Petty wears special helmet: #45-Kyle Petty wore a special helmet Saturday that memorialized three people killed in the collapse of the World Trade Center last year. Featured on one side is a portrait of firefighter John Vigiano II and his brother, detective Joseph Vigiano. The other side features a portrait of firefighter Peter Martin.(Roanoke Times)(9-8-2002)
Rudd to test the #21: Ricky Rudd will test with the Wood Brothers on Tuesday at Kentucky Speedway. Co-owner Len Wood says the one-day test session is mainly to find out what type of chassis Rudd prefers so the team can begin building cars for him next season. Rudd also will test a new car the team has built that current driver Elliott Sadler may race later this season.(Roanoke Times)(9-8-2002)
Hamilton hurt in CTS race UPDATE 3 will miss three Cup races, Biffle to drive at RIR, NHIS and Dover: Bobby Hamilton, driver of the #55 Schneider Electric Chevy in Cup, was taken to Memorial Regional Medical Center after Thursday night's CTS race at Richmond International Raceway. He was to be evaluated for pain in his right shoulder, left wrist and left collarbone following an accident on the final lap of the race. Hamilton hit David Starr from behind in Turn 1 as the final lap began. In all, 10 trucks either wrecked or spun out from the incident. Hamilton's condition was not known late Thursday. He is scheduled to qualify his #55 Andy Petree-owned Chevy Friday in preparation for Saturday night's Chevrolet Monte Carlo 400.(ThatsRacin.com) AND Hamilton was taken to a hospital as a precaution after the race complaining of a sore right shoulder, left wrist and other aches.(Daytona Beach News Journal/AP) UPDATE: Bobby Hamilton will miss the next three Winston Cup races after suffering a broken right shoulder blade and left wrist in a wreck on the final lap of Thursday night's Virginia is for Lovers 200 Truck race at Richmond. Greg Biffle will drive the #55 Chevy owned by Andy Petree in Saturday night's Chevrolet 400. That will break a streak of 266 consecutive Winston Cup races in which Hamilton has started. No interim driver for races after this weekend has been determined. Hamilton was driving a No. 4 Dodge truck he owns in Thursday night's race. As he went into Turn 1 on the final lap, running in the top five, he made contact with another truck and crashed hard into the outside wall. He rebounded across the track and was hit several times by other trucks racing on the final lap of the race won by Tony Stewart. "I'm not really sure what happened," said Hamilton, whose right arm will be immobilized by the shoulder injury. "I realized I was spinning toward the wall and going to hit on the driver's side, so I turned the wheel the opposite way. I hit the wall and it pushed me back down the race track, where I got hit several times."(ThatsRacin.com)(9-6-2002) UPDATE 2: Fox Sports Net's NASCAR This Morning reports Greg Biffle will drive the #55 APR Chevy for the next three races, Richmond, New Hampshire and Dover. BUT Hamilton will be sidelined for three weeks, but car owner Andy Petree has not determined the plan beyond this week’s event.(Ford Racing)(9-7-2002) UPDATE 3: Andy Petree Racing officials confirmed late Saturday BGN points leader Greg Biffle would continue to drive the #55 Chevy until the team's regular driver Bobby Hamilton returns. Hamilton suffered a broken right shoulder blade and cracked left wrist in Thursday night's Truck series race. He is expected to miss from three to six races, including Saturday night's race at Richmond. Biffle is expected to drive the #55 next Sunday at New Hampshire and the following weekend at Dover. He will continue until Hamilton returns or his rookie status becomes in jeopardy. Drivers are allowed to run up to seven Winston Cup races without losing rookie status the next season. Biffle currently has two Cup starts in 2002.(ThatsRacin.com)(9-8-2002)
Stewart named in assault probe UPDATE 2 Stewart Statement AND more: NASCAR and the Sullivan County, TN, Sheriff's Department are investigating allegations of assault against a female fan by Winston Cup driver Tony Stewart immediately following the Aug. 24 race at Bristol, TN. A statement released Friday by the Sheriff's Office said the victim alleges Stewart shoved her in the pit area following the race and an investigation had been started. The investigation will include "all persons known to have been in the area when the alleged assault took place," the statement said. Following the completion of the investigation, the results will be submitted to the district attorney's office and presented to the Sullivan County Grand Jury to determine if charges should be brought. The Ssheriff's Department said officials from Bristol Motor Speedway, NASCAR and Joe Gibbs Racing were cooperating in the investigation. Gibbs officials declined to comment on the matter Friday, but team owner Joe Gibbs is expected to address the media Saturday at Richmond International Raceway, site of Saturday night's Chevrolet 400 Winston Cup race. NASCAR officials confirmed they knew of the incident as soon as the week following the race through discussions with officials at the track. "We are aware of the alleged incident. We have looked into it and we're going to see what happens when this investigation is done and we are cooperating in this investigation," said NASCAR spokesman Jim Hunter. Asked if there was any substance to the allegations, Hunter replied: "I'd rather not say right now until they complete their investigation and we'll see how that goes. They are pursuing it right now. This lady did not come to NASCAR. As far as I know, she went to the Sheriff's Department." Stewart was recently fined $10,000 by NASCAR and placed on probation through the end of the season for striking a photographer following the Aug. 4 race at Indianapolis Motor Speedway. His sponsor, Home Depot, also fined Stewart $50,000 and placed him on probation for the rest of the season.(ThatsRacin.com/AP)(9-6-2002) UPDATE: #20 team owner (Stewart - Home Depot Pontiac) Joe Gibbs would speak on the matter at 6:30pm/et on Saturday at Richmond Intl Raceway. i have heard NOTHING besides what is seen here, nothing has been released or said since.(9-7-2002) UPDATE 2 - Statement: The following is a statement from NASCAR Winston Cup Series driver Tony Stewart regarding the ongoing investigation by the Sullivan County Sheriff's Office into an alleged incident between Stewart and a fan following the Aug. 24
Sharpie 500 at Bristol Motor Speedway:
"In light of the ongoing investigation into the alleged incident following the Bristol night race, it would be inappropriate for me to comment in any great detail until law enforcement officials have completed their investigation, interviewing anyone and everyone who has knowledge about the events that transpired in the moments following the race. I am personally cooperating with the investigators, and I have advised all the people who work with me to cooperate as well. I am confident that once the investigation is complete, I will be cleared of any and all accusations. I will say, however, that I did not assault anyone. In fact, I am shocked and truly at a loss as to why someone would make such an allegation."(Motorsports Management International PR) AND Winston Cup driver Tony Stewart's car owner, Joe Gibbs, promised Saturday to cooperate in every way with an investigation by Tennessee law enforcement authorities into a charge of assault levied against Stewart by a female race fan.
