PAST NEWS/RUMORS
AUG 25-31, 2003
THE PAST NEWS! YESTERDAY and BEYOND..
OTHER PAST NEWS PAGES
- Jerry Nadeau news and updates on the #01 Team News and Links page
- THE NEXTEL CUP - See past news, links, the official press release, notes from the press conference, who is Nextel? what happens to 'The Winston' All Star race? what happens to the Winston Preview?....all covered on my NASCAR Sponsor page.(6-20-2003)
news from last week:
Mike Helton and DEI? Denied
Morgan-McClure close to a full time driver announcement
Boat Accident in NC, team members involved
Darrell Waltrip To Make Tribute Lap At Martinsville In #11
Spencer Suspended misses Bristol
(8-31-2003)
- WOW - Texas Terry wins the Southern 500! #5-Terry Labonte won the Mountain Dew Southern 500 at Darlington Raceway, his first win in 156 races [Texas in 1999] at age 46. Labonte stopped and got the 76 checkered flag from the flagman, and took a lap around with it. Some of his crew climbed the fence on the frontstretch. #29-Kevin Harvick was 2nd for the third straight race in a row. The rest of the top five were #48-Jimmie Johnson, #42-Jamie McMurray and #9-Bill Elliott. Labonte has won the Southern 500 twice, his first career win on September 1, 1980 and today. It was Labonte's 22nd career win. All four Hendrick Motorsports teams have won a race this year [#24, #25 and #48].
Race Re-air: NOTE: Speed Channel has changed their lineup starting in August - so there will be a one-hour recap [called Fast Forward] of the race on Wednesday, September 3rd at 7:00pm/et and again on September 4th at 1:00am/et; a full three-hour race show will re-air at 12:00pm/et on Thursday, September 4th
Race Results at
Jayski's Darlington Results
ThatsRacin.com
MotorsportsOne
NASCAR.com.
For the top 10, lap leaders, out of race/off track, cautions and explanations, notes, see my Southern 500 Race Info page.(8-31-2003)
- StockCarFans.Com - Rumblings - Darlington: Score one for the Old Guys!!! Sure, we were wondering if Terry was gonna
win another one before he got his AARP card, but after today he's just another young gun. Texas Terry led the final 33 laps at Darlington Raceway to capture his second Mountain Dew Southern 500 (he won here way back in 1980) and 22nd career victory. He's now in sole possession of 25th place on the all-time win list (breaking a tie with Benny Parsons, btw) and snaps a 156 race losing streak. Terry's last win was at Texas Motor Speedway in March of 1999!
This was win #114 for Hendrick Motorsports, and marks the 16th different winner this season.
Kevin Harvick was the bridesmaid again....thats three in a row and four out of the last seven races he's claimed that spot.
Jeremy Mayfield (6th) had his best finish since he was 5th at Richmond in May of 2002!
Bobby Labonte (7th) had his best finish since he was 5th at Daytona in July.
Elliott Sadler (9th) had his best finish since he was 9th at Chicagoland in July.
Kevin Lepage (15th) had his best finish since he was 10th at Talladega in October of 2001! (only 12 races)
Jeff Green (18th....and unemployed) had his best finish since he was 16th at Chicagoland in July.
STREAKIN....Kevin Harvick has 5 Top-5's in a row.
The Rookie Report: Jamie McMurray (4th) captures this honor for the 11th time this season (he's the leader of the pack). He was followed by Greg Biffle (10th), Casey Mears (35th), and Tony Raines (42nd). Larry Foyt was a DNQ this week. For a long time there today it looked like we could have another rookie winner....both McMurray and Biffle had strong cars this afternoon.
This Week's Elevator...UP: The Operator of the Week is a lonely Kevin Lepage (+26). DOWN: The Big Dropper was Johnny Benson (-29), followed by Mark Martin (-26), Ryan Newman (-22), Dave Blaney (-20), and Christian Fittipaldi (-20). Certainly was a down day in the "shaft".
Kevin Lepage led today for the first time since he led once for 3 laps at Atlanta in November of 2001! He's the 43rd different driver to lead a lap this season....last year's number was 46.
Matt Kenseth's still got it on cruise control. He tacked another 38 points onto his lead over Dale Earnhardt Jr....it's now 389. His "Magic Number" grew as well...it's at 6 vs Little E as well as Kevin Harvick. Bill Elliott gained 3 spots (17th to 14th) while Ward Burton lost 4 spots (18th to 22nd) as they were the big movers in the points today.(StockCarFans.Com Wcup Newsletter)(8-31-2003)
- Retirement not an easy call, Elliott says UPDATE: Bill Elliott said LAST week he'll talk about his plans for retirement as a driver when he's good and ready to do so, but he admitted again Saturday that it's something he's thought about. "I am at the age that not many people go very much past," said Elliott, who turn 48 on Oct. 8. Only four drivers in history - Dale Earnhardt, Morgan Shepherd, Bobby Allison and Harry Gant - have won at an older age than Elliott is right now.
"I do know I'm on the shorter end of the stick," Elliott said. "Whether it's this year, next year or the year after, we've got to sit down with (car owner) Ray (Evernham) and make that decision. We've got to talk about not only what's best for me but what's best for the race team.
"That's something I need to sit down and think through, discuss and figure out what's going to be best. It's a huge decision to make, but right now my focus in on this race and that's (retirement's) the farthest thing from my mind."(ThatsRacin.com)(8-30-2003)
UPDATE: Bill Elliott, always the realist, admits he'd consider retirement under the right circumstances, but he notes much would have to line up correctly to persuade him to call it quits after this season. Elliott, 48 in October, noted after his Brickyard victory last year that he would begin to consider his future toward the end of his driving contract with Evernham Motorsports. That contract concludes after this season, although both Elliott and owner Ray Evernham are considering extending it. "It depends on a lot of circumstances," the 1988 NASCAR champion said. "If Ray could find somebody to get in the car and take the team to the next level, I'd step out and let it go. But several things are going to have to happen. Do we go this road, this road, this road? I'll tell you one thing, I'd quit this minute if I had to go through changing teams again. "I wouldn't do that another year. I'm way too old for that crap."(Speed Channel)(8-31-2003)
- More on DEI and Andretti; Andretti at Talladega for RCR; DEI and Coke/Pizza Hut? Biffle to the #1 in 2004? or is it Riggs A FEW ADDITIONS: DEI has picked John Andretti to take Jeff Green's place [in the #1 Pennzoil Chevy] the rest of the season, except at Talladega, where Andretti will drive for Childress. However, DEI is still working on a 2004 deal for that team -- according to one source, the sponsor could be Coca-Cola and Pizza Hut. Busch Scott Riggs has been the front runner [see rumor below], but Greg Biffle could also be in the picture. However, Biffle is under to contract to Roush for another season and would have to buy his contract out, if Roush would even OK such a move.(Winston Salem Journal)
AND well...doubt it could be Pizza Hut AND Coke since they are owned by a PepsiCo consortium, actually I am hearing the sponsor could be Dominos Pizza, if Pizza Hut goes to another team, we could have a pizza war. Since DEI is heavily involved with Coca-Cola, can't see it being Pizza Hut.
OR also hearing Fed-Ex could be the #1 sponsor in 2004, with Riggs in the seat.
AND II no idea if Andretti will drive the #30 AOL car or if that will be a 4th Childress team for a race, Kerry Earnhardt will drive a race or two for Childress in the Busch Series in the #03 [see my Busch Series site for more].(8-30-2003)
UPDATE: FSN's NASCAR This Morning reports that John Andretti will drive the #30 AOL Chevy for RCR at Talladega.(8-31-203)
- Mayfield Out? UPDATE: Ray Evernham may be in the market for a new driver, if Jeremy Mayfield leaves [the #19 car]. Evernham and other Dodge team owners have been under heavy pressure from Dodge executives to improve performance.(Winston Salem Journal) AND being told by source Mayfield will leave the #19 team, no idea where he goes, and who goes into the #19? would imagine a young gun of some caliber.(8-30-2003)
UPDATE: however, PRN's Garage Pass reported on Thursday that Mayfield's option for 2004 was picked up by Evernham Motorsports.(8-31-2003)
(8-30-2003)
- Kodak or Drug Company for the #99 in 2004? Jeff Burton and Jack Roush are close to a new sponsor for the #99 Ford: according to one source, Kodak [that would be weird seeing a yellow #99] -- according to another, an unnamed pharmaceutical company.(Winston Salem Journal)
AND being told it is a pharmaceutical company, no name yet....they are supposedly trying to work out how it conflicts with Pfizer/Viagra.(8-30-2003)
- Yeley or Burton [Ward] to the #30 in 2004?: Richard Childress says he's reviewing the Steve Park-Mike Beam [#30 AOL Chevy] operation. Sprint star J.J. Yaley [Yeley] and Ward Burton are on Childress' list of potential drivers, according to team sources. Scott Wimmer is considered the leading candidate to replace Ward Burton in the #22 CAT Dodge [or whatever manu they use in 2004].(Winston Salem Journal); NOTE: hearing Burton will be in the #30 in 2004.(8-30-2003)
- Tire Test at Daytona: #97-Kurt Busch and #15-Michael Waltrip are scheduled to take part in a Goodyear tire test at Daytona on Sept.8-9. Phil Holmer, Goodyear's marketing manager for stock-car racing, said the company is looking at changing its compound for that track. Holmer also said that whoever does Goodyear's tire test at the redesigned Homestead-Miami Speedway later this year won't be in the points race. Goodyear and NASCAR officials don't want a driver in a points race to have an advantage over the rest of the field.(Roanoke Times)(8-30-2003)
- Bobby Allison to take 'Victory Lap' at Talladega: Fans of the NASCAR Winston Cup era were treated Friday to a sneak preview of a special Talladega Superspeedway "Victory Lap" tribute to Bobby Allison. The long-time leader of the famed "Alabama Gang" unveiled his red, white, silver and gold #22 Victory Lap car at Darlington Raceway following a press conference where he was joined by Talladega Superspeedway President Grant Lynch and NASCAR Vice President of Corporate Communications Jim Hunter. Allison will celebrate his Winston Cup career and 1983 Winston Cup championship during pre-race festivities for the EA Sports 500 at Talladega Superspeedway on Sept. 28.(NASCAR PR)(8-30-2003)
- Elliott to Retire at End of 2003? UPDATE 2 Elliott diecast in 2004 refutes rumor: hearing rumors that Bill Elliott, driver of the #9 Dodge Dealers Dodge with Evernham Motorpsorts is considering retiring at the end of the 2003 season. Rumored driver to replace him? Greg Biffle.
