Best Buy (10 races) is scheduled to be the sponsor at the following races in 2012:
Daytona - 2/26
Phoenix - 3/4
Bristol - 3/18
Texas - 4/14
Talladega - 5/6
Dover - 6/3
Richmond - 9/8
Chicago - 9/16
Charlotte - 10/13, with National Breast Cancer Foundation
Homestead - 11/18

Zest (6 races) is scheduled to be the sponsor at the following races in 2012:
Las Vegas - 3/11
Darlington - 5/12
Daytona - 7/7
Pocono - 8/5 [added]
New Hampshire - 9/23
Kansas - 10/21
Martinsville - 10/28

Fifth Third Bank (4 races) is scheduled to be the sponsor at the following races in 2012:
Charlotte, All-Star Race - 5/19
Kentucky - 6/30
Indianapolis - 7/29
Michigan 8/19

Ford EcoBoost (10 races so far) is scheduled to be the sponsor at the following races in 2012:
Auto Club - 3/25
Kansas - 4/22
Richmond - 4/28
Pocono - 6/10
Michigan - 6/17
Sonoma - 6/24
Watkins Glen - 8/12
Atlanta - 9/2
Dover - 9/30
Martinsville - 10/28

Fastenal (1 races) is scheduled to be the sponsor at the following races in 2012:
Charlotte - 5/27, with NASCAR Unites

Valvoline NextGen (? races) is scheduled to be the sponsor at the following races in 2012:
Bristol - 8/25

Stephen Siller Tunnel to Towers Foundation/Gary Sinise Foundation was on the #17 at:
Martinsville - 4/1

Logano & Stenhouse Jr. bring holiday cheer to Troops on USO tour: NASCAR Sprint Cup Series driver Joey Logano and two-time and reigning NASCAR Nationwide Series champion Ricky Stenhouse Jr. recently teamed up with the USO to deliver good times and holiday cheer to troops overseas in the Middle East and Germany. Logano and Stenhouse extended America's thanks to men and women in uniform, and let them know their service, sacrifice and dedication are appreciated – not just during the holiday season but every day. After meeting troops serving in the Middle East and Germany, they wrapped up their USO tour by visiting recovering warriors at the Landstuhl Regional Medical Center, also located in Germany.
In all, Logano and Stenhouse visited six installations and touched the lives of hundreds of service men and women overseas. The tour was part of an ongoing partnership with the USO that continues to strengthen the connection between the military and motorsports. During this year's NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Champion's Week in Las Vegas, NASCAR teamed up with the USO to host healing heroes and their families at NASCAR Victory Lap and the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Awards.
This was the second USO tour for Logano, who last year, along with 2012 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series champion Brad Keselowski, visited hundreds of troops and military families stationed at Guantanamo Bay, Cuba. This was the first USO tour experience for Stenhouse.
"We had the chance to meet some amazing men and women on our USO tour," said Logano. "I have so much respect for our troops; they do their jobs day in and day out without complaint and are always giving it their all. We are lucky to have these men and women serving and protecting our country, and I can't thank them enough for all that they do."
"My first USO tour was an amazing experience. It was an honor to meet our troops and see them in action," Stenhouse said. "The service and sacrifice of these men and women and their families are inspiring, and I have nothing but admiration and gratitude for what they do for our country." More about the USO and usowishbook.org and uso.org.(NASCAR), see images at uso.box.com.(12-13-2012)

#17 & #99 to swap crews for 2013? Stenhouse crew chief? UPDATE 2: hearing that the #17 & #99 pit crews will swap for the 2013 season. Current crew chief of the #17, Jimmy Fennig could move over to the #99 Ford of Carl Edwards or go back to his position in Roush Fenway's R&D Department. Supposedly Scott Graves, who currently is Ricky Stenhouse Jr.'s crew chief when he drives the #6 Ford in the NASCAR Sprint Cup, will move over to the #17 Sprint Cup Series ride with Stenhouse when he moves to the Sprint Cup Series in 2013. Edwards could end up with Fenning as his crew chief, or keep Chad Norris. his current crew chief. Also, former Edwards crew chief, Bob Osbourne could return to the #99 pitbox. In September Roush Fenway Racing owner Jack Roush said he didn't expect any crew chief changes for the team in 2013 and that Osbourne's "health is still a question mark.''(11-9-2012)
UPDATE: veteran crew chief Jimmy Fennig will move to the #99 team with driver Carl Edwards. Fennig replaces Chad Norris, who filled in after Bob Osborne stepped down in July due to health concerns. Norris is expected to oversee the #60 Nationwide Series team. Scott Graves, who has been working as Edwards' team engineer, will take the reins for Ricky Stenhouse Jr.'s rookie campaign.(FoxSports)(11-14-2012)
UPDATE 3 Roush Fenway Racing has announced that veteran crew chief Jimmy Fennig will lead Carl Edwards and the #99 Roush Fenway Sprint Cup team in its championship run in 2013. In addition, up and coming crew chief Scott Graves will lead the #17 team and defending Nationwide Series Champion Ricky Stenhouse Jr. during his rookie campaign next season. "We are excited about this change on both fronts," said team owner Jack Roush. "Pairing two highly successful veterans like Carl and Jimmy should be quite a matchup and it is our expectation based on what Jimmy has been able to accomplish with many high profile drivers, that it will provide the spark to get the #99 program and Carl back into championship form. However, we are particularly excited about teaming up Scott Graves and Ricky. Through his extensive research and development work, Scott has an excellent understanding of the new 2013 body style. In his short time as a crew chief he has demonstrated a cunning knack as a leader on the pit box and he is going to be a great match for Ricky as he makes his move upwards into the Sprint Cup ranks."(Roush Fenway Racing)(11-15-2012)

3000th Cup start for Roush Fenway: This is a milestone week for Roush Fenway Racing owner Jack Roush, whose organization celebrates its 3,000th NASCAR Sprint Cup Series start in Sunday's Tums Fast Relief 500 at Martinsville Speedway. Roush's Ford team made its series debut on Feb. 14, 1988, when Mark Martin finished 41st in the Daytona 500. Since then, Roush has celebrated 130 victories - most recently last weekend, when Matt Kenseth drove his #17 Ford into Victory Lane at Kansas Speedway.(NASCAR)(10-24-2012)

Kenseth wins at Kansas: #17-Matt Kenseth won the Hollywood Casino 400 Sprint Cup Series race at Kansas Speedway for his 3rd win of year and 24th career win.
#56-Truex, Jr. finished 2nd followed by #27-Menard, #5-Kahne, #14-Steart, #15-Bowyer, #88-Smith, #2-Keselowski, #48-Johnson, and #24-Gordon.
#48-Johnson led a lap early in the race while #2-Keselowski did not lead a lap. With Johnson finishing just behind Keselowski, Keselowski's points lead remains at 7.
There were a season high 14 cautions for 66 yellow flag laps. There were 16 lead changes among 10X drivers. The average speed was 115.086mph.
The estimated attendence was 78,000, up from 75,000 in the spring race but down from 82,000 last October.
See race results, awards, money won, laps led, cautions and more on the Kansas Race Results page (pdf) and the official race and points rundown on the Official Race & Points Report.
See drivers championship points standings on the Drivers Points Standings (pdf)
For the owner points standings, see the Owners Points Standings (pdf).(10-21-2012)

Kenseth wins at Talladega: #17-Matt Kenseth won the Good Sam Roadside Assistance 500 race at Talladega Superspeedway for his 2nd win of year and 23rd career win.
#24-Gordon finished 2nd followed by #18-Busch,#34-Ragan, #78-Smith, #16-Biffle, #2-Keselowski, #93-Kvapil, #39-Newman, and #31-Burton.
The race finished under caution after a big wreck on the final lap that collected 25 cars, including many chase contenders. #14-Stewart was leading when he pulled down to block #55-Waltrip. He got turned around and everyone was collected after that. NASCAR had to review video after the race to determine many finishing positions.
#2-Keselowski retains the points lead with 2179, a lead of 14 points over #48-Johnson.
There were 5 cautions for 17 yellow flag laps. There were 54 lead changes among 18 drivers. The average speed was 171.194mph.
The estimated attendence was 88,000, down from 108,500 in May and down from 105,000 last October.
See race results, awards, money won, laps led, cautions and more on the Talladega Race Results page (pdf) and the official race and points rundown on the Official Talladega Race & Points Report.(10-7-2012)

Kenseth will get a new spotter at Joe Gibbs Racing Mike Calinoff will end his long run as spotter for former NASCAR Sprint Cup Series champion Matt Kenseth at season's end, remaining with Roush Fenway Racing when Kenseth jumps to Joe Gibbs Racing next season. Calinoff has remained mum about his plans for 2013, but Kenseth revealed this weekend that his longtime spotter will move on. Asked via Twitter whether Calinoff will accompany him to JGR and the #20 Home Depot Toyota, Kenseth replied "No, he is a great spotter, I will miss him." Calinoff subsequently confirmed those plans, revleaing that he will spot for 2011 NASCAR Nationwide Series champion Ricky Stenhouse, Jr. when Stenhouse takes the wheel of Roush Fenway's #17 Ford next season. He currently serves as Stenhouse's "eye in the sky" in Nationwide Series competition, and also spots for youngster Nelson Piquet, Jr. on the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series.(Godfather Motorsports)(10-7-2012)

Best Buy sponsoring Stenhouse at Charlotte: Roush Fenway Racing's Ricky Stenhouse Jr. will pilot the #6 Best Buy Ford in the October 13th Sprint Cup event at Charlotte Motor Speedway. Stenhouse, along with RFR teammate Matt Kenseth, will form a formidable pair of Best Buy Fords, with Kenseth's #17 Fusion also featuring the Best Buy blue and yellow for the event. It will mark the first time that Best Buy has sponsored two cars in a single race, with race fans treated to both the present and the future of the sport with the unique 'one-two punch' of Roush Fenway's first Sprint Cup Champion in Kenseth and its latest NASCAR Champion in the youthful Stenhouse. The race will be Stenhouse's third Sprint Cup event of the season and his fourth career Cup start.(Roush Fenway)(10-4-2012)

Roush Fenway looking for 700th top 5: This weekend Roush Fenway Racing will look for its monumental 700th NASCAR Sprint Cup top-five finish as NASCAR rolls into the "Monster Mile" at Dover International Speedway. The team earned its first top-five finish on April 10, 1988 at Bristol Motor Speedway, with a second-place finish that saw Mark Martin edge out future Hall-of-Famers Rusty Wallace, Bobby Allison and Richard Petty. The finish came in RFR's sixth career NASCAR start. As an organization Roush Fenway has totaled no less than 11 top-five finishes in any Cup season since 1989. The team set an organizational record with 61 top-five finishes in 2005, the same year it placed all five of its Sprint Cup entries inside the 10-race "Chase" for the Cup. The team scored 50 top-five Cup finishes in 2008 and 45 in 1998. Roush Fenway has totaled 30 or more top-five Sprint Cup finishes in 12 of its 24 completed seasons.(Roush Fenway)(9-29-2012)

Kenseth goes pink at Talladega: Matt Kenseth, driver of the #17 for Roush Fenway Racing, will sport a pink Ford Fusion when he rolls into Talladega Superspeedway for the Oct. 5-7 Good Sam Roadside Assistance 500 weekend. The pink ride came about through a partnership between Roush Fenway Racing, Talladega Superspeedway and the National Breast Cancer Foundation. In addition to Kenseth's pink ride, Roush Fenway Racing is also auctioning off an honorary pit crew experience to raise funds for the National Breast Cancer Foundation. Fans can bid on this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity through the NASCAR Foundation auction page. Bidding for the honorary pit crew experience with the No. 17 team closes at 8:00pm EST on Monday, October 1st. "When it comes to spreading the message of early detection of breast cancer, we need partners like Talladega Superspeedway and Roush Fenway Racing," says NBCF Founder & CEO, Janelle Hail. "Their support will help us fulfill our mission to save lives by providing free mammograms for the underserved, and their tradition of excellence and winning spirit will inspire hope in the many NASCAR fans and families that are facing this disease today."(Roush Fenway Racing), see an image of the car on the #17 team paint schemes page.(9-27-2012)

Fifth Third returns to #17 to sponsor Stenhouse in 2013 UPDATE: Fifth Third Bank will sponsor Ricky Stenhouse Jr. in the 2013 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series. Fifth Third is sponsoring the same car it backed earlier this season, but with a different driver [Matt Kenseth]. Stenhouse will drive the #17 Fifth Third Ford Fusion next season. Fifth Third will be the primary sponsor of Stenhouse at Daytona, Michigan, Kentucky and Martinsville next year and an associate sponsor at all other Sprint Cup races in 2013. It also will be the primary sponsor of Stenhouse's #6 Ford at this year's last Sprint Cup race of the season, the Ford EcoBoost 400 at Homestead-Miami Speedway Nov. 18. Jack Roush, co-owner of Roush Fenway Racing, which owns the car, said Fifth Third is one of three main sponsors of Stenhouse and the #17 team. "We have seen Ricky develop into a NASCAR Nationwide Series champion and we're pleased to provide this opportunity for him to begin his Sprint Cup Series career next season with Fifth Third Bank, Best Buy and Zest on board," Roush said. The deal follows a Fifth Third sponsorship announced in May of Matt Kenseth driving the same #17 Fifth Third Ford Fusion for four races this summer (Business Courier ), Kenseth will leave the team after 2012 and drive the #20 Job Gibbs Racing Toyota in 2013.(9-21-2012)
UPDATE: Ricky Stenhouse Jr. will run at least three Sprint Cup races for Roush Fenway Racing – Dover, Charlotte and Homestead – during the remainder of this season. "Right now, we're organized for three races with him at Dover, Charlotte and Homestead," said Jack Roush, "but if we decide his prospects for winning the Nationwide championship are improved by running more Sprint Cup races, we'll do that, and if we decide there's a sponsor that expresses interest and wants to take a look at him, or to be on board for an additional venue, we'll do that as well."(Gaston Gazette)(9-23-2012)

Best Buy Unveils Evolved Viewing Experience for Sports Fans: Best Buy launched the Best Buy Evolved Viewing Experience at Chicagoland Speedway. The Best Buy Evolved Viewing Experience showcases what you can do when you combine normal technology with some imagination and innovation resulting in an out-of-this-world experience. Optimized for racing, Best Buy partnered with Two Bit Circus to create a fully immersive experience for fans that makes them feel like they are actually part of the race. Best Buy launched the Evolved Viewing Experience in Chicago as part of its Roush Fenway Racing sponsorship activation program. In addition to the Chicago launch, the Best Buy Evolved Viewing Experience will be at track in Charlotte and Homestead during the Chase races this season. Best Buy has been a team sponsor for the past eight years, and the 2013 season will mark the company's ninth year with the sport.(RFR)(9-22-2012)

Sponsors returning to #17 team in 2013: UPDATE: Roush Fenway Racing confirmed that 2011 Nationwide Series champion Ricky Stenhouse Jr., will pilot its historic #17 Ford Fusion next season in the Sprint Cup Series. One of the emerging talents in NASCAR, Stenhouse steps into a championship-caliber program in the # 17, with current team partners Best Buy, Fifth Third Bank and Zest each returning to the team as primary sponsors in 2013. "I can't think of a better fit for Ricky than the #17 team," added Jack Roush. "Ricky will have the luxury of being flanked by a championship-level team from the start. His drive, determination and commitment to winning will mesh very well with the demeanor of the #17 team. It will be our job to put him in the best equipment possible, as well as to guide him through the learning curves that are part of his rookie season. Best Buy, Fifth Third Bank and Zest each joined Roush Fenway's #17 team as primary partners in 2012. These three partners will return to the #17 again next year, with each increasing their commitment in 2013 for Stenhouse's entry into Sprint Cup competition. With their involvement, the majority of Stenhouse's races for 2013 are fully sponsored.(Roush Fenway)(9-14-2012)
UPDATE: Roush Fenway announced that Best Buy, Fifth Third Bank and Zest will increase their sponsorship roles with the organization in 2013. Best Buy will be on Stenhouse's car for 12 races and #99-Carl Edwards' car for four, an increase of three races. Team president Steve Newmark said the #17 is 70 percent sponsored for next year, calling it a good sign since this time a year ago there was 100 percent availability for 2012 with Kenseth. Newmark said RFR's goal is to return to four cars in 2014. The organization shrank to three teams this season due to lack of sponsorship for the #6 car.(ESPN)(9-15-2012)

No crew chief changes expected at Roush next season: Team owner Jack Roush said on Friday at Chicagoland Speedway that he anticipates Jimmy Fennig remaining the crew chief for the #17 team with Ricky Stenhouse Jr. when he replaces Matt Kenseth. Kenseth is leaving the organization to drive the #20 at Joe Gibbs Racing next year. Roush also anticipates Chad Norris, who replaced Bob Osborne in mid-July due to unspecified health issues, to remain with #99-Carl Edwards. #16-Greg Biffle and crew chief Matt Puccia, who led the standings before they were reshuffled to reflect wins for Sunday's Chase opener, also are staying together. "Bob, his health is still a question mark,'' Roush said. "Chad Norris has done a great job. The team has rallied around Chad. There is no reason for me to believe from what I've seen so far that Chad won't be able to build that team to carry forward in 2013.'' Roush gave a similar evaluation of Fennig staying with Stenhouse.(ESPN)(9-14-2012)

It's Official - Matt Kenseth signs with Joe Gibbs Racing: Joe Gibbs Racing announced that 2003 NASCAR Cup Series Champion and two-time Daytona 500 winner, Matt Kenseth, has signed with the team to drive the #20 Toyota Camry with sponsorship from Dollar General and The Home Depot starting in 2013. "We are thrilled to be able to officially announce Matt will join Joe Gibbs Racing starting at the conclusion of this season," said Joe Gibbs, owner of Joe Gibbs Racing. "Everyone knows what he has accomplished in our sport as a champion and a consistent winner. He is well respected in the garage and his experience and knowledge will be extremely beneficial to our entire organization, especially Denny and Kyle." Kenseth is currently third in the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series point standings with a win, nine top-five and 14 top-ten finishes thus far this season. Over the course of his career he has won a total of 22 Cup races while earning 122 top-five and 223 top-ten finishes.
"I'm excited to announce what the next chapter in my career will be," said Kenseth. "I remain totally committed to this season and working with my current team toward a championship and having this settled will only help my focus. JGR is an impressive organization with tremendous leadership and strong support from sponsors like Dollar General and The Home Depot. I'm very fortunate to have the opportunity to move from one great situation into another starting in 2013."(JGR), Gibbs also said during the press conference that Jason Ratcliff would remain as the crew chief for the #20 team.(9-4-2012)

Stewart talks about run in with Kenseth and helmet: #14-Tony Stewart, met with members of the media at Atlanta Motor Speedway and discussed some topics including the incident with #17-Matt Kenseth at Bristol, the transcript in part:
Q) YOU AND MATT (KENSETH) TALKED THIS MORNING IS EVERYTHING GOOD BETWEEN YOU TWO THEN?
Stewart: "Yeah, we are fine. It's like we mentioned earlier in the week, we have too much to do the last 10 weeks to be worrying about each other. It's just like we always said there are 43 people out there and they are not always going to agree on the track at the same time. The big thing is getting it done and over with now."
Q) THIS SPORT WAS BASICALLY THRUST INTO THE MAINSTREAM IN 1979 WHEN CALE (YARBOROUGH) AND DONNIE (ALLISON) WENT AFTER IT IN A FIGHT. THE FANS APPRECIATION FOR THAT RAW EMOTION HASN'T CHANGED ANY OVER THE YEARS. WHY DO YOU THINK THAT RESONATES SO MUCH WITH THE FANS?
Stewart: "I don't know it still makes me wonder why NASCAR won't let that moment be relived fully. People like emotion every other sport gets a cool off period, every other sport you get time to calm down where our deal it's a little bit different we don't have that. It's not like one play is a bad play and you go to another play the bad deal for us is we are done for the day. That is where it's different."
Q) IF YOU GET THAT HELMET BACK WHAT ARE YOU GOING TO DO WITH IT?
Stewart: "Charity auction if I get it back. For some reason it's MIA (Missing in action)."
Q) IT MIGHT END UP IN THE HALL OF FAME…
Stewart: "That's fine too if it ends up in the hall of fame so be it. There have been a lot of charities that have asked to have that for an auction right now."
Q) HAVE YOU ASKED FOR IT (THE HELMET) BACK?
Stewart: "No, not yet."(Team Chevy)(9-1-2012)

Comments from Kenseth about Bristol incident: #17-Matt Kenseth met the media shortly after 1 p.m. on Friday. Afterwards, he met with Tony Stewart to discuss the much-discussed incident at Bristol Motor Speedway last weekend that resulted in Stewart hurling his helmet at Kenseth's #17 Ford. "Honestly, last week I was really surprised," Kenseth said. "I wasn't trying to put our cars in a bad situation. I thought we were going to make it through there and I thought it was going to be alright, so I'm not sure what all went down there. But Tony and I, 99% of the time at least, show each other probably more respect and more room on the track than probably most people have. There have been a couple instances here and there, but I think, overall, we try to show each other a lot of respect and we usually get that back."(RacinToday)(9-1-2012)

JGR to announce Kenseth as driver next week: Joe Gibbs Racing plans to announce next Tuesday [Sept. 4th] that Matt Kenseth will be its newest driver beginning in 2013. The 2003 Sprint Cup champion will take over the #20 team driven by Joey Logano with Home Depot as his primary sponsor. JGR president J.D. Gibbs said on Saturday at Bristol Motor Speedway he still held out hope of re-signing Logano and adding a fourth team if sponsorship can be found. Logano is not expected to be a part of Tuesday's press conference. Logano also is a candidate for the #22 Cup team at Penske Racing. He recently said he was not interesting in a part-time Cup ride and full-time Nationwide Series ride that was one of his options at JGR. "He was OK with that until another opportunity came up," Gibbs said of Logano.(ESPN)(8-29-2012)

