Kenseth wins at Phoenix: #17-Matt Kenseth won the Checker Auto Parts 500k at Phoenix, his 5th win of the 2002 year and 6th of his career. #2-Wallace finished 2nd, the 4th time this year. Points leaders #20-Stewart finished 8th with #6-Mark Martin finishing 4th and picking up 23 points and now Martin trails by 89. Stewart needs to finish 22nd at Homestead and he will win the Winston Cup Championship. The unofficial top 10:
#17-Matt Kenseth (55 laps led)
#2-Rusty Wallace
#24-Jeff Gordon (16 laps led)
#6-Mark Martin (2 laps led)
#8-Dale Earnhardt Jr (105 laps led)
#97-Kurt Busch (117 laps led)
#77-Dave Blaney (1 lap led)
#20-Tony Stewart
#88-Dale Jarrett
#21-Elliott Sadler
Cars on the lead lap: 17 DNF's: #74-Raines(out-?); #27-Wimmer(out-accident); #44-Fittipaldi(out-accident); #18-Labonte(out-engine); #40-McMurray(out-accident); Lap Leaders(9): #12-Newman(12); #8-Earnhardt Jr(105); #77-Blanley(1); #17-Kenseth(55); #24-Gordon(16); #97-Busch(117); #6-Martin(2); #48-Johnson(1); #10-Benson(1);
Cautions 4 for 17 laps: Caution 4 laps 257-263: #44-Fittipaldi and #7-Leffler got together with Fittipaldi spinning around and hitting the wall ahrd, Fittipaldi is ok and walked away. Caution 3 laps 141-145: Debris on the track Caution 2 laps 131-136: #27-Wimmer crashes on the front stretch after he got together with #31-Gordon Caution 1 laps 27-29: #40-McMurray crashed after coming down on #36-Schrader. pushing the rear of the #40 in. NOTES: Green flag stops happened around laps 215-228. #17-Kenseth ran out of gas in the pits on lap 121. #8-Earnhardt Jr ran out of gas while leading on lap 118. Green flag pitstops occured between laps 105-120 range. During the 1st caustion, all the leaders came in, during the stops #97-Busch and #23-Wallace got together in the pits, ripping a hole in the drivers door. #74-Raines on pit road just before the green flag as NASCAR saw something leaking from the car. Race Re-Air:The race will be re-aired on TNT, Tues, Nov 12th, 2:00am/et; Speed Channel on Wed, Nov 13th, 8:00pm/et and Thurs, Nov 14th, 1:00am/et and at 12:00noon/et. Results:ThatsRacin.com or NASCAR.com.(11-10-2002)
Phoenix Rumblings: It was pit strategy at its finest again today as Robbie Reiser rolled the dice and went with a two-tire stop for track position.....and Matt Kenseth held that position for the final 52 circuits as he put his #17 DeWalt Ford in Victory Lane for the 5th time this season. In winning today's Checker Auto Parts 500 at Phoenix International Raceway, Kenseth becomes the only driver to record 6 wins in Cup history....interestingly enough no other driver has that number. He's now 56th on the all-time list. The win for Roush Racing was the 9th of the season, with only one coming from Mark Martin and none from Jeff Burton. Something about those
young drivers again. Rusty Wallace (2nd) had his best finish since he was 2nd at Bristol in August. Dave Blaney (7th) had his best finish since he was 6th at Homestead in November of last year. Elliott Saddler (10th) had his best finish since he was 10th at Loudon in
July. Kenny Wallace (11th) had his best finish since he was 10th at Rockingham in February.
STREAKIN....Mark Martin has 4 Top-10's in a row. Dale Earnhardt Jr. has 6 Top-10's in the last 7 races. Kurt Busch has 5 Top-10's in the last 6 races.
This Week's Elevator....UP: A tie for Operator of the Week between Matt Kenseth (+27) and Rusty Wallace (+27), followed by Jimmie Johnson (+22). DOWN: The Big Dropper was Jamie McMurray (-28), followed by Joe Nemechek (-25), Christian Fittipaldi (-24), and Scott Wimmer (-23). For Kenseth and Rusty, this is their 4th Ops of the year....they're one behind Dale Jarrett for this most important award. Mark Martin has managed to take it to Homestead. He whittled 23 points off Tony Stewart's lead and Tony needs to finish 22nd or better at Homestead (a track he eats up) next week to guarantee the Championship (no matter what Mark does). The big race in the points will be for spots 3-7. That spread is a whopping 23 markers...with 3rd to 6th only separated by 9 points. That's worth about $500K at the banquet.(Stock Car Fans)(11-10-2002)
NetZero to be primary sponsor of #60: NetZero, a leading provider of value-priced and free Internet access services, announced today it would advance its NASCAR marketing initiative to the Winston Cup Series in 2003 with #60 Haas CNC Racing and veteran driver Jack Sprague. NetZero has stepped up and will be the primary sponsor on the Haas CNC Racing Chevrolet for the 2003 season. "We looked at our options for 2003 and felt moving to the Winston Cup Series was the direction we wanted to take," stated Brian Woods, executive vice president and chief marketing officer of NetZero. "Our NASCAR media and marketing initiatives have exceeded our expectations, first with a championship in the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series and currently running toward the top of the NASCAR Busch Series. In Winston Cup, we will be able to build on the momentum our program has achieved." NetZero joined the NASCAR sponsorship ranks in 2001 backing Sprague as he raced to four victories en route to the division championship. The program graduated to the Busch Series this season with NetZero again taking the primary sponsorship role. Sprague broke into Victory Lane at Nashville, TN, in April and is currently running 4th in the series. While the new Sprague/Haas CNC Racing association signals Sprague's departure from Hendrick Motorsports, the team will still have the benefit of HMS as a partner; HMS will provide the new Haas team with technical assistance. The new NetZero Winston Cup association will make its debut at Homestead Miami Speedway, Sunday, November 17. The team recently purchased a 40,000-square-foot building in Harrisburg, NC, which will be the home of the Haas CNC Racing Winston Cup team in 2003.(Jack Sprague Site), see image on the 2003 Paint Scheme page(11-10-2002)
Starr and Cup? David Starr said he is weighing his options for next season, including interest from several Winston Cup teams. Starr said it's possible he will return as the driver of the #75 Spears Manufacturing Chevy in the Craftsman Truck Series, but it's
also possible he will accept an offer to move up to Busch or Winston Cup. "For now, I'm just focusing on finishing the season strong," Starr said. "After that I will go over some of the things that have been offered me. I've very fortunate to have the situation I have now, and
I want to be sure I do the right thing."(Dallas Morning News)(11-10-2002)
Larry Foyt to Cup in 2003? UPDATE 2 Yes and Wallace back in the #14 in 2003:Motorsport.com reports that Larry Foyt might end up in Winston Cup next season because sponsor Harrah's wants to be on the top circuit. "Harrah's definitely, I think their goals are to go to Winston Cup," said Foyt, son of legendary racer A.J. Foyt. "I've been trying to fight it because I'm still pretty new to the stock cars. (I) didn't really wanna move up to Busch as fast as I did. I've always kind of left it up to my dad. He's directed my career the way it's gone and I trust his judgment on that."(Daytona Beach News Journal)(6-5-2002) AND some more from the interview: MFR: So what is your timetable for going to Winston Cup, and is your sponsor, Harrah’s going to go with you?
FOYT: I don’t know, we’re kind of in negotiations right now. I’m leaving it up to them and AJ, what they want to do with me. I’m open
to anything. If we do go to Cup, I just want to make sure that we do it right, because I know that’s just so tough. That level is the top,
and it’s so tough. I’d really like one more year of Busch. I feel like we’ve made a lot of improvements, but we still haven’t done the things
we want to do. We’ve gotten some top tens, but we’re not running up front consistently like we want to, so I feel like one more year of
Busch would be really good for us.
