Stock Car Gazette for Tuesday, 3/4/08 (on web only)
by Mike Irwin ~ March 4th, 2008 @ 6:30 am. Filed under: Stock Car Gazette. 194 readsI’m having computer problems and mail server problems, so I am not able to send out the Stock Car Gazette to you this morning. It’s here on the website if you want to read it, though.
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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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I’m having some sort of computer problems where I can’t send mail right now. Hopefully our support folks will be able to clear up the mail problem soon.
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Stock Car Gazette Columnists Speak Out!
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“Smoke” Screen
by: Daniel Schmittou
Today we’ll discuss tempers. I’m talking about that guy you know who is stubborn as all get-out who is “always” right no matter if he knows the facts or not.
MORE: motorsportsnews.net/archives/1119
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MotorSportsNews.Net(work) web site features
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Stock Car Gazette for Monday, March 3, 2008
motorsportsnews.net/archives/1117
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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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Courtesy of www.Catchfence.com
Skinner to Temporarily Replace Allmendinger: Red Bull Racing Team has confirmed that veteran NASCAR driver Mike Skinner will temporarily replace AJ Allmendinger in the No. 84 Red Bull Camry in the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series effective this weekend at Atlanta Motor Speedway. Skinner, a NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series champion, currently races full-time in the No. 5 Toyota Tundra. “We’re at a crossroads where we need to make a change that will elevate the No. 84 team to success,” said VP and General Manager Jay Frye. “AJ’s our guy and he’s a talented driver, but there’s a lot being asked of him. In order for him to be successful, we have to get this team pointed in the right direction. We hope we can do that with the help of a veteran driver.” Skinner’s history with Red Bull Racing Team dates back to 2006 when he served as a test driver for the team. Skinner’s history with Allmendinger also dates back to 2006, when he mentored teammate Allmendinger during the rookie’s part-time ride with Bill Davis Racing NCTS team. Frye hopes with the help of Skinner, that RBRT will have the program turned around and the ride returned to Allmendinger in no time.
AJ Allmendinger, No. 84 Red Bull Driver: “Let’s not kid ourselves; I’m a racer and I want to be racing, but I get the big picture here and obviously we need to improve our program. Do I want to be out of the car? No. But, I know Skinner can help both me and my team. All I can say is he better be prepared for me to eat, drink, and sleep with him. Ok, well maybe not the sleeping part, but I’m ready to attach myself to him and learn everything I can.”
Mike Skinner, Substitute No. 84 Driver: “The first time I ever met AJ, I took an immediate liking to him. He’s not just a great personality; he also has a remarkable amount of talent. He took on a huge challenge jumping into stock cars last year, and I’m glad I can be the one to help him and his team figure out where the glitches are in their program. This is a positive thing for AJ as a learning experience, for the Red Bull Racing Team to get back on track, and for me to have the opportunity to help another Toyota team that has great equipment and potential.” - Red Bull Racing Team, Press Release
Capital Improvement Project At Darlington Raceway Enters Final Lap: It has been several months since the green-flag waived on the $10 million capital improvement project at Darlington Raceway, and now the project in on the final lap. “We are very excited to be in the final stages of this project,” said Chris Browning, Darlington Raceway President. “This is the first step in a five-year plan at Darlington Raceway and I am very excited about the future of this great facility.” The $10 million investment was the largest one-time investment in the 50-year history of the storied South Carolina facility. In addition to the new racing surface, several other enhancements were made with driver and crew safety in mind including the addition of SAFER barrier walls to the interior frontstretch and backstretch concrete walls and extending the length of each pit box by one foot. The addition of a new infield access tunnel in turn 3 will also allow emergency vehicles to easily enter and exit the infield area of the track. “Competitor safety is of utmost importance,” said Browning. “The addition of the SAFER barrier to interior concrete walls, expanding our pit stalls and the addition of the infield access tunnel all enhance overall safety at Darlington Raceway.” Don’t miss your chance to see the stars of the NASCAR Sprint Cup 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 May 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, Press Release
