PAST NEWS NOV 5-11, 2001
THE PAST NEWS! YESTERDAY and BEYOND..
OTHER PAST NEWS PAGES
(11-11-2001)
- Bill Elliott wins at Homestead: #9-Bill Elliott won the Pennzoil Freedom 400 at Homestead, his first win in 226 races (Darlington in the 1994 Southern 500 in the #11 Budweiser Ford) and the first for Ray Evernham as a Team Owner. It was Elliott's 41st career Winston Cup win. #19-Casey Atwood was leading with a few laps to go, but Elliott caught him and Atwood ended up with his best career finish of 3rd, #15-Michael Waltrip finished 2nd. Points leader #24-Gordon finished 28th and 2nd in points #28-Rudd was 21st, so Gordon failed to clinch the Winston Cup Championship this week. Gordon needs to leave Atlanta with a 185 point lead to clinch. See That's Racin' for Sunday's Pennzoil 400 results and Updated Winston Cup points(11-11-2001)
- Irvan to Carry Olympic Torch: The Salt Lake Organizing Committee (SLOC), Coca-Cola and Chevrolet announced that former Winston Cup driver Ernie Irvan has been selected to carry the Olympic Flame on its 65 day, 13,500 mile journey from Atlanta, GA to Salt Lake City. Torchbearers were nominated earlier this year by family members, friends, or co-workers by writing a 50-100 word essay describing how the nominee embodied the Olympic spirit and inspired an individual or a community. Irvan was one of 7200 torchbearers selected from more than 210,000 nominees. The Olympic Flame will be lit during a ceremony in Olympia, Greece before traveling to Atlanta - where the flame last rested on American soil - and starting its cross-country journey through 46 states on December 4, 2001. An average of 180 torchbearers will each carry the flame approximately two-tenths of a mile. Irvan has been notified that. he will carry the flame either December 4, 5, or 6 in either Charlotte, NC; Hickory, NC; or Rock Hill, SC. The exact time and place will be announced later this month. Irvan stated he is really looking forward to participating in the Olympic Torch Relay and considers it a true honor to be selected to carry the Olympic Flame.(Irvan.com)(11-11-2001)
- New 2002 Scheme for the #28? Next season Rudd's car, the legendary black #28, will likely sport a dramatically new color scheme, because of the Texaco-Chevron merger.(Winston Salem Journal)(11-11-2001)
- New #10 Scheme in 2002? hearing the #10 Valvoline Pontiac will run a new paint scheme in 2002, supposedly quite a dramtic change(11-11-2001)
- Earnhardt Jr's Helmet: Dale Earnhardt Jr mentioned during an interview on Saturday that he would wear a full-face helmet at Homestead. He had been wearing an open faced helmet favored by his late father Dale and Jimmy Spencer(11-11-2001)
- Little E's fragrance: Dale Earnhardt Jr. announced the signing of a fragrance company, Drakkar Noir (what Jayski uses too) as an associate sponsor(Richmond Times Dispatch)(11-11-2001)
(11-10-2001)
- WCI Person of the Year: The readers of NASCAR Winston Cup Illustrated have spoken loudly, naming Teresa Earnhardt the magazine's 2001 Person of the Year. For the past five years and now with the support of UPS, NASCAR Winston Cup Illustrated has encouraged its readers to nominate an individual within the NASCAR industry who has best represented the spirit and integrity of the sport. Readers made their nominations by telling in 50 words or less why their candidate should be recognized. "It is an understatement to say Teresa Earnhardt has endured a difficult year. Yet she has done more than persevere. She has excelled in many areas and under trying circumstances. She has earned the respect and support of all NASCAR fans who overwhelmingly voted her the recipient of this award," said Steve Waid, vice president of Editorial Development for NASCAR Winston Cup Illustrated. Criteria considered in the nomination process include bringing positive attention to NASCAR Winston Cup racing through achievement, technology or safety; representing NASCAR Winston Cup racing in a favorable light through service to the community or charities; and contributing to the growth of NASCAR Winston Cup racing. Teresa Earnhardt's efforts and actions in 2001 make her the ideal recipient for the award. "It's quite an honor to be named NASCAR Winston Cup Illustrated Person of the Year. It's particularly flattering to know that the fans voted on this award and that there are so many distinguished recipients of this award in the past," Mrs. Earnhardt said. Since her husband's death at Daytona in February, Mrs. Earnhardt has been thrust into the spotlight. She waged a very public battle to keep autopsy photos private and in doing so, she rallied thousands of fans across the country to her cause. She was instrumental in the Florida legislature's decision to