And when asked about Indy cars: "The Indy car, when I drove it, is a pretty different feel and I never raced it in a crowd, so I’d be pretty curious to see what it’s like. I’m really pushing to try and run Indy next year before I get too far away from that. That race is still so special to me and I still go every year. I haven’t missed one yet, so I’m really pushing for Indy next year, to give it a shot.(6-6-2002) UPDATE: hearing Harrah's Racing is planning on moving up to Cup, from an email from Harrah's: "We are no longer sponsoring the Foyt team in the IRL division. However, we will continue to sponsor Larry Foyt, A.J. Foyt's son, in NASCAR. For 2003 he is moving up to the Winston Cup series.(11-7-2002) UPDATE 2: A.J. Foyt said Friday that his son, Larry Foyt, will move from the Busch series to Winston Cup in 2003. Larry drives the #14 Harrah's Chevy [in the BGN]. Harrah's will sponsor the team again next season. Foyt ranks 20th in the Busch standings with two top-10 finishes. He will be listed as the owner of the new Winston Cup team. The team will be headquartered across the street from A.J.'s #14 Winston Cup team that is sponsored by Conseco. A.J. said he wants to keep Mike Wallace as the driver of the Conseco car next year.(Dallas Morning News)(11-10-2002)
Testing at Talladega in Dec? According to NASCAR sources there will be a speedway test at Talladega Superspeedway for the Dodge and Ford teams in December. The test was arranged after the Dodge and Ford teams explained that they’re basically working with new cars and they should be entitled to see what effects the 2003 rules package changes have brought. The tentative two-day test is slated for Dec. 9 -10.(Ford Racing)(11-10-2002)
Jimmy Spencer out of the #41? UPDATE 4 at end of season; Hamilton? Mears?: hearing rumors that Jimmy Spencer will not return to the #41 Target Dodge/Ganassi Racing team, not sure if it is immediate or at the end of the season or at all. If released, the only rumored driver I have heard is Jimmy Vasser of CART but could be an opening for Bobby Hamilton to get in that Dodge program.(11-5-2002) UPDATE: Chip Ganassi Racing with Felix Sabates announced today that Jimmy Spencer, driver of the #41 Target Dodge, will be released from his contract at the end of the 2002 season. Spencer will continue his driving duties for the team for the remainder of the 2002 NASCAR Winston Cup season. "When we first made this deal, Jimmy and I agreed about what would happen if the results were not what either of us were happy with," owner Chip Ganassi said. "Obviously, both of us are not happy with the results. I feel bad we weren't able to get the most out of our relationship, but I'm sure I'll remain friends with Jimmy. We all know he's a colorful character that no one can help but enjoy being around. No one can deny Jimmy has a lot of energy and excitement about him." Chip Ganassi Racing with Felix Sabates has not announced a driver for the #41 entry for the 2003 Winston Cup season.(Chip Ganassi Racing with Felix Sabates PR)(11-5-2002) UPDATE 2: The driver rumored to replace Spencer in 2003 is Bobby Hamilton. Other rumors indicate that longtime Travis Carter crew chief, Donnie Wingo, would join the Ganassi’s three-car stable to wrench Jamie McMurray’s Dodge in 2003.(Ford Racing)(11-6-2002) UPDATE 3: during an interview with Fox Sports Net's Totally NASCAR, Jimmy Spencer said he was shocked by the being released from the #41 ride and it was not a mutual decision.(11-8-2002) UPDATE 4: Casey Mears was mentioned as another driver in the rumor mill with the #41 car.(SC's Happy Hour Coverage)(11-9-2002) UPDATE 5: also add Scott Riggs of the BGN, Scott Pruett and CART driver Max Papis to the mix of rumored drivers.(11-10-2002)
Roush undecided on appeal: Jack Roush, who has until Wednesday to appeal the $5,000 fine and 25-point penalties levied against Mark Martin's #6 team after last week's race at Rockingham, has not yet decided what he's going to do. Roush says he has little faith in the fairness of NASCAR's appeals process, calling it "a kangaroo court," but that lawyers advising the team have suggested that going through with an appeal may be helpful if Roush Racing takes legal action against the company that manufactured the spring that led to the penalty. Martin lost 25 driver points, Roush was docked 25 car owner points and crew chief Ben Leslie was fined $5,000 because the left-front spring on the #6 Ford that Martin drove to second did not have the minimum 4½ coils required under NASCAR rules. Team officials said this week the spring provided no competitive advantage and that it came directly from the box after being purchased from a NASCAR-approved parts manufacturer. "They gave us a part that was presented to us with the implied warranty that it was acceptable to NASCAR's rules," Roush told he Associated Press. "For us to have the opportunity to get our relief from them, we may have to go through the appeal process so that we've done what we could to get our relief before we go after the spring manufacturer." The penalty means Martin is 112 points behind championship leader Tony Stewart going into the final two races.(ThatsRacin.com)(11-10-2002)
Melling back in 2003?Mark Melling was in Phoenix with his CTS [#17-Stacy Compton] operation. The team was running in fifth in Friday’s truck race until a plug wire fell off and melted to the exhaust manifold. Melling was a full-time Winton Cup [#92] car owner until this year when finances kept him from doing much but a widely scattered combination schedule of events. Hoping for a better 2003 Melling told teamfordracing.com that he’s hopeful that one of his three proposals for various series entries comes together. On the table for the once long-time Ford operator is a 10-race WC schedule or a full-time BGN or CTS deal.(Ford Racing)(11-10-2002)
Lots of $$ up for grabs: The Winston Cup leader bonus is a record amount of $300,000, but only #20-Tony Stewart and #6-Mark Martin are eligible for the prize. If either wins the Checker's Auto Parts 300 on Sunday and has the points lead when the race ends, he will claim the bonus. The highest previous amount awarded was $190,000 to Bobby Labonte when he won the Brickyard 400 at Indianapolis in 2000. The last driver to win it this year was Sterling Marlin, collecting $20,000 for winning at Las Vegas in March.(Dallas Morning News) if it goes unclaimed at the end of the year, it goes into the Drivers Points Fund and is distributed at the Banquet.(11-10-2002)
Dale Jr shooting for the Top 10: #8-Dale Earnhardt Jr. enters today's race 88 points behind #28-Ricky Rudd for 10th place in the season standings. The top 10 are invited to New York for the postseason banquet, so there is a level of prestige on the line. "It's a boost for the team," Earnhardt Jr. said of a possible top-10 finish. "I think it's an accomplishment to say you got something out of the season. This ain't the season we wanted to have or expected to have, but looking back six or seven races ago, I'm glad to be in this position to at least get something."(Roanoke Times)(11-10-2002)
Harvick and the CTS in 2003: After capturing his first CTS series win this weekend at Phoenix, Winston Cup [#29] driver Kevin Harvick said he still plans to compete in seven or eight races next season in his own team. Harvick said Ed Berrier, who has Winston Cup and BGN experience, will drive Harvick's truck in the season-opening Truck race at Daytona. "The Truck schedule is awesome next year. NASCAR has done a great job putting the schedule together," Harvick said. "I'll probably run the (two) Martinsville races, Bristol and other companion events (with Winston Cup)."(ThatsRacin.com)(11-10-2002)
#42 is it for McMurray UPDATE: got an image of the #42 Havoline Dodge that Jamie McMurray will drive in 2003, see the image of the car on my Paint Scheme Gallery.(11-8-2002) UPDATE the official McMurray site says no decision has been made on the number yet for 2003, but it seems odd that Action would put out an image of the car with a number of it and it just be a rumor....but.(11-10-2002)
Biffle helps out Hamilton: Car owner Andy Petree and crew chief Jimmy Elledge decided to put BGN points leader Greg Biffle in the #55 Chevy during Saturday's first practice session at Phoenix. The team's regular driver, Bobby Hamilton, was complaining the engine didn't pull off the corners. So the team turned to Biffle, who substituted for Hamilton earlier this season in the #55 when Hamilton was injured. However, Biffle was only 36th fastest in the practice session and complained of some of the same problems. Hamilton returned to the car for Saturday's final practice [he was 37th fastest].(ThatsRacin.com)(11-10-2002)
(11-9-2002)
Nemechek and Hendrick close: According to team sources a deal between Hendrick Motorsports and Joe Nemechek [for the #25 ride] is very close to finalization, with the announcement anticipated as soon as next week at Homestead. Also, close to a extending an existing partnership (if it didn’t happen today) is crew chief Peter Sospenzo’s and Rick Hendrick for the #25 Chevy. That deal eliminates Sospenzo as one of the men that Robert Yates eyed as a replacement wrench for Michael “Fatback” McSwain.(Ford Racing)(11-9-2002)
Some Dale Jr/BGN scheme rumors: hearing that Dale Earnhardt Jr will run a "concert" scheme at the April Talladega BGN race and that Dale Jr will run a Dirty Mo Posse (DMP) paint scheme in the July Daytona BGN.(11-9-2002)
Matt Martin Now A Two-Time Track Champion: Matt Martin won two track championships Wednesday night at Little New Smryna, taking home titles in both the Senior Honda and GX160 Quarter Midget classes. More information on Matt's racing can be found at www.mattmartin.net.(J-Mar Newsletter)(11-9-2002)
(11-8-2002)
Magic Number is 11th not 8th since penalty AND: #20-Tony Stewart can clinch the Winston Cup Drivers Championship buy finishing 11th or better in each of the last two races and no one can catch him, needs to average 129 points a race the last two races, 11th is worth 130. The most #6-Mark Martin can get is 4807 (4437 + 370 [185x2]), so 4807 - 4549 = 258, 258/2 = 129. 11th is worth 130 points, or a 12th (worth 127) and lead a lap for 5 points will clinch it for Stewart.(11-3/4-2002) AND Only the top seven drivers in the points race still have a mathematical chance of winning this year's title. Any driver more than 151 points out of the lead after the race in Phoenix this coming weekend will be eliminated from the championship race. After Sunday's race, only Mark Martin is within 151 points of Stewart.(as long as they start the last race...of course)(11-4-2002) AND Jim Utter from ThatsRacin.com has some info - How the Cup title could be won, or not: There are several scenarios under which Tony Stewart could wrap up his first Winston Cup championship this weekend at Phoenix. If Stewart gained 73 points on second-place Mark Martin, he would leave with a 185-point lead and would win the title even if he did not race at the season finale at Homestead, Fla., next weekend. If Stewart gained just 39 points on Martin, he would need only to take the green-flag at the season finale to win the championship. And finally, if Stewart finished 11th or better in the final two races, he would win the title regardless of the performance of any other driver. Several other scenarios come into play, based on Martin's performance. Among them: Should Martin finish 16th or higher at Phoenix, Stewart couldn't clinch the title this weekend, and Martin could not take the points lead this weekend if Stewart finished 39th or better. In the event the points battle ended up a tie, the driver with the most wins would be the champion. Right now that is Stewart with three to Martin's one. However, should Martin win the final two races, they would be tied and the tie-breaker would move to second-place finishes, then third, and so forth to determine a champion.(ThatsRacin.com)(11-8-2002)
Spencer not happy with his release, maybe to the #7 in 2003? Jimmy Spencer said Friday he's upset about how he got the word - via a phone call - that he'd be out of the #41 Dodges owned by Chip Ganassi at the end of the 2002 Winston Cup season.
