Monday, February 28, 2011
Infiniti: No interest in engine badging
Infiniti has no desire for Red Bull Racing's Renault engines to be rebadged under its own name as part of its commercial tie-up with the world championship-winning team, despite wild claims this week about such a move.
Tony Stewart and Lewis Hamilton to drive each others' cars
Tony Stewart has been fast in every discipline he's driven in. Now, we'll get a chance to see how fast he is in a Formula 1 car.Stewart, the two-time Sprint Cup champion who has won the USAC Triple Crown and the IndyCar Series title will switch cars with 2008 Formula 1 champion Lewis Hamilton at an exhibition at Watkins Glen this summer.Juan Pablo Montoya and Jeff Gordon did something similar at Indianapolis Motor Speedway in 2003, when Montoya was in the Formula 1 Series. Hamilton currently drives for McLaren Mercedes and McLaren has partnered with NASCAR to develop the implementation of fuel injection in the Sprint Cup Series. This swap was arranged by Mobil 1, which sponsors both drivers. Both
race teams will accompany the drivers to Watkins Glen and tune the cars.
Hopefully each will take some laps in their own cars before the switch
so that we can compare lap times. (We'll let you insert your own joke about Stewart fitting into Hamilton's car here) No, that 2003 switch wasn't the impetus for Montoya's eventual switch to NASCAR, so don't expect Hamilton to be driving a third car for Stewart-Haas anytime soon. Of course, no one thought at the time that Montoya would eventually be in the Cup Series. (And no one thought that Kyle Busch would actually be driving for the never-existent USF1 team in 2011 either)
race teams will accompany the drivers to Watkins Glen and tune the cars.
Hopefully each will take some laps in their own cars before the switch
so that we can compare lap times. (We'll let you insert your own joke about Stewart fitting into Hamilton's car here) No, that 2003 switch wasn't the impetus for Montoya's eventual switch to NASCAR, so don't expect Hamilton to be driving a third car for Stewart-Haas anytime soon. Of course, no one thought at the time that Montoya would eventually be in the Cup Series. (And no one thought that Kyle Busch would actually be driving for the never-existent USF1 team in 2011 either)
Four Wide: Kyle's new look, clapping in the press box
Rounding up a few of the week's best stories that didn't quite get the full-post treatment...• Check out the new look for Kyle Busch's Interstate Batteries Toyota in both the Sprint and Nationwide series. Wow, you're going to be able to see that one from orbit. [Catchfence]• And here it is ... the first comparison of Trevor Bayne to Tim Tebow. Ouch. [Yahoo! Sports] • The finest moment at Phoenix International Raceway? When Jeff Gordon tied Dale Earnhardt for 76 Cup-level wins. [Phoenix Business Journal] • Even so, the city of Avondale, Ariz. has named a new street Dale Earnhardt Drive. No, it doesn't go round and round in circles. [KPHO] • Some clown in the media didn't clap during the end of the Daytona 500. Here's his explanation why. [JayBusbee.com] Got a link or tip? Hit us up at jay.busbee@yahoo.com or on Twitter at @jaybusbee. Get to it!
Sunday, February 27, 2011
WINNERS & LOSERS: Jimmie Johnson, Kevin Harvick bounce back at Phoenix while Trevor Bayne, Carl Edwards crash back to earth
Jeff Gordon won for the first time in 66 races while Jimmie Johnson, Kevin Harvick and others rallied from poor results in the season-opening Daytona 500 for solid finishes at Phoenix.
But there were plenty of losers at Phoenix International Raceway ? some, like Jeff Burton, Clint Bowyer and Brian Vickers, who got into wrecks for the second straight week.
Here?s a look at this week?s winners and losers:
But there were plenty of losers at Phoenix International Raceway ? some, like Jeff Burton, Clint Bowyer and Brian Vickers, who got into wrecks for the second straight week.
Here?s a look at this week?s winners and losers:
NASCAR Race Review: The Daytona 500
Welcome NASCAR race fans to my NASCAR blog. The 53rd running of the Daytona 500 took place at the Daytona International Speedway for the start of the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Season. 88 Dale Earnhardt, Jr. captured the Coors Light Pole Award last Sunday with a speed of 186.089. 24 Jeff Gordon starts next to [...]
PASS will be well represented at Northeast Motorsports Expo
NAPLES ME (January 4) This weekend the 23rd annual Northeast Motorsports Expo will provide racers and race fans some welcome relief from the winter doldrums and as always the Pro All Stars Series will be out in force. The grand daddy of Maine racing shows is slated for Friday, Saturday and Sunday January 7, 8 and 9 and the list of exhibitors and vendors for 2011 is long and varied
PASS fans will have the opportunity to meet and greet the 2010 Champions in all three PASS North touring series. 2010 PASS North super late model champion Johnny Clark, PASS Mod titlist Andy Shaw, and PASS Sportsman champ Dan McKeage will all be at the autograph table throughout the weekend.
PASS fans will have the opportunity to meet and greet the 2010 Champions in all three PASS North touring series. 2010 PASS North super late model champion Johnny Clark, PASS Mod titlist Andy Shaw, and PASS Sportsman champ Dan McKeage will all be at the autograph table throughout the weekend.
Turner Motorsports? Reed Sorenson leads Nationwide points after two races
AVONDALE, Ariz. ? Reed Sorenson left Phoenix International Raceway on Saturday night knowing his Turner Motorsports team might still need to find a little bit more to compete with Kyle Busch and Carl Edwards but also that others are going to need more points to catch him.
Saturday, February 26, 2011
ACT CANADIAN STARS TO INVADE NEW SMYRNA SPEEDWAY IN FEBRUARY
Waterbury, VT ? Quebec City racer Donald Theetge might have been the first Canadian to enter the American Canadian Tour (ACT) Goodyear Speedweek Cup event to be held at the New Smyrna Speedway in Florida, but the Canadian competitor list continues to lead the way toward the first-ever ACT events to be held during the World Series of Asphalt Short Track Racing in New Smyrna. The two 100-lap main events will be held on Sunday, February 13th and Monday, February 14th.
While many head to Daytona during Speedweeks in February, most asphalt short track fans can be found each night from February 10th-19th during the 10 days that is the World Series of Short Track racing in nearby New Smyrna, FL. The tradition of northern competitors heading to Florida from the days of Richie Evans, Jerry Cook, Bugsy Stevens and a host of the greatest from the Northeast Modified division to Late Model Canadian great Jr. Hanley--- New Smyrna has always been the place to be during the heart of the northern winters.
While many head to Daytona during Speedweeks in February, most asphalt short track fans can be found each night from February 10th-19th during the 10 days that is the World Series of Short Track racing in nearby New Smyrna, FL. The tradition of northern competitors heading to Florida from the days of Richie Evans, Jerry Cook, Bugsy Stevens and a host of the greatest from the Northeast Modified division to Late Model Canadian great Jr. Hanley--- New Smyrna has always been the place to be during the heart of the northern winters.
Earnhardt Jr. wrecks pole-winning car
Dale Earnhardt Jr. will remain credited with the pole for this season's Daytona 500 but will not lead the field to the green flag. Earnhardt and Martin Truex Jr. were involved in a wreck during practice on Wednesday, forcing both drivers to have to use backup cars for Thursday's qualifying races and Sunday's 500. Jimmie Johnson and Earnhardt were running in a two-car tandem with the tandem of Truex and Brian Vickers behind them when Johnson needed to slow because for traffic coming on the track. Truex hit Earnhardt from behind, sending both cars spinning into the infield wall. "You got to pay attention out there. If you're going to come out and race, you got to pay attention," Earnhardt said.
The day after Daytona 500 is (Trevor) Bayne's World
DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. ? Trevor Bayne walked into the Bill France Room on Monday at Daytona International Speedway with a Blackberry pressed to his ear and one of his friends holding a Flip Cam two paces behind him. A television camera swarmed immediately as Bayne signed a heaping stack of Daytona 500 hats.
Green Flag with Ben Ashline
Ben Ashline, of Pittston, ME likes to go fast, especially driving the #15 DS Norton Construction late model. Which has been tearing up the track at Oxford Plains Speedway and in the American Canadian Tour. Ben had an up and down 2010 season with some big wins and some big wrecks.
RPM. What are you plans for the 2011 Race Season?
Ben. Right now, our plans are to run oxford plains speedway for points. Our goal is the championship. We are going to try to make an attempt to qualify for four American Canadian tour races if our budget permits it at that time, We are going to attempt to qualify for the td bank 250, and we are hoping to get an invite to the invitational race at Loudon.
RPM. What are you plans for the 2011 Race Season?
Ben. Right now, our plans are to run oxford plains speedway for points. Our goal is the championship. We are going to try to make an attempt to qualify for four American Canadian tour races if our budget permits it at that time, We are going to attempt to qualify for the td bank 250, and we are hoping to get an invite to the invitational race at Loudon.
Friday, February 25, 2011
F1 season-opener in Bahrain called off due to civil unrest
The Formula One season-opening grand prix in Bahrain was canceled on Monday due to ongoing anti-government demonstrations in the Middle Eastern country.
