Ryan Newman wins rained shortened race at New Hampshire #12-Ryan Newman wins his first career Winston Cup race (points), the 2nd rookie this year to win (#48-Johnson won earlier this year). Newman became the third driver to record his first career victory at NHIS, joining Joe Nemechek(1999) and Robbie Gordon(2001). #97-Kurt Busch ended up 2nd in a race shortened to 207 laps (of 300). #6-Mark Martin takes over the Winston Cup points lead, 6 points over #40-Sterling Marlin who had led the points since Rockingham in Feb. The race ended after 207 of scheduled 300 laps after heavy rain started falling. Results at ThatsRacin.com or NASCAR.com.(9-15-2002)
Geoffrey Bodine finishes 24th, former CTS driver wins: In the days leading to the NASCAR Featherlite Modified Series New
Hampshire 125, much of the talk was about New York state native Geoffrey Bodine returning to the division for the first time in 19
years. When the dust settled from one of the wildest finishes ever at New Hampshire International Speedway, Chuck Hossfeld (former Roush Racing CTS driver), 25, came out on top Saturday. It was the first Modified Series victory for Hossfeld, of Ransomville, NY, who drives for owner Bob Garbarino of Mystic. Mike Stefanik of Coventry, R.I., was second and John Blewett III of Howell, N.J. third. Bodine, 53, finished 24th as the last car on the lead lap in his first Modified race since 1983.(Hartford Courant)
Also see images of Bodines car in the race at www.horizonassociates.com/loudon/.(9-15-2002)
DW's car stolen UPDATE: One NASCAR driver is missing some property after thieves race off with a car over 20 years old. A 1979 Jaguar belonging to Darrell Waltrip was stolen. According to Charlotte-Mecklenburg police records, early Wednesday morning someone broke into Eurotech International on Morehead Street in west Charlotte. The license plates from the car showed up later Wednesday on another stolen car.(nbc6.com)(9-14-2002) UPDATE: been told the car was found the next morning by police in pefect condition.(9-15-2002)
(9-14-2002)
Skinner wrecks at Kansas UPDATE 2: #4-Mike Skinner was involved in a crash at Kansas Speedway during tesiting Wednesday. Hearing a right front tire blew out on the #4 Kodak Chevy. Heavy impact with the wall caused the car to become engulfed in flames. Skinner was treated at the infield care center and then taken to a local Medical Center in Kansas City for further tests and evaluation and was released Wednesday evening.(9-12-2002) UPDATE: PRN's Garage Pass talked with Mike Skinner just a little bit after seeing one of several doctors Thursday. He was scheduled to see his doctor in Florida Thursday night about his right knee which was injured in the crash. It's the same knee he had operated on this time last year. He's says he pretty banged up, but he will be in New Hampshire to practice on Friday to see how he feels. Depending on that he may ask Larry McClure [#4 car owner] to find a sub for him. The quotes: "I'm gonna be okay...I'm just beat up a little bit and my face is burned a little bit. I'm gonna try it (practice) tomorrow (Friday) and see how it goes. If I don't feel like can give them (the team) 100% and if I feel like I'm jeopardizing myself then I'll have them put somebody else in it." Skinner thinks the Kansas Speedway testing accident knocked the fuel pump off and knocked the firewall out of the car and blew fire up in the car. He says, "I don't remember, but I guess it was a pretty big fire." The Kodak Chevy driver says his safety equipment did "a great job".(PRN's Garage Pass Radio show)(9-13-2002) UPDATE 2: Mike Skinner, driver of the #4 Kodak Max Film Monte Carlo, qualified fifth for the New Hampshire 300 following a horrific crash at Kansas Speedway: "We were a little timid after our crash the other day (testing at Kansas Speedway) and I think we
were second fastest the second time we went out. We got off on the chassis a little bit and lost the car some and then toward the end of the practice, we started getting it better and better. They're making some changes on the car, but we're really satisfied with the car right now. We're just trying to figure out this front-end stuff with the softer springs and all that we're running. We're excited. We feel like we still could contribute to the Monte Carlo camp before we go to Pontiac next year. I'd like to go out with a bang for them. I'm sore. I'm beat up a little bit. I thought about not driving. And then I decided to try it for a couple of laps. If I didn't feel right, we'd just get somebody else. But I felt okay and we started working on the car and the next thing I knew, practice was over.. Then I went out and qualified. We'll just see how it goes. Happy Hour will tell the tale tomorrow. I will know after the completion of it if we need someone to standby for the race Sunday. Heck, I told Chris Carrier (crew chief) that we might just suit him up and send him out in the car."(GM PR)(9-14-2002) AND after Happy Hour: "Considering what I've been through this week, I'm feeling pretty good. I'm a little short on energy. It's like when you're trying to shake the flu. You get up in the morning and you feel fine, but you run out of energy real quick. I think I'll be stronger by (Sunday). "I'm not going to give up. I think I'll be fine in the car. I'm going to get a lot of rest (Saturday night) and that should help. Right now the plan is for me to drive the car the entire race."(GM PR)(9-14-2002)
