February 2002 News Archives

(2-28-2002)
New Dodge Site: The Chrysler Group’s Dodge Brand is revving up the World Wide Web with a newly launched Motorsports Web site. The site, www.dodge.com/motorsports, is designed and developed by Organic, Inc. and welcomes the 2002 NASCAR season with new graphics and site experiences, additional content and improved functionality. Dodge Motorsports’ new site features new content to support Dodge’s quest for driver and manufacturer’s titles in both the Winston Cup and Craftsman Truck Series. New content includes a Fan Zone with wallpapers and games, a news ticker on the home page, “Tradin’ Paint” – a new opinion-based editorial appearing every week, and race and track information from each track in the Winston Cup circuit. The Dodge Motorsports site provides the best behind-the-scenes content on all the Dodge teams. No other site on the web has this exclusive content on the Dodge teams – because no one else has the same access to the Dodge’s racing teams.(Business Wire)(2-28-2002)
Dale Earnhardt tribute update: A committee planning a Dale Earnhardt tribute in Kannapolis, N.C., has approved a new tribute site. The Earnhardt tribute, in the planning stages for nearly a year, is now expected to be built in Kannapolis’ downtown. A statue and brick plaza area will be built on the new site, informally known as Funderburk Park in Cannon Village, committee members said. Atlantic American Properties, the owners of Cannon Village, offered the site last month. The company is also donating and volunteering to renovate a portion of the Cannon Village Visitors Center as a tribute center that will house a commemorative wall to honor Earnhardt’s life. Motorsports artist Sam Bass is expected design the wall. AAP has agreed to lease the new site for $1 a year for 99 years and assist with site preparation, insurance, maintenance, security and landscaping. A racing memorabilia auction, similar to a fund-raiser held in December, is tentatively scheduled for the summer. The Tribute fund so far totals $22,486.57. Contributions can be sent to the City of Kannapolis, c/o the Dale Earnhardt Tribute Fund, P.O. Box 1199, Kannapolis, NC 28082-1199. (ThatsRacin.com), more info at the Dale Earnhardt Memorial Tribute Fund page(2-28-2002)
More Muppet Schemes UPDATE 2: hearing that #18-Bobby Labonte has been added to the Chicagoland Muppet paint scheme promotion along with previous rumored, #88-Jarrett, #10-Benson(Flozzy) and #41-Spencer(2-12-2002)
UPDATE: up to five Muppet schemes now – hearing #28-Ricky Rudd will be part of the promtion at Chicago, celebrating 25 years of the Muppet Show.(2-21-2002)
UPDATE 2: also added to the Muppet scheme list for Chicagoland are #9-Bill Elliott and #19-Jeremy Mayfield.(2-28-2002)
Green/White/Checkers? why no? some favor a rule making it mandatory that the final lap of a race be run under green, the so-called green-white (the white flag indicates one lap to go) checkers rule.[like is done in the CTS series]. Cup Drivers don’t like that because they think it creates safety problems with the field bunched up and people taking wild chances on the last lap. Cup Crew chiefs don’t like it because it could extend the race beyond the normal distance, bringing gas mileage and strategy into play.(Lakeland Ledger)(2-28-2002)

(2-27-2002)
Elvis to enter the race track UPDATE: Race fans help celebrate the legend of Elvis Presley in 2002. As part of the Elvis Presley 25th Anniversary program, Elvis.com, Action Performance Companies, Inc., Rusty Wallace, and Miller Brewing Company will bring the King of Rock N. Roll back to the track. Rusty Wallace’s #2 Miller Lite Ford Taurus at the Las Vegas Cup race on March 3, 2002. The special program will mark the second time in five years Wallace features Elvis Presley on his racecar.(Action PR)(11-15-2001)
UPDATE: The city of lights [Las Vegas] welcomes race fans for a sneak peak at three special Elvis paint scheme race cars. The stock car of NASCAR Winston Cup Champion Rusty Wallace, the funny car of 11-time NHRA Funny Car Champion John Force, and the top fuel dragster of NHRA ace Larry Dixon all featuring Elvis Presley themes will be on display for public viewing at Caesars Palace on Friday, March 1, 2002. The three Elvis cars were designed by Action Performance as part of the Elvis 25th Anniversary program. Rusty Wallace will race his Elvis car at the Las Vegas Motor Speedway on Sunday, March 3, 2002. This special program marks the second time in five years that Elvis Presley is featured on Wallace’s race car. Both NHRA drivers will also compete with their Elvis themed cars in Las Vegas. They will race at the NHRA event on April 4-7, 2002. In addition to the cars, Action Performance designed the uniforms and helmets the drivers will wear in the race, as well as limited edition die-cast replicas of the cars, apparel, and other merchandise for collectors. Visitors to Caesars Palace on March 1, 2002 will have the opportunity to meet the drivers, see their race cars, and enjoy Elvis tunes. Admission is free. The cars will be on display all afternoon and drivers will arrive at 7:30 p.m. Caesars Palace is located at 3750 Las Vegas Blvd., South.(Action Performance PR) and see column by Wallace at the Las Vegas Sun: Unveiling of Elvis car highlights week.(2-27-2002)
Atlanta Testing Wednesday: Ryan Newman turned a fast lap of 193.373mph Wednesday in another day of testing for the March 10 MBNA America 500 at Atlanta Motor Speedway. Newman.s lap is the fastest turned by any NASCAR Winston Cup driver in testing this year. It’s also slightly faster than the pole speed for last March’s race, when Dale Jarrett had a lap at 192.748 mph.(Atlanta Motor Speedway PR)(2-27-2002)
Crew Chief change at the #4? UPDATE No, but Carrier hired as crew member: hearing Chris Carrier, currently the crew chief of the #33 APR Chevy [without a sposnor and skipping Vegas] will move over to the #4 Morgan McClure team and driver Mike Skinner as the new crew chief there. Scott Eggleston is currently the crew chief of the #4 Kodak Chevy.(2-27-2002)
UPDATE: Chris Carrier, former crew chief of the #33 Andy Petree Racing entry, has been hired by Morgan-McClure Motorsports. Carrier’s departure from APR, a. result of uncertainty surrounding the team he worked with, was an amicable split. Carrier, a native of Bristol, TN, will work at the shop and travel with the #4 Kodak MAX Film crew weekly. Employed by mutual agreement of Larry McClure (team owner), Mike Skinner (driver) and Scott Eggleston (crew chief), Carrier’s duties will be to serve as a team member to assist Eggleston. His employment at the Abingdon, Va.-based team begins Monday.(Morgan McClure PR)(2-27-2002)
Fenley Motorsports/Challenge Motorsports News: Foreclosure could force Fenley to lock racing garage for good. The decision against Fenley Motorsports Inc. came after a two-hour hearing in Equity Court Tuesday morning. Ruling in a real estate mortgage foreclosure action brought by Dawsonville, Ga.-based Ernie Elliott Inc., Master-in-Equity Roger L. Couch set the auction for 11 a.m. April 1 in the Spartanburg County courthouse. Afterward, Fenley Motorsports President Robert Fenley and brother Randy Fenley, owner of Challenge Motorsports Inc., said Challenge has landed a sponsorship deal that will allow it to compete in the 2002 BGN and in some Cup events. The Fenleys said the Challenge race team, which had shared the shop at 400 N. Fairview Ave. with Fenley Motorsports, now must find a new shop [must be out of the shop by Apr 1st]. They promised to announce more details about the sponsorship by the end of March. Fenley said in early December that Fenley Motorsports was on the verge of signing a sponsorship deal that would put its race team back on the Winston Cup circuit for four years. But Fenley said before Tuesday’s hearing that the deal never materialized. He said he probably would close Fenley Motorsports and go to work for Challenge. Derrike Cope, Fenley’s driver and a former Daytona 500 winner, and Ernie Elliott attended Tuesday’s hearing. Elliott testified that in June 2000, Fenley put up the race shop and grounds as security and agreed to pay $793,348.34 within six months in exchange for leased engines, an engine technician and other services. Elliott said Fenley had paid nothing on the money owed, so he wanted the race shop and grounds sold to satisfy the debt. Fenley testified that his company was struggling financially in early 2000 and was unable to consistently field a race team for lack of a major sponsor. But he still believed the $793,000 lease agreement entitled him to lease engines from Elliott if he got a sponsor. When a prospective sponsor did emerge in late summer, Fenley said, Elliott told him he would have to pay an additional $35,000 per race if he wanted engines. Under questioning by Elliott’s Spartanburg attorney, Max B. Cauthen Jr., Fenley acknowledged that he had asked Elliott what he would charge Fenley Motorsports to let the company lease Elliott’s engines to other race teams. Cauthen said Fenley wanted Elliott to let the other teams pay Ernie Elliott Inc. and have the money deducted from Fenley’s debt, but Elliott said he wanted to receive payments from Fenley. Recalled to the witness stand by his attorney, Elliott testified that Fenley asked him what he should charge anyone else wanting to use Elliott’s engines, so he recommended $35,000. Elliott said he never tried to charge Fenley for anything that was not in their agreement. Explaining his ruling, Couch said Elliott had made engines available to Fenley Motorsports whenever they were needed. Cope, who did not testify Tuesday, is standing in line behind Elliott as a judgment creditor against Fenley Motorsports. So is the South Carolina Department of Revenue, which has tax liens on the race shop and grounds. Cope, who left the Fenley operation in April 2000, claims it still owes him an unspecified portion of a $667,236 judgment an arbitrator awarded him a year ago. Cope had claimed in legal papers that Fenley violated his contract by failing to enter some NASCAR Winston Cup events. The driver also accused Fenley of being late with his February and March 2000 payments and failing to make the April 2000 payment.(in part and paraphrased from GoUpsate/Herald-Journal)(2-27-2002)
Stricklin Tests Bristol: #23-Hut Stricklin tested at Bristol Motor Speedway this week in part to test the track after a pedestrian tunnel was put in underneath turn.(News and Record)(2-27-2002)
Practice Engines at Atlanta? Roller Cams coming? Ganassi Racing’s engine builder Tony Santanicola mentions “We might get a practice motor at Atlanta (if NASCAR relents), but we’re going to get one for sure at places like Pocono and the 600 at Charlotte. I don’t know about Michigan and Atlanta yet. But I put in my two cents for practice motors at those two tracks. They need to give us practice motors.” ANDNext year’s engines may have a new twist, roller cams, an endurance concept used in the BGN for several years.(Winston Salem Journal)(2-27-2002)
Labonte’s Honored in Texas UPDATE: Terry [#5] and Bobby Labonte [#18] have been elected to the Texas Sports Hall of Fame located in Waco, TX. Induction ceremonies are scheduled for February 26rh, 2002. The Texas Sports Hall of Fame is a nonprofit, educational museum established to celebrate and preserve Texas’ sports history. Other Auto Racing greats inducted: A.J. Foyt[1967], Johnny Rutherford [1985], Carroll Shelby [1986], and Jim Hall [1999]. For more info, see their website: www.hallofame.org(12-5-2001)
UPDATE: Natives of Corpus Christi, the Terry and Bobby Labonte joined four ex-NFL greats and one former major-league standout in the 2002 class of the Texas Sports Hall of Fame. The induction of the seven newest members was last night at Baylor University’s Ferrell Center. Former Dallas Cowboys quarterback Troy Aikman, NFL Hall of Famers Dick “Night Train” Lane and Mike Munchak and Bruce Matthews, a Pro Bowl lineman with Houston and Tennessee, were scheduled for induction. Ex-Detroit Tigers first baseman Norm Cash also was inducted. Cash and Lane entered the hall posthumously. The Labontes are the only brothers to have won NASCAR Winston Cup championships. Terry Labonte, 44, won the title in 1984 and 1996. Bobby Labonte, 37, was the 2000 Winston Cup champ. The Texas Sports Hall of Fame Induction Committee is comprised of 21 members of the Texas Sports Writers Association. chaired by longtime sports writer Dave Campbell.(Corpus Christi Caller)(2-27-2002)
Pearson, Woods back together: Nearly 23 years after the Wood Brothers and David Pearson parted company following a mixed-up pit stop at Darlington Raceway, two of the sport’s legends will be back together again at the track they dominated in the 1970s. Pearson, 67, will come to the track next month to tutor Jon Wood, the 20-year-old grandson of Glen Wood, one of the founders of the legendary race team. Eddie Wood, who now is a part owner of the Woods racing team, is Glen’s son and Jon’s father. It was his idea to get Pearson to help Jon, who is in his first full season on the Craftsman Truck Series and has never run at Darlington, the track that bills itself as “Too Tough to Tame.” For Pearson, taming Darlington was no problem. He leads all drivers with 12 poles and 10 wins at the track. Six of those wins and nine of the poles came in the Wood’s cars. Even though the Woods and Pearson parted company during the 1979 season, they have remained close friends.(Atlanta Journal Constitution)(2-27-2002)

(2-26-2002)
#33 and Wallace to Las Vegas UPDATE 5 not going to Vegas: Andy Petree plans to take his second car [#33, it used to be his first], which is unsponsored, to Las Vegas next weekend. Mike Wallace is driving that car.(Roanoke Times)(2-23-2002)
UPDATE: hearing that the #33 APR team has decided NOT to run the #33 Chevy at Las Vegas.(one source Mike Wallace Fanclub)(2-25-2002)
UPDATE 2: FSN’s Totally NASCAR has Mike Wallace as still running the race at Las Vegas in the #33 APR Chevy.(2-25-2002)
UPDATE 3: on ESPN2’s RPM 2 Night, Kenny Wallace said he talked to his brother Mike today and the #33 owner Andy Petree said that the team won’t be able to continue on, which means the team won’t be at Las Vegas, unless a sponsor comes aboard within the next few days.(2-25-2002)
UPDATE 4: but the Andy Petree Racing site is reporting the the #33 will go to Las Vegas: Full-season sponsorship remaining the most important part of car owner Andy Petree’s thinking, the #33 Andy Petree Racing Chevrolet and driver Mike Wallace will compete in Sunday’s race at Las Vegas. “We’ve had so many inquiries and so many discussions with potential sponsors, we just think the smartest thing for us to do right now is to take the long-range view – and that means running the race this week,” said Petree. “I don’t want to be sitting there in a few weeks when sponsorship does come together and think, ‘Man, I wish we had run that Vegas race,’ and be in bad shape in the points and all that goes with it because of that,” Petree said. “Looking at the big picture can be hard sometimes in this sport but the big picture is the only way for us to look at things right now.” Petree, who also fields the #55 Schneider Electric Chevrolet of driver Bobby Hamilton, did say he needed some time to consider the Atlanta race, one week after Las Vegas. “At this point, we just about have to look at things that way. We didn’t make the decision to run Las Vegas until this past weekend,” Petree said. “We took a look at where we stood with cars, with engines and with Mike (Wallace) and said, ‘OK, we can go out there and have all of the capabilities of being pretty competitive.”(from a William Co PR on the APR site), so…….?(2-26-2002)
FINAL? UPDATE: Citing a potential sponsorship situation, Andy Petree Racing will not field the #33 car in this weekend’s NASCAR Winston Cup stock car racing event at Las Vegas after all. “A couple of things came up early this week that we weren’t anticipating on the sponsorship side and because of new needs we have with the crew and team, we just figure we’ll do better working in the shop this week,” Petree said. “There are things we need to do now to put us in a better situation for the future. Running Las Vegas this weekend is the thing to do if we look at it short term; taking this time to prepare for the future is the thing to do if we look at it long-term.” Petree said a sponsor for the #33 has not been signed and the team is still seeking sponsorship but that recent events led him to believe it best to prepare for future races instead of competing in this one. “We’re still looking but we’re seeing some movement we haven’t seen before,” Petree said. “Nothing is tougher on a racer than having a race and not being there. But this is just the smart thing to do.” The #55 Schneider Electric Chevrolet with driver Bobby Hamilton will, of course, compete in this weekend’s 400-mile event.(Williams Company PR/APR)(2-26-2002)
AMS testing Tuesday: #4-Mike Skinner set the fast lap Tuesday in another day of testing for Cup drivers preparing for the March 10 MBNA America 500 at Atlanta Motor Speedway. Skinner’s quickest lap around the 1.54-mile quad-oval was 187.487mph. #1-Kenny Wallace, #1-Steve Park, #12-Ryan Newman, #49-Shawna Robinson and ARCA driver Chase Montgomery also tested Tuesday. The speeds from Tuesday:
#4-Mike Skinner, 187.487
#12-Ryan Newman, 185.480
#49-Shawna Robinson, 184.677
#1-Kenny Wallace, 182.910
#1-Steve Park, 178.264.(Atlanta Motor Speedway PR)(2-26-2002)
Trickle back in the #71 at Atlanta: The #71 Marcis Racing team has decided go to Atlanta and put Dick Trickle behind the wheel. Trickle attempted to make Rockingham for Marcis but was not fast enough or high enough in 2001 owners points.(Dick Trickle Fanclub Newsletter)(2-26-2002)
Davis & Weight Motorsports now #52: Davis & Weight Motorsports will run the #52 Ford Taurus in the 2002 NASCAR Winston Cup Series season. No word on the team’s first race or driver. Davis & Weight Motorsports is currently working to secure corporate partners to compete in the 2002 NASCAR Winston Cup Series.(Davis & Weight Motorsports Site) The team used to run the #55 in the BGN and was the #81 in Cup but never ran a Cup race since buying the team from Filmar Racing in 1999.(2-26-2002)
Kenseth’s car too low? UPDATE 3 $30,000 fine: hearing rumors that the #17 Ford that won the Subway 400 at Rockingham has been found to be too low in it’s roof height. Supposedly it was reported on Speed Channel. If true, a fine would be levied but the win will stand..(2-24-2002)
UPDATE: Kenseth’s car was found to be lower than the minimum 51-inch height requirement in post-race inspection – an infraction that usually brings with it a fine but no change the results of the race.(ThatsRacin.com)(2-24-2002)
AND: After the race, NASCAR inspectors discovered that the height of Kenseth’s car was a quarter-inch below the minimum of 51 inches. “As in recent years, this decision has not affected the outcome of race positions and should not in this case,” said Danielle Humphrey, NASCAR’s senior manager of communications. “Any penalties and/or fines may be decided (today).’’(Fayetteville Observer)
UPDATE 2: NASCAR will not make an announcement on a fine or penalty until Tuesday.(2-25-2002)
UPDATE 3 – #17 Penalty Announced: – NASCAR Officials announced that Robbie Reiser, crew chief of the #17 Ford Taurus, received a $30,000 fine for a rule violation found during post-race inspection following Sunday’s Subway 400 at North Carolina Speedway in Rockingham, N.C. Reiser was penalized under Section 12-4-T in the 2002 NASCAR Winston Cup Series rule book, “Any car that is found to be under the specified height requirement after the completion… of the race.” The minimum height requirement is 51 inches – the #17 car was approximately 1/4 of an inch too low.(NASCAR PR)
AND In a radio interview on “Fast Talk with Benny Parsons” on the Performance Racing Network Monday night, Kenseth said his car was too low because of a dent in the roof, which is where the height measurement is taken. Kenseth he did not know if the dent was made when he leaned over the car to celebrate with his crew, or by some sponsor products placed on the car’s roof in victory lane ceremonies. Kenseth said all of the other parts of his car checked out OK in the postrace inspection.(ThatsRacin.com)(2-26-2002)
Park to race at Vegas? UPDATE 2 No Vegas/Atlanta: Steve Park could be back in a racecar this weekend at Las Vegas. Park, who has been sidelined since September 1 because of a head injury suffered when his car veered out of control in a Busch race at Darlington, tested with his teammates last week at Charlotte and will participate in a two-car test with Kenny Wallace, who has been driving Park’s car, this week at Atlanta. Dale Earnhardt Inc. technical director Steve Hmiel says that Park ran more than 100 laps at Charlotte, and they intended to test him in the 500-mile range early this week. “We’re going to see if we can wear him out, but I don’t think that’s possible with how focused he’s been lately,” Hmiel says. “He’s well on the way to recovery.” Hmiel says Park is “fine in traffic.” Steve Petersen, from NASCAR’s competition department, observed the session. But Park’s physician must give clearance before he is able to race. As of Sunday, NASCAR had not been given the OK. Park had not been expected to return this soon, and Wallace will remain under contract. But if Park can return this weekend, Wallace is expected to turn his full attention to winning a Busch championship in his #48 car.(Sporting News)(2-25-2002)
AND Injured driver Steve Park, out of action since September 2001, will test today and Tuesday at Atlanta Motor Speedway.(Gaston Gazette)(2-25-2002)
UPDATE: FSN’s Totally NASCAR reports that Park will NOT race this weekend at Las Vegas and is unlikely to race at Atlanta. Most reports seem to think Darlington will be Park’s first Cup race back as long as he keeps progressing so well.
AND ESPN2’s RPM 2 Night has Kenny Wallace on and he reported that he has been guaranteed to run the next two Cup races in the #1 Chevy (Las Vegas and Atlanta)(2-25-2002)
AND II Kenny Wallace will be in the #1 Pennzoil Chevy at Las Vegas and Atlanta. Pennzoil held a press conference Saturday at Rockingham in which Wallace very clearly stated that Steve was not even going to Las Vegas because it was too far to go watch a race.(2-26-2002)
More on APR/Jones/DW: Darrell Waltrip says he is acting as ”matchmaker” between Dallas Cowboys owner Jerry Jones and NASCAR team owner Andy Petree, as the two discuss a possible racing partnership. ”I’d think it’s going to happen,” Waltrip said yesterday. ”I believe Jerry Jones is serious about getting involved in NASCAR. Exactly when and how it will happen, those are some of the details we’re still working on.” Waltrip, a retired three-time champion from Franklin who serves as a Fox Network commentator, expects to be involved in the Jones-Petree team if it is finalized.(Tennessean)(2-26-2002)
#99 Jackman UPDATE 2: hearing that Britt Goodrich, the jackman for #49-Shawna Robinson (who is not racing this week at Rockigham) #49, will jack the #99-Jeff Burton Ford at Rockingham as the regular #99 jackman, Brian Perry, injured an ankle last weekend in Daytona.(2-22-2002)
UPDATE: Shawna Robinson’s jackman, Britt Goodrich, will jack Jeff Burton’s No. 99 Ford today at the Rock. Burton’s regular jackman, Brian Perry, injured an ankle last week at Daytona International Speedway when Kyle Petty’s car ran into the jackman on pit road during the Daytona 500.(Daytona Beach News Journal)(2-24-2002)
UPDATE 2: Brian Perry, the jackman for Jeff Burton, will go to a doctor later this week to see if he can jack the car this weekend at Las Vegas. Perry was hit in the ankle by the car of Kyle Petty during the Daytona 500. Perry suffered a cut on his right ankle that required stitches, but his ankle was not broken nor sprained.(Daytona Beach News Journal)(2-26-2002)
Why was Robby Gordon….? UPDATE: getting this question much today – Why was Robby Gordon called to the NASCAR trailer after the race? On CNN/Si’s NASCAR Plus, Benny Parsons said that Gordon was called to the NASCAR trailer because after making contact with #48-Jimmie Johnson and cutting a tire down, he did not pit the #31 Chevy when NASCAR told him to, he stayed out on the track, the tire blew ripped some sheet metal off the car.(2-25-2002)
UPDATE: On Lap 387, Robby Gordon was hit by Jimmie Johnson on the backstretch, sending Gordon spinning out of control. After staying clear of the field, an angry Gordon, who was running in the top 10 at the time of the accident, restarted his car and returned to the track. He did not pit on his first pass of pit road, and after not pitting a second time, the damage to his car took its toll. A rear tire blew and debris scattered across the frontstretch, forcing NASCAR to display the yellow. Gordon, crew chief Gil Martin and the team’s spotter, Tim Overby, were called to the NASCAR trailer after the race. Martin was admonished for not getting Gordon to pit sooner. “NASCAR said we had an opportunity to get on pit road and Robby should have done that. They basically said by staying out, we caused the last caution which was detrimental to the outcome of the race,” Martin said. “I understand their position. But at the same time, why was the yellow not thrown when my driver first spun on the backstretch, which could have been a dangerous situation for him and detrimental to our team?” Martin said both sides simply expressed their opinions on the matter during the meeting. There are no penalties forthcoming related to the incident. NASCAR spokesperson Danielle Humphrey said officials were trying to get Gordon to pit or at least get below the apron to prevent fluids or pieces of sheet metal from being dropped on the racing groove.(ThatsRacin.com)(2-26-2002)
NAPCM Pit Crew of the Week: The #17 DeWalt Crew kept Matt in contention all day with lightening fast pit stops. Congratulations to the #17 DeWalt Crew for earning their trip to victory lane at the Rockingham Subway 400.(NAPCM PR)(2-26-2002)

