Car of Tomorrow Will Come to Busch Series at Some Point: NASCAR is in the developmental process of building a Car of Tomorrow for the Busch Series. Nextel Cup series director John Darby said there is no timetable on when the car may be put on the track, but said the arrival is “inevitable.” Darby said the COT makes more sense for Busch than the Cup from a pure financial situation because more teams likely would take advantage of having to build fewer cars as the COT program allows. Darby said he could foresee a situation where the chassis and roll cage assembly of the Cup COT is used with the Busch car with a different body so teams can’t use the same cars in both series.(ESPN.com)(7-29-2007) UPDATE: The Busch COT will not look like the Cup COT — it won’t have a rear wing or a front splitter — but it will have many of the safety features included on the Cup COT. One solution NASCAR officials are discussing for the future is to make the Busch Series car a COT but switch to models not used in Cup, i.e., to make the Busch Series a sports car league with Mustangs, Camaros, etc. (ESPN.com)(7-31-2007)
Eight Countries Represented at Montreal Race: Drivers representing eight countries are entered in the event, led by a 27-man contingent from the United States. Eight Canadians, including Montreal’s own Patrick Carpentier (#22 Zelars & Komatsu Dodge) – who will make his NASCAR debut – and veteran NASCAR road ace Ron Fellows (#33 Camping World Chevy – Toronto) lead that group. Busch Series regular Marcos Ambrose (#59 Kingsford Ford) is from Australia. Michel Jourdain Jr. (#17 Dish Network Ford) who won at Circuit Gilles Villeneuve in Champ Car competition in 2003, and Jorge Goeters (#27 Cottonelle Ford), winner of the first Busch Pole at Mexico City, are from Mexico. Additionally, Italy will be represented by Max Papis (#1 Miccosukee Resorts Chevy); Sweden by Nic Johnssen (#28 Yellow Transportation Chevy); England by Andy Pilgrim (#88 U.S. NAVY Chevy) and Venezuela by Alex Garcia (#98 Dixien-Omni Source Chevy).(NASCAR PR)(7-31-2007)
Wimmer to Practice for Burton at Montreal: UPDATE: Scott Wimmer will be on hand in Montreal to get the #29-Holiday Inn Chevy dialed in before Jeff Burton makes the trip Saturday morning. If Burton’s Cup Series schedule hinders his arrival time, Wimmer will qualify the car as well.(RCR PR)(7-31-2007) UPDATE: Auggie Vidovich is on call for #6-David Ragan; Brandon Miller will sub for #21-Kevin Harvick; Casey Atwood for #37-Greg Biffle; John Andretti for #60-Carl Edwards and Mark Green for #99-David Reutimann. A substitute had yet to be announced for Robby Gordon.(NASCAR PR)(7-31-2007)
Canadian Michael Valiante Makes Busch Debut for Chip Ganassi Racing: Michael Valiante returns to his home-country for this weekend’s Busch Series race in Canada where he will make his NBS debut [in the #42]. He currently resides in Vancouver, B.C., where he still lends a helping hand as a driver, team manager, tech supporter, driver coach and chassis tuner to his family’s karting business, Italian Motors.(CGRFS PR)(7-31-2007)
John Graham Making Busch Debut in #10 for Braun Racing: While most Busch Series drivers will be rookies to the twists and turns of Circuit Gilles Villeneuve, John Graham knows the road course well. He has raced on the Montreal 2.709 15-turn track twice in his career. In the early 1990’s, Graham participated in support races for the Grand Prix circuit at the Montreal road course.(Braun Racing PR)(7-31-2007)
Few Changes Expected in Busch Series Next Year: Other than a new sponsor for the series as Anheuser-Busch bows out at season’s end after 26 years, Steve O’Donnell, NASCAR’s vice president of racing operations, says no big changes are in store for the second-tier series. “We’ve discussed (limiting Cup drivers in Busch), but NASCAR has always been open for all,” O’Donnell says. “That’s something that we pride ourselves on. If you bring your car or truck and get through inspection, we’re going to allow you to race.” Andrew Giangola, NASCAR’s director of business communications, says the announcement of a new title sponsor should occur before the end of the season, although he declined to name the finalists.(USA Today)(7-30-2007)
RCR, KHI to Increase Busch Series Relationship: Richard Childress Racing (RCR) and Kevin Harvick Incorporated (KHI) have reached agreement to expand their already successful Busch Series relationship going into the 2008 season. KHI will take a more active role in this increased technical alliance with regard to testing, aerodynamics, suspension and chassis. RCR has been the engine supplier to KHI since the Kernersville, N.C.-based team fielded its first NASCAR Truck Series entrant in 2002.(Kevin Harvick Inc PR)(7-30-2007)
JR Motorsports and Hendrick Motorsports to Join Busch Operations in 2008: JR Motorsports and Hendrick Motorsports will combine the two companies’ NASCAR Busch Series operations at the conclusion of the 2007 racing season with plans to field a joint effort beginning in 2008. The partnership will campaign two full-time race cars under the JR Motorsports banner that utilize Hendrick Motorsports engines, chassis and vehicle engineering support. Rick Hendrick will be listed as car owner of the #5 team and Dale Earnhardt Jr. will be car owner of the #88. To support the operation, approximately 30 employees, including crew chief Chad Walter, will move to JR Motorsports’ Mooresville-based facility from Hendrick Motorsports’ Busch Series group in Concord. Walter will serve as crew chief of the #5 team next season.(Hendrick Motorsports PR)(7-30-2007)
Steve Wallace OK After Attempted Mugging: Steve Wallace is OK following being attacked in an attempted mugging Sunday evening in Indianapolis. Wallace suffered only minor cuts and abrasions in the attack and will compete as scheduled in this weekend’s Busch Series event at Circuit Gilles Villeneuve in Montreal, Canada. Wallace was attacked by a group of at least three men upon exiting a convenience store in Indianapolis Sunday night. Upon entering the convenience store, the men commented on Wallace’s watch. After exiting the convenience store, Wallace was jumped and attacked by the group of men, who were attempting to rob him of his watch.(RWI PR)(7-30-2007)
Raybestos Rookie Notes for Montreal: Brad Keselowski was the Rookie of the Race in the Kroger 200 at O’Reilly Raceway Park. Keselowski scored a 10th-place finish, his best effort in 23 career Busch Series starts. He claimed Rookie of the Race honors for the second time this season. David Ragan leads Marcos Ambrose by 25 points (197-172) in the Raybestos Rookie standings entering the NAPA Auto Parts 200 at Circuit Gilles Villeneuve. Ragan is fourth in the Busch Series championship standings, best of any Rookie. He is 67 points behind third-place Jason Leffler and leads fifth-place Kevin Harvick by 22. Ambrose is 10th in the standings, 43 points behind ninth-place Mike Wallace.(Raybestos PR)(7-30-2007)
Keselowski Could Finish Year with JR Motorsports: Brad Keselowski has completed his three-race deal with JR Motorsports, but team owner Dale Earnhardt Jr. said he wanted to keep Keselowski for the rest of the season. Andy Pilgrim is driving the #88 Busch Series Chevy in the upcoming road-course races at Montreal and Watkins Glen, but Keselowski could return full time at Michigan on Aug. 18.(SceneDaily.com)(7-29-2007)
#77 Crew Members Escapes Major Injury: Jake Laudert suffered a broken left toe, a bruised right knee and a cut above his nose in a scary incident during the Kroger 200 at O’Reilly Raceway Park. Coming into his pit stall, located directly in front of KHI’s Ron Hornaday, #25-Richard Johns plowed through Laudert, sending him up into the air and down on the pavement.(SceneDaily.com)(7-29-2007)
