010 as ISC tries to decide how to shift a Sprint Cup race to Kansas Speedway in 2011. Those three tracks are among the four ISC markets hit worst by the economic downturn. The fourth is south Florida, where Homestead-Miami Speedway hosts the season finales for NASCAR's three major series. "Those are our four challenging areas: Southern California, Phoenix, Michigan and Florida," VanDerSnick said. "We have a decision to make for 2011 on what date goes to Kansas? So we have a number of different models helping us drive through the decision-making process on that. Once we're close to a recommendation, we'll make a proposal to NASCAR that we want to realign a race to Kansas for that second weekend." Kansas Speedway has been waiting on approval for a casino complex that is expected to receive final approval next month by the Kansas Racing and Gaming Commission. Part of the speedway's pitch for the facility was the guarantee of a second annual Cup race, which would be on the 2011 schedule. NASCAR usually releases its annual schedules in late summer, and VanDerSnick says discussions with tracks normally begin in March and continue through spring. The first Cup races for Auto Club (Feb. 21) and Phoenix (April 10) are within or before that timeframe. Michigan's first Cup race is June 13.(USA Today)(1-18-2010)

Goody's, TUMS Sign Two-Year Renewal with Martinsville: One of the most enduring relationships in NASCAR grew a little stronger today with the announcement that Goody's Headache Powders and TUMS® are renewing their sponsorship of the spring and fall Sprint Cup races at Martinsville Speedway through the 2012 season. Goody's sponsorship of the spring race will continue with the Goody's Fast Pain Relief 500 while TUMS will extend its sponsorship of the fall race with the TUMS Fast Relief 500. The sponsorship extensions are another chapter in a decades-long history between GlaxoSmithKline (GSK) Consumer Healthcare (makers of Goody's and TUMS) and the historic half-mile oval. The two joined forces in 1983 when Goody's Headache Powder first sponsored the Goody's 500 at Martinsville Speedway. Since then Goody's and TUMS have sponsored a total of 23 races in several different divisions at Martinsville Speedway. TUMS has been the sponsor of the fall event at Martinsville since 2008. This year's Goody's Fast Pain Relief 500 is scheduled for Sunday, March 28 and the TUMS Fast Relief 500 is set for Sunday, October 24. The Goody's Fast Relief Zone is an interactive NASCAR experience for fans to enjoy and sample Goody's Headache Powders at select NASCAR races, including the next two Goody's Fast Relief 500 races at Martinsville. Also recently, Martinsville Speedway president W. Clay Campbell announced today that Karen Parker has been promoted to Vice President of Marketing.(Martinsville Speedway)(1-18-2010)

Watkins Glen makes changes, including SAFER: Fans and drivers will notice some major changes in several turns when they come back to the legendary road course of Watkins Glen International during the 2010 season. The Glen is continuing their capital improvement plan and undergoing another major renovation project, which is just the latest series of changes, since the permanent road course's debut in 1957. Among the changes is the removal of gravel traps and grass, modification of the catch fence, installation of SAFER Barriers, and the relocation of guard rails. The project will be the largest improvement project on the 3.4-mile road course since the installation of new catch fences prior to the first IZOD IndyCar Series race at Watkins Glen International in 2005. The renovation project will affect all series that race on the 3.4-mile circuit and include improvements to the Inner loop or "Bus Stop", Turn 5 (known as Turn 9 of the short-course or the "Carousel"), Turn 10 and Turn 11.
Along the portion of the course known as the inner loop or "bus stop," the existing gravel trap will be replaced with a paved runoff area, which will allow more side-by-side racing throughout the tight turns. Additionally, a SAFER barrier will be installed along the interior concrete barrier wall and the existing catch fence system will be removed with a modified version installed. Turn 5, also known as the "Carousel Turn" will include the removal of the existing grass to pave an extended runoff area and the installment of a rumble strip built to FIA specifications along the track edge of pavement. The existing guard rail system will be modified to install a crash attenuator system, to help absorb the impact when a car makes contact with the wall.
Similarly, the project in Turn 10 will include the removal of a portion of the current gravel trap, which will be replaced with another paved runoff area. Additionally, the current FIA rumble strip will be extended along the track edge of pavement. Finally, Turn 11 improvements will feature the installation of a SAFER barrier in front of the exterior guide rail system. Additionally, all grass areas between the new SAFER barrier and the track will be paved to help provide better traction when a driver is attempting to bring their car to a stop.
Tickets for the entire 2010 season including the Heluva Good! Sour Cream Dips at The Glen, August 5-8, and Camping World Grand Prix at The Glen, July 2-4, weekends are on sale now, call the Watkins Glen International ticket office at 866-461-RACE (7223) or logging on to the official website, www.TheGlen.com.(Watkins Glen International)(1-18-2010)

