Drivers lobby for less spoiler UPDATE: Rusty Wallace said Saturday that he and other Winston Cup drivers are lobbying NASCAR to reduce the size of the rear spoilers on all of the cars on the circuit to reduce downforce and attempt to limit effects of the so-called "aero push." "I'm politicking real hard now, and a lot of drivers are, to get the rear spoilers downsized on the cars," Wallace said. Wallace said that as NASCAR has increased the size of the rear spoilers in recent years, the increased downforce has forced Goodyear to go to a harder tire compound. "Goodyear has the tire real durable, and they have told me that if we can get NASCAR to take the rear spoiler off and get the downforce off, they'll soften the tires back up," Wallace said. "When they soften the tires back up, then the tires will wear and we'll see the passing come back." Wallace said he is among a number of veteran drivers who've tried to resist going to aggressive shock and spring combinations that would have been abusive on the softer tires used before Goodyear's change to a harder compound. As more drivers have had success with the aggressive set-ups, however, Wallace said more drivers are going to it. Wallace said he thinks cutting a half- to three-quarters of an inch off the rear spoilers would do the trick. He thinks the front air dams should be left alone, however. "The air dam needs to be low to the ground so the front end sticks," he said. "But you've got to take some off the back so you can't charge into the corner so hard. ...We've got to keep working on it. We've got to get the tire softened back up and get the downforce off so the softer tires can live."(ThatsRacin.com)(6-23-2002) UPDATE: XM Radio reports - that Jim Hunter - NASCAR Spokesman said "I think any time a guy like Rusty Wallace is talking we're going to be listening to him. And, of course, Rusty is one of the veterans on the circuit and I think John Darby our Winston Cup Director is well aware….actually from an aero-push standpoint you could just take the spoiler off the cars. The drivers don't want to do that. So I think there's a balance somewhere in there and I think that's where Rusty's coming from that we need to spend some time researching and looking at it…Yes, to answer your question directly we certainly listen to Rusty." (AM Radio Q:) How soon might we see a solution to the problem? "I think we'll probably look at some things between now and probably the first of August. Maybe by the time we get to Indianapolis, maybe even earlier. We may share some ideas with the guys when we have them all together for testing at Indianapolis because we're going to give them an update on some other things while we're up there - so I think that will probably be a good place to get their input and also to let them know where we're coming from"(XM Radio - NASCAR Radio)(6-23-2002)
Sacks getting closer: Greg Sacks, who has been out of the NASCAR loop for several years since suffering serious injuries in a crash at Texas Motor Speedway, is methodically putting the pieces together to own a team in 2003. "The bottom line is we're developing this program to run a full Winston Cup schedule in 2003," said Sacks. Sacks partner is Loren Fossie, an entrepreneur who lives in New Jersey who has has developed a board game called "FRANCHI$IT" which Sacks said is the "Monopoly of the new millennium." Sacks will become a marketing tool for Fossie's board game. The plan is to run at least two, but up to 10, races in 2002, before preparing for a full-scale assault next year. Sacks will be majority owner of the team, which will be based in Charlotte, NC. Sacks is talking to people -- quietly -- about having them join his operation next year. "I've been in contact with two crew chiefs, two guys I've worked with in the past," he said. "The guy I want is interested." The last few years have been tough for Sacks as Winston Cup teams hire younger and younger drivers. He realized he would have to create his own opportunity.(Daytona Beach News Journal), see past news and an image of the car on my #05 Team News and Links page(6-23-2002)
No Bull 5 goes to the dogs: R.J. Reynolds' marketers, ever creative, have come up with another way of pairing their five "No Bull" millionaire prospects at Daytona with the top five finishers at Charlotte last month, who are also competing for another of Reynolds' $1 million bonuses. The drivers - #6-Mark Martin, #17-Matt Kenseth, #32-Ricky Craven, #28-Ricky Rudd and #24-Jeff Gordon - and the five selected fans will be at the Daytona dog track just outside the first turn at Daytona International Speedway, with the results of a special greyhound race determining which fan is paired with each driver.(Winston Salem Journal)(6-19-2002) UPDATE: The Daytona Kennel Club will pair its greyhound race schedule with the NASCAR schedule in a special 12:15 p.m. matinee on July 5. Race 5 will be "The No Bull 5" dog race and will include only five dogs instead of the usual eight. The event is not an exhibition, but a Grade A betting race.(Daytona Beach News Journal)(6-23-2002)
Rusty and Insurance: The announcement last week that Britney Spears will star in a NASCAR-themed movie has created a buzz on the circuit, as well as some skepticism about what kind of film is planned. But Rusty Wallace said he would love a cameo. But it's not because he wants any added exposure. Wallace said he spends about $250,000 a year on health and disability insurance. But Wallace is a member of the Screen Actors Guild, and that means the union's insurance helps knock down his expenses when he's actively working in front of the camera. "`That's the only reason I did `Days of Thunder,' to keep up the insurance,'' Wallace said, referring to the 1990 NASCAR movie starring Tom Cruise.(Mercury News)(6-23-2002)
Stewart wins USAC race: Pole sitter Tony Stewart didn't miss a beat at Altamont Speedway on Saturday. After running his Happy Hour laps at the new Infineon Raceway, Stewart set a track record for USAC Sprint cars at the Tracy track. He later raced to a first-place finish in the 40-lap main event. Track manager Dennis Ortolan said Stewart dazzled everyone at his pre-race autograph "He absolutely endeared himself to everyone," Ortolan said. "I had a young kid here with some medical problems and Tony was so great with him. I've met a lot of people doing this, but he's something special."(Modesto Bee)(6-23-2002)
More tire testing at Richmond: Goodyear officials plan to test tires July 23-24 at Richmond International Raceway to determine what kind of tire to use at the fall race. In the May Cup race, a second groove did not develop and passing was difficult. Drivers complained about the sealer used, but track officials insisted that nothing different was done in preparing the track for the race. #2-Rusty Wallace and #20-Tony Stewart tested there for Goodyear a couple of weeks after the race, but Goodyear officials decided to return after next weekend's IRL race. Stewart, #28-Ricky Rudd and rookie #48-Jimmie Johnson are scheduled to test there for Goodyear.(Roanoke Times)(6-23-2002)
Inglebright wins third in a row, makes Cup debut: Jim Inglebright is hoping for a "double duty" trip to victory lane this weekend. Inglebright won the Snap-On Tools 200 NASCAR Southwest Tour race at Infineon Raceway on Saturday with a daring pass in Turn 3 on Lap 62 of 64 and held off Kenny Shepherd by 1.116 seconds. It's the third consecutive season he has won this race - a first for the track - but he hopes for more. Inglebright also qualified for Sunday's Dodge/Save Mart 350 Winston Cup event. He will start 34th in his first Cup race. The four other drivers entered in the race who are also entered in Sunday's Winston Cup race didn't fare nearly as well. Robby Gordon was 25th, Jeff Green 32nd, Kevin Harvick 35th and Boris Said was 41st.(ThatsRacin.com)(6-23-2002)
