Changes to the No Bull 5? while listening to MRN's radio coverage of the MBNA All-American Heroes 400 at Dover it wass mentioned during an interview that when the time comes there will be changes to the No Bull 5 Program as R.J. Reynold's (Winston) feels it is getting stale, the changes could come as soon as the 2003 season and it supposedly just as exciting as the No Bull 5. The next and final No Bull Five event of 2002 is at the EA Sports 500 at Talladega on October 6th.(9-22-2002)
Rudd/Sadler switch coming soon after all? during TNT coverage of the MBNA All-American Heroes 400 at Dover, Bill Weber said that the #21 Wood Brothers with Elliott Sadler (who is going to Yates in 2003) and the #28 Robert Yates Racing team with Rick Rudd (who is going to the Wood Brothers in 2003) are may be switching teams sooner and are talking about making the switch.(9-22-2002)
Safety Requirements on pit road: NASCAR could require all personnel who work on pit road during races to wear fire suits, protective gear currently required for pit crew members who go over the wall and service race cars, spokeswoman Danielle Frye confirmed Sunday. The move is one of many being considered by the sanctioning body to address the safety of race team members and fans in the garage area and pit road.(ThatsRacin.com)(9-22-2002)
#4 Jackman OK: Tony Cardamore, the jack man for the #4 Kodak Chevy driven by Mike Skinner, was hit by the car as Skinner entered the pits for a scheduled stop on Lap 239 at Dover. Cardamore rolled across the hood, but continued with the pit stop. He was not injured.(ThatsRacin.com)(9-22-2002)
Gibb's Testing Chevy's: Bobby Labonte said his Joe Gibbs Racing team plans to test the 2003 Chevrolet this week in preparation for the team's move to the Chevy camp next season. Gibbs' drivers, Labonte and Tony Stewart, currently drive the Pontiac Grand Prix. "We've tested the 2003 Pontiac already a couple times and basically it is the same sheet metal except for the nose and tail. That kind of helps us out a little bit, also," Labonte said. "We've kind of tested already. We've already had a trip to Talladega where we ran this year's car and next year's car, too, to get an idea to see which way to start with it. That's going along pretty good." (ThatsRacin.com)(9-22-2002)
Update on Stewart's Bristol Incident: A grand jury in Sullivan County (Tenn.) will determine Tuesday if there is enough evidence to charge Stewart with simple assault ( A West Virginia woman claimed Stewart shoved her out of the way after the Bristol night race, which was three weeks after the Indianapolis Photographer incident). Greeley Wells, the county's district attorney, said that if the grand jury does not return an indictment against Stewart, Wells will consider the case closed. If at least 12 of the 13 grand jury members vote to indict Stewart for the Class B misdemeanor, the case would proceed through the courts. If found guilty there, Stewart could face up to six months in jail and a fine not to exceed $500.(Roanoke Times), see past news on this on my #20 Team News and Links page.(9-22-2002)
(9-21-2002)
Parker and BAM in 2003? UPDATE: hearing that #49 BAM Racing is talking to several drivers for next season but Hank Parker Jr. has apparently moved near the top of the list for a full-time ride with the team next season. There is a possibility Parker might drive one or two Winston Cup races for BAM this year too.(9-20-2002) UPDATE: #36 BGN driver Hank Parker Jr. said he is exploring all his options for next season, which include moving up to Winston Cup and remaining with his current team. Parker, 27, is in the final year of his contract with Team Jesel and sponsor GNC hasn't decided whether to return next season. He has two series wins, including a victory this year at Pikes Peak. "Everything is really up in the air. I'm waiting to see what GNC is going to do. I'd love to go Cup racing, but I'm waiting on the right opportunity," Parker said. "I really wish I knew what I was doing because it's getting kind of late and it's getting kind of nerve-racking for me." BAM Racing contacted Parker about driving a race this season, but Parker declined because the team was out of tests and he wanted to test the car first. Several rides remain open in Cup, including the #25 with Hendrick Motorsports, #36 with MB2 Motorsports and #49 BAM Racing.(ThatsRacin.com)(9-21-2002)
TV Camera Wire Causes Problem on the #29 car: During TV camera installation a TV wire was clamped over a brake wire and when driver Kevin Harvick flipped a switch it caught fire under the dashboard burning some rollbar padding, the team fixed it and Harvick went back out and practiced.(TNT Happy Hour Coverage)(9-21-2002)
Marlin switches to the HANS: #40-Sterling Marlin used the HANS device Friday and plans to wear it for the rest of the season. Marlin had been wearing a Hutchens device since last season. He decided to switch safety devices after suffering a sore neck in a crash in the Richmond race two weeks ago. Marlin tested with the HANS device at Kentucky Speedway this week, experienced no discomfort and made the change.(Roanoke Times)(9-21-2002)
Penske to Dodge anouncement....this week? UPDATE: hearing the long rumored Penske Racing to Dodge announcement could occur this week.(9-17-2002) UPDATE: well no anouncement, just more rumors....(9-21-2002)
(9-20-2002)
Stewart to run Cup races only: Kenny Schrader has been called upon as a relief driver for Tony Stewart in the Sunoco Race of Champions Modified 200 scheduled for Saturday at Oswego Speedway. Stewart will still be in attendance to sign autographs for spectators as well as all of his fans in the scheduled "meet and greet" session. In a letter received at the speedway, dated Friday, September 20th, Motorsports Management International, the group that represents Tony Stewart, states that Stewart has been directed by Joe Gibbs Racing to forego participating as a driver in all non-Winston Cup events. Stewart, who is in the midst of one of the closest point battles in NASCAR Winston Cup Series history has only nine races left on the Winston Cup schedule and his team has emphasized his need to have total focus on that series. In spite of the decision handed down by Joe Gibbs racing, Stewart is honoring his commitment to his fans by attending Saturday's event and signing autographs for a period of two hours. Stewart had been looking forward to participating in this event.(Oswego Speedway Site and see a story at Syracuse.com)(9-20-2002)
Truck TV Coverage to move to Speed Channel? NASCAR is moving its truck racing series to the Speed Channel from ESPN, leaving the sports network without a NASCAR connection for the first time since 1979, according to motorsports sources. NASCAR and Fox-owned Speed reached an agreement this week. NASCAR and ESPN still are working on exit details that would allow the switch to take place beginning next season. ESPN's contract to carry the truck series was scheduled to run through 2003, but the two sides likely will agree to terminate early to avoid the "lame duck" scenario they ran into when NASCAR shifted its Winston Cup and Busch series to Fox, NBC and Turner. ESPN carried Winston Cup and Busch racing in 2000, but NASCAR felt it promoted less than it had in previous years because such promotions no longer offered a long-range benefits. A NASCAR spokeswoman refused to comment, saying "it would be inappropriate to make any announcement at this time."(Sports Business Journal need sub to read)(9-20-2002)
