PAST NEWS FEBRUARY 15-21, 1999
(2-21-1999)
- Where was Eli? UPDATE No idea what happened with TNN and Eli Gold not doing the Cup race. Mike Joy, Buddy Baker and Dick Berggren were the announcers and as usual, did a good job -- Eli Gold was in Nashville doing the play-by-play for the Alabama Men's Basketball team(2-21-1999)
- #58 Goes Hollywood again: Ricky Craven's #58 Ford has sponsorship from Hollywood Video for Rockingham this weekend, no idea if this will extend for the rest of the season(2-20-1999) -- but the car was more black and not as done up as in Daytona(2-21-1999)
- #91 still no Sponsor: On the TNN pre-race race show: #91 LJ Racing owner, Joe Falk says the team can go three more races without sponsorship(2-21-1999)
- Roush Sponsors? Roush Racing is facing an odd situation with Primestar, the primary sponsor on the #16 Ford driven by Kevin Lepage. Primestar was bought by DirectTV earlier this year, and the company officially changes its name Thursday. DirectTV is a subsidiary of General Motors(Times-Dispatch)(2-21-1999)
- Rudd and the Pole: Rockingham is Ricky Rudds first pole since Charlotte in October of 1995, 100 races(2-21-1999)
- Tony Stewart's IRL team: Larry Curry and Tony Stewarts IRL team will be called Tri Star Motorsports(Raceday-TNN). Stewart plans to race in the Indy 500 and Coca-Cola 600 on the same day, May 30th(2-21-1999)
- Some Notes from Henry: David Green in the #41 Kodiak Ice Chevy, got the final front-stretch pit this week....there are 31 of them. Drivers from Wally Dallenbach on back will pit on the backstretch. Three drivers who made the DuraLube/BigKmart 400 race who missed the Daytona 500....Green, Steve Grissom, and Morgan Shepherd (in the #90 car this week, was in the #81 at Daytona)(Henry of StockCarFans)(2-21-1999)
- Simpson/DuPont: Bill Simpson, who has developed some of the most innovative safety equipment in racing, has teamed with DuPont to bring Kapton, a safety substance used in the exploration of space, into motorsports. When Kapton is used in a driver's uniform, protection from heat and fire can be increased by 50 percent, Simpson said. Another Kapton-based product in development for racing is paint for use under the hood of a car to protect the engine. Both products should be available to the public within a year(That's Racin' Jim Utter)(2-21-1999)
- New Awards: NASCAR has two new award programs in place for the 1999 Cup season. The EA Sports Move of the Race Award will be awarded to the driver that displays the most exciting, distinctive on-track move during the race. The winner, selected by a media panel, will receive $4,200. Kenny Irwin won the award last week at Daytona. The Hasbro Pit Stop Award will go to the race team that employs the best pit strategy during each race. The winning tean, also selected by a media panel, will receive $4,200. Jeff Gordon's team, led by crew chief Ray Evernham, took the honor last week at Daytona(That's Racin' Jim Utter)(2-21-1999)
(2-20-1999)
- Standridge Makes Attempt: Billy Standridge drove the #50 Midwest Transit Chevy during Saturday morning's practice session, and then attempted to qualify for the car for the Cup race, but could not get the car in the race. Standridge replaced rookie Dan Pardus, who has less experience at North Carolina Speedway(NASCAR Online)(2-20-1999)
- Qualifying Postponed UPDATE results: Rain has postponed Cup qualifying at the Rock. One round of qualifying will take place at 10:45am/et with 45 minutes of practice at 9am/et. Positions 1-36 will be determined and each driver will get one lap. 2nd round has been canceled(NASCAR Online)(2-19-1999) -- One round of qualifying was held this morning: Ricky Rudd in the #10 Tide Ford won the pole with a speed of 157.241mph. Darrell Waltrip took another Champ Prov(he now has six left to use). Rick Mast who won the pole at the Rock a year ago, got the very last regular provisional. Derrike Cope and Rich Bickle miss the race, along with rookies Buckshot Jones and Dan Pardus. See who took the provisonals and why at Jayski's Provisional Page. Qualifying and the starting lineups at NASCAR Online or Speedworld.(2-20-1999)
