Stock Car Gazette, Friday, 12/01/2006

Here’s your first December edition of the Stock Car Gazette…

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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

Do you know for sure?
motorsportsnews.net/RomanRoad.html
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The Stock Car Gazette is sponsored by:

Hasco Collectibles
7786 US Highway 59 S
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936-569-7776
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hasco@diecastcars.net
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2006 D. Earnhardt Jr. 250th Start MC (NOW ON SALE FOR $49.00!),
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2006 D. Earnhardt Jr. RCCA 3 Days Of Dale 1/18 Color Chrome Black Tribute MC,
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Hasco Collectibles
7786 US Highway 59 S
Nacogdoches, TX 75964
936-569-7776
www.diecastcars.net
hasco@diecastcars.net
866-66-HASCO (866-664-2726)
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E d i t o r ‘ s * N o t e s
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Welcome to Friday. I hope you’re having a great week. Here’s your Friday Stock Car Gazette, and have a great weekend. We’ll see you again on Monday, the good Lord willing.

FYI: The Cup awards banquet is this evening.

The first article in the “Tricks of the Trade” series is now out on the website….

Choice…. Firefox or Internet Explorer?
By Mike Irwin

There is a Internet browser war going on right now. Actually it has been going on for just about as long as the Internet has been popular.

For more: motorsportsnews.net/archives/107
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Stock Car Gazette Columnists Speak Out!
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NASCAR On The Sidewalks Of New York
By: Capt. Herb Emory

The hotrods and shining stars will rev their motors up and down Broadway this week as NASCAR prepares for all the pomp and circumstance of the annual awards celebration.

For more: motorsportsnews.net/archives/108
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Web site exclusives
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There Are No Swear Words in the Cherokee Language (jokes/quotes)
motorsportsnews.net/archives/109
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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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Courtesy of Catchfence.Com
www.catchfence.com

Goodyear Develops New NASCAR Cam Drive Belt
www.catchfence.com/press/112906e.html

Big Weekend At Victory Junction Gang Camp: Two major events are taking place this weekend at Victory Junction. Those events are Diabetes Family Weekend, and the first ever Victory Junction Run, a half marathon and 4.5k run/walk. Diabetes Family Weekend- 32 families will be attending camp this weekend. Some of the children that will be attending this weekend have such a bad case of diabetes that they are required to be on insulin pumps 24/7. All campers that will be in attendance this weekend will be able to take part in all of Victory Junction’s great activities. Some of those activities are boating and fishing, arts & crafts, miniature golf, sports and recreation and so much more. Saturday will be especially exciting for the campers as the monster truck Big Foot (and others) will be on display at the camp. Victory Junction Run- All proceeds fro the event will benefit the camp. John “The Penguin” Bingham, a runners World columnist and founder of John Bingham racing has helped put on this inaugural event. The attendance goal for the event was 500 and that number was hit on Monday. It is anticipated that another 100+ individuals will sign up as race weekend arrives. NASCAR legend Richard Petty will be the Grand Marshal. NASCAR driver Michael Waltrip will also be running the event. Victory Junction Founders, Kyle Petty and Pattie Petty will also be on hand for the event.
- Victory Junction Gang Camp, Press Release

Sirius Satellite Radio To Provide Unprecedented NASCAR Driver-To-Pit Crew Race Coverage In 2007 - Will take listeners inside the car with up to 10 “Team Talk” channels carrying driver-to-pit crew communications during NASCAR NEXTEL Cup Series races - “Team Talk” channels will air the live “race call” and in-car audio simultaneously:
www.catchfence.com/press/112906.html
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Courtesy of Fast Tracks Racing
www.fasttracksracing.com

Please continue to keep Becky Davidson in your prayers as she recovers from a stroke.
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Courtesy of Insider Racing News
www.insiderracingnews.com

Benny Parsons Gets NMPA Award
Former NASCAR Cup champion Benny Parsons is the recipient of the National Motorsports Press Association’s Myers Brothers Award for 2006. The award, named in honor of former NASCAR competitors Billy and Bobby Myers, was presented Nov. 30 during the NASCAR NMPA Myers Brothers Awards Luncheon. Parsons is the 47th recipient of the award.

Villeneuve NASCAR Deal Closer
Jacques Villeneuve appears to be one step closer to joining the stock car ranks in 2007. According to RDS, the former Formula One champion has reached an agreement with Roush Racing to help facilitate his move into NASCAR next spring. Team president Geoff Smith tells XM Satellite radio that Villeneuve would begin his career in the Craftsman Truck Series before graduating to the Busch Grand National Series. Smith adds that there’s a 50-percent chance Villeneuve could be in Montreal next August for the inaugural Busch Series race at Circuit Gilles Villeneuve.

