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PAST NEWS FEB 18-24, 2002

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(2-24-2002)

Kenseth wins the Subway 400 at the Rock: under yellow after #36-Ken Schrader hit the wall and #31-Gordon spun and left a tire on the track with four races to do, NASCAR said there was not enought laps left to throw a red flag (direct ALL questions on that subject to them). #17-Matt Kenseth won the race after dominating the 2nd half of the race and leading the most laps, Kenseth wins his 2nd career Winston Cup race and first since Charlotte in May 2000 and it adds another driver to the 2002 The Winston (now 25 drivers). See ThatsRacin.com for a column: Matt Kenseth grabs Subway 400 win and see my Subway 400 Results page and
For Driver and Owners Points - see my 2002 Winston Cup Standings after Rockingham page, for standings last week, see my 2002 Winston Cup Standings after Daytona page, these will be available and linked all year on my 2002 Winston Cup Race Results page.(2-24-2002)

First from 25th? hearing that it is the first time a Winston Cup race has been won from the 25th starting spot in history. Matt Kenseth started from the 25th starting spot at Rockingham (2-24-2002). It was the only spot of the top 33 starting spots that there wasn't a winner.(2-24-2002)

Changes in the Winston: MRN Radio interviewed Rich Habegger of R.J. Reynolds/Winston and it was mentioned that there will be some changes to The Winston all-star race that will be run at Lowes Motor Speedway on May 18th. No word on what any of those changes will be.(2-24-2002)

Bo-Dyn Sleds gets silver and bronze in Men's 4 man : The United States bobsled teams are using Bo-Dyn sleds at the Winter Olympics in Salt Lake City, designed and heavily funded by NASCAR driver Geoffrey Bodine. After eight years of work and a lot of money, a Bo-Dyn sled helped bring home the gold. Bodine, from Chemung, N.Y., and his son, Barry Bodine, left the East Coast on Wednesday to attend events this weekend. The U.S. four-man USA-1 team of Todd Hays, Randy Jones, Bill Schuffenhauer and Orlando's Garrett Hines did Bodine proud by winning the silver medal Saturday night, while USA-2 won the bronze with Brian Shimer, Mike Kohn, Doug Sharp and Dan Steele aboard. And on Tuesday, Jill Bakken and Vonetta Flowers stunned the field, winning the gold medal in the inaugural women's bobsled competition and breaking a 46-year drought in the sport for the United States.(Daytona Beach News Journal)(2-24-2002)

Kenseth wins Subway 400 at the Rock under yellow after #36-Ken Schrader hit the wall and #31-Gordon spun and left a tire on the track with four races to do, NASCAR said there was not enought laps left to throw a red flag (direct ALL questions on that subject to them). #17-Matt Kenseth won the race after dominating the 2nd half of the race and leading the most laps, Kenseth wins his 2nd career Winston Cup race and first since Charlotte in May 2000 and it adds another driver to the 2002 The Winston (now 25 drivers). The top 10 finishers:
#17-Kenseth(152 laps led)
#40-Sterling Marlin (24 laps led)
#18-Bobby Labonte
#20-Tony Stewart
#32-Ricky Craven (113 laps led)
#99-Jeff Burton
#24-Jeff Gordon
#2-Rusty Wallace
#55-Bobby Hamilton
#1-Kenny Wallace
Daytona 500 winner finished #22-Burton is 16th
Rookies: #12-Newman 12th (the 2nd race in the row he is Rookie of the Race) ; #48-Johnson finished 28th.
Lap leaders: #32-Craven(116), #22-Burton(1), #40-Marlin(35), #30-Green(46), #88-Jarrett(17), #17-Kenseth(152), #28-Rudd(26).
DNF'd: #14-Compton(engine), #88-Jarrett(engine), #44-Jones(accident), #15-Waltrip(engine), #4-Skinner(engine), #36-Schrader(engine).

NOTES: #97-Busch, who was to start 7th, had th have an engine changed when a water leak was discovered and had to start the race at the rear of the field.
The tire carrier for #48-Jimmie Johnson, David Bryant, was injured during the first round of pit stops and has been transferred to a local hospital for x-rays on his right leg, he is awake and alert. MRN radio reports that Bryant was hit by the car that pits in front of Johnson (Mark Martin), he was taken to Richmond Memorial Hospital in Rockingham, NC with an injury between the knee and ankle. It was reported later in the race that Bryant has a broken right leg and is being transferred to a Charlottee hospital.

Accident on lap 156 when #24-Gordon tapped #7-Atwood causing Atwood to spin, #45-Petty and #44-Jones hit Atwood hard, others involved and damaged slightly/sheet metal were #36-Schrader, #19-Mayfield, #31-Gordon, #41-Spencer and #99-Burton, all drivers walked away.

#15-Waltrip's Chevy died on pit road as he was trying to enter the garage area, causing a caution, during the caution #24-Gordon spun in his pit stall and lost 15 spots.

#18-Labonte was reported as running on seven cylinders as of lap 100 but is running in the top 10, so looks like that problems may had been fixed.

#1 Pennzoil team gasman, Mike Bordick, had some gas splash in his eye during a pitstop and has been taken to the infield care center, but he told Fox pit reporter, Matt Yocum, that he was ok.

The 6th caution was caused by an accident when #77-Blaney hit #41-Spencer in the back and spun himself (Spencer continued), #26-Nemechek couldn't check up and hot Blaney and then #33-Wallace hit Nemechek.

#28-Rudd, while leading the race, stalled on pit road when he hit the kill switch accidently after the 6th caution, finally got the car started and back on the track but is a lap down.

#7-Atwood is back on the track (around lap 260) after the crew made repairs when Atwood was caused in an early accident.

