June 2010 News Archives

Reutimann signs contract extension: #00-David Reutimann has signed a three-year contract extension with Michael Waltrip Racing in the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series. Sponsor Aaron’s will be on the car for 18 of those Cup races in 2011 as it enters the third year of a three-year contract. According to sources, the sponsor is looking to extend in 2012.(Fox Sports)(6-30-2010)

Daytona Beach Deputy Chief of Police named the ExtenZe Local Hero for Daytona: On April 28, 2009, while driving through the city of Daytona Beach, Deputy Chief of Police, Steve Beres of the Daytona Beach Police Department smelled what appeared to be a fire. Upon further investigation he determined that it was a residential fire fully engulfed at 835 S. Ridgewood Avenue. Deputy Chief Beres observed a person inside the residence laying on the floor yelling for help. Without hesitation or fear of injury he attempted to gain entry into the home in order to rescue this individual by forcing his way through the front door and side door, but was driven back by the flames. Even after crawling into the structure reaching the subject he was unsuccessful due to the flames and smoke. Once the smoke cleared at the side entrance, which was now open, Beres’ help had arrived and Officer Lindsay Jones and Sergeant Randy Doyle were successful in gaining entry through that door and pulled the victim out of the fully engulfed structure. At that point all three (Beres, Jones, Doyle) pulled the resident further into the yard to a place of safety. For their heroic efforts Beres, Jones, and Doyle have been named the ‘ExtenZe Local Hero’ and will serve as Honorary Crew Chief’s for NASCAR’s leading Sprint Cup Series Rookie of the Year driver #34-Kevin Conway and his ExtenZe racing team for this 4th of July weekend’s NASCAR events at Daytona International Speedway.(ExtenZe Racing) for more info on nominating local heroes, see my #34 Team News and Links page.(6-30-2010)

25 Nominee’s for Hall of Fame to be announced: UPDATES SPEED will deliver a special edition of NASCAR Race Hub on Thursday, July 1 at 8:00pm/et, with live and exclusive coverage from Daytona Beach and the NASCAR Hall of Fame in Charlotte, as NASCAR unveils its 25 nominees for the 2011 NASCAR Hall of Fame.(6-28-2010)

UPDATE: On Thursday, the 2010 nominees for the NASACAR Hall of Fame will be announced. As with last year’s inaugural list, there again will be 25 names. Twenty will be repeat nominees. Ladies and gentlemen, start your debates. And today, do we ever have a debate for you, in the process giving you a “sneak peek” at the nominees. One guy is a repeat nominee – Richie Evans. The other guy is a first-time nominee – Jerry Cook. These two are, arguably, the greatest NASCAR modified drivers of all-time. Many would say there’s no argument, in making that assessment. Perhaps the best way to frame this debate is by reminding you that when these gentlemen competed, they hated each other like poison. Evans died in 1985, or else the bad feelings would probably still linger. Remember, they were from the same town , Rome, N.Y. And they always were chasing the same thing: championships. Evans won a record nine NASCAR modified championships, by the way, including eight consecutively from 1978-85. Cook won six. Evans was a hard-partying, hard-charger. Cook was more conservative, on and off the track. Perhaps that led to Evans’ fans labeling Cook as a “stroker,” race-speak for a points racer – one of the ultimate insults to hurl at a driver.(NASCAR)(6-29-2010)

UPDATE 2: In the days of NASCAR pre-Petty, there already were some superstars on the scene. We’re talking big-time personalities who help lay the foundation for NASCAR’s current fan base. We’re talking about Fireball Roberts – some call him NASCAR’s first superstar – and Fred Lorenzen, who was so popular he had several nicknames. Both are among this year’s list of nominees for induction into the NASCAR Hall of Fame, with Roberts being a repeat nominee, as he was one of last year’s inaugural nominees. Lorenzen is one of five first-timers, who will be part of the overall 25-nominee announcement on Thursday night.(NASCAR)(6-30-2010)

Race and Commercial Breakdown of the 2010 Lenox Industrial Tools 301: For those of you NASCAR fans that like stats and love to hate commercials, or wonder how often your driver was focused on, here is the breakdown for Sunday’s race. TNT was the broadcast team for this event.

Total number of commercials: 124

Total number of companies or entities advertised: 62

Total number of brief promos of products/services during the race broadcast: 46

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

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

Total minutes: 184

Minutes of race broadcast: 123

Minutes of commercials: 61

Number of missed restarts: 0

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

Number of ‘water bottle cautions’: 1

Number of male enhancement ads: 1

Number of ‘70’s rock bands to perform the National Anthem: 1 Foghat

Number of rum-selling pirates that popped up occasionally during the race broadcast to remind viewers to drink responsibly (“Captain’s orders!”), displayed the correct posture for an authentic ‘pirate pose’, and demonstrated his pit crew capabilities: 1 Captain Morgan

Total race brdcst time 123 Total comm. brdcst time 61

See more and link to the full report on the 2010 TV Commercials page.(6-30-2010)

Bliss to drive for TRG at Daytona: TRG Motorsports welcomes back Mike Bliss to drive the #71 TRG Motorsports Chevy for the Coke Zero 400 to be run at Daytona International Speedway this Saturday, July 3. Bliss had two starts with TRG Motorsports in 2009 at Charlotte Motor Speedway and Richmond as well as their first Craftsman Truck race at Daytona in 2008 where he had an outstanding run. Bliss will be running with Dan Stillman, crew chief, for the first time. Bliss qualified tenth in his last superspeedway start at Talladega in April. Bliss has the highest qualifying effort to date for TRG Motorsports, a seventh at the Charlotte Sprint Cup race last year.(TRG Motorsports PR)(6-3-2010)

Dodge President Says Challenger Could Race In Cup: Dodge President Ralph Gilles said that the automaker may submit the Dodge Challenger for Sprint Cup competition at some point in the future, replacing the Dodge Charger. Gilles said, “It’s up to NASCAR,” adding “the fans will tell us” what they want to see. Ford’s North American Motorsports Manager, Jamie Allison said recently that the Blue Oval is considering bringing its Mustang brand to the Cup Series, if it performs well at the Nationwide level. The new Nationwide car makes its competitive debut Saturday at Daytona International Speedway.(Sirius Speedway)(6-30-2010)

Tire test at Bristol: NASCAR drivers #42-Juan Pablo Montoya, #11-Denny Hamlin, #82-Scott Speed and #6-David Ragan participated in a Goodyear tire test Tuesday at Bristol Motor Speedway in preparation for the August NASCAR Sprint Cup Series IRWIN Tools Night Race.(BMS)(6-30-2010)

Kerry Earnhardt to Drive Dad’s #3 Brickyard 400 Winner at Goodwood: The Richard Childress Racing # 3 GM Goodwrench Chevy that the legendary Dale Earnhardt drove to victory in the 1995 Brickyard 400 at Indianapolis Motor Speedway will be driven by his eldest son, Kerry Earnhardt, in this year’s Goodwood Festival of Speed in England. The Goodwood Festival of Speed, July 2-4, is one of the world’s premier historic race car events. The event has been held annually since 1993 on the grounds of Goodwood House, West Sussex, England. Race cars past and present participate in both demonstration and competition runs up the nine-turn, 1.16-mile hillclimb circuit. This is the second consecutive year RCR has participated in the Festival of Speed. Last year, Taylor Earnhardt, Dale’s youngest daughter, drove the black #3 GM Goodwrench Chevy her father earned his 76th and final NASCAR Cup Series victory in, on Oct. 15, 2000, at Talladega (Ala.) Superspeedway. Both last year’s car and this year’s entry were prepared by and will be cared for at the Festival of Speed by former #3 team crew members Danny Lawrence and Rich Burgess. Lawrence is the assistant head engine builder/trackside manager for Earnhardt-Childress Racing Engines and Burgess is the shop manager for RCR’s #31 Caterpillar team in the NSCS.(RCR PR)(6-30-2010)

Kelley Earnhardt named bank chairman: Mooresville-based Blueharbor Bank said that a member of one of racing’s first families, Kelley Earnhardt, has been elected chairman of the board. Earnhardt, whose late father was NASCAR Hall of Fame driver Dale Earnhardt Sr. and whose brother is current driver Dale Earnhardt Jr., was a founding board member of the community bank that opened in 2007. She is general manager and co-owner of JR Motorsports in Mooresville and serves as a director of the Dale Jr. Foundation. Earnhardt moved from the vice chairman role as part of a planned rotation, the bank said. Attorney Bill Pope is the new vice chairman.(Charlotte Observer)(6-30-2010)

NASCAR, IndyCar tickets go on Sale at Homestead Saturday: Homestead-Miami Speedway is doing it again in 2010: The only venue ever to host all of North America’s premier motorsports’ Championship finales, The Championship Track will be the site of IZOD IndyCar Series Championship Weekend (Oct. 1-2) and NASCAR’s Ford Championship Weekend (Nov. 19-21). Tickets for both go on sale this Saturday, July 3, via (866) 409-RACE or TheChampionshipTrack.com. Kids 12 & under are FREE to three of the five Championships. With the IndyCar Championship having gone down to the final lap of the final race each of the last four seasons, fans can expect more of the same during the NextEra Energy Indy Championships at Homestead-Miami Speedway (Oct. 1-2). And seven weeks later (Nov. 19-21), Homestead-Miami Speedway will host NASCAR for its series-crowning Ford Championship Weekend, featuring the Championship finales of the Sprint Cup, Nationwide and the Camping World Truck Series.(HMS)(6-30-2010)

Goodyear Tires to ‘Support Our Troops’: been told that Goodyear will have special tires for the NASCAR races at Daytona International Speedway this Saturday. With the Goodyear logo and “Support Our Troops” in red-white-blue. See an image below or a larger images on my Tire News and Testing page.(6-28/29-2010)

Crew Member Suspended Due To Violation Of NASCAR Substance Abuse Policy: Chris Moore, a crew member for the #43 team in the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series, has been indefinitely suspended from NASCAR for violating the sanctioning body’s substance abuse policy. On June 22, Moore was found to have violated Sections 12-1 (actions detrimental to stock car racing) and 19 (violation of the NASCAR substance abuse policy) of the 2010 NASCAR Rule Book.(NASCAR PR)(6-29-2010)

25 Nominee’s for Hall of Fame to be announced: SPEED will deliver a special edition of NASCAR Race Hub on Thursday, July 1 at 8:00pm/et, with live and exclusive coverage from Daytona Beach and the NASCAR Hall of Fame in Charlotte, as NASCAR unveils its 25 nominees for the 2011 NASCAR Hall of Fame.(6-28-2010)

UPDATE: On Thursday, the 2010 nominees for the NASACAR Hall of Fame will be announced. As with last year’s inaugural list, there again will be 25 names. Twenty will be repeat nominees. Ladies and gentlemen, start your debates. And today, do we ever have a debate for you, in the process giving you a “sneak peek” at the nominees. One guy is a repeat nominee – Richie Evans. The other guy is a first-time nominee – Jerry Cook. These two are, arguably, the greatest NASCAR modified drivers of all-time. Many would say there’s no argument, in making that assessment. Perhaps the best way to frame this debate is by reminding you that when these gentlemen competed, they hated each other like poison. Evans died in 1985, or else the bad feelings would probably still linger. Remember, they were from the same town , Rome, N.Y. And they always were chasing the same thing: championships. Evans won a record nine NASCAR modified championships, by the way, including eight consecutively from 1978-85. Cook won six. Evans was a hard-partying, hard-charger. Cook was more conservative, on and off the track. Perhaps that led to Evans’ fans labeling Cook as a “stroker,” race-speak for a points racer – one of the ultimate insults to hurl at a driver.(NASCAR)(6-29-2010)

Jeff Gordon’s Crew Wins Tissot Pit Road Award in New Hampshire: Jeff Gordon’s crew won the Tissot Pit Road Precision Award in Sunday’s (June 27) NASCAR Sprint Cup race in Loudon, N.H. It was the third win of the season for the #24 crew, which moved into sole possession of first place in the Tissot season standings. The pit crews for Martin Truex Jr. and Matt Kenseth are tied for second with two wins each. Gordon’s #24 DuPont Chevy spent the least amount of time on pit road – 172.661 seconds – during the Lenox Industrial Tools 301 at New Hampshire Motor Speedway. The quick work helped Gordon to a fourth-place finish. Coming in second was Kevin Harvick’s #29 Shell/Pennzoil Chevy (176.258) and finishing third was Joey Logano’s #20 Home Depot Toyota (177.679). Gordon’s over-the-wall crew consists of: Clay Robinson (front-tire changer), Mike Houston (front-tire carrier), Joe Slingerland (rear-tire changer), Matt Ver Meer (rear-tire carrier), Jeff Cook (jackman), Caleb Hurd (gasman), Jamie Frady (catch can), Colin Fambrough (back-up tire changer) and Andy Kruep (eighth man). The team’s pit crew coach is Greg Morin. Along with winning $5,000 for the weekly pit crew competition the crew with the most Tissot Pit Road Precision Award wins at the end of the 36-race Sprint Cup schedule will collect a $105,000 bonus plus Tissot watches for the over-the-wall crew members and driver.(DMF Communications/Tissot), see past winners and standings on my 2010 Pit Crew News page.(6-29-2010)

New Hampshire News & Facts:

• Jimmie Johnson won the Lenox Industrial Tools 301 at New Hampshire Motor Speedway. It was his 52nd Cup series victory in his 308th race and his fifth win in 2010, tying Denny Hamlin for the most this season. It was Johnson’s third New Hampshire win in 17 races there.

• Johnson posted his 10th career back-to-back victory (won Infineon one race ago). It was his second back-to-back victory in 2010 (won California and Las Vegas).

• Johnson scored his seventh straight top-10 finish at New Hampshire, the longest current streak. He has posted top-10 finishes in the past four races, extending a streak that began at Pocono.

• Johnson led three times for nine laps, including final two. He has led in 10 of the 17 races in 2010.

• Hendrick Motorsports posted its 193rd series victory and eighth win at New Hampshire, the most of all teams. Johnson has all five of its victories in 2010. • Chevrolet scored its eighth win in 2010, leading all makes. Toyota has seven, Dodge has two and Ford is winless. Chevrolet has 14 wins at New Hampshire, leading all makes.

• Tony Stewart (second) has scored top-10 finishes in his past four races in 2010, extending a streak that began at Pocono in June. He posted his eighth straight top-15 finish at New Hampshire.

• Kurt Busch (third) scored his fifth straight finish of sixth or better at New Hampshire.

• Jeff Gordon (fourth) posted his 10 straight top-15 finish at New Hampshire, the longest current streak. • Points leader Kevin Harvick finished fifth. Harvick has a 105-point lead over second-place Johnson.

• AJ Allmendinger (10th) has scored top-15 finishes in his past six races, extending a streak that began at Dover in May.

• David Reutimann (15th) has posted top-15 finishes in his past four races at New Hampshire.

• Greg Biffle finished 16th in his 275th career Cup start.

• Matt Kenseth finished 17th in his 375th consecutive start.

• Jamie McMurray finished 18th in his 275th career start.

• Mark Martin finished 21st in his 775th career start. Martin extended a 27-race streak of running at the finish at New Hampshire, longest by any driver.

• Juan Pablo Montoya (34th) dropped from 20th to 22nd in points.

• Kasey Kahne (36th) dropped from 18th to 20th in points.

• A 201-lap green-flag stretch occurred between the first and second cautions, marking the longest green-flag stretch at New Hampshire.(ESPN.com)(6-29-2010)

A Message from Bill Simpson: “I have read the recent press release released by SFI Foundation (June 21, 2010) and found it full of legal jargon and missing a few major points I’d like the racing community to know. In siding with Impact in our prelimary injunction against SFI’s intended cancelling of our contract with them last week, the court considered many facts that haven’t been officially released at this point. SFI continues to reference incidents that occured in the years of 2007 and 2008. This is a period when I was personally not involved with day-to-day operations of the company and had left many matters to my management team at the time. Upon the recent issues we’ve had with SFI over the past year and my returning to the business full-time again because of such, we’ve investigated these issues and found that there were significant problems caused by that management team (which has since been fired) that have obviously jeopardized Impact greatly and caused confusion and headaches for all of our valued customers and the motorsports world. We’ve presented evidence of this to the court in this latest hearing and are conducting even further investigation into the matter and will hopefully someday be able to let the motorsports community know the entire story behind this mess. Since I have been back and am involved 100% with the company again (since January of 2009) I can attest we are making the highest-quality safety equipment and that we are following all certification standards by all of the certifying bodies we work with. I am actively involved with my new management team here at both our headquarters and our production facility and can confidently say that what we are producing exceeds most standards. The judge in our recent case in the United States District Court, Southern District of Indiana, concurred with Impact that SFI could not cancel our contract at this time pending SFI providing Impact with a fair hearing.”(Impact Racing PR)(6-29-2010)

Ford driver could win a Ford Mustang: The Mustang debut in NASCAR has been anxiously anticipated ever since Ford announced the iconic pony car would be competing on the track last summer. Now, to help celebrate that debut, Ford Racing is giving its drivers even more incentive to be the first Mustang winner, and take their place in Mustang racing history. Jamie Allison, director, Ford North America Motorsports, announced today that any Ford driver who wins Friday night’s Subway Jalapeno 250 NASCAR Nationwide Series event at Daytona International Speedway will receive their own 2011 5.0-liter Mustang GT production vehicle. This will mark the second straight NASCAR appearance as the Daytona pace car for the 5.0 Mustang GT, which led the field to the green flag for the first time in its history at February’s Daytona 500. For more information regarding Ford Racing’s activities, please visit www.fordracing.com.(6-29-2010)

Latest on police cost at NHMS: Pre-race traffic moved smoothly for the Sprint Cup race at New Hampshire Motor Speedway according to Loudon Police Chief Robert Fiske, who said that Route 106 was reopened to two-way traffic at 12:15, 45 minutes before the start of yesterday’s race. Fiske said that as of mid-afternoon there had been 72 arrests at the Speedway over the weekend, several of which were for drug possession and assault. The bulk were for disorderly conduct and public intoxication, he said. Fiske, who has been embroiled in a dispute with the speedway over security costs, said that the final tally on the weekend won’t be compiled until sometime tomorrow. “We’re doing everything we can to keep costs down,” said Fiske, who had estimated that it would cost about $134,000 for police details at the track. Speedway Motorsports officials have said that they think $65,000 is sufficient and have threatened to pull one of the Sprint Cup races from the track if the dispute continues.(New Hampshire Union Leader)(6-29-2010)

Kansas race track celebrates 100 years: On July 4, 1910, three cars entered the first auto race held in Belleville, Kan. Auto racing was a relatively new sporting event in 1910, as was the automobile. Those three cars and their drivers that day were part of a much larger sporting contingency … horse racing. The only documentation that has been located about that first auto race in Belleville is buried in a newspaper story featuring the horse racing of July 4, 1910. The Belleville High Banks [a half mile circle dirt track] will hold the Belleville 100 in honor of the race that took place 100 years ago. More info at belleville100.com.(6-29-2010)

The Entry List for the Coke Zero 400 Sprint Cup Series race at Daytona International Speedway is posted, 45 teams/drivers [for 43 spots] are listed, including:

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

#09-Bobby Labonte (2009 race winner as owner/past champ 2000)(40/17)

#13-Max Papis (39/17)

#26-David Stremme (2009 race winner as owner)(36/17)

#36-Steve Park (38/17)

#38-Travis Kvapil (37/17)

#46-J.J. Yeley (41/17)

#55-Michael McDowell (44/17)

#64-Todd Bodine (47/7)

#66-Dave Blaney (43/17)

#87-Joe Nemechek (42/17)

In the event qualifying is rained out or cancelled:

the eight who would make it [8]: #’s 26,09,38,13,36,46,87,66

missing the race would be [2]: #’s 55,64

See the full entry list at my Jayski’s Daytona Entry List.(6-28-2010)

Reiser to return as Kenseth’s crew chief? Loomis moving to Roush? Sirius NASCAR Radio’s Sirius Speedway with Dave Moody has learned that Robbie Reiser is likely to return as crewchief for Matt Kenseth’s #17 Roush Fenway Racing Ford next season. Team owner Jack Roush pulled veteran Jimmy Fennig out of Roush Fenway’s R&D Department to replace Todd Parrott as crew chief last week, the second change of the season for the #17 team. Fennig is Kenseth’s fifth crewchief since 2007, and said last week that he expects to remain atop the pit box for the remainder of the 2010 campaign. Sources tell Sirius Speedway that there is “a very strong possibility” that RFR General Manager Robbie Reiser will return to the post in 2011. “Robbie wants to come back,” said one source on condition of anonymity, “but he’s doing such a good job as GM that Jack can’t justify making a move right now. Next season, expect to see Reiser back on the pit box, with Robbie Loomis succeeding him as General Manager.” Kenseth admitted that consideration is being given to bringing Reiser back as crewchief, saying, “He probably would have filled in for the rest of the year (and tried) to do both, but there just are not enough hours in a day.”(Sirius Speedway)(6-28-2010)

Nemechek gets sponsor for Daytona: HostGator.com, a leader in web site hosting services, has announced a sponsorship with #87-Joe Nemechek in both the NASCAR Sprint Cup and Nationwide races at Daytona International Speedway for the July 4th weekend. HostGator.com will become the main sponsor of the #87 Toyota piloted by Joe Nemechek of Nemco Motorsorts in time for the Coke Zero 400. The sponsorship also extends to Nemechek’s Nationwide Car for its upcoming races at Chicago, Gateway, and O’Reilly Raceway Park. “We are honored to have HostGator.com on board, and that they picked Nemco Motorsports to see what NASCAR is all about. It’s always great to bring a new company into NASCAR,” said Joe Nemechek. “It also means a lot at Nemco Motorsports to have an environmentally friendly, green sponsor such as HostGator.com.” Earlier this year, HostGator.com announced a renewed commitment to keep more than 1,800 of its web hosting servers green through Renewable Energy Certificates for wind farms in the state of Texas. “We are very excited and proud to become a part of Nemco Motorsports and support a veteran driver like Joe. Many of our current customers and staff are huge fans of NASCAR, and we look forward to serving the many NASCAR Fans in the future.” stated Lance Custen, CEO for HostGator.com.(HostGator)(6-28-2010)

Tires to ‘Support our troops’? hearing Goodyear will have special tires for the NASCAR races at Daytaona International Speedway this Saturday. Supposedly the Goodyear logo is smaller and the lettering reads “Support Our Troops!”.(6-28-2010)

#26 team has sponsorship to run rest of season: Bill Jenkins, the owner of #26 Latitude 43 Motorsports, says that he’s happy with the team’s progress this year and has enough sponsorship to run full events the rest of the 2010 season. Jenkins, a Massachusetts businessman involved in selling environmental friendly soaps and cleaners, bought the #26 team (points and some equipment) from Roush Fenway Racing before the season started. NASCAR allowed a rare sell of points because it was forcing Roush Fenway to cut from five teams to the recently implemented four-team cap. The organization had Boris Said in the car for the first four races, and David Stremme has driven the remainder of the races with the exception of the Toyota/Save Mart 350 at Infineon Raceway, where Said was back behind the wheel. The team is 36th in owner points after Stremme’s 31st-place finish Sunday at New Hampshire Motor Speedway. Jenkins, whose home sits on latitude 43, has sponsorship from Air National Guard (a sponsorship that Jenkins called “humbling”) and GlobeTrack Wireless GPS. The team fell outside the top 35 after not running full races early in the year. Jenkins said the key to his team has been having an experienced crew chief in Frank Stoddard. He also has been pleased with Stremme, who has driven Cup cars for Penske Racing and Chip Ganassi Racing. “David is an incredible young man,” Jenkins said. “He works so hard. He has the natural talent.”(Scene Daily)(6-28-2010)

25 Nominee’s for Hall of Fame to be announced: SPEED will deliver a special edition of NASCAR Race Hub on Thursday, July 1 at 8:00pm/et, with live and exclusive coverage from Daytona Beach and the NASCAR Hall of Fame in Charlotte, as NASCAR unveils its 25 nominees for the 2011 NASCAR Hall of Fame.(6-28-2010)

Johnson wins at New Hampshire: #48-Jimmie Johnson won the Lenox Industrial Tools 301 Sprint Cup Series race at New Hampshire Motor Speedway for his 3rd win at the track, 5th win of the season and 52nd of his career. It is the eighth time in Johnson’s career that he has won races back-to-back. #14-Stewart finished 2nd followed by #2-Busch, #24-Gordon, #29-Harvick, #39-Newman, #33-Bowyer, #88-Earnhardt Jr., #20-Logano and #43-Allmendinger. Pole sitter #42-Montoya got together with #33-Boyer late in the race and damaged the splitter while running in the top-5. Montoya fell back, then got together with #83-Sorenson and ended up in the wall, finishing 34th. #9-Kahne, who started 2nd and was running up front most of the day, had a motor expire on lap 236, finishing 36th. Points leader #29-Harvick saw his points lead decrease to 105 [from 140] with Johnson back in 2nd.

There were 14 lead changes among 9 drivers and 4 cautions for 19 yellow flag laps. The attendence was reported at 91,000, down from 101,000 last June.

See race results, awards, laps led and more on Jayski’s Infineon Race Results/Awards page.(6-27-2010)

Race Fast Facts – New Hampshire:

Jimmie Johnson won the LENOX Industrial Tools 301, his 52nd victory in 308 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series races.

This is his fifth victory and 11th top-10 finish in 2010.

This is his third victory and 12th top-10 finish in 17 races at New Hampshire Motor Speedway.

Tony Stewart (second) posted his 14th top-10 finish in 23 races at New Hampshire Motor Speedway. It is his eighth top-10 finish in 2010.

Kurt Busch (third) posted his 10th top-10 finish in 19 races at New Hampshire Motor Speedway.

Kevin Conway (32nd) was the highest finishing rookie.

Kevin Harvick leads the point standings by 105 points over Jimmie Johnson.(NASCAR Statistics)(6-27-2010)

2010 Sprint Cup Driver Championship Points Standings:

[after New Hampshire, race 17 of 36]:

rank, car#, driver, points, behind

1) #29-Kevin Harvick [1 win], 2489

2) #48-Jimmie Johnson [5 wins], 2384, -105

3) #18-Kyle Busch [2 wins], 2328, -161

4) #11-Denny Hamlin [5 wins], 2304, -185

5) #24-Jeff Gordon, 2302, -187

6) #2-Kurt Busch [2 wins], 2288, -201

7) #17-Matt Kenseth, 2204, -285

8) #31-Jeff Burton, 2159, -330

9) #14-Tony Stewart, 2158, -331

10) #16-Greg Biffle, 2126, -363

11) #5-Mark Martin, 2047, -442, +30

12) #99-Carl Edwards, 2020, -469, +3 ahead of 13th

Chase for the Sprint Cup – Contenders:

13) #88-Dale Earnhardt Jr, 2017, 3 points out of the chase

14) #39-Ryan Newman [1 win], 2005, -15

15) #33-Clint Bowyer, 2004, -16

16) #20-Joey Logano, 1921, -99

2009 Chase Drivers not in top 16

20) #9-Kasey Kahne, 1846, -174

22) #42-Juan Pablo Montoya, 1837, -183

35) #83-Brian Vickers, 1158 [out season with illness]

See drivers championship points standings on Jayski’s Drivers Points Standings page.(6-27-2010)

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

No one moved in to or out of the top-35, but the #26 is closer to 35th and the #71 has dropped to 35th, only 56 points ahead of the #26.

32) #7-Gordon/RGM: 1303, +104

33) #34-Conway/Front Row: 1258, +59

34) #37-Kvapil/Front Row: 1258, +59

35) #71-Lally/TRG: 1255, 56 points ahead of 36th

these teams/ drivers must qualify by speed:

36) #26-Stremme/Latitude43: 1199, 56 points out of the top 35

37) #38-Gilliland/Front Row: 1132, -123

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

For the owner points standings, see my Owners Points Standings page.(6-27-2010)

Truex accepts Gordon apology, but…: #24-Jeff Gordon might have to watch his bumper when the flag drops for Sunday’s race at New Hampshire Motor Speedway. He left last week’s race at Infineon Raceway as NASCAR’s most wanted for a series of overly aggressive moves on the track. One of those times led to a race-ending wreck for #56-Martin Truex Jr. Truex was running inside the top 10 when Gordon spun him, causing him to drop back into traffic, where he was caught in a multi-car accident. Gordon took the blame for that one and left an apology this week on Truex’s voicemail. Truex has accepted the apology, and he wants Gordon to accept the fact that he’ll change the way he races the four-time champion from here on out. “The nice guy seems to always get pushed around and I’m tired of being the nice guy,” said Truex, who has one career win. “I’m tired of getting pushed around. There’s been times when Jeff’s caught me and never even gave me the chance to get out of the way. He just started running into me, and he’s the first guy to hang his middle finger out the window when he goes by you. Things are going to change, that’s all I’m saying.” Gordon also angered #19-Elliott Sadler, #2-Kurt Busch and #16-Greg Biffle last week.(in part from the Associated Press)(6-27-2010)

Dale Jr. doesn’t plan to drive #3 after Daytona NNS race: On Friday evening, #88-Dale Earnhardt Jr. will slide through the window and into the seat of the #3 Wrangler Chevy for 300 miles of Nationwide Series racing at Daytona International Speedway. Until that moment, he cannot know how that car number on his door, and that blue and yellow paint before him on the hood, and memories of his father’s win-at-all-costs attitude while driving them may affect him. Especially at that track. But he is fairly certain about one thing: July 2, 2010 will be the last time he drives a race car with the #3 on the door. “I just want to go to the racetrack and run it once before I retire, and this will probably be it,” he said. “After this, I’ll probably never drive a car with a 3 on it again. I can pretty much say I’m 99% sure that will never happen again.” This is a stark revelation, especially for long-suffering Earnhardt fans who dreamed Junior would close out his career in a black #3. Junior, too, once thought that was his destiny. No more. “It’s not [my number] to take and use whenever I feel like using it,” he said through a sheepish grin. “You just don’t grab the car keys off the counter and go run out the door and haul down the road with your dad’s car. I didn’t do it when he was alive, and I won’t do it now. I’m borrowing it once, and then maybe sometime down the road some kid will come up, and he’ll have a connection to the 3 — whether it’s through my father or whether it’s what his number’s been since he was playing teeball. Whatever, you know, that will be his. It will be someone else’s.” The current Wrangler program is a dual initiative — partly to honor Big E, partly out of necessity. Junior’s sister, Kelley Earnhardt, Sprint Cup team owner and owner of the #3 trademark Richard Childress, and Teresa Earnhardt all played a role in putting the deal together, and wanted to tie it into Dale Earnhardt’s Hall of Fame induction.(see full story ay ESPN)(6-27-2010)

Kenseth dicusses crew chief change: Matt Kenseth took responsibility for his first crew chief change of the year in February, and on Friday, team owner Jack Roush said the call for a second switch was his. Roush surprised veteran Jimmy Fennig by taking him out of the research and development department and putting him in charge of Kenseth’s #17 Sprint Cup Series team. Todd Parrott was reassigned back to his old job, overseeing Roush Fenway Racing’s superspeedway program. “Matt and I shared a concern that we weren’t getting the optimum number of changes in the garage (during practice) based on the plan and the preparation and the execution of the pre-race activities,” Roush said at New Hampshire Motor Speedway in Loudon. “That was not the case in the first few races when Todd was at the helm, but, for whatever reason – I don’t know if Matt stopped talking to him or I stopped talking to him or what happened, but for whatever reason – we kind of had a breakdown in team communication and the effectiveness we had of getting ready for the race.” Fennig is the fifth crew chief since 2007. Robbie Reiser became general manger of Roush Fenway’s Sprint Cup operations at the end of that season. Although it has been suggested that the only answer for Kenseth is to be reunited with Reiser, Reiser is too valuable to the organization as a whole, Kenseth said. “He probably would have came and filled in for the rest of the year if he could try to do both, but there just are not enough hours in a day,” Kenseth said. “It does seem like I’m pretty hard on crew chiefs lately, that’s for sure, but we’ve just had some opportunities within the organization. . . . We just had some opportunities to mix things up a little bit and see if we can get the team heading in the direction we think it needs to be headed in.”(Milwaukee Journal Sentinel)(6-27-2010)

Labonte talks about leaving TRG and future: When Bobby Labonte starts the 2010 Brickyard 400, he will be making his 600th consecutive start. Well, for right now, that’s if Labonte starts the 2010 Brickyard 400. Labonte likely will have a ride for that event – considering he is a past Cup champion (he won the title in 2000) and has access to past champion provisionals. So even if a team isn’t in the top 35, he’d be in the race. But Labonte was prepared last Monday to see that streak end this weekend. He was prepared to leave TRG Motorsports and the #71 car because he couldn’t stomach the start-and-park plan for the organization’s unsponsored races. He had done three of them and that was enough. He didn’t have a ride until Tuesday afternoon when he got a call from Robby Gordon, who needed someone to drive his car while he went to Argentina on a business trip for his off-road racing team. The streak – which includes all but two of his career Cup races – is not that huge a deal to Labonte, who is driving for Gordon this weekend at New Hampshire and then #09 Phoenix Racing the next two weekends at Daytona and Chicago. Gordon has talked about entering a second car [#07 Toyota] for Labonte at Indianapolis but nothing is certain yet. “It’s there, but it’s not like one of those things I’ve got to sit there and say, ‘Hey, I’m only doing it because of that,'” Labonte said about the streak. “I’m doing this because of the passion I have for it and what I want to do.” It is possible that Labonte will drive for #71 TRG Motorsports in a few races later this year if the races are fully funded. Beyond that, he is not sure what will happen for him after Chicago and into 2011. “It’s pretty early in the year to be looking,” Labonte said. “It’s good to be looking that far ahead but we’re not quite there yet [where teams are deciding for 2011].”(SceneDaily)(6-27-2010)

Johnson’s idea is the winner of the Pepsi Refresh Grant: The votes are in and more than 500,000 racing fans have spoken: Jimmie Johnson is the winner of a $100,000 Pepsi Refresh Grant that will help Be The Match Foundation provide financial relief to pediatric bone marrow transplant patients. For the past three weeks, Johnson and fellow Hendrick Motorsports drivers Jeff Gordon and Dale Earnhardt Jr. were campaigning for their ideas and fans had the opportunity to vote for the idea they believed should be awarded a grant from the Pepsi Refresh Project. The drivers’ passion for their individual ideas was evident and although they didn’t receive the most votes, Pepsi will donate a $25,000 Pepsi Refresh Grant to both Jeff Gordon and Dale Earnhardt Jr. to aid in implementing their projects for the Children’s Advocacy Center (CAC) at Jeff Gordon Children’s Hospital and supporting technology needs at Shepherd Elementary School in Mooresville, NC for Earnhardt.(Pepsi)(6-27-2010)

Race Coverage of the Lenox Industrial Tools 301 Sprint Cup Series race at New Hampshire Motor Speedway is scheduled for Sunday, June 27, 2010.

Television (TV): TNT at 1:00 pm/et; pre-race show at 12:00 pm/et; green flag approx 1:15pm/et

Radio: Performance Racing Network (PRN) and Sirius XM Satellite NASCAR Radio 128

Scheduled Race Re-Airs:

SPEED, Wednesday, June 30 at 12:00pm/et

Pit Stall Selections – New Hampshire: The selections of pit stalls for the Lenox Industrial Tools 301 Sprint Cup Series race at New Hampshire Motor Speedway have been made. Pole sitter #42-Montoya chose pit stall 1 [as do most pole sitters].

Outside pole sitter #9-Kahne took pit stall 19, the first with an opening in front of it [after the 1st stall of course].

#2-Busch who starts 3rd took the 29th pit stall, the next stall with an opening in front of it.

The 43rd and final pit stall was taken by #48-Johnson, who starts 10th.

To see where all the drivers/teams pit stall is, see the pit selection chart on the Pit Stall Selection chart.(6-26-2010)

Happy Hour practice: for the Lenox Industrial Tools 301 Sprint Cup Series race at New Hampshire Motor Speedway is over, after 60 scheduled minutes, the fastest, slowest and notes:

#48-Johnson 130.590

#31-Burton 129.121

#18-Busch 129.116

#24-Gordon 129.024

#14-Stewart 129.003

slowest: #34-Conway 124.581 & #37-Gilliland 125.182

See fast speeds, average speeds and laps run on my NHMS Practice Speeds Page.
(6-26-2010)

Saturday’s first practice: for the Lenox Industrial Tools 301 Sprint Cup Series race at New Hampshire Motor Speedway is over, after 45 scheduled minutes, the fastest, slowest and notes:

#48-Johnson 129.692

#18-Busch 128.920

#39-Newman 128.780

#29-Harvick 128.658

#33-Bowyer 128.558

slowest: #34-Conway 125.071 & #13-Papis 125.570

notes: Aric Almirola ran some laps in Johnson’s #48 Chevy just to get familiar with the car, there is no news of the baby coming yet.

no speed listed: #64-Bodine.

See fast speeds, average speeds and laps run on my NHMS Practice Speeds Page.
(6-26-2010)

Johnson Nominated For Best Male Athlete At 2010 ESPYS: Four-time NASCAR Sprint Cup Series champion Jimmie Johnson is one of five superstar athletes to be nominated for the Best Male Athlete Award at the 2010 ESPYS, set for July 14 in Los Angeles. The reigning Associated Press Male Athlete of the Year will vie for the honor with Super Bowl MVP Drew Brees, five-time NBA champion Kobe Bryant, two-time NBA MVP LeBron James and three-time MLB National League MVP Albert Pujols. Johnson is also one of the Best Driver nominees along with 2009 NASCAR Nationwide Series champion Kyle Busch, four-time NASCAR Camping World Truck Series champion Ron Hornaday Jr., 2009 IndyCar champion Dario Franchitti and six-time NHRA Top Fuel champion Tony Schumacher. Fans will determine the winners in 37 categories (except the Arthur Ashe Courage Award and other special awards) by voting online and by phone. For more information, go to espn.com/espys.(6-26-2010)

Newman wins Modified race at NHMS: Sprint Cup driver Ryan Newman passed Ted Christopher on the final lap and then held him off out of the final corner to win the Whelen Modified Tour New England 100 at New Hampshire Motor Speedway. Over the years a handful of Sprint Cup Series stars, including Tony Stewart, Kasey Kahne and Carl Edwards, have made starts in Modified Tour events at NHMS. Newman, a South Bend, Ind. native, became the first one to steal a victory from the division’s regulars. The victory came in the fifth career start in the series for Newman, who competes in the Sprint Cup Series for Stewart-Haas Racing. Christopher, of Plainville, the track’s all-time winningest driver, held on for second after leading a race-high 40 laps. Ryan Preece of Berlin was third. Newman has made all his series starts in a car owned by West Boylston, Mass. native and Sprint Cup Series crew chief Kevin “Bono” Manion, a former Modified Tour crew chief. Whelen Modified Tour points leader Bobby Santos III, who had won three of the first four events of the season, was fourth.(Hartford Courant)(6-26-2010)

Allmendinger hopes to decide on future soon: #43-A.J. Allmendinger told Sirius NASCAR Radio’s Sirius Speedway with Dave Moody on Friday that he hopes to make a decision on where he will race next season within the next 30 days. “I’ve had some great talks with the people at Richard Petty Motorsports, and I’ve had some great talks with other teams, too. I can’t tell you right now how it’s going to turn out, but I hope to have this all wrapped up by the middle or the end of July.” Allmendinger and teammates #19-Elliott Sadler and #98-Paul Menard are in the final year of their respective contracts, and #9-Kasey Kahne has already announced plans to go elsewhere in 2011.(Sirius Speedway)(6-26-2010)

Las Vegas tix on sale Monday: Tickets for the 2011 NASCAR Weekend at Las Vegas Motor Speedway will go on sale Monday, June 28, but early-bird ticket buyers won’t have to wait until next year to see NASCAR action on the 1.5-mile superspeedway. Race fans who purchase NASCAR Weekend tickets prior to Aug. 1 will receive two free tickets to the Sept. 25 Las Vegas 350 NASCAR Camping World Truck Series race. “We have had a very strong renewal period, and that’s allowed us to put tickets on sale earlier than ever this year,” said LVMS president Chris Powell. “We want to reward those who commit early by offering tickets to the Truck race in September. That’s always one of our most exciting races, and we hope the fans of Sprint Cup and Nationwide Series racing will come out to see an exciting show on Sept. 25.” As in past years, LVMS is offering a payment plan for all ticket buyers. Race fans purchasing tickets within the next two months will be required to pay only 25 percent of the value of the order. Credit cards will be charged in equal installments on monthly beginning Sept. 1 to pay the remaining balance. Tickets start as low as $49 for the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series event. The speedway also has a Family 4-Pack for both weekend tickets and Sunday’s Sprint Cup event. Weekend Family 4-Packs are $316 and a Sunday-only Family 4-Pack is just $199. The NASCAR Weekend will consist of Pole Day for the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series race, the Sam’s Town 300 NASCAR Nationwide Series event and the 14th annual NASCAR Sprint Cup Series race. Neon Garage passes, driver introduction passes and Lucky 7 preferred parking passes also go on sale June 28. Tickets are available online at www.lvms.com, by calling the speedway’s tickets services department at (800) 644-4444 or in-person at the speedway box office.(LVMS)(6-26-2010)

Monyoya wins pole at New Hampshire: #42-Juan Pablo Montoya the Coors Pole for the Lenox Industrial Tools 301 at New Hamsphire Motor Speedway with a speed of 132.337mph for his 1st pole of 2010 and 3rd of his career. #9-Kahne will start 2nd followed by #2-Busch, #5-Martin, #39-Newman, #00-Reutimann, #87-Nemechek, #77-Hornish jr., #33-Bowyer and #48-Johnson. Points leader #29-Harvick will start 24th. #88-Earnhardt Jr. will start 31st. #7-Bobby Labonte crashed late in Friday practice and the team was not able to get the car thru inspection in time, so Labonte will start 42nd. Reed Sorenson will start 29th in his first run in the #83. Andy Lally will start 40th in his first oval race in the Sprint Cup Series.

