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PAST NEWS SEPT 3-9, 2001

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(9-9-2001)

Rudd bumps way to Win: #28-Ricky Rudd won the Chevrolet Monte Carlo 400 at Richmond after nudging #29-Kevin Harvick out of the way in the final laps of the race, returning the favor as Harvick had bumped his way past Rudd on lap 383 of the 400 race. The win coupled with #24-Jeff Gordon's tough run (36th after being bumped by #40-Marlin and hitting the wall early in the race, but coming back to run laps and finish the race), allowed Rudd to gain 120 points on Gordon's point lead. Gordon now leads Rudd by 222 with #88-Jarrett back in 3rd place, 393 points back. See That's Racin' for Monte Carlo 400 results, Winston Cup race points, and Winston Cup points (after Richmond)(9-9-2001)

#50 for Yates: with #28-Ricky Rudd's win at Richmond, it marked Robert Yates Racing 50th win in Winston Cup racing(9-9-2001)

Head Restraint Testing: NASCAR’s commissioned investigation into head and neck restraint systems, announced during the release of the Dale Earnhardt investigation results, is slated to get under way in the coming week, NASCAR vice president of corporate communications Jim Hunter said Saturday. Drs. Dean Sicking and James Raddin, the spearheads of the Earnhardt investigation, will conduct the investigation alongside Dr. John Melvin, a world-renowned restraint expert.(NASCAR.com Buzz)(9-9-2001)

New Tires in 2002? Goodyear engineers are considering a change to larger, taller tires next season to cut speeds. Such tires have been tested, but crew chiefs expressed displeasure yesterday with such a plan(Winston Salem Journal)(9-9-2001)

Talladega Rules? NASCAR officials still have not announced rules for next month's Talladega race. NASCAR brought in 19 teams to test possible new Talladega rules two weeks ago, a test that team owners suggest cost them between $15,000 and $25,000 each. Some crew chiefs say NASCAR may wait until race week to announce the new rules, to try to keep teams from testing. But they add that the top teams are probably building new cars for the new rules, for wind-tunnel testing.(Winston Salem Journal)(9-9-2001)

No Bull Stays the same? The Winston No Bull 5 events are expected to remain the same for next season. Those races that pay a $1 million to an eligible driver and fan are Las Vegas, the Coca-Cola 600 at Charlotte, the Daytona night race, the Richmond fall race and the Talladega fall race(Racing Extra)(9-9-2001)

Dallenbach Decision soon UPDATE: Wally Dallenbach Jr., who will decide this week whether to continue his television career or go back racing, is certain about one job for the 2002 season: He will compete in next year's 2002 Rolex 24 at Daytona. Dallenbach most likely will team up with fellow Daytona Beach resident Mike Skinner in a Robinson Racing Mark III for the twice-around-the-clock sportscar marathon. Dallenbach told NBC/TNT officials that he needs to have their final 2002 offer on the table this week or he'll have to throw his hat back into the Winston Cup garage. Dallenbach is somewhat of a hot commodity in Winston Cup. "I think we're starting to see teams needing experienced drivers," he said. "They're beginning to realize the answer isn't to hire a driver who's 20 years old." Dallenbach has two offers from two solid teams, but he must move quickly to seize an opportunity(Daytona Beach News Journal), supposedly those offers are from Ganassi Racing(Target car?) and Hendrick Motorsports(#25)(9-6-2001)
UPDATE: Wally Dallenbach, currently TV analyst for NBC and TNT, and Winston Cup driver Mike Skinner are expected to test a prototype sports car Wednesday at Daytona International Speedway. The pair plan to drive with team owners George Robinson and Jack Baldwin in the 2002 Rolex 24 Hours of Daytona, scheduled Feb. 2-3. (That's Racin')(9-9-2001)

Rudd Offered a TV? During the first two cautions(? thought Gordon and Wallace led during the first 2 cautions? Rudd didn't lead until lap 96 and there were a few cautions by then) when Ricky Rudd was leading the Monte Carlo 400, Jeremy Mayfield raced him to the line trying to get back on the lead lap. He was unsuccessful on both attempts, so Mayfield's team made an interesting offer. His spotter informed Rudd's spotter that the team would give Rudd a 36-inch SONY flatscreen TV if he'd let Mayfield back on the lead lap at the next caution(Richmond Times Dispatch)(9-9-2001)

(9-8-2001)

Park out 4-6 weeks UPDATE: CNN/SI reported that Steve Park, driver of the #1 Pennzoil Chevy, will be out indefinitely or as long as 4-6 weeks AND from a Pennzoil PR - Under the advise of doctors, Winston Cup driver Steve Park will remain out of competition indefinitely as he heals from the moderate concussion he suffered during the BGN race in Darlington on Sept. 1. Dr. Jerry Petty, a neurological specialist at Carolinas Medical Center, stated on Friday afternoon that Park would be unable to drive for “conservatively four to six weeks.” Under the supervision of Dr. Petty, Park received further consultation and a second MRI this week revealed a bruising of the brain which needs time to heal. Dr. Petty confirmed Park will make a full recovery. Kenny Wallace, who will race in the #1 Pennzoil Chevrolet this weekend in Richmond, will remain behind the wheel until Park returns. Wallace also drove the Monte Carlo during the Darlington event where he moved from 43rd to 12th before overheating forced him behind the wall. “The doctors have Steve’s best interest in mind and we completely support their decision,” said Ty Norris, executive vice president of motorsports at DEI. “Our primary focus is getting Steve better and we want him to be healed before getting back in the car. Steve wants to race as soon as possible but knows it’s better for him to be patient.” Wallace was originally scheduled to race the Loudon Winston Cup event for George deBidart but has been released from those duties. “We really need to thank George for allowing Kenny to race for us,” said Norris. “We are going to work with George when he decides to put Kenny in a Winston Cup race later in the season.”(Pennzoil PR)(9-7-2001)
UPDATE: see a statement by Kenny Wallace about the situation at the Kenny Wallace Racing site(9-8-2001)

