Stewart wins the Budwesier Shootout: #20-Tony Stewart won the 2002 Budwesier Shootout, beating #8-Dale Earnhardt Jr for the win and $200,000 prize. Six lead changes. See a story at ThatsRacin.com: Stewart stays in front for win and for: Unofficial Race Results. At the end of the TNT broadcast, it was mentioned that NASCAR is going to take one of each make (Chevy,Dodge,Ford, Pontiac) to the wind tunnel for testing, didn't say which teams. See updated story below in the News section on the wind tunnel and rules change.(2-10-2002)
Benning/Shelmerdine News: #84-Norm Benning's car never got through inspection Friday, so he couldn't attempt to qualify Saturday.(Daytona Beach News Journal) AND #80-Kirk Shelmerdine and #84-Norm Benning haven't even cleared technical inspection yet. The cars have a "variety" of problems that have caused them to fail inspection on each attempt. Late yesterday, they were still running through the inspection bay repeatedly. The pair can attempt to qualify in tomorrow's second round. If the cars still haven't cleared inspection, they have until the final practice on Wednesday to make minimum speed for the race (170 mph). If the drivers pass inspection and make minimum speed, they can race in the Twin 125s. Each would then have to finish in a high enough position to qualify for the race.(Richmond Times Dispatch)(2-10-2002)
(2-9-2002)
Qualifying for the Daytona 500 is over. #48-Jimmie Johnson wins the pole with a speed of 185.831, just ahead of of #29-Kevin Harvick at 185.770mph who are the only two drivers who have their starting positions set for the 2002 Daytona 500. Johnson is only yhe thrid ever rookie to capture the pole for a Datona 500. Loy Allen Jr won the pole in 1994 and Mike Skiner won it in 1997. Seven Chevy's are in the top ten and three Dodge's are in the top 10. The top five in qualifying were:
1) #48-Jimmie Johnson, 185.831
2) #29-Kevin Harvick, 185.770
3) #24-Jeff Gordon, 185.491
4) #92-Robert Pressley, 185.273
5) #22-Ward Burton, 184.426
slowest was #85-Carl Long at 176.419mph. #45-Kyle Petty lost an engine before he took the green flag. #80-Kirk Shelmerdine did not make an attempt, the plan is to run practice Sunday and make an attempt in 2nd round qualifying on Monday. #84-Norm benning did not make an attempt and did not practice, no word on his plans. Shelmerdine's #80-Hooters Ford is painted mostly orange. Fastest by Manufacturer:
Chevy - #48-Jimmie Johnson, 185.631, 1st and on the pole.
Dodge - #92-Robert Pressley, 185.273, was 4th fastest.
Ford - #88-Dale Jarrett, 183.711, was 13th fastest.
Pontiac - #18-Bobby Labonte, 183.775, was 12th fastest.
See my Daytona 500 Qualifying Charts, or ThatsRacin.com, orMotorsportsOne or NASCAR.com, for qualifying results(2-9-2002)
Sauer not a full season deal: #90-Rick Mast says that Sauer's has signed to sponsor his team only for the season's first half. He said talks are ongoing for the company to continue as sponsor in the season's second half for the Junie Donlavey team.(Roanoke Times)(2-9-2002)
AMS Testing: some Winston Cup testing at Atlanta Motor Speedway, on February 19-20 - #41-Jimmy Spencer, #29-Kevin Harvick, #31-Robby Gordon, #97-Kurt Busch, #11-Brett Bodine, #19-Jeremy Mayfield, #43-John Andretti, #55-Bobby Hamilton. On February 25-26 - #4-Mike Skinner, #49-Shawna Robinson and #1-Kenny Wallace; and on February 27 - #2-Rusty Wallace. Note: Test teams, dates and times subject to change without notice. All test sessions are schedule for 9:00am to 5:00pm and as far as i know are closed to the public.(AMS PR)(2-9-2002)
(2-8-2002)
Special #29 Scheme at the Winston? UPDATE: hearing that Kevin Harvick will have a special paint scheme for the Wintson called GM Goodwrench/On a Roll, soemthing about the launch of a new tire program.(2-7-2002) UPDATE: see a diecast image of the car on my Paint Schemes Gallery(2-8-2002)
Another Pepsi scheme: #24-Jeff Gordon will run another Pepsi scheme at the Pepsi 400 at Daytona, along with the one at Talladega, see a diecast image of the schemes on my Paint Schemes Gallery(2-8-2002)
Bodine in trouble? Unless he finds a major sponsor for his #11 Fords, Brett Bodine doesn’t know how long he will be able to keep racing this year. “We know we’re going to be at Daytona and Rockingham for sure,” he said. “After that, we just pray someone is going to come along. Whether it’s a one-race deal or a 10-race deal, we’ll do whatever we have to do within our power to keep this going.” Bodine said one thing he won’t do is dip into his own pocket any deeper to keep his team going.(ThatsRacin.com)(2-8-2002)
