October 2011 News Archives

 

News from October 31, 2011

 

  • Rick Hendrick’s plane runs off runway: Early Monday evening, a Gulfstream G150 aircraft operated by Hendrick Motorsports ran off the runway after experiencing braking issues upon landing at Key West International Airport in Key West, Fla.
    There were no serious injuries to any of the four people on board, including two pilots, Hendrick Motorsports owner Rick Hendrick and his wife, Linda Hendrick. All four were taken to a local hospital for evaluation.
    Hendrick Motorsports is gathering additional information on the incident.(Hendrick Motorsports)(10-31-2011)
  • TV Ratings up for Talladega: ESPN’s live telecast of the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series race at Talladega (Ala.) Superspeedway on Sunday, Oct. 23, earned a 3.9 national household coverage rating, averaging 5,430,000 viewers, according to the Nielsen Company. The rating is up from a 3.6 for last year’s race that also aired on ESPN. The ratings were delayed due to an internal coding issue with ESPN and Nielsen that affected four days of programming.(ESPN)), see the 2011 TV Ratings page.(10-31-2011)

  • NASCAR Hall of Fame To Offer Limited-Time Twilight Rate: The NASCAR Hall of Fame is introducing a special Twilight Rate throughout the month of November. Available for a limited time only, the Twilight Rate offers guests visiting the interactive, entertainment attraction a special admission price of $9.95 for visits between 4 p.m. – 6 p.m. each weekday in November. In addition, Twilight Rate ticket purchasers receive a coupon for $5 off a return visit to the NASCAR Hall of Fame. The special rate will not be offered during the Thanksgiving holiday, Thursday, Nov. 24 or Friday, Nov. 25. The Twilight Rate admission is valid for entry any time between 4 – 6 p.m. and provides full access to the NASCAR Hall of Fame where visitors can pack in the high-octane fun with more than 50 hands-on stations, authentic NASCAR artifacts and historic stock car exhibits. Guests also can get actively involved and practice a pit stop, walk through a full-size NASCAR Sprint Cup hauler, call a race, get behind the wheel in one of eight iRacing simulators and more. Young racers can get their hands-on experience in Kobalt Kids Zone and Race Week’s child-friendly pit stop challenge. More info and tickets to the NASCAR Hall of Fame can be purchased by calling 877-231-2010 or at NASCARHall.com.(NASCAR HoF)(10-31-2011)
  • The Entry List for the AAA Texas 500 at Texas Motor Speedway is posted, 48 teams/drivers [for 43 spots] are listed, including:
    #50-T.J. Bell has withdrawn.
    Not in top 35 of owners points:
    #7-Reed Sorenson (37/33)
    #21-Trevor Bayne (38/16)
    #30-David Stremme (43/20)
    #35-Dave Blaney (47/10)
    #37-TBA (39/33)
    #46-Scott Speed (40/33)
    #55-J.J. Yeley (49/15)
    #66-Michael McDowell (41/33)
    #71-Andy Lally (36/33)
    #177-Robby Gordon (56/5)
    #277-T.J. Bell (57/2)
    #87-Joe Nemechek (42/33)
    #95-David Starr (46/7)
    NOTE: two #77 cars are entered, usually, if both make the race, the one higher in owners points position get to run the number and the other team has to use another number.
    In the event that qualifying is cancelled:
    the eight who would make it [8]: #’s 21,71,7,37,46,66,87,30
    missing the race would be [5]: #’s 55,35,95,177,277
    See the full entry list at my Jayski’s Texas Entry List.(10-31-2011)

  • Fuel Injection test Monday at Martinsville: UPDATES: The NASCAR Sprint Cup Series will test Electronic Fuel Injection at Martinsville Speedway as research and development continues leading up to the full implementation of EFI in the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series for the 2012 season. Cars will be on track Monday, October 31 from 10am – 4 pm/et. Currently nine teams have entered for the test. Those include teams from Hendrick Motorsports, Joe Gibbs Racing, Penske Racing, Roush Fenway Racing, Michael Waltrip Racing, Furniture Row Racing, NEMCO Motorsports and Stewart-Haas Racing (2).(NASCAR), been told the test will open to the public, no other details.(10-27-2011)
    UPDATE: Joe Gibbs Racing is scheduled to have Denny Hamlin drive. Aric Almirola will drive for Hendrick Motorsports. Regan Smith will be in the Furniture Row Racing car. Kurt Busch will drive the Penske Racing car in the morning session and Sam Hornish will drive it in the afternoon. Jamie McMurray will drive the Earnhardt Ganassi Racing car. Also, AJ Allmendinger is scheduled to be in the Roush Fenway Racing car, Mike Skinner will drive for Michael Waltrip Racing, Joe Nemechek will be in the NEMCO Motorsports car, with Tony Stewart and Ryan Newman both driving for Stewart-Haas Racing.(Virginian-Pilot)(10-31-2011)
    UPDATE 2: For the third time this month, NASCAR Sprint Cup Series teams tested Electronic Fuel Injection on track, as 10 cars churned out laps around the .526-mile paper clip layout at Martinsville Speedway Monday. Teams from Roush Fenway Racing, Penske Racing, Michael Waltrip Racing, Hendrick Motorsports, NEMCO Motorsports, Joe Gibbs Racing, Furniture Row Racing, Earnhardt-Ganassi Racing and two teams from Stewart-Hass Racing participated in Monday’s session. This marked the third EFI test for the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series this month. Previously, teams had tested at Charlotte Motor Speedway and Talladega Superspeedway. Plans call for the full implementation of EFI in the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series beginning with the 2012 season. John Darby, NASCAR Sprint Cup Series director, said today’s test “was just one more step in the planning process for EFI.” “Since the time we first began testing EFI in July in Kentucky, I think the teams have been able to work through just about all the configurations of race tracks and the different extremes of weather that they will see in 2012,” said Darby. “At Kentucky it was brutally hot and the teams were faced with the extreme heat and this morning it was 30 degrees here at Martinsville, so they’ve been able to test this system under a variety of conditions.”(NASCAR)(10-31-2011)

  • Roush Fenway expects to have 3 teams in 2012: Roush Fenway Racing expects to shrink from four full-time Sprint Cup cars to three in 2012. “The most likely scenario is three,” RFR president Steve Newmark said before Sunday’s race at Martinsville Speedway. “We’re still plugging away at the fourth, but we all recognize the realities that when you’re this late in the season it makes it more difficult to secure that. Only the #99 car of Carl Edwards and #16 of Greg Biffle is fully sponsored for next season. The #17 of 2003 Cup champion Matt Kenseth has no sponsorship for 2012, and Newmark said “nothing is eminent” but added RFR is prepared to run that car unsponsored if necessary. Newmark said the #6 car driven by David Ragan could run limited races but was non-committal on whether Ragan, Nationwide Series points leader Ricky Stenhouse Jr. or Trevor Bayne — or a combination of two or three — would get those races. He said the plan is for Bayne, the defending Daytona 500 champion, to run a limited Cup schedule in the #21 for the Wood Brothers. Newmark said RFR hopes to field two Nationwide Series cars, with at least one of them fully sponsored. No decision has been made on who would fill those seats, although Stenhouse has been promised a ride for RFR next season.(ESPN)(10-31-2011)

  • Hendrick says Knaus was nervous about inspection: Hendrick Motorsports team owner Rick Hendrick believes crew chief Chad Knaus was just being cautious when he made the now-infamous remark to driver Jimmie Johnson that he should intentionally damage his car if he won the race at Talladega Superspeedway last week. “It’s one of those deals where I wish he hadn’t said it because I think he’s just nervous about the inspection process being so tight,” Hendrick said. “But at the end of the day, I looked at where we were at the end of the race and I thought, ‘If we had an advantage, it was a piss-poor showing. I look at that as one of those things where you’re mic’d all the time and you’re just making a comment. I’m not even sure he knew what he was doing.”(Scene Daily)(10-31-2011)

  • Three lap penalty for intentionally causing a caution: NASCAR officials announced during the drivers meeting Sunday morning at Martinsville that they would enforce a three lap penatly for any driver that intentionally causes a caution during the race. The rule will be in effect for at least the remainder of the year.(10-30-2011)
    UPDATE: NASCAR issued a warning to competitors during the prerace drivers meeting Sunday at Martinsville: If you intentionally cause a caution, it could result in a three-lap penalty. NASCAR has used the penalty box as a repercussion for shenanigans before. But on a short track, if a driver feigns immobility because of a flat tire or other malfunction, the sanctioning body will enforce a penalty if deemed necessary. “This isn’t new,” said Robin Pemberton, NASCAR’s vice president of competition. “We’re reminding them that if they intentionally cause a caution we will impose a penalty. (Three laps), that’s probably what you would lose under green. We’re reminding them that you’re getting a penalty for intentionally parking to bring out a caution.”(Fox Sports)(10-31-2011)

  • Race and Commercial Breakdown for Martinsville: For those of you NASCAR fans that like stats and love to hate commercials, or wonder how often your driver was focused on, here is the breakdown for Sunday’s race. Began recording the times at the Invocation of the race at 1:45 and stopped at the waving of the checkered flag at 5:52 PM (all times are EST). ESPN was the broadcast team for this event. Included in this broadcast was ‘NASCAR Non-Stop’, commercials shown split-screen with the race broadcast. Below the regular commercials’ breakdown, you can see a breakdown of the participating sponsors and the times their ads were shown.
    Total number of traditional commercials (not split-screen): 75
    Total number of ‘NASCAR Non-Stop commercials’ (split-screen): 58
    Total number of commercials: 133
    Total number of companies or entities advertised: 74
    Total number of brief promos of products/services during the race broadcast: 35
    Total amount of time these brief promos take during broadcast: app. 3 min. 40 sec.
    Start time to record race/commercial periods: 1:45 PM
    End time to record race/commercial periods: 5:52 PM
    Total minutes of complete race broadcast: 247
    Total minutes of race broadcast: 186
    Minutes of traditional commercials: 35
    Minutes of ‘NASCAR Non-Stop Commercials’: 26
    Number of times ESPN utilized ‘NASCAR Non-Stop’ to show split-screen commercials: 12
    Number of commercials ESPN cut short to return to important race action: 2
    Number of missed restarts: 0
    Number of ‘mystery cautions’ (debris not shown): 0
    See past races, links to more reports on the 2011 TV Commercials page.(10-31-2011)
  • Sad News – Kim Wolfe: Kimberly Almon Wolfe, 49, of Mooresville, NC, died October 26, 2011 at Duke University Hospital. She was born March 23, 1962 in Cabarrus County, the daughter of the late Harley ‘Jimmy’ and Joyce Cauble Almon. Kimberly was the owner of Splish Splash Pool and Spa in Mooresville. She is survived by her husband, Jon Wolfe [former NASCAR Crew Chief]; her daughter, Sydney Wolfe of the home; her brother, Chuckie Almon and wife Donna of Kannapolis; and an uncle, Boyd Cauble of Charlotte. A memorial service will be held at 8:00 p.m. Monday, Oct. 31, 2011 at Whitley’s Funeral Home Chapel in Kannapolis. The family will receive friends from 6 to 8 p.m. Monday prior at Whitley’s. Memorials may be made to the American Cancer Society , 6000 Fairview Rd. Suite 200, Charlotte, NC 28210.(Charlotte Observer)(10-31-2011)
  • Phoenix announces traffic plans for race: Track officials at Phoenix International Raceway are making preparations to ensure a safe and efficient travel route for the thousands of race fans who will arrive for the Kobalt Tools 500 NASCAR event weekend Nov. 10-13The popular Park ‘N Ride program – featuring a new terminal at PIR – returns to Ashley HomeStore Furniture Pavilion, located just two blocks north of I-10 on 83rd Avenue (Exit 135). All NASCAR fans planning to use the service are welcome to enter the Pavilion Grounds at the 83rd Avenue entrance and board a First Student Charter of Phoenix shuttle for transport to the new Park ‘N Ride Terminal located at Gate 4 at the track. Cost for parking and shuttle services to PIR will remain $7 per car and free for fans with a PIR-issued parking pass. Guests with PIR-issued parking passes can “Park N Ride” at no charge. Shuttle buses will escort guests to PIR via preferential traffic routes, offering guests an easy arrival to the track. Fans driving their own vehicles to the track should remember that their parking pass – or lack thereof – determines the exits they should take from I-10 to the race. Fans without passes and planning to use the free general parking lots must exit the roadway at either Litchfield Road (Exit 128) or Estrella Parkway (Exit 126) and travel south following directions. Fans with special passes and permits – and only those fans – should exit at Avondale Boulevard (Exit 131). Motorists who take the wrong routes may face major delays as they approach the track.(PIR)(10-31-2011)


     

    News from October 30, 2011

     

  • Stewart wins at Martinsville: #14-Tony Stewart won the Tums Fast Relief 500 Sprint Cup Series race at Martinsville Speedway for his 42nd career win and 3rd of the season. He passed #48-Johnson with two laps to go to take the lead.
    Johnson finished 2nd followed by #24-Gordon, #29-Harvick, #11-Hamlin, #31-Burton, #88-Earnhardt, Jr., #56-Truex, Jr., #99-Edwards (who was a lap down on two separate occasions and got the lucky dog twice), and #39-Newman. #17-Kenseth, who came into the race second in points and started second, was involved in a late race accident and finished 31st.
    #99-Edwards leads the Chase by 8 points over #14-Stewart.
    There were 23 lead changes among 12 drivers and 18 cautions for 108 yellow flag laps. The attendance is listed as 62,000, up from 56,000 last year.
    Scheduled Race Re-Airs: ESPN2, Monday, October 31 at 12:00am/et; SPEED, Wednesday, November 2 at 12:00pm/et
    See race results, awards, laps led and more on Jayski’s Martinsville Race Results/Awards page.(10-30-2011)
  • Race Fast Facts – Martinsville:
    Tony Stewart won the 63rd Annual TUMS Fast Relief 500, his 42nd victory in 461 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series races.
    This is his third victory and 16th top-10 finish in 2011.
    This is his third victory and 14th top-10 finish in 26 races at Martinsville Speedway.
    Jimmie Johnson (second) posted his 18th top-10 finish in 20 races at Martinsville Speedway. It is his 21st top-10 finish in 2011.
    Jeff Gordon (third) posted his 31st top-10 finish in 38 races at Martinsville Speedway.
    Carl Edwards leads the point standings by 8 points over Tony Stewart.(NASCAR Statistics)(10-30-2011)

  • Finishing spots for the Chase drivers at Martinsville: (by standings order before the race)
    1) #99-Carl Edwards, started 1st, finished 9th
    2) #17-Matt Kenseth, 2nd, 31st
    3) #2-Brad Keselowski, 3rd, 17th
    4) #14-Tony Stewart, 4th, 1st
    5) #29-Kevin Harvick, 5th, 4th
    6) #18-Kyle Busch, 6th, 27th
    7) #48-Jimmie Johnson, 7th, 2nd
    8) #22-Kurt Busch, 8th, 14th
    9) #88-Dale Earnhardt Jr., 9th, 7th
    10) #24-Jeff Gordon, 10th, 3rd
    11) #11-Denny Hamlin, 11th, 5th
    12) #39-Ryan Newman, 12th, 10th
    See drivers championship points standings on Jayski’s Drivers Points Standings page.(10-30-2011)
  • 2011 Sprint Cup Driver Championship Chase Points Standings:
    [after Martinsville, race 33 of 36 and Chase race 7 of 10]
    1) #99-Carl Edwards [1 win], 2273
    2) #14-Tony Stewart [3 wins], 2265, -8
    3) #29-Kevin Harvick [4 wins], 2252, -21
    4) #2-Brad Keselowski [3 wins], 2246, -27
    5) #17-Matt Kenseth [3 wins], 2237, -36
    6) #48-Jimmie Johnson [2 wins], 2230, -43
    these drivers are more then a race out:
    7) #18-Kyle Busch [4 wins], 2216, -57
    8) #22-Kurt Busch [2 wins], 2215, -58
    9) #88-Dale Earnhardt Jr. [0 wins], 2200, -73
    10) #24-Jeff Gordon [3 wins], 2197, -76
    top 10 go to the banquet in Vegas
    11) #11-Denny Hamlin [1 win], 2193, -80
    12) #39-Ryan Newman [1 win], 2184, -89
    (ties broken by 1sts, 2nds, 3rd, etc)
    See drivers championship points standings on Jayski’s Drivers Points Standings page.(10-30-2011)
  • Top-35 in Owner Points and guaranteed a starting spot at Texas:
    #38 remains in 35th and increases their lead over the #71 team to 13 points.
    33) #13-Mears/Germain, 468, +58
    34) #32-Schrader/Bliss/FAS Lane, 460, +32
    35) #38-Yeley/Front Row, 441, 13 points ahead of 36th
    these teams / drivers will need to qualify by speed:
    36) #71-Sadler/Lally/TRG, 428, 13 points out of top 35
    37) #7-Soreson/Gordon/RGM, 325, -116
    The teams are NOT locked in past the next race as the owners points change after each race.
    For the owner points standings, see my Owners Points Standings page.(10-30-2011)

  • #38 crew member treated and released from hospital: Sean Irvan, the jackman for the #38 Long John Silver’s Ford team of Front Row Motorsports, was treated and released from Martinsville Memorial Hospital after being hit on pit road during Sunday’s Tums Fast Relief 500 at Martinsville Speedway.
    Irvan, a native of Monterey, Calif., suffered a concussion, a neck strain and a medial collateral ligament strain in his right knee. He suffered the neck and knee injuries and lost consciousness as a result of being hit by the #5 car of Mark Martin on pit road during a pit stop early in the race. Irvan was transported by ambulance to the hospital after an initial evaluation in the infield care center.(Front Row Motorsports/Breaking Limits)(10-30-2011)

  • Hamlin has wins in all three series: When #11-Denny Hamlin won the Camping World Truck Series race on Saturday, October 29th at Martinsville Speedway, he became the 23rd driver to win at least one races in each of the NASCAR National Series:
    Sprint Cup Series, Nationwide Series and the Camping World Truck Series. See the list on my All-Time Winners page.(10-30-2011)
  • Sad News – Russ Wallace: Russ Wallace, the patriarch of the racing family that grew to include not only his three sons but also some of his grandchildren, died early Sunday morning from complications of a stroke he suffered only days earlier. He was 77. Long before sons Rusty, Mike and Kenny Wallace were winning races in NASCAR’s top national touring series, the trio stayed busy preparing cars that their father raced on dirt tracks around the St. Louis area — primarily in Granite City, Ill., and Valley Park, Mo. Russ Wallace was an accomplished and well-respected driver on dirt, where he once won 200 features during a four-year stretch from 1974-78 in machines that his sons helped build and repair. He generally won no more than $300 to $500 even on a good night, however, and had to work various jobs to support his racing obsession. Through the years he worked as a mechanic at a car dealership, as a newspaper carrier (again assisted by his sons, who frequently delivered the newspapers) and as co-owner of a vacuum and janitorial supply business in St. Louis.(NASCAR.com)(10-30-2011)

  • Three lap penalty for intentionally causing a caution: NASCAR officials announced during the drivers meeting Sunday morning at Martinsville that they would enforce a three lap penatly for any driver that intentionally causes a caution during the race. The rule will be in effect for at least the remainder of the year.(10-30-2011)
  • Competition caution: Because of all the rain at Martinsville Speedway, NASCAR will have a competition caution at lap 40 for teams to check tires.(10-30-2011)

  • Ragan wants to stay in Cup, but open to Nationwide ride: David Ragan believes he likely will compete in NASCAR’s Sprint Cup Series in 2012. For whom he will be driving, though, has yet to be determined. UPS, Ragan’s current primary sponsor on the Roush Fenway Racing #6 Ford, announced earlier this week that the company would scale back it’s racing program next season. Minus funding, Ragan said Saturday he isn’t sure in which direction his career is headed. While he’s hopeful that funding can be found that will allow him to remain at Roush Fenway, Ragan knows the odds are less than favorable. But he says he’s “confident” that he will run in Cup. “With a competitive team,” he said. “I’m not going to be in a back-marker car just to say I’m driving a Sprint Cup car,” Ragan, who won his first Cup race at Daytona in July, said. “I’m not too proud to go back to the Nationwide Series and contend for a championship. Ragan, 25, is under contract to Roush Fenway for 2012, meaning Roush could “loan” the driver to another Ford organization next season. But he said it’s not a given that he would end up with a Ford team.(Scene Daily)(10-30-2011)

  • Harvick and Biffle exchange words Saturday at Martinsville: #29-Kevin Harvick and #33-Greg Biffle had a run-in on the track when the Sprint Cup Series got in its only practice after the rain stopped Saturday, and then had words as the confrontation spilled over into the garage later. On the track, Biffle ran into the back of Harvick’s car. Harvick, who is fifth in the series standings 26 points behind leader Carl Edwards, later hit Biffle in the back. The drivers later stopped at the exit of Turn 2, then headed for the garage, where Harvick pulled in alongside Biffle, then pulled ahead, momentarily blocking Biffle’s access to his stall. Biffle turned in anyway, clipping the back of Harvick’s car. After climbing from his car, Biffle headed to Harvick’s garage stall, drawing a crowd of team members and officials, even though the conversation appeared to become amicable.(Associated Press/ESPN)(10-30-2011)


     

    News from October 29, 2011

     

  • Pit Stall Selections: The selections of pit stalls for the Tums Fast Relief 500 Sprint Cup Series race at Martinsville Speedway have been made.
    Pole sitter #99-Edwards chose pit stall 1 [as do most pole sitters].
    Outside pole sitter #17-Kenseth took pit stall 11, the next pitstall with an opening in front of it.
    #2-Keselowski, who starts 3rd took the 8th pit stall.
    The 43rd and final pit stall was taken by #31-Burton, who starts 23rd.
    To see where the drivers/teams pit stall is, see the pit selection chart on the Pit Stall Selection chart.(10-29-2011)
  • Final practice for the Tums Fast Relief 500 Sprint Cup Series race at Martinsville Speedway, is over after 80 minutes, the top-5, slowest and any notes:
    #66-McDowell 95.893
    #33-Bowyer 95.781
    #48-Johnson 95.752
    #1-McMurray 95.709
    #46-Speed 95.670
    slowest: #87-Nemechek 93.590 & #71-Sadler 92.883
    Notes: due to rain on Friday and Saturday morning, this was the only Cup practice session this weekend. #16-Biffle and #29-Harvick made contact with each other on the track last in practice. First, Biffle ran into the back of Harvick on the straightstretch and then Harvick bumped Biffle in the turn. After both drivers came back to the garage, Biffle walked to Harvick’s garage stall to talk. A group of crew members swarmed them but no punches were exhcanged by anyone.
    See fastest speeds, laps run, average speed and best 10-lap average on the Martinsville Practice Speeds Page.(10-29-2011)
  • Revised Saturday schedule: NASCAR will dry the track at Martinsville and attempt to get two Cup practices in today. They are scheduled for 9:15-10:00am/et and 12:00-1:25pm/et.(10-29-2011)
  • Qualifying cancelled at Martinsville: Coors Light pole qualifying for the Tums Fast Relief 500 Sprint Cup Series race at Martinsville Speedway was cancelled due to rain. So the field was set by the rules book, the top 35 in owners points in positions 1-35 by their fastest practice speeds. Then the Go-or-go homers were set, by race attempts, then set by best practice speeds. So #99-Edwards starts 1st, followed by #17-Kenseth, #2-Keselowski, #14-Stewart, #29-Harvick, #18-Busch, #48-Johnson, #22-Busch, #88-Earnhardt, Jr., and #24-Gordon.
    The go-or-go homers who made the race (8): #71-Sadler, #7-Sorenson, #37-Wise, #46-Speed, #66-McDowell, #87-Nemechek, #30-Stremme, and #55-Yeley.
    The go-or-go homers who failed to qualify for the race (2): #92-Setzer, #75-Cope.
    See the starting lineup, qualifying speeds and notes on my Martinsville Starting Lineup/Qualifying Results page.(10-29-2011)

  • Quicken Loans to sponsor Newman: Stewart-Haas Racing has obtained a new sponsor which will help fill a sponsorship hole on its #39 Chevy next season. Quicken Loans Inc., headquartered in Detroit and the largest online mortgage lender in the country, is expected to serve as primary sponsor on the #39 driven by Ryan Newman in at least half a dozen Sprint Cup Series races beginning in 2012, multiple sources confirmed. SHR has scheduled a news conference Tuesday at its headquarters in Kannapolis, N.C., to announce the new partnership.(Charlotte Observer), see an image of the car on my #39 team paint schemes page.(10-29-2011)

  • Relativity Media co-sponsoring #43 at Texas with Immortals movie: Relativity Media and Virgin Produced will promote its upcoming epic adventure Immortals to millions of NASCAR fans by co-sponsoring the #43 Richard Petty Motorsports Ford. Through its partnership with Sir Richard Branson’s Production Company Virgin Produced, Relativity will join Best Buy and Richard Petty Motorsports in this co-branding initiative. AJ Allmendinger will drive the car at the Sprint Cup Series event at Texas Motor Speedway on November 6, 2011, five days before Relativity’s Immortals opens in theaters on November 11, 2011. Branded with Best Buy logos, The #43 race car will also feature the Immortals title treatment placed on the hood, upper rear quarter panels and deck lid. In addition, the crew and Allmendinger will wear Immortals hats and shirts, as well as the title treatment on the pit wall banner.(RPM))(10-29-2011)
  • Spring Phoenix tickets on sale Tuesday: Beginning Tuesday, November 1 race fans can purchase tickets to the SUBWAY Fresh Fit 500 at Phoenix International Raceway – NASCAR’s second stop of the 2012 season following the Daytona 500. The SUBWAY Fresh Fit 500 weekend – which kicks off PIR’s 2012 NASCAR season – will feature a new date of March 2-4. Fans may purchase tickets by calling 866-408 RACE, logging on to PhoenixRaceway.com or visiting the PIR box office at 125 S. Avondale Blvd. in Avondale, Ariz. Value pricing is back – fans can receive extra savings by purchasing tickets for the 2012 SUBWAY Fresh Fit 500 early. The value pricing period takes place November 1 through December 31, 2011. Regular pricing will begin on Jan. 1 and runs through to the start of the March event weekend. Also making a return is the GO Value Package. GO 2 Days to the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series SUBWAY Fresh Fit 500 and NASCAR Nationwide Series Bashas’ Supermarkets 200 races and pay only $40. 2012 Season Tickets are available now and start at only $99. Tickets for the SUBWAY Fresh Fit 500 start at just $25 and tickets for the Bashas’ Supermarkets 200 start at only $15.(PIR)(10-29-2011)


     

    News from October 28, 2011

     

  • Rain washes out Friday practices at Martinsville: Persistent rain showers have washed out Cup action for Friday at Martinsville Speedway. Cup teams are now scheduled to get on track for a practice session Saturday morning from 8:30-10:00am/et. The rest of Saturday’s schedule remains unchanged. The forecast for Saturday morning continues to call for rain, but things should clear up at the day progresses. Sunday’s weather looks good. See some weather links on my Martinsville Race Info page – weather section.(10-28-2011)

  • Knaus told Johnson to wreck car if he won at Talladega: UPDATES: Chad Knaus told driver Jimmie Johnson to intentionally damage the back end of his race car if the #48 team won Sunday’s race at Talladega Superspeedway, the crew chief acknowledged Wednesday. Knaus admitted giving the five-time NASCAR champion the pre-race instructions in order to “cover our bases” in case 500 miles of bump-drafting knocked the car beyond NASCAR’s strict tolerances. Officials likely would have accepted the damage as an excuse if the # 48 car had not fit NASCAR’s templates in post-race inspection. The conversation between Knaus and Johnson occurred when the crew chief leaned inside the #48 car before the race to give Johnson some final words of encouragement. Because Johnson’s in-car camera was live on NASCAR.com’s RaceBuddy application, the chat was broadcast to anyone watching the feed at the time.
    “If we win this race, you have to crack the back of the car,” Knaus could be heard telling Johnson on the recording. “Got it?”
    “Really?” Johnson replied, sounding surprised.
    “Yes,” Knaus said. “Got it? You don’t have to have to hit it hard, you don’t have to destroy it. But you’ve gotta do a donut and you’ve gotta hit the back end, or somebody’s gotta hit you in the ass-end or something. OK?”
    After Johnson responds with apparent silence (he can’t be heard saying anything else), Knaus added, “You’ll be alright. Can’t take any chances.”
    When asked Wednesday whether the conversation indicated Knaus was trying something fishy on the back of the car, the crew chief replied, “I don’t think that’s a fair assessment. To be honest with you, here’s the deal – racing at Talladega is tough, and I think everybody understands that,” Knaus said in a phone interview. “You run 500 miles at 200 miles per hour, and you’re bump-drafting and you’re beating on one another, and it’s real easy for these cars to get outside of tolerance. It’s a tight tolerance that we’re held in. It doesn’t take much to be a few thousands (of an inch) off and have NASCAR raise an eyebrow. Just being proactive, I just told Jimmie, ‘Look, man – we’ve just got to make sure there’s a tire mark or some type of visible damage.’ Just because cars do move when you race them like that.”(SB Nation)(10-26-2001)
    UPDATE: NASCAR spokesman Kerry Tharp has issued a statement in response to the story: “We became aware of this piece of audio this morning and certainly want to get all the facts before making an opinion and reaching any conclusions. We’ll visit with the parties and pull all the facts together best we can. While Talladega is done and the #48 was not the winning or random car, we certainly have an interest in getting the facts straight on behalf of the balance of the competitors.” Though officials might be steamed at Knaus, it might be difficult for NASCAR to issue a penalty in this situation. While Knaus may have intended for Johnson to wreck the back of the car had the 48 team won the race, nothing ever actually happened. NASCAR will likely tell Knaus it’s not happy with his intentions, however.(SB Nation)(10-27-2011)
    UPDATE 2: NASCAR met with Chad Knaus Friday morning and Martinsville and then released the following statement: “We had the opportunity to visit with Chad and Jimmie this morning in Martinsville. As the sport’s governing body we were doing our due diligence to look into this and gain some insight into the comments Chad made before the race at Talladega. We have a responsibility to the rest of the garage area to ensure that everyone is competing on a level playing field with the inspection processes we have in place. The 48 organization knows that from this occurrence that their car is likely to be a regular customer at the R&D Center for post race inspection the balance of this season.”(10-28-2011)
    AND: Knaus said Friday’s meeting at Martinsville Speedway with NASCAR president Mike Helton, director of competition Robin Pemberton and Spring Cup series director John Darby was held simply to clear the air. “I have a very clear understanding of what they expect and the way they expect us to conduct ourselves,” Knaus told ESPN.com immediately after the meeting. “I meant no disrespect to NASCAR or any of the competitors by no means.” NASCAR officials said no punishment would result from Knaus’ comments and that the purpose of their discussion with him was to gather information.(ESPN)(10-28-2011)

  • NASCAR looking for ways to limit two-car drafting: NASCAR is looking at further changes in order to reduce the amount of two-car drafting in time for the 2012 Daytona 500, sources close to the situation said Thursday. NASCAR has made two changes designed to affect drafting at Sunday’s race at Talladega Superspeedway, enlarging the size of the restrictor plate hole to increase speed and adjusting the pop-off valve in the cooling system to increase the threat of overheating. However, the changes did not work as hoped and the two-car draft received harsh criticism from fans and caused controversy among teams. Sources close to the situation told ESPN one of the possible solutions is a smaller spoiler which teams experimented with during the final 45 minutes of last Thursday’s fuel injection test at Talladega. Sources said driver feedback indicated the smaller spoiler made it harder to draft and harder to back up into the car pushing it. Robin Pemberton, NASCAR’s vice president for competition, said during the Talladega fuel injection test that NASCAR is concerned about the apparent unhappiness of fans with the two-car tandem, “but you have to be careful because the cure can be way worse than the disease.”(ESPN.com)(10-28-2011)

  • NASCAR bans power tools in fuel transfers: NASCAR has banned the use of power tools when teams are transferring fuel. The decision is in response to a fuel fire next to #78-Regan Smith’s hauler at Talladega Superspeedway. The fire broke out as spouts from gas cans were being removed so excess fuel could be poured into storage. A spark from a power tool apparently ignited gas inside one can. No one was hurt in the fire, which sent thick clouds of black smoke through the garage. There was no previous rule as to how the spouts could be removed. This is the first year these cans have been used. The ban applies to all NASCAR series.(Associated Press/ESPN)(10-27-2011)

  • Fuel Injection test Monday at Martinsville: The NASCAR Sprint Cup Series will test Electronic Fuel Injection at Martinsville Speedway as research and development continues leading up to the full implementation of EFI in the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series for the 2012 season. Cars will be on track Monday, October 31 from 10am – 4 pm/et. Currently nine teams have entered for the test. Those include teams from Hendrick Motorsports, Joe Gibbs Racing, Penske Racing, Roush Fenway Racing, Michael Waltrip Racing, Furniture Row Racing, NEMCO Motorsports and Stewart-Haas Racing (2).(NASCAR)(10-27-2011)

  • Can Johnson still win the championship? No, it doesn’t look good. Five-time defending Sprint Cup Series champion #48-Jimmie Johnson now sits 50 points out of the lead after his second consecutive finish outside the top 20. Those 50 points translate to roughly 208 points under the old points system. Since 1975, the inception of the current position-based points format, the largest deficit overcome with four races remaining was 144 points by Alan Kulwicki in 1992. In the Chase for the NASCAR Sprint Cup era (2004-present), the largest deficit overcome with four races left was 53 points, by Johnson in 2007. That roughly equates to 13 points in the new points system.(NASCAR), currently no driver is within 13 points of leader #99-Carl Edwards. See drivers championship points standings on Jayski’s Drivers Points Standings page.(10-28-2011)
  • Mario Lopez to serve as honorary chairman at Homestead: Mario Lopez, host of the television show “EXTRA,” will serve as an Honorary Chairman for next month’s Sprint Cup Series Ford 400 at Homestead-Miami Speedway. Lopez will interview celebrities from the worlds of Hollywood, sports and entertainment on the red carpet prior to the 10th consecutive running of the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series championship race at the speedway. “Extra,” the second longest-running entertainment magazine on television, is in its 18th season. Lopez has starred on the show since 2007.(HMS)(10-28-2011)


     

    News from October 27, 2011

     

  • The Entry List for the Tums Fast Relief 500 Sprint Cup Series race at Martinsville Speedway is posted, 45 teams/drivers [for 43 spots] are listed, including:
    The #77 TRG and #77 Robby Gordon teams have withdrawn. Mike Skinner is now in the #37 for MaxQ Motorsports.
    Not in top 35 of owners points:
    #7-Reed Sorenson (37/32)
    #30-David Stremme (43/19)
    #37-Mike Skinner (39/32)
    #46-Scott Speed (40/32)
    #55-J.J. Yeley (51/14)
    #66-Michael McDowell (41/32)
    #71-Hermie Sadler (36/32)
    #75-Derrike Cope (0/0)
    #87-Joe Nemechek (42/32)
    #92-Dennis Setzer (53/8)

    In the event that qualifying is cancelled:
    the eight who would make it [8]: #’s 71,7,37,46,66,87,30,55
    missing the race would be [2]: #’s 92,75
    See the full entry list at my Jayski’s Martinsville Entry List.(10-24/28-2011)

  • UPS renews with NASCAR; Moves to associate sponsor with Edwards: UPS and NASCAR have signed a multi-year agreement for UPS to remain the sport’s official logistics partner, providing critical pick-up and delivery services for race teams, vendors and suppliers at every NASCAR Sprint Cup Series event throughout the season. In addition to its official partnership, UPS will continue its relationship with Roush Fenway Racing as a full-season associate sponsor of the #99 Ford, driven by Carl Edwards. The decision to continue with NASCAR in an official capacity for a 13th season and Roush Fenway Racing as a sponsor for a fourth season was driven by the positive growth UPS has enjoyed through its direct involvement in the sport. UPS also will continue its successful customer and employee hospitality activations at select events throughout the year in addition to serving as primary sponsor on the #99 Ford at Kentucky Speedway.(UPS)(10-27-2011)
  • added more 2012 schemes: #1 Bass Pro Shops, #9 Stanley, #20 Home Depot & Dollar General, #22 Pennzoil Special, #29 Rheem, #31 Caterpillar, Wheaties, Cheerios, #42 Target, #56 NAPA Auto Parts and #99 Frosted Flakes and Cheez-It

  • Interstate Batteries on the #20 at Martinsville: Joey Logano was less than a year old when Interstate Batteries Chairman Norm Miller and Joe Gibbs Racing kicked off what has grown to become one of the longest-running and most successful partnerships in all of NASCAR back in 1991. As Interstate and JGR celebrate their 20th anniversary together in 2011, perhaps it’s only fitting that the familiar green, white and black paint scheme first made famous by legendary driving greats Dale Jarrett and Bobby Labonte on JGR’s #18 racecars finally adorns JGR’s #20 racing machine for the first time in Sprint Cup Series competition before season’s end. While Logano’s JGR teammate Kyle Busch and his #18 Toyota Camry have carried the flag for Interstate during the last four Sprint Cup Series seasons, it’ll be Logano’s turn to represent the longtime JGR sponsor for the first time during Sunday’s TUMS Fast Relief 500 at Martinsville Speedway behind the wheel of the #20 Interstate Batteries Toyota Camry.(TrueSpeed Communications)(10-27-2011)

  • HOMESMART sponsoring Sadler/TRG at Martinsville: Hermie Sadler will be piloting the #71 HOMESMART Ford Fusion this weekend as the Sprint Cup Series heads to Martinsville, Virginia for the running of the Tums Fast Relief 500. Sadler has driven the #71 car on two occasions this season and earned a 28th place finish at Martinsville earlier this year. HOMESMART is a specialty retailer offering affordable and flexible rental purchase options for furniture, appliances, computers and electronics. HOMESMART is headquartered in Atlanta and currently operates 56 stores in 10 states.(TRG Motorsports)(10-27-2011)

  • FAS Lane Racing gets associate sponsorship from Yesterday’s Saints: FAS Lane Racing has secured an associate sponsorship for the TUMS Fast Relief 500 Sprint Cup Series race in Martinsville from Yesterday’s Saints, a D.C. based heavy metal band. The Yesterday’s Saints song “Gates of Valhalla” is played on many radio stations in the US and also can be heard in Canada and Europe. The band is wrapping up their 2011 tour and their 2012 tour will start in early spring with stops all up and down the East Coast and European dates in the works. FAS Lane Racing will also use this weekend’s race at Martinsville Speedway to pay a special tribute to their season long sponsors – US Chrome and Southern Pride Trucking. The two companies were crucial supporters from the beginning as veteran crew chief Stoddard made the move into team ownership. They will share the Primary Sponsorship on the team’s #32 entry.(Integrity Sports Marketing)(10-27-2011)

  • CARQUEST returns to the #5: CARQUEST Auto Parts, a major partner with the #5 Hendrick Motorsports Chevy since 2005, will be back on the hood this weekend at Martinsville Speedway for its seventh Sprint Cup Series race of the season. CARQUEST’s final race of the 2011 season will be next Sunday at Texas Motor Speedway.(Hendrick Motorsports), see an image of the car on my #5 team paint schemes page.(10-27-2011)

  • NASCAR Championship Drive returns to Miami Beach: NASCAR Championship Drive is cruising back to Miami Beach. In its second year, the outdoor fan festival and Coca-Cola Racing Family Concert featuring Blake Shelton, which are free to fans, will take place Nov. 17-18 at Lummus Park and officially kick-off Ford Championship Weekend at Homestead-Miami Speedway. Launched in 2010 as a thank you to fans, the two-day NASCAR Championship Drive festival revs up for the race weekend with live music, multiple driver appearances, a race hauler parade, and many other activities. New this year is a youth education program targeted to school-aged children in Miami-Dade County. The Coca-Cola Racing Family Concert at NASCAR Championship Drive featuring Blake Shelton, scheduled for the evening of Thursday, Nov. 17, highlights the first day festivities with a live performance by Shelton, reigning CMA “Male Vocalist of the Year” and five-time CMA nominee including a nod for their most prestigious honor, “Entertainer of the Year.” NASCAR Championship Drive begins mid-day on Thursday, Nov. 17 at Lummus Park, located along Ocean Drive in Miami Beach between 7th and 9th Streets. The first scheduled event is a live press conference at 1 p.m. featuring the remaining NASCAR drivers contending for the three NASCAR national series championships. Broadcast live on SPEED, the NASCAR Championship Contenders Press Conference will be simulcast on a video screen inside Lummus Park for festival attendees and also streamed live on NASCAR.COM.(NASCAR)(10-27-2011)

