Not NASCAR but Sad News: Three-time AMA national road racing champion Randy Renfrow died from head injuries suffered when he fell down a staircase. Renfrow, 46, fell on Tuesday at his parents' home and died Friday morning. He had been recovering from serious injuries sustained in March during a racing accident at Daytona International Speedway. He began his professional road racing career in 1981 and won the AMA 250 Grand Prix championship in 1983. Renfrow won the Formula One title in 1986 and the Pro Twins Series in 1989. Renfrow was known for his ability to be competitive on any type of motorcycle. He won 17 AMA Nationals in four classes, including a 1990 AMA Superbike race at Willow Springs Raceway in Rosamond, CA. Renfrow came back to racing after several serious injuries and always approached racing with the enthusiasm of someone new to the sport(ESPN). NOTE: This is NOT the same Randy Renfrow who run NASCAR races.(8-11-2002)
More Not NASCAR but: Actor Jason Priestley was seriously injured Sunday when his car crashed head-on into the wall in the final practice for an Infiniti Pro Series race at Kentucky Speedway. Priestley, former star of the "Beverly Hills 90210" television series, was taken by ambulance to the infield hospital and then by helicopter to the University of Kentucky Medical Center in Lexington. The extent of his injuries was not immediately available, an Indy Racing League spokesman said. "He got sideways and he corrected and then shot off the track," said former Indy 500 winner Arie Luyendyk, whose son, Arie Jr., also competes in the Infiniti series. "He turned right into the wall, and his first impact was basically head-on," Luyendyk said. "I saw it from the top of the roof. What I'm thinking is that's really the one big hit that he took that might have hurt him." UPDATE: Priestley is in serious condition at the University of Kentucky Medical Center in Lexington but was stable and responding, Indy Racing League medical director Henry Bock said. The extent of his injuries was not immediately available. Bock said Priestley was undergoing tests at the hospital, where he had been taken by helicopter from the track. A Kelley Racing crewman said Priestley sustained facial injuries. UPDATE 2: Priestley's race car crashed head-on into a wall at nearly 180 mph Sunday at the Kentucky Speedway, breaking his back and leaving him in serious condition with a concussion and other injuries. Priestley was on a respirator to keep him sedated, but he was breathing on his own and was alert, Indy Racing League medical director Henry Bock said. Priestley was flown to the University of Kentucky Medical Center with a spinal fracture in the middle of his back and a closed head injury, as well as a broken nose and broken bones in both feet, Bock said. "At this time, there's no indication there's any other injury to the head (besides a concussion)," Bock said. "His vital signs are stable. He has his eyes open, he looks around and will follow commands." Bock said there was no sign of paralysis and that tests on Priestley would continue probably through the night. He would not speculate on how long his recovery would take.(ThatsRacin.com/AP)(8-11-2002)
Smaller Tanks Official: NASCAR announced that teams will be required to use smaller fuel cells for the EA Sports 500 on Oct. 6 at Talladega Superspeedway. The new fuel cell will reduce the 22-gallon cells used in Winston Cup by about 9 gallons. NASCAR is counting on the change to increase pit stops during the 500-mile race. By spreading out the field, the move is expected to reduce the tight packs that frequently foster big wrecks at Talladega and Daytona, where restrictor plates on the carburetor are used to harness horsepower.(Richmond Times Dispatch)(8-10-2002) UPDATE: NASCAR confirmed Saturday that it would experiment with a smaller fuel cell in the race at Talladega Oct. 6th, in an attempt to break the full-field drafting pack seen at that track in recent races into smaller groups. Customary fuel-box size is 33in by 17in by 9.25in, enclosing a bladder and foam sponge, for a total liquid capacity of 22gal. At Talladega, the tank will be reduced to 20 by 17 by 9.75, giving a capacity of 12.5gal. Teams could go approximately 50 laps between stops at Talladega with the standard size. Under this regulation, teams can expect to go 25 to 30 laps before pitting. The idea is to force teams to pit more often in the hope of breaking the field into smaller cells. Many doubt that will happen, as all cars pit together under green in order not to lose the all-important draft -- regardless of how many times they are pitted. Track position is not important at Talladega, as long as a car can stay with the draft. The fueling cans are 11gal, so the new rule still will require use of two cans. For now, the regulation is for the Talladega race only.(Speed Channel)(8-11-2002)
Points Deduction for off track stuff? No points were deducted from Tony Stewart following last week's altercation with a photographer at Indianapolis Motor Speedway, but NASCAR president Mike Helton says that doesn't mean points penalties can't be used for an off-track incident. "Whether it's on the track or in the garage area, it still could be a situation that could be points," Helton said Saturday at Watkins Glen International. "It doesn't have to be something we find on the car or something that happens on the race track. "If we feel it's detrimental to the sport, we can go any way we want to the same way we can on any other deal." NASCAR has already deducted points from Jimmie Johnson and Dale Jarrett for infractions found on their cars this season. Helton again said he believes that it's part of NASCAR's role to police competitors' behavior in the garage area. "We're in a time where we ask to be considered a professional sport and we need to act like one," he said.(ThatsRacin.com)(8-11-2002)
Rudd still in the running for the Jerry Jones team? Free-agent driver Ricky Rudd says he has not shut down negotiations on a possible deal with Cowboys owner Jerry Jones for the 2003 NASCAR Winston Cup season. Rudd reiterated that he hopes to learn next week about the status of his No. 1 choice, a contract that reportedly would see him join car owner Chip Ganassi's Dodge Intrepid stable. But Rudd, 45, said the Cup team being formed by Jones and team owner Andy Petree remains an option. "Until these deals are done, you don't want to burn all your bridges and opportunities," said Rudd, lame-duck driver of the #28 Havoline Ford owned by Robert Yates. "Right now, I don't have a written contract for next year. I don't have a verbal agreement for next year. I think we've got a commitment by an owner [Ganassi] and a driver that want to work things out. And it probably will, but, until that's done, I don't want to say 'no' to anything else out there."(Fort Worth Star Telegram)(8-11-2002)
Wells - Ford? Pontiac?: Last week it was reported that [#32] Cal Wells III was in all likelihood going to be staying in the Ford camp for the 2003 season. Since that time, however, TFR confirmed the move to Pontiac was a far more likely possibility than him staying with Ford. One GM-type, speaking on the condition of anonymity, said that they understood the GM deal with Wells was completed, but hadn’t seen the signed contracts. The GM source also told TFR that Richard Childress would be providing power to the effort, and displacing Robert Yates Racing as the motor supplier to the PPI organization. The announcement is slated to come next week at Michigan International Speedway.(Ford Racing)(8-11-2002)
Not NASCAR but quite a feat: Indy Racing League driver Sarah Fisher became the first woman to win the pole position in a major auto race Saturday when she nudged Billy Boat from the top spot in qualifying for the Belterra Casino Indy 300 at Kentucky Speedway. Fisher ran a track-record 221.390 mph for Sunday's race. While Fisher became the first woman to take the pole in a major series, Shawna Robinson won poles for a NASCAR Busch Series race in 1994 at Atlanta and a 2000 ARCA event in Michigan.(ThatsRacin/AP)(8-11-2002)
Hendrick Remembers: Hendrick Motorsports, #24-Jeff Gordon, #48-Jimmie Johnson, 35-Terry Labonte and #25-Joe Nemechek, will all bear decals today in memory of Dan Lohwasser, who died July 31 after a long bout with cancer. Lohwasser, who served as the marketing director for owner Rick Hendrick, was 53 years old.(The Leader)(8-11-2002)
Interesting Rookie Fact: Only two rookies have led a lap at Watkins Glen since Winston Cup returned to the track in 1986. Ted Musgrave led one lap in 1991, and Robert Pressley led one lap in 1995.(Richmond Times Dispatch), make it three as #12-Ryan Newman led 11 laps at Watkins Glen.(8-11-2002)
Pretty Cool UPDATE: hearing that at Watkins Glen on Sunday, the NASCAR drivers will be escorted onto the raceway in HMMWV's driven by New York State Army National Guardsmen. Most of the guardsmen there have performed duty at the World Trade Center, airports, nuclear plants, and on the border duty.(8-6-2002) UPDATE: Rather than parade the starting field around The Glen in boring, old trucks or cars during pre-race ceremonies, the drivers in today’s 90-lapper will be carried around in Hummers. Provided by the National Guard, the Winston Cuppers will be passengers with those who helped serve in relief efforts in New York City following Black Tuesday last September. Pole sitter Ricky Rudd will actually be toted around in a tank-like vehicle, with the two-time Glen winner protruding from the turret.(The Leader)(8-11-2002)
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Conseco May File for Bankruptcy UPDATE: Conseco Inc., the insurance and finance company whose shares have traded below $1 for the past two weeks, will probably file for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection or reach a bankruptcy deal preapproved by creditors, Dow Jones Newswires said, citing analysts. "We are increasingly skeptical that it will be able to avoid seeking formal protection from its creditors," Salomon Smith Barney analyst Colin Devine was quoted as saying. Conseco, which has a $300 million bond issue due on Oct. 15, has said it probably can't meet all its debt obligations due by the end of next year, according to Dow. Conseco spokesman Mark Lubbers had no comment.(Star Tribune) Conseco is the primary sponsor for the #14 A.J. Foyt Racing team in the Cup series, supposedly the deal runs thru 2003, no idea how this will effect the sponsorship, but when Kmart filed, they were gone pretty fast.(8-8-2002) UPDATE: Conseco also [see full story about their other sports sponsorships] is the primary sponsor of a NASCAR team owned by four-time Indianapolis 500 winner A.J. Foyt. The company has never revealed what it is paying for its sponsorship, but it is thought to be about $5 million a year. "There's another year left on our NASCAR sponsorship and that, too, is an important branding opportunity," Conseco spokesman Mark Lubbers said. The team has struggled since its inception in 2000. Foyt has employed five different drivers, but none has posted a victory in 80 Winston Cup races. Mike Wallace finished last in Sunday's Brickyard 400, crashing on the 11th lap. "We've got to win some races, both for Conseco and for A.J. Foyt," Foyt told The Star last week. Team spokesperson Anne Fornoro declined to comment Friday.(Indianapolis Star)(8-10-2002)
New Qualifying Procedure at Sonoma in 2003? NASCAR officials are close to approving the European qualifying system for next summer's race at Sonoma (Infineno Raceway). That's when the track is opened to all drivers for a 30-minute period, with each man's fastest lap in that period determining his qualifying spot.(Winston Salem Journal)(8-10-2002)
