Check out all the latest NASCAR Sprint Cup, NASCAR Nationwide Series, NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series, ARCA RE/MAX, and other stock car racing news, right here in today’s 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

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HASCO Collectibles Is Still Clearing Out Dale Jr. Bud Merchandise.
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Stock Car Gazette Columnists Speak Out!
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Sportsmanship
by: Robyn Snell

As we observe sports from NASCAR, baseball, football, hockey, dance and soccer (just to name a few), it appears America has lost the basic concept for sportsmanship.

MORE: motorsportsnews.net/archives/1150
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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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Has parity arrived in NASCAR?
Joe Gibbs Racing should have won at Bristol Motor Speedway. Instead, it was a Richard Childress Racing sweep. Once again, Hendrick Motorsports was nowhere near Victory Lane. Five races into the season, the team that won 18 of 36 races last year is still looking for its first victory. Yet to call it a Hendrick slump might [...]
feeds.feedburner.com/~r/autoracingsport/~3/253884766/

Gibbs team may have fuel cell flaw in cars
Denny Hamlin says a potential flaw in the design of the fuel cells at Joe Gibbs Racing may have contributed to Sunday’s loss at Bristol Motor Speedway. Hamlin was leading on the green-white-checkered restart, but his car stalled because not enough fuel reached the engine. That allowed Jeff Burton to blow past Hamlin for his first [...]
feeds.feedburner.com/~r/autoracingsport/~3/254117965/

Boris Said to drive in Mexico City and Montreal
Team Rensi Motorsports has signed Boris Said to drive the team’s No. 25 Ford in the upcoming Nationwide Series races in Mexico City and Montreal – both road-course events. Frank Stoddard, who has worked with Said as crew chief on the NASCAR Sprint Cup No Fear Racing team, will be in the same role for the [...]
feeds.feedburner.com/~r/autoracingsport/~3/254549527/
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Courtesy of www.Catchfence.com

This Week In Ford Racing: Max Jones, Co-Owner Of Yates Racing With Drivers Kvapil & Gilliland
www.catchfence.com/press/031808a.html

Wiley X Eyewear® Becomes Official Sunglass Supplier Of Premier Racing Organization Michael Waltrip Racing
www.catchfence.com/press/031908b.html
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Courtesy of Becky’s Fast Tracks Racing Newsletter
www.nascarnutscanada.com/

A dented dynasty? Not so fast, says Hendrick By Nate Ryan, USA TODAY
Rick Hendrick will spend the first off weekend of NASCAR’s Sprint Cup season facing a tough decision on reeling in stiff competition. After an inauspicious 2008 start — no wins in the first five races for the first time in five years — the Hendrick Motorsports owner will regroup by chasing 250-pound grouper in the Florida Keys.
www.usatoday.com/sports/motor/nascar/2008-03-18-hendrick-cover_N.htm
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Courtesy of Google Alerts

A Petty Gripe with NASCAR
KFFL - Escondido,CA,USA
The NASCAR world is currently in a hoopla over whether teams should be allowed to swap owner’s points during the season; the key being during the season and …
snipurl.com/22783-gazete
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Courtesy of Insider Racing News
www.insiderracingnews.com

Gibbs Racing Fuel Cell Design Flaw?
Denny Hamlin says a potential flaw in the design of the fuel cells at Joe Gibbs Racing may have contributed to Sunday’s loss at Bristol Motor Speedway. Hamlin was leading on the green-white-checkered restart, but his car stalled because not enough fuel reached the engine. That allowed Jeff Burton to blow past the 2006 Sprint Cup rookie of the year for his first win at the half-mile track and set up a 1-2-3 finish for Richard Childress Racing. Hamlin, who got his car going after gas swashed into the engine in the corners of the track, finished sixth. It wasn’t the first time this has happened. “Anytime we get low on fuel, especially with a banked race track like Bristol, all of our fuel drains in the cell to where we don’t get any in the engine,” Hamlin said Tuesday. “Once we do take off all we’re using is fuel in the lines. There’s a bubble in there and the car stalls.” Hamlin said team owner Joe Gibbs met with engineers all day Monday looking for answers. He said officials are also looking into why the gearbox in his car failed the previous week at Atlanta and the one in teammate Kyle Busch’s car failed with him in the lead at Bristol. “He blew the top seal out of his,” Hamlin said. “Mine blew the bottom seal. As far as knowing exactly what’s causing it, I don’t know yet. Between steering boxes and fuel, it’s aging me pretty bad.”

