Elliott Dominates the Brickyard 400: #9-Bill Elliott won the Brickyard 400 at Indianapolis Motor Speedway, his first win at the hallowed track, his 2nd win in a row, 2nd win of 2002 and 43rd career win for Elliott and moves up into 6th in Drivers Points. Elliott became the first driver to win the Brickyard 400 from the front row (started 2nd). By winning last week's race at Pocono and this weeks Brickyard 400, Elliott also scored his first set of back-to-back victories since March 1992. #2-Rusty Wallace finished 2nd, the third time he finished 2nd at the Brickyard 400. The final top ten finishers, caution info, lap leaders, and Jayski Notes on my Brickyard 400 Race Info page Race Results at:ThatsRacin.com or NASCAR.com.(8-4-2002)
Starr to Cup/Petree/Jones in 2003? CTS driver David Starr said he has been contacted about the driver's vacancy on the NASCAR team being assembled by Cowboys owner Jerry Jones and current Winston Cup [#33, #55] team owner Andy Petree. Ricky Rudd, the team's first choice, apparently is preparing to sign with car owner Chip Ganassi for 2003. Starr, a regular in the CTS, said Cowboys marketing executive John Hickman attended Friday night's race at Indianapolis Raceway Park. Starr finished 34th in that event and fell from second to seventh in the points chase after, ironically, crashing with Petree's truck. Starr said Hickman recently told him to expect a call from Petree, who has yet to officially announce the structure of his partnership with Jones. "You could say I'm still a candidate," said Starr, who is in his first year of driving full time for truck owner Wayne Spears. "It all depends on how my season ends up. I might want to stay in the Truck Series another year and get some more experience. It wouldn't be a dumb move on my part. Right now, I'm just focused on trying to win this championship."(Fort Worth Star Telegram)(8-4-2002)
Talladega Test in two weeks? UPDATE: NASCAR officials reportedly have scheduled a major test at Talladega within the next two weeks, a test that is being described by some NASCAR sources as a mandatory test for stock-car tour teams. NASCAR officials could not be reached last night for confirmation or comment. It is unclear just what might be on the testing agenda. According to one source it could be the proposed smaller fuel cells, holding 11 to 13 gallons of gas instead of the regular 22; smaller tanks would force teams to make more pit stops, presumably spreading out the field. However, according to another source it could be a new smaller cubic inch engine, something like the 3.5-liter normally aspirated V-8 used in the Indy 500 and other Indy Racing League events. Such an engine would be half the size of the current 358 cubic inch behemoths, which produce over 750 horsepower unrestricted. NASCAR has been using restrictor plates on its Talladega and Daytona motors since 1988 to cut that horsepower back to about 420.(Winston Salem Journal)(8-3-2002) UPDATE:NASCAR offered no official word on the proposed Talladega test later this month, and many teams were unaware the plans. It's still unclear what's going on, but one NASCAR source indicated the test had tentatively been set for Aug. 13. Teams are five races in to a stretch of 20 in a row, and they are expected to be less than enthusiastic about any such test. NASCAR tried to schedule a Daytona-Talladega test, as a Daytona 500 preview, last December, but received such a negative response from teams that the test was cancelled.(Winston Salen Journal)(8-4-2002)
Glover being honered at Indy: Tony Glover, a team manager at Chip Ganassi Racing, will be presented Sunday with the "True Grit" award for contributions to the sport. Glover, a longtime crew chief who won the Daytona 500 twice before moving into management when he helped launch Ganassi's NASCAR teams two years ago, gets a $10,000 award from C & R Racing. "The cool thing is that my name is going to be on a trophy over in the Hall of Fame," Glover said. "I'll go over and see that a few times." The soft-spoken Glover was almost embarrassed over the award. He shied away from Ganassi when the car owner began chanting "Hall of Fame" to him. The award, started five years ago by former Indy car mechanic Chris Paulsen, honors non-drivers for achievement, excellence in preparation and management, and dedication to working on race cars. C & R gives out a similar award during the Indianapolis 500.(ThatsRacin.com/AP)(8-4-2002)
MB2 and McDonald's in 2003? The MB2 team, which will lose long-time sponsor M&M Mars to [Robert] Yates after this season, is looking for new backing but does not seem to be in a panic. GM Jay Frye says several major companies are inquiring, and that the sponsor environment is full-speed-ahead. He admits, however, that sponsorship to replace M&Ms may not become available until later in the year, making the possibility of keeping the present group together chancy. Frye noted that the M&Ms deal, with his team since 1996, would kick up by about $5m in proceeding to the Yates level, which would suggest a bank account at about $16m for Yates. One of the companies mentioned as interested is McDonalds, which backed Junior Johnson in the early 1990s. Reportedly, former McDonald's racing advisers (that's the imperial plural) have been rehired as consultants, with an eye to a re-up.(Speed Channel)(8-4-2002)
Stewart and Havoline? in 2004? Sources say this [Silly Season] could get real much uglier next year, when Havoline attempts to conclude an alleged deal with Tony Stewart for 2004, whether that includes Ganassi or not. Word is Havoline and Stewart have at least a handshake for that season. Joe Gibbs team reps say Stewart's contracts (and those of Home Depot and of major players such as Greg Zipadelli, Ronny Crooks and Mark Cronquist) are through 2004. It is not known whether 2004 is an "option" year, and we all know that racing contracts are only as good as the desire (by all parties) to fulfill them. The way the scene reads, Rudd would join Havoline/Ganassi for one year, then retire. Havoline then would put Stewart in the car for 2004 and beyond.(Speed Channel)(8-4-2002)
Park and DEI close? #1-Steve Park has yet to finalize his plans for 2003. In recent weeks, he has been mulling an offer of a one-year contract extension from DEI. "We're not totally locked in yet, but Ty Norris (executive vice president of motorsports at DEI) is doing a good job of making sure that this team runs good and stays together," Park said. "We feel we turned a corner in Pocono with our setups and stuff."(ThatsRacin.com)(8-4-2002)
Grooved Tires in 2003? NASCAR officials are looking into a number of ways to try to cut speeds next season. Among the options, grooved tires.(Winston Salen Journal)(8-4-2002)
(8-3-2002)
Smaller Fuel Tanks at Talladega? UPDATE 3: NASCAR officials are considering requiring smaller gas tanks for the season’s final restrictor-plate race, at Talladega Superspeedway in October. The idea is that, by requiring tanks with a capacity of 13 gallons instead of 22, additional pit stops will create greater space between the cars and reduce the likelihood of multi-car pileups.(Gaston Gazette)(7-29-2002) UPDATE: As expected, earlier this week a NASCAR bulletin informed teams that the teams would have to equip their cars with 13-gallon fuel tanks for the October race at Talladega Superspeedway. The tanks normally hold 22 gallons, and officials apparently think more pit stops – they will seem to be happening constantly — will allow the field to string itself out and lessen the potential for crashes. One question: Why not save the teams some expense and force them to put only one can of fuel, not two, in during stops?(Gaston Gazette)(8-1-2002) UPDATE 2:NASCAR said reports that it would require teams to switch from a 22-gallon gas tank to 13 gallons for the EA Sports Thunder 500 at the Talladega (Ala.) Superspeedway were "not true." Some teams felt the sanctioning body wanted more pit stops during the race to break up the huge pacts of traffic and avoid the 20-car pileups that have become all-too-familiar at the speedway.(Augusta Chroncile)(8-3-2002) UPDATE 3: NASCAR has not mandated any changes in fuel tank capacity for Winston Cup cars in the October race at Talladega, spokeswoman Danielle Frye said Saturday. No bulletins regarding such a change have been issued to Winston Cup teams, Frye said. She called such a change is “an idea” that was being discussed by NASCAR officials. The change, reducing the size of fuel tanks, would apparently help to keep the field more spread out by increasing the number of pit stops. It is hoped that the change would reduce the multicar accidents common in the closely packed racing at Talladega under NASCAR's restrictor-plate rules.(ThatRacin.com)(8-3-2002)
Escape Hatch? #18-Bobby Labonte said the Gibbs team has a solution for getting drivers out of tight-fitting stock cars: Put an escape hatch in the roof, much like drag racing's Funny Cars have.(Indianapolis Star)(8-3-2002)
Sacks New Team to Debut at Lowes in Oct? The first time the FRANCHI$IT race car zips around the track later this year or next, Loren Fossie isn't sure she will be able to watch. While others might want to see spectacular crashes at NASCAR events, Fossie doesn't want a scratch on the brightly colored Chevrolet Monte Carlo. It's different when you have a stake in the ownership of the team. Fossie, who developed the FRANCHI$IT board game that hits the mass market in September, will have her fingers crossed when the car makes its track debut. Fossie has teamed up with veteran driver Greg Sacks to promote her board game. Sacks, who has started 258 Winston Cup Series races, has painted his car with images of FRANCHI$IT, his new sponsor. After Fossie and Sacks agreed on a plan, the FRANCHI$IT car with red, orange, yellow and green decals, was unveiled in Florida in June. On Thursday, the car made an appearance at Burlington County College's Mount Laurel campus. The car could run in the Cup races at Charlotte [Lowes], in October and Homestead in November, Fossie said. A full slate of Winston Cup races is planned for next year and sponsorships are lined up for the next three years. Sacks has the core of his team ready to go, but won't make any announcement because some are currently working for other drivers. The FRANCHI$IT/Sacks Racing team will be based in North Carolina.(Courier-Post), see my #05 Team News and Links page for past news.(8-3-2002)
Product Loyalty with NASCAR fans: According to data compiled by Performance Research of Newport, R.I.
Given the choice of two products of equal cost, 72 percent of stock car fans would nearly always or frequently pick the brand they associate with NASCAR over one that is not.
Forty-six percent would buy a brand costing up to 10 percent more if linked to NASCAR over a less-expensive brand that is not.