Skinner back in the #4 in 2003? UPDATE: Although he signed a three-year contract with Morgan-McClure Motorsports, Mike Skinner’s future in the #4 Kodak car isn’t a given. The contract is for one year with two, one-year options. “We’re in the process of talking with Mike about next season,” team owner Larry McClure said Aug. 3.(Winston Cup Scene - need subscription to read)(8-8-2002) UPDATE: Mike Skinner has struggled with the rest of Morgan-McClure Motorsports, but says he made the right move when he joined the Winston Cup team. Skinner felt overshadowed at Richard Childress Racing and was let go last year after six seasons and no wins with the elite team. Morgan-McClure offered what Skinner wanted, a one-car team where Skinner is at the center of attention. It has not been a winning combination. Skinner is 30th in the series points standings, as the Eastman Kodak Company of Rochester-sponsored team has not recaptured the success it had during the mid-1990s. There are rumors that Skinner and the team could part before 2003. Skinner said, however, that if his two-year contract with an option year was up now, he would stay with the team. "It's hard to turn something around if you don't give it enough time to turn it around," he said. "I don't think we can say, 'OK, we've been racing together for six months, we haven't got a top-10 finish or won race so we need to part directions. That's unfair to both them and me. We're going to stick it out for awhile. If I had to make that decision right now, it would have to be an awfully sweet deal."(Democrat and Chronicle)(8-10-2002)
Parker's wife doing well: Things are looking up for Shawn Parker, car chief for the #97 Ford driven by Kurt Busch. Tops on the list is the health of his wife Tara, who underwent a heart transplant a year ago at the age of 26. She is back at the couple's North Carolina home. "She's pretty much back to normal," said Parker, who is in charge of having Busch's car ready to race. "Really, nothing is holding her back from anything."(Democrat and Chronicle)(8-10-2002)
Stewart says job was in jeopardy: Tony Stewart admitted Friday that his altercation with a photographer following last Sunday's Brickyard 400 at Indianapolis Motor Speedway nearly cost him his job with Joe Gibbs Racing. "I came real close to losing my job. I really hurt the people at Home Depot (his sponsor). I've said it from Day 1, they're the best sponsor you could ask for," Stewart said. "They've been real supportive. Before we even knew what the outcome of this would be with my job, I talked to a bunch of them. They said they would do whatever they could to help me out." Earlier this week, Stewart was fined $10,000 by NASCAR and placed on probation for punching Gary Mook, a free-lance photographer with the Indianapolis Star. Thursday, Stewart's sponsor added a $50,000 fine and probation of its own. "What probably hurts the most is I let Home Depot down and all the people at Joe Gibbs Racing down who give their whole lives to doing what we do," Stewart said. "Then to have someone like myself destroy that for everybody is a hard responsibility and hard pill to swallow." Stewart said he thought he could control his temper, but now realizes that is not the case. "We'll find someone who can help me do that. If it makes me less of a person or less of a man, than so be it. It's what I have to do for myself. Aside from the race car, I have to do it for me," he said. "I didn't even know I had a problem until last week. I'm willing to do whatever I have to do to make myself a happy person again. It's going to take a lot of work."(ThatsRacin.com)(8-10-2002)
Morgan McClure to Pontiac? UPDATE: Pontiac officials say they hope to have at least as many cars on the track in 2003 as they currently have, and expect to soon begin announcing which teams will field the new Grand Prix. Chief among those expected to join Pontiac is Morgan-McClure Motorsports, which currently fields the #4 Kodak Chevrolets for Mike Skinner. Team owner Larry McClure has met with General Motors officials on several occasions while considering the move. “We’re talking with GM about switching to Pontiac next season,” McClure said Aug. 3. “It’s a situation we feel might be beneficial to our team. There are so many Chevrolet teams right now, it would move us up a little bit in the pecking order. Sort of the big fish in a little pond, I guess.” Five teams currently field Pontiacs: #20-Tony Stewart and #18-Bobby Labonte at Joe Gibbs Racing; MBV with #10-Johnny Benson; MB2 with #36-Ken Schrader; and #14-A.J. Foyt Racing. Gibbs announced in July, however, that his teams will switch to the new Chevrolet for 2003. Pontiac has also been courting car owner Cal Wells, whose PPI Motorsports operation currently fields #32 Fords for driver Ricky Craven. But Wells says he is undecided on which brand will be in his team’s compound next season.(Winston Cup Scene - need subscription to read)(8-8-2002) UPDATE: Morgan-McClure Motorsports owner Larry McClure said he was "looking at all his options" in regards to a possible change in manufacturer next season. Currently, McClure fields the #4 Chevrolets for driver Mike Skinner. Pontiac, which is debuting a new model Grand Prix and next season and will lose Joe Gibbs Racing to Chevrolet, has been searching for new teams, with McClure's and Cal Wells' PPI Motorsports at the top of the list. "We've looked at everything and we haven't made a decision yet," McClure said. "I don't have anything further to tell anybody. If I change to anything, or stay, it will be a benefit. Sideways moves, I'm not interested in those." McClure also said Skinner would be his driver next season. Last season, Skinner signed a one-year contract with two one-year options. "As far as I know, he's staying, so you can put that one to bed," he said.(ThatsRacin.com)(8-10-2002)
Rudd looks to tie record: If #28-Ricky Rudd wins at Watkins Glen today, he will tie #24-Jeff Gordon with the most road course wins Cup history with seven wins each. Gordon will have a tough time extending his wins to eight as he starts 23rd, the best any driver has started and won at The Glen in Cup race is Steve Park, who won two years ago, at 18th.(8-11-2002)
Cool Down Lap?: In the wake of Tony Stewart's skirmish with a photographer last week at Indianapolis, NASCAR officials are entertaining the idea of a ``cooling- off'' period similar to those in other professional sports. Winston Cup director John Darby said Friday there have been no formal discussions, but ``it's an idea that might be worth considering.'' Jim Hunter, NASCAR vice president for corporate communications, said it probably won't happen soon. "`We'll consider anything,'' he said. "`But we've always left that sort of thing up to the teams. ... I don't think it's in the best interest of NASCAR to change a system that's worked for 53 years, just because of one particular driver.'' Major league baseball, football, basketball and hockey teams have cooling off periods of 10 to 15 minutes after games.(Tampa Tribune)(8-10-2002)
Humpy Praises NASCAR's Safety Efforts: After watching two intense days of testing through his office window at Lowe's Motor Speedway, President and General Manager H.A. "Humpy" Wheeler says he is impressed with NASCAR's efforts to improve safety and on-track competition. "I applaud NASCAR in their testing for a bigger and better car," said Wheeler after spending time in the garage area while NASCAR and Goodyear officials worked with six different teams testing tires and larger "greenhouse areas" on NASCAR Winston Cup cars. "What they are doing is exactly what their new research and development team was established to do." Wheeler added that changing the car is a bold and difficult task for the sanctioning body. "NASCAR is tackling one of the more difficult tasks in sport. It would equate to the NFL changing the shape of the football," Wheeler said following two days of testing this week at the 1.5-mile superspeedway. "The objective is to enhance safety while improving competition. In the past, stock car racing development has been evolutionary, but now with in-depth planning, it's more proactive." With Managing Director of Competition Gary Nelson on hand, NASCAR officials utilized a two-day Goodyear tire test at the track to do some testing of their own. Using 2003 versions of three car makes - Dodge, Ford and Pontiac - NASCAR gathered data on new, larger driver compartments, commonly referred to as greenhouse areas. Officials hope the greenhouse areas will improve driver safety and on-track aerodynamics. Drivers participating in NASCAR's portion of the test included Jimmy Spencer in his Target Dodge, Todd Bodine in his Discover Ford and Johnny Benson in his Vavoline Pontiac. Kurt Busch, Ryan Newman and Ricky Craven conducted tire tests for Goodyear. Driver feedback was not as positive as NASCAR had hoped, but Nelson wasn't discouraged. "We test to find solutions," said Nelson. "What we would like to accomplish
is an equally as stable car or more stable car with the bigger driver's compartment. We're just not there yet. We tested a bigger greenhouse car at Kansas City and we learned a lot," said Spencer. "We thought everything was working out really well. However, when we got out on the track here with three cars running together, it was worse than we thought it would be. "Our push is actually worse with this configuration than the current aero push we have now. Plus, the cars were unstable. So is it the tire? Is it taking away too much downforce? We don't know, but we're not going to stop working to find out." Wheeler said he understands the delicate balance NASCAR and the drivers are seeking. "The acute problem is coming up with a car that most of the drivers and crew guys like, but the different driving styles make that more difficult," Wheeler commented. "While safety is the first priority, eliminating the aero push, which
makes passing so difficult, is a big concern. This aero push requires resolving a lot of complexities including body profiles, springs,
shocks and tires. I think NASCAR made some progress this week, and I'm sure they'll continue pushing for solutions."(LMS PR)(8-10-2002)
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Spencer-Busch and owners meet with NASCAR: #97-Kurt Busch and #41(42)-Jimmy Spencer and their respective car owners, Jack Roush and Chip Ganassi, met with NASCAR President Mike Helton and series director John Darby Friday morning to help “clear the air” between the drivers. Busch and Spencer have been involved in several on-track incidents over the past year, including last weekend at Indianapolis when Spencer hit Busch from behind, putting Busch into the wall. Busch got out of his car and waited for Spencer to come back around and made several gestures toward Spencer. NASCAR required the drivers and car owners to meet before track activity started on Friday. “The meeting went as expected. We’re here in Watkins Glen. What happened in the past is the past,” Busch said before practice started. “Things aren’t necessarily true about certain situations that didn’t come about. We ran real well in Sears Point. Now we’re here in Watkins Glen to go race our car.” Spencer offered only a terse, “That was last week’s news,” on leaving the NASCAR hauler.(ThatsRacin.com) AND "It was a real good meeting. Anytime you get people in there and hash out all your past history and the future what you have to do and what you don't have to do --- time tells. I don't even know what the meeting was for, I don't think I did anything wrong," Spencer continued. "Yet, on the other side of it you have to respect NASCAR for addressing issues. I respect Mike Helton (NASCAR president) and his staff and when you get called to the trailer, you listen to what they have to say."(NASCAR.com)(8-9-2002)