Bliss in for Blaney at ORP: Mike Bliss will fill in for Dave Blaney in Saturday night’s Kroger 200 at O’Reilly Raceway Park, Busch Series Director Joe Balash confirmed. Blaney was practicing and qualifying his Bill Davis Racing Toyota at Indianapolis Motor Speedway and decided to focus his attention on that Nextel Cup program. Bliss has driven 14 races in the Busch Series in 2007, all for Fitz Motorsports.(Scene Daily)(7-29-2007)
Graham to Drive for Blaney on Road Courses: #10-Dave Blaney, sixth in the Busch Series standings, will skip the upcoming road-course events at Montreal and Watkins Glen, a Braun Racing spokesperson confirmed Friday. Canadian John Graham will pilot the car in those races over the next couple of weeks.(SceneDaily.com)(7-27-2007)
Chevy to use Impala brand for 2008 Busch Series: Chevy will use the Impala brand in the Busch Series next year, Chevy Racing manager Terry Dolan said Thursday. Chevy was already going to use Impala in Nextel Cup next season since the car of tomorrow will be used full-time next year. It had been using the Monte Carlo for traditional car events and the Impala for COT events. The manufacturer had been using the Monte Carlo this year for the Busch Series.(SceneDaily.com)(7-27-2007)
Busch Series Would Use Rain Tires at Montreal and the Glen: The Busch Series will compete in the rain, if necessary, in its two upcoming road-course events, Busch Series Director Joe Balash confirmed Friday. Goodyear will bring rain tires to both the Aug. 4 event in Montreal and the Aug. 11 event in Watkins Glen. Balash said the series is committed to getting both of those events completed on their scheduled race date. All cars will be equipped with windshield wipers, defrosters and rear lights.(SceneDaily.com)(7-27-2007)
Lagasse in the #41 at ORP: Scott Lagasse Jr. will be competing in the Busch Series race this Saturday night. He will be behind the wheel of the #41 Wrigley’s Juicy Fruit Dodge for Chip Ganassi. This will be Lagasse’s second Busch race this season in the #41. His first Busch race was at Milwaukee.(Lagasse PR)(7-26-2007)
Josh Wise Making Busch Debut at ORP: Michael Waltrip Racing development driver Josh Wise will make his Busch Series debut driving the #22 Family Dollar/Supercuts Dodge for Fitz Motorsports this weekend in the Kroger 200 at the O’Reilly Raceway Park in Indianapolis.(Fitz Racing PR)(7-26-2007)
ESPN2 Covers Busch Series from O’Reilly Raceway Park: ESPN2’s NASCAR Countdown will have a live preview at 7:30 p.m. ET Saturday, July 28, of the Busch Series race at O’Reilly Raceway Park at Indianapolis presented by Hormel Compleats. ESPN’s Marty Reid will anchor coverage from ORP, joined in the booth for expert analysis by two-time Busch Series champion Randy LaJoie. Pit reporters Jack Arute, Shannon Spake and Vince Welch will contribute. Tim Brewer will report from the ESPN Dish Tech Center. ESPN2 will have live coverage of Busch Series practice from ORP at 12:30 p.m. ET Saturday, and qualifying at 4:30 p.m. before Saturday night’s race. Highlights include: Racing at ORP ESPN’s Reid and LaJoie talk about how to race O’Reilly Raceway Park. LaJoie has two career wins at the raceway and will talk about why this is considered a “driver’s track” and why the race can be won running either the high line or the low line. ESPN’s Tim Brewer will report from the Dish Tech Center on what teams will do to set up the car and handle the two grooves. From the Pits: ESPN’s Shannon Spake will report on Mike Wallace, winner of the 1994 NASCAR Busch Series race at ORP, a race considered one of the most exciting at this track. Spake will get Wallace’s thoughts on the raceway and his chances of winning Saturday night’s race.
Only a few days removed from dislocating his thumb during a dirt-track, late model race, Carl Edwards will be behind the wheel in this weekend’s Busch Series and Cup races at Indianapolis. ESPN’s Jack Arute will report on Edwards’ condition and why the driver, who has a monumental lead in Busch Series driver points, decided to compete in Saturday’s Busch Series race despite his injury.
Will this be Toyota’s weekend? ESPN’s Shannon Spake will report on Busch Series driver Jason Leffler, who, with seven top-10 finishes this season, is one of Toyota’s best chances of getting to victory lane.
USAC National Midget Car champion Bobby East, a Brownsburg, Ind. resident, will drive the Busch Series #37 Ford for Brewco Motorsports in just his fifth career Busch Series start. ESPN’s Vince Welch will report on the 22-year-old’s career as he races at ORP, a track with which the Hoosier is familiar.(ESPN PR)(7-26-2007)
Testing at Bristol: UPDATE: The Busch Series is testing Tuesday at Bristol. In the morning session the top speed were run by #38-Jason Leffler, #5-Kyle Busch, #77-Bobby Labonte, #24-Dennis Setzer, and #66-Steve Wallace. NASCAR’s press release is currently available on the Bristol Testing Page.(7-24-2007) UPDATE: #99-David Reutimann had the fastest time in testing at Bristol. #6-David Ragan was second, #88-Brad Keselowski third, #37-Greg Biffle fourth, and #12-Ryan Newman fifth. Complete speeds are posted on the Bristol Testing Page.(7-25-2007)
Ambrose Back in 2008: #59-Marcos Ambrose revealed from his home in Charlotte, North Carolina, that he has shored up a seat for next season after his solid debut in the Busch Series this year. “Even after six months I would have been happy to stay around to be honest after my initiation last year in the NASCAR Truck Series. Then all of a sudden I got picked up by Kingsford Charcoal (bluechip American sponsor) to go on their Busch program and I’m doing OK. I’m in the top 10 in the points and I’ve got a job for next year as they want to renew.”(Courier News, Australia)(7-25-2007)
Two Crew Chiefs Fined: NASCAR announced that Doug Chouinard, crew chief of the #03 Toyota driven by Todd Bodine and Chuck Meyers, crew chief of the #1 Chevy driven by J.J. Yeley in the Busch Series, have been fined due to rule violations at Gateway. Chouinard was fined $5,000 for violating 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) and 20A-5.10.1B(6) (thickness of the throttle shaft and throttle plate was less than 0.197 inch) of the 2007 NASCAR Busch Series Rule Book. Meyers was fined $500 for violating 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) and 20A-16.1C (fuel cell foam not used as provided by the manufacturer; open areas cut out of foam). The infractions were discovered during opening day inspection on July 20. (NASCAR PR)(7-25-2007)
Kvapil & Darnell to practice teammates Busch cars: Kvapil will practice teammate Carl Edwards’ #60 Dish Network Ford and Erik Darnell will practice David Ragan’s #6 Discount Tire Ford Busch Series cars on Saturday at ORP while Edwards and Ragan practices their Nextel Cup cars at the Brickyard.(Roush Racing PR)(7-24-2007)
Raybestos Rookie Notes for ORP: David Ragan was the Raybestos Rookie of the Race in the Busch 250 at Gateway Raceway. Ragan finished fifth, his third top-five and fifth top-10 finish of the season. He claimed Rookie of the Race honors for the seventh time this season. Ragan leads Marcos Ambrose by 17 points (194-171) in the Raybestos Rookie standings entering the Kroger 200 at O’Reilly Raceway Park. Ragan is fourth in the Busch Series championship standings, best of any Rookie. He is 87 points behind third-place Kevin Harvick and leads fifth-place Jason Leffler by 14. Ambrose is 10th in the standings, 60 points behind ninth-place Clint Bowyer. (Raybestos PR)(7-24-2007)
Lally to Drive #47 at Montreal & Watkins Glen: The Racer’s Group announced that it will enter two Busch Series road course events beginning with the Circuit Gilles Villeneuve road course in Montreal, Canada on August 4, followed by the Zippo 200 at Watkins Glen on August 11. Kevin Buckler, TRG owner, will partner with the Wood Brothers/JTG Racing to field the #47 Clorox/TRG Ford. RG was founded by Kevin and Debra Buckler in 1993 and has been competing at the top level of sports car racing ever since. TRG has the most wins of any team in Grand-Am history with 22. Georgia resident Andy Lally will drive.(Inside Track)(7-24-2007)