Forty-three percent were so influenced by sponsorships that they would switch from their usual grocery store brand to try another linked to the sport, such as Tide or Cheerios.
According to a SponsorEM .com study, fan/product loyalty is highest among NASCAR fans, at 72 percent compared with 52 percent with tennis, 47 percent with golf -- and is twice as strong as that among NFL fans.
Self-expression. Just as fans identify with a driver who fits their values, people identify with a brand that fits who they are as a person.
Group-expression. Buy that case of Bud or box of Tide in the store and you herald your allegiance to a particular driver.
Influencing outcome. Some fans who highly identify with drivers "have this perception that if they buy those products that the company will make more money and give more money to the sponsorship of the athlete," said Christian End, a professor in the psychology department at the University of Missouri in Rolla.
See full story at the Indianapolis Star: NASCAR fans' zeal fuels brand loyalty.(8-3-2002)
Update on Hornish to NASCAR: Indy Racing League champion Sam Hornish Jr. continues to insist there is no update on his prospects of becoming a NASCAR driver soon. But things are still happening behind the scenes. Ty Norris, executive vice president of Dale Earnhardt Inc., said the team is trying to strike a deal with the 22-year-old driver. Discussions are continuing although no contract has been drafted. DEI wants Hornish to share a BGN ride with Dale Earnhardt Jr. in 2003, with up to three Winston Cup races thrown in for 2004. Hornish's five BGN races would come at the end of next year, after his IRL season concludes. "We don't want to do anything to interfere with (the IRL program)," Norris said. "It's better for us if Sam's a three-time (defending) IRL champion." Hornish is 14 points out of the IRL's points lead this season with four races to go. He has a contract with Panther Racing through next season, although he has not responded to the team's contract extension offer, presented last month at Kansas, team general manager John Barnes said Friday.(Indianapolis Star)(8-3-2002)
Harvick after IROC title:IROC Points leader Kevin Harvick will attempt to become the sixth rookie to win the International Race of Champions title during this afternoon's 40-lap/100 mile season-finale. The IROC rookie champions are Mark Donohue (1974), Harry Gant (1985), Al Unser Jr. (1986), Geoffrey Bodine (1987) and Ricky Rudd (1992).(Fort Worth Star Telegram) AND All 11 drivers competing in the IROC have a mathematical chance to win the season title. Harvick, who will start last, is the points leader by 44 points. Al Unser Jr., who won't race while undergoing treatment for an alcohol problem, is five points back and tied with Tony Stewart.(Hoosier Times) The race will run Aug 3rd and be televised Aug 11th on ABC at 5:00pm/et.(8-3-2002)
Just a test - Gordon and Montoya to swap cars UPDATE: F1 BMW Williams driver, Juan Pablo Montoya, is expected to try his hand at the American racing series, NASCAR, when he takes to the wheel of Jeff Gordon's #24 Dupont Chevy on the 12th of August. Meanwhile, Gordon, will take to the BMW Williams F1. Partly sponsored by BMW, Juan Pablo will return to the scene of the Brickyard's oval layout, where he won the Indy 500 back in the year 2000, while Gordon will lap the infield created for the Formula One series.(F1-Live)(8-1-2002) UPDATE: The proposed media event that will have Winston Cup's Jeff Gordon and Formula One's Juan Montoya switching cars for a practice session at the Speedway is having trouble landing a date. The original date was Sept. 30, the day after the U.S. Grand Prix. But Speedway officials wanted to use the ride-swapping session as a promotional tool for the third annual event and pushed for Aug. 12. A spokesperson for General Motors said the August date was good until word of a Montoya conflict came Thursday. The issue has not been resolved. Said Gordon, who very much wants to crawl into an F-1 car: "Let's all keep our fingers crossed."(Indianapolis Star)(8-3-2002)
Rudd to Ganassi, Sadler/M&M's to Yates announcment postponed? UPDATE 2: Ricky Rudd, Chip Ganassi, Robert Yates and Elliott Sadler may have to wait another week to make the official announcements of their plans for next season, because there is apparently a disagreement between Yates and long-time sponsor Texaco [Havoline/Chevron] over the car #28. That has been Yates' number since the late Davey Allison drove for him. However, Texaco executives say that number has been theirs just as long. Yates, Sadler and new sponsor M&Ms had planned to unveil their new car at Indianapolis.(Winston Salem Journal) AND A news conference scheduled by Chip Ganassi Racing for this morning was canceled a couple of days ago, track officials confirmed Thursday. The cancellation leads to speculation that a deal with Ricky Rudd is not yet completed. Published reports state that Ganassi is close to signing Rudd for a third team, and Rudd will be a teammate to points leader Sterling Marlin and Jimmy Spencer.(Roanoke Times) UPDATE: There's widespread speculation that Ricky Rudd is close to signing with Chip Ganassi's Winston Cup team, although he said Friday that nothing has been finalized. "I'm looking for which operation is the best I can go to and win races right out of the box," the 45-year-old Rudd said. "I don't have three years. If it's going to be a two- or three-year building process, well, I don't have two or three years to do that." Rudd currently drives for the Robert Yates team, and a possible hang-up to the deal with Ganassi is the Texaco-Havoline sponsorship and the use of the Yates team's traditional car number 28. "It's not a done deal," Rudd said. "There have been some conversations".(ThatsRacin.com/AP)(8-2-2002) UPDATE 2: Ricky Rudd's deal to move to Chip Ganassi Racing for the 2003 season could be finalized as soon as Saturday.
"It's not a done deal," Rudd said Friday at Indianapolis Motor Speedway. "There have been some conversations trying to get all the details worked out." When asked at midday when an end to the ongoing saga might come, Rudd jokingly looked at his watch and then suggested he might have a deal by late afternoon. But after Friday's Brickyard 400 practice he said nothing would be signed at least until Saturday. Ganassi, who currently fields Dodges for Sterling Marlin and Jimmy Spencer, was coy when asked about rumors he'll add a third team with Rudd for 2003. "(The press) is talking about it more than I am," Ganassi said. "Stay tuned." Rudd said that his current sponsor, Texaco/Havoline, has another year left on its contract with Yates. Though there has been nothing announced, it's apparent that Elliott Sadler has a deal to drive for Yates next season with M&M's as his sponsor, joining Dale Jarrett's UPS-backed team. Rudd has talked about retiring at the end of this season and about trying to keep his current team together, but he said Friday that based on what he has learned in the past few weeks "the Yates deal has never really been an option for me since probably late May." Rudd said he believes legal issues are complicating the disposition of the final year of Texaco/Havoline's deal with Yates. One possible scenario is that the sponsor would go with Rudd to Ganassi's team along with the car number, 28, that has been with Yates since he bought the team from Harry Ranier. That would allow the sponsor to carry over the car owner points amassed by Rudd this season to next year's Dodge effort with Ganassi.(ThatsRacin.com)(8-3-2002)
Car# could be the holdup for Sadler/M&M's announcement/Stricklin could stay in the #23 if a sponsor is found: Sources said that 'a roadblock' had sprung up in the negotiations and that it was unclear if the problem was squabbling over car numbers or if the problem was related to contract problems between Yates and incoming sponsor M&M Mars. Mike Brown, general manager for Bill Davis, said, "We're the holdup. The guy at M&Ms likes number 27, but that's our number, for Scott Wimmer. Let them use number 89 or something." Brown and Davis, of course, have to worry about Hut Stricklin's place next season with the High Point team. Brown said that Hills Brothers may leave the Stricklin team next year as the primary sponsor, and the team would have to find a sponsor to keep Stricklin with the team. "We're not opposed to that," Brown said, "but it's a question of whether the pieces will come together."(Winston Salem Journal)(8-3-2002)
Pocono TV Ratings: NASCAR scored big Sunday on cable TV, even with wrecks, reds, and rain. The broadcast scored a 5.0 cable rating for TNT, down 4% from last year's 5.2. However, this is a solid number given the circumstances. The strange twists meant that four parts of the NASCAR telecast finished in the top six programs for the week on cable TV. Nielsen said the race had a 4.1 household rating, representing 4,275,000 households, making it the #1 program on basic cable for the week for the second week in a row. The post-race show was #2 at 3,899,000 households. The track repair segment was #4 on cable with 3,762,000 households, and the rain delay was #6, drawing 3,430,000 households. WWE programming finished #3 and #5, with Spongebob getting seven spots in the top 15.(MotorsportsTV.com)(8-3-2002)
