NASCAR Pleased with Unleaded Fuel Test: NASCAR officials were pleased Monday with their first test of unleaded fuel and remain on schedule to have the gas in all of its series by 2007. The unleaded gasoline was used in Saturday night’s Busch Series race in St. Louis, the first of a four-week test run of the fuel. NASCAR competition director Robin Pemberton said there were no major problems reported after the race.(FoxSports.com/AP)(7-31-2006)
Menard and Red Bull? UPDATE: Paul Menard is listed on the Red Bull Racing site as one of their drivers, been asked about that….no idea. As far as I know, Menard will drive the #15 Menard’s Chevy for Dale Earnhardt Inc for 2007 in the Nextel [Sprint] Cup Series, have not heard of that plan changing.(7-31-2006) UPDATE: the Red Bull site has moved Menard’s profile from Driver to Athlete, been told by DEI folks he will drive the #15 Chevy for DEI in 2007 in Nextel Cup and Menard is considered a Red Bull Atlete which endorses the products and wears a helmet similar to Robby Gordon in the Nextel Cup Series.(7-31-2006)
Clay Andrews Racing Shuts Down: Clay Andrews Racing (CAR), the team the stunned the stock car world on a memorable night in Sparta, Kentucky, is closing the doors on the Statesville, NC shop that they have been leasing from Travis Carter. “We put our heart, soul and resources into David Gilliland,” said Clay Andrews. “Personally and financially we do not feel it is best to move forward at this time.” CAR remains the only unaffiliated, NASCAR Busch Series competitor to win a race this season when Gilliland took the checkered flag at the Meijer 300. While there will be no racing in the foreseeable future for CAR, they are not simply going into obscurity forever. “We hope to be back in about three years,” continued Andrews. “I have my eye on a young, but very talented driver that I would love to bring back into the Busch Series.”(CAR PR)(7-31-2006)
Leitzinger to Drive at Watkins Glen: NDS Motorsports officials say road racer Butch Leitzinger will drive for the team in the Zippo 200 at Watkins Glen. “Leitzinger is one of the foremost racecar drivers in the country today and we are extremely pleased that he will be taking the wheel of our #79 Dodge,” NDS team owner Bob Torriere said in a news release.(SceneDaily.com)(7-31-2006)
Raybestos Rookie Notes for IRP: Burney Lamar was the Raybestos Rookie of the Race in the Busch Silver Celebration 250 at Gateway. Lamar finished 12th and took top rookie honors for the fourth time in 22 races. Lamar leads the Raybestos Rookie standings by just one point over John Andretti (174-173) entering the Kroger 200 at O’Reilly Raceway Park. Andretti is 12th in the NASCAR Busch Series championship standings, best of any Raybestos Rookie.(Raybestos PR)(7-31-2006)
Jasper Engines Sponsoring RWI at IRP: Jasper Engines & Transmissions, an Indiana-based company, will be the primary sponsor for RWI’s #64 entry in the NASCAR Busch Series. The colors of Jasper Engines & Transmissions will adorn the #64 Dodge on Saturday, August 5 as Steve Wallace wheels the machine around O’Reilly Raceway Park at Indianapolis.(RWI PR)(7-31-2006)
Wimmer looking for 2007? Hearing #4-Scott Wimmer is looking for a ride next season, as his contract with the #4-Morgan-McClure Motorsports team is a one-year deal thru 2006. Wimmer has fielded some offers from a couple of “pretty good” Busch Series teams, but hasn’t committed to anything yet.(7-31-2006)
ppc Teams up with Shop & Save and Special Olympics at Gateway: For the second year in a row, ppc Racing and Shop ‘n Save have teamed up for Saturdays’ Busch Silver Celebration 250 at Gateway. Shop ‘n Save along with the Special Olympics will be predominantly displayed on the rear quarter panels of the #22 AutoZone Ford.(ppc PR)(7-29-2006)
“The Shaggy Dog” Scheme for #38 Team: UPDATE: The #38 Great Clips Chevrolet will feature a new look for the next two weekends. In a partnership between Great Clips, Inc. and Disney, the Great Clips Chevy will have a new paint scheme to promote the DVD release of Disney’s “The Shaggy Dog.”(Braun Racing PR)(7-25-2006) UPDATE:Great Clips has announced a collaboration with Walt Disney Home Entertainment to promote the August 1st DVD release of “The Shaggy Dog,” with a special on-track paint scheme on the #38 Great Clips Chevy at two Busch Series events. The #38 Great Clips Chevy will feature “The Shaggy Dog” pawprints and movie logo. Jason Leffler will drive the #38 Great Clips “Shaggy Dog” Chevy in events at Gateway on July 29th and Indianapolis Motorsports Park on August 5th.(Braun Racing PR)(7-28-2006)
Wilburn Helping Out Huffman at Gateway: Billy Wilburn, crew chief of the #84 Chevrolet at Clay Andrews Racing (CAR), is on loan to JR Motorsports this weekend for the Busch Silver Celebration 250 at Gateway. He will be there in assistance to the #83 entry driven by Shane Huffman. This is only a one race deal as CAR will not be competing at the St. Louis-area track.(Clay Andrews PR)(7-28-2006)
Law Enforcement Hero Honorary Crew Chief for #30 Team at Gateway Smith & Wesson, in conjunction with the national Fraternal Order of Police Grand Lodge, continues a special tribute to the nation’s law enforcement heroes that began last fall. As part of the program, Officer Al O’Connor of the Chicago Police Department will serve as honorary crew chief with the #30 team here this weekend. Officer O’Connor was chosen for the honor by the FOP Grand Lodge Headquarters in recognition of his bravery and courage exhibited during a March 2005 incident in which he helped save another officer’s life by shooting and killing a gunman who had already executed a civilian hostage. The other officer, Hugh McCormack of the Norfolk Southern Railroad Police, who was injured in the shooting incident, also is a special guest of Smith & Wesson this weekend.(SKI Motorsports PR)(7-28-2006)
Gilliland to Drive for Yates at IRP: David Gilliland has been signed to a one-race deal to pilot the #90 CitiFinancial Ford on August 5th at O’Reilly Raceway Park. Robert Yates Racing selected Gilliland to substitute for driver Stephen Leicht as he will be attempting to qualify the #90 CitiFinancial Ford for the Allstate 400 at Indianapolis Motor Speedway.(RYR PR)(7-28-2006)