Kenseth still not talking about 2013 deal: #17-Matt Kenseth isn't exactly a man without a race team, but he still hasn't announced his deal for next year. It's a poorly kept secret that Kenseth will be driving for Joe Gibbs Racing in 2013, but sources have told the NASCAR Wire Service that Kenseth is embargoed contractually from announcing his new ride until a later date, perhaps before the end of August. Asked about the possible timing of the announcement, Kenseth was typically circumspect. "I would if I knew, but I don't know," Kenseth said. But is the deal for next year still in place? "I hope so," Kenseth said with a laugh.(NASCAR Wire Service)(8-12-2012)

Ford EcoBoost returns for Kenseth: #17-Matt Kenseth may never lay claim to being 'King of the Road' when it comes to turning left and right in the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series, but the 2003 series champion isn't about give up trying as he prepares for Sunday's annual Finger Lakes 355 at The Glen. In 25 career road course starts, Kenseth is still looking for his first victory and first top-five finish. In the only other such event this season at Sonoma in June, the Wisconsin native finished 13th but this figures to be tougher for Kenseth, who has only three top-10 performances in 12 all-time appearances at famed Watkins Glen International. Besides trying to get his initial victory on a road course, Kenseth will also be looking to get the #17 EcoBoost Ford Fusion its first series triumph. This is the seventh time in 2012 that Kenseth will be carrying the EcoBoost brand, which is in the midst of a global motorsports marketing campaign to raise its visibility among fans.(Ford Racing), see images of the scheme on the #17 Team Schemes page.(8-9-2012)

Roush says Penske will use Roush-Yates engines: UPDATES: Jack Roush says Penske has decided to run Roush-Yates Ford engines next season. Penske has said he will not be shutting down the 80-man operation he currently has, but it would seem unlikely that Ford would care for one of its star new players to also continue building Dodge engines on the side. A possible sale of that engine shop to Dodge itself has been speculated as the only logical solution.
Roush: "Roger and I will cooperate on things that are in our common interests, and we will compete on things that reflect our need to be independent and justify our space on the race track. We've done the bulk of the work on the 2013 car; we did invite them to have a look at what we've done in concert with Ford, and made sure we had their blessing, along with the other Ford teams involved. The indication are -- though I don't know if the papers have been signed yet -- that he will use our engines. He does have a few things he does different with his cars and the way the engines are mounted; so we'll respect his experience and his package preference. Whether we wind up with the same package for all Ford cars or not is yet to be determined."
Roush, asked about the possibility of Penske becoming a business partner with Roush and Doug Yates in the engine operations, said "There is no plan on the table for Roger for any ownership in the engine program. But I stop short of saying that would never be a consideration going forward."(MikeMulhern.net)(8-4-2012)
UPDATE: Roush Yates Engines announced that it will provide Ford FR9 engines to Penske Racing beginning with the 2013 NASCAR season. Penske Racing announced earlier this year that it would be returning to Ford Racing in 2013 in the Sprint Cup and Nationwide Series. "It's truly an honor to provide Penske Racing with Roush Yates Ford engines," said Doug Yates, CEO of Roush Yates. "I have always admired Roger Penske as a team owner and a respected businessman in our sport and beyond. I am looking forward to many wins, championships, and other successes in supporting the Penske organization." Penske Racing fielded Ford entries from 1991 through 2002. "Ford has been consistent in its belief that we will be stronger with one engine specification rather than continuing with an independent approach," said Tim Cindric, President of Penske Racing. "Roush Yates has a proven record and we are looking forward to many successes together."(Roush Yates)(8-6-2012)
UPDATE 2: Penske Racing will switch to Roush Yates horsepower in its 2013 move to Ford in the Sprint Cup Series, but the team still is exploring ways to keep its 63 engine employees. Penske President Tim Cindric told USA Today Sports that still building motors for Dodge teams in NASCAR's premier series wouldn't be an option, though. "Relative to us, they said they're going in a different direction," Cindric said. "We don't see there being any more potential on the NASCAR side with Dodge." Cindric said Penske has explored sending some of its engine staff to Roush Yates, reassigning others within Penske Racing and perhaps pursuing engine projects in other series with the rest of the employees in a scaled-down engine room. "We feel our biggest asset wasn't the (horsepower) but the people," Cindric said. "That's a strong group of people we didn't want to break up."(USA Today)(8-7-2012)

Roush Fenway names Senior VP: Roush Fenway Racing has announced the addition of sports marketing veteran Pete Thuresson to its marketing operations. Thuresson will serve as senior vice president of sales and business development, overseeing Roush Fenway's business development and marketing partnership efforts. A 20-plus year veteran of sports marketing, Thuresson boasts an extensive background in partnership management and industry marketing. He previously headed up national partnerships for FOX Sports in Chicago.(Roush Fenway Racing)(8-2-2012)

Kenseth can't talk about 2013 deal yet but: Matt Kenseth will drive for Joe Gibbs Racing in 2013, but according to multiple sources, the Sprint Cup points leader can't talk about it until mid- to late-August at the earliest due to a stipulation in his current contract with Roush Fenway Racing. Roush announced last month that the 2003 Sprint Cup champion was leaving after the 2012 season and would be replaced by reigning Nationwide Series champion Ricky Stenhouse Jr. Kenseth confirmed at the time he has a deal for 2013, but declined to discuss details. RFR officials declined to comment on any portion of Kenseth's contract. Joe Gibbs Racing president J.D. Gibbs declined on Sunday at Indianapolis Motor Speedway to comment on Kenseth's situation. But Gibbs said the goal was to have four teams in 2013, and that every effort was being made to re-sign Joey Logano, whose contract expires after this season, if sponsorship can be found. "We want him to retire at JGR," Gibbs said. "We're trying to figure out how to make all of that work." Sources said Kenseth would take over the Home Depot and likely Dollar General sponsors currently on Logano's #20 Toyota. They left open the possibility of Kenseth running the #20 or another number. Sources said JGR has looked at several options for Logano, from running a full-time Nationwide schedule and part-time Cup schedule to running a full-time Cup schedule with a part-time or full-time Nationwide slate. "We've talked a number of different potentials, but obviously we'd like him to be in Cup full-time," Gibbs said. Logano also has been shopping for other options in 2013. The #22 car at Penske Racing could become one spot with driver AJ Allmendinger indefinitely suspended for violating NASCAR's drug policy. Kenseth isn't talking to anybody, at least not about his future after Roush. "No," he recently said when asked if he could shed light on his 2013 plans. "I hoped to do it a couple of weeks ago. I don' t know when it's gonna happen. You guys will know the same time I do, I guess."(ESPN)(7-30-2012)

Ford EcoBoost Will be Seen Around the World: EcoBoost is taking over the world - at least when it comes to Ford Motor Company's motorsports program in the month of August. Ford's latest engine technology, which provides increased fuel efficiency and decreased emissions without sacrificing power, has been a major hit with consumers worldwide. Beginning with the first weekend in August, motorsports fans will get a heavy dose of Ford EcoBoost highlighted through a unique livery on selected racing vehicles around the world. Ford will use its North American racing programs in NASCAR Sprint Cup and Nationwide, NHRA drag racing and Best in the Desert, while its FIA World Rally Championship and China Touring Car Championship programs will also participate. The livery campaign kicks off on the weekend of Aug. 3-5 with NHRA in Seattle and the World Rally Championship event in Finland. The promotion will continue the following weekend of August 10-12 at Watkins Glen International as champion drivers Matt Kenseth and Ricky Stenhouse Jr. compete in the NASCAR Sprint Cup and Nationwide Series, respectively. Kenseth will be in his #17 Ford EcoBoost Fusion while Stenhouse drives his #6 Ford EcoBoost Mustang. Two other series will round out the Ford EcoBoost blitz August 17-19 in the Las Vegas to Reno off-road race sanctioned by the Best in the Desert Racing Association and at the China Touring Car Championship event at the Ordos International Circuit in China. The Ford EcoBoost livery made its debut on the 2013 NASCAR Fusion that debuted in January and race fans have also seen the livery debut earlier this year in series such at Rally America and Formula Ford Great Britain.(Roush Yates)(7-27-2012)

Kenseth remains mum on team switch: For nearly two weeks, #17-Matt Kenseth has been hounded by one question. And moments after guiding his Harley-Davidson into Bristol Motor Speedway Tuesday afternoon, the NASCAR Sprint Cup points leader heard it again. Now that his profitable 14-year partnership with car owner Jack Roush is over, just what team will Kenseth drive for next season? Once again, Kenseth deftly danced around the answer. "We've been together forever with Roush," Kenseth said. "Three or four years ago we made a commitment to race together through 2012. That never got extended through 2013, so we will just race as hard as we can until the end of this season." The hottest rumor involves Kenseth landing at Joe Gibbs Racing. Meanwhile, defending Nationwide Series champion Ricky Stenhouse Jr. will replace Kenseth in the familiar #17 Ford next season. Kenseth was in Bristol Tuesday as part of the NASCAR Winner's Circle program to promote the IRWIN Tools Night Race at BMS on Aug. 25. Along with NASCAR television personality Kyle Petty, Kenseth rode his motorcycle from Smokies Park in Sevierville to BMS with members of Rolling Thunder, a group made up mostly of military veterans. Rolling Thunder's purpose is to bring awareness to those military members who were prisoners of war or are missing in action. The 40-year-old Kenseth refused to offer any hints as to his future place of employment. He added that he hasn't discussed the issue with fellow competitors. "I really haven't talked to anyone about it, except for the parties involved," Kenseth said. "After Roush put the release out that I wasn't going to be back in 2013 and I got through last weekend, it was almost a relief in a way because the last two or three months have been somewhat stressful. I wasn't sure what I was going to do and what was going to happen. With all that being out there now, I can just concentrate on the season." #24-Jeff Gordon, who has been affiliated with Hendrick Motorsports since 1993, is the only NASCAR Sprint Cup driver who has a longer partnership than Kenseth and Roush.(Bristol Herald Courier)
BUT am hearing the Kenseth will be in the #20 Joe Gibbs Racing Toyota with Home Depot and Dollar Genreal as the primary co-sponsors. Current driver Joey Logano could end up in a 4th JGR Toyota or could head elsewhere, such as the #22 Penske Racing Ford if A.J. Allmendinger doesn't return to that ride in 2013.(7-11-2012)

Different look for Kenseth at New Hampshire: This weekend at Loudon NH at New Hampshire Motor Speedway, Matt Kenseth will pilot the #17 NESN National Ford Fusion where he has an average starting position of 20.7 and an average finishing position of 14.0 (RFR). The New England Sports Network (NESN) is owned by the Boston Red Sox and Boston Bruins and delivered to over 4 million homes throughout the six-state New England region and nationally as NESN National. The definitive source for New England sports programming, NESN has consistently been one of the top rated regional sports network in the country and was the first regional sports network in the country to originate every game and studio show in high definition.(7-10-2012)

Kenseth wins Slinger Nationals; Kyle Busch second: Matt Kenseth has won a NASCAR championship. He's won two Daytona 500s. And now he's won a record six titles in the 33-year history of the Miller Lite Slinger Nationals. While that's not quite the same, it's not a bad accomplishment, either, for the old-school short-track racer from Cambridge. "It's always fun to win, that's for sure," Kenseth said Sunday in Slinger Speedway's victory lane. "It's always fun when you can beat Kyle. It's hard to beat him." That's Kyle Busch, always a threat in NASCAR and the 2011 Nationals champ. Kenseth beat him on a restart with 24 laps to go - after a caution flag he didn't want - and pulled away by nearly a second at the checkered flag. Busch didn't look happy when he climbed from his car and did not talk to reporters. Ross Kenseth, Matt's son and the pole-sitter, rallied and benefited from attrition to finish third, another second behind. Michael Bilderback and Rich Bickle filled out the top five.(Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel)(7-2-2012)

Roush would like to have kept Kenseth: NASCAR team owner Jack Roush said Friday he was surprised to learn Matt Kenseth was leaving Roush Fenway Racing, and Roush wished he would have done more things to keep him. RFR announced Tuesday that Kenseth would leave the organization at the end of the season and Ricky Stenhouse Jr., the defending Nationwide Series champion, will replace Kenseth in the #17 Ford in Sprint Cup. "I will say I was surprised when I learned [Kenseth] would not be signing with us," Roush said at Kentucky Speedway. "I won't comment on any of the negotiations because we have an agreement not to talk about that." But Roush added that he probably could have done more to re-sign Kenseth, the 2003 Cup champion, had he known Kenseth was serious about leaving. "If I was as diligent on that end as I am about finding out why a fuel pump broke, I might have been able to stop it," Roush said. "From my standpoint, he will be moving to the dark side. But the friendship part for us will survive. I've not lost respect for Matt and I hope he hasn't for me. I've enjoyed the 15 years with Matt and the success he's had as a driver. He is a cornerstone here and his DNA is all over this organization."(ESPN.com)(6-30-2012)

Logano says no change in his status: #20-Joey Logano didn't know anything more about his 2013 plans Friday than he did Tuesday morning before Roush Fenway Racing announced that Matt Kenseth was leaving its organization. Kenseth is expected to join Joe Gibbs Racing, either in a fourth car or as a replacement for Logano, who does not have a contract for next year. "I've heard nothing new," Logano said following qualifying at Kentucky Speedway. "We're still up in the air on a lot of things." Team president J.D. Gibbs said Wednesday that he would like Logano to remain at JGR long term but the sides don't have a deal done for 2013. Gibbs declined to discuss whether Kenseth was joining the organization. "We want (Logano) to be here forever," Gibbs said Wednesday. "That's kind of what we're working on. Until you have stuff laid out (and can say), 'Here's the plan,' it's not really worth talking about."(Sporting News)(6-30-2012)

No Cup champion has changed teams at end of year: Looking back at the history of the Chase, we've had just five drivers qualify knowing they'd be with a different organization - or not even racing - the following season. None of them were in serious contention for the title, and just one finished inside the top 5:
Year, Driver, Pending Silly Season Move, Points Finish
2005: Rusty Wallace (from Penske to retirement) - 8th
2005: Kurt Busch (from Roush to Penske) - 10th
2006: Mark Martin (from Roush to part-time schedule with Bobby Ginn) - 9th
2007: Kyle Busch (from Hendrick to Gibbs) - 5th
2008: Tony Stewart (from Gibbs to self-owned team) - 9th
[2012: Matt Kenseth (Roush to Gibbs?) - ?]
(Frontstretch)(6-29-2012)

Kenseth leaving Roush: UPDATES: #17-Matt Kenseth declined to discuss his future with Roush Fenway Racing before Sunday's race at Sonoma, where there was rampant speculation he's been talking to other race teams. Kenseth acts as his own agent, and has been with Roush his entire career. But his #17 Ford has limited sponsorship, and team owner Jack Roush has been paying out of his own pocket to ensure Kenseth runs a full season. "You know I don't talk about my contract," Kenseth said. "I'd like to have something to tell you, but I don't have anything to talk about right now. Until I have something to announce, I don't talk about it."
Everybody else was talking, though, and Kenseth's name this weekend was linked to both Joe Gibbs Racing, a Toyota team, and Penske Racing, which is moving from Dodge to Ford in 2013. Kenseth is a longtime Ford driver. JGR team president J.D. Gibbs declined to discuss any possible negotiations with Kenseth. JGR not only has room for expansion to a fourth car, but Joey Logano's status as driver of the #20 is currently unresolved. Logano is in the final year of his contract. "I'm not allowed to talk," he said.
Roger Penske was not at Sunday's race, but senior vice president of Penske Corp., Bud Denker said the team is not talking to Kenseth and is content with AJ Allmendinger in the #22. "Our expectations are that AJ will be in the car and Todd (Gordon) will be the crew chief next year," Denker said. "So we are not talking to Matt, that's confirmed." The Penske move to Ford has led to talk the organization could be a potential home for Nationwide Series champion Ricky Stenhouse Jr. or 2011 Daytona 500 winner Trevor Bayne, who are both in long-term contracts with Roush but are stymied because of sponsorship woes.(ESPN/Associated Press)(6-24-2012)
UPDATE: Roush Fenway Racing announced that 2011 NASCAR Nationwide Series champion Ricky Stenhouse Jr. will compete for the team full-time in NASCAR Sprint Cup Series competition beginning in 2013, while Matt Kenseth and Roush Fenway will part ways at the conclusion of the 2012 season. "Ricky Stenhouse Jr. has more than proved his abilities on the race track," said team co-owner Jack Roush. "We feel that he is not only a key piece of our team's future, but a key piece of the future of the sport. Roush Fenway is an organization with a wonderful past and present, as well as an extremely promising future, and I can't think of a better candidate than Ricky to usher in the next era of success for the team. Of course, I'd like to thank Matt Kenseth for his many years of loyal service," added Roush. "Matt has been an integral part of this organization for well over a decade, and we are extremely appreciative of his accomplishments and contributions to the team, and will always consider him a part of the Roush Fenway family."(Roush Fenway Racing)(6-26-2012)
UPDATE 2: Statement from Ford's Jamie Allison, "All of us at Ford are certainly disappointed to hear that Matt will be leaving, and he will be certainly missed by us and the Ford Racing fans. We are thankful for Matt's winning efforts and championship-caliber success with the Roush and Ford racing programs these past 16 years, both on and off the track. We will focus on this year and look forward to more success on the track in his #17 Ford Fusion this season."(Ford Racing)(6-27-2012)
UPDATE 3: Roush Fenway president Steve Newmark said Roush Fenway's likely 2013 scenario would be for the organization to have three Cup teams with #99-Carl Edwards, #16-Greg Biffle and Stenhouse while Trevor Bayne, who currently runs a part-time Cup schedule for Wood Brothers Racing and select Nationwide races for Roush Fenway, would replace Stenhouse in the team's full-time Nationwide car. Whether current Kenseth crew chief Jimmy Fennig will be Stenhouse's crew chief is still to be determined, Newmark said.(Sporting News)(6-27-2012)
UPDATE 4: Matt Kenseth has a Sprint Cup ride in place for 2013 and beyond, the NASCAR point leader from Cambridge told the Journal Sentinel on Wednesday in his first print media interview since announcing he would leave Roush Fenway Racing at the end of the season. When that deal is announced is undetermined, Kenseth said. The decision to leave was made in a meeting last week with team owner Jack Roush, Kenseth said. "There's a lot of stuff through the season that's probably led us to this point," Kenseth said. "There isn't really a smoking gun, there really isn't an inside story about a firing or an argument or really any of that. At the end of the day, I had an opportunity to go try something else. The timing all worked out. I think everything happens for a reason. Things just kind of lined up to maybe try something else in 2013 and beyond that I'm kind of excited about.(Milwaukee Journal Sentinel)(6-27-2012)

Roush plane crash in 2010 attributed to pilot error: The National Transportation Safety Board has concluded that the 2010 plane crash in which team owner [#'s 16,17,99] Jack Roush was injured was caused by pilot error. The NTSB released Friday its determination of probable cause in Roush's July 27, 2010 crash at Wittman Regional Airport in Oshkosh, Wis. The report confirmed Roush's version of what happened — that he was concerned about a plane taking off on the same runway where he was landing, causing him to ground-loop his airplane. The NTSB stated that after Roush aborted the landing, he should have throttled to full power instead of throttling to about 33 percent of full power. The NTSB report indicated that Roush could have landed the plane safely, but Roush told investigators that he didn't throttle to full power because he was making sure there were no other planes in the area.(Sporting News), see full NTSB report at ntsb.gov.(6-24-2012)

Roush to drive pace car in Michigan NNS race: What's next for Jack Roush, NASCAR team owner, successful Northville businessman, passionate pilot and two-time plane-crash survivor? What about pace-car driver? "Well, they're going to let me drive the Ford Mustang pace car for today's Nationwide Series race," Roush said Friday. "At 8:30 (in the morning), I'm going to get my instructions. I don't know if they'll let me drive afterwards. My guess is I'll just be in the pace car for one of the preliminary laps and won't be there when it's time to turn them loose for the green flag." Roush, 70, is a very competent driver -- he raced dragsters as a youngster and plenty of muscle cars over the years. Today, Roush will be at the wheel of one of his Roush-built Stage 3 Mustangs to pace the race. The vehicle was donated by Roush for auction with a portion of the proceeds going to the SAE International Foundation for science and math education.(Detroit Free Press)(6-16-2012)

Kenseth interviews himself: With no NASCAR official at the podium when he entered the Charlotte Motor Speedway media center Thursday, #17-Matt Kenseth took control of the situation and introduced himself. "Joining us in the media center right now is Matt Kenseth," he deadpanned. "He comes in second in points. Don't know where he finished last year. Matt, why don't you talk about it." Kenseth scooted from behind the podium microphone to his usual seat at the table and started answering his own question, to the guffaws of a roomful of reporters.(CMS Pit Notes)(5-25-2012)

Roush Fenway Racing to have three Fastenal sponsored cars: Victory Lane can be an elusive destination for many teams and sponsors, but Fastenal has an advantage Sunday night in the Coca-Cola 600 at Charlotte Motor Speedway by sponsoring all three of Roush Fenway Racing's Sprint Cup entries. RFR has an impressive record at Charlotte, winning the 600-mile race four times and totaling 20 victories there in NASCAR competition. "Everyone on the Fastenal 'blue team' has been looking forward to this race all season long," said Fastenal president and CEO Will Oberton. "When we started out as a sponsor in the truck series six years ago, we never would have dreamed that we'd see the Fastenal name on three of the premier Cup Series cars in a single race."
The Fastenal "NASCAR Unites" paint schemes will be carried on the #16 of Greg Biffle, the #17 of Matt Kenseth and of course the #99 of Carl Edwards. The three drivers have a combined total of two wins, 15 top-five and 27 top-10 finishes at Charlotte.(Roush Fenway Racing), see images of the schemes on the #16 Team schemes page, #17 Team schemes page and #99 Team schemes page.(5-24-2012)

