The buzz is building toward this weekend, one of the busiest weekends in motorsports. Read all about what’s going on in NASCAR Sprint Cup, Nationwide Series, Craftsman Truck Series, and ARCA RE/MAX right here in the 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
Do you know for sure?
motorsportsnews.net/you-can-know-for-sure
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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: 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.
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.
Hasco Collectibles
Div. Hasco Services, LLC
701 Mantooth Ave.
Lufkin, TX 75904
hasco@diecastcars.net
866-66-HASCO (866-664-2726)
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E d i t o r ‘ s * N o t e s
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If you puff yourself up you’ll get the wind knocked right out of you.
Now and then it is good to pause in our pursuit of happiness and just be happy.
Courtesy of Cold Nose Consulting
www.motorsportsnews.net/coldnose/
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Stock Car Gazette Columnists Speak Out!
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Kyle Busch’s M&M’s Melted In His Hands (Along With His Engine)!
by: Robyn Snell
We watched Kyle arrogantly accept the boos upon his introduction at the All Star race. But it’s funny how quickly his cockiness disappeared after the rocker arm within his engine melted along with his M&M’s!
READ MORE: motorsportsnews.net/archives/1271
More of Robyn’s articles can be read at:
motorsportsnews.net/archives/category/robyn-reacts
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DJ: A Class Act All The Way To The Last Green Flag Dropped
by: Becky Davidson
I do not believe there are any other words to describe Dale Jarrett than to call the gentleman a ‘class act’ and he did for each of us what we wanted to see at the All Star race, he drove the ‘Big Brown Truck.’ It was a very emotional moment as it was when his Dad, Ned Jarrett gave the invocation to the last Cup race his son would be a part of.
READ MORE: motorsportsnews.net/archives/1272
More of Becky’s articles can be read at:
motorsportsnews.net/archives/category/beckys-thoughts
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TV Times – Darlington Cup Ratings Up Eight Percent
by: Lou Modestino
A weekend of increases for FOX was highlighted by a 4.3/8 that Saturday night for Sprint Cup racing from Darlington. Saturday night’s 4.3/8 is an 8 percent gain over last year’s 4.0/8 for the Darlington race, which ran on Sunday afternoon due to rain.
READ MORE: motorsportsnews.net/archives/1273
More of Lou’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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Gibbs used its own engines in All Star race, not Toyota’s
Joe Gibbs Racing used its own engines in the all-star race as opposed to the engines it receives from Toyota Racing Development. The team plans to go back to TRD motors for the Coca-Cola 600. Since the all-star race is a non-points race, it provides teams a chance to test equipment without fear that a failure [...]
feeds.feedburner.com/~r/autoracingsport/~3/293246538/
Dodge uses robotics to weld COT chassis for Cup competition
NASCAR drivers work under extreme conditions – making split-second decisions while traveling at speeds nearing 200 mph and precariously looking to move ahead when the next car is mere feet away. The safety, integrity and performance of the car are crucial to the driver and his team. These factors were also front and center with [...]
feeds.feedburner.com/~r/autoracingsport/~3/293292548/
Stewart could partner with JR Motorsports?
ESPN is reporting that two-time Cup champion Tony Stewart, who is exploring options outside of Joe Gibbs Racing, reportedly could be a partner with JR Motorsports. But Stewart’s contract doesn’t expire until after the 2009 season and team president J.D. Gibbs has said he will hold Stewart to it. Haas CNC Racing has been reported to [...]
feeds.feedburner.com/~r/autoracingsport/~3/293657733/
Jarrett calls it a career in All Star Race at Lowe’s
Emotions flowed around the #44 UPS Racing Team during the Sprint All-Star Challenge at Lowe’s Motor Speedway as Dale Jarrett embarked in the final race of his NASCAR Sprint Cup Series career. Jarrett finished the night with a 21st-place finish but more importantly finished his career among friends, family and fans at the track he [...]
feeds.feedburner.com/~r/autoracingsport/~3/293678578/
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Courtesy of Insider Racing News
Aflac Has Edge On Edwards For Sponsorship
Aflac insurance has emerged as the frontrunner in the race to be the primary sponsor of Carl Edwards’ Roush Fenway Racing Ford beginning next year, according to sources. Aflac been an associate sponsor and occasional primary sponsor for Edwards’ NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Ford over the last year, and Edwards has won a race with Aflac on the hood.
Speed Street This Friday In Charlotte
The Shell-Pennzoil over-the-wall crew will make an appearance on behalf of Chevrolet at Food Lion Speed Street May 23rd beginning at 4 pm in Uptown Charlotte. The crew members will sign autographs for fans at the Chevy display located at the corner of College and 8th Street. While at the Chevy display, fans can also check out the 2008 Chevrolet Silverado as well as the line up of fuel efficient vehicles that go from gas friendly to gas free. Fans can also take the Chevy Challenge and receive a Team Chevy souvenir.
