Fox TV stuff: Fox has announced it will show nearly 50 hours of on-track coverage and more than 20 hours of studio programming in February on Fox, FX, Fox Sports Net and Speed Channel. By comparison, there were a total of 43 hours worth of coverage when Fox came to Daytona for the first time in 2001. The biggest changes have the 70-lap Bud Shootout being presented in prime time Feb. 8 on Fox, and the two 125-mile qualifying races to be carried by FX on Feb. 13. Fox Sports Net showed the 125-milers two years ago, which caused a furor among local cable subscribers who still don't have that channel as part of their basic package. (Nationally, Fox Sports Net is available in more than 82 million homes compared to almost 80 million for FX.) The Daytona 500 is Feb. 16, with Fox scheduled to have an hour-long pre-race show at noon. Mike Joy, Darrell Waltrip and Larry McReynolds will return for their third year together of calling races, along with studio analysts Chris Myers and Jeff Hammond and pit reporters Jeanne Zelasko, Dick Berggren, Matt Yocum and Steve Byrnes. Fox has no plans to cover the end-of-the-year banquet from New York in the future, and understandably so. While hardly scientific, only 14 percent of those who responded to a survey on the Web site of the Atlanta Journal-Constitution described the telecast on TNT as "great." Forty-two percent of the respondents called it "boring," and another 44 percent said they didn't watch. (Daytona Beach News Journal)(12-15-2002)
NASCAR car promotes new recruiting office: Recruiters for the Mississippi National Guard have a new Tupelo office. But what drew crowds Thursday was the red, white and blue NASCAR parked outside. The newest car in Winston Cup, the Army National Guard #54 Chevy, made a pit stop at the new office in town. "The number 54 represents the 50 states, three territories and the District of Columbia where the Army National Guard is located in the United States," said Sgt. First Class David Rushing. "We're an advertiser on the car." The car has made stops in North Carolina, Georgia, Tennessee and Washington, D.C., and will be shown next in Louisiana.(Northeast Mississippi Daily Journal)(12-15-2002)
Some Schrader plans...in ARCA: Ken Schrader 2003 plans include competing in three ARCA RE/MAX Series events with title sponsorship from Federated Auto Parts. Those events include Toledo on May 4, South Boston on July 2 and the DuQuoin dirt-mile on September 1. In addition, Federated Auto Parts has announced that it will be the presenting sponsor of the RE/MAX Series race at Toledo Speedway. The event will be titled the Toledo ARCA 200 presented by Federated Car Care.(ARCA Racing Site)(12-15-2002)
Hillenburg and Hover back to ARCA: 1995 ARCA RE/MAX Series driving champion Andy Hillenburg announced that he would be returning to the series fulltime in 2003 to make a run for the championship. The 2-time Daytona ARCA 200 winner has joined forces with renowned car owner/crew chief Stan Hover for the 2003 season. The team, recognized as the (has attempted Cup races in the #80) Hover Racing Inc.-Fast Track Alumni-Friends of Fast Track Ford, will utilize engines by GP Racing Engines.(ARCA Racing Site)(12-15-2002)
(12-14-2002)
New Crew Chief for Andretti? UPDATE, yes and Andretti is signed, plus Thomas to Gibbs: hearing that Gary Putnam, crew chief from the #44 Petty Dodge is being moved over to crew chief the #43 and John Andretti while Brandon Thomas, who was the #43 crew chief is being moved over to head their engineering department.(12-12-2002) UPDATE: A new look to a traditionally winning team will grace the #43 Cheerios/Betty Crocker Dodge for 2003. With driver John Andretti back behind the wheel, Gary Putnam will take over as crew chief for the team. The 32-year-old Putnam began serving as a NASCAR Winston Cup crew chief for the first time just last year, taking the reins of the then-#44 Georgia-Pacific Dodge. "Having John and Gary signed and raring to go gives us all a great feeling about 2003," said Kyle Petty, CEO of Petty Enterprises. "John is a tremendous talent and has proven he knows how to win," Petty said. "I don’t know of anyone in the sport with as great a desire to excel. What he brings to our team on the track and what he brings to General Mills and Petty Enterprises off the track is fantastic. Gary has proven himself not only highly knowledgeable but a true leader," Petty continued. "We’re excited not just with what he has shown us so far but with his tremendous potential. John is excited and all of us at Petty Enterprises are excited with what he can do for us." Andretti, 39, is a NASCAR Winston Cup race winner beginning his fifth full season as driver of the #43 Cheerios/Betty Crocker Dodge. He is one of only two drivers in motorsports history with victories in major league Indy car, major league road racing and major NASCAR Winston Cup oval victories. A native of Nazareth, Pa., who grew up in Indianapolis, Ind., he resides in the Mooresville, NC, area. Putnam, a native New Englander, began his career in NASCAR’s Featherlite Modified Series, and has been involved in NASCAR Winston Cup racing since 1996. He worked as a mechanic and car chief for several top teams before moving to Petty Enterprises last season. Born in Hartford, Ct., Putnam resides in Concord, NC.(Williams Co PR) and hearing Brandon Thomas has left Petty Enterprises and is now working for Joe Gibbs Racing, not sure in what capacity.(12-14-2002)
Robinson looking for Busch program: Shawna Robinson will likely forego competing on the Winston Cup circuit in 2003, and will instead try to make her mark in the Busch Series. "The reason that the focus is on the Busch car is because money and sponsors are just really hard to come by right now," Robinson said. "(The Busch Series) is very, very competitive. Believe me, honestly, in this situation, it's not going to be any easier to go run Busch than it would be for me to go run Cup." Robinson had high hopes for last season when she was hired to drive for the newly-formed BAM Racing operation. It seemed that all her work, effort and sacrifice was about to pay off. But a young and inexperienced team, along with on-track mishaps, ended her season abruptly. "If I would have stayed in the BAM car this year and wouldn't have stopped after seven races and ran for the year and grew with the team, because the team would have stayed a lot more consistent, we'd have gone into 2003 knowing that we took everything we