(6-22-2002)
Petree buying Ford equipment? UPDATE 4 Penske Dodge? Denied by Wallace: But insiders say that this week [Andy] Petree [#'s 33/55] has been on a six-figure shopping spree buying cars and parts from Penske.(Sporting News) AND Chevy car owner Andy Petree and Jerry Jones, of the Dallas Cowboys, still haven't announced anything officially, but sources say that Petree and Jones have bought a number of Fords from Penske South.(Winston Salem Journal)(6-15-2002) UPDATE: Andy Petree Racing has purchased several Fords from the Penske South team in preparation for switching to the Ford Taurus next season when Petree becomes a partner with Cowboys owner Jerry Jones, a Penske official confirmed Sunday. Petree now uses Chevrolets with the No. 55 Schneider Electric car that Bobby Hamilton drives, but the team, which will be back to two cars next year, will switch to the Taurus in 2003 because of a sponsor relationship the Cowboys have with Ford. The fact that Roger Penske is willing to sell some of his cars to Petree could be an indication that the two-car Penske team may switch to Dodge next year as Penske has been talking to Dodge officials for more than a month.(Dallas Morning News - may need to register to read)(6-17-2002) UPDATE 2: been told that the equipment that Andy Petree bought from Penskee was sold at an open auction. The vast majority of the equipment were surplus items and most of it came from now defunct Jeremy Mayfield team [was #12 last year]. Also been told that the Penske team will be sticking with Ford and are still developing new cars and engines.(6-19-2002) UPDATE 3: Once again, Robin Miller, of RPM 2 Night on ESPN2 said on Wednesdays show that Penske Racing will switch to Dodge.(6-21-2002) UPDATE 4 - NO DODGE: Rusty Wallace has dismissed talk that Penske Racing will switch to Dodge for the 2003 Winston Cup season. "There is nothing to that at all," Wallace said. "We have so much time invested in what we are doing. We are not changing." Penske Racing has been one of Ford's flagship teams since 1994, when they switched to Ford from Pontiac.(NASCAR.com Buzz)(6-22-2002)
Cope to test at Indy, will skip Daytona and Chicago: Derrike Cope and the Quest Motor Racing #37 team have scheduled a test session for July 15-16, 2002 at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway. "We anticipate having a productive test session at Indy. The data and information from that test will be applicable for us in preparing for Pocono as well as the setups for both tracks are similar. We are looking forward to good runs in both the Pocono 500 [Pennsylvania 500 in July] and the Brickyard 400. I have always gotten around Pocono well," Cope commented. As the team was not able to schedule a test at Chicago they do not plan on entering the Tropicana 400. Tentative plans are for Cope to run in the Pepsi 400 at Michigan on August 18, 2002.(Derrike Cope Site)(6-22-2002)
Sad News - Late Model driver Killed: Super Late Model driver Dwane Shultz, of Meyersdale, Pa., died on Friday night after an apparent fatal accident during the 25-lap feature at The Rock, Allegany Co. Speedway. Details of the injuries to Shultz and the cause of the single-car accident are not known at this time. The accident occurred on lap 22 of the feature event, when, while racing in 13th position, the No. 17 driven by Shultz pulled to the inside on the frontstretch, past the flag stand. The car grazed the inside wall before catapulting across the end of the pit road into a cloud of dust and slamming the outside retaining wall in turn one. At that time, the car burst into flames as it sailed along the upper edge of the wall before finally coming to rest, partially on its side, in the middle of turns one and two. Rescue efforts began immediately from the on-site emergency crew, with assistance from local volunteer fire and rescue companies upon arrival to the scene. Air support did arrive at the speedway shortly after 10:30 p.m., but did not transport Shultz. He was taken by ambulance to Memorial Hospital in Cumberland, Md. Speedway officials will establish a special fund for the family of Dwane Shultz. Monetary donations may be sent by mail with attention to the Dwane Shultz Memorial Fund, c/o Rock Entertainment, 10228 Lincoln Hwy., Everett, PA, 15537. A collection in honor of Shultz will take place at the speedway on June 28.(Allegany Co. Speedway)(6-22-2002)
Buckshot Announcement UPDATEs Ganassi?: from the Buckshot racing site: "Look for Buckshot [Jones] to make a big announcement by the end of June"(6-11-2002) UPDATE: more from the Buckshot Jones site - The family is growing! Jina, Buckshot, and Kolton are going to have a new addition to the family. Jina is expecting a baby due to arrive in January, 2003. Look for Buckshot to make an announcement about his future racing plans in the near future. AND Buckshot Jones said this week that he'll be able to find a new Winston Cup ride in about two weeks. Released earlier this year from his job as driver of Petty Enterprises' #44 Dodge, Jones has been talking with several race teams and potential sponsors about a ride for next season. "We don't have any definite deals, but I have spent at least two days every week meeting with race teams," Jones said. And to make sure that he hits the tracks in high gear in 2003, Jones plans to enter some races before the end of this season. "We plan to run either the Busch or Winston Cup race at Atlanta in the fall and maybe more," he said. Since splitting with the Pettys in April, Jones has worked on his family farm in Monticello and vacationed in Florida.(Atlanta Journal Constitution) Ganassi involved? hearing this could be a Chip Ganassi Racing third team or could end up taking the sponsorship to #92 Melling Racing.(6-21-2002) UPDATE: being told now that Ganassi Racing is not considering Jones to drive a car or start a new team.(6-22-2002)
Ward close to re-upping with Davis: Mike Brown, general manager for Bill Davis' #22 race team, says he and Ward Burton could come to terms on a contract renewal in the next few days.(Winston Salem Journal)(6-22-2002)
(6-21-2002)
Harvick/RCR talking three year extension UPDATE: RCR owner, Richard Childress says "He's [Harvick] got one year left on his contract, and we're already in discussion on signing him for another three,'' Childress said.(ESPN/AP), yes I know, an earlier report a few days ago with Robby Gordon said RCR only does one year deals, just reporting what is found.(6-18-2002) UPDATE: Richard Childress said he and driver Kevin Harvick have talked about extending Harvick's contract, which currently extends through the end of next season. Harvick has been struggling this season after finishing ninth in points and winning the BGN championship in 2001. "We're even talking about going further down the road with it. Right now, we want to get our cars back to running where they're supposed to be. It'll make the pressure a lot easier on everyone," Childress said. "When you're not competitive and you know you're supposed to be, little things just cause bigger problems. That's what we've got to work on right now. That's my No. 1 goal is to get these cars back like they're supposed to be." When asked if he would allow Harvick to pursue an opportunity with another team, Childress replied: "Commitments, not only in contracts, but in life, are big. I'm a big believer in commitments. We've committed. We've got 11 or 12 sponsors in that race car and it's just hard to up and walk from commitments."(ThatsRacin.com)(6-21-2002)