Ripken Scheme? UPDATE 4: hearing #18-Bobby Labonte's car will have a special Cal Ripken Jr farewell paint job at Dover in September. Ripken Jr plays for the Baltimore Orioles and is retiring at the end of the 2001 baseball season(8-17-2001)
UPDATE: hearing that since Cal Ripken's last home game will be the evening of the race, at Camden Yards vs. the Yankees. To honor his achievements, MBNA will be renaming the race from the MBNA 400 to the Cal Ripken 400 (or something similar) and that Ripken will be present at the race as the Grand Marshal(8-20-2001)
UPDATE 2: also hearing that #18-Mike McLaughlin will drive the Cal Ripken car in the MNBA 200 BGN race and that a formal announcment will come in the next 7-10 days(8-23-2001)
UPDATE 3: NASCAR and Major League Baseball are expected to finalize an unprecedented agreement within the next 10 days that would celebrate Cal Ripken Jr.’s retirement in a most unique way. For starters, the MBNA 400 Winston Cup race scheduled for Sept. 23 at Dover Downs International Speedway in Dover, Del., will be renamed the MBNA Cal Ripken Jr. 400. In addition, the Orioles third baseman will act as the grand marshal for the 1 p.m. race before flying back to Baltimore to play in the final home game of his career at Camden Yards that night. “We have been waiting for a couple of days for a sewn-up package,” said Carmine Tiso, a media relations specialist handling business matters for Major League Baseball. “Hopefully in the next week or 10 days it will be (finalized). There are a lot of parties involved including us, the Orioles, MBNA.” Tiso described the deal as “all but done.” Another source close to the deal said a joint announcement about the specifics could come as early as Thursday at Camden Yards. NASCAR has some other tributes planned for Ripken, as well. The Interstate Batteries/MBNA #18 car driven by defending Winston Cup champion Bobby Labonte will be repainted for the Dover race to include a Cal Ripken logo. The Ripken logo will also be on Mike McLaughlin’s car during the MBNA 200 Busch Series race that Saturday at Dover Downs, Tiso confirmed. The tentative plan, according to the source close to the deal, is for Ripken to arrive in Dover — about 100 miles from Camden Yards — on Sunday around 9 a.m., sit in on the morning drivers’ meeting and conduct a short news conference with the motorsports media. Ripken will be part of the drivers’ introductions and will be driven in a convertible around the track before the race begins. Ripken will then wave the green flag to start the race before getting in a helicopter and flying back to Baltimore. The winner of the Winston Cup race will be invited to fly to Baltimore as Ripken’s guest for that night’s game.(York Daily Record) and another story at the Washington Post: Ripken Farewell Faces a Switch(8-24-2001)
UPDATE 4 - maybe? One major obstacle lies in the path of Dover Downs’ quest to rename the Sept. 23 MBNA 400 after one of major league baseball’s all-time greatest players. According to track publicist John Dunlap, if the New York Yankees agree to allow the Baltimore Orioles to push back the start of their game at Camden Yards from its currently scheduled 1:35 p.m. start to “somewhere between 5 and 7,” Cal Ripken Jr. will serve as grand marshal of the MBNA Cal Ripken Jr. 400 at Dover Downs International Speedway. Dunlap also said a press conference is “supposedly” scheduled for Thursday at Camden Yards regarding this announcement, but didn’t name a time.(NASCAR.com)(8-30-2001)
UPDATE 5: Thanks to the efforts of MBNA, fans on hand for the NASCAR Winston Cup race on September 23rd at Dover Downs International Speedway will have the added bonus of seeing one of the greatest baseball players in the history of the game live and in person. A day that is already very special to Cal Ripken, Jr., has become equally special for NASCAR racing. Before Cal Ripken plays his last game at Camden Yards on September 23rd, he has some other business to attend to - like being the Grand Marshal of a Winston Cup race that is now officially being called the MBNA Cal Ripken, Jr. 400. Ripken also will wave the green flag, meet with Winston Cup drivers and take a ride around the Monster Mile just prior to the start of the race bearing his name. As far as anyone associated with motorsports can remember, Ripken thus becomes the first major league baseball player to have a Winston Cup race named in his honor. And while there are plenty of honors coming his way as he prepares to retire, as far as Ripken is concerned, the trip to Dover Downs is special.(Dover Downs PR)(9-6-2001)
IMAGE: got an image of what #18-Bobby Labonte's car will look like at Dover, it's a tiny image, but gives you an idea, lots of Oriole orange(9-8-2001)

Shawna's Deal in Trouble? Shawna Robinson's continued attempts to run in the Winston Cup series this season - and next - may be in jeopardy. Sources close to her team said Friday that Tropicana, which was going to sponsor her next race later this month at Kansas City, Kan., is reconsidering its participation. Tropicana was also considered a strong candidate to sponsor Robinson's team for a full season in NASCAR's Grand National series next season, as well as some additional Cup events(That's Racin') AND Shawna Robinson's bid to drive in selected Cup races this season has been put on hold until sponsorship can be found. Car owner Michael Kranefuss announced in March plans to field cars for Robinson in six Cup races this season. Robinson qualified at Michigan in June, becoming the first female to compete in Cup in more than a decade but failed to qualify at California, Indianapolis and Chicago. She was scheduled to compete at Kansas and Homestead later this season(Racing Extra)(9-8-2001)