Steve Wallace Full Time in 2007:Steve Wallace said this week that he plans to run the entire NASCAR Busch Series next season, as well as eight more Busch races this year and a handful of ARCA events as well. “I am going to run full time for next year, so (I´m) real excited about that,” Wallace said. The youngster, who drives for this famous father, Rusty, said how he does at the track also sets his mood at home. “Well, when you run bad or when you run good it just all depends,” Steve Wallace said. “Mom is real big on cooking. We have dinner every night. We sit down at the table and talk about stuff. So if I run bad and look like an idiot, he (Rusty) makes me feel like one. But if I run good, I’ll kind of the superstar at the house. So it’s definitely a real mood- setting-type deal.”(Speed Channel)(7-27-2006)
Huffman to Make Busch Debut at Gateway: UPDATE 2: Shane Huffman will make his debut with JR Motorsports in the Busch Silver Celebration 250 at Gateway on July 29. Joe Nemechek’s inactive Busch team will provide the car for Huffman, who currently drives for Dale Earnhardt Jr.’s Hooters Pro Cup team. Earnhardt Jr. also said he’s hired Martin Truex Jr.’s cousin, Curtis Truex, to driver Late Model Stock cars.(SceneDaily.com)(7-9-2006) UPDATE: JR Motorsports officials say that Shane Huffman will compete in a second Chevy for the team for this weekend’s Busch Series race at Gateway. Huffman will join Mark McFarland’s #88 Chevrolet with his #83 Chevrolet for the event. It’s the first of five races he will attempt for the team this season.(SceneDaily.com)(7-26-2006) UPDATE: The #83 Chevy carries the Make A Wish Foundation into its Busch Series debut. “One of the best things I do at the track is meet the kids through Make A Wish,” Earnhardt Jr. stated. “Once I met that first child, I wanted to do anything I could to make sure all of the children get their wishes granted. We got together with Make A Wish a few years ago and started the Dale Jr. Sports Celebrity Auction to help with funding to make those wishes come true. “Each year it grows. The first year we threw my boat on Ebay. Last year, we had Emmit Smith, coach Roy Williams and others coming together to help out. This year, we’ve done a one-off chopper with The Cycle Exchange; Tony Stewart and a bunch others are coming to help out and Shane’s running a Busch car to remind everyone to mark their calendar to be there October 24th.”(JR Motorsports PR)(7-26-2006)
Papis hopes to run races at Watkins Glen: UPDATE: During Speed Channel’s coverage of the IROC race at Daytona, Jeff Hammond mentioned that road racer Max Papis is looking to run the Busch East and Busch Series races at Watkins Glen and could be in the #78 Furniture Row Chevy that Kenny Wallace normally drives, in the Nextel Cup race at Watkins Glen in August.(6-30-2006) UPDATE: Max Papis will make his NASCAR debut in the Busch Series race in Watkins Glen. Papis will pilot the #36 McGill Motorsports Chevy, with sponsorship from his Indy 500 sponsor, Sport Clips, All*Star Haircuts for Men & Boys.(Player Management Intl. PR)(7-26-2006)
#21 Team’s Daytona Penalties Upheld: On July 25, 2006, the National Stock Car Racing Commission heard and considered the appeal of Richard Childress Racing regarding the #21 Busch car. The appeal concerned three penalties issued by NASCAR following post-qualifying inspection on June 30, 2006 for the Busch Series event at Daytona. The penalties assessed were: Loss of 50 NASCAR Busch Series Championship Car Owner Points for car owner Richard Childress, Loss of 50 NASCAR Busch Series Championship Driver Points for driver Kevin Harvick, $15,000.00 fine, suspension from the next six Busch Series Events; suspension from NASCAR until August 16, 2006, and probation continuing until December 31, 2006 for crew chief Shane Wilson. The Appellants did not request a deferral of the suspension pending the Appeal hearing. The Appellants did not contest the infractions, but appealed the severity of the penalties, primarily arguing that penalties of 25 points with fine and suspension, or a fine and suspension only, had been more typically assessed by NASCAR in recent times for infractions of this type. In deciding the Appeal, the Commission considered several factors. The infractions were intentional and premeditated. The crew chief was already on probation, and the car owner and driver had each been penalized 25 championship points earlier in the season, for a different rules violation of an aerodynamic nature (car too low). The Commission notes that penalties are not predetermined, but are based on the nature, extent and circumstances of specific violations. Similarly, if NASCAR determines that the general range or relative levels of penalties are no longer having the desired effect as a deterrent, infractions are proliferating, and/or a team has had multiple violations, then NASCAR can and should adjust penalty levels accordingly. It is the unanimous decision of the National Stock Car Racing Commission to uphold the original penalties assessed by NASCAR.(NASCAR PR)(7-26-2006)
Elvira to be Grand Marshal at Memphis: Boyd Gaming Corporation welcomes Elvira “Mistress of the Dark” as Grand Marshal for the Sam’s Town 250 Busch race at Memphis. Alongside Elvira will be actor John Schneider and the “General Lee” from the classic ‘70s sitcom Dukes of Hazzard. Also on hand with Schneider and his famous ride the “General Lee” will be Dukes of Hazzard semi-regular Mickey Jones to participate in the NASCAR show car parade on Beale Street on Thursday, October 26 at midday. They will also have a starring role at the annual Sam’s Town Fanfest later that evening, and round out the weekend by Schneider singing the National Anthem on Saturday prior to the start of the race.(Boyd Gaming PR)(7-25-2006)
