July 2005 Busch Series Archive

News regarding Shane Hmiel’s suspension can be found on the Hmiel Suspension page.
Kenny Wallace gets a full sponsor: ppc Racing and AutoZone, Inc. announced Saturday that AutoZone will be the primary sponsor of the #22 ppc Racing Ford Taurus driven by Kenny Wallace in the NASCAR Busch Series beginning with the race at Indianapolis Raceway Park [IRP] on August 6. “With Kenny Wallace and ppc Racing, we are certain our customers and all fans of the NASCAR Busch Series will see exciting racing,” said Bill Rhodes, President and CEO of AutoZone. Kenny is a great spokesperson for racing and we are confident NASCAR fans will support this team and AutoZone in this new partnership.”
“I can’t tell you how excited I am about AutoZone’s commitment to sponsor me and ppc Racing on the #22 Ford Taurus,” said Kenny Wallace. “I know that we’re going to have a great-looking race car to unveil next week at IRP. I am particularly excited to join in this announcement this weekend at Gateway as we take part in The Wallace Family Tribute 250 presented by Shop ‘n Save. I owe so much to my parents and my brothers for all that they have done, and am truly honored by the showing of support that we have received from the City of St. Louis and the surrounding area, and all of the people associated with NASCAR racing, I can’t think of a better way to top off this week than to win the race tonight and then step into my AutoZone car next week at IRP in the final thirteen events as we race for the championship.” More info about AutoZone at www.autozone.com.(ppc Racing PR/Site)(7-31-2005)
Sorenson wins at Gateway: #41-Reed Sorenson won the Wallace Family Tribute 250 at Gateway International Speedway for his 2nd win of the season and of his career, beating #6-Mike Wallace, who was followed by #60-Carl Edwards, #27-David Green and #11-Paul Menard. Pole sitter and points leader finished 26th a lap down, which dropped his points lead to 70 over #2-Clint Bowyer. The other Wallace brothers finished 24th…#22-Kenny and 37th…#64-Rusty who apparently cut down a tire and backed into the inside retaining wall on the frontstretch. Sorenson led the most laps 60, with Stremme leading 54. There were 7 cautions for 36 laps and 10 lead changes among 7 drivers.
Race results at:
ESPN.com
BGNRacing.com
Motorsports One
NASCAR.com.(7-30-2005)
Truex Jr. wins pole at Gateway, new track record: #8-Martin Truex, Jr. won the pole for the Wallace Family Tribute 250 at Gateway International Speedway with a track record speed of 135.022mph, Truex won the pole at Gateway in 2004 also. The top five starters also broke the track record speed: #41-Reed Sorenson, #20-Denny Hamlin, #60-Carl Edwards and #21-Brandon Miller. 2nd thru 5th starting spot are held by rookies. Missing the race are: #73-Jimmy Spencer; #43-A J Fike; #85-John Hayden; #26-Kim Crosby; #52-Eric McClure.
See Starting lineups:
ESPN.com
BGNRacing.com – Starting Lineup
NASCAR.com.(7-30-2005)
Congrats: David Smith-Tilley and fiancee Megan are getting married Saturday July 30. He is the rear tire carrier and the handles marketing for the #32 Winfuel Chevy.(7-29-2005)
Fedewa out of the #12, Marlin in for 2 races.UPDATE 2: FitzBradshaw Racing announced today that Sterling Marlin will assume driving responsibilities for the #12 Dodge Charger for the upcoming races at Gateway International Raceway and Michigan International Speedway. FitzBradshaw Racing Director of Competition Scott Eggleston will serve as crew chief. “After four years running the #12 car, we need to find the right combination to run competitively,” commented team co-owner Armando Fitz. “The Supercuts/HOT TAMALES Dodge has not had a top-10 finish all year. We can’t sit idle. We’ve got to do something.” Marlin will replace driver Tim Fedewa who has been behind the wheel of the #12 Dodge for just over two years. “I’ve been in the NASCAR Busch Series for a long time,” said Fedewa. “I’ve learned over the years that change is part of this business. I am proud to be associated with this series and to have had the opportunity to represent sponsors like Supercuts, HOT TAMALES and Goulds Pumps.” Director of Competition Scott Eggleston will serve as crew chief for Marlin and the #12 team. “This team has made a lot of progress over the past few weeks,” said Eggleston. “Marlin is coming on board to help us continue that progress. Hopefully the changes that are being made will advance the team’s efforts.”(FitzBradshaw Racing PR)(7-25-2005)
UPDATE: Joel Kauffman, current driver in the Hooters Pro Cup Series, has been spending time at the track with the #14 FitzBradshaw Racing team. Kauffman said on Saturday in Pikes Peak that he is talking to the team in hopes of a one to two year deal. If it comes through, the Kauffman signing would not be a part of the Ganassi development/placement program currently linked with FBR.(BGNRacing.com)(7-27-2005)
UPDATE 2: FitzBradshaw Racing announced that current USAR Hooters Pro Cup driver Joel Kauffman will make his NASCAR Busch Series debut driving the #12 Supercuts Dodge Charger at Indianapolis Raceway Park [IRP]. In 2002, at the age of 16, Kauffman won the Sunoco Super Series Championship at Indianapolis Raceway Park. The 19-year-old Indiana native is currently sixth in the Hooters Pro Cup Northern Division standings.(FitzBradshaw Racing PR)(7-28-2005)
Wolfe in the #40 at Gateway: FitzBradshaw Racing says Paul Wolfe will drive the team’s #40 Dodge in this weekend’s Wallace Family Tribute 250 Busch Series race Gateway International Raceway. Wolfe, who has practiced in the car at Kentucky Speedway, made six starts in the series this season in Evernham Motorsports’ #6 Dodge, recording one top-10 and two top-20 finishes.(NASCAR Scene Daily Newsletter)(7-28-2005)
Wallace Family Tribute 250 Presented by Shop ‘n Save: Gateway International Raceway announced updates regarding the events surrounding the upcoming weekend of July 29-30. On Saturday night July 30, “The Wallace Family Tribute 250 presented by Shop ‘n Save” will feature the NASCAR Busch Series on the Gateway 1.25-mile oval. The all-star lineup includes St. Louis natives Rusty, Mikeand Kenny Wallace, Michael Waltrip, Jimmy Spencer, Sterling Marlin, Columbia, Missouri native Carl Edwards and defending Busch Series and 2004 Gateway Race Champion Martin Truex Jr.
The NASCAR Busch event will be run in honor of the ‘First Family of Racing in St. Louis’ – The Wallace Family. Mother-Judy and Father-Russ will serve as the Grand Marshall’s and Rusty Wallace will race in a major NASCAR event in his hometown for the first and last time as he retires at the end of the season.

Rusty Wallace will drive a St. Louis themed race car through sponsorships with the Missouri-Illinois Dodge Dealers and St. Louis Post-Dispatch. The car will feature the Gateway Arch and be available to fans in a die-cast version in promotions with the Post and Dodge.

Nextel Cup driver and Fenton, Missouri native Ken Schrader returns to Gateway to run in the Shop ‘n Save 150 ARCA RE/MAX Series race on Friday night, July 29.

On Friday afternoon, July 29 at 2 PM Gateway will dedicate the grandstand in Turns 1 and 2 in honor of the Wallace Family. Fans and media are invited to the ceremony which will take place in the Brown South Parking area.

On Thursday evening, July 28 along the Mississippi River at the Casino Queen we will host the NASCAR Busch Series “ON TOUR”. The event will include a free concert by country music star Darryl Worley as well as a unique questions & answer and autograph session with drivers Martin Truex, Carl Edwards, Kenny Wallace and David Green. The event is compliments of Busch Beer, Charter, The Bull, Casino Queen and NASCAR and though it is free, a $5 donation to the Special Olympics is appreciated.

Charter Communications will sponsor the Charter Racing Pole Qualifying” and Charter Racing Vision, which features two enormous video screens that will debut at the track during the weekend.

Less than 15,000 tickets remain for this monumental, once-in-a-lifetime race event. The track has already sold more tickets than it sold in total for 2004. Race fans can take advantage of the Post-Dispatch 2-Pack offer featuring two race tickets, Gateway caps and 2-for-1 Papa John’s Pizza for $79 (offer expires July 25). All Infield RV parking spots are sold out for the first time ever.

Richard Petty Driving Experience and Gateway have teamed up to give fans a chance to take a ride in a real stock car on the track on race day just minutes before the green flag drops. Call 1-800-BE-PETTY to make reservations.

Country music star Chris Cagle will play a concert following the Busch Race on the front-stretch of the track compliments of TR Hughes Home Builders. The fans will be allowed on the track for the show following a spectacular fireworks display.

Fans will be encouraged to take the Metro link to the Emerson Park station and ride a shuttle to the track for a $5 per person round-trip fee. Fans can also park ‘n ride at Emerson Park in the auxiliary lot.

