Johnny Benson finally wins his first Cup race: In his 226th Winston Cup race, #10-Johnny Benson won his first Winston Cup race leading the last 28 laps to win the Pop Secret Microwave Popcorn 400 at North Carloina Speedway in Rockingham, NC. #6-Mark Martin ended up 2nd and led the most laps. Points leader #20-Tony Stewart who was mired a lap down early and was in the back of the pack most of the day, pulled out a 14th and maintains a points lead over Mark Martin of 87 points. The win puts Benson in the 2003 The Winston. Race Re-airs: The race will be re-aired on TNT, Tues, Nov 5th, 2:00am/et;Speed Channel on Wed, Nov 6th, 8:00pm/et (enhanced), Thurs, Nov 7th, 1:00am/et and 12:00noon/et. Results at ThatsRacin.com or NASCAR.com and see my rundown of the race with top 10, laps led, cautions and some notes at my Pop Secret Microwave Popcorn 400 Race Info page.(11-3-2002)
Nemechek to stay in the #25 in 2003? UPDATE 3: During the rain delay at Atlanta, owner Rick Hendrick said he has no plans to change the lineup on the #25 Chevy -- and that was before driver Joe Nemechek finished second. Hendrick says the addition of crew chief Peter Sospenzo has brought new focus to the team.(Sporting News)(10-28-2002) UPDATE: Rick Hendrick gave Joe Nemechek a vote of approval to stay with his team next season. Since putting Peter Sospenzo in as crew chief, Nemechek's team has come alive. Nemechek said that the new design of the cars he has been driving recently is key.(Winston Cup Journal)(10-29-2002) UPDATE 2: Hendrick Motorsports is working to keep driver Joe Nemechek in its #25 UAW/Delphi Automotive Chevy next season and the team and Nemechek have started discussions toward that goal. Nemechek, who has been driving for the team since Jerry Nadeau left in May, had been among the leading candidates for the job, but cemented his position with his runner-up finish last weekend at Atlanta - the team's best of the season. Team officials on Friday would say only that no decision on a driver for the 2003 season had been made.(ThatsRacin.com)(11-1-2002) UPDATE 3: Car owner Rick Hendrick has offered Joe Nemechek an official contract to drive next season, according to team sources.(Winston Salem Journal)(11-3-2002)
Eury Jr to assume crew chief duties of the #8 UPDATE 2 this is getting confusing: during the rain delay of the NAPA 500 at Atlanta, NBC Pit Reporter said that Tony Eury Jr, driver Dale Earnhardt Jr's cousin, would be the crew chief of the #8 Bud Chevy in 2003 with current crew chief Tony Eury Sr assuming a different role.(10-27-2002) UPDATE: The roles of crew chief Tony Eury Sr. and Tony Eury Jr. on Winston Cup driver Dale Earnhardt Jr.'s #8 Budweiser Chevy team are unlikely to change next season, said Ty Norris, executive vice president for motorsports at Dale Earnhardt Inc.
Norris said for the past few months that Eury Jr. has been the person on the team with whom Earnhardt Jr. communicates about how the car is performing. Eury Sr.'s role is more of an "overseer," making sure the organization runs smoothly. TV reports last weekend at Atlanta said Eury Jr. would take on the crew chief role in 2003, but Norris said a change in titles would be unlikely.(ThatsRacin.com)(11-1-2002) UPDATE 2: Dale Earnhardt Jr. will have a new crew chief next season, Tony Eury Jr., who has been his car chief the past three seasons. Tony Jr. is the son of Tony Sr., a veteran crew chief who has been something of a father figure for Earnhardt at the track. The Earnhardt-Eury roots go deep. For years Tony Sr. ran Dale Sr.'s Busch operation, and there has been talk within Dale Earnhardt Inc. about Tony Sr. returning to the Busch side of the operation. "Actually the change happened two months ago," said Ty Norris, the team's general manager. "It's really just a re-definition of the roles, a clarification."(Winston Salem Journal)(11-3-2002)
Some 2003 Rules stuff: On Friday NASCAR released a 15-page technical bulletin outlining the rules as they’ll apply to the cars that’ll compete in the 2003 season. Some of it: The highlight of the document is the two - three pages covering the specifics of the ignition system, its installation and wiring into the car. The key word in regards to the whole ignition system is visibility. Whether it be the wiring or the newly specified, removable mounting plate that will contain the ignition electronics, the MSD boxes and supporting hardware, the ignition boxes must be visible through the car’s side windows. The wires leading to the boxes must also be visible through the side windows. Wire gauges and the routing must provide an inch of give in each wire so that NASCAR inspectors can tug each wire to assure there is nothing illegal tied into the ignition system. The dashboard itself must have an access panel to allow NASCAR inspectors easy entry to areas under the dash to view any present wiring systems. The ignition boxes are to be “NASCAR approved” and are subject to any testing that NASCAR might deem necessary — including any destructive tests the sanctioning body might care to do as part of their post-race testing. Also included in the bulletin are a few new intake manifolds numbers, with Chevy getting two and Ford getting one. The new Ford part number is Edelbrock 2938. The new GM part carries Edlebrock number 2862 (replacing Edlebrock 2923) and GM number 889586217 (replacing GM 12370854). Each manufacturer has only five NASCAR approved intakes from which to choose. Another non-surprise was the standard body mounting location as referenced to the vertical centerline of the rear axle housing. This is standard for all makes and brands. All 2003 car makes will carry a 1.5-inch maximum kickout on the nose. All 2003 models will run a 6.25-inch x 55-inch rear spoiler. No angle was specified in a downforce configuration, but the working number for the speedway setting is 55 degrees. The rear spoilers of the 2001 and 2002 models were all reduced by a half-inch – regardless of make. Again, this pertains to the downforce configuration of the cars. One interesting item is that all approved carbon fiber seats must have a “unique imbedded electronic transponder identifier that matches records on file with NASCAR.” The transponder will help NASCAR track the composite seats, which can be compromised in a severe wreck but display no outward indication of lost integrity.(See much more at Ford Racing)(11-3-2002)
Templates for under the car? NASCAR officials have body templates for just about every part of the car except the bottom. And that may change next season: NASCAR is considering adding under-body templates to the pre-race inspection ritual, according to NASCAR sources. Under-car aerodynamics is one of the newest frontiers for Winston Cup engineers.(Winston Salem Journal)(11-3-2002)
Ten drivers with the wealthiest sponsors, according to a recent Wall Street Journal list of the world's 100 largest public companies (sponsor's rank in parentheses):
-- Mark Martin: Pfizer (No. 5 in the world)
-- Scott Riggs: Nestle, Busch Series (No. 24)
-- Ricky Rudd: ChevronTexaco (No. 30)
-- Dale Jarrett: UPS (No. 31)
-- Jeff Gordon: personal contract with Pepsi (No. 34)
-- Tony Stewart: Home Depot (No. 39)
-- Jeff Green: AOL Time Warner (No. 50)
-- Dale Earnhardt Jr.: Anheuser-Busch (No. 58)
-- Jeff Gordon: DuPont, team sponsor (No. 78)
-- Jimmie Johnson: Lowe's (No. 90)
Note: Coca Cola, with several drivers signed to personal contracts, is ranked No. 11; DaimlerChrysler, which backs the Dodge program, is ranked No. 86.(Daytona Beach News Journal)(11-3-2002)
Haas to buy Carter Out? Fukuyama in 2003? #26 [and #66] team owner Travis Carter's will be sweating things out the next few weeks. Carter opened the season with two teams and Bodine partnered with Joe Nemechek. Then sponsor Kmart declared bankruptcy, and Carter was left high and dry. He struggled to keep one team afloat, finally getting a summer sponsorship from DiscoverCard. But now DiscoverCard has decided not to renew. And Carter's backup plan, a Japanese financed venture with Hideo Fukuyama, may be slipping away into the void as well. He's got a Monday- morning meeting with the Japanese businessmen willing to put the package together to find out which way they'll go. Carter said he won't play the game next season as he did this year, hanging in there on the hope of landing something. "Not me." What about partner Carl Haas? There's no word yet. Carter hinted that Haas, the wealthy businessman, might buy out Carter's half of the team. Carter said he and Haas might run Bodine's team on a partial schedule next season. "He's trying to put together something to keep running the thing," Carter said. "Carl could support the whole thing if he wanted to do that. And I think he's thinking about it. But there's a lot of difference between thinking about it and laying it out. And you've got to have at least $10 million to run one of these teams, to be even close, to be a middle-level team. This is an expensive business." If Carter does hang on another season, who might drive his cars? "If Todd wants to drive and he's still available, we'd probably use him. If he's not, we'll just go get somebody. The way I see it now, just go get somebody with a helmet and stick 'em in there.(in part from the Winston Salem Journal)(11-3-2002)
