Wednesday, November 30, 2011
Barnhart out of IndyCar race control
IndyCar's embattled competition president and commercial chief Terry Angstadt now confirmed to be leaving their positions.
Whitmarsh: F1 must take USA by storm
McLaren boss Martin Whitmarsh believes Formula 1 must do all it can to "take America by storm" despite doubts about the Austin Grand Prix.
Put a bow on Texas with this last look back at the weekend
Let's be honest, the Texas race wasn't much to two-step about; long long LONG green-flag stretches with about as much passing as a 1920s Yale-Harvard football game. But outside of the race? Oh, there was plenty of craziness to go around, from Danica Patrick's announcement of her 2012 schedule to Austin Dillon's new run in the No. 3 to David Reutimann's soon-to-be swan song to ... what am I forgetting? Oh, yeah, something with Kyle Busch. Wrap it all up right here so we can get on with Phoenix.
Tuesday, November 29, 2011
NASCAR Championship Weekend
Welcome NASCAR race fans to my NASCAR blog. This is NASCAR Championship Weekend at Homestead-Miami Speedway. Each of the three top NASCAR Series’ will be racing this last race to determine the Champion. However, Mother Nature is again having her say in the matter. It is raining in Miami, Fl. and the NASCAR Nationwide drivers [...]
NASCAR: Kurt Busch makes headway at Dover ? Detroit Free Press
NASCAR: Kurt Busch makes headway at Dover – Detroit Free Press
The Virginian-Pilot
NASCAR: Kurt Busch makes headway at DoverDetroit Free PressKurt Busch is fourth in the Sprint Cup points standings after driving to victory at the AAA 400. / GEOFF BURKE/Getty Images DOVER, Del. — Kurt Busch stormed into contention for a second Cup championship, holding off fellow Chase drivers Jimmie Johnson …Kurt Busch wins NASCAR Sprint Cup Series event in Delaware | Auto racingThe Seattle Times
NASCAR: Kurt Busch trumps the fieldThe Virginian-PilotNASCAR: Tony Stewart Dover 300 race reportMotorsport.comUSA Today -The News Journal -SB Nationall 653 news articles »
The Virginian-Pilot
NASCAR: Kurt Busch makes headway at DoverDetroit Free PressKurt Busch is fourth in the Sprint Cup points standings after driving to victory at the AAA 400. / GEOFF BURKE/Getty Images DOVER, Del. — Kurt Busch stormed into contention for a second Cup championship, holding off fellow Chase drivers Jimmie Johnson …Kurt Busch wins NASCAR Sprint Cup Series event in Delaware | Auto racingThe Seattle Times
NASCAR: Kurt Busch trumps the fieldThe Virginian-PilotNASCAR: Tony Stewart Dover 300 race reportMotorsport.comUSA Today -The News Journal -SB Nationall 653 news articles »
RCR moves personnel to give Harvick new crew chief
Richard Childress predicted at the start of the season one of his drivers would win NASCAR's championship.
Improbable outcomes: Tony Stewart-Carl Edwards title bout memorable, but Alan Kulwicki?s 1992 charge still NASCAR?s best
The back and forth battle between Stewart and Carl Edwards ? both on and off the race track ? has already been called by many the best championship contest in series history.
But was it?
Here?s a look at the sport?s top seven championship battles, and where they rank:
But was it?
Here?s a look at the sport?s top seven championship battles, and where they rank:
Monday, November 28, 2011
Who scored most points in the Chase?
It should come as no surprise Tony Stewart scored the most points in the 10-race Chase for the Sprint Cup, coming out with a scant three-point advantage over runner-up Carl Edwards. Stewart won his third Cup title in a tiebreaker over Edwards. The surprise was two drivers not in the Chase - Kasey Kahne and Clint Bowyer - ranked in the top five of points scored in the last 10 races. Here's a look at the top five: 2011 Chase PointsStarting DriverPointsTony Stewart403Carl Edwards400Kasey Kahne368Kevin Harvick333Clint Bowyer328
Coonskin Cap Man: raconteur, storyteller, Dale Jr. fan
First we had leprechauns in the trees in Alabama, and everyone wanted the gold.
Next, we had Antoine Dodson recommending that we hide our kids and hide our wives.
And now, the latest in the long line of Southern men-on-the-scene, Coonskin Cap Man, giving us the play-by-play on a would-be bank robber trying to dodge the police:
Tell me that guy doesn't look like Justin Timberlake's backwoods cousin. Not to advocate bank robbery, but shouldn't we all go through life Dukes of Hazzard style, gettin' it, diggin' it like Dale Earnhardt Jr.?
We demand five AutoTuned remixes of this by sundown tomorrow. Get to it, Internet.
Next, we had Antoine Dodson recommending that we hide our kids and hide our wives.
And now, the latest in the long line of Southern men-on-the-scene, Coonskin Cap Man, giving us the play-by-play on a would-be bank robber trying to dodge the police:
Tell me that guy doesn't look like Justin Timberlake's backwoods cousin. Not to advocate bank robbery, but shouldn't we all go through life Dukes of Hazzard style, gettin' it, diggin' it like Dale Earnhardt Jr.?
We demand five AutoTuned remixes of this by sundown tomorrow. Get to it, Internet.
Look who's coming to Sunday's race
Notable Celebrities Expected to Attend the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Ford 400: (subject to change) First Lady Michelle Obama Dr. Jill Biden (spouse of Vice President Joe Biden) Mario Lopez (TV?s EXTRA) Christian Slater (movie actor) Dwight Howard (NBA?s Orlando Magic) Pia Toscano (19/Interscope Records, American Idol finalist) Sgt. Slaughter (WWE Hall of Famer) Gaby Sanchez (MLB?s Miami Marlins) Michael Moorer (former Heavyweight Champion) Evelyn Lozada (TV?s VH-1 Basketball Wives) DJ Irie (Miami-based DJ) Jack Carl Skille (NHL?s Florida Panthers) Keaton Ellerby (NHL?s Florida Panthers) Jim Jonsin (music producer) Chris Bosh (NBA?s Miami Heat) Gene Monahan (former New York Yankees athletic trainer) Mick Jones (Founder of the rock group Foreigner) Roman Jones (Mick?s Son and Major Club Promoter in Miami) Kelly Hansen (Lead Singer of Foreigner) Phil Carson (Foreigner Manager) Sebastien Marcovici (Principal Dancer, New York City Ballet)
NASCAR Race Review: AAA Texas 500
Welcome NASCAR race fans to my NASCAR blog. I know all the talk has been about Kyle Busch being parked for the weekend after once again driving like an idiot, but the AAA Texas 500 race at the Texas Motor Speedway on Sunday was sure a great race without him. I look forward to more. [...]
Sunday, November 27, 2011
Brian Vickers says he has ?options? but nothing locked down for 2012
Brian Vickers won a race and qualified for NASCAR?s Chase For The Sprint Cup during his five-year tenure with Red Bull Racing.
Now that the two-car organization?s run in the Cup Series appears to be over, however, Vickers finds himself looking for work.
Now that the two-car organization?s run in the Cup Series appears to be over, however, Vickers finds himself looking for work.
Who scored most points in the Chase?
It should come as no surprise Tony Stewart scored the most points in the 10-race Chase for the Sprint Cup, coming out with a scant three-point advantage over runner-up Carl Edwards. Stewart won his third Cup title in a tiebreaker over Edwards. The surprise was two drivers not in the Chase - Kasey Kahne and Clint Bowyer - ranked in the top five of points scored in the last 10 races. Here's a look at the top five: 2011 Chase PointsStarting DriverPointsTony Stewart403Carl Edwards400Kasey Kahne368Kevin Harvick333Clint Bowyer328
Tony Stewart crew chief Darian Grubb: Win on Sunday, fired on Monday?
On Sunday, crew chief Darian Grubb climbed the summit of the highest mountain of his profession, using daring, gutsy strategy to guide driver Tony Stewart to a win and a Sprint Cup championship.
As of Monday, it appears he's out of a job.
One of the most fascinating subplots of the immediate postrace celebration was the fact that Grubb has done what no other crew chief has managed in the last half-decade, and yet he's still apparently going to be looking for work.
[Related: Tony Stewart beats Carl Edwards to win Sprint Cup title]
Certainly, Grubb's performance in the early part of the year could have justified a firing. Stewart limped into the Chase, appearing to have little to compete with the workhorse programs of Carl Edwards, Kevin Harvick, Jeff Gordon and Kyle Busch.
Still, Stewart won the first two races of the Chase, and suddenly the ship started turning in the right direction. But then Stewart slid back in the pack, and the Stewart-Haas braintrust made the decision: Grubb was gone as of the end of the season. The team notified him of his impending unemployment as of the Charlotte race in October.
But to hear Grubb tell it, that decision was made in haste, without giving him time to see the season through. In an awkward postrace interview, Grubb said he was "pleading" to be given the rest of the season. He added that he finds this entire decision "baffling." He's not certain whether a Cup win will help his chances, and he's not certain if, even if he were offered his job back, he'd take it.
[Related: Legend of Tony Stewart cemented in full]
Stewart studiously avoided answering any question relating to Grubb's future. He initially blew off the question with a joke: "In the immediate future, I'm going to get him drunk." But then he lapsed into the usual bureaucratic ownerspeak, saying that there were many options to consider in any offseason. But he also avoided giving Grubb anything resembling a vote of confidence.
Perhaps Stewart and Grubb will meet and Grubb will re-up with the man whom he crewed to a championship. And perhaps Stewart will decide to look in a different direction with the expectation that his next championship won't be so close. Either way, Grubb won't be out of work for long. There aren't many crew chiefs working these days with a Cup to their credit.
Other popular stories on Yahoo! Sports:
? Stewart, Edwards duel may go down as best race in NASCAR history
? NFL's Week 11 Winners and losers
? Beckham's future uncertain after winning MLS Cup
As of Monday, it appears he's out of a job.
One of the most fascinating subplots of the immediate postrace celebration was the fact that Grubb has done what no other crew chief has managed in the last half-decade, and yet he's still apparently going to be looking for work.
[Related: Tony Stewart beats Carl Edwards to win Sprint Cup title]
Certainly, Grubb's performance in the early part of the year could have justified a firing. Stewart limped into the Chase, appearing to have little to compete with the workhorse programs of Carl Edwards, Kevin Harvick, Jeff Gordon and Kyle Busch.
Still, Stewart won the first two races of the Chase, and suddenly the ship started turning in the right direction. But then Stewart slid back in the pack, and the Stewart-Haas braintrust made the decision: Grubb was gone as of the end of the season. The team notified him of his impending unemployment as of the Charlotte race in October.
But to hear Grubb tell it, that decision was made in haste, without giving him time to see the season through. In an awkward postrace interview, Grubb said he was "pleading" to be given the rest of the season. He added that he finds this entire decision "baffling." He's not certain whether a Cup win will help his chances, and he's not certain if, even if he were offered his job back, he'd take it.
[Related: Legend of Tony Stewart cemented in full]
Stewart studiously avoided answering any question relating to Grubb's future. He initially blew off the question with a joke: "In the immediate future, I'm going to get him drunk." But then he lapsed into the usual bureaucratic ownerspeak, saying that there were many options to consider in any offseason. But he also avoided giving Grubb anything resembling a vote of confidence.
Perhaps Stewart and Grubb will meet and Grubb will re-up with the man whom he crewed to a championship. And perhaps Stewart will decide to look in a different direction with the expectation that his next championship won't be so close. Either way, Grubb won't be out of work for long. There aren't many crew chiefs working these days with a Cup to their credit.
Other popular stories on Yahoo! Sports:
? Stewart, Edwards duel may go down as best race in NASCAR history
? NFL's Week 11 Winners and losers
? Beckham's future uncertain after winning MLS Cup
Vettel grabs record-breaking Brazilian Grand Prix pole
Sebastian Vettel flew to a record 15th pole position of the 2011 season with an imperious performance in Brazilian Grand Prix qualifying at Interlagos.
Jimmie Johnson motivated by disappointing 2011 season
Watching Tony Stewart celebrate his third Sprint Cup championship at Homestead-Miami Speedway last week was a sobering and somewhat unfamiliar experience for Jimmie Johnson. For the past five years, it had been Johnson hoisting the championship trophy, soaking up champagne and basking in the glory of a Sprint Cup title
Saturday, November 26, 2011
Celebration now, uncertainty in future for Stewart's team
Tony Stewart has won a lot of championships during his illustrious racing career, but winning his third Sprint Cup Series title in 2011 was unlike any other one that he has experienced.
Tony Stewart fights through setbacks, holds off Carl Edwards for third Cup title
Tony Stewart held off runner-up Carl Edwards to win the Ford 400 at Homestead-Miami Speedway and claim his third Sprint Cup championship. The win marked Stewart's fifth trip to victory lane in the 10-race Chase.