Wreck of the week: Regan Smith alters the end of Daytona
Obviously, the most catastrophic wreck of the Daytona 500 was the Michael Waltrip-led cluster bomb that took out a third of the field less than 30 laps in. But if you're looking for a wreck that had a tangible effect on the end of the race, you need to look much later. Tony Stewart pushes Kurt Busch into Regan Smith, and oh no the humanity:This was the wreck that opened the door for Trevor Bayne to win, as it took out two of the strongest drivers still in the field in Clint Bowyer and Ryan Newman, as well as Newman's pusher Hamlin. Dale Earnhardt Jr. went low to avoid the wreck and flattened a tire, effectively ending his day. Tony Stewart had trouble finding a partner as reliable as Junior, and also faded late. So if this wreck hadn't happened, would we still have Trevor Bayne as a winner? We'll never know, will we?
Thursday, February 24, 2011
Power Rankings: Johnson still leads the pack, naturally
Time for our preseason power rankings, and not a moment too soon. Each week throughout the season, we'll size up who's rising and who's falling, based on current standings, behind-the-scenes changes, and general gut feelings. And we begin with a familiar face:1. Jimmie Johnson. He's the best there is at what he does, and until someone comes along to knock him off the throne, he's the man to pick, both at the start and the end of the season. As long as Johnson has Chad Knaus atop the box, he's a threat to win it all. Last year's finish: 1. 2. Denny Hamlin. He showed in the Bud Shootout that he's still got the drive and speed to go for the win; one wonders how he would have approached the finish line had this been a points race. Last year's finish: 2.3. Kevin Harvick. NASCAR's most confident driver finally drove as well as he believed he could, taking the regular season and staying in the hunt for the Cup until the final laps of Homestead. Easily the most stable of the three top teams, and with Harvick, that's saying something. Last year's finish: 3.4. Carl Edwards. By record, the hottest driver at the end of last year, winning both Phoenix and Homestead to snap a 70-race losing streak. Whether he can sustain the momentum from last year will go a long way to keeping him this high in the rankings; he's had trouble before when he's come into a season lavished with offseason praise. Last year's finish: 4.5. Kyle Busch. Pound for pound and division for division, the most talented driver in the sport. Seemed primed last year to make a run at Johnson, but an in-Chase overreaction to David Reutimann cost him any chance at a title. Last year's finish: 8.6. Jeff Gordon. Still got the speed, as his outside-front qualifying Daytona position attests. And now he's got Alan Gustafson, the heir apparent at Hendrick, on his pit box. Can he turn this into his own personal drive for five? Last year's finish: 9.7. Kurt Busch. New sponsor, new speed: Busch won the Bud Shootout with some canny driving and smooth strategy. He's got a history of running well early in the season, but momentum is a concern. Still, you don't get much earlier than now, so here he sits. Last year's finish: 11. 8. Jamie McMurray. He won many of the big individual prizes last year, but drifted for long stretches between those wins. Does he have it in him now to take the next step up to yearlong consistency? Last year's finish: 14. 9. Tony Stewart. Fun fact: Stewart was the last Cup champion before Johnson. Seems like a long time ago, doesn't it? Smoke is starting to fade, though he's still good for a few wins a year. Don't expect him to heat up before the weather does, though. Last year's finish: 7.10. Greg Biffle. You've got to figure Biffle will find the checkers at least once this year. He and Roushmate Matt Kenseth could be some of the drivers to really benefit, by virtue of attrition, from the new points system and its penalties for poor finishes. Last year's finish: 6.11. Clint Bowyer. Bowyer's still a bit of a mystery man; is he a talented driver and the next wave of NASCAR celebrity, or just a good ol' boy from Emporia who knows how to wheel a car? He won two times in the Chase, once under dubious circumstances, so if he can add to that total earlier this year, our opinion will tip more to the former. Last year's finish: 10.12. Dale Earnhardt Jr. Hey, why not? He's got the season's first pole (two, if you count the Bud Shootout, though you really shouldn't), and that means that at this moment, he's the fastest driver in NASCAR. We'll see how long it lasts at one of his favorite tracks. Last year's finish: 21.Tune in next week to see what effect Daytona will have on our top 12. Send comments to us Twitter at @jaybusbee, email by clicking here, and via Facebook at The Marbles page.
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.
Trevor Bayne?s dream date is Jennifer Aniston, and other things you don?t know about NASCAR?s newest star
A year ago, few NASCAR fans had any idea who Trevor Bayne was as he prepared for his first full season in the Nationwide Series.
Now he?s the hottest thing going after his thrilling upset in Sunday?s Daytona 500.
Now he?s the hottest thing going after his thrilling upset in Sunday?s Daytona 500.
Ten Years After: In His Own Words, Dale Earnhardt Reflects on His Life and Career
Ten Years After: In His Own Words, Dale Earnhardt Reflects on His Life and Career It was the end of the 1995 Winston Cup season, and Jeff Gordon — “Wonder Boy” — was the new NASCAR champion, set to be formally crowned at the annual banquet at the Waldorf Astoria Hotel in New York City. High up in his lavish suite on the 36th floor, a day before the banquet, the runner-up, Dale Earnhardt, sat down with me and five other motorsports writers for an interview. I was doing a profile of him for Car and Driver , ready to ask him broad, overarching questions about his career, his life and his place in the sport
It was the end of the 1995 Winston Cup season, and Jeff Gordon — “Wonder Boy” — was the new NASCAR champion, set to be formally crowned at the annual banquet at the Waldorf Astoria Hotel in New York City.
High up in his lavish suite on the 36th floor, a day before the banquet, the runner-up, Dale Earnhardt, sat down with me and five other motorsports writers for an interview. I was doing a profile of him for Car and Driver, ready to ask him broad, overarching questions about his career, his life and his place in the sport. (Earnhardt and his wife, Teresa, are shown above at his seventh championship banquet in 1994).
It was a time of rapid expansion in a booming sport, with even bigger changes looming. NASCAR was talking about racing in Japan. Bruton Smith, on the fast track to becoming a billionaire, had gone public with Speedway Motorsports, Inc., in February 1995 and would open Texas Motor Speedway in 1997 and Las Vegas Motor Speedway in 1998.
Earnhardt was 44, having completed his 17th full season in the NASCAR Winston Cup series. Less than two weeks earlier, the two-time defending Cup champion (only his 1992 hiccup interrupted what could have been Earnhardt’s own five-in-a-row string) had faced an all-but-insurmountable, 147-point deficit to Gordon going into the final race at Atlanta.
Gordon did his best to choke, stumbling to a 32nd-place finish, 14 laps down, but had such a large points lead it was all over on lap 61, when the 24-year-old rising star led a lap to clinch the title. Earnhardt, meanwhile, drove like a man possessed, and 19 laps later, made one of the classic moves of his career, passing four cars in one fell swoop in turns three and four to blast from fourth place to the lead.
Earnhardt won that race in a runaway — his fifth victory of the year — and even though he didn’t win the title, it was a vintage Earnhardt year. He won the second Brickyard 400 in August and then at Bristol drove like a wild man, barging past anyone and everyone in his way until he got to leader Terry Labonte at the finish and wrecked him, too, though Labonte won it while crashing.
Earnhardt finished the season with 10 straight top-10s — eight of those top fives, including two victories — but couldn’t catch Gordon. The Intimidator was done in by his two DNFs, both at Michigan, including a crash in June that injured his neck and shoulders and left him sore right up to the point of this interview on Nov. 30, 1995. But he was a happy man that day, secure in his life and his sport and still king of his domain, even as the upstart kid was challenging his supremacy.
?
Permalink?|?Email this?|?Linking?Blogs?|?Comments
View post: Ten Years After: In His Own Words, Dale Earnhardt Reflects on His Life and Career
Source: www.entoogle.com
It was the end of the 1995 Winston Cup season, and Jeff Gordon — “Wonder Boy” — was the new NASCAR champion, set to be formally crowned at the annual banquet at the Waldorf Astoria Hotel in New York City.
High up in his lavish suite on the 36th floor, a day before the banquet, the runner-up, Dale Earnhardt, sat down with me and five other motorsports writers for an interview. I was doing a profile of him for Car and Driver, ready to ask him broad, overarching questions about his career, his life and his place in the sport. (Earnhardt and his wife, Teresa, are shown above at his seventh championship banquet in 1994).
It was a time of rapid expansion in a booming sport, with even bigger changes looming. NASCAR was talking about racing in Japan. Bruton Smith, on the fast track to becoming a billionaire, had gone public with Speedway Motorsports, Inc., in February 1995 and would open Texas Motor Speedway in 1997 and Las Vegas Motor Speedway in 1998.
Earnhardt was 44, having completed his 17th full season in the NASCAR Winston Cup series. Less than two weeks earlier, the two-time defending Cup champion (only his 1992 hiccup interrupted what could have been Earnhardt’s own five-in-a-row string) had faced an all-but-insurmountable, 147-point deficit to Gordon going into the final race at Atlanta.
Gordon did his best to choke, stumbling to a 32nd-place finish, 14 laps down, but had such a large points lead it was all over on lap 61, when the 24-year-old rising star led a lap to clinch the title. Earnhardt, meanwhile, drove like a man possessed, and 19 laps later, made one of the classic moves of his career, passing four cars in one fell swoop in turns three and four to blast from fourth place to the lead.
Earnhardt won that race in a runaway — his fifth victory of the year — and even though he didn’t win the title, it was a vintage Earnhardt year. He won the second Brickyard 400 in August and then at Bristol drove like a wild man, barging past anyone and everyone in his way until he got to leader Terry Labonte at the finish and wrecked him, too, though Labonte won it while crashing.
