PAST NEWS NOV 19-25, 2001
THE PAST NEWS! YESTERDAY and BEYOND..
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(11-25-2001)
- IRL and NASCAR to share engines? the AutoRacing1 site is reporting that both Ford and Chevy have suggested to NASCAR that they adopt the IRL 3.5 L normally aspirated engine as a replacement for their current 1950's technology pushrod and carburetors engines. They suggest this will save money...to have a common platform in both series. NASCAR is also looking for a way to cut their engine size and HP to rid themselves of restrictor plates. The smaller IRL engine might do it for them. Overhead cams? Fuel injection?(AutoRacing1)(11-25-2001)
(11-24-2001)
- Penalty? Officials could assess a penalty on [#31 Robby] Gordon and his crew for using "old" tires in the closing laps. A NASCAR rule, dating to the days when teams would soak tires in softening chemicals for extra speed, appears to require teams to finish the race on tires actually mounted at the track, according Andy Graves, manager of Marlin's runner-up [#40] team. Gordon finished the race on a set of tires that had been originally mounted at Martinsville last month; the tires would have been slightly harder than fresher tires - normally that would be a significant disadvantage, but here, on a day when tires were actually too soft, older and harder tires would have been a bit of an edge, not in speed but durability. NASCAR officials offered no word on the issue.(Winston Salem Journal)(11-24-2001)
- Hornaday/Foyt to part ways - Mast to the #14? UPDATE 2: The New Hampshire 300 at NHIS will be Ron Hornaday's last race in A.J. Foyt's #14 Conseco Pontiac. Hornaday will announce his 2002 plans in the future (may include the #43 BGN ride) and Foyt and Conseco will decide on a new driver for 2002 in the near future(ESPN's RPM 2 Night), rumors include Rick Mast (who drove for Foyt in 2000)(11-19-2001)
UPDATE: FSN's NASCAR This Morning reports that Rick Mast could be headed back to the #14 in 2002(11-23-2001)
UPDATE 2: but on Friday's RPM 2 Night (ESPN2) it was reported that Rick Mast said he would be in the #90 Ford in 2002(11-24-2001)
- Yunick's stuff on sale: History is for sale at Henry "Smokey" Yunick's "best damn garage in town," where spark plugs are a buck and a one-of-a-kind 429-cubic-inch motor is a mere $40,000. The family of the late legendary mechanic and racing innovator has opened his giant grease-monkey library at 957 N. Beach St. and placed a price on practically everything. The sale ends Sunday. See full story at the Daytona Beach News Journal(11-24-2001)
(11-23-2001)
- Robby Gordon wins at New Hampshire: #24-Jeff Gordon dominated the race but after an altercation with #31-Robby Gordon and Robby bumping Jeff, Jeff retaliated and got black flagged, Robby went on and won the race, his first ever Winston Cup start (in 62 starts). Robby Gordon is the 5th first time winner in 2001, the first points win for Lowe's as a sponsor (and their last one as the sponsor of the #31) and for the #31 RCR team. Robby Gordon is also the 19th different winner in 2001, which ties the all-time record. See That's Racin' for the New Hampshire 300 Results and for Winston Cup drivers points. Robby Gordon also announced that all the winnings from the race will be donated to the NYC Firemans fund. Gordon is now the 160th driver to win a Cup race in 1957 races. Also for more info on the race, see my New Hamshire 300 Race Info page(11-23-2001)
(11-22-2001)
- Pay Per View: NASCAR is exploring pay-per-view opportunities for its national races beginning as early as next year. The circuit is looking at several PPV options, including offering different camera angles during its live 2002 races, sources close to the situation said. 'We’re looking to understand the marketplace and looking into potential business models,' NASCAR managing director of new media Jeffrey Pollack said, declining to provide specifics.(TVinsite)(11-22-2001)
- Earnhardt Bios: Following the tragic death of Seven-time NASCAR Winston Cup Champion Dale Earnhardt on February 18, the Earnhardt organization has found itself quite busy, trying to keep facts straight on the life of the legendary driver. The most recent controversy stems from a number of unauthorized biographies, most of which contain erroneous or false information. While Earnhardt's family and friends feel that no malicious attack was intended, the false information is misleading and contradictory to many of the facts surrounding Earnhardt's life and colorful career. Financial gain has prompted several writers to exploit this American hero. Some have even resorted to creating fictional events to enhance their book's appeal.
