PAST NEWS NOV 11-17, 2002

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(11-17-2002)

• Final Winston Cup Drivers Points Standings:
  #20-Tony Stewart 4800
  #6-Mark Martin 4762 -38
  #97-Kurt Busch 4641 -159
  #24-Jeff Gordon 4607 -193
  #48-Jimmie Johnson 4600 -200
  #12-Ryan Newman 4593 -207
  #2-Rusty Wallace 4574 -226
  #17-Matt Kenseth 4432 -368
  #88-Dale Jarrett 4415 -385
  #28-Ricky Rudd 4323 -477
  See full standings at ThatsRacin.com and see my Drivers and Owners Points page.(11-17-2002)
  
  
• Busch wins the race, Stewart wins the Winston Cup: #97-Kurt Busch won the Ford 400 at Homestead-Miami Speedway, his 4th win of the 2002 season and his career and sewed up 3rd in the Drivers Points. 2nd was #25-Joe Nemechek who also led the most laps. #20-Tony Stewart ended up 18th and won the Winston Cup Championship, his first, Joe Gibbs 2nd and Stewart is the 25th driver to win a Winston Cup. #6-Mark Martin gave it his best and finished 4th. The unofficial top 10 in the race::
  
  #97-Kurt -Busch (28 laps led)
  #25-Joe Nemechek (111 laps led)
  #99-Jeff Burton
  #6-Mark Martin
  #24-Jeff Gordon
  
  #12-Ryan Newman (22 laps led)
  #9-Bill Elliott
  #48-Jimmie Johnson (27 laps led)
  #21-Elliott Sadler
  #55-Bobby Hamilton
  
  Laps Leaders(6): #97-Busch(28 laps led); #8-Earnhardt Jr(46); #25-Nemechek(111); #48-Johnson(27); #88-Jarrett(27); #12-Newman(28);
  Cars on the lead lap: 21
  DNF's: #77-Blaney (out-accident); #41-Spencer(out-accident); #17-Kenseth(out-engine); #44-Andretti(out-engine); #30-Green(out-engine);
  
  Cautions 6 for 41 laps
  Caution 6: lap 237-243 #43-Andretti's car engine erupted, oil running down the track and #31-Gordon Looped his car but made no contact.
  Caution 5: lap 228-233 Oil on the track. from Kenseth's engine
  Caution 4: lap 195-204 #41-Spencer crashed hard in the turn 1 wall after having a tire went down, the car erupted in flames, Spencer got out and is ok.
  Caution 3: lap 94-103 #15-Waltrip supoosedly got tapped by #40-McMurray and Waltrip backed into the wall. Replays were inconclusive but Waltrip said he didn't think he got tapped or hit.
  Caution 2: lap 74-78 debris on the track
  Caution 1: lap 2-4 #77-Blaney got loose and backed into the wall.
  NOTES: The #49-Cope Dodge has the Miccosukee Indian Gaming decals on the car. Green flag stops took place around lap 155-163 range, #4-Skinner ran into the back of #24-Gordon, damaging the nose of the #4. #15-Waltrip back on the track as of lap 150. #8-Earnhardt Jr has an engine problem around lap 128 and is smoking. During caution 2 pit stops there was a fire in the #18 pits when gas spilt on the exhaust pipes or brake rotor of the car with a #18 gasman/truck driver Peter Jellen got small burns on his neck and is back in the pits after spending some time in the infield care center. Green flag pit stops occuring lap 53-60 range. Lap 22 #88-Jarrett felt a tire going down and had to pit, losing a lap. #40-McMurray passed a bunch of cars on the restart and was black flagged for a stop-and-go penalty after the 1st caution.
  Re-Air: The race will be re-aired on TNT, Tues, Nov 19th, 2:00am/et; Speed Channel on Wed, Nov 20th, 8:00pm/et and Thurs, Nov 21st, 1:00am/et and at 12:00noon/et.
  Results: at ThatsRacin.com or NASCAR.com.(11-17-2002)
  
  
• Photographer Burned In Spencer Crash: Bob LeSieur, photographer for Speedway Scene, was burned on his arms and face when Jimmy Spencer crashed on lap 194 and backed into the first turn wall. The car burst into flames and LeSieur wasn't looking at the action because he was changing film in the camera. LeSieur was taken to the infield care center, treated and released. His eyebrows were singed and the burns weren't serious so he returned to shooting for the weekly racing newspaper.(Insider Racing News)(11-17-2002)
  
  
• Ford Racing News: Linas Orentas, NASCAR Program Manager for Ford Racing Technology, said on Saturday morning that despite all the rumors about utilizing a new brand Ford for the 2003 season, Taurus will still be the car used. "We have absolutely no intention of changing from the Taurus," said Orentas. Ford Racing will conduct wind tunnel test next week to determine whether a third roof flap would be more effective in keeping the cars from getting airborne at the high speed tracks such as Talladega and Daytona.(Insider Racing News)(11-17-2002)
  
  
• Yates testing this week - #38 crew chief to be named soon: Elliott Sadler and Dale Jarrett will be testing at Kentucky Speedway on Tuesday and Wednesday. Elliott Sadler also said the the crew chief for his new team would be announced in the next two weeks. "You may be surprised," said Sadler, "It will be a name that I can really get excited about."(Insider Racing News)(11-17-2002)
  
  
• Mast News: Cup driver Rick Mast was on Fox Sports Net's NASCAR This Morning, interviewing Ganassi Racing people about their motor coaches [a taped interview from April 2001], Steve Waid of Winston Cup Scene, one of the hosts of the show mentioned that Mast is at 70% and that doctors determined he suffered from some sort of toxcity and there is no word on when or if he will return to racing. From the Fox Sports site: John Roberts: It's been awhile since we heard from "The Rickster," but Steve Waid, I understand you had a chance to talk to him. Steve Waid: Yeah, I spoke to him this past week. "The Rickster" is doing just fine. He's in great spirits. He says he's about 70 percent. The doctors have determined that he did suffer from some kind of toxicity. No decision yet whether he'll be racing again. He certainly hopes to be. But for the time being, guys, he's doing just fine. He's in great spirits, and we wish the best for "The Rickster." We'd like to see him back in the car.(11-17-2002)
  
  
• Charity fishing at the Track: Winston Cup drivers, including Geoffrey Bodine, Bobby Labonte, Rusty Wallace, Ryan Newman and Stewart competed in a fishing contest on the infield's 18-acre lake earlier this weekend. A chance to fish with each driver was auctioned off, raising more than $18,000 for The Betty Jane France Pediatrics Center, a newly-renovated pediatrics unit at Homestead Hospital, the Darrell Gwynn Foundation for spinal-cord research and the Guy Harvey Research Institute. Bodine's team won the competition with a winning weight of 9.53 pounds.(Miami Herald)(11-17-2002)
  
  
• Fans Burned at the track: John Majewski of Fort Myers, FL and Ed Zigler of Cape Coral, FL, who were burned Friday when the flag pole they were raising struck a power line in a parking lot outside Homestead-Miami Speedway, remained hospitalized in stable condition at Jackson Memorial Hospital on Saturday. The accident occured early Friday, and FPL was called to the scene to investigate. Majewski was the most seriously injured, sustaining third-degree burns on his toes.(Miami Herald)(11-17-2002)
  
  
  
  A salute to longtime RCR gasman, Chocolate Myers, who will retire after Sunday's race
  from Lori of the War Wagon.
  
  
• Changes at Childress? Cup [#'s 29,30,31] team owner owner Richard Childress said changes might be in the works for his race teams. "There will be personnel changes," Childress said. "We're going to be shifting a lot of people around, moving a lot of people. We've got to work on getting the right fix and the best people we can in all those positions." BGN champion crew chief Harold Holly of ppc Racing recently visited RCR's complex but decided not to go to work there. Some speculation has surrounded crew chief Todd Berrier and driver Jeff Green, who work together on the #30 AOL Chevy, and Childress indicated the changes could come very soon.(NASCAR.com)(11-17-2002)
  
  
• Blaney Staying at the #77: Dave Blaney says he's committed to stay with the #77 Fords owned by Jasper Motorsports next year. "We're locked into the 77," Blaney said. "There has been a lot of stuff floating around and I've talked to a lot of people. Having car owners that have some interest is nice, but I've got a contract with these guys. We've put together a solid year this year and we definitely have to build on it." Blaney's crew chief, Ryan Pemberton, will leave the team at season's end to go to the #36 Pontiacs that will be driven by Jerry Nadeau next season. "We're just going to look for the best all-around guy," Blaney said of the search for a new crew chief. "I think the owners want to go more toward an engineering type of guy and that kind of crew, so that's what they're looking for a little bit." Blaney is second overall in the number of laps completed and miles completed on the circuit this year.(ThatsRacin.com)(11-17-2002)
  
  
• Sad News: James "Jimmy" R. Edwards Sr. of Hope Mills, whose drivers and engines won more than a thousand stock car races across the Carolinas, died Saturday after a long illness. He was 69. "When you came to Fayetteville to race, you knew one thing: If you were going to win, you'd have to beat Mr. Edwards' car," said Godwin's Larry Norris, a race car owner and one of Edwards' engine customers. Three of Mr. Edwards' four sons - Jimmy Jr., Hank and Curtis - followed in his racing footsteps. Jimmy Jr. and Hank both drove for their father during their careers and won multiple track championships in the Carolinas in his cars. Some of the many drivers who drove for Mr. Edwards over the years included E.C. Johnson, Chubby Thompkins, Glenn McDuffie, Bill Bostick, Ed Carver and Danny Parker.(see more at the Fayetteville Observer). Edwards is listed as having two Winston Cup starts as an Owner, in 1978 with Glenn Jarrett [Dale's brother] and in 1979 with Richard Brickhouse.(11-17-2002)
  
  
• WD-40 and Burton re-up: WD-40 Company and Daytona 500 winner Ward Burton they will continue their promotional partnership through the 2003 NASCAR Winston Cup Season. During the 2003 NASCAR racing season, the product used by millions of consumers to solve problems on their cars and trucks will be continue to be marketed through programs involving Burton. This will be the second year of an endorsement and advertising agreement between WD-40 Company and Burton. "Our brands are a perfect fit with NASCAR and its drivers - auto enthusiasts and mechanics rely on our products to help maintain their vehicles," said Garry Ridge, president and CEO of WD-40 Company. "Our relationship with Ward worked out so well last year that we decided to continue it for 2003. We're very pleased with the awareness he has generated around WD-40 among our automotive and general consumers."(WD-40 PR)(11-17-2002)
  
