I upgraded the website’s software last night to Wordpress version 2.5, so if you see anything odd while visiting www.MotorSportsNews.net, please let me know. Thanks.
While you’re here, please check out this edition of the Stock Car Gazette, where you will find news, stats, and information about NASCAR, ARCA, and other stock car racing organizations.
____________________________________________________________
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
____________________________________________________________
The Stock Car Gazette is sponsored by:
Hasco Collectibles
Div. Hasco Services, LLC
701 Mantooth Ave.
Lufkin, TX 75904
www.hascodiecastcars.com
www.diecastcars.net
hasco@diecastcars.net
866-66-HASCO (866-664-2726)
NOW ON SALE:
2004, 2005, 2006 Dale Jr. Bud 1/24: $25.00
2006 J. Gordon 1/24 Foose Custom: $25.00
2004 Dale Jr. 250th Start: 1/24: $25.00 1/64: $4.00
2004 Dale Jr. Twin 125 Raced Win: 1/24: $25.00 1/64: $5.00
2008 Dale Jr. Shootout And Duel #1 Win Tees: $15.00
These Items Are All On Our Featured Home Page At:
www.hascodiecastcars.com
NEW: Dale Jr. Whiskey River Pre-Order And
Dale Jr. All Star 3 Doors Down Citizen Soldier Pre-Order,
We Also Have Dale Jr.’s Mountain Dew Retro Scheme For Pre-Order,
Including The 1/64th Scale In A Mountain Dew Soda Can. We Also
Have The Kyle Busch 1st Toyota Win, J. Force Castrol 40th, And
Mark Martin Principal 700th Start Impala SS For Pre-Order.
Plus We Have Pre-Orders For Most Of The Cup Drivers On Our Pre-
Order Web Site At: www.diecastcars.net.
We Have 2008 AMP/NG/Dupont/Lowes/Cheerios/Home Depot, Bud,
Jack Daniels, Wells Fargo, Bass Pro, Fed-Ex, Nicorette, And
More At Our In-Stock Web Store www.hascodiecastcars.com.
HASCO Collectibles Is Still Clearing Out Dale Jr. Bud Merchandise.
All Jr. Bud Items Are Discounted From 25 To 50 Per Cent Off.
All Drivers Clothing Items Also Are Discounted 40 Per Cent Off.
www.hascodiecastcars.com.
Hasco Collectibles
Div. Hasco Services, LLC
701 Mantooth Ave.
Lufkin, TX 75904
www.hascodiecastcars.com
www.diecastcars.net
hasco@diecastcars.net
866-66-HASCO (866-664-2726)
___________________________________________________________
Stock Car Gazette Columnists Speak Out!
___________________________________________________________
Bonfire! “O Rookieo, Rookieo, Wherefore Art Thou, Rookieo?”
by: Lonnie Bernarde
Nascar and Shakespeare? One talks in circles and the other rides around in circles. I’ll leave it up to you to decide who does what.
MORE: motorsportsnews.net/archives/1183
___________________________________________________________
N A S C A R * S P R I N T * C U P * S E R I E S
___________________________________________________________
Courtesy of www.Catchfence.com
NASCAR Two-Seater “Races” Indycar Two-Seater At Richmond International Speedway: Today at Richmond International Raceway, a Richard Petty Driving Experience NASCAR-style two-seater challenged a Sinden Racing IndyCar-style two-seater to a “race” around the ¾-mile oval. America’s Premier Short Track is one of only eight tracks which hosts both NASCAR Sprint Cup and IndyCar Series races. NASCAR returns to Richmond International Raceway May 2-3 for the NASCAR doubleheader. Good tickets are still available for the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Crown Royal Presents The Dan Lowry 400 race on Saturday, May 3. Tickets start at $80 and are available by logging onto www.rir.com or calling 866-455-7223. The IndyCar Series returns to Richmond International Raceway June 27-28 for the SunTrust Indy Challenge weekend. The IndyCar Series stars will battle it out “under the lights” on Saturday, June 28. Tickets are $35 (reserved) and $30 (general admission). Children 12 and under are admitted free with a ticketed adult in general admission sections for the IndyCar Series race. - Richmond International Speedway, Press Release
SUBWAY® Restaurants to Serve as Primary Sponsor for Tony Stewart and No. 20 Joe Gibbs Racing Team at Three NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Races in 2008 - “SUBWAY®” Paint Scheme to Appear at Spring Phoenix, Fall California and Fall Talladega Events: Furthering its relationship with Tony Stewart and Joe Gibbs Racing, SUBWAY® Restaurants will serve as primary sponsor of the No. 20 Toyota Camry in the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series for three races in 2008. Longtime sponsor The Home Depot® will adorn the quarter panels of the No. 20 Toyota Camry, while SUBWAY will have signage on the rest of the car. The No. 20 SUBWAY/Home Depot Toyota will make its debut April 10-12 during the SUBWAY Fresh Fit 500 at Phoenix International Raceway and will return to the track Aug. 29-31 at Auto Club Speedway in Fontana, Calif., and once again Oct. 3-5 at Talladega (Ala.) Superspeedway. SUBWAY will promote its FRESH FIT™ Menus at those races which are designed for adults and children. The menus offer healthier, on-the-go meal options that complement active lifestyles. The healthier dining options consist of low-fat sandwiches, beverages and “fit” sides such as apples, raisins and yogurt. - Catalyst Public Relations, Press Release
Mercury Recording Artist Julie Roberts To Perform National Anthem At Darlington Raceway: South Carolina native and Mercury Recording artist, Julie Roberts, will perform the National Anthem prior to the 2008 Dodge Challenger 500 at Darlington Raceway. Roberts, the daughter of an engineer and an accountant, grew up singing country in Lancaster, S.C. “I started singing to country songs on the radio when I was about three,” she says. “Mama had this big white truck, and we would all sit in the front seat and she would turn up country music. I learned all of these old songs, like Mel McDaniel’s ‘Baby’s Got Her Blue Jeans On’. When we hear them today I’ll say, ‘There’s a white-truck song.’”
