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Stock car racing news is really heating up as we draw closer to this weekend, when the Bud Shootout starts off the 2008 season.

For now, for all your NASCAR Sprint Cup, NASCAR Nationwide Series, NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series, ARCA RE/MAX, and USAR Hooter’s Pro Cup racing news, right here is the place to be…

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T H E * S T O C K * C A R * G A Z E T T E
by MotorSportsNews.Net

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The Stock Car Gazette is sponsored by:

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E d i t o r ‘ s * N o t e s
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We had some pretty severe storms roll through Kentucky last night, and other areas, too. Hopefully you’re fine. I know of some fatalities in Tennessee, and our prayers are with those families.

Here’s the latest stock car racing news.
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Stock Car Gazette Columnists Speak Out!
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LOOKING FOR WRITERS!!!!! Contact mike@motorsportsnews.net.
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MotorSportsNews.Net(work) web site features
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New Book: The Physics of NASCAR How to Make Steel + Gas + Rubber = Speed

Every NASCAR fan – at one time or another – asks the same question: Why isn’t my favorite driver winning?

This is your chance to discover how much more there is to NASCAR than “Go fast, turn left and don’t crash.” If you’ve ever wondered why racecars don’t have mufflers, how “bump drafting” works, or what in the world “Let’s go up a pound on the right rear and add half a round of wedge” means, The Physics of NASCAR is for you.

(CLICK HERE to read more …)
motorsportsnews.net/archives/1057

Stock Car Gazette for Tuesday, February 5, 2008
motorsportsnews.net/archives/1056

So, Who’s Going To Win The 50th Daytona 500?
motorsportsnews.net/archives/1055

Stock Car Gazette for Monday, February 4, 2008
motorsportsnews.net/archives/1054
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N A S C A R * N E X T E L * C U P * S E R I E S
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RCR wants AT&T to stay in NASCAR beyond ‘08, NASCAR doesn’t
Hold the phone. AT&T has not given up on NASCAR, despite its agreement to exit the Sprint Cup Series at the end of the 2008 season, sources told SportsBusiness Journal. The telecommunications turf war that raged throughout much of 2007 between AT&T and series sponsor Sprint supposedly was settled last September with an agreement — mediated [...]
feeds.feedburner.com/~r/autoracingsport/~3/229165113/

Fanview lawsuit settled
A federal lawsuit involving NASCAR and the technology used for the Fanview device has been settled, according to a statement by the companies involved. Immersion Entertainment had sued Kangaroo Media, NASCAR and Sprint Nextel in U.S. District Court in Texas last year alleging patent infringement. Immersion alleged that Fanview, developed by Kangaroo Media, used devices or [...]
feeds.feedburner.com/~r/autoracingsport/~3/229442072/

Darlington installs Safer Barrier
The infamous wall that has dashed so many Darlington dreams and caused countless “Darlington Stripes” began to take shape on Monday as crews re-assembled the outer SAFER barrier wall at Darlington Raceway. Paving began at the track “Too Tough to Tame” in the mid January and with the outer groove of the track complete, construction crews [...]
feeds.feedburner.com/~r/autoracingsport/~3/229702342/
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Courtesy of www.Catchfence.com

NASCAR Fans to Help “Humpy” Wheeler Install the First New Frontstretch Seat: On Thursday, Feb. 7 @ 10:30 a.m., the initial phase of Lowe’s Motor Speedway’s $200 million renovation project will mark a key milestone Thursday when Coca-Cola 600 ticketholders help H.A. “Humpy” Wheeler install the first of 22,850 new seats along the frontstretch of the legendary 1.5-mile superspeedway. A new steel-and-aluminum structure is being built over the lower concrete bleacher sections of the Chrysler, Ford and General Motors grandstands. The massive structure will feature 20-inch wide stadium-style seats with backs and arms, and the width of each row has been increased to give fans additional leg room. The unique green color of the seat uprights will be very familiar to area media members as they have been recycled from the Charlotte Coliseum. - Lowe’s Motor Speedway, Press Relesse
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Courtesy of Google Alerts

Shootout Showdown: Budweiser Shootout At Daytona
Backstretch Motorsports - Greensboro,NC,USA
4, 2008) – NASCAR Sprint Cup Series racing returns to the track this weekend as the series officially kicks off the 2008 season with the Budweiser Shootout …
www.backstretchmotorsports.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=2804&Itemid=2

AT&T hopeful of continuing NASCAR presence after ‘08
Hold the phone. AT&T has not given up on NASCAR, despite its agreement to exit the Sprint Cup Series at the end of the 2008 season, sources told SportsBusiness Journal.
www.nascar.com/2008/news/headlines/cup/02/04/jburton.rchildress.att.nascar/
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Courtesy of Insider Racing News
www.insiderracingnews.com

BAM Secures Sponsor For Shootout
BAM Racing team owner Beth Ann Morgenthau announced a new marketing partnership with Qtrax.com, an internet site that is poised to have over 25 million songs which anyone can download freely and legally. In development for over four years, Qtrax.com provides a safe alternative to internet music piracy. Qtrax.com will be the primary sponsor for BAM Racing’s No. 49 Dodge in the Budweiser Shootout on February 9th.