Kevin Harvick to Make Guest Appearance in Talladega Superspeedway Fan Hospitality: Talladega Superspeedway officials announced today that Kevin Harvick, driver of the No. 29 Shell-Pennzoil Chevrolet, will be making a guest appearance in the Superstretch Club before the Aaron’s 499 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series race on April 27. Harvick enters the 2008 season after winning the 2007 Daytona 500 and finishing 10th in the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series standings. In the 2007 Aaron’s 499, Harvick battled his way to a sixth-place finish after starting 41st. “This is a great opportunity for fans to meet and greet one of NASCAR’s premier drivers,” said Talladega Superspeedway President Rick Humphrey. “Kevin is a Daytona 500 winner and a championship competitor. I am looking forward to him spending some time with our guests in the Superstretch Club.“ Each $85 Superstretch Club package includes: Sunday Admission to the Superstretch Club located near the Allison Grandstand on the east side of the track, a Saturday Pre-Race Pit Pass, a Sunday Pre-Race Pit Road Tour (schedule & weather permitting), catering for breakfast, buffet lunch, soda, water, and four drink tickets for beer, event souvenir and one Superstretch Club Hospitality parking pass per two Superstretch Club packages. *Please note: Driver appearance can be cancelled due to weather and schedule changes. Superstretch Club packages are only available to guests with Allison Grandstand tickets. A two-day reserved ticket in the Allison Grandstand is a phenomenal value at $60. To find more information on hospitality packages at Talladega Superspeedway, fans are encouraged to visit the website at www.talladegasuperspeedway.com or call 1-877-Go2-DEGA (1-877-462-3342). For our hearing impaired guests, please call TDD 1-866-ISC-TRAK (1-866-472-8725). Tickets also are available online at www.racetickets.com or in person by visiting the Talladega Superspeedway Ticket Office from 8 a.m. – 4 p.m. CDT, Monday - Friday. - Talladega Superspeedway, Press Release
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Courtesy of Fast Tracks Racing Newsletter
www.nascarnutscanada.com/
NASCAR should remember: Personality built sport
By Larry Woody, Sports Correspondent
Some 40 years ago my old sports editor John Bibb called me into his office and informed me that I was the new racing writer. I hemmed and hawed, squirmed and wiggled. I told Bibb I’d never seen a race and had no interest in starting. I explained that I didn’t know anything about cars and gears and motors. I could barely pump my own gas.
www.nashvillecitypaper.com/news.php?viewStory=58978
NASCAR Notebook Mysterious series has European ties COMPILED BY MIKE MULHERN
NASCAR comes to Europe,” reads a headline out of the weekend’s Paris Tuning and Racing Show, an annual car show. But none of the four NASCAR manufacturers here, or any of the Cup tour teams mentioned, seem to know anything about it.
snipurl.com/20xh5-gazete
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Courtesy of Google Alerts
Sprint relationship with NASCAR a branding bonanza
Las Vegas Business Press - Las Vegas,NV,USA
This new phase of the national series, which was dubbed the Winston Cup for 33 years before Nextel got it, began with a female fan in Las Vegas becoming a …
www.lvbusinesspress.com/articles/2008/03/03/news/iq_19960471.txt
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Courtesy of Insider Racing News
www.insiderracingnews.com
Gordon Calls For SAFER Barrier At ‘Vegas
Four-time series champion Jeff Gordon was critical of Las Vegas Motor Speedway following his hard hit on the inside retaining wall late in Sunday’s race. Gordon’s spinning Chevrolet went headfirst into the wall for the “hardest I’ve ever hit” after contact with Matt Kenseth. Gordon was upset the wall didn’t have the SAFER Barrier that is pretty much standard on the outside walls. “That kind of hit shouldn’t happen,” Gordon said. “There is no reason why any track we go to should have that. I could have been really hurt bad.”
insiderracingnews.com/Daily/2008/Mar/030308.html
Kyle Busch Wins Lap Leader Award
Kyle Busch led three times for 56 laps to earn WIX Filters Lap Leader of the Race honors Sunday’s UAW-Dodge 400. Busch has led at least one lap in all three Sprint Cup races this season for a total of 156 laps. Busch scored an 11th-place finish in Sunday’s race. His average finish in three races is 6.6. Unofficially Busch is second in the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series championship standings, 21 points behind leader Carl Edwards and 20 ahead of third-place Ryan Newman. Busch started Sunday’s race from the pole, his third pole position in 117 races. Busch leads Jimmie Johnson by one race (2-1) in the overall WIX Filters Lap Leader standings.
