April 2010 News Archives

Qualifying Fast Facts – Richmond:

#18-Kyle Busch won the Coors Light Pole Award for the CROWN ROYAL Presents The Heath Calhoun 400 with a lap of 21.247 seconds, 127.077 mph.

This is his sixth pole in 196 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series races.

This is his first pole and eighth top-10 start in 2010.

This is his first pole in 11 races at Richmond International Raceway.

#00-David Reutimann (second) posted his third top-10 start of 2010 and his second in seven races at Richmond International Raceway.

#48-Jimmie Johnson (third) posted his 10th top-10 start at Richmond International Raceway. It is his seventh in ten races this season.

#46-Terry Cook (41st) was the fastest qualifying rookie.(NASCAR Statistics)(4-30-2010)

Coverage of Qualifying for the Crown Royal Presents The Heath Calhoun 400 Sprint Cup Series race at Richmond International Raceway is scheduled for Friday, April 30, 2010 at 5:40pm/et.

TV: SPEED – 5:30pm/et

Radio: MRN Radio ONLY thru NASCAR.com

Jayski.com: Jayski’s Semi-Live Qualifying Page

Qualifying Re-Air: on SPEED at 1:30am/et

Qualifying Order for the Crown Royal Presents The Heath Calhoun 400 Sprint Cup Series race at Richmond International Raceway is posted. 46 cars/drivers are listed. Go-or-go homers will qualify at the end of the session, once the top-35 drivers are done.

The first of the top-35 drivers scheduled to go out is #43-Allmendinger.

The final top-35 driver scheduled to go out is #33-Bowyer.

The first go-or-go homer scheduled to qualify [36th] is #26-Stremme with the final driver scheduled to qualify being #36-Mears.

See the full qualifying order on the Richmond Qualifying Page.(4-30-2010)

Happy Hour (final) practice: for the Crown Royal Presents The Heath Calhoun 400 Sprint Cup Series race at Richmond International Raceway is over, after 90 scheduled minutes, the top 5 and some notes:

#18-Busch 124.395

#00-Reutimann 124.007

#20-Logano 123.916

#42-Montoya 123.876

#24-Gordon 123.615

slowest: #38-Conway 118.457 & #55-McDowell 120.235

incident: #43-Allmendinger scraped the right side of the car early in practice, doesn’t look like major damage.(4-30-2010)

Happy Hour practice rank for the non top-35 drivers ar Richmond:

if things stay the same, these eight drivers would make the race:

#87-Joe Nemechek, 25th fastest

#13-Max Papis, 27th

#36-Casey Mears, 28th

#32-Reed Sorenson, 31st

#46-Terry Cook, 36th

#09-Mike Bliss, 37th

#26-David Stremme, 39th

#66-Dave Blaney, 40th

these drivers would miss the race if the order stayed the same:

#64-Tony Raines, 42nd

#37-David Gilliland, 44th

#55-Michael McDowell, 45th

(4-30-2010)

Friday’s first practice: for the Crown Royal Presents The Heath Calhoun 400 Sprint Cup Series race at Richmond International Raceway is over, after 90 scheduled minutes, the top 5 and some notes:

#1-McMurray 122.466

#33-Bowyer 122.427

#20-Logano 122.283

#88-Earnhardt Jr. 121.984

#18-Busch 121.929

slowest: #38-Conway 116.919 and #64-Raines 117.678

See fastest spees, laps run, average speeds on my Practice Speeds Page.(4-30-2010)

Good News 0% chance of rain for Friday at Richmond International Raceway and 10% for the race on Saturday night but it’s gonna be warm/hot with a forecast temps in the mid to high 80’s on Friday and mid 80’s for Saturday at race time, approx 7:46pm/et.

Richmond schemes: added to my Paint Scheme Gallery, including: #19 Reynolds Wrap, #39 U.S. Army Medicine, #9 Reto Budweiser, #37 Taco Bell, #38 Extenze, #7 VIP / Warner Music, #99 Scott]s Ez Seed and #47 Bush’s Beans / Kingsford.(4-30-2010)

Sad News – Al Allen: #05-Willie Allen is driving with a heavy heart Friday at Richmond International Raceway. His father, Al, passed away Thursday after battling complications from Lou Gehrig’s disease. Al Allen, 55, was a big supporter of Willie’s career, and that’s why Willie decided to drive all night to race in Richmond. “Tough week. After Talladega, as soon as I got home and laid in the bed, my mom called and said he was having trouble breathing, so we rushed him to the hospital,” Willie said. “He actually walked in the hospital. Just thought he was having a rough time, pneumonia or something.” But Al didn’t get any better, and doctors put him on a bi-pap breathing machine. Willie said the decision was made Thursday to take him off the machine. “Man, I wouldn’t be racing if it wasn’t for him, 100 percent,” Willie said. “Countless hours at the shop. There wouldn’t even be a chance of me being here (without him).” Willie wondered whether he should race Friday at Richmond, but he said he knew what his dad would want “I kind of questioned myself: What should I do?’ Willie said. “I know 100 percent what he’d want me to do. That’s all he worked for, for me to do this. It’s been tough today. It’s been super tough, just focusing. I ain’t going to lie. Trying to work through it.” Willie and his wife Kristen drove all night Thursday and got to Richmond about five minutes before practice began at 9 a.m. Eastern.(NNS Racing)(4-30-2010)

Hendrick close to re-signing crew chiefs UPDATE: team owner Rick Hendrick said he is days from announcing contract extensions for crew chiefs #5-Alan Gustafson and #48-Chad Knaus. Hendrick has been working on an extension with Knaus since late last season, when driver Jimmie Johnson agreed to a deal to drive at Hendrick Motorsports through 2015. The driver and crew chief have won a NASCAR record four consecutive championships together. Gustafson is currently crew chief for Martin in the #5 Chevy. Kahne has already agreed to drive that car in 2012, but Hendrick says he has not yet determined his crew chief lineup. The owner did say, though, that the #5 team belongs to Gustafson, the first indication that he could be paired with Kahne.(ESPN.com)(4-25-2010)

UPDATE: Hendrick Motorsports has extended the contracts of crew chiefs #5-Alan Gustafson and #48-Chad Knaus. NASCAR’s top team announced the multiyear extensions on Friday. Gustafson is currently crew chief for the #5 Chevy driven by Mark Martin. The extension likely means Gustafson will be paired with Kasey Kahne when he joins the team. Knaus has guided Jimmie Johnson to the last four NASCAR championships as crew chief of the #48.(Associated Press), during SPEED’s practice cover at Richmond, the length of the extensions are for 4 years.(4-30-2010)

Johnson takes blame for incident with Gordon UPDATE: #48-Jimmie Johnson took the blame for making a mistake that ultimately led to teammate #24-Jeff Gordon’s wreck at Talladega Superspeedway. Johnson said he was trying to slide in front of Gordon late in Sunday’s race so the two Hendrick Motorsports drivers could draft together toward the front. But, he said Gordon was coming too fast. Johnson’s move instead had the effect of a block, and Gordon was forced off the apron in a defensive move. His momentum gone, Gordon slide back in traffic and was caught moments later in a multi-car crash. “I misjudged the closing rate,” Johnson said. “We all make mistakes, I am no different. Certainly, that was my fault. I made the mistake there.” Gordon, who drove his damaged car to a 22nd-place finish, was furious with his teammate after the race. “The 48 is testing my patience, I can tell you that,” Gordon said Sunday at Talladega Superspeedway. “It takes a lot to make me mad.” Johnson was involved in his own accident later and finished 31st. Johnson had already left the track when Gordon, also a four-time series champion, talked of his frustration with his teammate. “I would have stuck around if I knew what was waiting for me,” Johnson said. But Johnson again dismissed any notion of a rift with Gordon. The two tangled a week ago at Texas Motor Speedway, but downplayed any potential tensions. “There’s no doubt after the fact that frustrations are high, the wreck just compounded it,” Johnson said. “I think he was speaking out of frustration.(Associated Press)(4-27-2010)

UPDATE: Behind the scenes at Hendrick [Notorsports], the four-time Cup champions [Johnson & Gordon] needed a second straight week of talks after curt words followed incidents on the track. Johnson said on Thursday team owner Rick Hendrick told him and Gordon not to let their bubbling feud start “breaking apart the organization.” Johnson, Gordon and Hendrick spoke together on the phone this week to smooth over a rough patch in the relationship between the drivers. The championship teammates tangled on the track in successive weeks, leading Gordon to lash out at Johnson after Sunday’s race at Talladega Superspeedway.
Johnson said Hendrick understood they are competitive drivers who just want to win. But Hendrick didn’t want the rivalry to split apart the race teams that work so closely together. Johnson said Hendrick told him, “You guys need to voice your opinions, handle things on the track as you see fit, but let’s not let this carry on too far and affect the race shop.” Johnson made a mistake that ultimately led to Gordon’s wreck at Talladega. That came a week after the two had a run-in at Texas Motor Speedway.(Full story and more quotes at the Associated Press)(4-30-2010)

Dale Jr. in #3 car in NNS race Daytona, images posted

Richmond Rookie Notes: #38-Kevin Conway was the Raybestos® Rookie of the Race in the April 25 Aaron’s 499 at Talladega Superspeedway, posting a 30th-place finish. Conway has been running at the finish in each of his eight starts this season. Conway leads #46-Terry Cook by 61 points (88-27) in the Raybestos Rookie standings entering the May 1 Crown Royal Presents the Heath Calhoun 400 at Richmond International Raceway. Since 1975 Brian Vickers (2004) and Morgan Shepherd (1981) are the only Raybestos Rookies to win a pole for the spring race at Richmond. Since 1975, only one Raybestos Rookie has won the spring race at Richmond: Dale Earnhardt Jr. in 2000. Only once since 1975 have TWO or more Raybestos Rookies finished in the top-10 in the Crown Royal 400. In 1979, Joe Millikan finished sixth followed by Terry Labonte, who claimed an eighth place finish. The most recent Raybestos Rookie to win a pole position in the Sprint Cup Series is Patrick Carpentier. Carpentier captured the top starting spot for the 2008 LENOX Industrial Tools 301 at New Hampshire Motor Speedway (64 races). See Rookie standings, history and more on my 2010 Rookies page.(4-30-2010)

NASCAR Media Group Receives Emmy Award: NASCAR Media Group, the creative, media, and production services company of NASCAR, has received an Emmy Award for “Inside the Headsets,” a television program which aired following the 25th annual NASCAR Sprint Cup All-Star Race last May. NASCAR Media Group and its broadcast partner SPEED were presented the award in the “Live Event Turnaround” category at the 31st Annual Sport Emmy Awards on April 26, 2010 at Lincoln Center in New York. This is the third time in the past four years NASCAR Media Group has won the Emmy Award in the “Live Event Turnaround” category. Other NASCAR-related programming was also recognized at television’s most prestigious awards ceremony. FOX Sports won for Live Event Audio/Sound for its NASCAR broadcasts and HBO’s “24/7 Jimmie Johnson Race To Daytona” was recognized for Outstanding Sports Promotional Announcement – Episodic.(NASCAR)(4-30-2010)

Fox Philly to join NASCAR live in progress: Arlen Spector and Joseph Sestak [Democratic primary for U.S. Senate] debate live from Fox 29 [Philadelphia, PA area], 7:00pm/et. Saturday, May 1st. The two candidates will debate at Fox 29 studios live. This is their only scheduled debate. Fox 29 will join NASCAR live in progress following the debate.(Fox 29)(4-30-2010)

Atlanta Motor Speedway Adds New Campground for Labor Day Weekend: In an effort to provide fans with more convenient camping options and meet demand surrounding the track’s Labor Day NASCAR weekend, Atlanta Motor Speedway has created a new RV campground providing fans some of the closest access to the track’s frontstretch grandstands. The Legends Premium campground is nestled along Atlanta Motor Speedway’s Perimeter Road near the Speedway’s main entrance. In addition to frontstretch grandstand proximity, the north end of the Legends Premium campground sits directly across from the Speedway’s Display Lot that plays host to concerts, fan activities and driver appearances on race weekend. Legends Premium camp sites are 45-feet long by 25-feet wide and do not include RV hook ups. Each Legends Premium space costs $250 for the Labor Day NASCAR Sprint Cup Series race weekend. For more information on the Legends Premium campground or to purchase tickets to Atlanta Motor Speedway Labor Day NASCAR Sprint Cup Series race weekend, contact the Atlanta Motor Speedway Ticket Office at (770) 946-3917, (877) 9-AMS-TIX, or visit www.atlantamotorspeedway.com.(AMS)(4-30-2010)

Final Talladega TV Ratings higher: Sunday’s race from Talladega earned a 5.2/12 (8.5 million viewers) on Fox, a +4% improvement over last year’s 5.0/12 and the second regularly scheduled NASCAR race in a row to post a slight increase over last year. Sunday’s Talladega race was down -16% year-to-year among Men 18-34 (1.6 vs. 1.9), and for the year to date NASCAR is now down -30% among Men 18-34 (1.6 vs. 2.3). Meanwhile, while younger viewers have been slow to come to NASCAR, the trend among older viewers has picked up. Viewing among Men 35+ has been up in each of the last three regularly scheduled races, and for the entire season Men 35+ are down by just a tenth of a point (-2%, 6.2 vs. 6.3). On a Household basis, NASCAR is down -4% for the season-to-date (5.3/11 vs. 5.5/11). FOX’s last three Sunday afternoon NASCAR races have each aired one hour earlier than they did a year ago. Those three races – Atlanta, Bristol, and Talladega – have averaged a 5.0/12, which is identical to the performance of the same races a year ago. The earlier start times don’t appear to be helping or hurting viewership in any meaningful way. Initial tune-in was down -2% for the Atlanta race (4.3 vs. 4.4), flat at Bristol (4.0), and down -2% at Talladega (4.4 vs. 4.5). Those trivial differences in Atlanta and Talladega were then made up later in the races, which may be because NASCAR faces slightly lesser competition by going earlier, or may simply be a function of the races just being more exciting this year. Both the Atlanta and Talladega races were run at faster average speeds and had more lead changes this year. See season ratings, race-to-race, 4 year comparison, , race-chart on more on my 2010 TV Ratings.(4-29-2010)

Chase Notes & Stats: #11-Denny Hamlin, who many think is one of the leading contenders to unseat Jimmie Johnson in 2010, has made up 13 spots in
the standings and scored the second most points over the last five races, despite having major knee surgery in the middle of the period. He is second in wins (2) and his fourth at Talladega has him on a roll heading to his home track at Richmond. Eleven drivers are within one race (161 points or less) of the Top 12, the most in the seven-year history of The Chase. Five (Carl Edwards -15, Tony Stewart -21, Ryan Newman -87, Juan Montoya -123, Kasey Kahne -156), made the Chase last year. Every current member of the Top 12 has made the Chase at least twice before. In addition to Hamlin’s +13 over the last five races, Ryan Newman is +11 and
Kyle Busch is +10. Paul Menard has lost nine spots over the last five races. For season-to-season comparision and more, see my Chase stats after Talladega page and 2010 Chase Rules, Notes and History page.(4-29-2010)

Rockets to Race Car at Richmond: From better brakes and safer tires to heat-resistant paint and cleaner emissions, NASA’s contributions to the racing world will be featured in the traveling exhibit: “From Rockets to Race Cars” the NASCAR weekend of April 30-May 1 at the Richmond International Raceway. Over the years, NASA has provided technology that not only helps the racing world, but also improves conditions for all drivers while helping to protect the environment. On display will be a quarter-scale NASA Benefits Race Car as well as a Wheel Exhibit, that includes a NASCAR tire, Shuttle tire, Lunar Rover tire, Lunar Tweel (a non-pneumatic tire/wheel combination) and a Spring Tire allowing fans the opportunity to see, touch and compare the wheels of yesterday, today and tomorrow. Fans will get a shot at NASA Spin the Wheel where they can win prizes if they answer NASA-related questions correctly. A “Rockets to Race Car” photo opportunity will allow visitors to have a photo taken with their own camera in which they look like they are sitting in a NASA Race Car. To find out what else NASA and NASCAR have in common, check out the exhibit at select NASCAR races through June. NASA’s “From Rockets to Race Cars” will be at the following races:

* Richmond International Raceway, April 30-May 1

* Charlotte Motor Speedway, May 29-30

* Kentucky Speedway, June 11-12.(NASA)(4-29-2010)

Richmond Tire Notes: Teams in both NASCAR series in action at Richmond this weekend will run the same tire codes . . . this is the same combination of left- and right-side tires that teams in these two series ran at Richmond last season . . . this is also the same tire set-up that Sprint Cup and Nationwide teams ran at Phoenix earlier this month, as well as in both races at that track last season . . . teams in these series ran this left-side tire code (D-4238) with a slightly different right-side code at New Hampshire last season . . . Nationwide teams also ran this left-side code at Indianapolis, Milwaukee and Memphis in 2009 . . . as on most NASCAR ovals one mile or less in length, teams will not run inner liners in their tires at Richmond. The estimated pit window is every 90-100 laps, based on fuel mileage(Goodyear). See tire codes, pressures and more on my Richmond Race Info page.(4-29-2010)

Reutimann’s Crew Wins Tissot Pit Road Award in Talladega: David Reutimann’s over-the-wall crew claimed the Tissot Pit Road Precision Award in Sunday’s Aaron’s 499 NASCAR Sprint Cup race at Talladega Superspeedway. The fast pit stops by the #00 crew at the 2.66-mile tri-oval helped Michael Waltrip Racing (MWR) attain its third Tissot win of the season. The #56 MWR crew for Martin Truex Jr. leads the Tissot standings with two wins. Reutimann’s Aaron’s Dream Machine Toyota spent the least amount of time on pit road – 208.560 seconds – during the 200-lap overtime race, which saw a maximum of three green-white-checkered restarts. David Ragan’s UPS Ford was second (214.115) and Kyle Busch’s M&M’s Toyota was third (238.719). Reutimann’s over-the-wall crew consists of: Ryan Langley (front-tire changer), Chris Hall (front-tire carrier), Eric Maycroft (rear-tire changer), Donnie Marvel (rear-tire carrier), Tony Cardamone (jackman), Aaron Pieratt (gasman), Jeff Seaberg (catch can) and Nate Kennedy (Eighth Man). The team’s crew chief is Rodney Childers. The winning pit crew in each Sprint Cup race will earn $5,000 and a Tissot V8 Quartz Chronograph watch. The team with the most Tissot Pit Road Precision Award wins at the completion of the 36-race schedule will receive a $105,000 bonus plus Tissot watches for the over-the-wall crew members and driver.(Tissot)(4-29-2010)

Insurance Co. to sponsor #36 at Richmond: The #36 Chevy for Tommy Baldwin Racing (TBR) will feature H.D. Segur, Inc. for this weekend’s Heath Calhoun 400 at Richmond International Raceway. H.D. Segur, Inc., a full-service independent insurance agency headquartered in Cheshire, CT, will be displayed on the Chevy driven by Casey Mears this weekend. In a statement released by H.D. Segur, Inc., owners Carl Temme, Bill Morris and Scott Sundberg said they are excited about their decision to participate in the sponsorship of Tommy Baldwin and the race team this weekend. “Sponsorship of TBR and involvement with NASCAR offers us a unique opportunity to expand the name recognition of the company beyond our traditional marketing area to a broad base of potential new customers,” they stated.(Tommy Baldwin Racing)(4-28-2010)

Format stays the same for Pit Crew Challenge: The 2010 edition of the NASCAR Sprint Pit Crew Challenge presented by Craftsman will retain the same exciting format as it did a year ago. The fan-friendly competition features the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series’ top pit crews and is scheduled for 7 p.m. EDT Wednesday, May 19 at Time Warner Cable Arena. Tickets start at $15 and can be purchased online at www.pitcrewchallenge.com or by calling Time Warner Cable Arena box office at (800) 495-2295. SPEED’s broadcast of the event begins at 9 p.m. Now in its sixth year, the NASCAR Sprint Pit Crew Challenge is the only indoor event sanctioned by NASCAR and precedes an all-star lineup of events including NASCAR Rev’d Up on Thursday, May 20, the NASCAR Sprint All-Star Race held Saturday, May 22 at Charlotte Motor Speedway, and the NASCAR Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony slated for Sunday, May 23. See full rules and eligible teams on my 2010 Pit Crew News page and see some of the pit crews posted on my 2010 Pit Crew Chart.(4-28-2010)

Who is Heath Calhoun? Race Namesake at RIR?: Heath Calhoun, a retired United States Army veteran, was announced as Crown Royal’s “YOUR NAME HERE” contest winner this year. Friends and family of current and former military members were asked to submit their nomination for someone who serves or served in the military and exemplified their definition of a hero. Calhoun, a Purple Heart recipient and former member of the 101st Airborne unit, was nominated because of his bravery and heroism while serving the U.S. Army in Iraq. During a tour of duty, Calhoun lost both of his legs in an explosion. Calhoun, who was also honored with the George C. Lang Award for Courage, returned to his Tennessee home and, after many months of rehabilitation, began training for the United States Paralympics Team. Calhoun was selected as the flag bearer for opening ceremonies and competed in alpine skiing. Calhoun will take part in pre-race festivities as Grand Marshal, make numerous hospitality appearances and participate in the trophy presentation in Gatorade Victory Lane. The Heath Calhoun 400 brand was incorporated into all official race logos, used for thousands of pieces of merchandise and recognized by NASCAR’s broadcast and media partners as the race’s official title.(RIR)(4-28-2010)

Different colors for Harvick at Richmond: Reese’s, a sponsor of Richard Childress Racing #29 Chevy from its beginning, kicks into high gear this weekend in Richmond as Talladega winner, Kevin Harvick and the #29 team bring the bright orange Reese’s racing machine to the track to launch the Reese’s “Save $1.00” promotion. Reese’s, the No. 1 selling candy bar in the United States, has teamed up with Coke to offer $1.00 off the purchase of a King Size Reese’s with a 20 oz. Coke or Coke Zero, which together make the perfect pit stop. Look for the No. 29 Reese’s Racing team on the track and the Reese’s Perfect Pit Stop coupons at your local store.(RCR), see an image of the scheme on my #29 Team Schemes page.(4-27-2010)

Mears named to #36 ride: Tommy Baldwin Racing (TBR) has named Casey Mears driver of the #36 Chevy, team owner Tommy Baldwin announced. Mears will be behind the wheel of the #36 starting this weekend at Richmond International Raceway for the Heath Calhoun 400. Mears takes over for Johnny Sauter, whose two-race stint as driver of the #36 ended this past weekend at Talladega, where he finished 41st. “I’m excited to have Casey on board with the #36 and TBR,” Baldwin said. “It’s nice to have someone behind the wheel that is not only marketable but a proven driver as well. We look forward to getting out there at Richmond and seeing what we can do.” Mears began the year driving for #90-Keyed-Up Motorsports and also served as #11-Denny Hamlin’s backup driver after Hamlin’s knee surgery. Mears is eagerly anticipating another chance in the Sprint Cup Series. “I’m excited to have the opportunity to go racing again,” Mears said. “Tommy is working hard over at TBR and he is really looking to build something there. It’s great to be part of that and I’m looking forward to this weekend at Richmond.”(Tommy Baldwin Racing)(4-27-2010)

#39 to honor U.S. Army Health Care Personnel: The paint scheme on Ryan Newman’s #39 U.S. Army Chevy for Saturday night’s NASCAR Sprint Cup race at Richmond International Raceway will pay tribute to the U.S. Army Medical Department (AMEDD) and the men and women who comprise the highly-trained Army Health Care Team. During the Crown Royal Presents the Heath Calhoun 400 Cup event, Army Medicine will be showcased on the hood and rear quarter panels of the #39 car along with the AMEDD logo on the hood. The race name is in honor of Calhoun, an Army retiree (101st Airborne) and Purple Heart recipient. The Army Health Care Team is one of the largest comprehensive systems of health care in the country. It is made up of six corps, each with a specific function:

· Dental Corps — oral surgery, prosthodontics, endodontics, periodontics and orthodontics

· Medical Corps — more than 40 specialties, including internal medicine, neurosurgery, pathology and psychiatry

· Medical Service Corps — behavioral psychology, entomology, hospital administration and nuclear engineering

· Medical Specialist Corps — patient care, wellness education, injury prevention

· Nurse Corps — critical care nursing, medical surgical nursing and community nursing

· Veterinary Corps — animal medicine, veterinary public health, food inspection and research

As an incentive for medical-career students to join the Army Health Care Team, the U.S. Army offers a range of financial assistance and educational benefits. “It will be a privilege to drive a car honoring the Army Health Care Team which works by the motto – to save, to heal, to serve,” said Newman. “Each time I visit Walter Reed Army Medical Center I am overwhelmed with the professional care and professional services that are provided to our brave and wounded Soldiers.” The following will be special guests of the U.S. Army Race Team in Richmond:

· Maj. Gen. Patricia D. Horoho, Deputy Surgeon General, United States Army and Chief, United States Army Nurse Corps.

· Maj. Arthur De Luigi, a medical doctor who specializes in physical medicine and sports medicine at Walter Reed Army Medical Center in Washington, D.C. Prior to his second year of medical school at Lake Erie College (Erie, Pa.), De Luigi entered the Army’s Health Professionals Scholarship Program, which paid more than $100,000 of his medical school costs. De Luigi served two deployments in Iraq.

· Army Staff Sgt. Adam Ellsworth, a native of Woodbridge, Va., who served three deployments — two in Iraq and one in Kosovo. He also served on an humanitarian mission in the Gulf coast following Hurricane Katrina.(US Army Racing), see an image of the scheme on my #39 Team Schemes page.(4-27-2010)

Johnson takes blame for incident with Gordon: #48-Jimmie Johnson took the blame for making a mistake that ultimately led to teammate #24-Jeff Gordon’s wreck at Talladega Superspeedway. Johnson said he was trying to slide in front of Gordon late in Sunday’s race so the two Hendrick Motorsports drivers could draft together toward the front. But, he said Gordon was coming too fast. Johnson’s move instead had the effect of a block, and Gordon was forced off the apron in a defensive move. His momentum gone, Gordon slide back in traffic and was caught moments later in a multi-car crash. “I misjudged the closing rate,” Johnson said. “We all make mistakes, I am no different. Certainly, that was my fault. I made the mistake there.” Gordon, who drove his damaged car to a 22nd-place finish, was furious with his teammate after the race. “The 48 is testing my patience, I can tell you that,” Gordon said Sunday at Talladega Superspeedway. “It takes a lot to make me mad.” Johnson was involved in his own accident later and finished 31st. Johnson had already left the track when Gordon, also a four-time series champion, talked of his frustration with his teammate. “I would have stuck around if I knew what was waiting for me,” Johnson said. But Johnson again dismissed any notion of a rift with Gordon. The two tangled a week ago at Texas Motor Speedway, but downplayed any potential tensions. “There’s no doubt after the fact that frustrations are high, the wreck just compounded it,” Johnson said. “I think he was speaking out of frustration.(Associated Press)(4-27-2010)

CMS Chef honored: Michael Rosen, certified executive chef (CEC), of Charlotte, N.C., received the American Culinary Federation, Inc. (ACF) Southeast Region Chef Professionalism award at the 2010 ACF Southeast Regional Conference held at the Sheraton Birmingham Hotel, Birmingham, Ala., April 24–26. Rosen is executive chef at The Speedway Club at Charlotte Motor Speedway, Concord, N.C. At The Speedway Club, Rosen is responsible for all kitchen operations of the dining room and banquet facilities.(American Culinary Federation)(4-27-2010)

NASCAR’s Ernie Irvan to Speak at Boys & Girls Clubs: Former Daytona 500 champion and stock car hall of fame driver Ernie Irvan will be the featured speaker at the eighth annual Steak and Stake Dinner on April 27 in Dalton hosted by the Boys & Girls Clubs of Gordon, Murray & Whitfield Counties. The Steak & Stake dinner will be held at the Carl Rollins Unit on 1013 Underwood Street. Doors will open at 6pm for tours and dinner will begin at 7pm
.
Irvan’s NASCAR career accomplishments and highlights include 15 victories (including the Daytona 500 and Talladega), 68 Top-5 finishes, 124 Top-10 finishes and 22 poles with more than $11 million in winnings. After retiring from professional racing in 1999 due to his second head injury, the 51-year-old Salinas, Calif. native established a foundation, Race 2 Safety, to promote head injury awareness and prevention, especially among children. Race 2 Safety has provided more than 3,000 bicycle helmets to children and teens across the Southeast. The Boys & Girls Clubs of Gordon, Murray & Whitfield Counties provide after school and summer programs for kids in such areas as leadership, health and fitness, the arts, educational and career development, life skills and opportunities for youth. The Clubs, with five locations in the three counties, have more than 1500 members. For more information on www.bgcgmw.org.(Chattanoogan)(4-27-2010)

MIS employees upcycle for a cause: One man’s trash is another man’s treasure. At least that’s what the employees of Michigan International Speedway say. The staff of the track, in partnership with TerraCycle, have pledged to upcycle paper and plastic goods that would normally be thrown into the garbage. In return, TerraCycle will pay MIS Cares, the track’s charity component, up to two cents for every piece collected so the wrappers can be turned into cool, every-day products such as pencil bags, laptop cases, flower pots and toys. “We have pledged to do everything we can, not only as a business, but as individuals, to minimize our effects on the environment and set a positive example that ‘every little bit counts,'” speedway President Roger Curtis said. So what can be upcycled? Drink pouches, potato chip bags, candy bar wrappers, cookie wrappers, energy bar wrappers, pens, markers and highlighters — you name it. Just about anything can be upcycled by TerraCycle. Wrapper collection boxes are in the racetrack’s breakrooms. Collected wrappers will be sent to TerraCycle, who will make a donation back to MIS Cares. TerraCycle collection boxes have also been placed in area Subway stores. All wrappers collected will benefit MIS Cares. MIS Cares is the charitable component of Michigan International Speedway that raises money and distributes dollars through grants to non-profit groups in the region. Some organizations that have been or are being assisted by MIS Cares include Mott Children’s Hospital in Ann Arbor, Boys and Girls Club of Lenawee County, Hospice of Lenawee, Boy Scouts Great Sauk Trail Council, Allegiance Heart Center in Jackson, Mich., the Ryan Newman Foundation and The Conservation Fund through its charity, Racing for Wildlife. MIS Cares has several fund-raising events planned for 2010 including “Fish Your Bass Off,” a bass-fishing tournament, Aug. 12 on Wampler’s Lake right down the road from MIS, and a NASCAR Day party at Jerry’s Pub on May 21. Watch for details on www.MISpeedway.com.(MIS)(4-27-2010)

Fans Invited to Sneak Peek of Video Scoring Tower Tonight: Richmond International Raceway is hosting a Sneak Peek of its new, state-of-the-art Video Scoring Tower, which will officially debut at this weekend’s April 30-May 1 NASCAR Doubleheader, featuring the Crown Royal Presents The Heath Calhoun 400 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series race and the BUBBA burger 250 NASCAR Nationwide Series race. At 7:30 pm/et on Tuesday, America’s Premier Short Track will run showcase its prized offseason addition with video, graphics and racing timing and scoring, just like you’ll see this weekend when NASCAR returns to Richmond. Fans may enter the property at the Main Gate, located at the corner of Laburnum Ave. and Meadowbridge Rd. Guests should proceed towards the track and enter the grandstands at Gate 70. The new Video Scoring Tower at Richmond International Raceway is the tallest in all of motorsports, standing 153-feet tall. It features four LED video screens at the top, measuring 38-feet wide by 24-feet high. They will feature live race action, highlights, replays, pre- produced video and graphics. The leaderboard stretches 67-feet high by 13-feet wide and provides real-time running order, lap times, point standings and Chase standings. Tickets are on sale now for this weekend’s NASCAR Doubleheader Weekend, featuring Saturday night’s Crown Royal Presents The Heath Calhoun 400 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series race. Saturday’s tickets start at $40 and can be purchased by going to rir.com or calling 866-455-RACE (7223).(RIR)(4-27-2010)

The Entry List for the Crown Royal Presents The Heath Calhoun 400 Sprint Cup Series race at Richmond International Raceway is posted, 46 teams/drivers [for 43 spots] are listed, including:

Not in top 35 of 2010 owners points:

#09-Mike Bliss (2009 race winner as owner)(40th in owners pts/9 attempts)

#13-Max Papis (39/3)

#26-David Stremme (2009 race winner as owner)(37/9)

#32-Reed Sorenson (49/2)

#36-TBA (38/3)

#37-Gilliland (36/9)

#46-Terry Cook (44/9)

#55-Michael McDowell (42/9)

#64-Tony Raines (0/0)

#66-Dave Blaney (43/9)

#87-Joe Nemechek (41/9)

In the event qualifying is rained out or cancelled:

the eight who would make it [8]: #’s 26,09,37,36,13,87,55,66

missing the race would be [3]: #’s 46,32,64

See the full entry list at my Jayski’s Richmond Entry List.(4-26-2010)

Record-Setting Day At Talladega Superspeedway: Sunday’s NASCAR Sprint Cup Series event at Talladega Superspeedway yielded much more than Kevin Harvick’s eventual, breath-taking victory in the Aaron’s 499. Between green and checkered flags, NASCAR Sprint Cup Series drivers established two all-time and track records, plus a top-10 all-time mark in margin of victory and one track record. Sunday’s Aaron’s 499 set all-time and track records for lead changes (88) and lap leaders (29). The previous highs were 75 lead changes (set on May 6, 1984) and 28 lap leaders (set on Oct. 5, 2008). Both previous records also were set at Talladega. Harvick’s last-second pass of then-leader Jamie McMurray, just short of the checkered flag, produced the eighth-closest finish (.011 of a second) since the 1993 advent of electronic timing and scoring. Sunday’s 200 laps (12 beyond the advertised distance of 188 laps) also set a new track record for the longest race at Talladega. Drivers made three attempts at a green-white-checker finish, with Harvick winning on the third and final attempt. The previous longest event at Talladega was 194 laps on May 1, 2005.(NASCAR)(4-26-2010)

Talladega Facts and Notes:

• Kevin Harvick won the Aaron’s 499 at Talladega Superspeedway. It was his 12th series victory in his 331st career start. His previous win came at Daytona, 116 races ago, in February 2007. It was Harvick’s sixth top-10 finish in nine races in 2010 and his first Cup victory at Talladega in 19 races. He had finished 20th or worse in the five previous races there.

• Harvick led just two laps Sunday.

• Harvick extended a 19-race streak of running at the finish, the longest current streak by a driver with no Talladega DNFs.

• Harvick scored his second victory in 37 races on restrictor-plate tracks.

• Richard Childress Racing posted its 90th series victory and 10th at Talladega, tying Hendrick Motorsports for first all time. It was RCR’s first victory in nine races in 2010.

• Robby Gordon finished 20th in his 350th career Cup race.

• Jimmie Johnson finished 31st in his 300th career Cup race.

• Kasey Kahne finished 21st in his 225th career Cup race.

• Denny Hamlin (fourth) posted his 50th career top-5 finish.

• The 29 leaders Sunday and 88 lead changes are NASCAR records.

• The .011-second margin of victory was the second-closest at Talladega.

• Jeff Burton led five times for 28 laps, the most in the race.

• Jamie McMurray (second) has finished first or second in the past three restrictor-plate races.

• Juan Pablo Montoya (third) posted his fourth top-10 in 2010; he has scored top-10 finishes in three of the past four restrictor-plate races.

• Hamlin scored his third top-10 finish in nine Talladega races, all top-5s.

• Mark Martin (fifth) posted his fifth top-10 finish in 2010. It marked his first top-5 finish in his past 14 races at Talladega.

• Kyle Busch (ninth) has scored four straight restrictor-plate top-15 finishes.

• Carl Edwards (11th) has scored four straight restrictor-plate top-15 finishes.

• Elliott Sadler has led at least one lap in the past 15 Talladega races, the longest current streak.

• Jeff Gordon (22nd), who leads all drivers with 12 restrictor-plate victories, has not scored a top-10 finish in his past 10 nine restrictor-plate races.

• Johnson (31st) posted his seventh DNF at Talladega — more than double his DNF total on all other tracks.

• This marked the sixth green-white-checkered finish at Talladega and fifth in nine races in 2010.(ESPN)(4-26-2010)

Penske says Hornish will be back in 2011: Penske Racing owner Roger Penske said he plans to have Sam Hornish Jr. return to the organization’s Sprint Cup stable in 2011. A three-time Indy Racing League champion, Hornish is in his third full season in the series and the last year of his contract. To re-sign Hornish, Penske would need to find a sponsor. Mobil, which sponsors Hornish, is looking for another team to sponsor after Penske signed a deal with Shell/Pennzoil to sponsor driver Kurt Busch. “Our plan is to run three cars next year and Sam is in that program,” Penske said. “We’re planning on it. … Sam has been with us, he won the Indy 500 with us, he came over here, he’s endured and he’s run better than his points position.”(SceneDaily)(4-26-2010)

Why didn’t Miss America sing National Anthem?: Miss America Caressa Cameron was overcome by heat and unable to sing the national anthem Sunday before the NASCAR races at Talladega Superspeedway. The Miss America Organization says Cameron was taken to the track’s medical care center, evaluated and quickly released. She is feeling better and resting comfortably. Cameron was the first black Miss America since Ericka Dunlap in 2005.(Associated Press)(4-26-2010)

Why are two cars faster then one at Talladega? see a post at Fasttrack RC: Talladega Pas de Deux: why two is the magic number at ‘Dega by Jeff Thompson.(4-26-2010)

Race and Commercial Breakdown of the Aaron’s 499: For those of you NASCAR fans that like stats and love to hate commercials, or wonder how often your driver was focused on, here is the breakdown for Sunday’s race. Fox was the broadcast team for this event.

Total number of commercials: 129

Total number of companies or entities advertised: 81

Total number of brief promos of products/services during the race broadcast: 43

Start time to record race/commercial periods: 1:00 PM

End time to record race/commercial periods: 4:53 PM

Total minutes: 233

Minutes of race broadcast: 167

Minutes of commercials: 66

Number of missed restarts: 0 But one very close call

Number of ‘mystery cautions’ (debris not shown): 0

Number of look-a-like Jack Roush hats creamed on the track: 1

Number of times Mike Joy said there would be no more commercial breaks till then end of the race: 1

Number of commercial breaks following Mike Joy’s announcement: 3

’Digger the Gopher Cam’ sightings:

Animated Digger shots: 9

Still Digger shots: 0

Total: 9

Digger shots otherwise not identified as such: 31

Total race brdcst time 167 Total comm. brdcst time 66

See more on my 2010 Commercials Page.(4-26-2010)

Harvick wins wild race at Talladega: #29-Kevin Harvick won the Aaron’s 499 Sprint Cup Series race at Talladega Superspeedway taking the lead on the third Green-White-Checkered with a few feet to go over #1-Jamie McMurray, winning the race by .011 seconds, the 8th closest finish [since electronic scoring in 1993]. McMurray had led when the last caution came out before lap 188 [the end of the regular length of the race] and led at the start of each of the three green-white-checkered flags. It is Harvick’s first win in 115 races [Daytona 500 in 2007], his fist win at Talladega, Richard Childress Racing 90th win and 1st win at Talladega since Dale Earnhardt won his 76th and final race in Oct. 2000. It is Harvick’s 12th career win which puts him alone in 31st on the all-time win list. McMurray held on to 2nd place, followed by #42-Montoya, #11-Hamlin, #5-Martin, #6-Ragan, #33-Bowyer, #2-Busch, #18-Busch and #09-Bliss. #48-Johnson wrecked late and finished 31st out of the race. #24-Gordon got involved in a lte wreck, but finished 22nd. #7-Gordon finished 20th and is back in the top 35 in owners points in 34th. The #37 Front Row Motorsports team fell out of the top 35. There were a series and track record 29 leaders with a series and track record 88 lead changes. There were 8 cautions for 32 yellow flag laps.

See race results, awards, laps led and more on Jayski’s Race Results/Awards page.(4-25-2010)

Race Fast Facts – Talladega Superspeedway:

#29-Kevin Harvick won the Aaron’s 499 (41st Running), his 12th victory in 331 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series races.

There were a NASCAR Sprint Cup Series record 88 lead changes. The previous record was 75 (5/6/1984).

There were a series record 29 different leaders. The previous record was 28 (10/5/2008).

This is Harvick’s first victory and sixth top-10 finish in 2010.

This is Harvick’s first victory and eighth top-10 finish in 19 races at Talladega Superspeedway.

#1-Jamie McMurray (second) posted his sixth top-10 finish in 16 races at Talladega Superspeedway. It is his third top-10 finish in 2010.

#42-Juan Pablo Montoya (third) posted his second top-10 finish in seven races at Talladega Superspeedway.

(NASCAR Statistics)(4-25-2010)

2010 Sprint Cup Driver Points Standings:

[after Talladega, race 9 of 36]:

rank, car#, driver, points, behind

1) #48-Jimmie Johnson [3 wins] 1323

2) #29-Kevin Harvick [1 win], 1297, -26

3) #16-Greg Biffle, 1237, -86

4) #17-Matt Kenseth, 1224, -99

5) #18-Kyle Busch, 1163, -160

6) #5-Mark Martin, 1154, -169

7) #2-Kurt Busch [1 win], 1146, -177

8) #88-Dale Earnhardt Jr., 1142, -181

9) #11-Denny Hamlin [2 wins], 1138, -185

10) #24-Jeff Gordon, 1130, -193

11) #33-Clint Bowyer, 1086, -237

12) #31-Jeff Burton, 1082, -241

Chase for the Sprint Cup – Contenders:

13) #99-Carl Edwards, 1067, 15 points out of the chase

14) #14-Tony Stewart, 1061, -21

15) #56-Martin Truex Jr, 1045, -37

2009 Chase Drivers not in top 15

18) #39-Ryan Newman [1 win], 995, 87 points out of the chase

20) #42-Juan Pablo Montoya, 959, -126

23) #9-Kasey Kahne, 926, -156

25) #83-Brian Vickers, 916, -166

See standings on Jayski’s Drivers Points Standings page.(4-25-2010)

Top-35 in Owner Points and guaranteed a starting spot at Richmond:

Changes: #7-Gordon finished 20th at Talladega and is 34th and has a guaranteed spot at Richmond, #37-Gilliland drops to 36th, 2 points behind 35th, now #38-Conway

32) #78-Smith/Furniture Row: 680, +67

33) #34-Kvapil/Front Row: 617, +4

34) #7-Gordon/RGM/BAM: 628, +15

35) #38-Conway/Front Row: 614, 1 point ahead of 36th

these teams/ drivers must qualify by speed:

36) #37-Gilliland/Front Row: 613, 1 point out of 35th

37) #26-Stremme/Latitude43: 457, -157

38) #36-TBA/Baldwin: 445, -169

The teams are NOT locked in past the next race as the owners points change after each race.