"We want every single thing - whatever it is - truthfully, to be said about this," Gibbs said, a day after the Sullivan County, Tenn., Sheriff's Department released a statement saying it was investigating whether Stewart shoved a fan following the Aug. 24 Winston Cup race at Bristol, TN. "We would like for it all to be out in the open," Gibbs said. "In every way, we want to try and cooperate. I think that is what every single person in our group has done." Gibbs said he talked with every member of his organization who was with Stewart at the conclusion of the race. "Basically, what they all told me was they saw nothing out of the ordinary." NASCAR spokesman Jim Hunter said no action would be taken against Stewart regarding the latest incident until law enforcement authorities have concluded their investigation. Driver Dale Jarrett spoke up during Saturday's prerace drivers' meeting to express support for Stewart. He received a round of applause from those in attendance.(ThatsRacin.com)(9-7-2002) WHAT HAPPENED? According to men familiar with the situation, the incident began when Stewart was walking back to his hauler. With less than three feet of space between the rigs in the garage area, Stewart reached the side door to his rig and pushed aside a woman to open the door and climb into his dressing room. The woman, so far unnamed, then went to the back of the truck and awaited Stewart. When he appeared, after changing, she told him, 'You owe me an apology.' Stewart, somewhat taken aback, said, 'OK, I'm sorry.' Then Stewart, as he walked away, grumbled to his crew about race fans in the garage, remarks that apparently sparked the official complaint.(more at the Winston Salem Journal) also - After the race started, NASCAR officials had law-enforcement officials sweep the garage of fans, apparently in response to driver complaints about security issues related to the Tony Stewart issue at Bristol two weeks ago.(9-8-2002)
Baldwin's contract up, to the #1? or staying at the #22? Tommy Baldwin's contract as crew chief for Bill Davis and Ward Burton is up at the end of the season, and there are indications that he is under consideration for a job as Steve Park's crew chief at Dale Earnhardt Inc. One hangup to a Baldwin-to-DEI move would be Baldwin's sideline BGN team [#6 Dodge with ties to Davis]. "But Tommy has assured us he has no intentions of going anywhere," Davis said.(Winston Salem Journal)(9-8-2002)
(9-7-2002)
Kenseth wins 4th race of 2002: winning at Richmond. It was Kenseth's 4th Cup win of 2002, he leads in that category. It was 2nd time a driver had come form 25th at Richmond to win (Bobby Allison did it in 1969). #12-Ryan Newman ended up 2nd again. Race Results at ThatsRacin.com or NASCAR.com
and a Jayski race rundown, caution info and notes at the The Monte Carlo 400 with the Looney Tunes Race Info page.(9-7-2002)
Ganassi Third Driver is.....Jamie McMurray: ChevronTexaco today announced that a multi-year sponsorship contract has been signed with Chip Ganassi Racing with Felix Sabates for its Havoline brand. Jamie McMurray will drive the Havoline Dodge for the Ganassi team in the 2003 NASCAR Winston Cup Series season. The terms of the contract were not disclosed. Commenting on the announcement today, ChevronTexaco's Vice President of North American Lubricants, Mark Nelson said, "ChevronTexaco is thrilled to continue our participation in NASCAR racing by teaming with Chip Ganassi Racing and to continue our long standing involvement in the NASCAR Winston Cup Series. Havoline has a long history in NASCAR, and in this tradition, we look forward to pairing with a proven winner like Chip Ganassi. While we have truly enjoyed working with Robert Yates Racing over the years, we are excited about entering this next chapter in our successful NASCAR sponsorship." Jamie McMurray is also looking forward to being a part of the new racing team and to run for the Rookie-of-the-Year title in the 2003 NASCAR Winston Cup Series. "This is the right move for me, and I am pleased to be part of Chip Ganassi Racing with Felix Sabates. Chip's use of new technology has been introduced into every aspect of his NASCAR Winston Cup Racing teams. I am especially proud to drive ChevronTexaco's Havoline car. Havoline has been an excellent sponsor in NASCAR for many years, and I am very humbled to be driving for them." McMurray is currently racing in his second full season in the BGN (#27 Brewco Chevy). Team owner Chip Ganassi said, "The addition of ChevronTexaco adds alot of experience and energy to this team. Havoline has a successful history in NASCAR and I am excited about our new partnership with them. Jamie is a sought after young driver with a great work ethic and the talent to win a lot of races in the future and we will provide him with every resource and opportunity to succeed on our team. Our company is about winning races and championships, and adding value to our sponsor's investments; and we hope to do both for Havoline."(Chip Ganassi Racing with Felix Sabates PR), no mention of the number of the car, if it will #28 or something else, like #42.(9-7-2002)
Petty Announcment on Saturday UPDATE 2: With "Silly Season" in high gear - and the Petty Enterprises name part of the talk - Kyle Petty and the #45 Sprint Dodge team head to Richmond this week for Saturday night’s Cup race. Some of that talk may be cleared up Saturday at the speedway. Petty Enterprises will make a media announcement at 3:30pm/et, Saturday, September 7, in the Infield Media Center. The thoughts of Sprint Dodge driver Kyle Petty heading into Richmond: "We’re going to make an announcement Saturday afternoon at Richmond. That’s a good example. Hearing what people think we’re going to announce or hearing what people think we’re doing, some of it is pretty funny. Some of it might be kind of close. Some of it is absolutely outrageous. There was one wild rumor a few weeks ago that we had some motorcycle company [Harley Davidson - posted here - DOH!] that was going to sponsor us. The rumor had everything all figured out - other than the fact that I ride a Victory and we have agreements with Victory, and the fact that if it isn’t a Victory, I’m not going to ride it. That would pretty much kill out any other company being involved. Once that filtered out, that particular rumor died out - for a while anyway. It’s coming up before, will come up again and won’t be any more true then than it was before or it is now. When we put the word out this week about our press conference, there is going to be a bunch of talk. ‘Kyle told me this’ or ‘Kyle told me that’ and then someone will take all of that and start trying to add it up. The problem is it doesn’t always add up the way it is supposed to. We feel we have a pretty significant thing or two to say Saturday, and that race fans - and the media and the rest of the garage - are going to want to know what we had to say. And it should make our plans clearer. You’re going to hear a lot of different ideas of what it might be and what we might say but, you know what? Nobody knows for sure until Saturday. Finally making the announcement ends it. That’s the only way to stop rumors. Well, most of the time anyway."(Williams Company)(9-3-2002) UPDATE: Petty Enterprises is expected to announce Saturday that the Georgia-Pacific sponsorship will be switching from the #44 Dodge now driven by Jerry Nadeau to the #45 Dodge of Kyle Petty.(Atlanta Journal-Constitution) UPDATE 2: Richard Petty, seven-time Winston Cup champion, and Georgia-Pacific Chairman and CEO A. D. “Pete” Correll announced that Kyle Petty, NASCAR champion and CEO of Petty Enterprises, will be behind the wheel of the #45 Georgia-Pacific Petty Dodge for the 2003 NASCAR Winston Cup season. Sharing the podium at the Richmond International Raceway, the Pettys and Correll unveiled plans to shift Georgia-Pacific’s sponsorship to the #45 car, with Petty Enterprises’ lead driver, Kyle, at the wheel. “Our partnership with Petty Enterprises is based on the common values our organizations share, including a strong commitment to family, community, hard work and performance,” Correll said.. “We’ve been proud to have the Georgia-Pacific name on a Petty Enterprises race car for the past couple of years. Having Kyle Petty behind the wheel is the perfect next step in our partnership.”