Spencer said he is also angry that the decision came so late in the season after he had been assured several weeks ago that his contract to stay in the #41 in 2003 would be honored. Spencer declined to comment further about his dismissal. He is already looking for another ride for next season. Spencer has made contact with Jim Smith, owner of the #7 Dodges that will be driven by Jason Lefler for the final two races of this year after Casey Atwood was moved out of that ride.(ThatsRacin.com)(11-8-2002)
Brewco switching to Pontiac and be aligned with MBV: Brewco Motorsports owner [#27 and #37] Clarence Brewer doesn't know who'll be behind the wheel of his cars in 2003, but they'll be Pontiac and his organization will be aligned with Johnny Benson's #10-MBV Motorsports Winston Cup team. AND Casey Atwood is being considered for BGN ride, but only on a part-time basis with Brewco Motorsports in a new third team, not in a full-time ride.(Winston Cup Scene) The #27 is looking for a sponsor, supposedly the #37 team will have Timber Wolf back. Atwood is expected to be in some kind of Evernham-affliated Winston Cup team in 2003.(11-8-2002)
Stewart OK UPDATE: hearing that Tony Stewart's plane collided with a deer on a runway in San Antonio, TX this week and barely avoided disaster. The plane is out of commission for two months. This is all I know. UPDATE: A private plane carrying Winston Cup driver Tony Stewart hit a deer on a runway while landing Tuesday night at a rural airport near San Antonio, TX. Stewart was not injured in the incident, but his Cessna Citation Bravo, a twin-engine executive jet, was damaged and will be out of service for several weeks, team officials confirmed. Stewart was on his way to Las Vegas, where he had a promotional appearance scheduled for Wednesday morning. The plane was landing for a scheduled stop for fuel. Stewart chartered another plane and continued the trip.(ThatsRacin.com)(11-8-2002)
Atwood out of the #7, Leffler in; Atwood in the #91 at Homestead UPDATE 4 OFFICIAL and New Engines: Jim Smith, who co-owns the #7 Dodge with Ray Evernham has decided Casey Atwood will not drive the car in the final two races at Phoenix and Homestead. Jason Leffler, who runs for Smith on the Craftsman Truck Series will take Atwood's place. Atwood won't be totally out in the cold because he's actually under contract with Evernham Motorsports and will drive his #91 Research and Development Dodge at Homestead...the car he's been testing at the Florida track the last two days.(PRN's Garage Pass Radio Show)(11-5-2002) UPDATE - Evernham bought out?LTN Radio Network radio show plans to report that #7 co-owner Jim Smith bought Ray Evernham out of his portion of the #7 Dodge after discovering the motor that was used Sunday at Rockingham in the #7 was "significantly short" on horsepower, as compared to the #9 and #19 cars. Smith immediately released Casey Atwood and placed Jason Leffler in the #7 beginning this week at Phoenix. No word on who will supply engines this week at Phoenix. UPDATE 2 - Furr leaves in middle of race - this is interesting stuff: Before Atwood was released on Monday, both Buddy Barnes and subsequent crew chief Tony Furr did all they could to get Atwood acclimated to the program. Ray Evernham kept his end of the bargain by offering Furr whatever resources he needed to bring the car up to speed. In the last two weeks, Furr had Kevin Lepage standing by and running laps in Atwood's car just to give them a baseline and Lepage's times were far superior to Atwood's even though he didn't fit in the seat. Last Sunday, with 150 laps to go at Rockingham, Furr told Atwood if he wasn't going to race, he was heading for the house and did. According to my [Sporting News] sources, Evernham and Jim Smith were in the process of dissolving their partnership on Tuesday and Jason Leffler will finish out the year in the No. 7.(Sporting News)(11-6-2002) UPDATE 3: however, Fox Sports Net's Totally NASCAR reports that "Atwood will be entered at Phoenix and Homestead in Ray Evernham's #91 Dodge. He tested that car at Homestead earlier this week.(Fox Sports)(11-7-2002) UPDATE 4 a and b: Ray Evernham, president and CEO of Evernham Motorsports, and Jim Smith, owner of Ultra Motorsports,
have agreed to end their joint venture Ultra/Evernham Motorsports. Ultra/Evernham fielded the #7 Sirius Satellite Radio Dodge driven
by Casey Atwood in the Winston Cup Series this season. Beginning with this weekend's race at Phoenix International Raceway, the #7 Sirius Satellite Radio Dodge will be solely owned and operated by Smith's Ultra Motorsports team. The Sirius Dodge will be
driven by Jason Leffler in the Checker Auto Parts 500 under the Ultra Motorsports banner. "Jim and I formed this team at the end of last season to give Casey some additional seat time in Winston Cup," Evernham said. "Without Casey driving the No. 7, there was no reason for us to continue our relationship. Sirius has been a great partner, and I wish them and Jim the best of luck in the future." Atwood will drive the #91 Dodge, fielded by Evernham Motorsports, during the final race of the season at Homestead-Miami Speedway. Atwood and Evernham are discussing opportunities for 2003 and will be making a separate announcement once a decision has been made. Smith will continue to operate the #7 Sirius Satellite Radio Dodge in 2003. A driver for the team has not yet been determined. AND Sirius Satellite Radio and Ultra Motorsports today named Jason Leffler as the interim driver of the #7 Sirius Satellite Radio Dodge. Leffler, a former USAC sprint car champion and current NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series (NCTS) driver, is slated to finish out the season with the #7 team, beginning this weekend at the Checker Auto Parts 500 at Phoenix International Raceway. Leffler, who currently sits fifth in the NCTS standings, will also compete in the final two truck events at Phoenix and Homestead-Miami, as well as driving the #7 Sirius Dodge for the final two Winston Cup races this season.(Golin Harris PR's)(11-7-2002) UPDATE 5: When the partnership between Ray Evernham Motorsports and Ultra Motorsports dissolved this week, so did the engine deal. Evernham Motorsports, as part of the initial agreement, was to provide the engines for Casey Atwood and the #7 Sirius Satellite Dodge. But, when Atwood was let go just prior to the partnership spilt earlier this week, Ultra was in need of some horsepower. So, Mike Ege Engines will now be the power-plant providers for the #7 Dodge for the last two races of the season. It's unknown whether or not the deal will continue into next year. Ege currently provides motors for the three teams of Petty Enterprises. (NASCAR.com)(11-8-2002)