  • The Number for the Tums Fast Relief 500 at Martinsville:
    1 – fewest cautions (three times, most recent 4/25/71)
    1 – fewest cars on lead lap at finish (27 times, most recent 4/27/86)
    2 – fewest leaders (11 times, most recent 9/26/76)
    3 – fewest caution laps (4/25/71)
    4 – number of jet dryers available for track drying this weekend
    11 – cautions in spring race
    14 – most leaders (10/15/01)
    15 – most wins by driver (Richard Petty)
    19 – races won from the pole
    21 – most cautions for a race (10/21/07)
    26 – most cars on the lead lap at finish (twice, most recent 10/22/06)
    28 – cautions for two Sprint Cup races at Martinsville last year; 13 for Goody’s Fast Pain Relief 500 and 15 for TUMS Fast Relief 500
    90 – minutes, amount of time it takes to dry the .526-mile track after a significant rainfall.
    125 – Sprint Cup races at Martinsville Speedway since 1949
    127 – most caution laps (10/21/07)
    2011 Caution Update
    7 – number of races extended beyond scheduled distance in 2011
    3 – fewest cautions this season (New Hampshire, 9/25/11)
    16 – most cautions this season (Daytona 500)
    239 – number of cautions in the first 32 races of 2011; includes 115 for accidents, 57 for debris and 30 for spins
    1,145 of 9,137 – number of laps under caution in 2011
    1,614.199 of 12,760.238 – miles under caution in the first 32 races
    (Darnell Communications for Dodge Motorsports)(10-27-2011)
  • Martinsville Tire Notes: Teams in both NASCAR series in action at Martinsville this weekend will run the same tire codes, though the Sprint Cup tires will be branded “Goodyear Eagle,” while the Camping World Truck tires will be branded “Goodyear Wrangler” . . . this tire set-up came out of a Goodyear test at Martinsville on August 16-17 . . . teams/drivers participating in that test were the #2 Penske Racing Dodge with Brad Keselowski, #6 Roush-Fenway Racing Ford with David Ragan, #31 Richard Childress Racing Chevy with Jeff Burton, # 47 JTG-Daugherty Racing Toyota with Bobby Labonte and #88 Hendrick Motorsports Chevy with Dale Earnhardt Jr. . . . this is the same left-side tire code (D-4312) teams in these series ran twice at Martinsville in 2010 . . . this right-side tire code (D-4468) is the one that Sprint Cup teams ran on all four tire positions at Watkins Glen in August . . . compared to what was run at Martinsville earlier this season, these tires feature a softer compound on both the left- and right-side, which will give teams more grip and help rubber in Martinsville’s concrete corners . . . as on most NASCAR ovals one mile or less in length, teams do not run inner liners in their tires at Martinsville.(Goodyear PR), see full notes, codes, pressures on the Martinsville Race Info page – Goodyear section.(10-27-2011)
  • Chassis selections for this weeks race: see the list of many teams [that report or post these] and what chassis were selected by the team to run in the Tums Fast Relief 500 Sprint Cup Series race at Martinsville Speedway on the Martinsville Race Info page – Chassis selection area.
  • Catchpenny to perform National Anthem at Phoenix: Minneapolis-based rock band, Catchpenny, will fire up race fans on Veteran’s Day weekend for the Kobalt Tools 500 by performing the Star-Spangled Banner on Sunday, November 13 at Phoenix International Raceway. Catchpenny, a favorite band of American military troops, has played more than 150 concerts in combat zones in support of U.S. military serving overseas. During their seven-year musical span, Catchpenny has toured nationally three times. They have just released their third studio album featuring classic rock musical influences, appropriately titled, “Three”, which is now available on iTunes. Their last record, From Where You Are, independently sold over 20,000 copies and their tracks have been used by Arizona Jeans, ESPN X Games, FOX (during World Series), and MTV. Tickets for the Kobalt Tools 500 on November 13 start at just $25. Tickets for the WYPALL* 200 on November 12 start at just $15. For Phoenix International Raceway tickets and information, call 866-408-RACE (7223) or visit PhoenixRaceway.com.(PIR)(10-27-2011)


     

    News from October 26, 2011

     

  • UPS renews with NASCAR; Moves to associate sponsor with Edwards: UPS and NASCAR have signed a multi-year agreement for UPS to remain the sport’s official logistics partner, providing critical pick-up and delivery services for race teams, vendors and suppliers at every NASCAR Sprint Cup Series event throughout the season. In addition to its official partnership, UPS will continue its relationship with Roush Fenway Racing as a full-season associate sponsor of the #99 Ford, driven by Carl Edwards. The decision to continue with NASCAR in an official capacity for a 13th season and Roush Fenway Racing as a sponsor for a fourth season was driven by the positive growth UPS has enjoyed through its direct involvement in the sport. UPS also will continue its successful customer and employee hospitality activations at select events throughout the year in addition to serving as primary sponsor on the #99 Ford at Kentucky Speedway.(UPS)(10-27-2011)

  • Knaus told Johnson to wreck car if he won at Talladega: Chad Knaus told driver Jimmie Johnson to intentionally damage the back end of his race car if the #48 team won Sunday’s race at Talladega Superspeedway, the crew chief acknowledged Wednesday. Knaus admitted giving the five-time NASCAR champion the pre-race instructions in order to “cover our bases” in case 500 miles of bump-drafting knocked the car beyond NASCAR’s strict tolerances. Officials likely would have accepted the damage as an excuse if the # 48 car had not fit NASCAR’s templates in post-race inspection. The conversation between Knaus and Johnson occurred when the crew chief leaned inside the #48 car before the race to give Johnson some final words of encouragement. Because Johnson’s in-car camera was live on NASCAR.com’s RaceBuddy application, the chat was broadcast to anyone watching the feed at the time.
    “If we win this race, you have to crack the back of the car,” Knaus could be heard telling Johnson on the recording. “Got it?”
    “Really?” Johnson replied, sounding surprised.
    “Yes,” Knaus said. “Got it? You don’t have to have to hit it hard, you don’t have to destroy it. But you’ve gotta do a donut and you’ve gotta hit the back end, or somebody’s gotta hit you in the ass-end or something. OK?”
    After Johnson responds with apparent silence (he can’t be heard saying anything else), Knaus added, “You’ll be alright. Can’t take any chances.”
    When asked Wednesday whether the conversation indicated Knaus was trying something fishy on the back of the car, the crew chief replied, “I don’t think that’s a fair assessment. To be honest with you, here’s the deal – racing at Talladega is tough, and I think everybody understands that,” Knaus said in a phone interview. “You run 500 miles at 200 miles per hour, and you’re bump-drafting and you’re beating on one another, and it’s real easy for these cars to get outside of tolerance. It’s a tight tolerance that we’re held in. It doesn’t take much to be a few thousands (of an inch) off and have NASCAR raise an eyebrow. Just being proactive, I just told Jimmie, ‘Look, man – we’ve just got to make sure there’s a tire mark or some type of visible damage.’ Just because cars do move when you race them like that.”(SB Nation)(10-26-2001)

  • TRG withdraws #77 car: Andy Lally tweeted Wednesday afternoon, “TRG withdrew the 77 this weekend. We need to focus on getting the 71 back in the top 35. I wont be racing this weekend.”(10-26-2011)

  • SKF sponsoring Penske teams in 2012: SKF USA Inc. announced it will be a major associate sponsor of the Penske Racing teams beginning with the 2012 racing season. The SKF brand will be featured in the Sprint Cup Series as well as the Nationwide Series and the IZOD IndyCar Series next season. Entering its 15th year as a major associate sponsor of auto racing in North America, the SKF brand will be featured in 2012 on the #2 Miller Lite Dodge driven by Brad Keselowski and the #22 Shell-Pennzoil Dodge driven by Kurt Busch in the Sprint Cup Series; the #12 Alliance Truck Parts Dodge driven by Sam Hornish Jr. in the Nationwide Series and the #3 Team Penske IndyCar driven by three-time Indianapolis 500 Champion Helio Castroneves.(Penske Racing)(10-26-2011)

  • Kraft Foods extends partnerships with NASCAR and Stewart-Haas Racing: NASCAR, Stewart-Haas Racing and Kraft Foods jointly announced an extended agreement for Kraft Foods to continue as the Official Cookie (Oreo, Nilla and Nutter Butter) and Cracker (Ritz and Wheat Thins) of NASCAR, and that the iconic Oreo and Ritz brands would continue to serve as Associate Sponsors of Stewart-Haas Racing teammates Tony Stewart and Ryan Newman, respectively, in the Sprint Cup Series. Kraft Foods, an Official NASCAR Partner since 2000, will continue its long tradition of creating NASCAR-themed, specially-marked packages of Oreo cookies and Ritz crackers for a national consumer sweepstakes. For the first time in 2012, Ritz will host a national digital and social media sweepstakes on its Facebook page where a fan will have the chance to win a prize package to go to the 2012 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Awards Ceremony.(NASCAR)(10-26-2011)

  • Motorcross star Stewart signs with Gibbs; NASCAR races planned: James “Bubba” Stewart has signed a multi-year contract to race with the motocross division of Joe Gibbs Racing, JGRMX. Additionally, JGRMX has extended its relationship with Yamaha Motor Corporation, U.S.A. racing exclusively Yamaha motorcycles through 2014. Stewart, who began racing at the age of four, is one of the most decorated riders in motocross history. “I am excited about joining the Gibbs racing family,” said Stewart. “My goal in Supercross is to pass Jeremy McGrath’s record of 72 Supercross wins. I am more than half way there and look forward to realizing that dream during my time with JGR. I have also had an interest in car racing and we are going to explore my potential in that sport through the NASCAR side of the operation.”(JGR)
    AND: In signing a multiyear deal with JGRMX, Stewart, 25, is expected to race full time on a bike for at least the next three seasons, but he will begin dabbling immediately in stock cars. A test in a Late Model car is scheduled in a few weeks, and he hopes to squeeze in races in the K&N and Nationwide Series (feeder circuits to Sprint Cup, NASCAR’s premier series) as early as next season. Stewart’s eventual transition from motorcycle racing to NASCAR might give a jolt of attention to a sport that actively craves a more diverse driver lineup. A charismatic black man in a mostly white sport, Stewart has starred in a reality TV show and has been among the few transcendent riders in Supercross.(USA Today)(10-26-2011)

  • American Ethanol on Bowyer’s #33 at Martinsville: This weekend, Bowyer’s #33 Chevy will carry the black, silver and green colors of American Ethanol. American Ethanol, a renewable source of cleaner burning energy from the bounty of America’s farmers, helps create new green jobs and a renewed sense of pride for the American worker, while helping to achieve greater energy security for our country. Led by Growth Energy, more than 100 different entities, from farmers and state corn growing boards to ethanol producers and biotech companies, are working with NASCAR to introduce a cleaner-burning fuel to America. The partnership with American Ethanol takes NASCAR’s environmental commitment to the next level.(Richard Childress Racing), see an image of the car on my #33 team paint schemes page.(10-26-2011)

  • Grilling.com scheme for Labonte at Martinsville: JTG Daugherty Racing’s sponsors are mastering their use of the team’s assets with driver Bobby Labonte and the #47 Toyota Camry team to promote their brand to millions of loyal NASCAR fans. Kingsford, is showcasing Grilling.com this weekend on Labonte’s machine at Martinsville Speedway in the Tums Fast Relief 500. To tie together the relationship between the brand, website, driver, team and fans, Kingsford and Grilling.com are providing a chance for one lucky fan to win an ultimate VIP track and grilling experience with Bobby Labonte and JTG Daugherty Racing in Las Vegas in March by registering at Grilling.com/racing starting on September 30th. Fans can register for an opportunity to be Labonte’s Pit Master for the day, which includes a 3-day (2-night) stay on the Las Vegas strip; round-trip airfare; a rental car; a BBQ lunch with Bobby and crew; a VIP tour and more leading into the big race weekend in 2012.(JTG Daugherty Racing), see an image of the car on my #47 team paint schemes page.(10-26-2011)

  • McDonalds returns to the #1: Jamie McMurray and the #1 team will carry the “Golden Arches” of McDonald’s for the 13th time this season at this weekend’s Tums Fast Relief 500 at Martinsville. Most recently, McDonald’s was the primary sponsor on the #1 Chevy four races ago at Dover International Speedway. After the upcoming race at Martinsville Speedway, McDonald’s will return to the hood of the #1 for the final time this season at Phoenix International Raceway for the Kobalt Tools 500.(Earnhardt Ganassi), see an image of the car on my #1 team paint schemes page.(10-26-2011)


     

    News from October 25, 2011

     

  • NASCAR Confiscates Windshields: UPDATE: NASCAR confiscated the windshields from Michael Waltrip Racing’s #00 and #56 Toyotas and from the #47 Toyota for JTG-Daugherty Racing on Friday at Talladega Superspeedway. Each team was forced to switch out the windshield for a new one after they were found to have unapproved modifications. Any penalties for the infraction will come next week. The #00 and #56 cars went out and paced the final practice session.(Motor Racing Network)(10-21-2011)
    UPDATE: NASCAR has issued penalties to the #00, #47 and #56 teams that compete in the Sprint Cup Series as a result of rule infractions discovered during opening day inspection Oct. 21 at Talladega Superspeedway. All three cars were found to be in violation of Sections 12-1 (actions detrimental to stock car racing); 12-4-J (any determination by NASCAR officials that the race equipment used in the event does not conform to NASCAR rules detailed in Section 20 of the rule book, or has not been approved by NASCAR prior to the event); and 20-3.2.1A (unapproved modification to an approved windshield) of the 2011 NASCAR rule book. Crew chiefs Rodney Childers (#00), Frank Kerr (#47) and Chad Johnston (#56) have each been fined $50,000 and have been suspended from the next four Sprint Cup Series championship events and suspended from NASCAR until Nov. 23. Car chiefs Steve Channing (#00), Raymond Fox (#47) and Anthony Lunders (#56) have likewise been suspended from the next four NASCAR Sprint Cup Series championship events and suspended from NASCAR until Nov. 23. Additionally, Bobby Kennedy, director of competition for Michael Waltrip Racing, has been placed on NASCAR probation until Dec. 31. Car owners Rob Kauffman (#00), Tad Geschickter (#47), and Michael Waltrip (#56) have each been penalized with the loss of 25 championship owner points. Drivers David Reutimann (#00), Bobby Labonte (#47), and Martin Truex Jr. (#56) have each been penalized with the loss of 25 championship driver points.(NASCAR)(10-25-2011)
    AND: “We are very disappointed in this entire situation and we will not appeal NASCAR’s ruling,” JTG Daugherty Racing co-owner Brad Daugherty said. “We look forward to racing at Martinsville Speedway this weekend and getting ready for next season.” Team chief race engineer Brian Burns will assume the role as crew chief for the #47 Toyota Camry replacing Frank Kerr and Bob Bechstein has been named car chief replacing Raymond Fox following penalties assessed by NASCAR.(JTG Daugherty Racing)(10-25-2011)
    AND: “Michael Waltrip Racing is ultra-sensitive and very serious about working within the guidelines of NASCAR policy. We do not condone this type of activity and as such we will take appropriate internal corrective action immediately. We thank NASCAR for providing a fair and equitable platform for all of its competitors and respect its decisions; therefore, we will not appeal.” The following team personnel moves will take effect until NASCAR reinstates the suspended crew members:
    #56 Team: Veteran crew chief Pat Tryson will serve as interim crew chief in place of suspended crew chief Chad Johnston at Martinsville. Allen Mincey, #56 race mechanic, will serve as interim car chief in place of suspended car chief Tony Lunders
    #00 Team: Bobby Kennedy, executive vice president of race operations, will serve as interim crew chief in place of Rodney Childers. Chris Hall, #00 race mechanic, will serve as interim car chief in place of suspended car chief Steve Channing.
    Both crew and car chiefs will return to their positions following their suspensions.(Michael Waltrip Racing)(10-25-2011)

  • Bayne and Gordon, Ford Orders? UPDATE: #21-Trevor Bayne had a wild race, one that was especially weird considering his fourth-place qualifying spot. Bayne was sort of a free agent in the tandem drafting pool. With Ford drivers working under directions that discouraged them from drafting with Chase contenders in other manufacturer camps, Bayne ran much of the day with #7-Robby Gordon. But Bayne wound up in the middle of the upfront drafting pack at the end of the race and was hooked up briefly with #24-Jeff Gordon. They had drafted successfully together at Daytona International Speedway in February as Bayne won the Daytona 500. Bayne broke away from Gordon in the closing miles and after the race tweeted on his Twitter account that he wasn’t pleased with the way the race concluded. “I’m not happy about what this has become,” Bayne wrote. “It’s too premeditated. We should be able to go with whoever is around. I would have rather pulled over and finished last than tell [Gordon] I would work with him and then be strong armed into bailing.” Gordon finished 27th.(Ford Racing)
    AND Jamie Allison, who oversees Ford’s motorsports program in North America, was on Sirius Satellite Radio’s “Tradin Paint” show on Monday afternoon and discussed the issue of if Ford ordered its teams not to work with any other manufacturers at Talladega this past weekend in light of Trevor Bayne leaving Jeff Gordon late in that race and Tony Stewart saying he could not work with David Gilliland because of orders.
    Here’s what Allison said to the question of if he or Ford ordered its teams not to work with anyone else: “We don’t have orders per se. That’s how we work with these teams. These are independent teams that choose an affiliate with us as a manufacturer. We have a lot of respect and mutual agreements. We discuss many strategies. We don’t mandate. We don’t issue orders. I can tell you at the start of the Chase, we reached out to all the Ford teams, I personally did, along with my team and basically said, “Hey, thank you for affiliating with Ford Motor Company. We’re very proud of everybody. Hey, these are special times for us. If an opportunity presents itself where you can help a Ford teammate, just please be aware and try to help out. It was just an outreach, a consideration, just be aware that we’re in the Chase and we’re all part of the big Ford family. No orders. None of what you have been reading around this big plan or big orders. It’s none of that. I can tell you guys, it’s been a very, very tough and long and hard-fought season. It’s been on merit. We’ve earned all the wins. I wish we could count the almost-wins. It’s not just in Cup. You look at Nationwide. We have a strong, strong lead with Ricky (Stenhouse Jr.). We’ve got the manufacturer’s championship that we’re contending with there. It’s a strong, strong year. It’s all because of good preparation, good teamwork and a lot of great teams. We just are reaching out and helping the fellow teammates.”(Virginian Pilot)(10-25-2011)
    UPDATE: Jack Roush issued a statement Tuesday morning: “At Roush Fenway Racing we expect our individual drivers to make decisions that put themselves in the best position to win each and every race. That is a philosophy that we have lived by for over two decades, and one that we will continue to abide by going forward. Of course, as in any team, we would prefer for our drivers to work together when possible. However, to be clear, we did not micromanage or dictate to any of our drivers, nor any other Ford drivers, how to race with other drivers at Talladega last Sunday. There are unique codes that all drivers establish and have to live by on the track. How they manage their code is up to our drivers as individuals. This weekend, there were no team orders, from myself or anyone at Roush Fenway, given to any of our drivers as to whom they could or could not choose to run with or assist, nor did I give similar directions or suggestion to any of the other Ford drivers. I’ve spoken with Trevor (Bayne) and understand that he was put in a situation requiring a split-second decision on the track and in his response to questions justifying his actions afterwards, where it was almost certain that not everyone was going to be satisfied. Trevor is extremely talented, but it is still very early in his career. Over time he will grow to understand that in such a high-paced, competitive and hostile environment it is unlikely that all of his decisions will make everyone happy. I’m confident in his decision making, his ability and actions on the track, and I’m excited as we continue to move forward with his development.”(Roush Fenway Racing)(10-25-2011)

  • Facts and Stats at Martinsville Speedway:
    · Opened in September 1947 by H. Clay Earles, Martinsville, originally a dirt track, is one of the oldest continuously-operating race tracks in the United States.
    · The first NASCAR-sanctioned race at Martinsville was on July 4, 1948.
    · The first NASCAR Sprint Cup race was Sept. 25, 1949.
    · The track was paved in 1955.
    · The first 500-lap event at Martinsville was in 1956.
    · Concrete corners were added atop asphalt in 1976.
    · There have been 125 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series races at Martinsville Speedway, one in the inaugural year and two races per year since 1950.
    · Curtis Turner won the pole for the first NASCAR Sprint Cup race at Martinsville in 1949.
    · Red Byron won the first NASCAR Sprint Cup race.
    · 56 drivers have won poles, led by Darrell Waltrip with eight. Jeff Gordon, with seven poles, can tie that mark this weekend.
    · Jeff Gordon, Mark Martin and Darrell Waltrip share the consecutive pole record, each with three.
    · 46 different drivers have won, led by Richard Petty’s 15.
    · Jeff Gordon leads active drivers with seven wins. Jimmie Johnson has six and Denny Hamlin has four.
    · 19 races have been won from the pole, the last by Denny Hamlin in October 2010.
    · Petty Enterprises has won 19 races, more than any other organization. Hendrick Motorsports, with 18 wins, can tie that mark this weekend. If HMS does win this weekend, it will also be the team’s 200th NASCAR Sprint Cup Series victory.
    · Kurt Busch won the 2002 fall race from the 36th starting position, the furthest back a race winner has started.
    · Three active drivers average a top-10 finish: Jimmie Johnson (5.6), Denny Hamlin (6.6) and Jeff Gordon (7.0).
    · There were 31 lead changes in the April Martinsville race this season, a track record.(NASCAR)(10-25-2011)

  • Conway Eyes Full-Time 2012 Race Schedule: Former Front Row Motorsports driver Kevin Conway start-and-parked the #97 NEMCO Motorsports Toyota Sunday at Talladega Superspeedway, but he did share some good news about both he and sponsor ExtenZe’s futures in the Sprint Cup Series with News/Talk WSB before the Good Sam Club 500. “We’re definitely going to be back pretty much on a full-time basis. We’re getting all the i’s dotted and t’s crossed and hopefully will get something finalized and firmed up shortly.” Conway said he could not elaborate until he and the team made an announcement, but did not rule out NEMCO Motorsports, the team that he has worked with on a part-time basis in the Nationwide and Cup Series this season. Conway also said he may run either the Nationwide or Cup races at Texas or Phoenix, but had not finalized those plans.(WSB Radio)(10-25-2011)

  • 2011 Kulwicki Scholarship awarded: Brantt Malloch of Sanford, NC was awarded the Alan Kulwicki Memorial Scholarship during race weekend at Charlotte Motor Speedway. Established in 1994, the four-year Kulwicki Scholarship is one of the highest honors within UNC Charlotte’s Motorsports Engineering Program housed in the Lee College of Engineering. The scholarship honors the late NASCAR Winston Cup points champion who died in a plane crash in 1993. Kulwicki was an engineer and a strong supporter of engineering and science education. The Lee College of Engineering presents the scholarship to a high school senior who demonstrates outstanding academic achievement and has an affiliation with auto racing. Malloch, an off-road, four-wheel-drive enthusiast, has a passion for jeeps and the outdoors. “I love to work on my jeep, modify it and take it out in the woods to see what it’s capable of.” After attending the summer motorsports programs hosted at UNC Charlotte, Malloch became interested in the college’s world-class, hands-on engineering programs and deep roots in NASCAR. “I plan on using the education and experience I receive at UNC Charlotte to allow me to work within the industry I love,” Malloch said. “The mechanical engineering degree along with the motorsports concentration is the building block of not only a career and hobby but a future.” Malloch is the son of Frank and Beth Malloch of Sanford. He graduated from Lee County High School in June 2011. He was a straight-A student, captain of the drum line and a member of the mock United Nations team, science club, National Technical Honor Society and National Honor Society.()(10-25-2011)
  • North Carolina A&T Marching Band To Perform National Anthem at Martinsville: The nationally-acclaimed North Carolina A&T marching band will perform in prerace prior to Sunday’s TUMS Fast Relief 500 at Martinsville Speedway and perform a traditional version of the National Anthem. The Blue & Gold Marching Machine, with more than 350 members, consistently receives national recognition and are among those to garner a coveted spot in the 2012 Macy’s Thanksgiving Parade. Fans at Martinsville Speedway will witness the unique “chair step” high-step marching style the Blue & Gold Marching Machine utilizes when the band performs at noon, entering the track through the fourth-turn cross-over gate and marching clockwise around the track to the start-finish line. North Carolina A&T is a land-grant university located in Greensboro, NC and is the largest publicly funded historically black college in the state of North Carolina. Tickets for all Martinsville Speedway events may be purchased by calling 1.877.RACE.TIX or by visiting martinsvillespeedway.com online.(Martinsville Speedway)(10-25-2011)
  • No Tricks, Just Treats For Kids Saturday At Martinsville: Halloween is a kids’ holiday and Saturday youngsters will get to celebrate it in a big way at Martinsville Speedway. From 4 pm to 6 pm Saturday, the Martinsville Speedway midway will be transformed into the largest trick or treat zone around. And for the record, it will be all treat and no trick. The dozens of souvenir rigs gathered around the midway will be open handing out goodies for youngsters trick or treating. And under the bright red Martinsville Speedway tent, several NASCAR Camping World Truck Series drivers along with Martinsville Speedway president Clay Campbell, will be treating the kids to candy and other goodies. Martinsville’s midway and souvenir area is located across from the fourth-turn area of the track, adjacent to the Bill France Tower.
    One section of Martinsville Speedway’s display area has again been declared a “Kids Zone” for the TUMS Fast Relief 500 weekend with games, souvenirs and food aimed at the younger crowd. The concession items in the Kids Zone will not only be kid favorites, but kid priced. There will be chicken nuggets, hot dogs, cotton candy, chips, fruit cups and Capri Sun juice boxes. Nothing will be over $2. There will be an inflatable bouncy house for the youngsters to play in and there will also be plenty of youth oriented souvenirs. And on Sunday, there will be a second inflatable bouncy house, this one inside the track, above the second-turn, next to the Clay Earles Tower. Tickets for all Martinsville Speedway events may be purchased by calling 1.877.RACE.TIX or by visiting martinsvillespeedway.com online.(Martinsville Speedway)(10-25-2011)


     

    News from October 24, 2011

     

  • The Entry List for the Tums Fast Relief 500 Sprint Cup Series race at Martinsville Speedway is posted, 47 teams/drivers [for 43 spots] are listed, including:
    Not in top 35 of owners points:
    #7-Reed Sorenson (37/32)
    #30-David Stremme (43/19)
    #37-Josh Wise (39/32)
    #46-Scott Speed (40/32)
    #55-J.J. Yeley (51/14)
    #66-Michael McDowell (41/32)
    #71-Hermie Sadler (36/32)
    #75-Derrike Cope (0/0)
    #177-Robby Gordon (56/5)
    #277-Andy Lally (57/2)
    #87-Joe Nemechek (42/32)
    #92-Dennis Setzer (53/8)
    NOTE: two #77 cars are entered, usually, if both make the race, the one higher in owners points position get to run the number and the other team has to use another number.
    In the event that qualifying is cancelled:
    the eight who would make it [8]: #’s 71,7,37,46,66,87,30,55
    missing the race would be [4]: #’s 92,177,277,75
    See the full entry list at my Jayski’s Martinsville Entry List.(10-24-2011)

  • Fuel fire causes damage to #78 hauler: A fuel fire next to #78-Regan Smith’s hauler created chaos — and a huge billowing cloud of black smoke — in the garage area following Sunday’s Good Sam Club 500 at Talladega Superspeedway. Thankfully, no one was injured and the blaze was extinguished without extensive damage. Crewmen were busy disconnecting the fuel probes from gas cans and dumping excess fuel into a storage can near the front of the #78 hauler after the race, when a spark apparently ignited fuel inside one of the cans. “They had the gas can on the ground there between the tractor and the hauler,” Furniture Row Racing spokesman Dave Ferroni said. “They took off the fuel probe, something sparked it and it ignited. That’s all we know at this time.” Everyone involved was able to scramble to safety, and several alert crewmen grabbed fire extinguishers and beat down the flames before the fire truck could get through the hundreds of crews, media and onlookers that are usually scurrying around in the garage once a race ends. Ferroni said several crew members’ personal bags were damaged or destroyed by the fire, but most of the major damage was contained to the hauler itself. “There’s a lot of damage to the back of the tractor, a lot of melted hoses,” Ferroni said. “Somebody from Penske came over and they’re going to offer us an extra tractor to take back to Denver, and hopefully we can get this one repaired.”(NASCAR.com)(10-24-2011)

  • Richard Childress Racing Reaches 100th Win: With its sixth victory of the 2011 season, by #33-Clint Bowyer at Talladega Superspeedway, Richard Childress Racing reached historic NASCAR Sprint Cup Series win No. 100, a major milestone in the storied history of one of NASCAR’s most prolific teams. It was the team’s 12th win at Talladega, which puts it atop the all-time wins list at the historic track. Richard Childress Racing started its trek to the top of the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series in 1969, as a single-car team with its driver also its owner. Richard Childress paired his business acumen with driving skills that produced results. Childress finished his driving career with six top fives and 76 top 10s. But it was when Childress took the back seat that Richard Childress Racing exploded. It earned its first win in 1983 at Riverside International Raceway with driver Ricky Rudd. A year later, NASCAR Hall of Famer Dale Earnhardt joined the organization fulltime, and the rest – as they say – is history. Earnhardt won six NASCAR Sprint Cup Series championships and 67 races while flying the Richard Childress flag. Now, the team has reached another milestone, and another accolade – 100 victories. RCR has won with seven different drivers, at 22 different tracks.
    RCR Wins By Driver: Dale Earnhardt 67; Kevin Harvick 18; Clint Bowyer 5; Jeff Burton 4; Robby Gordon 3; Ricky Rudd 2; Paul Menard 1.(NASCAR)(10-24-2011)

  • 2010 race winners without a win in 2011: Four drivers who won at least one Sprint Cup Series in 2010 have not won a race in 2011 with four races remaining. None are Chase drivers:
    #1-Jamie McMurray, #00-David Reutimann, #16-Greg Biffle and #42-Juan Pablo Montoya.(10-24-2011)

  • Closest Sprint Cup Race Finishes:
    Margin Winner Runner-up Track Date
    .002 Ricky Craven, Kurt Busch, Darlington, March 16, 2003
    .002 Jimmie Johnson, Clint Bowyer, Talladega, April 7, 2011
    .005 Jamie McMurray, Kyle Busch, Daytona, July 7, 2007
    .005 Dale Earnhardt, Ernie Irvan, Talladega, July 25, 1993
    .006 Kevin Harvick, Jeff Gordon, Atlanta, March 11, 2001
    .008 Jimmy Spencer, Ernie Irvan, Daytona, July 2, 1994
    .010 Dale Earnhardt, Bobby Labonte, Atlanta, March 12, 2000
    .010 Matt Kenseth, Kasey Kahne, Rockingham, February 22, 2004
    .011 Kevin Harvick, Jamie McMurray, Talladega, April 25, 2010
    .017 Greg Biffle, Mark Martin, Homestead, November 20. 2005
    .018 Clint Bowyer, Jeff Burton, Talladega, October 23, 2011
    .020 Kevin Harvick, Mark Martin, Daytona, February 18, 2007
    .025 Jimmy Spencer, Bill Elliott, Talladega, July 24, 1994
    .027 Jimmie Johnson, Bobby Labonte, Charlotte, May 29, 2005
    .028 Carl Edwards, Jimmie Johnson, Atlanta, March 20, 2005
    .028 Elliott Sadler, Kasey Kahne, Texas, April 4, 2004
    .029 John Andretti, Terry Labonte, Daytona, July 5, 1997
    (points races only – since the advent of electronic scoring in 1993)(10-23-2011)
  • Race and Commercial Breakdown for Talladega: For those of you NASCAR fans that like stats and love to hate commercials, or wonder how often your driver was focused on, here is the breakdown for Sunday’s race. Began recording the times at the Invocation of the race at 2:02 and stopped at the waving of the checkered flag at 5:53 PM (all times are EST). ESPN was the broadcast team for this event. Included in this broadcast was ‘NASCAR Non-Stop’, commercials shown split-screen with the race broadcast. Below the regular commercials’ breakdown, you can see a breakdown of the participating sponsors and the times their ads were shown.
    Total number of traditional commercials (not split-screen): 75
    Total number of ‘NASCAR Non-Stop commercials’ (split-screen): 49
    Total number of commercials: 124
    Total number of companies or entities advertised: 72
    Total number of brief promos of products/services during the race broadcast: 35
    Total amount of time these brief promos take during broadcast: app. 4 min. 20 sec.
    Start time to record race/commercial periods: 2:02 PM
    End time to record race/commercial periods: 5:53 PM
    Total minutes of complete race broadcast: 231
    Total minutes of race broadcast: 195
    Minutes of traditional commercials: 36
    Minutes of ‘NASCAR Non-Stop Commercials’: 23
    Number of times ESPN utilized ‘NASCAR Non-Stop’ to show split-screen commercials: 11
    Number of commercials ESPN cut short to return to important race action: 2
    Number of missed restarts: 0
    Number of ‘mystery cautions’ (debris not shown): 2
    See past races, links to more reports on the 2011 TV Commercials page.(10-24-2011)


     

    News from October 23, 2011

     

  • Bowyer wins at Talladega: #33-Clint Bowyer won the Good Sam Club 500 Sprint Cup Series race at Talladega Superspeedway for his 5th career win and 1st of the season. The win is also the 100th win for Richard Childress Racing.
    #312-Burton was leading at the white flag, #33-Bowyer was his partner and pushing, Bowyer moved over on the tri-oval to pass Burton and they had a drag race to the start-finish line with Bowyer winning.
    #31-Burton finished 2nd [his first top 5 of the season] followed by #36-Blaney [the top 10 means kids eat free at Golden Corral], #2-Keselowski, #83-Vickers, #4-Kahne, #14-Stewart, #11-Hamlin, #15-Waltrip and #56-Truex Jr. Pole sitter #5-Martin led 2 laps, was involved in a late wreck and finished 20th.
    #78-Smith was involved in a nasty wreck where he went head first into the wall, but walked away ok, but a fuel fire occurred at Furniture Row Racing’s hauler, with some scary flames, but the first was put out fast and no major damage or injuries.
    #99-Edwards leads the Chase by 14 points over #17-Kenseth.
    There were 72 lead changes among 26 drivers and 9 cautions for 38 yellow flag laps. The attendance is listed as 105,000 down from 110,000 last year.
    Scheduled Race Re-Airs: ESPN2, Monday, October 24 at 12:00am/et; SPEED, Wednesday, October 26 at 12:00pm/et
    See race results, awards, laps led and more on Jayski’s Talladega Race Results/Awards page.(10-23-2011)
  • Race Fast Facts – Talladega:
    #33-Clint Bowyer won the 43rd Annual Good Sam Club 500 , his fifth victory in 213 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series races.
    This is his first victory and 13th top-10 finish in 2011.
    This is his second victory and sixth top-10 finish in 12 races at Talladega Superspeedway.
    #31-Jeff Burton (second) posted his 14th top-10 finish in 36 races at Talladega Superspeedway. It is his second top-10 finish in 2011.
    #36-Dave Blaney (third) posted his second top-10 finish in 20 races at Talladega Superspeedway.
    #71-Andy Lally (39th) was the highest finishing rookie.
    Carl Edwards leads the point standings by 14 points over Matt Kenseth.(NASCAR Statistics)(10-23-2011)

  • Finishing spots for the Chase drivers at Talladega: (by standings order before the race)
    1) #99-Carl Edwards, started 9th, finished 11th
    2) #29-Kevin Harvick, 13th, 32nd
    3) #17-Matt Kenseth, 11th, 18th
    4) #18-Kyle Busch, 34th, 33rd
    5) #14-Tony Stewart, 12th, 7th
    6) #2-Brad Keselowski, 17th, 4th
    7) #22-Kurt Busch, 14th, 36th
    8) #48-Jimmie Johnson, 2nd, 26th
    9) #88-Dale Earnhardt Jr., 6th, 25th
    10) #39-Ryan Newman, 10th, 38th
    11) #24-Jeff Gordon, 5th, 27th
    12) #11-Denny Hamlin, 31st, 8th
    See drivers championship points standings on Jayski’s Drivers Points Standings page.(10-23-2011)
  • 2011 Sprint Cup Driver Championship Chase Points Standings:
    [after Talladega, race 32 of 36 and Chase race 6 of 10]
    1) #99-Carl Edwards [1 win], 2237
    2) #17-Matt Kenseth [3 wins], 2223, -14
    3) #2-Brad Keselowski [3 wins], 2219, -18
    4) #14-Tony Stewart [2 wins], 2218, -19
    5) #29-Kevin Harvick [4 wins], 2211, -26
    6) #18-Kyle Busch [4 wins], 2197, -40
    these drivers are more then a race out:
    7) #48-Jimmie Johnson [2 wins], 2187, -50
    8) #22-Kurt Busch [2 wins], 2185, -52
    9) #88-Dale Earnhardt Jr. [0 wins], 2163, -74
    10) #24-Jeff Gordon [3 wins], 2155, -82
    top 10 go to the banquet in Vegas
    11) #11-Denny Hamlin [1 win], 2153, -84
    12) #39-Ryan Newman [1 win], 2149, -88
    (ties broken by 1sts, 2nds, 3rd, etc)
    See drivers championship points standings on Jayski’s Drivers Points Standings page.(10-23-2011)
  • Top-35 in Owner Points and guaranteed a starting spot at Martinsville:
    #71 drops out of the top 35 and #38 moves back in, a 2 pt lead over the #71.
    33) #13-Mears/Germain, 454, +44
    34) #32-Bliss/FAS Lane, 437, +27
    35) #38-Yeley/Front Row, 412, 2 points ahead of 36th
    these teams / drivers will need to qualify by speed:
    36) #71-Lally/TRG, 410, 2 points out of top 35
    37) #7-Gordon/RGM, 317, -95
    The teams are NOT locked in past the next race as the owners points change after each race.
    For the owner points standings, see my Owners Points Standings page.(10-23-2011)
  • Talladega Notes-n-Nuggets:
    • Clint Bowyer scores his fifth Cup Series win in his 213th start.
    • Clint Bowyers also scores his second win at Talladega in his 12th start at the track.
    • Clint Bowyer has finished first or second in the past three Talladega races.
    • Richard Childress Racing scores its 100th Cup Series win.
    • RCR scores its sixth win of 2011, most of all teams.
    • RCR scores its 12th Talladega win, most of all teams.
    • RCR has now won three of the past four Talladega races.
    • Sunday marks the fourth consecutive race won with a last-lap pass at Talladega.
    • Nine of the past 13 Talladega races have ended with a last-lap pass.
    • Jeff Burton (second) scores his best finish of 2011 and first top-five finish of the year; his last top-five was a second-place finish at Dover in Sept. 2010.
    • Dave Blaney (third) ties a career-best finish for the third time.
    • Brad Keselowski (fourth) scores his tenth top-five finish of 2011, his fourth top-five of the Chase and eighth in the past 12 races.
    • Brian Vickers (fifth) ties his best finish of 2011 (Dover and NH) and scores his fourth top-five finish at Talladega.
    • Kasey Kahne (sixth) scores his fourth consecutive top-six finish; this was his worst finish in the past four races.
    • Tony Stewart (seventh) led the most laps (30) and got his fourth top-10 finish of the Chase.
    • Michael Waltrip (ninth) scores his best finish in three races in 2011.
    • Carl Edwards (10th) leads the points standings by 14 over Matt Kenseth and is the only driver with top-10 finishes in every race of the Chase.
    (Racing Recall/nascar.com)(10-23-2011)
  • Talladega Superspeedway Creates Special Award For 100 Lead Changes: Talladega Superspeedway announced that if the running Good Sam Club 500 eclipses 100 lead changes during the race, the driver who takes the lead the most times throughout the race will earn $100,000.
    As of lap 188 of 188: 72 lead changes.
    so the $100,000 bonus was not paid out.(
    10-23-2011)

  • Johnson’s team changes tire: SPEED’s Hermie Sadler reported on NASCAR Raceday that #48-Jimmie Johnson’s crew found the #48 Chevy had a flat right front tire when it entered the garage this morning at Talladega Superspeedway. NASCAR allowed the team to put a new tire on the car without a penalty. Johnson is scheduled to start 2nd in the Good Sam Club 500 today. The top-10 starters must start the race on the tires they qualified on unless NASCAR allows a change. So Johnson will have three scuffed tires and the one brand new sticker tire to start the race.(10-23-2011)

  • JTG Daugherty Racing to announce 2012 plans UPDATE: JTG Daugherty Racing owners to announce 2012 sponsor lineup for the #47 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series entry, make official driver announcement, and upcoming changes for the racing organization on Sunday, October 23rd [not Sat,] at Talladega Superspeedway. Bobby Labonte is the current driver.(JTG)(10-20-2011)
    UPDATE: per JTG Daugherty Racing Twitters: JTG Daugherty Racing press conference, Bobby Labonte returns to drive the #47 Toyota with Todd Berrier as the crew chief, current crew chief, Frank Kerr ,oves to shop foreman position.
    AND Sunday morning JTG Daugherty Racing owners Tad and Jodi Geschickter and Brad Daugherty announced their NASCAR Sprint Cup Series plans for the 2012 season at a press conference at Talladega Superspeedway. Driving for JTG Daugherty Racing again next season will be 2000 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series champion Bobby Labonte. In addition to Labonte signing for next season, Todd Berrier has been named as crew chief and general manager of the JTG Daugherty Racing operation. Berrier spent nearly two decades as a crew chief at Richard Childress Racing and led his team into the Chase for the Sprint Cup four times. Along the way, he won several races. Notable wins as crew chief, include the 2007 Daytona 500 at Daytona International Speedway and the 2003 Brickyard 400 at Indianapolis Motor Speedway with driver Kevin Harvick. “I’m looking forward to this new opportunity with JTG Daugherty Racing and working with Bobby.” said Berrier, who mentioned he has 10 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series wins as a crew chief, not counting non-points races he has won. Frank Kerr, who has performed crew chief duties for JTG Daugherty Racing during the last four seasons will take on a new role as shop foreman. Toyota and TRD USA (Toyota Racing Development) will continue to support the #47 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series entry as the team returns to the Harrisburg, N.C. race shop for their base of race operations.
    Laerte Zatta, formerly of TRD, will be the team’s director of engineering.
    In addition to the personnel and structural changes in store for 2012, JTG Daugherty Racing continues to stay ahead of the industry on sponsorship procurement and retention. JTG Daugherty Racing announced that the Kingsford Charcoal will return for its fifteenth season with the team. Further complimenting the platform, Bush’s Beans will return for its 10th season with the team. Also, returning is Kimberly-Clark Corporation whose SCOTT Paper Products seeks to become the paper product of choice for the tailgate. Rounding out the shopper BBQ solution will be Hidden Valley, KC Masterpiece Barbeque Sauces & marinades, and Glad bags and wraps.
    The “Take Care of Your Crew” platform is based on the concern for the rising cost of healthcare and the fact that shoppers are seeking to make healthier choices to take care of their families. Clorox® bleach and bleach-based cleaning and disinfecting products will be the cornerstone of the promotion. Co-sponsoring is Kimberly-Clark whose brands provide people with essentials for a better life by adding convenience to daily routines with some of the world’s most recognized products.
    Reese Towpower and Highland products will also return as sponsors (no word on which races or how many races each with sponsor has been announced as of yet).(JTG Daugherty Racing)(10-23-2011)(10-23-2011)

