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Yep, it’s a Thursday again. What a fitting thing, then that this is a Thursday edition of the Stock Car Gazette! Read all the latest stock car racing news from NASCAR and ARCA right here.

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T H E * S T O C K * C A R * G A Z E T T E
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E d i t o r ‘ s * N o t e s
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Yep, it’s a Thursday again. What a fitting thing, then that this is a Thursday edition of the Stock Car Gazette!
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Stock Car Gazette Columnists Speak Out!
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GOT SOMETHING TO SAY? You can say it here. Contact Mike for info.
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MotorSportsNews.Net(work) web site features
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Stock Car Gazette for Wednesday, February 20, 2008
motorsportsnews.net/archives/1092

Two Craftsman Truck Series Teams Penalized for Daytona Infractions
motorsportsnews.net/archives/1096

Seven Nationwide Teams Penalized for Daytona Infractions
motorsportsnews.net/archives/1095

Robby Gordon Penalized 100 Driver/Owner Points for Daytona Infractions
motorsportsnews.net/archives/1094
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N A S C A R * S P R I N T * C U P * S E R I E S
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Martinsville to make pit road concrete
Clay Campbell, president of Martinsville Speedway, said officials plan to upgrade the track’s pit road this summer. That would mean putting a concrete surface on pit road — it is asphalt now — new inner walls and maybe some other things. Campbell said that pit road likely won’t be any wider because of the limited [...]
feeds.feedburner.com/~r/autoracingsport/~3/237997956/
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Courtesy of Carolyn’s #24 Jeff Gordon Newsletter cakes24@juno.com

Junior disappoints adoring fan base
The Hendrick driver leads the race 3 times but his car just doesn’t have enough juice.
www.orlandosentinel.com/sports/motorracing/orl-dside11808feb18,0,3220665.story
DAYTONA BEACH - Maybe this isn’t going to be as easy as it first looked. No one is going to give him anything, regardless of his name. After joining the high-powered Hendrick Motorsports team in the off season, then winning both the Budweiser Shootout and one of the 150-mile Gatorade qualifying races last week, Dale Earnhardt Jr. came into the Daytona 500 looking primed for success, seeing the chance to turn his immense popularity into his first dominating season. It still may happen now, but it didn’t start like many expected at the Daytona 500, the Super Bowl of NASCAR. Earnhardt led three different times for 12 laps — sending his legion of fans into a brief frenzy in both the infield and the grandstands — but he finished just ninth, unable to mount a serious challenge on the final lap.
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Courtesy of www.Catchfence.com

Virginia Tech’s Military Marching Band Will Perform National Anthem For Goody’s Cool Orange 500 At Martinsville Speedway: - www.catchfence.com/press/022008e.html

Burney Lamar selected to drive for EM Motorsports: EM Motorsports announced today that Burney Lamar will be at the wheel of the Rhino’s Energy Drink Dodge Charger in this weekend’s NASCAR SPRINT CUP Series Auto Club 500. Lamar will also pilot the number 08 Dodge Charger at next weeks UAW – Dodge 400 at Las Vegas. Lamar is a veteran of 31 NASCAR Nationwide Series starts, with his best finish being a 2nd at Daytona in the 2006 Hershey’s 300. Lamar also has two NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series starts and three ARCA RE/MAX Series starts. - EM Motorsports, Press Release
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Courtesy of Stock Car Gazette subscriber Ed B. - thanks!

Survivor Cup? Probably Waltrip’s
By DAVID POOLE

DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. – Michael Waltrip remembers what happened one year ago (last) Sunday. “We had a pretty decent day in Saturday’s practice and we were poised to go try to make our first Daytona 500,” Waltrip said. “I took a shower and I even colored my hair. I shaved. I looked as good as I could.”

Then, the phone rang.

www.thatsracin.com/topstories/story/10504.html
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Courtesy of Insider Racing News
www.insiderracingnews.com

NASCAR Comes Down Hard On Robby Gordon
NASCAR has issued penalties and fines to the No. 7 team that competes in the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series, as a result of rule infractions found during Speedweeks at Daytona International Speedway. The No. 7 car driven and owned by Robby Gordon was found to be in violation of Sections 12-4-A (actions detrimental to stock car racing); 12-4-Q (car, car parts, components and/or equipment used do not conform to NASCAR rules); and 20-3.10A (unapproved front bumper cover) of the 2008 NASCAR rule book. The violations were found during opening day inspection for the Daytona 500 on Feb. 8. As a result, Gordon has been penalized 100 championship driver and owner points. Crew chief Frank Kerr has been fined $100,000, suspended for the next six NASCAR Sprint Cup Series events until April 9 and placed on probation until Dec. 31, 2008.

