Well, it’s Wednesday, which is better (or worse) than Tuesday, and much better (or worse) than Monday, but not as good as Thursday.
Confused? Sorry. But there should be no confusion about the best source for NASCAR news. It’s 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
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NEW PRE-ORDERS: Dale Jr. Nationwide #83 Navy Jr.’s Division MC,
(To Be Driven In The Nationwide Race At Lowes Mtr. Spdwy. On May 24),
Dale Jr., J. Gordon, M. Martin, Keselowski, And Other Salute The Troops,
(To Be Driven In The Coca-Cola 600 At Lowes Mtr. Spdwy. On May 25),
Dale Jr. Whiskey River, Dale Jr. All Star 3 Doors Down Citizen Soldier,
Dale Jr. Mountain Dew Retro Scheme, 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.
Plus We Have Pre-Orders For Most Of The Cup Drivers On Our Pre-
Order Web Site At: http://www.diecastcars.net.
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Jack Daniels, Wells Fargo, Bass Pro, Fed-Ex, Nicorette, And
More At Our In-Stock Web Store http://www.hascodiecastcars.com.
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.
www.hascodiecastcars.com.
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E d i t o r ‘ s * N o t e s
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It looks like another large edition, so be aware of the possiblity of duplicate editions. Anyone out there an expert in PHPList???????
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Stock Car Gazette Columnists Speak Out!
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Busch, Harvick and Biffle practice burnouts
Kyle Busch, Kevin Harvick and Greg Biffle were in Sprint Cup cars at Lowe’s Motor Speedway on Monday night, but none of those drivers completed a lap. The three were practicing burnouts on the track’s frontstretch in preparation for Saturday’s Pennzoil Victory Challenge before the NASCAR Sprint All-Star Race. Clint Bowyer and Jimmie Johnson are [...]
http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/autoracingsport/~3/289586316/
Dodge teams struggling to be competitive
It was called the Dodge Challenger 500, but maybe Saturday night’s race at Darlington Raceway should have been called the “Dodge Challenged 500.” Dodge teams were hard-pressed to get anything going — about the only thing that Dodge had out front all night was the pace car. Dodge teams looked great at Daytona — Ryan [...]
http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/autoracingsport/~3/289586314/
Is NASCAR witnessing another changing of the guard?
It happens about every three to five years, this unsettling upheaval of the NASCAR world as we know it. Every few years, a new, young, hot driver — or drivers — emerges, changing the landscape of NASCAR’s Cup series and the hierarchy of things at the top. A changing of the guard in NASCAR’s top series seems [...]
http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/autoracingsport/~3/289703362/
Report: Gibbs actively looking for replacement for Stewart
Sources are indicating that Joe Gibbs Racing is actively looking for a top line Sprint Cup driver to replace Tony Stewart, which is looking increasingly likely. Carl Edwards was the top free agent, but two weeks ago he signed an extension to stay at Roush. Team owner Jack Roush later said the team received a stiff [...]
http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/autoracingsport/~3/289712395/
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Courtesy of www.Catchfence.com
Windstream to Host Soldiers and Military Families for Windstream Pole Night at Lowe’s Motor Speedway – http://www.catchfence.com/press/051308y.html
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Courtesy of Cup Scene Daily (thanks, Heather)
Sadler Wants to Sing: Could Be Cutting Demo Soon
Elliott Sadler may be coming to a record store near you.
The driver of the No. 19 Dodge in the Sprint Cup Series, recently told WCNC TV that he has a desire to croon.
“Oh, I’m a great singer,” Sadler said. “I could sing all the time. I’m pretty good at it. So, I’m thinking about cutting a demo here pretty soon.”
“I’ve got a couple of buddies that are in the country music business and a couple of agencies and stuff out there that have a lot to do with record labels,” Sadler added.
For the moment, Sadler is working on improving his voice and looking forward to a possible musical career.
“I think it would be great,” Sadler said. “That’s what I’m doing, man. That’s what I’m doing. I’m working on it. But I’ve got to make my voice muscles a little stronger. And I’ve got to work on some tunes a little bit.”
The native Virginian is a country music fan and could be seen in a music video soon.
“Don’t act like it’s a big surprise when it happens,” he said.
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Mike Delanhanty, the Dodge NASCAR boss, says it’s time for Dodge’s luck to turn for the better
http://independenttribune.net/index.php/sports/mulhern/
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Courtesy of Insider Racing News
http://www.insiderracingnews.com
Pit Crew Challenge On Thursday
Below is the official entry list and reason for eligibility for the 2008 NASCAR Sprint Pit Crew Challenge presented by Craftsman, which will be held Thursday, May 15 at 7 p.m. EDT at the Time Warner Cable Arena and will air at 9 p.m. EDT that evening on SPEED.