Nadeau to 2nd Wells team? It's likely [Jerry] Nadeau will drive a second car being fielded out of Cal Wells' shops.(Augusta Chronicle)(8-9-2002)
Morgan Shepherd Escapes Serious Injury Tuesday, August 5, Cup/CTS driver Morgan Shepherd had traveled from his Hickory, NC shop to Charlotte to buy some racing parts. While enroute back from Charlotte, on Interstate 40, a van traveling at a high rate of speed came up behind Morgan's truck. After allowing the van to pull ahead of him Shepherd then fell in behind the van. The tires of the van ahead of him apparently picked up a large hook, similar to the hook on a towtruck and threw it in the path of Shepherd's red truck. The hook struck the front windshield very close to the driver area of the windshield, sheared off the rearview mirror...whizzed mere inches past Shepherd's head. The hook then crashed through the rear windshield, through the window on his bubble camper and came to rest in the bed of his pickup. It weighed in at a whomping 6 pounds. Police investigating the incident stated that Shepherd was, indeed, extremely fortunate that he was not hit by this projectile. The results, they suggested, would have been deadly. Shepherd plans to run Saturday's CTS Federated Auto Parts 200 at Nashville Speedway.(full story and picture at Catchfence)(8-9-2002)
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Home Depot Fines Stewart and puts him on Probation: The Home Depot, sponsor of NASCAR Winston Cup Series driver Tony Stewart and the #20 team of Joe Gibbs Racing, has fined Stewart $50,000 and placed him on probation for the remainder of the 2002 season following an incident with a photographer upon the conclusion of the Brickyard 400 at Indianapolis Motor Speedway on August 4, 2002. The fine and probation are in addition to the $10,000 fine and probation NASCAR levied against Stewart following their own investigation. The $50,000 fine will go to the United Way of Central Indiana to be used for a variety of after school programs for children. The Home Depot made its decision after consulting the publisher's office of The Indianapolis Star-News , the newspaper whose freelance photographer was involved in the incident. "Tony Stewart's actions following the Brickyard 400 do not at all represent the values and beliefs of the over 290,000 associates who comprise the backbone and spirit of The Home Depot," said Hugh Miskel, director of sales promotion for The Home Depot. "We value our relationship with the media, fans and competitors of NASCAR, and the behavior displayed following the Brickyard 400 will not be tolerated from any member of our race team now or in the future." The Home Depot, the official home improvement warehouse of NASCAR, has been the primary sponsor of Joe Gibbs Racing and Stewart since 1999.(Edelman PR)(8-8-2002)
Melling back at MIS? Compton tests, also R Gordon and Robinson there: Mark Melling and Melling Racing might be back in business next week at Michigan International Speedway. Fueling rumors that the team is inching closer to a sponsorship deal that would allow the #92 Melling Racing Dodge to try to qualify for the Pepsi 400 next week, driver Stacy Compton tested the car Tuesday at MIS in Brooklyn. The Pepsi 400 is scheduled for Aug. 18. Compton, who drove in 126 races for Melling from 1999-2001, was released from his Winston Cup driving contract with A.J. Foyt Racing following a 30th-place finish at the New England 300 in Loudon, N.H., on July 21. He was at MIS on Tuesday as part of a BGN test with his #59 Kingsford/Johnsonville team. "We don't know what we're going to do right now," Compton said about the prospects of a Winston Cup return with Melling. "We're going to get with Mark and figure out what the plan is. We were up here with the Busch test and we just elected to bring the Cup car to see how good we would be." Compton said that he felt comfortable back in the 92, but said that it was difficult to gauge how well the car was working on an afternoon where just two other Winston Cup drivers -- #31-Robby Gordon and #49-Shawna Robinson -- were on the track. Melling Racing spokesman Steve Brown said that racing at MIS next week still comes down to sponsorship dollars. "We've had a good test, and we'd love to be there," Brown said. "But it's still pending sponsorship.(Michigan Live)(8-8-2002)
NASCAR Helps Out: New York City Fire Commissioner Nicholas Scoppetta today announced the donation of two driving simulators from the National Association for Stock Car Auto Racing (NASCAR) to the New York City Fire Department (FDNY). The FDNY will become the first municipal fire and emergency medical response program in the country to use full scale, motion-based vehicle simulators to train fire and ambulance chauffeurs. The simulators will be used to help train the city's Fire and EMS personnel in apparatus operations and are expected to help improve response times, reduce accidents and resulting injuries and, ultimately, help save lives. "The driving simulators will have a major, long-term positive impact on both the emergency response system in New York City, and the people and property the Fire Department is sworn to protect," said Commissioner Scoppetta. "We are grateful to NASCAR for helping make this a reality." The announcement was made at a press conference today in New York at the FDNY Engine 23 firehouse on West 58th Street. Dignitaries in attendance included FDNY Commissioner Scoppetta; FDNY Citywide Tour Commander, Chief Joseph Callan; NASCAR President Mike Helton and NASCAR champion driver Jeff Gordon. The donation addresses a need stemming from the terrorist attacks of September 11th, 2001 in which over 100 FDNY-trained chauffeurs perished.. The FDNY worked with NASCAR to identify a specific need that had gone unmet through previous monetary contributions and determined that driver training simulators would have a significant benefit to the department. "We knew that it would take time for the full breadth of the city's needs to become known and understood after last September," said NASCAR President Mike Helton. "The FDNY agreed with us,
and waited to see where it made the most sense for us to step in. We hope the driving simulators will have long-lasting benefits to all New Yorkers." The company building the driving simulators, FAAC, Inc., of Ann Arbor, Michigan, will contribute a portion of proceeds from additional simulators sold to municipalities across the country to the FDNY Fire Safety Education Fund (FSEF).(NASCAR PR)(8-8-2002)
Biffle Tests Cup Car at MIS: In preparation for the upcoming Pepsi 400 at Michigan International Speedway (MIS) on Aug. 18, Greg Biffle and the #16 Roush Racing team headed to the two-mile track for a two-day test session. Crew chief Randy Goss and the entire Grainger squad will be making the jump to Winston Cup with Biffle in 2003, so they are working the races and test sessions this season in order to get acquainted with the new program. The team brought two cars to the test session, both of which saw track
time either on Monday or Tuesday. Chassis No. JR-03, which is a new car prepared specifically for this race and JR-01, which is a car
purchased from the #17 DEWALT team, were present with JR-03 getting the nod to go back next week. Both cars ran extremely well, but JR-03 worked the best on the long runs. With its wide corners and different racing grooves, MIS is historically known to have extended green flag periods and the #16 team hopes the same holds true in this year's event. Biffle and crew worked on race trim the majority of the test session, but they switched to the qualifying setup for the final few hours. Unofficially, Biffle turned a fast lap of 184.663mph. Last year's pole position time for the Pepsi 400 was 188.127mph posted by #32-Ricky Craven, and, earlier this season, #88-Dale Jarrett posted a time of 189.071 for the Sirius Satellite Radio 400 at MIS. "We're fairly pleased with how the test session went," said Biffle. "We know we've got a little more work to do before and when we get there next week, but we're headed in the right direction. The car was very comfortable and it ran really well on the long run. Michigan is a driver friendly track and there usually aren't that many cautions, so being good on the long run should be beneficial to us. We were a few tenths off of last year's pole time, but you can't really use that as a determining factor for whether or not we were running competitively. There are so many things that come into play like temperature and how much rubber is on the track, so it's hard to tell. We feel good about how we ran, and Robby Gordon was there and we ran lap times comparable to his, so I think we'll be good when we unload next week." If Biffle qualifies for the Pepsi 400 at MIS, it will mark his second career Winston Cup start. His first start came at California Speedway on April 27, 2002, where he qualified 29th and finished 13th. Biffle also has tentative plans to run Winston Cup races this year at Lowe's Motor Speedway, Atlanta, Rockingham and Phoenix (where he supposedly will run the CTS, BGN and Cup races).(Roush Racing PR)(8-8-2002)
Air Dam changes for MIS: NASCAS announced a half-inch increase to the front air dam for the Pontiac Grand Prix and a 1-inch increase for the Chevrolet Monte Carlo, for next weekend's Pepsi 400 Presented by Farmer Jack at Michigan International Speedway. The leading edge of the air dam for the Pontiacs now must not extend more than 1½ inches forward of the bumper. The leading edge for the Chevrolets now must not extend more than 3½ inches forward of the bumper. Prior to this, Pontiacs™ air dams could extend 1 inch forward, while Chevrolets' air dams could extend 2½ inches forward. These modifications will be in place for this weekend only, pending further assessment by NASCAR officials.(NASCAR PR)(8-8-2002)
more Petty plans for 2003: Kyle Pettysaid he's returning to drive [in 2003]. Petty, whose team does not have a sponsor for next season, said the team should have an announcement within two months on that issue. Petty said the organization also is searching for sponsorship for Fittipaldi's team. Petty said the team hopes John Andretti will return, and that Jerry Nadeau, the team's other driver for the rest of the season, is unlikely to return because he has other offers.(Roanoke Times)(8-8-2002)
Hooters/Brooks could be part owner of the #11: Brett Bodine is poised for a change in the direction of his NASCAR Winston Cup team. Bodine began the year without a primary sponsor and was on the verge of closing his doors before signing Hooters restaurant chain to a small but team-saving contract. He has a verbal agreement from Hooters owner Bob Brooks for sponsorship for 2003. "He's basically told me you've got a deal for next year and possibly more," Bodine said. "They're in a process to evaluate the program and how much they want to invest in a Winston Cup sponsorship. We'd like more sponsorship," Bodine added. "You've got to look at what is going to be a good investment to be competitive. We're hoping to get them signed up for a long-term deal." One scenario would have Hooters become a partner in the team. If that happened, Bodine said, "I wouldn't have to ever look for a major sponsor again." He said he hopes to have a deal in place within the month. Bodine is also trying to add to or re-sign his associate sponsors. And he knows that if everything he hopes for happens, then there will be more pressure on him and his team.(Star Gazette)(8-8-2002)