  • Ford wants Ford drivers to draft with Fords only UPDATE?: #14-Tony Stewart [Chevy] likely will have a new drafting partner Sunday with this two-car tandem. Stewart has worked with #34-David Gilliland [Ford] in the past but didn’t get to practice with him Friday. Stewart said: “I’ve kind of heard the Ford guys are kind of being told they have to stay with Ford guys.” … Stewart drafted with #47-Bobby Labonte [Toyota] in the first practice and with #51-Landon Cassill [Chevy] in the second practice session.(Virginian Pilot)(10-22-2011)
    UPDATE: The dictum of Ford drivers helping only other Ford drivers in Sunday’s race came from Ford Racing brass and team owner Jack Roush during a meeting early in the week. In fact, Roush’s loyalty to the brand is legendary. So Gilliland, who drives for Front Row, won’t be on Stewart’s bumper on Sunday—at all. “Yeah, we aren’t,” Gilliland said. “It’s such a tight points battle right now, and we’re going to try to help the Ford guys out all we can.” Apparently, Roush talked about the Ford solidarity in no uncertain terms.(Sporting News)(10-23-2011)

  • NASCAR clarifies rules about giving assistance: NASCAR made a clear distinction about giving assistance to another car with a decision made public Saturday morning at Talladega Superspeedway. A driver can push a disabled car to pit road but may not push another car to assist the driver in saving fuel, or in maintaining caution pace while saving fuel on the race track. As always, no assistance of any kind is allowed on the final lap. The clarification comes as a reaction to #98-Austin Dillon (in his Sprint Cup debut) pushing Richard Childress Racing teammate #29-Kevin Harvick under caution at Kansas Speedway, while Harvick was conserving fuel. In NASCAR’s view, helping a driver save fuel by pushing his car provides a competitive advantage that may not be available to drivers without teammates. There also is the possibility that such assistance could skew the results of the Chase. “You can still push a car that’s disabled or out of power to pit road,” NASCAR spokesperson Kerry Tharp said. What happens when one car pushes another past the entrance to pit road?
    “That’s when we would react,” Tharp said. The clarification has been passed along to teams through word of mouth, not with a formal competition bulletin. The subject also is likely to come up during the drivers’ meeting before Sunday’s Good Sam Club 500, the sixth race in the Chase for the NASCAR Sprint Cup. It is also likely that new language regarding assistance will appear in the 2012 rule book, Tharp said.(Sporting News)(10-23-2011)

  • Martin still has no ride for 2012: from a post qualifying press conference with #5-Mark Martin, winner of the pole at Talladega Superspeedway:
    Q) CAN YOU UPDATE US ON YOUR PLANS FOR 2012, COULD THIS BE YOUR LAST TALLADEGA CUP RACE?
    Martin: “(Laughs) don’t start that last, last, it could be last, don’t even go there and please don’t even go there. I don’t know about that, and we do not need to touch on the Talladega part, I don’t have anything, although I did answer a question last week which got a lot of talk going, and I should have probably not answered the question, it was a fan at a hospitality, that asked would I be driving next year and I said yes, and I have a lot of confidence and the only full schedule that I have been considering is the truck schedule, but nationwide racing, cup racing would be more of a limited schedule, like I did in 2007 and 2008, that is where my heart is at, and with the things that are starting to move, there is starting to be a little bit of movement going on, I am confident that I will be racing and that was the answer and that caused a little bit of things to get ruffled up, I don’t have anything and it has been extremely quiet throughout the year and it is very late in the season, but there is still going to be something happening and sponsorship things that are going to happen, they are just going to happen later in the year and we have seen in the past and what I do is sponsorship driven and I think you guys know that. It is sponsorship driven, where I land and what I do. No news yet, but I was asked quite a while back, and people kind of smirked when I said it and probably thought I was being a smart aleck, and they said when do you want to have, when do you expect to have or whatever, and I said November or December, and I am still, not going to miss that by much. I am still hoping it is November or December and not January.”(Team Chevy)(10-23-2011)

  • Three 2010 pole winners still shut out in 2011: With four races remaining in the 2011 season, four drivers who won a pole in 2010, have not so in 2011, including #48-Johnson, who has at least one pole a season for 9 straight seasons, besides Johnson, the three other drivers are: #11-Denny Hamlin, #43-A.J. Allmendinger and Elliott Sadler who is not racing in the Series this season.(10-23-2011)

  • Wheldon remembered as ‘a champion of our sport’ : Of all the indelible moments from Dan Wheldon’s public memorial service – fellow IndyCar drivers Dario Franchitti, Scott Dixon and Tony Kanaan serving as pallbearers, his father carrying his racing helmet and country music star Wynonna Judd singing two gripping songs – the heart-wrenching letter from his wife cut deepest. Susie Wheldon’s letter to Dan left few eyes dry in the First Presbyterian Church of St. Petersburg. Wheldon, a two-time Indianapolis 500 winner, died last Sunday in IndyCar’s season finale at Las Vegas. He was remembered Saturday not only as a champion but as a devoted husband, caring father, loyal friend and beloved son. And one more thing: a neat freak. Hundreds said goodbye to the 33-year-old Englishman-turned-Floridian during a service that included a eulogy by the best man at his wedding, Judd’s rendition of “Amazing Grace” alongside a church choir and letters by his wife and sister that offered a detailed portrait of the popular, fun-loving and always tidy driver (Associated Press)
    SERVICE / TV: A public memorial service for driver Dan Wheldon will be Sunday at Conseco Fieldhouse in Downtown Indianapolis. The event will be at 4 pm/et Sunday at the home of the Indiana Pacers and Indiana Fever, 125 S. Pennsylvania St. The event will be carried live on SPEED and Versus from 4-5 pm.(10-23-2011)
  • Sad News – Ken Rush: Samuel Kenneth “Ken” Rush, 80, passed away Monday, October 17, 2011 at High Point Regional Hospital. He was the loving husband of Patsy (Hodgin) Rush to whom he was married for 59 years. Mr. Rush was an avid racer, starting his career in 1952 at Bowman Gray, becoming a NASCAR Champion in 1969 of the grand touring series, and finishing in 1972 [was also 1957 Rookie of the Year]. He was later inducted into the Guilford County Sports Hall of Fame in 2008. In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made to Guilford County Humane Society, 4527 West Wendover Ave., Greensboro, NC 27409. Online condolences may be left on Mr. Rush’s page at www.cumbyfuneral.com. Read more: High Point Enterprise.
    See article at the High Point Enterprise by Benny Phillips: Rush leaves lasting legacy. Rush ran in 56 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series races from 1957 thru 1972, with 5 top-fives, a best of 2nd at Winston-Salem in 1959.(Racing Reference)(10-23-2011)


     

    News from October 22, 2011

     

  • Martin wins Talladega pole: #5-Mark Martin won the Coors Light pole for the Good Sam Club 500 Sprint Cup Series race at Talladega Superspeedway with a speed of 181.367mph. It is his 2nd pole of the season and the 51st of his career which is 8th best all time. #48-Johnson starts 2nd followed by #33-Bowyer, #21-Bayne, #24-Gordon, #88-Earnhardt Jr., #27-Menard, #6-Ragan, #99-Edwards and #39-Newman. #97-Conway was the highest qualifying Toyota, starting 20th
    The go-or-go homers who made the race (8): #21-Bayne, #38-Kvapil, #97-Conway, #15-Waltrip, #87-Nemechek, #55-Yeley, #66-McDowell and #7-Gordon.
    The go-or-go homers who failed to qualify for the race (4): #35-GBodine, #46-Speed, #77-Bell and #37-Wise
    See the starting lineup, qualifying speeds and notes on my Talladega Starting Lineup/Qualifying Results page.(10-22-2011)
  • Starting spots for the Chase drivers at Talladega: (by standings order before the race)

    1) #99-Carl Edwards, starts 9th
    2) #29-Kevin Harvick, 13th
    3) #17-Matt Kenseth, 11th
    4) #18-Kyle Busch, 34th
    5) #14-Tony Stewart, 12th
    6) #2-Brad Keselowski, 17th
    7) #22-Kurt Busch, 14th
    8) #48-Jimmie Johnson, 2nd
    9) #88-Dale Earnhardt Jr., 6th
    10) #39-Ryan Newman, 10th
    11) #24-Jeff Gordon, 5th
    12) #11-Denny Hamlin, 31st
    See drivers championship points standings on Jayski’s Drivers Points Standings page.(10-22-2011)
  • Qualifying Fast Facts – Talladega:
    #5-Mark Martin won the Coors Light Pole Award for the 43rd Annual Good Sam Club 500 with a lap of 52.799 seconds, 181.367 mph.
    This is his 51st pole in 826 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series races.
    This is his second pole and 12th top-10 start in 2011.
    This is his third pole in 48 races at Talladega Superspeedway.
    #48-Jimmie Johnson (second) posted his 14th top-10 start of 2011 and his 14th in 20 races at Talladega Superspeedway.
    #33-Clint Bowyer (third) posted his fourth top-10 start at Talladega Superspeedway. It is his 10th in 32 races this season.
    #71-Andy Lally (33rd) was the fastest qualifying rookie.(NASCAR Statistics)(10-22-2011)
  • Talladega Pole Progression: (who had the pole first, who got it next and who ended up with it)
    #97-Conway, 1st out to qualify, 179.693mph, starts 20th
    #38-Kvapil, 10th out, 179.831mph, starts 16th
    #42-Montoya, 11th out, 179.875mph, starts 15th
    #39-Newman, 22nd out, 180.203, starts 10th
    #48-Johnson, 23rd out, 181.360, starts 2nd
    #5-Martin, 42nd out, 181.367, starts 1st
  • Fastest Talladega Qualifier by Manufacturer::
    Chevy: #5-Martin, 181.367, starts 1st
    Dodge: #22-Busch, 179.970, starts 14th
    Ford: #21-Bayne, 181.011, starts 4th
    Toyota: #97-Conway, 179.693, starts 20th

  • Evernham to Contribute $1 Million to Ronald McDonald House: Ray Evernham has a long history with Ronald McDonald House, from the early days when he stayed there while his young son Ray J received treatment for leukemia. Now, he has come full circle – with plans to present a $1 million check for the new Ronald McDonald House in Charlotte on Tuesday, October 25th. As part of the check presentation, Evernham and wife, Erin Crocker Evernham, will host a trick-or-treat party for the families and patients staying at the house, providing costumes for everyone and lots of candy for the children. Halloween trick-or-treat party for patients and their families staying at the Ronald McDonald House will receive donated costumes and trick-or-treat room to room at the house. Evernham will also present a $1 million check to the Ronald McDonald House of Charlotte.(10-22-2011)

  • Red Line Oil to Sponsor Speed at Talladega: the #46 Whitney Motorsports Ford driven by Scott Speed will be covered in “red and green” thanks to renewed primary sponsorship by Red Line Synthetic Oil, along with Green Stuff, at Talladega Superspeedway – for the Good Sam Club 500 on October 23. “The Whitney team ran really well at the spring NASCAR Sprint Cup event at Talladega, so we look forward to being fast again,” said Red Line Oil Director of Sales and Marketing Cameron Evans. “Drafting this weekend is a bit of an unknown in with NASCAR’s latest changes to the rules for cooling systems, but we know that Scott has raced well at this track in the past.” Speed’s is a good fit for Bay Area-based Red Line Oil, as the driver grew up nearby in Manteca, Calif. Speed started his career as a kart racer and scored many championships before driving for Scuderia Toro Rosso Formula 1 and Red Bull’s NASCAR effort. Red Line Synthetic Oil Corp. manufactures more than 100 quality products for the automotive, racing, motorcycle, marine and industrial markets. Its complete line includes a wide variety of motor oils, gear oils, additives, and greases.(Whitney Motorsports)(10-22-2011)
  • Oct. 23rd proclaimed ‘Don Naman Day’ In Honor of Former Talladega Superspeedway GM: The Alabama Legislature and Talladega County Commission have proclaimed Oct. 23 to be Don Naman Day in honor of Talladega Superspeedway’s first general manager. Naman passed away in July at the age of 76. “Don was a major factor in growing Talladega Superspeedway and the International Motorsports Hall of Fame into the magnificent facilities they are today,” said Talladega Superspeedway Chairman Grant Lynch. “We are all honored that the legislature and county commission would recognize Don with his own day during race weekend. I know this would make him proud.” Naman joined Talladega Superspeedway in 1970. He served as general manager for 18 years before transitioning to the International Motorsports Hall of Fame and Museum. He served as executive director at the Hall of Fame for an additional 12 years before retiring. Naman is survived by daughter Sharon, sons Donald, Kevin and Joseph, sister Grace and grandchildren Taylor, Erin, Ryan, Ross and Justin. Race fans that want to experience true southern hospitality combined with the most competitive racing in NASCAR should call the Talladega Superspeedway Ticket Office today at 1-877-Go2-DEGA. Tickets are available online at www.talladegasuperspeedway.com.(Talladega Superspeedway)(10-22-2011)
  • Infield Concert at Talladega Superspeedway: Talladega Superspeedway announced today that Valory Music Co. recording artist Brantley Gilbert will perform Saturday night in the renowned Talladega infield. Gilbert’s latest hit, “Country Must Be Country Wide” is currently 12th on the Billboard Country Music chart. His new album, Halfway to Heaven Deluxe, debuted last week at #2 on the Billboard Country Albums chart selling over 50,000 copies. The concert will be open to all infield guests and any race fan presenting a Sunday Good Sam Club 500 ticket. Race fans that want to experience true southern hospitality combined with the most competitive racing in NASCAR should call the Talladega Superspeedway Ticket Office today at 1-877-Go2-DEGA. Guests that purchase their tickets in advance have the opportunity to save over those who purchase during race week. Tickets are available online at talladegasuperspeedway.com.(Talladega Superspeedway)(10-22-2011)


     

    News from October 21, 2011

     

  • NASCAR Confiscates Windshields: NASCAR confiscated the windshields from Michael Waltrip Racing’s #00 and #56 Toyotas and from the #47 Toyota for JTG-Daugherty Racing on Friday at Talladega Superspeedway. Each team was forced to switch out the windshield for a new one after they were found to have unapproved modifications.
    Any penalties for the infraction will come next week. The #00 and #56 cars went out and paced the final practice session.(Motor Racing Network)(10-21-2011)
  • Coverage of Qualifying for the Good Sam Club 500 Sprint Cup Series race at Talladega Superspeedway is scheduled for Saturday, October 22, 2011 at 12:15pm/et.
    Television (TV): SPEED, 12:00pm/et
    Jayski.com: Jayski’s Qualifying Page
    Qualifying Re-Air: 8:00pm/et on SPEED
  • Qualifying Order for the Good Sam Club 500 Sprint Cup Series race at Talladega Superspeedway is posted. 47 cars/drivers are listed. Go-or-go homers are now mixed in with the top-35 drivers, slowest by fastest in first practice.
    The first of the drivers scheduled to go out is #97-Conway, slowest in first practice.
    The final driver scheduled to go out is #16-Biffle, who was fastest in first practice.
    Of note, three drivers didn
    t practice in the first seassion on Friday:
    #77-T.J. Bell, #66-Michael McDowell and #21-Trevor Bayne.
    The first qualifying order had the three cars going 1,2,3 but later NASCAR changed that and put the cars 45th (#77), 46th (#66) and 47th (#21).
    An earlier qualifying spot would had been better as it will be cooler.

    Qualifying order is set by the first practice session, with slowest driver going out by speed and the fastest going out last. The non-top 35 drivers are now mixed in with the top-35 in owners points, slowest to fastest.
    See the full qualifying order on the Talladega Qualifying Page.(10-21-2011)

  • Happy Hour practice for the Good Sam Club 500 Sprint Cup Series race at Talladega Superspeedway, is over, after 65 scheduled minutes, the top-6, slowest and any notes:
    #00-Reutimann 197.159
    #56-Truex Jr. 197.143
    #20-Logano 196.350
    #18-Busch 196.349
    #48-Johnson 196.306
    #88-Earnhardt Jr. 196.302
    slowest: #34-Gilliland 155.404 & #77-Bell 174.878
    Eight teams did not practice: #11-Hamlin, #39-Newman, #47-Labonte, #27-Menard, #29-Harvick, #13-Mears, #33-Bowyer, #83-Vickers.
    Notes: #18-Busch lost a tire, smacked the wall, tore up the right fender and the team will go to a backup car. Busch was able to get out and run four practice laps in the backup car.
    See fastest speeds, laps run, average speed and best 10-lap average on the Talladega Practice Speeds Page.(10-21-2011)
  • Friday’s first practice for the Good Sam Club 500 Sprint Cup Series race at Talladega Superspeedway, is over, the top-6, slowest and any notes:
    #16-Biffle 198.941
    #99-Edwards 198.936
    #5-Martin 198.545
    #24-Gordon 198.384
    #9-Ambrose 197.061
    #43-Allmendinger 197.053
    slowest: #97-Conway 167.284 & #35-Bodine 174.968
    no speed: #77-Bell, #21-Bayne, #66-McDowell
    Notes: this practice will determine the qualifying order for Saturday qualifying, scheduled for 12:15pm/et on SPEED. So the three cars that didn’t run the 1st practice, will go out first in qualifying, by lowest in owners points, so #77-Bell goes out first then #66-McDowell and #21-Bayne.
    See fastest speeds, laps run, average speed and best 10-lap average on the Talladega Practice Speeds Page.(10-21-2011)
  • 1st Practice rank for the non top-35 drivers at Talladega:
    (these speeds mean more then the drafting speeds, look for the #21 to be fast even thou it didn’t practice in this session)
    if things stay the same, these eight drivers would make the race:
    #55-J.J. Yeley, 30th fastest overall
    #15-Michael Waltrip, 34th
    #38-Travis Kvapil, 35th
    #87-Joe Nemechek, 36th
    #7-Robby Gordon, 38th
    #37-Josh Wise, 41st
    #46-Scott Speed, 42nd
    #35-Geoff Bodine, 43rd
    these drivers would miss the race if the order stayed the same:
    #97-Kevin Conway, 44th
    #21-Trevor Bayne, no speed
    #66-Michael McDowell, no speed
    #77-T.J. Bell, no speed

  • Schrader to run at Martinsville: per Ken Schrader’s twitter – “Ken will resume his driving duties for Frank Stoddard’s FAS Lane #32 team for the Martinsville Sprint Cup race on Sunday, October 30”.(10-21-2011)
  • Chassis selections for this weeks race: see the list of many teams [that report or post these] and what chassis were selected by the team to run in the Good Sam Club 500 Sprint Cup Series race at Talladega Superspeedway on the Talladega Race Info page – Chassis selection area.

  • Kyle Busch to field Nationwide Series team in 2012: from a Toyota Motorsports Transcript, #18-Kyle Busch announced he will run a Nationwide Series team in 2012:
    Busch: “On behalf of myself and Kyle Busch Motorsports (KBM), it’s just a subtle little announcement that KBM is transitioning into the Nationwide Series next year to go race a full-funded team for the championship and I can’t announce any further details, besides that it will be a Toyota. Excited about it. It’s a great opportunity for myself and for the Kyle Busch Motorsports organization for everybody there that’s there now that we have on the line to hire to bring over in order to foresee that program being successful. We’re excited. It’s a great day for us. Crew chiefs, sponsors, drivers — all that stuff will be announced at a later time. Wanted to get it out there before Jayski, so we did it. That was good.” (so now ‘my’ mission is to find out the sponsor before announced……)
    Q) Will Kyle Busch Motorsports continue to compete in the Truck Series?
    Busch: “I did say transitioning in. We did run one race earlier this year, through help with NEMCO Motorsports, running Kimi Raikkonen at Charlotte, so we have the equipment started. We will run trucks also. We will keep the 18 truck going for a full season next year. We are just a few races shy being full sponsorship on that deal. Obviously, last week with Dollar General — announcing those guys coming back to help us with the Truck Series program and, you know, with the driver and all that kinds of stuff, it’s all pretty much done. It’s just a matter of waiting until the time in which the sponsor is ready to announce all that stuff.”
    Q) Is it safe to assume you will drive Nationwide races for KBM and Joe Gibbs Racing next year?
    Busch: “It’s kind of the point to really announce later, but it’s safe to assume that I will be running in some Nationwide races at Kyle Busch Motorsports. I will also still commit to my current obligations that I have at JGR (Joe Gibbs Racing) and run over there too. I’ll be split between two Nationwide teams essentially driving some races. What number that’s going to be yet, that’s to be decided. Certainly we’ve gone over it with JGR and everything. This is definitely nothing new to those guys. There’s certainly the amount of races that I’ve already been set to run in the Nationwide car for next year with JGR. We’ll still continue to plan all that out into these next few weeks or next few months maybe before our announcement.”(Toyota Motorsports)(10-21-2011)

  • Denny Hamlin to run Martinsville truck race for Kyle Busch: Kyle Busch Motorsports announced that Denny Hamlin will drive the team’s #18 Tundra in the Kroger 200 Camping World Truck Series race at Martinsville Speedway Saturday, Oct. 29. Toyota and Traxxas, the leading manufacturer of hobby-class radio-controlled vehicles, will serve as co-primary sponsors. Hamlin has posted five top-10 finishes in 11 career Truck Series starts, including two top 10s in four starts at Martinsville. His career-best result behind the wheel of a truck was a third-place finish in the 2008 E-Z Go 200 at Atlanta.(Kyle Busch Motorsports PR)(10-21-2011)

  • Jimmy John’s final 2011 race: The black, red and white colors of Jimmy John’s Gourmet Sandwiches will adorn the #29 Chevy of Kevin Harvick as the team’s primary sponsor for the sixth and final time in 2011 this weekend at Talladega Superspeedway (RCR), see images of the scheme on my #29 Team Schemes page.(10-21-2011)

  • TRG Motorsports Fielding Two Cars in Talladega: TRG Motorsports will once again be fielding two entries in this Sunday’s Good Sam Club 500 at Talladega Superspeedway. Andy Lally will race the #71 TRG Motorsports Ford while T.J. Bell will attempt to qualify the #77 TRG Motorsports entry into the race. On the track, Lally, who finished 19th in the spring race at Talladega, is looking forward to returning to the venue in which he earned his best finish this season. Bell will be seeking to make his fifth Sprint Cup Series start of 2011 on Sunday. The Nevada native holds one career top-10 finish in three career NASCAR Camping World Truck Series starts at Talladega. “I’m happy to be here racing with TRG Motorsports this weekend. They are a really great group of guys that have put together a phenomenal program. I saw what they’ve done at the restrictor plate tracks this season and it was a pretty easy decision that this was the seat to be in this weekend. It’s with mixed emotions that we’re honoring Dan Wheldon on our #77 car this weekend. His loss is tragic, but I am more than honored to celebrate his life on my car this weekend” says Bell. Wheldon was driving a car numbered 77 when last weekend’s tragedy occurred. His name will adorn the namerail of Bell’s entry. The team will be honoring the memory of Dan Wheldon in this Sunday’s Good Sam Club 500 at Talladega Superspeedway. Wheldon, a former IndyCar Series Champion and Two-Time Indy 500 winner passed away this past Sunday due to injuries sustained while racing at Las Vegas Motor Speedway. Both Lally and Bell raced with Wheldon as they made their way through the racing ranks and will honor his memory this weekend.(TRG Motorsports), see images of the #77 car on my #77 TRG Team Schemes page.(10-21-2011)

  • Motorsports Artist Garry Hill Exhibits Artwork at International Motorsports HOF: Motorsports artist Garry Hill will exhibit his paintings and limited edition prints featuring the rich tradition and history of NASCAR Sprint Cup racing Oct 20-23 at the International Motorsports Hall of Fame. “Today’s sophisticated version of the sport is every bit as exciting as the rough and tumble early days. The current teams sporting corporate America’s colors seem far removed from their thrown together beginnings. However, the more things change they remain the same. The need for speed today is the same as yesterday. The arenas may have changed, the names may have changed, but the desire is the same – Get to the Finish Line First! The sport has a bright future as well as a past rich with legends and great moments that will live forever”, said Hill. Hill’s paintings and prints capture such moments as Richard Petty’s 200th victory in the 1984 “Firecracker 400”, Dale Earnhardt in “The Great American Racer” winning the 1998 Daytona 500, Jeff Gordon victorious in “Brickyard Thunder” the inaugural Brickyard 400, Bill Elliott winning the “Winston Million” in the 1985 “Southern 500”, Dale Earnhardt’s remarkable trip through the grass at Charlotte Motor Speedway to win “The Winston” all-star race in 1987 and many more including moments from Talladega Superspeedway. Limited edition fine art prints from the original paintings will be available to collectors personally hand signed by the winning drivers. Hill of Mooresville, NC remarked, “I see these paintings and prints as a tribute to the people and the machines that have made the sport so great,” says artist Garry Hill, of Mooresville, North Carolina. “A picture is worth a thousand words so this is my way of telling the story of NASCR Sprint Cup Racing.” To learn more about the artworks and see the subjects of his original paintings and prints visit www.garryhill.com (Please note the two “R”s in Garry).
    IMHOF race week hours: Friday, October 21 and Saturday, October 22 from 7 am to 7 pm and Sunday, October 23 from 7 am to 2 pm.(International Motorsports Hall of Fame)(10-21-2011)

  • Some rule changes to watch for this weekend at Talladega: The size of the restrictor plate that teams will use to prepare and practice for the race will increase by 1/64 inch and is now going to be 57/64-inch diameter. This will provide the teams with an additional 7-10 horsepower. Additionally, the pressure relief valve on the cars’ cooling system will be re-calibrated to reduce the pressure by approximately eight pounds per square inch from this past April’s race at Talladega.(NASCAR)(10-21-2011)

  • Thomas Kinkade paints tribute to Talladega Superspeedway: The Thomas Kinkade Company (TKC) announced the release of Thomas Kinkade’s newest image entitled, “This is Talladega”. The image is one of the artist’s most exciting sports paintings to date. The rumble and roar of the cars is almost heard as they cross the finish line in this depiction of Talladega. Thomas Kinkade portrays the “Dominator” of Talladega, Dale Earnhardt, the famed #3 car, as taking the checkered flag to win the race. Thom painted this image to make the viewer feel the thrill of the finish. Race fans will also notice the artist has blended the past with present, making it a timeless part of each fan’s favorite memory of the track.
    During race weekend, Oct 21st through 23rd, The Thomas Kinkade Company and the local Thomas Kinkade Gallery of Birmingham will be onsite at Talladega Superspeedway selling a variety of products showcasing this image.(TSS)(10-21-2011)

  • It’s Not Over ‘Til It’s Over, Especially With Johnson: #48-Jimmie Johnson, thanks to the fifth-worst finish of his Chase for the NASCAR Sprint Cup career (34th), now sits eighth in the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series standings, 35 points behind leader #99-Carl Edwards. There are three reasons to believe Johnson will climb out of this hole.
    1) Johnson’s current 35-point deficit roughly equates to 145 points in the “old” points system. With five races to go in 2006, Johnson overcame a deficit of 146 points to win his first championship.
    2) He can win races in bunches, especially in pressure packed situations like this one. In 2007, Johnson won four consecutive races – at this exact juncture.
    3) Talladega and Phoenix await. Talladega is the ultimate wild-card track (more on this in the note below). Phoenix, with its repave, is an unknown. Some called it a brand-new track after the test two weeks ago.(NASCAR)(10-21-2011)
  • added a bunch of scheme from Charlotte in October:
    #00 Aaron’s Dream Machine / Breast Cancer Awareness Month, #5 GoDaddy.com / Chevy 100th, #6 UPS Freight, #7 Speed Energy, #9 Bostitch, #16 3M Give Kids a Smile Special, #17 Fluidmaster, #21 Glen Wood Hall of Fame Tribute, #22 Pennzoil Ultra, #24 Drive to End Hunger / Chevy 100th, #32 Street King, #34 Tasty Kake, #35 Luke and Assoc., #37 Aquaria, #39 Cookies for Kids Cancer, #46 Whitney Motorsports, #47 Lance / Tom’s Snacks, #48 Lowe’s – Chevy 100th, #51 Phoenix Construction , #55 Infersoll Rand, #71 Susan G. Komen – pink, #77 TRG Motorsports, #88 AMP / Chevy 100th, #99 Aflac Hiring

  • Newman & Thompson to be inducted into Talladega Walk of Fame: The fans have spoken… and #39-Ryan Newman and Speedy Thompson will be the next drivers enshrined to the Talladega-Texaco Walk of Fame on Saturday, Oct. 22. The Talladega-Texaco Walk of Fame in downtown Talladega is both a focal point saluting NASCAR’s greatest names and a tribute to one of racing’s brightest stars – the late Davey Allison. Developed in 1994, the Talladega-Texaco Walk of Fame has inducted one active driver and up to two inactive drivers since 1995 based on the fans’ vote chosen from a ballot of nominees selected by strict guidelines. This year’s active driver honoree, Newman, 33, is not your ordinary NASCAR driver. A graduate of Purdue University, Newman not only has immense talent behind the wheel, he also has an in-depth understanding of what a car is designed and built to do on the racetrack. It is that combination that has made him one of the most successful and respected figures in modern motorsports.
    Inactive driver nominee, Alfred “Speedy” Thompson was one of the most successful drivers of the late 1950’s. He made 198 starts from 1950 – 1971, winning 20 races along with scoring 78 top-fives, 106 top-tens, and 20 poles. Over the course of the 1957 season, Thompson made 38 starts, notching two wins, 16 top five finishes, and 22 top ten finishes. He earned four poles, won almost $27,000, and his average finish position was 10.2. In over 21 years of racing, Speedy started 198 races, posting 105 top ten finishes, of which 77 were top fives and 20 were victories. Speedy earned just shy of $115,000 over his career, but for four consecutive seasons, the only four he raced anywhere near a full schedule, he was the third greatest stock car racer in the country. Thompson left the sport as a pioneer in stock car racing and is considered to be among the top 50 greatest NASCAR drivers in history. Thompson passed away April 2, 1972.
    In the park, Davey Allison is remembered with a large marble monument, while drivers inducted into the Talladega-Texaco Walk of Fame have bronze plaques placed around the park, accessible by walkways that form the shape of Talladega Superspeedway.(Talladega Walk of Fame)(10-21-2011)

  • MWR settles suit with former engineer: Michael Waltrip Racing has settled a lawsuit with a former engineer who left the organization for a Formula One team before his contract allegedly ran out. MWR had sued Mike Coughlan and the Williams F1 team in U.S. District Court in Charlotte, asking for an unspecified amount in damages for breach of contract and, against Williams, interference with the contract. In a filing Tuesday, attorneys on both sides asked the court to dismiss the case. No reason was given for the request, but Michael Waltrip Racing confirmed the settlement.(SceneDaily)(10-21-2011)

  • Tattoos For A Cause: Knowing that tattoos are one of the most iconic symbols of badass NASCAR fans, #17-Matt Kenseth and his Talladega sponsor Jeremiah Weed flavored malt beverages, will provide free Jeremiah Weed and Matt Kenseth-inspired tattoos to adult race fans on the Saturday of the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series race weekend at Talladega Superspeedway. A series of tattoos will be available for fans to choose from including Matt’s signature, a number 17, Jeremiah Weed logos and a Jeremiah Weed Lightning Lemonade flavored malt beverage can. For every tattoo inked, Jeremiah Weed will make a $100 donation to The Air Force Village, a charity committed to providing a safe, secure and dignified place for indigent surviving spouses of retired Air Force personnel.(RFR)(10-21-2011)

  • RCR Teams With Extra F.U.E.L.: All Richard Childress Racing vehicles competing in this weekend’s events at Talladega Superspeedway will carry a decal for Bryson’s F.U.E.L.(Families United to Eliminate Leukemia ), an organization dedicated to assisting families who are currently battling childhood cancer. Bryson Smith, the four-year-old son of Jim (& Heather) Smith, who builds the RCR Street Performance Camaro, has been courageously fighting a battle with acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) since June. The Smiths started the Bryson’s F.U.E.L Foundation in hopes of relieving the financial and emotional burden of families who are undergoing treatment at Levine’s (Charlotte, N.C.) & Brenner’s (Winston-Salem, N.C.) Children’s Hospitals (RCR)(10-21-2011)

  • Smith’s Talladega Helmet to Support Children: #78-Regan Smith’s helmet for this weekend’s NASCAR Sprint Cup race at Talladega Superspeedway will have a special paint scheme, supporting the Children of Fallen Patriots Foundation whose mission is to provide college scholarships and educational counseling to military children who have lost a parent in combat or accidents. The red, white and blue helmet for the Furniture Row Racing driver will carry the www.fallenpatriots.org web site address and logo. The helmet will be auctioned off at the Children of Fallen Patriots Foundation gala, Saturday, Nov. 12 in Riverside, Conn.(Furniture Row Motorsports)(10-21-2011)

  • RCR Leasing Car and Hauler To Winston-Salem State’s Motorsports Program: Richard Childress recently joined students, faculty and staff from Winston-Salem State University’s motorsports management program to receive a special thank you from the school for the race car and hauler RCR is providing to the university. “We were pleased to be able to say ‘thank you’ and to recognize Richard Childress and the staff at RCR for all of their support,” said Dr. Travis Teague, coordinator of the Motorsports Management Program. “This donation is a major step in our vision of having a race car for our educational purposes as well as being able to utilize it as a great marketing piece for the entire university.” RCR donated the car to the university and is leasing the hauler to them for $1 a year. The celebration and thank you was held October 5 at the RCR Museum parking lot. WSSU is the only four-year university in the country and the only HBCU (Historically Black College and University) to offer a Bachelor of Science degree program in Motorsport Management. The program prepares students for entry-level positions in motorsports operations, marketing and event planning.(WSSU/RCR)(10-21-2011)
  • Sad News – Dan Wheldon: Dan Wheldon, the 2011 Indianapolis 500 winner and one of the most popular drivers in open-wheel racing, died Sunday at Las Vegas Motor Speedway in a horrific multi-car crash only 11 laps into the IndyCar Series season finale. Officials decided to call the race, but the drivers did a five-lap tribute to Wheldon. IndyCar Series CEORandy Bernard made the officials announcmeent of Wheldon’s death without further comment. “IndyCar is very sad to announce that Dan Wheldon has passed away from unsurvivable injuries,” Bernard said. “Our thoughts and prayers are with his family today. IndyCar, its drivers and owners, have decided to end the race. In honor of Dan Wheldon, the drivers have decided to do a five-lap salute to in his honor.” Wheldon, 33 and the 2005 series champion from Emberton, England, was competing in only his third IndyCar race of the season, trying to win the event and earn a $5 million bonus that was part of a league promotion for drivers who didn’t compete full-time in the series this year.(ESPN)(10-16-2011)
    AND The Dan Wheldon Family Trust Fund has been established for the financial security of Wheldon’s family. The public can make contributions to the Dan Wheldon Family Trust Fund starting Wednesday, Oct. 19 at the following address: Fifth Third Private Bank Attn: Dan Wheldon Family Trust 251 North Illinois St. Suite 1000 Indianapolis, IN 46204.(10-19-2011)
    SERVICES: Funeral services for two-time Indianapolis 500 winner Dan Wheldon will be held Saturday, October 22nd in St. Petersburg, Fla. The two-time Indianapolis 500 winner was killed in a fiery 15-car crash at Sunday’s season-ending IndyCar race in Las Vegas. He was 33. On Thursday, series officials released the funeral arrangements and a statement from Wheldon’s widow, Susie. The funeral is scheduled for 10 a.m. at First Presbyterian Church in St. Pete.(10-21-2011)


     

    News from October 20, 2011

     

  • Paint the 88 scheme for Dale Jr at ‘Dega: Dale Earnhardt Jr.’s car will have a different look this weekend at Talladega Superspeedway as he debuts his #88 Diet Mountain Dew Paint the 88/National Guard Chevy, which was designed by Amy Stanton, of Mooresville, N.C. Between July 1 and Aug. 10 this year, fans had the opportunity to design Earnhardt’s car for this weekend’s race. Earnhardt chose Stanton’s design from almost 11,000 submissions. Earnhardt will make his 550th start in a NASCAR-sanctioned points-paying event this weekend. Earnhardt will be making his 431st NASCAR Sprint Cup Series start when he lines up Sunday at Talladega. He has tallied 119 starts in the NASCAR Nationwide Series (HMS), see an image of the scheme on my #88 Team Schemes page.(10-20-2011)

  • Electronic Fuel Injection Test at Talladega UPDATE: The NASCAR Sprint Cup Series will test Electronic Fuel Injection at Talladega Superspeedway as research and development continues leading up to the full implementation of EFI in the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series for the 2012 season. Testing is scheduled for Thursday, Oct. 20. Teams will be on track from 10 am – 4 pm/ct. Ten teams have entered for the test [as of Wed, Oct 19th]. Those include teams from Hendrick Motorsports, Joe Gibbs Racing, Penske Racing, Roush Fenway Racing (2), Richard Childress Racing (2), Michael Waltrip Racing, Earnhardt-Ganassi Racing and Stewart-Haas Racing.(NASCAR)(10-20-2011)

    UPDATE: For the second time this week, NASCAR Sprint Cup Series teams tested Electronic Fuel Injection on track, as 10 cars whirled around the 2.66-mile high banks of Talladega Superspeedway Thursday. Ten cars turned laps, including two teams from Roush Fenway Racing and Richard Childress Racing, and one team each from Hendrick Motorsports, Earnhardt-Ganassi Racing, Stewart-Haas Racing, Michael Waltrip Racing, Penske Racing and Joe Gibbs Racing. Teams also tested EFI last Monday at Charlotte Motor Speedway. Plans call for the full implementation of EFI in the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series beginning with the 2012 season.
    Teams opted to test with a 7/8″ restrictor plate size, the same size plate openings used at last April’s NASCAR Sprint Cup Series event at Talladega. NASCAR increased the restrictor plate opening by 1/64″ for this weekend’s event, with teams preparing and practicing with a 57/64″ size plate starting Friday.
    “The test went really smooth,” said #27-Paul Menard, the 2011 Brickyard 400 winner. “I had no issues at all with the motor. I think they have worked through the growing pains and we have a really good product right now. If we had to go racing with the Electronic Fuel Injection right now, we’d feel pretty comfortable with it.”
    Robin Pemberton, NASCAR vice president of competition, says NASCAR continues to be pleased with the progress the teams have shown with the EFI. “It was important that we tested on a superspeedway and the teams will be able to use this data in preparation for Speedweeks in 2012,” said Pemberton. “We have one more test scheduled at Martinsville (Oct. 31) and then we will be gearing up for Daytona in January. We’re confident that with the partners we’ve selected, we will continue to have a level field of competition throughout the garage.” Pemberton also said the teams experimented with a smaller spoiler over the last 30 minutes of the test session Thursday. “Some of the early feedback that we received was that it might have been a little harder to hook up in the draft and a little harder to back into the car behind you,” said Pemberton. “We’ll see what the information and data shows us.”
    Fuel injection is expected to positively impact the fuel mileage in the NASCAR Sprint Cup cars. To what extent, however, is something that will only be determined with continued R&D, says #20-Joey Logano. “That’s a great question,” said Logano, when asked how much of an increase in fuel mileage the cars might receive next season. “Once the teams figure out the fuel maps and begin to perfect the fuel injection system even more, I think we’ll have a much better understanding of that.” Trevor Bayne, the 2011 Daytona 500 winner, drove one of the Roush-Fenway cars today and posted the fastest lap of the session at 194.444 mph.(NASCAR)(10-20-2011)

  • The Entry List for the Good Sam Club 500 Sprint Cup Series race at Talladega Superspeedway is posted,
    47 teams/drivers [for 43 starting spots] are listed, including:
    in an odd twist, the #77 was listed, then shown as withdrawn and now, back on the list
    Not in top 35 of owners points:
    #7-Robby Gordon (37/31)
    #15-Michael Waltrip (48/3)
    #21-Trevor Bayne (38/15)(2011 race winner)
    #35-Geoff Bodine (46/9)
    #37-Josh Wise (39/31)
    #38-Travis Kvapil (36/31)
    #46-Scott Speed (40/31)
    #55-J.J. Yeley (51/13)
    #66-Michael McDowell (41/31)
    #77-T.J. Bell (57/1)
    #87-Joe Nemechek (42/31)
    #97-Kevin Conway (55/3)

    In the event that qualifying is cancelled:
    the eight who would make it [8]: #’s 21,38,7,37,46,66,87,55
    missing the race would be [4]: #’s 35,97,15,77
    See the full entry list at my Jayski’s Talladega Entry List.(10-17/20-2011)

  • Gilliland Racing for World Hunger Relief at Talladega: #34-David Gilliland will be driving for more than just points and pride this weekend at Talladega Superspeedway. He’ll be driving for World Hunger Relief, the annual hunger relief effort conducted by Yum! Brands. The logo and website of the campaign will adorn the hood and rear quarter panels of the #34 Ford Fusion for the Good Sam Club 500 race weekend. Gilliland and Front Row Motorsports are asking fans to donate a dollar to the cause – an amount that can provide four meals to hungry children at school. Fans can visit www.FromHungertoHope.com and click on the “Click to Donate” button under the red “$1” symbol or visit any participating Yum! Brand restaurant to donate in person. Yum! Brands is the parent company of KFC, Pizza Hut and Taco Bell restaurants, whose logos will also be on the #34 Ford at Talladega. Front Row Motorsports team owner Bob Jenkins is a Yum! franchisee, operating 132 restaurants around the eastern part of the United States.(Front Row Motorsports / Breaking Limits)(10-20-2011)
  • Talladega Tire Facts: Teams in both NASCAR series in action at Talladega this weekend will run the same tire codes, though the Sprint Cup tires will be branded “Goodyear Eagle,” while the Camping World Truck tires will be branded “Goodyear Wrangler” . . . this is the same combination of left- and right-side tires that Sprint Cup teams ran at Talladega this past April . . . Cup and Truck teams have also run this same tire set-up at Daytona this season . . . NASCAR teams have run this left-side tire code at Talladega since 2009 . . . as on all NASCAR ovals greater than one mile length, teams are required to run inner liners in all four tire positions at Talladega . . . air pressure in those inner liners should be 12-25 psi greater than that of the outer tire.(Goodyear), see tire codes, pressures, more on the Talladega Race Info page – Goodyear section.(10-20-2011)

  • Some milestones at Talladega: #47-Bobby Labonte will attempt to make his 650th series start – he is 16th on the all-time NSCS starts list. #42-Juan Pablo Montoya will attempt to post his 200th NASCAR national series start and his 50th series top-10 finish, #39-Ryan Newman will attempt to post his 50th series Coors Light pole, #22-Kurt Busch will be going for his 25th series win, #43-AJ Allmendinger and #9-Marcos Ambrose will attempt to post their 25th top-10 series finish each.(NASCAR)(10-20-2011)

  • NASCAR plans tribute to Wheldon: A special tribute to fallen IndyCar driver Dan Wheldon will be part of the next Sprint Cup race Sunday at Talladega Superspeedway, according to NASCAR president Mike Helton. Helton said the 15-car crash that killed the 33-year-old Wheldon Sunday touched the NASCAR community and details are being ironed out to decide how best to honor him. “Grant Lynch (Talladega Superspeedway manager) is working on things to be respectful of what happened to Dan,” Helton said. “We will remember his wife Susie and their family. As we get closer to Talladega and do what we do we’ll have more details.”(Tennessean)
    AND NASCAR will provide teams with a B-post decal in honor of Dan Wheldon for all the cars and trucks this weekend in Talladega.