  

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  (11-16-2002)

• Stewart collides with photographer UPDATE: Tony Stewart was again the subject of controversy Saturday as he was accused of shoving a photographer after the final practice session at Homestead-Miami Speedway. Rusty Jarrett, a free-lance photographer from Augusta, Ga., was standing in the garage area of the speedway taking a still photograph of Stewart after the driver got out of his #20 Home Depot Pontiac. Jarrett said Stewart went out of his way to walk in front of him and shove him. A photographer with The Miami Herald took a photo of the incident, which shows Stewart pushed up against Jarrett while Jarrett was holding his camera. Witnesses disagree over whether Stewart's actions were intentional. Saturday afternoon, NASCAR vice president Jim Hunter was investigating the incident. "Several people look at it and have different versions of what happened," Jarrett said. "I just want to know why he did it. He could have walked to the left or right of me. I did not block his way at all." Jarrett said he had spoken to NASCAR officials. Asked the substance of the conversation, Jarrett replied, "What version do you want?"(ThatsRacin.com)
  AND On the brink of winning the Winston Cup championship, Tony Stewart ran into trouble in the garage area again Saturday, bumping a photographer aside with a forearm. The collision occurred minutes after the final practice for Sunday's season-ending Ford 400. Stewart, walking swiftly from the garage toward his Joe Gibbs Racing team's hauler, allegedly bumped photographer Rusty Jarrett, from Getty Images, out of his way. "He came out of the garage, raised his arm and put a body block on me," said Jarrett, who was not injured. NASCAR spokesman Jim Hunter said the dispute was under investigation. Stewart, who goes into Sunday's race leading Mark Martin by 89 points in their duel for the title, is already on probation for punching a photographer following a race in August. Hunter said a photo taken of the collision by an unidentified photographer was "inconclusive." George Tiedemann, a photographer for Sports Illustrated, said he and several other photographers witnessed the contact and called it "an accident." "Tony was coming out of the garage, going straight toward his hauler," Tiedemann said. "He was cutting through the inspection area and moving pretty fast. The photographer was 7-10 feet from the wall of the garage and Tony came around the corner and ran into him. If it had been intentional, (Stewart) certainly would not have looked back at the guy and said, 'What the . . . ?' Tony stumbled a little bit after they collided." Stewart was put on probation after punching a photographer following the Brickyard 400 in August. He was also fined $10,000 by NASCAR and $50,000 by his sponsor, Home Depot.(Sporting News/AP)
  Also a story at NASCAR.com: NASCAR investigating another Stewart incident.
  UPDATE: Despite the conflicting stories, in light an incident involving Stewart following the Brickyard 400 in Indianapolis this year Saturday's situation flared into a full-blown media frenzy. Stewart and car owner Joe Gibbs met with Jarrett, NASCAR president Mike Helton, Winston Cup series director John Darby and NASCAR vice president for corporate communications Jim Hunter in the NASCAR trailer late Saturday afternoon to discuss the incident. "The best way to describe it is that it was a very candid meeting," Hunter said afterward. "Rusty expressed his opinion about what happened and Tony Stewart gave Rusty his opinion. By the end of the conversation, which probably lasted 30 minutes, everyone left there happy." Hunter said Jarrett accepted an apology from Stewart. Hunter said Stewart told him he had turned away when he was coming out of the garage at a jog and didn't see Jarrett before running into him. "They shook hands and it's a closed issue as far as we're concerned," Hunter said. "It was just an incident that happened. All of you know that with Tony's history, had that been any other driver it would not have been an issue. ...I think it was an issue because it was Tony Stewart."(ThatsRacin.com) AND a story at NASCAR.com: NASCAR: Latest Stewart allegation closed(11-16-2002)
  
  
• Anheuser-Busch extends NASCAR contracts through 2007: Anheuser-Busch has extended its sponsorship of BGN through the 2007 season. Busch has been the title sponsor of the series since its inception in 1982. The sponsor’s contribution to the series’ annual points fund distribution, which totals $2.5 million this season, will increase by $400,000 per year over the length of the new contract, reaching $4.5 million at the conclusion of the 2007 season. In addition, Budweiser has extended through 2007 its sponsorship of the pole award in all NASCAR divisions and the annual preseason non-points race, Budweiser Shootout at Daytona International Speedway.(ThatsRacin.com)(11-16-2002)
  
  
• Hamilton only in Trucks in 2003? Bobby Hamilton, who is leaving Petree Racing at the end of the season and has not found another ride, said unless something turns up soon, ''I'll probably just drive my truck next year.'' Hamilton said he has had some offers to race second-tier Winston Cup cars, ''but I don't want to do that. At this point in my career, it's not about a paycheck. If I can't be in a competitive car I'm not going to race.'' Hamilton said he has had an offer to join son Bobby Jr. full-time in the BGN next season, ''but I'm not gonna do that. If I can't get a good Cup ride, I'll go race trucks.'' Hamilton fields entries {#4,#8,#18] in the CTS from his Lebanon, TN racing headquarters.(Tennessean)(11-16-2002)
  
  
• France at the track: NASCAR chairman Bill France, who had heart and hip surgery in August, is back at work and expected to make an appearance Sunday at Homestead-Miami Speedway. "Bill's doing great," said Jim Hunter, who is NASCAR vice president of communications. "He'll be here Sunday morning. This will be his first race since his surgery. He's been out of the hospital now maybe three weeks. He's doing therapy and walking again." France, who is also chairman of International Speedway Corp., fell at a Daytona Beach restaurant on Aug. 27 and broke his hip. After being taken to an undisclosed hospital, doctors discovered a problem with France's heart, and two days later, the racing mogul had triple bypass surgery. Less than a week later, once his condition had stabilized, France had surgery to fix his broken hip. France's younger brother Jim said the racing chief is gaining strength and mobility every day as his recovery continues. Bill France, 69, has suffered a series of health setbacks, including a heart attack and two bouts with cancer, since 1997. Each time, he has come back to resume his duties at NASCAR and ISC.(Daytona Beach News Journal)(11-16-2002)
  
  
• Lots of Winners: The 18 different race winners in 2002 is just one shy of the record in NASCAR's modern era, which began in 1972. There were 19 different race winners in 2001. Twenty-six different drivers have won at least one race in the two-year period.(Daytona Beach News Journal/AP)(11-16-2002)
  
  
• MRN Reporter Retiring: Jim Phillips will step aside after 20 years broadcasting Winston Cup races on the Motor Racing Network [MRN], after Sunday’s Ford 400. Phillips will be missed. He has reported from the pits and victory lane with the style and knowledge of a pro. He’s a man who always has some insight stored away, most of which never goes on the air.(more at the Gaston Gazette)(11-16-2002)
  
  
• F1 Visitor's at Homestead: Three-time Formula One champion Alain Prost strolled through the pits and paddock Friday at Miami-Homestead Speedway, getting his first look at NASCAR stock cars. "They are very loud, just like Formula One," Prost said, smiling. The Frenchman, whose Prost F1 team went bankrupt midway through the 2002 season, was the guest of Winston Cup and Busch Series car owner George deBidart. Also visiting the track Friday was F1 driver and former CART champion Juan Pablo Montoya. Montoya, who has a home in Miami, was the guest of Target/Chip Ganassi Racing team manager Andy Graves, who ran Ganassi's Indy-car operation in 2000 when Montoya won the Indianapolis 500.(ThatsRacin.com/AP)(11-16-2002)
  
  
• Kyle Petty has been named the 4th quarter True Value Person of the Year: In recognition of his compassion and endless effort in serving the community with charitable projects, Kyle Petty has been named the fourth quarter recipient of NASCAR's True Value Person of the Year. True Value, the Official Hardware Store of NASCAR, sponsors the award, which is designed to honor NASCAR drivers for their community service contributions and charitable efforts. Petty, a second generation NASCAR driver, is involved in a number of charities, including Kyle Petty's Charity Ride Across America, Race to End Hunger, Make-A-Wish Foundation, Boy Scouts of America, Winston Cup Racing Wives Auxiliary (WCRWA) and the Victory Junction Gang Camp for chronically ill children. Since the 1995 formation of Kyle Petty's Charity Ride Across America, the unique fundraiser has raised nearly $3 million for various children's hospitals, Victory Junction Gang Camp and the Winston Cup Racing Wives Auxiliary. Petty and his wife, Patti, founded the Victory Junction Gang Camp for chronically ill children. Scheduled to open in the summer of 2004, the Victory Junction Gang Camp is located in Randleman, N.C. on 62 acres of land. Petty has been honored in the past for his many hours of charitable work. He was named the 1998 True Value Person of the Year and in 1999 he was named NASCAR Winston Cup Illustrated Person of the Year. For the purpose of determining the NASCAR True Value Person of the Year award, the NASCAR Winston Cup season has been divided into four quarters in which drivers are nominated for their off-track charitable efforts. Ricky Craven was the first quarter winner, Jeff Gordon the second quarter recipient and Ken Schrader was named the third quarter winner. An elite group of panelists will select one of the quarterly finalists as the True Value Person of the Year. The award and a prize of $100,000 will be presented Dec. 6 in New York City at the Meyers Brother Breakfast, which is part of the NASCAR Winston Cup awards weekend. The money will be divided evenly between the driver and the charity of his/her choice. In addition to the NASCAR True Value Person of the Year, True Value sponsors the Driver of the Race Award, which goes to the eligible driver who wins each of the 36 NASCAR Winston Cup championship events. Each True Value Driver of the Race Award winner receives $2,500 with an additional $2,500 going to the charity of his/her choice.(NASCAR PR)(11-16-2002)
  
  
• TV coverage and commercials: The Pop Secret 400 at Rockingham, run on Nov. 3, had 267 of its 393 laps shown by TNT’s telecast. The race’s total TV time was three hours, six minutes, 22 seconds. Almost an hour – 59 minutes, 31 seconds – was spent in commercials. The time of actual coverage was two hours, six minutes, 53 seconds.(Gaston Gazette)(11-16-2002)
  