Lake Speed at Daytona UPDATE and wins: Located in the infield near Turn 4 at Daytona International Speedway, guests at the Brumos Continental Historics will find NASCAR Winston Cup Series veteran Lake Speed tooling around with his #83 Ford Thunderbird. Speed, who last competed in a Winston Cup car back in 1998, is visiting the "World of Center of Racing" this weekend to compete in a pair of Historic Stock Car Feature races. The 54-year-old Speed, a native of Jackson, Miss., who now resides in North Carolina, is retired from racing, but remains very active by spending time with his wife, children and grandchildren. He's also involved in the real estate business and is currently the chairman of the board for Motor Racing Outreach. But Speed still misses the feeling of driving a race car. "Full-time basis now with 38 weekends, I don't miss that part, but I really miss driving a car," said Speed, who made 402 Winston Cup starts. "It's been really hard. I started racing when I was 12 years old. I raced non-stop every season until halfway through 1998 when I got hurt. I haven't been able to race since and that was tough. It was a big life change." Earlier this year, one of Speed's friends twisted his arm and convinced him to compete in one of the Historic Stock Car Racing Association events. That was the first time Speed has gotten behind the wheel since he drove his last Winston Cup race at Loudon, N.H., in 1998. Speed had so much fun that he decided to knock the dust off one of the stock cars he still owns and come to Daytona. He visited some Winston Cup auctions to pick up some equipment and another friend built him a motor. This weekend at Daytona, Speed won't be competing on just the 2.5-mile tri-oval like he did during his Winston Cup career as the Historic Stock Car Feature races utilize the 3.56-mile road course. The Brumos Continental Historics continues this weekend. Tickets are available by calling the Speedway ticket office at (386) 253-7223.(DIS PR)(11-2-2002) UPDATE: Lake Speed, retired from NASCAR Winston Cup Series competition since 1998, drove into Victory Lane on Saturday at Daytona International Speedway as a winner in the Historic Stock Car Feature Race during the Brumos Continental Historics. Speed, driving the No. 83 Ford Thunderbird that he built, owned and raced in the early 1990s, couldn't help but think about all the other victories that have escaped him at the "World Center of Racing" as he drove into Victory Lane after pulling off the dominating win. "This place has been really avoiding me for a long time," said an emotional Speed holding back the tears. "There have been so many near-misses here where we thought we're going to win races." Speed, who finished second in the 1985 Daytona 500, had a little problem with the start of the eight-lap race, but then cruised to victory. Speed, who will get a chance on Sunday at 3:05 p.m. to sweep both Historic Stock Car Racing Association races at Daytona, says he might continue to compete in the series next season.(DIS PR)(11-3-2002)
South Carloina License Plates: Fans of NASCAR Winston Cup Series racing now have a new way of showing their support for their favorite drivers with the unveiling of the new NASCAR Special License Plates. The official "first look" at this custom automobile tag took place in a ceremony on the south steps of the State House on October 31. Darlington Raceway president Andrew Gurtis, along with state Rep. Denny Neilson, unveiled the plates. Neilson originally introduced the legislation which made the tags a reality, and which was approved last year. The first series of license plates features five drivers - Dale Earnhardt, Sr.; Dale Earnhardt, Jr.; Rusty Wallace; Jeff Gordon; and Jeff Burton - along with a plate devoted wholly to NASCAR. They are available now at SC DMV offices. In addition to giving race fans an opportunity to demonstrate their loyalty to their favorite sport and its drivers, the plates will also provide financial assistance to three special projects. Part of the proceeds from the sale of the plates will go to the Department of Social Services' South Carolina Children's Emergency Shelter Fund. In addition, part of the revenue will be used to promote highway safety through a NASCAR License Plate Highway Safety Fund, administered by the Department of Public Safety in conjunction with the Department of Transportation. Finally, part of the net revenue will be used by the South Carolina Department of Parks, Recreation and Tourism to promote the activities of the agency's Sports Development Office.(Darlington Raceway PR)(11-3-2002)
DW hosts Tennessee rally with President Bush: At the request of the White House, three time Winston Cup champion Darrell Waltrip hosted a political rally Saturday Nov. 2 at the Tri Cities Airport in Bristol TN. Waltrip hosted the rally for Van Hilleary, the Tennessee Republican candidate for Governor and Tennessee Republican U.S. Senate candidate Lamar Alexander. Making a stop at the rally was President George W. Bush who spoke to the audience of over 10,000 people.(see more at whitehouse.gov(11-3-2002)
(11-2-2002)
New feature on NASCAR.com:NASCAR.com announced that it will be offering an enhanced version of its' TrackPass subscription product, TrackPass with Pit Command, to NASCAR fans free for the final three races of the Winston Cup season in Rockingham, NC (Nov. 3), Phoenix, AZ (Nov. 10) and Miami, FL (Nov.17). In addition, fans can purchase TrackPass with Pit Command for the entire 2003 season for just $50, or roughly 10 cents per covered event (practices, qualifying, Busch Series and Winston Cup races) in 2003. Both services, TrackPass and TrackPass with Pit Command, are available via NASCAR.com and RealNetworks, through its RealOne SuperPass service via www.realone.com. Along with exciting RaceCast features such as fanscan's live in car-audio, video updates and live radio broadcasts, TrackPass with Pit Command offers fans a chance to customize their experience so they can track their favorite drivers and teams by following their rpms, throttle, time behind the leader, lap speeds, laps led, points and brake telemetry data in real time, five times per second through the black box telemetry provided from each of the 43 drivers' cars. The Dashboard mode allows fans to choose any two drivers and watch readouts of their speeds, rpms, throttle position and brake position in real-time. Fans will now be able to follow as many or as few cars as they wish to during a Winston Cup race.(11-2-2002)
Martin back in the BGN in 2003: during TNT coverage of the Rockingham Cup qualifying, it was mentioned that Mark Martin, driver of the #6-Viagra Ford in the Cup series and 2nd in the Drivers Point, will drive five(5) BGN races in 2003. No details given, like what car or a sponsor or which races he will drive in. Martin is the all time wins leader in the Busch series.(11-2-2002)
Hornaday in the #83 at Phoenix: Ron Hornaday will pilot the #83 RacingUSA.com Chevy fielded by FitzBradshaw Racing in the Checker Auto Parts 500 at Phoenix International Raceway. Driver Kerry Earnhardt was originally slated to drive the car, but has chosen to put his Winston Cup attempts on hold for the remainder of the year, opting to focus on the rest of his Rookie season in the NASCAR Busch Series. Earnhardt's attempt to drive the #83 RacingUSA.com Chevy in the EA Sports 500 at Talladega Superspeedway was interrupted by inclement weather that forced drivers to start the race by owner points. Talladega was FitzBradshaw's first attempt in the Winston Cup Series and no owner points had been accumulated. While Hornaday will drive the #83 RacingUSA.com Chevy at Phoenix International Raceway, Earnhardt will drive the car next year in the Winston Open at Lowe's Motor Speedway.(FitzBradshaw Racing PR)(11-2-2002)
Update on Beam: Mike Beam will be the crew chief of Cal Wells III’s #32-Ford through the end of this year. After the season Beam will step aside and turn over the lead wrench duties to Team Engineer Roy McCauley. Beam is looking for something a little easier on the travel schedule with Wells’ operation. The reports of Beam being a spotter for the team were twisted somewhat, in that Beam spotted for driver Ricky Craven last week, but it was because the team’s regular spotter couldn’t make the trip to Atlanta. Considering the speed associated with the track Beam did the job rather than risk Craven’s safety on a beginner in the spotters stand.(Ford Racing)(11-2-2002)
#2 Crewman Injured: Earl Barban, mechanic and chief spotter for Rusty Wallace, was involved in a motorcycle accident while en route to the speedway last night. According to Barban, he sustained three broken ribs, a punctured lung, lacerated spleen and various cuts and bruises. He was reached in his hospital room Friday afternoon and updated his condition. Barban is expected to remain in the hospital until at least Saturday evening.(Ford Racing)(11-2-2002)
Yates talks to Baldwin: Robert Yates said Friday he's talked to Tommy Baldwin about replacing Michael McSwain as crew cheif on the #28 (to be the #38 in 2003), but that there are other candidates in the mix, too.(ThatsRacin.com) AND For the rest of the year it [crew chief of the #28] will be veteran Raymond Fox, who has been chassis man for Yates for years. One crewman under consideration is Peter Sospenzo, according to team sources. Sospenzo is the crew chief for Joe Nemechek at #25 Rick Hendrick's operation. Tommy Baldwin is another possibility. "We have talked with Tommy Baldwin," Yates said. "We have a few issues to work out, if it were to be Tommy. And there are some other opportunities for us to look at too. That's the good part."(Winston Salem Journal)(11-2-2002)
(11-1-2002)
Nemechek to stay in the #25 in 2003? UPDATE 2: During the rain delay at Atlanta, owner Rick Hendrick said he has no plans to change the lineup on the #25 Chevy -- and that was before driver Joe Nemechek finished second. Hendrick says the addition of crew chief Peter Sospenzo has brought new focus to the team.(Sporting News)(10-28-2002) UPDATE: Rick Hendrick gave Joe Nemechek a vote of approval to stay with his team next season. Since putting Peter Sospenzo in as crew chief, Nemechek's team has come alive. Nemechek said that the new design of the cars he has been driving recently is key.(Winston Cup Journal)(10-29-2002) UPDATE 2: Hendrick Motorsports is working to keep driver Joe Nemechek in its #25 UAW/Delphi Automotive Chevy next season and the team and Nemechek have started discussions toward that goal. Nemechek, who has been driving for the team since Jerry Nadeau left in May, had been among the leading candidates for the job, but cemented his position with his runner-up finish last weekend at Atlanta - the team's best of the season. Team officials on Friday would say only that no decision on a driver for the 2003 season had been made.(ThatsRacin.com)(11-1-2002)
Eury Jr to assume crew chief duties of the #8 UPDATE: during the rain delay of the NAPA 500 at Atlanta, NBC Pit Reporter said that Tony Eury Jr, driver Dale Earnhardt Jr's cousin, would be the crew chief of the #8 Bud Chevy in 2003 with current crew chief Tony Eury Sr assuming a different role.(10-27-2002) UPDATE: The roles of crew chief Tony Eury Sr. and Tony Eury Jr. on Winston Cup driver Dale Earnhardt Jr.'s #8 Budweiser Chevy team are unlikely to change next season, said Ty Norris, executive vice president for motorsports at Dale Earnhardt Inc.
