April 19, 2012
- Heading Into Earth Day, NASCAR Releases ‘White Paper’ On Green: NASCAR issued a ‘White Paper’ detailing the various programs that have made NASCAR a leader in green initiatives across all sports. The data in “The Sports Leader in Sustainability”* illustrates the steps NASCAR has taken in educating fans, reducing the sport’s environmental impact, and validating green technologies – both on and off the track. This past weekend in Texas, NASCAR eclipsed the two-million mile mark running on Sunoco Green E15 since the seamless transition to the new fuel in February 2011. NASCAR Sprint Cup Series engines have been operating at an even greater level of efficiency due, in part, to NASCAR’s transition to electronic fuel injection this year. NASCAR’s release of the ‘White Paper’ is timed to Sunday’s NASCAR Sprint Cup Series race in Kansas taking place on Earth Day. NASCAR, Kansas Speedway and several of NASCAR’s Official Partners will be showcasing many of the environmental sustainability programs that take place each week at race tracks across the country – not just on Earth Day. Among those activities happening at Kansas include:
– NASCAR’s premier series entitlement sponsor, Sprint, will implement “Recycle for Victory” – a wireless recycling program that benefits charity;
– The backstretch of the track will be painted green thanks to NASCAR Official Partner American Ethanol;
– NASCAR Official Partners Coca-Cola and Coors Light will educate fans on the benefits of recycling and encouraging them to drop plastic bottles and aluminum cans in designated bins;
– A new 30-second television spot about the NASCAR Green platform will air during Sunday’s NASCAR on FOX national broadcast at 1 p.m.;
– The NASCAR Green logo will appear in the infield grass for the first time at a NASCAR Sprint Cup Series event;
– The pace car for the STP 400 is a Toyota Camry Hybrid and will carry the NASCAR Green logo on its trunk lid;
– NASCAR and Kansas Speedway will donate 10 trees to the Gov. Jay Nixon’s Governor’s Joplin Challenge for every green flag that is dropped over the weekend;
– Miss Sprint Cup will wear a green fire suit throughout the weekend in support of the environment;
– Every race vehicle on the track this weekend will run on Sunoco Green E15, further validating the environmentally responsible high-performance racing fuel.
(NASCAR)(4-19-2012) - #48 to run colors to honor American muscle cars: Jimmie Johnson and Team Lowe’s Racing will feature the first in a series of new color combinations on the #48 Chevrolet this season as a tribute to the American muscle car. “Mountain Green” will run as the primary color in this weekend’s NASCAR Sprint Cup race at Kansas Speedway. Mountain Green is one of General Motors’ classic color combinations from 1967. Team Lowe’s Racing chose green for this weekend’s race as a tribute to Earth Day which falls on raceday, Sunday, April 22. “When we were researching colors, it just made sense that we used green for this weekend,” said David Sutphin, Sports Marketing Manager for Lowe’s. The color “Mountain Green” was only used by General Motors on its Chevrolet vehicles for one single model year: 1967. It was available on every model of passenger car Chevrolet built that year except for the Corvette. While there are no exact records, Chevrolet estimates that 3.5% of Chevrolets were painted Mountain Green that year. In conjunction with Earth Day, Lowe’s will make a donation to the 2012 Governor’s Joplin Habitat Challenge. The initiative challenges Missouri’s major athletic organizations to help build 35 homes in the Joplin, Mo., area, which was devastated by tornadoes nearly a year ago. Lowe’s will donate a tree to every home built. Fans can look forward to more versions of the now permanent two-color paint scheme in the upcoming races.(Team Lowe’s Racing), see a few images of the Kansas scheme on my #48 Team Schemes page.(4-19-2012)
- Rain halts tire test at Dover: Even the top stock-car racers in the world won’t drive 160 mph in the rain. So while Wednesday’s intermittent showers did not deter the usual crowd of white-haired retirees from taking their favorite spots at the slot machines and blackjack tables in the adjacent casino, Goodyear technicians gazed up at the skies over Dover International Speedway and decided to halt their 2-day tire test more than 4 hours early. #51-Kurt Busch, #39-Ryan Newman, #56-Martin Truex Jr. and #29-Kevin Harvick had all parked their cars and cleared out of the state capital by noon, leaving only #22-A.J. Allmendinger and #9-Marcos Ambrose to spend a sliver of their lunch break with the media. And even after the pair returned to