Guilty Pleasure: Alfa Romeo 164
Since we've been so light on Ford products in this series, I thought I'd follow up the Givenchy Edition Lincoln Continental Mark V with another Dearborn machine... but then I saw an Alfa 164 on the highway today and felt this... yearning. Granted, the 164 that I saw was on a flatbed trailer and appeared to have engine-fire damage, but you need to...
Friday, November 25, 2011
Update on Rick Hendrick
RICK HENDRICK STATEMENTCONCORD, N.C. (Nov. 2, 2011) ? Monday evening, a Gulfstream G150 aircraft operated by Hendrick Motorsports ran off the runway after experiencing braking issues upon landing at Key West International Airport in Key West, Fla.All four people on board -- Hendrick Motorsports owner Rick Hendrick, his wife, Linda Hendrick, and two Hendrick Motorsports pilots -- were released from Lower Keys Medical Center early Tuesday morning. Mrs. Hendrick was treated for minor cuts and bruises, and both pilots were released without injury.Upon returning home to Charlotte, N.C., on Tuesday, Mr. Hendrick was further evaluated as a precautionary measure by his personal physician. He was diagnosed with four broken ribs (previously stated as one broken rib), a broken clavicle (as previously stated) and bruising. No other injuries have been identified.Due to discomfort from the injuries, Mr. Hendrick was admitted Tuesday afternoon to a medical facility in the Charlotte area, where doctors believe the pain can most effectively be managed. He is in good spirits and is expected to be released by the end of the week.Rick Hendrick, owner of Hendrick Motorsports:?Linda and I have been overwhelmed by all the words of encouragement and genuine concern we?ve received. We are blessed to have such a wonderful support system, and our family is extremely grateful for the thoughts and prayers. We extend our sincere thanks to everyone.?I?m so proud of how our pilots handled the situation, and we?re extremely appreciative of the folks in Key West who went above and beyond to help us. It?s good to be back in Charlotte as we regroup and focus on our family.?
Carl Edwards isn?t focusing solely on Tony Stewart
After winning at Martinsville on Sunday, Tony Stewart served notice to Carl Edwards that he was ready to battle Edwards for the title.
On Friday, Edwards said that while Stewart may be his closest pursuer ? eight points back ? he also needed to worry about Kevin Harvick and Brad Keselowski.
"[Stewart and I] get along real well and, for me, this week I've thought a little bit about who my real competition is and, no offense to Tony or anything, but I think the guys that are behind him are truly the guys who have the biggest chance of doing well over the next three weeks," Edwards said.� "They've shown they can run up front in the points all year and although Tony could go on a roll, what I've been sticking to this week is that it would be foolish of me to just focus on him and not pay attention to these other guys who have been very, very fast."
While that may be true of Harvick, who trails Edwards by 21 points, Keselowski, who is 27 back, didn't catch fire until winning at Kansas in June. Though, to be fair, it's not like Keselowski snuck in. From June until the beginning of the Chase, Keselowski has been one of the hottest drivers on the Cup circuit.
Stewart's hot streak didn't start until just before the Chase, where he finished third and seventh before winning the Chase's first two races. At one point in August, Stewart claimed that his team didn't deserve a spot in the Chase. That's certainly not the case now.
Now, with three races to go, Edwards leads the points, despite, well, as Jay Busbee said so eloquently, just keepin' on.
"I've never been in this good of a position as a driver in this sport and I feel that we're in a really good spot,"�Edwards explained. "But what I was talking about as far as looking back is Tony won the race and made his statements, but what I was trying to describe there is I don't think Tony is the only guy that can be a threat to us. I think those other guys are gonna be just as tough, so what I was trying to describe was not focusing in on one guy, but looking at the big picture and with three races left, there are a lot of guys you have to worry about."
On Friday, Edwards said that while Stewart may be his closest pursuer ? eight points back ? he also needed to worry about Kevin Harvick and Brad Keselowski.
"[Stewart and I] get along real well and, for me, this week I've thought a little bit about who my real competition is and, no offense to Tony or anything, but I think the guys that are behind him are truly the guys who have the biggest chance of doing well over the next three weeks," Edwards said.� "They've shown they can run up front in the points all year and although Tony could go on a roll, what I've been sticking to this week is that it would be foolish of me to just focus on him and not pay attention to these other guys who have been very, very fast."
While that may be true of Harvick, who trails Edwards by 21 points, Keselowski, who is 27 back, didn't catch fire until winning at Kansas in June. Though, to be fair, it's not like Keselowski snuck in. From June until the beginning of the Chase, Keselowski has been one of the hottest drivers on the Cup circuit.
Stewart's hot streak didn't start until just before the Chase, where he finished third and seventh before winning the Chase's first two races. At one point in August, Stewart claimed that his team didn't deserve a spot in the Chase. That's certainly not the case now.
Now, with three races to go, Edwards leads the points, despite, well, as Jay Busbee said so eloquently, just keepin' on.
"I've never been in this good of a position as a driver in this sport and I feel that we're in a really good spot,"�Edwards explained. "But what I was talking about as far as looking back is Tony won the race and made his statements, but what I was trying to describe there is I don't think Tony is the only guy that can be a threat to us. I think those other guys are gonna be just as tough, so what I was trying to describe was not focusing in on one guy, but looking at the big picture and with three races left, there are a lot of guys you have to worry about."
Stewart-Haas Racing adds Outback
Stewart-Haas Racing is adding yet another sponsor to its lineup on the No. 39 team driven by Ryan Newman, The Observer and ThatsRacin.com have learned.Outback Steakhouse, a restaurant chain based in Tampa, Fla., will serve as primary sponsor on the No. 39 in at least two Sprint Cup Series races in 2012, multiple sources said.A formal announcement of the sponsorship addition is expected Friday at Phoenix International Raceway.The organization recently announced the addition of sponsor Quicken Loans for nine races on the No. 39 next season.
Austin Dillon?s truck championship a celebration of family
MIAMI BEACH, Fla. ? Austin Dillon?s racing story often starts with his grandfather, team owner Richard Childress. Then it goes to his father, former racer and current Richard Childress Racing executive Mike Dillon. And then it goes to Austin and younger brother Ty. That family tree was on display Monday night at the Loews Miami Beach for the 2011 NASCAR Nationwide Series and Camping World Truck Series Awards Banquet.
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 [...]
Thursday, November 24, 2011
Join us for the latest Yahoo! NASCAR live chat, Wed. at 1pm ET
Time again for another Yahoo! NASCAR live chat! This is the last of the regular season, but NOT the last of the year. No, friends, we'll do this every single week through the offseason, even if there's nothing to talk about. Never stopped us before, has it? So come enjoy the final in-season chat to get ready for Homestead! Festivities begin at 1 p.m. Eastern on Wednesday. See you here!
Where?s the line? Brian Vickers takes out Matt Kenseth
The last few races of the season are a championship battle, yes, but for drivers out of the hunt for the Sprint Cup, they're the equivalent of your final few days of school: you've got scores to settle before the big break. And Brian Vickers, who's become something of a NASCAR whipping boy after his wreck-happy day at Martinsville and the punishment Matt Kenseth delivered there, looked for all the world like he decided to keep the party going on Sunday at Phoenix.
Late in the race, with Kenseth neither a Cup contender nor a factor in the race, Vickers plowed straight into Kenseth's rear bumper, sending him straight to pit road for lengthy repairs. Perhaps this was Kenseth's fault for slowing up, but at Martinsville, Vickers used up every bit of sympathy he might have gotten from impartial observers.
Vickers apparently claimed over the radio that Kenseth had slowed up on the straightaway, and Kenseth's own comments backed that up: "I was out of brakes, and I was up on everybody," he said. "I saw [Vickers] coming and I lifted [off the throttle] at least 10 car lengths before where I would normally lift. And he drove in there at 165 miles per hour and cleaned us out."
Vickers did not make himself available for comment after the race, which is probably not the best thing to do if you're trying to maintain any semblance of innocence.
Naturally, in the wake of this kind of apparently (because there's at least the possibility that this was an accident) premeditated retaliation, thoughts turned instantly to Kyle Busch and the penalty levied on him for deliberately slamming into Ron Hornaday at Texas.
"If NASCAR is going to start parking people for being mad 25 seconds after you wreck and wrecking somebody then you would park somebody for [what Vickers did]," Kenseth said. "You have someone that has been telling everybody for four or five weeks that as soon as he got a chance at a fast race track, he was going to make it hurt and wipe us out, and they do nothing about it. It was so premeditated; it just surprises me that they didn't do anything. I am disappointed, but I expected it."
NASCAR competition director John Darby had another take: "Had we felt that it was more than a racing incident, we would have reacted," he said, "racing incident" being code for "not enough evidence one way or the other." Fans and Kenseth are, of course, free to disagree with that interpretation of the event.
Regardless, Kenseth noted that this current incarnation of "boys, have at it" isn't quite working: "We aren't racing street stocks at a quarter-mile track," he said. "They need to figure out how to get the drivers to settle their differences in a different way ... instead of using your car as a battering ram somewhere this fast."
And while Kenseth's fans may have screamed for blood, that wasn't happening. "I don't stoop to that level," he said. "When we had our problem at Martinsville, it was heat of the moment and he hit me eight or nine times and [I hit him] once. Hindsight, I should have let him go and left him alone, because you realize who he is and what he is and all that ... I would never sit down there and wait for somebody and take a cheap shot like that. You can hurt someone like that, and that isn't sportsmanlike and that isn't something I would do."
Of note: Vickers remains unsigned for 2012. Odds are he won't be taking a seat at Roush-Fenway alongside Kenseth anytime soon.
Late in the race, with Kenseth neither a Cup contender nor a factor in the race, Vickers plowed straight into Kenseth's rear bumper, sending him straight to pit road for lengthy repairs. Perhaps this was Kenseth's fault for slowing up, but at Martinsville, Vickers used up every bit of sympathy he might have gotten from impartial observers.
Vickers apparently claimed over the radio that Kenseth had slowed up on the straightaway, and Kenseth's own comments backed that up: "I was out of brakes, and I was up on everybody," he said. "I saw [Vickers] coming and I lifted [off the throttle] at least 10 car lengths before where I would normally lift. And he drove in there at 165 miles per hour and cleaned us out."
Vickers did not make himself available for comment after the race, which is probably not the best thing to do if you're trying to maintain any semblance of innocence.
Naturally, in the wake of this kind of apparently (because there's at least the possibility that this was an accident) premeditated retaliation, thoughts turned instantly to Kyle Busch and the penalty levied on him for deliberately slamming into Ron Hornaday at Texas.
"If NASCAR is going to start parking people for being mad 25 seconds after you wreck and wrecking somebody then you would park somebody for [what Vickers did]," Kenseth said. "You have someone that has been telling everybody for four or five weeks that as soon as he got a chance at a fast race track, he was going to make it hurt and wipe us out, and they do nothing about it. It was so premeditated; it just surprises me that they didn't do anything. I am disappointed, but I expected it."
NASCAR competition director John Darby had another take: "Had we felt that it was more than a racing incident, we would have reacted," he said, "racing incident" being code for "not enough evidence one way or the other." Fans and Kenseth are, of course, free to disagree with that interpretation of the event.
Regardless, Kenseth noted that this current incarnation of "boys, have at it" isn't quite working: "We aren't racing street stocks at a quarter-mile track," he said. "They need to figure out how to get the drivers to settle their differences in a different way ... instead of using your car as a battering ram somewhere this fast."
And while Kenseth's fans may have screamed for blood, that wasn't happening. "I don't stoop to that level," he said. "When we had our problem at Martinsville, it was heat of the moment and he hit me eight or nine times and [I hit him] once. Hindsight, I should have let him go and left him alone, because you realize who he is and what he is and all that ... I would never sit down there and wait for somebody and take a cheap shot like that. You can hurt someone like that, and that isn't sportsmanlike and that isn't something I would do."
Of note: Vickers remains unsigned for 2012. Odds are he won't be taking a seat at Roush-Fenway alongside Kenseth anytime soon.
Kobayashi targets qualifying progress
Kamui Kobayashi says his qualifying form is the main area he needs to improve in for 2012, admitting he has thus far struggled to warm the tyres on his Sauber properly.
Tony Stewart proves he has drive to be the very best
All week leading up to this and then all day Sunday, the cocky bravado belonged to Tony Stewart, a race-car driver who undoubtedly swaggers while taking a nap.