Stewart Accused by NHIS EMT: Tony Stewart has been accused by an emergency medical technician at New Hampshire International Speedway of punching him during the July race at the track. EMT Phil Jewett said Stewart punched him as he attempted to attend to Stewart following the driver's wreck on Lap 121. "As soon as he saw me in the corner of his eye he swung at me and hit me in the left arm," Jewett told The Concord (N.H.) Monitor in Saturday's edition. Track officials were unable to confirm if Jewett was working this weekend's race. Jim Hunter, NASCAR's vice president for communications, said Jewett notified the Winston Cup series' medical liaison the day of the incident and the liaison notified NASCAR President Mike Helton. Hunter confirmed that Helton spoke with Jewett the day of the incident and also spoke with Stewart. "That issue ended here. Outside of a 'Get your hands off me' gesture or that kind of stuff, we knew Tony was upset that day because he wouldn't get in the ambulance and wouldn't go to the infield care center," Hunter said. "One of things they tell them in the safety meeting, is when the guys get out of the cars, don't put your hands on them. They tell the EMTs that these guys are mad when they get out of the car," Hunter said. "In this instance, we just felt (Stewart) just shrugged (Jewett's) hands off of him." Hunter said he considered the incident closed and was surprised Jewett chose to bring the issue up again. Jewett told the paper he came forward because he said Helton had told him he would investigate the incident and get back to him. "Nobody ever got back to me," Jewett told the paper. "They didn't get back to my supervisors or anyone from Raceway Ambulance. That's another reason why I'm irritated about it now." Stewart's team spokesman, Mike Arning, said Stewart would not comment on the issue. Arning and others with the team could not comment because they were not with Stewart when the incident occurred. "NASCAR is the eyes and ears of the race and they say they couldn't find any evidence of anything wrong and we accept that," he said.(ThatsRacin.com) and more at NASCAR.com.(9-14-2002)
Penske Q&A: Q: Can you comment on the rumors that your Winston Cup teams will switch from Ford to Dodge next season? Roger Penske A: Our contract is up [with Ford], and when our contracts are up, we look and see what's available out there. We obviously have talked to Ford. We've talked to Dodge and in fact, built a Dodge engine and run that. ... But we've got to make a decision here by the end of the month.(Fort Worth Star Telegram)(9-14-2002)
Stoddard wants to stay a Cup Crew Chief: Frank Stoddard, recently replaced by Paul Andrews on Jeff Burton's #99 team, made it clear Friday that he still has his mind set on being a Winston Cup crew chief. Stoddard still works for Roush Racing and said he has been offered the chance to stay there and work with Roush's Truck series operations. But he doesn't sound like he's seriously considering that option. "I've had calls from three or four teams," Stoddard said. "There's no doubt in my mind that I have something to offer some team in this garage."(ThatsRacin.com)(9-14-2002)
Rudd staying at the #28 for the rest of 2002: When asked today at New Hampshire if there is any consideration of a Rudd for Sadler swap before seasons end Rudd said "No, absolutely none, zero." He went on to say..."I'm moving forward, I'm gonna run the rest of the season...put that behind me."(PRN's Garage Pass Radio Show)(9-14-2002)
Hermie Sadler announcment? NASCAR's Hermie Sadler (#02) will be at this Wednesday's NWA (National Wrestling Alliance) TNA. He is expected to make a big announcement concerning NASCAR and TNA.(NWATNA.com)(9-14-2002)
Templates: For the 2003 season, each of the manufacturers has been given 32 templates, 18 which are identical for all cars. There's a bigger agenda with incorporating similar templates and a standard body location -- which will be officially announced sometime over the next few weeks as measuring 60 inches from the top of the windshield to the middle of the rear tires -- and that is to even up the playing field.(more at the Sporting News)(9-14-2002)
(9-13-2002)
No 2nd PPI team? It doesn't appear as though #32-Ricky Craven will have a teammate when he makes the move from Ford to Pontiac with the PPI Motorsports team. That was the word from PPI Motorsports owner Cal Wells III Tuesday. "Right now, it's way up in the air. We'll most likely be a single-car team again next year. My preference would be to get a second car but I don't feel we're in the right place for that opportunity to happen right now. But we'll work at it," said Wells. Wells said he is excited about the opportunity with Pontiac and that they will build the engines themselves. He is in the process of hiring an engineer to head up the engine program.(Bangor Daily News - need to register to read)(9-13-2002)
Marlin expected to race at NHIS: #40-Coors Light Dodge crew chief Lee McCall was on PRN's "The Pitreporters" show on Wednesday and said driver Sterling Marlin has been undergoing physical therapy three times a day this week following his injuries at Richmond. McCall think Marlin will be 100% by Sunday. Even though Marlin wears a Hutchins safety device, and Mcall said it did it's job during the crash, Marlin would probably wear a HANS device during testing next week at Kentucky Speedway to see how it feels to him.(PRN's Pit Reporters Radio show)(9-13-2002)
Geoffrey Bodine gets outside pole for Modified race: Winston Cup veteran Geoff Bodine returned to NASCAR Modified racing after nearly 20 years away from the open-wheeled division and grabbed the outside pole for tomorrows New Hampshire 100 at New Hampshire International Speedway. Pole honors went to 20-year-old Nevin George of Kunkletown, Pa., who ran a 29.806 seconds fast lap for 127.786 mph his third pole of the season leading the series.(Union Leader)(9-13-2002)
No NASCAR for this Foyt: A.J. Foyt IV, who is trying to win the first Infiniti Pro Series championship, said he has no interest in switching to NASCAR: "I like open-wheel much better than taxi cab racing."(Dallas Morning News)(9-13-2002)
(9-12-2002)
