PAST NEWS/RUMORS
SEPT 22-28, 2003
THE PAST NEWS! YESTERDAY and BEYOND..
OTHER PAST NEWS PAGES
(9-28-2003)
- Waltrip wins at Talladega and pops up thru the hatch [was that cool or what?]: after a red flag for a rough looking accident involving #38-Elliott Sadler, #15-Michael Waltrip held off his teammate #8-Dale Earnhardt Jr. to win the EA Sports 500 at Talladega Superspeedway. The rest of the top five were #20-Tony Stewart, #12-Ryan Newman and #24-Jeff Gordon. Two of the top five drivers were 'Lucky Dog Packers'm getting their laps back after being the first car a lap down and getting their lap back, #8-Earnhardt Jr. and #12-Newman. The win is Waltrip's 2nd of the year, the first time he has multiple wins in a season and his first win not at Daytona. It is Waltrip's 4th career win. It is the tenth straight win for Chevy at Talladega. Points leader, #17-Matt Kenseth had his first DNF [did not finish] of 2003 and first since Homestead in Nov 2002. Kenseth finished 33rd, his worst finish of the year [his previous was 22nd at Martinsville]. Kenseth's lead shrinks from 436 to 354 points over #29-Harvick.
Scheduled Race Re-Air: NOTE: Speed Channel changed their lineup starting in August - so there will be a one-hour recap [called Fast Forward] of the race scheduled for:
Wednesday, October 1st at 7:00pm/et and again on October 2nd at 1:00am/et;
and a full three-hour race show will re-air at 3:00pm/et on Thursday, October 2nd
For results see JAYSKI's Talladega/EA Sports 500 Race Results page
See my Talladega Race Info/Rundown page, for the top 10, caution info and narritive, notes about the race, lap leaders, drivers off/out and other results links. Also links and info on my 2003 Race Results page and 2003 Practice Links page
See full standings at JAYSKI's Drivers/Owners Points after Talladega page.(9-28-203)
- Nemechek has many options: Joe Nemechek, who has lost his ride with [#25] Hendrick Motorsports after this year, is reportedly under consideration to drive a Dodge [I think teh author meant Pontiac and made a mistake, have heard nothing about Wells switching to Dodge] for Cal Wells if Wells is successful in adding a second team for 2004. Neither Wells or Nemechek has said much about the possibility, although Wells has said he is working with a potential sponsor for a second car. Wells, a highly successful owner in Indy Car racing, started a NASCAR team with driver Ricky Craven. Wells has long felt that singlecar teams are at a distinct disadvantage in Winston Cup racing and feels he needs a second team to be competitive. "I feel real good about next year," Nemecheck said. "We've got a lot of things going. I talk with Rick (Hendrick) almost every day. He's really trying to help me out. In fact, if they get another sponsor, there's a possibility something could happen here." In addition to Wells and Hendrick, Nemechek has been in contact with DEI and Richard Childress.(Lakeland Ledger)(9-28-2003)
- True Heroes: in part from a column at the Atlanta Journal-Constitution:
The 1975 Talladega 500 was only seven laps old when a multicar crash began to unfold on the backstretch. Tiny Lund spun around and came to rest with the driver's side of his car exposed to oncoming traffic. As Lund sat in his disabled car, it was hit in the left door by the car of Terry Link.
Lund died instantly, while Link's car, its driver unconscious, came to rest near the inside wall on the backstretch.
Flames began to show under the hood of Link's car, but there was no rescue team in sight.
David Garmany and Richard Simpson, two brothers from Rossville, Ga., were watching the race from the infield near the spot where Link's car came to rest.
"When we saw the car on fire and nobody helping [Link], we jumped over the fence and started getting him out of car," Garmany, now 58, said this week from his home in Lakeland, Fla. But a track worker, apparently upset that the two fans had scaled the fence, began beating them with a stick as thousands of horrified spectators looked on. "He hit me on the shoulder and the back of the head, so I took that stick out of his hand and threw it over next to the dirt bank," Garmany said.
Then driver Walter Ballard, who also had slammed into the wall, staggered to Link's car and persuaded the track worker to let Simpson and Garmany continue their work. Ballard said the two fans were Link's only hope. "I had to have some help because I wouldn't have been able to get [Link] out of the car by myself," Ballard, the 1971 rookie of the year, said this week from his home in Charlotte. Garmany said Ballard, staggering from his own injuries, pleaded with the track worker to leave them alone.
"Walter Ballard said, 'He's trying to save the man's life, for God's sake,'" Garmany said. Finally, Garmany and Simpson were able to cut Link's seat belts and remove him from the car. Still, the only official rescuers in the area were attending to Lund.
"We stood there a long, long time," Ballard said. "They finally got another ambulance back there, but it was quite a while."
Garmany burned his hands in the rescue, so he was carried to the track's infield care center in the same ambulance as his hero, Lund. "We tried to massage his chest in the ambulance, but there was no response," Garmany said. "At that time I was just focused on Tiny, hoping he'd live through that." Simpson, who is now 59 and living in Chattanooga, and Garmany never received any formal recognition for their heroics. "We asked one of the policemen to take us back to where we were," Simpson said at the time. "He told us we would have to get back the best way we could." An unidentified racer overheard the conversation and offered the brothers a ride in his personal car. "I don't even remember who he was," Garmany said. "But he apologized for the ignorance of the people we'd dealt with and said he hoped that if he ever got in a bad crash that someone like us would be there for him."(Atlanta Journal-Constitution), all I can say is wow.(9-28-2003)
- Still No word on Elliott's plans: #9-Bill Elliott, according to those who've talked with him, is no closer to a decision about his future than he was months ago. But the longer he delays making a decision about retirement, the more likely he is to stick with car owner Ray Evernham for another year. Complicating the situation for Evernham is his second team - will Jeremy Mayfield return for a third year? Will Dodge officials ask Evernham to make a change?(Winston Salem Journal)(9-28-2003)
- #1 Sponsor Sort of Update: Ty Norris, who runs DEI for Teresa Earnhardt, said that things haven't changed much in the past three weeks in negotiations for a new sponsor for the #1 Chevy team. 'A lot of conversations took place over a two- or three-week stretch, and now they've taken a two or three week break,' Norris said. 'The two companies we've been in conversation with still seem to be there... but they're timing is a little slower than we thought it would be. But I'm still very confident we're going to secure sponsorship for next year.' Scott Riggs is still rumored to be the man DEI wants. 'That's for others to speculate about,' Norris said.(Winston Salem Journal). Biffle? Kodak? Kraft? Jayski?(9-28-2003)
- Stock Car Fans - Rumblings - Talladega: It was a wild one....it was a plate race....and it was Talladega! What more can be said? In a rough race (both on the track and in the pits) Michael Waltrip prevailed in a four lap sprint to the finish today at Talladega Superspeedway in the EA Sports 500, holding off his DEI teammate Dale Earnhardt Jr (who was going for five in a row) to take his second win of the season (Mikey won the Daytona 272.5 back in February) and the 4th win of his career. With every one of 'em a plate win, Mikey is now locked in a 16-way tie for 65th on the all-time win list. This was also win #14 for Dale Earnhardt Inc., and means that DEI has now won seven of the last nine plate races.
Rough you say? Larry Foyt to the hospital, Elliott Sadler to the hospital, and the Petty Enterprises jackman sprawled on pit road.....I'd call that rough.
Dale Earnhardt Jr (2nd) had his best finish since he won here back in April.
Mike Wallace (10th) had his best finish since he was 9th at Daytona in February.
Jason Keller (26th) had his career-best (albeit only his second start) today. His only previous effort was subbing for Jerry Nadeau at
Richmond in May when he finished 32nd.
Christian Fittipaldi (28th) had his best finish since he was 24th at Pocono in July.
And, on the flip side, Matt Kenseth (33rd) had his worst finish since he was 40th at Homestead last November.
STREAKIN....Rusty Wallace has 4 Top-10's in a row. Ryan Newman has 7 Top-10's in the last 8 races.
The Rookie Report: Jamie McMurray (16th) was the top-finishing freshman again this week (for the 15th time this season). He was followed by Greg Biffle (24th), Tony Raines (31st), Casey Mears (37th), and Larry Foyt (43rd). If anybody's taking a poll, register my vote for running
that Davey Allison retro paint job forever. It sure brought back great memories!
This Week's Elevator....UP: The Operator of the Week is Dale Earnhardt Jr (+36), followed by Kurt Busch (+33), Dave Blaney (+25), Rusty Wallace (+24), Kevin Harvick (+23), and Robby Gordon (+22). DOWN: The Big Dropper was Sterling Marlin (-35), followed by Jimmie Johnson (-31), Elliott Sadler (-29), Casey Mears (-29), and Buckshot Jones (-24). A wild day on the track translates to a wild day in the shaft. For Jr, this was Op #2 on the season, and for Sterling this was BD #3.
Buckshot Jones led today for the first time since he led one lap at Michigan in June of 2001. He's the 46th different driver to lead a lap this season....the same number as last year.