The race schedule for the Wallace Family Tribute 250 presented by Shop ‘n Save has been designed to limit traffic woes. Parking gates open at 7:30 AM while facility gates open at 9:30 AM for fans to watch the morning practice from 9:45 – 11:00AM. Charter Racing Pole Qualifying will begin at 3:05 PM, with the Race at 7:15 PM, and the post-race fireworks and concert. Gateway will open all parking areas including the Red Lot on the driving range of the neighboring golf course and the Green Lot across Route 203 and North of the track. Parking in the Green Lot is free and shuttle buses will run before and after the race near the entrance to the facility.(7-26-205)
New crew chief for #23 team: Jeff Schmidt has been installed as the crew chief for Mark Green and the #23 BMAR Chevrolet, Keith Coleman Racing announced. A native of Mayfield, Ky., Schmidt began working at KCR in March and has risen quickly through the ranks to his first crew chief assignment. The 27-year-old has been in NASCAR since 2001 and has worked at Brett Bodine Motorsports, Base Motorsports and Morgan Dollar Motorsports before joining KCR. According to team owner Keith Coleman the team felt Schmidt had more than proven himself worthy of the promotion. “I think when you are evaluating personnel you have to look at more than experience,” said Keith Coleman. “Jeff has done a great deal in a very short time and at every occasion he has met the challenge and has quite often exceeded our expectations. His knowledge and confidence level are well beyond the average person and we feel he is more than ready for this responsibility.”(KCR PR), no word on the status of former crew chief, Mike Byrd.(7-26-2005)
NASCAR Busch Series News and Notes: Gateway
Welcome mat: Green, Menard climb back into Top 10 … David Green’s (#27 Kleenex Ford) thrilling victory at Pikes Peak last Saturday not only was his first win since October 2003, but it vaulted him into ninth place in the NASCAR Busch Series points standings, his highest ranking since finishing seventh in last season’s final standings. Green has been in the Top 10 three other times this season – following California in February and again after Milwaukee and Daytona earlier this month. Likewise, Paul Menard (#11 Menard’s Chevrolet) has re-emerged in the Top 10 in the 10th position, his first foray into the rankings since Las Vegas, when he was ninth. That appearance was Menard’s first Top-10 ranking of his NASCAR Busch Series career, and since then, he has battled back from 18th following the second race at Nashville. Menard is one of the hottest drivers in the series behind points leader Martin Truex Jr. (#8 Bass Pro Shops/TRACKER Chevrolet), who has a 2.8 average finish in his last six races. Menard and Clint Bowyer (#2 ACDelco Chevrolet) are behind Truex in that category, averaging finishes of 7.0 in their last six events. Bowyer, who won the pole at Pikes Peak and finished second in the standings, is 122 points behind Truex.
Young drivers notch career bests … Aaron Fike (#66 Duraflame Ford) and Brandon Miller (#21 Reese’s Chevrolet) have big shoes to fill this season when they step into their cars. Both drivers share rides with former NASCAR Busch Series champions – Fike with Greg Biffle (2002 champion) and Miller with Kevin Harvick (2001). The former champs have had great success in the cars this season – both have won (Harvick twice, Biffle once) and both have been ranked in the Top 10 at one time despite running just 16 and 13 races this year, respectively. Fike and Miller had tough stretches during their turns prior to last Saturday’s race at Pikes Peak. Fike’s best finish in three races in the #66 was 20th at Milwaukee, while Miller’s best effort in his previous six outings was 16th, also at Kentucky. But at Pikes Peak, both drivers had first-ever top-10 finishes; Fike finished eighth, while Miller was 10th. “For me personally, last weekend was a huge step in the right direction,” Fike said. “I know what it takes to be competitive at this level and I’m looking forward to finishing out the season on a high note.” “I feel like a monkey is finally lifted off my back,” Miller said. “Now I feel like I’ve got the momentum going in the right direction for this weekend and I am just looking for another quality finish.” Pikes Peak’s exciting finish reflected in broadcast numbers …
Those who tuned in on TNT to watch David Green’s win at Pikes Peak last Saturday were treated to yet another close NASCAR Busch Series finish. It also contributed to increased households and viewers compared to the same event one year ago on TNT. Households were up 31% over last year (1,923,000 – 1,575,000) while viewers increased 23% (1,481,000 – 1,134,000).
This Week’s Series Leaders … Through 21 races of the 35-race NASCAR Busch Series season:
• Points leader – Martin Truex Jr. Total: 3,006
• Money won – Martin Truex Jr. Total: $1,067,075
• Laps led – Martin Truex Jr. Total: 480
• Miles led – Martin Truex Jr. Total: 779.64
• Victories –Martin Truex Jr. (5)
• Poles – Carl Edwards, Kasey Kahne. (3)
• Top-five finishes – Martin Truex Jr. (11)
• Top-10 finishes – Martin Truex Jr. (14)
• Races led – Martin Truex Jr. (12)
• Weeks in Top 10 – Carl Edwards, Reed Sorenson, Martin Truex Jr. (21)
ON THE RIGHT TRACK
Jason Keller (#35 McDonald’s Ford) is the only driver who has competed in the previous eight races at Gateway. His average finish of 7.7 is sixth-best. Keller leads all drivers in top fives (six) and top 10s (six), and is tied for first with three races led; David Green also has led three times at the 1.25-mile track. … Martin Truex Jr. is the lone former race winner entered in the field. Truex (2004), Ashton Lewis Jr. (#25 U.S. Marine Corps Ford – 2003) and Randy LaJoie (#35 Dollar General Chevrolet – 2002) are the three former Busch Pole winners in the field. Lewis’ pole was the first of his NASCAR Busch Series career.
ETC.
David Green’s victory at Pikes Peak pulled Ford to within eight points of Chevrolet in the Bill France Performance Cup standings. Chevrolet leads with 10 wins and 148 points, but Green’s win gives Ford eight victories and 148 points. It was the first win for Ford in five races. Dodge is third with three wins and 111 points. … Chevrolet has six wins at Gateway, Ford two. … Rusty Wallace is making his first visit to Gateway International Raceway. He has competed in two NASCAR Busch Series races this season, finishing sixth at Mexico City and 24th at Kentucky. Mike Wallace has participated in four series races this year; his best finish was eighth in his last outing at Daytona earlier this month. … The parents of the Wallace brothers – Russ and Judy – will serve as Grand Marshals at Gateway. … In addition to the Wallace brothers, Aaron Fike and his brother, A.J. (#43 Cowboy Crush/Curb Records Dodge) can call Gateway home as well. The Fikes are from Galesburg, Ill. … Martin Truex Jr. led the NASCAR Busch Series points standings for the first time in his career following his win last year at Gateway. He stayed in first the rest of the way to capture his first series championship. … Two-time NASCAR AutoZone Elite Division, Northwest Series champion Kevin Hamlin will again drive the #4 GEICO/PetBrands Dodge. He finished 17th in his debut for Biagi Bros. Racing at Pikes Peak. … The Gateway race is the lone NASCAR national series race on the schedule this weekend. The NASCAR NEXTEL Cup and NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series are off. All three national series will be in Indianapolis next week. This is the next-to-last stand-alone event for the NASCAR Busch Series this year; the series’ final stand-alone is Oct. 22 at Memphis.
FROM THE ARCHIVES
The 1997 NASCAR Busch Series season was a bright one for Elliott Sadler. He collected the first three wins of his career that year, including the inaugural event at Gateway International Raceway. Sadler had captured the second win of his career the previous week at Myrtle Beach, S.C. where he won from the pole, pushing his Gary Bechtel-owned Chevrolet to a new track record for both the pole and the event. At Gateway, Sadler qualified 12th in a field of 42 starters. The race featured NASCAR NEXTEL Cup Series stars Terry Labonte, his brother Bobby, Joe Nemechek, Jimmy Spencer, Dick Trickle and Kyle Petty. A young Dale Earnhardt Jr. made this fourth career NASCAR Busch Series start, finishing 38th after getting caught up in an accident. Sadler led the final 30 laps for his second consecutive victory, defeating Jason Keller by .233 seconds.
FAST FACTS
What: Wallace Family Tribute 250 presented by Shop ‘n Save (Race #22 of 35 in the NASCAR Busch Series).
Where: Gateway International Raceway, Madison, Ill.
When: 8:15 p.m. ET, Saturday, July 30.
Track Layout: 1.25-mile oval.
Race Length: 250 miles/200 laps.
Posted Awards: $1,422,411.
TV: TNT, 8 p.m. ET.
Radio: MRN, XM Satellite.
2004 Winner: Martin Truex Jr.
2004 Polesitter: Martin Truex Jr.
Pre-race schedule (all times local): Fri., July 29: Practice – 6:30 – 7:30 p.m. Sat., July 30 – Practice – 9:45 – 11 a.m. Qualifying – 3:05 p.m. Impound on pit road after qualifying.(NASCAR PR)(7-27-2005)
Another sponsor for Kenny Wallace at Gateway: ppc Racing officials announced Shop ‘n Save and Special Olympics will be associate sponsors on the #22 ppc Racing Ford Taurus with driver Kenny Wallace this weekend at Gateway International Raceway (GIR). Shop ‘n Save will share its space on the car with Special Olympics, the organization’s charity of choice. Logos will be located on the rear-quarter panels of the car. The Wallace Family Tribute 250 is being presented by Shop ‘n Save. Earlier this week, ppc Racing officials announced Whelen Engineering [see below] as the primary sponsor on the #22 ppc Racing Ford Taurus. For additional information, please visit our Web site at www.shopnsave.com.(ppc Racing PR)(7-27-2005)
Young to run at Gateway: After almost a two year absence from the NASCAR Busch Series, Conyers, Georgia native Ron Young returns to action in the series this weekend. He will pilot his family owned #71 RB1 Motorsports Chevrolet in the running of the Wallace Family Tribute 250 on Saturday night at the Gateway International Raceway. Young was back behind the wheel of his car two weeks ago when he tested his #71 Chevrolet at Gateway in preparation for Saturday night’s race. The test went very well for the RB1 Motorsports team which provides them with great expectations even though it has been such a long time since they last competed in the Busch Series. Also providing great expectations is the addition of crew chief Greg Tester this week for the Gateway event. Tester is a veteran in the NASCAR circuit and was last the crew chief for Ryan Hemphill in his impressive ARCA season last year as well as a handful of Busch races with Ryan earlier this season.