The go-or-go homers who made the race (8): #87-Nemechek, #36-Mears, #13-Papis, #46-Yeley, #66-Blaney, #55-McDowell, #26-Stremme and #64-Todd Bodine.

The go-or-go homers who failed to qualify for the race (2): #38-Kvapil [first DNQ this year for Front Row] and #09-Bliss

See the starting lineup, qualifying speeds and notes on my New Hampshire Starting Lineup/Qualifying Results page.(6-25-2010)

Coverage of Qualifying for the Lenox Industrial Tools 301 Sprint Cup Series race at New Hampshire Motor Speedway is scheduled for Friday, June 25, 2010 at 3:10pm/et.

Television (TV): SPEED 3:00pm/et

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

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

Scheduled qualifying re-air: on SPEED at 12:00am/et

Qualifying Order for the Lenox Industrial Tools 301 Sprint Cup Series race at New Hampshire Motor Speedway is posted. 45 cars/drivers are listed. Go-or-go homers will qualify at the end of the session, once the top-35 drivers are done.

The first of the top-35 drivers scheduled to go out is #14-Stewart.

The final top-35 driver scheduled to go out is #71-Lally.

The first go-or-go homer scheduled to qualify [36th] is #55-McDowell with the final driver scheduled to qualify being #36-Mears.

See the full qualifying order on the New Hampshire Qualifying Page.(6-25-2010)

Friday practice: for the Lenox Industrial Tools 301 Sprint Cup Series race at New Hampshire Motor Speedway is over, after90 scheduled minutes, the fastest, slowest and notes

#42-Montoya 132.429

#48-Johnon 132.044

#2-Busch 132.002

#20-Stewart 131.929

#39-Newman 131.815

slowest: #7-Labonte 126.631 & #34-Conway 126.745

incidents: #7-Labonte came off turn 4 went sideways and slapped the inside and outside walls, the team will go to a backup car.

#20-Logano lost a right rear tire and spun around off turn 2, didn’t hit anything or do any major damage.

Fpr practice speeds, average speeds, laps run, see the New Hampshire Practice Speeds Page.(6-25-2010)

New Hampshire practice rank for the non top-35 drivers:

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

#38-Travis Kvapil

#87-Joe Nemechek

#13-Max Papis

#66-Dave Blaney

#36-Casey MearsBR>
#55-Michael McDowell

#09-Mike Bliss

#46-J.J. Yeley

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

#64-Todd Bodine 42nd fastest

#26-David Stremme, 43rd fastest

Some Chassis selections for New Hampshire:

#1-Jamie McMurray: Crew Chief Kevin “Bono” Manion has elected to bring Chassis number #1008 to New Hampshire Motor Speedway this weekend. McMurray raced the chassis in April at Phoenix International Raceway where McMurray battled handling issues after an on track altercation forcing a 24th-place finish.

#2-Kurt Busch driver Kurt Busch, crew chief Steve Addington and the “Blue Deuce” crew are racing their “PRS-701” Miller Lite “Vortex” Dodge in this weekend’s action at New Hampshire Motor Speedway. This car has been raced only once – in last October’s battle at Fontana, Calif. Busch started 24th and finished eighth in that race. The team originally scheduled to race it at Phoenix back in April, but opted to take a new car instead. “We took the car and tested at the Milwaukee Mile a couple of weeks back (on June 9) in preparation for this weekend’s race,” Busch offered. “I thought the test went really well and we learned some things that will help us at Loudon (NHMS) this time around.”

#5-Mark Martin: crew chief Alan Gustafson has chosen Hendrick Motorsports Chassis No. 5-588 for Sunday’s race. This is the same chassis that Martin drove to a fourth-place finish at Phoenix International Raceway on April 10 earlier this year.

#6-David Ragan: Primary: RK-635 Last ran Richmond – finished 24th . Backup: RK-660 Last ran Michigan fall ‘09 – finished 30th

#11-Denny Hamlin: and the FedEx team will unload Chassis JGR 263 this weekend in New Hampshire. This car has a single start to date, registering a third-place finish in Phoenix in the fall of 2009. JGR 256 will serve as the backup this weekend – it started four races in 2009 and posted three top-five finishes. The #11 FedEx Freight Camry will carry the letters HSG on the B-posts this weekend at New Hampshire in recognition of Harrisburg center. HSG is a center of excellence within the Fedex Freight network; the top honor a service center can receive. Over the past year. the HSG team has achieved key performance metrics of the areas of people, service and profit.

#12-Brad Keselowski: The #12 Penske Dodge Charger team will use chassis PRS-716 during Sunday’s 300-lap race at New Hampshire Motor Speedway (NHMS). This will be the second race for this chassis and Brad Keselowski raced it to a 16th-place finish at Phoenix International Raceway in April. The #12 team will welcome back AAA to their Dodge Charger this weekend. The AAA logos also adorned the car at Auto Club Speedway in February.

#14-Tony Stewart: is running Chassis No. 14-587, this car made its debut in March at Martinsville Speedway, where it qualified fifth and finished 26th. Prior to Martinsville, Chassis No. 14-587 never turned a wheel on the racetrack. With a new body honed in the wind tunnel, it was tested at The Milwaukee Mile June 1 in preparation for its second career start this weekend at New Hampshire Motor Speedway in Loudon.

#17-Matt Kenseth: primary chassis for the #17 Crown Royal Black Ford will be Primary: Primary: RK-645, last run at Richmond.

#18-Kyle Busch: Sunday’s Lenox Industrial Tools 301 will be the fifth start for Chassis No. 249. This chassis made its debut last August at Michigan, where Busch started 36th and finished 23rd. Its next start came last September at Richmond, where Busch qualified eighth and finished a solid fifth. It then participated in the October event at Charlotte, where Busch qualified 12th and finished eighth. In its most recent start at Martinsville – its one and only start thus far in 2010 – Busch qualified 10th and ran in second-place in the closing laps before an accident relegated him to a 22nd-place finish..

#19-Elliott Sadler: The #19 Stanley Ford Fusion team led by crew chief Wally Rogers has prepared chassis No. 270 for this weekend’s event. This Ford Fusion was previously run this season at both the Martinsville and Richmond events.

#29-Kevin Harvick: will pilot Chassis No. 304 from the Richard Childress Racing NASCAR Sprint Cup Series stable. This Chevrolet is brand new for 2010, and was used by the No. 29 team at Phoenix where Harvick finished 13th, and at Richmond where Harvick finished third.

#31-Jeff Burton: will race chassis No. 280 from the Richard Childress Racing NASCAR Sprint Cup Series stable. Built new for 2009, this RCR Chevrolet was put through its first paces at Chicagoland last July where Burton was credited with a 37th-place finish after being collected in a late-race multi-car incident. Burton then piloted the car at Kansas where he finished 23rd before posting a runner-up finish at Phoenix in November. In 2010 the car finished 25th after a penalty for pitting outside the pit box and finished 4th in Mat at at Richmond. LENOX’s associate sponsorship of RCR’s #31 Chevy kicks into high gear this weekend in New Hampshire as the #31 Chevy runs the red, white and blue LENOX colors.

#33-Clint Bowyer: will pilot Chassis No. 303 from the Richard Childress Racing NASCAR Sprint Cup Series stable. Built new in 2010, Bowyer drove this Chevrolet Impala to a seventh-place finish in the Coca-Cola 600 at Charlotte Motor Speedway in May. Bowyer carries a Zaxby’s paint scheme at NHMS.

#39-Ryan Newman Newman piloted Chassis No. 39-536 to his first win as a member of Stewart-Haas Racing earlier this year at Phoenix.
Newman ran in the top-10 for most of the race at Phoenix, and he took the lead from Jeff Gordon on the final restart of the race. He held onto the top spot for the final two laps around the 1-mile oval to score the victory. Prior to the 2010 season, Newman piloted Chassis No. 39-536 at four races in 2009 – twice at Phoenix and twice at Richmond. In the two races at Phoenix, Newman finished 16th and 20th, respectively. In the two races at Richmond, Newman finished fourth and 10th, respectively. During the off-season, it was made lighter and a new body was installed.

#42-Juan Pablo Montoya: Crew Chief Brian Pattie and the #42 Target team will bring Chassis #907 to New Hampshire Motor Speedway this weekend. This chassis was used twice during the 2009 season at New Hampshire Motor Speedway in September and Martinsville Speedway in October where Montoya finished third in both events.

#43-A.J. Allmendinger: The #43 Richard Petty Motorsports team led by crew chief Mike Shiplett has prepared chassis No. 289 for this weekend’s event at New Hampshire. This car was run earlier this year in both the Las Vegas and Richmond events. Berlin City Auto Group will be featured on the hood of the #43 Ford Fusion this weekend in Loudon. The Berlin City Auto Group, with dealerships throughout New England, specializes in the sales, service and parts for seventeen automotive manufacturers and pre-owned vehicles.

#48-Jimmie Johnson: Johnson last piloted primary chassis No. 540 to a 10th-place result at Richmond International Raceway in May. Backup chassis No. 520 has been driven five times, four of which resulted in victories (Richmond 9/08, Martinsville 10/08, Phoenix 11/08, Phoenix 3/09).

#88-Dale Earnhardt Jr.: This weekend at Infineon Raceway, crew chief Lance McGrew and the #88 crew will unload Hendrick Motorsports Chassis No. 88-589. This is a brand-new chassis that has not been raced or tested. In 30 Sprint Cup events (106 starts) at the New England racetrack, Hendrick Motorsports has tallied seven wins, 29 top-five finishes, 46 top-10s, five pole positions and led 2,160 laps.

#98-Paul Menard: Crew chief Slugger Labbe and the #98 RPM crew have prepared chassis No. 619 for this weekend’s event at New Hampshire Motor Speedway. The team utilized this particular Ford Fusion earlier this season at Martinsville. Menard posted his best qualifying effort of the season in Martinsville and went on to finish 14th. The Energizer Bunny will make its second appearance of the 2010 season on the hood of the #98 Ford Fusion this weekend.

#99-Carl Edwards: The #99 Aflac team will be bringing RK-647 this weekend to New Hampshire. Edwards raced this Ford Fusion at Phoenix in April where he started ninth and finished seventh.(from team PR’s/sites if reported)(6-25-2010)

Smith Breaks Wrist; Fitted with Custom-Molded Splint:Due to suffering a fractured left wrist in Sunday’s NASCAR Sprint Cup race in Sonoma, Calif., Regan Smith has been fitted with a custom-molded splint for this weekend’s LENOX Industrial Tools 301 at New Hampshire Motor Speedway. Smith, driver of the #78 Furniture Row Chevy, fractured his scaphoid bone (located at base of thumb) when he was involved in a multicar accident at Infineon Raceway on Lap 67 of 110. The 26-year-old Smith is being treated for the injury at OrthoCarolina in Charlotte.(FRR)(6-25-2010)

Infineon TV Ratings posted: TNT’s portion of the 2010 NASCAR SPRINT CUP season continues with Sunday’s race from Infineon Raceway averaged a season-low 2.7/7 (4.5 mill), down -21% from last year’s 3.4/8 (5.1 mill) on households. Season-to-date, NASCAR Sprint Cup Racing on TNT is averaging a 3.0/7 (4.8 million viewers). That’s down -12% from last year’s 3.4/8 (5.5 mill) on households. See race-to-race and year-to-year comparions and TV Ratings on my 2010 TV Ratings page.(6-25-2010)

New Hampshire Tire Notes: Teams in both NASCAR series in action at New Hampshire this weekend will run the same Goodyear tire codes . . . this is the same combination of left- and right-side tires that teams in these two series ran at New Hampshire last season . . . Nationwide teams will also run this tire set-up at O’Reilly Raceway Park later this season, after having run it there, Memphis and Milwaukee last season . . . this left-side tire code (D-4238) has been run with a slightly different right-side code by Cup and Nationwide teams at both Phoenix and Richmond in 2009 and 2010 . . . as on most one-mile NASCAR ovals, teams will not run inner liners in their tires at New Hampshire. The estimated pit window for the Sprint Cup cars are every 74-79 laps, based on fuel mileage.(Goodyear), see full notes, codes, number of tires and more on the New Hampshire Race Info page – Goodyear section.(6-25-2010)

Chase stats after Infineon: The question has to be asked: who currently outside the Top 12 can mount a challenge to displace one of the current occupants? Dale Jr. might dink his way into the Top 12, especially if someone falters, and he might have to, with only one top five and four Top 10s in 16 races. Clint Bowyer is capable but the #33 car of late has been mediocre at best. Kasey Kahne, a lame duck in the #9 car, lurks 151 points out in 18th place, and is capable of scoring points in bunches. Who might fall out of the top 12? Mark Martin (+72) and Carl Edwards (+57) have to rank at the top of the list. Neither has a podium finish [top 3] this year, but Mark outdoes Carl in top 5s, 5-1. Edwards has been getting by on avoiding disaster. Kevin Harvick sits comfortably atop the standings, 459 points ahead of 13th place, and 24 spots better than last year. See more stats, year-to-year comparison and more on my Chase Stats page or info about the Chase on my 2010 Chase News, Rules and History page.(6-25-2010)

Interstate returns to sponsor the #18: The familiar green Interstate Batteries paint scheme returns to the #18 Toyota of Kyle Busch for the next two Sprint Cup events as the Dallasbased company’s livery will adorn the car this weekend at New Hampshire and for next weekend’s Coke Zero 400 at Daytona International Speedway (JGR), see images of the scheme on my #18 Team Schemes page.(6-25-2010)

New sponsor for McMurray: Jamie McMurray and the #1 Chevy will welcome a new sponsor, Suave, this weekend when the team returns to New Hampshire Motor Speedway. The partnership with the team is a follow-up from last year’s program where Unilever brand Vaseline MEN served as the primary sponsor for two races with the #1 Team at Dover and Martinsville. Suave products are designed to offer the same performance as salon and specialty brands without the salon price tag. Suave’s lineup includes the Suave Professionals and Suave Naturals lines of shampoos, conditioners and body washes, Suave Men products designed for the grooming needs of guys, and Suave Kids, which includes 2 in 1 and 3 in 1 shampoos and conditioners as well as body washes formulated just for kids. Suave products are available at drug, mass merchandisers, and supermarkets nationwide.(EGR)(6-24-2010)

See an image of the scheme on my #1 Team Schemes page.(6-25-2010)

Latest on Bruton moving race dates: Speedway Motorsports Inc. chairman Bruton Smith said Friday he plans to meet with NASCAR officials soon to discuss the Sprint Cup schedule for SMI tracks in 2011. Smith did not say whether he plans to move one New Hampshire Motor Speedway date to Kentucky Motor Speedway. “Whatever we do, we’ll announce sometime in the future,” Smith said. “We’ll be talking to NASCAR about all these things and we need to study it carefully. We want to do whatever is best for the sport. We’re in this thing together. If opportunity knocks, we want to be there to open the door.” Kentucky is the only SMI track that doesn’t have a Cup race, something Smith wants to change. That could mean the June race at New Hampshire Motor Speedway, which SMI also owns, could move. NHMS also hosts the first Chase race in September. Smith will announce Sunday that the IndyCar Series will race at NHMS next season, which could replace the June Cup date at the 1-mile oval. There also was speculation that Smith might move one Atlanta Motor Speedway date to Kentucky. “No, I’ve never heard that,” Smith said Friday. Smith said he will meet with NASCAR president Mike Helton this weekend and plans to meet with Lesa France Kennedy soon. Kennedy is the CEO of International Speedway Corp. and the sister of NASCAR chairman Brian France. Kennedy hopes to add a second Cup date next year at Kansas Speedway, an ISC facility. “I get along very well with Lesa,” Smith said. “She and I have a good rapport. I will be talking to her next week, hopefully. We don’t want to put off until next year what we can do this year.”(ESPN)(6-25-2010)

Las Vegas proposes a 2nd Cup race to SMI: Las Vegas Motor Speedway is the closest it’s been in years to getting a second annual Sprint Cup race — or it could be just another move in the mental chess game of racing grandmaster Bruton Smith. The Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority two weeks ago submitted a proposal to Speedway Motorsports Inc. (SMI) about landing a coveted race in the series’ 10-race Chase for the Cup playoff as early as next year, possibly in mid-September. The additional race would complement the speedway’s early spring Cup event.
Rossi Ralenkotter, the LVCVA president, confirmed this week that “on-again, off-again” negotiations with Smith heated up over the past month. “We haven’t hidden the fact that Las Vegas can and will support a second race,” said Ralenkotter, who expects to hear back from Smith next week. The only way Las Vegas can get a second Cup event would be for Smith, SMI’s founder and chairman, to move an existing race — with NASCAR’s approval — from one of his six other tracks that host 11 Cup races. NASCAR has been steadfast in refusing to extend its schedule by adding races. An additional Cup weekend would be a windfall for Southern Nevada but costly for Loudon, N.H., or Atlanta. “As long as we can get a second race, we don’t care where it comes from,” Ralenkotter said. A source close to the negotiations said the LVCVA is offering to pay SMI between $5 million and $8 million to land a second Cup weekend. The authority is funded through a hotel room tax. Getting a second date for Las Vegas was Smith’s top priority until December 2008 when he bought Kentucky Speedway, which does not have a Cup race. Smith, 83, made it clear he would find a Cup race for Kentucky before Las Vegas got a second one. A publicly held corporation like SMI should focus on maximizing profit, and it makes fiscal sense to move an Atlanta race to Las Vegas, where it will draw up to 40,000 more spectators. And let’s not forget the LVCVA’s multimillion-dollar inducement to SMI.(Las Vegas Review Journal)(6-25-2010)

Edwards Named to President’s Council on Fitness, Sports and Nutrition: #99-Carl Edwards has been named to President Obama’s Council on Fitness, Sports and Nutrition. Edwards, along with the other members of the council, was introduced yesterday by First Lady Michelle Obama at an announcement in Washington D.C. “It’s a group that I’m honored to be a part of,” said Edwards. “I look forward to working with the Council, the President and First Lady to help kids better understand the importance and the fun of being fit and eating well.” In conjunction with the First Lady’s Let’s Move! initiative, this year President Obama has broadened the scope of the Council, formerly known as the President’s Council on Physical Fitness and Sports, to include a focus on healthy eating as well as active lifestyles. On Monday, the President signed an Executive Order outlining the Council’s new emphasis on both good nutrition and physical fitness. The President’s Council on Fitness, Sports and Nutrition is a committee of volunteer citizens who advise the President through the Secretary of Health and Human Services about opportunities to develop accessible, affordable and sustainable physical activity, fitness, sports and nutrition programs for all Americans regardless of age, background or ability. The Council’s mission is to engage, educate and empower all Americans to adopt a healthy lifestyle that includes regular physical activity and good nutrition. For more information about the Council and its members, visit www.fitness.gov. The Council will be co-chaired by Super Bowl MVP Drew Brees and three-time Olympian and former U.S. national women’s gymnastics champion Dominique Dawes, and will be made up of Edwards, Dan Barber, Tedy Bruschi, Allyson Felix, Michelle Kwan, Curtis Pride, Donna Richardson Joyner, Dr. Ian Smith, Cornell McClellan, Grant Hill, Billie Jean King, Chris Paul and Dr. Stephen McDonough. For more information about the President’s Challenge programs, visit www.presidentschallenge.org.(RFR)(6-24-2010)

Labonte not in the #71 at NHMS UPDATE: Andy Lally, and not Bobby Labonte, will drive the #71 Chevy for TRG Motorsports in the Sprint Cup race this weekend in New Hampshire. Despite rumors that Labonte and TRG have parted ways, owner Kevin Buckler said that wasn’t the case. “We’re still trying to work through everything,” Buckler said. Lally, 35, has won three Grand-Am Rolex Series titles and also competing in the Continental Tire Sports Car Challenge. Lally is a six-year TRG veteran.(FoxSports)

AND: Bobby Labonte plans to part ways with TRG Motorsports, sources said Tuesday. An announcement is expected Wednesday that Labonte has left the team. Labonte possibly could end up in the #7 Robby Gordon Motorsports Toyota and run the full race this weekend at New Hampshire. The team and crew chief Doug Randolph parted ways a few weeks ago.(SceneDaily)(6-23-2010)

UPDATE: Andy Lally will make his NASCAR Sprint Cup oval debut in the #71 TRG Motorsports/Chevy in this Sunday’s running of the LENOX Industrial Tools 301 at New Hampshire Motor Speedway. Andy LallyThe Northport, NY native made his first official Sprint Cup start at Watkins Glen last year; posting a 15th place qualifying effort and a 27th finish for TRG Motorsports. Lally, a seasoned sports car ace, cut his teeth in the NASCAR ranks by participating in the Camping World Truck Series with TRG Motorsports in 2007 and 2008. Lally has won the coveted Grand-Am Rolex 24 Hours at Daytona two times (2009, 2001) and is a three time series champion (2006, 2004, and 2001). Lally is currently third in Grand-Am Rolex Series Presented by Crown Royal Reserve GT points on the strength of two wins at Virginia International Raceway and Watkins Glen. Lally is appreciative of the opportunity to perform on the world’s biggest motorsport stage. “I am going at this weekend with the most positive outlook that I can. I am getting a pretty neat opportunity to get some laps in on an oval in a Sprint Cup car on a track that I have never driven. This will be my first time on an oval in a Sprint Cup car. Having just one 90-minute practice session before we qualify to acclimate myself with how this car feels and drives with an oval setup on it and 44 other guys on the track at the same time will be pretty tricky. It will be a monumental challenge to be productive. I am going to take it one lap at a time, respect every other driver’s space out there and do the best that I can.”
Team owner Kevin Buckler is managing change for his second year Sprint Cup team. “After Infineon we went through some soul searching regarding the direction and goals of our team as we have yet to achieve what we have set out to do this year. Bobby (Labonte) is a NASCAR Champion and a good guy. We figured out after Infineon though, that our relationship had run its course and we both needed to mix it up a little. We may still have Bobby in our car for a few more races this season, but for now we are going in different directions. We are a young team in this sport and we are trying very hard to attract a sponsor partner as we have a lot to offer on all of our programs. We are exploring our options for the Daytona weekend as we plan to race hard at the Coke Zero 400.”(TRG Motorsports)(6-24-2010)

Said’s Crew Pockets Tissot Pit Road Award in Sonoma: Boris Said’s crew won the Tissot Pit Road Precision Award in Sunday’s (June 20) Sprint Cup road race at Infineon Raceway. Said’s #26 crew, which will collect $5,000 and a Tissot V8 Quartz Chronograph watch for the win, is the 13th different team in the first 16 races to take top honors in the weekly pit road competition. A combination of quick work on pit road and a savvy race strategy resulted in Said’s No. 26 California Air National Guard Ford Fusion spending the least amount of time on pit road – 116.717 seconds. The pit road effort also helped the colorful Said to an impressive eighth-place finish in the Toyota/Save Mart 350k race. The No. 26 over-the-wall crew consists of: Gordon Arbitter (front-tire changer), Herman Reiss (front-tire carrier), Kyle Collins (rear-tire changer), Dwayne Doucette (rear-tire carrier), Kevin Kreutzer (jackman), Rick Pennington (gasman), Erick MacPherson (catch can). The crew chief is Frank Stoddard. The team with the most Tissot Pit Road Precision Award wins at the completion of the 36-race schedule will receive a $105,000 bonus plus Tissot watches for the over-the-wall crew members and driver. The pit crews for Martin Truex Jr., Matt Kenseth and Jeff Gordon share in a three-way tie in the Tissot standings with two wins each.(DMF Communications/Tissot), see past winners and standings on my 2010 Pit Crew News page.(6-24-2010)

Ragan helps guide Mustang to 1457 laps on tank of gas: The 2011 Ford Mustang, which made history when it became the first car ever to deliver more than 30 mpg and 305 horsepower, has set a new record by running 1,457 laps at Bristol Motor Speedway while averaging 48.5 mpg. The Mustang 1,000 Lap Challenge was designed to demonstrate that a stock production Mustang V-6 could run 1,000 laps and 533 miles on a single of tank of fuel. With the aid of fuel efficient driving techniques by Ford engineers, the Mustang far surpassed its goal of 1,000 laps. The Challenge team, which included NASCAR star David Ragan and four Ford Mustang engineers, completed the challenge in 17 hours and 40 minutes, showing off the 2011 Mustang V-6’s class-leading fuel economy by averaging 48.5 mpg over the course of the 776.5 miles logged during the Challenge. That distance is more than the two complete NASCAR Sprint Cup events that take place in Bristol every year. Ragan pushed the Mustang past the 1,000-lap mark at 7:26 p.m., 12 hours and 26 minutes into the Challenge, but the car wasn’t close to being out of fuel. Mustang engineer Seong Park was behind the wheel when it finally came to a halt (on the backstretch) of the famed NASCAR track at 12:41 a.m. local time. Other Mustang Challenge team drivers included Tom Barnes, Jonathan Mehl, Carl Ek, who along with Park each took one-hour driving stints during the event, which took place at the world’s fastest half-mile track. More than 51,000 consumers registered their guesses for the event at www.mustang1000lapchallenge.com. One lucky consumer that correctly guessed 1,457 laps will be randomly drawn from all correct entries and will win their own 2011 Mustang V-6.(Ford)(6-24-2010)

#48 team tests at North Wilkesboro: Fresh off the win at Infineon, Chad Knaus and the Hendricks Motorsports #48 team testest at Historic North Wilkesboro Speedway (NWS). Landon Cassill drove the #48 Chevy and had alot of positive input regarding NWS. “Its a challeging track and it really makes you manage wheel spin”, said Cassill. “Its been a real long time, but it is good to be back at NWS. We hope this test bares the fruit we are looking for so we can use Historic NWS often”, stated Chad Knaus. “We are very pleased to be working with class organizations like RCR and Hendrick, it really shows what the Historic Speedway has to offer”, said Alton McBride Jr. President / Ronald Queen GM. Speedway Associates and Historic NWS will host an open test to all series on July 3rd in preparations for the Fall line up of races, and ending the night with the Southern Truck and Tractor Pullers Association double pulling show.(NWS)(6-24-2010)

Gordon wine collection to honor daughter: On Sunday [June 20, 2010], Jeff Gordon released the first of four 2007 varietals of his wine to bear the name of his daughter, Ella Sofia. The debut of Jeff Gordon Collection 2007 Ella Sofia Carneros Chardonnay coincided with her third birthday and Father’s Day, making the release extra special to the four-time NASCAR Cup Series Champion. More info at Jeff Gordon Collection.(6-24-2010)

Loudon Police Officer named ExtenZe Local Hero: Loudon Police Officer Brian Martel has much to be thankful for as he and his loving wife have their first child on the way. However, things could be much different for the Martel family. He just returned from a second tour of duty with the Army Reserves but during his first tour he nearly lost his life courtesy of a roadside bomb that obliterated the truck he was driving. Those who know him best would probably say that the city of Loudon has much to be thankful for as well. For Martel’s heroic efforts while serving with the Army Reserves and keeping the residents of Loudon safe he as been named the ‘ExtenZe Local Hero’ and will serve as Honorary Crew Chief for NASCAR’s leading Sprint Cup Series Rookie of the Year driver Kevin Conway and his ExtenZe racing team for this weekend’s NASCAR events at New Hampshire International Speedway. Fans can visit www.ExtenZeRacing.com to nominate their own local heroes or review who has been previously chosen.(ExtenZe Racing/Breaking Limits)(6-24-2010)

Hamlin & Salvation Army: #11-Denny Hamlin will join representatives from FedEx, the Salvation Army of Massachusetts and the Mayor of Boston, Thomas Menino, for the donation of a Disaster Relief Unit on Thursday, June 24 at Boston City Hall Plaza.(FedEx Racing)(6-24-2010)

Red Cross scheme for Biffle: This weekend at New Hampshire, the #16 Ford Fusion of Greg Biffle will have a new American Red Cross paint scheme. This is the first of two races for the Red Cross paint scheme with the second being Texas in the fall. Every two seconds, someone in America needs blood. More than 39,000 blood donations are needed every day in the United States. Only 38% of the US population is eligible to donate blood; of those who are eligible only a small fraction actually does each year..Blood collected today could be used by a patient in just a couple of days.(RFR)(6-24-2010)

The “Race to the Chase”: Securing a spot in the Chase for the NASCAR Sprint Cup means doing the math: 10 tracks plus 10 weeks equals intense competition. The “Race to the Chase” – the 10-week stretch that begins Sunday at New Hampshire Motor Speedway and ends Saturday, Sept. 11 at Richmond International Raceway – determines the lineup for the Chase for the NASCAR Sprint Cup. After race No. 26 at Richmond, the top 12 drivers in the standings compete for the NASCAR Sprint Cup title during the final 10 events. They lock down those spots during the Race to the Chase, a summer gauntlet that includes many highlights, notably the traditional Fourth of July weekend race at Daytona International Speedway and the Brickyard 400 at historic Indianapolis Motor Speedway. The demands begin immediately. Sunday’s LENOX Industrial Tools 301 at 1.058-mile New Hampshire takes place on a flat track distinguished by its deceptively difficult turns and tight radiuses. The July 3 event at Daytona features 2.5-miles of high-banked, high-speed action – with all the accompanying holiday fireworks. The July 11 event at Chicagoland Speedway, a 1.5-mile tri-oval, is a growing tradition – Saturday-night action for a third consecutive year. Following an off week, the Race to the Chase resumes July 26 at Indianapolis and its flat, 2.5-mile rectangle. The Aug. 2 event also takes place on a 2.5-mile surface, but Pocono Raceway’s triangle is very different with its three distinct turns and long straightaways. NASCAR Sprint Cup drivers hit the road on Aug. 9 for the 2.45-mile road course at Watkins Glen International. They follow on Aug. 16 at Michigan International Speedway, a flat, wide 2-mile track that accommodates numerous strategies. The Race to the Chase ends with three Saturday-night showdowns – the Aug. 21 race at .533-mile Bristol Motor Speedway, the Labor Day weekend event on Sept. 5 at 1.5-mile Atlanta Motor Speedway and race No. 26 – the cutoff event – at .75-mile Richmond, another short-track staple. Bonus points become paramount during the Race to the Chase. Chase-eligible drivers are seeded by their win totals through the first 26 races (10 points per win). The driver with the most wins earns the top seed.(NASCAR)(6-24-2010)

More Than $130,000 Raised for Youth Groups During NASCAR Weekend: Charitable events combined to raise more than $130,000 during the Toyota/Save Mart 350 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series weekend at Infineon Raceway. Most of the proceeds will benefit the Sonoma Chapter of Speedway Children’s Charities, the charitable arm of Infineon Raceway, which has distributed more than $3.3 million to qualified youth groups in Sonoma County since 2002. The Children’s Champions Grand Marshal’s Banquet generated $90,000, while the 8th annual KFOX Race-n-Rock Charity Auction hosted on NASCAR Sunday in the Wine Country Winner’s Circle raised more than $35,000. Nearly $5,000 was also generated through donations from fans who enjoyed a ride on the new Ferris Wheel, located above Turn 8 on the road course. The Kasey Kahne Custom Guitar Raffle, a joint venture between Speedway Children’s Charities and the Kasey Kahne Foundation, netted an additional $1,600. The Grand Marshal’s Banquet was held on Friday, June 18, at beautiful Cline Cellars in Sonoma and featured Grand Marshal Roger Craig, the legendary San Francisco 49ers running back. The sit-down dinner, which also featured NASCAR drivers David Ragan, Boris Said and Clint Bowyer, attracted more than 400 people, including several of Craig’s former teammates. Proceeds from the banquet will be split between Speedway Children’s Charities and the Boys & Girls Clubs of Sonoma Valley. The top-selling item at the charity auction was a Jeff Gordon signed firesuit, which netted $2,500. Other top selling items included a Dale Earnhardt Jr. helmet ($2,200) and a guitar signed by country music duo Brooks & Dunn ($2,050). Windsor’s Melody Tapparo was the lucky winner of the signed Kasey Kahne Fender guitar.(Infineon Raceway)(6-24-2010)

Labonte to run #09 car for two race: Phoenix Racing and team owner James Finch announced that Bobby Labonte will drive the team’s #09 Chevy in a two-race agreement. Labonte will race the #09 Chevy in the Coke Zero 400 at Daytona International Speedway on July 3rd. He is also slated to drive the LifeLock.com 400 at Chicagoland Speedway on July 10th for the team. The team will compete for wins in both events. “It’s good to know that we’ll have a past champion in our car for these two races,” said team owner James Finch. “I’ve known Bobby for a while and he always works hard behind the wheel. This is a good opportunity for us to race for a win.” Labonte, a veteran of the Coca-Cola Racing Family, will be making his 600th career start at Daytona during the Coke Zero 400. The team is currently looking for sponsorship for the two events and will secure Labonte for additional events if sponsorship can be acquired. “Any driver wants the chance to win at Daytona,” said Labonte. “It’s awesome that James has given me this opportunity and also the chance to compete at Chicagoland. I’m looking forward to these two races and making my 600th start at Daytona during the Coke Zero 400.”(Breaking Limits / PR)(6-23-2010)

Bobby Labonte to Drive for Robby Gordon Motorsports at Loudon: Robby Gordon Motorsports will put 2000 NASCAR Sprint Cup champion Bobby Labonte behind the wheel of the #7 Toyota at New Hampshire Motor Speedway for the Lenox Industrial Tools 301 this weekend in a current one-race deal. “When we found out that Bobby was available to drive for us, we jumped at it,” said team owner Robby Gordon. “To have a past champion driving your car is a good opportunity. I think we can learn from him this weekend and it will help our program moving forward.” Robby Gordon Motorsports finished second in last weekend’s race at the Infineon Raceway. “I can’t thank Robby and his folks enough for this opportunity,” said Labonte. “We’re going to New Hampshire with the goal of having another solid run for his team. They had a great finish at Sonoma and have some momentum right now. I’m just thankful for the opportunity and hope to get another solid finish for his team.” Labonte will be making his first start for Robby Gordon Motorsports and plans on running the full race this Sunday.(Robby Gordon Motorsports)(6-23-2010)

New crew chief for Kenseth UPDATE: #17-Matt Kenseth and crew chief Todd Parrott have parted ways. Former championship winning crew chief Jimmy Fennig, who was running Roush Fenway Racing’s R & D Center, will act as temporary crew chief for the #17 Roush Fenway Ford until a permanent solution can be found. Fennig is a longtime Roush employee and worked with #6-David Ragan last year. Parrott replaced Drew Blickensderfer following the season-opening Daytona 500. Together Parrott and Kenseth posted four top fives and eight top 10 finishes. The pair’s best performance together was second at Atlanta Motor Speedway in March. Parrott could not be reached for comment but is expected to return to the Roush’s research and development department.(FoxSports)(6-23-2010)

UPDATE: Roush Fenway Racing has named Jimmy Fennig as the crew chief for Matt Kenseth and the #17 Crown Royal Ford in the Sprint Cup Series. The move pairs Kenseth – who drove Roush Fenway to its first Sprint Cup Championship in 2003 – with Fennig, who served as crew chief on Roush Fenway’s 2004 championship team. “I am very pleased that we have been able to place these two together on the #17,” said team owner Jack Roush. “These guys were both instrumental in our back-to-back Sprint Cup Championships in 2003 and 2004, with Matt driving us to our first Cup Championship and Jimmy of course being instrumental in the 2004 championship as the team’s crew chief. We would expect this pairing to yield strong results as both of these guys are extremely talented and among the best in the business at what they do.” Fennig will be joined on the #17 by car chief Richie Davis. Davis had been working in Roush Fenway’s research and development department along side Fennig. Todd Parrott, who had been working as crew chief on the #17, will serve as the new R&D manager at Roush Fenway; a position formally held by Fennig. Current #17 car chief Charles “Cully” Barraclough will also move over to car chief the R&D program.(Roush Fenway Racing)(6-23-2010)

Labonte not in the #71 at NHMS: Andy Lally, and not Bobby Labonte, will drive the #71 Chevy for TRG Motorsports in the Sprint Cup race this weekend in New Hampshire. Despite rumors that Labonte and TRG have parted ways, owner Kevin Buckler said that wasn’t the case. “We’re still trying to work through everything,” Buckler said. Lally, 35, has won three Grand-Am Rolex Series titles and also competing in the Continental Tire Sports Car Challenge. Lally is a six-year TRG veteran.(FoxSports)

AND: Bobby Labonte plans to part ways with TRG Motorsports, sources said Tuesday. An announcement is expected Wednesday that Labonte has left the team. Labonte possibly could end up in the #7 Robby Gordon Motorsports Toyota and run the full race this weekend at New Hampshire. The team and crew chief Doug Randolph parted ways a few weeks ago.(SceneDaily)(6-23-2010)

Sad News – Joe Phipps: Joe Phipps, of Newark, who was one of only a handful of race car drivers from Delaware to actually compete in what is now NASCAR’s Sprint Cup Series, died Saturday at the age of 74. Phipps, a longtime resident of Newark, was born in Piney Creek, N.C., but called Delaware his home state. He competed in nine Grand National events in his career in 1970 and ’71. Before taking his turn in NASCAR, Phipps was a renowned drag racer and dirt-track driver at tracks such as Cecil County, Atco, Lincoln and Susquehanna. Joe Phipps then moved on to NASCAR when things were far different from the high-dollar glitzy world of today’s Sprint Cup Series. Phipps worked on, maintained and drove his #65 race car against much-better funded drivers such as Richard Petty, Cale Yarborough and Bobby Allison, among others. Phipps’ NASCAR career got off to a solid start in 1970. He made his debut in 1970 at a race in Rockingham, N.C. He started 34th in a field of 40 and managed to stay out of trouble before finishing 16th. It was part of a respectable season for Phipps, who finished among the top 20 in five of his seven starts and failed to finish only two races. His best finish was an 11th-place outing at Beltsville. Unfortunately, Phipps’ Cup career ended after just two races in 1971. He started 17th at Richmond but had ignition trouble early and finished 26th. Then, at Dover, he blew an engine and finished 37th. Phipps, a Korean War veteran, was employed by the Pennsylvania Railroad and then by M&G Convoy. Services for Phipps will be held at 11 a.m. today at R.T. Foard and Jones, Inc., 122 W. Main St., Newark. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the American Stroke Association c/o R.T. Foard and Jones. To send condolences visit www.rtfoard.com.(Delaware News Journal)(6-23-2010)

Analyst LaJoie suspended indefinitely: NASCAR and ESPN have each suspended racing analyst and former driver Randy LaJoie indefinitely for violating its substance-abuse policy. In an interview Tuesday on SIRIUS XM Radio, LaJoie said he smoked marijuana once in May. LaJoie was tested by NASCAR because he wanted to become a spotter for one of Joe Gibbs Racing’s Nationwide Series teams. He has not competed at any of NASCAR’s top three national levels since 2006 and has been an analyst for NASCAR the past several years. “I take full responsibility for my actions and respect NASCAR’s decision,” LaJoie said in a statement. “I wish to apologize to my wife and family first, to NASCAR, to my fans and to the various media companies which I work including ESPN, Sirius Radio, Speed Channel and Performance Racing Network. I have this day sought to enroll in a substance abuse program. My use of marijuana was an isolated incident following the Coca Cola 600. “I plan to follow the recommendations of the substance abuse counselor and suggestions of NASCAR and hope that someday I can prove to NASCAR and all the people with whom I associate that I have taken such steps to see that instances such as this do not reoccur.” LaJoie raced in 44 races over 12 years in NASCAR’s elite Cup Series. His success was in the Nationwide Series, where he won 15 races over 19 seasons and two Nationwide Series championships.(ESPN). See more on my Nationwise Series page.(6-22-2010)

Front Row Appeal UPDATE: Front Row Motorsports’ [#38-Travis Kvapil] appeal for violations at Pocono will be Tuesday in the Charlotte area.(Roanoke Times), no word when an announcement on a decision will be made.(6-22-2010)

UPDATE: On June 22, 2010, the National Stock Car Racing Appeals Panel heard and considered the appeal of Front Row Motorsports regarding the #38 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series car. The appeal concerned two penalties issued by NASCAR stemming from the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series event at Pocono Raceway on June 6, 2010. The penalties concern Section 12-1 of the NASCAR Rule Book “Actions detrimental to stock car racing”; Section 12-4-J: “Any determination by NASCAR Officials that the Race Equipment used in the Event does not conform to NASCAR Rules”; and Section 20-10.7J: “Unapproved modification to valve stem hardware.” Originally, a total of 5 penalties were assessed for the infractions, including a deduction of 150 NSCS owner points for Doug Yates; a deduction of 150 NSCS driver points for Travis Kvapil; and a $100,000 fine, 12-race suspension, and probation for crew chief Steven Lane. Subsequently, those 3 penalties were withdrawn from the appeal, and the crew chief has begun serving his suspension. The two remaining penalties were appealed:

-suspension from the next 12 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series racing events; suspension from NASCAR until Sept 15, 2010, and probation until December 31, 2010 for crew member, Richard Bourgeois (car chief)

-suspension from the next 12 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series racing events; suspension from NASCAR until Sept 15, 2010, and probation until December 31, 2010 for crew member, Michael Harrold (tire specialist)

The Appellants requested and were granted a deferral of these suspensions until such time as the hearing could be convened. The Appellants and team representative argued that, unbeknownst to the team management or the Appellants, valve stem caps designed to bleed air were developed by rogue elements of the team; that for some reason this hardware was mistakenly brought to the Pocono event on the team hauler; and that the caps were then accidently placed on the race car just prior to the start of the race. A small hole had been drilled in the top of each of the valve stem caps in question, and a foam material had been added to the interior of each cap. These valve stem caps were located on the left front and both rear tires of the race car upon discovery. The Panel did not find the Appellants explanation to be plausible. The Panel found the penalties to be correct for the nature of the infraction. Therefore, it is the unanimous decision of the National Stock Car Racing Appeals Panel to uphold the original penalties assessed by NASCAR. The periods of suspension shall be adjusted from the date of the hearing. The Appellants have the right under Section 15 of the Rule Book to appeal this decision to the National Stock Car Racing Chief Appellate Officer. The panel who heard the appeal were: Leo Mehl, Waddell Wilson and Humpy Wheeler along with George Silbermann – Appellate Administrator and non-voting member.(NASCAR)(6-22-2010)

Race and Commercial Breakdown of the 2010 Toyota/Save Mart 350: For those of you NASCAR fans that like stats and love to hate commercials, or wonder how often your driver was focused on, here is the breakdown for Sunday’s race. TNT was the broadcast team for this event.

