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As you might have noticed, we’re having some technical issues, but we hope to work through those soon. In the meantime, here’s the most recent edition of 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/RomanRoad.html
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The Stock Car Gazette is sponsored by:

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E d i t o r ‘ s * N o t e s
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So you got a Saturday edition to make up for no Friday edition….. now here’s a Tuesday edition to make up for no Monday edition. Got that?

Seriously, if you have any curiousity about when an edition of the Stock Car Gazette has been sent out or not, just check the website www.motorsportsnews.net. We’ll do our best to post current status out there, especially if there is a problem.

Biggest news of late is that Busch will no longer be sponsoring the “Busch Series” after 2007. More below.
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Stock Car Gazette Columnists Speak Out!
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TV Times
By: Lou Modestino

NASCAR Busch Series fans will have a new television destination in 2007.

For more: motorsportsnews.net/archives/143
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Web site exclusives
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Technical Difficulties - UPDATE - Fixed (we think)
motorsportsnews.net/archives/144
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N A S C A R * N E X T E L * C U P * S E R I E S
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Courtesy of Insider Racing News
www.insiderracingnews.com

Budweiser Priced Out Of NASCAR Market
Anheuser-Busch will no longer serve as title sponsor of NASCAR’s No. 2 series after 2007, Street & Smith’s SportsBusiness Journal reports. Anheuser-Busch’s contract with NASCAR for the NASCAR Busch Series comes to an end after 2007, and NASCAR officials say the cost to sponsor the series will go up. SBJ reports that industry sources are estimating the new sponsorship deal could be worth more than $30 million a year, which is three times what Anheuser-Busch is paying.

Former NASCAR Official Pleads Guilty To Sex Charges
Former NASCAR spokesman Richard “Chip” Williams agreed to plead guilty to child sex charges, according to federal court documents filed Friday. Williams, 49, signed a plea agreement acknowledging that he is guilty of sexual abuse of a minor, enticement of a minor and sexual exploitation of a child, the agreement says. He will be sentenced later and could face up to 75 years in prison. The plea agreement says the law requires him to serve at least five years on the enticement of a minor charge and at least 15 years on the sexual exploitation charge.

Clay Regazzoni Dies In Car Crash
Switzerland’s Clay Regazzoni, who finished second to Emerson Fittipaldi in the 1974 Formula One world drivers’ championship, has died in a car accident near Parma, Ansa news agency reported. The 67-year-old, whose career ended with a crash paralysing his legs, died in a three-vehicle accident on the Milan-Bologna motorway on Friday. The driver, born in Lugano, Switzerland, competed in 132 Grands Prix between 1970 and 1980, and won five Grand Prix and five pole positions. Most of his career was with Ferrari (1970-1972) then (1974-1976) with spells at BRM (1973), Ensign-Ford (1977,1980) Shadow Ford (1978) and Williams (1979).

Ekstrom Wins Race of Champions
Mattias Ekstrom beat three-time world rally champion Sebastien Loeb Saturday to win the Race of Champions at Stade de France. Loeb raced for the first time since breaking his arm in September and reached the final for the third straight year. The Frenchman won last year and lost to Finland’s Heikki Kovalainen in 2004. In elimination rounds under heavy rain, competitors were split into two groups of eight — the Rally Group and the Racing Group — and drove cars ranging from an Aston Martin V8 GT Rally, a Porsche RSR GT3 and a Renault Megane Trophy. Loeb beat X-Games racer Travis Pastrana of the United States in the quarterfinals, and Britain’s Colin McRae in the semis. Pastrana was the only American competing after F1 driver Scott Speed’s withdrawal Friday followed by that of NASCAR stock-car champion Jimmie Johnson — who broke his wrist last weekend in a fall from a golf cart. Indy Racing League champion Sam Hornish Jr. had declined because of the short notice.

More Drivers Added To “Sound and Speed”
A number of legendary and current NASCAR drivers have been added to the second annual Sound & Speed festival, which takes place Jan. 12 and 13 in downtown Nashville. Participants now include Cale Yarborough, Junie Donlavey and Richard Childress, owner of Childress Racing, along with Richard Petty, Kyle Petty, Michael Waltrip, Ryan Newman, Jamie McMurray, Bobby Hamilton Jr., Dave Stremme and Aric Almirola. The event raises money for the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum and the Victory Junction Gang Camp for children with serious illnesses.