  
• Roush may file appeal on Wednesday UPDATE 5 APPEAL DENIED: If Roush Racing does in fact opt to file an appeal to NASCAR's 25-point penalty, it won't come until Wednesday's deadline, team president Geoff Smith told NASCAR.com on Monday. The penalty was issued after NASCAR found what it deemed an illegal left front spring on Mark Martin's Ford following the Pop Secret 400 at North Carolina Speedway two weeks ago. The spring in question included 4 3/8 coils, 1/8 of a coil shorter than NASCAR's required 4 1/2 coils. "No, we're not quite ready," Smith said. "We took the opportunity these past few days for everyone to have a cool down period, where we could all soberly look at the facts and circumstances, hear what our competitors had to say and the media had to say about our situation. I left Phoenix with what I considered good information, but there were no competitors taking a position that was different than ours. There was no one saying anything that said it made any performance difference whatsoever, and also got to see if those 25 points are likely or are not likely to make any difference in the championship."(NASCAR.com)(11-12-2002)
  UPDATE: Roush Racing president Geoff Smith said Tuesday that the team will announce Wednesday morning whether or not it will appeal a 25-point penalty from NASCAR against Mark Martin. The team scheduled an 11:00am/et. teleconference with Smith and Martin to announce and discuss their decision with the media. Today is the deadline for filing an appeal to the penalty(ThatsRacin.com)
  UPDATE 2: Roush Racing announced today that Jack Roush and Mark Martin have exercised their right to appeal the 25 point penalty assessed for using an "unapproved" spring at the November 3, 2002 NASCAR Winston Cup event in Rockingham. Said Geoff Smith, president of Roush Racing, "According to NASCAR rules (sec.12-4) penalties for violation of NASCAR rules '…are determined by the gravity of the violation and its effects on fairness of competition…' Since the spring in question had an inconsequential deviation from the rule-specified length, since its use had absolutely no effect on the fairness of competition, and since the penalty imposed was harsher that the intent of its own published standards for the imposition of penalties, we have elected to take advantage of the review process NASCAR has provided to us. We applaud NASCAR both for laying out rules that confirm its interest in insuring that its managers impose penalties only after due regard is given to the fairness the circumstances require, and applaud them even further for providing us with an appeal mechanism that is unprecedented in professional sports. The existence of this rule and the appeal rights granted to us by NASCAR are powerful statements that NASCAR has established and is committed to upholding and maintaining a policy of fairness in connection with the imposition of penalties for the violation of its rules. Fairness, however, can only exist when there is equal punishment for equally situated offenders. That is a concept that is a cornerstone of the entire American experience. It is our firm conviction that Roush Racing was not "equally situated" with the two other teams who suffered penalty points reductions in 2002. NASCAR's examination into the 'gravity of the violation and its effects on the fairness of competition…' of each of the three situations requires that it evaluate the presence or absence of two very significant facts: (1) Did the examination of the part reveal the offender's intention to violate a rule? (2) Was the part's function altered in any way to attempt to improve performance? Both of those factors were conspicuously absent in our case, and both were present in the other two cases. Fairness requires a different penalty result for us. We hope that these 25 points have no impact in this year's championship race, and do not enjoy having this issue present itself at this late date, yet we cannot passively submit to a punishment that is so excessive for the offense. We also recognize that the list of successful appellants can fit on the back of a postage stamp, but we remain hopeful that after a sober review of each of the spring related penalty violations, the Commission will confirm NASCAR's written commitment to fairness by reinstating our points."
  Roush Racing also announced that it will not seek legal recourse against the manufacturer or seller of the spring in question, regardless of the outcome of the appeal.
  "There was little question that we have legitimate, meritorious claims, but, ultimately we concluded that Roush Racing can better serve the sport by terminating any contemplation of litigation. In this business, the words "racing" and "litigation" should never appear in the same paragraph if at all possible," concluded Smith.(Roush Racing)
  UPDATE 3: Fox Sports Net's Totally NASCAR reports that NASCAR will hear the appeal Saturday, Nov 16th in the morning and expect to announce a decision later that afternoon. The appeal will be heard by a three-member panel from the National Stock Car Racing Commission. If the appeal is denied, Roush could then take its appeal to NASCAR national commissioner Charles Strang.(11-13-2002)
  UPDATE 4: A three-man board representing the National Stock Car Racing Commission has been selected to hear Roush Racing's appeal of penalties of Winston Cup driver and owner points and money following a spring violation two weeks ago at North Carolina Speedway. NSCRC chairman George Silbermann and commission members Johnny Capels and John Bishop are scheduled to hear Roush Racing's appeal somewhere on the grounds of Homestead-Miami Speedway Saturday morning at 8:00am/et.(NASCAR.com)(11-15-2002)
  UPDATE 5: per NBC's BGN race coverage, the National Stock Car Racing Commission has denied Roush Racing appeal, so the penalty stands and Martin remains 89 points behind Stewart. Roush Racing could still appeal to NASCAR national commissioner Charles Strang. Imagine that decision would depend on what happens in the race on Sunday.(also see a story at ThatsRacin.com and at NASCAR.com)(11-16-2002)
  
  

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  (11-15-2002)

• Evernham has no 2003 plans for Atwood? UPDATE: in this weeks Winston Cup Scene, there is a story where #9, #19 and #91 team owner says he has no no plans or oppurtunities for Casey Atwood in 2003. There are no plans to run the #91 Dodge in anymore then a handfull of races next season.
  AND back to the BGN? Clarence Brewer, who was driver Casey Atwood’s [#27] car owner in the BGN before he moved to Winston Cup in 2001, said he has spoken to Atwood about returning to the team next season. "I told Casey we might have a seat open if he’d like to drive it and he said he'd like to drive it if he could, so I don’t know. That’s where we left it," Brewer said. "I think he would be wanting to prove something. He’s definitely a candidate for one of my cars if it works out. I don’t know what his contract says." Brewer owns the #27 and #37 Chevy [will be Pontiacs in 2003] and is looking for new drivers in 2003. Jamie McMurray is moving full time to Cup and the #37 has been without a full-time driver since Jeff Purvis was seriously injured earlier this season at Nazareth(ThatsRacin.com)(11-14-2002)
  UPDATE: Casey Atwood said Friday he plans to meet with car owner Ray Evernham next week and work out what, if any, future he has with Evernham Motorsports. Atwood was released as driver of the #7 Dodges, previously co-owned by Jim Smith and Evernham. The two owners have since dissolved their partnership, but Atwood has a year remaining on his contract with Evernham. Clarence Brewer, Atwood's former car owner in the BGN, said Thursday he has offered Atwood the opportunity to return to Brewco Motorsports next season. Atwood said he is waiting to make any decisions about his future until after meeting with Evernham. "It's hard to say what went wrong. It just didn't work out," said Atwood, 22. "We tried a bunch of different things, a bunch of crew chiefs, a lot of stuff. It's hard to put a finger on it. There are a lot of multicar teams out there that have one car run well and another doesn't." Atwood said he was confident his team was working with similar equipment to what was being used by Bill Elliott and Jeremy Mayfield, Evernham's drivers. "It's been a real big learning experience. I think whatever happens or wherever I go, I'll be a better driver because of what I been through here," he said. "I think I've learned more than maybe I would if I was running real well because I was going through a lot and trying so hard."(ThatsRacin.com)(11-15-2002)
  
  
• 2003 GM Test Scheduled UPDATE: The GM teams will test their new cars at Homestead-Miami Speedway the day after the season finale at Homestead, Fla. No 2002 models will be allowed during the open test session. It is expected the GM teams will thoroughly test the front downforce in the new noses.(Ford Racing)(10-27-2002)
  UPDATE: Joe Gibbs Racing will be part of a General Motors test Monday and Tuesday at Homestead. For the first time since 1996, it will be as a Chevrolet team. But Jimmy Makar, who now heads the two-car program, doesn't think switching from Pontiac will make that much of a difference given the common templates NASCAR has mandated for next year. "The only difference is the nose and tail section and the window," said Makar, who helped shape the new Pontiac model this summer. The advantage to switching cars, Makar said, is to have the same equipment as other top teams. That will give Stewart and 2000 champ Bobby Labonte a better gauge.(Indianapolis Star)(11-15-2002)
  
  
  
• Earnhardt Autopsy Photo Update: Attorneys for the widow of NASCAR legend Dale Earnhardt filed a brief Thursday with the Florida Supreme Court contesting an appeal filed by a student newspaper for access to the driver's autopsy photos. A law passed a month after Earnhardt's death in the 2001 Daytona 500 restricts public access to autopsy photos. The Independent Florida Alligator, a student newspaper at the University of Florida, wants the Family Protection Act ruled unconstitutional so its editors can gain access to the photos. Earnhardt's attorneys argued in the brief that the law is constitutional and was upheld first by Volusia County-based Circuit Judge Joseph Will and then by the 5th District Court of Appeal in Daytona Beach. They also said Teresa Earnhardt and her family are entitled to privacy. The attorneys referred to gory autopsy photos of NASCAR drivers Neil Bonnett and Rodney Orr posted on the Internet just days before the new law went into effect. Citing testimony from Volusia Medical Examiner Thomas Beaver before Will, Tallahassee attorney E. Thom Rumberger wrote in his brief, "The autopsy photographs were used solely as a crosscheck in transcribing the report, and thereafter had no practical continuing utility."(Daytona Beach News Journal)(11-15-2002)
  
  
• Not Said's first Cup Oval Start: If Boris Said [in the #67 Jasper Engines Ford] makes the Ford 400 Cup race at Homestead-Miami Speedway, it will NOT be his first Cup Oval race as reported aorunds, Said started 27th and finished 34th at Homestead in 1999, driving the #14 Federated Auto Parts Ford for Ernie Irvan. See NASCAR.com for 1999 Homestead Results.(11-15-2002)
  