___________________________________________________________
Courtesy of Google Alerts
Racing was about winning not fame or glory
St. Catharines Standard - St. Catharines,Ontario,Canada
Stock-car racing’s history is peppered with colourful characters and personalities. Through the 1960s, racing was a part-time affair for many drivers. …
www.stcatharinesstandard.ca/ArticleDisplay.aspx?e=980085
Childress a NASCAR visionary
Yahoo! Sports - USA
Childress rattles off names no longer associated with the sport, but whose money changed the direction of stock car racing forever. …
sports.yahoo.com/nascar/news?slug=bm-childress040908&prov=yhoo&type=lgns
NASCAR 09 Screenshots
TeamXbox - Brisbane,CA,USA
EA has provided further details of Nascar 09, which is scheduled to ship on June 10th. As announced on March 12th, four-time NASCAR Sprint Cup Champion Jeff …
news.teamxbox.com/xbox/16183/NASCAR-09-Screenshots/
What drama? Tony Stewart enjoying being out of NASCAR spotlight
SI.com - USA
DETROIT (AP) -Tony Stewart and Kid Rock stood shoulder to shoulder when the musician wanted the assembled media to know something about the two-time NASCAR …
sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2008/racing/wires/04/10/3010.ap.car.nascar.stewart.0607/
___________________________________________________________
Courtesy of Insider Racing News
www.insiderracingnews.com
Newman On Phoenix Pole
Ryan Newman put his Penske Powered No. 12 Alltel Dodge on the pole for Saturday night’s Subway Fresh Fit 500k at Phoenix Interational Raceway. Newman turned a lap of 26.975 seconds around the one-mile tracck for a speed of 133.457 mph. It was Newman’s 43rd career pole and it ties him with Buck Baker for 10th on the all-time pole winning list. “I think we have a good car,” said Newman. “It’s been a while since I’ve felt a car this good around this race track. I think that we’ve gotten off on the right foot for the weekend. I feel like we’re very competitive. We’ve learned some things about this car, especially at short-tracks. Hopefully if will pay off on Saturday night“ Starting on the outside of Newman will be Elliott Sadler. Sadler’s best lap was 26.984 seconds — translating to a speed of 133.412 mph. Last week’s winner at Texas, Carl Edwards, will start in the third spot while Mark Martin will start his DEI Chevrolet in the fourth position. Kasey Kahne qualified fifth followed by Kyle Busch, Jimmie Johnson, Jamie McMurray, Martin Truex Jr. and Scott Riggs to round out the top ten. Only two drivers failed to qualify, Kyle Petty and John Andretti. The race is scheduled to start at 8:00 p.m. Eastern time and will be carried on your local FOX network.
___________________________________________________________
Courtesy of Jayski
www.jayski.com
Newman wins pole at Phoenix: #12-Ryan Newman won the Coors Light Pole for the Subway Fresh Fit 500 at Phoenix International Raceway with a speed of 133.457mph for his 1st pole of the season, his 43rd career pole [10th overall ever, and has won 3 races from the pole] and makes it 8 straight seasons that Newman has won a pole. #19-Elliott Sadler will start 2nd followed by #99-Edwards, #8-Martin, #9-Kahne, #18-Busch, #48-Johnson, #26-McMurray, #1-Truex Jr. and #66-Riggs. #24-Gordon will start 11th, #88-Earnhardt Jr. will start 13th and points leader #31-Burton will start 39th. #21-Bill Elliott uses the past champions provisional to make the race and will start 43rd. The Go-or-Go homers who made the race are: #22-Blaney, #40-Franchitti, #84-Skinner, #44-Reutimann, #10-Carpentier, #78-Nemechek and #70-Sauter. Two drivers will miss the race: #45-Petty and #34-Andretti.
Phoenix Qualifying Fast Facts
.. Ryan Newman won the Coors Light Pole Award for the Subway Fresh Fit 500 with a lap of 26.975 seconds, 133.457 mph.
.. This is Newman’s 43rd pole in 232 career NASCAR Sprint Cup races. He moved into a tie with Buck Baker for 10th on the all-time pole winners list.
.. This is Newman’s first pole and third top-10 start in 2008. This is his eighth straight year to win a pole. He is tied with Junior Johnson, Terry Labonte, Lee Petty and Rusty Wallace for 10th-place on the all-time list of consecutive seasons with at least one pole.
.. This is Newman’s fourth pole at Phoenix International Raceway but his first since he won three in a row between 2002 and 2004. Jeff Gordon (three) is the only other repeat pole winner in the 10-race period.
.. Elliott Sadler posted the second-fastest qualifying time with a lap of 26.984 seconds, 133.412 mph. This is his best start since he started second at Atlanta in March 2007.