    The Lionheart Knight image is one that was included on the back of every one of Dan’s helmets. NASCAR also is producing helmet decals for any of the drivers who would like to run a version of the decal on their helmets. The decals will be delivered trackside on Friday. As always, the decals will be provided to the teams during the inspection process throughout the course of the weekend. Additionally, some of the drivers also have their own personal plans to recognize Dan this weekend.
    As part of the NASCAR Pre Race run of show, NASCAR will include a moment of silence in Dan’s honor prior to the invocations Saturday and Sunday (NASCAR). Been told the decals will not be made available to the public or for sale.

    SERVICE / TV: A public memorial service for driver Dan Wheldon will be Sunday at Conseco Fieldhouse in Downtown Indianapolis. The event will be at 4 pm/et Sunday at the home of the Indiana Pacers and Indiana Fever, 125 S. Pennsylvania St. No additional details were provided late Tuesday night in a news release from Amy Konrath, an IndyCar spokeswoman. The event will be carried live on Versus from 4-5 pm.(10-20-2011)

  • JTG Daugherty Racing to announce 2012 plans: JTG Daugherty Racing owners to announce 2012 sponsor lineup for the #47 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series entry, make official driver announcement, and upcoming changes for the racing organization on Saturday, October 22nd at Talladega Superspeedway. Bobby Labonte is the current driver.(JTG)(10-20-2011)
  • added a bunch of scheme from Charlotte in October:
    #00 Aaron’s Dream Machine / Breast Cancer Awareness Month, #5 GoDaddy.com / Chevy 100th, #6 UPS Freight, #7 Speed Energy, #9 Bostitch, #16 3M Give Kids a Smile Special, #17 Fluidmaster, #21 Glen Wood Hall of Fame Tribute, #22 Pennzoil Ultra, #24 Drive to End Hunger / Chevy 100th, #32 Street King, #34 Tasty Kake, #35 Luke and Assoc., #37 Aquaria, #39 Cookies for Kids Cancer, #46 Whitney Motorsports, #47 Lance / Tom’s Snacks, #48 Lowe’s – Chevy 100th, #51 Phoenix Construction , #55 Infersoll Rand, #71 Susan G. Komen – pink, #77 TRG Motorsports, #88 AMP / Chevy 100th, #99 Aflac Hiring.(10-20-2011)

  • Truck Series team announces Sprint Cup program for 2012: Winfield Motorsports announced that they are switching manufacturers. The team, currently fielding Dodge entries will be fielding Toyota’s for their 2012 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series, NASCAR Nationwide Series, and NASCAR Camping World Truck Series teams. “Our plans are to run full time in the NASCAR Nationwide Series and NASCAR Camping World Truck Series, with a partial NASCAR Sprint Cup Series effort next year” said CEO/principal partner Robert Winfield. “Winfield Motorsports looks forward to working with TRD/Toyota Motorsports who will be supplying technical and engineering support for our programs in an effort to compete at the highest level.” Winfield Motorsports LLC was established in 2011 fielding the #27 in the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series. The team will be announcing sponsorship and the driver lineup in the coming weeks. (Winfield Motorsports PR)(10-20-2011)

  • Montoya inducted into Miami Sports Hall of Champions: South Florida resident and NASCAR Sprint Cup Series driver #42-Juan Pablo Montoya was inducted into the Miami Sports Hall of Champions on Wednesday. Joined on stage by Homestead-Miami Speedway Track President Matthew Becherer and Lawson Dutton of Dutton Press, Montoya was enshrined during ceremonies at the 20th Annual Sports Hall of Champions Awards at American Airlines Arena in Miami. The Hall of Champions, in conjunction with the Greater Miami Chamber of Commerce, honors individuals that bring “significant recognition to Greater Miami through achievements in, and contributions to, sports and the competitive spirit of the local community.” Montoya joins a group of Sports Hall of Champions inductees that includes: Dan Marino, Joe DiMaggio, Muhammad Ali, Don Shula, Alonzo Mourning and Greg Louganis. Along with Montoya, the 2011 induction class included: pro football Hall of Famer Michael Irvin, former Florida Marlins manager Jack McKeon, Olympic speed skater Jennifer Rodriguez, and Miami Heat analysts Tony “The Coach” Fiorentino and Eric Reid. For the third straight year Homestead-Miami Speedway is partnering with Montoya to create “Race Day with Juan Pablo Montoya” — an exclusive meet-and-greet opportunity prior to the Sunday, November 20, Sprint Cup Championship at Homestead-Miami Speedway. This exclusive package benefits the Formula Smiles Foundation. To purchase “Race Day with Juan Pablo Montoya” ($142) — or to upgrade to this package if tickets already have been purchased—please visit HomesteadMiamiSpeedway.com/Montoya or call (866) 409-RACE.(HMS)(10-20-2011)

  • #17 crew voted 3rd Qtr Mechanix Wear Most Valuable Pit Crew: The pit crew of the #17 Crown Royal Ford of Matt Kenseth and Roush Fenway Racing has earned third-quarter honors in the 2011 Mechanix Wear Most Valuable Pit Crew Award competition, taking home the $5,000 quarterly prize – a reward certainly worth a toast or two. The Mechanix Wear Most Valuable Pit Crew Award, which is determined by a vote of each team’s crew chief, is given quarterly to the top-performing pit crew in the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series. The four quarterly winners are eligible for the year-end Mechanix Wear Most Valuable Pit Crew Award presented during Champion’s Week in Las Vegas – and the $100,000 grand prize.
    This year celebrates the 10th annual Mechanix Wear Most Valuable Pit Crew Championship – the only authentic competition voted on by crew chiefs – as well as the safety innovator’s 20th year in the sport. Mechanix Wear, the #1 glove in racing, is the Official Glove of NASCAR used by nearly all pit crew members in the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series.
    “These guys were essential to us making the Chase for the Championship,” said Kenseth. “They’ve kept us in the hunt every week so far, and we’re looking forward to more fast, solid pit stops in the next five weeks. The #17 Crown Royal team has done a great job week in and week out on pit road and it’s great to see them get credit for their hard work.”
    So far, Kenseth and the #17 team have two wins, nine top-fives and 17 top-10s. As Kenseth continues to perform well on the track, Jimmy Fennig, crew chief on the #17 Ford, continues to maintain that same level of performance by keeping the pit crew at the top of its game. “When you get into the Chase, the pressure on the pit crew gets intense,” said Fennig. “Every stop can contribute to winning or losing the championship. These guys have worked so hard all year, and continue to perform at an incredible level throughout the Chase.”
    Members of the #17 pit crew include:
    Jack man — Cameron Cobb; Front tire changer — Justin Nottestad; Front tire carrier — Joe Crossen; Gas man — Shawn Ward; Rear tire carrier — Ryan McCray; Rear tire changer — Jon Moore. “A quick grip and a strong hand are crucial to any pit stop in any of the NASCAR racing series,” said Ted Abdon, Director of Racing for Mechanix Wear. “The right kind of glove not only aids with this but works as a tool to keep the pit crews safer and more efficient. We continue to strive to produce the best product available to ensure they can continue to be the best.”(Mechanix Wear)(10-20-2011)
  • Sad News – Harlis Moles: Harlis Moles of Floyd, Va passed away October 15, 2011. He was the father of Charles Moles who is the transporter driver/tire specalist for the #30 Sprint Cup Car driven by David Stremme and sponsored by Inception Motorsports.(maberryfuneralhome.com)(10-20-2011)


     

    News from October 19, 2011

     

  • El Monterey To Serve as Primary Sponsor for Stewart at Talladega: El Monterey, the No. 1 frozen Mexican food brand in the United States, is looking to be No. 1 at the end of Sunday’s NASCAR Sprint Cup Series race at Talladega (Ala.) Superspeedway. The line of convenient Mexican snacks will adorn Tony Stewart’s #14 Chevy throughout the Talladega race weekend in its first stint as a primary sponsor at the elite Sprint Cup level, joining longtime sponsor Office Depot. “We’re obviously very proud to have El Monterey join Office Depot this weekend at Talladega,” said Stewart, who won at Talladega in October 2008 while totaling six second-place finishes in 25 career Sprint Cup starts at the 2.66-mile oval. “It’s a partnership that has only grown since they joined Stewart-Haas Racing, and to see El Monterey on the hood tells me this partnership works well for them, too.” El Monterey has served as an associate sponsor of Stewart’s #14 Office Depot/Mobil 1 Chevy since the beginning of the 2011 season, with its sister snack brand, Tornados, serving as an associate sponsor on Stewart’s car since 2010 and as a primary sponsor of Stewart’s SHR teammate, #39-Ryan Newman.(Stewart-Haas Racing), see an image of the scheme only #14 Team Schemes page.(10-19-2011)

  • Kurt Busch comments on crew chief rumors UPDATE: from a Kurt Busch NASCAR Teleconference Transcript via Dodge Motorsports, #22-Kurt Busch was asked about the rumors that his crew chief, Steve Addington, could be leaving the team after the 2011 season:
    Q) DURING THE CHASE THERE HAS BEEN RUMORS SWIRLING AROUND YOUR TEAM AND YOUR CREW CHIEF. HOW DO YOU STAY FOCUSED ON THE PRIZE AWAY FROM ALL THOSE RUMORS? IT HAS TO BE HARD FOR YOU AS A DRIVER?
    Busch: “I’ve been through it before with a crew chief that was leaving back in 2009 and actually finished fourth overall in the standings, even had a shot to win it until the wreck at Talladega. So that’s where we’re headed this weekend. We’ll stay focused on what we have to do. It doesn’t matter what the outside world says. We have five very important weeks ahead of us and each week is the most important week. Practice on Friday, qualify on Saturday, race on Sunday and that’s the best part, going out there and racing.”(Dodge Motorsports)(10-19-2011)
    UPDATE: Kurt Busch responded to widespread reports that his crewchief, Steve Addington, will leave the Shell-Pennzoil Dodge team at the end of the season, saying team owner Roger Penske holds an option on Addington’s contract that will keep the veteran crewchief atop the #22 pit box in 2012. Busch told Sirius XM NASCAR Radio’s Sirius Speedway with Dave Moody, “Roger Penske told me he has a contract option on Addington. It was not even up for discussion back in August, which is the normal contract season.” He accused outside parties of trying to distract the team from its championship run, which currently has him seventh in points, 27 behind leader Carl Edwards. “When you win like we did at Dover, you’re on top,” said Busch. “And immediately, somebody has to try and take you down. That’s when this rumor started, after we were a winning combination at Dover.
    “Why would we be splitting up?” asked Busch. “We’ve got five weeks (to go) and we’re in championship contention. (The media) wants to talk about things, and we want to get through the Chase. So why don’t we just wait until the end?” Addington has called the reports, “pure rumors and speculation.”(Sirius Speedway)(10-19-2011)

  • “Man vs. Food Nation” NASCAR episode: The “Man vs. Food Nation” episode filmed at Sticky Lips in Rochester will air on October 19 at 9 pm/et. The show, hosted by Adam Richman, is aired on the Travel Channel. It features Richman across the country, visiting local restaurants and then taking on a challenge at one of the restaurants. The October 19 show will be a NASCAR episode. Richman will coach #20-Joey Logano through a food competition of his own following the big race at Watkins Glen International. Logano will take on the “Atomic Bomb Challenge” at Sticky Lips which includes a three-pound bacon double cheeseburger loaded with pulled pork and meaty hot sauce over an additional pound of fries.(WHEC-TV)(10-19-2011)

  • ‘Jeff Gordon Expressway’ NASCAR’s #24 driver will soon be honored on a section of Interstate 85 near the Charlotte Motor Speedway. Tuesday, Mecklenburg County Commissioners approved the designation of the stretch of I-85 on the Mecklenburg-Cabarrus County line as “Jeff Gordon Expressway”. The “85” idea came about since Gordon recently took home the checkered flag for the 85th time in his career. However, Gordon’s NASCAR triumphs were just part of the designation as he was also hailed for charitable work at his Children’s Foundation and Children’s Hospital. “It’s been very rewarding,” said Gordon. “Something that you go through and the days, and you go to hospitals and you meet children and it breaks your heart and you want to do more.” The NC DOT’s sign committee and full board must still rubber stamp the Jeff Gordon Expressway designation on I-85 before markers go up for drivers.(News 14 Carolina)
    AND Jeff Gordon unveiled at the nearby Jeff Gordon Children’s Hospital the “Sounds of Pertussis” quilt in his continued effort to educate the masses on whooping cough. The “Race to Blanket America” quilt has 2,400 squares designed by individuals with the March of Dimes donating $1 for each square up to $10,000 (for more information, go to www.SoundsofPertussis.com). Gordon and his wife, Ingrid, designed one square and Gordon designed another. “All of us take calculated risks in our lives to some degree,” Gordon said. “But when it comes to our children, I don’t think that’s anything we can afford to be risky on.”(ESPN)(10-19-2011)

  • New look for the #6 for rest of season: Beginning this weekend in Talladega and running through the end of the season, UPS My Choice will be featured as the primary design on David Ragan’s #6 UPS Ford. UPS My Choice is a game-changing new service introduced by UPS in October that dramatically increases the likelihood of a successful package delivery on the first attempt by providing package recipients delivery alerts, specific delivery time frames, reroute options, visibility tools and electronic signature release, all by accessing ups.com through a computer or mobile phone.(Rosuh Fenway Racing)(10-19-2011)

  • 60 car parked for rest of season: per Sirius-Speedway.com / MRN announcer Dave Moody’s twitter (@DGodfatherMoody). Moody was asked “is [Mike] Skinner out of the #60 or did they skip this weekend?” Moody replied: The car is parked for the year. The #60 is not on the entry list for Talladega.(10-19-2011)

  • Josh Wise Eligible for 2012 Sprint Cup Rookie of the Year: Josh Wise, driver of the #37 Max Q Motorsports Ford, will be eligible for the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Rookie of the Year in 2012 even if he runs ten races this year. He is only accumulating points in the Nationwide Series, thus making him eligible. Team Owner, Larry Gunselman, stated, “Josh Wise has proven himself. He has talent and with his performance at Dover everyone can see that he is a serious contender for Rookie of the Year in 2012. Our company, Max Q is positioned and ready. We have everything in place, the people, equipment and the drive to succeed. Our team is ready to race in 2012, and we need a sponsor to help make it happen.” Max Q is seeking marketing partners to run Josh Wise in the #37 in an attempt to compete for the 2012 NASCAR Sprint Cup Rookie of the year.(Max Q PR)(10-19-2011)

  • The Numbers for the Good Sam Club 500 at Talladega:
    0 – fewest cautions for a Sprint Cup race at Talladega Superspeedway (three times, most recent 10/6/02)
    1 – fewest laps led by race winner (twice, most recent 4/26/09 – Brad Keselowski)
    1 – fewest cars on the lead lap at finish (twice, most recent 5/6/79)
    8 – cautions in last year’s spring race
    10 – most wins (Dale Earnhardt Sr.)
    11 – number of jet dryers available for track drying this weekend
    11 – most cautions (4/25/04)
    13 – wins from the pole; 33 from the front row
    14 – fewest running at finish (7/27/86)
    23 – races won from a starting spot outside the top 10
    29 – most leaders (5/25/11)
    35 – different pole winners
    40 – most cars running at finish (4/22/01)
    41 – drivers have posted wins in the 84 races
    62 – most caution laps (5/7/72)
    88 – most lead changes (twice, most recent 4/17/11)
    153 – most laps led by race winner (Pete Hamilton, 8/23/70)
    120 minutes – approximate amount of time it takes to dry the 2.66-mile track after a significant rainfall
    2011 Caution Update
    7 – number of races extended beyond scheduled distance in 2011
    3 – fewest cautions this season (New Hampshire, 9/25/11)
    16 – most cautions this season (Daytona 500)
    230 – number of cautions in the first 31 races of 2011; includes 110 for accidents, 54 for debris and 29 for spins
    1,107 of 8,949 – number of laps under caution in 2011
    1,513.119 of 12,260.158 – miles under caution in the first 31 races
    BONUS: In addition to Talladega Superspeedway (84 races), six other Alabama tracks hosted 19 Sprint Cup events from 1951 to 1969.
    (Darnell Communications for Dodge Motorsports)(10-19-2011)
  • Sad News – Dan Wheldon: Dan Wheldon, the 2011 Indianapolis 500 winner and one of the most popular drivers in open-wheel racing, died Sunday at Las Vegas Motor Speedway in a horrific multi-car crash only 11 laps into the IndyCar Series season finale. Officials decided to call the race, but the drivers did a five-lap tribute to Wheldon. IndyCar Series CEORandy Bernard made the officials announcmeent of Wheldon’s death without further comment. “IndyCar is very sad to announce that Dan Wheldon has passed away from unsurvivable injuries,” Bernard said. “Our thoughts and prayers are with his family today. IndyCar, its drivers and owners, have decided to end the race. In honor of Dan Wheldon, the drivers have decided to do a five-lap salute to in his honor.” Wheldon, 33 and the 2005 series champion from Emberton, England, was competing in only his third IndyCar race of the season, trying to win the event and earn a $5 million bonus that was part of a league promotion for drivers who didn’t compete full-time in the series this year.(ESPN)(10-16-2011)
    AND The Dan Wheldon Family Trust Fund has been established for the financial security of Wheldon’s family. The public can make contributions to the Dan Wheldon Family Trust Fund starting Wednesday, Oct. 19 at the following address: Fifth Third Private Bank Attn: Dan Wheldon Family Trust 251 North Illinois St. Suite 1000 Indianapolis, IN 46204.(10-19-2011)
  • Sad News – Rick Huseman: Veteran off-road racer Rick Huseman and his brother Jeff were killed in a small plane crash Sunday afternoon east of Barstow, Calif.
    State Police found the wreckage around 2:30 p.m. Sunday afternoon. In addition to Huseman, who was born in 1973 and his brother, a third victim has not been identified, but thought to be the plane’s pilot. “The entire Toyota Motorsports and TRD family wish to express our sincere condolences to the family of Rick Huseman in view of Sunday’s tragic event that claimed the lives of Rick, his brother, and the plane’s pilot,” said Toyota National Motorsports Manager Les Unger. A statement on the Rick Huseman Racing Website reads, “Tragically, Rick and his brother, Jeff, passed away October 16th in a plane crash. We will post funeral arrangements as soon as they are available. Please keep Michelle and the Huseman family in your prayers.”(NSSN)(10-19-2011)
  • Sad News – Kathy LaJoie: Kathleen “Kathy” Brady LaJoie passed away Saturday October 15th, one day before her 72nd birthday, following a valiant 2 year battle with liver cancer. Born and raised in Norwalk, CT. Kathy is survived by Donald LaJoie, whom she met while in high school. Don and Kathy have been married for 53 years. Kathy is the mother of two-time Nationawide Series Champion Randy LaJoie. More info at collins-funeral.com.(10-19-2011)
  • Talladega Superspeedway Saluting the Troops with Patriotic Pre-race: NASCAR races have long paid tribute to American service members with patriotic flyovers and national anthem performances. Race fans attending the Oct. 23rd Good Sam Club 500 at Talladega Superspeedway will see that tribute taken a step further with a host of military tributes during pre-race ceremonies. Including:
    · World War II military vehicle parade lap
    · 30 minute pre-race concert performed by the 82nd Airborne All-American Chorus
    · Parachute jump performed by the All-American Freefall Team
    · Presentation of the nation’s colors by the Alabama Army National Guard Color Guard
    · Performance of the national anthem by the 82nd Airborne All-American Chorus
    · Flyover by two F-22 Raptors from the 325th Fighter Wing, 43rd Fighter Squadron out of Tyndall Air Force Base.
    · Semi-truck parade lap presenting the American flag during the national anthem.
    “The men and women serving in the military are the ones that give us the freedoms to host events such as NASCAR races,” said Talladega Superspeedway Chairman Grant Lynch. “We appreciate all that they do for us and look forward to welcoming them to Talladega Superspeedway.” Race fans that want to experience true southern hospitality combined with the most competitive racing in NASCAR should call the Talladega Superspeedway Ticket Office today at 1-877-Go2-DEGA. Guests that purchase their tickets in advance have the opportunity to save over those who purchase during race week. Tickets are available online at www.talladegasuperspeedway.com.(TSS)(10-19-2011)
  • Martinsville Speedway Curbs Go Pink For Breast Care Awareness Month: The unique four-inch high curbs guarding the inside of the turns at Martinsville Speedway have drawn the anger of almost every driver who has competed at this historic track. But for the TUMS Fast Relief 500 weekend, the curbs will show a softer side. They have been painted pink in recognition of Breast Cancer Awareness Month. Four ladies involved with the “Ladies First” Martinsville and Henry County Breast Health Initiative helped track crews paint the curbs pink Tuesday morning. Two of the guest painters are breast cancer survivors. “We hope this small effort on our part will help draw some attention to a cause that’s so important,” said Martinsville Speedway president Clay Campbell. “All of us know someone that has been touched by breast cancer. We all need to do anything we can do to help bring attention to the cause.” “Martinsville Speedway continues to demonstrate their concern, involvement and commitment to our local community,” said Rita Winbush, project director of the “Ladies First” MHC Community Breast Health Initiative. “By painting the curbs pink, they bring attention to not only a national program like the Susan G. Komen Foundation for the Cure but also to local programs like our “Ladies First” MHC Community Breast Health Initiative. We commend NASCAR and Martinsville Speedway for all they do to help raise breast cancer awareness throughout the year.” The newly-painted curbs will be unveiled to the public for the first time on NASCAR Sprint Cup and Truck Series Practice Day on Friday, October 28. They will get their first real test on Saturday, October 29 with Farm Bureau Pole Day and the Kroger 200 NASCAR Camping World Truck Series race. And they will be center stage of the racing world on Sunday, October 30 for the TUMS Fast Relief 500. Tickets for the TUMS Fast Relief 500 and the Kroger 200 NASCAR Camping World Truck Series race may be purchased by calling 877.722.3849 (877.RACE.TIX) or by visiting www.martinsvillespeedway.com online.(Martinsville Speedway)(10-19-2011)


     

    News from October 18, 2011

     

  • The Entry List for the Good Sam Club 500 Sprint Cup Series race at Talladega Superspeedway is posted,
    46 teams/drivers [for 43 spots] are listed, including:
    Not in top 35 of owners points:
    #7-Robby Gordon (37/31)
    #15-Michael Waltrip (48/3)
    #21-Trevor Bayne (38/15)(2011 race winner)
    #35-Geoff Bodine (46/9)
    #37-Josh Wise (39/31)
    #38-Travis Kvapil (36/31)
    #46-Scott Speed (40/31)
    #55-J.J. Yeley (51/13)
    #66-Michael McDowell (41/31)
    #87-Joe Nemechek (42/31)
    #97-Kevin Conway (55/3)
    withdrew from event:
    #77-TBA (57/1)
    In the event that qualifying is cancelled:
    the eight who would make it [8]: #’s 21,38,7,37,46,66,87,55
    missing the race would be [4]: #’s 35,97,15,77
    See the full entry list at my Jayski’s Talladega Entry List.(10-17/18-2011)

  • RCR to Honor Chevy’s 100 Years with a special scheme on #33: Richard Childress Racing will honor Chevrolet’s 100 years with a special silver-and-black paint scheme on the #33 Chevy driven by Clint Bowyer in the October 23 Good Sam Club 500 at Talladega Superspeedway. The hood from the #33 Chevy 100 Years Chevrolet Impala and the race-worn firesuit of driver Clint Bowyer will be auctioned by Chevrolet to benefit the American Cancer Society’s Making Strides Against Breast Cancer program. The hood will be signed by Richard Childress, RCR’s president and CEO, as well as Bowyer and RCR’s other three NASCAR Sprint Cup Series drivers: Jeff Burton, Kevin Harvick and Paul Menard. Childress and Bowyer will also sign the firesuit.(RCR), see an image on the #33 Team Schemes page.(10-18-2011)

  • TV Ratings up for Charlotte: ABC’s live telecast of the Bank of America 500 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series race at Charlotte Motor Speedway on Saturday night, Oct. 15, earned a 3.2 U.S. rating, averaging 5,396,000 viewers, according to the Nielsen Company. The rating is even with the rating for last year’s race, which also aired on ABC on a Saturday night. ESPN2’s live telecast of the NASCAR Nationwide Series race at Charlotte on Friday night, Oct. 14, earned a 1.1 household coverage rating (1.0 U.S. rating), averaging 1,543,000 viewers. Last year’s race, which aired on ESPN2 on a Friday night, earned a 1.3 household coverage rating.(ESPN), see the 2011 TV Ratings page.(10-18-2011)

  • Teams test electronic fuel injection At Charlotte: Teams representing 11 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series cars turned upwards of 400 miles Monday during a test of Electronic Fuel Injection (EFI) at Charlotte Motor Speedway. Both NASCAR officials and drivers were optimistic about the continued development of the system. Plans call for the full implementation of EFI in the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series beginning with the 2012 season. Four Hendrick Motorsports teams, two Stewart-Haas Racing teams, one team from Richard Childress Racing, one team from Michael Waltrip Racing, one Earnhardt-Ganassi team, a team from Joe Gibbs Racing and one team from Roush-Fenway Racing participated in Monday’s test session. The #6 Roush Fenway Ford, driven by Trevor Bayne, turned in the day’s fastest lap with a speed of 189.793 mph. Ricky Stenhouse Jr. also tested the #6 Ford on Monday. Another NASCAR EFI test is scheduled for Thursday, Oct. 20 at Talladega Superspeedway. The test is set to run from 10 am – 4 pm/ct.(NASCAR)(10-18-2011)

  • Kahne gets in Hendrick #5 for first time: Kasey Kahne climbed from the non-descript gray car, dusted off his non-descript firesuit noticeably lacking in sponsorship decoration, and smiled. His first day in the #5 Chevy for Hendrick Motorsports had gone well. One of 11 drivers permitted to participate in an electronic fuel-injection (EFI) engine test for NASCAR on Monday at Charlotte Motor Speedway, Kahne said he thoroughly enjoyed his time behind the wheel of the car he will begin driving full-time in the Sprint Cup Series next season. “There were more differences than I expected. But then I thought back to Red Bull, and how much different that was from the prior year [at Richard Petty Motorsports], and how the cars are. It’s all little things, but they keep adding up and it kind of takes time to kind of figure out that feel.”(NASCAR.com)(10-18-2011)

  • Roush Yates Engines and Freescale Semiconductor partner on technology: Roush Yates Engines and Freescale Semiconductor announced a new partnership grounded in a shared vision for the expanding role of technology in motorsports. This partnership brings together two industry leaders in automotive and motorsports. Freescale, as one of the world’s largest providers of automotive electronics, provides the processing power behind NASCAR’s 2012 Sprint Cup Series switch to fuel injection and is the Official Automotive Semiconductor of NASCAR. Roush Yates is recognized as one of the premier engine manufacturers, and both of these companies have a long history in automotive and motorsports innovation. Together, Roush Yates and Freescale look to discover new ways in which technology can be used to improve the team, driver and fan experience within NASCAR and other racing series.(Roush Yates)(10-18-2011)

  • At Talladega Superspeedway:
    • Construction began on what was then known as the Alabama International Motor Speedway on May 23, 1968.
    • The first NASCAR Sprint Cup race was held on Sept. 14, 1969.
    • The name changed to Talladega Superspeedway in 1989.
    • Fourth repaving completed on Sept. 19, 2006.
    • There have been 84 NASCAR Sprint Cup races at Talladega Superspeedway since the track opened in 1969; two a year every year except the inaugural season, which had just one.
    • Richard Brickhouse won the first NASCAR Sprint Cup race.
    • Bobby Isaac won the first NASCAR Sprint Cup pole in September 1969. Isaac won the first three poles there.
    • 35 different drivers have won poles. Bill Elliott leads all drivers with eight poles.
    • 41 different drivers have posted victories, led by Dale Earnhardt Sr. (10). Eighteen drivers have won more than once.
    • Jeff Gordon leads all other active drivers in victories, with six. Dale Earnhardt Jr. is second among active drivers in victories with five.
    • Richard Childress Racing and Hendrick Motorsports have won more than any other organization at Talladega with 11 wins each.
    • 33 of 84 races have been won from the top-two starting positions, including 13 from the pole; 23 have been won from a starting position outside the top 10. The most recent driver to win from the pole was Jeff Gordon in 2007 (spring).
    • The furthest back in the field a race winner started was 36th, by Jeff Gordon in 2000.
    • Mark Martin’s pace in the 1997 spring race set an all-time NASCAR Sprint Cup record for the fastest race ever. He won the caution-free race with an average speed of 188.354 mph and covered the 500-mile distance in two hours, 39 minutes and 18 seconds.
    • The 2010 spring race set the all-time and track records for lead changes (88) and lap leaders (29). The lead change record was matched last April. The previous highs were 75 lead changes (set on May 6, 1984) and 28 lap leaders (set on Oct. 5, 2008). Both previous records also were set at Talladega.
    • Dale Earnhardt Jr. had four consecutive victories (October 2001 through April 2003), the most ever by a driver there. Buddy Baker (three – May 1975 through May 1976) is the only other driver to win more than two consecutive races there.
    • Since the inception of electronic scoring in 1993, every race that has ended under green has had a margin of victory under half a second.
    • The season’s spring race tied the March 16, 2003 Darlington race won by Ricky Craven for the all-time record of the closest series finish (0.002 seconds) since the inception of electronic scoring.(NASCAR)(10-18-2011)
  • Great Tickets At Great Prices For TUMS Fast Relief 500 At Martinsville: The TUMS Fast Relief 500 is just around the corner, but if you haven’t gotten your tickets yet, don’t worry. You’ve still got plenty of time left. Good seats for the TUMS Fast Relief 500, the seventh race in the Chase for the Sprint Cup, remain in most areas of the grandstands. Any ticket to the TUMS Fast Relief 500 will be a ticket to excitement. In last fall’s race there were 24 lead changes among 13 drivers and 15 caution periods. In this spring’s Goody’s Fast Relief 500 there were a record-setting 31 lead changes. Fans won’t need a banker to help them to purchase tickets for the TUMS Fast Relief 500, either. Ticket prices are all very affordable.
    Here are some of the amazing Martinsville ticket and package prices:
    · Seats in the Clay Earles Tower overlooking the second turn are $55.
    · Children’s tickets, ages 18 and under, in the Clay Earles Tower are only $10 when purchased with an adult ticket, rows 15-52.
    · All seats in Bill France Tower are $40.
    · Seats in the Sprint Tower are $65.
    · Family 4 Pack, includes 2 adult tickets, 2 children tickets, 18 and under, vouchers for 4 hot dogs and 4 Pepsi products, all for just $99.
    Tickets for the TUMS Fast Relief 500 and the Kroger 200 NASCAR Camping World Truck Series race may be purchased by calling 877.722.3849 (877.RACE.TIX) or by visiting www.martinsvillespeedway.com online.(Martinsville Speedway)(10-18-2011)
  • Kansas hosting season ticket holder track laps: As a way to say thank you to season ticket holders, Kansas Speedway will be hosting track laps on Oct. 18 from 3:00-10:00pm, Oct. 22 from 6:00-11:00pm, Oct. 26 from 3:00-10:00pm, and Oct. 28 from 3:00-10:00pm. Each account will be given one drive for three laps (first lap from pit road, second lap the entire track, and third lap back to pit road). Account holders can attend any day they prefer and are welcome to bring guests to ride along with them. Season ticketholders should enter off of France Family Drive. Gatorade Victory Lane will also be open for photos.(Kansas Speedway)(10-18-2011)
  • Talladega to host fan fest & hauler parade: Talladega Superspeedway, NASCAR’s Most Competitive Track, will host a special fan fest and hauler parade at The Outlet Shops of Grand River, a distinctive outlet shopping destination located minutes from Downtown Birmingham in Leeds, Thursday, Oct. 20 from 3-6 p.m. Race fans will have the chance to see the giant machines responsible for safely transporting the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series cars and equipment across the country. The free event will also feature an array of family-friendly activities, ending with a hauler parade to the track. The hauler parade will depart The Outlet Shops of Grand River at 6:15 pm and is expected to arrive at Talladega Superspeedway at approximately 6:45 pm. Race fans located in the campgrounds are encouraged to turn their attention to Speedway Blvd. and watch the parade as it makes its way into the track.(TSS)(10-18-2010)


     

    News from October 17, 2011

     

  • The Entry List for the Good Sam Club 500 Sprint Cup Series race at Talladega Superspeedway is posted,
    47 teams/drivers [for 43 spots] are listed, including:
    Not in top 35 of owners points:
    #7-Robby Gordon (37/31)
    #15-Michael Waltrip (48/3)
    #21-Trevor Bayne (38/15)(2011 race winner)
    #35-Geoff Bodine (46/9)
    #37-Josh Wise (39/31)
    #38-Travis Kvapil (36/31)
    #46-Scott Speed (40/31)
    #55-J.J. Yeley (51/13)
    #66-Michael McDowell (41/31)
    #77-TBA (57/1)
    #87-Joe Nemechek (42/31)
    #97-Kevin Conway (55/3)
    In the event that qualifying is cancelled:
    the eight who would make it [8]: #’s 21,38,7,37,46,66,87,55
    missing the race would be [4]: #’s 35,97,15,77
    See the full entry list at my Jayski’s Talladega Entry List.(10-17-2011)

  • NASCAR planning three Fuel Injection tests: UPDATES: NASCAR has three Electronic Fuel Injection (EFI) tests scheduled this month for the Sprint Cup Series: Oct. 17 at Charlotte Motor Speedway, Oct. 20 at Talladega Superspeedway and Oct. 31 at Martinsville Speedway. The tests are part of the continued development of the EFI Research and Development for the teams. Electronic Fuel Injection will be fully implemented in the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series beginning at Daytona International Speedway in February 2012.(NASCAR)(10-12-2011)
    UPDATE: As of Thursday, 12 teams have entered for the Charlotte test on Monday. Those include teams from Hendrick Motorsports (4), Joe Gibbs Racing, Michael Waltrip Racing, Roush Fenway Racing, Earnhardt-Ganassi Racing, NEMCO Motorsports, Stewart-Haas Racing (2) and Richard Childress Racing. Teams will be on track from 9am – 3pm/et.(NASCAR)(10-13-2011)
    UPDATE: Twelve NASCAR Sprint Cup Series teams will participate in an Electronic Fuel Injection test Monday at Charlotte Motor Speedway. The test will be free and open to the public. Gates will be open for the duration of the test, which will run from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Fans should enter through gate 5A and watch from the frontstretch grandstands.(Charlotte Motor Speedway)(10-17-2011)

  • NASCAR Foundation raised $4.19 million in 2010: NASCAR’s charitable arm, The NASCAR Foundation, filed its 2010 tax return in recent weeks. According to a copy of the tax return, the NASCAR Foundation gave money to 51 groups and charities in 2010. The Foundation took in $4.19 million in donations and grants and paid out $2.53 million in grants, while spending $605,818 in salaries and employment benefits for 11 employees, $693,197 in expenses (with $338,927 for fund-raising events and the rest on such things as legal fees, advertising, etc). It had a surplus of $525,731 for the year, making up some for the $175,503 in deficit it had the year before.(Scene Daily)(10-17-2011))
  • Talladega to host fan fest & hauler parade: Talladega Superspeedway, NASCAR’s Most Competitive Track, will host a special fan fest and hauler parade at The Outlet Shops of Grand River, a distinctive outlet shopping destination located minutes from Downtown Birmingham in Leeds, Thursday, Oct. 20 from 3-6 p.m. Race fans will have the chance to see the giant machines responsible for safely transporting the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series cars and equipment across the country. The free event will also feature an array of family-friendly activities, ending with a hauler parade to the track. The hauler parade will depart The Outlet Shops of Grand River at 6:15 pm and is expected to arrive at Talladega Superspeedway at approximately 6:45 pm. Race fans located in the campgrounds are encouraged to turn their attention to Speedway Blvd. and watch the parade as it makes its way into the track.(TSS)(10-18-2010)


     

    News from October 16, 2011

     

  • Sad News – Dan Wheldon: Dan Wheldon, the 2011 Indianapolis 500 winner and one of the most popular drivers in open-wheel racing, died Sunday at Las Vegas Motor Speedway in a horrific multi-car crash only 11 laps into the IndyCar Series season finale. Officials decided to call the race, but the drivers did a five-lap tribute to Wheldon. IndyCar Series CEORandy Bernard made the officials announcmeent of Wheldon’s death without further comment. “IndyCar is very sad to announce that Dan Wheldon has passed away from unsurvivable injuries,” Bernard said. “Our thoughts and prayers are with his family today. IndyCar, its drivers and owners, have decided to end the race. In honor of Dan Wheldon, the drivers have decided to do a five-lap salute to in his honor.” Wheldon, 33 and the 2005 series champion from Emberton, England, was competing in only his third IndyCar race of the season, trying to win the event and earn a $5 million bonus that was part of a league promotion for drivers who didn’t compete full-time in the series this year.(ESPN)(10-16-2011)

  • Race and Commercial Breakdown of the Charlotte race: For those of you NASCAR fans that like stats and love to hate commercials, or wonder how often your driver was focused on, here is the breakdown for Saturday’s race. Began recording the times at the Invocation of the race at 7:31 PM, and stopped at the waving of the checkered flag at 11:17 PM (all times are EST). Did not keep records for the pre- and post-race coverage. ABC was the broadcast team for this event.. Included in this broadcast was ‘NASCAR Non-Stop’, commercials shown split-screen with the race broadcast. (However, it is of note that this week there were still three traditional commercial breaks following the announcement that ‘NASCAR Non-Stop’ had begun.)
    Start time to record race/commercial periods: 7:31 PM
    End time to record race/commercial periods: 11:17 PM
    Total minutes of complete broadcast: 226
    Total minutes of race broadcast: 187
    Minutes of traditional commercials: 39
    Total number of ‘NASCAR Non-Stop commercials’ (split-screen): 24
    Number of times ESPN utilized ‘NASCAR Non-Stop’ to show split-screen commercials: 8
    Number of times ‘NASCAR Non-Stop’ stopped for traditional commercial breaks: 3
    Total number of commercials: 143
    Total number of companies or entities advertised: 64
    Total number of brief promos of products/services during the race broadcast: 36
    Number of missed restarts: 0
    Number of ‘mystery cautions’ (debris not shown): 2
    See more, past races and links on the 2011 TV Commercials page.(10-16-2011)

  • Martin confident he will have a ride in 2012: #5-Mark Martin said before Saturday night’s race at Charlotte that he’s feeling better about running a partial Cup schedule next year. Martin was asked in a hospitality appearance before the race if he’ll be racing. “I said, ‘Yes for sure,’ ” Martin said. “I don’t have a team yet. I have nothing. They asked me if I was going to be driving and they’re all worried I’m not going to be driving. I am going to be driving. I will be in the Cup series for a limited schedule. I won’t be in the Cup series fulltime. There’s nothing new. I don’t have a deal. But I will have. A month ago, I could have told you I don’t know if I’ll have (one). I’m feeling sure that I will because things are starting to move. There wasn’t anything moving before. I see some movement. I feel confident this is going to work out well.” Tony Stewart has expressed interest in having Martin run the races Danica Patrick does not in her limited Cup schedule next year. There could be other options in the garage with younger drivers. Much of it is dependent on sponsorship for those teams.(Virginian-Pilot)(10-16-2011)

  • Simpson Hybrid Pro Head Restraint Receives NASCAR Approval: In a Technical Bulletin issued September 27, 2011 to all NASCAR Sprint Cup Series car owners crew chiefs and drivers, NASCAR approved the Simpson Hybrid Pro device for use in its touring series. The Hybrid Pro is the second Simpson head restraint to be approved by NASCAR. Simpson is one of only two approved manufacturers worldwide for NASCAR and SFI 38.1 approved head restraint systems. This approval represents the culmination of years of research and testing by Trevor Ashline, Safety Engineer for Simpson Racing and former owner of Safety Solutions. Ashline stated, “The NASCAR approval of the Hybrid Pro marks an important milestone for head restraint technology because it is the first time that a “multi-tether” device has been approved for use in NASCAR’s Touring series. Our patent pending technology allows for a small device which is better suited for the tight cockpits of today’s race cars.”(Simpson PR)(10-16-2011)
  • Homestead race winner will get a boat: On Sunday, Nov. 20, the winner of the Ford 400 at Homestead-Miami Speedway will take home a very unique prize: a 25-foot Tournament Model Contender fishing boat with a four stroke 300 horsepower Yamaha outboard, trailer and several customized factory options for a total value of more than $115,000. Starting this fall and for the next three years, Homestead-Miami Speedway and Contender Boats have joined forces to “up the ante” for the winner of the Ford 400 starting this fall. In fewer than 30 years, Contender has redefined sport fishing boat construction. Contender produces high quality outboard-powered offshore performance cruising, luxury, and fishing vessels. The boat maker’s popularity among die-hard fisherman is a testament to Contender’s reputation and legendary performance.(HMS)(10-16-2011)


     

    News from October 15, 2011

     

