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No jokes here (this time, anyway), just lots of stock car racing news from the NASCAR Sprint Cup series, and other stock car racing organizations…

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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/you-can-know-for-sure
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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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This is courtesy of Valvoline.Com….

Yes, He REALLY Said That
Kyle Busch, on his image with the fans. “People either love me or hate me. So love me or hate me, I don’t care.”

Dennis says, “I have 4 tickets for the Talladega race in April for both days located in the Trioval Tower. The face value of these tickets is 660.00. I am just trying to get my money back.”
If interested, contact him at dzlhill@msn.com
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Stock Car Gazette Columnists Speak Out!
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Track Trash - Martinsville Goody’s Cool Orange 500
by: Racing Maniac

MORE motorsportsnews.net/archives/1165
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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 Carolyn’s Jeff Gordon Newsletter

NASCAR Notes: Hendrick problems? What problems?
www.inrich.com/cva/ric/sports.apx.-content-articles-RTD-2008-03-31-0155.html
Martinsville Speedway was exactly what the doctor ordered for Hendrick Motorsports, which had not started the season with the finishes many had expected.Yesterday, all four Hendrick cars finished in the top seven. Casey Mears, who came into the race 33rd in points, left it 29th after his seventh-place finish. “It was a great day to be up front battling with our teammates,” Mears said. “There was a side of me right there at the end that wanted to be more aggressive and try to get those last couple of spots. At the same time, we really aren’t in a position to do that.” Jeff Gordon was second, Jimmie Johnson fourth and Dale Earnhardt Jr. sixth.

Interview with Jimmie Johnson
www.roanoke.com/sports/racing/wb/156406
What are the experiences, beliefs and dreams that shape the lives of some of NASCAR’s drivers? Staff writer Dustin Long asked Jimmie Johnson about these subjects earlier this month as he relaxed in his team’s hauler at Atlanta Motor Speedway:

Mears big mover in Martinsville Cup race
snipurl.com/2351l-gazete
Casey Mears made the most improvement during the Cup Series Goody’s Cool Orange 500 at the Martinsville Speedway. Mears started the #5 Kellogg’s/CARQUEST Chevrolet 39th in the lineup and finished 7th. This gain of 32 places earned him the USG “Improving the Finish” award given to the driver who best improves their finish from the green flag to the checkered flag. Mears moved up six spots to 27th in the 2008 Sprint Cup point standings after this race.

Garage Theft: Dale Earnhardt Jr. Doesn’t Like It; Jeff Gordon Laughs It Off
blogs.courant.com/autoracing/2008/03/garage-theft-da.html
Jack Roush’s claims that an unnamed Toyota backed team stole a Roush Fenway Racing designed sway bar during an event last year brought totally opposite reactions from two of NASCAR’s biggest stars Friday at Martinsville Speedway. Earnhardt had a much more serious tone when asked about Roush allegations. “Another team walked over to their pit box and stole something off of it?” Earnhardt said. “. . . That really happened? Wow. If that happened, whoever did it ought not to have a hard card anymore, hands down. I don’t care what his excuse was of if he was put up to it or whatever. If anybody steals anything off my pit stall doesn’t deserve to be in the garage; has no business being in the garage. No second chances there “. . . You assume that you get enough respect around here that people don’t steal from you.

Dale Jr. ‘Shifting Gears’ Airs Saturday on ESPN2
snipurl.com/2351o-gazete
Race fans who missed original airings of the television series Dale Jr. – Shifting Gears, chronicling the move of Dale Earnhardt Jr. to Hendrick Motorsports in the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series, will have a chance to watch again. ESPN2 airs a one-hour episode Saturday, April 5, at 1:30 p.m. ET, leading to live coverage of the NASCAR Nationwide Series race at Texas Motor Speedway.

Foyt Says Firestone Is ‘Just As Bad’
snipurl.com/2351q-gazete
HOMESTEAD - Tony Stewart doesn’t think much of the job Goodyear is doing in NASCAR, and A.J. Foyt is no fan of Firestone’s performance in the Indy Racing League. Asked before Saturday night’s Gainsco Indy 300 what he thought of Stewart’s rant about Goodyear a few weeks ago after NASCAR’s Atlanta race, Foyt took aim at the IRL’s tire supplier. “Firestone’s just as bad,” he said. “We’ve got junk for tires. They’ve got one heat cycle, and they screwed us up the other day for qualifying; they fall off two or three tenths.” Foyt, who will compete in next weekend’s Honda Grand Prix of St. Petersburg as a team owner for Darren Manning, was a Goodyear driver through much of his legendary racing career. Arch-rival Mario Andretti ran on Firestones. Stewart raced Firestones in the IRL when both tire companies were in the league. “I have no love for Firestone, they have no love for me,” Foyt said, adding that the tires made by Bridgestone Firestone in Japan are “a lot better” than those built domestically.