Lowe’s To Honor Jarrett
Dale Jarrett will finally “race” the truck and Lowe’s Motor Speedway is offering a special two-day ticket package for just $44 so fans can be on hand Saturday night, May 17, when Jarrett’s “Signed, Sealed, Delivered Tour” culminates at the NASCAR Sprint All-Star Race. Those are just two of several events and promotions that officials from UPS and Lowe’s Motor Speedway announced Wednesday in preparation for the 1999 NASCAR Sprint Cup champion’s final career start.

Scott Miller: Crew Chief Of Week
Scott Miller, crew chief of the No. 31 AT&T Mobility Chevrolet driven by Jeff Burton, was named the WYPALL Wipers “Crew Chief of the Race” for his team’s first place finish in Sunday’s Food City 500 at Bristol Motor Speedway. Although Burton only led two laps throughout the entire race, it was the “final” two propelling him to his first career victory at Bristol Motor Speedway. Miller will receive a $1,000 check as a result of his leadership and successful strategy calls during the most critical moments of the race. In addition to the $1,000 check, the winning crew chief will receive signage to announce the win on their pit box the following week. The crew chief with the most weekly top wins will be honored as the WYPALL Wipers Crew Chief of the Year and will be presented a $20,000 check at the season finale in Homestead, FL.
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Courtesy of Jayski
www.jayski.com

Lowe’s Motor Speedway and UPS to Honor Dale Jarrett at All-Star Race: Dale Jarrett will finally “race” the truck and Lowe’s Motor Speedway is offering a special two-day ticket package for just $44 so fans can be on hand Saturday night, May 17, when Jarrett’s “Signed, Sealed, Delivered Tour” culminates at the Sprint All-Star Race. Those are just two of several events and promotions that officials from UPS and Lowe’s Motor Speedway announced Wednesday in preparation for the 1999 Sprint Cup champion’s final career start. Jarrett unveiled the #44 UPS Toyota Camry he will drive in the Sprint All-Star Race which features a special paint scheme that pays tribute to several of the North Carolina native’s career accomplishments. The unveiling marked the first time Jarrett viewed the metallic-gold design which unites the past with the present. The car displays design elements from both Jarrett’s current #44 UPS Camry as well as the #88 Quality Care entry that he drove during the 1999 championship season.
But, before Jarrett straps into the #44 UPS Toyota Camry for the final time, he’ll do something fans have eagerly anticipated, he’s going to “race” the truck. After Jarrett is introduced prior to the Sprint All-Star Race, he will step into the UPS Race Truck from the UPS ad campaign and take one lucky fan for a ride around the 1.5-mile superspeedway. In honor of Jarrett and in appreciation of the fans who have supported him, Lowe’s Motor Speedway officials have created “DJ’s Deal,” a special Friday-Saturday (May 16-17) All-Star Weekend ticket package for only $44. The “DJ’s Deal” package and tickets for all May events at Lowe’s Motor Speedway, including the May 17 NASCAR Sprint All-Star Race and the May 25 Coca-Cola 600, can be purchased by calling 1-800-455-FANS or online at www.lowesmotorspeedway.com.(LMS PR), see images of the car on my #44 Team Schemes page.(3-19-2008) www.jayski.com/schemes/2008/44cup.htm

Raines to attempt to make Martinsville in the #08: EM Motorsports owner John Carter announced that Tony Raines would pilot the #08-Rhino’s Energy Drink Dodge Charger in the Goody’s Cool Orange 500 on March 30, at Martinsville Speedway. Raines is a veteran of six Sprint Cup Series starts at Martinsville. Raines’ best finish at the historic half-mile track was a 10th place finish in last October’s Subway 500. Raines qualifies well at the track with an average starting position of 17.3 in his 6 races. EM Motorsports is based in Toccoa, Georgia and is led by owner John Carter, Crew Chief Charles Swing and Marketing VP Doug Barron.(EM Motorsports PR) Carl Long attempted to make the Daytona 500 with the team and Burney Lamar had made a few attempts. Long had been scheduled to run at Bristol, but the team didn’t make an attempt there.(3-19-2008)

No Roush Points swap: Roush Fenway Racing spokesman tells me that Roush Fenway Racing has no plans of swapping points from the #17 Matt Kenseth team to the #26 Jamie McMurray team, who is 36th in onwers points and nees to race his way into the race at Martinsville.(3-19-2008)