Trouble at TRAC? UPDATE: TRAC executive resigns: William Miller, chief executive officer of the new Team Racing Auto Circuit, quit seven months before the start of the new racing league. TRAC plans to start its inaugural season with a slate of 20 races (including a tentative June date at Fairgrounds Speedway).(Tennessean)(8-7-2002) UPDATE: Team Sports Entertainment announces that Bill Miller is no longer the company’s Chief Executive Officer or a Director of the company’s Board. Team Sports Entertainment, Inc. Chairman, Robert J. Wussler said, “We have been anticipating that Mr. Miller will want to focus his efforts on developing a TRAC team in Atlanta. This should not affect our daily operations.”(TRAC Site)(8-8-2002)
Musgrave to stay in the CTS: Earlier this season Ted Musgrave agreed to run a few Winston Cup races in partnership with the Ultra Motorsports team, which also fields the car driven by Nashville's Casey Atwood. ''Don't call it a 'comeback,'' Musgrave joked at his July press conference in Daytona. ''I'm not coming back [to Winston Cup]. I'm going to run a race now and then, and that's it.'' After trying his hand in various other racing divisions, including some frustrating stints in Winston Cup, the veteran racer from Wisconsin says he's found a home in the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series.(Tennessean)(8-8-2002)
What? No More Burnouts? UPDATE: No more post-race burnouts. That's apparently the word from NASCAR execs after Greg Biffle's Busch victory burnout in St. Louis, which led a blown tire, which in turn brought Biffle's car through the post-race inspection station too low. NASCARis telling teams that any driver who does that again and blows a tire risks having the win taken away.(Winston Salem Journal)(7-22-2002) UPDATE: Winston Cup Director John Darby said in the Aug. 1 issue of Scene that NASCAR is not prohibiting burnouts, but simply warning competitors not to damage their cars or its parts during a post-race celebration.(Winston Cup Scene - need subscription to read)(8-8-2002)
Benson tests 2003 car at Lowe's: the #10 Valvoline team tested the 2003 Pontiac Grand Prix at Charlotte on Tuesday and Wednesday this week. James Ince On 2003 Pontiac Grand Prix Test: “So far it is hard to tell. Tuesday and Wednesday were the first days our team has had a 2003 Valvoline Pontiac on the track. Johnny was pretty happy with the car but we had the big green house on it and we really don’t have anything to compare it to. So far we are pleased but we have a lot of work ahead of us.”(Johnny Benson Fanclub)(8-8-2002)
Special paint for the #10 at Atlanta: #10-Johnny Benson will run a University of Kentucky scheme at Atlanta.(Johnny Benson Fanclub)(8-8-2002)
Junior Johnson News: Lengendary NASCAR Owner/Driver, Junior Johnson, whose imprisonment for running moonshine made him the focus of Tom Wolfe's Last American Hero, will be the grand marshal for the 35th annual Moonshine Festival in Dawsonville, Ga., in October.(Augusta Chronicle)(8-8-2002)
Robinson and BAM to the BGN? Ron Hornaday failed to qualify the BAM Racing Dodge at Indy, but Tony Morgenthau, who owns the team with wife Beth, said Shawna Robinson would be back in the car at Michigan Aug. 16-18. Beyond that Robinson’s future with the team is uncertain. “We’re planning for next year and want to get off to a good start,” Morgenthau said. “We’re interested in putting fast drivers in the car. But Shawna’s our primary driver. She’s under a two-year contract and we’re going to use her.” But that might be in the Busch Series with a driver to be determined in the Cup car. “That decision hasn’t been made yet,” Morgenthau said. “There are going to be plenty of drivers available, I have a feeling, after the next month. (Right now), we’re just working on getting the car (better).”(Winston Cup Scene - need subscription to read)(8-8-2002)
#2 Crewman plans to run a BGN race: Just could be "the fastest" rear tire changer in the business.Rob Fuller, the rear tire changer on Rusty's "two crew" team, is hoping to show his driving skills in the Friday night Grand National race at Bristol in a few weeks. "If things work out like we hope, I could be a teammate to Stacy Compton in that race," said the 29-year-old Massachusetts native. "Tad and his guys (ST Motorsports owner Tad Geschickter) are working with me to possibly give me the opportunity of a lifetime and I'm very thankful for that."(Tom Robets PR)(8-8-2002)
Dodge Motorsports diversity program awards scholarships to eight minority students: Dodge Motorsports announced recently that eight minority candidates have been chosen to receive scholarships sponsored by the Dodge Motorsports Diversity Program. The program, in its second year of operation, aims to attract, recruit and train minorities for positions within the automotive and motorsports industry. The eight winners - Jonta Adams, 24, of Charlotte, N.C.; Michael Bethea, 18, of Dillon, S.C.; Carlos Correa Jr., 18, of Saint Helena Island, S.C; Gabriel López, 19, of Aguadilla, Puerto Rico; Kerry Sano, 22, of San Francisco, California; Juan Jose Soto Jr., 25, of Toledo, Ohio; Antonio Texidor, 25, of Manchester, Connecticut; Cesar Villanueva Jr., 22, of Morris Plains, New Jersey - were selected from hundreds of qualified applicants through an extensive screening process. The scholarship recipients will receive NASCAR-approved training at the Mooresville, N.C., campus of the new NASCAR Technical Institute. Scholarships will cover costs associated with tuition, fees, required books and supplies and housing for the 57-week, automotive/NASCAR technology program operated by the Universal Technical Institute (UTI). Students will attend 39 weeks of traditional automotive service technology training that provides coursework in engine construction, electrical, fuel and lubrication systems, drive trains, body and chassis fabrication and racing theory principles. The final 18 weeks of the program covers NASCAR-specific training, which includes an intensive NASCAR curriculum, including the sport's history, rules and regulations, engine building and development, and chassis theory. All students must maintain a 3.0 cumulative grade point average (GPA) while enrolled in the automotive technology training program. Upon successful completion of the training program, graduates will be placed in a recruitment process to join Dodge racing teams as crewmembers. To be considered for one of the scholarships, applicants must have maintained a 3.0 GPA throughout high school and either be currently
enrolled as a senior or have already graduated high school. Also, it is necessary that candidates belong to a recognized U.S. ethnic/racial minority group (i.e. American Indian, Alaskan Native, African American, Native Hawaiian, Pacific Islander, Asian, Hispanic or Latino). Finally, recipients are required to take the Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) examination. All applications are processed and evaluated by an independent agency. The Dodge Motorsports Diversity Program began its second year of operation with the debut of rookie NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series driver Bill Lester in the #8 Dodge Motorsports Dodge Ram at Daytona International Speedway in February. Lester, currently the only African-American driver in NASCAR's top three series, is in the midst
of his first full-season of competition in the CTS with Bobby Hamilton Racing.(Golin-Harris PR)(8-8-2002)
IRWIN Rough to Finish Award: Steve Park and the #1 Pennzoil team recorded their season-best finish at last weekend's Brickyard 400 at the famed Indianapolis Motor Speedway. Despite the blazing temperatures and tough competition on the track, the Pennzoil crew kept Park in the hunt all afternoon, helping to earn crew chief Paul Andrews this week's "Irwin Rough to the Finish" Award. Andrew's call on the final pit stop was a big factor in the final outcome of the race. The caution came out about ten laps before the Pennzoil team was planning to pit. Andrews had planned to take only two tires, but the additional time between the pit stop and the race's end prompted him to take four instead. Park was quickly able to make up track position with four fresh tires and bring home the team's first top-10 of the season.
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)(8-8-2002)
Sad News: Former Indy 500 driver Jim Crawford of Scotland died Tuesday in Florida, Indianapolis Motor Speedway officials said Wednesday. He was 54. The cause of death was not immediately available. Crawford retired from racing after the 1993 Indianapolis 500, and became a fishing boat captain in the St. Petersburg, Fla., area. He made eight Indy 500 starts, finishing a career-best sixth in 1988, and also competed briefly in Formula One. Survivors include wife Annie and son Geoffrey.(ThatsRacin.com)(8-8-2002)
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Home Depot May Dump Stewart? UPDATE - NO: For the second year in a row, Tony Stewart is on probation. Following an incident after the Brickyard 400 last weekend NASCAR officials fined Stewart $10,000 and placed him on probation through the end of the year. NASCAR also is requiring Stewart issue a formal apology. Stewart feels lucky to get off so easy with the sanctioning body. His concern now is that sponsor Home Depot and car owner Joe Gibbs might not be so forgiving. ``I'm worried,'' Stewart said. ``The people at Home Depot are not happy.'' The next 48 hours are crucial to his career in Winston Cup racing. Should executives at Home Depot decide Stewart is more liability than asset, the ax could fall before practice starts for the Sirius Satellite Radio at Watkins Glen on Friday. Stewart has expressed regret that the incident occurred and is taking steps to help him avoid similar outcomes in the future. For his part, Mook says the media has blown the incident out of proportion. Mook says Stewart hit him only once, not the two, three or even four times claimed by others.(full story and other notes at the Tampa Tribune) UPDATE: The Home Depot is concerned with Tony Stewart's behavior, but the home improvement chain has voiced no intentions of replacing him as driver or leaving Joe Gibbs Racing, JGR president J.D. Gibbs told NASCAR.com on Wednesday. Recent reports said that Home Depot was so disgruntled with Stewart's latest tirade -- in which he shoved and attempted to kick Gary Mook, and Indianapolis Star freelance photographer, following the Brickyard 400 last Sunday -- that they were contemplating the possibility of removing Stewart from the seat of the #20 Pontiac.(NASCAR.com)(8-7-2002)
Stewart to seek help: Tony Stewart admits he has an anger management problem. "I'm going to seek professional help," he said Tuesday night after signing autographs before racing at the Terre Haute, IN action track. Stewart was fined $10,000 Tuesday for punching freelance photographer Gary Mook in Gasoline Alley following Sunday's Brickyard 400. Stewart said he spoke with NASCAR officials Tuesday before arriving in Terre Haute. In addition to the fine of $10,000, NASCAR ordered Stewart to apologize to Mook. "I look forward to apologizing to Mr. Mook in person," Steward told Eyewitness News Tuesday. "He deserves that."(WTHR Indianapolis and see a video clip on their main page)(8-7-2002)
It's Official - Fittipaldi to Petty: Petty Enterprises announced today that 31-year-old CART driver Christian Fittipaldi will drive a Petty Dodge beginning in 2003. The plans call for a combined BGN and Cup program beginning next season that will lead to a full-time Winston Cup program with the team in 2004 and 2005. The team is currently looking for a primary sponsor for the program..
