Cope to run at Lowes, has a sponsor, and a 2nd car for...Lepage: Quest Motor Racing (QMR), owned by NASCAR Winston Cup driver, Derrike Cope, will field two (2) Winston Cup cars for the upcoming Charlotte races. GEICO Direct agreed to a two-race deal with QMR that will include The Winston Open on Saturday, May 18, 2002 and the Coca-Cola 600 on Sunday, May 26, 2002. Late Thursday, Quest Motor Racing agreed to a deal with Kevin Lepage for Lepage to drive the #38 GEICO Direct Ford in both The Winston Open and the Coca-Cola 600. Cope's #37 Ford will be sponsored by Sound Moves, a global freight orchestration company. Cope will be providing more detail regarding his upcoming plans for Charlotte in his announcement on this weekend's Victory Lane Show aired on Fox Sports.(Derrike Cope Site)(5-12-2002)
New Pontiac testing UPDATE: Pontiac, seeking approval of its 2003 Grand Prix, had Bobby Labonte test the car Thursday before NASCAR officials at Atlanta Motor Speedway. Labonte, who drives Pontiacs for Joe Gibbs Racing in Winston Cup competition, completed 22 laps at more than 180 mph before the new car was taken to the wind tunnel in Marietta, Ga., for the final part of the submission test. "This is a whole new car," said Ray Smith, Winston Cup program manager for Pontiac. "We think it's a good one." The Grand Prix being campaigned in NASCAR's top series is the oldest current model in use. If approved, the new Grand Prix would be introduced at the start of the 2003 season.(AP/Sporting News)(5-10-2002) UPDATE: Bobby Labonte completed 22 laps, averaging in the mid-180s (mph), during a submission test with NASCAR for the 2003 Pontiac on Thursday at Atlanta Motor Speedway. After the half-day test was completed, the new Pontiac was headed to the wind tunnel in
Marietta to complete the submission test. “This is a whole new car,” said Ray Smith, Pontiac Winston Cup Program Manager. “We think it’s a good one, but we’ll know more by the end of the day.”(Atlanta Motor Speedway)(5-12-2002)
Drivers Push Safety In Campaign: On playgrounds and ballfields nationwide, kids are imitating Kobe's latest circus shot and Nomar's latest laser to first from his knees, deep in the hole. But when fans imitate their favorite NASCAR drivers, things can get messy. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) enlisted NASCAR drivers' help -- among them Jeff Gordon, Mark Martin and Terry Labonte -- in their recent campaign lauding seatbelt usage. "The best drivers in the world -- on a track with the other best drivers in the world -- still need to protect themselves," said Rae Tyson, a spokesman for NHTSA. "I would hope that's a positive message. And from the standpoint of getting out a safety message, you can't overlook NASCAR."(ESPN via Insider Racing)(5-12-2002)
(5-11-2002)
Martin offers team a deal: #6-Mark Martin is offering a big incentive for his Roush Racing crew to help him win the $1 million No Bull 5 bonus by capturing the Winston Cup Coca-Cola 600 at Lowe's Motor Speedway on May 26. "I told them I'd split up the money with them if we can get the win," said Martin, who has 18 top-10 finishes in 34 starts at Lowe's Motor Speedway. He has won the fall race tbere three times but has never won the 600. Martin is eligible for the No Bull 5 program by virtue of his top-five finish at Las Vegas Motor Speedway in March. He posted times in the top five both Monday and Tuesday in testing at the track.(Winston Cup Scene daily newsletter)(5-11-2002)
WD-40 Vote: WD-40 Company announced its candidates for the WD-40 Fan Club Board of Directors. The 11 lucky candidates have embarked on a mission to earn a seat on the WD-40 Fan Club Board of Directors. Fans can log on to http://fanclub.wd40.com to place their votes for their favorite candidates. The ballot, which is made up of 11 WD-40 Fans, contains Fan Club members from all walks of life. Those vying for a seat on the board range from a truck driver to a school teacher to a volunteer fire chief. WD-40 launched its search earlier this year for seven lucky WD-40 Fan Club members to earn a seat on the Board next to Daytona 500-winning NASCAR driver Ward Burton; Linda Cobb, the self-appointed Queen of Clean; and Jim and Tim, the Duct Tape Guys. The candidates selected will serve as a voice for Fan Club members across the globe.(PR)(5-11-2002)
(5-10-2002)