No. 07 Jack Daniel’s Chevrolet (Childress), winner 2007 Sylvania 300, New Hampshire
No. 1 Bass Pro Shops Chevrolet (DEI), winner 2007 Autism Speaks 400, Dover
No. 2 Miller Lite Dodge (Penske), winner 2007 Pennsylvania 500, Pocono
No. 5 Kellogg’s/CARQUEST Chevrolet (Hendrick), winner 2007 Coca-Cola 600, Charlotte
No. 6 AAA Ford (Roush), highest ranking unqualified driver in 2008 point standings
No. 8 U.S. Army Chevrolet (DEI), winner 2005 Sprint All-Star Race
No. 9 Budweiser Dodge (Gillett Evernham), second highest unqualified driver in 2008 point standings
No. 11 FedEx Toyota (Gibbs), winner 2007 Lenox Industrial Tools 300, New Hampshire
No. 12 Alltel Dodge (Penske), 2008 Daytona 500, Daytona
No. 16 3M Ford (Roush), winner 2007 LifeLock 400, Kansas
No. 17 DeWALT Ford (Roush), 2007 Auto Club 500, California
No. 18 M&M’s/Interstate Batteries Toyota (Gibbs), 2007 winner Food City 500, Bristol
No. 20 Home Depot Toyota (Gibbs), winner 2007 USG Sheetrock 400, Chicago
No. 24 DuPont Chevrolet (Hendrick), 2007 Subway Fresh Fit 500, Phoenix
No. 26 Crown Royal Ford (Roush), winner 2007 Pepsi 400, Daytona
No. 29 Shell-Pennzoil Chevrolet (Childress), 2007 Daytona 500, Daytona
No. 31 AT&T Mobility Chevrolet (Childress) winner 2007 Samsung 500, Texas
No. 42 Texaco/Havoline Dodge (Ganassi) winner 2007 Toyota/Save Mart 350, Infineon
No. 43 Cheerios/Betty Crocker Dodge (Petty), 2000 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Champion
No. 44 UPS Toyota (MWR), 1999 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Champion
No. 48 Lowe’s Chevrolet (Hendrick), 2007 UAW-Chrysler Daimler 400, Las Vegas
No. 83 Red Bull Toyota (Team Red Bull), third highest unqualified driver in 2008 point standings
No. 88 Mountain Dew AMP/National Guard Chevrolet (Hendrick), winner 2000 Sprint All-Star Race
No. 99 Office Depot Ford (Roush), winner Michigan 400, Michigan
To compete in the event, teams must be eligible for the NASCAR Sprint All-Star Race or be the 2007 NASCAR Sprint Pit Crew Challenge Champion. NASCAR Sprint All-Star Race eligibility includes all NASCAR Sprint Cup race winners from 2007 and 2008, NASCAR Sprint All-Star Race winners from the past 10 years and NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Champions from the past 10 years who are active drivers and have competed in at least one series event during the 2007 or 2008 season. The remaining unfilled positions were made available to the car owners ranked highest in the 2008 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series owner point standings as of May 12.
Tickets for the 2008 NASCAR Sprint Pit Crew Challenge presented by Craftsman start at $15 and can be purchased online at (www.pitcrewchallenge.com) or by calling (800) 495-2295.
Steve Addington Named Best Crew Chief
Steve Addington, crew chief of the No. 18 M&M’s/ Indiana Jones Toyota driven by Kyle Busch, has been named the WYPALL Wipers Crew Chief of the Race following last Saturday’s Dodge Challenger 500 at Darlington Raceway. After starting sixth, Busch and the entire No.18 team faced several setbacks throughout Saturday night’s 500-mile race including a loose lug nut in the pits that sent Busch back to 29th only 60 laps in. The newly resurfaced 1.366-mile oval also added new challenges to the already treacherous track, deemed “Too Tough To Tame.” In an effort to improve track position and overall performance, the Addington-led crew continuously made air pressure, track bar and wedge adjustments to stay on top of the ever-changing track conditions. His clear and accurate direction led Busch and the No. 18 team to victory at the historic “Lady in Black.” In addition to the $1,000 check, the winning crew chief will receive signage to announce the win on their pit box the following week
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Courtesy of Jayski
http://www.jayski.com
Dale Jr. in gray colors at the All-Star race: This Saturday, Dale Earnhardt Jr.’s #88 Chevy will pay tribute to the Army National Guard with a special paint scheme inspired by the 3 Doors Down song “Citizen Soldier.” The band’s name and song title will appear on the hood. Lead singer Brad Arnold was moved to write the song after watching 50,000 everyday citizens become active members of Guard units and provide disaster relief in the wake of Hurricane Katrina. On May 20, 3 Doors Down will release its new, self-titled album that features the song “Citizen Soldier.” The #88 National Guard Citizen Soldier/AMP Energy Chevy will resemble the “Gray Ghost” that Buddy Baker drove to win the 1980 Daytona 500. The car earned its nickname because the colors made it difficult to see on the track, and a camouflaged Baker would sneak up and overtake the competition. After Baker’s Daytona win, drivers complained to NASCAR, and Baker had to put reflector strips on his car.(HMS PR), see an image of the scheme on my #88 Team Schemes page.(5-14-2008) http://www.jayski.com/schemes/2008/88cup.htm#diecast
