Carl Long back in NASCAR: Daisy Ramirez Motorsports announced that Carl Long will be behind the wheel of the DRM #01 Koma Unwind "Chillaxation Drink" Chevy for this weekend's NASCAR Camping World Truck Series event in Atlanta. With 45 starts in the 3 premier NASCAR series, Carl Long will be making his return to NASCAR after a highly publicized suspension from the NASCAR ranks. Long, who has been racing for 26 years will be shouldering the task of keeping the DRM truck in the points battle that will ensure a starting spot after the 4th race of the year. With a 10th and 14th place finish for the DRM trucks in Daytona the season started off in the right direction. Carl and the team are still seeking additional marketing partners.(Daisy Ramirez Motorsports PR)(3-4-2010)
Carl Long looking to get back on track: Eight months after a $200,000 fine crippled Long's self-owned team and sent shockwaves through the sport, he's struggling to survive amidst a cavalcade of hard-luck circumstances. "Last year's deal" involved a crippling penalty that still puzzles most in the NASCAR garage. Bringing his self-owned #46 to an exhibition race, the All-Star Showdown, Long's car cooked an engine and headed to the garage by Lap 3. But during a random teardown in postrace inspection, NASCAR discovered that its motor exceeded size limits by .17 cubic inches. NASCAR dropped a 20-ton anvil on Long, suspending him for 12 races while slapping on a 200-point penalty and $200,000 fine. It was an immediate death knell for a team without a sponsor, whose 35th-place finish that day only paid five grand. Banned from the Cup track over the summer, Long focused on his family away, putting his own team aside while working a full-time job as utility man for Front Row Motorsports. It wasn't his dream, but it remained a way to earn a living in NASCAR as he looked to rebuild his future. In mid-November, Front Row made end-of-season cutbacks with the # 34, and Long was among those let go. Still, Long trudges on, telling his story and begging for work to anyone in the business who'll listen. Just a few weeks back, he seemed to land a job as a start-and-park driver for a Nationwide team -- something he's been adamantly against doing throughout his career -- but the spot went to a "better fit." Right now, that's easier said than done. As a contract employee, Long was unable to collect unemployment, and was recently scammed $1500 by a jobhunting service that took him to small claims court. That leaves the underdog in desperate straits, selling off his Cup car and paying his bills by dipping into the money that was raised by fans for his fine. With Speedweeks looming, Long's plan is to drive an ARCA team hauler to Daytona, using the first week at Daytona to network and search for any NASCAR job he can find. He still has a Nationwide car he hopes to bring to the track someday, but whether he'll ever get back in Cup with his own team seems unlikely at best.(Sports Illustrated)(1-29-2010)
Carl Long back at the track: Carl Long was happy to be back at a race track - even if he was working for a team instead of driving for one. Long, the part-time Sprint Cup and Nationwide driver, was penalized in May after his engine for the all-star qualifying race was determined to have a displacement of 358.17 cubic inches – 0.17 cubic inches more than NASCAR allows. Long's crew chief, Charles Swing, was also penalized $200,000. This weekend, Long returned to the track at Kansas Speedway, where he will work as a spotter for Front Row Motorsports Sprint Cup team with driver #34-John Andretti. "I've paid my debt to society," he said. As to when he will drive again, Long says that depends on his funding situation. A friend is putting together the "Lets Get Carl Back on Track" fundraiser for Oct. 18 at the Memory Lane Auto Museum in Charlotte. Long will sign autographs at the event, which will also feature door prizes and an auction. Information is available atwww.carl-long.com. If he plans to race, though, Long has to meet the requirements of his "payment plan" with NASCAR. "We'll keep digging at it," he said. "If we don't get it all, maybe I'll get enough to go run a couple of races. They gave me a payment program, but that's about $20 grand a race until it gets paid off." In other words, Long must pay $20,000 prior to each race he plans to enter. He's not complaining, though. Long is pleased to just be back in the garage after settling for working at the shop for weeks. "I'm just thankful to still have a job and be a part of the team," he said.(SceneDaily)(10-3-2009)
Carl Long still looking for ride: Carl Long wonders when he'll race again, as he washes someone else's Sprint Cup car. This might be as close as he gets to competing again in NASCAR's top series. His suspension served for an oversized engine, Long hasn't found a ride. The only offer was with a Nationwide team that wanted him to pull into the garage shortly after the start of the race. Start and park is what it's called. His own team isn't an option. It can't run until it pays NASCAR $200,000 to cover the fine. Long can't afford that. Donations from fans in 44 states and four countries cover only 1/10th of the fine. So, Thursday Long was at the Front Row Motorsports shop near Statesville, N.C., washing the #34 car John Andretti drove at Watkins Glen last week. The night before, Long helped put the decals on Andretti's car for Sunday's race at Michigan International Speedway, another race Long will not compete. "Basically, the message to me is that NASCAR doesn't want me in Cup,'' Long says during a break about the fine."(see full story at the Roanoke Times)(8-17-2009)
- Long hopes to race at Bristol: #46-Carl Long is still considerably upset at NASCAR for his suspension and $200,000 fine for an oversized engine, but he's talking with various sponsors about paying his penalty and resuming his part-time driving career. "I'm looking for one corporate sponsor to sponsor my car at Bristol," Long said Monday in a telephone interview. "I know I can make the race. I have a ton of experience there." Long said he won an All Pro Series race at the high-banked, .533-mile oval and has qualified for the last six Sprint Cup Series races that he has attempted. "That's a real good track for me," he said. An engine that Long cooked in practice for the Sprint Showdown at Lowe's Motor Speedway in May was measured at 358.17 cubic inches. The NASCAR maximum is 358ci.
NASCAR threw the book at Long for his engine being .17ci over the limit. Long was fined $200,000, suspended for 12 races and lost 200 championship points. The suspension was shortened to eight races after a final appeal to national commissioner Charles Strang. Long, a crew man for Front Row Motorsports, is still disturbed by the suspension and fine. "I didn't put jet fuel in the motor. I didn't have traction control," he said. "We didn't go out there to stink up the show. For them to do this to me, still ticks me off." Long hopes to find a company that will pick up the tab for a new car-engine combination and pay the fine, a total of $300,000 in sponsor money for a one-shot effort at Bristol. And, Long is accepting donations at carl-long.com to help pay the fine. The donation total was more than $19,000 as of Monday afternoon. "The bottom line is a rule is a rule," Long said. "I can't do much else than try this thing at Bristol."(Daytona Beach News Journal)(6-24-2009)
- Carl Long to make final appeal Monday UPDATE2: On Monday, June 15th, #46-Carl Long will present his second and final appeal to National Stock Car Racing Commissioner, Charles Strang, regarding the penalties his team received. Long was penalized for having an illegal engine during the NASCAR Sprint All-Star Race at Lowe's Motor Speedway last month. The 12-race suspension, 200-point penalty and $200,000 fine are NASCAR records. The hearing will begin at 2 PM Eastern.(Carl-Long.com)(6-14-2009)
UPDATE: According to a post on Carl's web site by his wife, DeeDee, the verdict of Monday's hearing will not be known until possibly the end of the week.(Carl-Long.com)(6-16-2009)
UPDATE 2: Marty Smith reported on ESPN2's NASCAR Now that Long's suspension was reduced from 12 to 8 race but the $200,000 fine stands.