Jeff Gordon Children’s Hospital Opens
Jeff Gordon saw firsthand the strain and heartache childhood illnesses bring early in his career when Ray Evernham’s young son was diagnosed with leukemia. Watching his crew chief battle to find top-notch care for Ray J. stuck with Gordon, who made children’s charities a top priority of his foundation. His largest contribution yet came to fruition Saturday when the ribbon was cut at the Jeff Gordon Children’s Hospital, a 28-bed pediatric unit at Northeast Medical Center. “I was introduced to these illnesses through Ray Evernham and Ray J., and after you see somebody go through that it makes you want to give your time to things like Make-A-Wish Foundation and the Riley Hospital for Children (in Indianapolis),” Gordon said. — “Then you are meeting the kids and meeting the doctors and you become so educated that you are just drawn into it and you can’t help but want to give whatever you can.”
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Courtesy of Jayski
www.jayski.com

Anheuser-Busch will NOT return as “Busch” series sponsor after 2007
www.jayski.com/busch/busch.htm

DW in the ‘Nutcracker’: Nashville Ballet’s “Nutcracker,” which signifies the beginning of the holiday season for many locals, opened last night in TPAC’s Jackson Hall. As with any other holiday tradition, the comforting familiarity of the story and Tchaikovsky’s music quickly drew the audience into “Nutcracker’s” action. Clara’s Christmas party, a dream that takes her on a fantastic journey with a prince, Drosselmeyer’s magic, giant mice, toy soldiers and confections come to life are standard, well-loved fare that held even the youngest members of the audience rapt throughout the evening. Act II performance highlights included Christine Rennie and Eddie Mikrut as Dew Drop and Dew Drop Cavalier, Robert Gosnell as Chinese, and Eric Harris with Sadie Harris and Kimberly Ratcliffe as Marzipan. Darrell Waltrip played the humorous Mother Ginger with an engaging, understated demeanor that brought laughter from the audience, especially when he turned to reveal a racing logo on the back of his enormous skirt.(Tennessean)(12-19-2006)

Rudd/Yates announcement today? UPDATE nope…not yet. Previously paired for the 2000-2002 seasons, Ricky Rudd and Robert Yates Racing on Monday will announce the driver and car owner will again become an item for the 2007 NASCAR Nextel Cup season. Rudd will take over the driving duties vacated by 1999 Cup champ Dale Jarrett at the end of the 2006 season, joining David Gilliland, who will drive the #38 M&M’s RYR Ford.(Motorsport.com), rumors have the #88 using the #28 that was previously used by Yates and Rudd and the Mar’s Company as the sponsor with other brands being used such as Snickers, Pedigree and Combos on the car.(12-18-2006)
UPDATE: no announcement on Monday, Dec 18th.(12-19-2006)

added 37 images to the 2006 Paint Schemes pages
www.jayski.com/schemes/2006cup.htm

Carter leaves MWR? heads to Roush? hearing that Crew Chief Larry Carter, recently announced as #00-David Reutimann’s crew chief at Michael Waltrip Racing, supposedly has left MWR and will be #26-Jamie McMurray’ crew chief at Roush Racing.(12-18-2006)

Geoff Bodine Daytona 500 deal falls thru: Geoff Bodine said Wednesday [Dec 13th] he hasn’t been able to find a team to run a car in February’s Daytona 500 Nextel Cup race. Bodine, who has been in retirement for the past season or so, said in November he has a sponsor — energy drink Mona Vie — that wants to put him in a car during NASCAR’s season-opening Cup race. “It’s the hardest thing to find a Cup car and team to do it, so I’ve pretty much written off a Cup deal,” Bodine said. “I’m going to try and pursue another angle.” Geoff said he’s exploring rides in the other series running at Daytona, along with non-race options. “I’m looking to try to get something so I can to be there at Daytona,” Bodine said. Bodine will travel to Lake Placid, N.Y., this weekend to watch the World Cup Bobsled event and make some runs of his own on the bobsled track with his NASCAR sled. From Jan. 5 to 7, Bodine will host the second annual Geoff Bodine Bobsled Challenge at the Verizon Sports Complex, an event to help raise money for the U.S. Olympic Bobsled team, which uses Bo-Dyn sleds developed through Bodine.(Elmira Star Gazette)(12-18-2006) www.bodinebobsled.com/

Jeff Gordon, 35, hopes to compete on NASCAR’s premier circuit well past his current contract with Hendrick Motorsports, which expires in 2010. He might go 10 years beyond that, perhaps longer if he can work out a limited schedule the way Mark Martin has for next season. “I want to do it as long as I can,” Gordon said Saturday before the ribbon-cutting ceremony for the Jeff Gordon Children’s Hospital. “I’ve always said as long as I’m competitive and healthy and enjoying being out there [I want to do this], and right now I definitely am. Who knows? Things change. Life changes.”(ESPN.com)(12-18-2006)

Lester’s Cup hopes dim: Bill Lester’s chances of landing a Nextel Cup ride in 2007 have dimmed with news that he has left the Bill Davis Racing fold to sign a full-time Craftsman Truck Series deal with #15-Billy Ballew Motorsports. Lester, who became the first black driver to start a Nextel Cup race in 20 years when he qualified for the March race at the Atlanta Motor Speedway had been looking at securing a limited Cup programme at least in 2007 with BDR and Toyota, for whom he has driven the last couple of Truck seasons with. However no that Lester has left the BDR fold that now looks unlikely. While Lester has at least secured a full time ride in one of the top three NASCAR series,’ Billy Ballew Motorsports do not have a Cup or Busch Series program and Lester must now seek occasional Cup outings around his NCTS commitments.(crash.net)(12-18-2006)