Nadeau announcement soon UPDATE it is OFFCIAL: Jerry Nadeau was on Speed Channel's Trackside and was asked about his 2003 plans and said to expect an announcement within the next week or so and that is would be in Winston Cup. Rumor has Nadeau in the #36 (to switch to #01?) Pontiac with the U.S. Army as the sponsor.(10-25-2002) UPDATE: MB2 Motorsports announced Friday it has acquired sponsorship from the Army and will run driver Jerry Nadeau in the Winston Cup series next season. The sponsorship, however, covers 27 races and the Army will serve as an associate sponsor nine additional races. "MB2 Motorsports is proud to represent the Army and carry the black-and-gold colors. We have the experience and they have the discipline to make this a winning partnership," said the team's general manager, Jay Frye. Nadeau, who came up through kart racing, posted 10 top-10 finishes in 2001 with Hendrick Motorsports and won the season finale at Atlanta Motor Speedway in the 2000 season. The team currently uses the #36 with driver Ken Schrader (an M&M's). However, there was no announcement about a possible change in number.(ThatsRacin.com)(11-8-2002)
Toyota News..in 2006? Lee White, general manager of Toyota Racing Development [TRD] said a lengthy feasible study is nearing an end and he should know before the end of the year whether Toyota will be entering NASCAR via the Craftsman Truck Series in 2004. If it follows the Dodge model, Toyota would use the trucks as a rolling laboratory to prepare for a move into Winston Cup a few years later. Toyota already is building the engines to meet NASCAR specifications and has conducted wind-tunnel testing of truck bodies. "TRD has to treat this like it's a done deal," White said. "We can't wait till senior management and NASCAR make a deal before we get started on it." White said it's a daunting task given that no new manufacturer has tried to enter NASCAR in its 50-year history. All that have competed at one time or another, including the current four, were there at the beginning in some form. The soon-to-be-completed study is as much about the marketing aspects as it is the logistics. NASCAR wants to know how bringing a Japanese company on board is going to sit with its fan base. Toyota wants to be sure it can grow its clientele through NASCAR. To White, the second half of that equation is a no-brainer.(Indianapolis Star)(11-8-2002)
(11-7-2002)
ExxonMobil Official: NASCAR named ExxonMobil's Mobil brand of products as the "Official Lubricants of NASCAR" beginning in 2003. The announcement was made during the 2002 Automotive Aftermarket Parts Expo (AAPEX) in Las Vegas. An industry leader in the development of innovative, problem-solving lubricants, including synthetics, the Mobil family of automotive lubricants includes motor oil, transmission fluid, gear lubricants and greases, and will join a list of performance products endorsed by the nation's number one motorsport -- NASCAR. A long-time supporter of NASCAR racing, this marks Mobil 1's 12th season as a major sponsor of Penske Racing South with veteran driver Rusty Wallace and rookie sensation Ryan Newman.(Business Wire) NOTE: this does not cover gasoline.(11-7-2002)
Parker and Roush? Jack Roush is talking to Hank Parker Jr. and his Busch Series sponsor – General Nutrition Center – about fielding a second full-time Busch team in 2003. Parker currently is without a ride for the coming season.(Times Argus)(11-7-2002)
Lepage Clears a few things up: Published reports early in the week had Atwood fired from the Ultra/Evernham #7 Dodge, to be replaced by Lepage. Ultra/Evernham Motorsports spokesperson Amy Hunerberg spent most of the weekend emphatically denying those reports, however, insisting that Atwood’s job was secure through the end of the 2002 season. Atwood did drive the car Sunday, but sources behind the scenes continued to insist that negotiations were under way to remove Atwood from the car and replace him with Lepage, if a series of contractual issues could be resolved. Monday, Atwood showed up for a testing session at Homestead-Miami Speedway, as scheduled. However, he did not drive the #7 car. Instead, he wheeled Ray Evernham’s #91 “research and development” Dodge – the car driven at Rockingham by Hank Parker Jr. That move prompted rumors that Atwood would move to the #91 for the final two races of the season, and Smith confirmed that move Tuesday. However, Smith tabbed his NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series driver, Jason Leffler, to steer the now-vacant Sirius Satellite Radio Dodge, leaving Lepage without a ride once again. Monday, Lepage was tight-lipped about a possible return to the Winston Cup ranks, but admitted that he has spoken with Smith. “I’ve had some dialogue with Jim, and I drove the #7 car in practice at Atlanta a couple of weeks ago,” he said. “They’re obviously having some problems over there, and they asked me to take the car out, see what I thought, and offer them some feedback. Basically, they’re just trying to figure out where the problems lie.” Lepage’s test session, in which he ran 7/10ths of a second faster than Atwood, immediately set tongues a-wagging in the Winston Cup garage. “The minute anyone climbs into someone else’s car, the Internet explodes,” said Lepage. “By the time I climbed out from behind the wheel, (Internet Web site) Jayski had Casey fired, and me taking over. That stuff takes on a life of its own.” Lepage said he did not visit the Ultra/Evernham shop last week, as published reports have claimed. In his words, “I drove their car for a few laps at Atlanta, and that’s it.” The Shelburne driver admitted, however, that he would be interested in driving the Sirius Dodge, if the seat becomes available..(Times Argus)(11-7-2002)
Dale Earnhardt Jr. Grappling Classic: Dale Earnhardt Jr. is lending his name and support to help create the Dale Earnhardt Jr. Grappling Classic, which organizers say has the potential to be the biggest jiu-jitsu (also known as jujitsu) tournament in the world. The tournament is the brainchild of local jiu-jitsu instructor and 2001 jiu-jitsu world champion Joe Hurst and N.C. state trooper and jiu-jitsu student Garrett Barger. The event will be at the Cabarrus Arena and Expo Center in Concord, NC on Jan. 25.(Independent Tribune)(11-7-2002)
Larry Foyt to Cup in 2003? UPDATE:Motorsport.com reports that Larry Foyt might end up in Winston Cup next season because sponsor Harrah's wants to be on the top circuit. "Harrah's definitely, I think their goals are to go to Winston Cup," said Foyt, son of legendary racer A.J. Foyt. "I've been trying to fight it because I'm still pretty new to the stock cars. (I) didn't really wanna move up to Busch as fast as I did. I've always kind of left it up to my dad. He's directed my career the way it's gone and I trust his judgment on that."(Daytona Beach News Journal)(6-5-2002) AND some more from the interview: MFR: So what is your timetable for going to Winston Cup, and is your sponsor, Harrah’s going to go with you?
FOYT: I don’t know, we’re kind of in negotiations right now. I’m leaving it up to them and AJ, what they want to do with me. I’m open
to anything. If we do go to Cup, I just want to make sure that we do it right, because I know that’s just so tough. That level is the top,
and it’s so tough. I’d really like one more year of Busch. I feel like we’ve made a lot of improvements, but we still haven’t done the things
we want to do. We’ve gotten some top tens, but we’re not running up front consistently like we want to, so I feel like one more year of
Busch would be really good for us.
