November 2014 News Archives
News from November 30, 2014
- Several NASCAR drivers running Snowball Derby: The NASCAR season may have ended but that hasn’t stopped several of the biggest names in the industry from racing deep into the off-season as drivers from all three national touring divisions have filed entries for the Snowball Derby Super Late Model race at Five Flags Speedway in Pensacola, Fla [on Sunday, December 5]. And for the first time in event history, the Snowball Derby will also be available for Pay-Per-View viewing as part of Speed51’s online streaming service – 51 TV. While entries continue to pour in for the Dec. 7 race, a healthy contingent of drivers, including NASCAR Nationwide Series champion and Super Late Model supporter Chase Elliott, have declared their intentions to enter the event. Elliott is without a doubt the headliner of the event but a variable directory of talented drivers have filed their RSVPs, including former winners Steven Wallace (2004) Johanna Long (2010) and defending winner Erik Jones and his stout Kyle Busch Motorsports #51 Toyota Camry. Other entries familiar to NASCAR fans are John Hunter Nemechek, Corey LaJoie, Spencer Gallagher and Grant Enfinger.(Popular Speed)(11-30-2014)
- Kennedy uncertain of 2015 plans: Ben Kennedy, the great-grandson of NASCAR founder Bill France Sr., started his first season in the Truck series in the spotlight, winning the pole for the season opener at Daytona Beach, Fla. He led 52 laps in the race before finishing 15th. He added a third-place finish in the next race at Martinsville, Va. – a hard-nosed short track that rarely is kind to rookies. Kennedy, 22, ended up edging Tyler Reddick for rookie honors in a battle that went down to the season finale at Homestead, Fla. “I think everyone wants to get rookie of the year, …and it’s awesome to get it,” Kennedy said. “I’m definitely humbled by it, and I’m looking forward to the future and seeing what we can do in the future.” Kennedy’s plans for 2015 remain unsettled, but he is certain to compete in either Truck or Nationwide, or perhaps a combination of both.(Charlotte Observer)(11-30-2014)
News from November 29, 2014
Allen Bestwick will remain in the booth, serving as the lead announcer for the Indianapolis 500 and ESPN’s association with the IndyCar Series. He will also be involved in college football and basketball, pro tennis and golf coverage.
Dave Burns, Jamie Little, Dr. Jerry Punch and Vince Welch served as pit reporters for ESPN. Burns will join NBC Sports next season when that network begins its Sprint Cup affiliation while Little will move over to FOX Sports as a pit reporter.
Welch has worked the IndyCar series as well for ESPN and could possibly resume those duties. Jarrett, the 1999 premier series champion, Petree and Punch have not announced their plans for 2015 and beyond.
Former driver Ricky Craven and reporter Marty Smith will remain entrenched with the Bristol, Connecticut-based network and tethered to NASCAR.
Those out front for the pre-race NASCAR Countdown show included host Nicole Briscoe, Brad Daugherty and Rusty Wallace. Briscoe will move into the role of an anchor for SportsCenter starting in January and is expected to do other in-studio work as well. Daugherty, the former NBA standout who currently co-owns the JTG Daugherty Racing Sprint Cup Series team, will transition to ESPN’s coverage of college and pro basketball. Wallace, like Jarrett a member of the NASCAR Hall of Fame, has not announced his plans for next season.
NBC Sports will begin its portion of live NASCAR race coverage at Daytona International Speedway in July of 2015. In addition to Burns, former ESPN reporter Mike Massaro will join the group as a pit reporter, along with Marty Snider and Kelli Stavast. Krista Voda will serve as host of pre- and post-race shows for NBC; Rick Allen (lead announcer), Jeff Burton and Steve Letarte (analysts) will be in the booth.(NASCAR.com)(11-29-2014)
News from November 28, 2014
UPDATE: Anthony Marlowe, who was the co-owner of the #26 team with Cole Whitt at Swan Racing and now is the part-owner at BK Racing, posted an interesting tweet late Tuesday night. Apparently, Whtt’s representation sent a letter to BK Racing late last week informing team principals the driver would not be returning in 2015. Whitt moved with Marlowe to BKR before Richmond in April after Swan folded. When Motorsport.com reached out to Ragan on Wednesday morning about Marlowe’s tweet, the veteran replied via text, “I don’t know. I haven’t been told anything is changing on my end.”(Motorsport)(11-26-2014)
UPDATE 2: A BK Racing co-owner tweeted congratulations to Cole Whitt on landing the #34 ride at Front Row Motorsports for next season, but a Front Row Motorsports spokesperson said there are “no expected changes with the 34 car.” David Ragan drove the #34 car this past season, finishing 32nd in points. Shari Spiewak, a spokesperson for Front Row Motorsports said Wednesday morning that it was anticipated that Ragan will be with the team again in 2015. “The team is working on getting its 2015 plans finalized and, hopefully, should be able to have everything buttoned up in a few weeks,” Spiewak told Motor Racing Network. Ian Moye, a spokesperson for BK Racing, said that the team has not announced any of its drivers for next season. Whitt, JJ Yeley and Alex Bowman finished the season with the team this past year.(Motor Racing Network)(11-26-2014)
UPDATE 3: It’s not every day that a NASCAR team owner publicly apologizes for an error he made, especially in a large forum such as Twitter. But give BK Racing minority owner Anthony Marlowe credit for making a classy move at righting his wrong by offering exclusively to MotorSportsTalk a heartfelt apology and explanation for his inadvertent actions. Here is Marlowe’s entire statement to MotorSportsTalk:
“I did not intend for it to make national news,” Marlowe said of his original tweet. “Aside from it being smart alecky, it was just a tweet congratulating a friend, and current supplier of driver services on his ride for next year. We could have had someone else drive the 26 car this year at BKR, but my new partners and I felt (Whitt) deserved a full season after his past NASCAR teams were not committed to him for the long term, along with his auspicious start to the 2014 season. That mission was accomplished. Additionally, we offered Cole (and it has been on the table since July) a multi-year option contract in the Cup series. Needless to say, I wish he would have stuck around and built this franchise with us over the years, but he obviously has and/or somehow created a better opportunity somewhere else.”
On David Ragan / The number:
“I should have left the #34 out of it (the tweet). Although I am fairly confident based on my multiple sources that he (Whitt) is going to Front Row, not all of those sources have been so sure it is the #34 car. Regardless if time tells us any of this is true or not, I feel like I owe David Ragan an apology. He is a Cup winner and seemingly great guy. I sincerely regret him being pulled into this.”(NBC Sports)(11-28-2014)
News from November 27, 2014
– This season, teams found it was legal for crew members to yank the side skirts just in front of the rear wheels during pit stops, which created an odd image during races (it provided an aerodynamic benefit). But NASCAR plans to address the flared side skirts with a rule change next season, O’Donnell tweeted.
– One fan asked O’Donnell if he could change the Chase for the Sprint Cup format back to how it was from 2004-2013 (officials have said they view the new format as a major plus for the sport).
“No, but thanks for asking,” O’Donnell tweeted, including the surprised smiley face emoji.
– The finale will remain at Homestead-Miami Speedway for the foreseeable future, O’Donnell indicated. A fan asked if NASCAR considered moving the championship race to different cities.
“We have, but drivers love (the) track and it has been some great racing,” O’Donnell tweeted. “We are happy there.”
– There are no plans to add a road course to the Chase, O’Donnell tweeted. There are currently two road races on the 36-race Sprint Cup Series schedule – Sonoma Raceway and Watkins Glen International — but neither are in the 10-race playoff.
“Not right now,” he said. “Still like (the) mix where they are at.”
On a similar note, O’Donnell said NASCAR would look at changing the lineup of Chase tracks in 2016 (it’s the same for next season).
– With the new testing ban now in place, some teams are hopeful to use Goodyear tire tests as a chance to try different setups on their cars.
How many Goodyear tests will there be next year? O’Donnell said the exact number is still to be determined, but estimated 10-12.(USA Today)(11-27-2014)
” One adult Daytona 500 backstretch tower seat
” One child (ages 12 & under) Daytona 500 backstretch tower seat
” 15-minute question and answer session with Johnson
” Each child in attendance can participate in NASA Rockets 2 Racecars STEM education hands on activities either before or after Johnson’s appearance
” Each child in attendance will receive a Jimmie Johnson 12-page activity booklet
” Daytona International Speedway special giveaways
The Jimmie Johnson DAYTONA 500 Ticket Package will be available throughout the holiday shopping season and leading up to Budweiser Speedweeks 2015, while supplies last. On Friday, Nov. 28 (Black Friday) and Monday, Dec. 1 (Cyber Monday), Daytona International Speedway will also have additional ticket package specials available for race fans to select from as they conduct their holiday shopping. To take advantage of the “Black Friday” and “Cyber Monday” ticket specials, race fans can call 1-800-PITSHOP between 9:00am-5:00pm or visit www.daytonainternationalspeedway.com/deals.(DIS)(11-27-2014)
News from November 26, 2014
UPDATE: Anthony Marlowe, who was the co-owner of the #26 team with Cole Whitt at Swan Racing and now is the part-owner at BK Racing, posted an interesting tweet late Tuesday night. Apparently, Whtt’s representation sent a letter to BK Racing late last week informing team principals the driver would not be returning in 2015. Whitt moved with Marlowe to BKR before Richmond in April after Swan folded. When Motorsport.com reached out to Ragan on Wednesday morning about Marlowe’s tweet, the veteran replied via text, “I don’t know. I haven’t been told anything is changing on my end.”(Motorsport)(11-26-2014)
UPDATE 2 A BK Racing co-owner tweeted congratulations to Cole Whitt on landing the #34 ride at Front Row Motorsports for next season, but a Front Row Motorsports spokesperson said there are “no expected changes with the 34 car.” David Ragan drove the #34 car this past season, finishing 32nd in points. Shari Spiewak, a spokesperson for Front Row Motorsports said Wednesday morning that it was anticipated that Ragan will be with the team again in 2015. “The team is working on getting its 2015 plans finalized and, hopefully, should be able to have everything buttoned up in a few weeks,” Spiewak told Motor Racing Network. Ian Moye, a spokesperson for BK Racing, said that the team has not announced any of its drivers for next season. Whitt, JJ Yeley and Alex Bowman finished the season with the team this past year.(Motor Racing Network)(11-26-2014)
News from November 25, 2014
Mohr will serve as the host for the second consecutive year. The actor, comedian, radio host and best-selling author has one of the most expansive backgrounds in show business. After landing his dream job at “Saturday Night Live” and launching his career in film alongside Tom Cruise in “Jerry Maguire,” Mohr appeared in approximately 200 network television episodes and more than 25 feature films. Additionally, his national radio show, “Jay Mohr Sports,” is syndicated in more than 155 markets across the U.S. With a career in entertainment that spans over three decades, Mohr has become an artist who knows no limits, making him the perfect person to help celebrate NASCAR’s most prominent drivers.
Keeping his NASCAR performance streak rolling following his act at NASCAR’s season-opening, crown jewel event the 2014 DAYTONA 500 at Daytona International Speedway, Blacc will kick off the musical entertainment for the night with the soulful selection that has “woken up” audiences around the world. The singer / songwriter collaborated as vocalist and co-writer on well-known DJ/producer Avicci’s 2013 track “Wake Me Up,” which topped the charts in more than 100 countries across the globe, before releasing his third album “Lift Your Spirit” in March 2014. The rapper-turned-singer uses his surging popularity to affect social change and to deliver messages of positivity and passion.
Later in the evening, the seven-time GRAMMY Award winning trio Lady Antebellum will keep the audience rocking with a new song from their fifth album entitled “747.” The 11-song disc has already spawned the PLATINUM certified multi-week chart-topping smash hit “Bartender,” and its new single “Freestyle” is quickly climbing the charts. The new album follows over 11 million albums sold worldwide, nine trips to No. 1 on the country radio charts, six Platinum singles and “Vocal Group of the Year” honors from both the CMA and ACMs three years in a row.
Additionally, 15-year-old Lennon Stella and her 10-year-old sister Maisy Stella from ABC’s hit drama “Nashville” will perform. The daughters of the recording duo Brad and MaryLynne Stella, Lennon and Maisy’s musical roots run deep. In 2013, the sisters had a show-stopping performance of “Ho Hey” by The Lumineers on “Nashville,” which quickly entered the top 40 of Billboard’s “Hot Country Songs” list.(NASCAR)(11-25-2014)
“I’m pretty sure this little GoDaddy puppy is going to steal the show,” said Patrick, the proud mother of Dallas Stenhouse, a dog she got earlier this year. “Our Super Bowl commercials have evolved over the years, and it’s been pretty cool to be a part of the transformation. I love this year’s surprise ending. I really don’t think people will see the punch line coming.”(FoxSports)(11-25-2014)
News from November 24, 2014
UPDATE: “NASCAR offers its sincere condolences to the friends and family of Denny Darnell. For decades working with Bristol Motor Speedway, RJ Reynolds, NEXTEL and Dodge, Denny was a familiar and friendly face in media centers and NASCAR garages throughout the country. He approached his job seriously and professionally, but few could bring laughter like Denny. He was a public relations institution, and will be greatly missed.”(NASCAR)(11-22-2014)
OBIT: Denny Darnell, known as “The General” by his peers, 70, passed away peacefully of an apparent heart attack Saturday, November 22, 2014 in Tazewell, VA, surrounded by family and friends. Born in Coeburn, VA on September 1, 1944, a son of the late Denny F. and Hazel Campbell Darnell, growing up in Slant, VA, he has resided in Kingsport for the past 40 years. He graduated from Rye Cove High School in 1962. After graduating from ETSU in 1975, he got his start as a sports writer at Kingsport Times News. Denny’s motorsports career had many pit stops. He served as Vice-President and General Manager of Bristol Motor Speedway, and Director of Communications at NHRA. His next pit stop was as the head of public relations for R.J. Reynolds Winston and NEXTEL. His final pit stop was as the head of public relations for Dodge Motorsports as CEO of Darnell Communications. His proudest moments included a Daytona 500 win by Ryan Newman in the 50th Daytona 500 in 2008, a NASCAR Nationwide Series Championship with Brad Keselowski in 2010 and Keselowski’s 2012 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Championship. He is survived by his wife of 36 years, Jean Honaker Darnell of the home and his son Denny F. “Trey” Darnell, III and husband Matthew Smith of Gray; one granddaughter, “Little Miss” Harper Darnell; one sister: Betty Carter and husband, Clay of Kingsport; one brother: Sidney Darnell and wife, Eva of Kingsport; Sister-in-law: Peggy Darnell of Weber City; Several Nieces and Nephews; two dogs: Dutchess and Ginger “Diggy”. Denny was a conservative Republican who enjoyed talking politics to his peers and anyone else that would listen. Due to his comments on social media regarding how our country is being handled, he and his wife listened every day for a helicopter to fly over containing the CIA. After several years of saying “just one more year” before retirement, he retired earlier this year. Although he loved the media and missed the NASCAR community, he didn’t miss the travel. He was often asked, “How are you enjoying retirement?” His answer was “I didn’t do anything today, and I didn’t get finished, and I plan on doing the same thing tomorrow”. Family will receive friends Tuesday, November 25, 2014 from 4-7 p.m at Springdale Missionary Baptist Church, 1616 Haga Rd, Kingsport, TN. A celebration of his life service will follow at 7 p.m. with Pastor Alan Buckles, Pastor Dave Rossetti and Dr. David Troutman. Burial following graveside services at 11 a.m. Wednesday, November 26, 2014 at Holston View Cemetery. Pallbearers will be nephews and friends. Those attending committal services are asked to assemble at the church by 10:15 a.m. Wednesday and then proceed to the cemetery. Those wishing to make memorial contributions may do so to Rye Cove High School Athletic Department, 164 Eagles Nest Ln, Duffield, VA or to Speedway Children’s Charities, 151 Speedway Blvd, Bristol, TN 37620.(Hamlett-Dobson)(11-24-2014)
In the week after the Homestead race, JGR officials had some meetings that they hoped would land more sponsorship for Wallace, the only full-time African-American driver in the three national series. “We’ve got some good stuff lined up for him for next year, so I think we’re going to wind up with a real good package for Darrell,” Gibbs said.
If Wallace runs any truck races next season, it won’t be for the team he has driven for the last two years. Kyle Busch Motorsports has all its seats filled, so he would have to run for another Toyota team, either ThorSport Racing or Red Horse Racing.(Sporting News)(11-24-2014)
Busch said it is hard to find someone to come with the $3-3.5 million needed to fund a young driver for a full season. He won’t try to do a program for less because he doesn’t believe cutting corners is best for anyone. There is proof he is right. It is not rare to see owners come and go quickly in the series, including the latest Turner Scott Motorsports team that is not expected to compete next year and already has sold many of its trucks.
“They’re spending too much of their own money,” Busch said about the deals some drivers have brought to owners and then what happens to the owners. “It’s not going to work. Look at what happened. It’s a fickle business. It’s tough. People always want to nickel and dime you and knock your price down but in reality, when you stand firm, you’re going to be the last one standing.”
It’s that philosophy that led Busch out of the Xfinity Series. He tried to do a car for himself and brother Kurt in 2012 and while Kurt won one race, Kyle went winless. Parker Kligerman had some Toyota backing and other funding and ran a car for Busch in 2013. After two years and no wins, Busch closed that part of his operation.
“Been there, done that,” Busch said about the possibility of going back to Xfinity. “It’s just so hard to compete at that level.”
Focusing just on trucks and what he had money to run paid dividends. Busch won seven truck races last year, while JGR development driver Darrell Wallace Jr. won four and Jones had three. Wallace is expected to run at least a part-time Xfinity schedule next year.(Sporting News)(11-24-2014)
News from November 23, 2014
We’ve heard that Front Changer Clay Robinson and Front Carrier Kevin Harris will be coming over to JGR from [Hendrick]. Both guys were on the front of Dale Jr.’s #88 last year and will be sticking together at Gibbs next year.
We also heard that Jackman Trey Burklin will be coming back to JGR after leaving a year ago to go jack the #5 at Hendrick. Trey was the back up at JGR a few years back and jacked the NNS cars for Gibss before heading over the HMS to jack the #5 this year.
On the rear will be Changer Kip Wolfmier and Matt Ver Meer. Wolfmier was the old rear changer for the #5 car of HMS this year before being replaced by Jeremy fuller. Matt Ver Meer was on the #88 of Dale Jr. and had been for the last few years.
The gas man will be Kenneth Purcell. Kenneth has been at JGR for years now as a NNS jackman and back up Cup guy. Kenneth won 4 championships as a jack man on the #48 and has been with JGR for the last 4 or so years. Now, he is converting to a gasman for this 4th team.
This is just what we have heard and we are treating this as rumor for now. I’m sure JGR will make an announcement at some point and it will become official.(Pit Talks)(11-23-2014)
News from November 22, 2014
UPDATE: “NASCAR offers its sincere condolences to the friends and family of Denny Darnell. For decades working with Bristol Motor Speedway, RJ Reynolds, NEXTEL and Dodge, Denny was a familiar and friendly face in media centers and NASCAR garages throughout the country. He approached his job seriously and professionally, but few could bring laughter like Denny. He was a public relations institution, and will be greatly missed.”(NASCAR)(11-22-2014)
News from November 21, 2014
Hendrick also has signed Jimmie Johnson through next season. At a Thursday event to announce more than $500,000 in education grants from his foundation, the six-time series champion indicated he hoped to have an extension soon and said he had been unaware of Kahne’s deal. “That’s good news for Kasey,” he said. Asked if Elliott was in line for his #48, Johnson said with a laugh, “No. I think there’s maybe somebody else in line to retire before I do.”(USA Today)(11-21-2014)
News from November 20, 2014
UPDATE Roush Fenway Racing’s Ricky Stenhouse Jr. faces a likely points penalty for rear suspension pieces confiscated during pre-qualifying inspection Friday. Pemberton said NASCAR will begin its review of the Stenhouse suspensions pieces Monday. Having unapproved rear suspension parts is considered a P5 penalty on NASCAR’s penalty system, meaning it could be as much as a penalty of 50 points, a fine of up to $125,000 and a six-week suspension for crew chief Mike Kelley.(Sporting News)(11-17-2014)
UPDATE 2: The #17 team that competes in the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series has been penalized for a rules infraction discovered during pre-qualifying inspection Nov. 14 at Homestead-Miami Speedway. This infraction is a P3 level penalty which is outlined in Section 12-4.3 of the 2014 NASCAR rule book:
Violations resulting in P3 penalties tend to fall between serious and intermediate in nature. While they might include general “categories” of infractions similar to those in P4 (e.g. unauthorized parts; failing to meet specs; etc.), they tend to pertain more to secondary componentry or systems; modifications of lessor significance; go/no-go measurement failures of an intermediate nature.
This infraction violates Sections:
12-1 – Actions detrimental to stock car racing;
20-12 – Suspension: All front end and rear suspension mounts and mounting hardware must not allow movement or realignment of any suspension/drive line component beyond normal rotation or suspension/drive line travel.
As a result of these violations, crew chief Mike Kelley has been fined $50,000 and placed on NASCAR probation for six months starting Jan. 1, 2015 through June 30, 2015. Additionally, car chief Patrick Magee has also been placed on NASCAR probation for six months starting Jan. 1, 2015 through June 30, 2015.(NASCAR)(11-20-2014)
“It’s extremely gratifying to work with a driver like Kasey,” said Rick Hendrick, owner of Hendrick Motorsports. “I think the world of him both as a driver with championship-level talent and an overall terrific young man. Our whole organization has a great deal of respect for how hard he works, the professionalism he displays with our partners and the way he carries himself every day. We’re committed to winning races and competing for titles with him for many years to come.”
Kahne, 34, originally signed with Hendrick Motorsports in April 2010 and officially joined the team’s four-car stable for the 2012 season. Over the past three years (2012-14), he ranks among the top-10 drivers in Sprint Cup wins (5), pole positions (4), top-five finishes (26) and laps led (1,177). The Enumclaw, Washington, native has 17 career wins in NASCAR’s top division.
“I’ve found a home at Hendrick Motorsports,” said Kahne, who since 2012 has earned at least one victory each season while securing three consecutive Chase for the NASCAR Sprint Cup berths. “We have incredible people and partners supporting us, and I couldn’t be more excited about the direction we’re headed as a team and a company. It’s the right place for me, and I’m looking forward to being here for a long time.” Kahne’s contract with Hendrick Motorsports was set to expire following the 2015 NASCAR season.(Hendrick Motorsports)(11-20-2014)
Over the eight years of ESPN’s NASCAR TV contract, which expired at the end of this season, Greensboro led the nation with the highest average rating every year but 2009, when Knoxville, Tenn., took the top spot. Greensboro slipped to fifth that year but bounced back the following year and led every year afterward.
The Greensboro market also led the nation with the highest average rating this year for the 10 races in the Chase for the NASCAR Sprint Cup, averaging an 8.2 rating. Greenville, S.C., was again second at 7.7, with Indianapolis (6.6), Charlotte and Raleigh-Durham (tied at 6.0) completing the top five.
ESPN averaged a 2.9 U.S. household rating for its 17-race NASCAR Sprint Cup schedule for the fourth straight year in 2014, while the Chase averaged a 2.7 U.S. household rating for the third straight year.(ESPN)(11-20-2014)
Gas Man: Justin White #14
Jack Man: Nate Bolling #11
Front Tire Changer: Dustin Necaise #11
Front Tire Carrier: Kevin Harris #88
Rear Tire Changer: Mike Hicks #11
Rear Tire Carrier: Heath Cherry #11
Pit Coach of the year: Mike Lepp, Joe Gibbs Racing
Pit Crew of the Year: 1st. Team-#11 car of Joe Gibbs Racing For 2nd team, 3rd team and honorable mention, see the lists at PitTalks.com
and see the latest pit crew lists on Jayski.com’s 2014 Pit Crew Chart page.(11-20-2014)
” NASCAR Plaza in Charlotte will be lit orange throughout the remainder of the month
” SiriusXM will run PSAs encouraging fans to be screened
” NASCAR will recognize World COPD Day across its digital platforms
” DRIVE4COPD to host sweepstakes with NASCAR-themed prizing
World COPD Day is an annual global event that aims to raise awareness of COPD. World COPD Day 2014 takes place around the theme “It’s not too late.” This positive message was chosen to emphasize the meaningful actions people can take to improve their respiratory health, at any stage, before or after a COPD diagnosis. DRIVE4COPD is a public health initiative that aims to help people identify symptoms of COPD and take action by utilizing public health screenings offered by the nonprofit group. For more information about the COPD Foundation and DRIVE4COPD, please visit www.drive4copd.org.(NASCAR)(11-20-2014)
News from November 19, 2014
His subject: Top Ten Tips For Becoming An Auto Racing Champion
10. Hands at 10 and 2 when driving. 11 and 1 when celebrating
9. Reduce weight of the car — take out the brakes
8. During a race, save your energy for the post-race brawl
7. There’s no rule about slashing your opponents tires
6. No sex the night before the race — or during the race
5. Don’t waste time learning to parallel park
4. A pit stop should only last long enough to lick the windshield clean
3. Resist the temptation to take a mid-race selfie
2. Remeber: If you lose, you don’t have to do ‘Letterman’
1. Accept the fact that your ass will never stop vibrating
View the video on the Late Show with David Letterman site.(11-19-2014)
UPDATE: In preparation for the 2015 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series season and revised rules that affect race car development and on-track testing, Hendrick Motorsports has named Kenny Francis to the new position of vehicle technical director and Keith Rodden as crew chief of the #5 Chevy SS team of driver Kasey Kahne. The roles take effect immediately. Francis, 44, will oversee organization-wide car design and development with day-to-day management of Hendrick Motorsports’ chassis, body, research and development, on-track testing, vehicle engineering and simulation programs. Reporting to general manager Doug Duchardt, he will serve as the primary liaison between Hendrick Motorsports’ crew chiefs and its vehicle group. Rodden will return to Hendrick Motorsports where he worked alongside Francis in 2012 and 2013 while the lead engineer for Kahne and the #5 team. For 2014, he was named crew chief for the #1 team at Chip Ganassi Racing where he won the NASCAR Sprint All-Star Race, earned two pole positions and helped driver Jamie McMurray set a career-best season in laps led.(Hendrick Motorsports)(11-19-2014)
“Really, the error was made, I stayed out when the majority of the field pitted and that put us in a bad situation,” Gustafson said of the caution 19 laps from the finish. “Jeff felt like (on the following caution) we weren’t in a very good position to succeed, so we made a decision to come pit. Really the first stop, when us and Denny (Hamlin) and … a few other cars stayed out, that was the one that really hurt us. That’s on me. It was a mistake I made. I tried to keep the track position. I felt like that was going to be the highest percentage decision and it ended up not being. That put us behind unfortunately. I think we had the best car. The team deserved to win the race. It was a bad decision from my part and I’m going to learn from it. It would be really easy for me to make a lot of excuses and say, ‘Hey there’s a lot of circumstances that play into it – and there are and it is a very tough thing to do – but that’s my job and in that situation I feel like I didn’t do it to the best of my capabilities.”(MRN)(11-19-2014)
“We’ve enjoyed a long and mutually beneficial relationship with NASCAR,” said John Skipper, ESPN president. “NASCAR was a fundamental building block for ESPN during our first two decades and will always be an important part of our history. We have tremendous respect for all in the sport and wish them well. While we won’t be televising NASCAR races after this season, the only thing ending in our relationship with NASCAR is the live racing. NASCAR coverage will continue to live on all ESPN platforms going into the future.”