Jarrett special scheme at Lowes UPDATE: Look for a special paint scheme recognizing the Race Fans For A Cure program on Dale Jarrett's car in the Winston and the Coca Cola 600 in May at Lowe's Motor Speedway in Charlotte. To Find Out More About Race Fans For A Cure or to get the booth track schedule, go to www.Racefansforacure.com.(NASCAR.com)(4-27-2002) UPDATE: For the past two-plus years, thousands of race fans have shown their support for Race Fans for a Cure(tm) by wearing pink ribbons. For the next two races, Dale Jarrett's famed #88 UPS Ford will do the same. In support of Race Fans for a Cure(tm) - a joint initiative involving Ford Credit, Dale and Kelley Jarrett and the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation - the 7˝" x 14" ribbon decal will replace the Ford Credit decal behind the "88" on both sides of Dale Jarrett's Winston Cup Taurus for The Winston on May 18 and the Coca-Cola 600 on May 26. More info on the cause at www.racefansforacure.com. Ford Credit, associate sponsor of Jarrett's #88, sponsors Race Fans for a Cure(tm) display booths at various race-related events - including the NASCAR Winston Cup and Busch Series weekend at Lowe's Motor Speedway on Saturday, May 25, and Sunday, May 26. Display booths will also be at the 600 Festival in downtown Charlotte from May 23 to 25; Dale Jarrett Ford in Monroe, N.C. on May 16; and Dale Jarrett, Inc., in Newton, N.C., on May 24.(campbell Co/Ford Racing PR)(5-10-2002)
Looney Toons and Taz to return? #8-Dale Earnhardt Jr will run a #3 Taz scheme at Richmond in the BGN race and that there is a chance the Looney Toons schemes may return at the Richmond Cup race.(5-10-2002)
Marilyn Monroe scheme? UPDATE 3: hearing #9 Bill Elliott will run a Marilyn Monroe scheme of some sort this season, no idea where or why(1-22-2002) UPDATE: hearing the scheme will be run at the California Speedway Cup race(1-26-2002) UPDATE 2: now hearing it will be at Sears Point in June.(5-4-2002) UPDATE 3: now hearing this scheme has been pushed back to sometime in 2003.(5-10-2002)
'Bigger' car tested at Kansas UPDATE: In an attempt to make racing safer and better, NASCAR has been looking into making the "greenhouses" of Winston Cup cars larger. An experimental car with a bigger greenhouse took to the track for the first time this week, and the track was Kansas Speedway. Those taking part in the test said things went well. Target Chip Ganassi Racing with Felix Sabates has been recruited by NASCAR to help develop a test car. That car was at Kansas Speedway on Tuesday and Wednesday. Ganassi driver Jimmy Spencer was driving it, and NASCAR's managing director of competition Gary Nelson was monitoring the tests. Andy Graves, team manager for Ganassi, said, "It was a pretty successful test." Graves said the car was loose at first, but "We got mechanical grip to bring it back." Mechanical grip is applied with shock absorbers, springs and tires. The greenhouse of the test car is 2 inches taller and 4 inches wider than that of a standard Winston Cup car.(more at the Kansas City Star)(5-9-2002) UPDATE: NASCAR officials got their first feedback from this week's testing at Kansas Speedway of an experimental Winston Cup car with an enlarged "greenhouse." And the feedback was mostly positive. "We're on the right track," NASCAR vice president for corporate communications Jim Hunter said. "The drivers said it was OK." The car with the bigger greenhouse -- which is the part of the car surrounded by the windows -- was tested on a race track for the first time by Target Chip Ganassi Racing with Felix Sabates. Despite the positive results of the test, Hunter said, don't expect to see the car in a race this year. He said the earliest that such a car would see race conditions would be early next year. "We're shooting to have the bigger car at the earliest, in February at Daytona," he said. "At the latest, Talladega or Daytona later in the year."(Kansas City Star)(5-10-2002)
Dawsonville Museum to Open: Beginning Saturday [May 11th], visitors to Dawsonville, GA will find a new, state-of-the-art museum and racing attraction called Thunder Road USA. Inside the $12 million, 40,000-square-foot facility are tributes to racing greats past and present as well as interactive games, a track where visitors can race remote-controlled cars, racings simulators, a theater, gift shop and diner.