  
• 2003 International Motorsports Hall of Fame Inductee's: The five newest enshrinees for the International Motorsports Hall of Fame, located on the grounds of Talladega Superspeedway, were announced Wednesday. They will be officially inducted in ceremonies next April 3 at the Hall of Fame site. Emerson Fittipaldi, a two-time Indianapolis 500 winner and two-time Formula One world champion, heads the class. The flashy Brazilian began racing in 1967, retired in the late 1970s, then returned for a 12-year comeback on the CART circuit. The other inductees are: A.J. Watson, whose one lap of driving ended with a spin-out, became one of the most successful Indy car mechanics. Ray Fox, a NASCAR mechanic and crew chief who worked with, among others, Junior Johnson, Bobby Allison, Buddy Baker and Lee Roy Yarbrough [Note: Ray Fox Jr is the current crew cheif of the #28 RYR team]. Briggs Cunningham, an engine builder for the likes of Dan Gurney, Roger Penske and Stirling Moss. Mel Kenyon, a veteran midget-car racer who won 111 races and seven USAC Midget championships. At age 69, he occasionally races and won the Indianapolis Speedrome series title in 1993.(Alabama Live)(11-15-2002)
  
  
• Spencer/Gannasi Talking about contract issues: Jimmy Spencer, who was abruptly fired last week by team owner Chip Ganassi and says he won't soon get over the shock of that event, said Thursday at Homestead-Miami Speedway he has had conversations with Ganassi about resolving the issue of the final year of his contract. Spencer says he received a phone call informing him he would be released as the driver of the No. 41 Target Dodge following Sunday's Ford 400 at Homestead. Last weekend at Phoenix International Raceway, Spencer insisted he had another year, plus an option year, remaining on his contract.(NASCAR.com)(11-15-2002)
  
  
• First 2003 IROC Driver's Announced: Two champions representing the Pennzoil World of Outlaws sprint car series, Steve Kinser and Danny Lasoski, have accepted invitations to compete in the 2003 True Value International Race of Champions [IROC]. 2003 will mark the first time that two World of Outlaws representatives have competed in the same season. The 2002 champion, Steve Kinser, collected 20 "A" Feature wins on his way to capturing his 17th WoO title. Kinser's initial IROC invitation came in 1994. He was the first driver to be invited as a representative of short track racing, which proved positive when he astonished the racing world with a win in only his third start at Talladega Superspeedway. Kinser returned to IROC competition in 1995 and 1996, with 1995 producing his best result of eighth in the final points standing.
  Despite missing five World of Outlaws events due to severe injuries, the 2001 WoO champion, Danny Lasoski managed to finish second to Steve Kinser in the 2002 title chase. The injuries also caused Lasoski to miss out on competing at the Brickyard in the True Value IROC finale. The traditional season opener will take place at Daytona International Speedway on Friday, Feb. 14, 2003. As previously announced, race-two will return the series to Talladega Superspeedway on Saturday, April 5. The schedule for race-three and four will be confirmed within the next week. The True Value IROC team is scheduled to test at Daytona International Speedway on Tuesday, Nov. 19 through Thursday, Nov. 21 in preparation for the 2003 season. Veteran True Value IROC test drivers, Dave Marcis, Jim Sauter and Andy Hillenburg, along with 2003 competitors, Steve Kinser and Danny Lasoski are scheduled to attend. The True Value IROC Series matches 12 drivers from different forms of auto racing in equally prepared cars, on Goodyear Eagle radial racing tires. The goal is to eliminate the mechanical advantages and to produce a winner determined solely on driver skill. The series consists of four 100-mile races at different racetracks with points awarded for finishing positions. At the end of the fourth race, the points are tallied and a champion of champions is named.(IROC PR), also I hear that due to the timing of Pontiac's departure from the series, the IROC cars will remain unchanged in 2003 and that IROC is actively pursuing a model change for 2004. See my 2002 IROC page for more info and links o the series.(11-15-2002)
  
  
• Wood Grand Marshal of Army-Navy rally: NASCAR truck driver Jon Wood will be grand marshal in this year's Army-Navy Pep Rally and Parade scheduled for Dec. 6. Wood's visit will add to the festivities as employees show off their Blue and Gold spirit during Pax River's third annual event celebrating the Army-Navy Game. The Midshipmen of the Naval Academy take on the Black Knights of the U.S. Military Academy at the Meadowlands [NJ] on Dec. 7 at noon, in the 103rd meeting of these historic rivals.(dcmilitary.com)(11-15-2002)
  
  
• Sportscar Driver Looking for a Cup/BGN ride in 2003: After conquering the sportscar racing world for two consecutive years, Chris Bingham is visiting Homestead Speedway for the NASCAR season finale in order to find a team to partner with for the 2003 season. Bingham, who has secured partial sponsorship for a Cup or BGN season, will be looking to build on his oval career that already includes IRL experience. The Seattle native already has road racing experience, having won the Grand Am Rolex Series GTS Championship for two straight years driving a Saleen S7R. With eleven wins in the last two years alone, Bingham is one of the winningest drivers in sportscar racing and is now ready to set his sights on NASCAR. See more info at his site: www.chrisbingham.com.(11-15-2002)
  
  

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  (11-14-2002)

• US Army and M&M's share space on the #36: In a gesture of good will as the 2002 Winston Cup season draws to a close, M&M's Chocolate Candies will share space with the US Army on the #36 Pontiac this weekend at Homestead-Miami Speedway. M&M's put the US Army in place of its Snickers brand on the car's deck lid. The US Army assumes primary sponsorship of the #36 Pontiac in 2003 with driver Jerry Nadeau and crew chief Ryan Pemberton. M&M's Chocolate Candies moves to the #38 Robert Yates Racing Ford with driver Elliott Sadler next season. In addition, M&M's will continue as an associate sponsor with the Ken Schrader Racing team. "Our relationship with MB2 Motorsports over the past six years has been a great partnership and we wish them the best of luck next year with the US Army and Jerry Nadeau," said William Clements, NASCAR Sponsorship Manager, Masterfoods USA. "Additionally, Ken Schrader has been a great ambassador for the M&M's Brand and we look forward to continuing our association with him as an associate sponsor on his Schrader Racing team in 2003." MB2 Motorsports and Masterfoods USA embarked on a six-year relationship when the #36 Skittles Pontiac debuted in 1997. The partnership has included current driver Ken Schrader and the M&M's brand for the past three seasons. "Kenny is - and always will be - a close friend of the entire MB2 Motorsports family. We certainly wish him the best," said Jay Frye, General Manager, MB2/MBV Motorsports.(IMG Motorsports)(11-14-2002)
  
  
• Evernham has no 2003 plans for Atwood: in this weeks Winston Cup Scene, there is a story where #9, #19 and #91 team owner says he has no no plans or oppurtunities for Casey Atwood in 2003. There are no plans to run the #91 Dodge in anymore then a handfull of races next season.
  AND back to the BGN? Clarence Brewer, who was driver Casey Atwood’s [#27] car owner in the BGN before he moved to Winston Cup in 2001, said he has spoken to Atwood about returning to the team next season. "I told Casey we might have a seat open if he’d like to drive it and he said he'd like to drive it if he could, so I don’t know. That’s where we left it," Brewer said. "I think he would be wanting to prove something. He’s definitely a candidate for one of my cars if it works out. I don’t know what his contract says." Brewer owns the #27 and #37 Chevy [will be Pontiacs in 2003] and is looking for new drivers in 2003. Jamie McMurray is moving full time to Cup and the #37 has been without a full-time driver since Jeff Purvis was seriously injured earlier this season at Nazareth(ThatsRacin.com)(11-14-2002)
  
  
• Stoddard back with the #22 in 2003? Bill Davis Racing and Frank Stoddard plan to remain together next season. Stoddard has been working as the crew cheif for #22-Ward Burton since October. Nothing has been signed offically as of yet.(Winston Cup Scene)(11-14-2002)
  
  
• David Green in the #54 at Homestead: Sam Belnavis and Tinsley Hughes, owners of the #54 National Guard Chevy, announced that David Green will drive for them at Homestead in the NASCAR Winston Cup Ford 400. BH Motorsports began their quest to run in a Winston Cup race in Charlotte on October 13th of this year. However, their last three attempts have been plagued with misfortune. "It is frustrating to be at the mercy of good old mother-nature," said Sam Belnavis. "If there is a problem with the car you can fix it. If there is something wrong with the tractor you can fix that too, but when it decides to rain, well there is not much you can do about that. We know we have a competitive car, a great driver and an outstanding crew, we just need the chance to show it and Sunday will be our day." Despite good weather in Rockingham, which marked BH's third attempt to enter a Winston Cup race, the #54 National Guard Chevy failed to qualify. "We felt it was necessary to readjust our race schedule and travel to Homestead," stated Hughes. "We can be a competitive team and we want the opportunity to show it. We are pleased that David (Green) agreed to run for us and now it's time to refocus and get prepared for Sunday's race." David Green, who captured the pole position for the inaugural Pennzoil 400 at Homestead-Miami Speedway in 1999, will try to make BH's dream of running in its first Winston Cup race a reality. "This is a very exciting opportunity. Homestead is my favorite track and I haven't raced Winston Cup since taking the pole in 1999. Running for a team that has direct access to Hendrick Motorsports' expertise and equipment is a driver's dream come true." David Green is currently running the #5 GMAC Chevy in the BGN and has had three top five finishes in five starts.(BH Motorsports PR)(11-14-2002)
  
  
• TV Stuff/Ratings: For the first time since 1997, the NASCAR Winston Cup Championship will be decided in the final race of the season. Two drivers, Tony Stewart and Mark Martin, will battle for the Championship. Through 18 telecasts, NASCAR on NBC & TNT is averaging 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. The increase is especially impressive building on last year’s 34 percent ratings gain (3.9/10 vs. 2.9/8) for the first year of NASCAR on NBC & TNT over the comparable races in 2000. NBC’s coverage of last Sunday’s NASCAR Winston Cup race from Phoenix delivered a 4.4 national rating/10 share, a 10 percent improvement over last year’s 4.0/10. The NASCAR Pit Crew Championship earned a 1.9/5 (1-2 p.m. ET) for its first time on network television. NBC’s “Discover Card Countdown to Green” NASCAR pre-race show scored a 2.7/6. Since going against pro football competition (since Sept. 15) is averaging a 2.6/7 on NBC, up eight percent over last year’s 2.4/6.(NBC PR)(11-14-2002)
  
  
• Spencer and APR? Kenny Schrader and Jimmy Spencer are the favorites to end up at Andy Petree Racing, while Petree's current driver, Bobby Hamilton and Dave Blaney [see next story] are candidates for the open seat in Chip Ganassi Racing's No. 41 Dodge, a ride currently being held by Spencer.(Augusta Chronicle)(11-14-2002)
  