#4-Skinner loses an engine on lap 365, most of the leaders came in for tires, #32-Craven stayed out to assume the lead.
See ThatsRacin.com for a column: Matt Kenseth grabs Subway 400 win and for Unofficial Subway 400 results and
For Driver and Owners Points - see my 2002 Winston Cup Standings after Rockingham page, for standings last week, see my 2002 Winston Cup Standings after Daytona page, these will be available and linked all year on my 2002 Winston Cup Race Results page.(2-24-2002)

Wells back to two teams? #32 Team Owner Cal Wells said he is still trying to return to fielding two Winston Cup cars, but that probably won't happen before 2003. Right now, Wells is focused on building the Ricky Craven operation. Competing for sponsor dollars has become increasingly difficult in recent months - Wells said that he needs a solid single-car showing before he can compete with other teams for money to fund his second team.(Richmond Times Dispatch)(2-24-2002)

One Engine Rule for 2002 UPDATE 3: starting in the 2002 season, Cup teams must use the same engine to qualify and race, NASCAR announced Sunday at Martinsville Speedway. In the event the engine used to qualify the car does not start the race, then at the desretion of the Winston Cup Series director, the starting position will be relinquished and the car will drop to the rear of the field prior to the start of the race. According to NASCAR, certain events during the 2002 season may require ammendments to this rule, such as the Gatorade Twin 125-mile qualifying races and the Coca-Cola 600, due its length.(NASCAR.com)(10-14-2001)
UPDATE: NASCAR has decided to allow teams to change engines following qualifying Feb. 9 for the Daytona 500. Beginning this season, teams are required to use the same engine for qualifying and the race. The move for Daytona was made because of the 125-mile qualifying races held prior to the race.(That's Racin')(1-8-2002)
UPDATE 2: NASCAR's one-engine rule makes its debut this weekend [at Rockingham]. Teams must use the same engine to qualify, practice and race. If a team must replace an engine before the race, its driver is dropped to the back of the field at the start.(Sporting News)(2-19-2002)
UPDATE 3: The single-engine rule requires Cup teams to use the same engine in practice, qualifying and the race itself on a given weekend. Any team suffering an engine failure AFTER qualifying will be forced to go to the back of the field for the start of the race.(ThatsRacin.com)(2-22-2002)
BEEN ASKED: can a team change an engine prior to qualifying or during the first practice on Friday? Have seen conflicting columns on what the rule really says - some say the rule takes effect AFTER qualifying and some say one engine for ALL practices, qualifying and the race. So not sure what happens if a team loses an engine in the early practice, sure we will find out soon enough.(2-22-2002)
AND about changing parts...NASCAR’s rule doesn’t prohibit teams from replacing parts on the engine, such as valve springs, intake manifolds, lifters, rocker arms, cam shafts, etc. Heads nor the engine block CANNOT be changed.(2-24-2002)

#500 for Mikey: Michael Waltrip will make his 500th career Winston Cup start Sunday at North Carolina Speedway, the 23rd series driver to reach this milestone.(2-24-2002)

#99 Jackman UPDATE: hearing that Britt Goodrich, the jackman for #49-Shawna Robinson (who is not racing this week at Rockigham) #49, will jack the #99-Jeff Burton Ford at Rockingham as thee regular #99 jackman, Brian Perry, injured an ankle last weekend in Daytona.(2-22-2002)
UPDATE: Shawna Robinson's jackman, Britt Goodrich, will jack Jeff Burton's No. 99 Ford today at the Rock. Burton's regular jackman, Brian Perry, injured an ankle last week at Daytona International Speedway when Kyle Petty's car ran into the jackman on pit road during the Daytona 500.(Daytona Beach News Journal)(2-24-2002)

#90 Changes and paint for the Rock UPDATE 2 looking for crew chief: the Duke's/Sauer's #90 Donlavey Racing Ford will be sporting a black and yellow paint scheme at Rockingham this weekend. Also Mastfans.com is reporting that crew chief Craig Huartson and the team have parted ways.(Mastfans.com), see an image on my Paint Schemes Gallery.(2-21-2002)
UPDATE: At North Carolina Speedway this weekend, #90 driver Rick Mast will run a new scheme as the #90 Duke's Ford underwent a facelift since Speed Weeks. "We wanted to make the car more visible for the fans to see while it was on the track," team owner Junie Donlavey said. "Duke's came up with a paint scheme that looks great, and we plan on running the scheme for the remainder of the season." The car is now predominantly black with the familiar yellow Duke's logo on the hood and a red Sauer's logo on the rear quarter panels. The #90 decal is also yellow and outlined in red. A yellow stripe runs below the 90 decal between the wheel wells and at the bottom of the back quarter panels. The rear spoiler is red. Donlavey Racing is also proud to announce the launch of its new Web site, www.donlaveyracing.com. The Web site will have weekly updates from the races, photos and a message board share information about the all-Virginia team and show their support.(Keystone PR)(2-21-2002)
UPDATE 2: Junie Donlavey is once again searching for a Winston Cup crew chief. Craig Huartson, who joined the team in December, is no longer with the Richmond-based operation. "All the parties involved agreed that it would be in the best interests of everybody to do something different," driver Rick Mast said. "What we've been doing all week is trying to interview a few folks and work with a couple of folks and get somebody in place, hopefully, by the first of the week."(Richmond Times Dispatch)(2-24-2002)

(2-23-2002)

More on APR and Jerry Jones: Andy Petree yesterday said conversations are continuing between him and Dallas Cowboys owner Jerry Jones about Jones buying into his Winston Cup team. ''We met at Daytona last week and we are still talking,'' Petree said. ''Right now that's all I can tell you.'' According to Dallas newspaper reports, Jones wants to become Petree's partner, maybe even buying controlling interest in the team and fielding a car carrying the Cowboys' colors. Jones was not seen a Rockingham yesterday.(Tennessean)(2-23-2002)

Spencer unhappy with TV coverage at Daytona: #41-Jimmy Spencer said he watched last week’s Daytona 500 on television after missing the field for that event. “That was the first race I’ve watched live on TV since 19-whatever it was,” he said. “I’m not proud of it and I’m not planning on watching any more.” Spencer said he sat with his wife and their two dogs, watching the race and pulling for Dodge teammate Sterling Marlin. He also had some criticism for the coverage. “I really wished the TV would have told what happened to Michael Waltrip and why did he get to the back,” Spencer said. “What happened to Ken Schrader? Why did he get back there? ...Instead of focusing on the top one or two cars, they need to explain what happened to everyone else. ...If a guy’s been in the top 10 and now he’s 18th or 20th, why is that? They should focus on that and they really don’t.” (ThatsRacin.com)(2-23-2002)