learned in 2002 and would be better," Robinson said. "And I feel we could have done that; there's no question in my mind that we could have done that. But, things didn't work out that way. There were a lot of other areas that were researched and tried, and that's what a new team has to do to really find their place." Ironically, when Robinson joined BAM prior to last season, she suggested starting in the Busch Series, and eventually making the transition to Winston Cup. "I'm fortunate to be under contract to BAM because that's the commitment we made at the beginning of the year," she said. "And, at the beginning of the year, my thoughts to them were 'Let's go Busch racing, and then towards the end of the year, let's do five Cup races and really grow this team. What I learned in the seven races and what I learned in any races prior to that, I'll take and make better every time I get into a car. It's just getting an opportunity to get in the right situation and that's what I'm trying to do now." Robinson remains under contract and is currently working with team officials to find sponsorship to compete in as many Busch events as possible in 2003. She also may do some driving for hire in the NASCAR Truck Series, as well. (much more to this story at ESPN)(12-14-2002)
(12-13-2002)
APR looking for investors: Andy Petree said he is seeking investors for his NASCAR Winston Cup race team, and still has plans for a full schedule in 2003. "Investors with existing business relationships can find a home with a top stock car racing team," Petree said. "I’m looking for someone who can partner with me and help us continue the success this team has enjoyed over the years. For someone who is looking to be part of a traditionally winning team in the most popular form of motorsports, we have a tremendous opportunity," Petree said. "The missing piece of our puzzle is a business savvy investor with ties to corporate America. We’ve done everything you can do on the race track. I don’t think anyone disputes that we have a strong program here," he said. "Someone who can come in as an investor and help us bring the final part of the sponsorship situation together is going to find tremendous rewards. The way this sport is booming right now, once the economy does come back - and it is showing every sign of doing that - an established winning NASCAR Winston Cup team is going to be at a real premium."(Williams Company PR)(12-13-2002)
Dale Jr and MLB again: looks like for the third season in a row, #8-Dale Earnhardt Jr will run a MLB (baseball) scheme at Daytona in July.(12-13-2002)
Special Paint for Kyle: #45-Kyle Petty will run a different scheme in the Brickyard 400, no idea what it is....yet.(12-13-2002)
Budweiser To Sponsor AC Indoor Racing: Budweiser, the King of Beers, through local distributor Harrison Beverage in Pleasantville, has joined Neptune Research and the Green Flag Driving Experience as presenting sponsors of the Atlantic City Indoor Auto Races at the Boardwalk Hall. The event, the first at the historic facility in 22 years, is set for Saturday, January 18, with practice slated for Friday, January 17. Tickets for the January 18 events went on sale November 25 at the Boardwall Hall box office, through Ticketmaster locations, Ticketmaster.com, or by calling 1-800-736-1420. Reports indicate that initial sales were brisk. Information is available at www.aarn.com or by calling 609-888-3618.(OpenWheelRacing), yeah I know not NASCAR, but don't get racing all the way down here in deep south NJ, plus I am going........(12-13-2002)
NBA player wants to try NASCAR: Derek Strong has played for six NBA teams during his professional basketball career. Now at age 34 and in the twilight of his hoops career, Strong, a forward with the Columbus Riverdragons of the National Basketball Development League, has dreams of racing after the roundball is over. "I have a five-year plan," Strong said. "In five years, if I get the backing, I want to get to the Busch Series. If you do well there you might find a way up to the Winston Cup, which is where I'd like to be. If I could be successful with this, I think it would be another big step for African-Americans in stock car racing," Strong said. Strong said the biggest problem he's encountered in racing is trying to find sponsorships. The financial backing sponsors provide is important to a racing career on the NASCAR levels.(Ledger-Enquirer)(12-13-2002)
Winningest First Team drivers chosen All-America once again (sorry this is kind of long): The two drivers who have won First Team honors on the All-America Auto Racing Team more than anyone else - Steve Kinser and John Force - have been elected to the team yet again. They are among the drivers chosen to the annual team by the members of the American Auto Racing Writers and Broadcasters Association. The team will be honored - and the winner of the coveted Jerry Titus Award announced - at the annual AARWBA banquet Jan. 11 at the Sheraton Suites Fairplex in Pomona, CA. For the second year in a row, but only the fourth time in the 33-year history of the team, the team comprises 13 drivers as a result of a tie in the voting. Two drivers are elected from each of six categories, but three will be honored this year in the At Large category. Steve Kinser, the "King of the Outlaws," has been elected First Team for an unprecedented 15th time, his 20th selection overall - both the outright records for any All-America race driver. He won his 17th Pennzoil World of Outlaws championship in the 25-year lifetime of the winged sprint car series. John Force similarly extended his championship records, winning NHRA's PowerAde Funny Car title for the 12th time, making it 11 in a row, and also pushing his career victory record to 106. Force has now been an All-America 12 times, 11 of those as First Team. His selection this year broke him out of a tie with Don Garlits, whose 10 First Team selections now stand third all-time. Kinser leads the Short Track category of the team, and is joined by U.S. Auto Club standout J.J. Yeley, who won the USAC Weld Wheels Silver Crown championship and finished second in both the Sprint Car and Midget Car championships. It is Yeley's first time on the All-America team. Force is joined in the Drag Racing category by Larry Dixon, who was a Second Team selection last year in his first All-America appearance, and now steps up to First Team after winning nine races and the NHRA PowerAde Top Fuel championship.