Total number of commercials: 108

Total number of companies or entities advertised: 78

Total number of brief promos of products/services during the race broadcast: 35

Start time to record race/commercial periods: 3:00 PM

End time to record race/commercial periods: 6:40 PM

Total minutes: 220

Minutes of race broadcast: 161

Minutes of commercials: 59

Number of missed restarts: 0 although there was one very close call

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

Number of lead news anchors to sing the National Anthem: 1 Robin Meade

Number of announcements that Kyle Busch will really drive that pink bunnies, kittens and baby seals No. 18 Toyotas: 1

Number of road course Foot Cams: 2 Robby Gordon; Kasey Kahne

Number of messages sent by Foot Cam: 1 ‘Hi Dad’ on Kasey Kahne’s fire shoe

Number of demonstrations of how to drive with a hood up in front of your windshield: 1 by Denny Hamlin

Total race brdcst time 161 Total comm. brdcst time 59

See driver breakdown and link to full report, see my 2010 TV Commercials page.(6-22-2010)

Impact Racing allowed to sell to NASCAR teams: Impact Racing, the Indianapolis racing safety product company owned by motorsports safety pioneer Bill Simpson, has obtained a court injunction to keep its certification from the SFI Foundation to sell race gear for the time being. U.S. District Court Judge Larry McKinney in Indianapolis issued the injunction Monday. The injunction prohibits the SFI Foundation – a group of which NASCAR is a member and which sets standards for the safety of uniforms, head-and-neck restraints, seat belts and other products – from terminating its contract with Impact to certify Impact products. If the contracts had been terminated, NASCAR teams would no longer have been able to buy several Impact products because NASCAR requires many safety products to meet certain SFI standards.(SceneDaily)(6-22-2010)

Special police scheme for Gordon: #24-Jeff Gordon is scheduled to run the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial schemes in the Dover race on September 26, 2010. See an image of the scheme on my #24 Team Schemes page. The National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Museum groundbreaking will take place in Washington DC on October 14, 2010, see an image of the scheme on my #24 Team Schemes page.(6-22-2010)

Lenox to make $10,000 donation to Children’s Tumor Foundation: Lenox, a leading manufacturer of premium power tool accessories, hand tools, torches, solder and band saw blades announced, in partnership with Richard Childress Racing driver Jeff Burton and the New Hampshire Motor Speedway, will dedicate this weekend’s Lenox Industrial Tools 301 to Pete Dingeman, the winner of the Lenox Extra-Mile Hero Contest. The June 27, 2010 NASCAR race will honor Dingeman, who passed away last December after a life-long battle with neurofibromatosis (NF). In recognition of his heroic efforts, a decal honoring Dingeman will be placed on Burton’s #31 Lenox Industrial Tools Chevy paint scheme and Dingeman’s family will serve as Grand Marshals for the race.
Last year at the Lenox Industrial Tools 301, Dingeman was announced as the winner of the Lenox Extra-Mile Hero Contest. Dingeman was presented with a check for $31,000 for his charity, The Children’s Tumor Foundation, with an additional $31,000 going to Dingeman for being the Lenox Extra-Mile Hero – a portion of which he donated back to The Foundation. To further acknowledge the work and life of Dingeman, Lenox will collect fan signatures in his honor throughout the race weekend and make $1 donation to the Children’s Tumor Foundation for each signature – for up to $10,000.(Pro Sports PR)(6-22-2010)

The Entry List for the Lenox Industrial Tools 301 Sprint Cup Series race at New Hampshire Motor Speedway is posted, 45 teams/drivers [for 43 spots] are listed, including:

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

#09-Mike Bliss (2009 race winner as owner)(39/16)

#13-Max Papis (40/16)

#26-David Stremme (2009 race winner as owner)(36/16)

#36-Casey Mears (38/16)

#38-David Gilliland (37/16)

#46-J.J. Yeley (41/16)

#55-Michael McDowell (44/16)

#64-Todd Bodine (47/6)

#66-Dave Blaney (43/16)

#87-Joe Nemechek (42/16)

In the event qualifying is rained out or cancelled:

the eight who would make it [8]: #’s 26,09,38,36,13,46,87,66

missing the race would be [2]: #’s 55,64

See the full entry list at my Jayski’s New Hampshire Entry List.(6-21-2010)

New Truck Site: the new Jayski Camping World Truck Series site is now operational, looking like the Main, Sprint Cup and Nationwide pages that debuted in July 2009. Checked it out at jayski.com/cts/ctsnews.htm.

Zaxby’s to Sponsor Bowyer at NHMS: Zaxby’s,the southeast favorite for Buffalo wings and chicken fingers, will sponsor Richard Childress Racing’s #33 Chevy, with driver Clint Bowyer, in the June 27 LENOX Industrial Tools 301 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series race at New Hampshire Motor Speedway in Loudon, N.H. Zaxby’s is also a primary sponsor of RCR’s #21 Chevy in the NASCAR Nationwide Series. “Involvement at the Sprint Cup level is an excellent opportunity for Zaxby’s to connect with NASCAR fans,” said Jeff Hood, financial projects manager for Zaxby’s Franchising, Inc. “Zaxby’s is looking forward to being onboard with Clint and RCR’s No. 33 Chevrolet in New Hampshire.” The #33 will return to its primary Cheerios/Hamburger Helper paint scheme next week for the July 3 Coke Zero 400 at Daytona International Speedway.(RCR), see an image of the scheme on my #33 Team Schemes page.(6-21-2010)

Daytona race on July 3rd will be 3D for the First Time in NASCAR’s history: NASCAR Media Group, a media, marketing and entertainment company, and Turner Sports, a division of Turner Broadcasting System, Inc., announced that NASCAR’s first foray into 3D programming will take place on July 3, 2010 with a special presentation of the Coke Zero 400 powered by Coca-Cola. The 3D production, NASCAR’s first ever, will be made available through TNT RaceBuddy on NASCAR.com as well as through DIRECTV, and will complement a special television presentation on TNT, highlighted by the network’s groundbreaking signature Wide Open format. NASCAR.COM will feature 3D feeds for the Daytona race in addition to the mosaic of HD-quality complementary unique camera angles available on TNT RaceBuddy throughout the six NASCAR Sprint Cup Series races televised on TNT. Turner will also make the Sprint Cup Series race from Daytona International Speedway available in 3D through DIRECTV. In order to experience the event in 3D, viewers will need a 3D TV or PC display with matching 3D glasses. The 3D production will feature two custom racing feeds produced specifically for 3D. The first will provide a unique look at the racing action from strategically placed cameras around the track designed to maximize the effect of 3D. The second stream will bring the mayhem of pit row into the third dimension creating a one-of-a-kind visual experience. TNT’s televised coverage of the Coke Zero 400 at Daytona continues with live race coverage in its groundbreaking signature Wide Open format. This format is a television presentation in which the network provides continuous race coverage free of national commercial breaks and features more unobstructed race action than that of a standard telecast by using a letterbox widescreen format. Along with title sponsor Coke Zero, featured sponsors-to-date are Burger King, Coors Light, Dimension Films’ Piranha 3D, Goodyear, Sprint, Subway and Toyota.(TNT/NASCAR)(6-21-2010)

Bring Your Coolers, Cans, and Snacks But NO Vuvuzelas …..: Race fans coming for this week’s Lenox Industrial Tools 301 events can bring their favorite Coca-Cola products, beer, and tailgating food and snacks; but leave the vuvuzelas at home! If you’ve watched even five minutes of World Cup soccer, you’ve no doubt heard the droning sound of horns coming from the stands. The vuvuzela, a South African tradition is the long horn fans use throughout the matches. Good for soccer, not so good for “The Magic Mile.” New Hampshire Motor Speedway executive vice president and general manager Jerry Gappens announced today that the track is banning those annoying noisemakers in the grandstand seating areas. In fact, Gappens will conduct a ceremonial destruction of vuvuzelas during pre-race ceremonies Sunday. “We love our fans and want everyone to have a great time here during their visit, but I think it is best to leave the vuvuzelas in South Africa at the World Cup,” said Gappens. “Forget engine noise; these pseudo-instruments are truly painful to the ears!” A long standing NASCAR tradition allows fans to bring their own food and drink into the speedway. There are a few other items that are not allowed, such as glass containers and umbrellas. Just a little reminder, only coolers or items 14″ and under are permitted into the grandstand area and for your safety all persons, coolers, bags and backpacks are subject to searches. Purchase tickets to the Lenox Industrial Tools 301 on Sunday, June 27 and the SYLVANIA 300 on Sunday, September 19 by visiting online at www.nhms.com or by calling our Ticket Hotline at (603) 783-4931.(NHMS)(6-21-2010)

Foghat to Headline Pre-Race Activities at New Hampshire: Vintage blues and classic rock band Foghat will kick start the Lenox Industrial Tools 301, during pre-race activities for a concert and will also be featured as the National Anthem performers on Sunday, June 27. The Multi-Gold and Platinum selling, 1970’s rock band, whose hits include the classics “Slow Ride”, “Road Fever”, ” Fool for the City”, “Drivin’ Wheel”, and “I Just Want to Make Love to You” among others, continue to tour relentlessly. They are back promoting their new blues album ‘Last Train Home,’ that combines covers of classics such as “So Many Roads, “So Many Trains” and “Shake Your Money Maker,” as well as a few new originals including their new single “Born for the Road”. Not only will Foghat be on stage for the pre-race concert, but race fans can enjoy Comic Book Heroes, a guitar driven, alternative rock band as the opening act for the blues band. Comic Book Heroes will also be meeting fans at the Sprint Experience corporate display on Saturday, June 26th. Get your pre-race pit passes for front row action to the pre-race concert at the Lenox Industrial Tools 301; purchase them by calling our ticket hotline at (603) 783-4931 or by visiting www.nhms.com.(6-21-2010)

Last Chance to Get $29 Ticket Deal at Talladega Superspeedway: Fans should act fast to take advantage of the $29 two-day ticket in the Allison Grandstands for the Oct. 29-31 AMP Energy 500 weekend. The special offer is ending on July 15, 2010. The $29 two-day ticket offer celebrates the NASCAR record breaking 29 leaders in the Aaron’s 499 at Talladega Superspeedway. It’s valid for any seat in rows two through eleven of the Allison Grandstands. As an added bonus, kids 11 and under will be admitted free to these sections with a ticketed adult. The $88 ticket offer in the Gadsden and Lincoln Towers that celebrates the record 88 lead changes in the Aaron’s 499 will continue. Tickets are available online at www.talladegasuperspeedway.com or by calling 1-877-Go2-DEGA. To reserve seats for children 11 and under, please call the Talladega Superspeedway Ticket Office at 1-877-Go2-DEGA.(TSS)(6-21-2010)

Johnson wins at Infineon Raceway: #48-Jimmie Johnson won the Toyota / Save Mart 350 Sprint Cup Series race at Infineon Raceway for his 1st win at a road course, 4th win of the season and 51st of his career. The win is Hendrick Motorsports 15th win on a road course. #7-Robby Gordon finished 2nd for his best finish since Watkins Glen in 2005 when he finished 2nd and first top 5 since finished 3rd at Charlotte in May 2009. #29-Harvick finished 3rd followed by #9-Kahne, #24-Gordon, #47-Ambrose, #16-Biffle, #26-Boris Said, #14-Stewart and #42-Montoya. #47-Ambrose was poised to win his first Sprint Cup race with 6 laps to go during the 7th caution, Ambrose shut off his engine to save gas, then could not restart the engine immediately. Ambrose lost 6 positions while restarting his engine. Drivers are supposed to maintain caution speed and NASCAR officials let the #47 team know, forcing Ambrose to restart in seventh. Points leader #29-Harvick increased his points lead to 140 [from 22], now over Johnson, who moved to 2nd. #18-Busch wrecked early and finished 32nd, falling to 4th in the points. #88-Earnhardt Jr. finished 11th. A couple road course specialists making their first Sprint Cup starts did ok with #09-Magnussen finishing 12th and #83-Ekstrom finishing 21st.

There were 12 lead changes among 8 drivers and 7 cautions for 14 yellow flag laps along with a red flag that lasted about 21 minutes after a big wreck on lap 67. The attendence was reported at 90,000, down from 93,500 last year

See race results, awards, laps led and more on Jayski’s Infineon Race Results/Awards page.(6-20-2010)

Race Fast Facts – Infineon Raceway:

#48-Jimmie Johnson won the Toyota/Save Mart 350, his 51st victory in 307 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series races.

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

This is his first victory and fourth top-10 finish in nine races at Infineon Raceway. Johnson won his first NASCAR Sprint Cup road race in his 17th road course start.

#7-Robby Gordon (second) posted his fourth top-10 finish in 13 races at Infineon Raceway. It is his first top-10 finish in 2010.

#29-Kevin Harvick (third) posted his third top-10 finish in ten races at Infineon Raceway.

#34-Kevin Conway (28th) was the highest finishing rookie.

Kevin Harvick leads the point standings by 140 points over Jimmie Johnson.(NASCAR Statistics)(6-20-2010)

2010 Sprint Cup Driver Championship Points Standings:

[after Infineon, race 16 of 36]:

rank, car#, driver, points, behind

1) #29-Kevin Harvick [1 win], 2334

2) #48-Jimmie Johnson [4 wins], 2194, -140

3) #18-Kyle Busch [2 wins], 2193, -141

4) #11-Denny Hamlin [5 wins], 2183, -151

5) #24-Jeff Gordon, 2142, -192

6) #2-Kurt Busch [2 wins], 2118, -216

7) #17-Matt Kenseth, 2092, -242

8) #31-Jeff Burton, 2027, -307

9) #16-Greg Biffle, 2011, -323

10) #14-Tony Stewart, 1983, -351

11) #5-Mark Martin, 1947, -387, +72

12) #99-Carl Edwards, 1932, -402, +57 ahead of 13th

Chase for the Sprint Cup – Contenders:

13) #88-Dale Earnhardt Jr, 1876, 57 points out of the chase

14) #33-Clint Bowyer, 1858, -74

15) #39-Ryan Newman [1 win], 1850, -82

2009 Chase Drivers not in top 16

20) #42-Juan Pablo Montoya, 1781, -151

21) #9-Kasey Kahne, 1771, -161

34) #83-Brian Vickers, 1158 [out season with illness]

See drivers championship points standings on Jayski’s Drivers Points Standings page.(6-20-2010)

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

No one moved in to or out of the top-35, but the #26 moved up to 36th & the #38 to 27th, #7 moved from 35th to 32nd with the 2nd place finish.

32) #7-Gordon/RGM: 1230, +101

33) #71-Labonte/TRG: 1203, +74

34) #37-Kvapil/Front Row: 1200, +71

35) #34-Conway/Front Row: 1191, 62 points ahead of 36th

these teams/ drivers must qualify by speed:

36) #26-Stremme/Latitude43: 1129, 62 points out of the top 35

37) #38-Gilliland/Front Row: 1101, -90

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

For the owner points standings, see my Owners Points Standings page.(6-20-2010)

Sad News – Raymond Parks: Raymond Parks 96, (born June 5, 1914) owner of Red Byron’s car which won NASCAR’s first Strictly Stock (now Sprint Cup) championship in 1949 passed away at his home this morning in Atlanta, GA.

Parks was the first child of Alfred and Leila Parks and great-great-nephew of settler Benny Parks, who found gold in the state of Georgia in the early nineteenth century. Born in Dawsonville, Georgia, Raymond was the oldest of his father’s sixteen children, six of whom were born to Leila, and ten of whom were born to Leila’s sister, Ila. Parks left home at age 14 and began driving moonshine. He served nine months of a one-year and one-day sentence in the federal penitentiary in Chillicothe, Ohio, from 1936 to 1937. Parks served in World War II during the famous Battle of the Bulge in Belgium. He served in the 99th Infantry Division and was briefly stationed at Fort Benning, Georgia.

Most famous for being a moonshine runner who helped to start NASCAR, Parks was the car owner for moonshine runner and nephew Lloyd Seay. He won the first two ever NASCAR championships. Parks is the last living member of the group who created NASCAR at the Streamline Hotel in Daytona Beach, Florida, in 1947. He was one of eight drivers inducted in the first class of the Georgia Racing Hall of Fame in 2002, along with his cousin Lloyd Seay, Byron, Tim Flock, and Bill Elliott. He was inducted in the International Motorsports Hall of Fame in 2009.

Parks, is honored at the NASCAR Hall of Fame with a life size statue and depiction of his old race shop where his chief mechanic Red Vogt, built his cars. Parks, car the #22 “Novelty Machine Co.” driven by Red Byron leads the field of cars at the NASCAR Hall of Fame. Raymond is survived by his wife Violet.(6-20-2010)

Fuel mystery at Infineon UPDATE: Jeff Gordon’s #24-Chevy, for some reason no one really wanted to explain, wound up with a tank of gasoline that wasn’t the right stuff, when it was filled up at the Sunoco gas pumps Friday morning. Sunoco officials said they couldn’t discuss the situation and referred questions to NASCAR officials. NASCAR officials said they were studying the situation and didn’t have anything to say just yet. “We’ll know more after qualifying,” NASCAR’s Robin Pemberton said. Doug Duchardt, one of the top bosses at the Gordon-Rick Hendrick operation, likewise said he couldn’t say much about the situation either. Chevrolet officials also declined to comment. A look at the three fuels available at the garage gas station shows two leaded fuels, one 114 octane, one 116 octane, and a third labeled ‘unleaded’ read “GTX260” at 98 octane. NASCAR teams are to be using the unleaded fuel. It would appear – and this is what some rivals were told – that a gas pumper inadvertently put some of the ‘leaded’ fuel in Gordon’s car. The issue was apparently noted when the see-through fuel lines didn’t show the blue-dye that NASCAR’s official fuel carries, that it was instead clear. If there were other cars that also got the wrong fuel, it was unclear. But teams were told later to make sure the fuelers put the right fuel in their cars. There was some question that the ‘wrong’ fuel in Gordon’s car might have been some new E-15 racing fuel, which is being tested for possible use next season in NASCAR. Duchardt said the fuel in question was not related to any fuel the team might have used in any recent testing: “We went to the pumps (Friday morning) and got the fuel. It wasn’t the color we were used to. But I don’t know if the contents of the fuel were incorrect or not. I haven’t been in the middle of it with NASCAR so I don’t know the specifics. They tested the fuel; they have the results.”

Richard Childress: “I heard it (the fuel in Gordon’s car) had some discoloration. It could have come from somewhere they were testing the car; they might not have gotten all of that (other fuel) out of the car. That would be easy to do.” Gordon recently tested at Watkins Glen. Whether or not he might have tested with E-15 racing fuel is unclear. NASCAR teams have been testing with E-15 for some time, to help NASCAR with the planned changeover.(MikeMulhern.net)(6-18-2010)

UPDATE: Jeff Gordon’s Hendrick Motorsports team avoided potential damage to its engine Friday when crewmen discovered lower-octane gasoline in its fuel cans during the day’s first practice session at Infineon Raceway. The discovery was made when the team was topping off the #24 Chevry after Gordon had made brief runs early in the day’s lone practice. Once the team realized the gasoline going into the car didn’t have the expected bluish-green tint, crewmen alerted officials to the problem. That fuel was then drained from the car and replaced. NASCAR spokesman Ramsey Poston said officials checked every car in the garage after the Gordon issue was brought to their attention, but found no other problems. In addition to racing fuel, Infineon Raceway’s tanks also contain lower-octane gas that can be used to fuel track vehicles. Track officials said Saturday that officials with Sunoco, the official fuel supplier for NASCAR, take control of the pumps a day before the track opens. In most cases, any pumps that dispense lower-octane fuel at a track are locked so that that fuel is not accidentally provided to competitors. Jeff Andrews, head of engine development for Hendrick Motorsports, said the team never made it out on the track with the lower-octane fuel. Such gasoline, he said, raised some concern initially. Teams arrive at the track for race weekends with empty fuel cells and gas cans. The cars are fueled while going through the inspection process prior to practice and only after the fuel cells have been inspected. The fuel that was added at that time, Andrews said, “looked normal” and said the Gordon team “was the only team in our camp that we know of, for sure, that had that issue.”(SceneDaily)(6-20-2010)

Congrats: Add #1-Jamie McMurray to the list of expectant fathers in the Sprint Cup garage. McMurray and his wife, Christy, are expecting their first child in December.(Ford Racing)(6-20-2010)

Pit Stall Selections – Infineon: The selections of pit stalls for the Toyota/Save Mart 350 Sprint Cup Series race at Infineon Raceway have been made. Pole sitter #9-Kahne chose pit stall 11 which is the first one with an opening [not counting the 1st stall] in front of it and just before the start/finish line.

Outside pole sitter #48-Johnson took pit stall 22, the 2nd with an opening behind it.

#2-Busch, who starts 3rd took the 23rd pit stall, the next stall with an opening in front of it.

The 43rd and final pit stall was taken by #71-Labonte, who starts 8th.

The first pit stall was chosen by #29-Harvick, who starts 4th

To see where all the drivers/teams pit stall is, see the pit selection chart on the Dover Pit Stall Selection chart.(6-19-2010)

Happy Hour practice for the Toyota/Save Mart 350 Sprint Cup Series race at Infineon Raceway is over, after 60 scheduled minutes, the fastest, slowest & some notes:

#47- Ambrose 93.262

#1-McMurray 92.979

#31-Burton 92.625

#48-Johnson 92.618

#29-Harvick 92.612

slowest: #34-Conway 89.549 & #46-Yeley 89.835

no speed listed: #99-Edwards

incidents: #18-Busch got off course after turn 11, but didn’t hit anything and drove on ok. #88-Earnhardt Jr. and #43-Allmendinger spun in fluid put down by #37-Kvapil, no damage to the cars, held up practice a few minutes. Late in practice Busch spun arounnd, didn’t hit anything

See fastest and average speeds, laps run, Infineon Practice Speeds page.(6-19-2010)

Saturday first practice for the Toyota/Save Mart 350 Sprint Cup Series race at Infineon Raceway is over, after 45 scheduled minutes, the fastest, slowest & some notes:

#47- Ambrose 93.770

#31-Burton 92.930

#43-Allmendinger 92.788

#48-Johnson 92.762

#56-Truex Jr. 92.669

slowest: #87-Nemechek 90.148 & #37-Kvapil 90.527

Notes: Bil
l Elliott practiced both the #99 Ford and #98 Ford; Kurt Busch practiced the #12 Dodge along with his own #2 Dodge

incident: #77-Hornish Jr. spun off turn 11 and rear-ended into the wall pretty hard, will go to a back up car

See fastest and average speeds, laps run, Infineon Practice Speeds page.(6-19-2010)

Hamlin doesn’t back off :on comments about cautions #11-Denny Hamlin maintained his belief that NASCAR throws debris cautions when it wants at times, echoing similar statements after last weekend’s win at Michigan. Hamlin was asked on Friday at Infineon Raceway about any feedback he had heard from his comments last week about how he expected a debris caution late in that race (as he held a 10-second lead) and how he understood it was best for the fans to have the field closer. Here’s what Hamlin said Friday: “At no point was I the one to get pissed off about that caution because I knew it was going to happen,” Hamlin said. “Legitimate or not, the odds are that we were going to have some non-wreck caution in the last half of the race. Pocono it was the same way (the last of 3 debris cautions in the race came 25 laps from the end), we had a long green flag spell and I knew it was going to be a matter of time before we see a caution for one reason or another. I think there’s always debris around the track. Without a doubt you can call anything debris. I can look out right now and I can see debris pretty close to the race track (as he looked out the window to the track). You can say that’s a legitimate safety hazard. I think it’s the timing there. It is right there. Let’s pick it up to tighten things up. Let’s regroup. For the sake of show, it’s OK but the sake of competition it’s not always the right thing. I think if we weren’t talking about that last week, if NASCAR would have let it go,then people were going to be talking about a boring race. That’s something that we don’t need right now.”(Virginian Pilot)(6-19-2010)

Could Kahne stay in a Ford for 2011?: And after qualifying at Infineon Raceway, Robbie Loomis, team manager for #9-Kasey Kahne, raised the intriguing idea that Kahne might stick around with his team for one more season – “Wouldn’t that really be nice? And it sure would help us out.” Whether Loomis was just raising an idea or whether there might be more to the issue was not clear. Kahne has signed a contract with Chevy rival Rick Hendrick beginning with the 2011 season; however Hendrick and Kahne have given no indication of what their game plan for 2011 might actually be. There is speculation that Hendrick might ‘farm’ Kahne out to team owner James Finch for 2011. Owners are now only allowed four Cup teams, and Hendrick already has four, before adding Kahne. But Loomis did work for Hendrick for several years, with Jeff Gordon, winning the 2001 NASCAR championship. And team owner Jack Roush, who provides engines and engineering for the Loomis-Kahne-Richard Petty-George Gillett operation, has expressed interest in how Hendrick might deal with that whole dilemma….particularly in light of NASCAR’s own ruling that just forced Roush himself to cut back from five teams to four.(MikeMulhern.net)(6-18-2010)

Junior & Shaq Set For Head-to-Head Race at Concord Speedway: The challenge has been issued and accepted. Four-time NBA champion Shaquille O’Neal has swapped his size-23 basketball shoes for racing Velcro; traded his breezy, cool basketball jersey for a heavy, fire-retardant driver’s suit; forgone the familiarity of basketball hardwood for the cramped quarters of a stock-car cockpit – all 7-foot-1, 325 pounds of him. His reason: challenge NASCAR’s most popular driver and winner of more than 40 NASCAR-sanctioned races, Dale Earnhardt Jr., to a one-on-one race in a test of skill, endurance and speed. The competition will be featured in the second season of Shaq Vs., the popular television series that is part of ABC’s new summer season. The show’s premise is simple: O’Neal takes his top-level skills and athletic prowess from the basketball court and transfers it to a different and unfamiliar sporting event. The first season pitted Shaq in a head-to-head match-up against Albert Pujols in a homerun-hitting contest, Michael Phelps in a swimming race, Misty May-Treanor and Kerri Walsh in beach volleyball, and Oscar de la Hoya in a boxing match. The race between O’Neal and Earnhardt Jr. will take place at 4:00pm/et on Wednesday, June 23, at Concord Speedway, a tricky, half-mile tri-oval that features some of the best weekly racing in North Carolina. The event is open to the public free of charge. Gates will open at 1:00pm/et. No cameras or phones will be allowed inside the facility. Terms of the race will be negotiated by O’Neal and Earnhardt Jr. on the day of the race. Shaq Vs. will premiere its second season on ABC Tuesday, Aug. 3.(JR Motorsports)(6-19-2010)

Sorenson in the #83 car for 3 races: Reed Sorenson is scheduled to drive three NASCAR Sprint Cup Series races for Red Bull Racing, but the organization may make more driver changes with it’s #83 team as the season progresses. Sorenson will take over the driving duties when the series travels to New Hampshire next week, as will be in the car for races at Daytona and Chicago. “I would venture to say the next three is certainly possible, because you have a natural break with the off weekend [after Chicago],” Red Bull Racing General Manager Jay Frye said Friday at Infineon Raceway. “We understand it’s not fair to throw somebody in the car for a week, necessarily; we try to do a little program with them.” Swedish driver Mattias Ekstrom, a former DTM champion in Germany, is competing for the team in this weekend’s Toyota Save Mart 350 at Infineon Raceway.(SceneDaily)96-19-2010)

Monster returns to the #7 car: #7-Robby Gordon will return to his home state with the familiar Monster Energy colors on the hood of the #7 Toyota Camry. Gordon won the 2003 race at Infineon Raceway and has contended for the win at the 1.99-mile road course on several occasions since that trip to victory lane. Robby Gordon’s SPEED FACTORY is a reality show that features a behind-the-scenes look at a world-class race shop and its day-to-day operations and will be featured on a second Robby Gordon Motorsports entry, the #07 Toyota with P.J. Jones driving the car. Gordon will start 16th and Jones will start 35th.(RGM)(6-19-2010)

Martin presents check to hospital: #5-Mark Martin not only made hundreds of Auto Club Speedway Hard Card season ticket holders happy, he made thousands of children at Loma Linda University Children’s Hospital (LLUCH) and one little boy in the audience feel the same way. On Thursday, fresh off his 16th place finish at Michigan International Speedway on Sunday, the driver of the #5 GoDaddy.com Chevrolet made a quick trip South, en route to this weekend’s race in Northern California to take part in an exclusive Auto Club Speedway Hard Card Members Q&A session with over 300 season ticket holders at Impulse, located in the Speedway’s Opportunity, California FanZone. Martin also took part in a check presentation ceremony which saw Auto Club Speedway and Stater Bros. Supermarket officials present a check for more than $26,000 to LLUCH and The NASCAR Foundation. Present to accept the check on behalf of LLUCH was Jaylen Morris, a four-year-old heart patient who has a dream of becoming a NASCAR driver when he grows up. All were elated at the presentation. The monies raised were a result of two Auto Club Speedway “Jaylen’s Car Washes” in support of NASCAR Day across the nation. More than 600 cars were washed at the Speedway on pit road to kick off NASCAR Day festivities on May 10 and two weeks later another car wash was held at Bass Pro Shops in Rancho Cucamonga. Turtle Wax®, the world leader in car care, donated all of the car care product used during “Jaylen’s Car Wash” and each participant drove away with a sample of Turtle Wax’s latest product Turtle Wax ICE. Additionally, over 3,500 NASCAR Day collectible lapel pins were given to customers who stopped by Stater Bros. Supermarkets in San Bernardino, Riverside, Orange, Los Angeles, San Diego and Kern counties in exchange for a $5 donation.(Auto Club Speedway)(6-19-2010)

Sacramento-area resident to be Honored at Infineon: Bill Cathcart has devoted much of his life to the military, including service in World War II and both the Korean War and Vietnam War. The resident of Diamond Springs, outside Sacramento, will be honored for his service at the Toyota/Save Mart 350 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series race on Sunday, June 20. Cathcart was selected as the winner of the raceway’s Hometown Hero contest; he served 24 years combined in the U.S. Marines, California National Guard and U.S. Army. He was nominated by his daughter, Cindy. Cathcart earned several awards over his stellar career, including: two Purple Hearts; Bronze Star; a Commendation Medal; and the Distinguished Service Cross (the second highest medal that can be awarded). He served from 1942-1968 (he took two years off). “I was a kid when World War II broke out and I guess I was patriotic,” said Cathcart, 85. “I quit in the middle of my senior year of high school and joined the Marines. I spent 37 months in the Pacific in World War II. … I enjoyed the service all those years. I didn’t enjoy the fighting but I enjoyed the service. I guess you could say I grew up in the service.” As it turns out, this is the perfect honor for Cathcart, whose son-in-law, Rick Bray, is a team member for Joe Gibbs Racing and works on Denny Hamlin’s race team. “We follow NASCAR pretty close,” Cathcart said. “I just love the racing and the competition and it makes it even better that Rick is in the sport. He’s married to my daughter Cindy. “This is quite a surprise and obviously a very great honor for me, especially to have my daughter Cindy nominate me. It’s very special and I’m looking forward to coming out to the races.” Cathcart will be honored during pre-race ceremonies on Sunday, June 20, as the raceway continues its season-long “Sonoma Salutes Our Troops” campaign. More info about A Sonoma Salutes Our Troops dedicated page at infineonraceway.com/military.(Infineon Raceway)(6-19-2010)

Kahne wins pole at Infineon: #9-Kasey Kahne won the Coors Pole for the Toyota/Save Mart 350 Sprint Cup Series race at Infineon Raceway with a speed of 93.893mph for his 1st pole of 2010 and 17th of his career. It is Kahne’s first pole since Infineon Raceway in June 2008. #48-Johnson will start 2nd followed by #2-Busch, #29-Harvick, #24-Gordon, #47-Ambrose, #14-Stewart, #71-Labonte, #16-Biffle and #56-Truex Jr. #6-Ragan wrecked on his lap, getting in to a tire barrier, and will go to a backup car for the race and will fall to the rear before the start of the race, but he’ll start 42nd, so he is already in the rear. Mattias Ekstrom, in the #83 Red Bull Toyota this week, will start 38th.

The go-or-go homers who made the race (8): #26-Said, #38-Gilliland, #87-Nemechek, #13-Papis, #09-Magnussen, #07-Jones, #46-Yeley and #66-Blaney

The go-or-go homers who failed to qualify for the race (3): #36-Simo, #02-Ash and #55-Waltrip [no word if the sponsifier scheme will move to the #66 or other Toyota for the race.

See the starting lineup, qualifying speeds and notes on my Infineon Starting Lineup/Qualifying Results page.(6-18-2010)

Qualifying Fast Facts – Infineon Raceway:

#9-Kasey Kahne won the Coors Light Pole Award for the Toyota/Save Mart 350 with a lap of 76.300 seconds, 93.893 mph.

This is his 17th pole in 232 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series races.

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

This is his second pole in seven races at Infineon Raceway. This will be fifth consecutive top-10 start at the track.

#48-Jimmie Johnson (second) posted his 11th top-10 start of 2010 and his third in nine races at Infineon Raceway.

#2-Kurt Busch (third) posted his seventh top-10 start at Infineon Raceway. It is his ninth in 16 races this season.

#34-Kevin Conway (41st) was the fastest qualifying rookie.

(NASCAR Statistics)(6-18-2010)

Coverage of Qualifying for the Toyota/Save Mart 350 Sprint Cup Series race at Infineon Raceway is scheduled for Friday, June 18, 2010 at 6:35pm/et.

Television (TV): SPEED 6:30pm/et

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

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

Qualifying Re-Air: on SPEED at 9:30pm/et and 2:30am/et

Qualifying Order for the Toyota/Save Mart 350 Sprint Cup Series race at Infineon Raceway is posted. 46 cars/drivers are listed. Go-or-go homers will qualify at the end of the session, once the top-35 drivers are done.

The first of the top-35 drivers scheduled to go out is #31-Burton.

The final top-35 driver scheduled to go out is #29-Harvick.

The first go-or-go homer scheduled to qualify [36th] is #13-Papis with the final driver scheduled to qualify being #02-Ash.