Park Tests...to return soon UPDATE: Steve Park tested Thursday at Lowe's Motor Speedway, running with DEI teammates Dale Earnhardt Jr., Michael Waltrip and Kenny Wallace. Thursday's test, in which the drivers tried to simulate race conditions, was observed by doctors and NASCAR officials. RPM2Night reports that the test went so well that Park could return to action in a few weeks. Park plans to test next week at Atlanta and also at Darlington. Wallace told RPM2Night that he's pulling for Park to make a successful return, and that it's possible Wallace would still make some Winston Cup starts for DEI after Park's return. Park was injured during a September BGN race when his car darted down the track during a caution period and into the path of Larry Foyt's #14 car.(ESPN and RPM2Night)(2-22-2002)
UPDATE: NASCAR did not charge any of the teams with one of their seven test sessions because it was done to aid a driver, a series spokesperson said. Also, a NASCAR official was present at the test.(Roanoke Times)(2-23-2002)

Sadler and Burton to be honored: Elliott Sadler and Ward Burton are being honored by Virginia officials. Sadler will be presented with a resolution Tuesday for his second-place performance in the Daytona 500. Burton will be saluted at a later time. On Sunday, he became the first Virginian to win the Daytona 500.(Richmond Times Dispatch)(2-23-2002)

Simpson vs NASCAR suit moved: Bill Simpson's defamation lawsuit against NASCAR has been moved from a Marion County, Ind., superior court to federal court. As expected, NASCAR asked for the change because the case involves parties from two different states. The suit was moved earlier this week to U.S. District Court, Southern District of Indiana, in Indianapolis. Bob Horn, an attorney for Simpson, said he will not object to the move. The case has been assigned to U.S. District Court Judge Sarah Evans Barker, who is presiding over the Bridgestone/Firestone tire product-liability cases. Attorney Robert Johnstone of Barnes & Thornburg in Indianapolis will represent NASCAR.(Daytona Beach News Journal), see more info on the suit on my NASCAR Past News page.(2-23-2002)

(2-22-2002)

Spoilers - not at Daytona: the spoliers on the Winston Cup cars are as follows:
Chevy: 6 1/4" height, 55" wide
Dodge: 6 1/4" height, 55" wide
Ford: 6 1/4" height, 55" wide
Pontiac: 6 7/8" height, 57" wide
not sure of the angle.(2-22-2002)

Nemechek and Bodine to run at Vegas: Travis Carter, owner of the #26 and #66 Fords of drivers Joe Nemechek and Todd Bodine, respectively, said Friday that his teams would compete next weekend at Las Vegas. But he would make no commitment beyond that. Both of Carter's teams have been sponsored by Kmart, which filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection in January. Kmart's sponsorship ends following Sunday's race at Rockingham. "We do have some hope and there are some listeners, but that's pretty much the extent of it. We're going to run next week and we don't know after that," Carter said. "One race at a time and today's Friday. We leave Tuesday or Wednesday, so something could change. We're not quitters. We've got to where we are by working hard and having good people associated with us and getting some breaks along the way, and we're not going to throw in the towel yet." Carter said he has kept his 60 or so employees fully informed of the status of his teams and has yet to lose anyone. He also said he would be open to selling part of his team if it would be a way to help ease the financial burden. "We would be willing to negotiate, I think, under many different circumstances and scenarios to generate revenue to keep these teams going," Carter said.(ThatsRacin.com)(2-22-2002)

Brett Bodine's Crew Chief Quits before the race, goes to the #14 UPDATE 3: The crew chief for Bodine's #11 Ford, Mike Hillman, quit the team 90 minutes prior to the race. Bodine is making decisions and negotiate his way through race strategy as his own crew chief through the 200 laps of today's Daytona 500. Hillman has been with Bodine since mid-point of the 2000 season and is believed to be moving to the #14 AJ Foyt Pontiac team with driver Stacy Compton.(NASCAR.com)(2-17-2002)
UPDATE: Mike Hillman, crew chief for Brett Bodine’s Winston Cup team, is moving to the #14 Pontiac's of the A.J. Foyt organization beginning with next weekend’s race at Rockingham. Hillman has been with the team since June 2000. Bodine has been unable to secure a primary sponsor for his team and does not know how long his team will remain in operation.(ThatsRacin.com)(2-17-2002)
UPDATE 2: Facing an uncertain future at Brett Bodine Racing, crew chief Mike Hillman left the team after Sunday’s Daytona 500 and started work Monday morning at A.J. Foyt Racing as the crew chief for driver Stacy Compton’s #14 Conseco Pontiac's. Hillman told Bodine of his decision four hours before the biggest race of the season, as soon as he arrived at the garage. Hillman was concerned Bodine would hear a rumor in the garage of his impending departure rather than from Hillman himself. Donnie Brown, who had been serving as Compton’s crew chief remains with Foyt’s team. Bodine’s team continues to search for sponsorship, but a team spokesperson said they were not planning to miss any races. Dura Lube, a longtime supporter of the sport through team and race sponsorships, joined BBR for Daytona, Rockingham and Las Vegas. For this weekend’s race at Rockingham, Bodine will rely on personnel within his own team -- which includes Hillman’s son Mike Jr., Bodine’s rear tire changer and car chief -- and an outside consultant to engineer his program.(NASCAR.com)(2-21-2002)
UPDATE 3: Veteran crew chief Doug Richert will take over as interim crew chief for Brett Bodine's #11 Ford. Bodine said Richert will lead the team for the next few races.(Atlanta Journal Constitution)(2-22-2002)