Young will be making his 30th career start in the NASCAR Busch Series since his debut in the series at the end of the 2000 season. He has to his credit 15 top-25 finishes in his first 29 starts. Young will be making his third career start at the Gateway International Raceway and he earned his career best finish at the track back in the 2002 season when he came home with a 14th place finish. Young and his RB1 Motorsports team look to run a handful of races during the second half of the 2005 season and then possibly embark on a full schedule for the 2006 season if the proper sponsorship can be secured. The team will be carrying associate sponsorship at Gateway from the WS Hotel & Spa located in downtown St. Louis.(Integrity Sports Marketing PR)(7-27-2005)
#41 special paint scheme at Gateway: The #41 Dodge will be sporting the yellow and blue special paint scheme of Home123. This will be the third time this season for the special paint scheme. Driver Redd Sorenson raced the Home123 Dodge at Bristol and Milwaukee earlier this season. Home123 is headquartered in Irvine, Calif. and is a subsidiary of New Century Financial Corporation(Chip Ganassi Racing with Felix Sabates)(7-27-2005)
Whelen to sponsor Kenny Wallace at Gateway: ppc Racing officials announced today Whelen Engineering will be the primary sponsor on the #22 ppc Racing Ford Taurus race team with driver Kenny Wallace this weekend at Gateway International Raceway (GIR). Since 1952, Whelen Engineering has made LED and Strobe lightbars and lightheads for police, fire and rescue, emergency, DOT and maintenance and construction equipment, all made in the U.S.A.[Whelen also sponsors the #31 and Dave Blaney in about 10 Busch races] “Our company is big on family values,” said Phil Kurze, director of Whelen Motorsports at Whelen Engineering Co. “Kenny Wallace and ppc Racing typifies our philosophy as one big family. Kenny is a dedicated family man. When we realized his need for sponsorship to complete the season after meeting in New Hampshire earlier this month and thought The Wallace Family 250 would be the best race for Whelen to sponsor. Kenny has a great personality and is a regular face seen on TV commercials and shows and represents every sponsor he has had in racing. This is a wonderful opportunity for us at Whelen Engineering and we are pleased to help Kenny and ppc Racing with their run toward the championship.”
Whelen’s outdoor warning sirens are throughout the City of St. Louis and around Gateway International Raceway. These sirens are used to warn people of tornadoes and other natural or man-made disasters. In addition, Whelen’s presence is seen throughout the industrial facilities in East St. Louis. Wallace has four top-10 finishes at GIR while Pollex was the winning car owner in 2003 with driver Scott Riggs.
For over 50 years, Whelen Engineering has researched, designed and developed warning and signaling devices. Whelen’s innovations in LED and Strobe lightbars and lightheads have set the standards for police, fire and rescue, emergency, DOT and maintenance and construction equipment. Whelen has built state-of-the-art aviation lighting since 1952 and its high power voice and siren systems are heard around the globe. Whelen products are designed and manufactured in the U.S.A. For more information, please visit www.whelen.com.(7-26-2005)
Seperate Busch TV deal in the works? NASCAR has informed television networks that it may sell television rights to its Busch Series separately from its next Nextel Cup package, Street & Smith’s SportsBusiness Journal reports. Dick Glover, NASCAR vice president of broadcasting and new media, says the preference is maintain the current Cup-Busch packaging, but no decision has been made. Writer Andy Bernstein reports that insiders predict that Nextel Cup and Busch Series rights will sell for about $500 million a year in the next contract, up from $400 million a year in the current deals with Fox and NBC/TNT.(NASCAR Scene Daily Newsletter)(7-26-2005)
Crew Chief Gordon Fined: NASCAR has announced that Todd Gordon, crew chief for the #10 Ford driven by Brent Sherman in the NASCAR Busch Series, has been fined $2,500 for rules violations that occurred last week at Pikes Peak International Raceway. During opening day inspection on July 21, the #10 was found to have an unapproved third gear transmission ratio, a violation of Section 12-4-CC and Section 12-4-A (actions detrimental to stock car racing) of the 2005 NASCAR Busch Series rule book.(NASCAR PR)(7-26-2005)
David Green wins at Pikes Peak: #27-David Green won the ITT Industries, Systems Division and Goulds Pumps Salute to the Troops 250 presented by Dodge at Pikes Peak International Raceway, his first Busch Series victory since 2003 on Saturday. The win was Green’s 9th of his career. Green passed #2-Clint Bowyer on the last lap and came from 4th with 10 laps to go. Bowyer held on to second, followed by #22-Kenny Wallace, #8-Martin Truex Jr. and #18-J.J. Yeley. #60-Carl Edwards finsihed 34th. #64-Bill Elliott finished sixth. There were 5 cautions for 26 laps and 6 drivers led with 7 lead changes.
Race results at:
ESPN.com
BGNRacing.com
Motorsports One
NASCAR.com.(7-23-2005)
Green comments on future [rewrite]: Former NASCAR Busch Series champion David Green spoke to Sirius Speedway (Sirius Satellite Radio/MRN) about rumors that he has spoken with Hendrick Motorsports about a possible return to the team’s #5 Busch Series Chevrolets next season. Asked to comment on the story, Green said, “It’s interesting you say that. I have not heard anything (about that). As far as I know, we are up for re-signing for next year. My deal with Brewco [#27] each year has been a year deal with an option for the following year. I have had a great time since the start of 2003, and I think toward the end of this month or September, it’s a critical time for Kleenex to re-up for next year, and along with that will come a conversation on my presence here with this team. I have not had any conversation with anybody; Clarence or Todd or anyone else. But I do know that things are going well with their Kleenex program, and I love to represent Kleenex. We’ll see what happens.
Sometimes it’s good to have your name in the rumor mill, and sometimes it’s not. What you’re hearing could be a little bit of news to me, but it always puts a smile on my face.” Asked specifically about the Hendrick rumors, Green said, “Rick Hendrick and the late Ricky (Hendrick) and Lance McGrew and all that team gave me the opportunity of a lifetime in 2002. There’s no question — beyond a shadow of a doubt — that had it not been for them, I would not be here driving. I feel like I would be in my second career, working with a race team. Hopefully, some day, that can be with the Hendrick organization or someone like Robert Yates — one of those two teams — because those are the teams I would love to align myself with after my driving. If there (was) opportunity to do that, I would certainly welcome the opportunity to talk about that. Ricky Hendrick was a great young man who gave me my career back, and now that he’s gone, there’s one thing that I think I still owe him, and that’s to finish out my career (not necessarily as a driver ), but to be with an organization like that and to help that team. That team has been almost like a second home for me, and to race Brian Vickers for the championship in 2003 was very special for me and Ricky and Rick, and the whole party.
“That’s a cool thing to hear, and I would love to hear more about that and see what happens. But first and foremost is the job at hand, and what we’re doing here with Kleenex and the Brewco Team. As you well know, racing is a sport that changes daily. There’s not much security in it, but I’m enjoying what I’m doing now. I want to be competitive, and I feel like this team is turning the corner right now and that we can still represent Kleenex well. It’s all about timing and being in the right situation. This team that Brewco and Kleenex have given me has been like a breath of fresh air. We’re not doing with our job by any means, but we’ve had a tough year and hope to rebound from that for next year. Hopefully these guys will say, “David, we hope to have you back next year and Kleenex wants you back as well,” because I think we have a lot of things that we still owe them. To me, the job’s not done until we get that done. That’s the job at hand.”(Sirius Satellite Radio/MRN)(7-22-2005)
Bowyer wins pole at Pikes Peak: #2-Clint Bowyer won the pole for the ITT Industries, Systems Division and Goulds Pumps Salute to the Troops 250 presented by Dodge [WHEW!] at Pikes Peak International Raceway with a speed of 133.611mph. Rounding out the top-5 are #1-Johnny Sauter, #64-Bill Elliott Dodge, #11-Paul Menard and #6-Casey Atwood. #60-Hank Parker Jr. failed to qualify but the #60 made the field by owners points and is slated to start 42nd, Carl Edwards will race the car and take the short trip to the rear of the field before the start of the race. Points leader, #8-Martin Truex Jr. will start 6th. Failing to make the race were #24-Brad Teague, #72-Dale Quarterley, #90-Clint Vahsholtz, #73-Jennifer Cobb.
See Starting lineups:
ESPN.com
BGNRacing.com – Starting Lineup
NASCAR.com.(7-22-2005)
Four Penalties Result From New Hampsire Infractions:
NASCAR announced today that four penalties have been issued to NASCAR Busch Series competitors as a result of rules infractions last weekend at New Hampshire.
Three penalties were issued to the # 90 Ford team because of an unapproved shock absorber, a violation of Section 12-4-A (Actions detrimental to stock car racing), and Section 12-4-Q (parts and/or equipment used in the Event do not conform to NASCAR rules) of the NASCAR Busch Series rule book. This infraction was discovered during post-race inspection. Elliott Sadler, driver of the #90, was penalized with the loss of 25 NASCAR Busch Series driver championship points. Car owner Robert Yates was penalized with the loss of 25 NASCAR Busch Series owner championship points. Crew chief Todd Parrott was fined $10,000 and placed on probation until Sept. 21.