Martin to be inducted into Talladega-Texaco Walk of Fame: Mark Martin heads the list of the inductees in this year’s Talladega-Texaco Walk of Fame located at Davey Allison Memorial Park in uptown Talladega. Martin led the fans’ vote for active driver to be inducted into the Walk of Fame. Two other men included in that list of NASCAR’s 50 Greatest Drivers will also be inducted into the Talladega-Texaco Walk of Fame as the inactive drivers of 2002. Robert “Red” Byron and Bobby Isaac led the fans’ vote in that category. The 2002 induction ceremony will be held on Saturday, Oct. 5, at the Davey Allison Memorial Park in uptown Talladega, a block south of the town square. The annual induction ceremony takes place on Saturday night during the EA SPORTS' 500 Weekend at Talladega Superspeedway. The ceremony and all festivities – including a concert – are free to the public. Find out more about the Talladega/Texaco Walk of Fame on www.talladegawalk.com (u can buy a brick). The Talladega/Texaco Walk of Fame was created in 1994 after the death of Davey Allison. Since 1995, one active driver and two inactive drivers have been inducted into the Walk of Fame based on the fans’ vote.(Talladega Superspeedway PR)(8-3-2002)
Stewart in the booth for BGN races: Tony Stewart will join the NASCAR on TNT telecast team for three BGN races, beginning with the Midas presents NASCAR Busch Series Racing from Indy this Saturday, August 3, at 8:00pm/et on TNT. Stewart will join TNT play-by-play announcer Allen Bestwick and analyst Benny Parsons in the booth. This is the fourth time Stewart has worked behind the microphone for TNT, most recently in Daytona for the network's 2002 Speedweek coverage. In addition, Stewart will also join the booth for the BGN races in Michigan and Charlotte. He will also make two additional appearances on TNT, with those appearances still to be determined.(Turner PR)(8-3-2002)
Chevy Templates being made: NASCAR officials are making templates for the new Chevrolet, which will debut next season. The car, which was tested at Atlanta earlier this week [by Terry Labonte], is expected to be approved soon.(Roanoke Times)(8-3-2002)
(8-2-2002)
2003 Pontiac Unveiled at Indy: Pontiac officials unveiled the 2003 Pontiac Grand Prix race car on Thursday to members of the media. The car will debut in the 2003 Daytona 500. "The excitement level surrounding NASCAR and Winston Cup racing just keeps getting higher and higher," said Pontiac-GMC General Manager Lynn Myers, "and Pontiac intends to be right in the middle of it. This new race car is additional proof that we are committed to supplying the necessary resources for our Pontiac teams to compete for the championship." The new design is the culmination of many months of work and cooperation between Pontiac racing engineers, NASCAR and members of the teams that will be racing the new cars, including Winston Cup driver Johnny Benson's MBV Motorsports team, whose [#10 Valvoline] car was on display Thursday. "We've been working on this race car for over a year now and it's a great feeling to be able to show it to the rest of the world today," said James Ince, Benson's crew chief. "For us, the new Grand Prix is something to look forward to. We know that we are going to have to work extremely hard to get the new car ready, but it's also going to be something that gives us the opportunity to go and win races, and that's the business we're in." The new Pontiac is somewhat shaped like its Ford and Dodge competitors but features a much more pronounced nose section and many of the trademark Pontiac features found on the current Grand Prix model.(ThatsRacin.com)(8-2-2002)
from MBV Motorsports
Penske to Dodge? may be true after all UPDATE: A Penske Racing South official said the organization is still talking with Dodge about a potential switch from Fords to Intrepids for Rusty Wallace and Ryan Newman next year. At this point, there is no clear favorite, though speculation remains that it will take a blockbuster offer for the teams to switch.(Winston Cup Scene - need subscription to read online)(8-1-2002) UPDATE: from a DW column on Foxsports: "I firmly believe that Indiana native Ryan Newman, two-time Brickyard 400 runner up Rusty Wallace and Penske Racing will switch to Dodge next year based on what I know and what I've been told. There's some pretty extensive testing going on, and I don't believe they'd be doing the kind of testing that they're doing if they weren't pretty serious about making the switch so it wouldn't come as a big surprise to me. I'd give it a 98.9 percent chance that it could happen. That's going out on a limb a little bit. I know the Penske shop has got a good relationship with Ford, but just keep an eye on that situation because I've got a gut feeling that that could happen."(FoxSports)(8-2-2002)
Bill Elliott's future? Like Ricky Rudd, who is also looking toward the final years of a great career, Elliott is pondering what next. "I've really made no concrete decisions," Elliott said. "I've got another year on my contract, with another two-year option after that. Depending on how I feel next year, that will decide what I do. Right now I want to focus on the rest of this season.(Winston Salem Journal)(8-2-2002)
DEI and BDR switch? Park to Davis? Wallace to DEI? BUT this is different.......now comes word of a behind-the-scenes deal between Bill Davis Racing and Dale Earnhardt Inc. - a deal which would put Kenny Wallace in the DEI cars that Steve Park currently drives [#1 Pennzoil Chevy] and put Park in some of Davis' cars [#23 or #27], to work with Tommy Baldwin, who was his crew chief on the Busch North Series. Wallace would bring Stacker2 to DEI, and Pennzoil would go with Park to Davis. But the whole thing may be too complicated to put together. A few weeks ago Buckshot Jones made a hard run at landing a ride for next season with Davis. Then two weeks ago Kenny Wallace, with $11 million of sponsorship from Stacker2, appeared headed to Davis.(Winston Salem Journal) BUT Kenny Wallace appears to be the leading candidate to replace Hut Stricklin in the #23 Dodge at Bill Davis Racing. Mike Brown, team manager at Bill Davis Racing, said an announcement could come in about two weeks. He said published reports that Steve Park will be driving for Davis next season aren't true. "We've talked to Steve about driving for us, but we haven't offered him a contract," Brown said.(Atlanta Journal-Constitution)(8-2-2002) UPDATE: A spokesman for team owner Bill Davis said Steve Park hasn't been offered a contract for 2002, but Davis wants him if sponsorship comes through. Mike Brown, the team's general manager, said Davis and Park have talked at length about Park replacing Hut Stricklin in the #23 Dodge. But Brown said it would be "premature" to assume the deal has been done.(Daily Press)(8-2-2002)
Coors re-ups with Ganassi: Sterling Marlin locked up his primary sponsor through 2005 when Coors Brewing Co. signed a three-year extension on the #40 Dodge Intrepid. Coors has been with Marlin since 1998, continuing the relationship after car owner Chip Ganassi bought the team from Felix Sabates two years ago.(ThatsRacin.com/AP)(8-2-2002)
Hubert in the #23 at The Glen? hearing Tom Hubert will drive the #23 Hills Bros Dodge at Watkins Glen.(7-31-2002) UPDATE: been told that Hubert will NOT drive the #23 at Watkins Glen, assuming Stricklin will drive the car.(8-1-2002) UPDATE 2: been told one again, that Hubert WILL drive the #23 at Watkins Glen, at this point, be best to wait for something official.(8-2-2002)
SAFER at Daytona in 2003? The University of Nebraska researcher who headed development of the SAFER barrier system says the energy-absorbing system could be in place at Daytona International Speedway in time for the Daytona 500 next February. The steel-and-foam system first was used at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway for the Indianapolis 500 in May and will be in place for the Brickyard 400 this weekend. The barrier would be more difficult to install on a high-banked track such as Daytona, but inventor Dean Sicking told the Dallas Morning News that he is "very hopeful" such issues will soon be overcome.(Milwaukee Journal Sentinel)(8-2-2002)
Sad News: Former Charlotte Observer sports reporter Dan Lohwasser died Wednesday after a bout with cancer. Mr. Lohwasser, 53, left The Observer in 1986 to work for Charlotte's Muhleman Marketing and was hired by Hendrick Motorsports in 1998 as the company's marketing director. Visitation is Monday from 6:00 - 10:00pm at the Heritage Funeral Home's Weddington Chapel, 3700 Forest Lawn Dr. Funeral services will be Tuesday at 2 p.m. at Covenant Presbyterian Church.(ThatsRacin.com)(8-2-2002)
All-Star Race Results and news: I-55 Raceway, the dirt track Ken Schrader owns in Pevely, Mo., hosted an all-star race Wednesday night that included Schrader, Kyle Petty, Bill Elliott, Dale Earnhardt Jr., Steve Park and Mike Wallace, all driving dirt modifieds. Schrader was hopeful the 10-lap shootout would race over $100,000 for Petty’s Victory Junction Gang youth camp in Randleman. Earnhardt and Park made the trip despite the aftereffects of the devastating first-lap crash at Pocono last week.(Gaston Gazette) AND results from I-55 speedway wed July 31 in 10 lap nascar feature
1st Bill Elliott
2nd Ken Schrader
3rd Steve Park
4th Kyle Petty
5th Dale Earnhardt Jr.
6th Mike Wallace (after hitting the turn 1 wall and rolling completely over, Wallace continued and stayed on the lead lap with a broken car--right rear shock dragging.(8-2-2002)
TRAC series tests at Lowes: earlier this week, TRAC series cars tested at Lowe's Motor Speedway with Boris Said and Tony Ave driving the cars. It was reported that the series is on track for its April 2003 debut.(ESPN2's RPM 2 Night)(8-2-2002)
Sabates House Burns UPDATE: A $2 million home under construction in southeast Charlotte burned down early Wednesday morning, one month before a prominent local businessman was to move in. Flames broke out at the home at 7414 Baltusrol Lane around 5 a.m. The 10,000 square feet home is owned by racing team {part owner of Chip Ganassi Racing with Flex Sabates #40 and #41 cars] owner Felix Sabates, who also owns a part of the Charlotte Checkers hockey team.