2012 NASCAR Camping World Truck Series schedule
2012 NASCAR CAMPING WORLD TRUCK SERIES SCHEDULE Date Site Network 2/24 Daytona International Speedway SPEED 3/31 Martinsville Speedway SPEED 4/15 Rockingham Speedway SPEED 4/21 Kansas Speedway SPEED 5/18 Charlotte Motor Speedway SPEED 6/1 Dover International Speedway SPEED 6/8 Texas Motor Speedway SPEED 6/28 Kentucky Speedway SPEED 7/14 Iowa Speedway SPEED 7/21 Chicagoland Speedway SPEED 8/4 Pocono Raceway SPEED 8/18 Michigan International Speedway SPEED 8/22 Bristol Motor Speedway SPEED 8/31 Atlanta Motor Speedway SPEED 9/15 Iowa Speedway SPEED 9/21 Kentucky Speedway SPEED 10/6 Talladega Superspeedway SPEED 10/13 Las Vegas Motor Speedway SPEED 10/27 Martinsville Speedway SPEED 11/2 Texas Motor Speedway SPEED 11/9 Phoenix International Raceway SPEED 11/16 Homestead-Miami Speedway SPEED
Jimmie Johnson dealing with reality that his five-year reign as champion is over
HOMESTEAD, Fl. ? It hit Jimmie Johnson Thursday when he saw video highlights of the championship contenders press conference in Miami.
While Carl Edwards and Tony Stewart were discussing their hopes and dreams and strategies for this weekend?s season finale at Homestead-Miami Speedway, Johnson, the five-time defending champion, was shopping in South Beach with his wife.
While Carl Edwards and Tony Stewart were discussing their hopes and dreams and strategies for this weekend?s season finale at Homestead-Miami Speedway, Johnson, the five-time defending champion, was shopping in South Beach with his wife.
Wednesday, November 23, 2011
David Reutimann officially out at Michael Waltrip Racing
Michael Waltrip Racing has officially confirmed that David Reutimann's time with the team is done as of the end of the 2011 season.
"David has been a significant part of Michael Waltrip Racing since the very beginning and will forever be a part of our heritage," Michael Waltrip said in a statement.� "We want to thank David for his contribution to our growth and success over the past five years and wish him well in the future."
This gives fuel to the reports earlier in the week that Mark Martin would be coming on board MWR as a part-time driver, with much of Reutimann's sponsorship money potentially going to Clint Bowyer.
Shortly after the news broke, Waltrip took to Twitter and issued the following tweet:
Either Waltrip is lying through his teeth, or this is a straight business move, which seems far more likely. Reutimann is 41 and has a career record of two wins, 12 top 5s and 25 top 10s in 168 career starts, all for MWR. He's almost certainly reached his ceiling as a driver, but will he get another chance in high-quality Cup ride? Suddenly the unemployment line is making for a decent little Sprint Cup team all by itself.
UPDATE: Mark Martin will drive for Michael Waltrip Racing in 2012 and 2013. Martin's schedule will be for 25 races in each season. He will make his MWR debut in the 2012 Daytona 500.
"David has been a significant part of Michael Waltrip Racing since the very beginning and will forever be a part of our heritage," Michael Waltrip said in a statement.� "We want to thank David for his contribution to our growth and success over the past five years and wish him well in the future."
This gives fuel to the reports earlier in the week that Mark Martin would be coming on board MWR as a part-time driver, with much of Reutimann's sponsorship money potentially going to Clint Bowyer.
Shortly after the news broke, Waltrip took to Twitter and issued the following tweet:
Either Waltrip is lying through his teeth, or this is a straight business move, which seems far more likely. Reutimann is 41 and has a career record of two wins, 12 top 5s and 25 top 10s in 168 career starts, all for MWR. He's almost certainly reached his ceiling as a driver, but will he get another chance in high-quality Cup ride? Suddenly the unemployment line is making for a decent little Sprint Cup team all by itself.
UPDATE: Mark Martin will drive for Michael Waltrip Racing in 2012 and 2013. Martin's schedule will be for 25 races in each season. He will make his MWR debut in the 2012 Daytona 500.
Pocky's Paddock: Crew chief shuffle begins for Sprint Cup teams
Richard Childress was scheduled to meet with his teams Monday morning and hoped to decide on his driver-crew chief pairings for 2012.
It?s likely he will name his crew chiefs later today or this week in what is expected to be part of a major crew chief shakeup in the garage. Although the moves haven?t been confirmed by the teams, sources indicated that several moves are likely to happen.
It?s likely he will name his crew chiefs later today or this week in what is expected to be part of a major crew chief shakeup in the garage. Although the moves haven?t been confirmed by the teams, sources indicated that several moves are likely to happen.
Kubica not committing to 2012 season
Robert Kubica has told his Lotus Renault GP team that he will not be ready to start the 2012 season following his accident at the start of this year.
Kurt Busch didn?t want to give ESPN an interview Sunday
Kurt Busch's public level of frustration after he broke a transmission on Lap 3 of Sunday's Ford 400 might have reached a new high.
And no, we're not kidding.
In a video captured by a fan, Busch can be heard�directing repeated expletives at ESPN pit reporter Dr. Jerry Punch as the two waited to conduct an interview inside the Sprint Cup garage. Standing next to Busch, who'd exited his damaged race car, Punch asks Busch if he thinks debris from his car damaged the grill on Tony Stewart's car. Busch didn't take kindly to the question and let Punch know it. (You can view the uncensored video here. Warning: It does contain explicit language.)
Punch eventually walked away from Busch ? to Busch's pleasure.
Moments earlier as�he pulled his car into the garage, Busch was seen on his in-car camera giving someone a one-finger salute.�
This isn't Busch's first run-in with the media this year. After qualifying for the Chase at Richmond (where he and Jimmie Johnson played bumper cars), Busch was none too happy with the post-race questioning in the press conference, claiming he didn't say something a reporter quoted him as saying. When shown the transcript of his quote, Busch�ripped it in half.
Busch's frustrations haven't been limited to the media, either. Over the course of the season his radio�channel has become a must-listen whenever his car isn't performing well, as there's no telling what he'll say when frustrated. At one point, he compared his car to a monkey and a football ? an analogy that we're still trying to wrap our heads around.
UPDATE: Tuesday afternoon, Penske Racing and Kurt Busch released the following statements:�
"Penske Racing extends its apologies to Dr. Jerry Punch, our media partners and our sponsors and fans for Kurt Busch's inappropriate actions in Homestead on Sunday.� These actions do not represent Penske Racing and are inconsistent with the company's standards for behavior, respect for others and professionalism. This matter is being reviewed internally with no further comment at this time."
Busch:�"Unfortunately, our result in the season-ending race at Homestead on Sunday was not what we had hoped for as a team. In my frustration with the loss of my transmission early in the race, I let my emotions get the better of me.�I regret having done this and apologize to the sponsors of Penske Racing , to NASCAR, its fans, to the media and in particular, Dr. Jerry Punch."
And no, we're not kidding.
In a video captured by a fan, Busch can be heard�directing repeated expletives at ESPN pit reporter Dr. Jerry Punch as the two waited to conduct an interview inside the Sprint Cup garage. Standing next to Busch, who'd exited his damaged race car, Punch asks Busch if he thinks debris from his car damaged the grill on Tony Stewart's car. Busch didn't take kindly to the question and let Punch know it. (You can view the uncensored video here. Warning: It does contain explicit language.)
Punch eventually walked away from Busch ? to Busch's pleasure.
Moments earlier as�he pulled his car into the garage, Busch was seen on his in-car camera giving someone a one-finger salute.�
This isn't Busch's first run-in with the media this year. After qualifying for the Chase at Richmond (where he and Jimmie Johnson played bumper cars), Busch was none too happy with the post-race questioning in the press conference, claiming he didn't say something a reporter quoted him as saying. When shown the transcript of his quote, Busch�ripped it in half.
Busch's frustrations haven't been limited to the media, either. Over the course of the season his radio�channel has become a must-listen whenever his car isn't performing well, as there's no telling what he'll say when frustrated. At one point, he compared his car to a monkey and a football ? an analogy that we're still trying to wrap our heads around.
UPDATE: Tuesday afternoon, Penske Racing and Kurt Busch released the following statements:�
"Penske Racing extends its apologies to Dr. Jerry Punch, our media partners and our sponsors and fans for Kurt Busch's inappropriate actions in Homestead on Sunday.� These actions do not represent Penske Racing and are inconsistent with the company's standards for behavior, respect for others and professionalism. This matter is being reviewed internally with no further comment at this time."
Busch:�"Unfortunately, our result in the season-ending race at Homestead on Sunday was not what we had hoped for as a team. In my frustration with the loss of my transmission early in the race, I let my emotions get the better of me.�I regret having done this and apologize to the sponsors of Penske Racing , to NASCAR, its fans, to the media and in particular, Dr. Jerry Punch."
First Lady Michelle Obama booed as honorary starter for Ford 400
NASCAR fans booed First Lady Michelle Obama and Jill Biden, wife of Vice President Joe Biden, before the start of the Ford 400 at Homestead-Miami Speedway.
Tuesday, November 22, 2011
Mark Martin and Michael Waltrip Racing announce two-year deal
Mark Martin will drive 25 races for Michael Waltrip Racing with sponsorship from Aaron's in each of the next two Sprint Cup Series seasons.
The team announced Friday at Texas Motor Speedway that it would have sponsorship from Aaron's for 30 races over each of the next two seasons with Waltrip driving in the other five. Aaron's also holds an option for 2014.
Martin had been mentioned as a candidate for partial schedules at other teams, including Stewart-Haas Racing with Danica Patrick, but the deal with Waltrip came about three weeks ago.
Martin's No. 5 at Hendrick Motorsports will be driven by Kasey Kahne next year.
"I did have some other options," Martin said. "Most of the options were 'wait and see if it materializes.'
"When we talked at Talladega, there was no clear path but I was starting to see more traction on the Cup side than I had seen in Nationwide or Trucks."
Martin and Waltrip will be replacing David Reutimann, who has driven for Michael Waltrip Racing since the team entered the Cup Series in 2007. In 168 races with MWR, Reutimann had scored wins at Charlotte and Chicagoland. In 2010, Reutimann signed an extension with MWR that reportedly went through the 2012 season.
Both Reutimann and Martin will finish out the final three races of 2011 with their current teams.
The team plans to fill the remaining Cup Series races with an unknown driver and sponsor combination. Martin said that he's not currently looking to add Nationwide and Camping World Truck Series events to his schedule but that he wouldn't count it out either.
The team announced Friday at Texas Motor Speedway that it would have sponsorship from Aaron's for 30 races over each of the next two seasons with Waltrip driving in the other five. Aaron's also holds an option for 2014.
Martin had been mentioned as a candidate for partial schedules at other teams, including Stewart-Haas Racing with Danica Patrick, but the deal with Waltrip came about three weeks ago.
Martin's No. 5 at Hendrick Motorsports will be driven by Kasey Kahne next year.
"I did have some other options," Martin said. "Most of the options were 'wait and see if it materializes.'
"When we talked at Talladega, there was no clear path but I was starting to see more traction on the Cup side than I had seen in Nationwide or Trucks."
Martin and Waltrip will be replacing David Reutimann, who has driven for Michael Waltrip Racing since the team entered the Cup Series in 2007. In 168 races with MWR, Reutimann had scored wins at Charlotte and Chicagoland. In 2010, Reutimann signed an extension with MWR that reportedly went through the 2012 season.
Both Reutimann and Martin will finish out the final three races of 2011 with their current teams.
The team plans to fill the remaining Cup Series races with an unknown driver and sponsor combination. Martin said that he's not currently looking to add Nationwide and Camping World Truck Series events to his schedule but that he wouldn't count it out either.
Reports: Martin in, Reutimann out at Waltrip Racing
Multiple reports surfaced on Tuesday indicating that David Reutimann, driver of the Aaron's 00 Toyota for Michael Waltrip Racing, will be out of a job at the end of the season. Replacing him on a partial schedule will be Mark Martin, who is in the final days of his contract with Hendrick Motorsports.
Waltrip Racing has an announcement scheduled for Friday at Texas at which it is expected to formalize this arrangement. If so, it would represent a significant domino effect across several teams:
First, the extra sponsorship funding gained by not running Martin all 36 races could be used to help fund new MWR driver Clint Bowyer's operations.
Next, with Martin off the table, that opens the door to questions about which driver will run the portion of the schedule that Danica Patrick will not do for Stewart-Haas Racing. While Tony Stewart is expected to announce that schedule in Texas, it's not yet certain how many races would need to be filled.
Third, this adds Reutimann to an already deep pool of drivers without rides for 2012, including David Ragan and Brian Vickers. Will these drivers catch on with another team? Will they be forced to drop down to Nationwide or Trucks series events to stay in the sport?
Fourth, this represents a PR upgrade for MWR, if not necessarily an on-track performance boost. With Martin, Bowyer and Martin Truex Jr., Waltrip now fields a trio as strong as it's ever had. If there was a time for the team to take a big leap forward, that time is now.