Rusty Wallace to Sell Team? Rusty Wallace announced last week he will expand his Busch Series operation to two teams in 2008. But what about Sprint Cup? Wallace said Monday he would like to field Sprint Cup Series teams. However, his contract with ESPN/ABC forbids that, given the conflict of interest involved in commenting races in which teams he owns compete. So he is contemplating the future sale of a majority stake in Rusty Wallace, Inc., he told ESPN.com Monday. Wallace said the move wouldn’t happen until 2009 at the earliest, and added that some current sponsors are among the interested parties in acquiring majority ownership.(ESPN.com)(7-23-2007)
Buschwhackers Want to Do Double Duty Again in 2008: The four Nextel Cup drivers also competing full time in the Busch Series this season all say they want to run every race in both series next year, too. Carl Edwards, David Reutimann, David Ragan and Dave Blaney all said they were willing to run the full Cup and Busch schedules in 2008, though none of the drivers has Busch plans finalized.(SceneDaily.com)(7-23-2007)
Germain Racing plans second Busch Series run: Todd Bodine, the defending Craftsman Truck Series champion for German Racing, drove the Toyota Camry to a 10th-place finish at the Gateway 250 in Madison, Ill. In practice, Bodine had the third-fastest car. Although he qualified 24th, he had the car in 10th place after 17 laps. He took the lead on the 123rd lap and held it for 15 laps. Germain said plans call for the team to compete in another Busch race either Aug. 18 at Michigan or Aug. 24 at Bristol.(The News-Press)(7-23-2007)
Paula DeAnda to Sing National Anthem at the Glen: Up and coming Arista recording artist Paula DeAnda will be performing the National Anthem prior to the Zippo 200 on August 11, where the drivers of the Busch Series will be challenging the historic road course.(Watkins Glen PR)(7-23-2007)
Busch Series Live in Prime Time on ESPN2 from Indianapolis: ESPN2 will feature Busch Series racing live in prime time Saturday, July 28, from O’Reilly Raceway Park in Indianapolis as the series makes its only appearance of 2007 at the .686-mile oval. The telecast of the Busch Series at ORP at Indianapolis presented by Hormel Compleats begins with NASCAR Countdown at 7:30 p.m. ET; the race starts at 8 p.m. ESPN’s Marty Reid will anchor coverage from ORP, joined in the booth for expert analysis by Randy LaJoie. Pit reporters will be Jack Arute, Shannon Spake and Vince Welch. Reid also will host NASCAR Countdown. In addition to coverage of the race, ESPN2 will televise Busch Series practice from ORP at 12:30 p.m. Saturday, and qualifying at 4:30 p.m.(ESPN PR)(7-23-2007)
RWI Expanding to 2 Teams in 2008; Chase Austin to Split Time with Veteran: Rusty Wallace confirmed that his Busch Series operation will expand to two cars next year. Rusty Wallace Inc. currently fields the #66 Dodge for Steve Wallace. “We’re going to go to two teams next year,” Rusty Wallace said at Gateway International Raceway. “I’m going to put Chase Austin, my young kid, in the non-companion races, and I’m going to put a veteran in for at least 20 [races].” Homelife Communities, co-sponsor of RWI’s #66, will be involved with both teams next year, Wallace said. The team is negotiating with other sponsors to complete the programs on both cars for 2008.(SceneDaily.com)(7-20-2007)
Kertus Davis Released by KHI? UPDATE 3: Kertus Davis has been released as a part-time driver for the # 77 Busch Series car at Kevin Harvick Inc.,sources say. The sources said Davis could drive for the North Carolina-based team in another series later this season. Davis signed a one-year contract with Kevin Harvick Inc. in November 2006. He was scheduled to run 13 Busch races this season but failed to crack the top 30 in his first five starts. Davis said he had no comment on his status with Kevin Harvick Inc., when contacted by phone.(Spartanburg Herald Journal)(6-29-2007) UPDATE: Kertus Davis’ web site is now under construction and all references to KHI & Dollar General are gone.(7-17-2007) UPDATE 2: Kevin Harvick, Inc. has now updated their web site and removed Davis from all upcoming races.(7-19-2007) UPDATE 3: Kertus Davis has been released from his contract with Kevin Harvick Inc. and is free to pursue other rides, Davis confirmed Friday at Gateway International Raceway. He was released from his contract last week. Davis said he has moved back to South Carolina and has started working with his father’s team again, DDL Motorsports. There are no plans, however, for Kertus to drive a car for his dad, Johnny.(SceneDaily.com)(7-20-2007)
LaJoie Joins ESPN for Two Races: Randy LaJoie has joined ESPN’s NASCAR coverage team and will serve as analyst on two upcoming race telecasts. LaJoie will work in the booth for ESPN2’s live coverage of the Busch Series event at O’Reilly Raceway Park in Indianapolis. He also will be part of ESPN2’s coverage of the inaugural Busch Series event at Circuit Gilles Villenueve in Montreal.(ESPN PR)(7-20-2007)
Harvick and Fellows Test at Iowa Speedway: In preparation for the back-to-back Busch Series road-course events coming up this summer, both Kevin Harvick Inc. Busch Series teams visited Iowa Speedway on the way to Gateway International Raceway, Thursday, July 19. Road-course ace Ron Fellows drove 11-hours from Mississauga, Ontario Canada to Iowa Speedway to test the #33 Camping World Chevy with KHI Truck Series driver Ron Hornaday behind the wheel of the #77 Dollar General stores Chevy.(KHI PR)(7-20-2007)
NASCAR Countdown: ESPN2 Busch Series Highlights from Gateway International Raceway: ESPN on ABC’s NASCAR Countdown will have a live preview at 8 p.m. ET Saturday, July 21, of the Busch Series race at Gateway International Raceway. Allen Bestwick will host the qualifying show, joined in the ESPN Pit Studio by analyst Brad Daugherty. Tim Brewer will be at the ESPN Chevy Cutaway Car. Rusty Wallace will work in the ESPN booth as analyst for the telecasts, joined by two-time NASCAR champion crew chief Andy Petree. Dr. Jerry Punch will handle play-by-play. NASCAR Countdown will include segments from pit reporters Dave Burns, Jamie Little, Mike Massaro and Shannon Spake. Highlights include: A Race of Opportunity for NASCAR Busch Series Regulars: With Nextel Cup drivers having their final weekend off this season, the Busch Series race at Gateway will stand alone, marking an “opportunity” for Busch Series drivers. Busch Series driver Stephen Leicht took advantage of the limited number of Nextel Cup drivers racing in the series last month to take the checkered flag at Kentucky Speedway. Eyeing another win on the horizon, he will be joined by Busch Series drivers Brad Coleman, Chase Miller and Brad Keselowski who also are trying for a first-time Busch Series win. NASCAR Countdown will report on why this race is so important to them. Missouri Native Carl Edwards Comes Home: Carl Edwards returns home to his native state of Missouri to race in this weekend’s Busch Series race at Gateway. At a place where he once beat down doors in the garage, handing out business cards and trying to get a ride, he returns as the Busch Series points leader. St. Louis Boys – Rusty, Kenny, Mike and Steven Wallace Talk about racing at their “home track” – Gateway: Another Missouri homecoming involves the legendary Wallace family. NASCAR Cup champion Rusty Wallace will call the race from the ESPN booth while his two brothers Kenny and Mike, along with Rusty’s son Steven Wallace will compete in the Busch Series race at Gateway. NASCAR Countdown will ask the “St. Louis Boys” for their thoughts on racing at their home track. The Unsung Heroes of the NASCAR Busch Series – The Pit Crew: The voice of the fans, Brad Daugherty, will introduce viewers to some of the unsung heroes of Busch Series racing – the pit crew. Some pit crew members forwent their own athletic talents in other sports, including lacrosse, hockey and even pro football to have successful careers on Busch Series teams. (ESPN PR)(7-19-2007)
