Stock Car Gazette for Tuesday, 5/13/2008
by Mike Irwin ~ May 13th, 2008 @ 6:23 am. Filed under: Stock Car Gazette. 469 readsWell, it’s Tuesday, which is sort of like Monday, but one day later. While you’re puzzling that out, be sure to read all the latest NASCAR, ARCA, Canadian Tire Series, and even Indy Car 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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NEW PRE-ORDERS: Dale Jr. Nationwide #83 Navy Jr.’s Division MC,
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Dale Jr. Mountain Dew Retro Scheme, Including The 1/64th Scale In A
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Dale Jr. ARC Bud Cars Still 60 Per Cent Off, RCCA/Revell 35 Per Cent Off.
All Drivers Clothing Items Also Are Still Discounted 50 Per Cent Off.
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Stock Car Gazette Columnists Speak Out!
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TV Times - View Classic Cup Races This Week
by: Lou Modestino
Race fans will have the opportunity to watch two classic NASCAR Sprint Cup races this week on ESPN Classic. The 1996 Tyson Holly Farms 400 from North Wilkesboro (N.C.) Speedway airs Thursday, May 15, at 2 p.m. ET, while the 1992 Save Mart 300 at California’s Infineon Raceway airs Friday, May 16, at 3 a.m. Both races originally aired live on ESPN.
MORE: motorsportsnews.net/archives/1251
More of Mr. Modestino’s articles can be read at:
motorsportsnews.net/archives/category/tv-times
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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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Kyle Busch willing to play role of villain
Kyle Busch is NASCAR’s most hated driver. And he loves it. Viciously booed during prerace introductions, Busch soaked up the venom by encouraging Saturday night’s crowd at Darlington Raceway to keep it coming. And when he heard a member of Dale Earnhardt Jr.’s crew jeer him as he passed by on the parade lap, Busch smugly [...]
feeds.feedburner.com/~r/autoracingsport/~3/288541465/
Franchitti’s return still unknown
Dario Franchitti continues to heal from the broken left ankle he sustained during a Nationwide Series race at Talladega last month, with no firm timetable for his return. “There’s not really been any change,” Franchitti said Saturday. “I’m just waiting for the swelling to go down and the pain to go away, and for the [...]
feeds.feedburner.com/~r/autoracingsport/~3/288786564/
Ned and Dale Jarrett to be enshrined in LMS’s Court of Legends
Ned and Dale Jarrett, one of only two father-and-son combinations to claim championships in NASCAR’s premier division, will be simultaneously inducted into Lowe’s Motor Speedway’s Court of Legends on Tuesday, May 13 at 2:00pm/et. H.A. “Humpy” Wheeler, president and general manager of the 1.5-mile superspeedway, will honor the two North Carolina natives who will have their [...]
feeds.feedburner.com/~r/autoracingsport/~3/288951061/
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Courtesy of Stock Car Gazette subscriber Ed B. - thanks!
richard-childress-racing-riding-under-the-radar-and-loving-it
snipurl.com/28m8n-gazete
Exploring the incentive structure of Nascar events
www.docuticker.com/?p=20706
Bank of America introduces first Nascar themed tv commercial
newsroom.bankofamerica.com/index.php?s=press_releases&item=8165
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Courtesy of Insider Racing News
www.insiderracingnews.com
Fans Pelt Busch With Beer Cans
One thing that was not covered by the media or televised by FOX Sports network on Saturday night, was the beer can throwing incident at Darlington Raceway after the race concluded. Kyle Busch won the Dodge Challenger 500 and when he went to pick up the checkered flag, fans started pelting the track with beer cans, some still full of the brew. Busch returned to his car to do a burnout and the beer can tossing continued. Some nearly hitting the mark. Undaunted, Busch continued and FOX TV never mentioned the incident. FOX returned to the air in Victory Lane and although Busch said, “someone threw a beer can at me”, it was not mentioned after that.
