Welcome to the latest Happy Hour mailbag! You know how these work: You write us with your best rant/ joke/one-liner at happyhournascar@yahoogroups.com (note new address) or on Twitter at @jaybusbee, we respond to your messages, everyone goes away with a smile on their face.
So on Tuesday, I got caught in a 90-minute dead-stop traffic jam caused by a 20-car pileup on a highway near Atlanta. (Here's a brief news account.) And as I drove past the Talladega-esque wreckage, cars twisted into unrecognizable shapes and people sitting on the ground, shaken by the experience (thankfully, no serious injuries), I only had one thought: this was probably Vickers' fault. Also, no word on who got the Lucky Dog.
Now, to your letters. Last week, your assignment was to devise some new victory celebrations in the vein of Carl Edwards' flip. And oh, did you respond. Away we go...
Matt Kenseth would just fold his arms and yawn after a victory.
? Oranje
Hancock, Mich.
___________________
After winning a race, Jimmie Johnson could eat some vanilla ice cream because he is Mr. Vanilla.
? Dave Blakely
Simple. Effective. This is the vanilla ice cream of jokes.
___________________
If Brian Vickers ever wins again, he can wreck the other 42 cars during his victory lap.
? Daniel Biggins
___________________
? Joey Logano - Wait in his car for his Dad to get there and tell him what to do.
? Juan Pablo Montoya - Overcook his drive into Victory Circle taking out all of the equipment onstage and tell everyone it wasn't his fault that the equipment pinched down on him and left him no room.
? Any MWR driver - Go straight to their garage, close all the doors/block all view of the car, pretending their is a fire to distract everyone. Make the car legal, then go to victory circle.
? Danica Patrick - Now, I'm sure their wouldn't be a lot of complaints if she decided to moon all of her competitors, but NASCAR is family-oriented. So she hands out pacifiers to all the whiners.
? Dan Boren
Bay City, Texas
___________________
? Jeff Gordon - Gotta break dance now... think of the head spin with a polished helmet on!
? Tony Stewart - Fires his crew chief
? Denny Hamlin - Fires his crew chief and claims he thought of it first
? Dale Earnhardt Jr. - Tells NASCAR thanks for the 87 lucky dogs that mysteriously took place in the race
? Tim Palmer
___________________
? Joey Logano - Cups his hands on his face a la Home Alone
? Danica Patrick - busts out the little guillotine to even further emasculate the other drivers.
? Kurt
Home of the #17
Cambridge, Wisc.
...and finally, this one wins for the sheer absurdity of several of these...
___________________
? Brad Keselowski - The Robot
? Denny Hamlin - Shrug it off, put a brick on the throttle and walk towards pit road
? Ryan Newman - Take a stray dog and throw it into the grandstands
? Kurt Busch - Give a bird to Kyle Busch fans
? Kyle Busch - Give a bird to Kurt Busch fans
? Kasey Kahne - The Worm
? Greg Biffle - Take a Pancake and start eating it
? Paul Menard - Jump out the car and mutter one simple word: "Dad." Then start crying
? Martin Truex Jr.- Run as hard as you can into the car, see how much damage that you can make
? David Ragan - MOON WALK
? Regan Smith - Start singing your favorite "Grease" number
? Jamie McMurray - Start bawling
? Bobby Labonte - Start painting your car green, with a red 18 on the side, then start praying for JGR
? David Gilliland - Faint because you can't believe it
? Liam Morast
Ann Arbor, Mich.
Yes, drivers slinging puppies into the crowd, eating pancakes and working out their daddy issues. Do you get this kind of angle on the sport on ESPN or NASCAR.com? Hell no, you don't.
All right, on to the next topic ... and hey, it's Kurt Busch! Imagine that!
___________________
Yes, there's an opening now at Penske for 'Urt's' seat. But instead of the usual suspects who lost rides this year, Penske had great success pulling Brad Keselowski out of another organization who was ready, but for whom there was no room at the inn at Hendrick Motorsports. My money's on one of the up and comers in Nationwide, or Elliot Sadler, who's marketable and arguably was unfairly shuffled out of Sprint a few years ago.
? Jeff "Sarge" Smith
Keselowski totally altered the Penske dynamic based on his success. I have to wonder if Penske would have been so quick to kick Kurt to the kurb if Keselowski had finished around 20th. Now, Penske can do exactly as you said, letting Keselowski be the top dog and bringing in a promising newcomer or perhaps a one-more-chance cat like Sadler. Of course, if the rumors are true, there might be another guy looking for a ride. "Kes and the Dinger" sounds like the worst morning radio show ever, but could make for a hell of a driver tandem.
___________________
I am not a Dale Jr. fan per se, but I like the guy based on what I perceive as absolute genuineness. One thing that irritates me is that there is a nation of people out there that constantly like to bring him down due his inability to compete for a championship. People need to chill out.
Junior has been in "the show" for 10 years and in those 10 years, 2 drivers have won 8 of the championships. That leaves a lot of other people in the same garage as Junior ... So take some time, breathe deeply and say "serenity now." Everyone that enjoys NASCAR needs to also enjoy the fact that Junior is still active and racing. There will come a time when his persona is no longer on the scene and people like him don't come along every day.
? Jeff Morehouse
South San Francisco, Calif.
I agree with all of the above, but I honestly have nothing new to say about Junior today. Do you? I didn't think so. Aside: anybody ever see the movie "Serenity" or the TV show it was based on, "Firefly"? Good stuff. Here's the trailer.
New assignment: YouTube clips. Find us some good ones. Things that we can embed on a public website like this one. We'll run one a week till the season starts. Funny, scary, ridiculous, dramatic, whatever. Does not need to be NASCAR-related. Go.
We close with this emphatic manifesto:
___________________
I'm old-fashioned; growing up in Talladega I have always been an avid fan. I had decided several years ago when they finally decided to allow a female to drive that I was done. Did I mention I am a female as well? It's a man's sport, let's leave it that way. I wanted to make a few suggestions.
? Bring back the girls in bikinis in the Winner's Circle. The fire suits have got to go, who wants to see a chick in a cover up? (And I am happily married to a man.) I'll do it if they will let me!
? Have a fan of the day. Go out into the crowd during the 10 hours of pre-race intro and talk to some of the fans. Get more involved with the people, the main reason that NASCAR is still running.
? Please, for the love of the series, take the stupid windows down in the pits so we can have more interaction. To push things to get signed through a bankers window is very demeaning. Who wants to pay for a pit pass to have their picture taken with glass? Not me.
? When the drivers are getting carted around the track to wave a their fans, why do they have to be interviewed at the same time that they are supposed to be acknowledging the very fans/humans that pay to go see them?
? If they are going to be drivers, why do they also have to be commentators after the race? (could I be talking about "pretty boy" Edwards?)
? If you are going to sit, bitch and complain about everything under the sun about what is wrong with your car, and never is it your fault, why do you still get praised? (umm ... Stewart?)
? Have a race where the driver gets an old body style car, gets it fixed up and races, something fun to spice the season up.
? And please, please, please, no chick drivers, it's a man's sport, leave it that way.
? Last but not least, take out the radio frequencies, except between the driver and his crew chief, it is no one's business what they say behind the scenes, that takes so much of the fun out of it.
Let's bring back the racing we used to love, when it was fun!
? BamaRebel
Sweet mother of mercy, I think I'm in love. And I'm probably not the only one.
And on that note, we're out. Thanks to all our writers this week. You want in? Fire up the computer and hit us with whatever's on your mind, NASCAR-wise, at happyhournascar@yahoogroups.com. You can find Yahoo! Sports' NASCAR coverage on Facebook right here, and you can follow me on Twitter at @jaybusbee and on Facebook here.� Make sure to tell us where you're from. We'll make you famous!
Saturday, December 31, 2011
NASCAR Race Review: Ford 400 Season Finale
Welcome NASCAR race fans to my NASCAR blog. The NASCAR Sprint Cup Series comes to an end with the Season Finale Ford 400 race at Homestead-Miami Speedway. Coming into the race, two drivers can win the Sprint Cup Championship. Carl Edwards is three points ahead of Tony Stewart. Tony has already won four of the [...]
Top 30: Improbable Chase run leads Tony Stewart to third Cup title
They said it couldn?t be done and even Tony Stewart admitted to having concerns, acknowledging before the start of the 2011 Chase For The Sprint Cup that his team seemed to lack the performance necessary to contend for the title.
And yet there he was, 10 weeks and five wins later, basking in the glory of one of the sport?s most improbable, unimaginable outcomes.
And yet there he was, 10 weeks and five wins later, basking in the glory of one of the sport?s most improbable, unimaginable outcomes.
NASCAR Race Review: Ford 200
Welcome NASCAR race fans to my NASCAR blog. This is Ford Champion Weekend at Homestead-Miami Speedway. The first of the Ford races was the Ford 200 race to determine the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series Champion. Three drivers are still in the running for the championship as the race begins. Rain canceled the qualifying for [...]
1969 Dodge Charger 500: A True Nascar Legend
The 1969 Dodge Charger 500 is probably one of the most recognizable NASCAR racers ever to run on the banked ovals. At almost 18-feet long, 6-feet wide and two tons, the Dodge Chargers that were built between 1968 and 1970 were not only some of the biggest Nascar’s ever, but some of the most beautiful. [...]
Friday, December 30, 2011
Keselowski agrees to contract extension with Penske
Brad Keselowski has agreed to a multi-year contract extension with Penske Racing.
Happy Hour: Is the NASCAR season too long?
Welcome to the latest Happy Hour mailbag! You know how these work: You write us with your best rant/ joke/one-liner at happyhournascar@yahoogroups.com (note new address) or on Twitter at @jaybusbee, we respond to your messages, everyone goes away with a smile on their face.
Have a good holiday? Us too. Santa brought me clothes (ack) and bourbon (hell yes), and this time he didn't take a nip or two off the top before giving it to me. Thieving old codger. Anyway, share your gift haul in the comments below, and meantime, we'll be getting to your letters. We begin with a question that perplexes many a non-NASCAR fan: "when does the freakin' season end?"
Is there any chance that NASCAR will shorten its season? It drags on way too long.
? Dave Blakely
Clayton, Ohio
This is a complaint that many (including quite a few inside the ropes, so to speak) have about the NASCAR season. When you take into account Speedweeks, you're running from Valentine's Day right to Thanksgiving. Add in the Vegas banquet and preseason testing and media spectaculars, and you're looking at literally about a six-week offseason. There's something to be said for enforced scarcity; the NFL gets people amped out of their minds because it's only on 17 weeks of the year for the entire league. Ditto college football. And the NBA ought to just scrap the first two months of its season and start on Christmas every year.
That said: Where do you cut? Schedule contraction in NASCAR isn't the same as contraction in stick-and-ball sports, where you'd just be playing fewer games at the same location. Every race brings in millions of dollars of revenue to its local community. You can't cut those out. You just can't. Though I would be all in favor of eliminating repeat visits to all but a few select tracks. Alas, it's never going to happen.
But what about you? Do you think the NASCAR season is too long? Have your say below.
____________________
As a NASCAR and college football fan, I am constantly left in disbelief and sometimes complete confusion after the sanctioning bodies levy penalties, so I ask you this question: Who has the most ambiguous rule between NASCAR's "detrimental to stock car racing" and the NCAA's "lack of institutional control"?
? Cody Milam
Marble Falls, Texas
Being a sports fan now really does mean you have to come to terms with the cognitive dissonance of the entire enterprise; in other words, we know exactly how the sausage is made, we just choose to ignore it. I'd have to go with NASCAR's "detrimental to stock car racing" as the more arbitrarily applied rule, since you've really got to screw up as a university to get the "lack of institutional control" label thrown on you. Shoot, drinking wine in the infield (Sonoma excluded) qualifies as an action "detrimental to stock car racing."
We'd all love to see more definitive rules laid down, and by the same token we all know why they don't exist. It's not to protect the competitors, it's to protect the regulators; it's a lot easier to let favored drivers/universities skate if you can hide behind the gray cloak of your own language. Aw, hell, I feel a thousand-word rant coming on. Gotta punch out now and get onto a less charged topic.
Hey, let's talk about Kurt Busch! Specifically, our topic last week of Kurt fans searching for a new driver ...
___________________
I became a Kurt Busch fan in the beginning of '02. I watched him push Jimmy Spencer out of the way at Bristol and liked him ever since ... That being said, there is no room for disrespect of the likes that Kurt has show this past year. As a fan, you try to pick a driver that relates best to you so when that driver acts up you kind of feel embarrassed with him. I do not act like that, so I no longer will be a KB fan either ... Don't feel like you're letting Kurt down for leaving him. He obviously wouldn't for you!!
? Matt
Springfield, Mo.
This right here is the challenge that Busch faces. The guy has turned off even his longtime fans. This might be an opportunity unparalleled in NASCAR: to see if someone at the top of his game can get back the fans that he's pushed away by personality alone.
____________________
It's hard to be a Petty fan. I've been one since I was about 10 years old and I'm still one at 54. I wore my Richard Petty STP blazer with the roadrunner stripe down the front for at least 3 years in the early 70's, it finally wore out. But it's expensive now buying a new cap each time the driver changes. Guess I'll wear the Marcos Ambrose hat and not buy a #43 hat in case the next driver leaves next year. My Bobby Labonte #43 (Cheerios) and Reed (Sorenson) hat is now hanging in my garage with the "Dinger" cap. But I'll stay a Petty fan, but ... it's getting hard to keep the faith.