  • Kenseth wins at Charlotte: #17-Matt Kenseth won the Bank of America 500 Sprint Cup Series race at Charlotte Motor Speedway for his 21st career win and 3rd of the season. #18-Busch finished 2nd followed by #99-Edwards, #4-Kahne, #9-Ambrose, #29-Harvick, #43-Allmendinger, #14-Stewart (the pole sitter), #11-Hamlin, and #39-Newman. While running in the top 10, #48-Johnson got loose and wrecked with 17 laps to go. He finished 34th.
    #99-Edwards now leads the Chase by 5 points over #29-Harvick.
    There were 16 lead changes among 10 drivers and 8 cautions for 34 yellow flag laps.
    The attendance is listed as 105,000, up from 103,000 last year.
    Scheduled Race Re-Airs:
    ESPN2, Sunday, October 16 at 2:00am/et; SPEED, Wednesday, October 19 at 12:00pm/et
    See race results, awards, laps led and more on Jayski’s Charlotte Race Results/Awards page.(10-15-2011)
  • Race Fast Facts – Charlotte:
    Matt Kenseth won the 52nd Annual Bank of America 500, his 21st victory in 431 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series races.
    This is his third victory and 18th top-10 finish in 2011.
    This is his second victory and 13th top-10 finish in 25 races at Charlotte Motor Speedway.
    Kyle Busch (second) posted his ninth top-10 finish in 16 races at Charlotte Motor Speedway. It is his 18th top-10 finish in 2011.
    Carl Edwards (third) posted his eighth top-10 finish in 14 races at Charlotte Motor Speedway.
    Andy Lally (42nd) was the highest finishing rookie.
    Carl Edwards leads the point standings by 5 points over Kevin Harvick.(NASCAR Statistics)(10-15-2011)

  • Finishing spots for the Chase drivers at Charlotte: (by standings order before the race)
    1) #99-Carl Edwards, finished 3rd
    2) #29-Kevin Harvick, 6th
    3) #48-Jimmie Johnson, 34th
    4) #2-Brad Keselowski, 16th
    5) #17-Matt Kenseth, 1st
    6) #22-Kurt Busch, 13th
    7) #14-Tony Stewart, 8th
    8) #18-Kyle Busch, 2nd
    9) #88-Dale Earnhardt Jr., 19th
    10) #24-Jeff Gordon, 21st
    11) #39-Ryan Newman, 10th
    12) #11-Denny Hamlin, 9th
    See drivers championship points standings on Jayski’s Drivers Points Standings page.(10-15-2011)
  • 2011 Sprint Cup Driver Championship Chase Points Standings:
    [after Charlotte, race 31 of 36 and Chase race 5 of 10]
    1) #99-Carl Edwards [1 win], 2203
    2) #29-Kevin Harvick [4 wins], 2198, -5
    3) #17-Matt Kenseth [3 wins], 2196, -7
    4) #18-Kyle Busch [4 wins], 2185, -18
    5) #14-Tony Stewart [2 wins], 2179, -24
    6) #2-Brad Keselowski [3 wins], 2178, -25
    7) #22-Kurt Busch [2 wins], 2176, -27
    8) #48-Jimmie Johnson [2 wins], 2168, -35
    9) #88-Dale Earnhardt Jr. [0 wins], 2143, -60
    10) #39-Ryan Newman [1 win], 2142, -61
    11) #24-Jeff Gordon [3 wins], 2137, -66
    12) #11-Denny Hamlin [1 win], 2017, -86
    (ties broken by 1sts, 2nds, 3rd, etc)
    See drivers championship points standings on Jayski’s Drivers Points Standings page.(10-15-2011)
  • Top-35 in Owner Points and guaranteed a starting spot at Talladega:
    #71’s lead drops to 16 pts over 36th in owners pts, the #38 team.
    33) #32-Bliss/FAS Lane, 427, +39
    34) #13-Mears/Germain, 427, +39
    35) #71-Lally/TRG, 404, 16 points ahead of 36th
    these teams / drivers will need to qualify by speed:
    36) #38-Yeley/Front Row, 388, 16 points out of top 35
    37) #7-Gordon/RGM, 309, -79
    The teams are NOT locked in past the next race as the owners points change after each race.
    For the owner points standings, see my Owners Points Standings page.(10-15-2011)

  • Jacquelyn Butler Wins Inaugural Better Half Dash: Jacquelyn Butler has spent five years watching her boyfriend NASCAR Sprint Cup Series driver David Ragan race, so it should come as no surprise that she was the class of the field Saturday afternoon at Charlotte Motor Speedway, claiming the historic title of inaugural Better Half Dash Champion. Trisha Mears finished second, Ashley Allgaier third, Patricia Driscoll fourth and SPEED TV personality Wendy Venturini fifth. Allgaier, wife of NASCAR Nationwide Series driver Justin Allgaier, started inside row two, took the lead at the start of the race and led 17 laps, more than any other driver. As the laps ticked off, she slipped back in the field. Butler saw Allgaier start to slip and took advantage. With eight laps to go, Butler inched closer and closer until she slipped underneath Allgaier at the exit of Turn 2.
    Better Half Dash Finishing Order
    1. Jacquelyn Butler (David Ragan)
    2. Trisha Mears (Casey Mears)
    3. Ashley Allgaier (Justin Allgaier)
    4. Patricia Driscoll (Kurt Busch)
    5. Wendy Venturini (Speed Network)
    6. Beth Baldwin (Tommy Baldwin)
    7. Sabrina Simpson (Joey Logano)
    8. Jami McDowell (Michael McDowell)
    9. Michelle Gilliland (David Gilliland)
    10. Kristen Yeley (J.J. Yeley)
    11. Nan Zipadelli (Greg Zipadelli)
    12. Angie Skinner (Mike Skinner)
    13. Shannon Koch (Blake Koch)
    14. Melanie Self (Motor Racing Outreach)
    (Charlotte Motor Speedway)(10-15-2011)

  • Addington on way out at Penske? UPDATE: It appears Kurt Busch’s #22 Penske Racing team is in store for a shakeup in the offseason. Steve Addington, Busch’s crew chief since the start of the 2010 Sprint Cup season, is not expected to return to the team in 2012. Asked if he would comment on Addington’s status with Penske beyond the 2011 season, organization spokesman Jonathan Gibson said, “We make it a practice to not comment on rumors and speculation. Our team’s focus is on winning this weekend’s race and, ultimately, the championship.”(Charlotte Observer)(10-14-2011)
    UPDATE: Steve Addington, the crew chief for 2004 Sprint Cup champion Kurt Busch, denied published reports that he plans to leave Penske Racing after this season. Addington said before Friday’s first practice at Charlotte Motor Speedway the reports didn’t have “a leg to stand on” and that it was written off “pure rumors and speculation.” Asked if he would be at Penske Racing in 2012 Addington told ESPN.com: “That’s the game plan.” Team owner Roger Penske, in Las Vegas for the IndyCar Series finale, told ESPN.com’s Terry Blount that Addington has not talked to him about leaving. “He has done a fantastic job for us and I hope to keep him here long term,” Penske told Blount. “I don’t know how this stuff gets started. But it’s unfortunate because it’s a big distraction to the team in the middle of the Chase.”(ESPN)(10-15-2011)

  • Eury Jr won’t be Danica’s Cup crew chief: Tony Eury Jr. says he will be the crew chief for Danica Patrick in the Nationwide Series at JR Motorsports but not in her limited Sprint Cup Series schedule at Stewart-Haas Racing. Eury said no decision has been made on Patrick’s crew chief for eight to 10 Cup races, but didn’t rule out that SHR might fill that role with somebody already in the company. One possibility could be vice president of competition Matt Borland, who was the crew chief for Ryan Newman when he won the Cup rookie of the year award in 2002. Owner Tony Stewart has been looking for a full-time director of competition since Bobby Hutchens was released earlier in the year. As for Patrick’s Cup schedule, Eury has suggested she go to tracks where she hasn’t been in her two years of a limited Nationwide schedule. Among his suggestions are Martinsville, Pocono and Sonoma. Eury said if it were up to him he wouldn’t begin with the Daytona 500 because Patrick already has run several Nationwide races there and knows what she can do. “She’d be better off going somewhere to help her down the line,” Eury said.(ESPN)(10-15-2011)

  • JGR expects Zipadelli to stay: J.D. Gibbs, president of Joe Gibbs Racing, says his organization has had “conversations” about the future role of Greg Zipadelli but that a change in his role as crew chief for driver Joey Logano “has not come up.” “We’ve had those conversations. But I think right now, the 20 car needs to run well. That makes it a lot easier across the board.” Gibbs said he expects the Logano-Zipadelli combination to remain intact. “We don’t have a crystal ball, but that’s kind of what our agreement is,” Gibbs said.(Scene Daily)(10-15-2011)

  • Goodyear tire test at Auto Club Speedway: A Goodyear tire test scheduled for Tuesday, Oct. 18 at Auto Club Speedway will be open and free to the public. Drivers scheduled to particpate include: #16-Biffle (Ford), #00-Reutimann (Toyota), #12-Hornis (Dodge), and #51-Cassill (Chevy). Limited access to the grandstands will be provided for the event. Enter off the main Speedway entrance on Cherry Ave. Parking is free. The test session will run from 9:00am-noon and 1:00-5:00pm Pacific time.(Auto Club Speedway)(10-15-2011)

  • Montoya to be inducted into Miami Sports Hall of Champions: In honor of “lifetime contributions to sports,” South Florida resident and Sprint Cup Series star Juan Pablo Montoya has been selected for induction into the Miami Sports Hall of Champions. Montoya will be inducted Wednesday, Oct. 19, during ceremonies at the 20th Annual Sports Hall of Champions Awards at American Airlines Arena in Miami. The Hall of Champions, in conjunction with the Greater Miami Chamber of Commerce, honors individuals who have brought “significant recognition to Greater Miami through achievements in, and contributions to, sports and the competitive spirit of the local community.” Past inductees of the Sports Hall of Champions include: Dan Marino, Joe DiMaggio, Muhammad Ali, Don Shula, Alonzo Mourning and Greg Louganis. Along with Montoya, the 2011 induction class includes: pro football Hall of Famer Michael Irvin, former Florida Marlins manager Jack McKeon, Olympic speed skater Jennifer Rodriguez, and Miami Heat analysts Tony “The Coach” Fiorentino and Eric Reid.(Homestead Miami PR)(10-15-2011)
  • Kentucky adds second Nationwide race in 2012: Kentucky Speedway announced its 2012 schedule will feature five NASCAR-sanctioned events highlighted by the return of the Sprint Cup Series Quaker State 400 in June and the addition of a second 300-mile Nationwide Series race in September. The Quaker State 400 is slotted one week earlier on the Sprint Cup Series schedule on Saturday, June 30. The second series event in track history will serve as the finale to a tripleheader weekend that also includes the NNS Feed The Children 300 on Friday, June 29 and the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series UNOH 225 on Thursday, June 28. The newly-awarded, Saturday, Sept. 22 NNS race will close out the speedway’s fall weekend that opens with a 225-mile NCWTS event on Friday, Sept. 21.(Kentucky Speedway)(10-15-2011)


     

    News from October 14, 2011

     

  • Final practice: for the Bank of America 500 Sprint Cup Series race at Charlotte Motor Speedway is over after 60 scheduled minutes, the top five, slowest and some notes
    #4-Kahne 188.153
    #27-Menard 187.905
    #16-Biffle 187.344
    #48-Johnson 187.285
    #31-Burton 187.143
    Other Chase drivers:
    #39-Newman 6th
    #24-Gordon 8th
    #22-Busch 10th
    #18-Busch 13th
    #14-Stewart 16th
    #2-Keselowski 18th
    #99-Edwards 19th
    #88-Earnhardt Jr 20th
    #11-Hamlin 22nd
    #29-Harvick 25th
    #17-Kenseth 26th
    slowest: #32-Bliss 183.592 & #87-Nemechek 183.219.
    notes: #33-Bowyer got into the wall midway through practice. He will have to go to a backup car.
    See fastest speeds, laps run, average speed on the Charlotte Practice Speeds page.(10-14-2011)
  • First Friday practice: for the Bank of America 500 Sprint Cup Series race at Charlotte Motor Speedway is over after 45 scheduled minutes, the top five, slowest and some notes
    #2-Keselowski 187.435
    #4-Kahne 187.389
    #39-Newman 187.266
    #22-Busch 187.246
    #14-Stewart 186.812
    Other Chase drivers:
    #18-Busch 6th
    #48-Johnson 10th
    #99-Edwards 18th
    #29-Harvick 19th
    #11-Hamlin 20th
    #17-Kenseth 24th
    #88-Earnhardt Jr 31st
    #24-Gordon 32nd
    slowest: #71-Sadler 181.117 & #87-Nemechek 179.480. no speed: #35-Bodine.
    See fastest speeds, laps run, average speed on the Charlotte Practice Speeds page.
    (10-14-2011)
  • Pit Stall Selections: The selections of pit stalls for the Bank of America 500 Sprint Cup Series race at Charlotte Motor Speedway have been made.
    Pole sitter #14-Stewart chose pit stall 1 [as do most pole sitters].
    Outside pole sitter #17-Kenseth took the 43rd and final pit stall.
    #99-Edwards, who starts 3rd took the 22nd pit stall, the first stall before the finish line with an opening in front of it.
    To see where the drivers/teams pit stall is, see the pit selection chart on the Pit Stall Selection chart.(10-14-2011)

  • New team to debut at Phoenix?: UPDATE: Sinica Motorsports, a newly formed Sprint Cup Series team and founded late last month, announced plans to debut at the newly repaved Phoenix International Raceway this November. Sinica Motorsports has revealed they are locked into the race with a driver [since they have no owners points, speculation is that the driver is a past Sprint Cup champ, Bill Elliott? or Terry Labonte?] and crew chief announcement coming soon. The team will field a Chevy Impala [former RCR Chevy’s] adorned with the #93. WIXE 1190, “The Mighty 1190,” is listed as the team’s sponsor, with over 15 separate businesses or individuals listed as “official team supporters.” The team says they are licensed by NASCAR. More info at their website: sinicamotorsports.com.(10-8-2011)
    UPDATE: The NASCAR Sprint Cup Series will have a new team competing in the 2012 season. Sinica Motorsports has teamed with NASCAR Camping World Truck Series and ARCA Series driver Grant Enfinger to compete in the #93 Chevy Impala for 10 to 15 races. Allen Wellman will serve as crew chief for the new team, which hopes to run at least one event this year out of its shop in Monroe, N.C. Sinica Motorsports, owned by George Sinica, has acquired race cars from Richard Childress Racing and may use either an Earnhardt Ganassi Racing or RCR engine. “This is a dream come true for me,” said Enfinger. “I have not raced at this caliber yet but am looking forward to the challenge. This is something I have been working for all my life. I can’t say enough about everybody here at Sinica Motorsports for giving me this opportunity. I feel like there are big things around the corner.” Sinica Motorsports also plans to test sometime later this season with Enfinger.(Charlotte Motor Speedway(10-14-2011)

  • Waltrip to drive DW tribute car at Talladega: Michael Waltrip owns 50 NASCAR Sprint Cup starts at Talladega Superspeedway, but he’ll reach back into family history when he makes his 766th start on Oct. 23 at the Alabama track. With the support of long-time sponsor Aaron’s Inc., Waltrip will celebrate the election of his brother Darrell to the NASCAR Hall of Fame in Charlotte. He’ll race a brown-and-gold paint scheme similar to the Terminal Transport car Darrell drove in his first NASCAR Sprint Cup race at Talladega on May 7, 1972. Michael’s Talladega paint scheme includes a large photo on the hood taken after Darrell’s first Sprint Cup victory at Nashville Speedway in 1975. The deck lid carries a picture of “DW” during the 1989 Daytona 500 victory lane celebration as the three-time series champion dances the “Ickey Shuffle.” Waltrip honored Darrell’s first victory with an orange and white scheme at the inaugural Kentucky Speedway race in June. Rain cancelled qualifying depriving Waltrip the chance to start the race despite posting a fast qualifying speed before NASCAR halted the session and set the field by points.(Michael Waltrip Racing)(10-14-2011)

  • Addington on way out at Penske? It appears Kurt Busch’s #22 Penske Racing team is in store for a shakeup in the offseason. Steve Addington, Busch’s crew chief since the start of the 2010 Sprint Cup season, is not expected to return to the team in 2012. Asked if he would comment on Addington’s status with Penske beyond the 2011 season, organization spokesman Jonathan Gibson said, “We make it a practice to not comment on rumors and speculation. Our team’s focus is on winning this weekend’s race and, ultimately, the championship.”(Charlotte Observer)(10-14-2011)

  • Daytona fans tired of tandem racing: A post-race survey following July’s Coke Zero 400 suggested a growing number of race fans are becoming weary of tandem racing, Daytona International Speedway President Joie Chitwood III said Wednesday. After the race, the Speedway sent surveys to 1,000 race fans, asking them to rate 12 points of their experience. The survey covers everything from the quality of food to restrooms to parking and the race itself. Chitwood said the results from the Guest Experience Management survey showed two-thirds of fans would recommend a race to friends and only 8 percent were dissatisfied. While overall the marks were high, the survey showed the number of fans who were dissatisfied with the race itself grew from 3 percent last year to 10 percent this year. Chitwood attributed that to fans growing bored with tandem racing, in which two cars run nose to tail to increase speed, instead of racing in a pack. “The two-by-two racing was a novelty that has worn off,” Chitwood told The News-Journal editorial board.(Daytona Beach News Journal)(10-14-2011)

  • Drive for Diversity Combine at Langley Speedway: A life-changing opportunity could one day evolve into a sport-shaping career for 24 young men and women come the middle of next week. Contested from Oct. 18-20, the eighth consecutive Drive for Diversity Combine will be held at Langley Speedway in Hampton, Va., where drivers will vie for spots in one of NASCAR’s most successful initiatives. Aspiring drivers of diverse backgrounds ranging from ages 16 to 24, and representing 10 U.S. states, Mexico and Puerto Rico, are prepared to showcase their skills in the hopes of securing a ride with Revolution Racing in 2012. Revolution Racing will enter its third year fielding teams for NASCAR’s Drive 4 Diversity initiative, in the NASCAR K&N Pro Series East and NASCAR Whelen All-American Series. Grandstands at Langley will be open to the public from 8 a.m.-5 p.m. ET, Oct. 19-20 during on-track testing.(NASCAR), see a list of the drivers on my Drive for Diversity page.(10-14-2011)

  • Carl Edwards Stars In New “Bait A Hook” Country Music Video: Carl Edwards plays the star role beside country artist Justin Moore in the new “Bait A Hook” music video which will debut this weekend as part of the CMT Big New Music Weekend, which kicks off Friday, Oct. 14 at 6:00 a.m., EDT, and continues throughout the weekend . In conjunction with the premiere on CMT (Country Music Television), the 100,000 plus fans attending the Bank of America 500 at Charlotte Motor Speedway will watch the new video Saturday night at approximately 7:15 p.m. EDT on the world’s largest HDTV, after driver introductions for the Bank of America 500 are complete.(Roush Fenway Racing)(10-14-2011)
  • Texas debuts mobile app for race weekend: Everything a fan will need to know before heading out to Texas Motor Speedway for the AAA Texas 500 weekend will be as easy as a simple download. Beginning Monday, Texas Motor Speedway will provide fans with a free mobile app to enhance the fan experience, for the Nov. 3-6 AAA Texas 500 NASCAR tripleheader weekend. The app will be available in both the Android and iPhone marketplaces and will include several helpful items to assist fans as they navigate “The Great American Speedway!” and locate the numerous activities both on and off the track. The app will feature a number of helpful tools, which include a 3-D facility map; inbound and outbound traffic maps; a complete race weekend schedule; information on how to purchase tickets; the latest news on www.texasmotorspeedway.com; details on locations of specific vendors and concessions; and more.(TMS)(10-14-2011)


     

    News from October 13, 2011

     

  • Stewart wins Charlotte pole: #14-Tony Stewart won the Coors Light pole for the Bank of America 500 Sprint Cup Series race at Charlotte Motor Speedway with a speed of 191.959mph. It is his 1st pole of the season and the 13th of his career.
    #17-Kenseth starts 2nd followed by #99-Edwards, #43-Allmendinger, #16-Biffle, #39-Newman, #27-Menard, #4-Kahne, #48-Johnson, and #21-Bayne.
    The go-or-go homers who made the race (8): #21-Bayne, #55-Kvapil, #30-Stremme, #66-McDowell, #38-Yeley, #87-Nemechek, #77-Lally, #7-Gordon.
    The go-or-go homers who failed to qualify for the race (3): #35-Bodine, #46-Speed, #37-Wise.
    See the starting lineup, qualifying speeds and notes on my Charlotte Starting Lineup/Qualifying Results page.(10-13-2011)
  • Starting spots for the Chase drivers at Charlotte: (by standings order before the race)
    1) #99-Carl Edwards, starts 3rd
    2) #29-Kevin Harvick, 14th
    3) #48-Jimmie Johnson, 9th
    4) #2-Brad Keselowski, 26th
    5) #17-Matt Kenseth, 2nd
    6) #22-Kurt Busch, 20th
    7) #14-Tony Stewart, 1st
    8) #18-Kyle Busch, 25th
    9) #88-Dale Earnhardt Jr., 15th
    10) #24-Jeff Gordon, 23rd
    11) #39-Ryan Newman, 6th
    12) #11-Denny Hamlin, 17th
    See drivers championship points standings on Jayski’s Drivers Points Standings page.(10-13-2011)
  • Qualifying Fast Facts – Charlotte:
    Tony Stewart won the Coors Light Pole Award for the 52nd Annual Bank of America 500 with a lap of 28.131 seconds, 191.959 mph.
    This is his 13th pole in 459 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series races.
    This is his first pole and seventh top-10 start in 2011.
    This is his first pole in 26 races at Charlotte Motor Speedway.
    Matt Kenseth (second) posted his 11th top-10 start of 2011 and his eighth in 25 races at Charlotte Motor Speedway.
    Carl Edwards (third) posted his fifth top-10 start at Charlotte Motor Speedway. It is his 20th in 31 races this season.
    Andy Lally (40th) was the fastest qualifying rookie.
    (NASCAR Statistics)(10-13-2011)

  • Childress says three teams likely next year: Richard Childress was asked about his teams during a press conference at Charlotte on Thursday:
    DO YOU ENVISION THE #33 CUP CAR ON THE TRACK NEXT YEAR, OR DO YOU SEE YOUR PROGRAM NOW AS THREE CUP CARS?
    “Right now we’re looking at three Cup cars with an occasional Cup race. Who knows what may come up between now and then? I’ve had offers to race people and race drivers and had another full sponsorship with a driver; I just want to make sure it’s the right move when we make it. So we’re still as of right now, we’re three Cup teams.”
    JUST TO CLAIRFY, YOU MIGHT RUN A FOURTH CAR PART TIME NEXT YEAR IN CUP OR NOT?
    “I’m sure if we don’t have a team we may stick Austin in another car one or two times. We’ve got a couple of other people that said hey we want to run. If we see it’s the right opportunity for a change that we can test something or look at a driver or something we may do that.”
    YOU TALK ABOUT THE BUSINESS MODEL, IF PEOPLE COULD BRING YOU A ONE OR TWO-RACE DEAL YOU COULD INSERT PEOPLE INTO THAT CAR AND HAVE A NUMBER OF SPONSORS AND HAVE A DIFFERENT BUSINESS MODEL.
    “Yeah, but that’s not really what we want to do. You can’t be competitive like that. I’d rather have three teams that you can be competitive with and occasionally pick up a race or two along the way and if you’ve got something you want to try you do it.”(Chevy PR)(10-13-2011)

  • Cars pushing other cars, rule needed? UPDATE: During a late caution at Kansas Speedway most of the field pitted, but #29-Kevin Harvick did not. This was with about 50 laps to go. Harvick was trying to save fuel. Behind him on the track was #98-Austin Dillon, making his first Cup start. Dillon is the grandson of car owner Richard Childress and technically was in a car owned by Mike Curb. Still, Dillon saw Harvick and came up and pushed Harvick, helping him save fuel. NASCAR stepped in and told Dillon to stop. Wait a minute you say, the rule is clear that it can’t be done only on the last lap? Well, in a way, you are right and you are wrong. I [Dustin Long] talked with a NASCAR spokesperson after the race and here’s what happened.
    After the Chicago race (where #17-Matt Kenseth was penalized for being pushed on the final lap after he ran out of fuel), NASCAR told teams that they’d be watching this issue of assisting another car more often the rest of the season. So, already, NASCAR is on the lookout for this more often.
    Then came the Harvick situation today. At first, he slowed way down and fell off the rear bumper of the car in front under caution _ NASCAR’s rule book requires drivers to “maintain a reasonable speed” under caution. So, NASCAR officials wanted Harvick to maintain reasonable speed and to close the gap with the car in front under caution (NASCAR likes the field tight to limit how much of the track cars are taking, making it easier to move emergency equipment and clean-up vehicles, if needed, around the track).
    With NASCAR already putting word out that it was going to look more closely at cars assisting others, series officials reacted. What I was told was that NASCAR doesn’t like this because of the advantage it can provide. Also, this is something not all teams can equally do since not all cars have teammates and thus could be at a disadvantage to a multi-car team. In a way, Harvick can say there’s no rule that prohibits it. NASCAR can also say that it adjusts things as it goes and this is one of them. What would seem to be the best situation is for NASCAR to write a rule that either prohibits a car pushing another or provide further guidelines on when it is acceptable and when it is not. Don’t be surprised if there’s a new rule on this in next year’s rule book.(Virginian Pilot)(10-10-2011)
    UPDATE: NASCAR likely will make a rule change before next season – if not sooner – further defining when cars can push another car during a race, John Darby, Cup series director told [Dustin Long] Thursday at Charlotte Motor Speedway. Cars assisting another have been an issue in the Chase. NASCAR penalized Matt Kenseth for being pushed on the last lap at Chicago after he ran out of fuel, putting him 21st in the lineup (behind all the cars that finished on the lead lap). In the past the rule book stated that a car could not receive assistance on the last lap. Last weekend, NASCAR seemed to change its feelings about the situation when Austin Dillon pushed Kevin Harvick with about 50 laps left while under caution.(Virginian-Pilot)(10-13-2011)

  • NASCAR planning three Fuel Injection tests: UPDATE: NASCAR has three Electronic Fuel Injection (EFI) tests scheduled this month for the Sprint Cup Series: Oct. 17 at Charlotte Motor Speedway, Oct. 20 at Talladega Superspeedway and Oct. 31 at Martinsville Speedway. The tests are part of the continued development of the EFI Research and Development for the teams. Electronic Fuel Injection will be fully implemented in the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series beginning at Daytona International Speedway in February 2012.(NASCAR)(10-12-2011)
    UPDATE: As of Thursday, 12 teams have entered for the Charlotte test on Monday. Those include teams from Hendrick Motorsports (4), Joe Gibbs Racing, Michael Waltrip Racing, Roush Fenway Racing, Earnhardt-Ganassi Racing, NEMCO Motorsports, Stewart-Haas Racing (2) and Richard Childress Racing. Teams will be on track from 9am – 3pm/et.(NASCAR)(10-13-2011)

  • USO scheme for Bowyer at Charlotte: UPDATE: Clint Bowyer will drive a special USO paint scheme on the #33 Richard Childress Racing Chevy at the Charlotte Motor Speedway. Cheerios will be announcing a campaign with the USO to honor military families.(10-11-2011)
    UPDATE: Cheerios and the USO unveiled a special paint scheme that will adorn the #33 Chevy driven by Clint Bowyer at the Phoenix International Raceway during the Sprint Cup Series event the weekend of November 11-13. The design features the message “send Cheer” to encourage fans to send thanks and spread cheer to military families whose loved ones are serving our country. The car, unveiled at Charlotte Motor Speedway, is part of a partnership between Cheerios and the USO to help support military families by sending “Cheer” postcards from the front of specially marked packages of Cheerios cereal found in stores October through November, 2011. People can simply cut out the postcard from the box, write a message of thanks on the back, add a stamp, and mail the pre-addressed postcard to the USO. The USO will deliver the postcards to military families. In addition, Cheerios will send extra “Cheer” to military families by donating $1 to the USO for each postcard received from specially marked packages through November 30, 2012. To kick off the campaign, Cheerios has already donated $150,000 to the USO, and will donate up to an additional $100,000 based upon the number of postcards received. The donation will go towards USO programs that help connect families with their loved ones while deployed.(Breaking Limits)(10-13-2011)

  • Allmendinger partners in IndyCar team: Michael Shank will expand his race operations to include an IZOD IndyCar Series team in 2012. The principal partners in Michael Shank Racing will also include NASCAR driver AJ Allmedinger and businessman Brian Bailey. The IndyCar team will join Shank’s Daytona Prototype effort in the Grand-Am Rolex Sport Club Series and be based in Columbus, Ohio. While Allmendinger’s focus will remain in NASCAR’s Sprint Cup Series, he is expected to reprise his role for MSR in the 2012 Rolex 24 at Daytona International Speedway. Allmendinger is currently 14th in the Cup standings.(Fox Sports)(10-13-2011)
  • Thursday practice: for the Bank of America 500 Sprint Cup Series race at Charlotte Motor Speedway is over after 90 scheduled minutes, the top five, slowest and some notes
    #4-Kahne 191.455
    #27-Menard 191.333
    #16-Biffle 190.981
    #5-Martin 190.927
    #78-Smith 190.840
    Chase drivers:
    #11-Hamlin 7th
    #48-Johnson 10th
    #14-Stewart 11th
    #2-Keselowski 12th
    #18-Busch 13th
    #99-Edwards 14th
    #17-Kenseth 15th
    #39-Newman 16th
    #29-Harvick 19th
    #88-Earnhardt Jr 20th
    #22-Busch 24th
    #24-Gordon 27th
    slowest: #35-Bodine 184.868 & #71-Sadler 184.445. no speed: #75-Cope
    notes: this practice session set the qualifying order for qualifying today, scheduled to start at 7:10pm/et on ESPN2 & PRN.
    The #60 & #75 teams have withdrawn so there are 46 teams at the track.
    See fastest speeds, laps run, average speed on the Charlotte Practice Speeds page.(10-13-2011)
  • Practice rank for the non top-35 drivers:
    if things stay the same, these eight drivers would make the race:
    #21-Trevor Bayne, 9th
    #38-J.J. Yeley, 33rd
    #66-Michael McDowell, 35th
    #30-David Stremme, 36th
    #55-Travis Kvapil, 37th
    #87-Joe Nemechek, 38th
    #7-Robby Gordon, 40th
    these drivers would miss the race if the order stayed the same:
    #77-Andy Lally, 42nd
    #46-Scott Speed, 43rd
    #37-Josh Wise, 44th
    #35-Geoff Bodine, 45th

  • Dollar General leaves Turner Motorsports; headed to JGR? UPDATE – Official: Turner Motorsports announced Tuesday that Reed Sorenson, who is currently third in the Nationwide Series standings, is out as driver of the #32 Dollar General Chevy. Brian Vickers will assume driving duties from Sorenson beginning this weekend at Kansas Speedway. Turner offered no reason why Sorenson has been sidelined despite the driver currently sitting third in the Nationwide Series points standings. “I’m pretty confused right now,” Sorenson said. “I really don’t know what’s going on right now. I’m trying to figure some stuff out and get through this weekend. It’s hard on me, it’s hard on the guys that work on this car and where we finish in points. So it’s a bad deal.” The announcement comes on the same day that Turner Motorsports acknowledged that Dollar General was leaving at the end of the year. Dollar General is expected to be a limited sponsor on one of Joe Gibbs Racing’s Sprint Cup cars and as a primary sponsor in the Nationwide Series. Calls to J.D. Gibbs were not returned.(FoxSports)(10-5-2011)
    UPDATE: The sponsorship picture at Joe Gibbs Racing is set to undergo a vast change next season. At a news conference Thursday at Charlotte Motor Speedway, Dollar General is expected to announce will greatly increase its involvement in NASCAR, sponsoring both Sprint Cup and Nationwide series teams at JGR in 2012. Among the changes:
    – Dollar General will become the primary sponsor on driver Joey Logano’s #20 Toyota in the Cup series for 10 to 12 races in 2012.
    – Dollar General will become the primary sponsor on JGR’s #11 Nationwide Series team driven by Brian Scott.
    – The company will also be the primary sponsor for several races for JGR’s #18 and #20 Nationwide teams.
    Dollar General will likely also continue its involvement with the Truck series team owned by JGR driver Kyle Busch, sources said. A JGR spokesman declined to comment on Tuesday when asked about the sponsorship changes. The move means Home Depot, which has been a primary sponsor in the Cup series with JGR since 1999, will relinquish roughly a third of the races on the #20 next season.(Charlotte Observer)(10-11-2011)
    UPDATE: Dollar General announced its new sponsorship agreement with Joe Gibbs Racing that includes contenders in both the Sprint Cup Series and Nationwide Series in 2012. Dollar General also announced plans to continue its Camping World Truck Series sponsorship with Kyle Busch Motorsports in 2012. Dollar General will become the primary sponsor of JGR’s #20 Toyota Camry, driven by Joey Logano, for 12 Sprint Cup races. In addition, Dollar General will be the primary sponsor of JGR’s #11 Toyota, driven by Brian Scott, for a full season in the Nationwide Series. In 10 Nationwide races, Dollar General will also support an additional JGR car, either #18 driven by Kyle Busch or #20 driven by Logano. In the Camping World Truck Series, Dollar General will return for 10 races with KBM. The #18 truck will be driven by Busch.(Dollar General PR)(10-13-2011)

  • NASCAR Honors National Breast Cancer Awareness Month: In recognition of Breast Cancer Awareness Month, NASCAR is “going pink” with concentrated efforts during this weekend’s activities at Charlotte Motor Speedway and Las Vegas Motor Speedway to build awareness and raise funds for breast cancer-aimed charitable organizations. NASCAR will add pink accents to its NASCAR Sprint Cup, NASCAR Nationwide and NASCAR Camping World Truck Series vehicles during the upcoming race weekend – which includes Charlotte Motor Speedway’s Bank of America 500 and Dollar General 300 Miles of Courage; and Las Vegas Motor Speedway’s Smith’s 350. Included among the many race weekend initiatives are:
    • Race cars and trucks will carry a NASCAR Breast Cancer Awareness ribbon logo on A-posts
    • NASCAR officials will wear pink lanyards and gloves in the garage area throughout the weekend
    • NASCAR officials’ fire suits will carry NASCAR Breast Cancer Awareness patches
    • NASCAR partner Mechanix Wear will provide pink gloves that will later be signed by drivers to auction off on the NASCAR Unites website
    (NASCAR)(10-13-2011)

  • Driver standings under old format? How the 2011 driver standings would look if NASCAR had not changed the points system this season:
    #99-Carl Edwards – 5,642
    #48-Jimmie Johnson – 5,638 (-4)
    #29-Kevin Harvick – 5,631 (-11)
    #2-Brad Keselowski – 5,613 (-29)
    #17-Matt Kenseth – 5,600 (-42)
    #22-Kurt Busch – 5,591 (-51)
    #14-Tony Stewart – 5,586 (-66)
    #18-Kyle Busch – 5,562 (-80)
    #88-Dale Earnhardt, Jr. – 5,489 (-153)
    #24-Jeff Gordon – 5,484 (-158)
    #39-Ryan Newman – 5,453 (-189)
    #11-Denny Hamlin – 5,370 (-272)
    See current drivers championship points standings on my Drivers Points Standings page.(Frontstretch)(10-13-2011)

  • Wood Brothers scheme honors Glen Wood’s last winning ride: The Wood Brothers have had lots to celebrate in 2011, including a win in the Daytona 500 and the election of team founder Glen Wood into the NASCAR Hall of Fame. The celebration continues during the Bank of America 500 weekend at Charlotte Motor Speedway, as the paint scheme on the #21 Motorcraft/Quick Lane Ford honors Glen Wood’s final win as a race driver. The Motorcraft/Quick Lane car will be painted in the same colors as the 1963 Ford Galaxie that Wood drove to victory at Bowman-Gray Stadium in Winston-Salem, N.C., on July 13, 1963, and crew members will wear shirts just like the ones the Wood Brothers wore in the mid-1960s.(Wood Brothers Racing), see an image of the car on the #21 team paint schemes page.(10-13-2011)

  • Milestone starts at Charlotte: #5-Mark Martin will make his 825th series start; #16-Greg Biffle will make his 650th NASCAR national series start and his 325th NASCAR Sprint Cup Series start; #1-Jamie McMurray will make his 325th series start; #83-Brian Vickers will make his 250th series start.(NASCAR)(10-13-2011)

  • Hall of Fame attendance down in August: The NASCAR Hall of Fame lost $177,450 in August on attendance of 16,703 people, according to financial information released Wednesday by the Charlotte Regional Visitors Authority. Those attendance numbers show a 27 percent decline compared with August 2010, when 23,539 people visited the hall. But that is actually an improvement over recent months. For the first two months of the fiscal year, the hall has lost $365,764. Its reimbursements from the city have meant its deficit is only $280,188.(Charlotte Observer)(10-13-2011)

  • The Numbers for the Bank of America 500 at Charlotte Motor Speedway:
    1 – fewest cars on the lead lap at finish (13 times, most recent 5/24/87)
    1 – fewest cautions (10/14/62)
    2 – fewest laps led by race winner (Kevin Harvick, 5/29/11)
    3 – fewest leaders (twice, most recent 5/21/61)
    6 – most wins (Bobby Allison, Junior Johnson, Jimmie Johnson)
    6 – fewest caution laps (10/14/62)
    6 – number of jet dryers available for track drying this weekend
    8 – fewest lead changes (10/16/60)
    11 – consecutive poles (David Pearson)
    14 – most poles (David Pearson)
    14 – wins from the pole (most recent, Jimmie Johnson, 10/17/09)
    21 – most leaders (5/29/05)
    22 – most cautions (5/29/05)
    26 – most cars on lead lap at finish (5/25/09)
    38 – different pole winners
    44 – different race winners
    54 – most lead changes (5/27/79)
    113 – most caution laps (5/25/80)
    120 minutes – approximate amount of time it takes to dry the 1.5-mile track after a significant rainfall
    335 – most laps led by race winner (Jim Paschal, 5/28/67)
    2011 Caution Update
    7 – number of races extended beyond scheduled distance in 2011
    3 – fewest cautions this season (New Hampshire, 9/25/11)
    16 – most cautions this season (Daytona)
    222 – number of cautions in the first 30 races of 2011; includes 107 for accidents, 51 for debris and 29 for spins
    1,073 of 8,615 – number of laps under caution in 2011
    1,462.119 of 11,759.158 – miles under caution in the first 30 races
    (Provided by Darnell Communications for Dodge Motorsports)(10-13-2011)
  • Charlotte Goodyear Tire Notes: Teams in both the NASCAR Sprint Cup and Nationwide Series will run the same tire codes at Charlotte this weekend . . . this is the same combination of left- and right-side tires that teams in both series ran during Charlotte Speedweeks this past May . . . both Cup and Nationwide teams also ran this right-side tire code (D-4430) at Darlington earlier this season . . . as on all NASCAR ovals greater than one mile in length, teams are required to run inner liners in all four tire positions at Charlotte . . . air pressure in those inner liners should be 12-25 psi greater than that of the outer tire. The estimated pit window is every 48-52laps, based on fuel mileage for the Sprint Cup Series cars.(Goodyear PR), see full notes, codes, pressures on the Charlotte Race Info page – Goodyear section.(10-13-2011)
  • Chassis selections for this weeks race: see the list of many teams [that report or post these] and what chassis were selected by the team to run in the Bank of America 500 Sprint Cup Series race at Charlotte Motor Speedway on the Charlotte Race Info page – Chassis selection area.
  • North Carolina’s Oldest Breast Cancer Survivor Named Honorary Race Director For Dollar General 300: One day before her 102nd birthday, North Carolina’s oldest-living breast cancer survivor, Nannie Sue Neal from Waxhaw, N.C., will serve as the Honorary Race Director for the Dollar General 300 Miles of Courage NASCAR Nationwide Series race at Charlotte Motor Speedway on Friday, Oct. 14. In conjunction with October’s recognition as Breast Cancer Awareness Month, Charlotte Motor Speedway, Dollar General, Speedway Children’s Charities and Susan G. Komen for the Cure are working together to increase awareness and raise funds for breast cancer research with programs surrounding the Dollar General 300 Miles of Courage. In her role as Honorary Race Director, Neal will attend the Dollar General 300 Miles of Courage driver’s meeting, meet with media, be introduced on the pre-race stage during opening ceremonies and take a pace car lap on the legendary superspeedway with the Grand Marshals. Born in 1909, in Madison, N.C., Neal will celebrate her 102nd birthday on Oct. 15. She has been recognized by the American Cancer Society as the oldest living breast cancer survivor in North Carolina. Neal is a 57-year survivor of the breast cancer, which she was diagnosed with in 1954. While she underwent treatment, Neal’s daughter, Betty Mae, cared for her before leaving for college that fall.(CMS)(10-13-2011)


     

    News from October 12, 2011

     

  • NASCAR planning three Fuel Injection tests: NASCAR has three Electronic Fuel Injection (EFI) tests scheduled this month for the Sprint Cup Series: Oct. 17 at Charlotte Motor Speedway, Oct. 20 at Talladega Superspeedway and Oct. 31 at Martinsville Speedway. The tests are part of the continued development of the EFI Research and Development for the teams. Electronic Fuel Injection will be fully implemented in the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series beginning at Daytona International Speedway in February 2012.(NASCAR)(10-12-2011)

  • Yeley returns to the #38: J.J. Yeley will take the wheel of the #38 Long John Silver’s Ford this week at the track where he earned his best NASCAR Sprint Cup Series finish. Yeley’s #38 Ford will carry a decal for World Hunger Relief, the worldwide, annual hunger relief campaign conducted by Yum! Brands. Front Row Motorsports team owner Bob Jenkins is a Yum! Brands restaurant franchisee, operating 132 locations around the Southeast. The effort raises awareness, volunteerism and funds for the United Nations’ World Food Programme (WFP) and other hunger relief agencies. Fans can learn more about the campaign or donate at www.fromhungertohope.com.(Front Row Motorsports/Breaking Limits)(10-12-2011)