Johnson Sporting News DOY
NASCAR Nextel Cup winner Jimmie Johnson has another trophy — driver of the year as selected by Sporting News. Johnson was chosen by a panel of Sporting News NASCAR writers and editors. He is the only driver to finish in the top five in the standings in his first five seasons. His pit crew was also honored. Denny Hamlin was named rookie of the year after winning two races in 2006, both at Pocono. Details of the awards will be in the December eighth edition of the publication, on newsstands Friday.
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Courtesy of Jayski
www.jayski.com

No Big Changes Expects in Points System/Chase: NASCAR has all but ruled out major changes to the point system or Chase for the Championship format, three of the sanctioning body’s top officials said Thursday. President Mike Helton, vice president for competition Robin Pemberton and Nextel Cup series director John Darby said if there are any changes, they’ll be minor. Helton said there is no need “to fix what isn’t broken,” and Darby said the most likely adjustment will be a few more points for wins. An announcement, he said, probably would come in January. Darby said NASCAR executives favor keeping the Chase field at 10 drivers, but he wouldn’t rule out changing the format to make it slightly easier for someone below 10th place to qualify. Currently, any driver below 10th place who is within 400 points of the leader would qualify, and that hasn’t happened yet. Pemberton said NASCAR won’t drastically alter the existing formula, partly because of the risk of having someone who wins a few times during the Chase running away with it.(Tampa Tribune)(12-1-2006)

Champ Provisional rules may be changed: Watch for NASCAR to limit the number of past-champion’s provisionals any driver can take to make Nextel Cup races next season to six, series director John Darby said. Such exemptions - providing the 43rd starting spot to the most recent past champion not to qualify on speed or by car owners’ points - were first introduced toward the end of Richard Petty’s career. The new rule is most likely to affect 1999 champ Dale Jarrett, who will start the season with Michael Waltrip’s new team, and 1988 title-holder Bill Elliott, who can be expected to race part time.(Milwaukee Journal Sentinel)(12-1-2006)

The doors are still open at PPI Motorsports, but the downsizing continues as owner Cal Wells laid off six employees on Wednesday and now has a staff of nine at his Hickory, NC shop. The total will remain there for the time being but will be reduced to four by January unless a sponsor comes through to keep the #32 Nextel Cup team on the track in 2007. Wells signed a contract with a company based in California’s Silicon Valley back in June but said the company, which he wouldn’t name, has changed its business philosophy and isn’t ready to invest in motorsports at this time. Wells found that was tough to take after spending more than two years working with the company. NASCAR worked with Wells to attract the sponsor, and Wells is grateful for that help, saying NASCAR can’t be blamed for the company’s decision. Wells said he’s been able to place many of his employees with other teams, including Michael Waltrip Racing, saying, “very few of them” are on the unemployment line. While the owner plans to register the #32 with NASCAR for 2007, it will take something out of the blue to field a team next season. At the moment, he’s talking with people interested in buying all of the team’s equipment and inventory. “There are a couple of folks that are looking at running a limited program [in '07], and we’re just perfect,” he said. “They could come in and start a new lease - our lease is up on the building, but the owners [really want] to have somebody in here. We’re trying to work a deal where we can just hand the keys [to the shop] to somebody and lease back some office space.” Wells said he’s “pricing it to sell” and will see what happens. The employees on hand are inventorying the equipment and preparing it to be shown to additional parties. Wells will keep four employees through January before deciding on the next step. And he hopes the sponsor eventually steps up to the plate. “I’m keeping PPI as a business. I’m going to enter my number for next year. And I’m working on some other things that I can hopefully partner up or do something. I’ve still got some other deals out there cooking.”(SceneDaily.com)(12-1-2006)

another bunch of 2007 schemes added: #6 AAA, #16 3M and Ameriquest, #17 DeWalt, R&L Carriers, Carhartt, #26 Crown Royal and Irwin, #42 Big Red, #43 Cheerios, #45 Marathon Spirit Oil and Wells Fargo, #83 Red Bull, #84 Red Bull and #99 Office Depot
added two more 2007 schemes: #8 Budweiser and #15 Menards to the Paint Schemes Gallery and 2007 Cup Schemes page
www.jayski.com/schemes/paintschemes.htm
www.jayski.com/schemes/2007cup.htm

Craven still looking to race..part time: Ricky Craven isn�t ready to retire from auto racing, but said he doesn�t foresee driving a full-time schedule next season. “In looking toward 2007, I expect to race. Perhaps on a part-time basis. And I could enjoy that. I want to help a team and have a positive influence on that team,” said Craven, who last ran a full season in 2005 for Roush Racing in the Craftsman Truck Series. “I certainly enjoyed that year in the truck series but I don�t see myself running in it again full time other than if I owned my own truck team,” said the 40-year-old Craven. Craven admitted that he had discussions with a Nextel Cup owner earlier this month about returning to race full time for one year. But he wouldn�t confirm if it was Cal Wells III, for whom he drove for 3� years and registered his two victories. They were the only single-car team to win a race in the decade. “That opportunity isn�t going to happen now,” said Craven, who raced twice last year. He spent the majority of his time off “reflecting on my career and catching up with my family. “I made the right decision,” said Craven, who thoroughly enjoyed his year away from the sport. However, he also said “I missed competing and interacting with the fans and I was a little uncomfortable being stagnant.” He said if he accepts a part-time ride in the Nextel Cup, Busch or Craftsman Truck series, “it will really have to be a concentrated effort. We would have to decide on the races we were going to run so we have time to prepare for them. We would have to be focused on just those events in order to maximize our performance.” He purposely stayed away from the racetrack this past season so he could spend time with wife K.K. and children Riley, Everett and Lydia. He said he knew that hurt his chances of landing a ride for 2007 but has no regrets about doing so. “I know it made it more difficult for me to be part of the discussion leading into 2007. However, taking any other approach other than the one I did would have been a contradiction to my reasoning [for taking the year off],” said Craven, who has a home in Greenville in addition to Concord, N.C. Craven, who owns a commercial leasing [land] firm in Kannapolis, N.C., said running the two Cup races at New Hampshire International Speedway are “at the top of my list. “That would be personal,” said Craven, who has won poles but hasn�t won a Nextel Cup race at Loudon, N.H. He is confident he can be a productive driver again after shaking off the rust. He also said he may explore other opportunities in the sport such as radio or television work.(Bangor Daily News)(11-30-2006)