HOWEVER two recent reports seem to indicate Elliott is racing in 2004 and Biffle is close to reupping with Roush Racing and the #16 team:
Evernham not changing drivers: There has been talk that Brendan Gaughan, who leads the Craftsman Truck Series in points and victories (four), might move to Cup racing in 2004, possibly with Evernham Motorsports. Though Gaughan, 28, tested for the organization in the past, team owner Ray Evernham says the next logical step for Gaughan would be the Busch Series. One thing is certain: Evernham has no intention of replacing Bill Elliott or Jeremy Mayfield next year. “For his age (47), Bill is one of the best drivers I've ever worked with, and he carries our deal on his back a lot of the time,” Evernham says. “I feel like I owe him a lot.” …(Sporting News)(8-20-2003)
AND Biffle not signed...yet: during a NASCAR This Morning [Fox Sports Net - each Sunday at 10:30am/et] #16-Greg Biffle was interviewed and asked by John Roberts if he was signed for next year [2004], Biffle said no, but they are working on a contrat extension for next year and beyond and to do some Busch Series racing.(8-10/20-2003)
UPDATE: #9-Bill Elliott isn't giving any hints about his future driving plans, even amid widespread speculation that he's contemplating retiring at the end of this season. "When I'm ready to talk, I'll talk. When I ain't, I ain't," Elliott said Tuesday. "That's just plain and simple. When it's time, it's time and I'll let you know." This year has been a bit of a struggle for Elliott, who broke his foot in an accident in May but did not miss a race, driving with a special brace to help him shift. But he's got just three top-five finishes and is 17th in the standings. Still, car owner Ray Evernham said Elliott can drive the #9 Dodge as long as he wants to. "Bill is one of the best drivers I've ever worked with, and he carries our deal on his back a lot of the time," Evernham said. "I feel like I owe him a lot and he can drive my car until he doesn't want to do it anymore." But Elliott admitted Tuesday he has given thought to how long he wants to continue driving. If he's come to a conclusion, he wasn't saying. "I'm almost 50 now, so I've given it thought because I'm definitely on the shorter end of the stick," he said.(see full story and quotes at ThatsRacin.com/AP)hi elliott9f(8-27-2003)
UPDATE 2: Been told Bill Elliott is scheduled to run a NHL All Star Game Evernham Dodge at Daytona in 2004, that would seem to refute any retirement 'rumors'. AND Ray Evernham may be in the market for a new driver, if Jeremy Mayfield leaves. Evernham and other Dodge team owners have been under heavy pressure from Dodge executives to improve performance. Bill Elliott, Evernham's other driver, said he expects crew chief Mike Ford to continue in that position next season.(Winston Salem Journal), that sounds like Elliott has no plans on retiring this at the end of this year.(8-30-2003)
- Blaney Back with the #77 in 2004? Dave Blaney, driver of the #77 Jasper Motorports Ford, should know Monday if his owners will renew his contract.(Winston Salem Journal)(8-30-2003)
- Ganassi going to four teams in 2004? Now that Chip Ganassi has lost the battle for Stewart, he could jump back into the marketplace to find another man to fill that possible fourth Winston Cup team. According to one man familiar with the new game plan, Ganassi is going to the top of the standings and will keep making runs at drivers at the sport's big names until he finds one willing to bite on his $5 million a year deal.(Winston Salem Journal); lets see...top of the standings........Kenseth signed for 2004+; Earnhardt Jr. - not signed; Harvick is signed; Johnson is signed; Gordon is signed; Busch signed; Newman signed; Waltrip signed; Labonte signed.......seems to be pointing at one driver in the 'top of the standings'.(8-30-2003)
- Riggs to DEI #1? Andretti? UPDATE 5 OFFICIAL - Andretti in starting at RIR: hearing that Scott Riggs may be the new driver for the #1 DEI Chevy in 2004 if a sponsor is signed.(6-21-2003)
UPDATE: Insiders continue to look for Scott Riggs to get the call to join DEI next season, if sponsors agree. DEI officials expect to have a decision on the company's third team car by Darlington in three weeks.(Winston Salem Journal)(8-11-2003)
UPDATE 2: from a NASCAR.com conversation: Your name has come up in the rumor mill a lot lately. What's out there that we can believe and not believe?
Riggs: You can believe that there's definitely a lot of opportunities out there that I'm very fortunate to have been contacted by a lot of people. When you have people in the Cup series interested in your future, it's definitely a praise to what your able to do and your accomplishments in your career. With all that said, there's a lot of opportunities and a lot of people I've talked to, and I have yet to make a decision one way or another that I might go next year. I'm still working with these guys here at ppc, first of all, to try to get a championship for everyone here with the Nesquik Ford. At the same time, we're also talking about the future here, too. We're working on some different things with sponsors and seeing what avenues ppc can go down. Haven't made a decision one way or another which way I'm going. I think in the next three or four weeks, some decisions will start being made, and you'll start seeing the dominos start to fall, and a lot of people will fall into place, and Silly Season will start.(NASCAR.com)(8-26-2003)
UPDATE 3: hearing Riggs and Green may share the #1 ride after Green's contract is up after Darlington, and that John Andretti could run a race or two or more in the car.(8-28-2003)
UPDATE 4: Sunday's Southern 500 is likely Jeff Green's last weekend in Dale Earnhardt Inc.'s #1 Chevrolet this season. Ty Norris, DEI's executive vice president of motorsports, said Friday that John Andretti, released from Petty Enterprises earlier this season, would drive the No. 1 next weekend at Richmond, Va., and for several other races this season. "John did a really good job for us at Indianapolis and we were really impressed," Norris said. Andretti qualified and drove a fourth DEI entry at Indy. We had an opportunity to see if we could improve our performance. We just talked to him about getting in the car for a while. There is no set time or agenda," Norris said. "There's no sense in locking ourselves into anything. But if John does what he did for us at Indianapolis, he really impressed a lot of people with what he did in our car there." Green was hired in May after former driver Steve Park was released by DEI. Green was signed only through the end of this month, however.(ThatsRacin.com)(8-29-2003)
UPDATE 5 - Andretti in the #1: Dale Earnhardt, Inc. has hired John Andretti to drive the #1 Pennzoil Chevy beginning with the NASCAR Winston Cup Series race at Richmond International Raceway on Sept. 6, 2003. Andretti is a two-time winner in NASCAR Winston Cup Series competition who brings more than 10 seasons of experience to the team. Earlier this month, he drove a DEI-supported Chance 2 entry at Indianapolis Motor Speedway; where he qualified 11th. "The racing heritage we have at DEI is unparalleled," said Teresa Earnhardt, President and CEO of Dale Earnhardt Inc. "We look forward to making this team stronger with the invaluable experience that John brings." Since the May race at Lowe's Motor Speedway, Jeff Green and Ron Fellows have shared driving duties in the #1 Pennzoil Chevrolet. This year, the team has earned a Bud Pole Award and two top-10 finishes. Andretti is looking forward to his name now being associated with Dale Earnhardt, Inc., as well. "I look at driving for DEI as a great opportunity," John said. "I'm excited to become a member of the team for the next few races. And, it's also nice to be reunited with Pennzoil again. I drove an Indy Car they sponsored in 1991 and 1992 and won my first race in their yellow car. This team at DEI is established in NASCAR and I'm hoping to do a good for them." In addition to his two-career NASCAR victories, Andretti has also earned four Bud Pole Awards, 13 top-five and 37 top-10 finishes.(DEI PR)(8-29-2003)
UPDATE 6: Totally NASCAR mentioned to expect to see Scott Riggs run a race in the #1 sometime before the end of the season.(FoxSports Net's Totally NASCAR)(8-30-2003)
(8-29-2003)
- Bye-Bye Rumors - Stewart Re-ups with JGR thru 2009:Reigning NASCAR Winston Cup Series champion Tony Stewart agreed to terms of a contract extension with Joe Gibbs Racing that will keep him behind the wheel of the #20 Home Depot Chevrolet through 2009. "I'm happy to have all of this worked out," said Stewart in regard to his new contract. "Joe Gibbs and everyone associated with Joe Gibbs Racing have been very good to me in the seven years I've been here. They've always given me everything I need out on the race track, and they've always been there to support me off the track as well. It's a very tight-knit group of hard-working people, and I look forward to spending another six years with them. The same is true with Home Depot, who I can honestly say has been the best sponsor I've had in all my years of racing. They're not just a sponsor to our race team, they're a partner and a friend. Our record of success is pretty impressive," said Stewart, "and you don't just walk away from that. I did have some very flattering offers, and it felt good to be a wanted man, but Joe Gibbs Racing and Home Depot wanted me too, and staying at a place I call 'home' just made sense. We've won a lot in our five years together in Winston Cup, and we've got a lot more wins ahead of us. I just want to thank Zippy (crew chief Greg Zipadelli), Joe and everyone at Joe Gibbs Racing and Home Depot for standing by me and giving me all the time I needed to make the right decision."