AND Sprint Cup driver Carl Long had his 12-race suspension reduced to eight, but his record $200,000 fine remained after a final appeal to NASCAR Stock Car Racing commissioner Charles Strang. Strang heard Long's appeal, which was denied two weeks ago by the stock car commission, on Monday in Chicago. "The simple part of it means NASCAR don't care who you are or what your circumstances are," Long told ESPN.com. Long said he doesn't know how he will pay the fine. "I suppose I will stand in front of the racetrack with my helmet and beg for change," he said. More than $16,000 has been donated to Long's cause on his Web site. "That's still a long way from $200,000," Long said.(ESPN)(6-18-2009)
- Long speaks to Dave Despain on Wind Tunnel: Part-time NASCAR Sprint Cup Series driver Carl Long [Carl-long.com - donation info there] joined Dave Despain in-studio Sunday night on Wind Tunnel with Dave Despain to discuss his recent NASCAR penalty for an oversized Cup engine during NASCAR Sprint All-Star weekend. Long’s appeal was heard but the penalties, including his suspension and $200,000 fine, were upheld.
Dave Despain: You’ve been vocal in criticizing the penalty here. What do you think should have happened? Had you been NASCAR, what would you have done?
Carl Long: “Kept the engine. Some infraction but not near what we got from this deal.”
Despain: Less penalty?
Long: “Yeah, I’ve been vocal. It was an All-Star Race and in no other All-Star event in any sport does it affect the regular season, so I asked them to change the rules. That didn’t work out too well, either.”
Despain (reading NASCAR statement): Nothing has changed. There have always been severe penalties for attempting to manipulate engine, tires or fuel. Do you have any reaction to that?
Long: “Somewhat. I think that when Richard Petty won the race, he won the race when Bodine did what he did. They were in competition. This was in practice and anyone in the garage area knows my circumstances and why I’m there. The rules are written for what they are but the bottom line is it always has ‘at NASCAR’s discretion.’ There’s a few things – ‘Hey, get this fixed before you come back through tech. Fix this before next week.’ So, I was wrong by expecting to get something out of it. A rule is a rule - that’s what they said. That’s the way it’s got to be. There’s no other game in town, so what do you do?”
Despain: Richard Petty, when he won his 198th race, I think it was, with a huge motor at Charlotte, got a $35,000 fine, which was a record at the time, and they took away 104 points. So, there’s that. When you appealed it, did you think something was going to happen?
Long: “I expected a reduction. I expected the suspension to be dropped or at least the four weeks like Geoff Bodine and Junior Johnson had. I thought about a lot of things but none of them seemed to happen except the infraction got rolled over to a Sprint Cup Series rule and that was the first time I’d seen that happen.”
Despain: They took your original NASCAR suspension, which was 12 weeks, and applied it only to Sprint Cup, meaning you can still work in Truck and Nationwide. How does that change in the suspension affect your life? Does it help?
Long: “A little. It will allow me to go with our Nationwide team but at the same time, if I’m spotting for our Nationwide team, are they going to kick me out of the flagman’s stand if I’m spotting for the Cup team when they change practice sessions? It’s been pretty tough because when I go to the race track, if I was going cheated, I was going to go ‘big cheated’ and if I got kicked out I had every opportunity to load up and go the house and we didn’t. So, here I am and we can’t pay the fine, so we’re just out of NASCAR.”
Despain: Does Ernie Elliott have a role in this? Does the engine builder have any responsibility in your mind?
Long: “I tried to see if NASCAR, when I lobbied the hearing, would make engine builders responsible, and that’s not a part of it. Ernie basically cut me a deal – he had a lot of extra Ganassi engines, he cut me a deal on one. Why it’s big and how it got big I have no idea. His part was as much as it overheated, it melted the head gasket into the cylinder head and he said that’s why it got big.”
Despain: It was a crew chief’s fine … does it revert to you if he can’t pay it?
Long: “Yes, at the end of the year, section 12 of the rulebook basically states any fines not settled goes back to the owner, which my wife was listed as the owner. So, typically, you could say I’m off the hook. But how do I go back to the race track without my wife when it’s my team?”
Despain: Have they run you off?