take action. Mrs. Earnhardt helped to promote a positive image for NASCAR in a very difficult time for herself and the sport. After February, there were also questions about the future of Dale Earnhardt, Inc. Under Mrs. Earnhardt's leadership, the company has flourished and continues to be one of the top organizations in NASCAR. The three-car DEI team has posted four wins to date this season, and Mrs. Earnhardt has contributed significantly to its positive competitive status. The 2001 NASCAR Winston Cup Illustrated Person Of The Year will be presented by UPS during pre-race ceremonies at Atlanta Motor Speedway on November 18. Ty Norris, executive vice president of motorsports at DEI, will accept the award on behalf of Teresa Earnhardt. Previous winners of the award include Jeff Gordon and Darrell Waltrip (1997), Ray Evernham (1998), Kyle Petty (1999), and the Petty family (2000).(IMG Motorsports PR)(11-10-2001)
- 2002 Fox/FX/FSN Winston Cup Schedule Released: NASCAR Winston Cup racing returns to FOX, Sunday, Feb. 24 (12:30pm/et), live from "The Rock," North Carolina Speedway in Rockingham, NC. NASCAR on FOX race coverage begins Saturday, Feb. 23 (1:00pm/et) with Rockingham's NASCAR Busch Series event. NASCAR racing legend Darrell Waltrip and former crew chief Larry McReynolds return to provide race analysis for all NASCAR on FOX NASCAR Winston Cup and NASCAR Busch Series events, and Mike Joy returns as race announcer. Prerace coverage is again hosted by Chris Myers with analyst Jeff Hammond. In its second season as the home of NASCAR, FOX Sports airs 13 NASCAR Winston Cup races. FX airs four NASCAR Winston Cup races in 2002, up from three in 2001. FX once again airs the Richmond, "The Winston", Martinsville and Dover. See my 2002 Fox/FX/FSN Scheulde Chart for times and dates(NASCAR PR)(11-10-2001)
- Harvick in IROC: BGN champ and likely Winston Cup rookie of the year Kevin Harvick has accepted an invitation to compete in the four-race International Race of Champions (IROC) series in 2002. Harvick was extended the invitation that is traditionally given to the Grand National champion. Reigning series champion Jeff Green competed in the four-race series this season.(That's Racin')(11-10-2001)
- More on Ultra Motorsports(#7) UPDATE more Atwood: “About the only thing nailed down is the #1 Mopar truck and Ted Musgrave,” [Ultra Motorsports owner Jim] Smith said of the storm of rumors that is swirling about his teams in two of NASCAR’s three national touring series. Smith said the plans for his second Dodge factory truck, whose primary sponsorship package with Team ASE will also remain unchanged with Jason Leffler the rumored driver, is “99 percent done.” “That should be done and signed any day now,” Smith said. “We are just trying to get some other issues finalized. Everything is agreed on, but until it’s signed it’s not a done deal.” “As far as NationsRent is concerned, we’re under a lawsuit,” Smith said. “They outright refuse to pay or to continue the program as we were contracted to do. They owe me a lot of money. It’s a nasty situation to the point I may not even have NationsRent on the car this weekend if they don’t pay some of what they owe me.”(NASCAR.com) AND [Casey] Atwood, meanwhile, is reportedly not interested in driving a Dodge for Ultra Motorsports, which is where current owner Ray Evernham would like Atwood to land. With Jeremy Mayfield expected to replace Atwood [in the #19 Dodge], a move to Ultra Motorsports would keep Atwood in the Dodge program.(Winston Cup Scene - need sub to read)(11-8-2001)
UPDATE: ......Atwood, whose status in the #19 Dodges owned by Ray Evernham has been the subject of much conjecture in the past few weeks. The uncertainty stems from the likelihood that Evernham will add Jeremy Mayfield to his operation, perhaps with a swap of Atwood to an affiliate Dodge team for 2002. "I'll be driving for Ray Evernham in some way, shape or form," Atwood said. "I don't know exactly what's going on right now, but I'll be with him."(That's Racin') AND Atwood appears to be headed, once again, toward a ride next season with car owner Jim Smith, under a Dodge-backed switch, according to Dodge sources. Car owner Andy Petree says he'd hire Atwood, but Petree is still searching for a sponsor.(Winston Salem Journal)(11-10-2001)
- DW to race again? hearing from readers that NBC 17 in Fayetteville/Raleigh NC is reporting Darrell Waltrip is considering running a few cup races next year. They did do a short interview with him and he specifically mentioned Martinsville and also other small tracks - of course this would be in the 2nd half of the 2002 season, if it happens, as Waltrip is part of the Fox braodcast crew(11-10-2001)