Race and Commercial Breakdown for the UAW-Dodge 400
Total number of commercials: 110
Total number of companies or entities advertised: 61
Total number of brief promos of products/services during the race broadcast: 39
Total number of companies or entities advertised in brief promos or crawlers: 35
Total amount of time these brief promos take during broadcast: app. 2 min. 35 sec.
Start time to record race/commercial periods: 4:30 PM
End time to record race/commercial periods: 8:14 PM
Total minutes: 224
Minutes of race broadcast: 171
Minutes of commercials: 53
Number of missed restarts: 1 (and one near miss)
Number of ‘debris cautions’ when debris not shown: 1 …MORE AT…(www.cawsnjaws.com)
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Courtesy of Jayski
www.jayski.com
Carl Edwards said on NASCAR This Week [SPEED] that a bolt backed out, but he expects to be penalized.(3-3-2008)
Phoenix Test Speeds - Session 3, Day 1: 47 drivers/teams in 58 cars took to the track on Monday, March 3rd for the evening session. #1A-Martin Truex Jr. was the fastest at 130.326mph in a Chevy, followed by #29A-Kevin Harvick (Chevy), #11A-Denny Hamlin (Toyota), #07A-Clint Bowyer (Chevy) and #8A-Mark Martin (Chevy). #2A-Kurt Busch was the fastest Dodge at 6th and #99A-Carl Edwards was the fastest Ford at 7th. The slowest cars were #10B-Patrick Carpentier at 126.103 and #49A-Ken Schrader at 126.975.(3-3-2008)
Phoenix Test Speeds - Session 2, Day 1: 47 drivers/teams in 60 cars took to the track on Monday, March 3rd for the afternoon session. #07A-Clint Bowyer was the fastest at 130.222mph, followed by #22A-Dave Blaney (Toyota), #2A-Kurt Busch (Dodge), #1A-Martin Truex Jr. (Chevy) and #18A-Kyle Busch (Toyota). #6A-David Ragan was the fatest Ford at 7th. Slowest cars #49A-Ken Schrader at 124.848 and #10B-Patrick Carpentier at 126.059. Jason Keller is testing the #9 car in place of Kasey Kahen, who was ill over the past weekend. Tony Stewart is testing the #20 Toyota.
For the speeds and news about testing at PIR, see my Phoenix Testing Page.(3-3-2008)
www.jayski.com/stats/testing/testing2008phoenix.htm
Phoenix Test Speeds - Session 1, Day 1: Only 21 teams/drivers in 25 cars took to Phoenix International raceway for the first day, morning session of testing. #15A-Paul Menard was the fastest at 131.186mph in a Chevy, followed by #42A-Montoya (Dodge), #96A-Yeley (Toyota), #41B-Sorenson (Dodge) and #07A-Bowyer (Chevy). there were only two Ford that tested #6A-Ragan was the fastest at 17th] and #21A-Bill Elliott. Michael McDowell tested the #44 Toyota for Dale Jarrett.
For the speeds and news about testing at PIR, see my Phoenix Testing Page.(3-3-2008)
www.jayski.com/stats/testing/testing2008phoenix.htm
Edwards in select company…but: #99-Carl Edwards is the fifth driver to win the two races following the Daytona 500 in the last 25 years, of the other four, one has won the championship, Dale Earnhardt. The drivers:
1987, Dale Earnhardt, finished 1st in points
1988, Neil Bonnet, 16th
1992, Bill Elliott, 2nd
2004, Matt Kenseth, 8th
2008, Carl Edwards, ?
