More Daytona Testing soon: Series officials are planning another Daytona test session because rain shortened the one earlier this month. The test session could lead to changes in the size of the rear spoilers and restrictor plates. New templates for next season will alter the shape of the roof, changing the aerodynamics, and series officials appear set at making a rule on the car's body location. John Darby, Winston Cup series director, says dates are being examined for another Daytona test. Darby says it's unlikely the test would lead to changes at Talladega in October. The changes might be used at next year's Daytona 500 but probably would debut at next spring's Talladega race.(Roanoke Times)(8-25-2002)
Richmond testing this week: Richmond International Raceway will play host to three days of testing this week for next weekend's race. #02-Hermie Sadler, #4-Mike Skinner and #41-Jimmy Spencer will be testing Winston Cup cars at the 0.75-mile oval tomorrow. They will be joined by BGN drivers #12-Kerry Earnhardt, #25-Bobby Hamilton Jr., #38-Mark Green, #92-Todd Bodine, #6-Damon Lusk and Martin Truex. Winston Cup teammates #8-Dale Earnhardt Jr. and #15-Michael Waltrip are expected to test at RIR on Tuesday and Wednesday. Earnhardt will be tuning up for the BGN race. The grandstands will be open from 9:00am to 5:00pm each day, and admission is free.(Richmond Times Dispatch)(8-25-2002)
Air Dam Rules back for Darlington: NASCAR notified Chevy and Pontiac teams it was re-instituting the front air dam rule it used at Michigan for next weekend’s race at Darlington. Chevys will be allowed to extend their front air dams out by one inch, while Pontiac teams will be allowed a half-inch extension. NASCAR will again evaluate the performance of the teams following next Sunday’s Southern 500 to decide whether to use the rule at the Sept. 7 race at Richmond.(ThatsRacin.com)(8-25-2002)
TV Coverage Highlights: Notes from TNT's coverage of the Sharpie 500 - Driver's gone wild: #1 Elliott Sadler pointing at his head signaling for Joe Nemechek to think when he drives, then punching the ambulance on his way off the track. Nemechek knocked Sadler out of the race. #2 Hut Stricklin clapping and giving a mock thumps up as Jeremy Mayfield goes by. Mayfield bumped Strickland out of the race. #3 Jimmie Johnson giving a middle finger wave to Robby Gordon as he passed by. Gordon bumped Johnson out of the race. Dallenbach on why Johnson wouldn't immediately leave the track: "He is waiting to wave to his favorite driver right now (R. Gordon)." #4 Ward Burton throwing his heel pads at Dale Earnhardt Jr., who knocked him out of the race. Burton on the incident: "I wish I would have had something I could've shot through the window." Best Feature: TNT's feature on former NFL coach Joe Gibbs, owner of Tony Stewart's car and Bobby Labonte's car. The piece described the great respect the teams have for Gibbs as leader, while relaying their lack of confidence in Gibbs's car knowledge. "We don't even give him a radio so that he can talk ... we give him money to go to the concession stand to buy a hot dog," said Stewart. Best Video: Points leader Sterling Marlin's tire jack getting caught under his car, while exiting pit road and going 20 spots up into Ricky Craven's pit as he left.. Marlin was penalized for the equipment problem.
With friends like these:(Turner PR)(8-25-2002)
Petree-Jones announcement at Darlington? Andy Petree, in discussion for most of the year to partner with Dallas Cowboys owner Jerry Jones, said he should know his plans for 2003 by next week. "I'll have something to talk about at Darlington next week if all goes as planned," he said. Jones is expected to buy a portion of Petree's team and the duo has reportedly been shopping for drivers. Bobby Hamilton currently drives for Petree, but both parties have said they are splitting at the end of the season. Petree admitted he tried to get Rudd, but never really had a chance even though he "felt like I had a lot to offer."(CNNSI/AP)(8-25-2002)
Penalty Likely for Ward: #22-Ward Burton and his crew chief, Tommy Baldwin, were called to the NASCAR hauler following Saturday night's Sharpie 500, where Burton was admonished for his on track demonstration following his wreck Lap 404.
Burton was hit by Dale Earnhardt Jr. and wrecked in Turn 3. Once he got out of his #22 Dodge, Burton waited on the track for Earnhardt Jr. to come around and threw his heel shields at Earnhardt Jr.'s # 8 Chevrolet. Kevin Triplett, NASCAR's managing director of business operations, said a penalty would likely be forthcoming this week regarding Burton's behavior. "Junior just didn't take his time," Burton said. "We'd been giving and taking out there all day. I've got some really good words for him that I can't say." Earnhardt Jr. said the wreck wasn't intentional. "I don't really keep it no secret when I wreck somebody. I don't do it that often. Hopefully for sure Ward knows that that wasn't intentional," Earnhardt Jr. said.(ThatsRacin.com)(8-25-2002)
MB2 Close to a sponsor for 2003? Jay Frye, general manager at MB2, said the team is in negotiations with about four companies for sponsorship and he expected the #36 to be on the track next season. Frye said the team would retain Schrader if it can get a sponsor for the car. Current sponsor M&M's is leaving to go to Robert Yates Racing [#38-Elliott Sadler].(CNNSI/AP)(8-25-2002)
More Penske to Dodge stuff UPDATE: Adding fuel to the intense speculation that Roger Penske may be moving from Ford to Dodge next season is the word now, unofficially, that Dodge's Ray Evernham may be supplementing his own in-house engine operation by signing up for a Penske engine leasing program with Penske's engine man Larry Wallace. According to one unconfirmed report Dodge has offered Penske a $20 million-a-year deal to switch.(Winston Salem Journal)(8-24-2002) UPDATE: The latest on the Dodge engine front: Larry Wallace, one of NASCAR's top engine builders, may be taking over command of the engine program for Ray Evernham's three teams, according to Detroit sources. Wallace has been the Ford engine builder for years for Rusty Wallace (no relation), but his contract with the Roger Penske team is reported to be up at the end of this season.(Winston Salem Journal)(8-25-2002)
(8-24-2002)
Gordon ends 'the streak' at Bristol: #24-Jeff Gordon won the Sharpie 500 at Bristol with a bump and run on #2-Rusty Wallace with a few laps to go. It is Gordon's first 2002 win, his first since Kansas last September, his first win in 31 races, his 59th career win, and Gordon has now won at least on race in each of the last nine seasons. Wallace ended up 2nd, blamed #25-Nemechek for slowing him up (Nemechek is also Gordon's teammate). See my rundown and notes on the race on my Bristol Race Info Page. Race Results: at ThatsRacin.com or NASCAR.com.(8-24-2002)
Visible Electronics: NASCAR is writing a new rule mandating a new, more visible ignition box system that will go into effect at Daytona next season, to make sure nothing is connected to the ignition system that isn't supposed to be - like traction control.(Winston Salem Journal)(8-24-2002)
2003 Chevy Approved: The all-new 2003 Chevrolet Monte Carlo race car has been given the green light by NASCAR. Officials with Chevrolet and GM Racing received the final approval this week. For the past six months, key representatives from GM Racing have been working diligently with NASCAR and Chevrolet Winston Cup drivers, team owners, and engineers to develop, build, and submit a brand new Monte Carlo for Winston Cup competition. Hendrick Motorsports (HMS), Dale Earnhardt Inc. (DEI), Richard Childress Racing (RCR), and Joe Gibbs Racing (JGR) pooled their talents to design the new race car, which will make its official debut at Daytona Speedweeks in February 2003. With valuable input from Joe Gibbs Racing, which was one of the teams leading an earlier 2003 Pontiac Grand Prix submission, GM Racing engineers were able to streamline their entire course of action and accomplish the task in a relatively short period of time. Each team played a significant role in the development of the new Monte Carlo. RCR built the downforce car, DEI built the superspeedway car, and HMS built the final submission car. GM Racing concentrated on the challenge of building a car that not only conforms to the new aerodynamic platform established by NASCAR, but that also retains the styling characteristics of the street Monte Carlo.(GM PR)(8-24-2002)
