Harvick wins The Tropicana 400 at Chicago: #29-Kevin Harvick won the Tropicana 400 at Chicago for the 2nd straight year, even after spinning out late in the race. #24-Jeff Gordon was 2nd. Harvick's win put's him in the 2003 The Winston and knocks the remaining 2001 winners, who have not won in 2002, out of the All-Star event. Re-Air dates/times: The race will be re-aired on TNT, Tues, July 16th, 1:00am/et; Speed Channel on Wed, July 17th, 8:00pm/et and Thurs, July 18th, 1:00am/et and 12:00noon/et. Results: for race results, see ThatsRacin.com or NASCAR.com.(7-14-2002)
#45 in black at NHIS: #45-Kyle Petty will show up at New Hampshire International Speedway with a special paint scheme. ''Every time we run at Loudon, we run a black car,'' he said. ''The Sprint people were supportive and allowed us to do it last year, so we run a solid black car up there. It's not a diecast deal. It's nothing like that. It's a personal deal for me.'' So when his #45 Dodge takes the track at NHIS, will it be solid black again? ''Yeah,'' Petty said, somberly. ''Always.'' [as a tribute to his son Adam who lost his life in a BGN accident there in May 2000](Boston Globe)(7-14-2002)
Gibbs Racing to Chevy - it's official - may run some in 2002: Joe Gibbs made official Sunday his intention to move his two Winston Cup teams [#18 and #20] from Pontiac and Chevrolet next season. Gibbs said his teams would also test both Pontiacs and Chevrolets the remainder of this season and would utilize Chevrolets in some races later this year if the Chevrolets tested better, perhaps as early as the Brickyard 400. "Pontiac has been a great partner for us," said Gibbs. "We've been in Chevrolet before. I don't think Pontiac could have done anything more for us. We feel like starting next year we will be in a better position as a race team where we can benchmark our cars against a lot of other good cars. It's just sheer numbers for us." Gibbs' organization played a large role in the development of the 2003 Pontiac Grand Prix, which was recently approved for competition by NASCAR, and has also built several Chevrolets. The 2003 Chevrolet Monte Carlo is still being tested and has not yet been approved for competition by NASCAR. Tony Stewart, driver of Gibbs' #20 Pontiac, echoed Gibbs' statements. "I just want what everyone else has. I don't want to be beat by a rules package," Stewart said. "If I'm going to get beat, I want it to be by another driver. And I think being in a larger group, where Joe (Gibbs) can go into the NASCAR hauler and plead our case if it needs pleading, will help, because it won't just be Joe, it'll be Richard Childress, Rick Hendrick and Dale Earnhardt Inc." Pontiac officials said Sunday they still plan to field entries in NASCAR. "Pontiac will be racing in 2003. We're very excited about the new car," said Doug Duchhardt, NASCAR Group Manager for General Motors Racing. "We're working on some new teams. We're in negotiations with some teams. We're quite confident we'll have a good lineup next year to campaign for the Pontiacs."(ThatsRacin.com). Stewart will test a Pontiac and Chevy at Indy on Tues and Wed. Doug Duchardt, NASCAR group manager of GM Racing, and Joe Gibbs, owner of Joe Gibbs Racing (JGR), announced today that Gibbs' two NASCAR Winston Cup Series teams of Tony Stewart and Bobby Labonte would switch from Pontiac to Chevrolet for the 2003 Winston Cup season. JGR fielded a Chevrolet from its inception in 1992 through the 1996 Winston Cup season with Dale Jarrett and then Bobby Labonte as its drivers. It started running a Pontiac in 1997 with Labonte, and then two Pontiacs in 1999 when Stewart joined the organization as a rookie. Of the 35 Winston Cup victories and the 26 Winston Cup pole positions earned by JGR in its 10-year history, 29 wins and 20 poles have been won with a Pontiac.(Edleman PR)(7-14-2002)
NAPA and Waltrip stay with DEI: NAPA Auto Parts announced Sunday it will stay on as sponsor of the #15 DEI Chevy through the 2004 season, and Waltrip will be along for the ride. “It’s been so much fun being a part of the NAPA family,” Waltrip said. “Over the last year and a half we’ve developed wonderful relationships with NAPA store owners and NAPA customers. NAPA uses NASCAR to sell products. I understand that, and I think we’ve produced a valuable partnership in a short time.”(RacingOne)(7-14-2002)
Harvick to race a truck at NHIS: Winston Cup driver Kevin Harvick will return to NASCAR’s Truck series next weekend, when he drives his own entry in Saturday’s New England 200 at New Hampshire. Harvick, as well as several other Cup drives, are planning to run the event in order to gain additional track time. Since last season, speedway officials have added an additional 12-feet of racing surface on the inside of the turns. Harvick’s last appearance in the series was in April at Martinsville, Va., when he got into an incident with driver Coy Gibbs on the track and was "parked" by NASCAR officials. NASCAR extended the "parking" through the next day’s Winston Cup race, forcing Harvick to sit out.(ThatsRacin.com)(7-14-2002)
Teams Face Penalties: Several Winston Cup teams face penalties this week for parts confiscated during the inspection process this weekend at Chicagoland Speedway. Among the items taken and displayed in the NASCAR hauler were unapproved jacking bolts from the cars of Tony Stewart and Kyle Petty. Petty's car also was found to have an unapproved fender brace. One of the more odd items taken was a can of "Cold Fire," an engine cool-down spray, which was taken from Dale Earnhardt Jr.'s garage area. The tag attached stated, "Freon-type chemicals or refrigerants must not be used in or near fuel systems." In addition, the fuel-neck area of the fuel cells of the cars of Steve Grissom and John Andretti were also confiscated.(ThatsRacin.com)(7-14-2002)
Bodine close to re-signing Hooters: Brett Bodine, owner/driver of the #11 Ford, said he's close to signing an extension with sponsor Hooter's Restaurants, giving him security for the coming year.(NASCAR.com)(7-14-2002)
Hills Bros leaving the #23? UPDATE 2: Hills Brothers will apparently not be returning as a major sponsor next season, according to team sources who say that car owner Bill Davis is searching for a new sponsor [for the #23].(Winston Salem Journal)(7-10-2002) UPDATE: Team owner Bill Davis is still working to re-sign Hut Stricklin’s sponsor. Hills Bros Coffee has about 30 days to decide to pick up its option to sponsor Stricklin’s #23 team next season, Davis says.(Winston Cup Scene - need sub to read)(7-11-2002) UPDATE 2: Hut Stricklin and Bill Davis Racing are negotiating with sponsor Hills Brothers Coffee to extend its contract beyond the 2002 Winston Cup season. Garage buzz has Hills Bros. leaving after 2002. Stricklin says otherwise. "We're still in the middle of negotiating with Hills. We'll have to wait and see what the status is on them and see what they do. That'll probably have a lot of bearing on what I do. I want to stay here. This is the first time in many years that I've raced for a team that I really like a lot."(Daytona Beach News Journal)(7-14-2002)
Sadler wins match: Hermie Sadler is exploring a new career in pro wrestling. The "Hermienator" was pitted against the notorious K Krush last week in a National Wrestling Association Total Nonstop Action pay-per-view event. Krush got the ring win but after the match he gave Sadler a cheap shot. Referee Slick Johnson disqualified Krush and awarded the victory to Sadler. An NWATNA release summed it up best: "Sadler earned everyone's respect with his showing in this match."