ESPN’s history with NASCAR began in March of 1981, less than two years after the network launched in September of 1979, with the tape-delayed airing of its first NASCAR Sprint Cup race from Rockingham, N.C. At the time, only the Daytona 500, NASCAR’s biggest race, aired live in its entirety, and that had only started in 1979. Selected other events either aired live in part or on a delayed basis, sometimes weeks later, on broadcast network television. After three more delayed telecasts in 1981, ESPN aired its first live flag-to-flag telecast of a NASCAR Sprint Cup race on Nov. 8, 1981, from Atlanta. From that race forward, with a few exceptions, the NASCAR races airing on ESPN were live and the entire race was shown, setting a pattern that resonated with viewers. And as ESPN added races to its schedule in the next several years, and other networks did as well, the NASCAR premier series schedule was on its way to being fully televised. ESPN televised 262 races from NASCAR’s premier series from 1981-2000, an era of unprecedented growth for both NASCAR and ESPN. During a time when individual racetracks made their own deals for television, ESPN introduced a national audience to races telecast from classic NASCAR tracks such as Bristol, Martinsville, North Wilkesboro, Rockingham and others that had seldom been seen on TV. In 1990, ESPN aired its all-time high of 20 events.
Bob Jenkins was a central figure in ESPN’s live NASCAR race telecasts for the first 20 years as the lap-by-lap announcer, joined by analyst Larry Nuber in the early years and then later by former NASCAR champions Ned Jarrett and Benny Parsons in the booth as analysts. Dr. Jerry Punch, who joined ESPN in 1984, was a pit reporter for 17 of ESPN’s first 20 years of NASCAR Sprint Cup coverage and also called some races from the booth, including the memorable Talladega race in 2000 that was the last win for the late Dale Earnhardt. Punch remains with ESPN today and was the only announcer who worked on Sprint Cup race telecasts in both ESPN eras. Dr. Dick Berggren and John Kernan also had long runs as pit reporters during ESPN’s first 20 years in NASCAR while Nuber, Jack Arute, Bill Weber and Ray Dunlap also contributed to coverage from the pits. Bestwick and analysts Dale Jarrett and Andy Petree were the voices calling the race in ESPN’s NASCAR booth in recent years, with pit reporters Dave Burns, Jamie Little, Vince Welch and Punch. Analysts Rusty Wallace and Brad Daugherty joined host Nicole Briscoe on the pre-race NASCAR Countdown program. Among other announcers who contributed to ESPN’s NASCAR Sprint Cup race telecasts over the past eight seasons: analysts Tim Brewer, Ricky Craven and Ray Evernham, anchor Marty Reid, pit reporters Mike Massaro and Shannon Spake, reporter Marty Smith and pre-race show hosts Brent Musburger and Suzy Kolber.
Along the way in both periods of NASCAR on ESPN, the network has been a leader in innovations to elevate the coverage of the sport, with the live racing honored with 19 Sports Emmy Awards, as well as many industry honors, including the NASCAR Award of Excellence (1989) and the National Motorsports Press Association Myers Brothers Award (1987). Notable innovations and firsts in ESPN’s NASCAR coverage:
1981 – ESPN airs its first live, flag-to-flag telecast of a NASCAR Sprint Cup race from Atlanta on Nov. 8.
1985 – ESPN is first network to have live telecast of qualifying for a NASCAR Sprint Cup race
1989 – Introduction of “crew cam” attached to a member of Rusty Wallace’s crew at Rockingham – followed by other unique innovations including telemetry, “CableCam,” “FootCam,” “RoofCam,” “SuspensionCam” and the use of an infrared camera and roving reporters.
1991 – Introduction of “Tread Cam” buried in the asphalt at Indianapolis Raceway Park for telecast of a NASCAR Nationwide Series race – the innovation won a Sports Emmy Award for Point of View Technology.
1996 – “rpm2night” becomes TV’s first daily motorsports news show
2007 – First time a single network had televised entire NASCAR Nationwide Series schedule
2007 – ESPN is first network to televise NASCAR fully in high definition with the first use of HD in-car cameras
2007 – First network to record/have available for playback all 43 team radios during a race telecast
2007 – First network to have enclosed mobile studio for cutaway race car and demonstration of technical elements of racing (Emmy Award-winning ESPN Tech Garage)
2008 – First network to have two female pit reporters on NASCAR Sprint Cup telecasts (Jamie Little and Shannon Spake)
2009 – ESPN2’s NASCAR Now originates live from the White House, the first regularly-scheduled ESPN program ever to do so. President Obama is interviewed on the program.
2011 – Introduction of “NASCAR NonStop” for split-screen commercial breaks during second half of all Chase races (ESPN pioneered split-screen commercial breaks in IndyCar coverage in 2006)
2011 – Introduction of dual path technology in Sprint Cup coverage, allowing views from two different onboard cameras in same shot for first time
2013 – NASCAR Sprint Cup champion Jimmie Johnson becomes first active athlete to guest host ESPN’s signature news and information program SportsCenter
(ESPN)(11-19-2014)
News from November 18, 2014
UPDATE: Veteran motorsports engineer Matt Borland has been named vice president of technology for Haas F1 Team and Stewart-Haas Racing. In this role, Borland will serve as a liaison between the two organizations – Haas F1 Team in the FIA Formula 1 World Championship and Stewart-Haas Racing in the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series. Borland will oversee the transfer of Formula One technology to Stewart-Haas Racing while providing Haas F1 Team with deep engineering resources. Concurrently, the highly-respected Borland will serve as a gatekeeper, ensuring the privacy of proprietary information respective to each team. Borland joined Haas CNC Racing, the precursor to Stewart-Haas Racing, in May 2007. He has served in numerous capacities, including crew chief, competition director, technical director and, most recently, vice president of engineering, where he oversaw all of the team’s technical initiatives and research and development projects. Borland came to Haas CNC Racing with significant NASCAR experience, first with Team Penske from the end of the 1999 season through 2006 and then with Michael Waltrip Racing in 2007. Prior to coming to NASCAR, Borland was the race engineer for driver Mark Blundell at PacWest Racing in Champ Car and before that, Borland was at Pi Research, a well-known engineering organization specializing in motorsports.(SHR)(11-18-2014)
“It was amazing,” France said. “The amount of excitement and drama, watching that, even for long-time fans like myself, that has you on the edge of your seat, who’s going to do this thing. That’s the beauty of this format.” It’s unlikely there will be any further major revisions to the format, although some minor tweak(s) may still occur once NASCAR reviews all elements of how the Chase played out in the next month or so. Certainly, having sold-out venues at the final two tracks – Phoenix and Homestead-Miami – ended the Chase on an especially high note. And then with Harvick’s dramatic push to the front, the race win and ultimately the championship, France and NASCAR look forward to more of the same kind of excitement and drama in subsequent editions of the Chase to come. “As we go down the road, that’s going to be the Chase,” France said. “If you go back through (this year’s edition of) the Chase, there were plenty of big moments where teams stepped up to move on – (Brad) Keselowski when he had to do it at Talladega, for example. I think the teams like that environment. I know it’s stressful for them, but at the end of the day, they get excited and elevated themselves.”(NBC Sports)(11-18-2014)
AND: been told that Kerr has offered to advise, but that’s it. He’s plans to stay in NASCAR.(11-18-2014)
The drivers:
Carl Edwards (nine wins in 2008, zero in 2009)
Matt Kenseth (seven wins in 2013, zero in 2014)
Jeff Gordon (six wins in 2007, zero in 2008)
Kasey Kahne (six wins in 2006 zero in 2007)
Mark Martin (five wins in 2009, zero in 2010)
Bill Elliott (five wins in 1992, zero in 1993)
Dale Earnhardt (five wins in 1980, zero in 1981)
Richard Petty (five wins in 1978, zero in 1977)
(MRN and updated)(11-18-2014)
#14-Tony Stewart last won at Dover in June 2013 and lost a 15 season win streak, the 4th longest in NASCAR history.
#31-Ryan Newman last won at Indianpolis in July 2013 and lost a 4 season win streak.
Other drivers who won in 2013 and failed to do so in 2014: #20-Matt Kenseth, #16-Greg Biffle, #34-David Ragan, #78-Martin Truex Jr., #55-Brian Vickers and #1-Jamie McMurray.(11-18-2014)
The 2014 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Championship is Kevin Harvick’s eighth driving title in his 33 years of racing.
His titles are:
2014 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Championship
2006 NASCAR Nationwide Series Championship
2002 IROC Series Championship
2001 NASCAR Nationwide Series Championship
1998 NASCAR K&N Pro Series West Championship
1993 Late Model Track Championship at Mesa Marin Raceway in Bakersfield, California
1987 World Karting Association National Championship
1985 World Karting Association National Championship.(SHR)(11-18-2014)
Participants in both series donned their formal best Monday evening, celebrating the accolades of two seasons of racing that began in February at Daytona. Those assembled at the 62 tables cheered the contributions of departing entitlement sponsor Nationwide and longtime broadcast partner ESPN, but also paid tribute to two deserving champions.
Elliott’s first full season in a NASCAR national series was welcomed with a championship in what will become the NASCAR XFINITY Series next year. But it also came with a surprise honor in the form of the series’ most popular driver award. His father, NASCAR Hall of Fame inductee Bill Elliott, was a 16-time winner of the NMPA Most Popular Driver Award in NASCAR’s premier series.
Crafton’s return to the head table came by virtue of his second straight title, a historic first for the Camping World Truck Series. Last season his heart-tugging acceptance speech took several emotional turns; this year, a quip beforehand about his 1 1/2-year-old daughter, Elladee, helped him channel his inner comic. “She’s been around two years and I’ve won two truck series championships,” Crafton said. “Why’d I wait so long to have kids?”
Ryan Blaney, the truck series’ runner-up this year, brought home the most popular driver award in the Camping World Truck Series but waved off making an acceptance speech.
The Team Penske #22 Ford (Nationwide) and Kyle Busch Motorsports #51 Toyota (trucks) were honored for their team owner championships in their respective series. Sprint Cup regular Kyle Busch (Nationwide) also claimed top honors in the year-end Keystone Light and Coors Light Pole Awards, leading both series in the number of poles this season. Busch was also lauded with the Mobil 1 Driver of the Year in the truck series. Kyle Larson won the award in the Nationwide Series.(NASCAR.com)(11-18-2014)
Crafton’s return to the head table came by virtue of his second straight title, a historic first for the Camping World Truck Series. Last season his heart-tugging acceptance speech took several emotional turns; this year, a quip beforehand about his 1 1/2-year-old daughter, Elladee, helped him channel his inner comic. “She’s been around two years and I’ve won two truck series championships,” Crafton said. “Why’d I wait so long to have kids?”
Ryan Blaney, the truck series’ runner-up this year, brought home the most popular driver award in the Camping World Truck Series but waved off making an acceptance speech. The Team Penske #22 Ford (Nationwide) and Kyle Busch Motorsports #51 Toyota (trucks) were honored for their team owner championships in their respective series.
Sprint Cup regular Kyle Busch (Nationwide) also claimed top honors in the year-end Keystone Light and Coors Light Pole Awards, leading both series in the number of poles this season. Busch was also lauded with the Mobil 1 Driver of the Year in the truck series.(NASCAR.com)(11-18-2014)
News from November 17, 2014
The winner of last season’s NASCAR Nationwide Series Sunoco Rookie of the Year Award, Larson, 22, is only the sixth driver to also claim the honor in the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series. He defeated runner-up Austin Dillon by 88 points behind eight top-five and 17 top-10 finishes. A graduate of NASCAR’s Drive for Diversity (D4D) program, Larson placed second in three races and won a Coors Light Pole Award. He pilots the #42 Target Chevrolet SS for Chip Ganassi Racing.
Elliott – 18 years, 11 months and 18 days – became the youngest and first rookie champion in NASCAR national series history when he captured the NASCAR Nationwide Series title. The #9 JR Motorsports Chevrolet driver won three races and ended his season on a streak of 14 top-10 finishes. A native of Dawsonville, Georgia, Elliott will return to the series next season to defend his title. He finished 47 points ahead of second-place Ty Dillon in the final NNS Sunoco Rookie of the Year Award standings.
Kennedy, 22, was the highest rookie finisher in a NASCAR Camping World Truck Series-best eight races. Kennedy tied Tyler Reddick atop the rookie standings, winning the tiebreaker thanks to a final championship points position of ninth. Kennedy drove his #31 Turner Scott Motorsports Chevrolet Silverado to a career-best third-place finish at Martinsville in March.
“Sunoco has been a proud supporter of NASCAR’s rising stars through the Sunoco Rookie of the Year program for the past decade,” said Cynthia Archer, executive vice president and chief marketing officer, Sunoco. “This year’s award winners represent the youthful exuberance and competitive drive that define this award and we couldn’t be more excited to see what the future holds as their careers advance.”(NASCAR)
See the 2014 Rookie of the Year page for rules, standings and more.(11-17-2014)
Total number of commercials: 128
Total number of companies or entities advertised: 64
Number of traditional commercials (not split-screen): 70
Total number of companies or entities advertised: 46
Number of ‘Side-by-Side’ commercials during race broadcast (split-screen): 58
Total number of companies or entities advertised: 35
Number of times ESPN utilized ‘Side-by-Side’ commercials during this broadcast: 9
Total number of brief promos of products/services during the race broadcast: 262
Total amount of time these brief promos take during broadcast: app. 2 min. 50 sec.
Start time to record race/commercial periods: 3:02 PM
End time to record race/commercial periods: 6:41 PM
Total minutes of complete race broadcast: 219
Minutes of race broadcast: 189
Minutes of traditional commercials (not split-screen): 30
Minutes of ‘Side-by-Side’ commercials (split-screen): 23
Number of missed restarts: 0
Number of ‘mystery cautions’ (debris not shown): 0
Total race brdcst time 189 Total comm. brdcst time 30
For past races, links to more detailed reports at CawsnJaws.com see the 2014 TV Commercials page.(11-17-2014)
Kevin Harvick and the #4 Budweiser Chevrolet SS team secured the 2014 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series championship with a dominating victory in Sunday’s race at Homestead-Miami Speedway.
The effort marks Budweiser’s second NASCAR Sprint Cup Series championship as a primary sponsor in the racing series. The King of Beers’ previous title came in 1985 with Darrell Waltrip driving the #11 Budweiser Chevrolet for Junior Johnson & Associates. That year Waltrip won three races, scored 5 pole awards, and earned 18 top fives and 21 top-10 finishes.
In 32 seasons as a primary sponsor of a NASCAR Sprint Cup Series team, Budweiser Racing drivers have earned a total of 66 wins, 52 pole awards, 306 top fives and 527 top-10 finishes.
The 2014 season marks Budweiser’s fourth-consecutive year as one of Harvick’s primary sponsors in the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series and the brewer’s first season with Stewart-Haas Racing.
Harvick and the #4 Budweiser Chevrolet SS team earned five wins, 14 top fives, 20 top-10 finishes and eight pole awards en route to the 2014 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series championship.
In Harvick’s 14 seasons competing at the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series level he’s accumulated 28 wins, 114 top fives, 229 top-10 finishes and 14 pole awards. (Budweiser Racing)(11-17-2014)
UPDATE – no crew chief change: “All streaks come to an end at some point,” Stewart quietly said during an interview with The Associated Press. “The streak is important to me, and this year, I still won a sprint car race when I came back,” he said. “So I’ve had 36 straight years of at least winning a race. I was proud to have 15 years in a row that I won a race in the Cup Series. I’ll be sad if it stops and it ends, but that’s part of it.”
Crew Chief Chad Johnston, who in his first year with Stewart, is desperately trying to keep the winning streak intact. Many of Stewart’s longtime fans think Johnston is to blame for Stewart’s struggles because he’s not giving him a car he can drive. Stewart said Johnston is doing just fine and likened their chemistry to the relationship he had with Greg Zipadelli, his crew chief for 10 years and two championships. “I really like working with Chad, and it’s been frustrating for him, too,” Stewart said. “If there’s any fans who don’t think he is mad and frustrated, they are fooling themselves. He wants it so bad, but we’ve tried so many different things, I honestly feel it’s the package that’s the hang-up. I don’t feel like I need a different crew chief next year. I am very comfortable with who I have.”(in part from the Associated Press)
AND Stewart quickly dismissed any idea that the tumultuous year meant he would part ways with his first-year crew chief Chad Johnston. “Chad and I are — probably of all the crew chiefs I’ve had — personality-wise, we are probably the best fit in all reality. We have the same level of intensity but also the same level of quick wit, sarcasm; it’s like we might be related to one another.”(NASCAR.com)(11-16-2014)
UPDATE – streak ends For Tony Stewart the driver, the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series season finale Sunday at Homestead-Miami Speedway was forgettable. An overheating engine dropped him out of the race early, leaving Stewart with a 43rd-place finish. But for the Tony Stewart who co-owns Stewart-Haas Racing (SHR) with Haas Automation founder Gene Haas, Sunday at Homestead was unforgettable as SHR’s Kevin Harvick took the win and the series championship. With a damaged front grill from contact earlier in the 267-lap race around the 1.5-mile oval, Stewart’s No. 14 Bass Pro Shops/Mobil 1 Chevrolet SS began to overheat. With the oil and water temperatures pegged, Stewart was forced to take his car off the racetrack and into the garage. After completing 182 laps, Stewart’s day was over, at least as a driver.(SHR)(11-17-2014)
News from November 16, 2014
Kevin Harvick, driver of the #4 Budweiser Chevrolet, celebrates in Victory Lane
after winning the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Ford EcoBoost 400 and
the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Championship at Homestead-Miami Speedway on November 16, 2014
Credit: Chris Graythen/Getty Images
After finishing a career-best third in the standings in three of the last four seasons, the 14-year series mainstay finally broke through for the premier series title in his first season with Stewart-Haas Racing. A veteran of all three of NASCAR’s national series, Harvick joins Bobby Labonte and Brad Keselowski as the third driver to win both NASCAR Sprint Cup Series and NASCAR Nationwide Series crowns. Harvick, 38, is the 30th champion in the 66-year history of the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series.
The #4 Budweiser/Jimmy John’s Chevy driver showed off his speed throughout 2014, pacing the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series in laps led and poles. Following a two-win regular season, Harvick entered the Chase for the NASCAR Sprint Cup as its No. 6 seed. He adeptly navigated his way through the Chase’s Challenger and Contender Rounds highlighted by his victory at Charlotte Motor Speedway, but would still be searching for a championship without his clutch performance in the Eliminator Round cutoff race at Phoenix International Raceway.
Entering the penultimate showdown at the one-mile tri-oval last among Chase qualifiers, Harvick needed a win at Phoenix to advance to the Championship 4. He responded to the pressure by leading 264-of-312 laps and beating four-time series champion Jeff Gordon on his way to Victory Lane. The Bakersfield, California, native carried his momentum to Homestead, becoming the first title-winner under NASCAR’s new playoff format.
Harvick’s championship is the second for Stewart-Haas Racing. The racing outfit jointly owned by three-time premier series champion Tony Stewart and Gene Haas won its first NASCAR Sprint Cup Series title behind the driving efforts of Stewart in 2011. #4 team crew chief Rodney Childers, also in his first season with SHR, won his first series crown as well.(NASCAR)(11-16-2014)
Harvick is the 2014 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Champion, beating #31-Ryan Newman by 1 points in the first ever Championship Race. #11-Hamlin finished 7th which placed him 3rd in the Chase and #22-Joey Logano suffered a poor pitstop late in the race to finish 16th and 4th in the Chase.
#31-Newman finished 2nd followed by #2-Keselowski, #27-Menard, #1-McMurray, #11-Hamlin, #15-Bowyer, #48-Johnson and #24-Gordon.
Pole winner #24-Gordon dominated most of the race, leading 161 of 267 laps until pitting late in the race and finishing 10th.
There were 18 lead changes among 5 drivers. There were 13 cautions for 52 yellow flag laps.
The average speed was 122.280 mph.
See unofficial race results, awards, money won, laps led, cautions and more on the Unofficial Race Results page (pdf) and check out the Penalty Report (pdf) and Lap Summary Report (pdf).
See OFFICIAL race results & points standings on the Official Race & Points Report (pdf).(11-16-2014)
“Winning the Manufacturers’ championship is one of the goals we set at the beginning of every season,” said Jim Campbell, U.S. Vice President, Performance Vehicles and Motorsports. “This championship is the result of great teamwork by the owners, drivers, crew chiefs, crews and technical partners. Special thanks to the Chevrolet powertrain team, along with the engine shops at Hendrick Motorsports and Earnhardt-Childress Racing for delivering the right combination of power, fuel economy, and reliability throughout the entire season. Congratulations to everyone who has made this special achievement possible for Chevrolet.”
In the 2014 season Chevrolet drivers captured 20 victories. Chevrolet won its first NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Manufacturers’ award in 1958 and now with the 2014 Cup secured, Chevrolet has reached an unprecedented 38th title. The Team Chevy drivers that have contributed to the manufacturers’ points that achieved the title for Chevrolet are: Kevin Harvick (five wins), Dale Earnhardt, Jr. (four wins); Jeff Gordon (four wins), Jimmie Johnson (four wins), AJ Allmendinger (one win), Kurt Busch (one win), Kasey Kahne (one win); along with top finishers Landon Cassill, Kyle Larson, Ryan Newman and Tony Stewart.(Team Chevy)
see the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Manufacturers’ championship rules, standings and stats on Jayski.com’s Manufacturers’ Standings page.(11-16-2014)
[listed by driver chase points position before the race](started)
1) #11-Denny Hamlin, 7th (8)
2) #22-Joey Logano, 16th (9)
3) #31-Ryan Newman, 2nd (21)
4) #4-Kevin Harvick, WON (5) – CHAMPION
(11-16-2014)
#4-Kevin Harvick won the 16th Annual Ford EcoBoost 400, his 28th victory in 502 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series races.
This is his fifth victory and 20th top-10 finish in 2014.
This is his first victory and 12th top-10 finish in 14 races at Homestead-Miami Speedway.
#31-Ryan Newman (second) posted his fifth top-10 finish in 13 races at Homestead-Miami Speedway. It is his 16th top-10 finish in 2014.
#2-Brad Keselowski (third) posted his second top-10 finish in seven races at Homestead-Miami Speedway.
#42-Kyle Larson (13th) was the highest finishing rookie.
Kevin Harvick leads the point standings by 1 points over Ryan Newman.
Kyle Larson is the 2014 Sunoco Rookie of the Year.
Chevrolet wins the manufacturers championship in the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series.
(NASCAR Integrated Sports Marketing)(11-16-2014)
[after Homestead, race 36 of 36]
the four drivers who raced for the Sprint Cup Series Championship race at Homestead
1) #4-Kevin Harvick [5 wins] 5043
2) #31-Ryan Newman, 5042, -1 point
3) #11-Denny Hamlin [1 win] 5037, 6-
4) #22-Joey Logano [5 wins] 5028, -15
Which ever driver finished the best at Homestead, won the championship
See UNOFFICIAL drivers championship points standings on the Unofficial Drivers Points Standings (pdf).
See the UNOFFICIAL owner points standings on the Unofficial Owners Points Standings page (pdf).
See OFFICIAL race results & points standings on the Official Race & Points Report (pdf).(11-16-2014)
[after Homestead, race 36 of 36]
driver that finishes highest at Homestead will win the Sprint Cup Championship at Homestead
1) #4-Kevin Harvick [5 wins] 5043
2) #31-Ryan Newman, 5042, -1 point
3) #11-Denny Hamlin [1 win] 5037, 6-
4) #22-Joey Logano [5 wins] 5028, -15
drivers below were eliminated in the first 3 rounds:
5) #2-Brad Keselowski [6 wins], 2361, -2667
6) #24-Jeff Gordon [4 wins] 2348, -2695
7) #20-Matt Kenseth, 2334, -2709
8) #88-Dale Earnhardt Jr. [4 wins], 2301, -2742
9) #99-Carl Edwards [2 wins] 2288, -2755
10) #18-Kyle Busch [1 win] 2285, -2758
11) #48-Jimmie Johnson [4 wins], 2274, -2769
12) #41-Kurt Busch [1 win], 2263, -2780
13) #47-AJ Allmendinger [1 win], 2260, -2783
14) #16-Greg Biffle [1 win], 2247, -2796
15) #5-Kasey Kahne [1 win], 2234, -2809
16) #43-Aric Almirola [1 win], 2195, -2848
See UNOFFICIAL drivers championship points standings on the Unofficial Drivers Points Standings (pdf).
See the UNOFFICIAL owner points standings on the Unofficial Owners Points Standings page (pdf).
See OFFICIAL race results & points standings on the Official Race & Points Report (pdf).(11-16-2014)
[after Homestead, race 36 of 36]
(using current points system, but not the Chase rules, unofficial)
1) #24-Jeff Gordon(EC), 1253
2) #22-Joey Logano(C4), 1216, -37
3) #2-Brad Keselowski(EC), 1179, -74
4) #88-Dale Earnhardt Jr.(EC), 1175, -78
5) #4-Kevin Harvick(CH), 1171, -82
6) #31-Ryan Newman(C2), 1136, -117
7) #20-Matt Kenseth(EC), 1131, -122
8) #42-Kyle Larson #, 1080, -173
9) #48-Jimmie Johnson(EC), 1067, -186
10) #99-Carl Edwards(EC), 1059, -194
11) #1-Jamie McMurray, 1014, -239
12) #16-Greg Biffle(EC), 1000, -253
13) #11-Denny Hamlin(C3), 987, -266 (missed a races)
14) #15-Clint Bowyer, 979, -274
15) #18-Kyle Busch(EC), 969, -284
16) #5-Kasey Kahne(EC), 966, -287
17) #3-Austin Dillon #, 958, -295
18) #27-Paul Menard, 944, -309
19) #55-Brian Vickers, 921, -332
20) #41-Kurt Busch(EC), 911, -342
21) #9-Marcos Ambrose, 872, -381
22) #47-AJ Allmendinger(EC), 868, -385
23) #78-Martin Truex Jr., 857, -396
24) #43-Aric Almirola(EC), 820, -433
25) #14-Tony Stewart, 799, -454 (missed 3 races)
(CH is the 2014 Sprint Cup Series Champion)
(C# is chase driver and current Chase position)
(EC is chase driver that has been eliminated from the Chase)
(11-16-2014)
[after Homestead, race 36 of 36]
1) #22-Joey Logano [5 wins], 2396
2) #4-Kevin Harvick [5 wins], 2389, -7 (2014 Champ)
3) #2-Brad Keselowski [6 wins], 2361, -35
4) #31-Ryan Newman, 2354, -42
5) #24-Jeff Gordon [4 wins], 2348, -48
6) #20-Matt Kenseth, 2334, -62
7) #88-Dale Earnhardt Jr. [4 wins], 2301, -95
8) #99-Carl Edwards [2 wins], 2288, -108
9) #18-Kyle Busch [1 win], 2282, -114
10) #48-Jimmie Johnson [4 wins], 2274, -122
11) #16-Greg Biffle, 2247, -149
12) #5-Kasey Kahne [1 win], 2231, -165
(11-16-2014)
#42-Larson, finished 13th, 11 rookie points
#51-Allgaier, 15th, 10
#3-Dillon, 25th, 9
#26-Whitt, 26th, 8
#23-Bowman, 33rd, 7
#7-Annett, 35th, 6
Truex, Did Not Race
Kligerman, Did Not Race
See the 2014 Rookie of the Year page for rules, standings and more.(11-16-2014)
· Since the inception of the position-based points system in 1975, only four drivers have made up a points deficit in the season finale: Richard Petty in 1979 (made up two points on Darrell Waltrip), Alan Kulwicki in 1992 (made up 30 points on Davey Allison), Jimmie Johnson in 2010 (made up 15 points on Denny Hamlin) and Tony Stewart in 2012 (made up three points on Carl Edwards).