ChevronTexaco Re-ups with the #28:ChevronTexaco renewed its multi-million dollar investment in Havoline Motor Sports, to strengthen the brand's reputation as one of the world's leading racing oils. The company is sponsoring Ricky Rudd's car #28 and will advertise Havoline throughout the 2002 Winston Cup season, beginning with the Daytona 500 this month. ChevronTexaco also has plans for long-term support of the Texaco brand. "We will leverage our global presence, sales representatives, full line of products, portfolio of value-added services and investments in plant, R&D, operational and lubricant infrastructure," said Nelson. "The Texaco brand will be stronger and better because of the ChevronTexaco merger, and it's a brand we are committed to strengthening."(Business Wire)(2-8-2002)
Earnhardt Jr on Ice: On January 10, 2002, the Greensboro Coliseum was transformed into a Salt Lake Olympic hockey venue for a day to shoot an on-air promotional spot featuring Dale Earnhardt Jr. as an Olympic zamboni driver. This Daytona 500 on-air promotion will air during NBC’s coverage of the Salt Lake Olympic Winter Games that begin tomorrow, Friday, Feb. 8. The spot will run in addition to the Tony Stewart "Olympic Dream" NASCAR and Olympic cross-promotion that has been running since last season. The spot was originally planned for a “stunt double” zamboni driver to drive the machine and Earnhardt Jr. would simply sit in for the tight shots. But when Earnhardt Jr. arrived he said, “I’m here, I might as well drive.” All of the shots that made the final cut of the piece are all Earnhardt Jr. driving the zamboni. In the spot, in between hockey games one ice manager says to the other, “I don’t know how we’re going to get this thing turned around for this one.” And the other ice manager says, “Don’t worry about it, I made a phone call.” Then Earnhardt Jr. appears driving the zamboni. The promotional spot pays close attention to detail as it is 2002 NASCAR rules compliant with the Olympic pit crew all wearing helmets. As Earnhardt Jr. pits the Zamboni he tells the Salt Lake Olympic pit crew, “It’s a little bit loose in the corners.” The spot was produced by Steve Ulrich, NBC Sports director of promotions, in conjunction with Wide Open Entertainment.(NBC PR)(2-8-2002)
Ford - Decklid - Spoiler....problems? UPDATE 2 more changes? Ford teams, who pleaded for a half-inch spolier reduction, were allowed to shave a quarter-inch off the height of the rear spoiler heading into Speedweeks 2002. Apparently, that has now caused more headaches than relief. A longtime Ford source told NASCAR.com Sunday morning that the quarter-inch provision has forced a vast change in the Taurus’ rear decklid, and therefore makes the provision moot. The source, which wished to remain anonymous, said that in order for Ford teams to fit the Taurus template, they have been forced to raise the rear deck lid one-half to three-quarters of an inch to meet the minimum height requirements for the rear spoiler. Therefore, in the end, the rear spoiler is actually higher than it was before the test. NASCAR vice president of corporate communications Jim Hunter said additional changes could be made once Speedweeks gets under way and that NASCAR had no plans to take any cars to a wind tunnel once Speedweeks began, primarily due to the difficulty in scheduling tunnel time.(full story at NASCAR.com)(1-27-2002) UPDATE - more rules changes? already? soon? hearing that NASCAR also changed the Dodge trunk lid as well a the Ford and that NASCAR has already issued templates to the Dodge teams for the changes. Also hearing NASCAR is cracking down on the side rear windows (opera windows) on the cars as some Ford teams were putting a curve in them (vertical) and supposedly NASCAR will remove the windows, lay them on a table and if they dont look flat, they will keep them.(1-29-2002)
UPDATE 2: In addition to decreasing the spoiler size for the Ford Taurus at Daytona, NASCAR has made a modification for every manufacturer on the rear decklid. The sanctioning body added another template to try to make sure the rear spoiler is in the correct location. “They came out with some more templates,” Jimmy Spencer said. “They’re trying to get a location for every manufacturer. The location of the spoilers, especially at Daytona and Talladega, has been a sticky point, and they just came out with a template to mark it.”(RacingOne)(2-8-2002)
Parts Seized: NASCAR inspectors confiscated several parts from various Winston Cup cars prior to Friday’s first practice of the season. Series director John Darby said nothing looked "too serious," however. Several cars had parts taken for use as "underpans," which help the aerodynamics of the bottom of the cars. Part of the exhaust system of the #14 Pontiac driven by Stacy Compton was taken for its use as an underpan. Among the teams that also had underpan parts confiscated were those of #21-Elliott Sadler, #25-Jerry Nadeau, #15-Michael Waltrip, #59-Bobby Gerhart and #1-Kenny Wallace. Unapproved aluminum strips were taken from the teams of #24-Jeff Gordon, #48-Jimmie Johnson, #15-Waltrip and #85-Carl Long. An unapproved drive shaft was taken from Ricky Rudd’s #28 team; unapproved metal clips Brett Bodine’s #11-car; and unapproved window braces from Wallace’s #1-car.(ThatsRacin.com)(2-8-2002)