Long: “I hope not. David Reutimann has started cheerleading and trying to pool up some money and make things happen for us. This penalty is probably at least 300-percent more than what we make. I don’t know how I go forward with it. You want to race. You want to be a part of it. Yes, I can be in the Nationwide Series garage and so forth but at the end of the year, my license is not in good standing. I’ve never seen anything to compare it to in the past.”(SPEEDtv)(6-8-2009)
- Long loses appeal of penalty UPDATE 3 donations: #46-Carl Long says he has lost his appeal of a 12-race suspension and penalty. The National Stock Car Racing Commission denied Long's appeal at a hearing Tuesday, the driver said. The commission isolated Long's suspension to the Sprint Cup Series, meaning he can find work in one of the sport's lower levels. However, Long's full-time job is working with the Front Row Motorsports #34 Chevy in the Cup series. The commission also told Long the $200,000 fine levied against crew chief Charles Swing would not fall to Long if Swing can't pay it. Long was penalized for having an illegal engine at Lowe's Motor Speedway last month. The 12-race suspension, 200-point penalty and $200,000 fine are NASCAR records. He said he plans to research how to go about appealing the penalty further. "I'm now suspended only from the Cup garage for 12 weeks," Long told ESPN.com. "At the end of year, though, they're still sitting there with their hands out. So my crew chief still doesn't get his 2010 license if it hasn't been paid. I'm very disappointed in them."(ESPN/AP)
MORE: As the realization that the National Stock Car Commission on Tuesday upheld the record 200-point, $200,000 penalty against him sunk in, Carl Long became increasingly frustrated. Frustration turned to anger. In minutes, he was livid. "Big Bill [France, NASCAR founder] and Bill Jr. ruled the sport like a father -- at the end of the day they took care of their family," Long said. "These guys don't care. They don't have any heart. Basically, it seems like they don't care about the sport, they just want to make a dollar. I truly have a sour taste of the management in our sport. They've forgotten the roots of how this sport was created, and who are the people buying the tickets, sitting in the stands. The people in the stands are me." Multiple calls to NASCAR for comment were not immediately returned. When Long had to change engines prior to the Sprint Showdown, NASCAR surveyed the first engine and determined it to be illegal. He was confident entering Tuesday's appeals hearing. He thought he'd go in, plead his case, and come out with nothing more than a revamped concept of the lucrative engine-building-and-selling business in NASCAR. Not so. More at ESPN.com.(6-2-2009)
UPDATE 2: Statement from Carl Long Following the Appeal: " I am very disappointed in NASCAR's decision. I am not arguing that the size NASCAR measured is big. Ernie Elliott says this happened because of distortion from heat. Allow me the .17 for expansion or show me metallurgy that states how much a block can change at extreme temperatures. Then take this hole in the rules and make engine companies sign the inspection sheet and take responsibility. Fix the rule! Engine builders can argue with NASCAR and their engineers instead of leaving drivers, owners, and crew chiefs to explain properties of cast iron, nickel, and the growth due to heat. We have the option to appeal to the national board in Daytona. I am trying to overcome my emotions versus the facts. After today's hearing, I have lost all faith in the way the appeal system works.(6-3-2009)
UPDATE 3: from Carl Long concerning fan donations, including one by driver David Reuitmann: "I would like to thank all of the fans and supporters who have generously donated their hard-earned cash to help pay my fine and get Carl Long Racing back into NASCAR. I am stunned by the enormous forthcoming of support and could not have imagined that I would ever be this privileged. Carl-long.com - donation info there.(6-5-2009)
- Long's team recieves record penalty UPDATE 2 will appeal: NASCAR has issued penalties, suspensions and fines to the #46 team [#146] in the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series, as a result of rules infractions committed during last weekend’s event at Lowe’s Motor Speedway. The car was found to be in violation of Sections 12-1 (actions detrimental to stock car racing); 12-4-I (any determination by NASCAR Officials that the race equipment used in the event does not conform to NASCAR rules); and 20-5.4A (engine exceeded the maximum engine size of 358.000 cubic inch displacement) of the 2009 NASCAR rule book. As a result, crew chief Charles Swing has been fined $200,000, suspended from the next 12 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Championship events, suspended from NASCAR until Aug. 18 and placed on NASCAR probation until Dec. 31. Driver Carl Long and owner Danielle Long have been penalized with the loss of 200 driver and 200 owner points, respectively, suspended from the next 12 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Championship events, suspended from NASCAR until Aug. 18 and placed on NASCAR probation until Dec. 31.(NASCAR)(5-20-2009)
STATEMENT: Statement from Carl and DeeDee regarding the recent suspension and fines: "First of all I would like to wish Charles Swing, my crew chief, well. Since this incident he was admitted Monday night to a Georgia hospital with heart problems. He is a stay at home dad who loves to go racing. We purchased an engine from a reputable builder at the beginning of the season. We overheated the engine in practice and had to change it. We had the option to withdraw and go home before admitting it to inspection. Trusting that our blown engine wouldn't have any problems passing NASCAR tech, we submitted it and put our other motor in the car to get ready for the Showdown. As everyone knows it didn't pass tech. The rules are 358 cubic inches and ours is 358.17 cubic inches. The .17 is as wrong as if it would have been 400 cubic inches. This engine is 50 horsepower less than top teams but it was all that could be afforded. I would have never knowingly went to the race track with a big engine! This suspension has not only stopped me from racing, it has also hurt me with my everyday job. It's hard to make a living working at the race track when NASCAR will not let you in. I can only hope that the appeal board will see things differently than the ones that came up with this penalty. I don't consider myself a cheater. I am addicted to the worse drug ever...racing! Every dime we have been able to scrape up, we use to race, because we love the sport. It takes about a half million in equipment to be able to build an engine, so I have to rely on other people and this time it bit me. Thanks for supporting me in wherever this goes! (Carl-long.com)(5-21-2009)
UPDATE 2: Carl Long says his appeal is scheduled for June 2, the Tuesday after Dover. Long is appealing the NASCAR penalty for the oversized engine in his car last week. NASCAR fined his crew chief $200,000 and suspended Long and his wife (listed as the owner) for 12 events. Long says his engine size was 358.17 cubic inches. The limit is 358.0, although supposedly NASCAR allows up to 358.09 cubic inches.(Virginian Pilot), Long can be at the track and work his 'everyday job' with Front Row Motorsports.(5-25-2009)
- Carl Long to attempt Daytona 500: Carl Long has announced that he will be piloting the #46 Romeo Guest Construction Dodge in the 51st running of the Daytona 500 Sprint Cup Series race at Daytona International Speedway on Sunday, February 15th. The racing engines supplied by Ernie Elliott. Romeo Guest Associates, Inc. of Durham, NC will be the primary sponsor of team for the event. The car will sport a special retro paint scheme commemorating the 16-year relationship between Carl Long and Romeo Guest. The yellow-and-green Dodge that Carl will drive will be reminiscent of the original Romeo Guest Construction Late Model that Carl Long raced on North Carolina short tracks from 1993 until 1995. Carl Long plans to have veteran racer Dennis Setzer at the helm of his #46 Dodge at Martinsville Speedway in March, with Carl Long returning to the wheel for the Sprint All-Star Showdown at Lowe's Motor Speedway in May. Additional sponsorship opportunities with Carl Long Racing are still available.(Carl-Long.com)(1-27-2009)