Earnhardt finished the season with 10 straight top-10s — eight of those top fives, including two victories — but couldn’t catch Gordon. The Intimidator was done in by his two DNFs, both at Michigan, including a crash in June that injured his neck and shoulders and left him sore right up to the point of this interview on Nov. 30, 1995. But he was a happy man that day, secure in his life and his sport and still king of his domain, even as the upstart kid was challenging his supremacy.
?
Permalink?|?Email this?|?Linking?Blogs?|?Comments
View post: Ten Years After: In His Own Words, Dale Earnhardt Reflects on His Life and Career
Source: www.entoogle.com
Daytona 500 Opens With 14 Car Crash
A rough start to the Daytona 500 after 14 cars were involved in a wreck early in the 500 mile Great American Race.
Wednesday, February 23, 2011
Tony Stewart wins fourth consecutive Nationwide Series race at Daytona
DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. ? You couldn?t blame Clint Bowyer if he?s getting tired of being beaten ? barely ? by his teammates.
With a shove from Landon Cassill, Tony Stewart surged past Bowyer, his teammate for a day at Kevin Harvick Inc., to win Saturday?s Drive4COPD 300, Stewart?s fourth straight victory in the season-opening Nationwide Series race at Daytona International Speedway.
With a shove from Landon Cassill, Tony Stewart surged past Bowyer, his teammate for a day at Kevin Harvick Inc., to win Saturday?s Drive4COPD 300, Stewart?s fourth straight victory in the season-opening Nationwide Series race at Daytona International Speedway.
Trevor Bayne makes improbable run to win Daytona 500
DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. ? In a sport rich with tradition, Sunday's story line would be the equivalent of a kindergarten kid stealing lunch money from the senior high school quarterback who dates the hot-looking cheerleader.
PASS will be well represented at Northeast Motorsports Expo
NAPLES ME (January 4) This weekend the 23rd annual Northeast Motorsports Expo will provide racers and race fans some welcome relief from the winter doldrums and as always the Pro All Stars Series will be out in force. The grand daddy of Maine racing shows is slated for Friday, Saturday and Sunday January 7, 8 and 9 and the list of exhibitors and vendors for 2011 is long and varied
PASS fans will have the opportunity to meet and greet the 2010 Champions in all three PASS North touring series. 2010 PASS North super late model champion Johnny Clark, PASS Mod titlist Andy Shaw, and PASS Sportsman champ Dan McKeage will all be at the autograph table throughout the weekend.
PASS fans will have the opportunity to meet and greet the 2010 Champions in all three PASS North touring series. 2010 PASS North super late model champion Johnny Clark, PASS Mod titlist Andy Shaw, and PASS Sportsman champ Dan McKeage will all be at the autograph table throughout the weekend.
Ganassi Knows How To Win
Chip Ganassi at Indianapolis Motor Speedway 2010 Photo: Anne Proffit Over the past year, no race team in the United States has performed better in the biggest contests of the year than those run by Chip Ganassi (and Felix Sabates). They started the 2010 NASCAR season with a win in the Daytona 500 with Jamie McMurray, followed that up with victory...
Tuesday, February 22, 2011
Phoenix to be repaved before fall Cup race
Phoenix International Raceway has joined Daytona in the ranks of tracks making major surface modifications for the 2011 season, but the Sprint Cup Series won't have a chance to test out the new track until the fall.PIR will be modified after the second Cup race of the season on February 27th. And while the dogleg in the backstretch is going to still exist, it will just be in a different form.The dog leg will be pushed out 95 feet from it's current location and the radius of the corner will tighten to keep the track at its current 1 mile configuration. Plus, the track will be adding progressive banking to the corners, even though it will remain fairly flat.The banking between turns 1 and 2, as well as the apex of the dogleg will be 10-11 degrees and turn 4 will be banked at 8-9 degrees. The track says that the changes will result in an average speed uptick of two to three miles per hour.The frontstretch will also be widened too. Remember that ridiculous wreck in the Nationwide Series that almost blocked the whole track? Yeah, that might have had something to do with that decision.
Childress will honor Intimidator with decal
DAYTONA BEACH, FLA. — Richard Childress Racing and Earnhardt-Childress Racing Engines will honor the Intimidator with a decal throughout the entire Speedweeks festivities. The decal will be present on all eight of RCR's race cars, pit boxes and transporters. ECR employees will wear commemorative hats throughout the week. "All of us at RCR and ECR are honored to pay tribute to Dale on this 10th anniversary," Richard Childress said in a statement. "His legacy is still felt every day at RCR, ECR and
throughout the world. We hope all of Dale’s fans appreciate this salute
to their hero and ours."Kevin Harvick's No. 29 Chevrolet has had a small 3 decal on its rear driver's-side window since the second race of the 2001 season. Follow Jay Busbee on Twitter at
@jaybusbee and The
Marbles on Facebook for constant updates from Daytona's
Speedweeks.
throughout the world. We hope all of Dale’s fans appreciate this salute
to their hero and ours."Kevin Harvick's No. 29 Chevrolet has had a small 3 decal on its rear driver's-side window since the second race of the 2001 season. Follow Jay Busbee on Twitter at
@jaybusbee and The
Marbles on Facebook for constant updates from Daytona's
Speedweeks.
Monday, February 21, 2011
F1 season-opener in Bahrain called off due to civil unrest
The Formula One season-opening grand prix in Bahrain was canceled on Monday due to ongoing anti-government demonstrations in the Middle Eastern country.
Travis Pastrana Learns To Drive A Stock Car
By now you?ve heard that Travis Pastrana has given up on rallying for a career driving stock cars. He?s partnered with Michael Waltrip racing to campaign a Toyota in NASCAR?s Nationwide series, the same series that IndyCar?s Danica Patrick failed to make progress in last year. Pastrana bought his way into the team, so he [...]
Hulman & Co. confirms Tony George's return to its board of directors
Former IndyCar boss returns to the board of the umbrella group that operates the Indianapolis Motor Speedway and IZOD IndyCar Series.
Sunday, February 20, 2011
The King is ready to move past football
Richard "The King" Petty is ready for some racing. After all the problems the Richard Petty Motorsports organization went through at the end of the 2010 season, you might think Petty would like some time off. Not so, with a more streamlined RPM run by new ownership, Petty is ready to return to the track. ?For the last three or four months it?s been football, football, football, so now that football is almost over, we?ve got you all out here to carry the ball forward into next season. I think everybody here and everybody I?ve talked to is really looking forward to a new season," Petty said. "It?s been a couple of months since we?ve raced and racers want to race all the time, so with your help to get the spectators and the fans and help us please those people, all of our sponsors that have helped us all this time, you do your job and we?ll try to do our job and work together and make all of this a lot bigger operation." Petty said the financial problems were a great distraction at the end of 2010 but he looks forward to a fresh start. "You?ve got to give our crew a lot of credit the last five or six races because they didn?t know if they were gonna have a job when they came in the next week or not, but they stepped it up ? the drivers stepped it up and the whole crew stepped it up and we ended up with a pretty good season," he said. "Our sponsors stayed with us all the way through the winter and came back this spring and we?re getting ready for the new season. It was really good to have all of those people say, ?OK, guys. Stay in there and keep digging and we?re gonna be ready for the next year.? "
Four Wide: Earnhardt's EMTs; Congress allows NASCAR funding
Rounding up a few of the week's best stories that didn't quite get the full-post treatment...• Most teams decided not to practice at Daytona on Friday, having seen what could happen to cars which get a little funky with the two-car draft. [SB Nation] • The story of the three EMTs who were the first to arrive on the scene of Dale Earnhart's fatal crash is chilling, yet somehow fascinating, another reminder of how one moment can bind together an entire nation of fans. Don't miss the stories of the firesuit and the media credential. [Boston Herald] • Congratulations to USMC Staff Sergeant Matthew Hansen, who will be recognized as the named honoree of the Crown Royal "Your Name Here" 400 race in Richmond. Also honored: Matthew's identical twin brother Daniel, also a Marine, who was killed in action in February 2009. [NASCAR.com/Yahoo! Sports] • So it looks like the Pentagon will still sponsor NASCAR teams. A 281-148 vote kept the ban at bay. The vote broke down mostly along party lines, of course. [AP/Yahoo! Sports]• I've read this piece from Ed Hinton probably half a dozen times, and it's still amazing: stories of riding in the passenger seat with Dale Earnhardt driving. [ESPN.com] • The New York Times writes up NASCAR's changes and previews the Daytona 500, and does a fine job of it. Nary a "turning-left" joke in sight. [New York Times] Got a link or tip? Hit us up at jay.busbee@yahoo.com or on Twitter at @jaybusbee. Get to it!
F1 driver Robert Kubica injured in rally car accident
Formula 1 driver Robert Kubica suffered serious injuries in a rally car accident and according to reports, surgeons are fighting "to re-establish the functionality" of his right hand.From our friends at Yahoo! EuroSport: (link contains video of the aftermath of the crash)A spokeswoman for his F1 team Renault said Kubica, their leading
driver and a race winner in Canada in 2008 with his former BMW-Sauber
team, had been flown to hospital."After undergoing extensive medical checks this morning, Robert
Kubica has been diagnosed with multiple fractures to his right arm, leg
and hand. He is currently undergoing surgery at the Santa Corona
Hospital in Pietra Ligure," the Renault statement said.
