Earnhardt Jr wins at Talladega: #8-Dale Earnhardt Jr won the EA Sports 500 at Talladega, his third straight win at the track, his 7th career win. Earnhardt Jr is the first driver to sweep both Talladega races since his late fateher, Dale, won both in 1999. #20-Tony Stewart finished 2nd and takes over the Winston Cup drivers points lead by 72 points over #6-Mark Martin. There were NO cautions during the race. Earnahrdt Jr also was a Winston No Bull five driver and wins $1 million for him and the #8 team and for a fan, Debra Polzun of Manchester, CT a brand new millionaire. Results: at ThatsRacin.com or NASCAR.com and see my EA Sports 500 Race Info page for my race breakdown, notes and cautions (none this week).(10-6-2002)
Foam in the front ends? The smaller fuel cells being used are packed in the regular-sized containers but are padded with Stabilized Aluminum Foam, which could be seen in the front of cars in the future to help dissipate the deadly forces in a crash. Jim Hunter, a NASCAR vice president, says this could be the first stage of using the energy-absorbing product elsewhere in the cars. "It's a good opportunity to try it," Hunter said. Hunter also said that tests of a SAFER barrier that could be used on high-banked walls and on corners with a short radius would take place sometime next month. The energy-absorbing barrier has been installed only along the outside wall of the four corners at Indianapolis and the inside walls in turns 1 and 4 at Talladega.(Roanoke Times), the Humpy Bumper was one idea that seems to have dimmer, more info on my Humpy Bumper page.(10-6-2002)
Alabama on the #49 at 'Dega: The #49 Dodge with driver Stacy Compton will feature the titles of some of the biggest hits of the country music group Alabama on the back bumper and hood. Gus Larkin, program manager for the team, said, "The program is based on a salute to the fans of the band Alabama. We just thought it would be a nice gesture to do." Larkin believes the fans will like the car. "It's crimson red in gold trim, and it should be a pretty sharp race car," he said.(Alabama Live)(10-6-2002)
(10-5-2002)
Pit road access restrictions set for 2003 UPDATE NASCAR says nothing decided: NASCAR will restrict fan access to the garage area and pit road next season with a new pass system, an official said yesterday. ''We have been studying the situation for quite awhile,'' said Jim Hunter, NASCAR's vice president of corporate communications. ''We've decided this is the direction we need to go.'' Congestion in the pits has created security concerns for drivers and safety concerns for fans, with cars roaring in and out of the garage area during practice and qualifying sessions. Hunter said beginning with the Daytona 500 in February, NASCAR will issue ''hot'' and ''cold'' passes for each race. Only licensed competitors and accredited media members will be issued hot passes, which will give them access to the garage and pit road while racing activities — practice, qualifying, the race itself — are in progress. Cold passes will allow access to the garage area and pit road only during periods of inactivity —between practice sessions and qualifying sessions and before and after the race on race day. Hunter said garage passes currently are issued by NASCAR, tracks, teams and sponsors. Generally, such passes are not on sale to the public. Other details about the new pass system will be announced later. Hunter said he does not anticipate a major fan backlash.(Tennessean) UPDATE: NASCAR spokesman Jim Hunter said Saturday no decisions have been made about when or how garage and pit road area access may be restricted to race fans next season, despite published reports to the contrary. "We're looking at all the information that we've gathered and we're continuing to discuss it," Hunter said. "There is no new policy in place at this time." NASCAR officials have considered several ideas, among them requiring those on pit road during the race to wear protective fire suits; and the restricting the times during which fans with garage passes may enter to periods when there is not activity on the race track.(ThatsRacin.com)(10-5-2002)
Plate Points: #15-Michael Waltrip is the leader in Restrictor plate driver point earned in 2003, 32 is #40-Sterling Marlin who is injured and will not race at Talladega. Here's the Top-10 in plate races this season:
#15-Michael Waltrip, 520
#40-Sterling Marlin, 482 (injured will not race)
#22-Ward Burton, 436
#09- Geoffrey Bodine, 426 (missed making the race due to the rain)
#2-Rusty Wallace, 421
#8-DaleEarnhardt Jr, 416
#24-Jeff Gordon, 405
#97-Kurt Busch, 400
#48-Jimmie Johnson, 386
#6-Mark Martin, 362 (Stock Car Fans - Ramblings - Talladega)(10-5-2002)
Presidential Invite: Tim Suggs and Scott Davis of America's Most Wanted/Body Dynamics Racing received a highly prestigious opportunity this week. They received a Presidential invitation to Washington, DC to take part in the first ever, White House Conference on Missing, Exploited and Runaway Children. This conference was designed by President Bush and First Lady Laura Bush to focus on this tragedy of this horrific epidemic and to discuss what can been done to protect our youth and future. Tim and Scott were invited because of their missing children's motorsports program with America's Most Wanted Motorsports and they were among some of the most prominent people today such as President and Laura Bush, John Ashcroft, Colin Powell, and John Walsh . "We were excited to be there, stated Davis, "It is heartbreaking to see the families that were there that we all have seen in the news lately telling their stories, I know our program can help, but we are still looking for a sponsor to get these stories on the track and in front of the loyal fans of NASCAR." While there, they were given the opportunity to meet President Bush in a private meeting, and was able to mention the America's Most Wanted program to President Bush and he responded with support and excitement. For more go to www.amw-racing.com.(10-5-2002)
Championship Chase: Sterling Marlin isn't the first NASCAR driver to lose a shot at the championship late in the season because of an injury. Herb Thomas lost the 1956 championship after a late-season crash [with 2 races to go]; Buck Baker won that title.(Winston Salem Journal) [Ernie Irvan was also running for the Championshio in 1994 after 20 races when he had his near fatal accident at Michigan] AND The points leader after the 20th race of the season went on to win the championship in each of the last nine years, but it won't happen this
year. Sterling Marlin was the leader after 20 races this season. The winner of the Brickyard 400 has gone on to become the champion in each of the last four years, but 2002 Brickyard winner Bill Elliott would be a long shot to do it this year. He is ninth, 201 points back.(Dallas Morning News)(10-5-2002)
#7 in trouble? The future of the Casey Atwood-Jim Smith team is in some question after charges of illegal dumping of toxic materials at Smith's Ultra Wheels plant in southern California. Smith and his business partners have been charged with 17 counts of hazardous waste dumping.(Winston Salem Journal) see my #7 Team News and Links page for the story on the dumping.(10-5-2002)