"Obviously, we're very happy to have Tony with us for the foreseeable future," said Gibbs. "Along with Home Depot, he's been an important part of our organization for a number of years, and we're thankful that's going to continue."(Joe Gibbs Racing PR)(8-29-2003)
- Nextel buying land: Nextel is close to buying land near Concord, N.C., where NASCAR's safety facility and a number of teams are based, USA Today reports. The story says the telecommunications company, which takes over sponsorship of NASCAR's top series next year, plans on hiring a 20-person staff that "presumably will include some" employees of R.J. Reynolds Sports Marketing Enterprises division.(Winston Cup Scene Daily Newsletter)(8-29-2003)
- StockCarFans.com - Ramblings - Darlington: The incredible pole machine that is Ryan Newman continued to roll this afternoon at Darlington Raceway. Ryan captured the Bud Pole for Sunday's Mountain Dew Southern 500 (the final Labor Day edition) with a time of 24.090 (169.048 mph)....besting Jimmie Johnson for his 6th pole of the year and 13th of his career.
Newman's pole percentage is now at .188 (13 poles in 69 events)....not too shabby.
Terry Labonte (3rd) has his best starting spot since he had the pole at Richmond in May.
Ricky Craven (8th) has his best starting spot since he lined up 6th at Rockingham in February.
Johnny Benson (11th) has his best starting spot since he lined up 10th at Lowe's Motor Speedway in May.
STREAKIN....Bobby Labonte has 6 Top-10 starts in the last 7 races. Ryan Newman has 5 Top-10 starts in the last 6 races.
Only 44 cars this week....the Trouble Train is a lonely one for #50-Larry Foyt. He can take solace in the fact he was quicker than all the
provisional- seekers, however.
The provisional picture looks like this: Michael Waltrip uses his first [actually his third, he also used one at Texas and Richmond] of the season (and it's the lone non-charged one this weekend). Jimmy Spencer (Busch's Best Buddy is Back!!!), Ken Schrader, Kyle Petty,
Kevin Lepage, Derrike Cope, and Hermie Sadler all used charged provisionals. Schrader, Petty, Lepage, and Cope (the #49, #45, #4, and #37 cars) join the #43 of Christian Fittipaldi on the OOP list (Out Of Provisionals). With the exception of the #37 of Cope, the aforementioned other four drivers will receive their next provisional at Martinsville in October (race 32). For Cope, he's only made 18 attempts this season.....his schedule will dictate when he gets another freebie. He'll receive that one when he attempts his 24th race.
Gonna be kind of sad this weekend. Labor Day and Darlington have been together since Johnny Mantz steered his Plymouth around this old joint in 1950. When you look down the list of winners at the Track Too Tough to Tame it reads like a who's who of our sport. California is nice, but you just don't build tradition in 7 years....and tradition used to be worth something.(StockCarFans.Com Winston Cup Newsletter)(8-29-2003)
- Buckshot back - to run Atlanta UPDATE and Talladega: Michael Waltrip Racing (MWR) and Aaron's Sales & Lease Ownership are pleased to announce Georgia native Buckshot Jones will drive the #00 Aaron's Dream Machine Chevy in the Cup Series race at Atlanta Motor Speedway on October 26, 2003. The car will be prepared and crewed by MWR's NASCAR Busch Series team coordinated by crew chief, Bobby Kennedy. The Bass Pro Shops MBNA 500 will mark Jones' return to Winston Cup racing since his 17th-place finish in the #09 Dodge at the Daytona International Speedway in July. Buckshot has 55 Winston Cup starts in his career with a best finish of eighth at Dover in 1998.
"Bobby Kennedy always likes to stay in touch with the Winston Cup Series and this is an opportunity to test the waters and do so in Buckshot and Aaron's backyard," explained Waltrip.. "Buckshot has the talent and the determination it takes to run well in any NASCAR series and his testing efforts have shown us he'll proudly don the Aaron's Dream Machine colors in the Cup race. Buckshot and I have been trying to put something together for a while now, and it just makes sense to have a Georgia driver and a Georgia sponsor in the race just outside of Atlanta (Ga.).. Everyone involved is looking forward to making this happen.. Aaron's is the sponsor for the Busch race on Saturday and will have many of their employees and customers in town.. It just makes since to expand Aaron's involvement over the course of the entire weekend."
"I'm excited," Jones said. "I know Michael and Bobby put together fast racecars everywhere they go.. We tested earlier this year and our times were fast enough to be in last year's top-10.. I love Atlanta Motor Speedway and can't wait to get down there, turn some laps and challenge myself to a top-10 finish in the Aaron's Dream Machine."
"Aaron's is in the business of making dreams come true, and we are going to help Buckshot realize his dream of returning to the Winston Cup Series," said Ken Butler, President of Aaron's Sales & Lease Ownership. "By letting Buckshot race the Dream Machine in Atlanta, someone may come along and give him that full-time job he's been looking for and we'll enjoy watching an Aaron's car race toward the front on Saturday and Sunday." The Georgia 500 at Atlanta Motor Speedway is scheduled for October 26, 2003 at 1:00 PM and will be broadcast live on NBC and PRN radio.(Aaron's PR)(8-26-2003)
UPDATE and a 2nd race? Buckshot Jones is set to return to the Winston Cup circuit at Talladega on Sept. 28 and at Atlanta on Oct. 26. Jones said the two races he's running later this season in a Michael Waltrip-owned Chevrolet are his only scheduled appearances for the time being.(Atlanta Journal-Constitution)(8-29-2003)
- New Helmet: Dale Lott, an entrepeneur who owns a Nashville-based company called Active Xtreme, and Atlanta-based Racing Radios, have developed a new racing helmet designed to reduce driver fatigue and lessen the damage to a driver's hearing. The helmet looks like a standard racing helmet, but the foam interior contains a bladder that is pumped up with air to conform to the driver's head. The earpiece for the two-way radio is inside the bladder, so there's no need for separate earpieces. And when a driver goes through a turn or his head moves from side-to-side, the air pressure, which come from a small hand pump on the helmet, equalizes the pressure on the driver's head. Much of the same technology is being made available for crew members on pit road. Their radios are being designed to reduce background noise and combine the channels a crew member needs to hear. Lott and Racing Radios have gotten the OK from NASCAR to test the helmet and drivers including Robby Gordon have shown interest in using one. The entire driver's unit costs about $1,500 compared to $600 for a conventional system.(Atlanta Journal-Constitution)(8-29-2003)
- Spencer back, sales up 40% UPDATE No Change Spencer says: #7-Jimmy Spencer learned that his trackside souvenir sales increased 40 percent over the three-day Bristol weekend as fans swarmed the Team SIRIUS souvenir location to buy Mongo T-shirts, hats and banners. If that wasn't enough to prove the public's affection, the deafening cheers of 165,000 people at Bristol Motor Speedway when the #7 SIRIUS Dodge rolled out was. Only problem, Spencer wasn't there to see it.(Jimmy Spencer site)
UPDATE: Jimmy Spencer said a week's suspension by NASCAR won't change his aggressive driving style, but added that he has no intention to continue bickering with Kurt Busch. ''It's over as far as I'm concerned,'' Spencer said yesterday in his first public appearance since being suspended for punching Kurt Busch following a heated race at Michigan two weeks ago. ''But I won't change the way I drive. I'll still drive hard. It's the only way I know to race.''(Tenneseean)(8-29-2003)
- Leffler's Truck ride in jeopardy? Sprague in #2 Truck? UPDATE 4 Leffler named driver of #0: Ultra Motorsports owner Jim Smith says Jason Leffler needs to decide where his loyalties lie. Smith says if Leffler wants to retain his #2 Dodge ride with Ultra in the Craftsman Truck Series, Leffler can't continue to drive a Pontiac for Haas-CNC Racing in Winston Cup. “We've sent him a contract,” Smith says. “The next move is his.” Smith says Leffler, who is eighth in truck points, is welcome to walk, but it will come at a high price. Leffler has driven the Haas-CNC No. 0 car in three Cup races and had agreed to drive in eight more.(Sporting News), see my #0 Team News and Links page for the news on Leffler signing with Haas-GNC Racing for 2004.(8-25-2003)
UPDATE - Leffler out; Sprague in the #2 Truck? hearing that Jason Leffler, who was at odds with Truck Series owner over taking the #0 Haas-CNC Racing Pontiac Ride, has split with Smith and former #0 driver, Jack Sprague will drive the #2 ASE Dodge for Ultra Motorsports and Smith for the rest of the season. Sprague has signed to drive a 2nd IWX Team Truck in 2004. Dennis Conner is the #2 Truck Crew Chief, he was Sprague's crew chief for years in the Truck and Busch Series as well for about half the season in Cup in 2003 before he parted ways with the team.(8-26-2003)
UPDATE 2: Crew chief Tony Furr has confirmed that Jason Leffler will drive the #0 NetZero Haas-CNC Pontiac for the remainder of this season and 2004 in the Winston Cup Series. Leffler is currently eighth in NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series points driving the #2 truck for Ultra Motorsports. There has been no confirmation as to who will drive that truck at Richmond September 4.(Fox Sports)
UPDATE 3: or is Spencer in? hearing Jimmy Spencer will drive the #2 Ultra Motorsports truck at Richmond on Sept 4th.(8-27-2003)
UPDATE 4: Haas CNC Racing announced today Jason Leffler will be behind the wheel of the NetZero HiSpeed Pontiac for the remainder of the 2003 NASCAR Winston Cup season and continue with the team in 2004. I'm happy to be a part of the Haas CNC Racing team," said Leffler, 27.. "It's a great team and a great opportunity for me to get back to the Winston Cup Series.. Gene Haas, Joe Custer and Tony Furr have worked hard to get me here and I'm looking forward to our future together.. NetZero is a great sponsor and I'd like to thank everybody involved for giving me this chance."