Norris said for the past few months that Eury Jr. has been the person on the team with whom Earnhardt Jr. communicates about how the car is performing. Eury Sr.'s role is more of an "overseer," making sure the organization runs smoothly. TV reports last weekend at Atlanta said Eury Jr. would take on the crew chief role in 2003, but Norris said a change in titles would be unlikely.(ThatsRacin.com)(11-1-2002)
Stewart and DNF's: #20-Tony Stewart started the season with a last-place finish, his first of six DNFs (Did Not Finish), in February at the Daytona 500. No other driver in the top 10 in points has as many DNFs as Stewart, and no driver has won the championship with that many DNFs since Darrell Waltrip had eight, but won 12 races, in 1982. By contrast, Bobby Labonte, Stewart's teammate, finished every race -- every lap but nine -- when he won the championship in 2000.(Sporting News)(11-1-2002)
(10-31-2002)
Ford Credit Re-Ups with the #88: Ford Credit has agreed to terms with Robert Yates Racing on a one-year associate sponsorship package involving Dale Jarrett and the #88 Robert Yates Racing Ford Taurus beginning in 2003, as announced today by Phil Gordon, Motorsports Marketing Manager. Co-sponsor of the #88 Ford in NASCAR Winston Cup Series competition from 1996-2000 and associate sponsor since 2001, Ford Credit is a subsidiary of Ford Motor Company and the world's largest provider of automotive finance. It serves more than 10 million customers in 40 countries. During its association with Robert Yates Racing, Ford Credit has donated over $630,000 to the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation based on Dale Jarrett's race finishes and pole qualifying. Two years ago, Ford Credit added an initiative called Race Fans for a Cure, where fans may make donations to the Komen Foundation at select races and events. Race Fans for a Cure has raised over $230,000 -- often a dollar at a time -- for the Komen Foundation since 2000.(Ford PR)(10-31-2002)
Guaranteed Return On Investment: This is a statement hardly ever used in a motorsports sponsorship proposal. Just like everyone else America's Most Wanted Motorsports is searching for a sponsor, but they have a different approach than any other team out there. They are offering a guaranteed media exposure/cause-marketing package. America's Most Wanted Motorsports is offering an estimated ($2.5 Million plus) return in media exposure. That's in addition to the exposure they will receive on the racetrack. Their package includes in show content on America's Most Wanted, endorsements from John Walsh, 26 weeks of televised advertising, content placement on three major websites, in show content on two major sports shows and most important, assisting Missing Children. If any corporation has ever shown interest in sponsoring a team in Winston Cup or BGN, now is your chance with very little or no risk. For more info visit www.bodydynamicsracing.com.(10-31-2002)
Been asked - What are jacking bolts? thanks to Scott of Body Dynamics for an answer: A Jack Bolt (jack Screw)(Screw jack) is positioned at all four corners
of the car on top of the springs. They are used to compress and release compression on the springs to adjust and fine tune the
suspension setup of the car. They are also used to position the ride heights of the car. When you remove the springs you car turn the Jack bolt back to the original position which is usually done by counting the rounds or turns of the bolt then adjust from there. Also they are a quick alternative to replaces springs quickly.(10-31-2002)
Martin Tops Homestead Test: #6-Mark Martin posted the fastest lap as a two-day test session wound up Wednesday at Homestead-Miami Speedway with a lap of 149.089mph. Second among the seven Winston Cup cars testing was #40-Jamie McMurray at 147.945. Scott Wimmer was the faster of the two BGN drivers testing at 146.381.(Winston Cup Scene Daily Newsletter) and
#6-Mark Martin, 149.089
#40-Jamie McMurray, 147.945
#45-Kyle Petty, 145.592
#23-Kenny Wallace, 145.513
#21-Elliott Sadler, 145.474
#88-Dale Jarrett, 144.811
#43-Kyle Petty, 144.115
#09-Geoffrey Bodine, 142.593
BGN
#23-Scott Wimmer, 146.381
#92-Todd Bodine, 143.847 (HMS site)(10-31-2002)
No more DiscoverCard? UPDATE Bodine with new team? hearing that DiscoverCard will not be back as the #26 Haas-Carter Motorsports sponsor in 2003.(10-30-2002) UPDATE: Todd Bodine may join a Winston Cup start-up team for next season. Bodine has been scrambling to put his 2003 season together after learning three weeks ago his Winston Cup team's [Haas Carter Motorsports #26] sponsor, DiscoverCard, will not be back next season. Bodine said a new, well-funded Winston Cup team approached him to be its driver for 2003. He wouldn't say who the owners are behind the team. "There is a good possibility I'll be driving for them," Bodine said Wednesday from his home in North Carolina. "We're in negotiations; we could agree on a contract by this weekend." Bodine had hoped to continue to drive the #26 Ford for Haas Carter Motorsports in 2003. That changed when Discover Card agreed not to exercise its option. Bodine said Discover hasn't made a formal announcement, but he said Discover has told the team it won't be back as a sponsor. Bodine said that Discover's decision, made before the UAW-GM Quality 500 at Lowe's Motor Speedway earlier this month, was based on advertising budget cuts. Travis Carter is pursuing new sponsors and other racing options, but Bodine said the team's Winston Cup future is uncertain. "I really wanted to stay with Haas Carter," Bodine said. "This new team is a real deal and not a fly-by-night operation. It's unfortunate for me because I'll be starting all over again. It's tough to establish any consistency when you're new." Bodine rejoined the Herzog Jackson Motorsports #92 BGN team on Tuesday and immediately began a two-day test session at Homestead, FL. Bodine left that team following the event at Kansas Speedway on Sept. 28 to concentrate on his Winston Cup effort with Haas Carter, thinking Discover Card would be back. In renewing his ties with Herzog Jackson Motorsports this week, Bodine is keeping his options open with that team for 2003. He'll compete in the #92 Excedrin QuickTabs Chevy for the remaining three races of the 2002 Busch Series season, beginning this weekend with the Sam's Club 200 at Rockingham. "There are really not a whole lot of options out there," said Bodine, who said that Herzog Jackson is still trying to sign a sponsor for next year. Excedrin, the team's current sponsor, announced earlier this season that it will not return in 2003. Herzog Jackson was also keen on entering Winston Cup and wanted Bodine to be a part of it. The team had planned to put Bodine in a few Winston Cup races this year before he returned to Haas Carter full time in June. Bodine said if he signs with the new Winston Cup team, he probably won't continue in the BGN next year.(Star Gazette), no word on which 'New' team it is(10-31-2002)
More on Atwood: A spokesperson for Casey Atwood yesterday denied a flurry of Internet and TV reports that the young racer from Nashville has been fired as the driver of the No. 7 Dodge co-owned by Ray Evernham. ''None of that was true,'' said Ultra/Evernham Motorsports spokesperson Amy Hunerberg. ''Casey has not been fired, re-hired and fired again.'' So even though the swirl of rumors has so far been unfounded, all indications are that it's unlikely that Atwood will remain with Ultra/Evernham Motorsports. Hunerberg said yesterday that, ''as we speak,'' Atwood is scheduled to drive the car in Sunday's race at Rockingham, N.C. Attempts to contact Atwood have been unsuccessful. His father, Terry, yesterday said: ''Ray told him he's still in the car.'' Adding to the complexity of the issue is the fact that Jim Smith, the car's other co-owner, is mired in legal problems in California. He's fighting charges of illegally dumping unapproved waste material at his manufacturing plant. Atwood canceled his usual weekly teleconference with media on Tuesday, fanning rumors that had already been swirling. Earlier, Hank Parker Jr. was selected by Evernham to drive a ''research and development'' car in this Sunday's race in what is widely considered to be an audition for Atwood's job. Kevin Le-page, who recently left Brewco Motorsports, is also reported to be in contention for the ride. If Atwood is fired, there could be a breach-of-contact issue. He has one year remaining on a three-year contact he signed with Evernham. Atwood was not consulted when Evernham added Smith as a partner and demoted Atwood to the #7 car. ''It's been a mess,'' Terry Atwood said. Casey Atwood has talked to Brewco Motorsports owner Clarence Brewer about returning to the Busch Series team for which he once drove. Atwood said he would like to run Busch races ''on a limited schedule'' but hopes to remain in Winston Cup full-time.(Tennessean)(10-31-2002)