- Happy Hour: Practice is over, Jeff Gordon was the fastest at 150.971mph. See the speeds at NASCAR Online or Speedworld.(2-20-1999)
(2-19-1999)
- Need to Clear Something Up: The Big Daddy's announced their sponsorship with the #90 Cup Ford, the #75 BGN Chevy(still negotiating?) and the #14 CTS Ford and didn't come through is based in Oklahoma and is a company that makes BBQ Cooking products BBQ Sauce, see their website at Big Daddy's BBQ, not any other Big Daddy's establishment such as Big Daddy's restaurant in the Mooresville/Lake Norman, NC(whom I hear is a big NASCAR supporter and was one of the first NASCAR themed restaurants) or any other business of the same name. Just wanted to clear this misconception up(2-19-1999)
- Butch at Vegas: Winston West driver Butch Gilliland will attempt to make the Las Vegas 400 in the #38 Ralphs / Food 4 Less Ford. Besides the Las Vegas 400, Gilliland team’s Winston Cup schedule includes attempts at California Speedway in Fontana, CA on May 2, Sears Point Raceway in Sonoma, CA on June 27, Indy on Aug. 7 and Phoenix on Nov. 7.(LVMS Site)(2-19-1999)
- Petty Sponsor: Driving Impressions Inc., the North American importer of OMP racing equipment, will sponsor the Cup and BGN Petty Enterprises teams and drivers with OMP racing safety equipment(SpeedNet) didn't mention the truck team(2-19-1999)
- Pressley Out, Yes UPDATE: Hearing that Charley Pressley has been released as the crew chief of the #4 Kodak Morgan-McClure Chevy?? Hearing Gary DeHart may step in as the crew chief. Actually DeHart will probably be the Race Team Coordinator, not sure what they will do crew chief wise or what Pressley's plan are(2-18-1999) -- See the Press Release at the Morgan-McClure site: Gary DeHart assumes new position with Morgan-McClure Motorsports (2-19-1999)
- Gordon and the ESPY's: Just one day after winning his second Daytona 500, Hendrick Motorsports driver Jeff Gordon collected his third ESPY award Monday during the annual gala event at Radio City Music Hall. Gordon had previously accepted the "Performer of the Year" award for the auto racing category in 1996 and 1998. In a testimony to NASCAR's growing acceptance among mainstream America, Gordon was also a nominee for "Male Athlete of the Year." Michael Jordan and eventual winner Mark McGwire were also among the nominees for that prestigious award. (Hendrick Motorsports PR via StockCarFans Newsletter)(2-19-1999)
- Double Duty: Ten drivers with full Winston Cup rides will attempt to make the BGN race at the Rock: #9-Jeff Burton; #19-Mike Skinner; #26-Johnny Benson; #29-Ted Musgrave; #41-David Green; #44-Bobby Labonte; #60-Mark Martin; #61-Derrike Cope; #64-Geoff Bodine; and #99-Kevin Lepage (2-19-1999)
- Donlavey News(#90) UPDATE: Junie Donlavey announced today(Tuesday) that Morgan Shepherd will drive his #90 Ford at the Rockingham event this weekend. Donlavey feels that putting the veteran Shepherd in his Ford is the best plan for getting the still unsponsored machine into the race. Big Daddy's BBQ has officially backed out of their sponsorship deal for 1999, and Donlavey is continuing to search for a full time backer. The veteran car owner feels he will be able to run 3-4 more races before he may have to consider missing some events, due to finances, something he hasn't had to do in decades. The well-respected Donlavey says he is working with Rookie of the Year candidate Stanton Barrett for a one race deal for the upcoming Las Vegas event. Willie T. Ribbs has also expressed interest in running some races in the Donlavey Ford(Inside Motorsports/Bill McDonald)(2-18-1999) -- Accu-Turn will again be the product sponsoring the hood of Junie Donlavey's #90 Ford this weekend at the Rock. Donlavey is looking for a sponsor for his car's quarterpanels(Times-Dispatch)(2-19-1999)