"We are thrilled to have Jason Leffler become a permanent part of our team," stated Joe Custer, General Manager of Haas CNC Racing.. "We think Jason is a good, young driver with a ton of potential and we look forward to a long, successful future together." Leffler, a native of Long Beach, Calif., will make his fourth start behind the wheel of the #0 NetZero HiSpeed Pontiac this weekend at Darlington Raceway.(NetZero Racing/Motorsports Management PR)
UPDATE 4a: Jimmy Spencer has been tabbed as the replacement for Jason Leffler as the driver of the #2 Team ASE/CARQUEST Dodge for the Virginia is for Lovers 200 NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series event at Richmond, VA. "Jason has a chance to move up to the NASCAR Winston Cup ranks and we wish him the very best of luck," said Ron Weiner, President of the National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE). "We certainly appreciate the effort that he put forth on our behalf over the past two years. By the same token, we are very appreciative to Jimmy Spencer for helping us out at Richmond, where ASE is celebrating our 200th race as an NCTS sponsor. "Mr. Excitement" is a working-man's driver, and the 450,000 ASE certified mechanics clearly identify with his work ethic and his 110% efforts on the track." His Richmond outing will be Spencer's first in the Craftsman Truck Series. "I'm excited about driving the #2 Team ASE/CARQUEST Dodge at Richmond," Spencer said. "The #2 truck is probably the most recognizable in the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series because it's been winning races since the series began in 1995. A lot of great drivers have wheeled this truck, and I'm fortunate to have the opportunity to be a part of that." The Virginia is for Lovers 200 is scheduled for Thursday, September 4th at Richmond International Raceway.(8-29-2003)
- NASCAR and iN DEMAND Win an Emmy Award: NASCAR and iN DEMAND garner the 2003 Emmy Award for Outstanding Achievement in Interactive Television for a Single Program. The Emmy will be given to Paul Brooks, vice president of broadcasting and Jeffrey Pollack, managing director of broadcasting and new media, NASCAR Digital Entertainment and to Robert Jacobson, chief operating officer, and Stacie Gray, vice president and executive creative director of iN DEMAND. There were 48 entries from every major broadcast and cable network, and the winners were selected by a Blue Ribbon Jury comprised of members of the Academy's Interactive Media Peer Group.(NASCAR PR)(8-29-2003)
- Rubbermaid meets with Busch: Representatives from Newell Rubbermaid Inc. maker of Rubbermaid®, Sharpie® and other leading consumer product brands, called a meeting with Roush Racing and Kurt Busch on Wednesday to discuss the company’s expectations for its sponsorship of the #97 car after recent incidents and comments from the Winston Cup series driver. Rubbermaid® and Sharpie®, both power brands of the company, have been sponsors of the #97 team since 2001. Most recently, the company’s tool brand, Irwin®, has joined as a major sponsor. “We arranged the discussion with Roush Racing and Kurt to express our disappointment, more closely align what we expect from the team in the future as well as to confirm our commitment to them,” said Eric Pinkham, director of corporate event marketing for Newell Rubbermaid. “We take great pride in our brands like Rubbermaid, Sharpie and Irwin and appreciate the people who make and use our products everyday. We value our employees, customers, and the fans and will ensure that our race team reflects our ideals – to put the best product out there day-in and day-out. Our relationship with Kurt and Roush Racing is strong. We will be taking an active role with Roush Racing in helping Kurt get guidance and working closely in developing a mentoring program. This program includes scheduled meetings with Roush teammates and veteran competitors, so Kurt can learn from their years of racing experience – both on and off the track. Kurt is a phenomenal driver with a lot of passion for the sport and has a great career ahead of him.”
“Kurt has the potential to be one of the best, and his approach to the fans, the media, other drivers and his sponsors will demonstrate that fact,” said Jack Roush, team owner. “Rubbermaid, Sharpie and all the brands at Newell Rubbermaid are world-class and they should
expect a world-class ambassador in Kurt Busch. Together with Rubbermaid, Sharpie and Irwin, we will work with Kurt to improve his relationships with the fans, the media and his competitors. There is a lot to be done, but I know Kurt will step up and put his best foot forward.” Busch, currently sixth in the Winston Cup points race, promised to further accountability and a renewed commitment to his sponsors.(Newell Rubbermaid PR)(8-28-2003)
AND check out at Roush Racing: Statement from Kurt Busch.(8-29-2003)
(8-28-2003)
- Get Wells To:
Ed Spencer, Jimmy's [#7 Sirius Dodge] Dad, who had a heart attack on August 22nd and
Joanne Naman who was recently diagnosed with a malignant brain tumor. Joanne is the wife of Don Naman of Naman Motorsports Management and Consulting (former VP of Talladega Superspeedway and Director of the International Motorsports Hall of Fame) and mother of Sharon Naman-Griffin (Champion Sports Group).(8-28-2003)
- Smirnoff and the #99? or to Penske? UPDATE: hearing that Smirnoff Ice/Triple Black could end up being the sponsor for the #99 Roush Racing team and driver Jeff Burton, either in a full time capacity or similar to what they are doing with #17-Matt Kenseth this year [seven races as a primary sponsor on the car], OR could re-up with Kenseth for another year OR could do a similar deal with #12-Ryan Newman [not sure how Miller Lite would like that] also being a sponsor on one of Penske's IRL cars [who is losing Marlboro] with one of their hard liquior labels, which is allowed in the IRL but not in NASCAR. While mulling over this one, kmowing it looks like a sponsor will stick with NASCAR, check out their contest: Smirnoffice.com - Hang With Matt & The Crew [that Chris Brock seems fun to hang out with](7-28-2003)
UPDATE: now hearing the sponsorship [7-8 races, like it is for this year] is between staying with the #17 team or going to the #29 RCR team and Kevin Harvick.(8-28-2003)
- Update on the Boat Accident: Regarding Rob Jones, mechanic for the #01 U.S. Army team -- his condition remains critical; vital signs are good. He is at Carolina Medical Center in Charlotte, NC.(US Army PR) -- Jones was involved in a boat accident where the boat ended up on I-77 near Mooresville, NC. For the full story, see my #01 Team News and Links page, no word on the current condition of the two passengers of the boat.(8-28-2003)
- Earnhardt Jr. dedicates climbing wall: South Elementary physical education teacher Vicki Troutman wanted a climbing wall for her students, something to get their minds off video games and into exercise. When none of the grants to defray the wall's cost came through, she called a former Mooresville High [NC] student who had volunteered for her at elementary school field days. Kelley Earnhardt then called another Mooresville High alum, her brother Dale Earnhardt Jr. The man currently ranked No. 2 in NASCAR's Winston Cup standings donated $5,000, the entire cost of the wall and then some. Troutman had hoped for a wall 25 feet to 30 feet long; Earnhardt Jr. gave enough for 40 feet. As 800 unsuspecting students and their teachers gathered, Earnhardt Jr. sheepishly strode in through the gym's back door Wednesday, his head bowed in his trademark red Budweiser baseball cap, to dedicate the wall. It was his first charity appearance at any school. Promising not to ask about girlfriends, Troutman put student questions to Dale Jr. See the few story and answers to thise questions at the Charlotte Observer.(8-28-2003)
- Bodine's return delayed: It will be several more weeks before Brett Bodine Racing gears up for its return to the Winston Cup Series, team spokeswoman Carolyn Carrier said Wednesday night from her North Carolina home. "I know a lot of people have been asking, but it's just taking longer to get everything in place," she said. "It's business, and sometimes those things take awhile." Bodine hasn't raced since losing his Hooters sponsorship in June. He signed a two-year sponsorship deal with a still unnamed company on Aug. 12.[He did make an attempt in the #4 Kodak Pontiac at Pocono but didn't qulaify]. The team had initially hoped to compete in this weekend's Southern 500 in Darlington. Those plans have been scrapped so the sponsor, which is new to NASCAR, can finalize its marketing plan. "They are new in racing and just trying to get everything done and do it right," Carrier said. Carrier said it is difficult to say for sure when Bodine might make his return but said it could be "two or three more weeks." "We'll announce who the sponsor is once we decide when the (first) race will be," she said. "We'll make a big announcement, probably the week before (we race)." Carrier said the earliest Bodine could have his No. 11 Ford Taurus on the track again would be the Sylvania 300 in Loudon, N.H., on Sept. 14, or the Dover 400 in Dover, Del., on Sept. 21. "We have to wait to see how quickly things come together," Carrier said. "We're trying to get everything done, and do it right." Carrier said the team has yet to hire new people and begin to upgrade its equipment since signing the sponsorship deal. "We're just trying to get everything together to figure out what we need and how we are going to approach it," Carrier said. "We don't want to come back and not have everything ready to go."(Elmira Star Gazette)(8-28-2003)