· There have been 15 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series races at Homestead-Miami Speedway, one per season since 1999.
· There have been nine different NASCAR Sprint Cup Series race winners at Homestead-Miami; three have won more than once, led by Greg Biffle and Tony Stewart with three each. Carl Edwards and Denny Hamlin (two each) are the only other drivers with multiple wins at Homestead-Miami Speedway.
· Of the three drivers with multiple wins at Homestead, Tony Stewart is the only driver to win in two different manufacturers: Pontiac (1999, 2000) and Chevrolet (2011).
· Roush Fenway Racing leads the series in wins at Homestead with seven, followed by Joe Gibbs Racing with five.
· Denny Hamlin won the 2009 race from the 38th-place starting position, the furthest back a race winner has started at HMS.
· Since the advent of electronic scoring the closest margin of victory in the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series at Homestead was the (4/10/2010) race won by Greg Biffle with a MOV of 0.017 seconds.
(NASCAR)(11-16-2014)
#11-Denny Hamlin
– In 2014, Hamlin has one win, seven top fives and 17 top 10s.
– During the 2014 Chase for the NASCAR Sprint Cup, Hamlin scored one top five and six top 10s.
– Hamlin’s average finish during the Chase was 12.4.
– His driver rating was 92.7 and his average running position was 14.7.
– During the Eliminator Round, Hamlin had one top five and three top 10s, with an average finish of 7.7.
– At Homestead, Hamlin has nine starts, two wins, four top fives, five top 10s, with an average finish of 11.2.
#22-Joey Logano
– In 2014, Logano has five wins, 16 top fives and 22 top 10s.
– During the 2014 Chase for the NASCAR Sprint Cup, Logano scored two wins, six top fives and seven top 10s.
– Logano had a Chase-best average finish of 5.3.
– His driver rating was 107.8 and his average running position was 9.5.
– During the Eliminator Round, Logano had one top five and two top 10s, with an average finish of 7.7.
– At Homestead, Logano has five starts, one top 10 and an average finish of 20.8.
#31-Ryan Newman
– In 2014, Newman has four top fives and 15 top 10s.
– During the 2014 Chase for the NASCAR Sprint Cup, Newman scored two top fives and five top 10s.
– Newman’s average finish during the Chase was 9.8.
– His driver rating was 90.1 and his average running position was 14.0.
– During the Eliminator Round, Newman had one top five, with an average finish of 9.7.
– At Homestead, Newman has 12 starts, one top five, four top 10s and an average finish of 17.0.
#4-Kevin Harvick
– In 2014, Harvick has four wins, 13 top fives and 19 tops.
– During the 2014 Chase for the NASCAR Sprint Cup, Harvick scored two wins, five top fives and six top 10s.
– Harvick had a Chase average finish of 8.8.
– His driver rating was a Chase-best 118.9 and his average running position was 7.6.
– During the Eliminator Round, Harvick had one win and two top fives, with an average finish of 12.0.
– At Homestead, Harvick has 13 starts, five top fives, 11 top 10s and an average finish of 8.1.
(NASCAR)
On Sunday, each of the contenders will visit the ESPN Pit Studio during a special two-hour NASCAR Countdown at 1:00pm/et that will precede the race’s 3:16pm/et green flag. “It’s been exciting for us to bring the races in the new format of the Chase for the NASCAR Sprint Cup to our viewers, and we’re especially looking forward to history being made in Sunday’s championship race as the entire season comes down to the wire in one race,” said John Skipper, ESPN president.(ESPN)(11-16-2014)
UPDATE – no crew chief change: “All streaks come to an end at some point,” Stewart quietly said during an interview with The Associated Press. “The streak is important to me, and this year, I still won a sprint car race when I came back,” he said. “So I’ve had 36 straight years of at least winning a race. I was proud to have 15 years in a row that I won a race in the Cup Series. I’ll be sad if it stops and it ends, but that’s part of it.”
Crew Chief Chad Johnston, who in his first year with Stewart, is desperately trying to keep the winning streak intact. Many of Stewart’s longtime fans think Johnston is to blame for Stewart’s struggles because he’s not giving him a car he can drive. Stewart said Johnston is doing just fine and likened their chemistry to the relationship he had with Greg Zipadelli, his crew chief for 10 years and two championships. “I really like working with Chad, and it’s been frustrating for him, too,” Stewart said. “If there’s any fans who don’t think he is mad and frustrated, they are fooling themselves. He wants it so bad, but we’ve tried so many different things, I honestly feel it’s the package that’s the hang-up. I don’t feel like I need a different crew chief next year. I am very comfortable with who I have.”(in part from the Associated Press)
AND Stewart quickly dismissed any idea that the tumultuous year meant he would part ways with his first-year crew chief Chad Johnston. “Chad and I are — probably of all the crew chiefs I’ve had — personality-wise, we are probably the best fit in all reality. We have the same level of intensity but also the same level of quick wit, sarcasm; it’s like we might be related to one another.”(NASCAR.com)(11-16-2014)
Ford’s success this season, with 14 victories in 35 Cup races, already has spurred interest in the brand, according to Jamie Allison, director of Ford Racing. “We have generated 570,000 leads yet this year, up 60% from a year ago,” Allison said. “We track sales, match to leads generated from on track activation, and our sales are up 90 percent versus a year ago. These are gigantic swings in engagement, gigantic swings in fan affinity, and it translates all the way down from awareness down to conservation to shopping to intention to buy. So success on the track translates into fan consideration and purchase intention. At the end of the day, we are here because of our fans, our fans of Ford, and what we race on the track increasing with relevance to what’s being shown in the showroom as well as what’s in people’s driveway-there’s that direct correlation. Whoever said ‘Win on Sunday, sell on Monday,’ it’s absolutely true, because we’re seeing it in the evidence of the data that we have.”
Jim Campbell, Chevrolet vice president of performance vehicles and motorsports, says the manufacturer starts each season with the same objectives. “For Chevrolet that’s one of our goals every year is to help our teams win a driver’s championship and collectively giving our teams the best opportunity to win enough races for us to win the manufacturer’s championship. We have two opportunities out of the four (on Sunday), and if you look over the past number of years, eight of the last nine driver’s champions have been Chevrolet drivers. We do see a lift in opinion, and when you get a lift of opinion on a brand, great things happen. Customers put you on their shopping list more quickly. It’s a fact. So that’s big.”
On Sunday, Hamlin could become the first driver to deliver a championship to Toyota in NASCAR’s premier series. “For Toyota, it would simply be historic and unprecedented,” said David Wilson, president and general manager of Toyota Racing Development USA. “We’re still the new guys, so to speak, in the series. This is our… celebrating our 10th anniversary in NASCAR in their national series. We’ve won championships, multiple championships in the Camping World Truck Series, in the Nationwide Series. Cup, the Sprint Cup Series, that box hasn’t been checked yet, so for Toyota it would be huge. It would be significant, I think, for the sport. It would be huge for TRD. Certainly Toyota, our engagement model is a little bit different than my colleagues’, and I have 250 people that work their butts off, and they have for years and years, so it would be very emotional.”(NASCAR Wire Service)(11-16-2014)
News from November 15, 2014
ESPN.com’s Racecast – Live Coverage and Chat
Racing Live! on ESPN.com
Watch the race LIVE online at WatchESPN
Listen Live Online at Motor Racing Network
Ask in-race reporter TBA
Television (TV): ESPN at 3:00 pm/et; Pre-Race show at 2:00pm/et; green flag approx. 3:17pm/et
Radio: Motor Racing Network (MRN) and Sirius XM Satellite NASCAR Radio 90
Scheduled Race Re-Airs: Monday, November 17, 1:00am/et, ESPN2
#48-Johnson 175.200
#5-Kahne 174.820
#41-Busch 174.385
#47-Allmendinger 173.706
#20-Kenseth 173.633
The Four CHASE drivers:
#22-Logano was 7th fastest
#4-Harvick was 8th fastest
#31-Newman was 12th fastest
#11-Hamlin was 13th fastest
slowest: #66-Moffitt 163.979 & #13-Mears 166.698.
Best 10 consecutive lap average
#48-Johnson 171.446 and #20-Kenseth 170.575
The Four CHASE drivers best 10 consecutive lap ave:
#11-Hamlin was 3rd fastest
#4-Harvick was 7th fastest
#31-Newman was 8th fastest
#22-Logano was 12th fastest
notes: #22-Logano brushed the wall early, doing slight damage to the right rear of the car.
#33-Scott had a tire go down and was smoking, but no damage to the car.
See fastest speeds, best 10 consecutive lap average, laps run and more on the Homestead Happy Hour Practice Speeds page (pdf).(11-15-2014)
#4-Harvick 175.069
#24-Gordon 175.029
#2-Keselowski 174.498
#48-Johnson 174.222
#11-Hamlin 173.969
The Four CHASE drivers:
#4-Harvick is fastest
#11-Hamlin is 5th fastest
#22-Logano is 6th fastest
#31-Newman is 12th fastest
slowest: #66-Moffitt 165.797 & #32-Koch 166.154.
notes: #2-Keselowski scraped the wall late in the session and has some front end damage.
#31-Newman hit something on the track mid-way thru practice and has damage to the splitter and bead blower (cools tires/brakes).
#33-Scott had an engine blow early in practice, leaving a lot of fluid on the track.
See fastest speeds, best 10 consecutive lap average, laps run and more on the Homestead Practice 2 Speeds page (pdf).(11-15-2014)
“That debris from the engine that blew up, a chunk of it went underneath the car, messed the splitter up and knocked the bead blower hose off,” Lambert told FOXSports.com. Lambert said replacing the splitter would not set the team back any, as they had plenty of time before the 50-minute Happy Hour practice session. “We’ve got enough time to change it,” he said. “Honestly, it was something we were probably going to do anyway based on the splitter wear. It’s not really a big deal.” Despite being the slowest of the four contenders, Lambert showed little concern about the speed charts. “The car was pretty good,” he said. “We tried some adjustments to shift the balance a little bit for what it was doing on entry and on exit. We got it close, but need just a little bit more, so it was a pretty positive learning experience. We’re fine. If we get the balance right we’ll be OK. Really, right now he’s been searching trying to find the line he’s at, get the car to run where he wants to. It’s going to be such a different race than this right here. You can go out there and fool yourself trying to run lap times. It’s all about getting the car like it needs to in the race.”(FoxSports)(11-15-2014)
· 113 drivers have competed in at least one NASCAR Sprint Cup Series race at Homestead; 89 in more than one.
· Two drivers have made all 15 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series starts at Homestead: Jeff Burton and Jeff Gordon.
· Two drivers have won consecutive races at Homestead-Miami: Tony Stewart (1999 – 2000) and Greg Biffle (2004 – 2006, three straight).
· Carl Edwards leads the series in average finish at Homestead with a 6.600; only two other drivers have an average finish inside the top 10: Kevin Harvick (8.078) and Martin Truex Jr. (9.222).
· Jimmie Johnson and Kevin Harvick lead the series in runner-up finishes at Homestead with two each.
· Jeff Gordon leads the series in top-five finishes at Homestead with seven; followed by Carl Edwards and Kevin Harvick with five each.
· Jeff Gordon and Kevin Harvick lead the series in top-10 finishes at Homestead with 11 each; followed by Jimmie Johnson with eight.
· Eight of the nine NASCAR Sprint Cup Series drivers who have won at Homestead-Miami participated in at least two or more races before visiting Victory Lane. Tony Stewart (1999) is the only driver to win at Homestead in his first appearance.
· Dale Earnhardt Jr. lead the series among active drivers with the most NASCAR Sprint Cup Series starts at Homestead-Miami Speedway without visiting Victory Lane at 14.
· Danica Patrick became the first female driver to compete in the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series at Homestead-Miami Speedway last season; starting 24th and finishing 20th.
(NASCAR)(11-15-2014)
UPDATE: Due to a minor crediting error for ESPN that has been corrected by Nielsen, the rating and viewership for the Oct. 19 NASCAR Sprint Cup race at Talladega Superspeedway is higher than originally reported. The final national rating for the race telecast is now a 3.0, not a 2.7 as was originally reported, with a viewership average of 4,757,000, not 4,328,000 as originally reported. The 2013 race earned a 3.1 rating with an average viewership of 4,916,000.
TV Ratings for the nine Chase race overall as compared to last year at this point is even at 2.6 but viewership is up 3% 4,318,000 vs. 4,194,000 in 2013.(ESPN)(11-15-2014)
While they took different routes to reach Sunday’s finale at Homestead-Miami Speedway as finalists, like Hamlin, each has a direct connection to NASCAR’s grassroots regional touring and weekly series:
· Harvick’s first stock car crown was earned at Mesa Marin Raceway in 1993, two years before NASCAR began sanctioning weekly competition at the track in his hometown of Bakersfield, California. But he wouldn’t have to wait long to get a championship under the NASCAR banner. Following Rookie of the Year honors in the former NASCAR Southwest Tour in 1995, Harvick scored five wins in 14 races en route to the 1998 NASCAR K&N Pro Series West title as a 22-year-old. It was his only full-time season in the series, and he captured the championship while simultaneously competing full-time in the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series.
· Logano ushered in a new era of K&N Pro Series competition when he dominated as a teen in 2007. The Middletown, Connecticut, native’s lone regional touring series season during his meteoric rise up the NASCAR Ladder began with a win in his debut at Phoenix International Raceway in K&N Pro Series West action and included five more victories en route to the championship and Sunoco Rookie of the Year honors in the K&N Pro Series East. Logano’s signature moment came in the inaugural K&N Pro Series East-West combination race at Iowa Speedway when he beat Harvick – by then well established in the Sprint Cup Series – to the checkered flag just four days shy of his 17th birthday.
· Newman may not have come up through NASCAR’s regional touring system, but he has become a frequent fixture in the cockpit of the No. 7NY when the NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour heads to New Hampshire Motor Speedway and Bristol Motor Speedway. Over the last seven years, the South Bend, Indiana, wheelman has compiled four wins and 12 top 10s in 18 races driving as part of a team formed by crew chief Kevin “Bono” Manion and car chief Gary Putnam, who got their start on the tour on the way to Sprint Cup Series careers. An additional modified win came in the inaugural Whelen All-Star Shootout this past July at New Hampshire.
· Hamlin was a rising star in 2003 in the late model world and the season proved to be the launching pad. Twenty-two years old at the time, Hamlin exploded with 25 wins, 30 poles and the NASCAR Whelen All-American Series track championship at Southern National Motorsports Park in North Carolina. The experience gained at those southeastern NASCAR short tracks proved to be such a solid foundation that Hamlin made his debut in the Sprint Cup Series just two years removed from that breakout 2003 late model campaign.
Like Newman, Hamlin’s involvement at the grassroots level continues today with the annual Denny Hamlin Short Track Showdown late model event – held at South Boston in 2014 – that benefits the Denny Hamlin Foundation and pits weekly racers and up-and-coming talent against competitors from the sport’s upper echelon.(NASCAR)(11-15-2014)
see images of the scheme / car on the #40 Team Schemes page.(11-15-2014)
More comments: Larson, met with members of the media at Homestead-Miami Speedway and discussed his conversation with Ryan Newman this week, the transcript in part:
Q) DO YOU WANT TO KICK RYAN NEWMAN’S BUTT AFTER LAST WEEK?
Larson: “No, I didn’t want to kick his butt. He called me this week and we talked. I told him I was upset for 10 minutes then I realized Ryan (Newman) knew what was on the line for him. I think there are a lot of people out here that probably would have done the same thing that he did. At least he is in the Chase; it would be a great move if he goes on to win the championship. Like I said, I get over things pretty quickly.”
Q) WOULD YOU HAVE DONE THE SAME THING IF YOU WERE IN HIS POSITION?
Larson: “It’s hard to really say until you are in that position. I got a ton of criticism a couple of years ago when I did an even probably worse move at a late model race. Yeah, I don’t know, it’s hard to say, but there is a ton on the line at that point.”
Q) DO YOU FEEL LIKE YOU ARE STILL LEARNING WHAT IS ACCEPTABLE?
Larson: “Yeah, maybe a little bit. I think in the Cup series most people race with respect, so I think I’ve gotten a lot better with that throughout my career so far, last year in Nationwide and this year in Cup. I feel like I’ve gotten a lot better with give and take and things like that. With this new format it kind of throws a little different curve into it, where in the Chase each race is so important, so you see people take chances like that. Yeah, it’s hard to say if you would do the same thing in that point in time.”
Q) AFTER LAST WEEK WITH WHAT HAPPENED WITH YOU AND (RYAN) NEWMAN IN THE CLOSING LAPS ON SUNDAY IF YOU ARE RACING AROUND ONE OF THOSE FOUR WHAT DO YOU DO?
Larson: “I just race them how I have raced them all season long I think. Hopefully I don’t get into any of them. I got into Ty Dillon here a couple of years ago and he was going for a Truck championship and I felt horrible after that. I don’t want to go through that again. I’m going to try my best to get a win and if they are in front of me I’m definitely going to try and pass him, but not do anything stupid or crazy to ruin their chances of winning a championship. Because none of them have won a championship so I know how much it means to them.”
Q) YOU TALKED TO RYAN VIA PHONE?
Larson: “Yeah, he called me Tuesday maybe.”
Q) HOW DID THAT GO? WHAT WAS THE TONE LIKE?
Larson: “Oh it was fine. He said he was waiting for a coyote to stick it’s head out so he could shoot it. He said he was out there on his farm, but I mean like I said I was upset for 10 minutes and I was over it. I understood the situation and what was at stake for him. He just kind of explained himself. I was totally fine. I like (Ryan) Newman a lot. I think he’s a great driver. He came from an open wheel background so I have kind of always been a fan of his. Like I said I was over it pretty quick.”(Team Chevy)(11-15-2014)
UPDATE: Jeff Gordon won the pole at Homestead, bring Hendrick Motorsports pole total to 200.(11-15-2014)
1 – Hendrick recorded its first series pole with Geoff Bodine at Bristol Motor Speedway on Aug. 25, 1985
16 – The number of different Hendrick Motorsports drivers that have posted at least one pole
26 – The number of different tracks at which Hendrick posted a pole
40 – The number of wins from the pole (qualifying was canceled for two of the wins)
206.558 – The MPH of the fastest pole winning speed for a Hendrick driver – Jeff Gordon at Michigan on Aug. 17, 2014
Driver Poles
1 Jeff Gordon 77
2 Jimmie Johnson 33
3 Geoff Bodine 22
4 Ken Schrader 17
5 Mark Martin 10
6 Tim Richmond 9
7 Terry Labonte 7
8 Dale Earnhardt Jr 6
9 Brian Vickers 4
10 Kasey Kahne 4
11 Ricky Rudd 4
12 Darrell Waltrip 2
13 Kyle Busch 2
14 Casey Mears 1
15 Greg Sacks 1
16 Ricky Craven 1
(NASCAR)(11-14-2014)
UPDATE: with Gordon’s pole at Homestead, he now has won a pole at all tracks he has ran but three: Kansas, Kentucky and Las Vegas.(11-15-2014)
“But despite the severity of the criminal allegations against Mr. Busch,” Speier writes, “I am disappointed to see that NASCAR and Stewart-Haas Racing have not taken any action. Your response to these serious allegations has been totally inadequate.” Speier has also asked to be looped into the internal investigations of NASCAR and SHR, and for “a history of sanctions levied by NASCAR and racing teams for domestic violence incidents brought to your attention over the last five years.”(in part from Sports Illustrated)
UPDATE: NASCAR chairman Brian France said Friday that no action will be taken against the Sprint Cup driver. France confirmed Friday that Rep. Jackie Speier sent a letter to NASCAR president Mike Helton and to Stewart-Haas Racing saying she was “disappointed” that Busch hadn’t been suspended until the matter is resolved. Busch has not yet been arrested or charged with any crime. “We are watching that case carefully,” France said Friday. “It’s under review by law enforcement and others. They haven’t made a decision on that regarding Kurt. Until they make judgments on that investigation, it wouldn’t be right to intervene before it’s completed.” NASCAR has rules covering inappropriate or criminal behavior away from arenas, but it does not have a policy addressing domestic violence on its own. The rule book has a section covering violations and disciplinary action, including penalties that can be determined “by the gravity of the violation and its effect on … the interests of stock car racing and NASCAR.” France said Friday that NASCAR is sensitive to the issue of domestic violence. “You can expect our policies to reflect the understandable awareness that that’s not going to be tolerated,” France said. “How any league handled some of this is one thing. It’s pretty clear when you see what’s happening around the country that our policy will reflect the significance and importance that it should.”(ESPN)(11-14-2014)
UPDATE2: “If every time somebody made an allegation against a congresswoman or a congressman, and they were then to be suspended from their office until the investigation was concluded, we’d have an empty Capitol building,” Busch lawyer Rusty Hardin said in a phone interview with Sporting News. “While that might please the public to have that building be empty, it certainly wouldn’t be fair to the person the charge or allegation was made against.” Hardin said that while domestic violence is a serious issue, with no charges filed Busch should be allowed to do his job and Speier’s letter was “inappropriate.”
“He not only has adamantly denied it, but when the investigation is concluded, I think people are going to realize it is a fabricated charge,” Hardin said. “I don’t know where in the world this congresswoman thinks we’ve moved to where you start punishing people just because somebody makes an allegation. … For a congresswoman to make these kind of statements is just ludicrous. I hope she’s in the minority and everybody will wait to find out what the true story is. When they do, they’ll find out that this didn’t happen. We’re not going to participate in it, we’re not going to try every charge (in public). But when a congresswoman sends a letter like this, I feel compelled to remind everybody we still have due process and presumption of innocence in this country even if she doesn’t recognize it.” Obviously pleased with the decisions by NASCAR and the team to let Busch race, Hardin said he has been in arbitration all week and Busch will talk to Dover police investigators in the “near future. I hope we can do it outside the glare of public media. But, I can assure you, he’s cooperating fully and in the near future will be visiting with them.”(Sporting News)(11-15-2014)
Driver Champion: Chase Elliott
Team: #9 NAPA Auto Parts Chevrolet
· Chase Elliott won his first NASCAR Nationwide Series championship; becoming the youngest champion in NASCAR national series history at the age of 18 years, 11 months, 18 days – previous record holder was Brian Vickers at 20 years, 0 months, 2 days.
· Elliott is the 25th different driver to win the NASCAR Nationwide Series championship. Elliott finished the season 42 points ahead of second-place Regan Smith.
· Elliott is the first driver to win a series title in his Sunoco Rookie of the Year campaign. He also is the first rookie to post three or more wins (Darlington, Texas-1, and Chicago) since Carl Edwards in 2005.
· The Elliott’s (Bill and Chase) have become the fifth father/son combo to win NASCAR-sanctioned championships; joining the Jarretts (Ned and Dale), the Pettys (Lee and Richard), the Pearsons (David and Larry) and the Earnhardts (Dale and Dale Jr.) as the only NASCAR father/son champions in all of national series competition.
· Chase Elliott has become the third champion from the state of Georgia, joining NASCAR Hall of Famers Bill Elliott (father) and Tim Flock. Bill Elliott (NHOF inductee – Class of 2015); Tim Flock (NHOF inductee- Class of 2014)
· Elliott’s 2014 Season-To-Date Loop Data: Driver Rating (108.6) and Average Running Position (7.022).
Owner: Dale Earnhardt Jr., JR Motorsports
· This is JR Motorsports’ first NASCAR Nationwide Series driver championship. The organization’s previous best series championship finish was third (twice: Regan Smith, 2013 and Brad Keselowski, 2008).
· Owner Dale Earnhardt Jr., a two-time (1998, ’99) NASCAR Nationwide Series driver champion, fielded his first car as an owner in the series with driver Mark McFarland at Homestead-Miami Speedway on November 19, 2005.
· JR Motorsports has posted 21 victories in the NASCAR Nationwide Series (2005 – 2014).
Crew Chief Champion: Greg Ives
· This is Greg Ives first career NASCAR Nationwide Series championship.
· Ives’ previous series best points finish was in 2013, when he finished third with Regan Smith.
· Ives is scheduled to move up to the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series next season to work with Dale Earnhardt Jr. and the Hendrick Motorsports No. 88 Chevrolet team, replacing Steve Letarte.
Owner Champion: Roger Penske, #22 Team Penske Ford
· This is Team Penske’s second consecutive NASCAR Nationwide Series owners’ championship. Roger Penske won last season’s NNS owner title with drivers (starts): Brad Keselowski (15 races), Joey Logano (14), AJ Allmendinger (two) and Ryan Blaney (two).
· This season the #22 captured the title with drivers: Brad Keselowski (10 races), Joey Logano (10), Ryan Blaney (10), Michael McDowell (one) and Alex Tagliani (two).
· The #22 Team Penske Ford Mustang team had five wins, 23 top fives and 29 top 10s in 2014 (NASCAR)(11-15-2014)
There were 11 cautions for 48 laps and 16 lead changes among 10 leaders. Complete results are on the Homestead race results page (pdf).
(11-15-2014)
Matt Kenseth(i) won the 20th Annual Ford EcoBoost 300, his 29th victory in 283 NASCAR Nationwide Series races.
This is his first victory and 15th top-10 finish in 2014.
This is his second victory and 10th top-10 finish in 13 races at Homestead-Miami Speedway.
Kyle Busch(i) (second) posted his seventh top-10 finish in eight races at Homestead-Miami Speedway. It is his 25th top-10 finish in 2014.
Kyle Larson(i) (third) posted his second top-10 finish in two races at Homestead-Miami Speedway.
Chris Buescher (fifth) was the highest finishing rookie.
Chase Elliott # leads the point standings by 42 points over Regan Smith.
The NASCAR Nationwide Series had 16 different winners this season.
Chevrolet wins the manufacturers’ championship this season.
(NASCAR Integrated Marketing)(11-15-2014)
1) #9-Chase Elliott# 1213
2) #7-Regan Smith 1171 -42
3) #11-Elliott Sadler 1154 -59
4)#2-Brian Scott 1154 -59
5) #3-Ty Dillon# 1148 -65
6) #6-Trevor Bayne 1086 -127
7) #60-Chris Buescher# 1014 -199
8) #62-Brendan Gaughan 954 -259
9) #16-Ryan Reed# 889 -324 -65
10) #99-James Buescher 868 -345
See complete standings on the driver standings page (pdf).(11-15-2014)
Fastest in the second round of qualifying was Blaney at 166.754mph.