Schumacher wins 4th Qtr DOTY award: Tony Schumacher did everything necessary to win the Top Fuel title in the NHRA and convinced the expert panel that he was the Fourth Quarter Driver of the Year 2006. Schumacher won his third-straight NHRA POWERade world championship driving the US Army Top Fuel dragster. How he won it, that’s the story. In a deep hole, in eighth place in the standings - 338 points behind almost halfway into the season, “Sarge’s” last quarter charge stunned the racing community. With four poles and two victories he still had to, and did, set a national elapsed record in the final event. It was the biggest comeback in the series’ history. In the voting, by an elite panel of print and broadcast journalists, the 35-year-old Chicago native was dominant taking 11 out-of-the 16 first-place votes that were cast. Coincidentally, Melanie Troxel, Schumacher’s former teammate, was the first woman to win a quarterly vote earlier this year. Jimmie Johnson, who had a no-less remarkable comeback in the final quarter with one victory and five second-place finishes to lock up his Nextel Cup Championship, tallied two first-place votes and totaled 73 points. Kevin Harvick clinched his second NASCAR Busch Series early in the fourth quarter with three victories. The Richard Childress Racing Chevrolet driver had one win in the Nextel Cup Chase, earned one first-place vote and tallied 68 points. Tony Stewart - the 2005 Driver of the Year - won three races, although out of the Chase for the Cup, was rewarded with two first-place votes, finishing fourth with 62 points. A total of 12 drivers scored points in the fourth quarter voting. In its’ 40th year Driver of the Year is unique because it is the oldest award that encompasses all of the racing series in the United States. A panel of 17 leading journalists and broadcasters from across the U.S. determine the winner. In quarterly voting, points are awarded on a declining 9,6,4,3,2,1 basis. A separate one-driver vote will determine the 2006 Driver of the Year. In recognition of the award, Schumacher will receive a trophy and a Maurice Lacroix, wristwatch. The trophy presentation will take place at time and place to be announced later.(DOTY PR)(12-1-2006)

Wells Fargo and Marathon Oil looks like back as sponsors of #45: got two diescat images of the #45 Petty Enterprises Dodge for 2007 [among many others], one schemes is for Wells Fargo and the other is for Marathon Spirit Oil. Both were part of a many sponsorship package for Petty in 2006. Supposedly Schwan’s will not return, but have heard nothing official. See the images on my #45 Team Schemes page.(11-30-2006)
www.jayski.com/schemes/2007/45cup.htm

RCR and McCreadie reach deal? According to sources, both at RCR and locally, the Watertown, NY native Tim McCreadie has reached a deal with Richard Childress Racing to drive in the Winston West West Series in 2007. “Tim will be competing in the Winston West Series next year, for RCR’s Driver Development Program,” a source at RCR’s PR Dept. has stated.”The plan right now is for Tim to participate in all 14 West Series events for next season. If all goes well and we have no reason to think it won’t, Tim will move up to either the Busch or Craftsman Truck Series in 2008. Tim is a very talented driver and we at RCR are very excited about him coming on board and helping RCR get back to the top.” The deal will allow “T Mac” to drive in select WoO Late Model and Modified Series events on the DIRT circuit.(localtrax.com)(11-30-2006)

Sad News - Al Grinnan: Arnold Perry “Al” Grinnan Jr., a Fredericksburg native and long-time Richmond resident who was a well-known race car driver, died Friday at the age of 76. Grinnan was a driver at many race tracks in Virginia, as well as others from Florida to Maine . He began racing after leaving the Army following a decorated tour in Korea where, for a short period of time, he was a prisoner of war. One of the original breed of stock-car racers on the precursor to NASCAR known as the Grand National circuit, Mr. Grinnan estimated last year in an interview with The Times-Dispatch that he won more than 500 races from the early 1950s until he retired from racing in 1979. He raced at Strawberry Hill - now Richmond International Raceway - with legends such as Runt Harris, Ted Hairfield, Sonny Hutchins, Eddie Crouse and many others. In 1968, Mr. Grinnan was voted the most popular Modified Sportsman driver on the circuit. Grinnan is survived by his Wife, Carolyn O’Neal Grinnan, a daughter and three sons, three grandchildren and three sisters. Visitation will be today from 4 to 7:30 p.m. at the Mechanicsville Chapel of Bennett funeral Home, 8014 Lee Davis Road, with a service immediately following. Burial will be tomorrow at 11 a.m. at Sunset Memorial Park in Fredericksburg.(Richmond Times Dispatch), Grinnan ran one Nextel Cup race [then know as Grand National Series] in 1971 at Richmond, starting 33rd and finishing 13th.(11-30-2006)
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Courtesy of Stock Car Gazette subscriber Kent D. - thanks!