Pepsi Partners With California Speedway
California Speedway officials announced that the track’s Aug.31 Sprint Cup race will be called the Pepsi 500 under terms of a new sponsorship agreement. Also, Pepsi will continue as the track’s “official soft drink and non-alcoholic beverage provider,” a designation the brand has held since 1997. Pepsi was replaced by Coca-Cola as the official soft drink at several other International Speedway Corp. tracks this year.

A Pat on the Back From Harvick
Kevin Harvick will recognize students from Cal Poly San Luis Obispo on Friday, February 22 at 2:05 p.m. in the California Speedway media center. These students designed and built a prototype vehicle that traveled 1,902.7 miles per gallon using conventional fuel to win the 2007 Shell Eco-marathon Americas competition. The Shell Eco-marathon Americas challenges college teams to travel the farthest distance using the least amount of fuel. Teams compete using prototype vehicles fueled by conventional or alternative fuels or energy sources. The winning team receives a grand prize of $10,000 that is awarded to the team’s educational institution. The winning vehicle will also be on display at the California Speedway media center.
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Courtesy of Jayski
www.jayski.com

#7 team penalized for Daytona infraction: NASCAR has issued penalties and fines to the #7 team that competes in the Sprint Cup Series, as a result of rule infractions found during Speedweeks at Daytona International Speedway. The #7 Dodge driven and owned by Robby Gordon was found to be in violation of Sections 12-4-A (actions detrimental to stock car racing); 12-4-Q (car, car parts, components and/or equipment used do not conform to NASCAR rules); and 20-3.10A (unapproved front bumper cover) of the 2008 NASCAR rule book. The violations were found during opening day inspection for the Daytona 500 on Feb. 8. As a result, Gordon has been penalized 100 championship driver and owner points. Crew chief Frank Kerr has been fined $100,000, suspended for the next six Sprint Cup Series events until April 9 and placed on probation until Dec. 31, 2008.(NASCAR PR), Drivers and Owners points have been adusted accordingly. (2-20-2008)
UPDATE - appeal: Robby Gordon comments: “This was an innocent mistake made by someone not even on my team. They accidentally supplied us the new Dodge noses that NASCAR hasn’t yet approved because of what amounted to a clerical error. It was discovered during technical inspection and corrected before the race. It was not even close to being an intent to create some competitive advantage, and the mistake was not even made by my team. This penalty is way out of proportion when you compare it what happened last year when a team was penalized 100 points for adding a substance to the fuel, or when a team deliberately changed the bodies of the COT. To penalize my team the same amount when we didn’t even make the mistake, and the mistake was nothing more than inadvertent human error by someone else is just not fair. Other teams who have had similar issues to what happened with the nose on my car were only penalized 25 points. I hope that NASCAR can reconsider when they have all the facts. In the meantime, we have no choice but to appeal this penalty. We started the season off on a high note with a top 10 finish at Daytona and we look forward to continuing that at California and Las Vegas.(RGM PR)(2-21-2008)

McMurray flies with the Thunderbirds: Along with driving the high banks of Daytona International Speedway last week, Roush Fenway Racing driver Jamie McMurray experienced a once-in-a-lifetime thrill when he was invited to fly with the U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds. McMurray was invited to fly in an F-16 Fighting Falcon, along with television star Jeff Hammond. The two paired up last Tuesday at the Daytona Beach International Airport, where they met their crew for the afternoon. After receiving their suits and pre-flight instruction, McMurray and Hammond made their way out the tarmac. McMurray flew first with Thunderbird No. 8, Major Tony Mulhare, who showed the driver of the No. 26 Crown Royal Ford Fusion, a few maneuvers the jets and pilots perform during a typical mission. After a 45-minute flight that included a maximum vertical climb takeoff, high-speed rolls and turns and aggressive tactical maneuvers, the F-16 touched down safely on the runway. When the two climbed out of the jet, Major Mulhare awarded McMurray with a “9-G” pin. The pin is only given to those participants who are able to endure 9 G-forces during the flight. Three days later, the pilot and crew attended the race at Daytona International Speedway and were there to shake McMurray’s hand before he climbed into his #26 Ford.(Roush Fenway Racing PR)(2-21-2008)