DW to races in the CTS again? UPDATE not at Milwaukee: Darrell Waltrip appears poised for another start in the CTS, according to NASCAR driver Stacy Compton. Compton said June 15 he would compete in at least one more truck race (hearing DW is considering IRP) for Jim Harris and Mark Melling this year, and that Waltrip could return for a second stint later this year. Compton, who is competing full time in the Winston Cup [#14] and BGN [#59] series, plans to drive the truck at Milwaukee June 29. Waltrip raced the truck at Martinsville in April, but exited the race after only 86 laps due to mechanical problems.(Winston Salem Journal - need sub to read)(6-20-2002) UPDATE: some radio reports have DW in the truck at Milwaukee, that is not so, Compton (as reported here - above) will drive the truck at Milwaukee, DW, if he drives it, is considering IRP - Indianapolis Raceway Park.(6-21-2002)
Myers to Interrogate Gordon: On this week's Winston Cup pre-race show [Fox], Chris Myers takes a boat ride to San Francisco’s infamous Alcatraz Island [a Jayski favorite] with reigning Winston Cup champion Jeff Gordon for an interrogation.(MotorsportsTV)(6-21-2002)
New Cup team? Atlanta businessman Gordon Whitener and investor and Texas developer Lee Sanders have announced plans to field a Winston Cup team later this season. SWI Motorsports, which will be based near Charlotte, expects to announce a driver, crew chief and sponsor soon. Whitener is founder and president of the United States Cowboy Tour, a rodeo and sports marketing company. He also has served as president and CEO of Interface Americas, Inc., a Georgia-based floor coverings company.(Atlanta Journal Constitution), Buckshot driver? and also hearing that Jeff Hammond might be involved, but not with Stanton Barrett in the other Cup/BGN team.(6-21-2002)
What ever happened to.....Rick Wilson: Former Winston Cup driver Rick Wilson of Bartow is now a Late Model race car owner with a full sponsorship. Edward Howell of Lakeland is Wilson's driver in the Timberwolf Late Model Chevrolet that competes mainly at Desoto Speedway. Howell is the current Desoto Late Model point leader after seven races with one win and six top-five finishes. "Our racing schedule calls for us to run 16 events at Desoto and we have an additional fives races to run at our choosing," Wilson said "We made some key changes on our Chevrolet this season and they have proven to be productive thanks in a large part to our crew chief, Jim Wright, and mechanic, Will Callahan." Wilson's son, Travis, is also a short-track driver. "My son Travis runs a Super Stock at Auburndale Speedway and he's doing well in the four events he has run," said the 49-year-old Wilson, who has been out of competitive racing for three years. "He has a fourth-place effort so far as a rookie and was a Go-Kart driver in the past. My Late Model driver Edward (Howell) also has his son (Jason) ready to go in a Mini Stock." Greenwood Chevrolet of Fort Meade and Hamilton Equipment Company of Lenior, Tenn., are also on board.(Lakeland Ledger)(6-21-2002)
Michigan TV Ratings: The viewing audience in the smaller markets came through in a big way for the Winston Cup race from Michigan. The overnight ratings representing 65% of the country yielded a 4.1 rating, but the addition of the smaller markets for the final rating bumped that final rating all the way to 4.8, meaning that 5,037,000 households tuned in. For the weekend, only the NBA Finals and U.S. Open golf could beat NASCAR.(MotorsportsTV)(6-21-2002)
No NASCAR Licenese Plates in Alabama: Alabama state officials didn't get enough orders after one year to begin production of tags saluting NASCAR drivers such as Dale Earnhardt Sr., Dale Earnhardt Jr., Jeff Gordon and the Alabama Gang. "It's off the table," state Sen. Gerald Dial, chairman of the Legislature's license plate oversight committee, said Thursday. Other states are still upbeat about the tags. The legislatures in South Carolina and Mississippi have approved sales, with Mississippi to begin July 1. South Carolina hasn't set a date because the tag is still under development, public safety spokeswoman Sherri Iacobelli said. Race Plate Marketing, a NASCAR licensing company, originally introduced the NASCAR driver tags in West Virginia in 2000. Last spring, the company got Alabama's license plate oversight committee to approve them for sale. Tags with the names, numbers and colors of more than 20 of NASCAR's top drivers were available for order. Alabama's law on specialty license plates mandates that production won't begin unless 1,000 motorists put up a $50 deposit within a one-year period. The end of the sales period was May 31. Peytie Bowen, who tracks sales for the state comptroller's office, said 182 tags were ordered in the first 11 months. Not all counties have reported for May, but so far only five more orders have come in for that month. The $50-a-year tags were supposed to raise money for improvements at the International Motorsports Hall of Fame in Talladega and to purchase new tag-making equipment for the state prison system. Officials at the Motorsports Hall of Fame were disappointed in the lack of orders, especially after more than 15,000 were sold in West Virginia. Dial, who's also chairman of the board of the Motorsports Hall of Fame, said the economic slowdown hurt sales, and he might try again once the economy picks up.(Daytona Beach News Journal/AP)(6-21-2002)
Mansion Motorsports shuts down UPDATE actually suspends operations, not shutdown: Mansion Motorsports has shut down their race teams due to not having enough money to continue racing. Carl Long is now looking for other teams to join up with and has eleven Dodge engines, including three new BGN engines. Long will work for any team that runs Winston Cup, BGN, or the CTS series. To contact Carl Long, e-mail us at team@mm85.com to receive contact information. In the meantime, Long and SR Racing, with help from Glenn Racing, will team up to run a Dodge in the Brickyard 400 at Indianapolis Motor Speedway. The team is currently searching for sponsorship.(Carl Long Racing site)(6-19-2002) UPDATE: Mansion Motorsports has not shut down, but have suspended their Winston Cup and Truck series (not ARCA) operations. Carl has been released from the team, and is free to explore other options.(Carl Long Racing site)(6-21-2002)
Three to Double at Sears Point UPDATE make it seven: Sears Point Raceway says NASCAR Winston Cup drivers #31-Robby Gordon, #30-Jeff Green and #29-Kevin Harvick will pull double-duty as they compete in both the Dodge/Save Mart 350 Winston Cup race and the Snap-on Tools/Jelly Belly 200 NASCAR Featherlite Southwest Series events on the weekend of June 20-23.(Winston Cup Scene Daily Newsletter)(6-5-2002) UPDATE: #67-Boris Said, #0-Jim Inglebright, #46-Brandon Ash and #62-Austin Cameron also plan to run both races.(6-21-2002)
(6-20-2002)