(2-25-2002)
#48 Crewman hurt UPDATE: The tire carrier for #48-Jimmie Johnson, David Bryant, was injured during the first round of pit stops and has been transferred to a local hospital for x-rays on his right leg, he is awake and alert. MRN radio reports that Bryant was hit by the car that pits in front of Johnson (Mark Martin), he was taken to Richmond Memorial Hospital in Rockingham, NC with an injury between the knee and ankle. It was reported later in the race that Bryant has a broken right leg and is being transferred to a Charlottee hospital.
UPDATE: David Bryant, the front-tire carrier for rookie Jimmie Johnson who was injured in a pit road accident Sunday at Rockingham, had surgery to repair a compound fracture of his right leg and remains in Carolinas Medical Center in Charlotte. Bryant, 23, was hit on pit road by the car of Mark Martin during a round of pit stops on Lap 20 of Sunday’s Subway 400. Bryant is expected to be out of action for up to five months. Jay Lupo, a mechanic with the #24 team of Jeff Gordon, substituted for Bryant Sunday and will continue in that role.(ThatsRacin.com)(2-25-2002)
AMS testing Monday: #49-ShawnaRobinson and #1-Kenny Wallace had identical fast laps Monday in a test of four NASCAR Winston Cup drivers preparing for the March 10 MBNA America 500 at Atlanta Motor Speedway. Wallace and Robinson each had quick laps around the 1.54-mile quad-oval at 185.418mph. #4-Mike Skinner also tested Wednesday, and injured Steve Park stepped in the #1 Pennzoil car for a few laps. Robinson will try to be the first woman since Janet Guthrie in 1977 to compete in a Cup race at Atlanta. She’s no stranger to Atlanta, though, having won the BGN pole in 1994 and nearly winning the 2000 ARCA race, leading until the final caution with just a handful of laps left. Tickets as low as $25 are still available for the March 8-10 MBNA America 500 weekend. Speed from testing Monday:
#1-Kenny Wallace, 185.418
#49-Shawna Robinson, 185.418
#4-Mike Skinner, 184.800
#1-Steve Park, 176.560.(Atlanta Motor Speedway PR)(2-25-2002)
Kmart Done: Rockingham was the final race for Kmart as the official sponsor of #66-Todd Bodine and #26-Joe Nemechek. Kmart filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection in January and can’t fulfill its commitment. Team owner Travis Carter said he has just enough money to take the cars to race in Las Vegas next weekend.(Daytona Beach News Journal)(2-25-2002)

(2-24-2002)

Kenseth wins the Subway 400 at the Rock: under yellow after #36-Ken Schrader hit the wall and #31-Gordon spun and left a tire on the track with four races to do, NASCAR said there was not enought laps left to throw a red flag (direct ALL questions on that subject to them). #17-Matt Kenseth won the race after dominating the 2nd half of the race and leading the most laps, Kenseth wins his 2nd career Winston Cup race and first since Charlotte in May 2000 and it adds another driver to the 2002 The Winston (now 25 drivers). See ThatsRacin.com for a column: Matt Kenseth grabs Subway 400 win and see my Subway 400 Results page and
For Driver and Owners Points – see my 2002 Winston Cup Standings after Rockingham page, for standings last week, see my 2002 Winston Cup Standings after Daytona page, these will be available and linked all year on my 2002 Winston Cup Race Results page.(2-24-2002)
First from 25th? hearing that it is the first time a Winston Cup race has been won from the 25th starting spot in history. Matt Kenseth started from the 25th starting spot at Rockingham (2-24-2002). It was the only spot of the top 33 starting spots that there wasn’t a winner.(2-24-2002)
Changes in the Winston: MRN Radio interviewed Rich Habegger of R.J. Reynolds/Winston and it was mentioned that there will be some changes to The Winston all-star race that will be run at Lowes Motor Speedway on May 18th. No word on what any of those changes will be.(2-24-2002)
Bo-Dyn Sleds gets silver and bronze in Men’s 4 man : The United States bobsled teams are using Bo-Dyn sleds at the Winter Olympics in Salt Lake City, designed and heavily funded by NASCAR driver Geoffrey Bodine. After eight years of work and a lot of money, a Bo-Dyn sled helped bring home the gold. Bodine, from Chemung, N.Y., and his son, Barry Bodine, left the East Coast on Wednesday to attend events this weekend. The U.S. four-man USA-1 team of Todd Hays, Randy Jones, Bill Schuffenhauer and Orlando’s Garrett Hines did Bodine proud by winning the silver medal Saturday night, while USA-2 won the bronze with Brian Shimer, Mike Kohn, Doug Sharp and Dan Steele aboard. And on Tuesday, Jill Bakken and Vonetta Flowers stunned the field, winning the gold medal in the inaugural women’s bobsled competition and breaking a 46-year drought in the sport for the United States.(Daytona Beach News Journal)(2-24-2002)
Kenseth wins Subway 400 at the Rock under yellow after #36-Ken Schrader hit the wall and #31-Gordon spun and left a tire on the track with four races to do, NASCAR said there was not enought laps left to throw a red flag (direct ALL questions on that subject to them). #17-Matt Kenseth won the race after dominating the 2nd half of the race and leading the most laps, Kenseth wins his 2nd career Winston Cup race and first since Charlotte in May 2000 and it adds another driver to the 2002 The Winston (now 25 drivers). The top 10 finishers:
#17-Kenseth(152 laps led)
#40-Sterling Marlin (24 laps led)
#18-Bobby Labonte
#20-Tony Stewart
#32-Ricky Craven (113 laps led)
#99-Jeff Burton
#24-Jeff Gordon
#2-Rusty Wallace
#55-Bobby Hamilton
#1-Kenny Wallace
Daytona 500 winner finished #22-Burton is 16th
Rookies: #12-Newman 12th (the 2nd race in the row he is Rookie of the Race) ; #48-Johnson finished 28th.
Lap leaders: #32-Craven(116), #22-Burton(1), #40-Marlin(35), #30-Green(46), #88-Jarrett(17), #17-Kenseth(152), #28-Rudd(26).
DNF’d: #14-Compton(engine), #88-Jarrett(engine), #44-Jones(accident), #15-Waltrip(engine), #4-Skinner(engine), #36-Schrader(engine).

NOTES: #97-Busch, who was to start 7th, had th have an engine changed when a water leak was discovered and had to start the race at the rear of the field.
The tire carrier for #48-Jimmie Johnson, David Bryant, was injured during the first round of pit stops and has been transferred to a local hospital for x-rays on his right leg, he is awake and alert. MRN radio reports that Bryant was hit by the car that pits in front of Johnson (Mark Martin), he was taken to Richmond Memorial Hospital in Rockingham, NC with an injury between the knee and ankle. It was reported later in the race that Bryant has a broken right leg and is being transferred to a Charlottee hospital.

Accident on lap 156 when #24-Gordon tapped #7-Atwood causing Atwood to spin, #45-Petty and #44-Jones hit Atwood hard, others involved and damaged slightly/sheet metal were #36-Schrader, #19-Mayfield, #31-Gordon, #41-Spencer and #99-Burton, all drivers walked away.

#15-Waltrip’s Chevy died on pit road as he was trying to enter the garage area, causing a caution, during the caution #24-Gordon spun in his pit stall and lost 15 spots.

#18-Labonte was reported as running on seven cylinders as of lap 100 but is running in the top 10, so looks like that problems may had been fixed.

#1 Pennzoil team gasman, Mike Bordick, had some gas splash in his eye during a pitstop and has been taken to the infield care center, but he told Fox pit reporter, Matt Yocum, that he was ok.

The 6th caution was caused by an accident when #77-Blaney hit #41-Spencer in the back and spun himself (Spencer continued), #26-Nemechek couldn’t check up and hot Blaney and then #33-Wallace hit Nemechek.

#28-Rudd, while leading the race, stalled on pit road when he hit the kill switch accidently after the 6th caution, finally got the car started and back on the track but is a lap down.

#7-Atwood is back on the track (around lap 260) after the crew made repairs when Atwood was caused in an early accident.

#4-Skinner loses an engine on lap 365, most of the leaders came in for tires, #32-Craven stayed out to assume the lead.
See ThatsRacin.com for a column: Matt Kenseth grabs Subway 400 win and for Unofficial Subway 400 results and
For Driver and Owners Points – see my 2002 Winston Cup Standings after Rockingham page, for standings last week, see my 2002 Winston Cup Standings after Daytona page, these will be available and linked all year on my 2002 Winston Cup Race Results page.(2-24-2002)
Wells back to two teams? #32 Team Owner Cal Wells said he is still trying to return to fielding two Winston Cup cars, but that probably won’t happen before 2003. Right now, Wells is focused on building the Ricky Craven operation. Competing for sponsor dollars has become increasingly difficult in recent months – Wells said that he needs a solid single-car showing before he can compete with other teams for money to fund his second team.(Richmond Times Dispatch)(2-24-2002)
One Engine Rule for 2002 UPDATE 3: starting in the 2002 season, Cup teams must use the same engine to qualify and race, NASCAR announced Sunday at Martinsville Speedway. In the event the engine used to qualify the car does not start the race, then at the desretion of the Winston Cup Series director, the starting position will be relinquished and the car will drop to the rear of the field prior to the start of the race. According to NASCAR, certain events during the 2002 season may require ammendments to this rule, such as the Gatorade Twin 125-mile qualifying races and the Coca-Cola 600, due its length.(NASCAR.com)(10-14-2001)
UPDATE: NASCAR has decided to allow teams to change engines following qualifying Feb. 9 for the Daytona 500. Beginning this season, teams are required to use the same engine for qualifying and the race. The move for Daytona was made because of the 125-mile qualifying races held prior to the race.(That’s Racin’)(1-8-2002)
UPDATE 2: NASCAR’s one-engine rule makes its debut this weekend [at Rockingham]. Teams must use the same engine to qualify, practice and race. If a team must replace an engine before the race, its driver is dropped to the back of the field at the start.(Sporting News)(2-19-2002)
UPDATE 3: The single-engine rule requires Cup teams to use the same engine in practice, qualifying and the race itself on a given weekend. Any team suffering an engine failure AFTER qualifying will be forced to go to the back of the field for the start of the race.(ThatsRacin.com)(2-22-2002)
BEEN ASKED: can a team change an engine prior to qualifying or during the first practice on Friday? Have seen conflicting columns on what the rule really says – some say the rule takes effect AFTER qualifying and some say one engine for ALL practices, qualifying and the race. So not sure what happens if a team loses an engine in the early practice, sure we will find out soon enough.(2-22-2002)
AND about changing parts…NASCAR’s rule doesn’t prohibit teams from replacing parts on the engine, such as valve springs, intake manifolds, lifters, rocker arms, cam shafts, etc. Heads nor the engine block CANNOT be changed.(2-24-2002)
#500 for Mikey: Michael Waltrip will make his 500th career Winston Cup start Sunday at North Carolina Speedway, the 23rd series driver to reach this milestone.(2-24-2002)
#99 Jackman UPDATE: hearing that Britt Goodrich, the jackman for #49-Shawna Robinson (who is not racing this week at Rockigham) #49, will jack the #99-Jeff Burton Ford at Rockingham as thee regular #99 jackman, Brian Perry, injured an ankle last weekend in Daytona.(2-22-2002)
UPDATE: Shawna Robinson’s jackman, Britt Goodrich, will jack Jeff Burton’s No. 99 Ford today at the Rock. Burton’s regular jackman, Brian Perry, injured an ankle last week at Daytona International Speedway when Kyle Petty’s car ran into the jackman on pit road during the Daytona 500.(Daytona Beach News Journal)(2-24-2002)
#90 Changes and paint for the Rock UPDATE 2 looking for crew chief: the Duke’s/Sauer’s #90 Donlavey Racing Ford will be sporting a black and yellow paint scheme at Rockingham this weekend. Also Mastfans.com is reporting that crew chief Craig Huartson and the team have parted ways.(Mastfans.com), see an image on my Paint Schemes Gallery.(2-21-2002)
UPDATE: At North Carolina Speedway this weekend, #90 driver Rick Mast will run a new scheme as the #90 Duke’s Ford underwent a facelift since Speed Weeks. “We wanted to make the car more visible for the fans to see while it was on the track,” team owner Junie Donlavey said. “Duke’s came up with a paint scheme that looks great, and we plan on running the scheme for the remainder of the season.” The car is now predominantly black with the familiar yellow Duke’s logo on the hood and a red Sauer’s logo on the rear quarter panels. The #90 decal is also yellow and outlined in red. A yellow stripe runs below the 90 decal between the wheel wells and at the bottom of the back quarter panels. The rear spoiler is red. Donlavey Racing is also proud to announce the launch of its new Web site, www.donlaveyracing.com. The Web site will have weekly updates from the races, photos and a message board share information about the all-Virginia team and show their support.(Keystone PR)(2-21-2002)
UPDATE 2: Junie Donlavey is once again searching for a Winston Cup crew chief. Craig Huartson, who joined the team in December, is no longer with the Richmond-based operation. “All the parties involved agreed that it would be in the best interests of everybody to do something different,” driver Rick Mast said. “What we’ve been doing all week is trying to interview a few folks and work with a couple of folks and get somebody in place, hopefully, by the first of the week.”(Richmond Times Dispatch)(2-24-2002)

(2-23-2002)
More on APR and Jerry Jones: Andy Petree yesterday said conversations are continuing between him and Dallas Cowboys owner Jerry Jones about Jones buying into his Winston Cup team. ”We met at Daytona last week and we are still talking,” Petree said. ”Right now that’s all I can tell you.” According to Dallas newspaper reports, Jones wants to become Petree’s partner, maybe even buying controlling interest in the team and fielding a car carrying the Cowboys’ colors. Jones was not seen a Rockingham yesterday.(Tennessean)(2-23-2002)
Spencer unhappy with TV coverage at Daytona: #41-Jimmy Spencer said he watched last week’s Daytona 500 on television after missing the field for that event. “That was the first race I’ve watched live on TV since 19-whatever it was,” he said. “I’m not proud of it and I’m not planning on watching any more.” Spencer said he sat with his wife and their two dogs, watching the race and pulling for Dodge teammate Sterling Marlin. He also had some criticism for the coverage. “I really wished the TV would have told what happened to Michael Waltrip and why did he get to the back,” Spencer said. “What happened to Ken Schrader? Why did he get back there? …Instead of focusing on the top one or two cars, they need to explain what happened to everyone else. …If a guy’s been in the top 10 and now he’s 18th or 20th, why is that? They should focus on that and they really don’t.” (ThatsRacin.com)(2-23-2002)
Park Tests…to return soon UPDATE: Steve Park tested Thursday at Lowe’s Motor Speedway, running with DEI teammates Dale Earnhardt Jr., Michael Waltrip and Kenny Wallace. Thursday’s test, in which the drivers tried to simulate race conditions, was observed by doctors and NASCAR officials. RPM2Night reports that the test went so well that Park could return to action in a few weeks. Park plans to test next week at Atlanta and also at Darlington. Wallace told RPM2Night that he’s pulling for Park to make a successful return, and that it’s possible Wallace would still make some Winston Cup starts for DEI after Park’s return. Park was injured during a September BGN race when his car darted down the track during a caution period and into the path of Larry Foyt’s #14 car.(ESPN and RPM2Night)(2-22-2002)
UPDATE: NASCAR did not charge any of the teams with one of their seven test sessions because it was done to aid a driver, a series spokesperson said. Also, a NASCAR official was present at the test.(Roanoke Times)(2-23-2002)
Sadler and Burton to be honored: Elliott Sadler and Ward Burton are being honored by Virginia officials. Sadler will be presented with a resolution Tuesday for his second-place performance in the Daytona 500. Burton will be saluted at a later time. On Sunday, he became the first Virginian to win the Daytona 500.(Richmond Times Dispatch)(2-23-2002)
Simpson vs NASCAR suit moved: Bill Simpson’s defamation lawsuit against NASCAR has been moved from a Marion County, Ind., superior court to federal court. As expected, NASCAR asked for the change because the case involves parties from two different states. The suit was moved earlier this week to U.S. District Court, Southern District of Indiana, in Indianapolis. Bob Horn, an attorney for Simpson, said he will not object to the move. The case has been assigned to U.S. District Court Judge Sarah Evans Barker, who is presiding over the Bridgestone/Firestone tire product-liability cases. Attorney Robert Johnstone of Barnes & Thornburg in Indianapolis will represent NASCAR.(Daytona Beach News Journal), see more info on the suit on my NASCAR Past News page.(2-23-2002)