He was quickest in the opening qualifying session at 165.289mph
Did Not Qualify: #46-Ryan Ellis, #74-Kevin Lepage, #70-Derrike Cope, #72-John Jackson and #90-Martin Roy. The starting lineup is posted on the Homestead starting lineup page (pdf).(11-15-2014)
Brad Keselowski(i) won the Coors Light Pole Award for the 20th Annual Ford EcoBoost 300 with a lap of 32.455 seconds, 166.384 mph.
This is his 19th pole in 216 NASCAR Nationwide Series races.
This is his fifth pole and 10th top-10 start in 2014.
This is his second pole in eight races at Homestead-Miami Speedway.
Kyle Larson(i) (second) posted his 18th top-10 start of 2014 and his second in two races at Homestead-Miami Speedway.
Matt Kenseth(i) (third) posted his sixth top-10 start at Homestead-Miami Speedway. It is his 17th in 19 races this season.
Dylan Kwasniewski (ninth) was the fastest qualifying rookie.
(NASCAR Integrated Marketing)(11-15-2014)
News from November 14, 2014
#41-Busch is on the outside pole followed by #20-Kenseth, #2-Keselowski, #4-Harvick, #15-Bowyer, #18-Busch, #11-Hamlin, #22-Logano, #78-Truex Jr., #88-Earnhardt Jr. and #48-Johnson.
Chase driver #31-Newman failed to advance into the final round and will start 21st.
#2-Brad Keselowski set a new track record in Round 1 with a speed of 181.238 mph
Missing the race were: none, only 43 cars entered.
See the starting lineup, round-by-round qualifying results, qualifying order and more on Jayski.com’s Homestead Starting Lineup / Qualifying Page.(11-14-2014)
#24-Jeff Gordon won the Coors Light Pole Award for the 16th Annual Ford EcoBoost 400 with a lap of 29.876 seconds, 180.747 mph.
This is his 77th pole in 761 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series races.
This is his third pole and 24th top-10 start in 2014.
This is his first pole in 16 races at Homestead-Miami Speedway.
#41-Kurt Busch (second) posted his 17th top-10 start of 2014 and his eighth in 14 races at Homestead-Miami Speedway.
#20-Matt Kenseth (third) posted his fifth top-10 start at Homestead-Miami Speedway. It is his 12th in 36 races this season.
#51-Justin Allgaier (14th) was the fastest qualifying rookie.
This is the 200th NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Coors Light pole for Hendrick Motorsports.
#2-Brad Keselowski set a new track record in Round 1 of 3 with a speed of 181.238 mph.
(NASCAR Statistics)(11-14-2014)
[listed by current driver chase points position]
1) #11-Denny Hamlin, 8th
2) #22-Joey Logano, 9th
3) #31-Ryan Newman, 21st
8) #4-Kevin Harvick, 5th
(11-14-2014)
Pole sitter #24-Gordon chose pit stall 1 [as do most pole sitters].
Outside pole sitter #41-Busch took pit stall 4, the first pit stall with an opening in front of it.
#20-Kenseth, who starts 3rd took the 3rd pit stall, the 1st stall with an opening behind it.
The 43rd and final pit stall was taken by #48-Johnson, who starts 12th.
Chase Drivers pit stalls:
#4-Harvick, who starts 5th, chose stall 13
#11-Hamlin, who starts 8th, chose stall 6
#22-Logano, who starts 9th, chose stall 8
#31-Newman, who starts 21st, chose stall 17
To see where the drivers/teams pit stall is, see the pit selection chart on the Pit Stall Selection chart.(11-14-2014)
#41-Busch 181.196
#48-Johnson 179.964
#2-Keselowski 179.922
#78-Truex Jr. 179.593
#11-Hamlin 179.414
the rest of the top 12: 20 24 88 4 18 15 22;
out of the top 12 and not advancing to round 3: 55 51 99 27 9 43 1 16 31 17 5 3
(11-14-2014)
#2-Keselowski 181.238 (new track record)
#4-Harvick 181.014
#22-Logano 180.989
#41-Busch 180.717
#24-Gordon 180.638
the rest of the top 24: 78 11 18 20 31 3 15 48 1 17 16 51 88 99 43 5 27 9 55;
out of the top 24 and not advancing to round 2: 47 21 42 14 13 33 34 10 40 83 38 36 98 95 7 32 23 26 66
Driver who will miss the race: none, only 43 entered.
(11-14-2014)
Television (TV): ESPN2, 6:00pm/et
Radio: Live online at Motor Racing Network (MRN)
Scheduled Qualifying Re-Air: none
The first of the drivers scheduled to go out is #26-Whitt.
The final driver scheduled to go out is #48-Johnson.
Qualifying order is set by a random draw, held about an hour before the first practice.
See the full qualifying order on Jayski.com’s Homestead Qualifying Page.(11-14-2014)
” Round 1 — All entries will have 25 minutes to post a qualifying time, after which the 24 registering the fastest laps will advance to the second round. Those failing to advance will be sorted based on first-round times in descending order (from fastest to slowest). Four drivers will not make the race.
” Round 2 — The 24 fastest from the first round will have 10 minutes to post a second-round qualifying time, with the 12 fastest advancing to a third round. Those not advancing will earn starting positions 13 through 24 based on time, again in descending order.
” Round 3 — The final round will be five minutes in length. The fastest times from this session will determine the first (Coors Light Pole Award) through 12th starting positions.
There will be a five-minute break between each round; teams may make adjustments to their entries only during the individual breaks. They will not be allowed to jack the vehicle or raise the hood, and once the car or truck enters the garage, it will no longer be permitted to return to the track for additional qualifying attempts.
#2-Keselowski 179.004
#4-Harvick 178.950
#10-Patrick 178.767
#20-Kenseth 178.453
#42-Larson 177.948
The Four CHASE drivers:
#4-Harvick 2nd fastest
#31-Newman 9th fastest
#11-Hamlin 11th fastest
#22-Logano 22nd fastest
slowest: #36-Sorenson 169.497 & #66-Moffitt 169.924
notes: #78-Truex Jr. was reported to have smoke and fluid from the car early in practice.
#3-Dillon had a right rear tore go down, but slowed down and got it to the garage.
If qualifying, scheduled for tonight at 6:15pn.et on ESPN2, is cancelled (no chance of rain), this practice would set the starting order.
See fastest speeds, laps run and more on the Homestead Practice 1 Speeds page (pdf). (11-14-2014)
“But despite the severity of the criminal allegations against Mr. Busch,” Speier writes, “I am disappointed to see that NASCAR and Stewart-Haas Racing have not taken any action. Your response to these serious allegations has been totally inadequate.” Speier has also asked to be looped into the internal investigations of NASCAR and SHR, and for “a history of sanctions levied by NASCAR and racing teams for domestic violence incidents brought to your attention over the last five years.”(in part from Sports Illustrated)
UPDATE: NASCAR chairman Brian France said Friday that no action will be taken against the Sprint Cup driver. France confirmed Friday that Rep. Jackie Speier sent a letter to NASCAR president Mike Helton and to Stewart-Haas Racing saying she was “disappointed” that Busch hadn’t been suspended until the matter is resolved. Busch has not yet been arrested or charged with any crime. “We are watching that case carefully,” France said Friday. “It’s under review by law enforcement and others. They haven’t made a decision on that regarding Kurt. Until they make judgments on that investigation, it wouldn’t be right to intervene before it’s completed.” NASCAR has rules covering inappropriate or criminal behavior away from arenas, but it does not have a policy addressing domestic violence on its own. The rule book has a section covering violations and disciplinary action, including penalties that can be determined “by the gravity of the violation and its effect on … the interests of stock car racing and NASCAR.” France said Friday that NASCAR is sensitive to the issue of domestic violence. “You can expect our policies to reflect the understandable awareness that that’s not going to be tolerated,” France said. “How any league handled some of this is one thing. It’s pretty clear when you see what’s happening around the country that our policy will reflect the significance and importance that it should.”(ESPN)(11-14-2014)
· David Green won the first Coors Light pole at Homestead in 1999 at a speed of 155.759 mph (34.669 sec.).
· There have been 11 different Coors Light pole winners, led by Kurt Busch, Carl Edwards, Jimmie Johnson and Kasey Kahne with two each.
· Two of the 15 (13.3%) NASCAR Sprint Cup Series races at Homestead-Miami Speedway have been won from the Coors Light pole: Bill Elliott (2001) and Kurt Busch (2002).
· Five of the 15 (33.3%) NASCAR Sprint Cup Series races at Homestead have been won from the front row: two from the pole and three from second-place.
· 10 of the 15 (66.6%) NASCAR Sprint Cup Series races at Homestead have been won from a starting position inside the top 10.
· 5 of the 15 (33.3%) NASCAR Sprint Cup Series races at Homestead have been won from a starting position outside the top 10 – most recently – Jeff Gordon (15th-place starting position; 2012).
· Jamie McMurray (November, 2003) and David Reutimann (November, 2008) won their first career Coors Light poles at Homestead-Miami Speedway.
(NASCAR)(11-14-2014)
AND Tender Beef Jerky will be an associated sponsor of the #32 Go FAS Racing Ford and driver Blake Koch at Homestead. Tender Beef Jerky is a line of gourmet jerky based in Florida (GFR PR)(11-14-2014)
“Ultimately the goal at the end of the day was for me to be a full-time Sprint Cup driver for Jack Roush,” he said. “The Wood Brothers played such a big part of my career and I couldn’t be more thankful for that.” Eddie Wood, co-owner of Wood Brothers Racing, also looks back on the team’s Trevor Bayne era fondly. “It’s been a really good relationship,” Wood said. “We knew going in it might be a short-term deal, but we were lucky – lucky for us, maybe not so lucky for them – we got to keep Trevor for four years. Trevor Bayne will always be a part of our family. And we will always share that great Daytona 500 moment together. It’s something that will always be so special for all of us. We will always be Trevor Bayne fans, so we are happy he is getting his shot to race for the Sprint Cup Championship. We are going to do everything in our power to get him to victory lane one more time in the #21 Motorcraft/Quick Lane Ford Fusion.”(Motorcraft/Quick Lane Racing)(11-14-2014)
With his ninth place finish, Crafton became the first driver to win back-to-back truck championships. He ended the season with a 21-point lead over #29-Ryan Blaney.
There were 7 caution flags for 28 laps and 13 lead changes among 5 leaders.
Complete results are on the Homestead race results page (pdf).(11-14-2014)
Darrell Wallace Jr. won the 19th Annual Ford EcoBoost 200, his fifth victory in 44 NASCAR Camping World Truck Series races.
This is his fourth victory and 14th top-10 finish in 2014.
This is his first victory and first top-10 finish in two races at Homestead-Miami Speedway.
Kyle Larson(i) (second) posted his first top-10 finish in two races at Homestead-Miami Speedway. It is his first top-10 finish in 2014.
Timothy Peters (third) posted his fifth top-10 finish in eight races at Homestead-Miami Speedway.
Tyler Reddick (sixth) was the highest finishing rookie.
Matt Crafton leads the point standings by 21 points over Ryan Blaney.
This is the 15th win for Toyota in 2014 – tieing the manufacturer’s most wins a single season (2010).
Most wins all-time in a single season in the NCWTS is 18 by Chevrolet in 1996.
(NASCAR Statistics)(11-14-2013)
Driver Champion: Matt Crafton
Team: # 88 Menards Toyota
Matt Crafton won his second consecutive NASCAR Camping World Truck Series championship. He is the first driver in series history to win back-to-back championships (2013-2014).
Crafton is the 13th different driver to win the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series championship, and the fourth to win multiple series titles. 2013 marked Crafton’s 15th year competing in the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series. He leads the series in consecutive starts with 337.
Crafton finished 21 points ahead of second-place Ryan Blaney.
Crafton finished the 2014 season with two wins, 13 top fives, 17 top 10s, and an average finish of 7.0.
Crafton’s 2014 Season-To-Date Loop Data: Driver Rating (106.0); Average Running Position (6.504).
Owner: Duke Thorson, ThorSport Racing
This is ThorSport Racing’s second NASCAR Camping World Truck Series driver championship.
Owners Duke and Rhonda Thorson fielded their first truck in the series with driver Terry Cook at the Milwaukee Mile on July 6, 1996. ThorSport Racing has fielded at least one truck in 431 races, a run of 413 consecutive starts beginning at Walt Disney World Speedway in January 1998 – both are series records.
ThorSport Racing fielded one other full-time truck this season – the No. 98 driven by Johnny Sauter. Sauter finished the season fourth in the standings. He posted one win, eight top fives and 16 top 10s in 2014.
Crew Chief Champion: Carl Joiner Jr.
This is Carl Joiner Jr.’s second career NASCAR Camping World Truck Series championship. Joiner becomes the fourth all-time NCWTS crew chief with multiple championships joining Dennis Conner (1997, ’99, ’01); MikeHillman Jr. (2006, ’10); and Rick Ren (2007, ’09).
Joiner is the first NASCAR Camping World Truck Series crew chief to win consecutive series titles.
Owner Champion: Kyle Busch, Kyle Busch Motorsports
This is Kyle Busch Motorsport’s second-consecutive and third all-time NASCAR Camping World Truck Series owner championship. Kyle Busch Motorsports’ previous owner championships were in 2010 and 2013 – KBM’s No. 51 tied ThorSport Racing’s No. 88 in owner points in 2013 but was awarded the championship due the tiebreaker (wins).
Two drivers competed in the No. 51 Toyota this season (Kyle Busch, 10 starts and Erik Jones, 12 starts)
KBM is the second team in NCWTS history to win back-to-back championships (Xpress Motorsports, 2002-03).The team’s third title ties Hendrick Motorsports and Kevin Harvick Inc. for most all-time.
(NASCAR Statistics)(11-14-2013)
1) #88-Matt Crafton, 833
2) #29-Ryan Blaney, 812-21
3) #54-Darrell Wallace Jr., 799 -34
4) #98-Johnny Sauter, 773 -60
5) #17-Timothy Peters, 746 -87
6) #77-German Quiroga, 683 -150
7) #21-Joey Coulter, 680 -153
8) #13-Jeb Burton 679 -154
9) #31-Ben Kennedy #, 679 -154
10) #99-Bryan Silas, 548-285
See complete standings on the driver standings page (pdf).(11-14-2014)
Caution 1: none
Caution 2: #82-Derek White, 27th
Caution 3: #45-Matt Tifft, 21st
Caution 4: #08-Ray Black, Jr., 28th
Caution 5: none
Caution 6: #45-Matt Tifft, 21st
Caution 7: #92-Austin Hill, 20th
(11-14-2014)
Fastest in the second round of qualifying was #19-Reddick with a speed of 169.295mph.
#42-Larson was quickest in the opening qualifying session at 168.813mph.
See complete lineup on the Starting lineup (pdf) page.(11-14-2014)
Kyle Larson(i) won the Keystone Light Pole Award for the 19th Annual Ford EcoBoost 200 with a lap of 31.988 seconds, 168.813 mph.
This is his second pole in nine NASCAR Camping World Truck Series races.
This is his second pole and second top-10 start in 2014.
This is his first pole in two races at Homestead-Miami Speedway.
Matt Crafton (second) posted his 17th top-10 start of 2014 and his eighth in 14 races at Homestead-Miami Speedway.
Kyle Busch(i) (third) posted his fifth top-10 start at Homestead-Miami Speedway. It is his ninth in ten races this season.
Tyler Reddick (fifth) was the fastest qualifying rookie.
(NASCAR Integrated Marketing)(11-14-2014)
UPDATE: Kyle Busch Motorsports announced today the additions of Justin Boston and Matt Tifft to the team’s driver lineup for the 2015 NASCAR Camping World Truck Series season. Boston will run a full-time schedule competing for the Sunoco Rookie of the Year Award, while Tifft will run a six-race schedule and share the driving duties behind the wheel of his Tundra with KBM owner-driver Kyle Busch and Joe Gibbs Racing driver Daniel Suarez competing for the Truck Series Owner’s Championship.
Boston completed his second full-time season in the ARCA Racing Series in 2014, finishing fifth in the championship standings and collecting wins at Toledo Speedway in May and Madison International Speedway in August. In addition to his two wins, he collected three poles, 241 laps led, seven top-five and 13 top-10 finishes resulting in an average finish of 10.6 across 20 starts this year. Overall in two seasons of ARCA action, the Maryland native has posted two wins, five poles, 15 top-five and 29 top-10 finishes across 41 starts and finished inside the top-five in the championship standings both years. The 25-year-old also made two NASCAR Nationwide Series starts for Joe Gibbs Racing in 2014, finishing ninth in his series debut at Kentucky Speedway in Sparta and following it up with a 12th-place finish at Dover International Speedway. He made one Truck Series start this season, but was relegated to a 30th-place finish at Bristol Motor Speedway getting caught up in a late-race accident.
Tifft has made 12 ARCA Racing Series starts the last two seasons, registering six top-five and eight top-10 finishes. The Ohio native registered a career-best runner-up finish in this year’s September event at Kentucky Speedway in Sparta. In addition to his time in the ARCA Racing Series, the 18-year-old has competed in the NASCAR K&N East and West Series, posting one top-five and nine top-10 finishes across 24 starts. The University of North Carolina at Charlotte freshman has competed in two of the last three Truck Series races this season, including an eighth-place finish at Martinsville Speedway in September, and is entered in the series finale at Homestead-Miami Speedway this weekend.
Announcements on truck numbers, sponsors and crew chiefs for both drivers are forthcoming. (Kyle Busch Motorsports)(11-14-2014)
News from November 13, 2014
· Groundbreaking for Homestead-Miami Dade Motorsports Complex – as the track was originally named – began Aug. 24, 1993.
· The first race held at Homestead-Miami Speedway was a NASCAR Nationwide Series event on Nov. 5, 1995 – won by NASCAR Hall of Famer Dale Jarrett.
· The original configuration was a four-turn, rectangular oval based on Indianapolis Motor Speedway’s layout.
· The first NASCAR Sprint Cup Series race at Homestead was held on Nov. 14, 1999 – won by Tony Stewart.
· 2002 was the first season of the Championship Weekend at Homestead, with all three of NASCAR’s national series holding their season finale at the same track.
(NASCAR)(11-13-2014)
With a new shot at redemption, Hamlin can accomplish two major milestones by winning the championship: Unable to compete at Auto Club in March due to an injury caused by a piece of metal lodged into the back of his eye, Hamlin can become the first NSCS champion to miss a race since NASCAR Hall of Famer Richard Petty in 1971. Petty missed two races that year: A Daytona qualifying races – which was a points race at that time – and a race in Macon, Georgia’s Middle Georgia Raceway. Hamlin, 33, can pilot the first Toyota to a NSCS title.(NASCAR)(11-13-2014)
If Logano wins the championship, at 24 years, 5 months and 23 days, he would become the youngest driver to capture the series crown since Jeff Gordon in 1995 – and third premier series champion under the age of 25, joining Gordon and Bill Rexford, who was 23 years old when he won the title in 1950. A native of Middletown, Connecticut, he would be the first driver from the Constitution State to win a NASCAR premier series title.
In addition, a Logano championship would mark the second title for Team Penske, that claimed its first with the efforts of Brad Keselowski in 2012. Currently leading the NASCAR Nationwide Series owner standings by 29 points, Roger Penske’s racing outfit has a legitimate chance of becoming the first team to win a NSCS, NNS and IndyCar championship in the same season.(NASCAR)(11-13-2014)
In 12 Homestead starts, Newman owns one top five and four top 10s. His highest finish at the Miami-area track was a third-place showing in 2012. One potential note of interest: Newman is the only one of the Championship 4 who did not test at Homestead at the end of October. Competing in his first season with Richard Childress Racing, Newman can earn the organization its first premier series title since 1994 when Dale Earnhardt captured RCR its sixth championship. Newman would be the only driver other than Earnhardt (six titles) to clinch a premier series crown with RCR.
Newman has proven to be the true underdog story in the Chase. Despite not winning a race during the regular season, the consistent 36-year-old racked up 10 top-10 finishes and placed lower than 30th only two times to clinch the 16th and final spot in NASCAR’s playoffs. No matter how Newman fares at Homestead, he will achieve a career-best finish in the final standings. His previous high finish was sixth – a feat he has achieved three times (2002, ’03, ’06).(NASCAR)(11-13-2014)
Harvick, whose 109.9 driver rating and 2,083 laps led lead the series, has to like his odds of taking home his first title. He has finished higher than Logano, Hamlin and Newman in 11 races this season – the most of the Championship 4. Comparatively, Logano was the highest finisher of the four in 10 races; Hamlin in eight and Newman in six. Although he has never won at Homestead, he has been highly successful at the 1.5-mile track with five top fives, 11 tops 10s and an average finish of 8.1 in 13 starts. The #4 Budweiser/Jimmy John’s Chevy driver has two victories in the past five weeks and four total this season. If Harvick wins the championship, he would join Bobby Labonte and Brad Keselowski as only the third driver to boast both a NASCAR Sprint Cup Series and NASCAR Nationwide Series championship. Competing in his first season with Stewart-Haas Racing, he would earn the organization its second premier series title.(NASCAR)(11-13-2014)
As for 2015: “We¹re excited to have Michael McDowell back with Leavine Family Racing next year and we¹re currently working to finalize our races and sponsors for the 2015 NASCAR Sprint Cup season.”(LFR), see an image of the car on the #95 Team Schemes page.(11-13-2014)
UPDATE: Smart Cell Fundraising is pleases to be on board as Ryan Sieg and RSS Racing will compete in the final Nationwide Race this Saturday at the Miami Homestead Speedway. Smart Cell Fundraising allows schools a great new fundraising program, instead of the same old cookie dough and wrapping paper that has been sold for the last thirty years.(RSS Racing)(11-13-2014)
In addition to the flyover, the Base will be involved in many other ways throughout Ford Championship Weekend. The 482nd Homestead Air Reserve Base Security Forces Color Guard will be Presenting the Colors on Friday, November 14 prior to the Ford EcoBoost 200, while the 482nd Honor Guard out of Homestead Air Reserve Base will be doing the same for the Ford EcoBoost 300 on Saturday, November 15 and the Ford EcoBoost 400 on Sunday, November 16. U.S. Army Brigadier General Kurt L. Sonntag, Commander of SOCSOUTH, will deliver the Pledge of Allegiance before Sunday’s race, while Colonel Christian G. Funk, Commander of the 482nd Fighter Wing at Homestead Air Reserve Base, will be giving the Oath of Enlistment to the new military recruits who will be present on stage prior to Sunday’s race.
This is not the first time this year that the Speedway and the Base have joined forces. Back on September 10, Aric Almirola, driver of the #43 car for Richard Petty Motorsports, paid a visit to the Base as part of the Chase Across North America Tour media event. In fact, during that visit he worked with the crew chief to prep and launch an F-16 fighter jet. For more information on tickets, call 305-230-5255 or visit homesteadmiamispeedway.com.(HMS)(11-13-2014)
News from November 12, 2014
#99-Carl Edwards 115.5
#78-Martin Truex Jr. 110.0
#20-Matt Kenseth 109.8
#4-Kevin Harvick 99.1 [Chase driver]
#48-Jimmie Johnson 96.6
#24-Jeff Gordon 96.5
#18-Kyle Busch 93.4
#11-Denny Hamlin 93.4 [Chase driver]
#15-Clint Bowyer 92.7
AND
#31-Ryan Newman 84.8, 13th-best [Chase driver]
#22-Joey Logano 71.2, 22nd-best [Chase driver]
Note: Driver Ratings compiled from 2005-2013 races (nine total) among active drivers at Homestead-Miami Speedway.
Formula combining the following categories: Win, Finish, Top-15 Finish, Average Running Position while on Lead Lap, Average Speed Under Green, Fastest Lap, Led Most Laps, Lead-Lap Finish. Maximum: 150 points per race.
See an explanation how the Driver Rating is calculated at NASCAR.com.(NASCAR)
Q. Darian, three years ago you knew for several races that you weren’t coming back as the crew chief for Tony Stewart but you held the team together and you won the championship. This year the crew chief lineup for Joe Gibbs Racing hasn’t been announced for next year, so I guess a two-part question. One, do you know what you’re doing next year yet, and two, does this remind you at all of 2011 and has that experience helped you as you go for the title again?
DARIAN GRUBB: It doesn’t remind me of that situation at all. We’re still working towards winning a championship, and I’m going to be here next year doing the same thing. We have had some talks internally about what next year’s plans are, but there’s nothing that’s ready to be announced and/or we’re not working towards that for next year, either. I’m sure winning a championship with the team and stuff might have some bearing on some of those discussions and things, as well. We’re going to wait until Monday after Homestead to even think about that stuff.
Q. Are you saying that the difference between like this year and maybe what hasn’t been announced in 2011 to what has been announced, is that you and your crew guys, you know you’re going to have jobs, you know that you’re not wondering where you’ll be come next January or February?
DARIAN GRUBB: Exactly. I’m not updating any résumés or anything like that. We know we all have jobs. There’s security. We all know for a fact that we’re going to be working together within this organization, so we’re going to go out and try to finish the business at hand first no matter what happens and try to win that trophy at Homestead.
Q. Would you find it ironic at all if you were to win a title, win two championships and then be with somebody else the following year?
DARIAN GRUBB: To me that doesn’t matter. I’m still going to do the same effort and the same work that I do every week regardless of who I’m working for. If it’s Denny again next year, we’re going to try to win two in a row, and if it’s for somebody else, then we’re going to try to win together that way, also. It doesn’t matter to me. I love this sport and I love my job, and I love all the guys that I work with. FedEx Toyota team is my home for now, and that’s what I plan to be working hard on.(NASCAR Teleconference)(11-12-2014)
“Feed the Children is proud to partner with Tommy and his team. Their support has been invaluable,” said Kevin Hagan, President and CEO of Feed the Children. “Every day, hunger robs children of the chance to be kids. Through the support of organizations like TBR, we are not only able to bring food to kids across the world, but also give them the opportunity to just be kids.” Hirzel Canning Company & Farms, a valued partner of Feed the Children, will be featured on the quarter panels of the Chevy.(TBR), image of the scheme on the #36 Team Schemes page.(11-12-2014)
Mark Fields, President and Chief Executive Officer of Ford Motor Company, will drive the pace car equipped with 5.0-liter Ti-VCT V8 engine, leading the Sprint Cup field to green for the final time this season. John Felice, vice president, U.S. Marketing, Sales and Service will pace the starting field for the Nationwide race. A Race Red 2015 Mustang GT fastback will serve as the splitter pace car for the two races.
Built in Flat Rock, Mich., Mustang is all-new from the ground up. This sixth-generation, rear-wheel-drive car has the long hood and short rear deck lid proportions of its most iconic predecessors, as well as that low, wide stance, but its design is very much 21st century, with state-of-the-art engineering and technology. “Ford is very proud to have a 50-Year Limited Edition 2015 Mustang pace the NASCAR Sprint Cup and Nationwide races during Ford Championship Weekend,” said Chantel Lenard, director, U.S. Marketing, Ford Motor Company. “To have Mustang — a brand born of racing — in this special anniversary year, leading some of the world’s best drivers to the championship in two of NASCAR’s premier series, is special. We know our fans will enjoy seeing it out on the track.”
Among the many new features on the 2015 Mustang GT is an independent rear suspension engineered specifically for this new platform and car. It also features an all-new state-of-the-art front suspension. Mustang GT’s 5.0-liter Ti-VCT V8 engine generates 435 horsepower and 400 lb.-ft. of torque. Two other engines — a 3.7-liter V6 and 2.3-liter EcoBoost® — will also be available when the car hits showrooms later this year, part of the Mustang stable of engines which all boast over 300 horsepower.