Nice Gesture by Ward UPDATE: Six-year-old Dusty Duncan went out Friday night to get Ward Burton's autograph. What he may have gotten in addition to the autograph was a new shot at life. Dusty suffers from a cleft palate. It's a condition that doesn't threaten his life, but because of the way it affects his personal appearance, it does threaten his self-esteem. Especially for a 6-year-old. When Burton's helicopter landed at the Grandview autograph session, he immediately noticed Dusty. Sonja Duncan, Dusty's mother, said of Burton: "He looked two or three times at Dusty. All Dusty could say was, `That's Ward Burton.' " Dusty stood in line with his mother and father, Billy Duncan, and got his autograph. Afterward, as they were entering a nearby store, a security guard stopped them. The guard said that Burton wanted their name, Dusty's age and a phone number. They complied. Shortly after, the guard returned and said Burton wanted to talk to them after the autograph session was over. The Duncan family was ushered into a room at the store where they met Burton. They talked. Then Burton pulled Billy Duncan aside. "He asked what was wrong with Dusty," Sonja Duncan said. "He asked if it could be fixed and then he offered to pay for it. I was shocked," she said. Burton said Sunday: "I'm going to help him. I'm going to help with some funds." Burton said something about the boy just touched him. "I got kind of emotional when I saw him," Burton said, becoming emotional again. "I'm a sucker when it comes to children." Burton said he was impressed with the boy's attitude and said it was very evident he had the love of his mother and father. Dusty has already had eight surgeries in unsuccessful attempts to correct the problem. Dusty's sister, Angie, also was born with a cleft palate. Hers was successfully dealt with by two surgeries. Rita Ferguson, a friend of the Duncan family who was with them at the autograph session, said the Duncans "are not in position to take Dusty to a specialist." She also said that Dusty is at the age where he's been hearing about his appearance from friends. The Duncans said Burton told them he would be in touch early this week to work out the details of getting Dusty's life turned around. "I can't help everybody," Burton said. "This was something that just touched me."(Kansas City Star)(9-30-2002) UPDATE: Last week during an autograph session in the Kansas City area, Ward Burton met Dusty Duncan. The boy touched Burton in a way that surprised even his parents. After the autograph session, Burton sent a security officer after the parents, desperate to know what was wrong with their son. The security officer tracked down the parents and Dusty and brought them back to Burton. Burton wanted to know what type of infliction their son, Dusty, had. The parents explained to Burton that Dusty, along with his sister Angie, both had a cleft lip. Burton wanted to help the family get the proper care that their children needed. He spoke with the father about how he could help Dusty. The Kansas City Star ran a story on the meeting between Burton and Dusty and an outpouring of support to help Dusty ensued. The Shriners Hospital for Children contacted Burton and told them that they would handle the surgery for both children and do whatever they could to assist in treatment. Many fans have contacted Burton asking to help Dusty and his family. Since the Shriners Hospital for Children will handle the surgery for both Dusty and Angie, you may make donations in their names at your local Shriners or mail your donation to: Shriners Hospital for Children, 2900 Rocky Point Drive, Tampa, FL 33607-1460.(Bill Davis Racing PR)(10-5-2002)
Roush Engine Problems at Kansas: Jeff Paxton, head engine tuner for Roush Racing, said the three Roush cars that had engine failures last weekend at Kansas City all had different problems with the valve train. He said Martin's engine suffered a broken rocker arm. Jeff Burton's engine broke a valve, and Kurt Busch 's engine broke a rocker arm stud. Paxton said he had not seen those problems this season until last weekend. Since those engines are similar to what the team will use at Charlotte next weekend, he'll have changes made. "The Charlotte motors are already built but we're going to change items Monday or Tuesday to hopefully prevent another failure from happening," he said.(Roanoke Times)(10-5-2002)
(10-4-2002)
2003 Chevy to be unvieled next Thurs: Race fans will get their first look at the 2003 Chevrolet Monte Carlo when the car is unveiled during a news conference Thursday afternoon at Lowe’s Motor Speedway, Chevrolet officials confirmed.(ThatsRacin.com)(10-4-2002)
Penske to Dodge announcement soon? Penske Racing South is expected to announce its long-rumored switch to Dodge during Oct 10-13 race week at Lowe's Motor Speedway.(Winston Cup Scene - need sub to read), am hearing it'll be Sunday morning, Oct 13th. AND Penske Racing's long-rumored move to the Dodge camp appears complete. Dodge officials have scheduled a news conference for 9 a.m. Oct. 13 at Lowe's Motor Speedway in Concord, N.C., when they are expected to announce Penske's addition to the Dodge organization beginning with the 2003 season. Penske and Dodge officials declined to comment on Friday. The partnership between Penske Racing and Jasper Motorsports, which includes Jasper's #77 Ford team utilizing Penske-built engines, will continue at least for the 2003 season, sources said.(ThatsRacin.com)(10-4-2002)
Debut of different #4 scheme at Talladega: Eastman Kodak Company's newly wrapped NASCAR Winston Cup Series race car featuring new Kodak Perfect Touch processing, will race for the first time on Sunday, Oct. 6, 2002 at the Talladega, AL NASCAR Race. Kodak Perfect Touch processing is a revolutionary new photofinishing service that individually scans and corrects each negative giving consumers pictures that reveal richer detail, fewer dark shadows and more vibrant color. The new paint scheme will hit the track for practice and qualifying on Friday, Oct. 4, 2002 with Mike Skinner piloting the entry. Traditionally, Kodak's NASCAR design has focused on film. The last revamp -- which occurred in 1986 -- featuring Kodak Max film and was one of only a few throughout Kodak's 17-year primary sponsorship of the #4 Chevrolet. The new design is in line with a company-wide priority to generate more prints of pictures and driving processing volumes for retail partners. Midwest retailers who have signed up for Kodak Perfect Touch processing have the option of integrating the Kodak Perfect Touch processing NASCAR in their in-store promotions including the opportunity to showcase the car on-site. Additional markets will have this option as the service rolls out regionally between October 2002 and July 2003. Kodak is the longest running, continuous primary sponsor in the NASCAR Winston Cup Series. Kodak began its relationship with Larry McClure and Morgan-McClure Motorsports 10 races into the 1985 season. Rick Wilson drove for team at the time. Additional Kodak Perfect Touch processing NASCAR Winston Cup races include: Lowe's Motor Speedway, Martinsville, Atlanta, Rockingham, Phoenix and Homestead.(Morgan McClure Motorsports PR), see an image of the car on my Paint Scheme Gallery.(10-4-2002)
Marlin Update: Chip Ganassi Racing with Felix Sabates certified athletic trainer, Al Shuford M.Ed,A.T.,C.-L, explains Sterling Marlin's health following racing accidents at Richmond International Speedway on September 7 and Kansas Speedway on
September 29. "Following Sterling's accidents at Richmond and Kansas he participated in the same evaluation procedure with Dr. Petty, neurosurgeon of the Carolina Neurological and Spinal Injury Clinic, each time. The non-displaced fracture of the #2 cervical vertebra showed up in the evaluation procedure following the Kansas accident. The fracture did not show up following the Richmond accident. Sterling is currently wearing an Aspen collar which keeps the cervical vertebrae stable. He is expected to wear it for a minimum of four weeks. The fracture will heal naturally and Sterling is currently not scheduled to undergo surgery. Following Sterling's accident at Richmond, I suggested to Sterling to try the HANS device. Prior to this he had only worn the Hutchens device. Sterling was fitted for it and tested two days in Kentucky with it prior to the Dover race. We modified the seat at this time and he felt comfortable with it going into the Dover event. Sterling wore the HANS device for the first time during the Dover race weekend. The week following the Dover race, Sterling said that his chest was sore. He decided to go back to wearing the Hutchens device during the Kansas weekend due to the fact that the HANS device was uncomfortable because his chest was sore. There is no way to determine if either