Cingular Helps UPDATE: Cingular Wireless says it will donate $100,000 to Special Olympics if Robby Gordon can drive Richard Childress Racing's #31 Chevy to victory in next Sunday's Dodge/Save Mart 350 at Sears Point Raceway. Cingular Wireless, which sponsors Gordon's car, is in the midst of a four-year campaign to raise $40 million for Special Olympics. Cingular Wireless will also donate $100 for each lap he leads and $50 for each lap he completes in the 110-lap event.(Winston Cup Scene Daily Newsletter)(6-18-2002) UPDATE: Twenty Special Olympics athletes will be the special guests of Cingular Wireless and Robby Gordon to watch the road course specialist take another shot at winning after his second-place finish there last year. Beginning this weekend, the #31 Richard Childress Racing (RCR) Chevy will also carry the Special Olympics USA decal for the remainder of the 2002 season. Cingular Wireless, the National Partner of Special Olympics, Inc., and the exclusive telecommunications sponsor of Special Olympics TEAM USA, is in the third year of its support for Special Olympics U.S. Programs. In addition, Cingular Wireless launched a 60-day promotional drive on June 1, 2002, to collect donations on behalf of Special Olympics. Those who donate $20 to Special Olympics at a Cingular Wireless retail store are eligible for a FREE wireless handset or a $50 mail-in rebate. The nationwide effort spearheaded by Cingular is the largest sponsorship in Special Olympics history. Fundraising efforts by Cingular support year-round training and competition for Special Olympics athletes, as well as send Special Olympics Team USA athletes to the 2003 Special Olympics World Summer Games in Ireland.(Robby Gordon site)(6-20-2002)
Four Sauters at Milwaukee: The legendary Wisconsin short track racer, father to Richard Childress Racing's (RCR) BGN drivers Jay and Johnny Sauter as well as BGN regular Tim Sauter, will drive the #29 Rockwell Automation/Advance Chevy for RCR at the June 30 GNC Live Well 250 at the Milwaukee Mile. It's the first time a father and three of his sons will compete against each other in a major NASCAR event. While [Jim] Sauter has competed in numerous NASCAR Winston Cup events in his storied career, the GNC Live Well 250 will be only his fourth BGN start. He finished 26th at Dover in his first BGN race (Sept. 16, 1989), 16th at Michigan(Aug. 17, 1996) and 16th at Myrtle Beach (July 12, 1997). This will also be Sauter's second stint behind the wheel of an RCR race vehicle. He drove one race in 1999 in RCR's #8 GM Goodwrench Service Chevy in a CTS race at Michigan (July 24). His teammate was son Jay, who was the fulltime RCR/GM Goodwrench Service driver in the Truck Series. Jim qualified fifth and finished ninth while Jay qualified sixth and finished second. Nilfisk-Advance, one of the world's leading suppliers of equipment and services to the cleaning industry, is an overall sponsor of RCR. Advance will be a co-primary sponsor with Rockwell Automation for this one-time event.(PR)(6-20-2002)
M&M's Color to be announced on the 19th UPDATE Purple is it: The new M&M's color will be announced in New York City at 8:00pm/et on June 19th. Why is this important to NASCAR fans? Because M&M's Pontiac driver Kenny Schrader will have a paint scheme done in the winning color at Bristol in August. The color was chosen by a Global Color Vote promotion held around the world. The choices were purple, pink or aqua (I went with pink). Schrader drove a special "Global Color Vote(tm)" paint scheme earlier this year that featured all the colors on the car. See my Paint Scheme Gallery for the four scheme images.(6-6-2002) UPDATE: Purple was introduced today as the new color for the M&M's candy. So Ken Schrader will drive a purple #36 M&M's Pontiac at Bristol in August.(Chicago Tribune/AP)(6-19-2002) AND More than 10 million people cast their vote via phone, mail and through the World Wide Web as part of “M&M’s” largest promotion ever. After months of sampling the choices in specially marked bags, the world chose purple - with 41% of the vote. Aqua received 38% of the vote, and pink garnered 19% of the vote. The remaining two percent of the vote went to various write-in colors.(M&M's/IMG PR)(6-20-2002)
Melling to return? and happy news: Congratulations to Mark and Leanne Melling, who are expecting their first child in mid-September. Mark, the son of the late Harry Melling, is the youngest owner in the [#92 Dodge] Winston Cup Series and hopes to return his team to competition later this season if sponsorship can be acquired.(Winston Cup Scene - need sub to read)(6-20-2002)
Chevy Behind UPDATE nope: The development of the 2003 Monte Carlo, isn't moving forward as smoothly as the Pontiac. The car is nearly six weeks behind schedule, and GM is expected to ask NASCAR for an extension beyond the July 1 submission date. The car has been to the GM wind tunnel three times in the last two weeks.(Sporting News)(6-17-2002) UPDATE: According to John Darby, the new 2003 Monte Carlo currently meets all the criteria of a NASCAR submission. This assertion by Darby answers the question on whether the new Monte Carlo will make the July 1 date for new car submissions. “Its initial concept submission has already happened,” says Darby of the 2003 Chevrolet hardware. “We have already been invited to go look at a 2003 Monte Carlo. The concept is there. Actually the car was probably about 70 percent complete. Enough of it was complete that we understood very easily that number one, it was a Chevrolet Monte Carlo and that the car was being built in regards to the NASCAR race car templates and so on and so forth. So that part’s already happened.”(Ford Racing, direct link doesn't work)(6-20-2002)
Sad News: ARCA driver Cavin Councilor, 38, died when the Malibu Piper he owned and was piloting crashed nose-first around 10 a.m., said Naples Police Capt. Victor Morales. "They took off, got up into the air and then the engine started to fail and then they came crashing to the ground," Morales said. Passengers Shawn Michael King, 31, and Charles Royden Scherer, both of Naples, also died in the crash, Morales said. Scherer's age was unavailable. The plane crashed beside a large tree near a building housing the Humane Society of Collier County. An official there declined comment.(USA Today/AP)(6-20-2002)
Shepherd to test for the #21 team: Former Wood Brothers Racing driver Morgan Shepherd will be filling in for Elliott Sadler next week when the team takes two speedway cars to Talladega Superspeedway to test. According to co-owner Eddie Wood, Sadler will be on vacation so Shepherd was asked to get in the car for the two-day test.. Shepherd will drive the #21 Motorcraft Ford in Talladega on Wednesday and Thursday, June 26 and 27. Shepherd drove for the Wood Brothers from 1992 through the 1995 season.. He also has a tie to Motorcraft, having driven the Motorcraft Ford Thunderbird for Bud Moore Engineering during 1990 and 1991 prior to taking over the driving duties for the Wood Brothers. "Morgan has helped us out with testing several times since he quit driving for us so he was our logical choice for this test when we found out that Elliott would not be available," said Wood. "We will have taken both of these cars to the wind tunnel before we get to Talladega.. We took the first one we finished to Canada and will run it through the wind tunnel at Marietta to get a base line for the second car before going to Alabama. We wanted to get both of these cars on a super speedway before going to Daytona for the Pepsi 400 the first week of July. And we certainly appreciate Morgan being available to help us out. We know he can get around Talladega, so we are looking forward to the information he will be able to give us on these new cars." Prior to Sadler's victory at Bristol last year, Shepherd was the team's most recent winner with the victory he posted at the Atlanta Motorcraft 500 in 1993.(Motorcraft Racing PR)(6-20-2002)
Chocolate back in pits but not gassing: Richard Childress Racing gasman Danny “Chocolate” Myers was in Robby Gordon’s pits for the second straight race, but didn't’t refuel the car since his injured left arm has not yet healed. Larry Hartle substituted once again, flying from Kentucky, where he’d worked the Busch Series race the night before. With rain forcing that race to be finished on Sunday, Mark Metcalf served as the gasman on Johnny Sauter’s car.(Winston Cup Scene - need sub to read)(6-20-2002)