Johnson tests at The Rock: #48-Jimmie Johnson tested at Rockingham Speedway on Tuesday, March 18th.
AND It has been a long time since the Rockingham Speedway garage was filled with over 40 cars and team transporters. This Friday and Saturday, March 21st and 22nd, the Rockingham Speedway is hosting an open test session for the Carolina 500 [ARCA Series] and 42 teams have already signed up to participate. Fans will be admitted into the grandstands and infield for free to watch the two-day test session. Grandstand and infield gates will open at 9:00am/et both days, the same time cars will roll onto the track each morning. The test will end at 5:00pm/et. The ARCA RE/MAX Series teams will be testing for next month’s Carolina 500 on May 4th the first race at “The Rock” since Andy Hillenburg purchased the track and reopened it last fall. Some of the drivers expected for the open test are: Scott Speed, Bobby Gerhart, Bryan Silas, Mario Gosselin, Joey Lagano, Marc Davis, Austin Dillon, Matt Carter, Gabi DiCarlo along with many others. For more information about the open test or to order tickets for the ARCA RE/MAX Series Carolina 500 on May 4th and the Hooter’s Pro Cup American 200 on November 1st please contact the speedway at (910) 205-8800 or visit their website at www.rockinghamspeedway.com.(3-19-2008)

Stewart gets waxed…see images: Last night [3/17] on “Tony Stewart Live” on SIRIUS NASCAR Radio, Stewart and Kevin Harvick discussed their run-in in the final laps of Sunday’s Food City 500 at Bristol Motor Speedway. While running second and third, Harvick’s and Stewart’s cars came together, spinning Stewart out and knocking him back to a 14th place finish. Immediately after the accident, words were exchanged between spotters for the #20 and #29 teams.
Kevin Harvick: “I think for me the biggest thing is just Bristol brings out the best in everybody. I was mad when I got out [of the car]. The spotter was mad when I got into the side of Tony and the emotions run so high. And it’s not the spotter’s fault. It’s not anybody’s fault. It’s just part of our sport. It won’t be the last time we probably run into each other but we get better at handling it amongst each other as you learn more about the situations and things like that. The spotters didn’t have anything to do with me running into the side of him.”
Tony Stewart: “That’s the thing about our sport that you don’t see in other sports. We don’t get a cool-down period. You get that pure, raw emotion and a lot of times it doesn’t give us all a chance to compare notes. Like we were talking about earlier, I had called Kevin and I didn’t even know what had happened and this was 6 o’clock at night by the time I got home. It just shows how passionate I think everybody is. The crew guys are just as passionate about what is going on as we are. In our case my spotter is also head of our chassis department so when I crash something he’s the guy that has to fix it.”
Stewart: “Obviously, I was disappointed that we were in a wreck but I know, of all people, I trust Kevin more than anybody else on that racetrack. I know that anything that happens with us, just like what happened yesterday, I knew it wasn’t intentional.”
Later in the show, Stewart made good on a longtime bet with his buddy Harvick. After some teasing about his hirsute torso, Stewart said a year ago on SIRIUS that if Harvick was able to raise $100,000 for the Victory Junction Gang Camp, he would agree to have his back waxed. Having reached the stated goal with fan donations and a matching contribution from Harvick himself, Stewart made good on his promise, undergoing the painful procedure last night live on SIRIUS as Stewart’s co-host, Matt Yocum, and Harvick provided rip-by-rip commentary for SIRIUS listeners nationwide. Thanks to late donations by Joe Gibbs Racing President J.D. Gibbs, who pledged $15,000, and Sprint Cup Champion Jimmie Johnson, who donated $10,000, the total raised for Victory Junction Gang Camp surpassed $125,000. Asked during the procedure if the pain was worse than hitting the wall at Las Vegas Motor Speedway, Stewart laughed and said, “Yeah, it does actually. It does hurt worse than hitting the wall at Vegas. It just isn’t lasting as long.” To hear audio clips and see photos from last night’s show, visit www.sirius.com/nascar. Last night’s show re-airs tonight at 11pm/et, Thursday at 10pm/et, Saturday at 10pm/et and Monday at 8pm/et on SIRIUS NASCAR Radio, channel 128.(Sirius PR))(3-18-2008) www.sirius.com/nascar

MIS partners with Lifelock for June Cup race: Michigan International Speedway has announced a partnership with LifeLock, the industry leader in identity theft prevention to present the LifeLock 400, Sprint Cup Series race at MIS on Sunday, June 15. The Father’s Day race will kick off the track’s 40th season of racing. LifeLock is partnering with MIS to shed light on the fastest growing crime in America, identity theft. The Federal Trade Commission recently reported that the number of reported cases of identity theft increased 16% from 2006 to 2007. Located in a secure facility in Tempe, Arizona, LifeLock enables “locks” by setting and automatically renewing fraud alerts with the major credit bureaus, removing member names from junk mail lists and guaranteeing the service with a $1 million service guarantee. Recently, LifeLock has added an additional service to all clients - free of charge - called WalletLock. WalletLock works to cancel and replace all documents and personal identifying information inside a wallet if it is lost or stolen. To purchase tickets to events at MIS, or for more information, log on to MISpeedway.com or call the MIS ticket hotline at 1-800-354-1010.(MIS PR)(3-18-2008)
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Courtesy of www.motorsport.com

