Benson special Chicago paint? UPDATE and: hearing that #10-Johnny Benson will have a special scheme for the Tropicana 400 at Chicagoland and the scheme will be unveiled in Feb or March 2002(1-26-2002) UPDATE: looks like the scheme will be Muppets / Fozzie Bear, plus Benson will run special Valvoline schemes as follows: Max Life - Texas - April 7; Eagle One -California - April 28; and Zerex - Kansas - September 29.(Johnny Benson Fanclub Site)(1-27-2002)
Simpson to return? Bill Simpson retired from the racing products company that bears his name last summer, when the controversy over the separated lap belt found in the wreckage of Dale Earnhardt's fatal accident was at its height. But according to driver Rusty Wallace, a friend of Simpson's, the safety pioneer might be ready to get back in the game. "He's ramping up a little bit right now to get back in business," Wallace said. "I'm pleading with him to get back in business. He was really mad at the world for a long time. I know he's one of the experts out there. I expect Bill in another four or five months to come out with a new line of safety equipment, uniforms, helmets, shoes and the whole thing. As soon as that happens, I'm putting it right on." Simpson's company manufactured the belt that separated in Earnhardt's crash, setting off a debate over whether the belt was installed improperly or failed on its own. He earned a degree of vindication over the offseason, when NASCAR mandated that all belts must be installed according to manufacturer's instructions. "The thing that really killed him is that one of his best friends was Dale Earnhardt," Wallace said. "And he was taking all that wrath with people telling him his product was bad, and it wasn't. He and Dale drank beer together and hung out together. They loved each other. He wore everything Simpson had."(Charleston Post and Courier)(1-27-2002)
Park to test at Charlotte UPDATE 2: CNN/SI's NASCAR Plus show reported on Monday's show that Steve Park, injured in a BGN accident at Darlington, will test a roadster at Lowes Motor Speedway to see how his progess is going. Park's return could return anywhere between Texas and Daytona in July(1-14-2002) UPDATE: Park was excited about a trip he made to Lowe’s Motor Speedway at mid-month to turn laps in a Legends car under the eyes of crew chief Paul Andrews and neurosurgeon Dr. Jerry Petty. Park said he turned laps that were only a .10 of second off the track record for that division and had no problems with vertigo or depth perception. “The test went well,” Park said. “You don’t know what to expect when you get back in a car, but with Paul Andrews and the doctors there, I had the confidence to go out. I think it showed Paul that I was back. "It was the best thing the last 4 1/2 month that I’ve had, I can tell you that.” Park now wears glasses that currently correct his up close vision to 20/17 and he admits that things far away are still “just a little foggy.” But after that clears, he expects to go racing again quickly.(Anniston Star)(1-27-2002)
Robby Gordon in the desert UPDATE 3: Robby Gordon is driving in this weekend's Parker 400 off-road race.(Arizona Republic), Parker 400, and will be driving a new Danny Porter built Truggy. Robby will be unable to attend the Parker 400 Poker Run this Saturday due to a previous NASCAR commitment in Daytona, but will be arriving in Parker late Saturday night. Robby will be driving the first half of the race, teamed with co-pilot/owner/designer Johnny Kaiser in the new #131 Truggy. Team Gordon is currently planning to race a limited off-road schedule as time permits, which includes the following races, San Felipe 250, Terrible Town 250 and 1 or 2 other races time permitting given Robby's busy NASCAR schedule running in Cup.(Desert Racing) and more at www.off-road.com(1-25-2002) UPDATE: Robby Gordon's plans have changed for the Historic Whiplash/SNORE Parker 400. Instead of co-driving a single vehicle in this race, Gordon is now going to be driving with his father [Bob] in their Class 1 Toyota, as well as driving Johnny Kaiser's Class 1 Truggy. Gordon's current plans are to start the race in the Toyota, and then at the halfway point, Bob Gordon will take over the driving duties in the Toyota, and Robby will take over the driving duties in the new Kaiser Truggy. This is the supposedly first time anyone has ever attempted to compete in two Class 1 vehicles in the same race.(Robby Gordon site)(1-26-2002) UPDATE 2: looks like Gordon finished 32nd of 97(Off Road)(1-27-2002) UPDATE 3: Gordon finished the buggy 12th in class. He had some problems early on (within the first 30 miles) that put him about 40 minutes down from the leaders. After the repairs were complete, he made up a considerable amount of time. Eventually,
he suffered a few flat tires that he had to manually change and finished the 400 miles in 7 hours, 18 minutes and 49 seconds. Gordon was unable to drive the Kaiser truggy, because it also suffered problems within the early stages of the race.(1-27-2002)
(1-26-2002)
A pre Earnhardt plaque look at the new pedestrian bridge at Daytona International Speedway.