Petty Jet Makes Emergency Landing UPDATE 2: Petty's corporate jet makes emergency landing: A corporate jet reportedly owned by Petty Enterprises and carrying race car driver Christian Fittipaldi has made an emergency landing at Sky Harbor International Airport.(AZ Family)(10-30-2002) UPDATE: the Petty plane that made an emergency landing did so safely and with no injuries, info suggests that they blew a tire on takeoff, and after dumping fuel made a safe landing with minor damage to the wheel hub. Nobody was hurt.(Petty Enterprises source) UPDATE 2: A private plane carrying members of Petty Racing made a successful emergency landing.Wednesday evening at Sky Harbor International Airport in Phoenix, AZ. No injuries were reported. The team had just completed two days of testing at Phoenix International Raceway with driver Christian Fittipaldi, Fittipaldi was not on the plane.(Williams Company PR)(10-31-2002)
Go Cart Accident at Charity Event: A charity go-cart race among Valley mayors at Phoenix International Raceway went awry Wednesday when Litchfield Park Mayor Woody Thomas' go-cart overturned, leaving him with a gash in his head and knocking him unconscious. Thomas, 48, was flown to St. Joseph's Hospital and Medical Center, but firefighters on the scene said he was talking and responding normally. He was in fair condition Wednesday afternoon and spent the night at the hospital. The accident created a chilling scene at the raceway, where seven mayors raced roll-bar-equipped go-carts against four-time Winston Cup champion Jeff Gordon for charity. As the race ended, Thomas' go-cart was bumped by another and flipped over. Thomas' go-cart landed on its side, with an unconscious mayor still strapped in, bleeding from his head. Thomas regained consciousness after about 30 seconds and was talking to paramedics and the other mayors while being treated. "I feel fine," Thomas said. PIR President Bryan Sperber would not comment on whether the track considered offering helmets. All of the mayoral participants signed liability waivers. Before the race, Thomas took a few practice laps in the go-cart and jokingly asked a nearby track worker, "What's the roll factor on these?" Fountain Hills Mayor Jon Beydler won the mayors' race, well behind Gordon, but the accident delayed the awarding of the $1,000 prize, which will go to charity.(Arizona Republic)(10-31-2002)
2003 GM cars test at Talladega: The 2003 version of the Chevrolet Monte Carlo and Pontiac Grand Prix hit the track running fast on Wednesday for the first of a two-day General Motors test session at Talladega Superspeedway. “I think it’s better. I really do,” said Dale Earnhardt Jr., the driver of the #8 Chevy Budweiser team and the winner of the past three races at the track. “It’s a little too early to really tell, but it’s fast.” Dale Jr. and the #8 Budweiser Dale Earnhardt Inc. team were among 11 General Motors teams testing at Talladega. Junior was joined by fellow DEI drivers Michael Waltrip with the #15 NAPA Auto Parts Chevy team and Steve Park with the #1 Pennzoil Chevy team. “We were just working on qualifying runs this morning,” said Dale Jr., while taking a break playing solitaire and eating a few crackers and cheese. Asked what the major changes were, he looked over the car front to back and replied,
“All of it; it’s all new.” Dale Jr. isn’t kidding. When fans see the new Monte Carlo, they will easily recognize its sloping hood, short rear deck and rear quarter glass panels. The car also appears to be sleeker in overall shape. The nose of the car is also new, with a continuing slope from the hood of the car. Eleven General Motors Teams Put 2003 Models Through a Workout at Talladega Superspeedway. Joining the three DEI teams on Wednesday were fellow GM drivers Jeff Green with the #30 America Online Richard Childress Racing team, Ron Hornaday with the #31 Cingular Wireless RCR team, Mike Skinner with the #4 Kodak Film Morgan-McClure Motorspo rts crew, Jack Sprague with the #60 Haas Automation Hendrick Motorsports team, David Green with the #5 Kellogg’s Hendrick Motorsports crew, Andy Hillenburg with the #10 MBV Valvoine Racing team, Ricky Craven with the #32 Tide PPI Motorsports crew and Bobby Labonte with the #18 Interstate Batteries Joe Gibbs Racing team. The two-day GM test ends Thursday. NASCAR approved the 2003 Pontiac Grand Prix in late July and the 2003 Chevrolet Monte Carlo about a month later. Since that time the teams have been working on the 2003 cars. DEI, RCR, Joe Gibbs Racing and Hendrick Motorsports were credited with pooling their talents to aid in the design of the new Monte Carlo. Joe Gibbs Racing will make the switch from Pontiac to Chevrolet in 2003 and PPI Motorsports switches from Ford to Pontiac.(Talladega Superspeedway)(10-31-2002)
#43 special scheme at the Rock: General Mills’ Pop Secret Popcorn. The popcorn is the title sponsor for Sunday’s Pop Secret 400 at the 1.017-mile North Carolina Speedway in Rockingham. John Andretti will be driving a specially-painted #43 Pop Secret Dodge for this weekend’s race. General Mills and its cereals and snack foods have sponsored Petty Enterprises and the #43 team since the summer of 2000.(Willams Company PR)(10-31-2002)
Nice Gesture: New Milwaukee Brewers Manager, Ned Yost, an avid NASCAR fan, will wear #3 in honor of his good friend Dale Earnhardt, who was killed during the final laps of the 2001 Daytona 500.(Atlanta Braves Site)(10-31-2002)
Gordon and Baja: Robby Gordon will fly to Loreto, Mexico, Monday morning following the Rockingham race to participate in a pre-run session for the Tecate/SCORE Baja 1000 on Nov. 4-6. He is scheduled to pre-run the lower half of the Baja course during that time in a vehicle other than the #31 Trophy Truck he will compete in in the Baja. The pre-run session gives the competitors the opportunity to get the "lay of the land" and familiarize themselves with the track. Gordon will run from San Ignacio to La Parisma the 4th, La Parisma to La Paz the 5th and repeat La Parisma to La Paz the 6th. Gordon is scheduled to test his Trophy Truck along the upper part of the Baja course on Nov. 11-12.(RCR Racing)(10-31-2002)
#97 Scheme at Phoenix: Kurt Busch will compete in the #97 Stain Shield Ford at Phoenix International Raceway on Sunday, November 10. Stain Shield is Rubbbermaid's new line of very affordable food containers, which resists staining from tomato-based products.(Roush Racing Fan Newsletter)(10-31-2002)
(10-30-2002)
Well..that was fast - McSwain named #18 Crew Chief: Almost one month ago, Joe Gibbs Racing announced the search was to begin for a new crew chief to handle the duties for driver Bobby Labonte and the #18 Interstate Batteries Racing Team. Through a very determined and deliberate process the search is over. Beginning with the 2003 season, Michael McSwain will take over the reigns of one of the most successful teams in NASCAR Winston Cup racing in recent years. “We are all very excited that we are able to announce Michael joining our organization,” said team owner Joe Gibbs. “We feel as though he will be a good fit with everyone else we already have in place here. And most importantly, we all think he will be able to work very well with Jimmy (Makar) in his new role, along with Bobby (Labonte) and Zippy (Greg Zipadelli).”
