Kurt Busch wins The Food City 500 at Bristol: #97-Kurt Busch won his first ever Cup race in his 48th career start. It puts Busch into the 2002 The Winston. It is the 4th ever win for a car #97 and the first time the car #97 has won since Parnelli Jones won using the number at Los Angeles on May 30, 1959. Busch also won from a back stretch pit stall. #41-Jimmy Spencer ended up 2nd and #28-Ricky Rudd was 3rd. #31-Gordon gave #8-Earnhardt Jr a nudge on Pit Road (expect a fine for that - remember Stewart last year). Gordon, Earnhardt Jr and their crew chief's and owners have been called to the NASCAR trailer to discuss the situation.
The top ten finishers were:
1) #97-Busch (89 laps led)
2) #41-Spencer (54 laps led)
3) #28-Rudd
4) #8-Earnhardt Jr (laps led 181)
5) #18-Labonte
6) #17-Kenseth
7) #48-Johnson
8) #25-Nadeau
9) #2-Wallace
10) #29-Harvick
#20-Tony Stewart with Todd Bodine subbing ended up 15th.
2001 Cup Champ - #24-Gordon ended 31st, 20 laps down.
2002 Points Leaders - #40-Marlin ended up 19th, 1 lap down.
Cars on the lead lap: 18 of 43
Cautions: 14 for 101 laps
DNF's (out of the race): #26-Nemechek (accident); #71-Trickle(?); #21-Sadler(accident); #10-Benson(?).
Lap Leaders: #24-Gordon; #41-Spencer; #8-Earnhardt Jr; #99-Burton; #20-Stewart; #97-Busch.
Caution 1 - didn't take long, lap 4, #-1Park, tapped #44-Jones who spun out.
Caution 2 - lap 42, #14-Compton got spun out by #12-Ryan Newman and hit the inside retaining wall.
Caution 3 - lap 52, #43-Andretti spun out by #29-Harvick and went into the wall, but was able to drive it around and stay on the lead lap.
Caution 4 - lap 82, #1-Park, passed #55-Hamilton too low and lost the car and spun it around, no damage to the car.
Caution 5 - lap 112, #02-Sadler, got spun by #55-Hamilton, but didn't hit anything until #88-Jarrett tried to go high to pass by Sadler and had no room, tapping Sadler in the left rear quater panel.
Caution 6 - lap 132, #10-Benson was tapped by #40-Marlin, Benson spun out and backed into the outside wall.
Caution 7 - lap 158, #24-Gordon went too low on the track and spun out, backing into the outside wall, quite a bit of damage, but should still be able to stay out on the track after repairs are done.
Caution 8 - lap 165, just after the green flag flew, #23-Stricklin and #26-Nemechek got together. The #26 Ford is damgaged quite a bit.
Caution 9 - lap 209, #20 Stewart tapped #12-Newman when Newman got loose. #90-Mast and #30-Green also spun out and got together behind the wreck. Newman's car is extensively damage. The #24-Gordon car is back in the garage getting repaired.
Caution 10 - lap 282, the #99-Burton car got into the #12-Newman car (just after he returned back to the track after repairs), #88-Jarrett tried to stop but could not and bumped the #12.
Caution 11 - lap 242, #21-Sadler was tapped by #45-Petty and spun into the inside back stretch wall, and while #31-Gordon was checking up, #1-Park hit and spun Gordon.
Caution 12 - lap 365, #20-Stewart lost it and spun a bit, after that, Todd Bodine replaced Stewart in the car and stayed on the lead lap.
Caution 13 - lap 406, #1-Park spun by himself, #14-Compton spun slowing down, neither made contact. Leader #8-Earnhardt Jr came in to pit, the 2nd place car #97-Busch and #41-Spencer (3rd) stayed out.
Caution 14 - lap 476, #02-Sadler cut a tire and hit the wall, he drove away. #97-Busch let #20-Bodine get his lap back.
NOTES: On the start of the race, #31-Robby Gordon jumped the green flag start and was penalized a drive thru pit road. #15-Waltrip hit the wall with the side of his car, still out there running. #4-Skinner penalized for speeding on pit road. #24-Gordon was told after his accident to pick up the pace as he was running too slow. Todd Bodine is standing by to sub for Tony Stewart in the #20 Home Depot Pontiac.
See ThatsRacin.com for Sunday's Food City 500 results and for Updated Winston Cup points standings and for two columns: Sunday's Race Rewind - Plenty of trouble to go around and Busch's win unforgettable, Spencer says.(3-24-2002)
Display Debut's: ALLTEL debuted a new traveling display at Bristol that will visit many of the upcoming NASCAR Winston Cup races. Fans have many treats in store when they drop by, including racing simulators, interactive displays, the ALLTEL long-distance basketball toss and numerous items of interest concerning driver Ryan Newman and his ALLTEL-sponsored racing team. You can even charge your cell phone or make a free one-minute call, courtesy of ALLTEL.(Tom Roberts PR)(3-24-2002)
Goodyear Employee Retires: Retirement's lure finally hooked Goodyear's longest serving salaried employee, Wayne Torrence, who joined Goodyear on Jan. 1, 1945, and has represented the Racing Division since 1969. Torrence has missed very few days in his 57-year-career and, in fact, his first day on the job was a day off - he was the only person reporting to work on that cold New Year's holiday. "He's at the beach right now," revealed Greg Stucker, director of racing tire sales and marketing, "and definitely enjoying the start of a well-deserved retirement. Those in the race world who know him can be assured that Wayne will be attacking the golf courses with new gusto." Torrence most recently had been the product manager for NASCAR racing, running Goodyear's race tire warehouse in Concord, N.C., and also handling the at-track marketing and operations duties at many of the Winston Cup race weekends. The warehouse he coordinated serves the tire needs of the six Goodyear race tire distributors in the United States.(Goodyear PR)(3-24-2002)
More races for Hermie Sadler? #02-Hermie Sadler is partnering with Fox in promoting autism awareness this weekend. Sadler's daughter, Halie Dru, suffers from autism, and Sadler has the 1-800-3-AUTISM line on his car. "Our goal hopefully is to raise money for families with autistic children that need financial help," Sadler said. "They tell us that through the 800 number on the car that we got about 200 calls, just through our qualifying efforts." In racing news, Sadler is considering picking up more races. He's about "50-50" on going to Texas the week after Easter and, with only 43 Winston Cup competitors showing up some weeks, is considering adding more races to his schedule.(Richmond Times Dispatch)(3-24-2002)
No Indy 500 for Andretti in 2002: #43-John Andretti wants to run in both the Indianapolis 500 and the Coca-Cola 600 this year. His NASCAR bosses are putting a halt to any double-duty plans. "John's not going to do it," Kyle Petty, CEO of Petty Enterprises, said Saturday. "We're just not in a position to let John do this at this time. I want John to do it, but we need his focus to be on the Winston Cup cars." That's disappointing news to Andretti, who tried the double in 1994. He's been trying to do the grueling 1,100-miles of racing in the same day ever since and approached Petty on Friday to ask if he could do it this year. "I 100 percent want to do it, so I asked and then I listened for a while," said Andretti, who is hopeful Petty might change his mind. (Daytona Beach News Journal/AP)(3-24-2002)
No Stand-by for Stewart UPDATE: #20-Tony Stewart doesn't plan to have a driver standing by in his pits today. Stewart, sore from last week's crash at Darlington Raceway, underwent physical therapy at the Motor Racing Outreach trailer yesterday after the final practice yesterday.(Richmond Times Dispatch)(3-24-2002) UPDATE: Todd Bodine was standing by for Stewart and ran the car the last 130+ laps after Stewart spun and was not feeling good. Bodine finished the car on the lead lap in 15th, allowing Stewart to stay in the 12th place Drivers points standings.(3-24-2002)
Dragster at start/finish line: Doug Kalitta, who won the top fuel class in the NHRA Mac Tools Thunder Valley Nationals at Bristol Dragway last year, will have his top fuel dragster on display at the start-finish line at today's Food City 500. "What we're trying to do is bring a little more awareness to the Winston Cup fans that we've got a race coming up next month," Kalitta said. "We'll start our car so the fans can hear what it sounds like, and we're just out here trying to promote the Mac Tools brand."(Bristol Herald Courier)(3-24-2002)