See the full qualifying order on the Infineon Qualifying Page.(6-18-2010)

Friday practice for the Toyota/Save Mart 350 Sprint Cup Series race at Infineon Raceway is over, after 90 scheduled minutes, the fastest, slowest & some notes:

#47- Ambrose 93.800

#33-Bowyer 93.690

#39-Newman 93.464

#9-Kahne 93.337

#29-Harvick 93.325

slowest: #34- Conway 89.971 & #88-Earnhardt Jr. 90.297

See fastest and average speeds, laps run, Infineon Practice Speeds page.(6-18-2010)

Infineon practice rank for the non top-35 drivers:

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

#13-Max Papis, 12th fastest overall

#26-Boris Said, 22nd

#38-David Gilliland. 23rd

#09-Jan Magnussen. 26th

#87-Joe Nemechek. 36th

#36-Brian Simo, 37th

#07-P.J. Jones, 38th

#02-Brandon Ash, 39th

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

#46-J.J. Yeley, 41st

#55-Michael Waltrip, 42nd

#66-Dave Blaney, 45th
See fastest and average speeds, laps run, Infineon Practice Speeds page.(6-18-2010)

Infineon Tire Notes: NASCAR Sprint Cup Series teams will run the same tire code on all four tire positions at Infineon Raceway this weekend . . . this is the same tire that Sprint Cup teams ran at this track last year . . . Infineon is the only track at which Cup teams will run this tire code . . . this tire is slightly different than the one Cup teams will run at the series’ other road course at Watkins Glen . . . the Infineon tire is slightly softer than the Watkins Glen tire, giving the cars a bit more grip . . . as on all NASCAR road courses, teams will not run inner liners in their tires at Infineon. See full notes, tire pressures and more on the Infineon Raceway Race Info page – Goodyear section.(6-18-2010)

Road Course Wins: All-Time

Driver, Wins

Jeff Gordon, 9

Tony Stewart, 7

Rusty Wallace, 6

Bobby Allison, 6

Richard Petty, 6

Ricky Rudd, 6

Darrell Waltrip, 5

Tim Richmond, 5

Dan Gurney, 5

David Pearson, 4

Mark Martin, 4

Ernie Irvan, 3

Geoff Bodine, 3

Tim Flock, 3

Cale Yarborough, 3

Some Chassis selections for Infineon Raceway:

#1-Jamie McMurray: Crew Chief Kevin “Bono” Manion has elected to bring Chassis number #1012 to Infineon Raceway this weekend. This chassis has yet to be raced, but has been tested at Virginia International Raceway. The car carries McDonald’s colors this week

#2-Kurt Busch driver Kurt Busch, crew chief Steve Addington and the “Blue Deuce” crew are racing their new “PRS-722” Miller Lite Dodge in this weekend’s action at Infineon Raceway. “It’s a brand new car that we’ve built to attack the road course tracks with,” offered team engineer Dave Winston. “We tested with this car at VIR (Virginia International Raceway) a few weeks back (June 1) in a final shakedown for this weekend’s race out at Sonoma.”

#5-Mark Martin: crew chief Alan Gustafson has chosen Hendrick Motorsports Chassis No. 5-608 for the first road course race of the 2010 season. This chassis never has been raced or tested.

#6-David Ragan: Primary: RK-627 Last ran Watkins Glen ’09 – finished 24th and recently tested Road Atlanta. Backup: RK-660 Last ran Sonoma ’09 – finished 33rd. The Concord Center (SLIC – 9452) in the North California District was selected as the Maximum Center for the June 20, Toyota/Save Mart 350 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series in Sonoma, CA. The Concord Center was selected as the Best-in-Class “Most Improved” center based on their achievements on the district’s Balanced Scorecard from January through May 2010.

#11-Denny Hamlin: and the FedEx team will unload Chassis JGR 241 this weekend in Sonoma. This car has two starts to date, posting top-ten finishes both at Sonoma and Watkins Glen in 2009. JGR 208 will serve as the backup this weekend. The #11 FedEx Express Camry will carry the letters LAX on the B-posts this weekend at Infineon Raceway in recognition of the AGFS and U.S. Operations teams in the Los Angeles (Calif.) area market. The market is being recognized for achieving cost savings, and exemplifying both teamwork and efficiency. Additionally, the top performing station in this market, APVA, is ranked #1 the region on the divisional scorecard for all Level 1 stations in FY 2010. FedEx has launched the FedEx Race Time Promotion providing an opportunity for an eligible small business owner to have its company logo placed on the #11 FedEx Toyota for the Sylvania 300 at New Hampshire on Sept. 19, 2010.

#12-Brad Keselowski: The #12 Penske Dodge Charger team will use chassis PRS-723 during Sunday’s 350-kilometer race at Infineon Raceway. Brad Keselowski drove this car to a 12th-place finish at Martinsville Speedway in March.

#14-Tony Stewart: is running Chassis No. 14-546, this car made its debut last June at Infineon Raceway, where Stewart used it to qualify fourth and lead twice for 11 laps before finishing second. Prior to Sonoma, Chassis No. 14-546 tested at the Virginia International Raceway. In preparation for its second career start in August at the Watkins Glen International road course, the car was brought back to VIR for a single-day test on July 27. The time at VIR paid off, as Stewart used Chassis No. 14-546 to qualify 13th and then lead twice for a race-high 34 laps to record his fifth Sprint Cup win at Watkins Glen. Chassis No. 14-546 tested again at VIR on May 11 in preparation for its return to Sonoma for this weekend’s Toyota/SaveMart 350k.

#17-Matt Kenseth: primary chassis for the #17 Crown Royal Black Ford will be Primary: RK-663, no word on where it may had run before.

#18-Kyle Busch: Chassis No. 240 made its debut in June 2009 at the Infineon Raceway road course in Sonoma. Busch qualified second and led 10 laps, but brake issues led to contact with another car. As a result, Busch went a lap down but rallied to post a 22nd-place finish. The #18 team brought this chassis to the other road course race in 2009 – Watkins Glen International – where Busch started eighth and finished a solid fourth. Busch will run the Pedigree Dog Food colors this week

#19-Elliott Sadler: The #19 Stanley Ford Fusion team led by crew chief Wally Rogers has prepared chassis No. 243 for this weekend’s event. This Ford Fusion was run in both road course events last season and it was also tested at Virginia International Raceway earlier this month.

#20-Joey Logano: The #20 Team is taking chassis #234 to Sonoma this weekend for the 110-lap event. Logano drove this chassis in both road-course races in 2009 finishing 19th at Infineon and 16th at Watkins Glen. The back-up chassis is #180 which has never competed but served as the back-up car last year. The Home Depot associates from store #722 from Bellevue, Tenn. will adorn the lower rear quarter panels of the #20 this weekend at Infineon Raceway. Bellevue is one of the many towns affected by the severe flooding in Tennessee in May. The Home Depot Foundation committed $100,000 to The Community Foundation of Middle Tennessee, which has mobilized two relief funds, the Metro Nashville Disaster Response Fund and the Tennessee Emergency Response Fund.

#29-Kevin Harvick: will pilot Chassis No. 241 from the Richard Childress Racing NASCAR Sprint Cup Series stable. Built new for 2009 and updated for 2010, Harvick raced this chassis at both road course events last year, finishing 29th at Infineon Raceway and 35th at Watkins Glen International.

#31-Jeff Burton: will race chassis No. 245 from the Richard Childress Racing NASCAR Sprint Cup Series stable. Built new in 2009 as a #07 racer, this machine was put through two short track tests and then shelved before being converted to a road course #31 racer. Sunday’s 110-lap event will put the first time this RCR entry will be put through competition.

#33-Clint Bowyer: will pilot Chassis No. 300 from the Richard Childress Racing NASCAR Sprint Cup Series stable. This is a brand new Chevrolet Impala that will be put through its first paces this weekend.

#39-Ryan Newman Chassis No. 39-545 saw action for the #39 team at both road-course races last season. Last June at Infineon Raceway in Sonoma, Newman qualified seventh and finished 17th. At Watkins Glen, Newman qualified sixth. However, Newman’s #39 Chevrolet was plagued with alternator issues, which caused the car to run at only about 75% throughout most of the race, leading to a 21st-place finish. During the offseason, the car was made lighter and the bodywork was rebuilt. Newman and the #39 team tested the chassis in May at the Virginia International Raceway road course near Danville, Va., in preparation for the car’s first race this season

#42-Juan Pablo Montoya: Crew Chief Brian Pattie and the #42 Target team will bring Chassis #1014 to Infineon Raceway this weekend. This chassis is brand new and has been tested at Virginia International Raceway.

#43-A.J. Allmendinger: The #43 Richard Petty Motorsports team led by crew chief Mike Shiplett has prepared chassis No. 257 for this weekend’s event at Infineon Raceway in Sonoma, California. The team tested this car at Road Atlanta earlier this month.

#48-Jimmie Johnson: Primary chassis No. 543 was last piloted from the pole to a 12th-place finish at Watkins Glen International last August. Johnson drove backup chassis No. 442 to a seventh-place finish at Watkins Glen in August 2008.

#88-Dale Earnhardt Jr.: This weekend at Infineon Raceway, crew chief Lance McGrew and the No. 88 team will unload Hendrick Motorsports Chassis No. 88-514. The car was tested last month at Carolina Motorsports Park in Kershaw, S.C., and Earnhardt raced it twice last year — at Infineon Raceway and Watkins Glen International, finishing 26th at Infineon. Earnhardt has won a road course race, at Watkins Glen in the Nationwide Series in 1999.

#98-Paul Menard: Crew chief Slugger Labbe and the #98 RPM crew have prepared chassis No. 254 for this weekend’s event. This Ford Fusion was utilized last season but has been completely rebuilt for the race at Infineon Raceway. This car has not been tested, though the team has tested at several road courses in the past couple of weeks. CertainTeed returns to the hood of the #98 Ford this weekend. CertainTeed has earned a reputation as a premier build-ing materials manufacturer for more than 100 years.

#99-Carl Edwards: The #99 Aflac team will be bringing chassis RK-656 this weekend to Sonoma. It raced at Watkins Glen last year where Edwards finished third. The Aflac Ford will also feature characters from the new movie “Toy Story 3” on the hood.

(from team PR’s/sites if reported)(6-18-2010)

Hendrick says many options for Kahne in 2011: Rick Hendrick says he has a lot more options for Kasey Kahne in 2011 than he expected when he first signed the Richard Petty Motorsports driver in April. The owner of Hendrick Motorsports offered no timeline for when a decision might be made, even though he originally said a deal should be in place within 90 days. “A lot of it is just waiting for the right time and the right deal,” Hendrick said Friday at Infineon Raceway after being inducted into the track’s Wall of Fame. “I haven’t been in a hurry. We’ve got some good options and there are new deals coming out every day. I get unbelievable calls from people in this garage. We’re just not ready to pull the trigger yet.” Hendrick discounted a report that said Kahne would drive the #09 car for James Finch and Phoenix Racing next year before replacing Mark Martin in the #5 at HMS in 2012. That report also said Martin could take over part ownership of Phoenix Racing in 2012. Phoenix Racing officials said no conversations with Hendrick have taken place. “I don’t know where that rumor came from,” Hendrick said. Kahne said he and Hendrick spoke on Friday and that his 2011 situation wasn’t part of the conversation. “I didn’t even ask anything about next year and he didn’t bring it up, either,” Kahne said. “We were just talking about other stuff, so I would say there is no new news.” Among the speculated possibilities for Kahne next year, in addition to Phoenix Racing, have been Stewart-Haas Racing and Red Bull Racing. Hendrick did say that Kahne would be in a Chevrolet, and Red Bull currently fields Toyotas. “The biggest problem with us, with me and the whole situation is I want to make the right decision for him and our company,” Hendrick said. “I’m not really procrastinating as much as I’m trying to let everything unfold.”(ESPN.com)(6-18-2010)

Chase Stats: #14-Tony Stewart’s fifth at MIS catapulted him from 13th into 11th place, regaining a spot in the Top 12 for the first time in 8 races. A good race at Infineon should send “Smoke” on his way to a spot in Chase VII. #5-Mark Martin, who had to sweat making some of the early Chases, is right back on the bubble. His mediocre 16th at MIS dropped him back to the 12th position, and four challengers are less than 100 points out of his position. Only Jimmie Johnson has scored fewer points in the last five races, among the current Top 12. #39-Ryan Newman’s 32nd dropped him to 15th and he lost 73 points to 12th, now 91 points out. The Rocketman, who made a strong run to the Chase last year, was ten spots better at this time in 2009. See year-to-year comparison, current standings and more on my Chase Stats after Michigan page.(6-18-2010)

Three drivers doing the double: From Thursday night through Sunday night, #99-Carl Edwards, #98-Paul Menard and #12-Brad Keselowski will log some 5,800 miles in the air to practice, qualify and race their Nationwide cars at Road America and their Sprint Cup cars in Infineon Raceway. They’ll also give up track time for both events. The three participated in the 5 ½-hour test session Thursday in preparation for the inaugural Bucyrus 200 at Road America. But they’ll miss practice Friday while in Sonoma and miss final practice there Saturday to qualify and race at Road America. Whereas in the recent past, double-duty drivers went from Sonoma to the Milwaukee Mile on this weekend, now at least they’ll be driving the same style of racetrack at each venue. “Every time we go to Sonoma, that’s our first road course of the year,” Menard said. “For us to be spending all day here logging laps, I think it’s going to help us for Sonoma and for missing on Saturday. “Obviously there’s nothing like being on track on Saturday afternoon, but me, I’ve got Bill Elliott in my car out there for Saturday, and I can’t think of a better guy.” #2-Kurt Busch will practice in Keselowski’s car as well as his own Saturday in Sonoma, and the early plan for Edwards’ car is to leave it in the garage. Former Indy-car driver Michel Jourdain Jr. will practice Friday for Menard at Road America, where Roush Fenway Racing teammate Erik Darnell will fill in for Edwards and Penske Racing development driver Parker Kligerman will drive Keselowski’s car. The drivers’ odyssey began Wednesday, when they came to Wisconsin. Edwards flew his own plane and then took it to California, where it will remain until he goes home from there. He’ll do the Friday night / Saturday night commute with Menard aboard the Citation X owned by Menard’s father, home-improvement magnate John Menard, the fastest non-military plane available.(Milwaukee Journal Sentinel), it was also mentioned during SPEED’s practice and qualifying coverage, that Elliott would also practice the #99 Ford as well as the #98 Fordn on Saturday.(6-18-2010)

Said hopes to run Daytona in July; will run Watkins Glen: during an interview with Jay Hart of Yahho, Boris Said mentioned his plans for racing the rest of the season: How many more races are you running this year?

Said: I’m for sure going to do the Nationwide races at The Glen and Montreal, and for sure I’m going to do [the Cup race] at Watkins Glen. I’m hopeful I’m going to go to Daytona with the 26 team. It’s still the same old deal, I’m looking for sponsors because I want to do more races. I’m working with a company called Sacred Power. It’s a Native American-owned solar power company, and we’re talking about doing a bunch of races. I’m working on it everyday, but right now I count my lucky stars that I’m driving the Air National Guard car this weekend, and I cherish every race that I get to do.”(Yahoo Sports)(6-18-2010)

Yeley gets a sponsor for Infineon: Whitney Motorsports #46 Dodge team says on their Facebook page that they have gotten a sponsorship for Sonoma. International Trucking is will be their primary sponsorship at Toyota/Save Mart 350 on the #46 Dodge that J.J. Yeley drives.(Whitney Motorsports Facebook)(6-18-2010)

Winery to sponsor #71 TRG car at Infineon: Adobe Road Winery will be the primary sponsor for the #71 TRG Motorsports Chevy that Bobby Labonte will drive this weekend at the 1.99-mile Infineon Raceway. Labonte has two top-five and five top-10 finishes with an average start and finish of 18th. Team Owner Kevin Buckler will serve as race strategist for the team. Buckler will sit atop the pit box and call the race for the team. From the Owner, Kevin Buckler :”TRG Motorsports is also proud to have Adobe Road Winery as the primary sponsor for the No. 71 Chevrolet. It’s just a part of being home and being by our winery. Like the race team, I take pride in the winery. We’re going to showcase it on the car and get the fans excited about it. We are still working on sponsorship for the upcoming races. Hopefully with momentum from this weekend, we will be able to attract future partners to the sport. The goal for TRG Motorsports is to be competitive in NASCAR. We will be making the necessary changes that will help us achieve our goal.”(TRG)(6-18-2010)

2010 Georgia Racing Hall of Fame Class Chosen: The votes have been cast, and the five inductees to become members of the Georgia Racing Hall of
Fame for 2010 have been chosen. The 2010 inductees are Ted Edwards of Atlanta, Ernie Elliott of Dawsonville, Jack Etheridge of Atlanta, Laverne Kendrick of Tifton and Jerry Wimbish of Atlanta. The 2010 induction ceremony will be held at the Dawsonville City Municipal Complex, which houses the Hall of Fame, on Friday, October 22 at 6pm/et. A limited number of seats are available for the banquet. Reservations are required to attend. For more information about the banquet visit www.georgiaracinghof.com.(6-18-2010)

New Hampshire could move race date: The owner of New Hampshire Motor Speedway said Thursday he will consider moving next year’s summer race if Loudon’s police chief doesn’t cut the cost for providing safety details. NHMS owner Bruton Smith said that if he can’t reach a compromise with the town on security costs, he may move next June’s race from New Hampshire [like to maybe…Kentucky Speedway?]. “The dates are scheduled year to year with contracts with NASCAR,” said Jerry Gappens, NHMS vice president. “There is the option of doing that. Let’s hope it doesn’t come to that option.” Gappens said Loudon charges too much to organize security, and Loudon’s police chief makes too much doing it. He said Chief Robert Fiske makes $50 per hour, amounting to almost $59,000 for covering the races over five years. NHMS is asking Loudon to reduce its price tag for June’s upcoming race from $170,000 to $65,000. “No, we’re not prepared to do that,” said Loudon Selectman Roger Maxfield. “The answer is no, we won’t.”
Maxfield said he thinks $170,000 to cover an influx of 100,000 people is reasonable, as is Fiske’s hourly rate. “He’s also in control of 80 full-time officers, so that’s a large detail,” Maxfield said. NHMS has suggested cutting 38 police officers from its camp grounds and replacing them with private security guards supported by a few officers.
Fiske said that plan isn’t in the best interest of public safety. “The crime is consistent with a city of that size,” he said. “We have alleged rapes and assaults, let alone the DWIs.”(wmur.com)(6-18-2010)

TNT’s Michigan TV Ratings posted: TNT’s portion of the 2010 NASCAR Sprint Cup for Sunday’s race from Michigan averaged a 2.9/7 (4.3 mill), down -12% from last year’s 3.3/9 (5.1 mill) on households and down -50% on M18-34 (0.6 vs. 1.2). Season-to-date, NASCAR Sprint Cup Racing on TNT is averaging a 3.1/7 (4.9 million viewers). That’s down -9% from last year’s 3.4/9 (5.4 mill) on households, down -33% on M18-34 (0.8 vs. 1.2)

See race to race comparision, and more on my 2010 TV Ratings page.(6-17-2010)

No Ford win yet: a Ford has not won a race in the Sprint Cup Series after 15 races, the longest drought for Ford at the start of a season since 1983 when Ford didn’t win a race until the 16th race of the season when Buddy Baker won at Daytona on July 4, 1983. The last season Ford did not win a race was in 1977, but Mercury, a Ford product did win 2 races with David Pearson driving.(6-17-2010)

Kyle Busch wins at Berlin: Kyle Busch was out of clean clothes by the time he hopped on his plane Wednesday night in Grand Rapids and headed to California. However, Busch did have a shiny new trophy to take with him, along with $20,000 after winning the Rowdy’s Revenge 251 at Berlin Raceway. Busch held off a pair of second-generation racing teenagers, Chase Elliott and Ross Kenseth, for his first victory at the Berlin half-mile. Busch took the lead for good on lap 150, then survived a caution-filled finish in which the yellow waved four times during the final 18 laps. The race originally was scheduled for Tuesday, but action was rained out. Busch returned for the CRA Super Series sanctioned race in his #51 template body Late Model. Elliott, 14, started eighth and dominated the first half of the race in his first Berlin appearance. Elliott, the son of 1988 Cup champion Bill Elliott, was out in front on lap 125 when the mandatory caution dropped. That gave drivers an opportunity to take their cars to the pits for their crews to work on while the 50-lap Modified feature was run.
A.J. Allmendinger won the Modified main, passing Mike Brooks with 20 laps to go and holding off Brian Bergakker for the win.(Michigan Live)(6-17-2010)

‘Popcorn Man’ Joins ExtenZe Racing as Local Hero: Discovery Bay, CA native Ed McClelland builds docks by day, that is his trade. But when he is not building docks he is making sure that the basic needs civilians take for granted are not overlooked or forgotten for our troops who are far from home and constantly in harms way. Twelve hour workdays leave precious little time, but he makes the most of it knowing the troops he supports by shipping large quantities of the basic needs have it far worse. And for that McClelland has been named the ‘ExtenZe Local Hero’ and will be honored this Father’s Day at the Toyota/Save Mart 350 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Race at Infineon Raceway on Sunday, June 20. Affectionately known now as ‘The Popcorn Man’ because he has sent over five pallets of Pop Secret popcorn in the last 8 months, McClelland was at first taken aback by all the praise he received from local media for his acts of generosity. In addition to the $1,000 prize for being selected the ExtenZe Racing Local Hero, ExtenZe Racing will be donating 200 ExtenZe Racing hats to McClelland’s cause. Fans can visit www.ExtenZeRacing.com to nominate their own local heroes or review who has been previously chosen.(ExtenZe Racing/Breaking Limits)(6-17-2010)

Shelmerdine featured in TV series: former championship crew chief and part-time driver, Kirk Shelmerdine, has joined forces with Executive Producer Diane Barnes from Canada in the making of an oval track comedy series called, Thrills & Spills. Kirk confides, “In my opinion, there hasn’t yet been a decent TV series centered around cars, racing and the people involved, so that makes participation in this project extra fun for me. I think Thrills & Spills will be a blast for its creators and viewers alike.” As Dale Earnhardt Sr’s former championship-winning Crew Chief in addition to being an independent driver/owner in the Sprint Cup series. Shelmerdine will not only contribute his knowledge and expertise as an industry insider, he will be seen on-screen in a recurring role as himself along with his Crew Chief Phil Harris as himself. “Having the opportunity to work with Kirk and Phil is a real honor; their history in the sport, ingenuity and sense of humor is a winning combination for the making of this show,” says Barnes.

Thrills & Spills centers around the story of Tom “Slick” Donnelly, a driver who loses his major sponsor, is forced to return to his home track for an ego tune-up and is now struggling to be competitive at the local level. Diane Barnes created the story which was inspired by her early days on her brother’s pit crew at oval tracks in Ontario, Canada. Barnes and her writing partner, Dave Francis, shot some footage for a demo a couple years back and decided to keep the project brewing until they found the perfect element to help bring the show to life. That element was Kirk Shelmerdine. The production team is currently in development and was recently shooting during race weeks at Charlotte, NC (PR), the show is not yet found a home on cable or natwork TV and there is no schedule for airing of the show.(6-17-2010)

New NASCAR Hall of Fame Licensed Tour Offers Stops: NASCAR Hall of Fame and AIM Tours recently launched the Ultimate Fan Experience Tour, a daylong tour with stops at several Charlotte, N.C.-area NASCAR attractions. The Ultimate Fan Experience Tour gives guests a unique, insiders look at the sport of NASCAR. Offered Monday – Thursday, the all-inclusive tour features a full day of visits to several local NASCAR-themed attractions, including exclusive opportunities not generally available to the public. Tour participants begin their day with early admittance to the new NASCAR Hall of Fame in uptown, Charlotte, N.C. and continue with an afternoon of behind-the-scenes visits of a variety of local race attractions. Tour itineraries vary but include stops such as Charlotte Motor Speedway, Sam Bass Gallery, Hendrick Motorsports, Earnhardt Ganassi Racing, Dale Earnhardt Inc., Curb Motorsports Museum, MacDonald Racing and Michael Waltrip Racing. More info on my Sprint Cup Team Addresses & Race Shop tour page.(6-17-2010)

Mears returns to TBR: After being released from Red Bull Racing this week, Casey Mears will return to Tommy Baldwin Racing’s #36 Toyota for the Sprint Cup Series race on June 27 at New Hampshire Motor Speedway. Team owner Tommy Baldwin said the decision was finalized Wednesday afternoon. “Casey is going to come back and we are excited. We hope to rebuild on some of the momentum created before he left.” This weekend at Sonoma, road course specialist Brian Simo will pilot the #36 at Infineon Raceway. Steve Park will slide behind the wheel on July 3 at Daytona and drive the Richie Evans tribute car for TBR. Baldwin said Mears and TBR parted on good terms after Darlington, which left the door open for Mears to return. “We knew there was a possibility of something like that happening; he put us in a bind, but we understood it was something he needed to do,” Baldwin said. “But now we are glad to have him back and turn this into a positive.”(NASCAR.com)(6-17-2010)

Jeff Burton to reach milestone: #31-Jeff Burton will make his 500th consecutive start in the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series, this Sunday in the Toyota/Save Mart 350 at Infineon Raceway. The milestone is the 10th-longest streak in series history, and third-longest active streak (Jeff Gordon has run 596 consecutive races; Bobby Labonte has run 595 consecutive races). Burton, who currently has 562 career starts overall, began his streak on March 24, 1996 at Darlington Raceway. During the streak, Burton tallied all 21 of his victories and posted 120 top fives and 222 top 10s. Overall, Burton has 125 top fives and 229 top 10s.(NASCAR), see the current streal and all time streak list on my Misc Stats page.(6-17-2010)

Goodyear Tire Test at Atlanta Motor Speedway Ends: During day two of Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company tire testing at Atlanta Motor Speedway, #39-Ryan Newman and #1-Jamie McMurray conveyed to the media that the test provides a competitive advantage approaching the track’s Labor Day NASCAR night racing weekend as the drivers vie for vital points entering the Chase for the Sprint Cup. Newman and McMurray each believes the test provides an advantage. “You’re really fortunate when you get to do the tire test and that’s why teams fight to get to come here and do this, because you get an hour or two each day to do what you want to do and try and make your car faster,” said McMurray. Newman, tied for the track’s pole record with seven, knows Atlanta’s race date two-events prior to the cutoff for the 12-driver Chase for the Sprint Cup makes the event critical to secure a position in the Chase. “Where we are at in points and where this race lies in the schedule, it is definitely advantageous for us to be here,” said Newman. “We’re trying to make the best of this Goodyear tire test to get the US Army Chevrolet in that Chase.”
In addition to the commenting on the personal benefits of the test while meeting with media members, each driver also praised Goodyear for the quality of the tires under evaluation. Speeds have been impressive during the test, with McMurray approaching qualifying-lap speeds during tire testing. The biggest Labor Day party in the USA is at Atlanta Motor Speedway on Labor Day weekend, as the NASCAR Sprint Cup stars head to the high banks for night racing on Sept. 4 and 5. For more information or to purchase tickets for the Labor Day weekedn races at Atlanta Motor Speedway, call (770) 946-4211, (877) 9-AMS-TIX, or visit www.atlantamotorspeedway.com.(AMS)(6-17-2010)

#99 Aflac Ford to Feature Toy Story 3: Aflac announced the creation of a special Toy Story 3 paint scheme for the #99 Aflac Ford Fusion that will be driven by Carl Edwards at the Toyota/Save Mart 350 at Infineon Raceway. The paint scheme reflects a collaboration between the Georgia-based insurance company and Disney/Pixar, following the release of a television commercial using Pixar’s unique brand of animation. This marks the second time Aflac and Disney/Pixar have worked together for cross-promotion. The commercial features the Aflac Duck and movie characters from the anticipated summer blockbuster Toy Story 3 demonstrating how Aflac policies provide protection when life presents challenges. The ad, which began airing nationally on May 17, will be televised nationally on TNT during the race. Toy Story 3 welcomes Woody (voice of Tom Hanks), Buzz (voice of Tim Allen), and other characters back to the big screen as Andy prepares to depart for college and his loyal toys find themselves in daycare. The untamed tots with their sticky little fingers do not play nice, so it’s all for one and one for all as plans for the great escape get underway. A few new faces—some plastic, some plush—join the adventure, including iconic swinging bachelor and Barbie’s counterpart Ken (voice of Michael Keaton), a thespian hedgehog named Mr. Pricklepants (voice of Timothy Dalton) and a pink, strawberry-scented teddy bear called Lots-o’-Huggin’ Bear (voice of Ned Beatty). The ad places the Aflac Duck in the daycare center with a narrator talking about how life can be difficult from time to time and how Aflac is there to protect you. In May 2009, Aflac and Disney/Pixar collaborated for the release of the summer blockbuster Up. To support the release, Aflac created a special Up paint scheme for the Southern 500 race at Darlington Speedway and hosted a VIP screening event for NASCAR families.(Roush Fenway Racing), see images of the schemes on my #99 Team Schemes page.(6-17-2010)

Mayfield asks court to reconsider decision on case: Jeremy Mayfield is asking a U.S. District Court judge to reconsider his ruling that dismissed Mayfield’s claims against NASCAR over a May 2009 drug test that NASCAR said was positive for methamphetamines. In May, Judge Graham Mullen dismissed Mayfield’s claims as he ruled that Mayfield had waived most of his rights to sue NASCAR when he signed the NASCAR-driver agreement and NASCAR-owner agreement. He also indicated that Mayfield did not have enough evidence to support his claims. Mayfield’s legal team, headed by celebrity attorney Mark Geragos, filed a four-page motion Tuesday night asking Mullen to reconsider. Such motions are not uncommon, especially when an appeal is planned.(full story at SceneDaily and much past news about the lawsuit on the #41 Team News page)(6-17-2010)

Daytona 500 Tickets Go On Sale Friday: The race to purchase coveted tickets for the 53rd running of the Daytona 500 on Sunday, Feb. 20 is about to begin. Tickets for the 2011 edition of “The Great American Race” – NASCAR’s biggest, richest and most prestigious race – will go on sale this Friday at 9:00pm/et. Prior to Friday, June 18, only renewals for seat assignments for the 53rd running of the Daytona 500 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series race were taken by the ticket office at Daytona International Speedway. For the third straight year, tickets for the 2011 Daytona 500 – which will be the first NASCAR Sprint Cup Series event on the new asphalt at Daytona International Speedway – will start at $55. Immediately following the Coke Zero 400 Weekend Powered By Coca-Cola on Monday, July 5, Daytona International Speedway’s entire 2.5-mile tri-oval will be repaved as well as the skid pads, apron and pit road. The repaving project will be completed in time for Speedweeks 2011 and the 2011 Daytona 500. For information and to buy tickets, go to daytonainternationalspeedway.com.(DIS)(6-17-2010)

Atlanta Motor Speedway Searching for Fans Who Attended First Race in 1960: Atlanta Motor Speedway is seeking fans who attended the track’s first race, the 1960 Dixie 300, to take part in their 50th Anniversary celebration and pre-race festivities before the track’s Labor Day weekend NASCAR Sprint Cup Series night race. Select fans from the Speedway’s inaugural race in 1960 will be chosen to take part in the Labor Day weekend NASCAR Sprint Cup Series night race on Sunday, Sept. 5. These fans will be introduced during pre-race festivities and participate in NASCAR Sprint Cup Series driver introductions, including a photo with the starting field. In addition, these fans will have an opportunity to meet with media to share their stories from the 1960 race when they watched Fireball Roberts claim victory in the Speedway’s first NASCAR race. For more information on this promotion or to verify attendance at the 1960 Dixie 300 find info at the Atlanta Motor Speedway site.(AMS)(6-17-2010)

Said returns to the #26 for Infineon: Vermont’s Latitude 43 Motorsports will have its best chance yet at NASCAR Sprint Cup Series success this weekend as road course specialist Boris Said returns to the seat of the Air National Guard/GlobeTrack Wireless #26 Ford at Infineon Raceway in California. Said is a former winner of the 24 Hours of Daytona and 12 Hours of Sebring road races, and is a former NASCAR Camping World Truck Series winner at the 1.949-mile, 12-turn Infineon track. He earned four of his seven career Sprint Cup top-ten finishes at Infineon, as well as his first career Sprint Cup pole position in 2003. “I’ve been itching to get back behind the wheel, especially at [Infineon],” Said told Vermont Motorsports Magazine on Tuesday. “I’m like a little kid at Christmas when we go there.” Said drove in the season’s first four Sprint Cup Series events for the first-year Latitude 43 Motorsports team, finishing 25th on the lead lap at the Daytona 500. David Stremme took over driving duties at Bristol in March, and the team has shown marked improvement nearly every week since its debut in February. Said said that although he is excited to get back on track, he is mindful of the team’s position; Latitude 43 currently ranks 37th in owner points, and is therefore outside the top-35 and not guaranteed a starting spot at Infineon.
“It could be our best chance at finishing well, but we need to stay realistic,” Said cautioned. “We’re not locked in the field, so we can’t take too many risks. The first goal is to get through [qualifying] Friday and not make any mistakes. We’ll have to stay conservative and get in the race, rather than put a wild setup in the car and try for the pole. We can’t take a chance on spinning out or dropping a wheel off the track. Once we get in the race we can reevaluate our goals.” Said is particularly excited about returning to work with Latitude 43 crew chief Frank Stoddard. “I’ve worked with Frankie for the last six years, and he’s one of the best in the business,” Said said. “Hopefully he can get the car capable of running in the top-ten, that’s my goal. If we can get into the top-ten, then we can readjust and figure out what it would take to have a shot at winning.”
(Vermont Motorsports Magazine)(6-16-2010)

Mears not returning to the #83 after Infineon? UPDATE 3: Sirius NASCAR Radio’s Sirius Speedway with Dave Moody has learned that Casey Mears will not return to the #83 Red Bull Racing Toyota when the series returns to oval tracks at New Hampshire Motor Speedway on June 27. Road course expert Mattias Ekstrom will drive the car this weekend at Infineon Raceway, and no decision has been made on who will fill the seat for the remainder of the season. Mears took over the ride when Brian Vickers was sidelined by blood clots last month at Dover, with a best finish of 22nd and an average finish of 27.5 He finished 36th at Michigan last weekend after becoming involved in a crash with teammate #82-Scott Speed. (Sirius NASCAR Radio’s Sirius Speedway)(6-15-2010)

UPDATE: hearing that Reed Sorenson, currently a part-time Sprint Cup and Nationwide Series driver for Braun Racing [#32 Toyota] is the leading candidate for the #83 ride.(6-16-2010)

UPDATE2: Reed Sorenson will drive the #83 Red Bull Toyota beginning with the June 27 race at New Hampshire Motor Speedway, Red Bull Racing Team announced Wednesday. Sorenson will replace Casey Mears. “Our unique situation has afforded us the opportunity to try some different things, and we’re continuing to do that with Reed,” said Jay Frye, RBRT’s vice president and general manager. “We appreciate Casey’s work and everything he’s done the past five weeks.” Sorenson, 24, made his Sprint Cup debut in October 2005 at Atlanta. He’s made 148 Cup starts — three this season — with five top-five and 14 top-10 finishes. His best season came in 2007 when he earned three top fives and six top 10s, including his first pole at Indianapolis. In May at Dover, Mears began filling in for #83 driver Brian Vickers, who will miss the remainder of the season while he continues to recover from blood clots.(Red Bull Racing)(6-16-2010)

UPDATE 3: “Michigan was really our first legitimate chance to run together,” Mears said of the opportunity to work with [crew chief Jimmy] Elledge. “Right about the time we got into Scott is about the time things started going right. I think we were going in the right direction but we never got the chance to see it to completion.” Mears is keeping his options open. He’s spoken with Tommy Baldwin about a possible return to TBR, where he qualified the #36 Chevrolet 13th at Richmond International Raceway earlier this season and ran in the top 25 all day. “It’s a long year,” Mears said. “Jay said before the season’s out there might be an opportunity to do something again. My best run was with Tommy earlier this year. He’s running ECR (Earnhardt Childress Racing) engines — so there’s good power. I want to do whatever I can.”(FoxSports)(6-16-2010)

Chase format could change?: NASCAR officials are meeting with drivers and team owners to discuss possible changes in the sport, including how the Sprint Cup champion is determined. While NASCAR c hairman Brian France has been careful not to make abrupt modifications to the title Chase since its debut in 2004, it seems as if changes are due. The Chase field expanded from 10 to 12 drivers in 2007. NASCAR also began awarding 10 bonus points that year for each race a driver wins before the Chase. NASCAR can examine the Chase and other topics because of the sense that the racing has improved. So the meetings this past week – some still need to be held – provide NASCAR a chance to discuss the Chase, testing, what to do with Cup drivers in Nationwide Series races and other topics. “They’re certainly looking at the future,” said Jeff Burton, who joined Richard Childress Racing officials in meeting with NASCAR last week. “Every conversation I’ve ever been in with NASCAR, once a year there’s a conversation about the Chase. Does it work? Could it be better? That’s almost an annual conversation.” With the Chase, some of the questions being asked are about the number of competitors, the format and how to determine the champion. When asked about possible changes about how the champion is determined, Mark Martin said he told series officials: “Go for it.” Dale Earnhardt Jr., who also met with series officials last week, said: “I didn’t get a sense that there was a guarantee on any major changes.” Among some of the ideas involving the Chase would be expanding the field. Based on the percentage of teams that make the Chase (27.9 percent of a 43-car field make it), NASCAR trails other pro sports when compared to the percentage of teams that make the playoffs. One suggestion tossed in the meetings is resetting the points for the top drivers heading into the final race.(Virginian Pilot), see past news, riules, comparisons and more on my Chase News page.(6-16-2010)

Race and Commercial Breakdown of the Heluva Good! Sour Cream Dips 400 at Michigan: For those of you NASCAR fans that like stats and love to hate commercials, or wonder how often your driver was focused on, here is the breakdown for Sunday’s race. TNT was the broadcast team for this event.