? Stanley Dunkley
I feel for you, Stanley. This is what a lot of people in the upper echelons of NASCAR, myself included, lose sight of now and then: for some fans, this is family. You've grown up with these names and these icons since childhood, and it's like watching members of your family leave. (The ones you like.) Don't have much advice for you, Stanley, except to say you're one hell of a loyal fan. Keep at it. And maybe David Ragan can bring you a win or two. (Oh, that didn't help, did it? Sorry.)
____________________
Love AJ Allmendinger going to Penske. He was out of a ride at Petty through no fault of his own, and luckily had a soft landing in an even better gig. Talk about being in the right place at the right time! With Urt a "Rising Phoenix", we now have the usual suspects for the Petty opening. If they don't find sponsorship, any chance they transfer Ambrose and his sponsorship to the 43? Any chance Ambrose is at risk?
? Jeff "Sarge" Smith
Statesboro, Ga.
I can't imagine Ambrose is at risk of losing his ride; he's just now starting to get the hang of this thing. But Petty is absolutely reeling right now, losing both a major sponsor and a highly touted driver. I'd imagine they'd want to keep the 43 on the track just for tradition and brand-preservation purposes, so yeah, if they're not able to find a comparable driver, it's entirely possible Ambrose could take the 43.
Of course, as I've said several times of late, we're all missing the obvious. There's a seven-time champion out there who doesn't have a ride. And he's already a wee bit familiar with the 43. Why not, huh? Why doesn't anybody take me seriously when I say we need to put Richard Petty back behind the wheel?
____________________
Do you think the Hendrick drafting-tandem partners will look like this?
? Kurt Busch and Ryan Newman because they won the Daytona 500 together at Penske
? Tony Stewart and Danica Patrick because she will need a teammate.
? Jeff Gordon and Kasey Kahne because of what Trevor Bayne did to Jeff at Dega.
? Jimmie Johnson and Dale Earnhardt Jr. because they are in the same shop.
? Fatback
North Carolina
I love that we're not even pretending that there's anything other than eight Hendrick cars headed for Daytona in 2012. Yeah, your scenario seems eminently reasonable to start. Everything of course goes out the window once the in-race attrition happens. Recall that Smoke and Junior had a great run together for awhile at Daytona earlier this year. Also note that Stewart has never won the Daytona 500; is he going to put perhaps his best chance in the hands of someone not familiar with tandem driving? That's the only caveat I'd have to your breakdown. In less than two months, we shall see ...
___________________
Any chance of NASCAR ever deciding to reduce the number of cars making the field? Maybe to a more realistic number like 34? It really is quite ridiculous to have the same old "rolling roadblocks" on the track week after week when they have no chance whatsoever of winning a race ... or even finishing in the top 20 ... and they usually head for the pits after 15 or 20 laps anyway. It would also make things more interesting if teams had no type of "provisional" way into the field and ALL teams had to qualify on speed alone.
? LMB
The qualify-on-speed idea is one that fans love but will never come to pass, simply because NASCAR has to protect its sponsors. You don't want someone paying tens of millions of dollars to miss out on a race because a 50-cent part malfunctioned during qualifying. (Though I too would love to see that.)
As for reducing the field: you know, I get the idea for why you'd say that, and I know that people hate start-and-parkers, but I'm of the mind that this is one of NASCAR's last links to the old "race what you drove here in" past. Anybody with enough desire (and enough money) can get a car onto a track, and I think that's fairly cool. Aesthetically it's a bit awkward, but really, what harm do start-and-parkers realistically do? We take shots at them all the time here, but bottom line: these cats are living a dream, one or two laps at a time.
And that's one to grow on.
On that note, we're out. Thanks to all our writers this week. You want in? Fire up the computer and hit us with whatever's on your mind, NASCAR-wise, at happyhournascar@yahoogroups.com. You can find Yahoo! Sports' NASCAR coverage on Facebook right here, and you can follow me on Twitter at @jaybusbee and on Facebook here.� Make sure to tell us where you're from. We'll make you famous!
Have a good holiday? Us too. Santa brought me clothes (ack) and bourbon (hell yes), and this time he didn't take a nip or two off the top before giving it to me. Thieving old codger. Anyway, share your gift haul in the comments below, and meantime, we'll be getting to your letters. We begin with a question that perplexes many a non-NASCAR fan: "when does the freakin' season end?"
Is there any chance that NASCAR will shorten its season? It drags on way too long.
? Dave Blakely
Clayton, Ohio
This is a complaint that many (including quite a few inside the ropes, so to speak) have about the NASCAR season. When you take into account Speedweeks, you're running from Valentine's Day right to Thanksgiving. Add in the Vegas banquet and preseason testing and media spectaculars, and you're looking at literally about a six-week offseason. There's something to be said for enforced scarcity; the NFL gets people amped out of their minds because it's only on 17 weeks of the year for the entire league. Ditto college football. And the NBA ought to just scrap the first two months of its season and start on Christmas every year.
That said: Where do you cut? Schedule contraction in NASCAR isn't the same as contraction in stick-and-ball sports, where you'd just be playing fewer games at the same location. Every race brings in millions of dollars of revenue to its local community. You can't cut those out. You just can't. Though I would be all in favor of eliminating repeat visits to all but a few select tracks. Alas, it's never going to happen.
But what about you? Do you think the NASCAR season is too long? Have your say below.
____________________
As a NASCAR and college football fan, I am constantly left in disbelief and sometimes complete confusion after the sanctioning bodies levy penalties, so I ask you this question: Who has the most ambiguous rule between NASCAR's "detrimental to stock car racing" and the NCAA's "lack of institutional control"?
? Cody Milam
Marble Falls, Texas
Being a sports fan now really does mean you have to come to terms with the cognitive dissonance of the entire enterprise; in other words, we know exactly how the sausage is made, we just choose to ignore it. I'd have to go with NASCAR's "detrimental to stock car racing" as the more arbitrarily applied rule, since you've really got to screw up as a university to get the "lack of institutional control" label thrown on you. Shoot, drinking wine in the infield (Sonoma excluded) qualifies as an action "detrimental to stock car racing."
We'd all love to see more definitive rules laid down, and by the same token we all know why they don't exist. It's not to protect the competitors, it's to protect the regulators; it's a lot easier to let favored drivers/universities skate if you can hide behind the gray cloak of your own language. Aw, hell, I feel a thousand-word rant coming on. Gotta punch out now and get onto a less charged topic.
Hey, let's talk about Kurt Busch! Specifically, our topic last week of Kurt fans searching for a new driver ...
___________________
I became a Kurt Busch fan in the beginning of '02. I watched him push Jimmy Spencer out of the way at Bristol and liked him ever since ... That being said, there is no room for disrespect of the likes that Kurt has show this past year. As a fan, you try to pick a driver that relates best to you so when that driver acts up you kind of feel embarrassed with him. I do not act like that, so I no longer will be a KB fan either ... Don't feel like you're letting Kurt down for leaving him. He obviously wouldn't for you!!
? Matt
Springfield, Mo.
This right here is the challenge that Busch faces. The guy has turned off even his longtime fans. This might be an opportunity unparalleled in NASCAR: to see if someone at the top of his game can get back the fans that he's pushed away by personality alone.
____________________
It's hard to be a Petty fan. I've been one since I was about 10 years old and I'm still one at 54. I wore my Richard Petty STP blazer with the roadrunner stripe down the front for at least 3 years in the early 70's, it finally wore out. But it's expensive now buying a new cap each time the driver changes. Guess I'll wear the Marcos Ambrose hat and not buy a #43 hat in case the next driver leaves next year. My Bobby Labonte #43 (Cheerios) and Reed (Sorenson) hat is now hanging in my garage with the "Dinger" cap. But I'll stay a Petty fan, but ... it's getting hard to keep the faith.
? Stanley Dunkley
I feel for you, Stanley. This is what a lot of people in the upper echelons of NASCAR, myself included, lose sight of now and then: for some fans, this is family. You've grown up with these names and these icons since childhood, and it's like watching members of your family leave. (The ones you like.) Don't have much advice for you, Stanley, except to say you're one hell of a loyal fan. Keep at it. And maybe David Ragan can bring you a win or two. (Oh, that didn't help, did it? Sorry.)
____________________
Love AJ Allmendinger going to Penske. He was out of a ride at Petty through no fault of his own, and luckily had a soft landing in an even better gig. Talk about being in the right place at the right time! With Urt a "Rising Phoenix", we now have the usual suspects for the Petty opening. If they don't find sponsorship, any chance they transfer Ambrose and his sponsorship to the 43? Any chance Ambrose is at risk?
? Jeff "Sarge" Smith
Statesboro, Ga.
I can't imagine Ambrose is at risk of losing his ride; he's just now starting to get the hang of this thing. But Petty is absolutely reeling right now, losing both a major sponsor and a highly touted driver. I'd imagine they'd want to keep the 43 on the track just for tradition and brand-preservation purposes, so yeah, if they're not able to find a comparable driver, it's entirely possible Ambrose could take the 43.
Of course, as I've said several times of late, we're all missing the obvious. There's a seven-time champion out there who doesn't have a ride. And he's already a wee bit familiar with the 43. Why not, huh? Why doesn't anybody take me seriously when I say we need to put Richard Petty back behind the wheel?
____________________
Do you think the Hendrick drafting-tandem partners will look like this?
? Kurt Busch and Ryan Newman because they won the Daytona 500 together at Penske
? Tony Stewart and Danica Patrick because she will need a teammate.
? Jeff Gordon and Kasey Kahne because of what Trevor Bayne did to Jeff at Dega.
? Jimmie Johnson and Dale Earnhardt Jr. because they are in the same shop.
? Fatback
North Carolina
I love that we're not even pretending that there's anything other than eight Hendrick cars headed for Daytona in 2012. Yeah, your scenario seems eminently reasonable to start. Everything of course goes out the window once the in-race attrition happens. Recall that Smoke and Junior had a great run together for awhile at Daytona earlier this year. Also note that Stewart has never won the Daytona 500; is he going to put perhaps his best chance in the hands of someone not familiar with tandem driving? That's the only caveat I'd have to your breakdown. In less than two months, we shall see ...
___________________
Any chance of NASCAR ever deciding to reduce the number of cars making the field? Maybe to a more realistic number like 34? It really is quite ridiculous to have the same old "rolling roadblocks" on the track week after week when they have no chance whatsoever of winning a race ... or even finishing in the top 20 ... and they usually head for the pits after 15 or 20 laps anyway. It would also make things more interesting if teams had no type of "provisional" way into the field and ALL teams had to qualify on speed alone.
? LMB
The qualify-on-speed idea is one that fans love but will never come to pass, simply because NASCAR has to protect its sponsors. You don't want someone paying tens of millions of dollars to miss out on a race because a 50-cent part malfunctioned during qualifying. (Though I too would love to see that.)
As for reducing the field: you know, I get the idea for why you'd say that, and I know that people hate start-and-parkers, but I'm of the mind that this is one of NASCAR's last links to the old "race what you drove here in" past. Anybody with enough desire (and enough money) can get a car onto a track, and I think that's fairly cool. Aesthetically it's a bit awkward, but really, what harm do start-and-parkers realistically do? We take shots at them all the time here, but bottom line: these cats are living a dream, one or two laps at a time.
And that's one to grow on.
On that note, we're out. Thanks to all our writers this week. You want in? Fire up the computer and hit us with whatever's on your mind, NASCAR-wise, at happyhournascar@yahoogroups.com. You can find Yahoo! Sports' NASCAR coverage on Facebook right here, and you can follow me on Twitter at @jaybusbee and on Facebook here.� Make sure to tell us where you're from. We'll make you famous!
NASCAR drivers Kevin Harvick, Kasey Kahne to make stops in East Tennessee ? Knoxville News Sentinel
NASCAR drivers Kevin Harvick, Kasey Kahne to make stops in East Tennessee – Knoxville News Sentinel
NASCAR drivers Kevin Harvick, Kasey Kahne to make stops in East TennesseeKnoxville News SentinelBy News Sentinel staff NASCAR fans will get a chance to meet drivers Kasey Kahne or Kevin Harvick on Thursday. Appearances by Kahne and Harvick are tied into Ollie's Bargain Outlet openings in Maryville and Knoxville. Kahne will be at the Maryville …and more »
NASCAR drivers Kevin Harvick, Kasey Kahne to make stops in East TennesseeKnoxville News SentinelBy News Sentinel staff NASCAR fans will get a chance to meet drivers Kasey Kahne or Kevin Harvick on Thursday. Appearances by Kahne and Harvick are tied into Ollie's Bargain Outlet openings in Maryville and Knoxville. Kahne will be at the Maryville …and more »
NASCAR digital media outlets to grow
NASCAR coverage on digital media platforms is looking to expand, perhaps as soon as the 2012 season. Sports Business Daily reported Monday that NASCAR is close to reaching an agreement to buy its digital rights back from Turner Sports, a move that could see the sanctioning body manage its own digital business as soon as 2013. Specific terms of the pending agreement were not available. Some changes could be seen in 2012, the Observer and ThatsRacin.com have learned. They include Sirius Satellite Radio being able to stream its content on-line to subscribers and MRN and PRN - which own the radio broadcasts rights to NASCAR races - being able to stream their race coverage online. When these changes could take effect remains unclear. There was no immediate comment from officials at Sirius. NASCAR spokesman Scott Warfield would not confirm any specifics but did offer the following statement: ?As is the case with all of our partners, we are in constant dialogue with Turner Sports. While we don?t publicly comment on the nature of those discussions, it is fair to say we are exploring various options as it relates to the future of our long-standing partnership.? In any case, it seems NASCAR offerings in digital media should be on the rise in the near future.