It would appear that Matt Kenseth suffered little more than a hiccup today. His blown engine cost him 82 points off his lead (it's now down to 354), but didn't make a major change in his "Magic Number" vs Kevin Harvick. It's still a very healthy 9. Everybody from 22nd on down is
now out of the running. Ward Burton & Ricky Craven made multiple position moves forward today, while Ricky Rudd, Jeremy Mayfield, and Kyle Petty (a dnq this week) made the same trek downwards.(StockCarFans.Com Winston Cup Newsletter)(9-28-2003)
- #98-Jason Jarrett's sponsor is C.H.I. Overhead Doors on the #98 RYR Ford.(9-28-2003)
- Petree Racing and Menard win ARCA race at Talladega UPDATE no sell: Andy Petree Racing's Paul Menard, 23, ended a tumultuous weekend by holding off Billy Venturini by 0.151 seconds Saturday to capture his first ARCA victory in the Food World 300 at Talladega Superspeedway. He earned his first pole earlier this season at Winchester, Ind. Menard had the fastest speed in Thursday's qualifying session but it was disallowed when his #33 Chevrolet failed post-qualifying inspection. Since Menard is running only a limited schedule this season in ARCA, he had no provisionals to fall back on. So, his Andy Petree Racing team bought the car #26 from driver Brad Smith and took his place in the field. "We had the best car all weekend. We had a problem in qualifying. You live and you learn," Menard said. "This is a new deal for us and these guys gave me a hell of a car. We were just hanging on there at the end. Billy Venturini and Tony Ave are my buddies. They probably could have gotten a run on me, but they stuck with me." Menard has run a combination of ARCA, NASCAR Busch, Truck and Winston Cup races this season. He entered the Talladega race to become qualified to run on superspeedways as he starts his first full season in the Busch series in 2004. Two drivers involved in a multicar accident on Lap 69 of 113 were taken to area hospitals. Ken Weaver was taken to the University of Alabama-Birmingham Medical Center, and Keith Segars to Northeast Medical Center in Anniston, both for observation.(ThatsRacin.com), NOTE: Kurt Busch, who started on the pole finished 28th [accident] and Boris Said, being coached by Ernie Irvan finished 24th [accident] in his first superspeedway race. And Christi Passmore finished 5th.[see full results at the ARCA Racing site](9-27-2003)
UPDATE - didn't sell ride: Brad Smith didn't sell his ride, but was injured and couldn't race, from his site: The owner/driver of the #26 Ford was injured Thursday when his ride caught fire during his qualifying run at Talladega Superspeedway. He spent two nights at the Medical Center at the University of Alabama in Birmingham before beginning his trip back to Michigan Saturday morning. So the #26 team had a 38th place provisional starting spot for Saturday’s Food World 300, but they had neither a car nor a driver for the event. What do you do in a case like that? You find someone who has both. Wisconsin native Paul Menard, who was fastest in Thursday’s qualifying session, found his time disallowed when his rear quarter panel didn’t pass inspection. His car owner, Andy Petree, didn’t have enough points for a provisional, as the team had run only three other ARCA events this season. The 26 got the owner’s points for the event, as well as a little extra exposure for the team.(Brad Smith site)(9-28-2003)
- Dodge leader comes in 2nd: John Fernandez, Director of Dodge Motorsports, raced to a second place finish in the Showroom Stock SSC class race at the SCCA National Championship Valvoline Runoffs at the Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course in Lexington, Ohio, last Friday [9-19]. Fernandez held the class's fastest qualifying time (1:48.153) through the first two days of time-trials, but was bumped to second on the third an final day of qualifying for the Valvoline Runoffs on Wednesday. Residue of Hurricane Isabel kept race conditions damp and windy for Friday's 20-lap event, but Fernandez battled to a runner-up finish while running in the top-three throughout the course of the race. He dropped from second to third by lap four of the race but was able to re-claim second place on his 11th lap around the 11-turn roadcourse. Fernandez also posted the fastest lap of the day (1:50.053) en-route to his second-place run. "My car was a little better in the wet," Fernandez said. "Tom Long was able to get around me and as we battled Mike Kramer got away. The track was drying and it was very tricky driving." Mike Kramer, of Franklin, Tenn., led from flag-to-flag to earn his first ever Runoffs Championship.(Golin Harris PR)(9-28-2003)
- Stewart sits out practice; Kyle practices the #20 UPDATE and Kyle will stand by Sunday: #20-Tony Stewart was on the sidelines Saturday morning as Winston Cup practice rolled off at Talladega Superspeedway. Migraine headaches were to blame, the driver's No. 20 Joe Gibbs Racing team said.
Kyle Petty was in the car for the two Saturday sessions on the 2.66-mile Alabama speedway.(Mercury News)(9-27-2003)
UPDATE: Kyle Petty practiced the car during the first session, and Bobby Labonte drove the car four laps after crew chief Greg Zipadelli made a carburetor change for the second practice. Petty is standing by to fill in for Stewart should he not be able to race on Sunday.(GM PR). No idea why #80-Mike Bliss, who attempted to make the race in a third Gibbs car is standing by.(9-28-2003)
(9-27-2003)
- Most Hated Sport? Dog Fighting, NASCAR is 8th of 10: Popularity polls come and go. As the baseball playoffs begin, the NFL is boasting that one poll shows it is more than twice as popular as the national pastime. But a new survey looks deeper into the American psyche, rating the sports that are loathed the most. No. 1 on the list, by far, is dogfighting, hated or disliked a lot by 81 percent of the public, according to a poll conducted by the Sports Marketing Group in Atlanta. Makes you wonder what the other 19 percent were thinking. The PGA Tour is the No. 5 most hated and disliked sport (30.4 percent), followed by the PGA seniors' Champions Tour (29.9), the LPGA Tour (29.2), [8th] NASCAR (27.9), Major League Soccer (27.6) and the ATP men's tennis tour (26.5). That's a lot of people who hate or dislike events that sponsors are backing with billions of bucks.[Jump tp NASCAR section] NASCAR turns off almost as many with the opposite image: red, white and blue — or as some see it, redneck, blue collar and white skin — even if it is has broadened its appeal to millions who don't fit that description. For most of the sports, with the exception of NASCAR, which has grown both in popularity and unpopularity with increased exposure on television, there was little change from the Sports Marketing Group's study that asked the same questions 10 years ago.(see full AP story at Yahoo)(9-27-2003)
- Stewart loses Goodyear support? more on the growing Goodyear tire controversy, following Tony Stewart's angry complaints after losing at Dover. Goodyear officials fanned the debate when they again refused to respond to numerous questions about the issues: Was Stewart correct in claiming that a problem with the freshness of his tires cost him the race? Was crew chief Greg Zipadelli correct that the age of the tires used this season is a significant problem on the Winston Cup tour? Is Goodyear wrong to have special sponsorship deals with some of the top teams? Is NASCAR wrong to give Goodyear a monopoly and then allow Goodyear to make those special deals? Goodyear also declined to respond to complaints by some crews that the top six or seven teams are provided secret technological information unavailable to the other teams. NASCAR stayed on the sideline, but did fine Stewart $5,000 for using foul language on TV. Goodyear is expected to cancel Stewart's tire deal. After a similar tirade, Stewart lost his Goodyear sponsorship for 2002, making him the first to win a Winston Cup championship without a Good-year deal. Goodyear will return to its 'Born-on' tire dating next season, but Goodyear appears unlikely to reveal its current secret dating codes this fall. Goodyear yesterday was offered the opportunity to confirm or deny Greg Zipadelli's complaint that its Dover tires came from different batches, but the company declined. Goodyear sells on a no-return policy, and NASCAR selects tires at random for each team. So there is an underground economy among Winston Cup crew chiefs who trade tires with each other, trying to match sets.(Winston Salem Journal)(9-27-2003)
- Dale Jr still owns the lead of Most Popular Driver: More than 2.3 million votes have been cast in the Grands! Biscuits NMPA NASCAR Most Popular Driver Award balloting, and fan-favorite Dale Earnhardt Jr. continues to lead. After placing your daily vote for your favorite driver at www.mostpopulardriver.com, click to the “Experience of a Lifetime” section of the Web site for your chance to win a trip for two to a Richard Petty Driving Experience. Now through November 17, 2003, at 11:59 am CST, people can enter online for a chance to win the Petty Driving Experience at one of these locations: Atlanta, Georgia, Las Vegas, Nevada, Brooklyn, Michigan, and Fort Worth,Texas. One winner will be randomly drawn from all eligible entries received. Official sweepstakes rules are available at www.mostpopulardriver.com. Earnhardt Jr., who finished second last year to 16-time Most Popular Driver Award winner Bill Elliott, has led since voting began in February [Elliott took himself out of the running]. Four-time NASCAR Winston Cup champion Jeff Gordon is second, followed closely by Kevin Harvick. Rounding out the top 10 are Tony Stewart, Michael Waltrip, Mark Martin, Dale Jarrett, Kyle Petty and Bobby Labonte [actually just 9 listed, no idea who #10 is].(Williams Company PR)(9-27-2003)