Bud Shootout This Saturday
The Daytona 500, celebrating its 50th running next Sunday, Feb. 17, isn’t the only race commemorating a milestone during DIRECTV Speedweeks 2008 at Daytona International Speedway. The Budweiser Shootout, a non-points All-Star race featuring the previous season’s pole winners and past Budweiser Shootout champions, will kick off the 2008 NASCAR season on Saturday night, Feb. 9 at 8:30 p.m. with a 70-lap dash for cash. A record field of 23 drivers, including 2007 Budweiser Shootout champion Tony Stewart and new Hendrick Motorsports driver Dale Earnhardt Jr., will do battle for a winner’s check that’s worth more than $200,000. Not only will the Shootout bring an exciting day of racing to avid race fans, several other activities and events are planned for Saturday as well

2008 Budweiser Shootout Statistics
insiderracingnews.com/PR/2008/020508.html
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Courtesy of Jayski
www.jayski.com

LVMS - Dale Jr announcement: On Thursday, February 7th, Las Vegas Motor Speedway will announce one of the most unique promotions in motorsports history. The announcement will involve Dale Earnhardt Jr. They are began a two-day countdown to the announcement today [Tuesday, Feb 5th]. Race fans also are being sent flyers and emails to count down to this announcement. Dale Jr. will be available to comment on this announcement during Media Day at Daytona on Thursday.

Diffferent scheme, car chief for Blaney: #22 Dave Blaney will start the year with a new paint scheme for the Budweiser Shootout at Daytona International Speedway. The Caterpillar Dealers logo will adorn the #22 Bill Davis Racing Toyota Camry. The “Cat Dealers” car for the Budweiser Shootout salutes the U.S. and Canadian dealers and their longtime support of the Cat Racing program. The names of all U.S. and Canadian Cat dealers will adorn the trunk lid of the #22 Toyota for the special event. Phil Moran has stepped into the position of car chief for the #22 Caterpillar Racing team. Moran, a native of Colchester, Conn., was previously the Cup shop foreman at BDR. Jeremy Milless has also joined the team and will serve in the engineer position. Milless comes to BDR from the open wheel ranks. The remainder of the team remains the same as last year [for those see my Pit Crew chart].(BDR PR), have not seen any images of the scheme…yet.(2-6-2008)

Live Coverage of NASCAR Media Day Thursday on ESPNEWS: ESPNEWS will surround NASCAR Media Day at Daytona International Speedway with a special three-hour live program featuring exclusive interviews with some of NASCAR�s top drivers as well as analysis. The program airs Thursday, Feb. 7, at 12:00noon/et. #48-Jimmie Johnson and #99-Carl Edwards are among the drivers scheduled to be interviewed from Daytona on the program, along with others such as #24-Jeff Gordon, #88-Dale Earnhardt Jr., #20-Tony Stewart, #31-Jeff Burton, #42-Juan Pablo Montoya, #40-Dario Franchitti and more. NASCAR on ESPN pit reporter Mike Massaro and NASCAR Now host Ryan Burr will anchor the program from ESPN�s studios, while 1989 NASCAR Cup champion and ESPN analyst Rusty Wallace and NASCAR Now host Nicole Manske will be in Daytona.(ESPN PR)(2-6-2008)

Hamilton Jr. buys in to Sadler Racing: Earl Sadler gave Bobby Hamilton Jr. his first opportunity to drive a Nationwide car in 1998. Ten years later Hamilton has joined Sadler�s racing team again � as a co-owner. Hamilton said he has purchased 50% of the team, which will now be Sadler Hamilton Racing. The team plans on running a limited schedule of Nationwide, ARCA and Camping World races. Hamilton became part owner on Jan. 7, 2008 � the one-year anniversary of his father Bobby Hamilton�s death. Earl Sadler is celebrating his 25th year of having a race team this season. In recent years, the team has been a hobby for him, running a partial schedule of races. Hamilton said he hopes to help build the team into a full-fledged program by next year � either in ARCA, Nationwide or Craftsman Truck. Willie Allen has been signed for the Feb. 16 Camping World 300 � the Nationwide Series season opener at Daytona. Allen also will compete in the Camping World 150 race at the Music City Motorplex on July 19 for Sadler Hamilton Racing. Allen will team up with crew chief Danny Gill at Daytona. Gill was a crew chief for two races with Allen last year at Thorsport Racing in the Craftsman Truck Series. He also was the team�s competition director. Allen won the series� rookie of the year in 2007. Hamilton said he plans to run in a limited number of ARCA and Camping World races this season. He also drives fulltime for Team Rensi Motorsports in the Nationwide Series.(Tennessean), Sadler Racing has run in 57 Cup races, the last in 1998.(2-6-2008)

Qtrax.com to sponsor the #49 for the Bud Shootout: BAM Racing team owner Beth Ann Morgenthau announced a new marketing partnership with Qtrax.com, an internet site that is poised to have over 25 million songs which anyone can download freely and legally. In development for over four years, Qtrax.com provides a safe alternative to internet music piracy. Qtrax.com will be the primary sponsor for BAM Racing’s #49 Dodge in the Budweiser Shootout. NASCAR veteran driver Ken Schrader will be behind the wheel of the BAM Racing Dodges starting at Daytona. The team intends to compete with the veteran Schrader for the entire 2008 season.(BAM Racing PR)(2-6-2008)

Daytona 500..does testing matter? in January 2007, 64 drivers tested at Daytona International Speedway
(www.jayski.com/stats/testing/testing2007daytona2.htm#cumm)
the top five finishers in the 2007 Daytona 500:
#15-Menard finished
#5-Busch 24th
#66-Green 36th
#8-Earnhardt Jr. 32nd
#6-Ragan 5th, 5th
The top five finish at the 2007 Daytona 500:
#29-Harvick was 41st fastest in testing
#01-Martin was 40th
#31-Burton was 62nd
#09-MWallace was 30th
#6-Ragan was 5th
The top five in testing for the 2008 Daytona 500(non drafting speeds):
www.jayski.com/stats/testing/testing2008daytona-best.htm
#88-Earnhardt Jr.
#22-Blaney
#55-Waltrip
#83-Vickers
#44-Jarrett
The top five in testing for the 2008 Daytona 500(drafting speeds):
www.jayski.com/stats/testing/testing2008daytona-best.htm
#9-Kahne
#18-Busch
#11-Hamlin
#40-Franchitti
#01-Smith
(2-6-2008)