Thursday, December 29, 2011
IndyCar discloses findings of Wheldon's fatal crash
After a near two-month investigation, IndyCar revealed a comprehensive review of the 15-car racing accident that claimed the life of Dan Wheldon in the early going of the October 16 season- ending race at Las Vegas Motor Speedway.
Richard Petty Motorsports interested in hiring Kurt Busch
After his release from Penske Racing, it seemed that there would be a slim chance that Kurt Busch would be in a competitive ride in 2012.
Those chances may be a lot fatter than initially figured. Richard Petty Motorsports COO Robbie Loomis said Tuesday that the team is interested in the 2004 Sprint Cup champion.
From Sirius-Speedway:
"Best Buy has been a great partner for a long time, and AJ Allmendinger has done a fantastic job for us. He's coming off his best season yet, but I can tell you there is a lot of interest on our part in having Kurt Busch in the fold. It makes sense to have Kurt with our team, if we can make it work."
And he added this:
"I would mortgage my house to make Kurt a part of this team," said Loomis. "We value what he has done on the race track. He has won a [Sprint Cup] championship and worked for a first-class operation like Penske Racing. Guys like that don't come along every day."
According to the report from Sirius Speedway, Busch would be a candidate to replace AJ Allmendinger in the No. 43 Ford in an attempt to keep sponsor Best Buy with the team. Allmendinger was one of the better performers in the Cup Series over the final weeks of 2011. Since RPM was a two-car operation with Allmendinger and Marcos Ambrose last year, they would have room to expand for Busch, but�? and stop me if you've heard this before ? sponsorship would have to be found.
Interest in Busch from RPM seems a little odd on the surface given the relationship between Busch and Jack Roush. Roush's team is the flagship Ford operation and provides chassis and Roush-Yates engines to RPM. Busch was fired from Roush in 2005 after a traffic stop outside Phoenix International Raceway. And when he was asked who he wanted to win the 2011 championship, Busch picked Tony Stewart�? a man who he's had on-track run-ins with before�? because of Roush, Carl Edwards' co-owner.
If Busch does join RPM, it would be yet another instance of how uber-talent can earn multiple chances. Yes, Busch has acknowledged his actions in the cockpit and how his attitude affected his professional relationships, but we haven't yet had a chance to see that Busch's actions match his words. Will it happen? His future employer will find out soon enough.
Those chances may be a lot fatter than initially figured. Richard Petty Motorsports COO Robbie Loomis said Tuesday that the team is interested in the 2004 Sprint Cup champion.
From Sirius-Speedway:
"Best Buy has been a great partner for a long time, and AJ Allmendinger has done a fantastic job for us. He's coming off his best season yet, but I can tell you there is a lot of interest on our part in having Kurt Busch in the fold. It makes sense to have Kurt with our team, if we can make it work."
And he added this:
"I would mortgage my house to make Kurt a part of this team," said Loomis. "We value what he has done on the race track. He has won a [Sprint Cup] championship and worked for a first-class operation like Penske Racing. Guys like that don't come along every day."
According to the report from Sirius Speedway, Busch would be a candidate to replace AJ Allmendinger in the No. 43 Ford in an attempt to keep sponsor Best Buy with the team. Allmendinger was one of the better performers in the Cup Series over the final weeks of 2011. Since RPM was a two-car operation with Allmendinger and Marcos Ambrose last year, they would have room to expand for Busch, but�? and stop me if you've heard this before ? sponsorship would have to be found.
Interest in Busch from RPM seems a little odd on the surface given the relationship between Busch and Jack Roush. Roush's team is the flagship Ford operation and provides chassis and Roush-Yates engines to RPM. Busch was fired from Roush in 2005 after a traffic stop outside Phoenix International Raceway. And when he was asked who he wanted to win the 2011 championship, Busch picked Tony Stewart�? a man who he's had on-track run-ins with before�? because of Roush, Carl Edwards' co-owner.
If Busch does join RPM, it would be yet another instance of how uber-talent can earn multiple chances. Yes, Busch has acknowledged his actions in the cockpit and how his attitude affected his professional relationships, but we haven't yet had a chance to see that Busch's actions match his words. Will it happen? His future employer will find out soon enough.
NASCAR digital media outlets to grow
NASCAR coverage on digital media platforms is looking to expand, perhaps as soon as the 2012 season. Sports Business Daily reported Monday that NASCAR is close to reaching an agreement to buy its digital rights back from Turner Sports, a move that could see the sanctioning body manage its own digital business as soon as 2013. Specific terms of the pending agreement were not available. Some changes could be seen in 2012, the Observer and ThatsRacin.com have learned. They include Sirius Satellite Radio being able to stream its content on-line to subscribers and MRN and PRN - which own the radio broadcasts rights to NASCAR races - being able to stream their race coverage online. When these changes could take effect remains unclear. There was no immediate comment from officials at Sirius. NASCAR spokesman Scott Warfield would not confirm any specifics but did offer the following statement: ?As is the case with all of our partners, we are in constant dialogue with Turner Sports. While we don?t publicly comment on the nature of those discussions, it is fair to say we are exploring various options as it relates to the future of our long-standing partnership.? In any case, it seems NASCAR offerings in digital media should be on the rise in the near future.
Gimme 5: Juan Pablo Montoya Reflects on Five Years in NASCAR
After marking the fifth anniversary of his first Cup start, NASCAR Illustrated asked Juan Pablo Montoya to identify five highlights. In classic Montoya fashion, he also provided a few lowlights.
IndyCar announces 15-race schedule, may add 2 more
The IndyCar schedule will have a different look in 2012.
Watkins Glen to return to IndyCar schedule?
Corning, N.Y.'s The Leader reports the road course and IndyCar are in discussions about renewing the race which was dropped this year, although not for next year.
Wednesday, December 28, 2011
The 24 Best Car Pictures Of 2011
We've always disliked the word "snapshot." A picture isn't an instant in time. It's the tail end of a lot of talent and preparation, a good measure of luck, and a little bit of magic. It can raise pulses and change minds. It even can turn some awkward-looking rides from the real world into mythic, gorgeous machines. Pictures aren't always worth a...
Tuesday, December 27, 2011
NASCAR Race Review: Ford 300
Welcome NASCAR race fans to my NASCAR blog. NASCAR Ford Champion Weekend is at the Homestead-Miami Speedway in southern Florida. Friday was the Ford 200 for the Camping World Trucks and Johnny Sauter did all he could by leading the most laps and winning the race. But Austin Dillon won the Championship, the youngest driver [...]
Dover working to increase fans ? The News Journal
Dover working to increase fans – The News Journal
Dover working to increase fansThe News JournalDOVER — Phil Winston leaned against his motorhome, parked in the shadows of the Earnhardt Grandstand behind the frontstretch of Dover International Speedway, and smiled at his first NASCAR memory. "I used to see my buddies in front of the TV on …NASCAR At Dover International Speedway: 2011 Start Time, Starting Lineup, TV …SB Nation
all 3 news articles »
Dover working to increase fansThe News JournalDOVER — Phil Winston leaned against his motorhome, parked in the shadows of the Earnhardt Grandstand behind the frontstretch of Dover International Speedway, and smiled at his first NASCAR memory. "I used to see my buddies in front of the TV on …NASCAR At Dover International Speedway: 2011 Start Time, Starting Lineup, TV …SB Nation
all 3 news articles »
2011 Dover II: Chevrolet NASCAR Sprint Cup Qualifying Quotes ? PaddockTalk
2011 Dover II: Chevrolet NASCAR Sprint Cup Qualifying Quotes – PaddockTalk
Auto Racing Daily
2011 Dover II: Chevrolet NASCAR Sprint Cup Qualifying QuotesPaddockTalkThe AAA 400 can be seen live on ESPN at 2:00 pm ET and heard on MRN radio and Sirius Satellite Radio as well. PAUL MENARD, NO. 27 PITTSBURGH PAINTS/MENARDS CHEVROLET – QUALIFIED 3RD: TALK ABOUT YOUR 3rd PLACE QUALIFYING EFFORT: "It was a good run for …NASCAR: Carl Edwards Dover II Friday media visitMotorsport.com
TOYOTA NASCAR Nationwide Series (NNS) Post-Race Notes & Quotes Dover …SpeedwayMedia.com (press release)all 34 news articles »
Auto Racing Daily
2011 Dover II: Chevrolet NASCAR Sprint Cup Qualifying QuotesPaddockTalkThe AAA 400 can be seen live on ESPN at 2:00 pm ET and heard on MRN radio and Sirius Satellite Radio as well. PAUL MENARD, NO. 27 PITTSBURGH PAINTS/MENARDS CHEVROLET – QUALIFIED 3RD: TALK ABOUT YOUR 3rd PLACE QUALIFYING EFFORT: "It was a good run for …NASCAR: Carl Edwards Dover II Friday media visitMotorsport.com
TOYOTA NASCAR Nationwide Series (NNS) Post-Race Notes & Quotes Dover …SpeedwayMedia.com (press release)all 34 news articles »
Shocker: Dale Earnhardt Jr. wins Most Popular Driver award for ninth time
Do yourself a favor and sit down before you read this. Oh, you're already sitting down? OK, cool. Maybe lay down, then, and read this from a prone position. We don't want you to hurt yourself from the shock of the news we're about to tell you.
Ready? OK, here it is: Dale Earnhardt Jr. has won NASCAR's most popular driver award.
I know, crazy, right? But this is the world we're living in now. Junior was named the NASCAR National Motorsports Press Association's Most Popular Driver for the ninth straight year.
Junior took the highest number of the nearly 1.5 million votes cast in the 2011 effort, sponsored by Wheaties Fuel. He beat out the other nine finalists: Kyle Busch, Carl Edwards, Jeff Gordon, Kevin Harvick, Jimmie Johnson, Kasey Kahne, Matt Kenseth, Bobby Labonte and Tony Stewart.
[ Related: Four-time Sprint Cup champion Jeff Gordon breakdances ]
You know the rest: Junior was honored, he's hoping to build on the momentum of this year, et cetera et cetera. To be sure, this was a turnaround year for Earnhardt, making the Chase after two straight seasons of disappointment, but he still lacks that elusive next win. Even so, the award shows that he's still got the fans' support, no matter how he runs.
Junior still has a ways to go to catch the all-time leader in Most Popular Driver awards; that would be Awesome Bill Elliott with 16. However, Earnhardt could match Elliott's consecutive streak with 10 if he wins again next year.
So, yes, those of you who wonder what all the fuss is over Junior: this is it. He's got a hell of a lot of fans, like it or not. And these are the diehards. Just imagine what would happen if the dude started winning.
Other popular stories on Yahoo! Sports:
? Video: Antonio Margarito not bothered by criticism
? Houston coach Kevin Sumlin is considered a top Texas A&M target
? Listen: Pat Forde's take on slew of college football scandals
Ready? OK, here it is: Dale Earnhardt Jr. has won NASCAR's most popular driver award.
I know, crazy, right? But this is the world we're living in now. Junior was named the NASCAR National Motorsports Press Association's Most Popular Driver for the ninth straight year.
Junior took the highest number of the nearly 1.5 million votes cast in the 2011 effort, sponsored by Wheaties Fuel. He beat out the other nine finalists: Kyle Busch, Carl Edwards, Jeff Gordon, Kevin Harvick, Jimmie Johnson, Kasey Kahne, Matt Kenseth, Bobby Labonte and Tony Stewart.
[ Related: Four-time Sprint Cup champion Jeff Gordon breakdances ]
You know the rest: Junior was honored, he's hoping to build on the momentum of this year, et cetera et cetera. To be sure, this was a turnaround year for Earnhardt, making the Chase after two straight seasons of disappointment, but he still lacks that elusive next win. Even so, the award shows that he's still got the fans' support, no matter how he runs.
Junior still has a ways to go to catch the all-time leader in Most Popular Driver awards; that would be Awesome Bill Elliott with 16. However, Earnhardt could match Elliott's consecutive streak with 10 if he wins again next year.
So, yes, those of you who wonder what all the fuss is over Junior: this is it. He's got a hell of a lot of fans, like it or not. And these are the diehards. Just imagine what would happen if the dude started winning.
Other popular stories on Yahoo! Sports:
? Video: Antonio Margarito not bothered by criticism
? Houston coach Kevin Sumlin is considered a top Texas A&M target
? Listen: Pat Forde's take on slew of college football scandals
Monday, December 26, 2011
Top 30: Jimmie Johnson anxious to return to championship contention after off year in 2011
Even Jimmie Johnson knew the day would come when his five-year reign as Sprint Cup champion would end.
But as good as Johnson has been throughout his 10-year career, even his harshest critics expected him to put up a fight to the bitter end.
But as good as Johnson has been throughout his 10-year career, even his harshest critics expected him to put up a fight to the bitter end.