Chris Rice, crew chief of the #59 Ford driven by Stacy Compton, was fined $5,000 for an unapproved throttle shaft and throttle plates that were too thin, a violation of Section 12-4-A (Actions detrimental to stock car racing), and Section 12-4-Q (parts and/or equipment used in the Event do not conform to NASCAR rules) of the NASCAR Busch Series rule book. This infraction was discovered during opening day inspection.(NASCAR PR)(7-20-2005)
Kenny Wallace gets a sponsor for Pikes Peak: ppc Racing officials announced FreedomRoads, the largest recreational vehicle retailer in the United States, will sponsor the #22 ppc Racing Ford Taurus race team with driver Kenny Wallace this weekend at Pike Peak International Raceway (PPIR). FreedomRoads, located in 21 states, has more than 9,000 RV models to choose from as it looks to consistently deliver highest quality recreational experience to its customers. “Pikes Peak is a great place for FreedomRoads to showcase its brand with the NASCAR Busch Series race this weekend,” said Marcus Lemonis, Chairman and CEO at FreedomRoads. “Race fans will see FreedomRoads and K&C RV on the 22 car this weekend. K&C RV, Colorado’s largest RV dealer with locations in Denver, Golden and Colorado Springs has been part of the FreedomRoads family of dealerships for just over a year. Being associated with a race team that is contending for the championship and running up front will give us the exposure we’re looking for through sports marketing. Many of our FreedomRoads employees and customers will be enjoying the race weekend from the comfort of a recreational vehicle as we cheer on Kenny.” Wallace enters PPIR fifth in NBS driver points standings with nine top-10 finishes this season. He has finished second twice and considers PPIR his favorite track on the schedule. For more information, please visit www.freedomroads.com.(ppc Racing PR)(7-21-2005)
Newman wrecks at Bristol: What was supposed to be a routine practice session at Bristol Motor Speedway instead nearly turned into a catastrophe for NASCAR driver Ryan Newman arrived at Bristol Motor Speedway Tuesday hoping to get in some practice with his #39 Busch car, but his day came to an abrupt end. Only a few laps into the session, Newman hit the wall outside of turn four. Emergency personnel and Newman’s team were on hand almost immediately to assess the damage. The right front fender and the right front tire were worse for wear. Newman got out of the car under his own power, but was obviously concerned with what went wrong. 6 Sports tried to talk to Newman after the crash but he refused our questions. He did say that he was all right.(6 Sports – images of the car there)(7-20-2005)
Parrott Wins Busch Series Wypall Wipers Crew Chief of the Race Award at NHIS: Starting the New England in 21st place, the future looked bleak for Brad Parrott and his #60 crew. However, a combination of savvy pit strategy and near-flawless driving from Carl Edwards brought the Charter team a runner-up finish at the Magic Mile. For coaching Edwards from the back of the pack to the front, Parrott won the Wypall Wipers Crew Chief of the Race award. “The key here (New Hampshire International Speedway) is track position,” said Parrott. “We knew that it was going to take a solid pit strategy to move us up from 21st place. We had to stay on the track until we could make it on gas the rest of the way, so we came in around lap 87. That put us up front at the end. I want to thank Wypall Wipers and Charter Communications for allowing me to do what I love best and that’s calling races.”
Parrott won Wypall Wipers Crew Chief of the Race honors after Wypall Wipers spokesman Tony Eury Sr. voted for Parrott as the crew chief who made the biggest difference to his team. “As tough as it is to make up track position here (New Hampshire International Speedway), it takes a good crew chief to get his driver up front when you start in the back. Parrott’s strategy got Carl (Edwards) all the way into the top-five and gave him a shot at the win. He made good calls on when to pit and everything fell into place from there.”
DATE, RACE, WYPALL WIPERS CREW CHIEF WINNER, TEAM
7/1/05, Winn-Dixie 250-Daytona, Kevin Manion, #8 (1)
7/9/05, USG Durock 300-Chicago, Rick Viers#21 (1)
7/16/05, New England 200-Loudon, Brad Parrott, #60 (1)
For winning the Wypall Wipers Crew Chief of the Race award, Parrott received $500. Parrott’s win ties him with Kevin Manion and Rick Viers in the Crew Chief of the Year standings, each crew chief having one win. At the end of the season, the crew chief with the most weekly wins will receive a $3,000 bonus and Wypall Wipers Crew Chief of the Year accolades. Fans can also vote for their choice at wypall.com.(SMC 500)(7-19-2005)
ML Motorsports leaves ARCA, to run Busch in 2005: ML Motorsports has made the decision to resign all entries and will no longer be present in the remaining 2005 ARCA RE/ MAX Series schedule. The decision to resign from the series culminated shortly after the Request/Sara Lee ARCA 200, Saturday night, July 16 at Berlin Raceway by owners Mary Louise Miller and Stephany Mullen. “This decision was not based solely on one race, it was based on a whole season of gregarious bias calls towards our team in races throughout the season,” states Mary Louise Miller. “It is unfortunate that we will not be able to complete the season, however my interest is in protecting my team from the continuous unfair judgments and penalties that have been placed on our driver, Chad Blount and our entire team.”
Due to a post qualifying decision to change a rear gear recognized as going bad, the #67 Foretravel Motorhomes Chevrolet started in the back of the field. Pitting early in the race for needed adjustments, Chad Blount picked his way through the field to the 11th position. With the lead cars pitting, the #67 Foretravel Motorhomes Chevrolet moved into the lead for 13 laps. Late in the race Blount was holding his position in the 4th spot looking to pass the #62 of Bret Hudson for 3rd, when Hudson spun along the backstretch coming out of turn 2. ARCA Officials penalized Chad for rough driving that forced him onto pit road for a stop and go and also placed him to the back of the lead lap, putting the #67 Foretravel Motorhomes Chevrolet in the 10th spot with 24 laps remaining. Another caution caused the race to end in a green, white, checker finish placing Blount and Team 67 7th in the final spot.
ML Motorsports to date sits third in driver and owner point standings. With 4 wins, Blount holds the title thus far with the most victories in the 2005 ARCA RE/ MAX season with an additional 8 top five, and 10 top ten finishes.
ML Motorsports is not closing their doors by any means. This week plans will be set in motion to move into the NASCAR Busch Series. A limited schedule will be run for the 2005 season with a possible full schedule planned for 2006. “We would like to thank all our sponsors, friends, families and competitors in the ARCA RE/ MAX Series for all of the camaraderie we have shared over the years,” states President, Ed Mullen. “It saddens us to leave our friends that are like family to us so abruptly, however it was a decision that we feel is necessary.”(ML Motorsports site)(7-19-2005)
Hemphill wait and see with the #4? Hamilin to drive at Pikes Peak? UPDATE Hearing in two parts, that two-time Northwest Series Champ Kevin Hamlin will hop behind the wheel of the #4 Geico Dodge in Pikes Peak. Because recently, Ryan Hemphill was reportedly dropped from the Biagi Bros. car and released from his developement deal with Ganassi. Current Nextel Cup driver Jeff Green is handling all of the companion events. UPDATE: Crew chief Matt Chambers said the #4 team is “exploring other options” and that Hemphill is on a “wait and see” status with the team. However, other sources say he is no longer on the developement deal with Ganassi and may be considered at Braun for the #32. Hemphill did drive for Braun last year in ARCA.(BGNRacing.com)(7-16-2005)
UPDATE: Biagi Bros. Racing is proud to announce that two-time NASCAR Northwest Series Champion Kevin Hamlin will pilot the #4 Biagi Bros. Dodge on Saturday in the ITT Industries, Systems Division and Goulds Pumps Salute to the Troops 250 presented by Dodge at Pikes Peak International Raceway. Hamlin joins Biagi Bros. Racing in collaboration with Chip Ganassi Racing with Felix Sabates and its driver development program. The 26-year-old from Snohomish, Wash., won his first late model race at 17 before quickly moving up to the NASCAR Northwest Series, becoming the youngest winner in Series history by winning at 19. Hamlin went on to win Series’ championships in 2001 and 2002. (Biagi Bros. PR via BGNRacing)(7-19-2005)
Holly to #44 Coast Guard Racing? UPDATE: BGNRacing.com is hearing that Harold Holly will take over as crew chief next week on the #44 car driven by Justin Labonte.(7-15-2005)
UPDATE: Labonte/Haas Racing announced today the appointment of Harold Holly as crew chief of the #44 U.S. Coast Guard Shield of Freedom Chevrolet beginning this weekend at the NASCAR Busch Series event at Pikes Peak International Raceway. Bryant Frazier, who had been serving as the team’s crew chief, will remain with the organization serving as project development and quality control manager. Holly is returning to the NASCAR Busch Series after his most recent role took him to the #32 PPI Racing team in the NASCAR NEXTEL Cup Series. “I’m really excited to be joining this team,” said Holly. “I’m thrilled to be associated with Gene Haas, Justin and Terry Labonte, and Hendrick Motorsports. I’m looking forward to working with this team; Gene built a strong organization and the addition of the Labonte’s has only made it better. The opportunity to work with Bill Ingle again weighed heavily in my decision. I began working with Bill when I first started in this business and I like having the opportunity to work with him again. Labonte/Haas Racing has made me feel really welcome and I hope that the combination that we have here we will enable us to have an efficient program and get us into victory lane.”(Labonte/HAAS Racing PR)(7-18-2005)