Air Force Scheme at Dover and crew changed a C-5 tire: The Air Force will be the primary sponsor of Elliott Sadler's #21 Ford during this week-end's events at Dover International Speedway. The branch served as the primary sponsor during the Coca-Cola 600 in May and has a smaller sponsor-ship during the other Cup races. Besides sponsoring the #21 Ford, the Air Force sets up recruitment booths at NASCAR tracks and conducts a fly-over on race day. Len Wood, a co-owner of the car with his brother Eddie, said his team's relationship with the Air Force has a special quality. He and Eddie have taken rides in fighter jets, he said. Members of the #21 pit crew, who will don flight suits instead of their usual uniforms Sunday, and maintenance troops at Dover Air Force Base traded places Thursday. The pit crew taught the troops how to handle a two-tire pit stop on the car and the troops showed crew members how to do a pit stop on a C-5 cargo plane [what Jayski used to work on when stationed at Dover in 82-85] - refueling, changing tires and climbing a tall stair-case to wash the windshield. Maintenance troops completed their NASCAR-style pit stop in 18 seconds. "It's a whole different world," Airman 1st Class Alleem Humber said about the difference between work-ing on a large cargo carrier and a Winston Cup car. Airman Humber said the power tools used on race cars are not suitable for the C-5s because the plane is too delicate. Instead of using gas cans to refuel, the C-5 needs a tanker to pump gasoline into it. Mike Smith, the #21's car chief, said working the C-5 had some similarities to a car, such as having to use a jack to change the tire, but not many. Mr. Smith and the rest of the #21 crew completed their plane pit stop in about 90 seconds. The Air Force also sponsors the #34 Chevy in the BGN driven bt Steve Grissom.(Dover Newszap)(9-20-2002)
The #21 Air Force/Motorcraft Ford and a C-5B at Dover AFB, photo by Jason Minto of Dover Newszap
#66 Crew; and Flags on the car: Should Hideo 'Joe' Fukuyama qualify for Sunday’s race, crew members from the #10 BGN team will stay over and pit for the #66 Ford. The car will not bear a sponsor’s logo, rather it will have an American and Japanese flag on the hood with Hideo Fukuyama in Japanese characters on the rear quarter panels and TV panel. Team Owner Travis Carter plans to enter Fukuyama at the upcoming Winston Cup races at Martinsville (Oct. 20) and North Carolina Speedway (Nov. 3).(Cox Marketing)(9-20-2002)
Hendrick looking at Hornish? UPDATE: Sam Hornish Jr., who captured his second consecutive Indy Racing League championship Sunday, is on the short list of drivers being considered for Hendrick Motorsports' #25 Chevy in the Winston Cup series next season, ThatsRacin.com has learned. Hornish, 23, who had been touted in recent months as a possible driver for Dale Earnhardt Inc. because of sponsorship ties, is a "serious candidate" for the #25 ride, sources confirmed Sunday. Among the other drivers being considered are the team's current driver, Joe Nemechek, BGN drivers Scott Riggs and Ron Hornaday. Hornish now drives for Panther Racing in the IRL with sponsor Pnnzoil, which also sponsors the Cup team of DEI's Steve Park. Hendrick team officials on Sunday would say only that no decision had been made about a driver for the #25 in the 2003 season. Hornish won the 2001 IRL title in his first year in the series and finished with three wins and led the most laps in six of 13 races. He had five wins, including Sunday's at Texas, this season.(ThatsRacin.com)(9-15-2002) AND more Here's more on Sam Hornish Jr.'s future from Sunday's IRL post-race celebration on ABC: Jack Arute: "Tell me what you and Dale Earnhardt Jr. talked about a couple of weeks ago." Sam Hornish Jr.: "I had a talk about deciding what you wanted to do for the rest of your life. You have your choice, he said, 'You've got make up your mind whether you want to be a stock car driver for the rest of your life or an Indy car driver.' I still got to win that Indianapolis 500, and it's becoming more apparent all the time what I
need to be doing."(MotorsportsTV)(9-16-2002) UPDATE: after Sam Hornish Jr. win and championship clinching run at Texas, Hornish was linked to another NASCAR rumor involving Rick Hendrick, car owner of four-time Cup champion Jeff Gordon and super rookie Jimmie Johnson. The fact is, Hornish said, that he is signed with Pennzoil Panther Racing through 2003. And Hornish is working on an extension through the 2005 IRL season that will bring the driver in line with sponsor Pennzoil and engine supplier Chevrolet. "I don't know where all this stuff keeps coming from," said Hornish, specifically addressing the Hendrick rumor Wednesday. "There's been plenty of people I've talked to about next year. But I haven't been offered anything by Hendrick Motorsports."(Fort Worth Star Telegram)(9-20-2002)
Elliott to evaluate things at the end of 2003: #9-Bill Elliott said he will evaluate his performance at the conclusion of next season to determine whether or how much longer he will continue to race in the series. "My deal is I've got one more year on my contract with Ray (Evernham) with a two-year option. We'll run next year and see how I feel and then take it a year at a time," Elliott, 46, said. "Right now, I feel good. I'm healthy. I'm doing what we need to be doing. As long as you can say that, that's another direction you need to go into. I'm just going to take it a year at a time after next year."(ThatsRacin.com)(9-20-2002)
US Army and Nadeau...to the #36? UPDATE 3: 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) UPDATE 2: There is still no official word about the U.S. Army sponsorship that the Jay Frye-Nelson Bowers-Thomas Beard team is expected to sign for next season. The U.S. Army - after watching the Navy, Marines and Air Force get such good publicity through NASCAR sponsorships - has decided to step on to this PR playing field, according to Detroit sources. Ken Schrader has been driving for the team the past two seasons, but Jerry Nadeau is expected to get that ride for 2003. Where Schrader might wind up is unclear.(Winston Salem Journal)(9-16-2002) UPDATE 3: Sources indicate that the U.S. Army is talking with MB2 Motorsports and Andy Petree Racing about a potential sponsorship deal for 2003. The Army is apparently looking to sponsor a car for half the schedule, if a sponsor can be fouind for the rest of the schedule. Jerry Nadeau could move to the #36 MB2 Pontiac if the deal is signed.(Winston Cup Scene - need sub to read online)(9-20-2002)