Much remains to be detailed and formalized, of course, but if these initial reports prove correct, a once-dull silly season has just livened up.
Waltrip Racing has an announcement scheduled for Friday at Texas at which it is expected to formalize this arrangement. If so, it would represent a significant domino effect across several teams:
First, the extra sponsorship funding gained by not running Martin all 36 races could be used to help fund new MWR driver Clint Bowyer's operations.
Next, with Martin off the table, that opens the door to questions about which driver will run the portion of the schedule that Danica Patrick will not do for Stewart-Haas Racing. While Tony Stewart is expected to announce that schedule in Texas, it's not yet certain how many races would need to be filled.
Third, this adds Reutimann to an already deep pool of drivers without rides for 2012, including David Ragan and Brian Vickers. Will these drivers catch on with another team? Will they be forced to drop down to Nationwide or Trucks series events to stay in the sport?
Fourth, this represents a PR upgrade for MWR, if not necessarily an on-track performance boost. With Martin, Bowyer and Martin Truex Jr., Waltrip now fields a trio as strong as it's ever had. If there was a time for the team to take a big leap forward, that time is now.
Much remains to be detailed and formalized, of course, but if these initial reports prove correct, a once-dull silly season has just livened up.
Genius or insanity: the best Sunday NASCAR ?Yo momma? jokes
Look, let's be honest here: there are long stretches of races where there's not a whole lot going on. During those times, your mind starts to wander. And when we're conducting our live chats, well, the conversation starts to wander. Everything's fair game, from movie quotes to burger reviews to media criticism to, well, "Yo momma" jokes.
I'm not quite sure how it got started, but at one point in the chat, we made the call for NASCAR-themed "Yo momma"s, and oh, did the chatters respond. Here's what you're missing if you're not tuned into us on Sundays ... for better or worse:
Oranje:
"Yo momma so fat she needs both grooves!"
Larceny:
"Yo momma so fat, Kyle Busch couln't put her into the wall!"
Hayden:
"Yo momma's so ugly, Brian Vickers wouldn't hit that!"
Furiousd:
"Yo momma's so slow, Dale Earnhardt Jr. put her two laps down."
Tarpo:
"Yo momma is so round people complain about her being a cookie cutter track. But she's still on the NASCAR schedule twice a season."
Yahoo! Sports NASCAR live chat. Because sometimes, it is just cars going around in a circle.
(Oh, and if you can top those ... go right ahead below.)
I'm not quite sure how it got started, but at one point in the chat, we made the call for NASCAR-themed "Yo momma"s, and oh, did the chatters respond. Here's what you're missing if you're not tuned into us on Sundays ... for better or worse:
Oranje:
"Yo momma so fat she needs both grooves!"
Larceny:
"Yo momma so fat, Kyle Busch couln't put her into the wall!"
Hayden:
"Yo momma's so ugly, Brian Vickers wouldn't hit that!"
Furiousd:
"Yo momma's so slow, Dale Earnhardt Jr. put her two laps down."
Tarpo:
"Yo momma is so round people complain about her being a cookie cutter track. But she's still on the NASCAR schedule twice a season."
Yahoo! Sports NASCAR live chat. Because sometimes, it is just cars going around in a circle.
(Oh, and if you can top those ... go right ahead below.)
Edwards qualifies 1st at Homestead, Stewart 15th
Tony Stewart has run his mouth for almost a month trying to rattle Carl Edwards in the race to NASCAR's championship.
Create-a-caption: ?You think we should tell him the race is over?
Kyle Busch and Denny Hamlin watch as Joey Logano turns laps at Martinsville. Surely you can make with the funny right here, can't you?
After the jump, there's smoke in the air at Talladega.
Yellowhammer:
Jeremy Mayfield's cleverly hidden meth lab suffers a small setback. [Satire! Not to be taken seriously!]
Rick C:
Kevin Harvick fuming about the race.
Andy:
Regan Smith's joke about voting for Obama was not well received by the NASCAR crowd.
After the jump, there's smoke in the air at Talladega.
Yellowhammer:
Jeremy Mayfield's cleverly hidden meth lab suffers a small setback. [Satire! Not to be taken seriously!]
Rick C:
Kevin Harvick fuming about the race.
Andy:
Regan Smith's joke about voting for Obama was not well received by the NASCAR crowd.
Monday, November 21, 2011
Sleepless nights worthwhile as Tony Stewart wins title as an owner
Tony Stewart celebrated his third Sprint Cup title Sunday night at Homestead-Miami Speedway. But this one was quite different from the others.
Stewart won for the first time as a co-owner, the guy who not only steers the car but the entire organization.
Stewart won for the first time as a co-owner, the guy who not only steers the car but the entire organization.
Franchitti?s dominance like Johnson?s NASCAR run ? The Associated Press
Franchitti’s dominance like Johnson’s NASCAR run – The Associated Press
CBC.ca
Franchitti's dominance like Johnson's NASCAR runThe Associated Press(AP) ? Jimmie Johnson has won five consecutive championships, yet doesn't always get the proper recognition ? both in NASCAR and across all professional sports ? for such a remarkable feat. The same could be said about Dario Franchitti. …Ed Carpenter Wins At Kentucky SpeedwayMotor Authority
all 371 news articles »
CBC.ca
Franchitti's dominance like Johnson's NASCAR runThe Associated Press(AP) ? Jimmie Johnson has won five consecutive championships, yet doesn't always get the proper recognition ? both in NASCAR and across all professional sports ? for such a remarkable feat. The same could be said about Dario Franchitti. …Ed Carpenter Wins At Kentucky SpeedwayMotor Authority
all 371 news articles »
IndyCar acknowledges new car struggling in Indy tests
"The focus of concern is with weight distribution," IndyCar's Will Phillips tells SPEED's Robin Miller after initial tests of Dallara DW12
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 [...]
Sunday, November 20, 2011
Phoenix Top Five: Wrapping up the best of the Valley of the Sun
The ongoing heavyweight battle between Carl Edwards and Tony Stewart continued this past weekend in Phoenix, and we also saw the debut of Sam Hornish Jr., NASCAR winner. Impressive all the way around, and a nice opening act for this coming weekend's season finale at Homestead. Finish off Phoenix with this handy video recap, and get ready for South Beach!
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 »
Austin Dillon Earns NASCAR Camping World Truck Series Crown
Although this is Richard Childress' second NASCAR Camping World Truck Series driving championship (Mike Skinner earned the first in 1995), no doubt the accomplishment by grandson Austin Dillon on the Homestead-Miami Speedway 1.5-mile oval makes this title more meaningful for Childress. 21-year-old Dillon needed to finish 16th to secure his...
Kyle Busch crashes Ron Hornaday in Texas truck race
Kyle Busch was parked from Friday night's Winstar World Casino 350 Camping World Truck Series race at Texas Motor Speedway after intentionally crashing Ron Hornaday under caution.
Busch and Hornaday brought out the caution when they made contact while passing the lapped truck of Johnny Chapman, who was on the inside. Hornaday was in the middle and slid up and touched Busch and while the two drivers saved their trucks from spinning, they both brushed the wall.
[Related: Danica Patrick to run 10 Sprint Cup races in 2012]
Hornaday said that he didn't have anywhere to go and Busch knew that the lapped truck was there to their inside.
"This is just stupid. He knew what I was going for, he knew I was there. He had to lift too. If I'd have lifted, I'd probably gotten in the back of the slower car and would have caused a big wreck. He just drove me in the fence," Hornaday said on SPEED after he got out of the infield care center.
Busch had a slightly different view.
"If you consider Ron's in the championship, maybe Ron could have played it a little bit smarter on lap 15," Busch said after the incident. "(I) checked up a little bit and gave him room to everybody around. Obviously when you make it a three wide situation -- I can't go up in the dirt. I'm already on the outside lane. There's not three lanes out here right now."
"If I just lay over and give up everything for Ron Hornaday, that's not Kyle Busch's fashion. I'm out here to win a race just as much as anyone else is, and when he races up on my inside, gets loose and takes me up into the fence, I ended up losing my cool. I've been wrecked four weeks in a row and I finally just had enough of it. I'm sorry it's Ron Hornaday and he's going after a championship but the fact of the matter is its just, you can't place all blame on one person. there's two people that got into it to begin with and there's two people that ended it."
And guess who owns Ron Hornaday's truck? Yep, Kevin Harvick, who Busch had a run-in at Darlington with in May. And at Kansas in June, Busch was on the receiving end of punches thrown by Richard Childress, Harvick's car owner after Busch battled RCR driver Joey Coulter in the final laps of the Truck race there.
Immediately after the incident, there were many cries for a harsh punishment -- and even a suspension for Busch. You've seen the video; how should Busch be penalized?
Other popular stories on Yahoo! Sports:
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Busch and Hornaday brought out the caution when they made contact while passing the lapped truck of Johnny Chapman, who was on the inside. Hornaday was in the middle and slid up and touched Busch and while the two drivers saved their trucks from spinning, they both brushed the wall.
[Related: Danica Patrick to run 10 Sprint Cup races in 2012]
Hornaday said that he didn't have anywhere to go and Busch knew that the lapped truck was there to their inside.
"This is just stupid. He knew what I was going for, he knew I was there. He had to lift too. If I'd have lifted, I'd probably gotten in the back of the slower car and would have caused a big wreck. He just drove me in the fence," Hornaday said on SPEED after he got out of the infield care center.
Busch had a slightly different view.
"If you consider Ron's in the championship, maybe Ron could have played it a little bit smarter on lap 15," Busch said after the incident. "(I) checked up a little bit and gave him room to everybody around. Obviously when you make it a three wide situation -- I can't go up in the dirt. I'm already on the outside lane. There's not three lanes out here right now."
"If I just lay over and give up everything for Ron Hornaday, that's not Kyle Busch's fashion. I'm out here to win a race just as much as anyone else is, and when he races up on my inside, gets loose and takes me up into the fence, I ended up losing my cool. I've been wrecked four weeks in a row and I finally just had enough of it. I'm sorry it's Ron Hornaday and he's going after a championship but the fact of the matter is its just, you can't place all blame on one person. there's two people that got into it to begin with and there's two people that ended it."
And guess who owns Ron Hornaday's truck? Yep, Kevin Harvick, who Busch had a run-in at Darlington with in May. And at Kansas in June, Busch was on the receiving end of punches thrown by Richard Childress, Harvick's car owner after Busch battled RCR driver Joey Coulter in the final laps of the Truck race there.
Immediately after the incident, there were many cries for a harsh punishment -- and even a suspension for Busch. You've seen the video; how should Busch be penalized?
Other popular stories on Yahoo! Sports:
? Tiger Woods' ex-caddie drops racist comment about former boss
? Once a Bills Bust, Maybin Brings 'Mayhem' to Jets
? Cubs offer better managing job than Cardinals, Red Sox
Wreck of the week: Dogleg collision kills Sadler?s title hopes
Most of the focus this past weekend was on the Sprint Cup series, but there was drama aplenty on the Nationwide circuit as well. Elliot Sadler was in position to challenge Ricky Stenhouse Jr. for the championship until this wreck, when Sadler dive-bombed the dogleg (which is a euphemism we really ought to keep around) and then got tapped and turned by Jason Leffler. Sadler now sits 41 points behind Stenhouse, and it'd take a miracle (or a misdirected hauler) for Sadler to win now.
Saturday, November 19, 2011
Cup stars break down championship race, pick their favorites
But NASCAR?s top drivers haven?t been shy this week about breaking down the championship battle and dissecting the strengths and weaknesses of each driver.
And some don?t mind taking sides and picking their favorite.
Here?s a look at how the other Chase drivers break down Sunday?s championship showdown:
And some don?t mind taking sides and picking their favorite.
Here?s a look at how the other Chase drivers break down Sunday?s championship showdown:
Wittmann wins Macau GP qualifying race
Marco Wittmann won the qualification race for the Macau Grand Prix on Saturday with a controlled drive at the head of the field.
What secret does the Homestead race day program foretell?
Hmm. I get the sense that the program of this year's Ford 400 is trying to subtly hint at a winner, but I just can't get at what they're suggesting. Maybe it's one of those old hidden-image jobbies...
Anyway, this year's program is the work of French motorsports artist Erwin Dazelle. You can decide for yourself who those other two competitors might be. Also, it looks like we'll have 2x2 racing at Homestead again. (Noooooo!) Finally, who thought it was a good idea to place the trophies right at the finish line? The cars are going to blow right through them!
If you happen to be at Homestead-Miami Speedway this weekend, you can pick up a copy of the program and meet Dazelle. For more info, check the speedway's website right here.