Sadler/Rudd both test the #21 at Kentucky: Wood Bros. Racing became the first NASCAR Winston Cup team to test at Kentucky under its new agreement with Ford Racing that allows any of the manufacturer's sanctioned race teams exclusive access to the 1.5-mile tri-oval each Tuesday through 2004. Wood Bros. tested two new chassis on Sept. 10 with its 2003 NASCAR Winston Cup Driver Ricky Rudd and also worked on race set-ups that will benefit current driver Elliot Sadler. "We're testing with Ricky Rudd to find out what kind of chassis he likes, Wood Bros. Owner Len Wood said. One car is brand new and one has a couple races under it, but they're different styles. We'll have new rules on the body next year so we're talking about building a lot of new cars so we wanted an idea to try to get a jump start. Next year will be a little different because they're (NASCAR) going to more common templates for the cars. Each will have their own noses and tails and side glass, but the contours of the hood, roof and back glass will basically be the same. The main change for next year is the body location (on the chassis). The Daytona cars the body will move forward for better aerodynamics and less drag, and it will be the opposite when you go to the speedways. The shorter the track, the farther back you would put it (the body)." Wood also commented on the unique situation of testing a new driver for the 2003 season while preparing to finish the current season with a different driver. "It's a new situation for us," Wood said. "Our race team was kind of spun out" and shocked when Elliot asked out (of his contract) early in the season. We tried to put that behind us and focus on racing because we still have to keep going 100 percent for Elliot Sadler. We may be back here in a week or so with Elliot to try to figure something out. We're not giving up on him at all, but we decided to use this opportunity to test Ricky for next year."(Kentucky Speedway PR)(9-12-2002)
Earnhardt Tribute Postponed 5 days: The unveiling of the sculpture marking the Dale Earnhardt Tribute has been postponed until Oct. 14, five days later than the original date of Oct. 9. The ceremony, called Kannapolis Celebrates the Life of a Legend: The Dale Earnhardt Tribute Statue Unveiling, will begin at 10:00am at Dale Earnhardt Plaza, formerly known as Funderburk Park. During a Tuesday night meeting, the Dale Earnhardt Tribute Steering Committee decided to move the date of the unveiling due to scheduling conflicts with a number of individuals, said Jennifer Woodford, Kannapolis' public information officer. The rescheduling could also affect the possibility of country music star Travis Tritt attending and performing at the ceremony, said John Cox, CEO of the Cabarrus Regional Chamber of Commerce.(Independent Tribune)(9-12-2002)
Update on Bill France Jr: Bill France, chairman of NASCAR and International Speedway Corp., continues to recover from heart and hip surgery at an undisclosed hospital. France, 69, slipped, fell and broke his hip at a local restaurant on Aug. 27. After being examined by doctors, France had a triple bypass heart operation, followed two days later by hip surgery. "Bill's doing very well," said David Talley, ISC's director of corporate communications. "He's been up and walking since this past weekend and constantly asking about the business." France has assorted but expected "aches and pains for a man who had heart and hip surgery," Talley said. "Bill is in good spirits and his doctors expect him to make a full recovery from these surgeries, although no timetable for his release has been established," Talley said Wednesday. The family won't say where France is hospitalized.(Daytona Beach News Journal)(9-12-2002)
Yates Statement: Team owner Robert Yates issued the following statement Wednesday regarding the Rudd/Lackey incident: "On behalf of Robert Yates Racing and our team members, I want to apologize to our many fans, sponsors, associates and NASCAR for the incident that took place at Richmond International Raceway last Saturday night after the race," he said. "After meeting with my team members I feel confident that in moving forward, all those associated with RYR will compete and represent themselves in a manner that our fans and sponsors will be proud of."(ThatsRacin.com)(9-12-2002)
Andretti and Petty test at Dover: #43-John Andretti, who was testing a Petty Dodge at Dover on Tuesday and Wednesday, isn't saying yet what that decision will be. He was careful to give no real hint of his plans in an interview with The Associated Press. "Any driver announcement is up to the team and the sponsor,'' Andretti said. "I'll let them take care of that when the time comes. It would be easier to leave than it is to stay and work on things and make them better,'' he added. "But I believe in the Petty organization. I'm extremely close (to a decision).'' #45-Kyle Petty, who runs the team based in Randleman, N.C., and is Andretti's teammate, also was in Dover for the test.(ESPN/AP)(9-12-2002)
IRWIN Rough to Finish Award #26 Team: Todd Bodine, driver of the No. 26 Discover Card Ford, battled back after an early spin to finish fifth in Saturday night's Chevy Monte Carlo 400 at Richmond International Raceway, helping to earn crew chief Donnie Wingo this week' s IRWIN "Rough to the Finish" Award. The early bad break for the team happened on lap 16 when former Winston Cup champion Terry Labonte clipped Bodine, causing both cars to spin. Despite sheet metal damage near the right front tire, Bodine was able to keep going until a caution flag came out a few laps later. Under caution, Wingo called the No. 26 in to have the sheet metal pulled out, along with taking on four fresh tires and fuel. Bodine was forced to take the green flag on lap 24 in 35th position. By lap 200, Bodine rebounded back into the top 20, and within 40 laps, he was racing just shy of the top 10. With fuel mileage becoming an issue, Wingo urged Bodine to coast whenever possible to conserve fuel. Thanks to Wingo's great advice and great pit stops all night, Bodine crossed the finish line in fifth place, just as he ran out of gas. "It was a great run for the Discover Card Ford," said Wingo. "We've had some really bad luck due to no fault of our own early, but this time we had lady luck on our side in the end. These guys did a great job in the pits all day, and Todd drove a great race. This award is a credit to the entire team's effort tonight."