device would have prevented this injury."(Chip Ganassi Racing with Felix Sabates PR)(10-4-2002)
Oops, parts confiscated ay 'Dega: NASCAR inspectors confiscated several parts from Winston Cup teams prior to Friday's first practice. A rear spoiler that did not fit the template was taken from Rusty Wallace's #2 Miller Lite Ford. Unapproved straps used to secure the rear window were taken from Mark Martin's #6 Viagra Ford. In addition, two unapproved trailing arm rear-spring buckets - on which the rear springs are mounted - were taken from both the #14 Conseco Pontiac of Mike Wallace and the #11 Hooters Ford of Brett Bodine.(ThatsRacin.com)(10-4-2002)
Biffle on stand by...at Lowe's: Driver Bobby Hamilton is scheduled to return to his #55 Chevy next weekend at Charlotte [Lowe's Motor Speedway], but BGN points leader Greg Biffle, who has substituted for Hamilton the past four races, will stand by as a relief driver, if needed. Ron Hornaday is in the car this weekend at Talladega.(ThatsRacin.com)(10-4-2002)
Testing at Phoenix: #48-Jimmie Johnson, #24-Jeff Gordon and #2Rusty Wallace teams have scheduled October tests at Phoenix International Raceway in preparation of the Nov. 10 Checker Auto Parts 500, the 2nd to last race of the 2002 season.(Arizona Republic)(10-4-2002)
Manufacturer News: Oct. 1, was an important day in the stock car world. The date was big because it was the final day for 2003 hardware submissions from the manufacturers to NASCAR. All three companies did submit “hard parts” to NASCAR for its consideration. The length of time between submittal and approval, or rejection, can run the gamut from mere moments for the far-fetched requests to several weeks for a part that catches NASCAR’s attention. Ford, in their submittal, offered NASCAR a new nose, tail and manifold. The nose is rumored to be part of the “common” template NASCAR is eyeing for 2003. The tail or rear bumper cap, which covers the fuel cell area, on the current fleet of Taurus cars was not symmetrical when it was submitted several years ago and has been the topic of discussion at about every superspeedway event since. The new piece addresses these concerns. The final Ford piece submitted was an intake manifold. Dodge’s wish list was rather short and limited to a new nose. Again, this nosepiece was submitted to comply with the 2003 common template design. The Dodge nose has a small detail ridge on the front bumper cap, allowing the Dodge teams an additional half-inch of kickout. That half-inch ridge reportedly was removed from the newly submitted piece. GM went for the full Monte, as it were, with their block, head and manifold submission. The GM men didn’t say what issues the new block addressed, but teamfordracing.com knows they’d love to get the fuel pump swung around from the right to the left side, which would help with vulnerability issues during a crash. This certainly doesn’t address the heads and manifold, but the reason for those requests will likely become clearer during the Talladega, Ala. weekend. Keep in mind that the GM factory effort will bring common template cars to the track for 2003 with both the Monte and Grand Prix getting sheetmetal worked over during the spring and summer of this year. All the teams, regardless of make, will be busy during this year’s off-season bringing the cars into compliance for the 2003 common template. That’s right, even though the Ford and Dodge cars will go principally unchanged both marks will need total re-skinning to address rear window and cowl concerns of NASCAR. Ford also submitted a new nose for the F-150 in the Craftsman Truck Series. It is not known what the other brands offered to NASCAR for that series.(Ford Racing)(10-4-2002)
Army looking at other options: In addition to continuing talks with MB2 (#36 Pontiac) and Andy Petree Racing (#33 and #55) about a 2003 sponsorship package, the U.S. Army is also talking to Roush Racing. MB2 and APR would likely be 1/2 season primary sponsorship deals with another company running the other 1/2 while Roush would be a major associate sponsorship deal on the #17 DeWalt Ford.(Winston Cup Scene - need sub to read)(10-4-2002)
Donlavey Racing to run at Lowe's Motor Speedway: #90 Winston Cup Series car owner Junie Donlavey could not make it back to the track in time for his hometown race at Richmond International Raceway, he figured making his return in NASCAR's unofficial hometown would be the next best thing. Lucas Oil will sponsor Donlavey's #90 Ford Taurus in the UAW-GM Quality 500 at Lowe's Motor Speedway near Charlotte, NC. Donlavey will also receive backing from Suburban Franchise, Superior Logistics Services, and Hawk Sawblades. In typical Donlavey fashion, he is putting a rookie behind the wheel of the Lucas Oil Ford. Jason Hedlesky, who has competed in five ARCA events in the last three years at Lowe's Motor Speedway, will slip into a Winston Cup car for the first time as a driver.. He has been an ARCA competitor for the past three seasons and had two 14th-place finishes (Atlanta and Michigan) in 2000, which represent his career-best efforts.. Hedlesky qualified ninth and finished 15th in the ARCA event at Charlotte this season. Hedlesky has also been Donlavey Racing's team manager since 1999. Hedlesky had a great run in the ARCA series race earlier this year at Michigan.. Hedlesky qualified 14th and was in third place when he came to pit road for a scheduled stop and was trapped on pit road by a caution period.. Hedlesky finished 17th. The Clinton, MI native also has one CTS start, at Michigan he started 22nd and finished 31st earlier this season. Prior to the Oct. 13 event, Donlavey will receive the Smokey Yunick Award, recognizing his lifetime achievement in auto racing, which has spanned the life of NASCAR.. Previous winners of the Smokey Yunick Award include Bill Simpson, Ralph Moody, Banjo Matthews, Bud Moore and Cotton Owens.(Keystone Marketing PR)(10-4-2002)
Childress and Marcis Racing team up at Talladega: Realtree announced a one-race sponsorship of the #71 Marcis Racing Chevy, with engine and body provided by Richard Childress Racing(RCR). RCR BGN driver Jay Sauter, will attempt to make his second Winston Cup start this season. "I'm delighted to see that Realtree is going to be returning to our race program," says Marcis, who has been involved with NASCAR for over 25 years. "They have been such a big part of my life and have always been so loyal to me. I appreciate everything that they have done for me over the years, and look forward to continuing our relationship. Of course, Richard Childress has been a huge help too over the years, providing engines, cars and so much more." Marcis and Realtree's NASCAR marriage dates back to 1997, when the camouflage retail giant became primary sponsor of his #71 Chevy. Their association continued until Marcis' retirement this year from racing after the season-opening Daytona 500. Since his last official start at Daytona, Marcis has fielded a car for eight Winston Cup races. Most of his cars have been his own, but this time he will be provided with RCR equipment, including a driver. Sauter, who made his Winston Cup debut at Texas Motor Speedway in April. Realtree is also as an associate sponsor on the #29 Goodwrench Service Plus Chevy, owned by Richard Childress and driven by Kevin Harvick.(PR)(10-4-2002)