.. Carl Edwards (third) posted his fourth top-10 start in eight races at Phoenix. This is his sixth top-10 start in 2008.
.. Dave Blaney (19th) was the fastest of the drivers required to make the field on time.
.. Dario Franchitti (21st) was the fastest qualifying rookie.(NASCAR Statistics)(4-10-2008)
Furthering its relationship with Tony Stewart and Joe Gibbs Racing, SUBWAY Restaurants will serve as primary sponsor of the #20 Toyota Camry in the Sprint Cup Series for three races in 2008. Longtime sponsor The Home Depot will adorn the quarterpanels of the #20 Toyota, while SUBWAY will have signage on the rest of the car. The #20 SUBWAY/Home Depot Toyota will make its debut April 10-12 during the SUBWAY Fresh Fit 500k at Phoenix International Raceway, and will return to the track Aug. 29-31 at Auto Club Speedway in Fontana, Calif., and again Oct. 3-5 at Talladega Superspeedway. SUBWAY Restaurants has a yearlong associate sponsorship of the #20 Home Depot Toyota in the Sprint Cup Series and a personal services agreement with Stewart.(True Speed Communication/Joe GibbsRacing)(4-11-2008)
Goodyear still has rain tires: Rain (tires) won’t go away: Fans looking for something different during the Nationwide Series events in Mexico City and Canada should pray for rain. Greg Stucker, Goodyear Racing’s director of race tire sales, said the manufacturer has not abandoned its rain-tire program. “We’ve had it for road-racing since the mid-1990s,” Stucker reminded. “It’s just never happened that NASCAR wanted to utilize it in a race condition. But we have had it available and conducted race sessions with it. And we’ll continue to have it available. If you look at the Nationwide Series now, they go to Mexico City and to Canada. We don’t have a lot of versatility in our dates there. If we get rain, we want to make sure we can put on a show for those folks.”(Fort Worth Star Telegram)(4-11-2008)
Triad Racing Development did its job on McDowells Texas car: The chassis that Michael Waltrip Racing driver #00-Michael McDowell wrecked during Friday’s qualifying session at Texas Motor Speedway was built by Triad Racing Development, in High Point NC. Even with McDowell’s wreck resulting in the car being completely destroyed, the safety innovations Triad Racing Development implemented in the chassis enabled McDowell to walk away from the incident under his own power. Triad Racing Development specializes in putting together a product that is not only efficient on the track but also uses the latest technology to protect the driver within the car. Triad Racing Development has been in business since 2003, and is led by Todd Holbert, son of legendary sports car racer Al Holbert. Todd and his staff specialize in chassis development, as well as component construction innovation.(BDR)(4-11-2008)
Steve Eastman, Target Vice President: “The 19-year partnership between Target and Chip Ganassi Racing is one of the longest consecutive partnerships in motor sports. Our race program has proven successful and we in fact have a solid base of sponsors in place. We continue to build on the excitement and momentum around the program and look forward to celebrating our 20th anniversary next year… Any rumors regarding an end to the partnership are simply without merit.”(Target Communications)(4-10-2008)
Drivers upset over lack of drug testing: Sprint Cup drivers Kevin Harvick, Tony Stewart, Jimmie Johnson and Kasey Kahne say they never have undergone a drug test as NASCAR competitors. “In the 10 years that I’ve raced, I’ve never been drug-tested,” Harvick said. “To me, that’s not a proper drug policy for a professional sport. We haven’t made any headway whatsoever on the drug-testing policy.” Harvick and Stewart were reacting to an ESPN The Magazine story this week in which former driver Aaron Fike said he competed in Craftsman Truck Series races while he was on heroin. “I have been in a race with him and I know for a fact that he’s not the only one,” Harvick said. “There’s another driver that was suspended that I can almost guarantee you was in the race car while he was under the influence, and that pisses me off. I’m sure I’ll be blasted for saying what I feel, but I don’t want to be on a race track with people like that. It’s irresponsible more than anything.” All four Cup drivers said they are in favor of regular testing.
“I would love it,” Stewart said. “I’ve never been asked to take one yet. I think it should be mandatory to have random drug testing. I think it’s a great idea. The Fike situation shows that as an organization, we’re not doing a good job of seeing this before it happens.” NASCAR’s substance-abuse policy includes the right to test any driver at any time, but officials only do so if they believe a competitor might have a problem. “The responsibility here rests across the board — with the drivers and competitors, owners, teams and NASCAR,” said Kerry Tharp, NASCAR’s director of communication. “We test an individual when we have reasonable suspicion. A positive test results in severe consequences and is a career-changing moment for that person. NASCAR’s policy is also supported by the various policies that the teams have in place that are required under the driver/owner agreements. No system is flawless, but we believe our zero tolerant policy that is in place has served the sport well.”
Fike was arrested last year in Ohio for possession of heroin.
“I had a long talk with NASCAR about this last year,” Harvick said. “It almost seems like it fell on deaf ears. They were more mad that I had a reaction to the situation than they were about trying to move forward. They heard what I said, but my name’s not Jeff Gordon. I’m disappointed that we have to react and answer all these questions again.”