Staying out of Wrecks Helps Chase Chances: It’s Motor Sports 101 that avoiding wrecks keeps a car in the race. But NASCAR teams are learning that staying out of crashes also puts a driver in the Chase. USA TODAY database research of the 2006 season found of the drivers with the five lowest crash percentages, four qualified for the Chase for the Nextel Cup. #9-Kasey Kahne and #29-Kevin Harvick tied with a series-low accident rate of 13.9% (five wrecks in 36 races) among drivers to compete in 30 or more races. Series champion #48-Jimmie Johnson tied for third at 16.7%, and Chase runner-up #17-Matt Kenseth (19.4%) was tied for sixth. Rookie #11-Denny Hamlin, who finished third in points, had a 16.7% crash rating that tied with Johnson and #22-Dave Blaney, who missed the Chase. #6-Mark Martin, who wrapped his final full Cup season in the Chase, also finished sixth with a rate of 19.4%. Martin, Johnson and Kenseth are the only three drivers to make all three editions of the Chase and also rank in the top 10 in crash avoidance each season since 2004.(USA Today)(12-16-2006), drivers with the highest crash percentage included #18-J.J. Yeley (47.2%), #01-Joe Nemechek (44.4%), #12-Ryan Newman (41.7%), #42-Casey Mears(41.7%), and #7-Robby Gordon(41.7%).
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Courtesy of Stock Car Gazette subscriber Kent D. - thanks!

Off-season gives Biffle time to fish
Palm Beach Post - FL, United States
… it, was pretty neat.”. Biffle began saltwater fishing in 1998, his first year in NASCAR’s Craftsman Truck Series. He and his father …
snipurl.com/15awx-stockc

“Jeff Burton”
Sometimes in racing, nice guys do finish first Nascar - USA
By Ryan Smithson, NASCAR.COM. Jeff Burton has been around the Cup party for 12 years, or roughly the time spanning Dale Earnhardt’s last championship.
www.nascar.com/2006/news/opinion/12/18/rsmithson.burton/

Center city office space on way
Charlotte Observer - Charlotte,NC,USA
NASCAR Plaza, a 19-story Class A building, cleared the final hurdle with City Council last week, joining four others office projects announced or under …
www.charlotte.com/mld/charlotte/16262407.htm

NASCAR safety and security officials will converge on the Embassy Suites Charlotte-Concord and Concord Convention Center after it opens next month. It’s part of the fourth annual NASCAR Security Summit for security, emergency and operations workers at NASCAR tracks — as well as local law enforcement officials, firefighters, EMS workers and others. About 300 people are expected to attend.This is the first year the event is being held in Concord, NASCAR spokesman Kerry Tharp said. NASCAR and its security provider, Ingersoll Rand Security Technologies, are hosting the Jan. 12-14 conference. The three-day meeting will be one of the first for the convention center complex, which opens Jan. 8. — adam bell © 2006 Charlotte Observer and wire service sources. All Rights Reserved. www.charlotte.com

Busch Series looking for new sponsor in 2008 Akron Beacon Journal -Akron,OH,USA
The NASCAR Busch Series will be looking for a new title sponsor after next season. NASCAR officials confirmed Monday that Anheuser …
www.ohio.com/mld/ohio/sports/motorsports/16267902.htm

NASCAR fans can hear Bill Elliott
Shakopee Valley News - Shakopee,MN,USA Turtle’s Bar and Grill, 132 First Ave. in Shakopee, is hosting a Q&A teleconference with NASCAR driver Bill Elliott on Tuesday, Dec. …
www.shakopeenews.com/node/1114
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JEGS enters contingency program with NASCAR; will sponsor 60 local tracks
DELAWARE, Ohio (December 15, 2006) - Just days after announcing its sponsorship of veteran NASCAR racer Kenny Wallace, JEGS Mail Order has unveiled a comprehensive contingency program for the country’s most …
www.motorsport.com/news/article.asp?ID=240202

The Earnhardt family feud is heating up.
Teresa Earnhardt, the widow of the late Dale Earnhardt and stepmother of Dale Earnhardt, Jr. took a pot-shot at the young driver in Thursday’s Wall Street Journal.
When asked about Earnhardt, Jr. and his relationship with his father’s …
www.motorsport.com/news/article.asp?ID=240241
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Courtesy of Scene Daily
www.scenedaily.com

Busch no longer sponsoring series after 2007
Anheuser-Busch will no longer serve as title sponsor of NASCAR’s No. 2 series after 2007, Street & Smith’s SportsBusiness Journal reports. Anheuser-Busch’s contract with NASCAR for the NASCAR Busch Series comes to an end after 2007, and NASCAR officials say the cost to sponsor the series will go up.
www.scenedaily.com/ct/c/22589600

Toyota co-sponsoring Nextel Cup race
Infineon Raceway officials have announced that Toyota will serve as co-title sponsor for the June 24 NASCAR Nextel Cup race at the track.
www.scenedaily.com/ct/c/22589601