Force, a three-time winner of the Jerry Titus Award, signifying the team' s Driver of the Year, is in the running for an unprecedented fourth award along with Indy Racing League champion Sam Hornish Jr. and NASCAR Winston Cup champion Tony Stewart. The Titus winner - the driver receiving the most votes regardless of category - is a carefully-kept secret until the AARWBA banquet in January. Tony Stewart broke out of a tight pack of contenders for the Winston Cup championship with six races left in the 36-race season, but did not lock up the title until the final race. He won three times - on the high banks of Atlanta, a short track at Richmond, and a road course at Watkins Glen. Stewart is an All-American for a seventh time, every time First Team but in three different categories. He won twice in Short Track when he raced with USAC, in Open Wheel when he won the IRL championship, and now for a fourth straight year in the Stock Car category. Mark Martin is his teammate in the Stock Car category after persevering through the long Winston Cup season to be the final obstacle for the championship. Despite winning but once - the Coca-Cola 600 at Lowe's Motor Speedway - his 22 Top-10 finishes kept him in the hunt all the way. Martin matches Force as a 12-time All-America; it is his fourth First-Team vote.
Hornish leads the Open Wheel category of the All-America team after becoming the first driver to win the Indy Racing League championship two years in a row. Hornish came from behind in the points by winning the final two races of the season after three earlier victories. It is also Hornish's second consecutive First Team selection.
Cristiano da Matta, the CART champion, also is named First Team for asecond team, chosen this year in the Open Wheel category after winning in At Large as the Indy Lights champion 1998. This year da Matta dominated the CART circuit, winning seven times.
The Road Racing category salutes two veteran drivers - Ron Fellows and Boris Said - who have never been First Team before and who both won their first major series championships.
The At Large category encompasses drivers from a broad variety of series. The three drivers chosen First Team came from oval, drag and road racing. Leading the category is A.J. Foyt IV, the winner of the IRL's Infiniti Pro Series in its inaugural year. Tied in the voting were Frank Manzo and Bryan Sellers - a longtime veteran drag racer and a young-gun road racer. Manzo is the NHRA Lucas Oil Top Alcohol Dragster champion. The 21-year-old Sellers is the SCCA Formula Ford Zetec 2000 champion, and is making his first All-America appearance. With 13 drivers on the First Team, only 11 make the Second Team. They include Indianapolis 500 winner Helio Castroneves, NASCAR champions Greg Biffle from the Busch Series and Mike Bliss in Craftsman Trucks, Prototype road racing champions Tom Kristensen from American Le Mans and Didier Theys from the Grand-Am Rolex series, and IHRA Top Fuel champion Clay Millican who put together a 10-race winning streak. Also named Second Team were Grand-Am GT champion Bill Auberlen, NHRA Top Fuel runner-up Kenny Bernstein, IRL third-place driver Gil de Ferran, Winston Cup's third-placed Kurt Busch and Winston Cup Rookie of the Year Ryan Newman.
Among drivers named Honorable Mention, who received at least a 5% vote, was Winston Cup rookie Jimmy Johnson, a three-time winner. A rarity in All-America voting, Johnson was not on the ballot but was selected on write-in votes. Also earning Honorable Mention were Matt Kenseth, a five-time winner in Winston Cup; Terry Borcheller, Grand-Am SRP-II champion; NHRA Pro Stock champ Jeg Coughlin Jr. and Funny Car runner-up Tony Pedregon; ARCA champ Frank Kimmel; ASA champ Joey Clanton; SCCA Pro Rally champ David Higgins, and IHRA Funny Car champ Jimmy Rector. The annual AARWBA banquet is open to the public. Information is available from AARWBA president Dusty Brandel at 818-842-7005 or 72746.1465@compuserve.com.(PR)(12-13-2002)
Third Song the choice for Third Eye? hearing that Third Eye Blind was scheduled to sing "Faster" at the Winston Cup
Banquet/Awards. Until the day before the show, when a NASCAR type finally listened to the song and was appalled at the words. "Faster" is not about racing cars. The song they played was the band's thirds or fourth choice, and had no relevance either.(12-13-2002)
Championship Race: NASCAR Silicone Motor Speedway is having their National Bristol Challenge this weekend at Concord Mills, NC and the top Bristol winners from all their locations are flying into have a championship race on Saturday the 14th. For more info, see www.smsonline.com.(12-13-2002)
Racing Official Injured UPDATE sad news: Eddie Carroll, long-time ACT and Thunder Road official, flagger and Street Stock steward, remains in critical condition at Dartmouth-Hitchcock Medical Center after being accidentally struck by a stray hunter's bullet in his home Sunday, December 1. Some medical procedures have been forestalled by lack of knowledge of the type of bullet involved and requests for information have been made via local and regional news media.(more info on the Thunder Road site and at the Times Argus), Thunder Road is owned by former NASCAR broadcaster Ken Squier.(12-5-2002) Sad News: ACT and the Airborne/Thunder Road racing family mourn the passing Tuesday night of Eddie Carroll, long-time ACT and Thunder Road official, flagger, Street Stock steward, gentleman and friend. Information regarding services will be posted as available. Cards,letters and e-mails may be sent to the ACT office. PO Box 296 Waterbury, VT 05676; info@acttour.com (ACT Site)(12-11-2002)
and see a story Strap In - Remembering Eddie by Big Bigelow(12-13-2002)
(12-12-2002)