Fittipaldi’s racing experience is impressive. After winning the Formula 3000 Championship in 1991, the Brazilian competed in Formula One from 1992 – 1994 and then moved to the CART Series in 1995. He has won twice in CART and now brings his diverse experience and impressive talent to Petty Enterprises and NASCAR. “I’ve been looking at NASCAR over the last several years and knew I wanted to be a part of it,” said Fittipaldi. “I’ve been part of one of the top teams in the CART series with Newman/Haas and I wanted to find a similar opportunity in NASCAR. Petty Enterprises is one of the top names in the sport. Their team is clearly on the way up and they have an impressive group of people and equipment working to take them to the top. I’m looking forward to being a part of it.”.
“Christian will be another bright new star in our sport,” said Kyle Petty, CEO of Petty Enterprises. “It’s exciting for us to have landed him. He’s got tremendous experience and he’s been very successful in every series he’s raced in from Formula 3000 to F1 to CART. With our knowledge in this sport and his ability and experience as a driver, we’re confident that he can win races and contend for Championships in the near future.”. Fittipaldi currently drives the #11 Newman/Haas car in CART. He has four top-five finishes this season and is currently 9th in points. He has run a limited number of BGN races in 2001 and 2002 (for Innovative Motorsports #30). His schedule in 2003 will consist primarily of BGN and Cup races and possibly several ARCA races as well. “We tested him in our cars in Lakeland (FL) and he was very impressive,” said Petty Enterprises Vice President and General Manager Robin Pemberton. “He’s clearly an incredibly talented driver, very smart and communicates well with the team. He’s going to be exciting to watch.” Dodge is equally excited about adding Fittipaldi to their current stable of NASCAR drivers. Dodge Vice President of Motorsports and SRT Marketing Jim Julow said, “We’re always looking at building for future success and it’s rare you are able to add somebody with as much talent and experience as Christian. This is a great move for Petty Enterprises and a tremendous boost for Dodge and NASCAR.”.(Williams Company PR), for past news and rumors on this, see my #45 Team News and Links page.(8-7-2002)
Timberland steps up BGN sponsorship program with Brett Bodine: Leveraging the brand's strategic partnership with Brett Bodine Racing, The Timberland Company today announced a national marketing campaign to support its Timberland PRO series of footwear and apparel for skilled craftsmen and work professionals. Launching the first week in August, the campaign revolves around Timberland's partnership with Brett Bodine Racing, and is designed to reach the ever-important audience of NASCAR race fans.. In a unique twist on NASCAR race team marketing campaigns, Timberland's strategy is to focus in on the pit crew members, paying tribute to the critical roles they play and reinforcing the benefits of wearing Timberland PRO series footwear on the job. Program elements include a national advertising campaign (the first-ever for the Timberland PRO series), a consumer sweepstakes, and Brett Bodine appearances with the show car at key retail outlets.. In addition, August 23rd at the Bristol Motor Speedway marks the first of six races where the Timberland PRO series will be primary sponsor of Bodine's #11 Ford Taurus in BGN driven by nephew Josh Richeson (also to run at Richmond, Dover, Lowe's, Atlanta and Rockingham). Some of the marketing program include an in-store consumer sweepstakes:. Timberland and select retail partners will run a series of sweepstakes, giving consumers the chance to win a trip for two (plus $500 spending money) to select NASCAR races.. Winners also receive pit passes for a first-hand glimpse at behind-the-scenes NASCAR action. In-store displays and signage will support the sweepstakes. The series kicks off at Bob's Stores with an August 3-25, 2002 sweepstakes for the Homestead-Miami Race in November, 2002. In-store promotions are also being planned with Meijer (November), Iron Age and Academy. In support of the campaign, NASCAR veteran Brett Bodine and the Timberland PRO series show car will make special appearances at various retail locations and events throughout the U.S.. The appearances will include autographs, photos with Brett and/or the show car, and on-site radio promotions. More information about Timberland is available at the Company's web site, www.timberland.com.(PR)(8-7-2002)
Spencer and Busch Together Again: #41-Jimmy Spencer and #97-Kurt Busch tested Tuesday at Lowes Motor Speedway just two days after their lastest on-track confrontation. Spencer and #26-Todd Bodine shook down cars with the so-called bigger greenhouse while #10-Johnny Benson, #32-Ricky Craven and Busch tested tires for Goodyear. Busch told PRN's Garagepass radio show...."My body is in a state of a little bit of shock with a stiff neck and some bruises on my right side, even though I hit on my left side, a lot of things ricochet around." During the wreck, Busch's right arm struck the outside of the seat which was not padded. Busch says he's real, real satisfied with the safer wall at Indy. Busch and Spencer have not spoken. "We're going about our business today" said Busch, and "The way that he (Spencer) made some remarks on TV was that it was accidental, but if it was accidental he would have stopped by today to say sorry". When asked about the Indy incident Spencer said "Everybody keeps saying.it's from Bristol but there's no truth to that at all. I've raced him (Busch).all year long, we raced hard at Richmond, Martinsville, a lot of places. I moved over (at Indianapolis) and let him go down the back straightaway and we drove down in the corner and I put my throttle to the car and I don't know what happened. I did bump him and I'm sorry for it, but yet I don't know if he lifted.....if he didn't get on the gas that quick.....I really don't know what happened and I sure didn't mean to hit him but it's a part of the sport. You go to some of these tracks....Texas, Kansas City, Chicago, Indianapolis, Atlanta.....you do not want to get into an altercation with anybody, especially knowing that they could get hurt. I can't believe somebody is saying that I deliberately spun him out, especially at those speeds. I just don't drive that way.".(PRN's Garage Pass)(8-7-2002)
T. Labonte, P.J. Jones Test at VIR: With the final NASCAR Winston Cup Series’ final road-course race of the season coming up this weekend at New York’s Watkins Glen International, a pair of teams got in some last-minute testing at VIRginia International Raceway near Danville, VA. Hendrick Motorsports’ #5 Kellogg’s team with two-time series champion Terry Labonte and A.J. Foyt Racing’s #14 Conseco team with P.J. Jones spent the day circulating the 3.27-mile full circuit at VIR. While it was a normal road-course test for Labonte’s team, Jones was coming to grips with the Foyt team for the second race of a two-race deal. "It’s the first time we’ve been up here," said crew chief Mike Hillman. "We’ve heard a lot of good things about it, and we’re trying to get P.J. and myself acclimated together a little bit for Watkins Glen. I’m really impressed with the racetrack and the facilities up here. It’s a really nice place." It was also Jones’ first time at VIR, and he seemed to have no trouble adapting both to a new track and team. "It’s a great facility," he said. "The track’s nice. Probably the biggest thing is that we don’t seem to be wearing out tires, which is a big factor, and we’re getting good repeatability out of the changes that we’re making because the tires aren’t falling off." Jones was entered in a second Foyt car at last week’s Brickyard 400 at Indianapolis Motor Speedway, but failed to qualify for the race. He’s looking forward to racing at Watkins Glen this weekend, but isn’t sure what the future holds. Over in the Labonte camp, the Jim Long-led team found their car had
the wrong gearing for the long course, but had a productive day nonetheless. "It definitely helps us," Long said. "It helps us make sure our brakes our right and our carburetors are right. You can have stumbling in the carburetor a lot on road courses, and it gives our engine man a chance to get that worked out. When we unload at Watkins Glen we can work on chassis stuff, we don’t have to worry about all those little items. While Long had tested at VIR previously with a different team, it was Labonte’s first visit. "It’s a pretty neat track," he said. "It’s good for what we need to accomplish. We’re trying to check out our road-course car before we go to Watkins Glen and just make sure everything is okay; that there are no vibrations and the brakes work and all that stuff, you know?"(VIR PR)(8-7-2002)
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Jeff Gordon/Dale Jr in NYC on Thursday - correction: Jeff Gordon make his third appearance as co-host of the "Live with Regis and Kelly" morning talk show on ABC TV -- and the second time in 2002 that Gordon has filled in for Regis Philbin and co-hosted the show with Kelly Ripa, Bill Elliott is also listed as a guest on the Live with Regis site. On Thursday afternoon, Macy's Herald Square will host a special appearance by Dale Earnhardt Jr and members of his Dale Earnhardt, Inc. Budweiser Chevrolet pit crew; as well as the "Drakkar Noir Pit Crew Challenge" between two specially trained teams from the NYPD and FDNY. Prior to the Pit Crew Challenge Earnhardt Jr. will meet and greet his fans at noon as well as sign autographs for the first 300 people to make a $67.50 Drakkar Noir purchase. Immediately following, Junior will meet with Olympic gold and silver medallist Picabo Street for a brief Q&A. (NASCAR.com)(8-6-2002)
Bigger Cars Test at Lowes: NASCAR's attempts to develop Winston Cup cars with a bigger "greenhouse area" to improve driver safety and aerodynamics appears to be hitting a roadblock. NASCAR used 2003 versions of three car makes – Dodge, Ford and Pontiac – in a test Tuesday at Lowe's Motor Speedway to gather data on the new greenhouse – the area encompassing the driver compartment. Driver feedback, however, was not what NASCAR officials hoped. "When the drivers come in and say the car is not driving well with this configuration, we pay attention to that. We don't say, 'Deal with it,' and go on," said Gary Nelson, NASCAR's managing director of competition. "We want to find solutions." Nelson said on-track testing results were not turning out similar to wind tunnel tests done with the larger greenhouses on the cars. The teams of #41-Jimmy Spencer, #10-Johnny Benson and #26-Todd Bodine participated in Tuesday's test. The larger greenhouse area is an increase of approximately one to three inches in the roof area and up to four inches in the length measured from the front windshield to the rear. The design would assist larger-sized taller drivers in exiting the cars because of the larger window space more freedom of moment in the driver compartment. "We tested the bigger greenhouse car at Kansas City and we learned a lot. We thought everything was working out really well. Now, we have three cars and we get on the race track and we are actually worse than we thought we were," Spencer said. "Our push is actually worse now than the current aero push we now have. Plus, the cars were unstable. So is it the tire? Is it taking away too much downforce? We don't know, but we're not going to stop working." Nelson said he would not give up on the project. "What we would like to accomplish is an equally as stable car or more stable car with the bigger driver's compartment," he said. "We're just not there yet."(ThatsRacin.com)(8-6-2002)
