Two Crew Chiefs Fined by NASCAR: NASCAR announced Wednesday that fines have been issued to two NASCAR Busch Series crew chiefs resulting from rule violations this past weekend at Lowe’s Motor Speedway. Bryant Frazier, crew chief of the #64 Dodge driven by Jamie McMurray, was fined $5,000 for violating Section 12-4-A (actions detrimental to stock car racing), Section 12-4-Q (car, car parts, components and/or equipment that do not conform to NASCAR rules) and Section 20A-5.10.1B(4) (carburetor throttle bores must not be larger than 1.438 inches and must be straight, without taper, from top to bottom) of the NASCAR Busch Series rule book. The infraction was discovered during opening day inspection. Brad Parrott, crew chief of the #42 Dodge driven by Casey Mears, was fined $1,000 for violating Sections 12-4-A, 12-4-Q and 20A-12.3S (left rear shock absorber must fully compress and fully extend). The infraction was discovered during post-race inspection.(NASCAR PR)(5-31-2006)
Kertus Davis in the #43 at Dover: After a two week stint in the #34 for Frank Cicci Racing, Kertus Davis will move to the #43 RFMS Dodge this weekend at Dover, replacing Aaron Fike. No word on whether or not this is a one race deal.(5-31-2006)
Sorenson Running Commit Scheme at Dover: This weekend, the #41 Chip Ganassi Racing with Felix (CGRFS) Busch team will take on the blue and white colors to represent Commit—the GlaxoSmithKline (GSK) stop smoking lozenge. The special paint scheme is the second run of a five-race partnership between GSK and the CGRFS Busch team. One of the GSK stop smoking products—Nicorette, NicoDerm CQ and Commit—can be seen on board with Reed Sorenson every weekend as an associate sponsor, but Commit will take center stage on the #41 Dodge this Saturday.(CGFSR PR)(5-31-2006)
Carver Racing Buying the Assets of Glynn Motorsports: UPDATE: According to court filings in Arizona federal bankruptcy court, Carver Racing is in the process of buying the assets of Glynn Motorsports. “An offer has been tendered in the amount of $500,000 from Carver Racing LLC”. A hearing is scheduled on the sale motion on June 7th in Phoenix where the sale will be finalized if no other purchase offers are made.(Osborn Maledon Law Firm)(5-24-2006) UPDATE: Hearing that Mike Ege Racing Engines has also made a bid for the purchase of Glynn Motorsports.(5-30-2006)
Raybestos Rookie Notes for Dover: Todd Kluever was the Raybestos® Rookie of the Race in the CARQUEST Auto Parts 300. Kluever scored a ninth-place finish, his second top-10 of the 2006 season and second in 13 career Busch Series starts. He posted the best finish by a Busch Series regular and took Raybestos® Rookie of the Race honors for the third time this season. Burney Lamar leads John Andretti by 16 points (132-116) entering the June 3 Stonebridgeracing.com 200 at Dover. Lamar is 12th in the NASCAR Busch Series championship standings, 19 points behind 11th-place Kenny Wallace. He holds a five-point edge over 13th-place Reed Sorenson.(Raybestos PR)(5-30-2006)
Miss USA & Bengals QB to Serve as Grand Marshal and Honorary Starter at Kentucky: Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Carson Palmer and Miss USA Tara Conner will join the all-star line-up set for Kentucky Speedway’s largest race event of the season when they serve as honorary starter and grand marshal of the June 17 NASCAR Busch Series Meijer 300 Presented by Oreo.(Kentucky Speedway PR)(5-30-2006)
Mark Green Spots for Brother David; Working on Other Options: Mark Green, recently released from the #4 ride, spotted for brother David at Lowe’s Motor Speedway Saturday night. He will not be spotting for David at Dover, as he has some options and is weighing his opportunities.(5-29-2006)
Fans Injured from LaJoie’s Wreck: Two fans were hit by what was believed to be a shock from the crashing #49 Jay Robinson Racing car of Randy LaJoie during the race on Saturday night. The unidentified adults were taken to nearby Northeast Regional Medical Center, according to track senior vice president of events Jerry Gappens. One had a laceration to the lower arm/wrist, the other had a lower leg laceration, Gappens said. The people injured were sitting about 15 rows up in Section J of the Chrysler grandstands off Turn 4 just across the entrance to pit road.(NASCAR Scene)(5-27-2006)
Hamlin Doesn’t Expect to Run Busch Full Time in 2007: If it gets to the end of the year and Hamlin is feeling too much wear and tear, this might be the end of the double-series experiment. He said they’re looking at a three-quarters schedule next year, running the Busch races that are held at the same track as the companion Cup race. That would cut down on the travel and the stress. “I love the Busch Series, I wish I could stay here for a long time, but I’m going to have to be just a Cup guy one of these days.”(Richmond Times-Dispatch)(5-27-2006)
Larry Foyt Still Looking for Ride: Larry Foyt turns 30 next February, and he says it might be time to think about what his future holds. Foyt, the son of A.J. Foyt, doesn’t have a full-time ride in either the Indy Racing League or NASCAR. He will race Sunday in the Indy 500 in one of his father’s two IRL cars, but his future after that race is uncertain. With the exception of the Gatorade Duel at Daytona in February, Foyt hasn’t raced since last year’s Indy 500, when he suffered a lower back injury during a crash. He has been test-driving cars for Evernham Motorsports in North Carolina and trying unsuccessfully to find sponsorship for a ride in the NASCAR Busch Series.(Houston Chronicle)(5-27-2006)
LaJoie Driving for Jay Robinson at Lowe’s: Randy LaJoie, back to back Busch Series Champion in 1996 and 1997 will be racing Saturday night in the Carquest Auto Parts 300. LaJoie will be seen in the silver #49 Speed Zone Energy Drink car of Jay Robinson Racing. Speed Zone Energy Drink is a brand new sponsor. The Beaumont, Texas based company will also be a primary sponsor in Kentucky, Bristol, and the second Busch Series race in Dover.(Jay Robinson Racing PR)(5-26-2006)
Teams Lining up Subs for Stand Alone Races: UPDATE: With drivers who race in both the Nextel Cup and Busch series facing three weekends of double duty at different tracks – Pocono-Nashville, Michigan-Kentucky, and Sonoma-Milwaukee – in June, busch Series teams are solidifying plans for drivers to help practice and qualify their cars. Aric Almirola will be the driver for Denny Hamlin’s #20, while Cast Atwood will drive J.J. Yeley’s #18, Joe Gibbs team president J.D. Gibbs said May 20. Brandon miller is still signed with Richard Childress Racing and likely would see time in one of its cars for Kevin Harvick and Clint Bowyer. Hank Parker Jr., who filled in for Carl Edwards last year, is a strong possibility to do that again.(NASCAR Scene)(5-25-2006) UPDATE: Chip Ganassi development driver Kevin Hamlin is expected to be in the #41 for Reed Sorenson. AND: Randy LaJoie told Speed Channel during qualifying coverage that he would be in the #21 for Richard Childress Racing when needed during stand alone events next month.(5-25-2006)
Burton could test in Canada: UPDATE NO: Jeff Burton probably will be the driver chosen to test a 750-horsepower Chevy on Circuit Gilles Villeneuve June 19 or 20 [2006]. By then, Canadian Formula One Grand Prix race promoter Normand Legault hopes to have confirmed a summer 2007 race in the Busch Series, a circuit populated by many Nextel Cup stars and by drivers being groomed for the top league. Legault expects to renew an Ile Notre Dame race-site lease soon with the city of Montreal, his landlord. The ink might not even be dry on that document when he announces a NASCAR race. The timing of a mid-June stock- car test would be ideal – Circuit Gilles Villeneuve, a temporary road course, will be in full race trim for the June 23-25 Grand Prix weekend, and Burton will be a short flight away, having run a Nextel Cup race in Brooklyn, Mich., on June 18.(Montreal Gazette)(5-23-2006) UPDATE: Jeff Burton is not scheduled to test a Busch Series car in Montreal as speculated by the Montreal Gazette.(RCR)(5-25-2006)