TRAC TV: Team Racing Auto Circuit (TRAC) is believed to be close to completing a major TV package for next season and as soon as it is finalized Nashville will be announced as one of 20 host cities. Fairgrounds Speedway already has been assigned a tentative race date of June 28. Track president Dennis Grau is optimistic about the new racing league's chance of succeeding and will do whatever necessary to make sure his track's part of it. Grau said TRAC has agreed to install some 25,000 temporary seats for the race to boost capacity to the required 40,000. The largest crowds at the 44-year-old track came during its heydays as a host of NASCAR Winston Cup races. Crowds regularly approached 20,000, and parking was a problem. If 40,000 fans show, where will they park? ''We are already planning for that,'' Grau said. ''We are checking into using parking space at an elementary school across the street, as well as running a park-and-ride shuttle from the 100 Oaks shopping mall parking lot. Parking will not be an issue.''(Tennessean)(6-20-2002)
(6-19-2002)
Dewalt Re-ups with Roush: DeWalt Power Tools has decided to return to Roush Racing as Matt Kenseth's sponsor next season, according to a story in this week's NASCAR Winston Cup Scene. Roush Racing President Geoff Smith says in this week's issue that the agreement has been reached with only the final details being ironed out. "Now you can take DeWalt and Matt Kenseth out of the rumor mill," Smith said. Financial terms weren't disclosed, but the publication says the deal is for 2003 and that both sides hold options for 2004 and beyond.(Winston Cup Scene Daily Newsletter)(6-19-2002)
DeWalt and AT&T work together, special AT&T scheme: DEWALT Power Tools announced it will continue its marketing alliance with AT&T Broadband by spotlighting a special AT&T Broadband paint scheme at three races during the 2002 season. The AT&T Broadband paint scheme will be the primary signage on the #17 Ford driven by Matt Kenseth at the Dodge/Save Mart 350 at
Sears Point, the Pepsi 400 at Daytona and the New Hampshire 300 at NHIS. In addition to the specially designed cars, AT&T will be featured underneath the DEWALT logo on the rear quarter panels of the car for the duration of the 2002 season.(Adair Promotions)(6-19-2002)
No Bull 5 goes to the dogs: R.J. Reynolds' marketers, ever creative, have come up with another way of pairing their five "No Bull" millionaire prospects at Daytona with the top five finishers at Charlotte last month, who are also competing for another of Reynolds' $1 million bonuses. The drivers - #6-Mark Martin, #17-Matt Kenseth, #32-Ricky Craven, #28-Ricky Rudd and #24-Jeff Gordon - and the five selected fans will be at the Daytona dog track just outside the first turn at Daytona International Speedway, with the results of a special greyhound race determining which fan is paired with each driver.(Winston Salem Journal)(6-19-2002)
BDR folds BGN team, moves up to Cup part time: NASCAR Winston Cup Scene reports this week that Bill Davis Racing will fold its #23 BGN team after the July 5 event at Daytona and move driver Scott Wimmer to the Winston Cup Series for seven races. The report says Siemens will sponsor the car, which will make its first appearance in the July 13 Tropicana 400 at Chicagoland.(Winston Cup Scene Daily Newsletter)(6-19-2002)
Driver to attempt to make Cup debut: Recent NASCAR Winston West Winner Brandon Ash will be making his Winston Cup debut this weekend at Sears Point Raceway in a Ford Taurus previously owned by Robert Yates which was fourth last June with Ricky Rudd behind the wheel. The new team ,"Track Access", will attempt to run both Sears Point and Phoenix Cup races as the #46 for new team owners Jon Perroton and Scott Yeaman. Long-time engine builder and "Dad" ,Ed Ash, will fill the duties of car chief while Joey Knuckles steps into the crew chief position. Tom Label of Auto Marine Engineering is team manager. Primary team sponsorship is yet to be finalized but associate sponsorship will come from Brandon's Winston West team in the form of SAS, Fuji Film and Little Tree.(PR)(6-19-2002)
Nadeau at DEI? UPDATEs in the #44 at Sears Point and in a Waltrip car: hearinJerryrr Nadeau, recently released from the #25 Hendrick Motorsports ride, is talking to Dale Earnhardt Inc about a ride there for 2003. UPDATE: ESPN2 RPM 2 Night's Ray Dunlap reports that Jerry Nadeau will be in the #44 Petty Racing Dodge at Sears Point in place of regular driver Steve Grissom. Also reported that Nadeau will drive a Michael Waltrip owned car at Chicagoland and possibly some additional races.(6-12-2002) UPDATE 2: hearing Nadeau will be driving the Michael Waltrip Racing Inc. #00 Chevy, sponsored by Aaron's Sales & Lease Ownership, at Chicagoland Speedway.(6-18-2002) UPDATE 3: hearing Waltrip has purchased a Cup car from DEI (a former #15 NAPA car) and will lease DEI engines. Suppoesdly a one-race deal right now, but may end up at the Brickyard 400.(6-19-2002)
Gordon/RCR close on a contract? Richard Childress said that he and Robby Gordon, driver of the #31 Cingular Chevy, are close to signing a new contract. The agreement will only be for one year when it is completed. "We are and always have just signed year to year to year contracts," said Childress, "Robby and I are close to getting that done."(Insider Racing News)(6-17-2002) UPDATE: Gordon and Childress plan to talk over the summer about a new contract, which they both say they hope will be a long-term deal. Gordon's current contract is up at the end of this season.(Winston Salem Journal)(6-19-2002)
New head and neck retraint: On June 12th, Speedway Safety Equipment, an Alabama based company, sucessfully tested it's re-designed head retraint system at Wayne State University. This device, known as the White Head Restraint System was first designed and manufactured in 1980. Subsequently, it was also copied by other manufacturers. Since then, however, data has become available that has allowed the White Head Restraint System to continue the evolution toward the strongest head and neck safety device available on the market. Dr. John Melvin, NASCAR consultant, helped to oversee the crash tests performed on this device. These tests confirmed that the White Head Restraint System's results showed a 25% improvement over the same tests performed with the Hutchens Device. These numbers were in agreement with the computer modeling done by Dr. Paul Begeman of Wayne State University, prior to the actual crash tests. The design of the White Head Restraint System, which is comprised of head and body restraints, meets the requirements for all forms of auto racing. This includes NASCAR, open wheel, drag racing, late model series', and Bandalero. George White, designer of the White Head Restraint System stated that "commercial production began immediately after the tests. This has been a very -important project for the entire team that has worked with the White Head Restraint System, and I am pleased with the results.. Our product is competitively priced, providing the opportunity for use to all drivers." The White Head Restraint System is now available for purchase.. For more information, please contact: Speedway Safety Equipment, George White, (877) 791-2333.(STB Marketing Group PR)(6-19-2002)
Diecast Stolen: Action Performance Companies today announced that a recent shipment of die-cast collectible merchandise bound for Racing Collectables Club of America members was stolen in route from Southern California.