RIR Scoring Tower Ground Breaking: Richmond International Raceway president Doug Fritz, joined by NASCAR personality Hermie Sadler and representatives from Panasonic, officially broke ground today for the new state-of-the-art video scoring tower which will soar above the infield of America's Premier Short Track. The "larger than life" tower will support four giant video screens high above the infield of America's Premier Short Track beginning in 2010. The new leaderboard and video screens, which combined will be the largest in all of motorsports, will be visible from every seat in this modern-day coliseum and installed in time for the NASCAR Doubleheader weekend April 30-May 1. Designed by Panasonic, the entire structure will stand 153 feet tall and feature four LED (light-emitting diode) video screens at the peak. At 153-feet high, it will be the tallest in motorsports. Each enormous LED video screen will measure 38-feet wide by 24-feet high, and the four-sided design will provide spectacular views of video, including live race action, to fans in the grandstands at Richmond International Raceway. The LED video screens will display live race action, highlights and replays, pre-produced videos and other animations and graphics. Below the video screens, a four-sided LED leaderboard will stretch 67-feet high by 13-feet wide and provide real-time running order, lap times, points standings, including the current Chase standings during "One Last Race to Make the Chase," and other scoring functions during races. Combined, the video leaderboard and video screen portions of the structure will feature the largest amount of LED square footage in the motorsports industry. The new video scoring tower at Richmond International Raceway will stand more than 95 feet taller than the current scoring pylon, and the video screens alone will be over three times wider than the current pylon. NASCAR returns to Richmond International Raceway for a doubleheader weekend, featuring the Crown Royal 400 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series race "under the lights" on Saturday night May 1. Tickets, starting at $40, are on sale now at www.rir.com or by calling 866-455-RACE (7223). The Spring NASCAR Doubleheader weekend kicks off on Friday, April 30 with the NASCAR Nationwide Series 250.(RIR)(1-18-2010)

Ford Mustang to pace the Daytona 500: Pacing the field for the 2010 Daytona 500 on February 14th will be a specially prepared one-of-a-kind 2011 Mustang GT powered by the all-new 5.0-liter V-8 engine producing 412 horsepower. This will mark the first time in 40 years a Ford Motor Company product has paced the field at the Daytona 500. The last Ford product to be a pace car at the Daytona 500 was the 1970 Torino GT convertible. The 2011 Mustang GT pace car will receive a special Daytona 500 Race Red paint scheme with Blue/White Lemans stripes, Ford Racing suspension, strut tower brace, mufflers, unique painted wheels and special interior treatment including lighted sill plates. This Mustang will be an actual production car with an early VIN and will be among the first 2011 models available to the public. Also this Mustang (Lot # 1295.1) will be offered for auction at the Barrett-Jackson Collector Car Auction on Saturday January 23rd. All Proceeds over MSRP will go to help cure childhood diabetes through a donation to the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation. One lucky bidder will have the opportunity to own the actual pace car prior to the race and will get to see their car pacing the field on February 14th.(Mustang Heaven)(1-17-2010)

Palin to make VIP appearance at Daytona 500: Former vice presidential candidate Sarah Palin will be a VIP guest at next month's Daytona 500. Daytona International Speedway president Robin Braig says Palin will make her first appearance at NASCAR's most storied track the day before she serves as guest speaker at the city's annual chamber of commerce dinner. Palin won't have any official role in the Daytona 500, but the former Alaska governor will be introduced at the pre-race drivers meeting along with other celebrities. Braig says track officials checked with NASCAR's political advisers before signing off on Palin's visit. Braig says the reaction was to "showcase her just as much as we would our mayor, our governor or our senators."(Associated Press)(1-17-2010)