- Long to attempt to make New Hampshire race: Carl Long will run the Sylvania 300 Sprint Cup Series race at New Hampshire Motor Speedway this weekend. Long will take the #46 Dodge to the track for the first time since the Sprint All-Star Showdown in May. EM Motorsports' #08 crew will help Long out during this weekends event at New Hampshire.(Carl-Long.com), Romeo Guest Associates are listed as the sponsor on the New Hampshire Entry List.(9-8-2008)
- Long has sponsor, looking for team: Millstar, an industry leader in producing die and mold profile tooling and solid carbide tools, has announced their continued sponsorship support of Carl Long and his 2008 racing endeavors. Millstar has been an active part of Carl Long Racing since 2006. In addition, Delcam, one of the world's leading suppliers of advanced CADCAM software product development solutions for the manufacturing industry, has announced their commitment to sponsor Carl Long in 2008. The Birmingham, United Kingdom company has had a history in motorsports, with most recent involvement in Formula One racing. Carl Long and Delcam will kick off their new partnership at the 2007 Performance Racing Industry Trade Show next month. Carl Long will be on-hand at the Delcam booth during the 2007 Performance Racing Industry Trade Show in Orlando, Florida from December 6th through the 8th. Carl Long welcomes all race team representatives to stop on by and chat. [Note: this event is not open to the public, you must be a member of a racing industry company to attend] "With Millstar and Delcam aboard, all we need now is the right race team to step up to the plate to make a successful combination", Carl Long states. "Being ready to run the 2008 [Daytona] 500 is definitely a realistic possibility at this point." Also in 2008, Carl has plans to run selected NASCAR Nationwide Series races with his own team, as well as USAR Hooters Pro Cup Series races with Long Brothers Racing.(Carl Long Racing PR)(11-30-2007)
- Carl Long 2007 Plans: Plans for 2007 have Carl Long taking on NASCAR with a different approach than years past. Long has decided to focus his efforts in the Busch Series division of NASCAR. Long has already scheduled a few races to run with the Long Brothers Racing team in the coming season, as well as a continued partnership with veteran team owner Stan Hover. The team-up with Hover would have Long and Hover's team geared up to run a limited Busch Series schedule in 2007, most likely starting at either Atlanta or Bristol in the spring. Further details will be available as the new season draws closer. In addition to running in the Busch Series, Carl Long will be running a handful of Hooters Pro Cup and Late Model races in 2007 with Long Brothers Racing.(Carl Long site)(1-11-2007)
- Long wins Late Model Race: #46-Carl Long, piloting the #1 Romeo Guest Construction Ford for Long Brothers Racing, was victorious in Saturday night's [11/11] championship late model race at Orange County Speedway [NC]. Long, a former track champion who started his racing career at Orange County, showed he stills knows how to get around the legendary 3/8th-mile oval.(Carl Long Site)(11-12-2006)
- Long to drive 2nd McGlynn entry at Homestead: Veteran Carl Long is slated to drive a second McGlynn Racing entry at Homestead-Miami. Carl will drive the #46 MILLSTAR Tools Dodge in the finale of the 2006 NEXTEL Cup season. Select sponsorship opportunities remain for this final race. Also for Phoenix, Vialafil.com & Sundance Vacations to be co-primary sponsors of the #74 McGlynn Racing Dodge for the Checker Auto Parts 500 November 12th at Phoenix International Raceway.(McGlynn Racing site)(11-7-2006)
- Long & Cupp Motorsports to attempt New Hampshire: Cupp Motor Sports #46 team plans to make their Nextel Cup debut at New Hampshire International Speedway in September with Carl Long driving the #46 Dodge sposnored by Millstar Tools. The team is owned by Don Cupp, of Michigan and plans to run several of the remaining races in 2006.(Carl Long site)(8-21-2006)
- Long/McGlynn Part Ways, Long looking for a ride: It was announced Monday that Carl Long and #00-McGlynn Racing have parted ways, effective immediately. The part was on good terms, and was done for the better of both parties involved. Carl Long would like to thank McGlynn Racing for allowing him to drive for their team throughout the 2005 season. "The McGlynn's were like a second family to me," Long stated. "I know Ray [McGlynn] had to do what was in the best interest for him and his team, and I can respect that he had to make changes to fit; we're still good buds." Due to the last-minute nature of this departure, Carl Long is looking for a NEXTEL Cup team to drive for at Phoenix this weekend. With just two races remaining on the schedule, Long hopes to keep himself in the top 50 of the 2005 NEXTEL Cup Series driver points. This would allow Carl Long to compete in the 2006 NEXTEL Open. Long made the NASCAR NEXTEL Cup Phoenix race held in the Spring of this year. Teams interested in having Carl Long drive for them this weekend are asked to call Carl directly or e-mail his website manager. For the season finale race held at Homestead-Miami Speedway on November 20th, Carl Long will be piloting the #80 Dodge for Stan Hover, owner of Hover Motorsports.(Carl Long site)(11-8-2005)
- Cope in the #00: Derrike Cope will be driving for McGlynn Motorsports once again, this time driving the #00 Dodge in Phoenix this weekend and again the following week at Homestead. The sponsor will be Buyers Choice/Royal Administration with Joey Arrington engines.(Derrike Cope site)(11-8-2005)
- Long to drive Dream Machine at Texas: Carl Long will be driving the #00 RoadLoans.com / Aarons Dream Machine for
McGlynn Racing this weekend at Texas Motor Speedway. Fresh off his career-best qualifying effort in Atlanta, Long looks to top that performance this weekend in Texas. McGlynn Racing welcomes RoadLoans.com to the team and look forward to a long-lasting relationship with Chris Goodman (Sr. VP, RoadLoans.com) and his team now and in the future. Driver Carl Long on driving the Aarons Dream Machine: "DW (Darrel Waltrip) has been wanting to drive the Dream Machine for a long time and since he owes me a favor for loaning my car to him a few years back, Michael (Waltrip) is letting me beat his brother to the punch and drive the Aarons Dream Machine this weekend. Maybe DW can bring the Dream Machine Jr. down to my place and cut my grass sometime."
Team Owner Ray McGlynn on new sponsors: "I want to thank our primary sponsor, Royal Administration, for allowing us the flexibility to move them all over the car and occasionally off the car to bring on new sponsors. The team is more consistent than ever and sponsors are beginning to realize they can join a small team like us while we are still growing and capitalize on NASCAR's enormous popularity at a level they can handle." This weekend's race also marks the arrival of the team's newest charitable organization, the Young Racers of America (YRA). As spokesman for the YRA, Carl Long wants to create further awareness for young racers and build a support system for youth drivers everywhere.(McGlynn Racing PR)(11-3-2005)
- Long named YRA spokesman: Young Racers of America, Inc., a non-profit organization, assists young racers in continuing their goal to compete in the ever-growing racing industry. McGlynn Racing shares this same passion! Therefore, Carl Long has agreed to be the spokesman for the YRA in order to create further awareness for young racers and to build a support system for youth drivers.