A pair of all-new 2015 Ford F-150 pickup trucks will pace the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series Ford EcoBoost 200 at Homestead-Miami Nov. 15.(Ford Racing), see images of the pace car on the 2014 Pace Car page.(11-12-2014)
A number of marks and streaks are on the line this weekend at Homestead-Miami Speedway. #14-Tony Stewart looks for his first victory of the season. He’s won at least one race every year he’s been in Sprint Cup (15 seasons). His streak is tied for fifth in series history. Richard Petty won at least one race a record 18 consecutive seasons (1960-77).
Other drivers who won at least one points race last year and are still looking for their first points win this season are: #31-Ryan Newman, #55-Brian Vickers, #34-David Ragan, #16-Greg Biffle, #1-Jamie McMurray and #78-Martin Truex Jr. There have been 13 different winners this season. That would be the fewest winners in a season since 2010.(MRN)(11-12-2014)
UPDATE: Ross Chastain hasn’t had the opportunity to race as much as he would have liked to this NASCAR season.That won’t be the case though this weekend at Homestead-Miami Speedway, as Win-Tron Racing confirmed that the likable Florida driver will pilot the team’s #35 Toyota Tundra in Friday night’s Ford EcoBoost 200. Roughly two and a half hours south of his hometown, Chastain will bring a recognizable partner for his third and final NCWTS race of the year, Watermelon.org and the National Watermelon Association. The National Watermelon Association was organized in 1914. Originally it was called the “Melon Distributors Association,” but as the organization grew and the goals became more defined, the name was changed (in 1945) to the “National Watermelon Growers & Distributors Association”. In 1979, Growers & Distributors was dropped from the name, resulting in the current “National Watermelon Association.” NWA has members in 30 states. Its purpose of the Association is to promote the best interests of the Watermelon Industry from production to consumption.(WinTron Racing)(11-12-2014)
News from November 11, 2014
· Homestead-Miami Speedway has been a part of the Chase for the NASCAR Sprint Cup since the playoff’s inception in 2004. This season the track will host its 11th Chase event.
· The winner of the Homestead-Miami Chase race has gone on to win the championship during the Chase era once: Tony Stewart (2011).
· Greg Biffle leads the series in Chase race wins at Homestead-Miami with three (2004 – 2006); followed by Carl Edwards with two (2008, 2010).
· The worst finish in a Chase race by the eventual series champion at Homestead-Miami Speedway is 15th (three times), Tony Stewart in 2005, Jimmie Johnson in 2008 and Brad Keselowski in 2012.
· Chase Contenders have won seven of the 10 previous Chase races at Homestead-Miami Speedway. Two non-Chase contenders have won a Homestead-Miami Chase race: Greg Biffle (2004 and 2006) and Denny Hamlin (2013).
· Four of the 10 previous Chase races at Homestead the eventual series champion has finished in the top five.
· Roush Fenway Racing leads the series in Chase race wins at Homestead-Miami Speedway with six, including five consecutive: Greg Biffle (2004 – 2006), Matt Kenseth (2007) and Carl Edwards (2008).
· Ford leads the series in Chase wins at Homestead with six; followed by Chevrolet with two.
· The most dominant performance by a Chase race winner at Homestead-Miami Speedway is Carl Edward’s victory in 2010. He posted a Perfect Driver Rating of 150.0 and led 190 of the 267 laps (71.1% of his laps completed) – most by a Chase race winner at Homestead.(NASCAR)
UPDATE: With the final elimination in the revised Chase for the NASCAR Sprint Cup on the line in the race, ESPN’s live telecast of the NASCAR Sprint Cup race at Phoenix International Raceway on Sunday, Nov. 9, was the highest-rated and most-viewed Fall race at Phoenix since 2009, earning a 3.1 U.S. household rating and averaging 5,091,000 viewers, according to Nielsen Media. The rating and viewership were up double digits from last year’s race, which earned a 2.7 rating and averaged 4,271,000 viewers. The rating was also up from 2012 (2.8), 2011 (2.9) and 2010 (2.5). Greensboro, N.C., was the highest-rated of the nation’s 56 metered markets with an 8.9 rating, followed by Greenville, S.C., at 8.5 and Indianapolis at 8.1. Raleigh-Durham, N.C., was fourth at 7.3 with Charlotte, N.C., fifth at 7.2. Rounding out the top 10 metered markets were Richmond, Va., 6.9; Knoxville, Tenn., 6.3; Birmingham, Ala., 6.2; Norfolk, Va., 5.7; and a tie for 10th between Jacksonville and Orlando, Fla., at 5.6.
Saturday’s NASCAR Nationwide Series race at Phoenix was the highest-rated and most-viewed Fall race at Phoenix in ESPN’s eight seasons of televising the event, earning a 1.2 rating and averaging 1,875,000 viewers. Last year’s event earned a 1.0 rating and averaged 1,392,000 viewers.(ESPN)
See past races for 2014 and 5-year comparison chart on the 2014 NASCAR TV Ratings page.(11-11-2014)
2,083: Laps led by Kevin Harvick through the first 35 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series races this year, far and away a career best. Harvick added 264 laps to his total on Sunday in winning the Quicken Loans Race for Heroes 500 at Phoenix International Raceway, his fourth victory of the season.
41: The number of laps led this season by Ryan Newman, who dive-bombed his way into NASCAR’s Championship Round with a dramatic pass of Kyle Larson on the final lap at Phoenix. If Newman can lead the final lap at Homestead-Miami Speedway, however, he’ll be the new series champion.
1: In championship points, the margin by which Jeff Gordon, Sunday’s race runner-up, missed qualifying for the season finale at Homestead. Gordon was eliminated by Newman’s desperation pass, but the real damage occurred a week earlier, when Brad Keselowski’s late-race contact with Gordon’s car at Texas cut Gordon’s tire and dropped him to 29th at the finish.
13: The position in the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series standings of six-time champion Jimmie Johnson, who suffered his fourth DNF of the season on Sunday at Phoenix. In his 12 previous full-time seasons, Johnson has never finished lower than sixth in the final standings.
11: The number of races this season that Kevin Harvick finished higher than Joey Logano, Denny Hamlin and Ryan Newman – the highest of the Championship 4. Comparatively, Logano was the highest finisher of the four in 10 races; Hamlin in eight and Newman in six.(NASCAR Wire Service)(11-11-2014)
ESPN reporters will be embedded with the championship contenders early this week, with SportsCenter airing multiple live reports from the four contending race shops between 9:30am/et and 2:00pm/et each day on Monday and Tuesday. The 6:00pm/et and 11:00pm/et editions of SportsCenter will air larger all-access features from each team, summarizing what the teams did on those days to prepare for the championship race.
The Wednesday night editions of SportsCenter will air interviews and reports from that evening’s NASCAR Sprint Cup Championship contender’s press conference in Miami, including the four drivers and their team owners, while Thursday’s SportsCenter reports will follow work back at the race shops and what the drivers are doing in South Florida before on-track action begins Friday.
Dave Burns will follow Logano from the Penske Racing headquarters, while Ryan McGee will report on Hamlin from Joe Gibbs Racing. Mike Massaro will report on Newman from Richard Childress Racing and Marty Smith will be with Harvick and Stewart-Haas Racing.
ESPN NASCAR analyst Ricky Craven will appear on SportsCenter frequently throughout race weekend, including during extended post-race coverage Sunday that will feature an interview with the new NASCAR Sprint Cup champion. Sunday’s 400-mile race airs live on ESPN. A special two-hour edition of NASCAR Countdown at 1:00pm/et will lead up to the 3:16pm/et green flag. All four championship contenders will appear live on Countdown from the ESPN Pit Studio, and the program also will include extended “the week that was” features on all four. The champion will visit ESPN on Wednesday, Nov. 19, and appear on a variety of ESPN programs and platforms.(ESPN)(11-11-2014)
Highlights of FOX Sports 1’s coverage of Championship Week include:
· Special two-hour NASCAR Rrace Hub (Wednesday from 5:00-7:00pm/et) – includes live coverage of the Chase for the Sprint Cup Championship Press Conference from Miami, featuring the four drivers competing for the Chase for the NASCAR Sprint Cup championship and their respective car owners. Bob Dillner reports live from the Trump National Doral in Miami. John Roberts and Danielle Trotta co-host in-studio with analysis from Ray Dunlap.
· Thursday’s NASCAR Race Hub (5:00-6:00 pm/et) delivers coverage of the NASCAR Nationwide Series/NASCAR Camping World Truck Series Championship Press Conferences from Homestead-Miami Speedway, featuring the drivers, owners and crew chiefs battling for the Nationwide and Truck Series championships. Ray Dunlap reports from Homestead, with John Roberts and Danielle Trotta co-hosting in-studio and Matt Clark alongside with analysis.
· Live coverage of Friday’s NASCAR Camping World Truck Series season finale from Homestead on FOX Sports 1 (8:00pm/et), with pre-race coverage beginning at 7:30 PM ET with NCWTS Setup.
· Sunday’s NASCAR Raceday (12:00pm/et) on FOX Sports 1 features sit-down interviews with all four Championship Round drivers; a “Chase War Room” roundtable discussion among NASCAR on FOX analysts, who break down the season finale and debate the four championship contenders; and an essay on the prestige of being a champion, related from the perspective of stars across various sports. Adam Alexander, Larry McReynolds, Bob Dillner and Rutledge Wood are live from Homestead, with John Roberts, Jeff Hammond and Kenny Wallace in-studio in Charlotte, N.C.
· Complete post-race and championship coverage on NASCAR Victory Lane (7:00pm/et) on Sunday, Nov. 16 on FOX Sports 1. Alexander, McReynolds and Dillner deliver the latest from Homestead, with Roberts, Hammond and Wallace in-studio in Charlotte.(FoxSports)(11-11-2014)
News from November 10, 2014
Since only 43 cars are entered, all drivers will make the race.
See the full entry list at my Jayski.com’s Homestead Entry List
Total number of commercials: 124
Total number of companies or entities advertised: 60
Number of traditional commercials (not split-screen): 67
Total number of companies or entities advertised: 37
Number of ‘Side-by-Side’ commercials during race broadcast (split-screen): 57
Total number of companies or entities advertised: 34
Number of times ESPN utilized ‘Side-by-Side’ commercials during this broadcast: 10
Start time to record race/commercial periods: 3:02 PM
End time to record race/commercial periods: 6:31 PM
Total minutes of complete race broadcast: 209
Minutes of race broadcast: 182
Minutes of traditional commercials (not split-screen): 27
Minutes of ‘Side-by-Side’ commercials (split-screen): 23
Number of missed restarts: 0
Number of ‘mystery cautions’ (debris not shown): 1
Total race brdcst time 182 Total comm. brdcst time 27
See past races, links to past reports and more on the 2014 TV Commercials page.(11-10-2014)
Josh Berry is in the #5 for JR Motorsports;
Ryan Blaney will drive the #12 for Team Penske;
Jake Crum is in the #26 for Browning Motorsports;
Scott Lagasse Jr will drive the #33 for RCR;
Ryan Preece is in the #36;
David Starr will drive the #55 for Viva Motorsports;
Kevin Lepage is in the #74 for Mike Harmon;
Milka Duno will drive the #87.(11-10-2014)
See the complete list on the Homestead entry list page.
Todd Peck is listed in the #07 and the #40;
The #20 is TBA;
Ross Chastain is in the #35;
Kyle Larson is in the #42;
Kyle Martel is in the #59;
Austin Hill is in the #92;
Mason Mitchell is not listed, but expected in the #48;
(11-10-2014)
See the complete list on the Homestead entry list page.
News from November 9, 2014
#24-Gordon finished 2nd followed by #20-Kenseth, #2-Keselowski, #11-Hamlin, #22-Logano, #41-Busch, #88-Earnhardt Jr., #16-Biffle and #9-Ambrose.
Pole winner #11-Hamlin led the first 24 laps and finished 5th after going down a lap twice, getting two lucky dogs.
#31-Newman made was able to pass #42-Larson on the last lap to gain a position to finish 11th and a point to vault him into the Championship race at Homestead next weekend.
The four drivers who advanced to the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Championship race at Homestead: #4-Harvick, #11-Hamlin, #22-Logano and #31-Newman.
The four drivers who failed to advance: #24-Gordon (by 1 point), #20-Kenseth, #2-Keselowski and #99-Edwards. So there will be a first time NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Champion in 2014.
There were 8 lead changes among 6 drivers. There were a record 12 cautions for 58 yellow flag laps and a 4 minute red flag to clean up the track.
The average speed was 99.991mph.
See unofficial race results, awards, money won, laps led, cautions and more on the Unofficial Race Results page (pdf) and check out the Penalty Report (pdf) and Lap Summary Report (pdf).
See OFFICIAL race results & points standings on the Official Race & Points Report (pdf).(11-9-2014)
#4-Kevin Harvick won the 27th Annual Quicken Loans Race for Heroes 500, his 27th victory in 501 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series races.
With the victory, Harvick clinched a spot in the Championship race at Homestead-Miami Speedway.
This is his fourth victory and 19th top-10 finish in 2014.
This is his sixth victory and 13th top-10 finish in 24 races at Phoenix International Raceway.
The four drivers advancing to the Championship race in Miami: #11-Denny Hamlin, #22-Joey Logano, #31-Ryan Newman and #4-Kevin Harvick.
#24-Jeff Gordon (second) posted his 22nd top-10 finish in 32 races at Phoenix International Raceway. It is his 22nd top-10 finish in 2014.
#20-Matt Kenseth (third) posted his 10th top-10 finish in 25 races at Phoenix International Raceway.
(NASCAR Integrated Sports Marketing)(11-9-2014)
[listed by driver chase points position before the race](started)
1) #22-Joey Logano, 6th (4) – advanced
2) #11-Denny Hamlin, 5th (1) – advanced
3) #31-Ryan Newman, 11th (20) – advanced
4) #24-Jeff Gordon, 2nd (7)
5) #20-Matt Kenseth, 3rd (5)
6) #99-Carl Edwards, 15th (13)
7) #2-Brad Keselowski, 4th (2)
8) #4-Kevin Harvick, WON (3) – advanced
(11-9-2014)
[after Phoenix, race 35 of 36]
first four drivers head to the Championship race at Homestead
1) #4-Kevin Harvick [4 wins, 1 in round 3] 4102
2) #11-Denny Hamlin [1 win] 4112 [+10]
3) #22-Joey Logano [5 wins] 4111 [+9]
4) #31-Ryan Newman, 4103 [1 points ahead of 4th]
These drivers eliminated at Phoenix:
5) #24-Jeff Gordon [4 wins] 4102 [1 points out of 4th]
6) #20-Matt Kenseth, 4100 [-3]
7) #2-Brad Keselowski [6 wins], 4095 [-8]
8) #99-Carl Edwards [2 wins] 4088 [-15]
(ties are broken by wins, 2nds, 3rds, etc, within that round of the Chase)
See UNOFFICIAL drivers championship points standings on the Unofficial Drivers Points Standings (pdf).
See the UNOFFICIAL owner points standings on the Unofficial Owners Points Standings page (pdf).
See OFFICIAL race results & points standings on the Official Race & Points Report (pdf).(11-9-2014)
[after Phoenix, race 35 of 36]
driver that finishes highest at Homestead will win the Sprint Cup Championship at Homestead
1) #11-Denny Hamlin [1 win] 5000
2) #22-Joey Logano [5 wins] 5000
3) #31-Ryan Newman, 5000
4) #4-Kevin Harvick [4 wins] 5000
drivers below eliminated in the first 3 rounds:
5) #2-Brad Keselowski [6 wins], 2320
6) #24-Jeff Gordon [4 wins] 2312, -8 out of 5th
7) #20-Matt Kenseth, 2296, -24
8) #18-Kyle Busch [1 win] 2280, -40
9) #99-Carl Edwards [2 wins] 2278, -42
10) #88-Dale Earnhardt Jr. [4 wins], 2271, -49
11) #47-AJ Allmendinger [1 win], 2256, -64
12) #16-Greg Biffle [1 win], 2256, -64
13) #48-Jimmie Johnson [4 wins], 2239, -81
14) #41-Kurt Busch [1 win], 2229, -91
15) #5-Kasey Kahne [1 win], 2202, -118
16) #43-Aric Almirola [1 win], 2170, -150
See the CHASE drivers championship points standings on the Drivers Reset Chase Points Standings (pdf).(11-9-2014)
1) #4-Kevin Harvick, 8.1, 0 wins
2) #11-Denny Hamlin, 11.2, 2 wins
3) #31-Ryan Newman, 17.0, 0 wins
4) #22-Joey Logano, 20.8, 0 wins
(ESPN Sports Center)(11-9-2014)
[after Phoenix, race 35 of 36]
1) #22-Joey Logano [5 wins] 2368
2) #4-Kevin Harvick [4 wins] 2342, -29
3) #2-Brad Keselowski [6 wins], 2320, -48
4) #24-Jeff Gordon [4 wins] 2312, -56
5) #31-Ryan Newman, 2311, -57
6) #20-Matt Kenseth, 2296, -72
7) #99-Carl Edwards [2 wins] 2278, -90
8) #18-Kyle Busch [1 win] 2277, -91
9) #88-Dale Earnhardt Jr. [4 wins], 2271, -97
10) #16-Greg Biffle, 2244, -124
11) #48-Jimmie Johnson [4 wins], 2239, -129
12) #5-Kasey Kahne [1 win], 2199, -169
(11-9-2014)
[after Phoenix, race 35 of 36]
(using current points system, but not the Chase rules, unofficial)
1) #24-Jeff Gordon(EC), 1217
2) #22-Joey Logano(C2), 1188, -29
3) #88-Dale Earnhardt Jr.(EC), 1145, -72
4) #2-Brad Keselowski(EC), 1138, -79
5) #4-Kevin Harvick(C4), 1124, -93
6) #20-Matt Kenseth(EC), 1093, -124
7) #31-Ryan Newman(C3), 1093, -124
8) #99-Carl Edwards(EC), 1049, -168
9) #42-Kyle Larson, 1049, -168
10) #48-Jimmie Johnson(EC), 1032, -185
11) #16-Greg Biffle(EC), 997, -220
12) #1-Jamie McMurray, 975, -242
13) #18-Kyle Busch(EC), 964, -253
14) #11-Denny Hamlin(C1), 949, -268 (missed a races)
15) #15-Clint Bowyer, 943, -274
16) #3-Austin Dillon, 939, -278
17) #5-Kasey Kahne(EC), 934, -283
18) #27-Paul Menard, 904, -313
19) #55-Brian Vickers, 900, -317
20) #41-Kurt Busch(EC), 877, -340
21) #47-AJ Allmendinger(EC), 864, -353
22) #9-Marcos Ambrose, 855, -362
23) #78-Martin Truex Jr., 830, -387
24) #14-Tony Stewart, 798, -419 (missed 3 races)
25) #43-Aric Almirola(EC), 795, -422
(C# is chase driver and current Chase position)
(EC is chase driver that has been eliminated from the Chase)
(11-9-2014)
#42-Larson, finished 13th, 11 rookie points
#7-Annett, 26th, 10
#23-Bowman, 32nd, 9
#51-Allgaier, 37th, 8
#3-Dillon, 38th, 7
#26-Whitt, 42nd, 6
Truex, Did Not Race
Kligerman, Did Not Race
See the 2014 Rookie of the Year page for rules, standings and more.(11-9-2014)
Caution 1: #83-Yeley, 30th
Caution 2: #16-Biffle, 9th
Caution 3: #11-Hamlin, 5th
Caution 4: #33-Ty Dillon, 27th
Caution 5: #1-McMurray, 14th
Caution 6: #22-Logano, 6th
Caution 7: #11-Hamlin(2), 5th
Caution 8: #48-Johnson, 39th
Caution 9: #14-Stewart, 20th
Caution 10: #40-Cassill, 29th
Caution 11: #38-Gilliland, 24th
Caution 12: #34-Ragan, 25th
(11-9-2014)
· There have been 36 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series races at Phoenix International Raceway, one per season from 1988-2004 and two each season since.
· There have been 23 different NASCAR Sprint Cup Series race winners at Phoenix, eight have won more than once, led by Eliminator Eight driver Kevin Harvick, with five – (’06 spring race and Chase race, ’12 Chase race, ’13 Chase race and ’14 spring race).
· The eight drivers have won more than once at Phoenix: Kevin Harvick leads the series in wins with five followed by Jimmie Johnson (four), Davey Allison (two), Jeff Burton (two), Dale Earnhardt Jr. (two), Jeff Gordon (two) Carl Edwards (two) and Mark Martin (two).
· Of the eight drivers with multiple wins at Phoenix International Raceway, Mark Martin is the only driver to win in two different manufacturers: Ford (1993) and Chevrolet (2009).
· Hendrick Motorsports leads the series in wins at Phoenix with nine, followed by Roush Fenway Racing with seven.
· Ricky Rudd won the 1995 race from the 29th-place starting position, the furthest back a race winner has started.
· Matt Kenseth won the 2002 race from the 28th-place starting position, the furthest back an active race winner has started.
· Two drivers have won at Phoenix and the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series championship in the same season: Jimmie Johnson (2007, 2008 sweep and 2009); Dale Earnhardt (1990).
· Since the advent of electronic scoring the closest margin of victory in the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series at Phoenix was the (4/10/2010) race won by Ryan Newman with a MOV of 0.13 seconds.
(NASCAR)(11-9-2014)
NASCAR Statement from Brett Jewkes, NASCAR Senior Vice President and Chief Communications Officer, Regarding Dover Police Department Release: “NASCAR is aware of the investigation involving driver Kurt Busch. We recognize the seriousness of this matter and are actively gathering information from all parties, including law enforcement authorities and Stewart-Haas Racing. It would be inappropriate for NASCAR to comment further on this matter until we have more information.”(NASCAR)
Stewart-Haas Racing Statement: “This is an allegation Stewart-Haas Racing takes very seriously, but we’re still gathering all of the facts and are not in a position to comment in greater detail,” said SHR spokesman Mike Arning.
Armed Forces Foundation Statement: “I want to, first and foremost, express the direct support from the Board of Directors of the Armed Forces Foundation to Ms. Driscoll. For more than a decade, Ms. Driscoll has been a tireless worker and advocate for our nation’s service members, veterans, and military families. The Foundation will continue working to support service members, veterans, and military families and we ask that Ms. Driscoll’s privacy be respected. Given the serious nature of the allegations, the Foundation has suspended its association with Mr. Busch.” – Mr. Pat LaFrieda, Board of Directors Co-Chairman.(AFF Facebook)
UPDATE: Busch has been accused of domestic assault by his ex-girlfriend, and police in Delaware said Friday they are investigating. The Dover Police Department said the allegations were brought to the department Wednesday. Busch’s ex-girlfriend, Patricia Driscoll, 36, said the allegations involved an incident inside his motorhome at a race at Dover International Speedway in September. The couple broke up about a week before. Driscoll has filed court documents asking that a judge order Busch to stay away from her and not contact her. She also is asking that Busch undergo a psychiatric evaluation and be evaluated by a certified domestic violence treatment agency. The documents, filed Wednesday, say Busch was despondent the night of Sept. 26 after his poor performance at the qualifying session. “He was verbally abusive to her and said he wished he had a gun so that he could kill himself,” the documents say. Driscoll said Busch, 36, called her names and accused her of “having spies everywhere and having a camera on the bus to watch him.” He then jumped up, grabbed her face and smashed her head three times against the wall next to the bed, Driscoll says in the documents. Driscoll says she pushed Busch away and ran from the bedroom, going to a nearby bus to put an ice pack on her head and neck. She said the incident caused her severe pain, difficulty breathing and bruising on her neck. A hearing in the case is scheduled for Dec. 2.(in part from the Associated Press)
UPDATE 2: Busch’s attorney, Rusty Hardin, released a statement calling the allegations “a complete fabrication.”
“The Dover Police Department has been informed that Mr. Busch will fully cooperate with their investigation and he expects to be vindicated when the entire truth of the situation comes to light,” the statement said. “This allegation is a complete fabrication by a woman who has refused to accept the end of a relationship and Mr. Busch vehemently denies her allegations in every respect. At this time we intend to have no further comment in the media out of respect for the Dover Police Department’s desire to conduct a thorough investigation without a media circus.”(NASCAR Wire Service)(11-7-2014)
UPDATE3: Kurt Busch’s ex-girlfriend waited nearly six weeks to file a domestic assault claim with police because she was locked in a custody battle over her son, the attorney for Patricia Driscoll said Saturday. Mark Dycio told USA TODAY Sports that Driscoll did not immediately go to Dover police after the alleged assault occurred on the advice of counsel. She’s currently involved in a fight for custody over son Houston with her ex-husband. After the custody situation was stabilized, Driscoll then went to the Dover police and provided them with text messages, photographs and people with knowledge of the situation to support her claims, Dycio said.(full story at USA Today)(11-9-2014)
UPDATE: The original Brilliant Flames design, created by Sam Bass, will sport a new look, as its painted in Radiant Red – Axalta’ s Automotive Color of the Year 2015. The color was selected based on Axalta Coating System’s Global Automotive Color Popularity Report, which includes research that shows a three percent increase in red cars in North America over the past year. Axalta Vice President Nigel Budden assisted Gordon in revealing the paint scheme this week at the Axalta Engineered for Speed booth at the SEMA 2014 automotive aftermarket trade show at the Las Vegas Convention Center. “Radiant Red is made from our Cromax Mosaic low VOC solvent basecoat line,” said Budden. “We also used special high chroma technology, called Vermeera to help ensure that the paint’s brilliance could be clearly seen on the track at Phoenix.(Finish First Marketing)(11-9-2014)
Crew chief Jerry Baxter, currently atop the pit box for Kyle Busch Motorsports’ #54 Camping World Truck ride with Darrell Wallace Jr., started his career in Southern California, building cars for Ivan Baldwin and eventually buying Baldwin Engineering. As a consultant, he helped Michael David win the 2007 K&N Pro Series West title before moving to North Carolina to work for Michael Waltrip Racing, Eddie Sharp Racing and now KBM.
Another pit boss, Doug Richert, is on the list. The youngest Sprint Cup championship crew chief directed Dale Earnhardt’s first title run in 1980 for owner Rod Osterlund. In 509 Sprint Cup starts over 25 years, he won 13 times while working with several drivers including Darrell Waltrip, Neil Bonnett, Buddy Baker, Benny Parsons, Davey Allison and Greg Biffle. Richert also crew-chiefed Ron Hornaday Jr. to his first Camping World Truck title in 1996.
John Cardinale, the vice president of communications at Sonoma Raceway for nearly two decades, was an active member of the board of directors for the West Coast Stock Car Hall of Fame. Starting as a sportswriter for the Antioch (California) Ledger, Cardinale turned his passion for motorsports into a career at the Napa Valley road course. Cardinale died in 2013 after a battle with gastric cancer.
Warren Razore, a native of Seattle, built a business in refuse disposal and a distributorship of Peterbilt trucks. In the late 1980s, he was among the top car owners in the K&N Pro Series West, fielding cars for Roy Smith and Derrike Cope. He died in 1999 after complications from treatment for Hodgkin’s Disease.