the makeshift garage area at the south end of the oval, only Ambrose made it back onto the track in his putty-colored #9 Ford for a couple of top-speed laps before the test was stopped for good at 12:30 pm. Based on the data collected over the day-and-a-half test, Goodyear will develop a new tire to tame the Monster Mile’s concrete track. The challenge is to find the right compounds that will properly “rubber in” the racing surface without causing marbles – or chunks of tread – to build up in the high-banked corners. Ambrose completed about 100 laps Wednesday morning and learned something the Goodyear engineers will have to take into account. “The tire was so fast that it would turn this into a one-groove racetrack,” the Aussie said with a smile. “We’d be playing follow-the-leader.”(Philadelphia Daily News and more at the Delaware News Journal)(4-19-2012)
- Phoenix Racing may not run full season? UPDATE 2: In an interview Sunday night on [SPEED’s] “Wind Tunnel with Dave Despain,” Sprint Cup Series team owner James Finch said “there’s a question” whether he will be able to run the full Cup season with driver #51-Kurt Busch. Asked by Despain if there was a question whether his team could do all the races, Finch answered: “Well, we’re trying. There’s a question. We’re off and running and trying. We’re talking to some people and going from there. We’re headed to Kansas this weekend and hopefully get in the top 10 there and then come back to Talladega and have a really good run. We’re optimistic about it. Kurt has put a lot of effort in it. It’s kind of like a small team getting a big-time quarterback,” Finch said.(in part from the Charlotte Observer)(4-16-2012)
UPDATE: Dave Despain: Dealing with the sponsorship issue, are you feeling good to go for the season or is there a question of whether you guys will be able to do all the races?
James Finch: “Well, we’re trying. There’s a question. We’re off and running and trying. We’re talking to some people and going from there. We’re headed to Kansas this weekend and hopefully get in the top 10 there and then come back to Talladega and have a really good run. We’re optimistic about it. Kurt has put a lot of effort in it. It’s kind of like a small team getting a big-time quarterback. Last night (at Texas), it was 480 miles before we got a lap down. The pit crew did a real good job with all the green-flag stops. We’re just trying to catch up with Kurt. Kurt’s got the speed. We’re trying to get the crew chief up. We’re trying to get the pit crew up to be able to handle what Kurt can do. Hopefully, we’re getting there.”(full interview at SPEED)(4-16-2012)
UPDATE 2: Kurt Busch comments about 2012 plans:
Q) What are the plans for Phoenix Racing for the rest of 2012?
Kurt Busch: “I’ve had a handshake agreement with (James) Finch to run the full season since December. We’ve talked and that hasn’t changed. Do we need sponsorship? Absolutely. There’s a lot that goes into making a team successful and sponsorship is a major part of it. I think you’d have to go pretty far back in history to find a team that has contended for wins on a consistent basis or a championship without sponsorship. We’ve had a handful of races sponsored this season and both Finch and I are working on some things that will help us out as the year goes on, but the search for sponsorship is ongoing. We’re coming off of the race at Texas. We had one of our best performances and finishes of the season, where we beat a lot of bigger and better-funded teams. Hopefully, there are companies out there considering our sport and they’re paying attention to what we’re accomplishing. Like a lot of people these days, we’re doing more with less. In the meantime, we’re going to keep working hard each and every week to get the best result we can, on the racetrack and off.”(see more comments KurtBusch.com/Phoenix Racing/True Speed Communications)(4-19-2012) - Kansas Goodyear Tires Notes: Teams in the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series will run the same combination of left- and right-side tires they ran twice at Kansas last season . . . more recently, these teams ran this right-side tire code at Fontana earlier this season . . . while Sprint Cup and Camping World Truck teams will run the same right-side code at Kansas this weekend, they will run distinct left-side codes . . . as on all NASCAR ovals greater than one mile in length, teams are required to run inner liners in all four tire positions at Kansas . . . air pressure in the inner liners should be 12-25 psi greater than that of the outer tire. See tire codes, pressures and more on the Kansas Race Info page – Goodyear section.
