April 2001 News Archives
- (4-30-2001)
- Dyno Testing: NASCAR put eight cars on the chassis dyno to measure rear-wheel horsepower. The cars checked were those of #2-Rusty Wallace, #24-Jeff Gordon, #8-Dale Earnhardt Jr., #40-Sterling Marlin, #28-Ricky Rudd, #9-Bill Elliott, #55-Bobby Hamilton and #33-Joe Nemechek(That’s Racin’). What is Chassis Dyno Testing? See my Racing FAQ page for the explanation(4-30-2001)
- TV Ratings Update: While Sunday’s NAPA 500 at the California Speedway marked the start of the second-quarter of the 2001 NASCAR Winston Cup season, first-quarter television ratings averaged a 6.8 and are up 39% compared season-to-date with last season. The week-by-week household share is averaging a 17, a 31% increase, compared to the same time last season. Television ratings numbers are based on information and numbers provided by Nielsen Media Research. The schedule has included an unprecedented nine consecutive broadcast network appearances on first-year rightsholder FOX Sports, comparatively last year’s schedule included five events on two different broadcast networks and four on cable among two different rightsholders. Each race in the first quarter of the season gained significant year-to-year ratings and significantly more household reach with each event having been on broadcast network television. FOX Sports’ NASCAR Winston Cup Series coverage is the only broadcast sports package that is enjoying year-to-year growth. Through Talladega, the NASCAR Winston Cup Series total viewer comparison in millions is 191.7 (2001) vs. 103.9 (2000), an 85% increase in viewership season-to-date. See the full story and race by race ratings and 2001 vs 2000 comparisions at NASCAR Ratings Up 39% After Reaching Quarter Point of Schedule(4-30-2001)
- Waltrip’s Seat Breaks: When #15-Michael Waltrip hit the Turn 2 wall on lap 154 of Sunday’s NAPA 500 at California Speedway, the inside of his car was dismantled. According to a team spokesperson, the bottom of the driver’s seat was cracked. The buckle on the right side head net, which is a safety device that prevents the head from hitting a roll bar or other parts inside the car and is made of the same material as the window net, was broken and not affixed. Also, the head rest on the right side was opened up towards the passenger’s side window and the ignition box, which is bolted to the car, fell off. The team spokesperson said NASCAR took pictures of the inside of the car for further evaluation(NASCAR.com Buzz)(4-30-2001)
- Waltrip OK: #15-Michael Waltrip also hit hard after a flat tire on Lap 153. Waltrip was examined at the infield facility and released(SpeedVision)(4-30-2001)
- Hills Bros Stays with #90, Lpoez Hired UPDATE Lopez Short Term? Junie Donlavey denied Internet reports that sponsor Hills Brothers would be leaving his Richmond-based team. Donlavey said he had been in contact with the CEO of the parent company of Hills Brothers. “He assured me they would be with us all year long,” Donlavey said. “We have a good relationship with Hills Brothers.” Philippe Lopez, former crew chief for A.J. Foyt’s team, has joined Donlavey’s team as a consultant to crew chief Bobby King on a race-to-race basis. Driver Hut Stricklin had failed to qualify for three of the past four races before securing the 30th spot yesterday for tomorrow’s NAPA 500 at California Speedway. “We’re right on the edge of good vs. bad,” Donlavey said. “We need that tip to push us to the good side.”(Richmond Times Dispatch)(4-28-2001)
UPDATE: Hills Bros had been rumored on the way to the #27 of Kenny Wallace, although Donlavey has firmly denied the rumors. Wallace, meanwhile, has said his team may or may not be at Richmond next week, with hints that the end may be near for the unsponsored group. One key to the improved work by the Donlavey #90 team was consulting work by Phillipe Lopez, who recently walked out of the crew chief’s job for A.J. Foyt’s #14. Lopez says he has another job offer in the works, with only money details remaining to be finalized(SpeedVision)(4-30-2001)
(4-29-2001)
- Kenseth to RCR? it was reported on ESPN2’s RPM 2Day on Sunday that #17 DeWalt driver, Matt Kenseth could be headed to Richard Childress Racing in 2002. Didn’t say which car, the #30 AOL Chevy or the #31 Lowes Chevy if Skinner leaves(4-29-2001)
- Wallace Wins the NAPA Auto Parts 500 at California Speedway. #2-Rusty Wallace won the race at California, his 54th career win (ties Lee Petty for 7th all time – my mistake, Gordon has 53, not 54) and his first of 2001. The win was Wallace’s first in 21 races, Bristol in Aug 2000. Wallace is the 8th different winner in 2001. It is the 16th straight year Wallace has won a cup race (see the current list on my Richmond Race Info page). The win by Wallace allows Ford to close the Manufacturers Championship to 2 points behind Chevy, each has 5 wins each. Winston Cup Points Leader #88-Dale Jarrett(finished 24th) maintains a lead of 66 points over #24-Jeff Gordon(finished 2nd). #77-Robert Pressley had his first top ten of 2001 and best finish since a 5th last June at Michigan. #90-Hut Stricklin had a nice run, finishing 12th, his best since a 9th at Michigan in August of 1999. See NASCAR.com for the Results and Drivers Standings and from the AP/That’s Racin’: NAPA 500 Results(4-29-2001)
- Not NASCAR but shocking – CART race at Texas called off: The Firehawk 600 was cancelled Sunday after CART drivers and officials decided it wasn’t safe to race at Texas Motor Speedway, leaving prospects for a rescheduled race unclear. CART spokesman Mike Zizzo said officials were meeting with car owners, drivers and a doctor. There was no immediate word on prospects for holding the race, but transporters for the Champ Cars were seen loading up at the track.(ESPN)(4-29-2001)
- NASCAR Cafe News: Rumors that a NASCAR Cafe might replace MacArthur Center’s now-extinct Rainforest Cafe appear to be off track. Virginia Beach or Hampton are more likely locations than the downtown Norfolk mall, said the man who leads NASCAR Cafe, one of the latest concepts in the “eatertainment” industry. Headquartered in Knoxville, NASCAR Cafe has outlets in Myrtle Beach; Orlando, Fla.; Las Vegas; and Sevierville, Tenn., in the Smoky Mountains. The 25,000-square-foot cafes feature full restaurants offering dishes like Winston Cup Wings, Talladega Tenders and Collision Chicken. Racing decor, videos, arcade-style games and rides, and a retail shop with racewear and collectibles complete the concept. (full story at the Virginian-Pilot), the NASCAR Cafe in Nashville, recentlt shut down(4-29-2001)
- Blood Drive: Compelled to do something for his favorite driver, Dale Earnhardt, Andy Kinworthy organized a blood drive to honor the NASCAR legend known as “Intimidator.” The drive, with two Florida Blood Services buse Kinworthy said. “I’m planning on this taking place every year on his birthday.” Kinworthy said today’s memorial includes celebrations at times significant to Earnhardt’s life: 3:07 p.m. and 7:03 p.m. for the driver’s car number and seven championships, and 4:29 p.m. to recognize the month and day the driver was born in Kannapolis, N.C.(St Petersburg Times)(4-29-2001)
(4-28-2001)
UPDATE: TNN/Viacom spokesperson David Schwarz says Raceday was cancelled “because the ratings steadily declined over the last six months, and in fact, for the past two years.” Schwarz also took a slight jab at NASCAR and Fox by saying that “not being allowed to carry NASCAR highlights” hurt the show, and he further pointed out, “TNN had exclusive rights to carry NASCAR, but we permitted other networks to carry our highlights.” Additionally, Schwarz said, “‘Raceday’ was the lead in to a popular WWF show, but it just wasn’t holding its own.” When asked about TNN’s commitment to its other motorsports programming, ASA, IHRA, and World of Outlaws, Schwarz said there are no plans to stop or minimize coverage of those series. Producer Mark Smith differs with Viacom’s assessment, stating that ratings have not declined. In fact, he says, they have been fairly consistent over the past three years, including the best ever 1.8 rating this year the week after Dale Earnhardt passed away. Smith also says, “I think this is the best staff of people we have ever had on Raceday during the 4 years I have produced it,” and that there may be other opportunities for the team(MotorsportsTV), well that frees up my Sunday mornings since my local FSN affiliate doesn’t show NASCAR Tech and NASCAR This Morning(4-28-2001) – THANKS Guys, nice final show!