(Daytona Beach News Journal). For every show Sadler participates in, the NWA is making a cash donation to the Faison School for Autism, a school for autistic children located in Richmond, Va.. Sadler's youngest daughter, Halie, was diagnosed with autism in February 2000 and started at the school earlier this year.(7-14-2002)
(7-13-2002)
Biffle to stay in BGN for 2002, Cup in 2003 UPDATE:: FSN's Totally NASCAR it was announced that Roush BGN Driver, Greg Biffle, will drive a full BGN season in 2002 in the #60 Grianger Ford and will run up to seven Cup races in 2002 and move up full time in 2003(8-29-2001) UPDATE: Jack Roush announced the expected on Saturday, making it official that Greg Biffle will make the jump from the BGN to Winston Cup with Grainger as the sponsor on the #16 Fords. The move will give Roush Racing five Cup teams next season – #6-Mark Martin, #99-Jeff Burton, #17-Matt Kenseth, #97-Kurt Busch and #16-Biffle. "Greg and (crew chief) Randy (Goss) have been a real quick study," Roush said. "I expect they will be sponges and suck the information out of the program, but I also expect some youthful leadership from their part. They will bring some fresh ideas to Mark, Matt and Jeff Burton."(ThatsRacin.com)(7-13-2002)
Hornaday back in the #14? hearing Ron Hornaday may run some races in the #14 Conseco Pontiac owned by AJ Foyt. A bit odd since Hornaday was released from that ride at the end of the 2001 season. Not sure if it would be full time or just selected races. Hornaday is running full time in the BGN with the #26 Dr. Pepper team.(7-13-2002)
No Muppets at the track? UPDATE 2 Muppetgate: now this makes no sense, seems there is some battle going on between ISC (who owns ChicagoLand Speedway) and the Muppet people and characters not being allowed on speedway property. ?? Tony Stewart mentioned during an interview how ridiculous it is after having the paint schemes on the track, selling the diecasts and making folks buy tickets for all the races. Dale Jarrett said the same thing and feels they are being 'jerks' about it. See my Muppet Paint Schemes/PR page for the car images and news. UPDATE: FSN's Totally NASCAR reports that the muppets were not allowed in the track due to 'licensing issues'.(7-12-2002) UPDATE 2: When Elliott came into the media center at Chicagoland Speedway to talk about his third-place qualifying run, he turned the tables and asked the media a question. "Isn't someone going to ask me about the Muppets being in jail?" Elliott asked. "Muppetgate" was on the minds of nearly everyone at the track Friday, and several teams put signs up in the garage that read "Free the
Muppets." Images of the characters who first appeared on the children's show "Sesame Street" are on eight Winston Cup cars this week, but track officials wouldn't let the characters participate in the pre-race festivities. Track spokesman Brian Crichton said "Chicagoland Speedway is not part of the Muppet program," and therefore the characters won't be allowed inside the track. "We're not a partner in the program that has been put together with the Muppets," said Crichton, who was unable to say whether the Muppets were asked to pay a fee to be a part of the festivities.(Atlanta Journal Constitution)(7-13-2002)
More on Hamilton to Petty - to sign at Pocono? Bobby Hamilton, feeling unwanted at Andy Petree Racing, is disgruntled with his current situation and reportedly will leave the team following the 2002 season. Rumor on Friday had Hamilton moving to Petty Enterprises. He may ink the deal with the Pettys at Pocono in two weeks.(NASCAR.com Buzz). See past news on this on the #55 Team News and Links page.(7-13-2002)
Hornaday to test for the #59 at Indy: After securing career-best qualifying and finishing positions in the Sirius Satellite Radio 400 event at Michigan International Speedway, the rookie Price Motorsports, Inc.. NASCAR Winston Cup Series team is now preparing to test at storied Indianapolis Motor Speedway for the August 4th running of the Brickyard 400. The Raleigh-based race team announced Friday morning that Ron Hornaday Jr. will be in the #59 Dodge Intrepid for a two-day test session to be held at Indianapolis July 15th and 16th.(Price Motorsports PR)(7-13-2002)
IROC WINNER: The third round of the International Race of Champions (IROC) was today at Chicagoland Speedway. See my IROC 2002 page for winner and race results. The race was televised Sat night and will be re-aired on Saturday Aug 10th at 3:00pm/et on ESPN.(7-13-2002)
IRS and Earnhardt UPDATE: The Wall Street Journal reported Friday that the late Dale Earnhardt is on a list of several businessmen under investigation for "taking advantage of tax shelters" which "may have violated tax laws". The IRS released the list after filing suit against KPMG and BDO Seidman LLP, saying the firms scoffed at tax laws, helping hundreds of companies and individuals avoid billions of dollars in taxes, the Wall Street Journal reported. The release of the list is unusual since the IRS has made a practice of guarding the identities of people who have not been accused of any wrongdoing. None of the people on the list have been accused of violating any tax rules.(ThatsRacin.com)(7-12-2002) UPDATE: California's Republican gubernatorial nominee, movie executives and the late Dale Earnhardt, a former NASCAR champion, are among investors identified by the IRS as participants in tax shelters under federal investigation. Among names made public by the Internal Revenue Service are Bill Simon, the GOP nominee; his late father, former Treasury Secretary William Simon; Gary Winnick, chairman of telecom giant Global Crossing Ltd., which has filed for bankruptcy protection; Bob Shaye, chairman of New Line Cinema; and Earnhardt, who was killed in a February 2001 crash at Daytona Beach, Fla. The disclosure was included in court documents that detail the tax shelters in a legal confrontation with accounting firm KPMG LLP. The Justice Department, acting for the IRS, sued KPMG and tax consulting firm BDO Seidman LLP on Tuesday for information about the tax shelters they have promoted.(ThatsRacin.com/AP)(7-13-2002)
IRWIN Rough to Finish Award: Last week, the #2 Miller Lite racing team posted one of its best finishes of the 2002 season, both at the finish line and in the pits. As a result, team crew chief Bill Wilburn takes home his second "IRWIN Rough to the Finish" award for the team's efforts at the Pepsi 400 in Daytona Beach. After starting in 37th position, Rusty Wallace, driver of the #2 Miller Lite Ford, quickly made his way through the field, climbing to 11th position by the second lap of the race. Backed by a strong race car and solid effort from crew chief Bill Wilburn and the #2 Miller Lite pit crew, Wallace raced in the top-five most of the night, avoiding "the big wreck" late in the race that took out much of the field. Once NASCAR resumed racing, Wallace continued to battle for first-place, but ran out of time as the race finished under a late-race caution, its ninth of the night. Wallace's second-place finish is his best restrictor plate race finish of his career. Each week throughout the 2002 NASCAR Winston Cup season, IRWIN, makers of professional power tool accessories like Marathon Plus saw blades and Speedbor flat bits, is partnering with Performance Racing Network to honor the crew chief who had the toughest day in the pits, but still managed to help his team to a strong finish. The IRWIN Rough to the Finish Award includes an assortment of tools for the crew chief and a $250 check donated to the Ellerbe, NC Educational Fund in the racing team's name.. The year-end winner of the crew chief points standings will win a $5,000 check donated to the Fund.. Race fans wanting to make a contribution to the Fund may do so by sending it to the Ellerbe, NC Educational Fund, PO Box 443, Ellerbe, NC 28338.(Golin Harris PR)(7-13-2002)
(7-12-2002)
Nadeau in the #10 starting at NHIS: Jerry Nadeau will drive the #10 Valvoline Pontiac while Johnny Benson recovers from the three displaced ribs he suffered Saturday night in an accident at Daytona International Speedway. Mike Wallace will drive the Valvoline Pontiac at Chicagoland Speedway this weekend then Nadeau will take over on Monday and Tuesday at a Nascar Winston Cup test in Indianapolis. He will remain the driver until Benson's return. No determination has been made regarding a timetable for Benson's