New Stock Car Series/Race track in Canada/Cup drivers to race: A new stock car series was announced in Canada, International Stockcar Alliance, with six $1-million first-place purses being offered by the series in 2003. The launch of the ISA yesterday also came with the announcement that Kawartha Downs soon will break ground on a three-quarter mile superspeedway to seat 48,000 fans at its track near Peterborough where three ISA events will be held. And Bob Singleton, vice-president of Molson Sports and Entertainment and general manager of the Toronto Molson Indy, said the ISA will take over the Saturday headline show from the CASCARSuper Series at both Toronto and Vancouver in 2003. Matt Kenseth and Kurt Busch joined eight other drivers yesterday in lauding the formation of the ISA and its grand plans for stock car racing in Canada. ISA president Mitch Mortimer outlined just how he plans to make that a possibility in his series. "The ISA will present a special format for six of its events," Mortimer said. "The Super Six, as they'll be called, will offer a prize of $1 million to a driver and a race fan matched up before the race." Like the Winston No Bull Five Million in NASCAR, ISA will select six drivers and six fans before each of the Super Six events with title sponsor Exide batteries. If the selected driver wins the race, he and a fan will win $1 million each. This format was the deal maker in getting the Toronto and Vancouver Molson Indys involved. The other four events with the $1-million promotion are Kawartha Superspeedway, which will have two events, Sanair Speedway in Montreal and Race City Speedway in Calgary. Besides Kenseth and Busch, the other Winston Cup drivers who will race in the big-money ISA events are Tony Stewart, Kevin Harvick, Dave Blaney, Dale Jarrett, Johnny Benson, Jeff Green and Ken Schrader. Leading the pack of Canadian drivers in the series is former national CASCAR Super Series champion Kerry Micks and his #02 Ford team. A unique part of the ISA will be the introduction of import cars into stock car racing. On display was a racing chassis equipped with a fuel-injected 4.7-litre Toyota engine that will power Toyota Corollas in the series.(Toronto Sun)(10-4-2002)
Barrett in for Biffle in the #60 BGN car in 2003? Stanton Barrett is the first choice to replace Greg Biffle in the #60 Rosuh Racing Ford in 2003. Biffle will move up to full time Cup in 2003, running the #16 Grainger Ford. Barrett met with team owner Jack Roush at Dover in September.(Winston Cup Scene - need sub to read)(10-4-2002)
Gibson already at DEI? The Buzz has learned that Tony Gibson may already be working at Dale Earnhardt Inc. as he prepares to take over the crew chief duties for Steve Park and the #1 Pennzoil Chevy team. Gibson has already been announced as the crew chief to replace the departed Paul Andrews. However, Gibson wasn't scheduled to start with DEI until the end of the season while Dave Charpentier and Steve Hmiel shared the crew chief duties for Park. Gibson has been the car chief for Jeff Gordon and the #24 Chevrolet team of Rick Hendrick Motorsports, and was believed to remain there while Gordon and team are in the hunt for its fifth Winston Cup Series championship.(NASCAR.com's Buzz)(10-4-2002)
(10-3-2002)
Shepherd withdraws the #89, will run the #51 at Talladega: Today, Morgan Shepherd released the information that he will be the scheduled driver for Ware Racing's #51 Ford Taurus this weekend at Talladega. Details were finalized today. Earlier it had been reported that Tim Fedewa would be driving for Rick Ware this weekend. Those plans have changed. This will be Shepherd's ninth Winston Cup attempt for the 2002 season.(STB Marketing Group PR)(10-3-2002)
Will Baldwin go to Joe Gibbs Racing? Tommy Baldwin probably will be one of the top candidates to take over the crew chief duties for the #18 Interstate Batteries Pontiac, which will be a Chevrolet next season. Joe Gibbs Racing announced Tuesday that Jimmy Makar would step down as crew chief for Bobby Labonte and concentrate on his duties as team manager. (Dallas Morning News)(10-3-2002)
#92 Melling Racing and Pressley to run at Talladega: Robert Pressley will reunite with Melling Racing this weekend at Talladega to drive the #92 Dodge, sponsored by Melling Engine Parts. Pressley drove for Melling at this year's Daytona 500, where, during time trials, he qualified in 4th position. He finished the race in 22nd. Chip Ganassi Racing and Melling had originally put together a collaboration, entered by Chip Ganassi, for Talladega, whereby rookie Jamie McMurray was scheduled to drive the #42 Melling-owned and prepared car. In a quick and unfortunate turn of events, Pressley takes over the wheel from McMurray, who is now scheduled to drive in the #40 car for the injured Sterling Marlin. The car now becomes the #92 Melling Racing entry, with assistance from Chip Ganassi Racing. The #92 Melling Racing Dodge captured both pole positions at Talladega in 2001, and in it's last five superspeedway races, has qualified no worse than 4th. Robert Pressley currently drives the #18 Square D / Dickies Dodge Ram in the CTS, and Pressley has scored two victorie's Daytona and Michigan in his first season in the trucks.(Melling Racing PR)(10-3-2002)
North Carolina Senate OK's road change to honor Earnhardt: The North Carolina state Senate gave its final approval Wednesday to legislation renumbering a state road in Iredell and Cabarrus counties as N.C. 3 in honor of NASCAR legend Dale Earnhardt. The road now is N.C. 136, but that number would be swapped with the N.C. 3 now in Currituck County. Earnhardt, who died in a wreck at Daytona International Speedway in 2001, drove the No. 3 Chevrolet. He lived in Cabarrus County and ran his business enterprises in Iredell County. The bill now returns to the House, which approved an earlier version without the Earnhardt road and must decide whether to accept the changes.(ThatsRacin.com/AP)(10-3-2002)
IRWIN Rough to Finish Award #48 Team: The No. 48 Lowe's racing team's performance had its ups and downs in Sunday's Protection One 400 at Kansas Speedway. But thanks to a great pit strategy and some excellent driving, the Lowe's team left Kansas as the leader in the NASCAR Winston Cup championship standings, helping to earn team crew chief Chad Knaus this week's IRWIN "Rough to the Finish" award. The Lowe's team ran the majority of the first half of Sunday' s race in the top-five, until driver Jimmie Johnson radioed in to Knaus on lap 170 that he felt the right rear tire was going down. Johnson was forced to pit under green to change the tire, causing team Lowe's to go down one lap. Following the pit stop, Johnson returned to his top-five form, turning fast lap times while making up valuable time on the leaders. Johnson finally was able to gain his lap back, but fuel mileage soon became an issue, forcing the team to pit with just 33 laps to go. Despite the turn of events, Johnson was able to salvage his 18th top-10 finish of the season and take an 11-point lead in the championship race. "For us to finish in the top-10 after having a flat tire is a great accomplishment for this whole team," said Knaus. "It shows what teamwork and determination can do. Everybody in the pits is working hard each week; this award is a credit to their efforts week in and week out."
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)(10-3-2002)
(10-2-2002)
Big News - Marlin out for the rest of 2002: #40-Sterling Marlin has been diagnosed with a fractured vertebra and will miss the remainder of the 2002 racing season. Team co-owner Felix Sabates confirmed Marlin's status Wednesday and said BGN driver Jamie McMurray would be in the car for the rest of the Cup season. McMurray, expected to join join Marlin and Jimmy Spencer on the Chip Ganassi Racing team, will also run the rest of the BGN season [in the #27 Brewco Chevy]. "It is unfortunate that Sterling has to end his season early due to his injury," Ganassi said. "Sterling has dominated the championship points race, and we were looking forward to helping him win his first NASCAR Winston Cup title. We are expecting Sterling to make a full recovery and be ready to go for the title chase again in 2003."