Darlington Ratings Up
Fox’s broadcast of Saturday night’s Dodge Challenger 500 NASCAR Sprint Cup race at Darlington Raceway earned an overnight Nielsen Media Research rating of 4.3 and an 8 market share, Street & Smith’s SportsBusiness Daily reports. The rating is 7.5 percent higher than the 4.0 the race earned overnight in 2007, when it had an 11 market share
Hunter Doubts New Date For Darlington
If it’s not broke, don’t fix it. That’s what Jim Hunter says about moving Darlington Raceway’s date back to Labor Day weekend. Hunter, the former track president and now NASCAR Vice president of Corporate Communications, says there is no reason to change it, even if the Labor Day weekend opens back up. The track hosted a race on that weekend for more than 50 years before it was moved to California. “I personally don’t think it would be a good move for Darlington,” Hunter said Saturday. “They have had four straight sellouts, added seats and made improvements to the place. They have found a niche about this Mother’s Day weekend Saturday night race.” Hunter doubts, though, California will lose its second date or have it switched with Atlanta, a rumor that has been swirling for some time now. “It’s (California) just too big of a market,” Hunter said.
Stewart’s Hat Up For Auction
Two-time NASCAR Sprint Cup Series champion Tony Stewart is working with Old Spice to give a lucky fan the hat right off his head – unwashed and autographed! Directly after winning the May 9 Diamond Hill Plywood 200 NASCAR Nationwide Series race at Darlington (S.C.) Raceway, Stewart signed his Old Spice hat in black ink and handed it over to a charity auction to benefit the Tony Stewart Foundation. The charity auction begins at 1 p.m. EDT on Monday, May 12 and will run until 1 p.m. EDT on Monday, May 19. Fans can place a bid for the autographed hat by logging on to (www.OldSpice.com) or (tonystewart.com)
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Courtesy of Jayski
www.jayski.com
Sprint Showdown Entries: Twenty-Nine drivers are entered for the Sprint Showdown race at Lowe’s Motor Speedway. The winner and 2nd place driver will advance to the Sprint All-Star Race, along with one driver who gets voted in by the fans [must finish on the lead lap], a few drivers on the list: David Reutimann moves back to the #00 as Dale Jarrett will run his final race in the #44 car; Bill Elliott is in the #21; Jeff Green in the #34; Kenny Wallace in the #37 Chevy; Dario Franchitti is listed in the #40, but doubtful he will race and Sterling Marlin may be back in the car; Kyle Petty is listed in the #45 sponsored by Coca-Cola; Chad McCumbee is in the #49 BAM Racing Toyota with Marathon Oil as the sponsor; #50-Stanton Barrett is entered; and Johnny Sauter is listed in the #70. See my 2008 All- Star Page for the entry list.(5-13-2008) www.jayski.com/stats/2008/all-star2008.htm#entries
Busch flips the bird? been asked about something posted in an AP article: Kyle Busch is NASCAR’s most hated driver. And he loves it. Viciously booed during pre-race introductions, Busch soaked up the venom by encouraging Saturday night’s crowd at Darlington Raceway to keep it coming. And when he heard a member of Dale Earnhardt Jr.’s crew jeer him as he passed by on the parade lap, Busch smugly flipped him the bird.(Associated Press/ESPN.com sports.espn.go.com/espn/wire?section=auto&id=3390858), folks have been asking if NASCAR will fine Busch. I watched the bedinning of the race and pre-race ceramonies and didn’t see this make it on TV and have not heard if anyone from NASCAR saw the ‘act’, so I doubt there will be any penalties regarding this.(5-13-2008)
#16-Greg Biffle certainly didn’t sound like a guy committed to Roush Fenway Racing when he blasted the faulty equipment that led to his last-place finish at Darlington Raceway. “All I want is equipment to drive that stays together,” said Biffle, who started from the pole and led 95 laps Saturday night before loose wheels, a bad vibration and a broken timing belt ended his race early. It is really frustrating, but you know what, I’ve just come accustomed to expecting it because week after week it’s something. Something breaks. Something falls off. I give it 110% as a driver all the time, and you just want your equipment to last and be able to win these races.” Still, it was clear “The Biff” was sending a message with his biting remarks. Just what might that message