DW at the Olympics: At the personal invitation of President George W. Bush, three times Winston Cup Champion Darrell Waltrip is attending the Olympic Opening Ceremonies tonite. Waltrip and small group of others, who include baseball great, Cal Ripken Jr, actor Chuck Norris, Homeland Security Director Tom Ridge, Sec. of State Colin Powell and others, left the White House early this morning for Salt Lake City.. After meeting the athletes and participating in tonights Opening Ceremonies, Waltrip will return to Washingon on Air Force One before heading to Daytona on Sunday.(AllWaltrip.com)(2-8-2002)
Earnhardt Statue Unveiling UPDATE: The Dale Earnhardt Statue will be unveiled at Daytona USA on Thursday (today) Feb 7th at 1:15pm/et. Bill France Jr, Chairman/CEO, International Speedway Corporation and NASCAR, will be joined by Teresa Earnhardt and officials from Daytona International Speedway to unveil the Dale Earnhardt Statue.(DIS PR). For an image of the base and past info, see my Dale Earnahrdt Tribute site(2-7-2002) UPDATE: Teresa Earnhardt was joined by Bill France Jr. today in unveiling the Dale Earnhardt statue at Daytona International Speedway. Soeme Facts: The statue, including the base, is 9 ft. tall and weighs approximately 1,200 lbs. The figures of Dale Earnhardt and the No. 3 are made of cast silicon bronze with a patina finish. The pedestal is constructed of concrete and the checkered board base, which represents Victory Lane, is made of two-tone black granite. Earnhardt’s racing gloves, made of cast silicon bronze, sit on the wall behind the statue. Alongside Earnhardt’s racing gloves is a penny, made of cast silicon bronze, which represents the penny given to Earnhardt by a young fan for “luck” the day he captured his first and only win in the Daytona 500 in 1998. See the DIS Site for more info and an image, and see NASCAR.com for another image of the statue(2-7-2002)
APR unveils #33 Autoliv Chevy: Autoliv Inc., the safety technology innovator and world's largest supplier of automotive safety systems, has unveiled the #33 car owned by Andy Petree Racing and driven by Mike Wallace. Emblazoned on the car is Autoliv's message "Does Your Car Have a Side Curtain Airbag?" which is the foundation of a new Safety Awareness Campaign announced today. Autoliv and BSR Products, a major stock car equipment supplier, are joining together to increase awareness of new and available safety technologies. Autoliv Inc. develops and manufactures automotive safety systems for all major automotive manufacturers in the world. Together with its joint ventures, Autoliv has close to 80 facilities with almost 30,000 employees in more than 30 vehicle-producing countries. In addition, the company has eight technical centers around the world, including 19 test tracks, more than any other automotive safety supplier.(Williams Company PR), see images of the car on Paint Schemes Gallery(2-7-2002)
Said to drive three Cup races? UPDATE: hearing from some readers who watched the Rolex 24 at Daytona, that Boris Said mentioned he was planning on driving three Cup races in 2002, Sears Point, Watkins Glen and Indianpolis for the Jasper Motorsports team. Didn't say if he would be in a 2nd car or the #77 Ford, but can't imagine regular driver Dave Blaney giving up the seat for a few races(2-3-2002) UPDATE: Boris Said will attempt to make the Cup races at Sears Point, Watkins Glen and Indianapolis in a second Jasper Motorsports Ford.(NASCAR Scene Plus - need sub to read)(2-7-2002)
Medcial Staff Announced: NASCAR announced the appointment of a safety analyst and three medical liaisons in full-time positions, beginning with the upcoming 2002 season. Jerry Kaproth, a retired Minnesota State Patrol district commander, has been named as the safety analyst. Kaproth's responsibilities will include investigating the results of race incidents and aiding NASCAR's engineering group with accident reconstruction. He possesses extensive professional experience in vehicle accident investigation and reconstruction from his 20-year career with the Minnesota State Patrol (1977-97). Most recently, he served as an accident reconstruction specialist for his own company, Kaproth Consulting, since retiring from the state patrol. Kaproth also has served as a teacher in Accident Reconstruction at the University of North Florida, Institute of Police Technology and Management, from 1985-2000 and Central Missouri State University in 1984. Kaproth, of Woodbury, MN, will work at NASCAR.s new Research and Development Center in Conover, NC.