Coca-Cola scheme for Petty at LMS: Quotes from #45-Kyle Petty: “I’ve been a part of the all-star weekend since it began and I always look forward to that date on the schedule. It seems like only yesterday that Davey Allison and I were spinning across the finish line in the first all-star race under the lights. I really believe that it was that night that began the aura of this race. Strange things happen under the lights at Lowe’s. We’re obviously going into the All-Star Showdown with the intention of qualifying our way into the Sprint All-Star race. But we are also looking at the big picture, which is the Coca-Cola 600. There are some pieces of this new car that we still need a better grasp of and the all-star weekend gives us a chance to do that. So while we are going for the money, we’re also using it as another test session. The next two weekends are special for me because I get to run an awesome Coke paint scheme. Coke has been a partner of mine for a long time and they’ve used the all-star race and the Coke 600 to promote special events or products. This year the car will promote the 2008 Beijing Olympics. Summer is always different when it’s an Olympic summer. I’m just waiting on stock car racing to become an Olympic sport. I think we would have a pretty good chance at gold in that event.”(MCG SportsPetty Racing PR), see an image of the scheme on my #45 Team Schemes page.(5-14-2008) http://www.jayski.com/schemes/2008/45cup.htm
Kyle vs. Kurt after 125 races…Kurt leads: Even though 23-year-old #18-Kyle Busch is definitely the hottest driver on the circuit right now, but the truth is that big brother #2-Kurt Busch had won more races at the same point in his career. Saturday night’s Darlington race was the 125th career Cup race for Kyle. Here’s the way the Busch Brothers’ statistics compare at the same point in their careers:
Kurt Busch completed the 125th race of his Cup career on 5/15/04 at Richmond
Kyle Busch completed the 125th race of his Cup career on 5/10/08 at Darlington
After 125 races Kurt Busch had 9 wins, 25 top-5s, 45 top-10s, 20 DNFs and 2 poles
After 125 races Kyle Busch had 7 wins, 37 top-5s, 59 top-10s, 16 DNFs and 3 poles
(Tom Roberts PR)(5-14-2008)
Harvick goes Platinum for All-Star race: #29-Kevin Harvick is going platinum for the Sprint All-Star Race at Lowe’s Motor Speedway. The defending All-Star champion winner will transform his bright yellow and red Shell-Pennzoil Chevrolet into a shining platinum colored paint scheme in recognition of his sponsorship from Pennzoil Platinum full synthetic motor oil. Pennzoil Platinum full synthetic motor oil has adaptive molecules to manage the constant mechanical stresses inside an engine. For more information visit: www.pennzoilplatinum.com. Harvick also will switch his existing racing seat to a Hendrick Motorsports Carbon Fiber seat this weekend during the Sprint All-Star Race. The Bakersfield, Calif., native spent two days at the HMS complex to get fitted for his new seat that will make him safer and more comfortable in the cockpit of the #29 Shell-Pennzoil Chevy. The HMS seat will cost approximately $10,400 for the main section and $1,200 for the headrest. The Carbon Fiber seat is designed to withstand 90G which is 10G more than NASCAR requires for certification.(RCR PR), see an image of the scheme on my #29 Team Schemes page.(5-14-2008) http://www.jayski.com/schemes/2008/29cup.htm#diecast
Jarrett’s enshrined In LMS’s Court of Legends: NASCAR champions Ned and Dale Jarrett were inducted into Lowe’s Motor Speedway’s Court of Legends Tuesday afternoon as part of the week-long festivities leading up to Saturday night’s NASCAR Sprint All-Star Race. The Jarretts are the first father and son to be enshrined in the speedway’s Court of Legends and the induction ceremony included having their signatures, footprints and handprints immortalized in concrete near the track’s main entrance. They are the 21st and 22nd members of the Court of Legends, joining fellow NASCAR legends such as Richard Petty, David Pearson, Benny Parsons, Bobby Allison, Junior Johnson, Darrell Waltrip and Terry Labonte. Dale Jarrett’s induction came just four days before he climbs into the #44 UPS Toyota Camry for the NASCAR Sprint All-Star Race, his final career start in stock car racing’s premier division. More info and a list of those enshrined, see lowesmotorspeedway.com.(LMS)(5-14-2008)
Eldora Speedway On Track for Sell-Out of Prelude to the Dream: Ticket renewals for the fourth annual Old Spice Prelude to the Dream at Eldora Speedway are ahead of schedule, pointing to another sell-out of the all-star dirt late model race featuring 25 world renown drivers. For much more info, see my Racing Charities Page – Old Spice Prelude to the Dream section.(5-14-2008) http://www.jayski.com/pages/charities.htm#prelude
Humpy to make All-Star picks TODAY: On Wed, May 14th promoter extraordinaire “Humpy” Wheeler will utilize four-legged friends from the canine community to make his annual prediction of who will win the NASCAR Sprint All-Star Race at Lowe’s Motor Speedway. Although Wheeler has “barked” up the wrong tree with his last two picks, he has correctly called 10 of the past 19 winners of NASCAR’s annual all-star event and promises a purebred prediction for 2008.(LMS PR)(5-12/14-2008)