The Young Racers of America will make its debut on the #00 car at the Dickies 500 on November 6, 2005 at Texas Motor Speedway. YRA will also appear on the car as an associate sponsor during the 2006 season and will be featured on the McGlynnRacing.com web site. "We are very excited that the McGlynn Racing team has stepped forward and recognized the need our foundation serves. Every child should be given an opportunity to participate in something that they are extremely passionate about and with the added assistance of Carl Long, Ryan McGlynn and McGlynn Racing, they will be able to do so", states Gayle Lutyk, President and co-founder of YRA. More information about Young Racers of America, Inc. call 817.282.4YRA or visit: youngracersofamerica.org.(10-205-2005)
- Cope to drive the #08 at Martinsville UPDATE: Derrike Cope will be driving this weekend at Martinsville Speedway, driving for McGlynn Motorsports as a teammate with Carl Long, possibly #08. Copewill get fitted in the car on Thursday and head off to Martinsville.(Derrike Cope site)(10-18-2005)
UPDATE: Derrike Cope will team with Carl Long and drive a second car for McGlynn Motorsports at this weekend's race at
Martinsville, Virginia. The 1990 Daytona 500 winner will drive the GoldenPalace.com #08 Chevy. Although Derrike runs a limited NASCAR schedule, he is a proven driver with a record of nearly 10% of his starts resulting in a top ten finish. Derrike has been tabbed as driver for McGlynn Racing for this event as well as selected NASCAR Nextel Cup endeavors for the remainder of this season. McGlynn Racing is a young, up and coming Pennsylvania-based team that knows Derrike Cope can help move the organization to the next level.(McGlynn MotorSports)(10-20-2005)
- Long gets sponsor for Kansas: The Polly Klaas Foundation, a national nonprofit that helps find missing children and prevent them from going missing in the first place, announced today its featured spot as a complimentary sponsor of McGlynn Racing, a Pennsylvania team participating in NASCAR's Nextel Cup Series. McGlynn Racing, which has donated sponsorship space on the hood of its car to help raise awareness of the foundation and its mission, is racing this weekend at Kansas Speedway for the Banquet 400.
"Our work to protect children and find those that are missing is strengthened when the public knows about our services and educational resources," said Anita Galins, executive director of the Polly Klaas Foundation. "McGlynn Racing's generous donation of their valuable ad space provides a unique and powerful venue for us to reach many more people-in Kansas and nationwide. We are sincerely grateful and touched by their commitment to helping us protect kids, and we heartily root them on this weekend at the Banquet 400."
The Polly Klaas Foundation name, logo, Web site [www.pollyklaas.org] and toll-free hotline made its debut on the hood of the #00 Chevrolet driven by Carl Long at the Food City 500 in Bristol, Tennessee, on April 3. McGlynn Racing has added the Polly Klaas Foundation name to the side quarter panels, in addition to the hood, for this weekend's race to increase awareness of the mission.(McGlynn Racing)(10-7-2005)
- Long gets teammate at Dover: McGlynn Racing announced that Truck Series veteran, Ryan McGlynn, will be driving a second McGlynn Racing entry in the MBNA NASCAR Race Points 400 at Dover International Speedway on September 25th. Ryan will likely run #13 (pending NASCAR approval), and sport a brand new sponsor. The name of the sponsor and terms of the sponsorship agreement will be announced at a later date. McGlynn Racing's primary driver, Carl Long, will be racing at Dover driving the team's usual #00 car.(McGlynn MotorSports)(9-15-2005)
- Long adds sponsor at Bristol: #00-McGlynn Racing is going to help the #37 R.J. Motorsports team out by putting their sponsor, BoSPOKER.net on the hood of the #80 carloans.com Chevy that Carl Long will start 43rd in the Sharpie 500 at Bristol Motor Speedway on Saturday. Also some #37 team members will help pit Long's car.(Carl Long site)(8-26-2005)
- PEO Pros extends sponsorship to MIS on the #34 UPDATE: PEO Pros and Mach 1 Racing extended their one race deal to sponsor PJ Jones in the #34 Monte Carlo for the Cup race at Michigan International Speedway this coming weekend. Chris Edwards, owner of Mach 1 Racing, commented, “PEO Pros has been really helpful. I spoke with the owner today and he is already working on another potential sponsor for us from his field. Look for another sponsor on the car soon, maybe as soon as Bristol.” PEO Pros CEO John Tenney said, "We wish to share the great experience we’ve had sponsoring Mach 1 and PJ with our PEO partners. Our website traffic has not only increased, we are also getting some serious business inquiries.” There have been many inquiries from other drivers and teams looking for sponsors. Tenney is rather disappointed with this strategy. “As for you drivers looking for sponsors, let me give you a tip. Calling someone who just made a deal is not a good way to make friends in the industry. The sponsor has already allocated their marketing money and the current driver is not too happy with you. If you really want to find a sponsor, look at the recent sponsor’s field of business, get a picture of the car with the logo and go to their competition and say ‘Look what your competitor is doing.’ That will not only have a better chance of success, it’s better for NASCAR because you will bring new sponsors in, rather than trying to steal existing sponsors. PJ Jones is our primary driver. PJ is the person who brought me in to NASCAR 10 years ago. There is loyalty there.”
Although several of the requests have come from other drivers looking for sponsors, they are also getting many inquiries as to What Is PEO Pros and What Do They Do.(PR)(8-15-2005)
UPDATE: PEO Pros is sponsoring two cars this weekend, on the hood of the #34 Mach 1 Racing with P.J. Jones driving and the '3 post" of the #80 [owner #200] of McGlynn Racing with driver Carl Long.(8-19-2005)
- Carloan.com to Sponsor the #00 five races: Carloan.com, the Internet's top rated online car loan service, has signed a five-race sponsorship agreement with McGlynn Racing and driver Carl Long to continuing their partnership with the team starting with the NASCAR NEXTEL Cup Series race at Michigan International Speedway on August 21st. Carloan.com will be the title sponsor of the #00 McGlynn Racing entry for the Richmond and Martinsville races, as well as a major associate sponsor at Michigan and two other races that have not yet been determined. The McGlynn Racing car will showcase a new paint scheme at Michigan designed by the Carloan.com team. Carloan.com came aboard with McGlynn Racing earlier this year when they sponsored the team at Chicagoland Speedway. Find out more about Carloan.com at Carloan.com.(Carl Long site)(8-12-2005)
- McClynn Racing beefing up stable, sponsors on the way: Raynard McGlynn, owner of the #00 Chevy [sometimes Dodge] ran by Carl Long, was in high spirits Friday afternoon, and obviously much happier than six weeks ago at Pocono Raceway. “We think we can get in no problem,” McGlynn said on the eve of today’s qualifying for tomorrow’s NASCAR Nextel Cup Pennsylvania 500. Back in June, hopes for the Hanover Township team [PA] were dashed when driver Carl Long wrecked in practice for the Pocono 500. The team went back to the shop on the Sans Souci Highway to prepare a backup car, but that plan went awry and the team was forced to withdraw before qualifying. “It was a Dodge and the oil pan wouldn’t work in the car,” McGlynn said. “It was either cut the chassis and ruin a car to get back or say enough is enough.”