Dale Jr on The Sporting News cover UPDATE the column: Dale Earnhardt Jr. is on the cover the Sporting News [a Jayski reading item since 1975] which hits newsstands Wednesday. The title of the story is "In his own groove." The focus of is how Junior's driving style differs from his dad's. The story was written by Roger Kuznia and includes observations from Junior, Larry McReynolds, Darrell Waltrip and Benny Parsons, among others. If anyone is interested in getting an 11 x 14 keepsake cover, for $35, they can contact The Sporting News at 800-443-1886, ext. 608.(9-17-2002) The column at the Sporting News:A groove of his own: Junior faces difficult task in making a name for himself by Roger Kuznia(9-20-2002)
Friendly's to step up with Cope in 2003? Friendly's Restaurants is considering expanding it's involvement with Derrikeo Cope for the 2003 season. Since the Friendly;s is mainly based in the Northeast, it would like to share sponsorship with another company, if Cope would run the full season, otherwise Cope could run 18 races.(Winston Cup Scene - need sub to read online)(9-20-2002)
Geoffrey to crew chief for Brother Brett: For this weekend's race at Dover, #11-Brett Bodine will have his older brother, Geoffrey, serving as his crew chief. Brett doesn't have a full-time crew chief at the moment and said turning to his brother seemed like a natural call.(NASCAR.com), Brett failed to make the race at Dover.(9-20-2002)
(9-19-2002)
Former Cup Team Owner almost ready to debut IRL car: Former Ford racing director and NASCAR team [#12 Mobil One] owner Michael Kranefuss, now in the IRL chassis business with MK Racing, said the company's first rolling chassis will be ready for on-track testing next month. As yet he has no buyers but said, "It's tough to get any of the frontrunners to talk to you when they haven't seen a car."(Indianapolis Star)(9-20-2002)
Dr Dick Berggren to inducted into the Manchester Sports Hall of Fame: Fox Broadcaster/Pit Reporter, Dick Berggren, currently one of the biggest names in stock car racing as a writer, editor, publisher and a nationally recognized television personality will be inducted into the Manchester [CT] Sports Hall of Fame. The 23rd annual induction dinner will be held Oct. 25 at Adams Mill. Dinner tickets at $30 are available at the town hall. The six newcomers will swell the total membership to 125, which includes 14 females. Berggren, 59, graduated from Manchester High in 1962, four years later at Southern Connecticut State University, and gained his doctorate in psychology at Tufts University. After an eight-year teaching career at Emanuel College in Boston, Berggren turned to his first love, stock car racing in 1970 and he's made his mark in the sport ever since. As executive editor of Speedway Illustrated magazine, Berggren's career on the fast track has included all phases from driver, pit crew, promoter, public relations, announcer to national television exposure with ESPN, CBS and CNN. Berggren was a regular driver in the Sportsman Division throughout the eastern stock car racing circuit and recorded 27 first place finishes before calling it a career as a driver. Berggren's interest in the sport started when he was a 12-year-old and saw his first race at Riverside Park. After school, he would walk down to Bob Oliver's garage on Main Street and watch the mechanics work on the Center Motors- sponsored car. Today, Berggren is one of the biggest names in the stock car off track racing world.(Hartford Courant)(9-20-2002)
Driver Portraits at Talladega: A rare treat will be awaiting the NASCAR Winston Cup Series stars when they return to Talladega Superspeedway for the EA Sports 500 Weekend, Oct. 3-6, 2002. Alabama artist Kevin Criswell (www.kevincriswell.com) has taken on the improbable task of drawing each driver attempting to qualify for the EA SPORTS 500. Once the team haulers arrive inside the Winston Cup garage on Friday, Oct. 4, each team will be presented a signed portrait of their driver, framed and matted and ready for display throughout the weekend. "This is a unique way for Talladega Superspeedway to say thank you to the world's greatest drivers and to let them know we appreciate the wonderful show they put on for our fans year after year," said Grant Lynch, the track's president. "Kevin has a passion and a talent that is instantly recognizable. He donated several of his drawings for the Race Fever Night auction in April and we began discussing this possibility then." Criswell, who lives in Centre, Ala., was diagnosed with a severe case of rheumatoid arthritis in the mid-1990s and was forced to leave his job. He uses his artistic abilities to strengthen his spirits and help his fingers from becoming stiffer. Because of the painful bouts with arthritis, Criswell is not able to draw as much as he would like. Criswell's passion for drawing NASCAR's brand of racing and its stars quickly erased any doubts this task could be achieved. The biggest obstacle in this challenge is time. But Criswell is ahead of schedule. Not only has he drawn all of the regular Winston Cup drivers, he's kept up with driver changes and late entries, too. He has already sketched Kenny Wallace in the 1-800-CALLATT Chevrolet and Kerry Earnhardt with the RacingUSA.com Chevrolet. Criswell has already presented some of his works to drivers, including Rusty Wallace. Kevin Criswell and his wife, Debbie, have been married 21 years and have two daughters, Kirsten and Madison.(Talladega PR)(9-19-2002)
Bonus Points: So far this season, #20-Tony Stewart, who is fourth in the standings, leads the championship contenders [assuming the top 5 or 6 drivers at current standings] with 85 bonus points. Points leader #6-Mark Martin has 50, and #24-Jeff Gordon, who is fifth in the standings but just 67 points behind Martin, has 70.(Atlanta Journal Constitution), #12-Ryan Newman has 90 bonus points.(9-20-2002)
IRWIN Rough to Finish Award #24 Team: The rain was persistent at Sunday's New Hampshire 300 at New Hampshire International Speedway, and so was the #24 DuPont Chevy of Jeff Gordon. As a result of the team's solid effort in the pits, team crew chief Robbie Loomis takes home this week's IRWIN "Rough to the Finish" Award. After rain delays totaling nearly three hours, Jeff Gordon started Sunday's race in 21st position, running consistently between 18th and 22nd for nearly the entire race. With weather threatening late in the day, crew chief Robbie Loomis called for a two tire change on the final green flag pit stop in hopes of gaining some track position. With a steady rain coming down and darkness looming, Gordon was able to take advantage of Loomis' strategy and move up to 14th position before NASCAR concluded the event 93 laps shy of its scheduled distance. "With the consistent rain and long delays, we just couldn't get a handle on the race car," said Loomis. "We knew that we would have to pull off a great pit strategy in order to get home with a strong finish, and these guys on the No. 24 pit crew really dug deep to make that happen. They deserve all the credit."