be? Well, signing a contract extension with Roush might not be the slam dunk both sides have led everyone to believe. In fact, Biffle might finally be ready to test the free-agent market. Before Darlington, he seemed determined to stay at Roush. “My 100% intent is to work out an extension with Roush,” Biffle said a week ago in Richmond. “I’ve sat back and thought about what else is out there. There are a lot of great teams and great opportunities out there … but do you look at it as are they better than what I have now or how are they different than what I have now? I’m making my decision kind of how (Dale) Earnhardt Jr. did, and it’s about winning races and championships and contending for the title and having good equipment. There are lots of teams that have that, but I feel comfortable where I’m at with Roush Fenway. I’ve been there 10 years and we’ve got great equipment.” Then that same equipment failed him Saturday night in Richmond, and Biffle sure didn’t sound as convincing. Compounding the situation is that Roush officials have openly questioned why, if Biffle is so certain he wants a contract extension, he’s been absent of late from the bargaining table. Biffle’s cited a busy schedule for the slow contract talks, but it’s time to wonder if he maybe isn’t taking a harder look at what’s available across the garage. And of all the drivers still on the market, Biffle is the top choice. He’s considered more talented than Ryan Newman, who is available, and Martin Truex Jr., who might be available, and both drivers are continuously mentioned for other rides.(see full story at Associated Press/ESPN.com)(5-13-2008) sports.espn.go.com/espn/wire?section=auto&id=3392654
Tire testing at Daytona: Goodyear tire has a scheulded tire testing session for the 50th annual Coke Zero 400 Powered By Coca-Cola on Saturday, July 5 ay Daytona International Speedway on Tuesday, May 13th and Wednesday, May 14, 2008. Drivers expected to participate in the test are #26-Jamie McMurray (Ford), #84-Mike Skinner (Toyota) and #19-Elliott Sadler (Dodge). No Chevy team is scheduled to test.(DIS)(5-12-2008)
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Courtesy of Scene Daily
www.scenedaily.com
Collector’s show set for Saturday near Lowe’s Motor Speedway
The NASCAR Collector Memorabilia Show presented by the Racing Collectables Club of America will take place Saturday at the Embassy Suites down the street from Lowe’s Motor Speedway prior to the Sprint All-Star Race.
snipurl.com/28m9q-gazete
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Courtesy of www.Valvoline.com
Yes, He REALLY Said That
Dale Earnhardt Jr., on if he’d talk to Kyle Busch about their tangle at Richmond. “If I wanted to talk to Kyle, I’d have to get in line.”
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P R E S S * R E L E A S E S
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Sprint Rallies Corporate Leaders to Benefit the American Red Cross and Victory Junction Gang Camp
Sprint All-Star Charity Golf Classic Tees Off for Charity on May 19
HUNTERSVILLE, N.C.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–Sprint (NYSE:S) again will play host to corporate leaders from Fortune 50 companies Monday, May 19 for the Sprint All-Star Charity Golf Classic to raise funds for the American Red Cross and the Victory Junction Gang Camp.
In 2007, the event raised more than $646,000 for the two charities. Sprint hopes to exceed the mark set by last year’s event, which for 2008 has moved to one of the world’s most renowned golf courses, Pinehurst.
Proceeds from this year’s tournament will be donated the American Red Cross to help fulfill its mission to prevent, prepare for and respond to emergencies and to the Victory Junction Gang Camp to assist in its mission to provide life-changing camping experiences to children with chronic illnesses.
“Sprint was a big part of Adam’s life as the primary sponsor of his racecar,” said Kyle Petty, founder of the Victory Junction Gang Camp. “They will always be welcomed members of the Petty family. The Sprint All-Star Charity Golf Classic has turned into such a huge success. Pinehurst provides a great venue for everyone to have fun and raise money for two worthy causes. This will go a long way in our efforts to build a camp in the Kansas City (Mo.) area, which is the home of Sprint. By building the camp, we hope to give back to an area that has done so much for us.”