Robin Morrisey, Denese Meeks and Lance Davin were appointed as medical liaisons, and each will be assigned to one of NASCAR's national series - NASCAR Winston Cup Series; NASCAR Busch Series, Grand National Division; and NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series.
The role of the medical liaison will be to gather and maintain detailed medical histories of the drivers and coordinate medical services with the track, drivers, crew members and local hospitals. The liaison's interfacing among the involved groups will enhance overall communication among the different parties.
Morrisey, of San Diego, CA, will be responsible for the NASCAR Winston Cup Series. She brings eight years of nursing experience, the most recent being a nurse practitioner the past two years at the Heart Failure Clinic at Pomerado Hospital in San Diego. She also has served as a staff nurse (1994-98) and a clinical research nurse (1998-2001) during her nursing career. Morrisey, a 1993 graduate of Bowling Green University, added a master's degree in nursing from the University of San Diego last year.
Meeks, of Deltona, FL, will work with the NASCAR Busch Series after more than a decade in nursing and health care management. She most recently served as the quality management nurse for Humana, Inc. in Ormond Beach, FL. At Humana, her responsibilities involved 10 primary-care physician.s offices, which encompassed more than 8,000 members. She previously served in a management capacity as well with Gambro Healthcare in Volusia County.
Davin, of Chapel Hill, NC, possesses 18 years of nursing experience and will be assigned to the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series. Davin, a registered nurse and certified nurse operating room (CNOR), arrives from the University of North Carolina Hospital in Chapel Hill where he served as a nurse education clinician for the surgical services division.(NASCAR PR)(2-7-2002)
NASCAR Preview and Press Guide: UMI Publications, in cooperation with NASCAR, has released the Official 2002 NASCAR Preview and Press Guide. The 456-page magazine, credited as the largest preseason publication for any major sport in America, is packed full of feature stories, statistics, bios, team updates, track info, schedules, race recaps and more leading into the 2002 season. Weighing more than two pounds, the Official 2002 NASCAR Preview and Press Guide is the only preseason publication covering all 12 NASCAR Racing Series' including the NASCAR Winston Cup Series, NASCAR Busch Series, NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series and the NASCAR Weekly Racing Series presented by Dodge. The Official 2002 NASCAR Preview and Press Guides retails for $9.95 and is available at all Wal-Mart locations nationwide, on newsstands everywhere and at UMIpub.com. A special edition track poster will be included with all press guides purchased at Wal-Mart. In addition to the Official 2002 NASCAR Preview and Press Guide, UMI Publications has produced the NASCAR Winston Cup Yearbook since 1988. The yearbook is a complete record of the NASCAR Winston Cup season and has been produced for every season dating back to 1973.(NASCAR PR)(2-7-2002)
VA License Plates:Virginia House Bill 96, sponsored by Delegate Allen W. Dudley (R-Rocky Mount), has been approved by the Virginia House of Delegates on a 96-4 vote and sent to the Senate for consideration. This bill would authorize the Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV), upon receipt of 350 prepaid applications for a particular plate, to issue license plates commemorating any driver, track or other aspect of motorsports. For example, after receiveing 350 prepaid applications for a plate commemorating Dale Earnhardt, the Commissioner of DMV would be authorized to issue an Earnhardt plate. This measure passed the House last year, but was tabled in the Senate Tranportation Committee. NASCAR fans in Virginia can let their State Senator know they support the proposal, by going to the following page: VA General Assmebly - Who's My Legislator?(2-7-2002)
News on the Winston: The purse for The Winston all-star event, held annually at Lowe’s Motor Speedway since 1987, will increase to $3 million this season, up from $2 million in 2001. Entering the 2002 season, there are 24 teams eligible for the all-star event, scheduled for May 18. The winner of the event is expected to receive a minimum of $500,000 – the maximum amount awarded last season.(ThatsRacin.com)(2-7-2002)
Point Fund Increases: the Winston Cup points fund has increased from just over $13 million to $14 million this season, an increase of $880,000. The change will give the series points champion a payoff of $3,750,000, an increase of $150,000 over 2001. For the first time, the second- and third-place finishers in the points race will take home checks totaling more than $1 million - $1.44 million and $1.05 million respectively.(ThatsRacin.com)(2-7-2002)
Earnhardts on TV Guide: In its February 16 NASCAR preview issue (on newsstands Monday), TV Guide magazine is honoring the Earnhardt legacy with a set of two holographic covers, one featuring the late Dale Earnhardt, and the other featuring his son, Dale Earnhardt Jr.(Daytona Beach News Journal)(2-7-2002)
Stewart in the Booth UPDATE: Tony Stewart will join the NASCAR on TNT broadcast booth as a special contributor during all three races being aired on TNT from Daytona Beach, FL. Beginning this weekend, Stewart will do analysis for the Budweiser Shootout on Sun., Feb. 10, Daytona Twin 125s on Thurs., Feb. 14, and the GNC Live Well 300 [BGN race]. He will join Turner Sports' announce team of play-by-play Allen Bestwick, analysts Benny Parsons and Wally Dallenbach, along with pre-race host Bill Weber and pit reporters Dave Burns, Marty Snider and Matt Yocum.(Turner PR)(2-6-2002) UPDATE: Tony Stewart is a "Special Contributor" who will appear in all 4 of TNT's broadcasts' from Daytona: He will share his experiences during SpeedWeeks and will offer insight on every aspect of racing at Daytona.