Dale Earnhardt Inc. commented on the unauthorized biographies and the potential damage they could do to the Earnhardt legend. The majority of the unauthorized works contain ludicrous content. The primary concern with that is the fact that the fans, who purchase
these books looking to learn more about Dale, are not getting accurate information.
There is a lot of second, third and even fourth-hand information that has been manipulated and dramatized for the sake of generating more sales. DEI management has talked about the issue of these books and the way a great deal of the information is presented. While the number of mistakes in some of these stories is unbelievable, the fact remains that they are just plain wrong. People who were close to him are being upset by some of these tales. The majority of Earnhardt's family and close friends have yet to reflect publicly on the man who influenced the lives of those around him.
Dale's fans are handing over their hard-earned money and being taken advantage of. We all want to remember Dale and share our thoughts on him, and we will when the time comes. In the meantime, we want to make sure the stories surrounding him are correct. So far, there's only a handful of people who have their facts straight and are interested in telling the truth. Our hopes are that the fans remember Dale's commitment to personal integrity and DEI's commitment to accurate and authorized materials and consider that as part of their purchasing practices.(Falgren PR)(11-22-2001)
(11-21-2001)
- Gordon Makes TV Appearance's: Jeff Gordon, the 2001 Winston Cup champion will appear on The Late Show with David
Letterman on Thursday night, November 29. Gordon will also have a cameo in the November 28th episode of The Drew Carey Show. The show's plot is that Drew resorts to drag racing as a way to save his manhood---and shut down Mimi---after Christine starts treating him like her personal errand boy. Twisted Sister's Dee Snider also has a cameo(Motorsports TV)(11-21-2001)
- Roush Contribution: NASCAR team owner Jack Roush, was one of the charitable individuals that has shown his support in acknowledgement of the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001, on New York City and Washington, DC. Roush elected to make a contribution to the Uniformed Firefighters Association Widows' and Children's Fund, a non-profit organization dedicated help relieve financial hardship experienced by widows' and children of firefighters who die in the line of duty. The contribution to the fund comes in two parts. First, Roush has matched all contributions made by its 1,800 employees of the three main operating companies, Roush Racing, Roush Engineering and Roush Performance. Second, a percentage of souvenir sales made from the last 10 Winston Cup races will be directly contributed to the fund. The total contribution from these two donation campaigns has come to approximately $70,000 with one race still remaining. Additionally, Roush invited all of its licensees to participate in their effort through product donation for Christmas presents for the Widows' and Children's Fund. The response for the licensees has been incredible. To date, the following licensees have donated hundreds of gifts: Wenger, Mattel, USAopoly, Checkered Flag, Valley Forge Flag Co., Seven Sons, Inc., Palmer Candies and Mine Safety, Inc. Next Friday, November 30, 2001, at 1pm at the UFA Headquarters in NYC Roush along with drivers, Jeff Burton, Matt Kenseth, and Kurt Busch will make a check presentation and gift delivery on behalf of Roush to the UFA Widows' and Children's Fund.(Roush Racing PR)(11-21-2001)