Steve Boyer named HoFR No 96 crew chief
Motorsports Veteran will Work with J.J. Yeley; First Race Weekend will be March 29-30 at Martinsville
CORNELIUS, N.C., (March 18, 2008) — Hall of Fame Racing (HoFR) officials announced today that Steve Boyer will serve as crew chief for …
www.motorsport.com/news/article.asp?ID=282646

Who Is Hot Headed Into Goody’s Cool Orange 500 At Martinsville?
MARTINSVILLE, VA (March 17, 2008) — With the first Sprint Cup short-track stop of the season in the books, who has the hot hand headed into the second, the Goody’s Cool Orange 500 at …
www.motorsport.com/news/article.asp?ID=282580

Week 6: Top 12 - and beyond
DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. (March 17, 2008) — Below is a look at the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Top 12 along with other notable drivers, going into the Goody’s Cool Orange 500 at Martinsville Speedway on March 30.
1 — Kyle Busch (No. 18 M&M’s Toyota)
* Season-to-Date Driver Rating: 119.6 …
www.motorsport.com/news/article.asp?ID=282574

Lowe’s Motor Speedway and UPS to Honor NASCAR Champion Dale Jarrett at Sprint All-Star Race
CONCORD, N.C. (March 19, 2008) - Dale Jarrett will finally “race” the truck and Lowe’s Motor Speedway is offering a special two-day ticket package for just $44 so fans can be on hand Saturday night, May 17, when …
www.motorsport.com/news/article.asp?ID=282699

On The Bubble: 2008 Top 35 Standings Now In Effect
RCR Riding Momentum Into Martinsville
Earnhardt Jr. The Leading Man At Hendrick Motorsports
The Top 35: Who’s In and Who’s Out?
DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. (March 18, 2008) — For the first five races of 2008, the …
www.motorsport.com/news/article.asp?ID=282656
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Courtesy of Scene Daily
www.scenedaily.com

Jarrett content with final points-race weekend
CONCORD, N.C. Dale Jarrett flew home from his final points race Sunday night, reminiscing with his family and discussing how much they relished the race weekend at Bristol Motor Speedway.
snipurl.com/2277t-gazete

Petty Enterprises won’t swap owner points for Martinsville
Petty Enterprises officials say they will not ask NASCAR to approve a points swap between drivers Bobby Labonte and Kyle Petty. That means that Petty will need to qualify based on speed for the March 30 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series race at Martinsville Speedway.
snipurl.com/2277u-gazete

Mike Hembree: Drivers can be jerks
In case you’re wondering why you might not have gotten all the information you wanted about the exploits of Kyle Busch, Tony Stewart and Kevin Harvick during the Bristol weekend, here’s why: Drivers can be jerks.
snipurl.com/2277w-gazete
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Courtesy of That’s Racin’
www.thatsracin.com

Talk about a thankless job
THATSRACIN.COM OPINION
There are a lot of tough jobs in NASCAR, but one of the toughest continues to be the one Tony Eury Jr. has. When Dale Earnhardt Jr. doesn’t win, some of his most loyal fans look for somebody to blame.
www.thatsracin.com/topstories/story/12294.html

Marlin back behind the wheel this weekend
Sterling Marlin takes over for Johnny Sauter in Phoenix Racing’s No. 1 Chevrolet and will make series debut at his hometown track.
www.thatsracin.com/topstories/story/12287.html

Thinking fast? Racing Phuzzle lets you try and beat the clock
www.charlotteobserver.com/images/graphics/phuzzle/
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P R E S S * R E L E A S E S
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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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The Fun Never Ends:
Six drivers in the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series will spend their off-weekend in the NASCAR Nationwide Series, making their way to Nashville …
www.motorsport.com/news/article.asp?ID=282656&FS=NASCAR-CUP
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Courtesy of Jayski
www.jayski.com

Nashville Entry List: There are 45 entries on the preliminary entry list for Saturday’s Pepsi 300 at Nashville Superspeedway. The complete list is posted on the Nashville Race Page.(3-17-2008) www.jayski.com/nationwide/2008/next/06nashville.htm#entry