Jim Williams, a self-made man who became a major supplier of beef to various companies including McDonalds, was an associate sponsor of cars owned by Roger Penske. Al Unser drove to his fourth Indianapolis 500 win with Williams’ name on his car. He was a driving force behind the creation of Irwindale (California) Speedway. The Los Angeles area short-track oval hosted the NASCAR Toyota All-Star Showdown, a showcase for young drivers.
The induction ceremony will be held on Thursday, June 25, 2014 heading into Sprint Cup race weekend at Sonoma Raceway.(NASCAR.com)(11-9-2014)
Recent project milestones:
· Florida Hospital became the second Founding Partner of DAYTONA Rising. The organization’s brand will be represented on one of five special entrances called fan injectors. Within this injector, Florida Hospital will have a presence in one of the “neighborhoods” which will encompass retail and dining areas, as well as dozens of video screens to provide fans with non-stop views of on-track action. Beginning in January 2015, Florida Hospital will also become the exclusive healthcare provider of DIS.
· DIS held a topping out ceremony to install the highest piece of steel and celebrate the halfway point in the project. Approximately 90 percent of the total steel planned for the project has been installed to date.
Key ongoing/upcoming construction activities:
· Interior and exterior concrete pours for injectors/entrances
· Continued installation of remaining steel infrastructure
· Installation/testing of vertical transportation
Race fans can follow the progress of the DAYTONA Rising project by visiting www.DAYTONARising.com. For tickets and more information on Daytona International Speedway events, visit daytonainternationalspeedway.com or call 1-800-PITSHOP.(DIS)(11-9-2014)
News from November 8, 2014
ESPN.com’s Racecast – Live Coverage and Chat
Racing Live! on ESPN.com
Watch the race LIVE online at WatchESPN
Listen Live Online at Motor Racing Network
Ask in-race reporter #99-Carl Edwards
Television (TV): ESPN at 3:00 pm/et; Pre-Race show at 2:00pm/et; green flag approx. 3:15pm/et
Radio: Motor Racing Network (MRN) and Sirius XM Satellite NASCAR Radio 90
Scheduled Race Re-Airs: Monday, November 10, 1:30am/et, ESPN2
#1-McMurray 137.106
#4-Harvick 137.065
#20-Kenseth 137.018
#22-Logano 137.002
#88-Earnhardt Jr. 136.830
slowest: #83-Yeley 132.807 & #98-Wise 132.920
no speed: #37-Bliss and #66-Wallace
most laps run: #1-McMurray and #14-Stewart at 51.
Best 10 Consecutive Lap Average
#4-Harvick 136.406
#20-Kenseth 135.926
#42-Larson 135.730
#88-Earnhardt Jr. 135.676
#27-Menard 135.656
See fastest speeds, laps run, best 10 consecutive lap average on the Phoenix Happy Hour Practice Speeds page (pdf).(11-8-2014)
#4-Harvick 138.403
#2-Keselowski 138.387
#41-Busch 137.762
#88-Earnhardt Jr. 137.573
#14-Stewart 137.336
#24-Gordon 137.336
slowest: #66-Wallace 132.509 & #32-Gase 133.343
no speed: #37-Bliss (start & park)
Happy Hour practice is scheduled for 2:30pm/et and will be televised on FoxSports2.
See fastest speeds, laps run, best 10 consecutive lap average on the Phoenix Practice 2 Speeds page (pdf).(11-8-2014)
· 194 drivers have competed in at least one NASCAR Sprint Cup Series race at Phoenix; 139 in more than one.
· Mark Martin leads series in starts at Phoenix with 34; followed by Jeff Gordon with 31.
· Mark Martin leads the series in runner-up finishes at Phoenix with five; followed by Jimmie Johnson and Tony Stewart with three each.
· Five drivers have won consecutive races at Phoenix: Davey Allison (1991,1992); Jeff Burton (2000, 2001); Dale Earnhardt Jr. (2003, 2004); Kevin Harvick (swept 2006) and (2013 Chase race – Spring race 2014); Jimmie Johnson is the only one of the five to win three consecutive races (fall 2007, swept 2008).
· Jimmie Johnson leads the series in average finish at Phoenix with a 6.273; he is the only active driver with an average finish inside the top 10.
· Two perfect Driver Ratings of 150.0 have been recorded at Phoenix, Kurt Busch in April of 2005 and Kevin Harvick in November of 2006.
· Jimmie Johnson lead the series in top-five finishes at Phoenix with 14; followed by Mark Martin with 12 and Jeff Gordon with 11.
· Alan Kulwicki (11/6/1988) and Bobby Hamilton (10/27/1996) are the only two drivers to post their first NASCAR Sprint Cup Series career win at Phoenix International Raceway.
· 21 of the 23 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series drivers who have won at Phoenix participated in at least two or more races before visiting Victory Lane. Alan Kulwicki (11/6/1988) and Tony Stewart (11/7/1999) are the only two drivers to win at Phoenix in their first appearance.
· Jeff Gordon competed at Phoenix International Raceway 16 times before winning (4/21/2007); the longest span of any the 23 winners.
· Six drivers have made 10 or more attempts before their first win at Phoenix: Jeff Gordon (16), Ryan Newman (15), Kasey Kahne (14), Denny Hamlin (13), Carl Edwards (12) and Rusty Wallace (11).
· Joe Nemechek leads the series (active drivers) with the most NASCAR Sprint Cup Series starts at Phoenix without visiting Victory Lane with 28.
· Danica Patrick is the only female driver that has made a NASCAR Sprint Cup Series start at Phoenix International Raceway.
(NASCAR)(11-8-2014)
Q) IT SEEMS THE MAIN BEEF WITH YOU IS THEY FEEL YOU DON’T LISTEN TO THEM AFTER THE RACE AND YOU TURN YOUR BACK WHEN PEOPLE WANT TO TALK. DO YOU FEEL THERE’S ANY VALIDITY TO THAT?
Keselowski: “To answer your first thing, I honestly haven’t paid that much attention to it. I knew early on in the week it was gonna be one of those weeks and I kind of put my head down and focused on Phoenix and my Madden team to kind of get me through, so I honestly haven’t spent a lot of time with all that stuff and the rhetoric. I think at the end of the day we all have our own biases. I don’t think it’s really productive for me to get into the he-said, she-said because at the end of the day we disagree. That kind of is what it is. I think the more I dig into becoming what someone else wants me to be, the less I stay who I am and who I am is someone who can win races and be a championship threat year over year with a great team that supports me, a great cast of family and friends. I’m not looking to become what everyone else wants me to become, so I have not spent a lot of time on that rhetoric and I don’t wish to spend a lot of time trying to justify anything I do or don’t do. I feel pretty good about the actions I’ve taken. Certainly I’m not perfect. I’ve made some bad ones, but I didn’t make any bad ones last week and I still feel that way.”
Q) DO YOU THINK ABOUT YOURSELF AND YOUR ACTIONS AND IF YOU WOULD HAVE DONE ANYTHING DIFFERENTLY WHEN JEFF GORDON CAME UP TO TALK TO YOU?
Keselowski: “You always think about that stuff. I’ve thought about it and moved on, and feel good about it.”
Q) DO YOU FEEL THE SIX WEEK SUSPENSION FOR THE CREWMEN WHO PUNCHED WAS APPROPRIATE?
Keselowski: “I didn’t really think that much about it. They took an action. Again, I go back to I have my own set of biases on that, obviously. I don’t envy their job, that being NASCAR, at any given time. I’m glad I’m a competitor and not an official because I think no matter what decision they would have made there would be someone saying it was the wrong one. I’m not sitting here clapping for joy or angry either way on that direction. I don’t take any pleasure in someone else’s pain, so it kind of is what it is there. That’s why I haven’t put a lot of thought into it. I hate to use that cliché, but I can’t spend all my time worrying about the other people. I have to worry about winning this weekend, this race, and this championship. That’s where my focus is and will continue to be. Really, a lot of these conversations and a lot of these talking points are meant to serve as a distraction, so to sit here and really comment on a lot of them would really be to justify them because I know the things that I’m doing are the right things.”(Ford Racing)(11-8-2014)
Q) LOOKING BACK TO LAST WEEK THE AFTER THE RACE INCIDENT. DOES THAT ESCALATE THE WAY IT DOES IF (KEVIN) HARVICK DOESN’T HELP YOU OUT?
Gordon: “Well, it escalates because Brad (Keselowski) didn’t want to face the situation. Those pit crew guys were kind of in the middle of that. The thing that I feel terrible about is getting my guys involved with it. I feel like if we could have just had a face-to-face there would have been no incident. But Kevin (Harvick) played a role; there is no doubt about that. I didn’t realize who it was at the time. I thought it was him, but it wasn’t until I went back and saw it later on video and got a good chuckle out of that one that I realized what had happened. It certainly played a role. Let me address this. I think there is a little bit of misunderstanding. I have no issue with a guy being aggressive and making a bold move. If you win the race and the guy that you slam finishes third or fourth I will be the first one to stand up and say that was awesome, that was a great move. But when you don’t win the race and you ruin a person’s day then there are consequences that you are going to have to deal with. How you handle yourself after that is a part of that. To me if you are going to compare to the greats of this sport that have been aggressive over the years, you also have to compare how they handle themselves in those situations afterwards. The ones that I have had to deal with on that, they know how to not make enemies, they might not have a lot of friends out there, but they also don’t have a lot of enemies. If they do they seem to find a way to patch that up fairly quickly.”
Q) OBVIOUSLY YOU ARE STILL MAD ABOUT WHAT HAPPENED SO HOW DO YOU RACE BRAD (KESELOWSKI) GOING FORWARD?
Gordon: “I’m not mad about it. I’m ready to move on and focus on Phoenix. I race people the way they race me. If I am in a situation that I feel like I can make a bold move that I think is going to help me win the race and he stands in the way then I’m going to do the same thing that he did to me last week. The difference is if the same results happen how I’m going to deal with it afterwards and face him on that. So, my goal is to make sure that we have the fastest race car that we possibly can in qualifying, practice and the race. To go out there and win this race, that is our goal. I can’t think about what may happen, what might not happen, how I’m going to approach each restart and all that stuff. You just don’t know. But, I also know that the way I have raced over the years have gotten me here is that balance between aggressiveness and patience’s and feeling like when it is worth taking the risk and when it’s not worth it.”
Q) WHAT ARE YOU LOOKING FOR IN A SITUATION WHEN YOU APPROACH SOMEONE ON PIT ROAD LIKE YOU DID BRAD?
Gordon: “To be able to just have a conversation to discuss what their decision making process was at that time. Yes, it ruins your day; you want somebody to have a little bit of sympathy. Doesn’t mean you have to take back what you did…it means you have to understand what it did for the other person. And that certainly is not the way that one was handled.”
Q) SO JUST TO CLARIFY, NEITHER YOU NOR BRAD KESELOWSKI HAS REACHED OUT TO THE OTHER SINCE LAST SUNDAY?
Gordon: “No.”
Q) ARE THE MODERN DRIVERS JUST GETTING AWAY FROM SOME SORT OF ‘CODE’ OR WAY OF SHOWING REMORSE?
Gordon: “Well, I don’t believe in the whole texting thing and calling. I like face-to-face. But there’s a period of time that needs to go by before; sometimes you can do face-to-face. But typically, I want it to happen immediately on both sides. And then, if that doesn’t occur, then I’d like to wait until the next weekend when I can see them face-to-face. Or, if I run into them somewhere, I don’t know. But I’m not one to do the calling and texting. That’s just not the way I believe it should be done. I can’t speak for what other guys say and do and how they should do it.”(Team Chevy)(11-8-2014)
Q) WHEN YOU PUSHED HIM (BRAD KESELOWSKI) IT ENDED UP IGNITING THE BRAWL, BUT THEY WEREN’T BRAWLING AT THAT TIME. WERE YOU JUST TRYING TO GET HIM TOWARD HIM AND SAY ‘HEY GO TALK TO HIM’ OR WERE YOU TRYING TO START A FIGHT?
Harvick: “No, I think for me… honestly I was leaning on the back of the car just kind of taking it all in and seeing what was going on. I have been in that situation with him (Brad Keselowski) before. For me it is like the week of two totally opposite situations. I have no problem with the way Brad races. I think he races hard. I think that is what we are all supposed to do and in those positions you would probably do the same thing yourself. But, I think that the problem that I have with it I have been in that situation with him before and have him turn his back on me and just walk off. I don’t think that is the appropriate way to handle those types of situations. It just kind of rubbed me the wrong way and I reacted and obviously didn’t really realize that it was going to ignite that. All in all it just kind of rubs me the wrong way when you have to just turn your back on situations and walk off and mumble your way off into no man’s land and not just handle the situation. I think in those situations you at least deserve, even if you are going to get yelled at or whatever the case may be, you at least need to handle it like it needs to be handled.”
Q) YOU ARE NOT KIND OF SNICKERING ABOUT THE WHOLE THING?
“I think in the end, you guys know, I love the controversy. But I think in the end the difficult part for me is to go home and realize that one day you are going to have to answer those questions to your son. It’s definitely two different sides and how you have to look at it and how you have to approach it. I think you look at Martinsville and how that situation was handled. I have a lot of respect for Matt (Kenseth) and what he does on the race track. You leave the track and you talk about things and you figure out what went wrong and how to handle things moving forward. There is just never that opportunity really presented with Brad (Keselowski) and I think that is what frustrates me. I’m not going to speak for everybody else.”(Team Chevy)(11-8-2014)
In honor of Veterans Day, Leavine Family Racing wants to thank the following #95 team members for their service to our country: Kenneth Roettger Jr., Active U.S.M.C. 1993-97; Bob Moore, Active Army 1976-80; Brad Carson, National Guard.
Leavine Family Racing will hold a special presentation in the media center at Phoenix International Raceway on Sunday at 10:30am featuring Michael McDowell, Thrivent Financial and Operation Heal Our Patriots. Thrivent Financial will donate $10,000 to Operation Heal Our Patriots, a Samaritan’s Purse program designed to strengthen the marriages of wounded members of the U.S. Military. The check presentation will include guests of honor Johnny and Shannon Montoya, a married couple from Prescott, Ariz., who is participating in the Operation Heal Our Patriots program. Johnny served in the Marine Corps from 2004 to 2008.(LFR)(11-8-2014)
Murray said talks are underway to revamp terms with the banks and NASCAR. “With our partners, we’ve had ongoing conversations. We don’t have any results with that, but they’ve been very amicable. There will be a future change in our structure of that some day.” Reworking the loans and the deferred royalties is a priority, but Murray said there is no deadline for negotiating revised agreements. Both executives touted the changes to how the hall of fame is run internally as well as private rentals and other events for broadening the NASCAR museum as more than just a tourist attraction. Almost every convention hosts a party or reception at the hall of fame, Murray said.(Charlotte Business Journal)
AND Faced with continuing financial losses at the NASCAR Hall of Fame, the city of Charlotte has begun negotiating with Wells Fargo and Bank of America about forgiving a $19 million loan used to build the racing museum. The loan – which has grown to $21 million with interest – was supposed to be paid from the sale of sponsorships and commemorative brick sales, but revenue from those two sources has fallen far short of what’s needed. In addition, the hall is struggling to meet other obligations, including royalties owed to NASCAR on the sale of tickets, merchandise and food and beverages. The hall is also repaying the city for its share of a $32 million loan that was added to the hall in the midst of construction in 2008.(Charlotte Observer)(11-8-2014)
With his 5th place finish, Chase Elliott clinched the 2014 NASCAR Nationwide Series championship over Regan Smith.
There were 5 cautions for 33 laps and 6 lead changes among 4 leaders. Complete results are on the Phoenix race results page (pdf).
(11-8-2014)
Brad Keselowski won the 16th Annual DAV 200 Honoring America’s Veterans, his 32nd victory in 215 NASCAR Nationwide Series races.
This is his fifth victory and 10th top-10 finish in 2014. He has finished fourth or better in all 10 of his starts this season.
This is his first victory and 10th top-10 finish in 16 races at Phoenix International Raceway.
Chase Elliott leads the point standings by 52 points over Regan Smith.
With the points lead, Elliott officially clinches the 2014 NASCAR Nationwide Series championship.
Elliott becomes the first rookie in NASCAR national series history to win the championship.
Elliott becomes the youngest champion in national series history (He will be 18 years, 11 months, 18 days at Homestead). Brian Vickers previously held the record at 20 years, 22 days when he won the 2003 NASCAR Nationwide Series championship.
Chase Elliott’s father Bill Elliott won the 1988 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series championship. They are the fifth father/son combo to win NASCAR national series championships; joining the Jarretts (Ned and Dale), Pettys (Lee and Richard), Pearsons (David and Larry) and Earnhardts (Dale and Dale Jr.).
Kyle Busch (second) posted his 14th top-10 finish in 18 races at Phoenix International Raceway. It is his 24th top-10 finish in 2014.
Elliott Sadler (third) posted his sixth top-10 finish in 12 races at Phoenix International Raceway.
Ty Dillon (fourth) was the highest finishing rookie.
(NASCAR Integrated Marketing)(11-8-2014)
1) #9-Chase Elliott # 1185
2) #7-Regan Smith 1133 -52
3) #2-Brian Scott 1120 -65
4) #11-Elliott Sadler 1119 -66
5) #3-Ty Dillon # 1111 -74
6) #6-Trevor Bayne 1052 -133
7) #60-Chris Buescher # 975 -210
8) #62-Brendan Gaughan 939 -246
9) #16-Ryan Reed # 872 -313
10) #31-Dylan Kwasniewski # 842 -343
See complete standings on the driver standings page (pdf).(11-8-2014)
Chase Elliott, the driver of the #9 NAPA AUTO PARTS Chevy, clinched the 2014 NASCAR Nationwide Series championship after scoring a fifth-place finish today at Phoenix International Raceway. The rookie driver from Dawsonville, Ga., will carry an insurmountable 52-point lead into next week’s season finale at Homestead-Miami Speedway. This marks the first national touring series championship for JR Motorsports, the company owned by Dale Earnhardt Jr.
A FRATERNITY OF CHAMPIONS: Elliott becomes the 24th driver to win a NASCAR Nationwide Series championship in this, the 33rd year of the series.
NASCAR’S YOUNGEST CHAMPION: At the age of 18 years, 11 months and 18 days, Elliott will officially become the youngest driver to win a championship in any of NASCAR’s top-three national touring series next Saturday. He will break the record previously held by Brian Vickers, the 2003 Nationwide Series champion at the age of 20 years, 0 months and 22 days.
ON THE BRINK OF HISTORY: If Elliott is named 2014 Sunoco Rookie of the Year, he would become the first driver in any NASCAR national series to win the championship and rookie of the year in the same season. The award’s winner is not determined until the end of the season because its format factors off-track merit as well as on-track performance. Elliott entered the Phoenix race weekend with a 52-point lead in the ROY standings. Three former rookie-of-the-year winners who came close to winning series championships were James Hylton (Sprint Cup in 1966), Kurt Busch (Camping World Truck in 2000) and Kyle Busch (Nationwide in 2004).
CHAMPIONSHIP ‘KNOW HOW’: This marks NAPA AUTO PARTS’ third championship since becoming a NASCAR team sponsor in 1996. NAPA won championships with Dale Earnhardt Inc. (DEI) and driver Ron Hornaday, Jr., in the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series in 1996 and 1998. This is NAPA’s first season as a sponsorship partner of JR Motorsports.
LIKE FATHER, LIKE SON: Bill Elliott, the 1988 Sprint Cup champion, and Chase Elliott, the 2014 Nationwide Series champion, become the fifth father/son duo to win NASCAR national series championships. They join an esteemed list that includes Lee Petty (Sprint Cup in 1954, 1958 and 1959) and Richard Petty (Sprint Cup in 1964, 1967, 1971, 1972, 1974, 1975 and 1979), Ned Jarrett (Sprint Cup in 1961 and 1965) and Dale Jarrett (Sprint Cup in 1999), David Pearson (Sprint Cup in 1966, 1968 and 1969) and Larry Pearson (Nationwide in 1986 and 1987), and Dale Earnhardt Sr. (Sprint Cup in 1980, 1986, 1987, 1990, 1991, 1993 and 1994) and Dale Earnhardt Jr. (Nationwide in 1998 and 1999).
A LONG TIME COMING: JR Motorsports’ first Nationwide championship comes in its ninth season in the series. The company started competing full time in the NNS in 2006 (it entered one race in 2005). Mark Martin delivered JRM its first victory on March 1, 2008, at Las Vegas Motor Speedway. Since then JR Motorsports has earned 21 victories. The 2014 season has featured nine victories from four drivers – Kevin Harvick (4), Chase Elliott (3), Regan Smith (1), and Kasey Kahne (1). Elliott’s top-finishing points position supplants the company’s previous best of third (achieved three times by Brad Keselowski in 2008 and 2009 and Regan Smith in 2013).
DECORATED DRIVERS: While this is JR Motorsports’ first championship, the company’s current stable of drivers has five Nationwide Series titles among them – Earnhardt Jr. with two (1998, 1999), Harvick with two (2001, 2006) and Elliott with one (2014).
OWNERSHIP HAS ITS PRIVILEGES: Elliott’s championship marks the third for Earnhardt Jr. as an owner. His first company, Chance 2, won Nationwide Series championships with driver Martin Truex Jr., in 2004 and 2005 in partnership with Dale Earnhardt Inc.
THE HENDRICK CONNECTION: Elliott is the fifth driver to win his first career championship with Rick Hendrick, co-owner of JR Motorsports. Jeff Gordon, Jimmie Johnson, Brian Vickers and Jack Sprague were the others. This is Hendrick’s 16th overall championship and second in the Nationwide Series.
STORYBOOK SEASON: Elliott’s championship-winning campaign has featured three victories – the Texas 300 at Texas Motor Speedway on April 4, the VFW Sport Clips Help a Hero 200 at Darlington Raceway on April 11, and EnjoyIllinois.com 300 at Chicagoland Speedway on July 19. His Texas win came in only his sixth career start, making him the second-youngest winner in Nationwide Series history behind Joey Logano, who in 2008 was three months younger than Elliott was in 2014 when scoring his first victory. However, Elliott became the youngest multiple-race winner with his victory the following week at Darlington.
BOWTIE BRIGADE: This marks the 18th time that a Chevrolet driver has won the Nationwide Series championship. Chevrolet is close to winning the Bill France Performance Cup, which is awarded to the Nationwide Series’ top manufacturer, for the 16th time. Chevrolet entered the Phoenix race weekend with a 34-point lead in the manufacturers’ standings.
POWER SOURCE: This will be the 15th NASCAR championship and second Nationwide Series championship for Hendrick Motorsports engines, which supplies the motors for all JR Motorsports teams. Hendrick Motorsports engines won its first NNS championship in 2003 with Brian Vickers.
PEACH STATE CHAMPIONS: Elliott becomes only the second Georgia-born NASCAR champion. His father and 1988 Sprint Cup champion, Bill Elliott, was the first. There are three others who were not born in Georgia but were longtime state residents and considered “from Georgia.” Red Byron (born in Anniston, Ala., but resident of Georgia most of his life) was the first NASCAR modified champion in 1948 and first strictly stock champion in 1949. Tim Flock (born in Fort Payne, Ala., but resident of Atlanta, Ga.) won Sprint Cup titles in 1952 and 1955. Rex White (born in Taylorsville, N.C., but later moved to Georgia and still resides in Fayetteville, Ga.) won the 1960 Sprint Cup championship. Before the formation of NASCAR in 1948, there were other drivers from the peach state considered “national champion” drivers, including Roy Hall (Dawsonville, Ga.) in 1940, 1941 and 1946, and Lloyd Seay (Dawsonville, Ga.) in 1938 and 1941. Ed Samples (Atlanta, Ga.) won stock car championships in 1946 and 1949.
DAWSONVILLE DIAMONDS: Bill and Chase Elliott aren’t the first racers to come from the town of Dawsonville, Ga. In fact, the small Georgia community has given stock car racing a long line of successful racers not named Elliott. The list includes:
” Ted Chester, car owner – Sprint Cup champion in 1952 with driver Tim Flock.
” Gober Sosebee, driver – winner of two Sprint Cup races; two-time winner on Daytona’s beach and road course prior to NASCAR’s inception in 1948.
” Bernard Long, driver – Daytona’s beach and road course winner in 1941.
” Roy Hall, driver – national champion in 1939.
” Lloyd Seay, driver – winner of more than 40 races; inaugural class of Georgia Racing Hall of Fame (2002).
” Harry Melling, owner – NASCAR champion owner in 1988 with driver Bill Elliott; won Daytona with Elliott in 1985, 1987, 1988 and 1991.
” Raymond Parks, owner – won the first two NASCAR championships as Red Byron’s car owner in 1948 (modified class) and 1949 (strictly stock class, now known as Sprint Cup); inaugural class of Georgia Racing Hall of Fame (2002); inducted into International Motorsports Hall of Fame in 2009.
RING MASTER: Greg Ives has won championships in six of his 11 years in the sport of NASCAR. Joining Hendrick Motorsports in 2004 as a mechanic in the 24/48 shop, Ives quickly elevated to an engineering role on the No. 48 team. He was part of Jimmie Johnson’s historic run of five Sprint Cup championships from 2006-10. The Bark River, Mich.-native came to JR Motorsports as a rookie crew chief in 2013. Following the season, Ives will return to Hendrick Motorsports to begin his new role as Earnhardt Jr.’s crew chief on the No. 88 Nationwide Insurance / Diet Mountain Dew team.
QUICK WORK: Chase Elliott is the first driver since Brad Keselowski in 2010 to clinch the Nationwide Series championship before the final race of the season at Homestead-Miami Speedway. The last non-Sprint Cup Series driver to secure the title early was Martin Truex Jr., in 2004.
UNFINISHED BUSINESS: With Elliott clinching the top spot, the quest now for JR Motorsports is for Regan Smith to finish second. If Smith holds on to the runner-up position after next week’s season-finale at Homestead-Miami, JR Motorsports would become the first team in 14 years to finish first and second in the series point standings. The Greg Pollex-owned ppc Racing did it in 2000 with drivers Jeff Green and Jason Keller.
AS GOOD AS IT GETS: If Smith finishes second in the 2014 Nationwide Series standings, JR Motorsports will have successfully finished first and second in each of its racing divisions this year – the Nationwide Series with Elliott and Smith, and the NASCAR Whelen All American Series at Hickory Motor Speedway with late model drivers Josh Berry and William Byron.(JR Motorsports)(11-8-2014)
Busch was also quickest in the opening qualifying session at 134.414mph
Did Not Qualify: #46-Ryan Ellis. The starting lineup is posted on the Phoenix starting lineup page (pdf).(11-8-2014)
Kyle Busch won the Coors Light Pole Award for the 16th Annual DAV 200 Honoring America’s Veterans with a lap of 26.873 seconds, 133.963 mph.
This is his 43rd pole in 295 NASCAR Nationwide Series races.
This is his seventh pole and 23rd top-10 start in 2014.
This is his seventh pole in 18 races at Phoenix International Raceway.
Brad Keselowski (second) posted his ninth top-10 start of 2014 and his 11th in 16 races at Phoenix International Raceway.
Erik Jones (third) posted his first top-10 start at Phoenix International Raceway. It is his third in three races this season.
Busch set the track qualifying record in the first round with a lap of 134.414 mph (26.783 seconds).