Frank Cicci Picks up Lowe’s Sponsor: KL INDUSTRIES, an Ameriform Company, of Muskegon, MI, announced today that it will sponsor the Frank Cicci owned #34 Busch Series car at Lowes Motor Speedway. KL INDUSTRIES, the largest pedal boat manufacturer in the US, will promote its newest product line the GlowBuoy and BeaconBuoy. GlowBuoy is the rechargeable floating light that does everything in and around the pool. Kertus Davis will be the driver of the green and white glow machine.(Frank Cicci Racing PR)(5-24-2006)
Kyle Busch Going for Third Straight CARQUEST Auto Parts 300 Win: Saturday night Kyle Busch will attempt to build upon his NASCAR Busch Series success at Lowe’s Motor Speedway with a third consecutive victory in the CARQUEST Auto Parts 300. Busch has led a combined 153 laps in those two races.(Hendrick Motorsports PR)(5-24-2006)
Ameriquest Sponsoring Four Roush Cars at Lowe’s: Four of Roush Racing’s premier drivers will suit up in their Ameriquest firesuits for an unprecedented NASCAR Busch Series first. Mark Martin, Matt Kenseth, Greg Biffle and Carl Edwards will pilot their Ameriquest Ford Fusions all together for the first time under the bright lights at Lowe’s Motor Speedway on Saturday night, May 27, 2006. Martin and Biffle will be sporting the red Ameriquest paint schemes, while Kenseth and Edwards drive the contrasting black versions. This will be the first time in NASCAR Busch Series history that four drivers will represent the same sponsor.(Roush Racing PR)(5-24-2006)
CARQUEST Extends Lowe’s Race Sponsorship to 2010: CARQUEST Auto Parts and Lowe’s Motor Speedway today announced a sponsorship extension through 2010 of the CARQUEST Auto Parts 300 NASCAR Busch Series event. CARQUEST will also remain “The Official Auto Parts Store of Lowe’s Motor Speedway.”(LMS PR)(5-24-2006)
Skinner in the #12 at Dover: FitzBradshaw Racing announced today that NASCAR veteran Mike Skinner will pilot the #12 Supercuts Dodge Charger in the Stonebridgeracing.com 200 at Dover June 3rd. Skinner replaces rookie Joel Kauffman at the tough one-mile oval in a one-race deal with FitzBradshaw Racing. As part of the mutual decision by owner Armando Fitz and Kauffman, the two selected a number of races they felt the rookie would benefit the most from running this season.(FBR PR)(5-23-2006)
Trent Tomlinson on Hood of #12 Dodge at Lowe’s: Lyric Street Records’ recording artist Trent Tomlinson is set to partner with FitzBradshaw Racing and Supercuts for Saturday’s Carquest Auto Parts 300 at Lowe’s. Saturday’s race marks a night of firsts for both driver and performer, as rookie Joel Kauffman will feature Tomlinson’s new album cover on the hood of the Supercuts Dodge in his first start at the Lowe’s.(FBR PR)(5-24-2006)
Stremme to Run Michigan ARCA Race for Wallace: “Racing’s racing,” says David Stremme, who will be at Michigan for the June 16-18 race weekend. However, this time he will not only race his #40 Lone Star Steakhouse/Coors Light Dodge in the NASCAR NEXTEL Cup Series 3M Performance 400, but also in the ARCA RE/MAX Series Hantz Group 200, taking over the wheel of the #61 RWI Nu South Lemonade-Hantz Group Dodge from Steve Wallace. Wallace is unable to compete in the ARCA series at MIS in June because of his commitments to the Busch Series event in Kentucky.(Michigan Speedway PR)(5-24-2006)
Drivers to Have Plenty of Practice Time at Martinsville: The Busch Series has been away from Martinsville Speedway for a decade, but drivers will have plenty of practice on the half-mile oval before the July 22 running of the Goody’s 250. There will be an open practice session for the Busch Series cars on Thursday, July 20 and a second day of practice on Friday, July 21 before qualifying and the Goody’s 250 on Saturday, July 22. The Thursday practice will allow any NASCAR NEXTEL Cup Series drivers entered in the event a day of practice without interfering with the Friday Cup schedule at Pocono Raceway. Those drivers are expected to skip their final practice session at Pocono on Saturday and get to Martinsville in time for qualifying at 12:05.(Martinsville Speedway PR)(5-23-2006)
Eric McClure to Attempt Lowe’s Race: The CARQUEST Auto Parts 300 will mark Eric McClure’s first attempt to qualify for a NASCAR Busch Series event in 2006. His most recent start came at the California Speedway in September 2005. Hefty will make its debut as a NASCAR team sponsor on the #04 Chevy Monte Carlo, which will be fielded by Morgan-McClure Motorsports.(Eric McClure PR)(5-23-2006) Note: See an image of the car on my Paint Schemes Page.
Pitts Is New Crew Chief For RYR; Elliot Sadler Returns to Drivers Seat: Robert Yates Racing announced today that, effective immediately, Jerry Pitts will assume the role of crew chief for the #90 CitiFinancial Ford. In addition, Elliott Sadler will return as the driver of the #90 CitiFinancial Ford and will run a limited number of Busch Series races for the remainder of the 2006 season. Pitts most recently served as crew chief for RYR development drivers Stephen Leicht and Matt McCall in the ARCA RE/MAX Series. Raymond Fox III, remains with RYR returning to the #38 M&M’S Ford driven by Sadler while also serving as a liaison between the RYR owned Busch and Nextel Cup Series teams.(RYR PR)(5-23-2006)
Waltrip to Unveil Dream Machine: Aaron Rents, Inc. today announced that three-time NASCAR NEXTEL Cup Series champion Darrell Waltrip will unveil his version of the #99 Aaron’s Dream Machine NASCAR Busch Series entry this Saturday at Lowe’s Motor Speedway. Waltrip is scheduled to race the car with a special paint scheme in the Goody’s 250 at Martinsville July 22.(Houston Chronicle)(5-23-2006)
Changes at Biagi Bros.; Mark Green Out, Vidovich In: UPDATE: Said in at Lowes: Biagi Bros. Racing announced significant changes to its organization today, including the addition of Auggie Vidovich II as driver of the #4 Dodge, launching a new partnership with DenBeste Transportation, and realigning key personnel. Auggie Vidovich II, a standout in the NASCAR AutoZone Elite Division, Southwest Series, will take over the wheel of the #4 Dodge starting at Dover. A driver has not yet been named for the Carquest Auto Parts 300 at Lowe’s Motor Speedway next week. In addition to the driver switch, Biagi has formed a new partnership with longtime friend and businessman, Bill DenBeste. The newly formed venture will operate under the name “Biagi-DenBeste Racing”.(Biagi Bros. PR)(5-19-2006) UPDATE: Biagi-DenBeste Racing has tapped the talents of Boris Said for Saturday night’s running of the Carquest Auto Parts 300 at Lowe’s Motor Speedway.(Biagi-DenBeste PR)(5-23-2006)
Robby Gordon to Attempt First Busch Race of 2006: “We are looking forward to running our first NASCAR Busch Series race of the year this weekend here in Charlotte,” Gordon said. “I’m looking to not only to put on a great show for Harrah’s and our other sponsors, but to also get a better idea of what to expect for Sunday night’s Coca-Cola 600. The competition is pretty stiff these days in the Busch Series though. With great drivers from the Cup series in the field every week, it won’t be much different than the Cup race on Sunday.(Robby Gordon PR)(5-23-2006)
Congrats to Hamlin Crew Chief Dave Rogers: While Denny Hamlin was on the lake relaxing with his friends, Crew Chief Dave Rogers used the off weekend to welcome his new son into the world. Matthew Ryan Rogers was born on May 19 th at 4:22 p.m., measuring 22 inches and weighing in at 7lbs 13oz. Everyone returned home from the hospital on Sunday, are doing well and looking forward to watching his first race on Saturday night. (Rockwell Automation PR)(5-23-2006)
Coleman to Make Busch Debut at Nashville: Adding to his already impressive resume, 18-year-old Brewco Motorsports rookie sensation Brad Coleman will make his NASCAR Busch Series debut in the June 10 Federated Auto Parts 300 at Nashville Superspeedway. Coleman will pilot a Brewco Ford just one week after walking across the stage at his high school graduation in Martinsville, VA.(Brewco PR)(5-23-2006)