Waltrip: Roush ‘Espionage’ Was Just A Mistake
snipurl.com/2351r-gazete
MARTINSVILLE, Va. - Michael Waltrip gave a less sensational version Saturday of how his team came to be in possession of a part belonging to one of Jack Roush’s teams, saying what Roush asserted was “intellectual espionage” was merely a mistake. “We didn’t know anything about having it until January when they called and said, ‘You have our swaybar,’ and we said, ‘We do?’ We told them that we would find it and give it back to them, and that’s what we did,” Waltrip said before practice Saturday. The comments came a day after Roush painted a far more sinister picture of the incident, saying the part was stolen, the team that stole it tried to have parts made to fit onto it and that he feared letting on that he knew they even had the part because he figured “it would wind up in the river” rather than be given back. Roush said he considered getting a search warrant to take to the shop and find the part, but one of his employees called the team without his knowledge and the part was returned.
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Courtesy of www.Catchfence.com

Actress Carmen Electra, Drivers Mark Martin And Martin Truex, Jr., And Hundreds Of Dale Earnhardt Fans Join The Hershey Company To Honor Racing Icon:
www.catchfence.com/press/033108f.html

Dale Earnhardt, Jr., And Mountain Dew Go Retro At Darlington Raceway:
www.catchfence.com/press/033108d.html
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Courtesy of Stock Car Gazette subscriber Ed B. - thanks!

Column: Martinsville was murky this spring
www.gastongazette.com/sports/day_18811___article.html/track_race.html
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Courtesy of Google Alerts

Empire building
Fort Worth Star Telegram - Fort Worth,TX,USA

Kevin Harvick does not play golf. And the guy nicknamed “Happy” hardly is a candidate for Dancing with the Stars.”I have no rhythm,” Harvick said on the occasion of his seventh wedding anniversary last month. “My wife won’t even let me dance at home, so you can imagine what it would look like on TV.”Any dancing that Kevin and DeLana Harvick squeeze into their days from February to November typically takes place in Victory Lane at a NASCAR-sanctioned racetrack.

www.star-telegram.com/340/story/553278.html
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Courtesy of Insider Racing News
www.insiderracingnews.com

Max Helton Dies
Max Helton, who 20 years ago helped begin a Christian ministry in the NASCAR garage that grew into the Motor Racing Outreach organization, died Sunday afternoon at his home in Huntersville, N.C. — Mr. Helton was diagnosed with brain cancer in August. He is survived by his wife, Jean, along with four daughters and nine grandchildren. Funeral arrangements had not been finalized Sunday night. Mr. Helton was working at a church in Glendora, Calif., in 1988 when he met Darrell and Stevie Waltrip at a race in Riverside, Calif. Helton told the Waltrips that he felt he was being called to lead a racing ministry. The Waltrips, along with Lake Speed and Bobby Hillin Jr. and their wives, were looking for a spiritual leader for a Bible study group they had formed.
…Daily Headlines - insiderracingnews.com/Daily/2008/Mar/033108.html

Race and Commercial Breakdown for the Goody’s Cool Orange 500
# Total number of commercials: 118
# Total number of companies or entities advertised: 65
# Total number of brief promos of products/services during the race broadcast: 41
# Total number of companies or entities advertised in brief promos or crawlers: 33
# Total amount of time these brief promos take during broadcast: app. 5 min. 15 sec.
# Start time to record race/commercial periods: 2:00 PM
# End time to record race/commercial periods: 5:52 PM
# Total minutes: 232
# Minutes of race broadcast: 178
# Minutes of commercials: 54
# Number of missed restarts: 0 …MORE AT…(www.cawsnjaws.com)
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Courtesy of Jayski
www.jayski.com

Fifteen Years Ago Today
…we lost 1992 Winston Cup Champ Alan Kulwicki
www.jayski.com/tribute.html