return to racing. Nadeau drove the Valvoline Pontiac at Charlotte and Dover earlier this season while Benson recovered from a broken rib and two cracked ribs he suffered in a BGN race at Richmond on May 3. Benson's Richmond rib injuries are to the right side of his back while Saturday's injuries were on the right side of his chest. None of the Richmond injuries were aggravated Saturday night.(Johnny Benson Fanclub site)(7-12-2002)
Gibbs to Chevy announcement Sunday: Joe Gibbs Racing will make its long-rumored change in manufacturer official on Sunday. Gibbs will announce during a scheduled General Motors press conference at Chicagoland Speedway his two Winston Cup teams will move to the Chevrolet camp beginning with the 2003 season, sources confirmed Friday. The move by drivers Bobby Labonte and Tony Stewart to Chevrolets next season will leave just three Pontiac drivers – #14-Stacy Compton, #36-Ken Schrader and #10-Johnny Benson. Pontiac officials continue to court new teams, with their top candidate the PPI Racing [#32] team owned by Cal Wells, sources said. Gibbs ran Chevrolets when his first entered the Winston Cup series but switched to Pontiacs at the start of the 1997 season. Ironically, Gibbs’ organization has been deeply involved in the development of the 2003 Pontiac Grand Prix – last redesigned at the start of the 1996 season. NASCAR recently approved the design of the car for competition beginning next season.(ThatsRacin.com)(7-12-2002)
Autopsy Photos: A state appeals court ruled Friday that Florida’s law restricting public access to autopsy photos is constitutional, but said the matter could be appealed further to state Supreme Court. The law, which was passed in March 2001 after race car driver Dale Earnhardt was killed earlier that year in the Daytona 500, is being challenged by several Florida news organizations who contend the law is unconstitutional. In its opinion, the Fifth District Court of Appeal in Daytona Beach said the unauthorized viewing of autopsy photos is a violation of privacy.(more at ThatsRacin.com/AP), see past news on my Dale Earnhardt Tribute site - reactions.(7-12-2002)
Simpson vs NASCAR date set: The trial date in safety equipment manufacturer Bill Simpson's civil lawsuit against NASCAR for defamation following the death of Winston Cup driver Dale Earnhardt has been set for Sept. 13, 2003, Simpson attorney Jim Voyles said.(Indianapolis Star), see past news about this on my Lawsuits page.(7-12-2002)
Dallenbach back in the booth this week - and maybe some future BGN races: It's quite possible Wally Dallenbach will drive a few BGN races for NBC later this year. They hoped to get him a Winston Cup ride for the Brickyard 400, "but that didn't work out," Dallenbach said. The network plans to make more use of Dallenbach in its second year of a six-year contract with NASCAR. He will have a spot on the pre-race show where he drives a car on the track, showing viewers what the drivers have ahead of them. In the booth, NBC will have a scale model of a race car that Dallenbach can spin 360 degrees and demonstrate problems as well as explain race terminology.(Richmond Times Dispatch)(7-12-2002)
Irvan hopes to start NASCAR team:Ernie Irvan, hopes to field a NASCAR entry soon for an up-and-coming driver he's mentoring, still follows the sport closely. Irvan will appear at Portland International Raceway as part of the Portland Historic Races on Saturday. Irvan's famed 1993 Chevy Lumina #4 Kodak car will be at the event, along with two dozen other famous stock cars raced in the early 1990s, including Jeff Gordon's 1993 Chevy Lumina #24 Dupont Rainbow Warrior car, and Richard Petty's 1992 Pontiac Grand Prix #43 STP. Presented by Marathon Coach Co., these cars will be raced as a special feature group, and many will be available for hot lap rides as a charity fundraiser for the Children's Cancer Association. (see full story at the Seattle Post-Intelligencer). Irvan fields a ARCA car for Kevin Conway at Atlanta earlier this year, started 4th, finished 13th.(7-12-2002)
Daytona TV numbers down: NASCAR's Daytona 400 on Fox did a 5.1 rating, down from last year's 5.7 on NBC.(Richmond Times Dispatch)(7-12-2002)
(7-11-2002)
Hermie Sadler to test at South Boston: Hermie Sadler will be testing his #02 Winston Cup car at Big Daddy's South Boston Speedway on Monday, July 15th.(Big Daddy's South Boston Speedway PR)(7-11-2002)
Poison on the #37? UPDATE: hearing that the rock group Poison will be the feature band on the #37 Ford of Derrike Cope at Pocono. Ozzfest was on the car at Lowes Motor Speedway, Alabama was on the car in the June MIS (not Pocono - oops) race and The Rolling Stones are rumored to be featured at Indy in the Brickyard 400. What no AC/DC?(7-2-2002) UPDATE see an image on my Paint Scheme Gallery.(7-11-2002)
More on Little and BACE: Chad Little has negotiated an agreement with BACE Motorsports team owner, Bill Baumgardner, that will now allow Little to seek other racing opportunities, while continuing to look for sponsorship for the #74 Winston Cup car in 2002. "We have been unable to secure sponsorship for the #74 car and it doesn’t make good business sense to run the car unsponsored," said Chad. "As a driver I needed to make myself available to other teams and possible sponsorships for the remainder of the this season and in preparation for the 2003 season." Little and BACE Motorsports continue to work together to secure sponsorship for the #74 Cup and BGN car. Discussions are ongoing concerning which, if any, races will be run throughout the remainder of the 2002 season. Baumgardner indicated he would not rule out running a couple of more BGN and Cup races and sponsorship would certainly solidify that decision.(Chad Little Site) and see more on the #74 Team News and Links page.(7-11-2002)
Earnhardt may be honored: Kannapolis City [NC] Council will consider a proposal Monday to rename one of the city's major thoroughfares Dale Earnhardt Boulevard. The current one-mile stretch of Dale Earnhardt Boulevard connects to Centergrove Road. The proposal would change the names of Centergrove, Loop and Jackson Park roads as well as Lane Street to make a longer Dale Earnhardt Boulevard, which would loop around the main part of Kannapolis. The proposed boulevard would also connect twice to Interstate 85. If council adopts the proposal, the suggested roadway would then be considered by the N.C. Department of Transportation for final approval. Assistant City Manager Mike Legg said DOT officials seem to be receptive to using one name for Centergrove and South Loop roads. He said state officials, however, are hesitant about continuing the boulevard at the point where North and South Loop Road meet at the West C Street intersection. Local officials could also consider only renaming Centergrove and South Loop Roads as part of a compromise with DOT. Legg said the biggest benefit to having a longer boulevard would be the change from using at least three different names to one name for the roadway. He said the renaming would fit in with the Dale Earnhardt Tribute. Legg also said being located on a road with such name recognition could be good for businesses in that area.(Independent Tribune)(7-7-2002) UPDATE: The Intimidator's reach on his hometown could soon extend farther. The Kannapolis City Council voted 6-1 Monday to push to change the names of two more roads to "Dale Earnhardt Boulevard," adding three miles to the existing 0.9-mile stretch. It will be up to the N.C. Board of Transportation and its road-naming committee to decide whether to change the name. Earnhardt, who won 76 Winston Cup races, was born and reared in Kannapolis. He died in a wreck on the last lap of the Daytona 500 on Feb. 18, 2001. Under the council's plan, Centergrove Road and South Loop Road would be renamed Dale Earnhardt Boulevard. The existing stretch extends west from Interstate 85. Multiple names for the route into downtown have created confusion for tour-bus drivers and others, said City Manager Mike Mahaney. Officials also hope to help create a sense of identity for the city. City Council member Richard Anderson, the sole opponent, argued the change was being done to benefit the privately owned Cannon Village. City officials' initial proposal had also included North Loop and Jackson Park roads and Lane Street to the route -- creating a loop around the city. Officials say those segments may be considered later. However, the city's fire and police chiefs and the N.C. Department of Transportation traffic engineer expressed concerns because including those three thoroughfares could have caused confusion at some intersections. Dale Earnhardt Boulevard, for example, would have crossed U.S. 29, Main Street and Ridge Avenue in two different places each. Anderson and Mayor Pro Tem Bob Misenheimer said the council should have held a public hearing on the renaming issue. DOT spokesman Bill Jones agreed, saying the N.C. Board of Transportation wants local governments to get public feedback. Jones said the board uses the feedback to judge public support, Jones said. The changes backed by the City Council would affect more than 48 homes and 41 businesses, according to city figures. Jackson Park Road and Lane Street, which were left out of the proposal, have 176 homes.(Charlotte Observer/ThatsRacin.com)(7-11-2002)
