May 3, 2007
- DIRECTV on the #07 at RIR: Clint Bowyer’s #07 Chevy will sport a DIRECTV paint scheme this weekend at Richmond International Raceway. DIRECTV is the nation’s leading digital television service provider and is also the official satellite television service provider of NASCAR. The team’s customary primary sponsor, Jack Daniel’s, will be featured on the car’s lower-rear quarter panels and deck lid. This is the third time in 2007 Bowyer has run a DIRECTV scheme.(RCR PR), see images of the scheme on my #07-Team Schemes page.(5-3-2007)
- Fatback and Wood Bros part ways? UPDATE denied: hearing that Michael ‘Fatback’ McSwain, Race Director for the Wood Brothers/JTG Racing, has parted ways with the team.(5-3-2007)
UPDATE: The rumor of Michael McSwain’s departure from Wood Brothers/JTG Racing is untrue at this time.(Wood Brothers/JTG Racing)(5-3-2007) - Special scheme for Sadler at the Coca-Cola 600: Elliott Sadler will turn into a super hero for the Coca-Cola 600, running a special Fantastic Four paint scheme on the #19 Dodge Dealers Dodge Charger. In honor of the debut of the “Fantastic Four: Rise of the Silver Surfer” movie, produced by Fox Studios and scheduled for release in theaters on June 15th, the #9 Dodge Charger will be transformed into the Dodge Fantasticar. The movie, directed by Tim Story, stars Ioan Gruffudd, Jessica Alba, Chris Evans and Michael Chiklis, the same foursome that made the original Fantastic Four such a success. The #19 will feature a stunning paint scheme that showcases the ghost-like Silver Surfer shooting across the hood, while flames explode over the nose and up the fenders of the Fantasticar. The familiar Fantastic Four logo will also adorn both rear quarter panels. “This is by far one of the coolest paint schemes I’ve ever seen, let alone be able to drive,” Sadler said. “This is something every little kid dreams about. Now, not only do I get to drive a race car, but I get to drive a race car with super heroes on it!”(Sadler Fanclub site)(5-3-2007)
- Wimmer suing Davis: Scott Wimmer filed a lawsuit earlier this week against Bill Davis Racing, claiming he is owed $1.2 million in salary for the 2006 season because the team did not follow the procedure in the contract to fire him. In the suit filed Monday in North Carolina Superior Court in Greensboro, N.C., Wimmer alleges BDR did not tell him until Oct. 24, 2005, that he would not be the driver in 2006. He claims that violated a clause in the contract which states that if the driver is not in the top 25 in the standings by Sept, 1, “team shall have the right to issue a written notice that driver is being placed on a 30-day notice stating that performance level must be improved to the satisfaction of sponsor and team by September 30th of current year or team may issued [sic] a written notice of termination of driver agreement at the end of current Nextel Cup season.” Wimmer claims he received no written notice, that the team told the media around Oct. 8 that he would return in 2006 but then sent him a termination letter Oct. 24. According to the lawsuit, Wimmer was being paid $600,000 for the 2004 season, $900,000 for 2005 and $1.2 million for 2006. He also received 45% of prize money as well as 33.3 percent of royalties from team merchandise. Wimmer drove in Nextel Cup for Morgan-McClure Motorsports for much of the 2006 season. He is driving for Richard Childress Racing in select Busch and Nextel Cup Series events this year.(SceneDaily.com)(5-3-2007)
- Edwards to appear on MadTV: #99-Carl Edwards is scheduled to appear on the FOX television show MADtv this Saturday [NOT Friday], May 5. Edwards’ appearance on show off his comedic skills as well as the lighter side of his intensely focused race car driver persona. The show air’s 11:35pm/et, check local listings.(Roush Fenway Racing PR)(5-3-2007)
- Subway and KFC Showing Most Interest in Series Sponsorship: MORE: NASCAR is talking to at least five companies about replacing Anheuser-Busch as title sponsor of its No.2 series, with Subway and KFC showing the most interest. A-B has spent 25 years as title sponsor of the Busch Series, but is refocusing its overall NASCAR marketing. Its Budweiser brand is “the official beer of NASCAR,” and is the primary sponsor of driver Dale Earnhardt Jr. Samsung was originally thought to be in the running to replace A-B, but company officials said last week in Texas they weren’t interested. Wal-Mart also is believed to be in discussions with NASCAR. (AlabamaLive.com)(4-30-2007)
MORE: Sources also told [Street & Smith’s SportsBusiness Journal] that Dish Network could emerge as a candidate, though NASCAR’s partnership with DirecTV seems to make that difficult. DirecTV broadcasts “HotPass” during the race and is the sanctioning body’s official TV partner.(SceneDaily.com)(4-30-2007)