- Melling? Compton? Atwood? UPDATE 2 Melling to BGN?: Stacy Compton's car [#92 Dodge ]owner, Mark Melling, doesn't have a sponsor for next season and may have to shut down, although there are reports that Atwood might be able to put together a deal for the Melling ride(Winston Salem Journal)
UPDATE: also been told by sources that Action Performance has cancelled their diecast run for the 2002 #19 Dodge with Casey Atwood as the driver(11-8-2001)
UPDATE 2: Compton could stay with his current team but move out of Winston Cup next season. Owner Mark Melling, still seeking sponsorship for next season, said he would consider running in the BGN or CTS next season. Right now he has no options for a full-time sponsorship but is considering some part-time offers. Melling said he can hold on until December before he starts to make changes within his operation. Compton says he'd like to ride out the search and stay with the team next season. He wouldn't mind running in any of the three series as long as the team is competitive.(Richmond Times Dispatch)(11-10-2001)
(11-9-2001)
- The Grinch on the #26? UPDATE 2: been sent an image of the #26 Kmart/The Grinch Ford diecast, not sure if it will run at Homestead, Atlanta (NHIS?) or if it just a diecast deal. The movie will be released on video/DVD, Nov 20th, it was a huge hit (and great movie) last holiday season and was featured on the #5 Chevy(thanks J. Parker)
UPDATE: been told this scheme will run at Atlanta next weekend(11-8-2001)
UPDATE 2: One of the world's most infamous holiday characters will be making a very special appearance at the Atlanta Motor
Speedway's NAPA 500. "THE GRINCH (tm)" from Universal Studios Home Video's "Dr. Seuss' How the Grinch Stole Christmas! (tm)," will adorn Jimmy Spencer's No. 26 Kmart Ford November 16-18 as Kmart and Universal celebrate the release of "Dr. Seuss' How the Grinch Stole Christmas! (tm)" on Video and DVD. Capitalizing on the record-breaking box office opening in 2000 and a total box office gross of $265 million, "Dr. Seuss' How the Grinch Stole Christmas! (tm)" is poised to set new records with its Video and DVD release on November 20th.(Golin/Harris PR)(11-9-2001)
AND for fun: What if we took NASCAR and made it Who-ville for a day, who would be the GRINCH and what role would he play? Who would be the Mayor of Who-ville NASCAR? Won't forget Cindy Lou-Who, she wouldn't be too far. Oh there's one more, we aren't quite done, THE GRINCH's trusty dog Max could add to the fun. He's coming to NASCAR get ready young and old, to promote the home release of THE GRINCH so the story is told. Here are Jimmy Spencer's picks: Grinch: Kyle Petty; Max: Kenny Schrader; Mayor: Tony Stewart; Cindy-Lou: Cielo Garcia(11-9-2001)
- Head and Neck Devices at the Lower Level UPDATE: NASCAR, having made head and neck restraint devices man-datory for its top three touring series — Winston Cup, Busch and Craftsman Truck — is considering extending the rule to its Weekly Racing Series. Some 10,000 drivers participate in the series at more than 100 tracks around the country. NASCAR will announce its decision on local requirements before the start of the spring season, although it could mean added expense for drivers.(Tennessean)(11-8-2001)
UPDATE: been informed that the cost of the HANS device mentioned in the Tennessean is incorrect. The device does not cost $1,500-$1,800 but $1,275(11-9-2001)
(11-8-2001)
- Not NASCAR but great news: The comeback of Alex Zanardi has begun, far faster than it might have for many an ordinary human, as Zanardi drove himself from his Monte Carlo home to the Italian office of Dr. Claudio Costa in a specially modified road car. Zanardi, who lost both of his lower legs in a terrible crash at the German Lausitzring six weeks ago, drove a car that was fitted with hand controls to meet the renowned Dr. Costa as the Italian surgeon performed a routine checkup on the two-time CART champion’s injuries.(SpeedVision)(11-8-2001)
- Wind Tunnel Time? How important is aerodynamic development of Winston Cup cars to the big auto manufacturers? We have been told that one of the "Big Three" has assigned sufficient importance to it's Winston Cup wind tunnel program that product managers seeking tunnel time for street car development are finding Winston Cup teams penciled into time slots traditionally reserved for production vehicles. In the past, Winston Cup teams generally had to wheel their cars into the wind tunnels at night, after the production cars left. Now, more and more Winston Cup teams are getting onto the daytime schedules as the manufacturers pull out the stops to improve their aerodynamics in the face of impending rules changes for the upcoming 2002 Daytona 500.(Speedway Illustrated)(11-8-2001)