Hines Gone from FBR?: UPDATE: Hearing from a good source that Tracy Hines has left FitzBradshaw Racing. Hines started the year scheduled to run a full season in the #14 car, but sponsorship issues forced the team to scale back in May. He has run a handful of races since then.(7-25-2006) UPDATE: Tracy Hines has decided to resign his duties as a part-time driver for FitzBradshaw Racing. The decision was made after Hines was pulled from the #12 car before this weekend’s race at Gateway. Hines, who has competed in both the NASCAR Busch Series and NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series, will most likely return to running USAC races until another seat opens up for him in the NASCAR ranks.(Hines PR)(7-25-2006)
Keller in the #66 at IRP?: UPDATE: Hearing that Jason Keller will be driving the No. 66 Brewco car at the O’Reilly Raceway Park on August 5th. Previously, Keller had practiced the car last month during the series standalone events.(BGNRacing.com)(7-7-2006) UPDATE: Brewco Motorsports announced today that Jason Keller will behind the wheel of the #66 Duraflame quick coals Ford at O’Reilly Raceway Park. The event will mark the 400th career NASCAR Busch Series start for Keller. Keller has prior seat time in the #66 Ford; having stepped in for Greg Biffle during Busch Series standalone events at Nashville Superspeedway, Kentucky Speedway and Martinsville Speedway.(Brewco PR)(7-25-2006)
NASCAR Investigating Leak in Bowyer’s Tire: UPDATE: NASCAR officials took the left-front tire from the Busch Series car of Clint Bowyer in order to do a more detailed inspection following the Goody’s 250 Saturday at Martinsville. Richard Childress Racing Vice President of Competition Mike Dillon said Sunday the valve stem was leaking air and NASCAR wanted to examine it. “They wanted to see if we had done anything [to the tire],” Dillon said. “We haven’t. We should be all right. It probably was a bad seal or something.” NASCAR has been on the lookout for teams putting tiny leaks in tires in order to keep air pressure the same as the tire heats up during competition.(SceneDaily.com)(7-23-2006) UPDATE: NASCAR examined the left front tire of the #2 car of Clint Bowyer following the Busch Series race at Martinsville on Saturday, but officials found no problems. NASCAR has taken a second look at the tire and has no issues with it, NASCAR spokesperson Tracey Judd confirmed Monday.(SceneDaily.com)(7-24-2006)
Pattie Extends Contract with Ganassi: Chip Ganassi Racing with Felix Sabates announced today Brian Pattie, who currently serves as crew chief for Reed Sorenson and the #41 Discount Tire team in the Busch Series, signed a multi-year contract extension with the CGRFS organization.(CGRFS PR)(7-24-2006)
Hylton Plans One More Busch Race: 71-year-old driver/owner James Hylton will race for the 17th and final time at [Pocono] in today’s ARCA RE/MAX Series Pennsylvania 200. Hylton is putting the finishing touches on one of the most enduring careers in auto racing history. He’s not ready to give up the wheel yet, though. He plans to race in one more Busch Series race — he became the oldest driver to compete in a top-level NASCAR event at the AT&T 250 in June — and he’s mulling an invitation to drive in a 24-hour race in France.(Allentown Morning Call)(7-22-2006)
Mike Wallace Signs Three Year Sponsor Deal: Mike Wallace confirmed with Motorsports Lounge that he has a sponsorship agreement in place that will put him behind the seat of a NASCAR Busch Series race car for the next three seasons. “I have signed a contract with a sponsor for the 2007, 2008 and 2009 NASCAR Busch Series seasons,” said Team ML driver Mike Wallace. “It is a done deal. We are currently exploring what team to take this partnership to.” Wallace wouldn’t expand on who the sponsor was or what teams he was looking to drive for with the sponsor at this time, but he did confirm that the contract is between him and the sponsor, and both are a package deal. “When we decide on a team to take this deal to, it should be pretty exciting.”(Motorsports Lounge PR)(7-21-2006)
Rusty practices Busch car…not un-retiring: Rusty Wallace was back in a stock car Thursday for the first time since last year, but he won’t be running Saturday’s Goody’s 250 Busch series race at Martinsville Speedway. Or any other NASCAR race. Wallace attended Thursday’s test session to help son Steve, who has never competed at this track. Rusty Wallace drove some laps, which he said were his first in a stock car since last year’s Nextel Cup season finale at Homestead-Miami Speedway. Wallace also said that he’s been contacted about returning to the Cup series next season. There will be at least seven new rides next season, creating questions on if there are enough talented and experienced drivers for all the available Cup rides. Bill Elliott, who last drove fulltime in 2003, could be headed to Team Red Bull. Ward Burton, who last raced full time in 2004, also is looking for a ride. So, why not Wallace? “There’s a lot of offers for big money to come back,” Wallace said. “I made my decision, and I’m sticking to it. My six-year contract with ABC Sports forbids me from driving.”(Roanoke Times)(7-21-2006)
Gateway Busch Race on Schedule Despite Storm Damage: UPDATE: While this weekend’s events at Gateway International Raceway have been canceled, the July 29 Busch Series schedule has not been altered, according to a note posted on the track’s Web site. In a news article on the track’s Web site credited to Joe Zydlo, Gateway’s director of public relations, “Due to the severe storm and the subsequent damage that was done at Gateway International Raceway on Wednesday night July 19, this weekend’s drag racing activity will be canceled. … All events and activities scheduled for next weekend’s NASCAR Busch Silver Celebration 250 are moving forward on schedule and on plan.”(SceneDaily.com)(7-21-2006) UPDATE: Gateway International Raceway officials say the facility returned to full power Tuesday and is prepared for this weekend’s Busch Series and ARCA events. Much of the area has been without power since a pair of storms last week. According to a release on the track’s Web site, the maintenance staff at Gateway has been working around the clock to get everything prepared for the race weekend. “All events on Friday and Saturday will run on schedule and according to plan,” the release said.(SceneDaily.com)(7-26-2006)