Sad News: Spencer Clark Killed in Auto Accident:Nineteen year-old NASCAR Busch Series driver Spencer Clark died late Sunday night in a single-car accident on Interstate 40 about forty miles east of Albuquerque, New Mexico. Clark, who was a passenger in the truck, was returning to his native Las Vegas, Nevada after spending the last couple of weeks preparing a car in the Charlotte, North Carolina area for this weekend’s NASCAR West Series race at the Irwindale Speedway. As his truck and trailer were navigating the tricky crosswinds over the Sandia Mountain range, an unexpected gust of wind began a short sequence of events that ultimately led to the vehicle overturning. Clark was pronounced dead on the scene. “Spencer Clark was one of the most talented drivers that we have at MMI and we have been blessed by working with some of our sport’s best,” noted company founder Cary JC Agajanian. “He was one of the cornerstones of our Driver Development department. It is always awful to lose any young man, but this one in particular is going to hurt. Spencer was a good kid with a heart of gold that was as fierce of a competitor as anyone on a racetrack. His sheer talent and determination alone were enough to propel him into the NASCAR Busch Series and we expected many great achievements from him in the future. This is really heartbreaking both on a personal and professional level. He had the ability to go very far in the sport. This is a tragic loss to all of us at MMI and we extend our deepest sympathies to his parents, TJ and Debbie, and his sister Candice. His parents poured there heart and soul into Spencer’s efforts. They were his biggest supporters and we hate that they have to go through this.” Clark made his NASCAR Busch Series debut at the Las Vegas Motor Speedway this past March with the help of local Las Vegas sponsor, Allegiant Air. With a car that was prepared by family and friends going against the high-dollar efforts of full-time NASCAR Busch Series teams, Clark qualified the car 33rd and finished 35th after a day of learning and adapting to the high-level competition. The day was even more special to Spencer as he had grown up winning multiple main-events on the bullring located just outside turn two of the superspeedway and had been able to race in front of some of the same people that had supported him from the very beginning of his career. In eight career NASCAR West Series races, Clark had recorded three top-5 finishes and a pole at Phoenix in January. Funeral arrangements are pending at this time.(Motorsports Management PR)(5-22-2006)
Tim Sauter and McGill Motorsports to Help Boy Needing Kidney Transplant: While many 14 year olds are out playing baseball or riding four-wheelers with their friends, Mooresville, NC teenager Raine Angelley stays home resting, the headaches too great to enjoy a normal teen life. The pain is not from any normal headache but rather, caused by the multiple daily medications he must take to aid him in his fight against polycystic kidney disease. PKD is a disorder that causes the formation of cysts in the kidneys. Raines was born with the disorder and his kidney function is now below 20%. Lester Buildings and McGill Motorsports will run Raine’s picture on the #36 car next weekend along with the phone number to make a donation to the Raine Angelley Fund to help offset the costs of an upcoming transplant operation. Raine along with his father will also be special guests of the McGill Motorsports team and driver Tim Sauter prior to the event Saturday evening (McGill Motorsports PR)(5-19-2006)
5 Star Water to Sponsor Mac Hill: Mac Hill Motorsports announced today that 5 Star Water, an Illinois-based distributor and supplier of bottled water since 1987, has signed on as an associate sponsor of the Mac Hill Motorsports team featuring driver Kevin Lepage for the duration of the 2006 season.(Mac Hill PR)(05-19-2006)
Steadman Marlin Get Sponsor for Nashville: Steadman Marlin and the Sadler & Son Racing team is pleased to announce a partnership with GDSI Global Dehumidification Solutions, Inc. for the upcoming Nashville Busch race. GDSI will be the primary sponsor for the #95 Dodge.(Marlin PR via BGNRacing.com)(5-17-2006)
Parker Named Co-Crew Chief for David Green: Brewco Motorsports Inc. today announced the naming of Shawn Parker as co-crew chief on the team’s #27 Kleenex® Ford Fusion in the NASCAR Busch Series. He will share duties with current crew chief Stewart Cooper. Parker will continue to serve as crew chief on Brewco’s #62 Federated Auto Parts Ford in the ARCA RE/MAX Series with rookie driver Brad Coleman.(Brewco PR)(5-18-2006)
No Changes Forthcoming to Reduce Buschwhackers’ Participation: Busch Series Director Joe Balash said May 13 NASCAR is studying numerous suggestions made by competitors about the prolifieration of Nextel Cup team and drivers competing in the Busch Series, but no changes are imminent. Balash said nothing would be done before the next race at Charlotte May 27. After that? “I wouldn’t speculate on a time frame, but there have been a number of suggestions that have been put on the board,” Balash said. Among the suggestions: a different compund for tires, a different model car, not giving points and/or purse money to Cup drivers, and placing a limit on the number of Cup drivers allowed to complete in a Busch race. The latter suggestion does not appear to carry any weight.(NASCAR Scene)(5-18-2006)
Busch Banquet to be Held at Disney World: While the 2006 NASCAR NEXTEL Cup Series champion and the rest of the Chase for the NASCAR NEXTEL Cup competitors will celebrate on familiar ground at the world-famous Waldorf=Astoria hotel in New York at season’s end, the top teams in NASCAR’s other two national series will be “going to Disney World.” On Dec. 1, the NASCAR NEXTEL Cup Awards Ceremony will again take place at the venerable Waldorf in Midtown Manhattan, which first hosted the ceremony in 1981. The following week, on Dec. 8 and Dec. 10, the champions of the NASCAR Busch Series and NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series will be feted at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort in Orlando, Fla. The 867-room Victorian-themed Grand Floridian resort is just outside the gates of Disney’s Magic Kingdom theme park on the grounds of Walt Disney World. The 2006 NASCAR Busch Series Awards Ceremony will earn a special place in history, as it will apply the finishing touches on a year-long celebration of the series’ 25th anniversary season.(NASCAR PR)(5-17-2006)
NASCAR Announces Nashville Penalties: Appeal Denied NASCAR announced that Joe Shear Jr., crew chief of the #43 Ford driven by Aaron Fike and Chris Wright, crew chief for the #35 Ford of Regan Smith, have each been fined $10,000 and placed on probation until December 31, 2006 following rule violations at Nashville. Shear was found to be in violation of Sections 12-4-A (actions detrimental to stock car racing) and 12-4-Q (car, car parts, components and/or equipment used that do not conform to NASCAR rules: Section 20A-12.8.1A: Roof height too low in post-race inspection) of the 2006 NASCAR Busch Series Rule Book. Additionally, Fike was penalized 25 NASCAR Busch Series driver championship points and team owner Mike Curb was penalized 25 NASCAR Busch Series owner championship points for violating Sections 12-4-A and 12-4-Q (20A-12.8.1A). Wright was in violation of Sections 12-4-A and 12-4-Q (car, car parts, components and/or equipment used that do not conform to NASCAR rules: Section 20A-12.3: Shock Absorbers).(NASCAR PR)(4-19-2006) UPDATE: The Commission finds that the penalties issued are consistent with recent NASCAR Busch Series penalties for cars that did not meet minimum height requirements. Therefore it is the unanimous decision of the National Stock Car Racing Commission to uphold the original penalties assessed by NASCAR.(NASCAR PR)(5-17-2006)