Sad News: Sympathies go out to former NASCAR Busch North Series driver Eric Bodine of Waverly, NY whose wife, Leslie, died Sunday after an extended illness. The cousin to NASCAR racing brothers Geoffrey, Brett and Todd Bodine competed full time in the Busch North Series from 1996 to 1999 before taking time off for personal reasons to spend with his wife and family. Leslie Bodine, 38, a native of Towanda, is also survived by three daughters and a son.(Elmira Star Gazette)(8-28-2003)
- Some Bristol TV/Cable Stuff UPDATE - conflicting info?: The Sharpie 500, televised this past Saturday night from Bristol by TNT, was the most-watched program of the week on cable, with 5,958,000 viewers.(Figures from TNT and Nielsen Media Research.)(NASCAR PR)
RATINGS DOWN: But the race's 4.3 Nielsen Media Research rating was down 10 percent from last year's 4.8, MotorsportsTV.com reports.(8-27-2003)
AND MORE: The Sharpie 500 from Bristol Motor Speedway on Saturday night took the #1 spot on all of basic cable last week, with 3,730,000 households tuning in, according to Nielsen Media Research. It finished ahead of two installments of the WWE, Monk, and Fairly Odd Parents, which rounded out the top five. The #1 show on all of cable was Sex and the City [HBO], which averaged 4,914,000 households.(MotorsportsTV.com)(8-28-2003)
- Race Fan Reenlists at PPI Motorsports' Shops: Petty Officer First Class Brian Wilkes, a 10-year veteran of the United States Navy, has been a race fan for as long as he can remember. When Wilkes, a resident of Hickory, N.C., learned he could choose the site of his reenlistment ceremony, he immediately thought of a way to incorporate his love of NASCAR into this special day. On Tuesday, Aug. 26, Wilkes stood among family and friends, and a dozen or so #32 Tide Pontiacs, as he recited his oath of enlistment at PPI Motorsports' sho in Hickory. Following the ceremony, PPI driver Ricky Craven posed for photos and signed autographs for the Officer and his guests. Wilkes and his entourage were then given a tour of PPI's facilities.(PPI Motorsports PR)(8-28-2003)
- #97 Crew Wins Pit Award at Bristol UPDATE: The pit crew for #97-Kurt Busch certainly played a part in his victory at Bristol this past Saturday night. Busch's crew won the weekly's McDonald's/POWERade Pit Crew Championship Award, worth $20,000. Busch's car spent 233.373 seconds in the pits, the lowest total among teams competing in this particular contingency program.(NASCAR PR)(8-27-2003)
UPDATE: Kurt Busch's team not only captured Saturday night's (Aug. 23) Sharpie 500 at Bristol Motor Speedway, but the pit crew for Busch's Ford Taurus also took home top honors in the McDonald's Drive-Thru Pit Championship fueled by POWERade. It was the second McDonald's Drive-Thru Pit Championship victory for Busch's No. 97 pit crew in the past four races. The crew also won at the Brickyard 400 in Indianapolis. Each victory was worth $20,000. Busch's crew did an outstanding job in the pits during the thrilling 500-lap race on the historic .533-mile oval. The No. 97 Sharpie/Rubbermaid Ford spent the least amount of time on pit road - 233.373 seconds, nearly 40 seconds fewer than the second-place finisher - the No. 88 Dale Jarrett UPS Ford (272.851). Busch's over-the-wall crew consists of: Andy Thurman (front tire changer), Mark Full (front tire carrier), Kevin Gilman (rear tire changer), Jason Binger (rear tire carrier), Doug Newell (gasman), Scott Radel (jackman) and Jim Gaudette (catch can). The team's crew chief is Jimmy Fennig. In the McDonald's Drive-Thru Pit Championship fueled by POWERade season standings, Busch's pit crew is ranked third with 816 points, three behind the second-place pit crew for Dale Earnhardt Jr. Michael Waltrip's crew leads the chase with 891 points. The season pit crew champion will receive a $200,000 bonus.
For the season standings, who has won each week, the top 10 last race, see my Pit Crew Page.(DMF Communications PR)(8-28-2003)
- Ince car wins championship: Justin Wells, from Aurora, Mo., wrapped up the national I.M.C.A. Sunoco Late Model championship with feature wins Saturday at Joplin 66 Speedway and Sunday at Monett Speedway. Why does that make my Cup page? Wells was driving a new James Ince car, Ince is the crew chief for Johnny Benson and the #10 MBV team; plus I wanted to post it.(WhoWon.com)(8-28-2003)
- Testing at Kentucky UPDATE six teams: #23-Kenny Wallace and #27-Scott Wimmer will test at Kentucky Speedway August 27-28.(Kentucky Speedway PR)(8-26-2003)
UPDATE: Research and development was the phrase of the day for six NASCAR Winston Cup Series teams which tested the 1.5-mile tri-oval at Kentucky Speedway. Teams gathered information to prepare for a season-ending, 12-race stretch that features several intermediate tracks. Bill Davis Racing drivers Kenny Wallace and Scott Wimmer, Evernham Motorsports veteran Bill Elliott, Joe Gibbs Racing Busch Series regular Mike Bliss, MB2 Motorsports super sub Mike Skinner, Petty Enterprises namesake Kyle Petty, and Hendrick Motorsports test specialist David Green were part of the session. Skinner and Wimmer were potentially auditioning for full-time series rides in 2004. Skinner, who was released from his Morgan-McClure Winston Cup contract following the June 8 race at Pocono, is wheeling the #01 Army Pontiac for MB2 Motorsports while primary driver Jerry Nadeau continues to mend his injuries. Skinner used the test to get better acquainted with the MB2 team. Wimmer, who enters the week ninth in the Busch series standings and riding a string of nine straight top-10 finishes under Davis, also may be in line for a full-time Winston Cup ride if Davis can secure sponsorship for a third series entry. A second scenario might find Wimmer behind the wheel of the #22 Caterpillar car should Ward Burton vacate the seat.(Kentucky Speedway PR)(8-28-2003)
- Belmont Helping Out: ARCA Re/Max Series driver Andy Belmont has joined others in support of a stricken youth, Belmont will place the "Race for Shannon" on the hood of the Verizon 1-800-USE THE VZ Ford Taurus race car and donate all winnings to
Shannon Mishon; a fourth grade classmate of Belmont's son Kyle at Our Lady of Grace Catholic school in Penndel, PA who was recently diagnosed with Arteriovenous Malformation, see the full story on my Racing Charities page.(8-28-2003)
- Stewart and Gibbs to talk? a few readers tell me that Tony Stewart was on the DC101 Radio show interview on Wednesday and was asked: "What about you leaving Joe Gibbs, you leaving?" Stewart said: "I don't think so, the coach has been real good to me. We are meeting tomorrow to sit down and hopefully wrap things up." AND "I love Joe and the JGR organization and ill be going in to the shop to try and finish the deal tomorrow" he also said Joe has been more that fair to him though out his career.(8-28-2003)
(8-27-2003)
- Sad News: Amanda Zimmerman, who was the grand marshal for the 2002 UAW-DaimlerChrysler 400 at Las Vegas Motor Speedway, died Monday night at the age of 17. Amanda had battled chronic heart and lung disease since birth. She also formed a special bond with NASCAR driver Bill Elliott, who would call Amanda each year on her birthday.(8-27-2003)
- More on Helton; DEI; and Horish; from Tuesday's Toronto Sun...in part......The NASCAR racing world is buzzing about a rumour that Mike Helton will pack up his job as president of the stock car racing sanctioning body and move his stuff over to Dale Earnhardt Inc. For anyone who follows the ins and outs of NASCAR in general and DEI in particular, Helton taking over the reigns at the Mooresville, N.C., based team makes absolute sense. Since the death of Dale Earnhardt at Daytona in 2001 the family firm has been run by a triumvirate -- Earnhardt's widow, Teresa, racing boss Ty Norris and shop boss Steve Hmiel. The problem is that the three vie for decision-making power, and often it ends up that nothing gets done, or when it gets done it gets done badly. A case in point was the apparent deal offered open-wheel ace Sam Hornish by Norris. Hornish, the two-time defending IRL champ, signed with Team Penske yesterday [Monday]. Norris had made a handshake deal for Hornish to join DEI to replace Jeff Green in 2004. The deal would have been a double win for DEI, as it would have have kept Pennzoil from taking its sponsorship off the #1 team. But according to sources in the garage, Norris failed to pass the deal by Teresa Earnhardt. When she got wind of it, she put the kibosh on it -- not because she didn't think Hornish was a good driver, but because it was not her idea. Now Hornish is telling people the whole thing soured him on ever racing for DEI.