Bud Shootout - contributes from Wagon on Pit road with Bill Weber in pre-race
Twin 125's - will where headset and hand mic from hauler or wherever he goes during race he is not in
Happy Hour - will meet with pit reporter at conclusion, based on time constraints
Busch Race - will join Bill Weber on Wagon for entire race and will be contributing as a special analyst(2-7-2002)
Budweiser Shootout....Bodine out? UPDATE 2 No In: here is a rule I had not heard of or seen elsewhere, from a Fox Sports article - Guns a blazin for Shootout: "To get in [the Budweiser Shootout], a driver must have earned a pole position in the previous season or have won a previous Shootout and finished in the top 50 in points. This year a record 22 drivers are eligible, including six first-time pole winners from 2001." So since Geoffrey Bodine was not in the top 50 in drivers points in 2001, so guess he is out. For more info see my Bud Shootout 2002 page BUT the Daytona Intl Speedway site has Bodine listed in the Shootout in column: Traffic Will Be Fast And Furious In Budweiser Shootout UPDATE: NASCAR sources tell me Bodine is eligible for the Budweiser Shootout and plans to run the race(2-4-2002) UPDATE 2: Geoffrey Bodine will drive a [#09] Phoenix Racing Ford in Sunday's Budweiser Shootout. Bodine, a former winner of the event, also will attempt to qualify for the Daytona 500 in a Phoenix Racing entry Saturday. Jason Leffler, who won a pole last year but lost his Chip Ganassi Racing ride, will not drive in the Shootout. Leffler is driving in the Truck Series for Ultra Motorsports this season. That leaves 22 drivers in the race, with the starting order to be determined today. (Daytona Beach News Journal)(2-7-2002)
New NASCAR.com site...coming up UPDATE it's up and running and Chats: NASCAR.com, the official Web site of NASCAR, re-launches on Wednesday, February 6, with a new look and format that provides easier navigation and print capabilities for NASCAR fans. NASCAR.com will continue to offer NASCAR fans all of the popular content and features they currently enjoy, including important news and notes from all of NASCAR's drivers, teams and tracks; video and audio feeds; official up-to-the-minute point standings; the animated series The Kellys; exclusive driver chats; and an improved subscriber-based version of RaceCast. The site will also attempt to mirror its fans race week focus by following a set format of coverage. Also NASCAR.com has scheduled a live Web cast for Feb. 7, giving fans the chance to talk to drivers from Daytona anytime between 10:00am and 3:00pm. NASCAR.com writers Marty Smith and Tim Packman will conduct the interviews, taking questions from fans who will post their questions through the NASCAR.com chat room.(NASCAR PR)(2-5/7-2002)
Grissom tests for Petty: Petty Enterprises test specialist Steve Grissom took driver's seat of the #44 Georgia Pacific
Dodge during a two-day, fact-finding test at Kentucky Speedway. "We have some things we're trying for the (Petty Enterprises) teams - a
little bit of chassis stuff, a little bit of aero stuff," Grissom said. "It's our responsibility to try some different things to see what works and
doesn't work. It's all about getting it to Daytona and getting it (the NASCAR Winston Cup season) started." Grissom said he is optimistic about Petty Enterprises chances for a successful 2002 season. "They definitely made a lot of moves both last year and this year, but it's something that takes time," he said. "They have Robin Pemberton on board now and a completely different engine program, so that's definitely going help. It's all about getting it to Daytona and getting it started off." Grissom made one BGN start in 2001 and said he has no
immediate plans to race full time in 2002. "We've been pretty busy doing 'R&D' work and it looks like we're going to continue to be pretty busy."(Kentucky Speedway PR)(2-7-2002)
(2-6-2002)
Andretti a clone? UPDATE an image: hearing the #43 Cheerios Dodge and driver John Andretti will sport a special Star Wars Episode II: Attack of the Clones movie scheme in 2002. The movie is scheduled for release in May, been told the scheme will run in The Wintson and thew Coca Cola 600 at Lowes Motor Speedway(2-5-2002) UPDATE: Got an image of the scheme, check it out on my Paint Schemes Gallery(2-6-2002)
Kyle and Garfield? UPDATE actually the #43 and Garfield: hearing Kyle Petty will have a special Garfield (cartoon character) scheme in 2002 on the #45 Sprint Dodge but it will not race on the track but be a promotional/show car, such as the #29 Oreo Car was in 2001.(2-5-2002) UPDATE: got a layout image of the car and it'll be used on the #43 Dodge as a promotional tool, an announcement of some sort with Petty Enterprises is scheduled for Tuesday, Feb 12th at Daytona. See my Paint Schemes Gallery for the image(2-6-2002)