Ward has no ride in the works: in a Daytona 500 past champion chat, Ward Burton was asked if would run any races this season, he said “I don’t have any plans to at this moment but I don’t know what could happen - it really doesn’t look like any opportunity will happen now.”(Wardburton.com)(2-6-2008)

Congrats: to #18 JGR tire carrier Kenny Barber and wife Tara Barber welcomed son James Reese, who was born on Tuesday, Feb 5th at 8:19am/et, 7 pounds 6 oz and 19 inches long at Lake Norman Regional Hospital in Mooresville, NC.(2-6-2008)

TSN to show all Cup races in 2008: TSN [Canada] announced its 2008 auto racing broadcast schedule - the network’s largest ever with a total of 121 races (up from 105 races in 2007) from five different series. TSN’s comprehensive schedule features full-season coverage of the Sprint Cup Series, the Nationwide Series, the Canadian Tire Series, Formula One and Indy Racing League (IRL). TSN’s broadcast schedule features all 39 Sprint Cup races, all 35 Nationwide Series races and the entire 13-race NASCAR Canadian Tire Series. TSN will also have complete coverage of all 18 Formula One races and all 16 IRL races. TSN’s live coverage of the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series gets underway on February 9 with the first race of the season - the Budweiser Shootout. See complete broadcast schedule at TSN.ca.(2-6-2008)

Dale Jr and adidas Unveil Three Stripe Race Suit at Daytona: #88-Dale Earnhardt Jr. will debut his new three stripes on February 17 at Daytona 500. Working closely with the adidas Innovation Team, they have created a race suit featuring advanced ClimaCool technology. With extreme temperatures in the car, ClimaCool will lower Dale Jr.’s body temperature and combat fatigue, allowing him to be more alert and responsive in those final laps. Two days prior to the debut of the three stripes on the track, Dale Jr.’s exclusive adidas fan gear will go on sale at The Sports Authority available first in Daytona. Dale Jr.’s official adidas fan apparel line, which includes a variety of men and women’s clothing such as t-shirts, jackets, hats and jerseys, will be available at The Sports Authority in Daytona on February 15 in conjunction with Speed Week. The fan collection features the same adidas ClimaCool technology that allows Dale Jr. to stay cool on the track.(adidas / Hill & Knowlton PR)(2-6-2008)

Johnson visits Washington DC UPDATE: Reigning Sprint Cup Series champion #48-Jimmie Johnson will make a return visit Tuesday to Washington D.C., for a trip highlighted by a White House meeting with President George W. Bush. Johnson will join the President in the Oval Office for a meeting and photo, a yearly tradition for whoever wins the Sprint Cup Series championship. �As an American, it’s certainly an honor to visit the White House,� Johnson said. �I have been fortunate over the past few years to have met with President Bush and been a guest in the Oval Office � which was amazing considering the history that took place in that room. I know tomorrow’s visit will be another great experience.� After meeting with the President, Johnson will make a stop on Capitol Hill to meet with both the Senate and House side of the Capitol. First, Johnson will meet with Sen. Jon Kyl (R-Arizona) and other Senate leadership, followed by a visit to the House. The day-long excursion ends with a visit with Speaker Nancy Pelosi. The trip to our nation�s capitol has become a regular activity for Johnson, who last season became the first driver to win consecutive championships since 1998. This will be Johnson�s third visit to the White House. He previously went as part of the top 10 in 2003 and again in 2007 as a first-time champion.(NASCAR PR)(2-4-2008)
Statement: President George W. Bush Talks About Meeting With Jimmie Johnson: “You know, one of the things I love about NASCAR is not only are these great athletes, but they’re socially minded folks. Chandra [Johnson] and Jimmie [Johnson] and I met several times — one time at a place where the folks of NASCAR are putting something back into the community to help the less fortunate. In this case it happened to be in a place called Victory Junction, in North Carolina, and it was a fabulous experience. And I want to thank you all very much for taking your fame and lending it to help somebody in need. It’s really what makes America a great place. You’re leaders on the track and leaders off the track.” — President George W. Bush.(NASCAR)(2-6-2008)
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Courtesy of Scene Daily
www.scenedaily.com

Jarrett ready for one final Shootout at Daytona
Dale Jarrett, a three-time winner of the Budweiser Shootout, is preparing to head to Daytona International Speedway for the final time as a full-time driver
www.scenedaily.com/ct/c/23291644

2008 season kicks off Saturday with Budweiser Shootout
Of the 23 competitors in Saturday’s Budweiser Shootout at Daytona International Speedway, 18 made the field by virtue of winning a pole in 2007
www.scenedaily.com/ct/c/23291645

McClure honoring sister’s friend with decal
Eric McClure will honor the late friend of his sister, Emily, with a decal on his Front Row Motorsports Sprint Cup and Nationwide series cars during Speedweeks at Daytona International Speedway.
www.scenedaily.com/ct/c/23291662

Goodyear launches diversity program
Goodyear officials Tuesday unveiled the Goodyear Racing and Diversity Program, an initiative to provide high school students an opportunity to experience many of the career paths in NASCAR.
www.scenedaily.com/ct/c/23291659
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Courtesy of That’s Racin’
www.thatsracin.com