UPS Moving to another team? will stay in NASCAR: on SPEED’s Wind Tunnel with Dave Despain [3-30-2008], Zak Brown, CEO of Just Marketing International, reported that sponsor UPS, currently sponsoring the #44 Toyota that David Reutimann drives, that UPS plans to stay in NASCAR and is reviewing it’s sponsor program and is evaulating probably five teams, including the team they currently sponsor, #44 Michael Waltrip Racing and Reutimann. UPS should formalize their NASCAR plans within the next 60 days. No word on those teams, but UPS says they want to run for a championship and have a “Rock Star” type of driver like they had with Dale Jarrett. Roush Fenway Racing had been rumored in the past with Greg Biffle.(4-1-2008)

Fans who attend the Dodge Challenger 500 at Darlington Raceway will not only see some of the most exciting racing of the 2008 season, they will also see a special one-time-only throwback paint scheme on the #88 Mountain Dew AMP Energy/National Guard entry driven by Dale Earnhardt Jr. To kick off Mountain Dew’s “Old School New School” promotion, Earnhardt will pilot the #88 Mountain Dew AMP Energy/National Guard Chevy with a throwback paint scheme modeled after the 1981-82 entry driven by Darrell Waltrip. “I’m so excited about this paint scheme. To run a paint scheme like the Mountain Dew one is a tribute to the history of the sport and the heritage at Darlington,” said Earnhardt. “I can’t wait to see how the car looks on the track because it looks awesome on paper.” The folks at Mountain Dew think Darlington luck could be in Earnhardt’s future, and that’s why they’ve chosen Darlington as the race to launch the Mountain Dew and AMP Energy “Old School New School” promotion that will give consumers the chance to win “Cars, Kicks and More.” You can learn more about Mountain Dew “Old School New School” by going to www.oldschoolornew.com.(Darlington Raceway PR)(4-1-2008)

Hornish to be honored: #77-Sam Hornish Jr. will be honored with the Texas Motor Speedway Sportsmanship Award at the Texas Motorsports Hall of Fame Gala on Wednesday, April 2, 2008, in recognition of his annual celebrity bowling tournament benefiting Speedway Children’s Charities. Over the past three years, the tournament has raised $308,500. Penske Racing Director of Marketing Wally McCarty will accept on Hornish Jr.’s behalf.(Penske Racing PR)(4-1-2008)

McCumbee to race #45 Dodge at Texas for Petty: Quotes from Kyle Petty: “Chad McCumbee is going to step into the #45 Marathon American Spirit Motor Oil Dodge this weekend at Texas. Texas is a good track for him. He had a strong run going in the truck race there last year. At Pocono, he did a great job filling in for me when I went into the booth. Everyone at Petty Enterprises believes in Chad and his abilities. Texas gives us a chance to get another good look at Chad without throwing him to the wolves. He should be relaxed because he knows he can get the job done there.”
Quotes from Chad McCumbee: “I feel comfortable around the #45 team. Billy Wilburn and I work well together. We had a great race last year at Pocono. I’m hoping for more of the same this weekend. Kyle is going to be there, giving me advice and pointers. That means a lot to me. I’ve learned a lot from him already. I’m anxious to do my part to help this team. We’re planning on going to Kentucky Speedway on Wednesday for a test. Just to help me get used to the new car. The two races last year were in the old car, so there will be a little bit of an adjustment period there. I don’t have a lot of experience in the old car either, so maybe that will be a positive.”
In 2007, McCumbee competed in two Sprint Cup Series races for Petty Enterprises, with a high finish of 25th coming in the “spring” race at Pocono. McCumbee is currently 13th in the Craftsman Truck Series point standings. McCumbee, 23, won an ARCA event last June at Pocono Raceway on the same weekend that he made his Sprint Cup Series debut in the #45 Petty Enterprises Dodge. In the Truck race at Texas Motor Speedway last fall, McCumbee started second and led four laps but finished thirteenth after an accident forced him out of the race.(MCG Sports/Petty Racing PR)(4-1-2008)