No Leffler in Shootout: Jason Leffler, who as a rookie for Chip Ganassi Racing last season won a pole for the Winston Cup race at Kansas Speedway, will not participate in Sunday's Budweiser Shootout, a 70-lap race featuring pole winners and past winners of the event. Leffler has since joined Ultra Motorsports and will drive its #2 Dodge Truck in the CTS this season. "I wish I were in the Shootout," Leffler said Wednesday. "We hoped to have a car from Ultra Motorsports, but since they were late in signing their sponsor, they got behind in getting things ready for Casey (Atwood)." Leffler's withdrawal leaves 22 entries for Sunday's Shootout, an event record. There were 18 entries last season.(ThatsRacin.com)(2-6-2002)
IROC restrained: All International Race of Champions Series [IROC] drivers will be required to wear head-and-neck restraint devices during practice and races this season, said IROC's George Signore. The IROC rule will be the same as the NASCAR rule, with drivers choosing between the Hutchens Device and the HANS device. Five IROC drivers -- Buddy Lazier, Sam Hornish, Helio Castroneves, Danny Lasoski and Scott Sharp -- were at Daytona International Speedway testing on Tuesday, as were IROC test drivers Jim Sauter, Dick Trickle, Dave Marcis and Andy Hillenburg.(Daytona Beach News Journal)(2-6-2002)
(2-5-2002)
Petree #33 Sponsor? UPDATE 2 Yep Autoliv: hearing #33 Chevy owner, Andy Petree, is close to signing a sponsor, not sure if it is a one race deal for the Daytona 500 or a full year sponsor. Mike Wallace is slated to drive the car in the Daytona 500.(2-1-2002) UPDATE: Andy Petree Racing will announce later today a one-race sponsorship deal involving driver Mike Wallace and the team's #33 Chevy for the season-opening Daytona 500 on Feb. 17, said sources close to the situation. Petree has been in the hunt for a sponsor for the #33 car since 2001-season sponsor Oakwood Homes announced in early 2001 that it wouldn't be returning for the 2002 season.(Daytona Beach News Journal)(2-5-2002) UPDATE 2:Autoliv Inc. the safety technology innovator and world's largest supplier of automotive safety systems has signed with Andy Petree Racing Inc. as its primary sponsor for the Daytona 500 race this month. Autoliv will sponsor the #33 car driven by Mike Wallace. "The opportunity to participate as a primary sponsor in one of the world's greatest sporting events is a big thrill for all of us at Autoliv," said Chipp Jackson, communications manager for Autoliv North America. "It's exciting to be teamed with Andy Petree Racing and driver Mike Wallace. Andy Petree Racing has impressed us with all aspects of its operation. This sponsorship is a natural extension of the safety technology awareness and testing services we have provided to a number of the race teams." Autoliv Inc. develops and manufactures automotive safety systems for all major automotive manufacturers in the world. Together with its joint ventures, Autoliv has close to 80 facilities with almost 30,000 employees in more than 30 vehicle-producing countries. In addition, the company has eight technical centers around the world, including 19 test tracks, more than any other automotive safety supplier. Sales in 2001 amounted to US $3.99 billion.. The company.s shares are listed on the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE: ALV) and its Swedish Depository Receipts on the OM Stockholm Stock Exchange (SSE: ALIV).(Williams Company PR)(2-5-2002)
More on the Haas-Carter/Kmart sitiuation UPDATE Kmart wants out of the Daytona 500: hearing that the reason Kmart will stay on the #26 and #66 Fords is that their February payment was made before the Chapter 11 filing and that the Kmart decals will come off the cars after Rockingham. See past news on my #26 Team News and Links page(2-5-2002) UPDATE: Kmart Corp. has requested a bankruptcy court's permission to opt out of a sponsorship agreement with the Daytona 500. The discount retailer, which sought Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection Jan. 22 in Chicago, called the Daytona 500 contract an unnecessary use of its much-needed cash. The Troy-based company filed its request Monday with Judge Susan Pierson Sonderby, who is scheduled to render her decision Feb. 13. In April 2000, Kmart agreed to pay International Speedway Corp., a motorsports promoter and racetrack owner, $685,000 this year and $735,000 next year to become an official corporate sponsor and official mass retailer of the Daytona 500, which will be held Feb. 17. Kmart also chose not to seek renewal of its deal to sponsor the race known for three years as the Kmart 400, Michigan International Speedway spokesman Jeff Bleiler told The Jackson Citizen Patriot. Until the speedway signs a deal with a new sponsor, the June 16 race in Brooklyn, Mich., will be called the Michigan 400. Bleiler and Kmart spokesman Dave Karraker said Kmart's three-year deal to sponsor the June race expired last year. Karraker said Tuesday that Kmart's decision not to renew its sponsorship of the MIS race was made last year and was unrelated to its bankruptcy filing.(Sporting News/AP)(2-5-2002)