And then there's the Dale Earnhardt Jr. contract dispute. Junior holds Norris in high regard, both as a friend and team boss, but thinks that maybe Hmiel and his stepmother don't realize his value. DEI without Junior is unthinkable but many NASCAR people are saying that Helton may be the only one capable of patching things up between the 28-year-old superstar and the team.
(see full story at the Toronto Sun) and see past news/rumors about this info on my NASCAR Personnel page and the #1 Team News and Links page.(8-27-2003)
- Some Bristol TV/Cable Stuff: The Sharpie 500, televised this past Saturday night from Bristol by TNT, was the most-watched program of the week on cable, with 5,958,000 viewers.(Figures from TNT and Nielsen Media Research.)(NASCAR PR)
RATINGS DOWN: But the race's 4.3 Nielsen Media Research rating was down 10 percent from last year's 4.8, MotorsportsTV.com reports.(8-27-2003)
- Dalr Jr. and Gordon vs LaBron: LeBron James signed a multi-year contract with Coca-Cola on Thursday to endorse its Sprite and Powerade brands. The company and agent Aaron Goodwin declined to disclose the terms of the deal, but sources close to James say it is worth approximately $15 million over the next seven years. It is believed to be the richest beverage deal ever signed by a basketball player, trailing only NASCAR stars Jeff Gordon (Pepsi) and Dale Earnhardt Jr. (Budweiser) in the market. (Akron Beacon-Journal) (8/27)
- No Carrot Top on the #49 at Darlington or Atlanta: #49 driver Ken Schrader is revved up about the new 1 800 CALL ATT national consumer promotion. Indeed, it’s unique, a NASCAR fan will be the face on the hood of Schrader’s #49 1 800 CALL ATT Dodge in the Sunday, Oct. 26, race at Atlanta (Ga.) Motor Speedway. The face will belong to winner of a national consumer promotion that began Monday, August 25th. "Carrot Top is a nice guy but it will be nice to have somebody else looking back at me during the race," he laughed. Schrader’s 1 800 CALL ATT Dodge at Darlington, S.C., this weekend will carry a paint scheme announcing the promotion, with “Your Face Could Be Here” emblazoned on the hood. "I can’t think of a cooler deal than having your face on the hood of a NASCAR Winston Cup car in front of 150,000 fans," Schrader said. "Atlanta is a perfect place for it too. A Darlington or Bristol, well, it could put a few wrinkles in you." Every collect call made with 1 800 CALL ATT beginning August 25th and continuing through October 8th, is a chance for fans to be entered for the promotion. Other prizes include Ken Schrader autographed collectible cards. 1 800 CALL ATT for collect calls is AT&T’s automated service that lets you make collect calls from any phone. For more information about the service or the sweepstakes, visit www.callatt.com.(Williams Company PR)(8-27-2003)
(8-26-2003)
- Buckshot back - to run Atlanta: Michael Waltrip Racing (MWR) and Aaron's Sales & Lease Ownership are pleased to announce Georgia native Buckshot Jones will drive the #00 Aaron's Dream Machine Chevy in the Cup Series race at Atlanta Motor Speedway on October 26, 2003. The car will be prepared and crewed by MWR's NASCAR Busch Series team coordinated by crew chief, Bobby Kennedy. The Bass Pro Shops MBNA 500 will mark Jones' return to Winston Cup racing since his 17th-place finish in the #09 Dodge at the Daytona International Speedway in July. Buckshot has 55 Winston Cup starts in his career with a best finish of eighth at Dover in 1998.(Aaron's PR). See full PR and quotes on my #00 Team News and Links page.(8-26-2003)
- Mike Wallace in the #09 for six races: Mike Wallace will drive the #09 Miccosukee Indian Gaming Dodge, owned by James Finch, in six Cup races through the end of the season. Wallace finished ninth in Finch's car in the season opening Daytona 500. Wallace will drive Winston Cup races at the following tracks: Richmond on Sept. 6; Talladega on Sept. 28; Kansas on Oct. 5; Atlanta on Oct. 26; Phoenix on Nov. 2; and Homestead on Nov. 16. Along with the six NASCAR Winston Cup Series races, Wallace will continue at the wheel of the #4 GEICO/Biagi Bros Chevy in the Busch Series.(Biagi Bros PR) See full PR and quotes on my #09 Team News and Links page.(8-26-2003)
- #66 Closed Up? hearing that the #66 Travis Carter team has shut down, due to lack of sponsorship. Guess Hideo Fukuyama couldn't supply the sponsorship and is looking for a ride.(8-26-2003)
- Changes soon with the #16? UPDATE 2 Goss out: Though rookie Greg Biffle won last month at Daytona, his learning curve would be accelerated by the addition of a veteran Winston Cup crew chief. Biffle's crew chief is Randy Goss, who is in his first full Winston Cup season in that job. Roush would not confirm that changes are ahead for any of his teams, but he says he won't wait until the end of the season if he believes a move should be made.(Sporting News), Jimmy Elledge is one possibility.(8-5-2003)
UPDATE: Some shifts and changes have taken place within Greg Biffle’s rookie team. “We have a new program that has a new driver and new crew chief,” Roush Racing president Geoff Smith said of the re-evaluation the team underwent, “to get the right support system around the program.” However, Smith added, “I can tell you unequivocally that [crew chief] Randy [Goss] wasn’t one of the people that will be shifted. That doesn’t mean that he won’t be shifted, but that’s not happened – the reports are premature.”(Ford Racing)(8-8-2003)
UPDATE 2 - Goss replaced by Richert: Roush Racing announced today that Doug Richert has been appointed as crew chief of the #16 Grainger Ford driven by Greg Biffle effective immediately. Richert, currently the crew chief of the Carl Edwards Truck Series #99 entry, has extensive Winston Cup racing experience, including the 1980 series title with Dale Earnhardt and two victories with Neil Bonnett in 1985. Randy Goss will assume the role of Busch Series Program Manager at Roush Racing's Mooresville location where he will oversee the day-to-day operations. Goss is a winning crew chief in all three of NASCAR's elite divisions and he helped secure the 2002 Busch Series Championship and 2000 Truck Series Championship for Roush Racing. Kevin "Cowboy" Starland has been appointed as crew chief for Carl Edwards and the #99 Superchips Ford F-150. Starland, car chief for Biffle's championships in the Busch Series and Truck Series, had also been the crew chief for the cancelled #60 Stanton Barrett program, helping Stanton achieve his best career qualifying and finishing
results.(Roush Racing PR)(8-26-2003)
- RPM2 Night gone after 2003: After almost three full seasons of being on the outside looking in at NASCAR events, ESPN has decided not to renew RPM 2Night next season. "As a result of low ratings, RPM will not return next year," ESPN spokesman Mike Humes tells MotorsportsTV.com. However, it will finish out its run this year. NASCAR might be pleased with another decision from the Disney network. Humes says that "starting with next year's Daytona 500, ESPN will accept credentials" to NASCAR events. Currently, ESPN's Mike Massaro and a producer have standard media credentials to talk to people and search for news inside the track, but ESPN does not shoot any footage inside the track. The conflict between NASCAR and ESPN has festered since February of 2001. NASCAR wouldn't grant ESPN a credential to shoot footage for RPM or use actual race footage because the sanctioning body classifies RPM as a feature show. In turn, ESPN said that it would not seek a credential for any video crews for its news outlets and shows.(see full story at MotorsportsTV.com)(8-26-2003)
- TRAC Gone: Team Sports Entertainment [TRAC] announced today, effective immediately, it has discontinued its efforts to develop, own, operate and sanction an automotive racing league. As previously discussed, the Company's business plan provided that its ability to continue to pursue the creation of a racing league and begin racing in May 2004 would depend upon its successfully selling operating rights for six teams and sufficient league sponsorship packages by September 30, 2003. Following extensive and ongoing discussions between management and the Company's various consultants, the Company's Board of Directors has concluded that such sales are not possible within the necessary time period.(see full story on the TRAC Site or at Yahoo) see past news on my TRAC page.(8-26-2003)
- SI to feature Darlington: Sports Illustrated will make a stop at this weekend's Southern 500 festivities. The magazine, which is celebrating its 50th anniversary, is visiting one sporting event in 25 different states and will feature that event in an upcoming issue. The issue featuring Darlington Raceway will hit newsstands Sept. 8.(Morning News)(8-26-2003)
- Feud Settled? During Spencer and Busch's tussle at Michigan, two former combatants were getting along fabulously inside the media center. After finishing in the top five together at Michigan, #29-Kevin Harvick and #16-Greg Biffle, who tried to choke each other after a Busch race at Bristol last year, said their rivalry had ended. "Everybody thinks we fight and bicker," Harvick shrugged. "We just sell hats and T-shirts," Biffle said.(Richmond Times Dispatch)(8-26-2003)