Top 30: Brian Vickers, 15th
www.scenedaily.com/ct/c/22589603

France considers traffic accident a closed case
After Daytona Beach Police officers were determined to have followed proper procedures investigating a traffic accident of NASCAR Chairman Brian France, the NASCAR head says he considers the issue closed.
www.scenedaily.com/ct/c/22589604
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Courtesy of That’s Racin’
www.thatsracin.com

TOP STORY
DEI can’t afford to drive away Dale Earnhardt Jr.
Can’t he have it all?
Teresa Earnhardt said it’s time for her stepson, Dale Earnhardt Jr., to make an important decision.
www.thatsracin.com/mld/thatsracin/16271086.htm

Wal-Mart Series? It could happen in ‘08
NASCAR shops for sponsor after learning Busch won’t renew deal
The NASCAR Busch Series will be looking for a new title sponsor after next season.
www.thatsracin.com/mld/thatsracin/16267902.htm

Family ties strong in ARCA testing; Toyota fastest
www.thatsracin.com/mld/thatsracin/16251184.htm

Andy Belmont Racing Flocks To Daytona Test With Freshman Group
www.thatsracin.com/mld/thatsracin/16249464.htm
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P R E S S * R E L E A S E S
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DIS Creates “Said–Head”

Ticket Offer For Budweiser Shootout

DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. – It was one of the most surprising moments of the 2006 NASCAR NEXTEL Cup Series season when road racing specialist Boris Said captured the Bud Pole for the 2006 Pepsi 400 and qualified for the 2007 Budweiser Shootout.

In honor of the tall, bushy haired driver’s achievement, Daytona International Speedway has created a unique ticket package for the 29th annual Budweiser Shootout on Saturday, Feb. 10.

The Said-Head Offer, available for $70, includes a reserved seat for the Budweiser Shootout in the Weatherly Tower, a NEXTEL FANZONE admission as well as access to the VIP area for the Boris Said question and answer session in the NEXTEL FANZONE and a Said-Head wig.

Said-Heads, the unofficial nickname of Boris Said fans, are most prominently seen at Watkins Glen (N.Y.) International wearing curly wigs and Boris Said T-shirts.

“We hope all race fans and ‘Said-Heads’ are able to take advantage of this special ticket offer,” Daytona International Speedway President Robin Braig said. “Boris Said’s pole during the Pepsi 400 Weekend was a huge surprise and he could pull off an even bigger upset by winning the Budweiser Shootout.”

Boris Said will be making his second start in the Budweiser Shootout, an All-Star race featuring the previous season’s pole winners and past Budweiser Shootout champions. In his Budweiser Shootout debut in 2004, he finished 10th driving the No. 01 U.S. Army Chevrolet.

Said, who finished fourth in the 2006 Pepsi 400, will be among 21 drivers that are eligible for the Budweiser Shootout.

Other drivers that have won pole positions during the 2006 season and qualified for 2007 Budweiser Shootout are three-time Daytona 500 champion Jeff Gordon, 2006 Daytona 500 winner NEXTEL Cup Series champion Jimmie Johnson, 2006 Budweiser Shootout champion Denny Hamlin, Brian Vickers, rookie driver David Gilliland, Kevin Harvick, Jeff Burton, Kurt Busch, Greg Biffle, Kasey Kahne, Kyle Busch, Elliott Sadler, Scott Riggs and Ryan Newman.

Past Budweiser Shootout champions eligible for the 2007 event are Dale Jarrett, Dale Earnhardt Jr., Tony Stewart, Mark Martin, Ken Schrader and Bill Elliott.

Speedweeks 2007 kicks off with the Rolex 24 At Daytona on Jan. 27-28. Also on tap for the three-week festival of speed are the Budweiser Shootout (Feb. 10), Bud Pole Qualifying for the Daytona 500 (Feb. 11), the Gatorade Duel (Feb. 15), the Chevy Silverado HD 250 Craftsman Truck Series race and IROC (Feb. 16), the Daytona 300 Busch Series race (Feb. 17) and the 49th annual Daytona 500 (Feb. 18).

Tickets to all exciting events at Daytona International Speedway are available online at www.racetickets.com or by calling 1-800-PITSHOP.
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N A S C A R * B U S C H * S E R I E S
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Courtesy of BGNRacing.Com
www.bgnracing.com

The entire organization at FitzBradshaw Racing and FitzContreras Racing is celebrating the news that team driver Ruben Pardo has been selected as the Outstanding Motor Sport Driver at the Premios Fox Sports presented by DHL, a ceremony honoring Latino athletes and personalities from the world of sports both on and off the field. He won the final race of the season at Lime Rock Park to become the first Latino driver in NASCAR history to win a race, and the first to hold a title such as Rookie of the Year. Team Owner Armando Fitz was also ecstatic with Pardo’s success. “This is unbelievable. I’m really happy for Ruben and our organization. Yesterday, he also picked up the Hispanic Athlete of the Year Award, so he’s had a fantastic week! We’re proud of what we’ve done in the Busch East series this year,” Fitz beamed. “We’re very thankful to Premios Fox Sports and DHL for their generosity and recognition of Ruben’s efforts this year. We look forward to getting back on the track with Ruben in 2007, as we do plan on entering him in a few Busch Series races in addition to his Busch East schedule.” (FBR PR) (12-17-06)