Changes at the #19 team: Evernham Motorsports today named Sammy Johns to the position of Test Team and Research and Development Coordinator for the organization's Dodge Dealers Intrepid R/Ts. Johns, previously the crew chief for Jeremy Mayfield in the #19 Dodge Dealers Dodge, will oversee the organization's ongoing commitment to delivering excellence on the track by preparing for the future. He will focus on the day-to-day management of Evernham Motorsports test teams and race track activities as well as research and development project coordination including chassis, aerodynamics, suspension, engine and future driver development programs. Johns, who was originally hired for this position in 2001, will work closely with Dodge Motorsports engineering as well as the Evernham Motorsports in-house engineering team headed by Dr. Eric Warren. Evernham Motorsports also announced that the organization is implementing a new management system for the #19 team under which a team manager, a chief mechanic and a rotating team of engineers will run the crew. Dave Skog assumes the role of team manager. Skog formerly served as car chief on the #19 Dodge Intrepid. Mike Kelley was serving as a mechanic as well the front tire carrier on race day for the #19 Dew Crew. Kelley now assumes the role of chief mechanic. He will continue as the team's front tire carrier as well. Ray Evernham, Dr. Eric Warren and Josh Brown will work with team engineers Derek Jones and Kenny Francis on all engineering aspects for the #19 team as well as the #9 team. Dr. Warren and Brown will assume more of an at-track role in order to work more closely with Evernham, Jones and Francis. These changes are effective immediately.(Evernham Motorsports PR), crew chief duties will be handled by a new management system, with a team manager, chief mechanic and a team of engineers..(7-11-2002)
Indy Testing TUES/WED UPDATEs: Indianapolis Motor Speedway has scheduled four days of Cup testing at the track, July 9-10 and July 15-16, and most every Cup team will test. A complete schedule of the teams/drivers for each of the tests can be seen at: www.brickyard.com.(6-28-2002) - No speeds reported as of yet, but rain did delay testing on Tuesday but cars did get on the track. Fans can go watch testing for free. #11-Brett Bodine was scheduled to test this week, but was excused so he could heal up.(7-9-2002) UPDATE: Rain disrupted the first of four days of NASCAR Winston Cup testing for the Brickyard 400 at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway. The test was scheduled to run from 9:00am to 5:00pm Tuesday and Wednesday. Morning rain kept cars off the track until 2 p.m. and the late rain foiled the plan of running an hour past the scheduled conclusion. The revised plan for Wednesday is to run from 9:00am to 6:00pm without an hour lunch break. #4-Mike Skinner was the fastest at 178.298mph.(Indianapolis Star)(7-10-2002) Speeds - Day 1: top five were: #4A-Mike Skinner, 178.298 mph; #26A-Todd Bodine, 177.920; #6-Mark Martin, 176.101; #97A-Kurt Busch, 175.453; and #36A-Ken Schrader 175.201. Slowest were #8A-Dale Earnhardt Jr., 170.456 (he was mid pack in a 2nd car); and #55A-Bobby Hamilton, 168.391. See full speed results at www.brickyard400.com with number of laps completed.(7-10-2002) Speeds - Day 2: fastest in testing at Indy on Wednesday - #97A-Kurt Busch, 181.777; #26A-Todd Bodine, 181.577; #6-Mark Martin, 179.524; #40T-Sterling Marlin, 179.276; #1A-Steve Park, 179.136. Slowest were #31-Robby Gordon, 172.626 and #8A-Dale Earnhardt Jr., 172.300. See more speeds at the Indianapolis Star or the Brickyard 400 site.(7-11-2002)
Hills Bros leaving the #23? UPDATE: Hills Brothers will apparently not be returning as a major sponsor next season, according to team sources who say that car owner Bill Davis is searching for a new sponsor [for the #23].(Winston Salem Journal)(7-10-2002) UPDATE: Team owner Bill Davis is still working to re-sign Hut Stricklin’s sponsor. Hills Bros Coffee has about 30 days to decide to pick up its option to sponsor Stricklin’s #23 team next season, Davis says.(Winston Cup Scene - need sub to read)(7-11-2002)
No wins for NASCAR at the ESPY's: In the first ESPY award handed out Wednesday night, for "Best Moment," Barry Bonds won for his 73 home runs in 2001. Bonds beat out Dale Earnhardt Jr., Sarah Hughes, Luis Gonzalez, and Adam Vinatieri for the award, all much more magical moments. New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady won the ESPY for "Breakthrough Athlete." Kevin Harvick, driver of the #29 GM Goodwrench Chevy was nominated. And Michael Schumacher won for Best Driver beating Jeff Gordon, Kevin Harvick, Gil de Ferran, Helio Castroneves, Sam Hornish snd John Force. See the ESPY's page at ESPN for the winners.(7-11-2002)
Book signing in Philly: On Saturday, July 20th, Bill Fleishman will be at the Borders bookstore in the King of Prussia Mall, in King of Prussia PA, 7:00pm/et to talk about NASCAR and sign copies of "The Unauthorized NASCAR Fan Guide 2002" (Visible Ink Press), co-authored by Al Pearce. See my Racing Bookstore to order or more info.(7-11-2002)
Mobil back: Ryan Newman is driving The Winston winning car this weekend at Chicagoland Speedway and it is the second appearance of the ALLTEL/Mobil 1 paint scheme.(TRPR)(7-11-2002)
Good News - Discover Card stays on the #26 for rest of season UPDATE: Haas Carter Motorsports announced that Discover Card has extended its primary sponsorship for the remainder of the 2002 Cup season. Todd Bodine will continue as the primary driver of the #26 Ford. "Discover Card and Haas Carter Motorsports are moving toward a successful future together," said Carl Haas, co-owner of Haas Carter Motorsports. "Discover Card's sponsorship is giving our team the opportunity to focus on racing at a competitive level. .In just five events, our performances have steadily improved. With a strong seventh place showing at Daytona, this program is back on track." Forging ahead for the balance of the 2002 NASCAR season, the Discover Card Racing program will not only hit the race track every week, but also starting July 14th, the credit card company joins NBC as the title sponsor of the network's pre-race show. Plus, Discover Card race fans will enjoy riding with Todd Bodine courtesy of in-car cameras at all of the races. Initially, the Chicago-based credit card company agreed to sponsor the #26 Haas Carter Ford for six races, beginning on June 2 at Dover. .It was the first sponsorship of its kind for Discover Card in any form of motorsports. The program also included commercial buys during the FOX LIVE broadcasts as well as in-car cameras.(Cox Marketing PR)(7-9-2002) UPDATE: Geoffery Bodine will drive the #26 DiscoverCard Ford at Pocono in July as Todd will have a conflict with the BGN race in Pikes Peak Int'l Raceway.(ESPN2's RPM2Night)(7-11-2002)