- Waltrip alone with the hatch: It was Micheal Waltrip that helped test the new roof escape hatch system NASCAR has been working on for the last six month or so and it was Waltrip's car that gets to test it out first under race conditions. The #15 is the only car equipped with the new device this weekend at Talladega. Everyone in the garage area gathered around it at one point before inspection to get a look to see how it worked. The hatch, which measures approximately 24 inches by 24 inches on the driver’s side roof, is controlled by steel cable pull cords in the cockpit that are connected to a latch system. By pulling on one cable, it will allow the driver to open the exit to the front or rear of the car. By pulling on both cables, it will allow the driver to completely remove the piece. The system is controlled by the driver, but safety crews also will be able to release the system as well, if needed. Jack Roush said their teams had no immediate interest in installing the devices unless NASCAR made it mandatory or if one of his drivers requested one. "We want to see what the hatch will do in actual conditions before we even consider it," said Roush. The kits will be available through independent vendors, will cost approximately $150.00 and will take the teams about 15 hours to install. Gary Nelson displayed the device on TV a couple of weeks ago and the one he demonstrated showed the hatch opening from side to side but the one on the No. 15 car clearly opened from front to back, or back to front. The escape hatch will allow drivers an additional exit through the top of the vehicle should they be unable to utilize the traditional window exit.(Insider Racing)(9-27-2003)
- Fastest at Talladega since 2000: #38-Elliott Sadler put his Ford on the pole position at Talladega with a lap of 189.943mph, which was the fastest the Cup cars have run here since 2000 [Joe Nemechek, 190.279 in Oct 2000], but far from the record run of 212.809 mph set in 1987 by Bill Elliot or the restrictor plate Talladega record speed of 199.388 also by Elliott in May of 1990.(Alabama Live and Jayski's Restrictor Plate page)(9-27-2003)
- Judge awards compensation to doctor who treated Earnhardt: Dr. Stephen Bohannon, who tended to Dale Earnhardt at Halifax Medical Center immediately after the crash at Daytona in Feb 2001, was back in court Friday seeking fees from the Gainesville-based Independent Florida Alligator for the time he spent preparing for and giving what his attorney described as "expert" testimony at depositions and at trial. Circuit Judge Joseph Will agreed and ruled Bohannon should receive fees to be determined later. Bohannon testified in a civil trial in June 2001 about the value of autopsy photos, while Earnhardt's widow, Teresa, tried to stave off media requests for access to her husband's photos.(see full story at the Daytona Beach News Journal)(9-27-2003)
- Ward hopes to know 2004 ride by end of next week: Ward Burton says he wants to have a decision on a 2004 ride: 'It needs to be done by the end of next week.'(Winston Salem Journal)(9-27-2003)
- More on Mayfield and RCR: While Jeremy Mayfield has been hot with car owner Ray Evernham this month and is bidding to hold his Dodge ride, insiders say that Mayfield continues to be a front-runner for a ride with Richard Childress. Steve Park, Childress' third driver, failed to make the 500 field yesterday.(Winston Salem Journal)(9-27-2003)
(9-26-2003)
- Sadler wins pole at Talladega; Earnhardt Jr's and Keller's times disallowed: #38-Elliott Sadler won the pole at Talladega for the EA Sports 500 with a speed of 189.943mph, his second pole for Sadler in 2003 and his career. Rookie #42-Jamie McMurray put the special paint scheme Dodge on the outside pole. #8-Dale Earnhardt Jr., who ran a lap of 188.382mph which would had put him starting 11th was disallowed when inpsectors found the rear quarter panels of the #8 Chevy 5/16" too low, the tolerence is 1/4", so Dale Jr. has to use a provisional to make the field and will start 38th. The penalty allowed #14-Foyt to stay 36th and make the field and knocked #30-Steve Park out of the race. Other missing the race are: #54-Bodine; #4-Lepage; #80-Bliss; #45-Petty and #0-Leffler.
UPDATE: also #1-Jason Keller's qualifying time/speed was disllowed for the sme infraction as Earnahrdt Jr., the rear quarter panels on their Dale Earnhardt Inc. Chevrolets were deemed too low in post-qualifying inspection. The required height for rear quarter panels from the ground is 35 inches minimum on the right side, with a quarter-inch tolerance after their qualifying run. Keller was to start 33rd.
For qualifying results, who used provisionals, pole progression, where the rookies are and other links to lineups at JAYSKI's Qualifying/Grid page.(9-26-2003)
- Testing at Atlanta Next Week: The NASCAR drivers will descend on Atlanta Motor Speedway next week, ready to start testing for the Oct. 24-26 Bass Pro Shops MBNA 500. Cup [#15] and Busch [#99] driver Michael Waltrip, NASCAR Busch Series driver #37-David Green and Georgia native #00-Buckshot Jones will all be on hand next Monday and Tuesday, testing their cars. Waltrip's test will serve a dual purpose, as he will be competing in both the Oct. 25 Aaron's 312 and the Oct. 26 Bass Pro Shops MBNA 500. Jones will be testing a Waltrip-owned car also sponsored by Aaron's for the Oct. 26 Bass Pro Shops MBNA 500. Jones also tested the car last October, hoping to make his return to Winston Cup in the machine. Qualifying was rained out, however, and with no owner points, Jones was left out of the field. Busch driver David Green will be at Atlanta to test his car for the Aaron's 312 Busch race. Great seats are still available, with three-day ticket packages starting at just $69, from the ticket office at (770) 946-4211. The two-day test session is closed to the public.(AMS PR)(9-26-2003)
- Parts Confiscated: NASCAR officials confiscated unapproved springs from the cars of Jimmy Spencer, Ken Schrader and Ward Burton during pre-qualifying inspection on Friday at Talladega.(ThatsRacin.com)(9-26-2003)
- Dale Jr's wreck the hardest hit? Though Dale Earnhardt Jr's late-race accident last weekend at Dover International Speedway wasn't overly spectacular in appearance, the data from the crash could prove otherwise. Earnhardt said Friday at Talladega Superspeedway that, though he was unsure of specifics, the crash may have been the worst recorded to date by black box technology.(see full story at NASCAR.com)(9-26-2003)
- Stewart and Mayfield fined: [been asked enough why there were no fines for this, like I would know....here ya go:]
NASCAR officials have fined NASCAR Winston Cup Series drivers Jeremy Mayfield and Tony Stewart $5,000 for use of inappropriate language during the telecast of Sunday’s MBNA America 400 at Dover International Speedway. Mayfield, driver of the #19 Dodge Dealers Dodge, was penalized under Section 12-4-A in the NASCAR Winston Cup Series rule book: “Actions detrimental to stock car racing. Improper use of language.” Stewart, driver of the #20 Home Depot Chevy, was penalized under Section 12-4-A in the NASCAR Winston Cup Series rule book: “Actions detrimental to stock car racing. Improper use of language.”(NASCAR PR)(9-26-2003)
- Home Depot stays with Gibbs until 2009: The Home Depot, the world's largest home improvement retailer, has extended its contract with Joe Gibbs Racing (JGR) through 2009 as primary sponsor of the #20 Home Depot Chevrolet driven by reigning NASCAR Winston Cup Series champion Tony Stewart. Home Depot's extension parallels Stewart's new contract with JGR, ensuring Home Depot's involvement with JGR and Stewart well into what will soon become the NASCAR Nextel Cup Series. "Home Depot is pleased to extend its relationship with a partner that mirrors our culture. Winning 16 races and a national championship requires a team that has a passion for leadership, performance, and attention to detail. On behalf of our 315,000 Home Depot associates, we look forward to six more years of a great partnership with Joe Gibbs Racing and Tony Stewart," said John Costello, executive vice president for merchandising and marketing of The Home Depot. "The growth and success of our race team wouldn't have been possible without the support of The Home Depot," said Gibbs, who formed his race team more than 11 years ago. "Home Depot's drive to win is just as strong as ours, which is why there's so much pride built into those orange and black race cars. Our relationship with Home Depot allows us to perform at our best week in and week out, something that will continue for many years to come."