Petree and Wallace back together..Kenny...at Talladega UPDATE: hearing that Kenny Wallace and Andy Petree Racing will be reunited at Talladega Superspeedway for the EA SPORTS 500 on October 6th. The sponsor will be 1-800-CALLATT. Kenny will drive the same #33 Chevy that featured Carrot Top in Daytona – driven by his brother Mike in the Pepsi 400. Also hearing that on Monday, Wallace, APR & ATT will announce their search for a crew chief – in a most unique manner.(8-24-2002)
Legends race to raise money for Museum: Many NASCAR Racing "Legends" will race Sept. 28 to raise money for the planned Racing Museum of the South. Three-time Winston Cup champion David Pearson, his son and two-time Busch Series champion Larry Pearson and legendary car owner Bud Moore will take part in the race on the old dirt track at Piedmont Interstate Fairgrounds. Other drivers scheduled to compete are Cotton Owens and Dick Brooks. The planned museum will be in the old Beaumont Mill building in downtown Spartanburg. SC.(The State)(8-24-2002)
Andretti's Plans? Now that Ricky Rudd has signed his deal, the focus in the Winston Cup garage turns to car owner Chip Ganassi, who is looking for a new driver for his planned third team. Ganassi says he's looking for youth, noting that Sterling Marlin and Jimmy Spencer are both well into their 40s. One obvious man to keep an eye on is Jason Leffler, who drove for Ganassi last year as a rookie before being pushed back to the Truck series, where he has been a hot driver this season. Another man is John Andretti, who drives for Kyle Petty but who has expressed a strong desire to add the Indy 500 to his schedule, something Ganassi can easily do. Andretti reportedly met with Ganassi this week. Andretti was pressed hard here yesterday by the media but he offered no clues as to what he might do.(Winston Salem Journal)AND Now that Ricky Rudd and Elliott Sadler have shored up their 2003 plans, the focus turns to John Andretti and whether or not he'll be back with Petty Enterprises. Andretti has been in the #43 Dodge since 1998, but his contract is up at the end of the season. Kyle Petty, who runs the organization, has said they want Andretti back, but no deal has been reached and Andretti said he has spoken to other car owners about opportunities. "I don't play games and I don't run from motorhome to motorhome looking for a deal," Andretti said. "If somebody wants to talk to me, they can call me on the phone." But Andretti sounded as if he's leaning toward sticking with Petty, even though it's possible higher-profile teams like Chip Ganassi Racing could be wooing him. One sticking point in the negotiations is Andretti's desire to run in the Indianapolis 500, which he did in 1994, but Petty refused to let him do this season. Andretti said he's not giving up on his bid to run in the race.(Daytona Beach News Journal/AP)(8-24-2002)
Grubb to Cup in 2003? Renshaw to BGN? Deborah Renshaw, who gained national attention thanks to a plot against her by male drivers at Fairgrounds Speedway, is being considered for a full-time ride in the BGN. Rick Goodwin, owner of [#54] Team Bristol Motorsports in Bristol, Va., met with Renshaw and her parents in his suite at Bristol Motor Speedway yesterday. Goodwin's current driver is Kevin Grubb. But Goodwin wants to put Grubb in a full-time Winston Cup ride based in Charlotte next season and hire a new driver for his BGN car. Goodwin said the 24-year-old Renshaw's racing experience is relatively limited, but her poise and personality heightens her value in a marketing-driven sport. Goodwin said Renshaw is one of ''a number'' of candidates he's looking at and plans to announce his selection within 30-45 days.(Tennessean)(8-24-2002)
More Penske to Dodge stuff: Adding fuel to the intense speculation that Roger Penske may be moving from Ford to Dodge next season is the word now, unofficially, that Dodge's Ray Evernham may be supplementing his own in-house engine operation by signing up for a Penske engine leasing program with Penske's engine man Larry Wallace. According to one unconfirmed report Dodge has offered Penske a $20 million-a-year deal to switch.(Winston Salem Journal)(8-24-2002)
Jones-Petree? Maybe Not? Questions continue to swirl around the Jerry Jones-Andy Petree operation. Little has been heard from this side of the garage in several weeks. Petree is doing a delicate balancing act, with Jones looking at a Ford operation and Petree a long-time GM man. According to GM sources, there is now the possibility that the Petree team could field Pontiacs next season instead of Fords. If it is Fords, though, one possible driver pick could be BGN driver Scott Riggs. Another possible pick: Ken Schrader, depending on what happens with his current [#36 MB2] team, which is looking for a sponsor.(Winston Salem Journal)(8-24-2002)
Hammond Injured: Jeff Hammond, former Winston Cup crew chief and current analyst for Fox and Speed Channel television, is in a cast this weekend after breaking his right arm while steer wrestling in preparation for a Southern Rodeo Association event. Hammond says the healing process will take six to eight weeks. "Then we'll get to do it all over again," Hammond said. "As soon as they give me clearance, I'll be back on a horse. Just have to do everything one-handed, that's all."(Bristol Herald Courier)(8-24-2002)
TRAC still on track: The Team Racing Auto Circuit may not be ready to get on the track next year as planned, but the stock-car racing series' new president said Friday he believes TRAC is "on the way to the right direction." Terry Hanson said TRAC will emerge from what he admitted was a severe cash-flow situation that led to Indianapolis-based Riley & Scott halting production on the race cars it is building for TRAC after the racing series fell behind on payments. Hanson said the series is talking with a potential television partner about whether the series should start next year, as originally planned, or wait until 2004.(ThatsRacin.com), see more on my TRAC page.(8-24-2002)
If Park wins, a fan wins $1 million: If #1-Steve Park wins the Sharpie 500 the finalist in the “You Could Win $1,000,000” by Sharpie, Daniel Ferneyhough of Woodstock, Ontario [Canada] will win $1 million.(8-24-2002) - nope, Park fell behind early and was never a factor in the race.(8-24-2002)
To the Back - Sadler and Skinner: #21-Elliott Sadler's team changed an engine after Friday's first practice, so Sadler will go to the rear of the field before the green flag on Saturday night. Sadler also crashed on his qualifying lap, no word on if he will go to a backup, the nose got pushed in against the inside wall.(8-23-2002) UPDATE: it was reported on Fox Sports Net's NASCAR This Morning that the #4-Mike Skinner team changed engines and will have to go to the back of the field, joining Sadler. Skinner starts 42nd, Sadler 43rd (goes by who qualified best)(8-24-2002)
(8-23-2002)