Earnhardt Jr.’s move to Hendrick hitting high gear
Driver readies for debut with new team at Daytona
The crowd in front of Dale Earnhardt Jr. stretched five deep, everyone straining to hear the season goals of NASCAR’s most popular driver.
www.thatsracin.com/242/story/10356.html

Robby Gordon makes the leap, lands in the Gillett-Dodge camp
www.thatsracin.com/242/story/10350.html
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P R E S S * R E L E A S E S
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Budweiser Shootout, ARCA 200 Kick Off 2008 Stock Car Racing Season
Budweiser Shootout Lineup To Be Determined At Thursday Draw Party
DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. – The Daytona 500, celebrating its 50th running next Sunday, Feb. 17, isn’t the only race commemorating a milestone during DIRECTV Speedweeks 2008 at Daytona International Speedway.

The Budweiser Shootout, a non-points All-Star race featuring the previous season’s pole winners and past Budweiser Shootout champions, will kick off the 2008 NASCAR season on Saturday night, Feb. 9 at 8:30 p.m. with a 70-lap dash for cash.

A record field of 23 drivers, including 2007 Budweiser Shootout champion Tony Stewart and new Hendrick Motorsports driver Dale Earnhardt Jr., will do battle for a winner’s check that’s worth more than $200,000.

Not only will the Shootout bring an exciting day of racing to avid race fans, several other activities and events are planned for Saturday as well.

American rock band Sister Hazel will perform three pre-race songs, the National Anthem as well as a 60-minute post-race concert from the Entertainment Stage next to the Budweiser Bistro in the Sprint FANZONE.

Sprint FANZONE and hospitality passes will permit fans to view the pre-race concert from the tri-oval area along pit road and all Budweiser Shootout ticket holders will be able to attend Sister Hazel’s post-race concert.

The 45th annual ARCA 200 ARCA RE/MAX Series at Daytona will kick off the day of racing at 4:15 p.m. The 2007 ARCA 200 winner Bobby Gerhart will be gunning for his record fifth win against a stout field that includes 2007 Indy 500 winner Dario Franchitti and former Formula One driver Scott Speed.

Race fans with Sprint FANZONE passes and a race ticket will also have access to the ARCA RE/MAX Series garage between noon and 2 p.m. and ARCA drivers will be available to sign autographs from 12:30-1:30 p.m.

The starting lineup for the Budweiser Shootout will be determined at a draw party scheduled for Thursday, Feb. 7 at 7 p.m. on the SPEED stage located outside the Turn 4 tunnel. Race fans are welcomed to attend this free event.

Tickets to the 45th annual ARCA 200 and the 30th annual Budweiser Shootout on Saturday, Feb. 9 as well as other DIRECTV Speedweeks events are available online at www.racetickets.com or by calling 1-800-PITSHOP.

Children 12 and under with a paid adult are admitted free to the infield (not including the Sprint FANZONE) and the unreserved grandstands for the Budweiser Shootout and ARCA 200.
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N A S C A R * N A T I O N W I D E * S E R I E S
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Courtesy of Jayski
www.jayski.com

Bobby Hamilton, Jr. buys into Sadler Racing: Earl Sadler gave Bobby Hamilton Jr. his first opportunity to drive a Nationwide car in 1998. Ten years later Hamilton has joined Sadler’s racing team again — as a co-owner. Hamilton said he has purchased 50 percent of the team, which will now be Sadler Hamilton Racing. The team plans on running a limited schedule of Nationwide, ARCA and Camping World races. Willie Allen has been signed for the Feb. 16 Camping World 300 — the Nationwide Series season opener at Daytona. Hamilton said he hopes to help build the team into a full-fledged program by next year — either in ARCA, Nationwide or Craftsman Truck.(Tennessean.com)(2-5-2008)

Brad Baker Driving #37 at Daytona: Brad Baker acknowledges this will be his best shot for helping his career as a race driver. Baker, the son of Baker Curb Racing majority owner Gary Baker, will have double duty at Daytona. He will compete in Saturday’s ARCA 200 as well as the Feb. 16 Nationwide Series’ Camping World 300.(Tennessean)(2-5-2008)

Old Spice Sponsoring Stewart in 7 Races: Old Spice will give Tony Stewart seven chances to visit victory lane in the NASCAR Nationwide Series, as the iconic red and white colors of Old Spice will adorn Stewart’s signature #20 Joe Gibbs Racing machine. The #20 Old Spice Toyota will debut March 1 at Las Vegas Motor Speedway, and compete again April 5 at Texas, April 26 at Talladega, May 9 at Darlington, June 28 at New Hampshire, July 11 at Chicagoland, and Aug. 16 at Michigan.(Joe Gibbs Racing PR)(2-5-2008)

Fernandez to Drive #5 at Mexico City: Lowe’s and Hendrick Motorsports announced that Adrian Fernandez will drive the #5 Lowe’s car in the April 20 Nationwide Series race in Mexico City. Fernandez will practice in the #5 car on Friday in Mexico City then turn driving duties over to David Green who will qualify the car on Saturday. Fernandez will miss Saturday’s events in Mexico while he is in Long Beach for the American Le Mans Series race that afternoon. Fernandez will return to Mexico City on Sunday for the Nationwide race.(Fernandez/Hendrick PR)(2-5-2008)