"In my 23 years of racing I can honestly say that Home Depot has been the best sponsor I've ever had," said Stewart. "The support they've given to our race team has been excellent, and it's great to know that Home Depot will continue to be a part of our efforts to win more races and another championship."(True Speed Communication PR)(9-26-2003)
- More on Villeneuve to NASCAR? 1997 F-1 Champ Jacques Villeneuve has been thinking about taking his dyed blonde locks and rich racing pedigree to NASCAR next season if things don't work out in Formula One. "Why not? It's not something I know or understand, but it would be worth looking into -- anything can be good and fun if it's done the right way," he said. "The problem with NASCAR is that if you're from the outside, you are in a battle of your own, aren't you? From what I hear, the drivers make a lot -- not directly -- but it's not too bad." Villeneuve admitted yesterday that he's mulling a number of options outside F-1, including driving in the 24-hour sportscar race at Le Mans, but added quickly that the two open-wheeled racing series in the United States are not on his radar screen. With Championship Auto Racing Teams floundering and soon to be under new management, Villeneuve is interested to see how things turn out for the series, but he won't be part of the rebuilding process. When asked about the possibility of driving in CART's rival Indy Racing League, run by U.S. Grand Prix promoter Tony George, Villeneuve pulled no punches. "I would never race in IRL because it has destroyed open-wheeled racing in North America, which is too bad because the Indy 500 has always been the biggest, most important race in the world and now it's been tainted by the fact that there's now two series." But, despite his stock car dreams, a reliable source in the U.S. Grand Prix paddock said the Canadian wouldn't be looking too far for his next employer after F-1 ringmaster Bernie Ecclestone approached Jaguar this week about hiring Villeneuve for 2004.(Globe and Mail), see past news on my Drivers Looking page.(9-26-2003)
- #77 'Dodge' at Talladega? UPDATE Yep: hearing the #77 Jasper Motorsports team may run a Dodge instead of a Ford at Talladega at the end of the month. Penske-Jasper builde both Dodge engines [for the #2 and #12] and Ford engines [the #77].(9-6-2003)
UPDATE: Jasper Motorsports has elected to field a Dodge for its driver Dave Blaney in this weekend's Winston Cup race at Talladega Superspeedway. The team, which has used Fords since its inception, built a Dodge and sent it along with one of its Fords for a wind-tunnel test, and the results favored the Dodge, said Robert "Bootie" Barker, the team's crew chief. "We have had one of each built because we've struggled so bad at the restrictor-plate tracks. We took them to the wind tunnel and put both on the chassis dyno and the Dodge seemed to be a little better," he said. "Our deal is to bring the best piece you can to the track because we're here to win races. We were dead last before." Asked if Jasper was considering a permanent move to the Dodge camp, Barker said: "We're going right back to Ford, of course, for the next few races and try to do the best job we can, but you never know." In three restrictor-plate races at Daytona (two) and Talladega this season, Blaney has finished 24th, 23rd and 35th. He is 28th in series points.(ThatsRacin.com), am hearing that the team will switch to Dodge for 2004.(9-26-2003)
- Vickers adds another 2003 Cup race: Hendrick Motorsports is planning to move up the Winston Cup debut of its Busch Series driver, Brian Vickers. Vickers, who leads the Busch points race, was already planning to run this season's last four Cup races with MB2 Motorsports [#01 US Army Pontiac]. He will move full time to Cup next season in Hendrick's #25 Chevrolet [with GMAC as a sponsor]. However, Vickers, 19, now hopes to make his Cup debut in the Oct. 11 UAW-GM Quality 500 at Lowe's Motor Speedway in Concord, N.C., where he will run the #60 Chevrolet, Hendrick's research and development team. Hendrick officials confirmed the plans Friday. The Busch Series is off this weekend and Vickers was away testing and unavailable for comment.(ThatsRacin.com)(9-26-2003)
- Dover TV Ratings: Nielsen Media Research says NBC's broadcast of last Sunday's MBNA America 400 from Dover International Speedway drew a 4.2 rating and a 10 share, MotorsportsTV.com says. The story says the race drew 4,591,000 households, which is 27 percent more than last year's household reach when the race was on TNT. Because direct comparisons can't be drawn between cable and broadcast viewership, the story says the Dover race compares favorably with NBC's broadcasts last year from New Hampshire and Kansas City, which earned 3.7 and 4.4 ratings, respectively. The Dover race outdrew all college football broadcasts and trailed only four NFL games, the Web service says.(Winston Cup Scene Daily Newsletter/MotorsportsTV.com)(9-26-2003)
- Hamilton Jr. to attempt Cup race at Kansas: it was mentioned during TNT's Busch Series race coverage while reporting on the full field that Bobby Hamilton Jr. would be attempting to make the Cup race at Kansas Speedway in Oct.(TNT's Race coverage of the Busch Series race)(9-6-2003)
UPDATE:
"I want to see how we stack up." Those were the words of Team Rensi Motorsports Crew Chief Harold Holly when asked why the team would attempt the Banquet 400 Winston Cup race at Kansas Speedway. Since Holly has joined Team Rensi Motorsports and driver Bobby Hamilton, Jr. the organization has been on fire with two wins, seven top-fives and ten top-ten finishes in 14 starts in the Busch Series. Now the organization owned by brothers Ed and Sam Rensi and Gary Weisbaum will make a step up to the Winston Cup Series for the 400-mile race. Bobby Hamilton, Jr. currently sits in sixth position in the NASCAR Busch Series Point Standings and is eager to compete with the Winston Cup drivers. "Everyone here at Team Rensi is excited about the opportunity to see what we can do in Winston Cup. We feel like we have put together a real strong Busch Series team and now we want to see what we can do in Winston Cup. It's everyone's goal here to eventually run full-time in The Winston Cup Series. This will be a good test to see where we stand." Earlier this year, prior to the arrival of crew chief Harold Holly, the team failed to qualify for the Winston Cup race at Atlanta Motor Speedway. The race marked the first time Hamilton, Jr. had failed to qualify for a Winston Cup race in 12 previous attempts. His best career finish came in 2001 at Talladega Superspeedway where he finished 14th. Hamilton, Jr. will pilot a #35 Ford Taurus with Robert Yates horsepower in the Banquet 400. The team spent two days earlier this week testing at the 1.5-mile Kansas Speedway. Team Rensi is currently searching for sponsorship for the event. Interested companies, check the team site at www.teamrensimotorsports.com for more information.(9-26-2003)
- Testing at Kansas: hearing #49-Ken Schrader and #35-Bobby Hamilton Jr. are testing Cup cars at Kansas Speedway in preparation for the Oct 5th Banquet 400. Also testing at Kansas this week is #88-Dale Jarrett on Wednesday and Thursday and #40-Sterling Marlin on Tuesday and Wednesday at Kansas.(9-23-2003)
UPDATE: also been told that #97-Kurt Busch, #21-Ricky Rudd, and #2-Rusty Wallace were testing at Kansas also.(9-26-2003)
- Forbes LIst: The new Forbes 400 list is out, and NASCAR's big three are even richer: Bill and Jim France are pegged at $1.2 billion each, just ahead of Bruton Smith at $1.1 billion.(Winston Salem Journal)(9-26-2003)
(9-25-2003)
- Elliott's Crew Wins Pit Award: Bill Elliott's No. 9 pit crew notched its fifth victory in the McDonald's Drive-Thru Pit Championship fueled by POWERade by edging Elliott Sadler's team in Sunday's MBNA America 400 at Dover (Del.) International Speedway. The No. 9 pit crew became the second team to capture five McDonald's/POWERade wins and season prize money of $100,000 ($20,000 for each win). The crew for Dale Earnhardt Jr. also has five victories. The four other first-place finishes for Elliott's crew were at: Bristol (March), Talladega (April), New Hampshire (July) and Darlington (August). Elliott's No. 9 Evernham Motorsports Dodge spent the least amount of time on pit road for participating teams during the Dover race - 197.400 seconds. Sadler's No. 38 M&Ms Ford was a close second with a total pit road time of 197.728. Third was Jeff Burton's Citgo Ford at 230.933. "The guys certainly earned it this week," said Elliott. "They were on their game. We gained several positions on pit road, not just once but throughout the day. I am proud of them." Elliott's over-the-wall crew consists of: Todd Colburn (jackman), Nick Bailey (front tire carrier), Jim Pohlman (front tire changer), Eric Wakeland (rear tire carrier), Joe Kruschek (rear tire changer), Rodney Rhodes (gasman) and Steve Lawrence (catch can). The team's crew chief is Mike Ford and the pit crew coach is Greg Miller. Though Michael Waltrip's No. 15 Chevrolet had an early exit in the Dover race, the team hardly lost any ground in the McDonald's Drive-Thru Pit Championship fueled by POWERade point standings. The team's closest challenger - the No. 8 Budweiser Chevrolet team for Dale Earnhardt Jr. - also posted a DNF. Waltrip's pit crew has a 32-point lead over Earnhardt's crew. Kurt Busch's team is third - 42 points behind. The season pit crew champion will earn a $200,000 bonus.(DMF Communications PR), for season results, other race results and pit crew news I find, see my Pit Crew page.(9-25-2003)
- Goodyear’s NASCAR tire program continues on target: “The overall performance of our Goodyear’s Eagle racing radials in NASCAR’s top three series this season is right on target. The cornerstone of that program is the design and production of a safe, high-quality tire that meets NASCAR’s criteria for demanding racecars and diverse tracks, and provides the broadest possible compatibility with the particular driving styles of all 43 Winston Cup drivers on any given race weekend. To ensure absolute fairness, the tires are distributed at random to teams under strict guidance of NASCAR officials. Goodyear’s reputation for race tire quality is well grounded. Every Winston Cup tire produced in our Akron, Ohio, Technical Center Manufacturing facility undergoes rigorous quality control procedures before it leaves the plant. “Our company takes that responsibility very seriously. For the last year, we have even placed a fulltime race tire engineer at the NASCAR R&D center in Concord, NC, to ensure that Goodyear and NASCAR work together seamlessly as the sport evolves. Last weekend, Dover race winner Ryan Newman described the Goodyear tires as “awesome,” after running the same set through the final 106 laps. However, also at Dover after finishing third, Tony Stewart voiced his displeasure with our product. While we appreciate that he is a dedicated, passionate driver, we don’t take such comments lightly and we fully intend to investigate his concerns.