Tharp said NASCAR officials always take it seriously when drivers come to them with questions or complaints. “Let me assure you that no issue or conversation that we have with a driver, owner or team member ever falls on deaf ears,” Tharp said. “Now, they might not always come out of the meeting with the answer they’re looking for, but we listen.” Harvick wants to see NASCAR test drivers and crew members several times a year. “I’m sure I’ll have to do it for speaking my mind,” Harvick said. “But if I have to pee in a cup 15 times a year, I’m happy to do it. The bad part is it isn’t fair to the 95 percent of his garage that is clean. But I want everybody in the world to know our sport is clean. I want fans and sponsors to know this garage is clean.” Harvick and his wife, DeLana, own truck series and Nationwide Series teams at Kevin Harvick Inc. Harvick does not conduct drug tests for his employees. “I don’t right now and maybe we need to change the way we look at it, too,” he said. “But in the end, it’s the responsibility of [NASCAR] to make sure all the drivers are clean.” Harvick said Fike drove a couple of races for KHI several years ago. “There was no reason to think something was wrong,” Harvick said. “I don’t know about drugs, to tell you the truth. But I want to know about the guy racing next to me and not have to wonder if he was out the night before and isn’t clean.”
Kahne said he had suspicions about Fike. “I definitely wondered about Aaron, so I’m sure others did,” Kahne said. “When he said he did heroin before a race, that’s incredible that no one knew. As much money as there is in this sport, I think we should take a little more effort to make sure every driver is clean.” Harvick believes NASCAR should have changed its substance-abuse policy long ago. “You can tell I’m a little bit frustrated about the situation,” he said. “As someone who respects the sport and respects my sponsors, I’m upset that I have to answer questions about Aaron Fike. It really ticks me off, because every driver in this garage should be taking random drug tests.” Harvick believes NASCAR needs to do a better job of staying ahead of the curve. “It’s just like the safety thing back in 2001,” he said. “We didn’t react until that situation happened [with Dale Earnhardt's death]. With drug-testing, there’s no reason in the world today not to be proactive. “This is about forward thinking about how the drivers are perceived from a public standpoint. If I’m a fan, I don’t want to think, ‘Are they really clean?’ This always has been perceived as a clean sport. Let’s not let that change now, because it is. But let’s prove it.”(ESPN.com)
See my article link page for many other opinions and articles on the drug subject.(4-10-2008)
sports.espn.go.com/rpm/nascar/truck/news/story?id=3336865
www.jayski.com/pages/stories.htm
This weekend, racing fans across the country will see and hear many of Ford Racing’s stars talking about Drive one, Ford’s new and far-reaching message about improved vehicle quality, fuel economy, safety advances and smart technology. Ford Racing cars will sport a variety of Drive one logos starting with this weekend’s events in Avondale, Ariz. (NASCAR), and Las Vegas (NHRA), highlighted by the #28 Drive one Ford Fusion, driven by Yates Racing’s Travis Kvapil. Yates Racing, which is still searching for a full-time sponsor for its cars, is helping Ford with the Drive one launch by offering up Kvapil’s car, which will be seen by millions of viewers this weekend on Speed and Fox. “Yates Racing is honored to have the opportunity to run the Drive one paint scheme on the #28 Ford Fusion this weekend,” said team owner Doug Yates. “We have a great driver in Travis, along with top-of-the-line equipment and technology courtesy of Ford. I’ve been fortunate enough to have the chance to participate in the development of Ford cars and engines from the racing side and I can’t think of a better manufacturer to be affiliated with,” he said. Drive one is the inside story of Ford, chronicling in television, print and digital media how Ford employees have closed the gap with Asian competitors regarding quality, advanced vehicle safety, made vehicles more fuel efficient and led the industry in developing in-car connectivity. People are also invited to drive a Ford vehicle and experience for themselves the company’s vehicles’ performance. “I’m really thrilled to drive the #28 Drive one Ford Fusion this weekend at Phoenix,” said Kvapil. “Being a Ford driver myself, I can tell you that they are committed to the four key points of this campaign: quality, fuel-efficiency, safety, and technologically-advanced vehicles. Ford is integrating Drive one into Ford’s racing program to reach out to Ford loyalists, so they can help spread the word about the company’s gains in areas that matter most to customers. In addition to the primary sponsorship logos on the #28 Fusion this weekend, Drive one logos will be featured on the b-pillar of each of Ford NASCAR Sprint Cup cars. In addition, in- car camera and roll cage shots will feature the new logos, and both Yates Racing and Wood Brothers Racing drivers and crew members will wear special Drive one baseball caps. The Fox Fusion 360 car, an important part of every NASCAR on Fox broadcast, will also feature Drive one logos. Additionally, the special NASCAR Ford Fusion that analyst Darrell Waltrip drives in Fox pre-race features will also switch to the Drive one logos.(Ford Racing), see an image of the scheme on my #28 Team Schemes page.(4-10-2008) www.jayski.com/schemes/2008/28cup.htm