For the owner points standings, see my Owners Points Standings page.(4-25-2010)

Penalty Report – Talladega:

Car#, Lap, Reason, Penalty

#37, 65, Excessive speed EXITING the pits, Pass Thru

#12, 77, Pitting before pit road is open, Tail End

#55, 84, Pitting before pit road is open, Tail End

#17, 84, Pitting before pit road is open, Tail End

#19, 84, Pitting before pit road is open, Tail End

#98, 84, Pitting before pit road is open, Tail End

#26, 84, Pitting before pit road is open, Tail End

#71, 85, Crewmember(s) over the wall too soon, Tail End

#71, 102, Pitting before pit road is open, Tail End

#7, 146, Excessive speed EXITING the pits, Pass Thru

#2, 146, Excessive speed EXITING the pits, Pass Thru

#71, 176, Pitting before pit road is open, Tail End

#82, 183, Pitting before pit road is open, Tail End

#24, 183, Pitting before pit road is open, Tail End

#83, 189, Pitting before pit road is open, Tail End

#71, 189, Pitting before pit road is open, Tail End

(NASCAR Statistics)(4-25-2010)

Lucky Dogs – Who got a lap back on each caution at Talladega: (and their finish)

Caution 1: #37-Richardson Jr., 26th

Caution 2: #26-Stremme, 27th

Caution 3: #12-Keselowski, 34th

Caution 4: #47-Ambrose, 37th

Caution 5: #9-Kahne, 21st

Caution 6: #2-Busch, 8th

Caution 7: #7-Gordon, 20th,

Caution 8: #24-Gordon, 22nd

(4-25-2010)

Budweiser talking to Hendrick: Hendrick Motorsports general manager Marshall Carlson has talked with Anheuser Busch officials about the possibility of Budweiser becoming a team sponsor after this season, team owner Rick Hendrick said Sunday. Budweiser is looking for a new partner after its contract expires with #9-Kasey Kahne and Richard Petty Motorsports after this season. Kahne, who recently signed a contract with HMS to replace Mark Martin in the #5 in 2012 and a car to be determined in 2011, has said he would like to continue his relationship with Budweiser if possible. There were reports that HMS could not bring in Budweiser because of the team’s relationship with longtime sponsor Pepsi, but Hendrick said that “depends on which car it’s on.” “In our deals we have rights of first refusal,” Hendrick said. “We’ve got to go through that, but we’re talking to anybody.” Hendrick would be willing to supply Martin with engines and chassis if Martin decides to go into ownership. Martin recently said he would consider becoming an owner if he could find a deal like the one Tony Stewart got with Gene Haas. “I’d be open to anything Mark wants to do,” Hendrick said. “He talked about a long time ago about wanting to own a truck [team]. I never heard him say anything about a car until [now].”(ESPN.com)(4-25-2010)

Hendrick close to re-signing crew chiefs: team owner Rick Hendrick said he is days from announcing contract extensions for crew chiefs #5-Alan Gustafson and #48-Chad Knaus. Hendrick has been working on an extension with Knaus since late last season, when driver Jimmie Johnson agreed to a deal to drive at Hendrick Motorsports through 2015. The driver and crew chief have won a NASCAR record four consecutive championships together. Gustafson is currently crew chief for Martin in the #5 Chevy. Kahne has already agreed to drive that car in 2012, but Hendrick says he has not yet determined his crew chief lineup. The owner did say, though, that the #5 team belongs to Gustafson, the first indication that he could be paired with Kahne.(ESPN.com)(4-25-2010)

Different look for the #19 at Talladega: This weekend, the familiar yellow and black of Elliott Sadler #19 Ford at Talladega will be replaced by the gold and black colors of Bostitch. The paint scheme celebrates a new line of Bostitch hand tools, now available at Lowe’s Home Improvement. Bostitch hand tools tout a host of breakthrough features that solve problems on the jobsite and help make pros more productive. Backed by a 100 year warranty, the new line of Bostitch hand tools is designed to withstand the use and abuse on the jobsite. Check out www.bostitch.com for more info.(Stanley Tools Facebook), see an image of the scheme on my #19 Team Schemes page.(4-25-2010)

Early Chase Notes: Three drivers that made the 2009 Chase, #42-Juan Pablo Montoya (24th, -153), #9-Kasey Kahne (22nd, -121) #83-Brian Vickers (19th, -107) are more than 100 points out of 12th place. Add two other 20’09 Chasers currently on the outside, but much closer, #39-Ryan Newman (16th, -10), #14-Tony Stewart (14th -1). Five drivers who missed the 2009 Chase are currently in the T12: #17-Matt Kenseth (2nd, +199), #29-Kevin Harvick (4th, +166), #18-Kyle Busch (6th, +79), and #88-Dale Jr. (7th, +72). #20-Joey Logano has improved 20 positions over this time last year. #82-Scott Speed (+18), #98-Paul Menard (+14), #29-Kevin Harvick (+12), #88-Dale Jr. (+12). Down: #00-David Reutimann (-21), #9-Kasey Kahne (-12), #14-Tony Stewart (-10), #33-Clint Bowyer (-9), #42-Juan Pablo Montoya (-9). See Chase stats, comparision tables and more on my 2010 Chase Stats page and 2010 Chase Rules, Notes and History page.(4-25-2010)

Dale Earnhardt Day Celebration Events: Dale Earnhardt, Inc. announced its schedule of events for the company’s 9th annual Dale Earnhardt Day on April 29, 2010. This year’s event, held on the campus of DEI in Mooresville, NC, is sponsored by The Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation, The Mooresville Convention and Visitors Bureau, Dale Earnhardt Chevrolet, The Dale Earnhardt Foundation, and Earnhardt Technologies Group. This year’s celebration will be headlined by a very special “Tribute To Dale” unveiling for the fans by DEI, JR Motorsports and Richard Childress Racing at 2:30pm followed by a round-table session with family members hosted by longtime friend and Sirius Radio personality Chocolate Myers.

This year’s schedule has been set as follows (All on the campus of Dale Earnhardt, Inc. unless noted):

* 5:45am – 8:45am Charlotte’s Fox News Rising Remote Broadcast with Wilson!

* 9:00am Dale Earnhardt, Inc. opens to fans (Showroom and retail)

* 12:00noon – 2:30pm Mac’s Speed Shop BBQ lunch is available for purchase (Special complementary cake presentation at 1:00pm)

* 12:30pm The Chris Marks Band – Great Live Country Music

* 2:30pm – 3:30pm Special Presentations – WEBCAST LIVE on www.daleearnhardtinc.com/events

o Dale Earnhardt Foundation Announcement: Hosted by Winston Kelley

o Dale Earnhardt Chevrolet Hall of Fame Camaro Unveiling – Hosted By Winston Kelley

o “Salute To Dale” announcement (Dale Earnhardt, Inc. Jr. Motorsports, Richard Childress Racing), car unveiling, “Talkin’ About Dale” Q&A with Earnhardt Family Members hosted by Chocolate Myers

* 3:30pm – 4:00pm Fan meet and greet, photos & autographs with more music from the Chris Marks Band

* 5:00pm Dale Earnhardt Inc. Campus Closes – Celebration moves to Kannapolis, NC

* 5:45pm Kannapolis Intimidators Tribute Car Unveiling at Fieldcrest Stadium in Kannapolis, NC

* 6:00pm Gates Open – All fans wearing Dale Earnhardt gear get reserved seats for $5!

* 7:00pm Kerry Earnhardt and a lucky Club E fan throw the 1st pitch – Play Ball!

(Victory Management Group)(4-25-2010)

Dale Earnhardt, Inc. Announces “Club E”: For millions of Dale Earnhardt fans, celebrating his legacy is a way of life, embracing the principles that guided Earnhardt’s lifestyle and supporting his causes through the Dale Earnhardt Foundation and showing their support with Dale Earnhardt apparel and collectible items. Dale fanshave an opportunity to experience the legacy of their hero with Club E, the Official Dale Earnhardt Fan Club in a way they never have before. Club E is the ultimate fan experience, with behind-the-scenes tours, never before seen photos and memorabilia, and opportunities to participate in unique Earnhardt events, trips and exclusive offers. For more information, see my Dale Earnhardt Tribute/News page.(4-25-2010)

ARCA Team loses hauler to fire: Andy Belmont Racing’s transporter caught fire on the way home from Talladega on I-85 in Georgia around mile marker 166.. No one was injured. Apparently a tire blew on the tractor, grease from the drive hub caught fire, flames from the hub hit the generator cabinet on the front of the hauler and ignited the diesel fuel from the generator. The truck is a total loss. Trailer is destroyed. Fire company contained the trailer fire to the front of the trailer and the lounge, but all the team uniforms, helmets, hans devices, radios are lost. The fire company saved the cars and everything behind the lounge, certainly there will be smoke and water damage. Belmont fields the #1 driven by Chad McCumbee and the #14 piloted by Chase Mattioli [grandson of Pocono Raceway owners]. Mattioli finished 13th at Talladega nd McCumbee finished 33rd.(Andy Belmont Racing)(4-25-2010)

Active Winless streaks: Many drivers are coming to Talladega SuperSpeedway in the throes of some very serious winless streaks. #39-Ryan Newman recently ended a run of 0-for-77. The active driver who has made the most starts and not won a race is #66-Dave Blaney, who is 0-for-340 and counting. Longest winless Cup streaks:

Driver, Winless Streak, Last Win

Michael Waltrip, 231, Talladega, 9/28/2003

Bobby Labonte. 224, Homestead. 11/16/2003

Elliott Sadler, 199, California, 9/5/2004

Kevin Harvick, 115, Daytona, 2/18/2007 <-- won Talladega

Martin Truex Jr. 103, Dover, 6/4/2007

Juan Pablo Montoya, 100, Sonoma, 6/24/2007

Clint Bowyer, 70, Richmond, 5/3/2008

Dale Earnhardt Jr., 65, Michigan, 6/15/2008

Greg Biffle, 52 Dover, 9/21/2008

Jeff Burton, 49, Charlotte, 10/11/2008

Carl Edwards, 44, Homestead, 11/16/2008

Matt Kenseth, 42, Fontana, 2/22/2009

Jeff Gordon, 37, Texas, 4/5/2009

see a longer list and no win streaks on my All-time winners list page.(4-25-2010)

Some Talladega schemes added: have added 15 images of schemes from Talladega, taken by Nancy who runs Jayski’s Camping World Truck Series site, added:

#09 Phoenix Racing, #16 3M 811.com, #18 Pedigree Dog Food,

#26 Air Guard, #34 Long John Silver’s, #35 Mohawk,

#36 Tom Baldwin Sr., #37 Mahindra Tractors, #55 Aaron’s Anniversary

#55 NAPA, #66 Prism Motorsports, #71 Tax Slayer, #88 National Guard

#99 Aflac to my Paint Schemes Gallery

Sprint Cup qualifying & Nationwide race canceled for Saturday: “In the interest of fan safety, all activities scheduled at Talladega Superspeedway on Saturday have been postponed due to the significant threat of extended periods of severe weather. This decision was made based on advice from the National Weather Service and the Talladega County Emergency Management Agency. Fans are strongly encouraged to take necessary precautions to ensure their safety, especially those guests camping on speedway property.

The Aaron’s 312 NASCAR Nationwide Series race scheduled for Saturday will now be held Sunday following the Aaron’s 499 Sprint Cup Series race. Any ticket for the Aaron’s 312 or Aaron’s 499 will be honored at the gate on Sunday. All Aaron’s 499 ticket holders have priority seating and should proceed to their assigned ticket area. Aaron’s 312 ticket holders will be directed to open seating by speedway staff.

Gates open at 8:00pm/ct and the Aaron’s 499 will begin at 12noon/ct as originally scheduled. Fans who want to witness more than 800 miles of back-to-back, high-speed action at Talladega but who have not yet purchased their tickets can still do so by calling 877-Go2-DEGA or visiting one of our ticket booths on property.(Talladega Superspeedway), so the two drivers who will miss the race are #46-Terry Cook and #35-Aric Almirola.

LINEUP: so the starting lineup for the Aaron’s 499 Sprint Cup Series race at Talladega Superspeedway was set by the rules book with the top-35 in owners points starting 1-35. So #48-Johnson will start 1st [not awarded the pole or award] followed by #17-Kenseth, #16-Biffle, #29-Harvick, #24-Gordon, #18-Busch, #88-Earnhardt Jr., #31-Burton, #2-Busch and #5-Martin. #26-Stremme and #09-Bliss make the race due to past car owner wins in 2009 and start 36th and 37th. Then the field is set by race attempts [all with 8], so #7-Gordon, #36-Sauter, #13-Papis, #87-Nemechek, #66-Blaney & #55-Waltrip. Missing the race were #46-Cook and #35-Almirola.

See my Talladega Starting Lineup page.(4-24-2010)

Phoenix Racing team for sale: James Finch, the defending winner owner [#09 Chevy in Cup, #1 Chevy in NNS] of this weekend’s Sprint Cup race at Talladega Superspeedway, is putting his Phoenix Racing operation up for sale. For a price, the new owner would acquire a 70,000 sq. ft. building complete with 35 race cars, all the machinery and two houses on nine acres in Spartanburg, S.C. “I’ve had a real good time,” Finch said. “But it’s time to do something else. Offer me a fair price — then give me half and we’ll have a deal.” Finch fielded cars for a variety of drivers in NASCAR’s Cup and Nationwide Series as well as ARCA. He won 12 NNS races with six different drivers on nine different tracks. But his most coveted win came at Talladega last year as Finch provided rookie Brad Keselowski with an opportunity to earn his first Sprint Cup victory. Finch took his entire share of the $312, 075 purse and offered it to Keselowski for his parents, lifelong racers who campaigned in ARCA and NASCAR with their family-owned operation. Keselowski made his NASCAR debut behind the wheel of the K Automotive Ford truck in 2004 at Martinsville. “I did some cool things for my parents with that,” Keselowski added. “That was something I was proud to be able to do — to help them out financially because they’re going through some hard times. It’s cool to be able to be there for them.” James Buescher is Finch’s latest protégé. The 20-year-old from Plano, Texas, finished the last two races of the season for Finch in the NNS and is currently 19th in the point standings. His best finish this season was eighth at Daytona.(FoxSports)(4-24-2010)

Restirctor Plate size could change at Talladega UPDATE no change: NASCAR Vice President of Competition Robin Pemberton said Friday morning that a decision on the size of the restrictor-plate that will be used in Sunday’s Aaron’s 499 will be made after practice this afternoon at Talladega Superspeedway. Sunday’s race will be the first at Talladega with a blade rear spoiler instead of a wing on the new-generation Sprint Cup car at a restrictor-plate track. With the new aerodynamic package, it remains to be seen what speeds the cars will run at on the track. If the cars lap the 2.66-mile superspeedway at speeds approaching 200 miles per hour in the draft, NASCAR will mandate the use of a smaller restrictor-plate during Sunday’s race. Conversely, if speeds are slower than anticipated, a larger plate could be used. Pemberton said that NASCAR has adjusted plate size between practice and the race before, so this is not setting a precedent. “The good news is, it’s a beautiful day, so we should be able to get plenty of drafting in,” said Pemberton. There will be two rounds of Sprint Cup practice today, a 45-minute session beginning at 2:00pm/et, and a one-hour session at 3:30 pm/et. Both will be televised live on SPEED.(SPEED)(4-23-2010)

UPDATE: NASCAR will continue using the 15/16th-inch restrictor plate that teams used in the first two practice sessions Friday at Talladega Superspeedway. Sprint Cup Series officials met to discuss the plate size after the final practice, where the top lap speed was Jeff Burton’s 199.467 mph, but decided to keep things the same.(FoxSports)(4-24-2010)

UPDATE no change: NASCAR Vice President of Competition Robin Pemberton said Friday morning that a decision on the size of the restrictor-plate that will be used in Sunday’s Aaron’s 499 will be made after practice this afternoon at Talladega Superspeedway. Sunday’s race will be the first at Talladega with a blade rear spoiler instead of a wing on the new-generation Sprint Cup car at a restrictor-plate track. With the new aerodynamic package, it remains to be seen what speeds the cars will run at on the track. If the cars lap the 2.66-mile superspeedway at speeds approaching 200 miles per hour in the draft, NASCAR will mandate the use of a smaller restrictor-plate during Sunday’s race. Conversely, if speeds are slower than anticipated, a larger plate could be used. Pemberton said that NASCAR has adjusted plate size between practice and the race before, so this is not setting a precedent. “The good news is, it’s a beautiful day, so we should be able to get plenty of drafting in,” said Pemberton. There will be two rounds of Sprint Cup practice today, a 45-minute session beginning at 2:00pm/et, and a one-hour session at 3:30 pm/et. Both will be televised live on SPEED.(SPEED)(4-23-2010)

UPDATE: NASCAR will continue using the 15/16th-inch restrictor plate that teams used in the first two practice sessions Friday at Talladega Superspeedway. Sprint Cup Series officials met to discuss the plate size after the final practice, where the top lap speed was Jeff Burton’s 199.467 mph, but decided to keep things the same.(FoxSports)(4-24-2010)

Daytona to repave track for 2011 season: For only the second time in its history, Daytona International Speedway will be repaved following the Coke Zero 400 Powered By Coca-Cola in July, track President Robin Braig announced. “This is a historic moment for NASCAR’s most storied race track — Daytona International Speedway,” Braig said. “Daytona was originally repaved in 1978 and the time has come again to put new asphalt on this legendary race track.” Since the conclusion of the 52nd annual Daytona 500 in February, International Speedway Corporation’s team of engineers and asphalt specialists have conducted a thorough evaluation of the entire track, and upon completion of that analysis, the results were delivered to the ISC Board of Directors where the decision was made to repave the race track following the 2010 Coke Zero 400. Daytona International Speedway’s entire 2.5-mile tri-oval will be repaved as well as the skid pads, apron and pit road. Concrete will be used for the pit stalls. All of the existing asphalt will be removed down to the original 52-year-old lime rock base, which will be leveled and then paving will begin. The repaving of Daytona International Speedway will remain true to Bill France Sr.’s original vision, layout and geometry of the track that was constructed in the late 1950s. The repaving project will begin immediately after the Coke Zero 400 Weekend on Sunday, July 4 with a target completion date of Jan. 1, 2011. Speedweeks 2011 will kick off with the 49th annual Rolex 24 At Daytona GRAND-AM Rolex Sports Car Series race on Jan. 29-30 and conclude with the 53rd annual Daytona 500 on Sunday, Feb. 20, the prestigious season-opening event to the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series. Lane Construction, which repaved other ISC race tracks including Talladega Superspeedway, Homestead-Miami Speedway, Richmond International Raceway and Darlington Raceway, has been contracted to repave Daytona International Speedway. Due to the repaving project, the October motorcycles races, Richard Petty Driving Experience dates, testing sessions and other track rental events will be cancelled for the rest of the year. Daytona KartWeek presented by Cometic Gasket World Karting Association races on Dec. 28-30 will continue as scheduled with the sprint and dirt track events only as those two series do not utilize the 2.5-mile tri-oval.
If race fans want to claim a piece of history, they can renew their 2011 Daytona 500 tickets and each account holder will receive a portion of Daytona’s track surface representing over 50 years of memories. The Daytona 500 ticket renewal process begins today. Race fans will be able to view all the progressions of the historic repaving project from a section of the Oldfield Grandstands, which will open free to the public. Track tours will also be available through attraction admission to Daytona 500 Experience. For tickets and more information on Daytona International Speedway events, visit www.daytonainternationalspeedway.com or call 1-800-PITSHOP.(DIS)(4-24-2010)

Kurt Busch signs long term deal, no terms mentioned: no terms or length mentioned but Penske Racing’s Kurt Busch confirmed that he has signed a multi-year agreement with Penske Racing to drive the #22 Shell/Pennzoil Dodge Charger beginning in 2011. From a Dodge Motorsports transcript…in part:

WHEN WAS YOUR CONTRACT UP AND HAVE YOU TALKED TO ANY OTHER TEAMS BEFORE RE-SIGNING WITH PENSKE? “I knew that I was committed through 2010 and 2011’s option was picked up by Roger (Penske). So what that meant was a perfect opportunity to talk about what the future could bring; not just 2011, but 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015 and beyond. We started with just a light-hearted sit down at a dinner one night, almost like one of those napkin sketches of, ‘Hey, this is what I’d like to see and this is what might happen.’ Then this (Shell/Pennzoil) opportunity just came up a few weeks ago and it changed the whole landscape that we ended up with. No, I didn’t talk to any other teams. When I weighed my options personally, with my wife Eva and my manager (John Caponigro), we looked at other teams, we tried to find scenarios that would fit for us, but none of them were as powerful as creating the longevity with Penske.”

DO YOU FEEL AWKWARD FOR SAM WHO NOW IS WITHOUT A SPONSORED CAR FOR 2011? DO YOU THINK THAT YOU WILL HAVE A THIRD PENSKE CUP CAR NEXT YEAR? “That’s the most refreshing part of it, my deal is done and I’m signed long-term and I don’t have to worry about the silly season. Brad’s settled in. Sam’s is definitely part of our program and will be a part of Penske Racing. I know that 2011 will be picked up for his (contract) option. He will be driving for Penske next year. What I hope happens in the upcoming months is that a secure sponsor comes to allow him to sign a multi-year deal and move forward. That way we can put all of that behind us in the summer months and be ready to rip in 2011.

CAN YOU TALK ABOUT SOME OF THE PARTICULARS OF THE NEW CONTRACT WITH US? “I’m not really obligated (at liberty) to talk about it. It’s a multi-year agreement with Penske and Penske Corporation and myself and Shell/Pennzoil.”

IS IT ANY DIFFERENT THAT THE CONTRACT THAT YOU HAD WITH PENSKE PREVIOUSLY? “No, it’s not any different in any way. It’s very similar.”

WAS THE DECISION TO RE-SIGN WITH PENSKE ABOUT LONGIVITY? “It definitely crossed my mind to work with Roger on a lifetime-type deal. This program presented itself…and it happened at such a quick time frame that it didn’t allow time to develop any further. It was almost like, ‘Hey, you going with me? I’ve gotta go make this happen. It was a situation that I felt very comfortable with; I now know Roger for working with him the last five years. I definitely look to have my career end here at Penske Racing; hopefully that’s 10-15 years down the road. Being only 31 years-old, there’s still so much potential, blue sky, and so much fun that we can have together. I look at the business-to-business relationship as being an important factor in signing with Roger.”(Dodge Motorsports)(4-23-2010)

Coverage of Qualifying for the Aaron’s 499 Sprint Cup Series race at Talladega SuperSpeedway is scheduled for Saturday, April 24, 2010 at 11:35am/et.

Television (TV): SPEED 11:30am/et

Radio: Motor Racing Network (MRN) only on NASCAR.com

Jayski.com: Jayski’s Semi-Live Qualifying Page

Qualifying Re-Air: on SPEED at 8:00pm/et

Qualifying Order for the Aaron’s 499 Sprint Cup Series race at Talladega SuperSpeedway is posted. 45 cars/drivers are listed. Go-or-go homers will qualify at the end of the session, once the top-35 drivers are done.

The first of the top-35 drivers scheduled to go out is #98-Menard.

The final top-35 driver scheduled to go out is #16-Biffle.

The first go-or-go homer scheduled to qualify [36th] is #36-Sauter with the final driver scheduled to qualify being #13-Papis.

See the full qualifying order on the Talladega Qualifying Page.(4-23-2010)

1st Friday practice for the Aaron’s 499 Sprint Cup Series race at Talladega SuperSpeedway is over, after 45 scheduled minutes of practice, some speeds and notes:

#00-Reutimann 198.470

#78-Smith 198.466

#24-Gordon 196.201

#31-Burton 196.109

#47-Ambrose 194.943

slowest: #35-Almirola 180.383 & #26-Stremme 180.905

Note: teams are running in packs, so the top speeds are drafting speeds, not one car runs. #99-Edwards reported a vibration and the team is looking at the engine.

For fastest speeds, laps run, see my Talladega Practice Speeds Page.(4-23-2010)

Practice rank for the non top-35 drivers:

if things stay the same, these eight drivers would make the race:

#7-Robby Gordon, 28th fastest

#09-Mike Bliss, 37th

#36-Johnny Sauter, 38th

#13-Max Papis, 39th

#87-Joe Nemechek, 40th

#46-Terry Cook, 41st

#55-Michael Waltrip, 42nd

#66-Dave Blaney, 43rd

these drivers would miss the race if the order stayed the same:

#26-David Stremme, 44th

#35-Aric Almirola, 45th/last.(4-23-2010)

Happy Hour (Final) practice for the Aaron’s 499 Sprint Cup Series race at Talladega SuperSpeedway is over, after 60 scheduled minutes, some speeds and notes:

#31-Burton 199.467mph (close to that 200mph barrier)

#12-Keselowski 199.463

#09-Bliss 197.268

#11-Hamlin 196.572

#88-Earnhardt Jr. 196.487

slowest: #26-Stremme 180.550 & #66-Blaney 180.980

38 of 45 cars have made it to the track

no speed listed: #24-Gordon, #83-Vickers, #78-Smith, #00-Reutimann, #1-McMurray, #82-Speed & #42-Montoya

Note: #39-Newman got tapped by #5-Martin when cars in front of Newman checked up, Newman got into the inside wall, damaging the left rear and slight damage to the right rear, Newman will go to a backup car.

For fastest speeds, laps run, see my Talladega Practice Speeds Page.(4-23-2010)

Practice rank for the non top-35 drivers:

if things stay the same, these eight drivers would make the race:

#09-Mike Bliss, 3rd fastest

#13-Max Papis, 7th

#36-Johnny Sauter, 29th

#7-Robby Gordon, 30th

#87-Joe Nemechek, 31st

#55-Michael Waltrip, 34th

#35-Aric Almirola, 35th
#46-Terry Cook, 36th

these drivers would miss the race if the order stayed the same:

#66-Dave Blaney, 37th

#26-David Stremme, 38th

.(4-23-2010)

Weather Watch for Friday night and Saturday: from the folks at AccuWeather: AccuWeather.com reports the same system that sparked tornadoes over the southernRacing Plains Thursday evening will produce waves of dangerous thunderstorms and heavy rain at Talladega Superspeedway this evening through Saturday evening. Rather than just being one line of storms or heavy rain for a several-hour period, it now appears that as many as several rounds of potentially severe thunderstorms will roll through east-central Alabama. The thunderstorms will bring the risk of damaging wind gusts, flash flooding, large hail, and even a tornado. Lightning will pose the greatest danger, as many people will be outdoors in unprotected areas. Remember tents, pavilions and grandstands do not offer adequate protection from lightning. During strong thunderstorm winds, tents, tarps and canopies can be tossed about and destroyed, with debris potentially causing serious injuries. While the odds of a tornado striking the immediate Superspeedway area are relatively small, there will be multiple opportuniDangerous stormsties for severe weather conditions and tornadoes. The first round of thunderstorms with locally strong winds is expected to roll through Friday evening. Fans hanging around for activities following Sprint Cup practice and Nationwide Series qualifying Friday could get soaked. Repetitive drenching showers and locally strong thunderstorms are expected late tonight into Saturday morning. Any brightening that occurs Saturday midday may only entice another round of nasty thunderstorms during the afternoon and evening. The Nationwide Series race and Sprint Cup qualifying -scheduled for 11:40am/et] could be rained out. The good news is that fans, drivers and officials should get a break from Mother Nature Sunday.
Crews could be working to dry off the track in time for the start of the Sprint Cup race at 1:00pm/et p.m. While the chance of rain is not zero for Sunday, the vast majority of the time will be rain-free. There is a slight chance for a passing shower. With the wild and, at times, dangerous weather expected this weekend, NASCAR fans are encouraged to keep an eye on the weather, while keeping the other on their favorite pastime.(AccuWeather.com), see other weather links on my Talladega Race Info page – weather links section.(4-23-2010)

Inaugural NASCAR Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony Tickets on Sale April 24: Tickets for the Inaugural NASCAR Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony go on sale at 10:00am/et April 24 through Ticketmaster. The event is scheduled for 1:00pm/et May 23 in the Charlotte Convention Center’s Crown Ballroom at the NASCAR Hall of Fame in uptown Charlotte, N.C. The prestigious ceremony will feature presentations about each inductee from prominent members of the NASCAR community. The highlight of the event will be the official induction of the Inaugural Class of 2010: Dale Earnhardt, Bill France Jr., Bill France Sr., Junior Johnson and Richard Petty. Tickets are $75 and can be purchased at www.ticketmaster.com or by calling 800-745-3000. “This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, and it is our pleasure to invite race fans to Charlotte to share in the special day,” said Winston Kelley, executive director of the NASCAR Hall of Fame. “This is like being at the first Induction Ceremony of the Baseball Hall of Fame in 1939 when legends like Babe Ruth and Ty Cobb were officially inducted. Only 3,100 people will have the chance to say they witnessed the first NASCAR Hall of Fame induction in person.”(NHOF PR), more info on my NASCAR Hall of Fame page and links page.(4-23-2010)

Harvick: Burned Bridges with RCR? UPDATE denied: Richard Childress Racing has probably lost its faint chance to keep Kevin Harvick on the heels of Wednesday’s devastating announcement that Shell/Pennzoil is moving to Penske Racing in 2011 to sponsor Kurt Busch in the Sprint Cup Series. RCR already faced a serious, uphill challenge in trying to retain Harvick, who is in the final year of his contract, even if it had managed to hold onto Pennzoil, sponsor of Harvick’s #29 since 2007. Harvick, according to multiple sources reached by SI.com but never confirmed by the driver, wanted out of RCR at the end of last season, but team owner Richard Childress held him to the contract. The duo came out strong out of the gate this season — they led the points after five races and are currently fourth, 141 behind Jimmie Johnson — but the sour feelings between the two haven’t changed. “Kevin has burned all his bridges here,” said a source requesting anonymity following the news of Shell’s departure. The source reiterated the chances of Childress and Harvick dissolving their marriage were close to 100%. Harvick is the top free agent driver on the market. His preferred destination is Stewart-Haas Racing, where he’d have Hendrick equipment. Tony Stewart is on the record as wanting to expand to three cars next season, dependent upon sponsorship. With Harvick to sell and the broad range of commercial possibilities available through the team’s partner-like association with Hendrick, Stewart-Haas has far greater ability to find a sponsor for Harvick. Kasey Kahne’s decision to join Rick Hendrick’s organization in 2012 has led to widespread speculation that he’ll be at Stewart-Haas in 2011. Kahne certainly will be in Hendrick equipment next season and it’s the logical place. The other possibility would be for Hendrick to ask Mark Martin to vacate the #5 a year early to go to Stewart-Haas. In either situation, it would require Stewart-Haas to run four cars in 2011. That ‘s not beyond the team’s reach and it’s where Stewart wants to get eventually.(Sports Illustrated)(4-22-2010)

UPDATE: Kevin Harvick says he doesn’t know where he’ll drive next season, but it’s fair to say he will remain with Chevrolet. Harvick said Friday at Talladega Superspeedway that he’s had “many, many, many” conversations with team owner Richard Childress about staying with Richard Childress Racing when his contract expires after this season. He did not elaborate when asked if he’s had conversations with other owners, such as Chevrolet owner Tony Stewart, with whom he reportedly was linked last season. But Harvick made it clear he’s burnt no bridges with RCR, where he has driven in the Sprint Cup series since replacing the late Dale Earnhardt in 2001.
He also made it clear that, because he uses Chevrolet with his Nationwide and Truck Series organization, he doesn’t plan to switch manufacturers. “Richard Childress and myself, we’ve got a great relationship,” said Harvick, who is fourth in points after missing the Chase last season. “We’ve been talking about a lot of things for several months. It’s not anything different than we normally do at this time. The cars are running well. Everybody is communicating well. I don’t know what else to say other than Richard and I have had many, many, many conversations over the last several months. What that means? Right now I’m driving the #29 car.” Harvick took issue Thursday on Twitter about stories involving sources on his future [see post above]. Asked to clarify his future, he said: “If you’re going to quote a source, quote their name. If they’re too chicken to give their name, don’t put their name in the paper. Anonymous sources are crap.”(ESPN)(4-23-2010)

Restirctor Plate size could change at Talladega: NASCAR Vice President of Competition Robin Pemberton said Friday morning that a decision on the size of the restrictor-plate that will be used in Sunday’s Aaron’s 499 will be made after practice this afternoon at Talladega Superspeedway. Sunday’s race will be the first at Talladega with a blade rear spoiler instead of a wing on the new-generation Sprint Cup car at a restrictor-plate track. With the new aerodynamic package, it remains to be seen what speeds the cars will run at on the track. If the cars lap the 2.66-mile superspeedway at speeds approaching 200 miles per hour in the draft, NASCAR will mandate the use of a smaller restrictor-plate during Sunday’s race. Conversely, if speeds are slower than anticipated, a larger plate could be used. Pemberton said that NASCAR has adjusted plate size between practice and the race before, so this is not setting a precedent. “The good news is, it’s a beautiful day, so we should be able to get plenty of drafting in,” said Pemberton. There will be two rounds of Sprint Cup practice today, a 45-minute session beginning at 2:00pm/et, and a one-hour session at 3:30 pm/et. Both will be televised live on SPEED.(SPEED)(4-23-2010)

McMurray going for three in a row at ‘Dega: #1-Jamie McMurray and his EGR team will return to Superspeedway racing this weekend at Talladega. After an impressive February Speedweek’s at Daytona coming home with the Daytona 500 trophy, the team certainly looks to be a contender at the 2.66 tri-oval. McMurray has won the last two restrictor-plate races in the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series having won the 2009 fall event at Talladega and the 2010 Daytona 500. His victory marked his best finish at Talladega where he also has four top-five’s and five top-10’s. His best start was in the 2003 fall race when he started on the outside pole.(EGR)(4-12-2010)

TBR To Feature Mohawk Northeast at Talladega: The #35 Chevy for Tommy Baldwin Racing (TBR) will feature a custom Mohawk Northeast, Inc. paint scheme for this weekend’s Aaron’s 499 at Talladega Superspeedway. Mohawk Northeast, Inc., a construction company based in Connecticut, will be prominently displayed on the Chevrolet driven by Aric Almirola this weekend. Al Heinke, President of Mohawk Northeast Inc., is excited about teaming up with TBR. “We are looking forward to partnering up with Tommy and the race team this weekend at Talladega,” Heinke said. “Involvement in NASCAR is a great way to increase brand recognition and the partnership with Tommy Baldwin Racing allows us to reach a group of customers outside our current base in New England.” Almirola will make his season debut for TBR at a track where his career record includes a 13th place finish in the 2008 Amp Energy 500. Almirola will look to get the #35 into a race for the second time this year, and Baldwin is confident his cars will be strong this weekend.(Tommy Baldwin Racing)(4-23-2010)

Earnhardt Jr.’s Crew Captures Tissot Pit Road Award in Texas: Dale Earnhardt Jr.’s over-the-wall crew won the Tissot Pit Road Precision Award in Monday’s (April 19) rain-delayed Samsung Mobile 500 NASCAR Sprint Cup race at the lighting-fast Texas Motor Speedway. The #88 crew’s solid performance helped Earnhardt earn an eighth-place finish at the 1.5-mile quad-oval. Earnhardt’s Amp Energy/National Guard Chevrolet spent the least amount of time on pit road – 275.470 seconds – during the 334-lap, 501-mile event. Race winner Denny Hamlin’s FedEx Ground Toyota was second (285.035) and Kurt Busch’s Miller Lite Dodge was third (288.512). Earnhardt’s over-the-wall crew consists of: Adam Emmert (front-tire changer), Ben Fischbeck (front-tire carrier), Kip Wolfmeier (rear-tire changer), Matt Myers (rear-tire carrier), Mark Jacobs (jackman), Chris Fasulka (gasman) and Jason Dalrymple (catch can). The team’s pit crew coaches are Mark Mauldin and Walt Smith. The winning pit crew in each Sprint Cup race will earn $5,000 and a Tissot V8 Quartz Chronograph watch. The team with the most Tissot Pit Road Precision Award wins at the completion of the 36-race schedule will receive a $105,000 bonus plus Tissot watches for the over-the-wall crew members and driver. #56-Martin Truex Jr.’s team continues to lead the Tissot standings with two wins after eight races. Six teams remain in second place with one win.(Tissot)(4-23-2010)

Richardson Ready to Run at ‘Dega: Robert Richardson Jr. returns to the cockpit of a Front Row Motorsports Ford for the Aaron’s 499 at Talladega Superspeedway this weekend – his second of three races with the team during the 2010 season. The college quarterback-turned-racer brings the colors of Mahindra USA Tractors to the #37 Ford Fusion for Sunday’s race at the 2.66-mile tri-oval. Richardson finished 31st in the season-opening Daytona 500 with Front Row [running their #38 Ford there] and will return to the team for the Coke Zero 400 at Daytona International Speedway in July. He brought home a top-20 finish in his first, and only other, Sprint Cup start at Talladega last fall when he finished 18th. Richardson Jr. on Talladega Superspeedway: “Front Row Motorsports has been a great fit for me, being able to come over from our Nationwide Series team of R3 Motorsports to a team on the Cup side with experienced drivers like Travis Kvapil and David Gilliland has been good for me this year. Being able to exchange notes with those guys definitely helps. Bob Jenkins has given me the opportunity to run their Sprint Cup car at Talladega, and also in Daytona in July. I’m just honored to have the couple of opportunities to run in the Sprint Cup series.”(Front Row Motorsports)(4-23-2010)

Wife of Slain Alabama Policeman Named ExtenZe Racing Honorary Crew Chief: When a hero loses his or her life in service to community or country it is those left behind that are forced to display heroism in coping with the loss. Paula Davis, the 39-year-old widow of slain Pelham Officer Philip Davis, is admirably showing this courage and has been named the ‘ExtenZe Local Hero’ and ExtenZe Racing Honorary Crew Chief for the upcoming NASCAR race at Talladega Superspeedway. ‘ExtenZe Local Hero’ recipients become ExtenZe Racing Honorary Crew Chiefs, receive a tour of the paddock, attend the pre-race NASCAR Driver/Crew Chief meeting, and sit atop the pit box with Crew Chief Peter Sospenzo to root on rookie driver Kevin Conway piloting the royal blue and red No. 38 ExtenZe Ford Fusion. Each recipient also receives a $1,000 award from ExtenZe, the world’s best selling male enhancement product. Fans can visit www.ExtenZeRacing.com to nominate their own local heroes or review who has been previously chosen. Also check in on blog/twitter feeds for the latest information on ExtenZe Racing and Kevin Conway.(ExtenZe Racing/Breaking Limits)(4-23-2010)

Drug charges dropped, J.C. France: J.C. France, grandson of NASCAR founder Bill France Sr., has been reinstated by Grand-Am Road Racing to compete in Rolex Series road-racing events after a five-month suspension following his arrest last year. Grand-Am vice president of communications Kevin Hinson confirmed that France, son of NASCAR vice chairman Jim France, was issued a competitor’s license earlier this week after prosecutors earlier this month decided not to prosecute him. France, 44, was arrested along with half brother Russell Van Richmond, 41, Oct. 8 by Daytona Beach police on charges of DUI and narcotics possession. The two men were pulled over after an officer saw them racing, then another officer saw France roll through a red light. According to a police, France and Van Richmond were racing over the Seabreeze Bridge and Daytona Beach police stopped them. When police found both men, who were in separate cars and stopped in different places, they found cocaine on them, according to reports. But evidence was thrown out of the case against France and the DUI and drug possession charges were not pursued. Van Richmond is serving six months’ probation for DUI, records show. All the evidence that Daytona Beach police piled up against France was thrown out because of a jurisdictional technicality. In an order earlier this month, Circuit Judge Patrick Kennedy said that France’s traffic infraction occurred within the city of Holly Hill and the officer who followed France made an “unlawful stop” of the vehicle because the officer was outside of his jurisdiction. Citing case law, the judge said that as a “general principle,” police officers from one jurisdiction have no “official power” to arrest an offender outside the boundaries of their municipality.” France had to follow a rehabilitation program and vigorous drug testing set forth by Grand-Am, headquartered in Daytona Beach and owned by NASCAR. “He addressed the legal issues that were outstanding, based on the fact those issues were resolved, and successfully completing the program administered by Dr. David Black, we made a decision to reinstate him,” Hinson said. “He was extremely cooperative,” Hinson said. “He did everything we asked him to do. We didn’t have any pushback and that meant a lot to us as far as him getting reinstated.”(Daytona Beach News Journal)(4-23-2010)

Pocono gets race title sponsor: Gillette announced that it will sponsor the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series race at Pocono Raceway on June 6, 2010. The event will be titled the Gillette Fusion ProGlide 500 Presented by Target. The date of the race coincides with the official launch of the Gillette Fusion ProGlide shaving system, a significant advancement in shaving performance and comfort. All activities to promote the race will be designed to support the new razor, which will also be available to consumers in stores on June 6, 2010. “We are very excited about our upcoming partnership with Pocono Raceway and Target,” said Michelle Potorski, Associate Marketing Director, Gillette North America. “The race sponsorship provides the perfect opportunity to further enhance our efforts to inform consumers of the engineering advancements and breakthrough technology achieved with the Gillette Fusion ProGlide.” Gillette continues to utilize NASCAR as a vehicle to market its brand. Since its inception in 2003, the Gillette Young Guns program has been at the forefront of all its NASCAR-related activations. The Gillette Young Guns drivers, which include Clint Bowyer, Kyle Busch, Carl Edwards, Denny Hamlin, Kasey Kahne and Joey Logano, will also be incorporated into all planned activations, including at-track, creative and digital, to support the launch of the Gillette Fusion ProGlide. “It is an honor and a privilege for Pocono Raceway to partner with both Gillette and Target on the launch of this terrific new Gillette Fusion ProGlide,” said Brandon Igdalsky, President, Pocono Raceway. “The staff at Pocono that tried the new Fusion ProGlide has each become ‘Believers’ of this great new razor! And on June 6, everyone in America will be able to use the new Gillette Fusion ProGlide and become a ‘Believer’ themselves!” As part of the race entitlement, Pocono Raceway is offering a 15% discount on tickets throughout the race weekend when you enter the promotional code, “PROGLIDE”. All the Gillette Young Guns, including Gillette driver Ryan Newman will be giving away tickets to the Gillette Fusion ProGlide 500 presented by Target. Each driver has an allotment of tickets to distribute throughout various outlets including social networking sites, fan clubs, charities, etc. For ticket information visit poconoraceway.com or call toll free 1-800-RACEWAY.(Pocono Raceway)(4-23-2010)

Daytona to repave track for 2011 season: After months of investigation into Daytona’s aged asphalt surface, we finally have an answer as to the future of the speedway’s repaving project. Sources tell Mike Lovecchio [from Frontstretch.com] that an announcement will be made tomorrow by ISC the track will be fully repaved in time for the 2011 Daytona 500. According to sources, investigation into the track surface, which was last repaved in 1978, revealed “concerns” that have forced ISC to move up the timeline of the project. A source also says there are still private worries remaining about the condition of the asphalt for July’s Coke Zero 400, but the choice has been made to not rush the project and wait until after the second round of Daytona races. The move is an about face from ISC and Daytona’s stance on the matter in February. After a pothole caused two red flags totaling two hours, 25 minutes for repairs in this year’s 500, DIS President Robin Braig was adamant the track would hold off on its repaving job until 2012. No word on the exact cost of the project, but sources claim pieces of the old asphalt could be sold to fans once the repave is complete. Daytona International Speedway did not return a phone call for comment.(Frontstretch)(4-23-2010)

#36 TBR Chevy to pay tribute to Tommy Baldwin Sr. at Talladega: Tommy Baldwin Racing (TBR) and Baldwin Automotive have joined together for the Aaron’s 499 this weekend at Talladega Superspeedway. The partnership will include a custom paint scheme for the #36 Chevy driven by Johnny Sauter. The car pays homage to the paint scheme Tommy Baldwin Sr., team owner Tommy Baldwin’s father, used on his modified coupe in the early 1970’s. “I loved hanging out at the track with my dad when I was a kid and this was one of the first paint schemes I remember him having on his car,” Baldwin said. “This was when he first started running the No. 7 car and when I think about him racing in those days, this is what I picture. I’m excited about the way the #36 Baldwin Automotive Chevy looks and I can’t wait to get it out on the track.” Baldwin continued, “It was great partnering with Baldwin Automotive for the scheme and I look forward to having a strong run for them in the No. 36. I have a lot of confidence in our superspeedway program and having Johnny behind the wheel for one more week.” Sauter will make his second and final start in the #36 Chevy this weekend at Talladega Superspeedway, a track at which he has had some success in the past. Sauter has finished in the top-16 in three of this four Sprint Cup Series starts at the track.(Tommy Baldwin Racing), see an image of the car on my #36 Team Schemes page.(4-22-2010)

Goodyear completes Indy tire test: A total of 14 NASCAR Sprint Cup teams descended on Indianapolis Motor Speedway this week to perform a tire test for The Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company. The two-day test, held Tuesday and Wednesday, saw teams run more than 2,000 laps as they gathered the data that the Goodyear engineers will use to determine the tire recommendation for this year’s Brickyard 400, to be held at the Speedway on July 25. While Goodyear tested several new set-ups, the early opinion is that the tire manufacturer will return in 2010 with the same, or very similar, combination to that run successfully at the Speedway in 2009.
“We still have to review the results and go over the data in detail before our decision is finalized, but we found our control tire set-up, which was the 2009 race tire, still performs very well and is a very comfortable package,” said Greg Stucker, Goodyear’s director of race tire sales. “We saw some definite improvements with various elements of the development tires we evaluated during the test, but we didn’t have clear consensus from the drivers on which change would be a sure improvement over the control. It’s important to maintain the proper balance with the overall race package for all the cars in the field.”