It took nearly three dozen firefighters about 90 minutes to contain the blaze, but not before the roof caved in, according to Charlotte Fire Captain Rob Brisley. No one was injured in the fire. Sabates says this was going to be his family's " last house," so he's upset about ehf fire, but glad no one was hurt. He says he spent a year-and-a-half building the home. Around 5 a.m., a neighbor told police he woke up to the sound of a ringing doorbell. When he answered the door, he found a man, who told him that the house next door was on fire and to call 911. The neighbor never saw the guy again, and authorities have no idea who he was, or what he was doing in the neighborhood at that hour. Arson investigators are now on the scene, looking for a cause of the fire and talking with construction crews who were building the house.(nbc6.com)(7-31-2002) UPDATE: A fire that destroyed a $2.5 million home being built for NASCAR team co-owner Felix Sabates was intentionally set and may be connected to other unsolved arson cases, fire officials said. The home was engulfed in flames just after 5:00am/et Wednesday. The house was about 30 days from completion and unoccupied at the time. On Thursday, Charlotte Chief Fire Investigator David Lowery said accidental ignition sources had been eliminated. He said the front door of the home was open and a padlock had been removed, but declined to reveal other evidence suggesting arson. "I don't know what to think," Sabates said after hearing the fire was intentionally set. "Hopefully, it's a random thing. I don't know of anyone who would want to hurt me or my wife." The Charlotte (N.C.) Fire Investigation Task Force is investigating whether the blaze is connected to other intentionally set fires at vacant or partially built homes in the surrounding area. Lowery said investigators are looking closely at three or four unsolved fires set at unfinished homes in southeast Charlotte last year. Lowery said Wednesday's fire was started inside the 10,000-square-foot house and spread through the attic and roof before being noticed. Flames were shooting through the roof when firefighters arrived. Residents reported seeing a man who doesn't live in the neighborhood about the time of the fire, but fire officials had no description of him. Lowery said investigators are interviewing contractors, subcontractors and laborers who worked on Sabates' house and others nearby. He also said nothing outside the house indicates that it belongs to Sabates, so it is unlikely the person who set the fire knew who owned it. Sabates said he was at the house near Quail Hollow Country Club the night before the fire to look at wallpaper recently hung in his home office. He said he secured the front door with a padlock when he left. The padlock was gone when firefighters arrived, but its key was still in its hiding spot, an electrical box on the front porch. Sabates said anyone who required access to the house knew where to find the key. He and Chip Ganassi own a Winston Cup racing team that fields cars for Sterling Marlin and Jimmy Spencer. Sabates is also part owner of the Checkers, Charlotte's minor-league hockey team. He was an original investor in the Hornets. At a news conference Thursday afternoon, police and fire officials announced a $10,000 reward offered by the N.C. Arson Awareness Council for information leading to an arrest. They said anyone who might have information should call Crime Stoppers at (704) 334-1600. Fire officials estimate the fire caused $1.6 million in damage to the house in 7400 block of Baltusrol Lane. Sabates said he plans to rebuild - hopefully in time for the Wachovia Championship, a PGA Tour event scheduled at the country club in mid-May. "I have a perfect view," he said.(Charlotte Observer)(8-2-2002)
(8-1-2002)
DMP on the #8 - been asked, didn't know, here ya are: Oh, By the Way II on Dale's DMP: What was that DMP on the left front corner of Dale Jr's nose when he returned to the racetrack after his first lap wreck with teammate Steve Park at Pocono? What was that all about? It didn't say B-U-D. It said D-M-P. They had to spray it on there with a spray gun. It was a very obvious tip of the cap to his friends, the crew he rolls with at home in Charlotte, the "Dirty Mo Posse."(FoxSports/DW) and also hearing it is "Da Mooresville Posse".(8-1-2002)
The DMP painted on the repaired from fender/bumper at Pocono, from Tom at Rappy's
Nemechek not in the #25 after 2002 UPDATE: FSN's Totally NASCAR reports that Joe Nemechek will not be back in the #25 Hendrick Motorsports Chevy in 2003.(7-24-2002) UPDATE: If Nemechek can turn his luck around, there's no reason why he wouldn't be on the short list, still the rumor mill is spinning with names like Steve Park and Bobby Labonte [for the #25 Hendrick Motorsports ride]. But it's too early to speculate.(Sporting News), looks like if things get better for Nemechek is a candidate for the #25 ride in 2003, but unlikely. Sources tell me Park either stays with the #1 DEI car or goes to Bill Davis. Do not see Labonte leaving Joe Gibbs Racing, plus his contract is thru 2004.(8-1-2002)
2nd Foyt car enters the Brickyard 400: A.J. Foyt has hired P.J. Jones, son of 1963 Indianapolis 500 winner Parnelli Jones, to drive the #50 Conseco Pontiac in the Brickyard 400. Foyt contacted Jones, who was in town to drive in tonight's USAC Silver Crown feature at Indianapolis Raceway Park, and reached an agreement earlier today. Foyt will file the second entry tomorrow at the track. Mike Wallace is slated to drive the No. #Conseco Pontiac in his second race for Foyt. "Originally, I had planned to run two cars at Indy, which was why Mike Wallace tested here a couple weeks ago in the #50 Conseco car," Foyt said. "After Stacy Compton was released, I decided to run just one car but that became an issue for NASCAR. They told me yesterday that they were going to penalize my team quite heavily because they thought I was trying to get around the limited testing issue. Well, that was the last thing on my mind, but I told Mike Hillman [crew chief] to enter the second car. I called P.J. about driving it and he said he'd love to. "I considered hiring his dad Parnelli but I couldn't get him off the golf course," Foyt joked about his longtime rival and good friend who retired from driving race cars in the 70's. "I am excited about this opportunity to run at the Brickyard, even if it came at the last minute," Jones, from Torrance, Calif., said. "We'd like to be more prepared but we'll just do the best we can. It'll be fun to drive for A.J. at Indy." Jones, 33, did run a stock car here at the first open test in 1994, but did not compete in the inaugural Brickyard 400 in 1994 (although Foyt did for what turned out to be his last Winston Cup race). Jones started racing midgets and sprint cars in California in the late 1980s. Dan Gurney hired Jones to race in the IMSA GTP series in 1992, and Jones won five races in two seasons, including an overall victory in the Rolex 24 in 1993 at Daytona. He also ran six races for the Melling Racing team that year, with a best finish of 9th at Watkins Glen. Jones concentrated on NASCAR racing in 1994, winning twice in the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series. He returned to Gurney's All-American Racers team in 1996 to drive in CART, staying there until 1999. Jones joined Patrick Racing in 1999, earning a career-best second-place finish at Nazareth Speedway. Since 1999, he has raced in the NASCAR Busch Series and in selected USAC Silver Crown Series events. He finished fourth in the Silver Crown feature at the Copper World Indy 200 in March at Phoenix International Raceway. Jones will race at IRP tonight and strap into the #50 Conseco Pontiac tomorrow afternoon when the Winston Cup teams practice for Saturday's qualifying session.(A.J. Foyt Racing PR)(8-1-2002)
Just a test - Gordon and Montoya to swap cars: F1 BMW Williams driver, Juan Pablo Montoya, is expected to try his hand at the American racing series, NASCAR, when he takes to the wheel of Jeff Gordon's #24 Dupont Chevy on the 12th of August. Meanwhile, Gordon, will take to the BMW Williams F1. Partly sponsored by BMW, Juan Pablo will return to the scene of the Brickyard's oval layout, where he won the Indy 500 back in the year 2000, while Gordon will lap the infield created for the Formula One series.(F1-Live)(8-1-2002)
Smaller Fuel Tanks at Talladega? UPDATE: NASCAR officials are considering requiring smaller gas tanks for the season’s final restrictor-plate race, at Talladega Superspeedway in October. The idea is that, by requiring tanks with a capacity of 13 gallons instead of 22, additional pit stops will create greater space between the cars and reduce the likelihood of multi-car pileups.(Gaston Gazette)(7-29-2002) UPDATE: As expected, earlier this week a NASCAR bulletin informed teams that the teams would have to equip their cars with 13-gallon fuel tanks for the October race at Talladega Superspeedway. The tanks normally hold 22 gallons, and officials apparently think more pit stops – they will seem to be happening constantly — will allow the field to string itself out and lessen the potential for crashes. One question: Why not save the teams some expense and force them to put only one can of fuel, not two, in during stops?(Gaston Gazette)(8-1-2002)
Testing at Darlington: The following teams are scheduled to test at Darlington Raceway:
August 6 and 7, ]BGN] Evans Motorsports, #7-Randy LaJoie
August 13 and 14, Evernham Motorsports, #19-Jeremy Mayfield and the Dew Crew
August 20 and 21, Roush Racing, #17-Matt Kenseth, Hendrick Motorsports, #5-Terry Labonte
(Darlington Raceway PR)(8-1-2002)
Benny Pays Up: Benny Parsons has had a long standing bet that if any Pit Crew can do a four tire pit stop under 13.00 seconds in competition that he would pay all seven members of the crew 100 dollars each [total $700]. Last week at Pocono Benny Parsons had to pay up. The # 55 Schneider Electric Pit Crew busted off a 12.95 second Pit Stop back in June at the Michigan International Speedway. Benny Parsons reviewed the tape and agreed that the stop was legit. The # 55 Schneider Electric Pit Crew is the first team to take the money from Benny.(National Association of Pit Crew Members PR)(I had just assumed it was for a race NBC/TNT covered with Benny in the booth)(8-1-2002)
Park to Davis? UPDATE: Bill Davis confirmed last week that Hut Stricklin won't return to the #23 Dodge next year. (Neither will Hills Brothers Coffee, by the way). On Sunday, the long-time team owner said Steve Park will replace Stricklin in the stable that also includes Ward Burton.(Daily Press), also hearing Tom Hubert will drive the #23 Hills Bros Dodge at Watkins Glen.(7-31-2002) UPDATE: been told that Hubert will NOT drive the #23 at Watkins Glen, assuming Stricklin will drive the car.(8-1-2002) UPDATE 2: also hearing that both Park and Kenny Wallace could be coming aboard, making it a three car team and keeping Scott Wimmer in the Busch Series for another year.(8-1-2002)
Penske to Dodge? may be true after all: A Penske Racing South official said the organization is still talking with Dodge about a potential switch from Fords to Intrepids for Rusty Wallace and Ryan Newman next year. At this point, there is no clear favorite, though speculation remains that it will take a blockbuster offer for the teams to switch.(Winston Cup Scene - need subscription to read online)(8-1-2002)
de Bidart Angry About Wallace’s Plans: Kenny Wallace says that he and sponsor Stacker2 are on their way to Bill Davis Racing and the Winston Cup circuit in 2003, and Innovative Motorsports owner George de Bidart is not happy about it. Stacker2 officials have told de Bidart the company will return, reportedly with a different product, to his team next year for a second Busch Series season. He’s also on the lookout for a veteran driver to replace Wallace next year. Still, the Winston Cup program he’d been planning won’t come to fruition, and when de Bidart and Wallace spoke by telephone July 18, the Winston-Salem, N.C.-based team owner expressed his profound displeasure with the turn of events. Despite their differences, de Bidart vows to keep Wallace in his car through the end of the year because of his commitment to Stacker2 and the effort they’ve put into promoting the driver. Likewise, Wallace not only insists his team won’t fall into a lame-duck funk, but he guarantees a win with de Bidart before the end of the year.(Winston Cup Scene - need subscription to read online)(8-1-2002)
Scott Pruett Successful in Test for Price Motorsports at Watkins Glen: After a successful two-day test session this week at Watkins Glen International, the Price Motorsports, Inc. Cup Series team is extremely encouraged by the results recorded by road course specialist Scott Pruett. Thanks to Ganassi Racing and Pruett, the Raleigh-based race team was able to post some of the fastest lap times on the famed road course in the #59 Dodge Intrepid. "We're appreciative of what Scott did for us getting this racecar set up for The Glen," Price Motorsports, Inc. Marketing Director Don Lewis said recently. "He is a proven, accomplished road course racer with a very impressive racing resume. We were extremely happy to have him testing with us." The team also announced Wednesday that a full season schedule was planned for 2003. The team still plans on racing in several additional races in 2002. Also in the team's plans are races at Bristol Motor Speedway and Atlanta Motor Speedway, as well as, second trips to Lowe's Motor Speedway, North Carolina Motor Speedway, Richmond International Speedway and Martinsville Speedway.(Price Motorsports PR) Doesn;t say who will drive the car at Watkins Glen.(8-1-2002)
NBC Brickyard 400 Media Call Highlights: NBC Sports today conducted a media conference call to preview the Brickyard 400 from the famed Indianapolis Motor Speedway. NBC & TNT’s coverage of the Brickyard 400 weekend begins Saturday at 11 a.m. ET on TNT with Bud Pole Qualifying. Saturday night in primetime, Midas presents NASCAR Busch Series Racing from Indianapolis Raceway Park at 8 p.m. ET on TNT. NBC’s Brickyard 400 coverage begins Sunday at 2 p.m. ET with the “Discover Card Countdown to Green” pre-race show immediately followed by the green flag at 2:30 p.m. ET. On today’s call were NASCAR on NBC & TNT analysts Benny Parsons and Wally Dallenbach; pre-race host/lead pit reporter Bill Weber and producer Sam Flood.