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)(9-12-2002)
(9-11-2002)
New #44 Crew Chief: Gary Putnum, 32, has been named as crew chief for the #44 Georgia-Pacific Dodge team and driver Jerry Nadeau effective immediately. Greg Steadman, who had been crew chief, will now take the position of Manager of Shop Operations. Steadmans duties will include overseeing the day-to-day activities of car preparation for all cars in the shop at Petty Enterprises. The opportunity to bring a talent like Gary into a leadership position and further organize what we are doing at the race shop at the same time was too good to pass up, said Kyle Petty, CEO of Petty Enterprises. Greg Steadman suggested we look at this kind of setup and when we saw we could add Gary to that mix, we went for it. This is the kind of move that might not seem as big as it is. This is a major positive move for Petty Enterprises, and one that will help us as we continue to move forward with our organization, he added. Putnum joins Petty Enterprises after two years with MBV Motorsports, serving as car chief for driver Johnny Benson. A native of Vermont where he developed on the NASCAR Featherlite Modified Series, Putnum has been working in NASCAR Winston Cup competition for seven years.(Williams Company PR)(9-11-2002)
Rudd tangles with team member after race UPDATE 2- Fines issued, employee quits: Winston Cup driver [#28] Ricky Rudd and a member of his Robert Yates Racing team got into a physical confrontation following Saturday night's race at Richmond. As Rudd was preparing to leave the garage area, he and the crew member - whose name the team declined to reveal - started a heated exchange, apparently over comments made by Rudd earlier in the week to USA Today questioning the quality of engines his #28 team receives from RYR. According to witnesses, the crew member threw a punch at Rudd and Rudd responded by throwing a water bottle at the crew member, hitting him in the head. The two were then separated. Team spokesman Steve Post said the incident was considered a "family matter" and would be handled internally. NASCAR spokeswoman Danielle Frye said the sanctioning body was made aware of the incident.(ThatsRacin.com)(9-8-2002) ANDFSN's Totally NASCAR has exclusive video of the Ricky Rudd-RYR crew member altercation, which will be aired tonight at 6:00pm/local or 6:30pm/et on Speed Channel. The RYR employee was Engine R&D man, Larry Lacky, punched Rudd in the left eye, Rudd fired a water bottle back at Lacky, hitting him on the head.(9-9-2002) UPDATE - Fines: Robert Yates Racing team member Larry Lackey and driver Ricky Rudd were fined and placed on probation by NASCAR for their altercation in the garage area following Saturday nights NASCAR Winston Cup Series race at Richmond International Raceway. Lackey was fined $10,000 for his role in the altercation between the two while Rudd, driver of the No. 28 Ford Taurus, received a $5,000 fine. Both were placed on probation until Dec. 31. Lackey and Rudd were penalized under Section 12-4-A in the NASCAR Winston Cup Series rule book: "Actions detrimental to stock car racing: Involved in an altercation with a team member." Lackey also was penalized under 12-4-F: "Fighting.". "In every fight, there has to be an aggressor and a retaliator," NASCAR Winston Cup Series Director John Darby said. "The incident between Larry and Ricky took place in the garage area and we, as a sanctioning body, govern the pits and garage. We will not tolerate people hitting each other in those areas."(NASCAR PR)(9-10-2002) UPDATE 2: Robert Yates Racing engine research and development employee Larry Lackey, who punched the team's Winston Cup driver, Ricky Rudd, following Saturday night's race at Richmond has resigned, team officials confirmed Wednesday. Lackey and Rudd got into a heated discussion following the race over comments Rudd had made earlier in the week questioning the quality of engines his #28 team was receiving since he is leaving the organization at the end of the season. Lackey struck Rudd in his left eye and Rudd retaliated by throwing a water bottle at Lackey, cutting him in the forehead, before the two were separated. Tuesday, NASCAR fined Lackey $10,000 and Rudd $5,000 for their involvement in the incident and placed both on probation until Dec. 31.(ThatsRacin.com)(9-11-2002)