And when asked about Indy cars: "The Indy car, when I drove it, is a pretty different feel and I never raced it in a crowd, so I’d be pretty curious to see what it’s like. I’m really pushing to try and run Indy next year before I get too far away from that. That race is still so special to me and I still go every year. I haven’t missed one yet, so I’m really pushing for Indy next year, to give it a shot.(6-6-2002) UPDATE: hearing Harrah's Racing is planning on moving up to Cup, from an email from Harrah's: "We are no longer sponsoring the Foyt team in the IRL division. However, we will continue to sponsor Larry Foyt, A.J. Foyt's son, in NASCAR. For 2003 he is moving up to the Winston Cup series.(11-7-2002)
Vasser doubts he'll be in the #41: during an interview on ESPN2's RPM 2Night (still can't believe they are canceling this show) CART driver Jimmy Vasser said doesn't think Chip Ganassi is considering him for the #41 Target Dodge ride that Jimmy Spencer will be released from at the end of 2002. Vasser said he is looking for a BGN ride or to stay in CART. Vasser drove for Ganassi in CART before parting ways a few years ago.(11-7-2002)
Goodyear Tire donates $75,000 to give racers a touch of NASCAR: Goodyear tire company is giving the All-American Soap Box Derby derby $75,000, and that includes paying for the fiberglass and nylon wheels used by competitors at the world championship in July. In recognition of Goodyear's gift, the traditionally plain white wheels will be painted black and carry the Goodyear name. It'll also be a visual reminder of Goodyear's efforts to bring NASCAR in as a derby partner this year. ``The idea is for them to look like NASCAR tires,'' derby General Manager Jeff Iula said. Goodyear is the exclusive supplier of tires for NASCAR. The 413 sets of wheels competitors used this year had a retail value of $33,000, Iula said. The wheels are made of fiberglass-reinforced nylon resin, molded by Remington Plastics of Cuyahoga Falls. Derby officials put the same style of wheels on each competitor's car to help even the playing field. For several years, kids who wanted to keep their race day wheels had to pay $70 for them. For the past three years, the derby ate the cost and gave the wheels away. Next year will be the first time a sponsor has paid the entire cost of the wheels.(Beacon Journal)(11-7-2002)
Trial puts on brakes for NASCAR race The new trial for a Mercer County man charged with the 1989 murders of three members of a Pocahontas, Va., family will take a back seat to a NASCAR race scheduled during the projected trial dates. The is scheduled to go on trial from March 3 to April 4, 2003 at U.S. District Court in Abingdon. The case was tried previously on federal capital murder charges in a trial that started Sept. 4 and ended Oct. 4, when the jury reported they could not reach a unanimous verdict. U.S. District Judge James P. Jones scheduled the new trial to start in March of 2003. Assistant U.S. Attorney Anthony P. Giorno learned that the trial would be going on during the weekend of the 2003 Food City 500. Although NASCAR [dates have been released by the way Bristol is 3-23] has not yet released the dates for its 2003 racing schedule, the 2002 Food City 500 was on March 24. "The hotel told us that we couldn't get reservations on the weekend of the Bristol Race," Giorno said. "The race doesn't appear on the NASCAR website yet, but apparently the hospitality industry has advanced notice." Giorno filed a motion on Oct. 28, asking the court to "adjourn trial because of the NASCAR race." In a telephone interview, Giorno indicated the adjournment is "just for that Friday." Jones granted the government's motion.(Daily Telegraph)(11-7-2002)
Harvick to run 15 BGN races in 2003: Kevin Harvick will drive the #21 PayDay Chevy for Richard Childress Racing in 15 BGN events at 13 different tracks in 2003. His season starts begins at Daytona International Speedway for the Koolerz 300 on Feb. 15. He will want to win that one for his sponsor, Hershey, which makes both PayDay candy bars and Koolerz gum. Current RCR talent Johnny Sauter will assume duties as secondary driver of the #21 PayDay Chevy beginning on February 22, at North Carolina Speedway in Rockingham, NC. Along with his duties as secondary driver, Sauter will play a vital role in maintaining the #21 PayDay team's run at an owner's championship. Harvick will not compete in more than three consecutive Busch Series races. His three-race stints are in August and November. Harvick is not scheduled to compete in any BGN events that are not accompanied by a Cup event on the same weekend at the same venue. Sauter will compete in all the non-companion events. Here is Harvick's entire 2003 NASCAR Busch Series schedule:. Feb. 15, Daytona; March 1, Las Vegas; March 22, Bristol; April 26, California; May 2, Richmond; May 24, Lowe's; May 31, Dover; July 19, New Hampshire; Aug. 16, Michigan; Aug. 22, Bristol; Aug. 30, Darlington; Oct. 10, Lowe's; Nov. 1, Phoenix; Nov. 8, North Carolina; Nov. 15, Homestead.(Keystone Marketing PR)(11-7-2002)
Blaney to run the Homestead BGN race: Dave Blaney, driver of the #77 Jasper Engine's Ford in Cup, will drive the #31 Whelen's Chevy in the Homestead BGN race.(11-7-2002)
Cope back in the #49 at Phoenix: Using Atlanta as something of a "brush-up" race, Derrike Cope and the #49 BAM Racing Dodge are set for the final two races of the 2002 Cup season. Cope will drive for the team in Sunday’s Checker 500k at Phoenix and next week’s Ford 400 at Homestead. Cope tested at Phoenix two days last week, and the team was excited with the results.(Williams Company PR)(11-7-2002)
Andretti, Dallenbach, Petty Team For Key Program: Drivers John Andretti and Wally Dallenbach will be racing hard to win - and to help young readers win, too - this weekend at Phoenix. Cheerios Spoonfuls of Stories, serving as an associate sponsor for Dallenbach's BGN #6 team and Andretti's #43 Cheerios/Betty Crocker Dodge Cup team, will donate 43 books for each lap the two drivers complete in NASCAR events at Phoenix this week. The donated books will go to First Book-Phoenix/Scottsdale. At 43 books per lap, that means that Cheerios Spoonfuls of Stories, in conjunction with Simon & Schuster, will donate as many as 22,016 new children’s books if both drivers complete each lap in their respective races. First Book, a national nonprofit which provides new books to children from low-income families, will distribute the donated books to children in need in the Greater Phoenix area. Nationally, as many as 61 percent of low-income families have no books at all in their homes for their children. Cheerios Spoonfuls of Stories race donation is part of a broader commitment to children’s literacy that includes putting more than five million books inside boxes of Cheerios. Families can help Cheerios get even more books to children in their own communities using the First Book donation form found on Cheerios boxes.(Williams Company PR)(11-7-2002)
2003 Monte Carlo SS Jeff Gordon Signature Edition: Soon, NASCAR and Jeff Gordon fans will be able to cruise Main Street in a Chevrolet Monte Carlo similar to that driven by the Winston Cup Series' four-time champion. The limited production vehicle is a 2003 Monte Carlo SS Jeff Gordon Signature Edition, based on a well-equipped Monte Carlo SS with the High Sport appearance package. Its striking exterior scheme includes a new-for-'03 Superior Blue color, highlighted by Galaxy Silver grounds effects, diamond-cut cast aluminum wheels and dual stainless steel exhaust tips. Adding to the exterior character are Galaxy Silver flame decals on the hood, front fenders and doors. Jeff Gordon's trademark signature will be displayed on the sail panel and decklid. His well-known NASCAR number '24' will be prominently featured on the front license plate close-out panel, the sail panels, and embroidered on the headrests.(GM PR)(11-7-2002)
(11-6-2002)
Spencer out? UPDATE at end of season; Hamilton?: hearing rumors that Jimmy Spencer will not return to the #41 Target Dodge/Ganassi Racing team, not sure if it is immediate or at the end of the season or at all. If released, the only rumored driver I have heard is Jimmy Vasser of CART but could be an opening for Bobby Hamilton to get in that Dodge program.(11-5-2002) UPDATE: Chip Ganassi Racing with Felix Sabates announced today that Jimmy Spencer, driver of the #41 Target Dodge, will be released from his contract at the end of the 2002 season. Spencer will continue his driving duties for the team for the remainder of the 2002 NASCAR Winston Cup season. "When we first made this deal, Jimmy and I agreed about what would happen if the results were not what either of us were happy with," owner Chip Ganassi said. "Obviously, both of us are not happy with the results. I feel bad we weren't able to get the most out of our relationship, but I'm sure I'll remain friends with Jimmy. We all know he's a colorful character that no one can help but enjoy being around. No one can deny Jimmy has a lot of energy and excitement about him." Chip Ganassi Racing with Felix Sabates has not announced a driver for the #41 entry for the 2003 Winston Cup season.(Chip Ganassi Racing with Felix Sabates PR)(11-5-2002) UPDATE 2: The driver rumored to replace Spencer in 2003 is Bobby Hamilton. Other rumors indicate that longtime Travis Carter crew chief, Donnie Wingo, would join the Ganassi’s three-car stable to wrench Jamie McMurray’s Dodge in 2003.(Ford Racing)(11-6-2002)