Talladega Superspeedway Trip Report: Update 3
UPDATE 3 Now that our trip is complete and were safely back in Indiana I can look back on this trip and all the memories I made at Talladega. I?ve been to seven major speedways on the NASCAR circuit now and looking back on this trip I have to say Talladega is safely at the [...]
Danica Patrick To Quit IndyCar For NASCAR?s Nationwide Series
In a move that will surprise absolutely no one, underachieving IndyCar driver Danica Patrick will switch to a full time ride in the NASCAR Nationwide Series for 2012. Patrick will race a full schedule for Dale Earnhardt Jr. and his JR Motorsports team next year, although she?s expressed interest in competing in the Indy 500 [...]
Watkins Glen to return to IndyCar schedule?
Corning, N.Y.'s The Leader reports the road course and IndyCar are in discussions about renewing the race which was dropped this year, although not for next year.
Hulkenberg confident of strong start
Nico Hulkenberg is confident that Force India will start the new Formula 1 season stronger than it did in 2011.
Sunday, December 25, 2011
Sprint extends sponsorship with NASCAR through 2016
Sprint has extended its agreement with NASCAR and will remain the title sponsor for the top-tier Cup Series through 2016.
Your 2012 Budweiser Shootout field
The criteria to qualify for the 2012 Budweiser Shootout was released on Wednesday and once again it's different than it was the previous year.
The 2012 field for the Daytona exhibition race will include the top 25 drivers in driver points and past Daytona winners (any driver who has won a Daytona 500, Coke Zero 400 or Budweiser Shootout).
The result? Well, the odds are that your favorite driver is eligible, because a whopping 33 drivers can run the race. The field is listed below, though it'd take less time to tell you who's not eligible to run the race.
Tony Stewart
Carl Edwards
Kevin Harvick
Matt Kenseth
Brad Keselowski
Jimmie Johnson
Dale Earnhardt Jr
Jeff Gordon
Denny Hamlin
Ryan Newman
Kurt Busch
Kyle Busch
Clint Bowyer
Kasey Kahne
A.J. Allmendinger
Greg Biffle
Paul Menard
Martin Truex Jr.
Marcos Ambrose
Jeff Burton
Juan Pablo Montoya
Mark Martin
David Ragan
Joey Logano
Brian Vickers
Bill Elliott (previous Daytona 500, Coke Zero 400, Budweiser Shootout winner)
Geoff Bodine (previous Daytona 500 and Budweiser Shootout winner)
Derrike Cope (previous Daytona 500 winner)
Michael Waltrip (previous Daytona 500, Coke Zero 400 winner)
Jamie McMurray (previous Daytona 500, Coke Zero 400 winner)
Trevor Bayne (previous Daytona 500 winner)
Terry Labonte (previous Budweiser Shootout winner)
Ken Schrader (previous Budweiser Shootout winner)
Will all 33 drivers attempt the race? At this point it's impossible to say yes. Kurt Busch Ragan, Vickers, Elliott, Bodine, Cope, Bayne, Labonte and Schrader all do not have Sprint Cup rides lined up for 2012 and Martin and Waltrip are slated to share the No. 00 for Waltrip's team. Busch won last year's event.
Perhaps the large field is the precursor to NASCAR banning radio communication between different teams in another effort to break up the tandem drafting. A large pack would be the best possible way to find out if any potential rules changes could break up the 2x2 racing.
Last year's Budweiser Shootout field was the 2010 Chase field, past Sprint Cup champions, past Daytona winners and the rookie of the year winners from 2001-2010.
This year's Shootout is Saturday, February 18, and will be a two-segment 75 lap race.
The 2012 field for the Daytona exhibition race will include the top 25 drivers in driver points and past Daytona winners (any driver who has won a Daytona 500, Coke Zero 400 or Budweiser Shootout).
The result? Well, the odds are that your favorite driver is eligible, because a whopping 33 drivers can run the race. The field is listed below, though it'd take less time to tell you who's not eligible to run the race.
Tony Stewart
Carl Edwards
Kevin Harvick
Matt Kenseth
Brad Keselowski
Jimmie Johnson
Dale Earnhardt Jr
Jeff Gordon
Denny Hamlin
Ryan Newman
Kurt Busch
Kyle Busch
Clint Bowyer
Kasey Kahne
A.J. Allmendinger
Greg Biffle
Paul Menard
Martin Truex Jr.
Marcos Ambrose
Jeff Burton
Juan Pablo Montoya
Mark Martin
David Ragan
Joey Logano
Brian Vickers
Bill Elliott (previous Daytona 500, Coke Zero 400, Budweiser Shootout winner)
Geoff Bodine (previous Daytona 500 and Budweiser Shootout winner)
Derrike Cope (previous Daytona 500 winner)
Michael Waltrip (previous Daytona 500, Coke Zero 400 winner)
Jamie McMurray (previous Daytona 500, Coke Zero 400 winner)
Trevor Bayne (previous Daytona 500 winner)
Terry Labonte (previous Budweiser Shootout winner)
Ken Schrader (previous Budweiser Shootout winner)
Will all 33 drivers attempt the race? At this point it's impossible to say yes. Kurt Busch Ragan, Vickers, Elliott, Bodine, Cope, Bayne, Labonte and Schrader all do not have Sprint Cup rides lined up for 2012 and Martin and Waltrip are slated to share the No. 00 for Waltrip's team. Busch won last year's event.
Perhaps the large field is the precursor to NASCAR banning radio communication between different teams in another effort to break up the tandem drafting. A large pack would be the best possible way to find out if any potential rules changes could break up the 2x2 racing.
Last year's Budweiser Shootout field was the 2010 Chase field, past Sprint Cup champions, past Daytona winners and the rookie of the year winners from 2001-2010.
This year's Shootout is Saturday, February 18, and will be a two-segment 75 lap race.
ACT NEW SMYRNA FIELD ADDS FORD POWER WITH LATEST ENTRIES
Waterbury, VT ? The battle for the Goodyear Speedweeks Cup just got tougher with the announcement from the American Canadian Tour (ACT) that three of the powerhouse Ford teams in ACT will make the trip to the sunshine state for the first ever New Smyrna Speedway (NSS) World Series of Asphalt Stock Car Racing.
Joey Polewarcyzk, Jr. (Pole) from Hudson, NH was the hottest driver on the ACT at the end of 2010. His wins at the New Hampshire Motor Speedway (NHMS) ACT Invitational last September were followed up with a $15,000 payday at the Peoples United Bank Milk Bowl at Thunder Road Speedbowl in Barre, VT. Pole finished the touring season with a stunning performance in the 150-lap closer at the Waterford Speedbowl in Connecticut.
Joey Polewarcyzk, Jr. (Pole) from Hudson, NH was the hottest driver on the ACT at the end of 2010. His wins at the New Hampshire Motor Speedway (NHMS) ACT Invitational last September were followed up with a $15,000 payday at the Peoples United Bank Milk Bowl at Thunder Road Speedbowl in Barre, VT. Pole finished the touring season with a stunning performance in the 150-lap closer at the Waterford Speedbowl in Connecticut.
Should Kyle Busch be banned from racing?
It’s often said that racing is a gentleman’s sport, however this past weekend Kyle Busch proved this was indeed, incorrect. You see Busch has a temper, so much so that it seemingly gets him into hot water just about everywhere he goes. For instance, this past weekend at Texas Motor Speedway Busch intentionally plowed fellow [...]
Saturday, December 24, 2011
Subaru Repeats Its 'Subaru Challenge Award' For 2012
The FIA’s Production Car World Rally Championship (PWRC) can often be a stepping stone to bigger and better things in the world of motorsports. Run under FIA Group N rules, the series pits production cars with few allowed modifications against one another, emphasizing the capabilities of both car and driver. In 2012, Subaru will again offer...
NHRA US MAC Tools Nationals ? O?Reilly Raceway Park
Wanted to throw these videos up real quick of John Force, and Ashley Force running qualifying night at ORP.
Truck champ Austin Dillon ready for next step to Nationwide Series
Austin Dillon will go from champ to rookie when he steps into a Nationwide Series car in 2012.
The 2011 Camping World Truck Series champion won?t defend that title as he takes the step to Nationwide, once again driving the iconic No. 3 for Richard Childress Racing.
The 2011 Camping World Truck Series champion won?t defend that title as he takes the step to Nationwide, once again driving the iconic No. 3 for Richard Childress Racing.
Analysis: Schumacher top overtaker
Michael Schumacher ended the season as Formula 1's top overtaker, with his impressive opening-lap efforts throughout 2011 helping him edge out Sebastien Buemi.
Pattie named as crew chief for Bowyer at MWR
Michael Waltrip Racing revealed on Monday that Brian Pattie will serve as crew chief for Clint Bowyer's No.15 Toyota team in the Sprint Cup Series, beginning in 2012.
Friday, December 23, 2011
Confessions Of A NASCAR Writer: Three Opinions That May Surprise You ? SB Nation
Confessions Of A NASCAR Writer: Three Opinions That May Surprise You – SB Nation
SB Nation
Confessions Of A NASCAR Writer: Three Opinions That May Surprise YouSB NationOct 4, 2011 – Before I got on the NASCAR beat full-time, I covered only about seven or 10 races per season and watched the rest faithfully from home. Thanks to that experience, I often viewed the sport and the races …NASCAR: Chief's calls on the moneyColumbus Dispatch
all 11 news articles »
SB Nation
Confessions Of A NASCAR Writer: Three Opinions That May Surprise YouSB NationOct 4, 2011 – Before I got on the NASCAR beat full-time, I covered only about seven or 10 races per season and watched the rest faithfully from home. Thanks to that experience, I often viewed the sport and the races …NASCAR: Chief's calls on the moneyColumbus Dispatch
all 11 news articles »
Happy Hour: Steve Addington, glutton for punishment
Welcome to the latest Happy Hour mailbag! You know how these work: You write us with your best rant/ joke/one-liner at happyhournascar@yahoogroups.com (note new address) or on Twitter at @jaybusbee, we respond to your messages, everyone goes away with a smile on their face.
Remember, even though the season's done, we're not. Usual nonsense here every day of the week. And hey, if you want to get a letter printed, NOW IS THE TIME. We'll need plenty o'material for this feature each week.
For now, we start by considering the sanity of one of the offseason's central figures ...
Does Steve Addington have a fetish for the undercarriage of multi-passenger conveyances? Why else would he sign on with a third straight driver that WILL throw his crew chief under the bus?
? JT
Ah, undercarriage fetishes. The reason why the internet was invented. Tip: do NOT do a search on the phrase "undercarriage fetishes." Some things you just can't unsee. Anyway, where were we? Oh, yeah, Addington. Yeah, you do have to wonder a bit about his sanity in dealing with the three most notorious hotheads in NASCAR today. Shoot, I'd put them in the top 10 all-time.
But look at it this way: Kurt Busch, Kyle Busch and Tony Stewart are also three of the most talented drivers in the sport. And if you happen to be the type of person who can let torrents of rage roll off you like rain off a roof, hey, you're going to be running up front all season long. It's a small price to pay for getting the top layer of your skin peeled off over the radio every Sunday.
Plus, have we established that Addington is not, in fact, deaf? Because if he were, that would explain an awful lot.
____________________
I'm a pretty hardcore Tony Stewart fan, and I'm absolutely ecstatic over his championship win (and particularly the fashion in which it was won), but a question troubles me after reading your last mailbag post. One reader thought it suspicious that the top 2 in points were so much faster than the rest of the field. I don't personally think that any funny business was going on (after all, the 48 crew wasn't involved) ... but say that there was. Tony wins the race, and wins the championship on a tiebreaker, then his car fails post-race inspections ? we just had a huge celebration, trophy presentation, the works, and now they take it all away? How would this be handled? Does any inspection occur before all the celebrating to make sure everything is legit? This would be my worst nightmare!
? Tom
Saint Clair Shores, Mich.
Congratulations to you, Tom, and to all the other Smoke fans out there who weathered a drought of six long years between championships. Now, to answer your question: NASCAR did inspections pre-race, bringing Stewart's and Carl Edwards' cars in for a thorough look-over several days before the race.
Now, if you want to get all JFK-conspiracy theory, you could say that Stewart and Edwards could have done work between that inspection and the race, or ? oh, here's an even better one! ? NASCAR let Stewart slide to give Rick Hendrick and Chevy another championship! You know, because they could predict that Stewart would be able to finish just one second ahead of Edwards! Alas, NASCAR does post-race inspections, as well, and Stewart passed.�
Anyway ... boy, we have a tendency to wander in the offseason ... don't sweat it, all's on the up-and-up. Or all's totally rigged. Whichever makes you feel better.
____________________
Jay, Jay, Jay, you still don't get it. You said, "Seriously, Obama could go door-to-door handing out candy- ...
Nope. Sorry. Not going to be taking any more Obama/booing emails. (And oh, I've got plenty.) We've ground that topic into a fine, chewy paste, and we won't be revisiting it again. (Though I have been invited to appear on a couple of conservative radio talk shows; that ought to be fun.) Moving onward ...
____________________
I do have ESPN with my cable package, but if you were ESPN would it not make sense to put the Chase races on ABC? I mean, they are putting movies on ABC Sunday afternoons. It seems the NASCAR race would generate much greater interest than these movies and I am not for sure about those movies' ratings, but they have to be much lower than they would be for NASCAR. At ESPN, is there a reason they give why they will not put the races on regular television?