Unleaded Fuel debuts at Gateway: NASCAR will take its first major step toward switching to unleaded fuel this weekend when the Busch Series cars will run it at St. Louis. The Busch cars will have unleaded fuel for the next four races. The change has created extra work for the engine builders. “We’ve had to do a lot of work with the valve-face coating,” said Chris Robinson, who overseas the Busch engine program at Roush Yates Racing. “The lead in the leaded fuel worked as a lubricant on the valve train, so we’ve had to go back and make sure the valve coatings will compensate for the unleaded fuel.”(Tampa Tribune)(7-26-2006)
Lamar to Run Gateway ARCA Race: KHI will field a car for Burney Lamar in the ARCA race on Friday evening. Members of both the #33 and #77 Busch teams will work on the car for Lamar. Lamar competed in the season-opening ARCA race at Daytona (Fla.) International Speedway. KHI is using the ARCA race to gain more seat time for Lamar at Gateway . (KHI PR)(7-25-2006)
Raybestos Rookie Notes for Gateway: John Andretti was the Raybestos Rookie of the Race in the Goody’s 250 at Martinsville. Andretti scored a seventh-place finish, his third top-10 of the 2006 season, and took top rookie honors for the sixth time in 21 races. Andretti trails leading Raybestos Rookie Burney Lamar by just two points (172-170) entering the Busch Silver Celebration 250 at Gateway. Andretti is 12th in the NASCAR Busch Series championship standings, best of any Raybestos Rookie.(Raybestos PR)(7-24-2006)
Memphis Announces Entertainment for Busch Race: Mercury recording artist Julie Roberts released her “Men & Mascara” album on June 27 and announced today that she will headline the post-race concert Oct. 28 at the Busch Series Sam’s Town 250 at Memphis. Also scheduled to perform are country newcomer Gary Nichols and southern rockers Black Stone Cherry. The race week schedule also includes the return of the NASCAR showcar parade on Beale Street on Thursday at noon and Fanfest on Thursday night at Sam’s Town Tunica.(Memphis Motorsports Park PR)(7-20-2006)
Martinsville Busch Race on NBC; Bestwick and Dallenbach in the Booth: NBC takes the wheel this weekend with Busch Series Racing from Martinsville, Saturday, live at 3:30 p.m./et. Allen Bestwick serves as play-by-play commentator for NBC, with Wally Dallenbach in the booth as analyst. Dave Burns and Lindsay Czarniak are pit road reporters.(NBC PR)(7-19-2006)
Contreras in the #12 at Martinville: Carlos Contreras will make his second NASCAR Busch Series start of the 2006 season behind the wheel of the #12 Beach Bash Dodge for FitzBradshaw Racing.(FBR PR)(7-19-2006)
Montoya Needs Busch Starts to Get Cup License: Being a Champ Car, Indianapolis 500 and Monaco Grand Prix champion isn’t enough to ensure Juan Pablo Montoya of a Nextel Cup license, NASCAR officials hinted this Wednesday. Speaking to NASCAR’s official website, the sanctioning body’s VP of competition, Robin Pemberton, recommended that the 30-year old Colombian, recently signed to drive Chip Ganassi’s #42 Dodge next year, start out in the Busch Series before dipping his toes in Cup waters – at least as far as ovals are concerned. “We would recommend that [Montoya and Ganassi get a couple of Busch races under their belt and get the dynamics of full-body, side-by-side racing and the problems that may arise on pit road at different places,” he said. Ganassi himself isn’t bothered by the demand, as that was his plan for the Colombian anyway.(SpeedTV.com)(7-19-2006)
Griffin Fined for Actions at New Hampshire: NASCAR announced today that Ronnie Griffin, crew chief of the #23 Chevy in the NASCAR Busch Series, has been penalized due to rule violations at New Hampshire. Griffin was fined $2,500 for violating Sections 12-4-A (actions detrimental to stock car racing) and 12-4-Q (car, car parts, components and/or equipment used that do not conform to NASCAR rules: Section 20A – 16.4.2A: Fuel cell vent tube exceeded maximum size) of the 2006 NASCAR Busch Series Rule Book. The infraction was discovered during opening day inspection on July 13.(NASCAR PR)(7-19-2006)
Crew Chief Changes for Wood and Compton: David Hyder will take over Crew Chief duties for Jon Wood’s #47 Busch Series car, as the third generation driver prepares for his anticipated entry into NEXTEL Cup next season. Ernie Cope will move from his duties as Crew Chief for Stacy Compton’s Busch Series car to assist Michael “Fatback” McSwain [taking over as Kenny Schrader’s crew chief]. Jay Guy, Jon Wood’s Busch Series Crew Chief will move to teammate Stacy Compton’s #59 Busch Series car.(Wood Brothers Racing PR)(7-19-2006)
Bank of Marion VA to Sponsor McClure at Bristol: – The Bank of Marion VA announced a partnership with Team McClure, Inc. to sponsor Eric McClure at the upcoming Food City 250 at Bristol. The August 25 event will mark the NASCAR Busch Series debut for The Bank of Marion, which is headquartered in Marion, VA. [See an image of the car on my 2006 Paint Schemes Page](McClure PR)(7-18-2006)
Shelby Howard to run some Busch Races?: Odle Motorsports, Inc., is proud to announce that they are joining forces with Tony Stewart Racing Enterprises and current Hooters Pro Cup driver Shelby Howard. Howard will continue the 2006 Pro Cup season, where he is currently 7th in the point standings. Howard will also look into a future with Odle Motorsports/Speedco in the Busch Series, possibly starting with as many as three Busch races before the end of 2006. (shelbyhoward.com via BGNRacing.com)(07-18-2006)
DW racing Busch Series at Martinsville: After last year’s “One and Done” in the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series, former three-time Cup champion Darrell Waltrip will return for yet another comeback this weekend, as the current FOX commentator will drive for his brother Michael Waltrip’s #99 Aaron’s Dream team in the Busch Series race at Martinsville. Waltrip will begin testing this Tuesday at Caraway Speedway “from 10 a.m. until I get happy, which might be until 6 p.m. Friday,” he quipped. After today’s test, “we’ll go back to the shop, tune on the car a little bit, put the race motor in and then be in Martinsville on Thursday for open practice.” DW’s biggest concern for his Busch comeback is the Martinsville heat, as temperatures have been scorching in the area this week.(Speed Channel)(7-18-2006)