- NASCAR and Coca-Cola: NASCAR and The Coca-Cola Company have extended their partnership designating Coca-Cola as the Official Soft Drink of NASCAR. The new multi-year deal expands the relationship to add Dasani as the Official Water of NASCAR and Minute Maid as the Official Juice of NASCAR. The cornerstone of Coca-Cola's involvement in NASCAR, the Coca-Cola Racing Family, is a collection of the most popular drivers on the NASCAR Winston Cup Series and a few of the sport.s rising stars. Extended family members also include team owners and spouses. As part of its NASCAR relationship, Coca-Cola will continue to aggressively market the relationship through NASCAR-themed packaging, point-of-sale, advertising (including dedicated media on both television and Internet), promotions and premium merchandise. Coca-Cola Classic is the Official Soft Drink of NASCAR and the sponsor of the
Coca-Cola 600 in Charlotte. Through its association with tracks and race teams, The Coca-Cola Company and its bottling partners have been involved in NASCAR for more than 30 years. The Company sponsored cars from 1969-76 and 1990-94 under the Coca-Cola and Mello Yello brands, respectively.(NASCAR PR)(11-21-2001)
(11-20-2001)
- New Hauler Challenge? UPDATE 2: hearing that International Truck And Engine Corp. is re-starting the old "Mayflower Challenge" truck event(this is where Team Hauler drivers run the haulers on an 'obstacle type course', whoever scores the most points wins) in NASCAR this year and are calling it the International Truck Challenge. So far, supposedly 13 rig(team haulers) drivers for the Cup teams are participating in the first event to be held at Sears Point. Two additional events will be held at Charlotte in October and Atlanta in November. There is a $25,000 grand prize to the total points winner(6-1-2001)
UPDATE: Everyone knows that stock car drivers can handle a steering wheel with unfathomable skill. But for the first time this weekend, over 25 race team rig drivers will take the wheel of International(r) 9000i Series trucks, start their engines and maneuver the turns with a chance to collect the purse at the "International Truck Challenge." International Truck and Engine Corporation is hosting the "International Truck Challenge," a competition showcasing the skills of the drivers behind the drivers, at Sears Point Raceway in Sonoma,
Calif., June 24. The challenge is part of the International sponsorship agreement with NASCAR. The course will demand precision from the race team drivers as they show off the truck-driving prowess that gets their team's car and equipment from race to race all season long. The competition awards points to drivers for skillfully maneuvering International trucks through an obstacle course while racing against a clock. Truly exceptional driving is awarded with bonus points, but mistakes result in deductions. The winner of the challenge receives $1,000 and a boost toward the $25,000 grand prize, given to the point leader after three challenges throughout the season. For driver standings throughout the racing season, or more information on the International Truck Challenge, go to www.internationaldelivers.com and at NASCAR.com
International Truck Challenge Participants:
Bob Hannagan, #01 Ganassi Racing; Rick Johnson, #02 Penske Racing South; Thomas McCrimmon, #6 Roush Racing; Joey Benson, #7 Ultra Motorsports; John Bobbette/Tracy Cumplain, #9 Evernham-Elliott Motorsports; Jerry Hess, #10 MBV Motorsports; Dennis LaCroix, #11 Brett Bodine Racing; Rodney Pickler, #12 Penske Racing LLC ; Mike Jennings, #14 A.J. Foyt Racing; Jeff Miles, #15 DEI; Peter Jellen, #18 Joe Gibbs Racing; Leroy Treadwell, #19 Evernham Motorsports; Dan Heidtke, #20 Joe Gibbs Racing; John Pounds, #22 Bill Davis Racing; Barry Sheppard, #21-Wood Brothers; Ricky Simmons, #26 Haas/Carter Motorsports; Jim Baldwin, #29 Richard Childress Racing; George Hoult, #31 Richard Childress Racing; Bart Starr, #32 PPI Motorsports; Gale Wilson, #36 MB2 Motorsports; Chris Sweeny, #40 Ganassi Racing; Gary Geissman, #43 Petty Enterprises; Michael Butcher, #44 Petty Enterprises; Stephen Mitchell, #45 Petty Enterprises; Rocky Boggs, #66 Haas/Carter Motorsports; Bill Lewis, #77 Jasper Motorsports; Mike Smith, #90 Donlavey Racing; Mark Parrish, #93 Bill Davis Racing Robby Maschhaupt, #96 PPI Motorsports(NASCAR PR)(6-19-2001)