Much has changed in six weeks. McGlynn Motorsports has increased its stable of cars to nine with the purchase of four Dodges from Roger Penske and a Chevrolet from Bill Davis, both longtime NASCAR owners. The team also built a Dodge and is having a Chevrolet assembled. Plus, sponsorship deals are coming together. Champion Builders and Sundance Vacations are aboard this weekend. “We have a major deal kicking,” McGlynn said. “As a matter of fact, I have to fly to Atlanta next week. We have some meetings with Carloans.com. It’s a deal; I just have to finish up on it a little bit.” Should Long qualify for the Pennsylvania 500, it will be the first time this season the team has made three consecutive races. Thus far, the team has made six of the 12 races it attended. He was 42nd fastest among 47 drivers in the second practice Friday. Long just needs to be faster today than four of the other 11 drivers who need to make tomorrow’s race based on their qualifying speed. The good news is that five of those drivers were slower in the final practice. If Long accomplishes that, McGlynn said the team will continue to grow. “It’s a business, but there’s a lot of luck involved,” McGlynn said. “All you have to do is get tied up with the right people, then the right people will bring more sponsorship. That’s what is happening. It’s starting to snowball now.”(Times Leader), see images of the #00 on my #00 Team Schemes page.(7-23-2005)
- New Minority Owned Team...Carl Long to drive: Victory Motorsports unveiled the names of, Morty Buckles, an accomplished driver that will represent Victory Motorsports in the ARCA Racing Remax Series, and Carl Long, a skillful and experienced driver that will represent Victory Motorsports in the NASCAR Nextel Cup Series, and drive car #94. Morty Buckles, an African-American driver, has been a part of the NASCAR world for a number of years, most recently in the Drive for Diversity Program, and the NASCAR/Dodge Weekly Series, winning races and respect all around the organization. Carl Long, a resident of Troutman, North Carolina, has a solid 22 years of racing under his belt. Raised in Roxboro, North Carolina, Long started racing in the early 80's, and won his first Track Championship at South Boston Speedway in 1987. In 1992, Long was named the Winston Racing Rookie of the Year at Orange County Speedway. In 2000, Long made his first Winston Cup race, and in 2004 made a career high of six Nextel Cup races. Carl Long has participated at several levels of NASCAR racing, including Nextel Cup Series, Busch Series, and the Craftsman Truck Series [Long was/is running a limited schedule with the #00 McGlynn Chevy team]. Victory Motorsports is owned by Terance Mathis, former All-Pro Wide Receiver for the Atlanta Falcons. For more information go to Victory Motorsports.(TBG Worldwide PR)(7-6-2005)
- Sponsor for Long?: from the McLynnracing.com: Sponsorship In The Works: Carl Long and McGlynn Racing are happy to announce a major new sponsorship deal is about to be signed for 2005. Their new title sponsor will be with the team for 10 races in 2005 beginning at Michigan International Speedway on June 19th 2005 and concluding at Homestead-Miami November 20th. Both sides have also agreed to terms for the bulk of the 2006 season as well. The name of the new sponsor will be announced here on the team web site as well as at a planned unveiling of the car and hauler. The exact date and location of the unveiling is still up in the air. The addition of this major sponsor will make a significant impact on the team in more ways than one. The team will compete in more races than previously planned and the team will have the additional resources available to make the competition worry that much more about the #00. The trademark green will also change during this sponsorship. The green will be replaced by blue and silver.(5-17-2005)
- So what happened to Long in practice? for the Chevy American Revolution 400 at Richmond International Raceway. Carl Long crashed his primary #00 Buyer's Choice Auto Warranty Chevrolet during afternoon practice.
WHAT HAPPENED? During a qualifying run, my car's been extremely tight in the center of the corner. It was a little bit free entering Turn 1 each time and unfortunately for me with different run we had a different set of shocks on it. And those shocks wouldn't let the car recover-it kind of held it down real stiff. And when it got loose on me getting into Turn 1, where I've been recovering all practice, I reckon I gave out of talent.
IT APPEARS YOU ARE PUTTING YOUR MOTOR IN THE SPARE CHASSIS - DID YOU LIKE THAT MOTOR? Yeah, that's the only engine that we have, so..(GM PR), so it looks like Long will make an attempt to make the race.(5-13-2005)
- Long to make season debut at Las Vegas: Carl Long will be piloting the #00 Buyer's Choice/Howes/Champion Builders Chevrolet next weekend [3-13-2005] at Las Vegas Motor Speedway for the running of the UAW-DaimlerChrysler 400 NASCAR NEXTEL Cup Series race. In last year's event, Carl Long started the fan-supported #02 Pontiac in 41st position and finished 38th due to an oil pump issue that dropped him out of the race after completing 145 of 267 laps.(Carl Long site)(3-1-2005)
- Long/McGlynn plans pushed back: The McGlynn Racing team has elected to put their season debut on hold until the Las Vegas or Atlanta races in March. The decision was made to allow the team to better evaluate the competition in the NASCAR NEXTEL Cup Series. Champion Builders Sponsors McGlynn Racing Champion Builders Inc., one of the premier general contractors in the Eastern region of Pennsylvania, has signed on as a sponsor of the McGlynn Racing NASCAR NEXTEL Cup team for the 2005 Season. Champion Builders will be an associate sponsor on the car for the entire year, along with being the primary sponsor of the #00 Chevrolet at the Pocono race in June. For more information on Champion Builders Inc., please visit www.ChampionBuildersInc.com.(Carl Long site/McGlynn Racing site)(2-24-2005)
- Long's and McGlynn's 2005 plans: Carl Long's tentative 2005 season plans are as followed: Long once again will team up with Raynard McGlynn and McGlynn Racing to run an undefined number of NASCAR NEXTEL Cup races in 2005. This year the duo will focus further on combining resources to strengthen both parties involved. Carl Long will be the primary driver for the mega-team, running the majority of the races. While Ryan McGlynn, son of team owner Raynard McGlynn, will run selected short track races on the NASCAR NEXTEL Cup circuit. A two-car team for some events is possible. The team will utilize Chevrolet Monte Carlos and Dodge Chargers under the numbers #00 and #46. Both McGlynn Racing and Carl Long Racing are in search for primary sponsorship. There are no plans to run the season opening race at Daytona. The team hopes to head out to California Speedway on February 27th to mark the Auto Club 500 as their season-opening race.(Carl Long site)(12-17-2004)
- Long's Rockingham Car Diecast up for Auction: Up for auction on eBay.com is a custom-made 1/24th scale model of Carl Long's car that was destroyed in the frightening rollover crash at North Carolina Speedway earlier this year. This car is only 1 of 2 replicas ever produced by the artist, Richard Dupuis. 100% of the proceeds received from the winning bidder will be used to fund Carl Long Racing. For more info and the link to the auction, see www.carl-long.com.(6-20-2004)