NASCAR, Milwaukee Mile settle lawsuit: Wisconsin Motorsports and NASCAR have quieted settled their lawsuit. NASCAR had sued the promoter that put on two races at the Milwaukee Mile last season, accusing it and operator Claude Napier for failing to pay $1.9 million for two races last June. Napier still owes Indy Racing an estimated $1.2 million for a race in May 2009. He owes nearly $21,000 to the state of Wisconsin and, reportedly, tens of thousands of dollars to contractors who worked with him last season. No suits by any group except NASCAR have been officially announced to this point.(Pierce County Herald)(1-16-2010)

Naming rights for North Wilkesboro Speedway? UPDATE: hearing that an announcement is near where Goodyear Tire & Rubber company has agreed to naming rights of North Wilkesboro Speedway. Goodyear Speedway? More info about the track and races to be held there in 2010 at historicnws.com and savethespeedway.net.(1-13-2010)
UPDATE: Speedway Associates Inc. and Goodyear Tire and Rubber Company announced a 3 year Presenting Sponsor of North Wilkesboro Speedway Presented by Goodyear. “This is simple, old fashion short track racing at its best, which is why Goodyear is involved” Justin Fantozzi, Global Marketing Manager for Goodyear. As part of the Presenting Sponsorship to North Wilkesboro Speedway, Goodyear has also been named as the Presenting Sponsor of the North Wilkesboro Speedway/Goodyear Benevolent Fund. This fund has been specifically created as a direct benefit to drivers and drivers families in need. Over the next 3 years North Wilkesboro Speedway Presented by Goodyear will be rolling out a small line of motorsports collectibles that will commemorate Historic North Wilkesboro Speedway Presented by Goodyear. “This is big in so many ways. The marketing partnership is old school simple and something that people nationwide will understand. The fans get it, short track fans, and racers understand and the will grow to see exactly what this partnering alliance means specifically to benefit on the short track level and beyond. Fact is, now not only is SAI doing the right thing for the right reasons, but major players have studied the plan, they have done their home work and they are stepping out to make the difference to preserve and improve our short track racing heritage. Time is of the essence and we are excited that Goodyear has made this commitment at Historic NWS directly benefiting short track racers and fans. Speedway Associates Inc. is proud to align with Goodyear in their giving back in a huge tangible way.” Dave Ehret, Race Director, Speedway Associates Inc. During the next 3 years, Historic North Wilkesboro Speedway Presented by Goodyear will be working NWS opportunities with Goodyear Tire and Rubber retail stores as well.(Speedway Associates PR)(1-14-2010)

Fall race at Auto Club Speedway shortened UPDATE: NASCAR and International Speedway Corp., which owns the 2-mile speedway, today will announce the Oct. 10 event, fourth in the Chase, will be renamed and shortened from 500 miles. The race, sponsored by Pepsi since 2008, will be known as the Pepsi Max 400 on the 2010 Sprint Cup schedule. "As fans well know, conversations with NASCAR in regard to making Auto Club Speedway the most competitive track possible for NASCAR racing have been ongoing," said Gillian Zucker, Speedway president, in a prepared statement. "The results of some changes made by NASCAR - such as double-file restarts and tire changes - were seen at our inaugural Chase race, arguably one of the best races ever at the Speedway. This additional change to 400 miles is further evidence of NASCAR's commitment to racing excitement and to Southern California race fans." The previous 19 NASCAR Sprint Cup races at Fontana had all been 500 miles (250 laps). However, 400-mile races were a staple at now-defunct Riverside International Raceway until 1980. At that point, until its closure in 1988, the race distances were measured in kilometers. With 50 laps lopped off, it will change the strategy of the competitors and will eliminate at least one fuel stop. As the double-file restarts demonstrated in 2009, race leaders are all bunched up after caution periods. There was no word about ticket prices and how they'll reflect the shorter distances.(Inland Valley Daily Bulletin)(1-13-2010)
UPDATE: Auto Club Speedway and NASCAR officials today announced that the Speedway’s October Chase for the NASCAR Sprint Cup race – the Pepsi 500 – will now be 400 miles, rather than 500. Track officials also announced that the race, sponsored by Pepsi since 2008, will be re-branded the Pepsi Max 400. Fans experiencing Auto Club Speedway can also take advantage of free parking, bring in their own food, or partake in the unbelievable menu items on site as well as other cost-savings opportunities while enjoying a full day of entertainment and fun at a fantastic family value. To purchase tickets call 800-944-RACE (7223), or visit www.autoclubspeedway.com.(Auto Club Speedway)(1-14-2010)