The shipment contained the following die-cast replica vehicles:
Item No. Driver Product Description
401089 Muppets Event Car 1:24-scale. Elite. The Muppet Show
401057 Rusty Wallace 1:24-scale. Elite. #2 Test Car
401080 Dale Earnhardt Jr. 1:24-scale. Elite. #3 Oreo Test Car
401023 Terry Labonte 1:24-scale. Elite. No.5/Cheez-It
401054 Michael Waltrip 1:64-scale. Elite. No. #15 Stars & Stripes
401053 Michael Waltrip 1:24-scale. Clear Window Bank #15 Stars & Stars
401052 Michael Waltrip 1:24-scale. Elite. #15 Stars & Stripes
401044 Kevin Harvick 1:64-scale. Elite. #29 Sonic
401135 Dale Jarrett 1:24-scale. Clear Window Bank No. 88 UPS/Muppets
Action Performance remains committed to bringing these pieces to our Club collectors. As such, each product will be reproduced at lower production quantities and issued a collector sequence number with an identifying suffix to differentiate it from the stolen merchandise. Action further requests that collectors be alert for fraudulent sales of the stolen Club product. Any Club product available outside of Action's official RCCA distribution network should be considered suspect.(Action PR)(6-19-2002)
Hammond vs. McReynolds UPDATE: Fox Sports commentators Jeff Hammond and Larry McReynolds will once again take their playful on-air rivalry to the race track when they square off in the NASCAR Celebrity Grudge Match Tuesday night during round two of the 10-week OdoBan Summer Shootout Series at Lowe's Motor Speedway. The two former NASCAR Winston Cup crew chiefs will drive specially built Winston Cup-style convertibles in three, three-lap races on the track's frontstretch quarter-mile oval. Tammy Prest of Concord, NC, and Mark Williams of Matthews, NC, were the lucky winners selected from among the fans in attendance at the June 11 season opener to ride along with McReynolds and Hammond during their Tuesday night battle.(LMS PR) Shawna Robinson and Ron Hornaday Jr faced off at the first NASCAR Celebrity Grudge Match with Robinson winning.(6-18-2002) UPDATE: Larry McReynolds beat fellow Fox Sports commentator Jeff Hammond for the second consecutive year during round two of the 10-week OdoBan Summer Shootout Tuesday night on the quarter-mile frontstretch oval at Lowe's Motor Speedway. In a finish reminiscent of the legendary 1976 battle to the checkered flag between Richard Petty and David Pearson in the Daytona 500, McReynolds beat Hammond in the NASCAR Celebrity Grudge Match. Driving Winston Cup-style convertibles, the two former NASCAR Winston Cup crew chiefs tangled in the final turn of the last lap of the best two-out-of-three showdown. Both cars spun into the barrels outside turn four. Hammond recovered first, but spun again due to a flat tire as he approached the finish line and McReynolds limped by to claim the trophy. Highlights of the evening's action can be seen Saturday at 6:00pm/et on Fox Sports Net. The OdoBan Summer Shootout continues Tuesday night, June 25, with Hardee's Family Fun Night. The world's second Riding Lawnmower Destruction Derby is on tap and NASCAR Busch Series teammates Hank Parker Jr. and Casey Mears are scheduled to trade paint in the NASCAR Celebrity Grudge Match.(LMS PR)(6-19-2002)
New York Billionaire Looks to NASCAR Development: Adam Hochfelder has a passion you don't usually find in the sole owner of a Manhattan commercial real estate empire valued at $2.5 billion: stock-car racing. And now that he's taken full control of Max Capital Management Corp., he plans to steer it into some unlikely new directions. Like maybe, one day, possibly, someplace, a NASCAR track. "We've been looking at development sites to build a retail and entertainment site that could include a facility for NASCAR," he told the New York Post. Not in the five boroughs, or even necessarily close: For the first time, Max Capital is thinking on a national scale. As CEO, Hochfelder doesn't take his cues from Jeff Gordon or the sport's other daredevils. From his 17th-floor office at 230 Park Ave. that was once Harry Helmsley's, he presides with proper reserve over 300 employees and a portfolio of 7.1 million square feet of Manhattan office space backed by Max Capital's institutional investors, RMB Realty (owned by the Bass family of Texas), CS First Boston and J.P. Morgan Chase. Hochfelder plans to "expand the Max Capital brand and platform" to other cities. But NASCAR? How did a New York-type guy raised in Old Westbury, L.I., get into a mid-American thing like stock-car racing? "Five or six years ago, I was dragged down to a race by a friend who had all-access passes in the pit," Hochfelder said with a smile. "It's easy to get hooked. I fly down to three or four races a year and I hang out with NASCAR teams."(MotorsportsTV.com)(6-19-2002)
Sad News: Benny Ertel's (Mark Martin's Business Manager) Mother, Emma Ertel passed away June 15th at St. Lukes hospital in Milwaukee Wisconsin of congested heart failure she was 85. In lieu of flowers please send all memorials to: Congregation Beth Jehudah 3100 N. 52 St. Milwaukee WI 53210.(6-19-2002)
Jarrett to take batting practice UPDATE add Petty: Dale Jarrett will take batting practice with the San Francisco Giants on Wednesday, June 19, at Pac Bell Park in San Francisco.(PR)(6-18-2002) AND Kyle Petty will be appearing at Pac Bell Park before Thursday afternoon's game between the Giants and Devil Rays after visiting a children's hospital in Oakland that morning. He will then take part in pregame ceremonies before the 3:30pm (EDT) game. Petty's appearance will be part of the kickoff festivities for his annual cross-country motorcycle ride for charity, which begins after Sunday's race at Sears Point.(ThatsRacin)(6-19-2002)
(6-18-2002)
#5 Crew Chief Penalized: NASCAR officials announced that Jim Long, crew chief of the #5 Chevy, has been fined $20,000 and placed on probation until Dec. 31, 2002 for a rule violation found during pre-race inspection at Sunday's Sirius Satellite Radio 400 at Michigan. Long was penalized under Section 12-4-Q in the 2002 NASCAR Winston Cup Series rule book, "Any determination by NASCAR Officials that parts and/or equipment used in the Event do not conform to NASCAR rules: Fuel Cell." The penalty was a result of the team attempting to increase the capacity of the fuel cell through pressure.(NASCAR PR)(6-18-2002)
#21 close to a new 2003 driver soon? UPDATE 2: The Wood Brothers appear to be closing in on a driver they want for the #21 Ford in 2003, according to team sources, and a decision could come soon. One rumor has them looking at Bobby Hamilton, driver of the #55 Andy Petree Chevy.(Winston Salem Journal)(6-15-2002) UPDATE: Owner Len Wood says the team has a short list of candidates to fill the seat in the No. 21 Ford next season, and Bobby Hamilton is among them. "We talked to the head guys at Motorcraft (the team's sponsor) to get their opinion on what we should do," Wood says. "Could be a week, could be six weeks, but we know who we want." Hamilton, who owns three Dodge teams in the Craftsman Truck Series, would prefer to drive an Intrepid in Winston Cup, but says he is listening to all offers.(Sporting News)(6-17-2002) UPDATE 2: NASCAR.com reports that Winston Cup drivers Bobby Hamilton [#55], Mike Wallace [#33 part time], Johnny Benson [#10] and Jerry Nadeau [looking] are on the Wood Brothers list of drivers for 2003, as well as a handful of unnamed Busch Series drivers [Jason Keller has been one rumor]. "This deal changes every day, and who knows, by nightfall tonight this whole list could be drastically changed," Eddie Wood said. "As of today, though, we're down to three or four drivers we're looking at. Some we've talked to, some we haven't. We haven't met with everybody yet, but it's pretty much down to four."(NASCAR.com)(6-18-2002)