Andretti Makes Indy 500
Sprint Cup driver John Andretti will make his ninth Indianapolis 500 start on Sunday at Indianapolis Motor Speedway after qualifying 21st in the 33-car field. Andretti, who has qualified for just three Cup races this season in his Front Row Motorsports Chevrolet, will be driving for Roth Racing at Indy.
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Courtesy of Jayski
A Golden Anniversary Fit for “The King”: Petty Enterprises announced the plans to celebrate “The King” Richard Petty’s 50th anniversary in NASCAR. The plan includes Petty getting back into a racecar and turning laps at Chicagoland Speedway. On July 12, 1958, Petty made his first NASCAR start in the old Convertible Division at Columbia Speedway in Cayce, South Carolina. On July 12, 2008, Petty Enterprises and the entire NASCAR community will celebrate the anniversary of that race at the Chicagoland Speedway, where the Sprint Cup Series is competing in the Life Lock 400. Petty Enterprises will be marking the anniversary with numerous special events and promotions. The team has extended an invitation for the CEOs of their sponsors and partner companies to come to Chicago to help them commemorate the anniversary. As part of the activities, Petty will return to a racecar to give some of his special guests a ride around Chicagoland Speedway in a Richard Petty Driving Experience stockcar. As a tribute to Petty and the anniversary of his first race, the #43 and #45 will be featuring special throwback paint schemes for the Life Lock 400. The paint schemes feature the Petty Blue color made famous by Petty and in a nod to the 60’s and 70’s, racing strips. Each will also carry the 50th anniversary commemorative logo on the hood of both cars. The 50th anniversary of Petty’s first race is an opportunity for Petty Enterprises, the NASCAR community, and all NASCAR fans to honor him for his achievements and for the countless contributions he has made to the sport.(MCG Sports PR), see an image of the #43 Car on my #43 Team Schemes page.(5-20-2008) www.jayski.com/schemes/2008/43cup.htm
JR Motorsorts could move to Cup UPDATE Stewart involved?: #88-Dale Earnhardt Jr. from a weekly top 12 drivers press conference:
THE OWNERSHIP THING, WHEN YOU’RE OUT THERE RACING WITH BRAD KESELOWSKI, ARE THERE THINGS THAT GO THROUGH YOUR MIND AND ARE YOU THINKING ABOUT HIM OR ABOUT THE RACE? “Well, I get mad when he messes up and I see him in a wreck or something. But normally I just hope he’s doing what he’s supposed to be doing and running good and having a good night. But his night doesn’t go right or something happens to the car, it’s sort of bums you out a little bit and it’s hard to revert back to concentrating on what you’re trying to do with your car.”
IS THERE ANY CHANCE YOU’LL MOVE UP TO THE CUP LEVEL WITH THAT TEAM ANYTIME? “I used to say no way, no way. But it’s almost as expensive to run in the Nationwide Series. And their going to bring a CoT in and we won’t be able to race in the Nationwide Series with the CoT probably. That’ll just be too expensive to switch all that over.”
WOULD YOU DO IT AS EARLY AS NEXT YEAR? “Yeah, maybe. If the right opportunity comes along with the right sponsorship and driver, we’d love to do it. And it would cost the same amount of money to do that, as it is to run the Nationwide Series. It’s harder to get sponsorships. And the CoT program is going to be too expensive for me to justify creating a whole new program with CoT stuff, so I’d just as soon go into the Cup Series or get out of the Nationwide Series altogether.”
COULD YOU GET MARTIN TRUEX JR. IN THAT CAR? “No. Why would he want to come drive for me? He’s in good stuff now and he’s going to have great opportunities from other people. And I would never do that to him (laughter). For the first year coming out of the box, man we’ll struggle like hell. Come on, man. He’s going to have deals offered to him by these great companies around here and from DEI. I’ll be at the bottom of that list, right there with Haas and a couple of other people (laughter). I don’t know with Tony (Stewart) if he goes over there (Haas), he might be able to talk Martin into it. But I don’t know man. I mean no way would I even do that to Martin, even if he wanted to.”(GM Racing PR)(5-17-2008)
UPDATE – Stewart? Tony Stewart, who is exploring options outside of Joe Gibbs Racing, reportedly could be a partner with JR Motorsports. But Stewart’s contract doesn’t expire until after the 2009 season and team president J.D. Gibbs has said he will hold Stewart to it. “I don’t know with Tony. If he goes over there [Haas CNC], he might be able to talk Martin into it. But I don’t know. I mean no way would I even do that to Martin, even if he wanted to.” Stewart has acknowledged that Haas CNC is one of several organizations to have offered part ownership as an incentive to join the team. JR Motorsports merged with the Nationwide program at Hendrick Motorsports this year after Earnhardt went to drive for HMS. The engines and chassis already are supplied by Hendrick and that could continue with a move to the Cup series.(ESPN.com)(5-19-2008)
Testing at Milwaukee: #8-Aric Almirola is testing a DEI Chevy at The Milwaukee Mile Monday May 19 & Tuesday May 20.(Milwaukee Mile site)(5-19-2008)