Taken during the first week of Cup testing, thanks to Joe Secka for the image
(click on image for a look at the larger version)
Could be an Dale Earnhardt Memorial Bridge? UPDATE Bridge named for Earnhardt on the City Commission Meeting Agenda (Daytona Beach) for 7:00pm on Jan 23rd - A-1 Pedestrian Overpass Dedication – Resolution naming the Pedestrian Overpass which spans International Speedway Boulevard “The Dale Earnhardt Memorial Bridge.”(City of Daytona Beach Site)(1-23-2002) UPDATE: The new pedestrian overpass built to provide safe passage for fans attending events at Daytona International Speedway has been named to honor racing icon Dale Earnhardt. City commissioners unanimously approved a resolution Wednesday naming the overpass that spans International Speedway Boulevard The Dale Earnhardt Memorial Bridge. Construction of the $4.2 million pedestrian overpass should be completed by Friday, said Stan Lemke, the city's Public Works director. The overpass was criticized by some who objected to $3.2 million in state money devoted to the project. The Speedway also contributed land valued at $1 million. Mayor Bud Asher announced that Daytona International Speedway officials agreed to pay the cost of putting plaques at both ends of the bridge to honor Earnhardt.(Daytona Beach News Journal)(1-24-2002) - image (1-26-2002)
Be an Original? UPDATE looks true - images: hearing that #40-Sterling Marlin will run an original Coor's scheme for ten races in 2002(1-22-2002) UPDATE: got some images of the car, very nice looking, see my Paint Scheme Gallery for a few shots(1-26-2002)
Little E films a commercial for the Super Bowl: Anheuser-Busch is teaming up with Dale Earnhart Jr. to deliver an important message about designated drivers. This new commercial featuring Earnhardt Jr., set to debut February 3, during the television broadcast of Super Bowl XXXVI continues Anheuser-Busch's commitment to helping prevent drunk driving. The 30-second ad shows the racing superstar serving as the designated driver and using his famous #8 Budweiser Chevy to drive a friend home. A recent national poll showed that 122 million Americans have either been a designated driver or have been driven home by one. Since 1982, Anheuser-Busch and its wholesalers have invested more than $375 million in alcohol education and awareness efforts to help fight underage drinking and drunk driving and to promote personal responsibility. For more information on these efforts and the progress being made, visit www.beeresponsible.com.(Yahoo Biz)(1-26-2002)
Marilyn Monroe scheme? UPDATE: hearing #9 Bill Elliott will run a Marilyn Monroe scheme of some sort this season, no idea where or why(1-22-2002) UPDATE: hearing the scheme will be run at the California Speedway Cup race(1-26-2002)
Jarrett special Chicago paint? UPDATE: hearing that #88-Dale Jarrett will have special schemes for the Tropicana 400 at Chicagoland and the scheme will be unveiled in Feb or March 2002(1-26-2002)
Burton the Announcer: #99-Jeff Burton will announce the 2002 True Value IROC Series along side Bob Jenkins and Scott Goodyear on ESPN and ABC. Burton will now be doing double and sometimes triple duty on race weekends driving the #99 CITGO Ford in Cup, the #9 GAIN Ford in the BGN and announcing the IROC races. Burton has been a participant the past four IROC seasons with one win in 1998 at Michigan. He also finished second overall in points that same year in the IROC series. However, this is Burton's first stint as an announcer and he feels confident he can do the job. There will be 12 drivers representing four different race series in 2002 and that should make for some exciting racing. The combination of Burton, who will be representing NASCAR, and Goodyear, who will be representing the IRL, should also make for some colorful commentating.(Roush Racing PR)(1-26-2002)
Kenny and RPM 2 Night: #1 Pennzoil driver, Kenny Wallace, has signed up to be on ESPN2's RPM 2 Night every Monday night with John Kernan and be the analyst for NASCAR racing on RPM 2 Night(Kenny Wallace Racing)(1-26-2002)
NASCAR and CASCAR? UPDATE: the Cayuga 2000 Speedway site is reporting that five 5 NASCAR Stars Officially Signed to race at the track during the final 2002 off weekend (June 28-30th) and Canada Day Weekend. An official press conference will be held sometime in Jan 2002. Supposedly the January 2002 issue of Performance Racing News it mentions Tony Stewart as confirmed, and either Ken Schrader or Michael Waltrip as other drivers being there(12-26-2001) UPDATE: Tony Stewart heads a list of five Winston Cup drivers who will take part in the CASCAR Canada Day Shootout at Cayuga Speedway near Hamilton on Sunday, June 30. Stewart will be joined by Johnny Benson, Ken Schrader, Matt Kenseth and Dave Blaney. Drivers will compete in CASCAR Late Models which will feature a unique "Twin 50 Plus 100" lap format which is expected to draw almost 20,000 fans from Toronto, Hamilton, Buffalo and throughout the Golden Horseshoe region of southern Ontario.