Information: Thunder Road USA in Dawsonville, Ga. Go north on Ga. 400 from Atlanta to the intersection of Ga. 53. Go west on Ga. 53 (toward Dawsonville) for about six miles.706-216-7223 or thunderroadusa.com.(Atlanta Journal Constitution)(5-10-2002)
Buckshot Racing Closed? hearing the #00 BGN team owned by former #44 driver, Buckshot Jones has been closed and that Jones may not return to BGN or Cup racing.(5-10-2002)
Gordon Divorce update: Jeff Gordon has asked that his estranged wife and anyone involved in his divorce be compelled to sign a confidentiality agreement. Gordon contended that his employment is "highly competitive" and much of his financial information requires confidentiality, according to court documents filed in Palm Beach County Circuit Court. Gordon wants to protect trade secrets, research and commercial information from becoming public during his divorce from Jennifer Brooke Sealey Gordon, the documents show. The confidentiality order would continue even after the divorce is final. Circuit Judge Peter Blanc will decide in a hearing next month if the court's proceedings must remain confidential. A person at the family division of the Palm Beach County Clerk of Courts said that a notice for a June 10 confidentiality hearing was filed on May 2.
(USA Today/AP)(5-10-2002)
Evernham denies rumors: Reports that DaimlerChrysler officials are planning to field a Dodge development team in the Busch Series are untrue, according to Winston Cup flagship owner Ray Evernham and Wayne Jesel, co-owner of the only organization currently running full-time Dodges on NASCAR’s junior circuit. Although he says he’s not involved in any kind of program, Evernham says the idea of running young Dodge drivers in the Busch Series is a good one.(Winston Cup Scene - need sub to read)(5-9-2002)
(5-9-2002)
Long to help out UPDATE: Team Will Carry "Jaret's Angels" Logo in Charlotte To Help Raise Awareness of Juvenile Diabetes. Carl Long doesn't want the space on his # 85 Dodge to go to waste, so while the Roxboro, NC native continues to pursue sponsorship opportunities for a full NASCAR Winston Cup Series ride, he will carry the "Jaret's Angels" logo on his cars beginning in Charlotte for the BGN race, the Winston Open and the Coca-Cola 600. The logo, a family emblem designed by artist Jim Hunt in support of 3-year-old Charlotte resident Jaret Arneson, who was diagnosed with juvenile (Type 1) diabetes in December of 2000, will be accompanied by the logo and Web site address for the national office of the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation -- www.jdrf.org. At Charlotte, Long will try to qualify the #64 Dodge of owner Rick Glenn, with team owner Thee Dixon and Mansion Motorsports providing the #85 Dodge for entry in the Winston Open and the Coca-Cola 600. SR Racing of Lebanon, TN, supplies the team's engines for all of Long's cars.(Carl Long Racing Site)(4-12-2002) UPDATE: see an image of the car on my Paint Schemes Gallery and a story at ThatsRacin.com: Long's paint scheme boosts juvenile diabetes efforts.(5-9-2002)
CIngular Scheme: hearing the #31 Cingular Chevy will run the Special Olympics Logo in conjunction with a promotion the month of June and July. Cingular did a similar promotion in 2001.(5-9-2002)
Rudd Special Scheme for Coke 600? UPDATE: hearing #28-Ricky Rudd will have a special paint scheme for the Coca Cola 600 at Lowes Motor Speedway in May.(4-3-2002) UPDATE: Rudd will run an Iron Man scheme in the Coca Cola 500, see an image on my Paint Schemes Gallery.(5-9-2002)
Roush Drivers Locked In thru 2003 UPDATE 3 But: Roush Racing President Geoff Smith says all his drivers are under contract through next season. The only negotiations he's involved in now are with Matt Kenseth's sponsor, DeWalt. And those talks are proceeding without any outside interference - the two have a "good faith" negotiation policy in effect until May 31. After that, each becomes a free agent. Smith was involved in the original contract between Elliott Sadler and Wood Brothers Racing. He said that contract can only be dissolved if it is beneficial to both.(Richmond Times Dispatch)(5-5-2002) UPDATE: hearing a bit 'out there' rumor from many sources saying Jeff Burton currently driving the #99 CITGO Ford and his crew chief may move to the Hendrick #25 Chevy. BUT last I heard Burton is signed thru 2005 with Roush.(5-6-2002) UPDATE 2: Rumors had Jeff Burton possibly taking over in the #25 car after reports of Burton being spotted at Hendrick Motorsports. Burton told reporters Wednesday he's confused about where he's supposed to be because the day he was supposedly seen at Hendrick he was in Boca Raton, Florida. Burton says he's 100% committed to Roush racing and sponsor CITGO. "Rick Hendrick and I have had no sit down conversation about me driving his cars nor anyone else. I'm committed to where I am. I have a true dedication for Roush Racing which I've shown over the period of time, and to give all that away would be stupid. Where I am is where I need to be and that's where I intend to stay". Noting that all of the Roush cars are currently top-10 in the point standings, Burton said "For me to say that I need to go some place