  
• Spear's takes a few laps at LVMS: Pop sensation Britney Spears had the "Experience of a Lifetime" at the Richard Petty Driving Experience at Las Vegas Motor Speedway Wednesday night. Spears and a group of friends and associates spent Wednesday night turning fast laps around LVMS’ 1.5-mile superspeedway. The program included an eight-lap driving experience followed by a ride along and two more 11-lap driving experiences. In all, Spears logged more than 30 laps around the speedway. "I’m just racing cars. I’m doing research for my movie," Spears said. Spears is expected to play the leading role as the daughter of a NASCAR team owner in a feature film, which is scheduled to begin filming sometime next year. After completing the four-hour program, Spears said she had gained a new perspective for auto racing. See fiull story and pics at the LVMS site.(11-14-2002)
  
  
• Update on Petty Movie: Disney is near a deal to pick up a drama about NASCAR driver Richard Petty. Dennis Quaid will play Lee Petty, the patriarch of the racing clan who teaches son Richard the ropes. Disney will soon look to cast the role of Richard Petty. The film will be scripted by John Warren. Quaid would also produce with Dan Halsted, a former production partner of Oliver Stone. Halsted and Quaid previously worked together on Stone's "Any Given Sunday." The rights to the Petty film were secured through Petty Enterprises and shooting of the film is expected in the spring.(Reuters)(11-14-2002)
  
  
• Blaney helping #77 team look for new crew chief and staying in 2003: With the obvious progress of the #77 Jasper Motorsports Team this season being inexorably linked between his arrival and an increased technical presence within the organization, Dave Blaney is already looking ahead to the 2003 NASCAR Winston Cup Series season with a justifiable share of optimism about affecting another substantial increase in on-track performance for the improving program. With the high probability of producing the team’s best-ever finish in the WC point standings hinging on a steady effort in this weekend’s Ford 400 at Homestead/Miami Speedway, Blaney has already begun working with Team Manager and Co-Owner Mark Harrah and the growing roster of engineers at Jasper Motorsports on post-season plans for testing and in-shop production as well as the search for a new crew chief following the departure of Ryan Pemberton following this weekend’s race. Heading the effort to keep up with the sprawling multi-car teams, Harrah and co-owners Doug Bawel and Mark Wallace have completed a majority of their pre-planning for the 2003 season, including a reconfigured relationship with the Penske-Jasper Engine program that will now produce both Dodge and Ford power plants in the immediate future. Harrah admits that his expanded engineering staff is at the heart of the effort. The other major questions for Blaney, Harrah and his co-owners originated from the mid-summer decision-making process by business partner Roger Penske and whether a proposed switch from Ford to Dodge would be beneficial for his drivers Rusty Wallace and Ryan Newman and his A-list organization. The subsequent decision for Penske South to switch to Daimler-Chrysler products in 2003 complicated the relationship between the Penske and Jasper programs, who co-owns Penske-Jasper Engines.(see quotes and more at Jasper Engines PR)(11-14-2002)
  
  
• Mikey and Terry have words UPDATE: Drivers #5-Terry Labonte and #15-Michael Waltrip had an altercation after the race, but neither man would discuss the incident. Waltrip went to talk to Labonte at Labonte's hauler before Labonte angrily went after Waltrip. Labonte had to be pulled away from Waltrip after chasing him down in the garage area. Waltrip finished 20th Sunday and Labonte was 26th, but Labonte was a lap behind Waltrip. The two drivers have had several bumping incidents in races this season.(Dallas Morning News)
  AND For some reason, Michael Waltrip and Terry Labonte, who were running six positions and one lap apart from each other at the end of the race, nearly came to blows in the garage area. They had to be separated just outside Labonte’s team hauler, Waltrip apparently having gone inside to confront Labonte. The source of their mutual anger was not ascertained. One Labonte crewman, when asked what caused the two to clash, said only, “Michael (Waltrip) running his mouth.”(Gaston Gazette)(11-11-2002)
  UPDATE: from the DW chat on FoxSports: What's the story with Mike (Waltrip) and Terry (Labonte) from Sunday?
  Darrell Waltrip: There's no story. Apparently they had had a run-in a time or two before Sunday. They had words after the Phoenix race, and as far as I know, and I talked to Michael, he said that was the end of it. Two drivers that weren't having very good days decided to take it out on each other at the end of the race.(FoxSports)(11-14-2002)
  
  
• Fellows and DEI UPDATE: DEI will announce today it has hired Toronto's Ron Fellows to race at Sonoma and Watkins Glen next season. Dale Earnhardt Inc. will form a fourth Winston Cup team to accommodate Fellows -- who has a total of five BGN and CTS victories driving for a team owned by Joe Nemechek. Fellows will continue to race the No. 3 factory Corvette C5-R in the American Le Mans Series, where he won the GTS championship this season. "DEI will have a fourth team at both Sonoma and Watkins Glen for the 2003 season and Ron Fellows will be our driver," DEI spokesman Steve Crisp said. Fellows will also play a major role in upgrading DEI's road course racing program, acting as a coach for Dale Earnhardt Jr., Michael Waltrip and Steve Park. "Thrilled is the best word to describe how I feel," Fellows said yesterday from Sebring, Fla., where he was testing the 2003 Corvette. "Being with one of the best Winston Cup teams in the business is a big shot in the arm for me." Sponsorship and details on team personnel with the DEI effort are still being worked out. Fellows will begin working soon with DEI chassis and motor builders to prepare the team for 2003. Crisp said DEI has been pursuing Fellows since team founder Dale Earnhardt worked with him leading up to the 24 Hours of Daytona sports car race in 2001.(Toronto Sun)(11-12-2002)
  UPDATE: Veteran road racer and 2002 ALMS GTS Series Champion Ron Fellows will compete in both the Sears Point and Watkins Glen NASCAR Winston Cup road races in 2003 at the wheel of Dale Earnhardt Inc. Chevrolets. Fellows, 43, of Toronto, Ontario, Canadawill also perform testing and road race coaching duties at DEI for the upcoming season. After coaching DEI driver Michael Waltrip in 2002, Waltrip went on to qualify on the outside pole for the Watkins Glen event, finishing 9th. DEI and Fellows first formed a relationship in preparation for the 2001 24 Hours of Daytona, where the late Dale Earnhardt and Dale Earnhardt Jr. competed as teammates of Fellows in the GTS Corvettes fielded by Chevrolet. The two Corvettes swept the GTS class, claiming first and second place. Fellows is no stranger to driving the heavier, albeit more powerful, NASCAR Winston Cup and Busch Grand National cars posting several successful finishes in both series' road races. In five NASCAR Winston Cup starts, Fellows has posted a top-five, a top-ten and an outside pole. In four BGN starts, Fellows has claimed three victories and two poles. "I am excited beyond belief," Fellows stated. ."This is something we've talked about doing for a long time. It's a dream come true for me to drive a Dale Earnhardt Incorporated car. It's a goal of mine to win a NASCAR Winston Cup race and this moves me one step closer to doing the that."(DEI PR)(11-14-2002)
  
  
• Tony and Mark Cams: NBC Sports today conducted a media conference call to preview the NASCAR Winston Cup Championship to be decided Sunday in the final race of the season, the Ford 400 from Homestead-Miami Speedway with coverage beginning at 12:00noon/et on NBC. Producer Sam Flood said: “This week we have `Tony-Cam’ and ‘Mark-Cam.’ We will have one camera isolated on each car the entire race. Whatever they do, wherever they move, we will be following it from start to finish. That way, at anytime we can jump to that car depending on what’s happening on the track.”(NBC PR)(11-14-2002)
  
  
• Rusty looking to extend the streak: #2-Rusty Wallace has won a race in 16 consecutive seasons, a mark passed only by NASCAR legends Richard Petty (victories in 18 consecutive seasons) and David Pearson (wins in 17 straight years) [Rick Rudd had a streak of 16 season].(11-14-2002)
  
  
• IRWIN Rough to Finish Award: Despite running out of fuel earlier in the race, Matt Kenseth and the #17 team used a two-tire pit stop late in Sunday's Checker Auto Parts 500 at Phoenix International Raceway to score their NASCAR Winston Cup Series-leading fifth victory of the season. For his race-winning pit strategy, team crew chief Robbie Reiser takes home this week's IRWIN "Rough to the Finish" Award. Starting in the 28th position, Kenseth quickly moved up to 10th position on lap 28 with a lightning fast pit stop under caution. Kenseth continued his charge to the front, eventually taking the lead before pitting under the green flag. As he made his way down pit road, Kenseth ran out of gas. The team scurried to spray ether in the car to restart it, and Kenseth made it back out onto the track in 24th place. Kenseth continued to move through the field, but the turning point of the race came on lap 259 when the team pitted for the final time for two tires. Kenseth exited pit road in the lead with 46 laps to go in the 312-lap event and never looked back. "I am proud of this team for the persistence and determination they showed all day today," said Reiser. "We put our best motor in and watched Matt drive that thing up through traffic all day long. He picked 'em off one at a time, and raced this race track well. He did a heck of a job, and my hat' s off to him and our whole race team. That just goes to show how strong we can be."
  Each week throughout the 2002 NASCAR Winston Cup season, Irwin, makers of professional power tool accessories like Marathon Plus saw blades and Speedbor flat bits, is partnering with Performance Racing Network to honor the crew chief who had the toughest day in the pits, but still managed to help his team to a strong finish. The IRWIN Rough to the Finish Award includes an assortment of tools for the crew chief and a $250 check donated to the Ellerbe, NC Educational Fund in the racing team's name.. The year-end winner of the crew chief points standings will win a $5,000 check donated to the Fund.. Race fans wanting to make a contribution to the Fund may do so by sending it to the Ellerbe, NC Educational Fund, PO Box 443, Ellerbe, NC 28338. In addition to the crew chief award, Irwin is also sponsoring the weekly nationally syndicated radio show, "Fast Talk with Benny Parsons", throughout the upcoming year.(Golin Harris PR)(11-14-2002)
  
  

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  (11-13-2002)