“I am excited about the chance I am being given to join Joe Gibbs Racing,” said McSwain. “All of this is happening so fast and it probably hasn’t quite sunk in yet. I know what I am being brought into to accomplish and I am looking forward to working with everyone to get Bobby and the #18 car back to the head table in New York. I especially need to thank Ricky (Rudd) for giving me an opportunity
back in 1999 and then bringing me with him over to Robert Yates Racing,” added McSwain. “I also need to thank Robert and Carolyn
(Yates) for everything they did for me. Without those people, I would not have the opportunity I do today.”(Joe Gibbs Racing PR)
NOTE: Jimmy Makar will finish the season as the crew chief of the #18 car. McSwain will be in an observatory role listen and watching Labonte and Makar interact with one another.(10-30-2002)
Latest on McSwain to the #18 UPDATE released - Fox to crew chief #28: Expect an announcement within a day or so that Michael McSwain has left Robert Yates Racing to become #18-Bobby Labonte’s crew chief in 2003. Apparently, a deal has been struck between Yates and Joe Gibbs to get McSwain out of his contract.(Gaston Gazette)(10-30-2002) UPDATE: Michael "Fatback" McSwain has been released from Robert Yates Racing. McSwain, who had been the crew chief for Ricky Rudd and the #28 Havoline Ford since 1999, was released from his contract on Wednesday. The move, the latest by Yates in a progression that has included purging himself of driver Ricky Rudd and Yates' longtime sponsor Chevron/Texaco, frees McSwain to pursue other career options. Yates had previously said that, due to McSwain's contract, which ran through next season, he did not anticipate him leaving. "We've negotiated a release for Michael from his contract," said team owner Robert Yates. "This will allow him to pursue other opportunities and allow us to look at our options for the future. We wish him the best in his future endeavors." For this weekend's race at North Carolina Speedway, car chief Raymond Fox will take over the crew chief duties for the #28 Ford.(NASCAR.com)(10-30-2002)
Sad News: Mary Stofflet, grandmother of John Andretti, has passed away. Arrangements are being handled by George Bensing Funeral Home in Mooretown, PA. The viewing is scheduled tonight from 7-9 p.m., and the funeral Thursday, Oct. 31, at 1:00pm/et. In lieu of flowers, the family has requested donations be sent to: Salem United Church of Christ, 2218 Community Drive,
Bath, PA. 18014.(10-30-2002)
Sad News: Eoline “Mom” Leatherman Jarrett, 92, of Hickory-Lincolnton Highway, died Oct. 27, 2002, at her residence. She is the mother of NASCAR great Ned Jarrett and grandmother to Dale (driver of the #88 UPS Ford) and broadcaster Glenn.(full obit at the Hickory Record)(10-30-2002)
APR looking for sponsor partner for #55: Andy Petree Racing, a team that went to Victory Lane twice last year with two cars [#33 and #55], one coming at Rockingham, where Joe Nemechek drove the #33 Chevy to win the race [it no longer exists, a victim of sponsorship woes, except for a few one-off deals], could be in trouble if money doesn't soon materialize for Petree's other car, the #55 driven by Bobby Hamilton. "It's been a very frustrating year, especially since we were coming off our most successful year," Petree said. "We won two races with two cars operating on a budget that was less than what some teams spend on one car. But we used what money we had to run an efficient program. I truly believe if we just could have maintained sponsorship levels, we'd be a contender to win every week." So Petree has launched a sponsor search that could ultimately become a new trend in NASCAR. Desperate to keep the #55 on the track -- and ever hopeful the #33 can come back -- he's looking at every way possible to scrape together the necessary dollars. Square D, an electrical distribution company that sponsors the #55, has told Petree it can't afford the $8 million he needs to run a full Winston Cup schedule. But the company still wants to be involved, and Petree is looking for co-sponsors to help pick up the tab. "Square D can do about a third of that, maybe I can stretch them to do a half," Petree said. "So my goal is to find some other companies who want to get into the sport, but also can't afford to do a full sponsorship deal, and bring them in on a smaller price tag." That's almost unheard of in NASCAR, where some sponsors pay upward of $16 million a year to splash their product on the hood of a car for 36 weekends a year. But Petree has never required that kind of money to function, finding ways to cut corners and stretch every dollar while still being competitive. The basis behind Petree's new plan is to bring at least one other company on to the #55, and find a way to give the sponsor the most value. For example, Square D can be the primary paint scheme and host the hospitality tents at races that fit its market, while another company can hit the cities that it wants.(CBS Sportsline/AP)(10-30-2002)
Petty Looking for sponsor combo's for the #44: Petty Enterprises is looking to have co-sponsors [such as the #12 in the BGN does] for the #44 Dodge that Christian Fittipaldi will pilot next season. Because Fittipaldi will make his stock-car debut by racing in Cup, BGN and ARCA next season, the Pettys are open to allowing various companies to sponsor the car based on series, or markets, to meet the estimated $10 million-$15 million they need for the program. "There are sponsors out there who have $2 million or $3 million to spend on a program and just can't afford to do anymore," CEO Kyle Petty said. "This is a way to open doors for those companies to come into the sport." The search has Bill Scott, head of Petty Marketing, working overtime in finding ways to sell the team to potential investors. At issue is finding new and inventive ways to give the sponsor the most for its money. The Pettys are at an advantage -- they're a household name in racing and can offer a lot to sponsors. "We have a brand name that we've built over 50 years in motorsports," Petty said. Companies who sign on with the family are often rewarded with employee rides at the Richard Petty Driving Experience, and they host weekend sponsor conferences in which their investors get together to brainstorm how they can work together to better benefit themselves.(CBS Sportsline/AP)(10-30-2002)
NASCAR Yearbook: the 2002 NASCAR Winston Cup Yearbook “ the 31st Anniversary Edition “ is now avialble for order. Appropriately, the yearbook, produced by UMI Publications, is presented to the NASCAR Winston Cup champion each year, at the season-ending awards ceremony in New York City. Just as appropriate, though, is the fact that NASCAR fans are able to secure their own copy. From the season-opening Daytona 500 to the season-ending "NASCAR Championship Weekend" at Homestead-Miami Speedway the 2002 NASCAR Winston Cup Yearbook provides fans with an "insider's look" into the trials and triumphs of the season. It's all there: nearly 300 pages covering 36 races, involving 23 racetracks, and a schedule shared by 19 states; a coast-to-coast-to-coast championship chase involving the world's greatest race car drivers, in the nation's No. 1 motorsports series. Prefacing the detailed descriptions of the weekly battles is a section devoted to past NASCAR Winston Cup champions, such as Richard Petty and Dale Earnhardt, Rusty Wallace and Bill Elliott, and Jeff Gordon, who is amid a chase all his own, trying to tie “ or break “ the record of seven career championships shared by Petty and Earnhardt. Orders are now being taken for the yearbook's 31st Anniversary Edition. Delivery is guaranteed by Christmas. "This yearbook," said former NASCAR Winston Cup champion Benny Parsons, "is the ultimate gift for any race fan." To order visit UMI Publications' website, www.umipub.com. The yearbook is available only through UMI and is not sold in bookstores.(NASCAR PR)(10-30-2002)
#11 Crew Chief: Brett Bodine Racing announced today the hiring of Jon Wolfe to fill the Crew Chief position for the #11 Hooters NASCAR Winston Cup team. Wolfe, 39, has an extensive 20-year background in racing and worked with Bodine at King Racing in the early 1990's. He had filled in temporarily for the #11 Hooters team in Darlington, Richmond and New Hampshire this season. "I am excited to get Jon on board for the rest of the season and to prepare for the off-season testing and the 2003 NASCAR Winston Cup season. In the time we have spent working together, it seemed the chemistry was really good and that he worked well with members of our organization," stated Bodine. Jon offered, "I'm pretty excited about working with Brett again. We worked together years ago and had some success. I know this is a smaller team and we will have struggles, but I hope with the experience I bring, we can turn things around. This is a good group of guys and I am eager to work with them." Wolfe resides in Mooresville with wife, Kim and daughter, Sydney Nicole.(BBR PR)(10-30-2002)
Beam Fined: NASCAR officials announced today that Mike Beam, crew chief of the #32 Ford in the NASCAR Winston Cup Series, has been fined $500 for a rule violation last weekend at Atlanta Motor Speedway. Beam was penalized under Section 12-4-Q in the NASCAR Winston Cup Series rule book ("Any determination by NASCAR officials that parts and/or equipment used in the Event do not conform to NASCAR rules.") for use of unapproved jacking bolts.(NASCAR PR)(10-30-2002)
More on the #7 Team: hearing Ray Evernham has been looking at ending the partnership with the #7 Ultra Motorsports team and owner Jim Smith, over the lack of competitiveness of the team. Also supposedly driver Casey Atwood was released, but Atwood's reportedly contract states Smith has to pay him for the remainder of the year. Kevin Lepage came in and was fitted for a seat, met the team, etc. But when Atwood's lawyer supposedly contacted Smith and told him to send a check, Atwood was put back in the car and until they reach an agreement, Atwood will drive because Smith won't pay two drivers at the same time. They are apparently trying to work that out.(10-30-2002)
Lepage in? Atwood out at the #7? UPDATE 3 Maybe?: hearing Kevin Lepage, who recently left the Brewco Motorsports in the BGN [Elton Sawyer in the #37 BGN car this week] will take over the #7 Sirius Dodge driving duties this week at Rockingham, Casey Atwood will supposedly go back to Brewco Motorsports and the BGN. Supposedly Lepage will run the final three Cup races in the car and possibly drive the full 2003 season.(10-29-2002) UPDATE:PRN'S Garagepass Sources Have Confirmed That Car Owner Ray Evernham And Driver Casey Atwood Are Parting Company. Kevin Lepage, In A One Race Deal, Will Drive The Sirius Satellite Dodge, At Rockingham. UPDATE 2: Contrary to electronic reports, Casey Atwood will remain behind the wheel of the #7 Sirius Satellite Dodge for the rest of the 2002 season. A team representative told NASCAR.com late Tuesday that Atwood would indeed drive in the three remaining races this year. Kevin Lepage will not drive the car, as reports stated.(NASCAR.com)(10-29-2002) UPDATE 3: There may be a driver change for this weekend's Winston Cup race at Rockingham. There is action at Ultra Evernham Motorsports. Sources close to the team said that Casey Atwood was fired Tuesday morning as the driver of the #7 car. Kevin Lepage was at the shop on Tuesday and was set to replace Atwood this weekend. By Tuesday afternoon, Atwood was back in the car because of contractual snag, but if the situation is cleared up, Lepage may in fact be in the 7 car this weekend.(FoxSports)(10-30-2002)