FitzBradshaw Racing for Sale?: UPDATE – DENIED A source has confirmed that FitzBradshaw Racing is for sale. Co-owned by Armando Fitz and former NFL quarterback Terry Bradshaw, the team has struggled on the track this year with rookies Joel Kauffman and Tracy Hines. Three drivers have shared the team’s #12 entry, with a best finish of 20th by David Reutimann at Daytona. The team’s other entry, which carries the #14, also has a best finish of 11th, by Carlos Contreras at Mexico. The team entered only one car at Darlington because of sponsorship issues.(SceneDaily.com/Article Removed from site)(5-17-2006) UPDATE: Statement from Armando Fitz: “As a result of restructuring our organization from a 3-car team to a 2-car team, we are simply exploring our options of relocation. Therefore, our current building has been placed on the market as we look for a smaller facility. We are NOT selling our race team. FitzBradshaw Racing is committed to our Sponsors and personnel not only for the remainder of the season but for the future as well.”(FBR PR)(5-17-2006)
McMurray to Drive Busch Races for Roush in 2007: McMurray did say that he would move to a Roush Racing Busch Series car in 2007. He was unaware which car he would drive.(NASCAR.com)(5-16-2006)
Charlie Lewis Leaving Rensi?: UPDATE: Hearing #25 Team Rensi Motorsports Crew Chief Charlie Lewis is resigning his posiiton following the Darlington race.(5-10-2006) UPDATE: Team Rensi Motorsports announced today that Charlie Lewis will resign from his position of Team Rensi Motorsports Director of Competition and Crew Chief of the #25 Team Marines Ford Fusion. The resignation will be effective following Friday Night’s Diamond Hill 250 NASCAR Busch Series race at Darlington Raceway. Team Rensi Motorsports is currently conducting a search for a new crew chief for the Team Marines Ford and will make an announcement as soon as the position is filled.(Rensi PR)(5-10-2006) UPDATE 2: Team Rensi Motorsports announced today the hiring of Todd Brewer as crew chief of the #25 Team Marines NASCAR Busch Series Ford.(Rensi PR)(5-15-2006)
Huffman to Run 5 Busch Races for JR Motorsports: Earnhardt said that Shane Huffman, driver of JR Motorsports’ Hooters Pro Cup entry, will make five NASCAR Busch Series starts this season.(NASCAR.com)(5-16-2006)
Looks like Busch Series race to Canada in 2007: NASCAR is within a few signatures of coming to Circuit Gilles Villeneuve in 2007. The renewal of a 10-year lease for racing on Ile Notre Dame, a contract between the city of Montreal and motorsport promoter Normand Legault, is the final turn to be negotiated, one that’s expected to be rounded in the next couple of weeks. And when it is, Legault will announce that the NASCAR Busch Series will unleash 43 of its 3,400-pound Chevy, Ford and Dodge lookalikes for a fender-rubbing, paint-trading race on the Expo 67 island. On May 2, a delegation of seven high-ranking officials headed by Steve O’Donnell, NASCAR’s managing director of events and operations, flew to Montreal for a five-hour operational visit to the racetrack. Included in the group was Busch Series director Joe Balash, NASCAR vice-president of competition Robin Pemberton, and events, logistics, and timing and scoring officials. O’Donnell hails Legault and his team and calls the circuit “a world-class facility, a challenging course in a unique setting, with access to a great city.” He says the track is essentially NASCAR race-ready, save a few things like the lengthening of pit road for 43 cars. That’s an easy fix, given that the long pit exit beyond the F1 garages could be modified. As for the tight Senna Corner and Casino hairpin? If you love NASCAR for the wrecks, buy your seats here. “We were definitely impressed with the facility,” O’Donnell said from NASCAR headquarters in Daytona Beach, Fla. “Montreal obviously is a great market. There’s a possibility for (a race here) as early as 2007.”(more at the Montreal Gazette)(5-16-2006)
Henderson Motorsports Update: The 2006 race plan includes five races with Abingdon driver Caleb Holman. A freak snowstorm wiped away Holman’s hopes of qualifying for the Sharpie Mini 300 at Bristol Motor Speedway in March. He then finished 33rd after qualifying 40th in the May 11th event at Richmond. Fifty drivers attempted to qualify at Richmond. Holman was among four drivers failing to qualify for Friday night’s event at famed Darlington Raceway. “We will definitely do the Martinsville (July 22nd) race and we have talked about going to Nashville on June 10. We’re just going to see how things go from there,” Henderson said.(TriCities.com)(5-16-2006)
Crosby Still Working on a Ride with Frank Cicci Racing: Kim Crosby is a “regular” in the NASCAR Busch Series garage area. She isn’t driving, as yet, but she is dedicated to seeing that happen with team owner Frank Cicci with Jim Kelly. Kim, while maintaining her “regular” job as principal of Slidell Junior High School in Slidell, La, drove limited schedules in both the ARCA and NASCAR Busch Series. In 2004, she decided to follow the advice she had given her students…to follow their dreams. She resigned as principal and has been diligently working to fulfill her dream of racing full time in the NASCAR Busch Series. After several disappointments with various teams, Kim has teamed up with Frank Cicci in hopes of, finally, making her dream, not only a reality, but, a successful one. “I’ve been working with Frank since late November.” Crosby explained, “and we’ve been trying to put together a sponsorship package that will get me on the track. There isn’t a female in the series right now that is running any more than 4 or 5 races. It’s what NASCAR needs. Speaking to everyone, fans, officials, other drivers, owners and you name it, that come up to me in the garage area, all say that I would be good for the sport. Everyone is very positive, it’s just getting the right package together and marketing it. It needs to be a win/win situation for the company that we sign with as well as for our race team.”(Catchfence.com)(5-16-2006)
Kluever to be released from Roush Racing? UPDATE:RacingOne is hearing Todd Kluever could be released from Roush Racing due in part to both his lackluster performance in the Busch Series [#06 Ford] this season and the proposed cap for NEXTEL Cup teams, which would force Jack Roush to eliminate one of his cars. Kluever had been named to take over the #6 NEXTEL Cup ride [AAA Ford] from the retiring Mark Martin next year, but if Roush is forced to eliminate one of his teams to fit under the cap of four, that team may be the one to go. The AAA sponsorship could then be shifted to Greg Biffle’s #16, which will reportedly lose the National Guard sponsorship after this season. Kluever, who is scheduled to make his Cup Series debut [in the #06 3M Ford] at Chicagoland, has only one top-10 finish in the Busch Series this season. He also sits 23rd in the points.(RacingOne)(5-16-2006) UPDATE: BGNRacing.com talked to a spokesman at Roush Tuesday morning and the report was denied with a response of “Totally untrue.” Although none have been announced yet, if changes were to come they would be made within the crew before Kluever would be shifted out.(BGNRacing.com)(5-16-2006)
Paint Scheme Pages Updated: More than 50 images have been added to the 2004, 2005, and 2006 Paint Schemes pages in the last few days.(5-15-2006)
KHI Raising Funds to Fight Cystic Fibrosis: Kevin Harvick Inc. and the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation have joined forces to sponsor “Fast Lane to a Cure,” a dinner to be held on May 16 featuring silent and live auctions, entertainment and a guest speaker. Three drivers from the KHI family will be in attendance at the event, including Burney Lamar, Ron Hornaday and Kevin Harvick. The dinner will benefit the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation. As part of the promotion, Ron Hornaday will carry the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation logo on his KHI Chevrolet for the May 19 Quaker Steak and Lube 200 Craftsman Truck Series race at Lowe’s Motor Speedway. The company is featuring an online raffle through its Web site www.kevinharvickinc.com, as well as Harvick’s personal website, www.kevinharvick.com. Fans can buy raffle tickets through May 20 to earn a chance to win the race helmet that will be worn by Hornaday in that race. All proceeds from the raffle will benefit the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation, a donor-supported, nonprofit organization.(SceneDaily.com)(5-15-2006)