Special scheme for Labonte at Calif: This weekend at California Speedway #43-Bobby Labonte will run a special paint scheme for the Hamburger Helper �My Hometown Helper� Program; the nationwide initiative lends a �helping hand� to local groups making a difference in their community.(Petty Racing PR)(2-21-2008)

Jacques Villeneuve is hoping to race this summer in Montreal at the NASCAR [Nationwide] NAPA Auto Parts 200 race to be held Aug. 2 at Circuit Gilles Villeneuve. Villeneuve announced at a press conference Wednesday at his downtown Newtown club that he is not giving up on his racing career, after he was dropped by Bill Davis Racing after failing to qualify for last Sunday’s Daytona 500. The Montreal race is part of the Nationwide NASCAR circuit, the second-tier level of the sport. Villeneuve, a former Indianapolis 500 winner, CART champion and Formula One world champion, announced this Wednesday that he has reunited with Barry Green, who sponsored him years ago when he drove in the Atlantic Series, and that they are searching for a title sponsor. The 36-year-old from Iberville, Que., crashed his #27 Toyota Camry into a wall last Thursday during a qualifying race for the Daytona 500, triggering a multi-car accident at Daytona International Speedway. Villeneuve made his debut in NASCAR’s top series last October at Talledega, Ala., where he finished 21st after starting sixth. With Villeneuve now dropped from Bill Davis Racing, Johnny Benson and Mike Skinner will alternate driving the #27 car for next several races.(Montreal Gazette/Canwest News)(2-20-2008)

Skinner in the #27, with Bad Boy Mowers: Mike Skinner will run the #27 Bill Davis Racing Toyota at California Speedway, running one of two Toyota Camrys the team tested last month at the two-mile speedway [by Jacques Villenueve]. The #27 Toyota will feature the decals of Bad Boy Mowers this weekend in Fontana. Bad Boy Mowers, a Batesville, Arkansas-based company, began in 1998 with the sole purpose of producing the Bad Boy zero-turn commercial lawn mower.(BDR PR), see an image of the car on my #27 Team Schemes page.(2-20-2008) www.jayski.com/schemes/2008/27cup.htm

Newman’s dad reveals grudge vs. Purdue: If Greg Newman has anything to say about it, none of the $1.5 million his son earned for winning Sunday’s Daytona 500 will be going to Purdue University. #12-Ryan Newman graduated from Purdue in 2001 with a degree in vehicle structural engineering. But his father, who made a college degree a prerequisite for supporting Ryan’s racing aspirations, said Purdue doesn’t deserve to share in Ryan’s good fortune. Ryan was racing on weekends and won the 1999 U.S. Auto Club Silver Crown title while attending Purdue. But he wasn’t recognized by the school as being a student-athlete, his father said, and thus wasn’t allowed any scheduling flexibility with his assignments. “They should have helped him, but they didn’t cut him any slack,” Greg said. “They didn’t recognize him as being a racer. Now they do.” Purdue assistant athletic director Tom Schott said he wasn’t sure how to respond to the elder Newman’s complaints. “We have 18 varsity sports here, but we don’t have varsity auto racing,” Schott said.(Indianapolis Star)(2-20-2008)
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Courtesy of Kent D. Thanks!

Young, female driver gives NASCAR a fresh face
Updated: 2/19/2008
By: Ivanhoe Broadcast News

Jessica Helberg is giving female NASCAR fans a fresh, fast driver to cheer for. Females are moving in on racing, both on the track and in the grandstands.
www.news8austin.com/shared/print/default.asp?ArID=200744

NASCAR champ Johnson driven by fear of failure
By Jeff Birchfield Correspondent
02/18/2008

Even NASCAR’s most successful racer isn’t immune to the fear of failure.