“This week, our engineers will be talking with him and his team to get into the actual data.(Goodyear PR)(9-25-2003)
- Hendrick Named NCMA Vice Chairman: Richard Petty, chairman of the North Carolina Motorsports Association (NCMA), announced today that Rick Hendrick has been named vice chairman of the NCMA board of directors. "It is an honor to accept the position of vice chairman of the North Carolina Motorsports Association," Hendrick said. "I look forward to working with Richard and the board of directors in promoting and growing our sport statewide. The NCMA has served as the unifying voice for the racing industry in North Carolina for more than a year, and I'm proud to be a part of that continuing effort." Hendrick succeeds Keystone Marketing Co. Inc. president Roger Bear as the NCMA vice chairman. Bear will continue to serve the organization as an active board member. "Many thanks to Roger for his efforts and support in getting this great organization off the ground," said Ed McLean, NCMA executive director. The North Carolina Motorsports Association is a nonprofit corporation designed and structured to be an effective representative and proponent of and for the motor sports industry in North Carolina. The NCMA is a trade association of businesses and individuals involved in motor racing in North Carolina. Further information on the NCMA can be accessed via the organization's Web site, located at www.ncmotorsportsassociation.org.(North Carolina Motorsports Association PR)(9-25-2003)
(9-24-2003)
- Dale Jr. to the Hospital and Released; need NASCAR Approval to race UPDATE 6 Dale Jr cleared and WILL drive:: NBC is reporting that #8-Dale Earnhardt Jr. is being flown by helicopter to a local hospital [in Dover], he is conscious and talking.
Dale Earnhardt, Jr. was airlifted to a local hospital on Sunday after being knocked unconscious in an accident at Dover International Speedway. He was alert and talking upon exit from the track, but NASCAR officials chose to transport him by air rather than ground due to traffic concerns. He was later treated and released from Bay Health Medical Center.(NASCAR.com)
UPDATEs 1-4 can be found on my #8 Team News and Links page.
UPDATE 5: NASCAR has yet to clear Winston Cup driver Dale Earnhardt Jr. for competition this weekend after he suffered a minor concussion and sprained right foot in an accident in last Sunday's race at Dover. NASCAR spokesman Jim Hunter said Tuesday the sanctioning body would not likely decide whether to allow Earnhardt Jr. to race until sometime Wednesday. Hunter said NASCAR was evaluating the results from Earnhardt Jr.'s follow-up doctor visits Monday in Charlotte, N.C.(ThatsRacin.com)(9-23-2003)
UPDATE 6: Team officials confirmed Wednesday afternoon that NASCAR has cleared Dale Earnhardt Jr. to race in the EA Sports 500 at Talladega on Sunday. The driver suffered a minor concussion and sprained right foot in an accident in last Sunday's race at Dover. NASCAR spokesman Jim Hunter said Tuesday the sanctioning body was evaluating the results from Earnhardt Jr.'s follow-up doctor visits in Charlotte, N.C. According to team officials, Earnhardt Jr. is using crutches and has been told by doctors to stay off his feet. He canceled a planned appearance at a news conference Tuesday at Lowe's Motor Speedway in Concord, N.C.(ThatsRacin.com)(9-24-2003)
- Morgan-McClure Motorsports names drivers for remainder of 2003: Morgan-McClure Motorsports named Kevin Lepage and Johnny Sauter as the drivers of the #4 Kodak Pontiac for the remainder of the 2003 NASCAR Winston Cup season. Tim Brewer will serve as team manager and crew chief. Lepage, who has competed in two races for the Abingdon, Va.-based team in 2003, will be in the car for six of the remaining races. The Shelburne, Vt.-native has 133 career Winston Cup starts with two top-fives, eight top-10s and one pole position. He drove for Morgan-McClure in 21 races during the 2001 season, turning in four top-15 finishes. With consistency as a key element of his driving style, Lepage has improved his starting positions by 13 and 26 spots in the two races he has driven the #4 Kodak Pontiac. Johnny Sauter will compete in the #4 Kodak Grand Prix at Kansas City and Phoenix. The two races will bring Sauter's total career Winston Cup starts to seven, which leaves him eligible for Rookie of the Year status when he moves to Winston Cup full time [wonder with who? the #4 team or to the #30 AOL car?] . Sauter, born on May 1, 1978, in Necedah, Wisconsin, currently sits seventh in the NASCAR Busch Series point standings. He has 64 Busch Series starts with two wins, nine top-fives, 18 top-10s and three pole positions. His best Winston Cup finish is 23rd at Loudon.
Kevin Lepage quotes: "It is good to be back in a Winston Cup car. It gets pretty lonely on weekends watching the races from home. Being in the Winston Cup garage with all of my friends and co-workers is important to me. Racing on Sundays is my desire and passion. "This is a great opportunity to be back in the No. 4 Kodak Pontiac. We had some decent runs a few years ago and hope to continue that this year. It is also nice to be back with friends we made while with the team. We have had some success with the two races I have run so far. At Darlington we just kept working on the car and never gave up. We had a good finish because the entire worked their tails off and never lost focus. I think the weather hurt us at Dover by not being able to qualify. Due to a tire problem, we got down a few laps and did not have the finish we had wanted. The car was easily in the top-15 to top-20 range. We are looking for some really solid runs during the remainder of the races."(Morgan-McClure Motorsports PR)(9-24-2003)
- Changes in the All-Star Race? Unknown: Lowe's Motor Speedway President Humpy Wheeler said he doesn't know if next season's NASCAR all-star race, held at LMS every year but one since 1985, will change in format with the departure of series sponsor R.J. Reynolds. RJR's Winston brand played a large role in developing the all-star race and sponsored it. Nextel Communications is taking over sponsorship of what is now known as the Winston Cup series beginning in 2004, and will co-sponsor the event with NASCAR. NASCAR recently announced the race would remain at the Concord track at least one more season. "No one has had a conversation about it with me yet. I met with Tim Donahue (Nextel's CEO and president) last week and we didn't even talk about the all-star race. We're probably going to have a meeting up in New York," Wheeler said. "I don't think there will be any substantial changes. Nextel is probably going to say, 'NASCAR, speedway work it out. If it's not broke, don't fix it.' "(ThatsRacin.com)(9-24-2003)
- Petty Enterprises safe with Dodge: DaimlerChrysler officials denied reports that Petty Enterprises was losing its top-tier status with Dodge. Although there have been concerns regarding the performance of the Nos. 43 and 45 cars this season, Dodge is committed to honoring the remaining years on Petty's contract.(FoxSports/Sporting News)(9-24-2003)
- more on Wells 2nd team effort: Cal Wells has been working on a second team, and though the team isn't any closer to announcing its plans, Wells says, "Decision time is imminent." More from Wells: "We have to have the money to do this, but we are really, really close. Our organization is developed to a point where we could really get things done if we have the opportunity with a second team." Wells says he has talked to Joe Nemechek about driving for his team and adds that his objective is to find the "proper teammate" for driver Ricky Craven.(FoxSports/Sporting News)(9-24-2003)
- McFarland wins NASCAR Dodge Weekly Series Championship: Twenty-five year old Mark McFarland, of Winchester, Va., has won the 2003 NASCAR Dodge Weekly Series national championship and is set to collect the richest payout in series history. McFarland won the series’ Atlantic Region championship after recording 16 wins and 18 top-five finishes in 18 starts in the Late Model Stock Car division at Old Dominion Speedway in Manassas, Va. McFarland’s racing record was the best among the eight NASCAR Dodge Weekly Series regional champions, as determined by NASCAR’s Competition Performance Index (CPI) and he will receive $170,000 as the series’ national champion. McFarland will also collect bonuses of $27,500 from Dodge, plus an additional $16,000 for finishing fourth in the series’ Southeastern Coastal Region standings. McFarland earned the second regional award for his performance at Southampton Motor Speedway in Capron, Va., where he competed on Friday nights in addition to his Saturday schedule at Old Dominion. The bonus awards pushed his post-season winnings to $213,500, the largest point fund award ever won by a single driver in the 21-year history of the NASCAR Dodge Weekly Series. McFarland is the first driver from Virginia to win the NASCAR Dodge Weekly Series national championship and he is the second-youngest driver to claim the national title (Robert Powell was 23 when he accomplished the feat in 1988). McFarland is the first driver to win the national championship in an asphalt Late Model Stock Car since 1997. McFarland, who has competed in selected NASCAR Busch Series and NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series events in his career, will also get a few opportunities to showcase his skills in some top-notch equipment. As the 2003 national champion, McFarland will participate in two “test & tune” sessions courtesy of Dodge and Whelen Engineering. First, McFarland will spend a day testing one of Ray Evernham’s NASCAR Winston Cup Series Dodge Intrepids, a benefit he earned for winning the national title behind the wheel of his own Dodge race car. After that, McFarland will spend another full day testing with the Whelen Engineering-sponsored No. 31 NASCAR Busch Series car. McFarland’s post-season schedule also includes several special events for Late Model Stock Cars plus a host of media appearances as 2003 national champion. The festivities will continue through the NASCAR Winston Cup Series awards banquet – Dec. 6 in New York City – where he’ll be an honored guest along with the 2003 champions from every other NASCAR series.