“We had nearly perfect weather conditions, with temperatures in the upper 60s to low 70s and a lot of sunshine,” said Stucker “The track really rubbered in well, and we seemed to pick up right where we left off last year. The change from the wing to the spoiler on the Cup cars didn’t seem to significantly change the way the tires performed on the track.” The 14 teams had a busy week leading up to the test. Sunday’s scheduled race was delayed until Monday due to rain in Texas, compacting everyone’s schedule and making it tougher to pull together.

Participating in the test were #00-David Reutimann, #7-Robby Gordon, #9-Kasey Kahne, #12-Brad Keselowski, #13-Max Papis), #14-Tony Stewart, #17-Matt Kenseth, #18-Kyle Busch, #29-Kevin Harvick, #38-David Gilliland, #42-Juan Pablo Montoya, #48-Jimmie Johnson, #78-Regan Smith and #82-Scott Speed. Johnson, Kenseth, Montoya and Stewart served as the primary test drivers, with the balance of the field on hand to help replicate race conditions and rubber in the track. “We really need to thank the 14 teams that came out to help us with this test,” added Stucker. “With last week’s race at Texas being pushed back a day, it was a real scramble for everyone to get to Indy by the time we opened up on Tuesday morning. It goes to show you the hard work and dedication of these teams.”

Goodyear will continue with a busy testing schedule in the coming months, having on-track sessions scheduled for Watkins Glen International (June 1-2), Atlanta Motor Speedway (June 15-16) and Bristol Motor Speedway (June 22-23).(Goodyear PR)(4-22-2010)

Dale Jr. to run #3 car at Daytona NNS race? If arrangements go as planned, Earnhardt will run the #3 Wrangler Chevrolet for JR Motorsports at Daytona International Speedway in the NASCAR Nationwide Series race on July 2. Sources have told FOXSports.com that Earnhardt will revive his father’s famous #3 in a collaborative effort initiated by JR Motorsports with Richard Childress Racing and Dale Earnhardt Inc. A formal announcement is expected on April 29. According to team sources, a Hendrick Motorsports engine will power the car. Earnhardt Jr. currently has a personal services contract with Wrangler, continuing a family legacy between the brands. Wrangler first sponsored his father for the final race of his 1980 Cup championship season and the following year with Rod Osterlund for the first 16 races. (4-22-2010)

Harvick: Burned Bridges with RCR?: Richard Childress Racing has probably lost its faint chance to keep Kevin Harvick on the heels of Wednesday’s devastating announcement that Shell/Pennzoil is moving to Penske Racing in 2011 to sponsor Kurt Busch in the Sprint Cup Series. RCR already faced a serious, uphill challenge in trying to retain Harvick, who is in the final year of his contract, even if it had managed to hold onto Pennzoil, sponsor of Harvick’s #29 since 2007. Harvick, according to multiple sources reached by SI.com but never confirmed by the driver, wanted out of RCR at the end of last season, but team owner Richard Childress held him to the contract. The duo came out strong out of the gate this season — they led the points after five races and are currently fourth, 141 behind Jimmie Johnson — but the sour feelings between the two haven’t changed. “Kevin has burned all his bridges here,” said a source requesting anonymity following the news of Shell’s departure. The source reiterated the chances of Childress and Harvick dissolving their marriage were close to 100%. Harvick is the top free agent driver on the market. His preferred destination is Stewart-Haas Racing, where he’d have Hendrick equipment. Tony Stewart is on the record as wanting to expand to three cars next season, dependent upon sponsorship. With Harvick to sell and the broad range of commercial possibilities available through the team’s partner-like association with Hendrick, Stewart-Haas has far greater ability to find a sponsor for Harvick. Kasey Kahne’s decision to join Rick Hendrick’s organization in 2012 has led to widespread speculation that he’ll be at Stewart-Haas in 2011. Kahne certainly will be in Hendrick equipment next season and it’s the logical place. The other possibility would be for Hendrick to ask Mark Martin to vacate the #5 a year early to go to Stewart-Haas. In either situation, it would require Stewart-Haas to run four cars in 2011. That ‘s not beyond the team’s reach and it’s where Stewart wants to get eventually.(Sports Illustrated), so which team would be better?

Hendrick: Gordon, Johnson, Earnhardt Jr. & Martin…or

Stewart Haas: Stewart, Newman. Kahne & Harvick?(4-22-2010)

TUM’s scheme for Montoya at Talladega: This weekend TUMS will serve as the primary sponsor of the #42 Chevy of Juan Pablo Montoya at Talladega Superspeedway. TUMS first became a Target racing partner in 2007 and this will be Montoya’s second time representing the TUMS brand. Montoya drove to the pole position in the 2009 spring event at Talladega Superspeedway posting a speed of 188.171 mph at a time of 50.89 seconds.(EGR). see an image of the scheme on my #42 Team Schemes page.(4-22-2010)

Good news for Lynda Petty: Update on the status of Lynda Petty: Lynda went to Duke today [Monday] for another MRI and the Brain Tumor/Cancer is completely gone! The entire Petty Family is very pleased and would like to thank everyone for the many, many prayers and thoughts as she went through a very difficult time! This is GREAT news! Thanks again to everyone!(Petty Family Foundation Facebook page)(4-22-2010)

Biffle and Harvick to carry “Call 811” logo at Talladega UPDATE: CGA [Common Ground Alliance] Member 3M will promote the 811 logo on the #16 3M/Greg Biffle race car at the Talladega Superspeedway on 4/25/2010. “3M’s commitment to underground damage prevention will be showcased during National Safe Digging Month at one of America’s premier sporting events,” stated Bob Kipp, CGA President, “we encourage all CGA members to tune in and watch the race supporting 3M, Biffle and 811!”(CGA)(2-1-2010)

UPDATE: This week in Talladega there will be a special 811 logo on the #16 3M Ford Fusion to remind fans to call 811 before they dig to avoid cutting lines such as gas, electric and cable. April is National Safe Digging Month (RFR).

AND: Two top race teams and the Governor of Alabama are among those supporting “Call 811” and National Safe Digging Month surrounding the upcoming April 25 race in Talladega. Kevin Harvick of Richard Childress Racing (RCR) will run the “Call 811” logo on the deck lid and rocker panels of the #29 Shell-Pennzoil Chevy at Talladega Superspeedway. The logo will also run on the hood, deck lid and TV panel of the #16 3M Ford Fusion. The addition of the logo is part of a larger effort to educate fans and encourage them to make a quick and easy call to 811 to help protect people from unintentionally hitting underground pipelines, infrastructure and utility lines, which can put the community and environment at risk. In addition to RCR and 3M backing the cause, Alabama Governor Bob Riley has proclaimed April as National Safe Digging month in the state of Alabama and is urging all excavators and homeowners to call 811 before doing ANY digging. In an effort to promote public safety, Shell, 3M, and RCR, in conjunction with the Common Ground Advisory and its members, are encouraging homeowners and contractors to call 811 before they dig to prevent injuries, property damage and inconvenient outages. Every digging job requires a call – even small projects like planting trees or shrubs.(PR) see images of the #16 scheme on my #16 Team Schemes page.(2-1-2010)

Race #300 for Johnson: #48-Jimmie Johnson is scheduled to make his 300th-career start when he takes the green flag on Sunday in the Aaron’s 499 at Talladega SuperSpeedway. His first career start was Oct. 7, 2001 at Charlotte Motor Speedway.

* In 299 Cup starts, Johnson has won 50 races, 16.72% of those in which he’s competed.

* He has brought home top-five finishes in 40.8% of the races and top-10 results in 62.2%.

* Johnson passed the 10,000 career-laps led mark in last week’s race at Texas Motor Speedway. He has now led 10,036 laps, 11.59% of his total 86,573 laps.

* He has also finished on the lead lap in 233 of the 299 races – 77.9% of the time.

ON MAKING HIS 300TH CAREER START AT TALLADEGA THIS WEEKEND: “I can’t believe it’ll be my 300th start this weekend. It doesn’t seem like that long ago that I was climbing in a Cup car for the first time. It’s been a pretty amazing ride so far and I still can’t believe I get to drive racecars for a living. It’s pretty cool. I’m also very proud of my team and what we’ve done together and also what I’ve accomplished as a driver. We’ve had a lot of pretty cool stuff happen to us in 300 starts. I’m looking forward to what’s ahead for this team. I know we have a lot of racing left in us.”(Lowe’s Racing)(4-22-2010)

Special scheme for Stewart at Talladega: #14-Tony Stewart’s Old Spice/Office Depot Chevy will carry the colors of Old Spice’s Fresh Collection at Talladega – specifically, its Matterhorn scent, which according to the scent experts at Procter & Gamble, smells like ice, wind and freedom and carries a graphic of a Matterhorn-esque mountain range rising halfway up the sides of Stewart’s red Chevy.(Tony Stewart site), see an image of the scheme on my #14 Team Schemes page.(4-22-2010)

Talladega Tire Notes: Teams in both the NASCAR Sprint Cup and Nationwide Series will run the same combination of left- and right-side tires at Talladega this weekend . . . this is the same tire set-up that teams in these two series ran at Talladega last season . . . this is the only track at which either of these two tire codes will be run in 2010 . . . as on all NASCAR ovals greater than one mile in length, teams are required to run inner liners in all four tire positions at Talladega . . . air pressure in those inner liners should be 12-25 psi greater than that of the outer tire. The Estimated Pit Window is every 35-37 laps, based on fuel mileage.(Goodyear), for tire codes, pressures, number of tires supplied, see my Talladega Race Info page – Goodyear section.(4-22-2010)

Keselowski to the #2; Budweiser to RCR?: Kurt Busch has signed a multiyear extension with Penske Racing that includes moving from the #2 car with Miller Lite as his primary sponsor into the #22 with Shell/Pennzoil as the sponsor, team officials said on Wednesday. Brad Keselowski will move from Penske’s #12 car into the #2, with Miller Lite, which has been with the organization for 20 years, remaining the sponsor for the #2. Keselowski currently is sponsored by Verizon, but because of NASCAR’s exclusivity deal with Cup series sponsor Sprint, Verizon’s brand logo is not allowed on the car. “Brad is one of the hottest young drivers in NASCAR and we’re thrilled to welcome him to the Miller Lite Racing family,” said Andy England, chief marketing officer at MillerCoors. “Rarely in this sport are you presented with the opportunity to build a relationship with a top-tier driver at the start of his career.”

The addition of Shell/Pennzoil means that Mobil 1, a competing motor oil that sponsors Penske’s #77-Sam Hornish Jr., will not return in 2011. But Jonathon Gibson, the vice president of Penske Racing, said Penske is committed to remaining a three-car operation with Hornish in the third car. “We’ll be prepared to announce a new sponsorship deal for that car in the next few weeks or months,” Gibson said. “We’re very excited. For us to have the opportunity to bring in a great brand like Shell and extend our relationship with Miller puts us in a place where we can build for the future.”

Kevin Harvick, in the last year of his contract with Richard Childress Racing, is without a sponsor. Harvick is negotiating with RCR to find a new sponsor and stay with the company, according to a source. Harvick has been with RCR since he succeeded the late Dale Earnhardt in 2001. A source said discussions between RCR and Budweiser, in its last season with Richard Petty Motorsports’ #9-Kasey Kahne, have taken place. Kahne signed last week a deal with Hendrick Motorsports to replace Mark Martin in 2012 and drive a car to be determined by team owner Rick Hendrick in 2011.(ESPN.com)(4-21-2010)

MORE: The tradition of great drivers in Penske Racing’s #2 Miller Lite Dodge will continue as Brad Keselowski takes the wheel of the Blue Deuce beginning in 2011. The 26-year-old Keselowski is currently in his first full year on the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series, driving the #12 Penske Dodge. “Brad is one of the hottest young drivers in NASCAR and we’re thrilled to welcome him to the Miller Lite Racing family,” said Andy England, chief marketing officer at MillerCoors. “Rarely in this sport are you presented with the opportunity to build a relationship with a top-tier driver at the start of his career. We look forward to ‘tasting greatness’ with Brad and Penske Racing in the years ahead.”

“We’re extremely proud of our long-standing partnership with MillerCoors and are excited to extend this successful relationship,” said Roger Penske. “Brad is a tremendous talent with a bright future and I look forward to watching him continue the great tradition of the Blue Deuce.” For Keselowski, a third-generation driver, the move to the Miller Lite Dodge is a milestone moment. “To follow champions like Rusty Wallace and Kurt Busch in the legendary Blue Deuce is a dream come true,” Keselowski said. “The Miller Lite Racing team is accustomed to winning on and off the track, and I can’t wait to do my part to build on that tradition.”

“Kurt is a champion, a great driver and has been an enthusiastic ambassador for Miller Lite over the past four years,” England said. “We want to thank him for that, and we look forward to chasing the 2010 Sprint Cup championship with Kurt and the whole team at Penske Racing.”(Tom Roberts PR)(4-22-2010)

Parts confiscated from #13 and #47 teams UPDATE 2 Penalties announced: NASCAR confiscated the lower radiator pans from Max Papis’ #13 Toyota and Marcos Ambrose’s #47 Toyota during post-qualifying Sprint Cup Series inspection. The pans are considered “unapproved ballast weight mounting” according to Sprint Cup Series Director John Darby and is in violation of NASCAR Rule 20-2.3 (added car weight). Darby said the violation could carry a penalty. The piece confiscated on the #13 Toyota was 45.2-pounds, while the #47 Toyota’s pan weighed 25.7 pounds. One crew chief who was observing the steel pieces in the NASCAR hauler after they were confiscated said the pans “should weigh a couple of pounds at best” and be composed of one-eighth inch aluminum. Frank Kerr, crew chief of the #47 Toyota said it was the same radiator pan the team has used all season. “We asked the inspectors when we first put it on the car at California if it was ‘OK’ and they said it was ‘on the edge, but OK.’ There hasn’t been any question about the piece until now.”(FoxSports)(4-17-2010)

UPDATE: The long steel pieces also were installed in an unapproved mounting location, according to the tags on the parts which were on display in the NASCAR hauler. “We’ll know a lot more how NASCAR views these pans [next week],” said Michael Waltrip Racing Executive Vice President Cal Wells, whose organization builds the cars for Ambrose and Papis. “We’ll have to wait and see. NASCAR likes to have parts submitted if you have got something new or different. I believe there was some confusion on what should or shouldn’t be submitted. … In this particular case what we designed was a modular piece that holds a radiator, the pan up front and the duct work and a host of different things. There’s no intent to do anything [around the rules]. We’ll see what they decide to do.”(SceneDaily)(4-19-2010)

UPDATE: NASCAR has issued penalties to the #13, #47, #00 and #56 teams that compete in the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series as a result of rule violations committed at Texas Motor Speedway last week. Robert “Bootie” Barker, crew chief of the #13 team, and Frank Kerr, crew chief of the #47 team, have each been fined $75,000 and placed on NASCAR probation until Dec. 31 for violating Sections 12-1 (actions detrimental to stock car racing); 20-2.3A (unapproved added weight); 20-7 (all engine cooling system components must be approved by NASCAR prior to being used in competition); and 20-7.3A (radiator mount; failure to submit components) of the 2010 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series rule book.

Car owners Robert Germain (#13) and Tad Geschickter (#47) have each been penalized with the loss of 50 championship owner points for violating Sections 12-1 and 20-2.3A. Drivers Max Papis (#13) and Marcos Ambrose (#47) have each been penalized with the loss of 50 championship driver points for violating Sections 12-1 and 20-2.3A.

Rodney Childers, crew chief of the #00 team, and Pat Tryson, crew chief of the #56 team, have each been fined $25,000 and placed on probation until Dec. 31 for violating Sections 12-1; 20-7; and 20-7.3A. All of these violations occurred during post-qualifying inspection on April 16.(NASCAR)(4-21-2010)

MWR Statement: Executive Vice President of Michael Waltrip Racing Cal Wells: “NASCAR indicated we were running a part, a radiator pan, which had not been officially submitted for approval. We accept NASCAR’s ruling and will not appeal because we cannot debate whether the part was submitted, only whether or not the part needed submission. This gives us a clear line of sight on how parts need to be submitted for approval. We will work diligently with NASCAR in the future on all new parts to ensure this does not happen to MWR again.”(MWR)(4-21-2010)

UPDATE – JTG Daughtery Racing statement on penalty: Co-owner of JTG Daugherty Racing Tad Geschickter issued the following statement in reference to his #47 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series team being penalized for rule infractions committed at Texas Motor Speedway: “While the penalty feels excessive for an apparent misunderstanding on submitting a part, we also understand NASCAR has to police the sport and rule strictly to keep a level playing field among the teams. We will work diligently to ensure that there are no misunderstandings in the future. We are focusing our energy on turning our season around and winning races with driver Marcos Ambrose.”(JTG Daugherty Racing)(4-22-2010)

Traffic Improvements for Talladega Race Weekend: Talladega Superspeedway will enact several procedural changes during the Aaron’s Dream Weekend that should help speed ingress and egress from the track. Most noticeable, is the installation of a new “express lane” that has been created to speed the exit of Allison Grandstand customers.

Changes by day:

Saturday

· North parking lots 2N & 3N (located directly across from the main entrance to Talladega Superspeedway) will remain closed on Saturday only. Race fans should make plans to park in lots nearest the track, lots 1E – 4E and 1W – 9W.

· West parking lots 10W & 11W (located off New Jackson Trace) will remain closed on Saturday only. If entering the facility from New Jackson Trace, lot 9W will be open for race fans.

· Allison Grandstand customers will now have a new “express lane” that leads them to Speedway Blvd without having to wait on cross-traffic exiting the Gate V9 Infield Crossover.

Sunday

· North Park Free Camping lots will be held for two hours while traffic exits the Free Day Parking lots.

· Reserved Family Camping lots will be held for two hours while traffic exits the Free Day Parking lots.

· Allison Grandstand customers will again be able to use the new “express lane” that leads them to Speedway Blvd without having to wait on cross-traffic exiting the Gate V9 Infield Crossover.

REMINDER: Talladega Superspeedway has enough FREE day parking within easy walking distance of the track for all race fans. Free tram services are also provided throughout the facility. For more information on tickets to Talladega Superspeedway, please visit www.talladegasuperspeedway.com or call 1-877-Go2-DEGA.(TSS)(4-22-2010)

Talladega Race Dignitaries:< Talladega Superspeedway announced that Miss America 2010, Caressa Cameron, will perform the national anthem prior the Aaron's 499 at Talladega Superspeedway on April 25. Additionally, Nashville Recording Artist Brittini Black will perform the national anthem prior the Aaron's 312 on April 24. Other Aaron's Dream Weekend dignitaries:

Invocation Jeff Sauls, a member of Alabama Raceway Ministries and the Talladega Superspeedway Emergency Services Chaplain, will lead the invocation prior to the ARCA Racing Series 250 on Friday, April 23. Dr. Bart Owen, a member of Alabama Raceway Ministries and the Talladega Superspeedway Security Services Chaplain, will lead the invocation prior to the Aaron’s 312. Reverend Mark Stokes, a member of Alabama Raceway Ministries and Pastor of Camellia Baptist Church in Prattville, will lead the invocation prior to the Aaron’s 499.

Grand Marshal Thomas Green, Todd Schroeder and Andrew Coughlan of the Wounded Warrior Project will serve as Grand Marshal’s for the Aaron’s 312. Mal Moore, Director of Athletics for the University of Alabama, will serve as Grand Marshal for the Aaron’s 499.

Honorary Starter

Gerard Claseman, winner of the Aaron’s Weekend of Your Dreams sweepstakes, will serve as honorary starter for the Aaron’s 312.

The winner of the Aaron’s PT Rodeo, a competition for select Aaron’s employees, will serve as honorary starter for the Aaron’s 499.

For more information on tickets to Talladega Superspeedway, please visit www.talladegasuperspeedway.com or call 1-877-Go2-DEGA.(TSS)(4-22-2010)

Shell/Pennzoil sponsorship moves to Penske Racing in 2011: Shell Oil Company and Penske Corporation announce a multi-year cross business alliance starting in the 2011 racing season. The new alliance allows Shell and Pennzoil to expand their motorsports presence as it includes a primary sponsorship with Kurt Busch and the #22 car, as well as associate sponsorships promoting Shell V-Power with IZOD IndyCar Series drivers Helio Castroneves, Will Power and Ryan Briscoe. The global business alliance provides an opportunity for Shell and Pennzoil to expand their presence not only within motorsports, but also as a preferred supplier of fuels, lubricants and related products to the Penske organization. Beginning in 2011, Shell and Pennzoil will be the “Official Fuel and Motor Oil Supplier” to the Penske organization in the U.S and the organizations will look to extend their alliance with business development opportunities in several other countries. The Penske organization is one of the world’s most successful and recognized automotive-based business enterprises and provides unique activation opportunities. Additionally, this alliance continues to enable further product development for Shell and Pennzoil both on and off the track through the invaluable knowledge gained surrounding fuels, lubricants and engine technologies. Like Shell and Pennzoil, Penske Corporation has a close relationship with Chrysler and Ferrari, both part of the Fiat Group. Winning is a tradition for Penske, an organization that has earned more than 315 major race victories including 15 Indianapolis 500 wins and the 2008 Daytona 500, more than 370 pole positions and 22 national championships.

As part of the alliance, Pennzoil will become the “Official Motor Oil” of Penske Racing in 2011 which includes all of its entries in the NASCAR Sprint Cup and Nationwide Series as well as the IZOD IndyCar Series. For Pennzoil, returning to Penske is a homecoming of sorts as Pennzoil first aligned with Penske as part of its IndyCar teams in 1983 and won the 1984 and 1988 Indianapolis 500 Mile Races with driver Rick Mears. In addition, Kurt Busch won his 2004 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Championship driving a Pennzoil-supported car for another team.(Pennzoil Racing/Penske Racing PR)(4-21-2010)

RCR Statement about Shell/Pennzoil leaving: The following is a statement from Richard Childress, president and chief executive officer of Richard Childress Racing, regarding the announcement by Shell Oil Company that it will end its sponsorship of the #29 Shell-Pennzoil Chevy at the conclusion of the 2010 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series season: “Shell and Pennzoil have been great partners with Richard Childress Racing since our first race together, when Kevin Harvick and the #29 team won the Daytona 500 in 2007. I’m disappointed that our partnership will conclude at the end of the year but understand some of the reasons that went into their business decision. RCR will continue to provide Shell-Pennzoil the highest caliber program possible, keeping in sharp focus the ultimate goal of winning the 2010 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series championship. What this creates for RCR is the opportunity for a new partner to forge its own relationship and identity with Kevin Harvick and the championship-level team led by crew chief Gil Martin, our other race teams and drivers, and our other 35 partners. The #29 team has had only two primary sponsors since it began in 2001 but the number 3 has played a significant role at RCR for decades. We feel strongly that the third chapter of the #29 team’s partnership history will be a successful one.”(RCR)(4-21-2010)

Keselowski to the #2; Budweiser to RCR?: Kurt Busch has signed a multiyear extension with Penske Racing that includes moving from the #2 car with Miller Lite as his primary sponsor into the #22 with Shell/Pennzoil as the sponsor, team officials said on Wednesday. Brad Keselowski will move from Penske’s #12 car into the #2, with Miller Lite, which has been with the organization for 20 years, remaining the sponsor for the #2. Keselowski currently is sponsored by Verizon, but because of NASCAR’s exclusivity deal with Cup series sponsor Sprint, Verizon’s brand logo is not allowed on the car. “Brad is one of the hottest young drivers in NASCAR and we’re thrilled to welcome him to the Miller Lite Racing family,” said Andy England, chief marketing officer at MillerCoors. “Rarely in this sport are you presented with the opportunity to build a relationship with a top-tier driver at the start of his career.”

The addition of Shell/Pennzoil means that Mobil 1, a competing motor oil that sponsors Penske’s #77-Sam Hornish Jr., will not return in 2011. But Jonathon Gibson, the vice president of Penske Racing, said Penske is committed to remaining a three-car operation with Hornish in the third car. “We’ll be prepared to announce a new sponsorship deal for that car in the next few weeks or months,” Gibson said. “We’re very excited. For us to have the opportunity to bring in a great brand like Shell and extend our relationship with Miller puts us in a place where we can build for the future.”

Kevin Harvick, in the last year of his contract with Richard Childress Racing, is without a sponsor. Harvick is negotiating with RCR to find a new sponsor and stay with the company, according to a source. Harvick has been with RCR since he succeeded the late Dale Earnhardt in 2001. A source said discussions between RCR and Budweiser, in its last season with Richard Petty Motorsports’ #9-Kasey Kahne, have taken place. Kahne signed last week a deal with Hendrick Motorsports to replace Mark Martin in 2012 and drive a car to be determined by team owner Rick Hendrick in 2011.(ESPN.com)(4-21-2010)

Texas Facts and Notes:

• Denny Hamlin won the Samsung Mobile 500 at Texas Motor Speedway. It was Hamlin’s 10th series victory in his 159th start. He joins Jimmie Johnson as only the second multiple-race winner of the season. It was Hamlin’s first win at Texas in his 10th start there.

• Hamlin led once for the final 12 laps.

• With the victory, Hamlin moved from 18th to 11th in the Sprint Cup standings.

• Joe Gibbs Racing posted its 48th career Cup win overall and just its second win at Texas.

• It was Toyota’s first win at Texas. It was the manufacturer’s second victory in eight races this season.

• The top 10 consisted of four Chevrolets, three Toyotas, two Fords and one Dodge.

• Jimmie Johnson (second) has finished first or second in five of the past eight races at Texas. Johnson became the 14th driver in series history to surpass 10,000 laps led. Johnson leads the points by 108 over Matt Kenseth.

• Kyle Busch (third) scored his best finish of 2010.

• Kurt Busch (fourth) scored his third top-5 at Texas and in 2010.

• Kasey Kahne (fifth) broke a streak of three finishes outside the top 15.

• Greg Biffle (10th) has finished in the top 10 in seven of eight races in 2010, most of all drivers.

• Tony Stewart finished 32nd in his 400th career Cup race after winning his first pole in more than four years. Stewart led 74 laps.

• Jeff Gordon (31st) led a race-high 124 laps before being involved in a late-race wreck.

• Jeff Burton (12th) was running at the end of the race for the 500th time in 555 career races.

• There were 29 lead changes, tying the previous record set in 2000.(ESPN.com)(4-20-2010)

Reports: Pennzoil/Shell to leave RCR…to Penske?: Shell/Pennzoil is expected to leave Richard Childress Racing and driver #29-Kevin Harvick at the end of the season and will sponsor a car at Penske Racing – likely for 2004 Sprint Cup champion #2-Kurt Busch – beginning in 2011, according to sources familiar with the situation. An announcement concerning the Shell/Pennzoil sponsorship is expected to come Wednesday. According to sources, the leading candidate for the Pennzoil sponsorship is Busch, whose contract with Penske runs out at the end of this year but team owner Roger Penske has said he planned to pick up the option and just needed to negotiate terms with Busch. Busch’s current sponsor, Miller Lite, could move to #12-Brad Keselowski, whose car does not have sponsor logos but gets support from Verizon, which cannot be on the hood of a Sprint Cup car because of Sprint’s sponsorship of the series. With Shell/Pennzoil as a sponsor, that means that Mobil likely is going away since Mobil and Shell are competitors. Mobil sponsors Penske Cup driver #77-Sam Hornish Jr., a three-time Indy Racing League champion who has competed in Sprint Cup since 2008. Shell/Pennzoil has been with Harvick since 2007, while Busch has been the Miller Lite driver since 2006 [and Miller has been with Penske since 1991]. The departure of Shell/Pennzoil from RCR leaves that organization looking for a sponsor. Harvick’s contract expires at the end of this year. Team and sponsor representatives did not immediately return messages seeking comment (SceneDaily)

AND Richard Childress Racing has been informed that Shell-Pennzoil will not return to the organization in 2011 according to team sources. Sources say the Shell-Pennzoil brand will move to Penske Racing next season for a multi-year deal where it will enjoy a business-to-business relationship with both Penske Automotive Group and Dodge. PAG is the second largest publicly traded retailer in the U.S. and operates 316 retail automotive franchises. Shell-Pennzoil will also have a presence on Penske’s IndyCar Series cars. Kurt Busch is will drive the #22 Shell-Pennzoil Dodge in 2011. Busch was set to become a free agent at the end of the season, but this deal ensures he will stay at Penske beyond 2010. As a result, Busch will vacate the #2 Miller Lite Dodge. One scenario mentioned has Brad Keselowski moving into the ride.(FoxSports)(4-20-2010)

Tire testing at Indy, 14 teams to test UPDATE: there is a two-day Goodyear Tire test scheduled at Indianapolis Motor Speedway on Tuesday & Wednesday, April 20-21, 2010. Teams scheduled to test: #14-Stewart, #48-Johnson, #29-Harvick, #78-Smirh, #42-Montoya (Chevy’s); #17-Kenseth, #9-Kahne, #38-Conway (Ford’s); #12-Keselowski (Dodge); #18-Busch, #13-Papis, #00-Reutimann, #7-Gordon & #82-Speed (Toyota)(4-19/20-2010)

UPDATE: Fourteen NASCAR Sprint Cup teams tested Tuesday, April 20 at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway, preparing for the 17th annual Brickyard 400. Teams from each Sprint Cup manufacturer were on hand to rubber in the track and test different configurations with Goodyear tires and the new NASCAR-mandated spoiler that will be used during the Brickyard 400 on Sunday, July 25. The private testing continues on Wednesday, April 21. “It’s a little bit different feel,” Kyle Busch said of the new spoiler and tire combination. “I’m never really good here. This is a place I struggle at. We’re trying to get better and find something that really works for us. Right now, the tires are good.” Despite his self-proclaimed struggles, Busch expects the 2010 Brickyard 400 to feature the same strong competition as past years despite the new spoiler. “To me, it’s not much different than what we had here last year with the wing, so we’re working on just trying to get a better balance for me,” Busch said. Two-time Brickyard 400 winner Tony Stewart also was optimistic about the new spoiler and tire combination. “The spoiler is a little bit of a balance change,” Stewart said. “It’s not going to be a huge deal on the Goodyear side. It’s more for the team side of finding the balance and what they have to do.” And even with so many career starts at IMS and two Brickyard 400 victories, Stewart still loves to race at Indianapolis. “Oh, God, yeah,” Stewart said. “It’s a part of my life.”(IMS Site)(4-20-2010)

UPDATE: The test is scheduled to end Wednesday. There is no charge to attend, but spectators are restricted to the south end of the property near the Indianapolis Motor Speedway Hall of Fame Museum. Lap times will not be released, Speedway officials said.(Indianapolis Star)(4-20-2010)

New Ford engine to run at Talladega: Ford Racing’s ‘FR9’ engine will take another step toward full implementation this weekend as all cars under the Roush Fenway and Richard Petty Motorsports umbrella will be running the new piece at Talladega Superspeedway. This will mark the first points race in which a majority of Fords in the field will have the ‘FR9’. At Daytona, teams ran it in practice, qualifying and the Gatorade Duels, but only Bill Elliott, Matt Kenseth and Elliott Sadler ran it in the Daytona 500.(Ford Racing)(4-20-2010)

Gillette Fusion ProGlide Prelude to the Dream Date Announced: On Wednesday, June 9, the most celebrated dirt track in all of motorsports will host the Gillette Fusion ProGlide Prelude to the Dream. Eldora Speedway in Rossburg, Ohio, will once again be the site of the all-star dirt Late Model race featuring more than 25 world renowned drivers as they battle for dirt supremacy on the half-mile clay oval, all of which will be presented live to the entire nation on HBO Pay-Per-View® with proceeds from the telecast supporting four of the nation’s top children’s hospitals. The sixth annual event will be headlined by the Gillette Young Guns: Clint Bowyer, Kasey Kahne, Kyle Busch, Denny Hamlin, Carl Edwards and Joey Logano. All will join Tony Stewart, the two-time NASCAR Sprint Cup Series champion and owner of Eldora Speedway, and many others including fellow Sprint Cup champions Jimmie Johnson, Jeff Gordon and Matt Kenseth. All will pilot 2,300-pound dirt Late Model stock cars capable of putting out over 800 horsepower. Ordering information and up-to-the minute racing information is available at either www.PreludeToTheDream.org or www.HBO.com.(True Speed Communication/HBO), see more on my Racing Charities page.(4-20-2010)

Texas TV Ratings: Monday’s “make-up” NASCAR Sprint Cup Race from Texas averaged a 2.1/7 in the metered markets. That’s flat with the Martinsville Race (2.1/6) which also was a make-up race that aired on a Monday (3/29/2010). Yesterday’s 2.1/7 is a +50% increase over what FOX affiliates typically average in that window in April (1.4/4). Greensboro led all markets with a 6.3/16, followed by Dayton (5.2/14), Birmingham (5.1/12).

See past TV Ratings for the ratings and comparision chart on my 2010 TV Ratings page.(4-20-2010)

Budweiser to MWR? Michael Waltrip Racing’s Ty Norris was entertaining representatives from Budweiser this weekend at Texas. Norris has a history with Budweiser dating back to his Dale Earnhardt Inc. days when Budweiser was sponsoring the #8 Chevy. With Kasey Kahne parting ways wih Richard Petty Motorsports at the end of the season, it’s likely that Budweiser will be entertaining offers.(FoxSports)(4-20-2010)

Reutimann offered extension: David Reutimann has been offered a contract extension from Michael Waltrip Racing to continue driving the #00 Toyota. Reutimann, who has struggled this season with three engine failures – including Monday at Texas – says he’s been more interested in turning this season around rather than concentrating on the future. “This is my last year,” said Reutimann of his contract. “I haven’t talked to anyone else. The only people I’ve talked to is our own team. I really haven’t put the focus on what’s happening next year like I should because we’ve had a terrible start to the season.”(FoxSports)(4-20-2010)

#90 to run at Charlotte: Keyed Up Motorsports announced that the #90 Chevy will return to Sprint Cup action in the Coca Cola 600 at the Charlotte Motor Speedway [May 30th]. Keyed Up Motorsports team owner Raymond Key and crew chief Doug Richert decided to take off a few races to restructure the team and build focus on the remainder of the 2010 Season. The team announced that driver Scott Riggs will be behind the wheel at Charlotte. Keyed Up Motorsports has sponsorship opportunities available at this time.(Keyed Up Motorsports)(4-20-2010)

Kurt Busch to test at GMP: #2-Kurt Busch, crew chief Steve Addington and crew are expected to be testing again at Gresham Motorsports Park this week (Wednesday, April 21). They are scheduled to be testing their “PRS-709” Miller Lite Dodge Charger. That car debuted at Bristol on March 21 (led most laps and finished third) and will be raced again on May 1 at Richmond.(TRPR)(4-20-2010)

Stewart takes blame for Texas wreck: #14-Tony Stewart led five times for 74 laps in Monday’s rain-postponed Samsung Mobile 500 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series race at Texas Motor Speedway, but Stewart’s 400th career Sprint Cup start ended badly when he was involved in a late-race multi-car accident that left him with his first DNF (Did Not Finish) of 2010. Stewart, who started from the pole and led the race’s first 15 laps, was in sixth place on lap 312 of the 334-lap race when a caution came out for David Reutimann’s blown engine. When the lead lap cars pitted one lap later, Stewart and crew chief Darian Grubb elected to take only two tires along with the teams of Jeff Burton, Denny Hamlin, Dale Earnhardt Jr., Greg Biffle and Kyle Busch. Jimmie Johnson, Jeff Gordon and Matt Kenseth elected to take four tires, which put them behind the six drivers who opted only for right-side tires.
The race restarted on lap 317 with Burton leading, Stewart in second and Hamlin in third. Stewart fell back slightly and as he entered turn four, he and four-time Sprint Cup champion Jeff Gordon, who had restarted eighth, made contact and set off a wild, nine-car accident on the frontstretch. In addition to Stewart and Gordon, the wreck collected Joey Logano, Jamie McMurray, Clint Bowyer, Juan Pablo Montoya, A.J. Allmendinger, Paul Menard and Carl Edwards. The #14 Office Depot/Old Spice Chevy suffered heavy damage all the way around and was unable to continue, forcing Stewart to take his only finish outside the top-30 this season. The two-time Sprint Cup champion was checked and released from the Texas Motor Speedway infield medical center without injury. “I came off of (turn) four there and bounced off of Jeff’s (Gordon) right rear,” Stewart said. “It was just a pendulum and I lost it and got into his right rear, and then I got us to where neither one of us could get away from it. Somebody put me three-wide in (turns) one and two and that got me up to where I got a lot of junk on my tires and that started it. It was my fault. I feel bad about it, about doing something stupid like that. I didn’t plan on getting loose, but it is 100 percent my fault.” Following the accident, Stewart and Gordon spoke to each other after exiting their damaged racecars. “I think he (Gordon) was worried that I was going to be upset about it on his side,” Stewart said. “It wasn’t his fault, obviously. I got a chance to see it in the infield care center, it is definitely my fault. I apologize to all the teams and drivers that got caught up and their fans for it. We had a really good car there and just a shame that it happened.”(SHR)(4-20-2010)

Race and Commercial Breakdown of the 2010 Samsung Mobile 500 at Texas: For those of you NASCAR fans that like stats and love to hate commercials, or wonder how often your driver was focused on, here is the breakdown for Monday’s race. Fox was the broadcast team for this event.

Total number of commercials: 118

Total number of companies or entities advertised: 65

Total number of brief promos of products/services during the race broadcast: 52

Start time to record race/commercial periods: 12:01 PM

End time to record race/commercial periods: 4:04 PM

Total minutes: 243

Minutes of race broadcast: 182

Minutes of commercials: 61

Number of missed restarts: 0

Number of ‘mystery cautions’ (debris not shown): 0

‘Digger the Gopher Cam’ Sightings:

Animated Digger shots: 8; Still Digger shots: 0; Total: 8

Number of Digger shots not otherwise identified as such: 18

Total race brdcst time 182 Total comm. brdcst time 61

For more, stats, driver focus see my 2010 Commercials page.(4-20-2010)

See the full transcript of Kasey Kahne and Rick Hendrick discussing Hendrick Motorsports signing Kahne to drive for them in 2011 and/or 2012 on my Kahne – Hendrick transcript page

The Entry List for the Aaron’s 499 Sprint Cup Series race at Talladega SuperSpeedway is posted, 46 teams/drivers [for 43 spots] are listed, including:

Robert Richardson Jr. in the #37 Ford, Gilliland sits this week

Not in top 35 of owners points for the first five races in 2010:

#09-Mike Bliss (2009 race winner as owner, Talladega 11/2009)(46/8)

#7-Robby Gordon (36/8)

#13-Max Papis (37/8)

#26-David Stremme (2009 race winner as owner. Talladega 4/2009)(38/8)

#35-Aric Almirola (48/3)

#36-Johnny Sauter (39/8)

#46-Terry Cook (45/8)

#55-Michael Waltrip (42/8)

#66-Dave Blaney (41/8)

#87-Joe Nemechek (40/8)

#97-Jeff Fuller (56/1)

In the event qualifying is rained out or cancelled:

the eight who would make it [8]: #’s 26,09,7,13,36,87,66,55

missing the race would be [3]: #’s 46,35,97

See the full entry list at my Jayski’s Talladega Entry List.(4-19-2010)

Hamlin wins at Texas: #11-Denny Hamlin won the Samsung Mobile 500 Sprint Cup Series race at Texas Motor Speedway taking the lead with 12 laps to go after a mutli-car wreck caused a 19:13 red flag. It is Hamlin’s 2nd win of 2010, 1st at Texas and 10th of his career. Hamlin is the 16th driver to win a Sprint Cup Series race at Texas Motor Speedway. #48-Johnson was coming fast towards the end and finished 2nd, followed by #18-Busch, #2-Busch, #9-Kahne, #5-Martin, #29-Harvick, #88-Earnhardt Jr., #56-Truex Jr. and #16-Biffle. Only 13 cars finished on the lead lap after a late multi-car wreck late in the race took out #24-Gordon who led 124 laps and pole sitter #14-Stewart who led 74 laps, who finished 31st and 32nd respectfully. #48-Johnson increased his points lead to 108 points over #17-Kenseth. The top five drivers in points stay the same. There were 7 cautions for 32 laps [16:50 under caution], a red flag for 20:28 and 29 lead changes among 12 drivers.