BAM Racing & Petty Racing team up for Sprint Showdown: Chad McCumbee will run the #49 Marathon American Spirit Motor Oil Dodge in the Sprint Showdown and will have a Petty Enterprises crew and Billy Wilburn will serve as crew chief. Quotes from Chad McCumbee: “I just want to thank everyone at Petty Enterprises and BAM Racing for giving me the opportunity to race in the Sprint All-Star Showdown. Hopefully we can have a good run and race our way into the all-star race. That would be a dream come true. Being one of the few drivers from North Carolina, I know how big that race has become. Lowe’s Motor Speedway is our backyard and the race is for bragging rights as much as anything else. I like the 1.5-mile tracks, like Lowe’s, so I’m confident that we will be competitive on Saturday. Billy (Wilburn, crew chief) and I have developed a great relationship over the last three races that I’ve run for Petty Enterprises. We have a lot of confidence in each other and that’s important when you are racing for all or nothing. That’s how we have to approach it. It’s win or go home. At the same time I’m going to go out there and do what I can to help my teammates. Kyle and Bobby have bigger fish on the line with the Coca-Cola 600. If there is something that I can try, something that may help them win next Sunday, then I am all for it. They have helped me tremendously in my time at Petty.” Petty Enterprises announced this week that McCumbee will pilot the #45 Dodge for two races this summer while Kyle Petty works in the broadcast booth for TNT.(MCG Sports/Petty Racing)(5-13-2008)
Sad News – DJ Smith: Condolences go out to former Ultra Motorsports Championship team owner Jim Smith on the recent passing of his father, DJ Smith. The funeral will be held on Monday, May 19 at 11:00 at Forest Lawn located at 4471 Lincoln Avenue in Cypress, California. For further information, please contact the funeral home at 800-204-3131. Thoughts and prayers go out to Davisand his family.(5-13-2008)
Petty Enterprises announces its driver lineup for the #45 Marathon/Wells Fargo/PVA Dodge for the races beginning with the June 1 event at Dover through the July 12 event at Chicagoland. Kyle Petty is scheduled to step away from the car at Dover to attend his daughter’s wedding. Petty will also return to the broadcasting booth to cover the Sprint Cup events that will air on TNT Sports, which begin with the June 8 event at Pocono. Petty made his TNT Sports broadcasting debut in 2007 to rave reviews and accolades. Petty will return when the series makes its annual mid-summer trek to the Indianapolis Motor Speedway. Chad McCumbee will bookend Petty’s hiatus by getting behind the wheel of the #45 Dodge at Dover and Chicagoland. He previously filled in for Petty at Pocono and the Michigan International Speedway in 2007 and at the Texas Motor Speedway last month. McCumbee’s best finish for Petty Enterprises came at Pocono when he came home 25th. “As a father there aren’t many days more special than the day you get to give your daughter away in marriage,” said Petty. “I appreciate Chad jumping in the car at Dover to allow me to do that. He is strong on the intermediate tracks and I’m confident that he will do a great job at Dover as well as Chicagoland. It’s just another part of our evaluation process of him.” For the remaining five races, Petty will turn the reins of the #45 Dodge over to a familiar friend and competitor. Two-time Sprint Cup Series champion, Terry Labonte, will become a teammate to his younger brother, 2000 series champion Bobby, for only the second time in their Sprint Cup careers [the 1st time was in 2005 when Terry ran the #11 FedEx car for JGR for 4 races]. The Labontes are the only brothers to both win the series championship and have combined to win 43 Sprint Cup races.(MCG Sports/Petty Racing)(5-13-2008)
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) http://www.jayski.com/stats/2008/all-star2008.htm#entries
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Courtesy of That’s Racin’
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Biffle a solid candidate to replace Stewart at Gibbs
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.
http://www.thatsracin.com/topstories/story/14035.html
Edwards builds momentum before Charlotte
You can boo Kyle Busch until your lungs catch fire, but if you’re not impressed with what he’s doing this year then you’re not paying attention.
http://www.thatsracin.com/topstories/story/14021.html
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P R E S S * R E L E A S E S
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EVENT FACTS:
Event Name: Sprint Showdown/All-Star Race
Race Length: Showdown: Two 20-lap segments
All-Star Race: Four 25-lap segments
Green Flag: Qualifying 5:10 p.m. (EDT) May 16
Showdown: 7:30 p.m. (EDT) May 17
All-Star Race: 9:00 p.m. (EDT) May 17
Live Coverage: TV: SPEED TV; Radio: MRN,
SIRIUS Satellite
The Race … The NASCAR Sprint All-Star race consists of four 25-lap segments. The caution flag will wave for five laps following the first segment for an optional pit stop. There will be a 10-minute break following the second segment when teams will be allowed to make adjustments to their cars. Drivers will maintain their positions from the previous segment before taking the green flag for the third quarter. The caution will wave again following the third segment for a mandatory pit stop before the green flag waves for the final 25-lap sprint to the checkered flag. Only green-flag laps will count during the final 25 laps with the winner being paid a minimum of $1 million.
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Meet Martin Truex Jr.