Medallion Financial Group President Andrew Murstein acknowledges speculation that his company’s Sports Properties Acquisition Corp. might be a potential business partner with Petty Enterprises, but he won’t confirm or deny the reports. Medallion Financial has formed an entertainment/sports acquisition company, Sports Properties Acquisition Corp., which completed an initial stock offering in January on the American Stock Exchange. The gross proceeds were $200 million. “There has been speculation of our interest in Petty Enterprises for Sports Properties Acquisition Corp,” Murstein said in a statement Monday. “We are looking to invest several hundred million dollars in the sports, leisure or entertainment-related industries. We are very interested in investing in NASCAR and the motorsports industry in general should the right deal come along.” Medallion nearly completed a deal with Robert Yates Racing in 2006, and Murstein confirmed last year that he had talked with at least five NASCAR teams about a possible investment opportunity.(SceneDaily)(4-1-2008)

JR Motorsports being sued over accident: A local [Florida] family is sueing JR Motorsports and #88-Dale Earnhardt Jr. following a rear end crash by a tractor trailer. In November 2006, Michael Harris and his son, 21 year old Chris, were driving in their pick up truck headed south on Interstate 95 in St. John’s County [FL]. Harris was several cars in front of a Champion tractor trailer. Traffic started to back up and slow down on the interstate. Harris’ lawyer, Charles Sorenson, says he slowed down to, going about 15 miles per hour and then pulling on to the shoulder. The only problem, Sorenson says is the semi didn’t slow down with everyone else. Sorenson says the impact was so severe, the bolts in the pickup’s seat, which hold it down to the floor, were broken. Both father and son were wearing seatbelts, but both went to the hospital. Both are still being treated for neck and back injuries. According to the lawsuit, JR Motorsports is the owner of the tractor trailer. The owner of JR Motorsports belongs to NASCAR’s Dale Earnhardt, Jr. Sorenson says Dale Earnhardt, Jr. will most likely be deposed in the case. JR Motorsport’s team told First Coast News it has received the lawsuit, but will not make any other comment at this time. The driver of the semi, Ricky Mace, is also being sued.(First Coast News)(3-31-2008)

Martinsville overnight TV Ratings same as 2007: NASCAR on Fox tallied a 4.9/10 yesterday for racing from Martinsville. Yesterday’s 4.9/10 is flat with last year’s Martinsville rating [4.9/11], but in this case that’s good news given the dramatically tougher competition faced by this year’s race. Yesterday’s race came against a pair of NCAA Regional Finals, including the strong Davidson-Kansas game, while last year’s race aired on the Final Four weekend and faced no NCAA basketball. By matching last year’s rating, FOX maintains its streak of seven straight NASCAR events this year that have been at least flat with last year in the metered markets (this excludes the Fontana race because of rain). Los Angeles has emerged as the surprise market of the year for NASCAR. Yesterday’s race earned a 2.8/7 in LA, a +65% gain over last year’s 1.7/5. For the season-to-date, Sprint Cup racing on FOX is averaging a 6.2/12, including Fontana, a +5% bump over last season’s 5.9/12.(Fox PR), for TV ratings news so far in 2008, see my 2008 TV Ratings page.(3-31-2008) www.jayski.com/pages/tvratings2008.htm

Sad News - Max Helton…services: A memorial service is planned for Wednesday, April 2 at 3pm at Grace Covenant Four-Square Church. (17301 Statesville Rd, Cornelius, NC 28031 - Exit 25 off of I-77). There will be a visitation and viewing on Tuesday evening, April 1, from 7-9 pm at Raymer Funeral Home,(16901 Old Statesville Rd, Huntersville, NC 28078 (704) 892-9669) located at Hwy 73 and Old Statesville Road in Huntersville.) The family requests that in lieu of flowers memorials contributions may be sent to: Worldspan Ministries, P.O. Box 681117, Charlotte, NC 28216.(MRO Site)(3-31-2008)

Have Mom wave the green flag at Darlington: Looking for that perfect Mother’s Day gift for your mom? Dodge Boys Racing has got a great suggestion for you! Simply visit www.dodgeboysracing.com and enter the Wave the Green Flag contest. Your mother (and three guests) could win an all-expense-paid travel package to the Dodge Challenger 500 Sprint Cup race at Darlington Raceway over Mother’s Day weekend. Then, on Saturday, May 10, 2008, she could Wave the Green Flag to start the race! Simply fill out the required information-including your 100-words-or-fewer essay on why your mother should be declared the best NASCAR mom-and click on the Submit button. Or, if you’re a mom and you want to enter your own name, go right ahead. But you have to hurry. Entries must be received by April 10, 2008. Visit www.dodgeboysracing.com and nominate your mom today to Wave the Green Flag at Darlington. Don’t miss your chance to see another incredible finish at Darlington Raceway when the stars of the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series 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 now by calling 1-866-459-RACE(Darlington Raceway PR)(4-1-2008)
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Courtesy of www.motorsport.com

