Johnson ties rookie record: #48-Jimmie Johnson has tied the record for the fastest two wins in the Winston Cup modern era (1972 to present), winning two races by his 16th start. #8-Dale Earnhardt Jr and Davey Allison also won in their 16th start, Kevin Harvick won his 2nd race in his 17th start. Johnson(2 wins so far), Allison(2), Earnhardt Jr.(2), Stewart(3 the record) and Harvick(2) are the only drivers (modern era) to win two or more races in their rookie year. Some comparisons - Tony Stewart did it in his 32nd race, Dale Earnhardt in his 41st, Jeff Gordon 50th, Darrell Waltrip 65th and Bobby Labonte 77th. Not sure what the all time record is but Red Byron won his 2nd race in his 5th start during the first NASCAR Grand National(Before Winston Cup) season in 1949.(6-2-2002)
Points and maybe wins taken away? UPDATE: during FX's Stacker2 pre-race show and FSN's NASCAR This Morning, it was mentioned that NASCAR may take championship points and maybe even a win if rules infractions like a car being too low is found during post race inspection as it is happening too often. UPDATE: NASCAR President Mike Helton offered a stern warning to Winston Cup owners and crew chiefs during Sunday’s pre-race driver meeting regarding the number of recent violators of NASCAR’s minimum height requirement. Last week, NASCAR fined driver Mark Martin’s crew chief $50,000 after his #6 Ford failed to meet the minimum 51-inch height requirement following Martin’s win in the Coca-Cola 600. In the past year, drivers the cars of Dale Earnhardt Jr. and Matt Kenseth have failed to meet the minimum height following race victories, as well. Up to now, NASCAR has typically fined the crew chief for the violation. Helton said Sunday that may change. "We seem to have a rash of cars after the race is over with that cannot meet the minimum height," Helton said. "So far, we have chosen only to use a fine as a reaction. I just want to make sure that everybody understood there are other options NASCAR can use if it keeps going this way."(ThatsRacin.com)(6-2-2002)
Bodine to meet with Hooters: during MRN radio coverage of the MBNA Platinum 400 at Dover, it was mentioned that #11-Brett Bodine will meet with his sponsor hooters this week to discuss the 2003 season and that Hooters seems happy with the team and results so far.(6-2-2002)
#30 - No Changes: Jeff Green said he and team owner Richard Childress talked about making changes to Green's #30 AOL team but elected to keep the team intact. Childress last week announced the crew chiefs and teams of his #29 [Kevin Harvick] and #31 [Robby Gordon] teams – driven by Kevin Harvick and Robby Gordon respectively – will swap next weekend at Pocono.(ThatsRacin.com)(6-2-2002)
Some TV stuff: Hank Parker Jr., Kenny Wallace and Elliott Sadler, along with Fox Sports announcer Jeff Hammond, were at World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE, formerly known as the World Wrestling Federation, or WWF) headquarters in Connecticut this week filming two commercials for Stacker 2, the primary sponsor of Wallace's #48 Busch Series entry and associate sponsor on Parker's #36 Dodge. AND Parker Jr. and his wife, Wendy Parker, will join several other NASCAR drivers at the Walt Disney World Resort in Orlando this week for a special fishing show that will be filmed for broadcast on ESPN in late July. The drivers and their significant others will also get to spend a day exploring the Disney World theme parks.(Daytona Beach News Journal)(6-2-2002)
Chocolate Myers Injured Will Sit Out Of Cup Race: Chocolate Myers, longtime spokesperson and safety director for RCR who doubles as the gasman on the #29 GM Goodwrench team, has injured his left arm and will not participate in Sunday's MBNA Platinum 400 Winston Cup race at Dover. Larry Hartle, who is the gasman for RCR's #2 ACDelco Chevy on the Busch circuit, has been named as Chocolate's replacement for Sunday's race.(Catchfence)(6-2-2002)
New Policy at MIS: Due to a recent decision by the State of Michigan Liquor Control Commission, Michigan International Speedway's alcohol concession policy has changed for this summer's three weekends of racing, June 14-16, July 26-28, August 16-18. Michigan Liquor Law R 436.1033 prohibits the Speedway from allowing guests to pass through its grandstand ticket gates with their own alcohol, while at the same time, selling alcohol at concessions stands. Simply put, fans can bring in alcoholic beverages, or the facility can sell them, but not both. To comply with the Liquor Commission's recent interpretation of this law and considering what is in the best interest of its guests, MIS has made the decision to allow its guests to continue to bring their own alcoholic beverages through its grandstand ticket gates. Consequently, for 2002, MIS vendors will no longer be able to sell alcoholic beverages at any of the facility's concession stands. "MIS has always tried to attain the highest levels of customer satisfaction.. Given the Commission's recent decision, we felt it was important that MIS continue to be the leader among major sports arenas in Michigan by allowing fans to bring in their own beverages," said Brett Shelton, MIS president. 'It is a tradition that we did not want to see interrupted."(MIS PR)(6-2-2002)
(6-1-2002)
Petty hopes Andretti stays: Kyle Petty said on Saturday that he hopes John Andretti returns for a sixth season in the #43 Cheerios Dodge, but also acknowledged that Andretti is exploring other options. "John's been out talking, and that's a fact of life in Winston Cup racing," Petty said, " We want him to stay. We would be remiss to change drivers." Andretti's contract with Petty Enterprises is up at the end of this year. It's been a frustrating season for Andretti, 39, who has scored just three top-20 finishes in 12 races this season and is currently 32nd in points. He was 31st last year. Petty also said that the improvement of the #44 Dodge -- Steve Grissom finished eighth at Richmond, that car's best finish since 2000 -- has sparked interest among other drivers. Petty is also busy solidifying the future of his own #45 Dodge, whose contract with Sprint runs out at the end of the year. Petty's other two cars, the #43 and the #44, are fully sponsored for 2003.(NASCAR.com)(6-1-2002)
PPI 2nd Team? #32 Tide car owner Cal Wells confirmed he's working on adding a second team to his operation, and he said it depends on how well Ricky Craven performs.(Winston Salem Journal), also past reports have PPI looking to switch to Pontiac in 2003.(6-1-2002)
Well Wishes: Well wishes to 11-year old Derek Kelbalka of Vermont who is currently on life support at Boston Children's Hospital. Derek, who suffers from a heart condition and has undergone several open-heart surgeries during his young life, has been placed on a national organ transplant list. Derrick is the nephew of Performance Racing Network anchor and FOX Network pitreporter Mark Garrow.(PRN's Garage pass)(5-31-2002) AND A heart was found this morning for Derek and he is currently in surgery. Please keep Derek in your thoughts and prayers as well as the family who lost their son or daughter so Derek may have a second chance at life. Also, BGN driver, #57-Jason Keller has a sign on his dashboard for Derek for the in-car camera for today's BGN race at Dover.(6-1-2002)
New #11 Crew Chief: Brett Bodine has a new crew chief this weekend, with Buddy Cisco taking over in that position in place of Doug Richert.(ThatsRacin.com)(6-1-2002)