(3-23-2002)
fan-owned NASCAR team relaunches UPDATE 2: Fanz Enterprises, which announced plans to form fan-owned NASCAR teams last fall, has re-launched its effort to allow race fans to own stock in NASCAR teams. The company’s debut was interrupted by the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks in New York City and Washington. The company is offering a maximum of 2.5 million shares of its common stock at a price of $10 per share. Fans can become part owners by purchasing a minimum of 25 shares (a $250 one-time investment). The money raised through the public offering is expected to allow Fanz to field a minimum of two full-time race teams. Sources of operating revenue are expected to include sponsorship monies, race purse winnings, race bonuses and sales of collectible and consumer motorsports products. For more information or to obtain a prospectus on the stock offering, visit fanzracing.com, or call (888) 444-8233.(ThatsRacin.com)(3-16-2002) UPDATE: In addition to Larry McReynolds, Chipper Jones of the Atlanta Braves has joined the Fanz team. Jones is a die-hard NASCAR fan and has dreamed about being a team owner. After learning about Fanz, Jones is "revved-up" to tell race fans across America about the benefits of Ownership and what it means to "be an Owner".(Fanz Enterprises PR)(3-22-2002) AND see an article at USA Today: NASCAR fans hope stock helps them go racing.(3-23-2002)
Sharpie Announcement at Bristol UPDATE 2: an announcement will be made by the maker of the permanent marker, Sharpie, at Bristol Motor Speedway on Saturday, March 23 at 9:00am at the brand new Victory Lane Building at Bristol. Not only will the press conference feature this announcement, it will also unveil a special paint scheme to be driven by #97-Kurt Busch of Roush Racing. "Announcements like this one don't come along every day," Busch said. "I'm real excited about it, and am thrilled to have the opportunity of driving this one-in-a-million special paint scheme. I have seen a lot of neat stuff on the track, but this one is sure to get everyone's attention." Beginning in August 2001, Sharpie came on as the title sponsor for the August night race at Bristol and appropriately called it the Sharpie 500. This year, with the addition of their special announcement, they are planning to make it a race that fans won't forget and for one fan it may even change their life.(Roush Racing PR), hmmmm.....sounds like a contest of some sort?(3-19-2002) UPDATE: see an image of the car on my Paint Scheme Gallery.(3-21-2002) UPDATE 2: the #97 Ford of Kurt Busch is running a special scheme this weekend at Bristol to promote a sweepstakes: 10 lucky winners can win a Trip Prize: a 3-day/2-night trip for two to the SHARPIE 500 race in August 2002 at the Bristol Motor Speedway in Bristol, TN and a chance to win up to $1,000,000. For more info see the Sharpie Site.(3-23-2002)
Fittipaldi and Petree? #55 and #33 car owner Andy Petree is expressing an interest in CART-Busch driver Christian Fittipaldi. Petree has cut back his two-car effort to a single-car [#55] team after losing sponsorship.(Winston Salem Journal)(3-23-2002)
Chevy's get measured different starting at Texas UPDATE: Officials for NASCAR announced modifications in the inspection and measuring process, specifically for the Chevrolet Monte Carlo, beginning with the NASCAR Winston Cup event weekend at Texas Motor Speedway on April 5th. The current NASCAR Winston Cup Series inspection process utilizes reference lines for inspection located on the inspection-room floor to help determine the overall length of the front of the car for each manufacturer. The Chevrolet's reference line has been moved to the same point as the Ford Taurus and Dodge Intrepid. It will now be measured at 100 ¼ inches in length. (Prior to this modification, the Chevrolet was measured at 99 inches). The Pontiac Grand Prix is measured at 100 ½ inches.(NASCAR PR)(3-22-2002) UPDATE: Chevy team owners call NASCAR's newest rules break "just a bone they're throwing us," according to car owner Andy Petree. NASCAR's John Darby hinted he planned to follow up this rule with one cutting back something on the Dodges. General Motors' Alba Colon said GM would welcome that move: "I would be very glad to hear that. We asked (NASCAR) to do something with the Dodges and the Fords, but they replied 'What can we do for the Chevrolet? We don't want to take anything away from them. What can we do for you?'" The new Chevy rule, Darby says, will give that make more front downforce. However, Chevy crew chiefs dismiss that, saying it may add only 10 pounds of downforce; NASCAR wind tunnel tests last week showed the Dodge with more than 130 pounds more front downforce than the Monte Carlo, out of nearly 1400 pounds of total downforce.(Winston Salem Journal)(3-23-2002)
Earnhardt Jr - a no show UPDATE: Dale Earnhardt Jr. was a no-show at Food City Family Race Night. Advance promotions for the event stressed all scheduled appearances were tentative, and someone who answered the phone at the North Carolina offices of Earnhardt's public relations contact said their office indicated Wednesday that Dale Jr. would not attend. But among hundreds of NASCAR fans waiting in line Thursday afternoon for the doors to officially open for Race Night were scores of disappointed Earnhardt fans - some complaining they would not have made their way to the event had they known ahead of time he would not attend.(see full story at the Kingsport Times News and Bristol Herald Courier)(3-22-2002) UPDATE: Dale Earnhardt Jr. was a no-show at a local autograph session, instead flying with Stewart to a Kid Rock concert Thursday night in Huntington, W.Va. Earnhardt also may face a civil fine for riding his four-wheeler on someone else's property, according to a Charlotte television station.(Winston Salem Journal)(3-23-2002)
Spencer Hauled in: Before his team was allowed to unload his hauler and begin race preparations, driver Jimmy Spencer had to meet Friday morning with Winston Cup officials regarding his participation in last Sunday’s 11-car accident at Darlington. Event director David Hoots had asked that Spencer report to the NASCAR hauler following the Darlington race, but Spencer left the track without doing so. He was asked to come to the hauler Friday morning before practice and his team was not allowed to bring their car out until the meeting was over. “They wanted to talk to him about some stuff, about what he saw in the wreck and was there any way they could have prevented such a big pile-up,” said Tony Glover, team manager for Chip Ganassi Racing. “I guess they’re getting different answers from different drivers. I don’t think they were trying to punish him for being in the wreck. I think they just wanted his idea on what happened in the wreck.”(ThatsRacin.com) AND While neither Spencer nor NASCAR officials would speak directly to the issues, sources close to the situation said that NASCAR was concerned about Spencer going to Stewart's car after the wreck and trying to help Stewart, while track safety crews were already there. However, Stewart, who had been knocked out, said that when he came to, the only man he recognized was Spencer and that he asked Spencer to help him. Stewart confirmed that to NASCAR. John Darby, NASCAR's Winston Cup director, insisted that Spencer isn't really in any trouble, that he just wanted to talk to Spencer about the Stewart crash.(Winston Salem Journal)(3-23-2002)
(3-22-2002)