See race results, awards, laps led and more on Jayski’s Texas Race Results/Awards page.(4-19-2010)

Race Fast Facts – Texas Motor Speedway:

#11-Denny Hamlin won the Samsung Mobile 500, his 10th victory in 159 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series races.

This is his second victory and second top-10 finish in 2010.

This is his first victory and seventh top-10 finish in ten races at Texas Motor Speedway. Hamlin has won three of the past four NSCS races run on a Monday including the last two; today and at Martinsville Speedway.

#48-Jimmie Johnson (second) posted his 10th top-10 finish in 14 races at Texas Motor Speedway. It is his sixth top-10 finish in 2010.

#18-Kyle Busch (third) posted his fifth top-10 finish in 11 races at Texas Motor Speedway.

#38-Kevin Conway (27th) was the highest finishing rookie.

Jimmie Johnson leads the point standings by 108 points over Matt Kenseth.(NASCAR Statistics)(4-19-2010)

2010 Sprint Cup Driver Points Standings:

[after Texas, race 8 of 36]:

rank, car#, driver, points, behind

1) #48-Jimmie Johnson, [3 wins] 1248

2) #17-Matt Kenseth, 1140, -108

3) #16-Greg Biffle, 1120, -128

4) #29-Kevin Harvick, 1107, -141

5) #24-Jeff Gordon, 1028, -220

6) #18-Kyle Busch, 1020, -228

7) #88-Dale Earnhardt Jr., 1013, -235

8) #31-Jeff Burton, 1005, -243

9) #2-Kurt Busch [1 win], 999, -249

10) #5-Mark Martin, 994, -254

11) #11-Denny Hamlin [2 wins], 973, -275

12) #99-Carl Edwards, 942, – 306

Chase for the Sprint Cup – Contenders:

13) #20-Joey Logano, 941, 1 point out of the chase

14) #14-Tony Stewart, 941, -1

15) #33-Clint Bowyer, 940, -2

2009 Chaser Drivers not in top 15

16) #39-Ryan Newman [1 win], 932, -11

19) #83-Brian Vickers, 835, -107

22) #9-Kasey Kahne, 821, -121

24) #42-Juan Montoya, 789, -153

See standings on Jayski’s Drivers Points Standings page.(4-19-2010)

Top-35 in Owner Points and guaranteed a starting spot at Talladega:

Changes: #34-Kvapil finished 24th at Texas and is 34th and has a guaranteed spot at Talladega, #37-Gilliland drops to 35th, 1 points ahead of #7-Gordon, who finished 26th and dropped to 36th and will have to qualify by speed

31) #78-Smith/Furniture Row: 680, +67

32) #71-Labonte/Buckler: 680, +67

33) #38-Conway/Front Row: 628, +15

34) #34-Kvapil/Front Row: 617, +4

35) #37-Gilliland/Front Row: 614, 1 point ahead of 36th

these teams/ drivers must qualify by speed:

36) #7-Gordon/RGM/BAM: 613, 1 point out of 35th

37) #13-Papis/Germain: 458, -156

38) #26-Stremme/Latitude43: 457, -157

39) #36-Sauter/Baldwin: 445, -169

The teams are NOT locked in past the next race as the owners points change after each race.

For the owner points standings, see my Owners Points Standings page.(4-19-2010)

Lucky Dogs – Who got a lap back on each caution at Texas: (and their finish)

Caution 1: #37-Gilliland, 29th

Caution 2: #34-Kvapil, 24th

Caution 3: #12-Keselowski, 14th

Caution 4: #32-Sorenson, 39th

Caution 5: #39-Newman, 11th

Caution 6: #39-Newman (2), 11th

Caution 7: NONE as the drivers up for it caused the caution

(4-19-2010)

Penalty Report – Texas:

Car#, Lap, Reason, Penalty

20, Pre-Race to the rear, tail end, engine change

83, 78, Pitting before pit road is open, tail end

21, 82, Running the stop and go sign/light, 1 lap

83, 100, Pitting before pit road is open, tail end

77, 112, Pitting before pit road is open, tail end

77, 112, Excessive speed ENTERING pits, tail end

31, 113, Commitment Line Violation, tail end

00, 311, Pitting before pit road is open, tail end

43, 317, Pitting before pit road is open, tail end

99, 317, Pitting before pit road is open, tail end

20, 317, Pitting before pit road is open, tail end

99, 317, Pulling up to pit, 1 lap

20, 317, Pulling up to pit, 1 lap

(NASCAR Statistics)(4-19-2010)

Allmendinger has made no decision on 2011: #43-AJ Allmendinger says he’s had discussions with management about his future with Richard Petty Motorsports, but no decision has been made for 2011. With Kasey Kahne’s defection from RPM at the end of the season, signing Allmedinger, 28, should be at the top CEO Foster Gillett’s to-do list — if he can pull it off.. Although Allmendinger’s been pleased with the progress the outfit has made this season, there’s still work to do. Still, from Allmendinger’s perspective, “morale’s high.”

“It’s only race seven or eight but as long as I do my job and make the sponsors happy, I don’t think I’ll have anything to worry about,” Allmendinger said. “Everything will work out. If you talk to Foster or talk to George (Gillett, team owner), there’s still a lot we have to talk through. But when it comes to sports, there’s the trickle down effect. The first big move was made but no one expected that to start in April. We know every weekend we are getting better as a race team. (Crew chief) Mike Shiplett and my whole group on that (No. 43 team) are learning from each other every week, and I think we’re getting better.”(FoxSports)(4-19-2010)

Kahne to run military scheme in Coke 600 and Coke Zero 400: Kasey Kahne made quite a few headlines this week after announcing his ownership change for 2012. But, on Friday night, Kahne avoided any of those questions and headed down to Fort Hood to spend time with members in the U.S. Armed Forces. At the event, Kahne unveiled a new Armed Forces paint scheme for his #9 Budweiser Ford with red camouflage and a ‘Budweiser Is Proud To Serve Those Who Serve’ decal on the hood. It is part of Budweiser’s partnership with the USO to honor the country’s service men and women. Kahne will run the die-cast car during the May 30 race at Charlotte Motor Speedway and the July 3 race at Daytona International Speedway. TMS also took care of the Fort Hood soldiers, giving away 500 tickets for today’s Samsung 500.(Dallas Morning News)

AND From the Budweiser website:as we support America’s troops by donating $250,000 to the USO’s Operation Enduring Care. From May 1 to June 30, when you buy this Kasey Kahne Armed Forces die-cast car, you aid in that effort. This summer, Budweiser and Kasey Kahne salute those who serve, protect and defend our country at home and abroad. Be part of the excitement as Kasey drives a special Armed Forces car in two major races, in advance of holidays that commemorate our freedom and remember those who died to protect that freedom. This 1:24 scale die-cast racecar is an exact replica of the 2010 Budweiser Armed Forces Ford Fusion Kasey will drive in races at Charlotte May 30 and Daytona July 3. It features the Budweiser “Proud to Serve Those Who Serve” logo across the hood and the USO logo on the roll bar. A portion of your purchase price of this exceptional die-cast model goes to support the USO. And, at Daytona on July 3, Kasey himself will present Budweiser’s $250,000 check to the USO., see images of the scheme on the #9 Teams Schemes page.(4-19-2010)

Childress in talks with Harvick, no Kahne: Richard Childress is still in talks with #29-Kevin Harvick in hopes of keeping him with Richard Childress Racing in 2011. Childress doesn’t expect his 2011 driver lineup to include Kasey Kahne. Rick Hendrick has signed Kahne for 2011 but must find him a ride in a Chevrolet for one season before Kahne takes over the Hendrick Motorsports #5 car in 2012. Aside from #2-Kurt Busch, who is expected to re-sign with Penske Racing, Harvick is the most accomplished free agent driver available for next year as the 10-year veteran has 11 career victories. “Kevin and I are working hard together to stay together,” Childress said Sunday prior to the Samsung Mobile 500 at Texas Motor Speedway. “Our plan right now is to stay together and our plan right now is to be together. Anything can change, but right now we’re planning on racing together. We’ve been talking. We haven’t signed nothing yet. But we’re definitely talking in the right direction for him to be a big part of RCR and [keeping Kevin Harvick Inc.] all together.” Sponsor Shell/Pennzoil also is up for renewal. “They’re doing their [request for proposals] and we’ll see where that comes out,” Childress said. As far as whether he could expand his operation back to four teams, Childress said the key is managing growth and that the organization would need to make sure it is ready for a four-car team. He doesn’t anticipate signing Kahne to fill any open ride.(SceneDaily)(4-19-2010)

Gibbs could not commit to fourth Cup team: Joe Gibbs wouldn’t get into the reasons, but he said Friday night that it just wasn’t feasible for JGR to currently commit to a fourth Sprint Cup team when he was asked about Kasey Kahne signing with Hendrick Motorsports. Gibbs thinks that Kahne knows where he’s racing in 2011 even though Hendrick announced Wednesday that his plans for 2011 are uncertain before he takes over the #5 car in 2012. “I am going to have to say he’s not in limbo,” Gibbs said prior to being inducted into the Texas Motorsports Hall of Fame. “I would say there’s been a decision made of what’s going to happen there.” The decision doesn’t include JGR, which had made a strong run at Kahne but couldn’t get the package done before Kahne made the decision to sign with Hendrick. “It’s extremely hard to put together something where you’re trying to put together right sponsor, right driver,” Gibbs said. “That’s part of life in what you do here. You try to craft things as best you can for your race team. We’ve probably been the most cautious of adding a fourth team among the big teams.”(SceneDaily)(4-19-2010)

Parts confiscated from #13 and #47 teams UPDATE: NASCAR confiscated the lower radiator pans from Max Papis’ #13 Toyota and Marcos Ambrose’s #47 Toyota during post-qualifying Sprint Cup Series inspection. The pans are considered “unapproved ballast weight mounting” according to Sprint Cup Series Director John Darby and is in violation of NASCAR Rule 20-2.3 (added car weight). Darby said the violation could carry a penalty. The piece confiscated on the #13 Toyota was 45.2-pounds, while the #47 Toyota’s pan weighed 25.7 pounds. One crew chief who was observing the steel pieces in the NASCAR hauler after they were confiscated said the pans “should weigh a couple of pounds at best” and be composed of one-eighth inch aluminum. Frank Kerr, crew chief of the #47 Toyota said it was the same radiator pan the team has used all season. “We asked the inspectors when we first put it on the car at California if it was ‘OK’ and they said it was ‘on the edge, but OK.’ There hasn’t been any question about the piece until now.”(FoxSports)(4-17-2010)

UPDATE: The long steel pieces also were installed in an unapproved mounting location, according to the tags on the parts which were on display in the NASCAR hauler. “We’ll know a lot more how NASCAR views these pans [next week],” said Michael Waltrip Racing Executive Vice President Cal Wells, whose organization builds the cars for Ambrose and Papis. “We’ll have to wait and see. NASCAR likes to have parts submitted if you have got something new or different. I believe there was some confusion on what should or shouldn’t be submitted. … In this particular case what we designed was a modular piece that holds a radiator, the pan up front and the duct work and a host of different things. There’s no intent to do anything [around the rules]. We’ll see what they decide to do.”(SceneDaily)(4-19-2010)

Fox to offer extended post-race coverage online UPDATE not allowed : Fox will offer extended post-race coverage of NASCAR with an online program beginning this weekend at Texas Motor Speedway.
The Overdrive on FoxSports.com will begin immediately after the network ends its broadcast coverage of Sunday’s Sprint Cup race. The program will use Fox’s entire nine-person broadcasting crew and consist of live interviews and analysis that will be streamed to its Web site. “It’s something we should have been doing all along,” Bill Brown, senior producer for Fox Sports. “It’s definitely a can’t lose, especially when you take into account what the audience wants to see. We are trying to take care of an audience that has invested four hours into the race, wants more, and we can give them more.”
Brown said the idea for an online show had been previously discussed, but network executives realized the immediate need for extended programming following Saturday night’s broadcast at Phoenix International Raceway. Viewers who tuned in for the 3 hours, 48 minutes then received only a brief post-race show of interviews with just the top three finishers. The broadcast ran 50 minutes past its allotted time, and Fox took two commercial breaks after the checkered flag that totaled almost seven minutes. It left no time to follow-up with Denny Hamlin, who received considerable coverage for racing just 10 days after knee surgery. The network also didn’t offer any coverage of Kyle Busch, who lost the race because of a late caution. Fox officials said Busch declined to be interviewed, but viewers were not informed of his unwillingness to speak. Brown said Fox will not set a hard time on how long The Overdrive will run since it will be dictated by storylines. He said all four pit reporters will pursue drivers, crew chiefs and owners for live interviews, mediated by studio hosts Chris Myers and Jeff Hammond. The broadcast booth of Mike Joy, Darrell Waltrip and Larry McReynolds will also stay to contribute to the production.(Associated Press)(4-16-2010)

UPDATE: Fox’s plan for extended post-race NASCAR coverage in an online program was wiped out even before Sunday’s race at Texas got postponed by rain.
“Unfortunately, due to contractual limitations that we had hoped to overcome, FOX Sports is unable to extend its post-race coverage on FOXSports.com,” Fox said in a statement Sunday. “Since this would have been a commercial-free undertaking, our goal was simply to have all parties agree that this would only benefit NASCAR fans, but obviously that didn’t happen.” Turner Sports owns online video rights to NASCAR content and operates NASCAR.com. In response to Fox, Turner issued its own statement Sunday touting its in-depth coverage on NASCAR.com going into and following each race. NASCAR spokesman Ramsey Poston said Fox and Turner have contracts with NASCAR that “serve our fans very well.”

“We expect our partners to respect and abide by the rights that are in place,” Poston said. “FOX provides excellent coverage of the race on broadcast and NASCAR.com provides 24-7 coverage including a significant amount of content postrace.”(ESPN/AP)(4-19-2010)

Races postponed until Monday: the Sprint Cup Series and Nationwide Series races have been postponed until Monday, April 19th, with the Samsung Mobile 500 Sprint Cup Series race at Texas Motor Speedway rescheduled to start at 12:00noon/et [11:00am/local time] and the Nationwide Series race scheduled for 5:00pm/et. FOX will televise the Sprint Cup race live and ESPN2 will cover the Nationwide race live with PRN and Sirius covering the races on radio.

There is supposedly a competition caution 25 laps into the Samsung Mobile 500 Sprint Cup Series race unless the is a caution before, so teams can make adjustments and check tires. For more weather links and information see the Texas Race Info Page – Weather Link section.

WEATHER FORECAST UPDATE: for the Fort Worth/Justin TX area on Monday, April 19th is much better then the mess on Sunday. Cloudy. High 66F. Winds NE at 5 to 10 mph.(4-18-2010)

Notice from TMS: A persistent rain, coupled with an ominous forecast for the remainder of the day, has forced the postponement of Sunday’s Samsung Mobile 500 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series race and O’Reilly Auto Parts 300 Nationwide Series event until Monday at Texas Motor Speedway. The Samsung Mobile 500 will begin at 11:00am/ct [12noon/et] and will be followed by the O’Reilly Auto Parts 300 at 4:00pm/ct. Fans holding tickets for either race will be allowed to enjoy both events. The Samsung Mobile 500 will be broadcast live on FOX while the O’Reilly Auto Parts 300 will be shown live on ESPN2.

“It was the fan friendly thing to do in terms of allowing our fans with either ticket to stay for both races,” Texas Motor Speedway President Eddie Gossage said. “The weather has inconvenienced all of them and for those who are able to stay they may as well enjoy 801 miles (501-mile Samsung Mobile 500, 300-mile O’Reilly Auto Parts 300) of NASCAR racing. We expect to accommodate all of those ticketholders and are optimistic that they will respect each other and find a nearby seat if they have the identical one.” The only time in the 14-year history of Texas Motor Speedway that a NASCAR event had to be run on Monday occurred in 2002. The Samsung/RadioShack 500 was run on April 8, 2002 and was won by #17-Matt Kenseth.

The gates will open at 9:00am/ct. The Sprint Cup and Nationwide Series garages, track credential office and TMS ticket office all will open at 8:00am/ct. The credential office will close at 11:00am/ct. Fans looking to purchase tickets for this unique NASCAR doubleheader can do so at the TMS ticket office, starting as low as $91. For those requiring additional ticket information, please contact the TMS ticket office at (817) 215-8500.(TMS PR)(4-19-2010)

Some Track Dryers Facts:

8 ServiceMaster Clean jet dryers in use today to dry 1.5-mile Texas Motor Speedway oval

50 minutes – amount of time ServiceMaster Clean jet dryer will operate on full tank of fuel

150 minutes — minimum time needed to dry a 1.5-mile track after a significant rainfall

175 gallons of fuel needed to fill the tank of a ServiceMaster Clean jet dryer

4,500 ServiceMaster Clean franchise locations around the world

20,000 gallons of jet fuel available on Texas Motor Speedway premises for use in track drying efforts.(ServiceMaster)(4-18-2010)

See the full transcript of Kasey Kahne and Rick Hendrick discussing Hendrick Motorsports signing Kahne to drive for them in 2011 and/or 2012 on my Kahne – Hendrick transcript page

Special Forces scheme for Gordon: The National Guard will honor Special Forces on the hood of the #24 Chevy this weekend at Texas. The Army National Guard Special Forces is an unconventional combat arms organization filled with trained, seasoned professional Soldiers that receive some of the best training in the Army National Guard. Special Forces Soldiers are carefully selected and among the most versatile Special Operations Soldiers in the World. Visit www.NATIONALGUARD.com/JeffGordon to learn more.(HMS) see images of the scheme on my #24 Team Schemes page.(4-18-2010)

Blue colors for Martin at Texas: The blue and black colors of Hendrickcars.com return to the #5 Hendrick Motorsports Chevy of Mark Martin this week. Hendrickcars.com has up to 5,000 top quality used cars online with up to 90 photos, videos, free CARFAX reports and manufacturer-certified used vehicles. It’s a quick, easy and affordable way to buy the best used car (HMS), see images of the scheme on my #5 Team Schemes page.(4-18-2010)

Dale Jr’s 2nd nightclub opens: #88-Dale Earnhardt’s Whisky River nightclub has opened its second location, this one in Jacksonville, Fla. The newest location opened for business last week and will start its grand opening celebration this weekend. The club is located at The Markets at Town Center, which is adjacent to St. Johns Town Center. Open for both lunch and dinner, patrons can eat, drink, listen to a mixture of rock and country music and even ride a mechanical bull.(HMS)(4-18-2010)

Interstate Batteries back on the #18: Along with the familiar Interstate Batteries green on Kyle Busch’s Toyota this weekend, special logos will adorn the #18 Toyota promoting “I am Second,” an Internet-driven outreach tool (www.iamsecond.com) supported by market-exclusive advertising campaigns featuring video testimonies of hope, inspiration and transformation by individuals from all walks of life, based on their personal faith journeys. Interstate Batteries Chairman Norm Miller, a key supporter of the project that includes participants such as American Idol contestant Jason Castro, former Korn band member Brian “Head” Welch and Texas Rangers All-Star Josh Hamilton. Since the site launched in December 2008, I am Second has had nearly 1 million unique visitors from 191 countries. Dallas-based e3 Partners Ministry, which created I am Second, has complemented the Web site with creative, targeted billboard, TV and radio media buys and kiosk advertising in the Dallas-Fort Worth area, and plans to expand the campaign into other markets later this fall.(JGR), see images of the scheme on my #18 Team Schemes page.(4-18-2010)

Nemechek has sponsor for Texas: during Friday’s Sprint Cup practice for the Samsumg Mobile 500 at Texas Motor Speedway, it was mentoned and shown that #87-Joe Nemechek has a sponsor on the hood of the #87 Toyota. Crosby Roofing, a Texas based “full service” roofing company that handle everything from a new roof installation, restoration and maintenance to re-roofs and repairs. More info about Crosby Roofing at crosbyroofingusa.com.(4-18-2010)

NHL star Modano to drive pace car at Texas: Dallas Stars center Mike Modano, the leading American-born goal scorer and points producer in NHL history, will be honored by Texas Motor Speedway by receiving the rare opportunity to drive the official pace car that will lead the 43-car field to the green flag for Sunday’s Samsung Mobile 500 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series race. Traditionally, honored race guests such as Modano get the chance to ride in the lead pace car or drive a secondary pace vehicle, but NASCAR has granted Texas Motor Speedway special permission for Modano to wheel the 2010 Chevrolet Camaro pace car that will lead the Sprint Cup Series field to the green flag. NASCAR’s customary pace car driver Brett Bodine, a former Sprint Cup Series driver, will provide Modano with a mandatory on-track orientation prior to the race. Modano is only the second celebrity in the 14-year history of Texas Motor Speedway to be given the honor of leading the field. The first was movie star Vince Vaughn, who paced the field to the green flag for the Dickies 500 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series race in November of 2007.(TMS)(4-18-2010)

Rain causes problem at Texas: BOTH Saturday Practices for the Samsung Mobile 500 Sprint Cup Series race at Texas Motor Speedway were canceled Saturday due to rain.(4-17-2010)

Pit Stall Selections – Texas: The selections of pit stalls for the Samsung 500 Sprint Cup Series race at Texas Motor Speedway have been made. Pole sitter #14-Stewart chose pit stall 1 [as do most pole sitters].

Outside pole sitter #77-Hornish Jr., took stall 14, the first with an opening in front of it [after the 1st stall of course].

#16-Biffle, who starts 3rd took the 13th pit stall, the first stall with an opening behind it.

The 43rd and final pit stall was taken by #31-Burton, who starts 6th.

To see where all the drivers/teams pit stall is, see the pit selection chart on the Terxas Pit Stall Selection chart.(4-17-2010)

Parts confiscated from #13 and #47 teams: NASCAR confiscated the lower radiator pans from Max Papis’ #13 Toyota and Marcos Ambrose’s #47 Toyota during post-qualifying Sprint Cup Series inspection. The pans are considered “unapproved ballast weight mounting” according to Sprint Cup Series Director John Darby and is in violation of NASCAR Rule 20-2.3 (added car weight). Darby said the violation could carry a penalty. The piece confiscated on the #13 Toyota was 45.2-pounds, while the #47 Toyota’s pan weighed 25.7 pounds. One crew chief who was observing the steel pieces in the NASCAR hauler after they were confiscated said the pans “should weigh a couple of pounds at best” and be composed of one-eighth inch aluminum. Frank Kerr, crew chief of the #47 Toyota said it was the same radiator pan the team has used all season. “We asked the inspectors when we first put it on the car at California if it was ‘OK’ and they said it was ‘on the edge, but OK.’ There hasn’t been any question about the piece until now.”(FoxSports)(4-17-2010)

Gossage not a fan of start-and-parkers: Texas Motor Speedway president Eddie Gossage said the so-called start-and-park teams in each NASCAR race are “stealing money” and steps should be taken to stop them. A few teams enter Sprint Cup events each week with no intention of running the entire event. Some of them don’t even have a pit crew or extra tires. They qualify for the race, run a few laps and park the car to collect the large purse money. “The start-and-parkers are simply stealing,” Gossage said Saturday. “I don’t blame them for finding the loophole, but they are going to steal a half a million dollars here tomorrow [in the Samsung Mobile 500] of our money. “They add nothing to the show, not one darn thing. They’re stealing. I want real racers, but they’re not racing.” Gossage pointed specifically to the #66 Toyota owned by Phil Parsons. The team has competed in six Cup events this season. The car finished 41st or worse in five races, completing less than 20 percent of the laps in those events. “NASCAR has an obligation to the fans to not allow this,” Gossage said. “People are stealing in broad daylight in front of 150,000 fans in the grandstands and millions of people watching at home.” Gossage has two suggestions for eliminating the problem: Reduce the Cup field from 43 to 36 cars (the last seven finishers a year ago at TMS made over $580,000 total), or change the way purse money is distributed. “Last place here Sunday is going to pay about $85,000,” Gossage said. “That should be $10,000 and the rest of that money should go to the top finishers.”(ESPN)(4-17-2010)

Kyle Busch going for Nationwide record: Kyle Busch, driver of the #18 Z-Line Designs/Conn’s Toyota Camry for Joe Gibbs Racing in the Nationwide Series, has won four consecutive NASCAR Nationwide Series races at Texas Motor Speedway, and the “Drive for Five” will take place during Saturday’s O’Reilly 300 at Texas Motor Speedway. In the four victories, Busch led a combined 657 of 800 laps available to him, meaning he has been at the point for 82% of the Nationwide Series circuits conducted at Texas since 2008. Only two other drivers – Jack Ingram and Dale Earnhardt – have won five consecutive Nationwide Series races at one track. Ingram, the 1982 and 1985 Nationwide Series champion, won at South Boston Speedway in July 1985 and then won four more races at the .357-mile oval in southern Virginia in April, May, June and July of 1986. Earnhardt won the February Nationwide Series event at Daytona every year from 1990 to 1994.(JGR)(4-17-2010)

Gillette says RPM will recover from losing Kahne: Foster Gillett, the managing partner of Richard Petty Motorsports and son of team owner George Gillett Jr., said Friday the team will recover from #9-Kasey Kahne’s decision to leave RPM after this year and sign with Hendrick Motorsports. Gillett said he knows Kahne’s departure, along with some financial difficulties his family is experiencing, have caused doubts about RPM’s future. “Many people last year were saying the same thing,” Gillett said. “You know what? We’re still here. We survived and thrived and we’ll do it again. When change like this happens, it opens up opportunities for others. We are focusing on the opportunities we have more than what we lose.” The move leaves RPM in limbo after losing its star driver. The other three drivers for RPM — #43-AJ Allmendinger, #98-Paul Menard and #19-Elliott Sadler — also have contracts that expire at the end of 2010. “It’s a work in progress next season for our driver lineup,” Gillett said. “That’s not a secret. We are working to have the best drivers we can. Richard preaches to us to focus on building the best race cars we can and we’ll have sponsors and drivers.”
Gillett said he hopes to keep Budweiser, which sponsors Kahne’s car. “My family has a wonderful relationship with Anheuser Busch,” Gillett said. “We will put out a maximum effort to keep them. If they ask me to run through this wall, I’ll do it.” George Gillett is in the process of restructuring a $90 million debt on a loan that’s in default. The Gillett family also is trying to sell its interest in the Liverpool soccer team of the English Premier League. “It’s no secret that my family is looking at all our options and doing all we can,” Foster Gillett said. “The more liquidity we have, the better it is for NASCAR. This is a process we’re trying to go through. We’re nearing closure on that and I think good news is ahead. We’ve made a number of enormous changes to get better. I really believe in what we’ve done.” Gillett had good things to say about Kahne and believes the No. 9 team will race well the rest of the season. Kahne ranks 26th in the standings, but made the Chase last year.
“We are focused more on what we can do while we have him,” Gillett said. “A lot of teams would take a 30-race contract with Kasey. He’s one of the best guys in the sport and we are honored to have him. I know what a gentleman Kasey is. He’s a quality person and he has great ability as a race car driver. If you give him great equipment he’ll go win, and I believe we have a championship-caliber team in the 9. I know Kasey will do his best to uphold all his commitments.” Gillett emphasized that he and his father are committed to NASCAR for the long haul. “My family made a choice to be in NASCAR,” he said. “We’ve learned some hard lessons and I have to take responsibility for how things have gone. We’ve had some hardships, but we’ve gone through worse.”(ESPN.com)(4-17-2010)

Kyle Busch to run a M&M’s Pretzel scheme: Kyle Busch is scheduled to run a #18 M&M Pretzel Special the All Star Challenge and Coca Cola 600 at Charlotte Motor Speedway in May. See am image of the scheme on my #18 Team Schemes page…mmmm, m&m’s AND pretzels.

At the 2009 NACS show, Mars Snackfood US unveiled its M&M’s Pretzel Chocolate Candies, which combine sweet and salty in every bite-size piece. M&M’s Pretzel Chocolate Candies are kosher certified and feature a crunchy, salted pretzel center covered in M&M’s brand milk chocolate and coated in a colorful candy shell. The product will be available in May 2010.(4-17-2010)

Kahne going retro at Richmond: #9-Kasey Kahne is scheduled to run a Budweiser Retro Throw Back Special at Richmond International Raceway in May. See am image of the scheme on my #9 Team Schemes page.(4-17-2010)

Gibbs, Busch, Gordon, Ambrose, Yates, Sturbin honored at TMHoF: Joe Gibbs joined yet another hall of fame as the three-time Super Bowl-winning coach and Pro Football Hall of Famer became the newest member of the Texas Motorsports Hall of Fame during Friday evening’s gala at The Speedway Club at Texas Motor Speedway. Gibbs was honored along with Kyle Busch, Jeff Gordon, Marcos Ambrose, Robert Yates and veteran motorsports journalist John Sturbin. Gibbs joins previous inductees A.J. Foyt (2003), Johnny Rutherford (2003), Terry Labonte (2004), Lee Shepherd (2004), Kenny Bernstein (2005), Jim Hall (2005), Eddie Hill (2006), Mark Martin (2007), Jim McElreath (2007), Bobby Labonte (2008) and Bruton Smith (2008) into the Texas Motorsports Hall of Fame. Gibbs, a five-time winner as car owner at Texas Motor Speedway, has carried his success from the National Football League to NASCAR. Since Joe Gibbs Racing opened its doors in 1992 he has led the organization to two three NASCAR Sprint Cup Series championships (2000, ’02, ’05) and most recently won his first Nationwide Series championship last year with Kyle Busch.
Gibbs’ championship driver, Busch, was honored as Texas Motor Speedway’s Racer of the Year. Busch became the first Nationwide Series drivers to win four consecutive races at “The Great American Speedway!” last year after. The honor came on the strength of Busch’s performance during last November’s Dickies 500 weekend as he nearly became the first driver in NASCAR history to win three
national series events on the same weekend. He captured his first career truck series victory at Texas Motor Speedway in the WinStar World Casino 350k and followed with a victory in the O’Reilly Challenge Nationwide Series race the following day. Busch came up two laps short in his bid for history as he ran out of fuel on Lap 332 of the 334-lap Dickies 500 Sprint Cup Series race, relinquishing his lead to older brother Kurt.

A pair of NASCAR’s most respected drivers, Ambrose and Gordon, received the Texas Motor Speedway Sportsmanship Award. Ambrose has continued to climb up the NASCAR ranks since making the jump from V8 Supercars in Australia. He has proven to be the consummate professional both on and off the track. Gordon, winner of 82 career Sprint Cup Series races, was honored for his
accomplishments off the track. Gordon has continued to help the lives of ill children through the Jeff Gordon Foundation which he established in 1999. Since then he has gone on to help raise more than $10 million for children facing critical illness. The award was just one of two on the evening for Gordon, as he received the 2009 Fan Choice Award presented by 1310 The Ticket. The award, award for to the top racing moment at Texas Motor Speedway, was voted on by the fans. The three moments included Gordon’s first career victory at Texas Motor Speedway during last April’s Samsung 500; Helio Castroneves’ third career victory at Texas Motor Speedway during the Bombardier Learjet 550k; and Jimmie Johnson’s early-lap wreck in the Dickies 500 that changed the complexion of the championship race. More than 10,000 fans casted their vote at www.texasmotorspeedway.com and the overwhelming winner was Gordon.

Yates was awarded this year’s Bruton Smith Legend Award. The legendary engine builder and owner of Yates Racing put together a championship-caliber organization from 1989 to 2009. During that span Yates earned a Sprint Cup Series championship in 1999 to go along with 57 career Sprint Cup Series victories, including a pair at Texas Motor Speedway. Yates’ son, Doug, accepted the award on his father’s behalf and said his father has provided him with some valuable lessons.

Veteran motorsports journalist John Sturbin was recognized for his contributions to auto racing with the Excellence in Motorsports Journalism award. Sturbin, longtime motorsports reporter for the Fort Worth Star-Telegram, has covered racing for more than 35 years and continues to cover the sport as senior writer for racintoday.com.

The Texas Motorsports Hall of Fame ceremony benefits Speedway Children’s Charities-Texas Chapter. Since the organization was established in 1997 it has raised more than $6.7 million in funding, including a record $1 million in grants the previous two years. The funds generated help non-profit organizations in the four North Texas counties it serves – Collin, Dallas, Denton and Tarrant.(TMS)(4-17-2010)

NASCAR Sponsors Join Forces To Ramp Up Largest Recycling Program In Professional Sports: As the world prepares for the 40th anniversary of Earth Day on April 22, NASCAR announced an expansion to its event recycling program, which began one year ago in collaboration with Coca-Cola Recycling, and is already the largest in sports. The NASCAR industry, which recycled more than 80 tons and 2.5 million containers in the 2009 season through working with Coca-Cola Recycling, will expand bottle and can recycling from the grandstands, concourse, suites and garage to the campgrounds, while also including cardboard and ink cartridge recycling. With Office Depot, Coors Light and UPS joining NASCAR’s recycling program and working with Coca-Cola Recycling, it is anticipated approximately 100 tons of material (including over three million containers) from NASCAR race tracks will be diverted from landfills and recycled next year.

Office Depot is underwriting the overall program at the sport’s Earth Day celebration at Texas Motor Speedway, and piloting an ink and toner cartridge recycling program at track for the first time. Recycling bins for cartridges will be located at the #14 Office Depot/Old Spice merchandise haulers in the fan Midway area at Texas Motor Speedway, as well as in the infield media center. Through the Office Depot ink and toner recycling program, more than 40 million ink and toner cartridges have been returned since the program began in 1993.

At Texas Motor Speedway, Office Depot will serve as the lead partner on overall race weekend green efforts focused on recycling in collaboration with Coca-Cola Recycling and neutralizing carbon emissions. Office Depot will match the tree donation by NASCAR in the NASCAR Green Clean Air initiative, which plants 10 trees for every green flag that drops in the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series race in the local area to neutralize the carbon produced by the event’s on-track action. Additionally, Office Depot, along with Coca-Cola Recycling, will have co-branding on all NASCAR recycling elements at the track in Texas, including special locations for ink cartridge recycling. The Office Depot show car program in the local area will also promote recycling to fans, including race ticket giveaways providing an incentive for fans to “grow greener.”

Coors Light will be working with Coca-Cola Recycling to begin piloting a recycling program in the campgrounds that in 2010 will launch at Chicagoland Speedway. Campgrounds recycling, a critical component for the sport’s waste reduction-efforts since approximately one third of recyclable material at the track comes from the campgrounds, is planned to eventually expand to the entire circuit. Coca-Cola, the official soft drink of NASCAR, will continue to facilitate all at-track recycling through collaboration of its Coca-Cola Recycling division with Office Depot, Coors Light on campgrounds recycling, and UPS for cardboard recycling.

UPS will be piloting a new at-track cardboard recycling initiative in 2010. Track-wide cardboard recycling, including the merchandise row and food service areas that are contributing the majority of waste cardboard sent from the track to landfills, will begin as a pilot at five NASCAR Sprint Cup Series tracks this season. Nearly 50% of recyclable material at track is composed of cardboard and paper, with the majority of cardboard from merchandise row, as well as the hospitality village, suites and garage areas.(NASCAR)(4-17-2010)

ExtenZe Racing Honorary Crew Chief for Texas named: When a small plane was intentionally crashed into an Austin, Texas, building that housed Internal Revenue Service offices, Robin De Haven was on the scene and rushed to aid people stranded in the raging inferno. For his bravery, 28-year-old De Haven has been named an ‘ExtenZe Local Hero’ and will be the ExtenZe Racing Honorary Crew Chief at the upcoming Texas Motor Speedway NASCAR Sprint Cup weekend. It was Feb. 18 and De Haven, a window-glass repairman, was on his way to a job site when he saw a plane flying uncomfortably low. The plane soon disappeared and thick, black smoke began to rise and fill the sky. Unsure of what happened, De Haven opted to drive over and investigate.

When he arrived on scene, De Haven was met with smoke, flames and chaos. He pulled into a parking lot, spoke with a 911 operator, and learned from bystanders that people were trapped on the building’s second floor and yelling for help. He grabbed a 20-ft. long ladder from his truck and headed for the fiery, twisted mess. Recognizing the urgency of the situation, De Haven hastily placed the long ladder against the building and managed his way up unsteady rails.

Upon reaching the second story, De Haven pushed by a shattered window and entered the building. There he found six people trapped with no exit due to a smoke-filled hallway. After calming their nerves, he realized the precarious ladder he came up wouldn’t do the trick for getting everyone to safety. The stranded group then broke through another window and De Haven climbed out on a skinny ledge. He hollered to people on the ground and had them move his ladder to a fastened position and instructed them to lean it to the ledge. De Haven then helped all six people shimmy to the ground and was the last person down the ladder to safety.

The ‘ExtenZe Local Hero’ program pays tribute to people who have gone to great lengths to make a difference. Those selected have faced danger, sacrificed their own safety for others or in some way displayed leadership that changed their community for the better. Award recipients become ExtenZe Racing Honorary Crew Chiefs, receive a tour of the paddock, attend the pre-race NASCAR Driver/Crew Chief meeting, and sit atop the pit box with Crew Chief Peter Sospenzo to root on rookie driver Kevin Conway piloting the royal blue and red #38 ExtenZe Ford Fusion. Each recipient also receives a $1,000 award from ExtenZe in recognition of their selflessness. Fans can visit www.ExtenZeRacing.com to nominate their own local heroes or review who has been previously chosen. Also check in on blog/twitter feeds for the latest information on ExtenZe Racing and Kevin Conway.(ExtenZe Racing)(4-17-2010)

TMS fans can help Samsung and Sprint break a Guinness World Record: Samsung Mobile and Sprint are attempting to break the Guinness World Records mark to collect mobile phones Thursday-Sunday (April 15-18) at the Samsung Mobile 500 at Texas Motor Speedway. The joint effort is part of Samsung Mobile’s March to a Million program to collect and recycle one million mobile phones by the end of the year and Sprint’s Recycle for Victory recycling program. Additionally, Samsung Mobile is offering every NASCAR fan that donates an old mobile phone during the Samsung Mobile 500 weekend a limited edition 3D Samsung Mobile 500 pin, and, if they donate an old cell phone before Sunday, the opportunity to win one of three prizes.ccThe drop-off area for race fans who want to recycle their old cell phones throughout the race week will be the Samsung Mobile booth located at Gate 4. Samsung Mobile will accept all makes and models of cell phones.
(TMS)(4-17-2010)

Stewart wins pole at Texas: #14-Tony Stewart won the Coors Pole for the Samsung Mobile 500 Sprint Cup Series race at Texas Motor Speedway with a speed of 191.327mph for his 1st pole of 2010, 1st in 155 races [since Martinsville in Oct 2005] and 11th of his 400 race career. #77-Hornish Jr. will start 2nd followed by #16-Biffle, #48-Johnson, #9-Kahne, #31-Burton, #18-Busch, #33-Bowyer, #88-Earnhardt Jr. and last weeks race winner #39-Newman.

The go-or-go homers who made the race (8): #87-Nemecehk, #55-Blaney, #13-Papis, #66-McDowell, #09-Bliss, #34-Kvapil, #21-Elliott and #32-Sorenson

The go-or-go homers who failed to qualify for the race (3): #26-Stremme, #46-Cook and #36-Sauter.

See the starting lineup, qualifying speeds and notes on my Texas Starting Lineup/Qualifying Results page.(4-16-2010)

Qualifying Fast Facts – Texas:

#14-Tony Stewart won the Coors Light Pole Award for the Samsung Mobile 500 with a lap of 28.224 seconds, 191.327 mph.

This is his 11th pole in 400 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series races. His last pole came 155 races ago in October 2005 at Martinsville Speedway.

This is his first pole and fourth top-10 start in 2010.

This is his first pole in 17 races at Texas Motor Speedway.

#77-Sam Hornish Jr. (second) posted his third top-10 start of 2010 and his first in five races at Texas Motor Speedway. This is Hornish’s best qualifying effort. He qualified third a week ago at Phoenix International Raceway.

#16-Greg Biffle (third) posted his sixth top-10 start at Texas Motor Speedway. It is his third in eight races this season.

#38-Kevin Conway (40th) was the fastest qualifying rookie.(NASCAR Statistics)(4-16-2010)

Coverage of Qualifying for the Samsung 500 Sprint Cup Series race at Texas Motor Speedway is scheduled for Friday, April 16, 2010 at 4:40pm/et.

Television (TV): SPEED 4:30pm/et

Radio: Performance Racing Network (PRN) only on NASCAR.com

Jayski.com: Jayski’s Semi-Live Qualifying Page

Qualifying Re-Air: 10:30pm/et

Qualifying Order for the Samsung 500 Sprint Cup Series race at Texas Motor Speedway is posted. 46 cars/drivers are listed. Go-or-go homers will qualify at the end of the session, once the top-35 drivers are done.

The first of the top-35 drivers scheduled to go out is #6-Ragan.

The final top-35 driver scheduled to go out is #38-Conway.

The first go-or-go homer scheduled to qualify [36th] is #66-McDpwell with the final driver scheduled to qualify being #34-Kvapil.