Open House at School: The Carolina Motorsports Tech Center in Conover, NC will be hosting its first annual Open House July 26, 2002 from 1:00 to 6:00pm. Folks are invited to stop by and take a look at their facility, check out the state-of-the-art labs, meet the instructors and talk with students currently enrolled in classes. The Tech Center offers eleven Core Classes consisting of Fabrication, Assembly, Motorsports Welding, Chassis Dynamics, Team Operations, Graphics, Carolina Team Concept, just to name a few. Several one week classes such at Metal Shaping and Track Tech are also offered as well as one day seminars like Chassis R&D or Short Track Aero Dynamics. These one day seminars are taught be special guest instructors currently working in the Motorsports industry outside of the Carolina Motorsports Tech Center facility. The John Boy and Billy Big Show Grill will be there cooking and serving up Buffalo Nickel Burgers. There will be show cars, a souvenir trailer and many other items of interest. You will find the Carolina Motorsports Tech Center just behind the Ramada Inn off I-40 and Fairgrove Church Road (exit 128) in Conover NC.(Carolina Motorsports Tech Center), more info on this school and others at my Racing Schools page(7-11-2002)
#99 Scheme at Chicago: The #99 CITGO Ford, driven by Jeff Burton, will be sporting the Bassmasters Classic paint scheme for the second annual Tropicana 400 at Chicago. "I'm looking forward to Chicago this weekend," said Burton. "The CITGO car has a special paint scheme to help promote the Bassmasters Classic this weekend. It's a cool paint scheme and has a lot more
yellow than the fans are used to seeing." The CITGO Bassmasters Classic will take place in Birmingham, AL July 25-27. Burton attended the event last year, along with 20,000 fans, which jammed into the Louisiana Superdome for the annual event. This year's event features 52 of the top anglers, from around the world, who will be competing for the title of World Champion. The event will
take place at the Birmingham Jefferson Civic Center and the weigh ins will be held at the venue's arena. The event is free to the public and in addition to the Classic. Burton will be appearing at the trade show on Thursday, July 25 from noon to 2:00pm at the CITGO booth. Burton will be signing autographs for visitors to the CITGO Bassmasters Classic.(Roush Racing PR)(7-11-2002)
The International Truck Challenge to run third race at Chicago: The International Truck Challenge is a four-event competition for Winston Cup transporter drivers - those who drive the tractor-trailer rigs that haul the race cars and parts that put on the show from the shops to the tracks and back each week. It is a long, grueling season for the hauler drivers, and International provides them with an opportunity to show off their skills in public at four race tracks throughout the season. The drivers are required to drive an International semi-tractor attached to a 53-foot trailer through a series of complicated maneuvers. Their score is based on the precision in which they complete each task. Barry Sheppard, hauler driver of the #21 Motorcraft Racing Ford team, won $26,000 on a gray, chilly morning in Atlanta last November. Sheppard is in the middle of this year's competition, and has the series returns to Chicago. This weekend's competition at Chicagoland Speedway marks the third of four events this year. Sheppard won the first, at Texas, recording a perfect score of 200 and completing the course in an event-best 1 minute, 14 seconds. He did not fair as well at the second, at Charlotte, and finished toward the bottom - despite again recording the fastest time - when a miscue cost him valuable points. Carl Long (yes the Cup/BGN driver won at Charlotte/Lowes). The finale' will be held in Atlanta in October. See more at NASCAR.com - International Truck Challenge page.(7-11-2002)
Expensive test at Indy: Indianapolis, site of one of NASCAR’s premier events, is the only track on the Winston Cup circuit charging individual teams for test sessions. This year, each team pays $2,500 for the two-day test session. For a five-car operation like Roush Racing, that tally runs to $12,500. Most tracks charge a flat fee for a test date, allowing teams to unite and split the cost. Owners say no other facility charges for a open test session. “That’s a huge rip-off,” two-car owner Bill Davis said. “I think those guys make plenty of money as track operators running their races. I don’t think they need to expect us to show them a profit for a test session.” Teams can’t just skip the Indy test and go to a different track to use that date and most can’t afford to skip the prep session for one of the higher-paying events, such as the Brickyard 400.(Winston Cup Scene - need sub to read)(7-11-2002)
Shepherd to do double duty at NHIS: Morgan Shepherd is planning on running his #21 CTS truck in the New England 200 at New Hampshire International Speedway on July 20 as well as planning on running his #89 Winston Cup car at the New England 300 on July 21st.(Catchfence)(7-11-2002)
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NASCAR announces penalties - Johnson loses 25 points: NASCAR officials levied fines Wednesday against seven Cup crew chiefs and one BGN crew chief for infractions discovered during this past weekend's races at Daytona. Chad Knaus, crew chief of the #48 Chevy, was fined $25,000 and his team was also penalized 25 NASCAR Winston Cup Series Championship driver points as well as 25 NASCAR Winston Cup Series Championship owner points. Knaus' NASCAR Winston Cup team was penalized under Section 12-4-A of the 2002 NASCAR Winston Cup Series rule book: "Actions detrimental to stock car racing: offset mounting bolts for the front of the truck trailing arms." Other NASCAR Winston Cup Series crew chiefs fined for various infractions following this past weekend included: Scott Eggleston, crew chief of the #33 Chevy and Jimmy Elledge, crew chief of the #55 Chevy were fined $500 and penalized in accordance to Section 20-2-E: "Underpans will not be permitted"; Newt Moore, crew chief of the #36 Pontiac, James Ince, crew chief of the #10 Pontiac and Lee McCall, crew chief of the #40 Dodge all received $500 fines and penalized under Sections 12-4-Q and 20-12-1A: "Any determination by NASCAR officials that parts and/or equipment used in the event do not conform to NASCAR rules; Section 20-12.1A (3); Unapproved jacking bolts." Chris Carrier, crew chief of the #4 Chevy, was also fined an $500 and penalized under Sections 12-4-Q and 20-10-6J: "Any determination by NASCAR officials that parts and/or equipment used in the event do not conform to NASCAR rules; Section 20-10.6.J: Magnetic rear axle heating pads." In the BGN, crew chief Jason Ratcliff of the #27 Pontiac, was fined $2,000 and penalized under Section 12-4-Q in the 2002 BGN rule book: "Any determination by NASCAR officials that parts and/or equipment used in the event do not conform to NASCAR rules; Unapproved rear spring."(NASCAR PR)(7-10-2002)
Hornaday in the #49 car at Chicago UPDATE crew chief resigns: Ron Hornaday will drive the #49 BAM Racing Dodge at Chicago. Hornaday previously drove for BAM at the Winston Open and Coca-Cola 600 at Lowe's. He has served as a consultant to the team most of this season. BAM took off the month of June to massage its cars and do some wind tunnel testing. Team manager Eddie Jones said following a test session at Daytona that the team had learned some valuable lessons. Hornaday drove in that test in place of regular driver Shawna Robinson who did run the race, finishing 40th after suffering rear end failure. Jones was unavailable for comment Tuesday afternoon on the one-race change.(NASCAR.com)(7-9-2002) UPDATE: BAM Racing announced today that Teddy Brown has resigned as Crew Chief for the team. Brown said, "I have enjoyed working with the BAM organization but I wanted to explore some other options." Team General Manager, Eddie Jones, stated, "We wish Teddy the best of luck in the future, he worked hard and guided the team effectively."(BAM Racing PR)(7-10-2002)
2003 Monte Carlo Ready For Testing UPDATE: Chevrolet officials will present to NASCAR a completed 2003 Monte Carlo for approval on July 29 at Atlanta Motor Speedway. The new design, said to look more like a Dodge than a Ford, will undergo on-track testing on July 29 and then be transported to Marietta, GA, for a run in the Lockheed wind tunnel. A group of Hendrick Motorsports employees, led by Eddie Dickerson, built the car to be submitted in Atlanta. The final version is an adaptation of two cars built by Dale Earnhardt Inc. employees. Confidence is high among the Chevrolet camp that the 2003 Chevrolet will sail through the final approval process. Slugger Labbe, crew chief for Michael Waltrip, winner of the Pepsi 400 at Daytona International Speedway, already has ordered the body for the new chassis earmarked for the 2003 Daytona 500.(Tampa Tribune)(7-10-2002) UPDATE: Hendrick Motorsports and driver Terry Labonte will test the 2003 Chevrolet Monte Carlo at Atlanta Motor Speedway this July 29-30. The test is closed to both the public and the media, per Hendrick Motorsports' request.(AMS PR)(7-10-2002)