Anyway, this year's program is the work of French motorsports artist Erwin Dazelle. You can decide for yourself who those other two competitors might be. Also, it looks like we'll have 2x2 racing at Homestead again. (Noooooo!) Finally, who thought it was a good idea to place the trophies right at the finish line? The cars are going to blow right through them!
If you happen to be at Homestead-Miami Speedway this weekend, you can pick up a copy of the program and meet Dazelle. For more info, check the speedway's website right here.
On and off: Is the switch for the Austin F1 race flickering again?
The saga of Formula 1's 2012 visit to the Circuit of the Americas in Austin, Texas has yet another chapter.
Will it be the final one? Possibly. But probably not.
While the series was in Abu Dhabi over the weekend, F1 chief Bernie Ecclestone said that he wouldn't want to put his money down on the race happening next year at Austin.
Strong words. But is it just a power play? Or the real deal?
Tavo Hellmund's promotional company has the rights to the race at Austin. Bobby Epstein is helping fund construction of the track, which is estimated at $300 million. Apparently they're not getting along. And add in the fact that the state of Texas is involved to the tune of a $25 million major events fund, and yeah, this is getting messy.
From Autoweek:
By all accounts the meeting did not go well. Sources in Europe and the United States suggest that Epstein was offered a new contract but he has not signed it, presumably because he doesn't like the terms. Ecclestone hasn't been paid, and the state of Texas hasn't disbursed the $25 million from the trust fund. The rules say it can't until after Nov. 18, less than one year before the scheduled event. Even so, online inquires suggest that all of the applications, paperwork and meetings required to apply for the money have not been completed.
Circuit of the Americas president Steve Sexton downplayed Ecclestone's comments about the race's future in a statement, saying that funding for the race has been secured.
Maybe it's not all conjecture from Ecclestone at this point, especially given the fact that the series doesn't have to have all of its eggs in the Austin basket after the announcement of the race in New Jersey starting in 2013. At this point, it's almost a minor miracle that the race still has a future given all of the hurdles that it's had to clear And that's why it wouldn't be so surprising to see it actually happen.
Or not.
Will it be the final one? Possibly. But probably not.
While the series was in Abu Dhabi over the weekend, F1 chief Bernie Ecclestone said that he wouldn't want to put his money down on the race happening next year at Austin.
Strong words. But is it just a power play? Or the real deal?
Tavo Hellmund's promotional company has the rights to the race at Austin. Bobby Epstein is helping fund construction of the track, which is estimated at $300 million. Apparently they're not getting along. And add in the fact that the state of Texas is involved to the tune of a $25 million major events fund, and yeah, this is getting messy.
From Autoweek:
By all accounts the meeting did not go well. Sources in Europe and the United States suggest that Epstein was offered a new contract but he has not signed it, presumably because he doesn't like the terms. Ecclestone hasn't been paid, and the state of Texas hasn't disbursed the $25 million from the trust fund. The rules say it can't until after Nov. 18, less than one year before the scheduled event. Even so, online inquires suggest that all of the applications, paperwork and meetings required to apply for the money have not been completed.
Circuit of the Americas president Steve Sexton downplayed Ecclestone's comments about the race's future in a statement, saying that funding for the race has been secured.
Maybe it's not all conjecture from Ecclestone at this point, especially given the fact that the series doesn't have to have all of its eggs in the Austin basket after the announcement of the race in New Jersey starting in 2013. At this point, it's almost a minor miracle that the race still has a future given all of the hurdles that it's had to clear And that's why it wouldn't be so surprising to see it actually happen.
Or not.
Friday, November 18, 2011
Feud of the Week: Four-time winner Tony Stewart vs. Mr. Consistency Carl Edwards
Tony Stewart has won four races in the Chase For The Sprint Cup and yet doesn?t lead the points standings heading into the season finale this weekend.
Carl Edwards is on top of the standings despite not having won a race in the Chase and having won just one all season.
What in the name of Brian France is going on?
Carl Edwards is on top of the standings despite not having won a race in the Chase and having won just one all season.
What in the name of Brian France is going on?
Tony Stewart confident, relaxed despite recent struggles at Homestead
MIAMI BEACH, Fla. ? Tony Stewart?s confidence hasn?t wavered this week even though he?s going to a track where he has struggled in recent years.
Stewart trails Carl Edwards by three points going into the season finale at Homestead-Miami Speedway, where Edwards has won two of the last three races while Stewart has an average finish of 16.5 the last six years and 13.0 in the last three since the introduction of the new Cup car.
Stewart trails Carl Edwards by three points going into the season finale at Homestead-Miami Speedway, where Edwards has won two of the last three races while Stewart has an average finish of 16.5 the last six years and 13.0 in the last three since the introduction of the new Cup car.
Drivers still looking for answers after Daytona test
Drivers worked with smaller spoilers and restrictor plates with bigger holes in them during the Daytona test Tuesday but they were still seeking ways to reduce the amount of time they could run in the two-car draft.
Seven drivers worked with a variety of different setups, according to drivers and NASCAR officials.
Seven drivers worked with a variety of different setups, according to drivers and NASCAR officials.
Thursday, November 17, 2011
Homestead Race Preview: One race for all the marbles
After 10 months, 35 races and 18 different winners, it?s down to this: Sunday?s Ford 400 at Homestead-Miami Speedway will close the books on NASCAR?s 2011 Sprint Cup Series season, and for the first time since 2005, someone other than Jimmie Johnson will be crowned champion.
Kahne wins at Phoenix; Edwards, Stewart finish 2nd, 3rd
Former IndyCar champion Sam Hornish Jr. won a NASCAR national touring series race for the first time by prevailing in Saturday's crash-filled Wypall 200 Nationwide Series event at Phoenix International Raceway.
Stewart-Haas Racing adds Outback
Stewart-Haas Racing is adding yet another sponsor to its lineup on the No. 39 team driven by Ryan Newman, The Observer and ThatsRacin.com have learned.Outback Steakhouse, a restaurant chain based in Tampa, Fla., will serve as primary sponsor on the No. 39 in at least two Sprint Cup Series races in 2012, multiple sources said.A formal announcement of the sponsorship addition is expected Friday at Phoenix International Raceway.The organization recently announced the addition of sponsor Quicken Loans for nine races on the No. 39 next season.
Bob Pockrass: Mental toughness will help Carl Edwards win Sprint Cup title
Carl Edwards will win the 2011 Sprint Cup title.
He leads Tony Stewart by three points and will leave Homestead with his first Cup championship and all the glory that it brings.
He leads Tony Stewart by three points and will leave Homestead with his first Cup championship and all the glory that it brings.
Wednesday, November 16, 2011
Clint Bowyer nearly takes out a NASCAR official on pit road
Whenever you're anywhere on a race track, you need to keep your head on a swivel. Nowhere is that more necessary than when you're, you know, RIGHT IN THE MIDDLE OF THE CARS. This particular official thought Clint Bowyer would be taking four tires in his pit stop, giving him enough time to saunter across the front of the car. Bowyer decided to only take two, and wanted to get back on the track NOW.
All was fine, thankfully. But keep those eyes open out there, folks. You never know when a NASCAR car might come out of nowhere.
All was fine, thankfully. But keep those eyes open out there, folks. You never know when a NASCAR car might come out of nowhere.
Hamilton wins Abu Dhabi GP after Vettel retirement
Lewis Hamilton showed signs of his old self as he stormed to victory in the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix on Sunday, after Formula One world champion Sebastian Vettel retired on the first lap.
NASCAR?s Hendrick buys Jon Hall Honda in Daytona Beach ? Daytona Beach News-Journal
NASCAR‘s Hendrick buys Jon Hall Honda in Daytona Beach – Daytona Beach News-Journal
NASCAR's Hendrick buys Jon Hall Honda in Daytona BeachDaytona Beach News-JournalDAYTONA BEACH — Rick Hendrick is already known locally as the owner of NASCAR's Hendrick Motorsports. Now he hopes that name familiarity will help encourage area residents to buy cars from him. His Charlotte, NC-based …Hendick Automotive buys Fla. Honda dealershipBizjournals.com
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NASCAR's Hendrick buys Jon Hall Honda in Daytona BeachDaytona Beach News-JournalDAYTONA BEACH — Rick Hendrick is already known locally as the owner of NASCAR's Hendrick Motorsports. Now he hopes that name familiarity will help encourage area residents to buy cars from him. His Charlotte, NC-based …Hendick Automotive buys Fla. Honda dealershipBizjournals.com
all 4 news articles »
Tuesday, November 15, 2011
Feud of the Week: Four-time winner Tony Stewart vs. Mr. Consistency Carl Edwards
Tony Stewart has won four races in the Chase For The Sprint Cup and yet doesn?t lead the points standings heading into the season finale this weekend.
Carl Edwards is on top of the standings despite not having won a race in the Chase and having won just one all season.
What in the name of Brian France is going on?
Carl Edwards is on top of the standings despite not having won a race in the Chase and having won just one all season.
What in the name of Brian France is going on?
NASCAR goes window shopping
NASCAR on Friday confiscated the front windshields on three Sprint Cup Series teams fielded by Michael Waltrip Racing - the No. 00 driven by David Reutimann, the No. 47 driven by Bobby Labonte and the No. 56 driven by Martin Truex Jr. The windshields were taken for having unapproved modifications and were on display Friday outside the Cup series hauler. NASCAR spokesman Kerry Tharp said additional penalties were expected and will be announced next week.
Like a lost tire, Kyle Busch?s Chase hopes roll away
In one of the strangest races in recent memory, it'd be tough to pick a signature image, but one of the most bizarre had to be the sight of Kyle Busch's tire rolling down the track ... without the rest of the 18 car attached.
A late-race wreck collected both Busch and Matt Kenseth, effectively ending the Chase hopes for both. Somehow in the ensuing pit-road chaos, as Busch's team attempted to get him recovered and back onto the track, someone forgot to tighten a few, or any, lug nuts, and the left front tire spun right off the 18's axle.
And, of course, the humor ensued. The tire stayed on the lead lap, the tire gets bonus points, the tire could finish ahead of Junior, et cetera et cetera. But you can forgive Busch for not laughing, as another season in which he posted the most regular-season wins on the circuit (tied, this time, with Kevin Harvick) came apart in the Chase.
A late-race wreck collected both Busch and Matt Kenseth, effectively ending the Chase hopes for both. Somehow in the ensuing pit-road chaos, as Busch's team attempted to get him recovered and back onto the track, someone forgot to tighten a few, or any, lug nuts, and the left front tire spun right off the 18's axle.
And, of course, the humor ensued. The tire stayed on the lead lap, the tire gets bonus points, the tire could finish ahead of Junior, et cetera et cetera. But you can forgive Busch for not laughing, as another season in which he posted the most regular-season wins on the circuit (tied, this time, with Kevin Harvick) came apart in the Chase.
Monday, November 14, 2011
Create-a-caption: ?You think we should tell him the race is over?
Kyle Busch and Denny Hamlin watch as Joey Logano turns laps at Martinsville. Surely you can make with the funny right here, can't you?
After the jump, there's smoke in the air at Talladega.
Yellowhammer:
Jeremy Mayfield's cleverly hidden meth lab suffers a small setback. [Satire! Not to be taken seriously!]
Rick C:
Kevin Harvick fuming about the race.
Andy:
Regan Smith's joke about voting for Obama was not well received by the NASCAR crowd.
After the jump, there's smoke in the air at Talladega.
Yellowhammer:
Jeremy Mayfield's cleverly hidden meth lab suffers a small setback. [Satire! Not to be taken seriously!]
Rick C:
Kevin Harvick fuming about the race.
Andy:
Regan Smith's joke about voting for Obama was not well received by the NASCAR crowd.
Power Rankings: Hot dogs and dashed hopes
Time for our latest round of Power Rankings. Each week throughout the season, we'll size up who's rising and who's falling, based on current standings, behind-the-scenes changes, expected staying power, recent history and general gut feelings. And after the debacle that was Martinsville, there were only two...
1. Carl Edwards. Consistency or victory? This is the battle we're setting up for, friends. Edwards has run more consistently than anyone else all season, both early in the year and in the Chase. And yet, and yet, and yet ... is one win enough to convince the doubters that he's a legitimate Chase contender? I say yes, your mileage may vary.� Last week's ranking: 1.
2. Tony Stewart. This is the equivalent of a wild-card team fighting all the way through the playoffs against tougher expected opposition to capture a championship. And shoot, that hasn't happened since ... oh ... three days ago in St. Louis. Still, it could work out exactly right for Smoke. Heaven help us all. Last week's ranking: 3.
3. Matt Kenseth. Wow, it was so close for Kenseth. He was not only in position to make a run at the Cup, he was leading the standings during the much-loathed "as-they-run" standings as Martinsville unfolded. And then he ran afoul of Kyle Busch, and that was that. New rivalry! Last week's ranking: 2.