Total number of commercials: 102

Total number of companies or entities advertised: 60

Total number of brief promos of products/services during the race broadcast: 45

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

End time to record race/commercial periods: 3:53 PM

Total minutes: 173

Minutes of race broadcast: 122

Minutes of commercials: 51

Average minutes of commercials in 30 minutes: 8.8

TV Show average minutes of commercials in 30 minutes: ~8.5

Number of missed restarts: 0 although one came right as the broadcast returned from commercial

Number of ‘mystery cautions’ (debris not shown): 2

Number of rum-selling pirates that popped up occasionally during the race broadcast to remind viewers to drink responsibly (“Captain’s orders!”), and to demonstrate his pit crew capabilities: 1 Captain Morgan

Number of very spirited calls to start the engines: 1 by Adam Sandler and Kevin James

Total race brdcst time 122 Total comm. brdcst time 51

More facts and notes on the Race and Commercial Breakdown for Michigan.(6-16-2010)

Hamlin joins a list:of winners #11-Denny Hamlin’s win at Michigan, is his 5th in the first 15 races of the season. This is the 16th time in NASCAR’s modern era (since 1972) that a driver has won five of the first 15 Sprint Cup series races in a season. All but one of those drivers (David Pearson in 1973, when he didn’t run the full schedule) went on to finish in the top three in points. Hamlin joins this list of drivers with five wins in the first 15 races: Greg Biffle, Jeff Gordon, Rusty Wallace, Dale Earnhardt, Bill Elliott, Darrell Waltrip, Cale Yarborough, David Pearson and Richard Petty.(ESPN)(6-16-2010)

TomTom featured on the #42: TomTom will have a presence on the #42 Target Chevy of Juan Pablo Montoya this weekend at Infineon Raceway as they will be displayed on the rear quarter panels. TomTom portable navigation devices guide drivers with audible, turn-by-turn instructions and 3D maps that work right out of the box. Just recently TomTom announced that the voices of Target Chip Ganassi Racing and Earnhardt Ganassi Racing with Felix Sabates drivers are available for users of TomTom devices. Users that have installed TomTom HOME, can download for free their favourite drivers voices at www.tomtom.com/racevoices.(EGR)(6-16-2010)

Office Depot & 3M team add twist to Small Business of NASCAR deal: Office Depot, the Official Office Products Partner of NASCAR, is teaming up with 3M®, also an Official NASCAR Partner, and Tony Stewart, driver of the #14 Office Depot/Old Spice Chevy, and Greg Biffle, driver of the #16 3M Ford, to put a competitive new twist on its sixth annual “Official Small Business of NASCAR, Courtesy of Office Depot” sweepstakes. This year, two small business owners will be randomly selected as finalists in the sweepstakes, with Stewart and Biffle going head-to-head on the race track to determine their fate during the nationally televised AAA 400 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series race at Dover International Speedway in September. Stewart will carry the name or logo of one small business finalist on his #14 Office Depot/Old Spice Chevy during the AAA 400, while Biffle will feature the name or logo of a second small business finalist on his #16 3M Ford. The small business that appears on the highest-finishing driver’s car will be named the “Official Small Business of NASCAR, Courtesy of Office Depot.” Additionally, if Stewart or Biffle wins the race, the small business featured on the winning car will take home a thrilling $1 million. Both finalists will receive a $10,000 small business makeover from Office Depot* and a VIP race weekend experience for two during the September 24-26 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series™ race weekend at Dover International Speedway.(Office Depot)

The #16 3M Ford and #14 Office Depot Chevy will feature a special rear TV panels at Infineon Raceway this weekend to help promote the launch of the “Official Small Business of NASCAR, Much more info on the sweepstakes on the Racing Contest page.(6-16-2010)

Rookie Notes going into Infineon Raceway: Juan Pablo Montoya won the 2007 Toyota/Save Mart 350 as a Raybestos Rookie at Infineon Raceway. Montoya scored the first victory of his NASCAR Sprint Cup Series career in the race. He is the only Raybestos Rookie winner in 21 previous Sprint Cup races at Infineon Raceway and the only freshman driver to score a top-five finish. Only two Raybestos Rookies have led a lap in 21 previous races at Infineon Raceway: Scott Pruett (twice for 10 laps in 2000) and Juan Pablo Montoya (once for seven laps in 2007) The best start by a Raybestos Rookie at Infineon Raceway is second, shared by Jerry Nadeau (1998) and Tony Stewart (1999). The most recent Raybestos Rookie to win a pole position in the Sprint Cup Series is Patrick Carpentier. Carpentier captured the top starting spot for the 2008 LENOX Industrial Tools 301 at New Hampshire Motor Speedway, 70 races ago.(Camp & Assoc./Raybestos), for more rookie notes, standings, history, past winners, see my 2010 Rookies page.(6-16-2010)

Kurt Busch’s Crew Claims Tissot Pit Road Award in Michigan: Kurt Busch’s crew won the Tissot Pit Road Precision Award in Sunday’s (June 13) Sprint Cup race at Michigan International Speedway. The Tissot weekly competition, which is designed to recognize and award crew members in the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series, has had 12 different winners in the first 15 races of the 2010 season. Busch’s #2 Miller Lite Dodge spent the least amount of time on pit road – 210.809 seconds – during the 200-lap, 400 mile race. Coming in second was Jeff Gordon’s DuPont crew (215.143) followed by Denny Hamlin’s FedEx crew (215.430). Busch’s #2 over-the-wall crew consists of: Jay Hackney (front-tire changer), David Littau (front-tire carrier), Travis Johnson (rear-tire changer), Larry Robinette (rear-tire carrier), Ray Gallaghan (jackman), Chris Williams (gasman), Shaun Rinaman (catch can) and Eric Bailey (windshield). The team’s pit crew coach is Trent Cherry and the crew chief is Steve Addington. The winning pit crew in each Sprint Cup race will earn $5,000 and a Tissot V8 Quartz Chronograph watch. The team with the most Tissot Pit Road Precision Award wins at the completion of the 36-race schedule will receive a $105,000 bonus plus Tissot watches for the over-the-wall crew members and driver. The pit crews for Martin Truex Jr., Matt Kenseth and Jeff Gordon share in a three-way tie in the Tissot standings with two wins each. The pit crews for Martin Truex Jr., Matt Kenseth and Jeff Gordon share in a three-way tie in the Tissot standings with two wins each.(Tissot), for standings, past races, see my 2010 Pit Crew News page(6-16-2010)

U.S. Coast Guard Provides Ceremonial Delivery of NASCAR Trophy: Infineon Raceway received a special delivery on Wednesday, thanks to the United States Coast Guard Air Station San Francisco, the “Guardians of the Golden Gate.” The Coast Guard arranged for safe delivery of the winner’s trophy for this weekend’s Toyota/Save Mart 350 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series race. A Coast Guard MH65C Dolphin helicopter, departing from an unknown location in the Bay Area, landed on the road course on Turn 11 with the trophy safely stored. From there, two raceway handlers, dressed in black suits and wearing white gloves, and David Ragan, driver of the #6 UPS Ford, secured the trophy and stored it in a safe place until Sunday’s race. Mission accomplished. “It was great to take part in this trophy delivery by the United States Coast Guard,” Ragan said. “They do an incredible job for our county and I was happy to be part of this experience. I’m really looking forward to the race on Sunday.” The crewman who hand-carried the trophy from the MH65C Dolphin was AMT2 Bryan Patrick. The pilots of the aircraft were Lt. Lane Steffenhagen and Lt. j.g. Ian Groom. “The Coast Guard is pleased to be recognized by NASCAR and Infineon Raceway as a symbol of safety and security,” said Lt. j.g. Matt Kroll, a pilot at Coast Guard Air Station San Francisco. “Whether it’s saving a life 50 miles offshore or protecting cargo entering the San Francisco Bay, our missions often put us in unique situations. Delivering the Winner’s Trophy today was a great way to put our MH-65C multi-mission helicopter to use in a real life training scenario. The Air Crew was proud to represent the Coast Guard today and looks forward to returning on Sunday for the start of the race.” The Coast Guard will return on Sunday as part of the ceremonial fly-by moments before the green flag is dropped on the Toyota/Save Mart 350. Tickets are $25-$130 single day/$99-$180 weekend; parking is FREE. Discounts for military more information at 800-870-RACE or infineonraceway.com..(6-16-2010)

MIS, Two Men and a Truck deliver food items to CCIS Food Pantry in Brooklyn: Generous race fans answered the call with food and toy donations during the Heluva Good! Sour Cream Dips 400 race weekend, making the first MIS Cares Food and Toy Drive a success. Michigan International Speedway President Roger Curtis and staff members from Two Men and a Truck delivered the food and toy items to the CCIS Food Pantry in Brooklyn, Mich., on Tuesday giving the non-profit organization a much-needed boost for the summer months. MIS Cares also donated $1,000 to the pantry for food and other supplies, and the speedway isn’t done yet. Curtis announced it will participate in the “Fill a Bag, Feed the Hungry” campaign, which will take place in July. “We’re happy to do our part in helping local community organizations like the CCIS Food Pantry in Brooklyn,” Curtis said. “I would personally like to thank all the fans who donated items during the race weekend to help with this effort. The summer months are a difficult time for the food pantry to keep shelves stocked, so MIS is happy to help in whatever way we can.” MIS staff will collect 50 grocery bags of food to donate to the shelter. Paper goods and health and beauty items are also needed. The CCIS Food Pantry is open and accepts donations from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Tuesday and Thursdays. The food pantry is in need of various items including canned fruit, peanut butter and jelly, pasta and canned vegetables. Non-food items needed include paper towels, toilet paper, bar soap and laundry soap. MIS will partner with Two Men and a Truck again for another MIS Cares Food & Toy Drive for the August 13-15 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Show Me the CARFAX race weekend. MIS Cares is also planning another Track Drive for Charity in December, which will benefit the food pantry and Jackson Toys for Tots. MIS tickets are on sale. NASCAR Sprint Cup Series tickets for the CARFAX 400 on August 15 are as low as $25. Visit MISpeedway.com or call the MIS ticket hotline at 800-354-1010.(MIS)(6-16-2010)

Goodyear Tire Test at Atlanta Motor Speedway Underway: With circuits still being turned at Atlanta Motor Speedway, the first hours of a two-day Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company tire test resulted in praise by three NASCAR Sprint Cup Series drivers as Goodyear prepares the ultimate tire for the Speedway’s Labor Day NASCAR night racing weekend. #1-Jamie McMurray, #98-Paul Menard and #39-Ryan Newman are assisting Goodyear with the test and each offered positive comments on the tire and day one of the test. The drivers were unanimous in exclaiming the tire used in March’s Kobalt Tools 500 at Atlanta Motor Speedway was among the best-ever raced at the track in recent years. However, tire temperatures remained a concern during that race. While day one of a Goodyear test can be revealing, Newman explained that much of the day was spent setting base conditions for further examination during the test’s second day. Testing will continue through 10:00pm/et Tuesday night and is scheduled to continue on Wednesday at Atlanta Motor Speedway. The event is closed to the public.
The biggest Labor Day party in the USA is at Atlanta Motor Speedway on Labor Day weekend, as the NASCAR Sprint Cup stars head to the high banks for night racing on Sept. 4 and 5. For more information or to purchase tickets, call (770) 946-4211, (877) 9-AMS-TIX, or visit www.atlantamotorspeedway.com.(Atlanta Motor Speedway)(6-15-2010)

Mears not returning to the #83 after Infineon? Sirius NASCAR Radio’s Sirius Speedway with Dave Moody has learned that Casey Mears will not return to the #83 Red Bull Racing Toyota when the series returns to oval tracks at New Hampshire Motor Speedway on June 27. Road course expert Mattias Ekstrom will drive the car this weekend at Infineon Raceway, and no decision has been made on who will fill the seat for the remainder of the season. Mears took over the ride when Brian Vickers was sidelined by blood clots last month at Dover, with a best finish of 22nd and an average finish of 27.5 He finished 36th at Michigan last weekend after becoming involved in a crash with teammate #82-Scott Speed. (Sirius NASCAR Radio’s Sirius Speedway)(6-15-2010)

Helton interview on Race Hub: NASCAR President Mike Helton taped a segment earlier today for tonight’s NASCAR Race Hub on SPEED (7:30 pm/et). Among the topics he discussed – the late-race caution from Sunday’s NASCAR Sprint Cup Series race at Michigan and the apparent escalation of on-track confrontations between drivers. Below are a few select quotes from tonight’s show:

NASCAR Race Hub: Can you clarify the circumstances behind the last caution (of the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series race from Michigan)?

Mike Helton: “It was a debris caution. I’m not sure what beyond the circumstances of that you might be asking … and I heard a little bit of the chatter after the race was over with. The fact of the matter on a caution … it doesn’t matter if its lap 10 or lap 190 of 200, the first and foremost concern we have is for the safety of the drivers. Through the course of an event, we’ll get input – sometimes it comes from the drivers, sometimes it comes from the observers that we’ve got around the race track, sometimes it comes from one of the 18 or 20 cameras that we have access to through the control tower of the event. When someone, on a piece of debris, which is unique from an engine that blows up and drops oil, or an accident that is obvious to fans and to other drivers … when someone tells us about a piece of debris, more often than not, we can quantify whether its there or its not, and if it is there, we can quantify what it is, based on the things that I mentioned that we have access to. If there is any doubt, though, we are going to call a debris caution. If we see something and cannot tell what it is, we’re going to err on the side of safety. But there is always something there when we have a debris caution. A lot of times, we’re told there is debris on the race track, that we don’t throw it because we can’t find it anywhere.”

NASCAR Race Hub: Your colleague, NASCAR VP of Competition Robin Pemberton, said “Have at it boys” before the season started. Whether it’s been a coincidence or not, there have been a lot issues between drivers on the track this year. Is it just coincidence and do you expect it to continue into the second half of the season?

Mike Helton: “I think it’s not just coincidence. I think it’s an attitude that the drivers and the teams now believe in. A couple of years ago, we told them, ‘Look, loosen up … be your own character. We’ll back off of some of the regulations that we had imposed on you that may have intimidated you. We don’t want that to happen.’ This year, we got even more precise about it. We told the guys in private meetings and in the town hall meetings we held in January, ‘Hey, we were serious about that a couple of years ago. We want the character of the sport to be there through you and through the crewmembers up and down pit road.’ So, I think that a lot of it has to do with the confidence of us looking them in the face and saying, ‘It’s OK to be you out there … we’re not going to react like we might have three or four years ago.’ Now, there is a line you can cross, but we want you to get at it. We want you to race at the level that you expected to race at when you came into the sport. And I think that is what we are seeing on the race track right now.” To see the complete interview, please tune in tonight to NASCAR Race Hub on SPEED.(6-15-2010)

Kahne to the #09 car in 2011? UPDATE 3: Hendrick Motorsports and James Finch are working on a partnership to put Kasey Kahne in the #09 Chevy for 2011. Multiple sources indicate the deal could be completed within the next few weeks. Hendrick will not be allowed to own the car under NASCAR’s four-team rule, leaving Finch in the position of ownership, although engines and chassis would continue to come from Hendrick. Once completed, the partnership solves the HMS dilemma of where to put Kahne next season. Signed to take over the #5 Chevy in 2012, Kahne leaves RPM at the end of the year but Hendrick already has four signed drivers — Mark Martin, Dale Earnhardt, Jr., Jeff Gordon and Jimmie Johnson — under contract for 2011. Stewart-Haas Racing was the first option for Kahne, but sources claim sponsorship and financial constraints for that team have made such a move impossible.

Instead, the partnership with Phoenix Racing is a compromise solution. Under a one-year deal, Kahne will be installed with a single-car team that gives him the opportunity to continue running full-time. Here’s the kicker: once Kahne moves to HMS, sources claim the man he’s replacing, Mark Martin, may be interested in purchasing the Phoenix team for 2012 as he scales back his driving career. Spokesmen on both sides have denied a deal is in the works. According to Hendrick spokesman Jesse Essex, “Our position with regard to 2011 has not changed. We continue to be open to various options, and nothing has been determined at this time.” The 51-year-old Martin also remains uncommitted to his future beyond 2011.”(Sports Illustrated)(6-11-2010)

UPDATE: Kasey Kahne said he’s still unsure where he’ll drive next season, even with a report on Sports Illustrated’s Web site that states he could be driving for James Finch’s single-car team next season. “I’ve never even heard of that until just now,” Kahne said Friday at Michigan International Speedway. “There’s so many teams that have talked to Mr. Hendrick about ‘Could we do this? Could we try this? Could we do this?’ ” Kahne said. “There’s a lot of them in the garage area trying to work something out with myself.”(Roanoke Times)(6-12-2010)

UPDATE 2: There’s some pretty big racing news concerning Lynn Haven’s James Finch who is working on a way to run a full cup schedule next season with his Phoenix team! Finch who last April, scored his only Cup victory with Brad Kesolowski handling the wheel in Talladega, says he’s talking with Rick Hendrick of Hendrick Motorsports about putting driver Kasey Kahne into the #09 Phoenix car for a fulltime Cup season in 2011. Kahne needs a seat, and if Hendrick and Kahne can help Phoenix racing attact a big time sponsor, it just might all fit together and help Finch realize his lifelong dream of running fulltime on the Cup circuit. Finchsays his Nationwide team will run about 8 more races this season, with Ryan Newman driving. Finch says that team remains up for sale, but because of the economy, and how tough it is to find sponsors, he’s not getting many serious bids for that team.(wjhg.com / NASCAR Examiner)(6-15-2010)

HOWEVER: another article says……Finch said on Tuesday he has not spoken with Rick Hendrick in regards to fielding a car for Kahne. Finch, who was fishing off the coast of Panama City, said reports of Kahne driving for Phoenix Racing came “straight from the Sports Illustrated story” and no one had reached him for comment.
“I’d like to do it, but I have not been contacted by Rick or anyone else at Hendrick Motorsports about Kasey Kahne,” Finch said. “We are fielding a car for Jan Magnussen this weekend at Sonoma with sponsorship from Hendrickcars.com. But I won’t be there.” Finch said he read a story where the scenario was a surprise to Kahne as well. Finch says he has plans to go fishing with Hendrick in the next few weeks, but “there’s nothing to (the story) as of yet.”(FoxSports)(6-15-2010)

Sad News – Les Richter: Les Richter, twice a key force in establishing big-league auto racing in Southern California after a career as an all-pro linebacker with the Los Angeles Rams, died Saturday. He was 79. Richter died at Riverside Community Hospital after suffering a brain aneurysm Friday, said his son, Jon. Richter first led Riverside International Raceway, a twisty road-racing course east of Los Angeles, to national prominence largely by bringing NASCAR there in the early 1960s.
After that track closed in 1988, he helped supervise development of Auto Club Speedway, the 92,000-seat Fontana track initially called California Speedway that opened in 1997 and now hosts two top-level NASCAR races a year. Richter was an influential motor sports figure nationally even though he never drove a race car or turned a wrench, one whose football background earned him the nickname “Coach.”

“Les Richter will be missed by the entire NASCAR community and always remembered for all he did for the sport on all levels,” NASCAR Chairman and CEO Brian France said in a statement. In promoting Auto Club Speedway’s construction, for instance, the track’s original owner, Roger Penske, tapped Richter to meet with politicians and answer the public’s questions at town hall meetings. In addition to his son Jon, he is survived by his wife, Marilyn; a daughter, Anne; and three grandchildren.(see full story at the Los Angeles Times)(6-12-2010)

SERVICES: Funeral arrangements for motorsports legend Les “Coach” Richter will take place in Riverside, Calif. beginning Wednesday, June 16 with a public viewing at Acheson and Graham Mortuary followed by a public memorial service at Calvary Presbyterian Church on Thursday, June 17. The veteran motorsports executive was instrumental in the development of Auto Club Speedway from the demolition of Kaiser Steel Mill to its transformation into a first-class racing facility. He passed away Saturday at the age of 79. The funeral arrangements for Les Richter are as follows:

Public Viewing

Wednesday, June 16, 2010 between 5 – 8 p.m.

Acheson and Graham Mortuary

7944 Magnolia Ave.

Riverside, CA 92504

Ph: (951) 688-1221

Public Memorial Service

Thursday, June 17,2010 at 11 a.m.

Calvary Presbyterian Church

4495 Magnolia Ave.

Riverside, CA 92504

Ph: (951) 686-0761

Media and members of the community are invited to the viewing and memorial services.

Sawyer parts ways with Red Bull Racing: Elton Sawyer will part ways with Red Bull Racing, effective Monday. Sawyer, 50, who was hired as the competition director for the start-up company more than four years ago, was told of his fate last Thursday. Sawyer says that on Monday both parties agreed that this would be his last week. Sawyer is uncertain of his next career move. He was testing with Red Bull development driver Cole Whitt on Tuesday at Rockingham and will accompany Mattias Ekstrom to Sonoma this weekend as the Swede acquaints himself on the 1.99-mile road course in the NASCAR K&N Pro Series West race prior to making his Sprint Cup debut in the 83 Red Bull Toyota on Sunday. Sawyer competed in the Busch Series (now the Nationwide Series) from 1983 until 2002. The Chesapeake, Va., native won races at Myrtle Beach and New Hampshire while driving Fords for Akin-Sutton and finished a career-best fifth in the points standings in three different seasons.
Sawyer also ran 29 Cup races between 1995 and 1996. His best finish came at Talladega, where he finished 14th driving a Junior Johnson Ford.(FoxSports)(6-15-2010)

Montoya to be Presented with National Fatherhood Initiative Award: Earnhardt Ganassi Racing with Felix Sabates announced driver Juan Pablo Montoya will receive the National Fatherhood Initiative Award for successfully balancing his busy racing career with the needs of his children and family. The award presentation will take place on Sunday, June 20 during the prerace festivities at Infineon Raceway. Juan Pablo Montoya and wife Connie have been married for eight years and reside in Miami. Together they have two children, Sebastian age 5, and Paulina age 3. The Montoya’s are also expecting their third child, a baby boy, in mid-July. When not in his #42 Target Chevrolet, he spends as much time as possible with his family on vacation, in the motorhome at the race track, and even makes it a habit to take his son, Sebastian to school every time he is back home.(Earnhardt Ganassi Racing)(6-15-2010)

“Praying for Karson” Toyota to run at Infineon: PRISM Motorsports will welcome Michael Waltrip back behind the wheel of the #55 for the fourth time this season at Infineon Raceway on Sunday, June 20. Racing for a special cause, the PRISM Motorsports machine Waltrip will pilot has a unique paint scheme thanks to the Toyota Racing “Sponsafy Your Ride Contest” and the grand prize winner, Fay Knape of Danbury, Texas. The contest focused on fans creating their own special paint schemes, with the winner’s design to be featured on the PRISM Motorsports NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Toyota Camry. Over 77,500 fans submitted designs in the contest, and fans cast more than one million votes for their favorite. From the top nine popular votes, the top five finalists were chosen by a panel of Toyota executives and NASCAR personalities. The winning artwork honors Knape’s one-year-old grandson, Karson, who was born with Neuroendocrine Cell Hyperplasia in Infancy (NEHI), a rare lung disease. “Praying for Karson”, Knape’s design, features highlights of the outdoors where she hopes her grandson can one day play without his oxygen tank that he is required to wear for his condition. Waltrip previously raced for PRISM at Bristol Motor Speedway and Talladega Superspeedway, where he led two different times for four laps before his day was cut short as a result of crash damage from a lap 84 incident on the front stretch. For the running of the Aaron’s 499 at Talladega, Waltrip ran with a special paint scheme in celebration of Aaron’s 55th year in business.(PRISM Motorsports)(6-15-2010)

Ash to attempt Infineon: #02-Brandon Ash Racing will be attempting to qualify at Infineon Raceway, Start Natural Energy Drink will sponsor Ash and his team this weekend.(PR)(6-15-2010)

Bay Area Jet Team Takes to perform at Infineon Raceway: Race fans will be treated to one of the best air shows on the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series circuit at the Toyota/Save Mart 350 on Sunday, June 20 (Father’s Day). The Patriots Jet Demonstration Team, the nation’s only civilian aerobatic jet team, will highlight the festivities for a 5th consecutive year with gloss black Aero L-39 Albatros jets and signature red, white and blue smoke trails. The Patriots, based in Bryon in East Contra Costa County, will utilize four of these jets in the show on Sunday of NASCAR weekend. You can catch their electrifying 25-minute show in the skies above the raceway at 10:30 am/pt. Race fans will witness maneuvers such as the Diamond Loop and Roll, the Opposing Knife Edge Pass and a maneuver usually reserved for propeller aircraft, the Tail Slide. The Patriots are the only jet team to perform the Tail Slide, where the jet will stand on its tail and fly skyward until running out of airspeed so that it falls tail-first through its own smoke trail. The jets were developed in the Czech Republic for military use and can reach speeds in excess of 500 miles per hour. The Patriots are owned by Discovery Bay resident Randy Howell. Howell flew for United Airlines for 25 years and had 10 years of air show and Reno Air Racing experience before cancer grounded him (he is in remission). The team features several pilots led by lead pilot Dean “Wilbur” Wright, a Grass Valley native and 20-year Air Force veteran who served as a fighter pilot and toured with the United States Air Force Thunderbirds. The Patriots are sponsored by Frys.com and Hot Line Construction and take part in about 12 shows each year across the country.(Infineon Raceway)(6-15-2010)

USA World Cup Title means $1 NASCAR tickets: Once every four years Americans and the entire world get swept up in World Cup fever and this year NASCAR fans will want to pay extra close attention to the results. If the United States can win its first World Cup title since 1950, a limited number of general admission tickets for the Heluva Good! Sour Cream Dips at The Glen, August 5-8, will be only $1 – that’s right $1! In the event of an US tournament victory, a total of 2,010 tickets will be made available for purchase (4 per customer) and be ordered by calling 866-461-RACE. FIFA has the United States ranked #14 in the world going into the 2010 World Cup. The World Cup Championship Game will be taking place on July 11, a game all NASCAR and WGI fans will undoubtedly be hoping includes the United States! Tickets for the entire 2010 season including the Heluva Good! Sour Cream Dips at The Glen, August 5-8, and Camping World Grand Prix at The Glen, July 2-4, weekends are on sale now! Fans can purchase tickets by calling the Watkins Glen International ticket office at 866-461-RACE (7223) or logging on to the official website, www.TheGlen.com.(WGI)(6-15-2010)

The Entry List for the Toyota/Save Mart 350 Sprint Cup Series race at Infineon Raceway is posted, 46 teams/drivers [for 43 spots] are listed, including:

Mattias Ekström takes over the #83 for Casey Mears; Gilliland in the #38 with Kvapil to the #37

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

#02-Brandon Ash (53rd owners pts/1 attempt)

#07-P.J. Jones (none)

#09-Jan Magnussen (2009 race winner as owner)(41/15)

#13-Max Papis (39/15)

#26-Boris Said (2009 race winner as owner)(37/15)

#36-Brian Simo (38/15)

#38-David Gilliland (36/15)

#46-J.J. Yeley (42/15)

#55-Michael Waltrip (44/15)

#66-Dave Blaney (43/15)

#87-Joe Nemechek (40/15)

In the event qualifying is rained out or cancelled:

the eight who would make it [8]: #’s 26,09,38,36,13,87,46,66

missing the race would be [3]: #’s 55,02,07

See the full entry list at my Jayski’s Infineon Entry List.(6-14-2010)

Michigan Facts & Notes:

• Denny Hamlin won the Heluva Good! Sour Cream Dips 400 at Michigan International Speedway. It was Hamlin’s 13th Cup victory in his 166th race. He ranks 51st all time in series wins, tied with Tim Richmond and Dick Rathmann.

• It was Hamlin’s first Michigan win in nine races there and his third straight top-10 finish at MIS.

• It was Hamlin’s fifth Cup win in 2010, most among all drivers.

• Hamlin led four times for 123 laps, including the final 22. He led the most laps for the 15th time in his 166-race career. He led in 11 of the 15 series races in 2010.

• Joe Gibbs Racing posted its 84th Cup victory and fifth win at Michigan.

• Toyota posted its seventh win in 2010, leading all teams; Chevrolet has six, Dodge has two and Ford remains winless.

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

• Kasey Kahne (second) scored his best finish in 2010 (previous best was fourth at Atlanta).

• Kurt Busch (third) scored his ninth top-10 finish in 2010.

• Jeff Gordon (fourth) posted top-5 finishes in his last three Michigan races.

• Tony Stewart (fifth) scored his third top-10 finish in the past four races in 2010.

• Jimmie Johnson (sixth) scored his first top-10 finish in his past four Michigan races. Johnson ended a seven-race streak of leading at least one lap at Michigan.

• Dale Earnhardt Jr. (seventh) scored his first top-10 finish in the past seven races.

• Points leader Kevin Harvick finished 19th, and second-place Kyle Busch finished 20th.

• Ryan Newman (32nd) extended a 12-race streak without a top-10 finish at Michigan.

• Carl Edwards finished 12th in his 200th consecutive Cup start, extending a streak that began at Martinsville in October 2004. Edwards ended a seven-race streak of top-10 finishes at Michigan.(ESPN)(6-14-2010)

Win 193 for #11: #11-Denny Hamlin’s win in the Heluva Good! Sour Cream Dips 400 Sprint Cup Series race at Michigan International Speedway was car #11’s 193rd win in the Sprint Cup Series. Second all-time in Sprint Cup Series history for a car number. #43, which has 198 wins in 2261 Sprint Cup races is the leader, 3rd is the #3 at 97 wins. See more on my Wins by Car Number page.(6-14-2010)

Legendary 49er Roger Craig Named Grand Marshall at Infineon: Legendary San Francisco 49ers running back Roger Craig has been named Grand Marshall of the Toyota/Save Mart 350 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series weekend, June 18-20. Craig, who helped guide the 49ers to three Super Bowl victories, will be honored on Friday, June 18, at the
Children’s Champions Grand Marshall’s Banquet at beautiful Cline Cellars in Sonoma. The gala is a fundraiser for the Sonoma Chapter of Speedway Children’s Charities. He will also take part in pre-race activities on Sunday, including participating in the official command of, “Gentlemen, Start Your Engines.”(Infineon Raceway)(6-14-2010)

HLN’s Robin Meade to Perform National Anthem at Infineon: Robin Meade, the anchor for the highly-popular “Morning Express with Robin Meade” on HLN, will perform the national anthem for Toyota/Save Mart 350 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series race at Infineon Raceway on Father’s Day, June 20. Meade, a NASCAR fan, joined HLN in 2001 and has quickly become one of the most recognizable anchors on the network. In addition to “Morning Express with Robin Meade,” she anchored the network’s coverage of the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan, as well as the inauguration of President Barack Obama in January, 2009. She also performed a tandem skydive with President George Herbert Walker Busch to commemorate his 85th birthday. Tickets are $25-$130 single day/$99-$180 weekend; parking is FREE. Discounts for military more information at 800-870-RACE or infineonraceway.com..(6-14-2010)

Pocono looks to make fixes: Robin Pemberton, NASCAR vice president of competition, said Pocono Raceway officials are looking at possible safety improvements in light of last weekend’s crash by Kasey Kahne, where he nearly climbed over a cement wall that had no catchfence above it.(Roanoke Times)(6-14-2010)

2011: Kansas 2nd date? Kentucky may not go Cup? No word yet on NASCAR’s 2011 tour schedule. But that new second Cup weekend proposed for Kansas City, with the opening of that new casino just outside the first turn, has some stock car racing promoters wondering – perhaps sweating out — just where that Cup date will come from. With the NASCAR Cup tour already working 38 weeks a season, no one expects CEO Brian France to add a 39th week for Kansas. Rather that that new race will have to come at the expense of one of the France family’s current International Speedway Corp. (ISC) tracks. ISC runs 19 Sprint Cup events at its 12 tracks: Daytona, California, Martinsville, Phoenix, Talladega, Richmond, Darlington, Michigan, Chicagoland, Watkins Glen, Kansas and Homestead-Miami. The ISC track losing a week for that second Kansas race? Michigan president Roger Curtis insists that it won’t be his, that this track will continue to host two Cup events. Curtis, who took the reins here in 2006, has just cut the ribbon on a huge new array of pit road suites and infield-to-grandstand pedestrian tunnel, part of some $55 million in capital improvement projects, including a new scoreboard, new sound system, better infield drainage, and 23,000 more grandstand seats. (Here’s Curtis talking about his ‘infield project: http://bit.ly/c17XTV ) And Curtis says NASCAR officials want him next to start rebuilding the garage area itself, which really hasn’t been greatly improved in years.

But Bruton Smith, who runs rival Speedway Motorsports (SMI), may be backing away from pushing for a Cup weekend in 2011 at his Kentucky Speedway, which hosted Saturday night’s Nationwide 300 (to a less than 72,000-capacity crowd). Smith, to move a Cup date to Kentucky, would also likely have to cut a Cup weekend from one of his seven tracks [Atlanta, Bristol, Charlotte, Infineon, Las Vegas, New Hampshire and Texas] current tracks that host 12 races.(MikeMulhern.net)(6-14-2010)

Denny Hamlin wins Michigan: #11-Denny Hamlin won the Heluva Good! Sour Cream Dips 400 Sprint Cup Series race at Michigan International Speedway for his 5th win of 2010 [leads in wins], 1st at Michigan, 2nd in a row and 13th win of his career. #9-Kahne finished 2nd, followed by #2-Busch, #24-Gordon. #14-Stewart, #48-Johnson [still has not won a race at MIS], #88-Earnhardt Jr., #31-Burton, #16-Biffle and #20-Logano. Points leader #29-Harvick finished 19th and maintains the points lead over #18-Busch, now up to a 22 point lead. #18-Busch, who had to start at the rear after an engine change, finished 20th.

There were 14 lead changes among 9 drivers and only 4 cautions for 14 yellow flag laps. The attendence was reported at 95,000, up from 90,000 last year

See race results, awards, laps led and more on Jayski’s Michigan Race Results/Awards page.(6-13-2010)

2010 Sprint Cup Driver Championship Points Standings:

[after Michigan, race 15 of 36]:

rank, car#, driver, points, behind

1) #29-Kevin Harvick [1 win], 2169

2) #18-Kyle Busch [2 wins], 2147, -22

3) #11-Denny Hamlin [5 wins], 2122, -47

4) #2-Kurt Busch [2 wins], 2051, -118

5) #17-Matt Kenseth, 2019, -150

6) #48-Jimmie Johnson [3 wins], 1999, -170

7) #24-Jeff Gordon, 1987, -182

8) #31-Jeff Burton, 1945, -224

9) #16-Greg Biffle, 1865, -304

10) #99-Carl Edwards, 1856, -313

11) #14-Tony Stewart, 1840, -329

12) #5-Mark Martin, 1826, -343, +43 ahead of 13th

Chase for the Sprint Cup – Contenders:

13) #33-Clint Bowyer, 1783, 43 points out of the chase

14) #88-Dale Earnhardt Jr, 1745, -81

15) #39-Ryan Newman [1 win], 1735, -91

16) #56-Martin Truex Jr., 1733, -93

2009 Chase Drivers not in top 16

20) #42-Juan Pablo Montoya, 1637, -189

21) #9-Kasey Kahne, 1621, -205

31) #83-Brian Vickers, 1158 [out season with illness]

See drivers championship points standings on Jayski’s Drivers Points Standings page.(6-13-2010)

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

No changes, #38-Kvapil gains a point on #7-Gordon bur is still out of the top 35.

32) #34-Conway/Front Row: 1112, +117

33) #37-Gilliland/Front Row: 1109, +114

34) #71-Labonte/TRG: 1109, +114

35) #7-Gordon/RGM: 1060, 65 points ahead of 36th

these teams/ drivers must qualify by speed:

36) #38-Kvapil/Front Row: 995, 65 points out of the top 35

37) #26-Stremme/Latitude43: 982, -78

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

For the owner points standings, see my Owners Points Standings page.(6-13-2010)

added from Michigan #09 Chevy, #1 GE Reveal, #7 Speedfactory.tv, #18 M&M’s Pretzel, #21 Fordparts.com, #26 Air Guard, #36 TBR Yellow, #46 Promise Villiage Motorsports, #47 Clorox, #55 Prism Motorsports and #64 Gunselman

Ford to switch to Mustang in 2011? NASCAR is expected to change the shape of the front bumper on all Sprint Cup cars for the 2011 season to help improve brand identity for its auto manufacturers. For Ford, that could eventually lead to a change in what nameplate it puts on its car, with a possible move from the Fusion currently being used to the Mustang. But first, Ford officials want to see how the changes affect the front of the Cup car. NASCAR Vice President Robin Pemberton said Friday the sanctioning body is close to approving the final specifications for the new front bumper. The change will be in the bottom half of the bumper, which currently has a rectangular indentation where the bottom half does not stick out as far as the top half. The new front bumper will be more curved, and the change would eliminate the need for the front splitter braces because much of that area of empty space will now be part of the new curved lower half. “We’re working on it – we’re close on that,” Pemberton said. “It’s just time for a style change. We’ve been working on it for about a year now. We’re working on [the brand identity] with the manufacturers.” Some of what is being changed to the Cup car is being used on the new Nationwide car, which is going to be run for four races in 2010 and then full-time in 2011. Ford and Dodge are introducing muscle-car nameplates (Mustang and Challenger) in conjunction with the new Nationwide car. Toyota and Chevrolet are keeping the Camry and Impala nameplates. Ford Racing’s North America Motorsports Director Jamie Allison said Thursday that if everything goes well in implementing the Mustang into the Nationwide Series, as well as the changes to the front bumper of the Cup car, he would consider changing the Ford nameplate for Cup to Mustang. “We want to see more brand identity in the cars,” Allison said Thursday during an event at the Henry Ford Museum near Detroit. “We’ve been asking NASCAR because we’ve liked what transpired in the Nationwide.” The manufacturers seem ready for the change and have run testing with the cars in simulation and wind tunnels.(SceneDaily)(6-11-2010)

UPDATE: The Sprint Cup car is about to lose its braces. Beginning with the 2011 season, NASCAR vice president of competition Robin Pemberton said a new front valance and splitter combination should eliminate the need for the braces that hold the splitter in place under the current design. “It will be less utilitarian-looking,” Pemberton said. “It’ll have a little more style in it, and I think people will like that. As we work forward, that’s not the last change. We’re looking on some stuff that actually has to coincide with the manufacturers and their introduction of new cars to sell.” Pemberton said the current design, introduced in 2007, is due for an upgrade. And with the implementation of the new Nationwide Series chassis this season, NASCAR’s research and development team went to work on trying to add some pizzazz — and manufacturer identity — to the Cup cars. Replacing the unpopular rear wing with the spoiler was the first step, according to Pemberton. So what will the new front bumper look like? According to Pemberton, it’ll incorporate a lot of the Nationwide design. That could mean more changes to make the current generic chassis a little more manufacturer-specific, Pemberton said, perhaps as early as 2012 or ’13.(NASCAR.com), see the Nationwide Series COT and the ‘splitter’ on the Nationwide Series COT page.(6-13-2010)

Gordon’s web channel featured on car: Robby Gordon’s Speed Factory is a web based reality show that features the inside look at Robby Gordon Motorsports and it’s day-to-day operations and will be featured on the #7 Toyota at Michigan.(Planet Robby), see images of the car/scheme on my #7 Team Schemes page.(6-13-2010)

Servicemaster Clean by the Numbers for Michigan:

2 – fewest cars finishing on the lead lap in a Sprint Cup race at MIS (5 times, most recent 6/15/75)

3 – races at Michigan International Speedway have been run without a caution (most recent 6/13/99)

6 of the 14 Sprint Cup races this season have been extended beyond the scheduled distance following a late ServiceMaster Clean caution

10 Service Master Clean jet dryers available for use this weekend at MIS

16 Sprint Cup drivers have won from the pole at MIS; 52 from a top-five starting position

13 – most ServiceMaster Clean cautions for a Sprint Cup race this season (Martinsville)

10 – most ServiceMaster Clean cautions for a Sprint Cup race at MIS (8/20/06)

31 different Sprint Cup winners at MIS

81 NASCAR Sprint Cup races at MIS since 1969

118 ServiceMaster Cautions in the first 14 Sprint Cup events this season

120 minutes the minimum amount of time it takes to dry the 2.0-mile MIS track following a significant rainfall

635 of 4,757 laps completed in the first 14 Cup races this year have been under a ServiceMaster caution

820.439 of 6,210.670 miles completed this season in the 14 Sprint Cup races have been under a ServiceMaster Clean caution

4,500 ServiceMaster Clean franchise locations around the world.(ServiceMaster)(6-13-2010)

Warfield Returns To The NASCAR PR staff: NASCAR has announced that Scott Warfield has been named Senior Manager, NASCAR and NASCAR Media Group Public Relations. Warfield will be tasked with overseeing public relations for the Charlotte office with a focus on NASCAR Media Group and NASCAR’s media partners. Warfield had previously been a member of NASCAR PR from 2006-07, in the role of Manager of Public Relations, Charlotte Division, before joining Motorsports Authentics from 2007-09 as Director of Marketing, Media and PR. Most recently, Warfield ran his own PR consulting firm, Sports Biz Communications. Prior to originally joining NASCAR, Warfield was with the Sports Business Journal, where he had been staff writer since May 2004, covering motorsports and Major League Soccer. Prior to SBJ, he wrote for Triangle Business Journal, based in Raleigh, N.C.(NASCAR PR)(6-13-2010)

Race Coverage of the Heluva Good! Sour Cream Dips 400 Sprint Cup Series race at Michigan International Speedway is scheduled for Sunday, June 13, 2010.