Nationwide Series Airing on ESPN Saturday from Nashville: The Nationwide Series makes its first appearance of the 2008 season on ESPN with a live, flag-to-flag airing of the 300-mile race from Nashville Superspeedway Saturday, March 22, beginning at 2 p.m. ET with NASCAR Countdown. The Nashville telecast is presented by Tractor Supply Company. ESPN2 is the home of the Nationwide Series all season, with selected races on ESPN and ABC. Carl Edwards won both Nationwide Series races held last year on the 1.333-mile, concrete-surfaced Nashville track on his way to the series championship. ESPN2 airs live coverage of Friday’s Nationwide Series practice at Nashville at 2:30 p.m., and taped coverage of final practice airs Saturday at 11 a.m. Marty Reid will be the lead announcer for ESPN’s coverage, joined in the booth for analysis by Rusty Wallace and Andy Petree. Jamie Little, Mike Massaro, Shannon Spake and Vince Welch will report from the pits, while Tim Brewer will be in the ESPN DISH Tech Center. Allen Bestwick will host NASCAR Countdown with analysis by Wallace and Brad Daugherty in the ESPN pit studio. The race will be simulcast on ESPN360.com, ESPN’s signature broadband sports network, and on ESPN Deportes, the domestic Spanish-language network. The event also will be simulcast on ESPN MobileTV.(ESPN PR)(3-17-2008)

Next Race: Pepsi 300, Saturday, March 22, 2008 at Nashville Superspeedway. Visit the Nashville Race Page for additional information. www.jayski.com/nationwide/2008/next/06nashville.htm

Chase Austin, originally slated to make his first start of 2008 this weekend, remains a part of the team’s 2008 plans and will compete in the #64 later in the season. “We feel that right now, having David in the #64 allows us to keep up the momentum we’ve built. With that said, this is by no means a reflection on Chase. He’s a great kid and he’s still a big part of our 2008 plans. He’ll still be in the #64 this year, as will Max Papis; we’ve just changed Chase’s schedule a bit to allow the #64 team to capitalize on their momentum.” said Rusty Wallace.(RWI PR)(3-19-2008)

Nationwide Series Testing at Richmond: NASCAR Nationwide Series teams will test Monday, March 24 and Tuesday, March 25. Testing is from 1:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. each day, with a dinner break from 5:00 p.m. - 6:00 p.m. In case of rain, teams will test on Wednesday.(3-19-2008)

Said Driving for Rensi at Mexico & Canada: Team Rensi Motorsports announced the signing of Boris Said to pilot the #25 No Fear Energy / Smithfield Foods Ford for the two Nationwide Series international races — in Mexico City and Montreal. Frank Stoddard will work with Said and Team Rensi Motorsports for both Nationwide Series events.(Team Rensi PR)(3-19-2008)

Krisiloff Back in the #41 for Ganassi: Kyle Krisiloff will pilot the #41 Polaroid Dodge this weekend at Nashville Superspeedway, and also a few more races later this month. CGRFS reached an agreement that would allow Krisiloff to drive the #41 NNS Dodge in order to get him added track time. Krisiloff’s first start for CGRFS came at Las Vegas Motor Speedway earlier this month.(CGRFS PR)(3-19-2008)
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Courtesy of The Hot Lap
www.TheHotLap.com

Dollar General, sponsor of the No. 32 Toyota of Denny Hamlin, is a Nashville-based company and is assisting the area Red Cross and other corporations with fundraising to aid in relief efforts due to devestating tornadoes that hit the Nashville area and Middle Tennessee in early February. Dollar General pledged $100,000 towards the relief fund which was set to reach $500,000. (PR-NASCAR) (03-19-08)

The first stand-alone event of the season offers series regulars a prime opportunity to get into Victory Lane. It’s also a chance for up-and-comers to gain experience. Landon Cassill (No. 5 National Guard Chevrolet), Bryan Clauson (No. 40 Fastenal Dodge) and Colin Braun (No. 16 CitiFinancial Ford) are in line for their season and track debuts. Chase Miller (No. 9 Valvoline Dodge) is set for his season debut – he made his series debut at Nashville last June.Braun and Brad Coleman (No. 27 Cottonelle Ford) will meet for the first time in their NASCAR careers at Nashville, but the native Texans are familiar with one another. In 2005, they set a world record as the youngest team in the Rolex 24 at Daytona (seventh in GT). Both were 16. A good showing has added importance to Coleman, who competes full-time for Nashville-based Baker Curb Racing. He also made his series debut at the track in 2006. -Coleman was also involved in a media teleconference Tuesday where he was asked about testing apportunities with Cup team Hall of Fame Racing,”We’re planning on doing it either later this month or in April. But we don’t know exactly where we’re going to do it. I signed a deal with them late last year to be their test driver and to possibly drive seven Cup races at the end of this year, and then hopefully we’re going to do the full-time ride next year. All depends on sponsors, just like everything else in this sport. Just waiting. We’re just working out the details there.”(PR-NASCAR)