ESPN2 Will Have Live Busch Series Practice, Qualifying Coverage from Gateway: ESPN2 will have live coverage of qualifying Saturday from Gateway International Raceway, as well as Friday night’s practice session as drivers and teams prepare for Saturday night’s race. Practice coverage will air at 7 p.m. ET Friday, with the live qualifying show at 4:30 p.m. Saturday. (ESPN PR)(7-19-2007)
Frank Cicci Looking for Sponsorship to Run Watkins Glen: Frank Cicci is hoping to return to the Busch Series for the Zippo 200 at Watkins Glen International on Aug. 11. However, he needs to secure more sponsorship to make it happen. “I’ve got partial sponsorship for the race, but I’d like to get a local enterprise to come on board,” Cicci said. “We’d like to be come to the Glen because it’s like a home track for me.” Brian Simo, who has driven for the team at other road course races, would be his driver at the Glen if a sponsorship deal is struck.(Elmira Star Gazette)(7-19-2007)
Pilgrim to Drive for JR Motorsports at Montreal & Watkins Glen: JR Motorsports announced that road racing veteran Andy Pilgrim will drive the #88 Navy Chevy in the Busch races at Circuit Gilles Villeneuve and Watkins Glen International. For team owner Dale Earnhardt Jr., the opportunity to have Pilgrim in the #88 Navy Chevy not only puts a road course ace in his team’s car, it also allows him to fulfill a promise his dad, Dale Earnhardt, made to Pilgrim several years ago. Earnhardt Jr. and his dad teamed up with Kelly Collins and Pilgrim to race a Chevy Corvette in the 2001 Rolex 24 at Daytona. Pilgrim tutored both Earnhardts on how to maneuver the lighter car. The team finished fourth overall out of 79 teams, and the elder Earnhardt promised to one day give Pilgrim a chance to drive one of his cars in NASCAR competition.(JR Motorsports PR)(7-19-2007)
Busch and Trucks to Test at Bristol: Mere hours after the checkered flag fell on the March 25 Food City 500 work began on a completely new surface at Bristol Motor Speedway. As a result, not a single race car has turned a lap at the famed half-mile oval since Kyle Busch earned the win four months ago. That all changes on Monday and Tuesday, July 23-24. That’s when Craftsman Truck Series and Busch Series drivers get their initial look at the Speedway’s first new surface since the original concrete was placed in 1992. Test sessions will take place Monday for trucks and Tuesday for the Busch Series as teams prepare for the O’Reilly 200 at BMS on Aug. 22 and the Food City 250 on Aug. 24.(BMS PR)(7-19-2007)
Kittleson Making Busch Debut at Gateway: With the help of his longtime ASA and Super Late Model sponsor Bob Steele Chevrolet of Cocoa, Fla., Travis Kittleson comes to Gateway oval hoping he can help the #20 team continue its strong 2007 Busch Series campaign and, at the same time, turn some heads in the Busch Series garage and earn the opportunity to become a NASCAR regular with a top-rate team.(Joe Gibbs PR)(7-18-2007)
Joe Nemechek to Revive Busch Team?: Joe Nemechek spoke about the change at Ginn this morning on “The Morning Drive,” on SIRIUS Radio, with hosts Pat Patterson and David Poole:
“We’ve got a lot of sponsorship deals in the works. I think we’re getting really close to getting my Busch operation back up and running. Hopefully, heck, I’d like to run a limited schedule. We haven’t been able to do that the last couple of years just because of not being able to find funds. I think we’re getting close to that. There’s a lot of good Cup rides out there. There’s a lot of stuff going on.”(Sirius PR)(7-18-2007)
Sterling Marlin Comments on His Release: Sterling Marlin spoke about his release Tuesday afternoon on “Sirius Speedway” with host Dave Moody:
Moody: “What’s next for you? Do you go out there and beat the bushes for another ride or not?”
Marlin: “No. No. I mean, I’ve had some guys call already and we’ve just got to get this contract worked out. Like I said, I’ve got a contract with them. We’ve just got to come together and see what we’re gonna do. Let the lawyers handle it and if I want to run somebody’s car next year I can run somebody’s car [for] 15-20 races next year. Or, somebody’s Busch car. I still enjoy racing, still enjoy it a lot. The travel part of it is getting old but as far as firing a car up on Sunday, there’s nothing like it. We’ll see what happens. I’ve got a ton of things going on around here but it’s still fun to race, too.” (Sirius Radio)(7-18-2007)
McCaskill to Make Busch Debut at ORP with Evernham: Rookie driver Deac McCaskill will be making his Busch Series debut behind the wheel of the Evernham Motorsports #9 Puryear Tanklines Dodge at O’Reilly Raceway Park next weekend. McCaskill, coming from the ranks of the Late Model Stock Car Division, is the current champion at Southern National Raceway Park for the second time in three years.(Evernham Motorsports PR)(7-18-2007)
Beahr Fined by NASCAR: Chad Beahr, crew chief of the #89 Dodge driven by Morgan Shepherd in the NASCAR Busch Series, has been fined due to rule violations this past weekend at Chicagoland Speedway. Beahr was fined $1,000 for violating 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) and 20A-12.1A(8) (jacking bolt must be made of solid magnetic steel) of the Busch Series Rule Book. The infraction was discovered during opening-day inspection on July 13.(NASCAR PR)(7-17-2007)
Gill is New Crew Chief for Transnet Racing: Transnet Racing announced that it has brought aboard veteran Danny Gill as crew chief of the #98-Dixien/OmniSource/Prime Metal Coatings Chevy. Effective immediately, Gill will lead the #98 crew, which is currently in its first season of Busch Series competition.(Transnet PR)(7-17-2007)
Bryant Frazier Out as Wallace’s Crew Chief: RWI Racing, LLC announced that Steve Darne, the team’s Busch East Series crew chief and former Busch Series car chief, will replace Bryant Frazier on an interim basis, as crew chief for the team’s Busch Series effort driven by #66-Steve Wallace. The organization plans to announce a permanent replacement for Frazier at a later date.(RWI PR)(7-16-2007)
Camping World to Sponsor California Race: California Speedway officials announced that Camping World will sponsor the track’s fall Busch Series race under terms of a multiyear agreement. The Sept. 1 race at the 2-mile track will be known as the Camping World 300.(SceneDaily.com)(7-16-2007)
Ginn Racing team suspends operations? Layoffs? UPDATE: been told that there were up to 30 layoff’s Monday at Ginn Racing, also been told the #4 Ginn Racing Busch Series team that Regan Smith was driving for has suspended operations.(7-9-2007) UPDATE: Ginn Racing laid off an unspecified number of employees as part of its re-evaluation process and has “hibernated” its Busch Series team as the company attempts to shore up its direction, Ginn Racing Chief Executive Officer Jay Frye said Sunday at Chicagoland Speedway.(SceneDaily.com).(7-16-2007)
Busch Series Live in Prime Time on ESPN2 from St. Louis: ESPN2 will feature Busch Series racing live in prime time Saturday, July 21, from Gateway International Raceway near St. Louis as the series makes its only appearance of 2007 at the 1.25-mile superspeedway. The telecast of Busch Series at Gateway presented by Camping World begins with NASCAR Countdown at 8 p.m. ET; the race starts at 8:30 p.m. Rusty Wallace will work in the ESPN booth as analyst for the telecast, joined by Andy Petree. Dr. Jerry Punch will handle play-by-play. Pit reporters will be Dave Burns, Jamie Little, Mike Massaro and Shannon Spake. Allen Bestwick will host NASCAR Countdown from the ESPN Pit Studio, joined by Wallace and analyst Brad Daugherty, while Tim Brewer will report from the ESPN Chevy Cutaway Car.(ESPN PR)(7-16-2007)