UPDATE: Rumors of an accident involving 2000 NASCAR Winston Cup Series champion, Bobby Labonte, are completely false. Earlier today, reports of Labonte being involved in some sort of accident were being spread nationwide and being talked about in the garage area of the California Speedway where the NASCAR Winston Cup Series will be running the NAPA Auto Parts 500 this Sunday. In addition, the initial reports of these rumors, which were reported to the team through the track and other sources, were erroneously attributed to WKRN-Nashville. Unfortunately, before all of the facts could be verified and sifted through, WKRN was falsely attributed to something they had nothing to do with. “This is really bad, and strange, that’s for sure,” said Labonte. “It’s hard to believe a lot of stuff you read or might see on TV. It’s bad because of my family being back home, even though I just talked to them about 30 minutes before that. When there’s a rumor like that out there, and now it’s just so spread out it just becomes a big catastrophe and probably like a death threat, I guess you might say. So it’s pretty bad. When you listen to something next time you’ll wonder, is that true or not? I’m not sure. It makes you think you’ve really got to be on top of the game, everybody needs to be, to make sure they’ve got the right information before they say anything. When asked if he knew how it got started, Labonte responded, “No, I have no idea. We didn’t even have any close calls this morning (in practice) or last night getting here, so I have no idea.”(Joe Gibbs Racing PR/Site)(4-28-2001)
UPDATE: Hills Bros Coffee Racing team owner Junie Donlavey has hired Felipe Lopez as a consultant for his #90 Cup team that fields Fords for veteran driver Hut Stricklin. “I think Felipe is an excellent addition to the Hills Bros Coffee Racing team,” Donlavey said. “He has experience with Hut and they communicate well with each other.” Lopez was released earlier in the season by Foyt Racing and was previously employed by Dale Earnhardt Inc. to work as crew chief with driver Steve Park. “I’m excited to work with (crew chief) Bobby King and Hut,” Lopez said. “I’m here to help them get back on track and to help Bobby continue the excellent job that he’s been doing. I feel they have the pieces laid to make this a competitive team. I’m here to help them get to that point.” Lopez worked alongside of Stricklin in 1996 and two races in 1997. The duo combined for Stricklin’s career-best, second-place finish at Darlington in 1996. “I’m happy to see us get Felipe,” Stricklin said. “He has a lot of experience that can help this young team gel together as we progress through the season. He’s a good friend and understands Bobby and myself very well.” Lopez’s first race with the Hills Bros Coffee Racing team will be this weekend at California Speedway in Fontana, CA(Keystone Marketing PR)(4-26-2001)
UPDATE 2: Junie Donlavey denied Internet reports that sponsor Hills Brothers would be leaving his Richmond-based team. Donlavey said he had been in contact with the CEO of the parent company of Hills Brothers. “He assured me they would be with us all year long,” Donlavey said. “We have a good relationship with Hills Brothers.” Philippe Lopez, former crew chief for A.J. Foyt’s team, has joined Donlavey’s team as a consultant to crew chief Bobby King on a race-to-race basis. Driver Hut Stricklin had failed to qualify for three of the past four races before securing the 30th spot yesterday for tomorrow’s NAPA 500 at California Speedway. “We’re right on the edge of good vs. bad,” Donlavey said. “We need that tip to push us to the good side.”(Richmond Times Dispatch)(4-28-2001)
UPDATE: “Are you going to wear the HANS device?” With safety at the forefront of recent headlines, Kenny (Wallace) has been asked this question almost as many times as people have asked “When you gonna get a sponsor?” Kenny experimented with the HANS device during recent practice sessions at both Nashville and Talladega but wasn’t yet comfortable with the device. “We’ve got to make some adjustments to the HANS to get it to fit in with my seat, and do some more testing before I’m comfortable with it.” Kenny stated after a run in Talladega. For now, Kenny has put his trust in a new restraint system developed by Simpson Performance Products. See full story and image at the Kenny Wallace Racing Site(4-28-2001)
UPDATE: Jon Wood led quite a few laps and finished 2nd(4-28-2001)
(4-27-2001)
UPDATE: hearing the car will be #91 and is awaiting NASCAR’s approval on the sponsorship package – hearing the sponsor could be Smirnoff (liquior) which could be interesting as NASCAR squashed a supposed deal between Crown Royal and Eel River Racing a month or so ago, or it could be their new malt beverage called Smirnoff Ice(4-24-2001)
see a story on NASCAR and Liquior sponsorships at NASCAR.com NASCAR’s prohibition means no liquor license by Marty Smith(4-27-2001)
(4-26-2001)
(4-25-2001)
UPDATE: Kevin Lepage has been offered the full-time driver position with Morgan-McClure Motorsports and its #4 Chevy. Lepage, 38, is expected to sign a three-year contract with owner Larry McClure. A formal announcement of Lepage’s hiring is planned for next weekend at California, sources said. Lepage has filled in on a temporary basis since the team and it’s original driver, Robby Gordon, split after five races. Lepage has 100 career Winston Cup starts. His best finish was fifth in September 1999 at Darlington. He also has one pole, November 1999 at Atlanta(That’s Racin’)(4-23-2001)
UPDATE 2: hearing that that Morgan-McClure Motorsports will NOT have an official announcement at California this weekend regarding the signing of Kevin Lepage due to the team testing and a tight schedule to get to California. Lepage will be doing double duty, trying to compete in the BGN race and the Winston Cup race. A contract, however, should be signed and announced during the Richmond race weekend(4-25-2001)
UPDATE: #2-Rusty Wallace was the fastest driver during a two-day test session at Sears Point Raceway as track officials opened up the modified Chute for the first time. Wallace, a two-time winner at Sears Point Raceway in 1990 and 1996, turned the 10-turn, 2-mile road course in 1 minute, 17.31 seconds(93.132mph) to record the fastest lap over the two-day session. He was followed by #29-Kevin Harvick (1:17.70 – 92.664mph) and #87-Ron Fellows (1:18.10 – 92.190mph). The modified Chute, which connects Turns 4 and 7 on the road course for all NASCAR-sanctioned events, will be used for the first time in competition at the Dodge/Save Mart 350, June 21-24. Other drivers who competed in the two-day test were #5-Terry Labonte, #8-Dale Earnhardt Jr., #01-Jason Leffler, #17-Matt Kenseth, #31-Mike Skinner and #55-Bobby Hamilton. The Chute was originally constructed in 1998 with the intention of giving fans better visibility of the road course. The original move also shortened the course – from 2.52 to 1.95 miles – and provided fans with 40 additional laps, meaning more opportunities to see the stars. The third objective was to provide better competition. The first two objectives were met, but the third didn’t work, which is why officials are now correcting it, with the aid of drivers. The modified Chute features the following elements: A 300-foot straightaway from Turn 4 to what will become the new Turn This segment will feature straight-line braking before entering Turn 4a; A sharp 70-degree right-hand turn from Turn 4a into the Chute. There will also be 150 feet of runoff room available outside Turn 4a; Once out of Turn 4a, drivers will navigate an 870-foot pure straightaway, which will feature speeds in excess of 110 mph. This will be one of the fastest segments of the track; Turn 7 will boast a 90-degree right-hand turn placed 100 feet beyond the current Turn 7 apex. The turn will feature 120 feet of runoff. The modification will increase the length of the road course from 1.95 to 1.99 miles. The number of turns remains the same (10). Other top times for the two-day test session were: Hamilton (1:18.10 – 92.190mph); Labonte (1:18.20 – 92.072); Kenseth (1:18.39 – 91.849); Skinner (1:18.51 – 91.708), Earnhardt Jr. (1:19.41 – 90.669) and Leffler (1:19.45 – 90.623). The original 12-turn, 2.52-mile road course will still be used for all road-racing events at Sears Point Raceway that are not NASCAR-sanctioned(Sears Point PR)(4-25-2001)