Television (TV): TNT at 1:00 pm/et; pre-race show at 12:00 pm/et; green flag approx 1:16pm/et

Radio: Motor Racing Network (MRN) only on NASCAR.com and Sirius XM Satellite NASCAR Radio 128

Scheduled Race Re-Airs:

SPEED, Wednesday, June 16 at 12:00pm/et

Pit Stall Selections – Michigan: The selections of pit stalls for the Heluva Good! Sour Cream Dips 400 Sprint Cup Series race at Michigan International Speedway have been made. Pole sitter #2-Busch chose pit stall 1 [as do most pole sitters].

Outside pole sitter #1-McMurray took pit stall 23, the first with an opening in front of it [after the 1st stall of course].

#48-Johnson , who starts 3rd took the 22nd pit stall, the first stall with an opening in back of it.

The 43rd and final pit stall was taken by #24-Gordon, who starts 6th.

To see where all the drivers/teams pit stall is, see the pit selection chart on the Dover Pit Stall Selection chart.(6-12-2010)

Happy Hour practice for the Heluva Good! Sour Cream Dips 400 Sprint Cup Series at Michigan International Speedway is over, after 60 scheduled minutes, the fastest, slowest, notes:

#48-Johnson 183.795

#98-Menard 183.113

#11-Hamlin 182.644

#24-Gordon 182.426

#29-Harvick 182.315

slowest: #64-Bodine 174.069 & #34-Conway 175.601

incident: #33-Bowyer smacked the wall and did damage to the right side of the car and will go to a backup car.

Dave Blaney, who failed to qualify for the race, helped Mex Papis out and took the #13 Toyota out fore a few laps.

See fastest speeds, average speeds and laps run on my Michigan Practice Speeds Page.(6-12-2010)

Saturday’s 1st practice for the Heluva Good! Sour Cream Dips 400 Sprint Cup Series at Michigan International Speedway is over, after 45 scheduled minutes, the fastest, slowest, notes:

#98-Menard 185.452

#99-Edwards 184.938

#31-Burton 184.814

#48-Johnson 184.691

#24-Gordon 184.549

slowest: #34-Conway 175.379 & #09-Cassill 177.545

See fastest speeds, average speeds and laps run on my Michigan Practice Speeds Page.(6-12-2010)

No plans for a third SHR team in 2011: Bobby Hutchens, competition director for Stewart-Haas Racing, said that he had a personal deadline of June 1 for expanding to three teams for next season. “I think anything past June 1, trying to put something together, unfortunately, could distract these two teams and I don’t want that to happen,” Hutchens said. “If we’re doing something, we need to be moving pretty fast.” Hutchens said there’s been “pretty much zero” conversations about adding a third team for next season within the last month. Hutchens did say that if a decision was made much later to add a third team, it still could be done.(Roanoke Times)(6-12-2010)

Kahne to the #09 car in 2011? UPDATE Kahne knows nothing: Hendrick Motorsports and James Finch are working on a partnership to put Kasey Kahne in the #09 Chevy for 2011. Multiple sources indicate the deal could be completed within the next few weeks. Hendrick will not be allowed to own the car under NASCAR’s four-team rule, leaving Finch in the position of ownership, although engines and chassis would continue to come from Hendrick. Once completed, the partnership solves the HMS dilemma of where to put Kahne next season. Signed to take over the #5 Chevy in 2012, Kahne leaves RPM at the end of the year but Hendrick already has four signed drivers — Mark Martin, Dale Earnhardt, Jr., Jeff Gordon and Jimmie Johnson — under contract for 2011. Stewart-Haas Racing was the first option for Kahne, but sources claim sponsorship and financial constraints for that team have made such a move impossible.

Instead, the partnership with Phoenix Racing is a compromise solution. Under a one-year deal, Kahne will be installed with a single-car team that gives him the opportunity to continue running full-time. Here’s the kicker: once Kahne moves to HMS, sources claim the man he’s replacing, Mark Martin, may be interested in purchasing the Phoenix team for 2012 as he scales back his driving career. Spokesmen on both sides have denied a deal is in the works. According to Hendrick spokesman Jesse Essex, “Our position with regard to 2011 has not changed. We continue to be open to various options, and nothing has been determined at this time.” The 51-year-old Martin also remains uncommitted to his future beyond 2011.”(Sports Illustrated)(6-11-2010)

UPDATE: Kasey Kahne said he’s still unsure where he’ll drive next season, even with a report on Sports Illustrated’s Web site that states he could be driving for James Finch’s single-car team next season. “I’ve never even heard of that until just now,” Kahne said Friday at Michigan International Speedway. “There’s so many teams that have talked to Mr. Hendrick about ‘Could we do this? Could we try this? Could we do this?’ ” Kahne said. “There’s a lot of them in the garage area trying to work something out with myself.”(Roanoke Times)(6-12-2010)

Sad News – Les Richter: Les Richter, twice a key force in establishing big-league auto racing in Southern California after a career as an all-pro linebacker with the Los Angeles Rams, died Saturday. He was 79. Richter died at Riverside Community Hospital after suffering a brain aneurysm Friday, said his son, Jon. Richter first led Riverside International Raceway, a twisty road-racing course east of Los Angeles, to national prominence largely by bringing NASCAR there in the early 1960s.
After that track closed in 1988, he helped supervise development of Auto Club Speedway, the 92,000-seat Fontana track initially called California Speedway that opened in 1997 and now hosts two top-level NASCAR races a year. Richter was an influential motor sports figure nationally even though he never drove a race car or turned a wrench, one whose football background earned him the nickname “Coach.”

“Les Richter will be missed by the entire NASCAR community and always remembered for all he did for the sport on all levels,” NASCAR Chairman and CEO Brian France said in a statement. In promoting Auto Club Speedway’s construction, for instance, the track’s original owner, Roger Penske, tapped Richter to meet with politicians and answer the public’s questions at town hall meetings. In addition to his son Jon, he is survived by his wife, Marilyn; a daughter, Anne; and three grandchildren.(see full story at the Los Angeles Times)(6-12-2010)

Sponsor for Yeley at MIS: J.J. Yeley will roll off the grid 40th Sunday at Michigan International Speedway driving the Whitney Motorsports #46 TheSpeedPlant.com Dodge. It will be his fifth NASCAR Sprint Cup Series start of the 2010 season.TheSpeedPlant.com has teamed up with Yeley and the #46 entry for this weekend’s Heluva! Good Sour Cream Dips 400. Since JJ Yeley has got in the seat of the #46, they have made every NASCAR Sprint Cup Series race this season. The team, headed up by Tony Furr at the track, has been good out of the box allowing them to focus on fine tuning, ensuring they make the race once they get to the track. That consistency over the last several events has been noticed by TheSpeedPlant.com and was the main reason that they picked Yeley and Whitney Motorsports as a partner to promote the new site. The Speed Plant uses one of the world’s most innovative methods of marketing and purchasing products and is designed to not only provide a great value but also great entertainment. Based on a unique software solution and business model, the company sells premium new brand-name products that all racers and race fans want at up to 97% off retail prices. Through a special promotion, TheSpeedPlant.com is allowing the race fans a chance to be a major partner on the #46 Whitney Motorsports Dodge. One lucky fan could have their likeness or message on the hood, quarter panel, deck lid or TV panel for the June 20th NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Toyota Save Mart 350 at Infineon Speedway in Sonoma, CA.(HighSide Media), of note, Yeley makes his 100th career Sprint Cup start at Michigan on Sunday.(6-12-2010)

Front Row Motorsports to appeal penalties: The Front Row Motorsports #38 team. Crew chief Steve Lane was fined $100,000 and suspended for 12 weeks, along with car chief Richard Bourgeois and tire specialist Michael Harrold. Driver Travis Kvapil and car owner Doug Yates were docked 150 points each after the infractions [illegal valve stem caps] were discovered at Pocono. Team co-owner Bob Jenkins took responsibility for the “unintentional” mistake and plans to appeal the penalty. The violation was found following a rain delay in last Sunday’s race. Kvapil’s rear tires were almost flat, and NASCAR discovered that the valve stem caps on the tires had been altered to allow air to gradually leak out — an act that would help the car with its speed during a long run. Though Jenkins recognizes the need to discipline the team, he believes the penalties were “excessive.” [Supposedly Lane has been released from the team] “It was obvious to me, and I think to others, that there was no intent,” Jenkins said. “Obviously it is a big fine and it is a lot of points. … I understand there should be a fine, but I felt that 12-week suspensions and that level of points are pretty high.” Jenkins pointed to the timing of the infraction, early in the race, as evidence the mistake was innocent. “If you look at the specifics of it, it just doesn’t make sense,” Jenkins said.(Associated Press)(6-12-201)

American auto racing exhibit planned: The Henry Ford Museum is planning a $15 million exhibit to showcase history and innovation in American auto racing. The 22,000-square-foot display would open in two to three years, and the fundraising effort is being co-chaired by NASCAR owners Jack Roush, Roger Penske and Rick Hendrick.(USA Today)(6-12-2010)

Ford/AAA Student Auto Skills being held: Larry McReynolds is the national spokesman for the Ford/AAA Student Auto Skills, a nationwide competition that offers $11.5 million in scholarships and prizes to high school juniors and seniors studying automotive technology. The National Finals will take place June 14-15 Ford’s headquarters in Dearborn, Mich.(USA Today)(6-12-2010)

MIS fans to present special trophy to Heluva Good! Sour Cream Dips 400 race winner: The driver may take home the trophies, but at Michigan International Speedway the fans give them. MIS, as part of its ongoing Fan Appreciation presented by LifeLock program, has launched a fan trophy — awarded by fans to the winner of the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Heluva Good! Sour Cream Dips 400 race at the track. The tradition will begin following the presentation of the Heluva Good! Sour Cream Dips 400 trophy and given to the winning driver by two fans randomly selected by the program. Additionally, 50 lucky fans will be selected by the Fan Appreciation Program presented by LifeLock to participate in Gatorade Victory Lane ceremonies. “We’re really excited to make fans a part of Gatorade Victory Lane,” tracks President Roger Curtis said. “Our vision is to create lasting memories for every person, every time, and these 50 fans will receive a wonderful experience following the race. We appreciate and recognize that our fans choose to spend their time here each summer.” The trophy was created out of the recently revealed Fan Appreciation program logo, a logo chosen by the fans themselves by popular vote. Michigan International Speedway and the fans recognize the hard work the crews also put into a win, so crew members will also receive a trophy. Tickets are available for the Heluva Good! Sour Cream Dips 400 on Sunday. Visit any box office the day of the race and purchase a ticket for as low as $30. Visit MISpeedway.com or call the MIS ticket hotline at 800-354-1010 today to take advantage of great pricing now.(MIS)(6-12-2010)

Qualifying Fast Facts – Michigan:

Kurt Busch won the Coors Light Pole Award for the HELUVA GOOD! SOUR CREAM DIPS 400 with a lap of 37.898 seconds, 189.984 mph.

This is his 12th pole in 343 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series races.

This is his second pole and eighth top-10 start in 2010. His first pole this season was at Las Vegas Motor Speedway.

This is his first pole in 19 races at Michigan International Speedway. His previous best start at Michigan was fourth in June of 2003.

Jamie McMurray (second) posted his fourth top-10 start of 2010 and his first in 15 races at Michigan International Speedway.

Jimmie Johnson (third) posted his 12th top-10 start at Michigan International Speedway. It is his 10th in 15 races this season.(NASCAR Statistics)(6-11-2010)

Coverage of Qualifying for the Heluva Good! Sour Cream Dips 400 Sprint Cup Series race at Michigan International Speedway is scheduled for Friday, June 11, 2010 at 3:10pm/et.

Television (TV): SPEED 3:30pm/et [joined in progress after F-1 practice]


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

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

Qualifying Re-Air: 10:00pm/et

Qualifying Order for the Heluva Good! Sour Cream Dips 400 Sprint Cup Series race at Michigan International Speedway is posted. 46 cars/drivers are listed. Go-or-go homers will qualify at the end of the session, once the top-35 drivers are done.

The first of the top-35 drivers scheduled to go out is #1-McMuuray.

The final top-35 driver scheduled to go out is #42-Montoya.

The first go-or-go homer scheduled to qualify [36th] is #09-Cassill with the final driver scheduled to qualify being #46-Yeley.

See the full qualifying order on the Michigan Qualifying Page.(6-11-2010)

Friday Practice for the Heluva Good! Sour Cream Dips 400 Sprint Cup Series race at Michigan International Speedway is over, being rained out with 20 minutes to go, out of 90 scheduled minutes, the quickest, slowest and any notes:

#42-Montoya 188.917

#48-Johnson 188.516

#2-Busch 188.482

#24-Gordon 188.088

slowest: #34-Conway 176.018 & #37-Gilliand 180.605

RAIN is in the area and could be an issue this afternoon and the rest of the weekend

notes: #18 team will change engines as the car was running slow, so no matter where the #18 qualifies, he will start from the rear of the field on Sunday.

See fastest speeds, average speeds and laps run on my Michigan Practice Speeds Page.(6-11-2010)

Michigan practice rank for the non top-35 drivers:

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

#87-Joe Nemechek, 21st fastest overall

#21-Bill Elliott [PC], 22nd

#38-Travis Kvapil, 26th

#46-J.J. Yeley, 29th

#26-David Stremme, 31st

#64-Todd Bodine, 34th

#13-Max Papis, 35th

#66-Dave Blaney, 38th

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

#55-Michael Waltrip, 39th

#09-Landon Cassill, 40th

#36-Johnny Sauter, 43rd

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

Ford to switch to Mustang in 2011? NASCAR is expected to change the shape of the front bumper on all Sprint Cup cars for the 2011 season to help improve brand identity for its auto manufacturers. For Ford, that could eventually lead to a change in what nameplate it puts on its car, with a possible move from the Fusion currently being used to the Mustang. But first, Ford officials want to see how the changes affect the front of the Cup car. NASCAR Vice President Robin Pemberton said Friday the sanctioning body is close to approving the final specifications for the new front bumper. The change will be in the bottom half of the bumper, which currently has a rectangular indentation where the bottom half does not stick out as far as the top half. The new front bumper will be more curved, and the change would eliminate the need for the front splitter braces because much of that area of empty space will now be part of the new curved lower half. “We’re working on it – we’re close on that,” Pemberton said. “It’s just time for a style change. We’ve been working on it for about a year now. We’re working on [the brand identity] with the manufacturers.” Some of what is being changed to the Cup car is being used on the new Nationwide car, which is going to be run for four races in 2010 and then full-time in 2011. Ford and Dodge are introducing muscle-car nameplates (Mustang and Challenger) in conjunction with the new Nationwide car. Toyota and Chevrolet are keeping the Camry and Impala nameplates. Ford Racing’s North America Motorsports Director Jamie Allison said Thursday that if everything goes well in implementing the Mustang into the Nationwide Series, as well as the changes to the front bumper of the Cup car, he would consider changing the Ford nameplate for Cup to Mustang. “We want to see more brand identity in the cars,” Allison said Thursday during an event at the Henry Ford Museum near Detroit. “We’ve been asking NASCAR because we’ve liked what transpired in the Nationwide.” The manufacturers seem ready for the change and have run testing with the cars in simulation and wind tunnels.(SceneDaily)(6-11-2010)

Kahne to the #09 car in 2011?: Hendrick Motorsports and James Finch are working on a partnership to put Kasey Kahne in the #09 Chevy for 2011. Multiple sources indicate the deal could be completed within the next few weeks. Hendrick will not be allowed to own the car under NASCAR’s four-team rule, leaving Finch in the position of ownership, although engines and chassis would continue to come from Hendrick. Once completed, the partnership solves the HMS dilemma of where to put Kahne next season. Signed to take over the #5 Chevy in 2012, Kahne leaves RPM at the end of the year but Hendrick already has four signed drivers — Mark Martin, Dale Earnhardt, Jr., Jeff Gordon and Jimmie Johnson — under contract for 2011. Stewart-Haas Racing was the first option for Kahne, but sources claim sponsorship and financial constraints for that team have made such a move impossible.

Instead, the partnership with Phoenix Racing is a compromise solution. Under a one-year deal, Kahne will be installed with a single-car team that gives him the opportunity to continue running full-time. Here’s the kicker: once Kahne moves to HMS, sources claim the man he’s replacing, Mark Martin, may be interested in purchasing the Phoenix team for 2012 as he scales back his driving career. Spokesmen on both sides have denied a deal is in the works. According to Hendrick spokesman Jesse Essex, “Our position with regard to 2011 has not changed. We continue to be open to various options, and nothing has been determined at this time.” The 51-year-old Martin also remains uncommitted to his future beyond 2011.”(Sports Illustrated)(6-11-2010)

Magnussen to run at Infineon for Phoenix Racing: Jan Magnussen, who has more than 100 worldwide road racing victories to his credit, will attempt to qualify Phoenix Racing’s No. 09 Hendrickcars.com Chevrolet for the June 20 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series race at Infineon Raceway in Sonoma, CA. “We’re extremely excited to have a road racer of this caliber available to drive for us at Sonoma,” said James Finch, owner of Phoenix Racing. “Jan has tested Sprint Cup cars in the past, and his résumé speaks for itself. He will give us an opportunity to not only qualify well, but run up front and compete.” A native of Denmark, Magnussen’s experience includes starts in Formula 1, IndyCar, CART, Grand Am and the American Le Mans Series (ALMS). The 36-year-old driver has competed in some of the most prestigious events in motor sports, including wins at Le Mans, Sebring and Petit Le Mans. A General Motors factory driver, Magnussen is a three-time world karting champion, a British Formula 3 champion (1994) and earned the ALMS title with six race wins in 2008. He is a four-time Le Mans class winner for Corvette Racing. “It’s no secret that NASCAR has been a goal of mine, and I’m very appreciative of the opportunity Phoenix Racing is providing,” Magnussen said. “Through my relationship with GM, I’ve had the chance test for Hendrick Motorsports, so I’m comfortable in the Sprint Cup cars and understand what to expect. I’m quite familiar with the racetrack and confident in my ability to compete at a high level. It will be an exciting weekend, and I look forward to the entire experience.”(Phoenix Racing)(6-11-2010)

Front Row Motorsports Names Burns Interim Crew Chief: Front Row Motorsports named Brian Burns interim crew chief for the #38 team for the race weekend at Michigan International Speedway. He has served as the team’s engineer since the beginning of the 2009 season. Burns takes the place of Steven Lane, who is serving a NASCAR-imposed suspension for rule infractions at last weekend’s Sprint Cup Series event at Pocono Raceway.(Breaking Limits)(6-11-2010)

Chase Notes: #39-Ryan Newman placed 14th and #33-Clint Bowyer managed a 9th, and that was all it took for Bowyer to unseat Newman in this week’s Top 12. Tony Stewart’s strong third place run brought him within a single point of the Top 12. #9-Kasey Kahne’s harrowing wreck at Pocono ruined the finish for a lot of cars, and may have put the Bud driver out of serious contention for the ’10 Chase. The 27th place finish dropped him to 240 points out of the Top 12, in 23rd place. Only once in the history of The Race to the Chase has a driver come from that far back: Matt Kenseth overcame a 320-point deficit in 24th place at this point in 2005. #11-Denny Hamlin has found Victory Lane four of the last 9 races, but his teammate #18-Kyle Busch has a string of 8 straight top 10 finishes over that stretch, and five podium finishes. Over the last five races, Rowdy has outscored Hamlin by 92 points. See more stats, year-to-year comparison on the Chase Stats after Pocono page.(6-11-2010)

Army Race Team to Develop Mental Strengthening Program: In the continuing spirit of the partnership between the U.S. Army and Stewart-Haas Racing (SHR), the #39 Army pit crew for Ryan Newman will work in tandem with the Army Center for Enhanced Performance (ACEP) in an effort to jointly develop a specified training regimen to strengthen the mental and emotional skills that underlie human performance excellence. The synergistic program is designed to benefit the Army Strong Soldier as well as the Army pit crew. Both the Soldier and pit crew member rely heavily on mental strength, teamwork and communication to achieve success in their mission. The ACEP will observe and evaluate the #39 pit crew at this weekend’s NASCAR Sprint Cup race at Michigan International Speedway (MIS). Two ACEP trainers will be on the grounds at MIS observing the race weekend routines of the #39 team and will follow-up by attending the team’s post-race debriefing sessions early next week at the Stewart-Haas Racing shop in Kannapolis, N.C. The ACEP trainers will also closely watch practice and training sessions by the #39 over-the-wall pit crew.

Talladega Walk of Fame: Voting is underway through July 15, 2010, for more info, go to
talladegawalk.com. the 2009 Talladega-Texaco Walk of Fame Inductees were Morgan Shepherd & Jack Smith.(6-11-2010)

Jumpstart for the Kids: This weekend at Michigan International Speedway #19-Elliott Sadler and Stanley are teaming up to help The “Jumpstart for the Kids” promotion which is a fully integrated partnership between Stanley, Canadian Tire and Canadian Tire Jumpstart. Canadian Tire Jumpstart is a community-based charitable program that helps kids aged 4-18 participate in organized sports and recreation such as hockey, dance, soccer and swimming, so they can develop important life skills, self esteem and confidence. Stanley has made a guaranteed donation of $56,000 CDN to Canadian Tire Jumpstart® and will donate an additional $1 million if Sadler wins the race this Sunday, June 13th.(6-11-2010)

Pocono TV Ratings: Turner Sports hit the track at top speed this past Sunday in Pocono with fans tuning into TNT’s Summer Series, driving the network to strong early ratings

* According to Nielsen Fast Nationals, TNT’s race coverage delivered a 3.3 US rating and 5,344,000 Total Viewers, becoming the #1 program of the day on ad-supported cable in Households, Total Viewers, Adults 25-54, Men 18-49 and Men 25-54.

* TNT’s Sprint Cup Series racing from Pocono delivered more households (3,778,000) than the Stanley Cup Finals on NBC (3,750,000) and MTV Movie Awards (3,274,000)(TNT), for past race and race-to-race chart, see my 2010 TV Ratings page.(6-10-2010)

Tire testing at Atlanta next week: The Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company will conduct a two-day tire test at Atlanta Motor Speedway on June 15 and 16 as part of their effort to deliver a superior tire for NASCAR drivers competing in the track’s Sept. 5 Labor Day weekend NASCAR Sprint Cup Series night race. NASCAR Sprint Cup Series drivers #1-Jamie McMurray [Chevy], #98-Paul Menard [Ford] and Ryan Newman [Chevy] will assist Goodyear in the critical test. The drivers will be posting laps at speeds approaching 200 mph during afternoon and evening hours to better simulate the track temperatures and conditions they will face during the September race weekend. The two-day test is closed to the public. The biggest Labor Day party in the USA is at Atlanta Motor Speedway on Labor Day weekend, as the NASCAR Sprint Cup stars head to the high banks for night racing on Sept. 4 and 5. For more information or to purchase tickets, call (770) 946-4211, (877) 9-AMS-TIX, or visit www.atlantamotorspeedway.com.(AMS)(6-10-2010)

Update in #16 tire carrier:carrier Kevin McDowell: Recent x-rays show that #16 tire carrier Kevin McDowell has a broken toe that was not discovered in earlier x-rays due to swelling. It is now expected that McDowell will be out for three to five more weeks. McDowell was injured at Charlotte when #14-Tony Stewart clipped McDowell during the race.(RFR)(6-10-2010)

Sad News – Alan Craven: Alan Wright Craven, 72, passed away peacefully June 9, 2010, at a Bangor hospital. Alan was born June 9, 1938, in Hampden, to Carl R. Sr. and Catherine G. (Curtis) Craven. He was owner of Wiscasset Motor Speedway, and ran Red Barn, Monroe, for 16 years. Alan is survived by his son, [former NASCAR driver] Ricky Craven and his wife, Cathleen, of Concord, N.C.; daughter, Lauri Matheson and her husband, Mark, of Bangor; four grandchildren; sisters, Sharon Boltron and husband, Frank, of Monroe, Martha Smith and husband, Jerry, of Brewer, Kathy-Jo Ottoshavett and husband, Joseph, of Connecticut, and Shelley-Lou Craven of Newburgh; brother, Frank Craven of Florida; as well as many nieces, nephews and cousins. Alan was predeceased by his parents; and special brother, Carl “Skip” R. Craven Jr. A graveside service for Alan will be held noon Friday, June 11, at Chapman Cemetery, Chapman Road, Newburgh. Memorial contributions in Alan’s honor may be made to CancerCare of Maine, care of Healthcare Charities, P.O. Box 931, Bangor, ME 04402-0931. Arrangements entrusted to Hampden-Gilpatrick Funeral Home, 45 Western Ave., Hampden. Messages of condolence and memories may be shared through www.hampdengilpatrick.com.(Bangor Daily News)(6-10-2010)

Roush sticking with Ragan: Froim a Ford Racing PAR, a tele conference with Roush Fenway Racing owner Jack Roush, his comments about #6-David Ragan:

DO YOU SEE DAVID RAGAN MAKING PROGRESS OR HAS HE STALLED?

“David showed great ability early on. After the race at Pocono on Sunday, David flew with me in the co-pilot seat as we traversed the storms coming back to Charlotte. I had a couple of hours with David in the car and airplane to talk about what his frustrations were and what his hopes were for the year. David is extraordinarily skilled, patient and mature beyond his years. He deserves better. We will achieve better success for him than he has had. He has not yet been able to pass Carl or Greg or Matt. When we have a problem like we do with the simulations right now, David is more susceptible to that than the others. As we get ourselves straightened out and that aspect of the program strong, I am hopeful that David can compete for a spot in the chase as he did two years ago and win a race this year.(Ford Racing)(6-10-2010)

GM proposes to end ‘Chevy’ nickname: On Tuesday, General Motors sent a memo to Chevrolet employees at its headquarters, promoting the importance of “consistency” for the brand, which was the nation’s best-selling line of cars and trucks for more than half a century after World War II. And one way to present a consistent brand message, the memo suggested, is to stop saying, “Chevy,” though the word is one of the world’s best-known, longest-lived product nicknames. If taken to its logical conclusion, Chevrolet would presumably need to ask Jeff Gordon, the four-time NASCAR Sprint Cup champion who currently races a Chevrolet Impala, to change the website address — jeffgordonchevy.com — for his dealership in Wilmington, N.C. And what about rolling back the popular culture references to Chevy? Elton John, Bob Seger, Motley Crue and the Beastie Boys have all sung about Chevy, and hip-hop artists rap about “Chevy Ridin’ High” or “Ridin’ in My Chevy.” Worthington, the branding expert, said Chevrolet seemed unclear what the brand stood for. But ultimately, he said, consumers “will call you whatever they want to call you.” But not Chevrolet staff members. A postscript to the memo says a sort of cuss jar — a plastic “Chevy” can — has been situated in the hallway.(Detroit News)(6-10-2010)

Michigan Tire Notes: NASCAR Sprint Cup Series teams will be running a slightly different set-up than those in the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series at Michigan this weekend . . . they have run this right-side code at Dover in both September 2009 and June 2010 . . . this is the first time either of these two tire codes have been run at Michigan . . . compared to what was run at this track last year, this tire set-up features construction changes to both the left- and right-side tires to help give the cars more grip . . . while this left-side compound remains unchanged from last season, this right-side compound is slightly tougher and will help rubber in the track more quickly . . . as on all NASCAR ovals greater than one mile in length, teams are required to run liners in all four tire positions at Michigan . . . air pressure in those inner liners should be 12-25 psi greater than that of the outer tire. The estimated pit window is every 42-44 laps, based on fuel mileage. See full report, codes and pressures on the Michigan Race Info page – Goodyear section.(6-10-2010)

Johnson wins Prelude to the Dream: #48-Jimmie Johnson added to his already impressive racing resume by winning the Gillette Fusion ProGlide Prelude to the Dream charity dirt Late Model race at Eldora Speedway in Rossburg, Ohio. Johnson led all 30 laps at the half-mile dirt oval, but endured a serious challenge from Kyle Busch and Clint Bowyer throughout much of the event. “It’s been a steep learning curve, for sure, but it’s been a lot of fun to do,” said Johnson, who made his Prelude and dirt Late Model debut in 2008. “We tested a couple of times last year, and I think it screwed me up. I just came here cold turkey and tried to go off of my memory, and it worked. The team knew what they wanted to do with the car through the course of the night with the setup, and Clint (Bowyer) was working with us and it just got better and better.” Bowyer, who owns the car Johnson used to win the Prelude to the Dream, finished .683 of a second behind Johnson in the runner-up spot. Carl Edwards, Busch and Denny Hamlin rounded out the top-five. “You know, it’s cool to come home one-two,” Bowyer said. “A lot of hard work goes into this. This is a lot of fun, but let me tell you, my guys at the shop work their butts off. So, I’m very proud they were able to come and enjoy this night, to see Jimmie win. Me and Kyle, we were battling it out. He doored me down there, and I wasn’t going to let him get away with it. I was going to pass him one way or another. “It’s really cool to be able to have Jimmie in the car. He’s a four-time champion for a reason, and that proves it right there.”

“This race has gotten competitive enough where I don’t want to own a car,” Johnson added. “I want to keep driving other people’s stuff. People are testing and working really hard to come up here and run well.” Eldora Speedway owner and two-time Sprint Cup champion Tony Stewart, who won the past two Prelude to the Dreams, was impressed with Johnson’s maturation as a dirt Late Model driver. “Well, I’m convinced he can drive anything,” Stewart said. “I think if we got him a ride in the space shuttle, he could do it, no worries. I mean, we saw it last year. When I followed him in the heat races, I was like this guy has picked this up really, really fast. So it doesn’t surprise me at all. But it’s cool to have a guy who hasn’t won here before. He had to do it the hard way. He had some good guys behind him. It’s hard to fight them off. It’s hard when you’re leading because you never know where to go on a dirt track because the conditions change. He got rolling around the top pretty good tonight, like a veteran.” The Gillette Fusion ProGlide Prelude to the Dream was presented live to the entire nation on HBO Pay-Per-View® with net proceeds from the telecast supporting four of the nation’s top children’s hospitals.

The finishing positions of the top-five drivers from each team were added together, with the lowest team score winning 45% of the net money raised. Johnson’s win, coupled with Busch’s fourth-place effort, helped Team Levine score a victory with 45 total points. Team St. Jude finished second with 48 points, while Team Cincinnati (49 points) and Team Riley (71 points) finished third and fourth, respectively. As a result, St. Jude will receive 25% of the net money raised, and Team Cincinnati and Team Riley will each receive 15% of the net money raised. If you missed the pay-per-view telecast, be sure to catch the re-premiere on Saturday. Check local listings for pay-per-view times.

More info about the Gillette Fusion ProGlide Prelude to the Dream on my Racing Charities page.(6-10-2010)

Kyle Busch’s Crew Pockets Tissot Pit Road Award in Pocono: Kyle Busch’s crew claimed the Tissot Pit Road Precision Award in Sunday’s NASCAR Sprint Cup race at Pocono Raceway. It was the first Tissot win of the season for Busch’s crew, which became the 11th different winner of the award in the first 14 races of the 2010 season. Busch’s #18-M&Ms Pretzel Toyota Camry spent the least amount of time on pit road – 485.618 seconds – during the 204-lap, 510-mile race. The quick and steady work on pit road helped Busch to a runner-up finish in the Gillette Fusion ProGlide 500. Busch’s over-the-wall crew consists of: Nick Odell (front-tire changer), Brad Donaghy (front-tire carrier), Jake Seminara (rear-tire changer), Kenny Barber (rear-tire carrier), Jeff Fender (jackman), Tom Lampe (gasman), Jason Hinson (catch can). The team’s pit crew coach is Mike Lepp and the crew chief is Dave Rogers. The winning pit crew in each Sprint Cup race will earn $5,000 and a Tissot V8 Quartz Chronograph watch. The team with the most Tissot Pit Road Precision Award wins at the completion of the 36-race schedule will receive a $105,000 bonus plus Tissot watches for the over-the-wall crew members and driver. The pit crews for Martin Truex Jr., Matt Kenseth and Jeff Gordon share in a three-way tie in the Tissot standings with two wins each.(Tissot)(6-10-2010)

Detroit Red Wings captain to serve as honorary pace car driver: Sunday’s NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Heluva Good! Sour Cream Dips 400 at Michigan International Speedway is attracting some of Detroit’s biggest sports stars. Detroit Red Wings captain Nicklas Lidstrom will serve as the honorary pace car driver for the race. The longtime Red Wing defenseman will pace the 43-car field in the official 2010 Ford Mustang GT pace car for the Heluva Good! Sour Cream Dips 400, a job usually held by NASCAR’s Brett Bodine. This will be Lidstrom’s first visit to MIS, and he will also take part in pre-race ceremonies and the drivers’ meeting prior to the race. Additionally, Ndamukong Suh, the Detroit Lions’ first-round draft pick in 2010, will be on hand serving as an honorary official for the race. Suh, who is expected to be an immediate impact player for the Lions this fall, was recently at the Indianapolis 500 and will also be making his first visit to the Irish Hills track on Sunday to participate in pre-race ceremonies. At MIS, he’ll likely keep an eye on how the Ford teams are doing. MIS tickets are on sale. NASCAR Sprint Cup Series tickets for the Heluva Good! Sour Cream Dips 400 on Sunday are as low as $25. Visit MISpeedway.com or call the MIS ticket hotline at 800-354-1010 today to take advantage of great pricing now.(MIS)(6-10-2010)

Who wears the firesuit in the family? Special MIS ticket: DeLana Harvick may wear the firesuit in the family, but the race fans at Michigan International Speedway wear the T-shirts to prove it. For a limited time, race fans who purchase a $33 race ticket for the VFW 200 NASCAR Camping World Truck Series race will receive an “I wear the firesuit in the family” T-shirt, a tee personally endorsed by Harvick. Proceeds raised from sales of this package will go toward AWARE, a women’s shelter in Jackson, Mich., and The Kevin Harvick Foundation. The “firesuit” T-shirt was created after an on-track flap between NASCAR drivers Joey Logano and Kevin Harvick last weekend at Pocono, where Logano insisted DeLana wore the firesuit in the Harvick family. “DeLana DOES wear the firesuit,” track President Roger Curtis said. “She is a popular and successful NASCAR team owner, a great supporter of racing and a very smart businesswoman, and she, in fact, wears a firesuit on race day.” DeLana Harvick is co-owner of Kevin Harvick Inc., a premier NASCAR organization that competes full-time in Camping World Truck Series and Nationwide Series. As a two-time NASCAR Camping World Truck Series championship owner with more than 30 victories in the Truck and Nationwide Series, Harvick has become one of the most powerful and successful women in NASCAR. Race fans who want to purchase a race ticket and the ladies T-shirt can call MIS at 517-592-6666. They will receive a voucher they can redeem for the “firesuit” T-shirt at the #29 Kevin Harvick merchandise hauler in the New Holland Fan Plaza. Only 100 of these packages will be sold, and will not be available after 5 p.m. Thursday. MIS tickets are on sale. NASCAR Sprint Cup Series tickets for the Heluva Good! Sour Cream Dips 400 on Sunday are as low as $25. Visit MISpeedway.com or call the MIS ticket hotline at 800-354-1010 today to take advantage of great pricing now.(MIS)(6-10-2010)

GE Reveal colors for McMurray at MIS: Earnhardt Ganassi Racing with Felix Sabates and GE Lighting announced that the GE Reveal Light Bulb brand will be the primary sponsor on the #1 Chevy, driven by 2010 Daytona 500 Champion, Jamie McMurray at the June 13 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series (NSCS) race at Michigan International Speedway. In conjunction with GE’s paint scheme on the #1 Chevy, GE will also provide Earnhardt Ganassi Racing with Felix Sabates and Target Chip Ganassi Racing with new lighting fixture and bulb technologies for installation in their Concord, N.C. and Indianapolis, Ind. facilities. The #1 Chevy’s bright blue design draws inspiration from the blue coloring of an unlit GE Reveal light bulb. Race fans should be sure to look for the iconic GE script logo on the hood of the #1 Chevy along with the rainbow-hued logo of GE Reveal running down the car’s quarter panels.(EGR), see an image of the car on my #1 Team Schemes page.(6-9-2010)

Illegal bleeder valves on the #38 at Pocono? UPDATE 2 penalties announced: Sources tell Sirius NASCAR Radio’s Sirius Speedway with Dave Moody that NASCAR discovered clandestine [secrecy or concealed] air pressure bleeder valves on the tires of Travis Kvapil’s #38 Front Row Motorsports Ford Sunday at Pocono Raceway. Following the rain delay, NASCAR officials reportedly observed two soft tires on the rear of Kvapil’s car and held him from rolling back onto the track for the start of the race. Closer examination of those tire and wheel assemblies allegedly revealed illegal bleeder valves, which purge excess air pressure from the tires as it accumulates under race conditions. If confirmed, the team would likely face a major NASCAR penalty, since tires are considered to be one of the sanctions “untouchable” items, along with engines and fuel.(Sirius Speedway)(6-8-2010)

UPDATE: After yesterday’s story about Front Row’s possible infraction at Pocono, [NASCAR Insiders] are hearing today that the penalty from NASCAR could be the biggest ever handed down. When NASCAR makes the announcement later today or tomorrow, expect the penalty to include a $250,000 fine and 300 driver and owner points for Travis Kvapil and owner Bob Jenkins. A suspension for crew chief Steven Lane will also be included. This penalty tops the sanctions handed down last season to Carl Long’s team after his engine was discovered to be too large at Charlotte. No word yet on how this will affect the team’s status moving forward. Expect the team to appeal the decision. (NASCAR Insiders)(6-8-2010)

UPDATE 2: NASCAR has issued penalties, suspensions and fines to the #38 team in the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series, as a result of rules infractions committed during last Sunday’s event at Pocono Raceway. The team was found to be in violation of Sections 12-1 (actions detrimental to stock car racing); 12-4-J (any determination by NASCAR officials that the race equipment used in the event does not conform to NASCAR rules); and 20-10.7J (unapproved modification to valve stem hardware) of the 2010 NASCAR Rule Book. As a result, crew chief Steve Lane has been fined $100,000, suspended for the next 12 NASCAR Sprint Cup events, suspended from NASCAR until Sept. 15 and placed on probation until Dec. 31. Car chief Richard Bourgeois and tire specialist Michael Harrold have also been suspended from the next 12 NASCAR Sprint Cup events, suspended from NASCAR until Sept. 15 and placed on probation until Dec. 31. Driver Travis Kvapil and owner Doug Yates have been penalized with the loss of 150 driver and 150 owner points, respectively.(NASCAR)(6-9-2010)

APPEAL: Front Row Motorsports supports NASCAR in its efforts to enforce competition rules and to maintain integrity throughout the sport. Therefore, Front Row accepts that NASCAR must penalize the team for a rules infraction regarding valve stem caps on the #38 car at Pocono Raceway on June 6. “We take the rules of this sport very seriously, and we support NASCAR in its enforcement of those rules,” said Bob Jenkins, team owner. “It was not our intent to put unapproved valve stem caps on our car at Pocono, a track where such a maneuver would clearly not provide any advantage. We are conducting our own internal investigation to determine how those parts got into our inventory and onto our car last weekend. “While we recognize we have to pay for our mistake, this was an unintentional, isolated incident,” Jenkins continued. “We plan to immediately submit an appeal through NASCAR’s formal appeal process as outlined by the NASCAR rule book.” The team’s three entries will compete this weekend at Michigan International Speedway.(Breaking Limits)

OWNERS POINTS: The loss of 150 owners points drops the #38 team to 36th in owners points and out of the top-35 by 66 points. #7-Robby Gordon moves up into 35th in owners points, 66 points ahead of the #38, so Gordon now has a guaranteed starting spot at Michigan and the #38 team doesn’t. #26-David Stremme’s team is still 37th, but is not only 87 points out of the top 35. Been told that the suspensions and fines could be deferred but the points penalty goes in effect immediately, although it could be rescinded in the appeal process. See the updated Owners Points Standings on my Owners Points Standing page.(6-9-2010)

New crew chief for Labonte: TRG Motorsports announced today Paul Clapprood has been named interim crew chief for the #71 Chevy driven by Bobby Labonte in the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series. The change is effective immediately. Clapprood, who takes over the crew chief duties from Doug Randolph, will be on top of the pit box for this weekend’s Helavua Good! Sour Cream Dips 400 at the two-mile Michigan International Speedway. “We are pleased to give Paul this opportunity and we wish Doug all the best,” said team owner, Kevin Buckler. “Paul has demonstrated his abilities with the car in the past and has been very dedicated to our program since we started our Sprint Cup operation. We will be on a methodical two-week process to hire a full-time crew chief and will expect an announcement after Infineon.”(TRG Motorsports)(6-9-2010)

SIRIUS-XM and SPEED Get Fans Ready for Prelude to the Dream: Fans waiting for Wednesday night’s Gillette Fusion ProGlide Prelude to the Dream at the legendary Eldora Speedway in Rossburg, Ohio, can whet their collective appetites tonight when Tony Stewart host’s “Tony Stewart Live” at 7pm/et on SIRIUS-XM Radio. The broadcast will be available to listeners nationwide on SIRIUS NASCAR Radio, SIRIUS Channel 128 and XM Channel 128 with the “Best of SIRIUS” programming package. And in the lead-up to the live 7:00pm/et HBO Pay-Per-View telecast of the sixth annual Prelude to the Dream on Wednesday, SPEED is airing a one-hour live pre-race special – the Prelude to the Dream Countdown Show – at 6:00pm/et. Prelude drivers Carl Edwards, Clint Bowyer, Ricky Carmichael, Tony Kanaan and Travis Pastrana will be guests on SIRIUS-XM’s “Tony Stewart Live,” which will be hosted by Stewart and FOX/TNT reporter Matt Yocum. More info about the Gillette Fusion ProGlide Prelude to the Dream on my Racing Charities page.(6-8-2010)

Eldora Speedway On Track for Sell-Out of Prelude to the Dream: Less than a thousand tickets remain to see the June 9 Gillette Fusion ProGlide Prelude to the Dream in person at the legendary Eldora Speedway in Rossburg, Ohio. The remaining tickets are available online at www.EldoraSpeedway.com or by calling the track office (937) 338-3815. Act fast – the race has sold out in each of its five previous years. For those who aren’t able to join the expected 20,000 fans at Eldora Speedway for Wednesday night’s race, the only place they’ll be able to catch it is via the HBO Pay-Per-View telecast. The live, commercial-free telecast will begin at 7 p.m. EDT (4 p.m. PDT) with an immediate replay. There will be NO free delayed airings of the event on any outlet.