- The Numbers for Kansas Speedway, Caution Update:
1 – number of drivers winning both the Sprint Cup and Nationwide Series race at Kansas Speedway in the same weekend (Joe Nemechek, 2004)
2 – wins from the pole (Joe Nemechek – 2004, Jimmie Johnson – 2008)
2 – most wins by driver (Jeff Gordon, Greg Biffle, Jimmie Johnson & Tony Stewart)
3 – most poles (Jimmie Johnson)
5 – fewest cautions (twice, most recently 6/5/2011)
5 – fewest laps led by race winner (Tony Stewart, 10/1/2006)
6 – number of jet dryers available for track drying this weekend
7 – number of races won from top-10 starting position
8 – different race winners
8 – most top-five finishes (Jeff Gordon)
9 – different pole winners
9 – fewest cars on lead lap at finish (9/29/2002)
9 – fewest leaders (twice, most recently 10/9/2011)
10 – number of drivers that have competed in all 12 races
13 – fewest lead changes (9/29/02)
13 – most cautions (9/30/2001)
14 – most leaders (10/4/2009)
22 – fewest caution laps (6/5/2011)
26 – most lead changes (10/4/2009)
27 – most cars on lead lap at finish (9/30/2007)
27 – fewest cars running at finish (9/29/2002)
42 – most running at finish (9/28/2008)
70 – most caution laps (9/30/2001)
120 minutes – approximate amount of time it takes to dry the 1.5-mile track
137.077 mph – track race record
180.856 mph – track qualifying record
197 – most laps led by race winner (Jimmie Johnson, 10/9/2011)
2012 Caution Update
1 – fewest cautions this season (Fontana 3/25/2012)
2 – number of races extended beyond scheduled distance in 2012 (Daytona and Martinsville); one in first seven races in 2011 (Daytona)
10 – most cautions this season (Daytona, 2/27/2012)
40 – number of cautions in the first seven races of 2012; 61 in first seven races in 2011
232 of 2,259 – number of laps under caution in 2012
272.073 of 2,513.890 – miles under caution in the first seven races
(Darnell Communications for SRT Motorsports and Dodge)(4-19-2012) - #16 3M Ford Debuts Sustainable Fire Suppression Fluid: For this Earth Day weekend at the Kansas Speedway, Greg Biffle’s #16 3M Ford has been upgraded with the environmentally sustainable, 3M Novec 1230 Fire Protection Fluid. Novec 1230 fluid balances performance requirements with favorable environmental and safety properties, giving Biffle added reassurance and peace of mind. “I’m proud to drive the first racecar that incorporates a sustainable fire suppression fluid. It seems fitting to go the first round on Earth Day,” said Biffle. “I’m lucky to be working with Roush Fenway Racing who jumped on board early to get the new fluid into the car to not only protect me, but also the environment. The sustainability aspect of Novec is huge. I expect a fire suppression fluid to keep me safe, but the fact that it also is safe for the environment is important to me.” Metalcraft, Inc., an international leader in fire suppression, equipped both the cockpit and fuel cell area of the #16 3M Ford with its new Fire-Trak branded fire suppression system using Novec 1230 fluid. The Fire-Trak system and 3M’s Novec 1230 fluid received NASCAR approval earlier this year. For more information regarding 3M Novec 1230 fluid or other Novec branded products log onto www.3M.com/Novec.(Roush Fenway Racing), see an image of the car on my #16 Team Schemes page.(4-19-2012)
- A Taste of Darlington: A Taste of Darlington will return to Darlington Raceway on Thursday evening, April 19 from 7:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m. in the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series garage area. The annual culinary event benefits the Darlington Downtown Revitalization Association (DDRA) and features some of the best cooks in the Darlington area. The event is usually attended by 500-700 local community members that enjoy great food and beverage at the annual festivities. For more than 20 years A Taste of Darlington has been a marquee event on the social calendar in the community. This year’s event will feature 15 grillers preparing main courses and over 15 stations featuring hors d’oeuvres and desserts. Walk-up tickets are available the day of the event for $30 each. The event is only open for guests 21 years of age or older. You can keep up with all of the latest news from Darlington Raceway at DarlingtonRaceway.com. Tickets for events at Darlington can be purchased by calling the Darlington Raceway ticket office at 866-459-RACE or online at darlingtonraceway.com/tickets/.(Darlington Raceway)(4-19-2012)