(NASCAR Integrated Marketing)(11-8-2014)
News from November 7, 2014
#2-Keselowski is on the outside pole followed by #4-Harvick, #22-Logano, #20-Kenseth, #18-Busch, #24-Gordon, #42-Larson, #55-Vickers, #41-Busch, #27-Menard and #13-Mears.
Missing the race were: #75-Clay Rogers, who was 41st fastest and had no provisional available to use.
See the starting lineup, round 1 & 2 qualifying results, notes, qualifying order on Jayski.com’s Phoenix Starting Lineup / Qualifying Page.(11-7-2014)
#11-Denny Hamlin won the Coors Light Pole Award for the 27th Annual Quicken Loans Race for Heroes 500 with a lap of 25.332 seconds, 142.113 mph.
This is his 20th pole in 325 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series races. He ties Neil Bonnett and Benny Parsons for 35th on the all-time series pole list.
This is his third pole and 15th top-10 start in 2014.
This is his second pole in 19 races at Phoenix International Raceway.
#2-Brad Keselowski (second) posted his 27th top-10 start of 2014 and his third in 11 races at Phoenix International Raceway.
#4-Kevin Harvick (third) posted his ninth top-10 start at Phoenix International Raceway. It is his 24th in 35 races this season.
#22-Joey Logano broke the track qualifying record in the first round of qualifying with a lap of 142.141 mph/25.327 seconds. The previous record was set by Brad Keselowski in February of 2014 (139.384 mph/25.828 seconds).(NASCAR Statistics)(11-7-2014)
[listed by current driver chase points position]
1) #22-Joey Logano, 4th
2) #11-Denny Hamlin, POLE
3) #31-Ryan Newman, 20th
4) #24-Jeff Gordon, 7th
5) #20-Matt Kenseth, 5th
6) #99-Carl Edwards, 13th
7) #2-Brad Keselowski, 2nd
8) #4-Kevin Harvick, 3rd
(11-7-2014)
#22-Logano 142.141
#11-Hamlin 141.587
#2-Keselowski 141.354
#42-Larson 141.315
#4-Harvick 141.143
the rest of the top 12: 24 55 18 20 41 27 13;
out of the top 12 and not advancing to round 2: 99 78 48 88 15 17 1 31 9 5 43 47 3 33 51 16 14 7 95 10 36 38 34 98 23 40 37 26 75 83 32 66
Driver who will miss the race: #75-Rogers.
(11-7-2014)
Television (TV): ESPN2, 6:30pm/et
Radio: Live online at Motor Racing Network (MRN)
Scheduled Qualifying Re-Air: none
The first of the drivers scheduled to go out is #48-Johnson.
The final driver scheduled to go out is #78-Truex Jr.
Qualifying order is set by a random draw, held about an hour before the first practice.
See the full qualifying order on Jayski.com’s Phoenix Qualifying Page.(11-7-2014)
#4-Harvick 141.521
#42-Larson 141.471
#2-Keselowski 140.851
#41-Busch 140.526
#88-Earnhardt Jr. 140.362
18 drivers were faster than the track record speed
slowest: #36-Sorenson 133.978 & #32-Gase 134.665
if speeds stayed the same, missing the race would be #75-Rogers who was 38th fastest, Rogers needs to qualify in the top 36 to make the race
notes: in the unlikely event that qualifying is cancelled due to weather (0% chance of rain tonight), this practice would set the starting lineup.
Track record is 139.384mph, set in March 2014 by #2-Keselowski.
See fastest speeds, laps run, best 10 consecutive lap average on the Phoenix Practice 1 Speeds page (pdf).(11-7-2014)
NASCAR Statement from Brett Jewkes, NASCAR Senior Vice President and Chief Communications Officer, Regarding Dover Police Department Release: “NASCAR is aware of the investigation involving driver Kurt Busch. We recognize the seriousness of this matter and are actively gathering information from all parties, including law enforcement authorities and Stewart-Haas Racing. It would be inappropriate for NASCAR to comment further on this matter until we have more information.”(NASCAR)
Stewart-Haas Racing Statement: “This is an allegation Stewart-Haas Racing takes very seriously, but we’re still gathering all of the facts and are not in a position to comment in greater detail,” said SHR spokesman Mike Arning.
Armed Forces Foundation Statement: “I want to, first and foremost, express the direct support from the Board of Directors of the Armed Forces Foundation to Ms. Driscoll. For more than a decade, Ms. Driscoll has been a tireless worker and advocate for our nation’s service members, veterans, and military families. The Foundation will continue working to support service members, veterans, and military families and we ask that Ms. Driscoll’s privacy be respected. Given the serious nature of the allegations, the Foundation has suspended its association with Mr. Busch.” – Mr. Pat LaFrieda, Board of Directors Co-Chairman.(AFF Facebook)
UPDATE: Busch has been accused of domestic assault by his ex-girlfriend, and police in Delaware said Friday they are investigating. The Dover Police Department said the allegations were brought to the department Wednesday. Busch’s ex-girlfriend, Patricia Driscoll, 36, said the allegations involved an incident inside his motorhome at a race at Dover International Speedway in September. The couple broke up about a week before. Driscoll has filed court documents asking that a judge order Busch to stay away from her and not contact her. She also is asking that Busch undergo a psychiatric evaluation and be evaluated by a certified domestic violence treatment agency. The documents, filed Wednesday, say Busch was despondent the night of Sept. 26 after his poor performance at the qualifying session. “He was verbally abusive to her and said he wished he had a gun so that he could kill himself,” the documents say. Driscoll said Busch, 36, called her names and accused her of “having spies everywhere and having a camera on the bus to watch him.” He then jumped up, grabbed her face and smashed her head three times against the wall next to the bed, Driscoll says in the documents. Driscoll says she pushed Busch away and ran from the bedroom, going to a nearby bus to put an ice pack on her head and neck. She said the incident caused her severe pain, difficulty breathing and bruising on her neck. A hearing in the case is scheduled for Dec. 2.(in part from the Associated Press)
UPDATE 2: Busch’s attorney, Rusty Hardin, released a statement calling the allegations “a complete fabrication.”
“The Dover Police Department has been informed that Mr. Busch will fully cooperate with their investigation and he expects to be vindicated when the entire truth of the situation comes to light,” the statement said. “This allegation is a complete fabrication by a woman who has refused to accept the end of a relationship and Mr. Busch vehemently denies her allegations in every respect. At this time we intend to have no further comment in the media out of respect for the Dover Police Department’s desire to conduct a thorough investigation without a media circus.”(NASCAR Wire Service)(11-7-2014)
· Geoffrey Bodine won the first pole in 1988 at a speed of 123.203 mph (29.220 sec.).
· There have been 20 different Coors Light pole winners, led by Ryan Newman with four.
· Ryan Newman, Jeff Gordon and Carl Edwards are the only drivers to win consecutive poles. Newman won three straight (2002-04), while Gordon won the fall of 2006 and the spring of 2007. Edwards won the fall of 2010 and spring of 2011.
· Four of the 36 (11.1%) NASCAR Sprint Cup Series races at Phoenix have been won from the Coors Light pole: Jeff Gordon (spring 2007), Jimmie Johnson (fall 2008), Mark Martin (spring 2009) and Carl Edwards (fall 2010).
· Seven of the 36 (19.4%) NASCAR Sprint Cup Series races at Phoenix have been won from the front row: four from the pole and three from second-place.
· 17 of the 36 (47.2%) NASCAR Sprint Cup Series races at Phoenix have been won from a starting position inside the top 10.
· 19 of the 36 (52.7%) NASCAR Sprint Cup Series races at Phoenix have been won from a starting position outside the top 10.
· 3 of the 36 (8.3%) NASCAR Sprint Cup Series races at Phoenix have been won from a starting position outside the top 20.
· Denny Hamlin (November, 2005) and AJ Allmendinger (April, 2010) won their first career Coors Light poles at Phoenix International Raceway
(NASCAR)(11-7-2014)
Jim Carrey and Jeff Daniels reprise their signature roles as Lloyd and Harry in the sequel to the 1994 smash hit that took the physical comedy and kicked it in the nuts: Dumb and Dumber To. The original film’s directors, Peter and Bobby Farrelly, take Lloyd and Harry on a road trip to find a child Harry never knew he had and the responsibility neither should ever, ever be given. “This is a huge deal for BK Racing to promote one of the most popular movies of all-time,” said Ron Devine, team owner of BK Racing. “Ever since I found out about this deal coming together many months ago I have been very excited. We hope to play a big role in promoting Dumb and Dumber To to NASCAR fans who will be attendance in Phoenix and the millions watching on television.”
“I was only a little kid when the original movie came out, but I have seen it many times on television, said Bowman. “I like much of the team have been extremely excited for this deal and I hope to give them a great run this weekend in Phoenix.”
“I am very excited to apart of this partnership this weekend in Phoenix,” said Yeley. “Racing at my home track in front of friends, family and hardcore supporter is always enjoyable, but having a piece of motion-picture history on board is an added bonus.” To learn more, visit www.dumblr.com or be a part of the phenomenon by using social media hashtag #DumbTo and #MuttCuttsTour.(BK Racing).
See images of the schemes on the #23 Team Schemes page and #83 Team Schemes page.(11-7-2014)
“We are proud of our relationship with IGT and its revolutionary fuelxx product,” said Ron Devine, team owner of BK Racing. “We welcome their enthusiasm for Cole, Alex and our team and hope that PIR (Phoenix International Raceway) is just the beginning of a long term partnership and brand alignment. Our first-hand experience with fuelxx” made us believers in their product and their company.”
“I’m really excited to have fuelxx on board at Phoenix,” said Whitt. “2014 has been great to partner with many excellent companies and fuelxx and their customers will enjoy a great ride this weekend.”(BK Racing), see an image of the scheme on the #26 Team Schemes page.(11-7-2014)
Integrity Sports Marketing has partnered with leading experts in the motorsports world who will serve as members of the “Racer Advisory Board” for this program. This will entail a monthly conference call between program participants and a different member of the “Advisory Board” as well as special guests. This will serve as a one-of-a-kind platform for advice and suggestions for program participants. The “Racer Advisory Board” members will also be available for further support outside of this monthly conference call and be a tremendous resource for career and racing advice.
The Racer Advisory Panel includes advice from several industry experts including:
Tommy Baldwin – Sprint Cup Team Owner, Tommy Baldwin Racing #7 & #36 entries
Frank Stoddard – Fourteen-time race winning NASCAR crew chief and NBC NASCAR Analyst
Hermie Sadler – Current NASCAR driver, Fox Sports NASCAR Analyst and owner of Hermie Sadler Karting and Premier Racing Chassis
Limited spots are available for the 2015 Program. For more information on the Racer Advancement Program visit www.WinningWithIntegrity.com.(11-7-2014)
#51-Jones started from the pole and led 114 laps before being declared the winner.
#88-Crafton leads #29-Blaney by 25 points entering the season-finale at Homestead-Miami Speedway, where he can clinch his second championship by finishing 21st or better.
Complete results are on the Phoenix race results page (pdf).(11-7-2014)
Erik Jones won the 20th Annual Lucas Oil 150, his fourth victory in 17 NASCAR Camping World Truck Series races.
This is his third victory and eighth top-10 finish in 2014.
This is his second victory and second top-10 finish in two races at Phoenix International Raceway.
This is Kyle Busch Motorsports’ 13th victory of 2014, a single-season NASCAR Camping World Truck Series record.
Matt Crafton (second) posted his 10th top-10 finish in 14 races at Phoenix International Raceway. It is his 16th top-10 finish in 2014.
Cole Custer (third) posted his first top-10 finish in one races at Phoenix International Raceway.
Matt Crafton leads the point standings by 25 points over Ryan Blaney.
(NASCAR Statistics)(11-7-2013)
1) #88-Matt Crafton, 798
2) #29-Ryan Blaney, 773 -25
3) #54-Darrell Wallace Jr., 752 -46
4) #98-Johnny Sauter, 739 -59
5) #17-Timothy Peters, 705 -93
6) #21-Joey Coulter, 659 -139
7) #77-German Quiroga, 654 -144
8), #31-Ben Kennedy #, 652 -146
9) #13-Jeb Burton 648 -150
10) #15-Mason Mingus #, 530 -268
See complete standings on the driver standings page (pdf).(11-7-2014)
#51-Jones was quickest in the opening qualifying session at 134.253 mph.
See complete lineup on the Starting lineup (pdf) page.(11-7-2014)
Erik Jones won the Keystone Light 21 Means 21 Pole Award for the 20th Annual Lucas Oil 150 with a track qualifying record lap of 26.562 seconds, 135.532 mph. The previous record was set by Nelson Piquet Jr. in 2012 (134.439 mph/26.778).
This is his second pole in 17 NASCAR Camping World Truck Series races.
This is his second pole and ninth top-10 start in 2014.
This is his first pole in two races at Phoenix International Raceway.
Matt Crafton (second) posted his 16th top-10 start of 2014 and his ninth in 14 races at Phoenix International Raceway.
Ben Kennedy (third) posted his first top-10 start at Phoenix International Raceway. It is his ninth in 21 races this season.
(NASCAR Integrated Marketing)(11-7-2014)
News from November 6, 2014
· Construction was completed in January 1964. The facility consisted of a one-mile oval and a 2.5-mile road course.
· Alan Kulwicki won the first NASCAR Sprint Cup Series race at Phoenix on Nov. 6, 1988.
· The first spring race was held on April 23, 2005 and also the first night race, which was won by Kurt Busch.
· The track underwent its first repave in 2011. The construction began in March and concluded in September of that year.
· The following changes were made during the construction period (March – Sept., 2011):
o Widened the frontstretch from 52 to 62 feet
o Reconfigured pit road with the installation of concrete pit stalls
o Pushed the dog-leg curve between Turn 2 and Turn 3 out 95 feet
o Tightened the turn radius of the dog-leg from 800 to 500 feet
o Implemented variable banking to ensure the immediate use of two racing grooves, including 10-11 degree banking between Turn 1 and Turn 2; 10-11 degree banking in the apex of the dog-leg; and 8-9 degree banking in Turn 4
(NASCAR)(11-6-2014)
“We’ve known Dave Burns for a long time, and are excited to welcome back his ability to make strong contributions,” said Flood. “Dave was a member of NBC Sports’ Emmy Award-wining NASCAR broadcast team during our last partnership, and brings extensive knowledge and experience into his role.”
“Mike Massaro has developed into a talented reporter and host, with great relationships that have formed over the course of two decades in motorsports,” said Flood. “We’re happy to welcome him to NBC Sports and are looking forward to his work on pit road, as well as his contributions to NASCAR AMERICA on NBCSN.”
The appointments of Massaro and Burns follow previous NBC Sports NASCAR on-air announcements for analysts Jeff Burton, Steve Letarte, race announcer Rick Allen, pre- and post-race host Krista Voda, and fellow reporters Marty Snider and Kelli Stavast.
Burns has more than 25 years of motorsports experience, having covered everything from NASCAR Sprint Cup to Sports Cars at LeMans, Daytona and Sebring, to SuperBikes, Formula cars and Legends. His on-air career began as a hobby, announcing American Speed Association stock car races. Radio and television roles with the ASA led to his first NASCAR coverage of their truck series on ESPN, where he developed the skills that led to his appointment as one of NBC Sports’ NASCAR pit road reporters in 2001. His success in that role contributed to NBC Sports’ Outstanding Live Sports Series Emmy Award for NASCAR coverage in 2006. In 2007, Burns re-joined ESPN, where he has handled NASCAR Sprint Cup coverage as both a reporter and announcer over the last eight years. Burns lives in Charlotte, N.C., with his wife and daughter.
“I feel truly blessed to be back with the NBC Sports team, or more accurately: NBC Sports family,” said Burns. “NASCAR is such a cool sport to cover, and I enjoyed a great run of success with NBC from 2001-06. I’ve developed great working relationships throughout NASCAR over the years, and could not be more excited about the future.”
Massaro also joins NBC Sports from ESPN, where he has been handling motorsports coverage and other assignments since 2001 as a reporter during live events and contributing to properties such as SportsCenter and Outside the Lines. Over the past eight years, Massaro has been working alongside Burns on pit road during ESPN’s NASCAR Sprint Cup series coverage. Previously, Massaro served as a reporter for RPM2Night, and as host/reporter for ESPN2’s NASCAR Now. In his first announcing duties, he handled the public address system at Stafford Motor Speedway in upstate Connecticut. From there, he joined MRN Radio, which led to increased exposure as a reporter for Inside NASCAR on TNN, and assignments on pit road for NBC and TBS. In 2000, he earned a National Motorsports Press Association and Russ Catlin Motorsports Journalism Award for a feature on the late Dale Earnhardt. To date, Massaro has won three Russ Catlin Motorsports Journalism awards, and four from the NMPA. Massaro lives outside of Hartford, Conn.
“I’m extremely thankful to have experienced many amazing things over the last two decades, and this opportunity to join NBC’s NASCAR coverage is the validation of a dream,” said Massaro. “NBC’s dedication to storytelling is something that I value and look forward to advancing as part of the next generation of NASCAR coverage.”
(NBC)(11-6-2014)
RFR has also hired Kevin Kidd as its Sprint Cup team manager. Kidd, who currently oversees the #20 Nationwide Series team for Joe Gibbs Racing, earned an engineering degree at Virginia Tech. He also worked with McArdle as the race engineer on the #19 at Evernham Motorsports. Kidd’s role will be similar to Eric Peterson, who was Roush Fenway’s operations manager before overseeing the Nationwide Series program.(Motorsport)(11-5-2014)
UPDATE: Roush Fenway Racing has announced the hiring of two industry veterans to senior positions in its competition group. Mark McArdle will oversee engineering for the organization’s NASCAR Sprint Cup Series (NSCS) and NASCAR Xfinity Series (NXS) teams. Kevin Kidd will serve as NSCS team manager, supervising at-track operations beginning next season for an organization that has placed multiple cars in the ‘Chase’ in all 10 seasons of the format’s existence. “I’m confident that having Mark and Kevin in these two key positions will make our organization even stronger next season,” said team co-owner Jack Roush. “Mark has a pedigree in racing that spans multiple platforms and speaks for itself in terms of results. He has a reputation not only for success, but as a great manager and motivator. Kevin is recognized in the garage as one of the brightest minds in our sport. He has acquired invaluable experience working with both veteran and young drivers, and will be a great asset to our Sprint Cup program week in and week out at the race track. We look forward to bringing both Mark and Kevin on board and welcoming them into the fold.”
McArdle, a successful veteran of IndyCar and NASCAR racing, has been named engineering director and will directly oversee Roush Fenway’s engineering efforts. A renowned engine builder, McArdle boasts three victories in the famed Indianapolis 500 with Penske Racing in 1991, 1993 and 1994, having worked with a litany of open-wheel legends including Ricky Mears, Emerson Fittipaldi, Al Unser Jr. and Michael Andretti. McArdle has spent the last 15 years working in NASCAR, having served in high-level positions with Roush Yates Engines, Evernham Motorsports, Furniture Row Racing and most recently as director of racing operation at Richard Childress Racing.
“Roush Fenway Racing has a tradition and history of success like none other in motorsports, and I’m thrilled to be a part of it,” said McArdle. “I’ve always had a very deep respect for Jack Roush and his entire organization, and know that the expectation for him, his drivers, teams and sponsors is to win races and championships at every level. I look forward to becoming part of that winning tradition, and to continuing it in 2015 and beyond.”
Kevin Kidd has been named NSCS team manager. He will join Roush Fenway after having served as the crew chief for the No. 20 NASCAR Nationwide Series team at Joe Gibbs Racing since 2010. During that time he guided his teams to nearly 90 top-10 finishes in 167 starts with veteran drivers such as Matt Kenseth, Joey Logano and Denny Hamlin, as well as a host of developmental drivers. “Roush Fenway is a perennial ‘Chase’ contender with three extremely talented drivers in the 2015 line-up,” said Kidd. “All of the right resources are in position to place all three of those drivers into the ‘Chase’ next season, and that will be our goal. I’ve had a great deal of experience working with both veterans and younger drivers, and this organization has a great mix of that with Greg Biffle, Ricky Stenhouse Jr. and Trevor Bayne. I look forward to the opportunity to work with each of them, their teams and everyone at Roush Fenway.” Kidd will move into his new role at the conclusion of the 2014 season.(Roush Fenway Racing)(11-6-2014)
News from November 5, 2014
RFR has also hired Kevin Kidd as its Sprint Cup team manager. Kidd, who currently oversees the #20 Nationwide Series team for Joe Gibbs Racing, earned an engineering degree at Virginia Tech. He also worked with McArdle as the race engineer on the #19 at Evernham Motorsports. Kidd’s role will be similar to Eric Peterson, who was Roush Fenway’s operations manager before overseeing the Nationwide Series program.(Motorsport)(11-5-2014)
Q). Did you have any strong feelings, thoughts about what penalty should be for the fight last week and what are they?
DENNY HAMLIN: Not really. I don’t really have any strong feelings about it one way or another. When things are as tense as they are and your whole season comes down to kind of one cut tire by somebody else, you’re of course going to be upset. So who knows what should happen. But definitely it will probably be monetary, if anything.
Q). Obviously a lot of debate about the move that Brad Keselowski made when he collided with Jeff Gordon near the end of the Texas race, whether there was a hole there or not. I was wondering if you had a chance to look at the replay and what you thought of the move, is it a move you would have made? Do you think there was enough room to justify it and do the circumstances itself maybe sort of justify it?
DENNY HAMLIN: Well, I think going in, you know, I don’t know what Brad thought. But I thought from my perspective, if I was in that car and shoes, that I would have to know that I’m not going to make it through that hole without having contact of some sort. That’s fine. But if it costs somebody a bad day, you’re going to have to expect retaliation, which I’m sure he did. So you’ll have to take it with a grain of salt.
Q). Would you have made that move?
DENNY HAMLIN: I don’t know. I think about that a lot and whether I would or would not. He was on fresher tires. So saying that that was his only opportunity to get the win may not necessarily be a true statement. He still had two laps to get around. And if you push the 48 there past the 24, it was a battle between him and the 48. I don’t know. You know, it’s tough for me to say. And his points position, his actual position, I didn’t have the tires he had. So everyone has a different way of doing things. But I think a common feel amongst drivers is that what they call that, people are calling that a hole that that was a very small hole. And the car is call it six and a half, seven foot wide, that hole was six foot. It was not enough that a car was going to fit without being in contact. Somebody was going to have to pay the price. It was Jeff Gordon. And it made him have a bad day.
Q). Of course back to the fight. When you look at the aftermath of what happened, once you got home, what did you see there? What are all the variables involved that made that such an intense moment?
DENNY HAMLIN: Well, I think it was the moment where Brad kind of blew Jeff off was when it set things off and that kind of goes back to what I just talked about, with Nate. That the times that I’ve had tussles with Brad and other drivers, it’s just oh, well, that’s how a race is, just deal with it. As drivers, you’re just looking at someone to say I’m sorry I ruined your day, I screwed up, oh, well, I apologize. When that doesn’t get said, then immediately it just lights a fire in your stomach that all he cares — he doesn’t have any remorse. It’s just like oh, well, it’s your problem. And I think that just lights a fire in your insides, especially when you just had a bad day and your season could have just rested on that one mistake or whatever you want to call it. I think that that really set things off. I think if Brad would have talked to Jeff and said, man, I was going for a hole. It was my only chance, you know, I’m really sorry it cut your tire, I think it goes totally different. Instead, it was oh, well, sorry, bud, you left a hole. If he did it to me I would have had the same reaction as Jeff. No question. I think that’s what escalated it the most.
Q). Is it a stretch to say that Brad is the most disliked driver in the garage?
DENNY HAMLIN: I don’t know. I can’t speak for many other guys. But I mean it’s just — there’s a lot of animosity. And that’s all that you can really say. And so I don’t know. It’s just something that’s happened and a lot of built-up frustration over the years.(NASCAR Teleconference)(11-5-2014)
Surviving are three daughters, Patricia Johnson and husband, Chris, Samantha Call and husband Keith, all of North Wilkesboro, and Kayla Danielle Overman of Oklahoma; his mother, Evelyn Call Overman of North Wilkesboro; a brother, James Randy Call and wife, Vickie, of North Wilkesboro; a sister, Lois Call Sumner and husband, Ricky Sr., of Pleasant Garden; and four grandchildren, Gregory Williams, Nicole Call, Zack Call and Emily Johnson.
A funeral service will be held at 2 p.m. on Thursday, Nov. 6, 2014, at the Miller Funeral Chapel, with the Rev. David Wellborn and the Rev. Mike Church officiating. Burial will follow in Fishing Creek Arbor Baptist Church Cemetery. The family will receive friends at Miller Funeral Service from noon until 2 p.m. on Thursday, prior to the service.
The family has requested no flowers. Memorials may be made to the American Heart Association, P.O. Box 2361, North Wilkesboro, N.C. 28659 or to Fishing Creek Arbor Baptist Church Cemetery Fund, 2446 Fishing Creek Arbor Road, Wilkesboro, N.C. 28697. Miller Funeral Service is in charge of the arrangements. Online condolences may be made to www.millerfuneralservice.com.(Wilkes Journal-Patriot)(11-5-2014)
News from November 4, 2014
Jeremy Fuller, a crew member with the #5 team, along with Dwayne Doucette and Jason Ingle, crew members with the #24 team, each have been fined $25,000 and suspended from NASCAR through the completion of the next six NASCAR Sprint Cup Series championship points races. All three were found to be in violation of:
” Section 12-1: Actions detrimental to stock car racing
” Section 12-4.9: Behavioral penalty – involved in a post-race physical altercation with a driver on pit road
Dean Mozingo, a crew member with the #24 team, has been fined $10,000 and suspended from NASCAR through the completion of the next three NASCAR Sprint Cup Series championship points races. He was found to be in violation of:
” Section 12-1: Actions detrimental to stock car racing
” Section 12-4.9: Behavioral penalty – involved in a post-race physical altercation with another crew member on pit road
Kenny Francis, crew chief of the #5 team, and Alan Gustafson, crew chief of the #24 team, have each been fined $50,000 and placed on NASCAR probation through the completion of the next six NASCAR Sprint Cup Series championship points races. They were found to be in violation of:
” Section 9-4A: Crew chief assumes responsibility for the actions of his team members
” Section 12-1: Actions detrimental to stock car racing
” Section 12-4.9: Behavioral penalty
“While the intensity and emotions are high as we continue through the final rounds of the Chase for the NASCAR Sprint Cup, the actions that we saw from several crew members Sunday following the race at Texas are unacceptable,” said Robin Pemberton, NASCAR senior vice president, competition and racing development. “We reviewed the content that was available to us of the post-race incident along pit road, and identified several crew members who crossed the line with their actions, specifically punching others. We therefore have penalized four crew members as well as their crew chiefs, as they ultimately are responsible for members of their team per the NASCAR rule book,” Pemberton continued. “A NASCAR championship is at stake, but we can’t allow behavior that crosses the line to go unchecked, particularly when it puts others in harm’s way.”(NASCAR)(11-4-2014)
UPDATE ESPN’s live telecast of the NASCAR Sprint Cup race at Texas Motor Speedway on Sunday, Nov. 2, saw its highest rating and viewership in two years, according to Nielsen Media. The race earned a 2.8 U.S. rating, averaging 4,749,000 viewers, both numbers up from last year’s race (2.6 rating, 4,179,000 average viewers) and the 2012 race (2.5 rating, 3,943,000 viewers). Greensboro, N.C., was the highest-rated of the nation’s 56 metered markets with an 8.8 rating, followed by Greenville, S.C., at 8.1 and Indianapolis at 7.1. Raleigh-Durham, N.C., was fourth at 6.5 with Knoxville, Tenn., fifth at 6.4. Rounding out the top 10 markets were Nashville, Tenn., 5.9; Charlotte, N.C., 5.8; Jacksonville, Fla., 5.5; and a tie between Richmond, Va., and Louisville, Ky., at 5.2.