Illegal bleeder valves on the #38 at Pocono? UPDATE: Record penalty? Sources tell Sirius NASCAR Radio’s Sirius Speedway with Dave Moody that NASCAR discovered clandestine [secrecy or concealed] air pressure bleeder valves on the tires of Travis Kvapil’s #38 Front Row Motorsports Ford Sunday at Pocono Raceway. Following the rain delay, NASCAR officials reportedly observed two soft tires on the rear of Kvapil’s car and held him from rolling back onto the track for the start of the race. Closer examination of those tire and wheel assemblies allegedly revealed illegal bleeder valves, which purge excess air pressure from the tires as it accumulates under race conditions. If confirmed, the team would likely face a major NASCAR penalty, since tires are considered to be one of the sanctions “untouchable” items, along with engines and fuel.(Sirius Speedway)(6-8-2010)

UPDATE: After yesterday’s story about Front Row’s possible infraction at Pocono, [NASCAR Insiders] are hearing that the penalty from NASCAR could be the biggest ever handed down. When NASCAR makes the announcement later today or tomorrow, expect the penalty to include a $250,000 fine and 300 driver and owner points for Travis Kvapil and owner Bob Jenkins. A suspension for crew chief Steven Lane will also be included. This penalty tops the sanctions handed down last season to Carl Long’s team after his engine was discovered to be too large at Charlotte. No word yet on how this will affect the team’s status moving forward. Expect the team to appeal the decision. (NASCAR Insiders)(6-8-2010)

DeLana Harvick responds to Logano’s remarks…for charity: A day after Joey Logano sarcastically forgave Kevin Harvick following a late-race incident at Pocono Raceway by saying that his wife DeLana “wears the firesuit in the family, tells him what to do,” DeLana Harvick turned Logano’s slight into some inspired merchandising. Fans can purchase a white T-shirt through Harvick’s website that reads “I wear the firesuit in this family” in red with Harvick’s “Happy” red logo underneath.
The $15 shirt, available in sizes small through extra large, will be shipped once received from the manufacturer. DeLana Harvick is a fixture in the NASCAR garage and is co-owner of the couple’s NASCAR Camping World Truck Series and Nationwide Series teams (ESPN/AP). All proceeds from the sale of this item will benefit the Kevin Harvick Foundation.(6-8-2010)

Logano’s father warned: The father of Sprint Cup driver Joey Logano will not have his NASCAR credential pulled for the second time in a year after being called to the hauler for his behavior following Sunday’s race at Pocono Raceway. But Tom Logano was told strongly by NASCAR officials that he crossed the line when he allegedly shoved a television broadcaster out of the way — an allegation he disputes — while his 20-year-old son tried to get to Sprint Cup Series points leader Kevin Harvick on pit road. “You can’t deny the fact of a passionate parent,” series director John Darby said after the race. “You have to appreciate it, but there has to be line in the sand as to how far that passion can go.” The younger Logano was angry that Harvick spun him racing for a top 5 finish with less than two laps left in regulation. He parked his car next to Harvick’s on pit road after the race and attempted to get to the Richard Childress Racing driver. “All of our competitors are licensed to compete,” Darby said. “They’re given permission in sorts to not only to be the athletes but to display the emotions of competition during, after, before or whatever. And that’s all fine. Parents aren’t really licensed or quite frankly have the permission to step in and get involved in this thing. Mr. Logano, he did what he could to restrain himself. I guess at the last he wound up interfering with one of our television broadcasters and that’s not the right thing to do.”

During the heated affair, according to Darby, Tom Logano pushed a television broadcaster. But Logano said that wasn’t what happened. “What happened with what Darby said, and what they talked to me about, was after Joey was done and he was walking away,” Logano said Monday. “His business manager wasn’t with him, so I just wanted to walk with Joey. I brushed past one of the newscasters. I didn’t grab him. I didn’t shove him. I just wanted to get to Joey. I didn’t know if it was a radio guy or TV guy or what. And he said they didn’t appreciate it. I didn’t grab him or push him. They had it on video. It wasn’t a big deal.”

The elder Logano had his annual NASCAR credential pulled in October for a gesture made at Greg Biffle following his son’s victory in the Nationwide race at California. It was more an inconvenience than punishment, because he was allowed to stand in line and get a paper credential for subsequent events.

On Monday, Tom Logano said when the incident began, he initially was trying to clear the way for his son to confront Harvick. “I pushed one of the Gibbs guys away to let Joey go handle his own problems,” he said. “I wasn’t going after Harvick.”(ESPN.com)(6-8-2010)

Get well: wishes to Cyndee Bonkowski, who is undergoing a surgical procedure this week that will hopefully significantly reduce the level of handicap she’s endured the last two years after suffering a crushed foot in an at-work accident. Cyndee is the wife of longtime motorsports writer and Sirius Radio personality Jerry Bonkowski who now blogs at Trading Paint.(6-8-2010)

#46 has sponsor for four races? UPDATE 3: Whitney Motorsports facebook page reports “We have a 4-race sponsor deal with major sponsor. Tracks are, Daytona, Brickyard, Phoenix, and Homestead-Miami.” J.J. Yeley currently drives the #46 Dodge for Whitney Motorsports. No word on who the sponsor is. Also the #09 Chevy that Terry Cook is driving for Phoenix Racing is listed as the Whitney Motorsports Chevrolet on the entry list. The #09 team is up for sale, no word if Whitney Motorsports has bought it.(6-4-2010)

UPDATE: a Whitney Motorsports rep denied the team has bought the #09 team and hase no plans to do so, the listing on Pocono’s entry list was simply a mistake.(6-6-2010)

UPDATE2: per Whitney Motorsports facebook page, the sponsor for those four races is Cash America.(6-8-2010)

UPDATE3: Cash America announced a multi-race motorsports marketing program – a relationship where Cash America will participate in each of NASCAR’s top three nationally touring series. Cash America will be the primary sponsor of a Sprint Cup Series team and a Nationwide Series team for upcoming events at Daytona, Indianapolis, Phoenix and Homestead. Cash America will also sponsor a Camping World Truck Series team for events in Nashville and Phoenix. For the final ten weeks of the season, Cash America will be a presenting sponsor for the syndicated motorsports news program Raceweek during its Southeastern broadcasts, focusing on coverage of the 2010 Chase for the Sprint Cup. Cash America will sponsor the Whitney Motorsports #46 Dodge Charger driven by J.J. Yeley in the Sprint Cup Series. Cash America will sponsor the Day Enterprises #05 Chevrolet Impala in the Nationwide Series and the Randy Moss Motorsports #81 Toyota in the Camping World Truck Series; both entries will be driven by David Starr.(Integrity Sports Management), the four scheduled Sprint Cup races are, Daytona in July, Indianapolis, Phoenix, and Homestead-Miami(6-8-2010)

Walmart to sponsor NASCAR team?: Walmart is in deep discussions with NASCAR team and league officials about a wide-ranging deal that has both sponsorship and licensing implications and could see the retail giant sponsor Hendrick Motorsports or another Sprint Cup team. Senior-level Walmart executives were guests of NASCAR at the May 22 Sprint All-Star Race in Charlotte and returned a week later to tour race shops and meet more team executives as the mass retailer explores potential partnerships. While several scenarios are being considered and the talks remain fluid, industry sources say that Walmart is discussing the potential of a direct license that would make it NASCAR’s exclusive retailer in the mass merchandise space. A direct license would give Walmart the ability to select its suppliers and set prices for certain categories, such as hats and T-shirts. These negotiations are going on as NASCAR attempts to roll its team and league licensing rights into a trust, which would create a centralized licensing agency for the sport. Walmart is believed to be exploring sponsorship opportunities with Hendrick Motorsports as well. Hendrick’s drivers – #48-Jimmie Johnson, #24-Jeff Gordon, #88-Dale Earnhardt Jr. and #5-Mark Martin – account for close to 75% of all licensed sales in the sport, industry analysts say, making it a logical team for Walmart to sponsor. Hendrick has also signed popular driver Kasey Kahne, who will take over Martin’s #5 Chevy in 2012. Walmart is thought to be considering a sponsorship arrangement with a team or multiple teams, with Hendrick Motorsports in the middle of those discussions. It’s unclear, though, if the mass retailer will settle on one car for a chunk of the season, sponsor multiple cars for a few races each, or perhaps put together several driver deals into a marketing platform, a la the Gillette Young Guns or the Coca-Cola family of drivers. One scenario, according to sources, has Walmart sponsoring Gordon’s #24 Chevy for half of the season or more, as primary sponsor DuPont looks to scale back its spending. DuPont’s current primary sponsorship on the #24 car ends this season, and while the longtime sponsor is expected to remain in some form, it’s uncertain whether DuPont will remain the primary. Other industry insiders say it’s unlikely that Walmart would sponsor a single driver because the retailer will potentially have licensing arrangements across a variety of drivers.(see more to this on SceneDaily)(6-8-2010)

Tylenol leaving NASCAR: Tylenol, which has drastically cut its marketing and advertising in the wake of three product recalls in the last six months, will not renew its official partnership with NASCAR. The sport’s official pain reliever since the start of the 2007 season, Tylenol’s current deal with NASCAR runs through the 2010 season. But its parent company, McNeil Consumer Healthcare, has already notified NASCAR that it won’t continue its official partnership, a spokesman for the company said. NASCAR had no comment on Tylenol’s exit. With the official partnership, track and driver deals, Tylenol’s total spend was in the $5 million to $6 million range annually, industry insiders said. The brand has not activated this year against its Team Tylenol campaign, which started in 2005 to coincide with the launch of its rapid-release gels.(SceneDaily/SportsBusiness Journal)(6-8-2010)

Race Fest revs up Irish Hills; June 10 event is free, family friendly: Race week in Southeastern Michigan kicks off with the Brooklyn-Irish Hills Race Fest presented by Country Market on Thursday, June 10. Admission to Race Fest is free. The day-long festival throughout Brooklyn from noon to 10 p.m. will feature a variety of fun and interactive activities for fans, families and community members, including a car cruise in downtown Brooklyn, live music during Race Fest Karaoke, show cars, racing simulators, a beer garden and food. There will be lots of activities for kids, too, including a bounce house and an autograph session featuring many of the drivers from the ARCA Racing Series presented by RE/MAX and Menards. Free shuttles will run between several of MIS’ campgrounds and Race Fest, courtesy of Brooklyn Ford. Participating including Brookfest Acres, Brooklyn Trails, Northfield and Northwoods. And as a special treat, the transporters for all the teams in the ARCA Racing Series presented by RE/MAX and Menards will parade through Downtown Brooklyn the day before Race Fest. The parade leaves MIS at 9 a.m. Wednesday, June 9 and will wind down Main Street, led by the MIS pace car. For more information about Race Fest, please call Cindy Hubbell, executive director of the Brooklyn-Irish Hills Chamber of Commerce, at (517) 592-8907. Sprint Cup Series tickets for the Heluva Good! Sour Cream Dips 400 on June 13 and CARFAX 400 on August 15 are as low as $25. Visit MISpeedway.com or call the MIS ticket hotline at 800-354-1010 today to take advantage of great pricing for 2010 events at MIS.(MIS)(6-8-2010)

Adam Sandler and Kevin James grand marshals at MIS: Adam Sandler and Kevin James, stars of Columbia Pictures’ “Grown Ups,” in theaters June 25, will serve as grand marshals for the Heluva Good! Sour Cream Dips 400 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series race at Michigan International Speedway on Jume 13th. Sandler and James know how to say the most famous words in motorsports with passion and enthusiasm. Each have given arguably the two most amazing commands in the NASCAR history — James in 2007 at Daytona International Speedway and Sandler at MIS in June 2006. Sprint Cup Series tickets for the Heluva Good! Sour Cream Dips 400 on June 13 and CARFAX 400 on August 15 are as low as $25. Visit MISpeedway.com or call the MIS ticket hotline at 800-354-1010 today to take advantage of great pricing for 2010 events at MIS.(MIS)(6-8-2010)

The Entry List for the Heluva Good! Sour Cream Dips 400 Sprint Cup Series race at Michigan International Speedway is posted, 46 teams/drivers [for 43 spots] are listed, including:

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

#09-Landon Cassill (2009 race winner as owner)(41/14)

#7-Robby Gordon (36/14)

#13-Max Papis (39/14)

#21-Bill Elliott [Past Champ](45/4)

#26-David Stremme (2009 race winner as owner)(37/14)

#36-Johnny Sauter (38/14)

#46-J.J. Yeley (42/14)

#55-Michael Waltrip (43/14)

#64-Todd Bodine (47/5)

#66-Dave Blaney (44/14)

#87-Joe Nemechek (40/14)

In the event qualifying is rained out or cancelled:

the eight who would make it [8]: #’s 26,09,21,7,38,13,87,46

missing the race would be [3]: #’s 55,66,64

See the full entry list at my Jayski’s Michigan Entry List.(6-7-2010)

Ekström to run #83 car at Infineon: It took Mattias Ekström mere minutes to prove he could handle a stock car. The #83 Red Bull Toyota’s weight and horsepower quickly became non-issues after Ekström logged a few laps in a support role during testing at Virginia International Raceway. “We were worried about getting him up to speed in a day,” said Jay Frye, Red Bull Racing Team’s vice president and general manager. “He was up to speed in an hour — less than an hour. He’s a phenomenal talent.” For that, Ekström’s dream of driving in America’s premier form of motorsports has come true. With the blessing of Audi, Red Bull Racing Team announced Tuesday that the Red Bull driver and two-time DTM champion will pilot the #83 in the June 18-20 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series event at Infineon Raceway. He’ll take over the seat from Casey Mears, who has been filling in for Brian Vickers while Vickers recovers from blood clots. “First of all, I’d like to express my sincere thanks — to Red Bull for inviting a Swede with zero NASCAR experience to compete in the United States and to Audi for the possibility and approval that enable me to fulfill this dream,” said Ekström, 31, whose first name is pronounced Mat-tee-us. It’s always nice to try something new. At the test I felt really at home. So now going to a race will be very nice. The biggest difficulty will be to race with 42 other cars. Here (in DTM), we have 18. I’m sure it will be interesting and I’m really looking forward to the experience.”
Ekström, a Red Bull-backed driver for the past nine years, claimed his first victory of 2010 in the second round of the DTM Championship on May 23 in Valencia, Spain. The Audi factory driver currently sits fourth in the DTM standings and has 14 career victories. In addition to his success in the Germany-based touring car series — only twice in nine seasons has he finished outside the top five — Ekström has proven his versatility and class in other motorsports disciplines. He’s an active rally racer and three times has won the individual title at the Race of Champions.(Red Bull Racing)(6-7-2010)

Bigger restrictor plate for Daytona in July: NASCAR has announced that NASCAR Sprint Cup Series teams will use carburetor restrictor-plate openings of 1 1/32 inches for the July 3 event at Daytona International Speedway. The previous plate at Daytona last February was 63/64-inch. Monday’s announcement pertains only to next month’s Coke Zero 400 Powered by Coca-Cola – the last NASCAR Sprint Cup Series event on the current Daytona asphalt. The 2.5-mile, high-banked superspeedway will be repaved prior to the 2011 Daytona 500. Each restrictor plate contains four openings which restrict air flow to the engine, thus slowing cars. Larger openings mean more air, and more speed. “We think this will be a needed boost due to the additional drag we’ve picked up since switching from a rear wing to a rear spoiler,” said NASCAR Vice President of Competition Robin Pemberton. Rule changes, announced Jan. 21, mandated switching from a wing mounted on the rear deck lid of NASCAR’s new car, back to a more traditional stock-car spoiler. The March event at Martinsville Speedway marked the first race for the new spoiler. Carburetor restrictor plates are used only at Daytona and 2.66-mile Talladega Superspeedway. The 1 1/32-inch size openings will be the largest since the one-inch mandate in 1988, the first year the horsepower-reducing plates were mandated for yearly use in NASCAR Sprint Cup competition at Daytona. Teams used openings of 15/16-inch for this season’s spring race (April 25) at Talladega. That size was determined following a March 16 test at Talladega that helped answer several mechanical questions, among them, spoiler height and the restrictor-plate openings.(NASCAR)(6-7-2010)

Logano vs. Harvick, some notes: #29-Kevin Harvick and #20-Joey Logano got together on the track a few laps from the finish, Logano came down entering turn 3 and Harvick didn’t follow but held his ground, the #29 right front touched the #20-left rear, sending the #20 in a long slide, just missing the outside wall. Harvick finished 4th and Logano was able to hold on and finished 13th. On pit road, Logano drove up to where Harvick’s car was parked, a crew member tried to hold Logano back while his father grabbed Logano and encouraged him to confront Harvick. Logano could not get near Harvick as the #29 crew members blocked the way. Logano said a few things and was ushered away. Moments later he was interviewed by TNT and said “It’s disappointing to be honest with you, we had a top-five run going with the Home Depot Toyota. I was pretty pumped up about it. Racing the 29 (Kevin Harvick) and he let me go in the middle of the straightaway and then decided to dump me in the next turn. I don’t know what his problem is with me but it’s probably not his fault. His wife wears the fire suit in the family and tells him what to do. It’s probably not his fault.” What will it take to cool this feud down? “I don’t know. I’m going to go to the NASCAR hauler and I guess they are going to tell me what I’m supposed to do. We will just have to see.” What did Coach Gibbs and J.D. Gibbs say to you? “They just said to calm down, you know we finished 13th. We rallied back from 30th in two laps so at least we got something out of it. Not a top-five like we should have finished, but it is what it is. I don’t know what I ever did to (piss) him off, but he is apparently stupid.” -more-
(Toyota NSCS Pocono Post-Race Notes)

Harvick’s comment “We had a great day, today. I just got into turn three and we just wound up getting together (with the 20). It was just two cars going for the same space at one time. I just need to thank everybody on my Shell-Pennzoil Chevy, they did a great job today and we had a solid car. I kind of got stuck back there in the middle of the pack with the pit strategy but, all-in-all, our car was good all day and worked out for a top five.”(RCR)

AND Harvick called the incident “a 20-year-old move” and added, “he just races without giving people any respect and not much room. So, we just wound up getting together. It’s unfortunate, but that’s the way it goes.”(FoxSports)

Harvick responded on Twitter, “After his TV comment I don’t know if he wants to fight me or [DeLana]. My money’s on her!”

AND Harvick’s crew chief Gil Martin claimed Logano sped toward Harvick’s pit box and nearly slammed into several crew members before coming to a stop.(Associated Press) Logano went to speak to Sprint Cup series officials after the race and left without further comment. Harvick was not called to the hauler.(6-7-2010)

Brad Keselowski to Appear on FOX and Friends: Penske Racing driver Brad Keselowski will appear as a guest on the FOX News morning show, FOX and Friends, on Monday, June 7. Keselowski is promoting National Tire Safety Week (June 6-12) along with his NASCAR Nationwide Series sponsor, Discount Tire. He will discuss how easy it is for everyone to stay safe by checking tire tread and keeping tires properly inflated. The segment will air inside the 7-8 am hour. Fox & Friends is the #1 rated cable morning news program and highlights news, weather, sports, entertainment and health, and features an ensemble cast of hosts who talk with a mixture of celebrities, authors, medical experts, fitness gurus and journalists.

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

Total number of commercials: 145

Total number of companies or entities advertised: 83

Total number of brief promos of products/services during the race broadcast: 40

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

Stopped at rain delay: 1:17 PM

Re-started recording race/commercial periods: 3:00 PM

End time to record race/commercial periods: 6:51 PM

Total minutes: 258

Minutes of race broadcast: 188

Minutes of commercials: 70

Number of missed restarts: 0

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

Total race brdcst time 188 Total comm. brdcst time 70

See more and link to the full report on the 2010 TV Commercials page.(6-7-2010)

#46 has sponsor for four races? UPDATE: Whitney Motorsports facebook page reports “We have a 4-race sponsor deal with major sponsor. Tracks are, Daytona, Brickyard, Phoenix, and Homestead-Miami.” J.J. Yeley currently drives the #46 Dodge for Whitney Motorsports. No word on who the sponsor is. Also the #09 Chevy that Terry Cook is driving for Phoenix Racing is listed as the Whitney Motorsports Chevrolet on the entry list. The #09 team is up for sale, no word if Whitney Motorsports has bought it.(6-4-2010)

UPDATE: been told by a Whitney Motorsports rep. that they have not bought the #09 Phoenix Racing team and have no plans to do so.(6-7-2010)

Denny Hamlin wins Pocono: #11-Denny Hamlin won the Gillette Fusion ProGlide 500 Sprint Cup Series race at Pocono Raceway for his 4th win of 2010 [leads in wins] and 12th win of his career. #18-Busch finished 2nd, followed by #14-Stewart, #29-Harvick, #48-Johnson, #2-Busch, #31-Burton, #42-Montoya, #33-Bowyer and #43-Allmendinger. Points leader #29-Harvick maintains the points lead over #18-Busch, but down to 19 point lead. #24-Gordon finished 32nd after getting involved in a big wreck during the green-white-checkered finish when #9-Kahne got in the grass trying to pass #43-Allmendinger, the #9 got in the grass and shot back up the treack headfirst in the wall, then turned around by #5-Martin and #56-Truex, with the #9 sliding on the outside wall a bit before returning to the track and getting smacked by the #24 car. Hamlin did a heck of a burn-out, but lost it at the end and nosed into the outside wall, doing damage to the car, which he then droove to victory lane.

There were 14 lead changes among 7 drivers and 8 cautions for 27 yellow flag laps. The attendence was reported at 140,000, down from 160,000 last year

See race results, awards, laps led and more on Jayski’s Pocono Race Results/Awards page.(6-6-2010)

Race Fast Facts – Pocono Raceway:

Denny Hamlin won the The Gillette Fusion ProGlide 500 Presented by Target (29th Running), his 12th victory in 165 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series races.

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

This is his fourth victory and seventh top-10 finish in nine races at Pocono Raceway.

Kyle Busch (second) posted his third top-10 finish in 11 races at Pocono Raceway. It is his ninth top-10 finish in 2010.

Tony Stewart (third) posted his 17th top-10 finish in 23 races at Pocono Raceway.

Kevin Conway (35th) was the highest finishing rookie.

Kevin Harvick leads the point standings by 19 points over Kyle Busch.(NASCAR Statistics)(6-6-2010)

2010 Sprint Cup Driver Championship Points Standings:

[after Pocono, race 14 of 36]:

rank, car#, driver, points, behind

1) #29-Kevin Harvick [1 win], 2063

2) #18-Kyle Busch [2 wins], 2044, -19

3) #11-Denny Hamlin [4 wins], 1927, -136

4) #17-Matt Kenseth, 1893, -182

5) #2-Kurt Busch [2 wins], 1881, -182

6) #48-Jimmie Johnson [3 wins], 1849, -214

7) #24-Jeff Gordon, 1827, -236

8) #31-Jeff Burton, 1803, -260

9) #99-Carl Edwards, 1729, -334

110 #16-Greg Biffle, 1727, -336

11) #5-Mark Martin, 1711, -352

12) #33-Clint Bowyer, 1686, -377

Chase for the Sprint Cup – Contenders:

13) #14-Tony Stewart, 1685, 1 point out of the chase

14) #39-Ryan Newman [1 win], 1668, -18

15) #56-Martin Truex Jr., 1621, -65

16) #88-Dale Earnhardt Jr, 1599, -87

2009 Chase Drivers not in top 16

20) #42-Juan Pablo Montoya, 1513, -173

23) #9-Kasey Kahne, 1446, -240

32) #83-Brian Vickers, 1158 [out season with illness]

See drivers championship points standings on Jayski’s Drivers Points Standings page.(6-6-2010)

Penalty Report – Pocono:

Car#, Lap, Reason, Penalty

#38, Pre-Race to the rear, Tail End, Changed Rear Tires

#2, 17, Safety violation, Tail End, Valve Stem Cap Missing

#17, 48, Excessive speed EXITING the pits, Pass Thru

#42, 77, Excessive speed EXITING the pits, Pass Thru

#12, 78, Lug nut(s) not installed, Must Come In

#37, 107, Too many crewmember(s) in contact with pit service area, Pass Thru

#34, 131, Excessive speed EXITING the pits, Pass Thru

#34, 133, Excessive speed EXITING the pits, Stop & Go

#13, 155, Pitting before pit road is open, Tail End

#12, 155, Pitting before pit road is open, Tail End

#26, 159, Pitting before pit road is open, Tail End

#19, 159, Pitting before pit road is open, Tail End

#34, 159, Pitting before pit road is open, Tail End

#83, 159, Pitting before pit road is open, Tail End

#00, 175, Pitting before pit road is open, Tail End

(NASCAR Statistics)(6-6-2010)

Rain possible at Pocono: the weather forcast of Pocono Raceway: Showers and possibly a thunderstorm before noon, then showers and thunderstorms after noon. Some of the storms could produce gusty winds. High near 73. Breezy, with a west southwest wind between 13 and 21 mph. Chance of precipitation is 90%. New rainfall amounts between a tenth and quarter of an inch, except higher amounts possible in thunderstorms. See more weather links on the Pocono Race Info page – weather section.(6-6-2010)

RAIN DELAY there was an almost 2 hour rain delay just before the start of the race. The race started approx 3:08pm/et, there is a scheduled compition caution on lap 15, unless there is a caution before. Radar looks clear for the rest of the race.(6-6-2010)

Eldora Speedway On Track for Sell-Out of Prelude to the Dream: Less than a thousand tickets remain to see the June 9 Gillette Fusion ProGlide Prelude to the Dream in person at the legendary Eldora Speedway in Rossburg, Ohio. The remaining tickets are available online at www.EldoraSpeedway.com or by calling the track office (937) 338-3815. Act fast – the race has sold out in each of its five previous years. For those who aren’t able to join the expected 20,000 fans at Eldora Speedway for Wednesday night’s race, the only place they’ll be able to catch it is via the HBO Pay-Per-View® telecast. The live, commercial-free telecast will begin at 7 p.m. EDT (4 p.m. PDT) with an immediate replay. There will be NO free delayed airings of the event on any outlet.(6-6-2010)

Statement from Robby Gordon: “While I am in Ensenada for today’s [Saturday’s] Baja 500, the #7 team was in Pocono preparing for this weekend’s Cup race. I want to personally thank Ted Musgrave for his help yesterday practicing and attempting to qualify our Cup car as well as our team members for their hard work. Despite missing the race, Ted and team made a valiant effort to get the #7 into the race. I believe that all successful companies go through times like this – they have highs and lows. I remember Penske Racing missing the Indy 500 with three cars in 1995 and Paul Tracy just last month. We will recover from this just like Penske did, and we will be stronger because of it. While I am disappointed that we will not participate in tomorrow’s race at Pocono Raceway, I want to thank our employees for their hard work and our sponsors for their continued support. What remains through all of this is Robby Gordon Motorsports’ commitment to the success of our diversified racing programs.”(RGM)(6-6-2010)

Oldest drivers to start Cup race (60 years or older)

Driver, Age, Date, Track, Start, Finish, Laps, Status
Hershel McGriff, 65, 5-16-1993, Sonoma, 42,43, 27/74, engine

Jim Fitzgerald, 65, 6-21-1987, Riverside, 37, 17, 93/95, running

Morgan Shepherd, 64, 9-17-2006, New Hampshire, 41, 42, 61/300, overheating

Dave Marcis, 61, 2-17-2002, Daytona, 14, 42, 79/200, engine

Geoff Bodine, 61, 6-6-2010, Pocono, ?

Dick Trickle, 60, 6-2-2002, Dover, 29, 42, 170/400, oil pump.

Labonte Bowls to help out: #71-Bobby Labonte hasn’t bowled since his younger days, but found he still had a little something in his arm during a charity event Thursday in Philadelphia. The 2000 Sprint Cup Series champion rolled a 137 and broke 100 in the second game of Philadelphia Phillies second baseman Jimmy Rollins’ BaseBowl Tournament. Labonte was the only NASCAR driver participating in the event saturated with Philadelphia-area sports celebrities and several Phillies including pitcher Roy Halladay, who pitched a perfect game against Florida on May 29. (Scheduled to pitch at home Friday night against San Diego, he did not bowl.)
“There were a lot of great people there and I hope I made an impact,” Labonte said. “I was very impressed with what the Rollins family is doing. I found out Jimmy is a big NASCAR fan. I talked with Roy a little bit, mostly about the cause. He could’ve been one of those guys that want to talk about what they did, but he didn’t mention it.”(Roanoke Times)(6-6-2010)

Gordon & Ambrose swap cars at tire test: #24-Jeff Gordon met with media on Friday at Pocono and discussed the recent tire test at Watkins Glen.

CAN YOU TALK ABOUT WATKINS GLEN TESTING AND GETTING INTO MARCOS AMBROSE’S CAR?:

“Nothing gets by you. First on the track, basically what they did to the track was they added these run-off areas where we’ve always had the gravel pits there and cars get stuck in them. Especially if you’re in the inner loop. To me, it was a fantastic move to add that paved run-off there. It’s going to save a lot on cautions if somebody gets off there. You’re not going to have these long cautions that we’ve had there in the past and they’ve put them in several other areas so I think it’s fantastic. Plus they’ve added some new rumble strips up off the corners. Surprisingly you could run on more than I thought you were going to be able to. It adds an interesting aspect to it, but other than that I didn’t really see any changes to the track so I’m pretty sure that’s what you meant. I learned two things there at the test. One is that when Marcos Ambrose goes really fast through the road courses, it’s not his race car. He’s just really fast. He got in my car and went really fast. I got in his car and went slow. It was just basically that Marcos is fast and that we’ve got really good power. That’s what I learned. The hoops, we each called our manufacturers to verify that it was okay. In a test situation to gather a little information. Our Chevys haven’t been as good as we felt like they needed to be so just gathering information plus I like Marcos. He’s a good guy and a heck of a road course racer.”(Team Chevy Driver Press Conference Transcript)(6-6-2010)

Race Coverage of the Gillette Fusion ProGlide 500 Sprint Cup Series race at Pocono Raceway is scheduled for Sunday, June 6, 2010.

Television (TV): TNT at 1:00 pm/et; pre-race show at 12:00 pm/et; green flag approx 1:18pm/et

Radio: Motor Racing Network (MRN) only on NASCAR.com and Sirius XM Satellite NASCAR Radio 128

Scheduled Race Television Re-airs:

SPEED, Wednesday, Jun 9 at 12:00pm/et

Happy Hour practice: for the Gillette Fusion ProGlide 500 Sprint Cup Series race at Pocono Raceway is over, after 60 scheduled minutes, the fastest, slowest and notes:

#31-Burton 166.085

#48-Johnson 165.035

#11-Hamlin 164.896

#1-McMurray 164.745

#29-Harvick 164.681

slowest: #64-McCumbee 158.991 & #34-Conway 159.340

no speed listed: #55-McDowell; #66-Blaney

Blaney took the #13 car out for some laps

See fast speeds, ave speeds, laps run and more on the Pocono Practice Page.(6-5-2010)

Saturday’s first practice: for the Gillette Fusion ProGlide 500 Sprint Cup Series race at Pocono Raceway is over, after 45 scheduled minutes, the fastest, slowest and notes:

#48-Johnson 167.579

#42-Montoya 166.945

#31-Burton 166.926

#33-Bowyer 166.806

#18-Busch 166.546

slowest: #64-McCumbee 159.103 & #36-GBodine 159.648

no speed listed: #55-McDowell

#33-Bowyer scraped the wall off turn 3, no serious damage.

See fast speeds, ave speeds, laps run and more on the Pocono Practice Page.(6-5-2010)

Chase Stats: #29-Kevin Harvick has improved 23 positions from 2009 to this season. Last year at the halfway mark in The Race to the Chase, Harvick was mired in 24th place, 306 points out of the Top 12. Harvick enters the second 13 races in first place, a comfortable 355 points ahead of 13th. Harvick has scored 637 more points than last year. #14-Tony Stewart is 15 spots worse than last year, and is jeopardy of missing the 2010 Chase. #48-Jimmie Johnson’s 37th at Charlotte dropped him to 7th place and in the “danger zone,” within one race of dropping out of the Top 12. But, Johnson was in a little more danger at the halfway mark in 2008, only 128 points out of 13th. He enters the second half 151 points ahead of 13th. Johnson went on to win the 2008 title. In the six year history of The Chase, no more than two drivers out of the Top 12 at the halfway mark have been able to make the field. See year-to-year comparisions, and more on my Chase Stats after Charlotte page.(6-5-2010)

Pit Stall Selections – Pocono: The selections of pit stalls for the Gillette Fusion ProGlide 500 Sprint Cup Series race at Pocono Raceway have been made. Pole sitter #18-Busch chose pit stall 1 [as do most pole sitters].

Outside pole sitter #33-Bowyer took pit stall 25, the first with an opening in front of it [after the 1st stall of course].

#88-Earmhardt Jr., who starts 3rd took the 24th pit stall, the first stall with an opening in back of it.

The 43rd and final pit stall was taken by #9-Kahne, who starts 8th.

To see where all the drivers/teams pit stall is, see the pit selection chart on the Pocono Pit Stall Selection chart.(6-5-2010)

Some Chassis selections for Pocono:

#1-Jamie McMurray: Crew Chief Kevin “Bono” Manion has decided to bring Chassis #031 to Pocono Raceway. This is the chassis that McMurray drove to the pole position at Auto Club Speedway. The car carries McDonald’s colors this week

#2-Kurt Busch driver Kurt Busch, crew chief Steve Addington and the “Blue Deuce” crew are racing their “PRS-704” Miller Lite Dodge in this weekend’s action at Pocono Raceway. This car debuted in the Auto Club 500 at Fontana, Calif., on Feb. 21. Busch started 12th and finished sixth in that race, which is its only race to date. Also, the #2 Dodge will carry the Miller Lite Vortex paint scheme again, Busch said it’ll be on the car more races this summer.

#5-Mark Martin: crew chief Alan Gustafson has chosen Chassis No. 5-582 for Sunday’s race at Pocono. This is the same chassis that Martin drove to a 16th-place finish at Darlington Raceway last month.

#6-David Ragan: Primary: RK-670 Last ran Bristol – finished 29th; Backup: RK-633 Last ran Michigan – finished 30. The Harrisburg East Center (1711) has been selected as the Maximum Center for the June 6th Pocono race. The Center has made 10 out of 12 Balance Scorecard Elements YTD, on top of exceeding POA on the BSC elements.

#98-Paul Menard: Crew chief Slugger Labbe and the #98 Richard Petty Motorsports crew have prepared chassis No. 561 for this weekend’s event. This is a brand new car specifically prepared for this weekend’s 500-mile race at Pocono Raceway.

#11-Denny Hamlin: and the FedEx team will unload Chassis JGR 267 this weekend in Pocono. This car has two starts this season – Martinsville and Darlington – and has ended each race in Victory Lane. JGR 256 will serve as the backup this weekend. Minneapolis FedEx Freight Service Center Along for the Ride in Pocono: The #11 FedEx Freight Toyota will carry the letters MSP on the B-posts this weekend at Pocono in honor of the Minneapolis (Mn.) Service Center.

#12-Brad Keselowski: The #12 Penske Dodge Charger team will use chassis PRS-726 during Sunday’s 500-mile race at Pocono Raceway. Brad Keselowski drove this chassis to a 14th-place finish at Texas Motor Speedway in April.

#14-Tony Stewart: is running Chassis #14-509, a carryover chassis from the former Haas CNC team, with a new body installed prior to the 2009 season. Its first track time came via a Goodyear tire test on May 25, 2008 at Michigan International Speedway in Brooklyn. Its first race came in July at Chicago, where Jason Leffler started 43rd and finished 27th. (Qualifying was rained-out, field was set by qualifying attempts) It was tested again on Sept. 23, 2008 at Charlotte, but sat idle until making its Stewart-Haas Racing debut in April 2009 at Texas where Stewart, started 7th and finished 4th; then in June at Michigan, where Stewart qualified 11th and finished 7th; then Kansas where Stewart qualified 5th and won the race; the fifth career start was in October at Charlotte, where it qualified 5th and finished 13th. It has been fitted with a new body for 2010 and tested in the
wind tunnel.

#17-Matt Kenseth: primary chassis for the #17 Crown Royal Black Ford will be Primary: RK-625, no word on where it may had run before.

#18-Kyle Busch: this will be the 4th start dor Chassis #251: This chassis made its debut at New Hampshire last September, where Busch qualified third and brought home a solid fifth-place finish. Busch followed that up with a solid fourth-place run in last October’s race at Martinsville after starting way back in the 41st spot. In its most recent run, Busch qualified 17th and led 113 laps in Phoenix finishing 8th.

#29-Kevin Harvick: will pilot Chassis No. 309 from the Richard Childress Racing NASCAR Sprint Cup Series stable. This Shell-Pennzoil Chevrolet is a completely brand new car which will see its first laps on the track during Friday’s practice session.