See the full qualifying order on the Texas Qualifying Page.(4-16-2010)

Friday’s practice: for the Samsung Mobile 500 Sprint Cup Series race at Texas Motor Speedway is over, after 90 scheduled minutes, some results:

#16-Biffle 190.813

#14-Stewart 190.201

#88-Earnhardt Jr. 189.567

#33-Bowyer 189.394

#48-Johnson 189.235

slowest: #36-Sauter 181.123 and #38-Conway 185.014

See practice speeds, avberage speeds, laps run on my Texas Practice Speeds page.(4-16-2010)

Texas practice rank for the non top-35 drivers:

if things stay the same, these eight drivers would make the race:

#13-Max Papis, 25th fastest

#09-Mike Bliss, 31st

#87-Joe Nemechek, 32nd

#21-Bill Elliott [PC], 33rd

#55-Dave Blaney, 37th

#32-Reed Sorenson, 38th

#26-David Stremme, 39th

#34-Travis Kvapil, 41st

these drivers would miss the race if the order stayed the same:

#66-Michael McDowell, 43rd

#46-Terry Cook, 44th

#36-Johnny Sauter, 46th/last

[PC] = [past champion and order, 1 is more recent champ]

Texas Goodyear Tire Notes: Teams in both the NASCAR Sprint Cup and Nationwide Series will run the same combination of left- and right-side tires at Texas this weekend . . . this is the first time teams have run either of these two tire codes . . . compared to the tire set-up NASCAR teams ran at Texas in 2009, this left-side tire features a new construction, mold shape and compound to offer more grip, while this right-side tire features a new construction that brings it in line with what has been run at Las Vegas and Charlotte and a new compound to improve wear . . . this tire combination came out of a Goodyear tire test at Texas this past January 19-20 . . . teams and drivers participating in that test were the No. 2 Penske Racing Dodge with Kurt Busch, No. 14 Stewart Haas Racing Chevrolet with Tony Stewart, No. 16 Roush-Fenway Ford with Greg Biffle and No. 83 Red Bull Racing Toyota with Brian Vickers . . . as on all NASCAR ovals greater than one mile in length, teams are required to run inner liners in all four tire positions at Texas . . . air pressure in those inner liners should be 12-25 psi greater than that of the outer tire. The estimated pit window is every 50-55 laps, based on fuel mileage. (Goodyear), see tire pressures, codes and more on my Texas Race Info page – Goodyear section.(4-16-2010)

Texas Rookie Notes: #38-Kevin Conway was the Raybestos Rookie of the Race in the April 10 Subway Fresh Fit 600 at Phoenix, posting a 33rd-place finish. Conway leads #46-Terry Cook by 41 points (66-25) in the Raybestos Rookie standings entering the April 18 Samsung Mobile 500 at Texas Motor Speedway. Cook led once for one lap at Phoenix, the first lap he has led in two NASCAR Sprint Cup Series races. He became the first Raybestos Rookie to lead lap since Joey Logano led once for one lap in the 2009 AMP Energy 500 at Talladega. Only once in 18 previous NASCAR Sprint Cup races at Texas has a Raybestos Rookie scored a victory. Dale Earnhardt Jr. scored his first career NASCAR Sprint Cup Series win by 5.920 seconds over Jeff Burton in the 2000 Samsung Mobile 500. A Raybestos Rookie has finished in the top-10 in eight of the past 13 spring races. The best start by a Raybestos Rookie in the spring race at Texas is third by Kasey Kahne in 2004. The most recent Raybestos Rookie to score a top-five finish is Logano, who placed third in the 2009 AMP Energy 500 at Talladega. Denny Hamlin is the only Raybestos Rookie to qualify for the Chase for the NASCAR Sprint Cup since the program was created in 2004. The way to the NASCAR Sprint Cup championship is to win Raybestos Rookie of the Year. Since 1979, six Raybestos Rookie of the Year drivers have gone on to win a NASCAR Sprint Cup title: Dale Earnhardt (1979), Rusty Wallace (1984), Alan Kulwicki (1986), Jeff Gordon (1993), Tony Stewart (1999, 2005) and Matt Kenseth (2000). See full rookie notes, history and more on my 2010 Rookies page.(4-16-2010)

Kasey Kahne discusses joining Hendrick: #9-Kasey Kahne met with the media and discussed joining Hendrick Motorsports, his current crew chief, Kenny Francis, and more. the Chevy Racing transcript in part:

“It’s been a great week. To be in the position I’m in now and know where I’m gonna be in 2012, to have the opportunity with Rick Hendrick and everybody at Hendrick Motorsports, to me, it’s an unbelievable opportunity. I can’t wait to get that started. Now I’m focused again on just making sure that the 9 car, our whole Budweiser Ford team, works well together and communicates well together, do everything we can the rest of this season to perform, enjoy ourselves, win races, and I still feel like we have a shot at the chase. We just need to put a big effort in, but I think we can get back in the points and definitely have a shot at the chase and run strong throughout the rest of the year.”

ARE YOU WORRIED ABOUT NEXT YEAR OR WAITING FOR HENDRICK TO DEAL WITH IT? “I’ll work through it with Mr. Hendrick and figure out exactly what we need to do in ’11 that makes the most sense. As far as right now, I still don’t know and I’m leaving it up to those guys. They made the commitment to me and Rick said he’ll make sure it’s right, and I took that as I think it’ll be a pretty good opportunity, a pretty good situation I’ll be in next year. In order to know I’ll be in the 5 after that, I was able to take somewhat of a risk and wait a month or two months, whatever it is, to figure out what 2011 will be, but the future will definitely be really good to be a part of that team and part of that organization.”

IS IT A CASE WHERE IT WAS JUST TIME TO MAKE A CHANGE? “I feel like we’ve had six-and-a-half years that I’ve spent with those guys and we’ve had a great run. They’ve given me a lot of opportunity and we’ve had some pretty good success. I definitely have a lot of friends there and a lot of people that I really enjoy working with there, and I’m gonna keep doing that through the rest of this year, but sometimes you just need some change and you need something different. I was fortunate enough when I came into this sport that I jumped right in with Ray Evernham. Until this year, I’d never looked at another shop. I’d never been inside another building and I never knew what was out there in any way. To be able to go around to all these other teams over the last few months and learn as much as I did about them, about the owners, about the people at each team, was pretty neat for myself. I feel like there’s definitely some really neat race teams out there and they’re gonna be tough to beat for a long time.”

HOW MUCH SAY WILL YOU HAVE IN YOUR CREW CHIEF AND HAVE YOU TALKED WITH KENNY FRANCIS ABOUT MAKING THE MOVE WITH YOU? “Kenny Francis, to me, is as good as anybody in the garage. We have a great relationship and we communicate really well. It seems like we figure things out pretty quickly, so I really like working with Kenny. As far as the future and where that all goes, I’m not sure how that will work yet. That’s another one of the things we’re not sure about, but it’ll be good. Kenny is wanted by a lot of teams. He does a great job for Richard Petty Motorsports, and hopefully I’ll work with him for a long time because I really like Kenny Francis.”

MARK MARTIN SAID HE CAME TO YOU IN SEPTEMBER AND SUGGESTED YOU WOULD BE A GOOD REPLACEMENT FOR HIM IN THE 5 CAR. DID THAT HAVE AN EFFECT ON YOU? “It did. Mark pulled me aside a few times and one time we sat in his bus for at least an hour and talked about things. He’s an unbelievable guy and an unbelievable race car driver, and to be able to sit there and talk to him and learn about something I have no idea about was nice for me. So, yeah, that was a huge part of my decision. I’ve always had that in the back of my head on what I had learned from Mark. Jimmie Johnson has been a big part of it as well. He’s always been a great guy to me and I think he’s helped me whenever I’ve had questions – not even about the whole Hendrick Motorsports thing – I’ve had questions about other things and Jimmie has always been there to help out. So I think between those two guys and then just sitting down with Mr. Hendrick and learning about the place, walking around the place, I was just really impressed and really excited to be a part of it now.”

WAS YOUR INITIAL STRATEGY TO TAKE BUDWEISER WITH YOU? “I don’t have control of that. That’s not up to me. What I did was I worried about myself, what I needed to do for my future and what I felt was the best idea for myself and what would work good for me. I have a great relationship with Budweiser, the people there, and I think the last couple years have been awesome with them, and, hopefully, we can win some more races this year which would be great. As far as the future goes, I enjoy that brand and I want to be part of that brand, so it’s completely up to them and what they want to do in the future. I haven’t talked to any of them about it.”(Chevy Racing PR)(4-16-2010)

Mark Martin plans to keep racing…into 2012: #5-Mark Martin met with media and discussed Kasey Kahne signing with HMS, his future involvement in the sport, and more, the Chevy Racing transcript in part:

ON KASEY KAHNE SIGNING WITH HENDRICK MOTORSPORTS

“I’m excited, man. This is the absolute best scenario. I’m really, really excited. I’m so psyched about it and so relieved that we can go on and work on racing and not worry about Hendrick Motorsports and my team and everything else and what the future is. We know its set. It’s a perfect scenario. Kasey Kahne is a really right fit for this organization.”

ARE YOU STILL SET THROUGH 2011? “You know that. I don’t know why you had to ask that.”

WOULD YOU CONSIDER GETTING OUT OF THE CAR BEFORE 2011? “If I did, I wouldn’t be driving it. So, no; I’m not sure why you don’t understand. It’s not clear to me why you don’t understand. Those guys wanted me to drive it for 2012. It was a little bit stretched to do one full-time season. I gave them three. It’s been the gift of my career that Hendrick Motorsports has given me. One of my biggest concerns has been who is going to be the successor so that I didn’t knock them out of getting the very best A-number-one fit. That’s why I started talking to Kasey Kahne before anybody, in September of last year; because I do have some real good buddies: Jeff Burton and Matt Kenseth. But since they wouldn’t talk to me seriously and had to keep making jokes and cutting up, I mean, Kasey Kahne was the guy. And the timing wasn’t exactly right but I wanted to make sure that he considered it because it’s the perfect scenario for Kasey Kahne and it’s the perfect scenario for Hendrick Motorsports. I figure three years is enough. I would appreciate it if no one would right anything about me retiring, because I’m not going to retire. I’m going to race in 2012. And so don’t even talk about it. I’m racing in 2012. There will be an opportunity for me I’m sure, that will be exciting and fun and that I can help people. I feel like I’ve done that. I feel like I did that in the No. 01 at DEI and I feel like I’ve helped the No. 5 team realize that they can win races and contend for a championship. And so I’ll find another opportunity that’s exciting to me and I don’t want to commit to that now. I want to make sure that Hendrick is set and they are set. It’s such an incredibly perfect scenario.”

WILL YOU BE BEHIND THE WHEEL OF THE #5 IN 2011? “I’m going to race in 2012.”

I’M ASKING YOU IN BLACK AND WHITE, ARE YOU GOING TO BE BEHIND THE WHEEL OF THE #5 GODADDY.COM CHEVROLET? “Of course.”

IS YOUR LEGACY THEN, TO LEAVE A CHAMPIONSHIP TEAM FOR SOMEONE ELSE; THAT THAT MIGHT BE YOUR LEGACY LOOKING FORWARD? YOU CREATE OPPORTUNITIES FOR OTHERS THAT YOU LEAVE SOME THAT YOU CAN LOOK BACK AND BE PROUD OF REGARDLESS OF WHAT HAPPENS?

“It was really, really important to me to make sure that Hendrick Motorsports had someone better than me to come in behind me. And I’m more comfortable now than I was a month ago because I didn’t know what that was going to be; although I knew I was going to drive through 2011. I didn’t know how that was going to work out with the timing because my choice for the guy that succeeded me here; the timing wasn’t exactly right. They were going to be open in ’11 and I was going to exit in ’12. So, this has fixed that. I’m happy about that. I’ve had the time of my life and I don’t understand how people want to put a negative spin on this. This is actually the most exciting thing that could ever happen to Kasey Kahne, to Mark Martin, to Hendrick Motorsports, and all of us. This is perfect. I don’t know why everybody is digging for something negative.”

IN YOUR MIND, WHAT WOULD BE THE IDEAL SITUATION IN 2011 FOR HENDRICK MOTORSPORTS AND KASEY KAHNE? “That’s up to them. Everything is set for ’12. That’s what I was worried about. Everything is set for ’12. You need to talk to them about ’11; I don’t know.

YOU SAID YOU TALKED TO KASEY. WERE YOU A PART OF IT? “I initiated it before ever talking to Rick Hendrick because I didn’t want Rick to know that I was as concerned as I was about it. So I talked to Kasey two or three times last year starting back around September and then I didn’t get involved after that. And to be real honest, I didn’t know the last month that it had gotten to this level. So I’m thrilled. It’s so exciting.”(Chevy Racing)(4-16-2010)

Stewart talks about Kahne, third team: #14-Tony Stewart met with media and discussed Kasey Kahne joining Hendrick Motorsports and other topics, the Chevy Racing transcript in part:

WHAT WOULD NEED TO HAPPEN FOR KASEY KAHNE TO JOIN STEWART-HAAS RACING FOR 2011?: “I think you guys need to talk to Kasey (Kahne) because we don’t know anything about it. I found out on Tuesday or Wednesday I guess, just like you guys all did. You guys know as much if not more than I do right now. The hard part is that I don’t have the answers to everybody’s questions because nobody has talked to me about it. It’s all a lot of speculation right now, but there’s no way I can comment on speculation and make it even make sense. I think the best thing to do is ask Kasey. Obviously, he’s got his deal done so I’m sure he kind of has a better idea of what’s going on than we do at this point.”

WOULD YOU FEEL COMFORTABLE ADDING A THIRD TEAM?: “We would definitely, with the right opportunity, the focus is obviously to keep Ryan’s (Newman) car and our car going well right now, but if the right opportunity, the right team and the right sponsor, right driver came along then we would definitely be interested in a third team. We have said that all along.”

HOW WOULD YOU CHARACTERIZE YOUR RELATIONSHIP WITH KASEY KAHNE?: “I think it’s a great opportunity for him. Only Kasey (Kahne) knows what he wants. That’s why you guys really need to talk to him to find out what he’s really thinking about. I think it’s a great opportunity for him. I know what I’ve learned in just a short amount of time being in the Hendrick system and getting to work with Hendrick Motorsports. I’ve always liked him, I was the one that sat with him with Ray Evernham and talked to Ray in the infield at Bristol about him years ago. I think it’s a huge opportunity for him.”(Chevy Racing)(4-16-2010)

Bill France Sr. special to air Friday: As part of its programming support leading up to live and exclusive coverage of the inaugural NASCAR Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony on May 23 at 12noon/et, SPEED will air a series of specials honoring the first class if inductees. NASCAR founder Bill France Sr., will be featured in the first of the specials, set to premiere TONIGHT (Friday, April 16, 2010) at 9:30pm/et. Specials about the other four inductee’s are scheduled to air:

NHOF Inductee Specials

* Bill France, Sr. (premieres Friday, 9:30 pm)

* Bill France, Jr. (premieres April 23, 8:30 pm)

* Junior Johnson (premieres April 30, 10 pm)

* Richard Petty (premieres May 8, 2:30 pm)

* Dale Earnhardt (premieres May 14, 11 pm)(4-16-2010)

Cook to support Autism Speeaks at Texas: Terry Cook is anxious to arrive at Texas for this weekend’s Samsung Mobile 500 for at least three reasons: the first is he and the #46 Whitney Motorsports team is coming off their first Sprint Cup race in which they were running at the finish, a race in which Cook led a lap, at Phoenix; secondly is Texas is where Cook has more experience than any other in his Camping World Truck Series career and where he earned his first top-ten finish in 1998; and third he’s excited at the chance to continue to spread the word about Autism awareness by carrying the Autism Speaks logo in front of a large audience. Cook has made 24 career Camping World Truck Series starts at Texas, with seven top-ten finishes (including his first career series top-ten in June, 1998). His best finish is sixth, twice (October, 1999 and October, 2008). Cook again will carry the Autism Speaks logo on the hood and TV panel of the #46 Dodge this weekend hoping to gain exposure during Autism Awareness Month.(Whitney Motorsports)(4-16-2010)

Sorenson attempting Texas for Braun Racing: In 2010, Reed Sorenson returns to Braun Racing behind the wheel of both their #32 Dollar General Sprint Cup and Nationwide Series entries. He will pilot the Cup Series car for five events [Daytona/dnq, Texas, Chicago, Indy and Charlotte in Oct) and the Nationwide Series car for 23 races, sharing that seat with Brian Vickers The Dollar General team will be required to qualify in on speed for the Samsung Mobile 500. Sunday’s race would mark the first NASCAR Sprint Cup (NSCS) race for Braun Racing sponsor, Dollar General. Dollar General, which also sponsors the team’s #32 entry in the Nationwide Series (NNS), will serve as primary sponsor for the #32 Toyota. Sorenson has made eight NSCS starts at Texas, logging his best finish in April, 2006 when he started and finished 13th. His best start of ninth at the 1.5-mile track was in November, 2008. He also has led for two laps. Braun Racing is supporting sponsor, Dollar General, and its partnership with Autism Speaks to increase the awareness of autism and raise funds for autism research and advocacy by displaying the Autism Speaks logo on each of the four Braun Racing entries in the NASCAR Nationwide Series during the month of April. This campaign is extra-special to the Braun Racing family as #32 crew chief Trent Owens’ son was diagnosed with autism last year. Trent Owens on his double duty weekend at Texas: “It will be a busy weekend, for sure, at Texas, but we do have some added advantages over our experience at Daytona. First, Reed will be driving both the Cup and Nationwide cars, so being able to work with one driver will definitely be a plus. Also, we will have a traditional qualifying session on Friday. We can focus on our set up and speed for a solid qualifying lap during the Friday practice and then turn our attention to the race set up for Saturday’s practices.”(Braun Racing)(4-16-2010)

Fox to offer extended post-race coverage online : Fox will offer extended post-race coverage of NASCAR with an online program beginning this weekend at Texas Motor Speedway.
The Overdrive on FoxSports.com will begin immediately after the network ends its broadcast coverage of Sunday’s Sprint Cup race. The program will use Fox’s entire nine-person broadcasting crew and consist of live interviews and analysis that will be streamed to its Web site. “It’s something we should have been doing all along,” Bill Brown, senior producer for Fox Sports. “It’s definitely a can’t lose, especially when you take into account what the audience wants to see. We are trying to take care of an audience that has invested four hours into the race, wants more, and we can give them more.”
Brown said the idea for an online show had been previously discussed, but network executives realized the immediate need for extended programming following Saturday night’s broadcast at Phoenix International Raceway. Viewers who tuned in for the 3 hours, 48 minutes then received only a brief post-race show of interviews with just the top three finishers. The broadcast ran 50 minutes past its allotted time, and Fox took two commercial breaks after the checkered flag that totaled almost seven minutes. It left no time to follow-up with Denny Hamlin, who received considerable coverage for racing just 10 days after knee surgery. The network also didn’t offer any coverage of Kyle Busch, who lost the race because of a late caution. Fox officials said Busch declined to be interviewed, but viewers were not informed of his unwillingness to speak. Brown said Fox will not set a hard time on how long The Overdrive will run since it will be dictated by storylines. He said all four pit reporters will pursue drivers, crew chiefs and owners for live interviews, mediated by studio hosts Chris Myers and Jeff Hammond. The broadcast booth of Mike Joy, Darrell Waltrip and Larry McReynolds will also stay to contribute to the production.(Associated Press)(4-16-2010)

RCR’s #29 Shell-Pennzoil Team to Honor Fallen Coal Miners: Richard Childress Racing’s #29 Shell-Pennzoil Chevrolet Impala will carry a decal for this week’s NASCAR activities at Texas Motor Speedway honoring the 29 coal miners who lost their lives in the April 5 mine explosion in West Virginia. The Upper Big Branch mine explosion in Montcoal, W. Va., was the worst U.S. mining disaster since 1984. “Our thoughts and prayers go out to all of the families and friends of those who lost their lives in this tragic event,” said Richard Childress, president and chief executive officer of Richard Childress Racing. “Coal miners and their families are part of the backbone of American society so all of us at RCR wanted to show our respect for them for their loss.” The decal is affixed on the lower front quarter-panel, in front of the rear tires, of the #29 Chevy. “We have a tremendous fan following in West Virginia, and we were very saddened to hear the news,” said Kevin Harvick, driver of the No. 29 Shell-Pennzoil Chevrolet. “For all of those who lost their lives and for their families and friends, we will race in their honor this weekend in Texas.”(RCR)(4-16-2010)

Hamlin expects to run full race at Texas: from a FedEx Racing PR, #11-Denny Hamlin discusses his surgerically repaired knee and his plans:

Will a full race and few more days of rest under your belt – how is your knee feeling?: “It’s feeling much better really. It’s still sore and I have a long way to go but I am definitely making progress. I went from Phoenix to Los Angeles for a commercial shoot but I have been able to keep working on my rehab and I don’t see any reason that I will have trouble with my knee by the time we get to Texas. Unlike Phoenix where we had to use a ton of brake, Texas is much different so I will be in the car and expect to go the full distance just as I did at Phoenix last weekend.”

Lots of people are asking why you didn’t take the opportunity to jump out at Phoenix?: “I definitely thought about it, especially when we went down a couple of laps and we knew it would be hard to get them back, but I never want to give up on anything and I wasn’t going to give up on the team on Saturday night. They worked hard to get that car ready for me, they were patient with me and I owe to it to them to give it my best effort. That’s as true when you are running up front as it is when you are struggling. It was actually an easy decision from the seat.”

Looking at the season as a whole – and knee injury aside – how are you feeling about 2010 so far?: “Still a long way to go so nothing really to worry about. My knee will only get stronger and the same can be said for our team. We are generally slow starters but we’ve had some awful luck so far this season and that’s hurt us when we had some good runs going. We are still in contention so once we hit stride I think we’ll be fine. This team is committed to working through these issues and getting back to being consistent – something we’ve always been and that’s why we have been in the Chase every year. We know what we have to do to get back to that.”(FedEx Racing)(4-16-2010)

Clint Bowyer trades in racing helmet for hard hat: Richard Childress Racing (RCR) driver #33-Clint Bowyer traded in his racing helmet for a hard hat on Thursday, when he joined Dallas Mayor Tom Leppert and city street repair crews to help fill potholes on a stretch of roadway as part of a community initiative by the driver’s associate sponsor, The Hartford Financial Services Group.
“The Hartford Pothole Patrol” is a program designed to help create a smoother commute for Dallas-area residents. Clint Bowyer, who is in town to compete in this weekend’s NASCAR Sprint Cup Series race at Texas Motor Speedway (TMS), along with The Hartford executive, Alison Clark, presented the mayor with a The Hartford-branded #33 hard hat to kick off the event in a ceremony at City Hall Plaza. From there, Clint Bowyer and one repair crew traveled to their first stop, where the NASCAR driver received instruction, then with hard hat on and Jackhammer in hand, went to work. Bowyer helped the crew fill the potholes, including putting the finishing touches on the freshly-laid asphalt by utilizing the sealing machine. The Hartford, which donated the funds for materials, labor and time for all of the city’s repair crews for the day, is the primary sponsor of RCR’s #33 Chevy for three races this season, as well as an associate sponsor for all remaining 2010 events.(Catalyst PR), see images of the #33 Hartford schemes on my #33 Team Schemes page.(4-16-2010)

Wood Brothers and Elliott return to the track: Crew chief David Hyder and the rest of the Wood Brothers’ Motorcraft/Quick Lane Ford team head to Texas Motor Speedway this week anxious to take on the challenge of running a Car of Tomorrow on a superspeedway with a spoiler instead of a wing on the back of the car. Even though the Woods and Hyder are running a limited schedule this year, they’ll be in the same situation as full-time teams when it comes to this week’s race. The first two runs with the spoiler came on the half-mile at Martinsville and the mile at Phoenix, meaning that this week’s Samsung Mobile 500 will be the first high-speed test since the spoiler replaced the wing. Hyder and his crew say they’re fully prepared. “We’ve got a brand new car – C-24,” he said. “It’s a sister car to the one we ran in Atlanta and we had good success with it at the end of the 2009 season at Homestead.” Hyder pointed out that after a strong finish at Homestead, the crew reworked that car and carried it to Atlanta only to struggle in the early practices and in qualifying. But they learned a lot and were in better shape after Atlanta’s Happy Hour practice. “We came up with a pretty decent race set-up for Atlanta,” Hyder said. “We took some of those same things and put them in C -24 going to the Charlotte test last month.” The team used three sessions in the wind tunnel to give the #21 Ford Fusion its final tune-up before heading to the track. “We’ve thrown everything we can at it, to take the very best piece we can to Texas,” Hyder said.(Wood Brothers Racing)(4-16-2010)

Kenseth’s Crew Claims Tissot Pit Road Award in Phoenix: Matt Kenseth’s over-the-wall crew captured the Tissot Pit Road Precision Award in Saturday’s (April 10) Subway Fresh Fit 600 NASCAR Sprint Cup race at Phoenix International Raceway. The quick stops by the #17 crew helped Kenseth attain a sixth-place finish at the one-mile oval. Kenseth’s Crown Royal Black Ford spent the least amount of time on pit road – 289.915 seconds – during the 375-lap race, which was the longest Sprint Cup event in track history. Race winner Ryan Newman’s #39 Tornados Chevrolet was second (295.547) and Mark Martin’s #5 GoDaddy.com Chevrolet was third (302.847).

The #17 Roush Fenway Racing over-the-wall crew consists of: Justin Nottestad (front-tire changer), Joe Crossen (front-tire carrier), Dave Smith (rear-tire changer), Garrett Reding (rear-tire carrier), Cameron Cobb (jackman), Brad Robison (gasman) and Dave McDonald (catch can). The winning pit crew in each Sprint Cup race will earn $5,000 and a Tissot V8 Quartz Chronograph watch. The team with the most Tissot Pit Road Precision Award wins at the completion of the 36-race schedule will receive a $105,000 bonus plus Tissot watches for the over-the-wall crew members and driver. Martin Truex Jr.’s team continues to top the Tissot standings with two wins after seven races. Five teams remain in second place with one win.(Tissot)(4-16-2010)

New book by Don Miller released “Miller’s Time – A Lifetime at Speed”: A lot of books claim they’ll tell you what it’s really like to be a huge success in auto racing, a valued decision maker, somebody who really makes things happen instead of talking about it. This book is different. Don Miller went from racing on the streets, literally, to being a guy who stood shoulder to shoulder with Roger Penske for over 30 years, building the Penske racing empire. Until now, Miller has never told the story of his astounding life in motorsports. Coastal 181 is proud to publish Miller’s memoir, his detailed, unflinchingly honest accounting of the skill and dedication needed to stay out front in one of the world’s most competitive sports. Miller is a guy who has done pretty much everything one person can accomplish in the business of racing and the world of really fast cars. A Chicago hot rodder, he developed into a professional drag racer, racing official, hard parts distributor, mechanic and fabricator, and the top salesman of performance engines in America. And that was all before he met Roger Penske. As Penske’s top racing executive, Miller became one of the most instrumental figures in modern automobile racing. He discovered a young Rusty Wallace and coached him to superstardom, then co-founded Penske Racing South with Wallace and the Captain. As Penske’s expert on race tires, he recaptured the Midwest’s short tracks for Goodyear. As Penske’s sponsorship liaison, Miller created not just today’s motorsports marketing program, but also the traveling souvenir trailer and show car. As Penske’s personal talent evaluator, he made a career not only for Wallace, but also for Ryan Newman. For more info about the book, see coastal181.com or my Book News page.(4-16-2010)

Same RCR Car Lifts Smith’s Outlook for Texas: The #78 Furniture Row Chevy that Regan Smith will drive in Texas this weekend will be the same Richard Childress Racing-built car that he drove last week in Phoenix. The Phoenix race was the first time that Furniture Row Racing entered a RCR-built car since the two companies formed a technical and engineering alliance at the beginning of the season. “Texas will be our second straight race with a RCR car,” said Smith. “On paper the Phoenix finish (26th) wasn’t that good, but we sure made some gains after slipping with poor performances in Bristol (36th) and Martinsville (32nd). Having the same RCR car in Texas as we had in Phoenix gives us a good feeling about this weekend. We know Texas is a fast track and we’re fine with that.” Smith, his crew chief, Ryan Coniam, and other members of the Denver, Colo-based team got together for a post-Phoenix debriefing and a pre-Texas game plan. “It was a great meeting as we addressed many issues,” noted Smith. “We felt that we were heading in the right direction, but have plenty of work ahead of us, especially with our qualifying performances. We haven’t been qualifying that well and need to bump up that effort. Where you start has a lot to do on how the race plays out.” After seven races, Smith is 32nd in Sprint Cup driver points.(FRR)(4-16-2010)

Active Winless streaks: Many drivers [with a logical chance of winning a race] are coming to Fort Worth this weekend in the throes of some very serious winless streaks. One year ago, Jeff Gordon was being choked by a 48-race drought [his current streak is 36 races since he won], the longest of his career. On Saturday night, Newman ended a run of 0-for-77. The active driver who has made the most starts and not won a race is #55-Dave Blaney, who is 0-for-339 and counting. Longest winless Cup streaks:

Driver, Winless Streak, Last Win

Kevin Harvick, 114, Daytona, 2/18/2007

Martin Truex Jr. 102, Dover, 6/4/2007

Juan Pablo Montoya, 99, Sonoma, 6/24/2007

Clint Bowyer, 69, Richmond, 5/3/2008

Dale Earnhardt Jr., 64, Michigan, 6/15/2008

Greg Biffle, 51, Dover, 9/21/2008

Jeff Burton, 48, Charlotte, 10/11/2008

Carl Edwards, 43, Homestead, 11/16/2008

Matt Kenseth, 41, Fontana, 2/22/2009.(ESPN), see a longer list and no win streaks on my All-time winners list page.(4-16-2010)

Texas Governor Perry, Fort Worth Mayor Moncrief Help Kick Off 2010 TMS Season With A Bang : Texas Governor Rick Perry and Fort Worth Mayor Mike Moncrief issued state and city proclamations, respectively, to Texas Motor Speedway officials Thursday in a public ceremony in Sundance Square to officially kick off the speedway’s 2010 race season and acknowledge its importance as an economic engine both locally and statewide. With the Samsung Mobile 500 NASCAR doubleheader weekend beginning today at Texas Motor Speedway, Governor Perry and Mayor Moncrief honored Speedway Motorsports, Inc. Chairman Bruton Smith and speedway president Eddie Gossage for their efforts to make the speedway a viable economic force for the state since it opened in 1997. Mayor Moncrief presented Gossage with the City of Fort Worth proclamation while Smith accepted the state proclamation from Governor Perry as both government officials declared it race week locally and statewide.

Smith and Gossage were praised for the economic impact of the NASCAR Sprint Cup races at Texas Motor Speedway, which generate approximately $75 million in economic benefit regionally and are annually the largest-attended, single-day sporting events in the state of Texas. In its 13 years of existence, Texas Motor Speedway has brought to Fort Worth and surrounding areas the economic impact of hosting 46 Super Bowls. Joining the dignitaries were NASCAR drivers and native Texans Bobby Labonte and Colin Braun. Labonte, the 2000 Sprint Cup Series champion from Corpus Christi, and Braun, the rising Nationwide Series star from Ovalo, drove the dignitaries in style as each got behind the wheel of a NASCAR-themed Molly The Trolley. The trolleys featured oversized rear spoilers that read “Follow Me To The Samsung Mobile 500,” waist-up images of NASCAR superstars Jimmie Johnson, Jeff Gordon, Tony Stewart and Dale Earnhardt Jr. in the windows, window netting decals on the driver’s side windows and some tire rub decals on the side of the vehicles.

Labonte and Braun presented the governor and mayor with event-decaled race helmets signed by them and then Gossage let the event finish with a bang. He handed Governor Perry and Mayor Moncrief Turnbull 45 Colt-style revolvers that Sunday’s Samsung Mobile 500 race winner will fire in Victory Lane to celebrate his win in true Texas fashion. Governor Perry and Mayor Moncrief gave the six shooters a solid test run as they emptied out the chamber of blanks by firing them into the air to conclude the ceremony. Thursday’s festivities was just part of the effort by the city of Fort Worth and the Fort Worth Convention & Visitors Bureau to show their appreciation for the race fans that will be visiting for the Samsung Mobile 500 weekend. The city is doing their part to provide a Texas-sized greeting to race fans by featuring “Welcome Race Fans” signage across the Fort Worth area and downtown hotels will provide welcome ribbons and buttons.

Labonte enjoys returning to his home state track and this weekend he is being backed by one of the most visible and influential Texans in the state. The Perry re-election campaign committee is sponsoring Labonte’s #71 TRG Motorsports Sprint Cup Series car for the Samsung Mobile 500. Tickets for the Samsung Mobile 500 race week, featuring the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Samsung Mobile 500 and Nationwide Series O’Reilly Auto Parts 300, are available by calling the speedway ticket office at (817) 215-8500 or by visiting www.texasmotorspeedway.com.(TMS)(4-16-2010)

Construction Currently Taking Place at Watkins Glen: The sound of engines roaring can be heard throughout Watkins Glen International these days but instead of stock cars, sports cars, or open-wheel cars making the noise, the sources are dump trucks, cement trucks, and bulldozers. Several projects are currently underway at multiple locations making The Soul of American Road Racing a very, very busy place. The new construction includes two new RV dumping stations, expanding the walkway leading from Gate 2 to the East Tunnel, and changes to several turns that were previously announced in January 2010.

The decision to add the RV dumping stations and expand the walkway came largely from fan feedback. WGI has long asked its fans to share their thoughts and opinions which has helped guide some of the improvements made throughout the legendary road course over the last several seasons. This year fans will find one of the new RV dumping stations next to the bathrooms just outside the West Tunnel as they head towards Gate 6 and the other in the middle of Gate 7 camping. The new stations are being built by Beaver Dams, NY-based R.L. Callahan Inc. and have already been attached to the sewer system with concrete foundations for each currently being poured. Once the stations are finished they, along with the one located outside the East Tunnel that was completed in 2005, will provide fans with three options for clearing their RV storage tanks before the leave the facility following an event weekend.

The road between Gate 2 and the East Tunnel is currently closed because an earth mover is covering newly installed drainage pipes that run the length of it. The gravel and dirt being backfilled over the new drainage will be leveled-off shortly in preparation for adding 10 ft of pavement to increase the width of the road. Prior to the installation of the expanded sidewalk, this area was often very congested during event weekends with the mixture of car and foot traffic. The new 10 ft of space will provide plenty of room for vehicles and fans to use the road safely and easily both entering and exiting the facility.

While there is plenty of work being completed on the infield, the majority of the construction is taking place on the track itself and is being handled by Dansville, NY-based Genesee Construction Services Inc. The areas surrounding the Inner Loop, Turn 10, Turn 11, and The Carousel all look more like standard construction sites than turns for a world-renowned road course. The tire barriers that once lined the inside (driver’s right) of the Inner Loop or “bus stop” have already been removed as has all of the gravel that filled the trap between the racing surface and retaining wall. A new concrete wall is being poured to replace the old tire barriers and once it sets then a new SAFER barrier will be hung from it. Fresh asphalt is scheduled to be laid next week to fully pave-over the old gravel trap.

The construction in The Carousel is moving just as quickly as in the Inner Loop and it looks just as different. The tire barriers and guardrail that were located on driver’s left as they exited The Carousel onto the short straight have been removed. Dirt and gravel have been brought in to level-off the ground to allow a new run-off area to be paved and 400 ft of new curbing has also been added along the edge of the turn. The guardrail will be replaced in the coming weeks but will be located farther from the track and be lined with large trashcans filled with sand much like the ones currently in use at the entrance of pit road.

The work completed thus far in Turns 10 and 11 is not as extensive as in the Inner Loop or The Carousel but they are still full of activity. Half of the gravel trap in Turn 10 has been removed and the remaining dirt is being packed and leveled to allow for paving to begin next week. The curbing that was already in place has been extended by approximately 350 ft. The tire barriers in Turn 11 have been removed and preparations are being made to pour the foundation for the cement wall that will be used to hang the new SAFER barrier.

Tickets for the entire 2010 season including the Heluva Good! Sour Cream Dips at The Glen, August 5-8, and Camping World Grand Prix at The Glen, July 2-4, weekends are on sale now! Fans can take advantage of advanced sale prices and new options by calling the Watkins Glen International ticket office at 866-461-RACE (7223) or logging on to the official website, www.TheGlen.com.(WGI)(4-16-2010)

Smith Completes Test Session at Infineon: #78-Regan Smith completed a one-day test session on Wednesday at Infineon Raceway in preparation for the Toyota/Save Mart 350, June 18-20. Smith completed about 60 laps around the 10-turn, 1.99-mile road course in a late-model stock car provided by Chris Cook Performance. Smith placed 30th in his only NASCAR Sprint Cup Series visit to Infineon Raceway in 2007. “I’m just trying to refresh my memory of this track after not being here for a few years because there are so many nuances to the different corners,” said Smith. “I grew up karting, so I love road-course racing, and I’m really looking forward to coming back in June.” Smith was coached by road-course veteran Chris Cook, who has also worked with NASCAR drivers Joey Logano and Los Gatos’ AJ Allmendinger, among others. “Regan did fantastic today. He’s just a great athlete with great focus,” said Cook. “He has a great ability to apply what he’s learning, and he actually has plenty of road-course experience. We’re just fine tuning things for race weekend.” For special ticket packages to the Toyota/Save Mart 350, including Kasey’s Korner, the 24 Special and the Jimmie Johnson 4-Pack, call 800-870-RACE or visit infineonraceway.com.(Infineon Raceway)(4-15-2010)

Stewart To Make 400th Start: #14-Tony Stewart will make his 400th NASCAR Sprint Cup Series start on Sunday in the Samsung Mobile 500 at Texas Motor Speedway. With 37 victories, Stewart is tied for 18th on the all-time series wins list with Bobby Isaac. A two-time series champion, Stewart has logged 145 top fives and 233 top 10s throughout his 399 starts. Stewart made an immediate impact when he joined the series full time in 1999, and success has followed him from his days driving the No. 20 car for Joe Gibbs Racing (1999-2008) to his current role as driver-owner of Stewart-Haas Racing.

Consider these accolades:

– Two-time series champion (2002 and 2005)

– 1999 Raybestos Rookie of the Year

– At least one victory in each of his 11 full seasons

– Has finished in the top 10 in points in 10 of his 11 seasons

– Victories at 19 of the 22 active tracks, missing only Auto Club Speedway, Darlington Raceway and Las Vegas Motor Speedway

Below is a timeline of some of Stewart’s career highlights on his way to 400 starts:

1 – On Feb. 14, 1999, Stewart made his first series start in the sport’s biggest race. In that Daytona 500, Stewart finished 28th.

25 – His first win, at Richmond on Sept. 11, 1999. He led 333 laps that event, still the highest single-race total of his career.

126 – First win at Watkins Glen International on Aug. 11, 2002. It was win No. 15 for Stewart. With five victories and a Driver Rating of 135.0, Watkins Glen is now his most prolific track.

229 – On July 2, 2005, Stewart won his first of three races at Daytona International Speedway (none of which have come in the Daytona 500). After the win, Stewart climbed the fence in celebration.

233 – On Aug. 7, 2005, the Columbus, Ind., native finally won his hometown race – the Brickyard 400 at Indianapolis Motor Speedway.

304 – Stewart won his second Brickyard race on July 29, 2007.

350 – At Talladega on Oct. 5, 2008, Stewart made it 10 consecutive years with at least one win. It was also his 33rd – and final – win with Joe Gibbs Racing.

370 – Stewart nabbed his first victory as a driver-owner. At Pocono on June 7, 2009, he led 39 laps to become the first driver-owner to win a points race since Ricky Rudd at Martinsville in 1998.(NASCAR)(4-15-2010)

Jimmie Johnson street plan dropped: NASCAR champion Jimmie Johnson is going to have to wait awhile longer to be honored by his hometown of El Cajon, CA. The El Cajon City Council decided Tuesday night to drop plans to name a portion of Johnson Avenue as Jimmie Johnson Avenue. Mayor Mark Lewis said the council will consider other proposals, such as naming a section of Interstate 8 after Johnson, or perhaps renaming one of the city’s parks. “We have so many ideas out there, we want to make sure it’s done right,” Lewis said.
The council had tentatively approved naming a quarter-mile section of Johnson Avenue by Westfield Parkway Plaza after the race car driver who was born in El Cajon and raised in nearby Crest.
Supporters noted Johnson not only won four consecutive NASCAR Sprint Cup Series championships, but also has raised more than $1 million for East County charitable projects. The proposal stalled after city staffers uncovered a 2004 policy that states existing streets and buildings only can be renamed after dead U.S. presidents. City Manager Kathi Henry will look into changing the city’s policy about renaming buildings and streets, and will report back in a month or two about other options for honoring Jimmie Johnson.(San Diego Union Tribune)(4-15-2010)

Special Post-It scheme run for Biffle: This week in Texas, the #16 3M Ford Fusion of Greg Biffle will carry a special Post-it 30th Anniversary paint scheme. Post-its were invented by Art Fry of 3M in 1974 and the product launched nationwide in 1980. Biffle won three races and had six top-five finishes with the Post-it paint scheme in 2005.(Roush Fenway Racing), see an image of the scheme on my #16 Team Schemes page.(4-15-2010)

Ambrose to be honored: #47-Marcos Ambrose will receive a Sportsmanship of the Year award in his second year of full-time competition during the Texas Motorsports Hall of Fame (TMHoF) dinner and induction ceremony Friday night in the Grand Ballroom of the Speedway Club at Texas Motor Speedway. “I am honored to receive the Sportsmanship award and would like to thank the Motorsports Hall of Fame panel, Eddie Gossage and everyone at Texas Motor Speedway,” said Ambrose, who will be among other TMHoF award winners, such as, Kyle Busch, Jeff Gordon, John Sturbin, Robert Yates and inductee Joe Gibbs. “I have such a great appreciation for our sport. When I came into NASCAR I promised myself I was going to appreciate every single day and not get mad or angry. I remind myself every day that I’m doing something that millions of kids out there – girls and guys – would love to do when they grow up. I am lucky enough to be a driver. Sure, you may get disappointed at times and there are compromises. However, you can never lose sight that there are not many downs when you are a racecar driver. I love what I do. So, to be recognized like this for the first time – especially when I’m a goofy Tasmanian coming from 14,000 miles away – is pretty awesome.”(JTG Daugherty Racing)(4-15-2010)

Lance Armstrong tests at Mooresville wind tunnel: This past weekend Lance Armstrong was in the A2 Wind Tunnel in Mooresville, NC performing aerodynamic testing for the 2010 season. Wind tunnels are long chambers more commonly associated with stock-car testing. Gary Eaker, former aerodynamics chief at Hendrick Motorsports, opened A2 several years ago beside his larger AeroDYN Wind Tunnel. Along with the Bo-Dyn bobsled project that led our USA 4-Man team to a Gold medal after a 62 year winless streak, the racing technology is now transferring to pro cyclist such as Lance and other top athletes.(Charlotte Observer)(4-15-2010)

Kahne to Hendrick in 2012 UPDATE 2 HMS PR: #9-Kasey Kahne, the hottest potential free agent in NASCAR entering the season, has signed a multiyear agreement to join Hendrick Motorsports in 2011, multiple sources close to negotiations confirmed to ESPN.com Tuesday. The details of the deal, such as which car Kahne will drive, are still being finalized, sources said. The prevailing thought is Kahne will occupy the #5 car currently driven by Mark Martin, sources said. Martin signed a contract extension last year through the 2011 season. There is room for Martin and Kahne in the Hendrick family. Stewart Haas Racing receives chassis, engines and technical support from HMS. So Kahne could be housed there until Martin’s contract was up, if necessary. In 2008 Dale Earnhardt Jr. signed a five-year deal with Hendrick. Jimmie Johnson last year signed an extension through 2015, and Jeff Gordon has a lifetime contract. Kahne is in the final year of his contract with Richard Petty Motorsports, and plans to finish the season in the #9 Ford, sources said. It is unknown whether Kahne’s sponsor, Budweiser, will accompany him to HMS [which sponsored Hendrick’s #25 Chevy for years]. Hendrick Motorsports officials had no comment. Calls placed to Kahne, who turned 30 last weekend, and to his agent were not returned.(ESPN)

UPDATE: Richard Petty Motorsports announced that driver Kasey Kahne has informed the team he will not renew his contract at the conclusion of the 2010 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series season. Kahne, driver the #9 Budweiser Ford Fusion, has been with RPM since entering NASCAR’s premier series in 2004. “Kasey is a very talented driver and I have enjoyed watching him race. We all wish him nothing but the best and hope he succeeds in anything he chooses to do,” said team owner Richard Petty. “Drivers like Kasey Kahne are the very reason we got into this sport. Kasey has helped us get to where we are today,” George Gillett, owner of Richard Petty Motorsports said. “We wish him well in his future however we have the rest of this season to race together and we’re looking forward to a successful remainder of the year.”(RPM)(4-13-2010)

MORE: It was reported initially that Kahne’s deal with Hendrick would begin in 2011. A source close to the situation told ESPN.com that Kahne will take over the #5 car for the 2012 season, but his 2011 plans are still undecided. “I’ve actually thought a lot about that but I’m not sure what I’m going to do next year,” Kahne said after taking batting practice with the San Francisco Giants at AT&T Park on Tuesday. “I’ve given it some thought though.” Sources confirm that Mark Martin will drive the #5 car through the 2011 season. There is room for Martin and Kahne in the Hendrick family. Stewart Haas Racing receives chassis, engines and technical support from HMS. So Kahne could be housed there until Martin’s contract was up. Kahne is in the final year of his contract with Richard Petty Motorsports, and plans to finish the season in the No. 9 Ford, sources said. It is unknown whether Kahne’s sponsor, Budweiser, will accompany him to HMS. Mark Wright, vice president of media, sports and entertainment marketing for Anheuser-Busch, Inc., said Budweiser is currently focused only on the current season with Kahne. “There have been no discussions relative to our sponsorship as of yet. We look forward to having those at the appropriate time,” Wright said.(ESPN)(4-14-2010)

UPDATE2 – HMS PR: Beginning with the 2012 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series season, Kasey Kahne will drive the #5 Chevys of Hendrick Motorsports after signing a long-term contract with the organization. Mark Martin, 51, the current driver of Hendrick Motorsports’ #5 team, will complete the 2010 and 2011 seasons. When Kahne takes over in 2012, he will join teammates Jeff Gordon, Jimmie Johnson and Dale Earnhardt Jr. in Hendrick’s four-car stable. “In Kasey, we saw an opportunity to cement a big piece of our future,” said Rick Hendrick, owner of Hendrick Motorsports. “He possesses incredible talent and a tremendous dedication to his craft, and we know he’ll be a great fit within our company. Kasey has earned the respect of his future teammates by the way he’s handled himself on and off the racetrack, and we know he’ll be a contributor to the success of Hendrick Motorsports for many years to come. To have someone of his caliber join our team is an unbelievable opportunity for us.”