- Pre-Race Pit Passes Now Available for all ‘DEGA Fans: Getting a chance to breathe in the sheer size of Talladega Superspeedway from the pit area is one of the most memorable experiences any NASCAR fan can have. And starting today, race fans have to the ability to add a pre-race pit pass to their ticket orders for just $50. “Watching the racing on display at Talladega Superspeedway from the stands or the infield is an incredible experience, but walking the pits is a whole different ball game,” said Grant Lynch, Chairman of Talladega Superspeedway. “With the pre-race pit pass fans have the opportunity to feel the excitement and energy that builds before the green flag waves. It’s the experience of a lifetime.” The most competitive racing in NASCAR combined with a mix of southern hospitality returns to Talladega Superspeedway May 4-6, 2012 for the Aaron’s Dream Weekend. For tickets and information visit www.talladegasuperspeedway.com or call 1-877-Go2-DEGA.(TSS)(4-19-2012)
- US Cellular renews Iowa race sponsorship: Officials from U.S. Cellular and Iowa Speedway have come to an agreement on extending the track’s annual late summer Nationwide Series event sponsorship, the U.S. Cellular 250. The U.S. Cellular 250 NASCAR Nationwide Series race, scheduled on Saturday, August 4, is expected to draw one of the season’s biggest crowds at Iowa Speedway. Event sponsor since the inaugural event in 2009, U.S Cellular is excited for another great year and the future of the event.(Iowa Speedway)(4-19-2012)
- Goodyear Tire Notes — Kansas: While teams in the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series will run the same right-side tire code (D-4408) they ran at Kansas last season, they will run it with a different left-side code (D-4178) . . . they have some experience on this left-side tire, running it at Pocono in 2011 . . . in addition to Kansas, truck teams ran this right-side tire at Nashville (twice) and Bristol last year . . . while Camping World Truck and Sprint Cup teams will run the same right-side code at Kansas this weekend, they will run distinct left-side codes . . . as on all NASCAR ovals greater than one mile in length, teams are required to run inner liners in all four tire positions at Kansas . . . air pressure in the inner liners should be 12-25 psi greater than that of the outer tire.(Goodyear PR) [Complete tire specs are posted on the Kansas Race Info page.](4-19-2012)
- Kligerman – Kansas Fast Facts:
*Driver of the #29 Reese Towpower Ram for Brad Keselowski Racing
*Career stats: 29 starts; Top fives – 4, Top tens – 10, Laps led – 31
*Scored ninth-place finish last week at Rockingham Speedway, his first top 10 of the 2012 season.
*Fifth in the series championship standings, 20 points behind leader Timothy Peters.
*Won pole for 2009 Nationwide race at Kansas, his first NASCAR national series start.
*Finished 11th in one previous NCWTS start at Kansas (2011) after qualifying seventh.
*Has completed 100 percent of total possible laps this season (559), one of just six drivers to do so.(SRT Motorsports – Ram PR)(4-19-2012) - Chastain to run FWA scheme at Kansas: Rookie driver Ross Chastain has spent his entire life on the family farm in South Florida. This week the nineteen year old will carry the fruit raised on the family farm to nations heartland as the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series heads to the SFP 250 at the Kansas Speedway for the fourth race of the 2012 season.The #08 will break away from the usual SS Green Light Racing black paint, as the Florida Watermelon Association will again back the Sunoco Rookie of the Year contender’s Toyota Tundra. The Florida Watermelon Association is a chapter of the National Watermelon Association.(SS Green Light Racing PR)(4-19-2012)
Main Page | 2019 | 2018 | 2017 | 2016 | 2015 | 2014 | 2013 | 2012 | 2011 | 2010 | 2009 | 2008 | 2007 | 2006 | 2005 | 2004 | 2003 | 2002 | 2001 | 2000 | 1999 | 1998 | 1997