Mark Martin has added at least five truck races for Wood Brothers Racing and five races for a Busch team that he wouldn’t name to his 2007 schedule and Hendrick Motorsports confirmed it has had discussions with him. Martin’s Nextel Cup plan remains the same as it was when the deal (with Ginn) was announced in September - Martin will drive at least the first four races and he said his schedule will include Darlington and Indianapolis. (NASCAR Scene) (12-17-06)
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Courtesy of Jayski
www.jayski.com

New Series Sponsor in 2008?: UPDATE 3: The NASCAR Busch Series is expected to have a new title sponsor in 2008, multiple sources close to ongoing negotiations told NASCAR.COM on Saturday at Dover. Potential replacement candidates were not disclosed. NASCAR spokesman Jim Hunter confirmed that 2007 is the final year of the existing contract between Anheuser-Busch and NASCAR, while stressing that discussions about the future are ongoing. “All I can tell you is we’re working on 2007, and Busch is certainly a part of that,” Hunter said. “We’re in discussions about the future.” The sources, each of whom spoke on condition of anonymity, all agreed that Anheuser-Busch is re-evaluating the Busch brand’s status as title sponsor of NASCAR’s second-highest series, and where it fits in the company’s overall marketing strategy. Tony Ponturo, Anheuser-Busch vice president of global media and sports marketing, said nothing of the sort. “We haven’t even begun negotiations,” Ponturo said Saturday. “Renewal negotiations begin next spring.”(NASCAR.com)(9-23-2006)
UPDATE: Hearing the Monster Energy drink, which is distributed [not owned] by Anheuser-Busch, will be the new sponsor of the ‘Busch’ Series. So the Monster Series or the Monster Energy Drink Series?.(9-28-2006)
UPDATE 2: Anheuser-Busch will no longer serve as title sponsor of NASCAR’s #2 series after 2007, Street & Smith’s SportsBusiness Journal reports. Anheuser-Busch’s contract with NASCAR for the NASCAR Busch Series comes to an end after 2007, and NASCAR officials say the cost to sponsor the series will go up. Tony Ponturo, Anheuser-Busch’s vice president of global media and sports marketing, told the SBJ that it was his company’s decision to withdraw from the sponsorship. SBJ reports that industry sources are estimating the new sponsorship deal could be worth more than $30 million a year, which is three times what Anheuser-Busch is paying.(SceneDaily.com)(12-18-2006)
UPDATE 3: According to the SportsBusiness Journal, Subway, Wal-Mart and Samsung “are expected to make strong plays for the title deal.”(FoxSports.com)(12-18-2006)

Montreal preparations going well: NASCAR Busch Series officials are confident that they are on course with their preparations for their first visit to Canada next year. One of the main issues with the circuit is the size of the pitlane, as the field will be twice the size of a Formula One grid. Some teams will not be able to work in the F1-style garages in the pits, but [Busch Series Director Joe] Balash doesn’t expect it to cause many problems.(Autosport.com)(12-18-2006)

David Green Tests ARCA car for Hendrick: David Green continues to be the “Test Man” for Hendrick Motorsports. Fresh off a “Car of Tomorrow” test at Greenville-Pickens Speedway, Green climbed into the team’s ARCA RE/MAX Series car on Saturday at Daytona International Speedway and was able to put the #87 ChevY second on the speed chart with a lap of 181.167 mph.(RacingOne.com)(12-17-2006)
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Anheuser-Busch out of Busch series after 2007
Anheuser-Busch will not serve at the title sponsor of the Busch Series after the 2007 season, multiple sources have confirmed.
Andrew Giangola, NASCAR’s Director of Business Communications, also confirmed that Anheuser-Busch had decided to end their affiliation in the …
www.motorsport.com/news/article.asp?ID=240283

MIKE OLSEN CROWNED 2006 CHAMPION OF NASCAR GRAND NATIONAL DIVISION, BUSCH EAST SERIES; DRIVERS HONORED INCLUDE KOBYLUCK, LEWANDOSKI, BOULEY, CAISSE, PARDO, ANTON, & HOAR
UNCASVILLE, Conn. (Dec. 16, 2006) — Mike Olsen was officially presented with the awards marking his second NASCAR Grand …
www.motorsport.com/news/article.asp?ID=240232
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Advertise your product or service here - reasonable rates!

Sponsor the Busch Series or CTS section of the Stock Car Gazette!

Contact Mike@MotorSportsNews.Net for all the details….