? Jacob Stotz
Ida, Mich.
Another Michigan writer? We're stomping on the Upper Midwest like Ndamukong Suh! (Sorry, Detroit.) Anyway, here's the deal: ABC/ESPN has made the decision to consolidate the Chase races on the World Wide Leader, with the exception of the Saturday night race, as a way of consolidating the coverage. It does tick some people off, yes, and I agree that there's some kind of cachet that's lost by going to a cable network and not a "broadcast" one ... but we're still very much in a transitional period in sports broadcasting now. Ten years from now, you'll be able to watch Joey Logano and Trevor Bayne on any device imaginable, and the idea of "broadcast networks" will seem as quaint as music on little thin strips of plastic on spools. (And no, Junior Nation, I won't make the obvious next joke. You owe me.)
And those freakin' Sunday afternoon movies do a much better than you'd expect. You'd think pretty much anybody out there who wanted to see "The Mummy Returns" would have done it by now, but yep, it still runs every weekend. There are affiliates out there who won't run certain late-night talk shows like Jimmy Kimmel because two-decade-old M*A*S*H reruns get better ratings. America: when we find something we like, we don't ever let go of it!
____________________
It seems to me that after the Kurt Busch/Dr. Jerry Punch encounter at Homestead that NASCAR and team owners need to take some significant steps to curb the profanity problem. �The bleeps over the radios and in car cameras seemed to have reached record proportions. We try to teach our kids to deal with anger in constructive ways and then they see their heroes in NASCAR breaking all those standards of appropriate behavior. Kurt Busch has been a real poster child of the profanity problem both in and out of the car. I can't understand how Penske allows it and Shell does not take some action.
It is becoming evident that NASCAR is not going to address this problem. I would suggest that if you are offended like I have been that you write to advertisers directly and let them know that this has to be brought under control.
Sponsorship is so hard to come by these days. I guess that I don't understand how drivers and teams can allow anything to happen that could result in negative feedback to a sponsor.
? Richard Lewis
Richard wrote this letter before the $50,000 fine against Busch was announced, so that might soften his stance a little bit. Here's my thing: I don't have a problem with Busch cursing over the radio. Those are in-team communications we're hearing. But I can understand how certain sponsors might not be thrilled with the idea of their poster boy teaching everybody a few new words and phrases. (I'll never look at a monkey and a football the same way again.)
What concerns me much more are the "secret fines" NASCAR metes out for speech. Look at Denny Hamlin; the poor guy is just about neutered now on Twitter after getting fined for speaking out. If you want to attract people to this sport, you need edgy personalities. And edgy personalities sometimes go farther than you'd like. That's the very definition of "edgy." So, yes, we could have a nice, pleasant little array of sponsor-thanking drones, or we could have drivers who speak their minds and occasionally tick off someone in a position of power. I know which one I'd prefer, and I also know which one NASCAR would, too.
Time to wrap up with a little praise.
____________________
That was the worst article I have read lately. Next time take a little longer to write it.
? Gene
I used to get that exact message on pretty much every English paper I turned in from fourth grade right through college. Sad thing is, I have no idea which article he means, and it could really apply to pretty much anything I write.
And on that note, we're out. Thanks to all our writers this week. You want in? Fire up the computer and hit us with whatever's on your mind, NASCAR-wise, at happyhournascar@yahoogroups.com, find us on Facebook right here, or hit us up on Twitter at @jaybusbee. Make sure to tell us where you're from. We'll make you famous!
Remember, even though the season's done, we're not. Usual nonsense here every day of the week. And hey, if you want to get a letter printed, NOW IS THE TIME. We'll need plenty o'material for this feature each week.
For now, we start by considering the sanity of one of the offseason's central figures ...
Does Steve Addington have a fetish for the undercarriage of multi-passenger conveyances? Why else would he sign on with a third straight driver that WILL throw his crew chief under the bus?
? JT
Ah, undercarriage fetishes. The reason why the internet was invented. Tip: do NOT do a search on the phrase "undercarriage fetishes." Some things you just can't unsee. Anyway, where were we? Oh, yeah, Addington. Yeah, you do have to wonder a bit about his sanity in dealing with the three most notorious hotheads in NASCAR today. Shoot, I'd put them in the top 10 all-time.
But look at it this way: Kurt Busch, Kyle Busch and Tony Stewart are also three of the most talented drivers in the sport. And if you happen to be the type of person who can let torrents of rage roll off you like rain off a roof, hey, you're going to be running up front all season long. It's a small price to pay for getting the top layer of your skin peeled off over the radio every Sunday.
Plus, have we established that Addington is not, in fact, deaf? Because if he were, that would explain an awful lot.
____________________
I'm a pretty hardcore Tony Stewart fan, and I'm absolutely ecstatic over his championship win (and particularly the fashion in which it was won), but a question troubles me after reading your last mailbag post. One reader thought it suspicious that the top 2 in points were so much faster than the rest of the field. I don't personally think that any funny business was going on (after all, the 48 crew wasn't involved) ... but say that there was. Tony wins the race, and wins the championship on a tiebreaker, then his car fails post-race inspections ? we just had a huge celebration, trophy presentation, the works, and now they take it all away? How would this be handled? Does any inspection occur before all the celebrating to make sure everything is legit? This would be my worst nightmare!
? Tom
Saint Clair Shores, Mich.
Congratulations to you, Tom, and to all the other Smoke fans out there who weathered a drought of six long years between championships. Now, to answer your question: NASCAR did inspections pre-race, bringing Stewart's and Carl Edwards' cars in for a thorough look-over several days before the race.
Now, if you want to get all JFK-conspiracy theory, you could say that Stewart and Edwards could have done work between that inspection and the race, or ? oh, here's an even better one! ? NASCAR let Stewart slide to give Rick Hendrick and Chevy another championship! You know, because they could predict that Stewart would be able to finish just one second ahead of Edwards! Alas, NASCAR does post-race inspections, as well, and Stewart passed.�
Anyway ... boy, we have a tendency to wander in the offseason ... don't sweat it, all's on the up-and-up. Or all's totally rigged. Whichever makes you feel better.
____________________
Jay, Jay, Jay, you still don't get it. You said, "Seriously, Obama could go door-to-door handing out candy- ...
Nope. Sorry. Not going to be taking any more Obama/booing emails. (And oh, I've got plenty.) We've ground that topic into a fine, chewy paste, and we won't be revisiting it again. (Though I have been invited to appear on a couple of conservative radio talk shows; that ought to be fun.) Moving onward ...
____________________
I do have ESPN with my cable package, but if you were ESPN would it not make sense to put the Chase races on ABC? I mean, they are putting movies on ABC Sunday afternoons. It seems the NASCAR race would generate much greater interest than these movies and I am not for sure about those movies' ratings, but they have to be much lower than they would be for NASCAR. At ESPN, is there a reason they give why they will not put the races on regular television?
? Jacob Stotz
Ida, Mich.
Another Michigan writer? We're stomping on the Upper Midwest like Ndamukong Suh! (Sorry, Detroit.) Anyway, here's the deal: ABC/ESPN has made the decision to consolidate the Chase races on the World Wide Leader, with the exception of the Saturday night race, as a way of consolidating the coverage. It does tick some people off, yes, and I agree that there's some kind of cachet that's lost by going to a cable network and not a "broadcast" one ... but we're still very much in a transitional period in sports broadcasting now. Ten years from now, you'll be able to watch Joey Logano and Trevor Bayne on any device imaginable, and the idea of "broadcast networks" will seem as quaint as music on little thin strips of plastic on spools. (And no, Junior Nation, I won't make the obvious next joke. You owe me.)
And those freakin' Sunday afternoon movies do a much better than you'd expect. You'd think pretty much anybody out there who wanted to see "The Mummy Returns" would have done it by now, but yep, it still runs every weekend. There are affiliates out there who won't run certain late-night talk shows like Jimmy Kimmel because two-decade-old M*A*S*H reruns get better ratings. America: when we find something we like, we don't ever let go of it!
____________________
It seems to me that after the Kurt Busch/Dr. Jerry Punch encounter at Homestead that NASCAR and team owners need to take some significant steps to curb the profanity problem. �The bleeps over the radios and in car cameras seemed to have reached record proportions. We try to teach our kids to deal with anger in constructive ways and then they see their heroes in NASCAR breaking all those standards of appropriate behavior. Kurt Busch has been a real poster child of the profanity problem both in and out of the car. I can't understand how Penske allows it and Shell does not take some action.
It is becoming evident that NASCAR is not going to address this problem. I would suggest that if you are offended like I have been that you write to advertisers directly and let them know that this has to be brought under control.
Sponsorship is so hard to come by these days. I guess that I don't understand how drivers and teams can allow anything to happen that could result in negative feedback to a sponsor.
? Richard Lewis
Richard wrote this letter before the $50,000 fine against Busch was announced, so that might soften his stance a little bit. Here's my thing: I don't have a problem with Busch cursing over the radio. Those are in-team communications we're hearing. But I can understand how certain sponsors might not be thrilled with the idea of their poster boy teaching everybody a few new words and phrases. (I'll never look at a monkey and a football the same way again.)
What concerns me much more are the "secret fines" NASCAR metes out for speech. Look at Denny Hamlin; the poor guy is just about neutered now on Twitter after getting fined for speaking out. If you want to attract people to this sport, you need edgy personalities. And edgy personalities sometimes go farther than you'd like. That's the very definition of "edgy." So, yes, we could have a nice, pleasant little array of sponsor-thanking drones, or we could have drivers who speak their minds and occasionally tick off someone in a position of power. I know which one I'd prefer, and I also know which one NASCAR would, too.
Time to wrap up with a little praise.
____________________
That was the worst article I have read lately. Next time take a little longer to write it.
? Gene
I used to get that exact message on pretty much every English paper I turned in from fourth grade right through college. Sad thing is, I have no idea which article he means, and it could really apply to pretty much anything I write.
And on that note, we're out. Thanks to all our writers this week. You want in? Fire up the computer and hit us with whatever's on your mind, NASCAR-wise, at happyhournascar@yahoogroups.com, find us on Facebook right here, or hit us up on Twitter at @jaybusbee. Make sure to tell us where you're from. We'll make you famous!
Jimmie Johnson blames himself for 2011 mistakes, not winning sixth Cup title
Jimmie Johnson isn?t frustrated just because he didn?t win a sixth consecutive Sprint Cup title.
But Johnson will look back on the 2011 Chase For The Sprint Cup with frustration over how he lost a chance to win another trophy.
But Johnson will look back on the 2011 Chase For The Sprint Cup with frustration over how he lost a chance to win another trophy.
Best of 2011: Trevor Bayne produced the brightest moment in a season full of upsets
The 2011 season opened with one of the biggest upsets ever as Trevor Bayne became the youngest winner of the Daytona 500.
It was just a sign of things to come as several first-time winners cracked the sport?s biggest stage at some of the most unexpected times.
It was just a sign of things to come as several first-time winners cracked the sport?s biggest stage at some of the most unexpected times.
Thursday, December 22, 2011
Victory pays off: Brad Keselowski gets Penske extension
Amazing things happen when you go on a historic run and vault your way into the Chase, like multi-year contract extensions.
As recently as July, Brad Keselowski was looking like a talented but undistinguished member of the Sprint Cup field, running in the 20s and performing weakly enough that Kurt Busch complained of having no teammate assistance.
Things change in a hurry. Keselowski won three races, very nearly vaulting himself into the Chase on rank. (Side note: if he had, he would have bumped out eventual champ Tony Stewart.) He snagged a wild card, and would go on to finish fifth in the standings, ahead of Jimmie Johnson, Jeff Gordon and both Busch brothers. Not a bad turnaround, huh?
As a result of his performance, Keselowski and crew chief Paul Wolfe have received contract extensions from Penske. While Penske didn't disclose exact terms, both deals were "multiple-year" arrangements. Wolfe had previously crewed Keselowski to the 2010 Nationwide championship.
Keselowski has, as yet, not made a public comment on the issue, though he is in Vegas for Champions Week. On an unrelated note, he disclosed at the "NASCAR Newlywed Game" that he gets drunk very easily. He's certainly got enough to celebrate these days.
As recently as July, Brad Keselowski was looking like a talented but undistinguished member of the Sprint Cup field, running in the 20s and performing weakly enough that Kurt Busch complained of having no teammate assistance.
Things change in a hurry. Keselowski won three races, very nearly vaulting himself into the Chase on rank. (Side note: if he had, he would have bumped out eventual champ Tony Stewart.) He snagged a wild card, and would go on to finish fifth in the standings, ahead of Jimmie Johnson, Jeff Gordon and both Busch brothers. Not a bad turnaround, huh?
As a result of his performance, Keselowski and crew chief Paul Wolfe have received contract extensions from Penske. While Penske didn't disclose exact terms, both deals were "multiple-year" arrangements. Wolfe had previously crewed Keselowski to the 2010 Nationwide championship.
Keselowski has, as yet, not made a public comment on the issue, though he is in Vegas for Champions Week. On an unrelated note, he disclosed at the "NASCAR Newlywed Game" that he gets drunk very easily. He's certainly got enough to celebrate these days.