(4-24-2001)
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)
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)
(4-23-2001)
UPDATE: NASCAR will hold a major rules test here Monday, with hopes to find new aero rules for the July 400 at Daytona. But only one team will apparently be able to provide a car and driver, because these teams have to be loaded and on the road to California on Monday night for next weekend’s Napa 500. The test will involve what is described as “a bigger car,” with a larger “greenhouse” and wider front fenders. NASCAR has also scheduled a second test here for May 6 and 7, with all Winston Cup teams invited. That session will be open to the media, as part of a surprising new NASCAR public-relations campaign to repair the sanctioning body’s image, bruised by negative reaction to the secrecy in handling the Dale Earnhardt investigation(Winston Salem Journal)(4-21-2001)
UPDATE 2: Chip Ganassi Racing and Hendrick Motorsports each will participate in a NASCAR test Monday at Talladega Superspeedway. Another test with more teams is likely in early May as NASCAR officials search for aerodynamic solutions so the cars are not bunched so close during races at Talladega and Daytona. Drivers have complained about the rules for the restrictor-plate races at Daytona and Talladega since the Daytona 500. They say the aerodynamic rule changes made last year have tightened the pack and led to the 19-car crash at Daytona where Tony Stewart ‘s car flipped down the backstretch(Roanoke Times)(4-22-2001)
UPDATE 3: Only Chip Ganassi Racing will test today at Talladega Superspeedway as NASCAR examines possible aerodynamic changes for Talladega and Daytona. Hendrick Motorsports planned to test but had to withdraw. Sterling Marlin will drive in the test. Although it will be only one car, NASCAR director of operations Kevin Triplett said the test would be helpful in showing series officials what might work(Roanoke Times)
UPDATE 4: The following are comments from Gary Nelson, NASCAR Winston Cup Series Director, regarding Monday’s test by NASCAR at Talladega (Ala.) Superspeedway. Sterling Marlin, driver of the #40 Coors Light Dodge, participated in the test. Several ideas were experimented with that included various width and height changes to the rear spoiler and front fenders. The concentrated effort was on the green-house area in which a steeper-higher angled windshield and higher and wider green-house were used. The green-house is the area above the door-tops, cowl and deck-lid and contains the roof and all of the windows. “What we did today was a continuation of a test we conducted last year and actually several tests we’ve conducted over the last couple of years, where we tried a wider green-house area. Many well-respected teams offered a few suggestions to try and (Chip) Ganassi’s team and Sterling (Marlin) did a great job in preparing the parts and components needed to conduct the test. “We ran about 50 laps with speeds ranging from 182 to 187 mph. The test was conducted without the use of the current aero-package that the teams used in last fall’s race at Talladega and both restrictor-plate races this season (Daytona 500 and Talladega 500). “As we move along, the theory behind putting a wider and taller green-house area on the cars, should have given us another step in our ideas of enhancing the safety of the cars, while keeping the level of competition on the same playing field. However, the results we received were not promising. While the test did not provide us with any immediate answers, we will still study what we learned and possibly regroup to organize another test to continue to build on the theory of a bigger, less aerodynamic green-house.”(NASCAR PR)(4-23-2001)
(4-22-2001)
- Stewart at the Indy 500? UPDATE 2:CART and Cup team owner Chip Ganassi, apparently uncomfortable with his rookie tandem of Bruno Junqueira and Nicolas Minassian, has asked CART veterans Jimmy Vasser and Paul Tracy to take their place and drive for him in next month’s 85th Indy 500. Tracy wanted to go but was told no by his CART sponsor, KOOL, while Vasser is game but must get the blessing of his car owner, Pat Patrick. And Tony Stewart might even figure in this equation. Stewart, whose contract with Joe Gibbs used to have a provision that allowed him to compete in the Indianapolis 500, hasn’t driven at Indy since 1999. That May he finished ninth, then flew to Charlotte for his Winston Cup duties. Afterward, he was so physically exhausted he vowed never to attempt that doubleheader again. However, recently he told some IRL officials he wanted to run Indy again if he could find a good team. Ganassi, competing in his rookie year of NASCAR, was in Talladega on Friday and expected to pursue the ’97 IRL champion. Stewart didn’t return phone calls Thursday or Friday and neither did Ganassi, who has one remaining test day at Indy next week. At this time, there is no confirmation that Ganassi has approached Stewart about driving for him at Indianapolis(ESPN/Robin Miller)(4-21-2001)
UPDATE: Tony Stewart said he’ll run in the Indy 500 if he can get a good ride, either with either Chip Ganassi or Roger Penske. But Stewart said he’s made no plans(Winston Salem Journal)
UPDATE 2: Tony Stewart says there is no truth to reports that he is planning to drive in the Indianapolis 500. “I’ve always said that I want to go back and run Indy, but there’s no way I could do anything now anyway, and I’ve already told everybody I wasn’t going to go to Indy this year,” he said, adding. “I do want to go back, I just don’t know when it’s going to be.” While he denied the report, Stewart did enjoy it. “It’s good that my name is getting thrown out up there and that people haven’t forgotten me,” he said(Richmond Times Dispatch)(4-22-2001) - NASCAR Invetigation: According to an insider, NASCAR is putting together the structure of its four-month investigation into the crash that killed seven-time champion Dale Earnhardt and what can be done to prevent future fatalities. Much of the scientific research is being done by the three manufacturers that participate in the Winston Cup Series: General Motors, Ford and DaimlerChrysler. One of the manufacturers is concentrating on front-chassis rigidity, another is working on new protective measures in the driver compartment, and the third is concentrating on the field of side impacts.(Gaston Gazette)(4-22-2001)
- Hamilton wins the Talladega 500: #55-Bobby Hamilton was able to pass #20-Tony Stewart on the last lap to win the Talladega 500. It was Hamiton’s 4th career Winston Cup win and his fist in just over three years when he last won at Martinsville on April 20, 1998, 101 races ago. The win was the first ever for Andy Petree Racing(APR) and puts Hamilton into the 2001 The Winston and in position for the 2002 Winners Circle Program. It was the first win for car number 55 since Phil Parsons won using it at Talladega on May 1, 1988 and the #55’s 12 overall win in Winston Cup(see my Winners by Car Numbers page)
#88-Dale Jarrett holds onto the point lead by 148 points over #24-Jeff Gordon. #97-Kurt Busch got his best career finish with a 3rd, #6-Mark Martin got his first top five of 2001 and #33-Joe Nemechek got his first top 10 of 2001. There were 27 different leaders in the race which Fox reported as the most ever in any Winston Cup race and ever at Talladega (the old record was 26 at Talladega on July 27, 1986). The race was run caution free, the first time since Michigan in June 1999.