Richard Petty Comments on the Passing of Lloyd Moore: “I was saddened to learn of the passing of Lloyd Moore yesterday. He was a joy to be around. Lloyd was a connection to origin of NASCAR. Talking to him was like taking a trip down memory lane, for me, because he raced against my dad. I still have memories of those races. He would come by the house after a lot of the races because he and daddy were good friends. So I knew Lloyd from the time I was a young kid and I am proud to say that we developed a great friendship over the years. Lloyd was a great driver and a great person. He will truly be missed.”(MCG PR)(5-19-2008)
Sad News – Gene Glover: Gene Glover 73, father of Ganassi Racing’s Tony Glover, passed away yesterday [May 18th]. Glover won the 79 NASCAR Late Model Sportsman divison and over 300 races throughout his career. Survivors include his loving wife of 34 years, Reba Light Glover, of the home; son, Tony Glover and wife, Christy of Mooresville, NC; granddaughters Brittany Nicole Glover and Ashton Brooke Glover of Charlotte, NC; brothers, David L. Glover and wife, Brenda and Delmer Glover and wife Linda of Kingsport, TN; sisters-in-law, Nan Light and Patsy Willis, both of Kingsport, TN; and a very special cat, Samantha. More info on services and Glover at oakhill.createatribute.com. The family requests that memorial donations be made in Eugene Glover’s name to Victory Junction Camp.(5-19-2008)
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Courtesy of Racing One
Fan Favorite Kahne Wins
Kasey Kahne was voted into the NASCAR Sprint All-Star Race by fan vote and made the most of the opportunity by driving to his first career win in the event at Lowe’s Motor Speedway.
lists.racingone.com/t/3468302/12980804/10334/0/
Video: Kahne at Iowa Speedway
Fresh off his win in the NASCAR All-Star race, Kasey Kahne was at Iowa Speedway to compete in the NASCAR Camping World Series US Cellular 200. Before finishing third in the event, RacingOne talked with Kahne on a number of topics
lists.racingone.com/t/3468302/12980804/10337/0/
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What if I were to tell you that there’s a tested(by numerous corporate accounts), proven way that you could start using *today* to save 7-19%(that would be from 28 to 75 cents based on today’s $3.95/gal regular price) on your gas bill for filling up your car? And what if you could put money in your pocket by making this product available to others?
There is – and tens of thousands of Americans are using it right now to save money.
It’s been on the news, and there are countless videos on YouTube that prove it, including great pieces by FOX local stations in Dallas and Phoenix. However, surprisingly few people even know about it.
www.youtube.com/view_play_list?p=779DCA59F50EA8B5
Used and endorsed by the Unser family, the winningest family in the history of ‘The Greatest Spectacle in Racing’. ‘Little Al’s diesel Ford Excursion mileage has increased from 13 to 17.3MPG. And recently named ‘The Official Fuel Reformulator of the Firestone Indy Lights Series’.
You can check out the details here: snipurl.com/29ohu-gazete
PS: In case you’re wondering, this IS NOT the magic “gas pill” you may have seen on TV. You’ve got to watch the videos to see just what an impact this is having on people’s lives:
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Courtesy of That’s Racin’
Fit in the pits
NASCAR crews rely onspeed and explosive power. Here’s how they do it – and how you can, too.
MOORESVILLE — Seven guys are in the middle of a hard-core training session at a local gym. Among them are former minor league hockey players, college football players and a champion high school wrestler.
more – www.thatsracin.com/topstories/story/14353.html
NASCAR needs good fight
After amassing his fortune on cars — selling them and building places to race them — Charlotte billionaire Bruton Smith shows no signs of slowing down.
more – www.thatsracin.com/topstories/story/14348.html
David Poole’s blog | A lot to digest from the all-star weekend feast
Kahne’s big night also begs question: Where’s passing?
www.thatsracin.com/topstories/story/14334.html
Are Stewart, Earnhardt Jr. pondering partnership?
www.thatsracin.com/topstories/story/14255.html
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P R E S S * R E L E A S E S
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The Shell-Pennzoil Team to Make Appearance at Speed Street
Welcome, N.C. (May 13, 2008) – The Shell-Pennzoil over-the-wall crew will make an appearance on behalf of Chevrolet at Food Lion Speed Street May 23rd beginning at 4 pm in Uptown Charlotte.
The crew members will sign autographs for fans at the Chevy display located at the corner of College and 8th Street. While at the Chevy display, fans can also check out the 2008 Chevrolet Silverado as well as the line up of fuel efficient vehicles that go from gas friendly to gas free. Fans can also take the Chevy Challenge and receive a Team Chevy souvenir.
Now in its 14th year, this festival transforms the streets of Uptown Charlotte into a showcase of motor sports, with non-stop entertainment on three stages, appearances by top NASCAR Sprint Cup Drivers, dynamic exhibits for all ages and an assembly of NASCAR show cars and simulators. If an event is measured by the success of its participants then this year’s festival is shaping up as one to remember. Current and former NASCAR drivers and owners slated to appear at this year’s event has amassed an amazing 11 NASCAR Sprint Cup championships, 305 NASCAR Sprint Cup wins, 1,080 top-five and 1,754 top-10 finishes.