NASCAR fines Kurt Busch $50,000
NASCAR Fines Kurt Busch For Actions At Homestead-Miami SpeedwayNovember 25, 2011 DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. (Nov. 25, 2011) ? NASCAR has fined Kurt Busch $50,000 for his actions during the Nov. 20 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series race at Homestead-Miami Speedway. NASCAR determined that Kurt Busch violated Section 12-1 (actions detrimental to stock car racing ? inappropriate hand gesture; abusive language) of the 2011 NASCAR Rule Book. In issuing the penalty, NASCAR cited Kurt Busch's "poor judgment in making an inappropriate hand gesture" when he drove his car into the garage early in the race after it experienced transmission problems. In addition, NASCAR said Kurt Busch showed "disrespect towards a media member," an incident that followed similar inappropriate media confrontations earlier in the season.
Wednesday, December 21, 2011
Who needs to do what to win NASCAR championships this weekend
Sprint Cup: Only one finish guarantees Carl Edwards his first NASCAR Sprint Cup Series championship ? a victory in Sunday?s season-finale Ford 400. Just three points separate points leader Carl Edwards and second-place Tony Stewart, a margin so tight, no other finish would clinch the title for Edwards regardless of where Stewart finishes.Stewart owns the tie-breaker (best finishes), and therefore could tie and win his third series championship. All other drivers are officially eliminated from championship contention. Edwards? three-point lead roughly translates to 13 points under the previous points system.Nationwide Series: Ricky Stenhouse Jr. will clinch the Nationwide Series championship with a finish of 37th or better; or 38th or better with at least one lap led; or 39th or better with most laps led at Homestead.Only one point separates the points leading No. 18 Joe Gibbs Racing Toyota and the No. 60 Roush Fenway Racing Ford in the Nationwide Series owners standings. Only one finish guarantees the No. 18 a championship ? a victory in Saturday?s Ford 300.Both teams have eight wins on the season, but the No. 60 has nine second-place finishes (the No. 18 has five) ? giving the No. 60 the tie-breaker. The No. 60 would win the owners title by gaining one or more points on the No. 18 on Saturday.Truck Series: Austin Dillon owns a 20-point lead over Johnny Sauter heading into the Camping World Truck Series finale. James Buescher also remains in title contention, 28 points behind Dillon. Ron Hornaday Jr., 48 points behind Dillon, will be eliminated as soon as Dillon starts at Homestead.Dillon guarantees himself his first championship by finishing 16th or better; or 17th or better with at least one lap led; or 18th or better with the most laps led in Friday night?s Ford 200.Kevin Harvick Inc.?s No. 2 Chevrolet clinched the 2011 owners championship last week at Texas Motor Speedway. It was KHI?s third owners title.
ACT NEW SMYRNA FIELD ADDS FORD POWER WITH LATEST ENTRIES
Waterbury, VT ? The battle for the Goodyear Speedweeks Cup just got tougher with the announcement from the American Canadian Tour (ACT) that three of the powerhouse Ford teams in ACT will make the trip to the sunshine state for the first ever New Smyrna Speedway (NSS) World Series of Asphalt Stock Car Racing.
Joey Polewarcyzk, Jr. (Pole) from Hudson, NH was the hottest driver on the ACT at the end of 2010. His wins at the New Hampshire Motor Speedway (NHMS) ACT Invitational last September were followed up with a $15,000 payday at the Peoples United Bank Milk Bowl at Thunder Road Speedbowl in Barre, VT. Pole finished the touring season with a stunning performance in the 150-lap closer at the Waterford Speedbowl in Connecticut.
Joey Polewarcyzk, Jr. (Pole) from Hudson, NH was the hottest driver on the ACT at the end of 2010. His wins at the New Hampshire Motor Speedway (NHMS) ACT Invitational last September were followed up with a $15,000 payday at the Peoples United Bank Milk Bowl at Thunder Road Speedbowl in Barre, VT. Pole finished the touring season with a stunning performance in the 150-lap closer at the Waterford Speedbowl in Connecticut.
Al-Attiyah secures works Citroen drive
Citroen has confirmed it will field a third DS3 World Rally Car for Nasser Al-Attiyah starting with the second round of next year's World Rally Championship.
Tuesday, December 20, 2011
Bowyer, Harvick set to get new crew chiefs for next season
HOMESTEAD, Fla. - The 2011 Sprint Cup Series season is not quite over but a litany of crew chief changes for next season is already in the works. Brian Pattie, who spent most of the past four seasons as crew chief for Juan Pablo Montoya until he was replaced in July, will become the crew chief for driver Clint Bowyer at Michael Waltrip Racing and its No. 15 Toyotas, multiple sources confirmed to the Observer and ThatsRacin.com have learned. Pattie has remained under contract with Earnhardt Ganassi Racing since he was released as Montoya crew chief but is expected to move to MWR as early as the beginning of next month, sources said. A MWR spokesman declined to comment on the report but said the team would announce its choice ?soon.? In addition, it appears Kevin Harvick, who is currently third in the Cup series standings but out of title contention, will have a new crew chief next season as well, sources said. Shane Wilson, who worked with Harvick in the Nationwide Series and currently serves as crew chief for Bowyer, is expected to take over crew chief duties for Harvick next season, sources said. Harvick's current crew chief, Gil Martin, is expected to take another role invthe RCR organization. ?Any changes Richard Childress Racing makes will be announced in due time,? RCR team spokesman David Hart said. Asked on Friday whether he expected personnel changes on his No. 29 Cup team next season, Harvick said anticipated some changes. ?Well there?s definitely a lot of things happening at RCR with the one Cup team going away. We?re adding three Nationwide teams and a Truck team so obviously there?s going to be some personnel changes and I think if we had gone out and won a championship you?d say you probably don?t need to do anything,? he said. ?But if we sit on our hands and don?t evaluate everybody?s position at this particular point I think we?d be fools.? In addition to those teams, changes are expected on Tony Stewart's No. 14 Stewart-Haas Racing team and Kurt Busch's No. 22 Penske Racing Dodge team.
Penske names Todd Gordon as crew chief of No. 22 Cup car but still looking for driver
Penske Racing is still conducting its search for a driver of its No. 22 car, but it now has a crew chief to replace the departed Steve Addington. Todd Gordon, who guided Penske?s full-time Nationwide team to six wins in 2011, will be crew chief of the No. 22 Cup car in 2012.
McLaren will be ready for first test
McLaren will have its new car ready for the first test of 2012, after the team confirmed it will be launched on Feb. 1.
Monday, December 19, 2011
Top 30: Clint Bowyer ends RCR tenure with impressive results
Editor’s note: SceneDaily.com is taking a look back at the performances of the top 30 drivers in the final Sprint Cup standings.
It wi ...
It wi ...
Shocker: Dale Earnhardt Jr. wins Most Popular Driver award for ninth time
Do yourself a favor and sit down before you read this. Oh, you're already sitting down? OK, cool. Maybe lay down, then, and read this from a prone position. We don't want you to hurt yourself from the shock of the news we're about to tell you.
Ready? OK, here it is: Dale Earnhardt Jr. has won NASCAR's most popular driver award.
I know, crazy, right? But this is the world we're living in now. Junior was named the NASCAR National Motorsports Press Association's Most Popular Driver for the ninth straight year.
Junior took the highest number of the nearly 1.5 million votes cast in the 2011 effort, sponsored by Wheaties Fuel. He beat out the other nine finalists: Kyle Busch, Carl Edwards, Jeff Gordon, Kevin Harvick, Jimmie Johnson, Kasey Kahne, Matt Kenseth, Bobby Labonte and Tony Stewart.
[ Related: Four-time Sprint Cup champion Jeff Gordon breakdances ]
You know the rest: Junior was honored, he's hoping to build on the momentum of this year, et cetera et cetera. To be sure, this was a turnaround year for Earnhardt, making the Chase after two straight seasons of disappointment, but he still lacks that elusive next win. Even so, the award shows that he's still got the fans' support, no matter how he runs.
Junior still has a ways to go to catch the all-time leader in Most Popular Driver awards; that would be Awesome Bill Elliott with 16. However, Earnhardt could match Elliott's consecutive streak with 10 if he wins again next year.
So, yes, those of you who wonder what all the fuss is over Junior: this is it. He's got a hell of a lot of fans, like it or not. And these are the diehards. Just imagine what would happen if the dude started winning.
Other popular stories on Yahoo! Sports:
? Video: Antonio Margarito not bothered by criticism
? Houston coach Kevin Sumlin is considered a top Texas A&M target
? Listen: Pat Forde's take on slew of college football scandals
Ready? OK, here it is: Dale Earnhardt Jr. has won NASCAR's most popular driver award.
I know, crazy, right? But this is the world we're living in now. Junior was named the NASCAR National Motorsports Press Association's Most Popular Driver for the ninth straight year.
Junior took the highest number of the nearly 1.5 million votes cast in the 2011 effort, sponsored by Wheaties Fuel. He beat out the other nine finalists: Kyle Busch, Carl Edwards, Jeff Gordon, Kevin Harvick, Jimmie Johnson, Kasey Kahne, Matt Kenseth, Bobby Labonte and Tony Stewart.
[ Related: Four-time Sprint Cup champion Jeff Gordon breakdances ]
You know the rest: Junior was honored, he's hoping to build on the momentum of this year, et cetera et cetera. To be sure, this was a turnaround year for Earnhardt, making the Chase after two straight seasons of disappointment, but he still lacks that elusive next win. Even so, the award shows that he's still got the fans' support, no matter how he runs.
Junior still has a ways to go to catch the all-time leader in Most Popular Driver awards; that would be Awesome Bill Elliott with 16. However, Earnhardt could match Elliott's consecutive streak with 10 if he wins again next year.
So, yes, those of you who wonder what all the fuss is over Junior: this is it. He's got a hell of a lot of fans, like it or not. And these are the diehards. Just imagine what would happen if the dude started winning.
Other popular stories on Yahoo! Sports:
? Video: Antonio Margarito not bothered by criticism
? Houston coach Kevin Sumlin is considered a top Texas A&M target
? Listen: Pat Forde's take on slew of college football scandals
You want a fast car? How does 462 mph suit you, pal?
Hey, it's right after Thanksgiving, so don't even pretend you're going to be doing anything close to real work for a little while. Instead, kick back with this video about the "Speed Demon," a single-engine, piston-driven beauty that hit an exit speed of 462 mph on the Bonneville Salt Flats earlier this year. It didn't break the world record because it failed to replicate the feat on the return trip. This video breaks down George Poteet and Ron Main's efforts to take the record, and is a fascinating look at the behind-the-scenes machinations of speed.
[Via Jalopnik]
[Via Jalopnik]
Earnhardt Jr. named most popular driver for ninth time
Dale Earnhardt Jr.'s popularity in NASCAR is showing no signs of letting up.
Sunday, December 18, 2011
Phoenix would welcome IndyCar back in 2013
As the IndyCar Series searches for venues to fill its schedule, the possibility exists for a potential return to Phoenix International Raceway.
Top 30: Greg Biffle takes a step back in 2011, falls short of goal
After three consecutive seasons in which he made the Chase For the Sprint Cup, Greg Biffle had a decidedly off year in 2011.
The 41-year-old failed to win a Cup race for just the second time in his Cup career, switched crew chiefs in the middle of the season, failed to make the Chase and finished 16th in points.
Th
The 41-year-old failed to win a Cup race for just the second time in his Cup career, switched crew chiefs in the middle of the season, failed to make the Chase and finished 16th in points.
Th
Dallara offers alternative suspension for 2012 IndyCar
Dallara is offering an alternative suspension arrangement for its DW12 IndyCar, to better optimize weight distribution, especially for superspeedways.
Keselowski agrees to contract extension with Penske
Brad Keselowski has agreed to a multi-year contract extension with Penske Racing.
Saturday, December 17, 2011
NASCAR champ crew chief joins Hamlin's team
This year's championship-winning crew chief in the Sprint Cup Series will try to win one next season with the 2010 season runner-up. Joe Gibbs Racing will name Darian Grubb - who won this season's championship with driver Tony Stewart - as the new crew chief for Denny Hamlin on Friday afternoon, sources confirmed to The Observer and ThatsRacin.com. Grubb, who was told early during the Chase for the Cup that he would not return as Stewart's crew chief next season, had been mulling several offers before deciding to join Joe Gibbs Racing. JGR released Hamlin's crew chief, Mike Ford, earlier this week. In three seasons together at Stewart-Haas Racing, Grubb and Stewart won 11 races, including five in this season's Chase. Hamlin finished second in the 2010 Chase, falling 39 points short of Jimmie Johnson, who won his NASCAR-record fifth consecutive title.
Sahara Force India Formula 1 Team Keeps Di Resta, Promotes Hulkenberg
The Sahara Force India Formula 1 team waited until after the 2011 season to anoint its driver lineup for the coming year. The team confirmed it's keeping Paul Di Resta, who had an excellent rookie season driving the team's Mercedes-powered car. Di Resta's new teammate for the coming year is Nico Hulkenberg, stepping up from his role as reserve...
NHRA US MAC Tools Nationals Photos Best of the Best
What an awesome weekend for the NHRA US MAC Tools Nationals here in Indy at O’Reilly Raceway Park. You couldn’t have asked for better weather or a better race. The event was absolutely amazing and one of the best I’ve attended in a long time. If you’ve never been to an NHRA event then these [...]