Stewart to wait two weeks: Sullivan County investigators have wrapped up their probe of Tony Stewart, but the NASCAR driver will wait another two weeks to learn if he will be charged with assaulting a fan at Bristol. "The investigation is pretty much finished except to turn it over to (prosecutors)," Sullivan County Sheriff Wayne Anderson said Tuesday. "It will be turned over on Monday." Prosecutors have said the case will be presented to a county grand jury at the end of the month; the grand jury will decide whether to issue an indictment in the case. Meanwhile, Anderson has made public an incident report filed by Deputy Shane Christian -- the officer who said he witnessed the encounter between Stewart and the woman. Christian wrote that he saw the 31-year-old NASCAR driver shove the woman against a race trailer at 11:30 p.m. after the running of the Sharpie 500 on Aug. 24 at Bristol Motor Speedway. He filed the report four days after the alleged incident. "He took his left arm and shoved her out of the way. The female's back struck the Home Deport car hauler and she appeared to trip over either tires or rims that were lying at her feet," Christian wrote. Stewart yelled an obscenity and told the woman to get out of his way, Christian wrote. The deputy said he spoke with Shaffer immediately after the incident and asked if she wanted to charge the driver, according to the report. The woman apparently was unharmed in the incident, authorities have said.(Bristol Herald Courier)(9-11-2002)
Petty to announce Andretti's signing...today? UPDATE NO: Kyle Petty has a news conference set for today [doesn't say where or what time], and it is widely expected that he will announce that John Andretti has signed a new contract. Andretti's future has been the subject of much debate the last few weeks, with several other teams vying for his services. What Andretti has wanted most out of a new contract is the OK to run in the Indy 500 in May.(Winston Salem Journal) UPDATE: There is no press conference with Petty Enterprises scheduled today, and none is anticipated.(9-9-2002) UPDATE 2: Kyle Petty may have answered one of the key lingering questions involving Winston Cup racing's 2003 lineup during an appearance at a Charlotte church Monday evening. Petty, answering a question at Hickory Grove Baptist Church where he took part in a program featuring Oliver North as the key speaker, said John Andretti has agreed to stay with Petty Enterprises as driver of the No. 43 Dodges. A team spokesman on Tuesday said that Petty's remarks did not constitute an official announcement that Andretti will return, and that nothing has been signed to that effect. Petty said Saturday at Richmond International Raceway that he hoped Andretti would return but that his family's team was still waiting on a decision. One possible option if Andretti decided to leave the team went away over the weekend when Chip Ganassi announced he had hired Jamie McMurray to drive for his third team with the Chevron/Texaco sponsorship.(ThatsRacin.com)(9-11-2002)
Rusty wants changes at NHIS: Rusty Wallace said he hopes New Hampshire International Speedway will make "major, major changes" following this weekend's Winston Cup race at the 1-mile oval. The track surface proved to be hazardous in two of the turns that were repaved prior to the July 21 race at the Loudon track. "They need to get started with the project as soon as they can after we run there on Sunday," Wallace said. "They're going to have to come in there and bulldoze the place; they're going to have to rebuild the track, reconstruct the turns. They need to come in there and put some banking in the turns and make it a permanent fix, not just the band-aid-type approach that's been going on there for the last couple of seasons."(Las Vegas Sun)(9-11-2002)
Kirby Testing the #49? hearing the BAM Racing #49 Cup team is testing with Stuart Kirby at Kentucky on Wednesday and Thursday, 9/11 & 9/12.(9-11-2002)
Hermie Sadler gets sponsor for NHIS:#02 Winston Cup Driver and Team Owner Hermie Sadler announced today that Magic Circle Inc., makers of "Dixie Chopper Lawnmowers" will sponsor his team for the up coming Cup New Hampshire 300. This marks the first time that Magic Circle has sponsored a Winston Cup team, but racing has been a part of their marketing strategy for many years says company Chairman and founder Art Evans "Motorsports has always been a good arena for the promotion of our product. Being based just out side of Indianapolis our company believes that the race fans have a real appreciation for the speed and performance of race cars, and that is what our mowers are all about. No matter if your cutting your own grass or one of the thousands of professional mowers, our customers love racing.. The Sadler's are a very special family and as we have just recently structured a new relationship with Elliott Sadler, this opportunity was just to good to pass up with brother Hermie". Hermie Sadler finished 23rd last week at Richmond's night event and was running as high as 3rd at one time. "We are proud to have Dixie Chopper on board for the weekend at Loudon. The guys are really pumped up after the great run we were having at Richmond and want to carry some of that momentum to New Hampshire" said Sadler. "We are just running a limited schedule of both Busch and Winston Cup events this years and our family of sponsors Virginia Lottery and Little Trees has meant a lot to us and it just great to add Dixie Chopper Lawn Mowers to that group." Read more about Dixie Chopper Lawn Mowers at their web site www.dixiechopper.com.(PR)(9-11-2002)