Pfizer Men’s Health Tune-up for Life: The 2002 Mark Martin Health Challenge is a new addition to the Pfizer Men’s Health Tune-up for Life program, a national men’s health awareness initiative that was introduced in February 2000. For the past two years, the program has traveled throughout the country with the NASCAR Winston Cup Series to encourage and help fans to learn more about their own health. At the conclusion of the 2001 racing season, the program had provided free health screenings for almost 50,000 race fans and participants since its inception. This season the pharmaceutical company is taking it a step further, encouraging fans to take the lessons of health away from the track – and back. Fans can enter the program by getting health screenings at the spring events at Daytona, Atlanta, Bristol, Talldega, Richmond and Charlotte, and then if they have shown improvement in one area when the series returns later in the season, they will get a chance to race on a NASCAR simulator, with each track designating a champion that will get to meet with Mark Martin one-on-one and spend the day with one guest in the Winston Cup pits.(SpeedVision)(2-5-2002)
Touring Series Races on TV: NASCAR and SPEED Channel have announced a new cable television package that will feature NASCAR Touring series races, Monday evenings beginning at 8:00pm/et. The races will air as part of "NASCAR TV" on SPEED Channel, the first channel-within-a-channel devoted to a single sport. "NASCAR TV" is scheduled to premiere on Monday, Feb. 11 when the cable network now known as Speedvision officially re-launches as SPEED Channel. Eight NASCAR Touring series currently race in different regions of the United States - including the Busch North Series, Featherlite Modified Series, Featherlite Southwest Series, Goody.s Dash Series, Hills Bros All Pro Series, Raybestos Brakes Northwest Series, RE/MAX Challenge Series and the NASCAR Winston West Series. Tape-delayed coverage of these series events on "NASCAR TV" begins with the season-opening events for the NASCAR Winston West Series and Featherlite Southwest Series, which took place at Phoenix on Feb. 2. These races will be televised, respectively, on Feb. 25 and March 4. Coverage continues with the Goody's Dash Series race from Daytona on Feb. 9, which will be broadcast on 'NASCAR TV' on Monday, March 18.(NASCAR PR)(2-5-2002)
America’s Most Wanted Team: America’s Most Wanted (AMW) and Body Dynamics Racing are still working to put together the AMW Winston Cup or Busch racing team for the 2002-2003 racing season. They are still trying to secure the funding from corporate or private sector underwriters to put the project together. The program is designed that one missing child (a different child per event), the AMW logo, and the 800-CRIME-TV contact number will be placed on a car with the corporate underwriters Logos during each NASCAR racing event in visible locations. In addition to the race teams exposure, the underwriters can receive up to ($1.5 million dollars) worth of exposure with in show content on the America ’s Most Wanted television show with host John Walsh. In addition to the AMW project Body Dynamics Racing is working to put together a second team in house and are looking to secure sponsorship for that team as well.(more info at the Body Dynamics Racing site)(2-5-2002)
TV Stuff - Scheds - no practice on TV? UPDATE:2002 Motor Sports TV Schedule Summary from MotorsportsTV, links to different TV Scheds. Also MotorsportsTV is reporting that the NASCAR practice sessions [with the exception of Happy Hour on the 16th which TNT will air before the BGN race] from Daytona have received extensive TV coverage in recent years on ESPN and Fox Sports Net. This year it appears that race fans will get no TV coverage for Daytona practice other than Happy Hour. MotorpsortsTV has checked with numerous outlets to see if anyone will be covering these practice sessions, and it appears no one is stepping up to televise them and has confirmed with SpeedChannel [was SpeedVision] that they do not have the broadcast rights for these sessions.(2-4-2002) UPDATE: hearing the reason for the lack of practice coverage is NBC (TNT/CNN-si) is committed to covering the Olympics in Utah(2-5-2002)