Roush, Kenseth working on new contract: Despite sponsorship issues, #17-Matt Kenseth's future is secure at Roush Fenway Racing. Team owner Jack Roush said Monday that the 2003 Sprint Cup champion, in the final year of his current contract, will have a ride with RFR as long as he wants one. "Matt Kenseth is a cornerstone of Roush Fenway and he'll be part of it as long as I am, as long as he wants to be,'' Roush said. "He certainly has a place here as long as I'm able to stay at the head of it.'' RFR president Steve Newmark said Kenseth's No. 17 car still has eight to 10 unsponsored races. While sponsorship remains an issue for 2013 as well, Newmark echoed Roush's comments on negotiating a new deal for Kenseth. "It is my hope, expectation and desire that Matt continue with Roush,'' Newmark said. "I expect to see him retire (at Roush). He is an integral part of the organization. When you think of Matt you think of Roush. When you think of Jack you think of Matt Kenseth.'' Newmark said the sponsorship focus at RFR, not only for Kenseth but the entire organization, is on 2013 and getting back to four full-time Cup cars and one full-time Nationwide Series car. The organization shrank to three Cup cars this season when sponsorship couldn't be found for the #6 and David Ragan. The anticipation is Nationwide Series points leader Ricky Stenhouse Jr. will move into the #6 Cup car in 2013 and Trevor Bayne will drive Nationwide full time.(ESPN)(5-15-2012)

New sponsor for Kenseth? number? UPDATE 2: Roush Fenway Racing is scheduled to make announcement at the NASCAR Hall of Fame on Monday, May 14th for an announcement regarding the new number on Matt Kenseth¹s #17 Sprint Cup Ford Fusion, as well as a new multi-year partner for RFR and Kenseth. Kenseth and team co-owner Jack Roush will be on hand for the event.(Roush Fenway Racing), NOTE: the PR doesn't say Kenseth will have a new car number but a new number on the car. And it could be a special number for the All-Star race like last season when Jimmie Johnson ran the #5 in the event.(RFR PR)(5-10-2012)
UPDATE: Remember that advisory about the announcement of a "new number" on the two-time Daytona 500 winner's Sprint Cup Series Ford Fusions? "They did what they wanted to do," Kenseth said Friday from Darlington, S.C. "They created a big buzz. That's for sure." Kenseth, a Cambridge, Wis., native who won the 2003 Cup title, said he read the news release like everyone else. Just more carefully than most. "Everybody's kind of worked up about it," he said. "I just read the release at the same time everybody else did, and I didn't read anything in there that said we were changing our car number." An explanation of the "new number" and an announcement of a "new multi-year partner" -- notice it didn't say anything about a full-time primary sponsor -- are scheduled for Monday morning at the NASCAR Hall of Fame in Charlotte, N.C.(Milwaukee Journal Sentinel)(5-12-2012)
UPDATE 2: Fifth Third Bancorp announced a multi-year marketing partnership with Roush Fenway Racing, beginning this season with four races as the primary sponsor of Matt Kenseth's #17 Ford Fusion in the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series. A similar number of races for the following years will be announced at a later date.
Fifth Third will be the primary sponsor of Kenseth's Ford at four Sprint Cup Series races in 2012 including:
Sprint All Star Race in Charlotte, NC on May 19
Quaker State 400 in Sparta, KY on June 30
Crown Royal's "Your Hero's Name Here" race in Indianapolis, IN on July 29
Pure Michigan 400 in Brooklyn, MI on August 19
"Fifth Third Bank is excited to partner with Roush Fenway Racing and Matt Kenseth on this Sprint Cup Series sponsorship," said Greg Carmichael, executive vice president and chief operating officer of Fifth Third Bancorp. "Our organizations share many common values including a focus on teamwork and a desire to challenge the status quo to be the best at what we do. We are looking forward to working with the Roush Fenway Racing organization, and Matt Kenseth, to help drive our business and build the Fifth Third Bank brand." The partnership between Fifth Third Bank and Roush Fenway Racing was announced Monday, May 14th at the NASCAR Hall of Fame in Charlotte where the paint scheme for the Fifth Third Ford Fusion was also unveiled.(4-traders.com), see an image of the car on the #17 Team Schemes page.(5-14-2012)

Roush Fenway Racing to Host Fan Day on May 24: Roush Fenway Racing will host its annual Fan Day on Thursday, May 24 at its Concord, N.C. campus. The Roush Fenway drivers, show cars and sponsor booths will highlight the activities planned that day. The event will kick off at 8am when tickets will be handed out for the autograph sessions. The autograph sessions begin at 10:00am with Roush Fenway drivers Matt Kenseth, Ricky Stenhouse Jr., Trevor Bayne and team owner Jack Roush. Then Carl Edwards and Greg Biffle will sign for fans at 11:30am.
Several displays will be on hand along with show cars, free samples, food and a band. The RFR gift shop and museum will also be open extended hours throughout the race weekends at Charlotte. "Our fan day is a great opportunity for people of all ages to get to meet the drivers, see the show cars up close and learn about the wide range of products our sponsors offer," said Jack Roush. "It is a fun way to kick off the Memorial Day race weekend and we enjoy having so many fans visit our facility." Admission is free and fans of all ages are encouraged to attend.(RFR)(5-12-2012)

Fastenal to sponsor all 3 Roush cars in Coca-Cola 600: Fastenal will sponsor all three Roush Fenway Racing entries in the Coca-Cola 600 at Charlotte Motor Speedway on May 27. The Fastenal paint schemes for #99-Carl Edwards, #16-Greg Biffle and #17-Matt Kenseth will also incorporate the "NASCAR Unites - An American Salute" red, white and blue theme. This is not the first time Fastenal has sponsored the RFR fleet. Last year all three RFR Nationwide Series Fords displayed the Fastenal colors at the Charlotte race in May. The Blue Team placed first (Kenseth), second (Edwards) and fourth (Ricky Stenhouse Jr.).(Roush Fenway Racing)(5-3-2012)

Ross Kenseth Gets His First PASS South Win: Ross Kenseth [son of Matt Kenseth] took his first major Southern Super Late Model victory Saturday night in the PASS South Orange Blossom Special at Orange County Speedway (NC). The victory made Ross Kenseth the second driver to win Super Late Model events in three of the country's top series, the Pro All Star Series, ARCA/CRA Super Series and the ASA Midwest Tour. The other driver was Kyle Busch who complete the task last July in Oxford, Maine.(51 Sports PR, more at rosskenseth.net)(4-24-2012)

Ford EcoBoost to sponsor Kenseth: #17-Matt Kenseth, will sport the primary colors promoting Ford EcoBoost at Kansas Speedway this upcoming weekend. This is the 2nd that the #17 entry for Roush Fenway Racing will carry the Ford EcoBoost paint scheme after running the scheme at Auto Club Speedway in March. Ford EcoBoost technology uses turbo-charging and direct gasoline injection to boost engine output, thus reducing emissions and improving fuel efficiency by as much as 20%, see images of car/scheme on the #17 Team Schemes page.(4-17-2012)

Zest to sponsor Kenseth another race: from Zest's Facebook - "Zest would like to thank all fans for their continued support of our products and our Zestfully Clean driver, #17-Matt Kenseth. Due to this enthusiasm, we are happy to announce we will be sponsoring Matt in another race on May 12th in Darlington, SC.", see images of the car on my #17 Team Schemes page.(4-17-2012)

Kenseth celebrates Daytona 500 win: About a month and a half after winning the 54th annual Daytona 500 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series race, #17-Matt Kenseth was finally able to reunite with his winning car and celebrate his historic victory with race fans during the Champion's Luncheon at Daytona International Speedway on Wednesday afternoon. "It's pretty cool to see (the car) sitting there with all the confetti on it, just like it was sitting in Victory Lane, and seeing the fans lined up out there," said Kenseth, who was joined by his owner Jack Roush and crew chief Jimmy Fennig. "It's unusual to celebrate today, but it was kind of an unusual race so I might as well just keep that going." For the first time in history, rain postponed the start of this year's Daytona 500 as well as the traditional day-after Champion's Breakfast. The "Great American Race" was rescheduled for Monday night, Feb. 27 and a great crowd returned to witness Kenseth hold off Dale Earnhardt Jr. and Greg Biffle to capture his second career Daytona 500 triumph. During the Champion's Luncheon, Kenseth, Roush and Fennig took part in a fan forum, signed autographs and participated in media interviews. Kenseth also joined Daytona International Speedway President Joie Chitwood III in unveiling the logo for the 2013 Daytona 500 scheduled for February 24, 2013. "It's always good when you see the fans enthused and show up to these events especially a couple months later and on a Wednesday around lunch time," Kenseth said. "It's pretty neat." The confetti-covered #17 Best Buy Ford will remain on display at Gatorade Victory Lane inside the Daytona International Speedway Tours and Ticket Office and will be returned to the team prior to the 2013 Daytona 500.(DIS)(4-12-2012)

Kenseth to return to Daytona for Daytona 500 Champion's Breakfast: Roush Fenway Racing's two-time DAYTONA 500 Champion, #17-Matt Kenseth, is set to return to the site of his historic win this week for a rescheduled fan event celebrating the team's victory. The win in the 54th "Great American Race" also earned a milestone victory for Roush Fenway Racing as the organization earned its 300th NASCAR win in the process. Originally scheduled as the Champion's Breakfast for the morning of February 27, 2012, the event had to be rescheduled after rain showers forced the DAYTONA 500 to be run Monday night on February 28th. The event is open to fans and includes a fan forum question and answer event with Kenseth, team owner Jack Roush, and crew chief of the #17 Best Buy team, Jimmy Fennig. Doors open at 10:45 a.m. and fans will have the opportunity to have their picture taken with the winning No. 17 Best Buy Ford Fusion which is on display at the facility for the next year. Lunch will also be available for those in attendance, and guests will have the opportunity to get a tour of Daytona International Speedway. Tickets for the original Champion's Breakfast event for February 27, 2012 will be honored for the Champion's Lunch on April 11th. Tickets are also available for $40 by calling 1-800-PITSHOP or online at daytonainternationalspeedway.com.(Roush Fenway Racing)(4-10-2012)

#17 to honor wounded U.S. Marine at Martinsville: In an effort to salute those who have given so much to protect our freedoms, Roush Fenway Racing and driver of the #17 Ford, Matt Kenseth, will be running a special paint scheme at Martinsville Speedway for the Goody's Fast Relief 500. Kenseth's car will be the #17 Stephen Siller Tunnel to Towers Foundation/Gary Sinise Foundation Ford and will feature a salute to United States Marine Corps Corporal Josh "J.B." Kerns. Kerns was a combat engineer with the U.S. Marine Corps and was on a mine sweep on April 7, 2011 in Afghanistan during his third tour of duty. An improvised explosive device (IED) detonated nearby and Kerns lost both of his legs along with his right arm due to the blast. Almost a year later after that fateful day, Matt Kenseth will race the #17 Stephen Siller Tunnel to Towers/Gary Sinise Foundation Ford at Martinsville as a tribute to Kerns for the sacrifices he made for this country. As part of their Building for America's Bravest program, the Tunnel to Towers Foundation and the Gary Sinise Foundation announced that they will build a "smart home" for Kerns in his hometown of Ararat, Virginia which is located nearby to Martinsville Speedway. As part of the fundraising efforts associated with this program, Lionel NASCAR Collectables will create a die-cast of the #17 Stephen Siller Tunnel to Towers Foundation/Gary Sinise Foundation Ford and a large portion of those proceeds will go to building Kerns' new smart home.(Roush Fenway Racing), and more info about a fundraiser on Saturday, see my Racing Charities page.(3-27-2012)

Ford EcoBoost to sponsor Kenseth: #17-Matt Kenseth, will sport the primary colors promoting Ford EcoBoost at Auto Club Speedway this upcoming weekend. This is the first time that the #17 entry for Roush Fenway Racing will carry the Ford EcoBoost paint scheme and comes at a track where Kenseth has achieved success at in the past; including three Sprint Cup victories. Ford EcoBoost earned its first NASCAR [Nationwide] victory as a primary sponsor at Las Vegas Motor Speedway with Roush Fenway Racing's Ricky Stenhouse Jr. in the #6 Ford [Stenhouse also ran the EcoBoost scheme in the Daytona 500 on the #6 Ford]. Ford EcoBoost technology uses turbo-charging and direct gasoline injection to boost engine output, thus reducing emissions and improving fuel efficiency by as much as 20%. Ford will offer fuel-efficient EcoBoost engines in 11 vehicles in 2012, up from seven in 2011, tripling the production capacity of EcoBoost-equipped Ford vehicles. Expanded availability in high-volume nameplates helps make fuel economy more affordable for hundreds of thousands of drivers.(Roush Fenway Racing)(3-20-2012)

NASCAR says Kenseth legally beat Keselowski to line on Bristol restart: Generally, there are two cardinal rules when it comes to NASCAR's double-file restarts: don't change lanes before you cross the start/finish line and if you're in second, don't beat the leader to the start/finish line. With 154 laps to go in Sunday's Food City 500, #17-Matt Kenseth restarted second. The leader, #2-Brad Keselowski, was next to him on the inside line. It was the first time the leader had taken the inside line all day. Kenseth clearly beat Keselowski to the start/finish line as you can see in the video above, and the two entered turn one side-by-side before Kenseth prevailed and cleared Keselowski a few laps later. Kenseth never conceded the position to Keselowski, nor was he black-flagged by NASCAR. Why? Because according to NASCAR spokesman Kerry Tharp, race officials deemed that Keselowski hadn't mashed the gas in the designated restart zone before the start/finish line, allowing the second-place driver -- Kenseth -- the right of way to accelerate on his own.(Yahoo Sports)(3-19-2012)

Matt Kenseth wins the Daytona 500: #17-Matt Kenseth won the 54th running of the Daytona 500 Sprint Cup Series race at Daytona International Speedway for his 2nd Daytona 500 win and 22nd career win. Kenseth won in a green-white-checkered finish after a wreck on lap 197, the race ran 202 laps. The race was twice delayed by rain, first from Sunday to Monday at 12:00noon/et, then to 7:00pm/et. Then there was a 2:05:29 red flag when #42-Montoya had a transmission break during a caution as he was catching up to the field, lost control of the car and slammed into the safety truck / jet dryer, destroying his #42 Target Chevy and causing the jet dryer to leak get fuel and catch fire. There was a line of fuel on fire from the jet dryer at the top of the track to the bottom of the banking. After the fire was put out, the track was cleaned up, inspected and the race restarted with 40 laps to go.
#88-Earnhardt Jr. finished 2nd [his sixth 2nd place finish since his last win] followed by #16-Biffle, #11-Hamlin, #31-Burton, #27-Menard, #29-Harvick, #99-Edwards (pole sitter), #20-Logano and #55-Martin. 2011 Champ, #14-Stewart was involved in a late accident and finished 16th. #48-Johnson got tapped by #33-Sadler and caused the first caution on lap 2, taking Johnson out of the race [finishing 42nd] and collecting #10-Danica Patrick [who got repairs and finished 38th]. Three-time Daytona 500 winner #24-Gordon has an engine expire and finished 40th.
There was 10 cautions for 42 laps along with a 2 hour 5 minute red flag for the track cleanup after the jet dryer accident. There were 27 lead changes among 13 drivers. The estimated attendence was 140,000 (originally estimated at 180,000), down from 182,000 in 2011.
See race results, wards, money won and more on the Daytona Race Results page (pdf) and also on the Official Daytona Race Report (pdf)(2-27-2012)

Roush Fenway Scores Historic 300th Victory with Daytona 500 Win: Roush Fenway Racing officially kicked off it's 25th Anniversary season in grand fashion on Monday night, with #17-Matt Kenseth holding off teammate #16-Greg Biffle as the organization claimed its historic 300th NASCAR victory with its second Daytona 500 victory in the first ever night-time running of the famed event at Daytona International Speedway.
"It feels great," said Kenseth. "We even went overtime a little bit since we didn't quite go the whole distance the first time we won it. We had a really fast car all day and overcame a lot of adversity and problems with the car that we figured out. We had a great pit stop at the end that put us into position. It feels great. I wasn't expecting to win when I woke up this morning so it feels good to be sitting here."
Kenseth and Biffle combined to lead 83 of 200 laps in the race, with Kenseth taking the lead for the final time with 37 laps remaining and holding the point until the race's conclusion with a green-white-checkered finish. With the victory, Roush Fenway becomes the first team in NASCAR history to win 300 races.
"This is a special night," said team co-owner Jack Roush. "It feels great. It is very fitting that Matt won the 300th victory that we have had since we started in 1988 and (crew chief) Jimmy Fennig has been with us for most of the time and Matt has been here most of the time as well. It is great to celebrate our 300th win here with the 54th Daytona 500. This is Matt's second 500 win and that makes it special as well."(Roush Fenway Racing)(2-28-2012)

All Roush Fenway Racing teams switch to Valvoline NextGen oil: Less than one year after the Valvoline brand introduced a revolutionary recycled motor oil that stands up to racing's demanding standards and high-quality performance, Roush Fenway has decided to switch all its Sprint Cup and Nationwide teams to Valvoline NextGen motor oil technology for the duration of the 2012 NASCAR season. RFR will kick off the shift at the 54th annual Daytona 500 race on Feb. 26, 2012. The announcement represents the culmination of a rigorous validation process that began last summer with drivers like Greg Biffle and Carl Edwards, and is a continued illustration of Roush Fenway Racing's commitment to going green on the track while keeping performance paramount. NextGen motor oil is made of 50 percent recycled motor oil and delivers 100 percent Valvoline quality, offering optimum engine protection in a product that's also better for the environment. "Closing the Loop" – for professional drivers and everyday consumers alike – is a step towards reducing our dependence on foreign crude oil and preserving our existing resources by collecting and returning your used oil for recycling, and then refilling crankcases with NextGen. NextGen's debut in the Sprint Cup Series is a journey that started last summer when NextGen's racing formulation was put through extensive validation testing by Roush Yates Engines, earning approval from some of motorsports' top teams. Roush Fenway Racing, home of Carl Edwards, Greg Biffle and Matt Kenseth, started using NextGen recycled motor oil technology in competition to protect the engines of their stock cars. "RFR is committed to sustainable operations – from our solar energy system to our waste reduction efforts. We recycle 96% of every race car, so the ability to use a high quality recycled motor oil that can help us win on the track and help the environment is a no-brainer," said Roush. For committing to performance and the environment by returning used oil and refilling crankcases with NextGen, Advance Auto Parts will reward those who Close the Loop with a $20 mail-in gift card offer.(Valvoline)(2-26-2012)

Kenseth wins Gatorade Duel 2: #17-Matt Kenseth won the 2nd Gatorade Duel 150 Qualifying Race for the Daytona 500 Sprint Cup Series race at Daytona International Speedway followed by #78-Smith, #48-Johnson, #33-Sadler, #16-Biffle, #20-Logano, #18-Busch, #24-Gordon, #39-Newman and #5-Kahne. #36-Blaney (12th) and #87-Nemechek (22nd) got the two transfer spots and will race in the Daytona 500. #26-Raines fell back early and will use qualifying speed to make the race. #32-Terry Labonte will use the past champions provisional to make the Daytona 500. #09-KWallace had fuel pressure issues and finiished 21st, failing to make the race. The average speed was 194.175mph. There were 7 lead changes among 5 drivers and 0 cautions for 0 laps.
Go-or-Go Homers: making the Daytona 500 were #98-McDowell [transfer spot 6th Duel 1], #7-Gordon [transfer spot 9th Duel 1], #36-Blaney [transfer spot 12th Duel 2], #87-Nemechek [transfer spot 22nd Duel 2], #21-Bayne [qualifying speed], #26-Raines [qualifying speed],#30-Stremme [qualifying speed] and #32-Terry Labonte [past champions provisional].
DNQ's not making the Daytona 500 were #09-KWallace, #40-Waltrip, #37-MWallace, #97-Elliott, #23-Richardson Jr. and #49-Yeley.
See race results on the Gatorade Duel 150 Race 2 Results page (pdf) and see the Daytona 500 Starting Lineup page.(2-23-2012)

Zest to sponsor Kenseth: Roush Fenway Racing announced a new primary sponsorship for the 2003 Cup Series Champion, Matt Kenseth and his #17 Sprint Cup team. Zest brand of bar soap and body wash will serve as the primary sponsor for four races during the 2012 Sprint Cup Series season for Kenseth starting with Las Vegas in March (March 11). The remaining three races of the sponsorship are slated for Daytona (July 7), Kansas (October 21), and Martinsville (October 28). "NASCAR has some of the best fans when it comes to brand loyalty, so we're looking forward to welcoming Zest to our sport, and thrilled to have them as part of our Roush Fenway team," said Kenseth, driver of the #17 Zest Ford.
"Partnering with the No. 17 Ford of Matt Kenseth and the Roush Fenway team is a natural fit for Zest," said Jim Daniels, President and CEO of High Ridge Brands, the owners of Zest bar soap and body wash. "Matt and the Roush Fenway team are perennial winners with a loyal following who respect their ability to deliver high energy performances on the track and a first class, clean image off the track. We look forward to another successful year for Zest, Roush Fenway, and of course, Matt and his #17 Zest Ford." Go to Zest.com for money saving coupons and to see the latest "Zestfully Clean!" TV commercial.(Roush Fenway Racing), see an image of the scheme on the #17 Team Schemes page.(2-16-2012)

Ford Eco Boost to sponsor Stenhouse in Daytona 500: EcoBoost, the line of Ford production car engines that provides increased power and fuel efficiency while reducing emissions, is coming to NASCAR, but not under the hood. Ford is reaching out to its huge racing audience through a multi-tiered marketing campaign focused on EcoBoost beginning with this month's Daytona 500. EcoBoost, which first appeared on the NASCAR landscape as the paint scheme on the 2013 Fusion race car for its reveal in Charlotte, N.C., January 24, will serve as the primary paint scheme when defending NASCAR Nationwide Series champion Ricky Stenhouse Jr. makes his Daytona 500 debut in the #6 Roush Fenway Ford Fusion at the end of the month. EcoBoost will also be featured for select races on the #17 Fusion of former NASCAR Sprint Cup champion Matt Kenseth throughout the 2012 Sprint Cup campaign. EcoBoost will also appear on the Mustang race cars of Stenhouse Jr. and Roush Fenway Racing teammate Trevor Bayne for select races on the 2012 Nationwide Series schedule. "EcoBoost is one of the smart technologies from Ford that blends performance and fuel economy into one package. That's something all racers and racing fans can relate to," said Jamie Allison, director, Ford Racing. "EcoBoost engines are available now, and they will be widely available on most vehicles from Ford. We want to raise awareness of EcoBoost among NASCAR fans, so they will look for it, and ask about it when they shop for their new Fords." In addition to making appearances on the track, EcoBoost will be featured as the title sponsor for the NASCAR Nationwide Series EcoBoost 300 event March 17, 2012 at Bristol Motor Speedway.(Ford Racing NASCAR), see image of the scheme on the #6 Team Schemes page.(2-15-2012)