The Transport Drivers of Motorsports Association plans on raising money in honor of NASCAR engine inspector Brienne Davis, who was killed in a traffic accident near Huntersville, N.C. on Tuesday. The funds will go to her alma mater in Jonesville, La. The organization wants to raise enough money to donate at least five computers and plant a tree in her name at the school. For information on how to donate, contact Shelia Lumpkin (404.484.9097) secretary for TDMA or TDMA President Robby Maschhaupt at 704-746-7945.(SPEEDtv)(4-10-2008)
Texas TV Ratings down: NASCAR on Fox earned a 5.4/12 (8.6 million viewers) this weekend for racing from Texas, down -4% from last year’s 5.6/12. This marks the first time this season that a regularly scheduled Fox NASCAR event has declined from last year’s rating. The primary factor in this weekend’s NASCAR decline was competition from the season’s first full Sunday afternoon MLB schedule. There are 25 MLB home markets in the U.S., and Sunday’s NASCAR race was down in 19 of them. Despite being down year-to-year, Sunday’s Texas race was still easily the highest-rated event for the day on any broadcast network. Season-to-date, NASCAR on FOX is averaging a 6.6/14 (11.1 mllion viewers), up +3% over last year’s 6.4/14.(Fox PR), see the other races ratings and more on my TV Ratings page(4-10-2008) www.jayski.com/pages/tvratings2008.htm
___________________________________________________________
Courtesy of www.motorsport.com
Stewart Cooper - profile
Crew Chief No. 45 Petty Enterprises Dodge Charger
Stewart Cooper is an intelligent and talented young man that will be a strong leader for the No. 45 crew and a positive addition to the Petty Enterprises team. Cooper has been involved in racing since his teenage …
www.motorsport.com/news/article.asp?ID=284821
Phoenix: Practice 1 times
Pos No Driver Make Time Gap To 1st Speed Gap To 1st
— —- ———————- ——— ———- —— —— ——– ——- ——-
1. 12 Ryan Newman Dodge 27.188 132.411 …
www.motorsport.com/news/article.asp?ID=284795
___________________________________________________________
Courtesy of Scene Daily
www.scenedaily.com
No need to throw ‘red flag’ on new car yet, Harvick says
AVONDALE, Ariz. After last Sundays Sprint Cup race at Texas Motor Speedway, several drivers, including top-five finishers Jimmie Johnson and Kyle Busch, suggested NASCAR may need to further tweak its new car to make it easier to drive on the intermediate tracks that predominate the Cup schedule
snipurl.com/243v3-gazete
Kahne involved in off-track Texas crash last week
Gillett Evernham Motorsports driver Kasey Kahne had a bad day April 3.
snipurl.com/243v5-gazete
Jeff Gluck: Any loss hurts NASCAR community
AVONDALE, Ariz. The NASCAR community arrived in Phoenix short one member this weekend, mourning a loss still very fresh and very raw.
snipurl.com/243v8-gazete
Lepage making big strides with little team
A week before Nationwide Series teams were supposed to go through technical inspection for the first race of the season, Specialty Racing didnt exist.
snipurl.com/243v9-gazete
___________________________________________________________
Your ad here could be seen by hundreds of dedicated racing fans!
Contact Mike@MotorSportsNews.Net for rates and information.
___________________________________________________________
Courtesy of That’s Racin’
www.thatsracin.com
NASCAR finds itself defending anti-drug policy
AVONDALE, Ariz. – The revelations by former NASCAR driver Aaron Fike that he competed while under the influence of heroin have ignited a firestorm from NASCAR drivers
www.thatsracin.com/topstories/story/12845.html
Q&A | Harvick on Fike claims, NASCAR policy
www.thatsracin.com/news/story/12846.html
Service scheduled for NASCAR official killed in traffic accident
www.thatsracin.com/topstories/story/12839.html
___________________________________________________________
N A S C A R * N A T I O N W I D E * S E R I E S
___________________________________________________________
Courtesy of Jayski
www.jayski.com
Hamlin On Top in Happy Hour: #20-Denny Hamlin was fastest in Happy Hour for the Bashas 200 with a speed of 131.124mph. #1-Mike Bliss was second, followed by #18-Kyle Busch, #66-Steve Wallace, #59-Marcos Ambrose, #99-David Reutimann, #27-Brad Coleman, #2-Clint Bowyer, #60-Carl Edwards, and #29-Jeff Burton. There were no incidents during the session. Not practicing during the session were: #0-Mike Potter, #05-Brett Rowe, #90-Johnny Champan, and #91-Larry Gunselman. Complete results are posted on the Phoenix Race Page.(4-10-2008) www.jayski.com/nationwide/2008/next/08phoenix.htm#practice
Stremme Leads First Practice: #64-David Streeme was fastest in the opening practice in Phoenix Thursday afternoon. His top speed was 130.577mph. He was followed by #40-Dario Franchitti, #20-Denny Hamlin, #88-Brad Keselowski, and #29-Jeff Burton. Only 41 drivers took to the track during the session. #55-Scott Gaylord and #84-Mike Harmon did not practice. Complete results are posted on the Phoenix Race Page.(4-10-2008) www.jayski.com/nationwide/2008/next/08phoenix.htm#practice
NASCAR enthusiast Dennis Tedeschi wanted to play the ultimate April Fools’ prank on his son, Benjamin, and Best Western International is helping him do just that. Today, the two were named the grand prize winners of the hotel chain’s April Fools’ promotion, which gives the father and son the gift of NASCAR immortality. As part of the grand prize, a photo taken while Benjamin was bouncing on a trampoline will be prominently displayed on the Best Western #99 Toyota Camry, which will be driven by David Reutimann at the Bashas’ Supermarkets 200 in Phoenix on Friday.(Best Western PR)(4-10-2008)
___________________________________________________________
Courtesy of The Hot Lap
www.TheHotLap.com