“We wanted to provide Georgia-Pacific with a competitive driver -- one who knows his way to victory lane and has the ability to win,” explained Richard Petty. “We wanted a driver that has a strong following among the millions of NASCAR fans that make our sport so popular. We wanted a leader. We wanted a driver that gave time and service back to the community, and inspired others to do the same.” The #45 Georgia-Pacific Petty Dodge, bearing a striking new design, will be unveiled Oct. 25 at Atlanta Motor Speedway during Georgia-Pacific Qualifying Day. Although the #45 car will be our primary focus, by linking the Georgia-Pacific name with the other Petty Enterprises’ teams, we will be able to further spotlight our household brands such as Brawny, Dixie, Angel Soft and Vanity Fair, among others, through our participation in NASCAR racing,” Correll said. Georgia-Pacific joined the Winston Cup circuit two years ago as a primary sponsor of the #44 car with Petty Enterprises, after a few years of motorsports involvement, including a past sponsorship with Petty in the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series.(Williams Company) - no word on the fate or plans for the #44 or if John Andretti will be back in the #43, but Andretti will not be in the third Ganassi ride as the new driver was announced today.(9-7-2002)
#1 Crewman to China: Conspicuously absent for the next two weeks will be Pennzoil gasman Mike "Mongo" Bodick, who embarked on a journey to China this week. Bodick and his wife, Wendie Leigh, are adopting an eight month-old orphaned Chinese girl. The Bodick family recently welcomed another family member when Wendie Leigh gave birth to 8 lb. 0 oz. Catherine Faith on August 20, 2002. Bodick, suddenly a daddy twice over, will resume his race-weekend duties at Dover.(Steve Park Site)(9-7-2002)
PPI Racing to do their own engines? UPDATE: NASCAR.com's The Buzz has learned that Cal Wells III and his #32 PPI Motorsports team will do their own engines beginning in 2003, when the team -- with driver Ricky Craven -- plans to switch from the Ford Tauruses it currently runs to the newly designed 2003 Pontiac Grand Prix. Wells' team currently employs Ford engines from Robert Yates Racing, and is extremely pleased with the power output. However, unlike Roush Racing -- which has heavy Ford involvement but has built GM engines for the NASCAR Busch Series -- Yates does no GM engines. Wells plans to announce the head of his engine program this week.(NASCAR.com)(9-1-2002) UPDATE: Having recently made the decision to switch to Pontiacs for 2003, PPI Motorsports has announced that they will build their own engines for the #32 Tide entry. Longtime engine partner, Robert Yates Racing Engines, only builds Ford powerplants-thus leaving the Cal Wells' operation searching for a replacement to compliment their new program next year. "A lot of thought and decision-making went into this process," said team owner Cal Wells. "Certainly we benefited an enormous amount from the relationship with Robert and Doug Yates. With the power and reliability provided by Yates, we didn't have to think about what was under the hood. We ultimately realized that if we were going to be as competitive as they are week to week, we had to build our own motors. So as we move forward with our new friends at Pontiac, we will take on this responsibility directly," he added. Historically, PPI has managed every aspect of their motorsports operations. From building their own cars to developmental engineering, all facets of the successful racing program have been under PPI's performance umbrella.(PPI PR)(9-7-2002)
Back to Points and Coils? The latest widespread rumor sweeping through the Richmond garage is that NASCAR wants to put a standard set of points and coil in the cars. This move, if it should come to fruition, would replace the magnetic pick-up/MSD ignition system run now in NASCAR’s top series. Many motor builders responded, “Are you kidding,” while others simply walk away shaking their heads. In theory a straight points system will keep traction control out of the garage. But as one motor builder pointed out, “The traction control goes between the MSD and coil, delaying the spark. Why would using points stop a system like that from working? You’d just put the traction control between the points and coil, rather than the ignition box and coil.” The engine builder then added, “Not that I know anything about traction control.”(Ford Racing)(9-7-2002)
Earnhardt Jr/Ward talk: Ward Burton and Dale Earnhardt Jr. have talked about the incident at Bristol. The two were involved in an incident on the 402nd lap at the Sharpie 500 in Bristol on Aug. 24. Afterward, Burton was captured on television throwing his heel pads at Earnhardt's car. Burton finished 37th, Earnhardt third. Yesterday, the two chatted before qualifying for tonight's Monte Carlo 400. "We had a good talk and I was glad that we did that," Burton said. "I think that we ought to leave it amongst Dale and I. But I'm glad we got to talk."(Richmond Times Dispatch)(9-7-2002)
Derrike Cope hurt in BGN race at Richmond:Derrike Cope was injured in a severe crash during Friday night's Funai 250 BGN race at Richmond. On Lap 68 of 250, Cope's #49 Chevy entered Turn 1 and went directly into the outside retaining wall at full speed. After impact, his car skidded around the wall and rested at the exit of Turn 2. Cope was pulled from the car and treated on the track before he was placed in an ambulance and taken to the infield care center. After an initial examination by Dr. Stephen Kramer, Cope was diagnosed with a possible right shoulder injury and was taken to Memorial Regional Medical Center. Kramer described Cope as "awake and alert" at the scene.(ThatsRacin.com) AND Derrike Cope suffered a broken right scapula(shoulder blade) and a broken left fibula(leg).(RacingOne)(9-7-2002)
Cope sponsor for NHIS: Friendly's Restaurants will sponsor #37-Derrike Cope at the New Hampshire International Speedway September 15, 2002. Cope will kick off this partnership at Friendly's Corporate headquarters on Monday, September 9th with his show car will be making scheduled appearances throughout the state leading up to his Sunday performance at Loudon.(Derrike Cope Site)(9-7-2002)
Andrews In, Stoddard out at the #99 UPDATE Stoddard to Davis?: Roush Racing announced that Paul Andrews has been hired as the crew chief of the #99 CITGO Ford, effective immediately. Andrews has been a Winston Cup crew chief since 1988 when he was teamed up with the late Alan Kulwicki. In 1992 the pair won the Winston Cup Championship in addition to racking up two wins and six poles. Andrews has achieved 12 total Winston Cup victories in addition to 74 top-five and 145 top-10 finishes. Andrews was most recently crew chief of the #1 car of Steve Park (see next story). "Paul will make a great addition to the #99 CITGO team," said Jeff Burton, driver of the #99 CITGO Ford. "The CITGO team has been running really well and we're looking to build on that with the addition of Paul. Frank has done a magnificent job helping to build a Winston Cup championship contending team," said Burton. "But after long consideration, we both think we're better served to take the next step forward by revamping the chemistry of the team, by making this change." Former Crew Chief Frank Stoddard has been offered a choice of other management positions within the Roush Racing organization, and his decision will be announced in the near future. "I'm proud to have been crew chief for a start up team that has been able to win 17 times and earn three top-five seasons' point finishes," said Stoddard. "And I think the addition of Paul Andrews to Roush Racing will be a positive one for the organization."(Roush Racing PR)(9-4-2002) UPDATE: hearing some rumors that former #99 crew chief, Frank Stoddard could be heading to Bill Davis Racing as the crew chief for Kenny Wallace and the #23 Hill Bros Coffee (Stacker2 in 2003) Dodge.(9-6-2002) UPDATE 2:You’ll likely be reading tomorrow about Frankie Stoddard’s big deal with Bill Davis to take over as crew chief of the #23, Kenny Wallace, Dodge. The story, while intriguing – and possible, will be premature if it should make it to print. Davis said, “We’ve been good friends with Frankie for years. Of course we’re interested in talking with him —when he’s ready.” Stoddard’s wife, Heidi, works for Davis and told TFR that Frankie is going to take a little rest this weekend and clear his mind. Frankie will have options with Roush, but nothing has been offered firmly to the displaced crew chief.(Ford Racing)(9-7-2002)
Andretti leaving Petty? UPDATE 2: With Ricky Rudd out of the picture, Winston Cup team owner Chip Ganassi continues to look for a third driver for a new car that will begin competition for the team next season. John Andretti said he was leaving Petty Enterprises at the end of this season to pursue another ride and may ultimately end up with Ganassi. Andretti would love to return to the Indianapolis 500 and that is something that Ganassi would give him. Andretti reportedly met with Ganassi this week.(FoxSports/SportsTicker)(9-3-2002) UPDATE: John Andretti said he is leaving Petty Enterprises at the end of this season to pursue other options, and his best option may be a third Winston Cup car for Chip Ganassi's team. Andretti has made it clear he wants to compete again in the Indy 500, and that easily could be arranged through Ganassi's IRL team. Kyle Petty will reveal his team's plans for 2003 on Saturday at Richmond. It's expected that Petty will have two cars next year instead of three, but Christian Fittipaldi probably will run a third Petty car in selected Winston Cup races while competing full time in the Busch series.(Dallas Morning News)(9-5-2002) UPDATE 2: John Andretti told MRN Radio in an interview Friday at Richmond that no decisions had been made regarding his plans for next year, and that he had not talked to any reporters about definite plans. Apparently, some people are writing some things without bothering to ask Andretti.(9-6-2002) UPDATE 3: John Andretti is vigorously denying stories on the Internet after the Darlington, S.C. event that had Andretti leaving Petty Racing. Andretti said he never said more than a “Hi, How are you?” to the reporter who first broke the story. That’s not to say that Andretti has a signed deal with Petty at this time, but rather he’s still working on next year’s plans in general. Andretti said to TFR, “I’m more worried about this week’s race than next year.”(Ford Racing)(9-7-2002)