Ward and WD-40: Last week, Ward Burton announced he will serve on the Board of Directors for the WD-40 Fan Club. WD-40 recently launched its search for seven lucky WD-40 Fan Club members to join Burton and other celebrities on its Fan Club Board of Directors. Those fanatical enough to be selected will serve as a voice for Fan Club members across the globe, test new products, and share a forum with Burton and others via a quarterly "board meeting" via email. Last year, the WD-40 Fan Club was created as an outlet for die-hard WD-40 users. Now 41,000 members strong and still growing, the burgeoning Club is seeking leadership among its fan base. Once voted in, the new members will join well-known celebrities on the Board, including: Daytona 500-winning NASCAR driver Ward Burton; Linda Cobb, the self-appointed Queen of Clean (r); and Jim and Tim, the Duct Tape Guys. To nominate someone for a seat on the WD-40 Fan Club Board of Directors, visit http://fanclub.wd40.com (free to join) to download a nomination form. All nominations must be postmarked by April 6 and received by April 13. The 20 nominees selected as candidates will be posted on the Fan Club web site and will be charged with driving friends, family and "constituents" to the web site to cast a vote in their favor. Additional information about WD-40 Company may be obtained on the World Wide Web at www.wd40.com. Try WD-40 to: Remove dead insects from car grills and exterior; Lubricate sway bar arms/pads; Clean and polish bumpers; Keeps dirt and rubber off front of chassis; Remove melted rubber from vehicle chassis; Keep pit crew equipment lubricated; Lubricate lugnuts for quick removal and replacement; Lubricate heim joints on a shock or track bar; Clean surfaces before applying decal, or easily remove leftover adhesive - Lubricate shifter linkages on transmissions.(WD-40 PR)(3-22-2002)
Earnhardt Jr in trouble: Dale Earnhardt Jr has been charged with a crime. The Lincoln County [NC] Sheriff's department says earlier this year Earnhardt and four other people were stopped for four wheeling on private property. The investigating officer says the men were riding all-terrain vehicles. Earnhardt's charged with trespassing. His trial date is scheduled for April 17.(GoCarolinas/WSOC-TV Eyewitness News)(3-22-2002)
Darlington TV Ratings UPDATE: The overnight rating for the Winston Cup race on Fox from Darlington registered a 5.5. The small market bump for the final ratings on Thursday should bring it to 5.8 or 5.9, which would make it short of last year's 6.1.(MotorsportsTV)(3-19-2002) UPDATE: Sunday's Carolina Dodge Dealers 400 earned a 5.8/14 9.6 million viewers) on Fox, topping the full-weekend average of CBS' NCAA Tournament (+12% vs. 5.2/13) and the final round of Tiger Woods' win on NBC's Bay Hill Invitational (+12% vs. 5.2/11). The average audience for the Darlington race was larger than the same race last year (+1%, 9.6 million vs. 9.5). Fox's NASCAR race from Darlington also beat its head-to-head NBA on NBC (Orlando vs. Philadelphia) competition (5.8/11 vs. 1.5/4). For the season-to-date, NASCAR on Fox is averaging a 6.1, 5 percent higher than last year's record season average of 5.8.(ThatsRacin.com)(3-22-2002)
(3-21-2002)
Hooters signs with Brett Bodine for rest of 2002 and gets a teammate: Brett Bodine got some good news on Thursday. The Hooters Restaurants chain has decided to sponsor #11 Ford Bodine's team for the remainder of the 2002 season. The company had been one-race sponsor for Bodine in the past two races [Atlanta and Darlington]. "This is a great opportunity for our race team to be involved with Hooters Restaurants for the remainder of the 2002 NASCAR Winston Cup season,” said Bodine. "This sponsorship will put stability back into our race team so we can focus on making our team more competitive. The sponsorship agreement will give Hooters primary sponsorship of a Winston Cup series car for the first time since 1996. The company won the 1992 Winston Cup championship as sponsor of the #7 Ford driven by the late Alan Kulwicki.(ThatsRacin.com) and....Bodine gets a teammate: Kirk Shelmerdine, a regular in the ARCA series, will run a limited schedule this season in Winston Cup as a second team with Brett Bodine Racing. Shelmerdine, once a crew chief for Dale Earnhardt, has picked up sponsorship for his schedule by Eastern Foods Inc. The team plans to enter as many as five races this season. “This is a great opportunity for me,” Shelmerdine said. “We look forward to this new partnership.”(ThatsRacin.com) AND more: Hooters of America chairman Bob Brooks will sponsor Brett Bodine's #11 Ford for no less than 26 of the remaining 31 races on the schedule and will also back a second car out of the BBR shops in five races for Kirk Shelmerdine using the Naturally Fresh brand of his Eastern Foods company. Bodine's team has the option of selling the remaining five races to another primary sponsor, but a team spokesperson said Hooters might opt to be on the car for those events as well. Bodine’s associate sponsorship programs with Wells Fargo Financial, Timberland Pro, TEC Graphics and Express Services Inc. all will continue. Doug Richert, who joined Bodine at the season’s second race, at North Carolina Speedway, working in the crew chief’s role as a “consultant,” will continue in that position at Bristol as Bodine weighs his options.(NASCAR.com)(3-21-2002)
Provisonals Rules changed a bit: NASCAR Officials announced this week that teams in the Cup and BGN will not be charged for using a provisional starting position if the entry field for an event is equal to or less than the number of starting positions provided by the official entry blank.[such as 43 at a Cup race]. A team is granted a maximum season allotment of eight provisionals [charged provisional, if not in the top 25 in Owners Points] and under this amendment, provisionals assigned to fill starting positions 37-43 will not count against this allotment. Prior to this amendment, teams were charged for a provisional regardless of the number of entries at an event.(NASCAR.com). For more info on provisionals, see my Provisionals Status page.(3-21-2002)
No Common Templates: Common templates are not on the horizon, according to NASCAR President Mike Helton. “I don’t know that you’ll ever reach a point where there’s definitively a set of templates that are uniquely common. I think there is a benefit for Chevrolet, Pontiac, Dodge and Ford to have brand identity in these garage areas,” Helton said March 16. “That’s the backbone of the competition and the business. So the controversy that surrounds that, I don’t think will ever go away. You look at the NASCAR stock car that’s in the Cup and the Busch garages, and they’re uniquely NASCAR race cars. They have bowties and blue ovals and ram shields and Pontiac triangles in them, but they are NASCAR race cars. If you took a set of templates from a Pontiac and went to a showroom, they’re not going to fit that car. They’re going to fit the NASCAR race car that carries the Pontiac brand on them."(Winston Cup Scene - need sub to read)(3-21-2002)
Jones Not Looking: Rumors have been circulating for a while that Petty Enterprises would replace Buckshot Jones with Joe Nemechek, and in turn, talk had surfaced that Jones and his father, Billy, were looking to take sponsor Georgia-Pacific either to Andy Petree Racing or back to the Busch Series. On March 18, Billy Jones dismissed rumors of his and his son’s departure. “You can print this in bold letters ... that’s the biggest bunch of bull I’ve ever heard,” Jones said. “Buckshot’s happy with Georgia-Pacific. He’s happy with the Pettys. And besides, Georgia-Pacific is not our sponsor to take anywhere else. It’s the Pettys’ (sponsor).”(Winston Cup Scene - need sub to read), see my #44 Team News and Links page for the rumor.(3-21-2002)
Bo-Dyn bobsled on display at LMS: Ten years ago NASCAR Winston Cup driver Geoffrey Bodine dreamed of building a bobsled that could capture Olympic gold for the United States. After seeing that dream become a reality earlier this year, Bodine will bring one of the Bo-Dyn bobsleds to the Food Lion AutoFair, the world's largest automotive expo, April 4-7 at Lowe's Motor Speedway. As part of the four-day Food Lion AutoFair, Bodine will autograph bobsled posters to raise money for the Bo-Dyn project in the Food Lion