Morgan-McClure announcement at Bristol? UPDATE 2 It's Official to Pontiac: hearing that the #4 Morgan McClure to Pontiac announcment could come at Bristol the weekend of August 23-24th.(8-15-2002) UPDATE: Word on the street has Morgan-McClure Motorsports leaving the Chevy stable and switching to the 2003 Pontiac Grand Prix. If Morgan-McClure makes the move, it would be the second team captured by Pontiac. On Saturday, PPI Racing announced it was leaving Ford and that Ricky Craven would drive a #32 Pontiac beginning with next year. The announcement might be made during activities at Bristol Motor Speedway this weekend.(NASCAR.com Buzz)(8-20-2002) UPDATE 2: a press conference has been scheduled for 10:30am Friday morning at BMS. While the move is still not definite, Morgan-McClure is expected to leave the Chevrolet camp and move to the Pontiac Grand Prix for next season.(Bristol Herald Courier)(8-22-2002) UPDATE 2: Pontiac Racing announced Friday that Morgan-McClure Motorsports has been added to its racing stable, beginning with the 2003 NASCAR Winston Cup Series season. Morgan-McClure currently campaigns the #4 Kodak Chevy with driver Mike Skinner.(GM PR) AND Team owner Larry McClure said the association with Pontiac will provide many resources. "More engineering. More money. More technical advice and experience. They are willing to provide us with whatever we need to help us to be more competitive," McClure said. McClure also said he continues to explore the idea of fielding a second race team in the future, dependent on sponsorship dollars.(ThatsRacin.com)(8-23-2002)
Happy Hour practice is over at Bristol for the Sharpie 500. #12-Ryan Newman was the fastest at 121.520, followed by #9-Bill Elliott at 120.763 and #30-Jeff Green at 120.038. Slowest were #90-Lance Hooper at 117.050, #49-Derrike Cope at 117.150 and #15-Michael Waltrip at 117.552. For speed see ThatsRacin.com.(8-23-2002)
Some Bristol Stats: The top-five drivers in the Winston Cup points race have a mathematical chance of leaving Bristol as the points leader. However, should Mark Martin win the Sharpie 500, Sterling Marlin can maintain his lead by finishing seventh or better regardless of lap leader bonus points for either. Forty-seven of 83 Cup races at Bristol have been won from the first four starting positions (57 percent). Only 13 races have been won from a starting position outside the top 10.(Atlanta Journal-Constitution)(8-23-2002)
Havoline/Chevron/Texaco...out? BUT they say they will remain: hearing that ChevronTexaco wants out of its motorsports sponsorships, that it inherirted when it bought Texaco. BUT as I was posting the above, I saw this on ThatsRacin.com: ChevronTexaco, which has sponsored Ricky Rudd's #28 Ford since 2000 [and since 1987 as Texaco], plans to remain in Winston Cup racing next season with another team, a company spokesperson said. Earlier this week, Rudd announced he was joining Wood Brothers Racing next season and Robert Yates Racing, Rudd's home this season, announced the hiring of Elliott Sadler, but with another sponsor, leaving the ChevronTexaco sponsorship in limbo. ChevronTexaco has been rumored as a sponsor for a third team at Chip Ganassi Racing, but it will likely be up to two weeks before the company finalizes its plans.(ThatsRacin.com)(8-23-2002)
More Pontiac Switches? Bob Kraut, marketing director for Pontiac Grand Prix, said Friday there would be additional announcements forthcoming regarding more teams changing to Pontiac next season. Pontiac lost two flagship teams when Joe Gibbs Racing announced earlier this season it was moving to Chevrolet next year. With the addition of #4-Morgan-McClure and driver Mike Skinner, at least five teams are likely to be in the Pontiac camp next season, including #32-PPI (and maybe a 2nd team), #10-MBV and #36-MB2 Motorsports and #14-A.J. Foyt Racing.(ThatsRacin.com)(8-23-2002)
Stewart works for Peanuts™: Action Performance announced a partnership with Joe Gibbs Racing, The Home Depot and United Media that will bring the Peanuts™ characters from the strip created by Charles M. Schulz back to the racetrack. This time, the Peanuts™ gang will be on the lookout for the harbinger of Halloween-The Great Pumpkin, and NASCAR Winston Cup driver Tony Stewart will be leading the way. The Peanuts™ characters will be featured twice at the track as part of this year's Great Pumpkin event. Initially, Stewart will pilot the black #20 The Home Depot/In Search of the Great Pumpkin Pontiac during the August night race at Bristol Motor Speedway. Stewart's final Peanuts™-themed car also will be unveiled in August and ultimately will race during the October event in Atlanta.(Action Performance Companies PR), see my Paint Scheme Gallery for images of each scheme.(8-23-2002)
Buckshot Announcement UPDATE 3 sponsor fell thru?: from the Buckshot racing site: "Look for Buckshot [Jones] to make a big announcement by the end of June"(6-11-2002) UPDATE: more from the Buckshot Jones site - The family is growing! Jina, Buckshot, and Kolton are going to have a new addition to the family. Jina is expecting a baby due to arrive in January, 2003. Look for Buckshot to make an announcement about his future racing plans in the near future. AND Buckshot Jones said this week that he'll be able to find a new Winston Cup ride in about two weeks. Released earlier this year from his job as driver of Petty Enterprises' #44 Dodge, Jones has been talking with several race teams and potential sponsors about a ride for next season. "We don't have any definite deals, but I have spent at least two days every week meeting with race teams," Jones said. And to make sure that he hits the tracks in high gear in 2003, Jones plans to enter some races before the end of this season. "We plan to run either the Busch or Winston Cup race at Atlanta in the fall and maybe more," he said. Since splitting with the Pettys in April, Jones has worked on his family farm in Monticello and vacationed in Florida.(Atlanta Journal Constitution) Ganassi involved? hearing this could be a Chip Ganassi Racing third team or could end up taking the sponsorship to #92 Melling Racing.(6-21-2002) UPDATE 2: being told now that Ganassi Racing is not considering Jones to drive a car or start a new team.(6-22-2002) UPDATE 3: a few weeks old but in the Aug 9th Speedway Scene it is reported in the 'Snowballs' section that Jones was out shopping himself with Charter Cable systems as a driver/sponsor package. Was believed to be headed to Bill Davis Racing, but financial problems for the sponsor seemed to have put a halt on that possibility.(8-23-2002)
TRAC News - news hires and production of cars stopped?: Veteran South Carolina business executive, Charlie Bradshaw, has been named as Chief Executive Officer for Team Sports Entertainment, Inc. and its wholly-owned subsidiary TRAC. Bradshaw, who has been a member of the Team Sports Entertainment, Inc. Board of Directors since July 2001, brings over 40 years of business management experience to Team Sports Entertainment, Inc. Bradshaw currently serves as President of Bradshaw Investments, Inc., a family holding company. He also serves on the Board of Directors for Sonoco Products, Linville Resorts Inc., Textile Hall Corporation, and Spartanburg Regional Medical Center Foundation. In another management change, long-time Sports executive Terry Hanson has been named President and Chief Operating Officer of TRAC. Pritchett has left the company to pursue other business interests. Hanson has been serving as Executive Vice President at TRAC and has held top executive positions with Turner Broadcasting, The PGA Tour and Raycom Sports in his 30-year sports career. Team Racing Auto Circuit (TRAC) is a newly formed national motor sports league [for more info and past news, see my TRAC page].(TRAC PR) AND ....as of August 14, 2002, the Company had approximately $1.8 million in accounts payable and less than $20,000 in cash. Of the $1.8 million in accouunts payable, $1.5 million relates to the production of the TRAC racing cars. In the event TRAC's inaugural season is 2004, the car production payments would be resheduled. The Company has been seeking to raise additional cash,as debt or equity, to fund its operations, but to date has been unsuccessful. As a result of non-payment by the Company, Riley & Scott has stopped production of TRAC's racing cars. The Company will continue to seek to raise cash to continue its operations and complete its business plan, but there can be no assurances it will be able to do so. If the Company is unable to raise the required cash in the next few weeks, it may be forced to terminate its operations. Even if the Company is successful in raising the required funds, it may be forced to delay its races until the 2004 season.(Yahoo Biz)(8-23-2002)