Berrier staying, Holly NOT moving UPDATE oops, Holly leaves: Richard Childress says he's not going to release #30 crew chief Todd Berrier from the final two years of his contract, but Childress hasn't said how he might reorganize his three-car team next season. There has been speculation that Harold Holly [#10 ppc team in the BGN], the BGN crew chief who worked well with Jeff Green, could take over the reins of Green's Cup team next season.(Winston Salem Journal) BUT in the latest Winston Cup Scene there is a story about Holly who says he os NOT leaving ppc Racing and denies this rumor.(11-4-2002) UPDATE: Harold Holly, the director of race operations at ppc Racing and crew chief for #10-Scott Riggs in the BGN, left the team today, NASCAR Winston Cup Scene reporter Rick Houston has learned. Holly was the crew chief for Jeff Green when he won the Busch Series championship by the largest margin in the division's history, and he has been rumored to be a possibility to join Green with Richard Childress Racing's #30 Winston Cup team.(Winston Cup Scene Daily Newsletter)(11-5-2002) UPDATE 2: Greg Pollex, owner of ppc Racing [#'s 10,15,57 in the BGN], announced yesterday that Harold Holly, Crew Chief for the No. 10 Nestlé Nesquik Ford Taurus in the Busch Series, is resigning effective immediately to pursue Winston Cup opportunities. A replacement has not been named. Pollex along with co-owner Keith Barnwell are looking to the future of ppc and working towards a common goal they have become known for-winning races. "We do not have a replacement for Harold yet," said Pollex. "The No.10 team has 15 wins under Harold's guidance and will continue to win races. Keith is in the process of reviewing our options and talking with some very strong candidates. We want to make sure we choose the right person for the team." Pollex and Barnwell support Holly's decision to pursue Winston Cup opportunities. "I wish Harold the best," said Pollex. "I have a tremendous personal relationship with Harold. I have always encouraged my guys to pursue advancement in their careers if the opportunity presented itself. Harold is in pursuit of those opportunities and I am sure he will make the best of it."(Nesquik Racing Media Relations PR)(11-6-2002)
#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) UPDATE: on Earl Barban (team mechanic/spotter injured in 10/31 motorcycle crash en route to Rockingham). Released from Rockingham hospital last night (Monday) recuperating at home under watchful eye of his mom visited his personal physician today to see if further tests are necessary biggest concern at this time seems to be the lacerated spleen and painful swollen ankles.(Tom Roberts PR)(11-6-2002)
Homestead Testing from Tuesday: #20-Tony Stewart topped the speed charts for the second consecutive day at the final test session before Ford Championship Weekend November 14-17 at Homestead-Miami Speedway. Stewart and five other drivers tested under sunny skies, temperatures in the low 80's and a slight breeze. Two other drivers tested Cup cars and three drivers tested BGN on the 1.5-mile track. The speeds:
#20-Tony Stewart, 148.670mph
#91-Casey Atwood, 147.420
#57-Robert Pressley, 147.139 BGN:
#60-Greg Biffle, 147.581
#56-Martin Truex, Jr., 145.474 (from NJ)
#18-Mike McLaughlin, 145.083.(Homestead-Miami Speedway PR)(11-6-2002)
DeWalt News - 2003 Scheme, flames return at Phoenix, and winners: The 2003 DeWalt Power Tools Ford Taurus paint scheme will be unveiled at DeWalt's Rolling Thunder on Saturday, November 9th at 11:45am. AND The 16 regional winners have driven their five screws in record time and will vie for a chance to win the Million Dollar Challenge during the pre-race ceremonies at Phoenix International Raceway on November 10th. The regional winners are as follows:. Mike Fischer from Huntley, IL 8.19 seconds; Phillip Elliot from Glen Aubrey, NY 9.38 seconds; Jon Smith from Delaware, OH 9.94 seconds; Joe Fodera from Sommerville, MA. 10.23 seconds; John Seymour from Charlotte, NC 10.43 seconds; Ben Pece from Lyndhurst, OH 10.46 seconds; Darrell Fink from Citrus Heights, CA 10.71 seconds; Scott Brockbank from Orem, UT 10.86 seconds; Bill South from Litchfield Park, AZ 10.97 seconds; Mike Rennie from Kirkland, WA 11.10 seconds; James McAnally from Lake Mary, FL 11.24 seconds; Eric Anderson from Garland, TX 11.39 seconds; Darren Johnson from Pembroke Pines, FL 11.69 seconds; Kane Powell from Panora, IA 12.07 seconds; Dale Howington from Buford, GA 12.12 seconds; Ben Beachy from Mt. Joy, PA 12.56 seconds. AND The #17 Ford will sport the DeWalt Million Dollar Challenge Flame paint scheme this weekend at Phoenix to commemorate the DeWalt Million Dollar Challenge Finals taking place throughout the weekend.(DeWalt PR)(11-6-2002)
Team Penske to honor Dixon: To celebrate Larry Dixon's NHRA Top Fuel Championship, a special logo will be placed on both the #2-Rusty Wallace and #12-Ryan Newman Ford race cars for this weekend's Phoenix race. In addition, for the in-car camera in Rusty's car, sponsor Miller Brewing is placing a dash board sign featuring the Lite logo and the message: "Congratulations Larry Dixon and Don Prudhomme Snake Racing NHRA Powerade 2002 Top Fuel Champions."(Tom Roberts PR)(11-6-2002)
Sad News: Two men who died after their single-engine plane struck some power lines and crashed into a field have been tentatively identified, the Fond du Lac County [WI] Sheriff's Department reported Tuesday. The victims are believed to be Fond du Lac residents Jim Gescheidle, 60, supervisor of buildings and grounds for the Fond du Lac School District, and Harold Duehring, 62, owner of Duehring Electro-Coat, Chief Deputy Mick Fink said Tuesday. Confirmation was expected following autopsies. The plane crashed about 5:40pm Monday as it approached Fond du Lac County Skyport from the south, Fink said. The 1965 Piper was en route to Fond du Lac from a NASCAR race in Rockingham, NC, and due at the airport about 6:00pm, Fink said. Relatives were waiting at the airport when the crash occurred, Fink said.(Milwaukee Journal Sentinel)(11-6-2002)
NASCAR on NBC & TNT Up 13% Heading into Final 2 Races: Through 17 telecasts, NBC & TNT have produced a 4.3 national rating/10 share (excluding this year’s Daytona 500 and last year’s primetime Pepsi 400 - the two races which alternate between NBC and Fox each year), representing a 13 percent increase over a 3.8/10 for the comparable races last year. This growth builds on last year’s 34 percent ratings increase (3.9/10 vs. a 2.9/8) for the inaugural year of NASCAR on NBC & TNT over the comparable races in the 2000 season. TNT’s coverage of last Sunday’s NASCAR Winston Cup race from Rockingham, N.C. delivered a 3.0 converted national household rating/8 share, which represents a three percent improvement over last year’s 2.9/8 on TNT.(NBC PR)(11-6-2002)
Congrats: Jay, Stephanie and John Durner are proud to announce the birth of John's little sister, Sydney Elizabeth, born October 14, 12:08am. Sydney weighed 8lbs 5oz and measured 20 and 1/4 inches long. Stephanie Durner host the Fox Sports Net show NASCAR Tech.(11-6-2002)
(11-5-2002)
Martin's car fails inspection UPDATE 2 Penalized 25 points/ Roush may appeal: #6-Mark Martin finished second at Rockingham and appeared had cut #20-Tony Stewart's lead in the Winston Cup standings from 146 to 87 points. But during post-race inspection, NASCAR discovered that the left-front spring on Martin's Ford did not have the minimum requirement of 4½ coils - it had 4 3/8 coils. NASCAR spokesperson Danielle Frye said penalties would not be announced until Monday at the earliest, but the same violation has drawn fines and 25-point penalties earlier this season. A similar points penalty would leave Martin 112 points back with two races remaining.(ThatsRacin.com)(11-3-2002) UPDATE: NASCAR officials announced today penalties for the #6 Ford team in the NASCAR Winston Cup Series because of a rule violation found following Sunday's race at North Carolina Speedway. Mark Martin, driver of the #6 Ford, has been penalized 25 series championship points. In addition, Martin's team owner Jack Roush has been penalized 25 car owner points. A $5,000 fine was issued to crew chief Ben Leslie. All three were penalized under Section 12-4-Q in the NASCAR Winston Cup rule book ("Any determination by NASCAR officials that parts and/or equipment used in the event do not conform to NASCAR rules."), because of an unapproved front spring. The left front coil spring on the #6 Ford had approximately 4 3/8 (four-and-three-eighths) coils. The required minimum number of coils is 4 1/2 (four-and-one-half). This is the third time this season officials have taken points from NASCAR Winston Cup teams because of unapproved coil springs.