"Sterling, obviously, is very upset becasue he felt like he had a legitimate chance at winning his first championship," Sabates said. "Yes, the team had fallen off a little bit over the past couple of weeks, but with the tightness of the points race, he had as good a shot as anyone." NASCAR President Mike Helton said, "Right now, Sterling's well-being is everyone's primary concern. His health is certainly more important than anything else. Even though he's sidelined for the remainder of this season, we wish him the best for a full recovery that will put him back in the championship hunt next year." A second-generation driver from Columbia, Tenn., Marlin has suffered accidents in two recent Winston Cup races, at Richmond and Kansas City. He had fallen to fifth in the season standings. Doctors in Charlotte, N.C., diagnosed Marlin with a fracture in his C-2 vertebrae - in the neck - Wednesday morning.(ThatsRacin.com/NASCAR.com) NOTE: The #42 Dodge that McMurray was to drive at Talladega has been withdrawn or removed from the entry list. Also McMurray will NOT run the Cup race at Martinsville as he has a BGN commitment that weekendm a driver will be named at a later date.(10-2-2002)
Atlanta Testing: For the second straight day, #00-Buckshot Jones led the speed charts during a two-day test of ten Winston Cup and Busch teams testing for the Oct. 25-27 NAPA 500 weekend. Jones, driving for Michael Waltrip Racing, turned a lap of 187.869mph). Just a tick behind Jones was #16-Greg Biffle, who will be attempting to run both the Aaron's 312 BGN race and the NAPA 500, with a lap of 187.108. After a successful stint as a stand-in for the injured Bobby Hamilton, Biffle will attempt to qualify Roush's #16 Grainger Ford in the NAPA 500. Third fastest in Wednesday's test session was #9-Bill Elliott at 183.333. Testing will resume next week, when at least a dozen Winston Cup and BGN teams are expected to test for the upcoming NAPA 500 weekend. Among those expected for the Oct. 7-8 test are Winston Cup drivers #7-Casey Atwood, #99-Jeff Burton, #44-Jerry Nadeau and #83-Kerry Earnhardt, and BGN drivers #5-Ricky Hendrick, #24-Jack Sprague, #57-Jason Keller, #87-Joe Nemechek and #30-Christian Fittipaldi. The speeds: CUP
#00-Buckshot Jones, 187.869
#16-Greg Biffle, 187.108
#9-Bill Elliott, 183.333
#09-Geoffrey Bodine, 178.145
#27-Scott Wimmer, 178.092 BGN
#99-Michael Waltrip, 181.532
#2-ohnny Sauter, 178.378
#1-Jimmy Spencer, 178.378
#21-Jeff Green, 179.534
#66-Casey Mears, 176.280 (AMS PR)(10-2-2002)
Hornish visit's Hendrick? UPDATE: just before signing off on Tuesday's show, it was reported on ESPN2's RPM 2 Night that Robin Miller would have news on Wednesday show why IRL Champ Sam Hornish Jr recently visited Hendrick Motorsports. UPDATE: basically it was an exploratory meeting in case Hornish is interested in NASCAR in the future, Miller reported Hornish will be in the IRL nest year. Also was reported that CART driver Kenny Brack met with DEI, also exploratory.(ESPN2's RPM2Night)(10-2-2002)
Daytona Testing Set for January 2003: NASCAR released today its 2003 testing schedule for the month of January at Daytona International Speedway for the Cup, BGN, CTS and Dash Series. The NASCAR Winston Cup and NASCAR Busch Series 2002 final car owner point standings will determine when teams will test at the 2.5 mile tri-oval. NASCAR Winston Cup car owners finishing in odd-numbered positions in the final standings will test on Jan. 7-9, with Jan. 10 reserved as a rain date. Those car owners finishing in the even-numbered positions will test on Jan. 14-16, with Jan. 17 the rain date. Car owners in the BGN finishing in an odd-numbered position will test Jan. 20-21 (rain date is Jan. 22) while owners who finish in an even-numbered spot will test Jan. 23-24 (rain date is Jan. 25). CTS teams will test Jan. 11-13. Testing for Dash Series teams will be Jan. 18-19.(NASCAR PR)(10-2-2002)
Martin to be inducted into Talladega-Texaco Walk of Fame: Mark Martin heads the list of the inductees in this year’s Talladega-Texaco Walk of Fame located at Davey Allison Memorial Park in uptown Talladega. Martin led the fans’ vote for active driver to be inducted into the Walk of Fame. Two other men included in that list of NASCAR’s 50 Greatest Drivers will also be inducted into the Talladega-Texaco Walk of Fame as the inactive drivers of 2002. Robert “Red” Byron and Bobby Isaac led the fans’ vote in that category. The 2002 induction ceremony will be held on Saturday, Oct. 5, at the Davey Allison Memorial Park in uptown Talladega, a block south of the town square. The annual induction ceremony takes place on Saturday night during the EA SPORTS' 500 Weekend at Talladega Superspeedway. The ceremony and all festivities – including a concert – are free to the public. Find out more about the Talladega/Texaco Walk of Fame on www.talladegawalk.com (u can buy a brick). The Talladega/Texaco Walk of Fame was created in 1994 after the death of Davey Allison. Since 1995, one active driver and two inactive drivers have been inducted into the Walk of Fame based on the fans’ vote.(Talladega Superspeedway PR)(8-3-2002) UPDATE: One of the most determined and talented drivers to ever compete in the NASCAR ranks heads the list of the inductees in this year's Talladega-Texaco Walk of Fame located at Davey Allison Memorial Park in uptown Talladega. Throughout Mark Martin's stellar career, his strong determination to succeed - and win - has set him apart from his fellow competitors. It is the reason he is included in the list of NASCAR's 50 Greatest Drivers. Martin led the fans' vote for active driver to be inducted into the Walk of Fame.
Two other men included in that list of NASCAR's 50 Greatest Drivers will also be inducted into the Talladega-Texaco Walk of Fame as the inactive drivers of 2002. Robert "Red" Byron and Bobby Isaac led the fans' vote in that category. The 2002 induction ceremony will be held on Saturday, Oct. 5, at the Davey Allison Memorial Park in uptown Talladega, a block south of the town square. The annual induction ceremony takes place on Saturday night during the EA SPORTS' 500 Weekend at Talladega Superspeedway. The ceremony and all festivities - including a concert - are free to the public. NASCAR Stars Mark Martin, Red Byron, Bobby Isaac, Enter Talladega-Texaco Walk of Fame as Class of 2002. "It's really an honor to be inducted into the Talladega Walk of Fame," said Martin. "I've been going there to race for 20 years now, and we have some good memories over the years. Some of the best of all time are on that Walk-of-Fame and rt's really nice to be included in there." Fans can find out more about the Talladega/Texaco Walk of Fame on www.talladegawalk.com. The Talladega/Texaco Walk of Fame was created in 1994 after the death of Davey Allison. Since 1995, one active driver and two inactive drivers have been inducted into the Walk of Fame based on the fans' vote. Bobby Allison, Donnie Allison, Neil Bonnett, Red Farmer and Davey Allison were inducted as the inaugural class in 1994 by decree of the board of directors.(Roush Racing)(10-2-2002)
Park to run a BGN car in 2003? UPDATE: hearing Steve Park will run a Teresa/Dale Earnhardt Jr owned #8 Maxwell House Chevy at Las Vegas for the 2003 BGN race there and will run another BGN race in a yet un-named sponsored #8.(9-27-2002) UPDATE: Steve Park will return to the BGN on a limited basis next season in a car owned by Winston Cup teammate Dale Earnhardt Jr. Earnhardt Jr. said Tuesday that Park will drive about five races next season in the Busch car, co-owned by Earnhardt Jr. and his stepmother Teresa. Earnhardt Jr. will drive in the three events on restrictor-plate tracks, while another driver will compete in about seven races. Earnhardt Jr. said he'd like to see the team go full-time for 2004. After that? "I don't see that team becoming a Winston Cup team in the near future, but it's a good possibility down the road," said Earnhardt Jr., who has won twice in the car already. "It just depends. At this point, it's just a start-up to bring drivers and crew chiefs and crew members in and work with them and move them up the company into the Winston Cup programs."(Charleston Post and Courier)(10-2-2002)