#26/66 Shocks Banned? UPDATE: NASCAR has banned the special shocks Jimmy Spencer and Todd Bodine have been using over the summer(Winston Salem Journal)(9-3-2001)
UPDATE: Because of Derrick Finley's ingenuity, there's a new provision in NASCAR's rule book. Finley, team engineer and shock specialist on Jimmy Spencer's team, built a set of shocks with a much larger main shaft. But he only got to use them once --- during qualifying at Michigan last month. NASCAR officials quickly changed the rules to keep them from being used again. Spencer qualified 18th at Michigan, but Finley said the car would have been faster with chassis adjustments. The shocks are designed to allow the body of the car to move lower on the track, which would make it run faster. "The concept worked, and it wasn't illegal at the time," Finley said. Finley spent a week finding seals and other parts to use with his new shocks, but now they're just sitting in a box in the team's hauler. "It's disappointing," he said.(Atlanta Journal Constitution)(9-8-2001)

(9-7-2001)

NASCAR/Humpy Meeting Postponed: Humpy Wheeler said a meeting scheduled for this week with NASCAR officials about the energy-absorbing front bumper he's involved with was postponed. Series officials requested more data and it took longer than anticipated to get that information, Wheeler said. "Hopefully, we'll meet next week," Wheeler said.(Roanoke Times)(9-7-2001)

Paint at Richmond: besides the seven Looney Toons schemes, the #11-Brett Bodine Ford is in Kroger colors; #18-Bobby Labonte has Circuit City (an assoc sponsor) on the hood of his Interstate Batteries Pontiac; The #93-Dave Blaney Dodge has the Mac Tools colors that were supposed to run at Bristol(9-7-2001)

(9-6-2001)

New Cup Team? UPDATE 2: Fox broadcaster and Petty Enterprises adviser Larry McReynolds and Fanz Enterprises are announcing a new Winston Cup team Friday at Richmond International Raceway. Fans are participating in the new team by actually buying into the ownership.(Lap by Lap). No idea what this is about(9-6-2001)
UPDATE: from back in April - J. Roe Hitchcock wants to put the stock into stock-car racing. The 39-year-old investment executive and Harvard MBA, known for buying faltering companies and rebuilding them, hopes to create a publicly-traded company with headquarters in Charlotte that would field as many as five NASCAR teams. Hitchcock recently filed with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission for an offering of 1 million to 2.5 million shares, selling for $10 each. The newly formed company's name: FanZ Enterprises Inc. The FanZ filing lists Hitchcock as chief executive and two others, Frederick McDonald II, and Michael Wurtsbaugh, as president and chief financial officer, respectively. The offering, if approved by the SEC, would be made this spring with race teams competing in 2002. Through a deal with Sharp Racing Inc. of Concord, FanZ secured a 6,000-square-foot race shop for $60,000 a year. The SEC filing anticipates building a 200,000-square-foot racing hub in the Charlotte area. See full story at the Business Journal: Stock on the fast track. Address of the company is listed as: FanZ Enterprises, Inc., 3020-I Prosperity Church Road, Suite 293 , Charlotte, NC 28269. Phone: (317) 815-1128 (which is Indiana), from a listing at Market Guide(9-6-2001)
UPDATE 2: On Friday at Richmond, Fanz Enterprises will unveil the newest in fan participation opportunity in NASCAR - a chance for fans to own part of a Winston Cup series team. Fanz is offering a maximum of 2.5 million shares of its common stock at $10 per share. Formed in October 2000, the company organized to develop and manage a professional, multicar motorsports operation that will compete in NASCAR-sanctioned events, including Winston Cup. Funds raised through the public offering, which has been approved by the Securities and Exchange Commission, are expected to allow the company to field a minimum of two full-time race teams. Race fans can become part owners by purchasing a minimum of 25 shares of stock, a one-time investment of $250. All proceeds generated by the stock offering will be deposited in an interest-bearing account until a 1 million-share goal is reached or exceeded. If the goal is not reached, the money will be refunded. For more information, call (888) 444-8233 or visit fanzenterprises.com.(That's Racin')(9-6-2001)

Waltrip - not so good: #15-Michael Waltrip is making negative history by being lower in points than any Daytona 500 winner in history. He's 27th, and his only top 10s were his 500 victory and his second-place in the July race in Daytona Beach(Daily Press)(9-6-2001)

Stewart Staying at Gibbs: #20-Tony Stewart, under contract to Joe Gibbs Racing, says he won't be going anywhere. After driving the Indianapolis 500 for Chip Ganassi Racing, rumors persisted that Stewart would join Ganassi's Winston Cup program. "I'm not going to Ganassi. I have three years left on my contract," Stewart said Sept. 1. "I don't have any intention of going anywhere. He's never asked me anything. The only time we've ever talked about driving anything was the IRL car next year and that was brought up one time about a week after May was over. That's all that's ever been brought up."(Winston Cup Scene - in part - need sub to read)(9-6-2001)