Craven wins the pole at Rockingham: #32-Ricky Craven won the Budweiser Pole for the Subway 400 with a speed of 156.008mph. It is Craven's fifth career pole. The top ten qualifiers are:
1)  #32-Ricky Craven, Ford, 156.008mph
2)  #36-Ken Schrader, Pontiac, 154.696
3)  #10-Johnny Benson, Pontiac, 154.631
4)  #88-Dale Jarrett, Ford, 154.507
5)  #25-Jerry Nadeau, Chevy, 154.357
6)  #40-Sterling Marlin, Dodge, 154.292
7)  #97-Kurt Busch, Ford, 154.208
8)  #2-Rusty Wallace, Ford, 153.884
9)  #1-Kenny Wallace, Chevy, 153.729
10) #55-Bobby Hamilton, Chevy, 153.696
slowest was #85-Carl Long, 147.385
2001 Champ #24-Jeff Gordon will start 33rd at 152.671 (he won the pole for the event in 2001)
#85-Long tapped the wall on his first lap and was rubbing a tire.
See ThatsRacin.com for Friday's Subway 400 qualifying results or a column:Craven wins Subway 400 pole
or NASCAR.com for the Subway 400 Race Lineup(NOTE, they have #45-Petty ahead of #11-Bodine which should be incorrect, Bodine was higher in 2001 Owner points which a tie is based on, so Bodine should start 31st)
.(2-22-2002)

Marcis plans and Trickle to run #71 at the Rock UPDATE 2 Sponsor: Dave Marcis 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.(Winston Cup Scene - need sub to read)(1-24-2002)
UPDATE - Sponsor for Marcis/Trickle at the Rock? Warranty Gold is listed as the sponsor of the #71 on NASCAR.com's Entry List. There is a connection as Warranty Gold was the sponsor for Dwayne Leik who drove the #81 Marcis Racing Chevy in a few BGN races in 2001.(2-21-2002)
UPDATE 2: Bass Pro Shops and Dave Marcis Racing will join forces this weekend at Rockingham when Dave Marcis officially changes hats from driver to car owner, handing over the steering wheel of his #71 Chevy to Dick Trickle. Marcis, who concluded his five decade career as a NASCAR Winston Cup driver with the running of the 2002 Daytona 500 this past weekend, will continue to participate as a car owner in many NASCAR events. Rockingham will be his first event as solely a car owner, and for this special event Bass Pro Shops and the National Wild Turkey Federation will be displayed on the hood of the #71 Chevrolet. Visit their web site: www.basspro.com for more information.(Fahlgren PR)(2-21-2002)

(2-21-2002)

Toyota to the CTS and then Cup? UPDATE: Toyota has made inquiries about getting into the Craftsman Truck Series in 2003 and is expected to follow Dodge's path to Winston Cup.(Sporting News)(2-19-2002)
UPDATE: from an interview on NHRA.com with Toyota's National Truck and SUV Marketing Manager Mark Amstock: NHRA.com: Aside from NHRA, Toyota is making in-roads in NASCAR, correct? Amstock: "Yes. We were thrilled to see Robert Huffman drive his Toyota Celica to a win at the season-opening race of the Goodys Dash Series in Daytona just a few weeks ago. Obviously, that's one of NASCAR's junior leagues. We're learning what it takes to work with NASCAR. The Craftsman Truck Series is next and then we'll work our way into Winston Cup. We'll be there sooner than some people think."(2-21-2002)

Bodine gets another race UPDATE: Two years ago, Geoffrey Bodine watched the Daytona 500 from his hospital bed after surviving a spectacular crash in a truck race. He finished third Sunday after starting 35th. “I'm not over the hill yet,” said Bodine, 52. His performance gained him additional support from the Miccosukee Indian Gaming Commission, which says it will back him at Talladega.(Sporting News), as of now Bodine is scheduled to run the #09 James Finch Miccosukee Indian Gaming Ford at Daytona in July and Homestead in Nov, and now Talladega - assuming the race in April.(2-18-2002)
UPDATE: on FSN's Totally NASCAR, Bodine was interviewed and said that the phone has been ringing off the hook and that he and #09 team owner James Finch hope to attempt 10-12 races this year and from 20 to a full schedule in 2003, if the funding can be found.(2-21-2002)

Another Muppet UPDATE: hearing that #18-Bobby Labonte has been added to the Chicagoland Muppet paint scheme promotion along with previous rumored, #88-Jarrett, #10-Benson(Flozzy) and #41-Spencer(2-12-2002)
UPDATE: up to five Muppet schemes now - hearing #28-Ricky Rudd will be part of the promtion at Chicago, celebrating 25 years of the Muppet Show.(2-21-2002)

Park to test this week: Steve Park was scheduled to test a DEI Chevy for a second time the week of Feb. 18. The test, however, was not an immediate prelude to his return to Winston Cup, according to crew chief Paul Andrews. Park recently tested at Carraway Speedway and the second test was meant to see what progress, if any, Park has made in the interim. Andrew said Park’s vision has improved to the point that he’s almost ready to discard his glasses. When it’s determined Park’s close to returning, he’ll run a full test at the track where he’ll attempt his first race.(Winston Cup Scene - need sub to read)(2-21-2002)

Cars tested after the 500: The cars of #22-Ward Burton, #21-Elliott Sadler and #15-Michael Waltrip were tested on the chassis dyno following the Daytona 500.(Winston Cup Scene - need sub to read)(2-21-2002)

Rockingham Stuff: There have been 11 different Bud Pole winners in the 14 NASCAR Winston Cup races at Rockingham since 1995. Mark Martin (fall 1999, fall 1998 and spring 1997) and Jeff Gordon (spring 1995 and spring 2001) are the only repeat Bud Pole winners in the 14-race period. Dale Jarrett has finished 10th or better, including one victory, in 13 of the last 14 races at Rockingham. His career-first Rockingham victory came in the fall race in 2000. Eleven of those 13 finishes were top fives, including six second-place finishes. Rusty Wallace leads all active drivers with five victories at Rockingham, including back-to-back wins in the fall of 1988 and the spring of 1989 and three consecutive races: a sweep in 1993 and the 1994 GM Goodwrench 500. In the 36 years of twice-a-year NASCAR Winston Cup racing at Rockingham, a sweep has occurred eight times: Richard Petty (1971 and 1976), David Pearson (1973), Cale Yarborough (1975 and 1980), Darrell Waltrip (1981), Rusty Wallace (1993) and Jeff Gordon (1998). Bobby Labonte has nine top-10 starts in the last 12 races at Rockingham. He finished third or better in four of his last six races at the North Carolina track.(NASCAR PR), Neil Bonnett has the record for coming the furthest to win this race, posting a victory in 1988 from the 30th spot.(2-21-2002)