Harvick/RCR talking three year extension: RCR owner, Richard Childress says "He's [Harvick] got one year left on his contract, and we're already in discussion on signing him for another three,'' Childress said.(ESPN/AP), yes I know, an earlier report a few days ago with Robby Gordon said RCR only does one year deals, just reporting what is found.(6-18-2002)
Stewart to do double duty at Daytona: Tony Stewart will not only drive his #20 Home Depot Pontiac in the July 6 Pepsi 400 NASCAR Winston Cup Series race, but he has also signed up to wheel the #2 Home Depot Judd-powered Crawford with road racing veteran Elliott Forbes-Robinson in the Rolex Sports Car Series Jani-King Paul Revere 250. The Jani-King Paul Revere 250 will go green shortly after the conclusion of Bud Pole Qualifying for the Pepsi 400 on July 4. It's Stewart's second appearance this season behind the wheel of the #2 Crawford that competes in the Rolex Premier SportsRacing Prototype class. Stewart competed in the 40th anniversary of the Rolex 24 At Daytona in February. In February's Rolex 24, Stewart and the Crawford Race Cars team started in the third position and maintained a spot in the top five of the 80-car field before the car lost its engine in the 12th hour and was forced to retire from the race.(DIS PR)(6-18-2002)
NAPCM Pit Crew of the Week #55 Schneider Electric Crew - The #55 Crew had some of the fastest stops on pit road
in Michigan (13.44, 14.54, 12.85, 14.3, 14.45) and deserve to be this weeks NAPCM (National Association of Pit Crew Members) Pit Crew of the Week.(NAPCM PR)(6-18-2002)
Cingular Helps: Cingular Wireless says it will donate $100,000 to Special Olympics if Robby Gordon can drive Richard Childress Racing's #31 Chevy to victory in next Sunday's Dodge/Save Mart 350 at Sears Point Raceway. Cingular Wireless, which sponsors Gordon's car, is in the midst of a four-year campaign to raise $40 million for Special Olympics. Cingular Wireless will also donate $100 for each lap he leads and $50 for each lap he completes in the 112-lap event.(Winston Cup Scene Daily Newsletter)(6-18-2002)
Two more NASCAR movies in the works UPDATE 2: Britney Spears is to appear in the lead role as a racing car driver in her next film. She is all set to strap on her helmet and put the pedal to the metal in a movie about Nascar racing, the US motorsport where saloon cars race round an oval track. The pop star chose the film, her second, from a pile of offers and will start filming in October. An insider told the Sun: "There is no title yet but the film is inspired by one of Britney's favourite movies, Days Of Thunder, which starred Tom Cruise. "Tom played a hot-tempered Nascar racer - Britney wants to race too."(Sky News) AND Ice Cube is in negotiations to come aboard to rewrite and executive produce with Matt Alvarez through their company CubeVision the MGM comedy feature "Race" for Hyde Park Entertainment. The project, aiming for a fall start, is set to go out to actors and directors. "Race" reteams Cube with MGM, the studio for which he recently wrapped shooting the lead role in the comedy "Barbershop." Cube will not take on acting duties in "Race." Set on the NASCAR circuit, "Race" is a fish-out-of-water story about a cab driver who finds himself the only black participating in a stock-car race.(Sympatico-Lycos)(6-4-2002) UPDATE: The rumored Britney Spears-NASCAR project has officially been given a green light. Spears and her newly named production company, Britney Spears Prods., have closed a category-exclusive agreement with NASCAR to develop and produce a dramatic ensemble film set in the world of NASCAR. "Contact" scribe Jim Hart is currently writing the untitled screenplay that would see Spears star in the fictional story as the daughter of a successful, modern-day NASCAR team owner who uses her knowledge and experience in the family business to inspire a former NASCAR driver to return to the sport. Contrary to early reports, Spears will not play a NASCAR driver. The unique part about this deal, however, is that Spears may be sharing some screen time with the real thing. NASCAR, which is very protective of its brand and the values it has come to represent, signed the deal with BSP after the corporation and BSP principals -- Spears, her manager Larry Rudolph and "Crossroads" producer Ann Carli -- came to an agreement that the story line of the film would stay true to the sport and show its participants in the most authentic light. That means that, in addition to an approved story line, any scenes in the film that are meant to portray a NASCAR race or specific competitions and/or drivers will be plucked from real-life footage, giving an opportunity for the Jeff Gordons and Dale Earnhardt Jrs. of the sport to appear in the film as they compete at race events.(Hollywood Reporter - need sub or to register to read the full story)(6-17-2002) UPDATE 2: NASCAR and Britney Spears Productions (BSP), a production company formed by her co-manager Larry Rudolph, Ann Carli and Britney Spears, have signed a category exclusive agreement to develop and produce a dramatic feature film set in the world of NASCAR. The announcement was made today by NASCAR Vice President of Broadcasting Paul Brooks,. Rudolph and Carli. The untitled project, currently in the preliminary writing and development stage, will be written by Jim Hart (Contact, Hook). The film will tell the fictional story of the daughter of a successful, modern day NASCAR team owner and will include opportunities to feature real NASCAR drivers, teams, tracks and competition. The film will give an authentic portrayal of the heart and family spirit of NASCAR and Spears is slated to co-star as a young character that uses her knowledge and experience in the family business to inspire a former NASCAR driver to regain his desire to return to NASCAR racing. Spears will not portray a NASCAR driver. This is the first feature under the joint venture. Spears' previous involvement with NASCAR, as the Grand Marshal for the 2001 Pepsi 400 at Daytona, was extremely positive for NASCAR as it created exposure for the sport within the music and entertainment industry and media.(NASCAR PR)(6-18-2002)
Shepherd retains sponsor, to attempt more Cup races: LIfeXPrograms sponsorship will continue with Shepherd Racing [#89]. They are looking at possible plans to do double duty at New Hampshire for both the CTS and Cup races in July. Future 2002 plans may also include the Pocono events in July, as well. Associate sponsors for Morgan Shepherd Racing include Catchfence.com, Motorsportsweb.com, Pitpassmagazine.com and Racing With Jesus Ministries.(Catchefence)(6-18-2002)
(6-17-2002)