Admission into Food Lion Speed Street is free. For more information or schedule of events please visit www.600festival.com.
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NC Senator Elizabeth Dole, WV Speaker Rick Thompson Named Race Officials for 2008 Coca-Cola 600
NC US Senator Dole named Honorary Race Director
West Virginia Speaker of the House Thompson named Honorary Starter
Patriotic pre-race show will honor America’s Armed Forces
CHARLOTTE, N.C.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–The tradition continues at the 2008 Coca-Cola 600, with a patriotic tribute to America’s fighting men and women and distinguished high profile political figures serving as race officials.
United States Senator Elizabeth Dole (R-NC) has named Honorary Race Director for the Memorial Day weekend NEXTEL Cup event at the famed Lowe’s Motor Speedway and West Virginia Speaker of the House Rick Thompson (D-WV) will serve as Honorary Starter.
As race officials, Senator Dole and Speaker Thompson will be honored at a VIP pre-race event, attend the official drivers meeting, address the crowd of nearly 200,000 fans, participate in the pre-race spectacular and present the trophy in Victory Lane. As Honorary Race Director, Senator Dole will ride in the official pace car while Speaker Thompson, as Honorary Starter, will wave the green flag over the 43-car field to start the longest NASCAR race and one of the largest sporting events in the world. (Thanks, Heather)
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EIGHTY-FOUR CARS ENTERED FOR FRANK KIMMEL ENDURO NATIONALS
Defending Kentucky Speedway “Frank Kimmel Enduro Nationals” champion Chuck Barnes of Louisville, Ky., highlights the current 84-car entry list for the 150-mile street stock event to be held at Kentucky Speedway May 24. Aspiring competitors represent Alabama, Colorado, Florida, Georgia, Indiana, Iowa, Kentucky, Maryland, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, New Jersey, North Carolina, Ohio, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Tennessee, Virginia and Washington. Drivers in the “Frank Kimmel Enduro Nationals II Presented by Harley-Davidson of Cincinnati and the Thoroughbred Harley-Davidson Shop of Florence, Ky.,” will race for a $5,000 grand prize and shares of a $25,000 purse. Last season, 117 teams entered the event, 89 arrived at the speedway and 69 cars formed the largest starting grid in Kentucky Speedway history. The event is organized by nine-time ARCA RE/MAX Series Champion Frank Kimmel and was created to give local racers a chance to compete in a large venue such as Kentucky Speedway. Speedway gates will open at 3:00 p.m., practice begins at 4:00 p.m., and racing will begin at 8:00 p.m. Drivers will race two 75-lap segments with a mandatory pit stop at the halfway mark. Tickets for the “Frank Kimmel Enduro Nationals II Presented by Harley-Davidson of Cincinnati and the Thoroughbred Harley-Davidson Shop of Florence, Ky.,” can be reserved online at www.kentuckyspeedway.com, by phone at 888-652-RACE (7223), through Meijer stores and by visiting the Kentucky Speedway ticket offices at 400 Buttermilk Pike, Suite 100, in Ft. Mitchell, Ky., next to the Montgomery Inn Restaurant or the Sparta, Ky., Fan Center located off of Interstate 71 Exit 57 and Ky. Hwy. 35 N.
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NASCAR’s Bobby Labonte to appear on Dover Downs is Cooking™
DOVER, Del. — Race fans know NASCAR Sprint Cup Series driver Bobby Labonte, of the No. 43 Cheerios/Betty Crocker Dodge for Petty Enterprises, as a veteran on the racetrack. On Friday, May 30, Dover Downs Hotel & Casino will offer fans an opportunity to witness Labonte’s culinary chops when he appears live on the Dover Downs is Cooking studio set at 7 p.m. in the Rollins Center. Dover Downs is Cooking, the half-hour television cooking show featuring chef Fred Bohn, will be taped for future broadcast and DVD recording. Tickets for the live taping may be purchased for $10 by contacting VIP Services at 800-711-5882.
With the expert guidance of Chef Fred Bohn, Dover Downs is Cooking has featured celebrity guest chefs including Sinbad, Herschel Walker, Fred Stokes, Diamond Rio, Tom Jones, Creedence Clearwater Revisited, Paul Anka, Hot Apple Pie, Ed McMahon, crews from Discovery Channel’s “Deadliest Catch” and NASCAR drivers Kasey Kahne, Michael Waltrip, Sterling Marlin and Jamie McMurray.
Tickets for the Friday, May 30 taping with Bobby Labonte are $10 for general admission seating and may be purchased by contacting VIP Services at 800-711-5882. For information on how to purchase DVD cookbooks and to download free recipes, visit www.doverdowns.com.