“I have a comfort level with Mr. Hendrick, my future teammates and the culture of the organization,” said Kahne, whose contract with Hendrick Motorsports will run through the 2015 Sprint Cup season. “For me, it’s the right fit on every level, and I think it gives me a great chance to win races and compete for championships. “Determining the next step in my career has been an important process, and I’m excited and relieved to have the decision made and announced. Now it’s my responsibility to put all of my energy into winning races and having a successful 2010 with my current team and our sponsors.” Although 2012 and beyond has been solidified, Kahne is not scheduled to drive a Hendrick Motorsports entry in 2011 due to NASCAR’s four-car limit. While who he will race for has not yet been determined, Kahne intends to drive a full Sprint Cup Series schedule next season. “If this opportunity was going to happen, I knew having some unanswered questions would be part of the scenario at this stage,” Kahne acknowledged. “Hendrick Motorsports has a commitment to Mark Martin that they want to fulfill, and that’s important. It’s part of what attracts me to the team.”(Hendrick Motorsports)(4-14-2010)

Bliss named to the #09 ride UPDATE: Mike Bliss and Tommy Baldwin Racing [#36 Checy] have parted ways, effective immediately. Bliss will replace Aric Almirola at Phoenix Racing. Bliss ran five of the first seven races for Baldwin. He failed to qualify at Bristol and last week at Phoenix. TBR is currently 38th in owner points. “Mike has been rock solid in qualifying with a Cup car,” Phoenix crew chief Marc Reno said. “We were struggling and we have to make races to keep our guys working. We’re trying to survive until we can land a sponsor. Everybody loves Aric. But we needed someone that could qualify for races. (Owner) James (Finch) has helped Aric out in trucks and if we were in a better position, we’d love to bring him up to speed in Cup as well.”(FoxSports)(4-13-2010)

UPDATE: Mike Bliss told Sirius NASCAR Radio’s Sirius Speedway with Dave Moody Tuesday that just moments after parting company with Tommy Baldwin Racing this week, he was offered a chance to return to the #09 Phoenix Racing Chevy. “We missed a couple of races, and last week (at Phoenix) obviously didn’t go too good,” said Bliss. “I did a lot of thinking about what I thought was wrong with the car, and honestly I wondered for a while if it was me. I had a meeting with Tommy Baldwin on Monday, and obviously didn’t feel very good about the way that meeting went. The ironic thing is that for the third time in my career, James Finch called before I was hardly even out the door to offer me a job.” Bliss said the team may be forced to continue as a start-and-park entry this weekend at Texas, but, “James wants to run (the full race) at Talladega where they won a year ago with Brad Keselowski. They are talking with one sponsor in particular that they are hopefull will pay off.”(Sirius Speedway)(4-14-2010)
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Keselowski Completes Test at Infineon: #12-Brad Keselowski completed a one-day test session on Tuesday at Infineon Raceway in preparation for the Toyota/Save Mart 350, June 18-20. Keselowski completed 50 laps around the 10-turn, 1.99-mile road course in a late-model stock car provided by a Northern California-based raced team. It was Keselowski’s first time on the serpentine circuit. “This is my first time here at Infineon Raceway, and I have to say that this is impressive,” said Keselowski. “The elevation changes make it a blast to drive. Basically I’m trying to prepare myself for when we come back here in June…and we won’t get much practice. It’s exciting to get in the road-course swing.” #78-Regan Smith is scheduled to test Infineon Raceway on Wednesday, also in the same late-model stock car. Smith placed 30th in his only NASCAR Sprint Cup Series visit to Infineon Raceway in 2007; this will mark Keselowski’s first race in Sonoma. Smith will be coached by road-course veteran Chris Cook, who has also worked with NASCAR drivers #20-Joey Logano and #43-AJ Allmendinger, among others.(Infineon Raceway)(4-14-2010)

Richard Petty Motorsports in default on loan UPDATE: Richard Petty Motorsports, the NASCAR team owned by George Gillett, has been in default on a roughly $90 million loan since at least February but expects to soon restructure the obligation, sources said last week. The default on the debt underscores the harm NASCAR suffered from the economic collapse of late 2008 and, in particular, the impact of contraction among Detroit’s Big Three automakers on race teams. Gillett, who last year sold the Montreal Canadiens and still owns half of Liverpool FC, lost Chrysler’s backing of his race team when that company filed for bankruptcy protection. Ford is now supporting the four-car team. Gillett declined to comment on specifics of the restructuring because of the ongoing creditor talks, but he emphasized the default is technical in nature, meaning that he did not miss a payment but, rather, failed to meet terms of at least one covenant. Loans commonly have covenants that might, for example, require the borrower to sustain a certain level of cash flow. Prior to the economic troubles of late 2008, lenders were relatively lenient with these kinds of defaults, but they since have become more stringent and less forgiving. One finance source, who requested anonymity because of knowledge of the deal, denied Gillett’s characterization, insisting the default was payment-related.(Sports Business Journal / Fox News)(4-13-2010)

UPDATE: Richard Petty Motorsports agreed Monday night to a deal that would restructure the debt of the company, a source close to the situation told ESPN.com on Tuesday. According to the source, the deal is subject to final signatures and that 10 of the 11 banks involved in the restructuring have agreed to terms. This comes on the heels of a report that RPM, owned by George Gillett, has been in default on a loan of about $90 million since February. The source said the loan is closer to $70 million and that it was allowed to lapse with the hope that it would provide leverage with the banks to restructure. Had the banks opted to foreclose on the loan they could have taken possession of team assets and some revenue from sponsors, but none of Gillett’s personal assets. Gillett would not comment on specifics of the deal but said RPM has no plans of going under. “I don’t think we’ll just survive, we’ll thrive,” Gillett said. Gillett said RPM is operating in the black and making a profit. He said debt incurred over the past few years is the result of trying to survive in a tough economy that saw RPM lose financial support from Chrysler, forcing the move to Ford, and sponsors. “When you look at some of the curveballs thrown at us they’re substantial,” Gillett said. “Yet we’ve overcome them. We’ve overcome the loss of all that revenue from sponsors and Chrysler. Based on everything I know our intention is to restructure the debt, enter into an agreement with banks and buy out the debt with new capital that our family would put into and end up with a company that may end up a few million in debt but end up with a company that is fundamentally debt-free,” he said.(ESPN)(4-14-2010)

SFI and Impact Racing settle case: from a joint SFI Foundation and Impact Racing press release on April 1, 2010:

April 1, 2010 – Impact Racing, LLC and SFI Foundation, Inc., in the litigation pending in the United States District Court for the Southern District of Indiana, have agreed that:

1. Impact Racing, LLC has provided sworn testimony that, upon review and investigation, no counterfeit SFI Conformance Labels have been used on Impact Racing products during the production years of 2009 and 2010.

2. Impact Racing, LLC has provided sworn testimony that, upon review and investigation, all Impact Racing products manufactured and sold during the production years 2009 and 2010 meet SFI specifications.

3. Based upon this sworn testimony, the decertification against Impact Racing products for the production years 2009 and 2010 is lifted. The decertification of the production years prior to 2009 and 2010 remains in effect. The parties will continue to work cooperatively in an effort to resolve the issues relating to decertification in these years.

4. Impact Racing stands behind the safety of all products it has manufactured and to which SFI Conformance Labels have been affixed. SFI will continue to monitor compliance with product specifications.

5. Impact Racing, LLC and SFI Foundation, Inc. will cooperate in determining whether any Impact Racing product bears a counterfeit SFI Conformance Label and if any safety issue exists in regard to products manufactured prior to 2009 and 2010.

6. If any Impact Racing product does not bear the date of manufacture the purchaser or user is instructed to immediately contact Impact Racing who will provide verification of the date of manufacture. Impact Racing, LLC will immediately notify SFI Foundation, Inc. of this occurrence. Impact Racing, LLC and SFI Foundation, Inc. will work with the sanctioning bodies to determine the best method for product users to present verification of the date of manufacture.

For a downloadable .pdf of this press release, please click on the following link: Joint Press Release 04-01-10. More info at the SFI Foundation and Impact Racing websites.(4-14-2010)

Kahne to Hendrick? [Stewart-Haas?] UPDATE: #9-Kasey Kahne, the hottest potential free agent in NASCAR entering the season, has signed a multiyear agreement to join Hendrick Motorsports in 2011, multiple sources close to negotiations confirmed to ESPN.com Tuesday. The details of the deal, such as which car Kahne will drive, are still being finalized, sources said. The prevailing thought is Kahne will occupy the #5 car currently driven by Mark Martin, sources said. Martin signed a contract extension last year through the 2011 season. There is room for Martin and Kahne in the Hendrick family. Stewart Haas Racing receives chassis, engines and technical support from HMS. So Kahne could be housed there until Martin’s contract was up, if necessary. In 2008 Dale Earnhardt Jr. signed a five-year deal with Hendrick. Jimmie Johnson last year signed an extension through 2015, and Jeff Gordon has a lifetime contract. Kahne is in the final year of his contract with Richard Petty Motorsports, and plans to finish the season in the #9 Ford, sources said. It is unknown whether Kahne’s sponsor, Budweiser, will accompany him to HMS [which sponsored Hendrick’s #25 Chevy for years]. Hendrick Motorsports officials had no comment. Calls placed to Kahne, who turned 30 last weekend, and to his agent were not returned.(ESPN)

UPDATE: Richard Petty Motorsports announced that driver Kasey Kahne has informed the team he will not renew his contract at the conclusion of the 2010 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series season. Kahne, driver the #9 Budweiser Ford Fusion, has been with RPM since entering NASCAR’s premier series in 2004. “Kasey is a very talented driver and I have enjoyed watching him race. We all wish him nothing but the best and hope he succeeds in anything he chooses to do,” said team owner Richard Petty. “Drivers like Kasey Kahne are the very reason we got into this sport. Kasey has helped us get to where we are today,” George Gillett, owner of Richard Petty Motorsports said. “We wish him well in his future however we have the rest of this season to race together and we’re looking forward to a successful remainder of the year.”(RPM)(4-13-2010) Share

Bliss named to the #09 ride: Mike Bliss and Tommy Baldwin Racing [#36 Checy] have parted ways, effective immediately. Bliss will replace Aric Almirola at Phoenix Racing. Bliss ran five of the first seven races for Baldwin. He failed to qualify at Bristol and last week at Phoenix. TBR is currently 38th in owner points. “Mike has been rock solid in qualifying with a Cup car,” Phoenix crew chief Marc Reno said. “We were struggling and we have to make races to keep our guys working. We’re trying to survive until we can land a sponsor. Everybody loves Aric. But we needed someone that could qualify for races. (Owner) James (Finch) has helped Aric out in trucks and if we were in a better position, we’d love to bring him up to speed in Cup as well.”(FoxSports)(4-13-2010) Share

New driver for the #36 at Texas/Talladega: Tommy Baldwin Racing (TBR) has tapped Johnny Sauter to drive the #36 Wave Energy Drink Chevrolet for this weekend’s Samsung 500 at Texas Motor Speedway. The race will mark Sauter’s first time behind the wheel of the #36, which was driven by Mike Bliss for the season’s first seven NASCAR Sprint Cup Series races. Sauter has driven the #35 TBR Chevy in three races in 2010, including last week at Phoenix International Raceway, where he finished 41st after qualifying in the 37th position. Sauter will also take control of the #36 for next week’s race at Talladega Superspeedway. “I’m excited about having Johnny in the #36 for the next couple of races and look forward to seeing what he can do,” said team owner Tommy Baldwin. “He has been strong at Texas, especially in the Truck series, and I’m confident he can give us a solid performance in the Sprint Cup car. We will have him for a couple of races here before he will need to focus on his Truck Series team, and we hope to have a full-time driver for the #36 named here in the near future,” he added.(Tommy Baldwin Racing) Share(4-13-2010)

Phoenix TV Ratings Up: NASCAR Sprint Cup racing from Phoenix International Raceway earned a 3.4/7 Saturday night, April 10th on FOX. That is 3% better than last year’s 3.3/6 for the same race. The last three FOX NASCAR races to air in their regularly scheduled windows have all been up a tenth of a point over last year in the metered markets, but FOX has yet to parlay that into an increase for any races in the nationals. FOX’s race earned a 3.4/6 from 8-11pm, which was good enough to place FOX second for the night behind CBS’s 4.0/7. Fox the season-to-date NASCAR On FOX is down -4% in the metered markets (4.8/10 vs. 5.0/10). For 2010 TV Ratings and the season-to-season chart, see my 2010 TV Ratings page.(4-13-2010)

Wheaties scheme for Bowyer at Indy: #33-Clint Bowyer is scheduled to run a Wheaties Fuel paint scheme at Indy in the Brickyard 400 on July 25th. General Mills [also makes Cheerios] launched Wheaties Fuel earlier this year, considered the next evolution of Wheaties. See an image of the scheme on my #33 Team Schemes page.(4-13-2010)

Special scheme for Kenseth in two races: Jeremiah Weed Sweet Tea Vodka is scheduled to be the primary aponaor for #17 Matt Kenseth in the Coca-Cola 600 at Charlotte Motor Speedway in May and the Coke Zero 400 at Daytona in July. See image of the scheme on my #17 Team Schemes page.(4-13-2010)

Jimmie Johnson ticket package at Dover: Race fans that haven’t locked in their seats yet for the May 16, 2010 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series race at Dover International Speedway can now take advantage of a great deal named for one great driver. The $48 Jimmie Johnson package, presented by 92.5 XTU, includes a specially priced ticket to the “Autism Speaks 400 presented by HERSHEY’S Milk & Milkshakes” race on Sunday, May 16 and admission to an exclusive question-and-answer session with Johnson in Philadelphia on Thursday, April 29. Johnson will be the special guest of a Q&A session at World Café Live, located at 3025 Walnut St. in Philadelphia, on Thursday, April 29 at 12:30 p.m. Doors open at 11:30 a.m. at the popular live music venue, and lunch specials will be available prior to the Johnson event. The exclusive April 29 event is only available to fans that purchase the $48 Johnson package. With the purchase of this package, loyal fans of the #48 team will be able to sit amongst fellow fans in designated Jimmie Johnson sections in the grandstands at Dover. Space is limited, so fans are encouraged to order soon. For more information about the $48 Jimmie Johnson package, or to purchase tickets, please call 1-800-441-RACE or visit www.DoverSpeedway.com/XTU. The deadline to purchase this package is Sunday, April 25, 2010.(Dover PR)(4-13-2010)

Almirola leaves #09 team: Aric Almirola, who qualified for four of the first seven Sprint Cup races for Phoenix Racing, said Monday he has mutually agreed to part ways with the team and will focus on competing for the Camping World Truck Series title with Billy Ballew Motorsports. Phoenix Racing lost its sponsorship from Miccosukee Resort & Gaming prior to the start of the season and has dropped out of the four races with Almirola within 60 laps. “We both agreed it was time to do something different,” Almirola said in a phone interview. “I am going to focus a lot more on my truck program, which is really important to me and Billy Ballew Motorsports and all the guys over there.(Scene Daily)(4-12-2010)

Sprint Cup Series Facts and Notes:

• Ryan Newman won the 2010 Subway Fresh Fit 600 at Phoenix International Raceway. It was his 14th series victory in his 303rd start. His last Cup win came at Daytona in February 2008, 78 races ago.

• It was Newman’s second top-10 finish in seven races in 2010 — he finished fourth one race earlier at Martinsville.

• Newman scored his first Cup victory at Phoenix in 16 races — he finished 16th or worse in his previous four races there.

• Newman was the 20th different winner in 28 races at Phoenix.

• Newman led twice for four laps, including the final two.

• Saturday night marked the first time the #39 has visited Victory Lane in NASCAR Sprint Cup history.

• Stewart-Haas Racing scored its fifth series victory and first at Phoenix.

• Matt Kenseth (sixth) posted the 600th top-10 finish for Roush Racing. Edwards, running in his 200th career Cup race (seventh), got No. 601.

• Elliott Sadler finished 31st in his 400th career Cup race.

(ESPN.com)(4-12-2010)

The Entry List for the Samsung 500 Sprint Cup Series race at Texas Motor Speedway is posted, 46 teams/drivers [for 43 spots] are listed, including:

Not in top 35 of owners points for the first five races in 2010:

#09-Aric Almirola (2009 race winner as owner)(45/7)

#13-Max Papis (39/7)

#21-Bill Elliott [past champ 1988](46/2)

#26-David Stremme (2009 race winner as owner)(37/7)

#32-Reed Sorenseon (53/1)

#36-Mike Bliss (38/7)

#34-Travis Kvapil (36/7)

#46-Terry Cook (44/7)

#55-Dave Blaney (42/7)

#66-Michael McDowell (43/7)

#87-Joe Nemechek (41/7)

In the event qualifying is rained out or cancelled:

the eight who would make it [8]: #’s 26,09,21,34,36,13,87,55

missing the race would be [3]: #’s 66,46,32

See the full entry list at my Jayski’s Texas Entry List.(4-12-2010)

Keyed-Up cutting back schedule: Keyed-Up Motorsports announced that it will be reducing its schedule for the remainder of the 2010 season. The team has scaled back on crew members and those who remain will be prepping cars for the limited schedule. The team will continue its efforts in securing a sponsor and will not start and park for funding. “I set out with this team to race, not start and park”, said Key. “However, a reduced schedule will allow us to continue operations and focus our time on specific aspects of racing to make us stronger when we return to the track”. Doug Richert remains at the helm as crew chief and will continue to lead operations. There is no set schedule for the remainder of the season as some potential sponsors could change what is tentative for the team however the #90 will not be participating at Texas next week.(Keyed-Up PR)(4-12-2010)

Company finds value in with #26 team: Sacred Power Corp. is riding NASCAR into the big leagues. This year, the Albuquerque solar energy company became the first American Indian-owned firm and the first solar enterprise to sponsor a NASCAR team. Sacred Power logos adorned the #26 Ford in five of the top Sprint Cup Series races in February and March after striking a barter deal with Latitude 43 Motorsports, a NASCAR team owned by Vermont businessman Bill Jenkins. Sacred Power offered to install solar photovoltaic systems on team leaders’ homes, shops and locations, said Sacred Power President and CEO David Melton. In return, Sacred Power received unprecedented national exposure that Melton said is paying off big time. The company is making two major business pitches this month in California as a result, although Melton declined to name the firms. If the deals are signed, Sacred Power will pump a percentage of the profits back into more racing sponsorships with Latitude 43 Motorsports. Melton said his company couldn’t afford a traditional NASCAR sponsorship for even one race, which can run in the six digits. But a bit of luck led to the barter arrangement with Latitude 43, which launched in February at the 2010 Daytona 500 after Jenkins bought the team from Rousch Fenway Racing. “A traditional sponsorship was way out of our league, but this was a startup team looking for associate sponsors,” Melton said. “In terms of value, the barter arrangement cost us about $250,000, but we think it’s a great deal. We’re very pleased with the return we’ve had in business opportunities.” Latitude 43 wants to do a lot more business with Sacred Power by converting the associate sponsorship, which sported decals on the side and front of car # 26, into a primary sponsorship for the entire car, according to Said.(New Mexico Business Weekly)(4-12-2010)

Race and Commercial Breakdown of Phoenix: For those of you NASCAR fans that like stats and love to hate commercials, or wonder how often your driver was focused on, here is the breakdown for the Phoenix race. Fox was the broadcast team for this event.

Total number of commercials: 114

Total number of companies or entities advertised: 72

Total number of brief promos of products/services during the race broadcast: 51

Total amount of time these brief promos take during broadcast: app. 7 min. 30 sec.

Recorded race/commercial time periods: 7:30 PM – 11:34 PM

Total minutes: 244

Minutes of race broadcast: 189

Minutes of commercials: 55

Number of missed restarts: 0

Number of ‘mystery cautions’ (debris not shown): 1

Number of male enhancement ads: 2

Number of Moments-of-Silence in honor of the fallen miners in W.Va.: 1

Number of times Carl Edward’s favorite Subway sandwich was noted on-screen: 1 Sweet Onion Chicken Teriyaki

Number of submerged bridges near P.I.R. shown on-screen: 1

Number of references to the explosion of Fungus Gnats near P.I.R.: 1

Digger the Gopher Cam sightings: 8 all animated

Total race brdcst time 189 Total comm. brdcst time 55

See number of times drivers were focused on and more on my 2010 Commercials page.4-12-2010)

Infineon Raceway Salutes Our Troops Program for 2010: The military has long featured a strong presence at Infineon Raceway, but the Sonoma Valley facility will put the Armed Forces front-and-center in 2010 with the Sonoma Salutes Our Troops campaign.
The season-long salute to the Armed Forces will feature military elements at several major events, including the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series, NHRA Full Throttle Drag Racing Series, IZOD IndyCar Series, motorcycles, historic car races and more. The season-long program will culminate with Military Appreciation Day at the Indy Grand Prix of Sonoma on Sunday, Aug. 22. Some of the other exciting season-long elements include:

· Increased discounts for active military members at all major events.

· Tickets for Troops program, where fans can purchase tickets to all major events that will be distributed to active military members.

· Hometown Heroes will be recognized during pre-event ceremonies at all major events.

· Partnership with Vintage Valley Blue Star Moms (serving Solano, Napa and Yolo counties) to coordinate shipments of cards, other items, to troops serving overseas.

· Enhanced military participation in pre-event ceremonies at all major events.

· A Sonoma Salutes Our Troops dedicated page on infineonraceway.com

Infineon Raceway is also taking the opportunity to promote a very important program, Troops to College. Troops to College was created by California Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger to attract more veterans to California’s public universities and colleges by making campuses more veteran friendly. For more information on the Troops to College program, visit www.troopstocollege.ca.gov. Infineon Raceway would like to invite race fans to join us in our Sonoma Salutes Our Troops program. For updates, call 800-870-RACE or visit infineonraceway.com/military.(Infineon Raceway)(4-12-2010)

Brandon McReynolds making ARCA debut: UPDATE: In addition to Chris Buescher, who nearly won this race one year ago, Larry McReynolds’ son Brandon is making his ARCA debut on Sunday, as is Rick Ware Racing development driver Timmy Hill. McReynolds, who qualified a disappointing 14th after a near wreck, was nonetheless very excited about Sunday’s race. “You get to run right up against the wall like Darlington, which is always a lot of fun,” said McReynolds of his Salem experience to date. His #6 team spent the early part of practice working on getting the chassis up off the race track, while the young driver adjusted to the challenging high-banked oval. This is the first of at least two races for McReynolds, who unexpectedly found himself in the ESR seat. “It’s really overwhelming. Eddie [Sharp] took a big chance on me to come up here and run me with hardly any funding. It’s pretty impressive to see him take a shot on an 18-year-old kid who really hasn’t proven himself. And we’re going to run Talladega in a few weeks, so that’s exciting. The Walk of Fame down in Talladega is going to be on the car, we’re going to run the old #28 number, which is going to be cool with dad involved.”(Fronstretch)(4-11-2010)

UPDATE: McReynolds finished the race in 26th, completing 64 of the 200 laps.(4-11-2010)

#39 is the 103rd car number to win: when Ryan Newman won the Subway Fresh Fit 600(k) at Phoenix International Raceway on Saturday, April 10, 2010, it was the first Sprint Cup win ever for a car number 39, being the 103rd different car number [as far as I can calculate] that has won in the Sprint Cup series. See my Win by Car Number page for more on car number history.(4-11-2010)

Clorox considering sale of STP, Armor All: Consumer-products giant Clorox Co. is moving toward the sale of its two automotive brands, STP and Armor All, and will likely launch a process to auction the well-known names, according to people familiar with the matter. The Oakland, Calif., company has been analyzing its large product portfolio and could hire an investment bank within the next couple of months to handle the sale, these people said. STP and Armor All have combined annual sales of about $300 million. STP, a maker of oil treatments, brake fluid and fuel-system cleaners, is seen as more valuable than Armor All, which makes automotive polishes, auto-glass cleaners and upholstery cleaners. Clorox has one of the widest-ranging product portfolios in the household-products sector: In addition to its namesake bleach, the company’s brands include Kingsford charcoal, Hidden Valley dressing and Brita water filters. Nevertheless, Clorox has long regarded auto-care brands Armor All and STP, to be outside the company’s core, preferring to focus on products that promote wellness, sustainability and affordability.(Wall Street Journal – subscription required), no word on how this might impact the company’s NASCAR involvment. Clorox is a sponsor of JTG Daugherty Racing and #47-Marcos Ambrose.(4-11-2010)

Whelen extends sponsorship of developmental series: NASCAR and Whelen Engineering, Inc., have announced an extension that will see Whelen remain as the entitlement sponsor for three of NASCAR’s developmental series through the 2019 racing season. “During the last five seasons, Whelen has been an invaluable partner for NASCAR in advancing both grassroots racing and key regional tours,” said George Silbermann, NASCAR managing director of racing operations. “The commitment that Whelen has made to the future of these series is unprecedented, and it is a partnership that will continue to flourish for many years to come.” The extension means Whelen, which became an entitlement sponsor in 2004, is the longest running current entitlement contract for any of NASCAR’s series. The NASCAR Whelen Modified and NASCAR Whelen Southern Modified Tours are the only two open-wheel series under the NASCAR banner. The NASCAR Whelen All-American Series is comprised of a network of more than 50 race tracks across North America.(NASCAR PR)(4-11-2010)

Sad News – Dick Hartrick: Richard “Dick” Cecil Hartrick, 68, died Monday, April 5, 2010, at Columbus Regional Healthcare [Whiteville, NC]. He was born June 24, 1941 in Fairfield County, Conn., the son of the late John and Jeannette Wardell Hartrick. He was preceded in death by a daughter, Elaine Gustin. Services were held on Friday, April 9th at McHoul Funeral Home, 895 Route 82, Hopewell Junction, N.Y. 12533. Hartrick recently worked for Kirk Shelmerdine Racing in the Sprint Cup Series. He is survived by four daughters, Lisa Hartrick of Whiteville, Lora Metz of Puyallup, Wash., Wendy Howington of Cary, and Corinne Holmes of Jacksonville; and a sister, Barbara Deysenroth of Redding, Conn. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Macular Degeneration Foundation Inc., P.O. Box 531313, Henderson, Nev. 89053 or to the Lupus Foundation of America Inc., P.O. Box 631047, Baltimore, Md. 21263-1047.(4-11-2010)

Turnbull Manufacturing Company to help Texas winners celebrate Texas style: The Samsung Mobile 500 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series race winner and pole winner will receive new and unique firearms from the Turnbull Manufacturing Company to commemorate their accomplishments during the April 15-18 race week at Texas Motor Speedway. The Samsung Mobile 500 race winner will fire a pair of Turnbull 45 Colt-style, single-action revolvers with ivory grips during the post-race Victory Lane celebration. The pistols, which resemble the original Colt pistols of the late 1880s, are custom engraved with a modified Colt factory ‘A’ pattern, crossed checkered flags on the front of the frame, the State of Texas outline on the breech ball and Texas Star on the loading gate. The race winner also will be given his own special-edition pair in a custom-fitted, glass-panel front handgun display case. The Samsung Mobile 500 pole winner will be presented with a Turnbull model 1886 deluxe take down rifle in Victory Lane following The Dallas Morning News Qualifying Day on Friday, April 16. The rifle, which has a 26-inch half round, half octagon barrel in .45-70 caliber, will feature a gold-colored inlaid panel on the butt stock to be custom engraved with the Texas Motor Speedway logo and the tagline, “The Great American Speedway!”(TMS PR)(4-11-2010)

Newman wins at Phoenix: #39-Ryan Newman won the Subway Fresh Fit 600(k) at Phoenix International Raceway for his first win of the season and 14th of his career. Newman’s win was his first with Stewart Haas Racing and first since Newman won the 2008 Daytona 500, when he was with Penske Racing. Newman is the first driver ever to win a race running the car number 39. See my Win by Car Number page for more on car number history. #24-Gordon, who was the leader when the race restarted under a green-white-checker finish, was passed by Newman at the restart and finished 2nd. #48-Johnson finished 3nd, followed by #5-Martin, #42-Montoya, #17-Kenseth, #99-Edwards, #18-Kyle Busch (who was leading the race when the final caution came out with 3 laps to go), #33-Bowyer, and #20-Logano. Pole sitter #43-Allmendinger finished 15th. There were 9 cautions for 59 yellow flag laps and there were 20 lead changes among 13 drivers.

See race results, awards, laps led and more on Jayski’s Phoenix Race Results/Awards page.(4-10-2010)

Race Fast Facts – Phoenix International Raceway:

Ryan Newman won the SUBWAY Fresh Fit 600, his 14th victory in 303 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series races.

This is his first victory and second top-10 finish in 2010. His most recent victory came 77 races ago in 2008 Daytona 500. It is his first victory since joining Stewart-Haas Racing.

This is his first victory and fourth top-10 finish in 16 races at Phoenix International Raceway.

Jeff Gordon (second) posted his 17th top-10 finish in 23 races at Phoenix International Raceway. It is his third top-10 finish in 2010.

Jimmie Johnson (third) posted his 12th top-10 finish in 14 races at Phoenix International Raceway.

Kevin Conway (33rd) was the highest finishing rookie.

Jimmie Johnson leads the point standings by 36 points over Matt Kenseth.(NASCAR Statistics)(4-10-2010)

2010 Sprint Cup Driver Points Standings:

[after Phoenix, race 7 of 36]:

rank, car#, driver, points, behind

1) #48-Jimmie Johnson [3 wins] 1073

2) #17-Matt Kenseth 1037, -36

3) #16-Greg Biffle 981, -92

4) #29-Kevin Harvick 961, -112

5) #24-Jeff Gordon 948, -125

6) #33-Clint Bowyer 885, -188

7) #31-Jeff Burton 873, -200

8) #99-Carl Edwards 873, -200

9) #14-Tony Stewart 869, -204

10) #88-Dale Earnhardt Jr. 866, -207

11) #20-Joey Logano 862, -211

12) #18-Kyle Busch 855, -218

Chase for the Sprint Cup – Contenders:

13) #5-Mark Martin 844, 11 points out of chase

14) #2-Kurt Busch [1 win] 834, -22

15) #98-Paul Menard 811, -44

16) #39-Ryan Newman [1 win] 802, -53

17) #83-Brian Vickers 786, -69

18) #11-Denny Hamlin [1 win] 783, -72

2009 Chaser Drivers not in top 18

21) #42-Juan Montoya 723, -132

26) #9-Kasey Kahne 666, -189

See standings on Jayski’s Drivers Points Standings page.(4-10-2010)

Top-35 in Owner Points and guaranteed a starting spot at Texas:

30) #77-Hornish/Penske 625 +104

31) #71-Labonte/Buckler 586 +65

32) #78-Smith/Furniture Row 580 +59

33) #38-Gilliland/Front Row 546 +25

34) #37-Conway/Front Row 538 +17

35) #7-Gordon/RGM/BAM: 528, 7 points ahead of 36th

these teams/ drivers must qualify by speed:

36) #34-Kvapil/Front Row 521 7 points out of 35th

38) #26-Said/Stremme/Latitude43: 426 -102

37) #36-Bliss/Baldwin: 420 -108

39) #13-Papis/Germain: 361 -167

40) #90-Riggs/Key 304 -224

The teams are NOT locked in past the next race as the owners points change after each race.
For the owner points standings, see my Owners Points Standings page.(4-10-2010)

Penalty Report – Phoenix:

Car#, Lap, Reason, Penalty

#2, 15, Outside half of the pit box tire violation/Team member not in contact with the outside tires, Tail End

#9, 15, Pitting before pit road is open, Tail End

#2, 15, Pitting before pit road is open, Tail End

#56, 16, Pitting before pit road is open, Tail End

#2, 24, Pitting before pit road is open, Tail End

#1, 24, Pitting before pit road is open, Tail End

#31, 190, Car pitting out of the assigned pit box, 1 Lap

(NASCAR Statistics)(4-10-2010)

Lucky Dogs – Who got a lap back on each caution at Phoenix: (and their finish)

Caution 1: no driver down a lap

Caution 1: wave around cars: none

Caution 2: no driver on track a lap down

Caution 2: wave around cars: none

Caution 3: #46-Cook, 34th

Caution 3: wave around cars: none

Caution 4: #6-Ragan, 19th

Caution 4: wave around cars: none

Caution 5: #82-Speed, 21st

Caution 5: wave around cars: none reported

Caution 6: #78-Smith, 26th

Caution 6: wave around cars:

Caution 7: #78-Smith (2), 26th

Caution 7: wave around cars: none reported

Caution 8: #1-McMurray, 24th

Caution 8: wave around cars: #11-Hamlin, #19-Sadler

Caution 9: none, less than 10 laps remaining

Caution 9: wave around cars: #31-Burton, #78-Smith, 71-Labonte

NOTE: wave around cars are not always reported and not scored on results pages

(4-10-2010)

Start and Parks? Which teams parked their cars early in the race at Phoenix (or seemed to)?

#66-McDowell, #55-Blaney, and #35-Sauter all parked before the end of the race, but they all drove at least 149 laps.

(only count a team with a history of start and park, not a wreck or engine blow and only if 25% or less of race completed)(4-10-2010)

Hamlin uncertain if he can run entire race: UPDATES: #11-Denny Hamlin, who had surgery nine days ago to repair a torn ACL in his left knee, said he is uncertain if he can drive the entire race Saturday after experiencing significant pain and discomfort in practice Friday. “I don’t know how far I can go,” Hamlin said. “It aches quite a bit and the range of motion is a problem. If I had to do it today there is no way I could do it.” he said. Casey Mears will replace Hamlin if Hamlin has to get out of the #11 Toyota. A driver must start the race to earn the points for that event. “There’s a lot of fluid build-up on the knee right now,” Hamlin said. “The doctors are going to insert a needle in the morning and drain all the fluid. They also are going to take the stitches out, so I might have a little more mobility.” Hamlin said he hopes to make a decision early in the race about whether to get out of the car. “If we do it, we need to do it early,” Hamlin said. “I’ll start thinking about it at 50 or 60 laps. My goal is to know what I’m going to do before Lap 100 [in the 375-lap race]. There’s no reason to abort it if I make it that far. It hurts worse when I stop than when I’m going.”(ESPN.com)(4-9-2010)

UPDATE: Interviewed on SPEED’s Race Day, Hamlin said he has not determined if he will try to run the entire race. He will see how he feels once the race gets underway but try to make a decision by lap 50.(4-10-2010)

UPDATE 2: Hamlin stayed in the car for the entire race.(4-10-2010)

Blaney, McDowell swap rides at Phoenix: This weekend at Phoenix Dave Blaney has moved over to the #55 Prism Motorsports Toyota, swapping seats with Michael McDowell, who will be in the #66. SPEED reported that Blaney was moved to the #55 in preparation for Michael Waltrip’s race in the car at Talladega. Blaney usually runs more laps that McDowell and that will enable the team to focus more on the performance of the #55. It was not mentioned if they will swap cars again next weekend at Texas.(4-10-2010)

Gilliland honoring fan killed in accident: #37-David Gilliland is paying tribute to the family of one of his biggest fans this weekend by racing in memory of a Tennessee teenager who was killed in a tragic accident. Jordan Dwomick, 14, died when more than 200 pounds of lumber fell on her while she was sunbathing and listening to music in the backyard of her home, according to this story. Four big boards somehow fell off a stack of lumber and onto Dwomick’s back, neck and head Dwomick was “the daughter of a big and loyal fan of David’s,” according to Front Row Motorsports. Gilliland is honoring her by running a decal on his car at Phoenix this weekend that reads: “In Loving Memory, Jordan Dwomick.”(SB Nation)(4-9-2010)

Allgaier says no immediate plans for Cup debut: One of the more curious NASCAR stories this spring surrounds newcomer Justin Allgaier, Roger Penske’s latest find. Allgaier just notched his first big NASCAR win three weeks ago at Bristol, in Penske’s Nationwide car. Now there is increasing speculation that Allgaier, soon to turn 24, may be ready to step up to Cup….perhaps as Penske’s fourth Sprint Cup driver, with Kurt Busch, Brad Keselowski and Sam Hornish. What is the Penske-Allgaier game plan? And how much depends on Nationwide sponsor Verizon – which is barred from putting its company logos on a Sprint Cup car? “The only plan is there is no plan,” Allgaier says. “Obviously Roger is very passionate about the sport and wants to make things happen in a time frame that makes the most sense. I basically told Roger and everybody that makes the decision at Penske Racing that I want the opportunity eventually. There’s a lot that would have to go into it (creating a fourth Cup team). Penske Racing is very good at being planned. I don’t think we would jump into anything. With Verizon being on our Nationwide car and not being able to go to the Cup side, I want to make sure it’s the right opportunity and we don’t ruin any relationships.”(MikeMulhern.net)(4-10-2010)

Obama Administration Looks to NASCAR for Anti-Texting Campaign: There are few sports where distractions can prove more deadly than in stock car racing. Just imagine the wreck a driver would cause if, say, he whipped out his phone to text his pit crew with a problem. With that in mind, the Obama administration is eager to get NASCAR aboard its anti-texting campaign, says a stock car official. “Yes, NASCAR has been in discussions … for a possible distracted driving component in a campaign. This is still early stage, and a timeline for completion is still not yet confirmed,” says the insider. Can’t you just picture Tony Stewart throwing his helmet at fellow racer who texted and caused a wreck that knocked him out of a race?(US News)(4-10-2010)

Fans can get NASCAR Day Pins at Bass Pro Shops through May 21: NASCAR fans looking for a way to “get their pin on” can now visit their local Bass Pro Shops to make a $5 donation for the 2010 NASCAR Day collectible lapel pin. The NASCAR Foundation and Bass Pro Shops have announced the popular outdoor retailer will participate in the national fundraiser by carrying the pins now through May 21 at 56 stores nationwide. NASCAR Day is a charitable celebration of the NASCAR spirit that enables fans and partners to join together to make a difference in the lives of children. NASCAR Day encourages fans to make a $5 donation for a collectible lapel pin which in turn will support programs that help children live happier, healthier lives.(NASCAR PR), for more information on NASCAR day, see my Charity Links page..(4-10-2010)

Keselowski, Smith to test at Infineon:NASCAR Sprint Cup Series drivers Brad Keselowski and Regan Smith will take part in test sessions next week at Infineon Raceway in preparation for the Toyota/Save Mart 350, June 18-20. Keselowski (#12 Penske Dodge) will test the 10-turn, 1.99-mile road course on Tuesday, April 13, while Smith (#78 Furniture Row Chevy) will visit the circuit on Wednesday, April 14. Both will test in late-model stock cars provided by a Northern California-based race team.(Infineon PR)(4-10-2010)

Fall Phoenix Race to be Kobalt Tools 500: Phoenix International Raceway announced that Lowe’s and Kobalt Tools have joined the track’s team of corporate partners. As part of this new relationship, Kobalt will act as the official title sponsor for the track’s November 14 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series event: The Kobalt Tools 500 at Phoenix International Raceway. Although this is Lowe’s first time sponsoring a Phoenix race, it has been supporting the Phoenix community for years. Lowe’s and the Lowe’s Charitable and Educational Foundation (LCEF) have given more than $2 million in donations to education and community improvement projects in Arizona. Most recently, the LCEF gave a $50,000 grant to the Boys & Girls Club of Metro Phoenix to renovate its teen center.(PIR)(4-10-2010)

Darlington ticket office open on weekends: The Darlington Raceway ticket office will open during the weekend to make ticket purchases more convenient and accessible for race fans. The ticket office will be open every Saturday and Sunday leading up to the SHOWTIME Southern 500 on May 8, 2010. Beginning Saturday, April 10, the ticket office will be open for fans to purchase their tickets. The weekend hours will be 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. on Saturdays and 1 p.m. – 5 p.m. on Sundays. The track’s normal business hours of 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. will continue Monday through Friday. Tickets can also be purchased by calling the Darlington Raceway ticket office at 866-459-RACE or online at http://www.darlingtonraceway.com/tickets/.(Darlington PR)(4-10-2010)

Hamlin uncertain if he can run entire race: #11-Denny Hamlin, who had surgery nine days ago to repair a torn ACL in his left knee, said he is uncertain if he can drive the entire race Saturday after experiencing significant pain and discomfort in practice Friday. “I don’t know how far I can go,” Hamlin said. “It aches quite a bit and the range of motion is a problem. If I had to do it today there is no way I could do it.” he said. Casey Mears will replace Hamlin if Hamlin has to get out of the #11 Toyota. A driver must start the race to earn the points for that event. “There’s a lot of fluid build-up on the knee right now,” Hamlin said. “The doctors are going to insert a needle in the morning and drain all the fluid. They also are going to take the stitches out, so I might have a little more mobility.” Hamlin said he hopes to make a decision early in the race about whether to get out of the car. “If we do it, we need to do it early,” Hamlin said. “I’ll start thinking about it at 50 or 60 laps. My goal is to know what I’m going to do before Lap 100 [in the 375-lap race]. There’s no reason to abort it if I make it that far. It hurts worse when I stop than when I’m going.”(ESPN.com)(4-9-2010)

Qualifying Fast Facts – Phoenix:

A J Allmendinger won the Pole Award for the SUBWAY Fresh Fit 600 with a lap of 26.731 seconds, 134.675 mph.