(9-6-2002)
No Hornish in NASCAR? Because of his battle for the IRL championship, combined with his agent negotiating an extension with Pennzoil Panther Racing, Sam Hornish Jr. admitted that time is running out for him with NASCAR. "Because of everything that has gone on with this season, we have put a lot of things on hold until after the IRL season is over," Hornish said after testing his IRL car at Chicagoland Speedway last Wednesday. "With all that is going on, I would say it's more likely that we won't be doing any NASCAR races next season. It's so late in the game right now that in order to properly do it, I would have already liked to have had a deal together. Any involvement would probably have to wait one more year." Earlier this summer, Hornish admitted he had talked with Ty Norris, president of DEI, about doing a selected number of Winston Cup and BGN races next season in addition to his full IRL schedule. Hornish was interested in competing in the Daytona 500 and the Brickyard 400 at Indy. Norris expressed interest in adding Hornish to DEI's lineup, even if it were for just a few races. Since that time, Steve Park has had his contract extended for another year as the driver of the Pennzoil Chevrolet. Dale Earnhardt Jr. drives the 8-Budweiser Chevy and Michael Waltrip the #15-NAPA Chevy for DEI. "What we are focusing on now is getting my contract extended with Panther Racing in the IRL," Hornish said. "I'm locked in with the team through 2003, but we would like to extend it until 2005." As for a possible switch to NASCAR, Hornish said his heart belongs in open wheel cars, but he is open to new opportunities in the future. "If I win the IRL title three or four times, maybe it would be time for me to try something different," Hornish said. "I love Indy cars and I always want to race in the Indianapolis 500. I also have to ask myself if I want to race 36 or 38 times a year in NASCAR. "It's funny -- people in the IRL say I need to consider racing in NASCAR and people in NASCAR say I'm pretty valuable to the IRL. It depends on which side of the fence you're on as to where I should go."(ESPN)(9-6-2002)
Geoffrey Bodine to run NHIS in a modified: Geoffrey Bodine will attempt to qualify for the NASCAR Featherlite Modified Series New Hampshire 125 on Sept. 14 in a car owned by Don Barker of Newtown. Bodine has not driven in a Modified since 1983. Barker currently fields a car for rookie Todd Szegedy of Ridgefield. "I've been friends with Geoff for many years," Barker said. "He came over to see us at [NHIS] when we raced there [in July]. When he was standing next to the car I said, `Hey Geoff, what do you think of this?' He said `This is gorgeous, I love it.' I said `It runs as good as it looks, and, by the way, I have another one back home just like it in case you ever get itchy.' "Two weeks ago he called up and said `Hey, are you serious?' ... He said he'd love to make a comeback and do a race up there. I just told him I would make that happen." Bodine, a native of Chemung, N.Y., was a terror in a Modified in the Northeast in the 1970s. He won track championships at Stafford Motor Speedway in 1975, '77 and '78. Bodine has 18 career Winston Cup victories, including the 1986 Daytona 500. His last Winston Cup victory came in 1996. He has never raced in the Featherlite Modified Series, which began in 1985.(Hartford Courant)(9-6-2002)
Earnhardt Jr not signed yet....but: Dale Earnhardt Jr. said he still hasn't signed a deal to drive the #8 car for Dale Earnhardt Inc. beyond this season but stressed the deal would be a mere formality. "I still haven't finished going over one they proposed to me, but it's not really an issue," he said. "I don't feel like they're pressuring me to sign one now. I can assure you, it's going to be a long-term effort."(Richmond Times Dispatch)(9-6-2002)
CTS and BGN races: Six Cup drivers qualified for the CTS race at Richmond: #6-Kevin Harvick (qualified 6th), #4-Bobby Hamilton (7th), #52-Ken Schrader (14th), #33-Tony Stewart (25th), #21-Morgan Shepherd and #51-Carl Long(21st).
#8-Dale Earnhardt Jr is on the pole for the BGN race with 10 total Cup drivers making Friday nights race: #9-J Burton(4th), #21-J Green(6th), #1-Spencer(11th), #19-T Sauter(12th), #99-Waltrip(16th), #48-K Wallace(17th), #4-M Wallace(18th), #92-T Bodine(21st), and #02-H Sadler(31st.
See my BGN Silly Season Site and the CTS Silly Season Site for lineup links and news.(9-5-2002) Stewart wins the CTS race at Richmond, see story and results on my CTS Silly Season Site.(9-6-2002)
IRWIN Rough to Finish Award #99 Team: Gray skies and rain were consistent at Sunday's Mountain Dew Southern 500 in Darlington, S.C., and so was the No. 99 CITGO Ford of Jeff Burton. As a result of the team's top-10 finish, Frank Stoddard takes home this week's IRWIN "Rough to the Finish" Award, his second award in as many weeks and third overall. As the storms began to subside Sunday on a rain-filled weekend at Darlington Raceway, the race cars began shuffling onto the track. Starting from the 13th position, Burton quickly climbed his way through the field to sixth position by lap 45. Fueled by quick pit stops, Burton was able to take the lead by lap 129, where he remained for the next 24 laps. On lap 204, Burton, now running third, ran through some oil and crashed into the wall causing damage to the #99 CITGO Ford. The No. 99 team sprung into action and by lap 245, the team had the car fixed and Burton was running in 22nd. One by one Burton worked his way back through the pack, again with the help of some of the day's quickest pit stops, to cross the start/finish line in 10th place, the team's 10th top-10 finish of the year. "The CITGO team is running well," said Stoddard. "It's a shame that we hit that oil patch in turn one after the accident, but what can you do. I applaud the efforts of everyone in the pits today. When our backs were up against the wall, these guys really came through. These guys, including Jeff, deserve all the credit." With this week's award, Stoddard is now tied with #97 crew chief Jimmy Fennig for the points lead in the year-long competition. Each crew chief has three awards to his credit so far this season. Four other crew chiefs are tied for second with two awards apiece. They include Chad Knaus (#48), Bill Wilburn (#2), Tony Eury (#8) and Todd Parrott (#88). Five others are tied for third with one award each.(NOTE: Stoddard iss no longer the crew chief of the #99, see story below)
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)(9-6-2002)
(9-5-2002)
Carter, Japanese Driver....and a twist...Toyota? Winston Cup team [#26 and #66] owner Travis Carter hopes to put Japanese driver Hideo Fukuyama in a Haas-Carter Motorsports Ford for three races later this season. Fukuyama, a road racing driver in Japan, has competed in two Winston West races, but the last was three years ago. Fukuyama tested a car for Carter at Dover International Speedway last week in hopes of competing at that track Sept. 22. He'll also try to make the races at Martinsville, Va., and Rockingham, N.C. If Fukuyama proves himself, it could lead to backing from Toyota. Toyota officials are considering entering Winston Cup racing by 2005. The one immediate problem with Fukuyama is the language barrier. He speaks little English and probably would need a spotter and someone in the pits who speaks Japanese.(Dallas Morning News) see my #66 Team News and Links page for the past news on this.(9-5-2002)
Let's Roll: On Sep. 11, 2001, Todd Beamer uttered the battle cry, “Let’s Roll!,” just before he and other passengers confronted the terrorists who took over their passenger jet in an attempt to prevent the terrorists from attacking another American target. Unfortunately during the struggle, the aircraft crashed in a Pennsylvania field killing everyone on board, but the sacrifices made by those heroic passengers saved many more lives. Since then, the Air Force has taken those now famous words and incorporated them into artwork that is currently on the nose of many Air Force aircraft. During this year’s Winston Cup race on Sep 22nd at Dover Downs International Speedway (near Dover Air Force Base), NASCAR has agreed to allow the Air Force to offer each race team “Let’s Roll!” decals to be placed on the “B” Pillar (the vertical column between the front and rear windows on each side of the car) as the Air Force remembers the events of 9-11.(Wood Bros Site)(9-5-2002)
No Bull Five: The Monte Carlo 400 with the Looney Tunes at Richmond is a No Bull Five event. UPDATE: the Eligible drivers: #15-Michael Waltrip, #2-Rusty Wallace, #40-Sterling Marlin, #41-Jimmy Spencer, #6-Mark Martin (top five from Pepsi 400).