Jimmie Johnson brings the truthiness to the Colbert Report
Jimmie Johnson ventured into the unfamiliar (for NASCAR) terrain of The Colbert Report on Monday night, and acquitted himself and his sport quite well. If you're not familiar with Colbert, it can be an acquired taste, but remember: this is a comedy show.
A few notes: check Johnson's reaction when Colbert asks if "there's any doping" in NASCAR; you can almost see the word "Mayfield" flash across his forehead. And Johnson gives us the not-for-the-queasy reason why some drivers pour water on themselves in Victory Lane. Plus, check the move Johnson puts on Colbert to get him loose in the final turn of the office-chair race. Good stuff.
A few notes: check Johnson's reaction when Colbert asks if "there's any doping" in NASCAR; you can almost see the word "Mayfield" flash across his forehead. And Johnson gives us the not-for-the-queasy reason why some drivers pour water on themselves in Victory Lane. Plus, check the move Johnson puts on Colbert to get him loose in the final turn of the office-chair race. Good stuff.
Friday, December 16, 2011
Provisional 2012 IndyCar schedule released
Late Thursday, IndyCar released and then later took down its 2012 schedule on its website, which still listed Texas as part of 15 race weekends.
President Obama calls to congratulate Tony Stewart
THE WHITE HOUSEOffice of the Press Secretary___________________________________________________November 30, 2011Readout of the President?s Call with 2011 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Champion Tony Stewart Earlier today, the President called Tony Stewart to congratulate him and the entire Stewart-Haas Racing team on winning the 2011 Sprint Cup Series Championship and on the incredible season they had. The President said he was impressed that Mr. Stewart was able to come from the back of the pack to edge out Carl Edwards for the win. The President said that the First Lady and Dr. Biden enjoyed being at Homestead for the Ford 400 and how grateful they were to have NASCAR honor military families. The President commended Mr. Stewart and the other drivers for being such positive role models and great ambassadors for NASCAR, and said that he looks forward to congratulating Mr. Stewart in person at the White House next year.
Austin F1 race confirmed for 2012 calendar
The 2012 U.S. Grand Prix at Circuit of the Americas in Austin, Texas is no longer in jeopardy of losing its November 18 date on next year's Formula One calendar.
Thursday, December 15, 2011
Volvo Prices Its Convertible Swan Song, The C70 Inscription
Volvo’s C70 convertible first hit the market as a ragtop in 1999, but transitioned into a power retractable hardtop in 2006. The design of the car, which originated as a coupe, dates back to 1997, making the car well past its retirement years. Much like lutefisk or aquavit, the Volvo C70 is an acquired taste. Fans love it for its comfortable...
Volvo Prices Its Convertible Swan Song, The C70 Inscription
Volvo’s C70 convertible first hit the market as a ragtop in 1999, but transitioned into a power retractable hardtop in 2006. The design of the car, which originated as a coupe, dates back to 1997, making the car well past its retirement years. Much like lutefisk or aquavit, the Volvo C70 is an acquired taste. Fans love it for its comfortable...
Tony Stewart named Driver of the Year by media panel
Tony Stewart was named the 2011 Driver of the Year by a 19-member panel of journalists and broadcasters. The Driver of the Year Foundation presents the award to the driver its panel votes as the best in all of motorsports.
Sadler?s Season: One of NASCAR?s premier hunters, Elliott Sadler can?t wait to get outside
This time of year, if you happen to be listening to Elliott Sadler making an appearance on a radio show and he ends the call abruptly, that can only mean one thing: a deer?s nearby. Sadler often calls in from his deer stand, scanning the woods while he talks racing. Although he has yet to face that unique conflict of interest, he insists he won?t hesitate to take action.
Wednesday, December 14, 2011
Offseason Hot/Not: Red Bull?s Unfortunate NASCAR Goodbye
Typically, in this space, we'd be talking about the most recent on-track NASCAR dramas (thanks, Busch brothers!) from the previous weekend's racing. However, the very nature of the offseason isn't very good about giving us material. And since I'm so dedicated to you, my three loyal readers, I'm not even going to take vacation while guys like Jimmie Johnson send Twitter pictures from far-flung, palm tree-laden destinations.
So we're going to change it up a bit until Daytona, and use this space to review the most pressing (and occasionally irrelevant) NASCAR news of the past week. Ready? I am. Jump in:
NOT: Not to depress you in the midst of the holiday season, but there's a lot of families with NASCAR ties hurting after the typical ebb and flow of sponsor issues and team direction changes led to many layoffs.
The most recent negative shift was last Thursday's closing of Red Bull Racing. It wasn't exactly a shock after the Austrian energy drink-maker announced early in 2011 that�it wouldn't be supporting�its five-year old NASCAR Sprint Cup Series team past this season. Investors or sponsors were never found to continue the team past Red Bull's departure, and now roughly 150 people working in and around Brian Vickers' and Kasey Kahne's Toyotas are looking for what's next.
For a sport we all love so much as a refuge from real life, it's tough to handle when it crosses into negatively affecting those who work in and around it ? regardless of the level.
NEUTRAL: Thinking of the Red Bull closure, it's an interesting time to think about the hypotheticals for Brian Vickers. The 2003 Nationwide Series champion left his ride at Hendrick Motorsports (where he had accumulated a single win at Talladega) to join the new Red Bull venture in 2007.
His first season, the team struggled and Vickers failed to qualify for 13 races. He would eventually earn a win at Michigan in 2009 and go on to qualify for the Chase.�In five seasons with Red Bull, Vickers posted�11 top 5s and�34 top 10s,�despite missing all but 11 races last year due to a life-threatening blood clot issue.
But I've always wondered: Where would Vickers have ended up had he stayed with Hendrick Motorsports after the 2006 season? He wasn't exactly setting the world on fire in the No. 25 for Hendrick, but he was showing steady progression as a young driver.
There's no guarantee he would have lasted past 2006 at Hendrick, really, but it's interesting to wonder the what-ifs ? especially now that he's without a job for 2012.
HOT: It's not a surprise that Tony Stewart won this little go-karting deal in Indianapolis, is it? And, by the way, when does his insane hot streak end? Remember ? and Smoke fans don't need this reminder ? Stewart has yet to win the Daytona 500.
ODD: (Yeah, it's different. That's what happens in the offseason.) I still can't seem to figure out just how AJ Allmendinger ? now apparently witout a ride in 2012 thanks to sponsorship woes and Kurt Busch ? was the best driver in the final�10 percent of races this year. I'm going to crowdsource it. Anyone have any tips as to how he did that?
Was it a phenonmenal drive late in the going of just a few events? Did he just routinely beat other drivers late? Was there a jet pack involved?
And, now, we're learning that even being the best closer in NASCAR won't let you keep your ride for the next season. Ah, Silly Season.
HOT: Jeff Gordon visited Africa during an off-week in July, and if you're a follower of his Twitter feed (@JeffGordonWeb) you saw he returned last week.
It wasn't about vacationing for Gordon, as instead it was part of his philanthropic work with his foundation to end pediatric cancer there. That, friends, is just impressive.
HOT: We should all thank Penske Racing and Kurt Busch for adding a new phrase to the racing world's lexicon with Busch's departure, er "mutual agreement, last week.
NEUTRAL: Scott Speed and Leavine Family Racing announced Tuesday that the former Formula One driver will drive 15 Cup races for the team in 2012. The Tyler, Texas-based team is sure a long way from his time in the F1 paddock, but it at least seems to be an effort that's about more than being a start-and-park team.
HOT: Good for Darian Grubb signing on as Denny Hamlin's crew chief. Winning the title as an outgoing employee undoubtedly has its perks in finding future employment, however odd it seems.
NOT: Alternatively, Mike Ford was fired as Hamlin's crew chief just before Grubb's hire despite Hamlin giving Ford a pretty extensive vote of confidence twice late in the season. It makes you think that maybe, just maybe, a vote of confidence isn't exactly a good thing for someone to have in NASCAR.
LAST: One of the joys of the NASCAR offseason is getting to take in other forms of racing. In January, that category falls to the France Family-owned Rolex Sports Car Series' 24 Hours of Daytona.
I'll be attending this year for the first time, and I'm going to certainly brag about how excited I am. However, I can only imagine what the other teams in the series thought Tuesday when Chip Ganassi rolled out his two-car driver lineup. The pairings for racing twice-around-the-clock for Chip will include car No. 01 with Scott Pruette, Memo Rojas, Graham Rahal (IndyCar) and Joey Hand, while car No. 02 will feature Scott Dixon (IndyCar), Dario Franchitti (IndyCar), Juan Pablo Montoya (you know him) and Jamie McMurray (NASCAR's resident Big Race winner).
They'll drive in the faster Daytona Prototype class again this year, trying to defend Ganassi's title from last year. Any takers?
So we're going to change it up a bit until Daytona, and use this space to review the most pressing (and occasionally irrelevant) NASCAR news of the past week. Ready? I am. Jump in:
NOT: Not to depress you in the midst of the holiday season, but there's a lot of families with NASCAR ties hurting after the typical ebb and flow of sponsor issues and team direction changes led to many layoffs.
The most recent negative shift was last Thursday's closing of Red Bull Racing. It wasn't exactly a shock after the Austrian energy drink-maker announced early in 2011 that�it wouldn't be supporting�its five-year old NASCAR Sprint Cup Series team past this season. Investors or sponsors were never found to continue the team past Red Bull's departure, and now roughly 150 people working in and around Brian Vickers' and Kasey Kahne's Toyotas are looking for what's next.
For a sport we all love so much as a refuge from real life, it's tough to handle when it crosses into negatively affecting those who work in and around it ? regardless of the level.
NEUTRAL: Thinking of the Red Bull closure, it's an interesting time to think about the hypotheticals for Brian Vickers. The 2003 Nationwide Series champion left his ride at Hendrick Motorsports (where he had accumulated a single win at Talladega) to join the new Red Bull venture in 2007.
His first season, the team struggled and Vickers failed to qualify for 13 races. He would eventually earn a win at Michigan in 2009 and go on to qualify for the Chase.�In five seasons with Red Bull, Vickers posted�11 top 5s and�34 top 10s,�despite missing all but 11 races last year due to a life-threatening blood clot issue.
But I've always wondered: Where would Vickers have ended up had he stayed with Hendrick Motorsports after the 2006 season? He wasn't exactly setting the world on fire in the No. 25 for Hendrick, but he was showing steady progression as a young driver.
There's no guarantee he would have lasted past 2006 at Hendrick, really, but it's interesting to wonder the what-ifs ? especially now that he's without a job for 2012.
HOT: It's not a surprise that Tony Stewart won this little go-karting deal in Indianapolis, is it? And, by the way, when does his insane hot streak end? Remember ? and Smoke fans don't need this reminder ? Stewart has yet to win the Daytona 500.
ODD: (Yeah, it's different. That's what happens in the offseason.) I still can't seem to figure out just how AJ Allmendinger ? now apparently witout a ride in 2012 thanks to sponsorship woes and Kurt Busch ? was the best driver in the final�10 percent of races this year. I'm going to crowdsource it. Anyone have any tips as to how he did that?
Was it a phenonmenal drive late in the going of just a few events? Did he just routinely beat other drivers late? Was there a jet pack involved?
And, now, we're learning that even being the best closer in NASCAR won't let you keep your ride for the next season. Ah, Silly Season.
HOT: Jeff Gordon visited Africa during an off-week in July, and if you're a follower of his Twitter feed (@JeffGordonWeb) you saw he returned last week.
It wasn't about vacationing for Gordon, as instead it was part of his philanthropic work with his foundation to end pediatric cancer there. That, friends, is just impressive.
HOT: We should all thank Penske Racing and Kurt Busch for adding a new phrase to the racing world's lexicon with Busch's departure, er "mutual agreement, last week.
NEUTRAL: Scott Speed and Leavine Family Racing announced Tuesday that the former Formula One driver will drive 15 Cup races for the team in 2012. The Tyler, Texas-based team is sure a long way from his time in the F1 paddock, but it at least seems to be an effort that's about more than being a start-and-park team.
HOT: Good for Darian Grubb signing on as Denny Hamlin's crew chief. Winning the title as an outgoing employee undoubtedly has its perks in finding future employment, however odd it seems.
NOT: Alternatively, Mike Ford was fired as Hamlin's crew chief just before Grubb's hire despite Hamlin giving Ford a pretty extensive vote of confidence twice late in the season. It makes you think that maybe, just maybe, a vote of confidence isn't exactly a good thing for someone to have in NASCAR.
LAST: One of the joys of the NASCAR offseason is getting to take in other forms of racing. In January, that category falls to the France Family-owned Rolex Sports Car Series' 24 Hours of Daytona.
I'll be attending this year for the first time, and I'm going to certainly brag about how excited I am. However, I can only imagine what the other teams in the series thought Tuesday when Chip Ganassi rolled out his two-car driver lineup. The pairings for racing twice-around-the-clock for Chip will include car No. 01 with Scott Pruette, Memo Rojas, Graham Rahal (IndyCar) and Joey Hand, while car No. 02 will feature Scott Dixon (IndyCar), Dario Franchitti (IndyCar), Juan Pablo Montoya (you know him) and Jamie McMurray (NASCAR's resident Big Race winner).