ESPN’s live telecast of Saturday’s NASCAR Nationwide Series race at Texas also saw ratings and viewership growth over last year’s event with a 1.1 U.S. rating and an average viewership of 1,633,000. Last year’s telecast earned a 0.9 rating and averaged 1,395,000 viewers.(ESPN)
See past races for 2014 and 5-year comparison chart on the 2014 NASCAR TV Ratings page.(11-4-2014)
The first two episodes titled “A Picture of Speed” and “The Family Business” will debut on Nov. 5 spotlighting Wallace and Blaney, respectively. In the episodes, the drivers will share their racing roots, walk viewers through a NASCAR race shop and garage and open up about their hobbies and the practical jokes that continue to bond them as friends. On the track, Wallace has solidified himself as a fierce competitor with four NASCAR Camping World Truck Series career wins, including a stirring victory at Virginia’s Martinsville Speedway on Oct. 25. A third generation NASCAR driver, Blaney is also making his mark on the sport with 10 top-five and 15 top-10 finishes in the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series this season. The final two episodes will be centered on NASCAR Sprint Cup Series driver Kyle Larson and NASCAR K&N Pro Series East driver Kenzie Ruston, and are scheduled to air later this month. Larson won the 2013 NASCAR Nationwide Series Sunoco Rookie of the Year award and the 2012 NASCAR K&N Pro Series East championship — and is the run-away leader of this year’s rookie standings in NASCAR’s top series, the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series. As the highest finishing female in NASCAR K&N Pro Series history, Ruston brings a unique perspective to the “Hammer Down” line-up.
In addition to “Hammer Down,” NASCAR Productions will create four 60- to 90-second vignettes that will air during the NickSports block. The vignettes will focus on key strategic NASCAR initiatives that reflect principles of STEM (science, technology, engineering and math), the athleticism of NASCAR drivers and the sanctioning body’s Green efforts, among other topics.(NASCAR)(11-4-2014)
18: The point spread between Joey Logano and Denny Hamlin (tied for first in the Chase for the NASCAR Sprint Cup standings) and eighth-place Kevin Harvick. With eight drivers competing that closely for four spots in the season finale at Homestead, Sunday’s final Eliminator Round event at Phoenix promises to be the wildest yet.
14: The number of positions gained by Brad Keselowski by staying out on old tires under caution on Lap 253 of Sunday’s AAA Texas 500. That call by crew chief Paul Wolfe turned the race around for the #2 Team Penske Ford, eventually leading to Keselowski’s third-place finish.
9: The finishing position of Chase driver Carl Edwards, who at one point in Sunday’s race was two laps down in 30th place. Edwards used wave-around and a free pass as the highest-scored lapped car to return to the lead lap. Over the last 81 laps, the #99 Roush Fenway Racing Ford showed a net gain of 21 positions.
191: The number of laps led by race winner Jimmie Johnson in Sunday’s AAA Texas 500. That brings his career total to 889, most ever at the 1.5-mile track. Bragging rights for most career laps led at Texas actually changed hands twice during the race, with polesitter Matt Kenseth briefly holding the honor at 834 before Johnson surpassed him.
8: The finishing position of Kurt Busch in his maiden voyage with crew chief Tony Gibson, after Stewart-Haas drivers Busch and Danica Patrick swapped crew chiefs and road crews before the Texas race. Patrick wasn’t as fortunate in her first outing with Daniel Knost on her pit box. After hitting the wall, Patrick finished 36th, nine laps down.(NASCAR Wire Service)(11-4-2014)
Total number of commercials: 136
Total number of companies or entities advertised: 56
Number of traditional commercials (not split-screen): 80
Total number of companies or entities advertised: 39
Number of ‘Side-by-Side’ commercials during race broadcast (split-screen): 56
Total number of companies or entities advertised: 28
Number of times ESPN utilized ‘Side-by-Side’ commercials during this broadcast: 11
Total number of brief promos of products/services during the race broadcast (including company logos ‘floating’ in corners of the screen): 168
Total amount of time these brief promos take during broadcast: app. 3 min. 55 sec.
Start time to record race/commercial periods: 3:02 PM
End time to record race/commercial periods: 7:12 PM
Total minutes of complete race broadcast: 250
Minutes of race broadcast: 216
Minutes of traditional commercials (not split-screen): 34
Minutes of ‘Side-by-Side’ commercials (split-screen): 26
Number of missed restarts: 0
Number of ‘mystery cautions’ (debris not shown): 2
Number of male enhancement commercials: 2 Many NASCAR fans report to CawsnJaws they find these ads very offensive
Total race brdcst time 216 Total comm. brdcst time 34
See past races, links to past reports, on the 2014 TV Commercials page.(11-4-2014)
UPDATE: The all-time wins leader among crew chiefs in NASCAR Camping World Truck Series history is heading for a new home. Kyle Busch Motorsports crew chief Eric Phillips, who has earned 36 victories in the Truck Series (21 of them working with Busch himself), told Sirius XM NASCAR Radio on Monday that he’ll be going to Joe Gibbs Racing at season’s end to work in an as-of-now undefined position. Phillips served as crew chief for NASCAR on NBC analyst Parker Kligerman in KBM’s Nationwide Series program last year. When KBM was forced to shut that program down and focus solely on its two-team program in the Truck Series, Phillips said he was asked by Busch to help on the latter effort. While wanting to continue on the Nationwide circuit, he ultimately decided to stay with the KBM Truck team to take care of, in his words, “unfinished business.” He feels that has been accomplished, and with two races remaining on the 2014 Truck schedule, Phillips intends to focus on finishing his tenure with KBM strong.(NBC Sports).(11-4-2014)
News from November 3, 2014
Drivers who need to be in the top-36 in speed and have no provisional available to them (lowest in owners points): #75-Rogers
Drivers who would miss the race if qualifying is canceled (least race attempts): #75-Rogers
See the full entry list at my Jayski.com’s Phoenix Entry List
#22-Joey Logano and #11-Denny Hamlin: 11th or better; 12th and at least one lap led; 13th and most laps led
#31-Ryan Newman: 9th or better; 10th and at least one lap led; 11th and most laps led
#24-Jeff Gordon, #20-Matt Kenseth, #99-Carl Edwards, #2-Brad Keselowski and #4-Kevin Harvick only control their own destiny by winning Sunday at Phoenix.(NASCAR)(11-3-2014)
Gordon’s comments: “We drove down into Turn 1 and he just decided to body slam us and cut our left-rear tire. It ruined our night. It ruined our chances, ruined our night, might of even ruined our Chase hopes. It’s just uncalled for. I had to show my displeasure. It got ugly down there, obviously, and you know that is alright. A lot of things are going to happen in the next couple of weeks.”
IS THIS EMOTION THAT WE ARE SEEING FROM A LOT OF YOU GUYS A RESULT OF THIS NEW CHASE FORMAT?
“It’s emotion that is a part of this Chase and this format as well as towards people that make dumb decisions. He has been making a lot of them lately. That is why people have been running after him and chasing him down. It’s why his team has got to defend him over there because of what he does on the race track.”
TAKE US THROUGH THE FINAL RESTART AND THE CONTACT. “We were sitting there on a little bit older tires. I spun the tires a little bit but got a pretty decent start. We went down into Turn 1 and I just wanted to get on the outside of the 48 and out of nowhere I just got slammed by the 2 and it cut my left-rear tire. He’s just a (expletive). The way he races, I don’t know how he’s ever won a championship and I’m just sick and tired. That’s why everyone is fighting him and running him down. Your emotions are high. That was a huge, huge race for us. We had the car and had the position. I’m so proud of my team and I’m proud of Jimmie Johnson for winning that race and not letting that little you-know-what win that race.”
YOU PULLED ON THE PIT ROAD TO TALK TO TO BRAD (KESELOWSKI). WHAT WAS THAT CONVERSATION?
“There wasn’t a conversation. You can’t have a conversation with him. He gets himself in this position and he has to pay the consequences. I’m going to race him the same way he races me. That kind of stuff is just uncalled for and I’m not going to stand for it.”
WHAT ARE THE CONSEQUENCES AS FAR AS YOU’RE CONCERNED? SHOULD NASCAR GET INVOLVED OR IS THIS BETWEEN YOU TWO?
“To them, I’m sure it’s a racing incident. But to me, it’s just a bunch of crap. The kid is just doing stuff way over his head. That’s just uncalled for. You’re racing for a win and a championship. You don’t go slam someone and cut their left-rear tire. If that’s what it takes, then no problem. We can do the same thing to him.”
WHAT HAPPENED AT END OF RACE: “He cut my left rear tire. I went over there to talk to him.”
YOU WEREN’T GOING TO BE DENIED TALKING TO HIM, DID YOU WANT TO SEND A MESSAGE TO HIM: “I wanted to do a lot more than that.”
Keselowski’s comments: “I am doing everything I can to win this championship racing at 100-percent and that is something I am not going to be ashamed for,” Keselowski said, bloodied from pit road. If I was out there wrecking guys to do it, that would be one thing, but a little bit of rubbing is how this sport was created and probably how it should move forward. I don’t mind getting raced that way and I don’t mind racing that way. I got a little rub there at the end too from the 4 car and that was just good racing. I am proud of our effort but just wish I would have been able to make two more spots out of it. We were very close and will keep fighting the good fight.”
Q) WHAT WAS YOUR VIEW OF THE CONTACT WITH JEFF GORDON?
“There was a hole and I went for it. It closed up and we bounced off each other and kept going. It was just a battle for the win.”
KEVIN HARVICK CAME UP HERE ON PIT ROAD AND GAVE YOU A SHOVE AND THAT KIND OF SET EVERYTHING OFF DOWN HERE.
“Kevin likes everybody to fight for some reason. I came here to race, not to fight. I raced as hard as I could and these guys just didn’t like it.”
Harvick’s comments: YOU HAD SOMETHING TO SAY TO (BRAD) KESELOWSKI WHAT WAS THAT?
“I mean if you are going to run into people all the time you are going to have to fight your own fight, so I helped him get into it.”
TELL US ABOUT THE END OF YOUR RACE. “Yeah, you just try to do all you can do. Obviously it was no-holds barred there with the 2. He was in bulldoze mode. I’m proud of all my guys on our Budweiser team. We fought all day and put ourselves in position to win. A lot happened at the end of this race, and we were able to put ourselves back in the hunt.”(Ford Racing / Team Chevy)(11-3-2014)
SERVICES: The wake for Jim Sauter will be held Tuesday night, November 4 at HARE Funeral in New Lisbon, Wisconsin, located at 217 W. Pearl Street New Lisbon, WI 53950. The funeral will be held at Our Lady of Victory in Necedah, Wisconsin on Wednesday morning, November 5, N11190 17TH Ave. Necedah, WI 54646. In lieu of flowers, please send donations in Jim Sauter’s name to: Queen of the Holy Rosary School in Necedah, WI. (11-3-2014)
Alex Bowman returns to the JR Motorsports #5;
Jeff Green will be in the #10 for TriStar;
Erik Jones will be in the JGR #20;
Kelly Admiraal will drive the #29 for RAB Racing;
Brennan Newberry will be in the #77;
Chad Boat is in the #84;
Carl Long will drive the #87.(11-3-2014)
UPDATE: Tanner Berryhill will be in the #17 Toyota.(11-3-2014)
See the complete list on the Phoenix entry list page.
UPDATE: Rev Racing history will be made once again at the NASCAR Nationwide Series DAV200 “Honoring America’s Veterans” race at Phoenix International Raceway this Saturday, November 8th. Fresh off of her second consecutive NASCAR K&N Pro Series East season, Mackena Bell will be making her debut in the NASCAR Nationwide Series with Rick Ware Racing. The only female graduate of NASCAR’s Drive for Diversity program will pilot the #23 Chevy Camaro. While Saturday’s race is not a means to an end, Bell has worked her entire life for the opportunity to display her skills in a nation series race.(Rev Racing PR)(11-3-2014)
Cole Custer in the #00;
John Hunter Nemechek in the #8;
Austin Dillon in the $13;
Ben Rhodes in the #32;
Brandon Jones in the #33;
Ross Chastain in the #35;
Tyler Tanner in the #36;
Matt Tifft in the #45;
Wendell Chavous in the #74;
Jody Knowles in the #80;
(11-3-2014)
See the complete list on the Phoenix entry list page.
News from November 2, 2014
#4-Harvick 2nd followed by #2-Keselowski, #18-Busch, #1-McMurray, #88-Earnhardt Jr., #42.Larson, #41-Busch, #99-Edwards (was two laps down at one point) and #11-Hamlin.
Pole winner #20-Kenseth finished 25th after having a tire rub late in the race.
After the race, #24-Gordon stopped his car next the Keselowski’s, got out and headed around the car to confront Keselowski. The two drivers were yelling back and forth when Harvick pushed Keselowski, which then set up a mini brawl that left both Gordon and Keselowski with blood on their faces.
There were 23 lead changes among 7 drivers. There were a record 13 cautions for 61 yellow flag laps.
The average speed was 132.239mph.
See unofficial race results, awards, money won, laps led, cautions and more on the Unofficial Race Results page (pdf) and check out the Penalty Report (pdf) and Lap Summary Report (pdf).
(11-2-2014)
[listed by driver chase points position before the race](started)
1) #24-Jeff Gordon, 29th(2)
2) #31-Ryan Newman, 15th (7)
3) #22-Joey Logano, 12th (10)
4) #20-Matt Kenseth, 25th (1)
5) #11-Denny Hamlin, 10th (20)
6) #99-Carl Edwards, 9th (11)
7) #2-Brad Keselowski, 3rd (26)
8) #4-Kevin Harvick, 2nd (5)
(11-2-2014)
#48-Jimmie Johnson won the 10th Annual AAA Texas 500, his 70th victory in 469 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series races.
This is his fourth victory and 19th top-10 finish in 2014.
This is his track-record fourth victory and 17th top-10 finish in 23 races at Texas Motor Speedway. Johnson had previously been in a tie with Carl Edwards for the all-time wins lead at Texas.
This is Johnson’s 25th victory during the Chase for the NASCAR Sprint Cup.
#4-Kevin Harvick (second) posted his 12th top-10 finish in 24 races at Texas Motor Speedway. It is his 18th top-10 finish in 2014.
#2-Brad Keselowski (third) posted his fourth top-10 finish in 13 races at Texas Motor Speedway.
#42-Kyle Larson (seventh) was the highest finishing rookie.(NASCAR Integrated Sports Marketing)(11-2-2014)
[after Texas, race 34 of 36]
drivers who win in round 3 automatically advance to the Championship race at Homestead
1) #22-Joey Logano [5 wins] 4072 [+13]
2) #11-Denny Hamlin [1 win] 4072 [+13]
3) #31-Ryan Newman, 4070, -2 [+11]
4) #24-Jeff Gordon [4 wins] 4060, -12 [1 points ahead of 4th]
5) #20-Matt Kenseth, 4059, -13 [1 points out of 4th]
6) #99-Carl Edwards [2 wins] 4059, -13 [-1]
7) #2-Brad Keselowski [6 wins], 4055, -37 [-5]
8) #4-Kevin Harvick [3 wins] 4054, -38 [-6]
Chase drivers eliminated in the first 2 rounds:
9) #18-Kyle Busch [1 win] 2270
10) #88-Dale Earnhardt Jr. [4 wins], 2234
11) #48-Jimmie Johnson [4 wins], 2234
12) #47-AJ Allmendinger [1 win], 2228
13) #16-Greg Biffle [1 win], 2209
14) #41-Kurt Busch [1 win], 2192
15) #5-Kasey Kahne [1 win], 2179
16) #43-Aric Almirola [1 win], 2144
(ties are broken by wins, 2nds, 3rds, etc, with in that round of the Chase)
See UNOFFICIAL drivers championship points standings on the Unofficial Drivers Points Standings (pdf).
See the UNOFFICIAL owner points standings on the Unofficial Owners Points Standings page (pdf).
(11-2-2014)
[after Texas, race 34 of 36]
1) #22-Joey Logano [5 wins] 2329
2) #4-Kevin Harvick [3 wins] 2294, -35
3) #2-Brad Keselowski [6 wins], 2280, -49
4) #31-Ryan Newman, 2278, -51
5) #24-Jeff Gordon [4 wins] 2270, -59
6) #18-Kyle Busch [1 win] 2267, -62
7) #20-Matt Kenseth, 2255, -74
8) #99-Carl Edwards [2 wins] 2249, -80
9) #88-Dale Earnhardt Jr. [4 wins], 2234, -95
10) #48-Jimmie Johnson [4 wins], 2234, -95
11) #16-Greg Biffle [1 win], 2209, -120
12) #5-Kasey Kahne [1 win], 2176, -153
(11-2-2014)
[after Texas, race 34 of 36]
(using current points system, but not the Chase rules, unofficial)
1) #24-Jeff Gordon(C4), 1175
2) #22-Joey Logano(C1), 1149, -26
3) #88-Dale Earnhardt Jr.(EC), 1108, -67
4) #2-Brad Keselowski(C7), 1098, -77
5) #4-Kevin Harvick(C8), 1076, -99
6) #31-Ryan Newman(C3), 1060, -115
7) #20-Matt Kenseth(C5), 1052, -123
8) #48-Jimmie Johnson(EC), 1027, -148
9) #99-Carl Edwards(C6), 1020, -155
10) #42-Kyle Larson, 1018, -157
11) #16-Greg Biffle(EC), 962, -213
12) #18-Kyle Busch(EC), 954, -221
13) #1-Jamie McMurray, 945, -230
14) #15-Clint Bowyer, 939, -236
15) #3-Austin Dillon, 933, -242
16) #5-Kasey Kahne(EC), 911, -264
17) #11-Denny Hamlin(C2), 909, -266
18) #27-Paul Menard, 883, -292
19) #55-Brian Vickers, 875, -300
20) #41-Kurt Busch(EC), 840, -335
21) #47-AJ Allmendinger(EC), 836, -339
22) #9-Marcos Ambrose, 821, -354
23) #78-Martin Truex Jr., 798, -377
24) #14-Tony Stewart, 774, -401
25) #43-Aric Almirola(EC), 769, -406
(C# is chase driver and current Chase position)
(EC is chase driver that has been eliminated from the Chase)
(11-2-2014)
#42-Larson, finished 7th, 15 rookie points
#51-Allgaier 20th, 10
#3-Dillon, 21st, 9
#7-Annett, 22nd, 8
#26-Whitt, 26th, 7
#23-Bowman, 42nd, 6
Truex, Did Not Race
Kligerman, Did Not Race
See the 2014 Rookie of the Year page for rules, standings and more.(11-2-2014)
” There have been 27 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series races at Texas Motor Speedway, one NSCS event from 1997 – 2004 and two races per year since 2005.
” 18 different drivers have won at Texas Motor Speedway, led by Carl Edwards and Jimmie Johnson with three each.
” Seven drivers have multiple wins at Texas Motor Speedway: Carl Edwards (three), Jimmie Johnson (three), Greg Biffle, Jeff Burton, Denny Hamlin, Matt Kenseth and Tony Stewart each have two.
” Roush Fenway Racing leads the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series in wins at Texas Motor Speedway with nine; followed by Hendrick Motorsports with five and Joe Gibbs Racing with four.
” The deepest in the field that a race winner has started at Texas Motor Speedway is 31st, by Matt Kenseth in 2002.
” There have been three NSCS green-white-checkered finishes at Texas Motor Speedway: fall 2006 (334/339), spring 2008 (334/339), and fall 2012 (334/335).
” Since the advent of electronic scoring the closest margin of victory in the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series at Texas Motor Speedway was the (4/4/2004) race won by Elliott Sadler with a MOV of 0.028 second ahead of Kasey Kahne.
(NASCAR)(11-2-2014)
Trucks: Busch won the WinStar World Casino & Resort 350 Camping World Truck Series race Friday night, leading 80 of 152 laps for his 42nd series win.(11-1-2014)
Nationwide: Busch won the O’Reilly Auto Parts Challenge Nationwide Series race at Texas on Saturday, leading 116 of 200 laps for his 70th NNS win. So if Busch can win the AAA Texas 500 Sprint Cup Series race, he will win his 2nd ‘triple’.(11-2-2014)
The Buescher Foundation was established in 2014 by James and Krishtian Buescher who have experienced adoption first hand. Stetson Buescher, now 15 months old, was adopted as an infant by James and Krishtian Buescher in the summer of 2013. Adoption for the Bueschers was always the goal and Stetson was the next piece to the puzzle of family life for the Bueschers. All children need a supportive family who can help them develop into successful and thriving individuals and the Buescher Foundation’s goal is to give families the opportunity.
Families that are adopting domestically and have been approved by an agency or facilitator may apply for a grant through The Buescher Foundation. There is no income requirement. The process begins with an application and a home study. Also required is a “look book” that tells the story of your family and proof that you are working with an agency or facilitator. Awards will be granted at the end of each quarter. “Having gone through the adoption process ourselves, we know what it takes to be able to adopt. Our goal is to take some of that stress off the families that want to adopt and give a child a loving forever home,” said James and Krishtian Buescher collectively.
Also announced at the press conference at TMS, The Fraternal Order of Eagles, who is an international non-profit organization uniting fraternally in the spirit of liberty, truth, justice, and equality, to make human life more desirable by lessening its ills and promoting peace, prosperity, gladness and hope have vowed to donate $50,000.00 towards the Buescher Foundation. In addition, Great Clips, Inc. has pledged to donate $10,000.00.
The Buescher Foundation will hold and support multiple family friendly fundraising events around the United States of America. One of the tentative events will be a fun for all ages carnival. On Friday, January 16, 2015 at 7:00 p.m., in conjunction with the Charlotte Checkers, the AHL affiliate for the Carolina Hurricanes, the Charlotte Checkers will host Buescher Foundation Adoption Night. To create awareness about National Adoption Month, The Wells Fargo / Duke Energy Tower in Charlotte, N.C. will be lit up in the colors of yellow and red on Saturday, November 22.
The Buescher Foundation Board of Directors will be made up of: James and Krishtian Buescher, Johanthon Bobbitt-Miller, Todd Bodine, Susan Karli and Steve Overholser.
For more information regarding the Buescher Foundation and details on how you can support the Buescher Foundation and apply for grants, please visit, TheBuescherFoundation.org and “Like” facebook.com/TheBuescherFoundation and follow on Twitter and Instagram at BuescherFNDN.(11-2-2014)
News from November 1, 2014
(for those areas that use Daylight Saving Time)
ALSO….a great time to change the batteries in smoke and carbon monoxide detectors
ESPN.com’s Racecast – Live Coverage and Chat
Racing Live! on ESPN.com
Watch the race LIVE online at WatchESPN
Listen Live Online at Performance Racing Network
Ask in-race reporter #20-Matt Kenseth
Television (TV): ESPN at 3:00 pm/et; Pre-Race show at 2:00pm/et; green flag approx. 3:16pm/et
Radio: Performance Racing Network (PRN) and Sirius XM Satellite NASCAR Radio 90
Scheduled Race Re-Airs: Monday, November 3, 1:30am/et, ESPN2
#48-Johnson 193.791
#31-Newman 193.771
#27-Menard 193.597
#22-Logano 193.396
#88-Earnhardt Jr. 192.954
slowest: #66-Moffitt 181.714 and #32-Gase 183.107
See fastest speeds, laps run on the Texas Happy Hour Practice Speeds page (pdf).(11-1-2014)
#99-Edwards 196.342
#48-Johnson 195.822
#14-Stewart 195.115
#78-Truex Jr. 194.918
#9-Ambrose 194.714
slowest: #32-Gase 184.376 and #83-Yeley 184.735
no speed: #33-Hill
See fastest speeds, laps run on the Texas Practice 2 Speeds page (pdf).(11-1-2014)
” 138 drivers have competed in at least one NASCAR Sprint Cup Series race at Texas; 111 in more than one.
” Jeff Gordon is the only drive to have made all 27 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series starts at Texas Motor Speedway.
” Jimmie Johnson leads the series in runner-up finishes at Texas Motor Speedway with five; followed by Matt Kenseth with four.
” Matt Kenseth leads the series in top-five finishes at Texas Motor Speedway with 13; followed by Jimmie Johnson with 10.
” Matt Kenseth leads the series lead in top-10 finishes at Texas Motor Speedway with 17; followed by Jimmie Johnson with 16 and Dale Earnhardt Jr. with 13.
” Jimmie Johnson leads all active drivers in the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series in average starting position at Texas Motor Speedway with an 8.818. Johnson is the only active driver with an average starting position at Texas in the top 10.
” Two active drivers have a NASCAR Sprint Cup Series average finish in the top 10 at Texas: Matt Kenseth (8.250) and Jimmie Johnson (9.455).
” Tony Stewart leads the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series in Laps Led at Texas Motor Speedway with 801 laps led in 24 starts.
” Jeff Gordon leads all active NASCAR Sprint Cup drivers in Laps Completed at Texas Motor Speedway with 7,990 laps.
” One NASCAR Sprint Cup Series driver has won at Texas Motor Speedway in two different manufacturers: Jeff Burton (1997 – Ford; 2007 – Chevrolet)
” Two female drivers have made NSCS starts at Texas Motor Speedway: Shawna Robinson and Danica Patrick.
” 2012 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series champion Brad Keselowski (11/02/2008) and Trevor Bayne (11/07/2010) made their first NASCAR Sprint Cup Series career starts at Texas Motor Speedway.
” Two NASCAR Sprint Cup Series drivers have posted consecutive wins at Texas Motor Speedway: Carl Edwards (2008 sweep) and Denny Hamlin (2010 sweep).
” 11 of the 12 active NASCAR Sprint Cup Series drivers who have won at Texas Motor Speedway participated in at least two or more races before visiting Victory Lane. Dale Earnhardt Jr. won at Texas in his first appearance; Carl Edwards and Ryan Newman won in their second appearance at TMS.
” Jeff Gordon competed at Texas Motor Speedway 16 times before winning in the spring of 2009; the longest span of any the 12 active NASCAR Sprint Cup Series winners.
” Only three of the 12 winning drivers have made 10 or more attempts before their first win at Texas Motor Speedway: Jeff Gordon (16) Kyle Busch (15) and Kurt Busch (13).
” Kevin Harvick and Joe Nemechek lead the series among active drivers with the most NASCAR Sprint Cup Series starts at Texas Motor Speedway without visiting Victory Lane at 23 each.
” Casey Mears has participated in the most NASCAR Sprint Cup Series races at Texas Motor Speedway without posting a DNF (20).
” Jeff Burton (4/06/1997) and Dale Earnhardt Jr. (4/02/2000) won their first NASCAR Sprint Cup Series career race at Texas Motor Speedway.
(NASCAR)(11-1-2014)