(The Sports Network) AND Cayuga and CASCAR were willing to confirm that Tony Stewart, Johnny Benson, Ken Schrader, Matt Kenseth and Dave Blaney are the NASCAR regulars who will race at Canada's legendary 5/8-mile oval on one of the few 'off-weekends' of the Winston Cup schedule. The format of the race will be have two, 50-lap sprint qualifying heats, followed by 100 lap feature, for a total of 200 laps. According to Mitch Mortimer - whose MMC Group works in a marketing and promotional capacity for both CASCAR and Cayuga - a full house is expected for the event at the 18,000 seat track. And if sales warrant, temporary aluminum grandstands can be installed to accommodate the demand.(Inside Track Motorsports News)(1-26-2002)
Elliott tests a dirt car: Bill Elliot [#9 Dodge Dealer Dodge] arrived by helicopter at Atomic Motor Speedway [Knoxville, TN] on Monday morning [Jan 21st] to test out new motors, a new car, and a new dirt team formed late last year. When asked, Why Dirt Track Racing? Elliott replied, "I turned one lap last year in a GRT Dirt Late Model and I was Hooked, This is the Grass Roots of Racing; Where it all started." When asked, Why Atomic? "I was here in the early seventies with Jody Ridley it was a great race track then and It's even better today." The 2002 Atomic Speedway Season Kicks Off March 29-30 (Easter Weekend) with a Nothing But Speed Weekend! It's the First Annual Karaoke Café Thunder 100 paying 25 thousand to win, 15 hundred to start, in the Super Late Models and 3 thousand to win in the Steel Headed Late Models. A special treat is also on the board for race fans on Saturday Night as the Outlaw Winged Mini Sprints are expected to turn the track faster than the Late Models. The Big Question that still remains is whether the Number 9 of Awesome Bill will be one of the many cars expected to try to turn the high banks of Atomic in hopes of a starting position in Saturday's Thunder 100. When Carson Branum was asked; Will he be back? He smiled in that normal Vestal Fashion and replied, "I can't say for sure, but I can tell you if I find your car parked in my new Helicopter Parking Only on March 29-30th it want be towed, but It probably will be re-located when you return."(see full story and images at the Atomic Motor Speedway Site)(1-26-2002)
Why no Benning? UPDATE: #84-Norm Benning was the only driver of the 30 reporting for testing this week who did not participate Tuesday. He could not go out on the track because he did not bring his head-and-neck restraint. Last season, NASCAR made mandatory the use of head-and-neck restraints for all drivers in its top three series - Winston Cup, Grand National and Trucks.(That's Racin')(1-16-2002) UPDATE: sources within Benning's team say that Norm Benning also stated that he did not get on the track on Tuesday because he wanted to make sure he absolutely fit all the templates before going on the track. Not because he forgot his head & neck
restraints(1-26-2002)
Award: The International Special Events Society (ISES) and Special Events Magazine awarded the 600 Festival Association's slate of events the Gala Award for Best Fair or Festival worldwide. Accepting the award during the ceremony at the Phoenix Civic Center was Jay Howard Events, Inc., the Concord based company that produces these events. The 600 Festival includes three major, family oriented events promoting NASCAR racing at the famed Lowe's Motor Speedway. The annual lineup has become known collectively as "The Month of Speed," and includes the Air & Speed Show, the UAW-GM Teamwork Parade and Food Lion Speed Street. These happenings attract a half million people during the month of May with entertainment, celebrities, live music, exhibits and racing-related activities.(Jay Howard Events PR)(1-26-2002)
(1-25-2002)
Earnhardt Jr's Book: Dale Earnhardt Jr.'s first book, Driver #8, is now available. It is a behind-the-scenes look at Dale Jr.'s rookie season in Winston Cup. The project which was was started long before his father's tragic accident at Daytona last February, and offers a glimpse at how Dale Jr. coped with the pressures of starting his Cup career as a much-hyped rookie driver in 2000. Dale Jr., with assistance from team publicist Jade Gurss, describes his year race-by-race, including his dramatic victories at Texas, Richmond and at The Winston all-star race. It also details the frustrations of a poor second half of the 2000 season and what is involved in a Winston Cup driver's life away from the track. The book will make its debut on the New York Times Best Sellers list on February 3. "Driver #8" is 16th on the Times non-fiction list following its first (partial) week of sales.(ThatsRacin.com). See my Racing Bookstore page for more info(1-25-2002)