FL Papers appeal ruling on Earnhardt photos: Two newspapers have filed an appeal challenging the constitutionality of a law restricting access to autopsy photos. The Orlando Sentinel and the South Florida Sun-Sentinel filed a brief Wednesday in the 4th District Court of Appeal in West Palm Beach challenging the constitutionality of the Family Protection Act, passed after Dale Earnhardt's death. Under the law, upheld by a circuit judge last July, unauthorized people who view or copy autopsy photos can be fined $5,000 for committing a felony. Proponents of the law say it protects families from seeing their relative's autopsy photos published or placed on the Internet. The newspapers argue that the law -- which was championed by Earnhardt's wife, Teresa -- is too broad and will restrict the use of autopsy photos for teaching purposes.(Sporting News/AP)(12-12-2002)
Special TV Guide Covers: In its December 14 issue (on newsstands Monday, December 9), TV Guide magazine honors four 2002 NASCAR title holders with four collector's covers available on newsstands in selected markets and available nationally online and by phone at the TV Guide Store. Tony Stewart (Winston Cup), Ryan Newman (Winston Cup Rookie of the Year), Greg Biffle (Busch Series) and Mike Bliss (Craftsman Truck Series) each adorn a cover in the special series. The full set of four NASCAR 2002 title holder covers will be available at the TV Guide Store and can be purchased online at shop.tvguide.com or by calling 1-888-TVGUIDE.(PR)(12-6/12-2002) are now listed at the site
Sad News: Charles B. "CB" Lee, a veteran of NASCAR Winston Cup racing and most recently with Petty Enterprises, passed away Tuesday night at his home. Lee, 57, had been a mechanic at Petty Enterprises since 1999. A Texas native, Lee originally worked with A.J. Foyt’s Indy car team in the 1970's and early 80's, moving to North Carolina to work on stock cars with Foyt. When Foyt first left stock car racing in the late 80's, Lee moved to Stavola Brothers Racing, and also worked for Bobby Allison Motorsports and Bahari Racing. It was at Bahari he met Doug Hewitt and Gary Putnam, Hewitt bringing Lee to Petty Enterprises.
He is survived with his wife, Trudy, a son, Charles, Jr., 22, and daughter Megan, 14. The family lives in Asheboro. A memorial service is scheduled for 3 p.m., Saturday, Dec. 14, at Hartsell Funeral Home, 460 Branchview Dr. NE, Concord, N.C.(Williams Co PR)(12-12-2002)
Update on Todd Bodine from the Todd Bodine site - "The doctor's visit today (Wed. 12/11) went well, Todd has been released to drive and resume normal activities other than lifting, pushing, and pulling. He also received a rehabilitation program involving stretching exercises which will get the muscles back to where they need to be. We are looking to be released to drive a race car in the middle of January. The outlook for 2003 is looking bright. While we can't say exactly what we are doing it appears we may be running both series next year with a part time and full time deal. We will be sure to let you all know as soon as we can. Sponsor negotiations and contracts sometimes take more time than you can imagine."(12-12-2002)
Dale Earnhardt Jr. Grappling Classic: Dale Earnhardt Jr. is lending his name and support to help create the Dale Earnhardt Jr. Grappling Classic, which organizers say has the potential to be the biggest jiu-jitsu (also known as jujitsu) tournament in the world. The tournament is the brainchild of local jiu-jitsu instructor and 2001 jiu-jitsu world champion Joe Hurst and N.C. state trooper and jiu-jitsu student Garrett Barger. The event will be at the Cabarrus Arena and Expo Center in Concord, NC on Jan. 25, 2003.(Independent Tribune)(11-7-2002) UPDATE: Dale Earnhardt, Jr. is using his interest in the sport of Jiu Jitsu to create the premier Dale Earnhardt, Jr. Grappling Classic. Organizers say this tournament has the potential to be the largest Jiu Jitsu tournament in the world. Competitin begins at 10:00 am and will continue throughout the day. Tickets for the this event are available through Ticketmaster and will go on sale starting December 12. Earnhardt Jr. will be the host of the event and other NASCAR Winston Cup Series notables and local celebrities will be on hand to observe the competition. "I've become such a huge fan of this sport that I can't wait to see how it all goes down," Earnhardt Jr. said. "Joe and Garrett have taught me a lot about what takes place at this type of tournament. It'll be cool to see the different fights that go on throughout the day and who makes it to the end. That will be the best part when the top people compete for the title. That's when the competition will be intense. I'm glad to be a part of the program," Earnhardt Jr. continued. "I thought these guys needed someone to help them along with a little notoriety. The point is to get the word out about Jiu Jitsu. It's about people who train and compete in intense settings like we do on the racetrack everyday. I hope to convert another group of fans by doing the Grappling Classic.. We also hope to do more of these every year." For more information about the Dale Earnhardt, Jr. Inaugural Grappling Classic, log on to www.dalejrgrapplingclassic.com.(12-12-2002)
Ray in NASCAR? former IRL champ, Greg Ray is trying to finalize a deal that will put in a Busch car for the 2003 season. Ray also wants to return to the IRL and compete in both series.(Dallas Morning News)(12-12-2002)