The NASCAR Foundation Launches 2008 NASCAR Day Program With The Home Depot®
2008 NASCAR Day Pins Now Available in The Home Depot Stores Nationwide
CHARLOTTE, N.C. (March. 31, 2008) — The NASCAR Foundation has announced that starting today fans can visit participating The Home Depot stores to make a …
www.motorsport.com/news/article.asp?ID=283730

Week 7: The NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Top 12 — And Beyond
DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. (March 31, 2008) — Below is a look at the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Top 12 along with other notable drivers, going into the Samsung 500 at Texas Motor Speedway on April 6. …
www.motorsport.com/news/article.asp?ID=283715
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Courtesy of Scene Daily
www.scenedaily.com

Burton: Rookie McDowell needs to ‘learn some manners’
MARTINSVILLE, Va. Jeff Burton is considered a leader and mentor in the Sprint Cup garage. And the Richard Childress Racing driver left Martinsville Speedway on Sunday as the leader the points leader and looking to become the teacher to Michael Waltrip Racing rookie Michael McDowell.
snipurl.com/2350y-gazete

Financial group confirms interest in NASCAR
Medallion Financial Group President Andrew Murstein acknowledges speculation that his company’s Sports Properties Acquisition Corp. might be a potential business partner with Petty Enterprises, but he won’t confirm or deny the reports.
snipurl.com/23511-gazete
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Your ad here could be seen by hundreds of dedicated racing fans!

Contact Mike@MotorSportsNews.Net for rates and information.
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Courtesy of That’s Racin’
www.thatsracin.com

Petty won’t drive in Sprint Cup Series
NASCAR veteran Kyle Petty will not compete this weekend in the Sprint Cup Series race at Texas Motor Speedway as Petty Enterprises looks to evaluate its No. 45 Dodge team.
www.thatsracin.com/247/story/12560.html
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Courtesy of Valvoline.com

NASCAR Sprint Cup Series
Gene Nead left as No. 21 Ford crew chief to lead R&D at Bill Davis Racing. Bobby Kennedy took over as Michael Waltrip’s No. 55 crew chief and Paul Andrews will supervise Waltrip’s test teams. Elliott Sadler injured his back in non-racing activities and Gillett Evernham Motorsports had Dennis Setzer as a stand-by driver. The No. 49 BAM team switched from Dodge to Toyota. Jeff Gordon won the Martinsville pole Friday with a 96.288 mph lap. Kyle Petty was among the four non-qualifiers. Rain and mist were in the cold air all day Sunday. Gordon led early while Kurt and Kyle Busch tangled to cause the first yellow. Just before the 50-lap mark, Robby Gordon and Mike Skinner got together. On that yellow, Matt Kenseth’s long day took its first twist, when he and Jeff Burton hit on pit road. When Aric Almirola spun Bobby Labonte, leader Jeff Gordon got nose damage on his Chevrolet, and pitted several times for repairs. Dale Earnhardt Jr. was leading until Jimmie Johnson passed him on lap 103. By lap 295, Jeff Gordon was battling Earnhardt Jr. for the lead, then Ryan Newman and Johnson spun. After David Gilliland banged into him, Kenseth spun Gilliland, and got a two-lap penalty for aggressive driving. On a yellow just before the 100 laps-to-go mark, Burton stayed out, while Jeff Gordon and Denny Hamlin pitted. Hamlin passed Burton for first place with 73 laps to go. Jeff Gordon took second with six laps left, but came up .398 second short of Hamlin. Carl Edwards lost a top-five by running out of gas on the last lap and wound up ninth. The winner averaged 73.163 mph with 18 cautions for 89 laps. Earnhardt Jr. was sixth. Sadler ran the distance and finished 15th.
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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

Buescher to make Nationwide Debut at Phoenix: ARCA RE/MAX Series and NASCAR Camping World East Series driver James Buescher will attempt to make his Nationwide Series debut at Phoenix for Braun Racing. Buescher, who holds the record as the youngest winner in ARCA RE/MAX Series history is scheduled to drive the #32 Great Clips Toyota for Braun Racing, a former ARCA RE/MAX Series team.(Catchfence.com)(3-31-2008)