- Hall of Fame UPDATE: Jackie Ickx, the only six-time Le Mans winner, heads a group of 21 finalists for induction next year to the International Motorsports Hall of Fame. A panel of international motorsports media will choose six finalists for induction April 4, 2002. Ickx was the leading vote-getter in the diverse group that includes drivers, owners and mechanics, as well as a pilot. Included from NASCAR: Cannonball Baker, world record holder, NASCAR commissioner; Red Byron, the first NASCAR champion; Ray Fox, stock car builder and crew chief; Ray Hendrick, 500 wins in NASCAR modifieds, LM sportsman cars; Jack Ingram, five-time Busch Grand National champion; Cotton Owens, stock car driver/car builder; Maurice Petty, crew chief/engine builder for brother Richard; Tim Richmond, Indy/Winston Cup racer; Glen Wood, NASCAR driver, car builder and owner; LeeRoy Yarbrough, stock car driver.(Daytona Beach News Journal)(7-28-2001)
UPDATE: Former Winston Cup champion Alan Kulwicki and long-time NASCAR driver and car owner Glen Wood highlighted the six inductees in the International Motorsports Hall of Fame Class of 2002 that was unveiled Wednesday. Also to be honored in an April 18, 2002 induction ceremony are former Grand Prix champion Jacky Ickx, late Winston Cup driver Tim Richmond, long-time Formula I and Indy car driver Denis Hulme and racecar builder Ettore Bugatti.(Anniston Star)(11-8-2001)
- Rolex 24 and Cup Drivers: Kyle Petty, John Andretti, Jeff Burton will race together in the Rolex 24 At Daytona. Petty, Andretti and Burton will drive an Orbit Racing Porsche in the GT class, while Wally Dallenbach will take the wheel of Robinson Racing's prototype for the race Feb. 2-3. Petty helped Orbit Racing to a fourth-place finish last year in the GT class, and teamed with Andretti in Orbit's Porsche GT3 RS to win the Bully Hill Vineyards 250 at Watkins Glen International. Dallenbach will join team owner George Robinson, Jack Baldwin and Steve Knapp in a Judd-powered Riley & Scott Mark III-C.(Daytona Beach News Journal)(11-8-2001)
- New Fuel Cell: NASCAR and Safety Technologies are preparing a Kevlar fuel cell bladder that could limit fuel leaks and resulting fires, especially the near-explosions that rear impacts can cause. The 1/16th-inch flexible Kevlar shroud encloses the current fuel cell, protecting it from puncture. Contained within the Kevlar bladder is a special material that absorbs gasoline. The fuel cell bladder is reportedly the first of its kind in motorsports and, according to Van Norman, could help eliminate fire in "99 percent of the rear-end collisions that we've been seeing right now." So far Van Norman and BSR Products President Butch Stevens have worked closely with NASCAR Winston Cup Director Gary Nelson in an effort to get the device approved for competition. The cell has already been run in the rear clip of Jason Jarrett's #67 ARCA car in that series' October Talladega race and has been subjected to destructive testing with water in the fuel cell.(Winston Cup Scene - need sub to read)(11-8-2001)
- #4 Team Member doing better: Lonnie Hill, a veteran employee of Morgan-McClure Motorsports, continues to heal from surgery performed on his lung two weeks ago. Hill had been diagnosed with a lung disease, Bullae, in September. Electing to have surgery earlier than first expected, Hill is recuperating at home and is doing great.(Morgan McClure Newsletter)(11-8-2001)
- 17th Different Winner in 2001 a record UPDATE 3 and ties an ALL Time Record: when #22-Ward Burton won the 2001 Southern 500, he became the 15th different Winston Cup winner in 2001, which breaks the record for NASCAR's modern era (which began in 1972) of 14 set in 2000 and 1991. Winners in 2001: #15-Waltrip, #1-Park, #24-Gordon, #29-Harvick, #88-Jarrett, #21-Sadler, #55-Hamilton, #2-Wallace, #20-Stewart, #99-Burton, #28-Rudd, #18-Labonte, #40-Marlin, #22-Burton, #8-Earnhardt Jr.(9-2-2001)
UPDATE - Make it 16 in 2001: #32-Ricky Craven becomes the 16th different winner in the Cup series in 2001, extending the record(10-15-2001)
UPDATE 2 - Make it 17 in 2001: #33-Joe Nemechek becomes the 17th different winner in the Cup series in 2001, extending the record(11-4-2001)
UPDATE 3 - ties an all time record from 1956: there was one other year in which 17 drivers won races. Of course, they weren't called Winston Cup races. For most of NASCAR's history, the top division was called Grand National. In the early years, it was called Strictly Stock. Seventeen different drivers won races in 1956, 45 years ago. They were, in order of points standings and with number of wins in parentheses: Buck Baker (14), Speedy Thompson (8), Herb Thomas (5), Lee Petty (2), Jim Paschal (1), Billy Myers (2), Fireball Roberts (5), Ralph Moody (4), Tim Flock (4), Marvin Panch (1), Paul Goldsmith (1), Curtis Turner (1), Jack Smith (1), Lloyd Dane (2), Eddie Pagan (1), John Kieper (1) and Fonty Flock (1).(GoCarolinas/Monte Dutton)(11-8-2001)