UPDATE 2 The third and final race for the prize UPDATE Sheppard wins: in the International Truck Challenge, a three-event competition showcasing the skills of race team tractor trailer drivers and the International vehicles that help them haul equipment across the country, will be held at Atlanta Motor Speedway on Saturday, Nov 17th. The first two events were at Sears Point and Lowes Motor Speedway. There is a $25,000 grand prize to the total points winner. The winner at Sears Point was #43 driver Garry Geissman, at Lowes Motor Speedway was Ricky Simmons driver of the #26 rig. See more at NASCAR.com - International Truck Challenge(11-15-2001)
UPDATE 3: #21-Wood Brothers transporter driver Barry Sheppard won the International Truck Challenge Championship this weekend. The contest pits 22 Winston Cup truck drivers in a series of driving tests. Sheppard won this weekend's race at Atlanta Motor Speedway, clinching the 2001 title(Richmond Times Dispatch)(11-20-2001)
- Elliott 4th Quater Man of the Year: Bill Elliott has been selected as the fourth quarter nominee for True Value.s Man of the Year. True Value, the Official Hardware Store of NASCAR, is once again sponsoring the NASCAR True Value Man of the Year. The award is designed to honor drivers, not only for their accomplishments on the track, but for their community service contributions and charitable efforts. Mark Martin, driver of the #6 Pfizer/Viagra Ford, Rick Mast, former driver of the #27 Pontiac and Jeff Gordon, driver of the #24 DuPont Automotive Chevrolet, respectively, were the recipients of the first, second and third quarter nominations. Elliott, the 1988 NASCAR Winston Cup Series champion and 15-time winner of the fan-voted Most Popular Driver Award, is a regular contributor to the MD Anderson Research Center in Texas in memory of his nephew, Casey Elliott. The younger Elliott lost his battle with cancer at the age of 21. He is also involved with the Brain Tumor Foundation and has been selected as the grand marshal of Georgia.s Special Olympics opening ceremonies. Elliott meets with children and their families at racetracks throughout the country through the Make-A-Wish program.(NASCAR PR)(11-20-2001)
- Essay Winner: Kylee Nielsen, 16, won the essay contest,part of "Drive to Read @ your library" - a program developed by Morningstar Foods Inc. and the American Library Association. NASCAR driver Ward Burton is the spokesman. Kylee's essay was on Lance Armstrong's book about his successful battle against testicular cancer: "It's Not About the Bike ... My Journey Back to Life." The book struck a nerve because Kylee's father, Dennis, died of colon and liver cancer last December after an intense, 18-month battle. He was 50. Kylee's essay topped a 100-plus field from 25 states. From Nov. 9 to 12, she and four family members, along with Anderson and her son, enjoyed her prize-winning perks: a red-carpet weekend in Miami, a day at Homestead-Miami Speedway and a meeting with Burton. The essay contest was launched in August at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway. It asked teens to check out one of 75 recommend books and write an essay about how it was meaningful and inspiring to them.(Omaha World-Herald)(11-20-2001)
(11-19-2001)
- Irwin Memorial Campground: Reva and Kenneth Irwin Sr. are working to transform the former Lakewood and Gypsies' Paradise campground south of New Castle into the Kenny Irwin Jr. Memorial Campground. The campground, located at 75 W. Road 500S, is to become a facility for disabled and underprivileged children. The request to complete the work was officially approved Thursday at the Henry County Planning Commission meeting. The board unanimously granted a commission-approved use rating to operate the facility on the 27-acre campground. Irwin Sr. told the board he and his wife had known little about their son's charitable givings until shortly after his death in July 2000 at the New Hampshire Speedway. The Winston Cup driver had always kept those dealings to himself.(Courier Times)(11-19-2001)