else and race doesn't make any sense". Burton spent part of Wednesday pumping gas and giving away Coca-Cola at a Citgo station near Lowes Motor Speedway as drivers lined up around the block waiting for Burton to fill-up their cars.(PRN's Garage Pass)(5-8-2002) UPDATE 2: When the Winston Cup Series arrived at Richmond, Jeff Burton and Matt Kenseth were part of a rumor mill that has cranked up just 10 races into the season. According to garage-area gossip, both drivers are talking to Hendrick Motorsports about replacing Jerry Nadeau on the #25 team, with each taking their crew chiefs with them. Both were also mentioned as possible replacements for Ricky Rudd at Robert Yates Racing if Rudd retires. Like Smith, Burton and crew chief Frank Stoddard shrugged off the rumors as nothing more than gossip. “The truth is, I’ve had absolutely no conversation about driving the 25,” Burton says. “I have not been to Hendrick Motorsports to sit down and talk. That’s what I heard yesterday, that I was over there the other night. None of that’s true.” According to Kenseth, neither has he. “That’s the first time I heard that one,” he said. “I don’t really pay too much attention to all that stuff to tell you the truth. The same thing happened to me last year and I’m still in the same place that I was last year, so I don’t really get too concerned over it.” For the record, Kenseth has a contract with Roush through 2004. Burton, meanwhile, has a long-term contract that was just extended two years ago, Smith said. Burton’s sponsor, Citgo, is signed through 2003, but the agreement for DeWalt Tools to sponsor Kenseth ends after this season. Smith says, however, that he is in negotiations with DeWalt on a new deal.(Winston Cup Scene - need sub to read)(5-9-2002)
Nadeau and Hendrick Part Ways: Hendrick Motorsports and driver Jerry Nadeau on Wednesday agreed to part ways, effective immediately, ending Nadeau’s tenure with the #25 team. Sources said Joe Nemechek, who lost his ride earlier this season with Travis Carter Enterprises when sponsor Kmart filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection, is the top candidate to replace Nadeau for the remainder of the season. Hendrick said no one has been chosen to fill the vacancy, although a search is under way. Nadeau, 31, scored the only win of his Winston Cup career in November 2000 at Atlanta at the conclusion of his first full season with Hendrick. In 150 starts, he has one win, eight top-five and 18 top-10 finishes. Just last week, the 25 team replaced crew chief Tony Furr with Ken Howes. “Both Hendrick Motorsports and myself as a driver are dedicated to the same goal – winning races,” Nadeau said. “But after we sat down and evaluated the situation, it was obvious that we were not making the kind of progress we owe our fans and sponsors and decided it would be best to go our separate ways. Driving for Hendrick Motorsports was a great experience for me. At the end of my first season with the team, I really felt that we were on our way, but the results we were capable of just weren’t there.”(ThatsRacin.com)(5-8-2002) UPDATE: Jerry Nadeau, who parted ways with Hendrick Motorsports Wednesday says he's in no rush to jump into a situation right away. With the Coca-Cola 600 at Charlotte coming up, Nadeau if he has to sit in the stands with his wife at Charlotte he'll do that and watch a good race. As for the UAW-Delphi Monte Carlo team, Nadeau said Hendrick gave him a heck of an opportunity, but unfortunately things just didn't work out. "We just seemed like we've always had tons and tons of bad luck. I was really discouraged and I think they were discouraged at their side because we didn't have a crew chief in line for the team, but things were starting to fall apart. I was not happy because I really felt that team should be a lot better than it is and I felt there were areas in which we could improve but we never had a lot of good luck. I hate to say that as a team, but we just seemed like we always had situations happen to us and it never really seemed like it happened to a lot of other teams. I'm not here to gripe about it, but it was a matter of everything working together and obviously there was some situations that just wasn't working right. Nadeau also says it's disappointing because he got his first win his first year there and
"then it just seemed like it started downhill from there". They were really good to me...they were like family to me, but things just didn't happen. I'm sad to go for sure because they're great people.(PRN's Garage Pass)(5-8-2002) UPDATE 2: hearing the new driver will be be Joe Nemechek.(5-9-2002)
Sadler in video: #21-Elliott Sadler will make his music video debut this Thursday, May 9, on CMT Most Wanted Live at 7:00pm.