• Nemechek and Sospenzo sign with Hendrick for 2003: Rick Hendrick, owner of Hendrick Motorsports, today announced the signings of driver Joe Nemechek and crew chief Peter Sospenzo, who will each return to their respective roles with #25 UAW-Delphi team in 2003. "I like the positive direction of the UAW-Delphi team," Hendrick said. "Over the last few months, I've seen improvement in our practices, qualifying efforts, pit stops, race performances -- you name it. We're excited about the group we've assembled and the progress they're making." Nemechek was named driver of the #25 Chevy on May 15 and struggled through much of the NASCAR Winston Cup Series season until Sospenzo stepped in as crew chief on Sept. 10. Since that time, the former BGN champion has earned two top-five finishes and started in the top-15 four times. "I'm very excited about this opportunity," said Nemechek, who has two career Winston Cup victories. "We're headed in the right direction with great leadership, an amazing sponsor and awesome talent on the crew. Everything is in place for success next season." Coinciding with Sospenzo's arrival was the decision to move Ed Guzzo, the team's shop foreman, to car chief of the #25 Chevy. Guzzo, who won three Winston Cup championships as Jeff Gordon's car chief in the 1990s, will remain in that role with Team 25 next season. "The dynamic has changed," Hendrick said. "The level of communication has improved with every race and the chemistry is probably better than it's ever been in that shop. Led by Joe, Peter and Ed, the team has worked extremely hard to make things happen and their improvement shows that the effort is starting to pay off. I believe this team is going to be very competitive and turn a lot of heads in 2003."(Hendrick Motorsports PR)(11-13-2002)
  
  
• Chocolate to retire UPDATE 2 looks so: Next weekend's season finale at Homestead will be the last race as a Richard Childress Racing gas man for Danny "Chocolate" Myers, team officials confirmed Sunday. Myers will retire at the end of the season, but will remain employed at RCR. Myers gained fame as Dale Earnhardt's gas man over a stretch in which Earnhardt won 83 races. Myers remained when Kevin Harvick took over Earnhardt's team last season, but moved to Robby Gordon's #31 Chevy this season after two of the RCR teams swapped crew chiefs. Myers has worked as a color commentator and appeared in television commercials and movies. He is the eldest son of the late Bobby Myers, a pioneer of NASCAR who was killed while driving in the Southern 500 at Darlington in 1957.(ThatsRacin.com)(11-10-2002)
  UPDATE: Danny “Chocolate” Myers, long-time gasman for the Richard Childress Racing operation, said that he’s not sure that he’ll be retiring from the road at the end of the year, as several outlets have reported. “I may not even get off the road,” Myers said, today. “They did that [retirement story] six months ago when I was mad.”(Ford Racing)(11-12-2002)
  UPDATE 2: Legendary gasman Danny "Chocolate" Myers will fuel a NASCAR Winston Cup car for the final time Sunday at Homestead-Miami Speedway as he retires after 17 years as a gasman for Richard Childress Racing (RCR). Myers, 54, began his career as a gasman in 1986 for the No. 3 GM Goodwrench team and the late Dale Earnhardt, and was part of the team during Earnhardt's six NASCAR Winston Cup championships at RCR. Myers remained with the No. 29 GM Goodwrench Service team when Kevin Harvick took over driving duties and moved to the No. 31 Cingular Wireless team after the No. 29/No. 31 crew swap in June 2002. Myers has been employed at RCR since 1983. Myers will remain at RCR as the Director of Safety, responsible for ensuring that RCR is in compliance with state and federal safety regulations. In addition to serving as Director of Safety, Myers is charged with assisting with aspects of the RCR Museum and Gift Shop and various special projects. He will also continue to make appearances for various RCR sponsors.(RCR Site)(11-13-2002)
  
  
• Hamilton to BAM? hearing Bobby Hamilton could end up in the #49 BAM Racing Dodge in 2003, other rumors have Hamilton in the #41 Target Dodge and if John Andretti goes to the #41 (but is supposedly close to re-signing with the #43) Hamilton coiuld end up in the #43 Dodge.(11-13-2002)
  
  
• Randolph back with Blaney? hearing Doug Randolph, who worked with Dave Blaney at Bill Davis Racing, could move from Ganassi Racing's #41 to the #77 Jasper Motorsports team.(11-13-2002)
  
  
• Elledge to the #41? hearing that #55 crew chief Jimmy Elledge could be moving to the #41 team, especially if Hamiton goes there as the driver.(11-13-2002)
  
  
• Winston Cup Draws 6.7 Million Winston Cup races once again drew the largest number of motorsports fans in the United States and Canada to tracks last year, The Sports Business Daily says today. The Daily's "Turnstile Tracker" says some 6.7 million spectators attended Winston Cup races, practices and qualifying sessions out of the total of the 35.8 million people who saw some form of live racing in the U.S. and Canada. DIRT racing drew 4.5 million to its numerous events to rank second. The online publication, which is put out by Scene Daily's parent company, Street & Smith's Sports Group, says the Busch Series drew 2.37 million, while the Craftsman Truck Series attracted 900,000.(Winston Cup Scene Daily Newsletter)(11-13-2002)
  
  
• Petty Ride: As the 2002 Winston Cup season comes to an end in Miami, Kyle Petty will be busy gearing up his Victory motorcycle for an exciting week on the road. Petty will lead approximately 100 riders through Florida, Georgia and South Carolina as part of the Key Lime Ride presented by Sprint. The ride kicks off on November 18 in Miami and travels for three days making stops in Key West and Daytona Beach before arriving at its final destination of Charleston, SC. The Key Lime Ride is part of the Petty Touring Series, an extension of the Kyle Petty Charity Ride Across America. The Key Lime Ride benefits the Victory Junction Gang Camp, the national charity of the Kyle Petty Charity Ride. Kyle and Pattie Petty founded the camp in 2000 in memory of their son Adam, who was tragically killed in a racing accident. The camp will serve as a retreat for children with chronic or life-threatening illnesses at no charge to the campers or their families. To date the camp has raised $10.2 million, almost half of the $24 million needed for the project. The Kyle Petty Charity Ride formed the Petty Touring Series in 2000. In addition to the Key Lime Ride, the group also organized the Bristol Breakaway, a one-day motorcycle ride following the fall race at Bristol Motor Speedway. For more information on the Kyle Petty Charity Ride and the many other programs that it supports, contact Kyle Petty Charity Ride, Inc. by phone 888-45-PETTY or by email at info@kylepettycharityride.org.(11-13-2002)
  
  
• Ronald McDonald at the track: Ronald McDonald and a special child from the Miami Ronald McDonald House will be making an appearance at the Homestead-Miami Speedway in conjunction with the Little Tikes promotion. On Wednesday of this week, Kurt Busch attended ceremonies marking the rededication of the new Ronald McDonald House in Miami, FL. Kurt drove a replica of the #97 Little Tikes® race car up to the podium and cut the ceremonial ribbon to open the facility.(Roush Racing) Little Tikes, a division of Busch’s primary NASCAR sponsor Newell Rubbermaid, will be featured on the #97 Ford for the Winston Cup race at Homestead to celebrate an employee paint scheme contest that took place earlier this year. The Ronald McDonald House is the national charity for Little Tikes. Together, the two companies are working to improve the quality of life and provide assistance to families during their times of need.(11-13-2002)
  
  
• Pemberton leaving the #77 for the #36? UPDATE 2 Official: Crew chief Ryan Pemberton will leave his post with Blaney at the end of the season and replace Newt Moore on the #36 US Army Pontiac to driven by Jerry Nadeau.(Sporting News)
  AND The #77 Jasper Motorsports team had its best finish of the season Sunday, with Dave Blaney coming home seventh, but the names of its key players may start getting more attention in the final days of the season. Blaney is among the drivers who could become candidates for the #41 Dodge ride that opened up when that Chip Ganassi Racing team decided Jimmy Spencer would not be brought back for 2003. Blaney talked to Ganassi earlier this year about his third team, a ride that eventually went to Jamie McMurray, but at that point elected to stay with the #77 Fords. The current crew chief on the #41 Dodge team is Doug Randolph, who was Blaney's crew chief at Bill Davis Racing in 2000 and 2001. Regardless of whether Blaney stays or goes, it appears likely that crew chief Ryan Pemberton will be leaving, most likely for the crew chief position with the #36 team that will field Pontiacs for Jerry Nadeau next season.(ThatsRacin.com)(11-11-2002)
  AND II: there is also speculation that Pemberton might move to Robert Yates' [#38] team to work with Elliott Sadler.(Winston Salem Journal)(11-11-2002)
  UPDATE: Jasper Motorsports and Ryan Pemberton, crew chief of the #77 Jasper Engines and Transmissions Ford since 1999, have mutually decided to part ways at the conclusion of the 2002 NASCAR Winston Cup Series season. "I want to thank (owners) Doug Bawel, Mark Harrah, Mark Wallace, Robert Pressley, Dave Blaney and all of the team members of Jasper Motorsports for the opportunity and the support they’ve given me since 1999," said Pemberton, 33. "I’m proud of the progress that the race team has made in the last three years, and I wish continued success to all of the people that have been part of the program." After serving as one of the youngest crew chiefs in the NASCAR Winston Cup Series for three seasons (1997-99) with the #36 MB2 Pontiac team, Pemberton joined the Mooresville, N.C.-based team prior to the 2000 season. "We are proud of what Ryan has brought to our team and thank him," said Doug Bawel, President of Jasper Engines & Transmissions and co-owner of the #77 Jasper Motorsports team.(Jasper Motorsports PR)(11-12-2002)
  UPDATE 2: Ryan Pemberton is leaving his role as Dave Blaney's crew chief to take the same job with driver Jerry Nadeau. He'll work next year with Nadeau, hired last week to drive for MB2/MBV Motorsports. That entire team is getting a makeover -- driver Ken Schrader and crew chief Newt Moore won't be back, and the car is switching from the #36 to the #01.(ESPN/AP), plus a new sponsor, the US Army for 27 races.(11-13-2002)
  
  

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  (11-12-2002)