New crew chief for the #56: Mac Hill Motorsports Owner Jack McNelly announced today that Tony Lambert has been named the new crew chief for the team’s NASCAR Busch Series #56 Lester Buildings Chevrolet and driver Tim Sauter. Lambert replaces Tim Shutt, who recently left the organization. “Hiring a crew chief with Tony Lambert’s experience and success is an important step for Mac Hill Motorsports as we continue to grow as a Busch Series team,” commented McNelly. “While Tim Shutt’s departure was unfortunate, we wish him the best and feel that Tony will certainly be able to lead this team to the next level.” Lambert has 12 Busch Series victories as a crew chief. His most recent victory came last season at Daytona while serving as crew chief for Mike Wallace, a position he held for the 2003 and 2004 seasons. His tenure with the #4 car included 66 starts, one win, 2 top-fives and 7 top-tens. Prior to that, Lambert was the crew chief for Mark Martin’s Busch Series efforts. In two seasons (1999-2000) at the helm with Martin, the two combined for 11 wins, 21 top-fives, 23 top-tens and 7 Busch Pole Awards in 27 starts. Lambert’s first race as crew chief for the Lester Building’s #56 Chevrolet will be this weekend’s Salute to the Troops 250 at Pikes Peak International Raceway. Lambert is a native of Concord, NC and lives in Mooresville with his wife Debbie their children, Misty and Craig. Sauter and the Lester Buildings # 56 Chevrolet have participated in seven NBS races this season with a best finish of 12th at Talladega. The team currently ranks 46th in the 2005 Owner Standings with 600 points.(Victory Sports Group/Mac Hill Motorsports PR)(7-18-2005)
Crew chief leaves #12 team: FitzBradshaw Racing announced that Mike Greci has resigned as crew chief for the #12 Supercuts/HOT TAMALES Dodge Charger driven by Tim Fedewa. The announcement comes after a season-best finish for the team this weekend at New Hampshire International Speedway. “As the #12 team continues to evolve and improve, internal changes continue to happen,” said team co-owner Armando Fitz. “We are excited to have had a strong run this weekend and appreciate all of Mike’s efforts to get this program to where it is today. We wish him well in his future endeavors.” This will be the seventh crew chief change for Fedewa, who has been behind the wheel of the #12 car for nearly two years. “This particular team has a lot of determination and perseverance,” commented Greci. “They have had many changes over the last two seasons and are able to adjust quickly. I wish them a successful second half of the season.” Director of Competition Scott Eggleston, along with car chief Todd Brewer, will work in conjunction to lead the Supercuts team this weekend at Pikes Peak International Raceway.(FitzBradshaw Racing PR)(7-18-2005)
Truex wins at New Hampshire: #8-Martin Truex Jr. won the New England 200 at New Hampshire International Speedway for his first Busch Series win at the track and becoming the 19th different winner in 19 Busch Series races there. Truex Jr. held off Carl Edwards in a green-white-checkered finish to win after a late caution of #32-Leffler’s spin. #20-Denny Hamlin finished third and was followed by #90-Elliott Sadler and #64-Jamie McMurray. Pole sitter #21-Kevin Harvick finished 8th. Truex extends his points lead with his 5th win of the season.
Race results at:
ESPN.com
BGNRacing.com
Motorsports One
NASCAR.com.(7-16-2005)
Goeters in the #32 at Pikes Peak: Jorge Goeters, who claimed the pole in Mexico City driving for #66 Brewco Motorsports will drive the #32 Brain Racing Chevy next week in Pikes Peak.(BGNRacing.com)(7-16-2005)
Harvick wins pole at New Hampshire: #21-Kevin Harvick won the pole for the New England 200 at New Hampshire International Speedway with a lap of 130.336mph. The rest of the top 5 are #1-Johnny Sauter, #90-Elliott Sadler, #79-Kasey Kahne and #58-Regan Smith. Missing the race were: #28-Derrike Cope, #26-Kim Crosby and #52-Eric McClure.
See Starting lineups:
ESPN.com
BGNRacing.com – Starting Lineup
NASCAR.com.(7-16-2005)
Changes at RYR #90: Robert Yates Racing released #90 Busch Series crew chief Rick Ren last week. They also let their engineer go. The team has not yet named a new crew chief.(BGNRacing.com)(7-16-2005)
Fisher to test at Gateway: Sarah Fisher will be testing a Busch Series car in St. Louis and Childress has said she may get one or two starts this year.(San Bernardino Sun)(7-16-2005)
More sponsor woes for ppc Racing – Jourdain to skip NHIS UPDATE: Officials with ppc Racing say they willl not enter driver Michel Jourdain Jr. in the team’s #10 Ford in this weekend’s New England 200 Busch Series at New Hampshire International Speedway because of a lack of sponsorship. The team says it will continue to search for sponsorship in hopes of returning Jourdain to the circuit.(NASCAR Scene Daily Newsletter), ppc Racing’s #22 Ford with driver Kenny Wallace is without a sponsor after parting ways with Stacker 2 and their #14 Cup team has not been on the track since early in the year due to sponsor woes.(7-13-2005)
UPDATE: After 19 outings for the ppc Racing team, former Champ Car driver Michel Jourdain Jr of Mexico has announced the interruption of his NASCAR Busch Series program with the outfit, both sides claiming a lack of financial resources to go on. The team’s reactivation is now pending on new sponsorship being found. “I am very disillusioned by this situation but confident that we’ll find a solution as soon as possible,” Jourdain said in a statement. “We’ve been struggling for several weeks, canceling test days and so forth, and those things were making us unable to compete at this level.” The double Champ Car race winner clarified his contractual situation with the squad: “I’m still part of the team; I’ll keep on getting paid while they work to find sponsorship. My contract says they must give me a car for this weekend [Saturday’s New England 200 at Loudon], but without money that is simply not possible. My lawyers will take over from now on.” According to Jourdain, Ford Racing is also seeking a solution for the impasse. “It was Ford that proposed my coming to the Busch Series, and they were the ones who supported me and found me a ride. I’ve spoken to [Ford Racing director] Dan Davis and he told me they’re worried and looking for a way past this situation, as they’re also part of our [NASCAR] program.”(Speed Channel)(7-14-2005)
NASCAR Busch Series News and Notes: New Hampshire
Three championships, 51 wins. Intimidating? Maybe, but for Dale Earnhardt Inc., it represents success in the NASCAR Busch Series, where many drivers earned an opportunity after excellence in one of NASCAR’s regional touring divisions or the NASCAR Dodge Weekly Series. When 21-year-old Ryan Moore takes the track this weekend at New Hampshire International Speedway, he will become the latest DEI driver to come through NASCAR’s ladder system. Moore, who is coming off of his first NASCAR Grand National Division, Busch North Series win, will make his first start for DEI in the #81 Oreo/Ritz Chevrolet. Moore is no stranger to New Hampshire where he has finished in the top five in three of his last four Busch North Series starts. One of those finishes occurred on July 19, 2003, when – then Busch North Series driver and current DEI teammate Martin Truex Jr. (#8 Bass Pro Shops Chevrolet) took home the win.
“Racing at New Hampshire is the perfect place to start my first NASCAR Busch Series race,” said Moore. “Having raced here before, I don’t have to worry about how to get on and off pit road, where the tricky parts of the track are and there is a great comfort level.” Truex, the defending NASCAR Busch Series champion and current points leader, is a graduate of the Busch North Series, and a friend of Moore’s. He contributes advice about how to handle non-racing responsibilities like media interviews. “Ryan is my teammate and I will always be there to give him advice,” said Truex. “We raced in the Busch North Series, so I know first-hand he has a lot of talent.”
“The one thing DEI said they liked about me was the fact that I also raced for my dad like Martin Truex,” said Moore. “Because my family owns the cars, I take care of the equipment as much as possible. My dad (Kelly Moore, who holds the Busch North Series record for wins) has taught me a lot about racing and how to keep the cars running until the end. Just like Martin I would have to fix the car if I bent it up, so you tend to race aggressively, but also think about the big picture of what the consequences are from your actions.” Another DEI teammate who knows what Moore will be feeling when he takes the track this weekend is former NASCAR Autozone Elite Division, Midwest and Southwest Series driver Paul Menard (#11 Menard’s Chevrolet) who made his first start for DEI at New Hampshire one year ago. Menard is coming off his fourth straight top-10 finish and sits 12th in the point standings, just 115 points out of tenth. “NASCAR has a great ladder system in every region of the country,” said Truex. “I think that is why we are seeing so many young drivers and crew members becoming so successful so quickly in the NASCAR Busch Series and NASCAR NEXTEL Cup Series. I know the Busch North Series really prepared me for racing at the next level.”
NEWS & NOTES, PART II
Fedewa hopes to repeat history … New Hampshire International Speedway has been very kind to Tim Fedewa (#12 Supercuts Dodge). In just 11 career starts at the 1.058 mile track, Fedewa has claimed two top-five and three top-10 finishes. His best finish came in 2000 when he won his fourth race from the Busch pole. The only other NASCAR Busch Series driver who won a race from the pole at New Hampshire was Ricky Craven in 1991. “Loudon is one of my best tracks”, Fedewa said. “I was able to capture the pole and the win there in 2000. The track is flat which makes it harder to pass so handling will be very important. I always enjoy racing at short tracks and hope to add to my successful record at New Hampshire International Speedway this weekend.” Fedewa, who drives for FitzBradshaw Racing, is currently 21st in the NASCAR Busch Series point standings. His best finish this season was 15th at Las Vegas.