BAM Racing and Robinson to skip Michigan: BAM Racing [#49 Dodge] announced that the team would not compete at the Michigan 400 in order to launch an intense wind tunnel program to gather aerodynamic information on their fleet of new Dodge Intrepids. Team Manager, Eddie Jones said, "We need to take the time to gather and analyze some valuable wind tunnel information so we can fine tune our aero package and make the team more competitive." Michigan International Speedway was where Shawna Robinson made her debut in NASCAR Winston Cup racing. "I was looking forward to going back to Michigan, a track where I have a lot of experience, but my focus is now on Daytona. I¹m excited about going back to Daytona where I started 36th and finished 24th in the season opening Daytona 500. I support the team's decision to by-pass Michigan and prepare the racecars for the Daytona and Chicago events," stated Robinson. In addition to utilizing the Wind Tunnel the team will test at Chicagoland Speedway in June before competing in the Pepsi 400 in Daytona on July 6th.(BAM Racing PR)(6-1-2002)
More Toyota to NASCAR rumors: NASCAR officials have confirmed talks with Toyota about what Toyota would have to do in order to compete on the truck tour in 2003. That effort is seen as a preliminary move toward an eventual move to the Winston Cup tour in 2005. The V-8 Toyota that would have to build to race in NASCAR would, like the current Dodge Cup engine, be a purpose-built racing engine designed to meet NASCAR specifications.(Winston Salem Journal), see past news about Toyota on my NASCAR past news page, also Toyota runs in the NASCAR Goody's Dash Series.(6-1-2002)
Roush at the track Friday UPDATE: Roush Racing will hold a press conference on Friday, May 31 at 12:30pm/et in the infield media center of Dover Downs International Speedway for Jack Roush and Larry Hicks. Dover will mark Roush's return to the racetrack after being injured in a plane crash in Troy, Ala. on April 19. Larry Hicks, who rescued Roush after the accident, will also be on hand to field questions from the media.(Roush Racing PR), for past news, see my Roush Aircraft Accident page.(5-30-2002) UPDATE: Jack Roush came back to a Winston Cup track for the first time since his plane crash in Alabama on April 19 on Friday and was already giving NASCAR some suggestions about ways to change its rules. Roush, of course, is the car owner for Mark Martin’s #6 Ford that won the Coca-Cola 600 last week at Lowe’s Motor Speedway. Ben Leslie, the team’s crew chief, was fined $50,000 on Tuesday because Martin’s car was one-eighth of an inch below the 51-inch minimum height requirement in postrace inspection. Roush said he thinks NASCAR should take into consideration what would be a normal amount of changes in cars as they compete in a 500-mile or 600-mile race. To get that information, Roush said NASCAR should check the postrace height of all 43 cars in one or more races to see how much, on average, cars settle from their prerace heights due to the normal course of competition. Then, Roush said, NASCAR could build tolerances into its regulations. Currently, NASCAR inspects only the winner’s car and a sampling of the other cars in the field after a race.(ThatsRacin.com)(6-1-2002)
Barrett wins stunt award: Stanton Barrett, driver of the Bojangles/OdoBan Ford in NASCAR's Cup and BGN, added another trophy to his case. Televised worldwide by ABC Friday night, May 31, Barrett won a World Stunt Award for his work in the hit movie Jurassic Park III. The award was for Best Water Work, and involved being pulled in a cage through the water while "running" from dinosaurs. "It was a pretty neat deal. They taped the (ABC television) show but it was so cool going up on stage," said Barrett, who is one of the top stunt men and stunt coordinators in Hollywood. He has worked in such recent hit movies as Spider Man and The Patriot with Mel Gibson. "It was neat being there with top actors like Billy Bob Thornton and Arnold Schwarzenegger, and so many others, and picking up an award like that," he said. "It's nice recognition. "Plus," he added, "I'm a pretty competitive person. I want to win anything I'm in. You don't go into stunt work looking to win awards but, once you are up for it, you want to win it. Barrett owns Red Racing, which fields the Bojangles/OdoBan Tauruses, along with businessman Jody Looney. The team is planning up to 12 NASCAR Busch Grand National and up to four NASCAR Winston Cup starts this season.(Williams Company)(6-1-2002)
Martin's Crew: NAPCM Pit Crew of the Week - #6 - Mark Martin's Viagra Crew - very good day on pit road (15.3) helped
put Mark Martin in Victory Lane. Martin promised his crew before the Coca Cola 600 that if they won the race he would split the Winston No Bull Million Dollar prize with them. Way to go Viagra Crew and kudos to Mark Martin for realizing how important his crew is to victory.(NAPCM PR)(6-1-2002)
(5-31-2002)
Sad News: "Uncle Bob" Harmon, founder of the All Pro Super Series in 1980, and one of the greatest short track racing promoters in America, lost his three month battle with lung cancer Thursday afternoon ending a 52-year auto racing career. Harmon, one of the last barnstorming racing promoters, was born in Ensley, Al., Sept 18 1932 later moving to Prattville, Al. in the 50's. Harmon promoted late model short track racing throughout the south and was the founder of the famous All American 400 late model event held at the Nashville, TN fairground for 19 years. This event attracted drivers from across the United States and Canada. Harmon was proud of the fact that his "Unofficial" Board of Advisors, when he started his racing series, consisted of the Alabama Gang of Bobby and Donnie Allison, the late Neil Bonnet and Red Farmer. Many other notable drivers, who went on to compete with the NASCAR Winston Cup Series, raced with Harmon including David Pearson, Bill Elliott, Harry Gant, Kenny Schrader, Rusty Wallace, Mark Martin, the late Butch Lindley and others. In 1990 NASCAR bought the All Pro Series which today is known as the Hills Bros. All Pro Series, NASCAR Touring. Visitation has been set for Monday, June 3, from 6:00 - 9:00 pm at the Prattville Memorial Chapel Funeral Home in Prattville, Al. Graveside services will be Tuesday in Booth, Al.(Fairgrounds Speedway)(5-31-2002)
Bobby Labonte Responds To Rumors Of Accident: Rumors of an accident and/or the possible death of 2000 NASCAR Winston Cup Series champion Bobby Labonte are completely and totally false. Earlier Thursday, reports of Labonte being involved in some sort of accident were being spread nationwide. Contrary to these reports, Labonte has spent the entire week close to his family’s side following the untimely death of his father-in-law this past Sunday. In addition, Labonte spent Thursday with his son for an end of the school year party when the rumors started to circulate. Needless to say, it has already been an emotional week for he and his family and this has just compounded an already fragile situation.
“To hear these rumors floating out there today is very unnerving,” said Labonte. “I am very upset and disappointed to see this happen
again. It has been a very emotional week for my family with the passing of Donna’s father and to think someone could start a rumor like this is just tasteless. I am not really sure how to respond to be honest except to say this makes me very angry. I would think someone would want to have all the correct information before either reporting it or saying anything to anyone else and contributing to the ‘rumor
mill,’ but I guess we don’t live in that type of society anymore. Everyone just wants to be the first to report something no matter if there is truth to it or not.”