Earnhardt Jr. in ‘07. Why Not?
snipurl.com/13s8t

Rights and wrongs - NASCAR - Yahoo! Sports
sports.yahoo.com/nascar/news?slug=jb-rightwrong112606&prov=yhoo&type=lgns

Ladies and Gentlemen, Your 2007 Budweiser Shootout Driver Lineup
www.nascarstockcar.com/2006/11/ladies-and-gentlemen-your-2007.html

Change - I’m sick and tired of change
FOXSports.com - USA
… Great! I can’t wait to see what the changes are going to be!” Over the last three years, that’s what has happened to NASCAR. Call …
msn.foxsports.com/nascar/story/6219386

NASCAR Stock Cars Drive Through New York
www.forbes.com/technology/feeds/ap/2006/11/29/ap3213860.html

December Racing Article.appears in the Guide Publication By Wisemotorsport
Kudos have to go to the Childress teams this year, with Harvick dominating in the Busch division, and both he and Jeff Burton within striking distance of capturing the Cup championship. Evernham racing is struggling, especially when the …
wisemotorsport.com/?p=159

Sirius to air Driver-to-Pit Crew NASCAR Coverage Digital Home - Sirius Satellite Radio, which will be broadcasting NASCAR Nextel Cup series races in 2007 on its new NASCAR radio channel, announced today that it will take …
www.digitalhome.ca/blog/2006/11/29/sirius-to-air-driver-to-pit-crew-nascar-coverage/

Sirius Beams ‘Driver-to-Pit-Crew’ NASCAR Coverage
… Sirius Satellite Radio has announced that it will devote up to 10 additional Team Talk channels in order to offer extended coverage of the NASCAR Nextel Cup …
www.mediabuyerplanner.com/2006/11/29/sirius-beams-driver-to-pit-crew-nascar-coverage/

Burton chased out late
When it appeared all was right with the world and the Nextel Cup championship was on the horizon, it all came unglued for Jeff Burton. …
snipurl.com/13s8z

Lots of Teams and Drivers Say Farewell
Ellsworth American - Ellsworth,ME,USA
… Vickers is leaving the No. 25 Hendrick Motorsports Chevrolet to drive for Michael Waltrip, and will be replaced by Casey Mears. Martin is leaving the No. …
ellsworthmaine.com/site/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=5344&Itemid=93

NASCAR Competition? Skagit County Business Pulse - Mount Vernon,WA,USA NASCAR’S annual “Sprint to the Finish” in what is called the NEXTEL Cup Series is, short of baseball’s World Series, perhaps the most talked about …
www.skagitbusinesspulse.com/articles/2006/11/17/nascar/nascar.txt

NASCAR hits the Big Apple MSNBC - USA … In one of the few cities where the NASCAR star still maintains some anonymity, he was taken aback. “I thought I recognized him, and I turned around … …
www.msnbc.msn.com/id/15975695/

Melissa Rivers revved up to work NASCAR’s ‘Yellow Carpet’ SportingNews.com - USA NEW YORK — When Melissa Rivers works the “Yellow Carpet” at the NASCAR Awards Banquet for the Speed Channel, anything might happen — and probably will. …
www.sportingnews.com/yourturn/viewtopic.php?t=154540

Villeneuve one step closer to NASCAR deal TSN.ca - Canada According to RDS, the former Formula One champion has reached an agreement with Roush Racing to help facilitate his move into NASCAR next spring. …
www.tsn.ca/auto_racing/news_story.asp?ID=186566&hubName=auto_racing

Kenseth finds appreciation in the long run for his NASCAR season San Jose Mercury News - CA, USA Of course, the 2003 NASCAR champion from Cambridge, Wis., is still disappointed with the way his car ran at the end of the season, and frustrated that he couldn …
www.mercurynews.com/mld/mercurynews/sports/16134448.htm

NASCAR’s efforts to win Gotham fails to excite many SI.com - USA NASCAR keeps trying to race its way into the hearts of New Yorkers,putting on one magnificent show after another. … NASCAR’s acts are too staged. …
sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2006/writers/mark_zeske/11/30/nyc/
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MONTOYA QUICKLY UP TO SPEED WITH SUCCESSFUL 2006 TRANSITION PERIOD FOR CHIP GANASSI RACING WITH FELIX SABATES
CONCORD, N.C. (November 28, 2006) –Juan Pablo Montoya capped off an eventful conclusion to the 2006 racing season at Homestead-Miami Speedway …
www.motorsport.com/news/article.asp?ID=239424

NASCAR NEXTEL Cup Series Champions Week - Day 3
* NASCAR Victory Lap Thrills New York Fans
* On Deck: NASCAR NMPA Myers Brothers Luncheon and Champions Photo Shoot
NEW YORK (Nov. 29, 2006) — It seemed like a normal race morning in the …
www.motorsport.com/news/article.asp?ID=239499