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Wal-Mart Series? It could happen in ‘08
NASCAR shops for sponsor after learning Busch won’t renew deal
The NASCAR Busch Series will be looking for a new title sponsor after next season.
www.thatsracin.com/mld/thatsracin/16267902.htm
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C R A F T S M A N * T R U C K * S E R I E S
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Courtesy of Jayski
www.jayski.com

Lester’s Cup hopes dim: Bill Lester’s chances of landing a Nextel Cup ride in 2007 have dimmed with news that he has left the Bill Davis Racing fold to sign a full-time Craftsman Truck Series deal with #15-Billy Ballew Motorsports. Lester, who became the first black driver to start a Nextel Cup race in 20 years when he qualified for the March race at the Atlanta Motor Speedway had been looking at securing a limited Cup programme at least in 2007 with BDR and Toyota, for whom he has driven the last couple of Truck seasons with. However no that Lester has left the BDR fold that now looks unlikely. While Lester has at least secured a full time ride in one of the top three NASCAR series,’ Billy Ballew Motorsports do not have a Cup or Busch Series program and Lester must now seek occasional Cup outings around his NCTS commitments.(crash.net)(12-18-2006)
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Courtesy of TruckSeries.Com
www.truckseries.com

2006 NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series Review
www.truckseries.com/cgi-script/NCTS_06/articles/000093/009382.htm

Huge PRI Show Photo Gallery Posted on StewartComponents.com
www.truckseries.com/cgi-script/NCTS_06/articles/000093/009384.htm
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A R C A (Automobile Racing Club of America)
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Courtesy of ARCA
www.arcaracing.com

Kimmel Family Tradition Continues in Daytona Testing; 3rd Generation Turns Laps

Toyota Tops ARCA RE/MAX Series Speed Charts After 3-Day Test

Record 75 Drivers Test!!

DAYTONA BEACH FL (12-17-06) – In 54 consecutive years of ARCA RE/MAX Series racing, the renowned national tour has taken its share of twists and turns with a variety of interesting personalities and poignant story lines.

One such name forever synonymous with the ARCA story is Kimmel. It started with three-time series winner Bill Kimmel, Sr. before his son Frank Kimmel stepped up with an unprecedented eight ARCA RE/MAX Series national titles for the record books.

Now, make way for the third generation of Kimmel racers, two of which took their first laps Sunday afternoon around Daytona Int’l Speedway aboard Frank’s no. 46 Ford Fusion.

Frankie Kimmel, son of Frank Kimmel, went out in the Sunday morning session and turned an impressive lap of 49.887 seconds, an average speed of 180.408 mph. The mark settled in at 8th on the speed charts among 50 drivers who made morning attempts.

Then Will Kimmel, son of Bill Kimmel, Jr. (Frank Kimmel’s brother and crew chief), lowered the mark even more with a lap of 49.804, an average speed of 180.708 mph.

But it was still father Frank who, in the same car, went the fastest – 181.309 mph, third overall in the morning session.

“Bill and I both have sons that are racing and are doing good in their respective classes,” said Frank Kimmel. We had to be down here for the PRI Show (in Orlando) so we knew we were going to be free on Sunday and brought the car over. I shook it down and made sure everything was running good on it, and then we let the boys go out.”

In fact, the car the Kimmels’ tested was the same car that served as the show car in the ARCA booth at the PRI show over the weekend, which is why the Kimmel crew didn’t show up to the three-day Daytona test until Sunday.

“It knocks the edge off if they (Frankie and Will) get fortunate enough to come here and race. They can say they’ve been here; in a controlled situation, it was a good safe deal for them.

“But it was a really tough deal for me. I knew I’d be nervous….putting my son and nephew in the car, but I didn’t know I’d be that nervous. They were all making fun of me; but what a deal to be able to give them the opportunity to drive a good car at Daytona.

“I was definitely more nervous than I thought I’d be. But we’re very proud of both; they did a great job. Will actually went out and went just a little quicker than Frankie. Then Frankie wanted to go back out and see if he could beat it. We put an end to that in a hurry; we’re not starting that.

“Frankie’s got very few laps in a stock car. He’s got a lot of seat-time in the Mini-Cup, but not in a full-blown stock car. He did an excellent job. His biggest chore was getting out of the pits; he’s never raced a car with a clutch before.”

“It was pretty fun,” said Frankie Kimmel. “It felt like my Mini-Cup car. It didn’t feel like you were going too fast until you looked at the fence and you have the fence flying by and then you realize you’re running 180 mph out there.”

Will Kimmel had a little different take. “I can’t believe how narrow the place is,” said Will Kimmel. “I had a great time and I’m glad my uncle and dad let me do this. This is a fun place. The speed sensation is awesome.”

Frank Kimmel will be back at DIS in February chasing that elusive first Daytona ARCA 200 win at “The World Center of Racing”. He’s planning on using the same car that he won with at Talladega Superspeedway in the fall.

“We think we can come here and be strong,” Kimmel said. “It’s just a matter of luck and being at the right place at the right time.”

Toyota Tops Overall Speed Charts
A record 75 drivers tested during the three-day ARCA RE/MAX Series test, but it was open-wheeler Josh Wise, in a Toyota, who may have turned the most heads.

Toyota’s first stock car test at Daytona International Speedway proved successful. Wise and the No. 22 Eddie Sharp Racing Toyota Camry were the fastest of the entire three-day test with a lap of 181.925 mph, turned in Saturday’s session.