Ricky Craven to Drive for FBR at Martinsville: FitzBradshaw Racing announced today that NASCAR veteran Ricky Craven will pilot the #14 Family Dollar Dodge in the Goody’s 250 at Martinsville Speedway.(FitzBradshaw PR)(7-18-2006)
Raybestos Rookie Notes for Martinsville: Mark McFarland was the Raybestos Rookie in the New England 200 at New Hampshire. McFarland finished 11th and took Raybestos Rookie of the Race honors for the third time this season. Burney Lamar leads the Raybestos Rookie standings by five points (169-164) over John Andretti entering the Goody’s 250 at Martinsville. Andretti is 12th in the Busch Series championship standings, best of any Raybestos Rookie.(Raybestos PR)(7-18-2006)
Western Sizzlin to Sponsor Grubb at Martinsville: Western Sizzlin will be the primary sponsor of Mac Hill Motorsports’ #56 driven by Kevin Grubb for the upcoming Busch Series race at Martinsville.(MacHillMotorsports.com)(7-17-2006)
Goodys to Sponsor Gilliland at Martinsville: Goody’s Headache Powders and Clay Andrews Racing announced today that Goody’s will be the primary sponsor of the #84 Chevrolet driven by David Gilliland in the Goody’s 250 at Martinsville this weekend.(Clay Andrews PR)(7-17-2006)
Victory Junction Gang Camp Members to Be Grand Marshals of Martinsville Busch Race: Three children from the Victory Junction Gang Camp have been named grand marshals for Saturday’s Goody’s 250 at Martinsville. Only the first names of campers are ever released, so the grand marshals are identified only as Nick of Clemmons, N.C., age 13; Will of Greensboro, N.C., Age 12; and Danielle of Martinsville, Va., age 12. On Thursday the trio will visit the speedway to tour the track, participate in pace car rides and meet with several drivers for autographs and photos.(SceneDaily.com)(7-17-2006)
Pro Cup’s Pistone eyes Busch debut: Chase Pistone, a 22-year-old from North Carolina who has been competing in the Hooters Pro Cup Series for Stringer Motorsports, will attempt to make his Busch Series debut July 22 at Martinsville. Pistone will drive the #32 Chevy. David Pletcher will be the crew chief for the car.(SceneDaily.com)(7-16-2006)
Patrick Carpentier wants Busch Ride: UPDATE 2: Patrick Carpentier — the former Champ Car World Series star — told the Toronto Sun that the next time his home fans see him in a race car it will be in the NASCAR Busch Series. “I have had discussions with (sponsor) Mechachrome about my future and we agree it is to go stock car racing,” the 1997 Champ Car rookie of the year said. The 34-year-old native of Joliette, Que., said that he also is in negotiations to race in the ARCA series next season as a prelude to moving up to the Craftsman Truck Series and then to Busch. His immediate goal, he said, is to be on the grid when the NASCAR Busch Series comes to Montreal’s Circuit Gilles Villeneuve next season. “I don’t want it to be just a one-off deal, though,” Carpentier said. “I would like to have a program in place that would take me beyond just running in Montreal.”(Toronto Sun)(6-27-2006) UPDATE: Two NASCAR teams have contacted Montreal’s Patrick Carpentier about a future in the stock car series. A refugee of the Champ Car and Indy Racing League, Carpentier has had offers to join a NASCAR Busch Series team and a Craftsman Truck series team this season as a prelude to a full season deal in 2007. It is believed Carpentier will race a couple of ARCA events this season to show NASCAR teams his prowess on ovals in the big sedans.(Toronto Sun)(7-4-2006) UPDATE 2: One week after Formula One driver Juan Pablo Montoya announced he was abandoning his F1 career for NASCAR; open wheel driver Patrick Carpentier visited New Hampshire hocking his wares for a ride. While nothing is inked yet, Carpentier hinted that before the end of this weekend he may have a deal worked out to run the Busch Series next season. It wouldn’t be much of a jump to think that Carpentier might be headed to one of Toyota’s fledging Red Bull teams; who are planning on having one Busch ride next season. While he is unsure of some of the details, Carpentier hopes that he has something to announce within the next few days as to what his 2007 plans are in NASCAR racing.(Motorsport.com)(7-14-2006)
Teams Preparing For Unleaded Fuel: NASCAR officials have told Busch Series teams to make sure they dilute and burn off any remaining traces of leaded fuel during practices when they get to tracks where they will run unleaded fuel. The Busch Series will use unleaded fuel for the first time July 29 at Gateway , and then both the Busch and Craftsman Truck Series will use the unleaded fuel the following week at O’Reilly Raceway Park in Indianapolis. The notice to the teams includes this information: The unleaded fuel is green, while the current leaded fuel from Sunoco is blue. Teams cannot mix unleaded fuel and leaded fuel. Bladders, foam, fuel lines, dump cans, fill cans and filters that have been used for leaded fuel need to be flushed out. The foam portion of the fuel cell will be the most difficult for teams to “get the lead out.”(SceneDaily.com)(7-14-2006)
Frank Cicci Racing Scaling Back Schedule: Frank Cicci Racing [#34] is announcing that the team will be moving to a limited schedule for the remainder of the 2006 Season. “We have a lot of opportunities and positive things happening for next year, but sponsorship has been minimal this year. We want to step back and concentrate on bringing our best equipment and running well at every race we attend,” said Frank Cicci. The team’s tentative plans are to attend Gateway as their next event.(Frank Cicci PR via BGNRacing.com)(7-12-2006)