NAPCM Pit Crew Of The Week - #17: Hard work along with great pit stops all night took the #17 DeWalt Crew from a 25th place starting position to tire troubles (twice) and finally to a first place finish. Congratulations #17 DeWalt Crew on overcoming adversity and earning the title of this week's NAPCM "Pit Crew Of The Week", sponsored by Toxabsorb, "21st Century Spill Magnet" 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. Check out the latest Mechanix Wear "Pit Crew Of The Year" standings, available ONLY at the National Association Of Pit Crew Members web site.(www.napcm.com)(9-11-2002)
Shepherd to attempt NHIS: Morgan Shepherd is set to return to New Hampshire International Speedway this week with hopes of qualifying for the New Hampshire 300 on September 15th. This will be Shepherd's sixth attempt in the Cup 2002 season with his #89 Racing With Jesus Ford. Shepherd has been pleased with several sponsors coming on board this season. Catchfence.com, Motorsportsweb.com and Racing With Jesus Ministries continue their associate sponsorship, however primary sponsorship is needed. One race sponsorship deals are available and additional associate sponsorship packages are also available. "This has been an exciting year for us with the Craftsman Truck Series and returning to Winston Cup on a limited schedule," said Shepherd. "It has been a struggle, but God has been good to us and blessed us in so many ways. I want to thank everyone who continues to believe in us and who supports our efforts. I love NHIS and always look forward to returning there to our many friends and fans."(STB Marketing Group)(9-11-2002)
(9-10-2002)
Berrier fined, points taken away: Todd Berrier, crew chief of the #30 Chevrolet Monte Carlo of driver Jeff Green, was fined $5,000 for an unapproved left front spring found in post-race inspection. The coil winding of the spring was not evenly spaced and did not meet the standards set forth in the rule book. He was penalized under Section 12-4-Q: "Any determination by NASCAR Officials that parts and/or equipment used in the Event do not conform to NASCAR rules." The infraction also cost Green 25 driver points and team owner Richard Childress 25 owner points.(NASCAR PR)(9-10-2002)
New Crew Chief for the #25: Hendrick Motorsports owner Rick Hendrick today named Peter Sospenzo as crew chief of the #25 UAW-Delphi Chevy through the remainder of the 2002 Cup season, replacing Brian Pattie. "It's exciting for me to join an operation like Hendrick Motorsports," said Sospenzo, who has nearly 20 years of Winston Cup experience. "My goal is to work hard, produce results on the race track and make the most of the opportunity I've been given." Sospenzo, 45, will assume the position immediately, leading the team into Sunday's event at New Hampshire International Speedway with driver Joe Nemechek. The Brooklyn, N.Y., native most recently worked with drivers Jeremy Mayfield and Mike Wallace as crew chief of Penske Racing's #12 team from 1999 through 2001. He joined the team in December 1997, serving as car chief before being named crew chief in May 1999. In his first full season as crew chief in 2000, Sospenzo led Mayfield to two victories, four pole positions, three runner-up finishes, six top-fives, 12 top-10s and 10 top-10 starts. Pattie will return to his role with Nemechek's #87 BGN operation as team manager and crew chief.(Hendrick Motorsports PR)(9-10-2002)
Baldwin's contract up, to the #1? or staying at the #22? UPDATE: 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) UPDATE: Winston Cup crew chief Tommy Baldwin told NASCAR.com Tuesday afternoon that he has contracts in-hand from Bill Davis Racing and Dale Earnhardt Inc., and is currently mulling over which situation is best for him in hopes of making a punctual decision.(NASCAR.com)(9-10-2002)
Richmond TV Ratings: TNT continued its strong ratings surge both in Winston Cup and Busch Series racing this weekend in Richmond, Virginia. Saturday night's Chevrolet Monte Carlo 400 with The Looney Tunes registered a 4.2 national cable rating for TNT, up 20% from a 3.5 in 2001. Friday night's Funai 250, also from Richmond, scored a 2.2 rating, up a whooping 47% from a year ago when the Richmond Busch race earned a 1.5 national cable rating. The Richmond race concludes a streak of four straight Winston Cup races on TNT, all substantially up from the previous year. During that period TNT averaged a 4.8 national cable rating, up 17% from a 4.1 during the same four races in 2001. For the year, through six Winston Cup races, TNT is up 9%. to a 4.8, compared to a 4.4 in 2001.