(2-22-2002)
Spoilers – not at Daytona: the spoliers on the Winston Cup cars are as follows:
Chevy: 6 1/4″ height, 55″ wide
Dodge: 6 1/4″ height, 55″ wide
Ford: 6 1/4″ height, 55″ wide
Pontiac: 6 7/8″ height, 57″ wide
not sure of the angle.(2-22-2002)
Nemechek and Bodine to run at Vegas: Travis Carter, owner of the #26 and #66 Fords of drivers Joe Nemechek and Todd Bodine, respectively, said Friday that his teams would compete next weekend at Las Vegas. But he would make no commitment beyond that. Both of Carter’s teams have been sponsored by Kmart, which filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection in January. Kmart’s sponsorship ends following Sunday’s race at Rockingham. “We do have some hope and there are some listeners, but that’s pretty much the extent of it. We’re going to run next week and we don’t know after that,” Carter said. “One race at a time and today’s Friday. We leave Tuesday or Wednesday, so something could change. We’re not quitters. We’ve got to where we are by working hard and having good people associated with us and getting some breaks along the way, and we’re not going to throw in the towel yet.” Carter said he has kept his 60 or so employees fully informed of the status of his teams and has yet to lose anyone. He also said he would be open to selling part of his team if it would be a way to help ease the financial burden. “We would be willing to negotiate, I think, under many different circumstances and scenarios to generate revenue to keep these teams going,” Carter said.(ThatsRacin.com)(2-22-2002)
Brett Bodine’s Crew Chief Quits before the race, goes to the #14 UPDATE 3: The crew chief for Bodine’s #11 Ford, Mike Hillman, quit the team 90 minutes prior to the race. Bodine is making decisions and negotiate his way through race strategy as his own crew chief through the 200 laps of today’s Daytona 500. Hillman has been with Bodine since mid-point of the 2000 season and is believed to be moving to the #14 AJ Foyt Pontiac team with driver Stacy Compton.(NASCAR.com)(2-17-2002)
UPDATE: Mike Hillman, crew chief for Brett Bodine’s Winston Cup team, is moving to the #14 Pontiac’s of the A.J. Foyt organization beginning with next weekend’s race at Rockingham. Hillman has been with the team since June 2000. Bodine has been unable to secure a primary sponsor for his team and does not know how long his team will remain in operation.(ThatsRacin.com)(2-17-2002)
UPDATE 2: Facing an uncertain future at Brett Bodine Racing, crew chief Mike Hillman left the team after Sunday’s Daytona 500 and started work Monday morning at A.J. Foyt Racing as the crew chief for driver Stacy Compton’s #14 Conseco Pontiac’s. Hillman told Bodine of his decision four hours before the biggest race of the season, as soon as he arrived at the garage. Hillman was concerned Bodine would hear a rumor in the garage of his impending departure rather than from Hillman himself. Donnie Brown, who had been serving as Compton’s crew chief remains with Foyt’s team. Bodine’s team continues to search for sponsorship, but a team spokesperson said they were not planning to miss any races. Dura Lube, a longtime supporter of the sport through team and race sponsorships, joined BBR for Daytona, Rockingham and Las Vegas. For this weekend’s race at Rockingham, Bodine will rely on personnel within his own team — which includes Hillman’s son Mike Jr., Bodine’s rear tire changer and car chief — and an outside consultant to engineer his program.(NASCAR.com)(2-21-2002)
UPDATE 3: Veteran crew chief Doug Richert will take over as interim crew chief for Brett Bodine’s #11 Ford. Bodine said Richert will lead the team for the next few races.(Atlanta Journal Constitution)(2-22-2002)
Craven wins the pole at Rockingham: #32-Ricky Craven won the Budweiser Pole for the Subway 400 with a speed of 156.008mph. It is Craven’s fifth career pole. The top ten qualifiers are:
1)  #32-Ricky Craven, Ford, 156.008mph
2)  #36-Ken Schrader, Pontiac, 154.696
3)  #10-Johnny Benson, Pontiac, 154.631
4)  #88-Dale Jarrett, Ford, 154.507
5)  #25-Jerry Nadeau, Chevy, 154.357
6)  #40-Sterling Marlin, Dodge, 154.292
7)  #97-Kurt Busch, Ford, 154.208
8)  #2-Rusty Wallace, Ford, 153.884
9)  #1-Kenny Wallace, Chevy, 153.729
10) #55-Bobby Hamilton, Chevy, 153.696
slowest was #85-Carl Long, 147.385
2001 Champ #24-Jeff Gordon will start 33rd at 152.671 (he won the pole for the event in 2001)
#85-Long tapped the wall on his first lap and was rubbing a tire.
See ThatsRacin.com for Friday’s Subway 400 qualifying results or a column:Craven wins Subway 400 pole
or NASCAR.com for the Subway 400 Race Lineup(NOTE, they have #45-Petty ahead of #11-Bodine which should be incorrect, Bodine was higher in 2001 Owner points which a tie is based on, so Bodine should start 31st)
.(2-22-2002)
Marcis plans and Trickle to run #71 at the Rock UPDATE 2 Sponsor: Dave Marcis insists Marcis Auto Racing will continue forward in the Winston Cup Series. After Speedweeks, Marcis will become strictly a car owner. He’s already making plans for the next phase of his racing career. “I’ll hang around Winston Cup racing,” he said during the Winston Cup Preview Jan. 19. “I’ve got some plans to run Dick Trickle in a car at Rockingham and various other drivers throughout the year. If they’ve got the sponsorships and help pay the bills, we’ll be around.” Marcis will stay quite busy in “retirement.” He will continue to be the lead test driver for the International Race of Champions series and also do testing for select Winston Cup teams in addition to running a new business venture.(Winston Cup Scene – need sub to read)(1-24-2002)
UPDATE – Sponsor for Marcis/Trickle at the Rock? Warranty Gold is listed as the sponsor of the #71 on NASCAR.com’s Entry List. There is a connection as Warranty Gold was the sponsor for Dwayne Leik who drove the #81 Marcis Racing Chevy in a few BGN races in 2001.(2-21-2002)
UPDATE 2: Bass Pro Shops and Dave Marcis Racing will join forces this weekend at Rockingham when Dave Marcis officially changes hats from driver to car owner, handing over the steering wheel of his #71 Chevy to Dick Trickle. Marcis, who concluded his five decade career as a NASCAR Winston Cup driver with the running of the 2002 Daytona 500 this past weekend, will continue to participate as a car owner in many NASCAR events. Rockingham will be his first event as solely a car owner, and for this special event Bass Pro Shops and the National Wild Turkey Federation will be displayed on the hood of the #71 Chevrolet. Visit their web site: www.basspro.com for more information.(Fahlgren PR)(2-21-2002)

(2-21-2002)
Toyota to the CTS and then Cup? UPDATE: Toyota has made inquiries about getting into the Craftsman Truck Series in 2003 and is expected to follow Dodge’s path to Winston Cup.(Sporting News)(2-19-2002)
UPDATE: from an interview on NHRA.com with Toyota’s National Truck and SUV Marketing Manager Mark Amstock: NHRA.com: Aside from NHRA, Toyota is making in-roads in NASCAR, correct? Amstock: “Yes. We were thrilled to see Robert Huffman drive his Toyota Celica to a win at the season-opening race of the Goodys Dash Series in Daytona just a few weeks ago. Obviously, that’s one of NASCAR’s junior leagues. We’re learning what it takes to work with NASCAR. The Craftsman Truck Series is next and then we’ll work our way into Winston Cup. We’ll be there sooner than some people think.”(2-21-2002)
Bodine gets another race UPDATE: Two years ago, Geoffrey Bodine watched the Daytona 500 from his hospital bed after surviving a spectacular crash in a truck race. He finished third Sunday after starting 35th. “I’m not over the hill yet,” said Bodine, 52. His performance gained him additional support from the Miccosukee Indian Gaming Commission, which says it will back him at Talladega.(Sporting News), as of now Bodine is scheduled to run the #09 James Finch Miccosukee Indian Gaming Ford at Daytona in July and Homestead in Nov, and now Talladega – assuming the race in April.(2-18-2002)
UPDATE: on FSN’s Totally NASCAR, Bodine was interviewed and said that the phone has been ringing off the hook and that he and #09 team owner James Finch hope to attempt 10-12 races this year and from 20 to a full schedule in 2003, if the funding can be found.(2-21-2002)
Another Muppet UPDATE: hearing that #18-Bobby Labonte has been added to the Chicagoland Muppet paint scheme promotion along with previous rumored, #88-Jarrett, #10-Benson(Flozzy) and #41-Spencer(2-12-2002)
UPDATE: up to five Muppet schemes now – hearing #28-Ricky Rudd will be part of the promtion at Chicago, celebrating 25 years of the Muppet Show.(2-21-2002)
Park to test this week: Steve Park was scheduled to test a DEI Chevy for a second time the week of Feb. 18. The test, however, was not an immediate prelude to his return to Winston Cup, according to crew chief Paul Andrews. Park recently tested at Carraway Speedway and the second test was meant to see what progress, if any, Park has made in the interim. Andrew said Park’s vision has improved to the point that he’s almost ready to discard his glasses. When it’s determined Park’s close to returning, he’ll run a full test at the track where he’ll attempt his first race.(Winston Cup Scene – need sub to read)(2-21-2002)
Cars tested after the 500: The cars of #22-Ward Burton, #21-Elliott Sadler and #15-Michael Waltrip were tested on the chassis dyno following the Daytona 500.(Winston Cup Scene – need sub to read)(2-21-2002)
Rockingham Stuff: There have been 11 different Bud Pole winners in the 14 NASCAR Winston Cup races at Rockingham since 1995. Mark Martin (fall 1999, fall 1998 and spring 1997) and Jeff Gordon (spring 1995 and spring 2001) are the only repeat Bud Pole winners in the 14-race period. Dale Jarrett has finished 10th or better, including one victory, in 13 of the last 14 races at Rockingham. His career-first Rockingham victory came in the fall race in 2000. Eleven of those 13 finishes were top fives, including six second-place finishes. Rusty Wallace leads all active drivers with five victories at Rockingham, including back-to-back wins in the fall of 1988 and the spring of 1989 and three consecutive races: a sweep in 1993 and the 1994 GM Goodwrench 500. In the 36 years of twice-a-year NASCAR Winston Cup racing at Rockingham, a sweep has occurred eight times: Richard Petty (1971 and 1976), David Pearson (1973), Cale Yarborough (1975 and 1980), Darrell Waltrip (1981), Rusty Wallace (1993) and Jeff Gordon (1998). Bobby Labonte has nine top-10 starts in the last 12 races at Rockingham. He finished third or better in four of his last six races at the North Carolina track.(NASCAR PR), Neil Bonnett has the record for coming the furthest to win this race, posting a victory in 1988 from the 30th spot.(2-21-2002)
2nd Race Blues: Ward Burton will try to become only the third driver in history to win the first two races of the season. Jeff Gordon accomplished the feat in 1997 and David Pearson turned the trick in 1976. Only two drivers have ever won the Daytona 500 and went on to win the first race at North Carolina Speedway — Richard Petty (1974) and Gordon (1997).(ThatsRacin.com)(2-21-2002)
Kmart gets out of Daytona deal: Kmart has reached agreement with organizers of the Daytona 500 to withdraw as a corporate sponsor of the race. Kmart decided to withdraw in order to save money while it reorganizes under Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection. The two sides told U.S. Bankruptcy Judge Susan Pierson Sonderby last week that they were at odds over when Kmart notified race organizer International Speedway Corp. of its plan to withdraw. Kmart said it had informed the ISC no later than Feb. 1, and the speedway said the notification came no earlier than Feb. 4. At stake in the dispute is the $685,000 annual corporate sponsorship payment. The earlier the notification, the less Kmart must pay. When they arrived in court on Wednesday, however, attorneys for both sides told Sonderby they had agreed on a Jan. 31 date. They have 30 days to decide how much Kmart must pay to get out of the contract.(Michigan Live/AP), no mention of the #26 and #66 team which Kmart sponsors….thru Rockingham.(2-21-2002)
Burton on Letterman? UPDATE: been asked if Ward Burton will be on Late Night with David Letterman tonight, no idea, Burton is not listed on Letterman’s site as a guest at all this week. Burton is in New York City for a media tour but no idea what the plans are or what shows he will appear on. Some of the appearances were at the ESPN Zone in Times Square, visits with New York TV and newspapers, satellite interviews with media, appearances on “The Best Damn Sports Show Period,” “Fox Family and Friends” and “Live with Regis and Kelly.”(2-19-2002)
UPDATE: been told that Burton will not appear on Letterman this week(2-21-2002)

(2-20-2002)
Renfrow to attempt the Rock: former CTS driver, Randy Renfrow is on the Subway 400 Entry List. He supposedly will attempt to make his first Winston Cup race in the #59 Dodge for owner Foster Price that Carl Long was to run at Rockingham before that deal fell thru, Long will be in the #85 Ford instead.(2-20-2002)
Shareholders of Speedway Motorsports sue NASCAR: Minority shareholders in Speedway Motorsports Inc. (SMI), the corporation that owns Texas Motor Speedway, have sued NASCAR, claiming it broke a promise to grant the speedway a second Winston Cup race. Cochran, Cherry, Givens and Smith of Dothan is spearheading the suit along with co-counsel Cohen, Milstein, Hausfield and Toll of Washington, DC. The suit accuses NASCAR of breach of contract and anti-trust matters, claiming that NASCAR promised SMI a second race date for Texas Motor Speedway, but reneged on the promise and instead granted races to tracks owned by International Speedway Corporation (ISC), in which NASCAR has a direct financial interest. The France family owns NASCAR as well as a controlling interest in ISC, which is also named as a defendant in the lawsuit. Since Texas Motor Speedway’s launch in 1997, Winston Cup races have been granted to four ISC tracks. SMI’s Las Vegas Speedway has also been granted a race. The suit acknowledges there is no written agreement between NASCAR and SMI to grant Texas Motor Speedway a second race date. However, NASCAR has traditionally operated by granting races on a year-by-year basis, so plaintiffs’ attorneys believe the contract was a verbal one and is binding. The suit was filed last week in U.S. District Court in Sherman, Texas, close to Texas Motor Speedway. NASCAR officials said they have not had a chance to look at the suit.(LapbyLap), NOTE: it is the shareholders NOT the company that is suing NASCAR.(2-20-2002)
Kyle Ride: The 2002 Sprint/Kyle Petty Charity Ride Across America will thunder across the USA from June 23-30, 2002. The cross country trek will leave from California on June 23 and conclude in Trinity, North Carolina on June 30, 2002. This annual event benefits children’s hospitals across the country; Victory Junction Gang Camp for chronically ill children, founded by Kyle and Pattie Petty in honor of their son Adam; the Winston Cup Racing Wives Auxiliary Trust; as well as numerous other charities. The route and details for the 2002 event are being finalized. However, information on registration and cost will be posted here as soon as it is available.(Kyle Petty Charity Ride Across America Site)(2-20-2002)
Motorcraft Launches Site: Motorcraft, premium automotive parts for Ford, Lincoln and Mercury vehicles, has an all-new website. Aftermarket installers and vehicle owners will find the new Motorcraft.com to be a valuable resource. The site features detailed descriptions of the most popular Motorcraft products and a full-line catalog of all Motorcraft offerings. Visitors can find where to buy Motorcraft products with a wholesale and retail locator. The site also includes a comprehensive Motorcraft Racing section with in-depth coverage of the Motorcraft Racing Team in the NASCAR Winston Cup Series. The section features detailed information on the #21 Motorcraft Ford Taurus, Elliott Sadler, and the entire Wood Brothers Racing Team. Weekly updates provide the latest race results, recaps and standings while an exclusive monthly feature article covers fun, inside stories about the team.(Cambell PR)(2-20-2002)
Bo-Dyn wins Gold: Jill Bakken and Vonetta Flowers stunned the field Tuesday night, winning the gold medal in the inaugural women’s Olympic bobsled race and breaking a 46-year drought in the sport for the United States. The bobsledders employed a Bo-Dyn sled Tuesday, designed and heavily funded by NASCAR racer and Chemung native Geoffrey Bodine. After eight years of work, and a lot of money, the Bo-Dyn sled took home a medal – and not just any medal, the gold. Bodine is scheduled to leave for Salt Lake early today, but he missed the first-ever medal run by one of his sleds. “I told (Geoffrey) they’re probably partying tonight and he said, ’You can bet they’ll be partying tommorrow when I get there,’” Bodine’s assistant, Lisa Cox, told The Leader late Tuesday. The gold medal rounds out a nearly perfect week for Bodine who finished third in the Daytona 500 Sunday, two years after almost perishing in a crash at the same track. The other U.S. team of Jean Racine and Gea Johnson, also using a Bo-Dyn sled, had been favored to contend for a medal and overshadowed Bakken and Flowers leading up to the race [they ended up 5th]. In the end, though, it was the USA-2 team that had the fastest combined time in the two runs, 1 minute, 37.76 seconds. Flowers, the team’s brakewoman and a former track star at the University of Alabama-Birmingham, became the first black athlete to win a Winter Olympic gold medal.(The Leader)(2-20-2002)
Jerry Jones with Andy Petree? UPDATE 3 and 4 and DW?: I am hearing Sports Illustrated is reporting that Andy Petree and Dallas Cowboys owner Jerry Jones are talking about a possible partnership of partial ownership and sponsorship for the #33 car of Joe Nemechek. According to the story, Jones wants partial ownership and Richard Childress, with who he has also had discussions, is not willing to do that. Petree and Jones have begun discussions along those lines(haven’t seen it or seen it online)(8-13-2001)
UPDATE: One man suddenly mentioned as such a potential partner is Jerry Jones, the owner of the Dallas Cowboys. Jones has been negotiating with Richard Childress for a NASCAR team deal for the past six months. “I have not talked with Jerry Jones, but I would like to talk to him, I really would,” Petree said. “If the deal isn’t going to happen with Childress, I’d like to talk to Jerry. There really isn’t a story there yet. We’re still trying to get Square D signed (renewing sponsorship for the Bobby Hamilton team), and hopefully that will happen by the end of the month. But we’re not seeing the movement out there we’d like to see with our other team (Joe Nemechek).”(Winston Salem Journal)(8-15-2001)
UPDATE 2: Haven’t seen much on this in a while: Dallas Cowboys owner Jerry Jones may become a part owner of a Winston Cup team next season. Andy Petree, who owns the #33 and #55 cars, said Sunday that he and Jones have been negotiating for months and continued their talks before the Daytona 500. “We’ve been talking for quite a while,” Petree said. “We’ve kept it kind of quiet until now, but it’s hard to keep it quiet when we walk in here together. [Jones] is a good man. We’ve spent a lot of time together, and we’re looking forward to doing some things together.” Petree said Jones first approached him in October, and he said the deal would be for co-ownership of both of Petree’s teams. But any venture involving Jones won’t be soon enough to help Petree this season. His #33 Chevrolet is without sponsorship and may not be in the field next week at Rockingham. “This relationship isn’t gong to solve any of the problems we have right now,” Petree said.(Atlanta Journal Constitution)(2-18-2002)
UPDATE 3: Cowboys owner Jerry Jones is discussing a deal that would make him either full or part owner of Andy Petree’s financially strapped NASCAR Winston Cup team before the start of the 2003 season. Jones spent approximately 40 minutes Sunday morning meeting with Petree in his hauler in the garage area at Daytona, prior to the green flag for the season-opening Daytona 500.(ThatsRacin.com)
UPDATE 4: Jones is expected to announce soon that he will purchase controlling interest in the two-car Winston Cup team of Andy Petree. Some of the details still need to be worked out, but Jones is close to breaking new ground by making the Cowboys the first NFL franchise with a full-time presence in NASCAR. By 2003, a blue and silver car with the Cowboys star could be turning laps. The Petree cars are Chevrolets now, but don’t be surprised to see a switch to Fords next season when the new arrangement begins.(Dallas Morning News – need to register)(2-20-2002)
ALSO DW? also hearing that Jones met early Sunday morning at Daytona with Darrell Waltrip to discuss a role for Waltrip with the Jones racing organization.(2-20-2002)
BAM Racing News UPDATE 2: it was announced on FSN’s Totally NASCAR that the #49 BAM Racing crew chief, Eddie Sharp has parted ways with the team. Shawna Robinson is the driver for the team. No replacement named. Next scheduled race for the team is at Las Vegas.(2-19-2002)
UPDATE: hearing car chief Teddy Brown will be the new crew chief.(2-20-2002)
UPDATE: BAM Racing, which fields the #49 Dodge driven by Shawna Robinson, announced Tuesday it has released crew chief Eddie Sharp. Team officials said the decision was made in an effort to continue to improve the program. “BAM Racing appreciates all the work Eddie Sharp did to prepare the new team for Daytona and we wish him the best in his future endeavors,” said team manager Eddie Jones. Car Chief Teddy Brown was selected to oversee the preparation and car’s setup for the March 3 race at Las Vegas, the team’s next scheduled event.(ThatsRacin.com)(2-20-2002)
Sacks in the #71? hearing rumors that Greg Sacks [former Cup and BGN winner] may run a few races for the #71 Dave Marcis Racing team.(2-20-2002)
Air Bag in NASCAR? UPDATE: Autoliv, an automotive safety corporation that sponsored Mike Wallace’s #33 Chevy for Daytona, is working on an air-bag system that could be ready for use in Winston Cup cars by next season.(USA Today)(2-19-2002)
UPDATE: Although some racing people believe it is overly ambitious, Trevor Ashline is already working to put air bags in race cars. Ashline and Autoliv are working on a side-impact air bag that would prevent the type of injury that has sidelined Steve Park since last September. “I believe I could have one ready for testing in a Winston Cup car by the end of this year,” Ashline said. Ashline is a consultant for Autoliv, the Swedish company that makes and tests safety equipment for passenger cars.(Atlanta Journal Constitution)(2-20-2002)