NASCAR NEXTEL CUP SERIES CHAMPIONS WEEK — DAY 4
* Special Award Winners Recognized: Earnhardt Jr. wins fourth Most Popular Driver Award
* NASCAR’s Jim Hunter receives Buddy Shuman Award
* Champions commemorate the season at Rockefeller Plaza’s Famous …
www.motorsport.com/news/article.asp?ID=239551

Myers Brothers Luncheon delivers awards
The annual Myers Brothers Awards Luncheon was held at Cipriani in Midtown Manhattan Friday to celebrate excellence in every area of NASCAR Nextel Cup series competition.
Awards Given:
Denny Hamlin was ushered in as the 2006 Raybestos Rookie of the Year by …
www.motorsport.com/news/article.asp?ID=239537
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Courtesy of Scene Daily
www.scenedaily.com

PPI Motorsports continues to downsize
The doors are still open at PPI Motorsports, but the downsizing continues as owner Cal Wells laid off six employees on Wednesday and now has a staff of nine at his Hickory, N.C. shop.
www.scenedaily.com/ct/c/22557736

Top 30: Jeff Green, 28th
During the offseason, SceneDaily is taking a look at the top 30 in NASCAR Nextel Cup owner points. Today’s driver is Jeff Green, who finished 28th in the final standings.
www.scenedaily.com/ct/c/22557729

Goodyear workers taking strike to NYC celebrations
Striking Goodyear tire workers and their supporters are demonstrating against the company in New York City, in conjunction with NASCAR’s Champions Week celebration.
www.scenedaily.com/ct/c/22557730
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Courtesy of Stock Car Gazette subscriber pbred8

Dale Jr.’s valuable joyride

RAY MELICK
News staff writer www.al.com/birminghamnews/

It is common for a car dealer to let someone take a new car out for a test drive.

It is uncommon, however, to have that car come back covered in dust and bugs, with a busted right-side mirror and a scrape along one rear fender. That’s not to mention a couple hundred miles more on the odometer plus eyewitnesses who report the car was repeatedly being topped out at 130 miles per hour.

“When I found out what happened, I called the guy I loaned it to,” said Philip Alderman, the owner of Colonial Chevrolet-Buick in Talladega.

“I asked what kind of insurance he had, and he said, `Man, I’m so sorry. I had no idea that fool (the driver) would smack that car into the wall like that.”

The “guy” to whom Alderman lent the car - a 2006 black Monte Carlo - was Rick Humphries, the general manager of Talladega Superspeedway.

The “fool” who smacked the car into the wall was Dale Earnhardt Jr., doing a little “ride and drive” that allowed guest passengers to take a few laps around the newly resurfaced track at Talladega last month.

That’s why Alderman was not really unhappy with the condition in which the Monte Carlo was returned. In fact, he’s turned it into the centerpiece of his dealership showroom.

“We didn’t even wash it,” Alderman said. “We’re willing to sell it, as is. Rick had Dale sign the dashboard and the sticker, and we laminated all the articles and pictures of the trips Dale took in the car around the speedway.

“For $125, I could have it fixed up as good as new. I haven’t done it. I’m thinking about putting it up on eBay for auction.”

He believes he can auction off the car for more than the usual value of a 2006 Monte Carlo. The current sticker price of the Earnhardt car is $29,405.

Alderman’s dealership used to regularly lend cars to the Talladega track for “ride and drives” until the speedway became aligned with Ford.

However, because Earnhardt Jr. races in a Chevrolet Monte Carlo, he wasn’t about to be seen driving a Ford around any track, which sent Humphries back to Alderman for help.

“Rick and I are good friends,” Alderman said. “He’s president of the Rotary, and I’m president-elect, so we’ve had a lot of fun with this.

“I think all they did was make the car more valuable. It’s the first car to go around the (newly resurfaced) track at Talladega, the first car to hit the newly painted wall - and there is still paint on the rear fender to prove it. And, of course, it was driven by Dale Earnhardt Jr. That’s why we haven’t even washed the bugs off of it.”

Alderman is still trying to work out a site to make the car available for auction on eBay, but isn’t overly concerned, one way or the other.

“It’s good for me, no matter what,” he said. “I didn’t cost me anything. It draws people into the dealership. It gets people thinking about the Monte Carlo.

“Worst case, I can fix the mirror, buff out the scratch, and sell it anyway. But I just think it’s got some novelty value, because of who drove it and what happened to it.”
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Courtesy of That’s Racin’
www.thatsracin.com

NASCAR stars roar through Manhattan
Celebration of season begins with victory lap
NASCAR drivers made a nuisance of themselves Wednesday morning in midtown Manhattan.
www.thatsracin.com/mld/thatsracin/16127902.htm
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P R E S S * R E L E A S E S
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Dale Earnhardt, Jr. Wins 2006 NASCAR NMPA Chex® Most Popular Driver Award
MINNEAPOLIS (November 30, 2006) – NASCAR fans across the nation logged on to www.mostpopulardriver.com and with the click of a mouse, voted Dale Earnhardt, Jr. the most popular driver in 2006. Earnhardt, Jr. was presented with the NASCAR NMPA Chex® Most Popular Driver award today at the NASCAR Myers Brothers Award Luncheon in New York City.