Jimmy John’s to sponsor Kenny Wallace at Gateway: Richard Childress Racing officials announced that their #2 Chevy will be sponsored by Jimmy John’s Gourmet Sandwiches in this weekend’s Gateway 250 Busch Series race. St. Louis native Kenny Wallace will drive the car in a one-race deal with RCR.(SceneDaily.com)(7-16-2007)
Hornaday to pilot #77 at Gateway: Ron Hornaday will make his sixth NASCAR Busch Series start at Gateway Int’l Raceway, where he has an average starting position of eighth and an average finishing position of 11th. Ron Hornaday started his 10th season in the Busch Series this year when he made his first start in the #77 Dollar General stores Chevy at The Milwaukee Mile.(Kevin Harvick Inc. PR), Kertus Davis was originally scheduled to be in the car.(7-16-2007)
Raybestos Rookie Notes for Gateway: Brad Keselowski was the Raybestos Rookie of the Race in the USG Durock 300 at Chicagoland. Keselowski placed 14th and claimed Rookie of the Race honors for the first time this season. He scored his best finish in 21 Busch Series races. David Ragan leads Marcos Ambrose by 17 points (184-167) in the Raybestos Rookie standings entering the Busch 250 at Gateway. Ragan is fifth in the Busch Series championship standings, best of any Rookie. He is 78 points behind fourth-place Dave Blaney and leads sixth-place Jason Leffler by 19.(Raybestos PR)(7-16-2007)
Bodine to run Gateway Busch race: Next up for Germain Racing: Busch Series racing at Gateway International Raceway, Saturday, July 21. Bodine will drive the #03 Germain Toyota Camry.(GermainRacing.com)(7-16-2007)
Brad Coleman Starts Six Race Stretch with Gibbs: Gateway marks the first of a six week stretch of consecutive races for #18-Brad Coleman, by far his longest run of the year. The effort will take him from St. Louis to ORP and then on to the road courses at Montreal and Watkins Glen, followed by Michigan and Bristol.(Brad Coleman PR)(7-16-2007)
Canadian MacKenzie to Drive at Montreal: Mike MacKenzie is about to rub fenders with the big boys. The Dartmouth pro stock racer has finalized a deal to compete in the Busch race in Montreal The 52-year-old veteran of the Maritime stock car battles will attempt to qualify for the NAPA Auto Parts 200 in a car leased from Spraker Racing Enterprises [#63] of Mooresville, N.C. (Nova Scotia Chronicle Herald)(7-15-2007)
NASCAR Countdown: ESPN2 Busch Series Highlights from Chicagoland: ESPN on ABC’s NASCAR Countdown will have a live preview at 2:30 p.m. ET Saturday, July 14, of the Busch Series race at Chicagoland Speedway. Suzy Kolber will host NASCAR Countdown on ABC, joined by Rusty Wallace and Brad Daugherty. Tim Brewer will discuss the Chicago strategy for fuel mileage from the ESPN Chevy Cutaway Car. Dr. Jerry Punch and Andy Petree will work in the ESPN booth as analyst for the telecast. NASCAR Countdown will include segments from pit reporters Allen Bestwick, Mike Massaro, Dave Burns and Jamie Little as drivers visit the Windy City. NASCAR Countdown will originate from the ESPN Pit Studio at Chicagoland Speedway as it sets the stage for ABC’s coverage of the Busch Series race Saturday. Highlights include: Mears Ready to Defend 2006 Busch Series Victory at Chicago Track: Mike Massaro will report on Hendrick Motorsports driver Casey Mears, who is 15th in the Busch Series standings going into this week’s race. Mears’ first Busch Series win was one year ago at Chicagoland. NASCAR Countdown also will take a look back at Mears’ first Nextel Cup career win, which came this season at Charlotte. Keselowski Steps in at JR Motorsports for Three-Race Turn: Jamie Little will talk about the shakeup within the #88 team and the plans owner Dale Earnhardt Jr. might have for his Busch Series team. Driver Brad Keselowski, a third-generation racer like Earnhardt, agreed to a three-race deal in the car, starting with Saturday’s race at Chicagoland. Earnhardt himself replaced Shane Huffman in the car for the Busch race at Daytona. ESPN race analysts will discuss how success is defined differently now in the Busch Series, as young drivers in the past were given more time to “learn on the job” without today’s pressure to produce immediate, impressive results. Bumpy Road Gives Way to Busch’s First 2007 Busch Series Win: Kyle Busch hasn’t had the best of luck in the Busch Series this season, but that all changed with a rare Saturday morning win at Daytona. Dave Burns will talk about Busch’s breakthrough at the “world center of racing.” McMurray Savors Long-Awaited Win, Daytona Moment: After an agonizing spell of 166 races without a win, all the while wondering if a NASCAR career was worth it, Roush Fenway Racing driver Jamie McMurray soaked up the champagne spray and the spotlight with a thrilling by-a-nose victory at Daytona in last week’s Nextel Cup race. Allen Bestwick will speak on McMurray’s elation after a five-year win drought.(ESPN PR)(7-12-2007)
Diercks & ML Motorsports Part Ways, UPDATE 3: ML Motorsports confirmed that Justin Diercks, driver of the #70 Foretravel Motorcoach Chevy since 2006, and the team have mutually agreed to part ways.(ML Motorsports)(6-29-2007) UPDATE: Mark Green has been tapped to drive the #70 Biomet/Foretravel Motorcoach Chevy for the Winn Dixie 250 at Daytona.(ML Motorsports)(7-4-2007) UPDATE 2: Davenport [Iowa] native Justin Diercks spent his Fourth of July mulling the prospect of becoming a salesman again. Diercks, who had been driving part-time for ML Motorsports in the Busch Series, was released from his contract with the team early this month. He’s in Daytona this weekend to chart his future path. Diercks said his weekend plans include a couple of meetings about possible rides for next season or even later this season.(Des Moines Register)(7-6-2007) UPDATE 3: Veteran Busch series driver Mark Green will find himself behind the wheel of the #70 Biomet/Foretravel Motorcoach car for the rest of the 2007 season.(ML Motorsports PR)(7-12-2007)
Weather Channel Partners with DISH Network to Sponsor Roush Fenway in Busch: The Weather Channel has partnered with EchoStar Communications Corporation and its DISH Network to sponsor Roush Fenway Racing’s #26 car in Chicago and the #60 car in Indianapolis during this month’s Busch Series. The Weather Channel will serve as an in-market sponsor for the race car driven by Todd Kleuver in Chicago on July 14 and by Carl Edwards in Indianapolis on July 21.(7-12-2007)
#59 Busch Series Crew Chief Fined For Violations At Daytona: NASCAR announced that Greg Conner, crew chief of the #59 Ford driven by Marcos Ambrose in the Busch Series, has been fined due to rule violations at Daytona International Speedway. Conner was fined $1,000 for violating 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) and 20A – 2.1E (unapproved aerodynamic modification) of the 2007 Busch Series Rule Book. The infractions were discovered during opening pre-qualifying inspection on July 6.(NASCAR PR)(7-12-2007)
#1 Team Using Joe Gibbs Engines at Chicago: In Saturday´s USG Durock 300 Busch race, #1-J.J. Yeley will have Joe Gibbs Racing power under the hood for the first time this season.(Joe Gibbs Racing PR), the #1 team had been running Wegner engines.(7-12-2007)
#59 Busch Series Crew Chief Fined For Violations At Daytona: NASCAR announced that Greg Conner, crew chief of the #59 Ford driven by Marcos Ambrose in the Busch Series, has been fined due to rule violations at Daytona International Speedway. Conner was fined $1,000 for violating 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) and 20A – 2.1E (unapproved aerodynamic modification) of the 2007 Busch Series Rule Book. The infractions were discovered during opening pre-qualifying inspection on July 6.(NASCAR PR)(7-12-2007)
SKI Motorsports Making 2007 Debut at Chicago with Barrett: Stanton Barrett will pilot the #30 SKI Motorsports Chevy in a limited campaign in the Busch Series for 2007. The team will mark its debut this weekend at Chicagoland Speedway. Barrett and the SKI Motorsports team are also scheduled to compete in the Labor Day weekend race at California Speedway, as well as the final races of the season at Dover International Speedway, Lowe’s Motor Speedway and Texas Motor Speedway.(SKI Motorsports PR)(7-11-2007)