Raybestos Rookie of the Year battle … Carl Edwards (#60 Charter Communications Ford) has narrowed the gap between himself and Reed Sorenson (#41 Discount Tire Dodge). Both drivers are competing for this year’s top honor as the 2005 NASCAR Busch Series Raybestos Rookie of the Year. Edwards’ fourth-place finish at Chicagoland Speedway brought him closer to the Raybestos Rookie of the Year leader; one point separates the two drivers. Both Sorenson and Edwards have exchanged the top spot all season long. Edwards held it for eight consecutive weeks earlier this season until he failed to race at Nashville Superspeedway in June, where inclement weather forced the postponement of the race to the following day. Edwards was scheduled to race in the NASCAR NEXTEL Cup Series event in Pocono that day and Roush Racing owner, Jack Roush, decided to replace Edwards with Hank Parker Jr., who finished 20th.
Chevrolet continues to lead in manufacturers race … Chevrolet kept the lead in the battle for the Bill France Performance Cup following Kevin Harvick’s (#21 Reese’s Chevrolet) win last Saturday at Chicagoland. There have been three lead changes and five ties between Chevrolet and Ford through the first 20 events of the 2005 season. Chevrolet enters the race at New Hampshire with nine wins and 133 points, Ford has seven wins and 125 points while Dodge has three victories and 103 points. Ford has the edge at New Hampshire, having won three of the four previous NASCAR Busch Series races at the track.
ON THE RIGHT TRACK
There have been 18 different race winners in each of the 18 NASCAR Busch Series events held at New Hampshire International Speedway; Matt Kenseth (#17 Waste Management Ford) is the defending 2004 race winner. … Seven of the 18 previous NASCAR Busch Series winners at New Hampshire – Kenny Wallace (#22 ppc Racing Ford), 1991; Derrike Cope (#28 Jay Robinson Racing Ford), 1994; Randy LaJoie (#34 Dollar General Chevrolet), 1996; Tim Fedewa, 2000; Jason Keller (#35 McDonald’s Ford), 2001; David Green (#27 Kleenex Ford), 2003 and Kenseth, 2004 – are entered in Saturday’s event. … NASCAR Busch Series drivers seem to have the edge when it comes to winning at New Hampshire. … Only two NASCAR NEXTEL Cup Series drivers have won the NASCAR Busch Series event; Cope won the New England Chevy Dealers 250 in 1994 and Kenseth won the Siemens 200 in 2004.
ETC.
Rick Viers, crew chief of the #21 Reese’s Chevrolet, received the WYPALL Wipers Crew Chief of the Race Award for leading his driver, Kevin Harvick, to Victory Lane. This is Harvick’s 15th NASCAR Busch Series career win, his first NASCAR Busch Series win at Chicagoland Speedway and second win this season. … Justin Labonte (#44 U.S. Coast Guard Shield of Freedom Chevrolet) is scheduled to visit the U.S. Coast Guard Academy in New London, Conn. on Wednesday, July 13 before heading to Loudon, N.H. to compete in his third NASCAR Busch Series race at New Hampshire International Speedway. … Glynn Motorsports driver Regan Smith (#58 Glynn Motorsports Dodge) will make his first NASCAR Busch Series appearance at New Hampshire this weekend. Smith has finished in the top 20 twice, posting his best finish of 15th at Nashville Superspeedway in June. Smith’s gasman, Jimmy Villeneuve, is a native of New Hampshire. Villeneuve was born in nearby Berlin, N.H. and grew up in Auburn, N.H. “Jimmy V,” as he is referred to in the garage area, began his racing career at Sugar Hill Speedway in Weare, N.H. before continuing on to Lee Speedway in Lee, N.H. … ppc Racing announced that Brent Sherman (#15 Consort for Men Ford) will run the remaining 16 events on the NASCAR Busch Series schedule. Sherman competed in last weekend’s race at Chicagoland Speedway driving for owner Greg Pollex for the first time. He qualified 30th and finished 24th. … Curtis Truex Jr., the 23-year old cousin of defending series champion Martin Truex Jr., won the 46th annual Garden State Classic 100 for NASCAR Dodge Weekly Series Modifieds last Saturday night at Wall Township (N.J.) Speedway.
FROM THE ARCHIVES
New Hampshire International Speedway was the scene of Derrike Cope’s lone career NASCAR Busch Series victory in 1994. Cope drove for Orlando businessman Ron Zook, not to be confused with the former University of Florida football coach. Zook had recently bought the late Davey Allison’s NASCAR Busch Series team with Allison’s former crew, including crew chief Red Farmer coming along as part of the deal.
Cope qualified 14th for the New England Chevy Dealers 250 in a Ford bearing the #82 – Allison’s famed #28 backwards. The race saw nine drivers swapping the lead 15 times. Cope, who led twice for a total of 36 laps, took the lead for the last time on Lap 244 and held it for the rest of the race. With this win, Cope became the first NASCAR NEXTEL Cup Series regular to win a NASCAR Busch Series race at New Hampshire; the previous seven races had been won by regular NASCAR Busch Series competitors. Cope beat Bobby Dotter by .45 of a second for his first NASCAR Busch Series win.
FAST FACTS
What: New England 200 (Race #20 of 35 in the NASCAR Busch Series).
Where: New Hampshire International Speedway, Loudon, N.H.
When: 3:00 p.m. ET, Saturday, July 16.
Track Layout: 1.058-mile paved.
Race Length: 211.6 miles/200 laps.
Posted Awards: $1,076,124.
TV: TNT, 3:00 p.m. ET.
Radio: MRN, XM Satellite.
2004 Winner: Matt Kenseth.
2004 Polesitter: Jamie McMurray.
Pre-race schedule (all times local): Fri., July 15: Practice – 11 a.m. – 12 p.m.; 2:45 p.m. – 3:45 p.m. Sat., July 16: Qualifying – 10:05 a.m. .(NASCAR PR)(7-13-2005)
Crew Chief Fined for Chicagoland Infraction: NASCAR announced today that Jay Guy, crew chief for the No. 47 Ford driven by Jon Wood in the NASCAR Busch Series, has been fined $1,000 for an infraction last weekend at Chicagoland Speedway. Guy was fined for a fuel cell vent hose that exceeded the specified maximum length, a violation of Section 12-4-1 (Actions detrimental to stock car racing) and Section 12-4-Q (car, car parts, components and/or equipment used in the event do not conform to NASCAR Rules) of the NASCAR Busch Series rulebook.(NASCAR PR)(7-13-2005)
more on A.J. Foyt IV to Evernham: Indy Racing League driver A.J. Foyt IV watched Saturday’s Busch Series race with Ray Evernham from the top of the #19 Nextel Cup hauler. Foyt, A.J.’s grandson, is testing for Evernham and will run the team’s #6 Dodge in a couple of Busch Series races this year.(Tampa Tribune)(7-10-2005)
Harvick wins at Chicago: #21-Kevin Harvick won the USG Durock 300 at Chicagoland Speedway posting his 15th NASCAR Busch Series victory and 2nd of the 2005 season. Harvick is 13th in driver points after only running in 12 of 19 races with 8 top fives. Rounding out the top-4 were #66-Greg Biffle, pole sitter #39-Ryan Newman, #60-Carl Edwards and #9-Mark Martin. Points leader #8-Martin Truex Jr. finished 7th and increases his points lead to 72 over #2-Clint Boyer who finished 6th [Truex led a lap, Bowyer didn’t]. Newman was leading, but had to make a 2nd pitstop during the 5th caution for having too many over the wall. There were 7 cautions for 32 laps and 15 lead changes among 11 drivers in a race that lasted 2 hours, 18 minutes, 6 seconds with an average speed of 130.340 mph.