Kenseth's Cup Championship chosen as Top Roush Fenway "Winning" Moment: The NASCAR media named #17-Matt Kenseth's 2003 NASCAR Cup Championship as the top moment in Roush Fenway's "25 Winning Years." The 2003 Championship won the vote, much in the same fashion as Kenseth meticulously dominated the 2003 season, receiving almost 50 percent of the vote. As part of the launch of Roush Fenway's "25 Winning Years" program, media were asked to vote for the team's top moment at its stop last week on the annual NASCAR media tour at Charlotte Motor Speedway. On display at the event were over 50 trophies from Roush Fenway's 299 wins, including a trophy set as the centerpiece of each of the 25 tables at the venue. "We have had a lot of big moments over the past 24 years," said team co-owner Jack Roush, who founded the team in 1988. "Matt Kenseth winning our first Cup championship in 2003 ranks up there for sure. Roush Fenway is the last team to win the NASCAR Winston Cup championship under the old point system and a year later became the first team to win under the "Chase" system with Kurt Busch hoisting the inaugural Nextel Cup trophy in 2004. Busch's 2004 championship along with Kenseth's 2009 Daytona 500 win, Biffle's 2000 Truck Series Championship (Roush Fenway's first) and Mark Martin's 1989 win at Rockingham (the team's first) all received several votes in the poll.(Roush Fenway Racing)(2-8-2012)

2013 cars to be tested at Homestead: UPDATES: All four 2013 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series car models are scheduled to be tested at Homestead-Miami Speedway February 1st…in a test that will apparently be closed. That may be the first time crewmen get to see all four models. Why is NASCAR, and its big marketing operation, taking such seemingly a low-keyed approach? Apparently because the sanctioning body has not yet 'aero-matched' the four models in the wind tunnel. Ford is billing its new model as a Fusion (not Mustang, as once planned), and when the car maker officially unveiled its 2013 street version, it was then free to take the wraps off the NASCAR version – which is decidedly different from the current Sprint Cup model, the still controversial and not greatly liked by many car-of-tomorrow. Chevrolet, for example, still hasn't officially named its model for its 2013 NASCAR Cup racer.(MikeMulhern.net)(1-25-2012)
UPDATE: #5-Kasey Kahne tweeted that he will be participating in the test. No other drivers have been announced.(2-1-2012)
UPDATE 2: #18-Kyle Busch (Toyota), #17-Matt Kenseth (Ford), and Sam Hornish, Jr. (Dodge) are also participating.(PRN Garage Pass)(2-1-2012)

Roush Fenway to Commemorate "25 Winning Years" in 2012: Coming off one of the strongest seasons in its quarter-decade history, Roush Fenway Racing will commemorate 2012 by celebrating its 25th Anniversary of racing at NASCAR's highest levels. Roush Fenway kicked off its "25 Winning Years" program this week on Charlotte Motor Speedway's annual media tour, where they asked media to name what it considers the top moment of the organization's celebrated 24-year racing history. "We've had a number of critical milestones since we started in 1988," said team co-owner Jack Roush. "I looked around the room at the media tour at all the trophies we had on display and there is a great deal of emotion that comes to mind when I see each piece. Each trophy has a different story and represents a different milestone and sacrifice. From the first win with Mark Martin at Rockingham in 1989 to our 299th win last season with Trevor Bayne in Texas, they all mean something. Along the way we've won multiple championships in all three NASCAR Series, with Greg (Biffle) getting the first two and Matt Kenseth getting our first Cup championship in 2003." Since founding the company in 1988, Jack Roush has seen the organization amass a record 299 victories. Roush Fenway currently boasts 125 Sprint Cup wins and is the winningest team in both NASCAR's Nationwide and Truck Series'. To properly commemorate the season, Roush Fenway will celebrate four specific areas vital to the organization's success in 2012; performance, people, partners and innovation.(Roush Fenway Racing)(1-28-2012)

Roush plans to expand back to a four-car team: Team owner Jack Roush said despite the "economic pressures" that forced his organization to shrink from four to three Cup teams this season, he is looking to expand back to a quartet when possible. "The plan is to go back to that four-car stable ... yes," Roush said. "In the meantime, we've been able to reposition personnel and resources within the organization because of the downsizing that I think will make us very strong." Roush also confirmed that his team will run Ricky Stenhouse Jr. for the full Nationwide Series schedule this season and is still working on sponsorship to run Trevor Bayne for a complete campaign.(Motor Racing Network)(1-25-2012)

Kenseth loses bet with Dale Jr.: Matt Kenseth grew a beard during the offseason-and it cost him. At Dale Earnhardt Jr.'s 1970s-themed New Year's Eve party, Kenseth was sporting a Fu Manchu and mutton-chop sideburns. Earnhardt bet Kenseth he wouldn't keep the beard through this week's Preseason Thunder test sessions at Daytona. Through a series of subsequent text messages between the drivers, the ante grew to $2,500. "I was actually going to (keep the beard), and it looked really stupid, but I hate losing any money, and he kept upping the money and upping the money until finally I said, 'OK.' I checked first to make sure I didn't have any photos, and then I get a call saying that I had a photo shoot here and an interview there--and anyway I guess I lost. "Although technically this should count," Kenseth added, stroking the stubble on his chin. "It is three days old." That's not the way Earnhardt sees it. "He shaved his beard," Earnhardt said. "You guys can remind him. I told him to go to the bank, but maybe he forgot. "I want my $2,500."(NASCAR.com)(2-13-2012)

Best Buy scheme posted: found on Best Buy Racing's twitter, an image of the #17 Best Buy Ford scheme that is Matt Kenseth scheduled to run in nine 2012 Sprint Cup races, see this image and many other 2012 schemes on the #17 Team Schemes page.(1-7-2012)

Roush Yates teams up with Impact: Roush Yates Performance Products has reached a distribution agreement with Impact by MasterCraft Safety to create a 1,500 square foot safety center within Roush Yates Performance Products' Mooresville, N.C. retail center. This partnership will continue Roush Yates' goal of offering "one stop" shopping for drivers and pit crews throughout the racing spectrum. "We're very proud to be associated with a great company like Impact," said Roush Yates CEO Doug Yates. "This new partnership certainly broadens our reach and product offerings as a whole, which should further underscore the fact that Roush Yates Performance Products is truly a complete solution center for any racer of any caliber or series." The safety center will be staffed with personnel well versed in the intricacies of critical safety matters such as helmet fitment, custom race suit measurements, and choosing the proper restraints for specific genres of racing. "We couldn't be happier," said MasterCraft Safety president Robbie Pierce. "While our product lines are different, both Roush Yates and Impact offer premium racing products with absolutely no compromises."(Roush Yates Performance Products/Impact by MasterCraft)(12-27-2011)

Best Buy to sponsor Kenseth?: UPDATE: Roush Fenway Racing and #17-Matt Kenseth appear to be well on their way to securing the Best Buy sponsorship for 2012, according to sources familiar with the situation. The Roush organization has pledged to run Kenseth, the 2003 Cup champion, without sponsorship but has been working hard to find funding for the driver coming off a three-win season where he placed fourth in the Cup standings. Kenseth's primary sponsor Crown Royal opted not to sponsor a race team in 2012. Best Buy's sponsorship of #43-AJ Allmendinger at Richard Petty Motorsports was for 24 races in 2011. RPM has not announced any sponsorship for the #43 car for next season. An RPM spokesman said the team would have no comment on its sponsorship search.(SceneDaily)(12-15-2011)
UPDATE: Best Buy Co., Inc. announced a new sponsorship deal for the 2012 Sprint Cup Series Season. Best Buy will serve as primary sponsor of Carl Edwards' #99 Ford for two races and the Matt Kenseth #17 Ford for nine races. In addition, Best Buy will serve as associate sponsor for each. "Best Buy is thrilled to announce this new NASCAR sponsorship deal with Roush Fenway Racing," said Drew Panayiotou, senior vice president of marketing for Best Buy. "Roush Fenway Racing is a great fit for Best Buy Racing. NASCAR continues to be a relevant way for us to connect with our customers. Our goal is to reach our target audiences in a meaningful way, while maximizing the value of our marketing and sponsorship investments." Best Buy has been a NASCAR sponsor for the past 7 years.(Best Buy)(12-20-2011)
AND: Richard Petty Motorsports statement: "We have had a successful and rewarding relationship with Best Buy for the past few years and appreciate all they have done for us," stated Richard Petty, co-owner of Richard Petty Motorsports. "Although it is very disappointing that Best Buy is changing directions at this late date, we wish all of our friends there the best in their future endeavors. Our plan has always been to run a two-car team in the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series in 2012 and we are continuing down that path," said Petty. "We have several partners that remain committed to the #43 team. We will move forward and explore all of our options in regard to the #43 program in the coming weeks."(RPM)(12-20-2011)

Kenseth expects team to find sponsorship: Even in a tough economy, the fact that Matt Kenseth is riding into the off-season with a blank quarter-panel is a mystery. With Crown Royal's last sponsorship dollars having been poured from the glass, Kenseth's #17 Roush Fenway Racing team is looking toward 2012 from a rather lonely position. The team does not have a major sponsor for next season, and time is rapidly running out. Kenseth said he remains hopeful that his Fords will carry major sponsorship when the team reports to Daytona International Speedway in February. "I think they'll find something," he said. "I think we have too competitive of a team to be unsponsored. From my standpoint, it's frustrating because I don't know how the whole process works. But, from a driver standpoint, if you perform well and don't act like an idiot too much, things are good.(SPEED)(12-7-2011)

Significant layoffs at Roush: Multiple sources have confirmed significant layoffs this week at Roush Fenway Racing. According to sources, more than 100 workers were released by the team Monday and [Tuesday]. One source put the number at 125. Prior to today, the team employed about 440 people. Roush Fenway is expected to reduce its NASCAR Sprint Cup car count from four cars to three next season, with the #6 driven by David Ragan likely to be shuttered. At last report, the team is also without sponsors for the #17 of Matt Kenseth. The team may also reduce the size of its NASCAR Nationwide Series operations from three cars to one or two.(SPEED)(1-22-2011)

NASCAR didn't see Kenseth-Vickers wreck as retaliation: NASCAR officials didn't see Sunday's incident at Phoenix International Raceway between Brian Vickers and Matt Kenseth as retaliation. Kenseth disagreed. "Had we felt it was more than a racing incident we would have reacted,'' Sprint Cup Series director John Darby said afterwards. Kenseth called NASCAR out for not responding to Vickers wrecking him the way the governing body responded to Kyle Busch deliberately running Ron Hornaday Jr. into the wall during the Truck Series race last week at Texas Motor Speedway. "Obviously, it is retaliation for retaliation, I guess,'' said Kenseth, whose championship hopes basically ended three weeks ago when he and Vickers got into several on track exchanges at Martinsville Speedway. "I was out of brakes and I was up on everybody and I saw him coming and I lifted at least 10 car lengths before where I normally would lift, and he drove in there at 165 miles per hour and cleaned us out.'' Kenseth reminded NASCAR that Vickers vowed payback after Martinsville. "If NASCAR is going to start parking people for being mad 25 seconds after you wreck and wrecking somebody, then you would park somebody for that,'' he said. "It was so premeditated. It just surprises me that [NASCAR] didn't do anything. I am disappointed, but I expected it.'' Vickers told reporters that he didn't intentionally run over Kenseth, and that he was surprised when Kenseth lifted. "If he wants to doubt us, that's fine," Vickers said. "He wrecked me at Martinsville, he got wrecked here, but it actually wasn't (payback). I'm not saying I wasn't going to pay him back, but I'm just saying that wasn't it."(ESPN)(11-14-2011)

Kenseth to visit AFB: #17-Matt Kenseth will head to Luke Air Force Base on Thursday, November 10 to host a special care package-stuffing event leading up to Veteran's Day. The event will officially launch The Crown Royal Heroes Project—an on-going commitment from the whisky brand to recognize, honor and give back to America's finest—and will be the first in a series of celebrations to recognize local everyday heroes, as well as give back to their communities (RFR)(11-9-2011)

Roush Fenway expects to have 3 teams in 2012: Roush Fenway Racing expects to shrink from four full-time Sprint Cup cars to three in 2012. "The most likely scenario is three,'' RFR president Steve Newmark said before Sunday's race at Martinsville Speedway. "We're still plugging away at the fourth, but we all recognize the realities that when you're this late in the season it makes it more difficult to secure that. Only the #99 car of Carl Edwards and #16 of Greg Biffle is fully sponsored for next season. The #17 of 2003 Cup champion Matt Kenseth has no sponsorship for 2012, and Newmark said "nothing is eminent'' but added RFR is prepared to run that car unsponsored if necessary. Newmark said the #6 car driven by David Ragan could run limited races but was non-committal on whether Ragan, Nationwide Series points leader Ricky Stenhouse Jr. or Trevor Bayne -- or a combination of two or three -- would get those races. He said the plan is for Bayne, the defending Daytona 500 champion, to run a limited Cup schedule in the #21 for the Wood Brothers. Newmark said RFR hopes to field two Nationwide Series cars, with at least one of them fully sponsored. No decision has been made on who would fill those seats, although Stenhouse has been promised a ride for RFR next season.(ESPN)(10-31-2011)

Tattoos For A Cause: Knowing that tattoos are one of the most iconic symbols of badass NASCAR fans, #17-Matt Kenseth and his Talladega sponsor Jeremiah Weed flavored malt beverages, will provide free Jeremiah Weed and Matt Kenseth-inspired tattoos to adult race fans on the Saturday of the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series race weekend at Talladega Superspeedway. A series of tattoos will be available for fans to choose from including Matt's signature, a number 17, Jeremiah Weed logos and a Jeremiah Weed Lightning Lemonade flavored malt beverage can. For every tattoo inked, Jeremiah Weed will make a $100 donation to The Air Force Village, a charity committed to providing a safe, secure and dignified place for indigent surviving spouses of retired Air Force personnel.(RFR)(10-21-2011)

#17 crew voted 3rd Qtr Mechanix Wear Most Valuable Pit Crew: The pit crew of the #17 Crown Royal Ford of Matt Kenseth and Roush Fenway Racing has earned third-quarter honors in the 2011 Mechanix Wear Most Valuable Pit Crew Award competition, taking home the $5,000 quarterly prize – a reward certainly worth a toast or two. The Mechanix Wear Most Valuable Pit Crew Award, which is determined by a vote of each team's crew chief, is given quarterly to the top-performing pit crew in the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series. The four quarterly winners are eligible for the year-end Mechanix Wear Most Valuable Pit Crew Award presented during Champion's Week in Las Vegas – and the $100,000 grand prize. This year celebrates the 10th annual Mechanix Wear Most Valuable Pit Crew Championship – the only authentic competition voted on by crew chiefs – as well as the safety innovator's 20th year in the sport. Mechanix Wear, the #1 glove in racing, is the Official Glove of NASCAR used by nearly all pit crew members in the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series.
"These guys were essential to us making the Chase for the Championship," said Kenseth. "They've kept us in the hunt every week so far, and we're looking forward to more fast, solid pit stops in the next five weeks. The #17 Crown Royal team has done a great job week in and week out on pit road and it's great to see them get credit for their hard work."
So far, Kenseth and the #17 team have two wins, nine top-fives and 17 top-10s. As Kenseth continues to perform well on the track, Jimmy Fennig, crew chief on the #17 Ford, continues to maintain that same level of performance by keeping the pit crew at the top of its game. "When you get into the Chase, the pressure on the pit crew gets intense," said Fennig. "Every stop can contribute to winning or losing the championship. These guys have worked so hard all year, and continue to perform at an incredible level throughout the Chase."
Members of the #17 pit crew include:
Jack man -- Cameron Cobb; Front tire changer -- Justin Nottestad; Front tire carrier -- Joe Crossen; Gas man -- Shawn Ward; Rear tire carrier -- Ryan McCray; Rear tire changer -- Jon Moore. "A quick grip and a strong hand are crucial to any pit stop in any of the NASCAR racing series," said Ted Abdon, Director of Racing for Mechanix Wear. "The right kind of glove not only aids with this but works as a tool to keep the pit crews safer and more efficient. We continue to strive to produce the best product available to ensure they can continue to be the best."(Mechanix Wear)(10-20-2011)

Roush Yates Engines and Freescale Semiconductor partner on technology: Roush Yates Engines and Freescale Semiconductor announced a new partnership grounded in a shared vision for the expanding role of technology in motorsports. This partnership brings together two industry leaders in automotive and motorsports. Freescale, as one of the world's largest providers of automotive electronics, provides the processing power behind NASCAR's 2012 Sprint Cup Series switch to fuel injection and is the Official Automotive Semiconductor of NASCAR. Roush Yates is recognized as one of the premier engine manufacturers, and both of these companies have a long history in automotive and motorsports innovation. Together, Roush Yates and Freescale look to discover new ways in which technology can be used to improve the team, driver and fan experience within NASCAR and other racing series.(Roush Yates)(10-18-2011)

Kenseth wins at Charlotte: #17-Matt Kenseth won the Bank of America 500 Sprint Cup Series race at Charlotte Motor Speedway for his 21st career win and 3rd of the season. #18-Busch finished 2nd followed by #99-Edwards, #4-Kahne, #9-Ambrose, #29-Harvick, #43-Allmendinger, #14-Stewart (the pole sitter), #11-Hamlin, and #39-Newman. While running in the top 10, #48-Johnson got loose and wrecked with 17 laps to go. He finished 34th.
#99-Edwards now leads the Chase by 5 points over #29-Harvick.
There were 16 lead changes among 10 drivers and 8 cautions for 34 yellow flag laps. The attendance is listed as 105,000, up from 103,000 last year.
Scheduled Race Re-Airs:
ESPN2, Sunday, October 16 at 2:00am/et; SPEED, Wednesday, October 19 at 12:00pm/et
See race results, awards, laps led and more on Jayski's Charlotte Race Results/Awards page.
See drivers championship points standings on Jayski's Drivers Points Standings page
For the owner points standings, see my Owners Points Standings page.(10-15-2011)

Fluidmaster to sponsor Kenseth at Charlotte: Roush Fenway Racing announced a new primary sponsorship for Matt Kenseth, and his #17 team on behalf of Fluidmaster for this weekend's Bank of America 500 at Charlotte Motor Speedway. The sponsorship is the first of its kind for Fluidmaster and is a true testament to the appeal of sponsorship in NASCAR serving as a way to connect companies with customers. After researching the opportunity to participate in this weekend's Sprint Cup Series race, Fluidmaster recognized the strong appeal of motorsports racing among its key professional plumbing customers as well as do-it-yourselfers worldwide.(Roush Fenway), see an image of the car on my #17 team paint schemes page.(10-11-2011)

Could Roush drop to three teams in 2012? UPDATE: this week Jack Roush addressed the topic of Rosuh Fenway Racing dropping from a four-car to a three-car team in a SiriusXM Satellite Radio interview. "We're looking for a sponsor for #6-David (Ragan), but right now I can't tell you who that's gonna be," Roush told host Claire B. Lang. "I'll say that I'm not real close on it. So David has not been encouraged to not talk to other teams going forward for things that they might have or an interest because right now I don't see how I'm gonna run the fourth car unless things turn dramatically." #16-Greg Biffle, #99-Carl Edwards and #17-Matt Kenseth are RFR's other Cup drivers. Roush said he expected to remain active in the Nationwide Series but more likely with two cars than three. He has self-funded in large part the programs of Trevor Bayne (who won the Daytona 500) and Ricky Stenhouse Jr. (who is on pace to win the Nationwide title), and even Edwards hasn't had full backing.(Milwaukee Journal Sentinel)(10-7-2011)
UPDATE: Roush concedes that, while he is still looking for a sponsor to keep Ragan in his current ride, there are still no great prospects. And Roush says he's told Ragan to start looking for a new deal, because without major sponsorship Roush says he won't be able to run four full-time Cup teams in 2012. Speculation is that Ragan could be penciled in for a ride with Kevin Buckler [#71 TRG Ford], the sports car racer turned NASCAR team owner, and a Ford man. But Ragan himself says he's focused more on finishing this season as strongly as he can. "Right now I am not focused on 2012 just yet," Ragan says. "I think it's important for us to finish this season strong. And the stronger we can finish 2011, that will only help our chances of finding a sponsor and a package to go racing next year. Everyone at Roush Fenway is working hard at selling sponsors for us and for Matt. They have to sell some sponsorships for us to go racing next year. Jack has always done a good job of selling our race cars. Even though it's come to the last minute, we have confidence we'll be out on the track racing (next season). And hopefully we can find a partner we can announce, sooner rather than later.(MikeMulhern.net)(10-8-2011)

Katie Kenseth in wreck practicing for Better Half Dash: The wife of NASCAR driver Matt Kenseth left Charlotte Motor Speedway by stretcher early Monday evening after a crash at the race track during a practice session for a charity race next month. Katie Kenseth crashed in to what typically is the pit stop wall in a driving school bandolero vehicle after taking a sharp turn. Her husband rushed to check on her, and emergency track officials loaded her onto a stretcher. Other NASCAR drivers such as Joey Logano, Casey Mears, Michael McDowell and David Ragan were also in attendance to watch their wives and girlfriends practice for the inaugural Better Half Dash on October 15. The charity race will benefit Speedway Children's Charities and Motor Racing Outreach and will feature a 25-lap race on the front stretch quarter-mile oval before the Bank of American 500.(WCNC)
AND: Monday night, Kenseth tweeted, "That didn't turn out so well. Katie and I are home, she has a broken scapula and some bumps and bruises. Thanks for all the well wishes."(9-27-2011)