  • Seven-Year-Old Jemsek Reunites with Labonte and JTG Daugherty: When a little girl named Jordan Jemsek was fighting leukemia and needed a bone marrow transplant earlier this season, #47-Bobby Labonte and JTG Daugherty Racing crew members visited her at Presbyterian Hemby Children’s Hospital to see how they could help spread the word about her battle. Now that Jemsek has had her bone marrow transplant and is cancer-free, she’s reuniting with Labonte and the #47 Lance Toyota Camry team for the first time. Since they visited her in the hospital, this time Jemsek is making it a point to come see them at Charlotte Motor Speedway in the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series garage during Bojangles’ Pole Night this Thursday.(JTG Daugherty Racing)(10-12-2011)

  • New look for the #48 at three races: Jimmie Johnson unveiled the #48 mylowes scheme that will run at three of the final six 2011 Sprint Cup Series races: Talladega, Martinsville and Texas (Team Lowes Facebook), also see a few images of the scheme on the #48 Team Schemes page.(10-12-2011)

  • Tastykakes on the #34 at Charlotte: David Gilliland has a lot cooking as he heads into the Bank of America 500 at Charlotte Motor Speedway. Not only is he going to a track where he traditionally runs well, but he will also have a new paint scheme to introduce to NASCAR fans. Tastykake will be the primary sponsor on Gilliland’s #34 Ford this weekend. With roots in Philadelphia, Tastykake dates back to 1914, but its unique cakes and fresh taste are still a hit today. The company offers Kandy Kakes, Krimpets, cupcakes, and pies, and recently has been expanding its tasty treats into new markets in the Southeast, Mid-Atlantic and Midwest.(Front Row Motorsports/Breaking Limits), see an image of the car on the #34 team paint schemes page.(10-12-2011)

  • Cookies for Kids’ Cancer scheme for Newman: A win at Charlotte would kick back into gear Ryan Newman’s efforts in the Chase for the Sprint Cup. Victory would also be huge for Cookies for Kids’ Cancer, which will be featured on Newman’s #39 Chevy for the Bank of America 500. The Gene Haas Foundation, formed in 1999 by SHR co-owner Gene Haas, is donating $25,000 to Cookies for Kids’ Cancer which, through the concept of local bake sales and online cookie sales, inspires individuals, organizations, and businesses to join in the fight against pediatric cancer by raising the funds and awareness necessary to help change the effects of pediatric cancer and provide more families with the hope they deserve. Cookies for Kids’ Cancer was founded in 2008 by Gretchen and Larry Witt, who were inspired to do so by their son, Liam, who was diagnosed with Stage IV cancer in 2007 while just 2 years old. After successfully hosting a 96,000-cookie bake sale that raised more than $400,000 for cancer research during December 2007, Cookies for Kids’ Cancer was formed. Tragically, Liam came to the end of his courageous four-year fight with cancer in January 2011 at the age of 6 and, though devastated by his loss, the Witts remain more determined than ever to continue the fight against pediatric cancer.(TrueSpeed Communications), see an image of the car on the #39 team paint schemes page.(10-12-2011)

  • Pink Toyota for Reutimann: The #00 Aaron’s Dream Machine is going pink for Saturday night’s Bank of America 500 at Charlotte Motor Speedway. In support of breast cancer awareness month, driver David Reutimann will race a pink #00 in the NASCAR Sprint Cup race.(MWR)(10-12-2011)

  • Jimmy John’s for Harvick at Charlotte: The black, red and white colors of Jimmy John’s Gourmet Sandwiches will adorn the #29 Chevy as the team’s primary sponsor for the fifth time in 2011 this weekend at Charlotte Motor Speedway.(RCR), see an image of the car on the #29 team paint schemes page.(10-12-2011)

  • UPS Freight on the #6: David Ragan will run a special UPS Freight car this weekend in Charlotte. This is the second time UPS Freight will be featured on the #6 Ford this season and the new design was chosen by UPS employees. Ragan will be driving the same car that sat on the pole in Texas and finished seventh.(Roush Fenway), see an image of the car on the #6 team paint schemes page.(10-12-2011)

  • Give Kids a Smile scheme for Biffle: The #16 Ford will have a special 3M/Give Kids a Smile paint scheme this weekend. GKAS provides free dental care and education for underserved children. Visit www.givekidsasmile.org for more information.(Roush Fenway Racing), see an image of the car on the #16 team paint schemes page.(10-12-2011)

  • Hendrick cars to run special Chevy schemes: Hendrick Motorsports has been driving Chevrolets to Victory Lane since 1984. As a salute to Chevrolet’s 100th Anniversary, our four race teams will run commemorative paint schemes on Oct. 15.(Hendrick Motorsports), see images of the cars on the #5 Team Schemes page, #24 Team Schemes page, #48 Team Schemes page and/or #88 Team Schemes page.(10-12-2011)
  • Charlotte to recognize 50-year fans: Twenty-nine of Charlotte Motor Speedway’s biggest fans who have been coming to events at the track for half a century will be recognized during pre-race ceremonies for the Bank of America 500 on Oct. 15. Eight of these fans will be on hand at the speedway and will be recognized on the pre-race stage and all 29 fans will be recognized on the world’s largest HDTV before the green flag flies for the only night race in the Chase for the NASCAR Sprint Cup. Fans in attendance will include Harold Barnhardt from Lexington, N.C.; Thomas Connor from Shelby, N.C.; Ted Hall from Charlotte, N.C.; Tommy Helms from Rock Hill, S.C.; Robert Misenheimer from Myrtle Beach, S.C.; Ron Pender from Cary, N.C.; Riley Rau from Woodstock, Va., and Ray Warren from North Wilkesboro, N.C. Each of the 29 50-Year fans has been attending races at Charlotte Motor Speedway since 1960, when the first World 600, now Coca-Cola 600, was run at the legendary superspeedway. In addition to participating in the pre-race festivities, each of the 50-Year fans will receive an official 50-Year Fan credential and commemorative lanyard. The 50-Year fan acknowledgement is part of a new initiative by Charlotte Motor Speedway to recognize and reward repeat fans.(CMS)(10-12-2011)


     

    News from October 11, 2011

     

  • TV Ratings up for Kansas: ESPN’s live telecast of the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series race at Kansas Speedway on Sunday, Oct. 9, earned a 3.1 household coverage rating, averaging 4,173,000 viewers, according to the Nielsen Company. The rating is up from a 2.7 for last year’s Kansas race. This year, the Kansas race was the fourth event in the Chase for the NASCAR Sprint Cup. Last year, the fourth race in the Chase was at Auto Club Speedway in Fontana, Calif., and that corresponding race earned a 2.9 rating. Of the four Chase races run so far this year, the three that have been run and telecast and scheduled have all had ratings increases from last year. The first race of the Chase at Chicagoland Speedway was rained out and run on a Monday.(ESPN), see the 2011 TV Ratings page.(10-11-2011)

  • Dollar General leaves Turner Motorsports; headed to JGR? UPDATE: Turner Motorsports announced Tuesday that Reed Sorenson, who is currently third in the Nationwide Series standings, is out as driver of the #32 Dollar General Chevy. Brian Vickers will assume driving duties from Sorenson beginning this weekend at Kansas Speedway. Turner offered no reason why Sorenson has been sidelined despite the driver currently sitting third in the Nationwide Series points standings. “I’m pretty confused right now,” Sorenson said. “I really don’t know what’s going on right now. I’m trying to figure some stuff out and get through this weekend. It’s hard on me, it’s hard on the guys that work on this car and where we finish in points. So it’s a bad deal.” The announcement comes on the same day that Turner Motorsports acknowledged that Dollar General was leaving at the end of the year. Dollar General is expected to be a limited sponsor on one of Joe Gibbs Racing’s Sprint Cup cars and as a primary sponsor in the Nationwide Series. Calls to J.D. Gibbs were not returned.(FoxSports)(10-5-2011)
    UPDATE: The sponsorship picture at Joe Gibbs Racing is set to undergo a vast change next season. At a news conference Thursday at Charlotte Motor Speedway, Dollar General is expected to announce will greatly increase its involvement in NASCAR, sponsoring both Sprint Cup and Nationwide series teams at JGR in 2012. Among the changes:
    – Dollar General will become the primary sponsor on driver Joey Logano’s #20 Toyota in the Cup series for 10 to 12 races in 2012.
    – Dollar General will become the primary sponsor on JGR’s #11 Nationwide Series team driven by Brian Scott.
    – The company will also be the primary sponsor for several races for JGR’s #18 and #20 Nationwide teams.
    Dollar General will likely also continue its involvement with the Truck series team owned by JGR driver Kyle Busch, sources said. A JGR spokesman declined to comment on Tuesday when asked about the sponsorship changes. The move means Home Depot, which has been a primary sponsor in the Cup series with JGR since 1999, will relinquish roughly a third of the races on the #20 next season.(Charlotte Observer)(10-11-2011)

  • Fluidmaster to sponsor Kenseth at Charlotte: Roush Fenway Racing announced a new primary sponsorship for Matt Kenseth, and his #17 team on behalf of Fluidmaster for this weekend’s Bank of America 500 at Charlotte Motor Speedway. The sponsorship is the first of its kind for Fluidmaster and is a true testament to the appeal of sponsorship in NASCAR serving as a way to connect companies with customers. After researching the opportunity to participate in this weekend’s Sprint Cup Series race, Fluidmaster recognized the strong appeal of motorsports racing among its key professional plumbing customers as well as do-it-yourselfers worldwide.(Roush Fenway), see an image of the car on my #17 team paint schemes page.(10-11-2011)

  • TRG to field 2nd car at Charlotte: Hermie Sadler will run the #71 TRG Motorsports Ford at Charlotte Motor Speedway, with regular driver Andy Lally in a 2nd TRG Motorsports car, the #77 Ford. Plans are to run two cars the rest of the season, with Lally in either the #71 or #77 and a 2nd driver in the other car. The #71 is in the top 35 of owners points and currently locked into a guaranteed starting spot, 39 points ahead of the #38 team. Supposedly Sadler will also run in one of the cars at Martinsville Speedway.(10-11-2011)

  • Ingersoll Rand to Sponsor Kvapil at Charlotte: Ingersoll Rand, a global leader in vehicle service tools, equipment and compressed air technology has announced a primary sponsorship in the 2011 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series. Ingersoll Rand is proud to sponsor Front Row Motorsports’ #55 Ford Fusion at the Bank of America 500 on October 15th 2011 at the Charlotte Motor Speedway, as part of the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series. The car will be driven by 2003 Craftsman Truck Series Champion Travis Kvapil. “Ingersoll Rand has been in the pits for over 50 years with our legendary Thunder Gun Impactool,” says Nate Schmid, Marketing Manager for Vehicle Services with Ingersoll Rand. “We are very proud to be returning to the track as a primary sponsor.” The company is also an associate sponsor of the #34 Ford Fusion, driven by David Gilliland, 2004 NASCAR Grand National Division, West Series Rookie of the Year and son of NASCAR veteran Butch Gilliland. Both cars will be racing in the Bank of America 500 on Saturday, October 15th 2011 at the Charlotte Motor Speedway.(Ingersoll Rand)(10-11-2011)

  • Special scheme for Biffle at Charlotte: On October 15th, the American Dental Association, Henry Schein, Inc. and 3M ESPE will host a dental health screening event at the Charlotte Motor Speedway’s “Kid Zone” during the NASCAR Charlotte Race Weekend. Volunteer dentists and other dental team members will give underserved children free dental evaluations, fluoride treatments and dental sealants at this unique event. Children will receive digital X-rays embedded in a wristband as their badge of honor for participating. In honor of this special oral health program, NASCAR driver Greg Biffle’s #16 3M Ford and uniform will sport the Give Kids A Smile logo during the Charlotte Bank of America 500 Race. The event also serves as an advance celebration of the Give Kids A Smile program’s 10th anniversary in 2012. Give Kids A Smile is an ADA initiative where dentists and their dental teams provide free oral health care services to children from underserved communities across the country (3M PT). For more info on my Racing Charities page and see an image of the scheme on the #16 Team Schemes page.(10-11-2011)

  • USO scheme for Bowyer at Charlotte: Clint Bowyer will drive a special USO paint scheme on the #33 Richard Childress Racing Chevy at the Charlotte Motor Speedway. Cheerios will be announcing a campaign with the USO to honor military families.(10-11-2011)

  • Eight races, eight different winners: The Bank America 500 at Charlotte Motor Speedway is is the eighth Sprint Cup Series race of the season on a 1.5-mile track. The first eight have saw eight different winners: #99-Carl Edwards, #17-Matt Kenseth, #29-Kevin Harvick, #2-Brad Keselowski (in the first Kansas race), #18-Kyle Busch, #24-Jeff Gordon, #14-Tony Stewart and #48-Jimmie Johnson.(10-11-2011)

  • Facts and Stats at Charlotte Motor Speedway:
    · Construction began on Charlotte Motor Speedway in 1959.
    · The track’s first NASCAR Sprint Cup race was held on June 19, 1960.
    · The track was repaved midseason in 1994.
    · The track name changed from Charlotte Motor Speedway to Lowe’s Motor Speedway in 1999. It changed back to Charlotte Motor Speedway for the 2010 season.
    · The track was re-paved again before the 2006 season.
    · There have been 105 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series points races at Charlotte Motor Speedway, two races per year since the track opened in 1960. In 1961, there were two 100-mile qualifying points races held the week beforethe May race. The first six fall races at Charlotte were 400-mile events (1960-65).
    · 38 drivers have posted poles, led by David Pearson with 14.
    · Fireball Roberts won the pole for the first race, in 1960.
    · David Pearson posted 11 straight poles at Charlotte from the fall of 1973 through 1978.
    · Ryan Newman leads all active drivers in poles, with nine. Jeff Gordon has eight.
    · Jeff Gordon won five straight poles for the spring races between 1994 and 1998.
    · 44 drivers have won races, led by Bobby Allison, Darrell Waltrip and Jimmie Johnson, with six each.
    · Joe Lee Johnson won the first race, in 1960.
    · There have been 13 back-to-back victories, including three consecutive by Fred Lorenzen (fall 1964 and both 1965) and four straight by Jimmie Johnson (both in 2004 and 2005).
    · A sweep has occurred eight times, including each season from 2004-2007.
    · 14 races have been won from the pole, the last by Jimmie Johnson (October, 2009).
    · Jimmie Johnson won the 2003 Coca-Cola 600 from the 37th starting position, the furthest back a race winner has started.
    · Joey Logano is the only driver with more than two starts at Charlotte to average a top-10 finish (7.4).
    · A number of active drivers earned their first win at CMS: Jeff Gordon, Matt Kenseth, Bobby Labonte, Jamie McMurray, Casey Mears and David Reutimann. Inactive drivers David Pearson, Buddy Baker and Charlie Glotzbach also got their first series wins at Charlotte.
    · Three Chase contenders earned their first career Coors Light poles at Charlotte: Dale Earnhardt Jr., Jeff Gordon and Ryan Newman.
    (NASCAR)(10-11-2011)

  • Hmiel’s team wins: On the one-year anniversary of Shane Hmiel’s wreck in Terra Haute, Ind that left him paralyzed, Levi Jones of Olney, Ill., wheeled Hmiel’s #56 3 Wide Life Midget to victory Saturday night in the Gold Crown Midget Nationals at Tri-City Speedway in Pontoon Beach, IL giving Shane his first win as a team owner with RW56. It was Jones’ second start for Hmiel and the first time Shane has been back to Victory Lane since the accident that almost claimed his life a year ago.(3 Wide Life)(10-11-2011)
  • Sad News – Michael Lyles: Michael D. Lyles, 50, of Calvert City, KY died Monday at his residence. Mike’s love for NASCAR led him to work as a transport driver for the following NASCAR families: Johnny Benson, Jeremy Mayfield, DEI, Tony Stewart, and Hendrick Motor Sports. Family requests memorial contributions be made to Marshall County Exceptional School, 198 Old Symsonia Rd., Benton, KY 42025.(services and more info at the Paducah
    Sun    )(10-11-2011)


     

    News from October 10, 2011

     

  • The Entry List for the Bank of America 500 Sprint Cup Series race at Charlotte Motor Speedway is posted, 48 teams/drivers [for 43 spots] are listed, including:
    Not in top 35 of owners points:
    #7-Robby Gordon (37/30)
    #21-Trevor Bayne (38/14)(2011 Race Winner)
    #30-David Stremme (43/18)
    #35-Geoff Bodine (46/8)
    #37-Josh Wise (39/30)
    #38-J.J. Yeley (36/30)
    #46-Scott Speed (40/30)
    #55-Travis Kvapil (52/12)
    #60-Mike Skinner (44/30)
    #66-Michael McDowell (41/30)
    #75-Derrike Cope (0/0)
    #77-Andy Lally (0/0)
    #87-Joe Nemechek (42/30)
    In the event that qualifying is cancelled:
    the eight who would make it [8]: #’s 21,38,7,37,46,66,87,60
    missing the race would be [5]: #’s 30,55,35,75,77
    See the full entry list at my Jayski’s Charlotte Entry List.(10-10/11-2011)

  • France Discusses some issues with the sport: NASCAR chairman and CEO Brian France participated in a question and answer session at Kansas Speedway on Sunday morning. Here are a few highlights:
    Brian France: Obviously I’m not sure we can be any more pleased with how the Chase is unfolding, and frankly how the season has unfolded, with the level of competition, the closeness in the Chase, some of the moves that we made, the wild card being one, and streamlining and simplifying the points system being another, to make it easier for people to understand how you qualify and of course add some additional drama. It’s done all of that, and if you look back, those were at the time viewed as small moves that we made, but they’re actually having a really big impact, and that’s terrific.
    Q. Obviously we’re near the home of Sprint. They’ve got two years left on the deal. They’ve had some kind of good days and bad days. Where do you see that relationship? Have you started renegotiating the series sponsorship?
    France: Well, relationship is very good. It’s a program that’s worked extremely well for them. They would, I think, tell you that. We’re in a time when we’re having those kind of discussions about extending the relationship. My hope is that we will. That’s always a goal when we have a really good incumbent sponsor who’s done such a good job. You obviously want to extend the relationship if you can.
    Q. I heard possibly trucks at Watkins Glen, and what’s the story with Montreal? Will it be a NASCAR race next year for somebody?
    France: I believe it will, and there’s some changes going on in the marketplace with the promoter and otherwise that are happening, how they’re promoting the event, some changes. But it’s a very popular event, does very well. My hope is we’ll continue to be there.
    Q. You’ve had some good news as far as TV ratings go early in the Chase. Any data yet as to what demographics the increases are coming from in particular, and what’s your gut feeling in terms of why there seems to be a heightened level of interest this year?
    France: You know, the increase is primarily coming frankly right where we would really want it to be, which is the younger demo, up I think 20 something percent, has consistently been up 20 something percent. I think in major sports today, you’re going to see this in the various playoffs and championships that will be decided in all kinds of sports, it gets down to story lines and match-ups is that last 10 percent, 15 percent, whatever it’s going to be, and when you have more of that, good story lines and great racing in our case, you should do better, and we are doing better. We’ve just got to keep building on that and hope that the racing and the story lines continue to do what they have done. See the transcript at Brian France Transcript – Oct 2011 Kansas.(10-10-2011)

  • Race and Commercial Breakdown of the Kansas race: For those of you NASCAR fans that like stats and love to hate commercials, or wonder how often your driver was focused on, here is the breakdown for Sunday’s race. Began recording the times at the Invocation of the race at 2:02 PM, and stopped at the waving of the checkered flag at 5:18 PM (all times are EST). Did not keep records for the pre- and post-race coverage. ESPN was the broadcast team for this event.. Included in this broadcast was ‘NASCAR Non-Stop’, commercials shown split-screen with the race broadcast.
    Start time to record race/commercial periods: 2:02 PM
    End time to record race/commercial periods: 5:18 PM
    Total minutes of complete broadcast: 196
    Total minutes of race broadcast: 166
    Total number of traditional commercials (not split-screen): 69
    Minutes of traditional commercials: 30
    Total number of ‘NASCAR Non-Stop commercials’ (split-screen): 40
    Number of times ESPN utilized ‘NASCAR Non-Stop’ to show split-screen commercials: 8
    Minutes of ‘NASCAR Non-Stop Commercials’: 19
    Total number of commercials: 109
    Total number of companies or entities advertised: 57
    Total number of brief promos of products/services during the race broadcast: 31
    Number of missed restarts: 0
    Number of ‘mystery cautions’ (debris not shown): 1
    See more, past races and links on the 2011 TV Commercials page.(10-10-2011)

  • Less Nationwide & Truck races in 2012?: Lots of talk in Kansas about the Nationwide and Camping World Truck Series schedules for next year, which won’t released when NASCAR unveiled the 2012 Sprint Cup Series. The sanctioning body expects to have the finishing touches done in a few days. The Nationwide Series will more than likely be down to 33 races in 2012 with a return to Montreal expected. The truck slate may also be down a race to 24 with Road America and Watkins Glen on the speculative addition list marking a return to road course racing for NASCAR’s number three series.(Motor Racing Network)(10-10-2011)

  • Cars pushing other cars, rule needed?: During a late caution at Kansas Speedway most of the field pitted, but #29-Kevin Harvick did not. This was with about 50 laps to go. Harvick was trying to save fuel. Behind him on the track was #98-Austin Dillon, making his first Cup start. Dillon is the grandson of car owner Richard Childress and technically was in a car owned by Mike Curb. Still, Dillon saw Harvick and came up and pushed Harvick, helping him save fuel. NASCAR stepped in and told Dillon to stop. Wait a minute you say, the rule is clear that it can’t be done only on the last lap? Well, in a way, you are right and you are wrong. I [Dustin Long] talked with a NASCAR spokesperson after the race and here’s what happened.
    After the Chicago race (where #17-Matt Kenseth was penalized for being pushed on the final lap after he ran out of fuel), NASCAR told teams that they’d be watching this issue of assisting another car more often the rest of the season. So, already, NASCAR is on the lookout for this more often.
    Then came the Harvick situation today. At first, he slowed way down and fell off the rear bumper of the car in front under caution _ NASCAR’s rule book requires drivers to “maintain a reasonable speed” under caution. So, NASCAR officials wanted Harvick to maintain reasonable speed and to close the gap with the car in front under caution (NASCAR likes the field tight to limit how much of the track cars are taking, making it easier to move emergency equipment and clean-up vehicles, if needed, around the track).
    With NASCAR already putting word out that it was going to look more closely at cars assisting others, series officials reacted. What I was told was that NASCAR doesn’t like this because of the advantage it can provide. Also, this is something not all teams can equally do since not all cars have teammates and thus could be at a disadvantage to a multi-car team. In a way, Harvick can say there’s no rule that prohibits it. NASCAR can also say that it adjusts things as it goes and this is one of them. What would seem to be the best situation is for NASCAR to write a rule that either prohibits a car pushing another or provide further guidelines on when it is acceptable and when it is not. Don’t be surprised if there’s a new rule on this in next year’s rule book.(Virginian Pilot)(10-10-2011)

  • Chevy wins Sprint Cup Series Manufacturer’ Cup for 35th time: #48-Jimmie Johnson, with his win in the Hollywood Casino 400 at Kansas Speedway, clinched the 2011 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Manufacturers’ Cup for Chevrolet, which now has won the title 35 times. “Chevrolet is a huge partner at Hendrick Motorsports,” said Johnson. “We’re a marketing tool for them, and the fact that we’re out winning on Sundays will hopefully sell cars on Monday, like we’ve always discussed. It’s a proud moment for myself. All I’ve ever raced is a Chevrolet, so to be part of them winning another manufacturer’s championship means a lot to me personally, and I’m a Chevy dealer. Rick (Hendrick) obviously has a lot of dealerships, and the pride that what we do on the racetrack and how we carry ourselves, how we win races and championships, we can feel that energy in the store. It really does help the brand. So happy to do it.”
    Chevrolet won its first Manufacturers’ Cup in 1958, and now with the 2011 Cup secured, Chevrolet has equaled its previous run of nine consecutive titles achieved in 1983-1991.
    “Chevrolet is extremely proud of winning the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Manufacturers’ Cup for the 35th time,” said Jim Campbell, US Vice President of Performance Vehicles and Motorsports. “This is an accomplishment that requires tireless dedication from everyone who is involved – drivers, team owners, crew chiefs, team members and engineers, as well as the dedicated professionals who contribute to our program. And, we certainly appreciate the support we’ve received from all of our fans and customers as Chevrolet wins its ninth consecutive title.”
    Mark Kent, Director, GM Racing, was also thrilled with this achievement. “Winning the 2011 Manufacturers’ Championship in the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series for the ninth time in a row is an amazing feat for our outstanding teams, drivers, and owners,” said Kent. “It is also a remarkable accomplishment for our motorsports engineers here as we record our 35th Manufacturers’ Cup. We proudly congratulate and salute all who contributed to this award-winning effort.”
    With six races remaining on the 2011 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series schedule, seven different drivers have contributed to Chevrolet’s 14 victories this year: #29-Kevin Harvick (four), #24-Jeff Gordon (three), #48-Jimmie Johnson (two), #14-Tony Stewart (two) and, #27-Paul Menard, #39-Ryan Newman and #78-Regan Smith (one apiece). Chevrolet drivers have won 27 championships, including each of the last six (Tony Stewart, 2005; Jimmie Johnson, 2006-10). Chevrolet’s first drivers’ championship was won by Buck Baker in 1957.(Team Chevy)(10-10-2011)


     

    News from October 9, 2011

     

  • Johnson wins at Kansas: #48-Jimmie Johnson won the Hollywood Casino 400 Sprint Cup Series race at Kansas Speedway for his 55th career win (tied for 8th all time with Rusty Wallace), 2nd of of the season and his 20th Chase race win. Johnson led 197 of 272 laps. The race finsihed with a green-white-checker due to a late race caution when #24-Gordon lost an engine, adding 5 laps to the race distance.
    #4-Kahne finished 2nd followed by #2-Keselowski, #17-Kenseth, #99-Edwards [was lucky dog], #29-Harvick, #33-Bowyer,#16-Biffle, #9-Ambrose and #5-Martin. Pole sitter #16-Biffle led 23 laps and finished 8th.
    The win is the 199th for Hendrick Motorsports. Chevrolet clinches the Manufacturers Championship, it’s 35th championship and 9th in a row.
    #99-Edwards leads the Chase by 1 point over #29-Harvick, Johnson is 4 pts behind.
    There were 19 lead changes among 9 drivers and 6 cautions for 25 yellow flag laps. The attendance is listed as 82,000 down from 100,000 last year.
    Scheduled Race Re-Airs:
    ESPN2, Monday, October 10 at 12:00am/et; SPEED, Wednesday, October 12 at 12:00pm/et

    See race results, awards, laps led and more on Jayski’s Kansas Race Results/Awards page.(10-9-2011)

  • Kansas Notes-n-Nuggets:
    • Jimmie Johnson scores his 55th career win in his 357th start.
    • Jimmie Johnson moves into a tie for eighth with Rusty Wallace on NASCAR’s all-time win list.
    • Jimmie Johnson’s 20th Chase win is the most of all drivers.
    • Jimmie Johnson started Sunday’s race in 19th, the lowest starting position of his 20 Chase wins.
    • Kasey Kahne (second) scores his season best finish, his second consecutive top-five finish and is the sest finishing non-chase driver for the second consecutive race.
    • Brad Keselowski (third) scores his third top-five finish in the past four races.
    • Matt Kenseth (fourth) scores his best finish in four Chase races in 2011 and his third consecutive finish of sixth or better.
    • Carl Edwards (fifth) scores his third top-five finish of the Chase and is the only driver to finish in the top-10 in all four Chase races this season.
    • Greg Biffle (eighth) recovered from a speeding penalty on Lap 208 to score his sixth consecutive top-10 finish at Kansas.
    (Racing Recall/nascar.com)(10-9-2011)
  • Race Fast Facts – Kansas:
    #48-Jimmie Johnson won the 11th Annual Hollywood Casino 400, his 55th victory in 357 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series races.
    Johnson moves into a tie with Rusty Wallace for eighth on the all-time series wins list.
    This was Johnson’s 20th career victory in the Chase for the NASCAR Sprint Cup, most all-time.
    This is his second victory and 20th top-10 finish in 2011.
    This is his second victory and ninth top-10 finish in 11 races at Kansas Speedway.
    #4-Kasey Kahne (second) posted his third top-10 finish in nine races at Kansas Speedway. It is his 10th top-10 finish in 2011.
    #2-Brad Keselowski (third) posted his second top-10 finish in four races at Kansas Speedway.(NASCAR Statistics)(10-9-2011)

  • Finishing spots for the Chase drivers at Kansas: (by standings order before the race)
    1) #29-Kevin Harvick, starts 14th, 6th
    2) #99-Carl Edwards, 2nd, 5th takes points lead
    3) #14-Tony Stewart, 23rd, 15th
    4) #22-Kurt Busch, 17th, 13th
    5) #48-Jimmie Johnson, 19th, WON
    6) #2-Brad Keselowski, 12th, 3rd
    7) #17-Matt Kenseth, 4th, 4th
    8) #18-Kyle Busch, 3rd, 11th
    9) #24-Jeff Gordon, 10th, 34th (lost an engine)
    10) #88-Dale Earnhardt Jr., 18th, 14th
    11) #39-Ryan Newman, 11th, 18th
    12) #11-Denny Hamlin, 7th, 16th
    See drivers championship points standings on Jayski’s Drivers Points Standings page.(10-9-2011)
  • 2011 Sprint Cup Driver Championship Chase Points Standings:
    [after Kansas, race 30 of 36 and Chase race 4 of 10]
    1) #99-Carl Edwards [1 win], 2161
    2) #29-Kevin Harvick [4 wins], 2160, -1
    3) #48-Jimmie Johnson [2 wins], 2157, -4
    4) #2-Brad Keselowski [3 wins], 2150, -11
    5) #17-Matt Kenseth [2 wins], 2149, -12
    6) #22-Kurt Busch [2 wins], 2145, -16
    7) #14-Tony Stewart [2 wins], 2142, -19
    8) #18-Kyle Busch [4 wins], 2141, -20
    9) #88-Dale Earnhardt Jr. [0 wins], 2118, -43
    10) #24-Jeff Gordon [3 wins], 2114, -47
    11) #39-Ryan Newman [1 win], 2107, -54
    12) #11-Denny Hamlin [1 win], 2082, -79
    (ties broken by 1sts, 2nds, 3rd, etc)
    See drivers championship points standings on Jayski’s Drivers Points Standings page.(10-9-2011)
  • Top-35 in Owner Points and guaranteed a starting spot at Charlotte:
    #71’s lead drops to 28 pts over 36th in owners pts, the #38 team.
    33) #13-Mears/Germain, 415, +50
    34) #32-Bliss/FAS Lane, 413, +48
    35) #71-Lally/TRG, 393, 28 points ahead of 36th
    these teams / drivers will need to qualify by speed:
    36) #38-Yeley/Front Row, 365, 28 points out of top 35
    37) #7-Gordon/RGM, 303, -90
    The teams are NOT locked in past the next race as the owners points change after each race.
    For the owner points standings, see my Owners Points Standings page.(10-9-2011)
  • Race Fast Facts – Kansas:
    #48-Jimmie Johnson won the 11th Annual Hollywood Casino 400, his 55th victory in 357 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series races.
    Johnson moves into a tie with Rusty Wallace for eighth on the all-time series wins list.
    This was Johnson’s 20th career victory in the Chase for the NASCAR Sprint Cup, most all-time.
    This is his second victory and 20th top-10 finish in 2011.
    This is his second victory and ninth top-10 finish in 11 races at Kansas Speedway.
    #4-Kasey Kahne (second) posted his third top-10 finish in nine races at Kansas Speedway. It is his 10th top-10 finish in 2011.
    #2-Brad Keselowski (third) posted his second top-10 finish in four races at Kansas Speedway.(NASCAR Statistics)(10-9-2011)
  • Lucky Dogs – Who got a lap back on each caution at Kansas: (and their finish)
    Caution 1: no cars on the track down a lap
    Caution 2: #42-Montoya, 23rd
    Caution 3: #22-Busch, 13th
    Caution 4: #99-Edwards, 5th
    Caution 5: #9-Ambrose, 9th
    Caution 6: #39-Newman, 18th
    (10-9-2011)
  • Penalty Report / Infraction Sheet – Kansas:
    Car#, Lap, Infraction, Flag, Penalty, Lap Assessed
    #00, Pre-Race to the rear, W Tail of Field, Missed Driver Intros
    #43, Pre-Race to the rear, W Tail of Field, MIssed Driver Intros
    #7, Pre-Race to the rear, W Tail of Field, Missed Driver Intros
    #47, 20, Pitting before pit road is open, Y, Tail of Field, 23
    #46, 23, Passing on a start or restart, G, Pass Thru, 28
    #39, 128, Lug nut(s) not installed, G, Must come in, 130
    #43, 131, Speed-Entering pits, G, Pass Thru, 134
    #78, 170, Speed-Entering pits, G, Pass Thru, 172
    #16, 207, Speed-Entering pits, Y, Tail of Field, 210
    #24, 265, Pitting before pit road is open, Y, Garage
    #36, 268, Speed-Exiting pits, Y, Tail of Field, 270
    (NASCAR Statistics)(10-9-2011)
  • added some more 2012 schemes including #15 5-hour Energy, #99 Fastenal, #31 Wheaties and Caterpillar schemes and #5 Quaker State Oil.

  • Finalists for the inaugural Betty Jane France Humanitarian Award announced: The NASCAR Foundation announced today that four individuals – Jake Bernstein, Patty Aber, Brenda Doner and Robert Weaver, respectively – are the four finalists for the inaugural Betty Jane France Humanitarian Award, which recognizes outstanding charitable and volunteer efforts of selfless NASCAR fans.
    Finalists’ volunteer resumes will be showcased on a national scale as fellow NASCAR fans across the country vote to determine who should receive a 2012 Ford Explorer from Ford and $100,000 for the children’s charity of their choice from The NASCAR Foundation. Voting begins today and will run through midnight on Dec. 1 on NASCAR.COM. Betty Jane France will announce the winner during the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Awards Ceremony at Wynn Las Vegas on Friday, Dec. 2 (SPEED and MRN Radio, 9 pm/et), culminating the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Champion’s Week celebration in Las Vegas.
    The Betty Jane France Humanitarian Award will honor the passionate commitment The NASCAR Foundation Chairwoman Betty Jane France has demonstrated on behalf of charities and community works throughout her life. France, the mother of NASCAR Chairman and CEO Brian France, is credited with creating the “Speediatrics” concept, a pediatric unit with a racing-themed décor at both the Halifax Health Medical Center in Daytona Beach, Fla., and the Homestead Hospital in Homestead.
    “I love the age range in this finalist foursome – from 17-year-old Jake to 83-year-old Robert,” said Betty Jane France. “To see several generations of NASCAR fans represented here really honors our past, while also boosting our optimism for the future. Their good, meaningful work has benefited their respective communities greatly. And the fact that they also are NASCAR fans is something our entire industry can look to with pride.”
    All four finalists were determined by The NASCAR Foundation Board of Directors, from hundreds of applicants whom all made a significant impact on the lives of children through volunteerism or charitable work during the last five years. They received expense-paid trips to Kansas Speedway this weekend. The winner of the inaugural Betty Jane France Humanitarian Award will receive an expense-paid trip to the 2011 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Champion’s Week in Las Vegas, in addition to the Ford Explorer and $100,000 to donate. The other three finalists will receive a $25,000 donation from The NASCAR Foundation to a children’s charity of their choice, as well as expense-paid trips to Las Vegas for Champion’s Week.(NASCAR), for more info, to vote and see full PR go to my Racing Charities page.(10-9-2011)

  • Curb Records Celebrating Two Centennials at Kansas: Mike Curb has been many things – a successful record producer, the lieutenant governor and acting governor of the State of California, a national co-chairman in the presidential election of Ronald Reagan, and a veteran NASCAR car owner. This weekend at Kansas Speedway in Kansas City, Curb’s history continues. The man who fielded a car for Richard Petty’s 200th NASCAR Sprint Cup Series win on July 4, 1984 at Daytona International Speedway – where President Reagan looked on from the broadcast booth – is a car owner again at Kansas. In association with Richard Childress, Curb and longtime business partner Cary Agajanian are fielding the #98 Reagan Centennial/Camping World/Curb Records Chevy in Sunday’s Hollywood Casino 400. When the green flag drops, current NASCAR Camping World Truck Series championship point leader Austin Dillon will have made his Sprint Cup debut, and Curb’s 100th start as a Sprint Cup car owner will be in the books. As Curb’s record as a NASCAR car owner hits the centennial mark, the car carries the colors of the Ronald Reagan Presidential Foundation’s Centennial Celebration, a historic, yearlong celebration to commemorate the 100th birthday of America’s 40th president. In the background for all of this was Curb, and now, nearly 30 years later, he is again promoting Reagan with a compilation album from Curb Records titled, “Together, A New Beginning: A Tribute to the Ronald Reagan Centennial.” The CD featuring 16 tracks by such artists as LeAnne Rimes, Clay Walker, Wynonna, Lee Greenwood and Tim Dugger will be available for download on iTunes and Amazon.com on Tuesday, and also at www.ReaganFoundation.org.
    “I’m honored to be able to work with Austin Dillon and Richard Childress in support of the Ronald Reagan Centennial,” Curb said. Earlier this year, the Ronald Reagan Centennial Celebration logo was displayed on the Indianapolis 500-winning car which was owned by co-owned by Brian Herta and Curb-Agajanian. “Winning Indy was a dream come true, particularly since I was able to share that moment with my lifetime partner in auto racing, Cary Agajanian,” Curb said.(True Speed Communications), more info on the #98 Team News page and images of the car on the #98 Team Schemes page.(10-9-2011)


     

    News from October 8, 2011

     

  • Race Coverage of the Hollywood Casino 400 Sprint Cup Series race at Kansas Speedway is scheduled for Sunday, October 9, 2011.
    Television (TV): ESPN at 2:00 pm/et; NSCS Countdown pre-race show at 1:00 pm/et; green flag approx 2:16pm/et
    Radio: Motor Racing Network (MRN) and Sirius XM Satellite NASCAR Radio 90
    Scheduled Race Re-Airs:
    ESPN2, Monday, October 10 at 12:00am/et;
    SPEED, Wednesday, October 12 at 12:00pm/et
  • Happy Hour practice: for the Hollywood Casion 400 Sprint Cup Series race at Kansas Speedway is over, after 60 scheduled minutes, the top five, slowest and some notes
    #33-Bowyer 169.737
    #6-Ragan 168.961
    #17-Kenseth 168.845
    #48-Johsnon 168.724
    #5-Martin 168.146
    slowest: #32-Bliss 162.955 & #7-Sorenson 163.029
    See fastest speeds, laps run, average speed, best 10-lap average on the Kansas Practice Speeds page.(10-8-2011)
  • Pit Stall Selections: The selections of pit stalls for the Hollywood Casino 400 Sprint Cup Series race at Kansas Speedway have been made.
    Pole sitter #16-Biffle chose pit stall 1 [as do most pole sitters].
    Outside pole sitter #99-Edwards took pit stall 8, the first pitstall with an opening in front of it.
    #18-Busch, who starts 3rd took the 18th pit stall, the next stall with an opening in front of it.
    The 43rd and final pit stall was taken by #17-Kenseth, who starts 4th.
    To see where the drivers/teams pit stall is, see the pit selection chart on the Pit Stall Selection chart.(10-8-2011)
  • Saturday first practice: for the Hollywood Casion 400 Sprint Cup Series race at Kansas Speedway is over, after 45 scheduled minutes, the top five, slowest and some notes
    #29-Harvick 170.401
    #48-Johsnon 170.057
    #99-Edwards 169.998
    #6-Ragan 169.929
    #16-Biffle 169.875
    slowest: #32-Bliss 164.014 & #87-Nemechek 164.164
    no speed: #30-Stremme
    See fastest speeds, laps run, average speed, best 10-lap average on the Kansas Practice Speeds page.(10-8-2011)
  • Chassis selections for this weeks race: see the list of many teams [that report or post these] and what chassis were selected by the team to run in the Hollywood Casino 400 Sprint Cup Series race at Kansas Speedway on the Kansas Race Info page – Chassis selection area.
  • added some more 2012 schemes including #15 5-hour Energy, #99 Fastenal, #31 Wheaties and Caterpillar schemes and #5 Quaker State Oil.