- Wells Fargo Re-ups with Petty: Wells Fargo Financial announced it has renewed and extended its sponsorship of NASCAR Winston Cup driver Kyle Petty and his #45 Georgia-Pacific Dodge for the 2004 season. Wells Fargo Financial, the North American consumer finance subsidiary of Wells Fargo & Company, is continuing the sponsorship as a result of their highly successful partnership with Petty Enterprises. Petty Enterprises is unique in its ability to bring added value to a Winston Cup sponsorship. "We are very happy with our relationship with Kyle and the entire Petty Enterprises team. Wells Fargo Financial is excited to be involved with one of the most celebrated names in all of NASCAR and in the fastest growing spectator sport in America," said Tom Gibbons, Director of Corporate Sponsorships. "We're very proud to have Wells Fargo Financial continue its sponsorship of Petty Enterprises," said Kyle Petty. "We believe they are an excellent partner with our other top-quality sponsors, like General Mills, Georgia-Pacific and Coca-Cola, and are the premier financial services company in the U.S." The sponsorship has provided significant benefit and impact to Wells Fargo Financial's business lines through client/dealer incentives and entertainment, customer promotions, driver appearances, show car appearances and employee incentives. NASCAR's popularity exceeds the NBA, NHL and MLB combined and averages more than 190,000 fans attending each event and more than 5.5 million viewers per race. Over 75 million Americans call themselves fans of the sport. Petty Enterprises, located in Randleman, NC, fields two Winston Cup teams: Kyle Petty's #45 Georgia-Pacific Dodge and Christian Fittipaldi's #43 Cheerios/Betty Crocker Dodge. In addition to the race teams, the associated Richard Petty Driving Experience gives fans and corporate groups the opportunity to ride in or drive a Winston Cup-style stock car at 26 racetracks around the country. The Petty family is well known for its charitable efforts and will complete construction of The Victory Junction Gang Camp, founded in honor of Kyle and Pattie's son Adam, in 2004. The camp will host children with chronic and/or life-threatening illnesses ages 7 to 15 years old and their families at no charge. The Kyle Petty Charity Ride Across America has raised millions for charity over the past nine years. Kyle was named 2002 "March of Dimes" Sportsman of the year, 1998 and 2002 True Value Man of the Year and the 1999 NASCAR Winston Cup Illustrated "Person of the Year". Kyle's dad, known as "The King", Richard Petty, NASCAR's all-time most winning driver with 200 wins and seven championships, is still significantly involved in race operations and charities.(Wells Fargo Financial PR)(8-26-2003)
- OK, next Horish rumor....to the #2? UPDATEs NO; But to Penske...in the IRL: Although Rusty Wallace admits he is looking at the happy downhill side of his long racing career. he declares he will be racing in NASCAR through 2005, amid reports that Indy Racing League charger Sam Hornish would replace him in the seat of the Penske Racing #2 after 2004. "I've told everybody I'll run to the end of 2005, and I'm not guaranteeing anything after that," the 1989 NASCAR champion said recently. "It'll be a stretch for me to go beyond 2005." Word from Nazareth, Pa., site of this weekend's IRL IndyCar race, is that Hornish, subject of much speculation as he leaves Panther Racing after two championship seasons, would join Penske with an eye toward a NASCAR run in 2005, replacing Wallace, who turned 47 this month. As it is expressed now, Hornish instead would be given a part-time ride in IndyCar (particularly for the Indy 500) and would be graduated through a sort of ABC (ARCA/Busch/Cup) stock car schedule, as Newman was on his way to the premium seat. Hornish then would take over Rusty's Miller Beer ride in 2005. None of that could be confirmed late last night.(Speed Channel)(8-23-2003)
UPDATE Hornish to Penske - IRL Team - de Ferran to retire, Official AND: Penske Racing, Inc. announced today that 2003 Indianapolis 500-Mile race winner and two-time National Champion Gil de Ferran will retire at season's end. Two-time IRL IndyCar Series champion Sam Hornish Jr. has signed a multi-year deal to drive for the team beginning in 2004. "Sam Hornish Jr. will be an excellent addition to Marlboro Team Penske. Certainly, we were fortunate to have the opportunity to hire someone with Sam's ability. He and Helio will give us a great combination next season," said Tim Cindric, President, Penske Racing, Inc. "I am thrilled to be joining Marlboro Team Penske," said Hornish. "The opportunity to drive for the most successful open-wheel team in history and to follow in the footsteps of the organization's remarkable driver lineage, including Gil, is an honor."(full story at the IRL Site)
AND Hornish announced last week that he was leaving Panther Racing, for whom he won his IRL titles. The driver from Defiance, Ohio, said he wanted to continue to compete in the Indy 500, but also stated a desire to race in the Daytona 500 and the Brickyard 400 - NASCAR's biggest events. Moving to Penske gives him that opportunity. The team also fields cars in Winston Cup for Ryan Newman and Rusty Wallace.(ThatsRacin.com/AP)(8-25-2003)
UPDATE 2: There had been speculation Hornish might sign with Penske's NASCAR program. But Hornish, who said he might one day compete in NASCAR on a limited basis, insisted he is focused on the IRL and winning the 500. "I don't foresee doing anything like that (NASCAR) in the future," he said.(Indianapolis Star)(8-26-2003)
- Riggs to DEI? UPDATE 2: hearing that Scott Riggs may be the new driver for the #1 DEI Chevy in 2004 if a sponsor is signed.(6-21-2003)
UPDATE: Insiders continue to look for Scott Riggs to get the call to join DEI next season, if sponsors agree. DEI officials expect to have a decision on the company's third team car by Darlington in three weeks.(Winston Salem Journal)(8-11-2003)
UPDATE 2: from a NASCAR.com conversation: Your name has come up in the rumor mill a lot lately. What's out there that we can believe and not believe?
Riggs: You can believe that there's definitely a lot of opportunities out there that I'm very fortunate to have been contacted by a lot of people. When you have people in the Cup series interested in your future, it's definitely a praise to what your able to do and your accomplishments in your career. With all that said, there's a lot of opportunities and a lot of people I've talked to, and I have yet to make a decision one way or another that I might go next year. I'm still working with these guys here at ppc, first of all, to try to get a championship for everyone here with the Nesquik Ford. At the same time, we're also talking about the future here, too. We're working on some different things with sponsors and seeing what avenues ppc can go down. Haven't made a decision one way or another which way I'm going. I think in the next three or four weeks, some decisions will start being made, and you'll start seeing the dominos start to fall, and a lot of people will fall into place, and Silly Season will start.(NASCAR.com)(8-26-2003)
- Roush Racing Circle of Fans: Roush Racing has announced the second phase of the "Roush Racing Circle of Fans" commemorative paver brick program. A fanwalk of personalized bricks is now in place outside of teams new 83,000 square foot Roush Racing world headquarters and museum, located in Concord, adjacent to Roush's five Winston Cup team's shops. Up until now The "Roush Racing Circle of Fans Program" has been offered on a pre construction basis. It allowed Roush fans to show their support for the team by purchasing a paver brick to be placed in the courtyard circling a fountain just outside the Roush Racing museum. Each paver brick featured an engraving of a fan's choice, up to 45 characters long. The package also comes with an exclusive and limited edition Owner's Series 1/24-scale diecast, created with a special paint scheme acknowledging participation in the program. Pre-construction orders have been processed and installed, leaving less than half the available brick pavers open for sale. Currently Roush Racing is taking orders for the next installment. Roush Fans can purchase their commemorative brick on the "Roush Racing Circle of Fans" for only $89.00 per brick, which includes the special paint scheme 1/24-scale diecast, a $79.00 value. Fans also have the opportunity to purchase a replica of their own brick paver, which they can proudly display in their home or office, for an additional $39.00. More info at the Roush Racing Site(8-26-2003)
- Marlin to be Scary UPDATE: The Coor’s Light Twins [and.....Twins!] will be part of the pre-race ceremonies and are confirmed to sing the National Anthem prior to the stat of the Winston cup race on October 5th in Kansas and will be featured on the #40 Dodge along with Scary Movie 3. See images of the car at 2003 Winston Cup Paint Schemes - Car #'s 24-99.(8-19-2003)
UPDATE: Coors Light is bringing their "Here's to Twins" advertising campaign from the television to the racetrack. Sterling Marlin, driver of the #40 Coors Light Dodge will display the Coors Light twins in a special paint scheme for the Kansas 400 at Kansas Speedway. "It is always fun to cross-pollinate our marketing initiatives. This special paint scheme paying homage to the twins also highlights our partnership with Miramax, as the twins will be featured in the soon to be released Miramax feature: Scary Movie III. The twins continue to be very popular with our consumer, so we look forward to bringing the twins to the Speedway for the fans,ť said Steve Saunders, director of event marketing for Coors Brewing Company. Diane and Elaine Klimaszewski, better known as the Coors Light Twins, will not only be featured in the special paint scheme but they will pull double duty, singing the national anthem at the start of the race. The twins are coming off a very successful summer where they appeared at the ESPY awards, NBC's "The Restaurant", FX's season finale of "Lucky" [Great show can't believe they canceled it] and the Drew Carey show. They also have a busy fall they start it by heading to the Kansas Speedway for the race activities. Then they are also set to appear in Scary Movie 3 which is set to be released in the fall. They will also help raise money for the St. Jude's Children's Research Hospital at the end of the month when they serve as the Coors Light Queens of Halloween. Sterling Marlin will race his "Here's to Twins" Coors Light Dodge in the Kansas 400 on Sunday, October 5th.(Chip Ganassi Racing with Felix Sabates PR)(8-26-2003)