This is his first pole in 87 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series races. His previous best qualifying effort, second, came at Auto Club Speedway in August 2008.

This is his first pole and first top-10 start in 2010.

This is his first pole in four races at Phoenix International Raceway.

Scott Speed (second) posted his first top-10 start of 2010 and his first in four races at Phoenix International Raceway. This matched his best qualifying effort (Homestead Miami Speedway, November 2008)

Sam Hornish Jr. (third) posted his first top-10 start at Phoenix International Raceway. It is his second in seven races this season. This is Hornish’s best qualifying performance (fourth, Talladega Superspeedway, April 2009)

Kevin Conway (42nd) was the fastest qualifying rookie.

(NASCAR Statistics)(4-9-2010)

Fastest Qualifier by Manufacturer::

Chevy: #88-Earnhardt, Jr, 133.640, starts 5th

Dodge: #77-Hornish, 134.198, starts 3rd

Ford: #43-Allmendinger, 134.675, starts 1st

Toyota: #66-Speed, 134.373, starts 2nd

Happy Hour practice: for the Subway Fit Fresh 600(k) Sprint Cup Series race at Phoenix International Raceway is underway. After 75 of 85 schedule minutes of practice, the fastest:

#24-Gordon, 131.444

#43-Allmendinger, 131.224

#39-Newman, 131.071

#16-Biffle, 130.909

#31-Burton, 130.895

slowest: #02-Ash 125.440 & #38-Conway, 125.339

There were several one car spins — #18-Busch, #47-Ambrose, and #48-Johnson, but nonoe hit anything. #00-Reutimann and #26-Stremme scraped the SAFER barriers.

See fastest speeds, average speeds, laps run on my Phoenix Practice Speeds page.(4-9-2010)

Phoenix Happy Hour practice rank for the non top-35 drivers:

if things stay the same, these eight drivers would make the race:

#7-Robby Gordon, 20th fastest overall

#87-Joe Nemechek, 21st

#90-Scott Riggs, 26th

#55-Dave Blaney, 27th

#66-Michael McDowell, 28th

#46-Terry Cook, 35th

#26-David Stremme, 38th

#36-Mike Bliss, 39th

these drivers would miss the race if the order stayed the same:

#35-Johnny Sauter, 41st

#13-Max Papis, 42nd

#09-Aric Almirola, 44th

#02-Brandon Ash, 46th.(4-9-2010)

Friday’s first practice: for the Subway Fit Fresh 600(k) at Phoenix International Raceway is over. The fastest:

#11-Hamlin 131.210

#66-McDowell 130.274

#1-McMurray, 130.110

#2-Busch, 130.025

#88-Earnhardt, Jr., 129.992

slowest: #38-Conway 124.473 & #02-Ash 124.361

notes: #11-Hamlin ran 22 laps on four different runs before getting out of the car for Casey Mears to make a practice run. Mears got in the car to make sure he’s comfortable if he needs to relieve Hamlin Saturday evening.

Michael McDowell is in the #66 this weekend and Dave Blaney in the #55. The switch was made because Blaney usually runs more laps in the races for Prism and they are preparing the #55 for Talladega in a few weeks when Michael Waltrip will drive.

#14-Tony Steward coming off turn 4 but didn’t hit anything.

See fastest speeds, average speeds, laps run on my Phoenix Practice Speeds page.(4-9-2010)

Martinsville first practice rank for the non top-35 drivers:

if things stay the same, these eight drivers would make the race:

#66-Michael McDowell, 2nd fastest overall

#09-Aric Almirola, 14th

#90-Scott Riggs, 31st

#55-Dave Blaney, 32nd

#87-Joe Nemechek, 33rd

#26-David Stremme, 34th

#36-Mike Bliss, 36th

#46-Terry Cook, 38th

these drivers would miss the race if the order stayed the same:

#35-Johnny Sauter. 39th

#7-Robby Gordon, 42nd

#13-Max Papis, 45th

#02-Brandon Ash, 47th.(4-9-2010)

Qualifying Order for the Subway Fit Fresh 600(k) Sprint Cup Series race at Phoenix International Raceway is posted. 47 cars/drivers are listed. Go-or-go homers will qualify at the end of the session, once the top-35 drivers are done.

The first of the top-35 drivers scheduled to go out is #18-Busch.

The final top-35 driver scheduled to go out is #9-Kahne.

The first go-or-go homer scheduled to qualify [36th] is #7-Gordon and the final driver scheduled to qualify being #46-Cook.

See the full qualifying order on the Phoenix Qualifying Page.(4-09-2010)

Victory Lane Wealth Solutions returns to #71: After a successful two-race deal in 2009, Victory Lane Wealth Solutions will return to the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series in Phoenix as an associate sponsor for the remainder of the 2010 season. Victory Lane Wealth strategically chose to return to TRG Motorsports at the scene of where the relationship began. Leveraging Victory Lane’s success in the 401(k) marketplace, principal Rich Schuette struck the deal to provide additional funding to the #71 team.(TRG PR)(4-9-2010)

ISC profit up: Net income edged slightly higher in the first quarter at International Speedway Corp., but results came sharply below Wall Street expectations as admissions revenue fell. Profit was $25.4 million, or 53 cents per share, in the three months ended Feb. 28, up 1 percent from $25.1 million, or 52 cents per share, in the same quarter a year ago. However, excluding unusual items, earnings were 45 cents per share, down from 56 cents. Analysts, who typically exclude one-time items from their estimates, were looking for 53 cents, according to Thomson Reuters. Revenue also fell short. While company boasted a capacity crowd at its marquee event, NASCAR’s Daytona 500, overall revenue for the quarter slipped 8 percent to $152 million from $166.1 million, as admissions revenue fell about 19 percent. Analysts expected revenue of $161.7 million.(Associated Press)(4-9-2010)

Sprint updates All-Star race votes: Sprint announced the top vote recipients for the NASCAR Sprint All-Star Fan Vote, which allows fans to place a driver into the field of the 2010 NASCAR Sprint All-Star Race. As of April 5, the top 10 drivers in the Sprint All-Star Fan Vote standings (in alphabetical order) are #43-A.J. Allmendinger, #47-Marcos Ambrose, #16-Greg Biffle, #33-Clint Bowyer, #31-Jeff Burton, #21-Bill Elliott, #99-Carl Edwards, #42-Juan Pablo Montoya, #56-Martin Truex Jr. and #55-Michael Waltrip. Voting continues until one hour before the start of the Sprint All-Star Race on Saturday, May 22. Fans can cast votes for their favorite eligible drivers using the NASCAR Sprint Cup Mobile application, by visiting NASCAR.com or at the Sprint Experience, located in the midway at every NASCAR Sprint Cup Series event. The driver accumulating the most votes, who also finishes the Sprint Showdown qualifying race, will earn a spot in the prestigious All-Star field. In addition to voting, fans can also use the NASCAR Sprint Cup Mobile application to view the NASCAR Sprint All-Star Race in its entirety on Sprint devices. To download the new NASCAR Sprint Cup Mobile, which is free with any data plan, Sprint customers should text “NASCAR” to 7777. Votes may also be cast on Sprint devices by texting “VOTE” to 7777 (Standard text messaging and data rates apply.).(Sprint)4-9-2010)

Danica gives GoDaddy most tv coverage value: In Danica Patrick’s first three NASCAR Nationwide Series starts, where she finished 35th, 31st and 36th, her sponsor GoDaddy.com stood #1 among all primary team sponsors with 1 hour, 57 minutes, 51 seconds of tv time, 15 mentions and a Recognition Grade value of $1,340,880. Justin Allgaier (with finishes of 4th, 9th and 7th) and his Verizon entry ranked second with $561,600.(Joyce Julius)(4-9-2010)

Phoenix Rookie Notes: #37-Kevin Conway was the Raybestos Rookie of the Race in the March 29 Goody’s Fast Pain Relief 500 at Martinsville Speedway, posting a 31st-place finish. Conway leads #46-Terry Cook by 40 points (55-15) in the Raybestos Rookie standings entering the April 10 Subway Fresh Fit 600 at Phoenix International Raceway. Joey Logano was the Raybestos Rookie of the Race in the 2009 Subway Fresh Fit 600, scoring a 21st-place finish. The best finish by a Raybestos Rookie in five spring races at Phoenix is fifth by Clint Bowyer in 2006. Bowyer is the only freshman driver to finish inside the top-five in the Subway Fresh Fit 600. The qualifying effort by a Raybestos Rookie in five previous spring races at Phoenix is sixth by Denny Hamlin in 2006. The most laps led by a Raybestos Rookie in the spring race at Phoenix: 21 by Bowyer in 2006. For rookie standings, history and more, see my 2010 Rookies page.(4-9-2010)

Some Chassis selections for Phoenix:

#1-Jamie McMurray: Kevin “Bono” Manion decided to bring chassis #1008. This chassis has never been run before.

#2-Kurt Busch: and crew chief Steve Addington and crew will be racing their “PRS-701” Miller Lite Dodge Charger at Phoenix this weekend. This chassis has been raced only once before. Busch started 24th, led laps and finished eighth in last October’s Pepsi 500 at Fontana, Calif., in the car’s only other outing.

#5-Mark Martin: Alan Gustafson has chosen Hendrick Motorsports Chassis No. 5-588 for this Saturday’s race at Phoenix. This is a new chassis that never has been raced or tested.

#12-Brad Keselowski: The #12 Abyss Dodge Charger team will use chassis PRS-716 during Saturday night’s NASCAR Cup Series race at Phoenix. PRS-716 is a brand new chassis to the #12 team.

#14-Tony Stewart: Chassis No. 14-535: This car debuted at Phoenix last April. After only being tested in the wind tunnel, Chassis No. 14-535 hit the racetrack in impressive fashion, as Stewart used it to qualify sixth and lead once for 19 laps before finishing second, which at the time was the best finish for Stewart-Haas Racing. Chassis No. 14-535 returned to another flat track via New Hampshirein June, but its time on the racetrack was short after it crashed in practice. It was repaired with new front and rear clips for its return trip to New Hampshire in September. There, Chassis No. 14-535 led four times for 52 laps before a loose axle cap forced an unscheduled pit stop, which resulted in a 14th-place finish. The November trek to Phoenix marked the car’s third career start, where it qualified eighth and went from a possible top-10 performance to a disappointing 25th-place result when it was caught up in a multi-car accident

#17-Matt Kenseth: primary chassis for the #17 Crown Royal Black Ford will be RK-645, with the backup being RK-569, no details

#18-Kyle Busch: Chassis No. 251: Saturday night’s Subway Fresh Fit 600k will be the third-ever start for No 251. This chassis made its debut at New Hampshire Speedway in Loudon last September, where Busch qualified third and brought home a solid fifth-place finish. Busch followed that up with a solid fourth-place run in last October’s TUMS QuikPak 500 at Martinsville Speedway after starting way back in the 41st spot.

#19-Elliott Sadler: Chassis No. 609 has been prepared by crew chief Wally Rogers and the #19 Stanley team for this Saturday’s event at Phoenix International Raceway. This is a brand new Ford Fusion specifically prepared for this race.

#20-Joey Logano: The #20 Team is taking chassis #269 to Phoenix this weekend. This is a new chassis in The Home Depot Team’s arsenal. The back-up car, chassis #250 was raced three times last season including the fall race at Phoenix and additionally in the fall events at Loudon and Pocono.

#29-Kevin Harvick: will pilot Chassis No. 304 from the Richard Childress Racing NASCAR Sprint Cup Series stable. This Shell-Pennzoil Chevy is a completely brand new car which will see its first laps on the track during Friday’s practice session.

#31-Jeff Burton: will pilot chassis No. 280 from the Richard Childress Racing NASCAR Sprint Cup Series stable in this weekend’s 375-lap affair. Built new for 2009, this Caterpillar Chevy was put through its first paces at Chicagoland Speedway last July where the 17-year veteran was credited with a 37th-place finish after being collected in a late-race multi-car incident. Burton then piloted this #31 racer at Kansas where he finished 23rd before posting a runner-up finish at Phoenix in November.

#33-Clint Bowyer: will pilot Chassis No. 265 from Richard Childress Racing’s NASCAR Sprint Cup Series stable. Bowyer drove this Chevy twice last season, finishing sixth at Atlanta Motor Speedway in March and 36th at Charlotte Motor Speedway in May. The Impala was completely updated over the offseason.

#39-Ryan Newman: Chassis No. 39-536: The Subway Fresh Fit 600k marks the first outing in 2010 for this chassis. Prior to the 2010 season, Newman piloted this chassis at four races in 2009 – twice at Phoenix, and twice at Richmond. In the car’s first outing at Phoenix in April, Newman was plagued by radio communication issues, which hampered his ability to tell the team what he needed to make the car better. Despite the radio issues, Newman drove the car from its 30th-place qualifying spot to a 16th-place finish. At Phoenix in November, Newman was able to drive the #39 Chevy from the 24th spot into the top-10. However, pit-road issues cost Newman and his team valuable track position and led to Newman being caught up in an on-track incident. Newman finished in 20th-place. In two races at Richmond, Newman finished fourth and 10th, respectively. During the offseason, the original body was cut off the car. The car was made lighter and the bodywork was rebuilt.

#42-Juan Montoya: Pattie and the Target team will be bringing Chassis #909 to PIR. Montoya finished eighth in this chassis in last year’s fall event at PIR.

#43-A.J. Allmendinger: No. 277 has been prepared by Shiplett and the #43 Valvoline crew for this weekend’s race at Phoenix. This particular chassis ran at Auto Club Speedway in Fontana, California in February.

#48-Jimmie Johnson: Chassis No. 540 will be the primary for Sunday’s event. Johnson won last fall’s race at Phoenix International Raceway in that chassis.

#88-Dale Earnhardt, Jr.: Crew chief Lance McGrew and the #88 crew will unload Hendrick Motorsports Chassis No. 88-586. This is a brand new chassis that never has been tested or raced.

#98-Paul Menard: Crew chief Slugger Labbe and the #98 Menards crew have prepared chassis No. 574 for this weekend’s Subway Fresh Fit 600 at Phoenix. This chassis was run by the #98 team last season, but has not been utilized for any even in 2010.

#99-Carl Edwards: Chassis: RK-647. This car last raced at Phoenix in Nov. ’09, finished 16th.

(from team PR’s if reported)(4-9-2010)

ISC says Daytona patch worked: Officials from International Speedway Corp., which owns several tracks that host Cup events, said they’re confident the concrete patch used at Daytona International Speedway after a pothole developed in the 500 will work but that they’re awaiting further analysis on the track to see if the track will need be repaved. The track was last repaved more than 30 years ago. John Saunders, president of ISC, said Thursday in a conference call with investors that planned repaving of the track, as of now, is targeted for around 2012. Saunders said the analysis shows that three things led to the pothole developing:

1. A “very unusual cold winter” in Florida. (The Daytona Beach News-Journal reported that the average temperature in Daytona in February was 53.1 degrees — the coldest in Daytona since 1978.

2. Moisture where Saunders said “we experienced what the engineers call delamination, which occurs below the surface. It’s not visible on the surface.” This is where materials can weaken and split into layers.

3. The cars bottoming out. Said Saunders: “Eventually, with that weight and that force, it began to cut the asphalt and once that happens, it begins to accelereate.”
(Hampton Roads)(4-9-2010)

Charlie Pride to sing National Anthem at Texas: Legendary country music artist Charley Pride will perform the national anthem prior to the start of the Samsung Mobile 500 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series race on Sunday, April 18. Pride, a member of the Country Music Hall of Fame, was the first African-American superstar in country music and has continued to serve as a pioneer in the industry so much so that he was honored by the Academy of Country Music with its Pioneer Award in 1994, one of numerous accolades Pride has received throughout his career. Pride is just one of the legendary artists performing prior to the Samsung Mobile 500. One of rock-n-roll’s most recognized guitarists, Peter Frampton, will take to the frontstretch stage for an hour concert set to begin at 12:30 p.m. CT. His performance will highlight the three-hour pre-race show leading up to the Samsung Mobile 500 that begins at 2 p.m.(TMS PR)(4-9-2010)

Kenseth talks about Martinsville contact with Gordon: Is Matt Kenseth still upset with Jeff Gordon over getting bumped out of the way during the green-white-checkered flag finish at Martinsville? During an interview in Arlington, Texas on Wednesday, Performance Racing Network and Texas Motor Speedway announcer Brad Gillie asked Kenseth about the incident. Kenseth chuckled and said “He never likes the way I race him so…I don’t know…he’s honestly taken me out of three top-three finishes now and he still went on to finish third. I barely bumped into him at Martinsville and got under him and tried to go for a win and I thought we were gonna race side-by-side for the win on the last lap and instead he decided to wreck me and deliberately try to ruin my day. So, it’s in the past and I’m just gonna move on and just start over the next week. He’s gonna have to race how he wants to race and he’s gonna have his opinions and I’m gonna have my opinions on things and we’ll just go on from there.” Kenseth took part in NASCAR’s winners circle program at the International Bowling Hall of Fame and museum Wednesday to help promote the upcoming races at Texas Motor Speedway.(PRN Garage Pass)(4-8-2010)

Hamlin’s rehab on schedule, expects to race Saturday: UPDATE: #11-Denny Hamlin’s rehabilitation of his left knee, which underwent surgery a week ago to repair a torn anterior cruciate ligament, remains on schedule and should allow him to compete in Saturday night’s Sprint Cup race at Phoenix International Raceway. “It’s painful, as anyone who has had this surgery or any similar surgery can tell you, but I am working hard to get back my full range of motion and get back to where I need to be,” Hamlin said in a news release. Dr. Patrick Connor of OrthoCarolina in Charlotte performed the surgery last Wednesday. Dr. Bill Heisel, who assisted in the procedure, told ESPN.com the knee should be “pretty normal” by the time Hamlin got to Phoenix. Heisel added that Hamlin shouldn’t be restricted from using his left leg to clutch or brake as long as there was no abnormal swelling. Casey Mears is on standby in case Hamlin has to come out of the car. Hamlin, who is 15th in points after his win at Martinsville before the Easter break, is expected at the very least to start the race in order to collect full points for the finish.(ESPN.com)(4-7-2010)

UPDATE: How long Denny Hamlin stays in his race car during this weekend’s NASCAR Sprint Cup race at Phoenix International Raceway will be left up to him, according to the physician’s assistant that is overseeing Hamlin’s rehabilitation from recent knee surgery. “I’m optimistic that he’s going to be able to run at the very least some laps,” Bill Heisel of OrthoCarolina said Wednesday. “I anticipate that he will have some soreness and he will have some swelling. It’s just a matter of seeing how many laps he’s able to run.” Heisel, a physician’s assistant who helped with the surgery and is overseeing Hamlin’s rehab, is scheduled to be in Phoenix on race day to assist Hamlin and the team, and to address any issues that might arise. Hamlin was scheduled to work with the team Wednesday to practice getting into and out of his car.(Scene Daily)(4-8-2010)

Crown Royal Black on the #17: This weekend at Phoenix, Kenseth will pilot the #17 Crown Royal Black Ford.(Roush Fenway PR)(4-7-2010)

UPDATE: When the dust settles for the upcoming NASCAR Sprint Cup Series race at Phoenix International Raceway, everything will be covered in Black, at least for Matt Kenseth. The former NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Champion will have Crown Royal Black, the newest addition to the Crown Royal portfolio, serving as primary sponsor of the #17 Ford for at least 10 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series events throughout the 2010 season. Beginning in Phoenix, the #17 Crown Royal Black Ford, which will be named the “Royal Rebel” car to showcase the boldness of the new whisky, will hit the track in an effort to encourage adult fans to enjoy the new product responsibly. As an added bonus, if the Crown Royal Black car finishes in the top-10 during any of the special paint scheme races, the first adult race fan to tweet “Crown Royal Black” and Matt’s finishing position to @PR17CrownRoyal will receive a special phone call from Kenseth or a member of the #17 team.(Crown Royal / Taylor PR)(4-8-2010)

Jeff Gordon’s episode of Extreme Makeover to air Sunday: The episode of ABC’s Extreme Makeover: Home Edition that #24-Jeff Gordon filmed in Loris, SC is scheduled to air on Sunday April 11, 2010 at 8:00pm/et on ABC. In January, Extreme Makeover and race car driver Jeff Gordon, met Amanda and Derrick Suggs, a young couple who had just started their own family when they adopted Amanda’s younger siblings to keep them from being separated in foster care. When Derrick and Amanda got married, they moved into the home Derrick inherited from his grandfather, who built it in 1953. The home came with a long list of needed repairs: a leaking roof, outdated and exposed electrical wiring, rotting foundation and cracked asbestos siding. Also in the episode, WWE Divas The Bella Twins and WWE Superstars Big Show and R-Truth team up with Ty and the “EM:HE” designers to take on their toughest opponent yet — the old Suggs family home. See images of the build at jeffgordon.com and at extremehorry.com or Myrtle Beach Sun Times.(4-8-2010)

Another new crew chief for Robby: hearing that Samuel Stanley is the new crew chief for #7-Robby Gordon. Ian Watts had been the crew chief, starting at the beginnining of the season. Larry Carter supposedly was a ‘consultant’ for a few races, but supposedly is no longer with the team. No word if Watts is still with the team.(4-8-2010)

Sad News – Tom Blackwell: Tom Blackwell, longtime NASCAR track promoter and a member of the NASCAR Hall of Fame voting committee, passed away Wednesday night. He was 81. Blackwell operated and was the former owner of Greenville (S.C.) Pickens Speedway, the second- oldest race track in NASCAR. He has been involved with the track since 1955, when his family purchased the half-mile paved oval from the Garrison family and then-track promoter Bill France Sr. Blackwell was born Oct. 31, 1928 in Kings Mountain, N.C., and was the son of the late Ernest and Exie Lewis Smith Blackwell. He was predeceased by four brothers and his sister, Peggy Tannery. Tannery passed away earlier Wednesday. He is survived by his wife, Joanne Blackwell, and his two sons, Keith and Mark Blackwell. Greenville Pickens hosted 29 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series races between 1951 and 1971. Included in that was the historic race on April 10, 1971 that was the first NASCAR race televised live flag-to-flag. The race was broadcast on ABC’s Wide World of Sports. Funeral arrangements are still pending.(NASCAR)(4-8-2010)

Smith tests at Pikes Peak: Regan Smith’s confidence meter took a jump following a successful test session Tuesday at the one-mile Pikes Peak International Raceway in Fountain, Colo. Smith and the Furniture Row Racing team will attempt to transfer the data learned at the Pikes Peak facility to its #78 Chevy for Saturday evening’s Subway Fresh Fit 600k at Phoenix. Like Pikes Peak, the Phoenix oval is also one-mile in distance.(Furniture Row PR)(4-8-2010)

Kingsford back on the #47: Marcos Ambrose is stoking the fire to heat up his 2010 Sprint Cup Series season at Phoenix International Raceway after collecting three top-15 finishes in six starts. Reliability issues have smoldered his JTG Daugherty Racing team’s efforts, but Ambrose is poised to capture his first top-10 finish of the year in his #47 Kingsford Charcoal Toyota on Saturday. (JTG PR) Kingsford was the sponssr at Las Vegas and will be primary on an undetermined number of races this season. See an image of the car on my #47 Team Schemes page.(4-8-2010)

Burton Commissions Custom Boat: Jarrett Bay Boatworks announced details of a new 46′ Sportfisherman project quietly started in January 2010 for one of NASCAR’s most notable and respected drivers, Jeff Burton. After 13 years supporting NASCAR, and the second season as the primary sponsor of Burton’s #31 Caterpillar Chevry, it was a natural choice for Burton – an avid sport fisherman – to power his boat with Cat engines. The 46′ is Jarrett Bay’s first pod drive-powered custom build featuring Cat C9 ACERT engines with Zeus Pods, rated at 575 hp. Burton sought the additional interior roominess afforded by the small footprint of the pods. Very involved with every aspect of his race car’s design and performance, Burton is taking the same lane with the development of his custom Jarrett Bay. Plans are to deliver this landmark build to the Burton Family in under a year, and thanks to a media partnership with Marlin Magazine, families will be able to follow along with the construction through weekly photo updates, time lapse video pods, and even a blog about the custom build by Jeff himself.(RCR PR)(4-8-2010)

Phoenix Woman named ‘ExtenZe Local Hero’ and Honorary Crew Chief: The first woman to be named an ‘ExtenZe Local Hero,’ Abby Barker called upon her CPR training to save a person who had suffered a massive heart attack. For her decisive and life-saving effort, 27-year-old Barker will be the ExtenZe Racing Honorary Crew Chief at Phoenix International Raceway for the upcoming NASCAR Sprint Cup event that takes place the same weekend as her wedding — thus creating perhaps the most unique bachelorette send-off of all time. More info see www.ExtenZeRacing.com or to nominate their own local heroes or review who has been previously chosen.(ExtenZe Racing/Breaking Limits)(4-8-2010)

Edwards plans to bike to Gateway again: Tuesday night on SIRIUS NASCAR Radio, hosts Buddy Baker and Alex Hayden spoke with driver Carl Edwards, who said he once again plans to ride his bike from his home in Columbia, Missouri to the July 17 Nationwide Series Race at Gateway International Raceway outside St. Louis – a roughly 200 mile trek.

Host/Alex Hayden: “So traditionally you’ve taken and ridden your bicycle from your home in Columbia, Missouri to race the Nationwide Race over at Gateway, just outside of St. Louis. What’s on tap this year? Any kind of exotic trips to and from the racetrack?”

Carl Edwards: “We’re going to try to do that again. The group has gotten bigger and bigger each year and I got a new Trek bicycle, it’s really nice, that they’re going to let me use for the ride. We’ve got a couple of people who say they’re going to go. [Driver] Max Papis says he’s going to go. Jim Schertzer from Scotts [Miracle-Gro Company] says he’s going to go. I’m trying to get some of the Aflac folks to commit to it but it’s a fun trip, man. We always try to do something fun like that during the summer, take a little trip, and that’s a good one.”(SIRIUS NASCAR Radio)(4-8-2010)

Phoenix Tire Notes: Teams in both NASCAR series in action at Phoenix this weekend will run the same tire codes . . . this is the same combination of left- and right-side tires that teams in these two series ran at Phoenix last season . . . this is also the same tire set-up that Sprint Cup and Nationwide teams ran at Richmond in 2009 and will run again in 2010 . . . teams in these series ran this left-side tire code (D-4238) with a slightly different right-side code at New Hampshire last season . . . Nationwide teams also ran this left-side code at Indianapolis, Milwaukee and Memphis in 2009 . . . as on most NASCAR ovals one mile or less in length, teams will not run inner liners in their tires at Phoenix. The estimated pit window is every 75-80 laps, based on fuel mileage.(Goodyear), see tire pressures, codes and more on my Phoenix Race Infopage – Goodyear section.(4-8-2010)

Arizona Governor named Honorary Pace Car Driver: Arizona Governor Jan Brewer has been selected as the Honorary Pace Car Driver and will lead the 43-car NASCAR Sprint Cup Series field to the green flag to begin the Subway Fresh Fit 600 at Phoenix International Raceway on Saturday, April 10. As the Honorary Pace Car Driver, Brewer will be a part of pre-race ceremonies, including driver introductions at the start/finish line. Once the starting command has been given, Brewer will lead the Sprint Cup field onto PIR’s 1-mile oval for pace laps prior to the start of the Subway Fresh Fit 600. Brewer officially accepted the position and a ceremonial key to the Arizona flag-branded Chevy Camaro from four-time NASCAR Sprint Cup Series champion Jeff Gordon in a ceremony at the State Capitol on March 1. Tickets for the April 10 SUBWAY Fresh Fit 600 and all other events throughout the first NASCAR event weekend of 2010 at Phoenix International Raceway are still available at www.phoenixraceway.com or by calling 1-866-408-RACE (7223).(PIR)(4-8-2010)

Hamlin’s rehab on schedule, expects to race Saturday: #11-Denny Hamlin’s rehabilitation of his left knee, which underwent surgery a week ago to repair a torn anterior cruciate ligament, remains on schedule and should allow him to compete in Saturday night’s Sprint Cup race at Phoenix International Raceway. “It’s painful, as anyone who has had this surgery or any similar surgery can tell you, but I am working hard to get back my full range of motion and get back to where I need to be,” Hamlin said in a news release. Dr. Patrick Connor of OrthoCarolina in Charlotte performed the surgery last Wednesday. Dr. Bill Heisel, who assisted in the procedure, told ESPN.com the knee should be “pretty normal” by the time Hamlin got to Phoenix. Heisel added that Hamlin shouldn’t be restricted from using his left leg to clutch or brake as long as there was no abnormal swelling. Casey Mears is on standby in case Hamlin has to come out of the car. Hamlin, who is 15th in points after his win at Martinsville before the Easter break, is expected at the very least to start the race in order to collect full points for the finish.(ESPN.com)(4-7-2010)

IRS files lien against Mayfield: Jeremy Mayfield’s lawsuit against NASCAR isn’t his only legal issue, and if NASCAR seems like a giant to go up against, Mayfield has two even bigger entities taking action against him: The Internal Revenue Service and the North Carolina Department of Revenue. The IRS has filed a lien on property owned by Mayfield and his wife, Shana, for unpaid income taxes totaling $231,139 – $214,108 for 2008 and $17,031 for 2006. The North Carolina Department of Revenue filed a delinquent income tax notice with Mayfield for $65,932 – $62,379 for 2008 and $3,553 for 2006. The unpaid taxes were listed at $56,430 with a total of $10,502 in fines and fees. The tax documents were filed in North Carolina Superior Court in Newton, N.C. The IRS lien was filed March 29, while the North Carolina tax notice was filed Feb. 15.(Scene Daily)(4-7-2010)

Hendrick special on Showtime: SHOWTIME will air the full-length version of “Together: The Hendrick Motorsports Story” this Wednesday, April 7 at 10:30pm/et/pt. Narrated by Tom Cruise, “Together” chronicles the history of the nine-time NASCAR Sprint Cup Series championship team founded by Rick Hendrick. Wednesday will mark the first television broadcast of the documentary-style film in its entirety.(HMS)(4-7-2010)

Best Western on the #00 at Phoenix: The #00 Toyota Camry for Michael Waltrip Racing also will sport a new look as longtime partner Best Western becomes a first-time primary sponsor for a Sprint Cup Series entry. Best Western’s relationship with Michael Waltrip dates back to 2004 when the World’s Largest Hotel Chain became a primary sponsor for a Nationwide Series entry and served as an associate sponsor of Waltrip’s Cup Series entry.(MWR PR), see a graphic of the car on the #00 Team Schemes page.(4-7-2010)

Abyss on the #12 at Phoenix: Adorning the sides of the #12 Dodge Charger of Brad Keselowski this weekend is the cell phone application Abyss by Mobigloo. Available on all major cell phone carriers, Abyss is an original action puzzle game that challenges players to rearrange colored pieces by sliding them horizontally and vertically to create a path for the game’s pearls so they do not fall into the abyss of the ocean.(Penske Racing PR)(4-7-2010)

400th start for Sadler: Elliott Sadler will make his 400th NASCAR Sprint Cup Series start this weekend. Saturday’s event will mark Sadler’s 17th career NSCS start at Phoenix International Raceway. “I honestly can’t believe this weekend will mark my 400th career NASCAR Sprint Cup Series start” Sadler said. “I’m really fortunate to be able to be in this position. I get to do a job I really love, work with really great people and I’ve been able to win some races along the way. Its crazy though how fast time has gone by since my first full season in 1999.”(RPM PR)(4-7-2010)

200 Starts for Edwards: #99-Carl Edwards is set to make his 200th NASCAR Sprint Cup Series start at Phoenix International Raceway on Saturday, April 10 in the Subway Fresh Fit 600. His first start came at Michigan International Speedway on August 22, 2004 where he started 23rd and finished 10th. In 199 starts Edwards has earned 16 wins, 61 top-five, 102 top-10 finishes and four poles. He has completed 57,461 laps and led 2,599 of them. His best finish in the point standings came in 2008 when he finished second, only 69 points from the championship. He has made the Chase four out the five years he has competed full time in the series. Of drivers who have started 200 races from 1972-present, only six have more wins that Edwards on their 200th start: Jeff Gordon (45), Jimmie Johnson (27), Darrell Waltrip (25), Tony Stewart (19), Rusty Wallace (18) and Bill Elliott (17).(Roush Fenway PR)(4-7-2010)

Valvoline back on the #43: Allmendinger has made three NASCAR Sprint Cup Series starts at Phoenix International Raceway. Valvoline returns to sponsor Allmendinger’s #43 Ford this weekend. Allmendinger finished 13th in the fall race in Phoenix last season.(RPM PR), see an image of the car on my #43 Team Schemes page.(4-7-2010)

Crown Royal Black on the #17: This weekend at Phoenix, Kenseth will pilot the #17 Crown Royal Black Ford.(Roush Fenway PR)(4-7-2010)

CRAVE potato chips debuting at Phoenix: CRAVE Potato Chips, the official potato chip of Phoenix International Raceway, will make its debut April 8-10 at the SUBWAY Fresh Fit 600 NASCAR event weekend. The new line of potato chips is the creation of former All-Pro linebacker and Arizona Cardinals player Jamir Miller, now CEO and Founder of Sack Time Snacks, Inc., based in Scottsdale, Ariz. CRAVE Chips will be available for race fans to sample on race weekend at PIR before hitting supermarkets.(PIR)(4-7-2010)

Jim Boeheim named Grand Marshal for Nationwide race at the Glen: Fans that attend the Zippo 200 NASCAR Nationwide Series race at The Glen on Saturday, August 7 will see a well-known face in a very new place during the pre-race ceremonies. Syracuse University Men’s Basketball Coach Jim Boeheim will serve as the Grand Marshal for the race and say the most famous words in racing “Gentlemen, start your engines” just minutes before the green flag drops at approximately 2:00 PM EST. In addition to his honorary duties, Coach Boeheim will watch the race with a limited number of S.U. hoops fanatics from the confines of one of WGI’s VIP hospitality areas. Tickets for this special package start at $150 and include; weekend reserved seat, upscale food & beverage stations, guided garage tour, race day collectible as well as a chance to rub elbows with one of college basketball’s all-time greats. Fans interested in this once-in-a-lifetime experience should call 888-356-7223 to place their order. All of the proceeds of tickets purchased to this rare opportunity going towards The Jim and Juli Boeheim Foundation.(Watkins Glen PR)(4-7-2010)

Latest on Larry Pearson: There have been numerous calls for Bristol Motor Speedway to end its experiment with old-timer “legends” racing since the track’s March 20 event resulted in a savage late-race accident. Larry Pearson, the driver seriously injured in that wreck, isn’t one of the naysayers. Pearson, 56, had six surgeries in the 12 days following the crash, which happened after his car blew a tire, hit the wall and was slammed in the drivers door at full speed by Charlie Glotzbach. Glotzbach was hospitalized for a few days but was not seriously injured. Pearson suffered two broken legs, a shattered pelvis, two broken ribs, a broken ankle and a broken right hand. He has been hospitalized since the accident but said Tuesday he hopes to be released from the Charlotte medical center in the next day or two. He faces months of rehabilitation, some of which he hopes to accomplish at his home near Spartanburg, S.C. Family members say Pearson has been in good spirits despite the trauma of the past three weeks.(SPEEDtv)(4-6-2010)

Mayfield lawsuit to remain in federal court: Jeremy Mayfield’s lawsuit against NASCAR will remain in federal court, U.S. District Judge Graham Mullen ruled Tuesday. The case, stemming from a drug test last May that NASCAR says was a positive for methamphetamine but Mayfield says was a mix of over-the-counter and prescription medication, has been at a virtual standstill since January in order to resolve jurisdictional issues. Now that Mullen has ruled that he has jurisdiction in the case, he can now make decisions on disputes over discovery issues as well as a NASCAR motion to decide the case based on pleadings without any additional discovery. A trial in the case would not begin until Sept. 13 at the earliest.(Scene Daily)(4-6-2010)

Texas Governor sponsoring Labonte at TMS: TRG Motorsports, Bobby Labonte and Texas Gov. Rick Perry announced that Texans for Rick Perry will sponsor the #71 racecar of NASCAR’s most popular Texan, Bobby Labonte, during the Samsung Mobile 500 at Texas Motor Speedway on April 18, 2010. Emblazoned with the Texans for Rick Perry logo and the sponsorship slogan “Moving Texas Forward”, the Chevy driven by Labonte will tour across the state in the days leading up to the Samsung Mobile 500 race at Texas Motor Speedway on April 18, offering race fans the chance to get an up close and personal glimpse at a stock car and learn more about Gov. Perry’s effort to keep “Moving Texas Forward”. NASCAR is an important contributor to Texas’ economic vitality, drawing more than 400,000 spectators and generating revenue equivalent to one Super Bowl event, approximately $90 million, during a single NASCAR weekend at Fort Worth’s Texas Motor Speedway. The speedway is home to the five largest single-day spectator events in the state of Texas, two NASCAR Sprint Cup Series events, two NASCAR Nationwide Series events and the IndyCar Series Race, contributing a regional economic impact of approximately $300,000,000 per year.(TRG PR)

AND: Perry’s campaign paid $225,000 to sponsor the car through the April 18 race.(Ft. Worth Star-Telegram)(4-6-2010)

Growing Greener scheme for Stewart at Phoenix: Office Depot, co-primary sponsor of Tony Stewart and the #14 Office Depot/Old Spice team, announced that it is launching an innovative partnership with EarthEra, a program created by NextEra Energy Resources, North America’s largest producer of wind and solar power. To launch the partnership’s first program, “Greener Shipping”, Office Depot will balance the carbon footprint of the Subway Fresh Fit 600 race on Saturday, April 10, at Phoenix International Raceway (PIR). Through its purchase of EarthEra products, Office Depot is helping the race “grow greener” by balancing the carbon footprint of not just the cars on the track, but fan travel, race team travel and track operations during the race. Due to the innovative structure of the EarthEra program, 100% of the revenue from Office Depot’s purchase will be used to create new renewable energy projects, such as wind and solar, in the United States – thus helping the country transition to a greener and cleaner energy future.
The #14 Office Depot/Old Spice Chevy driven by Tony Stewart will feature a special green-themed paint scheme during the Subway Fresh Fit 600 at PIR. The paint scheme will include the Office Depot and EarthEra logos on the car’s rear TV panel with a “Greener Shipping” message. The new Office Depot Greener Shipping Program encourages eligible Office Depot customers to “grow greener” by changing how they buy office supplies. When eligible customers eliminate small orders, increase average order size and help reduce delivery frequency, Office Depot will provide rebates on certain green products and purchase EarthEra products on the customer’s behalf.
NASCAR and its partners share a commitment to preserving the environment. The sport has launched many programs to help it operate in an environmentally responsible way. A comprehensive green strategy for NASCAR and its stakeholders is focused on reducing the sport’s carbon footprint and waste production while promoting conservation and sustainability messages to fans. Office Depot will balance the entire estimated carbon-dioxide emissions associated with the Subway Fresh Fit 600 on Saturday, April 10, at PIR by purchasing Green-e Certified Products from EarthEra. Green-e is the nation’s leading independent certification and verification program for renewable energy and greenhouse gas emission reductions. Green-e certification ensures greenhouse gas emission reductions are real, verifiable, enforceable, permanent and incremental to the status quo. To learn more about Office Depot’s Earth Day Grow Greener campaign, please visit www.officedepotgrowgreener.com.(Office
Depot/Edelman), see an image to the car and a link to the video wrapping the car on my #14 Team Schemes page.(4-6-2010)

NASCAR Hall of Fame 50-Day Countdown Recap – Week 2 : The NASCAR Hall of Fame opens May 11, 2010 in uptown Charlotte, N.C., and to celebrate the final 50 days until the opening, news is revealed each day at www.NASCARHall.com/50days.

March 29 – 43 days until opening – Richard Petty’s Medal of Freedom: In 1992, the year he retired from driving, Richard Petty was awarded The Medal of Freedom by President George H.W. Bush in the East Room of the White House. Petty is the only figure from the world of auto racing to be awarded this honor. It is considered the nation’s highest civilian award. Petty considers the award his most-prized possession. Guests can see inaugural inductee Richard Petty’s Medal of Freedom and his complete inductee exhibit in the Hall of Honor beginning May 23 after the Inaugural Induction Ceremony.

March 30 – 42 days until opening – The NASCAR Hall of Fame Legends Room: The NASCAR Hall of Fame Legends Room is a multi-purpose space perfect for a business meeting or birthday party. It holds a maximum of 117 people and can be figured in a number of ways from classroom to banquet style. Following with the state-of-the-art nature of the NASCAR Hall of Fame, the room is fully equipped for standard audio and visual needs. In addition to offering space for special events, discounted tickets for the NASCAR Hall of Fame are available for groups of 15 or more.