Indy 500/Coke 600 double: Besides Tony Stewart, who likely will hook up with Chip Ganassi for the second year in a row, Indianapolis 500 veterans Robby Gordon and John Andretti are eyeing the daily double by running the Indy 500 at Indianapolis Motor Speedway and the Coca-Cola 600 at Lowes Motor Speedway. Stewart placed sixth in the Indy 500 and third in the Coca-Cola 600 last year, completing all 1,100 miles. He clearly wants to do it again, and Ganassi said a deal is in the works.(Indianapolis Star), it has also been mentioned that Kevin Harvick could attempt both races(1-25-2002)
(1-24-2002)
Scanners at ISC Tracks: International Speedway Corporation, parent company of Americrown Service Corporation, has entered into a marketing agreement that limits scanner related vendors to two companies at their tracks (Calif, Chicagoland, Daytona, Darlington, Homestead, Kansas, Michigan, Phoenix, Richmond, Rockingham, Talladega, Watkins Glen), Racing Electronics and Track Scan. This agreement leaves six scanner vendors in a position that they are not allowed on International Speedway Corporation property. Two of the other vendors are Race-Scan and Frequency Fan Club, not sure of the other four.(in part from a RACE-SCAN Communications PR/Site, see more there)(1-24-2002)
Marcis plans and Trickle to run #71 at the Rock: Dave Marcis will attempt to make one last start in his #71 Chevy before retiring as a driver, but he insists Marcis Auto Racing will continue forward in the Winston Cup Series. After Speedweeks, Marcis will become strictly a car owner. He's already making plans for the next phase of his racing career. "I'll hang around Winston Cup racing," he said during the Winston Cup Preview Jan. 19. "I've got some plans to run Dick Trickle in a car at Rockingham and various other drivers throughout the year. If they've got the sponsorships and help pay the bills, we'll be around." Marcis will stay quite busy in "retirement." He will continue to be the lead test driver for the International Race of Champions series and also do testing for select Winston Cup teams in addition to running a new business venture. Marcis said he's leaning heavily on Richard Childress Racing for technical support to make the Daytona 500. His best chance to make the $12 million race is to post a fast lap in qualifying.(Winston Cup Scene - need sub to read)(1-24-2002)
Another Wind Tunnel: A developer has bought 132 acres near the intersection of Laurens Road and Interstate 85 south of Greenville, SC and plans a research park that would include a $40 million wind tunnel that Clemson University would operate and make available to NASCAR race teams, the seller of the land said. For months, local business leaders have been working with Clemson to find a site for the proposed wind tunnel, which they hope is the start of making Greenville the research hub for the Southeast's motorsports and automotive industries.(Greenville News)(1-24-2002)
Softwall News: Soft-wall technology for superspeedways could be as close as three years away, said Brian Barnhart, Indy Racing League vice president for racing operations. For nearly two years, the Indy Racing League has financed and participated in a soft-wall project at the University of Nebraska in Lincoln, and Barnhart said Tuesday that the project is progressing well. Barnhart said the soft walls are a derivation of another layered system used on the inside of Turn 4 at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway in 1998. Barnhart said that this system, though, has evolved beyond that. "We had our latest test on Friday at Nebraska," Barnhart said during the Texas Motor Speedway 2002 Media Day. "We have made lots of gains and lots of progress. We are in the fine-tuning stages at this point in time." The test on Friday was "IRL-15", the 15th time an IRL car had been pulled into the test wall at various speeds and angles.(Star Telegram)(1-24-2002)
California Testing UPDATE:: #2-Rusty Wallace and #36-Ken Schrader are scheduled to test at California Speedway on Thursday, January 24, 2002(California Speedway PR)(1-19-2002) UPDATE: #12-Ryan Newman and #36-Ken Schrader will test on Jan 24th, 2002, not #2-Rusty Wallace as announced(California Speedway PR)(1-24-2002)
New Cup Team? Team Bristol Motorsports [#54 BGN] owner Rick Goodwin believes he's close to landing primary sponsorship for driver Kelly Denton, and adds that they could run a handful of Winston Cup races later this year. Denton left Team Bristol in June of last year, but rejoined the team at Rockingham. Tony Lambert, Mark Martin's former BGN crew chief at Roush Racing, has been brought on board.(Winston Cup Scene - need sub to read)(1-24-2002)
