Kyle Petty is talking about running the 2009 Rolex 24 (which he’s done before) and…. a full season Grand-Am ride. There’s lots more to this story than we are hearing, folks. But I doubt we’ll ever know the full deal going on behind the scenes at Petty Enterprises… or should I just call it “Boston Ventures Racing”. It’s sad enough that there will not be a Petty in a Petty Enterprises car, let alone that Kyle has to go to another series completely away from NASCAR stock car racing to get a ride.
Read al about this and all the other latest news from NASCAR right here in today’s Stock Car Gazette e-zine.
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E d i t o r ‘ s * N o t e s
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Kyle Petty is talking about running the 2009 Rolex 24 (which he’s done before) and…. a full season Grand-Am ride. There’s lots more to this story than we are hearing, folks. But I doubt we’ll ever know the full deal going on behind the scenes at Petty Enterprises. It’s sad enough that there will not be a Petty in a Petty Enterprises car, let alone that Kyle has to go to another series completely away from stock car racing to get a ride.
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6,000 Camaros ordered so far, 84% with V8
Autoblog is reporting that “Chevrolet has reportedly taken more than 6,000 orders for its new Camaro so far…” and that “84% of orders have been for V8-powered SS models so far, which may mean a longer wait for delivery since GM is likely building a very different ratio of V8 to V6 models.”
You’re asking why you would care, this being primarily a stock car racing site? Well, it’s mostly because this site’s owner used to have a 1972 Chevrolet Camaro, and thinks the 1969 Camaro Z-28 with the 302 c.i. small block and 4 speed is about the best looking muscle car ever made.
The new 2010 Chevrolet Camaro is an updated rendering of what that ‘69 Camaro would look like had that design been carried forward until now.
So I like it, and I’m reporting about it.
motorsportsnews.net/archives/2123
Stock Car Gazette, Tuesday, Oct. 28, 2008
motorsportsnews.net/archives/2121
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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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EVENT FACTS:
Event Name: Dickies 500
Race length: 334-laps = 500 miles
Banking/Turns: 24 degrees in corners; five (5) degrees on dogleg, five (5) degrees on backstretch
Track layout: 1.5-mile quad oval
Green flag: 3:30 p.m. EDT, Sunday, Nov. 2, 2008
Live Coverage: ABC – 3:00 p.m. EDT; PRN Radio and SIRIUS Satellite Radio NASCAR Channel 128
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Courtesy of www.Catchfence.com
McMurray’s Texas Paint Scheme To Support Search For Next Racing King - New Hood Reminds Fans to Enter Crown Royal ‘Your Name Here 400’ Contest to Become a Part of NASCAR History with Race Entitlement: When Jamie McMurray’s No. 26 Crown Royal Ford Fusion hits the track at Texas Motor Speedway this weekend, it will be carrying an important reminder that could forever change the life of one lucky NASCAR fan.š Emblazoned with a special ‘Your Name Here 400’ hood, McMurray’s car will help promote Crown Royal’s legendary contest in which they nameš the May, 2009 Sprint Cup Series event at Richmond International Raceway after an adult fan. Before Nov. 21, fans 21 years old and over can visit www.CrownRoyal.com to enter the contest by describing an accomplishment or honorable act worthy of toasting with Crown Royal.š Selected finalists will enjoy an all-expenses-paid trip in February to the Daytona 500 where they will participate in an unveiling ceremony to announce the ‘Your Name Here 400’ grand prize winner.š In addition to having their name officially incorporated into the race, the grand prize winner will serve as the Grand Marshal in Richmond – allowing them to do everything from delivering the trophy in Victory Lane to yelling the most famous words in racing, “Gentlemen, start your engines!” “It’s always fun to run new paint schemes for a sponsor like Crown Royal who does so much in the sport,” said McMurray.š “From promoting responsible drinking with its ‘Be a Champion.š Drink Responsibly.’ campaign to allowing fans the opportunity to have their own race with the ‘Your Name Here 400,’ Crown Royal is always coming up with cool ways for me and the team to be involved.” - Taylor PR For Crown Royal. Press Release