The Fans: Joe Bowser, New Smyrna Beach, FL; Lisa Reynolds, Sioux Falls, SD; Lowell Thomas, Belleville, IL; Teresa Garnett, Naugatuck, CT; Tommy Medley, Roanoke, VA.
How the drivers/fans will be paired: Each fan will be paired with a driver in Saturday night's Chevrolet Monte Carlo 400 pre-race. At about 6:50pm/et, five Loomis Fargo trucks will park near the pre-race stage. One of the eligible Winston No Bull 5 drivers will be in each truck. Each eligible fan will choose a truck and then meet the driver they'll be paired with.
The prize: If an eligible driver wins, he and his fan each win $1 million.
The record: In the 23 previous Winston No Bull 5 events, there have been 12 winners and a program payout of $24 million.(Daytona Beach News Journal).(9-5-2002)
The #24 almost went to Petty: Jeff Gordon's car number, 24, is the one sought by the late Lee Petty when he began competing in NASCAR in the late 1940s. "But the number was already taken, so Daddy just reversed it to 42," Richard recalls. That's how the whole Petty 40 series began, with Richard getting 43, then Kyle 44 and Adam 45, until Adam's death in 2000. Kyle now drives 45 to help keep his son's memory alive. Had Lee gotten his preference, Richard likely would have made the number 25 legendary. Gordon's number now? Well, 43 might have been available, in that there would have been no mystique attached to it.(Orlando Sentinel)(9-5-2002)
Reverse Pit Stop: On Sep. 19, 2002, Air Mobility Command and Dover Air Force Base [where Jayski used to be stationed] will conduct a “Reverse Pit Stop” with the #21 Wood Brothers Racing Team. Events will begin at 2:30 pm, on the Base flight line where the Air Force will display the tremendous capabilities of the C-5 aircraft. The Air Force and Wood Brothers will be demonstrating and comparing the similarities between a NASCAR and an Air Force “pit stop.” The opening will show the enormous capacity of the C-5. Then the #21 “gas man” will fuel the C-5 as an Air Force maintainer fuels the #21. A #21 pit crew will climb the maintenance stand to wash the C-5 windows as the Air Force maintainer cleans the grill and windshield of the #21. Following that will be C-5 and #21 oil checks and tire changes and when both vehicles fail to start, they may have to be pushed. #21 driver Elliott Sadler and the Wood Brothers will be in the cockpit of the C-5, while Air Force maintenance folks take a spin in the #21. There might even be some “pit stop” competition and the end of the demonstrations. Participating in the Pit Stop for the Air Force will be Air Mobility Command’s and Dover’s best C-5 maintenance people. Participating for NASCAR will be the legendary Wood Brothers #21 Racing Team, including driver Elliott Sadler.(Wood Bros Site)(9-5-2002)
Template Meeting Update: NASCAR officials met with all Winston Cup teams Wednesday to explain the plans to use the so-called "greenhouse top" on all cars next season. The greenhouse template, which includes the bottom of the windows up on the body frame, will be the same for all makes. Its purpose is to reduce the problems of aero push, which causes cars to lose traction and slide up the track.(Dallas Morning News)(9-5-2002)
da Matta beats Elliott: Cristiano da Matta, the runaway points leader in the CART series, was the overwhelming choice for third quarter 2002 Driver of the Year honors. Da Matta, who earned four poles and three victories during the quarter, received 15 of 17 first-place votes and 143 points from a 16-person panel of motorsports writers and broadcasters and a fan vote on ESPN.com. NASCAR’s Bill Elliott, who won two straight races in the third quarter, including the Brickyard 400, was second with one first-place vote and 83 points.(ThatsRacin.com/AP)(9-5-2002)
(9-4-2002)
Andrews leaves DEI: #1 Dale Earnhardt Inc crew chief Paul Andrews has left the team effective immediately, the parting was termed mutual. Steve Hmiel and Dave Charpentier will handle the crew chief duties until a replacement can be named for the #1 team and driver Steve Park.(Fox Sports Net Totally NASCAR)(9-4-2002)
Aero Rules for GM to get another look UPDATE: NASCAR spokesman Jim Hunter said that NASCAR would would review the kick-out on front air dams allowed on the Chevy and Pontiac in Sunday's Southern 500. Hunter said, however, that early indications point to allowing the rule to remain in effect for the rest of the season. A 1-inch kick-out was given to the Chevrolets at Michigan as was a 1/2-inch allowance on Pontiacs. It was retracted last weekend at Bristol, then reinstated this weekend at Darlington on a week-to-week basis.(ThatsRacin.com)(9-2-2002) UPDATE: the GM front air dam rule will stay for the remainder of the 2002 season.(Fox Sports Net Totally NASCAR) AND NASCAR officials have announced that recent NASCAR Winston Cup Series rules modifications regarding Chevrolet and Pontiac air dams, in effect for races at Michigan and Darlington, will be in effect for the remainder of the season. The modifications were not in effect for the Aug. 24 event at Bristol. For the remainder of the season, the leading edge of the Chevrolets' air dam must not extend more than 3½ inches forward of the bumper. For Pontiacs, the leading edge of the air dam must not extend more than 1½ inches forward of the bumper. Prior to the race at Michigan, the Chevrolets' air dams could extend 2½ inches forward, while the Pontiacs' air dams could extend 1 inch forward of the bumper. The leading air dam for Dodges and Fords must not extend more than 1½ inches forward of the bumper.(NASCAR PR)(9-4-2002)
Darlington Ratings: Turner Network Television's (TNT) live coverage of the Mountain Dew 500 from Darlington Raceway was the week's top sports program across demos and household ratings. TNT's.coverage the Mountain Dew 500 (Sunday, September 1, 2:31pm/et) was the week's top sports program.delivering a. 5.0 household rating.(4,301,000 HH). The NASCAR telecast was up 14 percent versus the 2001 race on TNT (4.4 household rating). In addition,.the network aired the NASCAR Busch Series Racing from Darlington on Saturday, August 31, which delivered.a 1.4 rating. Last year, the Darlington Busch Race also did a 1.4 rating.(Turner.com PR)(9-4-2002)
Penske to Dodge likely: this weeks Winston Cup Scene (print edition) reports that while Rusty Wallace said he expects Roger Pensek to make a decision within three weeks, several sources believe Penske has already chosen to field Dodges in 2003. See my #2 Team News and Links page for all the past news/rumors on the subject.(9-4-2002)
No Rain this week: NASCAR competitors and fans coming off the Darlington deluge of last weekend should take special delight in the Weather.com forecast for this week's triple-header in Richmond. The Web service of the Weather Channel puts the chance of rain at 0 percent for Thursday, when the Virginia Is For Lovers 200 Craftsman Truck Series race is scheduled. It says the chance of rain is also 0 percent on Friday, when the Funai 250 Busch Series race is planned. And to round things out, it also calls for a 0 percent chance of rain on Saturday for the Chevy Monte Carlo 400 Winston Cup race. And like AccuWeather and the National Weather Service, it calls for temperatures in the mid-80s all three days with only occasional clouds.(Winston Cup Scene Daily Newsletter)(9-4-2002)