Team Atreus Homes & Communities Rusty Wallace Racing driver, David Stremme and his No. 64 team posted the fastest time in this afternoon’s first practice for Friday night’s Bashas’ Supermarkets 200 at Phoenix International Raceway. Stremme’s best lap of 27.570 seconds (130.577 MPH) occurred on his 29th—and final—lap of the session. Noted Stremme, “My guys have given me a really good car this weekend, both in race trim and qualifying trim. We didn’t want to run too much of the early session, just because the temperatures are a lot different than they’re probably going to be tomorrow night. With that said though, I think we were able to get the setup close enough that we’re going to be able to fine tune on it tonight in happy hour.”Stremme’s teammate, No. 66—Steve Wallace, was also among the top-15 in this morning’s session. Wallace’s best lap of 28.012 seconds (128.516 MPH) came on the 24th of his 32 laps in the session. That lap placed his No. 66 Atreus Homes & Communities Chevrolet 15th fastest of the 40+ cars taking time in the session.Said Wallace, “Our car is pretty good, but we still have some work to do in happy hour tonight. Our guys are working hard though, so we’ll get there. We weren’t able to make a qualifying run in the first practice, so we’re not as high up on the speed chart as we probably should be. Because of the temperatures, tonight’s session should be a lot better predictor of who the guys to beat tomorrow night will be.”(PR-RWR) (04-11-08)
Baker Curb Racing and RPF Technology, Inc, manufacturer of the BodiPro Portable Gym, announced today their upcoming partnership through the sponsorship of the No. 37 Ford Fusion during the Bashas’ Supermarkets 200 at the Phoenix International Raceway.Piloted by up and coming driver John Young, both parties are pumped up about joining forces to make some noise around the track.“This is a great opportunity for me,” said Young. “Baker Curb is a solid team with the ability to generate top finishes. The team has some great equipment and being able to hop in one of their rides for this weekend is incredible. I’m looking forward to when the green flag drops.”Baker Curb, based out of Nashville, is a team with a rich history in NASCAR. Headed by Gary Baker and Mike Curb, the team has extensive motorsports experience in both its front office and shop.“This partnership with BodiPro Portable Gym is a perfect fit,” said Matt Crews, team president. “We think it not only provides BodiPro with a great marketing outlet, but it also partners us with a driver who has a lot of potential to make his mark in the NASCAR world.”With the joining with Baker Curb, BodiPro makes it entrance into sponsorship in the NASCAR realm. The Baker Curb and NASCAR combination is powerful,” said Richard Kaufman, BodiPro chief operating officer. “Young has raw talent and I believe that by partnering with this team and him, the No. 37 BodiPro Ford Fusion is going to make a statement out on the track.”(PR-BakerCurbRacing)
Apr 10: NASCAR Nationwide Series Phoenix Bashas’ 200 Qualifying Order
thehotlap.com/modules.php?name=Latest_News&op=view&rid=2594
Apr 10: NASCAR Nationwide Series Phoenix Bashas’ 200 1st practice speeds
thehotlap.com/modules.php?name=Latest_News&op=view&rid=2593
___________________________________________________________
C R A F T S M A N * T R U C K * S E R I E S
___________________________________________________________
Courtesy of Google Alerts
Former NASCAR driver talks about heroin addiction in magazine article
AutoWeek - USA
By DALE JEWETT In late June late year, Aaron Fike drove to a fifth place finish at the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series race in Memphis–a shining moment for …
snipurl.com/243vb-gazete
Drivers call for random drug testing in NASCAR
East Valley Tribune - Mesa,AZ,USA
1 Toyota Tundra in the Craftsman Truck Series for Red Horse Racing where he recorded four top-10 finishes before his arrest. NASCAR’s policy didn‘t stop …
www.eastvalleytribune.com/story/113508
Chrissy Wallace shines in NASCAR debut at Martinsville - Racing
ESPN - USA
“As simple as when the caution comes out, late models can pull up to the pace car and pit, [but] in the truck series you can’t do that. …
sports.espn.go.com/rpm/nascar/truck/columns/story?id=3339557
In wake of Aaron Fike heroin story, NASCAR drivers call for …
By OrlandoSentinel.com
In the wake of Craftsman Truck Series driver Aaron Fike’s admission that he used the drug on race days(read story here), NASCAR drivers are calling for tougher drug testing. Tony Stewart told the AP:. “I’ve never been asked to take (a …
blogs.orlandosentinel.com/sports_nascar/2008/04/in-wake-of-aaro.html
___________________________________________________________
A R C A (Automobile Racing Club of America)
___________________________________________________________
Courtesy of ARCA
www.arcaracing.com
Butler Returns to Salem; Confident & Ready
SALEM, IN (4-11-08) - Following the nine-week ARCA RE/MAX Series hiatus, Ken Butler, III returns to Salem Speedway this weekend ready to better last fall’s 11th-place finish at the legendary, half-mile high-banked oval. Butler is back in the seat of the No. 22 Aaron’s Dream Machine and anxious to get this show back on the road.
“I’m really excited that Salem is finally here,” stated Butler.
[Read More] - www.arcaracing.com/news.cfm?contentid=6323
Brett Hudson Searching for Victory at Salem
SALEM IN (4-10-08) - Anytime you finish in the top-five at Salem Speedway, it’s been a good day. And in five previous Salem starts, Owensboro, Kentucky native Brett Hudson has managed two top-five runs. But that fact that he’s not been to victory lane yet, has him nothing short of frustrated. Fortunately, he’ll get another shot at the historic half-mile oval this weekend when racing resumes for the ARCA RE/MAX Series in Sunday’s Kentuckiana Ford Dealers 200 by Federated Auto Parts.