Jimmie Johnson, the two-time defending Cup Series champion, admits that is a constant force in his pursuit of victory.
www.dailynews.com/sports/ci_8300181
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Courtesy of Scene Daily
www.scenedaily.com

Bob Pockrass: Doubleheader a recipe for disaster?
The first attempt at a NASCAR doubleheader this weekend could be a disaster if weather reports of rain this weekend come to fruition.
www.scenedaily.com/news/articles/nationwideseries/Bob_Pockrass_Doubleheader_a_recipe_for_disaster.html

Time for Newman to put Daytona 500 win behind him
The hectic pace of the closing laps of the Daytona 500 prepared Ryan Newman well for the week after the race. In the days since winning the 50th running of the race, Newman has been busy making appearances, doing interviews and seeing sights all the while trying to soak in his accomplishment.
www.scenedaily.com/news/articles/sprintcupseries/Time_for_Newman_to_put_Daytona_500_win_behind_him.html

Earnhardt Jr. moving past disappointing Daytona finish
While his ardent fans may have hoped Dale Earnhardt Jr. would complete a sweep of Speedweeks by winning the Daytona 500 after he won the Budweiser Shootout and his Gatorade Duel qualifying race, the newest Hendrick Motorsports driver never proved to be a dominant factor in the race.
www.scenedaily.com/news/articles/sprintcupseries/Earnhardt_Jr_moving_past_disappointing_Daytona_finish.html

Jarrett knows his driving career is winding down
Racing in the Daytona 500 for the final time in his career helped make Dale Jarrett realize this is truly the twilight of his long career. Should Jarrett make this weekends Auto Club 500 at California Speedway, he’ll only have three more NASCAR Sprint Cup points races left in his career.
www.scenedaily.com/news/articles/sprintcupseries/Jarrett_knows_his_driving_career_is_winding_down.html

Carpentier, team ‘wiping the slate clean’
Patrick Carpentier suffered one of the most disappointing moments of his racing career last weekend by missing the Daytona 500. But the Sprint Cup rookie hopes to bounce back with a solid performance this weekend in the Auto Club 500 at California Speedway at Fontana.
www.scenedaily.com/news/articles/sprintcupseries/Carpentier_team_wiping_the_slate_clean.html
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P R E S S * R E L E A S E S
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MARK MARTIN CAREER MILESTONES
Mark Martin will make his 700th Cup start this weekend at California Speedway. Below is a list of Martin’s milestone accomplishments.

First Cup Race - April 5, 1981, North Wilkesboro Speedway - Started 5, Finished 27

First Pole - Sept. 13, 1981, Richmond International Raceway - Started 1, Finished 7

100th Cup Start - June, 25, 1989, Michigan International Speedway - Started 4, Finished 12

First Win - Oct. 22, 1989, North Carolina Speedway, Started 7, Finished 1

200th Cup Start - Oct, 25, 1992 - North Carolina Speedway - Started 2, Finished 30

300th Cup Start - March 31, 1996 – Bristol Motor Speedway - Started 1, Finished 3

400th Cup Start - May 2, 1999 – California Speedway - Started 3, Finished 38

41st Cup Pole – May 5, 2001, Richmond International Raceway, Started 1, Finished 13

500th Cup Start - March 24, 2002 – Bristol Motor Speedway - Started 37, Finished 11

500th Consecutive Cup Start - New Hampshire - Started 33, Finished 28

600th Cup Start –Nov. 7, 2004, Phoenix International Speedway – Started 22, Finished 15

35th Cup Win – Oct. 9, 2005, Kansas Speedway, Started 19, Finished 1

650th Cup Start – Coca-Cola 600, Lowe’s Motor Speedway – Started 21, Finished 4

600th Consecutive Cup Start – July 16, 2006, New Hampshire Speedway – Started 13, Finished 4

621st Consecutive Cup Start – March 18, 2007, Atlanta Motor Speedway – Started 4, Finished 10

700th Start – Scheduled for Feb. 24, 2008 at California Speedway.
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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 Google Alerts

Hamilton, Johns Driving Busch East Deals
AHN - USA
“What’s really nice is that Richard raced in NASCAR Nationwide Series events last year as my teammate and I know I won’t have to get in there and teach him …
www.allheadlinenews.com/articles/7010083224

Miller: Teamwork Paying Off For Penske
By Dave Moody(Dave Moody)
Now, he will reportedly announce plans to drive in the 24 hours of Le Mans in June, with options for a single NASCAR Nationwide Series start in Montreal, and a part time ARCA ride. Both are reportedly also contingent on sponsorship. …
www.sirius-speedway.com/2008/02/miller-teamwork-paying-off-for-penske.html