Some 'Wild' rumors UPDATE 2: The latest drivers changes in the wind could involve a shake-up at Hendrick Motorsports. John Andretti's name is being mentioned. Richard Childress still hasn't announced his new driver, adding to the confusion in the garage. There is even wild speculation that Childress might be able to wrangle Tony Stewart away from Joe Gibbs(Winston Salem Journal), a few Jayski notes - Andretti is signed with Petty Enterprises thru 2002, All Hendrick drivers are signed thru 2002 at least. Tony Stewart is signed with Joe Gibbs Racing thru 2004.(9-3-2001)
UPDATE: Am hearing Jerry Nadeau may be out at the #25 car at the end of the 2001 season but UAW-GM is staying as a sponsor and that Wally Dallenbach supposedly is talking with Rick Hendrick about coming back to the #25 Chevy(9-3-2001)
UPDATE 2: John Hendrick, president of Hendrick Motorsports, says the team is close to landing a sponsor for a fourth team, which will feature rookie Jimmie Johnson. He also dispelled rumors that Jerry Nadeau's job was in jeopardy, saying that team would stay intact(Winston Cup Scene - in part - need sub to read)(9-6-2001)

Kenny Wallace in the #1 at RIR: Kenny Wallace will run the Cup race in Richmond, subbing for Steve Park in the #1 Pennzoil/Looney Toons/Sylvester and Tweety Chevy(Kenny Wallace Racing). AND Steve Park will make a full recovery from injuries suffered in an accident at Darlington Raceway on Sept. 1 according to Dr. Jerry Petty of Carolina Neurosurgery and Spine in Charlotte, N.C., but will not participate in this weekend’s Chevrolet Monte Carlo 400 at Richmond International Raceway. “I’m following doctor’s orders right now and if he says time is what I need right now, then that’s what I’ll do,” Park said. “We were on top of our game when we went out and I want to make sure we’re back on top of our game when I come back.” Park, who returned to Charlotte on Monday, Sept. 3, received further consultation at Carolinas Medical Center from Dr. Petty, a neurological specialist familiar to the NASCAR community. Petty said time is the biggest asset to Park while recovering from his injuries. “We’ve found some evidence of bruising on the brain and that is what we are treating him for right now,” said Dr. Petty, who did not speculate on a return date for Park. Kenny Wallace, who substituted for Park in last week’s Southern 500, will assume the driving duties behind the wheel of the Pennzoil Chevrolet for this Saturday’s event(Pennzoil PR), Park was scheduled to run the #31 Whelen Chevy in the BGN race at Richmond(9-5-2001)
but Marsh Racing has no plans on running the #31 Whelen at Richmond. with a sub driver. No determination about future BGN races have been made, the team was scheduled to race in Kansas City, Phoenix and Homestead.(9-6-2001)

Sad News: Sprint Car Driver Steve Haman died on September 5th after battling for his life after a crash at Husets Speedway in Brandon South Dakota. Haman was competing in a Labor Day event for 360's. Haman suffered a serious head injury in a crash at Husets Speedway Monday night and on Wednesday his family took him off life support.(Keloland.com), thought's go out to family and friends(9-6-2001)

TV Ratings at Darlington: Darlington had decent household audiences on TNT for both Winston Cup and Busch – 3.738m and 1.190, respectively according to Nielsen Media Research. Having Cup Happy Hour run on the heels of the Busch race Saturday – and on TNT instead of CNNSI – produced a million-plus audience. The IRL pulled its normal 1.1 overnight rating with its normal 3 share. Those are becoming take-it-to-the-bank numbers for Tony's tigers. CART wound up in a drag racing sandwich Sunday on espn2 and wound up with .0402m households tuned in.(See full story at SpeedVision)(9-6-2001)

Hornish in NASCAR? UPDATE: Current Indy Car(IRL) points leader Sam Hornish Jr. told the Herald Citizen at Nashville that he would like to move to NASCAR after he had accomplished what he wanted in open wheel(8-9-2001)
UPDATE: Hornish says he intends to fulfill the remaining two years of his three-year contract with Pennzoil Panther Racing. Hornish acknowledged that there have been some inquiries about his services from CART teams, and rumors about a possible ride in NASCAR with Chip Ganassi Racing circulated the IRL garage area in Joliet, Ill., last weekend. One reporter even tossed out the obligatory Formula One question, which Sam promptly swatted away. "Right now, the way I look at it, I'm 100 percent staying with the IRL," said Hornish, whose series résumé consists of only 19 starts. "They have the Indy 500, and that's my goal. There's very few other things in the world of motorsports that excite me outside of the Indy 500, and winning Indy-car championships. If it wasn't for the IRL, I wouldn't have a place to race. Or I'd be racing something with fenders. Far as I'm concerned, staying here is the only right thing I can do."(Star Telegram)(9-6-2001)

Pruett: not NASCAR but keeping up with former Cup driver Scott Pruett - Former CART and Winston Cup driver Scott Pruett will drive a third car for the Rocketsports Racing team in this weekend's Trans-Am 125 at Laguna Seca Raceway. Pruett, who won the 24 Hours of LeMans LMGTS class in June, will drive a XKR for team owner Paul Gentilozzi.(Las Vegas Sun)(9-6-2001)

(9-5-2001)

Stewart goes for third straight: Tony Stewart is going for his third consecutive victory at a short track Saturday night at Richmond International Raceway. He won at Richmond in May and at Bristol last month. No driver has won three consecutive short-track races since Rusty Wallace did it in 1993. The last time a driver won three or more short track races in a season was Jeff Gordon in 1996.(RacingExtra)(9-5-2001)