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)(9-19-2002)
Gordon and Johnson to race in Spain: Jeff Gordon, Jimmie Johnson and multiple X-Games champion, Travis Pastrana will represent the United States of America in the Michelin Race of Champions Nations' Cup Nov. 29 - Dec. 1 in Gran Canaria (off
the coast of Spain). The United States team will do battle against some of the best drivers in the world including the drivers from F-1, World Rally Cars and Motor bikes. The Michelin Race of Champions is an action-packed, sun-drenched weekend of head-to-head dueling between the kings of world motorsports. Now in its fourth year, the Nations' Cup has quickly become the star attraction of the weekend. The contest sees each participating nation enter a team of three, comprising one rally/off-road driver, one circuit racer and one bike rider. The teams will compete in world rally cars on a parallel track that is 30 percent pavement and 70 percent dirt. "Personally, I can't wait for the competition," explained Johnson. "Jeff is going to be our asphalt driver and Travis is going to be our bike rider, so that leaves me racing against the off road guys. It will be very challenging competing against top drivers like Markus Gronholm and other dirt specialists in the competition. I grew up off road racing and have raced in the Baja 1000 and in the stadium truck series in the mid-1990's, so I'm confident that I'll be able to hold my own and compete against the best in the world." For more information on the Michelin Race of Champions Nations' Cup please visit the web site at www.raceofchampions.com.(Golin/Harris International PR)(9-19-2002)
Stoddard has a job...for this week..at Dover....in the BGNN: Crew chief Frank Stoddard, who was replaced by Paul Andrews on the 99 car two weeks ago, will be in Dover this weekend, but he'll be helping out his childhood friend Mike Olsen, the 2001 NASCAR Busch North champion. The North Series races at Dover Friday afternoon.(Fox Sports Net)(9-19-2002)
Hermie Sadler announcment? UPDATE 2: 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) UPDATE: I'm a fan of Hermie Sadler because: (1)He demonstrated surprising wrestling talent in his last match. (2) He will be driving the NWA-TNA car in a big race. (3) He is a great person who loves our business. I'm looking forward to his appearance on the show."(Wrestlingdotcom)(9-16-2002) UPDATE 2: it was announced on Wednesday's NWA TNA that they will be the primary sponsor of Hermie Sadler's #02 car on October 12 at Lowes Motor Speedway [that would be for the BGN race the Cup race is the 13th]. Hermie said that he enjoyed his time in the ring in TNA and talked about the TNA sponsorship on October 12.(NWATNA.com)(9-19-2002)
Shepherd in the #51 at Dover: Morgan Shepherd announced today that he will attempt to qualify the #51 Winston Cup Series Dodge owned by Rick Ware.. "This is a one race deal," stated Shepherd. No other details were made available at this time. Shepherd will take the weekend off from driving duties with his #21 Craftstman Truck Series Ford, and #89 Winston Cup Ford Taurus. This will be Shepherd's seventh Winston Cup attempt for the 2002 season.. Future plans for the remainder of this season include additional Winston Cup events, as well as entries in the Craftsman Truck Series.. Details will be released as soon as they become available.(STB Marketing)(9-19-2002)
Not Cup but... Peter Daniels, of Lebanon, N.H., has won the NASCAR Weekly Racing Series presented by Dodge New England Region and national championship. Daniels recorded 14 wins and 18 top-five finishes in 18 starts in Claremont (N.H.) Speedway's NASCAR Modified division. He will collect $166,000, a record point fund award for the series' national champion. Daniels, 44, becomes the 17th driver to win the national championship in the 21-year history of the series. He is the second consecutive New England Region driver to win the national title, following in the tire tracks of 2001 national titlist Ted Christopher, of Plainville, CT.(51racing.com)(9-19-2002)
So if Penske goes to Dodge, what happens to the #77? According to crew chief Ryan Pemberton, the #77 will continue to field Fords regardless of Penske South's decision and the partnership will remain status quo until Jasper is told otherwise. Sources inside Dodge insist that the Penske deal is complete, so that probably leaves Penske-Jasper Engines with additional Ford power plants that won't be used in 2003. Despite Jasper's consistent performance this season -- Dave Blaney has completed 98.3 percent of all laps, more than any driver on the circuit -- it would be difficult with 28 mechanics to make a transition to another manufacturer this late in the year even if it was considered part of the Penske package.(Sporting News)(9-19-2002)
NAPCM "Pit Crew of the Week" #12 Ford Crew: A do-or-die, lightening fast, lead gaining pit stop right before the rain shortened checkered flag earns the #12 crew this weeks NAPCM "Pit Crew Of The Week" award sponsored by "Toxabsorb", "21st Century Spill Magnet", and the "Official Spill Response Agent of the NAPCM". Toxabsorb info available at www.toxabsorb.com.