Ryan Newman to sign Pit Road Pets charity books at Texas Motor Speedway on October 31: Ryan Newman will be giving his fans a real treat on Halloween this year. The driver of the #12 Penske Racing Alltel Dodge in the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series will sign copies of the charity book Pit Road PetsTM: NASCAR Stars and Their Pets during the upcoming Texas race weekend. The Ryan Newman Foundation’s book features first-person stories and intimate photographs of nearly 50 NASCAR celebrities and their pets - including Newman, Dale Earnhardt, Jr., Tony Stewart, Jimmie Johnson, Kyle Busch, Carl Edwards, Jeff Burton, Dale Jarrett, Mark Martin, Richard Petty, and many more. The book signing will take place on Friday, October 31 at 5:30 p.m. (after qualifying)at Ryan Newman’s souvenir rig in the fan plaza at Texas Motor Speedway. Newman will sign up to two copies of Pit Road Pets in addition to one other item per person during the autograph session. Tickets for the book signing will be distributed to the first 100 fans that purchase or show a Pit Road Pets book at the souvenir rig beginning at 9:00 a.m. on Friday, October 31st. Fans may purchase copies of the book-which normally retail for $24.95–at Newman’s souvenir rig this weekend for a special discount price of $18.50 per book. Only 100 books will be sold at this reduced rate this weekend. - The Ryan Newman Foundation, Press Release
Haas CNC Racing Pays Tribute to Haas Automation With Special 25th Anniversary Logo on No. 70 at Homestead - Race Marks Machine Tool Manufacturer’s Final Primary Sponsorship: The final race of the 2008 NASCAR Sprint Cup season also marks the last time Haas Automation Inc. will carry primary sponsorship for Haas CNC Racing and the team is commemorating the occasion by running a special paint scheme featuring the machine tool manufacturer’s 25th Anniversary. “Haas Automation is an amazing example of American ingenuity and we are honored to mark the company’s 25th Anniversary with a special paint scheme at Homestead,” said Joe Custer, Haas CNC Racing general manager. “As the team transitions to Stewart-Haas Racing, this is a simple way for us to thank Haas Automation for their support during the past six years. While Haas Automation will continue its ownership role with the new team, their capacity as sponsor will be reduced.” Founded in 1983, Haas Automation Inc. has grown to become the world’s leading manufacturer of computerized numerical control (CNC) machine tools – building, selling and shipping more machines per month than any other single builder in the Western World. Haas manufactures its products in the company’s 1-million-square-foot facility in Oxnard, Calif., and distributes them through a worldwide network of more than 140 Haas Factory Outlets. Each HFO has complete showroom facilities, factory-trained service personnel, extensive spare-parts inventories and fully stocked service vehicles to provide the industry’s best service and support. Currently there are more than 88,000 Haas CNC machines and 51,000 Haas rotary products in use around the world. In 2008, the company will build more than 14,000 machines, with approximately 60-percent of them shipping to international markets. - Haas CNC Racing, Press Release
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Courtesy of Google Alerts
Early Christmas for Martin?
The Weekender - Wilkes-Barre,PA,USA
Numerous NASCAR Web sites are reporting that Martin, currently running a part-time schedule in the No. 8 Army Chevrolet for Dale Earnhardt Inc. but …
www.theweekender.com/motors/Early_Christmas_for_Martin__10-28-2008.html
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Courtesy of Insider Racing News
www.insiderracingnews.com
Knaus Named Best Crew Chief
Chad Knaus, Crew Chief for Jimmie Johnson and the No. 48 Lowes Chevrolet, was named the WYPALL Wipers Crew Chief of the Race in Sunday’s Pep Boys Auto 500 at Atlanta Motor Speedway. While running a comfortable seventh with just 11 laps to go, Knaus, in hopes of advancing his driver even further up the leaderboard, made a gutsy call to bring Johnson in for four fresh tires during the race’s final caution period. As a result, Johnson slipped back to 11th position behind lead-lap cars that stayed on the track. The bold decision proved to be the right one. With just seven laps to go at the drop of the green flag, Johnson and his fresh tires passed cars at ease and vaulted all the way to second place at the checkered flag.
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Courtesy of Jayski
www.jayski.com
#4 Team co-founder McClure indicted on tax charges: The general manager of Abingdon-based Morgan-McClure Motorsports has been indicted by a federal grand jury on charges relating to wire fraud, mail fraud and violations of federal tax law, the U.S. Attorney’s office said late Tuesday. Larry Allen McClure, who has been general manager of his family’s motorsports team for 25 years, faces a maximum penalty of 115 years in federal prison and up to $2.75 million in fines if convicted on three counts of mail fraud, three counts of filing a false tax return, two counts of obstructing a tax investigation, two counts of money laundering and one count of wire fraud. The indictment against McClure, also released Tuesday, accuses him of filing fraudulent income tax returns in 2002, 2003 and 2004. Internal Revenue Service investigators said the returns omitted several large payments from an unidentified Florida man who leased race cars from McClure to use in races conducted by the American Racing Club of America. The family-owned Morgan-McClure team won 14 Sprint Cup races and 13 pole positions over a couple decades relying on sponsorship from Kodak. That record included three victories in the famed Daytona 500.