See Unofficial Results at NASCAR.com along with Unofficial Points Standings and a full story at That’s Racin’: Hamilton wins a caution-free Talladega 500(4-22-2001) - The Yellow Line: Mike Helton, president of NASCAR, during the pre-race drivers meeting, sternly made his point to the 43 competitors and crew chiefs assembled in the room. He let them know where the sanctioning body stood on reckless driving during the 500-mile event. “If we (NASCAR) feel a move below, or move coming from below the yellow line was unnecessary — you can look for a black flag,” he said authoritatively. “Be prepared, and we’ll see you at the trailer after the race and let you know how much of your argument we’ll listen to.” Helton was referring to the yellow line on the low side of the racing surface that separates it from the apron. In prior races on this 2.66-mile high-banked oval, drivers have been known to make aggressive moves in that area to gain positions(NASCAR.com). Who got black flagged? #19-Casey Atwood, #66-Todd Bodine, #31-Mike Skinner(4-22-2001)
- NBC/ESPN work out deal? ABC-ESPN executives have been working on an arrangement with NBC that would allow ESPN reporters access to the Winston Cup garage during the second half of the NASCAR season, in exchange for ESPN’s promotion of Sunday races on NBC. NASCAR has barred ESPN from the stock-car garage, in order to allow Fox and its affiliates a chance to launch new Winston Cup programs. However, NBC has no such cable outlet, so it would be more amenable to the promotional arrangement that ESPN has offered, an arrangement ESPN also offered Fox.(Winston Salem Journal)(4-22-2001)
- Mayfield Tried Different Device: Jeremy Mayfield tried out a new restraint system this weekend. The device, manufactured by Simpson, works as a decelerator in a crash. Unlike some restraint systems, the decelerator works to absorb force by moving slightly with the body. “When the car does come to a dead stop pretty fast, if you stop the head immediately, your brain keeps going,” Mayfield said. “This slows down and almost tears a little bit before it stops. So as your head is moving, [the device] starts tearing at the rest depending on what the G-forces are.” Three quick releases on the system allow the driver to quickly exit the car following a crash(Richmond Times Dispatch)(4-22-2001)
(4-21-2001)
(4-20-2001)
(4-20-2001)
UPDATE: As part of their Class of 2001 Inductees press conference Thursday, International Motorsports Hall of Fame officials also announced the kickoff of a new line of racing specialty plates Alabama race fans can buy for their cars. The Alabama license plates will be available for the usual $50 up charge fee for vanity plates and the proceeds will split between the Motor Sports Hall of Fame and the Alabama Department of Corrections that makes the plates. Also, there will be a special collector’s edition “Alabama Gang” plate produced by an outside company that will be available through the IMSHoF for a $30 fee. The tags go on sale today at 10:30am(Anniston Star) and more info at www.raceplates.net(4-20-2001)
(4-19-2001)
UPDATE: The New Inductees for the International Motorsports Hall of Fame Class of 2001 were announced Wednesday, October 25, 2000 in Birmingham. The choice was very tough: choose from a list of 23 potential candidates, great men who have taken their place in the hearts and minds of motorsports fans around the world. Here are the four men who will form the Class of 2001…Neil Bonnett; Jimmy Bryan; Mike Hailwood; and Fred Offenhauser(Hall of Fame Site)(10-26-2000)
Hall of Fame UPDATE: The International Motorsports Hall of Fame, located on the grounds of Talladega Superspeedway, will induct four new members tomorrow night with a ceremony that will be televised by Speedvision. Neil Bonnett heads the class. Bonnett made his mark in NASCAR as both a driver and a television color commentator before he was killed in a practice-lap crash in 1994. He will be inducted along with Indy 500 winner Jimmy Bryan, noted Indy Car engine builder Fred Offenhauser and nine-time motorcycle world champion Mike Hailwood. Dale Earnhardt, who spent many of his off-track days hunting and fishing with his close buddy Bonnett, will be posthumously honored with the Governor’s Award by Gov. Don Sigelman of Alabama. Defending Winston Cup champion Bobby Labonte, the organization’s 2000 driver of the year, will also be honored(Philadelphia Inquirer)(4-18-2001)
UPDATE: Neil Bonnett was one of four people inducted into the International Motorsports Hall of Fame on Thursday, joining motorcycle and Formula One racer Mike Hailwood, sprint car champion and Indy 500 winner Jimmy Bryan and engine builder Fred Offenhauser. All four were honored posthumously. Bonnett was a member of the famed Alabama Gang along with Bobby and Donnie Allison and Red Farmer(That’s Racin’)(4-19-2001)
UPDATE: been told by RYR sources that this is totally untrue and they are NOT considering a switch from Ford to Dodge or any other manufacturer. Yates is signed with Ford thru 2004(4-11-2001)
UPDATE 2: #28 and #88 Ream Owner Robert Yates dismissed a rumor that had him considering a switch to the Dodge Intrepid R/T camp. “There’s nothing to it,” said Yates,. “I would think if they came to us, which they haven’t, but if they did come to us, that would really say they screwed up, and the teams they did choose would be awfully upset. They didn’t come to us.” Yates’ contract with Ford runs through the 2004 Winston Cup season. “I’m not looking,” Yates said. “If you asked anybody in the grandstand what should Robert Yates be running, I think all of them would tell you Ford.”(Star Telegram)(4-19-2001)
UPDATE: Bill Simpson reacted with anger and frustration Wednesday to reports of a problem with a seat belt manufactured by his company in the BGN race on Saturday at Nashville Speedway. “NASCAR has exaggerated what happened,” Simpson said of the left lap belt in a Pontiac driven by Mike Harmon. Simpson said members of Harmon’s crew told him the driver’s belt had a quarter-inch nick on the underside and some fraying of the fabric on the edges, not a three-quarter inch tear as Harmon told The Observer on Tuesday. “Now, whenever there is a crash, my people are going to have to be there to inspect the belts,” Simpson said. “I sent out a memo this morning instructing our representatives at the track to go immediately to a car after a crash and view the belts. We haven’t done that, but it looks like we’re going to have to.”(That’s Racin’)(4-18-2001)
UPDATE 2: see a story at the Tennessean: Torn seat belt in Nashville is raising more questions than answers by David Climer(4-19-2001)
UPDATE: see an image of the car on my Paint Scheme Gallery pages(4-19-2001)
(4-18-2001)
UPDATE: While some are hemming and hawing about the possibility of some teams bringing a “soft chassis” to Talladega this weekend that may not conform to NASCAR rules and regulations, Michael Waltrip took the issue head-on during today’s news conference. “I’ve heard nothing about that,” Waltrip said. “That’s something that somebody dreamed up somewhere. There’s no validity to any rumor that would have anything at all to do with that.”(NASCAR.com Buzz) and a followup story at: Stock Car Reporter – Michael, Michael…(4-18-2001)
UPDATE: an the Kenny Wallace Racing site is reporting Subway as the teams new sponsor for the weekend(4-17-2001)
UPDATE 2: Kenny Wallace’s #27 Pontiac will carry sponsorship from Subway in the Talladega 500. Crew chief/team manager Barry Dodson said the deal was for only one race but was hopeful the arrangement could be extended(Gaston Gazette)(4-18-2001)
(4-17-2001)
(4-16-2001)
(4-15-2001)
Happy Easter – no news
(4-14-2001)
- Seat Belt Cut? on Friday’s RPM 2Night(ESPN2) and the ESPN Site, it is being reported that – Bill Simpson claims a fan has come forward with video showing Earnhardt being cut from his seat belt. Simpson, founder and chairman of Simpson Performance Products, which made the seat belt Earnhardt was wearing during his deadly crash at the Daytona 500 on Feb. 18, told ESPN radio’s Jack Arute that a fan sent him the video of the crash. According to Simpson, he believes the video shows that an EMT cut the seat belt. “Since this whole thing has surfaced and since NASCAR did their press conference, there’s a spectator that has come foward with videotape and it clearly shows an EMT getting into the car with a knife – and that’s what it looked like to me – like it had been cut,” said Simpson. “I have a copy of it now and it’s out being enhanced at the moment.” After Dale Earnhardt died at Daytona, NASCAR reported that a broken seat belt was discovered in Earnhardt’s car. But, earlier this week, an independent doctor who viewed autopsy photos made the claim that a broken seat belt did not cause Earnhardt’s death. More at the ESPN site(4-14-2001)
- Schrader wins ARCA race at Nashville: Winston Cup driver Ken Schrader captured the ARCA RE/MAX Series PFG Lester 150, the inaugural race at Nashville Superspeedway. Schrader, who recently drove in his 500th career Winston Cup race, took the lead for good with less than 15 laps to go and held on to beat Frank Kimmel and Shawna Robinson in the 113-lap race. Officials with Dover Downs Entertainment, which operates the track, did not release an attendance figure for yesterday’s race. But media covering the race estimated the crowd at around 20,000.(Tennessean)(4-14-2001)