When asked if he knew how it might have gotten started, Labonte responded, “No, I have no idea. We went through this same thing last
year during the California race weekend and unfortunately we never really figured out how that got started either. It’s just a shame people are not more considerate. When there’s a rumor like that out there, I would think that you would want to call the proper people who would have reliable information and get some type of verification, but that never seems to happen anymore. Now it’s just gets so spread out it becomes a big catastrophe I guess you might say. It’s very sad and disturbing and it has not made the week any easier for my family.”(Joe Gibbs Racing PR), NOTE: no idea what site posted this rumor or why they did.(5-31-2002)
New restraint devices on market: The two companies that provide the head-and-neck restraint devices used in NASCAR's top divisions have new models on the market. Trevor Ashline, the engineer who invented the head-and-neck restraint known as the Hutchens device, is putting the finishing touches on a new model called the D-Cel Harness. Ashline has tested the device in simulated crashes, and several drivers have tried it in test sessions that were not part of a regular racing event. The new restraint differs in that the straps pull more from the driver's pelvis, and there are fewer adjustments needed once the driver puts the device on. The D-Cel, which is recommended for sprint car and go-kart drivers, will sell for $400, while the Hutchens is $325. NASCAR has not yet approved the D-Cel for use in competition. The makers of the HANS device also have a new model out. It is almost identical to the device now in use, except that is costs less and weighs more. The newer model costs $975 versus $1,275, but is heavier because the materials used to build it are less expensive. Both HANS devices are legal for use in NASCAR.(Atlanta Journal Constitution)(5-31-2002)
Hawk and PPI: Expanding their services provided, Hawk Sports Management is pleased to announce an agreement with Procter & Gamble (Tide Brand), PPI Motorsports and Ricky Craven to become the administrator of the Team 32's licensing program. Effective immediately, Hawk Sports Management will be coordinating licensing efforts with existing licensees, working out details with pending programs and seeking out new opportunities. Don Hawk, President of Hawk Sports Management reflects on the addition. "We will provide a "one-stop shop" facility for current and interested licensees. We are focusing on streamlining the licensing and approval process to help facilitate product offerings; thereby, providing a focal point for the three entities, which we call Team 32." Hawk, well known in the NASCAR world due to his past relationship with Alan Kulwicki and Dale Earnhardt, continues, "Through licensing efforts we will be able to enhance Team 32's objective of building fan awareness and support." Craven expressed his satisfaction, "Don and I hooked up some 18 months ago and the relationship has been comfortable and rewarding. I am truly looking forward to this expansion of his services." "Certainly Don Hawk has been a premier name for representation of drivers and sponsors in this sport, and we are very fortunate to have him on our team from this point on. The wealth of experience that he brings to the table will enable the Tide Brand and Ricky Craven to continue to get the recognition they deserve," comments PPI team owner Cal Wells. Hawk Sports Management provides consultative services in the area of sponsorship programs, endorsements, licensing, sport celebrity appearances and marketing concepts to a diverse client base. The company, formed in 1998, counsels entities involved in the well-known NASCAR auto racing circle as well as the PGA Tour. Further expansion is anticipated in other sports arenas.(PPI PR)(5-31-2002)
#68 Team Changes Focus UPDATE:The #68-TWC Motorsport team, owned by Tom Coleman, will be taking their new Winston Cup equipment to the ARCA Re/Max Series this season. The team has been unable to secure necessary funding to compete in the Winston Cup Series. Austin Cameron will drive the #68 Chevrolet in four ARCA races at Kansas, at Kentucky, Chicagoland, and the season finale on at Lowe's Motor Speedway. Austin Cameron currently competes in the NASCAR Winston West Series where he leads the point standings after winning two out of the first three events so far in 2002.(StockCarScene)(5-14-2002) UPDATE - ARCA team with Cup hopes forming: TWC Motorsports, based in Asheville, N.C., is testing 25-year-old driver Austin Cameron in four ARCA series events this season in preparation for a move to the Winston Cup series next season.
Cameron, the current points leader in the Winston West series, is entered in Saturday’s ARCA race at Kansas Speedway; as well as July 12 at Kentucky; Sept. 7 at Chicagoland; and Oct. 9 at Charlotte. "ARCA has become a testing ground for all major NASCAR Winston Cup teams, and that is the way weare approaching this season," said team owner Tom Coleman.(ThatsRacin.com)(5-31-2002)
new UPS Commercial: Kermit the Frog and the ever-glamorous Miss Piggy join the growing list of celebrities urging Dale Jarrett to race the truck as UPS unveils its most recent "We want to Race the Truck" commercial during the MNBA Platinum 400 in Dover, Del. this Sunday (FX 12:00 PM ET). The new spot opens with both Muppets poolside. With Miss Piggy sprawling on a chase-lounge, Kermit - the ever demure and kind-hearted frog - reasons with Dale to race the truck. "Dale, I know it's not easy being you and I sure don't want to tell you what to do," begins Kermit. Meanwhile, Piggy mocks his approach upstaging the frog with melodramatic comments like, "Oh brother," and "You're blowing it." Eventually, fed up with the "nice guy/frog," attitude she bounces off the lounge, plows Kermit (mid-sentence) into the pool and bellows a final demand to the camera, "Race the truck, Jarrett."(PR)(5-31-2002)
LaJoie to run some Cup races UPDATE 2: 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) UPDATE - LaJoie to Cup? Randy LaJoie’s BGN [#7] team could be moving up next season, team owner Ed Evans said Saturday. LaJoie, the 1996 and 1997 Busch Series champion, stands fourth in the points heading into Saturday’s race. “We believe we’ve got a premier Busch team,” Evans said. “Our standing in the points would indicate that we’re doing things the way we expect to do them right now. We would like to get up to Cup at some point in time. “While saying that, we’re still very committed to Busch and to Kimberly-Clark, and we’re not going to do anything to jeopardize this program or our run for the championship this year. We’ve got a pretty good shot at it. We’re having ongoing discussions. There hasn’t really been any news to report at this point. As we get closer to the fall, we’ll have a little bit more to talk about.”(RacingOne)(5-26-2002) UPDATE 2: maybe the team will move to Cup, but LaJoie said during a FSN Totally NASCAR interview that full time Winston Cup "is not for me".(5-31-2002)
(5-30-2002)
New Book: Race With Destiny by David Poole (of ThatsRacin.com). The book is about one of the most significant junctures in NASCAR history — the final race of the 1992 season. Richard Petty retired, Jeff Gordon came into Winston Cup and Alan Kulwicki won the championship. Poole, one of the top writers in motorsports, does an especially good job covering the rise of Kulwicki — a bright, young independent racer — and his tragic death in a plane crash the year after he captured the title.(Tennessean), for more info on Racing Books/CD's etc, see my Racing Bookstore page.(5-30-2002)