(2-19-2002)
#33 at the Rock: The #33 Chevrolet of Andy Petree Racing will compete in Sunday’s Cup race at North Carolina Speedway [Rockingham]. Petree made the announcement Tuesday. “The fact that we won the last Winston Cup race at Rockingham and the fact that there are a lot of potential sponsors still looking at us led me to believe the best thing we could do is run at least this race,” Petree said. Mike Wallace will drive the car, continuing the stint he began last week at Daytona. Petree did not commit past Sunday’s Subway 400 but did not rule out running the following week at Las Vegas, NV. Autoliv sponsored the #33 car at Daytona in a one-race deal. Petree said he had been talking with Autoliv about future events, as well as several other companies. Check out Autoliv at their site: www.autoliv.com.(Williams Company PR)(2-19-2002)
BrandSource and Melling? BrandSource.com sponsored the #92 Melling Dodge for the Daytona. Am hearing that BrandSource is thinking about doing a limited schedule with the team for 2002. Hearing they are watching their website traffic to see if their sponsorship of the #92 helped drive people to the site, so check out the site at www.brandsource.com, maybe it’ll help.(2-19-2002)
AMS Testing UPDATE 2 Speeds: some Winston Cup testing at Atlanta Motor Speedway, on February 19-20 – #41-Jimmy Spencer, #29-Kevin Harvick, #31-Robby Gordon, #97-Kurt Busch, #11-Brett Bodine, #19-Jeremy Mayfield, #43-John Andretti, #55-Bobby Hamilton. On February 25-26 – #4-Mike Skinner, #49-Shawna Robinson and #1-Kenny Wallace; and on February 27 – #2-Rusty Wallace. Note: Test teams, dates and times subject to change without notice. All test sessions are schedule for 9:00am to 5:00pm and as far as i know are closed to the public.(AMS PR)(2-9-2002)
UPDATE: Drivers expected to test at Atlanta are #41-Jimmy Spencer, #29-Kevin Harvick, #31-Robby Gordon, #97-Kurt Busch, #11-Brett Bodine, #19-Jeremy Mayfield, #43-John Andretti and #55-Bobby Hamilton. Harvick, defending champion of the spring race, will be back to fine-tune his strategy in Atlanta. Harvick performed like a veteran last year in just his third Winston Cup race, outdueling four-time Winston Cup champion Jeff Gordon to the checkered flag by just .006 seconds. It was an emotional win for his Richard Childress Racing team, which had lost their legendary driver, Dale Earnhardt, just three weeks earlier. This week’s test sessions will not be open to the public. ALSO: Atlanta Motor Speedway still has plenty of $25 seats left for the March 10 Atlanta 500 NASCAR Winston Cup weekend. The seats offer fans a great view of the action from the backstretch Weaver Grandstand, where fans are treated to dicey passes and plenty of side-by-side racing excitement. The $25 seats are located in the first six rows, and the rest of the Weaver Grandstand seats are priced $35 and $45. For fans looking for a mid-price ticket, the East Turn Grandstand is the perfect choice for $50 or $65.(AMS PR)(2-19-2002)
UPDATE 2: Defending spring race winner, Kevin Harvick, clocked the fastest lap of the day on Tuesday as he and four other drivers prepared for the March 10 Atlanta 500 at Atlanta Motor Speedway. Harvick’s laps were the quickest of the testing period and are about one-half second off last spring.s pole run, recorded by Dale Jarrett, which was 28.76 seconds (192.748 mph). Bill Elliott flew in for the test, acting only as a consultant for new teammate Jeremy Mayfield. The speeds:
#29-Kevin Harvick, 189.733
#97-Kurt Busch, 189.538
#41-Jimmy Spencer, 189.280
#31-Robby Gordon, 188.751
#19-Jeremy Mayfield, 186.667.(AMS PR)(2-19-2002)
Earnhardt Jr and Pit Road: #8-Dale Earnhardt had moved up to second place before his right-front tire blew and he hit the wall on Turn 2 of the 22nd lap. During the caution – the race’s first – he went to the pits twice to get a new tire and repair the damage to the front-right side of his car. That trouble sent him back to 35th place. But by Lap 80, he had moved back up to second place. Five laps later, his right-rear tire blew and his car careened out of control through the infield. There were more stunts to come during the next few laps. He lost his right-front fender. He also lost his brakes and slid past his pit box, nearly hitting a track official. NASCAR vice president Jim Hunter said, “there will be a discussion” as to whether Earnhardt will be penalized for his pit escapade.(Daytona Beach News Journal)(2-19-2002)
Earnhardt Tribute: About 350 people attended a candlelight vigil outside Dale Earnhardt Inc’s museum and shop Monday evening, and about 1,000 people visited the site during the day. The fans came from as far away as Kentucky and Minnesota, and they filled 24 message boards with prayers and promises that they would never forget their favorite driver. Some fans said they still watch racing, and many cheer for Earnhardt’s son, Dale Jr., but others say they have lost interest. Earnhardt was killed a year ago Monday on the final lap of the Daytona 500.(ESPN/AP)(2-19-2002)
Blocking to be Looked at, Yellow Line, etc: NASCAR president Mike Helton addressed several key issues that emerged the day after Sunday’s crash and bang Daytona 500. Helton said the 2002 restrictor-plate rules package, which was significantly different from 2001, passed the test in Winston Cup’s biggest event at Daytona International Speedway. The next restrictor-plate race is April 21 at Talladega Superspeedway, and Helton hinted the sanctioning body might tweak the rules between now and then. Helton said NASCAR is taking a look at the blocking tactics that caused several accidents during the 500. Kevin Harvick tried to block Jeff Gordon on Lap 149. Gordon tapped Harvick, who spun to ignite an 18-car accident. Helton said the contact between Sterling Marlin and Gordon, which knocked Gordon’s Chevrolet off the course, was not considered a block or a violation of NASCAR’s yellow line rule.(Daytona Beach News Journal)(2-19-2002)
Winning Car Induction UPDATE: After the winner of Sunday’s 44th Daytona 500 finishes celebrating in Daytona International Speedway’s Victory Lane, the star car will be rolled inside DAYTONA USA to a place of honor specially reserved for the champion. On Monday, DAYTONA USA will induct the winner of this weekend’s “Great American Race.” The winning car will remain on display until next year’s DAYTONA 500. The induction celebration will begin with a media breakfast, where press can interview the winning driver, at 8 a.m. in the Bill France Room of DAYTONA USA. At 9 a.m., the winner and his crew chief will go to DAYTONA USA’s Gatorade Victory Lane for a special presentation. DAYTONA USA opens at 9 a.m. and the public is welcome to attend this annual event.(DIS PR), #22-Ward Burton’s Caterpillar Dodge will be inducted(2-18-2002)
UPDATE: A day after winning the 44th annual Daytona 500, Ward Burton gave up his #22 Caterpillar Dodge to DAYTONA USA, the official motorsports attraction of NASCAR. Burton met with the media on Monday morning and then visited his car, which now rests in Gatorade’s Victory Lane inside the attraction. Burton strolled around the car that remains in the condition it was when it pulled into Victory Lane on Sunday afternoon. The South Boston, VA native peeked inside the windows and penned his autograph on the front hood. Burton’s Bill Davis Racing crew signed the car in Victory Lane on Sunday. Burton, in his eighth Daytona 500 start, became the first Virginian to win the “Great American Race.” Burton, owner Bill Davis and crew chief Tommy Baldwin participated in a fan forum before traveling to New York City for a media tour.(DIS PR)(2-19-2002)
Toyota to the CTS and then Cup? Toyota has made inquiries about getting into the Craftsman Truck Series in 2003 and is expected to follow Dodge’s path to Winston Cup.(Sporting News)(2-19-2002)

(2-18-2002)
Daytona 500 most watched: Sunday’s NASCAR Winston Cup Series Daytona 500 earned a 10.9 rating/26 share for NBC’s inaugural broadcast of the “Great American Race” becoming the highest-rated and most-viewed broadcast in NASCAR history. NBC’s telecast eclipsed the previous Daytona 500 high of a 10.5 in 1979, as well as last year’s 10.0/24 rating by nine percent. Thirty-five million viewers watched all or part of NBC’s coverage of the Daytona 500, surpassing last year’s previous record of 32 million viewers.(NASCAR PR)(2-18-2002)
Glover Statement: Statement From Tony Glover, Team Manager Of Chip Ganassi Racing With Felix Sabates, Concerning Sterling Marlin Getting Out Of The #40 Coors Light Dodge During The Red Flag Period Of The Daytona 500: “After Sterling and Jeff Gordon got together in turn 1, the right front fender on Sterling’s car was rubbing just bad enough that he was probably going to cut down the tire.. We couldn’t take that chance and put him and everyone else in danger. We were going to have to come in one way or the other so we had Sterling jump out and check out the damage during the red flag.”(Chip Ganassi Racing with Felix Sabates PR)(2-18-2002)
Irwin Race: The Kenny Irwin Jr. Memorial Winternationals will be held February 19th thru 23rd at Orlando SpeedWorld in Bithlo, Florida. This is the first time in several years that full-sized midgets have run in Florida and the NAMARS sanctioned event has drawn a number of competitors including USAC Midget Champion Tracy Hines and 2001 Rookie of the Year Bobby East as well as several other USAC drivers. Jimmy McCune, the winningest driver in NAMARS, will also be in the field of the forty midgets expected to come. The last Winternationals that were held in Florida was won by Kenny Irwin Jr. and therefore this has become the Kenny Irwin Jr. Memorial Winternationals. Lap money sponsors will see part of that money go to the Kenny Irwin Jr. Memorial “Dare to Dream Camp” established in Irwin’s honor. Racing will start at 7:30 PM each night and on Wednesday night, there will be a “ladies only” midget feature. Also on the program will be FASCAR Mini-Stocks, Super Stocks, Dwarf Cars (Mod Lites), Legends Cars, and on the final three nights, the Classic Auto Racing Series cars. There will be FREE RV parking provided at the speedway and admission each night will be $20.00 adults, teens $10.00.(Florida Stock Car Racing)(2-18-2002)
Red Flag Rule: Here is the rule applied to Sterling Marlin on Lap 197 of Sunday’s Daytona 500. Rule 10-5 of the 2002 NASCAR Winston Cup Series rulebook preventing any repairs on a car during a red flag: Red Flag – The red flag means that the race must be stopped immediately regardless of the position of the cars on the track. The red flag shall be used if, in the opinion of NASCAR Officials, the race should be stopped. Cars should be brought to a stop in an area designated by NASCAR Officials. Repairs or service of any nature or refueling will not be permitted when the race is halted due to a red flag. All work must stop on any car in the pits and/or garage area when the red flag is displayed, unless the car has withdrawn from the Event. Work cannot be resumed until the red flag is withdrawn (race is restarted).(Daytona Beach News Journal)(2-18-2002)
Daytona 500 TV in Europe? Next year’s Daytona 500 will be televised live in Europe on EuroSport, according to NASCAR officials. Apparently, the 500 wasn’t live in Europe on Sunday and no idea if it will be shown in Europe any time this week.(Winston Salem Journal)(2-18-2002)
Morgan McClure leases and engine: Larry McClure [owner of the #4 Kodak Chevy], once known for his [restrictor] engines at these type of tracks, purchased a motor from Rick Hendrick to run in the Daytona 500.(Richmond Times Dispatch)(2-18-2002)
Win does not equal title: Only once since 1980 has the Daytona 500 winner gone on to win the Winston Cup title. #24-Jeff Gordon did it in 1997.(many sites)(2-18-2002)
Goodyear Not Happy?NASCAR’s new tire rules, which require teams to start each run on tires inflated at least to Goodyear’s recommended minimum air pressure, apparently aren’t setting well with Goodyear officials. Why? Because if a tire blows, and NASCAR has verified it at recommended pressure, Goodyear’s accountability might be more precisely defined.(Winston Salem Journal)(2-18-2002)
Congrats: Olympic snowboarding gold medalists Ross Powers and Kelly Clark received a standing ovation when they visited the Daytona 500 drivers’ meeting.(Richmond Times Dispatch)(2-18-2002)
Pit Crew/Hero of the Week: At the end of every NASCAR Winston Cup race the National Association of Pit Crew Members announces its “Pit Crew of the Week”. This is the pit crew that really showed their skills during the race.
NAPCM Pit Crew of the Week – #21 Motorcraft Crew – kept Elliot Sadler in contention all day and deserved to finish better than 2nd.
NAPCM Hero of the week – Dale Earnhardt Jr. – when rear tire blew out and brakes failed, Dale Jr., risked speeding through the grass at 200mph rather than risk injuring pit crew members on pit road. Dale Jr. would have been safer (himself) racing down pit road with no brakes at 150-200mph but instead chose to drive through the grass (much more dangerous for him). This shows why he is a favorite among NAPCM members.(NAPCM PR(2-18-2002)

(2-17-2002)

Daytona 500 results and a column: Ward Burton wins a wild Daytona 500 via ThatsRacin.com.(2-17-2002)
Marcis Honored: A Goodyear Racing-commissioned bronze trophy characterizes retiring Winston Cup driver Dave Marcis from head to toe. Given to the NASCAR legend preceding his 33rd and final Daytona 500 race, the gilded gift encapsulates the Marcis trademarks—a worn pair of leather wingtip driving shoes and Goodyear racing hat. Marcis, 60, who drives the #71 Realtree Chevrolet, is second in all-time Winston Cup race starts with 882 to Richard Petty’s 1,177.(Goodyear PR)(2-17-2002)
Marcis – one more lap to tie UPDATE: #71 Dave Marcis, competing in his 33rd record Daytona 500, needs one more lap to tie and two more laps run to break the record for most laps/miles run in the Daytona 500. Currently Richard Petty (who ran in 32 Daytona 500’s) has run 4,860 laps in the 500 while Marcis has run 4,859.(USA Today Daytona 500 Print Special)(2-16-2002)
UPDATE: Marcis ran 79 laps before he fell out with engine problems and is now the all time lap/miles run leader at the Daytona 500 with 4938.(2-17-2002)
Brett Bodine’s Crew Chief Quits before the race UPDATE: The crew chief for Bodine’s #11 Ford, Mike Hillman, quit the team 90 minutes prior to the race. Bodine is making decisions and negotiate his way through race strategy as his own crew chief through the 200 laps of today’s Daytona 500. Hillman has been with Bodine since mid-point of the 2000 season and is believed to be moving to the #14 AJ Foyt Pontiac team with driver Stacy Compton.(NASCAR.com)(2-17-2002)
UPDATE: Mike Hillman, crew chief for Brett Bodine’s Winston Cup team, is moving to the #14 Pontiacs of the A.J. Foyt organization beginning with next weekend’s race at Rockingham. Hillman has been with the team since June 2000. Bodine has been unable to secure a primary sponsor for his team and does not know how long his team will remain in operation.(ThatsRacin.com)(2-17-2002)
Helicopter crashes in Florida, Gibbs not in it UPDATE 2: #18 and #20 Cup team owner, Joe Gibbs, had a speaking engagement in Tampa with a new team sponsor, 3M, this morning and when the helicopter that was to take him there failed to show, Gibbs took a plane. The Helicopter crashed in a wooded area with two deaths confirmed (supposedly the pilots), no one from Joe Gibbs Racing was on the helicopter.(TNT reports during the rain delay coverage – showing the Twin 125’s)(2-16-2002)
UPDATE: Earlier reports today of Joe Gibbs and/or members of Joe Gibbs Racing being involved in an early morning helicopter crash were false. As of 1:30 p.m. (EST), Gibbs was on speedway property and awaiting the start of today’s NASCAR Busch Series event.(Joe Gibbs Racing PR)(2-16-2002)
UPDATE 2: Two people died in a helicopter crash Saturday while on the way to pick up NASCAR team owner and former Washington Redskins coach Joe Gibbs. Volusia County Sheriff officials tentatively identified the victims as pilot Michael McNellis of Tampa and Robin Leedom of Las Vegas. Officials were waiting on autopsy results and dental records checks to confirm the identity of the victims. Gibbs, who gave a motivational speech at the meeting, was at the speedway later Saturday for the NASCAR Busch Series event. “It’s real scary … ,” said J.D. Gibbs, president of JGR. “We’re fortunate, but it really puts things into perspective.”(ESPN/AP)(2-17-2002)
UPS and Ads: UPS unveils the next series in its humorous “We want to Race the Truck” advertising campaign when the green flag waves the start of this year’s Daytona 500 and NASCAR Winston Cup race season this Sunday. Like the predecessor spots that had a UPS executive, fans in a shopping mall as well as father and racing legend Ned Jarrett encouraging Dale Jarrett to race the “big, brown truck,” the new commercial brings a plea from rock singer George Thorogood (a Jayski favorite) with a special rendition of his popular song “Bad to the Bone.”. Thorogood calls on the #88 UPS driver to be “Brown to the Bone” behind the wheel of the UPS truck. The new spot focuses exclusively on Thorogood’s musical request while playing his guitar in a bar.. Fans will wait a few races before seeing Jarrett’s.. response, which last season included popping the cheeks of a youngster holding his breath and alternately tossing coins into a wishing fountain to counter another fan’s heartfelt desire. The ads are scheduled to run throughout the year in NASCAR race telecasts with print versions in motorsports and trade publications.. The campaign will continue to evolve with other celebrity requests for Jarrett to race the truck.(UPS Racing)(2-17-2002)

(2-16-2002)
Stewart in a truck? during a TNT interview with #29 driver [and CTS #6 Owner] Kevin Harvick by Matt Yocum, it was bought up that Harvick may have some surprise drivers in a CTS truck sometime this year, one named mentioned during the banter was Tony Stewart.(2-16-2002)
Yates taken to the hospital UPDATE 2 Back at the track: #28 and #88 team car owner Robert Yates was hospitalized Friday morning after waking up with chest pains. The 58-year-old Yates awoke with tightness in his chest and drove himself to a hospital. A team spokesman said Yates was alert and talking and asked to be updated with team developments at Daytona International Speedway.(ThatsRacin/AP)(2-15-2002)
UPDATE: Yates, 58, was said to be awake, doing well and in good spirits after arriving at the hospital. He underwent a series of tests and upon completion of a cardiac catheterization, it was determined he suffered no heart problems.(NASCAR.com)(2-15-2002)
UPDATE 2: NASCAR team owner Robert Yates returned to Daytona International Speedway on Saturday, a day after he was hospitalized with chest pains. Yates said doctors ruled out a heart attack but had not diagnosed his problem. He left Halifax Medical Center a little after 7:00pm/et on Friday. “They told me to go about my normal business but don’t lift anything,” Yates said Saturday.(CBS/AP)(2-16-2002)
Brett Bodine and Dura Lube: Dura Lube and Dura Shine will join the #11 Ford Taurus of Brett Bodine Racing for the next three NASCAR Winston Cup Series events [Daytona, Rockingham, Las Vegas] with signage on some major positions of the race car. President and CEO Sonny Howard says “I have known Geoffrey and Brett Bodine for many years. I have had a relationship with them in the past. I found out that Brett needed some help to get his season started on the right foot and although finances are tight everywhere, if we can help him out, we feel he will appreciate it and do his best to enhance our Dura Lube brands. Brett is hard working and sincere.”(Brett Bodine Racing PR)(2-16-2002)
F-16’s: Four F-16 fighter jets will soar over Daytona International Speedway Sunday during the final notes of the national anthem. The 78th Fighter Squadron from Shaw Air Force Base, SC, will perform the flyover just before the Daytona 500. Their thunderous roar will come seconds after fireworks explode in the sky. A base spokeswoman said Friday one of the F-16s was rigged with a cockpit camera to relay a live feed for NBC’s racing broadcast. The camera was installed this week at Daytona International Airport.(Daytona Beach News Journal Report)(2-16-2002)
New Pontiac? UPDATE 4: NASCAR officials have begun studying Pontiac’s plans for a new Winston Cup model for the 2003 season(Winston Salem Journal)(6-3-2001)
UPDATE: – Pontiac Gone? Might General Motors consider dropping the Pontiac brand from Winston Cup racing? A new model is expected for the 2003 season, but will GM invest in the redesign of its Grand Prix for NASCAR? Just an ugly rumor that it won’t, said Terry Laise, General Motors competition and aerodynamics manager. “But anything is possible.”(Sporting News)(6-18-2001)
UPDATE 2: during the Cup at Kansas, NBC mentioned that Joe Gibbs Racing had tested a new 2003 Pontiac Grand Prix in a wind tunnel and expects to present it to NASCAR for approval in mid 2002. Also have heard rumors that Pontiac would switch from a Grand Prix to their Bonneville model but being told that model is being phased out.(10-2-2001)
UPDATE 3 New Pontiac Testing: Currently, Joe Gibbs Racing is working on the new model Pontiac for 2003 based on the Dodge Intrepid.(Sporting News)(10-26-2001)

UPDATE 4: Pontiac officials say work is under way on a 2003 Pontiac with a new body style for use in NASCAR’s Winston Cup series beginning next season. “We are working on the car and it’s too early to talk about the details of that,” said Bob Kraut, brand manager for Pontiac Grand Prix. “We will have a car at this time next year to run Daytona if everything goes OK with NASCAR officials.” The existing body style of the Pontiac Grand Prix is seven years old – the oldest body style currently in use in NASCAR. Joe Gibbs Racing, which fields the Pontiacs of Bobby Labonte and Tony Stewart, is involved in the testing and development of the new car.(ThatsRacin.com)(2-16-2002)
Dodge Incentive: Dodge, hoping to provide incentive to its factory-backed NASCAR teams, is putting big money and exotic cars on the line. At a Dodge function in Daytona Beach on Friday night, officials laid out the specifics of an incentive plan it hopes will push its teams to championships in two of NASCAR’s top-three divisions. Available to a championship team in the Winston Cup series is a $1 million bonus from the automaker. A championship driver also would get a 2003 Dodge Viper from the company as a token of its appreciation. In the Truck series, a factory-backed team that wins a championship would win 2003 Vipers as well for its driver and its car owner. Dodge teams got a head-start on a bonus in Friday’s Dodge Dealers 250 at Daytona International Speedway, taking the top-four spots.(ThatsRacin.com)(2-16-2002)
Penalties: NASCAR issued two penalties Saturday for rules violations found over the past week in the Winston Cup and Grand National series. Tony Furr, crew chief for the #25 Chevys and driver Jerry Nadeau in the Winston Cup series, was fined $25,000 after the car did not meet the minimum height requirement following Thursday’s 125-mile qualifying race. The minimum height requirement is 51 inches, measured from the center of the roof, and the #25 was found to be approximately 1/8th of an inch too low. In the BGN, a $5,000 fine was levied against Fred Bickford, crew chief for the #94 Chevrolet driven by Jeff Spraker. NASCAR officials confiscated the engine from the car, as internal components did not meet the minimum weight requirements.(ThatsRacin.com)(2-16-2002)
Backup Cars: At least three drivers will have to fall to the rear of the field before the start of the Daytona 500 on Sunday: from the practice wreck on Tuesday, #66-Todd Bodine and #55-Bobby Hamilton (oops not #99-Jeff Burton) had to go to backup cars for the Twin 125’s and the Daytona 500, from the wreck in the 2nd Twin 125, #2-Rusty Wallace will have to use a backup for the Daytona 500(2-15-2002)
AND also during a TNT interview (rain delayed Happy Hour/BGN race) with Shawna Robinson, it was mentioned she would go to a backup #49 Dodge for the Daytona 500.(2-16-2002)