2nd Race Blues: Ward Burton will try to become only the third driver in history to win the first two races of the season. Jeff Gordon accomplished the feat in 1997 and David Pearson turned the trick in 1976. Only two drivers have ever won the Daytona 500 and went on to win the first race at North Carolina Speedway -- Richard Petty (1974) and Gordon (1997).(ThatsRacin.com)(2-21-2002)

Kmart gets out of Daytona deal: Kmart has reached agreement with organizers of the Daytona 500 to withdraw as a corporate sponsor of the race. Kmart decided to withdraw in order to save money while it reorganizes under Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection. The two sides told U.S. Bankruptcy Judge Susan Pierson Sonderby last week that they were at odds over when Kmart notified race organizer International Speedway Corp. of its plan to withdraw. Kmart said it had informed the ISC no later than Feb. 1, and the speedway said the notification came no earlier than Feb. 4. At stake in the dispute is the $685,000 annual corporate sponsorship payment. The earlier the notification, the less Kmart must pay. When they arrived in court on Wednesday, however, attorneys for both sides told Sonderby they had agreed on a Jan. 31 date. They have 30 days to decide how much Kmart must pay to get out of the contract.(Michigan Live/AP), no mention of the #26 and #66 team which Kmart sponsors....thru Rockingham.(2-21-2002)

Burton on Letterman? UPDATE: been asked if Ward Burton will be on Late Night with David Letterman tonight, no idea, Burton is not listed on Letterman's site as a guest at all this week. Burton is in New York City for a media tour but no idea what the plans are or what shows he will appear on. Some of the appearances were at the ESPN Zone in Times Square, visits with New York TV and newspapers, satellite interviews with media, appearances on "The Best Damn Sports Show Period," "Fox Family and Friends" and "Live with Regis and Kelly."(2-19-2002)
UPDATE: been told that Burton will not appear on Letterman this week(2-21-2002)

(2-20-2002)

Renfrow to attempt the Rock: former CTS driver, Randy Renfrow is on the Subway 400 Entry List. He supposedly will attempt to make his first Winston Cup race in the #59 Dodge for owner Foster Price that Carl Long was to run at Rockingham before that deal fell thru, Long will be in the #85 Ford instead.(2-20-2002)

Shareholders of Speedway Motorsports sue NASCAR: Minority shareholders in Speedway Motorsports Inc. (SMI), the corporation that owns Texas Motor Speedway, have sued NASCAR, claiming it broke a promise to grant the speedway a second Winston Cup race. Cochran, Cherry, Givens and Smith of Dothan is spearheading the suit along with co-counsel Cohen, Milstein, Hausfield and Toll of Washington, DC. The suit accuses NASCAR of breach of contract and anti-trust matters, claiming that NASCAR promised SMI a second race date for Texas Motor Speedway, but reneged on the promise and instead granted races to tracks owned by International Speedway Corporation (ISC), in which NASCAR has a direct financial interest. The France family owns NASCAR as well as a controlling interest in ISC, which is also named as a defendant in the lawsuit. Since Texas Motor Speedway's launch in 1997, Winston Cup races have been granted to four ISC tracks. SMI's Las Vegas Speedway has also been granted a race. The suit acknowledges there is no written agreement between NASCAR and SMI to grant Texas Motor Speedway a second race date. However, NASCAR has traditionally operated by granting races on a year-by-year basis, so plaintiffs' attorneys believe the contract was a verbal one and is binding. The suit was filed last week in U.S. District Court in Sherman, Texas, close to Texas Motor Speedway. NASCAR officials said they have not had a chance to look at the suit.(LapbyLap), NOTE: it is the shareholders NOT the company that is suing NASCAR.(2-20-2002)

Kyle Ride: The 2002 Sprint/Kyle Petty Charity Ride Across America will thunder across the USA from June 23-30, 2002. The cross country trek will leave from California on June 23 and conclude in Trinity, North Carolina on June 30, 2002. This annual event benefits children’s hospitals across the country; Victory Junction Gang Camp for chronically ill children, founded by Kyle and Pattie Petty in honor of their son Adam; the Winston Cup Racing Wives Auxiliary Trust; as well as numerous other charities. The route and details for the 2002 event are being finalized. However, information on registration and cost will be posted here as soon as it is available.(Kyle Petty Charity Ride Across America Site)(2-20-2002)

Motorcraft Launches Site: Motorcraft, premium automotive parts for Ford, Lincoln and Mercury vehicles, has an all-new website. Aftermarket installers and vehicle owners will find the new Motorcraft.com to be a valuable resource. The site features detailed descriptions of the most popular Motorcraft products and a full-line catalog of all Motorcraft offerings. Visitors can find where to buy Motorcraft products with a wholesale and retail locator. The site also includes a comprehensive Motorcraft Racing section with in-depth coverage of the Motorcraft Racing Team in the NASCAR Winston Cup Series. The section features detailed information on the #21 Motorcraft Ford Taurus, Elliott Sadler, and the entire Wood Brothers Racing Team. Weekly updates provide the latest race results, recaps and standings while an exclusive monthly feature article covers fun, inside stories about the team.(Cambell PR)(2-20-2002)