(3-4-2008)
Overnight TV Ratings up for Las Vegas: NASCAR ON FOX earned a major victory Sunday with a 6.2/12 for Sprint Cup Racing from Las Vegas. That 6.2/12 is a 13% gain over last year’s 5.5/11 for the same race. This year’s 13% growth for the Las Vegas race matches FOX’s best gain for any single race in almost four years, since the 2004 California race posted a 14% increase. Sunday’s 6.2/12 is FOX’s best rating for the Las Vegas race since 2003 (6.3/13), which not coincidentally is also the last year that FOX’s Vegas race was not preceded by a bye week. For the season-to-date, NASCAR On FOX is averaging a 7.2/14 for the Sprint Cup, up +3% over last year’s 7.0/14. So far this season, FOX has aired four Sprint Cup events that were not impacted by weather (Bud Shootout, Daytona qualifying, Daytona 500, Las Vegas 400) and all four have either matched or beaten last year’s metered market rating.(Fox PR), have not seen any ratings on Monday’s rain-delayed Cup race.(3-4-2008)
Quite a change in top-35 possible: after three races, the 2008 Owners Points are shaping up with quite a few changes, there currently are five teams that were in the top-35 in 2007 Owners Points, and locked in the first five 2008 Sprint Cup races, who are out of the top-35 in current 2008 Owners Points Standings: #40-Dario Franchitti [12 pts out], #7-Robby Gordon [but that could change if the penalty is rescinded this week], #77-Sam Hornish Jr. [switched with #2-Kurt Busch to be guaranteed a spot in the first five races], #01-Regan Smith and #45-Kyle Petty. Five teams/drivers who were not in the top-35 of owners points at the end of 2007, are currently in the top-35 after three races: #2-Kurt Busch [traded #2 owners points with Penske's third team, #77-Hornish], #83-Brian Vickers, #00-David Reutimann, #44-Dale Jarrett and #55-Michael Waltrip. At the sixth race, Martinsville, the current season points start being used for the top-35 and a guaranteed spot, but it can change from week to week, harder to get in as the season moves on.(3-4-2008)
www.jayski.com/stats/2008/points/3lvms2008points.htm
www.jayski.com/stats/2008/points/2008owners-first5.htm
NASCAR Penalty RECINDED: don’t see this too often and will be interesting to see what bearing it has on Robby Gordon’s Penalty and Carl Edwards possible penalty, both should be announced this week sometime. Anyhow……On March 3, 2008, the National Stock Car Racing Commission heard and considered the appeal of Rusty Wallace Racing. The appeal concerned three penalties issued by NASCAR following post-qualifying inspection on February 15, 2008 for the Nationwide Series race at Daytona International Speedway. The infractions concerned Section 12-4-A of the NASCAR Rule Book “Actions detrimental to stock car racing”; Section 12-4-Q “Any determination by NASCAR Officials that the car, car parts, components, and/or equipment used in the Event do not conform to NASCAR rules” and Section 20A-8.4C: “The oil tank reservoir tank cover was not fastened securely.”
The penalties assessed were:
• Loss of 25 NASCAR Nationwide Series Championship Car Owner Points for car owner Ed Rensi.
• Loss of 25 NASCAR Nationwide Series Championship Driver Points for driver David Stremme.