But when Kodak discontinued its 18-year sponsorship at the end of the 2003 season, the Morgan-McClure team struggled for stability and success against the corporate-backed NASCAR mega-teams. In January, citing a lack of adequate sponsorship, McClure laid off 28 employees and halted operations. IRS investigators said in the indictment that in April 2006, the Florida man who leased cars from McClure was questioned and told investigators he needed to check his records to verify how much money was exchanged. The indictment also states that the man met with McClure soon after the interview and that in May 2006, McClure’s wife wrote the man a check for $325,000 with a “loan repayment” note written on the check. Then, in June 2006, the indictment states, McClure told investigators the money was payback for loans he’d received. “During that interview the defendant is charged with falsely stating to the investigators that he borrowed money from Person A three or four times while he was going through problems with Kodak …” the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Western District of Virginia stated in a news release. The indictment also said that invoices faxed to McClure from out-of-state and stating he spent $59,852 to paint four show-car trailers were fraudulent.(Bristol Herald Courier)(10-29-2008)
Petty could run full Sports Car Series season: Kyle Petty made an appearance on Tuesday during the second day of the three-day October Test Days session at Daytona International Speedway in preparation for the 47th anniversary of the Rolex 24 At Daytona on Jan. 24-25. Petty was behind the wheel of the #45 Orbit Racing BMW Riley Daytona Prototype as he prepares for his seventh career start in the Rolex 24 and his first since 2006. But Petty says that the 2009 Rolex 24 could be the first of many sports car events next year with Orbit Racing as he and Orbit Racing owner Rodger Hawley are working on a potential deal for the whole Grand-Am Rolex Sports Car Series season. “We’re trying to put something together to run not only the 24 Hours but all year long,” Petty said. “Obviously I’m in a place with the Cup stuff where I don’t really have a ride right now. I have always said this is where I wanted to be. From the time I came here for the first time, I said to run the Grand American division would be the next step up. I don’t want to go back to Nationwide and I don’t want to go run Trucks. That’s a step down from the Cup Series. This is a step over. I don’t look at this as a step down. This is a step to the top of road racing. It’s been a lot of fun out there so far. I forget where the infield goes sometimes.”(DIS site, listen to Petty audio clips there)(10-29-2008) daytonaspeedway.com/550970.html
Blaney tests at Caraway, then visits Arkansas: Dave Blaney and the #22 BDR team spent Tuesday morning testing at Caraway Speedway in Asheboro, N.C., shaking down chassis No. 81 for the upcoming event at Phoenix International Raceway and instead of heading straight from the BDR hanger in Greensboro, N.C., to the Fort Worth, Texas, area Thursday afternoon, the Caterpillar crew will make a detour to Bill and Gail Davis’ ranch in Concord, Ark. The team will experience first-hand the festivities surrounding the second annual Chimney Rock 500 Cattle Sale, which will take place Oct. 30-31. Last year, Lot 134, CRC’s Blaney 99S10, a Brangus bull named for BDR driver Dave Blaney, was the highest-selling bull at the event.(BDR PR)(10-29-2008)
Images added added 2009 #9 Budweiser, #70 Haas Automation 25th and #26 Crown Royal ‘Your Name Here 400’ images to the Paint Scheme Gallery www.jayski.com/schemes/paintschemes.htm
Wimmer looking for Sprint Cup ride: In addition to preparing for this week’s Nationalwide Series race, at Texas, Scott Wimmer is also in the process of tracking down a ride for next season. Richard Childress Racing announced Aug. 28 that Wimmer would not be back next season, making him a free agent. “I’ve had some good talks with several car owners,” he said. “I feel real confident something will turn up. With the economy the way it is, it’s a crazy time in the sport, definitely for the drivers.” He is concentrating his efforts on landing a Sprint Cup ride, but he knows the Nationwide Series will be an option if he can’t make the jump. “Fortunately, there are some teams that will have openings. There are some teams that will be making changes,” he said. “I’ve got my name on their lists.”(Wausau Daily Herald)(10-28-2008)
Busch racing to help military folks: #2-Kurt Busch will be racing for a $100,000 bonus contribution to “Operation Homefront-Texas” if he can pull off the win in the Nov. 2 Dickies 500 at Texas Motor Speedway. Regardless of the final race outcome, Kurt’s efforts on the track will yield a minimum $10,000 donation in his honor. It’s all part of an engaging statewide promotional campaign that sponsor Miller Lite launched several weeks back. The campaign recognizes, celebrates, honors and rewards military veterans, both past and present, for their commitment to serving our country. Miller Lite is teaming with Operation to support Texas troops and their families. Miller Lite has donated more than $150,000 over the last two years to support the cause. Consumers can also make donations by purchasing Miller Lite - Operation Homefront commemorative gear. Log on to the Web site, operationhomefront.net to learn more about how you can support Texas Troops.(10-27-2008)(Tom Roberts PR)(10-28-2008)
Even in a merger Dodge could remain another year: There is still no official word from Chrysler executives, and the fate of NASCAR’s Dodge teams remains uncertain, with the possible — or probable — Chrysler merger with/buyout by General Motors. NASCAR executives are not thrilled, to say the least, with the implications and questions surrounding that merger debate, because 11 Sprint Cup teams run with Dodge factory backing. However, according to sources, regardless of what happens with the potential merger, Dodge is committed to backing its NASCAR teams for at least one more year, but perhaps no more. One thing for certain, NASCAR officials don’t want Toyota buying up any more top Cup teams, like it did with Joe Gibbs, and they have made that clear to the company. (Winston Salem Journal)(10-28-2008)
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Courtesy of Race2Win
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Listen to Race 2 Win’s Jeff Holtzclaw on Track Talk
Listen in as Race 2 Win’s Jeff Holtzclaw joins Greg DePalma, Heather Meyer and Blake Feese every week for Track Talk on the Prime Sports Network. Track Talk airs live every Thursday from 1:00 pm - 3:00 pm ET. If you miss the live show, you can listen to the archive or download the podcast anytime at PrimeSportsNetwork.com.