Talladega rained out Tuesday and delayed Wednesday: The wet weather that postponed Tuesday’s Dodge test session at Talladega Superspeedway was also wet enough to delay Wednesday’s testing until nearly 2:00pm/et. The Dodge test session at Talladega was to have ended Tuesday with the two-day Ford test session beginning on Wednesday. With Tuesday’s cancellation, that left both the Ford and Dodge camps in the NASCAR Winston Cup garage on Wednesday with a total of 20 cars – 10 Dodges, 10 Fords. Teams are preparing for the 2003 NASCAR Winston Cup Series season. Representing the Dodge camp were Chip Ganassi Racing drivers #40-Sterling Marlin, #42-Jamie McMurray and #41-Casey Mears; Evernham Motorsports, with #9-Bill Elliott and #19-Jeremy Mayfield; Petty Enterprises, with #45-Kyle Petty; Bill Davis Racing, with #22-Ward Burton and Gary Bradberry in the #23; and Penske Racing South, with #12-Ryan Newman and Buddy Baker in the #2 Dodge. Representing Fords were Roush Racing drivers #6-Mark Martin, #99-Jeff Burton, #97-Kurt Busch, #16-Greg Biffle and Clay Rodgers in the #17; Yates Racing with #88-Dale Jarrett and #38-Elliott Sadler; the Wood Brothers with #21-Ricky Rudd; Haas/Carter Motorsports
with Geoffrey Bodine in the #26; and Jasper Motorsports with Jeff Fultz in the #77.(Talladega Superspeedway PR)(12-12-2002)
Cheesy Scheme: hearing that #99 Jeff Burton will run a Kraft Velveeta scheme sometime in 2003, maybe the Winston Open in May?(12-12-2002)
Kenseth's Dad to Promote Track UPDATE: Madison International Speedway will have its third different owner since the track re-opened in 1992. Terry Kunes is in the process of finalizing the purchase of Madison International Speedway. Mr. Kunes has announced that Roy Kenseth, father of Winston Cup star Matt Kenseth, will be the promoter/manager of the Speedway.(Madison International Speedway site)(11-19-2002) UPDATE: Madison (Wis.) International Speedway has been sold to Chicago-area businessman Terry Kunes and will be managed by Roy Kenseth, father of Winston Cup driver Matt Kenseth. The sale was announced Saturday.(Rockford Register Star)(12-12-2002)
Former Winston Cup driver Trevor Boys to compete in ISA Series in Canada Born and raised in Calgary, Trevor Boys drove Cup from 1982-1993, and competed in 102 Winston Cup events. In ISA competition, Boys will drive for the Ideal Racing Team based in Kamloops, B.C.(NE Racing)(12-12-2002)
West Virginia Plates News: With the renewal of a contract to sell NASCAR plates, the West Virginia Division of Motor Vehicles’ Web site for online sale of the tags will be secured and reopened, a state official said. The Web site was temporarily shut down last summer after discovery was made of alleged hacker activity, dating back to October 2001.(Charleston Gazette)(12-12-2002)
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New #32 Crew Chief: PPI Motorsports has hired Scott Miller as the crew chief of the #32 Tide Pontiac driven by Ricky Craven. Miller, a past employee of PPI, has a long history of involvement with NASCAR Winston Cup racing as well as other forms of motorsports. Beginning his racing career as a motocross rider in AMA, Scott progressed to racing Formula Vees and then into NASCAR's Winston West division where he won a number of poles and was a race winner. After moving from behind the wheel in 1985, Scott worked in open wheel racing and eventually moved into Winston Cup in 1995. In 1997, Scott joined Richard Childress Racing as a chassis/shock specialist. Crewing with the legendary Dale Earnhardt #3 Goodwrench team, Scott worked with the team for over 3 years that included a number of victories. In 2000, Scott worked with PPI Motorsports on the McDonald's team before returning to RCR in 2001.(PPI Motorsports PR)(12-11-2002)
Stewart EMPA Driver of the Year and other honors - Chris Economaki and Brett Hearn: Tony Stewart will receive the Al Holbert Memorial Eastern Motorsport Press Association Driver of the Year honors at the 33rd Annual EMPA Convention taking place at the Radisson Hotel & Conference Center, Trevose, PA, January 17-19, 2003. Stewart beat out 17-time World of Outlaws sprint car champion Steve Kinser by just a narrow margin to earn the honor for the second time in his career. Brett Hearn, who won dozens of DIRT Big Block Modified and 358 Modified events during the season plus track championships at Lebanon Valley Speedway and Albany-Saratoga Speedway, is the Richie Evans EMPA Northeast Driver of the Year. Both awards, as are all awards, are voted on by the more than 200 professional media members that make up the Eastern Motorsport Press Association. The man that many call the "Dean of Motorsports Journalism" Chris Economaki, well known for his Editor's Notebook column in National Speed Sport News, has been voted into the EMPA Hall of Fame. Economaki earned his honors by what may have been the largest number of votes ever in the history of the EMPA. Former NASCAR Winston Cup star Harry Gant, winner of 18 Winston Cup races and 17 poles, will also be inducted as will the late Kenny Weld, winner of more than 250 sprint and modified features, and five time United Racing Club sprint car champion Dave Kelly. The three day Eastern Motor sport Press Association Convention, the only working convention for motorsports media, will include a series of press conferences, presentations, workshops and roundtable discussions.(12-11-2002)
Grubb to stay in the BGN? hearing that the #54 Team Bristol team and driver Kevin Grubb will remain in the BGN series full time in 2003 and may run a few Cup races. Ricky Pearson is supposedly the new crew chief for the team.(12-11-2002)