Martin Truex Jr., Driver of the #1 Bass Pro Shops Chevrolet will be honoring his fan club members at a private gathering located at the Bass Pro Shops Store in Concord, NC. This event will take place on Friday, May 23rd from 11:00 am to 3:00 pm. Tickets for the event are being sold on Martin’s official website www.martintruexjr.com. Tickets are limited so hurry and get your’s.
It is never too late to become a Martin Truex Jr. Fan Club Member and come join the private gathering. All members attending the event will receive a goody bag filled with racing related products from Martin’s sponsors. The first 100 members to purchase tickets will receive an autographed item from Martin.
Come and enjoy an afternoon with Martin and his staff. Registration will begin at 11:00 am, Lunch will be served at 11:30 am, and the private autograph session will be at 1:00 pm. There will be various door prizes and chances to win autographed memorabilia. You can bid on some priceless silent auction items such as a team autographed photo, autographed sheet metal, autographed shoes, tires, gloves and much more during the event.
The Martin Truex Jr.’s Bass Pro Shops Showcar will be on display during the event. There will be live entertainment and John Boy & Billy’s staff will be cooking various food samples using their famous sauces.
All proceeds raised at this event will be donated to the Martin Truex Jr. Foundation – Helping Children In Need. For more information about Martin’s foundation visit www.martintruexjrfoudation.org
For more information about this event visit www.martintruexjr.com or call the office at 1-704-402-3319.
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Sprint All-Star Race – DID YOU KNOW?
· Saturday night’s event will be the 24th running of the NASCAR Sprint All-Star Race. All have been run at Lowe’s Motor Speedway with the exception of the second (1986) which was contested at Atlanta Motor Speedway.
· Darrell Waltrip won the inaugural All-Star race in 1985. Waltrip’s $200,000 share of the $500,000 purse was the largest payout in NASCAR history at the time, eclipsing the $185,500 won by Bill Elliott in the 1985 Daytona 500.
· The No. 12 Alltel Dodge pit crew won the 2007 NASCAR Sprint Pit Crew Challenge team competition. The seven man team won the four-tire pit stop and Craftsman Car Push with a time of 24.66 seconds. The team also had the quickest overall time (23.35 in the quarterfinals).
· The first $1 million payday for the winner of the All-Star was in 2003.
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NASCAR Pit Crew Challenge … The AT&T Pit Crew will participate in the NASCAR Pit Crew Challenge Thursday, May 15 at 7 p.m. at the Time Warner Cable Arena in Charlotte, N.C. All qualified teams for the NASCAR All-Star Race are eligible to compete, which includes NASCAR Cup Series race winners from 2007 and 2008, NASCAR All-Star Race winners of the past 10 years, and NASCAR Cup Series Champions of the past 10 years who are active drivers and have competed in at least one Series event during the 2007 or 2008 season. Also eligible is the 2007 Pit Crew Challenge winner. The remaining unfilled positions will be available to the car owners ranked highest in the 2008 NASCAR Cup Series championship owner points standing as of May 13, 2008, who are not otherwise eligible for the event. Seven members of each team are allowed to compete. For ticket information, visit www.pitcrewchallenge.com or call 1-800-495-2295.
Seat Change … Kevin Harvick will switch his existing racing seat to a Hendrick Motorsports Carbon Fiber seat this weekend during the Sprint All-Star Race. The Bakersfield, Calif., native spent two days at the HMS complex to get fitted for his new seat that will make him safer and more comfortable in the cockpit of the No.29 Shell-Pennzoil Chevrolet. The HMS seat will cost approximately $10,400 for the main section and $1,200 for the headrest. The Carbon Fiber seat is designed to withstand 90G which is 10G more than NASCAR requires for certification.
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Ken Schrader to Pilot RCR’s Fourth NASCAR Cup Series Entry in Coca-Cola 600
Camping World to Sponsor the No. 33 Chevrolet at LMS
WELCOME, N.C. (May 13, 2008) — Veteran NASCAR Sprint Cup Series driver Ken Schrader will attempt to qualify Richard Childress Racing’s No. 33 Camping World Chevrolet for the May 24 Coca-Cola 600 at Lowe’s Motor Speedway.
Schrader, 57, of Fenton, Mo, made his Cup Series debut in 1984 and ran his first full Cup Series season in 1985. After 20 full seasons in NASCAR’s premier division, the veteran racer has tallied one win, six top-five and 13 top-10 finishes in 44 starts at Lowe’s Motor Speedway.
Camping World’s blue and gold paint scheme will adorn the No. 33 Chevrolet Impala SS. Camping World offers over 8,000 quality products geared towards the RVing community, through 65 nationwide SuperCenters, a well-established catalog call center and an award-winning Web site. Camping World is the industry leader in RV accessories and services. In addition to RVs, Camping World provides its customers with high-quality products and services to help enhance their life on the road.
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Dale Jarrett will make the final start of his NASCAR Sprint Cup Series career this weekend at Lowe’s Motor Speedway (LMS).
This weekend’s race marks Jarrett’s 17th career start in the All-Star event, which he has competed in every year since 1992.
Jarrett’s best finish in the All-Star Race is second, scoring the runner-up post in 2000 and 2001.