Pressley Condition UPDATE 2: #77-Robert Pressley, who was in a hard wreck against the front stretch at Darlington, was listed as ok, but transported to a local hospital for observation(TNT Race Coverage)(9-2-2001)
UPDATE: Robert Pressley was expected to be released from Carolinas Hospital in Florence late Sunday after X-rays and a CT scan following a vicious crash into the inside wall on the frontstretch on Lap 349. Pressley spun after getting hit from behind as he came off Turn 4. His car slammed into the wall on the right side and then lifted with two wheels off the ground as it kept sliding. Pressley got out of the car but slumped down against the wall until his team and emergency workers came to his aid. He was taken by ambulance to the hospital complaining of tenderness in his back and abdomen, but the test came back normal(That's Racin')(9-3-2001)
UPDATE 2: Robert Pressley spoke about the accident and updated his condition Tuesday afternoon - Q) How Are You Feeling? "I'm doing pretty good. They checked everything from my toes to the top of my head. They told me I was a little smarter than they ever thought I was, but there are no broken bones or anything like that. I don't have any problems with my head, neck, shoulders or ribs -- no problems like that so everything is good. They released me Sunday night. We got out of there about nine o'clock and spent the night in Darlington before coming home yesterday (Monday). They did all the tests pretty much as a precaution and everything is good. I'm just sitting around taking it easy this week and getting ready for Richmond. We're gonna go up there and get back on track." You Seemed to Get Out of the Car Quckily with the HANS Device. "Yeah, that was quicker than I guess we had ever gotten out of the car before with the HANS on. When I hit the wall it just knocked the breath out of me really bad, so I wanted to get some air and probably got out of the car quicker than I needed to. I guess it knocked all of the panels out of the back and when the car was up on its side it got smoke inside the car. I thought we had a little fire going, so I wanted to get out of there to keep that from playing any role in it."(Jasper Motorsports)(9-5-2001)

#44 G-P/Petty driver Buckshot Jones Launches Teen Driving Program: Georgia-Pacific Teen Safety 500 Puts Responsible Drivers on the Lead Lap; Richmond Teens Will Work Toward National Goal of One Million Safe Miles - With the Georgia-Pacific Teen Safety 500, students from two area high schools who put safety first behind the wheel and log crash-free and violation-free miles will earn cash for their school, prizes for themselves and bragging rights over their rival school. NASCAR Winston Cup driver Buckshot Jones, who drives the #44 Georgia-Pacific Dodge Intrepid for Petty Enterprises, will be joined by Georgia-Pacific Executive Vice President John Rasor, and state highway safety and education officials for the Virginia launch of this national model program at 12:30 p.m. on Thursday, September 6, 2001, at Thomas Dale High School (3626 W. Hundred Rd., Chester, VA). The Georgia-Pacific Teen Safety 500 challenges students at Thomas Dale High School and Lloyd C. Bird High School to achieve and record 500 safe miles, on the way to a national goal of one million miles(Williams Company)(9-5-2001)

Benson to be with his Dad: #10 Valvoline Pontiac driver Johnny Benson isn’t going to arrive at Richmond until early Friday morning. Instead of going to the track on Thursday as he does most weekends on the NASCAR Winston Cup circuit, Benson will make a whirlwind visit to his hometown of Grand Rapids where he will watch his father John Benson’s induction into the 45-member Grand Rapids Sports Hall of Fame on Thursday night. Benson plans to fly to Richmond on Friday when practice and qualifying begin for Saturday night’s 400-lap race. The elder Benson enjoyed a long racing career and posted more than 75 victories including 1966 National Supermodified Championship in Oswego, N.Y. - the "crown jewel" of the modified series at the time. He also started and continues to operate Benson Speed Equipment in Grand Rapids. Benson ran only one Winston Cup race ( at Michigan Intl Speedway on June 24, 1973, started 36th finished 21st in the #84 Dodge) in his career preferring local racing that didn’t involve the travel commitments or time away from the family. Today the 64-year old Benson works in his race shop during the week and spends weekend watching his son race in NASCAR. Joining Benson in the 2001 class include two-time world boxing champion Roger Mayweather, former baseball pitcher Dave Rozema plus three other local sports figures.(MBV PR)(9-5-2001)

(9-4-2001)

New Crew Chief for the #15: DEI has hired Richard "Slugger" Labbe as the new crew chief for its #15 NAPA Chevys and driver Michael Waltrip. The position of crew chief has been vacant since Scott Eggleston's departure from DEI in May. Steve Hmiel has served in the position on an interim basis. Waltrip and Labbe worked together previously while Waltrip drove for Ultra Motorsports. Labbe will take over the position this weekend at Richmond. Labbe also served as crew chief for the late Kenny Irwin at Robert Yates Racing(That's Racin')(9-4-2001)

Stewart 2nd in ARCA race: Tony Stewart and Ken Schrader spent their Labor Day holidays doing what seems to be the only thing they consider relaxing -- driving a race car. Stewart whiled away his Monday afternoon at the DuQuoin (Ill.) State Fairgrounds trying unsuccessfully to run down ARCA teammate and two-time champion Frank Kimmel who went on to win the Federated Auto Parts Southern Illinois 100 on the dirt mile. 1999 series champion Bill Baird, making his first start of the year, finished third with eight-time ARCA winner Ken Schrader in fourth.(see full story at That's Racin')(9-4-2001)

#21 to test in FL UPDATE: The Wood Brothers head to Lakeland, FL, today to test their Richmond car. Elliott Sadler is competing in a new car this weekend as he attempts to win a bonus prize. Sadler is one of five drivers who qualified for a million-dollar bonus if he wins the Monte Carlo 400(Richmond Times Dispatch), the No Bull 5 million(9-4-2001)
UPDATE: the #21 Wood Brothers team cancelled the Lakeland Speedway test today because of bad weather but the team and driver Elliott Sadler is testing in Memphis, TN today instead for the Richmond race(9-4-2001)