Gordon to run 200th scheme ar Dover: DuPont headquarters are located in nearby Wilmington, DE, and in honor of the company's 200th anniversary, Gordon will be driving a celebratory paint scheme that signifies DuPont as a leader in science for 200 years. It is the same paint scheme that the #24 team debuted earlier this season during Daytona Speedweeks.(Jeff Gordon Site)(5-30-2002)
Stewart does nice for Berggren UPDATE: during FX's coverage of Cup Happy Hour, Matt Yocum was interviewing Tony Stewart and Stewart announced that he would fly Dr Dick Berggren (Fox pit reporter, publisher of Speedway Illustrated and former sprint car racer) in his private jet to the Sprint Car Hall of Fame in Knoxville, Iowa on June 1st when Berggren will be inducted into the The National Sprint Car Hall of Fame, joining the class of 2002. Berggren joins other inductees: Lloyd Beckman; Maynard "Hungry" Clark; Jack Hewitt; Jim McElreath; Everett Saylor; Larry "Smokey" Snellbaker; John Bagley; Galen Fox; Ralph "Speedy" Helm; Sam Traylor; J. Gordon Betz; and Joe Scalzo. Berggren teared up and said it was a spectacular birthday present he could hope for, his birthday is on Monday.(5-25-2002) UPDATE: Ever heard Tony Stewart called an 'angel'? This past Saturday afternoon, Tony Stewart and the FOX Sports team
proved that they are indeed angels, as they will be providing the wings for pit reporter Dick Berggren to attend his induction this Saturday afternoon into the National Sprint Car Hall of Fame in Knoxville, Iowa, from the NASCAR Busch Series race in Dover, Del.. Another angel in the wings is Jim Mills of Turbines, Inc., who is flying fellow inductee Jack Hewitt in-and-out of Knoxville so that Jack doesn't miss Saturday night's United States Auto Club (USAC) Silver Crown race in Terre Haute, Ind. Berggren, founder of the long-running Open Wheel magazine and current executive editor of Speedway Illustrated, was surprised on-camera Saturday afternoon at Charlotte when fellow NASCAR on FOX pit reporter Matt Yocum and former USAC sprint car champion Tony Stewart started talking about Dick's upcoming induction into the Knoxville-based Hall of Fame. He was further floored when Tony committed to loaning him his
plane for this weekend, and Matt committed to working with Steve Byrnes and getting by without Berggren this Saturday at Dover. Other behind-the-scenes 'angels' at FOX Sports are pit producer Pam Miller, main producer Neil Goldberg, and executive producer Richie "Z" Zyontz. Interestingly, Tony Stewart will be honored at Knoxville on Wednesday, August 7, during the Mopar Parts Knoxville Sprint Car Nationals as he and his Jimmy Carr-led WoO team will receive their 2001 National Sprint Car Poll "Team of the Year" awards from the.museum for their World of Outlaws (WoO) title-winning efforts last season with driver Danny Lasoski. Hewitt, one of the most versatile sprint car racing veterans to ever don a helmet, is being flown to Knoxville by his angelic friend Jim Mills of Turbines, Inc.. "Dew It Hewitt" will be inducted into the National Sprint Car Hall of Fame on Saturday afternoon on the second floor of the non-profit museum, and then he will be flown immediately to that evening's USAC Silver Crown race at the Action Track in Terre Haute.(sprintcarhof.com PR)(5-30-2002)
RCR Crew Swap? UPDATE 2 Yes and Chocolate too: hearing rumors that the #29 and #31 Richard Childress Racing teams could swap crews in order to try to turn around their season.(5-22-2002) UPDATE: Richard Childress Racing (RCR) crew chief Kevin Hamlin and many current members of the #29 Goodwrench Service NASCAR Winston Cup team will swap places with fellow RCR crew chief Gil Martin and many current members of the #31 Cingular Wireless team starting at next weekend's Pocono 500 at Pocono Raceway. In essence, Hamlin and his group will become the Cingular Wireless crew for driver Robby Gordon while Martin and his group will become the GM Goodwrench Service crew for driver Kevin Harvick. "We're making this move to help the GM Goodwrench Service and Cingular Wireless teams and all of RCR," said Richard Childress, President and CEO of Richard Childress Racing Enterprises, Inc. "The results of our performances this season have not been up to expectations. Jeff Green and the America Online team have had the best results so far and are showing a lot of promise for the second half of the year so we're not going to change what they have been building on. But the 29 and 31 teams are down enough in the points right now that it makes the most sense to make some changes between the two. Kevin (Hamlin), Gil and all of the guys in the shop haven't forgotten how to build and prepare race cars and Kevin (Harvick) and Robby still know how to win races so it's just a matter of getting the right people in the right places. We've made changes like this before and it's worked out and we're confident that it will again." Hamlin is actually moving back to where he began at RCR. He was the #31 team's crew chief during its inaugural NASCAR Winston Cup season in 1997 until midway through the 1998 season when he swapped places with former RCR crew chief Larry McReynolds.(RCR Racing Site)(5-29-2002) UPDATE 2: Danny "Chocolate" Myers, the well-known gasman during all six of the late Dale Earnhardt’s Winston Cup championships with Richard Childress Racing, will fuel the #29 Chevrolet for the final time this weekend at Dover before moving to RCR’s #31 team. RCR announced on Wednesday the crew chiefs and crews would swap between the No. 29 and 31 teams beginning next weekend at Pocono. "Richard (Childress) let me have the choice of staying with the 29 team and I would love to but, on the other hand, I’ve worked with that group of guys moving to the 31 team for so long and so well that I don’t want to break up that deal," Myers said. "I’ve been at Richard Childress Racing for nearly 20 years and I feel like there are a lot of younger guys coming in that look up to me because I’ve been doing this for so long. By making this change and not having a problem with it, it should give the other guys reason to be able to do the same thing."(ThatsRacin.com)(5-30-2002)
Martin to test at Chicago: #6-Mark Martin will be taking part in a test session on Wednesday June 5th with Roush Racing in preparation for the July 14th NASCAR Winston Cup Tropicana 400 at Chicagoland Speedway. This test session is not open to the general public.(Chicagoland PR)(5-30-2002)
Sadler in a Music Video: Elliott Sadler, driver of the #21 Motorcraft Racing Ford has a role in the video of country music star Blake Shelton’s new song “Ol’ Red” that hit the market and skyrocketed to #1 earlier this month. Sadler plays Shelton’s brother in the video. The two met in Atlanta where Shelton opened a Hank Williams, Jr. concert.(see full story and quotes at: Ford Racing)(5-30-2002)
New Roush Headquarters: Roush Racing is expected to open its new state-of-the-art world headquarters in early 2003. The three story, 83,000 square foot building will be located in Concord, N.C., on 25 acres near the Concord Regional Airport. The new corporate headquarters will consolidate several buildings and over 100 employees, currently located throughout North Carolina. The building will house departments such as sponsor operations, licensing, show car and event operations, the business office and internet
marketing. JR's Garage and Team Caliber, the collectibles and merchandising arms of Roush Racing, will also move its warehouse and
distribution center to the new location. The structure will have several sustainable building systems including solar shades on southern
exposure to reduce solar heat gain and glare, reducing the amount of artificial building cooling required and a system for capturing and