Kenseth Says Still No Word on 2012 Sponsorship: The Chase is not all on Matt Kenseth's mind. A couple of months ago, primary sponsor Crown Royal announced its departure from the team after the season and, so far, there is still no word on which company or companies will adorn the hood and quarter panels of the #17 Ford. "I am sure they are working on it as hard as possible back in the sales and marketing department at Roush Fenway Racing," Kenseth told News/Talk WSB. "That's really the only thing I know. I don't know of anything that right now they have and I don't know of anything they are close to getting signed up. I wish I did. I am going to worry about racing these next 10 weeks, doing the best job I can to win a championship for Crown Royal and I'll let them worry about it."(WSB Radio)(9-15-2011)

Ollie's to sponsor Kenseth at Richmond: Roush Fenway Racing announced a new primary sponsor for the driver of the #17 Ford, Matt Kenseth. Ollie's Bargain Outlet will serve as the sponsor of Kenseth's Ford Fusion for the Wonderful Pistachios 400 at Richmond International Raceway on Saturday, Sept. 10. The sponsorship marks the second time that Ollie's will serve as a sponsor in NASCAR's Sprint Cup Series, and the first time that the company has partnered with Roush Fenway Racing. "I'm happy to welcome Ollie's Bargain Outlet to the Roush Fenway team and I look forward to a great race weekend with them at Richmond," said Kenseth, driver of the #17 Ollie's Bargain Outlet Ford. "We always enjoy welcoming new sponsors to our organization and I'm happy to have them aboard our No. 17 Ford."
"Since the moment we were presented with the opportunity to sponsor Matt Kenseth for the race at Richmond, we have been looking forward to watching him race in our signature Ollie's colors in the Sprint Cup Series," said Mark Butler, President and CEO of Ollie's Bargain Outlet. "Partnering with Roush Fenway Racing to sponsor the #17 Ford gives us a great chance to showcase our company to NASCAR's fans at the highest level in the Cup series. I am personally a big NASCAR fan and am proud to partner with Roush Fenway Racing to support Kenseth and the great sport of racing." Founded in 1982, Ollie's Bargain Outlet is one of America's largest retailers of closeouts, salvage and surplus merchandise (RFR), see an image of the scheme on the #17 Team Schemes page.(9-7-2011)

Jack Roush ready to resume flying: It was a year ago when Sprint Cup car owner Jack Roush arrived at MIS with facial injuries, making his return to the series after he had crash-landed his plane in Oshkosh, Wis., the previous month. Roush, 69, enjoys flying his planes as much as he loves motor sports, and that is why he's so excited to return to piloting this week at Willow Run Airport for the first time since the crash. "I'm totally recovered," said Roush, of Livonia, wearing his trademark Panama-style hat while signing autographs. "I just got my medical back from the FAA, indicating that I'm medically sound and I'm without restriction. I have one more validation flight for the (injured) eye and I have that Tuesday. Once I get that done I can fly anything I did before. I plan to fly Tuesday." Roush suffered a ruptured left eyeball, broken jaw, damaged left cheekbone and had a compression fracture in his back from the crash. He said at the time "that everything will come back except the sight in my left eye."(Detroit News)(8-22-2011)

Kroger Sponsors Kenseth at Michigan: Kroger announced their sponsorship of Roush Fenway Racing's Matt Kenseth and his #17 Ford in the Pure Michigan 400 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series event this weekend at Michigan International Speedway. "We are excited to be a part of Michigan racing and to support the Michigan auto industry, in general," said Dale Hollandsworth, Customer Communications Manager, The Kroger Co. of Michigan. "Just as automobiles are a tradition in Michigan, Kroger supporting its customers and local organizations is a Michigan tradition, too." Whether it is Fuel Rewards or Kroger Community Rewards, Kroger will support its communities and customers. Kroger helps Michigan drivers save money through its fuel reward program by providing discounts on fill-ups. Kroger offers customers one point for every dollar they spend when they present their Kroger Plus card at any store within Michigan. Customers have the convenience of redeeming these points for fuel discounts up to $1 per gallon at any Kroger fuel center and up to 10 cents per gallon at participating Shell stations. Kroger has long sponsored various organizations in the communities it serves with programs such as Kroger Community Rewards, which contributes $2 million to participating organizations throughout Michigan each year. Kroger Community Rewards is open to groups that are tax exempt under 501(c) (3) of the Internal Revenue Code, with organizations earning cash rewards every time their members purchase food and other products at Kroger.(Roush Fenway Racing)(8-16-2011)

Kenseth suprised Crown Royal is leaving: from a Ford Racing press conference transcript, #17-Matt Kenseth is asked about sponsor Crown Royal leaving his team after 2011:
Q) DID THE DECISION BY CROWN ROYAL CATCH YOU BY SURPRISE AND HOW DOES THAT AFFECT YOUR FUTURE?
Kenseth: "I guess it caught me a little bit by surprise because we've been having a great season on-track and I figured they would be cutting back like most people are somewhat, but it caught me a little bit by surprise that they're totally leaving everything, except for that Richmond race. What that does to us, I'm not really sure. I drive the car and I kind of leave that to the marketing people and the sales team to figure that out. I feel like it's a great opportunity for a company to come into the sport. I think right now the on-track performance of the organization has been really good. It seems like everything is on the upswing in the sport as far as the on-track product and the TV ratings, and attendance is coming up a little bit, so I feel like it's a great opportunity. I've been there for a long time at Roush Fenway Racing. I think I've been there about 14 years doing miscellaneous things here or there. We had our sponsor before Crown Royal, we had DeWalt for over a decade, so I think it's a good, stable, competitive program and hopefully they can get something wrapped up there for the future."
Q) DOES SOMETHING LIKE THIS SPONSOR SITUATION IMPACT THE TEAM? DO YOUR GUYS WORRY ABOUT WHAT'S GOING TO HAPPEN?
Kenseth: "No, I don't think so, especially not now. If we were in the middle of a season where the car hasn't had a sponsor for half-a-season or something like that and you saw big cutbacks throughout the organization and stuff like that, then maybe you would be worried, but, right now, I think it's really early for that. We've been doing everything we can to make the program really competitive and I feel like all the Roush cars have been real competitive and I think we have a lot there to sell, so I don't think that's any concern to the team guys or takes any focus off anything that we're doing. Our goal every week is to go out and try to win races and try to race for a championship and that certainly hasn't changed. I've been fortunate. I haven't been through a lot of that through my Cup career. Like I said, DeWalt was there for over a decade and they've had different associates here or there, but that was it, and then Crown Royal had been there for a couple of years. They've been a great partner, not just to us but to NASCAR as well, doing the [International Race Of Champions] Series and then moving into the Cup Series when they started allowing spirits on the side of the cars. They've been a great partner for us and NASCAR and we sure appreciate all of that. They were on our car in '03 and '04 with the Smirnoff Ice brand before moving up to do a Cup car through Kurt and Jamie and then myself, so we sure appreciate all of that."(Ford Racing)(7-3-2011)

Crown Royal to end sponsorship of the #17 team UPDATE: Official Statement from Crown Royal: In evaluation of our NASCAR programming and after much consideration, we have made the decision to make a strategic shift to focus our resources against our annual Crown Royal "Your Name Here" program which awards race naming rights to an adult fan. The Your Name Here program has provided NASCAR fans with an experience that is unrivaled in sports and in recent years has shed light on some of the remarkable military servicemen and servicewomen who proudly serve our country. We look forward to elevating this program as well as continuing our presence in the sport through an experience that our fans have grown to love. The specific details regarding how we will honor these heroes at next year's entitlement will be announced at a later date.
In shifting our strategy, we will end our sponsorships with Roush Fenway Racing and NASCAR upon the conclusion of the 2011 season. We have developed strong relationships with the people at both organizations - they have not only been fantastic business partners, but have also become our friends. We thank them for working with us throughout the years to showcase the importance of our social responsibility initiatives. We look forward to a strong finish to the 2011 season and like the many fans we've gained along the way, we'll never stop rooting for the #17 car on its way to Victory Lane.(Crown Royal PR)(6-28-2011)
UPDATE: Statement from Roush Fenway Racing on Crown Royal: Roush Fenway Racing has been informed that Crown Royal will not return as the primary sponsor of Matt Kenseth and the #17 NASCAR Sprint Cup team for the 2012 season.
"We are obviously disappointed with the news, but first we would like to thank Diageo and Crown Royal for a terrific partnership that has spanned almost a decade," said Roush Fenway president Steve Newmark. "They have been a first-class partner all the way around. We look forward to finishing out the season with them on the No. 17 as Matt and the Crown Royal team continue to contend for another championship. It's unfortunate that they will not be able to continue to be a part of our organization. Fortunately, our race programs are operating at a higher level than ever. The #17 is an attractive, championship-winning program with a storied history and Matt Kenseth an elite driver. We have already opened the door for discussions and are currently in the process of speaking with companies interested in taking over the program for next season and beyond."(Roush Fenway Racing)(6-29-2011)

Affliction Clothing expands sponsorship with Kenseth: Affliction Clothing, who debuted as a primary sponsor for 2003 Cup Series Champion Matt Kenseth and his #17 Roush Fenway Racing team earlier this season, added two more races of primary sponsorship to the 2011 Sprint Cup Series schedule. Affliction will serve as the sponsor for Kenseth and the #17 team for the Sprint Cup Series race weekends in July at Daytona International Speedway as well as the July 17th race at New Hampshire Motor Speedway. "It's always great to bring a new sponsor to our team, but it's even more thrilling to have them add more races to their sponsorship," said Kenseth, driver of the #17 Affliction Clothing Live Fast Ford. "We're proud to have Affliction Clothing as part of our Roush Fenway organization and are looking forward to another pair of great races representing their brand."
"We enjoyed Matt and the Roush Fenway team's performance at both of our sponsored races and are looking forward to watching Matt race the No.17 Affliction Ford at Daytona" said Tom Atencio, Vice President of Entertainment and Sports Marketing for Affliction Clothing. The Affliction family of brands exists at the intersection between the spirited artistry and hard edged attitude of the fast-living modern generation.(Roush Fenway Racing)(6-28-2011)

Roush supportive of Childress: Jack Roush drew a few laughs after his team's NASCAR Nationwide victory, when he was asked his view of the fine handed down to fellow owner Richard Childress. Childress was fined $150,000 earlier this month for an altercation with Kyle Busch at Kansas Speedway. Childress was upset that Busch bumped into Joey Coulter on the cool-down lap after a race. "It was pretty high," Roush said about the fine. "I guess that pretty much puts the nail in the coffin of, 'Have at it, guys.' Maybe that was a boy and a man. I am not sure. Maybe that is different than the boys having at it. Kyle has been pretty rough on my cars over a period of time and for Richard to stand up for himself was OK," Roush said.(Associated Press)(6-19-2011)

IEG will measure ROO for new Roush sponsors: Roush Fenway Racing [#'s 6,16,17,99] has hired IEG's sponsorship measurement division to provide independent, third-party return-on-objective analysis to new sponsors. The race team and sponsorship analysis company are labeling the new service RoushFenwayOnTrack. IEG has never partnered with a team or property to do similar research in the past. Roush executives hope the service enables sponsors to better evaluate the value of their sponsorships with the race team. Roush will pay for the service from IEG and include it in its sponsorship packages alongside assets such as driver appearances, production days and show car programs. Sponsors will be able to hold independent meetings with IEG to define their objectives and develop measurement tools to track their sponsorship's performance. IEG will share the results with the partner. Four of Roush's major NASCAR Sprint Cup partners were up for renewal this season. 3M [#16 ]is the only one to renew to date, and IEG measurement services weren't included in the deal. The team remains in negotiations with Diageo's Crown Royal [#17], Aflac [#99] and UPS [#6].(Sports Business Journal)(6-13-2011)

Affliction Clothing sponsoring Kenseth in 2 races: Roush Fenway Racing announces a new primary sponsorship for 2003 Cup Series Champion, Matt Kenseth and his #17 team from Affliction Clothing. Affliction Clothing will serve as the primary sponsor for Kenseth's team for the Sprint Cup Series race weekends in June at Kansas Speedway for the STP 400 as well as the Pocono 500 at Pocono Raceway. The Affliction family of brands exists at the intersection between the spirited artistry and hard edged attitude of the fast-living modern generation. Affliction defines and meets the needs of their style savvy customer with an ever-expanding collection of contemporary fashion focused on an innovative combination of style, fit, fabrics, finishes and quality. A true culture phenomenon and a commercial powerhouse; Affliction brands are rooted in and beloved by the hard rock and sports communities.(Roush Fenway Racing)(5-31-2011)

Different colors for Kenseth at Charlotte...plus: This weekend at Charlotte Motor Speedway, Matt Kenseth will pilot the #17 Jeremiah Weed Southern Style Ford Fusion in the Coca Cola 600. Also, on Friday, May 27th in Uptown Charlotte, Strongman Rendy DeLaCruz, star of the commercials for the new Jeremiah Weed Premium Malt Beverages, will attempt to pull Kenseth in his #17 Jeremiah Weed Ford 100 feet in 60 seconds or less. For every foot DeLaCruz successfully pulls the 3,500 lb stock car at Speed Street, Jeremiah Weed will distribute $10 pre-paid taxi vouchers to encourage responsible decision making among legal drinking age consumers. The Strongman will also act as honorary pit crew member of the #17 Jeremiah Weed team throughout race weekend.(RFR)(5-26-2011), see images of the car on the #17 Team Schemes page.(5-26-2011)

Kenseth wins at Dover: #17-Matt Kesneth won the FedEx 400 benefiting Autism Speaks Sprint Cup Series race at Dover International Speedway for his 2nd win of 2011, 2nd win at Dover and 20th win of his 411 race career.
#5-Martin finished second followed by #9-Ambrose, #18-Busch [who started at the rear], #83-Vickers, #33-Bowyer, #99-Edwards, #56-Truex Jr., #48-Johnson and #29-Harvick. #43-Allmendinger, who started 2nd, lost an engine and finished 37th.
There were 23 lead changes among 11 drivers; 6 cautions for 28 yellow flag laps. The attendance is listed as 82,000 down from 88,000 last year [133,000 seats].
Scheduled Race Re-Air: SPEED, Wednesday, May 18 at 12:00pm/et
See race results, awards, laps led and more on Jayski's Dover Race Results/Awards page.
See drivers championship points standings on Jayski's Drivers Points Standings page.
For the owner points standings, see my Owners Points Standings page.(5-15-2011)

Roush Fenway to Host Annual Spring Fan Day Event: Matt Kenseth, Carl Edwards, Greg Biffle, David Ragan, Trevor Bayne, Ricky Stenhouse Jr. & Jack Roush are scheduled to sign autographs as part of Roush Fenway Racing's 2011 Fan Day event on Thursday, May 26, 2011 at its corporate headquarters in Concord, North Carolina. Fans are invited to participate in an array of activities that kick off with autograph sessions by all seven Roush Fenway drivers and legendary team owner Jack Roush. In addition, Sirius NASCAR Radio will broadcast live on site and Roush Fenway will host its second annual fan tweet up at the event, featuring RickyvsTrevor.com. Autograph sessions are as follows:
11:30am -- Trevor Bayne, Carl Edwards, Ricky Stenhouse Jr. and Jack Roush
12:30pm -- Matt Kenseth, Greg Biffle and David Ragan
Tickets for both autograph sessions are limited and will be distributed on a first come, first serve basis beginning at 8:00am/et on the day of the event. In addition to the above activities, fans will be able to tour the Roush Fenway museum, shop in the store and peruse a variety of displays from Aflac, Scotts, Kellogg's, Avon and Blackwell Angus. There will also be live music performed by Luke Kauffman, as well as food and drink vendors so fans are encouraged to make a day of the festivities. Roush Fenway Racing address is; 4600 Roush Place, Concord, NC. For more information, visit the Roush Fenway Racing website.(5-14-2011)

Wiley X sponsoring Kenseth: Wiley X Eyewear's successful NASCAR sponsorship program has switched into high gear with announcement of the #17 Wiley X Sunglasses Ford. This car will be driven by Matt Kenseth and will make its nationwide debut Saturday, May 7th in the Showtime Southern 500 at South Carolina's historic Darlington Raceway. Kenseth will also drive this special paint scheme on Sunday, May 17th as he tries to win the Fed Ex 400 benefitting Autism Speaks at Dover International Speedway in Delaware. Large Wiley X Eyewear logos will be featured prominently on the Ford Fusion race car, perfectly complimenting the vehicle's black/red/white color scheme. The words "Wiley X Sunglass Machine" are emblazoned in large letters across the rear of the car - a view Kenseth hopes to show competitors as he fights for the checkered flag at these two events.(Roush Fenway)(5-4-2011)

Kenseth wins at Texas: #17-Matt Kenseth won the Samsung Mobile 500 Sprint Cup Series race at Texas Motor Speedway for his 1st win of 2011, his first win since Auto Club in February 2009, and the 19th of his career.
#33-Bowyer finished second followed by #99-Edwards, #16-Biffle, #27-Menard, #9-Ambrose, #6-Ragan [pole sitter], #48-Johnson, #88-Dale Earnhardt, Jr., and #22-Busch.
There were 31 lead changes among 13 drivers; 5 cautions for 24 yellow flag laps.
The attendance is listed as 168,400, up from last years 92,200 during the spring when the race was held Sunday afternoon.
Scheduled Race Re-Air: SPEED, Wednesday, April 13 at 12:00pm/et
See race results, awards, laps led and more on Jayski's Texas Race Results/Awards page.
See drivers championship points standings on Jayski's Drivers Points Standings page
For the owner points standings, see my Owners Points Standings page. (4-9-2011)

Marine to Serve as Honorary Pit Crew Member for Kenseth: As race fans gear up for the first and only NASCAR race in Fontana this season at Auto Club Speedway, the drivers aren't the only famous faces to keep an eye on. Marine Corps Staff Sergeant Matthew Hansen will get his first shot at NASCAR fame as he serves as an honorary pit crew member of the # 17 Crown Royal Ford driven by Matt Kenseth. Crown Royal and Kenseth will roll out the purple carpet for the local California Marine who was recently awarded naming rights to the Sprint Cup Series race in Richmond, Va. The April 30th race will be named Crown Royal Presents the Matthew & Daniel Hansen 400 in honor of Matthew and his fallen twin brother Daniel - also a Marine. Daniel was killed while serving in Afghanistan on Feb. 14, 2009. The brothers enlisted within weeks of each other and despite losing his brother in service; Matthew continues to proudly serve our country. Since Matthew was unable to attend the unveiling ceremony in Daytona, he will experience royal treatment for his first-ever NASCAR experience at his hometown race.(Roush Fenway)(3-25-2011)

Part owner of Roush Fenway changes name: The parent company that owned the Boston Red Sox, Liverpool FC and half of Roush Fenway Racing has changed its name to Fenway Sports Group. The umbrella group owned primarily by John W. Henry and Tom Werner was formerly known as New England Sports Ventures. Company officials said it was assuming a new corporate name to better reflect its reach into NASCAR and English Premier League soccer. Fenway Sports Group had been the name of NESV's marketing arm. It will now go by Fenway Sports Management.(Associated Press)(3-23-2011)

Valvoline renews oil partnership with Roush Fenway: Roush Fenway Racing and Valvoline, two organizations with long histories of excellence in automotive performance, announced an extension of their NASCAR partnership. Valvoline, the leading innovator and supplier of quality, high-performing automotive products, will continue to be the exclusive motor oil provider for Roush Fenway Racing and all of its NASCAR entries. Valvoline and Roush Fenway Racing are used to finding victory lane in NASCAR competition. In 14 seasons as the team's official motor oil, Valvoline has played an integral role in 46 Roush Fenway Sprint Cup Series victories. In 2011, the relationship continues into its 15th season.(Roush Fenway)(3-3-2011)

Raybestos signs on with Roush Fenway Racing: Roush Fenway Racing announced a multi-year marketing partnership with Raybestos that will see its four NASCAR Sprint Cup Series teams run Raybestos brake packages, beginning with short track and road course events in 2011. While Raybestos has provided Roush Fenway with brakes for many of its 291 NASCAR wins and five NASCAR championships, 2011 marks the beginning of a larger technical and marketing partnership. "We had a very successful test with the Raybestos brakes last year, and the feedback from all of our drivers was very positive," said team owner Jack Roush. "This is the first time as an organization that we've designated a single supplier to meet all of our needs - and I think that speaks volumes about the quality products that Raybestos is producing." Roush Fenway will run Raybestos Sprint Cup short track and road course brake packages, including Raybestos legendary high-friction racing brake pads. The ultra-lightweight aluminum alloy Raybestos six-piston calipers are the stiffest and lightest calipers available in NASCAR.(RFR)(3-2-2011)

Forbes names most valuable NASCAR teams & highest paid drivers: The weak economy has pummeled NASCAR over the past three years, with sponsorships, merchandise sales, race winnings and subsidies from automakers falling. Fans have tuned out, sending TV ratings down 24% since 2006 and leaving more than 40,000 empty seats at some races last year. One of its longest-tenured teams, Richard Petty Motorsports, was scrambling for cash on a week-to-week basis so it could race on weekends last fall. Is NASCAR headed for a full-blown meltdown? Hardly. Yes, the value of the top 10 teams slid 5% in 2010, on average, to $136 million by [Forbes] count, as prize money dropped and sponsors dialed back their commitment, but a rebound in 2011 for the sport is a strong possibility. NASCAR's strongest and most valuable team remains Hendrick Motorsports. With a valuation of $350 million on revenues of $177 million in 2010, Hendrick is worth 56% more than the next-highest-grossing team, Roush Fenway Racing, which [Forbes] value at $224 million on revenues of $140 million last year. Hendrick earned a NASCAR-high $18 million in operating income (earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization) in 2010. Richard Childress Racing was third on the list, followed by Joe Gibbs Racing and Penske Racing. Rounding out the top 10: Stewart-Haas, Michael Waltrip Racing, Earnhardt-Ganassi Racing, Richard Petty Motorsports, and Red Bull Racing.
AND: Despite his lack of success in recent years on the track, Dale Earnhardt Jr. remains NASCAR's highest-paid driver, earning $29 million in 2010 thanks to merchandise sales that are the best in the sport and reportedly account for one-third of all NASCAR licensed merchandise sales. Other income streams include an annual salary from Hendrick and a 50% share of his $4.9 million in winnings and bonuses in 2010 from Sprint Cup races. Earnhardt also has a bevy of personal endorsements, including Chevrolet, Nationwide and Wrangler. Hendrick teammate Jeff Gordon follows Earnhardt in the NASCAR money standings with earnings of $25 million last year. It is a clean sweep for Hendrick at the top with five-time Sprint Cup champion Jimmie Johnson, the third-highest-paid driver at $24 million. The rest of the top 10: Tony Stewart, Kevin Harvick, Carl Edwards, Kyle Busch, Kasey Kahne, Denny Hamlin, and Matt Kenseth.(Forbes)(2-24-2011)