(2-15-2002)
NASCAR.com – No More FREE Racecast/Audio: Remember the gold old days of 2001 when you could bring coolers to ISC’s tracks, get RaceCast on NASCAR.com, and listen to MRN over the Internet? Well, those good old days are now nothing but a distant memory. Turner (over)paid $100 million for five years for the privilege of running NASCAR.com, and they’ve got to bring in revenue somehow. So, the days of listening to the MRN broadcasts on the Internet for no charge are over. Following the lead of other major sports, NASCAR.com will be charging $29.95 a year or $4.95 a month for “TrackPass”, the catchy name for access to the site’s audio and video features, including MRN. The new service launches Saturday. It lets fans hear races and commentary, listen in as drivers communicate with pit crews and access statistics over the Internet. Fans used to be able to hear NASCAR races online for free, but RealNetworks spokeswoman Lisa Amore said that will no longer be offered under the new deal. For $11.95 per month, users can also watch two weekly NASCAR sports shows over the Internet and become members of RealNetworks’ RealOne service. The basic RealOne service, which costs $9.95 per month, lets fans hear races and commentary, and look at video clips of past races. Financial terms of the multiyear agreement were not disclosed. Drew Reifenberger, executive vice president and general manager of Turner Sports Interactive, called the new subscription fees a “necessary part of the business plan.” A spokesman for NASCAR had no comment on deal.(from MotorsportsTV.com)
Please DO NOT complain to me [Jayski], contact NASCAR.com, see my Racing FAQ page for the contact info, the first FAQ on the page – will not start a ‘campaign’ or post petitions either.(2-15-2002)
Dodge Spoiler Change? UPDATE 2 Dodge and more Ford spoiler changes: Unofficial word from NASCAR is that the sanctioning body could trim the Dodge rear spoiler a quarter of an inch for the 500. Currently, Dodges have to run spoilers’ 6-1/2 inches tall; Fords, based on the same templates, can run a six-inch spoiler, less drag and thus a faster car. GM rivals are trying to limit Dodge’s break to an eighth of an inch.(Winston Salem Journal)(2-15-2002)
UPDATE: The sanctioning body [NASCAR] is considering a rule change that could cut an eighth of an inch to a quarter of an inch off the spoiler of the Dodges, allowing cars to pick up speed. The change could be made as soon as today.(Richmond Times Dispatch)(2-15-2002)
UPDATE 2: NASCAR, for the second time this week, has made another rule change concerning the rear spoilers. Ford teams will be allowed to take another quarter-inch off, and the Dodge makes will be allowed to do the same. NASCAR issued a one-sentence statement on Friday morning. “During practice and the race (Daytona 500), the only spoiler permitted will be 5-3/4 inches in height and 57 inches in width for all Ford Taurus models and 6-1/4 inches height and 57 inches in width for all Dodge Intrepid models.” The new ruling will be utilized during all practice sessions on Friday and Saturday leading up to the Daytona 500 on Sunday.(NASCAR.com)(2-15-2002)
Chassis Dyno Testing: NASCAR tested more engines on the chassis dyno yesterday af the Twin 125 Qualifying races. The cars of #24-Jeff Gordon, #15-Michael Waltrip, #36-Ken Schrader, #20-Tony Stewart, #28-Ricky Rudd, #66-Todd Bodine, #40-Sterling Marlin and #43-John Andretti were put on the machine.(Richmond Times Dispatch)(2-15-2002)
BGN Driver Arrested UPDATE: A NASCAR driver in Central Florida for SpeedWeeks is under arrest for drugs. A deputy pulled over Sammy Potashnick in Flagler county. The deputy arrested Potashnick after noticing his car going north in the southbound lane on a divided road… heading right for him. When deputies finally pulled him over, they say he didn’t know where he was at the time. Police say he admitted to taking numerous vicatin painkillers without a prescription and smoking crack cocaine. Both of which were found inside the car. Potashnick who was in town to get more sponsors for his racing company, was scheduled to make his Busch series debut next weekend in Rockingham(NC). No word if that will happen. NASCAR is investigating the incident.(icFlorida/WFTV/Insider Racing)(2-15-2002)
UPDATE: Sammy Potashnick was arrested Thursday and charged with possession of crack cocaine and prescription drugs without a prescription. Potashnick, 27, of Sikeston, MO., who is second in NASCAR’s Winston West Series and was scheduled to drive in this year’s Busch Series, has won more than $12,000 in the Winston West Series this year in his No. 65 Chevrolet. Potashnick had been scheduled to drive in the BGN for Jay Robinson’s #49 team at the Rockingham 200 in North Carolina next Saturday. Robinson, in Daytona Beach for Speed Weeks, said it was too soon to say whether Potashnick would be allowed to drive the #49 car next week. Potashnick was not scheduled to race this week at Daytona. He was arrested on Old Kings Road about 4:30 a.m. Thursday after what a Flagler County sheriff’s deputy described as a near head-on collision. According to authorities, Potashnick was on the wrong side of the road driving north on Old Kings Road near its intersection with Palm Coast Parkway. When deputy Jason Jolicoeur turned south onto the road, Potashnick swerved to avoid him. Jolicoeur decided to pull Potashnick over. The race car driver was disoriented, carrying prescription drugs of some kind without a prescription bottle and had a rock of crack cocaine in a cigarette box stashed in the center console of his rental car, the Sheriff’s Office said. Deputy David Edmonds, riding with Jolicoeur, arrested Potashnick after the brief interview, according to the Sheriff’s Office. Potashnick was taken to Memorial Hospital-Flagler to be checked out, then to the Flagler County Inmate Facility where he was booked on the charges and subsequently released on $10,000 bail. Officials from Lucas Oil Products Inc., which sponsors Potashnick’s SP Racing team, expressed surprise Thursday night on learning of the news, but said they would have no comment until Friday morning. Jolicoeur said Potashnick told the deputies he had taken some prescription drugs after a family argument.(Daytona Beach News Journal)(2-15-2002)
Friday’s Daytona 500 Practice: #29-Kevin Harvick was the fastest in Friday’s only Cup practice with a speed of 189.243mph with #21-Elliott Sadler next at 189.084 and #5-Terry Labonte 3rd fastest at 188.949 (all in the draft). Slowest were #45-Kyle Petty at 185.155 and #49-Shawna Robinson at 184.634. Five of the 43 drivers did not practice: #24-Jeff Gordon, #15-Michael Waltrip, #36-Ken Schrader, #25-Jerry Nadeau, and #66-Todd Bodine. See ThatsRacin.com for the Speeds from Friday’s Cup practice.
Damaged Cars: four cars were damaged in a practice accident Friday morning. #45-Kyle Petty’s Dodge was the most damaged, suffering severe front and rear sheet metal deformities. #5-Terry Labonte’s Chevy, #71-Dave Marcis’ Chevy and #11-Brett Bodine’s Ford all suffered some degree of body damage and all were being repaired Friday afternoon. The teams of Petty, Bodine and Marcis made planned engine changes later Friday. Labonte’s team made repairs to the “TV panel” and left rear fender and Marcis’ team — with big help from a couple fabricators from Richard Childress Racing — repaired the left front fender and nose of the car. Bodine’s team made major repairs to the front of the #11 while Petty’s crew worked on the right front and right rear of their Intrepid.(NASCAR.com)(2-15-2002)

(2-14-2002)
Petty Gets Brawny: Georgia-Pacific’s Brawny brand introduced three new initiatives during a news conference at Daytona on Wednesday. The debut included the “Petty Pack,” a commemorative three-roll pack featuring Richard Petty as the new Brawny Man, Brawny Shop Towels, which are the official Shop Towel of Petty Enterprises and a special Brawny paint scheme displayed on the #44 Georgia-Pacific/Petty Dodge driven by Buckshot Jones. The special Brawny paint scheme will run in five Winston Cup races in 2002. The #44 Brawny/Georgia-Pacific Dodge will debut at the March 24 Food City 500 at Bristol Motor Speedway. Other appearances during the 2002 season include the April 28 NAPA Auto Parts 500 at California Speedway, the May 18 Winston Open and May 26 Coca-Cola 600 at Lowe’s Motor Speedway and the August 4 Brickyard 400 at Indianapolis Motor Speedway. The Brawny brand will be featured prominently on the #44 Georgia-Pacific/Petty Dodge’s paint scheme during all other races this season as well. The paint scheme featured on the #44 Brawny/Georgia-Pacific Dodge will be predominantly red, with blue and white accent stripes that swoosh from the lower front fenders to the upper rear quarterpanels. The signature Brawny Man logo appears on the hood, with the Brawny and Georgia-Pacific logos adorning the quarterpanels.(Petty Racing Site)(2-14-2002)
Shawna could be #2 UPDATE she IS #2: Shawna Robinson, driver of the #49 BAM Racing Dodge, could be the 2nd woman driver ever to make the Daytona 500. Janet Guthrie was the first in 1977 (and last in 1980), finishing 12th after starting 39th. (1980 race: started 18th and finished 11th).(Baltimore Sun)(2-12-2002)
UPDATE: Robinson made the Daytona 500 and will start 36th and be the 2nd ever woman driver to run the race.(2-14-2002)
Petty Streak UPDATE – stays intact: Should #45-Kyle Petty fail to earn a spot in Sunday’s Daytona 500, it would be the third of 44 runnings of stock car racing’s premier event and first since 1965 without a Petty in the starting lineup.(Miami Herald)(2-12-2002)
UPDATE: Kyle Petty made the race and will start 34th and the streak continues(2-14-2002)
Chassis Dyno Numbers – Chevy Wins: NASCAR’s chassis-dyno numbers from Sunday’s post-race testing after the Budwesier Shootout when NASCAR used its mechanical dyno to measure effective horsepower at the rear wheels of five top finishers in Sunday’s Shootout. Gordon’s #24-Chevy won that test, pulling 380 hp. Jarrett’s #88-Ford came in second at 379, followed by Marlin’s #40-Dodge at 375, Stewart’s #20-Pontiac at 373 and Earnhardt Jr.’s 372 in the #8-Chevy.(Winston Salem Journal)(2-14-2002)
France’s Honored: In a plan hatched during President George W. Bush’s Daytona Beach visit two weeks ago, members of the France family — along with the widow and daughter of the late racing legend Dale Earnhardt — visited the Florida House to accept praise and a resolution designating it as “Speedway Day.” State Rep. Evelyn Lynn, R-Ormond Beach, said the Frances exemplify family unity and values promoted in the state. Lynn and House Speaker Tom Feeney, R-Oviedo, said the accolades had nothing to do with the campaign contributions the family, International Speedway Corp. and its subsidiaries have made, mostly to the Republicans who dominate the Legislature. The economic benefit the family’s companies provide to Florida in the form of jobs and major races is well deserving of the honor, Feeney said. The family does have dealings in Tallahassee, however, including its support of a new law, approved last year, that sealed autopsy photos in the wake of Earnhardt’s Daytona 500 death last year. Feeney said if the family was currently advocating a bill or issue he would not have felt comfortable with the tribute. Wednesday’s event on the House floor was a celebration of the Frances, stock-car racing and America. It included a 10-minute video, scored by patriotic standards, documenting the early days of beach racing through the opening of Daytona International Speedway in 1959 to the emergence of racing icons like Richard Petty, Cale Yarborough and Earnhardt. Bill France Jr. told legislators he is proud of the economic benefits the family has made to the state and thanked them for the “wonderful recognition.”(Daytona Beach News Journal)(2-14-2002)
Jarrett to ring the bell: To mark the start of the 2002 NASCAR racing season, UPS CEO Mike Eskew and Dale Jarrett, driver of the #88 UPS Ford Taurus, will ring the closing bell at the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) on Friday, Feb 15th. With Eskew sounding the bell from the notable balcony on Wall Street, Jarrett will conclude the day’s trading live via satellite from the Daytona International Speedway by waving NASCAR’s official closing signal – a checkered flag. The Daytona 500 signals the beginning of the Winston Cup race season and marks the launch of this year’s installments of the UPS’s humorous “We want to Race the Truck” advertising campaign, which will debut this Sunday during the race telecast.(Business Wire)(2-14-2002)
Sharp on pole for IROC: Scott Sharp and Danny Lasoski will have the best view when the 26th season of True Value IROC kicks off with Round 1 on Friday at Daytona International Speedway. Sharp, whose only previous True Value IROC experience was in 1994, pulled the envelope that awarded him the pole while Lasoski, the 2001 World of Outlaw champion, drew the outside pole. Rounding out the top five starting positions were Lasoski, Sterling Marlin, Helio Castroneves and Kevin Harvick. Round 1 of the True Value IROC will go green on Friday at 11 a.m. and will be followed by the season-opening Florida Dodge Dealers 250 NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series race. See IROCRacing.com for Starting Line-Up for Race One.(2-14-2002)
Benson, Valvoline and Big Brothers: Executives from The Valvoline Company returned to Daytona today with NASCAR driver Johnny Benson to present Big Brothers Big Sisters of America (BBBSA) with a $50,000 check to further solidify their support of the “Caring Hands” program, which was established in 1999 to raise money and awareness for the country’s premier mentoring program. The donation represents 50,000 handprints collected from NASCAR fans nationwide, following Valvoline’s challenge last year asking supporters to either mail or fax in their handprint for a $1 donation to BBBSA. This amount, coupled with Johnny Benson’s on-track performance incentives, which raised another $30,000 en route to an impressive 11th place finish in the 2001 Winston Cup final points standings, elevated Valvoline’s “Caring Hands” three-year fundraising total over $750,000. Valvoline matches Benson’s performance by donating $5,000 for a win, $2,500 for a pole, $1,000 for a top ten 10 finish, $500 for a top 20 finish and $20 for each lap led. The most significant change to this year’s “Caring Hands” program, is the “Track Match Challenge,” which raises funds for randomly selected Big Brother Big Sisters local agencies in out of race marketers. This new wrinkle, along with the existing contributions made to the BBBSA National office after each race, essentially doubles Valvoline’s contribution to the program for the 2002 racing season.(Valvoline PR)(2-14-2002)
Cintas Re-Ups with NASCAR: Cintas Corporation, the leader in the uniform rental industry, and NASCAR have extended the partnership that makes Cintas the Preferred Uniform of NASCAR. The agreement, which runs through 2004, was expanded to include Xpect First Aid as the Preferred First Aid Supplier of NASCAR. Since 1999, Cintas has been the Preferred Uniform of NASCAR, outfitting NASCAR’s officials with workday and race-day uniforms in all 12 racing series, including NASCAR Winston Cup, NASCAR Busch Series and the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series.(IMG PR)(2-14-2002)
Allison to miss the Daytona 500: The last time NASCAR great Bobby Allison missed a Daytona 500 was 1959, the first time the 500 was held. Every year since, Allison has been at the race either as a competitor – he won the 500 three times – or a spectator. Sunday, the streak will end. In lieu of Daytona Beach’s full-blown celebration of speed, Allison and his wife Judy will be in Ames, Okla., helping make the “Ultimate Daytona 500 House Party” an all-out happening. The party is being held for John Sattler of Enid, OK; it’s the grand prize Sattler won in last year’s “Race for the Championship: 2001” promotion by NASCAR. Sattler and 50 of his friends will gather at Hajek Motorsports Museum in Ames (owner Brent Hajek is one of Sattler’s buddies), and will watch NBC’s broadcast of the 500 on a large-screen SONY television, with the party catered by Outback Steakhouse. The museum – located 65 miles northwest of Oklahoma City – will be decked out, with a small set of bleachers, a miniature helium-filled Goodyear blimp floating around and for diversion, a racing tire-swing. Allison, 64, first raced in the Daytona 500 in 1961. The last time was in 1988, when he won and his son Davey finished second. Allison’s racing career ended 13 races into the 1988 season, because of injuries sustained in an incident at Pocono Raceway in Long Pond, Pa. In retirement, he has become a beloved living legend – he’s a charter member of the famed “Alabama Gang” – for fans who remember his skill and style.(NASCAR PR)(2-14-2002)

(2-13-2002)
Simpson to Sue NASCAR UPDATE: ESPN.com has learned that Simpson is fingering NASCAR for wrongly accusing his safety company of playing any part in Earnhardt’s demise on the final lap of the Daytona 500. Bill Simpson wants his name absolved in the death of his friend Dale Earnhardt. Attorneys James H. Voyles and Robert W. Horn will file a suit Tuesday morning in an Indianapolis superior court. Simpson has confirmed he is filing a multimillion dollar lawsuit, charging NASCAR with defamation of character, false invasion of privacy, defamation by implication and reckless disregard for the truth. “NASCAR brought me to my knees like nobody else ever has and, for eight months, I felt impudent because these charges just kept coming and there was nothing I could do,” said Simpson, who received several death threats and eventually moved out of his former home in Charlotte, NC. Everyone who has ever dealt with NASCAR has acquiesced to them and nobody will stand up to them. But they picked on the wrong guy this time. I’m not going away quietly and they deserve to pay for what they did to me and my company’s reputation. This isn’t about money. This is about integrity and the truth.” NASCAR spokesman Mike Zizzo said his organization would not comment.(ESPN)(2-11-2002)
UPDATE: Simpson Performance Products issued a statement Tuesday in which is said it would not be party to any lawsuit against NASCAR. “We have been working cooperatively with NASCAR for the past several months on ways to improve driver safety, to support NASCAR’s efforts on building strong safety programs and to contribute valuable input to the process,” said Simpson Performance Products CEO Chuck Davies. The statement was released in response to several news reports that indicated Simpson Products founder and former president Bill Simpson would file a lawsuit against NASCAR for, among other things, defamation of character.(ThatsRacin.com)
AND Bill Simpson intends to pursue his multi-million dollar lawsuit against NASCAR and will file it Wednesday morning in Indianapolis, but he’ll go it alone after Simpson Safety Products asked to be removed as a plaintiff.(ESPN)(2-13-2002)
UPDATE suit filed: Bill Simpson was unable to elicit an apology from NASCAR on Tuesday, leaving him convinced that a lawsuit he filed today is his only recourse against stock-car racing’s sanctioning body. “I guess the word ‘apology’ is not in NASCAR’s vocabulary,” he said after a day of negotiations. “So, we’ll see them in court.” Simpson, a resident of Avon, IN, filed an $8.5 million lawsuit this morning in Marion County Superior Court, claiming NASCAR wrongly blamed the construction of seat belts made by his company in the death of seven-time Winston Cup champion Dale Earnhardt in the 2001 Daytona 500.(Indianapolis Star)(2-13-2002)
Carl Long down to two teams: Effective immediately. Price Motorsports [#59] owned by Foster Price has backed out of running a team for Carl Long in 2002 and no longer has anything to do with Carl Long or Carl Long Racing. Because of this, Carl Long & Mansion Motorsports will have to run one of their Fords next week at Rockingham as a last resort effort to make up for the lost of Price Motorsports’ team. Long will continue to run with Mansion Motorsports and SR Racing in 2002. Also, for the Daytona 500, NoopCo Paint Removers has come aboard the #85 Dodge in a one-race associate sponsorship for Daytona. The NoopCo logos will be on the quarter panels of the car.(Carl Long Racing)(2-13-2002)
Restraints being used: Thirty-seven Cup drivers are using the HANS device this week, and 16 others are using the Hutchens Device.(Roanoke Times)(2-13-2002)
Black Boxes: Starting this week, every car that competes in a NASCAR touring series race must be equipped with a ”black box” that records information in the event of a crash. The box, which costs $499, is battery-powered and mounted on the car’s frame near the driver’s left hip. The box records various data in the event of an impact. That information will be used by NASCAR technicians to try to design safer race cars.(Tennessean)
AND Called The Witness, it is NASCAR’s first data recorder. The unit is slightly smaller than a VCR tape at 7 inches long, 3 1/2 inches wide and a half-inch tall. Designed to be waterproof and able to withstand temperatures of nearly 300 degrees, the data recorder is a self-contained unit designed to handle all kinds of crashes. It will record force, direction and magnitude of each crash. A series of sensors inside the unit can accurately record the angle of impact, date, time, G-forces expended. The sensors can measure the roll, pitch and yaw of the car as it expends the energy of a sudden impact. The sensors record the forward, sideways and up-and-down acceleration profile. By understanding all the forces inside the car, engineers will be better able to make changes based on well-founded principles, not best guesses. The data recorders remain in the car throughout all practice sessions, time trials and the main event. They provide information even when the car is parked. However, the devices are designed to allow only engineers, using specific times and dates, to access the recorder’s data. NASCAR already has been crashing cars in sled-tests to create a foundation for their research. The rest of their information will be compiled from future crashes.(Florida Times Union)
AND II NASCAR’s new safety team swarmed over the damaged Winston Cup cars following the practice crash on Tuesday (7 cars involved). Director of Research and Development Joe Garone said the team was taking the data recorder boxes and trying to gather information for NASCAR’s developing database. Officials pulled the boxes from all the cars involved and replaced them with new ones. He was unsure how long it would take NASCAR to analyze data from the boxes.(Richmond Times Dispatch)(2-13-2002)
Wind Tunnel Results and a Dodge spolier change? The latest wind-tunnel results are in: The unofficial numbers from the wind tunnel showed the #20-Pontiac had a .335 CD (coefficient of drag), the #8-Chevy a .338, the #88-Ford a .341 and the #40-Dodge a .342. The lower the CD, the more efficient the model. NASCAR officials are leaning toward trimming Dodge’s rear spoiler.(Winston Salem Journal)(2-13-2002)
Park News UPDATE: Steve Park [driver of the #1 Pennzoil Chevy, Kenny Wallace is subbing for him] has a timetable for his return to racing, but officials at Dale Earnhardt Inc. won’t reveal it in case there’s any lingering effects from his severe head injury. Park, who missed the final 12 races last season, already has two tests in a car. Norris said NASCAR planned to work with the team in evaluating Park’s status before he returns. One of the plans is to let Park test with teammates Dale Earnhardt Jr. and Michael Waltrip.(AP/Arizona Republic)(2-11-2002)
UPDATE: Steve Park estimates he’s about a month away from returning to racing as he continues to rehabilitate from the brain contusion he suffered that day. A contusion causes more damage than the worst concussion, and in Park’s case, it wreaked havoc with his balance, vision and speech. It left the NASCAR community wondering if he ever would race again.(Newday)(2-13-2002)
New Daytona 500 Book: Author Bob Zeller and David Bull Publishing have recently released, Daytona 500: An Official History. This book is hot off the press, and covers the complete story of more than forty years of close-quarters racing at the 2.5-mile Daytona International Speedway. With year-by-year chapters, Zeller captures the competition, drama, and distinctive personalities of the racers. Richly illustrated with hundreds of colorful photographs from the ISC Publications Archives. For more info and info on Daytona book signings. see my Racing Bookstore page(2-13-2002)
Racing Tailgators? TheTailgater.com is looking for fans and race goers to interview, fans who plan on tailgating or camping at the North Carolina Speedway coming up in a few weeks. Go to their site thetailgater.comand send an email (2-13-2002)