- Elliott after 2002? Speculation continues as to whether 2002 will be Bill Elliott's final year. Elliott says he has "no plans" to retire, but with a line of die-cast cars tracing his career set to be released next year, talk of a "farewell tour" isn't likely to subside. If he is planning on hanging it up, it would be wise not to play poker with Elliott, who contends, "I've got a two-year deal with Ray (Evernham). And (another) two-year option after that. That's what my contract is." But Elliott knows that contracts don't mean much these days. Teammate Casey Atwood also had a long-term deal, but is likely to be driving elsewhere next season.(Winston Cup Scene - need sub to read)(11-8-2001)
(11-7-2001)
- Some IROC Drivers named: 2001 IRL champ, Sam Hornish, Jr., 2000 IRL champion, Buddy Lazier, and the 1996 inaugural
IRL co-champion, Scott Sharp have all accepted invitations to participate in the 2002 True Value IROC series. Hornish, Lazier, and
Sharp finished first, second and third respectively, in the 2001 IRL. In 2001, Sharp served as an expert commentator for the ESPN broadcasts of True Value IROC races. In 2002, Sharp will trade in his microphone for a steering wheel as a returning participant. Additional driver participation announcements will be made over the next several weeks. The 2002 four race schedule is as follows: Race 1, Daytona International Speedway, Friday, February 15, Race 2, California Speedway, Saturday, April 27, Race 3, Chicagoland Speedway, Saturday, July 13 and Race 4, Indianapolis Motor Speedway, Saturday, August 3.(IROC PR)(11-7-2001)
- Compton in the #59 at Homestead: Stacy Compton will drive the #59 ST Motorsports Chevy at Homestead. Jeff Purvis was scheduled to drive the car, but says he has an offer from a team closer to home(FSN's Totally NASCAR) AND “We thought we had settled a deal with Jeff Purvis to drive for the next two seasons,” commented team owner Tad Geschickter. “We have run up front during our trial period together and everyone communicated well. On Tuesday, he surprised me with a call to say that he had an offer closer to his home in Tennessee and that it was real persuasive. I was shocked, we had agreed to a deal, but we hadn’t signed any
documents yet.” Compton's Winston Cup [#92 Dodge] team is still in search of sponsorship for next season and Compton is leaving
his options open.(ST Motorsports PR)(11-7-2001)
(11-6-2001)
- hmm..a switch in the Mayfield to Evernham 'rumor' UPDATE 3 an announcement? NOPE: If things unfold according to plan, Jeremy Mayfield will drive an Evernham Motorsports Dodge as Bill Elliott's teammate in 2002. Rookie Casey Atwood will also remain in an Intrepid, though it will be fielded by Ultra Motorsports [#7] with technical assistance from Ray Evernham(Winston Cup Scene - need sub to read)(11-1-2001)
UPDATE: Rumors still persist that Jeremy Mayfield will unseat [#19] Casey Atwood at Evernham Motorsports. Ultra Motorsports owner Jim Smith, who runs the #7 NationsRent Ford, is talking to Dodge about a car make switch for 2002, under the guidance of Evernham. If that happens, expect Atwood to move to the #7 and Mayfield to take over the #19(FoxSports)(11-2-2001)
UPDATE 2: hearing an announcement on Mayfield's 2002 plans could come as early as Tuesday, Nov 6th - tomorrow(11-5-2001)
UPDATE 3: ESPN2's RPM 2 Night reports that Ray Evernham said there was no announcement planned for today, has no word how that rumor got started and has nothing to announce(11-6-2001)
- Atwood and Petree? or Pressley? One man [Andy] Petree has his eyes on is rookie Casey Atwood, who appears to be on the verge of being released by Ray Evernham [announcment TODAY? - see below]. Atwood - who, like Petree's other driver, Bobby Hamilton, comes from Nashville - was thrust into the Winston Cup world perhaps a year or two too early. After all, he just turned 21. But Atwood has shown considerable promise; he won the pole at Phoenix and contended for the win.(Winston Salem Journal)
AND Steve Barkdoll, APR’s executive vice president/general manager, said that the team is still close to a deal, but that nothing’s been finalized yet. As far as a driver goes, the top candidate for the #33 car now appears to be Robert Pressley(Hendersonville Times News)(11-6-2001)
- #77 and the Fans: Race fans will have the opportunity to support America's Armed Forces and see their own names emblazoned on the deck lid of the #77 Jasper Engines Ford during the Cup race at Homestead Miami Speedway on November 11, 2001.