Secret rules/template change? NASCAR officials have [supposedly] quietly made a secret rules change to help Pontiacs, and the secrecy is bothersome to several rival teams that insisted that NASCAR should be following a more open policy by announcing any rules changes. That raises the question of what other rules NASCAR might be adding to the rule book from behind closed doors. The new rule is an alteration to the "long" template, which stretches the silhouette of the car from the nose to the tail; the alteration is a new hump in the middle of the hood, which allows Pontiac engine men to run a taller intake manifold. The change, Pontiac team members say, is worth seven to eight horsepower, which some rivals confirmed yesterday.(Winston Salem Journal) AND Earlier this week NASCAR announced that the Pontiac Grand Prix was the recipient of a concession on the nose and tail. The changes that NASCAR announced included an additional half-inch of kickout to the nose and an extra quarter-inch on the rear spoiler. But there was another change to the Pontiac that was not announced by NASCAR. This undocumented change allows the Pontiac teams to raise the rear point of the hood by three-quarters-of-an-inch. The modification is in place here at Michigan. The change allows the Pontiac teams more flexibility on how they mount their motors in the Grand Prix with the increase in clearance above the motor. Until this change the Pontiac teams were juggling the motor low in the car to accommodate a larger air filter/spacer /intake setup. Or, if they decided that the motor needed to be raised for some chassis or suspension consideration, a low profile air cleaner and intake arrangement needed to be used. NASCAR officials were not available for comment, but the Pontiac teams seemed excited to have the added headroom.(Ford Racing - sorry, their direct links don't work)(6-17-2002)
Dodge wants some help: After Pontiac got a rule change last week intended to help its teams, Dodge officials were vocal in their need for a some help after Sunday's race at Michigan International Speedway. #9-Bill Elliott was the top-finishing Dodge, placing 11th. "In talking to the drivers, there seemed to be a universal complaint of a lack of downforce, especially in the front," said Tim Culbertson, program manager for Dodge's Winston Cup program. "I think there's been some changes that have allowed the competition to get a little bit better."(Roanoke Times)(6-17-2002)
Rudd Leaving Yates and not retiring? - Third Yates Team and some M&M's news: Ricky Rudd has apparently decided not to return to the #28 RYR team next season, but Texaco will apparently remain as Yates' sponsor. If that's indeed the case, then Rudd could become a candidate for a Chevy ride with Dale Earnhardt Inc. as well as a Ford ride with Jerry Jones' proposed new team [well the team(s) #33/#55 of Andy Petree that Jones is expected to buy into]. Ford officials say they would very much like to keep Rudd in the Ford fold. Rudd has said he might retire at the end of the season, but sources close to the situation say that may have been a bargaining ploy. Rudd said last month he hoped to make a decision by the middle of July [15th]. Rudd says he thinks Yates has already signed Elliott Sadler to replace him, though Yates and Sadler both deny any contract signing. If Texaco stays and Rudd goes, then Yates could continue as just a two-team owner, which he says he would prefer to be, rather than a three-team owner, which appeared looming a few weeks ago.
M&M Mars [#36 sponsor] has been hoping to sponsor that third Yates team, according to NASCAR sources. What might now happen with that sponsorship is unclear. Cal Wells [#32] is one man who is figured to be in negotiations with the company, which could support a second team.(Winston Salem Journal)(6-17-2002)
Alabama on Cope's #37, are the Rolling Stones on at Indy? Derrike Cope's #37 car carried the colors of the band Alabama on its hood, promoting the country music group's Farewell Tour 2003. The promotion was arranged by the car's sponsor, Sound Moves, a company that moves stages and sound equipment for concert tours. The Quest Motor Racing #37 entry carries logos for different bands when it races. In turn, the band gets revenue from the sale of diecast replicas of the car. The Rolling Stones want to be on the car for the Brickyard 400 at Indianapolis.(Alabama Live)(6-17-2002)
Kyle not Happy: Kyle Petty tied a season best with a 12th-place finish [actually his best was a 10th at Talladega] but wasn't particularly happy. While making his final pit stop with three laps remaining, Petty's car was blocked by Joe Nemechek, whose #25 Chevrolet was two laps down. "That 25 has a Busch driver and a Busch crew chief," Petty said. "They blocked us in the pits, and that really messed us up."(Richmond Times Dispatch)(6-17-2002)
Points Instead of Money? NASCAR chairman Bill France said Sunday he would like to see the sanctioning body turn to a penalty system that takes points away from teams instead of the standard fines. NASCAR almost never takes points away from a team because its the core of the race for the Winston Cup championship. Instead, teams are fined and the money is put into the point fund that is split among the drivers at the end of the season. But NASCAR president Mike Helton recently warned teams that deduction of points could become the norm because of a recent rash of cars failing postrace inspections. France said he favored that route because monetary penalties on the lower-tier teams creates a lingering hardship.(ThatsRacin.com/AP)(6-17-2002)
Dodge Engine Changes: Dodge said it will scramble to change its engine program in time for the July 3 deadline to conform to a rule that limits the size of a cylinder bore. In the past 18 months, teams have had the option of using tall and skinning cylinder bores or short and fat ones. Starting with the Pepsi 400 at the Daytona International Speedway, the maximum size of the cylinders is 4.185 inches, essentially eliminating the short-and-fat combination. Dodge officials said they needed to run a wider cylinder because NASCAR originally approved a heavier engine with bigger bore centers.(Augusta Chronicle)(6-17-2002)
2003 Pontiac close: Pontiac is expected to sign off on its templates from NASCAR this week, the final step in the approval process for the 2003 Grand Prix. #18-Crew chief Jimmy Makar, who was instrumental in the car's development, says Joe Gibbs Racing almost is finished building the first car and expects to have it in the wind tunnel later this month. Though those test results will determine whether Gibbs' teams stay with Pontiac or convert to the new Chevrolet, Makar says the focus is on Gibbs' current program and trying to help Bobby Labonte get back on track.(Sporting News)(6-17-2002)
Gordon/RCR close on a contract? Richard Childress said that he and Robby Gordon, driver of the #31 Cingular Chevy, are close to signing a new contract. The agreement will only be for one year when it is completed. "We are and always have just signed year to year to year contracts," said Childress, "Robby and I are close to getting that done."(Insider Racing News)(6-17-2002)
Chevy Behind: The development of the 2003 Monte Carlo, isn't moving forward as smoothly as the Pontiac. The car is nearly six weeks behind schedule, and GM is expected to ask NASCAR for an extension beyond the July 1 submission date. The car has been to the GM wind tunnel three times in the last two weeks.(Sporting News)(6-17-2002)
Donlavey Retiring/Closing Team? UPDATE: 78-year old Junie Donlavey, who owns the #90 Cup team, said on Saturday that he's thinking of retiring. Sauer pulled their sponsorship from the team after the Pocono race [actually it was a part season deal]. Driver Rick Mast has been absent from the team for several weeks with an undiagnosed illness. Donlavey has been fielding Winston Cup cars for 52 years and he wants to go to Daytona one more time and is still searching for a sponsor as he says he can't do it out of his own pocket, but it's not looking very good. "I'm going to find a way to go to Daytona in July," said Donlavey, "I just want to be there for one more race."(Insider Racing News) AND Longtime Winston Cup team owner Junie Donlavey said Sunday that his team will not be at Sears Point next weekend and may fold if it can't find a sponsor. However, Donlavey does plan to take his team to Daytona next month.(USA Today)(6-17-2002)