(2-18-1999)
- #98 Sponsor UPDATE 2: Sonic Drive In Restaurants who sponsored the #98 Yarborough-Burdette Ford at Daytona may extend for the full season. Also there is supposed to be an announcement this week on a major associate sponsor deal for the team(RPM2Nite/Bill Weber)(2-16-1999) -- the Yarborough-Burdette #98 Cup team is very close to announcing short and long term plans. It appears that the Sonic Drive-Thru Restaurant deal was a one-time sponsor situation, but with serious thoughts for the 2000 season as far as a much bigger involvement. Sometime this week, a major communications company will announce a very agressive associate sponsor program that will probably carry much of the teams needs throughout the 1999 season(Jayski Note: may be that phone card deal rumored here a few weeks ago). There is also talk of a MAJOR contract on the table that involves a Three-year agreement with no more details available at this time. See the Racin' with Russ Winston Cup page for more info(2-17-1999) -- I hear the team has five letters of intent to sponsor them for this year and beyond. However there have been no checks written so things are still in a holding pattern. I hear the Sonic people were happy with the promotion and are looking into somethinf either this year or next(2-18-1999)
(2-17-1999)
- John Wayne Scheme: Sterling Marlin will have a Coors Light/John Wayne paint scheme at Texas and Phoenix. See images of the car at the Sterling Marlin Site(an excellent site btw) go to the hot news. A portion of the proceeds from the sale of souvenirs featuring the special design will benefit the John Wayne Cancer Institute(many readers and saw it on RPM2Nite)(2-16-1999) -- Also an image at SpeedNet(2-17-1999)
- Fines: The following crew chiefs were fined for rules violations at Daytona: Newt Moore from the #77 Jasper Engines Ford team fined $5,000 for unapproved brake rotors; Greg Conner from the #90 Acu-Turn Industries Ford fined $3,000 for a non-magnetic driveshaft; Joe Garone, crew chief for the #94 McDonald's Ford and Wayne Orme, crew chief for #13 NationsRent Ford were fined $2,000 each for use of unapproved exhaust pipes(NASCAR Online)(2-17-1999)
- #90 Driver for the future UPDATE 2: Junie Donlavey will announce later this week who will drive the #90 Ford at Rockingham next weekend. Mike Wallace, who drove for Donlavey in yesterday’s Daytona 500, definitely will not be in the car(Times-Dispatch)(2-15-1999) -- Hearing it will be Morgan Shepherd in the car for the Rock. No word on sponsorship for the race -- RPM2Nite reported that Morgan Shepherd will be in the #90 at the Rock in a one race deal, no sponsor mentioned(RPM2Nite)(2-16-1999) Morgan Shepherd will be in the #90 Ford of Junie Donlavey in the Dura Lube/Big K "400" at Rockingham this weekend. They are seeking sponsorship for Rockingham and for the races to follow. Any interested parties should contact either Donlavey Racing @ 804-233-8592 or Shepherd Racing @828-256-2194, I hear Stanton Barrett continues to talk to Donlavey about bringing his teams sponsorship over to the #90(2-17-1999)
- #75 News: For this weekend's race at Rockingham, Ted Musgrave's primary sponsor Remington is teaming up with the National Wild Turkey Federation(NWTF). The #75 Ford Taurus will feature a camo paint scheme with the NWTF logo on the hood. A press conference will be held at the Speedway on Friday, February 19 at 11:00am/et to unveil the special paint scheme. Remington Arms, the NWTF and Polaris ATVs will have tents in Turns 1 and 2 at the North Carolina Speedway this weekend(Ted Musgrave Website)(2-17-1999)
- Testing: I hear Michael Waltrip tested the #7 Chevy and Elliott Sadler tested the #21 Ford at Greenville-Pickens speedway on Tuesday, no speeds(2-17-1999)
- Darlington Testing UPDATE: Chad Little tested the #97 John Deere Ford at Darlington on Tuesday, his fastest speed was 164.468 mph(AP/WRAL), Little also tested at Darlington on Wednesday(WC Today Radio)(2-17-1999)