Kubica joined Renault after driving for BMW Sauber. Either Bruno Senna or Roamin Grosjean will likely replace Kubica alongside teammate Vitaly Petrov.Our best wishes go out to Kubica for a full recovery.
driver and a race winner in Canada in 2008 with his former BMW-Sauber
team, had been flown to hospital."After undergoing extensive medical checks this morning, Robert
Kubica has been diagnosed with multiple fractures to his right arm, leg
and hand. He is currently undergoing surgery at the Santa Corona
Hospital in Pietra Ligure," the Renault statement said.
Kubica joined Renault after driving for BMW Sauber. Either Bruno Senna or Roamin Grosjean will likely replace Kubica alongside teammate Vitaly Petrov.Our best wishes go out to Kubica for a full recovery.
Jaguar RSR Ups Driver Quotient for 2011
Jaguar RSR team competes in 2010 Petit Le Mans Photo: Anne Proffit After a season – plus two races – of teething pains and the reality of just not getting their car to perform the way they’d like, the RSR Jaguar American Le Mans Series GT team has decided to employ some superlative drivers to help the cause. While the...
Saturday, February 19, 2011
Trevor Bayne's work beneficial to other drivers
DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. - Trevor Bayne made yet another case that he's one of the most valuable pushers heading into today's Daytona 500, as he propelled a number of drivers from various teams into the lead at Saturday's NASCAR Nationwide Series season opener.
Suspended driver Jeremy Mayfield issues public apology to his stepmom
Suspended NASCAR driver Jeremy Mayfield issued a public written apology to his stepmother, Lisa Mayfield, on Tuesday, part of a settlement to a 2009 slander lawsuit she filed in Iredell County. ?I have previously made statements to the press in which I accused Lisa Mayfield of either murdering my father, Terry Mayfield, or being involved in a conspiracy to murder him,? the signed and notarized statement from Mayfield reads. ?Those statements were made in the heat of my emotional state at the time. I now retract those statements and apologize to Lisa for having made them.? Lisa Mayfield filed the suit in July 2009 seeking damages against her stepson for public comments he made in regard to his civil case against NASCAR. NASCAR had filed an affidavit in the case from Lisa Mayfield in which she said she had witnessed her stepson taking methamphetamine at least 30 times since 1998. In response to the filing, Jeremy Mayfield made public statements to several news organizations accusing his stepmother of murdering his father and for being paid by NASCAR for her testimony. Mayfield was suspended by NASCAR on May 9, 2009, after a random drug test came up positive for methamphetamine. He filed suit against NASCAR shortly thereafter for breach of contract, discrimination and defamation. In May 2010, U.S. District Court Judge Graham Mullen dismissed all claims by Jeremy Mayfield in his lawsuit against NASCAR.
Racing at F1 track canceled in Bahrain amid unrest
A lower-tier open-wheel race in Bahrain was called off Thursday amid anti-government protests and a crushing response by riot police. The cancellation leaves in doubt next month's season-opening Formula One race at the same track.
AJ Allmendinger weighs in on retiring numbers
DAYTONA BEACH, FLA. — There's nobody running in NASCAR today with more immediate on-track connection to the earliest days of the sport than AJ Allmendinger. Every week, Dinger takes arguably the most famous number in motorsports onto the track. No disrespect to Allmendinger, but should he be running the 43? Should the legendary Richard Petty's number take its place in the Hall of Fame alongside its most famous driver? "That's a tough question," Allmendinger said. "The King is around and his team's still running, so no, I don't think his number should be retired. It's not like any other sport, where you retire a number from one organization but it can still be used in others." He noted, though, that the situation was slightly different with the No. 3 and Earnhardt, seeing as how Richard Childress Racing hasn't used the number in a decade.Still, what if they decided to send the 43 to the Hall? "Either way. If they do it, I'm fine with it, and if they don't, I'm fine with that too." In this space, we've advocated retiring certain numbers, but we can certainly see the other side. Since we're coming up fast on the anniversary of the last Cup-level running of one of NASCAR's most famous numbers, it's worth having the conversation again: should NASCAR place some of its most famous numbers on the shelf?
Power Rankings: Johnson still leads the pack, naturally
Time for our preseason power rankings, and not a moment too soon. Each week throughout the season, we'll size up who's rising and who's falling, based on current standings, behind-the-scenes changes, and general gut feelings. And we begin with a familiar face:1. Jimmie Johnson. He's the best there is at what he does, and until someone comes along to knock him off the throne, he's the man to pick, both at the start and the end of the season. As long as Johnson has Chad Knaus atop the box, he's a threat to win it all. Last year's finish: 1. 2. Denny Hamlin. He showed in the Bud Shootout that he's still got the drive and speed to go for the win; one wonders how he would have approached the finish line had this been a points race. Last year's finish: 2.3. Kevin Harvick. NASCAR's most confident driver finally drove as well as he believed he could, taking the regular season and staying in the hunt for the Cup until the final laps of Homestead. Easily the most stable of the three top teams, and with Harvick, that's saying something. Last year's finish: 3.4. Carl Edwards. By record, the hottest driver at the end of last year, winning both Phoenix and Homestead to snap a 70-race losing streak. Whether he can sustain the momentum from last year will go a long way to keeping him this high in the rankings; he's had trouble before when he's come into a season lavished with offseason praise. Last year's finish: 4.5. Kyle Busch. Pound for pound and division for division, the most talented driver in the sport. Seemed primed last year to make a run at Johnson, but an in-Chase overreaction to David Reutimann cost him any chance at a title. Last year's finish: 8.6. Jeff Gordon. Still got the speed, as his outside-front qualifying Daytona position attests. And now he's got Alan Gustafson, the heir apparent at Hendrick, on his pit box. Can he turn this into his own personal drive for five? Last year's finish: 9.7. Kurt Busch. New sponsor, new speed: Busch won the Bud Shootout with some canny driving and smooth strategy. He's got a history of running well early in the season, but momentum is a concern. Still, you don't get much earlier than now, so here he sits. Last year's finish: 11. 8. Jamie McMurray. He won many of the big individual prizes last year, but drifted for long stretches between those wins. Does he have it in him now to take the next step up to yearlong consistency? Last year's finish: 14. 9. Tony Stewart. Fun fact: Stewart was the last Cup champion before Johnson. Seems like a long time ago, doesn't it? Smoke is starting to fade, though he's still good for a few wins a year. Don't expect him to heat up before the weather does, though. Last year's finish: 7.10. Greg Biffle. You've got to figure Biffle will find the checkers at least once this year. He and Roushmate Matt Kenseth could be some of the drivers to really benefit, by virtue of attrition, from the new points system and its penalties for poor finishes. Last year's finish: 6.11. Clint Bowyer. Bowyer's still a bit of a mystery man; is he a talented driver and the next wave of NASCAR celebrity, or just a good ol' boy from Emporia who knows how to wheel a car? He won two times in the Chase, once under dubious circumstances, so if he can add to that total earlier this year, our opinion will tip more to the former. Last year's finish: 10.12. Dale Earnhardt Jr. Hey, why not? He's got the season's first pole (two, if you count the Bud Shootout, though you really shouldn't), and that means that at this moment, he's the fastest driver in NASCAR. We'll see how long it lasts at one of his favorite tracks. Last year's finish: 21.Tune in next week to see what effect Daytona will have on our top 12. Send comments to us Twitter at @jaybusbee, email by clicking here, and via Facebook at The Marbles page.
And here's video of a fish riding around Daytona Speedway
You know, I love the absolute simplicity of this little clip here: it's Freddie the Fish, taking a spin around Daytona International Speedway. That's it, and yet it's mesmerizing. Enjoy:FYI, this will serve as the kickoff to our Daytona Speedweeks coverage; we'll be on location in Daytona starting Wednesday night and running all the way through qualifying on Sunday. Keep an eye on the site and follow us on Facebook here, and on Twitter at @jaybusbee, for constant updates.
Friday, February 18, 2011
Kurt Busch gets assist from Regan Smith to win first Gatorade Duel at Daytona
DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. ? Kurt Busch had never won a restrictor plate race before last weekend.
But in less than a week, the Penske Racing driver suddenly finds himself with two victories in plate races, adding a Gatorade Duel win on Thursday to his Budweiser Shootout victory from Saturday night.
But in less than a week, the Penske Racing driver suddenly finds himself with two victories in plate races, adding a Gatorade Duel win on Thursday to his Budweiser Shootout victory from Saturday night.
Heidfeld tabbed as Renault's fill-in for Kubica
Renault announced on Wednesday that German Nick Heidfeld will serve as substitute driver for the injured Robert Kubica, starting with the Formula One pre-season test session in Barcelona, Spain later this week.