Stock Car Hall of Fame UPDATE: Dale Earnhardt, Bill France Jr., Glen Wood and A.J. Foyt will be inducted into the National Motorsports Press Association's Stock Car Racing Hall of Fame on Sept. 1 in Darlington, SC. Earnhardt, the seven-time Winston Cup champion who died in a crash on Feb. 18 during the Daytona 500, will be the first to go into the hall under a new rule allowing "exceptional" candidates to be considered immediately after the end of their careers. The NMPA membership approved the creation of that category of candidates at its annual convention in January. Earnhardt was named on 95 percent of the ballots submitted by NMPA members. France and Wood were each named on 84 percent and Foyt was chosen on 73 percent of the ballots. Candidates needed 65 percent of the vote to win election(That's Racin')(7-14/8-31-2001)
UPDATE: Four men whose accomplishments have made their names synonymous with success in American motorsports were inducted into the Stock Car Racing Hall of Fame Saturday night. Among them was Dale Earnhardt, the seven-time Winston Cup champion who was killed in a Feb. 18 crash during the Daytona 500. For Earnhardt, who was joined in this year's class by Bill France Jr., Glen Wood and A.J. Foyt, election by members of the National Motorsports Press Association is undoubtedly the first of many such honors. Earnhardt was the first person voted in under a rule adopted in January allowing "extraordinary candidates" to become eligible immediately. "Dale Earnhardt is one of the best drivers we ever had in this sport, if not the best," said Junior Johnson, who was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 1973. "He put his whole life into it - the determination he had, the will to win, not giving up and his record stands for that." In an unusual turn of events, France was inducted by his brother, Jim, then immediately inducted Earnhardt. NASCAR President Mike Helton read a letter from Earnhardt's widow, Teresa, who did not attend the ceremony. Kathy Watkins, Earnhardt's sister, accepted on behalf of the family.(more at That's Racin' and The acceptance speech of Kathy Earnhardt Watkins)(9-4-2001)

Ward going no place: Ward Burton said after Sunday's victory that he's not going anywhere other than where he is right now, in the #22 Dodges owned by Bill Davis.(That's Racin'), there were rumors last week that Burton was headed to the #25 team(9-4-2001)

Triple Play for Spotter at Richmond: Spotter Rocky Ryan will be busy this week at Richmond spotting for three drivers who all come from Virginia. Cup driver Ward Burton who is from South Boston, BGN driver Kevin Grubb who is from Mechanicsvill and Cup driver Stacy Compton who is from Hurt but driving in the CTS race(9-4-2001)

Labonte Park UPDATE: City (Corpus Christi, TX) officials have raised about $10,000 of the $60,000 needed to renovate the Nueces River Park and rename it in honor of NASCAR racing brothers Bobby and Terry Labonte. City spokesman Ted Nelson said Monday that donations were better than expected and that the park should be ready to open Sept. 26. The Caller-Times also announced plans to publish a special section on the day of the park's dedication. Steve Arnold, the paper's marketing director, said the section will include historical photos and that it's "not just your NASCAR driver's guide." Proceeds from the section will go toward the park fund, he said. The community response to the fund-raising has been strong, said Tom Niskala, chief executive officer for the Corpus Christi Chamber of Commerce(The Caller)(7-4-2001)
UPDATE: "The Corpus Christi Caller-Times is saluting our hometown heroes with a special section published on September 26, 2001, the day that Corpus Christi honors the Labontes with the dedication of Labonte Park. Part of the proceeds from the sale of this special section will go to the Labonte Park Fund for future additions and improvements. This is not your typical NASCAR section. The Corpus Christi Caller-Times has put together rare photos of Bobby and Terry growing up in Corpus Christi, their first race cars and an exclusive interview with the brothers talking about growing up in Corpus Christi and what the new Labonte Park means to them." See the full story at the Corpus Christi Caller-Times(9-4-2001)

(9-3-2001)

Park Released from Hospital: Winston Cup driver Steve Park, pilot of the #1 Pennzoil Chevrolet, was released from Carolinas Hospital System this afternoon and has returned to his home in Mooresville, NC. Park was hospitalized after suffering a moderate concussion in an accident during the Busch race held on Saturday at Darlington Raceway. No decision has been made regarding Park’s participation in the Chevrolet Monte Carlo 400 at Richmond International Raceway on Sept. 8th.(Pennzoil Racing PR)(9-3-2001)

3 drivers knocked out of 2002 The Winston? as far as I can tell by my calculations, with Ward Burton winning on Sunday, three drivers got knocked out of the 2002 The Winston: Matt Kenseth, 5/2000(Coca Cola 600); Jeremy Mayfield, 6/2000(Pocono); Jerry Nadeau, 11/2000(Atlanta). Why? because the field now has 20 drivers and used the previous season winners IF there are not 20 eligible drivers/teams for the All-Star race which will be held at Lowes Motor Speedway in May 2002. See my 2002 The Winston page for the rules, news and rundown(9-3-2001)

Last Dodge win at Darlington? The last time a Dodge won at Darlington before Ward Burton’s victory on Sunday, Burton was nine years old. Buddy Baker, driving a Dodge owned by Petty Enterprises, won the 1971 Rebel 400 by beating the Dodges of Dick Brooks and Dave Marcis(The State), the last Dodge to win the Southern 500, was also Buddy Baker in the 1970 race(9-3-2001)