Sadler joined country music vocalist Blake Shelton in the filming of his new release "Ol' Red". "I'm going to call some of my friends and kick back in the living room and watch the debut," stated Sadler. "I always enjoy listening to music so it's pretty cool that I'm actually going to be in a video. I haven't seen the video yet but have heard many good things about it. Hopefully all of the CMT viewers tomorrow night will enjoy it. If they enjoy the video, they'll be able to visit CMT.com and vote to see the video again each night on CMT Most Wanted Live."(PR)(5-9-2002)
Hamilton in Video: #55-Bobby Hamilton, who owns the #'s. 4, 8 and 18 Dodge trucks, is expected to make a cameo appearance in country music singer Jo Dee Messina's music video for Dare To Dream, which will be shot at the Fairgrounds Speedway in Nashville, Tenn., formerly known as Nashville Speedway. (Daytona Beach News Journal)(5-9-2002)
(5-8-2002)
Kenny Wallace in the #10 at the Winston Open for Benson UPDATE make it Nadeau: Kenny Wallace will be driving the Valvoline #10 Pontiac Grand Prix in The Winston Open and hopefully the Winston. "It's a geat chance to help out a good friend and drive the Winston Open" Wallace said.(Kenny Wallace Racing Site)(5-8-2002) UPDATE: being told now that Jerry Nadeau will drive the #10 car as Wallace has other commitments.(5-8-2002)
New Team? UPDATE: hearing a new Winston Cup/BGN team is going to be announced next week. Jeff Hammond is heavily involved. Hear they have one of the top people from Haas-Carter Motorsports coming in as crew chief. Understand they are going to run up to four Winston Cup races and at least seven BGN races the rest of this season, setting themselves up for a full run in BGN with a partial Winston Cup schedule in 2003. Sponsorship is in place too.(5-7-2002) UPDATE: hearing the driver will be Stanton Barrett and the team will use Rosuh cars and engines.(5-8-2002)
Rudd to retire? UPDATE: #28-Ricky Rudd, one race away from breaking the NASCAR record for consecutive starts, might not have too many more events in his future. Rudd, in his 21st season of Winston Cup racing, said Monday he has not ruled out retiring at the end of this season -- partly because of the changing face of NASCAR and the way the sport is being marketed. "I have a lot of options, one of them is retirement, and it's something I'll give a lot of thought too," Rudd said while testing his Robert Yates Ford at Lowe's Motor Speedway. "I'm 45 years old and I certainly don't see myself doing this when I'm 50, so it's something I'll be thinking about." Rudd is set to make his 656th consecutive start at the Coca-Cola 600 on May 26, which would break Terry Labonte's Ironman record. He tied the mark Saturday when he started the race at Richmond International Raceway. Rudd's name has repeatedly come up in a recent rash of rumors concerning driver movement. It started when Elliott Sadler asked for a release from Wood Brothers Racing and Rudd's #28 is one of the cars Sadler could reportedly end up in. Rudd's three-year contract with Yates is up at the end of the season. "There's a lot of stuff being said and I know I've been linked to it," Rudd said. "Half the people have me retiring, have the people have me going to another team. The truth is, I don't know what I'm going to do." Retirement is viable because of Rudd's disenchantment with where NASCAR is headed, he said. He dislikes the toll the schedule takes on family life and knows that as his 7-year-old son gets older, it will be harder to take him on the road for 36 races. "Everyone says NASCAR is a family sport, and for the fans in the grandstands it is," he said. "But for us, the travel and time on the road, it doesn't really lend itself to a family life and I guess that's the way NASCAR wants it." Rudd is particularly annoyed with the way the sport is now being marketed, pointing out an emphasis TV coverage has given to the young drivers. A group of twentysomethings, led by Dale Earnhardt Jr., Sadler, Kevin Harvick and rookies Jimmie Johnson and Ryan Newman, have burst onto the Winston Cup scene. Rudd thinks NASCAR is steering its image toward them. "I have no problem with the youth movement, I really don't," Rudd said. "But I've seen with this TV deal older guys getting ignored."