- Pit Road at Daytona: Since there are only 42 pit stalls at Daytona, Kenny Irwin Jr. and Mike Wallace were forced to share their pit stall at the start of the Daytona 500. When John Andretti dropped out of the race, Irwins Texaco Havoline Ford race team moved all of their equipment to the opp'osite end of pit row in Andretti's slot so they wouldn't have to schedule their pit stops around Wallace.(Alabama Online) Jayski Note: I had no idea they only had 42 spots, seems odd(2-17-1999)
- Santarre Sub UPDATE 2: Ward Burton will fill in for Andy Santerre in the #47 BGN Chevy while Santerre recovers from his injury inccurred in the NAPA 300 BGN Race. Burton is scheduled to drive the car for Rockingham, Vegas and Atlanta(NASCAR Online) -- RPM2Nite reports that Mike Swaim, Jr(Dash Series) will drive the car. Santerre hopes to return by May(2-16-1999) -- NASCAR Online reports that Burton opted out of the ride and the team hasn't made a decision on a driver yet(NOL)(2-17-1999)
(2-16-1999)
- Delays: Bill Weber on RPM2Nite reported that the delay of the new Monte Carlo may affect Dale, Jr's Cup 1999 schedule. Talladega will probably be dropped from the schedule and the team is building three 1998 Monte Carlos and will run five intermediate tracks(no idea which ones, didn't say)(RPM2Nite)(2-16-1999)
- Brewer out? UPDATE, no...well: I hear crew chief Tim Brewer has left the #41 Larry Hedrick owned Kodiak Chevy team. Supposedly team manager Mike Hill will take over for the interm -- RPM2Nite reports that Brewer has been reassigned as a consultant and Hill will crew chief the car until a full-time crew chief can be found(2-16-1999)
- What happened to Elliott? Got this question a dozen times on Monday about Bill Elliott and the #94 McDonalds Ford. The answer can be found at RaceWire - FORD - Daytona 500 Quotes(2-16-1999)
(2-15-1999)
- GEM News: The new Gordon/Evernham Motorsports Busch Grand National team will have their first test session Tuesday and Wednesday (Feb 23rd and 24th) at Las Vegas. The track and LVMS indicated that the track will be open to the public to watch the test session of the #24 Pepsi/Fritos Chevrolet and that Gordon's souvenir trailer will be selling merchandise. See the story at the Las Vegas Sun - LVMS to open gates to fans for Gordon testing thanks to Gordonline for the heads up(2-15-1999)
- No Bull 5 UPDATE 2: The five drivers eligible for the Winston No Bull 5 in the Daytona 500 are: Jeff Gordon(starting 1st), Dale Jarrett(8th), Terry Labonte(19th), Jeremy Mayfield(6th) and Jimmy Spencer(11th). Five fans are paired up with the drivers with a chance to win $1 Million: Gordon with Ray Grimm of Hagerstown, MD; Jarrett with Charles Fodor of Rockaway Park, NY; Labonte with Ritchie Gregory of Dallas, TX; Mayfield with Jennifer McCann of Grand Prairie, TX; Spencer with Kevin Settle of Sebring, OH (NASCAR Online)(2-13-1999) -- Jeff Gordon won the race and the No Bull 5 $1 millon and fan Ray Grimm of Hagerstown, MD won a million also. How the No Bull drivers ended up - Gordon-1st; Jarrett-37th; Mayfield-20th; Labonte-38th ; and Spencer-41st. Gordon, Earnhardt, Irwin, Skinner and Michael Waltrip go for the No Bull 5 at Las Vegas on March 7th(2-14-1999) -- Ray Grimm won $1 million Sunday as part of a No Bull Bonus program. Each of the five eligible drivers was aligned with a single fan, and Grimm, a 46-year-old correctional officer from Hagerstown, Md., drew Gordon. All five fans who participated in the No Bull Bonus program made a pact to split the money, and Grimm says he will honor it(That's Racin'(2-15-1999)
- #22 Crew: Hearing the car chief of the #41 team, Doug Randolph, will be leaving to take over the car chief job at the #22 Vacated by Ricky Viers(2-15-1999)