Heading into this weekend’s All-Star Race, Jarrett’s Sprint Cup Series career features 32 wins, 163 top fives, 260 top 10s and 16 poles.
Jarrett will finally drive the famed UPS “Big Brown Truck” following drivers’ introductions prior to the start of the All-Star Race. In addition, a fan, selected this week at random, will accompany Jarrett on the long-awaited ride. That lucky fan is Patrick Gadsby of Anderson, S.C.
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N A S C A R * N A T I O N W I D E * S E R I E S
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Courtesy of Jayski
http://www.jayski.com
Edwards Fastest as Testing Concludes: Defending Nationwide Series champion Carl Edwards led the speed parade Tuesday at Lowe’s Motor Speedway as teams made final preparations for the May 24 CARQUEST Auto Parts 300. Edwards circled the 1.5-mile superspeedway in 29.555 seconds, at an average speed of 182.710 mph, in the #60b Roush Fenway Racing Ford. Edwards’ lap was fastest of the two-day session, topping the 182.217 mark set Monday night by Denny Hamlin in the #20 Joe Gibbs Racing Toyota. [Chase Miller in the #19 Dodge was second fastest] Kasey Kahne was third fastest in the #9 Gillett Evernham Motorsports Dodge and veteran Jason Keller was fourth on the official speed chart at 180.584 in the #11 CJM Racing Chevy. Edwards rounded out the top five with a lap at 180.457 mph in the #60 Roush Fenway Racing Ford.(LMS PR) Complete speed are posted on the Lowe’s Motor Speedway Testing Page.(5-13-2008) http://www.jayski.com/nationwide/2008/testing/08lowes-testing.htm#day2
Kahne Leads Tuesday Afternoon Testing: #9-Kasey Kahne [Dodge] led testing at Lowe’s Motor Speedway on Tuesday afternoon with a top speed of 180.802mph. The rest of the top 10: #60B-Carl Edwards [Ford], #19-Chase Miller [Dodge], #60-Carl Edwards [Ford], #40B-Bryan Clauson [Dodge], #2-Clint Bowyer [Chevy], #1-Mike Bliss [Chevy], #29B-Stephen Leicht [Chevy], #38-Jason Leffler [Toyota], and #25B-Bobby Hamilton Jr. [Ford]. Complete speed are posted on the Lowe’s Motor Speedway Testing Page.(5-13-2008) http://www.jayski.com/nationwide/2008/testing/08lowes-testing.htm#day2
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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
http://www.jayski.com
McCumbee entered with BAM in Sprint Showdown UPDATE: Running in conjunction with Petty Enterprises: The #49 entry in the Sprint All-Star Showdown will have a Petty Enterprises crew and Billy Wilburn will serve as crew chief.(Petty Enterprises PR)(5-13-2008)
McCumbee slated to run Dover & Chicagoland for Petty: Petty Enterprises announces its driver lineup for the #45 Marathon/Wells Fargo/PVA Dodge for the races beginning with the June 1 event at the Dover Int’l Speedway through the July 12 event at the Chicagoland Speedway. Chad McCumbee will bookend Petty’s hiatus by getting behind the wheel of the #45 Dodge at Dover and Chicagoland. He previously filled in for Petty at Pocono and the Michigan International Speedway in 2007 and at the Texas Motor Speedway last month.(Petty Racing PR)(5-13-2008)
Kyle Busch returns to series: Kyle Busch returns to the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series Friday night for the running of the North Carolina Education Lottery 200 (134 laps, 201 miles) race at the Lowe’s Motor Speedway. Busch was last in the #51 Miccosukee Resorts Toyota Tundra at the Martinsville Speedway where a last lap spin sent the team home without their first top-five finish in 2008 [finished 26th]. Busch will also be launching his much anticipated Rowdy Busch line of truck and super late model apparel on May 19th. The line will be sold on rowdybusch.com.(Billy Ballew Motorsports PR)(5-13-2008)
Mitchell makes first start at LMS: Marc Mitchell has never raced at Lowe’s Motor Speedway prior to the N.C. Education Lottery 200. Mitchell’s last run on an intermediate track was Kansas Speedway, where he started in fifth place and finished 31st following an accident. The #15 Ergon Hyprene Chevy will compete in 21 races in the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series in 2008. Mitchell is competing for Rookie of The Year Honors.(BBM/Breaking Limits PR)(5-13-2008)
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A R C A (Automobile Racing Club of America)
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Courtesy of ARCA
http://www.arcaracing.com
Jack and Carl Agree: Ricky Stenhouse Jr. is Roush Fenway’s-and ARCA’s-Next Big Thing
20-year-old Sprint Car Veteran Heads into Toledo Leading ARCA RE/MAX Series Point Standings
TOLEDO OH (5-13-08)-A RE/MAX Real Estate sign is sitting in front of the Roush Fenway Racing shop in North Carolina this week. No, the facility that hosts 13 motorsports teams, including five in the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series with drivers Matt Kenseth, Jamie McMurray, Greg Biffle, Carl Edwards and David Ragan, is not up for sale. Rather, it’s a celebratory RE/MAX Yard Sign in support of Ricky Stenhouse Jr.’s career first ARCA RE/MAX Series victory.
http://www.arcaracing.com/news.cfm?contentid=6545
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U S A R (United Speed Alliance Racing)
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Courtesy of USAR
http://usarprocup.com
Milwaukee Notes
Myrtle Beach, S.C.-The first ever combination event for the Hooters Pro Cup Series is coming up on Sat., May 31 at The Milwaukee (Wis.) Mile. The Sears Auto Center 150 is also a combination event with the Indy Racing League, which is also a first for the series.