Numbers Game: Analyzing the Dickies 500 at Texas
Jimmie Johnson picked off car after car in the closing laps of last weekend’s race at Atlanta Motor Speedway. With each pass, he inched closer to an historic third consecutive championship. Cale Yarborough is the only driver in NASCAR history to accomplish the feat, winning championships from 1976-78.
www.race2win.net/wc/08/10/ngtms2.html
Fenders and Fists: Jimmy Spencer’s Top-Five Fights
Former Sprint Cup driver and current Speed television analyst Jimmy Spencer made his reputation with aggressive driving and the occasional dust-up in the garage.
www.race2win.net/wc/08/10/fafjs.html
Sadler to Teach Texas Students the Importance of Safe Driving
Prior to the Dickies 500 weekend at Texas Motor Speedway, Elliott Sadler will visit Colleyville Heritage High School in Colleyville, Texas, Thursday morning as part of the Allstate Teen Safe Driving Pit Stop program.
www.race2win.net/wc/08/10/estssd.html
12 Gauge: The Fruit Edition After Atlanta
Each week, 12 Gauge takes a look at the top 12 drivers in the Sprint Cup Series. All race and performance references are from Sunday’s race at Atlanta Motor Speedway. Today’s theme is fruit, in honor of the state of Georgia, the Peach State.
www.race2win.net/wc/08/10/tg33.html
The Cool Down Lap: Magic Johnson Proves He Can’t Be Beat
Carl Edwards must have felt cheated. Moments after winning his second race in as many days, Edwards was bludgeoned with the news that Jimmie Johnson had come from nowhere to finish second in Sunday’s Pep Boys Auto 500 at Atlanta Motor Speedway.
www.race2win.net/wc/08/10/cdl2.html
Texas a Big-Time Race with Big-Time Ramifications
The old-time adage about everything being big – or bigger – in Texas certainly applies this week, when talking about the Dickies 500.
www.race2win.net/wc/08/10/tmsbig.html
Max Papis and the Gecko Surface on America’s Biggest Stage
Widely regarded as one of the most versatile racecar drivers in the world, ‘Mad’ Max Papis will add to his already impressive resume as he slides behind the wheel of the #13 GEICO Toyota Camry in the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series.
www.race2win.net/wc/08/10/max.html
Online Auction to Benefit the Sam Ard Fund
For the next three weeks, NASCAR fans have the opportunity to do two good things at once – buy a cherished collectible, plus lend a hand to one of the sport’s pioneers.
www.race2win.net/wc/08/10/oasaf.html
NASCAR Stars Making Surprise Visit To Fort Mill, S.C.
NASCAR’s Greg Biffle and Erik Darnell are going to work Tuesday. Literally. The duo is stopping by the Northern Tool + Equipment’s Distribution Center tomorrow afternoon to meet employees and “help out” as needed.
www.race2win.net/wc/08/10/nssvfm.html
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Courtesy of That’s Racin’
www.thatsracin.com
Johnson’s Chase lead has rivals wanting a ‘mulligan’
Jimmie Johnson’s commanding Chase lead has NASCAR owner Jack Roush suggesting a format change. But a NASCAR spokesman said, `I don’t see that happening.’
HAMPTON, Ga. — Jimmie Johnson’s supremacy prompted NASCAR owner Jack Roush to propose that NASCAR change the Chase for the Cup. How? Give each contending team a mulligan
more - www.thatsracin.com/topstories/story/20455.html
Controversy in NASCAR? It’s always been part of the show
Carl Edwards and Kevin Harvick did what they could do to generate a little controversy a couple of weeks ago at Lowe’s Motor Speedway, but the buzz about their little scuffle was over about as soon as it started
more - www.thatsracin.com/topstories/story/20466.html
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P R E S S * R E L E A S E S
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Kyle Petty Eyes Another Rolex 24 And Full Season Grand-Am Ride
DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. (Oct. 28, 2008) – NASCAR veteran Kyle Petty made an appearance on Tuesday during the second day of the three-day October Test Days session in preparation for the 47th anniversary of the Rolex 24 At Daytona on Jan. 24-25.
Petty was behind the wheel of the No. 45 Orbit Racing BMW Riley Daytona Prototype as he prepares for his seventh career start in the Rolex 24 and his first since 2006. But Petty says that the 2009 Rolex 24 could be the first of many sports car events next year with Orbit Racing as he and Orbit Racing owner Rodger Hawley are working on a potential deal for the entire Grand-Am Rolex Sports Car Series season.
“We’re trying to put something together to run not only the 24 Hours but all year long,” Petty said. “Obviously I’m in a place with the Cup stuff where I don’t really have a ride right now. I have always said this is where I wanted to be. From the time I came here for the first time, I said to run the Grand American division would be the next step up. I don’t want to go back to Nationwide and I don’t want to go run Trucks. That’s a step down from the Cup Series. This is a step over. I don’t look at this as a step down. This is a step to the top of road racing. It’s been a lot of fun out there so far. I forget where the infield goes sometimes.”
Petty has made six previous starts in the Rolex 24 including three with Orbit Racing between 2001 – 03. He has three top-15 finishes overall including a sixth-place finish in 2003 and a seventh in 2001.
He remembers fondly his 2004 Rolex 24 start in which he shared driving duties with the late actor Paul Newman, who recently passed away.
The car, which was driven by Petty, Newman, Gunnar Jeanette and Michael Brockman, finished 48th overall and completed only 185 laps. The memories of that start are special to Petty because he got to drive with Newman.
“I had the privilege of driving with Paul one of the last times he came down here and drove,” Petty said. “Obviously it was for the Hole In The Wall Gang camps and Victory Junction and Boggy Creek over here in Eustis. It was for his group of camps. That was the main reason I did it.