Third Quarter Finalist of Mechanix Wear “Pit Crew of the Year” Award - #88 UPS Crew
First Quarter Finalist - #40 Coors Light Crew
Second Quarter Finalist - #6 Viagra Crew
Third Quarter Finalist - #88 UPS Crew Final Third Quarter Top Five Standings
1st Place - Crew #88 UPS - 66 Points
2nd Place - Crew #20 Home Depot - 63 Points
3rd Place - Crew #17 DeWalt Total Points - 58 Points
4th Place (tie) - Crew #29 GM Goodwrench - 55 Points
4th Place (tie)- Crew #97 Rubbermaid - 55 Points
5th Place - Crew #24 Dupont - 46 Points
Complete list of third quarter Mechanix Wear "Pit Crew of the Year" standings, available at the National Association of Pit Crew Members web site.(NAPCM PR)(9-19-2002)
(9-18-2002)
Kenny Brack and DEI? Ganassi's current CART lineup figures to look quite a bit different in the IRL next year. He'll keep Scott Dixon and lose Bruno Junqueira, and Kenny Brack said last weekend he won't be in CART in 2003. Ganassi will probably add Tora Takagi to keep Toyota happy, while Jeff Ward remains in limbo. Brack will go back to the IRL or possibly NASCAR (it's rumored DEI would be interested in testing the '99 Indy 500 winner in a Winston Cup car).(ESPN)(9-18-2002)
Tired of this yet...? More Penske to Dodge stuff: Roger Penske’s switch from Ford to Dodge for 2003 and beyond in NASCAR is more than a 50-50 proposition: A bit more than half the people around NASCAR say it’s done and the rest say it’s preposterous. Don Miller, an executive within Penske South, says the notion isn’t preposterous at all, but a deal isn’t done. “They’ve made us a pretty good offer, so we’re reviewing it,” he said at Loudon. “It would be difficult to switch brands, but we’ve done it before [switching from Pontiac to Ford]. We’ll decide something once NASCAR settles on its rules for next year. We want to see about the templates and what engine combinations would work best.”(Autoweek)(9-18-2002)
Dale Jr's Flag in the Pits: Since #8-Dale Earnhardt Jr. won last fall's Dover race - NASCAR's first after the Sept.11 attacks - the American flag with which Earnhardt Jr. drove his victory lap has been set up in the team's pit box for every race.(Roanoke Times)(9-18-2002)
Testing at Martinsville: Japanese driver #66-Hideo Fukuyama will test at Martinsville Speedway on Oct.8 and 9. Also scheduled to test those days at Martinsville are #40-Sterling Marlin, #28-Ricky Rudd, #30-Jeff Green and #02-Hermie Sadler.(Roanoke Times)(9-18-2002)
Testing at Kentucky II: #2-Rusty Wallace and the Penske Racing Test Team joined NASCAR Winston Cup circuit- mates #26-Todd Bodine and #77-Dave Blaney in addition to BGN driver Casey Kahne during an open Ford Racing test session at Kentucky Speedway today. Wallace made his first visit to the $152 million facility to test new set-ups for the NASCAR Winston Cup season stretch run. "I've never been here before in my life, but I've heard a lot about the facility," Wallace said. "I'm real impressed with it. I love the location, how the garages are laid out, and really everything about it. It's a pretty amazing facility that we're not holding a Winston Cup race in at the current moment. There are a lot of facilities that I'd like to see one (a race) go away from and one to come here maybe, but the place is really neat. It's a great place to test." The Penske Test Team concentrated on suspension work during it's two-day visit to Kentucky Speedway.(Kentucky Speedway PR)(9-18-2002)
France, France and Smith...on Forbes 400 List: NASCAR folks on the America's Richest - The Forbes 400 - Bill France Jr and Jim France are tied at 209 with 1 billion dollars each and Speedway Motor Sports Bruton Smith is at #232 with $970 million. First? Bill Gates of Microsoft at (gasp) $43 billion (yo! sponsor a car!)(Forbes)(9-18-2002)
Hicks wins tournament: Didja hear who won the recent (Sept. 8) annual "racers & friends" fishing tournament hosted by professional angler Woo Daves, held south of Richmond?. It was none other than Larry Hicks, the hero credited with saving Jack Roush's life earlier this year. "The fish weren't biting very good," reported Penske Racing's gear & transmission specialist Scott Robinson.. "We had 43 boats and most guys didn't even weigh fish in... I didn't get a single bite all day. "When Larry weighed in over 7 pounds of fish to beat Jimmy Makar, the guys were asking, 'wonder what he used for bait to catch all them fish?'.. I told them, 'I heard he just jumped in and pulled them out,'" quipped Robinson.(Tom Roberts PR)(9-18-2002)
(9-17-2002)
Testing at Kentucky: #6-Mark Martin, #40-Sterling Marlin and #17-Matt Kesneth are scheduled to test at Kentucky Speedway on Wednesday, September 18th.(Kentucky Speedway PR)(9-17-2002)
Junie Donlavey to Receive Smokey Yunick Award: Longtime NASCAR Winston Cup [#90] car owner Junie Donlavey will be honored with the Smokey Yunick Award, recognizing lifetime achievement in auto racing, prior to the Oct. 13 UAW-GM Quality 500 NASCAR Winston Cup event at Lowe's Motor Speedway. The award, instituted several years ago by legendary car owner and mechanic Smokey Yunick who passed away May 11, 2001, annually recognizes an individual whose lifelong efforts have had a major impact on the motorsports industry. Through the years, Donlavey and his Richmond, Va.-based race team have fielded Winston Cup cars for more than 70 drivers, 14 of who were included among the list of NASCAR's 50 Greatest Drivers in 1998. A Navy veteran, Donlavey tried his hand behind the wheel in the late 1940s and quickly saw his talents were better suited to owning and building race cars. He began fielding a modified stock car in 1949 and had Bob Apperson in the driver's seat when NASCAR went superspeedway racing for the first time on Sept. 4, 1950, at South Carolina's Darlington Raceway. The blue ribbon panel that annually determines the Smokey Yunick Award recipient unanimously selected Donlavey to receive this year's award. Previous winners of the Smokey Yunick Award include Bill Simpson, Ralph Moody, Banjo Matthews, Bud Moore and Cotton Owens.(LMS PR)(9-17-2002)
Brett Bodine gets an assoc for rest of 2002: Brett Bodine Racing announced a new associate sponsor for the #11 Hooters Ford. Whizz Rollers (www.whizzroller.com), a product of Worktools International, Inc. has joined the team for the remainder of the 2002 NASCAR Winston Cup season. "We welcome Whizz Rollers to our team of other fine sponsors and look forward to a long and lasting relationship with these fine folks," said Brett Bodine. Worktools International represents the world's largest manufacturer of specialty and decorative paint applicators, with manufacturing facilities in Europe and North America. The line of Whizz products provides quality precision rollers, tools and kits to fill the needs of today's professional and amateur painters.(BBR PR)(9-17-2002)