DJ Start your Engine….Canadian Racer Ready to Take on Nationwide …
By Kim Powell
He was also the youngest rookie in the 1994 CASCAR Super Series, now known as the NASCAR Canadian Tire Series. Filled with a lifelong passion for the sport, he has an incredible drive to win and a competitive spirit. …
thegarageblog.com/garage/dj-start-your-engine…canadian-racer-ready-to-take-on-nationwide-series-in-2008/
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Courtesy of Jayski
www.jayski.com

Five Qualifying Times Disallowed: UPDATE 3: Penalties Announced: Qualifying speeds for #77-Cale Gale, #1-Johnny Sauter, #14-David Gilliland, #64-David Stremme, and #0-Kertus Davis were found to have illegal modifications to their cars following qualifying. #0-Kertus Davis will now miss the race.(2-15-2008)
UPDATE: After qualifying, NASCAR announced the times for David Gilliland, David Stremme, Johnny Sauter, Cale Gale and Kertus Davis were disallowed. All cars were found in violation of a NASCAR rule involving the lid on the oil tank behind the driver’s seat. All but Davis regained entry based on owner points. Dwayne Leik replaces Davis in the 43-car field.(USA Today)(2-15-2008)
UPDATE 2: Kertus Davis will drive the #01 in place in Dewayne Leik.(2-16-2008)
UPDATE 3: NASCAR announced that seven of its teams in the Nationwide Series have been penalized due to rule violations during Speedweeks at Daytona. The # 5 car was found to be in violation of Sections 12-4-A (actions detrimental to stock car racing); 12-4-Q (car, car parts, components and/or equipment used that do not conform to NASCAR rules); 20A-3.1.1E (1) (the rear ends of the spoiler did not meet the specified height); and 20A-3.12.1A (altered rear spoiler after passing template inspection to enhance aerodynamic performance) of the 2008 NASCAR rule book. The violation occurred following practice on Feb. 14. Driver Dale Earnhardt, Jr. has been penalized with the loss of 50 championship driver points, while car owner Rick Hendrick has been penalized 50 championship owner points. Crew chief Chad Walter has been fined $25,000 and suspended for the next six Nationwide Series events until April 9 and placed on probation until Dec. 31, 2008.
The # 0, #1, #14, #64, and #77 cars were all found to be in violation of Sections 12-4-A; 12-4-Q; and 20A-8.4C (the oil reservoir tank cover was not fastened securely). These violations were discovered during post-qualifying inspection on Feb. 15. Each of the cars’ respective drivers and owners — Kertus Davis/Johnny Davis for the #0; Johnny Sauter/James Finch for the #1; David Gilliland/Carl Haas for the #14; David Stremme/Ed Rensi for the #64; and Cale Gale/ DeLana Harvick for the #77 have been penalized with the loss of 25 driver and owner championship points.
Crew chiefs Gene Allnutt (#0); Newt Moore (#1); Bob Edwards (#14); Steve Darne (#64); and Charlie Wilson (#77) have each been fined $15,000 and suspended for the next six Nationwide Series events until April 9 and placed on probation until Dec. 31, 2008.
Additionally, Jerry Baxter, crew chief for the #99 car received a $5,000 fine and was placed on probation until July 9 for violating Sections 12-4-A, 12-4-Q and 20A-5.10.1B(3) (carburetor venturies exceeded the specified size). This infraction took place during opening day inspection on Feb. 12.(NASCAR PR)(2-20-2008)

Keselowski to Fly with Blue Angels: After competing in Saturday’s race, #88-Brad Keselowski will travel to El Centro, Calif., to fly with the Navy’s Blue Angels on Monday, Feb. 25. In honor of his flight with the Blue Angels, Keselowski will wear a gold visor this weekend at California Speedway and next weekend at Las Vegas Motor Speedway. The Navy’s Blue Angels wear gold visors on their helmets.(JR Motorsports PR)(2-20-2008)

McMurray to Run First Race in #17: Jamie McMurray and Roush Fenway Racing’s #17 CitiFinancial team are set to have a weekend of firsts at California Speedway. Saturday’s Nationwide Series race will mark McMurray’s first outing with the #17 team and crew chief Drew Blickensderfer. This weekend will also mark CitiFinancial’s debut with the #17 Ford. CitiFinancial made its Roush Fenway Racing debut last weekend during the Nationwide Series race at Daytona, finishing 7th with Greg Biffle and the #16 team.(RoushFenway PR)(2-20-2008)
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Courtesy of The Hot Lap
www.TheHotLap.com