March 31 – 41 days until opening – NCDL/OSHA announce completion of Safety Partnership with NASCAR Hall of Fame: Turner/BE&K/Davis and the North Carolina Department of Labor/OSHA announced the completion of their Safety Partnership with the NASCAR Hall of Fame construction team. Labor Commissioner Cherie Berry presented partnership completion certificates to Turner Construction Co., BE&K Building Group and Walter B. Davis Co. In addition, Commissioner Berry presented the Labor Department’s gold safety award to the Turner/BE&K/Davis Joint Venture Construction Team and the Turner/BE&K/Davis Management Team.

April 1 – 40 days until opening – Evernham Motorsports’ Wind Tunnel Car: A 40% scale model of a real car, the Wind Tunnel Car was developed in 2000 by Evernham Motorsports upon Dodge’s return to NASCAR to test aerodynamic efficiency. Though it is 40% the size of a car, it features all the components of a full-size car. Guests will find the model car in Heritage Speedway where history buffs and NASCAR novices alike can explore authentic artifacts and educational films depicting the story of NASCAR’s exciting six-decade history.

April 2 – 39 days until opening – Smokey Yunick Wooden Templates: Built by Yunick himself, the wooden templates were used in his shop as the 1969 Ford was being built. The body of the car was checked from time to time during construction to insure that the car’s shape would remain within NASCAR limits.

April 3 – 38 days until opening – Ned Jarrett’s 1993 CBS Announcer Blazer: Two-time Grand National champion Ned Jarrett was the first driver to make the transition from full-time driver to full-time broadcaster after his driving career drew to a close. Guests can see Ned Jarrett’s 1993 CBS jacket which he was wearing when he called the finish of the 1993 Daytona 500, won by his son Dale Jarrett.

April 4 – 37 days until opening – Richie Evans #61 Modified The familiar orange #61 modified which rests on Glory Road was built in 1984 and was the car in which Evans experienced his last victory. A year ago, the bare frame of this car sat in the woods. But the car was lovingly restored by Evans’ former crew chief, Billy Nacewicz, as a tribute to a true NASCAR legend. The #61 Modified is one of 18 historic cars showcased on Glory Road. The NASCAR Hall of Fame is owned by the City of Charlotte, licensed by NASCAR and operated by the Charlotte Regional Visitors Authority.(4-6-2010)

Rusty to surprise students: On Tuesday, April 6th, NASCAR legend Rusty Wallace will surprise 25 sixth grade students from David C Hinson Senior Middle School with news that they have been selected to join 75 other students by participating in the Bank of America “Students at the Speedway” program at Daytona International Speedway on May 21 to help celebrate NASCAR Day. “Students at the Speedway” is an exciting program that Bank of America created to show students how the principles of STEM – Science, Technology, Engineering and Math – are applied to racing. The activity at Daytona is one of five national service projects being organized by The NASCAR Foundation to celebrate NASCAR Day on May 21.(DIS)(4-6-2010)

Drivers with the most points in the last 10 Sprint Cup races at Phoenix:

1. Jimmie Johnson 1685

2. Jeff Burton 1393

3. Carl Edwards 1352

4. Tony Stewart 1341

5. Jeff Gordon 1315

6. Mark Martin 1289

7. Kevin Harvick 1280

8. Denny Hamlin 1275

9. Kurt Busch 1253

10. Greg Biffle 1245

(Racing Reference)(4-6-2010)

Laila Ali named Grand Marshal for Subway Fresh Fit 600: Undefeated professional boxer, entertainer, and Subway national spokesperson Laila Ali has been named the Grand Marshal for the Subway Fresh Fit 600 at Phoenix International Raceway on Saturday, April 10. Ali is a spokesperson for the Subway Fresh Fit for Kids campaign. The movement is designed to encourage children to lead an active, healthy lifestyle by getting the proper amount of exercise and fueling them with healthier Subway meal options. The daughter of all-time boxing great Muhammad Ali will work in conjunction with Sperber in welcoming fans, drivers, and teams to Phoenix for the first official night race of the 2010 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series season. In addition, Ali will say the most famous words in racing, giving the command of: “Gentlemen, start your engines!” As one of the era’s most recognized female fighters and a past IBA, WIBA, and IBWF Super Middleweight champion, Ali holds a career record of 24-0, with 21 wins by knockout – a stretch of unmatched ring success dating back to 1999. Tickets for the April NASCAR event weekend at Phoenix International Raceway are available now by calling 1-866-408-RACE (7223) or visiting www.phoenixraceway.com.(PIR)(4-6-2010)

MIS Tickets officially on sale to the public; prices lower than 2009: Great prices and a race experience that follows Michigan International Speedway’s vision of creating lasting memories for every person, every time awaits fans as tickets officially are on sale. With just 10 weeks remaining before the June 11-13 Heluva Good! Sour Cream Dips 400 race weekend, the excitement is building as NASCAR’s Sprint Cup Series returns to the Irish Hills of Michigan. With tickets now on sale, great seats are available for both June and August race weekends with prices starting as low as $25 for both NASCAR Sprint Cup Series events. Kids 12 and under are free; and junior pricing is available for the first time with kids 17 and under paying half price. Prices for the 2010 season are less than they were in 2009 for most grandstand sections, including the center grandstand. Pricing will stay the same for the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series VFW 200 ($30), NASCAR Nationwide Series CARFAX 250 ($40) and ARCA Racing Series Racing for Wildlife 200 ($10). Weekend pre-race pit passes with remain at $50 for adults and $25 for juniors 17 and under for Sunday only. MIS Champions Club tickets are still available for $480, which is good for Friday-Sunday activities. New amenities and the return of NASCAR excitement at MIS also await. All the seats in the center grandstands have been widened, as have seats in Turn 3. The speedway staff also undertook a tremendous project in-house to expand every infield site by four feet and installing water drainage throughout. A row has also been added, bringing infield camping guests even closer to the track action. MIS’ tickets are on sale. NASCAR Sprint Cup Series tickets for the Heluva Good! Sour Cream Dips 400 on June 13 and CARFAX 400 on August 15 are as low as $25. Visit MISpeedway.com or call the MIS ticket hotline at 800-354-1010 today to take advantage of great pricing for 2010 events at MIS.(MIS)(4-6-2010)

The Entry List for the Subway Fit Fresh 600(k) Sprint Cup Series race at Phoenix International Raceway is posted, 47 teams/drivers [for 43 spots] are listed, including:

Not in top 35 of owners points for the first five races in 2010:

#02-Brandon Ash (0/0)

#09-Aric Almirola (2009 race winner as owner)(45/6)

#13-Max Papis (39/6)

#26-David Stremme (2009 race winner as owner)(38/6)

#35-Johnny Sauter (48/2)

#36-Mike Bliss (37/6)

#46-Terry Cook (46/6)

#55-Michael McDowell (41/6)

#66-Dave Blaney (42/6)

#87-Joe Nemechek (40/6)

#90-Scott Riggs (43/6)

In the event qualifying is rained out or cancelled:

the eight who would make it [8]: #’s 26,09,7,36,13,87,55,66

missing the race would be [4]: #’s 90,46,35,02

See the full entry list at my Jayski’s Phoenix Entry List(4-5-2010)

Journalist to be honored: Ken Willis emerged from two rounds of voting as the 2010 Henry T. McLemore Award winner. The McLemore Award is given to a journalist with an outstanding career of distinguished motorsports reporting. The voting panel consists of former McLemore winners. Willis, 47, is the sports columnist at the Daytona Beach News-Journal, where he’s worked for more than 25 years. While Willis writes about a variety of sports — his “Hey Willie!” column is followed by readers across the country — he has a key interest and keen insight into motorsports, especially topics related to NASCAR. The father of two has won numerous state, regional and national awards for his work and is considered one of the top writers in his field. Willis refuses to pull punches. He is not afraid to discuss difficult issues head-on using humor as his weapon of choice. For instance, when discussing how driver Matt Kenseth might celebrate a big victory or championship, Willis wondered out loud in a column if the low-key Sprint Cup driver would “paint the town plaid.” Willis and Kenseth had a humorous exchange on the subject during Kenseth’s post-race interview following his 2009 Daytona 500 victory. Willis, who lives in Port Orange, Fla., will be honored by his peers in a ceremony this summer.(4-5-2010)

UNC Asheville Professor Releases Landmark Book on History of NASCAR: How did NASCAR evolve from moonshine running and dirt tracks to a billion dollar industry and the biggest spectator sport in the United States? A new book by Daniel S. Pierce, University of North Carolina at Asheville associate professor of history, takes an unprecedented look into NASCAR’s history and reveals a story that racing fans and Southern historians alike will find compelling. “Real NASCAR: White Lightning, Red Clay, and Big Bill France” (UNC Press, April 2010) examines the sport from its postwar beginnings on Piedmont North Carolina dirt tracks and Daytona Beach dunes through the early 1970s when the sport spread beyond its southern roots and gained national recognition. And in a fascinating and controversial twist, Pierce also confirms the popular notion of NASCAR’s origins in bootlegging and establishes beyond a doubt the close ties between organized racing and the illegal liquor industry. Though Pierce grew up within earshot of the former Asheville Speedway, he didn’t fall in love with NASCAR until a college roommate urged him to attend a race at Bristol Motor Speedway in 1994. Pierce was an instant convert and has since interwoven his passion for the sport with his profession in studying Southern history. He put in countless hours talking with the founding fathers of the sport. Pierce started collecting interviews for “Real NASCAR” more than 10 years ago. The book includes conversations with Ned Jarrett, Humpy Wheeler, Bobby Isaac, Junior Johnson and Big Bill France himself, among many others.

Perhaps the most compelling part of the book is the confirmation that racing had early ties to moonshining. “When I first started doing research on NASCAR, I thought I would prove that the whole moonshine connection was overblown and exaggerated,” said Pierce. “As I put it in the introduction, however, ‘The deeper I looked, the more liquor I found.’ Bootleggers and moonshiners were at the very core of early Piedmont stock car racing and the early days of NASCAR. The illegal industry not only provided the most talented and successful drivers, but the best mechanics, car owners, promoters and race track builders and owners.” Moonshine and fast cars were a natural way to draw students into studying history, said Pierce, who has offered a class on NASCAR and involved students in the research process for “Real NASCAR.” Those students who worked alongside Pierce found that he is not the archetypical tweed-wearing college professor. For instance, he has the whole side of a Dodge Challenger previously driven by Dave Blaney bolted to his office wall.

Pierce, an Asheville native, holds a doctorate in history from the University of Tennessee. A noted NASCAR historian, Pierce has written widely on the topic, including encyclopedia articles and an entry on “The Most Southern Sport on Earth: NASCAR and the Unions” for the Journal of Southern Culture. He also detailed the sport’s bootlegging past for a History Channel special on Appalachian history. Pierce is also the author of “The Great Smokies: From Natural Habitat to National Park,” which was the inaugural selection for Tennessee Reads, a book club featuring titles from the University of Tennessee Press. For more information or to read and excerpt from “Real NASCAR,” visit uncpress.unc.edu.(4-5-2010)

Get The VIP Treatment At Talladega In The Trackside Fan Suite: Talladega Superspeedway has a special offer for the race fan that demands the ultimate in comfort and luxury…. the Trackside Fan Suite hospitality package.

The Trackside Fan Suite Package includes:

· Pass into the Trackside Fan Suite Friday, Saturday and Sunday

· 1 Suite/Hospitality parking pass per two Suite passes

· Pre-Race pit passes (Saturday and Sunday only) allowing guests access to pit road until 1 hour prior to track activity

· Event souvenirs Friday and Saturday

· Sunday souvenir race program

Inside the luxury suite, guests will find:

· Closed-circuit televisions

· Private restrooms

· Catering for breakfast, buffet lunch and beverages (water, soda, wine and beer)

· Cash bar available

Each Individual Suite Package is $700 and available by calling the Talladega Superspeedway Ticket Office at 1-877-Go2-DEGA, (1-877-462-3342).(TSS)(4-5-2010)

Darlington racing green: The green flag will be greener than ever as it signals the start of the Darlington 200 and Southern 500 races at Darlington Raceway May 7-8. For the first time, all the electrical needs of these NASCAR races will be met with 100 percent Green Power. The raceway dubbed “Too Tough To Tame” goes green that weekend with the help of Santee Cooper and Pee Dee Electric Cooperative. Darlington Raceway has purchased Green-e Energy Certified Green Power blocks and tags offered by Pee Dee Electric Cooperative and Santee Cooper. Toy Nettles, president and CEO of Pee Dee Electric Cooperative, said, “Pee Dee Electric Cooperative is extremely proud to partner with Darlington Raceway in providing 100% Green Power for the entire NASCAR weekend, including the Darlington 200 and the fan favorite Southern 500. These races will be run under the glow of the “Green-e” logo and all the rigorous standards it represents.” Santee Cooper has over 21 megawatts of clean, renewable Green Power from sources including landfill biogas and solar power. In fact, Santee Cooper is the only utility generating Green Power in South Carolina, and Pee Dee Electric Cooperative promotes Green Power sales to its 30,000 customers. Green-e Marketplace provides forward-thinking organizations with a simple, nationally recognized logo they can use to communicate their commitment to renewable energy to their customers and shareholders. The Green-e logo is the nation’s leading symbol of renewable energy excellence and distinguishes Green-e Marketplace participants as environmental leaders. Green-e is a program of Center for Resource Solutions, a nonprofit that creates policy and market solutions to advance sustainable energy. To learn more, visit Center for Resource Solutions and Green-e Marketplace. Incorporated in 1939, Pee Dee Electric Cooperative serves parts of six counties in northeastern South Carolina. The 30,000-plus members of the electric distribution co-op live in Darlington, Marion, Florence, Lee, Dillon and Chesterfield counties.(Darlington Raceway)(4-5-2010)

Kannapolis offering brick program for Dale Earnhardt tribute site: Kannapolis is offering new brick packages for the N.C. city’s Dale Earnhardt tribute site on Main Street. Fans can purchase one brick for $33 or three bricks for $88. Proceeds will help complete the site as originally designed, said Gary Mills, Kannapolis Parks & Recreation director. On Main Street between A and B streets, the one-acre Dale Earnhardt Plaza features a statue by Arizona sculptor Clyde Ross Morgan honoring the hometown hero and racing legend. The granite base of the statue pedestal is divided into seven sections to represent Earnhardt’s seven championships. Earnhardt’s 76 Cup wins are commemorated by the seat wall around the statue square in the center of the plaza, which is designed for 76 granite sections. Those sections aren’t in place, but are on the fundraising list, city officials said. The walk around the plaza is an oval, representing a race track. To represent Earnhardt’s car number, azaleas and daylilies around the center seat wall are planted in sets of three, and benches along the oval walk are also grouped in sets of three. Eight lights shine on the statue, representing the car numbers of Dale’s father, Ralph Earnhardt, and his son, Dale Earnhardt Jr. The statue of Earnhardt faces “Idiot’s Circle,” around which teenagers in Dale’s day drove on weekends to socialize. Dale is rumored to have learned to drive and turn left there. Each brick can have up to three lines etched, with 16 characters per line, including spaces and punctuation marks. Inscriptions can communicate non-commercial messages only. Company names can be used, but phone numbers, e-mail and Web addresses, slogans, sales pitches and logos won’t be allowed. Where each brick will be placed isn’t guaranteed, officials said. Order forms are available at www.cityofkannapolis.com. Click on the forms and documents section of the Parks & Recreation page. For more details, call the Kannapolis Parks & Recreation Department at 704-920-4343.(Charlotte Observer)(4-4-2010)

DuPont hospitality program experiences a revival: DuPont’s once robust NASCAR hospitality program suffered enormous cuts last year, but the longtime #24- Jeff Gordon sponsor is back in 2010 with more guests and events at each track. Just a few years ago, DuPont had the largest hospitality program in NASCAR, hosting
guests at every race on the Sprint Cup circuit, a number that reached 20,000 people a year. Their guests ranged from body-shop owners who used DuPont paint to building contractors who bought the Tyvek brand of house wrap. The company would bring as many as 1,000 people to a race, and virtually the entire focus of the sponsorship was based on creating business-to-business activity. DuPont entertained customers with meals, question-and-answer sessions with Gordon and bags of swag, all the while making new relationships or deepening existing ones. But DuPont hospitality was largely a casualty of the recession in 2009. Instead of entertaining at all 36 Cup events as it had done in the past, DuPont cut back to six races and 2,000 guests, 10% of what it used to do. DuPont wasn’t the only corporate entity slashing its spend. Tracks reported that revenue from hospitality was down 20 to 25% last year. What DuPont discovered, though, was how important the hospitality program was to its sales. So in 2010, it’s back with hospitality events at 23 races, and it’ll entertain 4,000 to 5,000 guests. Those numbers are still a fraction of what used to be the biggest hospitality program in NASCAR, but it’s a start. DuPont’s revival in 2010 comes at a pivotal time in its sponsorship, having renewed its league deal as the official auto finish, a distinction it has had since 2003. The team deal with Gordon and #24 car owner Hendrick Motorsports expires at the end of this year, and renewal discussions are ongoing, although it’s uncertain if DuPont will maintain its current commitment level as the primary sponsor for 75% of Gordon’s Sprint Cup races. National Guard and Pepsi are the other sponsors on Gordon’s car. DuPont owns the longest-running driver-sponsor-owner relationship in NASCAR, having sponsored Gordon since he first started driving the #24 in 1992.(Sporting News/SportsBusiness Journal)(4-4-2010)

Biffle Off to Career-Best Start: After finishing 10th at Martinsville Speedway, #16-Greg Biffle became only the second driver in the last 18 years to start the season with six consecutive top-10 finishes. #48-Jimmie Johnson was the last driver to do so in 2005 when he started the season with seven consecutive top-10 finishes. Before Johnson, Terry Labonte started the season with eight consecutive top-10 finishes. Others include Morgan Shepherd who started the 1990 season with eleven consecutive top-10 finishes. Ricky Rudd was another driver who started the season with six consecutive top-10 finishes, in 1991. Since 1980, only Dale Earnhardt had six straight top-10 finishes to start the season and win the Sprint Cup championship in that season.(4-4-2010)

Shane Hmiel back racing; Rose back in NASCAR Former NASCAR driver Shane Hmiel won a USAC Midget race last week at Hickory Motor Speedway. He returned to race again the next night, turning the fastest speed in qualifying and hoping for another $3,000 winner’s payday, only to see rain wash away those hopes.
A handful of people milled around the pits and maybe a few hundred people sat in the grandstands as Hmiel and his one crewman worked on his car. It was a long way from pit road at Bristol Motor Speedway, the site of his last Sprint Cup race five years ago. It was a long way from victory lane at Las Vegas Motor Speedway, where he won a NASCAR Truck Series race in 2004. If all had gone right in Shane Hmiel’s world, he’d be making more than $3,000 a race just for waking up in the morning. But things didn’t go right for Hmiel, who is bipolar and has a drug habit. “I was 25 years old,” Hmiel said about where he was five years ago as a NASCAR Busch Series regular driving for Braun Racing. “I could have been one of the next guys, know what I mean? I pissed it all away twice, and nobody needs to do that. Nobody needs to put their family through it. It doesn’t bother me because I understand it. I feel like I’m just here. I’m living, going day to day. I’m just excited to race like I get to now.”

Hmiel has been back racing for three years, but not in NASCAR, where he’s been banned from competing and banished from the garage for repeatedly violating NASCAR’s substance abuse policy. His first indefinite suspension lasted for eight races after he tested positive for marijuana in 2003. After being reinstated, he was indefinitely suspended again for testing positive for cocaine and marijuana in May 2005. He failed another test in early 2006 while on suspension and has been banned for life. Hmiel, son of longtime NASCAR mechanic and current Earnhardt Ganassi Racing competition director Steve Hmiel, isn’t trying to get back into NASCAR. He’s trying to become an accomplished racer again, a champion. It’s better than being on drugs, or possibly having his life end while on drugs. Hmiel said that when he first returned to the track, he noticed people staring at him. They thought he had just been hiding out for a few years and wasn’t truly drug free, he said. Today, he says he has a stack of drug test results that prove he is clean and believes that about 90 percent of his competitors believe him. He talks to people, he says, who want to talk about their own battles with addiction.
Hmiel says he doesn’t have the urge to use drugs anymore but says he won’t conquer his addiction unless he never uses again. Hmiel also says he’s a much better race-car driver now. He’s wrecked fewer cars in three years, he says, than he did in three months of stock-car racing.(full story and quotes at SceneDaily and also at SceneDaily: Shane Hmiel says NASCAR’s new substance abuse policy would have helped him get treatment sooner.

AND Brian Rose, a once-promising young race car driver, will be behind the wheel of a NASCAR racing machine [failed to qualify for the Nashville Truck Series race] for the first time since he was indefinitely suspended for violating the league’s substance abuse policy in the spring of 2003. He’s back with Rick Ware Racing, the same team he was driving for when he was banned by the league. But he is not the same person we knew then. When we last saw him, Rose was a broken, drug-addicted 23-year-old. Sponsorship woes had limited his opportunities to race. In 2001-02, he competed in 36 NASCAR Truck races, including stints with top-shelf team owners Bobby Hamilton and Billy Ballew, earning five top-10 finishes. In 2003 he rejoined Ware, with whom he’d started his career, and raced in two of the season’s first four events, finishing 14th at Darlington and 24th at Martinsville. The other two weekends he was stuck at home, forced to watch others race on TV. See full article at ESPN.com.

AND NASCAR has lifted the indefinite suspension of Brian Rose, who was suspended in April 2003 for failing to take a drug test.(SceneDaily)(4-3-2010)(4-3-2010)

Jay Dickens Racing Engines Joins with Roush Yates Engines: Jay Dickens Racing Engines announced a recent joining with Roush Yates Performance Group in Mooresville, NC. Dickens has over 25 years of experience in the racing industry and will serve as the Short Track Engine Program Manager for Roush Yates Performance Group. Also making the move to North Carolina are Jay Dickens Racing Engines employees Brad Loden, Bill Lovelady and Seth Stacy.
Jay Dickens has grown from a small, local engine builder into a national powerhouse in just twelve years. He formed Jay Dickens Racing Engines out of Aberdeen Mississippi in 1994, accumulating multiple track championships, series championships, and countless wins throughout his career. Roush Yates Machining is a full service facility that is purpose-designed for machining custom race parts. “The extensive manufacturing capabilities at Roush Yates Machining will allow us to design, test, and build many parts in house” said Dickens. Roush Yates Performance Parts, a subset of Roush Yates that sells new and used parts to consumers and Saturday night racers alike, will continue to offer the same racing and performance parts currently offered by Jay Dickens Racing Engines. Jay Dickens Racing Engines is eager to pursue this tremendous opportunity with the Roush Yates Performance Group. Announcements on the closing of the current shop will be coming soon.(Jay Dickens Racing Engines)(4-3-2010)

Latest on Kentucky Speedway lawsuit: A U.S. District Court judge has set a May 7 trial date to determine who has the authority to authorize whether the Kentucky Speedway founders can appeal their antitrust lawsuit against NASCAR to the U.S. Supreme Court. Richard Duchossois, one of the members of the Kentucky Speedway founding group, is suing the group’s managing member, Jerry Carroll, over the right to continue the antitrust litigation against NASCAR. Carroll doesn’t want to continue pursuing the case, while Duchossois wants to consider requesting the Supreme Court to hear an appeal. The deadline to file a request for an appeal to be heard by the U.S. Supreme Court is May 19, and if the request is filed, the court likely will not decide whether to hear an appeal until October at the earliest. With NASCAR’s long-standing policy that it won’t consider moving a Cup date to Kentucky until the litigation is completely resolved, the filing of a request to the U.S. Supreme Court likely would keep Kentucky off the 2011 Cup schedule. Duchossois, who controls several trusts that are part of the track’s founding group, Kentucky Speedway LLC, alleges that more than 25 percent of the members of the founding group want to consider pursuing further appeals in the case and that Carroll therefore cannot instruct the group’s attorneys to abandon the lawsuit. The operating agreement requires Carroll to have 75 percent approval for matters concerning the sale or disposition of the property of the company. Duchossois argues that the lawsuit is virtually all that remains of the company and should be considered property and therefore Carroll cannot put an end to the lawsuit. The May 7 trial will be a bench trial (no jury) in front of Judge William Bertelsman, who was the judge for the original case.(SceneDaily)(4-3-2010)

All-You can eat at Watkins Glen: Race fans looking for a great seat and more bang for their buck during the Heluva Good! Sour Cream Dips at The Glen weekend, August 5-8, need to look no further than the newest offer from Watkins Glen International. For only $75, fans can purchase the NEW All-You-Can-Eat package that includes 4-day general admission access, a Sunday reserved seat in the Turn 11 Grandstand, and access to the exclusive all-you-can-eat concession tent. Those interested in purchasing this money-saving package or upgrading their Turn 11 Grandstand seats to include the “All-You-Can-Eat” option simply need to call 866-461-RACE.

The cost to upgrade from a standard Turn 11 Grandstand seat to the All-You-Can-Eat package is ONLY $6 making it a great way for fans to catch all the action of NASCAR’s 25th visit to The Glen and feed themselves and their families for an affordable price! The all-you-can-eat concession tent will be open 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM on the morning of Sunday, August 8th to allow fans plenty of time to fill their stomachs and then head to their seats for the new 1:00 PM start time. The tent will be conveniently located just behind the Turn 11 Grandstand. This offer is just the latest in a line of changes The Glen has made to help fans save money that already included reduced prices on NASCAR general admission tickets, the special family-friendly prices in the McDonald’s Family Grandstand, and expanded kids pricing to include fans 15 and under.

Tickets for the entire 2010 season including the Heluva Good! Sour Cream Dips at The Glen, August 5-8, and Camping World Grand Prix at The Glen, July 2-4, weekends are on sale now! Fans can take advantage of advanced sale prices and new options by calling the Watkins Glen International ticket office at 866-461-RACE (7223) or logging on to the official website, www.TheGlen.com. Tickets, gift certificates and track merchandise can all be purchased at The Shop located at 2 North Franklin Street in downtown Watkins Glen. The Shop is open Monday-Friday 9-5, Saturday 9-4, and is closed Sunday. (WGI)(4-3-2010)

Paint that bus! MIS provides another bus makeover: Another race season is quickly approaching. So it’s time for another bus makeover by Michigan International Speedway. Following a successful painting and unveil of Maurice “Moe” Clark’s infield bus in August 2009, MIS decided to give two other lucky race fans an Extreme Bus Makeover in time for the June 11-13 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Heluva Good! Sour Cream Dips 400 race weekend. Co-owners Tom “Woolfy” Wolfram of Coloma, Mich., and Mike Smith of Hartford, Mich., will receive a bus makeover courtesy of MIS. The two infield campers, who have been attending races at MIS with their current bus since 1999, dropped off their longtime infield sleeping quarters to the speedway. Fellow infield campers Katie Smith and Scott Downey also came along to drop off the bus. “This is very exciting for us,” Wolfram said. “We bought this bus from our local school district back in 1999 for $800 and it’s been with us at MIS every June and August ever since. Thanks to MIS for painting our bus for us. It runs good, but doesn’t look all that great from the outside. We can’t wait to see it when it’s finished.” Over the next four to six weeks, MIS staff members Jesus Salvador, Dustin Gilbert and Jamie Nichols will give the bus a makeover, which includes a new paint job and decals. MIS will incorporate the track’s brand of NASCAR in a national park into its new design. The bus will be unveiled during camper lineup on Thursday, June 10, just prior to infielders being parked in the infield camping area. The bus makeover is just one item in a line events that make up the speedway’s Fan Appreciation presented LifeLock program. The speedway will also give away ticket upgrades, experiential items such as pace car rides, garage passes and special access at MIS events throughout the year. Fans are celebrated year-round with the Fan Appreciation presented by LifeLock program — not just on race weekend. MIS’ Value Pricing is now available to the public until April 4. NASCAR Sprint Cup Series tickets for the Heluva Good! Sour Cream Dips 400 on June 13 and CARFAX 400 on August 15 are as low as $25. Visit MISpeedway.com or call the MIS ticket hotline at 800-354-1010 today to take advantage of great pricing for 2010 events at MIS.(MIS)(4-3-2010)

Rain causes TV Rating tumble: NASCAR ON FOX was wiped out this weekend when wet weather forced postponement of racing from Martinsville Speedway. The race was made up on Monday afternoon and aired nationally on FOX affiliates. Because the race aired on a weekday afternoon, no national rating will be released until next Thursday. The overnight rating for the race was a 2.1/6. The last FOX race to be rained out and made up on a Monday was last year’s Coca-Cola 600, but that’s not really a fair comparison because the make-up date was the memorial Day holiday, and as a result the make-up earned a 3.3/8 in the metered markets. The better comparison is to the 2008 Auto Club Speedway race, which was made up on a normal Monday and earned an overnight rating of 2.3/7. In 2009 the final Martinsville Ratings were 4.6/10 [with an overnight of 4.1/9*] and 7.4 million viewers. The Martinsville race is excluded from FOX’s season-to-date total, which remains a 5.6/12 (9.3 million viewers). However, last year’s Martinsville race stays in the 2009 average, and because it was a mediocre rating FOX’s year-to-year comparison has improved since last week without actually running a race. FOX’s 5.6/12 for the season is now down -7% compared to last year’s final 6.0/12 for FOX. Last weeks final TV Ratings for Bristol were flat vs. 2010 with a 4.4 rating and a 10 share [was 4.5/10 in 2009]. See Bristol TV Ratings [no news item] and past TV Ratings news on my 2010 TV Ratings page (4-2-2010)

Ash hopes to make 2010 debut at Phoenix: The Brandon Ash Racing Sprint Cup #02 team plans to attempt to make the Sprint Cup race at Phoenix International Racewat next weekend. The team has a new primary sponsor, Start Natural Energy Drink.(BAR)(4-2-2010)

Who’s Your Daddy settle’s lawsuit with Greg Sacks: Who’s Your Daddy, Inc. has entered into a Settlement Agreement with Sacks Motor Sports Inc. and [former NASCAR Driver] Greg Sacks, to mitigate $1.8 million in debt. In total over the last 90 days the Company’s management has compromised over $3,296,000 in debt prior to liquidating 2,044,428 of common stock provided by two former officers. The Company will immediately begin the process of changing its corporate name to FITT Energy, Inc. and will apply for a new trading symbol to properly reflect its innovative marketing direction. See Full article at marketwatch.com.(4-2-2010)

Catch Can Gig Going away? At the start of the 2010 season, NASCAR introduced a new style fuel can for the Truck Series that eliminated the need for a catch can guy. Because of this new can, NASCAR limited the number of over-the-wall crew members in the Truck Series to six: two tire changers, two tire carriers, a jackman, and a fueler. Teams could still technically use a catch can guy, they would just have to eliminate one of the other positions. NASCAR Insiders are hearing now that NASCAR is seriously considering bringing this new style fuel can to both the Nationwide and Cup Series for the 2011 season. If this happens, it would mean the elimination of the catch can man for both of these two series as well.(NASCAR Insiders)(4-2-2010)

SFI files lawsuit against Impact Racing: SFI Foundation Inc. has filed a lawsuit and sought a restraining order against Bill Simpson’s Impact Racing LLC to ban the sale of fire suits, seat belts and other uncertified Impact gear it says bear counterfeit SFI labels or patches. A federal judge in Indianapolis on Thursday issued an order granting much of what SFI wanted, said Peter Yarbrough, an attorney for the not-for-profit. Yarbrough did not immediately have details of the order available and it did not appear in the court’s online docket Thursday. California-based SFI sets standards for several racing organizations, including NASCAR, the National Hot Rod Association and the Indy Racing League. The lawsuit alleges that between November 2005 and August 2008, Simpson instructed an Impact employee to have an Asian vendor produce counterfeit SFI labels that were affixed to various products, including seat belts, arm restraints, fire suits, head socks, gloves and boots. SFI plans to decertify those Impact products made during that time, Yarbrough said. The sale of conformance labels to manufacturers is SFI’s main source of income and its loss would cause a “severe financial hardship,” SFI said in its lawsuit. SFI and Impact issued a joint statement Thursday night saying Impact had provided sworn testimony that no counterfeit SFI labels have been used on company products made in 2009 and 2010. SFI said it will not decertify Impact products made in those years. The complaint accuses Impact of counterfeiting, fraud and misrepresentation, unfair competition, unfair and deceptive trade practices and breach of contract and seeks unspecified damages. An Impact Racing employee who answered the phone Thursday said Simpson was not available for comment. A phone message also was left at the office of Impact Racing’s Indianapolis attorney, Edward Harris III.(Associated Press)(4-2-2010)

Red Farmer to be honored: Alabama Gang legend Red Farmer will be honored at the track where he still races at age 77. Talladega Short Track will host the Red Farmer Classic on May 15 at the dirt track in Eastaboga across from Talladega Superspeedway. In honor of Farmer’s number — 97 — the super late model race will be 97 laps and will pay $9,700 to win.(Alabama Live)(4-2-2010)

Clarifying The “Fin Rule”: A number of Sirius Speedway listeners and readers have asked about the apparent disparity in the so-called “shark fins” used by Sprint Cup teams last weekend at Martinsville Speedway. Some teams elected to use the full-length fin, running from the top of the rear window to the rear spoiler. Others ran smaller fins, or no fin at all on the trunk lid. NASCAR spokesman Ramsey Poston provided a clarification of the new rule today, saying that the rear deck fin will not become mandatory until the series races at Texas Motor Speedway on April 18. Fins will be mandated to be 3.5″ tall, and must be at least 17″ in length. Teams may run any length fin from the 17″ minimum to the full 25″ version, tailoring the length to help fine tune the handling characteristics of their cars. Full (25 inch) fins will be mandatory at both Talladega and Daytona.(Sirius Speedway)(4-1-2010)

Stremme back in the #26 at Phoenix: NASCAR Sprint Cup Series team owner Bill Jenkins of Vermont-based Latitude 43 Motorsports confirmed to Vermont Motorsports Magazine that David Stremme will continue to drive the #26 Ford at Phoenix International Raceway on April 10. The Subway Fresh Fit 600 will be Stremme’s third-straight race with Latitude 43. Following Boris Said in the first four races of the year, Stremme raced the Air National Guard car for the team at Bristol Motor Speedway on March 21 and at Martinsville Speedway on Monday. After getting caught in a lap-170 crash that forced the team to replace the car’s radiator, Stremme retired from Martinsville in 37th place with a broken rear gear. Despite the bad finish, Jenkins was impressed with his driver. “I couldn’t be more happy with David,” said Jenkins. “He ran as fast as anyone in the field, even with a damaged car. There was no qutting in him, even though the race didn’t go that well for us.” Jenkins said that Stremme is going to pilot the car at Phoenix, but that Said remains with team: “We’re excited for David to race at Phoenix, but Boris is still a very important part of this team. We’ll take it one race at a time.” First-year owner Jenkins said that he wasn’t happy to have a wrecked race car at Martinsville, but was thrilled with his team’s performance under pressure, led by crew chief Frank Stoddard of North Haverhill, N.H.
“Watching Frankie Stoddard and his crew repair the car was a marvel to behold,” said Jenkins. “They got the radiator changed and fixed everything else from the crash in about 35 laps, which isn’t a lot of time at Martinsville. Nobody quits on this team, they all did an incredible job.”(Vermont Motorsports Magazine)(4-1-2010)

Richard Petty and John Andretti to run Indy 500 again: Andretti Autosport announced it will work in a joint effort with racing legend Richard Petty and Window World, Inc., to field a fifth IZOD IndyCar Series entry for veteran driver John Andretti, first at Kansas Speedway on May 1 and then in the 2010 Indianapolis 500 on May 30. After his debut run at Kansas, John will attempt to make his 11th Indianapolis 500 start behind the wheel of the #43 Team Window World car. A successful qualifying attempt for John on May 22 or 23 will deepen the Andretti family legacy at Indianapolis Motor Speedway as he drives for the team owned by his cousin, Michael.
Window World will enjoy its second-consecutive Indy 500 as primary sponsor of the #43. Window World and Petty first teamed together with the #43 driven by John for last year’s Indy 500. The car will once again feature Petty’s traditional “Petty Blue” and “Day-Glo Red” color scheme made famous by “The King” during his unparalleled career.
The car will also sport the marks of Window World Cares, the charitable foundation of Window World, Inc., which supports St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. Petty, a racing icon and one of the most-recognizable figures in NASCAR history, will be participating in his second-straight Indianapolis 500. A 200-time NASCAR race winner and seven-time NASCAR champion, Petty witnessed the Indianapolis 500 in person for the first time in 2007 and participated as a co-owner for the first time last year.(Andretti Autosport/Breaking Limits)(4-1-2010)

New book about Bill France Jr.: A new book about the life of Bill France Jr. is available in stores now. Written by H.A. Branham, NASCAR’s Director
of Written Communications, with a foreword from legendary newsman Tom Brokaw, the book chronicles France’s role in NASCAR’s early years prior to taking over for his father, through his battle with cancer and his mentoring of son and current Chairman/CEO Brian France. Known as a strong leader and colorful character, the stories in this book detail both sides. For example, from the book: “Bill Jr.’s speeches were sometimes spiced with witticisms that became known as “Billisms.” They were short and often politically incorrect. But no matter how they were perceived, they were universally understood whenever they were uttered. One of his favorites, to describe the importance of everyone “being on the same page” when it came to an idea: “We gotta all be pissin’ through the same straw.” More info at NASCAR.com.(4-1-2010)

Special Long John Silver’s scheme for Kvapil: Front Row Motorsports and Long John Silver’s will once again partner this season to help bring the popular Long John Silver’s $1 Baja Fish Taco to NASCAR fans across the nation. Long John Silver’s announced that its $1 Baja Fish Taco colors will be the primary sponsor of the #34 Ford driven by Travis Kvapil; Kvapil will carry these colors at the Autism Speaks 400 at the Dover International Speedway on May 16 and the All-Star Showdown at the Charlotte Motor Speedway on May 22.(Front Row Motorsports/Breaking Limits)(4-1-2010)

Some stats from the first six races of 2010:

.927 — The average margin of victory, in seconds, in NASCAR Sprint Cup competition.
4 — Races that have had a margin of victory under one second.
12 — Average number of different leaders this season.
30 — Average number of lead changes.
33 — Number of different drivers who have led at least one lap.
113.4 — Jimmie Johnson’s series-best Driver Rating. Only three drivers have a Driver Rating over 100.0 (Kurt Busch, 105.9; Jeff Gordon, 104.9).
53.9 — Percentage of cars that have finished on the lead lap. At the end of 2009, a NASCAR Sprint Cup record 51.9% of the cars finished on the lead lap.
796 — Number of passes by Kyle Busch, most in the series.(NASCAR)(4-1-2010)

Some ‘Passing’ stats going into the Easter break / after 6 races:

Year GFP GFPL
2005: 13,744, 123

2006: 17,556, 156

2007: 18,632, 132

2008: 17,413, 162

2009: 15,813, 89

2010: 22,432, 332

GFP: Green Flag Passes

GFPL: Green Flag Passes for the Lead

(Stat has only been calculated since 2005)(4-1-2010)

Five NASCAR Races at Michigan and Watkins Glen…$95: For the first time ever, two historic tracks both known for their picturesque locations, Watkins Glen International and Michigan International Speedway, have come together to offer race fans two great experiences for one low price. As part of the new Heluva Good! ticket package, NASCAR fans get a total of five exciting races for ONLY $95 including the Heluva Good! Sour Cream Dips 400 at MIS on Sunday, June 13, and the Heluva Good! Sour Cream Dips at The Glen on Sunday, August 8. Both race tracks offer some of the most unique camping opportunities in the sport of racing and are both located in popular vacation destinations. Watkins Glen International is located in the heart of the Finger Lakes Wine Country where tourism to the region has seen a substantial increase in visitation in the past few years as well as being featured in top tier publications such as Travel + Leisure, Budget Travel, and a featured road trip in the 2010 Rand McNally Atlas. This “Heluva Good!” ticket package saves fans $20 compared to the cost of purchasing separate tickets and includes general admission tickets to both of the International Speedway Corporation (ISC) sister facilities. This great package includes two races on the high-speed oval of MIS during Heluva Good! 400 June 12 and 13. Not only will fans be able to watch NASCAR’s first visit of the season to the Great Lake State but also the VFW 200 NASCAR Camping World Series race on Saturday, June 12. Fans that attend the Heluva Good! Sour Cream Dips at The Glen weekend, August 5-8, in New York’s Wine Country, will not only get to watch the stars of the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series challenge The Soul of American Road Racing but also the double-header featuring the Zippo 200 NASCAR Nationwide and Crown Royal 200 GRAND-AM Rolex Sports Car Series races on Saturday, August 7. Any fans that are ready to catch the excitement of the legendary twists and turns of WGI and the high-speed action at MIS simply need to call 800-354-1010 to order their tickets today.(MIS and WGI)(4-1-2010)

The No-Hassle ‘DEGA Infield Experience: Race fans that want the experience of the Talladega Superspeedway Infield without the hassle of renting or bringing an RV for the weekend are in luck. Talladega Superspeedway introduced an all-inclusive premium RV package. Race fans that purchase the package will have their very own luxury motorhome awaiting them on Wednesday of race weekend. The motorhome will be stationed in the conveniently located Turn 4 Motorhome Park and includes everything four people need to enjoy a weekend at ‘DEGA.

The package includes:

· Delivery/removal and setup of one luxury motorhome for entertainment and lodging use at Talladega Superspeedway, Wednesday – Sunday.

· Reserved 25×50 RV space in the Turn 4 Motorhome Park

· Early infield entry on Wednesday.

· Four (4) infield passes for infield access Wednesday – Sunday.

· Two (2) infield vehicle access/parking passes

· Four (4) pre-race pit passes for Sunday’s Aaron’s 499

· Four (4) souvenir race programs

· Daily water and pumping service

· On-site concierge service

· On-site mechanical service personnel

“A demand has been building at Talladega Superspeedway for a turnkey camping package,” said Talladega Superspeedway Chairman Grant Lynch. “We are excited to offer a convenient solution for our fans that want a carefree weekend at Talladega.” Pricing for the premium RV package is $5,800 and requires a $1,000 refundable deposit. For more information, contact Motacha Blackerby in the Talladega Superspeedway Ticket Office at 256-761-4747. For more information on tickets to Talladega Superspeedway, please visit www.talladegasuperspeedway.com or call 1-877-Go2-DEGA.(TSS)(4-1-2010)