[Read More] - www.arcaracing.com/news.cfm?contentid=6319
___________________________________________________________
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
___________________________________________________________
An Interview With Andrew Ranger
Intersportswire - Montreal,Quebec,Canada
They also promoted the Busch race in Montreal like crazy (in Quebec). The NCTS is shorter than most of the other NASCAR series, does your contract allow you …
www.intersportswire.com/content/view/395/
___________________________________________________________
C O L U M N S / C O M M E N T A R I E S
___________________________________________________________
“NASCAR On ESPN” Features Marty Reid On Friday
dalyplanet.blogspot.com/2008/04/nascar-on-espn-features-marty-reid-on.html
Does Dale Earnhardt Jr. need a new crew chief? A reader shows her …
By Matt Humphrey
Got a well-reasoned response to a blog I posted the other day on Tony Eury Jr., the crew chief for Dale Earnhardt Jr (read blog item here). If you don’t want to read the full entry, it summarized an item in the Savannah Morning News …
blogs.orlandosentinel.com/sports_nascar/2008/04/funny-how-the-m.html
Inside out
NASCAR insider takes issue with CoT, picks Phoenix
sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2008/writers/tom_bowles/04/10/Insider/index.html
Insider Racing News
insiderracingnews.com/Writers/BB/041108.html
Aaron Fike: NASCAR Never Had A Clue
by Brenda Benedict
NASCAR Racing is too expensive
By Richard Allen
Tony Stewart has a commercial in which he says when he started racing he had a plain, white car. He explains that he decided to paint it because cars with bright paint jobs go faster.
racingwithrich.com/?p=109
Are NASCAR Drivers as Stoned as the Infield?
By Jeff Taylor
Harvick and Stewart were reacting to an ESPN The Magazine story this week in which former driver Aaron Fike said he competed in Craftsman Truck Series races while he was on heroin. “I have been in a race with him and I know for a fact …
charlotte.johnlocke.org/blog/?p=2377
Drivers support drug testing in NASCAR
By Keeli Garza
In the wake of revelations this week by former Nationwide and Craftsman Truck Series driver Aaron Fike that he was addicted to painkillers and sometimes used heroin at the track on the same day he raced, the drivers quizzed about the …
startelegramsports.typepad.com/motorsports/2008/04/drivers-support.html
Yes… the race… I’ll get to that in a sec…
By Heather(Heather)
Erik’s sister, Kim, works for Lowe’s and she got tickets to the Saturday-Busch-Nationwide-Whatever race (O’Reilly 300) and invited me to go. This was the first time I have even been to that series, let alone two races in one weekend. …
heather-knits.blogspot.com/2008/04/yes-race-ill-get-to-that-in-sec.html
___________________________________________________________
T V * L I S T I N G S
___________________________________________________________
Courtesy of Race Fan TV
snipurl.com/llya-stockc
FRIDAY, APRIL 11
12:00m-2:30A HDNet NASCAR Sprint Cup Samsung 500, Texas Motor Speedway, Fort Worth, TX, Apr 6/08,
HD, R-FOX
12:00m-12:30A espn2 NASCAR Now, HD
11:00A-12:00 ESPN-CL 2005 Lucas Oil NHRA Nationals, Brainerd International Raceway Brainerd, MN, Aug
14/05
12:00n-1:00P SPEED AMA Monster Energy Supercross Series. Metrodome, Minneapolis, MN, Mar 15/08, HD,
R
1:00P-2:00 SPEED AMA Monster Energy Supercross Series. Rogers Centre, Toronto, ON, HD, Mar 29/08,
HD, R
2:00P-3:00 SPEED AMA Monster Energy Supercross Series. Texas Stadium, Irving, TX, Apr 5/08, HD, R
4:00P-5:00 SPEED Trackside at from Phoenix Intl. Raceway, HD, N
4:00P-4:30 espn2 NASCAR Now, Ryan Burr, HD, L
5:00P-6:30 SPEED NASCAR Nationwide Series QUALIFYING, Bashas’ Supermarkets 200, Phoenix
Intl. Raceway, Phoenix, AZ, HD, L
6:30P-7:30 SPEED NASCAR Sprint Cup PRACTICE, Subway Fresh Fit 500, Phoenix Intl. Raceway,
Phoenix, AZ, HD, L
7:30P-8:00 SPEED NASCAR Live from Phoenix Intl. Raceway
8:00P-9:00 SPEED NASCAR Sprint Cup FINAL PRACTICE, Subway Fresh Fit 500, Phoenix Intl.