  • Seven races, seven different winners: This is the eighth Sprint Cup Series race of the season on a 1.5-mile track. The first seven saw seven different winners: #99-Carl Edwards, #17-Matt Kenseth, #29-Kevin Harvick, #2-Brad Keselowski (in the first Kansas race), #18-Kyle Busch, #24-Jeff Gordon and #14-Tony Stewart.(Gaston Gazette)(10-8-2011)

  • Carquest welcomes guests: As winners of the Carquest Auto Parts Professional Choice sweepstakes, Michael Zimmerman, owner of T&T Tire and Auto Center in Columbus, Ga., and his daughter Michelle will serve as honorary crew members on the #5 Hendrick Motorsports team and Mark Martin this weekend. They will be joined by Tim Downey and Jason Barker who work at Carquest Auto Parts in Columbus, Zimmerman?s servicing store.(HMS)(10-8-2011)

  • New team to debut at Phoenix?: Sinica Motorsports, a newly formed Sprint Cup Series team and founded late last month, announced plans to debut at the newly repaved Phoenix International Raceway this November. Sinica Motorsports has revealed they are locked into the race with a driver [since they have no owners points, speculation is that the driver is a past Sprint Cup champ, Bill Elliott? or Terry Labonte?] and crew chief announcement coming soon. The team will field a Chevy Impala [former RCR Chevy’s] adorned with the #93. WIXE 1190, “The Mighty 1190,” is listed as the team’s sponsor, with over 15 separate businesses or individuals listed as “official team supporters.” The team says they are licensed by NASCAR. More info at their website: sinicamotorsports.com.(10-8-2011)

  • Could Roush drop to three teams in 2012? UPDATE: this week Jack Roush addressed the topic of Rosuh Fenway Racing dropping from a four-car to a three-car team in a SiriusXM Satellite Radio interview. “We’re looking for a sponsor for #6-David (Ragan), but right now I can’t tell you who that’s gonna be,” Roush told host Claire B. Lang. “I’ll say that I’m not real close on it. So David has not been encouraged to not talk to other teams going forward for things that they might have or an interest because right now I don’t see how I’m gonna run the fourth car unless things turn dramatically.” #16-Greg Biffle, #99-Carl Edwards and #17-Matt Kenseth are RFR’s other Cup drivers. Roush said he expected to remain active in the Nationwide Series but more likely with two cars than three. He has self-funded in large part the programs of Trevor Bayne (who won the Daytona 500) and Ricky Stenhouse Jr. (who is on pace to win the Nationwide title), and even Edwards hasn’t had full backing.(Milwaukee Journal Sentinel)(10-7-2011)
    UPDATE: Roush concedes that, while he is still looking for a sponsor to keep Ragan in his current ride, there are still no great prospects. And Roush says he’s told Ragan to start looking for a new deal, because without major sponsorship Roush says he won’t be able to run four full-time Cup teams in 2012. Speculation is that Ragan could be penciled in for a ride with Kevin Buckler [#71 TRG Ford], the sports car racer turned NASCAR team owner, and a Ford man. But Ragan himself says he’s focused more on finishing this season as strongly as he can. “Right now I am not focused on 2012 just yet,” Ragan says. “I think it’s important for us to finish this season strong. And the stronger we can finish 2011, that will only help our chances of finding a sponsor and a package to go racing next year. Everyone at Roush Fenway is working hard at selling sponsors for us and for Matt. They have to sell some sponsorships for us to go racing next year. Jack has always done a good job of selling our race cars. Even though it’s come to the last minute, we have confidence we’ll be out on the track racing (next season). And hopefully we can find a partner we can announce, sooner rather than later.(MikeMulhern.net)(10-8-2011)

  • What’s up with former RCR crew chief Todd Berrier? Veteran crew chief Todd Berrier, who hasn’t been to the race track since team owner Richard Childress promoted Luke Lambert to the job as #31-Jeff Burton’s crew chief, is reported to be considering a job as general manager at Tad Geschickter’s #47 team, where Bobby Labonte drives.(MikeMulhern.net)(10-8-2011)

  • Bowyer tried to put sponsor deal together at RCR, but: Clint Bowyer revealed a surprising twist about his decision [to leave RCR and go to MWR]. The 5-Hour Energy people came to him, and they were willing for him to stay at RCR. “We talked to Richard about it, but still couldn’t put a deal together,” Bowyer said. “At that point I said, ‘OK, we’ll go somewhere else.’ That’s what ultimately led to leaving RCR. It’s a shame. I owe a lot to Richard.” Bowyer said he was surprised and disappointed when Childress told him no, but Bowyer has no hard feelings. “I was in an auto shop in Kansas when he called me the first time,” Bowyer said. “He changed my life, and I’ll always be grateful. But it was time to move on.” Childress opened the books to Bowyer, showing him the numbers didn’t add up. Childress didn’t feel the money from 5-Hour Energy was enough to continue to run a fourth car. And Childress wasn’t going to pay the kind of money Bowyer was wanting (way north of $5 million a year) without full funding on the car.(ESPN)
    AND Sponsor 5-Hour Energy, the ‘energy-shot’ beverage, is putting up a reported $13 million or so to back the operation. Precise figures were not announced.(MikeMulhern.net)(10-8-2011)

  • Bowyer signs with Michael Waltrip Racing UPDATE crew chief? Michael Waltrip Racing announced Clint Bowyer will drive the team’s #15 Toyota with 5-hour Energy as the primary sponsor for the next three NASCAR Sprint Cup seasons beginning at the 2012 Daytona 500 [for 24 races a season]. The announcement ends months of speculation for the highly valued free agent. “This has been a very long summer, but I think for everyone involved, the best decision was made to be at Michael Waltrip Racing,” said Bowyer. “I am a big fan of 5-hour Energy so I was really happy when they approached me about putting a deal together. We were diligent in working through our options and finally found the right fit. I have been so impressed with what’s going on at MWR. Then when the 5-hour Energy executives met with Michael and his people, we knew this was going to be our home. I’ve been with one organization for my entire Sprint Cup career and leaving there was the hardest part of the decision. But now I’m ready to start the next chapter in my racing career.”
    Bowyer, 32, is a six-year veteran with four victories, two pole positions, 30 top-five finishes and 90 top-10s in Sprint Cup competition. MWR is finishing its fifth season competing in the Sprint Cup series and has scored two wins.
    “This is a watershed moment for our young organization,” said Michael Waltrip, who co-owns MWR with Rob Kauffman. “Clint is a proven winner and consistent Chase participant. He had a lot of options and it makes me proud that Clint and 5-hour Energy chose to race with us. “This announcement continues to show our partner Toyota, our sponsors, our employees and the entire NASCAR community that MWR is serious about success and dedicated to winning.”
    Bowyer, of Emporia Kan., unveiled the #15 Toyota in front of his home state fans at Kansas Speedway on Friday. “Michael Waltrip Racing is a growing team that is hiring a lot of the right people and on the brink of breaking out. I know I’m joining it at the right time,” he said. Waltrip welcomed 5-hour Energy to the MWR partner family that includes primary sponsors NAPA Auto Parts, Aaron’s and Toyota. “It is an exciting time in our company as we make the transition into the Sprint Cup series”, said Scott Henderson, president of 5-hour Energy. “The chance to add a top notch driver and an avid 5-Hour Energy consumer like Clint Bowyer was one we felt like we could not pass up. As we both looked at options it became clear that MWR provided us the best opportunity to win races and continue to grow the 5-hour Energy brand. Michael, Rob and the whole team understand the importance of helping our company reach our marketing objectives. We are excited to be working with them, and we can’t wait to see Clint and the 5-hour Energy Toyota in victory lane.”(MWR), see an image of the car on my 2012 #15 Team Schemes page.(10-7-2011)
    UPDATE Bowyers Crew Chief? But Waltrip wouldn’t reveal Bowyer’s new crew chief. However sources close to the team suggest it could be veteran crew chief Brian Pattie, who has been running Juan Pablo Montoya’s team for car owner Chip Ganassi. Ganassi replaced Pattie with James Pohlman in July.(MikeMulhern.net)(10-8-2011)
  • Talladega Superspeedway Creating Special Award For 100 Lead Changes: Talladega Superspeedway has long been known as NASCAR?s Most Competitive Track?and now it?s looking to back up that reputation with cold hard cash. Track officials believe that this month?s running of the Good Sam Club 500 could eclipse 100 lead changes during the race and should that happen, the driver who takes the lead the most times throughout the race will earn $100,000.
    ?There?s a real excitement and buzz going into our race weekend,? said Talladega Superspeedway Chairman Grant Lynch. ?Our fans look forward to seeing a lot of passing and a lot of lead changes. It makes sense to put an extra incentive on giving our fans what they want. The new rules package, that includes a larger restrictor plate opening, should give drivers the opportunity to really mix it up and pass even more in traffic. This is going to be an exciting race on Oct. 23 and we look forward to potentially setting another NASCAR record.?
    Talladega Superspeedway currently holds the NASCAR record of 88 lead changes in a race, a mark that has been reached twice. Both instances occurred in the spring race at Talladega Superspeedway (2010 & 2011) with the 2010 fall race narrowly missing the mark with 87 lead changes.
    Talladega also holds NASCAR records for leaders (29), fastest average race speed (188.354 mph) and fastest qualifying speed (212.809 mph).
    Race fans that want to experience true southern hospitality combined with the most competitive racing in NASCAR should call the Talladega Superspeedway Ticket Office today at 1-877-Go2-DEGA. Guests that purchase their tickets in advance have the opportunity to save over those who purchase during race week. Tickets are available online at www.talladegasuperspeedway.com.(TSS)(10-8-2011)


     

    News from October 7, 2011

     

  • Biffle wins Kansas pole: #16-Greg Biffle won the Coors Light pole for the Hollywood Casino 400 at Kansas Speedway with a speed of 174.887mph. It is his 2nd pole of the season, 1st at Kansas and the 8th of his career. Biffle has never won a race from the pole. #99-Edwards starts 2nd followed by #18-Busch, #17-Kenseth, #4-Kahne, #27-Menard, #11-Hamlin, #56-Truex, Jr., #5-Martin and #24-Gordon. Points leader, #29-Harvick will start 14th. #98-Austin Dillon makes his Sprint Cup Series debut, starting 26th.
    The go-or-go homers who made the race (8): #46-Speed, #98-Dillon, #55-Yeley, #30-Stremme, #38-Kvapil, #7-Sorenson, #66-McDowell and #87-Nemechek.
    The go-or-go homers who failed to qualify for the race (3): , #95-Starr, #37-Wise, #60-Skinner.
    See the starting lineup, qualifying speeds and notes on my Kansas Starting Lineup/Qualifying Results page.(10-7-2011)
  • Starting spots for the Chase drivers at Kansas: (by standings order before the race)
    1) #29-Kevin Harvick, starts 14th
    2) #99-Carl Edwards, 2nd
    3) #14-Tony Stewart, 23rd
    4) #22-Kurt Busch, 17th
    5) #48-Jimmie Johnson, 19th
    6) #2-Brad Keselowski, 12th
    7) #17-Matt Kenseth, 4th
    8) #18-Kyle Busch, 3rd
    9) #24-Jeff Gordon, 10th
    10) #88-Dale Earnhardt Jr., 18th
    11) #39-Ryan Newman, 11th
    12) #11-Denny Hamlin, 7th
    See drivers championship points standings on Jayski’s Drivers Points Standings page.(10-7-2011)
  • Qualifying Fast Facts – Kansas:
    #!6-Greg Biffle won the Coors Light Pole Award for the 11th Annual Hollywood Casino 400 with a lap of 30.877 seconds, 174.887 mph.
    This is his eighth pole in 324 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series races.
    This is his second pole and 11th top-10 start in 2011.
    This is his first pole in 11 races at Kansas Speedway. His previous best start was fifth, last October.
    #99-Carl Edwards (second) posted his 19th top-10 start of 2011 and his third in nine races at Kansas Speedway.
    This is the fourth time this season two Roush Fenway Racing cars have started on the front row (Bristol-1, Texas-1, Michigan-2).
    #18-Kyle Busch (third) posted his third top-10 start at Kansas Speedway. It is his 13th in 30 races this season.
    #98-Austin Dillon, who qualified 26th, will make his first NASCAR Sprint Cup Series start.(NASCAR Statistics)(10-7-2011)
  • Coverage of Qualifying for the Hollywood Casino 400 Sprint Cup Series race at Kansas Speedway is scheduled for Friday, October 7, 2011 at 5:10pm/et.
    Television (TV): ESPN2, 5:00pm/et
    Jayski.com: Jayski’s Qualifying Page
    Qualifying Re-Air: none scheduled
  • Qualifying Order for the Hollywood Casino 400 Sprint Cup Series race at Kansas Speedway is posted. 46 cars/drivers are listed. Go-or-go homers are now mixed in with the top-35 drivers, slowest by fastest in first practice.
    The first of the drivers scheduled to go out is #60-Skinner, slowest in practice.
    The final driver scheduled to go out is #27-Menard, who was fastest in first practice.
    Qualifying order is set by the first practice session, with slowest driver going out by speed and the fastest going out last. The non-top 35 drivers are now mixed in with the top-35 in owners points, slowest to fastest.
    See the full qualifying order on the Kansas Qualifying Page.(10-7-2011)
  • Friday practice: for the Hollywood Casion 400 Sprint Cup Series race at Kansas Speedway is over, after 90 scheduled minutes, the top five, slowest and some notes
    #27-Menard 174.059
    #33-Bowyer 173.494
    #24-Gordon 173.321
    #00-Reutimann 173.182
    #17-Kenseth 173.066
    #98-Dillon is 20th fastest
    other chase drivers:
    #88-Earnhardt Jr 6th
    #18-Busch 8th
    #39-Newman 14th
    #99-Edwards 16th
    #48-Johnson 18th
    #11-Hamlin 19th
    #2-Keselowski 22nd
    #14-Stewart 23rd
    #22-Busch 27th
    #29-Harvick 32nd
    slowest: #60-Skinner 168.256 & #32-Bliss 168.877
    notes: this practice session will set the qualifying order for qualifying today, scheduled to start at 5:10pm/et on ESPN2, so #60-Skinner will go out first and #27-Menard goes out 46th/last.
    See fastest speeds, laps run, average speed on the Kansas Practice Speeds page.(10-7-2011)
  • Practice rank for the non top-35 drivers:
    if things stay the same, these eight drivers would make the race:
    #98-Austin Dillon, 20th fastest overall
    #55-J.J. Yeley, 25th
    #46-Scott Speed, 33rd
    #30-David Stremme, 34th
    #38-Travis Kvapil, 37th
    #37-Josh WIse, 38th
    #66-Michael McDowell, 39th
    #87-Joe Nemechek, 41st
    these drivers would miss the race if the order stayed the same:
    #7-Reed Sprenson, 43rd
    #95-David Starr, 44th
    #60-Mike Skinner, 46th/last

  • Gilliland Takes A&W Colors to Kansas: David Gilliland heads to Kansas Speedway this weekend with a completely clean slate. His #34 team will have a new paint scheme, new set-up and new ideas for approaching the mile-and-a-half, low-banked oval. Gilliland’s Ford Fusion will sport the orange-and-brown colors of A&W All American Food for the second time this season. Crew chief Peter Sospenzo will also take a different set-up than the one the team used in the team’s first visit to Kansas this season. Despite a tough-handling car, Gilliland was lined up for a potential top-25 finish at the June event when he ran out of gas late in the race and wound up finishing 33rd. The team also expects to benefit from input from Front Row Motorsports’ third car, the #55 Ford of J.J. Yeley. The additional car has helped the team test out various set-ups each week, providing valuable information to teammates on both the #34 and #38 teams.(Breaking Limits/Front Row Motorsports)(10-7-2011)
  • Kansas Tire Notes: Teams in the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series will run the same combination of left- and right-side tires they ran at Kansas in June . . . they also ran this same tire set-up at Auto Club Speedway back in February . . . while Sprint Cup and Nationwide teams will run the same right-side tire code at Kansas this weekend, they will run distinct left-side codes . . . as on all NASCAR ovals greater than one mile in length, teams are required to run inner liners in all four tire positions at Kansas . . . air pressure in the inner liners should be 12-25 psi greater than that of the outer tire. The estimated pit window is every 48-52 laps, based on fuel mileage (Sprint Cup).(Goodyear), see tire codes, pressures and more on the Kansas Race Info page – Goodyear section.(10-7-2011)

  • Waltrip & Truex to present cars to Military Families: Michael Waltrip and #56-Martin Truex Jr. normally race Toyotas at high speeds in NASCAR, but around Kansas Speedway this weekend, they will be giving away passenger cars to deserving military families. Waltrip and Truex will join the Cars 4 Heroes program in giving at least 18 cars to families. The six-year-old, non-profit organization has helped thousands of military families across the country obtain transportation. Waltrip will visit the NAPA AUTO PARTS/Joplin Automotive Supply in Joplin, Mo. on Saturday from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. to present the cars to the families. It is located at 731 West 7th Street. “I’m lucky to have the opportunities that I’ve had in my life because of military families who sacrifice their own lives or time spent with loved ones for our freedom,” said the two-time Daytona 500 champion. “This is our opportunity to give back to those families. We know times are tough and these military families deserve a helping hand.” Truex joins Waltrip in the campaign on Sunday when the drivers and NAPA plan to surprise a family with keys to a Toyota Avalon at the NAPA Race Day Experience at Kansas Speedway. Molle Toyota of Kansas City donated the car the drivers will give away on Sunday. NAPA and 25 of its NAPA AutoCare centers in the Kansas City area fitted the cars with new NAPA parts to bring them up to top running condition.(MWR)(10-7-2011)

  • Lucky Fan Receives Keys to Earnhardt Jr.’s 2011 Chevy Camaro: Gale Fontaine has worked at the Roanoke, Va., Department of Motor Vehicles for 31 years. But because of a single $25 raffle ticket she purchased as part of the “Win Dale Jr.’s Ride” promotion, the vehicle she now drives is the envy of most motorists who visit her workplace on a daily basis. Fontaine’s ticket was randomly selected among thousands, making her the new owner of the 2011 Chevrolet Camaro SS that Earnhardt Jr. drove off the line at the General Motors plant in Oshawa, Ontario, Canada. She arrived with her husband, Carle, at JR Motorsports last Tuesday to take ownership of her grand prize. What she did not expect was that it would be Earnhardt Jr. himself handing over the keys. The “Win Dale Jr.’s Ride” promotion raised more than $144,000. A large part will be devoted to help combat child hunger. David Kelsoe of Alvin, Texas won the runner-up prize, which includes roundtrip airfare for two and admission to The Dale Jr. Foundation’s “Driven To Give” event hosted by Jeff Foxworthy on Oct. 17 in Charlotte, N.C. Deborah Claycamp from Jefferson, Ind., won a VIP package to the Dollar General 300 NASCAR Nationwide Series race at Charlotte Motor Speedway on Oct. 14.(JR Motorsports)(10-7-2011)


     

    News from October 6, 2011

     

  • Office Depot Tech Depot Services: “We Fix Computers” scheme: Tony Stewart’s #14 Office Depot/Mobil 1 Chevy will feature a special Office Depot Tech Depot Services logo along with the phrase “We Fix Computers” during Sunday’s race at Kansas Speedway. The Tech Depot Services team helps NASCAR fans take care of business, by providing great services like a FREE computer tune-up, with a next-day guarantee! The tune-up helps boost startup and shutdown speeds, removes unwanted files and scans your computer for viruses (Office Depot Racing), see images of the car on the #14 Team Schemes page.(10-6-2011)

  • Caterpillar to sposnor #31 for most 2012 races: Caterpillar and the familiar yellow-and-black colors will be in the main sponsorship position most of the year on the #31 Richard Childress Racing Chevy in 2012. “We’ll still be the primary for the majority of races and they’ll pick up some races where they’ll be the primary and we’ll be the associate,” said Greg Towles, director of racing programs at Caterpillar. This arrangement is no different than the team has had with Prilosec or Lennox, both of which have been primaries at selected races in previous years. And in the races in which Wheaties is the primary, Caterpillar will still have a large presence on the rear quarter panels of the car. “We’ve never bought the entire schedule,” said Towles. “And now that Clint Bowyer is moving on, General Mills wanted to stay at (Richard Childress Racing) and so there’s some races they can pick up on the 31 car.” Towles wouldn’t say how many races Caterpillar will be the primary on the car. Towles also said the 31 car’s paint scheme will be a little different in 2012. “It’s really nice looking,” Towles said. “There’ll be more yellow on the car. We unveiled it to some dealers in Savannah, Ga., this week and everybody really liked it.”(Peoria Journal Star), see an image of the CAT scheme on my 2012 #31 Team Schemes page,(10-6-2011)

  • #47 team expected to remain with MWR and Toyota: JTG Daugherty Racing co-owner Tad Geschickter told Sirius XM NASCAR Radio’s Sirius Speedway with Dave Moody today that his NASCAR Sprint Cup Series team [#47 Toyota] will likely maintain its current alliances with Michael Waltrip Racing and Toyota in 2012. “We are looking at a number of different options that will enable us to continue to share notes and technical support with Michael Waltrip,” he said, adding that the partnership “has definitely helped us be a better team. As it looks today, we are going to assert some independence. But we continue to work every week with Michael to figure out what (the relationship) is going to look like.”
    Geshickter confirmed that JTG Daugherty will no longer operate out of the MWR shops in Cornelius, NC, in 2012, instead moving back to their its own facility in Harrisburg.
    Geschickter also confirmed that while not complete, talks designed to return JTG Daugherty to the Toyota camp in 2012 are close to bearing fruit. Geschickter said an official announcement of next year’s manufacturer and driver lineup will likely come at Talladega in two weeks, but said he expects Bobby Labonte to return to the #47 next season. “Bobby and I shook hands, which is all we’ve ever needed to do,” he said. “Short of signing a contract, we’re feeling pretty good about getting that done.” Geschickter also revealed plans to expand the team in the foreseeable future, saying, “We’re definitely looking to become a multi-car team in 2013.”(Sirius Speedway)(10-6-2011)

  • The Numbers for the Hollywood Casino 400 at Kansas Speedway:
    1 – number of drivers winning both the Sprint Cup and Nationwide Series race at Kansas Speedway in the same weekend (Joe Nemechek, 2004)
    2 – wins from the pole (Joe Nemechek – 2004, Jimmie Johnson – 2008)
    2 – most wins by driver (Jeff Gordon, Greg Biffle & Tony Stewart)
    3 – most poles (Jimmie Johnson)
    5 – fewest cautions for a Sprint Cup race at Kansas Speedway (twice, 2010 and 2011-first race)
    5 – fewest laps led by race winner (Tony Stewart, 10/1/06)
    6 – number of jet dryers available for track drying this weekend at Kansas Speedway
    8 – different race winners
    8 – different pole winners
    8 – most top-five finishes in 11 previous races at Kansas Speedway (Jeff Gordon)
    9 – fewest cars on lead lap at finish (9/29/02)
    9 – fewest leaders (6/5/11)
    13 – fewest lead changes (9/29/02)
    13 – most cautions (9/30/01)
    14 – most leaders (10/4/09)
    23 – fewest caution laps (10/4/09)
    26 – most lead changes (10/4/09)
    27 – most cars on lead lap at finish (9/30/07)
    27 – fewest cars running at finish (9/29/02)
    42 – most running at finish (9/28/08)
    70 – most caution laps (9/30/01)
    120 minutes – approximate amount of time it takes to dry the 1.5-mile track
    139 – most laps led by race winner (Mark Martin, 10/9/05)
    2011 Caution Update
    6 – number of races extended beyond scheduled distance in 2011
    3 – fewest cautions this season (New Hampshire, 9/25/11)
    16 – most cautions this season (Daytona)
    216 – number of cautions in the first 29 races of 2011; includes 106 for accidents, 48 for debris and 28 for spins
    1,048 of 8,343 – number of laps under caution in 2011
    1,424.619 of 11,351.158 – miles under caution in the first 29 races
    (Provided by Darnell Communications for Dodge Motorsports)(10-6-2011)

  • Bowyer and the Harvicks to appear in ESPN spot: #29-Kevin Harvick, his wife DeLana and teammate #33-Clint Bowyer will appear in the latest NASCAR on ESPN commercial that will debut this weekend across ESPN networks. It will be the third in a series of four spots that will run this fall to promote ESPN’s coverage of NASCAR. This year’s campaign, “Nothing Beats First Place,” leverages the changes to the point system to place an even greater emphasis on winning by featuring top drivers in humorous on and off-the-track situations that demonstrate their passion for winning. Featured drivers include Harvick, Bowyer, Jimmie Johnson, Kasey Kahne, Jeff Gordon, Joey Logano and Kyle Busch. Behind the scenes photos and a sneak peek at the commercial will be featured on RCRRacing.com this Saturday at 11 am/et.(Bud Racing PR)(10-6-2011)

  • Blind man drives around Charlotte Motor Speedway: Ronnie Presnell crossed an item off his bucket list Wednesday at Charlotte Motor Speedway as the retired Mecklenburg County sheriff’s deputy, who lost his sight in 1998, took a spin around the legendary superspeedway in his restored 1968 Chevrolet Camaro. The 62-year-old Presnell received a bit of coaching during his cruise around the track from NASCAR driver and SPEED TV personality Kenny Wallace, who rode with Presnell and instructed him when to turn left or right. In 1998, a car accident left Presnell in a coma for six weeks. His injuries were so severe that he needed reconstructive surgery on his face and he perminanely lost his eyesight. After he returned home from the hospital, he told his wife that he needed a project to work on. Presnell began restoring a 1968 Camaro, complete with 327 high-performance engine and Viper Red Metal Flake paint job, with the hopes of one day driving it around Charlotte Motor Speedway. Presnell’s ride around the track was the first time he had been behind the wheel of a street car since his accident. However, throughout his life Presnell, who lives in Mooresville, N.C., has spent plenty of time behind the wheel. He has racing in his blood, having competed in the Limited Sportsman division on local dirt tracks and at Metrolina Speedway in the Hobby division, on the same nights as NASCAR legend Dale Earnhardt. Presnell even won a race at Metrolina Speedway on the night before his accident. He built his own race cars and did all of the engine work himself. Though he joked that he wanted to “turn a lap fast enough to qualify for the Bank of America 500” on Oct. 15, Presnell and Wallace cruised around the track between 20 and 25 miles per hour. Presnell thanked Wallace for his help, but also joked that while the Camaro was handling well, he started to have concerns about his co-pilot. Following the ride in the Camaro, Presnell and Wallace swapped seats and Wallace gave Presnell a full-speed ride around Charlotte Motor Speedway in a Richard Petty Driving Experience stock car. Tickets for all October races at Charlotte Motor Speedway can be purchased online at www.charlottemotorspeedway.com or by calling the speedway ticket office at 1-800-455-FANS (3267).(CMS(10-6-2011)


     

    News from October 5, 2011

     

  • Day Two: NASCAR Test At Phoenix International Raceway: On-track preparations for the 2011 Chase for the NASCAR Sprint Cup weekend at Phoenix International Raceway are officially complete as teams concluded a two-day test session on Wednesday. This second day of testing hosted 35 teams on the newly repaved and reconfigured one-mile oval. There were a variety of reactions to the new track, but change seems to be the one constant that drivers have seen to the 47-year-old facility. “As we ran the track, it got a lot better with rubber,” said #99-Carl Edwards. “As treacherous as this place was in the Goodyear tire test, as tough as it was to drive, it got better the whole day. I think we have a lot to look forward to once the track gets more rubber on it. To me it’s going to be pretty amazing to be the penultimate race and have all those opportunities for something crazy to happen, it could shake everything up. I don’t know how all those dynamics are going to work out. I think as we see the other series run, we’ll learn where the problem spots are.”
    Crew chiefs have also had to adjust a little over the last two days and try a variety of set ups and strategy. “It’s awesome,” said Steve Addington, crew chief #22 Shell/Pennzoil Dodge and driver Kurt Busch. “They’ve done an awesome job with the racetrack, plus they’ve done an awesome job on pit road. You look forward to picking a pit. All the pits should be good when we come back to race. I think that’s going to be the action place. We were talking about it last night, about the double file restarts, getting through two. Getting into the dogleg is going to be exciting. During the test, everybody is giving. When you catch a car, they let you go. But when they start racing, it’s going to be pretty interesting through there. That’s going to open up another can of worms to see how all the action takes place back through there. Getting into it, positioning yourself, where you get a run on the guy, whether it’s on the outside or inside of him, the give and take is going to be pretty interesting.”
    As teams took their last lap around the track and completed their final notes, the new Phoenix International Raceway certainly has teams and NASCAR ready for an exciting Chase for the NASCAR Sprint Cup race come November. “Testing here has allowed the teams to really focus on their strategy and gather crucial data as they prepare for the upcoming race weekend,” said Robin Pemberton, NASCAR vice president of competition. “This is a totally new race track and as with all newly repaved facilities, time is going to play a factor in how these cars compete. It will certainly be an exciting weekend in Phoenix for sure.”(NASCAR)
    SPEEDS #14-Stewart was the fastes on the 2nd day of testing with a speed of 137.762mph followed by #48-Johnson and #29-Harvick. The all time track qualifying record, run under the old track configuration was 137.279mph, set by #99-Carl Edwards this past February. See testing speeds on my 2011 Phoenix Testing page.(10-5-2011)

  • Wheaties to co-sponsor Burton in 2012: Wheaties will become a co-primary sponsor of Richard Childress Racing’s #31 Chevy with driver Jeff Burton beginning in the 2012 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series season. The multi-year program will continue General Mills’ primary sponsorship with RCR for key races and associate positioning for the balance of each season with the #31 team. The famed Wheaties brand will be replacing Cheerios as the focus of the sponsorship. Wheaties has a proud history of fueling and celebrating sports performance. In addition, Wheaties shares a rich history with RCR, as Dale Earnhardt was the first NASCAR driver to be featured on a Wheaties box and he drove a Wheaties car for the 1997 All-Star Race. RCR began its current relationship with General Mills in 2008 with the #33 Chevy and driver Clint Bowyer, sponsored by its Cheerios and Hamburger Helper brands.
    “With more than a dozen years in NASCAR, General Mills is looking forward to continuing our relationship with Richard Childress Racing,” said Patrick Simmons, Vice President, Customer Marketing for General Mills, Inc. “At the same time, we’re excited about the opportunity to forge a new relationship with Wheaties and Jeff Burton. We value our association with RCR and are thrilled to be part of their organization.”
    “I’m excited to have a company like General Mills and a brand like Wheaties join our #31 team,” said Burton. “Wheaties is one of the most iconic brands in American history, and my kids use so many General Mills products that I’m sure we have a decent market share of the company in our pantry. I also like that they have worked hard to provide so many healthy choices.”
    “The General Mills partnership with RCR has been terrific, as they have leveraged their program across their portfolio of leading brands as well as with their retail partners,” said Ben Schlosser, RCR’s chief marketing officer. “General Mills is a blue-chip sponsor in our sport and with their extremely popular brands; they help carry both RCR and NASCAR to families throughout America. Jeff Burton will be a great ambassador for their program so we are very excited to continue the relationship in the coming years.”(RCR). See an image of the scheme on my 2012 #31 Team Schemes page.(10-5-2011)

  • Special scheme for Biffle: The #16 Ford of Greg Biffle will have a special Sherwin-Williams paint scheme this weekend in the Hollywood Casion 400 at Kansas Speedway. Since its founding by Henry Sherwin and Edward Williams in 1866, The Sherwin-Williams Company has not only grown to be the largest producer of paints and coatings in the United States, but is among the largest producers in the world.(Roush Fenway Racing)(10-5-2011)

  • Day One: NASCAR Test At Phoenix SPEEDS: Among the grocery list of items needed to repave a one-mile race track located just outside of Phoenix: 23,000 tons of asphalt, 7,000 cubic yards of concrete and 600 pounds of rebar. Combine all of that, and you have cars on the race track in Arizona, and the first opportunity for a full-scale NASCAR Sprint Cup Series test on the newly repaved Phoenix International Raceway.
    Testing on the repaved and reconfigured one-mile Phoenix oval kicked off Tuesday, the first of a two-day NASCAR Sprint Cup Series test session. This was the first opportunity for most teams to test the new track surface following the five-driver Goodyear tire test in late August.
    “I think it is a really unique layout,” said #31-Jeff Burton of the new track. “The exit of Turn 2 is very unique; very different; the back straightaway has a lot of banking and it’s like falling into a hole; it’s pretty cool and it is neat to do something different here.” In February, the 47-year-old facility announced it would undergo its first major paving project since 1990. While protecting the integrity of the one-mile oval, changes were implemented to the banking and configuration to promote side-by-side racing.
    “It’s cool with the new banking,” said #6-David Ragan. “There is a little bit more speed. Anytime you repave a race track you always have that 6-8 month period where the asphalt is wearing. It is curing and it is coming into its own. It gives us a hard time to figure it out, but the track will only get better with time. I think it is going to be a good race.”
    Robin Pemberton, NASCAR vice president of competition, noted that the test session is an opportunity for teams to prepare for next month’s Chase for the NASCAR Sprint Cup race at Phoenix. “This is a brand new facility,” said Pemberton. “These teams will have to throw out their notebooks and start over. It takes time for these newly paved tracks and that’s why we are here testing. The teams are experimenting with a lot of different options and that’s what they need to do.”
    In addition to testing the new asphalt and configuration, three teams were also here testing Electronic Fuel Injection (EFI) cars. Hendrick Motorsports, Penske Motorsports and Michael Waltrip Racing brought additional cars to test in preparation for the launch of EFI in the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series beginning in 2012.(NASCAR)
    SPEED see testing speeds on my 2011 Phoenix Testing page.(10-5-2011)

  • Dollar General leaves Turner Motorsports; headed to JGR? Turner Motorsports announced Tuesday that Reed Sorenson, who is currently third in the Nationwide Series standings, is out as driver of the #32 Dollar General Chevy. Brian Vickers will assume driving duties from Sorenson beginning this weekend at Kansas Speedway. Turner offered no reason why Sorenson has been sidelined despite the driver currently sitting third in the Nationwide Series points standings. “I’m pretty confused right now,” Sorenson said. “I really don’t know what’s going on right now. I’m trying to figure some stuff out and get through this weekend. It’s hard on me, it’s hard on the guys that work on this car and where we finish in points. So it’s a bad deal.” The announcement comes on the same day that Turner Motorsports acknowledged that Dollar General was leaving at the end of the year. Dollar General is expected to be a limited sponsor on one of Joe Gibbs Racing’s Sprint Cup cars and as a primary sponsor in the Nationwide Series. Calls to J.D. Gibbs were not returned.(FoxSports)(10-5-2011)

  • DW heads to Australia: Three-time NASCAR Sprint Cup Series champion and recent NASCAR Hall of Fame inductee Darrell Waltrip headlines the SPEED broadcast team heading to Australia next month to cover the famed Bathurst 1000 from Mount Panorama in New South Wales, Australia on Oct. 8 at 7:00pm/et. Waltrip is joined by NASCAR on FOX boothmate Mike Joy and SPEED announcer Leigh Diffey, a native of Brisbane. Former racer Calvin Fish will work the pits on the 3.9-mile road course as racers compete for the Peter Brock Trophy.(SPEED)(10-5-2011)
  • Golfer & Kansas Native named honorary official for Kansas race: With the Chase for the NASCAR Sprint Cup action coming to Kansas Speedway on Oct. 9, another championship contender will make his way to Kansas Speedway. PGA Tour player Gary Woodland, who is from Topeka, Kan., has been named an honorary official for the Hollywood Casino 400. “We’re excited to have Gary participate in the pre-race activities for the Hollywood Casino,” said Kansas Speedway President Patrick Warren. “Gary had a great run in the PGA Tour’s championship playoffs this year and we’re looking forward to having him at our championship event as well.”
    Woodland attended Washburn University (Topeka, Kan.) on a basketball scholarship before transferring to the University of Kansas to play golf. He turned professional in 2007 and earned his PGA Tour card in 2009. Earlier this year, Woodland tied for first in the Bob Hope Classic, losing in a playoff. In March of this year, Woodland won his first PGA title at the Transitions Championships. He finished tied for 12th at the PGA Championship in earlier this month.
    Remaining 2011 events at Kansas Speedway include the Hollywood Casino 400 on Oct. 9, the Kansas Lottery 300 on Oct. 8 and the Kansas Lottery 98.9 on Oct. 7 and tickets for all events are on sale now by calling 866.460.RACE (7223) or by logging onto www.kansasspeedway.com. Parking is always free at Kansas Speedway and fans can bring in one 14x14x14-inch soft-sided cooler with their favorite food and beverages.(Kansas Speedway)(10-5-2011)
  • SAFER Barrier Installation Underway at Rockingham: For over 40 years, Rockingham Speedway has been a tough place to get around. Time and time again, one little miscue or a worn-out tire has led to some hard hits against the track’s unforgiving concrete walls. While the track won’t be any less difficult for drivers to navigate when the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series makes its inaugural trip to Rockingham on April 15, 2012 for the Good Sam Club Roadside Assistance Carolina 200, the hits will not be quite as bone-jarring as the speedway has begun the installation of Steel and Foam Energy Reduction (SAFER) barriers along the inside back stretch wall. Installation of the SAFER barriers in the turns will begin at Rockingham after the running of the American 200 doubleheader (Nov. 5, 2011) and the Polar Bear 150 (Nov. 26, 2011). In all, a mile’s worth of the soft walls will be installed around the facility. Commonly referred to as “soft walls,” SAFER barriers are designed to absorb a portion of the energy in a crash, lessening the impact on the driver. The project, when complete, represents a nearly one million-dollar investment. But to speedway president Andy Hillenburg, it’s a worthwhile expense. “As a racer, safety is always my number one concern,” said Hillenburg, who made his first NASCAR Sprint Cup start at the track in 1991. “Regardless of NASCAR’s decision to come back to Rockingham, SAFER barriers were a need for us and I’m glad we are able to get that process underway. As we’ve seen over the years, there are some hard hits along that inside wall coming off of (turn) two and when things go bad getting into (turn) one, they go very bad.” NASCAR requires the technology at any facility at which it sanctions an event in its top-three National Touring Series. For more information, or to order tickets for any event at Rockingham Speedway, please contact the ticket office at 910.205.8800 or visit us online at www.rockinghamspeedway.com. Great seats and suite packages are still available.(Rockingham Speedway)(10-5-2011)
  • ServiceMaster Clean ‘Extra Mile Award’ presented to Dover Track Services Leader: ServiceMaster Clean announced the selection of Jesse Cobb as the track’s 2011 recipient of the ServiceMaster Clean Extra Mile Award. Cobb, crew chief of the Turn 4 fire rescue team at Dover International Speedway, is the second Dover International Speedway team member to be awarded with the honor. The Extra Mile Award program was created last year by ServiceMaster Clean to recognize the efforts of track service personnel whose contributions often go unnoticed, but are vital to the success of the event. The recipient can be any member of the track staff that works in a service-oriented position. Track management personnel select the winner. Cobb received special awards and recognition this past weekend at Dover, prior to the waving of the green flag for the AAA 400. Cobb was a natural choice at Dover. He is in his 36th year of service at “The Monster Mile.” He joined the track services team in 1975 as a track firefighter while working full-time for Delaware Area Regional Transit (DART). Since that time he has worked his way through the ranks to crew chief of the Turn 4 Fire Truck at Dover International Speedway. Since his retirement from DART, Cobb has also worked part time for the Speedway where he routinely staffs weekly events and assists with track preparations prior to a major event. Cobb is also the primary driver for Dover’s ServiceMaster Clean jet dryer when it goes on the road to assist at other facilities. Cobb was joined by his wife, Ronna, and son, Aaron, for the award presentation on Sunday. Each award winner’s name is engraved on a plaque that will be displayed at the track where the individual works or volunteers. A personal plaque is also presented to recipients during their track’s NASCAR Sprint Cup Series race weekend. ServiceMaster Clean is in its third season as the official sponsor of caution periods at the 19 International Speedway Corp. (ISC) and Speedway Motorsports Inc. (SMI) tracks and Dover International Speedway.(ServiceMaster/DIS)(10-5-2011)


     

    News from October 4, 2011

     

  • Austin Dillon to make Cup debut at Kansas: The Ronald Reagan Presidential Foundation’s Centennial Celebration will be commemorated by Austin Dillon’s NASCAR Sprint Cup Series debut driving the #98 Curb Agajanian/Reagan Centennial/Camping World/Curb Records Chevy in the Oct. 9 Hollywood Casino 400 at Kansas Speedway. The original announcement of the program was made March 27 at Auto Club Speedway. The Ronald Reagan Centennial is a historic, year-long celebration to commemorate the 100th birthday of the 40th President of the United States of America. A series of substantive and celebratory events, partnerships, and initiatives sponsored by the Ronald Reagan Presidential Foundation are planned throughout 2011, including the Ronald Reagan tribute album which is being released nationally by Curb Records in connection with the Kansas race. Dillon currently leads the 2011 NASCAR Camping World Truck Series point standings with five races remaining in just his second full season in the series [in the #3 RCR Chevy truck]. Dillon finished fifth in the 2010 NCWTS point standings and was named rookie of-the-year. He recently equaled his win total from last year with his second victory of the season, in the Sept. 25 Fast Five 225 at Chicagoland. His NCWTS pit crew, led by crew chief Danny Stockman, will serve in the same roles for the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series race. The Kansas Speedway race by Dillon will be the 100th NASCAR Sprint Cup Series start for car co-owner Mike Curb and Curb-Agajanian Racing.(Richard Chidlress Racing PR)(10-4-2011)
  • Sad News – Nancy Wood: The funeral for Nancy Elizabeth Nelson Wood, 75, of Stuart, VA who died Sept. 30, 2011, was held Monday at Moody Funeral Home in Stuart with Pastor Mark Clayton officiating. Burial was in the Nettle Ridge United Methodist Church cemetery. Pallbearers were Christopher Haley, Ronald Haley, Conley Kivett, Walter Kivett, Bryan Williams, Eddie Wood, Len Wood, Ronnie Wood, Terry Hall, Billy Nelson, Eugene Wood, Glenn Wood, Leonard Wood and Ray Lee Wood.(Martinsville Bulletin)
    Nancy’s first job was with Stuart Motor Company where she met Delano Wood, who later became her husband. Delano was a former Jackman with the famed #21 Wood Brothers Racing team.(10-4-2011)

  • Dover TV Ratings: ESPN’s live telecast of the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series race at Dover International Speedway on Sunday, Oct. 2, earned a 3.0 household coverage rating, averaging 4,093,000 viewers, according to the Nielsen Company. The rating was up from the 2.8 rating for last year’s Dover race, which also aired on ESPN. Telecasts of both Chase for the NASCAR Sprint Cup races that have been run as scheduled so far this season have seen increased ratings. The opening race of the Chase at Chicagoland Speedway was rained out on its original date and run on a Monday.
    ESPN2’s live telecast of the NASCAR Nationwide Series race at Dover on Saturday, Oct. 1, earned a 1.1 household coverage rating, averaging 1,443,000 viewers. The 2010 race earned a 1.2 rating.(ESPN), see past race ratings, 4 year chart and more on the 2011 TV Ratings page.(10-4-2011)