Congrats to Matt & Katie Kenseth: Matt Kenseth, driver of the #17 Crown Royal Ford with Roush Fenway Racing, and his wife Katie welcomed a new bundle of joy into their family early Tuesday morning with the birth of the couple's second daughter. Grace Katherine Kenseth was born February 22 at 3:49 a.m. EST weighing in at seven pounds and eight ounces. Both mother and daughter are doing well as the family welcomes Grace into the family to join their other daughter Kaylin and son Ross. Kenseth will be able to spend a few days with his brand new baby girl before traveling out west for this weekend's Subway Fresh Fit 500 at Phoenix International Raceway. (Roush Fenway)(2-22-2011)

'Herman' to stand-by for Kenseth UPDATE: Kenny Wallace told Sirius NASCAR Radio's Sirius Speedway with Dave Moody that he will be standing by to take over Matt Kenseth's #17 Crown Royal Ford, if Kenseth is called away during SpeedWeek 2011. "I got a call last night from (Roush Fenway Racing GM) Robbie Reiser, and he said Katie Kenseth is due to give birth to their second baby in a couple of weeks," said Wallace. "They want me to be on standby in case she goes into labor before the Bud Shootout or Gatorade Duel. He said Matt will run the Daytona 500 no matter what, but they want me there in case they need me earlier in the week. Even though it's probably because I'm the same size as Matt and will fit into the seat easily, it took me about a quarter of a second to agree."(Sirius Speedway)(2-2-2011)
UPDATE: With the 2011 Sprint Cup Series season set to return to action at Daytona International Speedway next week, Roush Fenway Racing's Matt Kenseth and his wife Katie are expecting great things for the month of February with the addition of a new baby. The Kenseths expect to welcome the latest addition to the family by the end of the month, and Roush Fenway Racing will look to two drivers to be on-call in case Kenseth needs to travel home to be with his family. Kenny Wallace and Brian Ickler will be ready to jump in to the #17 Crown Royal Ford for any practice and qualifying needs the team may have. Wallace will be ready to assume driving duties throughout Daytona International Speedway's Speedweeks events, while Ickler will be at the track for both Phoenix and Las Vegas race weekends. Kenseth plans to be behind the wheel of the #17 Ford on race days, but depending on when the newest member of the family arrives, he may need assistance from Wallace and/or Ickler to practice the car for the team.(Roush Fenway Racing)(2-5-2011)

Roush adjusting to life with one eye: Jack Roush took a good ribbing at the end of last season about being "one-eyed Jack." Well, now he in a way is back to two eyes. Roush lost the vision in his left eye in a July 27 plane crash. He had a prosthetic eye put in around Thanksgiving. "My prosthetic eye is doing very well," Roush said Thursday during the Sprint Media Tour. "I haven't had any infection from it, I haven't had any problem of any kind with it. Nine days ago, I had some cosmetic surgery so I've still got a little swelling for that," Roush said. "I've had no complication at all from any of the surgeries I had. I sleep well. My corrected vision with my reading glasses is 20/15 and I've adjusted to having one eye as well as [I could]."(Scene Daily)(1-28-2011)

Congrats: Jack Roush announced Thursday during the Charlotte Media Tour that the wives of #99-Carl Edwards, #16-Greg Biffle, and #17-Matt Kenseth are all expecting babies this year.(1-27-2011)
UPDATE: Greg Biffle tweeted Thursday: "Its a girl!!!! Barbie doll not a fishing rod".
AND: Kenseth's baby is due in late April, Biffle's on July 10.(Scene Daily)(1-27-2010)

Roush Fenway partners with Navistar: Roush Fenway Racing has announced a multi-year organization-wide partnership with Navistar. The agreement will see all Roush Fenway haulers transported to all tests and races behind Navistar's International LoneStar Series Diesel Trucks.(Roush Fenway Racing)(1-27-2011)

Minor Roush re-organization: Chip Bolin, who formerly worked as the race engineer for Matt Kenseth's #17 team -- including a stint as the crew chief -- took over the Roush Fenway Racing engineering leadership role from Chris Andrews during Preseason Thunder. Heading into the 2010 season, the engineering department used a two-headed approach, with veteran RFR man Andrews heading the race engineering and race simulation section and Tommy Wheeler overseeing the chassis development and fabrication section. In the offseason Andrews, who has experience as a Cup crew chief, was named crew chief for newcomer Trevor Bayne's RFR Nationwide Series program (NASCAR.com)(1-23-2011)

2010 Races [3] that Valvoline is scheduled to be the primary sponsor:
Atlanta - 3/7
Talladega - 4/25
Phoenix 11/14

2010 Races [9] that Crown Royal Black is scheduled to be the primary sponsor:
Phoenix - 4/10
Texas - 4/18
Darlington - 5/8
Dover - 5/16
Charlotte (All-Star) - 5/22
Pocono - 6/6
Michigan - 6/13
Sonoma - 6/20
New Hampshire - 6/27

2010 Races [2] that Jeremiah Weed Sweet Tea Vodka is scheduled to be the primary sponsor:
Charlotte - 5/30
Daytona - 7/3

Roush Fenway Racing names new President: Roush Fenway Racing has announced that Steve Newmark has been named president of its multi-car racing organization. Newmark will succeed Geoff Smith in the position; Smith is retiring at the end of December after serving in the role for the previous 13 years. Newmark, who previously was a shareholder at the law firm of Robinson, Bradshaw and Hinson, joined the organization as senior vice president of business operations in April. He brings an innovative skill set and fresh approach, highlighted by extensive NASCAR and outside sports and entertainment experience, to the position. “We are excited about Steve coming on board as our president,” said Roush Fenway owner Jack Roush. “Steve has a solid background working in all areas of sports and brings new ideas and insight into our organization. Importantly, he has been part of the Roush Fenway family for many years, beginning as outside counsel and then as head of our business operations this year. Geoff Smith did an outstanding job of running the business affairs of our company for the past 20 years and we could not have done this without him. Geoff’s leadership has set the bar high and we believe that Steve is the right person to ensure that we remain a leader in the marketplace and in the garage. Since his arrival, I’ve been extremely pleased with his business acumen, work ethic and his desire to engage in all aspects of our business. We are certainly excited to move forward with Steve at the helm.”(Roush Fenway Racing)(12-20-2010)

Fennig to stay with #17 team: #17-Matt Kenseth, speaking at the Matt Kenseth fan club party on Saturday, confirmed that Jimmy Fennig will be back as crew chief on the #17 next year.(Matt Kenseth Fan Club Facebook page)(12-12-2010)

No major changes planned at Roush: While only two of his four teams made it to victory lane in 2010 and accounted for just four of the season’s 36 race wins, team co-owner Jack Roush says he doesn’t anticipate wholesale changes within the Roush Fenway Racing organization during the offseason. That doesn’t mean there won’t be movement, but it’s unlikely there will be major changes involving all four of the organization’s NASCAR Sprint Cup Series teams. “We’re re-evaluating everybody’s job, from crew chiefs to engineers to tire changers for all four of our programs,” Roush said Tuesday while attending the Raybestos Rookie of the Year awards luncheon at Charlotte Motor Speedway. “We’ll certainly build on the strength we have had, but if we have a weakness or see an opportunity … again, promoting from within whenever possible and generally that is our trademark. We will be looking for ways to improve ourselves.” Roush Fenway Racing fields Sprint Cup teams for four drivers – #16-Greg Biffle, #99-Carl Edwards, #17-Matt Kenseth and #6-David Ragan. Biffle, Edwards and Kenseth qualified for NASCAR’s Chase For The Sprint Cup while Ragan finished 24th in points.
Kenseth's team was one of two for Roush Fenway that had notable personnel changes take place during the season. After starting the year with crew chief Drew Blickensderfer, Todd Parrott was named crew chief following the Daytona 500. In June, veteran Jimmy Fennig replaced Parrott. Ragan finished outside the top 20 in points for the second consecutive year after finishing 13th in 2008. His team also saw a change in crew chiefs during the year as Blickensderfer returned to the top of the pit box in September, replacing Donnie Wingo. There could be changes to members of the pit crews. As for his organization’s Nationwide Series program, Roush said he hopes to field three teams in 2011 – for Edwards, Ricky Stenhouse Jr. and Trevor Bayne.(SceneDaily)(11-28-2010)

Tiebreaker Gives Kenseth’s Crew Tissot Pit Road Season Championship: The closely contested Tissot pit road competition, which saw four teams tied for the lead, came down to a tiebreaker to determine the season pit crew champion. Matt Kenseth’s #17 crew was awarded the Tissot Pit Road Precision Award championship as a result of winning the tiebreaker that called for the team whose driver finished the highest in the final NASCAR Sprint Cup point standings. Kenseth’s team shared the lead with the crews for #24-Jeff Gordon, #18-Kyle Busch and #1-Jamie McMurray, each scoring four pit road victories during the 2010 campaign. The #17 crew won the tiebreaker with Kenseth leading the way among the four drivers with a fifth-place finish in the driver point standings. For winning the season-long Tissot Pit Road Precision Award title the #17 team will receive a $105,000 bonus from Tissot plus Tissot watches for the pit crew members and driver.
The #17 Roush Fenway Racing crew will also receive an all-expense paid trip to Las Vegas to accept the prize money and Tissot watches at the Champion's Week NASCAR/NMPA Myers Brothers Awards Luncheon, Thursday, Dec. 2 in the Bellagio Ballroom.
Kenseth’s over-the-wall crew consists of: Justin Nottestad (front-tire changer), Joe Crossen (front-tire carrier), Dave Smith (rear-tire changer), Garrett Reding (rear-tire carrier), Cameron Cobb (jackman), Brad Robison (gasman) and Dave McDonald (catch can). The crew chief is Jimmy Fennig and the pit crew coach is Andy Ward.
"The entire #17 Crown Royal pit crew did a tremendous job this season in the pits,” said pit crew coach Ward. “We worked very hard on pit stops throughout the year, so it’s an honor to know that for the second year in a row, our Roush Fenway organization has won the Tissot award." Last year’s Tissot Pit Road Precision Award winner also came from the Roush Fenway Racing stable with Greg Biffle’s #16 crew taking top honors. A total of 19 different teams won the Tissot award in 2010. Each weekly-winning crew received $5,000 plus a Tissot watch. The weekly Tissot Pit Road Precision Award winner went to the team whose car spent the least amount of time on pit road and finished on the lead lap. The competition was designed to recognize and reward the extraordinary talents of Sprint Cup pit crews (Tissot), see standings and race-by-race winners on the 2010 Pit Crew News page.(11-24-2010)

Career start 400 for Kenseth: Roush Fenway’s #17-Matt Kenseth will make his 400th Sprint Cup start this wekeend at Homestead-Miami. During that span, Kenseth has 18 wins, 117 top fives and 167 top 10 finishes and a Series Championship (RFR)(11-17-2010)

Edwards wins with FR9 Engine, will run all races in 2011: Carl Edwards’ Ford Fusion has been on an impressive winning streak, earning front row starting positions and capturing the win in the last two Nationwide Series races. Edward’s also qualified on the pole during this week’s Sprint Cup Series race at Phoenix International Raceway and swept the weekend by winning the Kobalt Tools 500. Edwards drives the #99 Aflac Ford Fusion powered by Roush Yates’ new FR9 engine. The FR9 is the first Ford purpose-built race engine ever engineered and produced at Roush Yates Engines in Mooresville, NC. The new Ford engine has been integrated slowly into the Sprint Cup Series throughout the second half of the 2010 season with help from Roush Fenway Racing and Richard Petty Motorsports’ cars racing the engine intermittently. It has been a remarkable learning period for the FR9, with a total of 5 poles and 3 wins, including Edwards’ win this weekend that required both horsepower and efficient fuel mileage to beat Championship contenders Jimmie Johnson and Denny Hamlin. “The new FR9 engine that Ford helped us with certainly was a factor today,” said Jack Roush, owner of Roush Fenway Racing. “The fact that we were able to save gas and still have enough speed to maintain position on the race track was all very good. I’m thrilled to be in Victory Lane this weekend.” Even though a Championship is out of reach for Ford this year, the FR9 engine has shown an impressive increase in performance and reliability throughout the second half of the 2010 Sprint Cup season. These improvements bring enthusiasm to the Ford Racing and Roush Yates Engines camps, as they plan to run the FR9 in all Ford cars for the full 2011 Sprint Cup Season.
“I’m excited to be running the FR9 in all Fords for the entire 2011 Sprint Cup Season and soon to come for the Nationwide and Camping World Truck Series,” said Doug Yates, CEO of Roush Yates Engines. “Carl’s win at Phoenix is just another testament to the power Roush Yates’ FR9 engine is capable of. Everyone at the engine shop has been working hard to get this engine just right, and we are extremely proud of Roush Fenway Racing and their accomplishments with it this year. I look forward to watching the FR9 race at Ford Championship weekend next week at Homestead, as well as the 2011 Sprint Cup Season.”(Roush Yates Engines)(11-15-2010)

Drivers visiting Walter Reed: NASCAR's annual visit to the Walter Reed Army Medical Center is set for Thursday, with a total of 10 drivers scheduled to attend along with NASCAR President Mike Helton. Drivers expected to visit include #43-AJ Allmendinger, #16-Greg Biffle, #2-Kurt Busch, #38-David Gilliland,#17-Matt Kenseth, #12-Brad Keselowski, #98-Paul Menard, #87-Joe Nemechek, #39-Ryan Newman and #82-Scott Speed. Show cars on display are expected to be #39 U.S. ARMY Chevy, #88 National Guard Chevy, #99 Scotts Ford, #2 Miller Lite Dodge, #11 FedEx Toyota, #24 National Guard Chevy, #10 Sprint show car and a NASCAR/Walter Reed Army Medical Center car.(NASCAR)(9-22-2010)

Roush Fenway Remains a Leader in Sustainablity: Its no secret that Roush Fenway Racing recycles 96 percent of every race car but it’s their continued efforts to become more sustainable that is really paying off for the environment. In 2009 the team recycled 65 tons of plastics, metal and paper and implemented small but impactful changes across all its facilities. These efforts helped the team meet its goal of an overall 10 percent improvement in indoor air quality; reduction of water consumption; increase in waste reduction and recycling; and improvement in energy usage over the last year.
In total the team recycled 26,660 pounds of plastic in 2009, up from 12,427 pounds in 2008. The increased number reflects a company-wide education and an increase in the number of items that were recycled beyond drink bottles. The team also recycled 11,335 pounds of paper, down from 19,628 pounds the year before in part because of the efforts to either not print documents or use auto-duplexing.
Additionally, the team has switched to biodegradable soy-based products where practical (instead of harmful chemical degreasers); eliminated Styrofoam cups; switched from 400w bulbs to 360w bulbs; mandated a managed forestry content for all paper, envelopes, etc.; and added additional occupancy sensors in the race and fabrication shops to reduce energy consumption. The effort doesn’t stop at the shop though, Roush Fenway is extending its efforts beyond the race team as well.
Roush Fenway is a participant in the Cabarrus Sustainability Council, a joint effort between the Cabarrus Regional Chamber of Commerce and Cabarrus Economic Development that works to promote sustainability through public and private collaborations. Just this week, the Council announced a partnership between local school systems, the business community and local government to bring a comprehensive recycling program to local schools beginning this school year.(RFR)(8-29-2010)

NTSB issues preliminary report on Roush crash: The National Transportation Safety Board issued its preliminary report on Jack Roush's plane crash that happened last month at Oshkosh, Wis. The report does not assign blame for the incident but does provide a few more details of what happened. In the report, it states that Roush's "airplane appeared to overshoot the runway centerline during this turn (a left turn for the runway) and then level its wings momentarily before entering a slight right bank simultaneously as the nose of the airplane pitched up. The airplane then turned left toward the runway centerline and began a descent. During this descent, the airplane's pitch appeared to increase until the airplane entered a right bank and struck the grass area west of the runway in a nose down, right wing low attitude.'' The report -- remember this is a preliminary report, a final one will come later -- did not mention the traffic "conflict'' he encountered upon landing that he said contributed to the incident. Such details are likely to be examined in the final report. The preliminary report stated that air traffic controllers were interviewed, amateur video was reviewed, the NTSB spent two days examining the plane before giving it back to Roush and found "no preimpact malfunctions or anomalies'' in the on-scene inspections of the "airframe structure, flight control systems, or two turbo-fan engines.'' The report also states that "several non-volatile memory devices were removed from the airplane and were retained for future download. A cockpit voice recorder was recovered and shipped to the NTSB Vehicle Recorder Division in Washington, D.C. for readout."(Hampton Roads)(8-15-2010)

Jack Roush back at the track: NASCAR team owner Jack Roush was back at the racetrack Friday, having permanently lost vision in his left eye but otherwise feeling lucky to survive yet another plane crash. And yes, he expects to fly again. Roush, who crashed his jet just over two weeks ago while trying to land at an air show in Wisconsin, said he ruptured his left eyeball in the crash and doesn't expect to ever be able to see out of it again. "Everything will come back, except for the eye," he told reporters at Michigan International Speedway. Roush then joked that he uses his right eye to examine spark plugs anyway. Wearing sunglasses and his trademark Panama-style hat, Roush was present on pit road for qualifying. He had left the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minn., earlier this week. In addition to his eye injury, Roush said he broke his jaw, sustained a compression fracture in his back and hurt his left cheek.(Associated Press)(8-13-2010)

Roush released from hospital: Jack Roush, co-owner of Roush Fenway Racing and chairman of ROUSH Enterprises, was released from Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minn., yesterday. “I would like to thank everyone for the outpouring of support and concern I have received the past two weeks,” Roush said. “Our teams and drivers have not missed a beat in my absence, and I am proud of the effort they have put forth. I look forward to rejoining them at the track soon.” It has not yet been determined when Roush will return to the race track.(Roush Fenway PR)(8-12-2010)

Roush hopes to make it to Michigan: Angelique Chengelis reported on ESPN's NASCAR Now Sunday morning that team owner Jack Roush is hoping to be at the Michigan race next weekend. He continues to recover from his airplace accident at the Mayo Clinic and his attendance at the track will depend on his progress this week.(8-8-2010)

Decals on Roush cars: To show support for the boss, Jack Roush, who was injured in a airplance accident this past week, all the Roush Fenway Racing stock cars competing this weekend will sport a special decal. This can be seen on the four NASCAR Sprint Cup Series cars at Pocono Raceway as well as the NASCAR Nationwide Series entries at Iowa Speedway.(roushperformance.com)(7-31-2010)

Roush has more surgery; no word when back to the track: Multi-team owner Jack Roush had another surgery Saturday and a time frame for him to return to the race track has not been determined, Roush Fenway Racing General Manager Robbie Reiser said Sunday. Roush was involved in a plane crash Tuesday at Wittman Regional Airport in Oshkosh, Wis. The Roush Fenway Racing co-owner was able to walk away from the crash but pictures showed a bloodied face. Reiser said he was unsure of the full extent of the injuries. Roush, 68, is being treated for facial injuries at the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minn., according to the team. “I know there was a surgery done yesterday, but most of it is an evaluation of what they’re going to do and I think you’ll see a lot of updates coming this week,” Reiser said prior to the Sunoco Red Cross Pennsylvania 500 at Pocono Raceway. “It’s going to be a while [before he returns]. They’ve got some work to do there. They haven’t really discussed that with us right now.” Reiser’s role will increase some with Roush in the hospital. Roush typically visits the race shop each Tuesday and then is at the track on the weekend. “Jack’s a big part of our company and has been for a long, long time,” Reiser said. “Whenever something like this happens, everybody has to pick up a little bit and help along. Jack has always taken care of a lot of stuff we have had at the race track, so I am here for him not being here.” Roush called Reiser on Friday and they talked about the organization’s performance – as it still looks for that first Cup win of the season.(more at SceneDaily)(8-1-2010)

Thursday update about Jack Roush's condition: Jack Roush, co-owner of Roush Fenway Racing and chairman of ROUSH Enterprises, was transferred to Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minn., Wednesday evening. Following surgery Tuesday night related to the facial damage sustained in the accident, he remains in serious, but stable condition. Roush was injured in a plane accident at Wittman Regional Airport in Oshkosh, Wisc., on Tuesday. He will continue to be treated at Mayo Clinic for his facial injuries. The Roush organization would like to thank the physicians and staff at Theda Clark Medical Center in Neenah, Wisc., for the care and treatment provided during his stay. Roush Fenway Racing would also like to thank everyone for the outpouring of support and well wishes. Those wishing to make a charitable donation in the name of Jack Roush are encouraged to contribute to Speedway Children’s Charities at www.speedwaycharities.org. Please identify your contribution as “Jack Roush” in the notes section (Roush Fenway Racing)(7-29-2010)