Stewart Reportedly Throws Punches UPDATE 3 Fined and Probation: After exiting his car in one of the garage bays after the Brickyard 400, #20-Tony Stewart was approached by photographer, Gary Mook, who was working the race on a freel-ance basis with the Indianapolis Star. After Mook had taken some pictures, Stewart turned and threw several punches at Mook, witnesses said. Approximately 15 minutes later, Mook was seen having a prolonged discussion with Stewart's team owner, Joe Gibbs, and crew chief, Greg Zipadelli, outside Stewart's hauler. Mook then left the garage, waving off questions from reporters. Stewart, who started on the pole, ran up front nearly the entire race, but in the final laps he appeared slow and finished 12th. Neither Gibbs nor Zipadelli would acknowledge much about the incident. "I talked to the gentleman and I feel confident we don't have a problem there," Gibbs said. "We had a good discussion. That's all I really need to say about it." Said Zipadelli: "I have no idea. When I got to the hauler he was already gone. I have not heard anything and don't know anything about it. I couldn't tell you any more than that." Winston Cup series director John Darby said he was aware of an incident between Stewart and a photographer following the race, but was unsure about its nature. He said NASCAR would be examining the issue further. "I just know little bits and pieces that we've heard so far. We're looking into it now," Darby said. "What we're starting to hear back is it may be two guys goofing around, but I don't know." Zipadelli seemed at a loss to explain what happened to Stewart's car in the final laps of Sunday's race. "We surely had at least a fourth-place car all day. I don't know what happened at the end, other than frustration set in," he said. "We've dealt with that enough to know our circumstances and instead of coming out of here fourth and fifth, we come out of here 12th."(ThatsRacin.com)(8-4-2002) UPDATE: The Indianapolis Star plans to file a letter of complaint with NASCAR. That's because driver Tony Stewart's temper got the best of him yesterday after the Brickyard 400. Stewart hurriedly walked off after the race, and the Star's free-lance photographer Gary Mook, was following when Stewart broke into a trot to get away. Mook ran alongside Stewart, and Stewart threw several punches, connecting to Mook's chest and stomach. Mook told the Star Stewart came toward him and struck him in the chest to get him out of the way, and he didn't pursue Stewart after that. He says Stewart struck him once, and the confrontation is being blown out of proportion. Spokesman Jim Hunter says NASCAR is investigating the incident.(NASCAR/AP) FSN's Totally NASCAR showed video of a portion of the 'punch/show.(8-5-2002) UPDATE 2 - Provoked? NASCAR chairman Bill France wonders whether Tony Stewart might have been provoked into hitting a photographer after a 12th-place finish in the Brickyard 400. While NASCAR continued its investigation Monday, France said he would be interested in seeing pictures or footage of the confrontation, if any exist. France did not condone Stewart's actions but wanted to know whether the photographer might have been too aggressive in doing his job, which could have angered Stewart. "All I know is what I have heard, and I don't know what provoked it," France told The Associated Press. NASCAR spent Monday interviewing several reporters and photographers who witnessed the altercation, with some saying Stewart also kicked Mook, said NASCAR spokesman Jim Hunter. No one has come forward with photographic evidence.(Daytona Beach News Journal/AP)(8-6-2002) UPDATE 3: Tony Stewart has been fined $10,000 and placed on probation through Dec. 31 as a result of an altercation with a media member following Sunday's Brickyard 400 at Indianapolis Motor Speedway, NASCAR officials announced today. Stewart, driver of the #20 Home Depot Pontiac, was penalized under Section 12-4-A in the NASCAR Winston Cup Series Rule Book: "Actions detrimental to stock car racing." In addition to the fine and probation, NASCAR will require Stewart to make a formal apology to the media member. The penalties were assessed after NASCAR officials conducted a thorough investigation of the incident. "It is imperative that we protect the integrity of our sport," NASCAR President Mike Helton said. "This type of behavior cannot be tolerated and is in no way indicative of the manner in which our drivers, teams, tracks and sponsors interact with the media. We take pride in our accessibility and interaction with the media and we intend to protect that relationship."(NASCAR PR)(8-6-2002)
Been asked so..... how can another team use the #09 that Geoffrey Bodine is running this year, as Shame Lewis is at Watkins Glen, a race Bodine will not run. Remember, NASCAR owns the numbers, not the teams and NASCAR works with teams to use a number if they wish to do so. Here is what I hear from the Geoffrey Bodine Fanclub that "The team [Shane Lewis] called Geoffrey Bodine and asked if they could use the number so they would at least have some points to fall back on if they needed it to make the field. Bodine and team owner James Finch both gave permission to Shane Lewis and his team to use the number for Watkins Glen since Bodine wouldn't be running the race. Plus the owners points will go to Finch's #09 team". Two teams using the same car numbers in a season is not unheard of and is common in the BGN and CTS and in the Cup season we have the #27 being used by Kirk Shelmerdine and Scott Wimmer, when both run, Shelmerdine uses the #72.(8-6-2002)
Fellows - no ride at The Glen? Ron Fellows' chance of racing in this weekend's NASCAR road race at Watkins Glen is down to "a glimmer of hope." Fellows yesterday morning expecting to sign to drive A.J. Foyt's #14 Conseco Pontiac, only to find out he didn't have the ride. "I came down here planning to get fitted for the car (yesterday) and then take part in a test day (today) at Virginia International Raceway," said a disappointed Fellows. "But they decided to put someone else in the car instead of me." Former open-wheel racer P.J. Jones will be in Foyt's car. Fellows has driven a #87 Joe Nemechek entry the past three years at The Glen and was a close second to winner Jeff Gordon in 1999. However, Nemco Racing could not come up with a sponsor for this year's race. "There's still one more possibility,'' said Fellows. "It's a glimmer of hope. But right now it's not looking good."(Toronto Star)(8-6-2002)
Kenny Wallace to run the #87...sorta: On ESPN2's RPM 2 Night, Kenny Wallace mentioned that the team he runs BGN and Cup with, Innovative Motorsorts [#48 Stacker2 in BGN and #98 Stacker2 in Cup), is leasing the NEMCO/Joe Nemechek road course car that Ron Fellows has driven in the past on the road courses in Cup races (as the #87 Chevy)(8-6-2002)
Who is Shane Lewis? Shane Lewis will appear on ESPN2’s RPM 2Night on Tuesday, August 6th. Lewis, a regular on the American Le Mans Series (ALMS) and Grand-Am Cup circuits is scheduled to make his Cup debut this weekend, August 11th, at Watkins Glen. Lewis will be driving the #09 National Healing Corporation/ Otto Motorsports Ford Taurus prepared by Last Lap in the
Sirius Satellite Radio At The Glen. The 16-time 24-hour event starter will be piloting a special tribute car at ‘The Glen.’ The two-tone blue and yellow entry is owned by Edgar Otto, Jr., of Boca Raton, Florida and honors his father, Edward Otto, Sr. Otto, Sr. will be inducted into the National Motorsports Press Association Hall of Fame in Darlington, South Carolina on August 31st. The elder Otto was NASCAR ’s first vice president and was heavily involved in promoting events, particularly in the northeast, for the stock car sanctioning body in the early years of the Winston Cup, then Grand National, division. Among the events that Otto promoted was the first NASCAR event at Watkins Glen International 45 years ago. Lewis will appear on the longtime auto racing news source with host John Kernan to discuss his first Winston Cup race as well as the unique honor of representing National Healing Corporation, Edward Otto, Sr.’s induction and the anniversary of that first NASCAR road race. RPM 2Night is scheduled to air at 6:30pm/et on ESPN2 with several re-airings on the cable sports giant to follow. Check your local listings to confirm times in your area. Shane Lewis is the 1998 Professional Sports Car Rising Star award winner and has multiple race wins in the IMSA Supercar and SCCA Pro series. He has driven in 16 24-hour races including two 24 Hours of Le Mans, six 24 Hours of Daytona and six 12 Hours of Sebring. In 2002, he is competing as lead driver for both the #43 Orison Marketing-Planet Earth Motorsports Corvette Z06 in the Grand-Am Cup Street Stock Series
and the #45 American Viperacing Dodge Viper in the American Le Mans Series. For more on Shane Lewis please see www.ShaneLewis.com. To learn more about Last Lap Motorsports, please visit www.lastlap.cc.(PR)(8-6-2002)
Pretty Cool: hearing that at Watkins Glen on Sunday, the NASCAR drivers will be escorted onto the raceway in HMMWV's driven by New York State Army National Guardsmen. Most of the guardsmen there have performed duty at the World Trade Center, airports, nuclear plants, and on the border duty.(8-6-2002)
Marcis to be honored: NASCAR legend and Wausau, WI native Dave Marcis will be honored by the Wisconsin Woodchucks today prior to the start of the team's game against the Rochester Honkers. Mayor Linda Lawrence has proclaimed it Dave Marcis Day. City Council President Jim Rosenberg will present Marcis with the key to the city during the pre-game festivities, set for 6:30pm. A replica of the last car that Marcis raced in Wisconsin, a 1957 Chevrolet, will be on display at Athletic Park starting at 6:00pm. During Marcis' NASCAR career, he won five Winston Cup races and earned 93 top-five finishes. The Wisconsin Woodchucks baseball team will also present a special gift to Marcis. Marcis, who retired this year after the Daytona 500, has spent five decades behind the wheel of a race car. After competing on local tracks for several years, he moved on to the Winston Cup Series in 1968 when he started in his first Daytona 500. He is second to another NASCAR legend, Richard Petty, in all-time Winston Cup Starts, with 882.(Wausau Daily Herald)(8-6-2002)