Cars at Daytona test are slowing down
Perhaps the cars were going a bit fast at the December Goodyear tire test after all. Several NASCAR drivers and teams confirmed Thursday they have been informed the sanctioning body has decided to reduce the size of the holes in the restrictor plate used in next week's Sprint Cup Series test at Daytona International Speedway from 30/32nds of an inch to 29/32nds of an inch. The change will likely reduce speeds - which reached nearly 200 mph at the December test - around 5 mph in the draft. ?When we tested during the Goodyear tire test at Daytona, I could see the speeds of two cars that got together being high,? said Bobby Labonte, who drives for JTG Daugherty this season. ?When you get to actually racing, things always go a little faster. "I think making the restrictor plate smaller is a deal where NASCAR was foreseeing that speeds would be really high." All Cup teams will participate in next week's test, which begins Jan. 20. Only 18 teams were involved in the December test. The tests are being held because of the repaving of the speedway. "I think now, we can expect to see the cars a lot closer together and more in one pack versus two, three or four. It?s going to make for some great racing for sure," said Pat Tryson, crew chief for Martin Truex Jr. "I expect to see more three, maybe four-wide racing at Daytona which is exactly what we saw at Talladega Superspeedway."
Thursday, February 17, 2011
Mike Skinner to race a truck for Eddie Sharp Racing at Daytona
DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. ? Inaugural NASCAR Truck Series champion Mike Skinner will compete in next week?s season-opening event at Daytona International Speedway with Eddie Sharp Racing, according to a news release from the team. Skinner, 53, finished eighth in the series standings last season with Randy Moss Motorsports before parting ways with that team.
Team extreme: Teammates Jamie McMurray, Juan Pablo Montoya differ on and off track
DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. ? Jamie McMurray and Juan Pablo Montoya aren?t the best of friends but as teammates they realize the need to work together. ... They insist they get along, but on the track they have not always looked like teammates ? with McMurray getting turned by Montoya at Las Vegas last ssason and then not working together during the Budweiser Shootout on Saturday night. So do they like each other or not?
Wednesday, February 16, 2011
Dale Earnhardt Jr. leads first Sprint Cup practice at Daytona
DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. ? Dale Earnhardt Jr. paced the first Sprint Cup practice of the season Friday, leading practice for Saturday?s exhibition Budweiser Shootout.
Earnhardt Jr., who has a new crew chief in Steve Letarte, turned a lap of 199.862 mph as teams engaged in heavy drafting on the newly repaved Daytona International Speedway.
Earnhardt Jr., who has a new crew chief in Steve Letarte, turned a lap of 199.862 mph as teams engaged in heavy drafting on the newly repaved Daytona International Speedway.
Happy Hour extra: A roundup of Bud Shootout snap judgments
The 2011 NASCAR season hasn't even started yet, and NASCAR fandom is already in a high lather about the strangeness of the two-car duels at Saturday night's Bud Shootout. Here's a quick roundup of some of the notes we received by email at
nascarmail@yahoogroups.com and on Twitter at @jaybusbee. Feel free to add your own take to the mix; this story isn't going anywhere anytime soon.First, we present our own take from the track Saturday night:Yes, I jumped around a lot. It was cold. And now your comments. First, a roundup of Twitter reactions to our inquiry: @RedRosete: I loved the Bumperbuddy Shootout....oh, sorry, I meant the Budweiser Shootout@NASCARVegas: the racing rocked. Lived the new daytona [I'm assuming that's 'loved']@jeffinroswell: It was cool. Will be interesting to see how engines and brakes hold up over 500 miles of this type of racing.@Hammer_Hands: First time in 50 years I've been nervous watching a #NASCAR race@BSargentOKC: It was exciting for the first 25 laps, However, I prefer larger pack racing because there is more jostling among drivers.@d160010: It was freakin' awesome! Loved the excitement from drop of the green to the checker! Best shootout in recent history!
Next, some email reactions that are considerably less charitable:It is VERY clear that the drivers, crews, owners and especially media have been coached by NASCAR and it's VERY clear that this Daytona 500 is a make or break race for this beleaguered sport. If the Bud Shootout is any indication, NASCAR may want to pack it up and try go karts.That was the most atrocious racing I have ever seen at Daytona. Good grief, I was praying for a pot hole. You can't tell me that 2 at a time racing is what NASCAR was hoping for. You can't tell me that this isn't sending the powers that be in New York [Ed. note: New York?] into an absolute franetic tizzy.For a sport teetering on the edge, apparently commited to the made-for-TV Chase that no one watches on TV, the Bud Shootout should send chills through everyone drawing a paycheck from NASCAR. If the Daytona 500 looks anything like the Bud Shootout, NASCAR may never recover.— John JosephLaguna Niguel, CAWell, if NASCAR was doing any coaching, I must've missed that session. Which is possible. I have a tendency to go out and go souvenir shopping when at the track. Not quite ready to declare the apocalypse is nigh, but yes, NASCAR desperately needs a quality 500 this year.
That was horrible, sitting and watching what we have waited for all winter to be turned into a practice race. We the fans did NOT ask for this kind of racing. It was boring, uneventful, and a downright letdown. If the Daytona 500 is a 2x2 car race, I'll be playing Wii before the first 50 laps are complete. Sad, sad, sad ... the hype was good, we were ready, then somebody RAINED on our PARADE.— Pam HensonWell, the Bud Shootout IS a "practice race." But I get your point; anticipation turned into a letdown can be rough. Hopefully next Sunday's race lifts your spirits. It's important to note that this was a confluence of unique circumstances; see here for more on why you shouldn't abandon NASCAR just yet. Follow Jay Busbee on Twitter at
@jaybusbee and The
Marbles on Facebook for constant updates from Daytona's
Speedweeks.
nascarmail@yahoogroups.com and on Twitter at @jaybusbee. Feel free to add your own take to the mix; this story isn't going anywhere anytime soon.First, we present our own take from the track Saturday night:Yes, I jumped around a lot. It was cold. And now your comments. First, a roundup of Twitter reactions to our inquiry: @RedRosete: I loved the Bumperbuddy Shootout....oh, sorry, I meant the Budweiser Shootout@NASCARVegas: the racing rocked. Lived the new daytona [I'm assuming that's 'loved']@jeffinroswell: It was cool. Will be interesting to see how engines and brakes hold up over 500 miles of this type of racing.@Hammer_Hands: First time in 50 years I've been nervous watching a #NASCAR race@BSargentOKC: It was exciting for the first 25 laps, However, I prefer larger pack racing because there is more jostling among drivers.@d160010: It was freakin' awesome! Loved the excitement from drop of the green to the checker! Best shootout in recent history!
Next, some email reactions that are considerably less charitable:It is VERY clear that the drivers, crews, owners and especially media have been coached by NASCAR and it's VERY clear that this Daytona 500 is a make or break race for this beleaguered sport. If the Bud Shootout is any indication, NASCAR may want to pack it up and try go karts.That was the most atrocious racing I have ever seen at Daytona. Good grief, I was praying for a pot hole. You can't tell me that 2 at a time racing is what NASCAR was hoping for. You can't tell me that this isn't sending the powers that be in New York [Ed. note: New York?] into an absolute franetic tizzy.For a sport teetering on the edge, apparently commited to the made-for-TV Chase that no one watches on TV, the Bud Shootout should send chills through everyone drawing a paycheck from NASCAR. If the Daytona 500 looks anything like the Bud Shootout, NASCAR may never recover.— John JosephLaguna Niguel, CAWell, if NASCAR was doing any coaching, I must've missed that session. Which is possible. I have a tendency to go out and go souvenir shopping when at the track. Not quite ready to declare the apocalypse is nigh, but yes, NASCAR desperately needs a quality 500 this year.
That was horrible, sitting and watching what we have waited for all winter to be turned into a practice race. We the fans did NOT ask for this kind of racing. It was boring, uneventful, and a downright letdown. If the Daytona 500 is a 2x2 car race, I'll be playing Wii before the first 50 laps are complete. Sad, sad, sad ... the hype was good, we were ready, then somebody RAINED on our PARADE.— Pam HensonWell, the Bud Shootout IS a "practice race." But I get your point; anticipation turned into a letdown can be rough. Hopefully next Sunday's race lifts your spirits. It's important to note that this was a confluence of unique circumstances; see here for more on why you shouldn't abandon NASCAR just yet. Follow Jay Busbee on Twitter at
@jaybusbee and The
Marbles on Facebook for constant updates from Daytona's
Speedweeks.
Dale Earnhardt Jr. has confidence for Daytona 500 after brief Budweiser Shootout performance
DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. ? Dale Earnhardt Jr. didn?t finish the Budweiser Shootout, but he left Daytona International Speedway on Saturday night with some confidence. The Hendrick Motorsports driver got collected in an accident on lap 28 of the 75-lap exhibition race as Carl Edwards tried to squeeze between Earnhardt Jr. and Regan Smith, but Smith and Edwards had contact and then Edwards tapped Earnhardt Jr., spending both of them spinning.
Tuesday, February 15, 2011
Childress will honor Intimidator with decal
DAYTONA BEACH, FLA. — Richard Childress Racing and Earnhardt-Childress Racing Engines will honor the Intimidator with a decal throughout the entire Speedweeks festivities. The decal will be present on all eight of RCR's race cars, pit boxes and transporters. ECR employees will wear commemorative hats throughout the week. "All of us at RCR and ECR are honored to pay tribute to Dale on this 10th anniversary," Richard Childress said in a statement. "His legacy is still felt every day at RCR, ECR and
throughout the world. We hope all of Dale’s fans appreciate this salute
to their hero and ours."Kevin Harvick's No. 29 Chevrolet has had a small 3 decal on its rear driver's-side window since the second race of the 2001 season. Follow Jay Busbee on Twitter at
@jaybusbee and The
Marbles on Facebook for constant updates from Daytona's
Speedweeks.
throughout the world. We hope all of Dale’s fans appreciate this salute
to their hero and ours."Kevin Harvick's No. 29 Chevrolet has had a small 3 decal on its rear driver's-side window since the second race of the 2001 season. Follow Jay Busbee on Twitter at
@jaybusbee and The
Marbles on Facebook for constant updates from Daytona's
Speedweeks.