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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
R3 Motorsports to make Nationwide Series debut this weekend A new Nationwide Series team debuts in this weekend’s Carquest Auto Parts 300 at Lowe’s Motor Speedway: R3 Motorsports. R3 Motorsports, owned by Robert Richardson Sr., competed in the Craftsman Truck Series a few years ago with Robert Richardson Jr. as driver. Other than the team’s hauler driver, however, the Richardsons are all that remains from the original R3 team. R3 Motorsports will compete in at least eight races this season, Richardson Jr. said recently. The team bought cars from JR Motorsports and Dale Earnhardt Inc., and Rob Fuller will serve as crew chief for the #23 Chevy.(SceneDaily.com)(5-19-2008)
Cale Making Debut at Low’s; VFW on the #77: Cale Gale will be making his first Nationwide Series appearance at Lowe’s Motor Speedway Saturday for the CARQUEST Auto Parts 300. Earlier this season Gale tested at the track and worked with team co-owner Kevin Harvick to gain valuable insight and much needed seat time. Gale will represent Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) this weekend when they make their first appearance as the primary on the #77 KHI Chev.. This isn’t the first time Gale has worn the colors of VFW. Gale’s T-ball team was also sponsored by VFW and his grandfather is a proud member of the organization.(Kevin Harvick Inc PR)(5-19-2008)
Childress would like to see Nationwide/CTS Race at Iowa: Team owner Richard Childress heaped praise on Iowa Speedway Sunday before the U.S. Cellular 200. He also hinted he may go to bat for the facility with NASCAR officials regarding the possible future procurement of a Craftsman Truck Series and/or Nationwide Series event. “We would put a lot better race on here with the (Sprint) Cup (Series) cars than we do on some of the other race tracks,” said Childress, who’s current crop of Cup drivers includes Kevin Harvick, Clint Bowyer and Jeff Burton. “I think it would be a great track for the (Nationwide) cars. I was here last year watching the (Camping World Series) race and it was a great race. You can race from the top to the bottom, so it really works good.”(Des Moines Register)(5-19-08)
Tony Stewart, who is exploring options outside of Joe Gibbs Racing, reportedly could be a partner with JR Motorsports. But Stewart’s contract doesn’t expire until after the 2009 season and team president J.D. Gibbs has said he will hold Stewart to it. “I don’t know with Tony. If he goes over there [Haas CNC], he might be able to talk Martin into it. But I don’t know. I mean no way would I even do that to Martin, even if he wanted to.” Stewart has acknowledged that Haas CNC is one of several organizations to have offered part ownership as an incentive to join the team. JR Motorsports merged with the Nationwide program at Hendrick Motorsports this year after Earnhardt went to drive for HMS. The engines and chassis already are supplied by Hendrick and that could continue with a move to the Cup series.(ESPN.com)(5-19-2008)
Kyle Busch to Drive for D’Hondt at Watkins Glen: D’Hondt Motorsports, announced that they will field Nationwide Series Toyotas for Kyle Busch to compete in the Zippo 200 August 9th, at Watkins Glen International. On the heels of winning the season’s first Nationwide Series’ road course event in the Joe Gibbs Racing #20 Toyota at Autodromo Hermanos Rodriguez in Mexico City, earlier this year, Busch will return to Watkins Glen International and look to make it two in a row in the DMS # 92 Camry.(D’Hondt Motorsports PR)(5-16-2008)
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Courtesy of The Hot Lap
Australian NASCAR driver Marcos Ambrose will host 30 fans from his home country during the Memorial Day weekend at Lowe’s Motor Speedway in Charlotte, North Carolina. This is the second annual tour in association with BAM Tours and has been sold out for several months. “We kicked off this idea last year and have twice as many fans back this time around,” said Ambrose, driver of the #59 Kingsford Hickory Ford Fusion. “We will be doing everything we can do to ensure they have an experience they will never forget. If there is one thing Australians know how to do, it’s have a good time.” The group will arrive Wednesday night and will visit a couple several local attractions on Thursday before heading to Lowe’s Motor Speedway for pole night. They will then get a personal tour of the JTG Racing workshop at Harrisburg with Ambrose before a private luncheon and then a night at the Sprint Cars with their Australian racing hero. Saturday and Sunday the group will be hosted in The Speedway Club at Lowe’s Motor Speedway. They will cheer Ambrose in the Carquest Auto Parts 300 on Saturday night. On Sunday they will head to a local bar to cheer on Australians Will Power and Ryan Briscoe in the Indianapolis 500 before heading to LMS for the Coca-Cola 600.(BamMedia)
Join NASCAR Nationwide Crew Chief Scott Zipadelli from JTG Racing and a group of his closest friends and family to help raise funds to benefit the Second Annual Outdoors for Life Charity Dinner on June 25th.100% of the proceeds from this worthwhile cause will be donated to the Catch a Dream Foundation and will help them to provide children with life threatening diseases a once in a lifetime chance to enjoy an adventurous trip hunting or fishing with their families . Sportsmen, Sportswomen, and NASCAR fans unite for this amazing opportunity to touch the lives of children in need. CLICK HERE for more information on how you can participate. (05-19-08)
www.outdoorsforlifecharity.com/first.html
FIRST TIMER: Cale Gale will be making his first Nationwide Series appearance at Lowe’s (N.C.) Motor Speedway Saturday for the CARQUEST Auto Parts 300. Earlier this season Gale tested at the track and worked with team co-owner Kevin Harvick to gain valuable insight and much needed seat time. VFW TRADITION: Gale will represent Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) this weekend when they make their first appearance as the primary on the No. 77 KHI Chevrolet. This isn’t the first time Gale has worn the colors of VFW. Gale’s T-ball team was also sponsored by VFW and his grandfather is a proud member of the organization.