Race results at:
ESPN.com
BGNRacing.com
Motorsports One
NASCAR.com.(7-9-2005)
What is Hmiel up to? as Steve Hmiel heads to the track each weekend, [his son] Shane remains at the family’s Pleasant Garden [NC] home. He’s been there since shortly after series officials escorted him out of the garage at Dover five weeks ago. “What Shane is doing is he’s sitting at home on the couch and he has good days and bad,” Steve Hmiel says. “A good day is not sitting there with your heart broken. A bad day is thinking the world is coming to an end. There are no real good days.” Now, Shane Hmiel has nothing to do with NASCAR. He awaits word from officials on what course of treatment he’ll have to take to return. That could come within a few weeks.(News and Record)(7-9-2005)
#22 ppc Racing team looking for a sponsor NOW – UPDATE: ppc Racing officials announced today that it is immediately soliciting primary and associate sponsorship for the #22 NASCAR Busch Series (NBS) race team with driver Kenny Wallace. The #22 car is currently fifth in NBS driver and owner points standings, only three behind fourth place and 135 points ahead of the sixth-place driver. In 2005, the first year for Wallace with ppc Racing, the #22 team led by crew chief Wes Ward has amassed four top fives (including three, second-place finishes) and nine top 10s. Six of the nine top 10s have been achieved in the last eight races. Seventeen races remain in the 2005 NBS schedule, including the Wallace Family Tribute 250 presented by Shop ‘n Save at Gateway International Raceway on July 30th. St. Louis is The Wallace Family’s hometown. Four of the remaining races will be broadcast on NBC with the remainder on its affiliate TNT. “This immediately available opportunity is a golden egg for some lucky sponsor out there,” said Greg Pollex, owner of ppc Racing. “Kenny Wallace is the most visible and liked driver in the Busch Series. Kenny is currently on three NASCAR-related television shows. Kenny is consistently running up front and the primary sponsor receives significant air time during race broadcasts. As we have with all of our past and current corporate sponsors, ppc Racing will drive marketing and sales through top performance and assistance with activation programs.” (ppc Racing site)
so what does this mean for Kenny Wallace or current sponsor Stacker2? no idea at all, the PR doesn’t even mention Stacker2, but it is still listed on their website.(7-8-2005)
UPDATE – sponsor for Chciago: Kraft will sponsor the #22-Ford Taurus driven by Kenny Wallace in Saturday’s NASCAR Busch Series race, ppc Racing announced today. Wallace will drive the Oscar Mayer Weinermobile Ford in the race at Chicagoland Speedway Joliet, Ill. “We are honored and excited to run the Oscar Mayer Weinermobile logos on the #22 for this race,” said Keith Barnwell, ppc Racing’s general manager. “Kenny is fifth in points, and we are looking for a good run, maybe even to win the race for our good friends at Kraft.” Wallace will start the race from the 21st position. “It’s an honor to have the Oscar Mayer logo on my car because it is a legendary brand,” Wallace said. “I’m from St. Louis and have eaten a lot of hot dogs as many times as I’ve been to the baseball games.”(BGNRacing)
AND Kenny Wallace’s Busch Series team spent hours making a significant change Saturday to its Ford before the USG Durock 300 for the Busch Series. They pealed away the sponsor decals from Stacker 2 and replaced them with Kraft and Oscar Meyer. The sponsor, which has been with Wallace for four years, is preparing to battle several lawsuits concerning the herbal stimulant ephedra. “The whole pharmaceutical industry is having their problems,” Wallace said. “They just can’t be in the sport any longer.”(Augusta Chronicle)(7-9-2005)
Leffler in the #32 rest of season? Jason Leffler could be in the #32 Braun Racing car for the rest of the season — if the Braun team finishes the season. Team owner Todd Braun said July 1 that he was unsure what the future holds for him and his sponsor, Winfuel. Braun was noncommital when asked if he was going to close for the rest of this season. “The Shane deal [suspension] definitely hurt us,” Braun said. “Winfuel has been a great sponsor. They didn’t like the way the situation happened, the way it came down. Right now, we’re not really sure, going forward, where we stand with Winfuel. July 4 is not the time to get a sponsor for the rest of the year.”(NASCAR Scene via BGNRacing.com)(7-9-2005)
Newman wins pole at Chicago: #39-Ryan Newman won the pole for the USG Durock 300 at Chicagoland Speedway with a speed of 186.438mph. The pole is 7th of Newman’s 17 race Busch career. The rest of the top-5 are #38-Kasey Kahne, #5-Kyle Busch, #18-J.J. Yeley and #21-Kevin Harvick. Points leader #8-Martin Truex Jr. will start 16th. Missing the race were: #0-Kertus Davis; #10-Michel Jourdain Jr.; #72-Wade Day; #23-Mark Green; #56-Tim Sauter; #52-Eric McClure; #73-Kerry Earnhardt; #26-Kim Crosby; #80-Chris Horn; #7-Jeff Fuller. See Starting lineups:
NOTE: nascar.com’s starting lineup cannot be correct, they are missing a few top-30 teams and Grissom as a past champ. looks like they just have the top 42 in speed and Labonte was the higest top 30 not to make it and posted 43rd, makes no sense, the other three links look correct.
ESPN.com
BGNRacing.com – Starting Lineup
NASCAR.com.(7-8-2005)
New sponsor for the #72: MacDonald Motorsports is proud to announce their partnership with Orbitz.com (an online all in one travel site) as primary sponsor for the #72 Chevy Monte Carlo. Wade Day will be driving the #72 Orbitz Chevy in the NASCAR Busch Series. It’ll be Day’s third start for the MacDonald Team. More information about MacDonald Motorsports please visit randymacdonald.com.(#72 MacDonald Motorsports)(7-7-2005)
Kennon leaves MWR UPDATE::
Two-time Busch Series Champion Crew Chief, Gere Kennon, has resigned from Michael Waltrip Racing and the #99 Aarons Dream Machine effective immediately.(Player Management International)(6-22-2005)
UPDATE: Butch Hylton is the new crew chief for MWR.(7-7-2005)
NASCAR Busch Series News and Notes: Chicago
Wallace, Green showing veteran savvy … Six drivers ranked in this week’s NASCAR Busch Series Top 10 – Martin Truex Jr. (#8 Bass Pro Shops Chevrolet), Clint Bowyer (#2 ACDelco Chevrolet), Reed Sorenson (#41 Discount Tire Co. Dodge), Carl Edwards (#60 Charter Communications Ford), Denny Hamlin (#20 Rockwell Automation Chevrolet) and David Stremme (#14 U.S. NAVY Dodge) – average 24.5 years of age, hence their “young guns” nickname. But two veterans in particular are making those younger drivers take notice of their recent charges in the standings. Kenny Wallace (#22 Stacker 2 Ford) and 1994 NASCAR Busch Series champion David Green (#27 Kleenex Ford) are ranked fifth and 10th, respectively. After finishing 37th in the season-opener at Daytona, the 41-year-old Wallace has been a constant in the Top 10 for the last 14 weeks, and is only three points behind Carl Edwards in fourth, 2,296 – 2,293. Wallace’s best championship finish was second in 1991, and his fourth-place finish in the standings in 1994 is his best in the subsequent five seasons in which he has competed fulltime in the series. Green was 10th in the rankings following Las Vegas, but fell to 18th the next week at Mexico City after a 39th-place result, just the seventh time in the last three seasons he’s finished 31st or worse. Green, 47, broke back into the Top 10 after Milwaukee and enters Chicago just 23 points behind Jason Keller, who is ninth, and is within striking distance of Stremme, 107 points ahead of Green in seventh. Green had his best career finish at Chicago last year (eighth), while Wallace seeks an improvement over his average finish of 26th in his three previous series races. Sherman returns to series in hometown;
ppc Racing fields three teams … Brent Sherman (#15 Consort for Men Ford) makes his return to the NASCAR Busch Series this weekend at Chicago. He competed in 11 races for Akins Motorsports earlier this year, and recently announced a 10-race agreement with ppc Racing through the remainder of the 2005 season. Sherman’s addition gives ppc three teams in the NASCAR Busch Series, joining the fulltime teams of Kenny Wallace and Michel Jourdain Jr. (#10 Oscar Mayer Ford). Sherman, a 31-year-old native of Wauconda, Ill., will make his NASCAR Busch Series debut at Chicago, but in three ARCA events at the 1.5-mile track since 2002, Sherman has two fourth-place finishes along with an eighth-place result.
Labontes in select group … When Justin Labonte captured his first career NASCAR Busch Series victory in this event last year, he and his father, Terry, joined the Hamiltons – Bobby and Bobby Jr., Dale Earnhardt and Dale Jr. as well as David and Larry Pearson as the only fathers and sons to win NASCAR Busch Series races. Terry, the two-time NASCAR premier series champion who owns his son’s NASCAR Busch Series team, is entered in the NASCAR NEXTEL Cup event at Chicago. It is one event on his limited schedule as he winds down his career, spanning nearly 30 years, on the premier series. Making it a true family affair, Bobby Labonte is entered in the USG DUROCK 300 NASCAR Busch Series race as well as the NASCAR NEXTEL Cup event on Sunday.
Chevrolet recaptures lead in manufacturers race … Chevrolet once again took over the lead in the back-and-forth battle for the Bill France Performance Cup following Martin Truex Jr.’s win last Friday night at Daytona. Chevrolet recaptured the lead from Ford for the first time in four races. There have been three lead changes and five ties among Chevrolet and Ford through the first 19 events of the 2005 season. Chevrolet enters the race at Chicago with eight wins and 124 points, Ford has seven wins and 119 points while Dodge has three victories and 99 points. Chevrolet has the edge at Chicago, having won two of the four previous NASCAR Busch Series races at the track; Ford and Dodge have one win apiece there.
ON THE RIGHT TRACK
Three of the four previous NASCAR Busch Series winners at Chicago – Jimmie Johnson, 2001; Johnny Sauter, 2002 and Justin Labonte, 2004 – are entered in Saturday’s event. … Ryan Newman (#39 Mobil 1/ALLTEL Dodge) is the lone former Busch Pole winner in the field, having captured the top starting position in the inaugural race in 2001 (he finished 26th). … Jason Keller has the most top-10 finishes at Chicago (four). … Keller and Joe Nemechek (#87 Cellular One Chevrolet) each have two top fives.
ETC.
David Stremme is slated to make his NASCAR NEXTEL Cup Series debut at Chicago for Chip Ganassi Racing with Felix Sabates. Stremme has been tabbed to take over the #40 Coors Light/Lone Star Steakhouse & Saloon Dodge on a fulltime basis next year following nearly three seasons in the NASCAR Busch Series. … Casey Atwood is scheduled to drive the #6 Hungry Drivers Dodge for Evernham Motorsports for the next three races starting with Chicago. Atwood has one previous series start in the #6 this season, having finished ninth at Kentucky. … Reed Sorenson threw out the first pitch at the Chicago Cubs – Washington Nationals game last Saturday at Wrigley Field (see photo on nascarmedia.com). “Throwing out the first pitch was a unique experience and one that I am glad I got to have,” Sorenson said. … Mark Martin (#9 Pennzoil Platinum Ford) is scheduled to make his NASCAR Busch Series debut at Chicagoland this weekend. Martin, the series’ all-time leader in wins with 47 – two of those victories were claimed in his first two races this season at California and Las Vegas – has two top-10 finishes in four NASCAR NEXTEL Cup appearances at the track. Martin’s car chief and rear tire changer, Drew Blickensderfer, is from Mt. Zion, Ill. … Tim Fedewa (#12 Supercuts Dodge) will join fellow NASCAR Busch Series drivers Stacey Compton (#59 Kingsford/Bush’s Baked Beans Ford), Carl Edwards, Aaron Fike (#43 Channellock Code Blue Dodge), Denny Hamlin, Michel Jourdain Jr. and Reed Sorenson on Thursday at Silver Cross Field in Joliet, Ill., for the Second Annual Racin’ The Bases Celebrity Softball Game to benefit Victory Junction Gang Camp. An autograph session will take place between 4:30 – 5:30 p.m. and the game will start at 6:00 p.m.