“You look at it and we came down here and probably didn’t have a shot at winning it. Now here I stand today, it’s one of my most cherished memories to come down here. It rained the whole time and we threw windshield wipers off the thing but it was fun no matter what.”
“That’s what’s so great about the 24-hour race. You bring people from all over the world, from all walks of life, from all forms of motorsports, from all forms of entertainment that want to be a part of it. That’s the way the 24-hour race was back when I was growing up and that’s what it’s becoming again.”
The October Test Days session features more than 20 sports cars testing for the Rolex 24. This is the first of three off-season tests for the Rolex Series at Daytona. Teams will test with 2009 tires Nov. 11-12. A star-studded lineup is expected for the Jan. 2-4 session, the last major session prior to the 2009 season-opening Rolex 24 At Daytona.
This week’s three-day session will continue through Wednesday. The sessions will be open to the public, with fans able to view testing from the Sprint FANZONE with a $10 Daytona 500 Experience tour-only ticket. Fans who have already purchased tickets to the 2009 Rolex 24 At Daytona will be admitted free.
Tickets for the Rolex 24 At Daytona are available online at www.daytonainternationalspeedway.com or by calling 1-800-PITSHOP.
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CARL EDWARDS AND TRAVIS PASTRANA TO REPRESENT TEAM USA AT THE RACE OF CHAMPIONS
Concord, N.C. (October 28, 2006) - NASCAR standout Carl Edwards and motocross guru Travis Pastrana will team up this December to represent Team USA in the 2008 Race of Champions held at Wembley Stadium, as the USA aims for its first Race of Champions Nations Cup title since 2002. The back-flipping duo will take on an all star line-up including Michael Schumacher, Troy Bayliss and Sabastien Loeb. A daunting task but one that both Edwards and Pastrana, are up for.
Pastrana has represented Team USA in The Race of Champions for the past three years and single-handedly took the country to the finals of The Race of Champions Nations Cup in 2006 after his teammate was forced to drop out at the last minute. In 2007 he raced alongside current NASCAR Sprint Cup champion Jimmie Johnson who believes Edwards is a strong asset for Team USA.
Pastrana has starred on both two and four wheels. With a combined nine X Games gold medals in motocross and rally, plus three US rally titles, Pastrana can certainly be considered a threat to the competition. He made history at the X Games in 2006 when he became the first man to land a double back flip during moto X best trick finals winning the gold.
Edwards, the reigning Nationwide Series champion, is no stranger to success either. Over the last five years Edwards has claimed 13 Sprint Cup, 17 Nationwide and six Truck Series wins along with two Rookie-of-the-Year titles (’03 - Truck; ’05 - Nationwide). Edwards currently sits fourth in the overall Sprint Cup “Chase” standings and with four races to go, he still has a shot at performing his celebratory back flip after claiming his first Sprint Cup championship.
Tickets for The Race of Champions are on sale now by calling 0844 412 1743, or online at www.raceofchampions.com.
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Houston Pit Stop … On Thursday, Oct. 30th, Kevin Harvick and members of the No. 29 Shell-Pennzoil Racing team will join approximately 125 Shell and Motiva volunteers during the “Day of Caring” at The Salvation Army Boys and Girls Club - Aldine Westfield Branch in Houston. Harvick, the crew, and Shell and Motiva volunteers will re-till a baseball field, spruce up landscaping, refurbish the children’s area, and paint and organize storage rooms. Harvick will also be available for interviews at 3:15 PM local time.
Meet the Crew … The No. 29 Shell-Pennzoil over-the-wall crew will sign autographs Sun., Nov. 2 beginning at 10 a.m. at the Chevy display. 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. Additionally, fans can take the Chevy Challenge and receive a Team Chevy souvenir. The Chevy display is located in Texas Motor Speedway’s Fan Zone area.
Kevin Harvick Live … Harvick will appear at the Chevy Stage for a question-and-answer session on Sun., Nov. 2 from 10:50-11:05 a.m.
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Chevy Day at TMS … On Thurs., Oct. 30, from 6 - 7:30 p.m., Jeff Burton and fellow NASCAR Cup Series Chevy driver Aric Almirola will participate in an autograph session designated for Chevy consumers. Fellow RCR teammate Bowyer will be on-hand from 4 - 6 p.m. to provide Chevy consumers with “Hot Laps” around the lightning-fast, mile-and-a-half Fort Worth quad oval.
Making a Pit Stop … Before heading to Fort Worth, Texas for the running of the Dickies 500, Burton will stop in Dallas on Thurs., Oct. 30 to visit AT&T’s corporate headquarters. The 21-time Cup Series winner, along with team owner Richard Childress, will meet with AT&T executives before signing autographs for AT&T employees.
Jeff Burton Live … The AT&T driver will appear at the Chevy Stage for a question and answer session on Sun., Nov. 2 from 10:20 – 10:35 a.m. The Chevy stage can be found in the display area near Gate 7 located outside Turn 1.
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Chevy Day at TMS … On Thurs., Oct. 30, from 4-6 p.m., Clint Bowyer and fellow NASCAR Nationwide Series Chevy driver Brad Keselowski will provide Chevy consumers with “Hot Laps” around the lightning-fast, mile-and-a-half Fort Worth quad-oval.
CB at the Chevy Stage … Bowyer will appear at the Chevy Stage on Sun., Nov. 2 at 11:15 a.m. for a 15- minute question-and-answer session. The Chevy stage will be located in the TMS display area outside Turn 1 near Gate 7.