The ARCA RE/MAX Series test session marked the first time that a Toyota stock car has turned laps at DIS. For Speedweeks 2007, Toyota will kick off its first year competing in the NASCAR NEXTEL Cup Series. But the renowned automaker will debut in the ARCA RE/MAX Series at DIS.

The No. 22 Eddie Sharp Racing team, which will compete in the Feb. 10 ARCA 200 with Wise, has an alliance with Michael Waltrip Racing, which will field three Toyotas in the NEXTEL Cup Series in 2007.

“They got to try a lot of things,” said Wise, the ’06 USAC National Sprint Car Series champion and the ’06 Belleville Midget Nationals champion. “We got to shake down the Toyota engine and car. It was successful. We got to weed out a lot of things and it was good for me to come here and get some laps.”

Rusty Wallace Tests ARCA RE/MAX Series for son Steve
For the first time since the 2006 Rolex 24 At Daytona, Rusty Wallace was turning laps in a racecar at Daytona International Speedway. Wallace visited Daytona International Speedway to assist his son Steve during the final day of ARCA RE/MAX Series testing.

Steve Wallace will compete for Rusty Wallace Inc. in a full NASCAR Busch Series schedule in 2007 and will also race in the Feb. 10 ARCA 200 ARCA RE/MAX Series season opener.

“He hasn’t been to Daytona,” the 1989 NASCAR champion said of his son Steve. “He’s been flying everywhere else we’ve taken him but I just want to make sure when he comes down here he has a good handling car.

“I got in the car. It ran real good, the motor ran good but it drove a little too free for me. I told Steve, ‘In order to race this thing, you’re going to have to tighten this thing up. You only have a couple hours of practice, go out there and make these changes I suggest and tell me what it does.’

“To him, if feels pretty good but to me it needs to be a little bit tighter to be stable in a long run. That’s just the fatherly advice I’m giving him.”

Wallace, who has retired as a driver to serve as an analyst for ESPN’s racing coverage, hopes his advice can be helpful.

“I know what works here and what doesn’t work here,” Wallace said. “When I got in the car, it came right back to me. It was like I just got out of it yesterday. It didn’t feel any different. They made changes and now he’s going back out. We’ll see what he says.”

Green, Hendrick Fastest on Sunday
David Green, the 1994 NASCAR Busch Series champion and two-time Busch Series runner-up, and Hendrick Motorsports posted the fastest speed on Sunday with a lap of 181.796 mph in the No. 87 Chevrolet.

Green, who hopes to have his plans for 2007 finalized soon, does research and development work for Hendrick Motorsports, winner of the past two Daytona 500s with Jeff Gordon and Jimmie Johnson.

The purpose of the test was to create a baseline on an ARCA car for a soon-to-be-announced development driver. Green didn’t know whom the driver was going to be and said the car would most likely race in an ARCA race at Talladega Superspeedway.

“We’re trying to establish a starting point for this kid when they go forward with that program,” Green said. “It’s fun to come test with these guys being at the moment unemployed. We’re working on some stuff for next year. Hopefully we’ll have some answers this week on our future for ’07 in the Busch Series.

“Rick (Hendrick) is letting me do a lot of testing for all of his teams and the Car of Tomorrow has been a lot of fun to test. We’ve got a few more on the schedule. Kyle (Busch) is off in Hawaii. Maybe that’s why he took his vacation this time but that’s OK because I had a ball. It’s always fun to hang out with Alan (Gustafson) and the 5 team.”

Overall ARCA RE/MAX Series Official Test Speeds
Daytona Int’l Speedway, Daytona Beach FL
December 15-17, 2006