4. Brad Keselowski. This is how close the Chase is, and how precarious it is: Keselowski was within sight of the lead when a late spin dealt a possibly crippling blow to his Chase hopes. Still, even if he doesn't win, or even challenge, he's gone from afterthought to legit Chase expectation, every single year.��Last week's ranking: 4.
5. Kevin Harvick. You've got to love the way that Kevin Harvick has only one setting: bull-in-China-shop. Well, I guess you don't have to love it, particularly if you happen to own the China shop, but it's fun from the outside to see how Harvick absolutely sets up camp in whoever's head he zeroes in on. Greg Biffle, you're in the crosshairs.� Last week's ranking: 5.
6. Jimmie Johnson. Vader's performance Sunday, in which he very nearly won the race, should remind all the Johnson-haters of one thing: just because he isn't winning this year doesn't mean he can't win next year. While a new champion may be a shot in the arm for NASCAR, you can bet that Five-Time won't be going away anytime soon.� Last week's ranking: 7.
7. Jeff Gordon. Somehow Jeff Gordon got left off last week's Power Rankings. I have no idea why. But I'm going to blame Brian Vickers. Seems like the thing to do, and who's going to argue with you? Plus, it's all-purpose. Texas Rangers choked? Vickers' fault. Gridlock in DC? Vickers' fault. Crappy candy on Halloween? Yep, Vickers' fault. I'm using that from here on out.� Last week's ranking: NR.
8. Kyle Busch. Busch-haters are tired of the "new, more mature Kyle" articles that crop up around June of each year. We get that. But surprisingly enough, they have no problem with the "Kyle falls apart every year in the Chase" articles that crop up around September of each year. Funny how that works, huh?� Last week's ranking: 8.
9. Denny Hamlin. Hamlin's worst problem is that he can't get out of his own way. He was griping on the radio about not getting respect from Tony Stewart. Here's the deal, though: the moment you complain about not getting respect, you're no longer worthy of respect. Kind of a toothpaste-out-of-the-tube thing. Funny how that works, huh? � Last week's ranking: 11.
10. Kurt Busch. This was a painful weekend for Kurt, who saw the last flickering hopes of a Cup vanish. But more importantly, this was the weekend for me that Kurt crossed over into "I Don't Even Know Anymore" territory. There appeared to be times when he was complimenting his crew, but it sounded exactly the same as when he was sarcastically thanking them. Probably time for everyone on the 22 team to just go cool off.� Last week's ranking: 10.
11. AJ Allmendinger. You think Dinger will be able to run better next year? 'Cause it seems like he's so very, very close; I think that the new streamlined RPM has helped him tremendously. He's inconsistent as all hell, but when he's on, he's a legit top-10 threat, and he's been on more often than not the last few months.� Last week's ranking: NR.
12. Jeff Burton. Two straight top 10s for The Senator, and you know what? We're putting him on here even though you might be able to make a case for some other drivers. Burton gets the good-guy nod; there's a lesson to be learned here. And that lesson is: media bias! Media bias! (Aw, come on. You're really going to deny Burton this spot after the year he's had? You're soulless.)� Last week's ranking: NR.
Dropping out of the rankings: Clint Bowyer, Kasey Kahne, Dave Blaney.
Lucky Dog: You, if you happened to sit through all that early-race mess on Sunday. The payoff was 40 laps of the best, most edge-of-your-seat racing we've seen in years. We literally� had no idea who was going to win that thing or end up in the wall next. Seriously, you could have told me that J.J. Yeley was going to sneak away with this one and I'd have believed you.
DNF: Jamie McMurray, who got taken out by Vickers and yet couldn't respond effectively ... because his battery was sitting on the track. Yeah, that'll cause problems.
Charging upward: The Junior Brigade. Martin Truex Jr. and Dale Earnhardt Jr. both drove with purpose Sunday, though Earnhardt's purpose appeared to be knocking the hell out of whoever was around him. Whatever, it added to the fun.
Next up: Texas! Get those six-shooters ready and send comments to us via Twitter at @jaybusbee, via email by clicking here, and via Facebook at The Marbles page.
1. Carl Edwards. Consistency or victory? This is the battle we're setting up for, friends. Edwards has run more consistently than anyone else all season, both early in the year and in the Chase. And yet, and yet, and yet ... is one win enough to convince the doubters that he's a legitimate Chase contender? I say yes, your mileage may vary.� Last week's ranking: 1.
2. Tony Stewart. This is the equivalent of a wild-card team fighting all the way through the playoffs against tougher expected opposition to capture a championship. And shoot, that hasn't happened since ... oh ... three days ago in St. Louis. Still, it could work out exactly right for Smoke. Heaven help us all. Last week's ranking: 3.
3. Matt Kenseth. Wow, it was so close for Kenseth. He was not only in position to make a run at the Cup, he was leading the standings during the much-loathed "as-they-run" standings as Martinsville unfolded. And then he ran afoul of Kyle Busch, and that was that. New rivalry! Last week's ranking: 2.
4. Brad Keselowski. This is how close the Chase is, and how precarious it is: Keselowski was within sight of the lead when a late spin dealt a possibly crippling blow to his Chase hopes. Still, even if he doesn't win, or even challenge, he's gone from afterthought to legit Chase expectation, every single year.��Last week's ranking: 4.
5. Kevin Harvick. You've got to love the way that Kevin Harvick has only one setting: bull-in-China-shop. Well, I guess you don't have to love it, particularly if you happen to own the China shop, but it's fun from the outside to see how Harvick absolutely sets up camp in whoever's head he zeroes in on. Greg Biffle, you're in the crosshairs.� Last week's ranking: 5.
6. Jimmie Johnson. Vader's performance Sunday, in which he very nearly won the race, should remind all the Johnson-haters of one thing: just because he isn't winning this year doesn't mean he can't win next year. While a new champion may be a shot in the arm for NASCAR, you can bet that Five-Time won't be going away anytime soon.� Last week's ranking: 7.
7. Jeff Gordon. Somehow Jeff Gordon got left off last week's Power Rankings. I have no idea why. But I'm going to blame Brian Vickers. Seems like the thing to do, and who's going to argue with you? Plus, it's all-purpose. Texas Rangers choked? Vickers' fault. Gridlock in DC? Vickers' fault. Crappy candy on Halloween? Yep, Vickers' fault. I'm using that from here on out.� Last week's ranking: NR.
8. Kyle Busch. Busch-haters are tired of the "new, more mature Kyle" articles that crop up around June of each year. We get that. But surprisingly enough, they have no problem with the "Kyle falls apart every year in the Chase" articles that crop up around September of each year. Funny how that works, huh?� Last week's ranking: 8.
9. Denny Hamlin. Hamlin's worst problem is that he can't get out of his own way. He was griping on the radio about not getting respect from Tony Stewart. Here's the deal, though: the moment you complain about not getting respect, you're no longer worthy of respect. Kind of a toothpaste-out-of-the-tube thing. Funny how that works, huh? � Last week's ranking: 11.
10. Kurt Busch. This was a painful weekend for Kurt, who saw the last flickering hopes of a Cup vanish. But more importantly, this was the weekend for me that Kurt crossed over into "I Don't Even Know Anymore" territory. There appeared to be times when he was complimenting his crew, but it sounded exactly the same as when he was sarcastically thanking them. Probably time for everyone on the 22 team to just go cool off.� Last week's ranking: 10.
11. AJ Allmendinger. You think Dinger will be able to run better next year? 'Cause it seems like he's so very, very close; I think that the new streamlined RPM has helped him tremendously. He's inconsistent as all hell, but when he's on, he's a legit top-10 threat, and he's been on more often than not the last few months.� Last week's ranking: NR.
12. Jeff Burton. Two straight top 10s for The Senator, and you know what? We're putting him on here even though you might be able to make a case for some other drivers. Burton gets the good-guy nod; there's a lesson to be learned here. And that lesson is: media bias! Media bias! (Aw, come on. You're really going to deny Burton this spot after the year he's had? You're soulless.)� Last week's ranking: NR.
Dropping out of the rankings: Clint Bowyer, Kasey Kahne, Dave Blaney.
Lucky Dog: You, if you happened to sit through all that early-race mess on Sunday. The payoff was 40 laps of the best, most edge-of-your-seat racing we've seen in years. We literally� had no idea who was going to win that thing or end up in the wall next. Seriously, you could have told me that J.J. Yeley was going to sneak away with this one and I'd have believed you.
DNF: Jamie McMurray, who got taken out by Vickers and yet couldn't respond effectively ... because his battery was sitting on the track. Yeah, that'll cause problems.
Charging upward: The Junior Brigade. Martin Truex Jr. and Dale Earnhardt Jr. both drove with purpose Sunday, though Earnhardt's purpose appeared to be knocking the hell out of whoever was around him. Whatever, it added to the fun.
Next up: Texas! Get those six-shooters ready and send comments to us via Twitter at @jaybusbee, via email by clicking here, and via Facebook at The Marbles page.
Does Tony Stewart have the upper hand against Carl Edwards?
Perhaps, like the Texas Motor Speedway promotional posters suggest, it is a boxing fight. After all, that's sort of how Tony Stewart sees his battle with Carl Edward for the Sprint Cup Series Championship. Just read some of his comments from Friday: "I feel like I got him back in the corners.? You do? "Yeah, I do. Like I said these are three tracks that I like. I feel like we run really well here, Texas is one I really look forward to coming back to. Phoenix we were really good at the test and Homestead is a track that I like. We haven?t won there since they redid it but I like the style that we have to race there and I like where we have to run on the race track. So its three tracks that I like and I feel like we can control our destiny," Stewart said. "If we were more points out and we couldn?t gain them by winning the race and him running second then I would feel like it?s his to lose but we can still go up there and take it from him. We don?t have to worry about what he does all we have to do is control our destiny and we can still win this thing.? Asked if he could win the final three races, Stewart said: "I didn?t think I could win three of them in the Chase let alone the rest of them. I would love to be able to say yeah, I can win all three of them but there?s no give me?s in this deal and there?s no guarantees and there?s a lot of variables that are out of our control but we?re going to control the ones that we have control of and let the rest of it fall in place.? Finally, Stewart was asked if he thought he had gotten in Edwards' head this past week. His response? "I don?t know," he said. "He?s growing facial hair we?ve never seen him have and he?s saying stuff I?ve never heard him say so I don?t know what?s going on with him this week." Get all that?
Sunday, November 13, 2011
Kahne wins at Phoenix; Edwards, Stewart finish 2nd, 3rd
Former IndyCar champion Sam Hornish Jr. won a NASCAR national touring series race for the first time by prevailing in Saturday's crash-filled Wypall 200 Nationwide Series event at Phoenix International Raceway.
Brad Keselowski calls move to fuel injection ?a disaster?
CHARLOTTE ? Don?t include Brad Keselowski among the fans of the new fuel injection systems that NASCAR Sprint Cup Series cars will employ beginning with the 2012 Daytona 500. ?I think it?s a disaster,? Keselowski said after a fan appearance at the NASCAR Hall of Fame. ?It?s got less throttle response. It?s harder to get to start. It takes a computer to start the damn thing."
2012 World Endurance Championship calendar announced
No Petit Le Mans, eight rounds featured in 2012 FIA-sanctioned World Endurance Championship after Zhuhai unveiling.
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 [...]
Dodge Awards New Challenger to NASCAR?s Brad Keselowski.
Being a race car driver definitely comes with some stellar perks. For one, it’s a dream job as you make your living ripping around the best race tracks in the country. Then there’s the fame, the money and the girls, which also help lend to the jobs appeal. It’s a pretty good gig if you [...]
Saturday, November 12, 2011
Your NASCAR heroes were as dorky as you were in high school
Oh, this is just awesome. The fine folks at Snakkle have just posted an entire gallery of NASCAR drivers as they appeared in their high school yearbooks. Yep, they looked every bit as dorky as you did, with regrettable hairstyles, ill-fitting suits and wacky backdrops.
Those three gentlemen up there? Let's see if you can figure them out. Here's a big hint: They share the numbers 1, 4 and 8 between them. More on them in a bit.
In the meantime, it doesn't stop with these three. Want to see [name redacted]'s bad bleach-blond job, [name redacted]'s unfortunate puffy shirt, and [name redacted]'s poodle hair? Yep, those photos exist, too.
Now, back to the three�guys photographed above. Take a look at the photo below to see what they look like now.
That first guy there is two-time Cup champion Tony Stewart. Seriously, that's what Smoke looked like in high school. Next to him, none other than Dale Earnhardt Jr. And finally we have five-time defending champion Jimmie Johnson, who's gone from totally geek to like totally chic.
For the entire gallery, go to Snakkle.
(High school photos credits: Seth Poppel / Yearbook Library.)