NASCAR SpeedPark in Concord: NASCAR expanded its effort to reach out to a younger fan base Tuesday by signing off on an officially licensed SpeedPark to be located in the heart of the stock-car racing community. NASCAR SpeedPark will be located in the Concord Mills, N.C., mall and be the third licensed park in the chain started by Burroughs & Chapin Co. The park will sit on more than seven acres and feature five indoor and outdoor go-kart tracks, a multilevel adult track, games, miniature golf, laser tag and other amusements. The facility, which joins its sister parks in Myrtle Beach, SC, and Sevierville, TN, will help develop the sport, Helton said. Ground was broken on the park Tuesday, and it's expected to open next summer inside Concord Mills, a massive retail and entertainment center that ranks as North Carolina's second-largest tourist attraction. Concord Mills is located on Speedway Boulevard, just a few miles from Lowe's Motor Speedway and the heart of NASCAR's community.(ThatsRacin.com/AP)(12-11-2002)
Kyle to race in the Rolex 24: Kyle Petty will drive a Porsche at the 24 Hours of Daytona teaming up with Orbit Racing in Feb.(Orbit Racing)(12-11-2002)
#30 and Kraft: hearing that the #30 AOL team will run a green AOL/Kraft car at Chicagoland.(12-11-2002)
#48 scheme at Lowe's: hearing the #48 Lowe's car will run a special scheme at Lowe's in May, not sure what kind of scheme or for what.(12-11-2002)
(12-10-2002)
#42 for McMurray/Havoline? Wingo to Ganassi? UPDATE - Official: 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) #42 is it for McMurray UPDATE: got an image of the #42 Havoline Dodge that Jamie McMurray will drive in 2003, see the images of the car on my Paint Scheme Gallery.(11-8-2002) UPDATE - official: Texaco Havoline Racing together with Chip Ganassi Racing with Felix Sabates announced today that rookie sensation driver Jamie McMurray will pilot the #42 Havoline Dodge in the 2003 NASCAR Winston Cup Series with veteran Donnie Wingo performing the crew chief duties. While the initial announcement was made back in September, today's statement confirms car number and paint scheme design for the Havoline Dodge. For Texaco Havoline Racing, the new car number signifies a "new beginning" for the long-running NASCAR sponsor. ChevronTexaco's Vice-President North America Lubricants Craig Duncan said, "We are very excited about our new partnership with Chip Ganassi Racing and Jamie McMurray. We see this as a remarkable opportunity to re-energize our Havoline brand, in driving it towards our goal of being the brand of choice among the motoring public in the USA." In addition, Chip Ganassi Racing with Felix Sabates announced today that veteran crew chief Donnie Wingo has been hired to serve as McMurray's crew chief during the 2003 season. Wingo comes to Chip Ganassi Racing with Felix Sabates after a seven-year stint as crew chief with Hass Carter Motorsports. Wingo, who is entering his 22nd season on the NASCAR Winston Cup Series, has a total of four NASCAR Winston Cup Series victories as crew chief.(Chip Ganassi Racing with Felix Sabates PR)(12-10-2002)
History Channel and NASCAR: Heroes who fight tax collectors and moral crusaders, or just common criminals? Like it or not, America was built by rumrunners, moonshiners, and bootleggers--even founding father John Hancock was a smuggler. In the 1920s, Prohibition turned fishermen into rumrunners and two-bit gangsters into millionaires, and moonshine haulers in their souped-up cars helped create NASCAR [which a story about NASCAR great Junior Johnson]. Rare archival footage and photos help weave the compelling tale of our nation's love-hate relationship with illegal alcohol. Re-airing on the History Channel on Sat Dec 14th from 11:00am - 1:00pm.(12-10-2002)
NASCAR to clear up 'Red Flag' rule? Fox's Jeff Hammond says NASCAR expects to do a better job next year of letting fans know when the sanctioning body might red-flag a race. "There's going to be a better and clearer definition of a red-flag situation, so the fans should know what to expect if track conditions warrant a red flag near the end of a race," Hammond writes today on the Fox Sports Web site. "I'm really excited about NASCAR's new approach to let fans know that their decisions aren't pulled out of their hats at the last second." Hammond says that the Fox broadcast team learned of the intention when they met with NASCAR President Mike Helton and Vice Presidents George Pyne and Jim Hunter last week. They talked about the green, white, checkered situation, and while that's not going to happen in the near future in Winston Cup.(FoxSports)(12-10-2002)
Lepage to run Rolex 24:Heritage Motorsports announced today that NASCAR Winston Cup and Busch Series driver Kevin Lepage will join the driver lineup for the Heritage Motorsports #48 Mustang at the Rolex 24 At Daytona, Feb. 1-2. Lepage will team with drivers Tommy Riggins, Dave Machavern and a fourth driver to be named later.(Grand American Road Racing Association site)(12-10-2002)
(12-9-2002)
2002 Winston Cup Updates is out: A Statistical Review of the 2002 NASCAR Winston Cup Season, NASCAR Winston Cup Media Update Book, is out. The 2002 NASCAR Winston Cup Updates Year-End Book entitled "Statistical Review of the 2002 NASCAR Winston Cup Season" is a complete compilation of the weekly versions of this information-packed series and is now available to all race fans. The book offers a complete race-by-race review of the 2002 NASCAR Winston Cup season. It also includes statistical analysis of all aspects of the 2002 season plus driver biographies. Written by Len Thacher, Director, NASCAR Winston Cup Statistical Services, this book offers every race fan the opportunity to access the same information used by television, radio and print media personalities in reporting each race throughout the year. Info such as address and phone number on my Racing Bookstore page.(12-9-2002)