Martha Earnhardt Suffers Possible Stroke: Martha Earnhardt -- mother of NASCAR racer Dale and grandmother to Dale Jr., Kerry, Kelly and Nicole -- was admitted to NorthEast Medical Center Saturday with what the family believed to be a stroke, according to a family friend. A hospital spokesman said she is now in good condition. The Earnhardt family matriarch still lives in the Kannapolis home where she raised Dale, who later became one of NASCAR's most decorated drivers. She recently attended the unveiling of a statue in downtown Kannapolis to honor her son, who died in a crash in the Daytona 500 in February 2001.(Stock Car Gazette Newsletter)(10-30-2002)
Phoenix Testing and Fittapaldi to run #44 next week UPDATE: Out West #24-Jeff Gordon Was Practicing at Phoenix along with #10-Johnny Benson, #49-Derrike Cope, and CART driver Christian Fittapaldi, Who is going to attempt to qualify the Petty Enterprises #44 Georgia Pacific Dodge there next week.(PRN's Garagepass Radio Show)(10-29-2002) UPDATE - Teams Complete First Day of Testing at PIR: Four Cup Series teams and one BGN team rolled into Phoenix International Raceway (PIR) on Tuesday for the first of a two-day test session. #24-Jeff Gordon, #10-Johnny Benson, #44-Christian Fittipaldi, #49-Derrick Cope and [BGN] #97-PJ Jones all took to the one-mile oval in preparation for the NASCAR Checker Auto Parts 500 presented by Pennzoil Weekend, November 7-10. Gordon turned the fastest time of the day with a speed of 130.910mph, followed by #49-Cope at 129.032. Both #10-Benson and #44-Fittipaldi tested in race trim and had best speeds of 128.571. Fittipaldi will attempt to qualify the car for the November 10th Checker Auto Parts 500 presented by Pennzoil. Meanwhile, PJ Jones was the lone Busch Series competitor testing at PIR today in the new #97 Tuttle Motorsports entry. Jones lapped the track in 125.000mph. Testing for all teams will conclude tomorrow.(PIR PR)(10-30-2002)
NASCAR Addresses TNT Concerns: It looks like NASCAR is very confident that NASCAR fans won't miss any programming on TNT in 2003. Paul Brooks, NASCAR VP of Broadcasting, tells us, "Turner has informed NASCAR that they are going through their normal cycle of negotiations with cable affiliates and they feel confident that these negotiations will result in renewed agreements and that NASCAR programming will not be affected. We look forward to giving NASCAR fans even more NASCAR programming in 2003".(MotorsportsTV)(10-30-2002)
(10-29-2002)
Homestead Testing: Seven Cup and Four BGN Teams Have Begun a Two Day Test at The Homstead-Miami Speedway. Kyle Petty Is Turning Laps in his #45 Car and Teammate John Andretti's #43. Andretti Is In Pennsylvania Where His Grandmother Is Gravely Ill. Also at Homestead, #25-Joe Nemechek, #6-Mark Martin, #88-Dale Jarrett, #21-Elliott Sadler, #23-Kenny Wallace, and #40-Jamie McMurray.(PRN's Garagepass Radio Show)(10-29-2002)
IROC back at 'Dega in 2003: The International Race of Champions [IROC] will return to Talladega Superspeedway next season, track officials announced Monday. The IROC race, which will be held during the speedway's April Winston Cup race weekend, returns after a one-year absence. Next season will mark the 13th IROC event at the track since 1984. "We're thrilled with the return of the IROC series at Talladega," said Grant Lynch, the track's president. "Talladega Superspeedway's knack for delivering competitive races is a perfect fit for the IROC series and its group of world-class drivers. We are also thrilled for our fans who will get to watch one of the most action-packed hours in auto racing." IROC is a four-race series composed of 12 drivers from various forms of motorsports. Winston Cup driver Kevin Harvick won the 2002 IROC championship. In 2002, IROC races were held at Daytona, California, Chicagoland and Indianapolis.(ThatsRacin.com)(10-29-2002)
Boogity boosts Pop Warner team to playoffs Thanks to offensive line coach Andy Cospito's friendship with NASCAR on FOX analyst and three-time Winston Cup champion Darrell Waltrip, players on the Ormond Beach (Fla.) Panther Pop Warner Junior Midgets football team have taken their DW devotion to a new level. Check out photos of the team: The offensive linemen -- seventh and eighth graders at Ormond Beach Middle School -- wear "Boogity, Boogity, Boogity" t-shirts under their pads on game days and have rallied around Waltrip's trademark phrase to a playoff berth. Cospito has been DW's bodyguard at the Daytona International Speedway in nearby Daytona Beach, Fla. for several years, and he and his players watch NASCAR on FOX races, chanting along with Waltrip at the start of the races. The linemen took the chant from green-flag racing to the gridiron, protecting quarterback Troy Danhower as Cospito protects DW. The Panthers, led by head coach Gibb Danhower, were 9-0 through October 29, the opening day of the playoffs. All the members of the team are big FOX and Hollywood Hotel fans, always asking questions about NASCAR on FOX race analysts Jeff Hammond, Larry McReynolds and, of course, DW. As the joke goes and the kids say, Cospito is one of DW's BIGGEST fans.(All Waltrip.com)(10-29-2002)
Labonte to build track: Bobby Labonte along with the North Carolina Quarter Midget Association and members of the Rowan County Board of Commissioners unveiled plans for a state of the art racing facility to be built in Salisbury, N.C. The facility, which will be the first of its kind in North Carolina, will play host to quarter midget racecars. Quarter midget racing events are held
throughout the United States at venues as large as the Indianapolis Motor Speedway, all the way down to mall parking lots. For Labonte, the opportunity to help build this facility is a chance for him to be able to give something back to the sport of auto racing
which has been very good to him over the years. As plans started to move forward, he knew it was going to have to stay centrally located and easily accessibly in order to be successful. The location in Salisbury is exactly what Labonte was looking for and he couldn’t be more excited about making the announcement. Plans for the facility are still being worked on and finalized.(see fulls tory and quotes at ThatsRacin.com/AP)(10-29-2002)
Parker gets sponsor: USG Corporation, a leading manufacturer of building materials for the construction and remodeling industries, will be the primary sponsor on the Evernham Motorsports #91 Dodge for this weekend's NASCAR Winston Cup race -- Pop Secret 400 at North Carolina Speedway. As was announced by Evernham Motorsports, BGN [#36 GNC Dodge] driver Hank Parker Jr. will drive the car as an ongoing research and development commitment to Dodge. It will be a double-duty weekend for Parker. Along with making his first Winston Cup entry, he will also compete in Saturday's Sam's Club 200 BGN race at the track. The USG logo will be displayed on the red, white and blue #91 Dodge along with three of the company's flagship brands -- SHEETROCK(®) (drywall), DUROCK(®) (cement board tile backer) and DONN(®) (ceiling suspension system). "USG has been a supporter of NASCAR for several years as the official building materials supplier," said Fareed Khan, vice president, marketing USG Building Systems. "We are excited about supporting Hank Parker Jr.'s introduction into the Winston Cup Series. "The Rock" could not be a better race for us given the nice tie-in with our key brands -- SHEETROCK(®), DUROCK(®), FIBEROCK(®) and DONN(®)."
"We welcome this partnership with USG," said Ray Evernham, president and CEO Evernham Motorsports. "The Evernham Motorsports research and development operation is essential to remaining on the cutting edge of innovation in our sport and our alliance with USG is a perfect fit. As a leader and innovator with highly successful brands for the construction and remodeling industries, our partnership with USG allows us to further enhance Evernham Motorsports commitment to excellence with our Dodge research and development program." USG Corporation, based in Chicago, is a Fortune 500 company with subsidiaries which are market leaders in their key product groups: gypsum wallboard, joint compound and related gypsum products; cement board; gypsum fiber panels; ceiling panels and grid; and building products distribution. For more information about USG Corporation, visit the USG home page at www.usg.com. (USG Corporation PR), see my Paint Scheme Gallery for an image of the car.(10-29-2002)
Shootout at night in 2003:The Budweiser Shootout, a non-points race that has kicked off the Winston Cup season since 1979, will be run at night, under the lights at Daytona International Speedway beginning next season. The Shootout will swap days with the traditional date of Winston Cup qualifying for the Daytona 500, with the Shootout running next season on Saturday night, Feb. 8, and Cup qualifying for the 500 on Sunday, Feb. 9, sources said. Fox is scheduled to broadcast Speedweeks events in 2003, but it is unclear at this time whether the Shootout will be televised on Fox or FX. The change will make the Shootout the second new night race for the 2003 season. Lowe's Motor Speedway announced earlier this season its fall Cup race next year would move to a Saturday night. When asked Monday if the 2003 Budweiser Shootout would be a night race in 2003, Daytona International Speedway officials wouldn't comment specifically about the change. "An announcement regarding the schedule of activities for Speedweeks next season will be forthcoming very soon," said Glyn Johnston, Daytona's director of public relations. The Shootout is a 70-lap race featuring the previous season's pole winners as well as former winners of the event. Tony Stewart, who currently leads the Winston Cup series points race, has won the past two Shootouts. The late Dale Earnhardt leads all drivers with six victories in the event.(ThatsRacin.com)(10-29-2002)
Schrader and Federated Auto Parts to Petree? Ken Schrader might be headed back to Andy Petree Racing, primarily because he is bringing a sponsor. Federated Auto Parts, which sponsors Ken Schrader Racing's trucks and late model programs, is expected to move to Winston Cup in 2003. Schrader, who last drove for Andy Petree in 1999, is losing the #36 ride he has had since 2000. Bobby Hamilton is leaving Petree's #55 Chevy (of APR)(Sporting News)(10-28-2002) UPDATE: Ken Schrader and Bob-by Hamilton have been keeping a low profile recently as they scramble to line up rides for next season. Insiders figure that Schrader will likely wind up back with car owner Andy Petree, although Petree himself is scrambling for more sponsorship money.(Winston Cup Journal)(10-29-2002)
Ford can clinch at Atlanta UPDATE clinched and Stuff: Ford can clinch its third manufacturer's championship in the last four years and 15th overall by finishing first, second or third among the four car makes in Sunday's race. The only way Ford will not clinch the title in Atlanta is if Chevrolet wins and Ford finishes fourth among the manufacturers. A Ford has not won on the Atlanta track since Dale Jarrett's Taurus took the checkered flag in the 1997 spring race, the last event run before the track was redesigned.(Daytona Beach News Journal/AP)(10-24-2002) UPDATE the NAPA 500 at AMS was won by #97-Kurt Busch driving a Ford, thus clinching the Manufacturers Championship for Ford. For standings and race by race coverage, see my Manufacturers Championship page.(10-27-2002) STUFF - facts: Kurt Busch's first-place finish the NAPA 500 enabled Ford Racing to clinch the 2002 manufacturer's championship. Ford now holds an insurmountable 26-point lead over second-place Chevrolet with three races remaining. The championship marks the third time in Taurus' five-year history that Ford has won the manufacturer's top prize and 15th overall. Ford's depth proved to be a key factor this season as 9-of-13 full-time drivers scored points, led by Matt Kenseth, Ryan Newman and Kurt Busch. Those three have been Ford's highest finisher six times each. Tidbits:
Ford has won the manufacturer's championship three times in the last four years (1999, 2000, 2002).