(thanks, Heather)
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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
Hamlin Fastest in First Test Session: #20 Denny Hamlin [Toyota] paced the first Nationwide Series test seassion at Lowe’s Motor Speedway with a top speed of 178.903mph. The rest of the top 10 were: #9-Kasey Kahne [Dodge], #64-David Stremme [Chevy], #60B-Carl Edwards [Ford], #88-Brad Keselowski [Chevy], #10-Brian Vickers [Toyota], #1-Mike Bliss [Chevy], #47-Kelly Bires [Ford], #64B-David Stremme [Chevy], and #12-Sam Hornish, Jr [Dodge]. 46 cars took to the track during the session. Complete speed are posted on the Lowe’s Motor Speedway Testing Page.(5-12-2008) www.jayski.com/nationwide/2008/testing/08lowes-testing.htm#day1
Hamlin Again Fastest in Evening Session: #20-Denny Hamlin [Toyota] was fastest in the evening session at Lowe’s Motor Speedway with a speed of 182.217mph. The rest of the top 10: #60B-Carl Edwards [Ford], #9-Kasey Kahne [Dodge], #16-Greg Biffle [Ford], #19-Chase Miller [Dodge], #64-David Stremme and Steve Wallace [Chevy], #59-Marcos Ambrose [Ford], #18-Johnny Benson [Toyota], #29B-Jeff Burton [Chevy], and #88B-Brad Keselowski [Chevy ]. 42 cars participated in the session. Complete speed are posted on the Lowe’s Motor Speedway Testing Page.(5-12-2008) www.jayski.com/nationwide/2008/testing/08lowes-testing.htm#day1
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Courtesy of The Hot Lap
www.TheHotLap.com
NASCAR Nationwide Series Lowes Motor Speedway in Charlotte Day 1 Afternoon Testing completed with Denny Hamlin in the #20 Toyota posting the quickest lap at 30.184 and a speed of 178.903. Second quickest was Kasey Kahne in the #9 Dodge at 30.265 and a speed of 178.424. Third went to David Stremme in the #64 Chevrolet with a speed of 178.365. 46 cars hit the track this afternoon of which 19 drivers tested two cars and 8 drivers tested only one car. There was one incident where the #83 driven by David Green hit the wall ending his test session for the afternoon. David was released from the Care Center at Lowes.
Richard Childress Racing (RCR) has suspended fielding the #21 Chevrolet Monte Carlo for any non-sponsored races for the remainder of the 2008 season according to an RCR spokesperson. Currently the #21 team has 9 starts out of 12 NNS race events this year and sits 26th in the owners points as of Darlington. The #21 drivers seat has been shared by Bobby Labonte and Stephen Leicht so far this season with no word on which driver might continue to drive for the #21 team pending any sponsorship deals. No further information is available at this time. (TheHotLap.Com) (05-12-08)
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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 Google Alerts
NASCAR drivers to sign autographs in Kannapolis
Salisbury Post - Salisbury,NC,USA
Wallace, 20, made her NASCAR debut March 29 in the Craftsman Truck Series and will drive five truck races and five ARCA races this season for Germain …
snipurl.com/28m8g-gazete
Local has backing of Petty VP
Myrtle Beach Sun News - Myrtle Beach,SC,USA
But Loomis believes McCumbee can make a smooth transition from the Craftsman Truck Series into a full-time ride in a Sprint Cup car. …
www.myrtlebeachonline.com/sports/story/446619.html
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Courtesy of Jayski
www.jayski.com
McCumbee entered with BAM in Sprint Showdown? Sprint Cup preliminary entry list shows Chad McCumbee in the driver’s seat of the #49-Marathon American Spirit Motor Oil Toyota with BAM Racing for the Sprint Showdown at Lowes Motor Speedway.(5-12-2008)
Exide sponsoring Benson at LMS: Exide will serve as the primary sponsor of Benson’s #23 Toyota for the first time this year. Many Exide employees will tour Bill Davis Racing Headquarters in High Point , NC, and participate in a go-kart outing with Benson before attending the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series race this weekend.(Bill Davis Racing PR)(5-12-2008)
Raybestos Rookie News & Notes - Lowes: Colin Braun was the Raybestos Rookie of the Race in the April 26 O’Reilly Auto Parts 250 at Kansas Speedway. Braun claimed a third-place finish, the best of his six-race Craftsman Truck Series career and claimed top rookie honors for the second time this season. Braun enjoys a five-point lead (53-48) over Justin Marks in the Raybestos Rookie standings entering the May 16 North Carolina Education Lottery 200 at Lowe’s Motor Speedway.
The best finish by a Raybestos Rookie in five Craftsman Truck Series races at Lowe’s Motor Speedway is ninth by Aric Almirola in 2006.
Only one other Raybestos Rookie has scored a top-10 at Lowe’s Motor Speedway: Erik Darnell, who placed 10th in 2006.