ESPN and NASCAR: ESPN's RPM2night will continue to be denied access to pre and post race on-track interviews and highlight footage of NASCAR Winston Cup and Busch Grand National events. In what started in 2000 with the announcement of a multi-million dollar TV deal between NASCAR, Fox and NBC, ESPN reporters have been denied broadcast credentials to the racing venues at the discretion of the current contracted broadcasters. Problems between the networks date back to the final race of the 2000 season at Atlanta Motor Speedway, when ESPN by contractual rights, denied FOX the ability to shoot trailer footage for the 2001 broadcasts. Prior to the comprehensive broadcasting contract, it was up to each individual facility to negotiate television rights. A majority of the tracks had deals with ESPN; a pioneer in motorsports television. RPM2night is not denied access to the tracks, RPM reporters can interview drivers and teams to gather information; they are just not allowed to broadcast or record footage from the track.(Motorsport.com)(1-24-2002)
#75/Oordt Team to Return? UPDATE 3 Denny Green buys in...Dallenbach back? former #75 Galaxy Motorosports Cup team owner Darwin Oordt said there is a chance he could field a new team with former Minnesota Vikings coach Dennis Green as his partner, perhaps as early as this season. ''Dennis and I became friends when I was in Minnesota,'' Oordt said. ''He's very interested in racing, and we're trying to get things worked out to co-own a team.'' Oordt was forced to fold his Winston Cup team last season after a major sponsorship fell through. When he was unable to field a car for the Daytona 500, Oordt was sued by his driver, Wally Dallenbach, for breach of contact. The legal battle remains unsettled. Dallenbach is seeking damages for what he calculates would equal a year's lost earnings. Neither side will reveal figures in the suit, but it is believed to be in excess of $1 million.(Tennessean)(1-10-2002) UPDATE: Former Minnesota Vikings coach Dennis Green has formed a partnership with Darwin Oordt, owner of the dormant [was #75 Ford] Galaxy Motorsports Winston Cup team, made the partnership public Thursday. Their company will be called Denny Green Racing, LLC and the plans are for the team to start racing in May.(EPSN/AP)(1-20-2002) UPDATE 2: A team spokesman said Jan. 21 that it has had discussions with Dallenbach among other potential drivers. The team hopes to run engines built by Robert Yates and hopes to have sponsorship secured within 30 days.(Winston Cup Scene - need sub to read)(1-24-2002) AND Oordt said he and Green are working on a potential sponsorship that would allow the team to race in either the Busch Series or Winston Cup, or perhaps both. They also have to hire a driver, crew chief and other personnel.(Tennessean)(1-24-2002)
(1-23-2002)
The Dale Earnhardt Statue foundation in front of DIS, thanks Barney
Daytona to name 'something' for Earnhardt UPDATE 4: Daytona International Speedway is going name something after Dale [Earnhardt] -- they just aren't saying what it will be. It's already been decided and it has the blessings of the Earnhardt family, as well. "After considerable input from fans and competitors, and with the support of the Earnhardt family, we have chosen a special way to celebrate the life and legend of Dale Earnhardt. It is our intention to make the announcement regarding our tribute during Speedweeks 2002." David Talley, Director Corporate Communications, ISC(NASCAR.com)(12-16-2001) UPDATE: Rumor has it Daytona International Speedway may be planning to remember the late Dale Earnhardt with some type of permanent memorial -- perhaps a statue -- before this year's Daytona 500. The permanent display was said to be, according to a source, "something all fans would have access to." The official word is expected sometime next week with the ceremony possibly taking place the week leading up to the Feb. 17 race. Earnhardt is the winningest driver at Daytona, with more than 30 trips to Victory Lane when you add up wins in Winston Cup, Busch, Shootout and IROC events.(NASCAR.com Buzz)(1-15-2002) UPDATE 2: Nobody’s talking about it, but a currently active construction site adjacent to the entrance to Daytona USA, the interactive motorsports attraction located outside Turn 4 of Daytona International Speedway, has all the potential earmarks of the rumored “Dale Earnhardt Memorial” that may be unveiled during Speedweeks 2002. A circular set of footers about eight feet in diameter are located within the center of the construction zone and might be the pedestal for a rumored statue of Earnhardt. (NASCAR.com Buzz). NOTE: many readers have mentioned being at Daytona and seeing the construction and have heard that the site will be the Earnhardt tribute area.