UPDATE: Louisville-based KFC Corp. was recently in talks with NASCAR about becoming the title sponsor of what is now the Busch Series, but spokeswoman Laurie Schalow said the company dropped out of the race yesterday. Schalow called NASCAR a “great fit” for the fast-food chain, but she said the title sponsorship didn’t line up with the brand’s spending priorities for the next couple of years.(Courier-Journal)(5-3-2007) - Kurt Busch’s Team Collects Pit Crew Win in Talladega: #2 crew earns first Checkers/Rally’s Double Drive-Thru Challenge victory of season. Kurt Busch’s over-the-wall crew became the fifth team of the season to win the Checkers/Rally’s Double Drive-Thru Challenge by collecting the win in Sunday’s Aaron’s 499 at Talladega Superspeedway. The #2 crew spent 171.490 seconds on pit road, helping Busch to a solid third-place finish at the 2.66-mile oval. “The guys were certainly awesome on pit road,” said Busch. “The race called for a mixture of all kinds of stops and they performed flawlessly. It was a good day all around for our Miller Lite Dodge Team. Winning the Checkers/Rally’s Double Drive-Thru Challenge puts the icing on the cake for the best finish we’ve had this season.” Checkers/Rally’s will award Busch’s crew a prize of $11,000 for winning the weekly competition. Penske Racing’s #2 crew includes: Ray Gallaghan (jackman), David Littau (front-tire carrier), Jay Hackney (front-tire changer), Andy Brown (rear-tire carrier), Kevin Hebert (rear-tire changer), Chris Williams (gasman), Steve Williams (catch can) and Daniel Keaton (eighth man). After nine Nextel Cup races, Mark Martin’s/Regan Smith’s #01 pit crew leads in the Checkers/Rally’s Double Drive-Thru Challenge standings with four wins. Denny Hamlin’s #11 crew is second with two victories. An additional $111,150 will be presented to the pit crew with the most wins at the completion of the 36-race Nextel Cup schedule. To win the Checkers/Rally’s Double Drive-Thru Challenge, teams are required to finish on the lead lap while spending the least amount of time on pit road. Checkers/Rally’s is in its third season as title sponsor for the pit crew challenge. Checkers/Rally’s is the Official Burger and Drive-Thru Restaurant of NASCAR, more info at checkers.com.(DMF Communications PR)(5-3-2007)
- #17 show car snatched: Between 5:00am and 5:45am/et on the morning of Wednesday, May 2, a #17 USG Sheetrock Ford Fusion show car along with the transporter, both tractor and trailer, were stolen from the Hampton Inn parking lot, off of Druid Hills Road in Atlanta, Ga. The Ford F-350 and the display trailer was recovered later that morning, however, the #17 USG Sheetrock Ford show car is still missing. The truck and trailer were found abandoned and vandalize on the side of a road in the Atlanta area. So, still missing: #17 USG Sheetrock Ford Fusion show car – blue and red with numerous logos. USG Sheetrock on the hood and the number 17 on the sides and roof of the car. A replica model of Roush Fenway Racing’s #17 USG Sheetrock Ford that competes in the Nextel Cup Series. Anyone having any information as to the whereabouts of stolen vehicle, please contact the Auto Theft Unit of Dekalb County Sheriff Office 770-724-7650.(Roush Fenway Racing PR)(5-3-2007)
- Petree partners with ADI: Accelerating Developments International, LLC (ADI) announced the acquisition of the diagnostic testing division of Andy Petree Racing, Inc. (APR). APR has been at the forefront of designing, developing and servicing diagnostic equipment for the automotive and motorsports industry for the past seven years. Effective immediately, ADI will be responsible for all design upgrades, construction, sales and servicing of the APR rigs. “We’re very excited about this new joint venture” said Andy Petree. “As the motorsports industry continues to evolve, it’s important to be part of a team that can provide solutions with winning technology. I really enjoy being involved with the development of new technology and with this new partnership; I can stay involved to an even greater degree utilizing all the resources available at ADI”. ADI is pleased to announce that Andy Petree has joined ADI as a member of the Board of Directors and will continue to be instrumental in the future development of all ADI products. Jeff Swan, a long-time technician working with Andy also joins ADI as a key member of the team. For more info visit www.acceleratingdevelopments.com.(ADI PR – hufcopromotion.com)(PR)(5-3-2007)
- Kyle Busch’s HANs Device cracks in Busch crash: UPDATE 2: NASCAR on Monday tried to figure out why Kyle Busch’s HANS device cracked during a spectacular crash at Talladega Superspeedway. Busch wrecked in Saturday’s Busch Series event, when he was hit from behind and his car ended up on its roof before rolling several times through the grass. His HANS device, a NASCAR-mandated head-and-neck restraint system, cracked in the accident. “It performed the way it was supposed to, but it had a slight stress crack in it after the accident,” NASCAR spokesman Kerry Tharp said. NASCAR sent the device back to manufacturer Hubbard Downing in Georgia for examination.(Associated Press)(5-1-2007)