Only one Raybestos Rookie has led a lap in five Craftsman Truck Series races at Lowe’s Motor Speedway: Tim Sauter. Sauter led the 2007 event once for one lap.(Raybestos PR)(5-12-2008)
John Mickel will pilot the #07 Torque Speed, Dudman Group, Contac Chevy on Friday night. It will be his 7th start in the series.(SS Green Light Racing PR)(5-12-2008)
Starr and Red Horse Racing announce partnership for LMS: Red Horse Racing will fly the colors of PIT Corporate Training on the #11 Toyota Tundra this week at Lowe’s Motor Speedway. As part of the corporate partnership with the team, the #11 PIT Corporate Training Toyota Tundra will be adorned in a special blue and black paint scheme for the Friday night event. Performance Instruction & Training (PIT) corporate training programs provide motorsports experiential team building and Continuous Improvement curriculums. David Starr will be making his sixth career start at Lowe’s Motor Speedway. (Red Horse Racing PR)(5-12-2008)
Image: Paint scheme rendering is posted on the 2008 Paint Scheme Gallery page.(5-12-2008) www.jayski.com/schemes/2008trucks.htm#starr
Rick Ren leads active Crew Chiefs with 16 wins: Rick Ren has achieved much success in his career as a NASCAR crew chief [#33-Ron Hornaday Jr.]. He’s been to Victory Lane with numerous drivers, led two drivers to Rookie of the Year awards and was the 2007 NASCAR Truck Series championship crew chief. Ren recently added another achievement to his résumé: the winningest active Truck Series crew chief. He has 16 victories in the Truck Series and is currently tied for third with Rich Burgess on the all-time crew chief career wins list, behind Dennis Connor (26 victories) and Randy Goss (20).(Kevin Harvick Inc. PR)(5-12-2008)
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Courtesy of SceneDaily.Com
Starr adds sponsorship, brings enthusiasm to upcoming race
Red Horse Racing officials say that David Starr’s No. 11 Craftsman Truck Series entry will carry the logos of PIT Corporate Training at Lowe’s Motor Speedway this weekend.
snipurl.com/28m9m-gazete
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Courtesy of TruckSeries.Com
www.truckseries.com
SPEED Names Biggest Winners and Losers in 2008
05-12-2008 | Megan Englehart, SPEED
SPEED Names Biggest Winners and Losers in 2008 While Friday’s NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series race (8 p.m. ET on SPEED; NCTS Setup at 7:30 p.m. ET) may not mathematically mark the midpoint of the season, Lowe’s Motor Speedway historically has been the point where teams pause to take stock of their season and focus with renewed vigor on the challenges that lie ahead. The 2008 NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series season has been one full of surprises, disappointments, shocking performances and an overdue, emotional win. Hands down, Chad McCumbee appears to be the unanimous vote for biggest surprise of the season. “Many people believe Chad McCumbee is a very talented driver, including Petty Enterprises, but the results have not been there,” said Ray Dunlap, veteran SPEED reporter. “Now after five events, he has posted three top 10s and looked very impressive on the mile-and-a-half tracks. It seems certain a win is very near.”
www.truckseries.com/cgi-script/NCTS_08/articles/000006/000657.htm
ENTRY LIST: NC Education Lottery 200 at Charlotte
www.truckseries.com/cgi-script/NCTS_08/articles/000006/000662.htm
Live! Online Qualifying - www.truckseries.com/qualify/
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A R C A (Automobile Racing Club of America)
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Courtesy of ARCA
www.arcaracing.com
Live Timing and Scoring on Arcaracing.com at Toledo; Race to Air on MavTV
This weekend at Toledo Speedway, Arcaracing.com will feature live-to-web timing and scoring for ARCA RE/MAX Series practice, SIM Factory Pole Award Qualifying and Sunday’s Hantz Group 200 presented by Federated Car Care. In addition, the race will be aired on MavTV beginning on May 23rd at 8 p.m. The race will be re-aired May 24th at 2 a.m., May 25th at 9 p.m., May 26th at 3 a.m., May 28th at 1 p.m. and 6 p.m. and May 31st at 7 p.m.
ARCA RE/MAX Series Six for Six in 2008
Ricky Stenhouse, Jr. won his career first ARCA RE/MAX Series race at Kentucky Speedway this past weekend in only his sixth career stock car start, becoming one of six drivers to win ARCA RE/MAX Series victories this season. Stenhouse joins Michael Annett (Daytona), Justin Allgaier (Salem), Matt Hawkins (Iowa), Scott Speed (Kansas) and Joey Logano (Rockingham) as winners on the 2008 ARCA RE/MAX Series tour. Two of those race winners—Matt Hawkins and Joey Logano—won in their career first series starts. The record for most different race winners in a single season is 17, set in 2006.