FROM THE ARCHIVES
The NASCAR Busch Series was featured in the first NASCAR race held at Chicagoland Speedway on July 14, 2001. A young Californian, Jimmie Johnson started sixth and stayed near the front of the pack all afternoon. The lead was swapped among Jimmy Spencer, rookie Greg Biffle, Mike Skinner, Ryan Newman and Kevin Harvick before Johnson finally made it to the point on Lap 158 of the 200-lap event. Johnson held the lead for the rest of the race to pick up his first career NASCAR Busch Series victory in his 58th series start. It is his only win to date in 78 series starts. Johnson’s 4.932-second win over Skinner still stands as the greatest margin of victory of any NASCAR race staged at Chicagoland Speedway.
FAST FACTS
What: USG DUROCK 300 (Race #19 of 35 in the NASCAR Busch Series).
Where: Chicagoland Speedway, Joliet, Ill.
When: 2:05 p.m. ET, Saturday, July 9.
Track Layout: 1.5-mile oval.
Race Length: 300 miles/200 laps.
Posted Awards: $1,432,586
TV: NBC, 2:00 p.m. ET.
Radio: MRN, XM Satellite.
2004 Winner: Justin Labonte.
2004 Polesitter: Bobby Hamilton Jr.
Pre-race schedule (all times local): Fri., July 8: Practice – 9 – 11:15 a.m. Qualifying – 5:05 p.m. Cars impounded after qualifying.(NASCAR PR)(7-7-2005)
First Minority-Owned Team to Receive Diversity Distinction: ”FitzBradshaw Racing announced today that its organization has been certified by the Carolinas Minority Supplier Development Council as a certified minority firm. The certification is recognized by NASCAR which makes FitzBradshaw Racing the first minority-owned team that competes in NASCAR’s top-three national series to receive such a certification. “We were delighted to hear our company was accepted to join the council,” said team co-owner Armando Fitz. “Our entire organization will work to encompass the true spirit of this distinction. We know it is the right thing to do and we’re glad to be part of the grassroots efforts to offer minorities the ability to get more involved in motorsports. We’re the first team ever to be able to offer this forum. In addition, our joining the council now certifies that FitzBradshaw Racing’s sponsors are doing business with a minority-owned company.” Fitz and his wife Mimi Fitz are Hispanic and launched the North Carolina-based FitzBradshaw Racing in 2001 with one, full-season car. The team now fields three, full-season cars in NASCAR’s Busch Series. Art Sabates, CEO Vericorr Packaging, facilitated Fitz in securing this partnership. Sabates’ company, which specializes in packaging for the automotive industry, is a certified member of the Carolinas council. The minority supplier distinction is granted by the Carolinas branch and automatically qualifies FitzBradshaw Racing for the national network. “The Carolinas Minority Supplier Development Council is extremely pleased and excited to be a part of this history making effort. This will truly be a ‘win-win’ for FitzBradshaw and NASCAR. The economic impact is potentially tremendous and beneficial with the ongoing efforts to improve the quality of life in minority communities across the United States,” noted Julian Brown, president of Carolinas Minority Supplier Development Councils, Inc. “NASCAR commends Armando and his whole team for taking this important step that is likely to open doors and opportunities for other certified vendors,” said NASCAR Director of Diversity Tish Sheets. “To be certified by the Carolina Minority Supplier Development Council offers FitzBradshaw Racing, and the NASCAR industry, a greater opportunity to work with minority-owned businesses and vendors.”
FitzBradshaw Racing is owned by NASCAR veterans Armando and Mimi Fitz and Pro Football Hall of Fame member and FOX broadcaster Terry Bradshaw. The team fields three Dodge Chargers in the NASCAR Busch Series: the #12, sponsored by Supercuts and HOT TAMALES; the #14, sponsored by the Navy; and the #40 sponsored by Jani-King, Goulds Pumps, Cottman Transmissions and Ferris Industries. FitzBradshaw Racing is the only Busch Series team that offers its sponsors exposure in NASCAR, the NFL and on reality television. FitzBradshaw is one of two teams featured on the SPEED Channel show NBS 24/7. The show airs Monday nights at 7:30 p.m. and re-airs several times weekly.(FitzBradshaw Racing PR)(7-1-2005)
Wypall Wipers Launches Busch Series Crew Chief Challenge Contest: Beginning this weekend at Daytona International Speedway, Wypall Wipers will expand their Crew Chief Challenge program to the Busch Series garage, continuing to recognize the men behind the machines. After each of the remaining Busch Series companion events, Wypall Wipers spokesmen Robbie Reiser and Tony Eury Sr., will pick the crew chief they thought stood out among the competition. The Crew Chief of the Race will receive $500. At the end of the season, the crew chief with the most weekly wins will receive $3,000 and be crowned the Wypall Wipers Crew Chief of the Year. With a successful Crew Chief of the Year program in progress on the Nextel circuit, Wypall Wipers felt it was only appropriate to extend their Crew Chief Challenge to the Busch Series as well. “Busch Series racing is top-notch, second to none,” said Jan Spencer, president of WYPALL Wipers. “The time, the preparation and decision making that goes into each Busch Series event deserves to be recognized. We’re excited about extending our program to the Busch garage and spotlighting the men who run the show on Saturday.”
“Busch races have a unique set of challenges to them,” said Robbie Reiser. “The races don’t have as many laps, so it’s a lot tougher to recover from mistakes. The teams don’t have as many sets of tires to use, so they need to be careful with the timing of their pit stops. There’s a lot that goes into each team’s strategy and that’s going to make it fun to single out a crew chief for doing the best job.”
“This is going to be a really exciting contest,” said Tony Eury Sr. “The guys in the Busch Series are hungry and out to prove themselves each week. They put on a great show and I’m glad that we can reward them.” More info at wypall.com.(SMC 500)(7-1-2005)
Truex Jr. wins at Daytona: #8-Martin Truex Jr. won the Winn-Dixie 250 presented by PepsiCo at the Daytona International Speedway in a Green-White-Checkered finish after a 13 car wreck with 2 laps to go. The win is Truex’s 4th win of the season and 10th of his Busch Series career. #21-Kevin Harvick finished 2nd, followed by #66-Greg Biffle, #22-Kenny Wallace and #2-Clint Bowyer. #81-Dale Earnhardt Jr. had engine problems early in the race and finished 40th. Truex Jr. extended his points lead to 71 over Bowyer.
Race results at:
ESPN.com
BGNRacing.com
Motorsports One
NASCAR.com.(7-1-2005)
Harvick wins pole at Daytona: #21-Kevin Harvick won the pole for the Winn-Dixie 250 presented by PepsiCo at the Daytona International Speedway with a speed of 182.515mph. It is Harvick’s 12th career Busch Series pole and first since Phoenix in 2003. The rest of the top five are #11-Paul Menard, #18-J.J. Yeley, #57-Brian Vickers and #2-Clint Bowyer. Points leader #8-Martin Truex Jr. will start 6th. Missing the race were #23-Mark Green, #7-Jeff Fuller, #52-Donnie Neuenberger, #28-Derrike Cope.
See Starting lineups:
BGNRacing.com – Starting Lineup
NASCAR.com.(7-1-2005)
New Procedure for Determining Race Line-Ups: NASCAR has adopted a new procedure for establishing the starting race fields in the NASCAR Busch Series that will go into effect this season, NASCAR officials announced today. NASCAR has changed the system by simplifying the procedure with teams no longer accruing provisionals throughout the season to gain entry into the starting fields. While starting positions one through 42 in the NASCAR Busch Series still will be determined by qualifying speed, the new system will assure the highest-ranked 30 positions of the NASCAR Busch Series owner championship points that have entered the event prior to the entry deadline one of those starting positions in the field, providing they have made an attempt to qualify. The remaining 12 positions will be assigned to those drivers with the fastest qualifying speeds whose car owners are not among the top 30. The final starting position – the champion’s provisional – can be utilized by a car owner whose driver is a current or past NASCAR Busch Series champion who participated as a driver during their 2004 season and was entered in the event for that owner in that car prior to the entry deadline. If there is more than one series champion vying for the position, it will be given to the most recent series champion. If the final provisional starting position – 43rd in the NASCAR Busch Series – is not filled by a current or past series champion, it will be assigned to the next eligible car owner according to qualifying results. Through the first five races of the season for the NASCAR Busch Series, the top 30 of the 2004 owner championship points entered in the event prior to the entry deadline will be assured one of the 42 starting positions in the field, provided they have made an attempt to qualify. In addition, the owner’s entry must have made an attempt to qualify in all 34 events in 2004 to be eligible for one of those 30 positions. From the sixth race on, the highest-ranked 30 positions of the current owner championship points will be assured one of those positions as long as their entry has made an attempt to qualify in the previous 2005 events up to that point. In the event that conditions prevent qualifying from being run, starting positions will be assigned according to the respective series’ 2005 Rule Book.(NASCAR PR)(1-13-2005)