Doug Bawel, President of Jasper Motorsports, announced the team will take an innovative approach to honoring United States veterans on Veterans Day, which falls on the same day as the event. Names of individual persons or businesses that make a $50 donation to the Department of Defense Pentagon Relief Fund will be placed on the deck lid of the #77 Jasper Engines & Transmissions Ford driven by Robert Pressley. In addition to the financial contributions gathered by the $50 donations, Jasper Engines & Transmissions, based in Jasper, Indiana, will match dollar for dollar the first $20,000. In an effort to assist families of casualties in the September 11, 2001 attack on the Pentagon, the funds will be split between the four charities that make up the Department of Defense Pentagon Relief Fund. Those charities consist of the Air Force Aid Society September 11 Attack on America Fund, The Army Emergency Relief Society Pentagon Victims Fund, the Navy and Marine Corps Relief Society Pentagon Assistance Fund and the Federal Employees Education and Assistance Fund. The #77 Jasper Engines & Transmissions Ford will have a brand new paint scheme for the event and will honor our veterans and active duty personnel in our Armed Forces. The deadline to make contributions is [was] October 29, 2001. For more info and to donate, see the Offical Robert Pressley site(10-8/11-6-2001)
The scheme that Pressley will run at Homestead
Image from the Robert Pressley Site
- Daytona Testing in Dec UPDATE no - whew: NASCAR has scheduled a one-day test in Daytona the week after the banquet (in New York City is set for Nov. 30. TV-TNT), probably on Dec. 5, with some of the possible rules packages that are expected to be debated at the meeting today. That would give teams barely 30 days to build the new cars and test them in wind tunnels before Daytona testing officially opens on Jan. 7.(Winston Salem Journal)(11-1-2001)
UPDATE: Drivers told NASCAR last week that they did not want a December test session at Daytona to see if the new rules announced last Thursday would work well for the Daytona 500. NASCAR officials were ready to conduct a December test session, much like the Daytona test session in August 2000 after drivers complained about the inability to pass in restrictor-plate races and the Talladega test session this past August to limit the ability to run three-wide in the draft. Daytona and Talladega are the tracks where restrictor plates are used to slow the cars. "Everybody voted against going there in December -- we've been racing all year, why would we want to go do something else in December?" said driver Dale Jarrett. "We'll have three days in January to get this done." There will be a pair of three-day test sessions at DIS in January. Unlike past years where each manufacturer had a test session, this year drivers' testing dates will be determined by their position in the points standings.(Daytona Beach News Journal)(11-6-2001)
- Atlanta Tuesday Testing: #30-Jeff Green set the fast lap Tuesday in a test of 12 Cup drivers preparing for the Nov. 18 NAPA 500 at Atlanta. Green’s quickest lap around the 1.54-mile quad-oval was 188.124mph. #45-Kyle Petty and #13-Hermie Sadler, attempting to make his second Cup race of the season, clocked identical laps at 187.108mph to grab the second-fastest time of the day. #93-Hut Stricklin, putting in a lap of 186.103mph in the Bill Davis Dodge he’ll drive next season. Stricklin said Monday he will make his debut with the Bill Davis team in the Nov. 18 NAPA 500. Stricklin will drive a third car, teaming with Dave Blaney and Ward Burton. His Atlanta car will be #23, the same number he will drive next year.
