April 24, 2001
- Re-released Earnhardt Book: Two months of testimonials and moving tributes have done little to remove the sting of that heartless day in February when Dale Earnhardt died on the final lap of the Daytona 500. However, in a recently re-released book entitled Dale Earnhardt: Rear View Mirror, only a small portion is devoted to the legendary driver’s tragic death. Most of the book, which features dozen of newspaper stories and more than 160 photographs from the archives of the Charlotte Observer, focuses on Earnhardt prior to last February’s crash. Rear View Mirror is a good book for fans seeking to learn more about what made Earnhardt tick. Full story at the Arizona Republic: Earnhardt looms in Rear View Mirror. Another recent book, Trading Paint : Dale Earnhardt Vs. Jeff Gordon Classic Photos from a Classic Rivalry was just released also, along with a few other Earnhardt books. More info on these and many other NASCAR Themed books can be found on my Racing Bookstore page, including a way to order them (proceeds to charity)(4-24-2001)
- #01 Special Scheme: hearing that Jason Leffler will be running a Special Olympics logo in June on the #01 Cingular Dodge. Cingular is a Special Olympics sponsor and it is part of this years promo(4-24-2001)
- Waltrip Paint at Daytona: many readers saw on For Race Fans Only (QVC) the other night that Michael Waltrip unveiled a paint scheme for the July Daytona Race. It has the NAPA Slogan “We Keep America Running” on the hood. Also had red/white stripes on it to give it an american flag feel(4-21-2001)
IMAGE: see an image of the car on my Paint Sceme Gallery(also added the #51 Subway, the #24 Jeff Gordon Foundation car and others)(4-24-2001) - Mayfield to be Honored: Last year’s NAPA AUTO PARTS 500 champion Jeremy Mayfield will join past champions Jeff Gordon and Mark Martin in the California Speedway Walk of Fame at Gate 12 on Friday, April 27th at 9:30 a.m. Mayfield will have a plaque permanently installed in the ground along with his footprints and autograph.(California Speedway PR)(4-24-2001)
- Pole but No Wins: did ya know? No pole winner has gone on to win the race in which he won the pole this season(4-24-2001)
- Oakwood Homes Gone UPDATE: Advertising and marketing have become cost-cutting targets, and NASCAR is feeling the pinch. Team Owner Andy Petree said hard economic times for Oakwood Homes are the reason the mobile home manufacturer is not renewing its sponsorship of his #33 Chevrolet, driven by Joe Nemechek. Petree is looking for a primary sponsor for the 2002 season, but said he would welcome a new company this year as a joint sponsor. Petree is also searching for an associate sponsor on his #55 car, which is sponsored by Square D and driven by Bobby Hamilton.(Atlanta Journal Constitution)(3-7-2001)
UPDATE: Because of the current state of the manufactured housing industry, Oakwood Homes will not be a primary sponsor on Joe Nemechek.s #33 Oakwood Homes Chevrolet beginning next season. That means Petree is seeking sponsorship. “We would like to be able to continue our association with Andy Petree Racing, Inc. and know Andy would like for us to stay,” said Mike Taylor, Senior Vice President, Oakwood Homes Corporation. “The fact of the matter is we are not in a position to continue our sponsorship of the #33 car after this season. We told Andy that because of ongoing cost reduction initiatives at Oakwood Homes, because of the deep downturn in the manufactured home industry, we are simply not able to exercise our option to extend, for a third year, our primary sponsorship,” Taylor said. “This has been a tremendous association for us and one we have thoroughly enjoyed and appreciated. Outside forces, things that have nothing to do with the race car, are dictating this.” Petree, who also owns the #55 Square D Chevrolet of driver Bobby Hamilton, said he understood Oakwood’s situation and also regrets Oakwood Homes will not be able to continue sponsorship of the #33 car after the 2001 season.(Williams Company PR)(4-24-2001) - : CNN/Sports Illustrated has introduced two weekly programs with “NASCAR Plus” and “Sports Illustrated – Cover to Cover,” according to an announcement made Monday. “NASCAR Plus” debuted Monday evening. “Sports Illustrated – Cover to Cover” debuts May 3. “NASCAR Plus” will offer viewers thirty minutes of NASCAR news and features, plus in-depth analysis and reporting from Turner Sports analyst Benny Parsons and reporter Marty Snider. The show is hosted by CNN/SI’s Johnny Phelps. Check local listings for details.(That’s Racin’), see more on the CNN/SI Television page(4-24-2001)
- Fox to buy SpeedVision? MotorsportsTV.com is reporting that Fox Cable Networks is in serious negotiations to acquire the 66% of Speedvision that it does not already own. To get the deal done, Fox is talking to Cox Communications, AT&T, Comcast, and minority investors. Reportedly, the deal would include both Speedvision and the Outdoor Life Network. See full stories(2 of them) at MotorsportsTV.com(4-24-2001)
- Martin Wears HANS: quoted in the past as saying he wouldn’t wear the HANS or similar device, #6-Mark Martin donned a Hans safety device for the race at Talladega(Anniston Star)(4-24-2001)
- Rudd Sponsor: Graybar Electric Company join forces with #85-Jason Rudd Racing for three events in 2001. Graybar and Rudd will make their first scheduled appearance together at Richmond on May 4th for the Hardee’s 250. The team will also be wearing Graybar colors for the August 24th race at the Bristol, and again in September at Richmond for the Autolite Fram 250. Rudd, nephew of NASCAR legend Ricky Rudd, began his racing career at the age of twelve racing Sprint Karts and Enduro Karts around his hometown of Chesapeake, Virginia. Now, at the age of 22, Rudd has spent the last several years racing Late Model Stock cars and BGN cars in preparation for his own BGN career. Graybar Electric Company is an employee-owned, independent wholesale distributor of electrical and comm/data products. For the last several years, Graybar has been involved with the sponsorship of Grubb Motorsports and drivers Wayne Grubb and Brandon Butler. Before that, Graybar sponsored drivers such as Kenny Wallace and Curtis Markham.(Jason Rudd Racing PR)(4-24-2001)
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