Mike Harmon Plans Full Nationwide Effort: Mike Harmon Racing has partnered with Elite 2 Sports and Entertainment to form Elite 2 Racing and plans to run the entire 2008 Nationwide Series schedule. Elite 2 Sports and Entertainment is a Florida-based company with clients in both the sports and entertainment industry. Harmon will be driving the #84 D.A.B. Constructors, Inc. Chevy in the Camping World 300. Elite 2 Racing will also partner with Mike Bartlett of Mooresville, North Carolina for the 2008 season-opening event.(Harmon/Elite 2 PR)(2-5-2008)

McClure to Honor Laura Chichester at Daytona: Eric McClure will run a special decal on the C-post of his #24 Hefty® brand Chevy during Speedweeks at Daytona honoring Laura Chichester of Cornelius, North Carolina. Chichester, who has been part of the NASCAR family since graduating from the University of South Carolina in 2001 with a degree in Sport and Entertainment Management, passed away on December 20, 2007 at the age of 28. Chichester, an account executive at GMR Marketing in Charlotte, North Carolina for Alltel Racing, was close friends with Eric’s sister, Emily McClure, who coordinated the tribute with Front Row Motorsports and Chichester’s family.(McClure PR)(2-5-2007)
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C R A F T S M A N * T R U C K * S E R I E S
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Courtesy of Jayski
www.jayski.com

Allen signed for Nationwide season opener with new Sadler Hamilton Racing: Earl Sadler gave Bobby Hamilton Jr. his first opportunity to drive a Nationwide car in 1998. Ten years later Hamilton has joined Sadler’s racing team again - as a co-owner. Hamilton said he has purchased 50 percent of the team, which will now be Sadler Hamilton Racing. The team plans on running a limited schedule of Nationwide, ARCA and Camping World races. Willie Allen has been signed for the Feb. 16 Camping World 300 - the Nationwide Series season opener at Daytona. Hamilton said he hopes to help build the team into a full-fledged program by next year - either in ARCA, Nationwide or Craftsman Truck.(Tennessean.com)(2-6-2008)

Marks running Daytona ARCA event: UPDATE: Sponsors announced: Justin Marks, running the full Craftsman Truck Series schedule in 2008 [#9 Germain Racing Toyota], has filed an entry for the ARCA 200 at Daytona Int’l Speedway on Saturday, February 9 at 4:00pm. Marks will again carry the #65 at Daytona, but it will be in a Germain Motor Company-sponsored Toyota.(ARCARacing.com)(2-5-2008)
UPDATE: Germain Racing, 2006 NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series Champions, will enter the ranks of the ARCA RE/MAX Series this weekend when they field the number 65 Toyota Camry in the season opener at Daytona. Justin Marks, who finished 5th in ARCA RE/MAX Series points in 2007, will be behind the wheel of the #65 Camry carrying the bold logo of Voodoo Ride, a new automotive lifestyle and appearance products company co-founded by NASCAR driver Dale Earnhardt, Jr. Mike Abner will serve as crew chief after a successful run in 2007 which saw him orchestrate an impressive victory for Ted Musgrave in the NCTS race at Texas Motor Speedway. Associate sponsorship on the number 65 Camry will come from Real Deal Merchandise, Kartel Motorsports, Germain Motor Company, Construct Corps and Crocs.(Germain Racing PR)(2-6-2008)

ARCA season opener kicks of busy schedule for Scott: Speedweeks 2008 will begin a week earlier than anticipated for NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series rookie Brian Scott as the Boise, Idaho native has been tapped to drive the #75 Bob Schacht Motorsports Chevy for the ARCA RE/MAX Series season opener at Daytona Int’l Speedway in Saturday’s ARCA 200 at Daytona. Scott isn’t a complete stranger to restrictor plate racing as the former USAR Hooter’s Pro Cup star made his Talladega Superspeedway debut in the ARCA RE/MAX 250 last October.(Brian Scott PR)(2-5-2008)
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A R C A (Automobile Racing Club of America)
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Courtesy of ARCA
www.arcaracing.com

Teams Rolling into Daytona Garage Area: Competitive Field on Hand
DAYTONA BEACH FL (2-5-08)–From Formula One veterans to former ARCA RE/MAX Series champions, the entry list for the 45th running of the ARCA 200 at Daytona is nothing less than extraordinary. In all, more than 65 teams pulled their transporters into the ARCA RE/MAX Series garage area on Tuesday in time for the first day of technical inspections. Among the entrants are 13 former series winners, including Jeremy Clements, Bobby Gerhart, Kyle Krisiloff, Blake Feese, James Buescher, Mario Gosselin, Ken Butler III, Kirk Shelmerdine, Frank Kimmel, Bill Baird, Dawayne Bryan and Michael Annett.

Of the former series winners entered at Daytona, Gerhart is the only former Daytona winner entered. The Lebanon, Pennsylvania-based driver has a total of five Daytona victories to his credit, including the last three consecutive, making him the ARCA RE/MAX Series’ all-time Daytona winner.

Busy Week of Technical Inspections Planned
On Tuesday, ARCA RE/MAX Series officials focused on fuel cell tech. On Wednesday, ARCA RE/MAX Series officials will issue laser-cut, anodized restrictor plates manufactured by Cometic with openings 7/8” in diameter. In addition, the ARCA RE/MAX Series will issue rear Bilstein shocks and rear Eibach springs to race teams through BSR Products. The series does not issue front springs or shocks but the equipment used on the racecar must meet minimum specifications.

Hoosier Tire Superspeedway Challenge Kicks Off At Daytona
Last season, ARCA RE/MAX Series car owner Ray Evernham and driver Erin Crocker earned Hoosier Tire Superspeedway Challenge honors, marking the first time that a female driver has earned the award, which is a separate point fund for races on speedway ovals greater than one mile in length. Under the terms of a contract extension with long-time series sponsor Hoosier Racing Tire, the 2008 superspeedway challenge point fund increases 30 percent to $75,000 total, including $15,000 to the 2008 Hoosier Tire Superspeedway Challenge Champion.