Brewco Partners with Fun Energy Foods and John Graham: Brewco Motorsports Inc. announced a partnership with Fun Energy Foods Inc., a Canadian-based energy food manufacturer, which will serve as the primary sponsor for 10 Busch Series races with Brewco during the 2007 season. Fun Energy Foods will launch their North American NASCAR themed marketing campaign for Kickbutt Amped Energy Ballz in conjunction with the debut of the Busch Series in Canada on August 4 at Circuit Gilles Villeneuve in Montreal. Driving for Fun Energy Foods will be Canadian John Graham, who has an extensive background in sports car racing. Graham has four Busch Series starts to his credit. (Brewco PR), see an image of the car on my Busch Paint Scheme Page(7-11-2007)
Ganassi Drivers Heading to Wrigley Field: After they are done racing at Chicagoland Speedway this weekend, Chip Ganassi drivers Reed Sorenson, David Stremme and Juan Pablo Montoya will head out to Wrigley Field to take in the Chicago Cubs baseball game Monday night. Sorenson, Stremme and Montoya will roll up to the game in the #41 Wrigley’s Juicy Fruit Dodge, the #40 Wrigley’s Winterfresh Dodge and the #42 Wrigley’s Big Red Dodge that they will drive from the Wm. Wrigley Jr. Company headquarters on Michigan Avenue. Sorenson is scheduled to throw out the first pitch and then Stremme and Montoya will join him in leading the baseball crowd to the seventh inning stretch song, “Take me out to the ball game.”(CGRFS PR)(7-10-2007)
Camping World Back on the #2 at Chicago: After sporting its traditional burgundy and gold BB&T colors last weekend at Daytona, Clint Bowyer’s #2 Chevy will showcase a Camping World paint scheme this weekend at Chicagoland.(RCR PR)(7-10-2007)
Tony Stewart Kicking Off Old Spice Campaign with “Armpit Ads”: Tony Stewart is teaming with Old Spice to introduce the 2007 NASCAR Collector Series High Endurance deodorants and body washes – through a unique “product placement” on his driver’s suit in a truly fitting spot – his armpits. Stewart will debut this one-of-a-kind suit during the Busch race at Chicagoland Speedway on July 14. In a first-of-its-kind twist on the traditionally brand-heavy world of NASCAR, the armpits of Stewart’s new suit will introduce the Old Spice NASCAR Collector Series. Stewart’s armpit’s message will proclaim “Old Spice Collector Series” (from his right armpit) and “In Stores Now!” (from his left armpit), and can be seen by fans and consumers live at the racetrack and on TV in a tongue-in-cheek commercial that debuts on ESPN on July 14.(Paine PR)(7-10-2007)
Raybestos Rookie Notes for Chicago: Kyle Krisiloff was the Raybestos Rookie of the Race in the Winn-Dixie 250 at Daytona. Krisiloff earned Raybestos Rookie of the Race honors for the first time this season. David Ragan leads Marcos Ambrose by 14 points (180-166) in the Raybestos Rookie standings entering the USG DUROCK 300 at Chicagoland Speedway. At least two Rookies have been in the top-10 in the Busch Series championship standings for four consecutive races, dating back to Kentucky (race No. 16). Ragan is sixth in the Busch Series championship standings, best of any Rookie. He is 23 points behind fifth-place Jason Leffler and leads seventh-place Bobby Hamilton Jr. by 27. Ambrose is eighth in the standings, 96 points behind Hamilton Jr. and 21 ahead of ninth-place Stephen Leicht. (Raybestos PR)(7-10-2007)
Huffman Out at JR Motorsports; Dale Jr to Drive at Daytona: UPDATE 6: Dale Earnhardt Jr. will compete in Friday night’s Busch race at Daytona, driving the #88 Navy Chevy for his personally-owned team, JR Motorsports. He replaces Shane Huffman. “Upon a midseason evaluation of the performance of this race team, we decided we needed to make a change, and right now we have a window to do that,” Earnhardt Jr. said. “Because of the short notice, I am going to drive the Navy car Friday night at Daytona. It’s a big race for us. We are carrying a special Navy SEALs paint scheme on the car, so we want to make sure we give it a good run for the Navy and all our sponsors and employees.” Earnhardt Jr. said he does not intend to drive the car beyond this weekend, although a new full-time driver has yet to be determined. “I have always wanted to drive my own car, but I’m doing this to give us time to evaluate our options and see who we want to put in the car for the rest of the season,” Earnhardt Jr. said. “I will get with my people at JR Motorsports, and hopefully we will have a new driver named in the very near future.”(JR Motorsports PR)(7-3-2007) UPDATE: Hearing Brad Keselowski could be the new driver of the #88 Chevy fielded by JR Motorsports.(7-5-2007) UPDATE 2: Hearing that Keselowski will be in the #88 at Chicago.(7-5-2007) UPDATE 3: Officials with JR Motorsports aren’t saying whether Shane Huffman will return to drive the team’s #88 this season. Huffman has been replaced by team owner Dale Earnhardt Jr. for this weekend’s Winn-Dixie 250 at Daytona. When Steve Crisp, director of motorsports, was asked if Huffman would return, he said he didn’t know. “We’re working on that now,” Crisp said Thursday at Daytona. “There’s a couple different things that as a company, JR Motorsports is looking at.”(SceneDaily.com)(7-5-2007) UPDATE 4: Dale Earnhardt Jr. said Friday that he probably will put Brad Keselowski in his No. #88-Chevy Busch car for three races, starting next weekend at Chicagoland Speedway. Keselowski would race at Chicago, Gateway and O’Reilly Raceway Park. Earnhardt said he is looking to put a road-racing specialist in the JR Motorsports entry for the inaugural road course event at Montreal.(ESPN.com)(7-6-2007) UDPATE 5: Brad Keselowski is listed as the driver of the #88 on the Chicago Entry list.(7-9-2007) UPDATE 6: Keselowski will drive Earnhardt’s Busch car the next three weekends, beginning Saturday at Chicagoland. “We’ll re-evaluate where we are after three races,” said Keselowski, who is staying at Earnhardt’s guest house.(ESPN.com)(7-10-2007)
Patrick Carpentier to Drive for Fitz Racing at Montreal: Patrick Carpentier announced that he will compete in the inaugural Busch race at Circuit Gilles Villeneuve on August 4, 2007. He will drive the #22-Fitz Motorsports Dodge. Sponsors will include Zellers, a major retail store chain with locations across Canada, Federal Equipment and the Komatsu group, the Dodge Quebec Dealer Advertising Association and Cinemas Guzzo, a Montreal chain of theatres.(Patrick Carpentier PR)(7-10-2007)
#5 Fails Post Race Inspection: UPDATE 2: Springs were legal: The springs for the race-winning Winn-Dixie 250 #5 Chevy of Kyle Busch failed postrace inspection Saturday afternoon at Daytona International Speedway. Any penalties will be announced next week. NASCAR has taken the front springs from the car, NASCAR spokeswoman Tracy Judd said. NASCAR rules require the left-front spring rate to be no less than 800 pounds, and the right-front no less than 1500 pounds. The car exceeded both of those spring rates but was within the 3,000-pound total spring rate, Judd said.(SceneDaily.com)(7-7-2007) UPDATE: The springs for the race-winning car of #5-Kyle Busch have been taken to the NASCAR Research and Development Center after they did not meet specifications in inspection Saturday afternoon at Daytona. NASCAR has taken the front springs from the car, spokeswoman Tracy Judd said. NASCAR rules require the front springs have a total spring rate of 3,000 pounds, and Busch’s car did not meet that total.(SceneDaily.com)(7-7-2007) UPDATE: The front springs from Kyle Busch’s Winn-Dixie 250-winning Chevy did meet the minimum spring rate upon further evaluation at the NASCAR Research and Development Center. Therefore, no penalties will be levied against Busch’s #5 Hendrick Motorsports team.(SceneDaily.com)(7-9-2007)