Bo-Dyn wins Gold: Jill Bakken and Vonetta Flowers stunned the field Tuesday night, winning the gold medal in the inaugural women’s Olympic bobsled race and breaking a 46-year drought in the sport for the United States. The bobsledders employed a Bo-Dyn sled Tuesday, designed and heavily funded by NASCAR racer and Chemung native Geoffrey Bodine. After eight years of work, and a lot of money, the Bo-Dyn sled took home a medal – and not just any medal, the gold. Bodine is scheduled to leave for Salt Lake early today, but he missed the first-ever medal run by one of his sleds. “I told (Geoffrey) they’re probably partying tonight and he said, ’You can bet they’ll be partying tommorrow when I get there,’” Bodine’s assistant, Lisa Cox, told The Leader late Tuesday. The gold medal rounds out a nearly perfect week for Bodine who finished third in the Daytona 500 Sunday, two years after almost perishing in a crash at the same track. The other U.S. team of Jean Racine and Gea Johnson, also using a Bo-Dyn sled, had been favored to contend for a medal and overshadowed Bakken and Flowers leading up to the race [they ended up 5th]. In the end, though, it was the USA-2 team that had the fastest combined time in the two runs, 1 minute, 37.76 seconds. Flowers, the team’s brakewoman and a former track star at the University of Alabama-Birmingham, became the first black athlete to win a Winter Olympic gold medal.(The Leader)(2-20-2002)

Jerry Jones with Andy Petree? UPDATE 3 and 4 and DW?: I am hearing Sports Illustrated is reporting that Andy Petree and Dallas Cowboys owner Jerry Jones are talking about a possible partnership of partial ownership and sponsorship for the #33 car of Joe Nemechek. According to the story, Jones wants partial ownership and Richard Childress, with who he has also had discussions, is not willing to do that. Petree and Jones have begun discussions along those lines(haven't seen it or seen it online)(8-13-2001)
UPDATE: One man suddenly mentioned as such a potential partner is Jerry Jones, the owner of the Dallas Cowboys. Jones has been negotiating with Richard Childress for a NASCAR team deal for the past six months. "I have not talked with Jerry Jones, but I would like to talk to him, I really would," Petree said. "If the deal isn't going to happen with Childress, I'd like to talk to Jerry. There really isn't a story there yet. We're still trying to get Square D signed (renewing sponsorship for the Bobby Hamilton team), and hopefully that will happen by the end of the month. But we're not seeing the movement out there we'd like to see with our other team (Joe Nemechek)."(Winston Salem Journal)(8-15-2001)
UPDATE 2: Haven't seen much on this in a while: Dallas Cowboys owner Jerry Jones may become a part owner of a Winston Cup team next season. Andy Petree, who owns the #33 and #55 cars, said Sunday that he and Jones have been negotiating for months and continued their talks before the Daytona 500. "We've been talking for quite a while," Petree said. "We've kept it kind of quiet until now, but it's hard to keep it quiet when we walk in here together. [Jones] is a good man. We've spent a lot of time together, and we're looking forward to doing some things together." Petree said Jones first approached him in October, and he said the deal would be for co-ownership of both of Petree's teams. But any venture involving Jones won't be soon enough to help Petree this season. His #33 Chevrolet is without sponsorship and may not be in the field next week at Rockingham. "This relationship isn't gong to solve any of the problems we have right now," Petree said.(Atlanta Journal Constitution)(2-18-2002)
UPDATE 3: Cowboys owner Jerry Jones is discussing a deal that would make him either full or part owner of Andy Petree's financially strapped NASCAR Winston Cup team before the start of the 2003 season. Jones spent approximately 40 minutes Sunday morning meeting with Petree in his hauler in the garage area at Daytona, prior to the green flag for the season-opening Daytona 500.(ThatsRacin.com)
UPDATE 4: Jones is expected to announce soon that he will purchase controlling interest in the two-car Winston Cup team of Andy Petree. Some of the details still need to be worked out, but Jones is close to breaking new ground by making the Cowboys the first NFL franchise with a full-time presence in NASCAR. By 2003, a blue and silver car with the Cowboys star could be turning laps. The Petree cars are Chevrolets now, but don't be surprised to see a switch to Fords next season when the new arrangement begins.(Dallas Morning News - need to register)(2-20-2002)
ALSO DW? also hearing that Jones met early Sunday morning at Daytona with Darrell Waltrip to discuss a role for Waltrip with the Jones racing organization.(2-20-2002)

BAM Racing News UPDATE 2: it was announced on FSN's Totally NASCAR that the #49 BAM Racing crew chief, Eddie Sharp has parted ways with the team. Shawna Robinson is the driver for the team. No replacement named. Next scheduled race for the team is at Las Vegas.(2-19-2002)
UPDATE: hearing car chief Teddy Brown will be the new crew chief.(2-20-2002)
UPDATE: BAM Racing, which fields the #49 Dodge driven by Shawna Robinson, announced Tuesday it has released crew chief Eddie Sharp. Team officials said the decision was made in an effort to continue to improve the program. "BAM Racing appreciates all the work Eddie Sharp did to prepare the new team for Daytona and we wish him the best in his future endeavors," said team manager Eddie Jones. Car Chief Teddy Brown was selected to oversee the preparation and car's setup for the March 3 race at Las Vegas, the team's next scheduled event.(ThatsRacin.com)(2-20-2002)

Sacks in the #71? hearing rumors that Greg Sacks [former Cup and BGN winner] may run a few races for the #71 Dave Marcis Racing team.(2-20-2002)

Air Bag in NASCAR? UPDATE: Autoliv, an automotive safety corporation that sponsored Mike Wallace's #33 Chevy for Daytona, is working on an air-bag system that could be ready for use in Winston Cup cars by next season.(USA Today)(2-19-2002)
UPDATE: Although some racing people believe it is overly ambitious, Trevor Ashline is already working to put air bags in race cars. Ashline and Autoliv are working on a side-impact air bag that would prevent the type of injury that has sidelined Steve Park since last September. "I believe I could have one ready for testing in a Winston Cup car by the end of this year," Ashline said. Ashline is a consultant for Autoliv, the Swedish company that makes and tests safety equipment for passenger cars.(Atlanta Journal Constitution)(2-20-2002)

(2-19-2002)