Sad News II: Allen Fletcher died Tuesday morning at Eastern Maine Medical Center in Bangor after suffering a head injury during a crash in his pro-stock class race car in Saturday night's 35-lap feature race at Unity Raceway (in Maine). The accident occurred when Fletcher lost control of his car in turn one on the 23rd lap of the race. Fletcher's car spun and hit driver's side first into banking on the backstretch. The jaws of life were used to help in removing Fletcher from his car. Fletcher received treatment from the track's emergency team, the Unity ambulance crew and EMTs, and then was taken by helicopter to EMMC where he was placed in the intensive care unit.(Bangor Daily News)(10-2-2002)
Sad News: Modified Driver of car #56, George Handley Jr. of Springfield, IL was fatally injured on lap four of the feature event in a multi car accident at Illinois State Fairgrounds. The other drivers taken to the hospital, #33 Ron Cusack and #3s Dan Schlup Jr. were treated and have been released. A trust fund for the Handley children has been set up at Illinois National Bank. Donations can be made at any branch, Handley's family said the money will be used for their college educations.(Track Enterprises)(10-2-2002)
(10-1-2002)
Atlanta Testing: In his first laps back in a NASCAR Winston Cup car since April, #00-Buckshot Jones turned the fastest lap of nine Winston Cup and Busch teams testing for the Oct. 25-27 NAPA 500 weekend. Jones, driving for Michael Waltrip Racing, turned a lap 184.493mph. Second-fastest was BGN regular #27-Scott Wimmer, who will be attempting to run both the Aaron's 312 Busch race and the NAPA 500, with a lap of 183.152. Jones has a one-race deal with Waltrip's race team to run the NAPA 500 at Atlanta, and Jones said there is a possibility of running a few more races in the future. After spending the day helping Jones with the test session, Fox Sports race analyst Larry McReynolds said it should be no surprise Jones wants to return to Atlanta. Jones will pilot the same Dale Earnhardt Inc.-owned car that Dale Earnhardt Jr. used to win the Dover race last fall. Speeds:
#00-Buckshot Jones, 184.493
#27-Scott Wimmer, 183.152
#16-Greg Biffle, 182.970
#9-Bill Elliott, 182.789
#09-Geoffrey Bodine, 179.883 (AMS PR)(10-1-2002)
Compton in the #49 at Talladega: The only driver to win a NASCAR Winston Cup pole at the 2.66-mile Talladega Superspeedway last year will be behind the wheel of the #49 BAM Racing Dodge in this week’s EA Sport 500. Stacy Compton hasn’t started worse than sixth at Talladega since his rookie season. He won both poles in the Mark Melling Dodge last year, and started sixth in the Spring in a Pontiac. BAM Racing has used several drivers this season, utilizing them at various tracks to help with the development of the race team, as well as researching driver possibilities for the future.(Williams Company)(10-1-2002)
Baldwin out? UPDATE 3 yes, and Stoddard in: hearing #22 crew chief Tommy Baldwin and Bill Davis Racing have parted ways, no word on a replacement or where Baldwin will go.(9-30-2002) UPDATE: Tommy Baldwin and Bill Davis Racing have parted ways, effective immediately, and Frank Stoddard will now take over crew chief duties for the #22 Dodge of Ward Burton. Reports said that Baldwin and team owner Bill Davis got into heated argument on Sunday morning prior to the Protection One 400 at Kansas Speedway. Sources said that Baldwin reportedly told some team members that Sunday would be the last day he ever calls a race for Bill Davis Racing. On Monday morning, Baldwin didn't show up for work at the team's shop. Later in the day, Davis called a team meeting to report that Baldwin was no longer working at BDR and that Frank Stoddard would be taking over. Baldwin was seen cleaning out his office Monday afternoon, as well. Stoddard was recently released from Roush Racing where he had been Jeff Burton's crew chief since 1998.(NASCAR.com) UPDATE 2: hearing on a radio show, the Morning Buzz, that Stoddard said he is not an employee of BDR at this time, and he still has some issues still have to be woked out with Roush Racing. UPDATE 3: Last week, discussions began between Frank Stoddard and Bill Davis about possibilities of joining forces in the months ahead. Stoddard became interested in the potential that Bill Davis Racing had to offer. "In the past few weeks, Bill and I have spoken about a position within his organization for the 2003 season," said Stoddard. "He has a first class facility and I believe that his teams have the potential to win a lot of races. They have won twice this year in the 22 and are building the 23 for the 2003 season. Obviously, I was caught off guard by the opportunity to work with Ward, but at the same time I am excited about the opportunity to pick
up and begin working with a winning team. These are a great group of guys and they are already a great team. We'll see how things work the rest of this season. We have seven races left in this year to see if Ward and I can form a relationship that can be successful. At the end of the season, Bill, Ward and I will sit down and talk about how we feel about where the program is at and how we're going to progress with the future."(Bill Davis Racing PR)(10-1-2002)
Wimmer in the #23 at Talladega: Scott Wimmer, Bill Davis' BGN driver, will drive the #23 Hills Bros. Coffee Dodge at Talladega this weekend. Kenny Wallace took over full-time driving duties of the #23 car at Darlington earlier in the season, but before he signed on with Bill Davis, Wallace had already committed to driving for car owner, Andy Petree, and the #33 car for the Talladega event.. BDR needed to find someone to fill in for Wallace at the Talladega event due to the conflict, and felt Wimmer was the logical choice. Martinsville is the only remaining event that Wallace will be unable to compete in the #23 car, as his first priority for the remainder of the 2002 season is the Stacker 2 BGN car and he will be racing in Memphis that weekend. A driver has yet to be named to fill the vacancy.(Bill Davis Racing PR)(10-1-2002)
Makar to steps down as Crew Chief of #18 at end of 2002, will be full time Team Manager for Gibbs: Over the last several years, Jimmy Makar has maintained two very important roles within the Joe Gibbs Racing organization. He has not only served as the crew chief for the # 18 Interstate Batteries Pontiac, currently driven by Bobby Labonte, since the teams inception in 1991; but he has also been the Team Manager of the racing program at Joe Gibbs Racing. Given the demands on a crew chief within the NASCAR Winston Cup Series, due to schedule length and the amount of testing needed to be a championship caliber team, everyone agreed that Makar’s management and leadership skills would be best suited solely in the role of team manager. “As a result of our continued expansion at JGR and the magnitude and scope of racing today, Jimmy will be focusing his full-time attention on his role as Team Manager in 2003,” added team owner Joe Gibbs. “Jimmy will be initiating the search for his replacement as crew chief on the # 18 car for the 2003 season and while that is on going, he will continue to handle both roles through the end of the 2002 season.” For Makar, the announcement of a change from the role of crew chief to that of team manager is something that had already been planned. Though not expected to make the change for a couple of more years, Makar decided it was best to make the transition now in order to help ensure the continued success of Joe Gibbs Racing for many years to come. For driver Bobby Labonte, the upcoming change is bittersweet, as he and Makar have become very close friends over the years. They have shared many of the highs and lows the sport of auto racing has to offer and have always been able to find a way to see the positive in any situation. “This is a tough one,” admitted Labonte. “Jimmy has been more than a crew chief for me the past eight years. He has become a best friend. We have been through a lot together, both good and bad. We have lost a championship together and we have won a championship together. We lost races that we should have won and we won races that we should have lost. Eight years is a long time to be in our position.”(Joe Gibbs Racing PR)(10-1-2002)