(8-22-2002)
Gordon wins the pole for the Sharpie 500 at Bristol: #24-Jeff Gordon won the pole at Bristol with a speed of 124.034mph, his 3rd Bud Pole of 2002 and 42nd of his career. #8-Dale Earnhardt Jr is on the outside pole with a speed of 123.937mph. See my Sharpie 500 Race Info page for the speeds and provisonals and misses(8-22-2002)
Five Different Winners: The last five short-track races have been won by a different driver: Tony Stewart, Bobby Labonte, Kurt Busch, Ricky Craven and Ricky Rudd. Dating back to last season, Stewart has won three of the last nine short-track races.(Roanoke Times)(8-22-2002)
Mast UPDATES: been asked, didn't know, Lee Spencer answered some email at the Sporting News on what is up with Cup driver Rick Mast: " Q: What's going on with Rick Mast? I heard he was having health problems and that doctors were running tests on him. Could you please bring me up to date? A: Mast had been suffering from severe headaches and over several months lost an extreme amount of weight. He says he felt "deathly ill" after his last race in May at Richmond. With NASCAR's help, Mast saw specialists at the Mayo Clinic, but they were unable to give him "definitive answers." Although doctors found no signs of cancer, they did not rule out the possibility of carbon monoxide poisoning.(Sporting News) AND #90 Team Owner Junie Donlavey confirmed to XM/NASCAR Radio's Chris McClain in an interview on Tuesday that Rick Mast is suffering from Carbon Monoxide poisoning. AND II: ESPN2's RPM2Night host, John Kernan recorded an interview today for RPM Now on ESPN radio this weekend and plans to run a portion of it on RPM2Night tonight (6:30pm/et on ESPN2). Mast says the doctors have still not determined what is wrong with him and says carbon monoxide is a possiblity, but it has not been confirmed. Mast is also going out to Colorado in a couple of weeks for some more extensive tests.(8-22-2002)
Sprague in a Pontiac? The new Haas CNC Racing Chevy Cup team, owned by Gene Haas, was announced a few months ago as the #60 Haas Automation Chevrolet with Jack Sprague driving full time in 2003. Hendrick Motorsports will supply cars, engines and technical support. Well looks like they may be running a Pontiac in 2003 and are leaning that way. Hendrick would still support the team.(Winston Cup Scene - need subscription to read - now in pdf format)(8-22-2002)
Cope in the #49 Again: Derrike Cope will drive the #49 BAM Racing Dodge at Bristol Motor Speedway this weekend with support from MNR Productions. MNR provided the race car design to Billy Ray Cyrus to promote his hit PAX TV program Doc. Cyrus stars as Clint Cassidy, a country doctor from Montana whose love for a woman has forced him to practice medicine in New York City. The series airs Sundays at 8:00pm and again at 9:00pm on PAX TV. "We’re very glad to be taking our team to Bristol, especially after having such a great weekend in Michigan," said Elizabeth Ann Morgenthau, owner of BAM Racing. "Derrike and the guys did a wonderful job at Michigan. We stayed on the lead lap and would have had a solid finish," she said. Cope ran as high as fourth in the race and appeared to be headed to as much as a top-10 finish before some untimely cautions. BAM Racing had prepared a car for Bristol but debated adding the race to its modified schedule for the season. The team had been formed with the plan of running a limited NASCAR Winston Cup schedule in order to build a strong foundation for the future. "The opportunity to work with Derrike again was one we all wanted," Morgenthau said. "The Michigan race was a large step forward for us. It was a real morale booster for everyone on the team. We had the chance to see our car in the top five for part of the race, and we saw great work on everyone’s part to keep us among the lead lap cars all day long. Maybe we can carry some of that momentum over to Bristol," she continued. "Obviously, those are two very different race tracks requiring two very different styles of driver and car. But our people are experienced, talented and eager to race"(Williams Company)(8-21-2002) IMAGE: see my Paint Scheme Gallery for an image of the car.(8-22-2002)
Kenny Wallace wins: Winston Cup/BGN driver (and Stacker2 celeb) Kenny Wallace used a chrome horn to pass Benny Gordon for the lead and held on with old tires to win the Hills Brothers All Pro series Charter/Hardee's 250 at Bristol Motor Speedway Tuesday. Wallace had been glued to Gordon's back bumper for about 50 laps before tapping Gordon's rear bumper on lap 230 heading out of turn four toward the flag stand. That got Gordon loose, giving Wallace an opportunity to get beside him on the front stretch and complete the pass heading into turn one.(see full story at the Kingsport News-Times)(8-22-2002)
Shepherd to attempt Bristol: Morgan Shepherd and the #89 Racing With Jesus Ford will head to Bristol Motor Speedway this weekend for the running of the Sharpie 500. Shepherd's fans, who have been extremely supportive, will be thrilled to see this logo from his #21 Craftsman Truck appear on the hood of his Winston Cup car for this event. It will be the first time this logo will appear in Winston Cup. Shepherd will attempt to qualify his unsponsored #89 Cup car at a track where he holds the record of four wins in the BGN. Morgan welcomes Loren Lanter and a crew member from Loren's Late Model team who will be assisting with crew duties this weekend. Additionally, Todd Bradburry. from the Pro Truck Series Division, out of Concord, NC., will come on board this weekend as a first time crew member. Ted Jackson will return with Morgan, as well. Morgan wishes to thank these crew members for their assistance.
Motorsportsweb.com, Racing With Jesus Ministries and Catchfence.com continue to be proud associate sponsors for Shepherd Racing and look forward to continued affiliation. Negotiations will begin soon for primary sponsorship for the 2003 season.(STB Marketing Group PR)(8-22-2002)
IRWIN Rough to Finish Award: Everyone knew that last Sunday's Pepsi 400 at Michigan International Speedway would come down to pit strategy and a tremendous effort on the track. Proving that true, Dale Jarrett drove the #88 UPS Racing Ford to a win after a spin on lap 12 sent him to the back of the pack. But it was crew chief Todd Parrott's sound pit strategy on the final pit stop of the day that helped secure Jarrett's second win of the season and his second IRWIN "Rough to the Finish" Award of the season.
On lap 12, Jarrett passed Jeremy Mayfield and suddenly got loose through the end of turn four, sending him spinning through the infield grass. After a quick pit stop to repair the damages to the left front fender, Jarrett started at the back of the lead lap, but consistently moved up through of the field as the day went on. By the halfway point of the race, Jarrett had climbed inside the top-10, where he remained for most of the second half. When the final pit stop came around and it was time to make a strategy decision, Parrott decided that four tires were the way to go when most teams were taking two. The move placed Jarrett in 17th position, but he quickly moved up, taking the lead from Jeff Burton for good with four laps remaining. "It was an incredible day, both on the track and in the pits," said Parrott.. "Who would have thought we'd be in Victory Lane after spinning out like we did?. Dale did a tremendous job charging up through the field, and the guys in the pits never let up for a second. This award is a credit to this entire team's efforts and proves that if you stay focused under pressure, you can come out victorious."