Larry Mac…owner? hearing Fox broadcaster Larry McReynolds is looking into becoming a NASCAR team owner again, supposedly with John Dangler. Supposedly a Busch Series deal in 2007 that would move up to Nextel Cup in 2008, McReynolds was part owner of the ill-fated BANG Racing team in 2004.(5-15-2006)
Martinsville Race Start Time Changed: Martinsville Speedway officials say the upcoming Busch Series race will not be held at night as originally planned. The Goody’s 250, scheduled for July 22, has been moved to a 3 p.m. start and to a network slot. The race was originally to be broadcast on TNT, and held in the evening under temporary lighting brought in just for the occasion. NBC will now carry live coverage of the race. That will make the Martinsville event the first NASCAR Busch race on NBC this season and one of only three to be carried on the network this year.(SceneDaily.com)(5-14-2006)
Andretti to Run Indy 500? John Andretti, who drives fulltime in the Busch Series for [#10 Ford] ppc Racing was the first NASCAR driver to “do the double” when he raced in the Indy 500 and Coca-Cola 600 Cup race at Lowe’s Motor Speedway in 1994. While preparing for Friday night’s Diamond Hill Plywood 200 -Busch race in Darlington] Andretti was asked what circumstances would get him back in a car at Indianapolis. “Right now I keep mulling over some opportunities that are there even for this year,” Andretti said with a smile. “I’ve got to make a decision pretty quick but I got to get through Darlington first.” Two Andrettis are already at The Brickyard preparing for the 90th Indy 500 on May 28. Michael Andretti came out of retirement to join his son, Marco, as two of four Andretti Green Racing drivers attempting to qualify. “It’s a lot of history going on,” John Andretti said Friday. “I think Mario [Andretti, Michael’s father and John’s uncle] is probably going around looking for a ride, which he could get easily, I’m sure.”(NASCAR.com)(5-14-2006)
Cub Cadet to Sponsor Brewco, Biffle to Drive: Cub Cadet has officially entered into the NASCAR family with a limited schedule primary sponsorship of the Brewco Motorsports #66 Ford Fusion in the NASCAR Busch Series. During the ’06 season, the Cub Cadet Ford will race in a minimum of six races in the Busch Series, with Greg Biffle behind the wheel for the majority of races. The #66 Ford will run at Nashville, Kentucky, Chicago, Martinsville, Watkins Glen and Michigan. (Cub Cadet PR via BGNRacing.com)(5-12-2006)
Sadler Stepping Out of #90 to Give Development Drivers More Races: UPDATE A source with Robert Yates Racing said Tuesday during the test session at the Lowe’s Motor Speedway, that the team has been informed that Elliott Sadler is stepping out from behind the wheel of the #90 for a while to allow the development drivers, Stephen Leict and Matt McCall to get more seat-time. Both Leicht and McCall are hoping to run the Carquest 300 at LMS at the end of the month. McCall however had a tough day testing on Tuesday after wrecking his machine. Leicht is entered in Darlington this weekend while McCall will run the ARCA event in Kentucky.(BGNRacing.com)(05-10-2006) UPDATE: CitiFinancial and Robert Yates Racing announced today a committed approach to accelerate their driver development program. Effective immediately, Stephen Leicht and Matt McCall are going to assume increased driving duties for the #90 CitiFinancial Ford Fusion and will be sharing the seat for the remainder of the 2006 NASCAR Busch Series races. Elliott Sadler will continue to fulfill his role as Leicht’s and McCall’s mentor throughout the remainder of the season. Sadler will continue endorsing the CitiFinancial brand and carry the CitiFinancial associate sponsorship on his #38 NASCAR Nextel Cup Series car.(Robert Yates Racing PR)(5-12-2006)
Diamond Hill Plywood to Sponsor Busch Race Additional 3 Years: Darlington Raceway President Chris Browning, along with officials from Diamond Hill Plywood, today announced a three-year contract extension by the Florence, S.C.-based company to remain the title sponsor of the track’s annual NASCAR Busch Series race. The race will officially be known as the Diamond Hill Plywood 200 through 2009.(SceneDaily.com)(5-12-2006)
Labonte Still Looking: Justin Labonte is going into this weekend at Caraway Speedway with nothing but top five finishes so far. He has made three starts in the 2006 season at the NASCAR Dodge Weekly Series track. With a fifth place, a second place and a first place finish behind him already, Justin will definitely be a factor for another win this Mother’s Day weekend. While Justin continues to perform so well at Caraway, he is still searching for opportunities in the NASCAR Busch or NASCAR Craftsman truck series for the 2007 season.(Labonte PR)(5-11-2006)
Tracy plans to continue NASCAR racing: Champ Car driver Paul Tracy plans to continue to compete in NASCAR events despite announcing a five-year extension of his contract with Forsythe Racing today to continue in the open-wheel series. Tracy is expected to compete in 10 NASCAR races, most likely Busch Series events, in 2007.(SceneDaily.com)(5-11-2006)
Leffler Doubtful for Indy 500: Jason Leffler has talked with the PDM Racing team about running in the Indy 500, and his Braun Racing team has considered partnering with someone to field an entry, but Leffler doesn’t anticipate making his second start in that race. “I would love to do it, but it’s kind of too late to be thinking about it,” Leffler said.(NASCAR Scene)(5-11-2006)
Testing at Lowe’s Monday-Wednesday: Wednesday UPDATE 3: Lowe’s Motor Speedway will be the site of the final scheduled test session of 2006 for the NASCAR Busch Series today through Wednesday. This year, NASCAR set a schedule for when and where each of its national series tests at tracks that host NASCAR events. Those tests are the teams’ only opportunities to test at those tracks. LMS is one of four tracks – and the second of two 1.5-mile tracks – that NASCAR Busch Series teams can utilize for tests this season. Daytona International Speedway (2.5-mile), Las Vegas Motor Speedway (1.5-mile) and Richmond International Raceway (.75-mile) have already hosted tests. Forty-eight drivers – predictably the most among the four sessions as many of the teams are based in the Charlotte area – are scheduled to participate in the three-day session where teams select two of the three available days to test.(NASCAR PR)(5-8-2006) UPDATE: Speeds from Monday were as follows: 1. Denny Hamlin, 186.130; 2. Jon Wood, 186.098; 3. Matt Kenseth, 186.014; 4. Carl Edwards, 185.771; 5. Jeff Burton, 185.707; 6. Mark Martin, 185.529; 7. Paul Menard, 185.433; 8. Greg Biffle, 185.401; 9. J.J. Yeley, 185.312; 10. Kyle Busch, 185.185; 11. Jamie McMurray, 184.963; 12. Martin Truex Jr., 184.773; 13. Reed Sorenson, 184.609; 14. Todd Kluever, 184.439; 15. Clint Bowyer, 184.420; 16. Kevin Harvick, 183.899; 17. Danny O’Quinn, 183.611; 18. Michael Waltrip, 183.424; 19. Scott Wimmer, 183.405; 20. Stacy Compton, 183.125; 21. Mark McFarland, 182.865; 22. John Andretti, 182.766; 23. Johnny Sauter, 182.611; 24. Mike Wallace, 181.904; 25. Kenny Wallace, 180.560; 26. David Green, 180.439; 27. Kertus Davis, 180.012; 28. Aaron Fike, 178.359; 29. Eric McClure, 177.521. Kyle Busch was the only driver to wreck during the first day of testing.