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Travis Kvapil and David Gilliland will sign autographs at the Ford Racing merchandise trailer on Sunday, November 2nd at 10:30a.m.
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DID YOU KNOW?
There have been 24 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series races in the state of Texas – 14 at Texas Motor Speedway, eight at Texas World Speedway and one at Meyer Speedway (Houston). Dodge has visited victory lane six times (twice at TMS, three times at TWS and at Meyer Speedway). Bobby Allison was the winner at Meyer Speedway (1971) while Bobby Isaac (1969), Buddy Baker (1972) and Richard Petty (1973) were the Dodge winners at TWS, a two-mile track in College Station.
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Prior to traveling to Texas, Kasey Kahne will make a stop in Las Vegas for a Budweiser “Off the Track, Off the Record” One Night Stand event with Brandon Bernstein on Thursday, October 30th at the Mandalay Bay House of Blues. Fans and consumers can obtain the free tickets to the event via radio and retail promotions in and around the Las Vegas area.
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N A S C A R * N A T I O N W I D E * S E R I E S
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Courtesy of Jayski
www.jayski.com
Sheltra to compete in final two events with JRR: Officials from Sheltra Motorsports confirmed that the team has formed an alliance with longtime Nationwide Series team Jay Robinson Racing and will utilize the #4 for the final two events on the NNS calendar. Jay Robinson Racing (JRR) will assist Sheltra Motorsports in their transition to NASCAR. The alliance also guarantees Sheltra a starting berth for the Hefty Odor Block 200 and the Ford 300.(Sheltra Motorsports PR)(10-28-2008)
Border Patrol Agents will pit Wallace at Texas: In this Saturday’s Nationwide Series race at the Texas Motor Speedway, there won’t appear to be anything different about Kenny Wallace or his U.S. Border Patrol car fielded by Jay Robinson Racing. Wallace will still be racing his customary green-and-white #28 Chevy, with his car owner, crew chief, and other team members present in his pit area. You will only be able to catch what’s different about Team Border Patrol this weekend if you’ve got your eye on Wallace’s pit stops. The U.S. Border Patrol will be hands on this weekend helping their driver, Kenny Wallace. Seven U.S. Border Patrol Agents have volunteered to be members of his pit crew. Without formal training, agents who have expressed an interest in racing have been awarded the opportunity to participate in the race. These agents will be working in the seven key pit crew positions on the #28 Border Patrol Chevy for all of Kenny’s pit stops this weekend.(Jay Robinson Racing PR)(10-28-2008)
Johnny Davis Motorsports announces 2 associate sponsors for Texas: JD Motorsports and driver #01-Danny Efland announce two associate sponsors for the O’Reilly Challenge at Texas Motor Speedway: Virgie & Daniel Lowery with Lowery Plumbing in Kerrville, Texas and Sharan & Wally Belcher with S&W Tile also of Kerrville, Texas.(Johnny Davis PR)(10-28-2008)
Wimmer still looking for ‘09 ride: In addition to preparing for this week’s race, Scott Wimmer is also in the process of tracking down a ride for next season. Richard Childress Racing announced Aug. 28 that Wimmer would not be back next season, making him a free agent. “I’ve had some good talks with several car owners,” he said. “I feel real confident something will turn up. With the economy the way it is, it’s a crazy time in the sport, definitely for the drivers.” He is concentrating his efforts on landing a Sprint Cup ride, but he knows the Nationwide Series will be an option if he can’t make the jump. “Fortunately, there are some teams that will have openings. There are some teams that will be making changes,” he said. “I’ve got my name on their lists.”(Wausau Daily Herald)(10-28-2008)
Germain plans to continue Nationwide team: Germain Racing plans to keep its Nationwide Series program and at least one of its two Truck Series entries on track next year while it enters the Sprint Cup Series with Max Papis for at least 18 races. Todd Bodine will return to the #30 truck likely with Lumber Liquidators as the sponsor. The #9 truck (driven by Justin Marks and others this year) and the #7 Nationwide car (currently driven by Mike Wallace) still have their programs being sorted out.(Scene Daily)(10-28-2008)
Texas Rookie Notes: Cale Gale was the Raybestos Rookie of the Race in the Kroger 250 at Memphis Motorsports Park. Gale scored an 11th-place finish and claimed top rookie honors for the seventh time this season.
…Tied for the Lead: Bryan Clauson and Landon Cassill are tied for the lead (177-177) in the Raybestos Rookie standings entering the O’Reilly Challenge at Texas Motor Speedway.
…Brad Keselowski was the Raybestos Rookie of the Race in the 2007 O’Reilly Challenge, scoring a sixth-place finish.
…The best finish by a Raybestos Rookie in three fall races at Texas is third by Carl Edwards in the 2005 O’Reilly Challenge at Texas.
…Reed Sorenson is the only Raybestos Rookie to lead a lap in three fall races at Texas. Sorenson led the 2005 O’Reilly Challenge once for three laps.