(2-12-2002)
Another Muppet: hearing that #18-Bobby Labonte has been added to the Chicagoland Muppet paint scheme promotion along with previous rumored, #88-Jarrett, #10-Benson(Flozzy) and #41-Spencer(2-12-2002)
Petty and Garfield? UPDATE 2 actually the #43 and Garfield: hearing Kyle Petty will have a special Garfield (cartoon character) scheme in 2002 on the #45 Sprint Dodge but it will not race on the track but be a promotional/show car, such as the #29 Oreo Car was in 2001.(2-5-2002)
UPDATE: got a layout image of the car and it’ll be used on the #43 Dodge as a promotional tool, an announcement of some sort with Petty Enterprises is scheduled for Tuesday, Feb 12th at Daytona. See my Paint Schemes Gallery for the image(2-6-2002)
UPDATE 2: Richard Petty, the seven-time NASCAR Winston Cup champion, and Paws Inc., the corporation that handles Jim Davis’ Garfield series of newspaper comic strips and television cartoons, have announced a two-year licensing agreement that will surpass anything the sport has seen. The announcement was made today at Daytona USA. Petty Enterprises and Paws Inc. will collaborate in a series of souvenir merchandise, specialty cars, events and promotions. Much of the proceeds will go to the Victory Junction Gang Camp for chronically ill children and the Kyle Petty Charity Ride.(Williams Company PR)(2-12-2002)
Rusty goes nuts: Rusty Wallace, Inc. announced that Planters, part of the Kraft Foods Snacks Division, has become an marketing partner for the 2002-racing season. The marketing partnership aligns Planters with NASCAR Winston Cup star Rusty Wallace in his bid for the 2002 series championship. The arrangement between Planters and Wallace calls for Mr. Peanut,, the Planters icon, to be featured on Wallace’s driving uniform. Wallace in turn, will be prominently featured in Planters racing-related marketing efforts during the 2002 season.(Tom Roberts PR)(2-12-2002)
Gordon Award: Defending Winston Cup champion Jeff Gordon was presented with his fourth Driver of the Year Award, breaking a tie he shared with Mario Andretti and Darrell Waltrip. A national panel of motorsports writers and broadcasters vote on the award. Gordon will get a specially crafted 2002 Indian Chief motorcycle with a second-generation engine — the company’s first new engine design in 50 years.(Daytona Beach News Journal)(2-12-2002)
Congrats: ARCA and part time Cup driver Tim Steele and wife Dawn welcomed a new addition to their family on Monday morning at Spectrum Downtown Hospital in Grand Rapids, MI. Taylor Anne Steele, a 4 lb. 7 oz. baby girl, was born at 8:17am. Steele’s racing plans for 2002 call for a 20-race mix of ARCA, NASCAR Winston Cup and NASCAR Busch Series events.(Tom Roberts PR)(2-12-2002)
Pit Crew of the Year: The National Association of Pit Crew Members (NAPCM) has announced that the NASCAR Winston Cup #8 Budweiser Chevy “Brew Crew” has been elected the NAPCM 2001 Season Pit Crew of the Year. The online election was held at the National Association of Pit Crew Members website, www.napcm.com during the 2001 season. Cambria Laveck Padgett, Director of Member Services for the NAPCM had this to say, “The #8 Budweiser Crew sure earned it. All season they had pit stops consistently in the 14 to 15 second range. Those guys are always lightening-fast and a great group of competitors.” In recognition of the award the #8 Crew will receive a NAPCM “Pit Crew of the Year” award packet including items from participating sponsor MechanixWear. To vote for the 2002 Season NAPCM Pit Crew of the Year or to learn more about the National Association of Pit Crew Members, visit the Pit Crew Club at www.napcm.com.(NAPCM PR)(2-12-2002)

(2-11-2002)
New Taurus in 2004? Expect Ford to unveil a new Taurus for the 2004 season, according to sources in Dearborn, MI.(Sporting News)(2-11-2002)
Brett Bodine Associate Sponsor: Brett Bodine Racing announced the addition of Express Services, Inc. on the #11 Ford Taurus for the 2002 NASCAR Winston Cup season as an associate sponsor. Express Personnel Services is the world’s largest privately-held staffing firm, operating more than 400 offices internationally.(Brett Bodine Racing PR)(2-11-2002)
Action to the NYSE: Action Performance Companies, today announced it will transfer its stock listing to the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) effective February 20, 2002, and will trade under its new ticker symbol, ATN. Action Performance Chairman, President, and CEO Fred W. Wagenhals will initiate trading by ringing the opening bell at the New York Stock Exchange that morning. Action Performance has been listed on the NASDAQ National Market under the ticker symbol ACTN since its initial public offering in 1993. In 2001 the company’s stock rose from $2.38 to $30.61 per share to become the fifth highest gainer on NASDAQ, and recently closed over $40 per share. The move will be celebrated by festivities outside the stock exchange on February 20, 2002. The Dale Earnhardt Legendary Trackside Trailer and a racecar driven by Dale Earnhardt will be on display for visitors. The trackside trailer from which Action Performance sold Dale Earnhardt memorabilia has become a living tribute to “the Intimidator.” Race fans have paid tribute to Dale’s memory by writing words of remembrance and prayers on the side of the trailer. Components of the racecar on display, including the engine, were part of the actual racecar Dale Earnhardt drove to victory at Atlanta during the 2000 NASCAR Winston Cup race. Although the driver’s-side half of the body shell has been cutaway to reveal the car’s inner workings, the racecar remains completely functional. Additionally, Wagenhals will be joined in the celebration by NASCAR Winston Cup Champion Rusty Wallace, three-time NASCAR Winston Cup Champion and NASCAR FOX Sports analyst Darrell Waltrip, six-time NASCAR Winston Cup Champion Team Owner Richard Childress, and 11 time NHRA Funny Car Champion John Force.(Action Performance PR)(2-11-2002)
Larger Plate? Despite speculation that NASCAR would order all teams to use a slightly larger restrictor plate, giving drivers about another 15 horsepower, worth maybe another two miles an hour, Helton said no: “We’re not going to rule it out, but it’s not a short-list item right now. We’re not expecting it now.”(Winston Salem Journal)(2-11-2002)
Yellow Line: Jeff Gordon thinks NASCAR needs to alter the yellow-line rule before the Daytona 500. Last season, officials instituted a rule banning drivers from making a pass below the yellow stripe painted on the track. While Gordon agrees it was a good rule for the faster cars running in tighter packs a year ago, he hopes the new setup and slower speeds lead NASCAR to lighten up on the limitation. “That yellow line is not making things any easier,” he said. “The yellow line worked for the rules we had last year because you were coming so fast that you would go below that yellow line every lap. Now I think there’s places where we could move that line to get a little bit more room because you don’t have the momentum you used to have.”(Richmond Times Dispatch)(2-11-2002)
Gerhart wins ARCA race: Bobby Gerhart won the ARCA race at Daytona when the race was stopped 54 laps into its scheduled 80-lap distance to allow the Bud Shootout to be nationally televised on TNT (not NBC). Gerhart, who led 36 laps, was in the right place when a second round of showers arrived at Daytona International Speedway. The race had earlier been delayed for 27 minutes. Rick Carelli’s Chevrolet followed Gerhart’s Pontiac across the line. ARCA champion Frank Kimmel was third in a Ford. Gerhardt is also attempting to make the Daytona 500. Woman drivers, Tina Gordon and Sunny Hobbs finished 26th and 31st in the ARCA race, respectively, although both did finish on the lead lap.(Gaston Gazette)(2-11-2002)
No Rules Chnages….yet UPDATE cars to the wind tunnel and Ford gets a 1/4″ off spoiler: Jim Hunter, NASCAR vice president of communications, said no rules change will be considered until after Thursday’s Twin 125s.(Daytona Beach News Journal)(2-10-2002)
UPDATE: NASCAR announced after the race that it was taking the cars of #20-Tony Stewart, #8-Dale Earnhardt Jr, #40-Sterling Marlin and #88-Dale Jarrett to a wind tunnel. Spokesman Jim Hunter said officials were going to discuss Ford’s complaints. Any change wouldn’t go into effect until after Monday’s final time trials, Hunter said, but they would in place by Thursday’s twin 125-mile qualifying races.(Yahoo/AP)
AND NASCAR announced Winston Cup Ford teams would get to reduce their spolier height by another quarter-inch, effective with Tuesday’s practice at Daytona. All four manufacturers currently have a 57-inch wide spoiler. Dodges and Pontiacs have a rear spoiler 6.5 inches high. Fords and Chevrolets practiced, qualified and ran Sunday’s Budweiser Shootout with 6.25-inch spoilers.(NASCAR.com)(2-10-2002)
UPDATE 2 Chassis Dyno: NASCAR is sending five cars from Sunday’s Budweiser Shootout to the wind tunnel to check their aerodynamic performance. The #20-Pontiac of winner Tony Stewart, the #8-Chevrolet of Dale Earnhardt Jr., the #40-Dodge of Sterling Marlin and the #88-Ford of Dale Jarrett were to be tested Monday. All four cars, plus the #24-Chevrolet of Jeff Gordon, was also tested on the chassis dynometer, which measures rear-wheel horsepower.(ThatsRacin.com)(2-11-2002)
TV: Fox Sports Net Totally NASCAR returns today at 6:00pm local time. Also SpeedVision becomes Speed Channel today and the network will air a pair of special programs to help kickoff the 2002 NASCAR racing. Speed Week on Speed Channel will be hosted nightly by Bob Varsha and include Daytona segments from the FOX broadcasting team of Darrell Waltrip, Larry McReynolds and Jeff Hammond. The one-hour program airs Monday-Friday beginning at 8:00pm/et. Speed Channel’s 2002 NASCAR Preview will follow Speed Week each weeknight rhis week from 9:00 – 11:00pm/et, hosted by Varsha and John Roberts, will include a look at NASCAR’s top teams, their past performances and preparations for the 2002 season.(PR)(2-11-2002)

(2-10-2002)

Stewart wins the Budwesier Shootout: #20-Tony Stewart won the 2002 Budwesier Shootout, beating #8-Dale Earnhardt Jr for the win and $200,000 prize. Six lead changes. See a story at ThatsRacin.com: Stewart stays in front for win and for: Unofficial Race Results. At the end of the TNT broadcast, it was mentioned that NASCAR is going to take one of each make (Chevy,Dodge,Ford, Pontiac) to the wind tunnel for testing, didn’t say which teams. See updated story below in the News section on the wind tunnel and rules change.(2-10-2002)
Benning/Shelmerdine News: #84-Norm Benning’s car never got through inspection Friday, so he couldn’t attempt to qualify Saturday.(Daytona Beach News Journal) AND #80-Kirk Shelmerdine and #84-Norm Benning haven’t even cleared technical inspection yet. The cars have a “variety” of problems that have caused them to fail inspection on each attempt. Late yesterday, they were still running through the inspection bay repeatedly. The pair can attempt to qualify in tomorrow’s second round. If the cars still haven’t cleared inspection, they have until the final practice on Wednesday to make minimum speed for the race (170 mph). If the drivers pass inspection and make minimum speed, they can race in the Twin 125s. Each would then have to finish in a high enough position to qualify for the race.(Richmond Times Dispatch)(2-10-2002)

(2-9-2002)
Qualifying for the Daytona 500 is over. #48-Jimmie Johnson wins the pole with a speed of 185.831, just ahead of of #29-Kevin Harvick at 185.770mph who are the only two drivers who have their starting positions set for the 2002 Daytona 500. Johnson is only yhe thrid ever rookie to capture the pole for a Datona 500. Loy Allen Jr won the pole in 1994 and Mike Skiner won it in 1997. Seven Chevy’s are in the top ten and three Dodge’s are in the top 10. The top five in qualifying were:
1) #48-Jimmie Johnson, 185.831
2) #29-Kevin Harvick, 185.770
3) #24-Jeff Gordon, 185.491
4) #92-Robert Pressley, 185.273
5) #22-Ward Burton, 184.426
slowest was #85-Carl Long at 176.419mph. #45-Kyle Petty lost an engine before he took the green flag. #80-Kirk Shelmerdine did not make an attempt, the plan is to run practice Sunday and make an attempt in 2nd round qualifying on Monday. #84-Norm benning did not make an attempt and did not practice, no word on his plans. Shelmerdine’s #80-Hooters Ford is painted mostly orange.
Fastest by Manufacturer:
Chevy – #48-Jimmie Johnson, 185.631, 1st and on the pole.
Dodge – #92-Robert Pressley, 185.273, was 4th fastest.
Ford – #88-Dale Jarrett, 183.711, was 13th fastest.
Pontiac – #18-Bobby Labonte, 183.775, was 12th fastest.
See my Daytona 500 Qualifying Charts, or ThatsRacin.com, orMotorsportsOne or NASCAR.com, for qualifying results(2-9-2002)
Sauer not a full season deal: #90-Rick Mast says that Sauer’s has signed to sponsor his team only for the season’s first half. He said talks are ongoing for the company to continue as sponsor in the season’s second half for the Junie Donlavey team.(Roanoke Times)(2-9-2002)
AMS Testing: some Winston Cup testing at Atlanta Motor Speedway, on February 19-20 – #41-Jimmy Spencer, #29-Kevin Harvick, #31-Robby Gordon, #97-Kurt Busch, #11-Brett Bodine, #19-Jeremy Mayfield, #43-John Andretti, #55-Bobby Hamilton. On February 25-26 – #4-Mike Skinner, #49-Shawna Robinson and #1-Kenny Wallace; and on February 27 – #2-Rusty Wallace. Note: Test teams, dates and times subject to change without notice. All test sessions are schedule for 9:00am to 5:00pm and as far as i know are closed to the public.(AMS PR)(2-9-2002)

(2-8-2002)
Special #29 Scheme at the Winston? UPDATE: hearing that Kevin Harvick will have a special paint scheme for the Wintson called GM Goodwrench/On a Roll, soemthing about the launch of a new tire program.(2-7-2002)
UPDATE: see a diecast image of the car on my Paint Schemes Gallery(2-8-2002)
Another Pepsi scheme: #24-Jeff Gordon will run another Pepsi scheme at the Pepsi 400 at Daytona, along with the one at Talladega, see a diecast image of the schemes on my Paint Schemes Gallery(2-8-2002)
Bodine in trouble? Unless he finds a major sponsor for his #11 Fords, Brett Bodine doesn’t know how long he will be able to keep racing this year. “We know we’re going to be at Daytona and Rockingham for sure,” he said. “After that, we just pray someone is going to come along. Whether it’s a one-race deal or a 10-race deal, we’ll do whatever we have to do within our power to keep this going.” Bodine said one thing he won’t do is dip into his own pocket any deeper to keep his team going.(ThatsRacin.com)(2-8-2002)
ChevronTexaco Re-ups with the #28: ChevronTexaco renewed its multi-million dollar investment in Havoline Motor Sports, to strengthen the brand’s reputation as one of the world’s leading racing oils. The company is sponsoring Ricky Rudd’s car #28 and will advertise Havoline throughout the 2002 Winston Cup season, beginning with the Daytona 500 this month. ChevronTexaco also has plans for long-term support of the Texaco brand. “We will leverage our global presence, sales representatives, full line of products, portfolio of value-added services and investments in plant, R&D, operational and lubricant infrastructure,” said Nelson. “The Texaco brand will be stronger and better because of the ChevronTexaco merger, and it’s a brand we are committed to strengthening.”(Business Wire)(2-8-2002)
Earnhardt Jr on Ice: On January 10, 2002, the Greensboro Coliseum was transformed into a Salt Lake Olympic hockey venue for a day to shoot an on-air promotional spot featuring Dale Earnhardt Jr. as an Olympic zamboni driver. This Daytona 500 on-air promotion will air during NBC’s coverage of the Salt Lake Olympic Winter Games that begin tomorrow, Friday, Feb. 8. The spot will run in addition to the Tony Stewart “Olympic Dream” NASCAR and Olympic cross-promotion that has been running since last season. The spot was originally planned for a “stunt double” zamboni driver to drive the machine and Earnhardt Jr. would simply sit in for the tight shots. But when Earnhardt Jr. arrived he said, “I’m here, I might as well drive.” All of the shots that made the final cut of the piece are all Earnhardt Jr. driving the zamboni. In the spot, in between hockey games one ice manager says to the other, “I don’t know how we’re going to get this thing turned around for this one.” And the other ice manager says, “Don’t worry about it, I made a phone call.” Then Earnhardt Jr. appears driving the zamboni. The promotional spot pays close attention to detail as it is 2002 NASCAR rules compliant with the Olympic pit crew all wearing helmets. As Earnhardt Jr. pits the Zamboni he tells the Salt Lake Olympic pit crew, “It’s a little bit loose in the corners.” The spot was produced by Steve Ulrich, NBC Sports director of promotions, in conjunction with Wide Open Entertainment.(NBC PR)(2-8-2002)
Ford – Decklid – Spoiler….problems? UPDATE 2 more changes? Ford teams, who pleaded for a half-inch spolier reduction, were allowed to shave a quarter-inch off the height of the rear spoiler heading into Speedweeks 2002. Apparently, that has now caused more headaches than relief. A longtime Ford source told NASCAR.com Sunday morning that the quarter-inch provision has forced a vast change in the Taurus’ rear decklid, and therefore makes the provision moot. The source, which wished to remain anonymous, said that in order for Ford teams to fit the Taurus template, they have been forced to raise the rear deck lid one-half to three-quarters of an inch to meet the minimum height requirements for the rear spoiler. Therefore, in the end, the rear spoiler is actually higher than it was before the test. NASCAR vice president of corporate communications Jim Hunter said additional changes could be made once Speedweeks gets under way and that NASCAR had no plans to take any cars to a wind tunnel once Speedweeks began, primarily due to the difficulty in scheduling tunnel time.(full story at NASCAR.com)(1-27-2002)
UPDATE – more rules changes? already? soon? hearing that NASCAR also changed the Dodge trunk lid as well a the Ford and that NASCAR has already issued templates to the Dodge teams for the changes. Also hearing NASCAR is cracking down on the side rear windows (opera windows) on the cars as some Ford teams were putting a curve in them (vertical) and supposedly NASCAR will remove the windows, lay them on a table and if they dont look flat, they will keep them.(1-29-2002)