Read more
thehotlap.com/modules.php?name=Press_Releases&op=view&rid=1551
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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
Charlotte’s SPEED/tv ratings up double digits: The NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series race from Lowe’s Motor Speedway scored an average Nielsen Household Rating of 1.13 (817,000 households), a 41-percent increase over the 2007 event, which scored a .80 (563,000 households). The race peaked at 1.54 (1,112,000 households). An average of 1.1 million viewers watched the race, the most ever for the Charlotte event. Nielsen ratings for NCTS races on SPEED in 2008 are up 18 percent from 2007.(SPEED/tv)(5-20-2008)
Townley makes first series start at Mansfield: John Wes Townley will make his first start in the Craftsman Truck Series driving Roush Fenway Racing’s #09-Zaxby’s Ford. He has tested at Martinsville and Caraway in preparation for the Ohio 250. Townley will miss his high school graduation ceremony at North Oconee (Ga.) High School on Saturday to make his first truck start.(Roush Fenway Racing PR)(5-19-2008)
Raybestos Rookie News & Notes – Ohio 250: Colin Braun was the Raybestos Rookie of the Race in the May 16 North Carolina Education Lottery 200 at Lowe’s Motor Speedway. Braun scored a 15th-place finish and claimed top rookie honors for the third time this season. Braun led the race at Lowe’s Motor Speedway once for three laps. He is the only first-year driver to lead a lap in the Craftsman Truck Series in 2008. Braun enjoys an eight-point lead (64-56) over Justin Marks in the Raybestos Rookie standings entering the May 24 Ohio 250 at Mansfield Motorsports Park. Kevin Hamlin was the Raybestos Rookie of the Race in the 2007 Ohio 250, scoring a 10th-place finish. The best finish by a Raybestos Rookie in four Craftsman Truck Series races at Mansfield is fourth by Todd Kluever in 2005. A Raybestos Rookie has scored top-10 finishes in all four races at Mansfield.(Raybestos PR)(5-19-2008)
Peters & Premier Racing plan 8-10 races: Premier Racing of Danville, Virginia made its first start at Lowe’s Motor Speedway on May 16th with Timothy Peters driving the #17 Hayes Metal and Iron Recycling/Tahoe Smokeless Tobacco Dodge. This partnership encompasses three new owners: Philip Hudgins, Scot Jones, Steve Stallings and a driver (Peters) who will all have an equity position in the team. The team will compete in a limited schedule consisting of 8-10 races and looks to enter the series on a full time basis in 2009. Hudgins added “We fully intend to enter as many races as we can in 2008, but we want to assure everyone that we have all the pieces of the puzzle put together for a full time campaign in 2009.” The team will announce its extended 2008 schedule in the coming weeks and looks forward to being a mainstay in the Craftsman Truck Series for years to come(Premier Racing PR)(5-19-2008)
All-Star Monday brings Benson back to TV: With the All-Star race to review and the Coke 600 to preview, ESPN has once again shuffled the NASCAR Now on-air deck and brought in a new combination of “talent.” Joining Allen Bestwick this week will be fan favorite Johnny Benson, veteran reporter Mike Massaro and NASCAR Now’s Lead Reporter Marty Smith. This one hour of conversation at 5:30pm/et features Bestwick running the panel through the race highlights and then talking about the upcoming event.(Daly Planet)(5-19-2008)
Sprague, Benson & Speed headline Race Fest: Mansfield Motorsports Park has released additional information regarding Race Fest in downtown Mansfield prior to the Ohio 250 race weekend. [List of participating drivers is posted on the Driver Appearances Page.] (Mansfield Motorsports Park PR)(5-19-2008)
www.jayski.com/pages/appear.htm
mansfieldmotorsportsonline.com/Newsletters.aspx?ID=135
Stout makes first start in 2008 UPDATE Plan to run 4-5 more races: J.C. Stout, #91 Stellar-Quest Racing Silverado based in Western New York will make its first of five NCTS starts at Lowe’s Motor Speedway.(Team Chevy PR)(5-14-2008)
UPDATE: Hearing that Stout plans to run 4-5 more races this season including Milwaukee, Kentucky, Loudon, possible Martinsville.(5-19-2008)
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A R C A (Automobile Racing Club of America)
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Courtesy of ARCA
Matt Carter Finds Victory Lane; One of 30 ARCA RE/MAX Series Winners at Toledo
SunTrust Rookie of the Year contender Matt Carter joined an impressive list with his ARCA RE/MAX Series race victory in the Hantz Group 200 presented by Federated Car Care at Toledo Speedway on Sunday Afternoon. He is now one of 30 different drivers, including Frank Kimmel, Ken Schrader, Iggy Katona, Benny Parsons, Joy Fair and Ramo Stott, who have won at the track during the series’ 63-race/45 year tenure at the half-mile oval.