• Boris Said to run Homestead: Boris Said who ran both road-course races (at Sears Point and Watkins Glen) in the #67 Jasper Ford this summer, will be attempting to qualify for his first oval race in a Winston Cup car; he has two starts at HMS in the Craftsman Truck Series in 1997 (starting second, finishing 32nd-engine failure) and 1998 (starting fifth, finishing 24th). Said, the record-setting 2002 Trans-Am Series champion, will be attempting to make his eighth career NASCAR Winston Cup start at Homestead this weekend. The 39-year old Said, Director of Motorsports for No Fear, started his racing career in motorcross in 1975 and was the SCCA Corvette Challenge 1 Rookie-of-the-Year in 1988; he progressed through the SCCA and Trans-Am ranks in the 1990’s to become one of America’s premier road racers; SAID finished first in GT1 and third in GTS in the 1997 Rolex 24-Hour race at Daytona and entered the 2002 seasons as the twice-defending champion of the GT class in the American Le Mans Series with the BMW Motorsports Team; SAID also raced in two 24-hour events at Le Mans, winning the GT2 pole in 1994 and finishing second in 1995. Mark Harrah, one of the Jasper Motorsports owners, will serve as crew chief for the #67 Jasper Motorsports Ford for Said this weekend at Homestead; Harrah served as crew chief for both of SAID’s 2002 starts with Jasper Motorsports and won the ARCA Series race with Fultz at Lowe’s Motor Speedway in Charlotte, NC in May; HARRAH also served as crew chief for the #77 Jasper team for the final 14 races of the 1999 season for then-driver Robert Pressley, prior to the arrival of Ryan Pemberton for the start of the 2000 Winston Cup season(Jasper Motorsports PR), actually Said ran the Homestead race in 1999, so it is not his first Cup oval race.(11-12-2002)
  
  
• Labonte helps school: Donning lightweight construction helmets and sporting gold-painted shovels, High Point [NC]Christian Academy students, staff and supporters broke ground on a $4 million secondary school building Monday. The approximately 40,000-square-foot building, which will eventually house grades nine through 12, is to be located on the west side of the campus, across Phillips Avenue from the West End Park playing field. Construction could start as early as next month and the project is expected to be completed by August 2004. The construction contract has not yet been firmed up, said High Point Christian Academy Headmaster Richard Hardee, but Georgia firm CCL & Associates is overseeing project management. More than $1.25 million has been raised to fund the building, said Michael Gay, who chaired the capital campaign committee. The High Point Central High School class of 2006, approximately 40 students, were on hand for the ceremony. The class of 2006 will be the school's first graduating class, as well as the first class to graduate from the planned building. NASCAR driver Bobby Labonte, father of two High Point Christian Academy students, served as honorary chairman of the capital campaign committee. "It's a great day to be part of," said Labonte, "I look forward to one day standing here with a key to open the door."(High Point Enterprise), see pictures of the event at www.hpcacougars.org.(11-12-2002)
  
  
• Ganassi in no hurry UPDATE: Chip Ganassi says he's in no hurry to select a replacement for Jimmy Spencer in the #41 Target Doddge next season but characterized his candidates as the usual list of suspects. Garage sources say the list includes drivers who are looking for jobs -- such as Bobby Hamilton and Todd Bodine -- and others who are still under contract -- such as Dave Blaney, John Andretti and Scott Wimmer, a young BGN regular who drives for Bill Davis. Ganassi says he hasn't ruled out a younger driver, citing the success Jamie McMurray has had subbing for Sterling Marlin in the #40. But a more true test for McMurray will come next season -- as a rookie, he will be driving for Ganassi full-time but with a brand new team in the #42.(Sporting News)(11-11-2002)
  UPDATE: Ganassi's new driver appears to be Dave Blaney, although Blaney might remain with car owner Mark Harrah if the two can find the right crew chief to take the spot that Ryan Pemberton will leave vacant in a few days when he moves back to the Jay Frye-Thomas Beard team. If Blaney joins Ganassi, he could be teaming again with his former crew chief, Doug Randolph, who worked for Blaney at Bill Davis'.(Winston Salem Journal)(11-12-2002)
  
  
• Spencer not happy with his release, maybe to the #7 in 2003? UPDATE 2 Furr or Baldwin as #7 crew chief? 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)
  UPDATE: Spencer might not be out of work long. Jim Smith would love to have Mr. Excitement behind the wheel of the Ultra Motorsports #7 Sirius Dodge in 2003. "We need to get this car in the top 20 next season," Smith says. "We need stability. Spencer has a lot to prove, and so do we." Smith plans to meet with crew chief Tony Furr to determine whether Furr will return in 2003. If not, expect Tommy Baldwin, who started the season with Ward Burton, to take the job.(Sporting News)(11-11-2002)
  UPDATE 2: Car owner James Smith is looking at his options after his co-ownership deal with Ray Evernham went south earlier this week. Smith and Evernham shared the #7 car to give Casey Atwood a place for to drive, after being displaced from the #19 ride at the end of the 2001 season by Jeremy Mayfield. Smith, who was getting his engines from Evernham as part of his Atwood deal, is “99 percent sure” that he’ll run Mike Ege Racing Engines in 2003 as the team rebuilds. Smith’s short list of drivers includes Jason Leffler, who drove the #7 car this week at Phoenix and will also run the car at Homestead; Ted Musgrave, Kevin Lepage and Jimmy Spencer. Smith also confirmed that Tony Furr left the team mid-race at Rockingham last week because he was disgusted with Atwood’s performance. Atwood’s name is floating around the garage for several possibilities, including an Evernham-prepared car.(Ford Racing)(11-12-2002)
  
  
• Press Pass 2002 Cup Chase to make Stewart Card: "Thank you for your feedback regarding the Press Pass 2002 Cup Chase Program and the guidelines for the Grand Prize memorabilia card. We have administered this contest since 1994 and never encountered a finish in which the Winston Cup Champion did not win one of the designated Cup Chase races. Throughout the season we have indicated to those that questioned our position, that we would not produce a Grand Prize unless the driver won one of the designated Cup Chase races. After further review and much consideration, we have decided to create a Tony Stewart 2002 Winston Cup Championship race-used prize card should he win the championship this weekend in Miami. This Grand Prize card (along with the special 18-card plastic Cup Chase set) will be sent to any collector who redeems a 2002 Cup Chase card of Tony Stewart within 60 days after the expiration date of 1/31/03. While the original intent of the program was to produce a Grand Prize memorabilia card only if the 2002 Winston Cup champion was a winner of one of the eight designated Cup Chase races, we realize that the rules on the Cup Chase entry cards were ambiguous. Consequently, we will produce a race-used memorabilia card of the 2002 Winston Cup champion. We will also strive to write subsequent rules that more clearly define our intent so that we do not encounter additional issues in years to come. We apologize for any inconvenience this situation may have caused and hope that you will continue to look to Press Pass for innovative NASCAR collectibles."(ERTL PR)(11-12-2002)
  
  
• Childress Crew Chiefs: Richard Childress is still working on the 2003 lineup of crew chiefs for his five cars (three Winston Cup, two BGN). Childress would not confirm that he’d hired Harold Holly, who left ppc Racing earlier this week for an undisclosed position with a Winston Cup team. When asked about the selection of five crew chiefs from the pool of six Childress said, “I don’t know, but I’ll be able to tell you next week.”(Ford Racing)(11-12-2002)
  
  
• Wingo to Ganassi? Another crew chief apparently on the move is Donnie Wingo, currently the crew chief on the #26 Fords owned by Travis Carter. Wingo is expected to join Lee McCall and Randolph as crew chiefs on the three Ganassi teams in 2003. Wingo would most likely be the crew chief for McMurray, although team manager Tony Glover said the crew lineup for the team next year won't be decided until the driver for the #41 is decided.(ThatsRacin.com)(11-11-2002)
  UPDATE: As early as Monday [didn't happen], teamfordracing.com expects Chip Ganassi will make his hiring of Crew Chief Donnie Wingo official. The word could have come today, but a meeting between Ganassi and Carl Hass kept Ganassi from addressing the situation. Wingo, long time crew chief for Travis Carter, is expected to handle the car driven by Jamie McMurray in the 2003 campaign.(Ford Racing)(11-12-2002)
  
  

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  (11-11-2002)

• Early Phoenix TV Ratings: NBC's broadcast of Sunday's Checker Auto Parts 500k Winston Cup race drew a 3.8/7 overnight Nielsen rating, according to today's Sports Business Daily. Last year's race, which was run slightly earlier in the season, on Oct. 28, 2001, drew a final rating of 4.0/9, according to Sports Business Daily.(Winston Cup Scene Newsletter)(11-11-2002)
  
  
• Martin ok after aircraft incident UPDATE: Mark Martin's plane blew two tires as he was trying to leave Phoenix Goodyear Airport Sunday night, word is all are okay. Six were aboard the Citation - supposedly two pilots. Martin and three others.(11-11-2002)
  UPDATE: Winston Cup championship contender Mark Martin is OK after his jet blew a tire and skidded off a Phoenix runway last night, according to the Daytona Beach News-Journal's Web site. The newspaper reports that the three men on the plane -- Martin, pilot Jason Simpson and Benny Ertel, Martin's business manager -- were not injured in the aborted takeoff of the Cessna Citation CJ2, a twin-engine jet. Martin subsequently returned to Florida as a passenger on a NASCAR jet with NASCAR President Mike Helton.(Winston Cup Scene Newsletter)(11-11-2002)
  
  
• Newman to test at Kentucky: #12-Ryan Newman, who enters the final event of 2002 with a 20-point lead over #48-Jimmie Johnson in rookie points, will test on Kentucky's Speedway's 1.5-mile tri-oval on Tues Nov 12th and Wed Nov 13th. Newman enters the week seventh in the series points standings.(Kentucky Speedway PR)(11-11-2002)
  
  
• VA Lottery not coming back for Sadler: #02-Hermie Sadler has been told by Virginia Lottery officials they will not remain with Sadler's Winston Cup car next season. The state agency sliced the sponsorship because of statewide budget cuts after backing Sadler for four races - two each at Richmond and Martinsville - the past two seasons. Sadler, who qualified a career-best eighth at Martinsville last month, is seeking funding to run a part-time schedule again next year. "I certainly wish I would have known this in June because I would have had more time to work on other sponsors, but I understand the position of the Virginia Lottery," said Sadler, who will race the season finale at Homestead-Miami Speedway Sunday. "Things are tight right now."(Richmond Times Dispatch). Also: Hermie Sadler will again drive the #43 Curb-Agajanian Motorsports Chevy in the Ford 300 this weekend at Homestead. The team has had solid qualifying runs but a mechanical failure at Charlotte and an accident at Rockingham, both with less than 10 laps to go, have kept them from the finishes they deserve. The team is looking for sponsorship for Homestead and for 2003. Interested parties should call 804-586-8215.(11-11-2002)
  