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)(8-22-2002)
"M&M's" Night Of Stars Raises $112,000 For Victory Junction Gang Camp: Ken Schrader's dirt track was a hotbed of activity and charity at the recent "M&M's"® Night Of Stars. I-55 Raceway in Pevely, Mo., was the site of the first-ever "M&M's"® Night Of Stars. The event was organized by Schrader and "M&M's"® to benefit the Victory Junction Gang Camp, which was established by Kyle and Pattie Petty in honor of their son Adam. When the checkered flag fell on the event and all the money was tabulated, $112,000 was raised for the camp through ticket and T-shirt sales and donations. Schrader along with the help of drivers Petty, Dale Earnhardt, Jr., Bill Elliott, Steve Park, Johnny Benson and Mike Wallace attracted more than 9,000 fans to the 3/8-mile dirt track in southern Missouri. Fans lined up for hours in advance in the sweltering Midwest heat to catch a glimpse of the drivers. After a two-hour autograph session, the drivers lined up for a 10-lap match race on the dirt. Benson served as the flag man for the event. Flash bulbs popped and fans cheered as some of the biggest names in the Winston Cup garage battled it out. Elliott, who grew up racing on dirt tracks, nosed out Schrader for the win. Park, Petty, Earnhardt, Jr. and Wallace rounded out the running order.(IMG Motorsports-Charlotte PR)(8-22-2002)
(8-21-2002)
Some Rudd Transcript Notes on his new ride: Q: Is There Any Chance You And Elliott Could Swap Rides Before The End Of The Year, If You Fall Out Of The Championship Race? A: "Wow, that’s a good one. I don’t know, I guess I’ve got to look at that. That’s something to think about, I guess. I would like to go out there and do some testing and get ready for next year. I’d like to work on that now, but I’m not really sure what our agreements will let us do and not do, even if I don’t drive the cars, believe me, the conversations will be going on." Q: How Much Did Motorcraft Step Up And Did Ford Kick In A Little Extra? A: "Let me just say from where I’m coming from, and I’m not gonna get into details, but all the car owners I talked with, we never got into, ’I want this.’ I just wanted fair compensation. I didn’t ask for Winston Cup championship driver’s salary. I didn’t ask for top-three driver salary or even probably top-five. Don’t get me wrong, I’m not cheap and I want all I can get, but I’m not sure exactly what went on with Eddie and the sponsorship requirements." Q: Is This A Three-Year Commitment For You To Drive The Car? A: "I don’t know how much these guys want to talk about the nuts and bolts about the contract, but it’s a three-year contract and I guess you’re asking if there are any escape routes, is it gonna be a one-year or a half-a-year. I’m committed to the Wood Brothers and I guess I’m gonna leave it at that. I’m committed to three years I hope. I guess if they’ve got to kick me out of the seat, I’m not doing my job, I’ll be there for three years. If I’m not doing the job and I’m holding this team back, I’ll be the first to step aside." Q: How Close Were You To Signing With Someone Else Like Chip Ganassi? A: "Chip and I had talked — not only Chip, but I talked to many different teams. With Chip Ganassi, that’s a fine operation. Chip’s a winner. He’s been a winner in every sport he’s been in and he’s winning in Winston Cup. He’s obviously leading the Winston Cup championship right now, so that’s a very strong effort that he puts on a race track week in and week out. Chip and I simply couldn’t come to final terms, and believe me we tried. There was a couple of weeks of negotiations that went on and, contrary to what you might believe, it wasn’t over money and it wasn’t because I gave Chip a right hook in his office one day. Just to lay that to rest, Chip and I — for your information — have never met in his office. We’ve never had a harsh word. We just simply could not agree on terms. There were several toss ups there and you go back and you’ve got to align yourself with the right team, but you’ve got to go with the team that you feel comfortable with. I’m not gonna sit here and tell you that Chip Ganassi is not a great person or a great race team, it’s simply that we couldn’t come to terms. Again, it wasn’t over money. There were other teams I could have signed with. If I was just looking for the money, there were some other teams out there that had some tremendous incentives and bonus checks out there, if I wanted to join with them. Again, this is not to belittle this team. All along, I said, ’Pay me market value for my driver services — a top 10 driver,’ and we never had an issue with any of these teams over money and, again, this is gonna be the end of this. I’ll be glad to talk to you tomorrow about any of this other stuff, but, right now, this is about the Wood Brothers and the effort they put on out there week in and week out. I’m proud to be a part of it. I’ll get into some of those other things a little later, but, I’m not gonna get into a negative mudslinging contest back and forth with somebody. I’m just gonna simply stick to this statement, but, again, I’m not sure where these stories develop. I have no idea. Again, the one with Ganassi and him and I having harsh words in his office — it never happened. I never met the man in his office. I’ve been to his race shop one time three weeks ago and that’s the end of the story."(Ford Racing)(8-21-2002)
Simpson back with a new company: Safety guru and innovator, Bill Simpson, has formed a new company, Impact Racing, that will focus mainly on the NHRA with helmets and restraints. Simpson had a one-year non-compete clause in his contract with Simpson Racing Products, a company he started and bears his name. Simpson still owns 25% of the company. Simpson said no changes in the lawsuit against NASCAR and there has been no attempt to settle.(ESPN2's RPM2Night show), past news on my Safety Page.ALSO see columns today about Simpson at: St Petersburg Times - Bill Simpson is glad to be back and from the Indianapolis Star - Simpson refuses to back down in battle with NASCAR.(8-21-2002)
#36 at Bristol - It's Purple: NASCAR fans voted and rallied for their favorite new color of "M&M's" Chocolate Candies, then waited for the results. This weekend, the wait is over. Kenny Schrader will finally climb behind the wheel of the purple #36 "M&M's"® Pontiac at Bristol Motor Speedway for the race under the lights. Schrader will also be sporting a purple uniform to complete his new look for the weekend. "The people have spoken, and they said they wanted to see me in a purple car, so I guess that's just what they'll get this weekend in Bristol. The car's going to look quite sporty under the lights," Schrader said. "To be honest with you, I'm pretty darned relieved that they didn't choose pink." {Jayski's vote] The purple paint scheme is in honor of "M&M's"® first-ever Global Color Vote, which ran from March until May of this year. More than 10 million voters in 200 countries selected which color - purple, pink or aqua - would join the famous candy mix as part of the vote. While candy lovers around the globe were choosing which color they wanted to add to the "M&M's"® mix, NASCAR fans were debating which color car they wanted to see Schrader drive around a high-banked, short track. Although pink was a heavy favorite in the Winston Cup garage area, purple took the top spot when all the voting was finalized and tabulated. Purple received 41 percent of the vote, aqua garnered 38 percent and pink rounded it out with 19 percent. The remaining two percent of the vote went to various write-in colors. See an image of the scheme on my Paint Schemes Gallery.(8-21-2002)
Nadeau motorsports’ ‘best man,’ at least for a day: With as many as 15 couples ready to "tie the knot" Saturday morning at Bristol Motor Speedway, Georgia-Pacific Dodge driver Jerry Nadeau just couldn’t let that pass. The Danbury, Ct., native and his sponsor, Georgia-Pacific, will play a major role in the weddings. Nadeau is serving as honorary best man for each couple, while Georgia-Pacific is supplying the first wedding gifts through a gift package. The weddings begin at 11:00am/et Saturday. Speedway officials did set some prerequisites. All participants must fulfill all license requirements and meet with Sullivan County’s Deputy Clerk Sue Jones, who will officiate over all proceedings. They must all have tickets to Saturday’s Sharpie 500 as well. "The folks at Georgia-Pacific and I just wanted to do something that might make the day even more special for these couples," Nadeau said. "Obviously, this is something they are going to remember the rest of their lives. It might end up being something I remember the rest of my life too. I’m looking forward to it."(Williams Company PR)(8-21-2002)
Sharpie Finalists: Sharpie announced the 10 semifinalists for the grand prize in its “You Could Win $1,000,000” program, one of whom will race to possibly a big pay day at the Sharpie 500 in Bristol, Tennessee on August 24. The semifinalists were chosen randomly from the more than 245,000 entries in a national sweepstakes program. Participants include: Joan Adams of Rock Hill, South Carolina; Barbara Cox of Reynolds, Georgia; Daniel Ferneyhough of Woodstock, Ontario; John Handforth of Kent, Washington; Robert Kerns of Linesville, Pennsylvania; Terrence McCauley of Overland, Missouri; Dennis Morton of Newtown, Pennsylvania; Mona Neal of Huntsville, Alabama; Yvette Schneider of Forest Hills, New York and Kerry Williams of Indianapolis. See more on my Racing Contest page.(Sharpie PR)(8-21-2002)
Darlington Testing Speeds Wednesday: The following teams reported these test times at Darlington Raceway on Wedneday, August 21. No qualifying runs were made. As on Tuesday, all runs were made in race trim.