  • Wallace willing to shut down RWI UPDATE plans to keep running: Rusty Wallace is willing to put his race organization, RWI, “into mothballs” for a couple of seasons until the sponsorship landscape in NASCAR improves. RWI is losing backing from 5-hour Energy at the end of the season and has yet to secure full sponsorship for the teams for next year. 5-hour Energy is expected to sponsor Clint Bowyer at Michael Waltrip Racing in 2012. An announcement is scheduled for Friday in Kansas City. So what happens to RWI’s existing NASCAR Nationwide Series teams? “I just want to find a good ride for Steven,” Wallace said of his 24-year-old son, who is eighth in the point standings. Wallace added he’s spoken with several Sprint Cup organizations that expressed interest in putting Steven in a Nationwide Series car next season.(FoxSports)(10-2-2011)
    UPDATE: Rusty Wallace Racing, which will lose sponsor 5-Hour Energy after this season, is working with potential sponsors on a deal for Steven Wallace, Rusty’s son, to continue racing in the Nationwide Series. RWR also will field a car next year for Michael Annett, who has brought sponsorship to the organization. 5-Hour Energy is leaving the team to sponsor Clint Bowyer at Michael Waltrip Racing, a deal expected to be announced this week. Team owner Rusty Wallace said Monday that he has no plans to shut down his team and is looking for new sponsors. Wallace said if he can’t run a full Nationwide season with Steven, he would run a partial schedule. He didn’t want to name the sponsors he has commitments from until the formal announcements. “We’ve got about five of our sponsors under contract,” Wallace said in a phone interview Monday. “I don’t plan on shutting my team down at all. … I might have to slow down a little bit. I can’t put any of my personal money into this thing. I’ve already put personal money into this thing, more than I’m feeling comfortable with to keep it going. With that said, I’m not sitting here feeling sorry for myself because 90% of the garage area has this problem and my situation is no different.” While moving to the Sprint Cup Series is the eventual goal for his team, making the move with 5-Hour Energy was not an option, Wallace said.(SceneDaily)(10-4-2011)

  • Facts and Stats at Kansas Speedway:
    · Groundbreaking was held on May 25, 1999.
    · The official opening of Kansas Speedway was in 2001, with the first events being an ARCA race and a NASCAR K&N Pro Series West race on the same day – June 2.
    · The first NASCAR Sprint Cup Series race was Sept. 30, 2001.
    · There have been 11 NASCAR Sprint Cup races at Kansas since the track opened in 2001.
    · All of the races have been scheduled for 267 laps.
    · 10 drivers have competed in all 11 races at Kansas.
    · Jeff Gordon won the first two NASCAR Sprint Cup races.
    · Jason Leffler won the first pole in September 2001.
    · Eight different drivers have won poles, led by Jimmie Johnson with three.
    · Eight different drivers have posted victories, led by Greg Biffle, Jeff Gordon and Tony Stewart (each with two).
    · Seven of the 11 races have been won from a top-10 starting position.
    · Two drivers have won from the pole: Joe Nemechek in 2004 and Jimmie Johnson in 2008.
    · The furthest back in the field that a race winner started was 25th, by Brad Keselowski earlier this season.
    · Three active drivers with more than one start have averaged a top-10 finish: Greg Biffle (8.3), Jeff Gordon (8.1) and Jimmie Johnson (9.1).
    · Jeff Gordon leads all drivers in top fives (eight) and top 10s (nine). Gordon’s only two non-top 10s were a 39th in 2006 and a 13th in 2004.
    · Seven of the 11 races that ended under green had a margin of victory under one second. The 2007 race ended under caution.
    (NASCAR)(10-4-2011)
  • Pocono Raceway to be repaved: per an image on Pocono Raceway’s Facebook, look for an announcement today [around 11am/et] that Pocono Raceway will repave the track before the start of the 2012 racing season. Supposedly work has already begun on removing asphalt.
    UPDATE: On June 4, 2010 Pocono Raceway announced the Raceway was embarking on an expansive construction project directed to improve driver safety and enhance competition. In the fall of 2010, more 5,500 feet of the new generation SAFER (Steel and Foam Energy Reduction) barrier was installed to the inside of the track from the exit of turn one to the entrance of turn three, and more than 6,100 feet of catch fence added from the front straight to turn two.
    Today, Raceway President and CEO, Brandon Igdalsky announced the kick-off of phase two of the project that includes: a new outer pit wall, concrete pit stalls and repaving of the 2.5 mile superspeedway, known as “The Tricky Triangle.” “We received input from a number of drivers, as well as, NASCAR Officials before making our final improvement plans,” stated Igdalsky. “A new outer pit wall will replace the current pit wall and new concrete pit stalls will provide an excellent surface for pit stops and subsequent burn-outs. Our pit stalls are already among the largest on the circuit and our pit road is one of the widest and safest in NASCAR,” Igdalsky added. “Pocono was last repaved in 1995 and all construction work will be completed prior to Pocono Raceway’s June 2012 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series event.” For ticket information call toll free 1-800-RACEWAY (1-800-722-3923) or visit: www.poconoraceway.com.(Pocono Raceway)(10-4-2011)
  • Statements about road closure around Kansas Speedway: Statement from Kansas Speedway President Regarding Kansas Department Of Transportation Decision to Delay Road Closure Project: “I want to thank the Kansas Department of Transportation for their flexibility and willingness to change the construction schedule for the Quivira Road Improvement Project,” said Kansas Speedway President Patrick Warren. “This decision is more evidence of the strong partnership we have with the State of Kansas and ensures that NASCAR fans locally, as well as those travelling to our area, will have a great experience!”(Kansas Speedway)
    AND The planned closure of westbound I-435 the weekend of Oct. 7-10 for construction work taking place near the Quivira Road interchange has been postponed a week.
    “We have decided to reschedule this weekend’s closures to accommodate the many race fans who will be traveling to the weekend-long NASCAR races at the Kansas Speedway,” said Kansas Department of Transportation (KDOT) Deputy Secretary Jerry Younger.(Kansas DOT News Release in part)(10-4-2011)
  • Hauler Parade at Kansas: For the first time, NASCAR Sprint Cup Series haulers will participate in a hauler parade in Kansas City, Kansas’ Village West area on Thursday, Oct. 6 before heading to Kansas Speedway’s infield for the Hollywood Casino 400, the fourth race in the Chase for the NASCAR Sprint Cup. The hauler parade kicks off the 5th annual Parade of Heroes, which features vintage military vehicles, local marching bands and fire and police departments. Parade of Heroes is presented each year by the Village West Rotary Club and honors men and women in uniform – soldiers, police, fire and our veterans. The parade will start at 5:45 PM with over 40 NASCAR haulers expected to participate. The parade will begin on Speedway Blvd, before turning onto Village West Parkway through The Legends. The haulers will turn onto Stadium Drive before turning left onto 110th Street and heading into Kansas Speedway for the weekend. Parking is available in Village West. Remaining 2011 events at Kansas Speedway include the Hollywood Casino 400 on Oct. 9, the Kansas Lottery 300 on Oct. 8 and the Kansas Lottery 98.9 on Oct. 7 and tickets for all events are on sale now by calling 866.460.RACE (7223) or by logging onto www.kansasspeedway.com. Parking is always free at Kansas Speedway and fans can bring in one 14x14x14-inch soft-sided cooler with their favorite food and beverages.(Kansas Speedway)(10-4-2011)
  • Tour pit road at Talladega: Ever want to tour pit road prior to the most pivotal race in the Chase for the NASCAR Sprint Cup? Here’s your opportunity! A limited quantity of pre-race pit passes are on-sale now to all Talladega Superspeedway ticket holders for only $50, an opportunity that was previously limited to hospitality and select tower seat purchasers. In addition the “field level” atmosphere, this is also a great opportunity for the shutterbug race fan. Crews will be setting up pit boxes and the starting grid will be rolling onto pit road providing amazing photo opportunities and an experience that is sure to last a lifetime. Ticket holders can call the Talladega Superspeedway Ticket Office at 1-877-Go2-DEGA to secure pit-passes. Supplies are limited and expected to sell out before race weekend. Race fans that want to experience true southern hospitality combined with the most competitive racing in NASCAR should call the Talladega Superspeedway Ticket Office today at 1-877-Go2-DEGA. Guests that purchase their tickets in advance have the opportunity to save over those who purchase during race week. Tickets are available online at www.talladegasuperspeedway.com.(Talladega Superspeedway)(10-4-2011)
  • Atlanta Motor Speedway Announces Inaugural “Gift of Lights”: Atlanta Motor Speedway will be lit up like never before this holiday season from Nov. 18 through Jan. 1 for the inaugural Gift of Lights Holiday Light Show, the most affordable light display in the metro Atlanta area. The Gift of Lights will be a nightly drive-through event, with over one million LED lights in hundreds of displays on hand for the public to enjoy. Each display will consist of all LED lights, making the Gift of Lights very eco-friendly. In fact, the total electricity use of the display is estimated to cost only $750. Gift of Lights will also benefit the Atlanta Motor Speedway chapter of Speedway Children’s Charities. There will also be a toy collection for Toys for Tots. Display hours will be from 6:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. Sunday through Thursday, and 6:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. on Friday and Saturday. Admission will be $15 per car, and the first 15,000 cars will receive a holiday gift bag with gifts and value coupons from sponsors. For families looking to enjoy lights as part of their Christmas Day gathering, the Gift of Lights will be open Christmas Day Sunday, Dec. 25. For more information about the Gift of Lights at Atlanta Motor Speedway, visit www.georgiagiftoflights.com.(AMS)(10-4-2011)


     

    News from October 3, 2011

     

  • NASCAR Takes Over Las Vegas for Champion’s Week: You’ll find no clocks in any Las Vegas casino, but come late November and early December, everyone knows what time it is anyway. It’s NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Champion’s Week, a championship celebration that has risen in both stature and anticipation in a town known for marquee events – Las Vegas, Nev. Now in its third year in Las Vegas, the annual NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Champion’s Week both honors the champion of the sport’s premier series as well as regales a loyal and passionate group of folks – the fans. NASCAR’s annual week-long celebration culminates with the 2011 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Awards Ceremony on Friday, Dec. 2 at one of the world’s premier resorts, Wynn Las Vegas. SPEED will once again provide same-day coverage starting at 9:00pm/et. Other details regarding the event, such as entertainment planned, will be announced at a later date.
    A capper to the Chase for the NASCAR Sprint Cup, the week-long celebration once again features fan-favorite activities such as the NASCAR Victory Lap down the world-famous Las Vegas Strip; NASCAR After The Lap, an anything-goes Q&A session between fans and drivers; and the NASCAR NMPA Myers Brothers Awards Luncheon, the annual affair where drivers and teams collect a number of year-end awards and accolades.
    For the third consecutive year, fans will join drivers, team owners and industry leaders in celebrating the NASCAR Sprint Cup champion at the awards ceremony. Approximately 300 tickets are available to fans, which are being distributed by tracks, NASCAR partners and teams through various fan promotions. Tickets will offer fans access to the following Champion’s Week experiences:
    · NASCAR NMPA Myers Brothers Awards Luncheon
    · NASCAR After The Lap
    · Fan reception & Red Carpet walk prior to the awards ceremony
    · NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Awards Ceremony
    Following is a rundown of NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Champion’s Week activities, all times local.
    Tuesday-Wednesday, Nov. 29-30
    · NASCAR 2011 Motorsports Marketing Forum: The NASCAR Motorsports Marketing Forum is the motorsports industry’s most comprehensive business forum. This is the twelfth year that Street & Smith’s Sports Business Journal has hosted the conference, which will feature an array of insight and perspective from sports and marketing executives both within and outside the motorsports industry. Registration is required at www.motorsportsmarketingforum.com.
    Tuesday-Saturday, Nov. 29-Dec. 3
    · NASCAR Pit Stop Tour: The Pit Stop Tour program will run from Tuesday through Saturday, Nov. 29-Dec. 3, consisting of Official Partner show cars placed in iconic locations throughout the Las Vegas strip. Brand ambassadors at each location will be on site from 10 a.m.-6 p.m. each day, engaging fans. The planned locations include the Welcome to Las Vegas sign, the World of Coke, New York, New York hotel, Fashion Show Mall, Fremont Street, Bally’s and Harrah’s. Ford, Chevrolet and Toyota will be showcasing their vehicles to fans (Ford at Bally’s; Chevrolet at Fashion Show Mall; Toyota at New York, New York; and the 2011 NASCAR Sprint Cup champion’s stock car at the Welcome to Las Vegas Sign).
    Wednesday, Nov. 30
    · Las Vegas Motor Speedway’s Champion’s Week Kickoff Event: Held on Fremont Street, this free event starts at 2:15 p.m. and will feature a Newlywed Game-type competition among the top-12 drivers. Drivers will be randomly paired by drawings in groups of two, and will answer questions about each other mirroring the famous Newlywed Game style. Each team will also be paired with a fan. The winning drivers and fans will receive suite passes for next year’s NASCAR weekend at Las Vegas Motor Speedway.
    Thursday, Dec. 1
    · NASCAR NMPA Myers Brothers Awards Luncheon: This will begin at 11 a.m. in the Bellagio Ballroom at the Bellagio. This annual industry/media gathering includes the presentation of awards to the Champion Crew Chief, Champion Sponsor, Sunoco Rookie of the Year and Most Popular Driver. Co-hosted by NASCAR and National Motor Sports Press Association, fans can attend this exclusive event for the second-consecutive year.
    · NASCAR Victory Lap: Set for 3 p.m., the fan-favorite NASCAR Victory Lap will feature the top 12 drivers parading – with engines growling – down the famed Las Vegas strip in their teams’ respective race cars. NASCAR Victory Lap will feature an authentic pit stop along the route and two burn-out sections for drivers. NASCAR Victory Lap will start in front of Planet Hollywood Hotel & Casino on Las Vegas Boulevard and end at the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino.
    · Coca-Cola Fan Zone: Fans can get a front-row seat for the conclusion of NASCAR Victory Lap at the Coca-Cola Fan Zone, a free event located at Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Las Vegas. Beginning at noon, the Coca-Cola Fan Zone offers interactive displays from The Sprint Experience, Game Show Network, Ford, Coca-Cola, and is a prelude to NASCAR After the Lap.
    · NASCAR After the Lap: Starting at 4:30 p.m., NASCAR After The Lap is one of the highlights of NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Champion’s Week. Tickets for the third-annual event will be available for purchase at NASCARafterthelap.com for $20 each, with proceeds benefitting The NASCAR Foundation, a non-profit organization which raises funds that support children’s charities and important causes throughout the nation. Sponsored by Ford Motor Company and Coca-Cola, the event is renowned for its unfiltered, “tell-all” format featuring the 2011 top-12 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series drivers.
    Friday, Dec. 2
    · 2011 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Awards Ceremony: The big show will start at 6 p.m. at the Wynn Las Vegas, crowning the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series champion driver and owner – and honoring the other drivers who finished in the top 10 in the final series standings. SPEED provides same-day coverage, starting at 9 pm/et.(NASCAR)(10-3-2011)

  • Testing at Phoenix Tuesday & Wednesday: NASCAR Sprint Cup Series has a two-day test session at Phoenix International Raceway scheduled for Tuesday and Wednesday, Oct. 4-5. Teams will be on track from 10 am to 4 pm. In March, construction began on Phoenix’s first track repave since 1990. This test provides the first opportunity for all teams to run on the new surface in preparation for Phoenix’s Chase for the NASCAR Sprint Cup race on Nov. 13. Though Phoenix International Raceway remains one mile in length, changes to the banking and configuration have been implemented to promote side-by-side racing. As of today, 37 teams have entered for the test. In addition, three have opted to test fuel injection [no word which teams], as NASCAR and its teams continue to prepare for the introduction of fuel injection for the 2012 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series season.
    Robin Pemberton, NASCAR Vice President of Competition, comments on the upcoming test at Phoenix: “The test at Phoenix will give teams the opportunity to gather data for everything they need for their chassis and simulation work in preparation for November’s Chase race. Not only is Phoenix getting a repaved surface, there is a track configuration change to go along with it. The backstretch will now have a more defined dogleg and the bank angles have changed. It’s almost like we’ll be looking at a new race track.”(NASCAR)(10-3-2011)
  • The Entry List for the Hollywood Casino 400 Sprint Cup Series race at Kansas Speedway is posted, 46 teams/drivers [for 43 spots] are listed, including:
    Not in top 35 of owners points:
    #7-Robby Gordon (37/29)
    #30-David Stremme (43/17)
    #37-Josh Wise (39/29)
    #38-Travis Kvapil (36/29)
    #46-Scott Speed (40/29)
    #55-J.J. Yeley (51/10)
    #60-Mike Skinner (44/28)
    #66-Michael McDowell (41/29)
    #87-Joe Nemechek (42/29)
    #95-David Starr (45/6)
    #98-Austin Dillon (0/0)
    In the event that qualifying is cancelled:
    the eight who would make it [8]: #’s 38,7,37,46,66,87,60,30
    missing the race would be [3]: #’s 55,95,98
    See the full entry list at my Jayski’s Kansas Entry List.(10-3-2011)

  • Goodyear and NASCAR Extend Agreement: The Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company and NASCAR today jointly announced they have signed an extended agreement for Goodyear to continue as the exclusive tire used in NASCAR’s top three racing series for the next five years. The agreement, which extends through the 2017 season, renews Goodyear as the “Exclusive Tire Supplier” of NASCAR’s Sprint Cup Series, the NASCAR Nationwide Series and the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series. Goodyear has had an uninterrupted commitment to NASCAR since becoming a race tire supplier in the 1950s, making it one of the longest-running supply programs in any sport. In addition, Goodyear has been the exclusive tire supplier for all three of the circuit’s top series since 1997.
    “This extension is the continuation of a relationship between experts,” said Pierre Jambon, vice president of Goodyear’s off-highway business. “NASCAR is clearly the expert in stock car racing, and it has chosen Goodyear because of our expertise in delivering outstanding performance. Our tire performance on the track validates our brand, inspires confidence for drivers and helps create exciting racing for fans. We are proud to continue to be an integral part of NASCAR.”
    “Our longtime relationship with Goodyear is a testament to the company’s consistent high-quality tire it supplies the race teams,” said Jim O’Connell, NASCAR’s chief sales officer. “Not only are they experts in tire performance, but they are also a brand that understands how to effectively engage and connect with our fans through creative activation.”(Goodyear), see more quotes about this agreement, plus notes about past and future tire tests and news on tirs on my Tire Sponsor and Test news page.(10-3-2011)

  • Race and Commercial Breakdown of the 2011 AAA 400: For those of you NASCAR fans that like stats and love to hate commercials, or wonder how often your driver was focused on, here is the breakdown for Sunday’s race. Began recording the times at the Invocation of the race at 2:02 pm, and stopped at the waving of the checkered flag at 5:40 pm (all times are EST). Did not keep records for the pre- and post-race coverage. ESPN was the broadcast team for this event. Included in this broadcast was ‘NASCAR Non-Stop’, commercials shown split-screen with the race broadcast. Below the regular commercials’ breakdown, you can see a breakdown of the participating sponsors and the times their ads were shown. Big thanks go out to ESPN for offering ‘NASCAR Non-Stop’, and the sponsors who permitted their products to be advertised this way.
    Total number of traditional commercials (not split-screen): 65
    Total number of ‘NASCAR Non-Stop commercials’ (split-screen): 55
    Total number of commercials: 120
    Total number of companies or entities advertised: 64
    Total number of brief promos of products/services during the race broadcast: 28
    Total number of companies or entities advertised in brief promos or crawlers: 21
    Total amount of time these brief promos take during broadcast: app. 3 min. 10 sec.
    Start time to record race/commercial periods: 2:02 pm
    End time to record race/commercial periods: 5:40 pm
    Total minutes of complete broadcast: 218
    Total minutes of race broadcast: 186
    Minutes of traditional commercials: 32
    Minutes of ‘NASCAR Non-Stop Commercials’: 27
    Number of times ESPN utilized ‘NASCAR Non-Stop’ to show split-screen commercials: 10
    Number of missed restarts: 0
    Number of ‘mystery cautions’ (debris not shown): 0
    Number of male enhancement commercials: 0
    Total race brdcst time 186 Total traditional comm. brdcst time 32
    See more info, links, info, past races on the 2011 TV Commercial page.(10-3-2011)

  • Red Bull to sponsor a car in 2012?: Red Bull will no longer own a NASCAR team at the end of 2011, but X Games legend and Red Bull athlete Travis Pastrana expressed confidence Sunday that the energy drink company will sponsor a car in the Sprint Cup Series next season. Pastrana, who was going to make his Nationwide debut for Pastrana-Waltrip Racing in July before suffering a severe ankle injury after crashing in the X Games Moto-X best trick competition, said Red Bull is “working out the details” of divesting its interest of the team. “[Red Bull] wants to sponsor a team, as opposed to the Formula 1 setup where they do own the team,” Pastrana said following a press conference in the Dover media center.(As the World Turns Left)(10-3-2011)

  • Delaware raises tolls for race? no: The state of Delaware didn’t pass on the opportunity to cash in on race weekend [for the races at Dover International Speedway] by raising the tolls on Highway 1, the main road to the speedway from Philadelphia and Wilmington, Del. Tolls usually are $1, but raised to $2 on race weekend.(Augusta Chronicle), note: looking at Delaware DOT and EzPass info, tolls on Highway 1 for passenger vehicle are raised every weekend by $1.00 from 7:00pm/et Fridays to 11:00pm/et on Sundays since Oct 2007 and not just raised for the race weekend.(10-3-2011)


     

    News from October 2, 2011

     

  • Kurt Busch wins at Dover: #22-Kurt Busch won the AAA 400 Sprint Cup Series race at Dover International Speedway for his 24th career win and 2nd of of the season.
    #48-Johnson finished 2nd followed by #99-Edwards, #4-Kahne, #17-Kenseth, #18-Busch, #43-Allmendinger, #33-Bowyer, #9-Ambrose and #29-Harvick.
    Pole sitter #56-Truex Jr. had some tire problems and finished 30th.
    #29-Harvick and #99-Edwards are tied in the Chase Points lead, with #14-Stewart and #22-Busch 9 points behind in 3rd.
    There were 24lead changes among 13 drivers and 10 cautions for 44 yellow flag laps. The attendance is listed as 83,000 down from 88,000 last year.
    Scheduled Race Re-Airs:
    ESPN2, Monday, October 3 at 12:30am/et;
    SPEED, Wednesday, October 5 at 12:00pm/et
    See race results, awards, laps led and more on Jayski’s Dover Race Results/Awards page.(10-2-2011)
  • Race Fast Facts – Dover:
    #22-Kurt Busch won the 42nd Annual AAA 400, his 24th victory in 393 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series races.
    This is his second victory and 16th top-10 finish in 2011.
    This is his first victory and eighth top-10 finish in 23 races at Dover International Speedway.
    #48-Jimmie Johnson (second) posted his 14th top-10 finish in 20 races at Dover International Speedway. It is his 19th top-10 finish in 2011.
    #99-Carl Edwards (third) posted his 11th top-10 finish in 15 races at Dover International Speedway.
    #71-Andy Lally (33rd) was the highest finishing rookie.
    #29-Kevin Harvick leads the point standings by 0 points over Carl Edwards.(NASCAR Statistics)(10-2-2011)
  • Finishing spots for the Chase drivers at Dover: (by standings order before the race)
    1) #14-Tony Stewart, started 28th, finished 25th [drops to 3rd]
    2) #29-Kevin Harvick, 22nd, 10th
    3) #2-Brad Keselowski, 15th, 20th
    4) #99-Carl Edwards, 4th, 3rd
    5) #24-Jeff Gordon, 34th, 12th
    6) #18-Kyle Busch, 5th, 6th
    7) #17-Matt Kenseth, 18th, 5th
    8) #88-Dale Earnhardt Jr., 21st
    9) #22-Kurt Busch, 2nd, WON
    10) #48-Jimmie Johnson, 6th, 2nd
    11) #39-Ryan Newman, 20th, 23rd
    12) #11-Denny Hamlin, 11th, 18th
    See drivers championship points standings on Jayski’s Drivers Points Standings page.(10-2-2011)
  • 2011 Sprint Cup Driver Championship Chase Points Standings:
    [after Dover, race 29 of 36 and Chase race 3 of 10]
    1) #29-Kevin Harvick [4 wins], 2122
    2) #99-Carl Edwards [1 win], 2122
    3) #14-Tony Stewart [2 wins], 2113, -9
    4) #22-Kurt Busch [2 wins], 2113, -9
    5) #48-Jimmie Johnson [1 win], 2109, -13
    6) #2-Brad Keselowski [3 wins], 2108, -14
    7) #17-Matt Kenseth [2 wins], 2108, -14
    8) #18-Kyle Busch [4 wins], 2107, -15
    9) #24-Jeff Gordon [3 wins], 2103, -19
    10) #88-Dale Earnhardt Jr. [0 wins], 2088, -34
    11) #39-Ryan Newman [1 win], 2081, -41
    12) #11-Denny Hamlin [1 win], 2054, -68
    (ties broken by 1sts, 2nds, 3rd, etc)
    See drivers championship points standings on Jayski’s Drivers Points Standings page.(10-2-2011)
  • Top-35 in Owner Points and guaranteed a starting spot at Kansas:
    #71 increases their lead slightly to 39 pts over 36th in owners pts, the #38 team.
    34) #32-Bliss/FAS Lane, 397, +50
    35) #71-Lally/TRG, 386, 39 points ahead of 36th
    these teams / drivers will need to qualify by speed:
    36) #38-Yeley/Front Row, 347, 39 points out of top 35
    37) #7-Gordon/RGM, 297, -89
    The teams are NOT locked in past the next race as the owners points change after each race.
    For the owner points standings, see my Owners Points Standings page.(10-2-2011)
  • Lucky Dogs – Who got a lap back on each caution at Dover: (and their finish)
    Caution 1: no cars on the track down a lap
    Caution 2: no cars on the track down a lap
    Caution 3: #88-Earnhardt Jr., 24th
    Caution 4: #83-Vickers, 14th
    Caution 5: #34-Gilliland, 28th
    Caution 6: #20-Logano, 29th
    Caution 7: #31-Burton, 11th
    Caution 7: #99-Edwards, 3rd
    Caution 8: #2-Keselowski, 20th
    Caution 9: #2-Keselowski(2), 20th
    (10-2-2011)
  • Did Not Finish Streak and stats: #99-Edwards has the longest current streak of finishing races at 57, of drivers who have run all the races.
    Four drivers have ran all the races in 2011 and not had a DNF: #99-Edwards, #39-Newman, #42-Montoya, #9-Ambrose.
    The all-time record for the longest streak of NOT having an DNF is 84 races held by Herman Beam from April 30, 1961 thru March 10, 1963 [Beam didn’t run all the races, but did not have a DNF in 84 straight consecutive races that he ran].
    Clint Bowyer holds the modern day (1972-present) at 83, next is Kevin Harvick at 81 [also had a 2nd streak of 58], then Jeff Gordon at 56 and Dale Earnhardt at 53.
    The Most in 2011: #87-Nemechek has 28 DNQ’s in 29 races run.(10-2-2011)
  • Dover Notes-n-Nuggets:
    • Kurt Busch earned his 24th career victory in his 393rd start.
    • This was Kurt Busch’s third career Chase victory. All eight Dover Chase races were won by drivers competing in the Chase.
    • Kurt Busch claimed his first victory at Dover; his previous best finish was fourth, which he accomplished twice.
    • Kurt Busch led five times for 90 laps, including the final 42.
    • Jimmie Johnson (second) led the most laps at Dover for the sixth consecutive race; he has finished ninth or better in seven of his past eight Dover races.
    • Carl Edwards (third) was penalized for speeding on Lap 246, received the free pass on eighth caution and recovered for a top-five finish; he has been running at the finish in all 15 of his Dover races.
    • Kasey Kahne (fourth) picked up his first top-five finish since Daytona in July; this was his career-best finish at Dover.
    • Matt Kenseth (fifth) earned his eighth top-five finish of 2011 and his 12th top-five finish in 26 races at Dover.
    • A.J. Allmendinger (seventh) recovered from a spin on Lap 6 to tie his career-best finish at Dover.
    • Marcos Ambrose (ninth) had top-10 finishes in both races at Dover in 2011; this was his best finish since his win at Watkins Glen.
    • Jeff Burton (11th) has only one top-ten finish in 2011, but he has now finished 11th three times this year including both races at Dover.
    • Tony Stewart (25th), the winner of the first two Chase races, has finished 21st or worse in his past three races at Dover.
    (Racing Recall/nascar.com)(10-2-2011)

  • MWR likely to announce Bowyer as driver on Friday: #33-Clint Bowyer is expected to be introduced as the new driver for Michael Waltrip Racing on Friday at Kansas Speedway. Team owner Michael Waltrip confirmed there is a press conference scheduled at the track on Friday afternoon to discuss “the future of Michael Waltrip Racing” and that everything was looking good for Bowyer, a native of Emporia, Kan. “I feel good about everything we’re doing,” Waltrip said before Sunday’s Sprint Cup race at Dover International Speedway. Bowyer said he’s in the process of finalizing the contract with MWR and that he was “hopeful” it would be announced at his home track. Waltrip also hopes to keep his relationship with JTG Daugherty Racing, allowing the team to move that operation to its Harrisburg, N.C., shop but continue to receive cars and engines from MWR. Co-owner Brad Daugherty told ESPN.com earlier in the week that they had an offer from MWR and that the plan was to move from MWR to its own shop. “We’d like to think we will be together in some form or fashion,” Waltrip said. Bowyer, wrapping up the final year of his contract with Richard Childress Racing, will give MWR three full-time Sprint Cup teams in 2012. He joins David Reutimann and Martin Truex Jr., the pole-sitter at Dover. Bowyer has spent all six of his Cup seasons at RCR, winning four races and making the Chase three times. Due to sponsorship issues, he was unable to renew a deal there even though both parties said they wanted to stay together. Bowyer will be sponsored for about half the 2012 season by 5-hour Energy drink. Waltrip said all other details will be revealed at Friday’s press conference.(ESPN)(10-2-2011)

  • Wallace willing to shut down RWI: Rusty Wallace is willing to put his race organization, RWI, “into mothballs” for a couple of seasons until the sponsorship landscape in NASCAR improves. RWI is losing backing from 5-hour Energy at the end of the season and has yet to secure full sponsorship for the teams for next year. 5-hour Energy is expected to sponsor Clint Bowyer at Michael Waltrip Racing in 2012. An announcement is scheduled for Friday in Kansas City. So what happens to RWI’s existing NASCAR Nationwide Series teams? “I just want to find a good ride for Steven,” Wallace said of his 24-year-old son, who is eighth in the point standings. Wallace added he’s spoken with several Sprint Cup organizations that expressed interest in putting Steven in a Nationwide Series car next season.(FoxSports)(10-2-2011)


     

    News from October 1, 2011

     

  • Race Coverage of the AAA 400 Sprint Cup Series race at Dover International Speedway is scheduled for Sunday, October 2, 2011.
    Television (TV): ESPN at 2:00 pm/et; NSCS Countdown pre-race show at 1:00 pm/et; green flag approx 2:15pm/et
    Radio: Motor Racing Network (MRN) and Sirius XM Satellite NASCAR Radio 90
    Scheduled Race Re-Airs:
    ESPN2, Monday, October 3 at 12:30am/et;
    SPEED, Wednesday, October 5 at 12:00pm/et
  • As a result of rain overnight at Dover, NASCAR has announced a competition caution at Lap 40.
  • Chase for the NASCAR Sprint Cup Continues at Dover: The third race in the Chase for the NASCAR Sprint Cup will be run at Dover International Speedway on Sunday, Oct. 2, and ESPN will a live telecast of the 400-lap race on the 1-mile track. The NASCAR Countdown presented by NAPA pre-race show airs at 1:00pm/et with the race’s green flag at 2:15 pm/et. ESPN2 will air NASCAR Sprint Cup practice on Friday, Sept. 30, at 2:30 pm. Analysts Dale Jarrett, the 1999 driving champion, and two-time champion crew chief Andy Petree will join lap-by-lap announcer Allen Bestwick in the booth to call the action for the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series. Two-time champion crew chief Tim Brewer will report from the ESPN Craftsman Tech Garage, while pit reporters will be Dave Burns, Jamie Little, Dr. Jerry Punch and Vince Welch. NASCAR Countdown from the ESPN pit studio will be hosted by Nicole Briscoe with analysis by 1989 champion driver Rusty Wallace and Brad Daugherty. The studio team will interact with the booth during the race telecasts.
    RacingLive! on ESPN.com is a live blog where fans can engage in debate and discussion with ESPN.com writers and editors during the NASCAR Sprint Cup races. On Sunday, Oct. 2, RacingLive! Dover will kick off to coincide with ESPN’s live telecast of the NASCAR Sprint Cup race at Dover International Speedway. Fans can join ESPN.com’s NASCAR experts in dissecting every aspect of the race live at espn.go.com/racing/nascar/. ESPN.com motorsports writer David Newton will be on hand at Dover.
  • Truex Jr. wins Dover pole: #56-Martin Truex Jr. won the Coors Light pole for the AAA 400 Sprint Cup Series race at Dover International Speedway with a speed of 159.004mph. It is his 1st pole of the season and the 6th of his career, Truex Jr. has never won from the pole. Truex Jr. is the 17th driver to win a pole in 2011.
    #22-Busch starts 2nd, followed by #27-Menard, #99-Edwards, #18-Busch, #48-Johnson, #43-Allmendinger, #47-Labonte, #4-Kahne and #16-Biffle,.
    The go-or-go homers who made the race (8): #71-Lally, #37-Wise, #46-Speed, #30-Stremme, #55-Kvapil, #66-McDowell, #7-Sorenson, #87-Nemechek and #38-Yeley.
    The go-or-go homers who failed to qualify for the race (1): #60-Skinner.
    See the starting lineup, qualifying speeds and notes on my Dover Starting Lineup/Qualifying Results page.(10-1-2011)
  • Starting spots for the Chase drivers at Dover: (by standings order)
    1) #14-Tony Stewart, starts 28th
    2) #29-Kevin Harvick, 22nd
    3) #2-Brad Keselowski, 15th
    4) #99-Carl Edwards, 4th
    5) #24-Jeff Gordon, 34th
    6) #18-Kyle Busch, 5th
    7) #17-Matt Kenseth, 18th
    8) #88-Dale Earnhardt Jr., 21st
    9) #22-Kurt Busch, 2nd
    10) #48-Jimmie Johnson, 6th
    11) #39-Ryan Newman, 20th
    12) #11-Denny Hamlin, 11th
    See drivers championship points standings on Jayski’s Drivers Points Standings page.(10-1-2011)
  • Qualifying Fast Facts – Dover:
    #56-Martin Truex Jr. won the Coors Light Pole Award for the 42nd Annual AAA 400 with a lap of 22.641 seconds, 159.004 mph.
    This is his sixth pole in 218 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series races.
    This is his first pole and 10th top-10 start in 2011.
    This is his second pole in 12 races at Dover International Speedway.
    #22-Kurt Busch (second) posted his 17th top-10 start of 2011 and his 15th in 23 races at Dover International Speedway.
    #27-Paul Menard (third) posted his third top-10 start at Dover International Speedway. It is his 14th in 29 races this season.
    #71-Andy Lally (37th) was the fastest qualifying rookie.(NASCAR Statistics)(10-1-2011)
  • Pit Stall Selections: The selections of pit stalls for the AAA 400 at Dover International Speedway have been made.
    Pole sitter #56-Truex Jr. chose pit stall 1 [as do most pole sitters].
    Outside pole sitter #22-Busch took pit stall 10, the first pitstall in front of the start finish line.
    #27-Menard, who starts 3rd took the 17th pit stall, the 2nd and final stall with an opening in front of it.
    The 43rd and final pit stall was taken by #48-Johnson, who starts 6th.
    To see where the drivers/teams pit stall is, see the pit selection chart on the Pit Stall Selection chart.(10-1-2011)

  • Hamlin looking to 2012: from a Toyota Racing transcript of #11-Denny Hamlin meeting with the media at Dover:
    Q) What is your outlook after two races in the Chase?
    Hamlin: “We definitely are in a position now (12th) to where we can kind of relax and have some fun and try to win some races from here on out. That’s the important, number one priority for us right now is to kind of get back on track before the year is over.”
    Q) Will the Phoenix test [Oct 4-5] be more for November or 2012?
    Hamlin: “I would say probably 2012 more than anything for us. We’ve got some different packages and stuff that we’re going to work on. Ultimately we’re going to go each week and try to win that given week. We’re going to be trying wholesale stuff more so than just fine tuning to that race track in specific.”(Toyota Racing)(10-1-2011)

  • Brian Keselowski’s team to return at Martinsville: The #92 team owned by Brian Keselowski is working towards making its return at Martinsville in October. The team last made an attempt at Michigan in June with Keselowski driving the Melling Chevy after attempting races in Dodge’s. The only start the team has made was when Keselowski made the starting lineup since February’s Daytona 500. No word who will drive the car, Dennis Setzer made an attempt with the team at Martinsville in April.(Frontstretch)(10-1-2011)

  • Court orders NHMS to pay ISC over radio fee: A jury in New Hampshire has ordered Speedway Motorsports Inc.’s New Hampshire Motor Speedway to pay International Speedway Corp.’s Motor Racing Network approximately $950,000 after a weeklong trial to determine whether MRN deserved a contract termination fee from the race track, according to an ISC statement. When SMI bought the New Hampshire track in January 2008, it wanted its Sprint Cup and Nationwide races on its own radio network, Performance Racing Network. But NHIS had a contract with MRN that ISC said required a three-year notice of termination. MRN ended up broadcasting the June 2008 Nationwide and Cup races from the newly named New Hampshire Motor Speedway and then PRN got the Cup race in September 2008 and all Nationwide and Cup events beginning in 2009.(SceneDaily)(10-1-2011)

  • Germain may switch manufacturers: Germain Racing [#13 GEICO Toyota & #60 Big Red Toyota] majority owner Bob Germain told Sirius XM NASCAR Radio’s Sirius Speedway with Dave Moody that his NASCAR Sprint Cup Series team may not return to the Toyota camp in 2012. “There is a possibility that we might not be a Toyota team next year,” said Germain. “I never thought we’d be running anything but a Toyota, but I’m not sure we’re going to be able to get on the TRD (Toyota Racing Development) engine program. We wanted to buy TRD motors for next year’s Sprint Cup effort, but with Joe Gibbs Racing getting out of the engine business at the end of this year, I’m not sure we’re going to be able to get our engines from TRD.” Germain explained that TRD will have the capacity to build six sets of Sprint Cup Series engines next season. JGR’s trio of Camrys driven by Kyle Busch, Denny Hamlin and Joey Logano accounts for three sets and Michael Waltrip Racing’s Martin Truex, Jr. and David Reutimann account for two more. That leaves one engine set to be allotted, without accounting for MWR’s expected third 2012 entry driven by Clint Bowyer, or JTG Daugherty Racing and driver Bobby Labonte. “Toyota has told us they will try to work something out,” said Germain, “but it’s not certain. There is a possibility that we may have to look elsewhere. We had already promised GEICO that we would go with TRD engines next year (after running Triad power in the past), and they were really excited about that. I never thought there would be a problem doing it, but now apparently, there is.” Germain said he has already spoken to other manufacturers about possible 2012 alliances. “We went out and looked around little bit,” he said. “We talked to Ford Racing and we talked to Rick Hendrick a while back, just to see what’s out there and how their programs work. My hope is still to stay with Toyota, but we may not be able to do so.”(Sirius Speedway)(10-1-2011)

  • Probst Joins EGR as Head of Engineering: Earnhardt Ganassi Racing with Felix Sabates announced John Probst has accepted the role of technical director to oversee all engineering for the organization’s NASCAR operation. In his new role, Probst will work closely with the team’s competition director Steve Hmiel. “As a race team owner, you owe it to your team, partners and the fans to bring in good people whenever you have the opportunity,” said Team Owner Chip Ganassi. “So when John became available we jumped at the opportunity to bring him on board. We think he will be a great addition to this team.” Probst previously spent five years with Team Red Bull, also as technical director, of their two-car NASCAR Sprint Cup Series operation. Prior to his time at Red Bull, he spent over a decade at Ford Motor Company predominately in their motor sports division. His final role at Ford was as a vehicle dynamics supervisor for Ford Racing Technology, overseeing all of Ford’s chassis development, setup engineering, software and simulations. He also held posts at Ford Electronics Racing, Jackie Stewart’s Formula One program, as program manager of Ford Racing Technology’s Champ Car operation and as an engineer on the Jaguar F1 team. The native of Pennsylvania earned a physics and mechanical engineering degree from Penn State University. Probst, his wife Karen and their sons Logan and Connor reside in Sherrills Ford, N.C.(EGR)(10-1-2011)
  • Traffic tips for Dover: DelDOT has established several traffic and parking precautions to ensure that race fans have a safe trip to Dover International Speedway for the triple header beginning Friday, Sept. 30. On Sunday, Oct. 2, the Dover International Speedway’s main entrance will be closed to southbound traffic when stadium parking is filled. Once the race is finished, Leipsic Road will be closed to through traffic to allow immediate exit onto Route 13. On Saturday and Sunday there will be designated routes for cars to follow.
    DelDOT is also offering a park and ride service from two locations on Sunday. Buses will be available to take fans from the Christiana Mall to the speedway for $12 round trip. Seating is limited to the first 800 people. Another bus service will bring fans from the Blue Hen Corporate Center, 655 South Bay Road. Service for both routes begins at 8 a.m.
    The Smyrna Rest Area, 10 miles north of the speeyway, is open 24 hours and provides a place for fans with RVs to stay. The rest area is located off exit 119.
    Updates on traffic and parking can be found at www.twitter.com/delawaredot, www.DelDOT.gov or by listening to 1380 AM.(Dover Post)(10-1-2011)
  • Iowa Speedway Welcomes New Executive Management Team: Doug Fritz, former president of Richmond International Raceway, has been named Chief Executive Officer of Iowa Speedway. Fritz, along with President Stan Clement, will lead Iowa Speedway’s long-term strategic initiatives, events and facilities development and capital reinvestments.
    “Iowa Speedway is one of the fastest-growing entertainment and motorsports venues in the country, and I’m thrilled to be joining their team,” says Fritz. “I’m really looking forward to working closely with the loyal race fans and supporters of Iowa Speedway, as well as the staff. Together, we will continue to elevate Iowa Speedway into a premier motorsports destination. The fans will always be our number-one priority, and we will continue to enhance their experience.” Conrad Clement, chairman of Iowa Speedway, believes Fritz’s industry knowledge will help position the track for record-breaking growth in 2012. Next year’s schedule includes two NASCAR Nationwide, two NASCAR Camping World Truck and two NASCAR K&N Pro Series races; plus stops from the IZOD IndyCar, ARCA Series, USAC and ASA Midwest Tour. Season ticket renewal packets are in the mail and are available immediately online at www.iowaspeedway.com. For more information please call 866-RUSTY-GO.(Iowa Speedway)(10-1-2011)