(Sporting News)(5-7-2002) UPDATE 2: Ricky Rudd says he doesn’t know when he’s going to retire from Winston Cup racing. "Sometime between 45 and 50 I am going to retire," Rudd said Tuesday at Lowe’s Motor Speedway, where he was testing his No. 28 Ford in preparation for The Winston on May 18 and the Coca-Cola 600. "Is it at the end of this year or next year? I don’t know." Rudd is 45 and will be 46 at the end of the 2002 season, when his three-year contract with Robert Yates Racing runs out. Rudd said that would be the last multiyear deal he has to drive in NASCAR’s top series. "I am 45 years old and I am at the end of a three-year contract and I’ve fulfilled all of my obligations," he said. "From here on out, I am going to do a one-year contract at a time. I don’t want to get myself locked in to a point where I’m in an environment that I can’t get out of without fulfilling my obligations. I am taking it one year at a time." Rudd has 22 victories and 27 poles in 742 career starts – the last 655 of them in succession. If he takes the green flag in the Coca-Cola 600 on May 26, he will break Terry Labonte’s record for consecutive races.(ThatsRacin.com)(5-8-2002)
Crew Chiefs Fined: NASCAR officials announced that crew chiefs Todd Parrott of the NASCAR Winston Cup Series and Marc Reno of the NASCAR Busch Series have been fined $2,500 each for rules infractions that occurred this past weekend at Richmond International Raceway. Parrott, crew chief for NASCAR Winston Cup driver Dale Jarrett, was issued the fine for having an improperly attached weight on the #88 car, which was found during qualifying inspection for the Pontiac Excitement 400. Reno, crew chief for the NASCAR #1 Busch Series entry of Jimmy Spencer, was fined for having hollow rear axle "U" bolts on the car during Friday's Hardee's 250.(NASCAR PR)(5-8-2002)
Johnson fastest at Lowes on Tuesday: #48-Jimmie Johnson posted a lap at unofficial 181.512 mph in the Lowe's Home Improvement Chevy, claiming the top spot on the speed chart as 18 teams prepared for The Winston on May 18 and the May 26 Coca-Cola 600. Dave Blaney was second fastest in the Jasper Engines Ford at 179.820mph, but his night ended in a shower of sparks against the turn two wall when he cut a right-front tire. #57-Darrell Lannigan looped the #57 Ford coming off turn four early in the evening Winston Cup session, but did not make contact and #85-Carl Long spun and backed into the wall (per ThatsRacin.com). Top unofficial speeds NASCAR Winston Cup Series:
#48-Jimmie Johnson, 181.512
#77-Dave Blaney, 179.820
#31-Robby Gordon, 179.223
#28-Ricky Rudd, 177.281
#6-Mark Martin, 177.049
#9-Bill Elliott, 176.182
#90-Rick Mast, 175.953
#55-Bobby Hamilton, 175.610
#19-Jeremy Mayfield, 175.496
#60-Jack Sprague, 175.325.
(LMS PR)(5-8-2002)
Reiser wins Irwin award: Matt Kenseth and the DEWALT racing team showed their determination and resilience in fighting their way back from adversity early on in Sunday's rain-delayed Pontiac Excitement 400 to finish in sixth-place. As a result, team crew chief
Robbie Reiser takes home this week's "IRWIN Rough to the Finish" award for the team's efforts at Richmond International Raceway.Body Dynamic PR)(5-8-2002)
Marlin to test short tracks: #40-Sterling Marlin said Tuesday that his team plans to test later this season at Richmond and Martinsville because it is not pleased with its short-track performance. Marlin was 11th Sunday at Richmond. He finished 12th at Martinsville and 19th at Bristol in the other short-track races this season.(Roanoke Times)(5-8-2002)
(5-7-2002)
Fox Crew to Wander: This Friday [May 10th] afternoon, the FOX cameras and commentators are headed north from New Hampshire International Speedway on route 106 and west on US 4 to the twin quarter-mile ovals in Canaan, NH. Its opening night at the Canaan dirt track, and promoter Chuck Elms expects full fields of 358 modifieds, late models, and fast four cylinders. But the FOX cameras are drawn to Canaan by the fan favorite coupe-bodied modifieds that race weekly there and at Canaan's sister Saturday-night track, Vermont's Bear Ridge Speedway. "The Bear Ridge and Canaan coupes are the last link to racing's golden rra in New England," enthused NASCAR on FOX lead announcer Mike Joy. "When those coupes are running on dirt, beneath the glow of the 300 watt bulbs suspended over the track, the viewer is transported back in time 30, maybe 40 years. Its a great sight to behold."