- More Barrett: ROTY candidate Stanton Barrett entered the season planning to run only 16 races but may hook up with another team and make the full schedule. Barrett ran well at Daytona, missing the season-opening event by finishing one spot out of the required top 15 in his 125. He has talked with Donlavey and Larry Hedrick about running more racesTimes-Dispatch)(2-15-1999)
- NASCAR and TV: In part..."Humpy Wheeler indicated yesterday that he and Bruton Smith are now leaning toward accepting Brian France's proposal to unify NASCAR's bargaining position over television rights. That comes just a few days after Herb Fishel -- one of the sport's most powerful figures as head of GM's racing operations -- offered his support to Smith and Wheeler in their bid for second Winston Cup dates at Texas and Las Vegas. Wheeler said he has been talking with NASCAR officials over the past few weeks about future TV packages. In January, he had expressed reluctance at the prospect of giving up the right to negotiate his own TV packages. Yesterday he said he was ''more
positive'' about the issue." See the rest of the PitNow story at Smith may help NASCAR with TV talks(2-15-1999)
- Where was Rick? Jeff Gordon's car owner, Rick Hendrick, became ill and was forced to return home Friday to North Carolina. Thus did Hendrick, who is battling leukemia, miss yet another of Gordon's wins after being banished from the racetrack last season in a court-ordered absence(Skip Wood/USA Today)(2-15-1999)
- Goodyear Notes: The unusually high tire wear yesterday, particularly on right fronts, means that Goodyear will almost certainly come back with a different tire for the July 4 race at Daytona and Goodyear's rollover contract with NASCAR virtually precludes any move by Firestone to get into Winston Cup racing. According to NASCAR sources, the Goodyear-NASCAR contract is similar to R. J. Reynolds' contract, which is automatically renewed annually(PitNow/JournalNow)(2-15-1999)
- Daytona 500 TV Ratings: Jeff Gordon's victory on Sunday had a 7.9 overnight rating and a 20 share, up 3% from last year's overnight rating of 7.7/19. This year's mark tied it with the 1992 and 1994 races, which also received a 7.9 overnight rating. The Daytona 500 has outrated the Indy 500 for three straight years. The last three Indy 500s have averaged a 5.7 national mark. Daytona's national number won't be available until Thursday(USA Today)(2-15-1999)
- Dougs Pit: The Team Roush Fans site is proud to announce that Doug Newell, pitcrew member for Mark Martin's Valvoline Taurus has become part of Team Roush Fans....Doug writes an informal after race report to his friends along with some behind the scenes action and Team Roush Fans has gotten permission to post them on the site in a new section called "Dougs Pit".(2-15-1999)
- Monte Carlo in 2000? UPDATE: Apparently the new Monte Carlo will not show up in the 1999 Winston Cup season. Reports say that Chevrolet officials have decided to wait until the 2000 Daytona 500 to debut the new racing version. Several reasons were behind the move but apparently the inability to smoothly get the street version of the car to dealers around the country on NASCAR's timetable and the fear of further delays by NASCAR in approving the new car causing dilution of the release publicity were key. Chevrolet officials are aware that NASCAR approval should come before the end of 1999, but they will encourage Chevy teams to continue to use the current Monte Carlo body style until the 2000 "500". Chevrolet officials do want to have one new Monte Carlo in the Brickyard 400 in August. Entering one in this manner would not affect the Manufacturer's Championship battle.(Inside Motorsports)(2-14-1999) -- GM officials reportedly have said that someone will definitely drive the new Monte Carlo at the Brickyard 400 in August. They have not, however, required all Chevrolet drivers to be in the car. If the car is introduced that way, it can be seen on the track without affecting the championship race(Times-Dispatch)(2-15-1999)