(Lowe’s Motor Speedway PR)(5-8-2006) UPDATE 2: The second day of NASCAR Busch Series testing Tuesday at Lowe’s Motor Speedway revealed that tire strategy will play a key role in determining the winner of the CARQUEST Auto Parts 300 on Saturday night, May 27. In a sport where tires often begin giving up speed after a single lap, the 42 NASCAR Busch Series teams participating in the testing session learned the harder compound tires Goodyear built for the new Lowe’s Motor Speedway surface are very unusual. They actually pick up speed the longer they run, meaning decisions on when to pit for tires will be critical. Speed from Tuesday: 1. Casey Mears, 187.071; 2. Reed Sorenson, 186.554; 3. Denny Hamlin, 186.021; 4. Denny Hamlin/J.J. Yeley, 185.746; 5. Jon Wood, 185.166; 6. Kasey Kahne, 185.109; 7. Paul Menard, 185.096; 8. J.J. Yeley, 185.008; 9. Joel Kauffman, 184.957; 10. Jeff Burton, 184.894; 11. Jamie McMurray, 184.843; 12. Jason Leffler, 184.596; 13. Mark Martin, 184.565; 14. Martin Truex Jr., 184.388; 15. Kyle Busch, 184.388; 16. Carl Edwards, 184.168; 17. Kenny Wallace, 184.074; 18. Stephen Leicht, 183.748; 19. Kertus Davis, 183.711; 20. Todd Kluever, 183.424; 21. Regan Smith, 183.343; 22. Kurt Busch, 183.243; 23. John Andretti, 183.237; 24. Matt Kenseth, 183.212; 25. Stacy Compton, 183.107; 26. Johnny Sauter, 183.038; 27. Clint Bowyer, 182.859; 28. Matt McCall, 182.797; 29. Burney Lamar, 182.469; 30. Mike Wallace, 182.309; 31. Michael Waltrip, 182.297; 32. Tracy Hines, 182.180; 33. Ashton Lewis Jr., 181.996; 34. Scott Wimmer, 181.604; 35. Mark McFarland, 181.372; 36. Eric McClure, 180.929; 37. Brandon Miller, 180.747; 38. David Gilliland, 180.626; 39. Kevin Conway, 180.608; 40. Aaron Fike, 180.433; 41. David Green, 179.742; 42. Danny O’Quinn, 175.575.(Lowe’s Motor Speedway PR)(5-9-2006) UPDATE 3: NASCAR Busch Series testing concluded Wednesday at Lowe’s Motor Speedway, but crew chiefs and engineers will continue to analyze computer data as they make final preparations for the CARQUEST Auto Parts 300 on Saturday night, May 27. Those preparations will focus on how to best set up a chassis for the harder compound tire Goodyear has built for the repaved racing surface at the legendary 1.5-mile superspeedway. Rookie Aric Almirola bounced back from a crash to post the second fastest lap of the day at 183.306 mph in the #19 Husqvarna Chevy. Tracy Hines spun and backed the #14 Dodge into the wall and Jerry Robertson smacked the SAFER barrier in the #78 Chevy. Speeds from the fimal day of testing Wednesday: 1. Casey Mears, 184.106; 2. Aric Almirola, 183.343; 3. Kurt Busch, 183.306; 4. Jimmie Johnson, 183.299; 5. Kasey Kahne, 182.488; 6. Kevin Harvick, 181.837; 7. Jason Leffler, 181.696; 8. Tracy Hines, 181.543; 9. Joel Kauffman, 181.470; 10. David Gilliland, 181.452; 11. Regan Smith, 181.263; 12. Burney Lamar, 180.638; 13. Matt McCall, 180.445; 14. Ashton Lewis Jr., 180.385; 15. Kevin Conway, 178.141; 16. Jerry Robertson, 177.183; 17. Jorge Goeters, 174.137.(Lowe’s Motor Speedway PR)(5-9-2006)
Blaney to Drive Limited Schedule for Braun Racing: Braun Racing announced a new driver alliance with NASCAR NEXTEL Cup regular Dave Blaney. Blaney who currently drives full-time for Bill Davis in the #22 Caterpillar NEXTEL Cup car has been assigned to drive the #32 Braun Racing Chevy in a limited amount of Busch series races this year.(Braun Racing PR)(5-10-2006)
Kertus Davis in the 34?: UPDATE 2 Hearing that Kertus Davis tested the #34 Frank Cicci Chevy today at Lowe’s and will be behind the wheel of the #34 this weekend at Darlington and again at Lowe’s in two week. Jason Keller is reportedly exploring other options.(5-8-2006) UPDATE: Starting this weekend in Darlington and continuing to next weekend at Lowes Motor Speedway, Kertus Davis will be driving the #34 Chevy for Frank Cicci in the NASCAR Busch Series. “We’re very excited that Frank is giving us this chance,” Kertus said of the opportunity, “and we hope that we can make the best of it and give them a couple of good runs.” Davis is hoping that the opportunity will open more doors to allow him to continue his sophomore season in the best equipment possible. His best effort this season brought him a 10th place starting position at Talladega, driving the #0 RaceGirl Chevy for Davis Motorsports.(KertusDavis.com)(5-9-2006) UPDATE 2: Sport Clips has once again joined Frank Cicci Racing to be the primary sponsor for this weekend’s race.(Sport Clips PR)(5-10-2006)
FBR to Enter One Car at Darlington: FitzBradshaw Racing will field only one car in Friday’s Diamond Hill Plywood 200 NASCAR Busch Series race at Darlington Raceway. Joel Kauffman will drive the #12 Dodge, which will have sponsorship from Olympia Steel Buildings.(NASCAR Scene Daily)(5-10-2006)
Reutimann in the #99 at Darlington: This weekend David Reutimann will drive Michael Waltrip Racing’s #99 Aaron’s Dream Machine in the NASCAR Busch Series race at Darlington. As Reutimann takes the reigns, Jerry Baxter will be his crew chief.(Waltrip Racing PR)(5-9-2006)
SKI Motorsports Adds Sponsor: SKI Motorsports officials say Berkley fishing tackle will be a major associate sponsor on the team’s #30 Chevy for Mike Bliss for its four-race NASCAR Busch Series schedule this year. The team is scheduled to make its 2006 season debut in Friday’s Diamond Hill Plywood 200 at Darlington Raceway. It also plans to run July 29 at Gateway International Raceway outside St. Louis, Sept. 2 at California Speedway and Sept. 30 at Kansas Speedway.(Scene Daily)(5-9-2006)
Smith & Wesson Honors Law Enforcement Heros: Smith & Wesson Corp. the legendary, 154-year-old global provider of products and services for safety, security, protection and sport, kicks off its 2006 NASCAR Busch Series campaign with driver Mike Bliss at Darlington Raceway this weekend and picks up where it left off last season by honoring law enforcement heroes in partnership with the Fraternal Order of Police (FOP) Grand Lodge national headquarters. Serving as honorary crew chief for the #30 Smith & Wesson Chevy team of SKI Motorsports at this weekend’s Diamond Hill Plywood 200 is officer Wilbur Chamberlin of Ovett, Miss., who was recognized by the FOP for his tireless efforts assisting Gulf Coast victims of Hurricane Katrina last fall.(Smith & Wesson PR)(5-9-2006)
Speed Zone Energy Drink to Sponsor Shane Hall: Speed Zone Energy Drink has announced that it will be the primary sponsor of the #28 Car driven by Shane Hall for four races; Darlington, Kentucky, Bristol and the second Busch Series Race in Dover. Along with primary sponsorship, Speed Zone Energy Drink will be an associate on the #49 Advil Ford Fusion for the remainder of the 2006 Season. (JRR PR) (Jay Robinson Racing)(5-9-2006)
Duragloss to Sponsor MacHill at Darlington: Mac Hill Motorsports announced today that Brothers Research Corporation, makers of Duragloss, will once again be the Primary Sponsor for the Mac Hill Motorsports #56 BGN car driven by NASCAR veteran Kevin Lepage at Darlington. as primary sponsor,” commented Steve Bannes, VP of Marketing for Mac Hill Motorsports. Duraglosswas on board for the Nashville event a few weeks ago.(MacHill PR)(5-8-2006)
Busch Series to Race in Canada?: UPDATE 4: With a second race in Mexico City behind the NASCAR Busch Series, the teams can expect to cross the border again next year – possibly two different borders. Canada remains on the NASCAR radar as the next international venue for the circuit, possibly as early at next year.(NASCAR Scene)(3-16-2006) UPDATE: A small contingent of NASCAR officials planned to travel to Montreal this week to scout the city for a possible Busch Series race there next season. NASCAR expanded into Mexico last year, and Canadian officials have been trying to get on the schedule. Spokesman Jim Hunter said series officials will tour several different venues, and any expansion would be strictly for the lower-tier Busch Series.