Terry Labonte looking to stay UPDATE 2: #5-Terry Labonte is reported to be negotiating with Rick Hendrick for a contract extension that would keep him on the team another three years.(Winston Salem Journal)(8-5-2002) UPDATE - Labonte One Year Offer? and... hearing that Hendrick Motorsports has offered Terry a one year renewal of his contract for 2003 and that the long term plan (no surprise) is to move Ricky Hendrick to the #5 and (surprise) put Casey Mears in the #25.(9-16-2002) UPDATE 2 - correction: Both Labonte and Kellogg's have one year left in a three contract with Hendrick Motorsports and are signed until the end of the 2003 season and there is no current negotiation for an "extension" on Labontes contract at this point(9-17-2002)
New Hampshire TV Ratings: This Sunday’s New Hampshire 300 on NBC is the seventh consecutive NASCAR Winston Cup race on NBC & TNT that has experienced a ratings increase over the previous year and the sixth straight race to gain double-digit ratings percentage increases, according to Nielsen Media Research. Through 10 races (since NBC & TNT began broadcasting the second half of the NASCAR Winston Cup schedule) NASCAR on NBC & TNT is averaging a 4.3 rating, an eight percent increase over last year’s 4.0 rating over the same 10 races (beginning with the Tropicana 400 from Chicagoland Speedway on July 14). This is especially impressive considering the 34 percent ratings increase NASCAR on NBC & TNT experienced during its inaugural season in 2001. NBC’s coverage of Sunday’s New Hampshire 300 NASCAR Winston Cup race, including rain delay coverage, earned a 3.7 national rating/ 8 share (2-6:05 p.m. ET), a 16 percent increase over last year’s 3.2/9 for the same race, which was postponed until the day after Thanksgiving, Fri. Nov. 23, due to 9-11. The New Hampshire 300 rating peaked with a 5.1/10 from 5:30-6:05 p.m. ET as rookie Ryan Newman edged Kurt Busch to take his first career checkered flag in a NASCAR Winston Cup points race.(NBC PR)(9-17-2002)
#49 BAM Racing and Billy Ray at Dover UPDATE Lepage to drive: BAM Racing and MNR Productions have teamed up to bring the first in a series of special race weekend concerts to compliment their NASCAR Winston Cup program. Billy Ray Cyrus, star of the hit TV show "Doc" shown Sunday nights at 8:00 p.m. EST on the PAX TV network will launch the weekend with a LIVE performance at the historic DuPont Playhouse in Wilmington, DE, on Saturday Sept. 21 at 7:30 p.m. Then he will appear trackside at Dover Downs Speedway on Sunday to follow the Winston Cup action and the BAM Racing "Doc" racecar. Tickets are available at the box office or by calling 1-800-338-0881.(Williams Company PR), no word on who is driving the #49 Dodge, Shawna Robinson? Ron Hornaday? Stuart Kirby? Won't be Derrike Cope as he is injured.(9-16-2002) UPDATE: Kevin Lepage will drive the #49 Dodge fielded by Beth Ann and Tony Morgenthau at Dover. Derrike Cope had been driving the BAM Racing Dodge but was injured in a BGN crash just over a week ago at Richmond. "Kevin Lepage has always shown an ability to adjust quickly and to drive fast," Beth Ann Morgenthau said. "He has worked successfully with (crew chief) Scott Eggleston before, and that should certainly help us as he begins work with a brand new team. We think he will continue doing what he has done in the past, and give the BAM Racing Dodge team a tremendous effort." The team has been strong in its last two outings. With Cope behind the wheel at Michigan, the car ran in the lead lap until the very end of the race and Cope spent time in the second half of the race in the top five. The effort at Bristol, Tenn., appeared to be a solid one but Cope was caught up in another car’s accident. "We’ve said all along that we are building a team here, and we will do what we need to do to be successful," Morgenthau said. "We’ve made progress. We’re not where we want to be yet but we feel we’re headed in the right direction. We are grateful to Kevin Lepage for helping us with that at Dover." Lepage finished 16th in this Dover race a year ago.(Williams Company PR), no word on Shawna Robinson's future with the team.(9-17-2002)
Energizer Scheme? the Bunny? UPDATE: hearing Jimmy Spencer will run a Energizer Battery scheme sometime this season on the #41 Dodge, will be at Kansas.(4-30-2002) UPDATE: Target Chip Ganassi Racing will feature a new paint scheme for the Protection One 400 at Kansas Speedway on September 29. St. Louis-based Energizer will be the featured artwork on the #41 Energizer Dodge driven by Jimmy Spencer
for this one event. The black and silver trim paint scheme will feature the famous Energizer Bunny® on the hood of the car.(Chip Ganassi Racing with Felix Sabates PR), see an image of the car on my Paint Scheme Gallery(9-17-2002)
Davis on Baldwin and Stoddard UPDATE: Bill Davis had an interesting week after he read in the newspapers that his crew chief, Tommy Baldwin, was entertaining a contract offer from Dale Earnhardt Inc. to fill the position vacated by Paul Andrews with Steve Park’s Chevrolet. Andrews left DEI last week to assume the crew chief job with Jeff Burton #99 Ford entry. Davis had several choice comments about Baldwin’s handling of the situation, and sources told teamfordracing.com that Ty Norris, general manager for DEI, also was unhappy with the public airing of contract negotiations in the media. Davis, addressing his crew chief possibilities said that he’s spoken with Frankie Stoddard this past week, and that he believes Baldwin will stay put where he is. "Frankie Stoddard and I have talked, but we haven’t talked about official job description capacity, yet,” said Davis. “I’d love to have Frankie. He’s one of the best crew chiefs in the garage. Tommy Baldwin seems to talk to [the media] more than he does me. I assume he’s staying. We’ll sit down and talk next week. I figure he’ll be crew chief for the [No.] 22 for a long time.”(Ford Racing)(9-15-2002) UPDATE: Tommy Baldwin is expected to re-sign with Bill Davis Racing [BDR], despite reports that he was leaving the organization to take the same role at DEI on the #1 Chevy with driver Steve Park. However, insiders at BDR say Philippe Lopez will not be returning to the #23 car with driver Kenny Wallace since the Hills Brothers sponsorship subsidizes his salary.(Sporting News)(9-16-2002) UPDATE announcement...this week? hearing the rumored hiring of crew cheif Frank Stoddard by Bill Davis Racing could come as early as this week (Wednesday?) AND Sunday morning on NASCAR This Morning, crew chief Tommy Baldwin said he expects to stay with Bill Davis Racing and the #22 Dodge next season.(9-17-2002)