Highlights of the call follow: On the 79 cameras NBC has deployed to cover the Brickyard 400:
Flood: “This event is obviously the biggest event on the calendar this weekend, and one of the top two or three events on the Winston Cup schedule. Unlike any other track there is, one camera cannot follow the leaders around the racetrack. [In adding more cameras] We have raised the degree of difficulty for Mike Wells, our director, but we know that Mike can handle it. A lot of this [additional cameras] is because this is such a big event, but in the same breath you can’t do your normal coverage.”
Parsons: “It’s a BIG event. It’s the Indianapolis Motor Speedway. It’s without a doubt the most famous Speedway in the world. When Tony George and Bill France got together and we started running the Brickyard 400 in 1994 - I think it elevated NASCAR another notch.”
On the S.A.F.E.R. “Soft Walls” being used at IMS:
Parsons: “I have been talking about soft walls, for what seems like forever, but I guess it’s been five or six years. It started when
drivers started hitting the walls and breaking their shoulder blades We have got to some how soften this blow, the cars are faster and they are going through the corners faster. Twenty years ago they hit a metal guardrail that gave, then the cars got faster and the rails
really gave - they broke. So you have to have the concrete walls, but you have got to start to soften the blows that these drivers are
taking. I cannot tell you what a pleasure it is for me to go to a racetrack that is going to soften that blow for these drivers.”
Dallenbach: “I think Benny hit the nail on the head, it’s going to be a big test this weekend, I hate to say it, but everybody is waiting to
see the first guy to hit the wall. That’s the information that they need. NASCAR and everybody else is waiting to see what the result of
a Winston Cup car hitting a soft wall in competition is. From a drivers standpoint, heck yeah, I would rather hit a soft wall than a
concert wall - there is no question about it.”
On Jeff Gordon’s 2002 season and chances of repeating his Brickyard 400 victory:
Parsons: “He has won Indy three times, but if you look back at Pocono (last Sunday), unless they find some magic this week he did not have a car that is good enough for him to win at Indy.”
Weber: “I love to disagree with Benny and I will disagree with him here, I would have a hard time picking against Jeff Gordon in this
race. That is not to say that if he does not win here that his season is a total disaster. If you go back and look at his history of how
strong he normally is in the Winston Cup season’s second half, he is not only a contender this weekend but I think he is a contender for
the championship. If I were going to Vegas I might put some money on someone else, but I would definitely put money on Jeff Gordon. When you talk to these guys in the garage you hear what they are saying, and you sometimes hear what they are thinking. This team is clearly pointing to certain events in the second half to show there muscle and I think one of theses events is Sunday. No one wants to win here more than Gordon, especially since the last time he won was Kansas City.”
On Dallenbach driving three NASCAR Busch races, beginning Aug. 17 in Michigan: Dallenbach: “This is something that is not only going to be good and not only a lot of fun for me, but also adds credibility for me in the booth Sunday after just coming off the racetrack Saturday. I will be able to talk to the booth during cautions. Benny will be able to pick my brain on what we are doing and what we have accomplished.”(NBC PR)(8-1-2002)
Park and Earnhardt Jr test at VIR UPDATE: Just a day after surviving a horrific cash in the Pennsylvania 500 at Pocono, both Dale Earnhardt Jr. and teammate Steve Park were back at work today, testing their road-racing cars at VIRginia International Raceway. Despite the accident, and despite being admittedly sore and bruised, both were lapping the 2.225-mile North Course at VIR today in searing heat, as temperatures hovered around the 100F degree mark. Many of the Winston Cup teams have discovered VIR as an ideal place to refine their road-racing set-ups for the races at Infineon Raceway in Sonoma, CA, and Watkins Glen, NY. "We can learn a lot about road-course racing at this track," said Earnhardt. "When you don’t have a lot of road-racing experience, like me, every lap on a road course counts for something. We’re testing and learning a lot of new things." He said the proximity of VIR to the team’s home base in Mooresville, N.C., is an important factor. It’s only a two-hour drive from the Dale Earnhardt, Inc., headquarters. Park, whose first-ever Winston Cup win came at Watkins Glen in 2000, was here trying to put things into place for a repeat performance.(VIR PR)(7-29-2002) UPDATE: Tom Hubert tested the #23 at VIR on Monday (along with Steve Park and Dale Earnhardt Jr.), and said that he would not be driving the car at the Glen. He works as a mechanic for Davis, and has done occasional testing with the team.(8-1-2002)
(7-31-2002)
Geoffrey hopes for a full run in 2003: Count Geoffrey Bodine among those looking for a full-time ride in Winston Cup next season, but he said no one should be worried he's going to try to take someone else's job. "I'm not trying to get any ride that's sitting out there today," said Bodine, who has run several races this season for car owners James Finch and Travis Carter. "I'm not trying to knock anyone out of their seat or influence any owner that's here." We have our own program we're working on. Now, if somebody comes along and says, 'Hey, we'd like to have you drive the car,' I'd have to talk to them, but hopefully, I won't have to do that." Bodine said he hoped to put a program together for 2003 with Finch or Carter. His best finish this season was third at the season opening Daytona 500 in a Finch-owned car. "As far as I'm concerned, I don't have anything to prove to anybody. Results are proof enough," he said. "We've had some good ones this year already in the limited schedule that we've run."(ThatsRacin.com)(7-27-2002) UPDATE: Bodine says he has a verbal commitment from Miccosukee Indian Gaming for 13 Cup races in 2003 and they are saying they want to do the whole season. Also Miccosukee Indian Gaming will sponsor a Busch car and Truck, along with the Cup car at Homestead in Novemeber.(MRN's NASCAR Today)(7-31-2002)
Fellows at The Glen? Ron Fellows, who was scheduled to test the #87 Nemco Racing Chevy at Watkins Glen on Monday and Tuesday, instead spent his time networking among the teams there, looking for any available rides [no sponsor for the #87]. Some opportunities for Ron Fellows to compete at the Glen surfaced Tuesday. "The word kind of got out yesterday," Fellows said Tuesday afternoon. "Since yesterday, I've had some calls this morning, but nothing's come together yet. I'm pretty sure it will though." Later in the day, after he returned to his home in Toronto, Fellows said, "I'm optimistic that we'll get something for the Glen." Fellows said he had conversations with a few potential rides for the Glen race, including two full-time Winston Cup teams.(Star Gazette - one day link)(7-31-2002) AND Fellows helped yesterday with the Dale Earnhardt Incorporated team of [#15] Michael Waltrip at Watkins Glen, site of next week's Winston Cup race. Fellows, in an interview from the Glen yesterday, said he has a couple of deals close right now and could have a new race package in place if not today, then by the end of the week.(Toronto Sun)(7-31-2002)
Assoc's for the #57 at Indy: Team CLR Racing, with driver Stuart Kirby, will be entering their second Winston Cup race at the Brickyard 400 this weekend. Stuart Kirby while piloting #57 Ford Taurus in testing at the Brickyard posted some very respectable speeds that had both veterans and rookies taking notice in the garage area. Two local Indiana small business' have joined together to become associate sponsors on the #57 CLR Ford. LD Mechanical Contractors of Franklin, IN and Over The Wall Diecast of Beech Grove, IN worked out a one race deal to be on the. quarter panels for race.(PR)(7-31-2002)
Tide to go Retro at Indy/IRP: Tide Racing will be celebrating 15 years as a primary sponsor in NASCAR Winston Cup Series racing this weekend at the Brickyard. In addition to their regular #32 Winston Cup entry of Ricky Craven, they will also sponsor Darrell Waltrip's #17 Craftsman Truck in the Friday event at Indianapolis Raceway Park. Both teams will sport Tide's "retro" look, which goes back to their original Tide "America's Favorite" logo for the paint schemes and white crew uniforms. Some stats: Tide's involvement began in 1987 with Hendrick Motorsports and Darrell Waltrip. Tide sponsored teams have raced to 19 victories including the Daytona 500 (Waltrip, 1989) and the Brickyard 400 (Rudd, 1997). Tide drivers have included Darrell Waltrip (1987-1990), Ricky Rudd (1991-1999), Scott Pruett (2000) and Ricky Craven (2001-present). Tide as a sponsor has 5 victories at Martinsville, 3 victories at Lowe's Motor Speedway, 2 victories at Dover and one victory at Daytona, Atlanta, Bristol, Darlington, Michigan, New Hampshire, Phoenix, Rockingham and Indianapolis -Of the Tide victories, Waltrip won 9, Rudd won 9 and Craven has one.(PPI PR), see my Paint Scheme Gallery for images of the #32 car and #17 truck.(7-31-2002)
Special Paint Scheme for the #43 at Indy: To rev students and parents up about the upcoming school year, the Cheerios/Betty Crocker #43 Dodge will feature a special Box Tops for Education paint scheme during the Brickyard 400 on August 4 at Indianapolis Motor Speedway. Box Tops for Education is General Mills' acclaimed school fund-raising program. Through the Box Tops for Education program, eligible schools can earn up to $30,000 per school year. To date, General Mills has contributed nearly $70 million cash back to America's schools through the program. NASCAR Winston Cup driver John Andretti, who will race the Box Tops for Education car, is excited to help promote this celebrated program. "I'm happy to help support Box Tops for Education and raise awareness of General Mills' efforts to help schools earn cash," said Andretti. "Families are such an important part of the NASCAR experience which makes it the perfect place to feature a great program like Box Tops for Education." The special paint scheme features the vibrant Box Tops for Education logo on the hood and TV panel. Additionally, Kroger affirms its commitment to Box Tops for Education through the Kroger Racing logo prominently displayed on the deck lid.