- TV News: Fox Again Pre-Empting NASCAR for Actress with Silicone Implants; #1 TV Market in the U.S. Won’t Get Talladega Busch Race First it was FX deciding to pre-empt live NASCAR qualifying for Tori Spelling and “Beverly Hills 90210.” Now, fans in New York are going to be treated to Pamela Anderson and “V.I.P” instead of the Busch race in Talladega. On Saturday, April 21, WNYW in New York will broadcast the Yankees game live instead of the Busch race. However, the local Fox braintrust then decided to not even show the Busch race on tape delay after the Yankees game, despite a three-hour window. Instead, viewers will get a rerun of the “X Files” and syndicated shows “Sheena” and “V.I.P.” (more info at MotorsportsTV) AND Boston Fans Stuck with Delays; Getting No Sympathy One of the hottest TV topics right now is the delays that Fox is giving NASCAR fans in Boston on WFXT. See the full story at MotorsportsTV.com: Boston Fans Stuck with Delays; Getting No Sympathy; and from the Boston Herald: Lee, `Gerbil’ at odds by Jim Baker; and see a RacingOne column: Second-Class Fans by Richard Huff(4-14-2001)
(4-13-2001)
UPDATE: Dave Marcis said team manager, Dwayne Leik will be back in a race car soon (he attempted the Daytona 500 in the #72 Chevy owned by Marcis), running a limited Busch Series schedule in two cars Marcis purchased from APR(Andy Petree Racing). Marcis plans on going to The Winston Open at Charlotte next month. He also hopes to make upcoming races at Chicago, Indianapolis, Dover and the season-ending race at Atlanta as well as Talladega next week(Hendersonville Times News)(4-13-2001)
UPDATE: The team has postponed their debut until Daytona in July. Also: Other divisions of Field & Stream have signed on and the official title is now Field & Stream Lifestyles Racing. Conz has been in Mooresville/Charlotte area recently purchasing new equipment and all of the team’s equipment is purchased or ordered now, but won’t be ready in time for Talladega(next week Apr 22nd). New team Cup schedule: Daytona, 7/7, Chicagoland 7/15. Brickyard 400 8/5, Michigan 8/19, Talladega 10/21 and Homestead-Miami 11/11. Plans for the 2002 season are being worked on now. Conz has talked to several people regarding the crew chief position but has not decided on anyone yet. The team has found a shop in Mooresville plans are to move into it sometime this season. The team plans on doing quite a bit of testing and running some ARCA races between now and Daytona to get ready for the Pepsi 400(Brian Conz Site)(4-13-2001)
AND also see a story about this from a few weeks ago at Winners Magazine: High School Reunion – Ray Evernham’s New Pit Coach – Lessons From The Navy SEALS by Claire B. Lang(great shot of Ray Evernham)(4-13-2001)
UPDATE: The multimillion-dollar Race Rock restaurant became downtown Las Vegas’ perhaps most expensive empty storefront Monday after managers said that delays at the unbuilt Neonopolis entertainment complex across the street had cut too deeply into their business. Race Rock’s closing means taxpayers must continue to wait for the downtown casino-funded Fremont Street Experience to repay more than $5.6 million in public funds spent to obtain the land that the restaurant was built on, city officials said. Slightly more than $8,000 has been returned, officials said. Tourists walking by the motorsports-themed Race Rock on Monday saw a locksmith barring the entrance. A sign taped to the door read, “If circumstances allow it, we expect to reopen our Supercharged Restaurant when Neonopolis reopens in our block of Fremont Street early next year. However, we cannot continue to sustain the significant operating losses we’ve been experiencing until that happens.”(Las Vegas Review Journal)(4-13-2001)
(4-12-2001)
UPDATE: A spokesman for Hills Bros. Coffee said April 8 that rumors the firm would withdraw its Winston Cup sponsorship from Donlavey Racing and move it to Eel River Racing were untrue(Winston Cup Scene – need subscription to read online)(4-12-2001)
UPDATE: have heard that James Neaves is doing better, nothing official
UPDATE 2: The youth auto racing official injured at New Smyrna Speedway Sunday has been upgraded to serious condition, a Halifax Medical Center spokeswoman said Thursday. James Neaves, 35, was thrown into the air after being struck from behind by a 6-year-old Deltona boy during a caution lap. The impact from the car, which weighs about 235 pounds, threw Neaves onto the asphalt track, causing severe head injuries. Neaves is president of the newly formed New Smyrna Quarter Midget Racing Association, which built a track in the infield of the speedway. He had just finished fixing a section of the low wooden wall following an accident during the practice session when he was struck. He was transported by helicopter to the hospital’s intensive care unit where he had remained in critical condition until Thursday morning(Daytona Beach News Journal)(4-6-2001)
UPDATE 3: good news on Jim Neaves – he is sitting up and having limited conversation and things are actually going quite well. The track was back racing last night(4-12-2001)
(4-11-2001)
UPDATE: been told by RYR sources that this is totally untrue and they are NOT considering a switch from Ford to Dodge or any other manufacturer(4-11-2001)
UPDATE: Close to a dozen teams continued testing at Talladega Superspeedway on Wednesday for the upcoming NASCAR Winston Cup Series Talladega 500, on April 22. On Tuesday at Talladega, 17 NASCAR Winston Cup Series and Busch Series teams turned 900 laps – nearly 2,400 miles – on Alabama’s 2.66-mile tri-oval testing for “Track Attack Weekend.” Testing were #1-Steve Park, #29-Kevin Harvick, #40-Sterling Marlin, #4-Kevin Lepage, #71-Dave Marcis and #22-Tom Hubert, who was substituting for Ward Burton. “Track Attack Weekend” begins on April 19 with John Deere Qualifying Day for the Busch Series 300 and IROC practice. Advance Auto Parts Qualifying Day for the Talladega 500 is set for April 20. Fans can purchase a commemorative Jeff Gordon Pole Day ticket for $10 good for Friday’s activities. On Saturday, April 21, fans can watch the NASCAR Winston Cup Series extended Happy Hour, the True Value IROC XXV and the NASCAR Busch Series 300. The Talladega 500 is Sunday, April 21. Tower seats remain for both days. (tix info at the Talladega Site). No speeds reported.(4-11-2001)
UPDATE: Kevin Gabard, front-tire carrier and car chief for the #31 Lowe’s Chevy, will undergo surgery on Monday, April 16, to replace the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) in his left knee and repair a torn meniscus. Gabard was injured during a late-race pit stop Sunday at Martinsville Speedway when a loose tire from another team rolled into the Lowe’s pit and clipped Gabard’s left knee. Gabard has undergone surgery to repair a torn meniscus in the same knee seven times since 1991, most recently in November 1999.(RCR PR)(4-11-2001)
UPDATE: Winston Cup driver Mike Skinner will drive the Richard Childress Racing/Brant Motorsports #21 BGN car this weekend at Nashville Superspeedway and the balance of this year’s races that coincide with Winston Cup events. Skinner, the full-time driver of the RCR #31 Lowes Chevys in the Winston Cup series, replaces Mike Dillon as driver for the #21 team. Dillon, recovered from injuries sustained in a March 24 crash at Bristol and another during testing at Nashville a couple of weeks before, will remain with RCR in an as-yet undetermined role. Subbing for an injured Dillon March 24 at Texas Motor Speedway, Skinner qualified fifth and finished ninth, both season bests for the team. A driver for the races that conflict with the Winston Cup schedule is being sought(That’s Racin’)(4-11-2001)
UPDATE: NASCAR officials are expected to release an update on the Dale Earnhardt crash this week, possibly today(Richmond Times Dispatch)
UPDATE 2: In a Monday afternoon teleconference, NASCAR officials announced their investigation of the Feb. 18 Daytona 500 crash that took Dale Earnhardt’s life included a reconstruction of the accident and would likely last until August. See the full text of the statement at That’s Racin’: Text of NASCAR update on Earnhardt crash investigation(4-9-2001)
UPDATE 3: At least one automobile manufacturer, Ford, apparently will participate in the “comprehensive accident-reconstruction review” proposed by NASCAR in its “safety update” Monday.(SpeedVision)(4-11-2001)
(4-10-2001)
UPDATE: Seat-belt failure did not cause the head injuries that killed NASCAR great Dale Earnhardt during February’s Daytona 500, a court-appointed medical expert who studied the racer’s autopsy photos reported Monday. Dr. Barry Myers, a Duke University expert in crash injuries, said Earnhardt died when his head whipped violently forward in the moments after his #3 Chevy struck a concrete wall at 150 mph. Rejecting NASCAR’s theory of the crash, Myers said that, even assuming what he termed “a worst-case scenario,” Earnhardt’s head probably would have suffered the same damage even if his lap belt had not torn on impact. See full story at the Orlando Sentinel: Expert: Seat belt no factor in Earnhardt death