Hornish Testing at Carolina Motorsports Park: Hearing that Sam Hornish is tested the #12 Nationwide car Monday at Carolina Motorsports Park.(3-31-2008)

America’s Incredible Pizza Company Sponsoring CJM for Remainder of Year: CJM Racing team owners, Tony and Bryan Mullet, announced that the team has secured primary sponsorship on a full-time basis, by signing on America’s Incredible Pizza Company as a sponsorship partner. “Everyone has bought into this program and has worked very hard to make it a success. The guys have done an incredible job on the track, which allowed us to accomplish our goal of providing a long-term sponsor. I am excited about the partnership we are forming with the AIPC management team,” explained Tony. America’s Incredible Pizza Company made their first appearance on the #11 CJM Racing entry at Las Vegas. Since the initial meeting, the two parties have had lengthy discussions on how to make a successful partnership and they have come to a mutual business-to-business agreement. The long-term goal with America’s Incredible Pizza Company is to build the program from a successful Nationwide Series team to a winner in the Sprint Cup Series over the next six years. America’s Incredible Pizza Company will serve as the primary sponsor of the #11 entry in 2008. CJM Racing will only be seeking sponsorship in 2008 that can help strengthen this program. The 2008 season will enable the new partnership to build on the already solid foundation.(CJM PR)(3-31-2008)

Harvick Looking for Record Win at Texas: Kevin Harvick will look to become the first driver to win five races at Texas Motor Speedway when he races the #33 RoadLoans.com Chevy in the O’Reilly 300. In eight career Nationwide Series starts at the track, Harvick has compiled an outstanding record. He has four wins, four top-five and seven top-10 finishes. His worst finish is 11th in 2007. He has led a total of 440 laps and completed all 1522 laps attempted.(KHI PR)(3-31-2008)
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Courtesy of The Hot Lap
www.TheHotLap.com

Five series regulars are embedded in the top 10 in the standings heading to Texas. Brad Keselowski (sixth) leads the way with Kelly Bires, Mike Wallace and Jason Leffler in eighth through 10th, respectively. Keselowski was sixth last fall at Texas, at the time his best career finish. Bires made his track debut there last fall (19th) while Wallace is hoping his success at Texas in the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series (three top fives in five races) translates to NASCAR Nationwide Series competition. Leffler won his first NASCAR national series pole at Texas in 2000 and has two top-10 finishes there. Whether a NASCAR veteran or newcomer, a trip home is always welcome. Bobby Labonte (Corpus Christi), the 1991 series champion, is attempting to win his first national series race at Texas in 20 tries (14 in NASCAR Sprint Cup, six in NASCAR Nationwide Series). Brad Coleman (Houston) and Robert Richardson Jr. (McKinney) each have one career series start at the track. Coleman was 16th in this race last year while Richardson was 32nd in the 2007 fall race. Richardson also has three NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series starts at Texas. (PR-NASCAR) (03-31-08)

With too much to do and too little time, motorists are increasingly taking this “get it all done” attitude to the roads and committing DWD – Driving While Distracted.Nationwide Insurance has teamed up with NASCAR drivers Kenny Wallace and Brad Coleman to raise awareness among teens in Texas about the dangers of driving while distracted and what they can do to stay safe on the road. NASCAR drivers Kenny Wallace and Brad Coleman will speak to local teens and the community at Southlake Carroll Senior H. S. Wednesday about the dangers of driving while distracted. This event includes a NASCAR simulator and a contest to see how well they do while texting behind the wheel. (PR-NASCAR) (03-31-08)

Driver Appearances-Kelly Bires and Marcos Ambrose are scheduled to appear at the Pet Finder.com booth at Texas Motor Speedway this Saturday from10:15 to 10:30. Eric McClure appearances-Wednesday, April 2, 2008: Brookshire 51: Tyler, TX: 1:00pm – 2:30pm Thursday, April 3, 2008: Brookshire Tent at Texas Motor Speedway: 3:00pm 4:00pm Friday, April 4, 2008: Wal-Mart 807: N. Richland Hills, TX: 9:30am – 11:30am Wal-Mart 427: Decatur, TX: 1:00pm – 3:00pm (03-31-08)
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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