Introduced in 1996, Box Tops for Education is a school fundraising program run by General Mills, Inc. Box Tops for Education is open to any accredited public, private or parochial school, containing any class with students from Kindergarten to 8th grade, in the United States that is organized and primarily operated for education purposes and to any United States military school, containing any class with students from Kindergarten to 8th grade, worldwide. The Box Tops for Education program provides consumers three ways to earn cash for their school: Clip with the original Box Tops for Education; Shop online at the Box Tops for Education Marketplace; Charge with the Box Tops for Education Visa card. For more information about Box Tops for Education, visit boxtops4education.com.(IMG PR)(7-31-2002)
Watkins Glen testing UPDATE Tuesday speeds: #48-Jimmie Johnson, #20-Tony Stewart, #15-Michael Waltrip, #12-Ryan Newman, #31-Robby Gordon(will not test due to injury), #30-Jeff Green, #87-Ron Fellows and Joe Varde will get behind the wheel of the #74 BACE Motorsports Chevy are scheduled to attend a test session, in preparation for the August 11th Sirius Satellite Radio at The Glen, at the 2.45-mile road course of Watkins Glen International on July 29-30. Fans that have purchased tickets for the Sirius Satellite Radio at The Glen weekend, August 8-11, will be admitted free of charge both days. Fans should present their Sirius Satellite Radio at The Glen tickets at the gate to gain free admission or pick up a voucher at the ticket office if they have not received their event tickets. All other spectators can take in the action for only $10.00 each day at the gate. Gate 4 will be open from 8:00am - 4:30pm both days. Tickets for the 2002 season at Watkins Glen, including the Sirius Satellite Radio at The Glen, August 8-11, are still available.(Watkins Glen International PR)(7-16-2002) UPDATE: With one complete day of testing already under their belts, ten NASCAR Winston Cup teams went to work again Tuesday at Watkins Glen in final preparation for the Sirius Satellite Radio at The Glen, August 8-11. Over the course of the two days, only one driver came close to touching Dale Jarrett's record-setting lap of 122.698mph, set during qualifying last year. #48-Jimmie Johnso, the speeds from Tuesday:
#48-Jimmie Johnson, 122.568
#41?-Scott Pruett, 121.992
#12-Ryan Newman, 121.321
#20-Tony Stewart, 120.822
#15-Michael Waltrip, 120.772
#17-Matt Kenseth, 120.591
#74-Joe Varde, 118.389.(Watkins Glen International PR)(7-31-2002)
2003 Monte Carlo Ready For Testing UPDATE/REPOST: 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)(7-10/29-2002) UPDATE 2: have heard nothing on how the test went.(7-31-2002)
Paul Tracy to NASCAR? Nope, staying in CART: forget all those rumors about CART driver Paul Tracy switching to NASCAR - ESPN.com has learned that Paul Tracy has signed a contract to join Player's/Forsythe Racing in next year's FedEx Championship. "It's not done yet but Player's made me a great offer," said Tracy. ".....I've said all along, I'll do whatever it takes to stay in CART."(ESPN)(7-31-2002)
Toby Keith on the #40: #40-Sterling Marlin will run a Toby Keith (country singer) paint scheme at Phoenix.(7-31-2002)
Newspaper Not Giving Up Morbid Fight: The publishers of the Independent Florida Alligator newspaper in Gainesville are asking the state Supreme Court to consider whether the law restricting access to autopsy photos is constitutional. In papers filed earlier this month, Campus Communications asked the high court to review a lower court's decision that the law barring public access to autopsy materials was constitutional. The law was passed in 2001 following the death of race car driver Dale Earnhardt. Newspapers sought access to the photos as questions arose over how Earnhardt died in a Daytona 500 crash and whether better safety equipment might have saved him.(Daytona Beach News Journal)(7-31-2002)
IRWIN Rough to Finish Award: It was a rough day for Dale Earnhardt Jr. and the #8 Budweiser team, as Dale Jr. was a helpless passenger in a multi-car wreck on the first lap during last Sundays Pennsylvania 500 at Pocono. Despite the accident and serious damage to the race car, the Bud team was able to make repairs and return to the track, earning team crew chief Tony Eury this week's "Irwin Rough to the Finish" Award. Dale Jr., starting 11th, seemed poised for a strong run on Sunday, but high hopes ended almost before they began when contact between the cars of #1-Steve Park and #2-Rusty Wallace sent Park sliding across the track and into the #8 car. The two machines remained together as they slid across the wet infield grass before making horrendous impact with the inside guard rail.. Fortunately, no one was injured. The same could not be said for the #8 Budweiser Chevy, however. As many as 23 crew members representing all three DEI teams pitched in to make significant repairs to the heavily-damaged car, cobbling together parts from all of the DEI teams to replace the entire front body work and much of the mud-caked external engine parts. As a result of their determination and teamwork, Dale Jr. was able to return to the track and finish the race in 37th position. "I could not be prouder of my guys right now if we had won the race," said Eury. "The fact that we fought through the bad luck, pulled together and put the car back on the track says a lot about this team. This award is a credit to this crew and their ˜never say die" attitude."
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. In addition to the crew chief award, Irwin is also sponsoring the weekly nationally syndicated radio show, "Fast Talk with Benny Parsons", throughout the upcoming year.(Golin Harris PR)(7-31-2002)
Sad News UPDATE: A veteran driver was killed when his car slammed into a wall of tires during a road race Sunday. Robert Kasik, 56, of Roscoe, Ill., failed to brake on a sharp turn at the end of a long straightaway at Road America, track spokeswoman Cheryl Barnes said. "Apparently Mr. Kasik made no attempt to slow down around the turn," Barnes said. "That leaves a lot of unanswered questions." Witnesses at the race said he went off course at a high rate of speed at Turn 12, called Canada Corner. Barnes said Kasik was likely driving up to 160 mph in his 1996 Chevrolet Camaro. Kasik, who raced for at least 35 years, was competing in the GT-1 racing class with about 25 others in similar vehicles. Kasik drove off the track and into a 275-foot wide gravel pit designed to slow cars that miss the turn, but his car plowed into a 5-foot high tire barrier instead. Kasik was taken by ambulance to Valley View Hospital, where he was pronounced dead shortly after 11:00am. Sports Car Club of America technical inspectors surveyed the car, but could not determine a cause for the crash. Sheboygan County Coroner Dave Leffin planned an autopsy, Barnes said(ThatsRacin.com)(7-28-2002) UPDATE: A race car driver suffered a heart attack before he was killed when his car slammed into a wall of tires during a weekend race. An autopsy showed that Robert Kasik, 56, of Roscoe, Ill., was stricken before the accident Sunday at the end of a long straightaway at Road America, track officials said. Witnesses said he went off course at a high rate of speed at Turn 12, called Canada Corner. He drove off the track into a 275-foot-wide gravel pit designed to slow down cars that miss the turn, but his car instead plowed into a 5-foot tire barrier. Kasik, who had been racing for at least 35 years, was competing in the GT-1 racing class with about 25 other racers.(CNNSI/AP)(7-31-2002)
(7-30-2002)
R Gordon hurt but will race UPDATE 2: Winston Cup driver #31-Robby Gordon plans to drive Sunday's Pennsylvania 500 at Pocono Raceway despite sustaining two sprained ankles Saturday afternoon in a motocross incident. Gordon sprained both ankles after jumping a hill at Traxx Motorsports Park at Jack Frost Ski Resort on his Honda CRF450 motocross bike. He was with some members of his #31 Richard Childress Racing team at the time and was immediately evaluated by park physicians. Dr. Jay Golding, RCR's team physician, evaluated Gordon Sunday morning and concurred with the Traxx Motorsports Park physicians' diagnosis. Gordon¹s left ankle was injured more severely than his right ankle, and Dr. Golding plans to place an aircast on Gordon¹s left ankle and wrap the right ankle in an ACE bandage for the 500-mile race. Gordon's team will decide following Sunday's race whether Gordon will still test Monday and Tuesday at Watkins Glen (N.Y.) International.(ThatsRacin.com)(7-28-2002) UPDATE: Gordon sprained both ankles Saturday when he overshot a jump at a local motocross park and his bike landed on its chassis. He is scheduled to undergo x-rays Monday morning in North Carolina and his RCR crew chief Kevin Hamlin said the teams scheduled test at Watkins Glen was canceled.(NASCAR.com)(7-29-2002) UPDATE 2: Robby Gordon's injuries from a weekend motorcycle accident are a little more serious than first appeared. Upon further evaluation by doctors Monday in Charlotte, N.C., it was determined Gordon fractured his left heel in Saturday afternoon's motocross bike incident near Pocono Raceway. Gordon also sustained two sprained ankles in the incident but is still expected to drive the #31 Cingular Chevy in Sunday's Brickyard 400. The team cancelled this week's scheduled test at Watkins Glen. Gordon underwent x-rays and an MRI at Carolinas Medical Center Monday, at which time the heel fracture was discovered. Doctors placed an air cast on Gordon's left foot and taped his right ankle for support. Gordon, 33, was jumping hills on his Honda CRF450 motocross bike Saturday afternoon at Traxx Motorsports Park at Jack Frost Ski Resort near Pocono when the bike landed incorrectly on the top of a hill. Gordon plans to use the aluminum insert in his left shoe this weekend that team members made at Pocono to stabilize his left foot in the race car. He is not expected to miss any races.(ThatsRacin.com)(7-30-2002)