UPDATE 2 – NASCAR Statement: “We have said before and re-iterated Monday we’re conducting our own detailed review with a team of experts ranging from occupant safety-restraint analysis, and crash analysis to medical and biomechanical specialists,” said NASCAR president Mike Helton. “This latest report will not change that. “Contrary to several reports in the media, this report is not an opposing theory to anything NASCAR has presented. Since the Daytona 500, NASCAR has made clear that we will not suggest or speculate on the circumstances surrounding Dale Earnhardt’s accident until our study is complete. No one from NASCAR has ever suggested what may have happened in this accident other than to say in our preliminary investigation we found issues of concern involving the occupant restraint system. “As referenced in the report compiled by Dr. Barry Myers, better understanding can be achieved through biomechanical, sled and crash testing, which is consistent with the process we announced Monday. “We respect the varied theories from the medical field and welcome their input as to what likely could have occurred and we remain committed to a thorough, comprehensive review.”(NASCAR PR) and That’s Racin’ has a bunch of columns up about this
AND Bill Simpson, president of Simpson Race Products, says he plans to consult with his legal team before commenting on the report on Dale Earnhardt’s fatal crash at Daytona, released today by the Orlando Sentinel(SpeedVision)(4-10-2001)
UPDATE: been told that Allison will be driving in a new car developed by Pro Chassis called “Jr Racing League” not a Bandolero(3-30-2001)
UPDATE 2: Robbie Allison, 9-year-old son of late NASCAR star Davey Allison, was injured in a crash last night while practicing for what would have been his racing debut. Allison was taken by ambulance from Twin Fountain Speedway to Bedford County Hospital after complaining of dizziness following the crash. He was treated for a sprained neck and released. ”He’s OK, just a little sore,” said Robbie’s mother, Liz, who was watching at trackside with husband Ryan Hackett and other family members. ”It scared him a little when they put a neck brace on him. He said, ‘Mom, did my daddy ever go through something like this?’ ”(Tennessean)(4-7-2001)
UPDATE 3: Robbie suffered a strained neck, and his parents — mother Liz and stepfather Ryan Hackett — sustained badly jangled nerves. ”It scared him — and us — more than anything,” Liz said afterward. ”As soon as things calmed down a little, he asked, ‘Mom, when can I race again?’ ” Not for a while. ”The experience has made me re-evaluate the situation,” Liz said. ”We will continue to let Robbie practice, but we’ll wait awhile before he ventures into the competitive part. I know how badly he wants to get on the track, but I’ve got to make decisions that I feel are best for him.”(Tennessean)(4-10-2001)
(4-9-2001)
UPDATE: True Value IROC officials announced they will run an 11-car field for the remaining three races of the 2001 True Value IROC schedule. In tribute to four-time True Value IROC champion Dale Earnhardt, the 12th car will remained parked. Series President Jay Signore said, “Dale’s career in the series is one to be revered. He accepted a record 17 invitations to represent his sport and went on to capture the title four times. The decision to start only 11 cars in honor of Dale is a first for us, but one we believe is well deserved. With the support of all the competitors and Dale’s family, we will keep the 12th car parked as a tribute to honor and remember Dale as the champion’s champion.” An 11-time winner in the True Value IROC series, Earnhardt won back-to-back championships in 1999 and 2000 adding to his previous triumphs in 1990 and 1995. He most recently added to his legend during the season opener in February at Daytona International Speedway. While battling for the lead, Earnhardt’s Pontiac Firebird was sent into the infield grass where he never missed a beat. He returned to the track at full speed and finished the event in seventh place. Eventual winner of the race, Dale Jarrett cited the incident as, “proof that Dale Earnhardt was one of the best race car drivers in the world.” Race one from Daytona will be rebroadcast on ESPN2 Saturday, April 14, at 8:00pm/et. The True Value IROC series will continue with race-two at Talladega Superspeedway on Saturday, April 21.(IROC PR)(4-9-2001)
UPDATE: Dale Earnhardt’s widow appealed again to keep her husband’s autopsy photos private, fearing they will wind up on the Internet for everyone to see. “I want to let the NASCAR community and the people of Florida know just how much pain this ordeal is causing my family,” Teresa Earnhardt said in a statement released at Martinsville Speedway, site of Sunday’s race. (see full story on That’s Racin’/AP: Earnhardt’s widow seeks help in autopsy photo fight and Teresa’s comments at: `We just want it to end,’ Teresa Earnhardt says )(4-9-2001)
UPDATE: hearing this could be a ‘Hamburger Helper’ scheme(4-9-2001)
AND: Expect an upgrade for GPS boxes in Winston Cup cars before the end of the season, according to General Motors. Once NASCAR gives teams the green light to install more sophisticated black boxes, it will enable them to gather accurate g-force data and arrive at a better understanding of what happens to a car on impact in a crash. NASCAR and the race teams would be able to use the information to aid the development of new safety measures.(Sporting News)(4-9-2001)
(4-8-2001)
- Pruett Wins: Scott Pruett took the overall checkered flag at the 25th annual Toyota Pro/Celebrity Race from a field of celebrity and professional drivers — just edging out last year’s winner Josh Brolin. Toyota dealer Tom Rudnai barely won the celebrity category over Olympic Gold medalist swimmer Dara Torres — the best-ever female finisher in the Toyota Pro/Celebrity Race and the pole position winner. As part of the event, Toyota raised over $200,000 for “Racing for Kids,” a national fund-raising program to benefit children’s hospitals in Long Beach, Los Angeles and Orange counties through its involvement with the Toyota Grand Prix of Long Beach. The 10-lap race, held on the 1.99-mile Champ Car track, features a field of 17 drivers and will be broadcast in its entirety on ESPN, Saturday, April 28 at 3:00pm/et.(Business Wire/SpeedVision)(4-8-2001)
- Nadeau, Stewart and Blaney hit the dirt at Lowes UPDATE: Jerry Nadeau plans to drive a new DIRT modified owned and prepared by Hendrick Motorsports employees and veteran DIRT mechanics Charlie Langenstein and Ray “Rizzo” Schepler in the April 7 Eckerd 100 Advance Auto Parts Modified Super DIRT Series event at The Dirt Track @ Lowe’s Motor Speedway. The Eckerd 100 is scheduled to be Nadeau’s inaugural race in a big-block DIRT modified and his first dirt-track appearance in nearly a decade. The Eckerd 100 is slated to be the first of three to five races Nadeau runs this season in the #2L R&C Motorsports Ventures DIRT modified. Tony Stewart is slated to drive the #20 GE Sealants & Adhesives-Extreme Silicone Tech/TEO entry owned by long-time DIRT Motorsports supporter Brian Goewey while Dave Blaney, a veteran of the DIRT Modified ranks whose father still campaigns a similar car in Ohio and Western Pennsylvania, is entered in a #74 TEO machine also owned by Goewey. The Eckerd 100 will be run in conjunction with the April 5-8 Food Lion AutoFair, one of the nation’s largest car shows and automotive swap meets. More info at the LMS Site(4-5-2001)
UPDATE: 10,846 fans cheered during the inaugural Eckerd 100 Advance Auto Parts Modified Super DIRT Series event Saturday night at The Dirt Track @ Lowe’s Motor Speedway. Steve “The Hurricane” Paine of Waterloo, N.Y., and Brett “The Jet” Hearn of Sussex, N.J., shared the victory podium as the New York-based DIRT Motorsports organization brought its unique brand of modified stock car racing to the Carolinas for the first time. Both Paine and Hearn took home $5,000 for their victories. Paine started fifth in the first 50-lap event and took the lead on lap 20 en route to his second straight Super DIRT Series feature victory of the season. Hearn finished second in the first race with Billy Decker third, Alan Johnson fourth and Pat Ward fifth. Nadeau finished 31st in the 1st feature, Stewart finished 14th in the 1st and 13th in the 2nd feature and Blaney finished 35th in the 1st and 23rd in the 2nd feature(LMS Site) and see a story and pictures at Speed Illustrated(4-8-2001) - Another Driver Death: The latest NASCAR driver to die of a basilar skull fracture was eulogized here with about 60 people present. He was no Dale Earnhardt. Just an obscure rookie driver who died the same way as the NASCAR legend. Michael Roberts was a 50-year-old single parent who left behind a heartbroken daughter, Taylor — two years younger than Earnhardt’s 12-year-old daughter, Taylor. Roberts, who was memorialized Friday, died March 24 at I-44 Speedway near Lebanon, Mo. He was driving 80 mph on the 3/8-mile track — 100 mph slower than Earnhardt was when he hit a concrete wall on the last lap of the Daytona 500 on Feb. 18. Roberts was the fifth NASCAR driver in 11 months to die of injuries caused by violent head movement and the fourth to die of basilar skull fracture.(see full story at the Orlando Sentinel)(4-8-2001)