Biffle's plans: are to run up to five races for the #55 team as Hamilton's sub and to run the Atlanta Cup race in the #16 Grainger Ford. Biffle has run one race in the #16 Ford and can only run 7 races so not to lose rookie eligible(9-17-2002)
Dale Jr on The Sporting News cover: Dale Earnhardt Jr. is on the cover the Sporting News which hits newsstands Wednesday. The title of the story is "In his own groove." The focus of is how Junior's driving style differs from his dad's. The story was written by Roger Kuznia and includes observations from Junior, Larry McReynolds, Darrell Waltrip and Benny Parsons, among
others. If anyone is interested in getting an 11 x 14 keepsake cover, for $35, they can contact The Sporting News at 800-443-1886, ext. 608.(9-17-2002)
Kenseth Spotter has team in place, included BGN: NASCAR All-Pro Series driver, Toby Porter of Greenville, SC, and Dirt Late Model driver, Adam Stevens of Portsmouth, OH, have been named as the primary drivers for MJ Motorsports [owned by #17 spotter Mike Calinoff] for the 2003 season. Porter, who has scored two wins on the All-Pro Series this season, will drive the Dodge Intrepids on the USAR Hooters Pro Cup Series. In addition, Porter will compete in a minimum of five BGN races in 2003 for MJ Motorsports. "I'm excited to have the opportunity to run the full Pro Cup Series with MJ Motorsports," said Porter, "The alliance that Mike and Jenn have made with Team Jesel in the Busch Series will give us the resources to go for the (Hooters Pro Cup) championship." Stevens, who at 23 has numerous wins on dirt, will compete as a Rookie and pilot the teams NASCAR Late Model Super Truck Dodges at the Hickory (NC) Motor Speedway. He currently works as a mechanical engineer for Petty Enterprises. "I am confident that a weekly racing program will help condition me for the future," said Stevens, "we've got great equipment and I feel that I can adapt well to asphalt racing." MJ Motorsports has recently formed a technical alliance with Team Jesel, who fields Dodges on the NASCAR Busch Series for drivers Casey Mears and Hank Parker, Jr. "I don't think that we could have picked two better drivers than Toby and Adam to spearhead our foray to the next level of motorsports," said Team Owner Mike Calinoff, who works for Winston Cup driver Matt Kenseth and Busch Series competitor Casey Mears as their Team Spotter, "their talents will speak for themselves." Sponsorship announcements for both teams are forthcoming. More information at mikecalinoff.com.(9-17-2002)
(9-16-2002)
#12 in #28 (to be #38) out: of the 2003 Winner's Circle Program, for now. With #12-Ryan Newman's win at NHIS and the teams higher standings in Owners Points, the #12 team is now in The Winners Circle Program and the the #28 RYR is out, if the #28 was to win or move ahead of the #12 in Owners Points, it would go back in. For more info on the program, see my Winners Circle page.(9-16-2002)
DEI #1 Team Down to two Choices for Crew Chief: Ty Norris, the manager at Dale Earnhardt Inc., says he's down to two men for the post of crew chief for Steve Park's team. "We've got two guys we're comfortable with. I've very pleased with the interest people have shown in this position," Norris said. "It shows the team hasn't lost any of its luster." Norris says he may or may not hire one of the two within the next few weeks. "We know that Steve Hmiel and Dave Charpentier and the guys can handle the job the rest of the year," Norris says. "We just need someone to come in and get started on 2003." Tommy Baldwin is one man under consideration for the job. Frankie Stoddard is another crew chief working the marketplace. Jimmy Elledge [#55 team] is another crew chief who is on various wish-lists.(Winston Salem Journal)(9-16-2002)
US Army and Nadeau...to the #36? UPDATE 2: 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) UPDATE 2: There is still no official word about the U.S. Army sponsorship that the Jay Frye-Nelson Bowers-Thomas Beard team is expected to sign for next season. The U.S. Army - after watching the Navy, Marines and Air Force get such good publicity through NASCAR sponsorships - has decided to step on to this PR playing field, according to Detroit sources. Ken Schrader has been driving for the team the past two seasons, but Jerry Nadeau is expected to get that ride for 2003. Where Schrader might wind up is unclear.(Winston Salem Journal)(9-16-2002)
Special Flag: The 90-by-45-foot flag used during the national anthem [at NHIS] held a little more significance than just a symbol of our land’s freedom. The mammoth emblem will become the first flag commissioned by the newly developed Department of Homeland Security by Nov. 1 when it will be flown at the Marine Base in Quantico, Va. The flag is currently being kept at the U.S.S. Constitution in Boston as a part of the National Flag Exhibition. "We wanted to get a sense of America and the people with the flag," National Flag Exhibition Director Marc Valentine said. "We wanted to get the good will of New Hampshire upon it."(Citizen Online)(9-16-2002)
#25 Changes: Because just one year remains on the UAW-Delphi sponsorship, Hendrick Motorsports is making major moves to turn around the #25 team. Ed Guzzo, who was instrumental in building the #24 car with Ray Evernham, has returned to assist new crew chief Peter Sospenzo. "Peter requested that Ed come to the track to help him through the transition and you won't find anyone that works harder," said John Hendrick, president of Hendrick Motorsports. "Ed's attention to detail is second to none." Guzzo has been overseeing the #25 shop at Hendrick's operation in Concord, NC, and has not been to the track since he returned to the company last year. Not only does Hendrick hope to restore the team to attract a top driver for next year, but the team has to be running on eight cylinders to entice a sponsor should UAW-Delphi not renew its contract.(Sporting News)(9-16-2002)
TV Stuff on NBC about Tony Stewart and the EMT: In the most recently reported incident involving driver Tony Stewart, in which a safety worker accused Stewart of striking him while exiting his car following a crash at the July race here, the New England 300. Today NBC showed never-before-seen footage of the alleged incident. NBC pre-race host and lead pit reporter Bill Weber explained that NASCAR saw the tape this morning: “They reviewed it and restated their original opinion that they do not consider this an issue. It is over with and closed. Now, from the garage there is some concern that the bulls-eye on Tony Stewart seems to be growing.” NBC analyst Wally Dallenbach explained to viewers that, as a driver, he used to speak to track safety workers during safety seminars. He explained what was going through his, and likely Tony Stewart’s mind, while exiting the car after an on-track accident: “If I’m in a wreck and I’m okay, give me room. Do not touch me. Do not get in my space because I’m angry. When you get out of that car you’re very ticked off and you don’t want anybody touching or grabbing you.” NBC analyst Benny Parsons said the incident “was blown out of proportion, but Tony was wrong in doing that. The guy was just trying to help him.”(NBC PR)(9-16-2002)