#30-Jeff Green, 188.124
#45-Kyle Petty, 187.108
#13-Hermie Sadler, 187.108
#48-Jimmie Johnson, 186.792
#1-Kenny Wallace, 186.604
#15-Michael Waltrip, 186.604
#4-Bobby Hamilton Jr, 186.353
#93-Hut Stricklin, 186.103
#46-Frank Kimmel, 184.985
#12-Mike Wallace, 184.431
#32-Ricky Craven, 181.890
#47-Lance Hooper, 181.354 (AMS PR)(11-6-2001)
- Race Rock Auction: The defunct Race Rock restaurant in downtown Las Vegas has turned over its extensive collection of racecars and other racing memorabilia to an Arizona-based company to be auctioned off in Scottsdale in January. Among the cars going on the auction block will be the NASCAR Winston Cup cars of Jeff Gordon, Richard Petty and Dale Earnhardt; Formula One cars of Michael Schumacher, Alain Prost and Ayrton Senna; CART cars of Mario Andretti, Jacques Villeneuve and Juan Montoya; and Joe Amato's Top Fuel dragster and John Force's Funny Car. The cars will be auctioned at the Barrett-Jackson Scottsdale Classic Car Auction from Jan. 17-20. The 30,000-square-foot, two-level Race Rock closed in April.(Las Vegas Sun)(11-6-2001)
(11-5-2001)
- Atlanta Testing UPDATE: NASCAR Winston Cup drivers #29-Kevin Harvick, #45-Kyle Petty, #15-Michael Waltrip, #1-Kenny Wallace, #12-Mike Wallace, #48-Jimmie Johnson, #93-Dave Blaney, #30-Jeff Green, #32-Ricky Craven, #47-Lance Hooper, #46-Frank Kimmel and #13-Hermie Sadler are expected for a two-day test Nov. 5-6 at Atlanta Motor Speedway.(AMS PR)(11-2-2001)
UPDATE: Kyle Petty set the fast lap Monday in a test of 12 NASCAR Winston Cup drivers preparing for the Nov. 18 NAPA 500 at Atlanta Motor Speedway. Petty’s quickest lap around the 1.54-mile quad-oval was 29.2 seconds (189.863 mph). Petty’s laps were the quickest of the fall testing period and are not far off last spring’s pole run, recorded by Dale Jarrett, was 28.76 seconds (192.748 mph). The speeds Monday:
#45-Kyle Petty, 189.863
#48-Jimmie Johnson, 186.040
#1-Kenny Wallace, 185.418
#12-Mike Wallace, 184.186
#30-Jeff Green, 184.186
#13-Hermie Sadler, 183.576
#4-Bobby Hamilton Jr, 182.970
#15-Michael Waltrip, 182.970
#93-Hut Stricklin, 182.368
#32-Ricky Craven, 180.586
#46-Frank Kimmel, 180.586
#47-Lance Hooper, 180.000(AMS PR)(11-5-2001)
- Wallace has a car for the Budweiser Shootout: Kenny Wallace needed a Bud Pole Award and a car in order to compete in the 2002 Budweiser Shootout at Daytona International Speedway. Last weekend at North Carolina Speedway, Wallace not only got the Bud Pole Award in the Pop Secret Microwave Popcorn 400, but he also got word from Dale Earnhardt Inc. that they’ll supply a car. Wallace, subbing for the injured Steve Park in the #1 Pennzoil Chevrolet fielded by DEI, turned a fast lap of 154.690 mph to win the Bud Pole Award. After qualifying, Wallace found out from DEI’s Executive Vice President of Motorsports Ty Norris that the team will have a car for him to drive in the All-Star race. Wallace, who finished second to his brother Rusty in his only Budweiser Shootout start in 1998, becomes the record 23rd driver to date to be eligible for the Feb. 10 Budweiser Shootout. If all 23 drivers choose to participate in the Budweiser Shootout, it would set a record for most starters in the field since the inception of the event back in 1979. The previous mark was 18 drivers, set in last year’s Budweiser Shootout.(DIS PR)(11-5-2001)
- APR Head Engine Builder: Jon Dysinger has been named Head Engine Builder for Andy Petree Racing, which builds all engines for the #33 Oakwood Homes Chevrolet of driver Joe Nemechk and the #55 Square D Chevrolet of driver Bobby Hamilton. Dysinger has been in the engine department of Andy Petree Racing since 1998. Andy Petree Racing is the only team in NASCAR Winston Cup racing with its entire operation under one roof. The team builds its own cars and builds its own engines, as well as offering a full marketing, licensing and public relations program for its sponsors.(Williams Company PR)(11-5-2001)
- Musgrave at Homestead? hearing former Cup driver, Ted Musgrave, who currently drives the #1 Mopar Dodge in the CTS, may drive a 2nd Ultra Motorsports car at Homestead this coming weekend, the #07 Dodge. Musgrave has tested the car in the past and was to run at Indy but did not. Also hearing Musgrave has recently re-signed with Ultra Motorsports to continue driving in the CTS(11-5-2001)