A.J. Foyt IV Back to IRL?: UPDATE: NO IRL team owner A.J. Foyt is looking for another driver after releasing Felipe Giaffone on Monday. Giaffone took over in the #14 ABC Supply Dallara/Honda this season. Giaffone replaced Anthony Foyt, A.J.’s grandson. Anthony is available to return. He started this season in the Busch Series but no longer has a ride.(Dallas Morning News)(7-11-2006) UPDATE: A.J. Foyt has hired Jeff Bucknum to replace Felipe Giaffone in the #14 ABC Supply Dallara/Honda for the rest of the 2006 IRL IndyCar season.(Foyt PR)(7-12-2006)
Michigan Invites Montoya to Run ARCA or Busch Race: Juan Pablo Montoya has suddenly become the hottest property in NASCAR, and folks at Michigan International Speedway would like to make the former Formula One star at home there as soon as possible. MIS management contacted Montoya’s new race team, Chip Ganassi Racing, on Tuesday to invite the Colombian to run both the ARCA Re/Max and Busch races at the Irish Hills track during the Nextel Cup weekend in August.(Detroit Free Press)(7-12-2006)
Compton Favors Limit on Number of Cup Drivers in Busch: Add Stacy Compton to the growing list of those who believe the Busch Series needs an overhaul. The series has brought only two full-time Busch drivers to Victory Lane this season. But Compton said the series won’t likely see a decline in Cup infiltration unless ticket sales for NASCAR’s premier division begin to suffer. Compton advocates placing a limit on the number of Cup drivers who can qualify for a Busch race on a given weekend.(Roanoke Times)(7-12-2006)
Raybestos Rookie Notes for New Hampshire: Todd Kluever was the Raybestos® Rookie at Chicagoland . Kluever finished 18th and took top rookie honors for the fifth time this season. Burney Lamar leads the Raybestos® Rookie standings by eight points (169-161) over John Andretti entering the New England 200 at New Hampshire. Andretti is 12th in the NASCAR Busch Series championship standings, best of any Raybestos® Rookie.(Raybestos PR)(7-12-2006)
Hass Avocados to Sponsor #32 at NHIS: Hass Avocados is making its debut as a NASCAR Busch Series primary team sponsor this weekend at New Hampshire. The #32 Braun Racing entry, driven by Dave Blaney, will have a paint scheme featuring Haas Avocados(Braun Racing PR)(7-12-2006)
Jeff Burton in for Lamar at New Hampshire: UPDATE 2: Jeff Burton will drive the #77 Kevin Harvick Inc. car to replace Busch Series rookie Burney Lamar this weekend at New Hampshire. NASCAR’s updated entry list has Burton in place of Lamar, who leads the Raybestos rookie standings by eight points over John Andretti. KHI representatives could not be reached for comment.(SceneDaily.com)(7-11-2006) UPDATE: A source confirmed that the move is simply an evaluation and Lamar is scheduled to be back in the car next weekend in Martinsville.(BGNRacing.com)(7-11-2006) UPDATE 2: In an effort to evaluate performance, KHI has enlisted the help of Harvick’s RCR teammate. “After reviewing the progress of our team the first half of the season, we felt like the assessment of an experienced driver could only help the development of our team and Burney Lamar,” said Kevin Harvick. Burney Lamar will be back in the #77 for the Busch Series event at Martinsville.(KHI PR)(7-12-2006)
Peyton Sellers to make Busch Series Debut at NHIS: Peyton Sellers’ NASCAR star continues to rise. Two weeks after claiming his first NASCAR Grand National Division, AutoZone West Series victory, the reigning NASCAR Dodge Weekly Series national champion will make his Busch Series debut at New Hampshire this weekend. Sellers, of Danville, Va., won the Weekly Series’ national title after a stellar 2005 season at South Boston Speedway. The 22-year-old was then signed as a development driver for Richard Childress Racing. He’ll attempt to make his first NASCAR Busch Series start, in the #31 Whelen Chevy owned by Ted Marsh.(NASCAR PR)(7-11-2006)
Busch Crew Member Arrested for Assault: A crew member for a Busch Series team was arrested Saturday morning at Charlotte-Douglas Airport after an alleged confrontation with a crew member from another team. Gregg Edward Pasi, 43, who served as jackman for Team Rensi Motorsports #35 team, was charged with simple assault and battery, a misdemeanor offense. Pasi was arrested for allegedly punching Shannon Myers. Myers is a tire changer for Robert Yates Racing’s #90 team. A spokesman for Team Rensi Motorsports said Pasi was a contract, weekend-only employee with the team and was immediately fired.(SceneDaily.com)(7-10-2006)
Family Dollar Teams with FitzBradshaw: FitzBradshaw Racing announced a partnership with Family Dollar Stores, Inc. to return as a primary sponsor for nine races in the 2006 NASCAR Busch Series season. Carlos Contreras has been tapped by FitzBradshaw Racing to pilot the #14 Family Dollar Dodge in select races for the remainder of the 2006 season. Sharing the seat of the #14 Family Dollar Dodge is Busch Series rookie Tracy Hines. Mike Skinner will also take a turn behind the wheel of the #14. As well, look for a few other NASCAR veterans to round out the family of drivers who will pilot the Family Dollar Dodge. The Family Dollar Dodge Charger is set to debut July 22nd at Martinsville Speedway.(FBR PR)(7-10-2006)
Montoya to Run Some Busch Races: Ganassi said Montoya will drive the #42 [Nextel Cup] car full-time next season, but may enter selected Busch Series races this year after he finishes the F1 season with the McLaren-Mercedes team.(Associated Press)(7-9-2006)
U.S. Navy Renews with JR Motorsports: The U.S. Navy announced on Saturday that it would continue to sponsor Earnhardt Jr.’s Busch Series team through 2007.(Kansas City Star/AP)(7-8-2006)
Dale Jr. Favors Limits on Buschwhacking: Dale Earnhardt Jr. said Saturday that NASCAR should limit the number of races that the so-called “Buschwhackers” can compete in each season. “I do have an opinion on it, I’m not really split down the middle like a lot of people are,” Earnhardt Jr. said. “But I would like to see some limitations put on the Cup drivers as far as their ability to compete, unless they want to and choose to run for the championship. For the sake of the series itself, and longevity and success of the series itself, I think what’s happening right now is slightly detrimental.”(Kansas City Star/AP)(7-8-2006)