Stewart to run CTS race at Richmond: A friendship born at a state fairgrounds in Illinois will come to successful fruition in Virginia in September. Tony Stewart will drive the Andy Petree-owned entry in the CTS race at Richmond, Va., Thursday, September 5. Petree’s Chevy was one of the top teams in its sole other start this season, April’s Martinsville, Va., event. That was with Petree himself behind the wheel. The agreement is for the Richmond race only, and the Truck is currently unsponsored. Petree’s debut as a CTS driver was stellar. The highest-qualifying Chevrolet when he took the third starting spot at Martinsville, Petree ran among the leaders throughout the race until a mechanical problem ended his day right at the end of the race.(Williams Company PR)(7-10-2002)
Three elected to Hall of Fame: Three of stock car racing's pit-road innovators and a pioneer racing official have been elected to the National Motorsports Press Association Hall of Fame. Former Winston Cup team owner-crew chief Bud Moore of Spartanburg, former crew chiefs Dale Inman and Leonard Wood and the late NASCAR vice president Ed Otto will join the hall in a ceremony scheduled Aug. 31 in Darlington. The hall is located at Darlington Raceway.(Greenville News)(7-10-2002)
More Rudd and Jones: Ricky Rudd met this week with car owner Andy Petree to discuss a possible ride next year with Petree and Jerry Jones in Fords, according to team sources.(Winston Salem Journal)(7-10-2002)
Third Yates Team - Domino's Pizza? M&M's already signed? Even if Ricky Rudd does leave Yates' #28 team, Yates may still add a third team to his operation next year, according to sources close to the situation, who say that Domino's Pizza could provide the new paint scheme. No word on what might happen to Texaco. Yates has already signed a contract with M&M Mars for his second team, according to industry sources. That would presumably be for Elliott Sadler.(Winston Salem Journal)(7-10-2002)
Schrader to Petty? If M&Ms is indeed moving to Robert Yates' team, then Kenny Schrader could be moving on also. He is tentatively being penciled in for a ride at Petty Enterprises, according to sources close to the situation.(Winston Salem Journal)(7-10-2002)
NAPA hopes to re-sign with DEI UPDATE hmm...which is it? Pennzoil re-ups: DEI's contract with NAPA to sponsor Michael Waltrip's #15 Chevrolet is up for renewal, as is Waltrip's driving contract. Mike Rearden, director of events and sponsorships for NAPA, says his company plans to re-sign with DEI, though he won't give specifics.(Atlanta Journal Constitution)(7-6-2002) UPDATE: NAPA is not expected to return as a sponsor at DEI {#15], but Pennzoil has signed a contract renewal. NAPA could go to Rick Hendrick, who is also looking for a driver, if he doesn't keep Joe Nemechek.(Winston Salem Journal) [NOTE: for the #25 car but been told Delphi Automotive is signed Thru 2003 as is Kelloggs with the #5, DuPont with the #24 and Lowes with the #48, so not sure where NAPA fits in with Hendrick](7-10-2002)
Geoffrey to stand by for Brett:Geoffrey Bodine will be in Chicago to stand by for brother Brett Bodine, driver/owner of the #11 Hooters Ford in case needed. Bodine is still sore from the 'Big One' at the Pepsi 400 in Daytona on Saturday night.(Brett Bodine site)(7-10-2002)
Pit Crew of the Week: Daytona is not good to the #20 guys. The #20 crew was the hardest working crew at the track on Sunday. Results did not reflect their hard work. They earned the NAPCM Pit Crew Of The Week for their struggle against bad luck.(NAPCM PR)(7-10-2002)
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National Anthem at Chicago: Multi-platinum recording artist Jo Dee Messina will perform a one-hour concert Sunday, July 14 prior to the NASCAR Winston Cup Tropicana 400 at Chicagoland Speedway in Joliet, IL. The concert will take place on the start/finish line and is scheduled to begin at 11:30am. In addition to the concert Messina will also perform the National Anthem before the start of the Tropicana 400. Warner Bros. Records and Curb Records have also announced a compilation CD, Inside Traxx, to be released on June 11 including country music artists Messina, Tim McGraw, Hank Williams Jr., Neal McCoy, Travis Tritt, Dwight Yoakam and many others. Messina will contribute her single "Dare to Dream" to the 14 song CD. Other aspects of the program include additional 2002 concerts at Winston Cup facilities with artists from Inside Traxx and an Inside Traxx die cast car series. All Founder PASS and Track Pack ticket holders are invited to the Chicagoland Speedway grandstands, at no additional cost, beginning at 8:00 am to enjoy the Jo Dee Messina pre race concert and other pre race festivities(Chicagoland Speedway)(7-9-2002)
Raines in the #74 at Chicago? UPDATE: hearing Tony Raines will driver the #74 Chevy at ChicagoLand Speedway instead of regular driver Chad Littlle (in a limited schedule), why? Raine's sponsor from the Daytona BGN race, Closetmaid will sponsor the car.(7-9-2002) UPDATE: BACE Motorsports announced today that they have elected not to exercise the contract option for driver Chad Little for the 2003 season. "Chad has done an excellent job representing BACE Motorsports over the past two seasons," said team owner Bill Baumgardner, "As a team, we have been unable to find the right chemistry and consistency on track that it takes to be consistently successful." Little joined BACE late in the 2000 BGN season, posting two top 5 and six top 10 finishes en route to a 9th-place finish in the 2001 BGN Championship race. Little drove the #74 in the first three BGN races of the 2002 season before the decision was made to make the jump to the Winston Cup level. Little attempted to qualify for three Winston Cup races earning a 36th-place start at Dover, where he finished 33rd.(ignition inc PR), doesn't say about 2002, but it can be assumed Little will not run any more races for BACE and Little has been removed from the BACE Motorsports web site. But been told that this only means that Little's contract option has not been picked up for 2003 and that he is still under contract with BACE Motorsports for 2002 and he has not been released.(7-9-2002)
Hermie Sadler to Wrestle: Hermie Sadler's appearances on the upstart NWA-TNA professional wrestling promotion will get in high gear this Wednesday night when Sadler faces NWA Superstar "K-Krush" live at the Municipal Auditorium in Nashville, Tennessee. Sadler, who has no wrestling experience, is looking forward to the event.. "I have really enjoyed being on the show.. It is all about entertainment.. Our match Wednesday night will be fun to watch.. All I can say is for everyone to expect the unexpected!" Sadler will be hosting a NASCAR fan Pep-Rally Wednesday afternoon from 5:30-6:00 at the auditorium where he will sign autographs and give away a limited number of tickets to the event. Sadler is also excited because for every show he participates in, the NWA is making a cash donation to the Faison School for Autism, a school for autistic children located in Richmond, Va.. Sadler's youngest daughter, Halie, was diagnosed with autism in February 2000 and started at the school earlier this year. For more info on this event and many others, see my Racing Charities page.(7-9-2002)
Benson released from Hospital UPDATE Mike Wallace at Chicago; Nadeau after that?: #10 Valvoline Pontiac driver Johnny Benson left Halifax Medical Center in Daytona, Fla. Sunday night and is expected to return to his home in North Carolina on Monday. Doctors treated Benson for displacements in ribs 6,7 and 8 on the right side of his chest suffered in an accident Saturday night in the 400-mile Nascar Winston Cup race at Daytona International Speedway. Benson did not aggravate the broken rib or two cracked ribs he suffered in a Busch Series accident at Richmond on May 3. Benson's timetable for returning to racing will be determined this week by his physician and the Valvoline Racing team. Benson missed the Richmond, Charlotte and Dover races earlier this season because of the injuries from the Richmond accident.