Jarrett Shop: Dale Jarrett Inc. unveiled its new $3 million, 25,000-square-foot headquarters in Catawba County [NC] to the public last week. The facility houses corporate offices for 12 employees, a 5,000-square-foot showroom, the Jarrett fan club and a retail shop -- all open to fans during race season. The new facility replaces a 14,000-square-foot Conover building Jarrett sold last year, along with a Busch Series race team [not in operations any longer]. The facility doesn't include a race-car shop..(Business Journal)(2-5-2002)
Sad News: Todd Senneker, the 2001 Berlin Raceway Sportsman Rookie of the Year, died in a snowmobile accident on Friday, February 1. He was killed when his snowmobile ran off a trail and struck a tree at about 8:30 p.m. in Luce County's McMillan Township in the eastern Upper Peninsula, state police said. The 20-year old was a 1999 graduate of Wayland Union High School. He graduated in the top 10 in his class and was attending Grand Rapids Community College, working toward a degree in engineering. Todd was the youngest driver in a family rich with racing tradition. His brother, 22-year-old Terry Jr., was the 2001 Berlin Raceway Late
Model Rookie of the Year. Todd¹s father, Terry Sr., was also a successful driver, as was his uncle, Bob Senneker, the winningest
driver in ASA (American Speed Association) history. Todd captured his first and only Sportsman victory on July 7, 2001. Visitation will be at the Archer, Hampel, and Kubiak Funeral Home, Dorr Chapel, 4330 18th Street, Dorr, MI 49323, on Monday, Feb. 4, from 6 to 8 p.m. and Tuesday, Feb. 5, from 1 to 3 p.m. and from 6 to 8 p.m. The funeral will be held on Wednesday, Feb. 6, at 11 a.m. at Moline Baptist Church, 4428 Chappell, Moline, MI 49335. Berlin Raceway is a 7/16 mile oval asphalt track located in Marne, MI, just west of Grand Rapids. The track is partially owned by Winston Cup driver Johnny Benson.(Berlin Raceway Site)(2-5-2002)
(2-4-2002)
Welcome Back RPM 2 Night: ESPN2's RPM 2 Night with John Kernan return's tonight (Feb 4th) at 6:30pm/et [same time all this week]. Also FSN/Speed Channel Totally NASCAR returns on Feb 11th [check local listings for times, 6:30pm/et on Speed Channel and usually 6:00pm local time on FSN]. Also don't forget the weekly NASCAR Plus on CNN/Si, Monday's at 7:00pm. See my TV/Media page for more shows, times and news; and my Daytona 500 race Info page for Winston Cup TV info during Speedweeks. Plus Darrell Waltrip, Jeff Hammond and Larry McReynolds will be doing a nightly TV show in Daytona with host Bob Varsha. The show is titled Speedweek and will be shown on Speed Channel (which is currently SpeedVision). It airs Monday Feb 11 - Friday Feb 15 from 8:00 - 9:00pm/et.(see my Appearances/Chats page for this weeks chats with DW, Hammond [Darth] and Larry Mac). ALSO in two weeks the return of Inside Winston Cup Racing on SpeedChannel with Allen Bestwick, Johnny Benson, Ken Schrader, and Michael Waltrip on Feb 18th(2-4-2002)
New #32 Assoc Sponsor:Diamond Cut Jeans, a privately owned company manufacturing unique jeans, featuring a gusset sewn into the stride, has signed an agreement with PPI Motorsports to be an associate sponsor of the #32 Tide Ford beginning in 2002. The Diamond Cut Jeans logo will be featured prominently on the rear quarter panel of the team's Ford Taurus fleet, driven by Ricky Craven. The PPI Motorsports road crew and personnel will exclusively wear their jeans at all NASCAR events. Diamond Cut Jeans, headquartered in Nocona, TX, currently sell through 400 retail outlets in the United States and Canada with more being added daily.(PPI Motorsports PR)(2-4-2002)
Winston back on a car? Less than a month ago, Kmart's support of Haas-Carter Motorsports seemed secure despite its financial woes. But Kmart said last week it is suspending its sponsorship of the #26 and #66 Fords, driven by Joe Nemechek and Todd Bodine, and its presenting sponsorship of the Daytona 500. Kmart filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy last month. Could this be the impetus that helps put the Winston brand back on a racecar in Winston Cup? Because of the national tobacco settlement, R.J. Reynolds tobacco brands had to withdraw their backing of all sports besides Winston Cup racing but can exercise their right to advertise in NASCAR. This would be a great time to reunite with owner Travis Carter, who says Haas-Carter has enough resources to run the 26 and 66 cars in the first two Cup races, at Daytona and Rockingham.(Sporting News)(2-4-2002)