#97-Kurt Busch, 166.135 mph (Cup)
#07-Ted Musgrave, 164.084 mph (Cup)
#17-Matt Kenseth, 163.050 mph (Cup)
#5-Terry Labonte, 161.232 mph (Cup)
#91-Stanton Barrett, 158.888mph (BGN)
(Darlington Raceway PR), see Tuesday's speeds on my Testing Page.(8-21-2002)
Ned Jarrett Update: been asked about NASCAR Legend Ned Jarrett, also former broadcaster and dather of curretn Cup driver #88-Dale Jarrett [DJ], so here ya go: Last night during Raybestos Fast Talk with Benny Parsons, Ned Jarrett called in to let the fans know how his health was doing. Ned said that he has had 4 Heart Cauterizations, 2 Angio-plasties and stints put in with each angio plastey. He had two vessels that were blocked. One was 95% blocked and the other 85% blocked. A little after that he had a blood clot. He went into the hospital and they put him on IV's with blood thinner and he felt better with in a few hours. In fact, he was playing golf three days later. Jarrett does have 1 artery that goes from his heart to his arm that has a "kink" in it and some blockage but they are treating that with medication. He goes to the cardiac rehab 3 days a week and still continues to do his regular exercises. Doug Rice asked him about being anxious watching DJ on Sunday.. He said. that the doctors gave him some medication for anxiety.. Towards the end of Sunday's race he wished he had taken one earlier. He watches every lap and listens to every word that they do.(Performance Racing Network)(8-21-2002)
(8-20-2002)
FINALLY - Rudd to Announce Deal Today? Wood Brothers to make announcement UPDATE, IT's OFFICIAL Rudd's 2003 Plans: hearing there will be a news conference this afternoon at 5:00pm/et at the University Hilton (Charlotte) to announce Ricky Rudd's plans for next year. And that it does NOT involve Dodge or Chip Ganassi (by the way, heard Rudd was asking for over $3million and 50% of purse from Ganassi). Look for a full report on ESPN2's rpm2night at 6:30pm/et. AND just got this - Eddie and Len Wood of Wood Brothers Racing and Motorcraft have called a press conference to announce driver and sponsorship signings today at 5:00.(PR) ALSO FOX Sports Net's Totally NASCAR will have a full report at 6:00 local, 6:30pm/et on Speed Channel and NBC6.com will have coverage online and local TV.(8-20-2002) UPDATE - RUDD's 2003 Plans: Wood Brothers Racing took two leaps forward today. First, co-owners Eddie and Len Wood announced that they had agreed to the terms of a three-year contract with Ford Customer Service Division (FCSD) and its Motorcraft Quality Parts brand, extending the sponsor's agreement through the 2005 season. Armed with three secure years of sponsorship, the Woods then came to terms on a three-year deal with perennial top-10 driver Ricky Rudd, whose contract with Robert Yates Racing expires at the end of the 2002 season. The actual contract signings are scheduled for today in Charlotte, NC.
"Unbelievable.. Incredible.. I don't know what else to say. Two weeks ago, I wouldn't have bet you a nickel on our chances to sign Ricky. We had one year of sponsorship left, and just not enough to offer him," said Eddie Wood. "Motorcraft came down to see us last week in Stuart [VA]. They told us they wanted to extend our deal, and asked us what we thought it would take to get Ricky. We laid it out and they said, 'Let's go get him.'"
"Motorcraft and the people at Ford Customer Service Division have been extremely pleased with our association with Wood Brothers Racing," said Ann O'Neill, Executive Director FCSD.. "This team represents family, quality and a sincere concern for the product they produce and that is what Motorcraft and Ford Motor Company are all about.. The same building blocks that have given Wood Brothers Racing its competitive strength over the years can be compared to the building blocks that keep Ford and its divisions and products at the top of the automotive market."
This will be Rudd's second turn carrying the Motorcraft banner. From 1985-1987, Rudd won four races and finished in the top-10 all three years while driving Motorcraft Ford Thunderbirds for Bud Moore Engineering. "It's a little scary how quickly and easily all of this has come together," said Rudd.. "The bottom line, I guess, is that I trust Eddie and Len Wood, and I trust the people at Motorcraft. We're speaking the same language. Everybody in the garage who knows anything has seen how good the Wood Brothers' equipment is," Rudd continued... "Eddie and Len have put together a partnership with Jack Roush that is paying off. Pat Tryson (crew chief) used to work for me when I ran my own team. This is really comfortable for Linda and me, and I think we've got a chance to win some races."
A 28-year veteran of Winston Cup racing, Rudd made his series debut in 1975 and won the Rookie of the Year in 1977. Since then, the 45-year-old Virginian has won 23 races and finished in the top-10 in the championship standings 18 times.. He currently stands sixth. As a Wood Brothers Racing driver, Rudd will find himself in elite company. Racing greats David Pearson, A.J. Foyt, Dan Gurney, Cale Yarborough, Neil Bonnett, and Glen Wood are just a few to win races in Wood Brothers Fords. The team has raced for 52 years and has amassed 97 victories, fourth all-time in NASCAR history and the most of any Ford team.
A primary team sponsor in NASCAR Winston Cup for the last 18 years, Ford Customer Service Division and the Motorcraft brand began headlining the #21 Wood Brothers Racing Taurus in 2001. The team collected its first victory since 1993 at the 2001 Food City 500 at Bristol Motor Speedway and has added four additional top-five finishes since then. The history of Motorcraft Quality Parts and Ford Customer Service Division in NASCAR goes back to its primary sponsorship on NASCAR owner Bud Moore's NASCAR Winston Cup Thunderbirds from 1985-1993 and its sponsorship of races at Atlanta Motor Speedway from 1987-1993. In 1994 and 1995 the Quality Care Service arm of the Ford Customer Service Division became Moore's sponsor, and then teamed with Ford Credit to sponsor the #88 Robert Yates Racing Thunderbirds and Tauruses driven by Dale Jarrett from 1996-2000. The Motorcraft brand of spark plugs, filters, motor oil, batteries, electrical, brake and suspension components, in addition to engines and transmissions, are available at Ford Motor Company dealerships and retail outlets throughout the country.(Campbell Company/Motorcraft PR/Ford Racing)(8-20-2002)
Hermie Sadler adds Bristol to Schedule: Add #02-Hermie Sadler’s name to the mix this weekend at Bristol Motor Speedway.. Sadler announced today that he will run the Sharpie 500 this weekend. In addition, Sadler will attempt a double duty effort with entries in the BGN and CUP races at Richmond (sept 6-7th). Sadler has extended his original schedule and also plans to race at New Hampshire next month. "We had been planning to race at Bristol all year,” stated Sadler. “We had a few sponsorship opportunities that we worked on for the race at Bristol but they didn’t pan out. We are running three of the next four races Winston Cup races and the track time at Bristol will help us a great deal. The crew has the car ready and in our last Winston Cup race we finished 18th. We feel confident we’ll have a good weekend." At Richmond, The Virginia Lottery will sponsor Sadler’s Winston Cup car and The Bank of Southside Virginia will sponsor the BGN car. Sadler initially did not want to run more than seven Winston Cup races this season to maintain his Rookie eligibility. However, he now feels it is in his best interest to run as many races as possible. According to Sadler, "I want to show people that I can be competitive. When seats start opening up I want teams to think about me.. The best way to make that happen is to be at the track. I am excited about the next few months." For more information on sponsorship opportunities available for the Bristol and New Hampshire Winston Cup races, please contact Brett Griffin @ (704) 992-1021.(Sadler Enterprises PR)(8-20-2002)