St James at The Glen: Lyn St. James, the second woman to ever race at the Indianapolis 500, will join the racing celebration in Watkins Glen this weekend. The former Indy 500 rookie of the year will by autographing her new autobiography "Ride of Your Life" on the village courthouse lawn from 4 to 5:30 p.m. Friday. At 6 p.m., St. James will be the featured speaker at the Center Conversations at the International Motor Racing Research Center on 610 South Decatur Street. It's free to public.(Star Gazette)(8-6-2002)
NAPCM Pit Crew of the Week: #77 Jasper Engines Crew. Consistently fast stops all day (15.33, 15.47, 15.53) got the #77 up front and puts them in the spotlight this week. Congratulations #77 Crew on being selected this weeks NAPCM Pit Crew of the Week sponsored by Toxabsorb, 20th Century Spill Magnet and Official Spill Response Agent of the National Association of Pit Crew
Members. Visit www.toxabsorb.com for all Toxabsorb pit road uses. Check out the latest Mechanix Wear Pit Crew of the Year
Standings available at www.napcm.com.(NAPCM PR)(8-6-2002)
WD-40 and Ward: For many people, maintaining an automobile can be a daunting task. But not for NASCAR race teams. That's why WD-40 teamed with NASCAR Winston Cup driver Ward Burton to create the "WD-40 Stock Car Full of Uses" brochure. Designed to help make auto maintenance easier, the brochure features a simple diagram illustrating how WD-40 can be used to help with upkeep. The brochure is free to consumers and available by sending a self-addressed stamped envelope to "WD-40 Stock Car Full of Uses," P.O. Box 881515, San Diego, CA 92168-1515. Those interested in a sneak peek can visit wd40.com/racing/car_care.html to view a thumbnail sketch of the brochure. While visiting the web site, users can register for the "WD-40 Pace Car Superstar" sweepstakes through Aug. 31.(WD-40 PR)(8-6-2002)
Sad News UPDATE: The WNEP TV site from Wilkes-Barre, PA reports: A driver from Massachusetts was killed during the 'Sports Car Club of America Tri-Region Nationals' [SCCA] at Pocono Raceway on Sunday, the crash happened during a road rally race. No word on the name of the driver killed.(WNEP.com), the name of the driver killed at Pocono yesterday is Robert Goldfarb. He was the president of the COMSCC, a 44 year old New England based sports car club. He was racing his Fully caged Z06 and crashed at around 155mph UPDATE: COMSCC is Corvettes of Mass. Sports Car Club. The event was Pocono's annual SCCA National championship race (not a "rally-race"). The Z06 is a current Corvette hardtop model that competes in the T1 (Touring 1) class. .Class rules require cars to be mostly stock but with a bolt-in roll cage and appropriate driver seat and safety gear. Head and neck restraints are not yet required in this type of racing.(8-5-2002) UPDATE 2: Massachusetts native Robert Goldfarb was killed Sunday during a Sports Car Club of America race at Pocono Raceway. Goldfarb, 45, was competing in the Pocono Sports Car Grand Prix when his Touring One-class Chevrolet Corvette went out of control and hit a concrete structure. The accident occurred on the second lap of the race, which began at 11:30am. The race is run on a 10-turn course that uses parts of the 2.5-mile triangular oval and parts of roads that intersect the infield. Goldfarb's car hit a flagstand near turn six of the course, where drivers make a left into the infield after negotiating the tunnel turn portion of the larger triangle. Terry Hanushek, a Mullica Hill, N.J., native who was chief steward for the race, said Goldfarb's car was traveling in excess of 100 miles per hour when it spun about 90 degrees and left the track sideways. The car slid through a grassy area without traction - much like Steve Park's car did in an early race crash in last Sunday's Pennsylvania 500 - before hitting the flagstand. Two workers on the stand were able to leap out of the path of the car. They were not injured. Goldfarb died of head injuries, according to an SCCA press release. The Monroe County coroner was unavailable for comment Monday. Hanushek said he believes Goldfarb died instantly. An ambulance was on the scene of the accident less than a minute after it occurred, and paramedics began resuscitation efforts. When a LifeFlight helicopter arrived at the scene, a doctor pronounced Goldfarb dead at the scene. Goldfarb, a native of Duxbury, Mass., was an experienced race driver. Goldfarb is survived by his wife, Lisa. See full story at the Citizens Voice:(8-6-2002)
(8-5-2002)
Foyt looking for Road Racer to run Watkins Glen UPDATE P.J. Jones to run: A.J. Foyt Racing is attempting to hire a road course expert to drive its No. 14 Pontiac in next weekend's Sirius at The Glen Winston Cup race at Watkins Glen International, spokesman Michael Rompf said.
Heading the list of candidates is likely to be P.J. Jones, who attempted to qualify a second entry for Foyt in Sunday's Brickyard 400. Mike Wallace has driven the #14 the past two races. No driver has been named beyond Watkins Glen.(ThatsRacin.com).(8-4-2002) UPDATE: A.J. Foyt has hired P.J. Jones to drive the #14 Conseco Pontiac in the Sirius Satellite Radio at the Glen NASCAR Winston Cup race this weekend at Watkins Glen International road course in Watkins Glen, NY. Jones, the son of 1963 Indianapolis 500 winner Parnelli Jones, has raced at the 2.45-mile road course in upstate New York in both the Cup and BGN and holds the overall track record in the IMSA GTP sports cars. "Mike Wallace had told me he wasn't comfortable on the road courses and suggested we look for someone who has more experience on road courses" Foyt said. "P.J. has run there in sports cars, Busch and Winston Cup cars so I hired him for that race. I am hoping that we can get some momentum going with a good finish there."
"It's a one-off for A.J.'s team," Jones said. "I was at the Glen last year as a driver coach for Jimmie Johnson in the Busch Series and I ran for Chip Ganassi the year before that in Winston Cup. It is much easier for a driver like myself to fill-in for a road course event than to try to run like we did at the Brickyard last weekend. The NASCAR drivers only run two roadcourse races a year so it's not as difficult to stay current on the set-ups. I believe we'll have a good weekend in the Conseco Pontiac at Watkins Glen." Jones has three starts at Watkins Glen in Winston Cup cars with his best finish of ninth with the Melling team in 1993. His last Winston Cup start at the Glen was in 2000 driving for Chip Ganassi in the No. 01 BellSouth Chevrolet; Jones started 29th and finished 21st. Jones, whose wife Jolaina gave birth to the couple's first son Parnell Jagger on July 29th, will test the #14 Conseco Pontiac at Virginia International Raceway's road course on Tuesday in preparation for the race.(Foyt Racing)(8-5-2002)
Rudd Announcement now Tuesday? UPDATE later in the week: Ricky Rudd tentatively has set a news conference for Tuesday in Charlotte, presumably to announce his ride for next year, which is expected to be with Chip Ganassi. But legal issues may force postponement. Insiders say attorneys are debating points in both the proposed M&Ms contract with Robert Yates and the proposed Texaco contract with Ganassi.(Winston Salen Journal)(8-4-2002) UPDATE: Fox Sports Net's Totally NASCAR reports that Ricky Rudd says there will be NO announcement until LATER this week on his 2003 plans/ride.(8-5-2002)
Rookie Of The Year Battle gets closer: Jimmie Johnson, #48 Lowe's Chevrolet, finished ninth. Johnson collected his 13th top-10 of the 2002 season which breaks the modern Era record for top-10 finishes by a Raybestos® rookie. Tony Stewart held the record for most top-10s by a rookie (12) set in 1999. Johnson unofficially leads the raybestos® rookie standings by seven points (288-281) over Ryan Newman.(Camp and Assoc PR)(8-5-2002) CORRECTION: actually Stewart had 21 Top 10's in 1999 to go with 12 Top Fives. Johnson currently has 5 Top Fives and 13 Tops 10's in 2002. Newman has 9 Top Fives and 12 Top Tens.(8-5-2002)
Hubert in the #23 at The Glen? UPDATE 3 Yes: 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) UPDATE 3: Tom Hubert will pilot the #23 Hills Bros. Coffee Dodge at Watkins Glen this weekend, serving as a one-race substitute for driver, Hut Stricklin. Hubert's duties at Bill Davis Racing include serving as a general mechanic for both Ward Burton's #22 Caterpillar Dodge and Hut Stricklin's #23 Hills Bros. Coffee Dodge during the week and changing rear tires for the #22 Caterpillar Dodge on the weekends. Hubert also assists as a test driver for Bill Davis Racing. Crew Chief of the #22 Caterpillar Dodge, Tommy Baldwin, will take Hubert's place as tire changer on the #22 car while Hubert is driving the #23 car this weekend. Hubert has extensive road course experience, including leading laps at Watkins Glen during the BGN race in 2000. The Hills Bros. Coffee Racing team is taking the same car to Watkins Glen that competed earlier this year at Sears Point. Road Course Testing: Hubert and the Hills Bros. Coffee Racing team tested Virginia International Raceway on Monday, July 29th (road course) to gear up for the NWC event at Watkins Glen International.(Bill Davis Racing PR)(8-5-2002)
Indy TV Ratings UPDATE: NBC's broadcast of the Brickyard 400 got a 5.7 overnight rating and 12 share, even with last year's overnight. In 2001, the small market bump yielded a final rating of 6.2. This year's final rating will be available on Thursday.(MotorsportsTV)(8-5-2002) UPDATE: Sunday’s Brickyard 400 on NBC delivered a 5.7 overnight rating/13 share, tying last year as the highest overnight rating in the event's nine-year history, according to figures released today by Nielsen Media Research. NBC’s Brickyard 400 coverage (2:30-6:15 p.m. ET) outperformed all network weekend sports competition, generating an overnight rating 58 percent higher than the closest competition (Fox’s 3.6 for Saturday’s four-game regional MLB coverage). The Brickyard 400 also delivered the highest overnight rating for a sports event in nearly a month (since Fox’s primetime coverage of the Major League Baseball All-Star Game on July 9). The Brickyard’s 5.7 overnight rating surpassed such recent events as ABC’s primetime coverage of the “Battle at Bighorn” and ABC’s coverage of the British Open. The 5.7 overnight rating and 13 share for NBC’s second year in covering the NASCAR Winston Cup race from the famed Indianapolis Motor Speedway ties the 2001 overnight and posted a 58 percent increase over the 3.6 on ABC in 2000 on Saturday of the same weekend. The overnight rating is also 21 percent better than the previous record high for the race, a 4.7 for the race’s inaugural running in 1994 on ABC. The Brickyard 400 rating built every half hour and peaked with a 7.3 during the final 15 minutes from 6-6:15 p.m. ET as Bill Elliott took the checkered flag for the second straight week. This peak increased nine percent from the 2001 peak of a 6.7 as Jeff Gordon won his third Brickyard title. Indianapolis led the 53 metered markets with a 20.3 rating/ 44 share.(NBC Sports PR)(8-5-2002)