(4-7-2001)
AND All revved up for it’s first-ever NASCAR Winston Cup Promotion, the Virginia Lottery is pleased to announce that Virginia native veteran driver Hermie Sadler will be behind the wheel of the new Lotto Virginia car for four Winston Cup Series races in Virginia this year. “Racing for the Virginia Lottery will give me a chance to promote the good work the Lottery doesin supporting education and will also giv me a chance to have Lady Luck on my side during the races,” said Sadler. “Thirteen is the lucky number for the Virginia Lottery this year,” said Penelope Kyle, executive director of the Virginia Lottery. “That’s the number of the Lotto Virginia race car and the Virginia Lottery is celebrating our 13th lucky year of giving people a chance to have fun while trying to win prizes and giving the Lottery the opportunity to support education.”(Sadler Fan Club Site)(4-7-2001)
(4-6-2001)
UPDATE: and an addition to the story: Others in early season points peril by David Poole(4-6-2001)
UPDATE – some numbers: According to results from NASCAR’s chassis dyno tests after Sunday’s Harrah’s 500 at Texas, Robert Yates had by far the most powerful engine. Yates’ edge(the #88 was tested) over the two Chevrolets tested, #1-Steve Park’s and #24-Jeff Gordon’s, wasn’t that significant, less than 10 horsepower. But Yates’ edge over the two Jack Roush engines tested, in #97-Kurt Busch’s third-place car, and #6-Mark Martin’s eighth-place car, was considerable. According to NASCAR sources, Dale Jarrett had a peak horsepower advantage of 38 horsepower over Busch and 52 horsepower over Martin. And the Dodge engine from #93-Dave Blaney’s car, though pulling more horsepower than either Roush motor, wasn’t as strong as either Chevrolet motor or Yates’ motor(Winston Salem Journal)(4-6-2001)
UPDATE: have heard that James Neaves is doing better, nothing official
UPDATE 2: The youth auto racing official injured at New Smyrna Speedway Sunday has been upgraded to serious condition, a Halifax Medical Center spokeswoman said Thursday. James Neaves, 35, was thrown into the air after being struck from behind by a 6-year-old Deltona boy during a caution lap. The impact from the car, which weighs about 235 pounds, threw Neaves onto the asphalt track, causing severe head injuries. Neaves is president of the newly formed New Smyrna Quarter Midget Racing Association, which built a track in the infield of the speedway. He had just finished fixing a section of the low wooden wall following an accident during the practice session when he was struck. He was transported by helicopter to the hospital’s intensive care unit where he had remained in critical condition until Thursday morning(Daytona Beach News Journal)(4-6-2001)
(4-5-2001)
UPDATE: sorry folks, been ‘asked’ by Action Performance to remove the image and will honor that request, do not email asking for me to send the image, I won’t, sorry. The car is white, with red lettering, the All-Star or baseball was blacked out. Will be announced at Texas on March 31st (3-16-2001)
UPDATE 2: the Ducks Unlimited car will be run at Charlotte in October, the Baseball scheme at The Winston and the Pepsi 400 at Daytona(3-25-2001)
UPDATE 3: been told by Action that the Duck Unlimited scheme has been canceled for 2001(4-5-2001)
UPDATE: hearing the following teams tested at Greenville Pickens on Wednesday – #01-Jason Leffler; #7-Mike Wallace; #8-Dale Earnhardt Jr.; #15-Michael Waltrip; #26-Jimmy Spencer; #33-Joe Nemechek; #40-Sterling Marlin; #55-Bobby Hamilton; and #92-Stacy Compton(4-5-2001)
AND Some quotes from Shawna Robinson regarding her test at California Speedway and her desire to be the first woman in 12 years to compete in a NASCAR Winston Cup Series race. Robinson tested at the speedway in preparation for the upcoming NAPA AUTO PARTS 500. (On how her test is going): “The car is getting better and better, but not where it needs to be. We are making progress; small gains, but gains nonetheless. Every time I think I have the track figured out, we change something in the car and the comfort level goes down. One run could be fine and the next could be completely different. Basically, we’ve been concentrating on short runs and not focusing on time right now. This is my first experience with a Cup car, and my first time at this track. I have a pretty good comfort level at Michigan and this place is similar, but this place is really fast. Getting into the corners is very important here. We are going to stay tomorrow and do some more work. We need it. We need every minute of track time we can get.” and (On her desire to compete in the Winston Cup Series): “My goal is to drive full-time next season. That is what it takes to be successful. I would not be at this level if I didn’t think I deserved to be. My time is now. I have a lot of experience, but things have to be done right. That is why we are testing – to get a good feel for the car and get the team working together and on the same page. I feel I’m in my place when I’m in a race car. It is what I’m supposed to be doing.”(California Speedway PR)(4-5-2001)
(4-4-2001)
UPDATE: Veteran crew chief Jim Long has been named as the new crew chief for the NationsRent, Ultra Motorsports Racing Team. The team fields the #7 Ford Taurus for driver Mike Wallace. The personnel change is effective immediately. In making the announcement, team owner Jim Smith said: “We needed to make a change with our Winston Cup program at Ultra Motorsports, and we needed it to be an immediate change. It was a mutual decision between our former crew chief, Tim Brewer and myself. This NationsRent, Ultra Motorsports team was not running anywhere near its’ potential. As a team we set some weekly and monthly goals at the beginning of the season, however we have not been attaining our objectives. This decision was a very difficult one for me to make. I’ve known and have been close friends with Tim Brewer for close to 30-years. I will still remain as best of friends with Tim.” Jim Long has functioned in the role of crew chief for five years. Most recently, he was with the Darwin Ordt owned, #75 Ford racing team. Prior to that he spent two years with Bessey Motorsports. Long was also with the defunct Stavola Brothers racing organization. He has two Winston Cup wins to his credit with driver Ricky Rudd.(Ultra Motorsports PR)(4-4-2001)
UPDATE: Phillipe Lopez, crew chief the past year for A.J. Foyt’s #14, has left the team, and Fred Graves will handle the duties until a permanent replacement is named. Foyt hired Ron Hornaday as driver in December, and Graves, father of Ganassi/SABCO team manager Andy Graves, drafted aboard with Hornaday. Graves and Hornaday had worked together successfully on Dale Earnhardt Inc.’s championship CTS program. Foyt team manager Tommy LaMance said Wednesday that Lopez had quit Monday afternoon, and he said long-term plans were not yet clear. Lopez’s plans are not known(SpeedVision)(4-4-2001)
Services for Al Papini III, 41, of Machesney Park, IL will be held Friday, April 6 in Saint Bridget Catholic Church, 600 Clifford Avenue in Loves Park, IL. The Mass of Christian Burial will begin at 11am. with Monsignor John Mitchell officiating. Visitation will be held Thursday, April 5 from 4 to 78 p.m. in Delehanty Funeral home Ltd., 401 River Lane, Loves Park and from 9:30 to 10:30 a.m., Friday, April 6, in the church. A celebration of Al’s life will be held at the Forest Hills Lodge, adjacent to Rockford Speedway, from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. Friday. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Al Papini Memorial at any Rockford area NorthWest Bank or mail to PO Box 1060, Rockford, Illinois 61105-1060(4-3-2001)
UPDATE 2: Late-Model driver Al Papini III died from a heart attack before hitting the wall Sunday at Rockford Speedway, according to a preliminary autopsy report released Tuesday(Rockford Register)(4-4-2001)
(4-3-2001)
UPDATE: There is speculation out of North Carolina that The Winston all-star race could move after this year and that it might wind up at Texas Motor Speedway. A contract with Charlotte’s Lowe’s Motor Speedway runs out after this year. Sponsor R.J. Reynolds can keep the race in Charlotte, where it has been a major success, or make a change. Options include some kind of rotation system or taking it to another track(Dallas Morning News)(4-1-2001)
UPDATE 2: heard from some readers that Eddie Gossage of Texas Motor Speedway said on local (Texas) radio NewsTalk 820 (WBAP) out of Dallas that the Winston would not be moving to Texas Motor Speedway despite the rumors and that Bruton Smith was not buying Darlington Raceway(4-3-2001)
(4-2-2001)
(4-1-2001)
- RIR Testing: #28-Ricky Rudd and #88-Dale Jarrett are testing at Richmond International Raceway on Tuesday and Wednesday.(Richmond Times Dispatch)(4-1-2001)