- Stewart and the Indy 500: [Chip] Ganassi said Sunday that he is close to firming up a deal with NASCAR star Tony Stewart for the Indy 500. They teamed up to finish sixth this year.(Indianapolis Star)(11-5-2001)
- Hermie to run at Homestead and Atlanta: #13-Hermie Sadler announced today sponsors for his final two Winston Cup events in 2001. Sadler will compete at Homestead and Atlanta with sponsorship from Little Trees and Lotto South respectively. In Homestead, Sadler will sport the colors of Car-Freshner Corporation, makers of the popular "Little Trees" air fresheners. In Atlanta, Sadler will introduce "Lotto South," a new multi-state lottery game involving Georgia, Kentucky and Virginia. Car-Freshner Corporation sponsored Sadler in the Busch Series for Innovative Motorsports in 2000 and the Virginia Lottery has sponsored Sadler in numerous Winston Cup races this season. Sadler is also proud to initiate the marketing efforts of Lotto South.. "Being a part of the launch of Lotto South is a tremendous honor for me and my team," stated Sadler. ."We plan to create a great deal of exposure and excitement for Lotto South in the Southeast, and participating in the Winston Cup Season's race in Atlanta will do just that.. In addition to having the Lotto South car on the track, we will also have a booth at the track, selling Lotto South tickets and Georgia Lottery tickets.. I'll be visiting the booth throughout the weekend and all of the events with the Lottery.have been.a lot of fun." Sadler is still unsure of his plans for 2002 but knows these two races are very important. "As I've said many times, I just want to race competitively. Finishing the season with two good runs will help.. We'll just see what happens."(Sadler Enterprises PR) AND The Hermie and Elliott Sadler Fan Club has a limited number of die-cast cars of the #13 Original Virginia Lottery Chevrolet Winston Cup Car. Just recently, they have been available to the general public.. The Fan Club is now offering these cars to the general public, autographed by Hermie Sadler. For more info on how to order, see my Collectible News and Links page(11-5-2001)
- IROC at Chicago in 2002 UPDATE and California: IROC (International Race Of Champions) will be heading to at least new venue next season, announcing that it would run the third of its 2002 four-race schedule on the 1.5-mile Chicagoland Speedway oval. The track will host the 12-car IROC race as part of its July 12-14 NASCAR weekend, and will run a 100-lap event on July 13. The series will open in its customary Daytona setting and will likely end at Indianapolis, with a fourth track yet to be worked out. The series has been unable to finalize its driver lineup, although IROC p.r. chief George Signore said Friday that the series will look at the top three or four drivers from the NASCAR Winston Cup and Busch series, as well as CART and the IRL. This year’s Indy Racing League champion Sam Hornish Jr. is one of the drivers that has been contacted, and will be part of an IROC test at Daytona Nov. 12-14.(SpeedVision), ESPN2's RPM 2 Night reports that the four tracks will be Daytona, Michigan, Chicago and Indy(11-1-2001)
UPDATE: hearing that Michigan is out and California Speedway will take its place(11-3-2001)
UPDATE 2: The IROC Series will return to California Speedway after a three-year absence on Saturday, April 27, 2002, for a 100-mile race. California Speedway President Bill Miller and IROC Chairman Les Richter made the announcement Sunday during a morning press conference prior to the speedway's CART FedEx Championship Series season finale Marlboro 500. The race, which is race two of a four-race series, will be part of the April NASCAR weekend at the speedway. The IROC Series was part of the speedway's inaugural race weekend in June of 1997, with Mark Martin capturing the first event. Known to many as auto racing's "All-Star Event," the cars are identically prepared Pontiac Firebirds with 12 drivers from a variety of disciplines invited to participate(California Speedway PR)(11-5-2001)
- Stewart's WOO Team wins Championship: Tony Stewart, who fields the sprint car driven by Danny Lasoski, locked up the World of Outlaws (WOO) title with Lasoski's ninth-place finish in Saturday night's season-finale in Las Vegas. He got the phone call informing him of the championship around 3 a.m Sunday(That's Racin'/AP)(11-5-2001)
(11-4-2001)
see the Oct 29 - Nov 4, 2001 Archived News Page
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