Raceway, Phoenix, AZ, HD, L
9:30P-9:45 espn2 NASCAR Nationwide Series COUNTDOWN, Bashas’ Supermarkets 200
9:45P-12:30A espn2 NASCAR Nationwide Series Bashas’ Supermarkets 200, Phoenix Intl. Raceway,
Phoenix, AZ, HD, L (expect green at 10:00P)
SATURDAY, APRIL 12
12:00m-1:00P SPEED Trackside at from Phoenix Intl. Raceway, HD, R
12:30A-1:00 espn2 Navy Moto X World Championships Preview, San Diego, CA, A Celebration of X Games
athletes and moments on the 10th Anniversary of X Games, HD
1:00A-2:00 espn2 Dale Jr. - Shifting Gears, R
2:00A-4:00 espn2 NASCAR Nationwide Series Bashas’ Supermarkets 200, Phoenix Intl. Raceway, Phoenix,
AZ, Apr 11/08, HD, R
10:00A-11:00 espn2 NASCAR Now, HD, L
11:00A-12:00n SPEED Trackside at from Phoenix Intl. Raceway, HD, R
2:00P-3:00 SPEED IHRA Knoll-Gas Nitro Jam drag racing, revisiting exciting moments in Nitro Jam, N
3:00P-4:00 SPEED AMA Monster Energy Supercross LITES Series. Texas Stadium, Irving, TX, Apr 5/08,
HD, N
4:00P-4:30 SPEED Porsche Racing 2007, R
4:30P-5:00 SPEED Tradin’ Paint at from Phoenix Intl. Raceway, HD, N
5:00P-5:30 SPEED NASCAR Performance at from Phoenix Intl. Raceway, HD, N
5:00P-6:00 VS Lucas Oil Motorsports Hour, 2007 Chili Bowl
5:00P-7:00 espn2 Navy Moto X World Championships, San Diego, CA, A Celebration of X Games athletes
and moments on the 10th Anniversary of X Games, HD, L
5:30P-6:00 SPEED NASCAR in a Hurry, N
6:00P-8:00 SPEED NASCAR RaceDay, preview of today’s Subway Fresh Fit 500 at Phoenix Intl.
Raceway, HD, L
8:00P-12:00m FOX NASCAR Sprint Cup Subway Fresh Fit 500, Phoenix Intl. Raceway, Phoenix,
AZ, HD, L (expect green at 8:45P)
8:00P-10:00 espn2 NHRA POWERade Drag Racing Series QUALIFYING, SummitRacing.com
Nationals, Las Vegas, NV, HD, SDD
SUNDAY, APRIL 13
1:00A-3:00 espn2 Navy Moto X World Championships, San Diego, CA, A Celebration of X Games athletes
and moments on the 10th Anniversary of X Games, HD
3:00A-5:00 espn2 Navy Moto X World Championships, San Diego, CA, A Celebration of X Games athletes
and moments on the 10th Anniversary of X Games, HD
11:00A-11:30 espn2 NHRA RaceDay, Las Vegas, NV, HD, L
12:00n-1:00P SPEED 2007 Targa Newfoundland, Sept 8-15/07, N
2:00P-3:00 SPEED FIM 250 World Championship, bwin.com Grande Premio de Portugal, Estoril,
Portugal, SDD, N
3:00P-4:00 SPEED FIM MotoGP World Championship, bwin.com Grande Premio de Portugal,
Estoril, Portugal, SDD, N
4:00P-5:00 SPEED National Arenacross Series, behind the scenes, N
5:00P-6:00 SPEED National Arenacross Series, Chevrolet Centre, Youngstown, OH, Feb 3/08, N
6:00P-7:00 SPEED AMA Monster Energy Supercross Series. Ford Field, Detroit, MI, April 12/08, N
6:00P-8:00 espn2 Navy Moto X World Championships, San Diego, CA, A Celebration of X Games athletes
and moments on the 10th Anniversary of X Games, HD, L
7:00P-8:00 SPEED SPEED Report, N
8:00P-11:00 espn2 NHRA POWERade Drag Racing Series ELIMINATIONS, SummitRacing.com
Nationals, Las Vegas, NV, HD, SDD
8:00P-9:00 SPEED NASCAR Victory Lane, Subway Fresh Fit 500 at Phoenix Intl. Raceway, HD, SDD, N
9:00P-10:00 SPEED Wind Tunnel with Dave Despain, L
11:00P-1:00A espn2 Navy Moto X World Championships, San Diego, CA, A Celebration of X Games athletes
and moments on the 10th Anniversary of X Games, HD
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!
___________________________________________________________
The Stock Car Gazette
Copyright 2002-2008 by MotorSportsNews.Net
All Rights Reserved
SUBSCRIBE / UNSUBSCRIBE INFORMATION
lists.motorsportsnews.net/mailman/listinfo/stockcargazette
IF YOU DO NOT HAVE YOUR PASSWORD, you can have it e-mailed to you from the above SUBSCRIBE/UNSUBSCRIBE link.
Miss an edition of the Stock Car Gazette? Visit the E-ZINE ARCHIVE:
motorsportsnews.net/archives/category/stock-car-gazette/
IMPORTANT PRIVACY NOTICE: The Stock Car Gazette mailing list is maintained completely by MotorSportsNews.Net. Therefore, we can tell you we have not and will not ever share your e-mail address with anyone for any reason.
IMPORTANT LEGAL NOTICE: ALL broadcast, publication, retransmission to e-mail lists, WWW or any other copying or storage, in any medium, online or not, is STRICTLY PROHIBITED without PRIOR written permission from the editor. However, you MAY manually forward an issue by e-mail to your friends IF 1.) The text is forwarded IN ITS ENTIRETY including all subscription and web page information, and 2.) NO FEE is charged. We ALWAYS appreciate readers who report violations of the copyright to webmaster@motorsportsnews.net.
CONTACT INFORMATION
Mike Irwin, Owner/Webmaster
E-mail: Mike@MotorSportsNews.Net
AIM: motorsportsnews7
www.MotorSportsNews.Net
P. O. Box 668
Nicholasville, KY 40340-0668
859-750-1973
By the way, do YOU know for sure? You can. Click the link.
motorsportsnews.net/you-can-know-for-sure
___________________________________________________________
Car Insurance Supra for sale