"Chuck Elms has put his heart and soul into these two tracks, and where lesser promoters have had little success, he has done a great job," Fox's Dick Berggren said. "We're all really excited about going up there, helmet in hand, this Friday." Elms has arranged a match race among the FOX commentators, including Larry McReynolds, Jeff Hammond and Matt Yocum. Joy's business, New England Racing Fuel and Berggren's magazine, Speedway Illustrated, will sponsor the event. Berggren has a mantel full of trophies from his dirt track victories, while none of the others have ever raced on dirt. So you might see a Busch series driver or two in the pit area to add some needed coaching. The "highlights" or otherwise, will be shown on the FX telecast of the New England 200 Busch Series race on
Saturday.(5-6-2002)
Gibbs to Chevy (again)? UPDATE 2 Pontiac testing at AMS: [Joe] Gibbs [Racing] has decided to switch from Pontiacs back to Chevrolets for the 2003 season, according to Chevrolet sources. The move comes after 18 months of intransigence by NASCAR officials for rules relief requested by Pontiac teams. That would put Stewart and teammate Bobby Labonte back in Monte Carlos, which would be a serious blow to General Motors' Pontiac division, perhaps serious enough for the division to leave this branch of the sport and take it's $35 million racing budget somewhere else.(Winston Salem Journal)(5-4-2002) UPDATE: hearing an announcement could come as soon as Charlotte/Lowes during The Winson/Coca Cola 600 weeks.(5-5-2002) UPDATE 2 but.... Officials from Joe Gibbs Racing said they'll test the new 2003 Pontiac Grand Prix Winston Cup race car at Atlanta Motor Speedway on May 20. The car will be driven at speed on the track and then taken by NASCAR officials to the Lockheed wind tunnel in Marietta for further tests. Gibbs' team is leading the development of the new Pontiac body, but if the new car doesn't turn out to be as competitive as they hope, the team is preparing to switch to the Chevrolet Monte Carlo before the start of the 2003 season.(Atlanta Journal Constitution)(5-5-2002) UPDATE 3: NASCAR and Pontiac Racing will conduct a developmental test for the 2003 Pontiac Thursday at Atlanta Motor Speedway. The test will be closed to both the public and the media.(AMS PR)(5-7-2002)
Gordon's Streak Jeff Gordon's streak of races without a victory climbed to career high 19 when he finished seventh at Richmond.(Daytona Beach News Journal)(5-7-2002)
Sad News UPDATE 2: Race Fan Passes Away At Campsite Near Track: At 3:30pm (est) on Sunday, a young woman in her twenties was found by 7 friends in a camper that was located at a campsite facility near the Richmond Int'l Raceway. Emergency personnel were called to the scene, and upon arrival the woman was found to have expired. The 7 friends were taken to the Memorial Regional Medical Center where two were released, three are anticipated to be released tonight, and the two remaining are being kept overnight for observation. Carbon monoxide poisoning is the initial diagnosis, but the cause of death will be finalized upon further investigation. At this the time the case is being ruled suspicious.(Catchfence) UPDATE: Shortly after the race ended, at 3:30 p.m. Sunday, officials discovered an apparently accidental death occurred in one of the satellite parking and camping areas used for races. Fans from such areas are shuttled to the track via buses. A woman, not yet publicly identified as of dusk Sunday, was found dead in a motorcoach, apparently as a result of carbon monoxide poisoning. Seven others were found "sick and dizzy," in the words of local police spokesman Tom Shumate, and transported to a nearby hospital.(Gaston Gazette)(5-6-2002) UPDATE 2: A 20-year-old Stafford County woman was found dead in a camper and seven others were treated for carbon monoxide poisoning after the NASCAR Pontiac 400 at Richmond International Raceway, police said Monday. Kelly Turco was found dead about 3:30 p.m. Sunday by two friends who returned from the race to the camper in a satellite parking lot. Others in the camper were complaining of feeling dizzy and lightheaded. Her cause of death will be determined after an autopsy being done Monday, said Henrico County police Sgt. Thomas Shumate. Two people were hospitalized overnight and the rest were treated for carbon monoxide poisoning and released, Shumate said. All were from northern Virginia, he said.(Daily Press/AP)(5-7-2002)
Rudd Fastest in Lowes Testing: #28-Ricky Rudd and BGN driver #25-Bobby Hamilton Jr. topped the unofficial speed charts Monday as testing shifted into high gear at Lowe's Motor Speedway. Rudd was fastest among 17 NASCAR Winston Cup drivers preparing for the May 26 Coca-Cola 600 while Hamilton led the speed parade among the 22 BGN teams preparing for the May 25 CARQUEST Auto Parts