…The best qualifying effort by a Raybestos Rookie in three fall races at Texas is third by Stephen Leicht in 2006.(Raybestos PR)(10-28-2008)
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Courtesy of The Hot Lap
www.TheHotLap.com
JD Motorsports with Driver Danny Efland announce two “Associate” Sponsors for the November 1st “O’Reilly Challenge at Texas Motor Speedway. We welcome Virgie & Daniel Lowery with “Lowery Plumbing” in Kerrville Texas and Sharan & Wally Belcher with “S&W Tile” also of Kerrville Texas. Both these family owned operations are great examples of the rewards of hard work and see the JD Motorsports Teams and Driver Danny Efland puting forth a great effort in this very competitive NASCAR Nationwide Series and are happy to give their support as “Associate” Sponsors. THE TEAM AND DRIVER THANK YOU VERY MUCH FOR YOUR SUPPORT! More Info on Team website: www.jdavismotorsports.com (10-28-08 www.hufcopromotion.com pr) (10-28-08)
No. 88 news-HALL OF FAME DIVISIONS – At the Recruit Training Command graduation ceremony on October 17, Dale Jr.’s two divisions- 383 and 388- were honored as Hall of Fame divisions for their performance during the course of a rigorous eight-week training program.Like a NASCAR team earns points each race weekend, each Dale Jr. Division collected the necessary points during their training weeks to earn the distinction of Hall of Fame Division. Each division received enough to carry flags in military knowledge, physical fitness, battle efficiency, academics and military drill. Only three total divisions were selected for the honor of the 12 that graduated. “I want to congratulate all of the young men and women that make up the Dale Jr. Divisions for this accomplishment, and I hope they are just as honored to be a part of it as I am,” Earnhardt, Jr. said. “I had the pleasure of visiting them twice during their training, and I can speak for how accomplished they are. I wish them all luck as they move into more prominent roles in the U.S. Navy.”FLEET HONOREE – The No. 88 Navy team’s Fleet Honoree for Saturday’s race is the USS CREW REAPER (MCM 6). The crew of USS DEVASTATOR (MCM 6) assumed the name of MCM Crew REAPER in August 2004, inheriting the name from the decommissioned USS REAPER (MSO 467). DEVASTATOR, with Crew REAPER embarked, was the lead ship for many of the Mine Warfare community’s surface MCM prototype systems that are being fielded today, most notably the AN/SSN-2(V)5 Precision Inertial Navigation System that greatly improves the ship’s ability to effectively navigate potentially mined waters.(JR Motorsports) (10-28-08)
Rusty Wallace, NASCAR Champion and ABC / ESPN Lead Auto Racing Analyst and David Stremme, Driver, No. 64 LoanStar Title Loans Chevrolet, NASCAR Nationwide Series will appear for public autographs, on behalf of Loan Star Title Loans, at the Loan Star Title Loans location at 1340 East Belt Line Road in Richardson, TX, on Thursday, October 30th .The No. 64 Team LoanStar Title Loans Rusty Wallace Racing Chevrolet show car will also be on display. Thursday, October 30, 2008, from 6:00-7:00 PM local time. Also,Rusty Wallace and Steve Wallace, Driver, No. 66 5-Hour Energy Chevrolet, NASCAR Nationwide Series will appear for public autographs, on behalf of 5-Hour Energy, at the RaceTrac location at 2834 W. University Drive in Denton, TX, on Friday, October 31st.The No. 66 Team 5-Hour Energy Rusty Wallace Racing Chevrolet show car will also be on display. Friday, October 31, 2008, from 7:45-8:45 PM local time(RWR) (10-28-08)
Asphalt Chef – Team Burning Ravioli: Montoya will participate in the “Asphalt Chef” competition at TMS on Saturday evening after running in his first Nationwide race of the season. Montoya will be paired with celebrity chef Mario Batali as “Team Burning Ravioli”. The dynamic duo will compete in an Iron Chef-style competition against NASCAR drivers Carl Edwards and Bobby Labonte who will be assisted by chefs Rachel Ray and Tim Love respectively. Similar to the famous Iron Chef competition, a secret ingredient will be unveiled prior to the competition. Montoya and Batali will have five minutes to come up with a recipe and 20 minutes to prepare it. The private event begins at 6:30 p.m. CT at the Lone Star Tower Clubhouse at TMS.(CGRFS) (10-28-08)
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C R A F T S M A N * T R U C K * S E R I E S
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EVENT FACTS:
Event Name: SILVERADO 350
Race length: 147 Laps/ 220.5 Miles
Banking/Turns: 24 degrees turns; five (5) degrees on straights
Track layout: 1.5-mile quad-oval
Green flag: 9:00 p.m. EDT, Friday, October 21, 2008
Live Coverage: SPEED TV – 8:30 p.m. EDT; Motor Racing Network (MRN) and SIRIUS Satellite Radio NASCAR Channel 128
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Courtesy of Jayski
www.jayski.com
Series TV ratings continue upward surge: The NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series race from Atlanta scored a Nielsen Household Rating of 1.00 (732,000 households), a dramatic 79-percent increase from last year’s .56 (410,000 households). As a growing number of race fans continue to tune in to the closest points race in all of NASCAR’s top three national divisions, the Atlanta race peaked at a rating of 1.17 (855,000 households), up 44 percent from last year’s peak of .81 (588,000 households). The Atlanta numbers mark the sixth time this season that Truck Racing on SPEED has hit or surpassed a full 1.00 rating and the 16th time Nielsen ratings have increased year-to-year on SPEED. Younger audiences continue to tune into NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series racing on SPEED, as ratings for Men 18-49 were up 84 percent from Atlanta and ratings for Men 18-34 were up 92 percent.(SPEEDtv.com)(10-28-2008)