containing rain water run off for landscape irrigation reducing the need for potable water.(Roush Racing PR)(5-30-2002)
Philip Morris Sells Miller Brewing: South African Breweries will buy Miller Brewing in a $3.6 billion stock deal that will make it the world's second-largest brewer. The new company will be called SABMiller PLC and will compete in the U.S. market with Anheuser-Busch, the world's largest brewer, SAB announced Thursday. Miller spokesman Michael Brophy said the acquisition would not lead to any job cuts at Miller's seven U.S. breweries. SAB is the world's fourth-largest brewer by volume, after Anheuser-Busch, Belgium's Interbrew and Heineken of the Netherlands, according to British beverage consultancy Canadean. Miller ranks sixth. The deal is expected to close as early as July, pending shareholder and regulatory approval, South African Breweries said. SAB has agreed to buy a 64% stake in Miller for $3.6 billion in stock and assume $2 billion in Miller debt. Miller's parent company, Philip Morris, would initially keep 36%. The Miller deal marks a major step in SAB's strategy of expanding largely through acquisitions to become a top player in the consolidating global beer business. SABMiller would be headquartered in London, with Miller's Milwaukee headquarters acting as a subsidiary, said Brophy. Philip Morris has wanted to sell its beer business because Miller has lost market share over the past decade, analysts said. Camilleri told industry analysts last fall that the tobacco and food giant's beer business has continued to face challenges. Profits have dropped as sales declined and advertising costs increased for Miller's strongest brands, such as Miller Lite and Miller Genuine Draft. For SAB, the deal would provide a major base in the United States and reduce its dependency on earnings made in the rand, the weak South African currency. Miller was founded in 1855 in Milwaukee, a city renowned for its breweries.(USA Today), no idea how this effects the sponsorship of the #2 Penske Racing Ford and driver Rusty Wallace(5-30-2002)
Double Duty at Dover: Ken Schrader will attempt to pull off double duty for the fifth time this season at Dover this weekend. In addition to his regular duties as the driver of the No. 36 Pontiac, Schrader plans to run the #52 Schrader Racing entry in the Truck Series race Friday afternoon. Schrader will attempt to run double duty five more times this season.(Daytona Beach News Journal) AND
other double duty drivers at Dover:
Cup and BGN: Jimmy Spencer (#41 Cup, #1 BGN); Jeff Green (#30, #21); Tony Raines (#73, #33); Stacy Compton (#14, #59); Joe Nemechek (#25, #87); Todd Bodine (#26, #92).
Cup and CTS: Schrader (#36 Cup and #52 CTS); Carl Long (#85 and #?)
BGN and CTS: Lance Hooper (#89 BGN, #5 CTS); and Phil Bonifield (#90, #23).(5-30-2002)
Wallace's Son Spots for him at Lowes: Greg Wallace, Rusty's 22-yr.-old son, served as chief spotter in Sunday night's race at Lowe's Motor Speedway. With Earl Barban called back to jacking duty and Dave Kenny on vacation, Rusty chose Greg to provide the second pair of eyes. "Greg did a tremendous job and was a big help," Rusty said after the race. "I had him up there and (Tom) Polansky as a backup and they were a helluva' team." Greg graduated from college (Hampden-Sydney) a couple of weeks back. He is racing late models on a limited basis and raced at Greenville-Pickens on Saturday night. He will also be working with a Charlotte area law firm during the summer and plans on entering law school next year.(Tom Roberts PR)(5-30-2002)
Gibbs Racing and Chevy - more: Despite reports a decision has already been made, Joe Gibbs insists he has not yet decided whether his two-car Winston Cup team will field Pontiacs or Chevrolets in 2003. Joe Gibbs Racing has been instrumental in construction of a new Grand Prix, which was recently submitted to NASCAR for approval. A source indicated that smooth sailing during the approval process could keep the team in Pontiacs next year. But if the car requires major tweaking, Gibbs could decide to go to the proven Monte Carlo, which may undergo minor modifications of its own prior to next season.(Winston Cup Scene - need sub to read), see my #20 Team News and Links Page for past rumors/news.(5-30-2002)
Coca Cola 600 TV Ratings UPDATE: The overnight ratings from the Winston Cup race at Charlotte show a 4.8 rating and 10 share. This is down 2% from last year's race in the overnights (4.9/10). However, expect a solid small market bump when Thursday's final numbers come out, probably a 5.3 or 5.4. Last year's race finished with a 5.3 rating and 11 share.(MotorsportsTV.com)(5-29-2002) UPDATE: It wasn't the small market bump that Fox was looking for, but the Coca-Cola 600 did a 5.1 rating and a 11 share, up from a 4.8 overnight. That's down 4 percent from last year's performance of a 5.3 rating and 11 share. However, the race powered Fox to a first place finish that night in total prime time ratings among adults 18-49, with a 3.7 rating in that group.(MotorsportsTV)(5-30-2002)
#90 Driver at Dover? UPDATE 2: Junie Donlavey hasn't decided who is driving his car [#90 Dukes Mayo Ford] at Dover next weekend. Rick Mast will miss another week of action while continuing to take medical tests to determine the cause of his recent fatigue and weight loss. Donlavey is meeting with sponsor representatives tomorrow to determine the driver for Sunday's event.(Richmond Times Dispatch). Hermie Sadler finished 29th after starting 41st at Lowes.(5-27-2002) UPDATE: being told Hermie Sadler will be in the #90 Ford at Dover and the following weekend at Pocono.(5-28-2002) UPDATE 2: Hermie Sadler will drive the #90 Donlavey Racing Ford in the MBNA Platinum 400 at Dover International Speedway this Sunday and in the Pocono 500 at Pocono Raceway on June 9. Sadler finished 29th in the Coca-Cola Racing Family 600 in his first
assignment for Donlavey Racing this past Sunday. Sadler is temporarily spelling Rick Mast, who is ill. Sadler is the 72nd driver to have qualified for a Winston Cup event for legendary team owner Junie Donlavey.(Keystone Marketing PR)(5-30-2002)
TRAC and Nashville - Fairgrounds Speedway? First-year Fairgrounds Speedway president Dennis Grau is exploring the possibility of hosting a Team Racing Auto Circuit (TRAC) race next year. That would necessitate expanding seating capacity to 40,000. Nashville Superspeedway has 25,000 permanent seats. The number of temporary seats fluctuates from race to race. Dover Motorsports, the track's parent company, does not release attendance figures, but crowd estimates at the Superspeedway's various races so far have ranged from 45,000 for last year's inaugural Busch Series event to 15,000 for a Craftsman Truck Series race. Grau said Fairgrounds Speedway seats 15,688, and TRAC requires a minimum of 40,000 seats for one of its events. Grau said additional seats can be installed to meet that requirement if the track gets a race. If Fairgrounds Speedway expanded to 40,000 it could surpass Nashville Superspeedway's seating, depending on how many temporary seats are in place at any given time. TRAC official Charlie Jeter said the association hopes to place one of its 10 teams in Nashville, and said he ''is very interested'' in Fairgrounds Speedway as a potential racing site. The new league has already secured the use of some of the nation's top tracks: Las Vegas, Atlanta, Bristol, Texas and Lowe's (Charlotte).(Tennessean)(5-30-2002)