(Alabama Live)(5-1-2006) UPDATE 2: A group of Toronto investors has made a bid to buy Cayuga 2000 Speedway near Hamilton and turn it into a NASCAR ready facility that would seat in excess of 60,000. The proposal also involves lengthening the existing 5/8ths mile oval to a mile. In return, the proposed Cayuga owners will get serious consideration for either a NASCAR Busch Series or Craftsman Truck Series race when the project is completed. “Apparently this group has already been talking to NASCAR officials,” a source close to the deal told the Toronto Sun yesterday. “They were essentially told that if they build it NASCAR will come — but only the junior series.” Another source with connections to the current owners Garry Evans and Brad Litkey said the owners have given the Toronto group two weeks to come up with a deal to buy the facility. NASCAR vice-president Jim Hunter told an Associated Press reporter in Talladega that a small group of NASCAR executives planned to tour Montreal’s Circuit Gilles Villeneuve this week in preparation for a possible race there in 2007. But Hunter also said that while in Canada, the group could tour several other race facilities — including Cayuga.(Toronto Sun)(5-2-2006) UPDATE 3: An impressive mid-week visit to Montreal has excited NASCAR officials planning to expand their popular Busch Series to Canada in a move that could take place as early as next season. Seven NASCAR officials inspected the Circuit Gilles Villeneuve, a temporary street course, and deemed the course ready with little changes need, according to Steve O’Donnell, managing director of events and operations. The only alteration would be a short extension of the pit road. Montreal could be targeted for the 2007 season as the third road course race for the Busch Series. The event would join Watkins and Glen Mexico, which recently held its second race in March and has been extremely popular for NASCAR outside the U.S. It’s not known if NASCAR officials will try to fit Montreal for their 2007 season. The Busch Series schedule currently holds 35 races, and another race would put NASCAR at a maximum number that it considers for its Nextel Cup season. The possibility exists that Canada could only get a race if another event would lose a current Busch date.(CBC Sports)(5-6-2006) UPDATE 4: The debate now is when in 2007 might NASCAR plug in a Busch race in Montreal. The best guess is late July, probably the 22nd or 29th. NASCAR would almost certainly want the Montreal race to be on an off-Nextel Cup weekend, so it can haul in some of its Nextel Cup stars.(Winston-Salem Journal)(5-7-2006)
Borchetta to Busch? Former Motorplex champion truck champ Scott Borchetta could be in line for a ride in the NASCAR Busch Series, according to Middle Tennessee Racing News. Borchetta, a Nashville recording executive, was at the track but said he wasn’t at liberty to discuss the Busch Series report.(Nashville Tennesseean)(5-6-2006)
Former NFL Player Joins Jay Robinson Racing: Emmanuel McDaniel, who spent his 1996 Rookie season on the Carolina Panthers roster, has joined Jay Robinson Racing. McDaniel was a Cornerback who also had stints with the Colts, Cardinals, Giants and Dolphins in his nine year NFL career. He retired from football after spending the 2003 and 2004 season with the Cardinals. McDaniel will serve as a tire carrier on the #49 Advil/Xtreme pit crew and have duties in the shop.(Jay Robinson Racing PR)(5-5-2006)
Harvick Fails Post-Race Inspection: UPDATE: NASCAR Issues 11 Penalties to 5 Teams: RCR Not to Appeal: The left-rear quarterpanel of Busch Series point leader Kevin Harvick’s #21 Chevy was found to be too low in post-race inspection following Saturday’s Aaron’s 312 at Talladega. Busch Series director Joe Balash said penalties are expected and should be announced Tuesday, but Harvick would be allowed to keep his second-place finish. Harvick leads the Busch Series standings by 299 points over Richard Childress Racing teammate Clint Bowyer.(NASCAR Scene)(4-29-2006) UPDATE: NASCAR announced today a total of 11 penalties that have been issued among five NASCAR Busch Series teams as a result of rule violations at Talladega Superspeedway. Nathan Homick, a crew member for the #4 Dodge driven by Mark Green, was fined $5,000 and indefinitely suspended from NASCAR for violating Section 12-4-A (actions detrimental to stock car racing; illegal possession of NASCAR seals). The violation was discovered during pre-qualifying inspection on April 28. The crew chiefs for the #33 Chevy driven by Tony Stewart and the #77 Chevy driven by Burney Lamar were both fined and placed on probation for violating Sections 12-4-A and 12-4-Q (car, car parts, components and/or equipment used that do not conform to NASCAR rules: Section 20A-3.1.2: the forward facing flange of the rear spoiler did not maintain the specified thickness). Walt Rogers, crew chief of the #33 and Gene Nead, crew chief of the #77, each received $10,000 fines and were placed on probation until December 31, 2006. The violations were found during pre-qualifying inspection on April 28. Additionally, Stewart and Lamar will each lose 25 NASCAR Busch Series driver points and team owner DeLana Harvick will forfeit a total of 50 NASCAR Busch Series owner points, 25 points for each driver. Also, Shane Wilson, crew chief for the #21 Chevy driven by Kevin Harvick, was fined $10,000 and placed on probation until December 31, 2006 for violation of Sections 12-4-A and 12-4-Q, Section 20-A-12.8.1E: rear quarter panel height did not meet the required specification – too low in post-race inspection. Harvick was penalized 25 driver points and Richard Childress lost 25 owner points due to the infractions. And Tommy Perkins, crew chief for the #05 Chevy driven by Justin Ashburn, was fined $1,000 for violating Sections 12-4-A and 12-4-Q, Section 20-A-12.1A(8): unapproved jacking bolt – hollow bolt. The infraction was found during pre-qualifying inspection on April 28.(NASCAR PR)(5-3-2006) UPDATE 2: Richard Childress says he will not appeal the 25-point penalty assessed his series-leading #21 Busch Series team earlier this week for being too low in postrace inspection following the Aaron’s 312 last Saturday at Talladega Superspeedway.(Scene Daily)(5-5-2006)
Testing at Lowe’s Next Week: Almost 50 Busch Series teams have signed up to participate in the upcoming NASCAR test at Lowe’s Motor Speedway. The sessions will run Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday, but drivers may only test on two of those three days. Forty-nine teams, including 21 that field cars full-time with NASCAR Nextel Cup drivers, have plans to show up for the sessions. Jimmie Johnson, Carl Edwards, Elliott Sadler, Kevin Harvick, Jeff Burton, Mark Martin and Kasey Kahne are expected to be on hand.(Scene Daily)(5-5-2006)
Keller Released from the #1, Mike Wallace In: Keller to the #34? DENIED: UPDATES: Phoenix Racing has decided to make a driver change in the #1 Miccosukee Gaming Dodge effective this weekend at Phoenix. Mike Wallace will take over driving duties on an interim basis as Phoenix Racing evaluates their program.(Phoenix Racing PR)(4-17-2006) NOTE: Keller currently leads all drivers with 279 consecutive starts in the Busch Series. He has 399 starts overall, just behind Tommy Houston’s record of 417 Busch starts. UPDATE: Hearing that Jason Keller is in discussions with car owner Frank Cicci to hop behind the wheel of the #34 beginning in Phoenix. Mike Bliss spent Thursday practicing the car but would step aside for Keller to make his 400th career start on Friday. Keller did not make the early trip to Phoenix but is expected Friday.(BGNRacing.com)(4-20-2006) UPDATE 2: Been told that Cicci hasn’t spoken to Keller nor has Keller called Frank Cicci about a ride.(4-21-2006) UPDATE 3: Now been told that Keller and Cicci have talked but Keller would like to see the team get sponsorship before he makes a commitment.(4-30-2006) UPDATE 4: Keller will reportedly be behind the wheel of the #34 this weekend at Richmond to make is 400th career Busch Series start.(5-3-2006) UPDATE 5: Greenville’s Jason Keller will get his first shot at a Busch Series milestone Friday. If Keller can race his way into the Circuit City 250 at Richmond, he will become just the second Busch driver to make 400 career starts. Keller, who was released by Spartanburg’s Phoenix Racing on April 17, has agreed to a one-race deal with Frank Cicci Racing.(Spartanburg, SC Herald-Journal)(5-4-2006) UPDATE 6: Sport Clips has stepped up to be the the sponsor of the #34 team and Jason Keller this weekend at Richmond.(Sport Clips PR)(5-5-2006)