Open Testing at Lowe's Scheduled TUES/WED: 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)(8-20/9-3-2002) UPDATE: no speeds reported, heard the #22-Ward Burton, #29-Kevin Harvick and #77-Dave Blaney were the Cup drivers testing today.(9-3-2002) TUESDAY SPEEDS: #29-Kevin Harvick topped the unofficial speed chart Tuesday as NASCAR Winston Cup teams began preparations for the Oct. 13 UAW-GM Quality 500 at Lowe's Motor Speedway. With eight teams on hand, the testing session started at 8:00am/et and ran until 10:00pm/et as crews performed an all-day exercise in mechanical engineering, making countless adjustments to their finely tuned machines. Harvick's #29 GM Goodwrench Chevrolet was caught on the unofficial stopwatches at 181.941mph around the 1.5-mile superspeedway. Harvick's fastest lap came shortly after 7:30pm/et, approximately the same time teams will be on the track during Bojangles' Pole Night qualifying on Thursday, Oct. 10. Driving a #22 Caterpillar Dodge that was skinned in bare sheet metal, Ward Burton was second fastest at 180.965mph while Greg Biffle was third on the unofficial watches at 180.783mph in the #16 Team Caliber Ford. Biffle, the NASCAR Busch Series point leader, will attempt to qualify for the UAW-GM Quality 500 as the Roush Racing team continues preparations for a full-time Winston Cup assault next season. Two race teams with close ties to Hendrick Motorsports were next on the speed chart as Jack Sprague's #60 Haas Automation Chevrolet and Ron Hornaday's #54 National Guard Chevy rounded out the top-five. The starter never unfurled the caution flag as the entire testing session was incident free. Testing continues Wednesday with Winston Cup teams slated to be on the track from 8:00am to 4:00pm/et. Fans can watch the action from the main grandstand beginning at 9:00am/et. Tickets for the Oct. 13 UAW-GM Quality 500 start at just $19 and can be obtained by calling 1-800-455-FANS or online at www.lowesmotorspeedway.com. Unofficial testing speeds: 1. #29-Kevin Harvick, 181.941mph; 2. #22-Ward Burton, 180.965; 3. #16-Greg Biffle, 180.783; 4. #60-Jack Sprague, 179.104; 5. #54-Ron Hornaday Jr., 177.049; 6. #77-Dave Blaney, 176.759; 7. #27-Scott Wimmer, 176.297; 8. #74-Tony Raines, 176.125.(LMS PR)(9-4-2002)
Sadlers top 20's mean donation: Emporia, VA natives Hermie and Elliott Sadler have another reason to perform well for a hometown crowd in the Monte Carlo 400. Richmond resident Fain Peebles, who owns Peebles Golf Car Sales, has promised a substantial donation to the Faison School for Autism in Richmond if the Sadler brothers both finish in the top 20 on Saturday night. Hermie Sadler's daughter, Halie Dru, attends the Faison School.(Richmond Times Dispatch)(9-4-2002)
Template Meeting UPDATE: Crew chiefs, car chiefs and head fabricators were expected to meet at the NASCAR Technical Center in Conover, N.C., to discuss the templates the teams will use in 2003. Because there was confusion between NASCAR inspectors and teams at the Daytona 500 this season, series director John Darby doesn't want any misunderstandings when the teams return to Daytona for the season opener in 2003. NASCAR also will use the time for teams to sound off about the cars' body placement on the chassis for next year.(Sporting News)(9-2-2002) UPDATE: According to well-placed NASCAR sources a Wednesday meeting could bring the Winston Cup teams an early Christmas present. All crew chiefs are expected in NASCAR’s Hickory, N.C. Research and Development Center to discuss inspection policies for the 2003 season. The NASCAR source said that Winston Cup director John Darby would like the teams to have a very good idea of what to expect in the inspection bays when they arrive at Daytona International Speedway in 2003; and lower the anxiety levels that comes with preparation. Several teams worked on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day 2001 to get ready for 2002 Daytona testing. Advance notice of templates and inspection process could allow building of most of the fleet built prior to Christmas. The meeting is anticipated to focus closely on the car templates, featuring the new “greenhouse” template that will go into use in 2003. The greenhouse template, which will fit onto the car from the base of the “A” pillar and run over the roof to the bottom of the “C” pillar, will be the identical for all makes and models competing.(FordRacing)(9-3-2002) UPDATE 2: the meeting will be held Wednesday.(Fox Sports Net/Totally NASCAR)(9-4-2002)
NAPCM Pit Crew Of The Week (Darlington) #99 CITGO Crew: This Weeks 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 goes to the #99 Crew for their hard work all day in making repairs and keeping their car on the lead lap and coming in with a top 10 finish. The #99 Crew fought adversity for the last to weeks in a row now with a good finish. Visit www.toxabsorb.com for all Toxabsorb household and pit road uses. Check out the latest Mechanix Wear "Pit Crew Of The Year" standings and finalist available ONLY at the National Association Of Pit Crew Members website.(www.napcm.com).(8-29-2002)
Sauter back in the #71 at RIR: Tim Sauter, 13th in Busch Series points despite driving an unsponsored car, will attempt to make his Winston Cup debut Saturday at Richmond. Sauter failed to make the field at Bristol two weeks ago and will try to put the Dave Marcis Racing #71 car into the field this weekend. "Dave wanted to give it another try," Sauter said. "I really want to make my first Winston Cup start this season, and Richmond is a place where I have had some success."(Daytona Beach News Journal)(9-4-2002)
Trackside at RIR: Trackside @ Richmond will be televised live on the Speed Channel this Friday from the Fairgrounds Amphitheater outside the turn one area of Richmond Raceway. Race fans are invited to attend the show, which airs from 7:00 to 8:00pm/et. This is the second time this season the program will be televised in front of a live audience. Several thousand fans packed "Coca-Cola Speed Street" in Charlotte this May to be part of the program, and interact with Darrell Waltrip, Larry McReynolds, Jeff Hammond, Mike Joy and their guests. All seats are unreserved, and there is no charge to attend, and no tickets are needed. While the guest list is still being worked on, Jeff Gordon promised on last Friday's show that he would stop by if he won Darlington. A visit from the MonteCarlo 400 polesitter is also expected.(MotorsportsTV)(9-4-2002)
(9-3-2002)
New Team to debut at Kansas: The #60 Haas CNC NASCAR Winston Cup team and driver Jack Sprague will test at Lowes Motor Speedway on Tuesday and Wednesday with many other Cup teams with plans to make their 2002 Winston Cup debut later this month in the Protection One 400 at Kansas Speedway. And after a less-than-exemplary performance at a Lowe's test in May caused the new team to cancel its planned debut in the Coca-Cola 600 at LMS later that month, they hope this session will tell them exactly how much progress they've made this summer. They tested three cars -- one a brand new piece and the others the same ones they ran at Lowe's in May's test -- on the 1.5-mile Kentucky oval last month and were pleased with the results. Crew Chief Dennis Connor said the team has an industrious testing schedule planned for the next two months, along with racing and testing the #24 NetZero BGN Chevy. "We'll have a total of four Winston Cup races: Kansas, Charlotte, Rockingham and Homestead."(NASCAR.com)(9-3-2002)
Donlavey still looking for sponsor, hopes to return: Junie Donlavey still is hunting for sponsorship for his #90 Ford for next season and doesn't anticipate making a full-time return to Winston Cup this season. The 78-year-old team owner said he also would like to step away from the day-to-day operations in the future. "The ideal situation would be to be involved not in the mainstream of it but kind of on the edge," Donlavey said. "I'd like a way to have time to talk to everybody and have someone else run it. That would be the perfect situation." Donlavey's team likely won't be on the entry list for its hometown race, Saturday's Monte Carlo 400 at Richmond International Raceway. Without a regular driver since Rick Mast fell ill in May, Donlavey is leery about trying to make the RIR race with a fresh face.(Richmond Times Dispatch)(9-3-2002)
North Carolina NASCAR License Plate Bill: NASCAR racing fans could buy N.C. license plates showing their support for Jeff Gordon, Ricky Rudd or another driving hero under legislation facing roadblocks in the state House. Under the bill, motorists wanting to display their fan loyalty could pay $35 a year to the state to get a license plate bearing their favorite NASCAR driver's team logo or number. The fee is in addition to the $20 required to get license plates or renewals. But a subcommittee scheduled to meet again next week is struggling with a proposal for royalties from the plates to be paid to NASCAR and drivers for using their logos on the plates. Some say that would set a precedent of paying businesses for logos used on state plates. Lawmakers also are debating whether to keep the state requirement that there be at least 300 motorists committed to buying a specialty plate before prison inmates could start pressing them.(ThatsRacin.com/AP)(9-3-2002)