No Hornish in NASCAR? UPDATE Hendrick looking at Hornish? 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) UPDATE: Sam Hornish Jr., who captured his second consecutive Indy Racing League championship Sunday, is on the short list of drivers being considered for Hendrick Motorsports' #25 Chevy in the Winston Cup series next season, ThatsRacin.com has learned. Hornish, 23, who had been touted in recent months as a possible driver for Dale Earnhardt Inc. because of sponsorship ties, is a "serious candidate" for the #25 ride, sources confirmed Sunday. Among the other drivers being considered are the team's current driver, Joe Nemechek, BGN drivers Scott Riggs and Ron Hornaday. Hornish now drives for Panther Racing in the IRL with sponsor Pnnzoil, which also sponsors the Cup team of DEI's Steve Park. Hendrick team officials on Sunday would say only that no decision had been made about a driver for the #25 in the 2003 season. Hornish won the 2001 IRL title in his first year in the series and finished with three wins and led the most laps in six of 13 races. He had five wins, including Sunday's at Texas, this season.(ThatsRacin.com)(9-15-2002) AND more Here's more on Sam Hornish Jr.'s future from Sunday's IRL post-race celebration on ABC: Jack Arute: "Tell me what you and Dale Earnhardt Jr. talked about a couple of weeks ago." Sam Hornish Jr.: "I had a talk about deciding what you wanted to do for the rest of your life. You have your choice, he said, 'You've got make up your mind whether you want to be a stock car driver for the rest of your life or an Indy car driver.' I still got to win that Indianapolis 500, and it's becoming more apparent all the time what I
need to be doing."(MotorsportsTV)(9-16-2002)
Closed Door Meeting at NHIS: NASCAR conducted a closed-door meeting with Winston Cup drivers Sunday, following the regularly scheduled prerace driver and crew chief meeting. NASCAR spokesman Jim Hunter said officials asked drivers to constantly be aware of their surroundings and to remember to "act like professionals." Hunter said officials also expressed their plan to address some of the issues of fans in the garage area next season.(ThatsRacin.com)(9-16-2002)
Engine Stuff: Larry Lackey, the Robert Yates' motor room specialist who was involved in last week's garage fight with Ricky Rudd, is expected to move to Kyle Petty's Dodge team, according to sources. And Cal Wells' new GM engine operation next season, which will be Wells' first in-house venture, is expected to be handled by specialists moving over from Yates' operation.(Winston Salem Journal)(9-16-2002)
Benson not happy with Wallace: #10-Johnny Benson, who started on the outside pole and was within striking distance throughout before finishing fourth, was not happy with the driving of race winner #12-Ryan Newman’s teammate, #2-Rusty Wallace. The two brushed and Benson wiggled and slowed. “I’m pleased with the way we ran, just not pleased with the 2 car (Wallace). But he wants his teammate to win and that’s how he does it. I think the team cars showed you how they played that deal. That’s too bad. We had a good enough lead that to have that happen was kind of ridiculous.”(Union Leader)(9-16-2002)
Spencer in trouble? Kyle Petty is waiting on John Andretti's decision whether he will return to Petty Enterprises next year. It's possible Andretti, along with Bobby Hamilton and Jerry Nadeau, are both waiting to see if anything happens with Jimmy Spencer's job at Chip Ganassi Racing. Spencer, who's struggled all year, apparently needs a couple strong finishes in the next few weeks to keep his job. Because of that, several drivers seem content with waiting it out. Hamilton said he's not in any hurry to find work in 2003. He's already tendered his resignation at Andy Petree Racing, effective at the end of the year. Petree hasn't found a replacement, and he's probably waiting to see who's available if and when Ganassi makes the next move.(Augusta Chronicle)(9-16-2002)
BAM Racing and Billy Ray at Dover: BAM Racing and MNR Productions have teamed up to bring the first in a series of special race weekend concerts to compliment their NASCAR Winston Cup program. Billy Ray Cyrus, star of the hit TV show "Doc" shown Sunday nights at 8:00 p.m. EST on the PAX TV network will launch the weekend with a LIVE performance at the historic DuPont Playhouse in Wilmington, DE, on Saturday Sept. 21 at 7:30 p.m. Then he will appear trackside at Dover Downs Speedway on Sunday to follow the Winston Cup action and the BAM Racing "Doc" racecar. Tickets are available at the box office or by calling 1-800-338-0881.(Williams Company PR), no word on who is driving the #49 Dodge, Shawna Robinson? Ron Hornaday? Stuart Kirby? Won't be Derrike Cope as he is injured.(9-16-2002)
Sad News: A 35-year-old Kalamazoo man, Dion Kevin Parish, was killed Saturday afternoon while driving practice laps around the track at the Kalamazoo Speedway in Michigan. Howe, who has owned the track for the past two years, believes this was the first accident that resulted in a death at the speedway in over a decade. "You can't express, I don't know really what to say. Our thoughts go out the family," he said. Alone on the track, Parish had just completed four or five laps at moderate speed when the modified car he was driving sped off suddenly coming through turn one, Howe said. Apparently unable to control the car, Parish went charging head on into the side of the safety truck parked at the pit entrance, just a few hundred feet from the turn. He was pronounced dead at the scene, according to the Kalamazoo County Sheriff's Department. The Kalamazoo man was wearing a harness, but no head-and-neck restraint, Howe said. Scott Richard Weimer, the driver sitting in the safety truck that Parish hit, was not injured by the impact. Howe, who has over 20 years experience racing cars, said he didn't know for sure but that it appeared the race car's throttle became stuck, causing the car to speed up unexpectedly.(Michigan Live)(9-16-2002)
Tim Sauter back in the #71 at Dover: What does it mean to compete at the Cup level: "It is a thrill just to be a part of it. Millions of people wish they had the opportunity to run a Winston Cup Race. I am lucky to have the chance. I will try my best for Marcis again in Dover, hopefully we can put a good run together."(Tim Sauter Site)(9-16-2002)