NASCAR President Mike Helton Confirms Points System Change Imminent
NASCAR President Mike Helton Confirms Points System Change Imminent Filed under: Daytona Int’l Speedway , Chase for the Sprint Cup , NASCAR DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. — NASCAR President Mike Helton , Vice President of Competition Robin Pemberton and Sprint Cup Series director John Darby held a competition update news conference Friday at Daytona International Speedway , confirming that the sanctioning body is looking at a “simpler” points system that would be introduced in all three national series for the 2011 season.
Filed under: Daytona Int’l Speedway, Chase for the Sprint Cup, NASCAR
DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. — NASCAR President Mike Helton Confirms Points System Change Imminent
Source: www.entoogle.com
Filed under: Daytona Int’l Speedway, Chase for the Sprint Cup, NASCAR
DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. — NASCAR President Mike Helton Confirms Points System Change Imminent
Source: www.entoogle.com
Danica Patrick?s 12-race schedule includes Daytona twice and four new Nationwide Series venues
Danica Patrick?s 2011 Nationwide Series schedule includes four tracks on which she didn?t race in 2010. Patrick will drive the No. 7 JR Motorsports car in the first three races of the season at Daytona, Phoenix and Las Vegas.
Ganassi Knows How To Win
Chip Ganassi at Indianapolis Motor Speedway 2010 Photo: Anne Proffit Over the past year, no race team in the United States has performed better in the biggest contests of the year than those run by Chip Ganassi (and Felix Sabates). They started the 2010 NASCAR season with a win in the Daytona 500 with Jamie McMurray, followed that up with victory...
Monday, February 14, 2011
NCRA Southern SportMods At Route 66 Motor Speedway
For the only series' venture to Texas, the O'Reilly/NCRA Southern Sport Modified Series invades Route 66 Motor Speedway in Amarillo, Texas, for a June 11 show atop the three-eighths-mile dirt track.
Mike Skinner to race a truck for Eddie Sharp Racing at Daytona
DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. ? Inaugural NASCAR Truck Series champion Mike Skinner will compete in next week?s season-opening event at Daytona International Speedway with Eddie Sharp Racing, according to a news release from the team. Skinner, 53, finished eighth in the series standings last season with Randy Moss Motorsports before parting ways with that team.
Sunday, February 13, 2011
Group hopes to revive Maryville racetrack
Another chapter is about to be written in the story of one of the longest-running racetracks in East Tennessee. Mountain Raceway Park in Maryville has a new name. It is actually an old name. Smoky Mountain Speedway returns as the official name of the 4/10-mile dirt track. The new/old name is not the only change for the upcoming 2011 season.
Massa quickest in day one of Jerez testing
Ferrari's Felipe Massa topped the time sheets in the first of a four-day Formula One pre-season test session on Thursday at Jerez.
Saturday, February 12, 2011
ACT CANADIAN STARS TO INVADE NEW SMYRNA SPEEDWAY IN FEBRUARY
Waterbury, VT ? Quebec City racer Donald Theetge might have been the first Canadian to enter the American Canadian Tour (ACT) Goodyear Speedweek Cup event to be held at the New Smyrna Speedway in Florida, but the Canadian competitor list continues to lead the way toward the first-ever ACT events to be held during the World Series of Asphalt Short Track Racing in New Smyrna. The two 100-lap main events will be held on Sunday, February 13th and Monday, February 14th.
While many head to Daytona during Speedweeks in February, most asphalt short track fans can be found each night from February 10th-19th during the 10 days that is the World Series of Short Track racing in nearby New Smyrna, FL. The tradition of northern competitors heading to Florida from the days of Richie Evans, Jerry Cook, Bugsy Stevens and a host of the greatest from the Northeast Modified division to Late Model Canadian great Jr. Hanley--- New Smyrna has always been the place to be during the heart of the northern winters.
While many head to Daytona during Speedweeks in February, most asphalt short track fans can be found each night from February 10th-19th during the 10 days that is the World Series of Short Track racing in nearby New Smyrna, FL. The tradition of northern competitors heading to Florida from the days of Richie Evans, Jerry Cook, Bugsy Stevens and a host of the greatest from the Northeast Modified division to Late Model Canadian great Jr. Hanley--- New Smyrna has always been the place to be during the heart of the northern winters.
IndyCar to return to Houston next year?
IndyCar CEO Randy Bernard visited city officials in Houston about a new push to get the Grand Prix of Houston at the Reliant Park street circuit back on the IZOD IndyCar Series schedule for 2012.
What did Dale Sr. do for Jeff Gordon?
There's no question once Jeff Gordon debuted in NASCAR in 1992, it wasn't long after fans and media began connecting him to Dale Earnhardt Sr., particularly as a rival on the track. And while Earnhardt may never intended it (or maybe he did), he may have helped Gordon connect with a lot of NASCAR fans and establish his own fan base. "Absolutely there's no doubt I wouldn't have been as popular, and this is something we talk about today with the sport, with a guy like Jimmie (Johnson) winning five in a row, there just isn't that rivalry. It wasn't made up. It just happened," Gordon explained. "Here's this young kid from California growing up in modern day motorsports, just growing up being interviewed on ESPN and all those things, to old-school, hard-knocks Dale Earnhardt. It was just black and white, just two total opposites in a way, even though later, as Dale and I got to know one another, we weren't as opposite as maybe it was perceived from the outside. Still, that's the way the fans thought of it and the way the media thought of it. It heightened the excitement of those races, those championship battles." Gordon said it was his objective to avoid rivalries, much like his Hendrick Motorsports teammate Johnson appears to do. But that changed with Earnhardt. "Dale was just one of those kind of guys that it worked really well for him to have a rival. He had several throughout his career and he thrived on it. You know, that was never really my style. I didn't ever feel like, 'Hey, you know, Dale's not here, now I've got to take over that role.' It was, We all have our personalities, our jobs, and let's do them the best that we can," Gordon said. "He helped build this sport to a level we're proud of and need to keep going. I miss that. We need it. We can't create it. It's going to happen. I mean, I think that's some of the excitement about Kyle (Busch), is he brings a uniqueness that people either love or hate. You get Kyle battling for the championship with somebody like Jimmie or myself, it's definitely going to stir that up."
Second annual Sonoma Historic Motorsports Festival to feature McLaren
The second annual Sonoma Historic Motorsports Festival, to be held at Infineon Raceway on June 4-5, will feature the iconic McLaren marque
Danica Patrick worried about improving on the track, not 2012 contract
DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. ? Danica Patrick doesn?t have to decide anytime soon whether she will continue as a full-time IndyCar Series driver or turn all of her attention to NASCAR.
What she has to do first is get better at driving stock cars.
What she has to do first is get better at driving stock cars.
Friday, February 11, 2011
Bayne Watch: Getting ready for a big step in new season
Trevor Bayne, a Knoxville, Tennessee, NASCAR driver will drive the Wood Brothers Ford in the first five Sprint Cup races of the 2011 season and have other appearances.
Ferrari rebrands car after dispute
Ferrari has officially renamed its new Formula 1 car the "F150th Italia" as "an act of good faith to avoid confusion," in the wake of Ford Motor Company's lawsuit over what it claims is a trademark infringement.
Former NASCAR exec named to NFL Hall of Fame
This Super Bowl weekend was all-NFL, all-the-time, but for a brief moment, there was a NASCAR connection. (And no, I'm not talking about the Danica commercials. We're all over that now, aren't we?)Les Richter, one of the key figures in NASCAR's rise to prominence, was named to the NFL Hall of Fame for his sterling playing career. An eight-time Pro Bowler, he was once traded for 11 players, and his team, the Los Angeles Rams, waited two years for him to serve a military commitment. After retiring from the NFL, Richter played several key roles in motorsports, including co-owner and president of Riverside Speedway, co-founder and chairman of IROC, vice president of NASCAR, and partial developer and vice president of California Speedway. Sadly, Richter only passed away last June. "On behalf of all of NASCAR, I’d like to congratulate the
Les Richter family on his selection to the Pro Football Hall of Fame,"
said NASCAR Chairman Brian France in a statement. "Les lived a wonderful
life and had a remarkable career that transcended two of our country’s
major sports."Richter could have a long wait for the NASCAR Hall of Fame, but by all accounts, he's worthy of that as well. Congratulations to his family on the high honor.Former NASCAR Executive Les Richter named to NFL Hall [Scene Daily]
Les Richter family on his selection to the Pro Football Hall of Fame,"
said NASCAR Chairman Brian France in a statement. "Les lived a wonderful
life and had a remarkable career that transcended two of our country’s
major sports."Richter could have a long wait for the NASCAR Hall of Fame, but by all accounts, he's worthy of that as well. Congratulations to his family on the high honor.Former NASCAR Executive Les Richter named to NFL Hall [Scene Daily]
Mayfield apologizes to stepmother in settlement
Jeremy Mayfield has apologized for blaming his father's death on his estranged stepmother.