The Busch Series also continues to show terrific growth. Year to date, the Busch Series is averaging a 1.6 national cable rating on TNT, up 14% from a 1.4 in 2001 for six like races. TNT also telecast the lead-in Busch Series race for the Daytona 500 in February, earning a 2.7 rating. The same race aired on Fox in 2001, garnering a 3.2.(Turner PR)(9-10-2002)
Kerry Earnhardt and others test at Talladega: In less than a month, Kerry Earnhardt will make his qualifying run to compete in his first NASCAR Winston Cup Series event at Talladega Superspeedway. On Tuesday, Earnhardt and his BGN crew turned more than 50 laps in preparation to make their first Winston Cup event of 2002. Earnhardt will bring the #83 RacingUSA.com Chevy to Talladega for the EA SPORTS 500 Weekend, Oct. 3-6, 2002. Earnhardt races for Fitz Bradshaw Racing, but will bring a Dale Earnhardt Inc. car and motor to Qualifying Day on Oct. 4th. Earnhardt has raced a full BGN schedule this year after competing in a limited number of events in ARCA in 2001. Earnhardt won three of the five ARCA races he entered last year. Racing fans will no doubt see the signifance in Earnhardts car number 83. That number was taken by NASCAR marketing, but they are allowing me to use it for this race, said Earnhardt. The number 8 is what my grandfather raced and the number 3 was my dads number. Earnhardts brother, Dale Earnhardt Jr., also drives the No. 8. Dale Jr. has put that Chevrolet into Talladegas Victory Lane in the past two NASCAR Winston Cup Series events. Other teams testing at Talladega Superspeedway were the #36 MB2 Motorsports with Ken Schrader, the #18 Joe Gibbs Racing with Bobby Labonte and the #91 Evernham Motorsports with Dick Trickle. The two-day test session will conclude on Wednesday.(Talladega Superspeedway)(9-10-2002)
SAFER at Talladega - Inside walls UPDATE 2: NASCAR officials are to be at Talladega Superspeedway later this month to approve installation of the Indianapolis Motor Speedway's impact-absorbing SAFER barrier on the track's inside retaining walls. The system could be in place for the Oct. 6 EA Sports 500 race. Most racing crashes involve the outside wall, but a barrier on the inside wall would help protect drivers from secondary impacts. NASCAR hasn't approved the system for Talladega's outside walls. Dean Sicking, SAFER's lead developer, is working to adapt the barrier, which was developed to fit Indianapolis Motor Speedway and introduced there in May, to high-banked tracks and short tracks with tight turns.(USA Today Print Edition)(8-16-2002) UPDATE: Ken Patterson, PR director for Talladega Superspeedway, say it's not likely that the SAFER wall, similar to the one installed at Indianapolis Motor Speedway, will be installed in time for the October 6 EA Sports 500 Winston Cup race. "Dr. Dean Sickling of the University of Nebraska and NASCAR were out to assess the situation about a month ago," said Patterson, "but unless they have come up with a way to install it very quickly, It's unlikely that it will happen by October. We have testing and other things going on. No one has said a word to us about installing the SAFER wall. I don't know for sure about what NASCAR would have in mind and I don't know where that story came from, but I don't believe they would just show up one day and start working on the project, but I've also learned to never say never."(Insider Racing News)(8-17-2002) UPDATE 2: Talladega Superspeedway is expected to announce this week that it is lining about 3,000 feet of its inside retaining walls with the SAFER impact-absorbing barrier system. The project should be complete in time for the Oct. 6 EA Sports 500. The barrier system, which debuted on the Indianapolis Motor Speedway's outside retaining walls in May, is designed to absorb some of the forces generated in a crash. Although the majority of racing crashes involve the outside wall, the barrier needs further development before it can be used on high-banked tracks. Installing the barrier on Talladega's inside walls could help absorb energy from secondary impacts. Testing of a modified version of the barrier suited to hang on the outside walls of high-banked tracks might begin this week.(USA Today)(9-10-2002)
#32 Team Will wear special uniforms at NHIS: Wednesday will mark the one-year anniversary of the September 11th attack on the World Trade Center in New York City. When the NASCAR Winston Cup circuit hits New Hampshire International Speedway for this weekend's New Hampshire 300, Ricky Craven and his #32 Tide Ford Taurus racing team will be wearing official FDNY and NYPD shirts, courtesy of Adam Mazy and Eric Rowan.Craven, a native of Newburgh, Maine, had an opportunity to get re-acquainted with Mazy, who works for Tower Ladder 79 in Staten Island, N.Y., and his cousin, New York City police officer Rowan, earlier this year at Pocono.(Ford PR)(9-10-2002)
(9-9-2002)
THANKS to NASCAR, the drivers, TNT, the teams, RIR, the military folks in Afghanistan, the great fans and anyone else involved for the great tribute at Richmond Intl Raceway to those who lost their lives on 9/11/2001. Each team will fly a flag in their pits with the names of those who lost their lives that day....