2003 NASCAR Dodge Weekly Series Regional Champions
Driver, Home Track, Region,Starts, Wins, Top 5
1. Mark McFarland, Old Dominion Speedway, Atlantic, 18, 16, 18
2. Tom Seets Sr., Tri-City Speedway, Heartland, 18, 17, 17
3. Mark Wertz, Langley Speedway, Southeastern Coastal, 18, 13, 17
4. Jerry Robertson, Colorado National Speedway, Northwest, 18, 11, 16
5. Rip Michels, Irwindale Speedway, Sunbelt, 18, 10, 14
6. Kyle Berck, Nebraska Raceway Park, Midwest, 18, 6, 15
7. Ed Dachenhausen, Chemung Speedrome, Northeast, 19, 12, 17
8. Dennis Gada, Waterford Speedbowl, New England, 18, 6, 11
(NASCAR PR)(9-24-2003)
(9-23-2003)
- Dale Jr. and Lorenzen Voted to the Walk of Fame: Dale Earnhardt Jr. will be enshrined in the Talladega-Texaco Walk of Fame in nearby Davey Allison Memorial Park. On the eve of the EA SPORTS* 500, Dale Jr. will be inducted into the Walk of Fame after receiving the most votes by the fans. This is the quickest any driver has been inducted into the Talladega-Texaco Walk of Fame. This is only Dale Jr.'s fourth full season in the NASCAR Winston Cup Series. His father, Dale Earnhardt, was the first active driver to be inducted into the Walk of Fame, in the inaugural class of 1995. Fred Lorenzen, voted as one of the 50 greatest drivers in NASCAR history, will be enshrined into the Walk of Fame as the inactive driver of 2003. The 2003 Talladega-Texaco Walk of Fame Induction Ceremony is on Saturday, Sept. 27, at the Davey Allison Memorial Park in uptown Talladega , a block south of the town square. This year's ceremony marks the 10th anniversary of Davey Allison's death. Joining emcee Benny Parsons on stage will be Larry McReynolds and special guests Liz Allison, along with children Robbie and Krista Allison. The induction ceremony begins at 7 p.m. and is free to the public.(Talladega Superspeedway PR)(8-6/9-23-2003)
- Irvan back at Talladega: Former NASCAR great Ernie Irvan will be at Talladega Superspeedway this weekend to coach road racing specialist Boris Said in his superspeedway debut. Said will compete in Saturday's Food World 300 ARCA race as a means of gaining NASCAR's superspeedway approval that will allow him to drive in the 2004 Bud Shootout at Daytona International Speedway. He earned his berth in the Bud Shootout - a special race for the previous season's pole winners - when he captured the pole as the hired gun driver for the U.S. Army/MB2 Motorsports team at the June Winston Cup road race at Infineon Raceway in Sonoma, Calif. Said's ride in the ARCA race will be a joint effort between MB2 Motorsports and Ken Schrader Racing. He will drive the Ken Schrader-owned USG Sheetrock Brand #99 Pontiac. Irvan, who retired as a Winston Cup driver due to injuries with 13 races remaining in the 1999 season, joined Said in Talladega at a recent test session. "No doubt, Boris will be able to handle this," said Irvan, whose career record at Talladega includes two wins and five poles. "He did a good job at the test session. He knows how to go fast but I did tell him it doesn't matter how fast you go,“ the most important thing is to get approved for Daytona. I explained to him that he can't get over-anxious and try to set the world on fire. It's all about getting approved for Daytona. Sometimes patience is the hardest thing to learn and the easiest thing to forget." Said, who raced for Irvan in the Craftsman Truck Series in 1997 and 1998 and also for two Winston Cup races in 1999 -- Watkins Glen and Homestead said he feels fortunate to have Irvan as a coach. "Ernie and I have built a solid relationship over the years," offered Said. "He gave me sound advice at the test session and I am sure counting on him for this weekend. This is not going to be easy as I've never drafted before or driven in a restrictor plate race. I am also thankful to Ken Schrader for his help and to USG Sheetrock brand for its sponsorship support. Dale Jr. has also offered advice and that's really cool since he's been the dominant driver recently at Talladega. I really want the shot at driving in the Bud Shootout in Daytona. That would be a dream come true. To be truthful, winning the pole in Sonoma still hasn't sunk in." While his main focus will be on how well Said adapts to the 2.66-mile oval, Irvan said he is also looking forward to meeting old friends and getting back into the racing mix. "When I was at the test session with Boris it was like a homecoming for me," said Irvan, whose Winston Cup career record includes 15 wins and 22 poles. "I not only got to mingle with security and medical people who I got to know through my accidents, but the laid-back atmosphere of a test session also enabled me to talk to crew members on this team and other teams. It was sure fun to rekindle some of my old relationships. If time permits, I hope to do more of the same.during.race weekend," he added.(DMF PR)(9-23-2003)
- Kenseth Racing for Charity at Talladega: #17- Matt Kenseth will be racing for more than a trip to Victory Lane during the EA Sports 500 on September 28 - he'll be racing for charity as well. As part of Smirnoff Ice Triple Black's "Race for Charity,". $250 will be donated to R.A.D.D. for every lap Kenseth leads at the Talladega Superspeedway. This event is part of the Smirnoff Ice Triple Black "Be Smart, Drink Responsibly" program to promote responsible drinking. At a minimum, Smirnoff Ice Triple Black will donate $25,000 to the organization. "Smirnoff Ice Triple Black's Race For Charity is part of our multi-faceted motorsports presence to promote our social responsibility programming to devoted adult NASCAR fans," said James Stammer, Smirnoff senior brand manager. "From a charitable standpoint, I don't think R.A.D.D. would want to have any other driver racing than the points leader racing for their cause." The EA Sports 500 is the fifth of seven races this year that Smirnoff Ice Triple Black will serve as primary sponsor of Kenseth's No. 17 Ford, furthering its "Be Smart, Drink Responsibly" program. To help fans at Talladega get more involved in the "Race For Charity," Smirnoff Ice Triple Black will distribute 10,000 flags on designated seats in the track's grandstand, instructing fans to wave the flags each time Kenseth leads a lap during the race.. Smirnoff Ice Triple Black will also have giant flags and banners on hand to ensure fan participation. During Winston Cup's only other visit to Talladega earlier this year (April 6), Kenseth finished ninth.. For the year, he has finished in the top 15 in all but two races, has 20 top 10 finishes, 10 top five finishes, and has held the Winston Cup points lead in 23 of 26 races.(Alan Taylor Communications PR)(9-23-2003)
- Testing at Kansas: hearing #49-Ken Schrader and #35-Bobby Hamilton Jr. are testing Cup cars at Kansas Speedway in preparation for the Oct 5th Banquet 400. Also testing at Kansas this week is #88-Dale Jarrett on Wednesday and Thursday and #40-Sterling Marlin on Tuesday and Wednesday at Kansas.(9-23-2003)
- Driver Gets to Fly Over at Dover: Busch Series driver Donnie Neuenberger drove the number #52 car in Saturday's Busch Series race at Dover and then flew in one of the F-16's piloted by Col. Robert Montgomery of the DC Air National Guard 121st Fighter Squadron for the fly over during the pre-race ceremonies prior to Sunday's cup race. Jayski's old Air Force roommate, John Baden, is with the 121st Fighter Squadron.(see images and more on the Donnie Neuenberger Site)(9-23-2003)
- All-Star Crew: Every sport names its All-Star teams, so why not NASCAR? FoxSports/Sporting News Insider Lee Spencer surveyed countless folks, some with grease under their fingernails, others with manicures, and came up with a team of the best people at key positions on race day. See the chart at FoxSports: Roush puts three on Sporting News' All-Star crew.(9-23-2003)
- Testing at Kentucky: #12-Ryan Newman and #48-Jimmie Johnson are scheduled to test at Kentucky Speedway on Wednesday, Sept. 24. Teams will be on the track at approximately 9:00 a.m. and are expected to test for the remainder of the day. Other drivers on the docket include #79-Billy Bigley, Jr., #?-Tom Hubert [probably Bill Davis Racing], #?-Damon Lusk and ?#91-Hank Parker, Jr. Fans can view testing outside the speedway Fan Center located in Turn 3.(Kentucky Speedway PR) AND #32-Ricy Craven and the Tide team will spend Wednesday, Sept. 24, testing at Kentucky Speedway. The main purpose of the test is to give driver
Ricky Craven a chance to "shake down" two different cars and decide which one PPI Motorsports will use as its primary in the upcoming
NASCAR Winston Cup (NWC) event at Kansas Speedway. In addition, the team will work on gathering information that can be used at several of the 1.5-mile facilities the NWC Series will visit during the remainder of the season.(PPI Motorsports PR)(9-23-2003)
- Dale Jr. to the Hospital and Released; need NASCAR Approval to race UPDATE 5: NBC is reporting that #8-Dale Earnhardt Jr. is being flown by helicopter to a local hospital [in Dover], he is conscious and talking.
Dale Earnhardt, Jr. was airlifted to a local hospital on Sunday after being knocked unconscious in an accident at Dover International Speedway. He was alert and talking upon exit from the track, but NASCAR officials chose to transport him by air rather than ground due to traffic concerns. He was later treated and released from Bay Health Medical Center.(NASCAR.com)
UPDATE: Dale Earnhardt Jr. and the Budweiser No. 8 team led 48 laps before a late-race crash left Dale Jr. with minor injuries. Earnhardt Jr. was transported to Bayhealth Medical Center in Dover, Del. for observation following the race, and was released at approximately 7:00pm/et. He will fly home immediately this evening to Mooresville, NC. His injuries were listed as a minor concussion and a bruised right foot. Dale Jr. will be re-examined tomorrow by Dr. Jerry Petty. Any further updates will be released Monday.(Budweiser PR)(9-21-2003)
UPDATE 2: Dale Earnhardt, Jr. was observed at Bayhealth Medical Center in Dover, Del. and released by doctors on Sunday night with a mild concussion and a bruised right foot. He returned to his North Carolina home later that evening where he is now resting.