No - No Bull Five in 2003? the Speedway Scene is reporting that several sources not involved with R.J. Reynolds are saying that the No Bull 5 Program may be a thing of the past after the final 2002 event is completed (Talladega in Oct).(Speedway Scene Print Edition - Aug 9th)(8-20-2002)
Sadler to test for Yates: Elliott Sadler and his 2003 crew chief Michael McSwain [for the #38 M&M's team] are planning to test together before the end of the year to provide the team a head-start on remaining a Winston Cup contender in 2003.(Richmond Times Dispatch)(8-20-2002)
Record TV Ratings for MIS: Turner Network Television (TNT) delivered a record high 5.3 rating (4,497,000 households) for its coverage of the Pepsi 400 on Sunday, August 18, from 2 - 5:20 p.m. ET.. The 5.3 rating is 26 percent higher than last year's 4.2 rating, marking it as the highest NASCAR rating in network history. The Pepsi 400 race bests all previous NASCAR event telecasts on TNT in rating and household delivery (5.2 household rating/4,248,000 household delivery for New England 300, 7/22/01). In addition, the network aired the NASCAR Busch Series Racing from Michigan on Saturday, August 17, from 1:30 - 3:34 p.m. ET, which delivered an all time Busch Series racing network high with a 1.8 rating (1,518,000 households), which is up 20 percent from last year's 1.5 rating. The Busch Series race was our 2nd highest rating ever behind the EAS/GNC Live Well 300 on Feb. 16, 2002.(Turner PR)(8-20-2002)
Closest Battle Ever: The 150 points that separate the top five drivers in the Winston Cup points standings is the closest margin between the top five in NASCAR history with 13 races remaining.(Daytona Beach News Journal)(8-20-2002)
Tim Sauter to drive the #71 at Bristol: Tim Sauter will attempt to make his Winston Cup debut this weekend at Bristol in the #71 Marcis Racing Chevy. Dave Marcis' nephew Rob Marcis will crew chief the car. Earlier this season, Marcis fielded cars for Tim's father Jim Sauter at the Brickyard 400 at Indy (but failed to make the race) and for Tim's older brother Jay's Cup debut at Texas in April.(NASCAR.com)(8-20-2002)
NAPCM Pit Crew Of The Week (Michigan): #88 UPS Crew. Hard work and great stops all day took the #88 UPS Crew
from Spin to Win. Unchallenged performance on pit road made the #88 UPS Crew the undeniable pit road champion this week. Congratulations #88 Crew on being selected this week’s NAPCM Pit Crew Of The Week sponsored by Toxabsorb, 21st Century “Spill Magnet”, Pit Road Competitive Edge and the Official Spill Response Agent of the National Association Of Pit Crew Members. Visit
www.toxabsorb.com for all Toxabsorb household and pit road uses.(National Association of Pit Crew Members PR/website)(8-20-2002)
Richmond testing: #41-Jimmy Spencer and #26-Todd Bodine are scheduled to test at Richmond International Raceway on Tues August 20th and Wednesday Aug 21st. Fans are invited to watch testing on both days. The grandstands will be open from 9:00am to 5:00pm.(RIR PR)(8-20-2002)
Open Testing at Lowe's Scheduled: Lowe's Motor Speedway has confirmed open testing dates for the Oct. 13 UAW-GM Quality 500 NASCAR Winston Cup race, the Oct. 12 "Little Trees" 300 NASCAR Busch Series event and the Oct. 10 EasyCare
Vehicle Service Contracts 150 ARCA Series season finale. NASCAR Winston Cup Series Testing is scheduled for Tuesday, Sept. 3 (8:00am -10:00pm) and Wednesday, Sept. 4 (8:00am - 4:00pm), ARCA on Tuesday, Sept. 24 and Busch Series on Tuesday, Oct. 1 and Wednesday, Oct. 2.(LMS PR)(8-20-2002)
Dodge motorsports diversity scholarship graduates: Dodge Motorsports announced that the graduating winners of the 2001-2002 Dodge Motorsports Diversity Scholarship program have each earned full-time positions with three Dodge NASCAR race teams. Two students will join Evernham Motorsports' #9 and #19 Dodge-sponsored Cup Series teams, and a third student will join the Ultra Motorsports #2 Dodge Ram team in the Truck Series. The Dodge Motorsports Diversity Program, in its second year of operation, aims to attract, recruit and train minorities for positions within the automotive and motorsports industry.
The three scholarship graduates - Jason Flamer, 22, from Houston, Texas; Ramon Zambrano, 21, from Arlington, Virginia; and David Whippy, 21, from Mangilao, Guam - were selected among the first recipients of full scholarships awarded by the Dodge Motorsports Diversity Program in spring of 2001.. The scholarships were awarded to minority high school seniors or graduates, and provided full-tuition and housing for the 51-week NASCAR-approved training at Universal Technical Institute (UTI) in Houston, Texas. The students received training in a broad range of technical disciplines including diagnostic analysis and mechanical and electrical systems.
Jason Flamer graduated from the scholarship program in last June and has already begun working with the #19 Dodge Dealers team of Evernham Motorsports out of its Statesville, NC shop.. He joined the team prior to the Brickyard 400 Winston Cup Series race at Indianapolis Motor Speedway on August 4. Currently, Flamer is responsible for assembling and tearing down. Jeremy Mayfield's #19 Dodge on a weekly basis. Ramon Zambrano graduated in August, but will report to the #9 Dodge Dealers Intrepid team for the first time on Monday. David Whippy expects to complete his coursework at UTI by October, and will begin working with the #2 Dodge truck team immediately after receiving his diploma. The Dodge Motorsports Diversity Program launched in the first quarter of 2001, providing a seat in the Bobby Hamilton-owned #8 Dodge Motorsports Dodge to African-American race car driver Willy T. Ribbs. Bill Lester acquired the seat of the #8 Dodge Ram for the 2002 season, and is in the midst of his first full-season in NASCAR Racing, ranking second in the CTS Rookie of the Year Standings. In July, Dodge announced eight more minority scholarship winners at Michigan. The 2002-2003 scholarship class will receive full tuition and board to the 57-week training session at the NASCAR Technical Institute campus in Mooresville, N.C.(Golin/Harris PR)(8-20-2002)
Parrott's Comments UPDATE: got a ton of questions on what #88 UPS Crew Chief Todd Parrott was talking about when he was interviewed after Dale Jarrett won. From the Ford Racing site: You Mentioned Something About A Family Member After The Race? "It’s been a tough couple of weeks. Anytime I win I get emotional. That’s just the type of person I am. It’s hard. To be honest, the schedule that we keep and the time that we’re away from our families is tough. Anytime you win, you think about family and that’s all I had on my mind."(8-19-2002) UPDATE: and see a FoxSports column by Jeff Hammond: Parrott shows strain in Victory Lane.(8-20-2002)
Rudd-Ganassi back on? Dodge sources are saying that the Rudd-Ganassi deal will be done. Indeed, the latest Ganassi move in the negotiations could have been prodded by Dodge officials, who are eager to land another Winston Cup title contender. However, Ford Motor Company executives seem just as determined not to let another of their stars be snatched away, as Bill Elliott was two years ago.(Winston Salem Journal)(8-20-2002) - NOTE: won't happen as Rudd signed with the Wood Bros #21 team.
NASCAR on ABC's "World News Tonight" Tuesday: Tuesday [Aug 20th] night's edition of ABC's World News Tonight will feature: "The cost of sponsoring a NASCAR car has climbed from $4 million just a few years ago to as much as $20 million today. Is it worth every penny for advertisers?"(MotorsportsTV)(8-20-2002)
Darlington Testing UPDATE Speeds: The following drivers are scheduled to test at Darlington Raceway on Tuesday and Wednesday, August 20 and 21. BGN drivers: #98-Kasey Kahne, #91-Stanton Barrett and #21-Jeff Green. CUP drivers: #07-Ted Musgrave, #17-Matt Kenseth, #97-Kurt Busch and #5-Terry Labonte.(Darlington Raceway PR) UPDATE: The following teams reported these test times at Darlington Raceway on Tuesday, August 20. No qualifying runs were made; tests were made in race trim. Qualifying runs are planned for testing on Wednesday, August 21.