-For more motorsports news, follow Yahoo! Sports' From The Marbles on Facebook, on Twitter at @jaybusbee, and now on Google+.-
Other popular stories on Yahoo! Sports:
? World Series heroes who left their teams after winning it all
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? See Patrick Kane's no-look, spin-o-rama assist for Blackhawks
Those three gentlemen up there? Let's see if you can figure them out. Here's a big hint: They share the numbers 1, 4 and 8 between them. More on them in a bit.
In the meantime, it doesn't stop with these three. Want to see [name redacted]'s bad bleach-blond job, [name redacted]'s unfortunate puffy shirt, and [name redacted]'s poodle hair? Yep, those photos exist, too.
Now, back to the three�guys photographed above. Take a look at the photo below to see what they look like now.
That first guy there is two-time Cup champion Tony Stewart. Seriously, that's what Smoke looked like in high school. Next to him, none other than Dale Earnhardt Jr. And finally we have five-time defending champion Jimmie Johnson, who's gone from totally geek to like totally chic.
For the entire gallery, go to Snakkle.
(High school photos credits: Seth Poppel / Yearbook Library.)
-For more motorsports news, follow Yahoo! Sports' From The Marbles on Facebook, on Twitter at @jaybusbee, and now on Google+.-
Other popular stories on Yahoo! Sports:
? World Series heroes who left their teams after winning it all
? Miami football coach causes craze with game-day fashion
? See Patrick Kane's no-look, spin-o-rama assist for Blackhawks
NASCAR Race Review: Kroger 200
Welcome NASCAR race fans to my NASCAR blog. Saturday afternoon, the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series raced the Kroger 200 at Martinsville Speedway after qualifying on Saturday morning. 88 Matt Crafton sits on the pole with a speed of 96.352 mph and 19.653 seconds around this .526 mile tiny paper clip flat track. Martinsville Speedway [...]
NASCAR Sprint Cup Series: AAA 400 at Dover ? Race Line-Up ? Auto Racing Daily
NASCAR Sprint Cup Series: AAA 400 at Dover – Race Line-Up – Auto Racing Daily
Auto Racing Daily
NASCAR Sprint Cup Series: AAA 400 at Dover – Race Line-UpAuto Racing DailyTruex, a non-Chase driver, became the 17th different pole winner in NASCAR's premier series this season. His first and only Sprint Cup race win so far came in June 2007 at Dover. MiamiHerald.com Chase drivers will make up four of the five spots behind …NASCAR: Dover a vital stopThe Virginian-Pilot
Truex crashes NASCAR Chase party by taking pole at DoverKansas City StarStewart digs hole in Dover qualifyingAtlanta Journal ConstitutionUSA Today -New York Times -AutoWeekall 360 news articles »
Auto Racing Daily
NASCAR Sprint Cup Series: AAA 400 at Dover – Race Line-UpAuto Racing DailyTruex, a non-Chase driver, became the 17th different pole winner in NASCAR's premier series this season. His first and only Sprint Cup race win so far came in June 2007 at Dover. MiamiHerald.com Chase drivers will make up four of the five spots behind …NASCAR: Dover a vital stopThe Virginian-Pilot
Truex crashes NASCAR Chase party by taking pole at DoverKansas City StarStewart digs hole in Dover qualifyingAtlanta Journal ConstitutionUSA Today -New York Times -AutoWeekall 360 news articles »
Friday, November 11, 2011
Kyle Busch suspended for Cup race for actions in Truck race
Kyle Busch has been parked�for Sunday's Sprint Cup Series race and Saturday's Nationwide Series race at Texas Motor Speedway after intentionally crashing Ron Hornaday in Friday night's Camping World Truck Series race.
"[Busch being parked for Friday night's race is] done under section 9.12 of the rulebook, that gives NASCAR the authority to react during a race weekend. And following the event and after a good deal of conversation and discussion, NASCAR has decided to maintain that parked position on the driver of the 18 truck for the balance of the weekend," NASCAR president Mike Helton said Saturday morning.
"So basically what that means is that Kyle Busch will not be participating today or tomorrow in the NASCAR event here in Texas."
Joe Gibbs,�Busch's team owner in the�Cup and Nationwide Series,�was at home in North Carolina and not at the track Friday night.�He flew to Texas Saturday morning and met with NASCAR officials and Busch. Gibbs said he�"trusts" NASCAR's decision. He would�not divulge what he told Busch in their 1-on-1�meeting, but did say they "needed to get out here and meet with everybody we needed to meet with." In other words, Busch, who was not kicked out of the track, needs to make the rounds to apologize.
Busch's suspension is the first for a driver after the "Boys have at it" declaration from NASCAR�? a statement that's been pointed to numerous times over the past two years when it comes to driver discipline.
"The responsibility that over the past two or three seasons we've given back to the drivers came, I think, with a very clear understanding that there could be a line that got crossed," Helton said. "And as annoying as the comments that I've made personally in the past of 'we'll know it when we see it' might have been, we saw it last night."
Michael McDowell will drive Busch's No. 18 car on Sunday.
Busch is currently in seventh place in the Chase for the Sprint Cup standings, 57 points behind points leader Carl Edwards with three races to go. Busch met with series officials before the start of Saturday morning's first practice session at Texas Motor Speedway.
The actions NASCAR took Saturday are not unprecedented. Both Kevin Harvick and Robby Gordon have been suspended for Cup races for actions on the track in other series. Perhaps somewhat ironically, Harvick's suspension came in 2002 after crashing Coy Gibbs ? son of Joe Gibbs, Busch's Sprint Cup Series owner�? in a Truck race at Martinsville. Harvick owns Hornaday's truck. Earlier this season, Harvick and Busch had a meeting on pit road after the Sprint Cup race in Darlington in May. Busch was also in a confrontation with Richard Childress, Harvick's owner in the Sprint Cup Series, after Busch raced RCR driver Joey Coulter hard for position in the Truck race at Kansas in June.
Got all that?
Gordon was suspended for the cartoonish finish to the Montreal Nationwide race in 2007 and disobeying NASCAR orders to serve a penalty. That was the last time NASCAR�parked a driver for a Cup race.
Other popular stories on Yahoo! Sports:
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"[Busch being parked for Friday night's race is] done under section 9.12 of the rulebook, that gives NASCAR the authority to react during a race weekend. And following the event and after a good deal of conversation and discussion, NASCAR has decided to maintain that parked position on the driver of the 18 truck for the balance of the weekend," NASCAR president Mike Helton said Saturday morning.
"So basically what that means is that Kyle Busch will not be participating today or tomorrow in the NASCAR event here in Texas."
Joe Gibbs,�Busch's team owner in the�Cup and Nationwide Series,�was at home in North Carolina and not at the track Friday night.�He flew to Texas Saturday morning and met with NASCAR officials and Busch. Gibbs said he�"trusts" NASCAR's decision. He would�not divulge what he told Busch in their 1-on-1�meeting, but did say they "needed to get out here and meet with everybody we needed to meet with." In other words, Busch, who was not kicked out of the track, needs to make the rounds to apologize.
Busch's suspension is the first for a driver after the "Boys have at it" declaration from NASCAR�? a statement that's been pointed to numerous times over the past two years when it comes to driver discipline.
"The responsibility that over the past two or three seasons we've given back to the drivers came, I think, with a very clear understanding that there could be a line that got crossed," Helton said. "And as annoying as the comments that I've made personally in the past of 'we'll know it when we see it' might have been, we saw it last night."
Michael McDowell will drive Busch's No. 18 car on Sunday.
Busch is currently in seventh place in the Chase for the Sprint Cup standings, 57 points behind points leader Carl Edwards with three races to go. Busch met with series officials before the start of Saturday morning's first practice session at Texas Motor Speedway.
The actions NASCAR took Saturday are not unprecedented. Both Kevin Harvick and Robby Gordon have been suspended for Cup races for actions on the track in other series. Perhaps somewhat ironically, Harvick's suspension came in 2002 after crashing Coy Gibbs ? son of Joe Gibbs, Busch's Sprint Cup Series owner�? in a Truck race at Martinsville. Harvick owns Hornaday's truck. Earlier this season, Harvick and Busch had a meeting on pit road after the Sprint Cup race in Darlington in May. Busch was also in a confrontation with Richard Childress, Harvick's owner in the Sprint Cup Series, after Busch raced RCR driver Joey Coulter hard for position in the Truck race at Kansas in June.
Got all that?
Gordon was suspended for the cartoonish finish to the Montreal Nationwide race in 2007 and disobeying NASCAR orders to serve a penalty. That was the last time NASCAR�parked a driver for a Cup race.
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Alex Zanardi wins Handcycle Division at NYC Marathon
Alex Zanardi is an inspiration.
The former open-wheel driver, who lost his legs in a vicious crash in 2001, won the handcycle division at the New York City Marathon on Sunday with a time of 1:13.58.
From Yahoo! Eurosport:
Since retiring from international racing at the end of 2009, Zanardi has worked hard on hand cycling - and has competed in many international events as well as setting his sights on representing Italy in the 2012 Paralympics.
As well as his victory in New York, he has previously won the Venice Marathon in 2009 and the Rome City Marathon last year.
Zanardi won two CART open-wheel championships while driving for Chip Ganassi and while driving in the American Memorial CART race at EuroSpeedway Lausitz in Germany. Exiting the pits, Zanardi was hit by Alex Tagliani and the front nose of his car was ripped off.
The always positive Zanardi wanted to continue his racing career, so he got custom prosthetics and drove touring and sports cars until he retired. After retiring from driving, he continued his competitive racing career in handcycling, a sport where riders pedal bikes with their arms.
The former open-wheel driver, who lost his legs in a vicious crash in 2001, won the handcycle division at the New York City Marathon on Sunday with a time of 1:13.58.
From Yahoo! Eurosport:
Since retiring from international racing at the end of 2009, Zanardi has worked hard on hand cycling - and has competed in many international events as well as setting his sights on representing Italy in the 2012 Paralympics.
As well as his victory in New York, he has previously won the Venice Marathon in 2009 and the Rome City Marathon last year.
Zanardi won two CART open-wheel championships while driving for Chip Ganassi and while driving in the American Memorial CART race at EuroSpeedway Lausitz in Germany. Exiting the pits, Zanardi was hit by Alex Tagliani and the front nose of his car was ripped off.
The always positive Zanardi wanted to continue his racing career, so he got custom prosthetics and drove touring and sports cars until he retired. After retiring from driving, he continued his competitive racing career in handcycling, a sport where riders pedal bikes with their arms.
Button leads competition for 2nd behind Vettel
With Sebastian Vettel already crowned Formula One world champion, Jenson Button leads a group of four drivers fighting for second place with two races remaining.
Thursday, November 10, 2011
Late spin means lost points for Brad Keselowski
Heading into the last restart of the day at Martinsville, Brad Keselowski was sitting in sixth place. Simple maintenance of the position meant a probable four point gain on points leader Carl Edwards and a minimal deficit entering the final three races of the season.
Instead, Keselowski saw his race fortunes sour in turn one after he spun around after being hit by Denny Hamlin after Hamlin got hit by Dale Earnhardt Jr. as the two went for the same real-estate into the turn.
As Keselowski went spinning, NASCAR didn't throw a caution after throwing 18 throughout the previous 497 laps. That meant that he finished 17th, eight positions behind Edwards.
The decision to not throw a caution was one that a dejected Keselowski agreed with after the race on Twitter. He didn't hit the wall and was out of the racing groove as the field drove by. However, the proverbial damage had already been done thanks to the loss of positions.
Now, Keselowski is 27 points behind Edwards in fourth, the same position he was in before Martinsville. But at this point, the points may mean more than the drivers in between he and Edwards.
The clock certainly hasn't run out for Keselowski -- 27 points is just nine points a race -- but Sunday's late spin was a potential 15 point swing. Those may prove pivotal.
Instead, Keselowski saw his race fortunes sour in turn one after he spun around after being hit by Denny Hamlin after Hamlin got hit by Dale Earnhardt Jr. as the two went for the same real-estate into the turn.
As Keselowski went spinning, NASCAR didn't throw a caution after throwing 18 throughout the previous 497 laps. That meant that he finished 17th, eight positions behind Edwards.
The decision to not throw a caution was one that a dejected Keselowski agreed with after the race on Twitter. He didn't hit the wall and was out of the racing groove as the field drove by. However, the proverbial damage had already been done thanks to the loss of positions.
Now, Keselowski is 27 points behind Edwards in fourth, the same position he was in before Martinsville. But at this point, the points may mean more than the drivers in between he and Edwards.
The clock certainly hasn't run out for Keselowski -- 27 points is just nine points a race -- but Sunday's late spin was a potential 15 point swing. Those may prove pivotal.
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 [...]