PASS will be well represented at Northeast Motorsports Expo
NAPLES ME (January 4) This weekend the 23rd annual Northeast Motorsports Expo will provide racers and race fans some welcome relief from the winter doldrums and as always the Pro All Stars Series will be out in force. The grand daddy of Maine racing shows is slated for Friday, Saturday and Sunday January 7, 8 and 9 and the list of exhibitors and vendors for 2011 is long and varied
PASS fans will have the opportunity to meet and greet the 2010 Champions in all three PASS North touring series. 2010 PASS North super late model champion Johnny Clark, PASS Mod titlist Andy Shaw, and PASS Sportsman champ Dan McKeage will all be at the autograph table throughout the weekend.
PASS fans will have the opportunity to meet and greet the 2010 Champions in all three PASS North touring series. 2010 PASS North super late model champion Johnny Clark, PASS Mod titlist Andy Shaw, and PASS Sportsman champ Dan McKeage will all be at the autograph table throughout the weekend.
NASCAR finally releases start times, and they're familiar
Good news! NASCAR has released the start times for its entire slate of races for the 2011 season — without a moment to spare — and the times will look very familiar from last year.During the regular season, Sprint Cup races in Eastern and Central venues will start at 1 p.m. ET, while Western events will start at 3 p.m. ET. Evening races will begin at 7:30 p.m., with the exception of the Coca-Cola 600, which will begin at 6 pm. ET on May 29. As previously announced, the Sprint Cup races will start at either 2 p.m. or 3 p.m. Eastern so as not to conflict with NFL kickoffs ... if, indeed, there are NFL kickoffs. As for broadcast partners, let the wailing begin. Fox will handle the first 13 races of the season, running from Daytona to Kansas in June. TNT will pick up the next six races, including the first-ever Kentucky Speedway Sprint race. And ESPN and ABC will handle the final 17 races. Of that total, 14 will be on ESPN and only 3 will be on ABC, a tough blow for those who believe that putting races on cable impacts ratings.On the Nationwide front, ABC/ESPN/ESPN2 will handle 33 of the 34 races. The outlier is the Richmond April race, which conflicts with the NBA Playoffs and -- try not to cringe -- the NFL draft. Yes, we can hear your wailing about mistreatment from here. SPEED will take the broadcast duties for that race. SPEED will also handle all 25 races in the Camping World Truck Series. We've hammered this point home over and over; consistency is key to NASCAR's continued survival. People are too busy to look up race times every week. (Yes, yes, we know you do it, but you're special.) People want to be able to drop down in front of the TV at X time and know that there'll be racing on then. This isn't perfect, but it doesn't screw things up too badly.
Thursday, February 10, 2011
Penske Racing Inks Multi-Year Sponsors
Image Courtesy Team Penske Penske Racing is adding more sponsorship packages for its IndyCar and NASCAR teams by using partnerships it’s had since the heady days of the CART series in which it rampaged for years. Specifically, the partnership that Roger Penske built from 1984 with PPG Industries is advancing into NASCAR’s Sprint Cup...
Kurt Busch, tired of just turning left, will go straight
News from the media tour: Kurt Busch, the 2004 Sprint Cup series champion, has decided he wants to race without fooling with all those pesky turns. He'll make his National Hot Rod Association Full Throttle Series debut in March at the 41st GatorNationals.Busch, driving for Allen Johnson and J&J Racing, will run that sweet Shell Dodge Avenger there at right, competing for one of 16 qualifying spots in the Pro Stock class. This is no dilettante-dabbling for Busch; he spent much of the offseason testing, and earned his NHRA Pro Stock license. His best run in earning his license would have qualified him 11th for last year's race. We'll go into more detail once the GatorNationals arrive in early March, but briefly, Busch and his competition will get four qualifying runs, two on Friday and two on Saturday, and if he gets in the mix, he'll run on Sunday. "It's a whole different world than NASCAR," Busch said in a statement. "The toughest part is staging the car ... [O]f course cutting a good light, the thrill of the launch, and the speed at the top-end is why I'm so fascinated with drag racing. But I do know that heading to the GatorNationals and running with the pros, I will get a full dose of humble pie."If all goes well, Busch ought to rock that ride at Talladega. It'll be brutal in the turns, but he can run down everybody on the straightaways.
Budweiser Shootout more important than ever with new pavement at Daytona
Carl Edwards ended the 2010 season with back-to-back victories in NASCAR?s Sprint Cup Series. He?ll be looking to extend that run of good fortune Saturday night when the Budweiser Shootout gets under way at Daytona International Speedway.
Renault's Robert Kubica injured in car crash
Surgeons operating on Formula One driver Robert Kubica have turned their focus to his severely damaged right hand, which was among the serious injuries he sustained when his rally car hit a wall at "high speed" Sunday.
Wednesday, February 9, 2011
NASCAR TV start times look like they will remain the same in 2011
The TV start times for NASCAR Sprint Cup Series races, at least those on the Fox Network anyways, look like they will remain the same in 2011. The Observer and ThatsRacin.com have obtained the approximate green-flag start times of all the Cup races that will be broadcast on Fox and they all generally follow the same 1 p.m.-3 p.m.-7:30 p.m. Eastern start time slots of 2010. NASCAR CEO and Chairman Brian France said during the season finale race weekend in Homestead, Fla., that the sanctioning body was looking at several areas that could be affecting poor TV ratings in 2010, including start times. According to the information obtained, the Budweiser Shootout is scheduled for a green-flag start at 8:29 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 12. The 2011 Daytona 500 is scheduled for a 1:19 p.m. green-flag start on Feb. 20. Other green-flag start times: 3:14 p.m. Eastern Feb. 27 at Phoenix 3:16 p.m. Eastern March 6 at Las Vegas 1:13 p.m. Eastern March 20 at Bristol 3:16 p.m. Eastern March 27 at Auto Club Speedway in Fontana, Calif. 1:13 p.m. Eastern April 3 at Martinsville, Va. 7:46 p.m. Eastern April 9 at Texas 1:19 p.m. Eastern April 17 at Talladega, Ala. 7:44 p.m. Eastern April 30 at Richmond, Va. 7:45 p.m. Eastern May 7 at Darlington, S.C. 1:15 p.m. Eastern May 15 at Dover, Del. 7:46 p.m. Eastern May 21 NASCAR Sprint All-Star Race at Charlotte Motor Speedway 6:15 p.m. Eastern May 29 Coca-Cola 600 at Charlotte Motor Speedway 1:16 p.m. Eastern June 5 at Kansas
Bayne Watch: Speculation is Knoxville driver could run in the Daytona 500
NASCAR writer Lee Spencer is reporting that there is talk that Knoxville NASCAR driver Trevor Bayne race in the Daytona 500.
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.
NASCAR releases start times, confirms later start for Chase races
NASCAR has released its 2011 broadcast schedule with the start times for events in its three national stock-car series and, as expected, the only notable changes involve Sprint Cup events that are part of the season-ending Chase For The Sprint Cup.
Tuesday, February 8, 2011
Darlington Aims to Please NASCAR Fans
Darlington Raceway hopes to bring more families back to NASCAR by expanding youth discounts for next year’s racing season. Darlington will offer half-price seating for youths 17 and under at the Showtime Southern 500 in May and free tickets to its Nationwide and Camping World Truck series events, track spokesman Jake Harris told The Associated [...]
Fixing NASCAR: More personality, shorter races, bigger emphasis on winning keys to stopping ratings decline
What do a pothole and the Winter Olympics have in common? They rank as the two of the reasons that fans stopped watching NASCAR last year.
Or at least that?s what NASCAR and track officials would like fans to believe. Despite some of NASCAR?s best racing in years, many fans still tuned out during a season that started with a pothole that interrupted the Daytona 500 by more than two hours and competition from the Olympics games, which attracted attention away from a thrilling start to the season.
The root cause of the decline in TV ratings remains uncertain, but clearly fewer people are watching NASCAR on television.
Or at least that?s what NASCAR and track officials would like fans to believe. Despite some of NASCAR?s best racing in years, many fans still tuned out during a season that started with a pothole that interrupted the Daytona 500 by more than two hours and competition from the Olympics games, which attracted attention away from a thrilling start to the season.
The root cause of the decline in TV ratings remains uncertain, but clearly fewer people are watching NASCAR on television.
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.
Rolex 24 At Daytona To Ganassi/Sabates No. 1 Car
The No. 01 BMW/Riley of Pruett, Rojas, Hand and Rahal finished 2.070 seconds ahead of its team car. Photo: Anne Proffit They weren’t the fastest car in qualifying but the No. 01 Telmex/Target BMW/Riley of Chip Ganassi Racing with Felix Sabates was steady and true, finding its way to Victory Lane in the 49th Rolex 24 at Daytona after 24...
NASCAR Adjusts Rules for 2011
Brian France Photo courtesy NASCAR NASCAR is making changes to its points system for the 2011 season that should make it a lot easier for fans to decipher. The old system, which had been in place since 1975 had a descending order from 185 points on down, while the new system begins with 43 and decreases to one point for the 43rd finisher...