Construction crews working to repave Darlington Raceway received a visit from NASCAR Sprint Cup/Nationwide Series driver Jeff Burton on Wednesday. Burton, driver of the No. 31 AT&T Mobility and No. 29 Holiday Inn Richard Childress Racing spent time talking with the crew working on the project and then went to work himself, driving a milling machine in turn 3. “I have never driven so slow at Darlington,” joked Burton after he finished milling the asphalt in turn 3. “A project of this magnitude shows a commitment to Darlington Raceway, and that is something that race fans everywhere should be very pleased with”. Burton, winner of the 50th Southern 500 (August 22, 1999), was also presented with a historic piece of the start-finish line by Darlington Raceway President, Chris Browning. “Jeff has been one of Darlington Raceway’s biggest fans,” said Browning. “His milestone win in the 50th Southern 500 was part of a season sweep that he accomplished in 1999 at Darlington, and it seemed fitting that he receive a piece of the historic start-finish line.” “I consider winning the 50th Southern 500 at Darlington Raceway the biggest win of my career,” said Burton. “Winning at Darlington is more than a trip to victory lane and a trophy; it means your name goes down in the record books as a winner at one of NASCAR’s most historic tracks.” Don’t miss your chance to see Jeff Burton and the stars of the NASCAR Sprint Cup/Nationwide Series as they take on the track “Too Tough to Tame” in the Dodge Challenger 500 on May 10, 2008. The racing action kicks off with the NASCAR Nationwide Series Diamond Hill Plywood 200 on 9th. Order your tickets and Colvin Grill all-you-can-eat package now by calling 1-866-459-RACE or logging onto www.racetickets.com.
(Darlington Raceway)
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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

#30 & #33 teams penalized for rule infractions at Daytona: NASCAR announced today penalties and fines to the #30 and #33 teams that compete in the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series, as a result of rule infractions at Daytona International Speedway.
The #30 truck was found to be in violation of Sections 12-4-A (actions detrimental to stock car racing); 12-4-Q (truck parts, components or equipment that doesn’t conform to NASCAR Rules); and 20B-12.9D (device designed to reduce the bed panel height at the points of inspection) of the 2008 NASCAR Rule Book. The infractions occurred during pre-qualifying inspection on Feb. 14. Driver Todd Bodine has been penalized with the loss of 25 championship driver points and truck owner Stephen Germain has been penalized 25 championship owner points due to the violations. Crew chief Mike Hillman Jr. has been fined $10,000 and suspended for the next four NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series events until April 30 and placed on probation until Dec. 31, 2008.
The #33 truck, driven by Ron Hornaday Jr. was found to be in violation of Sections 12-4-A (actions detrimental to stock car racing); 12-4-Q (truck parts, components or equipment that doesn’t conform to NASCAR Rules); and 20B-3.1.1 (spoiler braces exceeded the maximum one inch width). Crew chief Rick Ren has been fined $5,000 as a result of the infraction. This violation occurred during opening day inspection on Feb. 12.(NASCAR Media)(2-20-2008)

Triple duty for Kyle Busch; 1st time in truck: Kyle Busch is the only driver slated to run in all three of NASCAR’s premier series at the California Speedway this weekend. Busch will be making his first start in the Craftsman Truck Series at the 2-mile track in the #51-Toyota. Busch has 13 prior starts in the Sprint Cup and Nationwide series. He posted one win and one pole at the intermediate size race track, both in the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series. Billy Ballew Motorsports has six prior California Speedway starts with a best finish of 12th in 2002. [Busch will be driving the #32-Beringer Vineyards Toyota in Nationwide race and #18-Interstate Batteries Toyota in Sprint Cup].(Billy Ballew Motorsports PR)(2-20-2008)

Clanton out; Kvapil replacing at California: Roush Fenway Racing announced today that 2003 NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series champion Travis Kvapil will replace Joey Clanton in the #09 Zaxby’s Ford F-150 for this weekend’s Craftsman Truck Series San Bernardino County 200. Kvapil, who has nine wins in 121 Truck Series starts, will take the wheel at a track where he has three top-10 finishes in five starts. “We are going to have Travis Kvapil run the Zaxby’s Ford F-150 at California this weekend,” Jack Roush said. “After that race we will re-evaluate our plans for the rest of the season. We wish Joey Clanton the best of luck in his future endeavors and we look forward to continuing our relationship with Zaxby’s throughout the season.”(Roush Fenway Racing PR)(2-20-2008)