Dale Jr. was dealing with a loose-handling car during the latter part of MBNA American 400 at Dover International Speedway when the back end of the No. 8 Budweiser Chevrolet broke loose. The car spun around making contact with the outside wall flush on the driver’s side before coming to rest on the track’s apron. Upon arriving on the scene, track emergency personnel took the precaution of assisting Dale Jr. from the car and transported him to the track’s Infield Media Center. Medical personnel then decided to transport the 28-year-old driver to the local hospital for further tests. Dale Jr. was alert and talking with doctors prior to his departure via helicopter to the hospital. Air transport was utilized because the race had just ended and traffic was heavy outside the track. Dale Jr. walked to the helicopter and strapped himself in before takeoff.(DEI Site) AND from the front of the Dale Jr. site: Dale is expected to race this weeked in Talladega.
UPDATE 3: Dale Earnhardt Jr. was examined today (Monday) by Dr. Jerry Petty as follow-up to his crash yesterday at Dover. Dale Jr. suffered a minor concussion and a right foot sprain in the crash. NASCAR must approve his return to competition, and as of 5:30 pm ET today, that process was underway. When approval is given, we will follow-up with more details and a full update on the extent of his injuries. Despite initial reports and rumors to the contrary, Dale Jr. was unconscious for only a brief time after yesterday’s crash, and was awake and alert while being removed from the race car.(Budweiser PR/fingerprint inc.)(9-22-2003)
UPDATE 4: As of Tuesday morning, Winston Cup driver Dale Earnhardt Jr. had yet to be cleared by NASCAR for competition this weekend following a follow-up doctor visit in the Charlotte area on Monday. NASCAR spokesman Jim Hunter said Tuesday morning the sanctioning body had not cleared Earnhardt Jr. for competition and was waiting further information from the driver's doctor visit. He is using crutches and has been told by doctors to stay off his feet, according to team officials. He had to cancel a planned appearance at a news conference Tuesday afternoon at Lowe's Motor Speedway in Concord, NC. Dale Earnhardt Inc. officials still believe Earnhardt Jr. will be able to compete in Sunday's EA Sports 500 at Talladega (Ala.) Superspeedway, where the driver of the No. 8 Chevrolet has won the past four Cup races.(ThatsRacin.com)
UPDATE 5: NASCAR has yet to clear Winston Cup driver Dale Earnhardt Jr. for competition this weekend after he suffered a minor concussion and sprained right foot in an accident in last Sunday's race at Dover. NASCAR spokesman Jim Hunter said Tuesday the sanctioning body would not likely decide whether to allow Earnhardt Jr. to race until sometime Wednesday. Hunter said NASCAR was evaluating the results from Earnhardt Jr.'s follow-up doctor visits Monday in Charlotte, N.C.(ThatsRacin.com)(9-23-2003)
- An Update on Davey Allison's Helicopter Accident: Birmingham attorney Jim Thompson was the lead attorney in a lawsuit filed on behalf of the Davey Allison estate that claimed a flawed part called a collective yoke - not pilot error as the National Transportation Safety Board ruled - caused the July 1993 crash at Talladega Superspeedway that took Allison's life and injured his Hueytown neighbor, Red Farmer. McDonnell-Douglas, the California-based aircraft manufacturer that owns Hughes Aircraft, which built the helicopter, settled the suit for an undisclosed sum in 1996 without admitting fault. "We deny that any defective condition contributed to the accident," George S. McCall, the attorney for McDonnell-Douglas, said last week. Both McCall and Thompson say they are prohibited by the court to discuss the settlement in the case. Both the Allison estate and Farmer were part of that settlement. Thompson, who has tried numerous air-crash cases, said he has declined numerous cases when it was evident that pilot error was the cause. He said he agreed to take the Allison case after his investigation concluded that a failed part caused Allison's accident. "Tommy Allison (Davey's cousin and the executor of the Allison estate) said that he couldn't believe Davey made a mistake, because he was such an excellent pilot," said Thompson, outlining what triggered the investigation and finally the lawsuit. "He said Davey was accustomed to running 200 mph. He said Davey didn't make a mistake at 10 mph." The NTSB ruled in 1994 that pilot inexperience was the cause of the crash. The report said Allison had just 2.8 hours of flight instruction on the Hughes 369HS helicopter and had not practiced downwind landings like the one he was attempting in the media center parking lot of the race track infield. The report said Allison had 54 hours of helicopter flight time at the time of the crash, but 45 of those hours were in a less-demanding Robinson R-22 helicopter.
A flight instructor who trained Allison testified before the board that Allison had "average" flight skills and tended to make his approaches too fast and too shallow as a result of having trained on the smaller and slower Robinson R-22. Witnesses to the crash said Allison was hovering just a few feet off the ground when the helicopter suddenly shot straight up, stalled and fell back on its tail. When the main rotor struck the asphalt, the helicopter spun and the left side of the cockpit slammed onto the parking lot. Allison suffered fatal head injuries when his head struck either the inside of the cockpit or the asphalt. The eyewitness accounts pointed to something failing in the control apparatus of the helicopter, Thompson said. Investigators hired by Thompson dismantled the helicopter and found that the collective yoke, the device that controls the pitch of the rotor blades, was broken.
"We knew McDonnell-Douglas would argue that it was broken in the crash," Thompson said. "The helicopter wasn't that badly damaged in the crash and the yoke was located between the seats in an area that had no damage at all. The cables going to the yoke and hydraulic lines in the area showed no signs of damage." Thompson said he hired a retired Hughes Aircraft test pilot to recreate a failure of the yoke. With a back-up system in place to prevent a crash, the yoke was disconnected, Thompson said. "The helicopter did exactly what Davey's did," Thompson said. The broken part was sent to a metallurgist in Florida. He testified that a dissection of the part found that the cast metal contained air pockets that made it fail, according to Thompson. Paint like that found on the outside of the yoke was found inside the part during dissection, he said. "That meant the part was defective the day it left the factory," Thompson said. The attorney believes metal fatigue finally caused the part to fracture and that occurred just as Allison was about to put the helicopter down.(Alabama Live)(9-23-2003)
- Former NASCAR Official to run for Office: Former NASCAR corporate official Kevin Triplett turned his exploratory look at running against Ninth District U.S. Rep. Rick Boucher into an official candidacy on Monday. Triplett traveled from his hometown of Clintwood to Abingdon, Wytheville, Dublin and Christiansburg to announce that he wants to be the 11th Republican to try and unseat the 11-term Democrat in 2004.(Bristol Herald Courier)(9-23-2003)
- Nice Take: Nearly 1,300 motorcyclists from Greater Cincinnati and Louisville, Ky., converged on Kentucky Speedway to raise an estimated $50,000 for the March of Dimes on Saturday, Sept. 20. Riders contributed funds through registration donations and individual sponsorships. The charitable trek concluded with "victory laps" on the 1.5-mile tri-oval at the speedway.(Kentucky Speedway PR)(9-23-2003)
- Not NASCAR but interesting: Cody Unser, daughter of two-time Indianapolis 500 winner Al Unser Jr., will drive the victory lap truck Sunday at the end of the CART Grand Prix Americas race at Miami. Cody, 16, suffers from transverse myelitis and is wheelchair-bound. But that hasn't stopped her from attending races and becoming a certified scuba diver. Cody also helped establish the Cody Unser First Step Foundation, which is pursuing a cure for the crippling disease. Cody will be fitted with special hand controls in the truck. "I've traveled with my brother to many of his races this season, and this is where I became convinced I could drive on a track, too," she said. Albert Unser, Cody's brother, drives in the Barber Dodge Pro Series, a feeder to CART and the Indy Racing League.(Detroit Free Press)(9-23-2003)
- Kiefer Sutherland to narrate NASCAR film: Kiefer Sutherland, star of the [exellent and Jayski Fave] show "24", will narrate the IMAX 3D NASCAR film, NASCAR 3D: The IMAX Experience. The groundbreaking IMAX 3D film will be distributed exclusively to IMAX theatres by Warner Bros. Pictures and IMAX. The film is scheduled to open on March 12, 2004. "With The IMAX Experience putting you in the driver's seat at a series of exciting NASCAR races," said Kiefer Sutherland, "you can virtually feel the speed of the cars and the thunder of the engines, and that's why this film lends itself perfectly to the technology that IMAX provides."
NASCAR 3D: The IMAX Experience will transport fans directly into the driver's seat to explore the world of today's elite NASCAR drivers and teams. The film will briefly take fans into reverse to review the history of this legendary sport, told from the viewpoint of some of its most revered drivers, and will then thrust into high gear with a look at the thrilling phenomenon that is NASCAR today. Featuring rare behind-the-scenes glimpses, as well as gripping footage of the unpredictable action on the track, NASCAR 3D: The IMAX Experience will provide a close-up look at what motivates NASCAR drivers in and out of competition.(MotorsportsTV.com)(9-23-2003)
- More Realignment Coming: NASCAR's Brian France said he's going to step up the pace of 'realigning' the Winston/Nextel Cup tour to feature newer markets. 'We are moving a date to California for 2004 -- we think that will work better in the long run. And there'll be more of that,' France says. But he said that the moves will be considered 'carefully,' and that the moves will come 'in a slow, methodical way. We're just not going to shred it up to where we lose that continuity.'