- Geoffrey Bodine in the #75 car? UPDATE: Driver Geoffrey Bodine says he’s ready to go racing again if he can get a ride in the NASCAR Winston Cup Series. Bodine is working on a deal that could put him behind the wheel of the dormant #75 Galaxy Motorsports team for the second half of the Winston Cup season. The #75 team released driver Wally Dallenbach after failing to land a sponsor for this season. But Bodine says that owner Darwin Oordt is negotiating with a potential investor. Bodine also is interested in broadasting and has interviewed with NBC and TBS(Elmira Star Gazette/Speedway Scene). Also hearing from another source that the #75 Team has closed up shop, but have not confirmed that(4-1-2001)
UPDATE: Geoffrey Bodine and an “investment partner” are in the process of deciding whether to acquire an existing NASCAR Winston Cup operation or to start from scratch by assembling a team and a fleet of rolling stock. Last week they toured Galaxy Motorsports; but after that visit, talk is they are more seriously considering building their own team since the most critical element of a team is its personnel and Galaxy currently is down to about three employees in the shop. One of the most pressing considerations right now is sponsorship, but the plan would be to align Geoffrey’s new operation with brother Brett’s Brett Bodine Racing team to cooperate on sharing test information and other technology transfer without having the administrative tangles of a true multi-car operation(NASCAR.com Buzz)(4-1-2001) - Green in the #30 AOL car: Richard Childress announced the races Jeff Green will be running in the #30 (AOL) Winston Cup car this season. Green will attempt to make his (2001 Cup) debut at California Speedway on April 29. He also will run the races at Dover (June 3), Chicago (July 15), Indianapolis (Aug. 5), Bristol (Aug. 25), Richmond (Sept. 8) and Lowe’s (Oct. 7).(Richmond Times Dispatch) AND Richard Childress Racing Saturday named 2000 NASCAR Busch Series champion Jeff Green as the driver for the #30 America Online NASCAR Winston Cup team for a limited schedule this season. Childress said plans for the 2002 season and beyond will be forthcoming(NASCAR.com)(4-1-2001)
- #97 Sponsor? UPDATE 7 Sunday Announcement? heard nothing: rumor floating around that Newell-Rubbermaid may be a sponsor for the #97 Roush Racing team and driver Kurt Busch. But sources with the team say they have not heard that at all(3-5-2001)
UPDATE: actually hear the sponsor will be Sanford with their Sharpie Marker Line being featured, Sanford is owned by…..Newell Rubbermaid. An announcement could come in Texas in a few weeks, if that is the sponsor. Sharpie will also be the title sponsor of the race at Bristol in August, the Sharpie® 500(3-6-2001)
UPDATE 2: Roush Racing, which fields four Winston Cup, two BGN and two CTS teams, has had several high-profile sponsors and two dot-com companies leave or reduce their participation because of economic reasons. Despite losing companies like Northern Light, Exide and John Deere, Roush has been able to find new sources of cash, company president Geoff Smith said. Smith said he expects to add sponsors for rookie Kurt Busch’s #97 Winston Cup car and for one of the two trucks. Gain detergent recently agreed to back Jeff Burton’s Busch car(Atlanta Journal Constitution)(3-7-2001)
UPDATE 3: the weeks Speedway Scene mentions Pizza Hut as a possible sponsor for either the #97 or one of the Roush CTS teams(3-10-2001)
UPDATE 4: Roush Racing President Geoff Smith expects to announce a sponsor for Kurt Busch’s Winston Cup team and the truck team of Chuck Hossfeld at Bristol. He would neither confirm nor deny that the sponsor would be Sanford, the company that manufactures Sharpies. Earlier this year it was announced that Sharpie would sponsor the August Bristol race(Winston Cup Scene need to be a subscriber to read online)(3-15-2001)
UPDATE 5: hearing the announcement will probably be at Texas and not Bristol that Sharpie®/Sanford/Newell Rubbermaid will be Kurt Bucsh’s sponsor. Hearing the car will be primarily black with a white hood having “Sharpie” in black letters with a blue Sharpie pen underneath it on the hood. The lower left side of the car is blue … the lower right side of the car is red (almost like somebody’s been scribbling on it with a … Sharpie) or an all black with a red “Rubbermaid” logo. Sharpie is on the quarter panels and Paper*Mate is on the deck lid(3-22-2001)
UPDATE 6: Roush Racing’s sponsorship announcement set for Sunday at Texas will include programs for both the #97 Ford Taurus driven by Kurt Busch as well as one of Roush’s two NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series programs, which have run sponsorless for rookie drivers Nathan Haseleu and Chuck Hossfeld this season(NASCAR.com Buzz)(3-30-2001)
UPDATE 7: There was a morning news conference at which team owner Jack Roush announced that beginning with next weekend’s race at Martinsville, Kurt Busch’s #97 Fords will be sponsored by the Newell-Rubbermaid organization through the Sharpie brand of permanent markers and Rubbermaid home products. The company will also sponsor Chuck Hossfeld’s #50 team in the Truck series(That’s Racin‘)(4-1-2001) - AMS Not Happy UPDATE: Atlanta Motor Speedway executives are not happy with Fox officials for changing the on-air name of the Cracker Barrel 500 three weeks ago. Fox declined to mention Cracker Barrel as the race sponsor, instead calling it a Winston Cup race ‘presented by UPS.'(Winston Salem Journal)(3-31-2001)
UPDATE: The Winston-Salem Journal reports that “Atlanta Motor Speedway executives are not happy with Fox officials for changing the on-air name of the Cracker Barrel 500 three weeks ago. Fox declined to mention Cracker Barrel as the race sponsor, instead calling it a Winston Cup race ‘presented by UPS.’ ” Sorry, folks, but this is inaccurate. Fox did indeed mention Cracker Barrel by name as required by contract. Lap 35 – 36:42 into broadcast: Mike Joy – “Cracker Barrel Old Country Store 500”, Lap 188 – 2:08:42 into broadcast: Mike Joy – “Cracker Barrel Old Country Stores 500”, Lap 305 – 3:34:54 into broadcast: Mike Joy – “Cracker Barrel 500”, There may have been one more, but the tape was reviewed quickly by MotorsportsTV. Actually, Fox’s primary use of the UPS tie-in was “NASCAR on Fox presented by UPS,” never attributing race title sponsorship to UPS. This is very common on TV sports now. That’s a far cry from title sponsorship. The key point though is that Fox did mention Cracker Barrel as they were required to in Atlanta(MotorsportsTV)(4-1-2001) - Boycott Unlikely, but…: A comment made by reigning Winston Cup champion Bobby Labonte last weekend at Bristol has mushroomed into reports that drivers are considering a boycott of the April 22 race at Talladega. Labonte said last week that he had heard talk that some sponsors had told their drivers they would support them if they didn’t want to go to Talladega because NASCAR plans to use the same rules there that were used there last fall and at Daytona in February. There is virtually no chance any such boycott could materialize, of course. Late last year, before a return trip to New Hampshire International Speedway where Adam Petty and Kenny Irwin had died earlier in the season, drivers floated the same kind of suggestions to put pressure on NASCAR to change the rules(see full story at That’s Racin’)(4-1-2001)
- Pemberton may sit out UPDATE no Texas: Robin Pemberton, crew chief for Rusty Wallace’s #2 Miller Lite Ford, was not with the team Friday at Texas. Pemberton was, instead, back home in the Charlotte area undergoing medical tests to seek the cause for the fatigue he has been feeling in recent weeks. “I was really feeling pretty normal as far as being run down and stressed out – just like about 400 other friends of mine feel like every day,” Pemberton said. “But my doctor didn’t like the way I was looking and he told me to come in for some tests.” Pemberton had a heart stress test before last week’s race at Bristol and then had a heart catheterization. Those tests did not reveal any blockages. On Friday, he was having his carotid artery checked. Pemberton wouldn’t rule out coming to the race on Sunday. If he doesn’t, team general manager John Erickson said that Jeffrey Thousand would likely be on top of the team’s pit box on Sunday communicating with the driver(That’s Racin’)(3-31-2001)
UPDATE: Rusty Wallace’s crew chief, Robin Pemberton, opted not to fly to Texas yesterday. Pemberton has been undergoing a series of medical tests, but he had considered joining the team in time for today’s race. Now he is taking the weekend off and planning to be back with Wallace next weekend at Martinsville(Richmond Times Dispatch)(4-1-2001) - Family OK: A family of six is recovering after inhaling fumes from an motorhome heater that appears to have kicked out some carbon monoxide gas at the Texas Motor Speedway. The family was in the motorhome which was parked in the infield. Three ambulances took them away from the Speedway for treatment. Doctors say they are going to be OK.(AP/ESPN)(4-1-2001)