ESPN2 To Have Live Busch Series Practice, Qualifying Coverage from Chicagoland: ESPN2 will have live coverage of qualifying from Chicagoland Speedway as well as the series’ final practice session as drivers and teams prepare for Saturday’s 300-mile race. Practice coverage will air at 5:45 p.m. ET Friday, with the live qualifying show at 11 a.m. Saturday. Dr. Jerry Punch will be the lead announcer for ESPN2’s coverage of practice and qualifying, joined in the booth by Rusty Wallace and Andy Petree. Pit reporters Allen Bestwick, Dave Burns, Jamie Little and Mike Massaro will contribute to the telecasts. Suzy Kolber will host the qualifying show, joined in the ESPN Pit Studio by Brad Daugherty. Tim Brewer will be at the ESPN Chevy Cutaway Car.(ESPN PR)(7-9-2007)
Kluever & Biffle to Run Dirt: Roush Fenway Racing teammates Greg Biffle and Todd Kluever have a new racing challenge ahead of them this week. They will both be competing in dirt late models Thursday night, July 12 at Cedar Lake Speedway in New Richmond, Wisc. Both drivers will have late models sporting the 3M paint scheme when they compete in the “Race of Champions” at the 3/8-mile dirt track.(Roush Fenway Racing PR)(7-9-2007)
Villeneuve in for JR Motorsports at Montreal? Hearing that local media in Montreal are reporting that Jacques Villeneuve will be driving the JR Motosports car at Montreal.(7-9-2007)
Peters Will Not Run for RCR Again This Year: Richard Childress Racing development driver Timothy Peters will not compete in any more races for the team this season, a team spokesman confirmed Friday. Peters had competed in seven races in the #21 RCR car this year. Who will drive the #21 car when Kevin Harvick is not in the seat is still to be determined.(SceneDaily.com)(7-6-2007)
Cassill to Make Busch Debut at Gateway: Landon Cassill will turn 18 on July 7th and with it, he gets to move up to Busch Series competition. Cassil, a development driver for Hendrick Motorsports, is expected to run the ARCA RE/MAX Series event next weekend in Kentucky and will then follow that up with a ride behind the #24 National Guard Chevy in Gateway, crew chief Chad Walter confirmed on Friday. Cassil will also run the race in Indianapolis at the O’Reilly Raceway Park.(BGNRacing.com)(7-6-2007)
Several Drivers Sign on to Montreal Race: Kevin Harvick, Jeff Burton, Robby Gordon & Max Papis announced they will all compete in the inaugural Busch Series NAPA Auto Parts 200 at the Circuit Gilles Villeneuve in Montreal on August 4.(Stock-Car Montreal PR)(7-6-2007)
Keselowski Looking for Another Busch Ride: UPDATE 2: Keith Coleman Racing Shuts Down: Brad Keselowski was sitting on the back of a hauler at the Milwaukee Mile, talking about the Busch Series and Saturday night’s AT&T 250. But Keselowski wasn’t on a race hauler. His team, Keith Coleman Racing, wasn’t at Milwaukee, the second race in a row the #23 team had skipped. Keselowski said that was planned as the team regrouped after crashing its final car in its inventory at Dover three weeks ago. The team wanted to come back for the race at Daytona after getting more cars built, but Keselowski said there are no cars ready for the next two races at Daytona and Chicago. That’s why Keselowski was sitting on the back of a parts truck, hoping to find a seat in another Busch car. “The next few weeks, the future’s very uncertain,” Keselowski said. “We’re just here hanging out, hoping to put something together and do a little driving in the meantime.”(SceneDaily.com)(6-23-2007) UPDATE: Keith Coleman Racing is temporarily suspending race operations. Over the past couple of weeks Keith Coleman, team owner, has been experiencing symptoms of cardio vascular disease, including chest pains, and shortness of breath with exertion. After a complete work up another health issue was found in addition to the cadio vascular disease that will require Mr. Coleman to change his current lifestyle to undergo further diagnostic tests and treatment.(Keith Coleman Racing PR)(6-25-2007) UPDATE 2: Keith Coleman, owner of Keith Coleman Racing announced that due to health issues, KCR is closing and the entire operation is up for sale. Buyers are being sought.(Keith Coleman Racing PR)(7-5-2007)
Papis to Run at Montreal: UPDATE 2: According to Player Management International CEO Doug Barnette, Max Papis has finalized a deal to run the Busch race at Montreal in August. Details will be released at a later date.(6-14-2007) UPDATE: Hearing that Papis will drive the #1 in place of J.J. Yeley.(6-14-2007) UPDATE 2: Max Papis will drive the #1 Phoenix Racing car in the NAPA Auto Parts 200 Busch Series race Aug. 4 at Circuit Gilles Villeneuve in Montreal. Papis will replace J.J. Yeley in the car for that one race, Papis’ agent Doug Barnette said Thursday.(SceneDaily.com)(7-5-2007)
NASCAR Confiscates Shock from Edwards’ Car: UPDATE 2: NASCAR has confiscated the right-rear shock of the #60 Roush Fenway Racing Ford driven by Carl Edwards. During post-race inspection Saturday at New Hampshire, NASCAR officials had an issue with the shock and took it for further inspection. Edwards will keep his second-place finish, but NASCAR will continue to inspect the shock and will determine penalties, if any, early next week.(SceneDaily.com)(6-30-2007) UPDATE: NASCAR announced that three teams in the Busch Series have been fined and penalized due to rule violations this past weekend at New Hampshire. Pierre Kuettel, crew chief for the #60 Ford driven by Carl Edwards, was fined $5,000 for violating 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) and 20A–12.3S (right rear shock absorber would not compress within the specified period of time) of the 2007 Busch Series Rule Book. Additionally, Edwards was penalized with the loss of 25 championship driver points and team owner Jack Roush was penalized with the loss of 25 championship owner points due to the same violations. The infractions were discovered during post-race inspection on June 30. AND: Also at New Hampshire, Ricky Pearson, crew chief for the #36 Chevy of Brent Sherman, was fined $1,000 for violating Sections 12-4-A, 12-4-Q and 20A–5.10.2 (carburetor spacer plate tapered and beveled; and Wally Rogers, crew chief of the #77 Chevrolet of Bobby Labonte, was fined $500 for violating Sections 12-4-A, 12-4-Q and 16.1C (fuel cell foam not used as provided by the manufacturer; open areas cut out of foam). The infractions were discovered on the #36 during pre-race inspection on June 30, while the violations on the #77 were found during practice on June 29.(NASCAR PR)(7-4-2007) UPDATE 2: [Carl Edwards’] team won’t appeal the penalty for a shock that did not compress six inches in the 90 seconds allotted in post-race inspection last week at New Hampshire. Crew chief Pierre Kuettel said the team was slightly over NASCAR’s time limit at Dover and were warned to be careful. All of the parts of the shock were legal, Kuettel said, and in testing, the shock compressed in 75 seconds. He said he believes older parts inside that shock caused it not to react like it should.(SceneDaily.com)(7-5-2007)
Larry Foyt in for Mac Hill at Daytona: Larry Foyt will drive the Firehouse Subs/Mac Hill Motorsports #56 Chevy in the Busch Series Winn-Dixie 250 at Daytona.(Mac Hill Motorsports PR)(7-5-2007)
NASCAR Countdown: ESPN2 Busch Series Highlights from Daytona: ESPN2’s NASCAR Countdown will have a live preview at 7:30 p.m. ET Friday of the Busch Series race at Daytona. Allen Bestwick will host NASCAR Countdown from the ESPN Pit Studio, joined by ESPN analyst Brad Daugherty and special guest Jimmie Johnson. Tim Brewer will report from the ESPN Chevy Cutaway Car. Rusty Wallace will work in the ESPN booth as analyst for the telecast, joined by Andy Petree. Dr. Jerry Punch will handle play-by-play. NASCAR Countdown will include segments from pit reporters Dave Burns, Jamie Little, Mike Massaro, and Shannon Spake as drivers visit the superspeedway to race under the lights.