BGN Accident Park/Foyt UPDATE 3: during the caution laps after the rain delay in the Darlington BGN race, with one lap to go, #14-Larry Foyt was driving past the lead lap cars to the front of the pack (lap down cars can restart on the inside line), as Foyt was heading towards the front, #31-Steve Park's car suddenly veered left right into Foyt's path. Foyt t-boned Park hard in the drivers side door area, Park also hit the inside wall hard. Foyt's front end was pushed back quite a bit. TNT didn't show either driver get out of the car, but Foyt's window net was not down (an indication a driver is ok) and the safety workers took 15-20 minutes to get Park out of the car. Also a blue tarp was erected around Park's car(which was a little scary). Park has been taken by Helicopter to a local hospital in Florence, SC. The Good News: TNT talked to a Darlington Raceway offcial Kathy Mock, who said Park was alert and conscious when removed from the car, no other word if there are any injuries. TNT has reported that Larry Foyt is ok, just a little 'woozy' and is getting some IV's and is under observation. NASCAR.com reports “He was moving all four extremities,” Mock said, “and he was alert and talking.” Park's status for the Southern 500 (or Happy Hour) is unknown at this time.(9-1-2001 - 2:40pm/et)
UPDATE: TNT reported at 3:25pm/et that Steve Park has no serious injuries and will be held overnight for observation as he was unconscious when the safety workers reached the car. Kenny Wallace will drive the #1 Pennzoil Chevy in Winston Cup Happy Hour practice, no word on Park's status for the Southern 500 on Sunday(9-1-2001 3:25pm/et)
UPDATE 2: TNT reported at 4:05pm/et that Steve Park has had a CAT Scan of his head and chest which reveiled a moderate concussion and a fractured or dislocated left sternoclavicular joint, still no word on Park's status for the Southern 500 but it looks doubtful.
CNN/SI reports: Steve Park suffered a concussion, bruising to the left side of his neck and a separation of the collar bone where it meets the sternum. Park will be kept at nearby Carolinas Medical Center for observation. It was immediately reported that Kenny Wallace will drive Park's Winston Cup car in Saturday's Happy Hour, but no announcement was made on who might fill in for Park in Sunday's Southern 500. AND from SpeedVision: Kenny Wallace will stand in for injured Steve Park in Saturday's final practice and in Sunday's Southern 500. Steve Hmiel, general manager for Dale Earnhardt Inc., said before practice Saturday that he hoped Park could start Sunday's race, run one lap, then give way to Wallace. It is not known whether NASCAR officials would allow that. Park suffered a concussion, fracture or dislocation of the left sternoclavicular joint, and a bruised neck in a weird crash under caution in Saturday's race.(9-1/3-2001) and.....

Wallace in for Park UPDATEs: hearing from sources that Kenny Wallace will start and race the #1 Pennzoil Chevy in the Southern 500 in place of Steve Park who is too sore to race(9-1-2001)
UPDATE: FSN's NASCAR This Morning reports that Wallace will drive the #1 Chevy at Darlington. Also of note: Park was wearing a head-and-neck restraint device AND from the Kenny Wallace Racing Site: According to the #1 team, Kenny Wallace will be driving the #1 car until Steve Park recovers from the accident. What does that mean about NHIS and the #57 car? Stay tuned Monday for details.
AND Park is scheduled to be released from Carolinas Hospital System in Florence, SC, Sunday afternoon and the team announced Park suffered no broken bones. A Sunday morning CT scan was also negative. Park, who wears a HANS device in Winston Cup races, was wearing a similar Hutchens head and neck restraint system on Saturday.(NASCAR.com)(9-2-2001)
Park stays at Hospital Sunday night: Steve Park remained at Carolinas Hospital System in Florence Sunday night, recovering from a concussion suffered Saturday during a bizarre accident under caution in the BGN at Darlington. He was expected to remain hospitalized at least until Monday. Park was unable to drive in Sunday's Southern 500 and may miss next week's Winston Cup race at Richmond, as well. Kenny Wallace drove Park's Dale Earnhardt Inc.-owned No. 1 Chevrolet in Sunday's race, finishing 41st Norris said he was looking into Wallace's availability for next weekend. Early speculation was a broken rear axle could have caused Park's car to suddenly veer to the left, but NASCAR vice president Jim Hunter said the axle was checked at the track and appeared intact. There may be an "issue" involving the steering wheel, but he said it was too early to say for certain.(That's Racin'), during the Southern 500 Sunday, Benny Parsons (BP) showed a steering wheel and how it 'clicks' on and mentioned that could be the possible cause. The reasoning was that Park had just got in the car after the rain delay and a wire could had gotten in the way(9-3-2001)

South Carolina NASCAR License Plate: Special plate on tap. A license plate saluting NASCAR will soon be available in South Carolina. Gov. Jim Hodges signed legislation Sunday before the Southern 500 authorizing the plate that officials anticipate being on sale by Darlington’s race next spring, if not before.(The State) AND Hodges signed a law creating specialty S.C. license plates with messages ranging from NASCAR to "Choose Life." Planned Parenthood has said it would sue if the bill, created in part by racing superstar Jeff Burton, was approved by Hodges, a Democrat. The organization has said the law is discriminatory because it forbids any of the proceeds going to groups that provide information on abortions. Money from the Choose Life design would support private, nonprofit crisis pregnancy programs that work to curb abortions with shelter, food, clothing, education, medical care and adoption services. The money is distributed through Department of Social Services grants to facilities that do not offer or promote abortions. The plates will cost $70 for two years. Vehicle owners can choose a NASCAR-themed license or one that says "Choose Life." Half of the money from license plate sales will go to the 19 locations of the S.C. Children's Emergency Shelter. Burton's wife, Kim, is on the shelter's board and Burton pushed the license plate idea. The rest of the money is split between promoting sports tourism in South Carolina and improving highway safety(Myrtle Beach Sun News)(9-3-2001)