• $15,000.00 fine; suspension from NASCAR from the next six Nationwide Series events; suspension from NASCAR until April 9, 2008; and probation until December 31, 2008 for crew chief Steve Darne. In deliberating, the Commission also considered Section 20A-2.1L of the Rule Book concerning the passage of air into or out of the car. After reviewing the testimony and evidence presented during the hearing, the Commission determined that the cover appeared to be fastened. All bolts appeared to be fully engaged. The slight deflection at one corner of the cover which gave rise to the penalty was arguable, given the overall design of the oil tank reservoir encasement. Therefore, by a majority decision, the National Stock Car Racing Commission decided to rescind the penalties assessed by NASCAR.(NASCAR PR)(3-4-2008)
added some more schemes: #44 Kentucky Derby, #24 Cromax Pro, #40 Target, #21 Nutty Bars, #01 Coors Light, #99 Dish Network and #55 NAPA to the Paint Schemes Gallery
www.jayski.com/schemes/paintschemes.htm
Gordon calls for more SAFER walls at Vegas UPDATE LVMS statement: #24-Jeff Gordon, who escaped injury after crashing hard into the inside retaining wall in Turn 2 in the closing laps of Sunday’s UAW-Dodge 400, called on Las Vegas Motor Speedway owner Bruton Smith to add ‘soft walls’ in the area. Gordon crashed on lap 263 of the 267-lap race and hit a spot in the wall where there is a gap. “I’m really disappointed right now in this speedway for not having a soft wall back there,” Gordon said. “And even being able to get to that part of the wall shouldn’t happen. I’ve got two things to say: ‘Bruton, you need a soft wall and to change the wall back there on the back straightaway’. Thankfully, Hendrick Motorsports … builds an unbelievable race car because that’s the hardest I’ve ever hit.” Greg Biffle, who finished third in the race and was behind Gordon on the track when he crashed, agreed with Gordon and said there is no excuse for having gaps in the walls. “There shouldn’t be any gaps anywhere,” Biffle said. “There should be SAFER barriers all the way around the inside and the outside of these racetracks. You can’t say we don’t have the time or money to do it because we’re coming back here next year and going to race again.”(Las Vegas Sun)
UPDATE: Las Vegas Motor Speedway statement concerning Gordon’s comments: “We began evaluating that section of the speedway today. As we have done since the SAFER barrier program began, we will work with NASCAR, and we will do whatever it recommends.”(3-3-2008)
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Courtesy of Scene Daily
www.scenedaily.com
Overnight ratings up 12.7 percent
Fox’s broadcast of Sunday’s UAW-Dodge 400 NASCAR Sprint Cup race at Las Vegas Motor Speedway earned an overnight Nielsen Media Research rating of 6.2 and a 12 market share, Street & Smith’s SportsBusiness Daily reports
snipurl.com/20xh9-gazete
Gordon expected to test at Phoenix
Jeff Gordon, who had what he called the hardest hit in his career Sunday at Las Vegas Motor Speedway, is expected to test today at Phoenix International Raceway, a team spokesman confirmed.
snipurl.com/20xha-gazete
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P R E S S * R E L E A S E S
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Kentucky Derby, NASCAR Team Up Again
by Blood-Horse Staff
For the second consecutive year Churchill Downs and UPS will team up to bring the horsepower of the Kentucky Derby to NASCAR, as the two companies unveiled a special Kentucky Derby 134 paint scheme Feb. 29 that will be featured on the #44 UPS Toyota Camry during the Aaron’s 499 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series race at Talladega Superspeedway April 27.
The unveiling also launched the “Off to the Races Delivered by UPS” sweepstakes, which debuted in 2007. The online contest will provide one lucky fan with two tickets to the Aaron’s 499, as well as a special behind-the-scenes meeting with NASCAR driver David Reutimann, who will take over the #44 UPS Toyota Camry from the retiring Dale Jarrett next month.
The prize package will also include two tickets to the 134th running of the Kentucky Derby Presented by Yum! Brands (gr. I) at Churchill Downs May 3.
In addition, Thoroughbred racing and NASCAR will combine during Kentucky Derby week, as Churchill Downs hosts a special appearance and autograph session by Reutimann, and fellow NASCAR teammates Dale Jarrett and Michael Waltrip April 30. The Kentucky Derby-themed #44 UPS Toyota Camry will be on display, remaining at Churchill Downs’ Gate 10 through May 3. Jarrett will also participate in the ESPN broadcast of the annual Kentucky Derby post position draw April 30.
“Churchill Downs is delighted to continue our partnership with UPS in 2008, and we look forward to seeing the logo for the 134th running of the Kentucky Derby featured on the #44 UPS Toyota Camry at Talladega,” Churchill Downs President Steve Sexton said. “Combining the thrills of NASCAR racing with the Kentucky Derby has been an exciting step forward for us, and we hope the ‘Off to the Races’ sweepstakes will serve as a unique way for our customers to enjoy both sports.”