Ford is the only manufacturer to have at least one car finish in the Top 5 of every race.
Ford has had only one fourth-place manufacturer finish and has been either first or second 27 times.
Ford has won a series-best six manufacturer's championships since 1992.
Ford has had nine different drivers score manufacturer points. Season Highlights
Ford leads the NASCAR Winston Cup Series with 12 wins.
Ford driver Matt Kenseth leads all drivers with four wins this season.
Ford has had six different drivers win races – most among manufacturers.
Ford drivers Kurt Busch and Ryan Newman registered their first series wins. Ford's Pevious Manufacturer Championships (Modern Era Only)
1992 – Clinched at North Wilkesboro by Geoffrey Bodine (Won Holly Farms 400)
1994 – Clinched at Martinsville by Rusty Wallace (Won Goody's 500)
1997 – Clinched at Martinsville by Jeff Burton (Won Hanes 500)
1999 – Clinched at Phoenix by Mark Martin (Finished 2nd in Checker Auto Parts/DuraLube 500K)
2000 – Clinched at Rockingham by Dale Jarrett (Won Pop Secret 400)
2002 – Clinched at Atlanta by Kurt Busch (Won NAPA 500) Ford Drivers Who Scored Manufacturer's Points This Season:
#17-Matt Kenseth (six times); #12-Ryan Newman (six times); #97-Kurt Busch (six times); #2-Rusty Wallace (four times); #6-Mark Martin (three times); #88-Dale Jarrett (three times); #28-Ricky Rudd (two times); #21-Elliott Sadler (two times); #99-Jeff Burton (once).
Ford's Manufacturer Championship Seasons (15): 1956, 1957, 1963, 1964, 1965, 1966, 1967, 1968, 1969, 1992, 1994, 1997, 1999, 2000 and 2002.(Ford Racing), for standings and race by race coverage, see my Manufacturers Championship page(10-29-2002)
New #32 Crew Chief UPDATE: during an interview with Ricky Craven by NBC's Matt Yocum, it was mentioned that Engineer Roy McCauley would become the crew chief for the team in 2003. Mike Beam will be the spotter and is already doing so.(10-27-2002) UPDATE: Ricky Craven said Sunday that crew chief Mike Beam will be his spotter next year and that engineer Roy McCauley will be the team's crew chief.(Roanoke Times)(10-28-2002) UPDATE 2: Ricky Craven has a new crew chief, with car owner Cal Wells - an engineer-oriented man - promoting chief engineer Roy McCauley to the job and moving current crew chief Mike Beam to another position.(Winston Cup Journal)(10-29-2002)
Nemechek to stay in the #25 in 2003? During the rain delay at Atlanta, owner Rick Hendrick said he has no plans to change the lineup on the #25 Chevy -- and that was before driver Joe Nemechek finished second. Hendrick says the addition of crew chief Peter Sospenzo has brought new focus to the team.(Sporting News)(10-28-2002) UPDATE: Rick Hendrick gave Joe Nemechek a vote of approval to stay with his team next season. Since putting Peter Sospenzo in as crew chief, Nemechek's team has come alive. Nemechek said that the new design of the cars he has been driving recently is key.(Winston Cup Journal)(10-29-2002)
Still at it: A law passed after the death of race car driver Dale Earnhardt that restricts public access to autopsy photos should be tossed out as unconstitutional, the attorney for a student newspaper has urged the Florida Supreme Court.(Full story ay the Daytona Beach News Journal)(10-29-2002)
Dead celebrities whose estates produce the most income: For two years, Forbes Magazine has compiled an annual list of the dead celebrities whose estates produce the most income. This year, Elvis remained the king 25 years after his death, with $37 million in income, followed by "Peanuts" comic strip creator Charles Schulz at $28 million. New to the list was NASCAR icon Dale Earnhardt, whose death in a crash at the 2001 Daytona 500 stunned race fans across the country. Earnhardt debuted on the Forbes list in a third-place tie with Beatle John Lennon at $20 million. The totals included licensing deals as well as book and record sales during a one-year period ending in June.(AP/South Ben Tribune), thought this came out a few months ago, but..(10-29-2002)
(10-28-2002)
Wells Fargo moving: #11-Brett Bodine Racing was surprised and very disappointed to hear over the weekend, and confirm this morning that Wells Fargo Financial will be going to another team for 2003. Supposedly the other team is the #45 Petty Enterprises team, can see the partial logo on the 2003 Scheme.(10-28-2002)
Marlin to know Monday UPDATE: Sterling Marlin heads back to the doctor Monday for an examination of his neck. His C-2 vertebra was cracked after two hard crashes, and he was told to take the rest of the season off. However, he's opened the door to an earlier return. "But if it's not 100 percent, I'm not going to mess with it," Marlin said.(Winston Salem Journal)(10-26-2002) UPDATE: Dr. Jerry Petty, neurosurgeon, and Dr. Dom Coric, spinal injury specialist, of the Carolina Neurological and Spinal Injury Clinic, performed a medical update on Sterling Marlin the morning of Monday, October 28. Marlin, who suffered a non-displaced fracture of the #2 cervical vertebra as a result of his accident at Kansas Speedway on September 29, is progressing well with the healing. Marlin's MRI clearly showed the first steps of healing of the C2 vertebra. He must continue to wear the Aspen collar, which keeps the cervical vertebrae stable, for two more weeks and will then be reevaluated. Marlin is on schedule to be back in the #40 Coors Light Dodge for 2003 Winston Cup testing. "The MRI showed the best case scenario," said Dr. Dom Coric, M.D. "Sterling is on target to make the recovery we want him to make." Chip Ganassi Racing with Felix Sabates certified athletic trainer, Al Shuford M.Ed,A.T.,C.-L, will begin the first steps of physical training in re-strengthening Marlin's neck. Jamie McMurray will continue to replace Marlin in the #40 Coors Light Dodge for the remainder of the 2002 NASCAR Winston Cup season. McMurray will pilot the Havoline Dodge for the Ganassi team in the 2003 NASCAR Winston Cup Series season.(Chip Ganassi Racing with Felix Sabates PR)(10-28-2002)
Atlanta TV Ratings: NBC Sports’ coverage of the NASCAR Winston Cup NAPA 500 from the Atlanta Motor Speedway, the fastest track on the NASCAR Winston Cup circuit, earned a 4.2 rating/8 share in the overnights for its rain-delayed coverage (3:30 - 6:15 p.m. ET), according to Nielsen Media Research. The NAPA 500, which was delayed for 2-1/2 hours and ultimately shortened to 248 of the scheduled 325 laps due to rain, clocked a five percent increase over last year’s 4.0/9 in the overnights. The race peaked at a 4.9/9 at 5:30 p.m. ET as Kurt Busch, who also won last weekend at Martinsville, claimed his third victory of the year.(NBC PR)(10-28-2002)
Stuff: Rusty Wallace is winless in his last 59 races, tying his longest drought between victories. He went 59 races between a win at Richmond in 1997 and a victory at Phoenix in 1998. Eight drivers who won at least one race last year still have yet to win this season: Ricky Craven, Jeff Burton, Robby Gordon, Bobby Hamilton, Joe Nemechek, Steve Park, Elliott Sadler and Rusty Wallace.(Roanoke Times)(10-28-2002)
NAPCM Pit Crew of the Week - #19: For winning the Golden Benny and Benny Parson's $700 with a lightning fast 12.85 second pitstop at Kansas Speedway on September 29th this weeks NAPCM Pit Crew of the Week Award goes to the #19 Dodge Dealers Crew. Congratulations #19 Dodge Dealers Crew on earning this week's NAPCM "Pit Crew Of The Week" award, sponsored by
Toxabsorb www.toxabsorb.com), "Instant non-skid pit stall prep, creating grip 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
latest, NEW NAPCM member benefits, available at the National Association Of Pit Crew Members website(www.napcm.com).(10-28-2002)
Biffle in the #44 at the Rock: Greg Biffle will be substituting in the #44 Petty Enterprises entry at North Carolina Speedway on Nov. 3.(Roush Racing Site)(10-23-2002) UPDATE: The probable BGN champion will take another shot at the Cup Series in this week’s Pop Secret Popcorn 400 at the 1.017-mile North Carolina Speedway. Greg Biffle will drive the #44 Georgia-Pacific/Brawny Dodge for Petty Enterprises in the 400-mile race. He drove a Winston Cup car earlier this year in a relief role for Andy Petree Racing [#55], showing an ability to take the car towards the front. “We’re excited to have a driver with Greg’s ability and enthusiasm drive the Georgia-Pacific Dodge,” said Kyle Petty, CEO of Petty Enterprises. “Ted (Musgrave) did a really solid job for us at Atlanta and we appreciate that. We feel Greg is going to do very well for us at Rockingham, too.” Musgrave drove the car last week at Atlanta, replacing Jerry Nadeau who has been injured in a private accident. “There is a lot of history that surrounds Petty Enterprises and it’s a privilege to drive for them” Biffle said. “I appreciate the opportunity, and I’m glad I’m available to help out. Rockingham is a very technical track, and the extra track time in the Winston Cup car should help me out in the Busch car. The experience will also give me a jump start on my rookie season next year, especially since Rockingham is the second race of the season.” Biffle leads the Busch standings by 119 points, and appears on his way to the championship before running Winston Cup full time for Roush Racing next season. He has four race victories in the series this year.(Williams Company PR)(10-27-2002)