Pavilion on Saturday, April 6 from 1-3 p.m. In return for a small donation, show-goers can also sit in the sled while having their picture taken with the NASCAR driver and Bo-Dyn project-founder. The Bo-Dyn bobsled is one of many feature exhibits that will be on display during AutoFair. The event features show cars from nearly three dozen car clubs, thousands of parts and memorabilia vendors plus a collector car auction. See more at the Lowes Motor Speedway site.(3-21-2002)
LaJoie to run some Cup races: BGN driver Randy LaJoie and his BGN team owner [#7 Chevy], Ed Evans, are talking to a potential sponsor about moving up to run four or five Cup races later this season. "I'm not going to go just to ride around," he says. "I want to go and be competitive. Like when those Cup guys come over here and kick our butt? I want to go over there and kick theirs." LaJoie, 40, won back-to-back BGN titles in 1996 and 1997. In the past few years, he has turned down several offers to move up to Winston Cup; one would have paid him four times more than he's making now. LaJoie says the extra money isn't worth the additional sponsorship, media and testing hassles that would come along with it. He has several friends in Winston Cup and can't believe how much family time they miss. "I can't put a price tag on that," he says. "It kind of cracks me up when you listen to all these (drivers) that are mid-40s now. I think they finally realized that they had kids. By then their kids are teenagers, you know? To me, I've had so much fun watching my 6-year-old get his first basket in basketball, my 8-year-old getting a hit in baseball. I can't replace that." LaJoie turned down one particularly enticing offer a few years ago after one of his sons asked him why he'd want a job that would take him away from home more often; didn't he already make enough money? "He'd better not get mad at me when he goes to a state college instead of Duke," LaJoie jokes.(more at USA Today)(3-21-2002)
Commercials too racy? Are some of the commercials and promos aired during NASCAR telecasts on Fox a bit too racy for racing? Some say yes, some say no. Nationally-prominent Nashville song writer and entertainer Ed Bruce falls into the ''yes'' category. ''I was watching last Sunday's race with my 7-year-old nephew when they ran a promo of a man and woman in bed together,'' Bruce said. ''They also showed two women kissing. I'm no prude, but I don't think that's appropriate for kids to see. I think Fox needs to remember that a lot of kids watch racing on TV and they need to clean it up.'' Fox is known for its edgy programming, while NASCAR fans — especially in the racing hotbed of the South — tend to be more conservative. Some fans have expressed complaints similar to Bruce's in letters to various racing publications, but Fox Sports spokesman Lou D'Ermilio said he is not aware of widespread concerns. ''Your call is the first I've heard about it,'' D'Ermilio told The Tennessean earlier this week. ''We have not been receiving letters or calls or e-mails from our viewers.'' NASCAR, which promotes its races as ''family-oriented entertainment,'' has enjoyed record-breaking ratings on Fox and has no intention of rocking the boat. ''NASCAR is happy with Fox,'' said Herb Branham, Winston Cup manager of communications. ''It has promoted the sport better than it has ever been promoted. What else it chooses to promote is beyond the scope of NASCAR.'' A poll at tennessean.com on Tuesday asked ''What is your reaction to some of the commercials shown during Fox's NASCAR coverage?'' Of the 275 respondents, 19.3% voted they were not offended by them, 13.1% said they were not suitable for kids, 27.3% enjoyed them and 40.4% said they don't watch racing on TV. See full story (and notes) at the Tennessean.(3-21-2002)
Suspension Changes UPDATE: NASCAR announced new parameters for suspension and coil springs.(Daytona Beach News Journal) {doesn't say what those changes are](3-17-2002) UPDATE: Effective March 20, NASCAR is requiring several changes that will affect a car’s suspension. The maximum height of the panhard bar frame mount, when measured from the center of the panhard bar mounting bolt to the ground, must not be more than 15 inches. And the difference in height between the center of the panhard bar truck arm mounting bolt and the panhard bar frame mounting bolt must not be more than three inches at any time. The other change is with the front coil springs. The minimum number of active coils for each spring will now be 4 1/2 coils. And all coils must be evenly spaced after the first coil on the closed end of the spring. In addition, all coils must have the same inside and outside diameter.(Winston Cup Scene - need sub to read)(3-21-2002)
#4 Jackman to return: Mike James, jackman for Joe Nemechek’s #87 BGN team, served as jackman for #4 Morgan-McClure Motorsports and river Mike Skinner at Darlington. He replaced recuperating Tony Cardamone, who suffered a cracked shin at Atlanta. Cardamone, who was at Darlington, is expected to return to his regular duties March 24 at Bristol.(Winston Cup Scene - need sub to read)(3-21-2002)
Kmart's Motion Approved: U.S. Bankruptcy Judge Susan Pierson Sonderby approved Kmart's motion Wednesday to get out of its NASCAR sponsorship agreement with Haas-Carter Motorsports. Kmart had sponsored two Haas-Carter cars, the #66 driven by Todd Bodine and the #26 driven by Joe Nemechek. The Kmart logo hasn't been on either car since Feb. 24. The cars haven't found new sponsors and the #66 has been parked for financial reasons.(Catchfence)(3-21-2002)
IRWIN Rough to Finish Award: This week, no one would doubt that Lee McCall, crew chief for the #40 Coors Light Dodge, had the roughest start to the race and the best finish. As a result, he'll take home the "IRWIN Rough to Finish Award" for the team's worst to first finish at the Carolina Dodge Dealers 400 at Darlington. Sterling Marlin, who initially qualified in the 11th position, started at the back of the field due to a weekend engine change. But that didn't slow down Marlin, McCall and the team. Sterling drove from 43rd to the top 20 early and by lap 100 Marlin found himself in the top five. After avoiding the big wreck on lap 226, Marlin won the race. Despite the engine change and the move to the back of the field, the team's crew chief, Lee McCall, was confident that they had a car capable enough to pull through the pack and be a top competitor in the race. "We knew we had a problem with the engine and couldn't take a chance with it," said Lee McCall. "We put our best motor in and started in the rear and watched Sterling drive that thing up through traffic all day long. He picked 'em off one at a time, and raced this race track all day long. He did a heck of a job, and my hat's off to him and our whole race team. That just goes to show how strong he is."(PR)(3-21-2002)
Childress off to the Artic after Bristol: Richard Childress [owner of the #'s 29,30,31] is taking a hunting trip, smack in the middle of Winston Cup season. "I'm changing my lifestyle a little bit," Childress said. "I need to." The change was prompted in part by the death of Childress' friend and driver, Dale Earnhardt, more than a year ago. Not that the hunting trip will cost Childress much time in the garage, but it might. A day after Sunday's race at Bristol, Tenn., Childress leaves for the Arctic to hunt polar bear and musk ox. Winston Cup does not race the following weekend, Easter Sunday. Childress plans to fly directly to Texas on April 7 for that race weekend at Texas Motor Speedway.(Atlanta Journal Constitution)(3-21-2002)
(3-20-2002)
300th for Bobby Labonte: In typical Bobby Labonte fashion, a simple shrug of the shoulders is all you get when he was told this weekend's race at Bristol Motor Speedway would be his 300th career NASCAR Winston Cup start. For Labonte, he feels as though it's not really that big of a deal. To him, it's just another race, except for the fact that it will take place on the high banks of Bristol.