- Atlanta Ratings: Sunday’s NAPA 500 from the Atlanta Motor Speedway on NBC earned a 4.0 overnight rating and 9 share, a 100 percent increase over last year’s 2.0 national rating (converted cable to network - plus the race last year was on Monday) for the NAPA 500 on ESPN. The rating peaked with a 5.0 in the final half-hour as Bobby Labonte took his second checkered flag of the 2001 season and Jeff Gordon clinched his fourth NASCAR Winston Cup Championship. The NASCAR on NBC pre-race show hosted by Bill Weber, continued its strong performance by delivering a 2.5 overnight rating/6 share.(NBC PR)(11-19-2001)
- Autopsy Photos News: Five journalism advocacy organizations are asking a state appeals court to declare unconstitutional a law limiting access to autopsy photos. The Florida Legislature passed the law in March, weeks after the death of NASCAR champion Dale Earnhardt in a last-lap crash in the season-opening Daytona 500. The groups' brief, filed with the Fifth District Court of Appeal in Daytona Beach on Monday, supports the University of Florida student newspaper's attempt at having the law struck down.(ESPN/AP)(11-19-2001)
- Hornaday/Foyt to part ways: The New Hampshire 300 at NHIS will be Ron Hornaday's last race in A.J. Foyt's #14 Conseco Pontiac. Hornaday will announce his 2002 plans in the future (may include the #43 BGN ride) and Foyt and Conseco will decide on a new driver for 2002 in the near future(ESPN's RPM 2 Night), rumors include Rick Mast (who drove for Foyt in 2000)(11-19-2001)
- Update about the #28 Crew UPDATE 2: Bobby Burrell, tire changer, 30 years old from Huntersville, N.C. Bobby Burrell has been upgraded from serious to good condition at Jackson Memorial Hospital in Miami.
Crew Update for Sunday: Pitting the No. 28 Texaco/Havoline Taurus on Sunday will be:
Front Tire Changer: Rick Burgdoff (of the #10 BGN Team)
Front Tire Carrier: Scott Kircher (of the #10 BGN Team)
Jack Man: Chris Wright (fabricator of the #28)
The team has pit stop practice each Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday evening. They started using helmets in Monday's practice.(Ricky Rudd.com)(11-15-2001)
UPDATE - Crew Member Moved: Bobby Burrell, the front-tire changer on Ricky Rudd's #28 Fords who was the most-seriously injured in last Sunday's pit-road incident at Homestead-Miami Speedway, returned to Charlotte on Friday. Robert Yates, owner of Rudd's team, said Burrell was taken by NASCAR plane from Baptist Hospital in Miami to Carolinas Medical Center in Charlotte. He remained in good condition. Yates, whose two Winston Cup teams will use helmets for their over-the-wall pit crew members this weekend, said last weekend's accident was "extremely scary."(That's Racin')(11-16-2001)
UPDATE 2 - Burrell Released from Hospital: Bobby Burrell, tire changer, 30 years old from Huntersville, N.C. Bobby Burrell was released from Carolinas Medical Center today. He will continue his recovery from injuries at home. He still has some minor dizziness and many bruises, but is in good spirits and looking forward to being home.(Ricky Rudd.com)(11-19-2001)
- Hooper and Petree UPDATE: it was reported during NAPA 500 Happy Hour coverage on TNT that the #47-Lance Hooper car is from Andy Petree Racing and is being used to test the new one engine rule for 2002, practice, qualifying and racing on one engine, so APR can get results and see how it works out, get a head start for 2002. Hooper starts from 36th(11-17-2001)
UPDATE: The #47 Chevrolet fielded by owner Andy Petree attempted to run the same motor for qualifying, practice and the race in anticipation of next year's single-engine rule. The engine blew 106 laps into the race.(St Petersburg Times/AP)(11-19-2001)