UPDATE 2: In addition to decreasing the spoiler size for the Ford Taurus at Daytona, NASCAR has made a modification for every manufacturer on the rear decklid. The sanctioning body added another template to try to make sure the rear spoiler is in the correct location. “They came out with some more templates,” Jimmy Spencer said. “They’re trying to get a location for every manufacturer. The location of the spoilers, especially at Daytona and Talladega, has been a sticky point, and they just came out with a template to mark it.”(RacingOne)(2-8-2002)
Parts Seized: NASCAR inspectors confiscated several parts from various Winston Cup cars prior to Friday’s first practice of the season. Series director John Darby said nothing looked “too serious,” however. Several cars had parts taken for use as “underpans,” which help the aerodynamics of the bottom of the cars. Part of the exhaust system of the #14 Pontiac driven by Stacy Compton was taken for its use as an underpan. Among the teams that also had underpan parts confiscated were those of #21-Elliott Sadler, #25-Jerry Nadeau, #15-Michael Waltrip, #59-Bobby Gerhart and #1-Kenny Wallace. Unapproved aluminum strips were taken from the teams of #24-Jeff Gordon, #48-Jimmie Johnson, #15-Waltrip and #85-Carl Long. An unapproved drive shaft was taken from Ricky Rudd’s #28 team; unapproved metal clips Brett Bodine’s #11-car; and unapproved window braces from Wallace’s #1-car.(ThatsRacin.com)(2-8-2002)
DW at the Olympics: At the personal invitation of President George W. Bush, three times Winston Cup Champion Darrell Waltrip is attending the Olympic Opening Ceremonies tonite. Waltrip and small group of others, who include baseball great, Cal Ripken Jr, actor Chuck Norris, Homeland Security Director Tom Ridge, Sec. of State Colin Powell and others, left the White House early this morning for Salt Lake City.. After meeting the athletes and participating in tonights Opening Ceremonies, Waltrip will return to Washingon on Air Force One before heading to Daytona on Sunday.(AllWaltrip.com)(2-8-2002)

(2-7-2002)
Earnhardt Statue Unveiling UPDATE: The Dale Earnhardt Statue will be unveiled at Daytona USA on Thursday (today) Feb 7th at 1:15pm/et. Bill France Jr, Chairman/CEO, International Speedway Corporation and NASCAR, will be joined by Teresa Earnhardt and officials from Daytona International Speedway to unveil the Dale Earnhardt Statue.(DIS PR). For an image of the base and past info, see my Dale Earnahrdt Tribute site(2-7-2002)
UPDATE: Teresa Earnhardt was joined by Bill France Jr. today in unveiling the Dale Earnhardt statue at Daytona International Speedway. Soeme Facts: The statue, including the base, is 9 ft. tall and weighs approximately 1,200 lbs. The figures of Dale Earnhardt and the No. 3 are made of cast silicon bronze with a patina finish. The pedestal is constructed of concrete and the checkered board base, which represents Victory Lane, is made of two-tone black granite. Earnhardt’s racing gloves, made of cast silicon bronze, sit on the wall behind the statue. Alongside Earnhardt’s racing gloves is a penny, made of cast silicon bronze, which represents the penny given to Earnhardt by a young fan for “luck” the day he captured his first and only win in the Daytona 500 in 1998. See the DIS Site for more info and an image, and see NASCAR.com for another image of the statue(2-7-2002)
APR unveils #33 Autoliv Chevy: Autoliv Inc., the safety technology innovator and world’s largest supplier of automotive safety systems, has unveiled the #33 car owned by Andy Petree Racing and driven by Mike Wallace. Emblazoned on the car is Autoliv’s message “Does Your Car Have a Side Curtain Airbag?” which is the foundation of a new Safety Awareness Campaign announced today. Autoliv and BSR Products, a major stock car equipment supplier, are joining together to increase awareness of new and available safety technologies. Autoliv Inc. develops and manufactures automotive safety systems for all major automotive manufacturers in the world. Together with its joint ventures, Autoliv has close to 80 facilities with almost 30,000 employees in more than 30 vehicle-producing countries. In addition, the company has eight technical centers around the world, including 19 test tracks, more than any other automotive safety supplier.(Williams Company PR), see images of the car on Paint Schemes Gallery(2-7-2002)
Said to drive three Cup races? UPDATE: hearing from some readers who watched the Rolex 24 at Daytona, that Boris Said mentioned he was planning on driving three Cup races in 2002, Sears Point, Watkins Glen and Indianpolis for the Jasper Motorsports team. Didn’t say if he would be in a 2nd car or the #77 Ford, but can’t imagine regular driver Dave Blaney giving up the seat for a few races(2-3-2002)
UPDATE: Boris Said will attempt to make the Cup races at Sears Point, Watkins Glen and Indianapolis in a second Jasper Motorsports Ford.(NASCAR Scene Plus – need sub to read)(2-7-2002)
Medcial Staff Announced: NASCAR announced the appointment of a safety analyst and three medical liaisons in full-time positions, beginning with the upcoming 2002 season. Jerry Kaproth, a retired Minnesota State Patrol district commander, has been named as the safety analyst. Kaproth’s responsibilities will include investigating the results of race incidents and aiding NASCAR’s engineering group with accident reconstruction. He possesses extensive professional experience in vehicle accident investigation and reconstruction from his 20-year career with the Minnesota State Patrol (1977-97). Most recently, he served as an accident reconstruction specialist for his own company, Kaproth Consulting, since retiring from the state patrol. Kaproth also has served as a teacher in Accident Reconstruction at the University of North Florida, Institute of Police Technology and Management, from 1985-2000 and Central Missouri State University in 1984. Kaproth, of Woodbury, MN, will work at NASCAR.s new Research and Development Center in Conover, NC.
Robin Morrisey, Denese Meeks and Lance Davin were appointed as medical liaisons, and each will be assigned to one of NASCAR’s national series – NASCAR Winston Cup Series; NASCAR Busch Series, Grand National Division; and NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series. The role of the medical liaison will be to gather and maintain detailed medical histories of the drivers and coordinate medical services with the track, drivers, crew members and local hospitals. The liaison’s interfacing among the involved groups will enhance overall communication among the different parties.
Morrisey, of San Diego, CA, will be responsible for the NASCAR Winston Cup Series. She brings eight years of nursing experience, the most recent being a nurse practitioner the past two years at the Heart Failure Clinic at Pomerado Hospital in San Diego. She also has served as a staff nurse (1994-98) and a clinical research nurse (1998-2001) during her nursing career. Morrisey, a 1993 graduate of Bowling Green University, added a master’s degree in nursing from the University of San Diego last year.
Meeks, of Deltona, FL, will work with the NASCAR Busch Series after more than a decade in nursing and health care management. She most recently served as the quality management nurse for Humana, Inc. in Ormond Beach, FL. At Humana, her responsibilities involved 10 primary-care physician.s offices, which encompassed more than 8,000 members. She previously served in a management capacity as well with Gambro Healthcare in Volusia County.
Davin, of Chapel Hill, NC, possesses 18 years of nursing experience and will be assigned to the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series. Davin, a registered nurse and certified nurse operating room (CNOR), arrives from the University of North Carolina Hospital in Chapel Hill where he served as a nurse education clinician for the surgical services division.(NASCAR PR)(2-7-2002)
NASCAR Preview and Press Guide: UMI Publications, in cooperation with NASCAR, has released the Official 2002 NASCAR Preview and Press Guide. The 456-page magazine, credited as the largest preseason publication for any major sport in America, is packed full of feature stories, statistics, bios, team updates, track info, schedules, race recaps and more leading into the 2002 season. Weighing more than two pounds, the Official 2002 NASCAR Preview and Press Guide is the only preseason publication covering all 12 NASCAR Racing Series’ including the NASCAR Winston Cup Series, NASCAR Busch Series, NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series and the NASCAR Weekly Racing Series presented by Dodge. The Official 2002 NASCAR Preview and Press Guides retails for $9.95 and is available at all Wal-Mart locations nationwide, on newsstands everywhere and at UMIpub.com. A special edition track poster will be included with all press guides purchased at Wal-Mart. In addition to the Official 2002 NASCAR Preview and Press Guide, UMI Publications has produced the NASCAR Winston Cup Yearbook since 1988. The yearbook is a complete record of the NASCAR Winston Cup season and has been produced for every season dating back to 1973.(NASCAR PR)(2-7-2002)
VA License Plates: Virginia House Bill 96, sponsored by Delegate Allen W. Dudley (R-Rocky Mount), has been approved by the Virginia House of Delegates on a 96-4 vote and sent to the Senate for consideration. This bill would authorize the Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV), upon receipt of 350 prepaid applications for a particular plate, to issue license plates commemorating any driver, track or other aspect of motorsports. For example, after receiveing 350 prepaid applications for a plate commemorating Dale Earnhardt, the Commissioner of DMV would be authorized to issue an Earnhardt plate. This measure passed the House last year, but was tabled in the Senate Tranportation Committee. NASCAR fans in Virginia can let their State Senator know they support the proposal, by going to the following page: VA General Assmebly – Who’s My Legislator?(2-7-2002)
News on the Winston: The purse for The Winston all-star event, held annually at Lowe’s Motor Speedway since 1987, will increase to $3 million this season, up from $2 million in 2001. Entering the 2002 season, there are 24 teams eligible for the all-star event, scheduled for May 18. The winner of the event is expected to receive a minimum of $500,000 – the maximum amount awarded last season.(ThatsRacin.com)(2-7-2002)
Point Fund Increases: the Winston Cup points fund has increased from just over $13 million to $14 million this season, an increase of $880,000. The change will give the series points champion a payoff of $3,750,000, an increase of $150,000 over 2001. For the first time, the second- and third-place finishers in the points race will take home checks totaling more than $1 million – $1.44 million and $1.05 million respectively.(ThatsRacin.com)(2-7-2002)
Earnhardts on TV Guide: In its February 16 NASCAR preview issue (on newsstands Monday), TV Guide magazine is honoring the Earnhardt legacy with a set of two holographic covers, one featuring the late Dale Earnhardt, and the other featuring his son, Dale Earnhardt Jr.(Daytona Beach News Journal)(2-7-2002)
Stewart in the Booth UPDATE: Tony Stewart will join the NASCAR on TNT broadcast booth as a special contributor during all three races being aired on TNT from Daytona Beach, FL. Beginning this weekend, Stewart will do analysis for the Budweiser Shootout on Sun., Feb. 10, Daytona Twin 125s on Thurs., Feb. 14, and the GNC Live Well 300 [BGN race]. He will join Turner Sports’ announce team of play-by-play Allen Bestwick, analysts Benny Parsons and Wally Dallenbach, along with pre-race host Bill Weber and pit reporters Dave Burns, Marty Snider and Matt Yocum.(Turner PR)(2-6-2002)
UPDATE: Tony Stewart is a “Special Contributor” who will appear in all 4 of TNT’s broadcasts’ from Daytona: He will share his experiences during SpeedWeeks and will offer insight on every aspect of racing at Daytona.
Bud Shootout – contributes from Wagon on Pit road with Bill Weber in pre-race
Twin 125’s – will where headset and hand mic from hauler or wherever he goes during race he is not in
Happy Hour – will meet with pit reporter at conclusion, based on time constraints
Busch Race – will join Bill Weber on Wagon for entire race and will be contributing as a special analyst(2-7-2002)
Budweiser Shootout….Bodine out? UPDATE 2 No In: here is a rule I had not heard of or seen elsewhere, from a Fox Sports article – Guns a blazin for Shootout: “To get in [the Budweiser Shootout], a driver must have earned a pole position in the previous season or have won a previous Shootout and finished in the top 50 in points. This year a record 22 drivers are eligible, including six first-time pole winners from 2001.” So since Geoffrey Bodine was not in the top 50 in drivers points in 2001, so guess he is out. For more info see my Bud Shootout 2002 page
BUT the Daytona Intl Speedway site has Bodine listed in the Shootout in column: Traffic Will Be Fast And Furious In Budweiser Shootout
UPDATE: NASCAR sources tell me Bodine is eligible for the Budweiser Shootout and plans to run the race(2-4-2002)
UPDATE 2: Geoffrey Bodine will drive a [#09] Phoenix Racing Ford in Sunday’s Budweiser Shootout. Bodine, a former winner of the event, also will attempt to qualify for the Daytona 500 in a Phoenix Racing entry Saturday. Jason Leffler, who won a pole last year but lost his Chip Ganassi Racing ride, will not drive in the Shootout. Leffler is driving in the Truck Series for Ultra Motorsports this season. That leaves 22 drivers in the race, with the starting order to be determined today. (Daytona Beach News Journal)(2-7-2002)
New NASCAR.com site…coming up UPDATE it’s up and running and Chats: NASCAR.com, the official Web site of NASCAR, re-launches on Wednesday, February 6, with a new look and format that provides easier navigation and print capabilities for NASCAR fans. NASCAR.com will continue to offer NASCAR fans all of the popular content and features they currently enjoy, including important news and notes from all of NASCAR’s drivers, teams and tracks; video and audio feeds; official up-to-the-minute point standings; the animated series The Kellys; exclusive driver chats; and an improved subscriber-based version of RaceCast. The site will also attempt to mirror its fans race week focus by following a set format of coverage. Also NASCAR.com has scheduled a live Web cast for Feb. 7, giving fans the chance to talk to drivers from Daytona anytime between 10:00am and 3:00pm. NASCAR.com writers Marty Smith and Tim Packman will conduct the interviews, taking questions from fans who will post their questions through the NASCAR.com chat room.(NASCAR PR)(2-5/7-2002)
Grissom tests for Petty: Petty Enterprises test specialist Steve Grissom took driver’s seat of the #44 Georgia Pacific Dodge during a two-day, fact-finding test at Kentucky Speedway. “We have some things we’re trying for the (Petty Enterprises) teams – a little bit of chassis stuff, a little bit of aero stuff,” Grissom said. “It’s our responsibility to try some different things to see what works and doesn’t work. It’s all about getting it to Daytona and getting it (the NASCAR Winston Cup season) started.” Grissom said he is optimistic about Petty Enterprises chances for a successful 2002 season. “They definitely made a lot of moves both last year and this year, but it’s something that takes time,” he said. “They have Robin Pemberton on board now and a completely different engine program, so that’s definitely going help. It’s all about getting it to Daytona and getting it started off.” Grissom made one BGN start in 2001 and said he has no immediate plans to race full time in 2002. “We’ve been pretty busy doing ‘R&D’ work and it looks like we’re going to continue to be pretty busy.”(Kentucky Speedway PR)(2-7-2002)

(2-6-2002)
Andretti a clone? UPDATE an image: hearing the #43 Cheerios Dodge and driver John Andretti will sport a special Star Wars Episode II: Attack of the Clones movie scheme in 2002. The movie is scheduled for release in May, been told the scheme will run in The Wintson and thew Coca Cola 600 at Lowes Motor Speedway(2-5-2002)
UPDATE: Got an image of the scheme, check it out on my Paint Schemes Gallery(2-6-2002)
Kyle and Garfield? UPDATE actually the #43 and Garfield: hearing Kyle Petty will have a special Garfield (cartoon character) scheme in 2002 on the #45 Sprint Dodge but it will not race on the track but be a promotional/show car, such as the #29 Oreo Car was in 2001.(2-5-2002)
UPDATE: got a layout image of the car and it’ll be used on the #43 Dodge as a promotional tool, an announcement of some sort with Petty Enterprises is scheduled for Tuesday, Feb 12th at Daytona. See my Paint Schemes Gallery for the image(2-6-2002)
No Leffler in Shootout: Jason Leffler, who as a rookie for Chip Ganassi Racing last season won a pole for the Winston Cup race at Kansas Speedway, will not participate in Sunday’s Budweiser Shootout, a 70-lap race featuring pole winners and past winners of the event. Leffler has since joined Ultra Motorsports and will drive its #2 Dodge Truck in the CTS this season. “I wish I were in the Shootout,” Leffler said Wednesday. “We hoped to have a car from Ultra Motorsports, but since they were late in signing their sponsor, they got behind in getting things ready for Casey (Atwood).” Leffler’s withdrawal leaves 22 entries for Sunday’s Shootout, an event record. There were 18 entries last season.(ThatsRacin.com)(2-6-2002)
IROC restrained: All International Race of Champions Series [IROC] drivers will be required to wear head-and-neck restraint devices during practice and races this season, said IROC’s George Signore. The IROC rule will be the same as the NASCAR rule, with drivers choosing between the Hutchens Device and the HANS device. Five IROC drivers — Buddy Lazier, Sam Hornish, Helio Castroneves, Danny Lasoski and Scott Sharp — were at Daytona International Speedway testing on Tuesday, as were IROC test drivers Jim Sauter, Dick Trickle, Dave Marcis and Andy Hillenburg.(Daytona Beach News Journal)(2-6-2002)

(2-5-2002)
Petree #33 Sponsor? UPDATE 2 Yep Autoliv: hearing #33 Chevy owner, Andy Petree, is close to signing a sponsor, not sure if it is a one race deal for the Daytona 500 or a full year sponsor. Mike Wallace is slated to drive the car in the Daytona 500.(2-1-2002)
UPDATE: Andy Petree Racing will announce later today a one-race sponsorship deal involving driver Mike Wallace and the team’s #33 Chevy for the season-opening Daytona 500 on Feb. 17, said sources close to the situation. Petree has been in the hunt for a sponsor for the #33 car since 2001-season sponsor Oakwood Homes announced in early 2001 that it wouldn’t be returning for the 2002 season.(Daytona Beach News Journal)(2-5-2002)
UPDATE 2: Autoliv Inc. the safety technology innovator and world’s largest supplier of automotive safety systems has signed with Andy Petree Racing Inc. as its primary sponsor for the Daytona 500 race this month. Autoliv will sponsor the #33 car driven by Mike Wallace. “The opportunity to participate as a primary sponsor in one of the world’s greatest sporting events is a big thrill for all of us at Autoliv,” said Chipp Jackson, communications manager for Autoliv North America. “It’s exciting to be teamed with Andy Petree Racing and driver Mike Wallace. Andy Petree Racing has impressed us with all aspects of its operation. This sponsorship is a natural extension of the safety technology awareness and testing services we have provided to a number of the race teams.” Autoliv Inc. develops and manufactures automotive safety systems for all major automotive manufacturers in the world. Together with its joint ventures, Autoliv has close to 80 facilities with almost 30,000 employees in more than 30 vehicle-producing countries. In addition, the company has eight technical centers around the world, including 19 test tracks, more than any other automotive safety supplier. Sales in 2001 amounted to US $3.99 billion.. The company.s shares are listed on the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE: ALV) and its Swedish Depository Receipts on the OM Stockholm Stock Exchange (SSE: ALIV).(Williams Company PR)(2-5-2002)
More on the Haas-Carter/Kmart sitiuation UPDATE Kmart wants out of the Daytona 500: hearing that the reason Kmart will stay on the #26 and #66 Fords is that their February payment was made before the Chapter 11 filing and that the Kmart decals will come off the cars after Rockingham. See past news on my #26 Team News and Links page(2-5-2002)
UPDATE: Kmart Corp. has requested a bankruptcy court’s permission to opt out of a sponsorship agreement with the Daytona 500. The discount retailer, which sought Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection Jan. 22 in Chicago, called the Daytona 500 contract an unnecessary use of its much-needed cash. The Troy-based company filed its request Monday with Judge Susan Pierson Sonderby, who is scheduled to render her decision Feb. 13. In April 2000, Kmart agreed to pay International Speedway Corp., a motorsports promoter and racetrack owner, $685,000 this year and $735,000 next year to become an official corporate sponsor and official mass retailer of the Daytona 500, which will be held Feb. 17. Kmart also chose not to seek renewal of its deal to sponsor the race known for three years as the Kmart 400, Michigan International Speedway spokesman Jeff Bleiler told The Jackson Citizen Patriot. Until the speedway signs a deal with a new sponsor, the June 16 race in Brooklyn, Mich., will be called the Michigan 400. Bleiler and Kmart spokesman Dave Karraker said Kmart’s three-year deal to sponsor the June race expired last year. Karraker said Tuesday that Kmart’s decision not to renew its sponsorship of the MIS race was made last year and was unrelated to its bankruptcy filing.(Sporting News/AP)(2-5-2002)
Pfizer Men’s Health Tune-up for Life: The 2002 Mark Martin Health Challenge is a new addition to the Pfizer Men’s Health Tune-up for Life program, a national men’s health awareness initiative that was introduced in February 2000. For the past two years, the program has traveled throughout the country with the NASCAR Winston Cup Series to encourage and help fans to learn more about their own health. At the conclusion of the 2001 racing season, the program had provided free health screenings for almost 50,000 race fans and participants since its inception. This season the pharmaceutical company is taking it a step further, encouraging fans to take the lessons of health away from the track – and back. Fans can enter the program by getting health screenings at the spring events at Daytona, Atlanta, Bristol, Talldega, Richmond and Charlotte, and then if they have shown improvement in one area when the series returns later in the season, they will get a chance to race on a NASCAR simulator, with each track designating a champion that will get to meet with Mark Martin one-on-one and spend the day with one guest in the Winston Cup pits.(SpeedVision)(2-5-2002)
Touring Series Races on TV: NASCAR and SPEED Channel have announced a new cable television package that will feature NASCAR Touring series races, Monday evenings beginning at 8:00pm/et. The races will air as part of “NASCAR TV” on SPEED Channel, the first channel-within-a-channel devoted to a single sport. “NASCAR TV” is scheduled to premiere on Monday, Feb. 11 when the cable network now known as Speedvision officially re-launches as SPEED Channel. Eight NASCAR Touring series currently race in different regions of the United States – including the Busch North Series, Featherlite Modified Series, Featherlite Southwest Series, Goody.s Dash Series, Hills Bros All Pro Series, Raybestos Brakes Northwest Series, RE/MAX Challenge Series and the NASCAR Winston West Series. Tape-delayed coverage of these series events on “NASCAR TV” begins with the season-opening events for the NASCAR Winston West Series and Featherlite Southwest Series, which took place at Phoenix on Feb. 2. These races will be televised, respectively, on Feb. 25 and March 4. Coverage continues with the Goody’s Dash Series race from Daytona on Feb. 9, which will be broadcast on ‘NASCAR TV’ on Monday, March 18.(NASCAR PR)(2-5-2002)
America’s Most Wanted Team: America’s Most Wanted (AMW) and Body Dynamics Racing are still working to put together the AMW Winston Cup or Busch racing team for the 2002-2003 racing season. They are still trying to secure the funding from corporate or private sector underwriters to put the project together. The program is designed that one missing child (a different child per event), the AMW logo, and the 800-CRIME-TV contact number will be placed on a car with the corporate underwriters Logos during each NASCAR racing event in visible locations. In addition to the race teams exposure, the underwriters can receive up to ($1.5 million dollars) worth of exposure with in show content on the America ’s Most Wanted television show with host John Walsh. In addition to the AMW project Body Dynamics Racing is working to put together a second team in house and are looking to secure sponsorship for that team as well.(more info at the Body Dynamics Racing site)(2-5-2002)
TV Stuff – Scheds – no practice on TV? UPDATE: 2002 Motor Sports TV Schedule Summary from MotorsportsTV, links to different TV Scheds. Also MotorsportsTV is reporting that the NASCAR practice sessions [with the exception of Happy Hour on the 16th which TNT will air before the BGN race] from Daytona have received extensive TV coverage in recent years on ESPN and Fox Sports Net. This year it appears that race fans will get no TV coverage for Daytona practice other than Happy Hour. MotorpsortsTV has checked with numerous outlets to see if anyone will be covering these practice sessions, and it appears no one is stepping up to televise them and has confirmed with SpeedChannel [was SpeedVision] that they do not have the broadcast rights for these sessions.(2-4-2002)
UPDATE: hearing the reason for the lack of practice coverage is NBC (TNT/CNN-si) is committed to covering the Olympics in Utah(2-5-2002)
Jarrett Shop: Dale Jarrett Inc. unveiled its new $3 million, 25,000-square-foot headquarters in Catawba County [NC] to the public last week. The facility houses corporate offices for 12 employees, a 5,000-square-foot showroom, the Jarrett fan club and a retail shop — all open to fans during race season. The new facility replaces a 14,000-square-foot Conover building Jarrett sold last year, along with a Busch Series race team [not in operations any longer]. The facility doesn’t include a race-car shop..(Business Journal)(2-5-2002)
Sad News: Todd Senneker, the 2001 Berlin Raceway Sportsman Rookie of the Year, died in a snowmobile accident on Friday, February 1. He was killed when his snowmobile ran off a trail and struck a tree at about 8:30 p.m. in Luce County’s McMillan Township in the eastern Upper Peninsula, state police said. The 20-year old was a 1999 graduate of Wayland Union High School. He graduated in the top 10 in his class and was attending Grand Rapids Community College, working toward a degree in engineering. Todd was the youngest driver in a family rich with racing tradition. His brother, 22-year-old Terry Jr., was the 2001 Berlin Raceway Late Model Rookie of the Year. Todd¹s father, Terry Sr., was also a successful driver, as was his uncle, Bob Senneker, the winningest driver in ASA (American Speed Association) history. Todd captured his first and only Sportsman victory on July 7, 2001. Visitation will be at the Archer, Hampel, and Kubiak Funeral Home, Dorr Chapel, 4330 18th Street, Dorr, MI 49323, on Monday, Feb. 4, from 6 to 8 p.m. and Tuesday, Feb. 5, from 1 to 3 p.m. and from 6 to 8 p.m. The funeral will be held on Wednesday, Feb. 6, at 11 a.m. at Moline Baptist Church, 4428 Chappell, Moline, MI 49335. Berlin Raceway is a 7/16 mile oval asphalt track located in Marne, MI, just west of Grand Rapids. The track is partially owned by Winston Cup driver Johnny Benson.(Berlin Raceway Site)(2-5-2002)