#31-Jeff Burton: will pilot Chassis No. 302 from the Richard Childress Racing NASCAR Sprint Cup Series stable. Built new for 2010, Burton drove this Caterpillar Chevy to a 12th-place finish at Texas. Most recently, the veteran driver piloted this #31 racer to a runner-up finish at Dover International Speedway three weeks ago.

#33-Clint Bowyer: will pilot Chassis No. 298 from the Richard Childress Racing NASCAR Sprint Cup Series stable. This Chevrolet, built new in 2010, made its debut at Atlanta finishing 23rd.

#39-Ryan Newman Chassis No. 39-508 saw action for the #39 team three times during the 2009 season. It made its debut at Atlanta in September. Newman started 23rd and finished 9th. The car’s second outing, in October at Kansas resulted in a 22nd-place finish. The third outing at Texas in a12th-place effort. During the offseason, the original body was cut off the car. The car was made lighter and the bodywork was rebuilt. The car has served as a backup twice this season – Atlanta in March and the All-Star race at Charlotte – but this weekend will mark the first laps for chassis 39-508 in 2010.

#42-Juan Pablo Montoya: Crew Chief Brian Pattie and the #42 team will bring chassis #910 to Pocono Raceway this weekend. Montoya last drove this chassis to a 37th-place finish after being involved in an accident at Las Vegas Motor Speedway while running in the top-10. This chassis also ran at Homestead-Miami Speedway in the 2009 season finale where a mid-race incident forced the team to a 38th-place finish.

#43-A.J. Allmendinger: The #43 Richard Petty Motorsports team led by crew chief Mike Shiplett has prepared chassis No. 288 for this weekend’s event at Pocono Raceway. This is the same chassis the car ran earlier this season at Bristol and again several weeks ago at Dover. The #43 car will be the only Richard Petty Motorsports car running the new Ford FR9 engine this weekend in Pocono. All four RPM drivers are scheduled to run it the following weekend at Michigan International Speedway.

#48-Jimmie Johnson: Primary chassis #558 was last driven to a 16th-place result at Dover in May. Backup chassis No. 553 has been driven four times, three of which resulted in victories (Indy 7/09, California 10/09, California 2/10).

#88-Dale Earnhardt Jr.: This weekend at Pocono, crew chief Lance McGrew and the #88 team will unload Hendrick Motorsports Chassis No. 88-584. Earnhardt picked up the pole position at Atlanta Motor Speedway and went on to score a 15th-place finish with this chassis in March.

#99-Carl Edwards: The #99 team will be bringing chassis RK-558 this weekend at Pocono. This is the same Ford Fusion that Edwards raced at Darlington in May and finished 15th. The team will debut the Kellogg’s paint scheme for the first of two primary races this season.

(from team PR’s/sites if reported)(6-5-2010)

Ford Engine Comparisons: Four Ford teams are using the latest Ford engine, the FR9 and the rest are using the ‘old’ engine, some camparison

How did the Ford team qualify at Pocono?

Teams with the FR9 engine and where they qualified:

#43-AJ Allmendinger starts 17th

#17-Matt Kenseth 15th

#16-Greg Biffle 28th

#99-Carl Edwards 26th

Teams with the old Ford engine and where they qualified

#9-Kahne 8th

#19-Sadler 21st

#98-Menard 33rd

#6-Ragan 35th

#34-Conway 42nd

#37-Gilliland 37th

#38-Kvapal 38th

(6-5-2010)

Benny Parsons house catches fire UPDATE: Crews battled a fire at a home in Wilkes County [NC] Friday night. Firefighters from four departments went to the reported fire at 172 Benny Parson Road in Parsonville at about 11 pm/et. According to dispatch, a lighting strike may have hit the home of [the late] Benny Parsons, who owns a large winery in the area. Dispatch said that about 50 people were inside the house at the time the fire broke out. There were no reports of injuries. Firefighters said the amount of damage done to the house was not immediately known.(WXII12.com), Parsons passed away in Jan. 2007.(6-5-2010)

UPDATE: Benny Parsons Rendezvous Ridge was damaged by fire Friday night after receiving a direct lightening strike during a severe thunderstorm. No one was injured in the fire and all of 1973 NASCAR Winston Cup champion’s Benny Parsons’ racing memorabilia was saved thanks to the quick work of the four fire departments that responded and the wedding party that was having a rehearsal dinner at the vineyard when the fire occurred. The groom was a former firefighter with the Concord [N.C.] Fire Department and immediately took charge when the lightening strike occurred and thick black smoke billowed from the trophy room’s walls. “Someone was definitely watching over us,” vineyard owner Terri Parsons said Saturday. “Cell service is sporadic here and everyone immediately dialed 911, hoping someone’s cell signal would get out. Everyone’s cell phone made the 911 call. The fire chief told me the house Benny designed before his death was the best built house he had seen in a long time and that was what saved it, because no air was able to get into the walls where the fire was burning. However, the wine tasting room will be temporarily closed while repairs are made. We will continue to service our restaurants, wine shops and special events and to ship our wine to our loyal customers while repairs are made.”(Benny Parsons Rendezvous Ridge)(6-5-2010)

Congratulations: to Earnhardt Ganassi Racing Account Manager and Front-Tire carrier for the #1 Earnhardt Ganassi Racing Team, Doug Riepe and his wife, on welcoming a baby boy to the family on Wednesday, June 2nd. Henry Patrick Riepe was born at 1:36pm at a Charlotte area hospital weighing in at 7lbs 8oz and 19 inches long.(6-5-2010)

First weekend of double duty for Edwards: This weekend Carl Edwards kicks off his first of three consecutive weekends of double-duty racing. Edwards, who is competing full time in both the Sprint Cup and Nationwide Series, will have to split his time between Pocono Raceway and Nashville Superspeedway. Next week he will travel between Michigan and Kentucky, followed by the most challenging weekend traveling between Sonoma, Calif., and Elkhart Lake, Wisc. This is the sixth year Edwards has split his time racing in both series to compete for both championships. This weekend Edwards will practice and qualifying his No. 99 Kellogg’s Ford Fusion in Pocono on Friday, and run both practice sessions on Saturday. When practice ends he will dash to a plane for the trip to Lebanon, Tenn., where he will qualify his #60 Copart Ford and race it at 7pm/ct that evening. Once the Nationwide race ends, he will fly back to Pocono to get some rest for the 200-lap Gillette Fusion ProGlide 500 on Sunday. Erik Darnell will practice Edwards’ Nationwide car on Friday. In 24 previous weekends of running the split schedule since 2005, Edwards has three Cup and six Nationwide wins. During the split weekends his average Cup finish is 11.75 and his average Nationwide finish is 12.2.(Roush Fenway Racing)(6-5-2010)

Ragan & Conway to test at Infineon: NASCAR Sprint Cup Series drivers #6-David Ragan and #34-Kevin Conway will take part in a half-day test session next week at Infineon Raceway in preparation for the Toyota/Save Mart 350, June 18-20. Ragan and Conway will test the 10-turn, 1.99-mile road course on Tuesday, June 8, in late-model stock cars provided by a Northern California-based race team. Conway will be coached by road-course veteran Chris Cook, who has also worked with NASCAR drivers Joey Logano and Los Gatos’ AJ Allmendinger, among others. Ragan has posted a best finish of 24th (2008) in three starts at Infineon Raceway; this will mark Conway’s first race in Sonoma. For special ticket packages to the Toyota/Save Mart 350, including Kasey’s Korner, the 24 Special and the Jimmie Johnson 4-Pack, call 800-870-RACE or visit infineonraceway.com.(6-5-2010)

Pocono Raceway Replacing Inner Guard Rails with SAFER Barrier: Following recommendations from NASCAR and the Midwest Roadside Safety Facility at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, Pocono Raceway will be replacing the inner guard rail of the facility with a SAFER (Steel and Foam Energy Reduction) barrier.
The track’s new inner wall will run the length of the “Long Pond Straight” between turns one and two, and will continue the rest of the distance between turns two and three. Construction of the SAFER barrier will be completed for the 2011 NASCAR season.(Pocono Raceway)(6-5-2010)

Qualifying Fast Facts – Pocono:

Kyle Busch won the Coors Light Pole Award for the The Gillette Fusion ProGlide 500 Presented by Target (29th Running) with a lap of 53.102 seconds, 169.485 mph.
This is his seventh pole in 200 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series races.

This is his second pole and 11th top-10 start in 2010.

This is his first pole in 11 races at Pocono Raceway.

Clint Bowyer (second) posted his seventh top-10 start of 2010 and his second in nine races at Pocono Raceway.

Dale Earnhardt Jr. (third) posted his fifth top-10 start at Pocono Raceway. It is his eighth in 14 races this season.

Kevin Conway (42nd) was the fastest qualifying rookie.(NASCAR Statistics)(6-4-2010)

Coverage of Qualifying for the Gillette Fusion ProGlide 500 Sprint Cup Series race at Pocono Raceway is scheduled for Friday, June 4, 2010 at 3:40pm/et.

TV: SPEED – 3:30pm/et

Radio: MRN Radio ONLY thru NASCAR.com

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

Qualifying Re-Air: on SPEED at 12:30am/et

Qualifying Order for the Gillette Fusion ProGlide 500 Sprint Cup Series race at Pocono Raceway is posted. 45 cars/drivers are listed. Go-or-go homers will qualify at the end of the session, once the top-35 drivers are done.

The first of the top-35 drivers scheduled to go out is #39-Newman.

The final top-35 driver scheduled to go out is #43-Allmendinger.

The first go-or-go homer scheduled to qualify [36th] is #66-Blaney with the final driver scheduled to qualify being #55-McDowell.

See the full qualifying order on the Pocono Qualifying Page.(6-4-2010)

Friday practice: for the Gillette Fusion ProGlide 500 Sprint Cup Series race at Pocono Raceway is over, after 90 scheduled minutes, fastest, slowest and notes:

#48-Johnson 167.961

#42-Montoya 167.563

#11-Hamlin 167.464

#88-Earnhardt Jr. 167.184

#43-Allmendinger 166.985

slowest: #34-Conway 159.253 & #64-McCumbee 161.777.

See the fastest speeds, average speeds, most laps fun on the Pocono Practice Speeds Page(6-4-2010)

Pocono practice rank for the non top-35 drivers:

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

#13-Max Papis, 20th

#66-Dave Blaney, 21st

#55-Michael McDowell, 28th

#87-Joe Nemechek, 33rd

#46-J.J. Yeley, 36th

#26-David Stremme, 38th

#36-Geoff Bodine, 41st

#7-Ted Musgrave, 42nd

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

#09-Terry Cook, 43rd

#64-Chad McCumbee, 44th

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

Front Row Motorsports #37 is back in the top 35 and #7-Gordon falls out, 15 pts out the top 35, and will need to qualify by speed at Pocono.

32) #71-Labonte/TRG: 1015, +52

33) #34-Kvapil/Front Row: 1011, +48

34) #37-Conway/Front Row: 987, +24

35) #38-Gilliland/Front Row: 978, 15 points ahead of 36th

these teams/ drivers must qualify by speed:

36) #7-Gordon/RGM/BAM: 963, 15 points out of 35th

37) #26-Stremme/Latitude43: 813, -165

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

For the owner points standings, see my Owners Points Standings page.(5-30-2010)

Martin not interested in ownership, set for 2011: #5-Mark Martin talked to the media at Pocono is talked about ownership and 2011 plans:

TALK ABOUT CAR OWNERSHIP. HAS YOUR TIME AT HENDRICK MADE YOU MORE INTERESTED IN OWNERSHIP?

“I am not that interested in ownership. You know, I wouldn’t make too big of a deal out of that. I am all set in 2011 and am driving the 5 car and about this time next year I will weigh out what the options are for me to do what is exciting and rewarding for me to do and I will pursue that but for now I know what I am going to do next year and I am open to anything that is fun, challenging and exciting in 2012 and on.”(Team Chevy Driver Press Conference Transcript)(6-4-2010)

Almirola to stand by for Johnson during ‘Baby Watch’: #48-Jimmie Johnson met with media at Pocono and discussed the plans for when his new baby daughter will be born in 5 weeks: “It’s an exciting time. One other thing to add to the mix is getting ready to be a parent here in five weeks or so. We’ve got things burning in all areas. In fact we’ve been able to secure Aric Armirola to be our back-up driver and fill-in. I think he’ll do a great job in the car and it’s just a matter of time before he ends up in a full-time Cup ride. The other thing that’s good for us is our body size and type of geometry is similar, so he’ll be an easy fit to get in the car if we need that to happen.

WHAT IS YOUR PLAN OVER THE NEXT 5 WEEKS? WILL YOU BE THERE FOR THE BIRTH OF YOUR CHILD?

“Yeah, that’s our goal. And again, we’re going off of averages and what the doctors can tell us; how long labor typically takes and all that stuff. But still each individual’s body and the way the birth goes, it can be fast it can be long. But looking on averages, we feel now with the due date being right after Chicago [July 10th] on that off-week, we won’t have a problem. If the baby does decide to come earlier, Aric will be there. The first goal for me would be to drive a lap and get some points. But it just depends on the situation. There could be a situation where I’ve got to make a tough decision. Do I wait and drive that one lap and potentially miss the birth of our daughter, or do I stick around? That exists. There is no way around that. It just depends on how things shake out. Hopefully she’s on time or long as it traditionally goes and if that’s the case we’ll be into the off-weekend and everything will be fine.”

DID YOU HAVE ANY PAUSE IN CHOOSING ARIC ARMIROLA TO SIT IN THE CAR FOR YOU WHEN THE BABY IS BORN? OR ANY PAUSE ABOUT ANY OTHER DRIVER FOR THAT MATTER

“Starting with Rick (Hendrick) and then to Chad (Knaus) and my guys are all so excited for Chani and I to experience this and for me to be there and be a part of the birth and enjoy all those moments that come with it, that it’s been really cool, especially from Chad’s standpoint. He said, ‘There is no way you’re missing the birth of your daughter. You will be there. I don’t care what it costs, or what it takes, or if we don’t get points or whatever the situation is, you’re going to be there.’ And I’m like, I appreciate that but let’s focus here and make sure we can cover all the bases if it’s possible. So it’s been really good from those guys. They’re extremely supportive and it seems as if they’re more interesting in me being there on time than anything.”(Team Chevy Driver Press Conference Transcript)(6-4-2010)

Jeff Burton talks about incident with Kyle Busch: #31-Jeff Burton talked to the media and discussing the incident with #18-Kyle Busch last week at Charlotte:

WHAT IS YOUR PERSPECTIVE ON THE INCIDENT WITH KYLE BUSCH AND HAVE YOU SPOKE WITH HIM?

“We haven’t talked, not because I’m avoiding him or I think he’s avoiding me. I was at Watkins Glen doing a tire test for Goodyear the last two days and just honestly been really busy. I don’t mind sitting down and talking to Kyle (Busch). I told you guys two weeks ago, I like racing with Kyle and I don’t have any personal problem with Kyle, he’s aggressive. Last week, my perspective was exactly what is was that week. Kyle tried to make it three-wide and got in my left rear. He didn’t mean to do it, he didn’t set out and say that he was going to cut the left rear tire of the 31 car. He just did what he thought he needed to do to pick up a position. I have respect for that. He made a mistake and I paid the price for it. My perspective is exactly what it was last week. Obviously, I was a lot madder about it last week than I am today. I’m not one of those people that believe that people are out to get me or that Kyle set out to go ruin my night. He didn’t mean to get into me. He was being aggressive and made a mistake. I was mad because we’ve had great race cars, been in position to win a lot of races and had a lot of top-fives with not a lot to show for it. It’s just getting frustrating. When you see a guy be as aggressive as he is and get into somebody then you tend to have little tolerance for it. It’s nothing personal. Like I told you all two weeks ago, I like racing with Kyle and I don’t have any problems with Kyle. We won’t have any problems moving forward. He knows exactly how I feel and we can talk about it. Honestly, there’s not a whole lot to talk about.”

WILL YOU RACE KYLE BUSCH ANY DIFFERENTLY?: “I won’t race him (Kyle Busch) any different and I don’t think he’ll race me any differently. I think that we’re both professionals. Kyle’s consistent and I think I’m consistent. I’m coming to Pocono to race Pocono, I’m not coming to Pocono to race Kyle. I’m not interested in a weekly confrontation. I don’t like them. I don’t like yearly confrontations much less weekly. I’m here to race Pocono and go out and win this race and that is what he’s here to do too. I understand it was heated. To his credit, he handled that pretty well. It’s hard when somebody is in your face, he handled it well, his crew handled it well. It’s a new week.”

WERE YOU SURPRISED YOU REACTED AS YOU DID TOWARD KYLE BUSCH?:

“I was just pissed off, man. I didn’t go looking for a fight, I was just pissed off. I had 15 laps or whatever it was to get calmed down and I didn’t. I felt like I needed to handle it and address it right then. I was just mad and it’s not more complicated than that.”(Team Chevy Driver Press Conference Transcript)(6-4-2010)

Coca Cola 600 TV Ratings: FOX’s 2010 NASCAR season concluded on Sunday with a 4.0/9 (6.5 mill) for the Coca-Cola 600 from Charlotte. Though that’s up +21% over last year’s race, which was run on a Monday due to rain (3.3/9, 5.3 mill), it’s down -15% from 2008’s comparable 4.7/10 (7.6 mill). Sunday’s race failed to post a higher rating in the nationals than in the overnights, a rarity for NASCAR and the first time that’s happened since the 2007 Coke 600. Despite that, NASCAR still propelled FOX to a first-place finish on Sunday night among broadcast networks. FOX’s 4.0/9 beat CBS’s 3.8/8 and easily beat both NBC (2.2/5) and ABC (2.0/4). For the complete 2010 season, NASCAR Sprint Cup racing on FOX averaged a 4.8/10 (7.9 million viewers), a -6% dip from last year’s 5.1/11 (8.5 mill). 2010 ranks as FOX’s lowest-rated NASCAR season ever. See race-by-race TV Ratings Chart and more on my 2010 TV Ratings page.(6-4-2010)

#46 has sponsor for four races?: Whitney Motorsports facebook page reports “We have a 4-race sponsor deal with major sponsor. Tracks are, Daytona, Brickyard, Phoenix, and Homestead-Miami.” J.J. Yeley currently drives the #46 Dodge for Whitney Motorsports. No word on who the sponsor is. Also the #09 Chevy that Terry Cook is driving for Phoenix Racing is listed as the Whitney Motorsports Chevrolet on the entry list. The #09 team is up for sale, no word if Whitney Motorsports has bought it.(6-4-2010)

Valvoline partners with Germain Racing: Valvoline, one of the leading brands of automotive lubricants, announced that it has entered into a technical partnership with Germain Racing and Germain Motor Company, a top-25 automotive dealership network with headquarters in Columbus, Ohio. Valvoline motor oil will be the official motor oil of both entities as well as a team sponsor for Germain Racing entries in NASCAR’s three series — Sprint Cup, Nationwide and Camping World Truck — and the K&N Pro East Series. The driver lineup for Germain Racing includes Max Papis (Sprint Cup), Michael Annett (Nationwide), Todd Bodine (Camping World Truck) and Zach Germain (Pro East). The agreement calls for Valvoline to be an associate sponsor at all races Germain Racing enters and a primary sponsor at two truck races and two Nationwide races. The truck races with Valvoline primary sponsorship will be Aug. 18 at Bristol and Nov. 5 at Texas. The Nationwide primary-sponsored races will be Sept. 4 at Atlanta and Oct. 15 at Charlotte. The Valvoline/Germain Racing partnership will commence this weekend with Valvoline associate sponsorship on Bodine’s #30 Tundra in Friday night’s truck race at Texas Motor Speedway. Bodine is the points leader in the Camping World Truck Series with six top-five finishes in seven starts. Germain Racing joins Roush Fenway Racing and Richard Petty Motorsports as Valvoline’s NASCAR partners.(Valvoline)(6-4-2010)

McMurray Makes Surprise Visit to Indy: After finishing second in the Coke 600 at Charlotte Motor Speedway Sunday night, 2010 Daytona 500 Champion Jamie McMurray flew to Indianapolis Monday morning to congratulate, Ganassi teammate Dario Franchitti on his Indianapolis 500 win and to honor his team owner, Chip Ganassi, for doing something that no other car owner in the history of auto racing had ever done; win the Daytona 500 and the Indianapolis 500 in the same season. “Honestly, my first thought was that I was happy for Chip as an owner, but I was really happier for him as my friend,” said Jamie McMurray. “We certainly have been through a lot in our time together and coming back here and winning the 500 was certainly a high point for me and now with Dario winning in Indianapolis, the accomplishment for Chip of winning both in the same season is truly amazing. Chip and I have become really close and that’s really the first thing I thought of was that I was just really happy for him as my friend.” Both trophies were on hand to celebrate the moment – the Harley J. Earl trophy for the Daytona 500 winner and the Borg Warner given to the Indianapolis 500 winner.(EGR)(6-4-2010)

Update on the #16 Tire Carrier: #16 Rear tire carrier Kevin McDowell was treated and released from the hospital following an incident on pit road during last Sunday’s race. X-rays showed nothing broken and McDowell is expected to return to his pit crew duties in two to four weeks. While he is recovering, 3M team member and backup tire-carrier Eric Wallace will fill in.(RFR)(6-4-2010)

NASCAR named Local Hero at Pocono Raceway: In April 2008, NASCAR lost a talented and incredible person. Brienne Davis, a NASCAR Official, was and still is an inspiration for many young women who want to be an integral part of the most challenging and exciting form of racing in the world. After her untimely passing the Brienne Davis Scholarship fund was founded by NASCAR and for this, NASCAR has been named an ExtenZe Local Hero. In honor of Brienne Davis and her friends at NASCAR, ExtenZe Racing will be donating $1,000 to the fund on pit road just prior to the start of the Gillette Fusion ProGlide 500 at Pocono Raceway this upcoming weekend. Accepting the check will be NASCAR’s John Darby, Director of NASCAR Sprint Cup Series. Fans can visit www.ExtenZeRacing.com to nominate their own local heroes to be selected at upcoming races. (ExtenZe Racing)(6-4-2010)

Jeff Gordon’s Crew Grabs Tissot Pit Road Award in Charlotte: Jeff Gordon’s #24 crew won the Tissot Pit Road Precision Award in Sunday night’s Coca-Cola 600, NASCAR’s longest race of the season. The pit road win lifted Gordon’s crew into a three-way tie for first place with two victories. The other teams with two wins are the #56 crew for Martin Truex Jr. and the #17 crew for Matt Kenseth. Gordon’s #24 DuPont Stars & Stripes Chevrolet spent the least amount of time of pit road – 350.435 seconds – during the 400-lap, 600-mile race at Charlotte Motor Speedway. The effort helped Gordon to a sixth-place finish in the Memorial Day weekend classic.
Finishing second was Ryan Newman’s U.S. Army crew (351.822) and third went to Mark Martin’s #5 CARQUEST Auto Parts crew (360.771). Gordon’s over-the-wall crew consists of: Clay Robinson (front-tire changer), Mike Houston (front-tire carrier), Joe Slingerland (rear-tire changer), Matt Ver Meer (rear-tire carrier), Jeff Cook (jackman), Caleb Hurd (gasman), Jamie Frady (catch can), Colin Fambrough (back-up tire changer) and Andy Kruep (eighth man). The team’s pit crew coach is Greg Morin. The winning pit crew in each Sprint Cup race will earn $5,000 and a Tissot V8 Quartz Chronograph watch. The team with the most Tissot Pit Road Precision Award wins at the completion of the 36-race schedule will receive a $105,000 bonus plus Tissot watches for the over-the-wall crew members and driver.(Tissot)(6-4-2010)

Interstate Batteries Extends Relationship with Joe Gibbs Racing: Interstate Batteries announced that it has reached an agreement on a long-term extension of its sponsorship package with Joe Gibbs Racing (JGR), which paves the way for one of NASCAR’s longest-standing partnerships to surpass the 20-year milestone. Interstate Batteries first established its sponsorship of JGR prior to the 1992 season, enabling the start-up team to open up its doors for competition in time for that year’s season-opening Daytona 500. The sponsorship will continue to include six races as primary sponsor of the #18 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Toyota Camry driven by Kyle Busch, as well as one NASCAR Nationwide Series event each season. In addition to the seven total primary sponsorships, Interstate will continue to have promotional rights with all of JGR’s drivers, specifically, Busch’s teammates, Denny Hamlin and Joey Logano, under their Team Interstate platform. “We have been blessed by our relationship with Norm Miller and Interstate Batteries,” said Joe Gibbs, owner of the team that bears his name. “They took a chance on us 19 years ago as our founding sponsor, and the partnership has been outstanding ever since. They are a great example of the type of relationships we seek to build with our partners, and we’re thrilled to have them continue with us.” Interstate Batteries is currently in the 19th season of its partnership with JGR, and the company has joined the family-owned team in victory lane at 12 different racetracks in the last 18 seasons, including such prestigious venues as Daytona International Speedway, Indianapolis Motor Speedway and Charlotte Motor Speedway.(TSC/JGR)(6-3-2010)

DW remains w/SPEED thru summer; Spencer returns: Although FOX Sports has concluded its NASCAR broadcasts for the 2010 season, Darrell Waltrip will continue to offer viewers his expertise and insight on NASCAR RaceDay, Trackside Live and various NASCAR Sprint Cup Series practice and qualifying sessions on SPEED throughout the summer months. Waltrip will replace Kyle Petty on NASCAR RaceDay for the Michigan (June 13), Infineon Raceway (June 20), Daytona (July 3) and Chicagoland (July 10) events. He also will fill in for Elliott Sadler on Trackside Live and serve as an analyst for SPEED’s broadcast of the Cup Series practice and qualifying broadcasts during these weekends, while Jeff Hammond simultaneously steps in to handle Petty’s NASCAR Victory Lane duties. Additionally, Jimmy Spencer will return to NASCAR RaceDay and NASCAR Victory Lane for the Pocono (June 6) and New Hampshire (June 27) events, replacing Petty as an analyst.(SPEED)(6-3-2010)

Latitude 43 Motorsports gets a sponsor: Vermont-based Latitude 43 Motorsports, LLC, has announced a long-term sponsorship agreement for its NASCAR Sprint Cup Series #26 Ford with GlobeTrack Wireless, Inc., (GTW) of Austin, Texas. Latitude 43 Motorsports will represent GTW’s very unique line of GPS products which include the SOS 1000 automotive GPS tracking device, as well as personal and pet GPS tracking devices (Vermont Motorsports Magazine). No word which races GlobeTrack Wireless will sponsor the #26 and driver David Stremme.(6-2-2010)

Kyle Busch to set new record at Pocono: #18-Kyle Busch will make his 200th NASCAR Sprint Cup Series start on Sunday in the Gillette Fusion ProGlide 500 presented by Target at Pocono Raceway. In doing so, at 25 years, one month and four days, Busch will become the youngest driver in series history to reach start No. 200. The previous youngest was Brian Vickers, at 25 years, 11 months and three days (Dover International Speedway, Sept. 27, 2009).(NASCAR)(6-2-2010)

Testing at Carolina Motorsports Park: Penske Racing drivers Brad Keselowski and Justin Allgaier tested Wednesday at Carolina Motorsports Park road course in Kershaw, SC, in preparation for upcoming road course races. Allgaier tested his #12 Nationwide Series Dodge while Keselowski is both his #12 Sprint Cup ride and the #22 Nationwide Dodge.(6-2-2010)

Musgrave to sub for Robby; new sponsor: 2005 Triuck Series champ and former Sprint Cup Series driver, Ted Musgrave is scheduled to practice and qualify the #7 Speed Factory Toyota of Robby Gordon Motorsports at Pocono Raceway on Friday and Saturday [June 5-6]. Robby Gordon will be running his SCORE Trophy Trucks in Baja Friday and Saturday but plans to return to run the car in the race on Sunday. Robby Gordon’s Speed Factory is a web based reality show that features the inside look at Robby Gordon Motorsports and it’s day-to-day operations and will be featured on the #7 Toyota at Pocono.(Planet Robby)(6-2-2010)

Indy 500 Winner Dario Franchitti invited to run in Prelude to the Dream; Pastrana to run race: Dario Franchitti, winner of the 2010 Indianapolis 500 and a spot on the prestigious Borg-Warner trophy, can etch his name onto another coveted piece of hardware if he decides to compete in the Gillette Fusion ProGlide Prelude to the Dream June 9 at the legendary Eldora Speedway in Rossburg, Ohio. The performance earned Franchitti a berth in the Gillette Fusion ProGlide Prelude to the Dream, an all-star dirt Late Model race featuring more than 25 world renowned drivers as they battle for dirt supremacy on Eldora’s half-mile clay oval. It’s all presented live to the entire nation on HBO Pay-Per-View, with net proceeds from the telecast supporting four of the nation’s top children’s hospitals. “Congratulations to Dario Franchitti on winning the Indy 500,” said Tony Stewart, owner of Eldora Speedway and the 1997 IndyCar Series champion. “I’m sure life is pretty busy for Dario right now, but in a good way. I’d like to congratulate him in person at this year’s Gillette Fusion ProGlide Prelude to the Dream. We’ve got a car and crew ready for him if he wants to run. It would be great to have him, and if he wants to get some practice time and instruction beforehand, we’ll find a way to make it happen. I’m sure there’s a little apprehension for Dario since he’s never been on dirt before. But Juan Pablo Montoya had never been on dirt before when he ran the Prelude back in 2007, and he took to it pretty quickly. There are a lot of guys who have been in his shoes, and plenty of guys who are still learning. We’re there to have fun and raise money for a good cause, and I’ll personally make sure that Dario has fun at the Prelude.” Franchitti has his choice of which team he would like to join.

AND His resume is legendary in the world of action sports. He’s the most successful competitor in the history of X Games freestyle motocross, a five-time United States amateur motocross champion, and winner of four consecutive championships in the Rally America Series. He is Travis Pastrana, and never afraid to try something new and different, the Red Bull athlete will take on yet another challenge when he competes in the Gillette Fusion ProGlide Prelude to the Dream June 9 at the legendary Eldora Speedway in Rossburg, Ohio. “I’ve raced a lot of different types of cars in my career, and like every racer, I want to do well,” said Pastrana, who has become renown for seemingly doing the impossible, such as intentionally flipping his motorcycle over an airborne helicopter to jumping his Subaru WRX a world-record 269 feet last New Year’s Eve. “Compared to the Cup drivers, I am the low man on the totem pole and have very little experience, but I know it will be a good time and I’m honored to be a part of this event.”

“Travis is an incredible talent on two wheels and on four,” said Tony Stewart, owner of Eldora Speedway. “We’re really happy to have him participate in the Gillette Fusion ProGlide Prelude to the Dream. I know myself and the other drivers with dirt Late Model experience will be more than happy to give him all the help he needs to be successful. I think he’ll surprise a lot of people and show why he’s one of the most talented guys in the world.”

For more info on the Gillette Fusion ProGlide Prelude to the Dream see my Racing Charities page.(6-2-2010)

Tire testing at Watkins Glen: #24-Jeff Gordon, #31-Jeff Burton and #47-Marcos Ambrose, tested tires for Goodyear on Tuesday at Watkins Glen International. Gordon said he put in about 50 laps Tuesday. He appreciated the upgrades put in place partly in response to last August’s Sprint Cup race in which cars crashed into the guardrail at the exit of Turn 9 and ricocheted back onto the track. The biggest one involved Gordon, Sam Hornish, Kasey Kahne, Joey Logano and others, causing nearly a 20-minute red-flag delay as NASCAR officials cleaned up the mess. The Glen paved runoff areas in Turns 9, 10, 11 and the Inner Loop, and it installed Steel and Foam Energy Reduction (SAFER) barriers in Turn 11 and the Inner Loop. Gordon, Burton and Ambrose will continue testing at the Glen on Wednesday.(Elmira Star Gazette)(6-2-2010)

Happy Harvick and the Flyers: #29-Kevin Harvick’s close friend, Jeff Carter, scored two goals for the victorious Philadelphia Flyers in Game Five of the NHL Eastern Conference Finals, as the win secured a berth in the Stanley Cup Final for the Flyers. Harvick will fly to Philadelphia on Wednesday, June 2, to attend Game Three as the Flyers host the Chicago Blackhawks [Chicagoi leads the best of 7 series 2-0], their first Stanley Cup Final home game in 13 years. Harvick and Carter met during a 2007 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Winner’s Circle event in Philadelphia, hosted by Richmond International Raceway.(RCR)(6-2-2010)

The Entry List for the Gillette Fusion ProGlide 500 Sprint Cup Series race at Pocono Raceway is posted, 45 teams/drivers [for 43 spots] are listed, including:

Terry Cook listed in the #09 car, #7-Gordon fell out of the top-35; Front Row Motorsports drivers stay in the same numbered cars they ran at Charlotte

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

#09-Terry Cook (2009 race winner as owner)(40/13)

#7-Ted Musgrave/Robby Gordon/Michael Waltrip (36/13)

#13-Max Papis (39/13)

#26-David Stremme (2009 race winner as owner)(37/13)

#36-Geoff Bodine (38/13)

#46-J.J. Yeley (44/13)

#55-Michael McDowell (43/13)

#64-Chad McCumbee (49/4]

#66-Dave Blaney (42/13)

#87-Joe Nemechek (41/13)

In the event qualifying is rained out or cancelled:

the eight who would make it [8]: #’s 26, 09, 7, 36, 13, 87, 46, 66

missing the race would be [2]: #’s 55, 64

See the full entry list at my Jayski’s Pocono Entry List.(6-1/2-2010)

Red Bull makes crew changes: Red Bull Racing Team officials announced the swap of crew chiefs and supporting personnel between the #82 and #83 Toyotas, effective immediately. “Due to the circumstances of our current situation, we have an opportunity to experiment with different personnel combinations,” said Jay Frye, Red Bull Racing Team General Manager and Vice President. #82 driver Scott Speed is paired with crew chief Ryan Pemberton, and #83 driver Casey Mears with crew chief Jimmy Elledge, who previously worked with Mears at Chip Ganassi Racing from 2003-2005, earning two poles, four top-fives and 18 top-10 finishes.(Red Bull Racing Team)(6-1-2010)

Drivers testing at VIR: many Sprint Cup drivers are scheduled to test at Virginia International Raceway on Tuesday, June 1st including #2-Kurt Busch, #43-A.J. Allmendinger, #78-Regan Smith, #29-Kevin Harvick, #31-Jeff Burton, #77-Sam Hornish Jr., #42-Juan Pablo Montoya, #38-Kevin Conway, #38-Travis Kvapil, #37-David Gilliland and #7-Robby Gordon.(6-1-2010)

Sad News – Richard Jackson: Former NASCAR team owner Richard Jackson passed away Monday evening. Jackson, who fielded cars from 1975 to 2001 in the NASCAR Winston Cup Series and NASCAR Busch Grand National Series, was 74. Richard Jackson was born on March 31, 1937 in Asheville, NC. Racing and race cars were always a passion of Richard’s, and he and brother Leo Jackson Jr. built their first racer when Richard was 18. They raced the car through the mid-1950’s at the McCormick Field baseball stadium in Asheville, NC. In the fall of 1974, brothers Richard, and Leo Jr., formed Precision Products Racing. The team competed in the NASCAR Late Model Sportsman Division, which later became the NASCAR Busch Series, and then the NASCAR Nationwide Series. The team’s first season of racing was in 1975 with driver Bob Pressley (father of former NASCAR driver Robert Pressley and grandfather to NASCAR Nationwide Series driver Coleman Pressley) behind the wheel. The team won its first race, and went on to win an astounding 34 of 53 races that season. Drivers Tommy Ellis and Dave Marcis also drove for the PPR Late Model Sportsman Team. In 1981 Precision Products Racing made its NASCAR Winston Cup debut at Darlington Raceway with driver Dave Marcis, and sponsorship from Asheville businessman Paul Young. At the start of the 1985 Winston Cup Season, Richard and Leo Jr. acquired the U.S. Tobacco team and sponsorship, competing in Winston Cup with a two car team driven by brothers Phil and Benny Parsons. In 1988, the team scored its first Winston Cup victory, with driver Phil Parsons taking the #55 Copenhagen Oldsmobile to victory lane in the Winston 500 at Talladega. In 1990, Jackson went on to form his own team, Richard Jackson Motorsports. The 1994 season was highlighted when Jackson and driver Rick Mast won the pole position for the inaugural Brickyard 400 at Indianapolis Motor Speedway. Drivers for the Richard Jackson Motorsports team include two-time NASCAR Sprint Cup Champion Terry Labonte, Rick Mast, Morgan Shepard, Jerry Nadeau, and Lance Hooper. In 1995, Jackson was the recipient of the Bobby Isaac Memorial Award, given to Richard in recognition of his contributions to short track racing.

Richard Jackson is survived by his wife Karen of 53 years, brother Leo Jackson Jr., sisters Patricia Marshall and Gail Morgan, daughter Lisa Jackson, and grandchildren Jackson T. Young (21) and Emily S. Young (18).

A Celebration of Life for Richard Jackson will be held on Wednesday evening, June 2nd at Abernethy United Methodist Church, 1418 Patton Avenue, Asheville, NC. Friends of Richard Jackson and the Jackson family will be received beginning at 6pm, and the service will begin at 7:00pm. Funeral arrangements will be assisted by Groce Funeral Home, 1401 Patton Avenue. The Jackson family asks that in lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Make-A-Wish Foundation of Central and Western North Carolina, 1293 Hendersonville Road, #1, Asheville, NC 28803, phone number (828) 274-9474, or to the Abernethy United Methodist Church Children and Youth Fund 1418 Patton Avenue, Asheville, NC 28806, phone number (828) 254-2612.(Groce Funeral Home)(6-1-2010)

#16 Crewman injured during pit stop UPDATE: A crewman for Greg Biffle’s NASCAR team has been taken to a local hospital after getting hit by #14-Tony Stewart on pit road at Charlotte Motor Speedway Sunday night. Stewart ran into Kevin McDowell, the right rear tire carrier on the #16 3M Nexcare Ford, during a late pit stop. Television replays showed McDowell slump to the concrete in pain after Stewart hit him leaving his pit stall. There was no immediate word on McDowell’s injuries or condition.(ESPN/AP)(5-31-2010)

UPDATE: Roush Fenway Racing crewman Kevin McDowell was examined and released from an area hospital early Monday morning after X-rays taken showed no broken bones, a team spokesman said Monday.(SceneDaily)(6-1-2010)

The Pocono Raceway Festival Is Back In Stroudsburg: On Saturday, June 5th, the Sherman Theater presents the second annual Pocono Raceway Festival on Main Street in downtown Stroudsburg, PA. Taking place the day before the Gillette Pro Glide 500 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series race at the Pocono Raceway in Long Pond, PA – just minutes down Interstate 80 – this free, all-day long music and racing celebration and festival will have something for everyone in the family.

By combining spectacular show car displays, delicious food vendors, fun games for all ages, and musical performances on three stages, the staff at the Sherman Theater plan to outdo themselves in trying to top last year’s amazing event. Headlining the musical portion of the festival with a rockin’ performance on the main stage will be none other than southern rock legends Molly Hatchet. The Pocono Raceway Festival highlights all of the great retail, food, and craft attractions downtown Stroudsburg has in store as NASCAR race teams make their way to the Pocono Mountains region for the first Sprint Cup race of the year at Pocono Raceway. For more information see my Pocono Raceway News and Links page or call the Sherman Theater at (570)420-2808 or visit the Sherman Theater online at www.shermantheater.com.(PR)(6-1-2010)