The 2008 Hoosier Tire Superspeedway Challenge kicks off with the ARCA 200 at Daytona on February 9th. Other superspeedway challenge events on the 2008 schedule include Kansas Speedway (April 26th), Kentucky Speedway (May 10th, July 18th), Pocono Raceway (June 7th, August 2nd), Michigan Int’l Speedway (June 13th), Nashville Superspeedway (August 9th), Chicagoland Speedway (September 6th) and Talladega Superspeedway (October 3rd).

Busy Race Week for Alli Owens
Daytona Beach, Florida native and electrifyingcareers.com driver Alli Owens is preparing for a very busy Speedweeks. In addition to making her career first ARCA RE/MAX Series attempt, the 19-year-old joined NASCAR driver Mike Skinner as Grand Marshal of the Inaugural Community Motorsports Parade on Saturday, February 2nd, 2008. In addition, Owens plans attend the Volusia County School District’s second Annual National Girls and Women in Sports Day Celebration at DeLand High School on February 6th, 2008 from 3-6 p.m.

Owens is not the only female competitor attempting to make the 43-car ARCA 200 at Daytona starting field. Phoenix, Arizona’s Gabi DiCarlo, who posted a 24th-place finish in her restrictor plate racing debut at Talladega Superspeedway in October of 2007, has entered the race in the No. 90 Great Clips-Lucas Oil Chevrolet fielded by Stringer Motorsports. She plans to compete in the entire 2008 ARCA RE/MAX Series schedule.

Country Joe Racing Becomes Win-Tron Racing
Country Joe Racing, a Minnesota-based ARCA RE/MAX Series operation with two Rookie of the Year titles (Joey Miller in 2005 and Blake Bjorklund in 2006) and numerous race wins in the ARCA RE/MAX Series, has changed their name to Win-Tron Racing beginning with the ARCA 200 at Daytona. Under the ownership of business partners Kevin Cywinski and Nate Thiesse, the team earned one win, five top-fives, ten top-10s and one ARCA SIM Factory pole award in 23 events in 2007. The new name, Win-Tron Racing, is a play on the team owner’s names, with “Win” coming from three letters of Cywinski’s last name and “Tron” coming from Thiesse’s nickname, Natron.

“It’s been a busy off-season for our organization,” said Thiesse. “It’s nice to return to racing with our team upbeat, drivers locked and cars ready to go. Our performance won’t miss a beat this year, we’re just anxious to get back to the track. Dominick Casola tested very well with our ARCA program in Daytona last December and to have James Buescher back is a huge plus. We’re aiming towards an owner’s championship this year in the ARCA RE/MAX Series and we strongly believe we can make it happen.”

The team will field two Dodge Chargers during the 2008 ARCA RE/MAX Series season, including the No.’s 32 and 9. The team will also field a full-time United Speed Alliance Racing Hooter’s Pro Cup team with driver Matt Merrell.

New Number for Mike Harmon in 2008
ARCA RE/MAX Series veteran Mike Harmon, who finished 14th in the final driver’s point standings in 2007, has announced a new partnership with Florida-based Elite 2 Sports and Entertainment. Harmon will pilot the No. 24 D.A.B. Constructors, Inc. Chevrolet for Elite 2 Racing in the ARCA 200 at Daytona, marking a departure from the familiar No. 38 that Harmon has driven in previous seasons.

“I’m certainly looking forward to the start of the 2008 season and the ARCA 200,” Harmon said. “I have a new 2007 Chevrolet Monte Carlo that will be powered by Rhyne Competition Engines for this race. I’m also grateful to D.A.B. Constructors, Inc., RedHotFranchises.com, The Daily Buzz, and the Nick Jones Foundation for their support. The ARCA events at Daytona are always very competitive, but we’re excited about our chances with Elite 2 Racing.”

Harmon plans to compete in selected ARCA RE/MAX Series events as well as the NASCAR Nationwide Series for Elite 2 Racing in 2008.

No Shortage of Open Wheel Drivers at Daytona
Former Formula One driver Scott Speed and 2007 INDY 500 winner Dario Franchitti are among the open wheel drivers-turned stock car racers entered for the 45th ARCA 200 at Daytona. Both drivers have previous ARCA RE/MAX Series restrictor plate experience via series starts at Talladega Superspeedway in October of 2007.

Speed, who plans to compete full time in the No. 2 Red Bull Toyota for Eddie Sharp Racing in the 2008 ARCA RE/MAX Series season, finished tenth at Talladega in October. Franchitti finished 17th in a Chip Ganassi Racing with Felix Sabates Dodge.

Other drivers with open wheel experience who have competed in the ARCA RE/MAX Series include Juan Montoya (two career starts in 2006, career best third at Talladega), Christian Fittapaldi (two career starts in 2003, career best tenth at Daytona), Danny Sullivan (One career start in 1981, career best sixth at Talladega), Rodger Ward (ARCA RE/MAX Series race winner at the Milwaukee Mile in 1959), Jimmy Bryan (ARCA RE/MAX Series race winner) Troy Ruttman (three-time ARCA RE/MAX Series race winner) and Johnny Parsons, Sr. (ARCA RE/MAX Series race winner in 1957).

ARCA 200 at Daytona Set for Saturday: Live on SPEED
Up to 43 full bodied ARCA RE/MAX Series stock cars are scheduled to take the green flag on Saturday, February 9th at 4:15 p.m. Eastern for the 45th running of the ARCA 200 at Daytona. The race will be broadcast LIVE on SPEED beginning at 4 p.m. The starting field for this year’s ARCA 200 at Daytona has been increased from 41 to 43 positions.