Monday, February 7, 2011
Red Bull?s Kasey Kahne needs one big thing in 2011 ? less drama
Kasey Kahne expects to have more stability and less drama at Red Bull Racing this year than he had at Richard Petty Motorsports in 2010, hopefully producing better results on the track.
Only time will tell if that?s the case, but Kahne has every reason to believe things will play out that way.
Only time will tell if that?s the case, but Kahne has every reason to believe things will play out that way.
Does ESPN broadcast the entire NASCAR Nationwide Series or not?
One of the things I thought was most helpful for the Nationwide Series in NASCAR's most recent TV contract was that one network - ESPN - would broadcast all of the series races. Yes, races are on different channels but you always know that if there is a Nationwide race, it's on an ESPN entity. Apparently, that certainty may end this season. On an internal TV chart posted on NASCARMedia.com - probably inadvertently - the TV start and green-flag start times for all races in all three series - Sprint Cup, Nationwide and Trucks - are listed. But under the network column for the spring Nationwide race at Richmond - and outlined in bright red - are the letters 'TBD.' Looking at the key to the chart, TBD means "Network To Be Determined." It is the only race on the entire schedule marked as such. Several sources indicated on Friday the problem may be due to a conflict that same weekend between the Nationwide race and the NFL draft. So, I sought out information to see whether another network other than ESPN was going to broadcast the race. The initial response from ESPN was that I should contact NASCAR because "NASCAR sets and announces the schedule." To say ESPN has no say in setting the start time or networks of where races will be shown is ridiculous, but that's another story. The response from NASCAR was "We are in the process of finalizing the broadcast schedule for the three national series and expect to announce it next week." OK, so what are the three charts on NASCARMedia.com? Somebody's wish list? And why could no one simply answer 'yes' or 'no' to my question which was, "Is ESPN broadcasting this event?" My guess is there is no straight answer because ESPN is not carrying the race, for whatever reason. Perhaps we'll find out why next week. And my other guess? Clear some space on the schedule Speed Channel.
Edwards wants deal done quickly
Name your price.That's what Carl Edwards is in position to do as the highest-profile free agent in NASCAR Sprint Cup racing.
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. [...]
Sunday, February 6, 2011
IndyCar to return to Houston next year?
IndyCar CEO Randy Bernard visited city officials in Houston about a new push to get the Grand Prix of Houston at the Reliant Park street circuit back on the IZOD IndyCar Series schedule for 2012.
Jason Bowles wins Showdown, Travis Pastrana finishes sixth
IRWINDALE, Calif. ? Jason Bowles, who made one Nationwide and three Camping World Truck starts in 2010, won the crash-filled NASCAR Toyota All-Star Showdown at Toyota Speedway on Saturday night. Travis Pastrana, the action sports and motocross star, started 20th and finished sixth in his NASCAR debut.
Past Cup rookies of the year included in Budweiser Shootout
NASCAR officials announced on Friday a tweak to the lineup eligibility for the February 12 Budweiser Shootout at Daytona International Speedway.
Saturday, February 5, 2011
Dale Earnhardt Jr. takes off to the Great White North
Seems they love them some Dale Earnhardt Jr. up in Canada, eh?On Monday, Earnhardt and Rick Hendrick journeyed to the General Motors Oshawa Car Assembly Plant near Toronto to observe the first three 2011 Chevy Camaro SS models rolling off the line. As SPEED reported, Hendrick used his team boss prerogative to snag the first two, a black and orange convertible and a silver model. Junior snagged that fine ride there at right, a red convertible with silver stripes.The plant manufactures 440 Camaros per day, plus Impalas, Equinoxes and, soon, the Buick Regal. And pretty much every single worker who helps one of those vehicles roll down the line showed up to meet Earnhardt."It’s inspirational to me to go
back to what I do," Earnhardt said. "It sort of adds credence to my dedication and
feeling about Chevrolet. It restores my passion in the brand." Hendrick, of course, had a bit more skin in the game, with 23 GM franchises on the line because of the company's financial troubles. So, yes, a fine day for Hendrick, Earnhardt and Chevrolet. Big question, though: where can we get one of those fine checked sportcoats?Earnhardt a hit in Canada, too [SPEED]
back to what I do," Earnhardt said. "It sort of adds credence to my dedication and
feeling about Chevrolet. It restores my passion in the brand." Hendrick, of course, had a bit more skin in the game, with 23 GM franchises on the line because of the company's financial troubles. So, yes, a fine day for Hendrick, Earnhardt and Chevrolet. Big question, though: where can we get one of those fine checked sportcoats?Earnhardt a hit in Canada, too [SPEED]
Travis Pastrana finishes sixth in Toyota All-Star Showdown
Travis Pastrana avoided numerous crashes and finished sixth thanks to a daring three wide pass with two laps to go in Saturday's Toyota All-Star Showdown at Irwindale Speedway.The All-Star Showdown, which features the bet drivers from the K&N East and West Pro Series -- think the NASCAR level below the Camping World Truck Series -- was Pastrana's first NASCAR event. The 225 lap race was divided into three segments (100 laps, 100 laps and 25 laps) and Pastrana had to take action to avoid three crashes in the first segment. In one of them, he dented his right front fender, but the team was able to repair it and Pastrana was able to work his way back up through the field.After the race, Pastrana was visibly excited."This sport is so much fun, it's super competitive, but I have so much to learn," Pastrana told SPEED. "If this is our starting point -- hopefully it's our starting point, then we'll continue to learn from here."Thanks to a giant crash that took out leader Paulie Harraka and led to a rough-driving penalty for second place Derek Thorn in the final segment, Pastrana was able to start ninth on the final restart with nine laps to go.Jason Bowles won the incredibly messy race, which featured 12 cautions and didn't conclude until almost 2:30 AM ET Sunday morning. DJ Kennington, who has driven in the Nationwide Series, finished second.
Everything is better when twins are involved? ESPECIALLY Nascar!
Let’s see now, they’re blond, they’re twins, they’re hot and they race cars. Yep, that sounds like every Nascar fans fantasy if you ask me. Meet Amber and Angela Cope, twin 27-year-old sisters who completed their first Nascar race this past weekend in the Camping World Truck Series race. The sisters are the nieces of [...]
Group hopes to revive Maryville racetrack
Another chapter is about to be written in the story of one of the longest-running racetracks in East Tennessee. Mountain Raceway Park in Maryville has a new name. It is actually an old name. Smoky Mountain Speedway returns as the official name of the 4/10-mile dirt track. The new/old name is not the only change for the upcoming 2011 season.
Friday, February 4, 2011
Kyle Busch doesn?t want to rely on wild-card spot for winners to make Chase
HUNTERSVILLE, N.C. ? Kyle Busch missed the Chase For The Sprint Cup in 2009 despite four victories during the regular season. Busch, who was 13th in the standings at the end of the regular season that year, wouldn?t be on the outside looking in if the same situation happened in 2011 as NASCAR has added two wild-card spots in the Chase.
New pit crew could be crucial for Cup champion Jimmie Johnson, crew chief Chad Knaus
CONCORD, N.C. ? Chad Knaus, crew chief for five-time Cup champion Jimmie Johnson, says there will be changes on his No. 48 team?s pit crew, but admits that with only a little more than two weeks remaining before cars are back on the track at Daytona, he still isn?t sure what those changes will be. ?I?m happy with what we have right now, for sure, at this time of the season,? Knaus said during this week?s Sprint Media Tour. ?I don?t have a roster picked of the guys that will be starting but I?m real happy with where we are at.?
PASS will be well represented at Northeast Motorsports Expo
NAPLES ME (January 4) This weekend the 23rd annual Northeast Motorsports Expo will provide racers and race fans some welcome relief from the winter doldrums and as always the Pro All Stars Series will be out in force. The grand daddy of Maine racing shows is slated for Friday, Saturday and Sunday January 7, 8 and 9 and the list of exhibitors and vendors for 2011 is long and varied
PASS fans will have the opportunity to meet and greet the 2010 Champions in all three PASS North touring series. 2010 PASS North super late model champion Johnny Clark, PASS Mod titlist Andy Shaw, and PASS Sportsman champ Dan McKeage will all be at the autograph table throughout the weekend.
PASS fans will have the opportunity to meet and greet the 2010 Champions in all three PASS North touring series. 2010 PASS North super late model champion Johnny Clark, PASS Mod titlist Andy Shaw, and PASS Sportsman champ Dan McKeage will all be at the autograph table throughout the weekend.
Thursday, February 3, 2011
Brad Keselowski's hauler victimized, sort of, by thieves
Brad Keselowski's race shop in Rowan County, N.C. suffered a break-in over the weekend, and the damage was ... well, let's just say this wasn't exactly a meticulously executed, ten-figure-profit Ocean's Eleven-style heist.The Rowan County Sheriff's Department is reporting that someone broke into Keselowski's 1999 Featherlite race car hauler. The doors were pried open, causing about $400 in damage, and the $20 tiedown straps were removed. While there were "several other items" in the trailer, nothing was taken but the tiedowns. Nope, nobody's wheeling around North Carolina in a stolen Lite Beer No. 2, though that would make one hell of a comedy premise. Turner Motorsports, on an adjacent property, also reported a break-in to a car trailer. So, yes, what we're looking at here may be the lamest thief in the history of thieving. No truth at all to the rumors that there were duck feathers found at the scene. (Thanks to WBTV for the tip.)
Subscribe to:
Comments (Atom)