(1-20-2002) UPDATE 3: a few readers report that News Channel 2 daytona reported that the construction site will be an Earnhardt tribute and that they interviewed Glyn Johnson with the speedway. While sketchy on the details he said it would be "a larger than life, bronze statue, surrounded by a fountain, much like the one that sits in front of Daytona USA that honors the France's". Teresa Earnhardt was invovled in the planning of the tribute and it will be unveiled during Speedweeks(1-21-2002) UPDATE 4: The statue is being designed by John Lajba, the same sculptor who cast the bronze likeness of Bill and Anne France in 1994 that stands in front of Daytona USA. And a public document reveals a morsel more of details. Last month, the Speedway paid the city of Daytona Beach $375 for a building permit for a sculpture. On it, the sculpture is valued at $60,000.(Daytona Beach News Journal)(1-23-2002)
Andretti testing at Kentucky: #43-John Andretti and Petty Enterprises will test at Kentucky Speedway on Thursday Jan. 24, and Friday Jan. 25.(Kentucky Speedway PR)(1-23-2002)
(1-22-2002)
#57 Team CLR withdraws from 500: #57 Team CLR owner Ted Campbell has decided not to enter the #57 Ford in the Daytona 500 for driver Derrike Cope. The team will test at Las Vegas for its next race attempt.(Team CLR site)(1-22-2002)
Ford Spoiler Decreased: NASCAR announced a ¼-inch decrease for the rear spoiler height on the Ford Taurus to be used in next month's Daytona 500 Measurements for the rear spoilers on the Ford Taurus will now read at 6 ¼ inches tall by 57 inches wide. The past two weeks during Winston Cup Series testing at Daytona, Ford's rear spoiler was 6 ½ inches tall. The Ford and Chevrolet teams now have the same measurements, while the Dodge and Pontiac teams measure at 6 ½ inches tall by 57 inches wide. NASCAR announced last November that modifications to the current aero-package might be necessary to assure parity amongst the various manufacturers. It was also announced that teams would be informed of these modifications prior to testing and could continue through the weeks leading up to the Daytona 500.(NASCAR PR)(1-22-2002)
Stars and Stripes: hearing Michael Waltip will once again run a Stars and Stripes scheme at Daytona in July(1-22-2002)
Motorsports Hall of Fame for Earnhardt: Stock car icon Dale Earnhardt, two-time Indy 500 champion Gordon Johncock, drag racing king Eddie Hill and pioneering open-wheel racer Gaston Chevrolet will lead a class of eight racing legends into the Motorsports Hall of Fame when the organization stages its annual enshrinement ceremony, June 12, 2002 at the State Theatre in Detroit. These four, along with racing engine designer Fred Offenhauser, sports car champion Brian Redman, international motorcycle road racing ace Eddie Lawson and air racer and Hollywood stunt pilot Paul Mantz, will join the 122 racers already enshrined in the Motorsports Hall of Fame. The Motorsports Museum & Hall of Fame is operated by the Motorsports Museum and Hall of Fame of America Foundation Inc., a non-profit
corporation. The Motorsports Hall of Fame of America is located within the Novi Expo Center, I-96 at Novi Road (Exit162), in the Detroit suburb of Novi, Michigan.(Open Wheel Racing)(1-22-2002)
Drivers invited to visit the USS George Washington: On Jan. 30-31, for approximately 24 hours, the US Navy has invited Winston Cup, Busch and Craftsman drivers to visit the men and women of the aircraft carrier USS George Washington as it undergoes flight training off the coast of North Carolina. The invitation came to NASCAR after Langley Speedway -- the Dodge Weekly Racing Series track in Hampton, Va. -- heard that the GW wanted to host some drivers before heading to the Middle East. Langley did a similiar trip in December of 1996, taking several NASCAR drivers and an NHRA driver to the USS Enterprise as it sailed to Norfolk from Bermuda en route from the Middle East. Drivers will spend an hour or so in Norfolk on Jan. 30, then fly out andland on the deck of the GW. They'll spend 24 hours aboard, watching daylight and nighttime flight operations from the "buzzards' nest'' and the flight deck itself. Around noon on the 31st, they'll be catapulted off the deck and flown back to Norfolk. The lineup of drivers hasn't been set, due to testing and pre-Daytona 500 obligations. Among those invited: Rick Mast, Brett Bodine, Joe Nemechek, Dave Marcis, Todd Bodine, Ricky Rudd, Ashton Lewis, Ward Burton and team owner Junie Donlavey. And Cup, Bush or Craftsman driver interested in making the 24-hour visit can go to the Langley Speedway site for contact info(1-22-2002)