Phoenix spring race to be longer UPDATE: The Sprint Cup event on April 10 at Phoenix International Raceway will go an additional 63 laps and miles on the one-mile oval, up from 312, The new distance will be 375 laps/miles, the longest race since PIR began hosting NASCAR in 1988. PIR measures its Cup races in kilometers, so it will be just over 603 kilometers, up from the previous 500 km. Official announcement of what will now be known as the Subway Fresh Fit 600 is expected this week. Ticket prices, which start at $25, will not increase. PIR's move is a direct result of NASCAR's switch to earlier starting times this season, reacting to a suggestion made by its national fan council and an attempt to boost TV ratings. PIR's green flag is scheduled for 4:30 pm/local, one hour earlier than last year. About two-thirds of what typically was a three-hour event ran at night, which was popular with spectators. That ratio would have been reversed without adding laps since sunset occurs just before 7:00 pm. PIR remains the first official night race on the Cup schedule. PIR's second NASCAR race, the Nov. 14 Chase for the Sprint Cup semifinal, will remain 500 kilometers but have a new title sponsor.(Arizona Republic), Checker O'Reilly Auto Parts was sthe sponsor of the fall race in 2009 and for years before.(1-12-2010)
UPDATE: It will be a whole new race on April 10 when NASCAR visits Phoenix International Raceway for the first evening event of the season – new distance, new pit-stop schedules, new fuel cycles, and a new name. The brand new SUBWAY Fresh Fit 600 will be the longest Sprint Cup event in track history, featuring 63 more laps (100k) of high-octane action at the same affordable cost that NASCAR fans have come to enjoy in the Valley of the Sun. The addition of 63 laps ensures that PIR's April race maintains its spot as the first official night race of the NASCAR Sprint Cup season again in 2010. For consistency, NASCAR moved to standard race start times in 2010 and PIR's extra laps will make certain that the SUBWAY Fresh Fit 600 – which starts at 4:30 p.m. locally – will run well into the night under the desert sky. As mentioned, the 375-lap April 10 race under bright Saturday night lights will be the longest scheduled Sprint Cup event in track history, as each of Phoenix International Raceway's 27 Sprint Cup races dating back to 1988 were originally slated for 500k (312 laps) from green flag to checkered flag. PIR's November NASCAR Sprint Cup Series race will maintain its distance of 312 laps – approximately 500 kilometers. To help celebrate this exciting new development in Phoenix International Raceway's rich NASCAR history, fans will have the opportunity to turn the first 600 laps of the new season at PIR on Saturday, March 27 – just five short weeks before the SUBWAY Fresh Fit 600. How to participate? Just be one of the first 100 people to call 1-866-408-RACE (7223) and purchase a grandstand ticket to the SUBWAY Fresh Fit 600 using the code-phrase "600 Under the Lights" and you can be one of 100 lucky fans to drive six laps on PIR's one-mile oval. Fans that call in after the first 100, as well as those who have already purchased their tickets, will also have the opportunity to drive the track at PIR. For more details, please visit www.phoenixraceway.com/600underthelights. Tickets for the April 10 SUBWAY Fresh Fit 600™ – with prices as low as $25 – and all other events throughout the first NASCAR event weekend of 2010 at Phoenix International Raceway are still available at www.phoenixraceway.com or by calling 1-866-408-RACE (7223).(PIR)(1-13-2010)

Buy tix for Atlanta spring race, get discount on ride alongs: Race fans can lay rubber on Atlanta Motor Speedway’s high banks only hours after their favorite drivers with a special offer from AMS and the Richard Petty Driving Experience for the March Kobalt Tools 500 race weekend. Allowing them to reach speeds of nearly 170 mph on Atlanta’s high banks immediately after the March 7 Kobalt Tools 500, fans can purchase a Ride-Along with the Richard Petty Driving Experience for just $59 – a savings of $50 off the retail price of $109 – to accompany their Kobalt Tools 500 tickets. Each RPDE Ride-Along gives race fans the opportunity to sit shotgun in a NASCAR-styled stock car with a professional driver for a three-lap qualifying run. Fans will receive up to two specially-priced Richard Petty Driving Experience Ride-Along vouchers from the Atlanta Motor Speedway ticket office when they purchase two tickets to the Kobalt Tools 500, excluding $39 tickets and $19 student tickets. Fans can then call the Richard Petty Driving Experience at 1-800-BE-PETTY to purchase and schedule a Ride-Along time. The program will begin one hour after the conclusion of the Kobalt Tools 500 and will last until approximately 10 p.m. A limited quantity of post-race Ride-Alongs are available and interested fans are encouraged to purchase now to reserve their spot. For more information and to purchase tickets, contact the Atlanta Motor Speedway ticket office at 877-9-AMS-TIX (877-926-7849) or 770-946-4211.(AMS)(1-13-2010)