Sad News: Valerie Rice Stephan Bettenhausen, 81, Martinsville, IN, died Dec. 5. A homemaker, she was the widow of M.E. "Tony" Bettenhausen Sr., the former Indianapolis 500 and Grand Prix driver, and was the mother of the late Tony Bettenhausen Jr., an Indianapolis 500 driver who owned the Bettenhausen Motorsports Racing Team. She also was the mother of former Indy 500 driver Gary Bettenhausen, and former sprint, midget, champ and dirt car driver Merle Bettenhausen.(Indy Star)(12-10-2002)
Testing at Talladega in Dec? UPDATE 3: According to NASCAR sources there will be a speedway test at Talladega Superspeedway for the Dodge and Ford teams in December. The test was arranged after the Dodge and Ford teams explained that they’re basically working with new cars and they should be entitled to see what effects the 2003 rules package changes have brought. The tentative two-day test is slated for Dec. 9 -10.(Ford Racing)(11-10-2002) UPDATE: so far have heard #40-Sterling Marlin (yes he has been cleared) and the #23 Bill Davis Racing team with Scott Wimmer will test (Kenny Wallace is on a cruise).(12-8-2002) UPDATE 2: hearing the test has been expanded by two days to Dec 12th due [but each team is allowed 2 days testing] to the power outages in the Charlotte area due to the recent snow/ice storm. Also hearing Clay Rogers will be testing the #17 Ford for Matt Kenseth.(12-9-2002) UPDATE 3: Sterling Marlin got back behind the wheel of his #40 Coors Light Chip Ganassi Racing Dodge on Monday during a Dodge manufacturer’s test at Talladega Superspeedway preparing for the 2003 NASCAR Winston Cup Season. Marlin was joined by fellow Chip Ganassi Racing teams with #41-Casey Mears and #42-Jamie McMurray; Evernham Motorsports, with #9-Bill Elliott and #19-Jeremy Mayfield; Petty Enterprises, with #45-Kyle Petty; Bill Davis Racing, with #22-Ward Burton and #23-Scott Wimmer; and Penske Racing South, with #12-Ryan Newman and Buddy Baker in the #2 Dodge. “I felt comfortable. Very comfortable,” said Marlin, who got back behind the wheel of his car for the first time since late September. Two days before qualifying for the EA SPORTS 500 at Talladega, it was announced that Marlin would miss the remainder of the season. Marlin, who was in the thick of the NASCAR Winston Cup Series championship hunt, was forced to sit out the final seven races of the 2002 season with a fracture of the No. 2 cervical vertebra. He was cleared to resume his driving duties on Dec. 5. Marlin and his fellow NASCAR Winston Cup Series competitors will return to Talladega Superspeedway for the Aaron’s Dream Weekend, April 3-6, 2003. Tickets still remain for the NWC Aaron’s 499, as well as Saturday’s doubleheader with the Busch Series Aaron’ s 312 and the IROC Racing Series. Fans who wish to stake their claim for the 2003 Aaron’s Dream Weekend can call (256) 362-RACE or visit talladegasuperspeedway.com. A Virtual 3D Seating program is available online, allowing fans to take
a look at the vantage point from different sections before selecting their seats. The two-day Dodge manufacturer’s test will continue
Tuesday at Talladega Superspeedway.(Talladega Superspeedway PR)(12-9-2002)
Siemens to Evernham: Siemens announced their Associate Sponsorship and Technology Partnership with Evernham Motorsports {#'s 9,19,91). "Evernham Motorsports and DaimlerChrysler are a force in racing and bring Siemens the exposure and platform for further development of technologies within NASCAR", said John Dimmerling, director of Corporate Marketing Communications for Siemens. "Racing sponsorship provides a unique opportunity for a company as diverse as Siemens. In addition to brand exposure, NASCAR has been a great place for us to showcase our broad range of products and services, build relations with our customers and discover new business. We are excited about the opportunity to continue this relationship with NASCAR through Ray and his team." For more information: www.usa.siemens.com.(Golin Harris PR)(12-9-2002)
Drivers underpaid?Newsday says NASCAR drivers aren't collecting nearly as much of their sport's revenues as athletes in other sports. The story by Ken Berger says drivers received about 18% of the $1.869 billion generated this year in NASCAR's top three series [Winston Cup, Busch and Truck], while the NFL, NHL, NBA and MLB pay athletes at least 50% of revenue in salaries governed by collective bargaining agreements. The story says that most of the 27 drivers who started all 36 Winston Cup races are believed to have collected $4 million to $5 million. It estimated that the average for Busch Series drivers was $250,000, while Craftsman Truck Series drivers were estimated to average about $100,000. The paper says Tony Stewart was the highest paid driver this year, collecting a $3 million base salary and $4.23 million for his share of the team's winnings [50%]. It estimated the average salary for drivers in all three division was $1.17 million. NASCAR Vice President for Corporate Communications Jim Hunter told the paper that comparisons can't be made with other sports: "Our drivers shouldn't compare themselves, because you're comparing apples and oranges. Everybody in our sport is an independent contractor and can go out and cut the best deal that he can."(Winston Cup Scene Daily Newsletter)(12-9-2002)
Foyt to Dodge? UPDATE: hearing A.J. Foyt Racing may be switching from Pontiac to Dodge in 2003 for the #14 Conseco car and the un-numbered (#50?) Harrah's car.(11-19-2002) UPDATE: A.J. Foyt is switching to Dodge in 2003 and will get engines from Ray Evernham. Foyt's son Larry, who tested last week at Caraway Speedway in Asheboro, NC, is expected to drive the #14 Intrepid, perhaps more out of necessity than the belief he is ready to make the jump. Because of current sponsor Conseco's possible departure, Foyt needs Harrah's, sponsor for Larry's Busch Series car, to fund the Winston Cup team.(Sporting News)(12-9-2002)