Helton: NASCAR ups ante on penalties: Addressing the Busch Series drivers and crew chiefs Saturday morning, NASCAR President Mike Helton warned them that the recent six-week suspensions handed out by the sanctioning body could become the norm. The penalties, including one to the team of Busch Series point leader Kevin Harvick, were issued for violations last week at Daytona. Suspensions for similar penalties in the past have ranged from two to four weeks.(SceneDaily.com)(7-8-2006)
Jon Wolfe out at #4 Team: UPDATE 2: Jon Wolfe has been released as crew chief of the #4 Biagi-DenBeste Racing team. No word on a replacement.(7-4-2006) UPDATE: Mike Harvick has been named the new crew chief for the team.(7-6-2006) UPDATE 2: Harvick will serve as crew chief on an interim basis. The team is searching for a permanent replacement.(7-7-2006)
Coleman Wins ARCA Race at Kentucky: Rookie Brad Coleman [developmental driver for Brewco] had to hold off a seven-time champion to win his first ARCA race Friday night — twice. Coleman, an 18-year-old recent high school graduate who used video games to train for his stock-car career, won a caution-extended WLWT Channel 5-150 at Kentucky Speedway, edging out veteran Frank Kimmel in the extra lap.(ESPN/AP)(7-8-2006)
Co-owner of Kentucky Speedway Dies: The Tennessee man who helped bring the Kentucky Speedway to life has died. John Lindahl passed away in Nashville on Wednesday. He was 83. Lindahl was the retired chairman of State Industries Incorporated in Ashland City, the largest water heater manufacturer in the country. He joined a group that included Jerry Carroll and Outback Steakhouse in locating the one-point-five mile tri-oval track to Sparta in northern Kentucky.(FoxSports.com)(7-7-2006)
Keller in the #66 at IRP?: Hearing that Jason Keller will be driving the No. 66 Brewco car at the O’Reilly Raceway Park on August 5th. Previously, Keller had practiced the car last month during the series standalone events.(BGNRacing.com)(7-7-2006)
Dale Jr. to Run Michigan Busch Race: Dale Earnhardt, Inc. will be entering Dale Earnhardt, Jr. in the Carfax 250 NASCAR Busch race at Michigan. Earnhardt, Jr. will be driving the #8 Menards Chevy.(DEI PR)(7-7-2006)
Bunch of Busch Series penalties from Daytona; Wilson & Nead suspended, #21 loses more points: UPDATE: NASCAR announced today penalties and fines that have been issued among six NASCAR Busch Series teams as a result of rule violations at Daytona International Speedway.
Shane Wilson, crew chief for the #21 Chevy driven by Kevin Harvick, was fined $15,000 and suspended from NASCAR for the next six events beginning with the July 8 race at Chicagoland Speedway for violating Section 12-4-A (actions detrimental to stock car racing) and 12-4-Q (car, car parts, components and/or equipment used that do not conform to NASCAR rules; Section 20A- 2.1E: unapproved modifications in trunk area to enhance aerodynamic performance; Section 20A-3.9F: deck lid must retain stock shape and contours; lower read edge bent to allow air to escape and Section 20A-16.3G: shock absorber access doors missing). The violations were discovered during post-qualifying inspection on June 30.
Additionally, Harvick will lose 50 NASCAR Busch Series driver points and team owner Richard Childress will forfeit 50 NASCAR Busch Series owner points.
Also, Gene Nead, the crew chief for the #77 Chevy driven by Burney Lamar, was fined $15,000 and suspended from the next six events starting with the Chicago race for violating Sections 12- 4-A and 12-4-Q (Section 20A-12.3J: unapproved shock absorber components; base valves are not permitted). The infraction was found during post-race inspection on June 30.
As a result, Lamar will lose 50 NASCAR Busch Series driver points while team owner DeLana Harvick was also penalized with the loss of 50 NASCAR Busch Series owner points due to the infraction.
Four other crew chiefs were fined due to violations at Daytona. Mark Durgin, crew chief of the #43 Chevy driven by P.J. Jones and Dave Fuge Jr., crew chief for the #34 driven by Paul Tracy, were each fined $5,000 for violating 12-4-A and 12-4-Q. During pre-qualifying inspection on June 30, the #43 was found to have unapproved modification to the approved air filter housing while the #34 was discovered to have unapproved air directional devices inside the air filter housing.
Also, Rick Gay, crew chief for the #10 Ford driven by John Andretti, was fined $2,500 violation of Sections 12-4-A and 12-4- Q (Section 20A-2.1E: vent near the “A” post modified to enhance aerodynamic performance) and Marc Reno, crew chief for the No 1. Dodge driven by Mike Wallace, was also fined $2,000 for violating 12-4-A and 12-4-Q (Section 20A-16.4.2A: fuel cell vent tube exceeded the maximum use). The #10 violation was discovered during pre-qualifying inspection while the #1 violation was found during opening day inspection on June 28.(NASCAR PR)(7-6- 2006) UPDATE: Kevin Harvick Inc. (KHI) will appeal a recent penalty assessed by NASCAR against its #77 Busch Series entry following post-race inspection June 30 at Daytona. “As a team owner, I understand the importance of rules and I respect the need to have them in our sport,” said DeLana Harvick Owner of KHI. “I want to make it very clear that we did not deliberately disregard any rules,” Harvick continued. “In this particular situation, we disagree with the penalty and will appeal.”(KHI PR)(7-6-2006)
Yates and Rensi Form Alliance: Robert and Doug Yates announced today the formation of a Busch Series strategic alliance with Team Rensi Motorsports, a leading NASCAR Busch Series racing team. The strategic alliance will allow these two Ford supported NASCAR organizations to work together to enhance their Busch Series operations as well as partner on sponsorship and marketing for both organizations.(Team Rensi PR)(7-5-2006)