Big Brothers, Big Sisters To Benefit From ARCA Fan Fest at Toledo Speedway May 17 & 18
TOLEDO OH (5-12-08) - Big Brothers / Big Sisters of Northwestern Ohio has been named the Charity of Choice for the 4th annual ARCA Fan Fest, scheduled for Saturday and Sunday, May 17 & 18 at Toledo Speedway.
[Read More] - www.arcaracing.com/news.cfm?contentid=6534
Stenhouse Leads Point Standings by Five; SunTrust Rookies Running Well in 2008
[Read More] - www.arcaracing.com/news.cfm?contentid=6535
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U S A R (United Speed Alliance Racing)
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Courtesy of USAR
usarprocup.com
Bigley Motorsports Excited to Add Some Color to Their Pro Cup Car
usarprocup.com/view_article.asp?id=2691
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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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Thanks to Sean for these PRs and links…
NASCAR Canadian Tire Series Practice Day At Cayuga Motor Speedway (pictures)
snipurl.com/28m8w-gazete
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JR FITZPATRICK READY TO ROCK THE COMPETITION
May 12, 2008. John Ryan (J.R.) Fitzpatrick and the #84 Fitzpatrick Motorsports Chevrolet team were at Cayuga Speedway this past weekend for their first on track action of the 2008 racing season. After a day of running laps preparing for the NASCAR Canadian Tire series competition the team has pronounced them self ready to race.
J.R. Fitzpatrick and the #84 team had a specific agenda of tasks during the Cayuga test day and making sure their Chevrolet was up to speed is the first order of business. “We were fast right out of the box and that’s always a nice way to start the day and start the season” said Fitzpatrick. “The car really didn’t change much for the whole day. “We were really consistent all day long; we found that some subtle changes we tried really didn’t have much affect on the car. That’s good to know for the future that we’ll have to make more dramatic adjustments to get results”.
The Fitzpatrick Motorsports Chevy team was consistently one of the fastest cars at every event last year and the same kind of performance is expected this season. In 2007 the #84 Chevy with J.R. at the wheel posted seven top-ten finishes including a sweep of the Western Canadian events at Sun Valley Speedway near Vernon, BC and at the Edmonton Grand Prix the next week. “I’m excited about the season” said the young man from Ayr, Ontario. “We’ve got the cars ready and we’re going to go out and try to make some things happen right out of the box” he added.
J.R Fitzpatrick and the Fitzpatrick Motorsports team will compete in all thirteen rounds of the 2008 NASCAR Canadian Tire Series beginning Saturday May 24th at Cayuga Speedway. The 2008 schedule will take teams to the east coast and western Canada where Fitzpatrick swept away the competition last year. All races will once again be broadcast on TSN. More information on the series can be obtained by visiting www.nascar.ca
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BRAD GRAHAM & FULL THROTTLE TEAM SET TO RELEASE THE BLUE DEMON
May 12, 2008. After what was a disappointing 2007 season in terms of on track performance, Brad Graham and the Full Throttle / Logel’s Auto Parts/ Challenger Motor Freight team are working harder than ever to be ready for 2008. The team got their first taste of on track action this past weekend at Cayuga Speedway and liked what they found.
It’s been a busy off season for the #19 Full Throttle / Logel’s Auto Parts/ Challenger Motor Freight team as they have completely rebuilt their car for the 2008 NASCAR Canadian Tire Series season. “We spent a lot of time working on the car leading up to the test at Cayuga” said Graham. “It’s no secret we struggled for part of last year but as we dug deeper into the characteristics of this car we learned a lot and it helped us out so much. Right from the start of the test day at Cayuga this car was very good. We’re extremely happy with how things went on the track”.
With only days until the 2008 season kicks off at Cayuga Speedway on May 24th optimism and excitement is the attitude around the shop. “Last season is gone and forgotten” said Brad Graham. “Can’t event see it in the mirror we’re so far past it and focused on what’s happening this season. Our team has another year of experience, Mike Knott my crew chief, Bill Dobson the chief mechanic and the rest of the guys are really pumped up to get going and get the Blue Demon car out”.