The next step is expected to be adding a second Cup date at either Kansas or Phoenix in 2005, or perhaps both, at the expense of races in Rockingham and Darlington. But France has offered no details on that or on any plans he might have for dealing with Bruton Smith and that contentious second Texas race date. However there has been speculation that, as swiftly as France is moving in his first days on the job as NASCAR CEO, that the 2004 tour schedule might not be cast in stone. There is an open date in July ... and the Labor Day Southern 500 was not a sellout, despite all the hype.(Winston Salem Journal)(9-23-2003)
- Meeting the President: Tim Suggs and Scott Davis on one of their visits to Washington, DC fostered the opportunity for Davis, Director of Motorsports Affairs for Body Dynamics/America’s Most Wanted Racing to meet and talk with President George Bush. They were visiting Washington as part of a conference covering the media and corporate america’s participation in the recovery and education of missing and exploited children throughout the United States. Their program consist of assisting in the recovery and education of missing and exploited children through their professional motorsports efforts, which they are actively looking for a sponsor to initialize their program on the racetrack. www.bodydynamicsracing.com .(9-23-2003)
(9-22-2003)
- New Color Scheme for Cup: It appears NASCAR's premier series will not only get a name change next season, but also a new color scheme. Nextel Communications signed a 10-year deal to begin sponsoring what is now known as the Winston Cup series beginning in 2004. The change will also include the series' marketing colors, from traditional red and white to predominantly yellow and black [HEY - just like Jayski!!], ThatsRacin.com has learned. The change in color would be new for NASCAR as well as Nextel, which uses primarily maroon now in its advertising. The change will be made in part to make Nextel's involvement more distinctive, sources confirmed. The Winston Cup series' logos and colors can be found all over the country, including billboards, souvenirs, signage at tracks and even the colors of NASCAR's mobile headquarters haulers.(ThatsRacin.com)(8-8-2003)
UPDATE - NASCAR Nextel Cup Series Logo Unveiled:NASCAR unveiled the official logo for the NASCAR NEXTEL Cup Series that will begin in 2004. Sporting a bold yellow-and-black look, the distinctive logo will be the brand identifier for the nation's most popular form of motorsports and the nation's second-most popular sport overall. "We think this design will be appealing to our drivers, team members, tracks and, of course, our fans," NASCAR President Mike Helton said. The new logo will be utilized beginning in January, when NASCAR NEXTEL Cup teams come to Daytona International Speedway for NASCAR Preseason Thunder, the annual test sessions leading up to the season-opening Daytona 500. "We've worked with NASCAR to create a logo and identity that exudes the strength of the athletes and the power of the sport," said Nextel Senior Vice President of Marketing Mark Schweitzer. "Since announcing the 10-year partnership between NASCAR and Nextel, one of the most-asked questions we've received has been about the logo. It's bright, bold and forward moving “ just like the sport it represents."(NASCAR PR), see past news and the rumors and announcement on my Nextel Sponsorship News page.(9-22-2003)
- New Driver for the #30? Richard Childress says he's picked a new driver for his team, but he isn't saying who it might be.(Winston Salem Journal); Ward? Jeremy? Park? Hornaday?
AND Car owner Richard Childress said he'll decide within the next few weeks if he'll retain Steve Park as a driver. Park and Jeff Green essentially swapped rides after Richmond in May. Childress signed Park through this season.(Roanoke Times)(9-22-2003)
- Stewart not happy with tires at Dover: Although it had been some time since Tony Stewart said anything critical of Goodyear and its tires, he did not hold back Sunday, accusing Goodyear of costing him a shot at victory in Sunday's MBNA America 400 at Dover International Speedway. Stewart, who has sparred verbally with Goodyear in the past, took four fresh tires on his final pit stop on Lap 326 of 400 but could not keep pace with the race leaders. He finished third after leading 97 laps. "You can't adjust on a car because it won't do the same thing from one set of tires to another set of tires. They sponsor all these teams and basically what it is, is 'hush money' to keep us from talking about it and I'm tired of covering their [expletive]," Stewart said after the race. "It's pretty bad when the sets of tires are so bad that you can't make an adjustment on the car and go out and win the race when you have the fastest car on the track. We'll just salvage third." When asked if the sets of tires were completely different from set to set, Stewart said: "Ask Goodyear, they're the ones who build the pieces of [expletive]." Goodyear officials met with team owner Joe Gibbs and Zipadelli after the race. Campbell said Goodyear would be talking more with the team this week about the issue.(more at [NOTE: adult content on this link] ThatsRacin.com)(9-22-2003)
- More on the 'Winston' Preview: The future of the Winston Cup Preview, a daylong, fan-oriented event with NASCAR's top drivers, remains uncertain next season since series sponsor Winston will be replaced by Nextel. Winston has sponsored the event, held each January in Winston-Salem, N.C., the past 14 years and it has grown into the largest single-day charitable event held in North Carolina each year. New NASCAR CEO and chairman Brian France said Sunday NASCAR would do "what made sense" for Nextel, as well as fans and the series' drivers in determining the future of the Preview. "(The Preview) is a great fan interaction with our drivers. We're going to have to figure out a way to preserve that, and I think we will," France said. "Just where it goes is also a function of our schedules, making sure we don't put another undue time constraint on our drivers." France said Daytona Beach, Fla., home to NASCAR's headquarters, was a possible site if the Preview were relocated. "The drivers are already there with the testing (in January), so that's going to be something we're looking at hard, but it's not the only thing we're looking at," he said. "Although, it may very well end up there."(ThatsRacin.com)(9-22-2003)
- Mayfield sounds like he is staying at the #19: Runner-up finisher #19-Jeremy Mayfield hopes that his recent streak of five finishes of 11th or better will dispel persistent rumors his job with team owner Ray Evernham is in jeopardy. "Ray and I want the team to stay together, and that's best way to say it," he said. "It would be a shame, and whoever would split this team up is crazy. That's how confident I am about it."(Richmond Times Dispatch)(9-22-2003)
- Nextel hiring from RJR? Nextel officials are moving quickly to put together a new NASCAR operations staff, and some RJR [Winston] veterans are expected to get the call.(Winston Salem Journal)(9-22-2003)
- Buy A Brick; Build A Museum: Personalize a brick with your name and put it in the racing museum for a lifetime. Your brick will be placed in the decor/landscape of the Motor Racing Museum of the South in Spartanburg, SC. The museum will be housed in the old Beaumont Mill, located off Pine Street in the heart of historic downtown Spartanburg. 100,000 square feet of space for exhibit galleries and retail operations. The Museum will focus on racing from the 1940s to the present, including a gallery for each decade, Hall of Champions, SC Textile Gallery, Interactive Gallery, etc. The Museum will be a 3-D, interactive experience showcasing the latest in automotive innovation and technology. Exhibits will include 100 television screens showing the greatest races of all time, hands-on experiments on G-force and robots demonstrating car assembly. Why Spartanburg?
Spartanburg has a rich motor racing history. Legends, including Bud Moore, Cotton Owens and David Pearson, grew up racing the back roads of the "Hub City." The textile industry, racing and automobile manufacturing all have deep roots in Spartanburg. The past, present and future of automobile racing is centered within a 100-mile radius around Spartanburg. Spartanburg's history in textiles and racing and future in automotive technology make it a perfect location for the Motor Racing Museum of the South. Get your name along with the legends of stock car racing like David Pearson, Cotton Owens and Bud Moore. More info at These Bricks will be placed in the Motor Racing Museum of the South.(9-22-2003)
- Johnson Will Race at Dover to Support the American Red Cross UPDATE: In response to Hurricane Isabel, Lowe's and NASCAR Winston Cup driver Jimmie Johnson are Racing for Relief to generate funds for the American Red Cross Disaster Relief Fund. Lowe's will donate $50,000 to the American Red Cross at the beginning of this weekend's Dover 400, and for every lap that Johnson completes,
Lowe's will donate an additional $48 (Johnson's car number). If Jimmie wins the race, Lowe's will round the donation up to a total of
$100,000. Lowe's first introduced Racing for Relief in April of 2000. To date, the program has helped disaster relief efforts for hurricanes,
tornados and floods raising more than $156,000. "Racing for Relief allows me the opportunity to pitch in and lend a hand, while I do what I do best - driving," said Johnson, driver of Lowe's Team 48 car and member of the American Red Cross Celebrity Cabinet. "I'm glad I can do my part to support the American Red Cross and the people affected by hurricane Isabel."
Racing for Relief programs will include the following:
· September 21 Dover 400 Race
· Customer Donation Program at all Lowe's stores
· Online contributions for the American Red Cross will be accepted at Lowes.com and Lowesracing.com
Lowe's supports the American Red Cross as part of its commitment to help people prepare for and recover from natural disasters. Lowe's
serves as an official American Red Cross cash donation site and responds to disasters by contributing to local and national Red Cross
disaster relief funds, donating vital emergency products and supplying volunteers for local cleanup efforts.(Golin/Harris PR)(9-20-2003)
UPDATE: Lowe's total is $50,000 + $19,200 ($48 x 400 laps) = $69,200.(9-22-2003)
(9-21-2003)
see the Sept 15-21, 2003 Archived News Page
(9-14-2003)
see the Sept 8-14, 2003 Archived News Page
(9-7-2003)
see the Sept 1-7, 2003 Archived News Page