(2-4-2002)
Welcome Back RPM 2 Night: ESPN2’s RPM 2 Night with John Kernan return’s tonight (Feb 4th) at 6:30pm/et [same time all this week]. Also FSN/Speed Channel Totally NASCAR returns on Feb 11th [check local listings for times, 6:30pm/et on Speed Channel and usually 6:00pm local time on FSN]. Also don’t forget the weekly NASCAR Plus on CNN/Si, Monday’s at 7:00pm. See my TV/Media page for more shows, times and news; and my Daytona 500 race Info page for Winston Cup TV info during Speedweeks. Plus Darrell Waltrip, Jeff Hammond and Larry McReynolds will be doing a nightly TV show in Daytona with host Bob Varsha. The show is titled Speedweek and will be shown on Speed Channel (which is currently SpeedVision). It airs Monday Feb 11 – Friday Feb 15 from 8:00 – 9:00pm/et.(see my Appearances/Chats pagefor this weeks chats with DW, Hammond [Darth] and Larry Mac). ALSO in two weeks the return of Inside Winston Cup Racing on SpeedChannel with Allen Bestwick, Johnny Benson, Ken Schrader, and Michael Waltrip on Feb 18th(2-4-2002)
New #32 Assoc Sponsor: Diamond Cut Jeans, a privately owned company manufacturing unique jeans, featuring a gusset sewn into the stride, has signed an agreement with PPI Motorsports to be an associate sponsor of the #32 Tide Ford beginning in 2002. The Diamond Cut Jeans logo will be featured prominently on the rear quarter panel of the team’s Ford Taurus fleet, driven by Ricky Craven. The PPI Motorsports road crew and personnel will exclusively wear their jeans at all NASCAR events. Diamond Cut Jeans, headquartered in Nocona, TX, currently sell through 400 retail outlets in the United States and Canada with more being added daily.(PPI Motorsports PR)(2-4-2002)
Winston back on a car? Less than a month ago, Kmart’s support of Haas-Carter Motorsports seemed secure despite its financial woes. But Kmart said last week it is suspending its sponsorship of the #26 and #66 Fords, driven by Joe Nemechek and Todd Bodine, and its presenting sponsorship of the Daytona 500. Kmart filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy last month. Could this be the impetus that helps put the Winston brand back on a racecar in Winston Cup? Because of the national tobacco settlement, R.J. Reynolds tobacco brands had to withdraw their backing of all sports besides Winston Cup racing but can exercise their right to advertise in NASCAR. This would be a great time to reunite with owner Travis Carter, who says Haas-Carter has enough resources to run the 26 and 66 cars in the first two Cup races, at Daytona and Rockingham.(Sporting News)(2-4-2002)

(2-3-2002)

Said to drive three Cup races? hearing from some readers who watched the Rolex 24 at Daytona, that Boris Said mentioned he was planning on driving three Cup races in 2002, Sears Point, Watkins Glen and Indianpolis for the Jasper Motorsports team. Didn’t say if he would be in a 2nd car or the #77 Ford, but can’t imagine regular driver Dave Blaney giving up the seat for a few races(2-3-2002)
24 Hours of Daytona: The #27 Doran Lista Judd Dallara took the lead in the 20th hour from the #37 Intersport Racing Judd Lola and stayed in front the rest of the way to capture the 40th anniversary of thee Rolex 24 At Daytona. The team of Didier Theys, Fredy Lienhard, Max Papis and Mauro Baldi claimed the victory in the twice-around-the-clock event by a margin of six laps over the runner-up #36 Jim Matthews Racing Elan Riley & Scott driven by Guy Smith, Jim Matthews, Scott Sharp and Robby Gordon. The winner’s average speed was 106.142 mph. #8 Rand Racing/Risi Competizione Nissan Lola with drivers Anthony Lazzaro, Bill Rand, Terry Borcheller and Ralf Kelleners, finished third overall and captured the SportsRacing Prototype II class. Led by Paul Gentilozzi, the #3 Rocketsports Racing Jaguar captured the GTS class while the #66 The Racer’s Group won the GT class. In the AGT class, the #09 Corvette fielded by Flis Motorsports dominated the competition to capture its first class win in the Rolex 24. Besides Gordon’s runner-up finish, some other Winston Cup veterans had some success in the Rolex 24. Kyle Petty, who shared the driving duties on the #43 Orbit Racing Porsche with Peter Baron, Mike Borkowski, and Leo Hindery, finished sixth in the GT class and 14th overall. Derrike Cope, who was part of the driver team on the #33 Scuderia Ferrari of Washington, finished 14th in the GT class and 25th overall.(DIS PR) more info at the Daytona Beach News Journal/24 Hours site(2-3-2002)
Norris on pole, Schrader 4th in Phoenix UPDATE: former CTS driver Eric Norris captured the pole position at the Winston West Series opener at Phoenix, Austin Cameron starts on the outside of the front row with Cup driver [#36 M&M’s Pontiac], Ken Schrader, the defending champion in each of the NASCAR Winter Heat races, was fourth fastest in Southwest Series qualifying and starts fifth in the Winston West race. Norris is a Hollywood television and film director, having previously directed, Walker, Texas Ranger, which starred his father, Chuck Norris. The show ended last year, and Norris most recently directed a television movie that appeared last week on CBS.(Arizona Republic)(2-2-2002)
UPDATE: Ken Schrader won the NASCAR Featherlite Southwest Series 100-mile race and Austin Cameron took the NASCAR Winston West Series 150-mile race at Phoenix in the second annual NASCAR Winter Heat presented by Bosch. Schrader, who was trying to win both races just as he did last year, was foiled when he was caught up in an early-race accident in the NASCAR Winston West Series event, Schrader finished 9th in the Winston West race. Kurt Busch finished 11th and former Cup driver Stanley Smith finished 8th in the Southwest race(PIR PR), TV for both events are The Winston West scheduled March 4 and Southwest Series March 25, both on Speed Channel.(2-3-2002)

(2-2-2002)
Pruett at Daytona UPDATE drive for Ganassi?: Scott Pruett, who drove for PPI Motorsports in team owner Cal Wells’ rookie season [2000] on the Winston Cup circuit, and Paul Gentilozzi are teaming up for this year’s Feb. 2-3 Rolex 24 at Daytona. Pruett and Gentilozzi are two of the drivers who won the 24-hour race in 1994. In addition to Pruett, Gentilozzi, a Trans-Am driver whose Rocketsports Racing team is fielding a Jaguar XKR in the race’s GTS class, will be joined by Brian Simo and Michael Lauer.(Winston Cup Scene – need sub to read)(1-31-2002)
UPDATE: As for what’s ahead in Pruett’s racing career, it will be a little of this and a little of that. “I probably will do a couple of Winston Cup road courses for (Chip) Ganassi, probably end up doing a little bit of TV stuff, maybe do a few Trans Am races, and who knows, maybe you might even see me in a few Busch races,” said Pruett.(Daytona Beach News Journal)(2-2-2002)
#80/Shelmerdine/Hooters and the Screaming Eagles Hooters of America, Inc., operator and franchiser of Hooters Restaurants, has reached an agreement on a one-race sponsorship with Kirk Shelmerdine and Hover Racing for the Daytona 500 later this month. Shelmerdine, who won four Winston Cup titles as crew chief for the late Dale Earnhardt (1986, 1987, 1990, 1991), will pilot the #80 Hooters Ford prepared by Stan Hover Racing based in Salisbury, NC. Shelmerdine is no stranger to Daytona International Speedway having competed in the ARCA RE/MAX Series on the famed 2.5-mile oval. Shelmerdine started from the pole position last year at Daytona in the ARCA race. “Daytona has been a good track for me over the years and I’ve had reasonable success there,” said Shelmerdine. “I’m very excited about this opportunity to bring Hooters Restaurants back to Daytona, and I’m looking forward to seeing how successful I can be at the Winston Cup level.” Shelmerdine has enjoyed a successful career as a driver after turning in his wrench for a steering wheel full-time after the 1992 season. Shelmerdine has competed in several NASCAR Touring Series since 1993 and has enjoyed wins in the ARCA RE/MAX Series. Shelmerdine has two wins in ARCA competition (Atlanta .98, Lowe.s .99) and won four pole awards including last year at Daytona in the ARCA race. Hooters makes its first return to Winston Cup racing since the end of the 1996 season when the Atlanta-based restaurant chain sponsored Rick Mast [#1 car for Richard Jackson]. Hooters also sponsored Alan Kulwicki during his 1992 Winston Cup championship season. The familiar Hooters Owl has also perched on the pole for the Daytona 500 when Loy Allen became the first rookie to ever win the Bud Pole in 1994. While the sponsorship deal is just for this one race both Hooters and Shelmerdine are excited about this opportunity at the ‘Super Bowl’ of motorsports. “This is a really big opportunity for me and considering the success Hooters has had in Winston Cup racing, I am proud to be associated with Hooters,” said Shelmerdine.(Hooters Racing PR)
AND Screaming Eagles: the #80 team also has an associate sponsor that will be on board the #80 Hooters Ford, the 101st Airborne Division Association (Screaming Eagles), in honor of all our past and present servicemen.(2-2-2002)
Ward news: Hunting apparel manufacturer Natural Gear announced today that they will become the official camouflage of veteran NASCAR’s Ward Burton, driver of the #22 Caterpillar Dodge owned by Bill Davis, and his Wildlife Foundation. Natural Gear will become a corporate partner with the Ward Burton Wildlife Foundation through contributions to the Foundation and has pledged to promote the Foundation’s conservation message through a variety of media outlets, including Natural Gear’s new television show Wildlife Quest, set to debut in June of 2002 on ESPN. Joint projects between the two organizations will include a special hunt filmed in Virginia featuring Ward as a special guest with host Shane Jones. The episode will give special attention to the role the Foundation plays in conservation, especially through teaching the important principles of conservation to the youngest and newest generations of hunters. The Ward Burton Wildlife Foundation is a fast growing conservation organization dedicated to promoting an awareness for the need for proper stewardship of America’s natural resources through preservation and education. Visit their web site at www.thewardburtonwildlifefoundation.org.(2-2-2002)
Talladega Testing: Jason Jarrett will be behind the wheel of the Robert Yates Racing #88 UPS Ford today at Talladega Superspeedway, helping the NASCAR team usually piloted by his father Dale Jarrett. Jason Jarrett drove south to Talladega from his home in North Carolina on Thursday to watch his father test the #88 Ford. On Saturday, Jason is set to take the wheel. After the practice session, Jason Jarrett will then make his way to Daytona where he is entered in the season-opening ARCA RE/MAX Series event at Daytona on Feb. 10. Friday’s test session was the second practice at Talladega Superspeedway this week for Robert Yates Racing. The #28 team was at Talladega earlier in the week. Joining the #88 team for the two-day test session was the #41 Dodge belonging to Chip Ganassi and driven by Steadman Marlin (Sterling’s son), along with the Haas/Carter Motorsports two-car Ford team – the #26 with Joe Nemechek and the #66 with Todd Bodine.(Talladega Superspeedway PR), #77-Dave Blaney and the Jasper Engines team is also at Talladega testing today(2-2-2002)
Jarrett Named Spokesman: International Truck and Engine Corp. has named Dale Jarrett [#88 UPS Ford] as its official spokesman. Jarrett will appear at dealer events and trade shows, as well as participation in print and radio advertisements along with each of this year’s four International Truck Challenge events, a race series for NASCAR Winston Cup hauler drivers.(Tailer/Body Builders Magazine Site)(2-2-2002)
Congrats: NASCAR.com staff writer Tim Packman has won first place for having the best column in 2001 in the Internet Writer’s category from the Eastern Motorsports Press Association. In addition to that award, he also took second place in the feature story competition, as well. Packman wrote a column in October titled, “We’ve said enough goodbyes” after the death of Blaise Alexander in an ARCA race at Lowe’s Motor Speedway. The column also touched upon safety in racing and the death of Dale Earnhardt. The second place feature story was called, “Dale Earnhardt changed the face of NASCAR” and was written after the seven-time champion died in a last-lap accident at Daytona last February. The story is part of the Earnhardt Tribute section on NASCAR.com. The winning column comes with a $100 prize and a plaque. Packman is going to donate the money to a charitable organization that honors the memory of Alexander.(NASCAR.com)(2-2-2002)
Payback? ESPN suffered through the 2001 NASCAR Winston Cup season after being banned from taking interviews and footage from inside the tracks, may now be prepared to do the same thing to other networks and production companies for the 2002 NHRA season. With the 2002 season set to start next weekend at Pomona, ESPN has barred MSW Productions, which handles the coverage for the Fox Sports Net show Motor Sports Weekly and also recently signed a deal with the rival International Hot Rod Association, from shooting any footage during an NHRA event. The NHRA stands behind the decision although a series spokesman said that the ban was not a blanket coverage like the FOX NASCAR ban, and was being imposed on a case-by-case basis.(SpeedVision)(2-2-2002)

(2-1-2002)
Haas Carter Motorsports Statement: Haas Carter Motorsports plans to field two NASCAR Winston Cup Series cars for both the Daytona 500 at Daytona International Speedway and the North Carolina 400 at North Carolina Speedway. The #26 Ford Taurus, driven by Joe Nemechek and #66 Ford Taurus, driven by Todd Bodine will both carry the Kmart logos during each race. Bodine’s Kmart Ford will also be represented in the February 10 Bud Shootout at Daytona. The team continues to evaluate its sponsorship situation.(Cox Marketing)
AND – Kmart Statement: Kmart Corporation (NYSE:KM) confirmed today that the #26 Kmart School Spirit Ford driven by Joe Nemechek and the #66 Kmart Ford driven by Todd Bodine will participate in the upcoming Daytona 500 and the North Carolina [Subway] 400. Todd Bodine will also drive the #66 Kmart Ford in the February 10 Bud Shootout at Daytona. Both of Kmart’s NASCAR vehicles are prepared by Haas-Carter Motorsports. Kmart continues to evaluate its NASCAR sponsorship as part of its current Chapter 11 restructuring.(Golin/Harris PR)(2-1-2002)
Petree Sponsor? hearing #33 Chevy owner, Andy Petree, is close to signing a sponsor, not sure if it is a one race deal for the Daytona 500 or a full year sponsor. Mike Wallace is slated to drive the car in the Daytona 500.(2-1-2002)
No Atlanta Exhibit: The Atlanta History Center has dropped its plans to create a $7 million exhibit that would have traced the history of NASCAR racing from its infancy to the present. Rick Beard, executive director of the History Center, said corporate executives seemed to like the concept of “Speed and Spirit, NASCAR in America” but weren’t willing to help pay the cost. The History Center spent months of work — and more than $425,000 of its own funds — on the project before it was suspended. The exhibit, which was to be a joint project with the Smithsonian, was to have opened in March 2003 at the History Center and then be taken to six or seven other cities. The History Center hopes to use the material already gathered, including numerous interviews with drivers past and present, in a smaller exhibit sometime in the future.(Atlanta Journal Constitution)(2-1-2002)
Gibbs #18 Assoc Sponsor: Joe Gibbs Racing and Pillowtex Corporation announced that leading home fashions brand Cannon will be an associate sponsor for the 2002 season of the Joe Gibbs Racing #18 Winston Cup car driven by Bobby Labonte. The Daytona 500 on February 17 will be Cannon’s first appearance on the racetrack. Pillowtex Corporation, with corporate offices in Kannapolis, N.C., is one of America’s leading producers of household textiles including towels, sheets, rugs, pillows, mattress pads, feather beds, comforters, and decorative bedroom and bath accessories. The Cannon brand features affordable, high-quality bath and bedding products for the today’s home. The Company’s other brands include Fieldcrest, Royal Velvet, Charisma and private labels.(Joe Gibbs Racing PR)(2-1-2002)
USS George Washington Visit: Other than sore knees and an occasion bumped head, no injuries were reported during a visit by seven racers to the aircraft carrier USS George Washington (CVN-73) off the coast of Virginia. The group featured 1998 Indy 500 winner Eddie Cheever, 2001 IRL champion Sam Hornish, record-setting motorcycle drag racer Larry “Spiderman” McBride, CTS drivers Rick Crawford and Jimmy Hensley, and BGN driver Andy Houston and his crew chief, Tony Liberati. The tour was arranged by Chuck Hall, media and marketing director of Langley Speedway, a NASCAR-sanctioned weekly track in Hampton, VA. The group – plus three other non-racing guests – left the Norfolk (Va.) Naval Station at noon Wednesday on a C-2A Greyhound for the 30-minute flight over the Atlantic Ocean. They experienced the thrill of a tailhook landing, spent 25 hours on the nuclear-powered carrier, then had a C-2A “cat launch” from the deck on Thursday for the return to Norfolk. While aboard they watched several types of Navy jets and prop plans launched and recovered in daylight and darkness. They watched many of the cat launches from 60 feet of the catapults on the 4.5-acre deck and were privileged to watch late-night operations from the bridge with the Captain. They toured the ship bow to fantail, and from near the bottom to the top (thus the sore knees and bumped heads). Commanding Officer Capt. William J. McCarthy and Executive Officer Capt. K.M. Donegan and the entire crew and air wing were incredibly generous with their time and patient with the questions. The racers sat for two 90-minute autograph sessions, during which they handed out thousands of posters, phone cards, schedules, pictures and team brochures. The ship will continue flight qualifications for several weeks, then return to Norfolk. After another round of sea trials, the seven ships of the GW Battle Group is expected to deploy to the Middle East in late April or early May.(2-1-2002)
Sad News: Ronald Laney of Humble Texas suffered a fatal sprint car crash, leading the B Main event on opening night of the 4th annual King of the 360’s, Wednesday night at East Bay Raceway. It was the second fatality in the tracks 26 year history.(East Bay Raceway Site)(2-1-2002)

February 2002 News Archives

(2-28-2002)

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(2-26-2002)

(2-25-2002)

(2-24-2002)

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(2-18-2002)

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(2-13-2002)

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(2-1-2002)