“UPS is honored to have associations with Churchill Downs and a prestigious event like the Kentucky Derby,” director of sponsorships for UPS Ron Rogowski said. “It’s exciting for us to be able to create a link between our NASCAR racing and horse sponsorships. With more than 12,000 entries for the sweepstakes last year, the success of the 2007 ‘Off to the Races’ program made it an easy decision to continue the program in 2008.”
Fans can register for the “Off to the Races Delivered by UPS” sweepstakes at www.racing.ups.com between Feb. 29 and April 10. Contestants must be 21 years of age or older and residents of the United States.
Copyright © 2008 The Blood-Horse, Inc. All Rights Reserved.
(thanks, Amy C.)
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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
Federated Expands Relationship with Ken Schrader Racing: Federated Auto Parts has expanded its relationship with Nextel Cup driver Ken Schrader and Ken Schrader Racing for the 2008 season. In 2008, Schrader will drive a Federated sponsored vehicle in selected NASCAR Nationwide Series, ARCA, Truck and Grand National West events designed to support Federated members in all regions of the country. In a new initiative designed to support Federated stores and Car Care Centers, Schrader will also be driving a Federated sponsored vehicle in over 100 dirt track events throughout the country. This grass roots racing program, gives Federated members a local promotional vehicle in markets in their respective areas of the country.(Search-AutoParts.com)(3-3-2008)
National Stock Car Racing Commission Overturns Penalty agains RWI: On March 3, 2008, the National Stock Car Racing Commission heard and considered the appeal of Rusty Wallace Racing. The appeal concerned three penalties issued by NASCAR following post-qualifying inspection on February 15, 2008 for the Nationwide Series race at Daytona. The infractions concerned Section 12-4-A of the NASCAR Rule Book “Actions detrimental to stock car racing”; Section 12-4-Q “Any determination by NASCAR Officials that the car, car parts, components, and/or equipment used in the Event do not conform to NASCAR rules” and Section 20A-8.4C: “The oil tank reservoir tank cover was not fastened securely.” The penalties assessed were:
Loss of 25 NASCAR Nationwide Series Championship Car Owner Points for car owner Ed Rensi.
Loss of 25 NASCAR Nationwide Series Championship Driver Points for driver David Stremme.
$15,000.00 fine; suspension from NASCAR from the next six Nationwide Series events; suspension from NASCAR until April 9, 2008; and probation until December 31, 2008 for crew chief Steve Darne.
In deliberating, the Commission also considered Section 20A-2.1L of the Rule Book concerning the passage of air into or out of the car. After reviewing the testimony and evidence presented during the hearing, the Commission determined that the cover appeared to be fastened. All bolts appeared to be fully engaged. The slight deflection at one corner of the cover which gave rise to the penalty was arguable, given the overall design of the oil tank reservoir encasement. Therefore, by a majority decision, the National Stock Car Racing Commission decided to rescind the penalties assessed by NASCAR.(NASCAR PR)(3-3-2008)
Raybestos Rookie Notes for Atlanta: Dario Franchitti was the Raybestos Rookie of the Race in the Sam’s Town 300 at Las Vegas. Franchitti claimed a sixth-place finish, his best effort in seven Nationwide Series races. He has claimed Raybestos Rookie of the Race honors in two of the three Nationwide Series races this season. Franchitti holds a 12-point lead (37-25) over Bryan Clauson in the Raybestos Rookie standings entering the March 8 Nicorette 300 at Atlanta. Franchitti is ninth in the Nationwide Series championship standings, best of any Raybestos Rookie. He leads 10th-place Brad Coleman by 15 points and trails eighth-place Mike Wallace by 13. Franchitti is 128 points behind leader Tony Stewart.(Raybestos PR)(3-3-2008)
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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