New Cup Team? UPDATE: A new NASCAR Winston Cup series race team has designed an innovative and creative way for sponsors to get involved with NASCAR motorsports. The new team is the #93 GIC MotorSports NASCAR Winston Cup series racing team based out of Mooresville, NC. The team also has business offices in Bakersfield, CA and Daytona Beach, FL. James Whitener from Bakersfield, California is the owner of this new Winston Cup team. Whitener, also owns and operates Global Industrial Contractors, corporately located in Shafter, CA. Global Industrial Contractors is an industrial construction company that does HVAC, electrical and mechanical design, installation and construction. The GIC MotorSports #93 Ford Taurus NASCAR Winston Cup race team will be attempting two NASCAR Winston Cup races this season. The team's first race will be the Phoenix International Raceway scheduled for November 10th. The second race scheduled for the team will be the season finale NASCAR Winston Cup Series Race at Homestead-Miami Speedway on November 17th. The #93 GIC team also is planning to be running the full Winston Cup series schedule next year beginning with Daytona 500 in February 2003. The GIC team's Ford Taurus racecars, motors and other equipment have been purchased from several of the top name players in the motorsports business. The team plans to have driver announcements coming soon. The GIC team is currently seeking sponsorships on all scalable levels for either of the two NASCAR Series races and welcome any inquires regarding participation. Interested parties may contact the team at: lee@gicmotorsports.com or by calling the team at 386-566-3972. (GIC MotorSports PR), looks like Wihiener has/has some involvement with Mike Harmon in the BGN series.(10-24-2002) UPDATE: Mike Harmon, BGN (#44) regular, has signed a two-race deal with a new NASCAR Winston Cup Team, GIC MotorSports. The GIC MotorSports' #93 Ford Taurus will be attempting Winston Cup races in Phoenix and Homestead with Harmon behind the wheel. Mike Harmon has over 350 short track Victories, 5 short track Championships, including one NASCAR Weekly Racing Series championship. He has also raced in the ARCA, Featherlite Modified, CTS and BGN. This is his first attempt at the Winston Cup Series (actually Harmon was slated to run the #90 Donlavey Racing Ford in 1999 during the Big Daddy's BBQ mess but was released before the Daytona 500). The GIC MotorSports #93 Winston Cup team is based out of Mooresville N.C. with business offices in Shafter, CA and Daytona Beach, FL. GIC team owner, James Whitener said, "We have been looking at Mike for a long time and I firmly believe he can do the job for us. He not only has the experience but he also has the heart and drive we need to achieve our goals in racing. We have assembled excellent cars, engines and equipment for Mike, we are positive that we can be competitive in.Cup with this combination." Mike Harmon will make his Cup debut at Phoenix, scheduled for November 10th. The second race scheduled for Harmon and the GIC #93 team will be the season finale Ford 400 at Homestead-Miami on November 17th. The GIC #93 team is planning to be running the full Winston Cup Series schedule next year, beginning with Daytona 500 in February 2003. The GIC team is currently seeking sponsorships on all scalable levels for either of the two races. The team welcomes any inquires regarding sponsorship participation. The team also is offering a "make the race guarantee" bonus program that gives clients a risk-free financial investment if the team fails to qualify for the race. Scaleable sponsorship programs are available on a single or multiple races with special rate programs structured exclusively for the client's budgets.(GIC MotorSports PR)(10-28-2002)
New Dodge Nose? Dodge has submitted a new nose to NASCAR for approval. The new nose is reported to be based on the new Chevrolet nose. There is no word if NASCAR might approve it.(Winston Salem Journal)(10-28-2002)
PPI Tests 2003 Pontiac: PPI Motorsports, which will run Pontiacs next season, built a downforce and superspeedway Grand Prix and tested both at the wind tunnel. Driver Ricky Craven ran 10 laps in the downforce car last week at Homestead and was scheduled to test the other car at Talladega. Owner Cal Wells expects the team's first in-house engine to be completed by December. Richard Childress Racing will build the team's restrictor-plate engines.(Sporting News)(10-28-2002)
McSwain to the #18? Baldwin to RYR #38? UPDATEs: hearing that current #28 Robert Yates Racing crew chief Michael "Fatback" McSwain will go to the #18 Joe Gibbs Racing team (to take over for Jimmy Makar who is assuming team manager of the Gibbs operation).and that former #22 crew chief, Tommy Baldwin will replace him at the #28 (will be #38 with Elliott Sadler in 2003).(10-25-2002 - 8:00am/et) UPDATE: Michael "Fatback" McSwain has emerged as a top candidate for the crew chief job with Joe Gibbs Racing's #18 team and driver Bobby Labonte. Labonte's current crew chief, Jimmy Makar, who will move into a team manager role next season and is leading the search for his replacement, acknowledged Friday that McSwain was among "four or five" candidates with crew chief experience who have expressed interest in the job. McSwain, 35, has worked with driver Ricky Rudd at Robert Yates Racing since December 1999 and was expected to remain with the team next season with the team's new driver, Elliott Sadler. Among the other candidates the #18 team is considering are Todd Berrier, crew chief for #30-Jeff Green, and Gil Martin, crew chief for #29-Kevin Harvick, sources said. Both Berrier and Martin work for Richard Childress Racing. McSwain declined to comment on his future Friday. "I can't talk about it right now," he said. Makar said the search has narrowed to those with crew chief experience and the team is no longer looking at "in-house" candidates.(ThatsRacin.com)(10-25-2002) UPDATE 2: McSwain wasn't saying much, and team owner Robert Yates wasn't around to take questions, but team sources said that the veteran crew chief has told Yates he'd like to move on at the end of the season. Other sources indicate that he's applied for the same role with Bobby Labonte at Joe Gibbs Racing. Other Yates team sources say that Baldwin has interviewed for the job with Yates, who has also been interested in trying to hire crew chief Robbie Reiser. When pressed on the McSwain option, Jimmy Makar, Gibbs' team manager, played it all with a very good poker face. Makar was also asked about reports that he might be taking a TV role of some sort next season while continuing as boss of Gibbs' two teams. Makar wasn't offering many hints or and confirmation on any of it. However, Makar says he may have a new crew chief signed sooner rather than later. Todd Berrier is also on Makar's list, according to team sources.(Winston Salem Journal) AND Michael McSwain, crew chief for #28-Ricky Rudd and Robert Yates Racing, interviewed with Joe Gibbs Racing and could be in line to become Bobby Labonte's new crew chief. Current crew chief Jimmy Makar will move into a management role with the team next season. "I can't deny that he's one of the guys we talked to," Maker said. "There's five guys we've talked to, all qualified and all potentially good candidates. We're excited there's that many people with an interest in our team." Makar wouldn't identify the others he had interviewed. He said a couple of them, including McSwain, were under contract for next season with their current team. All the final candidates would come from outside of Joe Gibbs Racing, Makar said. McSwain declined comment, but Yates said he expects him to stay. "That's what we're signed up to do," Yates said. "It's nice to have people after you, it means you're doing something right. But I think we can put that (rumor) to bed."(Daytona Beach News Journal/AP)(10-26-2002) UPDATE 3: Sources close to Robert Yates Racing say crew chief Michael McSwain's decision to begin a job search came after he tested with 2003 driver Elliott Sadler recently at Kentucky Speedway. Sadler, who was endorsed by McSwain to replace Ricky Rudd, ran four-tenths of a second slower than Rudd ran in a similar test earlier at the track. Sadler says McSwain told him things weren't going to work out. "I was surprised more than anything, but if his heart isn't in it, then he needs to go somewhere else," Sadler says. Rumors are that somewhere else for McSwain might be as crew chief for Bobby Labonte because Jimmy Makar is moving into a different role after the season. The question is whether McSwain would be a good fit with Labonte, who is generally more reserved.(Sporting News)(10-28-2002)