McFarland Strains Shoulder in Milwaukee Accident: UPDATE 3: Truex Back in at Chicago: JR Motorsports Busch Series driver Mark McFarland suffered strained muscles in a late crash in Saturday’s AT&T 250 at Milwaukee. At the infield care center, McFarland was determined to have strained muscles in his right shoulder. He was released and traveled back to North Carolina with his Dale Earnhardt Jr.-owned race team. McFarland said his shoulder was sore, but that nothing was broken.(SceneDaily.com)(6-26-2006) UPDATE: Initial reports indicating NASCAR Busch Series driver Mark McFarland’s clearance to race this weekend at Daytona International Speedway proved to be erroneous when additional MRI scans were reviewed by doctors late Tuesday night. As a result, two-time Busch Series champion and defending race winner Martin Truex Jr. will step in to drive the JR Motorsports’s #88 Navy Accelerate Your Life Chevy this weekend.(JR Motorsports PR)(6-28-2006) UPDATE 2: JR Motorsports driver Mark McFarland says he will miss at least two weeks with a dislocated right shoulder suffered in an accident last Saturday in the AT&T 250 Busch Series race at the Milwaukee Mile. McFarland said he hopes Truex can fill in at Chicagoland next week as well. (SceneDaily.com)(6-29-2006) UPDATE 3: For the second week in-a-row, Martin Truex Jr. will step up to drive the #88 Chevy.(JR Motorsports PR)(7-5-2006)
Special Scheme for Yeley at Chicago: The #18 Chevy will be sporting a new look this weekend at Chicagoland. The Vigoro Premium Mulch with Weed Stop product will adorn the hood of the car. Vigoro Premium Mulch with Weed Stop is a new product for 2006.(Joe Gibbs Racing PR)(7-5-2006)
Brewco & Cub Cadet to Partner with Mercy Home for Boys & Girls: Brewco Motorsports and Cub Cadet will run a special #66 paint scheme for this weekend’s Chicagoland race. The design was created by children at Mercy Home for Boys & Girls – a residential care facility housing abused and abandoned kids in Chicago.(Brewco PR)(7-4-2006)
Rookie Notes for Chicago: John Andretti was the Raybestos® Rookie of the Race in the Winn-Dixie 250 at Daytona. Andretti finished 10th, his second top-10 finish of the 2006 season. Burney Lamar leads the Raybestos® Rookie standings by eight points (165-157) over Andretti (165-157) entering the USG Durock 300 at Chicagoland. Andretti is 12th in the NASCAR Busch Series championship standings, best of any Raybestos® Rookie. He is three points behind 11th-place Jason Leffler and trails 10th-place Johnny Sauter by 113.(Raybestos PR)(7-4-2006)
RWI Racing and LifeLock Team Up Against Identity Theft: LifeLock Identity Theft service, the nation’s first and only service that prevents identity theft and RWI Racing have teamed up to raise awareness to ID theft, a growing problem in America. Through the partnership, fans of RWI Racing may get identity theft protection from LifeLock at a discount by going to www.lifelock.com and signing up using the promotion code (RUSTY). The LifeLock logo will don RWI Racing’s #64 entry in the NASCAR Busch Series.(RWI PR)(7-3-2006)
Fike Staying Busy: KHI #33 driver Aaron Fike has been staying busy with his time away from the #33 seat. Fike has been racing in numerous types of cars over the past three weeks. Fike has driven a dirt modified, a dirt midget and a USAC midget most recently. Fike’s next race is at New Hampshire.(Kevin Harvick Inc. PR)(7-3-2006)
Harvick’s Qualifying Time Disallowed: UPDATE 2: The crew chief for Busch Series points leader Kevin Harvick was apparently ejected following post-qualifying inspection for the Winn-Dixie 250 on Friday afternoon. Shane Wilson was escorted out of the Busch Series garage by NASCAR Busch Series Director Joe Balash after a meeting between Wilson, Balash and NASCAR Vice President Robin Pemberton. NASCAR officials would not comment on the infraction and penalties immediately following the meeting, but sheets being handed out to the teams with revised qualifying results showed Harvick’s qualifying time was disallowed. Instead of starting 27th, Harvick will have to start at the rear of the field. A hefty points fine likely will be levied because Wilson already was on probation for the team’s car being too low in post-race inspection at the previous restrictor-plate race at Talladega.(SceneDaily.com)(6-30-2006) UPDATE: Shane Wilson, crew chief of the #21 Chevy, has been ejected from the racing premises at Daytona for rule violations found following impound Friday. Wilson was found to be in violation of Sections 12-4-A (actions detrimental to stock car racing); 12-4-Q (car, car parts, components and/or equipment used that do not conform to NASCAR rules – unapproved aerodynamic modification) of the 2006 NASCAR Busch Series rule book. As a result, the qualifying time for the #21 Chevy was disallowed and that car will start tonight’s race from the 42nd position.(NASCAR PR)(6-30-2006) UPDATE 2: NASCAR Busch Series Director Joe Balash confirmed Friday night that it was the rear of the #21 Richard Childress Racing entry that had “unapproved aerodynamic modifications” found between qualifying and the start of the race. Balash said penalties will be determined later this week. He said the modification would have altered how the air moves around the back of the car. “We’ve had similar issues in the past, and we had a similar penalty in another garage and with that type of issue, the crew chief was ejected from the event,” said Balash, referring to Jimmie Johnson’s Nextel Cup crew chief Chad Knaus getting ejected from Daytona earlier this year. Knaus was given a four-week suspension. Wilson could get that much and even more, considering he was on probation from Harvick’s car being too low following the Talladega race. Harvick was docked 25 points. Team officials are bracing for an even harsher penalty this time around. Harvick said that Todd Berrier would be the crew chief for him if Wilson is suspended.(SceneDaily.com)(7-1-2006)
Stewart to run DEI car at LMS Busch race: Tony Stewart will drive a DEI entry in the October Busch Series race at Lowe’s Motor Speedway. The car will carry sponsorship from Goody’s Headache Powders, which will run a contest in conjunction with the race. As part of the promotion, Goody’s will choose a Mayor of Goody’s Country. That person will then get their picture on the hood of the #8 DEI Chevy. The nomination period ends July 23 at the conclusion of the Goody’s 250 NASCAR Busch Series Race weekend at Martinsville Speedway.(more info at the DEI Site)(7-1-2006)