- Long at Dover UPDATE: hearing that Carl Long will attempt to make the MBNA 400: A Salute to Heroes at Dover International Speedway in the #00 McGlynn Motorsports Chevrolet, while not asscoaited with Michael Waltrip or DEI, it is a former DEI car supposedly.(6-2-2004)
UPDATE: Carl Long has teamed up with the #00 McGlynn Motorsports Nextel Cup Chevrolet crew this weekend at Dover International Speedway and again for the upcoming Pocono Nextel Cup race scheduled for Sunday, June 13, 2004. Long has nine NASCAR Cup Series, four Busch Series and six NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series career starts to his credit and is one of the most popular independent drivers in NASCAR. Long has been tabbed by Team Owner Raynard McGlynn to help his team gain valuable experience on and off the track. McGlynn's long-term strategy is to enter his son Ryan in the July 25, 2004 Loudon [New Hampshire] Cup race. Driver Ryan McGlynn has been approved by NASCAR to compete in Nextel Cup tracks up to one-mile until he gains additional Cup experience. McGlynn competed at the inaugural Daytona truck event and is approved to compete at Superspeedways in all truck competition. McGlynn Motorsports plans on running at least one truck series event, possibly Kentucky. McGlynn Motorsports and driver Ryan McGlynn posted their career-best finish in the Kentucky truck race, coming home eleventh (11th) after qualifying twenty-ninth (29th) for the July 14, 2001 event.(TruckSeries.com)(6-3-2004)
- Carl Long to run the Nextel Open with Jaret's Angels: Carl Long will once again let Jaret's Angels come along for the ride on his #46 Dodge NASCAR NEXTEL Open entry, in hopes of raising awareness for the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation. Jaret's Angels is a family support team founded by Charlotte residents Erik and Sandy Arneson, whose son Jaret was diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes at the age of two. Since forming Jaret's Angels, the group has raised more than $40,000 for the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation in hopes of finding a cure for the life-threatening disease. "We just hope it does something for Jaret and some of the other families dealing with diabetes," Long said. "And we hope to be able to build on this relationship and this effort as the team continues to grow." Long also carried Jaret's Angels and JDRF logos on his Cup and Busch Series entries in 2002. "When Carl was nice enough to do this a few years ago, we were stunned by the response we got from across the country from others working to raise money for a cure," said Arneson, the director of public relations for SPEED Channel and a JDRF Charlotte board member . "This was never meant to be a fundraising effort, simply an awareness opportunity, but it has turned into both. We are extremely grateful to Carl and his team. It feels wonderful to look my son in the eye and tell him how many people are trying to help him get better." JDRF, the world's leading nonprofit, nongovernmental funder of diabetes research, was founded in 1970 by the parents of children with diabetes -- a disease which strikes children suddenly, makes them insulin dependent for life and carries the constant threat of devastating complications. Since inception, JDRF has provided more than $680 million to diabetes research worldwide. For more information, www.jdrf.org or call 800/533-CURE.(5-18-2004)
- So....what is up with Carl Long? Much of the hype has died down since the spectacular rollover wreck Carl Long was involved in at North Carolina Speedway almost two months ago. The car that was demolished in the accident has now been replaced. With help from the generous donations received from the fans, Carl was able to purchase a 2004 Dodge that will be ready to debut in the NASCAR Nextel All-Star Challenge qualifier event at Lowes Motor Speedway in May. ALSO: Carl Long Racing Merchandise now available as Long recently announced the opening of its new Carl Long Racing Support Team online store. See more at Carl-long.com.(4-23-2004)
- It's back... the FieldFillers.com web site [Andy Belmont...and others] is now back on the web, with some slight changes, check it out at www.FieldFillers.com.(4-23-2004)
- Fans help out Long UPDATE Hermie surprised and Charlotte Interview: It has been one of this week's most amazing sports stories, and a quite emotional one - dozens of NASCAR fans have nearly inundated Carl Long with checks for $25 or $50 to help him rebuild his race car from the remains of Sunday's crash [at Rockingham] as he tries to continue one of stock-car racing's most improbable quests. Long, a driver from Roxboro [NC] now living in Troutman, is trying again to put his racing life back together after the off-season sponsorship collapse of the Travis Carter operation. "It's something I never thought would happen," Long said in amazement. "The fans have been going to my web site and sending in money, close to $4,000 now. That means more to me.... I'm going to try to send 'em all something, a postcard or something, maybe with a before-and-after shot of the car. The crash appeared to doom Long's comeback bid. But then Hermie Sadler jumped into the deal and is loaning Long his car for next week's Las Vegas race and the Atlanta race the week after.(see full story at the Winston Salem Journal)(2-28-2004)
UPDATE: Hermie Sadler had no idea that there would be so much fanfare surrounding the hiring of Carl Long to pilot his team's NEXTEL Cup entry this weekend at Las Vegas. Since the announcement, the Sadler Fan Club has been deluged with offers of support and many questions. Sadler finally decided to address some of the questions. "When I talked to Carl last Friday at Rockingham, we were simply looking for someone to drive the car that I thought could do the job, and Carl can do that," stated Sadler. "Neither of us thought that anyone would even care that he was driving our car, much less write about it, but since his accident at Rockingham, it seems to have turned into one of the biggest stories heading into the event." Sadler says many questions are being asked about the car Carl will be driving as well as sponsorship. "The car we are taking is a brand new car. It is a Pontiac we built last season and never got the chance to race it. We updated the body to meet NASCAR's new template rules and it looks great. I am looking forward to watching it run as much as Carl is looking forward to driving it. As far as sponsorship, we do not have one at this time for the Cup car, but I told Carl to feel free to make any contacts that he can. We are committed to going and doing everything we can regardless of sponsorship, but if someone wants to help us out, we were certainly appreciate the help." When asked about future races, Hermie said that he and Carl had agreed on Las Vegas only for now, but felt sure they would team up again in the near future. "Right now, it is Vegas only, but we will evaluate where we are after that and go from there. Maybe we can go to LVMS and have a respectable finish, and we can put together more races." For more information on sponsorship opportunities for SCORE Motorsports and Carl Long for this event, please call SCORE Motorsports at 434-348-0267 or contact Carl Long at www.carl-long.com.(SCORE Motorsports PR)(3-2-2004)