Federated expands relationship with Ken Schrader Racing: Federated Auto Parts has expanded its relationship with Nextel Cup driver Ken Schrader and Ken Schrader Racing for the 2008 season. In 2008, Schrader will drive a Federated sponsored vehicle in selected NASCAR Nationwide Series, ARCA, Truck and Grand National West events designed to support Federated members in all regions of the country. In a new initiative designed to support Federated stores and Car Care Centers, Schrader will also be driving a Federated sponsored vehicle in over 100 dirt track events throughout the country. This grass roots racing program, gives Federated members a local promotional vehicle in markets in their respective areas of the country.(Search-AutoParts.com)(3-3-2008)
Raybestos Rookie News & Notes - Atlanta prerace: Colin Braun was the Raybestos Rookie of the Race in the February 22 San Bernardino County 200 at Auto Club Speedway. Braun scored a ninth-place finish, his best effort in three Craftsman Truck Series starts. He scored the first top-10 finish by a Raybestos Rookie at Auto Club Speedway since Todd Kluever placed fourth in 2004. Phillip McGilton grabbed a tenth-place finish at Auto Club Speedway, his best in two Craftsman Truck Series races. McGilton is sixth in the series championship standings, best of any Raybestos Rookie. He trails fifth-place Rick Crawford by 20 points and leads seventh-place Chad McCumbee by six points. Brian Scott holds a one-point lead (20-19) over McGilton in the Raybestos Rookie standings entering the March 7 American Commercial Line 200 at Atlanta Motor Speedway. Point standings; Brian Scott 20, Colin Braun 19, Justin Marks 19, Phillip McGilton 19, Marc Mitchell 16, Andy Lally 15, Donny Lia 7.(Raybestos PR)(3-3-2008)
Benson’s turn in the #27; sponsor TBA: During an interview for “The Morning Show” on Sirius Radio, Slugger Labbe, crew chief for the #27-BDR Toyota, confirmed that Johnny Benson would be the driver for this week’s Kobalt Tools 500 at Atlanta Motor Speedway. Labbe did say that there is a sponsor for the race; however, he was not able to release that information yet.(3-3-2008)
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A R C A (Automobile Racing Club of America)
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Courtesy of ARCA
www.arcaracing.com
From Sprinters to Stockers, Malsam on the March
TOLEDO OH (3-3-08) - Ken Schrader was one of the first superstars to break through to the big time world of stock car racing via the rough and tumble world of open wheel racing. The Fenton, Missouri native, unquestionably, helped paved the way for the likes of Jeff Gordon, Tony Stewart, Ryan Newman, Kasey Kahne, and others who honed their skills in midgets and sprints.
One of the next, young open-wheel warriors who hopes to spring board into the highest levels of stock car racing is 19-year-old Tayler Malsam, one of the new faces on the ARCA RE/MAX Series tour.
www.arcaracing.com/news.cfm?contentid=6201
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U S A R (United Speed Alliance Racing)
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Courtesy of USAR
usarprocup.com
Deiny Jr. Joins Mac Hill
usarprocup.com/view_article.asp?id=2604
Tim Bainey Jr., Aaron’s Dream Team Back For Full Schedule
usarprocup.com/view_article.asp?id=2602
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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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I.N. Sider writes about the “new” Dale Earnhardt Jr. in the new Behind [Closed] Garage Doors column, now posted at www.Valvoline.com.
Insider Racing News
insiderracingnews.com/Writers/BW/030408.html
NASCAR’s Inspection Hit Parade Plays On
by Brian Watkins
Cheers & Jeers
NASCAR’s Gambling With Safety
by Carol Einarsson
CHEERS to DW “not tryin’ to start anything” and pointing out that Mark Martin’s starting right behind Carl Edwards.
www.racejournalonline.com/index.cfm?Pagename=column&id=430
Phil Parsons Helps SPEED Fill The Void
dalyplanet.blogspot.com/2008/03/phil-parsons-helps-speed-fill-void.html
ESPN Continues To Shuffle The Monday Night Deck
dalyplanet.blogspot.com/2008/03/espn-continues-to-shuffle-monday-night.html
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The Stock Car Gazette
Copyright 2002-2008 by MotorSportsNews.Net
All Rights Reserved
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