Hornaday in the #55 at Talladega: Ron Hornaday will drive the #55 Andy Petree Chevy this week in Talladega. For the first time in two months, Petree will have two cars on the track at a Winston Cup event, thanks to 1-800-CALL-ATT and Kenny Wallace. Wallace, who will drive the 1-800-CALL-ATT #33 Chevy at Talladega, will be Hornaday’s teammate for a day. Greg Biffle [the sub in the #55 for the last few races], who has a Busch commitment [not sure what that is as the Busch Series is off this weekend] this week and was unavailable to drive for Petree at Talladega. #55 crew chief Jimmy Elledge had to sit out Sunday’s Protection One 400 due to a suspension from NASCAR. Elledge was suspended and fined $5,000 for unapproved air directional devices found a week ago during pre-qualifying inspection at Dover. Elledge’s suspension ends Wednesday.(Hendersonville Times-News)(10-1-2002)
Earnhardt Tribute Scheduled: Dale Earnhardt's hometown is ready to unveil the Tribute to the racing legend and hometown hero that has been in development since March 2001. "Kannapolis Celebrates A Legend" begins Wed., Oct. 9 in the Dale Earnhardt Tribute Center by motorsports artist Sam Bass and concludes Mon., Oct. 14 with the unveiling of the Dale Earnhardt statue by sculptor Clyde Ross Morgan. The Dale Earnhardt Tribute Center by Sam Bass opened in the Cannon Village Visitor Center, 200 West Ave., in May 2002 with an exhibit of 15 of Bass' most recognized portraits of Earnhardt. On Wed., Oct. 9 at 10 a.m., Bass will unveil three additional paintings of Earnhardt from his collection that he is adding to his Tribute Center exhibit. The additional pieces will be wall size and signify the beginning of a lifetime commitment to developing the Tribute Center into the most comprehensive record of Earnhardt's life and career. Bass' work in the Tribute Center will eventually culminate with a series of original murals that depict Earnhardt from his childhood in Kannapolis to his greatest victories as a driver. Bass was chosen in July 2001 by the Dale Earnhardt Tribute Steering Committee as one of the artists to create the Tribute because of his friendship and professional relationship with Earnhardt. Sculptor Clyde Ross Morgan of Sedona, AZ was also chosen last summer. He created the 900 pound, nine foot tall bronze statue of Earnhardt that will be unveiled on Mon., Oct. 14 at 10 a.m. at Dale Earnhardt Plaza, 164 S. Main St., in Cannon Village, downtown Kannapolis. Morgan designed the statue from the input of Teresa Earnhardt and the Earnahrdt family in Kannapolis and neighboring Mooresville. The unveiling event will focus on the Kannapolis connection to the Earnhardt family and stockcar racing. The event will include a Kannapolis tribute video produced by Time Warner Cable that will showcase photographs donated by fans and the Earnhardt family. Benny Parsons, former Winston Cup Champion, member of the International Motorsports Hall of Fame and NBC racing commentator will be the master of ceremonies. City of Kannapolis Mayor Ray Moss, Executive Vice President of Lowe's Motor Speedway Doug Stafford, U.S. Congressman Robin Hayes and L.A. businessman and Kannapolis business owner David Murdock, who paid $200,000 for the statue's creation as a contribution to the Tribute, will speak. The Earnhardt family will unveil the statue and Cathy Earnhardt-Watkins, one of Earnhardt's sisters, will speak on behalf of the family. Additional speakers have not yet confirmed. The statue will arrive in Kannapolis on Thurs., Oct. 10 at 10 a.m. There will be a brief program before the statue is installed to thank the companies that volunteered time and materials to prepare the statue site. The statue will remain covered until the unveiling. Site development will continue after the statue is unveiled. Steering Committee members and Morgan will be at Lowe's Motor Speedway at Gate 4 near the main entrance from 3 pm to 7 pm before qualifying for the UAW/Goodwrench Quality 500 to talk with fans about the Tribute. Sat., Oct. 12, 2 p.m. to 9 p.m. the
Kannapolis Business Council is sponsoring "Remembering Dale . . .Cool Car Cruise and Show" in Cannon Village. All proceeds from the juried car show will go to the Dale Earnhardt Tribute Fund. Contributions can be made to the Dale Earnhardt Tribute Fund/City of
Kannapolis, P.O. Box 1199, Kannapolis, N.C. 28082-1199.(City of Kannapolis PR)(10-1-2002)
Kansas TV Ratings: The overnight rating on NBC for the Protection One 400 from Kansas Speedway was a 3.9, down 3 percent from last years overnight rating of 4.0. The final national rating for the 2001 Protection One 400 was a 4.7. This year's final rating will be released on Thursday.(MotorsportsTV)(10-1-2002)
Illegal dumping: A man who helped start the NASCAR truck series and the operators of a chrome-plating company face allegations that they dumped corrosive acid and toxic metals into the sewer system illegally. Jim Smith [CTS owner and #7 Cup team part owner], Michael Schott, Jerry Welti and Paul Mayasich are each charged with 17 felony counts of hazardous-waste dumping, which carries a maximum prison term of more than 11 years and fines that could exceed $1 million. All four men are expected to surrender to authorities Tuesday. Prosecutors said employees of Ultra Wheel Co., in Buena Park, allegedly poured acid and toxic, heavy metals into the sewer system. Schott, Welti and Mayasich are managers at Ultra Wheel. Smith is one of the originators of the NASCAR truck series and co-owner of a NASCAR Winston Cup racing team. Welti's attorney said the business has made improvements to prevent further releases into the storm drains.(ThatsRacin.com)(10-1-2002)
NAPCM Pit Crew Of The Week #25 Crew: Consistant pit road performance all day helped take the under-recognized #25 UAW/Delphi team to a 4th place finish from a 12th place start 267 Kansas Speedway laps later. Congratulations #25 UAW/Delphi crew on earning this week's NAPCM "Pit Crew Of The Week" award, sponsored by Toxabsorb (www.toxabsorb.com), "Non-skid pit stall prep for faster pit stops" and "Official Spill Response Agent of the National Association Of Pit Crew Members". Check out the latest Mechanix Wear "Pit Crew Of The Year" standings and exclusive NAPCM member benefits, available ONLY at the National Association Of Pit Crew Members website:(www.napcm.com)(10-1-2002)
(9-30-2002)