On Saturday night, Michael Waltrip made contact with Benson on lap 8 of the 160-lap race forcing Benson into the wall. Benson was taken by ambulance to the infield care center then transported to Halifax Medical Center. Waltrip visited Benson at the hospital a few hours after winning the race.(PR)(7-8-2002) UPDATE: hearing Mike Wallace will be in the #10 Valvoine Pontiac at ChicagoLand speedway.(Mike Wallace Fan Club)(7-8-2002) UPDATE 2: in Speed Channel's Inside Winston Cup, Johnny Benson said during a telecon that Wallace would be in the #10 at Chicago and Jerry Nadeau probably would run the car after Chicago until Benson can return. Nadeau is driving the #00 Aaron's Dream Machine at Chicago.(7-9-2002) UPDATE 3: Mike Wallace will drive the #10 Valvoline Pontiac in the Cup race this weekend at Chicagoland Speedway replacing the injured Johnny Benson. "We wanted someone with experience that we knew the team and I could communicate with," said Crew Chief James Ince. "Mike is just that driver. Our team is devastated about what happened to Johnny Saturday night but we have a job to do and we have every intention of going on and doing the best we can." Benson is recovering from displacements in ribs 6, 7 and 8 on the right side of his chest suffered in an accident Saturday night at Daytona. Benson's timetable for returning to racing has yet to be determined by his physician and the Valvoline Racing team. Benson missed the Richmond, Charlotte and Dover races earlier this season because of rib injuries from the Richmond BGN race accident. Saturday's accident did not reinjure the ribs Benson hurt at Richmond. The Valvoline Pontiac will carry a special paint scheme this weekend. Fozzy Bear's picture will be prominently featured on the car in honor of the 25th anniversary of the Muppets.(MBV PR)(7-9-2002)
Hamilton will NOT return to the #55 in 2003 UPDATE 2 nothing signed: #55-Bobby Hamilton said Saturday he's not returning to Andy Petree Racing next season. "I just don't like change. I'm afraid there might be changes in the organization in different areas or whatever. I'm not sure exactly what. I just don't like change," Hamilton said. "I know Andy is a good car owner and he'll land on his feet in the future, but I don't want to be in the middle of change. It's too damn hard any more. I like to stay with established stuff." Hamilton said he and Petree both had until June 30 to notify each other in writing they had intentions to work together next season. Neither exercised that option. Hamilton's likely destination is Petty Enterprises, sources confirmed Saturday. Hamilton drove for Petty Enterprises from 1995 to 2000, where he won his first series race in 1996 at Phoenix and also had his best finish in the points race, ninth in 1996. "I'm not thinking about retiring. I just won last year. I could have won three races this season," Hamilton, 45, said. "I don't want to go through the building process again." Asked about his destination, Hamilton said there was one team he was especially interested in, but elected not to name it. He did say he would like to join the Dodge camp. Petty Enterprises currently fields three Dodge teams - the #45 with Kyle Petty, the #43 with John Andretti and the #44 with Steve Grissom. Grissom came on board this season when the team released driver Buckshot Jones.(ThatsRacin.com)(7-6-2002) UPDATE:WNDB-AM 1150, Daytona Beach reported that a source told them Hamilton will be offered the #44 ride at the end of the season. Apparently this deal is all but done.(7-8-2002) UPDATE 2: a source tells me that Petty Enterprises has not signed Bobby Hamilton or anyone else for the 2003 season, nor have they made any decision as to who and/or when they will do so. All options remain open.(7-9-2002)
Brett Bodine and wife have tough weekend: The wife of NASCAR driver Brett Bodine was "sore but OK" after a one-car accident here over the weekend, Brett Bodine Racing officials said Monday. While Diane Bodine, 43, was unhurt, her car sustained $10,000 [actually totalled] damage when it flipped and hit a utility pole Sunday morning, said spokeswoman Carolyn Carrier. "She's mad and upset because she lost her favorite car. Now it's pretty much junk." After Saturday night's Pepsi 400 at Daytona International Speedway, Diane and Brett Bodine decided to wait out traffic before heading back to their beachside condo. They took separate cars, and Brett followed his wife, Carrier said. Just after 5:00am, Diane Bodine told police she swerved to avoid a small animal that ran in front of her and lost control of her car. It hit a curb and crashed into a utility pole in the 1400 block of Peninsula Drive, knocking out power to 33 nearby homes. Police said Bodine was not charged in the accident.(Daytona Beach News Journal) PLUS And Brett Bodine's #11 car burst into flames after coming to a stop following the 14-car accident [The Big One] on Lap 136, a spokesman for Bodine's team said Bodine's car burned some seven minutes before firefighters came to douse the flames. But Bodine's car re-ignited and basically fried the Ford. Bodine is ok, but sore.(7-9-2002)
Did Waltrip make a '3"? On whether he [Micheal Waltrip] was aware he carved a figure 3 in the tri-oval lawn in doing his victory donuts [at Daytona]. "Hey, that's pretty cool. That's a E if you turn it around. I never did donuts before so I didn't want to do it on pavement because I was afraid I didn't know how. I figured any idiot could do them in the grass. So I just went out there and did me a couple. I never was a donut guy. I just thought you ought to win and go into victory lane."(Florida Today)(7-9-2002)
Busch in trouble at Daytona UPDATE comments: #97-Kurt Busch had on one-lap penalty for passing under caution turn into a four-lap nightmare during Saturday night's Pepsi 400. During a pit stop early in the race while trying to enter his pit stall, Busch collided with Robby Gordon, who was exiting his pit. Busch received some damage to his #97 Ford and had to pit again, but ran the stop paddle at the end of pit toad. Incensed at getting the one-lap penalty, Busch ripped off a tirade of words over his radio directed toward NASCAR officials. NASCAR didn't take kindly to the words and issued a three-lap penalty for "unsportsmanlike conduct on the radio.(ThatsRacin.com)(7-7-2002) UPDATE: Statement from Kurt Busch Regarding Penalties for During Saturday`s Pepsi 400: "To NASCAR, my sponsor, my team, and to all of the fans I extend my sincerest apologies for my anguish and temper that I expressed over the radio during the Pepsi 400 at Daytona International Speedway this past Saturday night. Racing in Winston Cup is a dream come true for me, and I can't thank NASCAR, Roush Racing, and Newell Rubbermaid enough for helping my realize that dream. I let my temper get the best of me the other night and the way I handled it was not in any way appropriate, and for that I'm truly sorry."(Roush Racing)(7-9-2002)
Stewart races in Indiana UPDATE: Citing a chance to return to his midget car roots, NASCAR Winston Cup Series driver Tony Stewart will race at Angell Park Speedway in Sun Prairie, WI on July 7th in the Showdown at the Prairie. Stewart, who was inducted into the National Midget Auto Racing Hall of Fame last year at Angell Park, will compete in the midgets portion of the showdown. He will drive the same Stealth midget car he drove to victory Jan. 12 at the Chili Bowl Nationals in Tulsa, OK. UPDATE: Tony Stewart took home a souvenir Sunday from his visit to Angell Park Speedway. It was a T-shirt emblazoned with the name and car of a hometown driver who beat him. Sun Prairie's Brandon Waelti won the 25-lap midgets feature at the Showdown at the Prairie, trading the lead with A.J. Fike and passing him for good on lap 19. He held a .54-second margin of victory over
Fike. Stewart started 22nd in the 23-car field, passed six cars on the first lap and eventually finished ninth on the third-mile clay oval. Stewart and CTS regular Jason Leffler drove for car owner Keith Kunz of Columbus, IN. Leffler, who was only slated to run in the midgets feature, retired after flipping his car in turn one on the ninth lap. Stewart conducted an autograph session before practice, but declined interview requests. He won the first midget heat on the race program. Despite the fact that Stewart started on the outside front row for the sprints event, polesitter J.J. Yeley dominated the 24-car field. Stewart bolted to the lead on the first turn of the race, but Yeley
took over on the fourth lap and never looked back. With several lapped cars between the two drivers, Yeley steered to a 5.67-second lead at one point and held on for a 3.28-second margin of victory. Attendance: Angell Park race organizer Les McBurney said approximately 5,000 spectators were in attendance. The track has a seating capacity of 6,000.(Capital Times)(7-9-2002)