INTERVIEW: A guy that made headlines at Rockingham but for all the wrong reasons was in studio Monday night with News 14’s Mike Solarte. Nextel Cup driver Carl Long, who drove the #46 car at the Subway 400, will drive the #02 car in the circuit’s next two races. Long came out unscathed from a spectacular crash at the North Carolina Speedway, where his car flipped over several times. Many fans admire Long’s perseverance. Despite little funding, he has managed to qualify for races and put up a good showing. Long talked to News 14 about how the season is going so far, his “field-filler” status, and how some generous fans have donated money to his cause. See the interview via video at www.news14charlotte.com.(3-3-2004)
- Long and the #02 Get a Sponsor for LVMS: Raceway Media, LLC has signed with SCORE Motorsports to be the primary sponsor for its #02 NEXTEL Cup Series entry that will be driven by Carl Long this weekend at Las Vegas Motor Speedway. The company is using the race to promote its on line classified division, www.racingjunk.com. RacingJunk.com is a free online classified service where racers, racing fans, and enthusiasts can find everything race related, from racing parts to engines to complete race cars and anything in between. Approximately $80 million dollars worth of products are currently posted on the site, with up to 600 new ads posted daily. About Raceway Media, LLC: Raceway Media is a multimedia publishing
company servicing the racing industry, based in North Adams, MA. They publish a quarterly all glossy, full color racing magazine serving the Northeast and a monthly racing shopper that is distributed nationwide. RacingJunk.com is the online classified Website for the racing industry with over 30,000 registered members and over 500,000 visitors monthly. Raceway Media also owns and operates RVJunk.com and BoatingJunk.com.(PR)(3-3-2004)
- Carl Long to run the #02 at Vegas: SCORE Motorsports, a joint venture between NASCAR driver Hermie Sadler and retired NBA star Bryant Stith, announced today that veteran racer Carl Long will drive the team's NASCAR NEXTEL Cup Series (NNCS) entry for next week's UAW-Daimler-Chrysler 400 at Las Vegas Motor Speedway. Long will attempt to make his second NASCAR NEXTEL Cup Series start of the season behind the wheel of the unsponsored #02 Pontiac Grand Prix. "Carl and I talked last Friday at Rockingham, and it seemed like a win-win situation for both of us," stated Hermie Sadler, co-owner of SCORE Motorsports. "We are looking to have a presence in the NEXTEL Cup Series, and this opportunity allows us to do that while allowing me to focus my attention to the performance of our Busch Series team." (#02 Chevy) Sadler, the 1993 NASCAR Busch Series Rookie-of-the-Year also mentioned, "it also gives Carl the opportunity to race while he continues to pursue some other opportunities. We look forward to having him as a part of our team for the event." Sadler, who ran 10 NNCS races in 2003, expressed the team is also hoping to enter the event Atlanta Motor Speedway. "We're seriously considering the AMS (Atlanta Motor Speedway) NASCAR NEXTEL Cup event. We'll know more after Las Vegas, but it's our hope and intent to be competing in the Golden Corral 500 with Carl Long as the driver." Long, a former NASCAR AutoZone Elite Division and ARCA RE/MAX Series driver, made his 2004 NASCAR NEXTEL Cup Series debut at North Carolina Speedway driving his own No. 46 Al Smith Dodge Intrepid. After starting the event 42nd and running comfortably in the top-35, he was taken out in a vicious accident on lap 265. Long was tagged by Joe Nemechek and tumbled down the backstretch several times, landing on his wheels at the entrance to turn three. He was uninjured in the crash, and credited with a 38th-place finish. Long hopes to make his tenth NASCAR NEXTEL Cup Series start next week and is ecstatic about the chance to join SCORE Motorsports for Vegas.
"I am very honored about having another shot to race in the NASCAR NEXTEL Cup Series, especially with SCORE Motorsports," he said. "I am very confident that I will be able to give 150% behind the wheel for the team, and I feel there should be no reason why a top-20 finish should be out of the question. This opportunity with Hermie Sadler and SCORE Motorsports came before our accident on Sunday," Long said emphatically. "I've been friends with Hermie for many years, and this was a deal that was beneficial to both of us. I'm hoping that out all the details can be worked out with Spears Motorsports, which will allow me to compete in the 500-mile event in Atlanta," Long continued. He is a member of the Spears Motorsports team that David Starr drives for in the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series. "My duties for Spears Motorsports are my main concern, so we'll have to play it by ear." One obstacle the Virginia-based operation faces is finding the backing for two of the most exciting NNCS races of the season. "At this point we do not have a primary sponsor, but we are looking and asking any interested parties to please contact us," Sadler mentioned. Anyone interested in sponsorship opportunities at SCORE Motorsports can find contact info at their website at: www.sadlerfanclub.com.(2-25-2004)
- Long earns his 'purse'. loses his only Cup car: The most spectacular wreck of the race involved #46-Carl Long, one of the four "field-fillers" in the event, who walked away unhurt after flipping his car almost six times down the backstretch. Long was bumped from behind by #01-Joe Nemechek on lap 263 and the contact sent him into the wall along the backstretch. His car turned on its side as it skidded along the track, then barrel-rolled several times before finally coming to a stop. Long quickly emerged unhurt from the only race car he owns. "We were racing along and someone must have got into me, because next thing I knew, I seen the people up there in the back straightaway in the bleachers up there eating chicken," Long said. "You can't pay $2 at the state fair to ride something like that." There had been concern about the field-fillers, who made the race because of a shortage of full-time competitors. Long, #09-Joe Ruttman, #72-Kirk Shelmerdine and #80-Andy Hillenburg were all well off the pace the entire weekend and clearly not capable of being competitive. NASCAR ordered Ruttman off the track one lap into the race when they saw he had no pit crew set up. Shelmerdine was called off shortly after - he had been lapped eight minutes in - because he wasn't up to the minimum speed requirement. Still, Ruttman earned $54,196 for his last-place finish and Shelmerdine got $54,895 for coming in 42nd. Hillenburg finished in 34th place, 17 laps down, and picked up $55,425. Long, too, had been lapped several times, but was running a clean race before the wreck. He finished 38th and earned $55,135. "We made the highlight reel, but it won't do much for me racing," said Long, who has made spot starts in NASCAR's top series the past several years. "Without any sponsor and without any deal, that's not the way I wanted to finish today. I don't have another car, so I guess it will be some time before I get out there again - unless someone wants me to put their car on the highlight reel like that."(ThatsRacin.com/AP and see a column at NASCAR.com: Long loses car, but not sense of humor)(2-22-2004)
- Long at the Rock: the Carl Long site is reporting that Long has entered the upcoming Subway 400 NASCAR Nextel Cup Series race at North Carolina Speedway. He will be driving the #46 Dodge for Glenn Racing. The team is looking for sponsorship. For those who want to help Carl in this effort, he asks for you to please contact him. Along with running the Nextel Cup race, Carl will still be driving the #83 Ford for Long Brothers Racing in the NASCAR Busch Series race at Rockingham.(2-16-2004)