Kenseth and Phones: PTN MEDIA, INC.announced that it has entered into an agreement with driver Matt Kenseth, to develop branded mobile phones, face plates and subscription services including Kenseth news and games delivered to mobile phones. Kenseth drives the #17 Ford which is owned by Roush Racing. The primary sponsor of his Ford Taurus is DeWalt Tools. The agreement calls for the creation of Matt Kenseth branded mobile phone handsets, phone covers as well as a subscription service which may include premium content, games, and ring tones. Subscribers to premium services will be able to receive daily messages from him on a variety of subjects such as qualifying, race results and fan club information. Additionally, subscribers will be able to use their phones to receive special communications prior to a race or personal appearance.(Business Wire)(5-30-2002)
Winner of the Charity Ride Robert “Bob” M. Felts Jr. has always followed the Petty family, off and on the track. A month from today, Felts will be following Richard Petty and Kyle Petty on the final leg of this year’s Charity Ride with a wonderful view from a touri ng sidecar of a Harley-Davidson Motorcycle. Felts’ winning bid of $3,550 goes to the Victory Junction Gang Camp, a camp to be built on 62 acres in Randleman, N.C. An employee of the Harley-Davidson Test Facility in Talladega will drive Felts on the final leg from Hot Springs, Va., to Trinity, N.C. on June 30. Talladega Superspeedway will pay all expenses for Felts and the Harley-Davidson employee, including roundtrip airfare, lodging and meals plus all expenses relating to the Charity Ride.. In all, there were 28 bids for the Charity Ride spot. All 200 slots for the Ride have been filled. NASCAR stars Kyle Petty, Richard Petty, Steve Park, Ken Schrader, Jeff Green and Matt Kenseth plan to make the Ride.(Talladega Superspeedway PR)(5-30-2002)
Seat Company Signs Deal: Toronto's Globe & Mail newspaper is reporting that NASCAR has signed a two-year licensing deal with Toronto-based back rest maker Obus Forme, according to today's Sports Business Daily. Obus Forme paid about $200,000 for the NASCAR mark, as well as for the signature and car number of four drivers -- Rusty Wallace, Mark Martin, Bobby Labonte and Tony Stewart. Obus Forme will also pay NASCAR a royalty of 10 to 12 percent of sales. The standard driver's seat model retails in Canada for C$44 (about $29 in U.S. currency), while the deluxe model, with heat and massage features, sells for C$90 (about $59).(Winston Cup Scene Newsletter)(5-30-2002)
Nemechek to be honored at a school: Joe Nemechek will be honored at the Milford Public Library in Milford, Delaware tomorrow as he kicks off the library's "Summer Reading 2002" program. Mayor Ronnie Rogers will be on hand to present Nemechek with the key to the city. Nemechek, who will be in town for the Cup and BGN races at Dover International Speedway, first visited the
library during race weekend last September. During that visit, he autographed copies of his book "Racin Buddies," a book written with
Peter Roe and Nemechek's young son John Hunter about traveling the racing circuit. The overwhelming response from the town prompted the return visit. "We are so pleased to have Joe Nemechek visit our library again," said Director Kay Hudson. "He'll be here to help kick off our Summer Reading Program themed 'Join the Winner's Circle - Read!' Joe's visit in September was a great hit with everyone. Milford has adopted him!" The summer reading program is an annual reading incentive that runs throughout the summer months encouraging children of all ages to read. Children reading ten or more books receive special awards including a certificate from Delaware's Governor Minner. Nemechek will sign autographs tomorrow from 4:00-6:00pm/et at the Milford Public Library located at 11 S.E. Front Street, Milford Delaware. The Cellular One Showcar will also be on location from 3:00-6:00pm.(NEMCO Motorsports)(5-30-2002)
Republicans visit Richard Petty Driving Experience at LVMS: U.S. Sen. John Ensign, R-Nevada, brought his Battle Born Classic fundraiser to the Richard Petty Driving Experience at Las Vegas Motor Speedway today. Ensign is chairman of the Battle Born PAC (political action committee) and his decision to add a 160-mph racing experience to the golf tournament and reception was a popular one, especially with Congressman Jim Talent, R-Missouri. “That was cool -- really neat,” exclaimed Talent, who is challenging
for a U.S. Senate seat in his home state. “I enjoyed the experience.” “It was awesome,” said Ensign, who drove an RPDE stock car around Las Vegas Motor Speedway's 1.5-mile oval “I'm ready to come back (to the school) for the next level. It was scary -- a thrill -- yet you feel safe. I know that's a contradiction, but to feel the power of the engine under the hood...” Ensign explained why he added motorsports to the Battle Born Classic, a fundraiser for Republican candidates who are challenging for U.S. Senate seats. “We were looking for something that would be unique,” Ensign said. “Everybody does golf tournaments. This is the experience of a lifetime for these people. They'll be talking about it when they get back to Washington and they'll still be talking about it a year from now.” “Since we added the Richard Petty Driving Experience at Las Vegas Motor Speedway, participation from Washington has doubled, and we
expect it to double again next year,” said Battle Born PAC Director Mike Slanker.(LVMS PR)(5-30-2002)
(5-29-2002)
Renfrow and the #59 at Dover: The next stop for the #59 Price Motorsports team and driver Randy Renfrow will be this week's MBNA Platinum 400 at Dover International Speedway. Coming off spirited runs in the Pontiac Excitement 400 and the Winston Open before missing the Coca-Cola Racing Family 600, the team will be attempting to qualify for the event at the concrete oval Friday May 31. After searching for the set-up for tricky 1.5-mile Lowe's Motor Speedway for the last two weeks, the team is pleased to be on their way to the 1-mile oval affectionately known as the "monster mile".(Price Motorsports PR)(5-29-2002)
Park in at Dover: All of the Steve Park fans can rest easily this week. According to Ty Norris [of DEI], Park will be in the #1 Pennzoil Chevy at Dover this weekend. That rumor was absolutely FALSE. He said that the team is looking stronger and Park is trying harder than ever. Norris is also impressed with the performance of Michael Waltrip and the NAPA team as well. He gives a lot of the credit to Waltrip and the leadership role he has taken with the team.(TeamDEI)(5-29-2002)
More new Chevy/Pontiac for 2003 news: Richard Childress [owner of the #'s 29,30,31] says he expects NASCAR to approve a significantly modified Chevrolet Monte Carlo body style for 2003. Pontiacs also are due for a change (has submitted a 2003 Grand Prix body to NASCAR for approval, Chevy has not). Childress hopes the new Monte Carlo will narrow a perceived aerodynamic disadvantage to rival Ford and Dodge teams. NASCAR cars' bodies are only loosely based on street cars', and NASCAR officials regularly tinker with the aerodynamic characteristics of different car makes' bodies to keep competition equal. That causes teams to argue over which make has an advantage and lobby for changes. Winston Cup series director John Darby hopes to reduce the bickering next year by making all four car makes almost identical, primarily different in the nose and tail. The current Ford and Dodge bodies already are similar; Chevys and Pontiacs likely will get more rounded-off roof sections in 2003. Darby says making the cars more similar also will make it easier to accomplish NASCAR's broader goal of making its cars less dependent on aerodynamics to stick to the track, a move it hopes will make racing more competitive.(USA Today)(5-29-2002)
Pocono Testing: some Cup drivers tested at Pocono Raceway on Tuesday, including #2-Rusty Wallace, #40-Sterling Marlin and #48-Jimmie Johnson. Add #12-Ryan Newman and #43-John Andretti, no speeds listed.(Pocono Record)(5-29-2002)