#7 needs sponsor UPDATE: NationsRent will be gone as the primary sponsor on the #7 team and driver Mike Wallace already been told that he no longer has a job(CNN/SI)(9-2-2001)
UPDATE: but sources tell me that NationsRent has another year on its contract with Jim Smith and the Ultra Motorsports team(9-3-2001)

Lowes to Hendrick? UPDATE 3: from the Winston Salem Journal - Lowe's is now expected to move from the Richard Childress camp(#31) to Hendrick's to sponsor incoming rookie (#48) Jimmie Johnson next season, according to NASCAR sources(Winston Salem Journal) BUT from a SpeedVision Interview with Richard Childress: Q) Is the Lowe's situation as safe as we've heard it is? A) "You're going to be hearing some announcements on that. We're going to be okay with the third [No. 31] team. Lowe's will honor their contract [through 2002]. The direction they go, I'm going to leave that up to y'all. We've agreed we're going to honor it, but we have other things working"(SpeedVision)(8-7-2001)
UPDATE: Winston Cup team owner Rick Hendrick hopes to announce the primary sponsor for Jimmie Johnson's Winston Cup effort within the next six weeks. "We have associates and all that done, we just haven't announced it," Hendrick said Aug. 3. "Probably sometime in the next 30 to 45 days. We haven't signed anything yet." If Lowe's were to leave Richard Childress Racing, rumors are the company could move to Hendrick Motorsports.(Winston Cup Scene - need sub to read online)
UPDATE 2: hearing that Haas Automation, currently an associate sponsor on the three current Hendricks cars(#'s 5,24,25) could be the primary sponsor of the #48 Chevy for Johnson(8-21-2001)
UPDATE 3: There are indications that Lowe's suddenly might not have as solid a sponsorship deal with Hendrick and rookie Jimmie Johnson as once anticipated, that Lowe's might not be that interested in marketing such a young rookie, even with the Jeff Gordon tie-in.(Winston Salem Journal)(9-3-2001)

Blackboxes Sooner? NASCAR is expected to make a decision on accident data recorders in the next few weeks. The ADRs will be mandatory in NASCAR's three major series next season and might be in Cup cars before the end of this season -- by the October 28 race at Phoenix. That would allow teams to adapt to the systems and provide time for offseason adjustments if necessary(Sporting News)(9-3-2001)

#26/66 Shocks Banned? NASCAR has banned the special shocks Jimmy Spencer and Todd Bodine have been using over the summer(Winston Salem Journal)(9-3-2001)

Scary Stuff: On Sunday, a crew member playfully was throwing a wadded ball of duct tape at NBC analyst Benny Parsons, but when Parsons moved, the tape hit Penske (#2) crew chief Robin Pemberton in the left eye and tore the cornea. That didn't stop Pemberton, who wore a patch over the eye(Sporting News)(9-3-2001)

Checking Temps at RIR: Mark Martin and Matt Kenseth will have new additions to their respective pit crews next weekend at Richmond. The additional pit workers will concentrate on how the drivers replace the fluids they lose during a race, as well as the cars' onboard temperatures. Scientists from the Gatorade Sports Science Institute will condict a pilot study on Martin and Kenseth to determine sweat loss, cardiobascular responses and heat stress in drivers during a NASCAR race. During an average race, cockpit temperatures can climb to 140 degrees, putting drivers at risk for dehydration and heat illness. The race-day test will help provide drivers with fluid replacement and heat illness prevention recommendations.(That's Racin')(9-3-2001)

Nemechek leaving? Petree Says #33 will not close UPDATE: #33-Joe Nemechek may be the next driver in the free-agent market, and car owner Andy Petree may be down to a one-car team (the #55 with Bobby Hamilton) next season, according to team members, who say Nemechek is working the garage area hard for a new ride if needed.(Winston Salem Journal) AND Andy Petree lost Oakwood Homes as the primary sponsor on Joe Nemechek's #33 car (at the end of the season), but insists that the future of the team is secure. "Reports of my demise have been greatly exaggerated," Petree said Saturday.(CNN/SI)(9-2-2001)
UPDATE: It also appears that Joe Nemechek will be leaving Andy Petree at the end of the season, possibly to be replaced by Mike Skinner if Petree can land a sponsor for the team(Winston Salem Journal)(9-3-2001)

Leffler Subs for Buckshot: #01-Jason Lefflerm who fell out of the Southern 500 early, was able to gain experience and get some track time at Darlington Raceway in the #44 Dodge as he took over for Buckshot Jones on lap 197 and finished the event bringing the team a 35th place finish. Jones has the flu and was feeling bad so they asked Leffler to take over driving the 44 car because Leffler is about the same size as Jones(Chip Ganassi Racing with Felix Sabates PR)(9-3-2001)

Brothers and the Southern 500: Ward Burton's first victory in the event, coupled with Jeff Burton's win in 1999, marks the second time that brothers won the race. Terry Labonte won in 1980 and Bobby Labonte in 2000.(St Petersburg Times), and of note, only one father-son duo have won the race, Buck Baker (1953-60-64) and Buddy Baker, 1970.(9-3-2001)

Hornaday Penalized: Ron Hornaday was penalized three laps by NASCAR at The Southern 500 for disobeying a black flag, dropping him five places to 37th(St Petersburg Times)(9-3-2001)

(9-2-2001)

see the Aug 27-Sept 2, 2001 Archived News Page

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