TRG Motorsports moves; will expand: TRG Motorsports has moved into Robert Yates Racing’s old shop in Mooresville, N.C., the Charlotte Business Journal reports. TRG, which runs Chevrolets in the Craftsman Truck Series for drivers Andy Lally and Donny Lia,moved into the Lakeside Business Park in December and plans an expansion to an adjacent 2-acre site, team general manager Marty Gaunt told the Journal. TRG, a long-time road racing team owned by Kevin Buckler, bought equipment from Darrell Waltrip Motorsports last year.(Scene Daily.com)(2-20-2008)

Melling Calif sponsor for Setzer: Dennis Setzer will sport the #18 Melling Dodge during the second race of the season. Melling is the number one supplier of oil pumps and high performance engines parts in the United States and Canada. Setzer’s tenth place finish last Friday night was his best finish at Daytona since 2004. Setzer, along with teammate Stacy Compton, both finished in the top 10 in the 2008 opening event.(BHR-Virginia PR)(2-20-2008)
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A R C A (Automobile Racing Club of America)
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Courtesy of ARCA
www.arcaracing.com

Post-Race Daytona Penalties Issued
Based on post-race technical inspection after Saturday’s ARCA 200 at Daytona ARCA RE/MAX Series race at Daytona Int’l Speedway, the Schrader Racing #52 team has been fined $6000 and team owner Ken Schrader and driver Bill Baird have …
www.arcaracing.com/news.cfm?contentid=6170
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Courtesy of Google Alerts

Panther Racing Signs For NASCAR Driver Brent Sherman for 2008 Indy …
PaddockTalk - USA
Last season, he won the ARCA Re/Max event at Michigan International Speedway. “You don’t race where Brent has been racing the past few years and not have …
www.paddocktalk.com/news/html/modules.php?op=modload&name=News&file=article&sid=77292
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U S A R (United Speed Alliance Racing)
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Courtesy of USAR
usarprocup.com

Awesome Awnings Returns to Hooters Pro Cup Series, KIRCO Motorsports
usarprocup.com/view_article.asp?id=2596

Tex Racing Partners with Pro Cup
usarprocup.com/view_article.asp?id=2594
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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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2008 NASCAR Canadian Tire Series Schedule Announced
13-races, 11-tracks, 5-provinces Encompass Schedule
Season gets underway on May 24 at Cayuga International Speedway
DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. (February 20, 2008) – Coming off a very successful first season, the NASCAR Canadian Tire Series presented by Sirius Satellite Radio is set for more exciting action in 2008. Packed grandstands and final lap heroics were the norm a year ago, while this season a spirited battle for rookie-of-the-year honors along with Andrew Ranger’s title defense will only heighten the excitement.
MORE: motorsportsnews.net/archives/1093
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C O L U M N S / C O M M E N T A R I E S
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Meet The Original “Gopher Cam”
By Daly Planet Editor(Daly Planet Editor)
This technology was installed at O’Reilly Raceway Park in Indy and was subsequently used for NASCAR Craftsman Truck and Nationwide (Busch back then) events as well. James Fishman was the Engineer at an Indy-based company called On Board …
dalyplanet.blogspot.com/2008/02/meet-original-gopher-cam.html

Insider Racing News
insiderracingnews.com/Writers/AM/022108.html
Have NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Officials Eliminated Cheating?
by Allen Madding

Ron Ripple - NASCAR’s Biggest Fan
Daytona Penalties!
WOWWWWWWWW…. so there were some serious teams from this past weekend’s Daytona 500 that got penalized for some sort of infraction.
feeds.feedburner.com/~r/ronripple/~3/238540717/

Are We There Yet?
Fontana
by Carol Einarsson
Over the last five races at Fontana, Matt Kenseth has scored the most points, but if you look at the last 10 races, Jimmie Johnson has outscored the field. They both won a race last year at this track.
www.racejournalonline.com/index.cfm?Pagename=column&id=427

TV Reality Sinks-In With Daytona Just A Memory
dalyplanet.blogspot.com/2008/02/tv-reality-sinks-in-with-daytona-just.html

ESPN Classic Offers “VCR Theater”
dalyplanet.blogspot.com/2008/02/espn-classic-offers-vcr-theater.html

Ryan And Ryan Put On A Good Show
dalyplanet.blogspot.com/2008/02/ryan-and-ryan-put-on-good-show.html
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