"It's cool that I am making it to my 300th start and all," said Labonte. "But when you look at what Terry (Labonte - 715 career starts this weekend) has done, it really doesn't mean that much. I remember my first Cup start at Dover in 1991. We didn't belong there and we bit off more than we could chew and realized that real quick. There were times like that early on in my career I doubted I would even make 50 starts let alone 300. I have been so fortunate to be associated with two great owners in Bill Davis and Joe Gibbs while racing at the Winston Cup level. Without them, I wouldn't be here that's for sure." When asked about racing long enough to equal the number of starts his older brother Terry has, Labonte quickly remarked, "Absolutely not! That would mean I would have to race at least 11 more years and I am not planning on racing that long I don't think. I love racing and who I work for and all that, but I can not imagine doing this for 11 more years."(Joe Gibbs Racing PR)(3-20-2002)
Testing at Texas UPDATE 2 rained out: testing at Texas Motor Speedway continues today for the Samsung/RadioShack 500 NASCAR Winston Cup race and O'Reilly 300 NASCAR Busch Series races (April 6-7th). Three remaining scheduled test sessions, which are closed to the public, include 16 drivers from both the NASCAR Winston Cup and Busch Series. The following drivers/teams are currently scheduled:
March 19-20 - #2-Rusty Wallace; #5-Terry Labonte; #45-Kyle Petty; and for the BGN - #12-Kerry Earnhardt.
March 25 - #49-Shawna Robinson
March 26-27 - #99-Jeff Burton; #18-Bobby Labonte; #22-Ward Burton; #25-Jerry Nadeau; #14-Stacy Compton; #55-Bobby Hamilton; and for the BGN - #2-Johnny Sauter; #29-Kevin Harvick (the Sonic car); #87-Joe Nemechek; #14-Larry Foyt; #37-Jeff Purvis.(Texas Motor Speedway PR)(3-19-2002) UPDATE: looks like no cars took to the track Tuesday at TMS as it rained most of the day and is supposed to rain Wednesday morning.(3-20-2002) UPDATE 2: testing at Texas has been rained out and the teams that were to test this week may come back and test next week with the other teams scheduled to be there.(3-20-2002)
43 cars or No Pay? this is interesting, didn't know this: NASCAR almost had a short field (fewer than 43 cars) last weekend at Darlington. If so, it would have been the first time since 42 cars ran at Talladega in October 1997. #49-Shawna Robinson and #71-Andy Hillenburg were late entries and ran only a few laps. Didn't matter ... they'd earned their money by showing up and filling the field. NASCAR probably will have to make midweek phone calls to rustle up enough cars to get to 43.(see story below, looks like 43). There's a good reason for that number: The contract with NBC and Fox says NASCAR must present 43 cars each weekend. If not, the networks aren't obligated to pay as much for the rights to televise the event.(Daily Press). NOTE: being told that NASCAR has asked the #49 BAM Racing and #71 Marcis Racing teams to go to the Cup race in California to insure a full field. The race is not on either teams schedule and Bristol could be the last race for the #26 car and Joe Nemechek unless a sponsor is found.
UPDATE: But California is already on the #49's planned scheduled and the #74 BACE Motorsports team with Chad Little plans on debuting there.(3-20-2002)
BACE and Little to Cup UPDATE: BACE Motorsports announced this week that the team will make its NASCAR Winston Cup debut at California Speedway on April 28, 2002 with driver Chad Little in the #74 Chevy. In the coming weeks, Team Manager Terry Wooten will be announcing a crew chief for the Winston Cup team, as well as a strategic alliance with another Winston Cup program that will supply engines to the new venture. Operations of the #74 BGN Team, also piloted by Little, will cease immediately. "We’re excited to make the transition to the Winston Cup level with the #74 Team," owner Bill Baumgardner said. "We’ve made a strategic change in plan for the No. 74 and are now dedicating 100 percent of the focus of this team to our Winston Cup effort. Since BACE was formed in 1990, we’ve been committed to a standard of excellence that has led our team to success. With the elements we currently have in place, we believe that this is the appropriate time to make the move to Winston Cup." BACE’s debut marks the return of Chad Little to Winston Cup. Little joined BACE late in the 2000 BGN campaign, posting two Top-5 and six Top-10 finishes en route to a 9th-place finish in the 2001 BGN Championship race. "This is a great opportunity for me to return to Winston Cup with a team that understands how to build a winner," Little said. "Their success in the Busch Series is undeniable and we have high expectations for Winston Cup," he added. "I’m excited to be a part of a team with such a great tradition and honored to drive for BACE in their first Winston Cup effort." Little, a former NASCAR Winston West Champion, will pilot the #74 entry in a limited schedule, initially focusing on intermediate tracks, as the team actively seeks corporate sponsorship. Following BACE’s California Speedway debut, Little will run The Winston Open and Coca-Cola 600 at Lowe’s Motor Speedway, then the June events at Dover International Speedway and Michigan International Speedway. Additional events will be named as the 2002 season progresses, with as many as 20 races possible.(Chad Little Site)(3-14-2002) UPDATE: Quote from note about Chad going Winston Cup racing: "We will be picking up several cars tomorrow, intermediate and I believe a speedway car. Our engines will be supplied by the same organization supplying the cars, wish I could officially tell you, however, they will make a press announcement the week following Bristol."(Chad Little Forum)(3-20-2002)
Elliott tests at Talladega...short track: NASCAR Winston Cup driver Bill Elliott made a visit to the Talladega Short Track Tuesday to test his late-model dirt car against local drivers Staci Holmes and Ted Lackey and legendary short-track driver Red Farmer. Elliott tested for approximately four hours.(Anniston Star)(3-20-2002)
#77 Crew Member sick UPDATE: Scott Stallings, gas runner and fabricator for the #77 Fords of Jasper Motorsports, felt light-headed and dizzy before the start of Sunday's race and was transported to Carolinas Hospital System in Florence, SC. He underwent enzyme tests to determine whether he was suffering from a heart problem. The initial tests were negative but he was kept overnight for observation.(ThatsRacin.com)(3-17-2002) UPDATE: Scott Stallings, gas man for the #77 Jasper Engines and Transmissions team, was transported to Carolinas Hospital System in Florence during last Sunday's Carolina Dodge Dealers 400 at Darlington Raceway after experiencing light-headedness, dizziness and chest pain during pre-race activities. Initial enzyme tests were negative. However, subsequent tests including a heart catheterization, have shown some cardiac damage. Stallings will remain at CHS until later this week. he is in stable condition. (ThatsRacin.com)(3-20-2002)