Gossage Dons University Of Alabama Hat While Raising Talladega Flag At TMS: Less than 12 hours after the University of Texas’ 37-21 loss to the University of Alabama in the BCS National Championship Game, Texas Motor Speedway President Eddie Gossage was feeling the sting of the defeat once again. Despite freezing temperatures in the teens and high winds, Gossage settled his bet with Talladega Superspeedway President Rick Humphrey on Friday morning as he personally raised the Alabama speedway’s flag in front of the Texas Motor Speedway administration building. Gossage, donning a University of Alabama ball cap, was hoisted up on a scissor lift to the top of the 25-foot flag pole, where he hung the Talladega Superspeedway flag alongside the flags of the United States, state of Texas and Texas Motor Speedway. As part of the bet, the Talladega flag will fly throughout the weekend. Gossage also had a small, wooden University of Alabama gnome on hand to serve as a stand-in for Humphrey, who was not in attendance for the “ceremony.”
In keeping with the tradition of state versus state bets and offering up a special fare from the loser’s locale, Gossage also will be sending Humphrey and his staff Sonny Bryan’s Smokehouse beef brisket next week to celebrate the victory. “I’m very excited to know that the Talladega Superspeedway flag is flying over Texas Motor Speedway,” Humphrey said. “But more importantly, I’m excited for the University of Alabama and the pride that a national championship brings to our state. I love Talladega Speedway and I love the Alabama Crimson Tide. Today is a great day for both of us.” See images and a video at the texasmotorspeedway.com website. Tickets can be purchased for TMS races online at www.texasmotorspeedway.com or by calling (817) 215-8500 and for Talladega visit www.talladegasuperspeedway.com or call 1-877-Go2-DEGA.(TMS/TSS)(1-8-2010)

Special tix deal for Daytona 500 in honor of Waltrip: On Sunday, Feb. 14, NASCAR Sprint Cup Series driver and two-time Daytona 500 champion Michael Waltrip will begin his 25th year in the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series at the sport’s biggest race – the Daytona 500. And to mark that special occasion, Daytona International Speedway and Waltrip, who captured the Daytona 500 in 2001 and 2003, are joining forces with a special Michael Waltrip Daytona 500 Celebration Offer.
The package, available for $129, includes:
· A ticket to the 52nd annual Daytona 500
· Question and answer session with Waltrip on the morning of the Daytona 500
· Celebration party with Waltrip, featuring cakes, beverages and other giveaway items
· Autographed commemorative event ticket
· And each race fan that purchases a Michael Waltrip Daytona 500 Celebration Offer ticket will be entered to win a chance to become an honorary pit crew member during the 2010 Daytona 500.
Waltrip said he hopes it’s a special day for all of the fans as well as his NAPA AUTO PARTS Toyota. “The Daytona 500 is the greatest race in the world, my favorite race, and the race that defines my career,” Waltrip said. “I’m humbled that the speedway is honoring my 25th season with a commemorative ticket package. I very much look forward to meeting the fans race morning and then going after my third 500 win that afternoon.” Track officials said the offer will give fans a chance at a rare opportunity to talk with a two-time race winner the morning of the race. “Michael Waltrip is part of an exclusive club of Daytona 500 champions,” Daytona International Speedway President Robin Braig said. “Beginning his 25th year with NASCAR’s biggest race is certainly going to be a special moment and this ticket package is going to deliver a unique and memorable experience to race fans.” The Michael Waltrip Daytona 500 Celebration Offer is available online at www.daytonainternationalspeedway.com/mwr or by calling 1-800-PITSHOP.(DIS)(1-4-2010)

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