Cope in the 24 hours of Daytona: Derrike Cope, winner of the 1990 Daytona 500, will complete the driver lineup for the Scuderia Ferrari of Washington Ferrari 360 GT at the 2002 Rolex 24 at Daytona. Cope has previous Daytona road racing experience as well, having finished fourth in class and 11th overall in the 1991 twice-around-the-clock race, driving a Chevrolet-Spice prototype for Tom Milner Racing. The addition of Cope give the Scuderia Ferrari of Washington team three Daytona champions in their Ferrari. Both Bill Auberlen and Cort Wagner are former winners at the Rolex 24. Auberlen in 1997 and 1998, and Wagner in 1999. The fourth driver is Costantino Bertuzzi, the 1999 Italian Touring Car Champion and a test driver for Ferrari. The 40th Anniversary of the Rolex 24 At Daytona will kick off the 2002 Rolex Sports Car Series season, as well as SpeedWeeks at Daytona International Speedway. The Rolex 24 At Daytona will be broadcast on Speedvision.(Grand American Road Racing Association Site)(1-22-2002)
Kmart in trouble? UPDATE 2 Bankruptcy: getting much email about Kmart's financial woes and wondering how it will affect the sponsorship of the #26 and #66 Hass Carter Motorsports teams. Have NOT heard a thing about Kmart leaving now or in the near future, their contract with Hass Carter runs thru 2002. See Yahoo Biz for a story about Kmart: Kmart Shares at 36-Year Low; and see an image of the the #26 and #66 cars on the Paint Schemes Gallery for the image(1-17-2002) UPDATE: Kmart will continue its support of two Winston Cup cars in 2002 and will be an official sponsor of the Daytona 500, making the 102-year-old company the most supportive mass retailer of NASCAR. The two Kmart-sponsored cars will be prepared by Haas Carter Motorsports, which is owned and operated by Travis Carter. The two-car team features the #26 Kmart School Spirit Ford driven by newcomer Joe Nemechek and the #66 Kmart Ford driven by Todd Bodine. "We want to see Kmart take the checkered flag this season," said Tom Lemke, Vice-President Marketing and Sales for Kmart. "Our customers love NASCAR racing and we are putting the power of the Kmart brand behind a program that will give them some great racing action." Number 26 Kmart School Spirit Ford
Kmart's commitment to NASCAR's millions of fans and their families is exemplified this year by the company's School Spirit Program, which will be promoted through the #26 Kmart School Spirit Ford. With this new multi-million dollar fundraising opportunity for K-12 schools nationwide, Kmart plans to donate a minimum of $10 million to participating schools during the 2001-2002 school year. This year-round program turns eligible purchases made at Kmart into cash for schools - allowing children and teachers to focus on schoolwork instead of fundraising. Number 66 Kmart Ford
The #66 Kmart Ford, driven by Todd Bodine, has been chosen to represent the brands that have made Kmart an American shopping icon for more than 100 years. Those brands NASCAR fans may see whiz by them at 180 mph this season include Martha Stewart Everyday, Joe Boxer, Route 66, Jaclyn Smith and of course the Blue Light Special, which will be the first paint scheme for the Daytona 500. Kmart and NASCAR go hand in hand. Geographically there is a Kmart store within five miles of every NASCAR Winston Cup racetrack. Kmart aggressively promotes its racing program through its network of more than 2,100 stores nationwide and through its Internet properties - the BlueLight.com online shopping site and the BlueLight $8.95 Unlimited Internet Service. Kmart Sponsors Daytona 500
Kmart also is an official sponsor for the 2002 Daytona 500. As the "Official Retailer" of the Daytona 500, Kmart will have prominent signage throughout the track, visibility in the event program and other promotional opportunities. Kmart shoppers will even have a chance to win a trip to attend the race. As part of Kmart's effort to reach a wider NASCAR audience in 2002, Kmart will not sponsor the Kmart 400. Instead, the company will focus its marketing efforts across the entire NASCAR schedule, rather than concentrating on just one race.(Golin/Harris PR)(1-19-2002) UPDATE 2: Kmart Corp. on Tuesday filed for bankruptcy protection, the largest retailer ever to do so, after a dismal holiday sales season and cutthroat competition from rivals Wal-Mart Stores and Target Corp. left the company strapped for cash. Troy, Michigan-based Kmart said its 2,114 stores remain open for now, but it will review their future by the end of April. Wall Street analysts have said Kmart needs to close around 300 to 400 stores.