(NASCAR PR) Martin now has 4437 points (4462-25), which puts him down 112 points now. [see my Penalties page for the past points deductions](11-4-2002) UPDATE 2: Roush Racing President Geoff Smith says the team may appeal NASCAR's decision to take away 25 Winston Cup points from Mark Mark because his car had an unapproved spring in Sunday's race at North Carolina Speedway. "We are evaluating all avenues of recourse available to us, including invoking the NASCAR appeals process and have asked our outside counsel to assess our options for recourse against the manufacturer and distributor of the spring," Smith said today. "We quite naturally are upset that we received exactly the same penalty as that imposed on two other teams that altered springs with the expectation of obtaining a performance advantage." NASCAR said Roush Racing's No. 6 Ford was found with an improper left front spring after Martin drove it to second place in the Pop Secret Microwave Popcorn 400. The sanctioning body penalized Martin 25 driver points, took away 25 car owner points from team owner Jack Roush and fined crew chief Ben Leslie $5,000 because the spring had 4 3/8 coils instead of the m ndated 4 1/2. NASCAR noted that it was the third time this year that a driver and team had lost points because of spring problems. Martin, who has finished second in the Winston Cup championship three times, said the "unaltered spring... had no performance difference.... I feel like we just got the death sentence for shoplifting. Everyone in the garage knows that it was an honest mistake and provided absolutely zero advantage at that track." If the penalty stands Martin will go into the season's final two races 112 points behind championship leader Tony Stewart.(Winston Cup Scene Daily Newsletter)(11-5-2002)
Testing at Homestead UPDATE Stewart fastest: #20-Tony Stewart is headlining a group of ten drivers who will test at Homestead-Miami Speedway on Monday, November 4 and Tuesday, November 5 from 9:00am - 5:00pm/et each day. Admission is free to the public for the test sessions with seating in the Speedway Club level. Driver participation is subject to change. Drivers scheduled to test:
#20-Tony Stewart, 149.354mph
#57-Robert Pressley (Team CLR), 147.312
#91-Casey Atwood, 146.500
#29-Kevin Harvick, no speed listed
#30-Jeff Green, no speed listed BGN
#31-Dave Blaney, 147.420
#60-Greg Biffle, 147.059
#40-Brian Vickers, 146.500
#18-Mike McLaughlin, 145.357
#56-Martin Truex, Jr. 143.426
(HMS Site - Speeds from NASCAR.com) NOTES: Track Qualifying Record is Steve Park, Nov 2000, 156.440mph and the 2001 Pole Sitter was Bill Elliott at 155.226.(11-5-2002)
Schrader and the Pooches: This weekend at Phoenix, #36-Ken Schrader will be racing for search and rescue dogs across the country. It's all part of a new promotion by Pedigree Food for Dogs and Petsmart called Pedigree To The Rescue. For every kilometer that Schrader completes during the Winston Cup race on Sunday, November 10th, Pedigree will donate 100 pounds of its new Pedigree Dry Food For Dogs to canine handlers who are members of the National Association for Search and Rescue (NASAR) Dogs. The new dog food features Pedigree Healthy Nuggets, kibbles with a crispy shell and soft, tasty center, and the Advance Antitoxidant Recipe to help dogs live a long, healthy life. That means that if Schrader completes the 312-lap race in its entirety, NASAR's canine handlers would receive 50,000 pounds of dog food. Law enforcement agencies using search and rescue dogs will be able to pick up the donated Pedigree dog food at designated Petsmart locations around the country. Schrader has the most career wins of any driver at Phoenix International Raceway with 12 trips to Victory Lane. As part of the promotion, the #36 Pedigree Brand Racing Pontiac will also have a new look this weekend in Phoenix. The car will feature Healthy Nuggets - a new addition to the famous Pedigree Dry Food For Dogs recipe. The new recipe delivers both great taste and advanced nutrition to help your dog live a long, healthy life. The new car will be unveiled by Schrader at the Petsmart store located at 7290 West Bell Road in Glendale, Arizona, on Wednesday, November 6th at 7:00pm. Lt. Mike Tuttle, President of NASAR, and a team of search and rescue dogs that assisted with the World Trade Center recovery efforts, will also be on hand.(IMG Motorsports-Charlotte PR)(11-5-2002)
Hooper in the #90 at Phoenix: Once again, Lance Hooper will endeavor to compete in two top series NASCAR events, the CTS and Cup races, this weekend at Phoenix. This won't be the first time Hooper has attempted a double duty weekend. At Dover this June, he ran in the CTS race and the BGN MBNA 200, coming from the back of the field to finish 23rd. Hooper belongs to a rather elite group of only seven drivers, including Kenny Schrader and Tony Stewart, who have raced in all three of NASCAR's top series this year. Ingles Market continues their associate sponsorship of Hooper for both the Cup race and the CTS. Their sponsorship of Hooper extends back through five years for ARCA, CTS, BGN, and WC races. This year, Ingles co-sponsored Hooper's truck, BGN Dover ride, and Bristol WC August run. "We are really grateful for Ingles Market's loyalty to us through the last five years," states Hooper." Not only have they been a great associate sponsor, they have provided the food for our team for many races." Hooper will be trying to make the field for Phoenix in the # 90 Ford (not the #47 as listed on the entry list), a partnership between Junie Donlavey and Roger Smith, from Naples FL. Hooper drove Smith/Dovlavey's car in August for the Cup Bristol race. Within hundreds of a second to qualify on time, Hooper took a provisional and not only improved his start by 12 positions, but loaded an almost unscathed car at the end of the night, despite the usual Bristol melee.(Lance Hooper Racing PR), NOTE: the #90 team is out of provisionals and will need to make the field on speed)(11-5-2002)
Pressley Tests the #57 at Homestead: #57 Team CLR Racing is testing with Robert Presley this week in Homestead. If testing goes well they will attempt to make the final Winston Cup race of the 2002 season in Homestead FL. LD Mechanical.& Over The Wall Diecast will be on board again as associate sponsors. The last attempt for Team CLR was.the Brickyard with Stuart Kirby as the driver of the #57 CLR Ford Taurus.(Team CLR PR)(11-5-2002)
Park Wins NMPA Spirit Award Steve Park is the winner of the third-quarter voting in NMPA's "Pocono Spirit Award." Park was picked because he overcame the injury suffered in a crash at Darlington nearly 13 months ago. Amazingly, six months after the accident, Park was not only back at the South Carolina track, but the Dale Earnhardt, Inc., driver was competing once again at the sport's highest level. A driver whose career appeared to be over didn't just beat the odds, he demolished them. The NMPA/Pocono Spirit Award recognizes character and achievement in the face of adversity as well as sportsmanship and contributions to motorsports.(NMPA via Insider Racing)(11-5-2002)
Fittipaldi Debut at Phoenix: Christian Fittipaldi will make his NASCAR Winston Cup debut this week at the one-mile Phoenix International Raceway. He will run the #44 Georgia-Pacific/Brawny Dodge in Sunday’s Checker Auto Parts 500. "I’m excited with the opportunity and looking forward to running my first Winston Cup race," said Fittipaldi, nephew of open wheel legend Emerson Fittipaldi. "I have tested several times and have run some Busch races. I am getting a feel for these cars, and I’m looking forward to seeing what they are like with 42 others on the track with you at the same time," he said. Fittipaldi will drive a combination Winston Cup, BGN and ARCA schedule next season for Petty Enterprises. Still looking for sponsorship for that effort, Fittipaldi and Petty Enterprises plan on using this unique schedule to fine-tune his stock car racing skills before running a full Winston Cup schedule in 2004. "Christian has been successful in Formula One and successful in CART, and we think he is going to be very successful in Winston Cup too," said Kyle Petty, CEO of Petty Enterprises. "He has adjusted to these big stock cars pretty quickly, and has tested well everywhere we have gone with him. His Phoenix test last week was really good, and he is going to have a good weekend. We are continuing our search for a sponsor for him for next year, and there has been a lot of interest in this program from potential sponsors," Petty continued. "We want to find someone who fits well with General Mills and Georgia-Pacific." Petty will drive the #45 Georgia-Pacific/Brawny Dodge next season for Petty Enterprises.(Williams Company)(11-5-2002)
NAPCM Pit Crew of the Week - Rockingham #10: High performance pit stops at the "Rock" took the #10 Valvoline team from a 26th place start to Victory Lane. Congratulations #10 Valvoline Crew on your first trip to Victory Lane and for 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).(11-5-2002)