“The race started and I thought ‘hey we’re pretty good’,” said Carter. “We made a pit strategy before the race. We pitted early like we wanted to get track position later. We came in the pits and I think beat like 4 or 5 cars out and that put us in third when the rain came. After the rain the car was like a rocketship. The No. 37 got to the inside of us a couple of times and raced us clean. I want to thank him for that. I’ve watched a ton of races myself, where you ask yourself ‘man how did that guy manage to win that race. We didn’t have the best car but we had a good car. We had a plan and we stuck to it and everything went our way.”
On his way to the victory, Carter led 68 laps in the Larry Clement-owned No. 46 Hantz Group-NuSouth Lemonade-Stine Seed Ford, earning Aaron’s Lap Leader honors. He was also the SunTrust Rookie of the Race.
Roush Fenway’s Stenhouse Continues to Lead ARCA RE/MAX Series Point Standings; Slim, ten-point margin over Fellow SunTrust Rookie Matt Carter
Ricky Stenhouse, Jr. finished ninth in Sunday’s Hantz Group 200 presented by Federated Car Care, increasing his lead in the series point standings to ten points over fellow series rookie Matt Carter. Currently, six of the top-10 point contenders are SunTrust Rookies, including Stenhouse, Carter, Tom Hessert, III, John Wes Townley, Scott Speed and Tayler Malsam.
Unofficial Top-10 ARCA RE/MAX Series Points After the Hantz Group 200 presented by Federated Car Care at Toledo Speedway (5-18-08); 1) Ricky Stenhouse Jr, 1560; 2) Matt Carter, 1550; 3) Frank Kimmel, 1530; 4) Tom Hessert, 1475; 5) John Wes Townley, 1470; 6) Scott Speed, 1445; 7) Justin Allgaier, 1440; 
Patrick Sheltra, 1435; 9) Tayler Malsam, 1305; 10) Ken Butler, 1270.
Competitive Year for ARCA RE/MAX Series; Seven Winners in Seven Races
The 2008 racing season has been a competitive one for the ARCA RE/MAX Series, with seven different winners in as many races this season, including five first-time series winners. However, a more tell-tale sign of the competitiveness of the series may be the list of qualified drivers who have not won, including Patrick Sheltra and Dexter Bean, the second and third place finishers in Sunday’s Hantz Group 200 presented by Federated Car Care.
Bean led 37 laps on Sunday, including multiple consecutive laps in which he raced side-by-side for the lead with eventual race winner Matt Carter. He was leading the event when series officials displayed the red flag for rain.
“We were doing a rain dance there for a while,” said Bean. “Later, we had a really good car on the restarts. I think we were getting through the gears a little bit better than the 46 but being pinched up on the corners there ate our tires away.”
While Sheltra did not lead any laps on Sunday, he did make a late race charge to the front, passing Bean for second inside of ten laps to go and battling with race leader Carter during the final stages of the event.
Sheltra has 32 career ARCA RE/MAX Series starts while Bean has 56 starts. Michael Simko, who led eight laps on Sunday in his No. 75 Key Bank Chevrolet, is also waiting on a career first ARCA RE/MAX Series win. He has 41 career ARCA RE/MAX Series starts. In all, 25 of the 35 drivers in Sunday’s Hantz Group 200 presented by Federated Car Care have not visited an ARCA RE/MAX Series victory lane during their racing careers; 15 of the 25 finished Sunday’s event at Toledo Speedway on the lead lap.
New SIM Factory Pole Award Winner at Toledo; Andy Hanson
Win-Tron Racing driver Andy Hanson, in a No. 32 Long Haul Trucking/Roll-Tite Dodge, shattered the ARCA RE/MAX Series qualifying record at Toledo Speedway on Saturday afternoon, becoming the first pole winner to break the 15-second barrier at the half-mile oval. Hanson’s time of 15.891 seconds was well over the previous track record of 16.359 seconds, set by Frank Kimmel in 2001 when the racing surface was freshly paved. Hanson’s qualifying time was also significantly faster than outside polesitter Ken Schrader’s 16.127-second lap.
Hanson made his qualifying attempt in a Dodge fielded by long-time ARCA RE/MAX Series team Win-Tron Racing. In addition to Hanson, Win-Tron Racing has acquired ARCA RE/MAX Series Pole Awards with Michael Annett (2007), Blake Bjorklund (2006) and Joey Miller (2005). The team, which was formally called Country Joe Racing, has a total of seven ARCA RE/MAX Series victories. Hanson is the third consecutive driver to earn a SIM Factory Pole Award in his career first series attempt (Sean Caisse earned the pole at Kentucky and Joey Logano earned the pole at Rockingham).