Plate Problems Denied: NASCAR Winston Cup Series Director, John Darby, laughed when he heard of recent published reports of a cheater restrictor plate. NASCAR officials have long been accused of having a "special" plate, which could be parceled out in an attempt to ensure a team wins at either Daytona or Talladega. After recent testing at Daytona, Ford officials questioned the possibility of a cheater plate based on tracings they made during the test. When asked about the situation Darby nearly doubled over in laughter. "Let me help you get this story straight," said Darby. "We noticed several of Ford's factory people making drawings of a plate used during the testing. They laid the plate on a sheet of paper and traced it with a pen or pencil. Days later they came to my office asking how it could be that the plate they measured was different from the plate owned by the race team." Darby's reply included an explanation of the manufacturing and testing process. "We make a batch of 250 plates, which are all stamped with the NASCAR logo and given a serial number, that are then flow tested." NASCAR looks at the results of the flow testing which allows them to cull 100 plates from the batch. Those 100 plates are then placed under lock and key only to be used on race weekends at Daytona Int'l Speedway and Talladega Superspeedway. Of the remaining 150 plates, NASCAR holds back a few for their own testing. The remaining plates are sold to race teams through the suppliers on the circuit. To further ensure the integrity of the system NASCAR has a new batch of plates manufactured at least every two years. "Every year," said Darby, "If there are any questions concerning the performance of the plates."(The Racing Insider)(9-3-2002)
Stewart comes in 2nd in ARCA race, Kimmel wins: Tony Stewart came up just a few feet short at DuQuoin, Ill. on Monday. Stewart gave Frank Kimmel all he could handle over the final 20 laps, but Kimmel held on for his 42nd career ARCA/ReMax Series win. Ken Schrader finished third. Seventy-five year old Red Farmer finished fourth, and Winston Cup owner Andy Petree finished 33rd.(FoxSports)(9-3-2002)
Allison News: Bobby and Judy Allison, now living in Mooresville (NC) keep busy traveling the country doing appearances and autograph signings. Judy says the couple put 68,000 on her car last year, but haven't been quite as busy this year, possibly because of the events of September 11th. The couple fly occassionally, but always commercial since Bobby has given up flying. Judy also told this writer that son Davey's widow, Liz, is expecting a third child. The current due date just happens to be Davey's birthday.(The Racing Insider)(9-3-2002)
Long to do double duty: Carl Long, will join five other Winston Cup veterans and a field of forty-one other contenders as Long will attempt to qualify his #51 Revival Soy Dodge Ram for team owner Rick Ware in the CTS race at Richmond on September 5. Long will be attempting his second truck series start of the year. In May, Long qualified 16th for the MBNA America 200 at Dover. Long looks forward to his second truck series race of the season, the tenth of his career, "I'm looking forward to going back to Richmond,
one of yearly highlights of my old late model days. Racing in the Virginia is for Lovers 200 will provide me with an opportunity to get
a better feel for my team, as it will be my Winston Cup team working on the car and also to help give our generous sponsor Revival Soy more exposure within the NASCAR community." Revival Soy, a retailer of soy products (available at Revivalsoy.com or 1-800 Revival Soy), which have many health benefits and are a proven alternative to HRT, has signed on with Ware Racing as a primary sponsor for through Richmond and an associate sponsor throughout the rest of the 2002 season. Although primary sponsorship is only in place
through Richmond - Ware Racing and Carl Long plan to enter all remaining 2002 and 2003 Winston Cup races as well as a handful of Truck Series events.(Ware Racing PR)(9-3-2002)
Teams Fighting Over Crewmen and drivers: Joe Gibbs' teams are being criticized by rivals, some from the Roush camp, for hiring away crewmen in the middle of the season and by car owner Bill Davis for attempting to sign BGN driver Scott Wimmer. Wimmer's contract with Davis was up at the end of the season until he signed a new one with Davis four days ago. Gibbs said that Wimmer began talking with him when Wimmer started worrying about Davis' plans for him next season. "A couple of weeks ago Steve Desuza, who runs our Busch program, was walking out of the race track and asked Scott 'Hey, what's your situation for next year?' " Gibbs said. "Scott volunteered to him 'Hey, I don't have anything. I'm concerned. We're down to a few cars, and Bill hasn't re-signed my contract for next year. So I have nothing. I'm worried.' Basically what we said to him was 'Can we see that contract to make sure that's the case?' And Scott sent the contract to us, and sure enough that was the case. The contract had run out a couple months ago. At that point we started discussions with him. And I guess Bill got upset about that and jumped back in it and re-signed him. That's fine with us. We have a policy here that we don't talk to anybody under contract. And we didn't. So we don't think we've done anything wrong or unethical. I'm going to try to get with Bill this week. I'm going to call and see if I can come up and have a meeting so we can talk this out, because this is important. It's important to me to keep a good relationship with the other car owners." Davis was irate over the situation and had a vigorous discussion with Gibbs. Mike Brown, general manager for Davis: "We (Davis and Wimmer) had all verbally agreed to go forward, and we were working on all our different sponsorship scenarios, to see if we'd be Busch racing or Cup racing with Scott. A lot of the team owners that we respect ... called us and said 'Hey, what are y'all doing with Scott? If you're not going to go forward with him, we'd love to speak with him.' We told everybody who called us that we planned to go forward with him, and they respected that, and they left him alone. Greg Zipadelli, crew chief for the Gibbs-Stewart team, says that Rockwell, which has sponsored Richard Childress' Busch team this season, called Davis' team to get Wimmer's phone number, apparently to try to put together a sponsorship package to shop around. Davis has sponsored Wimmer basically out of his own pocket this season. Zipadelli pointed out that Davis didn't offer Wimmer a new contract until the overtures from other teams were made. Gibbs also declined to talk about the Rockwell sponsorship. On the issue of crewmen moving one team to another, Gibbs seems to attract a number of men looking to move on. The latest addition comes from the Jeff Burton-Roush team - top tire changer Mark "Hollywood" Armstrong. But then Gibbs has long had a reputation for having one of the best places to work on the tour. He guarantees his men at least one day, sometimes two days a week off, a luxury in this sport and one that is appreciated by crewmen with families. Gibbs is also offering nice wages, according to crewmen in the garage. That combination has at times earned the ire of rival car owners. Zipadelli says that crewmen move all the time: "We just lost two fabricators to Cal Wells, but you don't see us crying about it. They're moving over because they'll be getting ... more money. But this time next year they'll probably be laid off, just like the last bunch. "I'm tired of people bashing us. We shouldn't be criticized for trying to make our team better."(more at the Winston Salem Journal)(9-2-2002) And more at Ford Racing: Signed Or Not, Wimmer Prompts Davis, Gibbs Talk(9-3-2002)
"NASCAR Racers" Moves to ABC Family: Making its ABC Family debut on Saturday, September 14 (11:30 a.m., ET/PT), this animated series follows four young rookie racers -- Mark "Charger" McCutchen, Megan "Spitfire" Fasier, Steve "Flyer" Sharp and Carlos "Stunts" Rey -- who rely on courage, teamwork and a specialized knowledge of high-tech auto racing to win in the ultimate challenge -- NASCAR races. With their futuristic cars pushed to the limits, the racers battle for pole position, accelerate to faster than 400 miles per hour, and sometimes fly through the twisting, turning and looping tracks of the speedway. Owned by the industrial giant Fasier Technologies, Team Fastex's biggest rival, on and off the track, is the Rexcor team owned by the dishonest and corrupt Garner Rexton. The series is produced by Saban Entertainment, Inc. and Saban International N.V. (Business Wire via MotorsportsTV)(9-3-2002)