Last season the Full Throttle / Logel’s Auto Parts/ Challenger Motor Freight Dodge featured the original Full Throttle paint scheme at the oval races and Full Throttle Fury red paint for the road courses. For 2008 Brad and the team are set to release the Blue Demon look. “The Blue Demon car is going to look good when it’s completed, we only had some of the logo’s on for the Cayuga test but the car will look great, we’ll have the Full Throttle Fury read for road courses again, and we’ll probably also see the Full Throttle original at a few races too”.
Also returning to the fold this season are long time supporters Logel’s Auto Parts and Challenger Motor Freight. “John has been great to our team for several years” said Graham. “It’s not just the sponsorship but John has also worked as spotter, his involvement has really helped us. And of course Challenger Motor Freight has supported our team for many years and we’re thrilled to have them back with us again”.
The 2008 NASCAR Canadian Tire Series racing season opens Saturday May 24th at Cayuga Speedway near Hamilton, Ontario and will consist on thirteen events from coast to coast in Canada on challenging oval tracks, temporary street circuits and road courses. For more information about the series log onto www.nascar.ca and for more news information about the team go to www.bradgraham.ca All races this season will also be broadcast on TSN.
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HOME HARDWARE TEAM READY FOR A NEW SEASON
May 12, 2008. Driver Don Thomson Jr. took the brand new Home Hardware Chevrolet out for the first laps of the 2008 racing season this past weekend at Cayuga Speedway and the results were all positive. Competition for the 2008 NASCAR Canadian Tire Series (NCATS) season begins in less than two weeks, and with the fastest afternoon lap time the Home Hardware Chevy is ready for action.
The past few months have been very active for the Home Hardware team as they have built two new race cars for upcoming season. “It felt good to get out and do some laps” said a satisfied Don Thomson Jr. summarizing the Saturday activity at the 5/8 mile track just outside Hamilton, Ontario. “Everyone had a good day and by the time we wrapped up our work in the afternoon we were at the top of the time sheet”.
This kind of pre season work by the entire Home Hardware team is vital to the consistency and success they have shown. “This is a brand new race car, it’s very similar to the car that was crashed last year and has similar characteristics” said Thomson. “However, even though the cars are similar, they behave a little differently when you adjust them, and that’s one area we’re concentrating on”.
The meticulous preparation of the Home Hardware Chevrolet team also includes practicing pit stops to prepare for the thirteen race NCATS schedule. “We have a couple of new crew guys this year so we did a few mock pit stops during our test day at Cayuga and we have a full day planned this coming weekend. That’s in addition to regular weekly work our team has been doing” said the Home Hardware Chevy driver.
Don Thomson Jr. and the Home Hardware Chevrolet team are the defending race winners from the season opening event at Cayuga Speedway and they are keen to repeat their success. “Of course you want to get off to a good start, which really helps your team out of the gate” said Thomson. “I really like Cayuga, we’ve been successful in the past and I’m confident the Home Hardware Chevy team will have a good showing there and a strong season”.
