April 30, 2005
- Michelin looking to becoming tire supplier: Michelin, through its B.F. Goodrich subsidiary, has expressed official interest in becoming a tire provider for the major NASCAR series, but the ruling body’s chief operating officer, George Pyne, said, “Nothing is imminent.” Pyne said any change in tire providers would not occur within the next two years, stressing that NASCAR was “loyal to Goodyear.” The tire company’s stock was trading at $11.87 per share on Friday, below the $20 at its 2002 high, but better than most of the years since. J.P. Morgan recently upgraded its investment rating for the company, which announced in February it was projecting a 2005 fourth-quarter profit.(Gaston Gazette)(4-30-2005)
- Waltrip hopes to stay, up to NAPA: Hanging over #15-MIchael Waltrip, again, is his future at Dale Earnhardt Inc., once more a topic of conversation, and sponsor NAPA may be the power that ultimately makes the call. NAPA executives like Waltrip, but NAPA is also a demanding sponsor. There is speculation if Waltrip leaves DEI that NAPA might take its money and follow him. Waltrip said he’d prefer to stay, and he figures he’s making his case. “We showed signs of being a winning driver last Saturday night,” Waltrip said. “I got with a team that just won Phoenix (last fall), and I raced Kurt (Busch) to the very end, the defending champion.(Winston Salem Journal)(4-30-2005)
- Window Nets Confiscated: The window nets were confiscated from the cars driven by #99-Carl Edwards, #11-Jason Leffler, #0-Mike Bliss, #19-Jeremy Mayfield and #17-Matt Kenseth because the openings in the meshing were smaller than NASCAR’s one-inch minimum. Smaller holes allow less air inside the car. (Atlanta Journal-Constitution)(4-30-2005)
- Sirius sooner then 2007? NASCAR’s new satellite network radio deal with Sirius may kick off sooner than originally planned, according to NASCAR sources who say Sirius may buy out the last year of XM Radio’s contract and take over the exclusive NASCAR franchise.(Winston Salem Journal)(4-30-2005)
- NASCAR Confirms talks with Toyota: NASCAR Nextel Cup Director John Darby confirmed Friday that Toyota is participating in discussions with NASCAR about the new engine and so-called “Car of the Future,” both of which are expected to be introduced in 2007. This is the strongest indication yet that the giant Japanese automaker likely will enter the Nextel Cup Series, probably in 2007, though publicly it has not committed to doing so — yet. But at the very least, Toyota seems committed to the Busch Series for ’06, as Darby said. Toyota intends to submit a new car and engine to NASCAR by July 1, Darby said, the first steps necessary for Toyota to compete in the Busch Series next year. “They’re involved in our engine conversation,” Darby said of Toyota. “There’s an anticipation of them joining us in the Busch Series next season. I know they’re working on a car right now for submittal.” Asked if he thought Toyota’s arrival would be good for the sport, reigning Cup champ Kurt Busch said, “Definitely. They’ll bring in more sponsorship dollars, more interest. When we got these new tracks for two dates — Phoenix, Texas, California — people are familiar with Toyotas. They know what they’re about.” Busch’s car owner, Jack Roush, is adamantly opposed to Toyota’s presence in NASCAR, however, and privately, team owners are worried that the Japanese automaker will drive up the price of racing.(Speed Channel)(4-30-2005)
- Ortho on the #99: Thew #99 Ford, driven by Carl Edwards, will sport a special Ortho Season-Long Grass and Weed Killer paint scheme next week in Talladega for the Aaron’s 499 NEXTEL Cup race. Ortho, one of The Scotts Company’s brands, will appear for the first time as a primary sponsor at Sunday’s 188 lap event. “I’m excited to have the Ortho paint scheme on the No. 99 Ford next week,” said Edwards. “Scotts has 11 races this year and it’s neat that they are using them to support not only the Scotts brand but their other brands as well. We had a great win with Scotts at Atlanta and we’re hoping to have another great run with Ortho in Talladega.” Jeff Keyser, Senior Director for Ortho Marketing at The Scotts Company echoed Edwards’ excitement and explained their strategy for placing the Ortho brand on the #99 Ford at Talladega. “Ortho Season-Long Grass and Weed Killer is proud to partner with Roush Racing to sponsor Carl Edwards and the No. 99 Team in Talladega.” Keyser continued, “Weeds become a real problem for consumers April through June and this is the perfect time to get them under control. Just one application of Ortho Season-Long not only kills existing weeds, but also prevents new weeds for the entire season…which should give fans more time to enjoy racing on weekends!”(Roush Racing)(4-30-2005)
- Musgrave wins at Gateway: Ted Musgrave led 158 of 160 laps to win the Dodge Ram Tough 200 at Gateway International Raceway. Musgrave won from the pole and collected the $10,000 award for doing so, Musgrave also takes over the points lead. #46-Dennis Setzer was 2nd, followed by #2-Jimmy Spencer, #5-Mike Skinner and #14-Rick Crawford.
For race results, see:
ESPN.com
MotorsportsOne
Truckseries.com
NASCAR.com.(4-30-2005) - Musgrave wins pole at Gateway: #1-Ted Musgrave won the pole with a speed of 135.159mph, rounding out the top-5 were #16-Jack Sprague, #6-Ron Hornaday Jr. #22-Bill Lester and #75-David Starr. Missing the race were: #21-Shane Wallace, #24-Brandon Bendele, #63-Justin Allgaier, #48-Eric Norris, #91-J.C. Stout.
See qualifying results/starting lineup at:
Truckseries.com
Motorsports One
NASCAR.com.(4-30-2005)
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