Earnhardts sued by former associate UPDATE: Gray London says he helped finance "The Intimidator’s" successful career. Now, he’s suing the multi-million dollar racing empire Dale Earnhardt Inc. to get a return on his 28-year-old investment. Jury selection took up the entire Cleveland County Court [NC] session on Monday. Juror after juror was excused from the trial after attorneys had trouble finding any who weren’t fans of Earnhardt or his son, Dale Earnhardt Jr. Winston Cup champion car owner Rick Hendrick was in Shelby on Monday for the trial. Teresa Earnhardt, Earnhardt’s widow and head of DEI, as well as legendary driver Harry Gant could also make appearances as witnesses, possibly as early as today. In his complaint filed in the summer of 2000 Gray London of Boiling Springs alleges he entered an agreement in 1999 with DEI to release Earnhardt from the defunct racing team the two men formed in 1974. London granted the release in exchange for $550,000 and the rights to make collectibles of three of Earnhardt’s first cars through his company, Driver on a Mission. The complaint alleges DEI violated the agreement and "used its economic clout within the racing souvenir industry to pressure individuals and businesses to refrain from or to stop doing business with DOM." The complaint says DEI told London’s prospective business partners they would "suffer if they do business with Mr. London or DOM." London claims that in 1974 he and Earnhardt formed the Earnhardt Racing Team, with each man putting up half of the money. "He helped Dale Earnhardt get started in 1974 after Dale’s father died. He put up the money for him to get started in racing," said London’s attorney Irving Brenner. "Over the years, Mr. London and Dale Earnhardt talked about settling up on their agreement and in January of 1999 they did. There was an agreement between Dale Earnhardt Inc. and Mr. London," said Brenner. London filed a lawsuit against DEI because, Brenner said, the agreement between the two men was broken by DEI. "The dispute is over not paying him the money the agreement calls for," Brenner said. London claims DEI owes him $100,000 through Action Performance, a racing souvenir company, under the 1999 agreement and alleges his company was not allowed to sell Earnhardt collectibles, which was also provided for under the agreement. DEI filed a countersuit claiming London breached the contract. Both the suit and countersuit ask for unspecified monetary amounts. "Basically, Mr. London knew Dale and his family and they had a racing team and it went under in two years," said attorney Judson Graves, who represented the Earnhardts last year in a Florida courtroom to restrict access to Earnhardt’s autopsy photos. "London came back looking for something out of the old days and threatened a suit. DEI lived up to their agreement and they (London) didn’t," said Graves. He said neither side disputes the existence of the 1999 contract between London and DEI.(in part from the Gaston Gazette, a short term link is gone)(3-12-2002) UPDATE: Lawyers for Dale Earnhardt Inc. opened their case against Boiling Springs resident Gray London on Tuesday with testimony from one of London’s former employees. Dale Earnhardt’s mother, Martha, and racing legend Harry Gant gave their testimony during Tuesday’s proceedings. London alleges in his complaint he entered an agreement in 1999 with DEI to release Earnhardt from the defunct racing team the two men formed in 1974. London granted the release in exchange for $550,000 and the rights to make collectibles of three of Earnhardt’s first cars through his company Driver on a Mission. His complaint claims DEI violated the agreement and "used its economic clout within the racing souvenir industry to pressure individuals and businesses to refrain from or to stop doing business with DOM." Sharon Miller testified Tuesday she was told by London to pass someone else’s work off as her own while employed at his company Driver on a Mission. DEI called Gant to testify about the car Earnhardt drove to his first victory on asphalt. The car was co-owned by London and the Earnhardt family, and was purchased from Gant, who built the car. London contends the car was a 1965 Chevelle, while DEI says the car was a 1964 model. Graves said Gant testified Tuesday the car was a ’64 model. Die cast models of a 1964 Chevelle were manufactured and distributed by Action Performance, while London marketed the car as a 1965 model. Also in dispute is the sponsor of the car at the time Earnhardt captured his first asphalt win on July 19, 1974, at Metrolina Speedway. London claims his company, Dainty Maid Foods, was on the car at the time of the win, while DEI says Doc’s Cycle Center was the car’s sponsor in victory lane that night. Marshall Brooks, former owner of Doc’s Cycle Center and one of Earnhardt’s old "drinking buddies," said his company sponsored the car the night Earnhardt took his first checkered flag on pavement.(in part from the Gaston Gazette, a one day link then a paid archive)(3-20-2002)
(3-19-2002)
A 5th Hendrick team? been told that Hendrick Motorsports BGN driver, Jack Sprague, will drive the #60 Haas Chevy in the Coca Cola 600 at Lowes Motor Speedway in May and possibly up to six more Cup events. See an image of the car on my Paint Schemes Gallery.(3-19-2002)
Hermie Sadler to Run Autism Awareness Car at Bristol UPDATE 2: Hermie Sadler has decided to run the Winston Cup race at Bristol [March 24th] in an [#02] Autism Awareness Car. He will have the ribbon on the hood and only has an associate sponsor. We hear that he's using a lot of his own money for this race and wanted to do something for the autism community. Sadler's youngest daughter, Halie, was diagnosed with Autism last February.(MotorsportsTV)(3-13-2002) UPDATE: The promotion is a partnership with Fox, which will run a segment during the race featuring information on Autism as well as make an educational video available to special education teachers. The car will also carry the toll free number that people can make contributions to the Autism Society of America:1-800-3-AUTISM. Several associate sponsorships have been sold to companies who have been and want to be affiliated with this promotion and spots are available from $2500.00 to $50,000.00 (for the quarterpanels) and a portion of all sponsorships will donated to the Autism Society of America and all sponsors will be recognized on the Fox segment for their support. Interested parties in sponsoring the car should call (804) 586-8215.