McGlynn to attempt a Pocono Cup race? UPDATE: hearing CTS driver Ryan McGlynn and team is preparing a Chevy to run at one or both Pocono Winston Cup events. McGlynn Racing is based in Wilkes-Barre, PA. No word on sponsorship at this time.(5-25-2002) UPDATE: hearing McGlynn will attempt the 2nd Pocono race in July, not the race in June.(5-29-2002)
#71 at Dover: hearing Dick Trickle will drive the #71 Marcis Racing Chevy at Dover this weekend, the team is looking for sposnors.(5-29-2002)
Car Works for AMV: The America’s Most Wanted/Body Dynamics Motorsports program with Big Fan Racing Team solicited 19 calls from the car appearing on America’s Most Wanted TV Program for Samantha Kibalo last Saturday. More info on the team on my BGN Site.(5-29-2002)
Gordon and Elmo: Four-time NASCAR Winston Cup champion Jeff Gordon will team with Sesame Street's Elmo character to raise money for The Jeff Gordon Foundation, but don't expect to see the car on a Winston Cup track. NASCAR artist Sam Bass will design the special car, which won't be raced, and Action Peformance Cos. will create diecast replicas that will go on sale in August. The initial 2001 diecast program was a great success for The Jeff Gordon Foundation generating revenues in support of the Foundation's mission. The Jeff Gordon Foundation benefits The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society, The Make-A-Wish Foundation, The Marrow Foundation and Riley Hospital for Children.(Winston Cup Scene Daily Newsletter), see an image of the car on my Paint Scheme Gallery and a full press release on my Racing Charities page.(5-28/29-2002)
(5-28-2002)
Shawna Back in the #49 at Michigan: The BAM Racing Dodge team next head to Michigan International Speedway in Brooklyn, Michigan. Shawna Robinson will take back over the driving duties of the #49 Dodge after yeilding to Ron Hornaday at Lowes Motor Speedway. Hornaday was in the car to help provide feedback to the team and Robinson.(BAM Racing PR)(5-28-2002)
Sad News: Kevin Harvick, driver of the #29 GM Goodwrench Chevy, lost his grandmother, Nana Walker on Friday morning.(Kevin Harvick Site). Thoughts and condolences out to the the family.(5-28-2002)
Martin's car too low UPDATE crew chief fined:: Mark Martin's #6 Ford failed post-race inspection, measuring about an eighth of an inch below the minimum height. The win and points will likely stand, given NASCAR's recent history on such infractions, but the driver could face penalties. NASCAR is expected to announce sanctions, if any, early in the week.(ThatsRacin.com)(5-26-2002) UPDATE: NASCAR has announced that Ben Leslie, crew chief of the #6 Viagra Ford, received a $50,000 fine for a rule violation found during post-race inspection following Sunday’s Coca-Cola Racing Family 600 at Lowe’s Motor Speedway in Concord, NC. Leslie was penalized under Section 12-4-T in the 2002 NASCAR Winston Cup Series rule book, "Any car that is found to be under the specified height requirement after the completion… of the race." The minimum height requirement is 51 inches - the No. 6 car was approximately 1/8 of an inch too low.(ThatsRacin.com)(5-28-2002)
(5-27-2002)
Cope to attempt Dover and Michigan: Derrike Cope announced that he will be driving the #37 Sound Moves Ford in Dover and Friendly's Ice Cream will remain an associate sponsor and will test at Michigan next week to prepare for the Sirius Satellite Radio 400 on June 16, 2002.(Derrike Cope Site)(5-27-2002)
NASCAR observes National Moment of Remembrance: At 3:00pm, local time Monday, NASCAR joined millions of Americans in the National Moment of Remembrance, a moment of reflection dedicated to those who served, fought for, and died for American freedom. Hence, NASCAR has requested that fans worldwide take a moment to acknowledge those who have selflessly protected our freedom. " Probably, for their whole lives, people have heard names like Omaha Beach, Iwo Jima, Saigon, and all the wars we've fought and all the people that have died to give us our freedom, but they couldn't find those places on the map,"said NASCAR director of operations Kevin Triplett. On December 28, 2000, by P.L. 106-579, the White House Commission on the National Moment of Remembrance was established. It has the personal support of the President of the United States.(NASCAR.com)(5-27-2002)
Labonte races with a heavy heart: As if racing in the season’s longest race yesterday was not enough of a challenge, Bobby Labonte, driver of the #18 Interstate Batteries Pontiac was going to have to do it with a heavy heart after his father-in-law, Don Slate, passed away earlier in the day Sunday. In typical Labonte fashion though, he tried his hardest to put on a strong face and take care of the task that lay before him. Not only was Labonte able to do that, he overcame numerous obstacles throughout the course of event to finish a very respectable 14th. With as tough as the 2002 season has been so far for Labonte, the finish was actually not too bad considering everything Labonte and the team faced during the evening Sunday. “Tonight was a tough race for all of us,” said Labonte. “With the way our season has gone so far, I was not surprised by anything we encountered out there. In addition to all of that on the track, it was tough for me personally to be here and have Donna (Labonte’s wife) and the rest of our family back home grieving and not be able to be with them right now. That’s what hurts the most. As far as the race was concerned, we were able to come back and have a decent finish,” continued Labonte. “It’s a finish that I am not too happy with, but am very proud of the team overall considering everything we went through today. This finish was a total team effort and that is very important. There are other things that take a higher priority in life and I am going home to attend to those things right now.”(Joe Gibbs Racing PR) Thoughts and condolences out to the the family.(5-27-2002)
The Winston future will wait until 2003 sched is set: NASCAR says it won't decide on the future of The Winston all-star race until after it sets its regular schedule for next year. "That's what we typically do with special events like The Winston," said Herb Branham, NASCAR's communication manager at Sunday's Coca-Cola 600. That could mean several months of uncertainty about the event, which NASCAR might move next May after a 16-year run at Lowe's Motor Speedway in Concord.(Charlotte Observer), already getting many questions on the 2003 Cup sched, have heard nothing to report, the 2002 season is only 1/3 the way done, NASCAR releases the schedule in Aug/Sept usually. As renews come in I build an unofficial schedule, but it is too early in the season right now to do so.(5-27-2002)
Rudd to the Wood Brothers? Andretti? Elliott Sadler will get his long-sought release from Wood Brothers Racing this week, but won't be leaving until the end of this NASCAR season. Sadler wants to leave the Stuart-based team to pursue a new Winston Cup ride. Some feel that means Dale Earnhardt Inc., which seemingly will fire Steve Park within the next week or so. But there's growing sentiment in the garage that Sadler might join Robert Yates Racing. If that happens, look for RYR driver Ricky Rudd to join the Wood brothers for the last year or so of his career. Team co-owners Eddie and Len Wood have been working with Motorcraft and the Air Force for several weeks.(Daily Press), another rumor floating around has John Andretti going to the Wood Brother's #21 Ford.(5-27-2002)
New #4 Morgan McClure Crew Chief: Morgan-McClure Motorsports has switched around jobs on its #4 Kodak Chevy team, moving Chris Carrier into the crew chief position. Scott Eggleston, the former crew chief, will now serve as the team manager.