This Weeks Golden Benny: NBC/TNT/PRN's Benny Parsons presented this weeks "Golden Benny" to NBC/TNT cameraman Don Fenwick for his coverage of the Steve Park/Dale Earnhardt Jr wreck. Benny came to this decision after talking to many of the team crews on the bus after the Pocono race.(8-5-2002)
Terry Labonte looking to stay: #5-Terry Labonte is reported to be negotiating with Rick Hendrick for a contract extension that would keep him on the team another three years.(Winston Salem Journal)(8-5-2002)
IROC to be revamped? Promoters of the International Race of Champions [IROC] are looking at revamping the long-running series, which has become anything but a true test of the world's best drivers. They may even add a road race to the 2003 format, if they can find a track to race on. On Saturday, Winston Cup driver Dale Jarrett won the final series race of the year at Indianapolis Motor Speedway in a dull, 40-lap affair. "We'll be sitting down with a spreadsheet and exploring ways of adding some new elements to the series," said George Signore, who runs IROC with his brother Jay. "If we could find a road course that fits in with the driver's schedules, we'd do it in a heartbeat." When IROC started in 1974, it was run at Riverside International Raceway -- a 2.5-mile road course -- in California. It attracted drivers from all forms of racing, including Mark Donohue, Bobby Unser, Richard Petty, Bobby Allison and A. J. Foyt. The trend could change next year, however. "We'd like to diversify the series," Signore said. "If we can fit in with schedules and TV commitments, we could run at least one road race."(Detroit Free Press)(8-5-2002)
Shawna back at MIS: during FSN's NASCAR This Morning, Shawna Robinson, who was subbing on the show for Derrike Cope, mentioned she would be testing the #49 BAM Racing Dodge at Michigan this week and if it goes well, she expects to run in the Cup race there on Aug 18th. AND Robinson has launched a new website, www.shawnarobinson.net. The new site maintains a guest book, posts photos, has links to fan sites and features personal and race related information. The new site will complement the official driver site, www.shawnarobinson.com both websites have links to each other.(8-5-2002)
Ganassi says Spencer will be back, and a twist: Chip Ganassi still isn't saying much about his plans for next season, but insiders say that Ganassi has told #41-Jimmy Spencer he'll be back next season as #40-Sterling Marlin's teammate. Ricky Rudd is expected to announce shortly that he will also drive for Ganassi next season. The question now is who Rudd and Ganassi will pick for a crew chief. [The Twist]: There are reports that Ganassi is already planning yet another team, which he hopes to get Tony Stewart to drive for.(Winston Salem Journal)(8-5-2002)
Daytona Testing: NASCAR likely will ask 12 to 15 drivers to take part in a test focusing on restrictor-plate setups August 13 at Daytona. Winston Cup series director John Darby says the purpose of the experiments is to create 'a lower downforce, lower drag' configuration that would allow the cars to gain speed down the straightaways and force drivers to lift off the gas in the corners. The idea is to make the cars' handling more of a factor. Dodge teams are expected to test a car with a spoiler width of 48 inches, a reduction of 7 inches from the current race setups. The height of the spoilers might be increased by as much as 2 inches per car, and teams will be asked to pull out the front fenders.(Sporting News) AND to test a smaller fuel cell that could be used for the restrictor-plate race at Talladega later this year. "We're going to look at a 20-inch fuel cell and see how many laps they can make under those conditions," NASCAR vice president for communications Jim Hunter said. The smaller fuel cell would require teams to make more pit stops in the 500-mile races on plate tracks, with the idea being that would help break up the big packs of cars blamed for causing multicar wrecks. "We're also looking at body locations for next year to try to come up with a standard location," Hunter said. "That means measuring from the rear axle to the front of the roof the measurement would be the same with a little give or take for all makes. A lot of people in the garage like to run shorter and others like to run longer, and there's a difference of up to about 4 inches."(ThatsRacin.com)(8-5-2002)
Dover fall race to honor heroes of 9/11: Joe Gibbs Racing and MBNA are working together to honor the heroes of Sept. 11 and to help children who lost parents in the terrorist attacks on New York City and Washington. In a press conference today [1:00pm at Indy] in Indianapolis, MBNA and Gibbs Racing will announce plans for a promotion Sept. 20-22 at Dover International Speedway. The name of the Sept. 22 Winston Cup race will be changed from the MBNA America 400 to the All American Heroes 400. Gibbs Racing driver Bobby Labonte will drive a car with the race's name and the words "Let's Roll" emblazoned across the hood. The car will be unveiled today at Indianapolis.[see my Paint Scheme Gallery for an image of the car posted a few weeks ago]. Proceeds from special race events organized by Gibbs and MBNA will benefit the Todd M. Beamer Foundation, created in honor of a passenger on one of the hijacked flights of Sept. 11. The foundation helps children who lost parents in the Sept. 11 attacks. All profits from sales of models of Labonte's special No.18 car will be donated to the Beamer Foundation. Every organization involved in the All American Heroes 400, including Action Performance, the maker of the No.18 model die cast, is donating 100 percent of profits from the event to the Beamer Foundation, Alpern said. Before the race, NASCAR.com will give fans the opportunity to sponsor Labonte per lap in the race, with all donations going to the foundation. After the race on Sept. 24, eBay will hold a live auction where fans may bid on Labonte's race uniform, helmet, shoes and gloves, in addition to the hood of the car, all of which will be autographed, with the proceeds going to the foundation. Alpern said Gibbs Racing and MBNA hope Beamer's widow, Lisa, will serve as grand marshal of the event. MBNA has also invited President Bush.(Hartford Courant)(8-2-2002) IMAGE see my Paint Scheme Gallery for a real image of the car taken at Indy.(8-5-2002)
Wallace expects to stay with Ford: Penske Racing South's contract with Ford ends after this season and while there have been reports that the team of Rusty Wallace and Ryan Newman will switch to Dodge next year, Wallace said he expects to remain with Ford.(Roanoke Times)(8-5-2002)
Wells announcement soon: Cal Wells is expected to announce his decision - Ford or Pontiac - at Michigan later this month. A major question for Wells is who would build his engines [rumor is Childress]. If he stays with Ford, he can renew with Robert Yates.(Winston Salem Journal)(8-5-2002)
Oops: After NASCAR's inspection sticks were found to be a quarter-inch off Friday, and teams were forced through re-inspection before the error was discovered, some crew chiefs - taking note of NASCAR's new tough policy on height infractions - suggested NASCAR give each team 25 points and $25,000 for the error. Jokingly, of course.(Winston Salem Journal)(8-5-2002)
Seven cars Dyno'd at Indy: Seven cars, including the #9 Dodge of race winner Bill Elliott, were put on the chassis dynamometer for testing following Sunday's race. The device measures rear wheel horsepower. The other cars were those of #20-Tony Stewart, #2-Rusty Wallace, #17-Matt Kenseth, #29-Kevin Harvick, #24-Jeff Gordon and #88-Dale Jarrett.(ThatsRacin.com)(8-5-2002)
Meeting with NASCAR at Watkins Glen: After the race, NASCAR spokesman Jim Hunter said #97-Kurt Busch and #41-Jimmy Spencer [who had an altercation at Indy] and their respective team owners, Jack Roush and Chip Ganassi, will have to meet with NASCAR officials next Friday before being allowed on the racetrack at Watkins Glen International.(ESPN/AP)(8-5-2002)
Blocking to be watched: NASCAR is considering monitoring blocking during the October race at Talladega Superspeedway and could punish drivers who intentionally prevent passing. "It's gotten to be that the larger crashes have been caused by blocking," Winston Cup director John Darby said Sunday. "So we're starting by looking at what is a block because cars change lanes all the time and we have to figure out what the parameters are." There was heavy blocking in both races at Daytona International Speedway this season and the April event at Talladega, but NASCAR said it had no way to police the practice. So officials are now in discussion as to what they can do, and Darby said it's possible drivers will be penalized during the race.(ESPN/AP)(8-5-2002)
NASCAR to test 'Bigger' cars at Lowe's: NASCAR has a session scheduled Aug .12 at Lowe's Motor Speedway to further test the bigger cars. Those cars have the larger roof area, which gives drivers extra room inside but also can alter the downforce on those cars, reducing the affects of aero push, some say. At least three cars and as many as six are expected at the test. Series officials tested the larger car in May at Kansas Speedway with Jimmy Spencer's team.(Roanoke Times)(8-4-2002) UPDATE: NASCAR officials will conduct a test Tuesday, following the Brickyard 400. The test, to be held at Lowe's Motor Speedway, is being piggybacked with a Goodyear tire test and done in cooperation with all three manufacturers. The objective of the test is to gauge the aerodynamic effect of a larger upper roll cage, which requires enlarging the greenhouse. The purpose of enlarging the upper roll cage is to put more distance between the head and shoulders of a driver and the surrounding steel bars. A larger roll cage will require a increase in the minimum roof height from the current 51 inches to as much as 52 to 52.5 inches and a comparable increase in the drivers side window.(Insider Racing)(8-5-2002)
NASCAR Considering Smaller Tanks At Other Tracks: NASCAR is also looking into using a smaller fuel cell at the restrictor plates tracks as a way of spreading out the field. However, the smaller cell, set at 12.5 gallons, could also be used at Michigan, California, Pocono, Atlanta, Las Vegas, Texas and Lowe's tracks.(Insider Racing)(8-5-2002)