Kenny Bruce: Cross the line, if you can find it, and suffer the NASCAR consequences
FORT WORTH, Texas ? NASCAR?s rule book is filled with technical information regarding competition, but the rule book on driver etiquette is a little less defined. OK, it?s a whole lot less defined.
Financial issues for Baltimore GP?
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Wednesday, November 9, 2011
Bautista confirmed at Gresini for 2012
Alvaro Bautista will ride for Gresini Honda in testing at Valencia, having been confirmed as the team's rider for 2012.
A 'learning' year for Trevor Bayne in 2011
Trevor Bayne is fired up for the last five races of his NASCAR season — while getting some plans in the works for 2012.
Hot/Not: Race hard or race safe? Neither worked consistently at Talladega
Two-car drafts were the name of the game again for NASCAR's restrictor plate racing, but this time they had real Chase implications. How did the Chasers play it, and how well did it work? Jump in to find out:
NEUTRAL: A fundamental key of NASCAR restrictor plate racing since the device's introduction more than two decades ago has been survival. The reduced horsepower within the engine has produced racing in which drivers rarely earn separation thanks to the draft.
As a result, tactics unbecoming of true racing have become commonplace at NASCAR's two restricted tracks ? Daytona and Talladega. Drivers would often opt to settle in at the back of the pack and away from the potential calamity of The Big One, or the large crash that so often defined the pack racing.
The tactic has worked, too. Several drivers have secured wins or high finishes thanks to working the back of the room for much of the race before surging to the front as the checkered flag was in sight. Jeff Gordon's 2007 Talladega win in the Chase proved it the most, after Gordon led only the final lap after spending just 23 percent of the race in the top 15. His average running position that day? A paltry 28th.
But NASCAR's plate racing has substantially changed this season, with pack racing evolving to two-car tandem racing. The speed is in the push, and the push isn't just a bump draft here and there. It's about keeping the nose of one car squarely planted against the rear of another.
Despite the change in the style of racing ? one that carries more risk of error thanks to the consistent touching ? teams haven't completely changed their strategy. Some still like to hang around in the back and hope to miss potential carnage, while others choose to pace the field hoping the largest incidents happen behind them.
Decisions like that by a race team are often made on a gut feeling. They've seen contenders get wiped out long before the checkers are flying, while those who played caboose have snuck through to a decent finish ? or in Gordon's case, a win. After all, it's much easier to remember the violence and implication of a crash than to remember the ho-hum drive of someone coming from the back.
Using NASCAR's loop data, I decided to take a look at how those decisions played out in Sunday's pivotal race for the NASCAR Chase for the Sprint Cup. After Talladega, we're down to a likely four-car fight to the finish in Homestead. The decisions made at Talladega had a lot to do with it.
Matt Kenseth spent the most amount of time in the top 15 of any Chase racer, logging 148 of the 188 laps. After getting shuffled during the final restart, Kenseth wound up 18th. Tony Stewart was in the top 15 for 72.3 percent of the race (2nd most) and picked up an seventh-place finish.
The next four Chase drivers spending the most amount of time in the top 15 (Kurt Busch, Kevin Harvick, Ryan Newman and Kyle Busch) all failed to finish on the lead lap despite racing 34-50 percent of their respective races in the top-15.
Brad Keselowski played the wait-and-see game the best, spending 26 percent of his race in the top 15 but ending up with a fourth-place run.
Meanwhile, Hendrick Motorsports made a concerted effort of staying at the back. Their three Chase drivers of Dale Earnhardt Jr., Jimmie Johnson and Jeff Gordon spent between 13 and 20 percent of their Talladega Sunday in the top 15. The method ultimately bit them at the end when Gordon lost his tandem partner in Mark Martin and the Earnhardt/Johnson combination never pushed to the front.
Finally, Carl Edwards, who emerged from Talladega with a healthy 14-point lead thanks to an 11th-place finish played the backmarker card the best. Edwards spent just nine laps in the top 15, but rallied to an 11th-place finish.
The results from Talladega seem to tell one thing: nowhere on track is actually a safe play to secure a good finish. Of the six Chase drivers who spent the most time in the top 15, just two finished on the lead lap. The guy who came out with the best chance for the championship raced in the back ? further back statistically, even, than the three drivers ahead of him who took much worse finishes.
Racing at Talladega has long been the luck of the draw, and teams that feel like they can control the beast are nothing new. Sunday's race, however, proved just how wrong they were in thinking they could stack the deck in their favor.
HOT: Let's give a call to the lack of team orders in the Richard Childress Racing camp at Talladega. Clint Bowyer's move exiting Turn�4 on the final lap was a bit a surprise in the tandem drafting world we live in. The contact between him and teammate Jeff Burton in the tri-oval was risky. Still, the two veterans made it work ? and made the finish a memorable one.
NEUTRAL: The novelty of this two-car stuff has worn thin on me. What was once an interesting game of cat and mouse has seemingly faded. NASCAR seems closer to making non-contact drafting just as fast as the current form. Here's to hoping they continue that pursuit.
NOT: Jack Roush's edict that his Ford teams were not to�help non-Ford Chase teams during Sunday's race wasn't necessarily a problem. (Roush has since�denied any such orders existed, however, we'll�stick with what Jeff Gordon and Trevor Bayne told Yahoo! Sports Jay Busbee immediately after the race.) However, it opens the door for future problems involving team orders. Let's hope we don't get there.
HOT: Give Trevor Bayne a hand for being outspoken about not getting to make a driver decision on who he works with. If anything, he should be the most perturbed that not getting the opportunity to work with Gordon on the final restart likely cost him a top-10 finish.
NOT: Dale Earnhardt Jr. and Jimmie Johnson ? should they be tandem partners again�in 2012, should race up front all day. Talladega marks two straight races where the backmarker method failed them.
HOT: The next time someone says NASCAR is too safe, please show them the video of Regan Smith's crash. People don't come to watch Smith get hurt. Those people ? the ones who like to see carnage ? want to see Smith get out of that car, no matter what you think of those who like crashes.
I held my breath when he hit that wall. I was relieved when all of the safety devices worked. That's the way racing should be.
HOT: Dave Blaney finished third. Read that again. It made me smile.
NOT: Kyle Busch's paranoia meter got a little high Sunday, didn't it? Did he really believe Juan Pablo Montoya hit him on purpose during the large frontstretch crash? You know, the one where Montoya was sliding sideways with the brakes locked?
Odd.
NEUTRAL: All signs point to Jimmie Johnson's title hopes being done. I can't bring my head around that point quite yet.
NOT: Why, again, is Red Bull Racing closing their doors at the end of 2011? The fifth for Brian Vickers and sixth for Kasey Kahne at Talladega mean that the team has had at least one top-10 car in the last five races.
FINAL: It seems like ages since NASCAR has been in Martinsville. The track is one of Carl Edwards' worst by average finish, and Matt Kenseth isn't much better. Expect the title fight to tighten up one more time.
NEUTRAL: A fundamental key of NASCAR restrictor plate racing since the device's introduction more than two decades ago has been survival. The reduced horsepower within the engine has produced racing in which drivers rarely earn separation thanks to the draft.
As a result, tactics unbecoming of true racing have become commonplace at NASCAR's two restricted tracks ? Daytona and Talladega. Drivers would often opt to settle in at the back of the pack and away from the potential calamity of The Big One, or the large crash that so often defined the pack racing.
The tactic has worked, too. Several drivers have secured wins or high finishes thanks to working the back of the room for much of the race before surging to the front as the checkered flag was in sight. Jeff Gordon's 2007 Talladega win in the Chase proved it the most, after Gordon led only the final lap after spending just 23 percent of the race in the top 15. His average running position that day? A paltry 28th.
But NASCAR's plate racing has substantially changed this season, with pack racing evolving to two-car tandem racing. The speed is in the push, and the push isn't just a bump draft here and there. It's about keeping the nose of one car squarely planted against the rear of another.
Despite the change in the style of racing ? one that carries more risk of error thanks to the consistent touching ? teams haven't completely changed their strategy. Some still like to hang around in the back and hope to miss potential carnage, while others choose to pace the field hoping the largest incidents happen behind them.
Decisions like that by a race team are often made on a gut feeling. They've seen contenders get wiped out long before the checkers are flying, while those who played caboose have snuck through to a decent finish ? or in Gordon's case, a win. After all, it's much easier to remember the violence and implication of a crash than to remember the ho-hum drive of someone coming from the back.
Using NASCAR's loop data, I decided to take a look at how those decisions played out in Sunday's pivotal race for the NASCAR Chase for the Sprint Cup. After Talladega, we're down to a likely four-car fight to the finish in Homestead. The decisions made at Talladega had a lot to do with it.
Matt Kenseth spent the most amount of time in the top 15 of any Chase racer, logging 148 of the 188 laps. After getting shuffled during the final restart, Kenseth wound up 18th. Tony Stewart was in the top 15 for 72.3 percent of the race (2nd most) and picked up an seventh-place finish.
The next four Chase drivers spending the most amount of time in the top 15 (Kurt Busch, Kevin Harvick, Ryan Newman and Kyle Busch) all failed to finish on the lead lap despite racing 34-50 percent of their respective races in the top-15.
Brad Keselowski played the wait-and-see game the best, spending 26 percent of his race in the top 15 but ending up with a fourth-place run.
Meanwhile, Hendrick Motorsports made a concerted effort of staying at the back. Their three Chase drivers of Dale Earnhardt Jr., Jimmie Johnson and Jeff Gordon spent between 13 and 20 percent of their Talladega Sunday in the top 15. The method ultimately bit them at the end when Gordon lost his tandem partner in Mark Martin and the Earnhardt/Johnson combination never pushed to the front.
Finally, Carl Edwards, who emerged from Talladega with a healthy 14-point lead thanks to an 11th-place finish played the backmarker card the best. Edwards spent just nine laps in the top 15, but rallied to an 11th-place finish.
The results from Talladega seem to tell one thing: nowhere on track is actually a safe play to secure a good finish. Of the six Chase drivers who spent the most time in the top 15, just two finished on the lead lap. The guy who came out with the best chance for the championship raced in the back ? further back statistically, even, than the three drivers ahead of him who took much worse finishes.
Racing at Talladega has long been the luck of the draw, and teams that feel like they can control the beast are nothing new. Sunday's race, however, proved just how wrong they were in thinking they could stack the deck in their favor.
HOT: Let's give a call to the lack of team orders in the Richard Childress Racing camp at Talladega. Clint Bowyer's move exiting Turn�4 on the final lap was a bit a surprise in the tandem drafting world we live in. The contact between him and teammate Jeff Burton in the tri-oval was risky. Still, the two veterans made it work ? and made the finish a memorable one.
NEUTRAL: The novelty of this two-car stuff has worn thin on me. What was once an interesting game of cat and mouse has seemingly faded. NASCAR seems closer to making non-contact drafting just as fast as the current form. Here's to hoping they continue that pursuit.
NOT: Jack Roush's edict that his Ford teams were not to�help non-Ford Chase teams during Sunday's race wasn't necessarily a problem. (Roush has since�denied any such orders existed, however, we'll�stick with what Jeff Gordon and Trevor Bayne told Yahoo! Sports Jay Busbee immediately after the race.) However, it opens the door for future problems involving team orders. Let's hope we don't get there.
HOT: Give Trevor Bayne a hand for being outspoken about not getting to make a driver decision on who he works with. If anything, he should be the most perturbed that not getting the opportunity to work with Gordon on the final restart likely cost him a top-10 finish.
NOT: Dale Earnhardt Jr. and Jimmie Johnson ? should they be tandem partners again�in 2012, should race up front all day. Talladega marks two straight races where the backmarker method failed them.
HOT: The next time someone says NASCAR is too safe, please show them the video of Regan Smith's crash. People don't come to watch Smith get hurt. Those people ? the ones who like to see carnage ? want to see Smith get out of that car, no matter what you think of those who like crashes.
I held my breath when he hit that wall. I was relieved when all of the safety devices worked. That's the way racing should be.
HOT: Dave Blaney finished third. Read that again. It made me smile.
NOT: Kyle Busch's paranoia meter got a little high Sunday, didn't it? Did he really believe Juan Pablo Montoya hit him on purpose during the large frontstretch crash? You know, the one where Montoya was sliding sideways with the brakes locked?
Odd.
NEUTRAL: All signs point to Jimmie Johnson's title hopes being done. I can't bring my head around that point quite yet.
NOT: Why, again, is Red Bull Racing closing their doors at the end of 2011? The fifth for Brian Vickers and sixth for Kasey Kahne at Talladega mean that the team has had at least one top-10 car in the last five races.
FINAL: It seems like ages since NASCAR has been in Martinsville. The track is one of Carl Edwards' worst by average finish, and Matt Kenseth isn't much better. Expect the title fight to tighten up one more time.
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