#33 at the Rock: The #33 Chevrolet of Andy Petree Racing will compete in Sunday's Cup race at North Carolina Speedway [Rockingham]. Petree made the announcement Tuesday. "The fact that we won the last Winston Cup race at Rockingham and the fact that there are a lot of potential sponsors still looking at us led me to believe the best thing we could do is run at least this race," Petree said. Mike Wallace will drive the car, continuing the stint he began last week at Daytona. Petree did not commit past Sunday's Subway 400 but did not rule out running the following week at Las Vegas, NV. Autoliv sponsored the #33 car at Daytona in a one-race deal. Petree said he had been talking with Autoliv about future events, as well as several other companies. Check out Autoliv at their site: www.autoliv.com.(Williams Company PR)(2-19-2002)

BrandSource and Melling? BrandSource.com sponsored the #92 Melling Dodge for the Daytona. Am hearing that BrandSource is thinking about doing a limited schedule with the team for 2002. Hearing they are watching their website traffic to see if their sponsorship of the #92 helped drive people to the site, so check out the site at www.brandsource.com, maybe it'll help.(2-19-2002)

AMS Testing UPDATE 2 Speeds: 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)
UPDATE: Drivers expected to test at Atlanta are #41-Jimmy Spencer, #29-Kevin Harvick, #31-Robby Gordon, #97-Kurt Busch, #11-Brett Bodine, #19-Jeremy Mayfield, #43-John Andretti and #55-Bobby Hamilton. Harvick, defending champion of the spring race, will be back to fine-tune his strategy in Atlanta. Harvick performed like a veteran last year in just his third Winston Cup race, outdueling four-time Winston Cup champion Jeff Gordon to the checkered flag by just .006 seconds. It was an emotional win for his Richard Childress Racing team, which had lost their legendary driver, Dale Earnhardt, just three weeks earlier. This week's test sessions will not be open to the public. ALSO: Atlanta Motor Speedway still has plenty of $25 seats left for the March 10 Atlanta 500 NASCAR Winston Cup weekend. The seats offer fans a great view of the action from the backstretch Weaver Grandstand, where fans are treated to dicey passes and plenty of side-by-side racing excitement. The $25 seats are located in the first six rows, and the rest of the Weaver Grandstand seats are priced $35 and $45. For fans looking for a mid-price ticket, the East Turn Grandstand is the perfect choice for $50 or $65.(AMS PR)(2-19-2002)
UPDATE 2: Defending spring race winner, Kevin Harvick, clocked the fastest lap of the day on Tuesday as he and four other drivers prepared for the March 10 Atlanta 500 at Atlanta Motor Speedway. Harvick's laps were the quickest of the testing period and are about one-half second off last spring.s pole run, recorded by Dale Jarrett, which was 28.76 seconds (192.748 mph). Bill Elliott flew in for the test, acting only as a consultant for new teammate Jeremy Mayfield. The speeds:
#29-Kevin Harvick, 189.733
#97-Kurt Busch, 189.538
#41-Jimmy Spencer, 189.280
#31-Robby Gordon, 188.751
#19-Jeremy Mayfield, 186.667.(AMS PR)(2-19-2002)

Earnhardt Jr and Pit Road: #8-Dale Earnhardt had moved up to second place before his right-front tire blew and he hit the wall on Turn 2 of the 22nd lap. During the caution - the race's first - he went to the pits twice to get a new tire and repair the damage to the front-right side of his car. That trouble sent him back to 35th place. But by Lap 80, he had moved back up to second place. Five laps later, his right-rear tire blew and his car careened out of control through the infield. There were more stunts to come during the next few laps. He lost his right-front fender. He also lost his brakes and slid past his pit box, nearly hitting a track official. NASCAR vice president Jim Hunter said, "there will be a discussion" as to whether Earnhardt will be penalized for his pit escapade.(Daytona Beach News Journal)(2-19-2002)

Earnhardt Tribute: About 350 people attended a candlelight vigil outside Dale Earnhardt Inc's museum and shop Monday evening, and about 1,000 people visited the site during the day. The fans came from as far away as Kentucky and Minnesota, and they filled 24 message boards with prayers and promises that they would never forget their favorite driver. Some fans said they still watch racing, and many cheer for Earnhardt's son, Dale Jr., but others say they have lost interest. Earnhardt was killed a year ago Monday on the final lap of the Daytona 500.(ESPN/AP)(2-19-2002)

Blocking to be Looked at, Yellow Line, etc: NASCAR president Mike Helton addressed several key issues that emerged the day after Sunday's crash and bang Daytona 500. Helton said the 2002 restrictor-plate rules package, which was significantly different from 2001, passed the test in Winston Cup's biggest event at Daytona International Speedway. The next restrictor-plate race is April 21 at Talladega Superspeedway, and Helton hinted the sanctioning body might tweak the rules between now and then. Helton said NASCAR is taking a look at the blocking tactics that caused several accidents during the 500. Kevin Harvick tried to block Jeff Gordon on Lap 149. Gordon tapped Harvick, who spun to ignite an 18-car accident. Helton said the contact between Sterling Marlin and Gordon, which knocked Gordon's Chevrolet off the course, was not considered a block or a violation of NASCAR's yellow line rule.(Daytona Beach News Journal)(2-19-2002)

Winning Car Induction UPDATE: After the winner of Sunday's 44th Daytona 500 finishes celebrating in Daytona International Speedway's Victory Lane, the star car will be rolled inside DAYTONA USA to a place of honor specially reserved for the champion. On Monday, DAYTONA USA will induct the winner of this weekend's "Great American Race." The winning car will remain on display until next year's DAYTONA 500. The induction celebration will begin with a media breakfast, where press can interview the winning driver, at 8 a.m. in the Bill France Room of DAYTONA USA. At 9 a.m., the winner and his crew chief will go to DAYTONA USA's Gatorade Victory Lane for a special presentation. DAYTONA USA opens at 9 a.m. and the public is welcome to attend this annual event.(DIS PR), #22-Ward Burton's Caterpillar Dodge will be inducted(2-18-2002)
UPDATE: A day after winning the 44th annual Daytona 500, Ward Burton gave up his #22 Caterpillar Dodge to DAYTONA USA, the official motorsports attraction of NASCAR. Burton met with the media on Monday morning and then visited his car, which now rests in Gatorade's Victory Lane inside the attraction. Burton strolled around the car that remains in the condition it was when it pulled into Victory Lane on Sunday afternoon. The South Boston, VA native peeked inside the windows and penned his autograph on the front hood. Burton's Bill Davis Racing crew signed the car in Victory Lane on Sunday. Burton, in his eighth Daytona 500 start, became the first Virginian to win the "Great American Race." Burton, owner Bill Davis and crew chief Tommy Baldwin participated in a fan forum before traveling to New York City for a media tour.(DIS PR)(2-19-2002)