They'll drive in the faster Daytona Prototype class again this year, trying to defend Ganassi's title from last year. Any takers?
US Grand Prix included in F1 calendar for 2012
The U.S. Grand Prix has been included on the 2012 Formula One calendar, ending fears the race in Austin, Texas, would be cut for financial reasons.
IndyCar will not return to site of Dan Wheldon?s death in 2012
When Dan Wheldon died in October at Las Vegas Motor Speedway, the hue and cry from many quarters focused on the track itself: too banked, too wide, too much room for open-wheeled cars to get into trouble. No less than Jimmie Johnson himself said that he didn't believe IndyCars belonged on certain ovals.
Now, it appears IndyCar is heeding those cries. The series has announced that it will buy out the 2012 race and review contract options for 2013. IndyCar is in the midst of an investigation into Wheldon's death, and a return to Vegas is, in part, contingent on those findings. So many questions still remain, with few answers in sight. (Of note: the series has already committed to returning to Texas, a similar track, for 2012.)
The 15-car wreck that claimed Wheldon's life 12 laps into the race could have been caused by the high banks of the track, and accordingly, the series has held off on releasing its 2012 schedule. However, other reasons for the catastrophic wreck could have been an overcrowded field or the high number of relatively inexperienced drivers.
Bruton Smith, owner of Speedway Motorsports Inc. and the Las Vegas track, has long demanded that IndyCar honor its three-year commitment to the track. However, he agreed to a buyout of 2012, with 2013 yet to be determined.
Now, it appears IndyCar is heeding those cries. The series has announced that it will buy out the 2012 race and review contract options for 2013. IndyCar is in the midst of an investigation into Wheldon's death, and a return to Vegas is, in part, contingent on those findings. So many questions still remain, with few answers in sight. (Of note: the series has already committed to returning to Texas, a similar track, for 2012.)
The 15-car wreck that claimed Wheldon's life 12 laps into the race could have been caused by the high banks of the track, and accordingly, the series has held off on releasing its 2012 schedule. However, other reasons for the catastrophic wreck could have been an overcrowded field or the high number of relatively inexperienced drivers.
Bruton Smith, owner of Speedway Motorsports Inc. and the Las Vegas track, has long demanded that IndyCar honor its three-year commitment to the track. However, he agreed to a buyout of 2012, with 2013 yet to be determined.
Was this the finest race in NASCAR history?
We always want to believe we're witnesses to history, that the moment in which we exist is one that will live on in memories and history books. (Well, history sites, anyway.) The temptation is to weigh the present more heavily against the past, to value our own times more than those of our parents and grandparents.
We get that, we do. But how can you possibly overestimate the value of a race like the one we all just witnessed? How do you overstate the significance of a race where the two best drivers of the season are the two best drivers on the track? Where one driver comes almost from last place to claim victory, and the other runs so well that there's only one way he could lose ... and does?
Simply put: the 2011 season finale at Homestead, in which Tony Stewart and Carl Edwards took one another to the very limits of their abilities, was one of the finest races in NASCAR history.
[ Photos: Check out all the best images from Homestead ]
The 1979 Daytona 500 had more influence on NASCAR's growth than this race will. The 1992 Hooters 500 saw the end of one driver's era (Richard Petty), the start of another (Jeff Gordon), and a classic battle for the Winston Cup between Bill Elliott and Alan Kulwicki. And the 2004 season-ending battle at Homestead saw three drivers battling right into the final turns for a championship, with Kurt Busch holding off Jimmie Johnson and Jeff Gordon despite actually finishing behind them in the race.
Statistically, however, this race trumps them all. This was the first time since points were instituted in NASCAR in 1975 that the season series ended in a tie. And it was also the first time that a driver came from behind to win the championship by winning a race.
From the drop of the green flag, with Edwards leading the first lap, this was a race dominated by the two finest drivers in NASCAR this year. Early on, Stewart faced the potentially season-demolishing problem of a damaged radiator grille, likely due to debris off Kurt Busch's car. But rapid repairs and nonstop optimism from Stewart kept the Office Depot No. 14 team focused on the ultimate goal. "They'll really feel bad when we kick their ass after this," Stewart prophesized, and he would end up being exactly right.
All Chase long this was a battle of supreme consistency versus supreme speed, and this race distilled that battle down to its essence. Edwards, whose 4.9 average finish in the Chase, would have won any Chase before this one, led more laps at Homestead than any driver. But Stewart, who would win half the Chase races this year, passed 118 cars, overcoming the radiator problem and a pit miscue to lead the final laps of the race and set a pace that even the hyperconsistent Edwards couldn't match.
So yes, it's perhaps too early to call this race the best in NASCAR history; the confetti hasn't come down yet and Stewart hasn't slept. But it deserves mention among the very best, and history will look very kindly on both Carl Edwards and 2011 Sprint Cup champion Tony Stewart. We won't see another race this good, this momentous, anytime soon.
Other popular stories on Yahoo! Sports:
? Presidents Cup winners/losers: Jim Furyk flourishes; Greg Norman out
? Who would make a Mount Rushmore of men's college hoops coaches?
? Dale Earnhardt Jr. willing to accept another No. 3
We get that, we do. But how can you possibly overestimate the value of a race like the one we all just witnessed? How do you overstate the significance of a race where the two best drivers of the season are the two best drivers on the track? Where one driver comes almost from last place to claim victory, and the other runs so well that there's only one way he could lose ... and does?
Simply put: the 2011 season finale at Homestead, in which Tony Stewart and Carl Edwards took one another to the very limits of their abilities, was one of the finest races in NASCAR history.
[ Photos: Check out all the best images from Homestead ]
The 1979 Daytona 500 had more influence on NASCAR's growth than this race will. The 1992 Hooters 500 saw the end of one driver's era (Richard Petty), the start of another (Jeff Gordon), and a classic battle for the Winston Cup between Bill Elliott and Alan Kulwicki. And the 2004 season-ending battle at Homestead saw three drivers battling right into the final turns for a championship, with Kurt Busch holding off Jimmie Johnson and Jeff Gordon despite actually finishing behind them in the race.
Statistically, however, this race trumps them all. This was the first time since points were instituted in NASCAR in 1975 that the season series ended in a tie. And it was also the first time that a driver came from behind to win the championship by winning a race.
From the drop of the green flag, with Edwards leading the first lap, this was a race dominated by the two finest drivers in NASCAR this year. Early on, Stewart faced the potentially season-demolishing problem of a damaged radiator grille, likely due to debris off Kurt Busch's car. But rapid repairs and nonstop optimism from Stewart kept the Office Depot No. 14 team focused on the ultimate goal. "They'll really feel bad when we kick their ass after this," Stewart prophesized, and he would end up being exactly right.
All Chase long this was a battle of supreme consistency versus supreme speed, and this race distilled that battle down to its essence. Edwards, whose 4.9 average finish in the Chase, would have won any Chase before this one, led more laps at Homestead than any driver. But Stewart, who would win half the Chase races this year, passed 118 cars, overcoming the radiator problem and a pit miscue to lead the final laps of the race and set a pace that even the hyperconsistent Edwards couldn't match.
So yes, it's perhaps too early to call this race the best in NASCAR history; the confetti hasn't come down yet and Stewart hasn't slept. But it deserves mention among the very best, and history will look very kindly on both Carl Edwards and 2011 Sprint Cup champion Tony Stewart. We won't see another race this good, this momentous, anytime soon.
Other popular stories on Yahoo! Sports:
? Presidents Cup winners/losers: Jim Furyk flourishes; Greg Norman out
? Who would make a Mount Rushmore of men's college hoops coaches?
? Dale Earnhardt Jr. willing to accept another No. 3
NEMST in Final Preparation for Northeast Motorsports Expo
The North East Mini Stock Tour will be attending the 23rd annual Northeast Motorsports Expo presented by Mainely Motorsports in Augusta on January 7,8, and 9. The NEMST will have Emerson Cayer?s Ford Mustang on display. Cayer was the inaugural champion for the NEMST in 2009 with a runner up finish in the 2010 season.
Plenty of merchandise, information materials, and registration forms will be on hand for the show. The NEMST will also release its final schedule for the 2011 season. NEMST promoter Bob Guptill will be at the show all weekend to answer any questions about the upcoming season anyone may have.
Plenty of merchandise, information materials, and registration forms will be on hand for the show. The NEMST will also release its final schedule for the 2011 season. NEMST promoter Bob Guptill will be at the show all weekend to answer any questions about the upcoming season anyone may have.
Tuesday, December 13, 2011
Red Bull Racing begins layoffs
Red Bull Racing, whose owners announced in June that they planned to sell the team or shut down after the 2011 season, began laying off the majority of shop employees Thursday.
Employees had been told prior to the end of the season that the shop would remain open through this week as the Austrian beverage company looks for investors.
Employees had been told prior to the end of the season that the shop would remain open through this week as the Austrian beverage company looks for investors.
Mark Webber wins Formula 1 season finale in Brazil
Alright folks, the major racing seasons are all concluded now. It's officially time to commence your withdrawal symptoms.
Mark Webber ran away with the final race of the Formula 1 season in Brazil on Sunday, beating Fernando Alonso and teammate Sebastian Vettel, the 2011 world champion.
Vettel started on the pole but had gearbox problems and Webber got past on lap 29. The pole was Vettel's 15th in the season's 19 races -- an astonishing feat.
McLaren's Lewis Hamilton also had gearbox problems and was forced to retire. Post-race, he shared a hug from Felipe Massa, an apparent making up for their multiple on-track incidents over the season.
When asked by Speed Channel's Will Buxton before the race, F1 boss Bernie Ecclestone was dismissive of the chances of the Austin race being held in 2012 saying that the track had neither a pen to sign the contract or the money to make the deal. The fate of the Austin race may not be truly known until the unveiling of the 2012 F1 schedule. Or, at this rate with all the hemming and hawing, when the 2012 season is over.
Mark Webber ran away with the final race of the Formula 1 season in Brazil on Sunday, beating Fernando Alonso and teammate Sebastian Vettel, the 2011 world champion.
Vettel started on the pole but had gearbox problems and Webber got past on lap 29. The pole was Vettel's 15th in the season's 19 races -- an astonishing feat.
McLaren's Lewis Hamilton also had gearbox problems and was forced to retire. Post-race, he shared a hug from Felipe Massa, an apparent making up for their multiple on-track incidents over the season.
When asked by Speed Channel's Will Buxton before the race, F1 boss Bernie Ecclestone was dismissive of the chances of the Austin race being held in 2012 saying that the track had neither a pen to sign the contract or the money to make the deal. The fate of the Austin race may not be truly known until the unveiling of the 2012 F1 schedule. Or, at this rate with all the hemming and hawing, when the 2012 season is over.
All he does is win: Tony Stewart wins Indy Karting Classic
Before Sunday's Indy Karting Classic, Tony Stewart declared that he wouldn't have an advantage because he'd be the heaviest driver in the field.
He didn't need any advantage.
Smoke won the Indy Karting Classic at Conseco Fieldhouse, beating fellow IndyCar and NASCAR drivers to the checkered flag. IndyCar driver Alex Tagliani was second and John Andretti was third. Stewart made his eventual race-winning pass on Camping World Truck Series champion Austin Dillon.
From IndyCar.com:
??"We had a slow start to the day, but we got better as the day went on and the track got better for us," Stewart said. "Austin (Dillon) had some trouble with his brother (Ty Dillon) and someone else and got choked down and we got a big run. The inside didn't look so good and I thought the outside looked good, but then it didn't look good at all. I thought I was going to go down the tunnel, out the parking lot and downtown. It was a little bit sketchy, but we had a fast kart at the end."
The visual of Stewart motoring around downtown Indianapolis in his go-kart is almost too funny to envision. Heck, given the Colts' season this year, it'd be by far the most entertaining sports-related event in the city since the Indianapolis 500. But, alas, it wasn't a reality.
Maybe he should save some of this winning mojo and bottle it up for the Daytona 500. In 13 attempts at the 500, Stewart has never won despite notching wins in the Budweiser Shootout, Gatorade Duels, both Nationwide races and the Coke Zero 400.
He didn't need any advantage.
Smoke won the Indy Karting Classic at Conseco Fieldhouse, beating fellow IndyCar and NASCAR drivers to the checkered flag. IndyCar driver Alex Tagliani was second and John Andretti was third. Stewart made his eventual race-winning pass on Camping World Truck Series champion Austin Dillon.
From IndyCar.com:
??"We had a slow start to the day, but we got better as the day went on and the track got better for us," Stewart said. "Austin (Dillon) had some trouble with his brother (Ty Dillon) and someone else and got choked down and we got a big run. The inside didn't look so good and I thought the outside looked good, but then it didn't look good at all. I thought I was going to go down the tunnel, out the parking lot and downtown. It was a little bit sketchy, but we had a fast kart at the end."
The visual of Stewart motoring around downtown Indianapolis in his go-kart is almost too funny to envision. Heck, given the Colts' season this year, it'd be by far the most entertaining sports-related event in the city since the Indianapolis 500. But, alas, it wasn't a reality.
Maybe he should save some of this winning mojo and bottle it up for the Daytona 500. In 13 attempts at the 500, Stewart has never won despite notching wins in the Budweiser Shootout, Gatorade Duels, both Nationwide races and the Coke Zero 400.
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