While the event is still several weeks away, there are some important dates coming up for competitors and teams whishing to use the facilities at The Milwaukee Mile during race weekend.
Team RVs will be allowed in the infield area, but the deadline is May 16 to reserve a spot. Please contact the USAR office at (843) 390-4224 for more information.
Milwaukee Reminders Below
Read more – http://usarprocup.com/view_article.asp?id=2692
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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
http://localracing.nascar.com/news/6
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DJ KENNINGTON AND CASTROL DODGE ON TRACK READYING FOR THE NEW SEASON
May 13, 2008. The new look Castrol Dodge was on display this past weekend at Cayuga Speedway as DJ Kennington and the Castrol crew prepared for the 2008 NASCAR Canadian Tire racing season. Only a few laps were run, but only a few were necessary for the team to determine they are race ready.
A veteran of the Canadian stock car racing scene DJ Kennington’s racing knowledge exceeds his years. The Castrol Dodge team brought the new look car to Cayuga Speedway and after only a handful of laps the driver hopped out and pronounced their machine ready for the new season. “The paint scheme is new but this car reacts just the same as it did the last time I drove it” smiled Kennington. “That’s exactly what we wanted to find out. We did all our maintenance work over the winter and this is a race winning car so there’s no need to run too many practice laps” he added.
Kennington was a two time winner last year on the NASCAR Canadian Tire circuit with both victories coming at Barrie Speedway. Kennington claimed second spot in the overall series championship and the entire Castrol team is focused on making that final step forward to claim the championship title in 2008. “We have some unfinished business from last year” said the driver. “A small break here or there and we could have claimed that championship. The whole team has been thinking about that over the winter and that’s what’s going to drive us all season”.
A race proven car from last year is a good start and DJ Kennington will have a brand new Castrol Dodge to work with as well in the coming days. “The new car wasn’t quite ready for the weekend, we wanted to put some finishing touches on it and make sure that it’s ready to win as soon as it hits the track” said Kennington. “It’ll be ready in time for the first race of the season”.
While preparations for the 2008 NASCAR Canadian Tire series have kept the entire team busy, DJ Kennington has also been busy on the track competing for Canadian Randy MacDonald in all twelve of the NASCAR Nationwide Series races this season. The team has made great strides this year and last week in Darlington, South Carolina at the track “too tough to tame Kennington claimed his best ever career finish of twentieth and currently sits twenty first in the overall championship standings. “Being able to run in that series has really helped me as a driver” said Kennington. “Running on so many different tracks with some of the best drivers in the world you can’t help but learn something every weekend. I have to thank Dwight Kennedy of Northern Provincial Pipeline for their support helping out with this program.
DJ Kennington will of course be competing in the NASCAR Nationwide series event in Montreal in August and Castrol colours will be on the car.
The first race of the NASCAR Canadian Tire series schedule is May 24th at Cayuga Speedway. The 2008 NASCAR Canadian Tire series will consist of thirteen events on ovals, road courses and temporary street circuits from coast to coast. Each race will be broadcast on TSN. More information can be found by logging onto www.djkennington.com and www.nascar.ca
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TEAM MOPAR DODGE LIGHTING UP THE TRACK IN PRE SEASON TESTING
May 12, 2008. As the start of the 2008 NASCAR Canadian Tire Series racing season nears Ron Beauchamp Jr. and Team Mopar continue to work diligently and preparations are nearing completion. The team has already had the #60 Mopar Parts Dodge Avenger on track a couple of times and they are pleased with the results.
The first running of the 2008 season took place at Kawartha Speedway in late April with other Mopar teams. The cool but sunny day yielded positive results. “The car was very good right away” said Ron Beauchamp Jr. “It was a good feeling for the whole team to see the results of their hard work during the off season right away”.
The #60 Mopar Parts Dodge Avenger team also worked out the kinks at Cayuga Speedway near Hamilton, Ontario this past weekend. “Initially the car wasn’t quite as good as we expected. After the Kawartha test we tried to make a few improvements as we always do but they didn’t really help. We immediately went back to our earlier set up and the difference was huge” said the driver. “We’re going to squeeze in one most test session before the first race to be sure that everything is 100%”.
Last year was a disappointment for Team Mopar. Early season success quickly faded and mechanical gremlins took over. However the outlook for 2008 is all positive. “When you have a year like we did you have to be proactive and make some changes to get back to the way we’re capable of running” said the driver. “Brad McIntyre is here for the full year as Crew Chief and we’ve got some other new crew members as well, they’ve really brought a lot of enthusiasm to the team”.