Banners: getting swamped with questions regarding the banners used to display the names of those who lost their lives on 9/11. The banners were flown in each pit by the 43 teams, no idea what order the were in on what team had the banner with the name of a certain person. Do not have any photos/pictures of the banners. best bet is to direct questions to the folks at RIR, see their site at www.rir.com. Also, no idea what the plans are for the banners or what they will do with them. Anyone who has any good pics of them, I'd love to post all 43.(9-8-2002) AND been told that The banners (flags) had the over 3000 victim's names from the Sep 11 attacks. They were held alphabetically by the teams at their cars from turn four to turn one during the ceremony. The crew chief then mounted the flag on a pole in their pit box for the race. NASCAR has not yet announced the permanent home for the flags.(9-9-2002)
New Ford in 2004? UPDATE 2: Looks like the redesign of the Ford scheduled for 2004 might include more than just a sleek new Taurus. Ford announced plans last week to unveil a new sedan it is calling the Ford 500 for now.(Sporting News)(4-1-2002) UPDATE: Ford Motor Co. officials say they have no plans to change its entry in NASCARs Winston Cup or Grand National series for the foreseeable future. They caution, however, plans can change and quickly. Fords debut of a new Sedan, the Ford Five Hundred, has been mentioned as a possible replacement for the Taurus in NASCAR, which replaced the Ford Thunderbird in 1998. "Ford has no plans to replace the Taurus as our race model in the NASCAR Winston Cup and the NASCAR Busch Series for the foreseeable future. Predictably, I have a disclaimer," said Greg Specht, North American Operations Manager for Ford Racing Technology. "Product plans are fluid, and that fluidity sometimes causes us to have to react quickly, like we did when we needed to get Taurus ready for its NASCAR debut in 1998 on nine or 10 months notice. Given that, I can say with relative certainty that Ford will still be racing Taurus in 2004."(ThatsRacin.com)(4-3-2002)
a Ford 500 image from the Ford Racing site, thanks Jim Utter for the heads up.
No More Taurus in NASCAR after 2003? Next season could be the last season for Ford's NASCAR Taurus, and it is unclear so far what car-model logo Ford might use on its NASCAR cars.[thats is all it says](Winston Salem Journal)(9-9-2002)
Lepage to drive for Cope at NHIS: from the Derrike Cope site: Cope saw an orthopedic surgeon today to have his knee looked at and it was confirmed that he has a broken left fibula (leg). Also, his right scapula (shoulder) is broken. Due to the injuries at opposite points of the body, he is unable to use crutches and is using a wheelchair. There is no operation necessary so it is just a healing process. He will be getting an MRI and CT Scan Tuesday. Jay Robinson and Elaine Hughes (General Manager / Public Relations) were by Cope's side in Richmond and he is very appreciative of their help. He estimates that he will be unable to drive for 5-6 weeks. Cope said that Kevin Lepage will be driving the #37 Friendly's Ford this weekend in Loudon/ New Hampshire Intl Speedway. Lepage drove for Quest Motor Racing at Charlotte this past May in the #38 Ford owned by Cope. Friendly's Ice Cream Corp will sponsor the #37 Ford at NHIS.(Derrike Cope site). And see images of the car on my Paint Scheme Gallery.(9-9-2002)
Green tests at Kansas: #30-Jeff Green tested at Kansas Speedway on Monday, running about 100 laps, with speeds topping just over 172mph. Green is the defending inaugural winner of the NASCAR Busch Series Mr. Goodcents 300. This year, he has plans to race in both the Mr. Goodcents 300 on Sept. 28, and the Protection One 400 on Sept. 29. Green will return to Kansas Speedway for more testing on Tuesday. He will be joined by: Jimmy Spencer, Jamie McMurray, Ron Hornaday, Tim Sauter, Jason Keller, Scott Wimmer, Mike Skinner Todd Bodine and Lyndon Amick.(BGN cars??)(Kansas Speedway PR)(9-9-2002)
US Army and Nadeau...to the #36? UPDATE: The U.S.Army is expected to be on the quarterpanels of the #36 Pontiacs owned by Nelson Bowers and Thomas Beard [MB2] and driven by Ken Schrader the past two seasons. Jerry Nadeau is expected to get that ride. It is unclear where Schrader might wind up.(Winston Salem Journal) UPDATE: been told that the Army was at Richmond over the weekend and has spoken to many teams concerning sponsorship.(9-9-2002)
DW gets a store check out www.dwstore.com. Can buy stuff there about Darrell Waltip, Jeff Hammond and Larry McReynolds. Like a Boggity, Boogity, Boogity shirt....(9-9-2002)
Penske Dodge UPDATE (like 200): Despite reports that owner Roger Penske will convert his Ford teams to Dodge in 2003, Penske insists no deal has been done. Penske cites NASCAR's new templates and what would be a complete overhaul of engine development as his greatest concerns about getting Dodges ready and testing them in time for next season. Penske South has 38 cars and 94 Ford engines housed at its facility in Mooresville, N.C.(Sporting News)(9-9-2002)
Marlin hurting but expects to race at NHIS: Sterling Marlin, still in intense pain yesterday after a hard crash at Richmond International Raceway this past Saturday night, said if he needed to race today, he couldn't do it. ''I'm too sore to even climb in the car,'' Marlin said from his home in Spring Hill, where he is resting. ''Hopefully I'll start feeling better on into the week. I plan on racing this weekend.'' Marlin crashed early in the Richmond race and had to be helped from his car as he was wincing in pain. He was checked at the infield hospital and released. ''Nothing was broken,'' Marlin said, ''but I'm so sore I can hardly move. I must have stretched muscles and tendons in my back, chest and neck. I'm scheduled to go to a chiropractor [this morning] to get some treatments.''(Tennessean)(9-9-2002)
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