(3-16-2002) UPDATE 2: The #02 Car will carry Autism "Puzzle" Ribbon on the hood as well as Autism Society of America's (ASA) Toll Free number, 1-800-3-AUTISM. Viewers can call ASA at 800.3.AUTISM, beginning Friday 21st - Sunday 23rd, to make a donation to fund autism research (also can donate online at Join Hermie's Race for Autism(click here). Like any driver in the NASCAR Winston Cup Series, Hermie Sadler goes to the track with his mind set on winning.. When the Emporia, VA native takes to the track this weekend in Bristol to race in the Food City 500, however, his mind will also be on something far more important to him than winning Sadler will be also be thinking about Autism awareness and research. Sadler and his family made it public last year that his three year old daughter, Halie Dru, was Autistic after initially keeping the diagnosis private while preparing her for therapy. Now, Sadler is on a mission to educate people about htis disease that affects 1 out of every 500 children born in America. Joining Sadler on his efforts at Bristol is Car-Freshner Corporation, makers of the popular "Little Trees" air fresheners. Car-Freshner and Sadler will team up for some BGN racing also. The Virginia Lottery, who partnered with Sadler for a promotion in 2001, rejoins him as an associate sponsor for this Bristol event, leading into several more Winston Cup races for which they will partner together. Also coming on board with Sadler for this event is RealEstateCirciut.com. Gina Clark, the owner of the internet based real estate company based in Range County, NY contacted Sadler when she learned of the promotion at Bristol. RealEstateCircuit.com will be an associate on the car at Bristol, and has also generously pledged 25% of the commissions generated by her company to the Autism Society. Another big player in this weekend's event for Sadler is Fox Sports - who will center the efforts of Sadler this weekend on their broadcast, and plans to run a feature during the race to raise awareness for Autism and the reserach that is needed. Artie Kempner, lead director for Fox Sports NASCAR events, also deals with Autism on a dialy basis. Kempner's 7 year old son, Ethan, is Autistic. In addition to the feature story this Sunday, Kempner and Sadler plan to offer an instructional video for special education teachers across the country to help them better understand and relate to Autistic children.(The Patterson Group PR)(3-19-2002)
Trickle back in the #71 at Bristol: hearing that Williams Bros. Lumber Company, an Atlanta based Building Material and Lumber Supplier, has agreed to be the primary sponsor of the #71 Marcis Racing Chevy and driver Dick Trickle for this Sunday's Food City 500 at Bristola Motor Speedway. Williams Bros. was the sponsor for the team and Trickle two weeks ago at Atlanta. See images of the car on my Paint Schemes Gallery.(3-19-2002)
#18 Testing at Lakeland: #18-Bobby Labonte will test at Lakeland, FL's USA Speedway today and Wednesday. #20-Tony Stewart was scheduled to test with his team mate but is resting up from the Darlington accident.(FSN's Totally NASCAR)(3-19-2002)
#500 for Martin: #6-Mark Martin will make his 500th career start on the Winston Cup circuit this week at Bristol Motor Speedway in the Food City 500 on March 24, 2002. Martin first raced on the Winston Cup circuit in 1981, when he ran his self-owned car five times, claiming two poles, two top-10 finishes and one top-five. He made his Winston Cup debut on April 3, 1981 at North Wilkesboro
Speedway at the age of 22. A few months later in only this third Winston Cup start, Martin captured the pole at Nashville. A few weeks
later Martin captured his second career pole at Richmond. "I didn't really realize that it was coming up on 500," said Martin. "As a kid growing up in Arkansas, and being into racing, NASCAR was the cool thing to do. It has certainly changed a lot since the early days of my career." In 1988 Martin teamed up with car owner Jack Roush and 15 years, 441 races and 32 wins later Martin is still running the #6 Roush Racing Ford Taurus(Roush Racing PR)(3-19-2002)
Darlington TV Ratings: The overnight rating for the Winston Cup race on Fox from Darlington registered a 5.5. The small market bump for the final ratings on Thursday should bring it to 5.8 or 5.9, which would make it short of last year's 6.1.(MotorsportsTV)(3-19-2002)
Sharpie Announcement at Bristol: an announcement will be made by the maker of the permanent marker, Sharpie, at Bristol Motor Speedway on Saturday, March 23 at 9:00am at the brand new Victory Lane Building at Bristol. Not only will the press conference feature this announcement, it will also unveil a special paint scheme to be driven by #97-Kurt Busch of Roush Racing. "Announcements like this one don't come along every day," Busch said. "I'm real excited about it, and am thrilled to have the opportunity of driving this one-in-a-million special paint scheme. I have seen a lot of neat stuff on the track, but this one is sure to get everyone's attention." Beginning in August 2001, Sharpie came on as the title sponsor for the August night race at Bristol and appropriately called it the Sharpie
500. This year, with the addition of their special announcement, they are planning to make it a race that fans won't forget and for one fan
it may even change their life.(Roush Racing PR), hmmmm.....sounds like a contest of some sort?(3-19-2002)
Stewart held Overnight UPDATE: #20-Tony Stewart, involved in a 11 car wreck at Darlington, was awake and removed from the car on a stretcher, Jimmy Spencer reported that Stewart is going to be ok and talked to Stewart in the care center, but Stewart will be airlifted to a local hospital to be checked out as he is complaining of lower back/leg pain and will have a CAT Scan of his head, back and abdomen.(Fox coverage of the race). AND Stewart lost consciousness for a few minutes and was taken to the track’s infield care center. He was later airlifted to Carolinas Hospital System in Florence, SC. The driver was awake and alert and complained of pain in his lower back and numbness and tingling in his left foot. He had CT scans of his head, chest, abdomen and pelvis. Dr. Tony Cutry said all tests were negative. Stewart was admitted overnight for observation.(ThatsRacin.com)(3-17-2002) UPDATE: Tony Stewart, driver of the #20 Home Depot Pontiac, was released in good condition from Carolinas Hospital System in Florence, S.C. earlier today. Stewart was X-rayed and given CT scans of the head, chest, back and pelvic area on Sunday, was admitted to the hospital for overnight observation, and underwent an MRI early this morning. All tests were negative.(Edelman Public Relations Worldwide), Stewart returned to his home in Cornelius, N.C., and is not expected to miss any time in his #20 Pontiac.(ThatsRacin.com)(3-18-2002)
(3-18-2002)
Personal Stuff - Gordon News UPDATE:Racer Jeff Gordon's wife files for divorce - story at the Palm Beach Post: Brooke Gordon, wife of NASCAR driver Jeff Gordon, filed for divorce on Friday after more than seven years of marriage. Their marriage is "irretrievably broken as a result of the husband's marital misconduct," according to the document. The couple has no children.(3-16-2002) AND: Four-time NASCAR Winston Cup champion Jeff Gordon declined to comment Saturday on reports from Florida that his wife of more than seven years, Brooke, has filed for a divorce. "I am not going to comment on it," Jeff Gordon said at Darlington Raceway, the site of Sunday's Dodge 400 race. "I hope you guys will respect me at this time and we will release something next week." Marital misconduct is defined legally as any conduct that undermines the marital relationship or behavior that forces one spouse to assume extra burdens in a marriage.(ThatsRacin.com) and a column from NASCAR.com: Report: Brooke Gordon files for divorce(3-16-2002) UPDATE: Statement From Jeff Gordon:
"As you are probably well aware, Brooke has filed for divorce. Being a personal matter, I hope that everybody will respect our privacy as we work through this difficult time. I also hope everybody will understand that it would be improper for me to discuss or comment on this matter publicly. I appreciate the support I've received from my family, friends and those in the racing community."(Jeff Gordon Site)(3-18-2002)