Pos. No. Name Best Laptime Speed Make
1 22 Josh Wise 49.471 181.925 Toyota
2 87 David Green 49.506 181.796 Chevy
3 61 Steve Wallace 49.576 181.539 Dodge
4 5 Bobby Gerhart 49.601 181.448 Chevy
5 7C Brian Smith 49.612 181.408 Chevy
6 85 Greg Barnhart 49.625 181.360 Ford
7 2 Michael McDowell 49.638 181.313 Dodge
8 46 Frank Kimmel 49.639 181.309 Ford
9 5A Brad Coleman 49.664 181.218 Chevy
10 98 Erin Crocker 49.726 180.992 Dodge
11 58 Damon Lusk 49.767 180.843 Dodge
12 50 Chase Pistone 49.786 180.774 Dodge
13 46 Will Kimmel 49.804 180.708 Ford
14 12 John Jackson 49.832 180.607 Chevy
15 64 Josh Allison 49.853 180.531 Dodge
16 46 Frank Kimmel II 49.887 180.408 Ford
17 42 Phillip McGilton 49.899 180.364 Chevy
18 72 Gabi Dicario 49.911 180.321 Chevy
19 12 JR Heffner 49.914 180.310 Chevy
20 14 Michael Faulk 49.916 180.303 Dodge
21 19 Keven Wood 49.935 180.234 Ford
22 11B Bryan Silas 49.958 180.151 Ford
23 7 AJ Henriksen 49.967 180.119 Chevy
24 7B Eric Holmes 50.026 179.906 Chevy
25 03 Shane Brafford 50.029 179.896 Chevy
26 5A Brad Coleman 50.093 179.666 Chevy
27 66 Brian Weber 50.122 179.562 Ford
28 60A Patrick Sheltra 50.150 179.462 Chevy
29 3 Jeremy Clements 50.233 179.165 Chevy
30 9A Tim Russell 50.258 179.076 Dodge
31 05 Ian Henderson 50.266 179.047 Ford
32 25 Billy Venturini 50.284 178.983 Chevy
33 05 Adam Edwards 50.295 178.944 Ford
34 05 Ashley Parlett 50.396 178.586 Ford
35 41 Josh Clemons 50.411 178.532 Ford
36 1 John Graham 50.448 178.402 Ford
37 66 Tony Ave 50.468 178.331 Chevy
38 30 Terry Jones 50.484 178.274 Dodge
39 0 Butch Jarvis 50.511 178.179 Chevy
40 12B Mario Gosselin 50.517 178.158 Chevy
41 00 Ed Kennedy 50.519 178.151 Chevy
42 38 Mike Harmon 50.525 178.130 Chevy
43 7A Tony Marks 50.567 177.982 Chevy
44 37 Michelle Theriault 50.593 177.890 Chevy
45 75 Billy Tanner 50.635 177.743 Ford
46 05 Leilani Munter 50.663 177.644 Ford
47 97 Brent Cross 50.688 177.557 Pontiac
48 97 Skip Cummins 50.699 177.518 Chevy
49 4 Justin South 50.700 177.515 Dodge
50 24 Benny Chastain 50.712 177.473 Chevy
51 9 Matt Hagans 50.715 177.462 Dodge
52 59 TJ Bell 50.802 177.158 Dodge
53 35 Chuck Barnes 50.821 177.092 Chevy
54 60C Bill Baird 50.897 176.828 Chevy
55 7A Justin Algaier 50.902 176.810 Chevy
56 07 Gerry Bruce 50.916 176.762 Chevy
57 05 Ian Henderson 50.967 176.585 Ford
58 9B Phil Bozell 51.034 176.353 Dodge
59 6 Dexter Bean 51.196 175.795 Chevy
60 27 Dicky Williamson 51.270 175.541 Ford
61 27 Troy Wangerin 51.445 174.944 Ford
62 14 Ron Young 51.485 174.808 Dodge
63 14 Ron Young 51.559 174.557 Dodge
64 34 Darrell Basham 51.637 174.294 Chevy
65 56 Chris Cockrum 51.678 174.155 Chevy
66 29 Brian Keselowski 51.894 173.430 Ford
67 34 Jason Basham 52.228 172.321 Chevy
68 89 Julien Penaruiz 52.599 171.106 Chevy
69 1 Andy Lally 53.074 169.575 Ford
70 79A Mike Koch 53.711 167.563 Chevy
71 48 Roger Carter 54.340 165.624 Dodge
72 48 Nick Tucker 54.547 164.995 Dodge
73 1 Ted Olswfski 55.315 162.705 Ford
74 79B James Roberson 55.658 161.702 Pontiac
75 79C Stan Yingling 68.486 131.414 Pontiac
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U S A R (United Speed Alliance Racing)
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Lucky Dog Hits Pro Cup in ‘07
Orlando, Fla.-The Hooters Pro Cup Series announced today at the PRI Trade Show that the Aaron’s “Lucky Dog” would be added during the ‘07 season.
Traditionally, the Hooters Pro Cup Series version of the Lucky Dog only …
www.motorsport.com/news/article.asp?ID=240231
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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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CHEERS & JEERS
CASCAR, Busch, and Other Casualties of NASCAR Greed
by Carol Einarsson
www.racejournalonline.com/index.cfm?Pagename=column&id=201

Merry Christmas
by Bill Graham
www.racejournalonline.com/index.cfm?Pagename=column&id=200

Superman in the Off-Season
by Carol Einarsson
www.racejournalonline.com/index.cfm?Pagename=column&id=199

Insider Racing News
insiderracingnews.com/KR/121706.html
Can Teresa Afford To Burn This Bridge?
by Kim Roberson

Insider Racing News
insiderracingnews.com/RF/121806.html
Race For The NASCAR Nextel Cup Championship - What To Expect In 2007
by Ron Felix

Insider Racing News
insiderracingnews.com/CB/121906.html
Coming To A Town Near You ~ The “Official” NASCAR Generic Dealership (Reprint)
by Carol Bell

Curse of the No. 25-Brian Vickers
By Dennis Michelsen
www.stockcarpitpass.com/inside20061219.html

2006 NASCAR Quote of the Year Awards
www.stockcarpitpass.com/inside20061218.html

NASCAR News Rewind
Kernan Getting Sirius Edition
www.stockcarpitpass.com/inside20061215.html
___________________________________________________________

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