Series Director Joe Balash- “Nashville provides a great opportunity for more rookies to showcase their talent and gives our second- and third-year drivers a great shot at a win,” said NASCAR Nationwide Series director Joe Balash of the season’s first stand-alone event. The track surface and time of year will be factors on Saturday “Concrete tracks have a tendency to tighten a bit as they get rubbered in,” he said. “That makes it a little easier for drivers to turn the car because they don’t have to anticipate how much the track will change or ‘come to’ them.“The concrete is less susceptible to temperature changes; asphalt gets greasy and slick when its hot. But not so with concrete tracks, especially in the early spring where the outdoor temperature varies so much.“Racers race for different things. That guitar is important to people. The uniqueness of that trophy is important,”(PR-NASCARmedia) (03-18-08)

Mar.18 NASCAR Nationwide Series: Nashville- David Stremme will be behind the wheel of the #64 in the Pepsi 300 this Saturday. Chase Austin was the scheduled driver. (PR-NASCARmedia) (03-18-08)
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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

New crew chief for Shelby Howard? Hearing that Lance Hooper is out as crew chief for the #13-Thorsport Racing Chevy with driver Shelby Howard and that Chris Rice has been hired as replacement.(3-19-2008)

Allen enters Nashville Nationwide race with Sadler Hamilton Racing: Bobby Hamilton Jr. has announced that 2007 NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series Rookie of the Year Willie Allen will pilot the #95 Dodge for Sadler Hamilton Racing during select NASCAR Nationwide Series events in 2008. Hamilton Jr. recently became a co-owner of the Nashville based team that celebrates it’s 25th anniversary this season. Allen, a Nashville native, will compete in this weekend’s Pepsi 300 at the Nashville Superspeedway. Current plans have Allen driving in the Nationwide Series events at Memphis, Nashville and Talladega.(Willie Allen PR)(3-19-2008)

Colin Braun making 2008 Nationwide debut at Nashville: Colin Braun will be behind the wheel of the #16 CitiFinancial Ford this weekend at Nashville Superspeedway; the second-career Nationwide Series start for the 19-year-old Craftsman Truck Series regular. Braun’s Nationwide Series debut came last season at Memphis Motorsports Park.(Roush Fenway PR)(3-18-2008)
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Final Test A Confidence Booster: Teams Prepare For Short Track Racing
Generation Next: Chrissy Wallace, Adam Crawford At Martinsville Test
Another Skinner Signs Development Deal With Key Motorsports
Martinsville Test Brings Confidence To Teams …
www.motorsport.com/news/article.asp?ID=282721

Bobby Hamilton Jr. Selects Willie Allen To Drive For Newly Formed Sadler-Hamilton Racing
Nashville, TN - Bobby Hamilton Jr. announced on Tuesday that 2007 NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series Rookie of the Year Willie Allen will pilot the #95 Dodge for Sadler-Hamilton Racing during select NASCAR Nationwide Series …
www.motorsport.com/news/article.asp?ID=282709
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Courtesy of TruckSeries.Com
www.truckseries.com

Next Gen Turn Laps at Martinsville
03-19-2008 | TruckSeries.com Report
Next Gen Turn Laps at Martinsville During Martinsville’s two-day test, some new faces were spotted in the garage. Among those newcomers were a couple drivers with familiar last names. Adam Crawford, son of veteran driver Rick Crawford, tested a Circle Bar Racing-prepared truck. The younger Crawford found his way to the top of the speed charts. He closed out day two with the third-fastest truck, posting a fast lap time of 20.142 seconds - a time faster than dad, a former Martinsville race winner.
www.truckseries.com/cgi-script/NCTS_08/articles/000003/000397.htm
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A R C A (Automobile Racing Club of America)
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Courtesy of ARCA
www.arcaracing.com

Veteran Brad Smith Presses On
TOLEDO OH (3-20-08) - ARCA RE/MAX Series veteran driver Brad Smith is going to try and run the full season in 2008. But it won’t be easy. Of course, it’s never been easy for Smith who continues to field cars without sponsorship.

“We’re going to try and do the whole thing, but it’s tough to do without a sponsor.”

And that’s pretty much how it’s been for Smith, who after 173 career ARCA RE/MAX Series starts since 1988, is still doing it from his back pocket, which, as most everyone understands, is getting harder to do by the micro-second.