#97-Kurt Busch, 165.575mph(Cup)
#07-Ted Musgrave, 165.020mph(Cup)
#17-Matt Kenseth, 163.375mph(Cup)
#98-Kasey Kahne, 159.662 mph(BGN)
(Darlington Raceway PR)(8-20-2002)
(8-19-2002)
Hooper in the #90 at Bristol? UPDATE: hearing the #90 Donlavey Racing Ford will be driven at Bristol by Lance Hooper.(see a few images of the car on the Hooper site. UPDATE: Legendary Car Owner, Junie Donlavey, will make his return to Cup at Bristol. Donlavey will be assisting driver Lance Hooper, Roger Smith and former Winston Cup owner Richard Jackson in their efforts to make their first start of the season. Lucas Oil will serve as primary sponsor with JJ Baker Homes, Ingles Markets and Suburban Lodges of America as associate sponsors of the #90 Donlavey Racing Ford. "Richard is a good friend of mine. He approached me about helping Lance and Roger out and I thought it would be great opportunity for all those involved," Donlavey said. Donlavey Racing is still under operation in Richmond although it is in a scaled back manner. "We will be back," Donlavey said. " We are actively searching for sponsorship to run some races later in the year and a full season next. I enjoy being at the track and competition that is involved in this sport."(Keystone Marketing PR), see images of the car at my Paint Scheme Gallery.(8-19-2002)
Special Paint for Bristol: The #22 Caterpillar Dodge driven by Ward Burton will sport the flames/CAT deals scheme at Bristol this week. Also will have the Purple #36 M&M's, the #20 in The Peanut's scheme, and the #97 will have a special Sharpies scheme. See images of the cars at my Paint Scheme Gallery.(8-19-2002)
Dyno Testing at Michigan UPDATE: NASCAR tested nine cars on the chassis dynamometer after the race - the cars driven by #48-Jimmie Johnson, #20-Tony Stewart, #29-Kevin Harvick, #88-Dale Jarrett, #6-Mark Martin, #17-Matt Kenseth, #40-Sterling Marlin, #19-Jeremy Mayfield and #22-Ward Burton.(ThatsRacin.com)(8-18-2002) UPDATE: NASCAR placed nine cars on the chassis dynamometer last Sunday after the race at Michigan. Jarrett's Taurus led the Fords with 738 horsepower, and Stewart's Pontiac ran a close second. Ward Burton's Intrepid led the Dodge camp with 720 horsepower. With technical changes due for submission in September, NASCAR can take the dyno data into consideration when making its decisions.(Sporting News)(8-19-2002)
M&M's Announcement Friday UPDATE 3 It's M&M's, Yates, Sadler and......#38: M&M's to announce 2003 plans on Friday, August 16, 2002 at Michigan.(8-13-2002) REVISION: the announcment has been changed to Sunday morning, August 18th at MIS.(8-14-2002) UPDATE: Elliott Sadler will drive the #38 M&M's Ford for Robert Yates Racing beginning next season, it was announced Sunday. Michael McSwain will serve as Sadler's crew chief. The 2003 campaign is the first of a three-year sponsorship between the two organizations.(NASCAR.com)(8-18-2002) UPDATE 2: The Fords owned by Robert Yates, driven by Elliott Sadler and sponsored by M&M's next season will carry the #38. That final piece of the puzzle fell into place Sunday morning as the deal was formally announced. "This is the biggest honor and privilege I've ever had," said Sadler, 27, who will complete this season in the #21 Fords owned by the Wood Brothers. "To me, this is a career opportunity, a once-in-a-lifetime deal." Yates said giving up the #28 that has been part of his team since he bought it from Harry Ranier in 1988 "tore a few heart strings, but I got over it the first night." The new number gives the team a new identity, he said. Yates will also field the #88 Fords for Dale Jarrett again next season. Michael McSwain, crew chief for driver Ricky Rudd on the #28 Fords now, will be Sadler's crew chief. "I'm really pumped up about it," McSwain said. "To get someone who's got the energy that Elliott's got, the intensity that he's got and the desire he's got is pretty exciting for me as a crew chief." Sadler said he knows there will be pressure on him to perform for a high-profile team such as Yates' operation. "I need to win races," said Sadler, who has one career victory. "We need to run well each and every week. …This car has always run well, so I think the pressure on me is probably going to go through the ceiling. …I need to step in there at Daytona next year and try to run for a championship. That's what's on our minds, that's the mentality we're going to have."(ThatsRacin.com). AND see the full press release at the Sadler Fanclub site.
NOTE: Owners points of the #28 will transfer to the #38 in 2003, just like they did with Ganassi in 2002 when they changed from the #01 to the #41 and from Cingular to Target.(8-19-2002)
Ganassi Third Team? Spencer back: Chip Ganassi still envisions having a three-car team next season, despite rumors a potential that a deal with Texaco/Havoline as a sponsor for the third team may be in doubt. Ganassi said Sunday that Sterling Marlin and, most likely, Jimmy Spencer would drive two of those cars, but wouldn't speculate on who might drive the third. A deal with Ricky Rudd was believed to be close a week ago. Ganassi said Rudd is "a driver who can win at any track he goes to," but wouldn't speak directly about whether Rudd would be part of his team next season. "There's no deal yet," Ganassi said.(ThatsRacin.com)(8-19-2002)
Benny Pays Up UPDATE and the Golden Benny: 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)(8-1-2002) UPDATE: before the race on Sunday at Michigan, Parsons presented the crew with the $700 and the Golden Benny. Parsons also said he has $700 for one more team to do the sub 13.0 second pit stop.(8-19-2002)
Rudd and the Wood Bros? UPDATE 2: The Ricky Rudd saga took another twist Friday, with persistent speculation in the Winston Cup garage that he would move to the Wood Brothers' #21 team next season. Eddie Wood, co-owner of the team, did nothing to discourage such talk, saying he'd love to have Rudd in his Ford. "We've said from day one that we weren't signing anybody until Ricky Rudd had signed somewhere," Wood explained. Earlier speculation had Rudd driving a third car for owner Chip Ganassi in 2003 with sponsorship from Chevron/Texaco. But two news conferences to announce Rudd's plans were canceled, leaving his future in limbo. A published report in National Speed Sport News on Friday indicated that Rudd would drive for Ganassi next season. A spokesperson for Ganassi denied the report, calling it "inaccurate and incorrect" in a statement.(CNNSI/AP)(8-17-2002) UPDATE: Ford officials, perhaps worried about seeing Rudd win races in a Dodge the way former Ford driver Bill Elliott has done twice in the past three weeks, appear to be making a late effort to keep Rudd in a Taurus. Since the Wood Brothers team is sponsored by Ford through its Motorcraft brand, Ford could provide money to help pay for Rudd's services in the #21 car.(ThatsRacin.com)(8-18-2002) UPDATE 2: Ricky Rudd still hasn't found a home for next season, but it seems Ford is making a strong run to keep him in its camp‹preferably in the Wood Brothers car. A deal that would have aligned Chevron's Havoline brand and the #28 with Dodge team owner Chip Ganassi was canceled last week in the 11th hour, but Ganassi says Rudd remains at the top of his list for the third team he wants to form for next season. Announcements that Elliott Sadler will drive for Robert Yates in 2003, Steve Park will stay with Dale Earnhardt Inc. and Johnny Benson will be back with MBV thinned the field for Sadler's replacement in the #21. But the Wood Brothers don't seem worried. "When Ricky Rudd makes his decision, we won't be far behind," says Eddie Wood, who says Rudd would be "a perfect fit" for their team but that there are several other drivers in the mix.(Sporting News) AND Meanwhile, the Ricky Rudd saga continues, and yesterday's story line was that Rudd now appears headed to the Wood brothers, with significant support from Ford Motor Company officials, worried about a defection to Dodge. However there are still hang-ups, one of them reportedly that Rudd wants a cap on the number of personal appearances he has to make. Rudd hasn't been saying anything, but one unconfirmed report is that within the past week, he tried to jump-start negotiations with Jerry Jones of the Dallas Cowboys, after the Chip Ganassi option fell through Monday, but that Jones rebuffed Rudd's efforts. Andy Petree says he has had calls in to Rudd but has not received any reply.(Winston Salem Journal)(8-19-2002)