  
• Yates Crew Chief? Robert Yates has talked with Jimmy Elledge [#55], Brad Parrott [Roush BGN #9] and Slugger Labbe [#15] about the crew chief's job for Elliott Sadler in the #38 next season, but acting crew chief Raymond Fox Jr. might stay in the role.(Sporting News), being told it'll be Raymond Fox Jr as the #38 crew chief in 2003.(11-11-2002)
  
  
• Schrader and Federated Auto Parts to Petree? UPDATE 3, NO Still looking: 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)
  UPDATE 2 - 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)
  UPDATE 3: hearing Andy Petree and Ken Schrader are working together to bring a sponsor to the #55 for next season. The rumors about Federated Auto Parts apparently were just that - rumors. Petree and Schrader are talking with several companies but do not have anything for next season yet. There was an AP story earlier that said Schneider Electric would sponsor half the #55 next season IF another company joined to sponsor the other half. Hear Petree and Schrader are optimistic and have some meetings scheduled, but they are talking to everyone they can right now.(11-11-2002)
  
  
• Biffle back in the #44 at Homestead: Greg Biffle, who clinched the BGN championship on Saturday, will drive the #44 Georgia Pacific 44 Dodge in the Cup season finale at Homestead. The race will mark Biffle's seventh Cup start of the year - the most allowed by NASCAR for a driver to claim rookie status the next season. Biffle is moving to Cup in 2003 with his Roush Racing [#16] team.(ThatsRacin.com)(11-11-2002)
  
  
• The Money: the 2002 Winston Cup Point Fund Distribution:
  Champ. $3,750,000
  2. $1,440,000
  3. $1,050,000
  4. $860,000
  5. $740,000
  6. $630,000
  7. $550,000
  8. $470,000
  9. $410,000
  10. $370,000
  11. $340,000
  12. $320,000
  13. $310,000
  14. $300,000
  15. $290,000
  16. $280,000
  17. $270,000
  18. $260,000
  19. $250,000
  20. $240,000
  21. $105,000
  22. $103,000
  23. $101,500
  24. $100,500
  25. $100,000 (FoxSports)(11-11-2002)
  
  
• Tests to dwindle: The number of official tests on Winston Cup tracks will drop from seven to five per driver next season, NASCAR told teams at Phoenix. Rookies, who had 12 tests each, will have nine next season. The Indianapolis test is no longer mandatory -- only Daytona in January. Teams can test all they want at tracks not on the Cup schedule -- such as Kentucky, St. Louis and Milwaukee -- and teams that have money will.(Sporting News)(11-11-2002)
  
  
• Championship and no poles? ever happen? With Mark Martin 2nd in the 2002 Winston Cup Drivers Points, still having a chance to win the Championship and not scoring any poles, has it ever happened before? Yep, six times, most recently, in 1999 when Dale Jarrett won the Winston Cup Championship with four wins and NO poles. It also happened in 1991-Dale Earnhardt; 1983-Bobby Allison; 1980-Earnhardt; 1973-Benny Parsons; and 1950-Bill Rexford(The Stock Car Racing Encyclodepia)(11-10-2002)
  
  
• Points Stuff: Under the current Winston Cup points system, the championship has been decided in the final race of the year 18 times in more than 30 years. With 238 points separating first through fifth, NASCAR no longer has its closest points race in modern-era history. In 1992, only 98 points separated the top five drivers in the standings with one race to go. Leader Tony Stewart heads to Homestead riding a nine-race streak of top 15s. A 10th top 15 would clinch the title for him. (News and Observer)(11-11-2002)
  
  
• One Million Dollar Winner: Contractor Jon Smith of Delaware, OH knew he was fast with a cordless drill. Now he has a million dollars to prove it. Smith beat out 15 other contestants Sunday in DEWALT's national Million Dollar Challenge cordless screwdriving contest sponsored by Chevy Trucks. To win the million, the Ohio man had to sink five drywall screws flush into a piece of pine wood in less than seven seconds with a 14.4-volt cordless drill/driver. He did it in 6.77 seconds. Smith and the other finalists were seeded tournament-style during the contest, which ended Sunday at the Phoenix International Raceway. Contestants were eliminated until the two fastest men clashed head-to-head Sunday at the Start/Finish line before Sunday's Winston Cup Race in front of 100,000 spectators. Smith beat out Mike Fischer from Illinois by one second for his chance to become a millionaire. Then, in his last "screw-off" calmly picked up his drill and drove out a time of 6.77 seconds to win the grand prize. DEWALT and Chevy Trucks launched the skill contest earlier this year. From April through August more than 50,000 people entered local qualifying contests in 100 cities nationwide, including Phoenix. The fastest 460 local qualifiers were then narrowed to 16 finalists, who each won a new segment busting 2003 Chevy Express contractor's van with industry exclusives such as all wheel drive, left hand door and unique access panels filled with $2,000 worth of DEWALT tools and accessories.(GM PR)(11-11-2002)
  
  
• Wingo to Ganassi? Another crew chief apparently on the move is Donnie Wingo, currently the crew chief on the #26 Fords owned by Travis Carter. Wingo is expected to join Lee McCall and Randolph as crew chiefs on the three Ganassi teams in 2003. Wingo would most likely be the crew chief for McMurray, although team manager Tony Glover said the crew lineup for the team next year won't be decided until the driver for the #41 is decided.(ThatsRacin.com)(11-11-2002)
  
  
• Mikey and Terry have words: Drivers #5-Terry Labonte and #15-Michael Waltrip had an altercation after the race, but neither man would discuss the incident. Waltrip went to talk to Labonte at Labonte's hauler before Labonte angrily went after Waltrip. Labonte had to be pulled away from Waltrip after chasing him down in the garage area. Waltrip finished 20th Sunday and Labonte was 26th, but Labonte was a lap behind Waltrip. The two drivers have had several bumping incidents in races this season.(Dallas Morning News)
  AND For some reason, Michael Waltrip and Terry Labonte, who were running six positions and one lap apart from each other at the end of the race, nearly came to blows in the garage area. They had to be separated just outside Labonte’s team hauler, Waltrip apparently having gone inside to confront Labonte. The source of their mutual anger was not ascertained. One Labonte crewman, when asked what caused the two to clash, said only, “Michael (Waltrip) running his mouth.”(Gaston Gazette)(11-11-2002)
  
  
• 512 NASCAR Laps Bring Thousands of Books to Phoenix Children: Because of the laps completed by #43 Cheerios/Betty Crocker Dodge driver John Andretti in Sunday's Cup race and by #6 Pepsi Dodge driver Wally Dallenbach in Saturday's BGN race, a total of 22,016 books have been donated to First Book-Phoenix/Scottsdale. Cheerios, through the Spoonfuls of Stories program, in conjunction with Simon & Schuster, donated 43 books for each lap Dallenbach and Andretti completed over the Phoenix weekend. They completed all 512 possible laps (200 Saturday; 312 Sunday). Families can get more books into the hands of children in need by using the First Book donation forms on Cheerios Spoonfuls of Stories boxes. All of the donations given to Spoonfuls of Stories will go to purchase new children's books, with the books going back to the communities where the donations were made. 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 Cheerios boxes, donating $500,00 to First Book, and featuring a First Book donation forms on 60 million boxes of Cheerios.. First Book is a national nonprofit that provides new books to children of low-income families.(Williams Company PR)(11-11-2002)
  
  
• Rookie Stuff UPDATE 3 Gordon out: If the season ended now, #12-Ryan Newman would be on top of the series' rookie standings -- largely because he has more top-five finishes -- even though he trails 348-Jimmie Johnson in Winston Cup points (this was back in Oct, the difference now is 6 points with Johnson still ahead). But the winner could be a matter of choice for NASCAR. Though Newman holds the edge in rookie points, there's another factor in the equation. A panel of four NASCAR officials can add or subtract points based on each rookie's conduct on and off the track. The Winston Cup champion was on that panel last year, but that policy is under review because of Gordon's affiliation with Johnson.(Sporting News), also been asked alot if Jamie McMurray will be eligiable for Rookie of the Year in 2003, as far as I know, as long as he doesn't run more then seven Cup races (impossible for him at this point) he will be a 2003 Rookie of the Year candiate, and no, no other driver has run for Rookie of the Year and won the year before.(10-17-2002)
  UPDATE: been told - NASCAR has already elminated Jeff Jordon (defending champion of series) from the post-season rookie of the year voting panel. It will be now be four NASCAR officials.(10-18-2002)
  UPDATE 2: Rookie points are awarded based on a host of categories, including top-10 finishes and battles with fellow rookies. Bonus points are awarded at different season intervals, too. Then there are discretionary points, dispersed at season's end by a five-member panel of NASCAR officials and the Winston Cup champion (Bobby Labonte is replacing Jeff Gordon this year as Gordon is Johnson's car owner). Discretionary points are based on how the rookies interact with series officials, fellow competitors and members of the media.(Indianapolis Star)(11-10-2002)
  UPDATE 3: #48-Jimmie Johnson can't catch #12-Ryan Newman in the rookie points race with just one race remaining. Newman leads 340-320 after Phoenix. But that does not mean the rookie of the year award has been decided. A four-member panel made up of former Winston Cup champion Bobby Labonte and three NASCAR officials will award discretionary points before the start of next weekend's season finale. That allows for the possibility Johnson could win or share the rookie title.(ThatsRacin.com)(11-11-2002)
  
  
• ASA Driver under contract? ASA Driver, David Stremme, is under contract for next year with either Chip Ganassi or Dale Earnhardt Incorporated.(St Joseph Daily Press), for BGN?(11-10-2002)
  UPDATE: hearing it is with Ganassi for a part time BGN deal or as a Test Driver.(11-11-2002)
  
  

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  (11-10-2002)

  see the Nov 4-10, 2002 Archived News Page
  
  

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  (11-3-2002)

  see the Oct 28-Nov 3, 2002 Archived News Page