Positions one through 32 will be set by Friday’s SIM Factory Qualifying session. Positions 33-36 will be “provisional starters” – the top four teams highest in ARCA RE/MAX Series Owner’s Point Standings in 2007 not yet in the starting field. Positions 37-42 will consist of “Golden A” Program Teams who competed in 100 percent of the series races in 2007 that are highest in 2007 owners points. Position 43 is reserved as a provisional starting position for any former ARCA RE/MAX Series champion driver whose car/team has not earned one of the previous 42 starting positions. If no past champion driver provisional is used, the position is available to a former series champion owner. If no past champions provisionals are used, the next eligible Golden A team will earn the 43rd starting position. If no additional Golden A teams are eligible for a provisional, the field will be set at 42.

For more information on the ARCA RE/MAX Series, visit www.arcaracing.com.
__________

Daytona Open For Business

DAYTONA BEACH FL (2-5-08) - The gates are open for business at Daytona Int’l Speedway; which means the 2008 ARCA RE/MAX Series season is officially underway.

Haulers, from Hendrick Motorsports to open-trailers, are streaming into the ARCA garage here at the World Center of Racing under warm, sunny skies.

www.arcaracing.com/news.cfm?contentid=6118
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Daytona Speedweeks Start Early for Scott
TruckSeries.com - Dallas,PA,USA
75 Bob Schacht Motorsports Chevrolet Monte Carlo SS for the ARCA RE/MAX Series season opener at Daytona International Speedway in Saturday’s ARCA 200 at …
truckseries.com/cgi-script/NCTS_08/articles/000000/000061.htm

ARCA 200 to Kick Off 2008 Racing Season
Ellsworth American - Ellsworth,ME,USA
17 Daytona 500, kicks off this Saturday with the ARCA 200. As it has since 1964, the ARCA RE/MAX Series will open its season at Daytona International …
ellsworthmaine.com/site/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=12589&Itemid=87

9 time ARCA RE/MAX Champ Frank Kimmel ON PIT ROW today!
By Charlie Turner
Steve scored again as ON PIT ROW kicks off our 2008 ARCA RE/MAX coverage with special guest Frank Kimmel, 9 time champion of ARCA’s top series and this year, driver and team manager of the Tri-State Motorsports car. …
snipurl.com/1z3a3-stockc

Pair of Middle Tennessee drivers entered in ARCA 200 at Daytona
By .(.)
A pair of Middle Tennessee drivers have entered the ARCA RE/MAX 200 at Daytona International Speedway on February 9. Dario Franchitti will pilot the Chip Ganassi Fastenal Dodge #40, and Tim Mitchell will be behind the wheel of the Wayne …
midtnracingscene.blogspot.com/2008/02/pair-of-middle-tennessee-drivers.html
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U S A R (United Speed Alliance Racing)
___________________________________________________________

Courtesy of USAR
usarprocup.com

Goodson Racing, Hunter Robbins Team Up For Full Schedule
Team Release
Friday, February 01, 2008 10:17:00 AM

16-year-old driver to run Southern Division in ‘08

PENSACOLA, Fla. - Goodson Racing has a reputation for developing young and talented drivers looking to make a career driving race cars and now team owner Tracy Goodson is taking his team to the next level - the Hooters Pro Cup Series. He has hired 16-year-old Hunter Robbins, of Montgomery, Ala., to pilot the team’s entry in the Southern Division for the Pro Cup Series.

Last season, Goodson Racing tested the waters in Hooters Pro Cup competition running two races at the end of the season and now Goodson feels it is the perfect time to take his race team on the road with the national touring series.

“This is a great step for our race team, I am very excited about the season and cannot wait until the first race,” commented Goodson. “We have built a brand new, state of the art race shop and I have an incredible combination of a young, talented driver and experienced, winning crew chief.”

The crew chief Goodson mentioned is none other than four-time Hooters Pro Cup Champion driver Benny Gordon.

Read more - usarprocup.com/view_article.asp?id=2585
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N A S C A R * C A N A D I A N * T I R E * S E R I E S
www.nascarlocalracing.com/content.php?Series_ID=28
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TSN to show 121 races in 2008
TSN.ca - Scarborough,Ontario,Canada
TSN will also have coverage of the NASCAR Canadian Tire Series, which launched in May 2007. TSN will televise 13 one-hour broadcasts - one for each of the …
www.tsn.ca/auto_racing/news_story.asp?ID=228926&hubName=auto_racing

Several drivers with NASCAR ties attempting ARCA race
By Kenneth - ARS Editor
Other drivers include Sprint Cup competitors Kirk Shelmerdine and James Hylton, former Cup driver Greg Sacks, former Nationwide Series drivers Kyle Krisiloff, Mike Harmon and Blake Feese and reigning NASCAR Canadian Tire Series champion …
autoracingsport.com/nascar/several-drivers-with-nascar-ties-attempting-arca-race/
___________________________________________________________

Other stock car racing items…

Aussie V8s’ silly season a microcosm of racing economics
By Nicebloke(Nicebloke)
In desperation, he had turned to the ARCA series, since he claimed it easier to find sponsors for stock car racing. Of course the costs were higher too. A check of his website reveals no recent news so perhaps that strategy didn’t pan …
fastestlap.blogspot.com/2008/02/aussie-v8s-silly-season-microcosm-of.html
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C O L U M N S / C O M M E N T A R I E S
___________________________________________________________