Toyota to the CTS and then Cup? Toyota has made inquiries about getting into the Craftsman Truck Series in 2003 and is expected to follow Dodge's path to Winston Cup.(Sporting News)(2-19-2002)

(2-18-2002)

Daytona 500 most watched: Sunday's NASCAR Winston Cup Series Daytona 500 earned a 10.9 rating/26 share for NBC's inaugural broadcast of the "Great American Race" becoming the highest-rated and most-viewed broadcast in NASCAR history. NBC's telecast eclipsed the previous Daytona 500 high of a 10.5 in 1979, as well as last year's 10.0/24 rating by nine percent. Thirty-five million viewers watched all or part of NBC's coverage of the Daytona 500, surpassing last year's previous record of 32 million viewers.(NASCAR PR)(2-18-2002)

Glover Statement: Statement From Tony Glover, Team Manager Of Chip Ganassi Racing With Felix Sabates, Concerning Sterling Marlin Getting Out Of The #40 Coors Light Dodge During The Red Flag Period Of The Daytona 500: "After Sterling and Jeff Gordon got together in turn 1, the right front fender on Sterling's car was rubbing just bad enough that he was probably going to cut down the tire.. We couldn't take that chance and put him and everyone else in danger. We were going to have to come in one way or the other so we had Sterling jump out and check out the damage during the red flag."(Chip Ganassi Racing with Felix Sabates PR)(2-18-2002)

Irwin Race: The Kenny Irwin Jr. Memorial Winternationals will be held February 19th thru 23rd at Orlando SpeedWorld in Bithlo, Florida. This is the first time in several years that full-sized midgets have run in Florida and the NAMARS sanctioned event has drawn a number of competitors including USAC Midget Champion Tracy Hines and 2001 Rookie of the Year Bobby East as well as several other USAC drivers. Jimmy McCune, the winningest driver in NAMARS, will also be in the field of the forty midgets expected to come. The last Winternationals that were held in Florida was won by Kenny Irwin Jr. and therefore this has become the Kenny Irwin Jr. Memorial Winternationals. Lap money sponsors will see part of that money go to the Kenny Irwin Jr. Memorial "Dare to Dream Camp" established in Irwin's honor. Racing will start at 7:30 PM each night and on Wednesday night, there will be a "ladies only" midget feature. Also on the program will be FASCAR Mini-Stocks, Super Stocks, Dwarf Cars (Mod Lites), Legends Cars, and on the final three nights, the Classic Auto Racing Series cars. There will be FREE RV parking provided at the speedway and admission each night will be $20.00 adults, teens $10.00.(Florida Stock Car Racing)(2-18-2002)

Red Flag Rule: Here is the rule applied to Sterling Marlin on Lap 197 of Sunday's Daytona 500. Rule 10-5 of the 2002 NASCAR Winston Cup Series rulebook preventing any repairs on a car during a red flag: Red Flag - The red flag means that the race must be stopped immediately regardless of the position of the cars on the track. The red flag shall be used if, in the opinion of NASCAR Officials, the race should be stopped. Cars should be brought to a stop in an area designated by NASCAR Officials. Repairs or service of any nature or refueling will not be permitted when the race is halted due to a red flag. All work must stop on any car in the pits and/or garage area when the red flag is displayed, unless the car has withdrawn from the Event. Work cannot be resumed until the red flag is withdrawn (race is restarted).(Daytona Beach News Journal)(2-18-2002)

Daytona 500 TV in Europe? Next year's Daytona 500 will be televised live in Europe on EuroSport, according to NASCAR officials. Apparently, the 500 wasn't live in Europe on Sunday and no idea if it will be shown in Europe any time this week.(Winston Salem Journal)(2-18-2002)

Morgan McClure leases and engine: Larry McClure [owner of the #4 Kodak Chevy], once known for his [restrictor] engines at these type of tracks, purchased a motor from Rick Hendrick to run in the Daytona 500.(Richmond Times Dispatch)(2-18-2002)

Win does not equal title: Only once since 1980 has the Daytona 500 winner gone on to win the Winston Cup title. #24-Jeff Gordon did it in 1997.(many sites)(2-18-2002)

Goodyear Not Happy?NASCAR's new tire rules, which require teams to start each run on tires inflated at least to Goodyear's recommended minimum air pressure, apparently aren't setting well with Goodyear officials. Why? Because if a tire blows, and NASCAR has verified it at recommended pressure, Goodyear's accountability might be more precisely defined.(Winston Salem Journal)(2-18-2002)

Congrats: Olympic snowboarding gold medalists Ross Powers and Kelly Clark received a standing ovation when they visited the Daytona 500 drivers' meeting.(Richmond Times Dispatch)(2-18-2002)

Pit Crew/Hero of the Week: At the end of every NASCAR Winston Cup race the National Association of Pit Crew Members announces its "Pit Crew of the Week". This is the pit crew that really showed their skills during the race.
NAPCM Pit Crew of the Week - #21 Motorcraft Crew - kept Elliot Sadler in contention all day and deserved to finish better than 2nd.
NAPCM Hero of the week - Dale Earnhardt Jr. - when rear tire blew out and brakes failed, Dale Jr., risked speeding through the grass at 200mph rather than risk injuring pit crew members on pit road. Dale Jr. would have been safer (himself) racing down pit road with no brakes at 150-200mph but instead chose to drive through the grass (much more dangerous for him). This shows why he is a favorite among NAPCM members.(NAPCM PR(2-18-2002)

(2-17-2002)

see the Feb 11-17, 2002 Archived News Page

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