This was the first ARCA RE/MAX Series event at Toledo Speedway in which the teams competed on the newly developed Hoosier Short Track Radial Tire, a switch from the bias-ply tires utilized in the past.
RAB Racing’s Townley Finishes 16th at Toledo; Preparing for NCTS Debut
After six consecutive weekends of racing, the ARCA RE/MAX Series has two weekends off before race eight of the 2008 ARCA RE/MAX Series schedule–the Pocono 200 at Pocono Raceway on Saturday, June 7th. SunTrust Rookie of the Year contender John Wes Townley, who is currently fifth in the ARCA RE/MAX Series point standings, will spend next weekend’s break at Mansfield Motorsports Park in Ohio for the Ohio 250 NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series race. He is scheduled to make his series debut in the No. 09 Zaxby’s Ford for Roush Fenway Racing.
ARCA RE/MAX Series Teams Step Up For Big Brothers Big Sisters Charity Challenge
Several ARCA RE/MAX Series teams accepted the Big Brothers Big Sisters Charity Challenge, raising $809 for the organization, the charity of choice for this weekend’s ARCA RE/MAX Series race and ARCA Fan Fest event at Toledo Speedway.
Sheltra Motorsports (driver Patrick Sheltra), Team Glock Racing (driver Dexter Bean) and Justin Allgaier Motorsports (driver Justin Allgaier) each donated $1 per lap completed in Sunday’s Hantz Group 200 presented by Federated Car Care to the Big Brothers Big Sisters organization. Hixson Racing and driver Donny Kelley donated $1.50 for each lap they completed in Sunday’s race.
Children in the Big Brothers Big Sisters of Northwestern Ohio program had the opportunity to meet several ARCA RE/MAX Series drivers on Saturday when they visited the track for the ARCA Fan Fest event.
Hantz Group 200 presented by Federated Car Care to Air on MavTV
The Hantz Group 200 presented by Federated Car Care at Toledo Speedway 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.
Next up for the ARCA RE/MAX Series: Pocono Raceway on June 7th
The Hantz Group 200 presented by Federated Car Care at Toledo Speedway marked the end of a busy, six week stretch of action for the series. Teams and officials have two weekends off from racing competition until the Pocono 200 at Pocono Raceway at 1 p.m. on Saturday, June 7th, 2008. The race will air on SPEED at 10 p.m., also on June 7th. Arcaracing.com will feature live timing and scoring for all ARCA RE/MAX Series on-track sessions at Pocono.
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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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I.N. Sider notes the end of an Indy 500 tradition in the new Behind [Closed] Garage Doors column, now posted at www.Valvoline.com.
Insider Racing News
insiderracingnews.com/Writers/AM/052008.html
All-Star Race Sizzle Is Gone?
by Allen Madding
RaceTalkRadio.com:
Fan Vote or Sponsor Dollars – Making the Grade All Star Race by Dennis Michelsen
www.racetalkradio.com/soz/id125.htm
Once Mark Cronquist works all the bugs out, that new Toyota engine looks like a zinger!
independenttribune.net/index.php/sports/mulhern/
Cheers & Jeers
All Stars, Yes — Excitement, Not So Much
by Carol Einarsson
CHEERS to the All Star Race and Humpy’s big show! It’s racing and it’s the circus, all at one track. And no elephants were harmed in the making of this race.
Continue Reading…
www.racejournalonline.com/index.cfm?Pagename=column&id=462
TWIN Continues To Find Its Footing
dalyplanet.blogspot.com/2008/05/twin-continues-to-find-its-footing.html
NASCAR Now Orders The Right Combo-Platter
dalyplanet.blogspot.com/2008/05/nascar-now-orders-right-combo-platter.html
New ESPN Network May Be A Reality\
dalyplanet.blogspot.com/2008/05/new-espn-network-may-be-reality.html
Indy 500 TV Review And Open Forum Tuesday
dalyplanet.blogspot.com/2008/05/indy-500-tv-review-and-open-forum.html
Two And Done For NASCAR On Fox
dalyplanet.blogspot.com/2008/05/two-and-done-for-nascar-on-fox.html
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T V * L I S T I N G S
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Courtesy of Jayski
Tue May 20
12:00 am This Week in NASCAR SPEED
12:00 am NASCAR Now ESPN2
8:00 am This Week in NASCAR SPEED
6:00 pm NASCAR Now ESPN2
Wed May 21
2:00 am NASCAR Now ESPN2
9:00 am SportsCentury: Tony Stewart ESPNC
12:00 pm NSCS Replay All-Star Race SPEED
6:00 pm NASCAR Now ESPN2
9:00 pm Drafting Partners GAC
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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Honda Civic for sale