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Kerry Earnhardt to run at Talladega: FitzBradshaw Racing announced Friday that they will field the #83 RacingUSA.com Chevrolet Monte Carlo in the EA Sports 500 at Talladega Superspeedway on October 6, 2002.(FitzBradshaw Racing Site)(7-6-2002) IMAGES see images of the car from a press conference at Daytona on my Paint Scheme Gallery.(7-8-2002)
Geoffrey adds Richmond race to schedule: quote from Bodine: "The Miccosukee Indian Gaming Motorsports Group has signed on to sponsor us for Richmond. They also plan to field a Craftsman Truck entry for Barry at Homestead as well as Busch and #09 Winston Cup entries for me. We will have more details soon. I want to thank everyone for their support. We will be testing new race cars at Indy on July 15th and 16th, and feel very positive about our performance there."(Geoffrey Bodine Fan Club site)(7-8-2002)
Dale Jr still has contract to sign...but don't look for him to leave DEI: Though you figure #8-Dale Earnhardt Jr. has better job security than most drivers in the Winston Cup garage, including teammates Steve Park and Pepsi 400 winner Michael Waltrip, Junior's contract is up for renewal -- and he hasn't signed a deal. Junior says he has been offered a contract and will "make a few changes" before he returns it, which he says should take a couple of weeks. "I'm a little slow about it, but I just want to make sure that it's cool," he says. "I've thought about driving for other teams, just always wondered what that would be like. But I always drove for my father or in a roundabout way drove for him." As the most marketable driver in NASCAR, Junior could write his own ticket, but for now he says he feels it is his duty "to stay with DEI and try to become a bigger part of that company." One carrot DEI is dangling in front of Junior is part-ownership in a Busch Series team with Teresa Earnhardt, his stepmother and CEO of DEI. Junior says he thinks the experience will prepare him to take a more significant managerial role at DEI in the future.(Sporting News)(7-8-2002)
Safety Issue at Tracks? NASCAR and Daytona officials will have to look very carefully this week at the safety operations at the track, because Saturday's performance was not the finest hour for safety men, who left Brett Bodine's fiery wreckage to burn to the ground and who couldn't even find Dale Jarrett until he had already walked halfway back to the Winston Cup garage. It was an angry Jarrett who waved off the ambulance that finally reached him while he was well down the frontstretch, away from the crash site. It's a good thing those two guys weren't seriously injured. If NASCAR is going to continue running races at Daytona and Talladega that inevitably lead to mammoth wrecks, the sanctioning body should ensure that those tracks have adequate and trained safety personnel. AND NASCAR and Daytona executives will have to assess this week the ugly finish to Saturday's race, when a number of fans in the second turn grandstands rained debris on the track while the cars were still running the final laps under caution. A number of drivers returned to the garage with cars dented by the flying debris. While the track's perimeter security posts were well-manned, with men inspecting bags and car trunks, it is unclear just how many security people were working the grandstands. That dangerous deluge of cans and apparently some bottles during the final miles will certainly be a hot topic inside NASCAR headquarters here this week. Some drivers were outraged by the most irate spectators in the final moments. Others were angry too, but were still so shocked they didn't know quite what to make of it, or quite what to say.(Winston Salem Journal)(7-8-2002)
No Petree/Jones 'merger'? BUT: The shape of Andy Petree's operation next season has been the subject of considerable debate the past two months, as Petree negotiates with Jerry Jones of the Dallas Cowboys. However, there are signs that a merger, which once seemed so promising, might not happen at all. There have been reports that the negotiations aren't going that well. Now there are reports that the operation will likely get Robert Yates' engines, and Ricky Rudd is considered at the top of Jones' list of potential drivers. Rudd's other two offers are figured to be with Chip Ganassi's third Dodge team and with a DEI's Chevy team. Where that leaves Petree, of course, is unclear. And where it leaves driver Bobby Hamilton [says he is not returning, see story below] and crew chief Jimmy Elledge is equally unclear. There are signs that Elledge might move back to the Yates camp for the 2003 season. And there are indications that Hamilton will have to sign on with a Dodge Winston Cup team if he is to keep Dodge's support of his NASCAR truck-series operation; if so, keep an eye on Hamilton, Petty Enterprises and Ganassi.(Winston Salem Journal)(7-7-2002) BUT: NASCAR team owner Andy Petree says he and Cowboys owner Jerry Jones are "a week or so away" from formally announcing their new Winston Cup partnership. "We're trying to get all the details worked out of our deal," Petree said in the garage area of the Daytona International Speedway before Saturday night's Pepsi 400. "We're close to making an announcement. But I'd rather save that and make some impact, if and when we do." Petree did say that contrary to reports in various media, he has not decided to field Fords beginning in 2003. And Petree said the team definitely will not move from Hendersonville, N.C., to the sport's hub of Charlotte/Concord, NC. "I know it's taken a lot longer for us to get this thing done than I'd like," said Petree, who has been negotiating with Jones since February. "The fact is, we don't have anything that we can formally announce at this second. It's going to be soon. We're still a week or so away." Petree speculated, however, that the announcement could be made as late as the Brickyard 400 at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway the weekend of Aug. 2-4, to maximize national exposure. Petree, whose team has struggled to secure sponsorship to run a full-time two-car operation this season, competed in the Pepsi 400 with the #55 Schneider Electric Chevy driven by Bobby Hamilton and the #33 1-800-CALL-ATT Chevy driven by Mike Wallace. A Chevrolet loyalist, Petree said he "got into trouble" with GM Racing executives following a published report last month that he was going to join the Ford Taurus camp next year. "I do have a good relationship with GM," said Petree, who is the "A" part of the RAD program that also includes Cup team owner Richard Childress and Dale Earnhardt Inc. The three Chevy teams have shared a variety of aerodynamic information while developing the Monte Carlo, especially for carburetor restrictor-plate tracks like the high-banked, 2.5-mile DIS. "If this thing does turn out not to be with GM, I'd rather be the one to kind of tell 'em," Petree said. "And that's a big 'if.' If it's going to be a Ford team, we'll tell you. Right now, we don't know. And there's no doubt we are considering if it's going to be a Ford team or not." Petree, 43, was adamant that the team would not relocate from its current base. "We're in Hendersonville," said Petree, who won his first two races as a car owner last year with Hamilton and Joe Nemechek. "I've heard those rumors all over the place. I don't know what they are or where they came from." Petree said he would prefer to run a two-car operation full-time next year, but that "some details" needed to be worked out. A Cup car owner since 1997, Petree was crew chief for seven-time series champion Dale Earnhardt's Cup-winning seasons at Richard Childress Racing in 1993 and 1994. As a crew chief, Petree has earned 25 Cup victories and 10 pole positions. Earlier this week here, veteran driver Ricky Rudd confirmed that he had met with Jones and Petree in Dallas shortly after winning the Dodge/Save Mart 350 at Sonoma, Calif., on June 23. "That's OK if Ricky said that," Petree said of the meeting. "I didn't say that." Rudd said he was impressed with the plan the new partners mapped out for him. Rudd, 45, has set a self-imposed deadline of July 15 to make a decision on his racing future.(Fort Worth Star Telegram)(7-7-2002) AND Owner Andy Petree and Ricky Rudd were spotted together at Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport on their way back from Sears Point. Speculation is that Rudd is a leading candidate to drive one of the cars in a possible deal between Petree and Cowboys owner Jerry Jones, and principals from the Jones camp were in Daytona last weekend. Rudd says he presented a contract offer to Robert Yates to stay in the No. 28 Ford beyond 2002 but is considering other offers because he did not receive a solid response. Rudd might get more money signing with Jones/Petree, but he wouldn't have a chance to win a championship with a start-up team.(Sporting News)(7-8-2002)