Roush suffers minor injuries in plane crash UPDATE 2: NASCAR team owner Jack Roush was in serious but stable condition after walking away from a plane crash at Whitman Regional Airport in Oshkosh, Wis. on Tuesday night. "There are injuries. Possible surgery," Roush Fenway Racing president Geoff Smith said in a text message to The Associated Press. "But he walked out of the plane." Smith said Roush's injuries include facial lacerations. Roush was flying his private jet, a Beechcraft Premier 1A from Detroit. The jet made hard contact on landing and cracked the fuselage. Brenda Strickland, a friend of Roush's, also was on board the plane. NASCAR journalist Bob Margolis, who is writing a book about Roush's life, was told that Roush and Strickland were not seriously hurt. "Jack got out and had some blood on his face," Margolis said. "Apparently he bumped his head. They both were taken to a local hospital for observation, but I've been told they are OK." Roush, an aviation buff, was attending the Experimental Aircraft Association's annual AirVenture in Oshkosh this week.
In a statement on the EAA website, officials said a Beechcraft Premier business jet registered to Roush Fenway Racing, LLC was involved in a landing accident at Wittman Regional Airport in Oshkosh. The accident occurred at approximately 6:15 pm/ct, the statement said. According to the EAA, the National Transportation Safety Board and Winnebago County Sheriff's Department confirmed that two occupants on board were Roush and Strickland of Plymouth, Mich. "Each exited the aircraft following the accident," the statement said. "Both were transported to local hospitals, with Roush in serious but stable condition and Strickland with non-life threatening injuries. The NTSB is leading the investigation into the accident."(ESPN, see an image of the plane at avweb.com)(7-27-2019)
UPDATE: Jack Roush, co-owner of Roush Fenway Racing and chairman of ROUSH® Enterprises, has been hospitalized following a plane accident at Wittman Air Field in OshKosh, Wisc. Roush, in town for the annual EAA AirVenture show, was landing his Hawker Beechcraft Premier jet when the accident occurred. He was transported to a local hospital. Dr. Kevin Wasco, the attending physician, says that Roush is in serious but stable condition. His injuries are not life threatening.(Roush Racing)(7-28-2010)
UPDATE 2: Jack Roush remains hospitalized in serious, but stable condition following a plane accident at Wittman Air Field in Oshkosh, Wisc., yesterday. He is currently under observation for facial injuries sustained in the accident. His passenger, Brenda Stricklin, was treated and released from a Wisconsin hospital this afternoon. The entire Roush organization would like to thank everyone for the outpouring of support and well wishes. Those wishing to make a charitable donation in the name of Jack Roush are encouraged to contribute to Speedway Children’s Charities at www.speedwaycharities.org. Please identify your contribution as “Jack Roush” in the notes section.(Roush Fenway Racing)(7-28-2010)

Roush Fenway Hits One Million-Mile Mark in Sprint Cup: On February 14, 1988 Jack Roush launched into his first official foray into the big-time world of NASCAR racing. The day would be a short one - lasting just under 50 of the scheduled 500 miles of the world's biggest race. It was a humble beginning for what would grow into one of the most successful organizations in professional sports. Today - almost 25 years later - Roush Fenway Racing has covered over one million miles in Sprint Cup action, enough miles to cover the Earth 40 times over. The miles were turned by 16 different Cup drivers over a 23-plus year period. During that span, Roush Fenway has fielded 2,688 Sprint Cup entries, captured 116 wins, while collecting 632 top fives, 1102 top 10s and 65 poles. The organization has churned 768,810 laps, leading 32,754 laps along the way, while capturing two championships and finishing the season top two on nine occasions.(RFR PR)(7-23-2010)

Reiser to return as Kenseth's crew chief? Loomis moving to Roush? Sirius NASCAR Radio’s Sirius Speedway with Dave Moody has learned that Robbie Reiser is likely to return as crewchief for Matt Kenseth’s #17 Roush Fenway Racing Ford next season. Team owner Jack Roush pulled veteran Jimmy Fennig out of Roush Fenway’s R&D Department to replace Todd Parrott as crew chief last week, the second change of the season for the #17 team. Fennig is Kenseth’s fifth crewchief since 2007, and said last week that he expects to remain atop the pit box for the remainder of the 2010 campaign. Sources tell Sirius Speedway that there is “a very strong possibility” that RFR General Manager Robbie Reiser will return to the post in 2011. “Robbie wants to come back,” said one source on condition of anonymity, “but he’s doing such a good job as GM that Jack can’t justify making a move right now. Next season, expect to see Reiser back on the pit box, with Robbie Loomis succeeding him as General Manager.” Kenseth admitted that consideration is being given to bringing Reiser back as crewchief, saying, "He probably would have filled in for the rest of the year (and tried) to do both, but there just are not enough hours in a day.”(Sirius Speedway)(6-28-2010)

Kenseth dicusses crew chief change: Matt Kenseth took responsibility for his first crew chief change of the year in February, and on Friday, team owner Jack Roush said the call for a second switch was his. Roush surprised veteran Jimmy Fennig by taking him out of the research and development department and putting him in charge of Kenseth's #17 Sprint Cup Series team. Todd Parrott was reassigned back to his old job, overseeing Roush Fenway Racing's superspeedway program. "Matt and I shared a concern that we weren't getting the optimum number of changes in the garage (during practice) based on the plan and the preparation and the execution of the pre-race activities," Roush said at New Hampshire Motor Speedway in Loudon. "That was not the case in the first few races when Todd was at the helm, but, for whatever reason - I don't know if Matt stopped talking to him or I stopped talking to him or what happened, but for whatever reason - we kind of had a breakdown in team communication and the effectiveness we had of getting ready for the race." Fennig is the fifth crew chief since 2007. Robbie Reiser became general manger of Roush Fenway's Sprint Cup operations at the end of that season. Although it has been suggested that the only answer for Kenseth is to be reunited with Reiser, Reiser is too valuable to the organization as a whole, Kenseth said. "He probably would have came and filled in for the rest of the year if he could try to do both, but there just are not enough hours in a day," Kenseth said. "It does seem like I'm pretty hard on crew chiefs lately, that's for sure, but we've just had some opportunities within the organization. . . . We just had some opportunities to mix things up a little bit and see if we can get the team heading in the direction we think it needs to be headed in."(Milwaukee Journal Sentinel)(6-27-2010)

New crew chief for Kenseth UPDATE: #17-Matt Kenseth and crew chief Todd Parrott have parted ways. Former championship winning crew chief Jimmy Fennig, who was running Roush Fenway Racing's R & D Center, will act as temporary crew chief for the #17 Roush Fenway Ford until a permanent solution can be found. Fennig is a longtime Roush employee and worked with #6-David Ragan last year. Parrott replaced Drew Blickensderfer following the season-opening Daytona 500. Together Parrott and Kenseth posted four top fives and eight top 10 finishes. The pair’s best performance together was second at Atlanta Motor Speedway in March. Parrott could not be reached for comment but is expected to return to the Roush’s research and development department.(FoxSports)(6-23-2010)
UPDATE: Roush Fenway Racing has named Jimmy Fennig as the crew chief for Matt Kenseth and the #17 Crown Royal Ford in the Sprint Cup Series. The move pairs Kenseth - who drove Roush Fenway to its first Sprint Cup Championship in 2003 - with Fennig, who served as crew chief on Roush Fenway’s 2004 championship team. “I am very pleased that we have been able to place these two together on the #17,” said team owner Jack Roush. “These guys were both instrumental in our back-to-back Sprint Cup Championships in 2003 and 2004, with Matt driving us to our first Cup Championship and Jimmy of course being instrumental in the 2004 championship as the team’s crew chief. We would expect this pairing to yield strong results as both of these guys are extremely talented and among the best in the business at what they do.” Fennig will be joined on the #17 by car chief Richie Davis. Davis had been working in Roush Fenway’s research and development department along side Fennig. Todd Parrott, who had been working as crew chief on the #17, will serve as the new R&D manager at Roush Fenway; a position formally held by Fennig. Current #17 car chief Charles “Cully” Barraclough will also move over to car chief the R&D program.(Roush Fenway Racing)(6-23-2010)

New Ford engine to run in some cars at Pocono: Robbie Reiser, general manager at Roush Fenway Racing, said that some cars in the organization and at Richard Petty Motorsports will use the new Ford engine next week at Pocono before all the teams for both organizations use it the following week at Michigan. The engine debuted last season but has been used sparingly this season with plans for all the Ford teams to be running the engine this summer. Only the Wood Brothers, who are running a limited schedule, have used the new engine throughout this season. Scheduled to run the new Ford engine at Pocono next weekend are #43-AJ Allmendinger, #17-Matt Kenseth, #16-Greg Biffle and #99-Carl Edwards. Roush and RPM will use the new engine in all the remaining races, Reiser said, except next month at New Hampshire and Infineon Raceway and at Watkins Glen and Bristol in August.(Roanoke Times)(5-31-2010)

Jeremiah Weed Southern Style Sweet Tea Vodka Salutes Military Roots: As Americans across the country prepare to remember the American heroes who serve our country with a variety of responsible Memorial Day cookouts and celebrations, race fans will look to one of their favorite drivers to help pay tribute. During the upcoming NASCAR Sprint Cup Series race at Charlotte Motor Speedway, Matt Kenseth will have Jeremiah Weed Southern Style Sweet Tea vodka on the hood of his #17 Ford Fusion in an effort to honor fighter pilots everywhere. As the legend is told, Jeremiah Weed became the drink of choice for men and women fighter pilots after a Fighter Jet went down without injury outside of Nellis Air Force Base in Las Vegas. When the group involved in the incident later returned to the site, they toasted with Jeremiah Weed. Since, Air Force pilots have toasted with Jeremiah Weed Bourbon upon finishing their flights. If Kenseth can wheel the #17 Ford to Victory Lane, Jeremiah Weed will make a $100,000 donation to a military-themed charity. Regardless of how the Jeremiah Weed car finishes, a total of $10,000 will be donated.(PR)(5-28-2010)

Kenseth's son wins at Winchester: Ross Kenseth, Bret Miles, Sr. and Kevin Claborn took hard fought victories on the opening day of the legendary Winchester Speedway. On a day that threatened rain but was dry all day, with a strong wind, the racing was hot as drivers fought every lap for the win. Two races with cars side by side on the last lap and one winner that only led the last lap kept the crowd on the edge of their seats the entire day. Kenseth started his first trip to Winchester by setting fast time for the Manning Service 100, just beating John VanDoorn by only .008 of a second. He then drew a four putting Tommy St. John on the pole with Scott Hantz on the outside of the front row. St. John jumped out to the early lead, with VanDoorn following him and pressuring him as they ran out front.(Winchester Speedway)(5-18-2010)

Roush Fenway Racing spring Fan Day: Roush Fenway Racing is scheduled to host their spring Fan Day event on Thursday, May 27, 2010 at their headquarters in Concord, N.C. Fans are invited to Roush Fenway to participate in activities that will include two autograph sessions, with the first session starting at 11:30 a.m. featuring Roush Fenway Racing drivers Carl Edwards, Greg Biffle, Ricky Stenhouse Jr., and Colin Braun. The second autograph session will start at 12:30 and feature Jack Roush, David Ragan, and Matt Kenseth. A limited number of tickets for each session will be handed out at 8:00 a.m. that morning. To qualify for an autograph ticket, fans must bring two non-perishable items or a monetary donation to help support our local Cabarrus County food pantries. There will be sponsor displays and food vendors for fans to enjoy outside and the Roush Fenway museum (with new displays) and store will be open for fans to peruse and shop. The Roush Fenway Racing store and museum will be open with special extended hours during the May and October race weeks. For times and more info see roushfenway.com.(5-4-2010)

Kenseth’s Crew Claims Tissot Pit Road Award in Phoenix: Matt Kenseth’s over-the-wall crew captured the Tissot Pit Road Precision Award in Saturday’s (April 10) Subway Fresh Fit 600 NASCAR Sprint Cup race at Phoenix International Raceway. The quick stops by the #17 crew helped Kenseth attain a sixth-place finish at the one-mile oval. Kenseth’s Crown Royal Black Ford spent the least amount of time on pit road – 289.915 seconds – during the 375-lap race, which was the longest Sprint Cup event in track history. Race winner Ryan Newman’s #39 Tornados Chevrolet was second (295.547) and Mark Martin’s #5 GoDaddy.com Chevrolet was third (302.847).
The #17 Roush Fenway Racing over-the-wall crew consists of: Justin Nottestad (front-tire changer), Joe Crossen (front-tire carrier), Dave Smith (rear-tire changer), Garrett Reding (rear-tire carrier), Cameron Cobb (jackman), Brad Robison (gasman) and Dave McDonald (catch can). The winning pit crew in each Sprint Cup race will earn $5,000 and a Tissot V8 Quartz Chronograph watch. The team with the most Tissot Pit Road Precision Award wins at the completion of the 36-race schedule will receive a $105,000 bonus plus Tissot watches for the over-the-wall crew members and driver. Martin Truex Jr.’s team continues to top the Tissot standings with two wins after seven races. Five teams remain in second place with one win.(Tissot)(4-16-2010)

Special scheme for Kenseth in two races: Jeremiah Weed Sweet Tea Vodka is scheduled to be the primary aponaor for #17 Matt Kenseth in the Coca-Cola 600 at Charlotte Motor Speedway in May and the Coke Zero 400 at Daytona in July. See image of the scheme on my #17 Team Schemes page.(4-13-2010)

Kenseth talks about Martinsville contact with Gordon: Is Matt Kenseth still upset with Jeff Gordon over getting bumped out of the way during the green-white-checkered flag finish at Martinsville? During an interview in Arlington, Texas on Wednesday, Performance Racing Network and Texas Motor Speedway announcer Brad Gillie asked Kenseth about the incident. Kenseth chuckled and said "He never likes the way I race him so…I don't know…he's honestly taken me out of three top-three finishes now and he still went on to finish third. I barely bumped into him at Martinsville and got under him and tried to go for a win and I thought we were gonna race side-by-side for the win on the last lap and instead he decided to wreck me and deliberately try to ruin my day. So, it's in the past and I'm just gonna move on and just start over the next week. He's gonna have to race how he wants to race and he's gonna have his opinions and I'm gonna have my opinions on things and we'll just go on from there." Kenseth took part in NASCAR's winners circle program at the International Bowling Hall of Fame and museum Wednesday to help promote the upcoming races at Texas Motor Speedway.(PRN Garage Pass)(4-8-2010)

Crown Royal Black on the #17: This weekend at Phoenix, Kenseth will pilot the #17 Crown Royal Black Ford.(Roush Fenway PR)(4-7-2010)
UPDATE: When the dust settles for the upcoming NASCAR Sprint Cup Series race at Phoenix International Raceway, everything will be covered in Black, at least for Matt Kenseth. The former NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Champion will have Crown Royal Black, the newest addition to the Crown Royal portfolio, serving as primary sponsor of the #17 Ford for at least 10 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series events throughout the 2010 season. Beginning in Phoenix, the #17 Crown Royal Black Ford, which will be named the "Royal Rebel" car to showcase the boldness of the new whisky, will hit the track in an effort to encourage adult fans to enjoy the new product responsibly. As an added bonus, if the Crown Royal Black car finishes in the top-10 during any of the special paint scheme races, the first adult race fan to tweet "Crown Royal Black" and Matt's finishing position to @PR17CrownRoyal will receive a special phone call from Kenseth or a member of the #17 team.(Crown Royal / Taylor PR)(4-8-2010)

Jack Roush to be Honored with Robert E. Petersen Lifetime Achievement Award: On Friday, March 12 Jack Roush will receive the highest compliment in the hot rod world as he will be presented with the Robert E. Petersen Lifetime Achievement Award. The ceremony takes place during the grand opening breakfast of the 12th Annual HotRod & Restoration Trade Show in front of nearly one thousand attendees at the Indiana Convention Center in Indianapolis. "Being named a recipient of the Robert E. Petersen Lifetime Achievement Award is obviously a tremendous distinction and something completely unexpected," Roush said. "I remember Robert (Petersen) always being a great ambassador for the auto industry and hot rods. It is an honor to be mentioned among the many legendary names who have received this award in the past." The Robert E. Petersen Lifetime Achievement Award has been presented annually since 2002. Previous recipients include Wally Parks (NHRA), Carroll Shelby, George Barris, Vic Edelbrock, the Ford family, Alex Xydias (So-Cal Speed Shop), and "Speedy" Bill Smith (Speedway Motors).(Roush Fenway)(3-10-2010)

Valvoline to sponsor Kenseth UPDATE: hearing and seeing that Valvoline will sponsor #17-Matt Kenseth in a few 2010 Sprint Cup races. Supposedly for three races. See an image of the scheme on my #17 Team Schemes page.(12-12-2009)
UPDATE: Roush Fenway Racing announced that Valvoline, the leading innovator and supplier of quality, high-performing automotive products, will sponsor the #17 entry and driver Matt Kenseth for three NASCAR Sprint Cup Series races during the 2010 season. The #17 Valvoline Ford Fusion will debut this weekend at Atlanta Motor Speedway and then will also serve as the primary sponsor for April’s Talladega race weekend as well as the November Cup Series race in Phoenix [11/21]. Valvoline first teamed up with Roush Fenway Racing in 1990, and together the duo has brought home 44 wins in the Sprint Cup series [many with #6-Mark Martin]. Valvoline is the official motor oil at Roush Fenway Racing, and has been providing Americans with the best motor oil and automotive products longer than any other motor oil company.(RFR), see images of the scheme on my #17 Team Schemes page.(3-3-2010)

New crew chief for Kenseth: UPDATE: in a bit of a surprise move, Veteran crew chief Todd Parrott has been appointed crew chief of Roush Fenway’s #17 Sprint Cup Crown Royal Ford team with driver Matt Kenseth. Parrott will take over the role effective immediately. Drew Blickensderfer, who has served as crew chief on the #17 since the start of the 2009 season [winning the Daytona 500 and race afterwards in Calif], will assume a role in Roush Fenway’s research and development department. Parrott, who won a Sprint Cup championship with Dale Jarrett in 1999, is the third winningest active crew chief in the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series with 29 career wins.(RFR)(2-17-2010)
UPDATE: Matt Kenseth says it became obvious that something had to change when his crew members were becoming too much like him. "You guys say I don't show emotion sometimes. I kind of felt like the whole group was sort of like that," Kenseth said Friday, explaining an unexpected crew chief change made after only one race. "I just felt like it needed something to throw a spark in the thing." Back in California where Kenseth got his last victory a year ago, Todd Parrott replaces Drew Blickensderfer atop the #17 Ford pit box this weekend. After Blickensderfer became his crew chief last year, Kenseth won at Daytona and California. That momentum didn't carry over because Kenseth hasn't won since, and missed the Chase for the Sprint Cup championship for the first time. But instead of making a change during the offseason, Kenseth made the move after an eighth-place finish at Daytona last weekend, when he managed a top-10 finish after running in the middle of the pack most of Sunday's race. "We were just missing something on the team," Kenseth said. "I didn't feel the way we operated at Daytona that we could win races and win championships." Kenseth took the blame for the timing of the switch, explaining that team owner Jack Roush asked him at the end of last season if any changes needed to be made. At the time, Kenseth felt like everything was OK and that Blickensderfer deserved the benefit of a full season and full offseason. "It's really hard to explain the timing of the change. It doesn't make any sense," Kenseth said. "Instead of dragging it out, it was just something that needed to be done. ... Get a head start on this thing instead of waiting until we're halfway into the season and it's too late to dig ourselves out." Roush described himself as "really conflicted" about the switch but said that it became clear when he met with general manager Robbie Reiser and Kenseth this week that the change was necessary. Roush said there was "zero sponsor pressure" for a switch. The team owner also, without elaborating, used the term "interim" concerning the role for Parrott, who was the crew chief when Dale Jarrett won the 1999 Cup championship.(Associated Press)(2-19-2010)

Roush Fenway Fords to Carry Special Decal: Roush Fenway’s race cars will each carry a special decal honoring the life and cause of Olympic medalist skier and multiple sclerosis (MS) advocate, Jimmie Heuga, in this Sunday’s Daytona 500 race at Daytona International Speedway. Heuga passed away Monday at the age of 66 in Colorado; 46 years to the day that he won his bronze medal in the 1964 Winter Olympics. Heuga, a college skiing teammate of Roush Fenway President Geoff Smith at the University of Colorado, was a bronze medalist in the 1964 Olympic games, but will most be remembered for founding ‘Can Do Multiple Sclerosis’ (formerly The Heuga Center for Multiple Sclerosis) a national nonprofit organization that has served as a leading provider of innovative lifestyle empowerment programs for people with MS and their support partners. Heuga became one of the first two Americans -- along with teammate Billy Kidd -- to win an Olympic medal in Alpine skiing. He was diagnosed with MS in 1970 at the age of 26, but refused to succumb to the neurological disease. He instead became a champion for others suffering from the disease, and his campaign to demonstrate that MS did not necessarily mean a life of inactivity is credited with helping to change the mindset about MS and exercise. For more information on the ‘Can Do Multiple Sclerosis’ organization, visit: www.mscando.org.(RFR)(2-14-2010)

Three drivers to run new Ford engine in Daytona 500: Ford Racing announced that #17-Matt Kenseth and #19-Elliott Sadler will join #21-Bill Elliott as drivers sporting the new Ford FR9 engine Sunday in the Daytona 500 at Daytona International Speedway.(Racin' Today)(2-13-2010)

Crown Royal to sponsor Kenseth for more races : Roush Fenway Racing announced that Crown Royal has extended the number of races in which it will be primary sponsor of driver Matt Kenseth and the #17 Sprint Cup Series team. Crown Royal will serve as the primary sponsor for 35 Sprint Cup Series races in 2010 [of 38 races counting the Bud Shootout & All-Star race). The makers of Crown Royal Canadian whisky, a subsidiary of Diageo plc, have been partners with Roush Fenway Racing dating back to 2003. "I'm thrilled that Crown Royal chose to expand their sponsorship of our team for the entire 2010 season,” said Kenseth, one of only five drivers in NASCAR history to win the Sprint Cup rookie of the year award, a Sprint Cup Championship and the Daytona 500. "I know that this is going to be a successful season for our #17 team and it will be great to represent the Crown Royal brand for 35 Cup Series events. I had the honor of working with DIAGEO and their Smirnoff ICE brand back in 2003 where we developed a great relationship. In addition to the sponsorship, we look forward to helping Crown Royal promote its responsible drinking platform, as well as kick-off the annual Crown Royal “Your Name Here” program this week, which awards naming rights to the Spring race at Richmond International Raceway to an adult fan." Kenseth will make his inaugural run in the #17 Crown Royal Ford on Saturday, Feb. 6 for the non-points exhibition event, the Budweiser Shootout, at Daytona International Speedway. The first points race of the season will be the Daytona 500 the on Sunday, Feb. 14 in which Kenseth is the defending champion of the event (Roush Fenway Racing). Supposedly Valvoline will be the sponsor for the other three races.(2-5-2010)