Busch Melee Causes Oval Office Trip: Kyle Busch paid a visit to the NASCAR hauler after Saturday’s Kroger 250 Craftsman Truck Series race at Martinsville Speedway, where he wrecked Johnny Benson on the last lap while racing for second place. NASCAR officials also talked with several members of Benson’s crew, who angrily confronted Busch’s crew on pit road after the race. NASCAR officials said they are reviewing the actions of several members of Benson’s crew. After the race, Benson was angry that he got wrecked and fell from second place to 25th, while Busch was angry that Benson’s crewmembers were angry. “I just got spun out,” said Benson, who unlike Busch is racing for a series championship. “I went into the corner as hard as I’d been all day and doing everything we needed to do. The 51 (Kyle Busch) - you know I don’t know. It’s just a shame that it had to happen. It happens a lot within this series. It’s just a shame that nothing ever gets done about it.” Asked what he thought should be done, Benson added, “You have got to penalize people for wrecking people. That is what needs to be done.” “I hate it that we both spun out there. I was probably going to make it through there but then I got spun out, too, so I’ve got a reason to be upset,” said Busch, who held on to the NCTS points lead despite finishing 26th. “It started with me, obviously, but it’s pretty pathetic that pit crew guys want to fight when what happened is between the drivers,” Busch said. “That’s just unacceptable and stupid. My move was probably a pretty stupid move, people will call it, but, hey, I’m a racer. I’m going after another spot.”(Tom Jensen, TruckSeries.com)(3-31-2008)
www.truckseries.com/cgi-script/NCTS_08/articles/000004/000458.htm

According to a KHI representative, Ron Hornaday’s first Nationwide series start will be in the #33-KHI Chevy on Sunday, April 20th in the Corona 200 at Autodromo Hernanos Rodriguez in Mexico City. Hornaday is scheduled to run the #77-KHI Chevy in the Nationwide Series at Texas Motor Speedway in November.(KHI PR)(3-31-2008)

Setzer takes an emotional Truck victory at Martinsville: For the first time since the late Bobby Hamilton won at Mansfield in 2005, Dennis Setzer [#18-Dodge] took Bobby Hamilton Racing back to Victory Lane. Setzer’s victory in the Kroger 250 on Saturday at Martinsville Speedway was his third at the .526-mile short track and the 18th of his Craftsman Truck Series career. Setzer won for the first time since taking the checkered flag at Mansfield on May 26, 2007. Hamilton, who posted 10 wins in the Truck Series before his death from cancer on Jan. 7, 2007, claimed his last victory at that same track on May 15, 2005. “I ran second to Bobby Hamilton the year he won the championship [2004],” Setzer said. “We raced really hard against each other, but off the track, we were the best of friends. I don’t think we ever had a harsh word for one another. I respected him a lot.”(nascar.com)(3-31-2008)

Lawler finishes 17th in first-ever series race: Ryan Lawler has been racing and winning in late model stock cars for several years now. He has hopes and dreams of reaching NASCAR stardom and success. Lawler piloted the #07 Deals Auto Auction of Dallas Chevrolet for the Kroger 250 at Martinsville Speedway finishing in 17th. Lawler is tentatively scheduled to race in the series again April 26th at Kansas Speedway.(SS Green Light Racing PR)(3-31-2008)
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MIKE SKINNER CHATS UP SCOTT SPEED AFTER HIS MARTINSVILLE DEBUT
Q. Skinner: How did you feel about the “give and take” driving style racing with your competitors at Martinsville Speedway?
A. Speed: I got abused out there for sure! I think I was giving a lot …
www.motorsport.com/news/article.asp?ID=283736

BUSCH HOLDS POINTS LEAD FOR BALLEW AFTER MARTINSVILLE MELEE
Martinsville, Virginia (March 30, 2008)-The NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series didn’t disappoint the fans with the on-track action at the Martinsville Speedway Saturday, March 29th in the running of the Kroger …
www.motorsport.com/news/article.asp?ID=283804
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Courtesy of TruckSeries.Com
www.truckseries.com

OFFICIAL OWNER POINTS: Following Martinsville
www.truckseries.com/owner/

OFFICIAL DRIVER POINTS: Following Martinsville
www.truckseries.com/driver/

TRUCKS: Autograph Session Scheduled for Lowe’s
www.truckseries.com/cgi-script/NCTS_08/articles/000004/000480.htm
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A R C A (Automobile Racing Club of America)
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Courtesy of ARCA
www.arcaracing.com