Wells' new crew chief to leave? UPDATE 2: Widespread garage reports tell Ford Racing that Cal Wells’ choice for crew chief of the #32 is ready to leave the team. Within the past two weeks that Wells indicated that he was going to swap current crew chief Mike Beam with team engineer Roy McCauley. That plan appears to have taken on a shaky path now that McCauley is in play for another job in the garage.(Ford Racing)(11-17-2002) UPDATE: Cal Wells is trying to shake up his race team, which went winless this season, despite several strong runs by Ricky Craven. And Wells' crewmen are wondering what Wells might do. Wells has already decided to move Mike Beam, his crew chief the past few years, to a new position and promote chief engineer Roy McCauley to crew chief. But Beam is trying to move on to another team, and McCauley is considering his options, also. Beam says he would be content "for things just to stay the same, but that's not what Cal wants." McCauley would say only that he doesn't have any offers on the table.(Winston Salem Journal)(11-18-2002) UPDATE 2: Roy McCauley and PPI Motorsports have parted. McCauley was the team's lead engineer before stepping in for Mike Beam as crew chief for Ricky Craven toward the end of last season. Beam joined Richard Childress Racing and will be crew chief for Jeff Green on the #30 AOL Chevy.(Sporting News)(12-9-2002)
RCR Med Exams: Richard Childress [#29,#30,#31] is requiring his drivers to undergo medical examinations before the start of the season to establish a baseline for their health. "We want to make sure that if they get hurt, we can compare 'A' to 'B,'" he says. Childress didn't find out until after the season that Johnny Sauter, his Busch Series driver, raced hurt for part of 2002.(Sporting News)(12-9-2002)
Sam Bass Gallery Prepares for Third Annual Christmas Open House: The third annual Sam Bass Gallery Christmas Open House in Concord, NC will be on Saturday, Dec. 14. Amid the hundreds of original paintings and prints in the gallery, a day full of festivities is scheduled. Santa Claus will visit with the children from 12noon to 2:00pm. Souvenir photos with Santa will be available for five dollars each, with all proceeds benefiting the Cooperative Christian Ministry (CCM). In addition to Mr. Claus, celebrity guests Paul Schadt and Sarah Waters from WKKT-FM's Paul Schadt Morning Show will help Bass unveil two new holiday treats. "The North Polesitter," perhaps the artist's most personally revealing painting of the year, stars the man of the season - Father Christmas himself - as portrayed by local legend Bob Baucom, the real Santa Claus. Two-year-old Kendyl Bass, whose debut lit up the 2001 edition print, makes her return. The other new work is the first in a series of NASCAR holiday diecast designed by Bass and produced by Team
Caliber. Decked out in green-and-red seasonal colors, the #02 Chevy features Santa, sporting sunglasses, driving his eight tiny reindeer alongside at Winston Cup speeds. Bass, who will be available to meet with race fans and give autographs, is asking that everyone coming to the gallery on December 14th bring a non-perishable food item to help stock the CCM food pantry, which is located in Cabarrus County. "We work with a different charity during each of our holiday open houses," said Sam Bass, "because it's important to remember that others in our community might not have the good fortune that we are enjoying. Each family that donates will receive a gift from us." Open house hours are 10:00am to 5:00pm. Door prizes will be given away throughout the day. For more information about Sam Bass' motorsports art and events, log on to www.sambass.com or phone 704/455-6915.(12-9-2002)...hmm, Jayski will be in the area, maybe I will stop by??
Snowball Derby Winner: Ricky Turner, who works in Ernie Elliott's engine shop, won the 35th annual Snowball Derby at Five Flags Speedway in Pensacola, FL. Rich Bickle was 2nd, Kyle [Kurt's brother] Busch finished 33rd. See full story and results at www.51sportsracing.com.(12-9-2002)
Race team to Pay Sponsor to be on Car: America's Most Wanted Motorsports has come to the realization that time is currently passing them by to acquire a full time sponsor of their program [Cup or BGN] for the 2003 racing season. So they have devised a plan that would be a golden opportunity for an existing or new sponsor. AMW Motorsports has a Guaranteed media package estimated to close to $4million and they are willing to negotiate a part time schedule next season for the BGN racing series with a sponsor and offer this complete package. AMW Motorsports will negotiate a 15-race schedule starting in Daytona and will offer their complete marketing program in full to a sponsor. This basically represents the team will be paying the sponsor to be on the car. For more info on this opportunity and to assist in finding Missing Children visit www.bodydynamicsracing.com.(12-9-2002)
From the Chad Little site UPDATE sad news: "Please Help Us Pray For Teri Little, Chad's Mom. She Is In Critical Condition Following A Brain Aneurysm Which Occurred On 12/6 After Returning Home From The Chad Little Fan Club Cruise. Our Thoughts And Prayers Are With The Little Family".(ChadLittle.com - will not post updates from the message board)(12-7-2002) sad news: Teri Little, mother of Winston Cup and BGN driver Chad Little, passed away on Saturday. Mrs. Little died following a brain aneurysm which occurred on Friday, December 6th after returning home from a Chad Little Fan Club Cruise. Mrs. Little is survived by four children and four grandchildren. It is suggested that in lieu of flowers donations could be made to Motor Racing Outreach in Teri's name.(Frontstretch)(12-9-2002)