The 2008 NCATS schedule has expanded to thirteen events this year run on ovals, road courses and temporary street circuits across Canada. You can watch all thirteen races this season on TSN. For information about the NCATS including schedule, results and more, log onto www.nascar.ca
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O T H E R * M O T O R S P O R T S
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DIXON TAKES POLE FOR INDIANAPOLIS 500
Chip Ganassi Racing driver Scott Dixon claimed the pole award for the 92nd Indianapolis 500 race with a four-lap qualifying average of 226.366 mph May 10 at Indianapolis Motor Speedway. Dixon will start the May 25 race in the top four for the fourth time in his career. He brought home the third Indianapolis 500 pole award for Ganassi who earned his first with Arie Luyendyk in 1993 and his second with Bruno Junqueira in 2002. Dixon’s teammate and 2005 Indianapolis 500 champ Dan Wheldon will share the front row after charting a four-lap qualifying average of 226.110 mph. The top 11 starting positions for the race were established on the first day of qualifying. Rain canceled the second day of qualifying yesterday. Drivers will fight for the 12th through 33rd positions on the grid on May 17 and “Bump Day,” when the slowest car on the grid is in danger of elimination, will be May 18. Coverage of “The Greatest Spectacle in Racing” is scheduled for a noon start on ABC Television, the Indianapolis Motor Speedway (IMS) Radio Network and XM Radio Channel 145 on May 25. Current NASCAR Sprint Cup Series racer Dario Franchitti wheeled to a rain-soaked win last season. Penske Racing driver Helio Castroneves earned the race pole award. The top 10 drivers in the series standings going into the race will be: Castroneves (Leader: 144 points, Penske Racing); Dixon (Second: -6 points, Chip Ganassi Racing); Wheldon (Third: - 9, Chip Ganassi Racing); Tony Kanaan (Fourth: -15, Andretti Green Racing); Danica Patrick (Fifth: -34, Andretti Green Racing); Will Power (Sixth: -47, KV Racing Technology); Marco Andretti (Seventh: -49, Andretti Green Racing), Oriol Servia (Eighth: -51, KV Racing Technology); Ed Carpenter (Ninth: -54, Vision Racing) and Graham Rahal (10th :-56, Newman/Haas/Lanigan Racing). (Kentucky Speedway PR)
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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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Courtesy of Race Fans Stockcar News www.nascarnutscanada.com/
Remembering Adam: a Legacy Beyond the Track
It was eight years ago Monday that one of NASCAR’s most famous families lost their hope for the future, a mother and father lost a son and NASCAR fans lost a driver with the potential to become a superstar.
www.cupscene.com/051208nascar2.htm
Why Jeff Gordon is Jealous of Carl Edwards’ Yaw
Apparently, Jeff Gordon has a slight case of yaw envy. David Newton reports on ESPN.com that Gordon asked NASCAR to take a look at the No. 99 car of Carl Edwards because he thinks that yaw is the reason Carl’s been so competitive this season.
stockcarscience.com/blog/index.php/2008/05/10/yaw
Brushes with wall, like boos, not big concerns for Busch
NASCAR teams make turn toward Charlotte for two weeks of racing
by DAVID POOLE The Charlotte Observer
DARLINGTON, S.C. - Is Kyle Busch cocky or is he justifiably confident?
www.thatsracin.com/topstories/story/14011.html
… now, back to our regularly schedule columns …
Insider Racing News
insiderracingnews.com/Writers/AM/051308.html
Racer Profile: Ken Ragan
by Allen Madding
RaceTalkRadio.com:
Different Lady in Black - Making the Grade Darlington by Dennis Michelsen
www.racetalkradio.com/soz/id120.htm
Cheers & Jeers
Racin’ for Mom!
by Carol Einarsson
CHEERS to Moms at the track. This is one of my favorite races of the year for many reasons, not the least of which is the success that Darlington has made of what NASCAR tried to hammer in as the last nail in the coffin for the Lady in Black. Take THAT, governing body!
www.racejournalonline.com/index.cfm?Pagename=column&id=459
“Wind Tunnel” Special Focuses On The Jarretts
dalyplanet.blogspot.com/2008/05/wind-tunnel-special-focuses-on-jarretts.html
“TWIN” Looks A Lot Like “Trackside”
dalyplanet.blogspot.com/2008/05/this-week-in-nascar-looks-lot-like.html
Craven Lights-Up “NASCAR Now” Studios
dalyplanet.blogspot.com/2008/05/craven-lights-up-nascar-now-studios.html
NASCAR Wins On Saturday Night
dalyplanet.blogspot.com/2008/05/nascar-wins-on-saturday-night.html
Fox Watches As The TV Plot Thickens
dalyplanet.blogspot.com/2008/05/fox-watches-as-tv-plot-thickens.html
Venturini Gets First Primetime Special
dalyplanet.blogspot.com/2008/05/venturini-gets-first-primetime-special.html
Punch Leads Nationwide Series TV Comeback
dalyplanet.blogspot.com/2008/05/punch-leads-nationwide-series-tv.html
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T V * L I S T I N G S
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Courtesy of Race Fan TV
www.racefantv.com
TUESDAY, MAY 13
12:00n-1:00P SPEED FIM 125 Championship, Pramac Grand Prix of China, Shanghai, China, May 4/08, 16:9, N
1:00P-2:00 SPEED FIM World Superbike, Monza, Italy, Race #2, May 11/08, 16:9, N
2:00P-3:00 SPEED FIM World Supersport, Monza, Italy, May 11/08, 16:9, N
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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