Roush close to having sponsors for all four cars: Three of Roush Fenway Racing's four Cup cars, for drivers #6-David Ragan (UPS), #16-Greg Biffle (3M/Post It) and #99-Carl Edwards (Aflac/Subway/Kellogg's) are fully sponsored, Smith said; but 2003 Cup champion Matt Kenseth's #17 Ford is not. "Within a very few days I think we'll be able to announce we have a fully-sponsored 17 car," RFR president Geoff Smith said of the car that has a partial season of funding from Crown Royal. (NASCAR.com)(1-14-2010)

Jack Roush to Be Inducted Into NMPA Hall of Fame: Jack Roush will be one of four honorees to be inducted into the National Motorsports Press Association Hall of Fame this Saturday night in Concord, North Carolina. Roger Penske, Rusty Wallace and Robert Yates will also be welcomed into the NMPA Hall of Fame this weekend. "Jack Roush's induction to the NMPA Hall of Fame is a well deserved honor for a man who has impacted not only NASCAR but racing with his innovations and ingenuity throughout his career,” remarked Dustin Long, President, National Motorsports Press Association. “It will truly be an honor to be welcomed to the list of NMPA Hall of Fame inductees,” said Roush. “The role of the media who cover NASCAR has certainly evolved over the years but I think we would all agree that now more than ever the job of informing the world about our great sport is of tremendous importance. I know the members of the NMPA are among those who care the most about both the history and the future of our sport so I consider this induction into their Hall of Fame a most cherished honor.”(RFR)(1-14-2010)

Menard to run full Nationwide season: Roush Fenway will field four full-time teams in the 2010 Nationwide Series -- including a #98 Ford for Paul Menard, who races for Richard Petty Motorsports in the Cup Series -- and RFR president Geoff Smith said Wednesday that the stable sold has more than 75% of the sponsorship of its eight-car fleet in NASCAR's two top national series. Menard will run his first complete schedule since 2006, when he finished sixth in the championship for the second consecutive season before stepping into the Cup Series full time. That car is fully sponsored by the Menards home improvement store chain and a variety of partners. Smith said RFR's other three Nationwide programs had varying sponsorship gaps. Former series champion Carl Edwards will again compete full time in both Cup and Nationwide, running a #60 Ford sponsored by Fastenal and Copart in the secondary series. Smith said Edwards' car has "four open races." Colin Braun and Ricky Stenhouse Jr. will run full schedules as rookie of the year candidates in the #16 and #6 cars. Braun's car has 18 races with Con-way Freight and two more with 3M, leaving 15 of the series' 35 races unsponsored. Stenhouse has 18 races with CitiFinancial backing, leaving "the remainder for sale," Smith said. Biffle is part of a previously announced deal to run a partial Nationwide schedule for Baker Curb Racing, but "at this point in time David Ragan, Matt Kenseth and Greg Biffle are not doing Nationwide races with us."(NASCAR.com)(1-14-2010)

2009 Sponsor Schedule, DeWalt is the sponsor unless noted:

2009 Races [3] that USG Sheetrock is scheduled to be the primary sponsor:
Las Vegas - Mar 1
Chicago - July 11
Phoenix - Nov 15

2009 Races [4] that Carhartt is scheduled to be the primary sponsor:
California - Feb 22
Michigan - June 14
New Hampshire - Sept 20
Charlotte - Oct 17

2009 Races [4] that R+L Carriers is scheduled to be the primary sponsor:
Charlotte - May 24
Daytona - July 4
Atlanta - Sept 6
California - Oct 11

Valvoline to sponsor Kenseth: hearing and seeing that Valvoline will sponsor #17-Matt Kenseth in a few 2010 Sprint Cup races. No word how many or which races. See an image of the scheme on my #17 Team Schemes page.(12-12-2009)

Blickensderfer honored: Drew Blickensderfer, crew chief of the #17 Ford, won the Moog Problem Solver of the Year Award for 2009. This marks the first time Blickensderfer has won the award coming of a season that included winning the Daytona 500 and following that up with a win at the Auto Club Speedway the next weekend. Blickensderfer led his team to two wins, one pole, seven top-five and 12 top-10 finishes in 2009, his first full-season as crew chief for Matt Kenseth and the #17 team.(Roush Fenway Racing)(12-5-2009)

Roush Racing helps out NC Auto Racing HOF: For many, being able to give to others during this holiday season will be a difficult task. But it is not always the gift of tangible goods or money that can mean the most to its recipient. A recent event took place at the North Carolina Auto Racing Hall of Fame in Mooresville, NC. On Thursday, November 19th, the NC Auto Racing HOF mailbox on Knob Hill Road was struck and destroyed by a customer. One of the museum's volunteers, an 80-year-old man, went outside to try to resurrect the mailbox. Watching him struggle with this task from across the street was someone from Roush Fenway Racing, who dispatched a group of their shop workers to come over and help. They poured cement for the new post, fabricated the mailbox, and installed it on the same day. All of this was done without their being asked to do so, and without any payment whatsoever. Replacing a mail box doesn't seem like a big expense but to small non-profit organizations like the Hall of Fame, it has an impact.(NCARHOF)(11-25-2009)

Final race for DeWalt on the #17: This weekend will mark the end of an era for Matt Kenseth and Roush Fenway Racing. After more than a decade serving as the primary sponsor for Matt Kenseth and the No. 17 team, DEWALT will run its last race aboard the No. 17 Ford Fusion this weekend at Homestead. One of the most successful partnerships in NASCAR history, the duo of Kenseth and DEWALT teamed for the 2000 Rookie of the Year Award, the 2003 Championship and the 2009 Daytona 500 win during their 10-plus year tenure together.(RFR)(11-18-2009)

Roush's Smith not retiring: Roush Fenway Racing president Geoff Smith has decided to delay his retirement. Smith said because of tough economic times and the merger between partner Yates Racing and Richard Petty Motorsports that he will stay on at least through the 2010 season. Smith is handling a lot of the paperwork in the merger that he said is agreed to on all major issues and should be announced soon. He also plays a major role in bringing sponsors to the cars for the Sprint Cup and Nationwide Series. Smith has yet to wrap up a full season of sponsorship for the #17 of Matt Kenseth.(see more at ESPN Insiders)(11-17-2009)

USG returns to sponsor #17 at Phoenix: The #17 Ford of Matt Kenseth will carry the blue and red colors of USG Sheetrock for the third and final time this weekend at Phoenix International Raceway. This week’s car will be The #17 USG SHEETROCK Ford promoting the DUROCK cement board Next Gen logo (RFR). See images of the regular USG scheme on my #17 Team Schemes page.(11-12-2009)

150 Talladega starts for Roush: Roush Fenway will make its 150th Sprint Cup start at Talladega this weekend. Talladega is the eighth track in 2009 that the team has accomplished this feat. The first seven were Bristol, Charlotte, Daytona, Dover, Martinsville, Michigan, Pocono and Richmond.(Roush Fenway PR)(11-1-2009)

Roush to visit RPM: Jack Roush is scheduled to take a tour of the Richard Petty Motorsports facility on Wednesday. Other managers from Roush Fenway Racing will join Rosuh on the tour of the Statesville, N.C., shop. There have been ongoing talks since before September of a merger between Yates Racing, a sister organization of Roush Fenway, and RPM. Regardless of whether RPM merges with Yates, majority team owner George Gillett has said his team will be running Fords in 2010. Given that Roush is the principal supplier of Ford engines, RPM will be working directly with RFR in one form or another.(FoxSports), see an image of a real #9 Budweiser Ford for 2010 on my #9 Team Schemes page.(10-14-2009)

New Ford engine at Talladega: Ford will delay the debut of its new Sprint Cup engine, Doug Hervey, who oversees Ford’s North American racing operations, said Saturday. The engine was scheduled to have debuted next week at Lowe’s Motor Speedway. Instead, Ford will debut the restrictor-plate version of the engine at Talladega in three weeks. As for the non-restrictor-plate engine, it likely will debut at Texas or Homestead.(Virginian Pilot)
AND: Matt Kenseth's crew chief Drew Blickensderfer is expecting to have the new Ford FR9 engine in the #17 Fusion in two weeks at Talladega.
AND: On a related note: Blickensderfer expects to return as crew chief next season even though Kenseth failed to make the Chase for the first time since the format was introduced six years ago.(FoxSports)(10-11-2009)

Kenseth going for first sweep; R+L on the #17: Leaving Fontana, California this season back in the spring most people had named #17-Matt Kenseth and Drew Blickensderfer as the hottest driver/crew chief duo in the garage after having started the season off 2-0. But the dream of being on top was short lived, especially when the team failed to make the Chase at Richmond International Raceway. But all is not lost, Kenseth and Blickensderfer have a chance to sweep Auto Club Speedway's two races this season. Kenseth tied Jeff Gordon and Jimmie Johnson for a series high most wins at Auto Club Speedway with three after his win there earlier this season. If Kenseth is able to win this weekend it will be his first sweep at a track in NASCAR Sprint Cup Series competition.(NASCAR PR)
AND:The #17 Ford will carry the green and gold colors of R+L carriers this weekend at California. It will be the final of four races this season with R+L Carriers as the primary on the #17 Ford.(Roush Fenway PR), see an image of the scheme on my #17 Team Schemes page.(10-8-2009)

Roush keeping an eye on the Henrick cars in question: Car owner Jack Roush [#'s 6,16,17,26,99 Ford's] says he understands that the two cars in question [Hendrick Motorsports #5 and #48 Chevy's] were in fact slightly "out of tolerance," in being off-set a bit to the right (which would help in aerodynamics in corner handling), although Roush said the specific 'miss' was probably too slight to be of any significant advantage. "I've been fined a lot of times for a lot of different things…and if the cars were out of tolerance by a quarter of an inch, which is what I've heard…well, the rest of the garage is held to a much tighter tolerance than that," Roush said. "So we'll see what NASCAR ultimately does about it."(mikemulhern.net)(10-5-2009)

Kenseth talks to fans in Fontana: #17-Matt Kenseth, the winner of last February's Sprint Cup race at the Auto Club Speedway, returned to the Inland Empire on Sept. 23. But he wasn't behind the wheel of a race car. After holding a press conference at the speedway, Kenseth had a question-and-answer session with nearly 200 fans in attendance before heading over to the Paul A. Biane Library in Rancho Cucamonga. There, he dropped off a load of books for the library and read to students from Grapeland Elementary School in the library courtyard.(Fontana Herald News)(10-3-2009)

Crew chief changes at Roush? UPDATE: There is supposedly a meeting planned at Roush Fenway Racing featuring General Manager Robbie Reiser and representatives from Ford. Could crew chief changes be in RFR's future? One rumor circulating NHMS Sunday morning had veteran crew chief Jimmy Fennig connecting with former Roush racer Jeff Burton at RCR. Not so, Fennig said. "After 13 years with Jack, my goal is to retire from Roush Racing," Fennig said. "But I'm getting too old to be on the road." Another scenario places Fennig in a research and development role. Fennig says testing suits him just fine.(FoxSports)(9-21-2009)
UPDATE: Car owner Jack Roush says that any personnel moves among his non-Chase teams will be made after the season since he's focused on the championship with Carl Edwards and Greg Biffle. "I will re-evaluate every person and every position on every team this winter as I do every year,'' Roush said. He said he would make a change on a Chase team immediately if it could help that team contend for the championship.(Roanoke Times)(9-27-2009)

Kenseth carrying R&L colors at Atlanta: The #17 Ford of Matt Kenseth will carry the green and gold colors of R+L carriers this weekend at Atlanta Motor Speedway for the Pep Boys Auto 500. It will be the third of four races this season with R+L Carriers as the primary on the #17 Ford also running at Charlotte in May and Daytona in July and is scheduled to run at Auto Club Speedway in Oct. Kenseth has carried the R+L Carriers paint scheme 12 times since 2006. In his 12 previous starts in the #17 R+L Carriers Ford, Kenseth has achieved 12 top-12, 10 top-10, and four top-five finishes.(Roush Fenway Racing), see images of the scheme on my #17 Team Schemes page.(9-5-2009)

Kenseth vs. Kenseth this weekend at Madison International Speedway: UPDATE: While the NASCAR Sprint Cup circuit and #17-Matt Kenseth take a week off from the pressures of an intense points race to make the Chase for the Cup, the Roush Fenway driver will take on a different kind of pressure this weekend at Madison International Speedway; the race for family bragging rights. For the first time ever, Kenseth will go head-to-head on the track against his 16 year-old son, Ross, this Saturday night at Madison International Speedway in Oregon, Wis. The Madison International Speedway weekly Rockweiler Insulation Late Models will compete in a twin 50-lap feature event that will include father vs. son, as the 2009 Daytona 500 winner competes against Ross Kenseth and the other weekly MIS competitors. The Twin 50's will be a points event for the MIS weekly Rockweiler Insulation Late Models. Matt Kenseth, the 2003 Sprint Cup Champion, will compete in a Pathfinder Chassis-prepared Late Model. (Roush Fenway PR), for more information see my Driver appearances page.(8-28-2009)
UPDATE: The competitor in Matt Kenseth felt the joy of victory from winning both 50-lap feature races at Madison International Speedway Sunday. The father in him, felt disappointment for his 16-year-old son, Ross, who finished second and sixth to earn second place overall in the rain-delayed Kenseth vs. Kenseth competition. “I want my son to be happy more than I care about my own happiness,” Matt Kenseth said. “I wish he was a little happier after the race, but he still finished second and sixth, he did really well. I know he’s a little disappointed because he always wants to win as well, but he did a really good job and it was a pretty fun event.”.(Wisconsin State Journal)(8-31-2009)

#17 team has some help at Pocono: #17-Matt Kenseth's Crew chief Drew Blickensderfer has a little extra help this week at Pocono Raceway: two high school students from Minnesota, who are helping to prep the DeWalt Tools Ford. Matthew Ludwig, 17, and Justin Dwyer, 18, were national winners in the Ford/AAA Student Auto Skills competition, emerging from a field of more than 9,700 entries of high school juniors and seniors from all 50 states. Part of their reward is the chance to spend much of a week with Kenseth's team.
They attended a test session at Rockingham, N.C. with Kenseth, toured the Roush Fenway shop in Concord, N.C. with Blickensderfer and will get a taste of all activities at Pocono Raceway, from preparing the car on Friday to being with the team behind pit road on Sunday. "It's my first (NASCAR) race, so to be in the pits at Pocono will be really cool," said Dwyer, who helped replace a front coil spring and adjust the exhaust system on Friday. Ludwig, who worked on body aerodynamics Friday, expressed surprise at the level of hands-on experience being offered. "Actually being able to sit down and talk to the (crew) guys has been great," he said. "They're really down-to-earth. They've been teaching us about what's going on — why they're making certain adjustments." Blickensderfer tried to give the students as much hands-on experience as he could.
"There aren't too many 17-18-year-old kids who can say they got to hang out with Matt Kenseth and his crew," Blickensderfer. "We'll at least let them see everything we're doing and, if we can give them an opportunity to work on the car, it will be a memory that should last a while for them."
Ludwig and Dwyer attend Fairbault High School, a public high school about 40 miles south of Minneapolis. Under tutelage of instructor Mark Lessman, Fairbault has emerged a perennial skills competition contender, winning. two national titles (2003, 2009) and 13 of the last 16 state championships.
"It gets in your blood," says Lessman, who has taught auto mechanics at Fairbault for 25 years. "The one thing I really like is giving the kids scholarship money for school. This is a good avenue for them to help pay for their education."
To win the title, Ludwig and Dwyer needed to correctly diagnose and repair a car with numerous malfunctions, including the starter, flow sensor, air conditioning system, power windows and lights. The winners got all the bugs out in 42 minutes, 51 seconds and were one of four state champions to complete the test without demerits.
All entrants completed an on-line exam with the highest scorers advancing to their state's hands-on competition. That state's champion competed in the national finals in Dearborn, Mich., with results of a 100-question written exam and the hands-on competition combined to determine the national champion.
All told, $10.7 million in scholarships were offered through the program. The top-10 national finalists received full and partial scholarships from some of the leading automotive technology institutions in the country. In addition, the high schools of the top 15 teams earned a Ford Edge, Taurus or Fusion for training purposes in their automotive technology departments.
The top-15 teams in the 2009 Ford/AAA Student Auto Skills National Finals:
1. Minnesota (Justin Dwyer, Matthew Ludwig) Faribault High School, Faribault, Minn., instructed by Mark Lessman;
2. Colorado (Charles Duran, Dylan Keyes) Doherty High School, Colorado Springs, instructed by Brad Wheaton;
3. Alabama (Zach Evans, Jared Hudson) Albert P Brewer High School, Somerville, Ala., instructed by Robert Bryson;
4. Texas (Juan Correa, Andrew McConnell) Birdville Career Center, Halton City, Texas, instructed by Olin R. Harrington;
5. California (Eric Reed, Doug Rinnell) San Luis Obispo High School, San Luis Obispo, Calif., instructed by Jeff Lehmkuhl;
6. New York (Mike Palladino, Andrew Matthys) Wayne Tech & Career Center, Williamson, N.Y., instructed by Chet Kuhn;
7. Kansas (Joseph Vanderputten, Dillon Percival) Kaw Area Tech School, Topeka, Kansas, instructed by Robert Oswald;
8. Indiana (Jarrett Coberly, Nicholas Vogler) Pike Central High School, Petersburg, Ind., instructed by Buddy Lee;
9. Arkansas (Brandon & Nolan Hildalgo – twin brothers) Jacksonville High School, Jacksonville, Ark., instructed by Shawn Poindexte;
10. Iowa (Cody Gudenkauf, Michael Hermsen) West Delaware High School Manchester, Iowa, instructed by Jason Guyer;
11. Kentucky (Jesse Bardis, Austin White) Shelby Co Area Tech Center, Shelbyville, Ky., instructed by Bruce Edwards;
12. Wisconsin (Kieron Kohlmann, Jonathan Ramczyk) Washington Park High School, Racine, Wis., instructed by David Dixon;
13. Oklahoma (Jeffrey Dill, Jack Gibson) Eastern Oklahoma Co Tech Center, Choctaw, Okla., instructed by Jim LaFevers;
14. Hawaii (Chester Lee Coloma, Edler Espiritu) Maui High School, Kahului, Hawaii. instructed by Shannon Rowe;
15. Wyoming (Alfred Hefenieder, Jesse Hernandez) Worland High School, Worland, Wy., instructed by Mike Sapp.
(USA Today)(8-2-2009)

DeWalt will not return to the #17 team in 2010 UPDATE new sponsor?: Roush Fenway Racing was informed today that DeWalt Power Tools will not renew its sponsorship of Matt Kenseth and the #17 team for the 2010 NASCAR season. “We would like to thank DeWalt for serving as a great partner for the past 10 years,” said Roush Fenway President Geoff Smith. “During that time we have seen great success for both their company and marketing program, as well as with Matt on the race track. They will always be remembered and honored as the sponsor of Jack Roush’s first Sprint Cup Championship team. Despite this success – in the face of the significant world-wide economic decline in the construction industry – DeWalt’s decision to not return is not a great surprise to us. Fortunately, we have several great companies interested in taking over and we expect to begin finalizing those sponsorship arrangements in the very near future. All of us at Roush Fenway Racing remain committed to keeping the #17 DeWalt car running up front, winning races and to put them in a position to contend for a second championship this season.”(Roush Fenway Racing)(7-23-2009)
UPDATE: hearing that Roush Fenway Racing will announce sometime this week that Crown Royal will sponsor the #17 Ford of Matt Kenseth for approximately 18 races in 2010, replacing DeWalt. The other 18 races will probably be 2-3 other sponsors.(7-27-2009)

Roush's Smith talks about 2010 plans: Sunday on "The SIRIUS NASCAR Radio Pre-Race Show", SIRIUS XM's Claire B. Lang spoke with Roush Fenway Racing president Geoff Smith about the possible changes to the team's roster of drivers before next season.
Geoff Smith: "If you're asking about our team plans for 2010, we're settled that Carl Edwards and Aflac, Greg Biffle with 3M, and David Ragan with UPS will be staying put and that sponsorship is going to kind of determine whether or not the #17 or the #26 are going to have to be the teams we shut down and move, if we can."
Smith: "There are difficulties. You just can't assume that a team can transfer intact just because you want it to. There are sponsors that get to vote as to what organization they're going to sponsor. So we have to work through that, which is what I've been saying. I expect, now that the DeWalt cloud has been removed, we're going to move very quickly to lock in the sponsorship and then that sponsorship will determine [whether] the #17 stays or goes."
Host, Claire B. Lang: "Meaning that we could see a past champion, Matt Kenseth, moving?"
Smith: "It all depends on the sponsorships. Our objective is to keep both of those teams (the #17 and the #26) in the Ford Motor Company community. We're hoping that we don't have to keep one and then lose one out of the Ford community entirely. So if we can keep them both in the [Ford] community by shuffling the #17 we would do that. Pretty unlikely that Matt Kenseth or the #17 will move at this point."
(SIRIUS NASCAR Radio)(7-27-2009)

Kenseth wins at Slinger: Matt Kenseth held off a hard charging Eric Fransen to capture the win in the 200-lap 30th Annual Miller Lite Nationals presented by SuperSeal Wednesday night at the Slinger Super Speedway, his record-setting fifth overall victory in the prestigious super late model event. Not to be outdone, son Ross Kenseth followed up his father’s performance by scoring his first Slinger Speedway win in the 35-lap late model main event.(7-23-2009)

2008 Sponsor Schedule, DeWalt is the sponsor unless noted:

Races [1] that Disk Network is scheduled to be the primary sponsor:
Bristol - March 16

Races [3] that USG Sheetrock is scheduled to be the primary sponsor:
Las Vegas - Mar 2
Chicago - July 12
Atlanta - Oct 26

Races [4] that Carhartt is scheduled to be the primary sponsor:
California - Feb 24
Michigan - June 15
New Hampshire - June 29
Charlotte - Oct 13

Races [4] that R+L Carriers is scheduled to be the primary sponsor:
Lowe's Motor Speedway - May 25
Daytona - July 5
California - Oct 31
Martinsville - Oct 19

Races [4] that DeWalt NANO is scheduled to be the primary sponsor::
Phoenix [4/12];
Richmond [5/3];
Darlington [5/10];
All-Star Race [5/17];
supposedly this scheme has been dropped and will not run at the two final races
Bristol [8/23];
Richmond [9/6]