(8-25-2003)
- Looking Good for Kenseth to win the final Winston Cup: #17-Matt Kenseth leads the points standings by 351 points [with 12 races to go], and no driver has ever lost a lead that big in the race for the championship. In 1981, Darrell Waltrip was 341 points behind Bobby Allison with 17 races left, but came back to win the title by 53 points.(ThatsRacin.com)(8-25-2003)
- Showdown Site: NASCAR.com, in cooperation with partner NASCARtouring.com, have launched an all-new, official website for the NASCAR Toyota All-Star Showdown, the inaugural all-star race for NASCAR's regional touring divisions. The website features news, event information, photos and profiles of the top regional touring competitors that are angling for invitations to this prestigious event, scheduled for Nov. 6-8 at Irwindale (Calif.) Speedway. The official Toyota All-Star Showdown event website can be accessed at www.nascartouring.com/toyota.(NASCAR PR)(8-26-2003)
- Lepage in the #4 for Darlington: Morgan-McClure Motorsports announced Kevin Lepage as the driver for the upcoming Mountain Dew Southern 500 at Darlington Raceway. Tim Brewer will serve as crew chief. Lepage returns to the #4 Kodak Pontiac after driving for the Abingdon, Va.-based team for 21 races in 2001. The 41-year old Shelburne, Vermont-native has 131 career NASCAR Winston Cup starts to his credit with two top-fives, eight top-10s and one pole position. Lepage has seven starts at Darlington Raceway with four top-10 starting spots and three top-10 finishes. His best start at the famed 1.366 egg-shaped oval is an outside pole in the spring 2000 event. His best finish there is fifth in the 1999 fall race.(Morgan-McClure Motorsports PR)(8-25-2003)
- Hornish to Hendrick? UPDATE Denied: Sam Hornish, the two-time IRL champ, apparently is headed for a Winston Cup career with Chevy team owner Rick Hendrick, according to team sources.(Winston Salem Journal), see past news on Hornish in my MISC section of the Dirvers Looking page, other rumor has Hornish with Penske, doing an ABC deal like Newman did in 2001.(8-23-2003)
UPDATE: Hendrick Motorsports is not negotiating with Sam Hornish and they have no plans to run him in any future events.(HMSPR)(8-25-2003)
- CART Owner Plans to Keep Tracy: CART team owner Gerry Forsythe yesterday poured cold water on speculation that Toronto's Paul Tracy will race in NASCAR Winston Cup next season. Tracy has been wooed by Winston Cup team owner Richard Childress to race with his three-car effort that would have him join Kevin Harvick and Robby Gordon in the RCR garage. Forsythe said that Tracy and Player's/Forsythe Racing teammate Patrick Carpentier are under contract to him through the end of the Champ Car World Series 2004 season. But with talk that the series may not return next year or that if it survives it will be in some other form, speculation was that Tracy would be in demand in NASCAR or in the Indy Racing League. "CART will not fail," said Forsythe, who is part of a partnership group that has made a bid to buy the series. "So any question of Tracy going anywhere is moot." Tracy, however, told The Toronto Sun that he has to keep all his options open and that he was flattered, but not surprised, by the interest shown in him by Childress.(Toronto Sun), see past rumors/news on my #30 Team News and links page.(8-25-2003)
- Wallace goes to the hospital UPDATE 3: #2-Rusty Wallace, involved in a hard crash with #15-Michael Waltrip and walked away from the wreck, requested to be airlifted to a nearby hospital to be checked out as he didn't feel right.
UPDATE: Rusty has been released from the hospital, is ok and is on his helicopter and headed home.(TNT Race Coverage)(8-23-2003)
UPDATE 2: Wallace was treated and released later in the evening after a negative CT scan.(NASCAR.com)(8-24-2003)
UPDATE 3: After the vicious crash that Miller Lite Team Penske Dodge driver Rusty Wallace endured Saturday night on lap 88 of the Sharpie 500 at Bristol Motor Speedway, it could be expected that he would spend Sunday at home in bed trying to shake it off. Not Wallace. Instead, after a nice lunch at the family dining table, he could be found flying daughter Katie back to school at the College of Charleston (S.C.) "I have some really sore ribs and I bit the heck out of my tongue, but I've been up and moving around all morning long," Wallace said early Sunday afternoon. "I haven't seen the tape of the crash yet and several people have told me that I might not want to see it," Wallace said, managing a chuckle. "I did all I could to avoid hitting the 15 car," Wallace said of the accident in which Michael Waltrip got into the outside wall and slid back down the track in Wallace's path. "I'm just glad that we both came out of that one okay. When I was in the infield care center there at the track, Dr. Petty said that it might be a good idea to go get a CT scan, so we went over to the hospital (Wellmont Bristol Regional Medical Center) and checked out just fine. Like I said, I'm fine but really sore right now. But if we had to race at Darlington tomorrow, I'd be right there ready to go I'm disappointed more than anything else because after we made that pit stop, our car was really flying. But we'll never get to see just how strong it was. This season is beginning to remind me of our year in 1992 when we had all kinds of problems and just never could get things rolling along in the right direction," Wallace said. "But as wacky as things are in the sport today, it'd be just right for us to win at Darlington this week (where Wallace is winless in 39 prior races)."(see full story at Tom Roberts Site)(8-25-2003)
- More on Kodak: Kodak is in its 17th year as primary sponsor for the No. 4 Morgan-McClure team, but rumors persist that it will not return after this season. Team owner Larry McClure could not be reached for comment, but Ed McClure, his brother, says the contract runs through 2005. Because most sponsor contracts contain performance clauses, Kodak likely has an out. Sources at Dale Earnhardt Inc. deny that Kodak will sponsor the #1 car next season.(Sporting News), see my #4 Team News and Links page for quotes from McClure about Kodak being good thru 2005 and my #1 Team News and Links page for DEI's denial of Kodak as their sponsor in 2004.(8-25-2003)
- Childress; IRL; and Wallace's son; and.....another Horish rumor: [#29,30,31 team owner] Richard Childress is putting together a major technological association with a top Indy-car team, to add another layer of expertise to his Winston Cup operation, and to give Robby Gordon a solid Indy 500 option next May. Childress also confirmed that he is considering a fourth Winston Cup team, but only if he feels his current three teams are each solid. 'I've been exploring with Indy-car teams how to use their technology, the way Roger Penske and Chip Ganassi can use their own Indy-car technology down here,' Childress said. 'We're trying to hook up with a top Indy-car team to put a technology program together and tie the sponsorship programs together. We haven't worked out the structure, but it's all being discussed.' One possible driver for a fourth Cup team would be Sam Hornish, the GM Indy-car star who is being wooed by other NASCAR teams as well. Childress already has a long-term contract with Rusty Wallace's 16-year-old son, Steven [actually Stephen], 'because he's good. He wins in everything he sits in. And he couldn't have a better teacher.'(Winston Salem Journal)(8-25-2003)
- Leffler's Truck ride in jeopardy? Ultra Motorsports owner Jim Smith says Jason Leffler needs to decide where his loyalties lie. Smith says if Leffler wants to retain his #2 Dodge ride with Ultra in the Craftsman Truck Series, Leffler can't continue to drive a Pontiac for Haas-CNC Racing in Winston Cup. “We've sent him a contract,” Smith says. “The next move is his.” Smith says Leffler, who is eighth in truck points, is welcome to walk, but it will come at a high price. Leffler has driven the Haas-CNC No. 0 car in three Cup races and had agreed to drive in eight more.(Sporting News), see my #0 Team News and Links page for the news on Leffler signing with Haas-GNC Racing for 2004.(8-25-2003)
- Looking Good for Kenseth to win the final Winston Cup: #17-Matt Kenseth leads the points standings by 351 points [with 12 races to go], and no driver has ever lost a lead that big in the race for the championship. In 1981, Darrell Waltrip was 341 points behind Bobby Allison with 17 races left, but came back to win the title by 53 points.(ThatsRacin.com)(8-25-2003)
- More on the Dodge 2005 Model: John Fernandez, Dodge's vice president of motorsports, says DaimlerChrysler will run the Intrepid in the Cup division next year, but look for a new model, matching the company's production schedule, for 2005. “There are a few new templates coming,” Fernandez says. “But because of the common templates, there won't be a huge difference.” Fernandez says NASCAR's greatest concerns are maintaining the safety standards of the car and the equality among the four car makes. With 18 of the 32 templates being common, the nose, the tail and the side windows are the areas in which cars can retain identity.(Sporting News)(see my Dodge page for past rumors on this)(8-25-2003)
- Latest on Rusty's Busch team: Rusty Wallace plans to field a Busch Series team next season and will make the announcement soon. The driver is expected to be Billy “Catfish” Parker, a late-model competitor and brother of Busch driver Hank Parker Jr.(Sporting News), see my #2 Team News and Links page for past rumors on Rusty's Busch team.(8-25-2003)
(8-24-2003)
see the Aug 18-24, 2003 Archived News Page
(8-17-2003)
see the Aug 11-17, 2003 Archived News Page
(8-10-2003)
see the Aug 4-10, 2003 Archived News Page