NASCAR Countdown will originate from the ESPN Pit Studio at Daytona as it sets the stage for ESPN2’s coverage of the Busch Series race Friday. Highlights include: The Busch Series Season in Review: Daytona marks both the beginning and midway point of the Busch Series and Nextel Cup seasons. NASCAR Countdown will revisit the stories of the season, including Kevin Harvick’s Daytona Double in February, when he won both the Busch race at Daytona, followed up Sunday with the Daytona 500 win. Cup Invaders vs. Busch Regulars: NASCAR racing at Daytona marks another companion weekend for Busch and Cup teams and drivers. The NASCAR Countdown booth team will discuss Nextel Cup drivers in the field for Friday night’s race and the unique element of racing in this series. The addition of Cup drivers makes it fun for fans to watch but presents a challenge for the Busch Series regulars. The Montoya Factor: After two NASCAR wins this season — one in the Busch Series and one in Nextel Cup — NASCAR Countdown will examine international racing star Juan Pablo Montoya’s impact on stock car racing. Toyota Season in Review: Car manufacturer Toyota joined the Nextel Cup and Busch Series starting with the season-opening race at Daytona, where it finished second overall in the Busch Series race. NASCAR Countdown will review Toyota’s ups and downs so far this season.(ESPN PR)(7-5-2007)
Camping World Sponsoring Robby Gordon in Canada: Robby Gordon Motorsports announces a new partnership with Camping World for the 2007 season. Camping World will sponsor Gordon in three Nextel Cup events and the Busch Series race in Canada.(Robby Gordon PR)(7-4-2007)
NASCAR Still Looking for Series Sponsor: UPDATE: NASCAR is still looking for a series sponsor to replace the outgoing Anheuser-Busch in its AAA division, the Busch Series. A-B announced in December that it was dropping its sponsorship of the series after 25 years. NASCAR spokesman Ramsey Poston said Saturday “nothing is imminent” as far as a Busch announcement, but serious talks are ongoing.(SPEEDtv.com)(7-1-2007) UPDATE: From Brian France’s Teleconference on Tuesday: “The Busch Series, we do have a lot of discussions going on. Nothing new to report on the entitlement sponsorship. Our goal we said was to announce something sometime this summer. I’m pretty optimistic that that’s going to happen. We’re going to get a partner for the long haul of the country’s second most popular form of motorsports. That announcement will come several weeks or so down the line.”(NASCAR PR)(7-4-2007)
100th Start for Kyle Busch; Delphi on the Car: Kyle Busch will make his 100th career Busch Series start Friday night at Daytona. His first career start occurred in May 2003 at Lowe’s Motor Speedway, where he qualified fifth and finished second. Since that day, Busch has earned seven victories, 10 poles, 29 top-five finishes and 47 top-10s. He set seven Busch Series rookie records and remains the youngest Rookie of the Year in series history. Delphi, a leading global supplier of mobile electronics and transportation systems, will be back on the hood of the #5 Chevy this weekend. Delphi was the primary sponsor at Las Vegas.(Hendrick Motorsports PR)(7-3-2007)
Randy Lajoie Safer Racer Tour Heads to Canada: Randy LaJoie will take his Safer Racer Tour to Canada later this week. Starting in Minot, ND, LaJoie will begin a week long tour with the International Motor Contest Association. LaJoie will travel to 5 separate Dakota Classic Modified Tour events beginning on July 6th. The “Tour” includes stops at 4 events in North Dakota including Minot, Williston, Dickinson, and Mandan… along with 1 event across the northern border in Estevan, Saskatchewan, Canada. Randy LaJoie will provide support to these racing events during this time with various options such as Guest Driver, Autograph Session, Guest Race Announcer, and more. Each appearance includes a safety demonstration for drivers, car inspections, along with a display of safety advancements in the areas of driver seats and proper use of support equipment. “Randy LaJoie’s Safer Racer Tour” is a program designed to help reach out to the racers many feel are most at risk, the numerous short track drivers around the country.(Hardhead Marketing PR)(7-2-2007)
Major Leage Baseball on the #29 at Daytona: This week, the #29 car will look equally suited for a different type of sports stadium with the addition of the Major League Baseball and All-Star Game logos. The Major League Baseball All-Star Game paint scheme will be exclusive to Friday’s race, and represents the Holiday Inn brand’s increasing involvement with professional sports. Last year Holiday Inn hotels announced its sponsorship of Jeff Burton and Richard Childress Racing and also became the “Official Hotel of Major League Baseball.”(RCR PR), see an image of the car on my Paint Scheme page(7-2-2007)
Busch Series Live in Prime Time on ESPN2 From Daytona: ESPN2 will feature Busch Series racing live Friday, July 6, from Daytona as the series starts the second half of the 2007 season with a 250-mile race at the 2.5-mile superspeedway. The telecast begins with NASCAR Countdown at 7:30 p.m. ET Friday; the race starts at 8 p.m. Rusty Wallace will work in the ESPN booth as analyst for the telecast, joined by Andy Petree. Dr. Jerry Punch will handle play-by-play. Pit reporters will be Dave Burns, Jamie Little, Mike Massaro and Shannon Spake. Allen Bestwick will host NASCAR Countdown from the ESPN Pit Studio, joined by analyst Brad Daugherty, while Tim Brewer will report from the ESPN Chevy Cutaway Car.(ESPN PR)(7-2-2007)
Checkers Late Night Scheme for Richardson at Daytona: Checkers/Rally’s has extended its hours to midnight or later at most restaurant locations nationwide. To promote its new extended hours initiative, the double drive-thru chain is premiering the new #28 Checkers “late night” car at the July 6th Busch race at Daytona. The Daytona event will be the first of four Busch Series races where the #28 Checkers late night car, which adorns a and florescent green paint scheme, will run. The other three upcoming races are: St. Louis (7/21); Bristol (8/24); and Memphis (10/27).(Checkers PR), see an image of the car on my Busch Series Paint Schemes Page.(7-2-2007)
Raybestos Rookie Notes for Daytona: David Ragan was the Raybestos Rookie of the Race in the Camping World 200 at New Hampshire. Ragan placed 18th and took Raybestos Rookie of the Race honors for the sixth time in 2007. Ragan leads Marcos Ambrose by 13 points (178-165) in the Rookie standings entering the Winn-Dixie 250 at Daytona. Ragan is fourth in the Busch Series championship standings, best of any Raybestos Rookie. He is 44 points behind third-place Kevin Harvick and leads fifth-place Jason Leffler by 54.(Raybestos PR)(7-2-2007)
USPS Sponsoring McMurray/Brewco at Daytona: Jamie McMurray will hop into the seat of a United States Postal Service sponsored race car [#35] exactly five years after he took a specially-themed USPS car to a top-five finish at Daytona.(Brewco PR)(7-2-2007)
Navy Seals Scheme for Huffman at Daytona: During a week when Americans celebrate the independence of the United States, Shane Huffman and the JR Motorsports #88 Navy Accelerate Your Life Chevy team will honor a group that defends that freedom across the world every day. The #88 Chevy will feature a special black paint scheme with the SEAL Trident on the hood in honor and recognition of the Navy’s maritime Special Forces, the Navy SEALs, in Friday’s Winn-Dixie 250 at Daytona. When the JR Motorsports team honors the Navy SEALs this week in Daytona, Admiral Mike Mullen, the U.S. Navy’s Chief of Naval Operations, will watch from atop the team’s pit box during the Busch race.(JR Motorsports PR). See an image of the car on my Busch Series Paint Schemes Page.(7-2-2007)