Nice Gesture by Ward: Six-year-old Dusty Duncan went out Friday night to get Ward Burton's autograph. What he may have gotten in addition to the autograph was a new shot at life. Dusty suffers from a cleft palate. It's a condition that doesn't threaten his life, but because of the way it affects his personal appearance, it does threaten his self-esteem. Especially for a 6-year-old. When Burton's helicopter landed at the Grandview autograph session, he immediately noticed Dusty. Sonja Duncan, Dusty's mother, said of Burton: "He looked two or three times at Dusty. All Dusty could say was, `That's Ward Burton.' " Dusty stood in line with his mother and father, Billy Duncan, and got his autograph. Afterward, as they were entering a nearby store, a security guard stopped them. The guard said that Burton wanted their name, Dusty's age and a phone number. They complied. Shortly after, the guard returned and said Burton wanted to talk to them after the autograph session was over. The Duncan family was ushered into a room at the store where they met Burton. They talked. Then Burton pulled Billy Duncan aside. "He asked what was wrong with Dusty," Sonja Duncan said. "He asked if it could be fixed and then he offered to pay for it. I was shocked," she said. Burton said Sunday: "I'm going to help him. I'm going to help with some funds." Burton said something about the boy just touched him. "I got kind of emotional when I saw him," Burton said, becoming emotional again. "I'm a sucker when it comes to children." Burton said he was impressed with the boy's attitude and said it was very evident he had the love of his mother and father. Dusty has already had eight surgeries in unsuccessful attempts to correct the problem. Dusty's sister, Angie, also was born with a cleft palate. Hers was successfully dealt with by two surgeries. Rita Ferguson, a friend of the Duncan family who was with them at the autograph session, said the Duncans "are not in position to take Dusty to a specialist." She also said that Dusty is at the age where he's been hearing about his appearance from friends. The Duncans said Burton told them he would be in touch early this week to work out the details of getting Dusty's life turned around. "I can't help everybody," Burton said. "This was something that just touched me."(Kansas City Star)(9-30-2002)
Testing at Atlanta: At least three NASCAR Winston Cup drivers and teams are expected to participate in a test session Tuesday and Wednesday at Atlanta Motor Speedway in preparation for the Oct. 27 NEW NAPA 500. #9-Bill Elliott, #41-Jimmy Spencer and #27-Scott Wimmer are the drivers expected to be on hand.(AMS PR)(9-30-2002)
First back to back for Hendrick in....6 years: Jeff Gordon's win at Kansas marked the first time since 1996 that two different drivers have won back-to-back races for Hendrick Motorsports when Gordon and Terry Labonte scored victories at North Wilkesboro [in the track's last race] and Charlotte [Lowe's Motor Speedway].(Gordonline)(9-30-2002)
McMurray to make Cup debut at Talladega UPDATE in a Melling car? Wingo crew chief in 2003? BGN [#27 Brewco] driver Jamie McMurray is expected to make his Winston Cup debut in a third Chip Ganassi Racing entry next weekend at Talladega. McMurray is expected to drive the #42 Dodge as a teammate to Ganassi drivers #41-Jimmy Spencer and #40-Sterling Marlin. Earlier this month the team announced McMurray would join the organization in Winston Cup full time next season. Other Cup races are being considered for McMurrary this season, including Phoenix, Homestead and possibly Atlanta, sources said.(ThatsRacin.com)(9-27-2002) UPDATE: hearing that McMurray will be in the #92 Melling Dodge with Ganassi support? AND Jamie McMurray, who signed on as the third driver for car owner Chip Ganassi, will have a potent Dodge to drive in his Winston Cup debut at Talladega this week. McMurray's #42 Dodge will be the same car that Stacy Compton put on the pole for both Talladega races last year when he was driving for Melling Racing.(Atlanta Journal Constitution) AND Jamie McMurray says he's excited about making his Winston Cup debut at Talladega. McMurray, 26, who announced at Richmond that he will drive for Chip Ganassi next year, will drive the #42 Dodge with Melling Racing's Dean Johnson as crew chief. A full-time crew chief hasn't been selected for McMurray's 2003 season, but Donnie Wingo has been mentioned as a possible candidate.(Sporting News)(9-30-2002)
Congrats...speaking of Melling: Brendan Shove Melling arrived at 5:45pm on Sunday, September 29, 2002. 9 pounds 3 ounces....21 inches....and a full head of hair. Mother LeAnne doing fine, Mark Melling is the owner of the #92 Melling Racing Cup team.(9-30-2002)
Andretti back to the #43 in 2003? confirmed...sort of: while watching the race coverage at Kansas on NBC, it was mentioned that John Andretti had agreed to drive the #43 Dodge in 2003, just need the signed contract to make it official.(9-30-2002)
Spencer says he is staying at Ganassi: during Sunday Morning's NASCAR Today show on Fox Sports Net, Jimmy Spencer was asked about his status: Steve Waid: What's the status between you and Chip Ganassi? Will you be part of the three-car team next year? Jimmy Spencer, No. 41 Dodge: I went to him about two weeks ago and asked him, "What about all these rumors?" And I had some ride offers, and these other car owners wanted to know what I was going to do. I said, "I need to know." And he says, "Man, you ain't going nowhere. I like what's going on."(FoxSports - NASCAR This Morning)(9-30-2002)
PPI signs plate engine deal with Childress: #32 team owner Cal Wells III said the in-house engine program he had announced several weeks ago for his PPI Motorsports team was still coming together well, he did have one piece of the puzzle in place. "We're real pleased to have been able to do an agreement with Richard Childress for the restrictor plate engines for next year, starting with the Daytona 500," Wells said. "We're going to be able to focus on our higher-powered stuff -- all our open motors -- without having to worry about the science of restrictor plate racing next year." PPI will have plenty on its plate, considering they will switch from Fords to Pontiacs next season for driver Ricky Craven. "We'll look at doing our own restrictor plate engines in the fall of '03 looking to '04. We've got some personnel lined up and we're actually going to start at Rockingham," Wells said. "We're lining it all up (a chief engine builder), but we're not there (ready to announce it) yet." While he said Robert Yates Racing's engine department would not build GM engines next season, he did not discount the possibility that his program might be similar to the one employed by Petty Enterprises, which this season employed former Yates engine builder Mike Ege to do its Dodge engines.(NASCAR.com)(9-30-2002)
Gordon F1 exhibition. maybe next year: A BMW spokesman said an exhibition switch of cars between F1's Juan Montoya and NASCAR's Jeff Gordon is being planned for sometime next year at Indianapolis. Scheduling conflicts prevented the switch this year.(ESPN/AP)(9-30-2002)
What Ford model in 2004? On the Ford side, the question is what model Detroit executives will chose to push on the NASCAR tour in the 2004 season, when the Taurus is due for a remake. But Ford is also set to come out with a new, slightly larger mid-size model, currently named the Ford 500 (click to see image of car), which could become the NASCAR nameplate model.(Winston Salem Journal)(9-30-2002)
Toyota and NASCAR..in 2004? Toyota officials are working hard to put together a full NASCAR package for the 2004 season and are trying to sign a top-name team to be the company's flagship operation. Among the teams being linked by unofficial reports to Toyota are Dale Earnhardt Inc., Bill Davis Racing and Penske South. Penske is the most logical pick, since Roger Penske is one of the country's largest Toyota dealers, but Penske is widely expected to announce a switch from Ford to Dodge within the next few weeks. Toyota executives have been talking with NASCAR officials about getting into this sport, and NASCAR officials have said that they would like to see a factory Toyota Truck running next February at Daytona. That time frame, however, may be too short. It took Dodge more than a year to set up its Winston Cup program after spending five years learning the NASCAR ropes on the Truck tour. So most people in the Winston Cup garage are expecting to see a Toyota Truck at Daytona in the spring of 2004. The big question is, will Toyota also have a Winston Cup program in place by then, and with whom? Toyota is expected to sidestep the BGN [as Dodge did] until it establishes itself in the other two series. Mike Brown, general manager for Bill Davis, says reports that the team is looking at a Toyota Truck program are considerably overblown, that the High Point team is simply providing some guidance for another unnamed operation. Toyota will have to create a 350 V-8 engine to NASCAR specs.(Winston Salem Journal)(9-30-2002)