Mike Beam Fined: NASCAR officials have fined Mike Beam, crew chief for the #32 Ford, $2,500 for a violation that occurred during Sunday's Pennsylvania 500 at Pocono Raceway. Beam was penalized under Sections 9-4A and 12-17-A(3): "The crew chief assumes responsibility for the actions of his team members; crew member Pat Smith entered the car servicing area without a helmet."(NASCAR PR)(7-30-2002)
Only Five Months to go.... The 14th annual T. Wayne Robertson NASCAR Winston Cup Preview will take place Saturday, Jan. 18, 2003 at the Lawrence Joel Veterans Memorial Coliseum in Winston-Salem. All NASCAR Winston Cup Series drivers are scheduled to attend the event named in memory of its creator, T. Wayne Robertson. Robertson, the president of R.J. Reynolds' Sports Marketing Enterprises for 13 years, was killed Jan. 14, 1998 in a Louisiana boating accident. As in previous years, NASCAR Winston Cup Series drivers will each be available to sign autographs at designated times.(ThatsRacin.com)(7-30-2002)
The new version of Dale Earnhardt Boulevard has been approved by the N.C. Department of Transportation. Last week, NCDOT officials wrote city leaders and saying the local request could be approved by the department's local division employees rather than the state board of transportation. The current one-mile stretch of Dale Earnhardt Boulevard connects to Centergrove Road. Earlier this month, city council approved a proposal to rename Centergrove and South Loop roads after the late racing legend, extending the boulevard up to the city's West C Street and South Loop Road intersection.(Independent Tribune)(7-30-2002)
Double duty for Musgrave: Double duty will be the order of the weekend as Ted Musgrave prepares for a pair of NASCAR events - the Power Stroke Diesel 200 Craftsman Truck Series race at Indianapolis Raceway Park and ninth-annual Brickyard 400 Winston Cup classic at Indianapolis Motor Speedway. Musgrave will drive the #07 Kenwood/Sirius Satellite Radio Dodge at the Brickyard 400 and his regular ride, the #1-Mopar Parts Dodge at IRP in the CTS race. Jason Leffler will take care of getting the two Ultra Motorsports Dodge Ram trucks dialed in at IRP. The driver of the #2 Team ASE/Carquest Dodge Ram is a three-time USAC National Midget Champion with a host of experience in the open-wheel ranks on the .686-mile IRP oval. Meanwhile, Musgrave, a veteran of seven Brickyard 400 starts, will be trying to better a career-best finish of 13th posted in the inaugural 1994 event. Without any provisionals to fall back on, Musgrave knows a good lap in qualifying will be the first order of business when he takes to the 2.5-mile Indy oval.(Motorsports Management Group PR)(7-30-2002)
#71 at Indy? not with Trickle: Dick Trickle will be in Indianapolis this week for IROC practice and tutoring for the upcoming IROC race this weekend. But Trickle will not be attempting to qualify the #71 Marcis Racing Chevy for the Brickyard 400. Trickle tested with the team a couple weeks ago and felt after the test he wouldn’t have a very good chance of being competitive for the team at Indy. The #71 Marcis team may decide to attempt the race with another driver.(Dick Trickle Fanclub Newsletter)(7-30-2002)
Earnhardt's and Looney Tunes: A new chapter of Looney Tunes lore will be written as Dale Earnhardt Jr. and his brother Kerry Earnhardt square off at the BGN race on Friday, September 6th, at Richmond. The Earnhardt brothers, through a partnership between Warner Bros. Consumer Products, Chevrolet, and Action Performance Companies, Inc., will both race Looney Tunes-themed Chevrolet Monte Carlos in what is sure to be an animated showdown. The #8 Chevrolet of Dale Earnhardt Jr. will feature Gossamer [a Jayski favorite!], the orange-haired, lovable Looney Tunes monster, and an assortment of other Looney Tunes characters. Yosemite Sam will grace Kerry Earnhardt's #12 Chevy. The race in Richmond will mark just the third BGN start in 2002 for Dale Earnhardt Jr. Currently, Kerry Earnhardt is midway through his rookie season in the BGN. The Friday night Busch Series race precedes the Saturday, September 7th Winston Cup event, the Monte Carlo 400 with the Looney Tunes -- The Rematch!, which will feature nine Looney-Tunes themed cars driven by some of NASCAR's finest drivers. The Busch Series race featuring the Earnhardt brothers is an expansion of last year's successful Looney Tunes program and will serve as the opening act for the main event -- the next evening's NASCAR Winston Cup race at Richmond, the Monte Carlo 400 with the Looney Tunes -- The Rematch!(Business Wire), see images of the cars on the Looney Tunes Paint Scheme and News page.(7-30-2002)
New Assoc for the #20: Glidden, a leading paint brand, announced that it will join Joe Gibbs Racing as an associate sponsor on the #20 Home Depot Pontiac driven by Tony Stewart, and begin a new promotional relationship with NASCAR.(PR) and check out their cool site: gliddenpaint.com(7-30-2002)
Trucks at Pocono? at Talladega? UPDATE: Apparently, a handful of representatives from NASCAR’s Craftsman Truck Series will test within the next few days at Pocono Raceway, the obvious intent being at least one race in that series here in 2003. One of the reasons for the absence of Busch Grand National and truck races here in the past has been the presence of Nazareth Speedway about 30 miles away, but Nazareth no longer holds a truck race.(Gaston Gazette) AND rumors have NASCAR considering a CTS race at Talladega for 2003.(7-29-2002) UPDATE: Bobby Hamilton, who owns three entries in the CTS, tested a truck Monday at Pocono. Hamilton owns Dodges for Robert Pressley, who won at Michigan Saturday, Brian Rose and Bill Lester. He also competes in the series from time to time. "He's simply testing some aero stuff, just trying to get Bobby Hamilton Racing a little bit better," said David Pepper, public relations representative for Hamilton. "It's a good track to test several different things. To our knowledge we [the CTS] won't be racing there next year or in the near future." Track officials confirmed Hamilton's test, but said it was a one-time deal and that there are no current plans to have the Truck Series compete at Pocono. Trying to make room for the Truck Series at Pocono would be difficult. According to track owner Dr. Joseph Mattioli, every weekend during the season is full because of racing schools and other racing events.(Scranton Times)(7-30-2002)
The return of the rumor - Penske to Dodge - pretty much denied...again: Dodge sources are describing the Roger Penske-to-Dodge move as "a done deal," with the superstar car owner making a long-speculated switch from Ford and putting Rusty Wallace and Newman in Intrepids next season. The Penske camp isn't saying much, there has been no confirmation out of any of the parties, and some Penske South officials have, in fact, said they expect to field Fords again next year. But they concede they still haven't signed a new contract. "If we were switching to Dodge," crew chief Bill Wilburn said with a laugh, "why would we be building a third Daytona-Talladega car? For the sun not to be out, you seem to be running quite a fever." According to Detroit sources, Pontiac wooed Penske, but balked at the $20 million check he wanted them to write, saying that $11 million was the best they could do. So Pontiac is faced with having maybe only two or three teams lined up to run their cars next season, four or five depending on what Cal Wells does. Ironically, the newly remodeled Pontiac may well be the best model on the track in 2003. But that may not be enough to entice teams to change over, and some drivers in the mix are saying that the bosses in that GM division need to get up off their billfolds.(Winston Salem Journal)(See my #2 Team page for old past rumors, many denied about the 'switch')(7-30-2002)
More on Muppet-Gate: When executives from motorsports merchandise company Action Performance Cos. Inc. saw the Muppets pop up in a tease for ESPN's "SportsCenter" recently, they halted dinner to trade high fives. On the TV screen, were the Muppet's, gathered in a cornfield across from Chicagoland, holding up "We Need Tickets" signs. The plan had been for the characters to spend the Tropicana 400 race weekend within the gates of the speedway, promoting a special Muppet paint scheme featured on eight Cup cars, a standard gimmick the merchandise company uses to sell die-cast cars and apparel. When Chicagoland executives refused to let the characters in, Phoenix-based Action Performance and The Jim Henson Co. quickly crafted a backup strategy. They took the Muppets to a farm across the street, set them up with " We Need Tickets" signs, and started shooting video. Then, they sent the video up via satellite for use on news feeds. ESPN grabbed it. On July 1, Chicagoland Speedway sent The Jim Henson Co. notification that the Muppets would not be allowed on speedway property because neither the track nor race sponsor Tropicana had been included in the planning of the promotion. Action Performance executives said they didn't expect access to be an issue because it had not been one at other tracks when they staged similar events. Executives from Action Performance, Chicagoland Speedway and Tropicana said they are in discussions about a similar promotion that could run at the track next year.(Phoenix Business Journal/Sports Business Journal)(7-30-2002)
Watkins Glen testing UPDATE 2 speeds and Fellows looking for a ride for the Glen - Pruett in the #41 at the Glen, Spencer in the #42?: #48-Jimmie Johnson, #20-Tony Stewart, #15-Michael Waltrip, #12-Ryan Newman, #31-Robby Gordon(will not test due to injury 7-29-2002), #30-Jeff Green, #87-Ron Fellows and Joe Varde will get behind the wheel of the #74 BACE Motorsports Chevy are scheduled to attend a test session, in preparation for the August 11th Sirius Satellite Radio at The Glen, at the 2.45-mile road course of Watkins Glen International on July 29-30. Fans that have purchased tickets for the Sirius Satellite Radio at The Glen weekend, August 8-11, will be admitted free of charge both days. Fans should present their Sirius Satellite Radio at The Glen tickets at the gate to gain free admission or pick up a voucher at the ticket office if they have not received their event tickets. All other spectators can take in the action for only $10.00 each day at the gate. Gate 4 will be open from 8:00am - 4:30pm both days. Tickets for the 2002 season at Watkins Glen, including the Sirius Satellite Radio at The Glen, August 8-11, are still available.(Watkins Glen International PR)(7-16-2002) UPDATE: The NASCAR Winston Cup Series made their much-anticipated return to Watkins Glen International today in