Owner Larry McClure has also served as team manager this season and will now relinquish that role. Driver Mike Skinner has struggled this season, his first with Morgan-McClure. He finished 24th in Sunday's Coca-Cola 600. He is currently 27th in the series points race.(ThatsRacin.com)(5-27-2002)
Rudd Breaks Streak: #28-Ricky Rudd took the green flag in the Coca-Cola 600 at Lowes Motor Speedway to break Terry Labonte's iron man record with his 656th consecutive start. Before the race, Labonte presented Rudd with an Iron Man trophy and Havoline, sponsor of Rudd's #28 Ford, gave him a trophy made out of a huge chunk of iron. All the attention overwhelmed Rudd, who finished fourth. "I'm kind of a low-key guy, I just come to race,'' he said. ``To be honest, today doesn't feel like any other day. It's just another day at the office, as far as I'm concerned.''(Tampa Tribune), other current consecutive streaks: Rusty Wallace at 565, Ken Schrader with 535, Mark Martin with 450 and Jeff Gordon has started 306 consecutive races (and NEVER used a provisional). Dale Earnhardt had 648 consecutive Winston Cup starts until his death at Daytona in 2001.(5-27-2002)
Benson looks to stay at MBV: Johnny Benson, sidelined since breaking a rib in a Busch Series race May 3 at Richmond, expects to be back in his Cup car June 9 at Pocono. Benson's contract runs out at the end of the year, and though he is having his worst season in the #10 Valvoline Pontiac, he says he'd like to come back. "No matter where you go, you're always going to have issues," he says. "If we can get them worked out, I think we'll be here a long time." (Sporting News)(5-27-2002)
Goodyear re-evaluating Richmond tire: Goodyear officials say they will wait until after an Indy Racing League event in late June at Richmond to decide whether to change the tire they will provide for Winston Cup teams to race on there in September.
#20-Tony Stewart and #2-Rusty Wallace participated in a special test last week at Richmond comparing the tires used there earlier this month and ones used at the track last year. Drivers complained about how the tires and a sealer used on the track surface interacted at this month’s race, which was marred by several wrecks and featured less side-by-side racing than seen there in recent years.(ThatsRacin.com)(5-27-2002)
Ford Rumors: Ford officials, including racing boss Dan Davis, have been in high profile over the weekend, amid scores of rumors of shake-ups, changes and additions to that manufacturers' lineup. The latest report from the Ford front is that car owner Robert Yates is considering buying out a fellow car owner, according to top Ford sources. Yates has been offered numerous sponsorship options in recent years to expand his two-car operation but has so far resisted those efforts.(Winston Salem Journal)(5-27-2002)
NASCAR to go check out Indy walls: NASCAR officials hope to travel to Indianapolis this week to inspect how the energy-absorbing barriers fared in Sunday's Indianapolis 500. Indianapolis Motor Speedway became the first U.S. race track earlier this year to pad portions of its walls with an energy-absorbing barrier, which is meant to reduce the deadly G-force spikes in a crash. Speedway officials had the outside walls in all four corners padded. Gary Nelson, NASCAR's managing director of competition, says series officials want to inspect the barrier soon and talk to the University of Nebraska experts who designed the barrier. "We want to make sure that there are no surprises at the Indy 500," Nelson said. "We've talked to the designers and they're thinking of making some design changes." NASCAR officials have said that they would wait until after the Indianapolis 500 to determine their next step.(News and Record)(5-27-2002)
Lowes wanting out? UPDATE 2: A Las Vegas Review-Journal columnist says a Speedway Motorsports roundup of Tony Stewart merchandise may be a sign that the Lowe's Home Improvement chain wants out of its 10-year, $35 million naming rights deal with Lowe's Motor Speedway. Jeff Wolf writes that all SMI tracks have returned to SMI headquarters the souvenirs of Stewart, who is sponsored by Lowe's rival Home Depot. "One fly on the wall hinted that Lowe's might be trying to get out of its contract with the Charlotte track, and SMI is doing whatever it can to keep Lowe's from finding a way to back out of the deal," Wolf wrote Friday. Lowe's bought the naming rights to the former Charlotte Motor Speedway in 1999 for a reported $35 million over 10 years.(Winston Cup Scene daily newsletter)(5-11-2002) UPDATE: The ongoing marketing feud between Lowe's Home Improvement Warehouses and The Home Depot has spilled over into the two companies' investment in Winston Cup racing, with merchandise of driver Tony Stewart -- sponsored by The Home Depot -- no longer displayed prominately at the gift shop at Lowe's Motor Speedway in Concord, NC. With the Winston Cup series spending the next two weekends at Lowe's Motor Speedway, the rivalry has the potential to heat up even further. Lowe's has a large investment in racing, owning naming rights at the Charlotte speedway and has agreements with other Speedway Motorsports Inc. tracks and also sponsors the #48 Chevrolet of rookie Jimmie Johnson. The Home Depot has sponsored driver Tony Stewart's entry in Winston Cup since he joined the series in 1999 and has also been involved in his foray in the Indianapolis 500 his rookie season. The Home Depot also owns the designation of the "official" home improvement warehouse of NASCAR. In recent months, as SMI and Lowe's have worked to expand their relationship, SMI tracks are taking a more active role in promoting their involvement with Lowe's, including no longer displaying merchandise at tracks' stores of rival driver Stewart. Lowe's Motor Speedway spokesman Jerry Gappens emphasized Monday there is no conflict between the speedway and Stewart, but rather the sponsors. "Tony Stewart's merchandise is still available for sale in our gift shop, it's just not being displayed prominately," he said. "Race fans can still purchase Tony Stewart items here." Gappens said, however, that speedway and event-specific merchandise is the majority of the merchandise sold at the speedway's shop. The speedway store maintains inventory of driver merchandise for fans' convenience. Gappens said he did not know exact policies for other SMI tracks involving Stewart's merchandise, but believed they had made similiar changes.(ThatsRacin.com)(5-14-2002) UPDATE 2: The rivalry between sponsors is never more evident than here, with two home improvement stores battling for attention. Since Lowe's sponsor's the track, that store tries to take all the attention and had all weekend when rookie Jimmie Johnson, also sponsored by Lowe's, won the pole for the race. But Home Depot, the official home improvement store of NASCAR, greeted fans outside the track with a monstrous billboard featuring Tony Stewart, the driver they sponsor, with the words "We'll see who really owns this track." Home Depot also handed out close to 100,000 orange glow sticks to the fans shopping in the souvenir aisle in an effort to create an orange atmosphere when the sun went down on the race.(CNNSI/AP)(5-27-2002)