UPDATE: Officials from HANS Performance Products downplayed the crack found in Kyle Busch’s HANS Device after a spectacular crash in the Busch race last weekend at Talladega. After the crash, a crack was found in the head-and-neck restraint that is worn on a driver’s shoulders and has a carbon fiber piece that sits behind the helmet. “We were pleased to see Kyle shrug off such a dramatic wreck,” HANS Performance Products CEO Mark Stiles said in a statement. “It takes a lot to even produce a slight stress crack in a HANS Device. It worked as designed, and was ready for more action – like its driver.” The device is made primarily of carbon fiber, a high-strength, lightweight material. It was not revealed how large the crack was. General Motors Director of Safety Tom Gideon said he did not know where the HANS Device cracked, but with Busch walking away, he wasn’t alarmed.(SceneDaily.com)(5-1-2007)
UPDATE 2: Kyle Bush tried, but failed, to break his HANS Device in a “big-one” at this past weekend’s Busch Series race at Talladega. Kyle gets to walk away and race another day, thanks to the safety systems in his car, and the HANS Device he wears in every race. Three years of use and abuse, then one huge front-end wall hit, 8-barrel rolls, 2 spins on his roof, and a body slam have failed to break the HANS Device. The only injury was to his HANS Device – As James Bond might have said, “cracked, not broken.” HANS Performance Products CEO Mark Stiles commented, “We were pleased to see Kyle shrug off such a dramatic wreck. It takes a lot to even produce a slight stress crack in a HANS Device. It worked as designed, and was ready for more action – like its driver!” He continued, “HANS Devices are the only head and neck restraints built to the strength standards demanded in all major international race series. While other manufacturers are content with simply meeting the requirements of the SFI 38.1 performance specification, we go the extra mile. It just makes sense.” Inventor of the HANS Device, Professor Bob Hubbard added, “Since we introduced the first HANS Device more than 20 years ago, we have focused our research and development on providing racers with robust and reliable products. Wrecks like Kyle’s confirm the value of this investment. Having over 35,000 HANS Devices in use worldwide means we get a lot of feedback on how they work, time and time again, to help save lives and livelihoods.” Details and information about HANS Performance Products at hansdevice.com.(HANS Performance Products PR)(5-3-2007) - Drivers hit Washington DC: David Stremme, Casey Mears, Jeff Burton and NASCAR officials traveled Tuesday afternoon from Concord, N.C. to Washington D.C. to support The Motorsports Coalition’s event to educate members of Congress on all the moving parts of the motorsports industry and on the different pieces of legislation that can impact the sport as a whole. The Motorsports Coalition is comprised of motorsports sanctioning bodies and was further represented by a majority of the track presidents of NASCAR sanctioned venues, and a NNCS All-Star showcar.(Ganassi PR)(5-2-2007)
- Busch Champ Sam Ard Injured in ATV Accident: Two-time Busch Series champion Sam Ard remained in stable condition Monday in the surgical intensive care unit at Carolinas Hospital System in Florence, S.C., after being involved in an accident on his ATV Sunday. According to his daughter Joane Jones, the 68-year-old Ard sustained injuries to the left side of his face when he wrecked late in the afternoon in a ditch approximately a mile from his home in Pamplico, S.C. Bones above his eye and his cheekbone were broken.(NASCAR.com)(4-30-2007)
UPDATE: Sam Ard underwent surgery Thursday to repair damage from extensive facial injuries the 68-year-old sustained in an ATV accident April 29. [Robert] Ard said his father suffered a broken nose and shattered bones around his left and right cheek areas as well as around the left eye socket. He also suffered damage to the inside of his mouth.(SceneDaily.com)(5-3-2007) - Riley-D’Hondt Planning on Sponsorship Announcement at Lowes: After getting on the track for the first time this weekend after eight months of negotiating with sponsors and other factions, [co-owner Eddie] D’Hondt said Riley-D’Hondt’s future will be exposed in a rush. “We’re planning to make a fairly significant announcement during Charlotte Speedweeks, where we’re planning to have two Toyota Camrys on track,” D’Hondt said. “Part of that announcement will be that we’ll run a package of races with Bobby [Santos] and David Green.” The team has registered Busch car #91 and #92 with NASCAR Competition for this season.(NASCAR.com)(5-3-2007)
- Record Purse for Busch Race at Lowe’s Motor Speedway: NASCAR Busch Series drivers will battle for a record $1,249,138 during the CARQUEST Auto Parts 300 on Saturday night, May 26.(LMS PR)(5-3-2007)
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