(11-4-2002)
Magic Number is 11th not 8th since penalty: #20-Tony Stewart can clinch the Winston Cup Drivers Championship buy finishing 11th or better in each of the last two races and no one can catch him, needs to average 129 points a race the last two races, 11th is worth 130. The most #6-Mark Martin can get is 4807 (4437 + 370 [185x2]), so 4807 - 4549 = 258, 258/2 = 129. 11th is worth 130 points, or a 12th (worth 127) and lead a lap for 5 points will clinch it for Stewart.(11-3/4-2002) AND Only the top seven drivers in the points race still have a mathematical chance of winning this year's title. Any driver more than 151 points out of the lead after the race in Phoenix this coming weekend will be eliminated from the championship race. After Sunday's race, only Mark Martin is within 151 points of Stewart.(as long as they start the last race...of course)(11-4-2002)
No Longer the tighest: With 248 points separating first through fifth in this year's title race, this is no longer the tightest points race in NASCAR history. In 1992, 113 points separated the top five with two races remaining. The late Alan Kulwicki won that title by 10 points over Bill Elliott.(News and Observer)(11-4-2002)
Nice Crowd: Johnny Benson joined Donnie Allison (1968), Mark Martin (1989) and Ward Burton (1995) as drivers whose first Winston Cup wins have come at North Carolina Speedway.(Richmond Times Dispatch)(11-4-2002)
Lepage in? Atwood out at the #7? UPDATE 6 next week? to the #91?: 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) UPDATE 4: Opinions differ on whether Casey Atwood will finish the Winston Cup season in the #7 Dodge. Atwood is behind the wheel for the race this weekend. But, reports in the garage area have him out for the final two races of the year at Phoenix and Homestead, possibly replaced by Kevin LePage. However, team representatives stated that Atwood would finish out the season. According to reports, Lepage was 7/10ths of a second faster than Atwood at a recent testing session at Atlanta.(NASCAR.com)(11-1-2002) BUT another rumor has Jason Leffler in the #7 at Phoenix.(11-2-2002) UPDATE 5: Car owner Jim Smith fired Casey Atwood on Tuesday afternoon, with plans to put Kevin Lepage in the car this weekend. Atwood was unaware of that behind-the-scenes action until he got a phone call from friends who had heard the news on television. Atwood's father, Terry, who has been carefully watching his young son's fledgling career, then called Smith's partner Ray Evernham, who in turn called Smith to remind him that Atwood still had a contract. What happens next is unclear.(Winston Salem Journal)(11-3-2002) UPDATE 6 - getting odder now: Casey Atwood will be testing at Homestead Speedway on Monday and Tuesday. Rumor has it that he isn't testing in the #7 car, but the #91 Dodge owned by Ray Evernham Motorsports that Hank Parker Jr. drove at North Carolina Speedway. If Atwood does get released from the #7 Dodge, Evernham will use Atwood in his car to finish out the year. Garage talk had Atwood out of the car and Kevin Lepage in for Phoenix and Homestead. Lepage was seen walking and talking with Tony Furr, crew chief for the #7 Dodge, in the garage and pit area at Rockingham this weekend. Atwood was spotted in the BGN garage going into the #27 Chevy transporter of Brewco Motorsports, where he has been rumored to be going if he's realeased from the Winston Cup ride.(NASCAR.com Buzz)(11-4-2002)
Oops: Two drivers could be heard cussing during the TNT telecast of Sunday's race -- #20-Home Depot Pontiac driver Tony Stewart and #22-Caterpillar Dodge driver Ward Burton. After Chevy driver Jimmie Johnson's crew chief was fined for cussing on television last month, some drivers wondered if NASCAR would be consistent with that policy. Dale Earnhardt Jr. cussed on television during last weekend's race, but he was not fined.(News and Observer), oh yes, complaints can be directed at NASCAR or the teams, not me.(11-4-2002)
Stacker 2 to sponsor a BGN team too: hearing Stacker 2, who will sponsor the #23 Bill Davis Racing Dodge and Kenny Wallace in 2003 on the Cup circuit, has signed with the #23 Bill Davis BGN team and driver Scott Wimmer as the primary sponsor for half the 2003 season and the other half of the season they will be the secondary sponsor with a company called Stamina RX, which is a natural alternative to Viagra. Stacker 2 is coming out with a line of high protein, low carb protein bars and a meal replacement drink [like Slim Fast in a way] and plans are to use the BGN and CUP cars to promote both Stacker 2 diet aids and the new line.(11-4-2002)
Fukuyama back in 2003? Hideo Fukuyama says he will "definitely" be back next season on the Winston Cup tour, running a limited schedule of probably six or seven races at tracks like Las Vegas, California and Phoenix. He will be under the tutelage of a veteran driver who will also run the rest of the season for Travis Carter [#26 and #66] to keep the team up in the point standings. Who that driver/coach might be is still up in the air, though Wally Dallenbach Jr's name has been raised. However Carter still has no word on what might happen with his primary team, the #26 Todd Bodine drives for.(Winston Salem Journal)(11-4-2002)
Pemberton says he is staying at the #77: Ryan Pemberton's name keeps popping up in the crew chief rumor mill, but he says he plans to fulfill the final two years on his contract with the #77 Jasper Motorsports Ford driven by Dave Blaney. Though Pemberton was uncertain how the team's engine alliance with Penske would change because of Penske's switch to Dodge, he says "everyone will be stronger" by taking technology from both sides and applying it to the entire alliance.(Sporting News)(11-4-2002)
Berrier staying, Holly NOT moving: Richard Childress says he's not going to release #30 crew chief Todd Berrier from the final two years of his contract, but Childress hasn't said how he might reorganize his three-car team next season. There has been speculation that Harold Holley [#10 ppc team in the BGN], the BGN crew chief who worked well with Jeff Green, could take over the reins of Green's Cup team next season.(Winston Salem Journal) BUT in the latest Winston Cup Scene there is a story about Holly who says he os NOT leaving ppc Racing and denies this rumor.(11-4-2002)
Andretti and Fittipaldi stuff: #43-John Andretti hasn't signed a contract with Petty Enterprises for 2003, but Kyle Petty says: "He told me he was going to do our deal, so it's just a matter of time." Petty is optimistic about new driver Christian Fittipaldi, who will make his Winston Cup debut this weekend at Phoenix in the #44. Petty says Fittipaldi's test times there last week were competitive with other teams'.(Sporting News)(11-4-2002)
Pay Per View Races? Will some Winston Cup races eventually go to pay-per-view? That's what some worry following the announcement that Turner Sports' TNT division plans to move some of its NASCAR programming to a new cable channel - TNT Plus. The new channel is part of TNT's plan to raise rates 10 percent to cable companies that carry TNT. How many, if any, Winston Cup races TNT might move to its new upper-tier cable channel is unclear. And there are reports that TNT might black out Winston Cup coverage to cable companies that don't accept the rate increase.(Winston Salem Journal), HOWEVER - last week NASCAR addressed the TNT situation: 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)(10-30/11-4-2002)
Woman Injured...but OK: How dangerous is the NASCAR garage? A woman had hair ripped from her scalp Saturday when her hair became caught in a rising truck lift-gate, according to NASCAR sources.(Winston Salem Journal) BUT it was mentioned during broadcasting of the race at Rockingham that the woman is OK.(11-4-2002)
TNT stuff: TNT's Discover Pre-race Show, Best Feature: Dave Burns explains on a chalkboard how points are tallied and what the top three drivers in the points standings, Tony Stewart (1), Mark Martin (2) and Jimmie Johnson (3), need to do in the final three races of the season to win the Winston Cup Championship. Burns simplified the mathematics for Stewart saying that he needed only to finish ninth or better in the final three races.
Feature on the effects of losing on drivers: Kurt Busch - "It eats and you and makes you think 'maybe you I can't do this?'"
Rusty Wallace - "All of us envied Jeff Gordon when he was winning all those championships and making all that money. I was jealous of him for being young and making all that money. I told him that."
Bill Weber asking Rusty Wallace whether you can put too much pressure on your team. Rusty Wallace - "Absolutely. I have it to the point where they (his team) love me and hate me within five minutes."
Ryan Newman responding to whether or not you need to concentrate 100% of the time when you are racing - "You don't have to, but if you don't you're going to crash."
Marty Snider interviewing Ward Burton, whose car was just knocked out of the race - "The 11 car (Brett Bodine) got into me. We were running like [crap] all day."(TNT PR)(11-4-2002)