(9-2-2002)
and even More Penske to Dodge talk: There are more indications of a Penske move from Ford to Dodge next season. According to team sources, more than three dozen Dodge engine blocks have been delivered to Penske South. A Penske move to Dodge would, according to team sources, be part of much larger business venture between Penske and Mercedes, which is DaimlerChrysler's top-of-the-line car. Penske already has extensive business ties with Mercedes, and he is expanding his Mercedes dealerships which are run under the United Auto Group (UAG).(Winston Salem Journal). See ALL the past rumors on Penske to Dodge on my #2 Team News and Links page.(9-2-2002)
Darlington spends $15,625 to keep track dry: Keeping a race track dry doesn't come cheap. Seven jet dryers used about 12,500 gallons of fuel at $1.25 a gallon in an attempt to keep Darlington Raceway dry over the past two rain-plagued days. That's $15,625 of kerosene, otherwise called jet fuel, to make sure NASCAR fans got to see Saturday's Bush Series race and Sunday's Southern 500 Winston Cup race. Had they needed it, another 12,000 gallons were on standby. While Darlington Raceway gets the bill for the fuel, it didn't supply its own jet dryer. Three came from Daytona, one from Talladega, one from Rockingham, one from Martinsville and one from Richmond.(The State)(9-2-2002)
Petty Enterprises to two cars in 2003? UPDATE denied and more on Andretti: The Buzz has learned that Petty Enterprises may be making a sponsor switch between the #44 and #45 Dodge teams. Sprint has already announced they would not be returning to the #45 of Kyle Petty after this year. With current sponsor Georgia Pacific still signed on with Petty, the team may move the sponsor from the #44, currently being driven by Jerry Nadeau, to the #45 for the 2003 season. With Christian Fittipaldi coming aboard next year in Busch and ARCA competition, Petty Enterprises may not put a driver in the #44 at all and utilize the shop space and resources for Fittipaldi. An announcement is expected to be made in Richmond next week if a sponsor switch is going to be made.(NASCAR.com Buzz)(8-28-2002) UPDATE:PRN's Garage Pass radio show reports that Kyle Petty said Petty Enterprises will have three Cup teams in 2003, contrary to reports and that they need three teams to make it work. Petty also said the main question is if John Andretti will return in 2003 to the #43. Andretti has a contract in hand from Petty but has not decided on his 2003 plans yet.(8-31-2002) UPDATE 2: Petty Enterprises is waiting to see what John Andretti decides to do for next season. Andretti's contract is up at the end of this season, and he has been wooed by Rick Hendrick and Chip Ganassi, according to team sources. It is not clear when Andretti might have to make a decision.(Winston Salem Journal)(9-2-2002)
Cowboys still looking to be in NASCAR: Owner Andy Petree's inability to secure a top-name driver squashed the proposed partnership with the Cowboys organization, according to sources close to the situation. "We have to make sure that this will be done the right way and the way our fans would expect of anything the Cowboys are involved in," Jerry Jones Jr., the Cowboys' vice president/director of marketing, told The Dallas Morning News. NASCAR sources say the Cowboys are talking to other teams in the Winston Cup and Busch Series garages. Although there was speculation the NFL had "cross-marketing" concerns from the start, Jones and Petree would not confirm that. Petree faces the task of rethinking his game plan for 2003. Although he would like to field two teams, he might have trouble fielding one; he currently is without a driver or sponsor for next season.(Sporting News)(9-2-2002)
Testing on Sept 25th: New Daytona 500 rules are scheduled to be tested at Daytona on Sept. 25, the Wednesday between tour stops at Dover and Kansas City. NASCAR officials have proposed lowering rear spoilers to increase straightaway speed while decreasing downforce in the corners. The purpose is to try to split up the drafting pack into smaller packs. None of the tour's top-10 teams made the trek to Florida for the first round of testing three weeks ago, and it is not clear if any of them will be running in this test either. Michael Waltrip, 14th in the standings coming to Darlington, was the top driver at the August test. The Woods #21 team will be at this next test, and Ricky Rudd could be at the wheel. The Woods and Rudd will be testing themselves in the next two weeks at Kentucky and Memphis to sort out chassis designs that Rudd might like. There was an odd anomaly in one of the NASCAR restrictor plates used in the August test, according to one team there: its holes were oddly aligned.(Winston Salem Journal)(9-2-2002)
Mike Wallace Looking: #14 A.J. Foyt Racing posted two top 10s in the last four races after not having finished better than 18th all season. Mike Wallace, who finished 10th at Bristol, says he's "the most determined driver in the garage right now." Although Wallace says A.J. Foyt asked him "to stick around for a while," Wallace does not have a firm commitment. He says he is talking with several teams about next season.(Sporting News)(9-2-2002)
Yates and three teams in 2003? There's still a slight possibility Robert Yates could be forced to field three teams next season if sponsor Chevron/Texaco opts out of an agreement with Chip Ganassi Racing. Chevron [Havoline/Texaco], which currently sponsors the #28 Ford that Ricky Rudd drives for Yates, is believed to be moving to Ganassi next season to fund a third entry. But Yates said the deal had a clause that allowed the sponsor to go back to him if the Ganassi entry did not shape up to its liking. Because there's such a slim pool of available drivers for Ganassi to pick from, that could happen. The deadline is this week, Yates said. Yates is firm in that he only wants to field two cars next season. Elliott Sadler is stepping into the ride Rudd currently drives and M&M's will sponsor it [but will switch to #38]. So Yates tried to get out of his deal with Texaco a year early, freeing the company to sign with Ganassi. Ganassi officials have not confirmed that they have made a sponsorship deal with Texaco, but have admitted they want to field three teams next season.(ThatsRacin.com/AP)(9-2-2002)
Standard Boby Locations the law in 2003: NASCAR has informed the teams it will require them to have standard body locations in 2003, meaning all the cars will be nearly identical in chassis setups. There is now no restriction on how far forward or backward the body on a Cup car can be located. Teams vary that position from track to track to help balance the car. Bodies are moved forward on superspeedways to keep air off the rear spoilers and reduce drag, and moved backward on shorter tracks.(NASCAR.com/AP), see more on this on my NASCAR Past News page.(9-2-2002)
Aero Rules for GM to get another look: NASCAR spokesman Jim Hunter said that NASCAR would would review the kick-out on front air dams allowed on the Chevy and Pontiac in Sunday's Southern 500. Hunter said, however, that early indications point to allowing the rule to remain in effect for the rest of the season. A 1-inch kick-out was given to the Chevrolets at Michigan as was a 1/2-inch allowance on Pontiacs. It was retracted last weekend at Bristol, then reinstated this weekend at Darlington on a week-to-week basis.(ThatsRacin.com)(9-2-2002)
Crew Change at DEI during the race: Two members of Dale Earnhardt Jr.'s pit crew were switched out during the race and replaced by two crew members from Dale Earnhardt Inc. teammate Steve Park's team after Park was involved in an accident. Walt Smith, who oversees the pit crew training on all three DEI teams, made the change, which involved the rear tire carrier and tire changer. (ThatsRacin.com)(9-2-2002)