- 2nd Morgan McClure team? UPDATE 2: Along with signing Mike Skinner taking over behind the wheel for #4 Chevy there is speculation that Hamilton Jr. will become the driver of a second M-M Winston Cup team in 2002, pending a sponsorship. Hamilton Jr. will not be able to race the #4 car at Martinsville Oct. 14 due to the fact the BGN series will be racing in Memphis that weekend. McClure said he will be looking for a more experienced driver who has run at Martinsville before(BGN does not run there - Rich Bickle will drive).(Bristol Herald Courier), Dr. Pepper maybe. And yes, if Hamilton Jr runs all 7 races, he will had run 10 races in 2002 and will not be eligible for any future Rookie of the Year awards(10-2-2001)
UPDATE: As for the ever-present question of a second M-M team involving Hamilton, McClure said stay tuned. ``We're looking at that,'' McClure said. ``We've been wanting to do a two-team deal. I certainly don't know of anybody that I would like to have anymore than Bobby Hamilton Jr. `We will just look and see how we do together, and then see if some deal comes around. If something surfaces and we feel like it will compliment our Kodak deal, we would certainly look at it (a second car) real hard.''(Bristol Herald Courier)(10-3-2001)
UPDATE 2: Morgan-McClure Motorsports is reportedly looking for a second, primary sponsor in hopes of keeping Hamilton Jr.(NASCAR.com Buzz)(11-19-2001)
- Special #29 Scheme: The Hershey Foods Corporation is putting its newest candy bar creation - Reese's FastBreak - on the fast track with Hershey's Racing driver Kevin Harvick. Reese's FastBreak candy bar will break into Winston Cup racing on the #29 GM Goodwrench Service Plus Monte Carlo, driven by Harvick and owned by Richard Childress Racing (RCR), on November 23, 2001, at the New Hampshire 300. Hershey is celebrating the November introduction of Reese's FastBreak with a one-time version of the #29 Chevrolet sporting the Reese's FastBreak logo and a special color scheme featuring the Reese's FastBreak design(RCR PR/Site)(11-19-2001)
- Little E's Eye Problem: #8-Dale Earnhardt Jr got debris in his eye during his final pit stop that hampered his vision for the last green-flag run. The initial discomfort was so great that he thought he had a piece of metal in his eye, and he went directly to the infield care center to have his eye irrigated and checked after the race. Ironically the debris got in his eye while he was wearing a full-face helmet, something he went to last week(SpeedVision) AND He was taken to the infield care center after the race where he was treated. He was sent home with eyedrops.(RacingExtra) AND Earnhardt spent most of the remainder of the race driving with just one eye open. He finished seventh after starting from the pole. Following the race, Earnhardt was taken to the speedway's infield care center, where he was examined and had his eye washed out. A team spokesman said he may have been bothered by a small piece of metal, but whatever it was did no damage to his eye.(That's Racin')(11-19-2001)
- Rudd's Back? #28-Ricky Rudd could be headed for the same back surgery that Mark Martin had during a recent offseason. "I didn’t hurt my back when I hit the wall, I think I must have the Mark Martin syndrome, my back has been bothering me for a little while," Rudd said. "I might have to get it fixed this winter. It hurts when I sit in the seat for a long time."(SpeedVision)(11-19-2001)
- Melling Racing/Compton back in 2002? it was reported during NBC's coverage of the NAPA 500 at Atlanta, that Melling Racing and driver Stacy Compton may have good news to report soon for the 2002 season and that the #92 team may be around for the full 2002 Cup season, sounds like a sponsor(11-19-2001)
- Sospenzo Looking: The #12 team isn't the only organization waiting to see whether owner Roger Penske keeps the doors open. Several teams, including Rick Hendrick's #48 (Jimmie Johnson), have expressed interest in crew chief Peter Sospenzo if the #12 shop shuts down. Sospenzo says he has spoken with the Hendrick organization.(Sporting News)(11-19-2001)
(11-18-2001)
see the Nov 12-18, 2001 Archived News Page
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