After receiving the award today, this marks the fourth consecutive year the North Carolina native has won the prestigious award. After his selection in 2005, Earnhardt, Jr. joined drivers Bill Elliott and Richard Petty as the only drivers to win four-straight.

“I want to thank General Mills, Chex and the National Motorsports Press Association for this award,” said Dale Earnhardt, Jr. “It’s a great honor, because it’s the only award in our sport voted on by the fans. I share this award with my fans, because it is as much theirs as it is mine. I’ve always been grateful for their loyalty and support. Words can’t say how much I appreciate it.”

Throughout the race season, race fans logged on to www.mostpopulardriver.com and voted for their favorite driver. A total of 2,835,277 votes were cast this year, with Earnhardt, Jr. receiving 1,172,195 votes.

“General Mills has been sponsoring this award since 2002 and Dale Earnhardt, Jr. has been the fan favorite,” said Becky O’Grady, vice president of marketing for Chex® cereal. “NASCAR fans are second to none, pledging their allegiance to their favorite driver with vigor each and every Sunday. As the only award determined by the fans, the NASCAR NMPA Chex® Most Popular Driver award speaks volumes about the millions of passionate NASCAR fans and their dedication.”

Jeff Gordon finished second in the voting, followed by Kasey Kahne, Tony Stewart, Kevin Harvick, Michael Waltrip, Mark Martin, Matt Kenseth, 2006 NASCAR NEXTEL Cup champion Jimmie Johnson and Elliott Sadler.

More than 40 Nextel Cup Series drivers were eligible in 2006 for the esteemed NASCAR NMPA Chex® Most Popular Driver Award, which is administered by the National Motorsports Press Association (NMPA). It has been awarded annually since 1956 and is one of the oldest awards in racing.

Chex® cereals have been on breakfast tables for more than 60 years, and offer wholesome great taste, calcium, vitamins and an enjoyable crunch, while at the same time remaining low in fat and cholesterol-free. From the original Wheat Chex®, the lineup has grown to include different varieties to suit different tastes. Wheat Chex®, Corn Chex®, Rice Chex® and Multi-Bran Chex® offer the simple, delicious taste of oven-toasted grains. Honey Nut Chex® and Frosted Chex® add a sweet but not too sweet flavor the whole family will enjoy.
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N A S C A R * B U S C H * S E R I E S
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Courtesy of BGNRacing.Com
www.bgnracing.com

Gavel Auction will have an auction Saturday December 9th at 10:00 AM located at 3901 Sardis Church Rd. in Monroe, NC. For more information regarding the auction and to see photos, see www.gavelauction.com or call 704-658-9906. AND: Jay Robinson Racing will switch to Chevrolets for the 2007 Busch Series - if the team is around. Team owner Jay Robinson said Tuesday his operation may not be around next season. One of the sponsors for his two-car team, Advil, will not return next year, and Robinson hasn’t been able to find a replacement. A deal to run cars for another established team has yet to come to fruition. The reason for the switch from Ford, Robinson said, is because the market for used Ford parts has dried up. It’s easier to find Chevrolet parts at a lower price, he said. The team is holding an auction this weekend for some of its Ford equipment. Robinson said he hopes to know in the next couple of weeks whether he’ll be able to continue, pending sponsorship. (Scene Daily) (11-27-06)
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Courtesy of Jayski
www.jayski.com

Villeneuve Closer to NASCAR Deal: According to RDS, the former Formula One champion has reached an agreement with Roush Racing to help facilitate his move into NASCAR next spring. Team president Geoff Smith tells XM Satellite radio that Villeneuve would begin his career in the Craftsman Truck Series before graduating to the Busch Series. Smith adds that there’s a 50-percent chance Villeneuve could be in Montreal next August for the inaugural Busch Series race at Circuit Gilles Villeneuve. Villeneuve reportedly needs to find between $16-million and $18-million in sponsorship before the deal can be finalized.(TSN.ca)(11-30-2006)

O’Quinn Free to Talk to Other Teams: Danny O’Quinn confirmed this week that he has been given permission to talk with other teams about driving for them next season. O’Quinn won the rookie award for Roush Racing, but Roush officials haven’t been able to put a sponsorship arrangement together for O’Quinn for next season, and Tuesday, Roush Racing President Geoff Smith told O’Quinn he was free to look around. O’Quinn said he had yet to start talking with other teams, and Roush Racing remains his preference.(SceneDaily.com)(11-30-2006)

RCR and McCreadie reach deal? According to sources, both at RCR and locally, the Watertown, NY native Tim McCreadie has reached a deal with Richard Childress Racing to drive in the Winston West West Series in 2007. “Tim will be competing in the Winston West Series next year, for RCR’s Driver Development Program,” a source at RCR’s PR Dept. has stated.”The plan right now is for Tim to participate in all 14 West Series events for next season. If all goes well and we have no reason to think it won’t, Tim will move up to either the Busch or Craftsman Truck Series in 2008. Tim is a very talented driver and we at RCR are very excited about him coming on board and helping RCR get back to the top.” The deal will allow “T Mac” to drive in select WoO Late Model and Modified Series events on the DIRT circuit.(localtrax.com)(11-30-2006)