Of course with new members for Team Mopar a little time is necessary to have the team come together and get up to speed. That’s been taking place over the last few months. “You should see these guys work on pit stops” smiled Beauchamp. “They’ve been ripping off some great times and everybody’s pretty pumped up to get the year started”.
The second season of the NASCAR Canadian Tire Series will open competition on May 24th at Cayuga Speedway. This years schedule will consist of thirteen races on oval tracks, temporary street circuits and road courses. All races will once again be broadcast on TSN. You can read more about Team Mopar and Ron Beauchamp Jr. at www.beauchampmotorsports.com and www.nascar.ca
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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
http://insiderracingnews.com/Writers/CA/051408.html
How is it possible for some drivers to pass cars, yet others can’t?
by Chuck Abrams
RaceTalkRadio.com:
Another Non-Points Win for Junior – Fantasy Insight All Star Event by Dennis Michelsen
http://www.racetalkradio.com/soz/id121.htm
NASCAR May Benefit From ESPN Shake-Up
The morning hours during the week, especially Monday through Wednesday, have always been a problem for ESPN. Back in the early days, ESPN did a non-sports show called Nation’s Business Today hosted by Consuelo Mack from Washington, DC.
http://dalyplanet.blogspot.com/2008/05/nascar-may-benefit-from-espn-shake-up.html
Despain Wanders Through The NASCAR Landscape
Tuesday night during this All-Star race week of TV programming, Dave Despain hosted a special Wind Tunnel from the SPEED Studios.
http://dalyplanet.blogspot.com/2008/05/despain-wanders-through-nascar.html
Venturini Gets First Primetime Special
This week begins the build-up to the All-Star race on SPEED. Since that network does not carry any Sprint Cup or Nationwide Series points races, this week means a lot to the entire SPEED on-air staff.
http://dalyplanet.blogspot.com/2008/05/venturini-gets-first-primetime-special.html
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T V * L I S T I N G S
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Courtesy of Jayski
http://www.jayski.com/pages/tv.htm
Wed May 14
8:00 am Countdown to All-Star SPEED
8:30 am All-Star Spotlight SPEED
9:00 am Wind Tunnel Special Edition: All-Star Challenge Special SPEED
6:00 pm NASCAR Now ESPN2
8:00 pm Countdown to All-Star: All-Star Preview SPEED
8:00 pm Quest for the NASCAR Sprint Cup: Season Prelude 1 VOOM
9:00 pm NASCAR All-Star ’08: Home Town Heroes SPEED
9:00 pm Drafting Partners GAC
Thurs May 15
12:00 am Countdown to All-Star: All-Star Preview SPEED
12:30 am NASCAR Now ESPN2
1:00 am Drafting Partners GAC
1:00 am NASCAR All-Star ’08: Home Town Heroes SPEED
8:00 am Countdown to All-Star: All-Star Preview SPEED
9:00 am SportsCentury: Jeff Gordon ESPN Classic
9:00 am NASCAR All-Star ’08: Home Town Heroes
12:00 pm Darlington NSCS Replay SPEED
1:00 pm Drafting Partners GAC
2:00 pm 1996 Tyson Holly Farms 400 ESPNC
3:00 pm NASCAR All-Star ’08: Making the Race SPEED
4:00 pm Wind Tunnel Special Edition: All-Star Challenge Special SPEED
5:00 pm NASCAR All-Star ’08: Home Town Heroes SPEED
5:30 pm Darlington NSCS: Dodge Challenger 500 HDNet
6:00 pm NASCAR Now ESPN2
6:00 pm All-Star Memories SPEED
7:00 pm Drafting Partners GAC
7:00 pm NASCAR All-Star ’08: Comedy with Alonzo Bodden SPEED
8:00 pm Countdown to All-Star: All-Star Preview SPEED
9:00 pm Sprint Pit Crew Challenge SPEED
11:00pm NASCAR All-Star ’08: Comedy with Alonzo Bodden SPEED
Fri May 16
12:00 am Countdown to All-Star: All-Star Preview SPEED
1:00 am Sprint Pit Crew Challenge SPEED
1:30 am NASCAR Now ESPN2
3:00 1992 Savemart 300 ESPNC
6:00 am NASCAR All-Star ’08: Comedy with Alonzo Bodden SPEED
7:00 am All-Star Spotlight SPEED
7:30 am All-Star Spotlight SPEED
8:00 am All-Star Spotlight SPEED
8:30 am All-Star Spotlight SPEED
9:00 am NCTS Practice SPEED
12:00 pm NSCS Practice SPEED
3:00 pm NASCAR Live SPEED
3:30 pm NCTS Keystone Pole Qualifying SPEED
5:00 pm NSCS Qualifying SPEED
7:00 pm NASCAR Live SPEED
7:30 pm NCTS Set-Up SPEED
8:00 pm NCTS: N.C. Education Lottery 200 SPEED
10:30 pm Trackside at the Sprint All-Star SPEED
11:30 pm NASCAR All-Star ’08: Home Town Heroes SPEED
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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The Stock Car Gazette
Copyright 2002-2008 by MotorSportsNews.Net
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