the first of two test days in preparation for the Sirius Satellite Radio at The Glen on August 11. Testing concludes tomorrow and is
once again open to the public. The speeds:
#20-Tony Stewart 120.033mph
#?-Scott Pruett 120.000
#15-Michael Waltrip 119.626
#30-Jeff Green 119.561
#48-Jimmie Johnson 119.480
#17-Matt Kenseth 119.189
#62-Austin Cameron 117.600
#74-Joe Varde 117.584
#12-Ryan Newman 116.667
Two drivers originaly scheduled to test the historic road course were unable to participate for different reasons. #31-Robby Gordon was forced to cancel his test session due to the ankle injuries he sustained after a motocross incident in Pocono on Saturday. Ron Fellows was present at the test, but without a car. Fellows is still working on finding a ride for the Sirius Satellite Radio at The Glen [guess he won't be in the #87 Nemco Chevy?]. Tickets for the 2002 season at Watkins Glen, including the Sirius Satellite Radio at The Glen, August 8-11, are still available. For tickets, camping, and additional information, please contact the Watkins Glen ticket office at 607-535-2481 or log on to the official Watkins Glen Web site at www.theglen.com.(Watkins Glen International PR)(7-29-2002) UPDATE 2 Pruett in the #41; Fellows looking for a ride: Three road course veterans, hoping their skills will give than an advantage against the series regulars in two weeks, were also on hand. Scott Pruett, with experience in Trans-Am and CART Champ cars, had the choice of two, gray-primered Chip Ganassi Racing cars at the test. Pruett, who has competed in Winston Cup, arrived at 10:00am/et after taking a red-eye flight from Vancouver, British Columbia, where he was a commentator for Speed Channel's coverage of the CART Champ car race Sunday. At the Glen, he'll pilot the #41 Dodge that Jimmy Spencer normally drives. Spencer will drive the #42 Dodge for Ganassi. "We're here to get a few more points for the team," said Pruett, who thinks he has a chance to finish in the top five. He was 11th last year. Joe Varde [#74] and Shane Lewis [no idea of # see info on my Drivers page], successful drivers here in road racing, handled a Winston Cup car for the first time on Monday. "We've got a lot of homework to do and, for me, it's just getting used to a Winston Cup car," said Lewis, who has a one-race deal with a new team. Noticeably absent was road course specialist Ron Fellows. The Canadian driver, who has had the most success of any nonregular NASCAR driver in recent years, was scheduled to test and compete in two weeks. Fellows was on hand, but his car wasn't because of a lack of sponsorship. "It's not going to happen," said a disappointed Fellows. "Bully Hill was going to participate, as they have, but some of the associate deals haven't come together. It's more expensive now than it ever has been, so it's tough. It's a reality check." Fellows nearly won the Glen's Winston Cup race in 1999, finishing a close second to Jeff Gordon. "I was planning on being here, so I thought I'd come down and just have a look and see what's going on and be ready if something comes together between now and next week," said Fellows, who lives in Toronto.(Star Gazette and more at The Leader: Last call: Cup giants pull into The Glen and Wanted: Winston Cup ride)(7-30-2002)
(7-29-2002)
Schrader to run IROC for Lasoski: Long-time friend, Ken Schrader will substitute drive for the injured Danny Lasoski in the final round of the 2002 True Value IROC Series at Indianapolis Motor Speedway, Saturday, Aug. 3. Lasoski, the 2001 Pennzoil World of Outlaws Champion, was injured on Friday night during hot-laps in Mechanicsburg, PA. He was released today from a local hospital after being held for observation due to suffering a concussion and bruises to the lung, heart, shoulder and ankle. Before his NASCAR Winston Cup career, Schrader won numerous races and championships in various open wheel series' including USAC Sprint Car divisions. A fellow native of Missouri, Schrader said, "I've known Danny a very, very, long time. Before he (Lasoski) started driving, he would come out and help us when I was racing Sprint Cars. I'm very grateful and honored to have this opportunity to drive for him (Lasoski) in IROC at Indy. I'm just sorry it has to be under these circumstances. I was so happy for him when I heard he got the IROC invitation for this year and I know how bad he wants to be in that car himself on Saturday."
Lasoski said, "I don't know what hurts more, my body, or the fact that I have to miss this final race at the Brickyard. But, when the reality of how banged up I am began to sink in I knew somebody else was going to have to do it for me, and the one guy I really wanted to see do it was Kenny Schrader. We've been such great friends for so long, knowing that Kenny is going to run the race for me takes a little of the edge off of not being able to do it myself."
Schrader will accumulate final points for place Lasoski, whose car, with Schrader at the wheel, will start from the pole position. The
final race starting positions are determined by inverting the point standings. Schrader said, "The IROC races are a lot of fun and I want
to do a good job for Danny. I ran in the series a few years ago and just need to finish up better in the Winston Cup car so I can get back in it for myself." The Race-Four finale of the 2002 True Value IROC Series will be broadcast on ABC Sports, Sunday, Aug. 11 at 5:00 p.m. Eastern Time.(IROC PR)(7-29-2002)
Park and Earnhardt Jr test at VIR: Just a day after surviving a horrific cash in the Pennsylvania 500 at Pocono, both Dale
Earnhardt Jr. and teammate Steve Park were back at work today, testing their road-racing cars at VIRginia International Raceway. Despite the accident, and despite being admittedly sore and bruised, both were lapping the 2.225-mile North Course at VIR today in searing heat, as temperatures hovered around the 100F degree mark. Many of the Winston Cup teams have discovered VIR as an ideal place to refine their road-racing set-ups for the races at Infineon Raceway in Sonoma, CA, and Watkins Glen, NY. "We can learn a lot about road-course racing at this track," said Earnhardt. "When you don’t have a lot of road-racing experience, like me, every lap on a road course counts for something. We’re testing and learning a lot of new things." He said the proximity of VIR to the team’s home base in Mooresville, N.C., is an important factor. It’s only a two-hour drive from the Dale Earnhardt, Inc., headquarters. Park, whose first-ever Winston Cup win came at Watkins Glen in 2000, was here trying to put things into place for a repeat performance.(VIR PR)(7-29-2002)
Sad News: Neil Arendt, 74, died Saturday in the car he had raced more than 50 years ago and had been racing again in recent years. Arendt, a retired dairy farmer from Mazeppa, Minn., was killed Saturday during a race of vintage modified race cars in Marshan Township in southern Dakota County. His son, Steve, said his father was contacted about 10 years ago by a man who had restored the car, which had sat in a pasture for years. The man asked his father if he wanted to drive the race car, built on a Model T frame, again. There was no hesitation. His father had been driving the car in several races each summer for about a decade. The crash apparently happened after a car in front of Arendt's slowed because of mechanical problems. The front tire of Arendt's car caught on the other car. Arendt's car rolled several times. Although he was wearing a safety belt and a helmet, he died from his injuries at the track. Six other cars were participating in the race, which is an annual event and part of the Antique Power Show held at a Marshan Township farm. The race was for race cars from the 1940s and 1950s. Steve Arendt described the event as more of an exhibition than a race. Neil Arendt's survivors include his wife, Rita; eight children and 20 grandchildren. Services were pending.(Star Tribune)(7-29-2002)
Rudd hopes to make an announcment UPDATE: about his future at or just after the Brickyard 400 at Indianapolis.(TNT Rain Delay Coverage)(7-28-2002) UPDATE: Word in the garage is that Chip Ganassi will field a third Dodge next season with Ricky Rudd as the driver. The announcement might come this weekend at Indianapolis. A sticking point in Rudd's negotiations with current owner Robert Yates was that Rudd wanted to keep his #28 crew together next season.(Sporting News)(7-29-2002)
Smaller Fuel Tanks at Talladega? NASCAR officials are considering requiring smaller gas tanks for the season’s final restrictor-plate race, at Talladega Superspeedway in October. The idea is that, by requiring tanks with a capacity of 13 gallons instead of 22, additional pit stops will create greater space between the cars and reduce the likelihood of multi-car pileups.(Gaston Gazette)(7-29-2002)
Stewart visits Lasoski in hospital: Tony Stewart used his afternoon off Saturday to visit Danny Lasoski in a Mechanicsburg, Pa., hospital. Lasoski, who drives a World of Outlaws sprint car owned by Stewart, was injured in a crash Friday night. "Mentally he's ready to get back in the car, but physically he's not even close," said Stewart. Lasoski is in a tight battle with Steve Kinser for the Outlaws title. The crash probably ends his chances of a repeat championship and renders him doubtful for Saturday's International Race of Champions finale at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway.(Indianapolis Star)(7-29-2002)