[Read More] - www.arcaracing.com/news.cfm?contentid=6252
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Free Admission for Fans to the Carolina 500 Open Test This Weekend
ROCKINGHAM, N.C. (March. 18, 2008) — It has been a long time since the Rockingham Speedway garage was filled with over 40 cars and team transporters. This Friday and Saturday, March 21st and 22nd, the …
www.motorsport.com/news/article.asp?ID=282661

OWENS TO MISS ARCA TEST AT ROCKINGHAM DUE TO MOTORCYCLE ACCIDENT
Daytona Beach, Fla. (Mar. 18, 2008) - ARCA RE/MAX series driver Alli Owens announced today that she is withdrawing from the March 21-22 open test session at Rockingham Raceway Park due to injuries suffered in a motorcycle accident. …
www.motorsport.com/news/article.asp?ID=282655

MavTV to Air Six from the Short-Tracks
TOLEDO OH (3-18-08)–Officials of the ARCA racing sanctioning body and MavTV have announced a one-year agreement under which MavTV will air at least six ARCA RE/MAX Series events in 2008. The events scheduled for broadcast include both races at Salem Speedway, …
www.motorsport.com/news/article.asp?ID=282650
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David Ragan Comes Home: Former ARCA RE/MAX Series Driver to …
PaddockTalk - USA
“I cut my teeth on the ARCA Series and this is a way for me to relax and have some fun,” said Ragan, who has 29 career ARCA RE/MAX Series starts, …
snipurl.com/2277n-gazete
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U S A R (United Speed Alliance Racing)
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Nothing Keeps Hunter Robbins From Delivering Eighth In Pro Cup Debut
Not Even Blown Engine nor Two On-Track Incidents Can Keep Hunter from Lakeland Success

MONTGOMERY, AL (March 17, 2008) — The United States Postal Service …
www.motorsport.com/news/article.asp?ID=282619

South standings after Lakeland
Pos No. Driver Points
— — ————————- ——–
1. 2 Matt Hawkins 145
2. 84 James Buescher 140
3. 75 Caleb Holman 135
4. 82 Billy Bigley Jr. 130 …
www.motorsport.com/news/article.asp?ID=282568
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Other motorsports…

Lester: Is It Time to Go Racing Yet?
By Bill Lester

I can’t begin to tell you how much I’m looking forward to racing again.It seems like the Rolex 24 was decades ago. It feels like I’m still in the offseason and I’ve essentially been bouncing off the walls because I’m not used to not racing. I can hardly wait for the season to get into full swing.

www.grand-am.com/print.cfm?cid=14243
(thanks to Kent D.)
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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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Insider Racing News
insiderracingnews.com/Writers/CA/031908.html
Toyota and foreign-born drivers still an issue for some
by Chuck Abrams

Ron Ripple - NASCAR’s Biggest Fan
Hendrick Motorsports continues to Struggle!
The past two years have been dominated by the Hendrick Motorsports team with everyone’s goal to knock them off their high horse.
feeds.feedburner.com/~r/ronripple/~3/253754291/

Insider Racing News
insiderracingnews.com/Writers/AM/032008.html
Bristol: No Empty Seats Here
by Allen Madding

How many starting spots should be guaranteed? By Richard Allen
A hot topic in NASCAR after the fifth race of the season is the rule which guarantees 35 teams a starting position in each race before qualifying is even held. The question is, how many starting spots should be guaranteed? Is 35 too many? Is 35 too few?
racingwithrich.com/?p=79

Top Ten Things Overheard During The Waxing Of Tony Stewart’s Back
Jeff Meyer · Wednesday March 19, 2008
10. (Upon the removal of Tony’s shirt): “Gasp! Oh my ….! We’re definitely gonna need more wax!” – All in attendance.
www.frontstretch.com/jmeyer/15261/

Cheers & Jeers
Bristol Excitement is Back!
by Carol Einarsson
CHEERS to Dale Jarrett. Let me just start today by saying that. For no specific reason, but yet for every specific reason. And thank you to FOX for all the nice tribute time recognizing DJ’s career.
www.racejournalonline.com/index.cfm?Pagename=column&id=435

What Can Stop The “NASCAR Now” Train?
dalyplanet.blogspot.com/2008/03/what-can-stop-nascar-now-train.html

ESPN Supports Nationwide Series With Big Nashville Effort
dalyplanet.blogspot.com/2008/03/espn-supports-nationwide-series-with.html
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T V * L I S T I N G S
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Courtesy of Race Fan TV
snipurl.com/llya-stockc