300. Stacy Compton's test ended shortly after sunset when he lost control of the #14 Pontiac and slammed the outside. Compton was uninjured, but the A.J. Foyt team had only one car on hand for the Winston Cup test. Testing for both the NASCAR Winston Cup and Busch Series continues Tuesday. NASCAR Winston Cup Series Speeds:
#28-Ricky Rudd, 179.223 mph
#48-Jimmie Johnson, 178.571
#6-Mark Martin, 178.159
#7-Casey Atwood, 177.924
#55-Bobby Hamilton, 177.223
#77-Dave Blaney, 176.817
#9-Bill Elliott, 176.471
#19-Jeremy Mayfield, 176.355
#31-Robby Gordon, 176.298
#90-Rick Mast, 175.781
(LMS PR)(5-7-2002)
NASCAR Plans New Safety Test Center: The Charlotte Business Journal says NASCAR plans to open an expanded safety research and testing operation in Concord, N.C., next January with a staff of 20 technicians and administrative personnel. Sources told reporter Ken Elkins that the NASCAR Research and Development Center will cost up to $8 million. Employment could eventually double to 40 as the sanctioning body develops ways to make the sport safer and refines its race car of the future, Kevin Triplett, NASCAR managing director of business operations, told the paper. A Conover, N.C.-based NASCAR R&D center that opened in January 2001 will remain in operation, but the bulk of its work will shift to the Concord center.(Winston Cup Scene Daily Newsletter)(5-7-2002)
#28 Crew Honored: NAPCM Pit Crew of the Week is the #28 Havoline Crew for consistent fast pit stops all year but bad string of
luck. The #28 Havoline Crew is one of the best crews at the track each Sunday.(NAPCM PR)(5-7-2002)
Roush Letter: a letter from Jack Roush:
Dear Friends, Fellow Competitors, Employees and Fans:
This letter is to express my heart-felt thanks for all of the cards, flowers and especially the prayers I have received since my accident on April 19. Your generous outpouring of support has made a huge impact on the success and speed of my recovery. I wish there were a way to thank each of you personally.
I have come to realize that I am not only blessed to have survived this accident, but I am equally blessed to have so many people who care so much about my family and me. You will never know how much that means to me.
I am anxious to get back to work, and look forward to seeing each and everyone of you again as soon as possible. Thank you again for keeping me in your thoughts and prayers through my perilous time. Sincerely, Jack Roush.
See more on yje accident at my Roush Aircraft Accident page.(5-7-2002)
(5-6-2002)
Schrader misses CTS race: Ken Schrader planned to be racing yesterday. He just didn't know it would be in his Winston Cup car. Schrader originally planned to head to St. Louis for the Truck series event, but a rain delay at Richmond International Raceway forced him to stay in town an extra day. Mike Wallace, who qualified Schrader's truck, stayed in St. Louis for that race.(Richmond Times Dispatch)(5-6-2002)
Gordon misses Indy practice: Saturday's postponement forced Robby Gordon to miss opening day at Indianapolis Motor Speedway. Gordon is attempting to compete in both the Indianapolis 500 and Coca-Cola 600 on the same day.(Roanoke Times)(5-6-2002)
Third Ganassi Team? Team manager Andy Graves said that car owners Chip Ganassi and Felix Sabates have talked about expanding the team to make it a three-car organization. "It's something that if a good driver becomes available and we can find money to do it, that they would be interested in doing a third team," Graves said. "We'd have to add on some people and space might be a little bit of a concern, but as far as equipment and everything, we're basically geared to handle it pretty easily." The key could be sponsorship since, based on talk in the garage, there could be a few quality drivers available for next season. Graves said a third team could provide additional resources for the team's research and development program. Such departments can be the difference between a team winning and one struggling. Sterling Marlin continues to lead the points standings after Sunday's rain-delayed Richmond race, while teammate Jimmy Spencer is 20th. Graves said that if needed, the organization could run a few races this season with a third team, using personnel from its test team.(Roanoke Times)(5-6-2002)
Sad News: Tony Furr, serving as crew chief this weekend for [#7] Ultra/Evernham Motorsports driver Casey Atwood, returned to Charlotte late Saturday to attend a funeral Sunday for his mother-in-law, who died on Friday. Mike Shiplett, the team's car chief, served as acting crew chief. Co-owner Ray Evernham also assisted in making pit calls. Furr, who last worked for driver [#25] Jerry Nadeau at Hendrick Motorsports, is currently working on a "week-to-week" basis with Ultra/Evernham.(ThatsRacin.com)(5-6-2002)
GM Announcement: hearing there will be some sort of General Motors (GM) announcement during the Coke 600 week, but it has nothing to go with Joe Gibbs Racing.(5-6-2002)