(Yahoo) AND Tuesday's announcement that the Kmart Corp. has filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy brought into question whether or not the move will affect Haas-Carter Motorsports, the NASCAR Winston Cup Series operation that fields two Kmart-sponsored Fords driven by [#66] Todd Bodine and [#66] Joe Nemechek. Team owner Travis Carter told NASCAR.com on Tuesday that he's "cautiously optimistic" about the future of his two-car operation. Carter did confirm that Kmart was on schedule with their sponsorship dues at present, and that the company has informed him to continue on with business as usual. "We've made some progress and done some real good things for them," Carter said. "I think last year we did real well for them. The thing that's encouraging to me is that they've come outta the box with a stronger campaign than ever." Kmart hopes to reorganize rapidly and emerge from Chapter 11 by 2003. Either way, Carter reiterated that he was told Tuesday morning to conduct business as he always has.(NASCAR.com)(1-22-2002)
PE in the wind: hearing Petty Enterprises [#'s 43,44,45] has a few cars at the N.A.S.A.'s Langley Research Center located in Hampton, VA today testing the a speedway car and a downforce car(1-22-2002)
New President/CEO: Jay Abraham has been named president and CEO of NASCAR Images, the video and film production and creative marketing joint venture between NASCAR Digital Entertainment and FOX Sports Ventures. Paul Brooks, vice president of broadcasting, NASCAR, and Larry Jones, chief operating officer, FOX Sports, made the announcement jointly today.. Abraham was formerly vice president of business development for HJ Heinz Company. He replaces Tom Grabowski who stepped down on November 15, 2001, to pursue expanded opportunities with Urban Sports, a company he recently founded. Abraham will be responsible for overseeing the strategic planning and day-to-day operations of NASCAR Images original programming, television production and corporate business development for NASCAR sponsors, teams, tracks and broadcast partners, in addition to the establishment and growth of home video production and distribution for NASCAR-related entertainment. NASCAR Images, located in Charlotte, N.C., is an original programming, video and film production, post-production and creative marketing company serving corporate sponsors, marketers and advertisers, as well as NASCAR.s drivers, teams, tracks and television partners. Currently NASCAR Images produces NASCAR This Morning and NASCAR Tech for Fox Sports Net and Inside Winston Cup for SPEED Channel.(NASCAR PR)(1-22-2002)
The Smithsonian and Motorsports: Body Dynamics Racing Bodies, Inc. and The Smithsonian Instititue in Wwashington, DC are working together to design a special motorsports display(s) that will be featured in The Smithsonian Institute's Transportation Museum as well as be displayed in two other special venues in the future. The project remains a secret and the display will not be unveiled until the summer of 2003.(Body Dynamics Racing Bodies PR)(1-22-2002)
Yates cancels Atlanta test: The two-day test session scheduled for Wednesday and Thursday at Atlanta Motor Speedway with Robert Yates Racing and Ricky Rudd.s #28 car has been cancelled. The next scheduled NASCAR Winston Cup test is Feb. 19-20 with Ganassi Racing and the No. 41 car driven by Jimmy Spencer.(Atlanta Motor Speedway PR)(1-22-2002)
(1-21-2002)
Biffle to run up to seven Cup races: Roush Racing's [#16 Ford] Greg Biffle will compete in seven Cup events this year as he prepares to run for rookie-of-the-year honors in 2003. He's scheduled to compete at Daytona and then at California in April but the rest of his Cup schedule is not set because he has no sponsor(Roanoke Times)(1-21-2002)
Pook's son injured UPDATE: David Pook, the 30-year-old son of new CART president Chris Pook, was critically injured late Thursday when his NASCAR Southwest Tour stock car crashed in testing at Phoenix International Raceway. Pook suffered a broken vertebrae in his neck.(Indianapolis Star/SpeedVision)(1-20-2002) UPDATE: David Pook was released from Good Samaritan Hospital in Phoenix this afternoon after spending two days under observation after a crash during testing at Phoenix Thursday afternoon. Pook, the 30-year-old son of CART CEO Chris Pook, suffered a fracture of the second cervical vertebra during the accident, which is suspected to have been the result of a steering failure. Pook hit the first-turn fence at 150mph and was initially in critical condition, but was upgraded in subsequent days and was released Sunday. pook was using a unique and special seat that held in place during the complete impact, as well as the HANS Device that played a major role in Pook's survival.(SpeedVision)(1-21-2002)
Harvick wins award: Because of Kevin Harvick's performance under the trying circumstances, he was on Sunday named the winner of the 2001 Richard Petty Award as the National Motorsports Press Association’s Driver of the Year. Harvick, who turned 26 in December, is the first Winston Cup rookie to win the award.(ThatsRacin.com)(1-21-2002)