THURSDAY, MARCH 20

1:30A-2:00 espn2 NASCAR Now, HD
3:00A-4:00 SPEED Powersports Snowmobile Tour: Brainerd, MN, Mar 9/08, R
4:00A-5:00 SPEED FIM MotoGP World Championship CommercialBank Grand Prix of Qatar, Losail
International Racetrack, Doha, Qatar, Mar 9/08, R
11:00A-12:00 ESPN-CL 2005 Carquest Auto Parts NHRA Winternationals, Pomona, CA, Feb 13/05
12:00n-3:00P SPEED NASCAR Sprint Cup Replay: Food City 500, Bristol Motor Speedway, Bristol, TN, Mar
16/08, HD, R-FOX
2:00P-4:00 ESPN-CL Classic NASCAR: 1988 First Union 400, North Wilkesboro Speedway North Wilkesboro,
NC, Apr 17/88
6:30P-7:00 espn2 NASCAR Now, Nicole Manske, HD, L
11:00P-1:30A HDNet NASCAR Sprint Cup Kobalt Tools 500, Atlanta Motor Speedway, Hampton, GA, Mar
9/08, HD, R

FRIDAY, MARCH 21 (GOOD FRIDAY)

2:00A-2:30 espn2 NASCAR Now, HD
2:00A-3:30 SPEED FIA Formula One PRACTICE, Petronas Malaysian Grand Prix, Kuala Lumpur,
Malaysia, L
11:00A-12:00 ESPN-CL 2005 Checker Schuck’s Kragen NHRA Nationals, Phoenix, AZ, Feb 27/05
12:00n-1:00P SPEED SCCA SPEED Touring Car Championship, Sebring Intl. Raceway, Sebring, FL, Mar
14/08, N
1:00P-2:00 SPEED SCCA SPEED GT Championship, Sebring Intl. Raceway, Sebring, FL, Mar 14/08, N
2:30P-4:00 espn2 NASCAR Nationwide Series PRACTICE, Pepsi 300, Nashville Superspeedway,
Nashville, TN, HD, L
7:30P-8:00 espn2 NASCAR Now, Nicole Manske, HD, L

SATURDAY, MARCH 22

12:30A-1:00A SPEED Inside Grand Prix, preview of the Malaysian Grand Prix
1:00A-2:00 SPEED Formula 1 Debrief, Australian GP
2:00A-3:30 SPEED FIA Formula One QUALIFYING, Petronas Malaysian Grand Prix, Kuala Lumpur,
Malaysia, L
10:00A-11:00 espn2 NHRA Lucas Oil Sportsman drag racing series, Gainesville, Fl, Mar 15/08
11:00A-12:00n espn2 NASCAR Nationwide Series QUALIFYING, Pepsi 300, Nashville Superspeedway,
Nashville, TN, HD, L
2:00P-3:00 ESPN NASCAR Nationwide Series COUNTDOWN, Pepsi 300, Nashville
Superspeedway
3:00P-6:00 ESPN NASCAR Nationwide Series Pepsi 300, Nashville Superspeedway, Nashville,
TN, HD, L (expect green at 3:15P)
3:00P-4:00 SPEED World Series of Off-Road Racing, Sportsman Series highlights from Crandon, WI, N
4:00P-5:00 SPEED World Series of Off-Road Racing, Chairman’s Cup and Pro Lite Showdown from
Crandon, WI
6:00P-8:00 SPEED AMA Monster Energy Supercross LITES Series. Metrodome, Minneapolis, MN, Mar
15/08, N

SUNDAY, MARCH 23 (EASTER)

2:00A-2:30 SPEED Inside Grand Prix, preview of the Malaysian Grand Prix, R
2:30A-5:00 SPEED FIA Formula One Petronas Malaysian Grand Prix, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, L
3:00A-5:00 espn2 NASCAR Nationwide Series Pepsi 300, Nashville Superspeedway, Nashville, TN, Mar
22/08, HD, R-ESPN
1:30P-4:00 SPEED FIA Formula One Petronas Malaysian Grand Prix, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, SDD, R
5:00P-6:00 SPEED National Arenacross Series, Metro Center, Rockford, IL, #1, Dec 2/07, N
6:00P-7:00 SPEED National Arenacross Series, Metro Center, Rockford, IL, #2, Dec 2/07, N
7:00P-8:00 SPEED SPEED Report, N
8:00P-9:00 SPEED NASCAR Confidential, N
9:00P-10:00 SPEED Wind Tunnel with Dave Despain, L

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

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

Always CHECK YOUR LOCAL LISTINGS!
___________________________________________________________

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