No decision has been reached by Brewco Motorsports about the future of Nashville’s Casey Atwood with the Busch Series team. Team owner Clarence Brewer said he is exploring all options and is not sure when a decision will be made.(Tennessean.com)(11-29-2006)
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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

Music City Motorplex (Nashville) driver Willie Allen is being considered as a replacement for Kerry Earnhardt on the ThorSport Racing Team. There is no word on when a decision will be made.(Tennessean)(11-29-2006)
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Courtesy of TruckSeries.Com
www.truckseries.com

This Week in Ford Racing: Travis Kvapil
www.truckseries.com/cgi-script/NCTS_06/articles/000068/006880.htm

Speed Puts Out Open Casting Call for Speed Road Tour Challenge
www.truckseries.com/cgi-script/NCTS_06/articles/000093/009320.htm

Circle Bar Team Caps 10th Year With Return To Top 10 In Standings
www.truckseries.com/cgi-script/NCTS_06/articles/000093/009319.htm

Bjorklund Inks 12-Race Truck Series Deal with MRD Motorsports
www.truckseries.com/cgi-script/NCTS_06/articles/000093/009315.htm
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A R C A (Automobile Racing Club of America)
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Courtesy of ARCA
www.arcaracing.com

Billy’s Barefoot in the Sand
Venturini Weds on the Beach in Antigua

ANTIGUA (11-30-06) – It was fun while it lasted, but the honeymoon’s over pal, so to speak.

Now it’s back to work at the race shop in Concord, North Carolina to get ready for the busy race season ahead, beginning with a three-day ARCA RE/MAX Series open test at Daytona Int’l Speedway on December 15, 16 & 17. That will soon be followed the 44th annual and season-opening Daytona ARCA 200 Saturday afternoon, February 10, 2007.

But, for the entire Venturini family, it was off to the beautiful Caribbean island of Antigua over the Thanksgiving holidays for a very important event.

It was there on the beach where Billy and Jenni Venturini, both barefoot in the sand, were married last Wednesday, the day before Thanksgiving.

Read more… - arcaracing.cmagic.com/content/view/4144/2/

Hardcore Motorsports ARCA Safety Seminar Saturday
TOLEDO, OH (11-29-06)—As a continually moving target, there is no off-season for the subject of safety.
Read more… - arcaracing.cmagic.com/content/view/4140/2/

Haas CNC Racing Signs Blake Bjorklund
06 ARCA RE/MAX ROY Steers For Craftsman Trucks
DAVIDSON NC (11-29-06) – Haas CNC Racing has signed ARCA RE/MAX Series driver Blake Bjorklund to pilot the MRD Motorsports NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series entry for the first 12 races in 2007. This will be the first foray into the Craftsman Truck Series for Haas Racing as they partner with MRD Motorsports to develop drivers.

“Blake has what it takes to become a rising star in the motorsports world,” said Haas CNC spokesman Carl Cline.

Read more… - arcaracing.cmagic.com/content/view/4143/2/
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Walt Brannen Gets Ready to Return to His Roots
Young Driver Makes Plans for 2007 After Spending Much of 2006 on the Sidelines

ELKO, GA (November 29, 2006) — The 2006 racing season started out with plenty of promise for Walt Brannen. The young Georgia driver had a …
www.motorsport.com/news/article.asp?ID=239496

MIS FAN ENHANCEMENT PROJECTS BEGIN FOUNDATION FOR IMPROVED GRANDSTAND SEATING CURRENTLY BEING POURED
BROOKLYN, Mich. (Nov. 29, 2006) — Michigan International Speedway’s fan enhancement projects, which were announced by the …
www.motorsport.com/news/article.asp?ID=239480
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U S A R (United Speed Alliance Racing)
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KALE WINS ROOKIE OF THE YEAR
From Pole Position to Bruised Ribs, Teamwork and Determination Prevail
LAKELAND, FL., November 28, 2006 — Derek Kale stepped off a wild roller coaster ride Saturday holding the Miller Lite Hooters Pro Cup …
www.motorsport.com/news/article.asp?ID=239448
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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
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BEAUCHAMP WANTS EVEN MORE SUCCESS FOR MOPAR DODGE IN 2007
November 30, 2006. Ron Beauchamp Jr. and the Mopar Parts Team are not resting on their successes of 2006 as a busy off-season of work is well underway in preparation for their 2007 racing program.

While many of the racing venues and competitors figure to be similar next season the series will have a new name, the NASCAR Canadian Tire Series. “We’ve been waiting for this for a long time” said Mopar Dodge driver Ron Beauchaump Jr. “Our racing program has developed a lot over the years and now the sanctioning body is also stepping up to make things even bigger in the coming years”.

2006 was very good to Ron Beauchamp Jr. and the Mopar Parts team. Seven top-ten finishes, five top-five finishes, four times on the podium including a victory at St. Eustache.