Iowa, Kansas Testing Back-To-Back April 1 & 3
IOWA/KANSAS (3-31-08) - The ARCA RE/MAX is on the go. From an assertive open test schedule to the next race event, the series, in its 56th consecutive season, is gearing up for the early-season stretch.
[Read More] - www.arcaracing.com/news.cfm?contentid=6281
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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
localracing.nascar.com/news/6
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A partnership forged in speed
Huronia Business Times - Barrie,ON,Canada
He also spoke about the cars – like this one that’s the Centennial Dodge Chrysler Jeep entry for the NASCAR Canadian Tire Series. …
www.huroniabusinesstimes.com/businesstimes/article/67747
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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/AM/040108.html
If You Can’t Beat ‘Em, Spin ‘Em
by Allen Madding

Double Ouch!
By Bull Rider(The Bull Spotter)
Skinner, in the No. 84, salvaged a 31st-place finish even though he got the worst of racing side by side with Robby Gordon. Not long after, at lap 105, the spinning car of Sam Hornish Jr. sucked Skinner in. “I just tried to stay out of …
teamredbull.blogspot.com/2008/03/double-ouch.html

Mike Helton Watches His First Craftsman Truck Race
On a rainy weekend in Martinsville VA, the Craftsman Truck Series took the stage in a rare Saturday afternoon race for the series. Sharing the race weekend with the Sprint Cup, the Craftsman Series was given the opportunity to shine on …
blackflaggedonline.com/2008/03/31/mike-helton-watches-his-first-craftsman-truck-race/

Monday Morning Quarterback
By Daly Planet Editor(Daly Planet Editor)
Mike Wallace just spotted for his daughter Chrissy as she piloted her way to a top twenty finish in her very first Craftsman Truck Series race. Mike flew directly to ESPN after the race, and co-hosted the one hour Sunday morning edition …
dalyplanet.blogspot.com/2008/03/monday-morning-quarterback.html

Ron Ripple - NASCAR’s Biggest Fan
Hamlin Got a Clock!
“You got a clock, baby, you got a clock!” shouted Denny Hamlin’s crew chief as he crossed the finish line.
feeds.feedburner.com/~r/ronripple/~3/261464060/

Long Island Press
What’s Your 20? Press Sprint Cup Rankings
by Josh Stewart
snipurl.com/2351x-gazete

Cheers & Jeers: Racing Around the Lightposts
by Carol Einarsson
CHEERS to Martinsville, a parking lot with two light posts, around which 43 cars are racing.
www.racejournalonline.com/index.cfm?Pagename=column&id=440

Whispers From Heaven
The Sky Is Falling!!!
by Carol Einarsson
I’m sure you’ve heard the one about the dyslexic agnostic insomniac who stayed up all night wondering if there was a dog, right?
www.racejournalonline.com/index.cfm?Pagename=column&id=439
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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

TUESDAY, APRIL 1

12:00m-1:00A SPEED This Week in NASCAR, R
1:00A-2:00 espn2 NASCAR Now, HD
2:00A-3:00 SPEED Barrett-Jackson 2008 - The Auctions, Scottsdale Highlights, R
3:00A-4:00 SPEED Star Mazda Series, Sebring Intl. Raceway, Sebring, FL, Mar 14/08, R
4:00A-5:00 SPEED National Arenacross Series, Van Andel Arena, Grand Rapids, MI, Jan 6/08, R
8:00A-9:00 SPEED This Week in NASCAR, R
11:00A-12:00 ESPN-CL 2005 O’Reilly NHRA Summer Nationals, Heartland Park, Topeka, KS, May 29/05
12:00n-1:00P SPEED FIM 250 World Championship Gran Premio bwin.com de España, Circuito de Jerez,
Jerez de la Frontera, Spain, Mar 30/08, R
1:00P-2:00 SPEED FIM MotoGP World Championship, Gran Premio bwin.com de España, Circuito de Jerez,
Jerez de la Frontera, Spain, Mar 30/08, R
2:00P-3:00 SPEED National Arenacross Series, Van Andel Arena, Grand Rapids, MI, Jan 6/08, R
6:00P-6:30 espn2 NASCAR Now, Nicole Manske, HD, 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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