Andretti a clone? UPDATE 2 image and some Star Wars/Cheerios PR: 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 the 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) UPDATE 2: Cheerios announces three special edition Star Wars paint schemes and have designed a special paint scheme for Episode I, Episode II and a Trilogy edition. On their site [www.starwars.cheeriosracing.com], folks can check out each new car design, view them from different angles, pick a favorite and compare them with other. Images can be downloaded. Beginning in May in select states, specially marked packages of Cheerios, Honey Nut Cheerios, Honey Nut Chex and Golden Grahams will be offering a FREE mail in for three collectible 1:64 die cast cars with #43 Cheerios Star Wars special edition paint schemes. Collect all three special edition paint schemes: Episode I, Episode II and the Trilogy car. In conjunction with the FREE mail-in offer, John Andretti will be driving a new, one-time-only Light Side vs. Dark Side Star Wars paint scheme in May at the Lowe's Motor Speedway to commemorate the movie premier.(PR)(3-18-2002)
More One Engine News UPDATE: NASCAR yesterday tightened its one-engine rule, requiring teams to get NASCAR approval for any engine change. Some teams have been practicing with one engine, then changing for qualifying.(Winston Salem Journal). Previously, teams could use a different engine for the first practice session but couldn't change engines once the car was qualified unless gaining approval from NASCAR.(News and Record)(3-17-2002) UPDATE: On Saturday, NASCAR said it was amending his single engine rule to include possible reduction in owner and driver points to teams that change engines.(Augusta Chronicle)(3-18-2002)
Baseball, Texas and Benson UPDATE: Brandweek magazine is reporting that Major League Baseball is planning a NASCAR-related promotion and licensing deal around the April 7 Winston Cup Samsung/RadioShack 500 at Texas Motor Speedway, today's Sports Business Daily says. Brandweek says MBV's #10 Pontiac driven by Johnny Benson will display an MLB Opening Day logo. The promotion will also see Benson and his team attend a Rangers game during the race weekend, and Rangers players are expected to be on hand for the race. The magazine also says the 200,000 fans expected at the race will receive a fan guide with the complete 2002 MLB schedule.(Winston Cup Scene - Daily Newsletter)(3-14-2002) UPDATE: the scheme is a MLB Opening Day/Radio Shack scheme, see my Paint Schemes Gallery for an image of the scheme.(3-18-2002)
Stewart to Skip the Indy 500? Even before his nasty crash Sunday, Tony Stewart apparently was re-evaluating his plans for May. Stewart has had discussions with Chip Ganassi and Roger Penske about running in the Indianapolis 500, but his NASCAR team officials said he has been weighing one other option: None of the above. Team officials said owner Joe Gibbs is not standing in the way of Stewart again doing Memorial Day double duty with either Ganassi or Penske. It's up to the driver, and he hasn't decided. Last year, Stewart ran in the Indy 500 and then the Coca-Cola 600, a night race at Charlotte.(Indianapolis Star), see more on my #20 Team News and Links page.(3-18-2002)
Smith blames Evernham UPDATE um..no?: #7 car owner, Jim Smith, is not happy. Smith said he doesn't blame driver Casey Atwood for the stumbling start this season — finishes of 35th, 39th, 41st and 32nd — but instead suggested that Ray Evernham, with whom Smith merged teams, is not giving Atwood proper support. ''We're not going to stand for this running 20th stuff,'' Smith said. ''We're going to consolidate the teams and start sharing information.'' (more at the Tennessean)(3-16-2002) Jim Smith, co-owner of the #7 Sirius Dodge, denies rumors that there has been a lack of cooperation between his squad and partner Ray Evernham since Ultra Motorsports inherited Casey Atwood. "Ray's given us a tremendous amount of support," Smith says. Smith, who released crew chief Kevin Cram last week, hopes to find a pit boss who will easily interface with Evernham's #9 and #19 teams.(Sporting News)(3-18-2002)
Burton to be honored: Ward Burton, the first Virginian to ever win the prestigious Daytona 500 and driver of the #22 Caterpillar Dodge, will be officially honored by Halifax County, VA, the town of South Boston, VA., and the Halifax County Chamber of Commerce, April 13 at his hometown track, South Boston Speedway. Burton's victory will be celebrated in pre-race ceremonies preceding the Textilease 300 presented by "Little Trees". The evening also features twin 50s for the NASCAR Textilease Late Model Stock Cars and 300 laps for the ASA series. The weekend of April 13 and 14 is a great one for race fans in Southside Virginia, with Martinsville Speedway, only 60 miles west of South Boston, hosting the Virginia 500 on April 14. Many Virginia and motorsports dignitaries are expected to celebrate with Burton at the Speedway, as well as family, friends and fans. Race fans in attendance wearing a Ward Burton hat or shirt, or with a Ward Burton poster, will be given the chance to win two Weekend VIP Suite passes for the Pennsylvania 500 at Pocono Raceway, July 26 through 28. A large banner is being produced to commemorate Burton's Daytona victory, as well as congratulating South Boston graduates Elliott Sadler and Geoffrey Bodine on their top-three Daytona 500 sweep. The banner will also feature names of individuals and businesses that have joined the Ward Burton Wildlife Foundation Club 22. Throughout the Winston Cup season, race fans and businesses can join Club 22 for a $22 donation to the Foundation. Members will receive a Foundation decal and quarterly newsletters along with recognition on the Speedway's banner. Information will be available to join the Club 22 at the April 13 event at the Speedway.(Bill Davis Racing PR)(3-18-2002)
Helton leaves MRO: MRO founder and senior pastor Max Helton is leaving the racing ministry to start another designed to work with some other series worldwide. The new ministry will be called International Motorsports Services, and he’ll work with Formula One and other worldwide series. Helton will also work with a nationwide program that will try to help troubled marriages stay together. Helton retired from his role as full-time chaplain two years ago but remained employed by MRO. He founded the ministry nearly 14 years ago.(RacingOne)(3-18-2002)
NASCAR Honored: NASCAR was honored Wednesday with the 2002 American Legion National Commander's Public Relations Award, in recognition of the sanctioning body's tradition of patriotic displays during the televising of pre-race ceremonies.
NASCAR President Mike Helton accepted the award during a luncheon at the Hyatt Regency Capitol Hill, site of the American Legion's annual Washington Conference. The award was presented to Helton by American Legion National Commander Richard J. Santos. The national anthem is played before every NASCAR race, and tributes to United States armed forces - including the dramatic jet "fly-overs" - have long been NASCAR pre-race staples. The American Legion noted that the playing/singing of the national anthem and the tributes are routinely televised in their entirety.(NASCAR PR)(3-18-2002)