Knowing how the competition level has increased in the last few years the Mopar Parts team is already working diligently to be ready for the start of next season. “Our equipment has been very good the last couple of seasons” said Ron Jr. “But we know that to improve on our season we have to have everything perfect right out of the box to start the year”.

You can watch all of the CASCAR Super Series events this season including Ron Beauchamp’s winning effort at St. Eustache once again on SPEED TV during the fall and winter months. The first race of the season airs this coming Saturday December 2nd at 3PM.

The entire Beauchamp Motorsports family wishes to thank all of their sponsors and fans for their continuing loyalty and support and wish you and your family the very best this holiday season.

CHALLENGER MOTOR FREIGHT/LOGEL’S AUTO PARTS TEAM EXCITED ABOUT THE PROSPECTS IN 2007

November 30, 2006. Brad Graham and the Challenger Motor Freight/Logel’s Auto Parts team enjoyed a successful racing season in 2006, and look forward to a new beginning with even greater results in 2007.

Brad and the Challenger Motor Freight/Logel’s Auto Parts team have run consistently well for several years in Canada’s top stock car racing series. This past season they were again a threat every race weekend and also claimed victory at Sun Valley Speedway.

“This past season was another step in the progression of this race team” said Brad Graham. “It takes successful teams in any sport time to learn how to win, we’ve done that and I know we can achieve even more in the future”.

Another top-ten finish in the overall Championship and four top-ten race finishes have the Challenger Motor Freight/Logel’s Auto Parts team poised for more in 2007. “Next year will bring new challenge” stated Brad Graham. “It should be many of the same events and participants but we don’t know all the particulars yet for the new NASCAR Canadian Tire series, but I do believe we can handle them. We’ve got new equipment ordered, some of it already arriving and we’re gearing up for next season”.

If you’ve missed any of the CASCAR Super Series races on Rogers Sportsnet you will able to see them this fall and winter on SPEED TV. The season opening event airs this coming Saturday, December 2nd at 3PM. For more information regarding Brad Graham and the Challenger Motor Freight/Logel’s Auto Parts Dodge check out the newly renovated website at www.bradgraham.ca

Brad Graham and the entire Challenger Motor Freight/Logel’s Auto Parts team would like to thank all of their sponsors and fans for the tremendous support this past year, and send best wishes for the coming Festive season.

NO SUCH THING AS OFF SEASON FOR CASTROL DODGE DRIVER DJ KENNINGTON

November 30, 2006. Following the conclusion of the final CASCAR Super Series racing season, Castrol Dodge pilot DJ Kennington began working through the usual routine of post season inspections and maintenance on the teams racing equipment when a prospect to keep racing came about.

“It all came together pretty quickly” said DJ Kennington “but it was a fantastic opportunity that I had to take advantage of”. Dwight Kennedy of Northern Provincial Pipeline contacted DJ about the possibility of running a few NASCAR Busch Series events and the two quickly set the plans in motion.

Kennington would pilot the newly purchased equipment in the Busch Series race in Memphis to begin the project. With a 23rd qualifying spot the driver and team were pleased with a 29th place finish.

Disappointment would be the result at both Phoenix and Homestead as Kennington was unable to crack the starting grid. “There were so many good cars trying to qualify for those events that we just missed out, but certainly learned a lot about the series and the competition”.

DJ Kennington and crew are now hard at work preparing their machinery for the NASCAR Canadian Tire series in 2007. In addition the possibility exists to add US based events to his Kennington’s racing schedule for next year

If you missed any of the action this summer, you can watch DJ Kennington and all of the CASCAR Super Series races on SPEED TV beginning with round one from Barrie Speedway this coming Saturday, December 2nd at 3PM.

DJK Racing would also like to take this opportunity to thank all the fans and sponsors for their continuous support, and wish you all the best for the coming holiday season.
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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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What I Like About You: Casey Mears
by Carol Einarsson
I like that Casey has a cat that scratches its chin on boxes the same way my own cat does.
www.racejournalonline.com/index.cfm?Pagename=column&id=191

Forget the girls, Mark Martin has gone wild
By Mike Harper, ThatsRacin.com - Turn 3
blogs.thatsracin.com/turn3/2006/11/forget_the_girl.html

Insider Racing News
insiderracingnews.com/RG/113006.html
Johnson’s Lack of Emotion Leaves Fans Wanting More
by Rebecca Gladden

Insider Racing News
insiderracingnews.com/AM/120106.html
Is NASCAR Moving To The North East?
by Allen Madding

NASCAR News Rewind
Move Banquet to Waffle House Edition
By Dennis Michelsen - Every week so much happens in the world of NASCAR. As a public service we will attempt to wrap up the three biggest stories of the week in one easy to follow story every week. Just because we can’t resist being wise guys we will also present our take on the news!…
www.stockcarpitpass.com/inside20061201.html

Kenny Wallace-What Happened to This Busch Star in 2006
www.stockcarpitpass.com/inside20061130.html

Why Should Opinions Change on Jimmie Johnson?
www.stockcarpitpass.com/inside20061129.html
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Copyright 2002-2006 by MotorSportsNews.Net
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