Frankie Muniz: self-proclaimed best actor-turned-racer ever
www.autoblog.com/2008/02/02/frankie-muniz-self-proclaimed-best-actor-turned-racer-ever/
(editor’s note: Robyn sent me this… what an idiot this guy is)

Insider Racing News
insiderracingnews.com/Writers/CA/020608.html
Big “E” In Chocolate?
by Chuck Abrams

Looking Ahead - Feb 05,2008
I still say Winston Cup and have had a hard time remembering to say Nextel and now it’s the Sprint Cup. The “Cup Series” car of tomorrow is now full time and I think its a good thing. I like the cars and I think that the set-ups will …
www.blogtalkradio.com/Signs-of-Speed/blog/2008/02/05/Looking-Ahead

Congratulations! You Made This The Top-Rated NASCAR Blog
dalyplanet.blogspot.com/2008/02/congratulations-you-made-this-top-rated.html

SPEED And ESPN Together For One Last Day
dalyplanet.blogspot.com/2008/02/speed-and-espn-together-for-one-last.html

ESPN Answers Your NASCAR Comments
dalyplanet.blogspot.com/2008/02/espn-answers-your-nascar-comments.html
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T V * L I S T I N G S
___________________________________________________________

Courtesy of Race Fan TV
snipurl.com/llya-stockc

WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 6

12:00m-12:30A espn2 NASCAR Now, HD
1:00A-2:00 SPEED AMA Monster Energy Supercross Series. AT&T Park, San Francisco, CA, Jan 26/08, HD, R
3:00A-4:00 SPEED AMA Monster Energy Supercross Series LITES (Anaheim #2), Angels Stadium, Anaheim, CA, Jan 19/08, HD
4:00A-5:00 SPEED AMA Monster Energy Supercross LITES, AT&T Park, San Francisco, CA, Jan 26/08, HD, N
9:00A-10:00 SPEED AMA Monster Energy Supercross AT&T Park, San Francisco, CA, Jan 26/08, HD, N
11:00A-12:00 ESPN-CL 2003 Lucas Oil NHRA Route 66 Nationals, Route 66 Raceway Chicago-Joliet, IL, June 1/03
12:00n-1:00P SPEED World Series of Off-Road Racing, Round #9, Bark River, MI, Aug 12/07, R
1:00P-2:00 SPEED World Series of Off-Road Racing, Sportsman Series from Bark River, Michigan
2:00P-3:00 SPEED AMA Monster Energy Supercross Series (Anaheim #1), Angels Stadium, Anaheim, CA, Jan 5/08, HD, R
3:00P-4:00 SPEED AMA Monster Energy Supercross Series, Chase Field, Phoenix, AZ, Jan 12/07, HD, R
6:00P-6:30 espn2 NASCAR Now, Ryan Burr, HD, L
7:00P-7:30 SPEED NASCAR Pre-season Thunder, 2008 team previews, (Wed Feb 6/08 version) N
11:00P-11:30 SPEED NASCAR Pre-season Thunder, 2008 team previews, (Wed Feb 6/08 version) R

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 7

12:00m-12:30A espn2 NASCAR Now, HD
3:00A-4:00 SPEED World Series of Off-Road Racing, Round #9, Bark River, MI, Aug 12/07, R
4:00A-5:00 SPEED World Series of Off-Road Racing, Sportsman Series from Bark River, Michigan.
11:00A-12:00 ESPN-CL 2003 Pontiac Excitement NHRA Nationals, Columbus, OH, June 15/03
12:00n-1:00 SPEED Summer Shootout, Legends Car, Bandolero and Thunder Roadster racing, Round #8, Lowes Motor Speedway, Concord, NC, July 24/07, R
12:00n-3:00P ESPN NEWS NASCAR Media Day, Daytona International Speedway, L
1:00P-2:00 SPEED Summer Shootout, Legends Car, Bandolero and Thunder Roadster racing, Round #9, Lowes Motor Speedway, Concord, NC, July 31/07, R
2:00P-3:00 SPEED AMA Monster Energy Supercross Series (Anaheim #2), Angels Stadium, Anaheim, CA, Jan 19/08, HD, R
3:00P-4:00 SPEED AMA Monster Energy Supercross AT&T Park, San Francisco, CA, Jan 26/08, HD, R
5:00P-6:00 SPEED Bud Shootout Scrapbook: Great moments in the history of the Bud Shootout
6:00P-8:00 SPEED NASCAR Media Day, Daytona International Speedway, 2008 season preview with top Cup drivers, HD, N
6:00P-6:30 espn2 NASCAR Now, Ryan Burr, HD, L
8:00P-9:00 SPEED NASCAR Bud Shootout Selection Show, Daytona, FL, HD, L
9:00P-10:00 SPEED NASCAR … In Thirty Seconds: the making of television commercials featuring NASCAR personalities, N
10:00P-11:00 SPEED 2007 SPEED Performance Awards presentation, SPEED Performer of the Year and RACER Magazine Rookie of the Year, HD, N
11:00P-12:00m SPEED Bud Shootout Scrapbook: Great moments in the history of the Bud Shootout, R

Race Fan TV does not list all the programming offered by SPEED; for complete listings go to their website, www.speedtv.com/schedule/

DISC-HDT = Discovery HD Theatre
ESPN-CL = ESPN Classic, US
HDNet = High Definition Network available on DirecTV (Channel 79) and DISH, etc.
Outdoor = Outdoor Channel (US)
VS = Versus (formerly known as OLN, Outdoor Life Network)

Always CHECK YOUR LOCAL LISTINGS!
___________________________________________________________

The Stock Car Gazette
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