Barraclough & Dietrich Join Clay Andrews Racing: Cully Barraclough, a veteran head wrench in the NASCAR Busch Series, is the newest employee of Clay Andrews Racing (CAR). He will serve as a team consultant. Barraclough joins another new member, Steve Dietrich, who serves as the team’s new car chief. Duties begin this weekend at Richmond for both new additions.(CAR PR)(5-5-2006)
ESPN to Increase Coverage of Some Busch Races: ESPN has provided glimpses of what some NASCAR broadcasts might be like. The network showed a Duke-North Carolina men’s basketball game in March on ESPN, ESPN2 and ESPNU , giving fans three versions of the same contest. Last month, the network broadcast the opening game of the Chicago-Miami NBA playoff series on ESPN, ESPN2 and ESPN’s Spanish language network. ESPN also showed the game on the Internet. Its cell phone operation, Mobile ESPN, provided highlights and stats during the game, along with conducting live polls — similar to some services NASCAR fans can get on their Sprint Nextel phones. ESPNews and ESPN radio also had updates during the event . [Senior vice president, program planning and development for ESPN and ABC Sports David] Berson said the network plans to broadcast some NASCAR events next season using that full-blanket coverage . He mentioned the Daytona Busch race, which marks ESPN’s return to televising the sport, and the Mexico City Busch race as targets.(The Virginian Pilot)(5-5-2006)
Kevin Conway Joins Carver Racing: Las Vegas-based business executive David Carver announced today the formation of Carver Racing. The new team will participate in the NASCAR Busch Series during the 2006 season. Kevin Conway, a native of Lynchburg, Va., will drive the #40 Dodge and compete for the Rookie of the Year award. The team is set to make its debut at Richmond International Raceway this Friday. The organization is led by General Manager Joe Whitley, who has been involved in the motorsports industry for 25 years, and Crew Chief Steve Plattenberger, a long-time veteran of the Busch Series.(Carver Racing PR)(5-4-2006)
Brewco Faces Dilemma with Waltrip: UPDATE 2: Brewco Motorsports will have to decide what to do about the Busch Series races in which Yard-Man is a sponsor, the next of which is May 5 in Richmond. Michael Waltrip was supposed to run those events, but his Nextel Cup sponsorship from NAPA conflicts with Brewco’s associated sponsorship from Federated Auto Parts. In an attempt to appease everyone, Waltrip ran the Yard-Man paint scheme with the #99, which represents the Busch team Waltrip owns. But a Brewco Motorsports crew worked on the car during the race and it was a Brewco car. Meanwhile a Michael Waltrip Racing car had the #66 on it with David Reutimann as driver. NASCAR did not award Brewco the points its team earned through Waltrip, so the Brewco team is now in a quandary for the six other races scheduled this season. That was a 73-point difference and six spots in the points standings.(NASCAR Scene)(4-27-2006) UPDATE: A sponsor conflict will preclude Michael Waltrip from driving for Brewco Motorsports in any more Busch Series races this season, team owner Clarence Brewer confirmed Saturday. Waltrip’s spot in the #66 Ford will be taken by Scott Wimmer, who already was splitting time with Waltrip and Ken Schrader in Brewco’s second car. Wimmer will drive the #66 next week at Richmond, replacing Waltrip. (NASCAR Scene)(4-27-2006) UPDATE 2: Brewco Motorsports, Inc. announced today that Scott Wimmer will expand his racing schedule to cover the six races that Michael Waltrip was originally scheduled to compete. An unexpected sponsor conflict is the reason for the change.(Brewco PR)(5-4-2006)
Reutimann and Miller to Drive for Waltrip/Toyota in 2007?: UPDATE [Waltrip] said he has sponsorship for one of his two Busch Series teams. He said he would like David Reutimann, the driver for Darrell Waltrip Motorsports in the trucks, drive one of those Busch cars. He also said that Reutimann’s teammate, Joey Miller, is a possibility for the other Busch car.(NASCAR Scene)(4-29-2006) UPDATE: From the Nextel Wake-Up Call Transcript: Waltrip: My plan is to have two NEXTEL Cup Series teams and two Busch teams. I haven’t hired a second driver yet for the Cup car. I would like to think that (David) Reutimann could drive one of my Busch cars. We do have sponsorship in place for the two Cup cars and one of the Busch cars. And we are working towards announcing who the second sponsor is and who that driver will be. We think we have put the right people in the right places so far. We just have to continue to build. If you can appreciate that it costs a lot of money to hire people, the Burger King program allowed us to ramp up a little bit sooner than we would probably have been able to afford to before because we have some sponsorship dollars coming in that will help pay those people as we race through 2006. It costs a whole lot of money to build a race team and not go race, because there is not a whole lot coming in. So we’re real thankful for the Burger King piece of it because it will help offset the tremendous costs that we’re faced with this year. Q.So you have hired David Reutimann to drive your Busch car? Waltrip: Yes.(MichaelWaltrip.com)(5-4-2006)
Almirola to Make Busch Debut: UPDATE: Aric Almirola will make his Busch Series debut by trying to qualify Joe Gibbs Racing’s #19 Chevy for the May 5 Circuit City 250 at Richmond, according to JGR officials.(NASCAR Scene)(4-27-2006) UPDATE: Joe Gibbs Racing development driver Aric Almirola will make his NASCAR Busch Series debut at Richmond when he attempts to qualify for Friday night’s Circuit City 250. He will drive the #19 Husqvarna Chevy for Joe Gibbs Racing in the Busch Series race at Richmond.(Joe Gibbs Racing PR)(5-4-2006)
Foyt in the #14 at Richmond: UPDATE: Following his release from Braun-Akins Racing 3 weeks ago, A.J. Foyt IV makes his return to the Busch Series Friday at Richmond. He will be be driving the #14 for FitzBradshaw Racing.(Scene Daily)(5-2-2006) UPDATE: As part of its involvement in NASCAR Busch Series racing, Ingersoll Rand announced today that the company will run the #14 Dodge Charger with a special Schlage branded paint scheme at the upcoming Circuit City 250 held at Richmond on May 5. A.J. Foyt IV will drive the Dodge Charger supplied by FitzBradshaw Racing.(FBR PR)(5-3-2006)
Ashton Lewis at the Pentagon: Ashton Lewis and other members of Team Rensi Motorspots are visiting the Pentagon today. Lewis and the other team members will visit with our militayr’s leadership to thank them for their hard work protecting our freedom.(Rensi PR)(5-3-2006)
Olympia Steel Buildings to Sponsor Kauffman at Richmond: The Olympia Steel Buildings paint scheme will adorn the hood of the #12 Dodge Charger in Richmond. This will be the first race that Olympia Steel Buildings will be the primary sponsor on a FitzBradshaw Dodge. The company has been an associate sponsor on both the #12 and #14 cars for the last two years.(FBR PR)(5-3-2006)
Stonebridge to Sponsor June Dover Busch Race: Stonebridge Life Insurance Company will sponsor the StonebridgeRacing.com 200 NASCAR Busch Series race at Dover International Speedway on Saturday, June 3, 2006.(Dover PR)(5-3-2006)
Green and Andretti Test at Daytona: Busch Series drivers John Andretti and David Green completed a one-day tire test at Daytona International Speedway on Monday. “There are a million different ways to build a tire and they (Goodyear) always want to give us the best opportunity not only to have a competitive car but something that meets the needs of everybody,” Andretti said.(Daytona Beach News Journal)(5-3-2006)
Justin Diercks to Make Busch Debut: Justin Diercks and ML Motorsports head to Virginia this week to attempt their first NASCAR Busch Series race. It will mark a few milestones for 26-year-old Rookie Justin Diercks. This will be Diercks first attempt to qualify for a NASCAR Busch Series race and his first time to wheel the #70 Foretravel Motorcoach machine.(ML Motorsports PR)(5-2-2006)