Gale to drive #2 for KHI at Texas: Cale Gale, driver of the KHI #33 Nationwide Series entry, climbs behind the wheel of the #2 Kevin Harvick Inc. American Commercial Lines Chevy for the first time this season at Texas Motor Speedway. Gale will be making his sixth career start in the Truck Series but has never competed at TMS.(Kevin Harvick Inc. PR)(10-28-2008)
Bodine to return to #30 in ‘09: Germain Racing plans to keep its Nationwide Series program and at least one of its two Truck Series entries on track next year while it enters the Sprint Cup Series with Max Papis for at least 18 races. Todd Bodine will return to the #30 truck likely with Lumber Liquidators as the sponsor. The #9 truck (driven by Justin Marks and others this year) and the #7 Nationwide car (currently driven by Mike Wallace) still have their programs being sorted out.(Scene Daily)(10-28-2008)
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Courtesy of TruckSeries.Com
www.truckseries.com
Atlanta Television Ratings Surge on SPEED
10-28-2008 | TruckSeries.com Report
The NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series race from Atlanta scored a Nielsen Household Rating of 1.00 (732,000 households), a dramatic 79-percent increase from last year’s .56 (410,000 households)…
www.truckseries.com/cgi-script/NCTS_08/articles/000021/002130.htm
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MAYFIELD TO BUY 1/2 OF BALLEW’S TRUCK TEAM…RACE THE #15 HIMSELF
Jeremy Mayfield told Sirius NASCAR Radio’s Sirius Speedway Monday that he is negotiating to purchase half of the Billy Ballew Motorsports Craftsman Truck Series team. “Billy and I have been talking for a while now,” said Mayfield. …
captainthunderracing.com/modules.php?name=News&file=article&sid=7357
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Donny Lia will participate in an autograph session at the Chevy display at TMS on Friday, October 31, 2008 from 2:00 p.m. – 2:30 p.m. (Central Standard Time).
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A R C A (Automobile Racing Club of America)
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Courtesy of ARCA
www.arcaracing.com
ARCA Weekly Notes Package: 10/27/08
TOLEDO OH (10-27-08)–Kentucky Speedway Part of 2009 ARCA RE/MAX Series Lineup:The ARCA RE/MAX Series will continue an eight-year relationship with Kentucky Speedway with two race dates at the 1.5-mile Sparta, Kentucky-based facility in 2009, marking the first time that ARCA has raced at an SMI-owned facility since 2004.
[Read More] - www.arcaracing.com/news.cfm?contentid=7373
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Scott Russell, Jason Pridmore Testing A Daytona Prototype Sports …
RoadracingWorld.com - Lake Elsinore,CA,USA
The native of Havana, Fla., is pursuing a NASCAR career with Kevin Harvick Inc. and has competed in the NASCAR Camping World East Series as well as recently in the ARCA RE/MAX Series at Talladega Superspeedway. ……
roadracingworld.com/news/article/?article=34839
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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
insiderracingnews.com/Writers/CA/102908.html
Lost Opportunities
by Chuck Abrams
Insider Racing News
insiderracingnews.com/Writers/LV/102908.html
Halloween Is The Time Of Year For Scary-Handling Race Cars
by Larry Van Zandt
RaceTalkRadio.com:
Mad About Max - Wednesday Whining by Dennis Michelsen
www.racetalkradio.com/soz/id207.htm
The Nascar Insiders
Entourage
No, I’m not talking about the ridiculously amazing show on HBO. I’m talking about those that follow some drivers to each and every race. Some are good, and some are not so good. Either way, they are a reality in the sport because those at the top are young, well paid, and popular.
feeds.feedburner.com/~r/TheNascarInsiders/~3/435366469/
Are Fans Burned-Out On NASCAR TV?
There has been a theme emerging during The Chase this season that we really did not see last year. Remember, 2007 was the first year of the current NASCAR TV contract and lots of the Sprint Cup Series television coverage was brand new.
dalyplanet.blogspot.com/2008/10/are-fans-burned-out-on-nascar-tv.html
Late Models On Dirt Coming To SPEED In December
www.whowon.com/sresults.asp?SanctionID=816&StoryID=261850
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T V * L I S T I N G S
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Courtesy of Jayski
www.jayski.com/pages/tv.htm
Wed Oct 29
12:00 am NASCAR Now ESPN2
9:00 am SportsCentury: Tony Stewart ESPNC
12:00 pm Racing Across America Bakersfield SPEED
5:00 pm NASCAR Now ESPN2
Thu Oct 30
12:00 pm NSCS Atlanta Replay SPEED
1:00 pm 2007 Dickies 500 at Texas ESPNC
5:00 pm NASCAR Now ESPN2
5:30 pm NSCS Atlanta Replay HDNet
Fri Oct 31
12:00 am NASCAR Now ESPN2
10:00 am NNS Texas Practice SPEED
1:00 pm NSCS Texas Practice ESPN2
4:00 pm NASCAR Now ESPN2
4:30 pm NSCS Texas Pole Qualifying ESPN2
6:30 pm NNS Texas Pole Qualifying SPEED
8:00 pm NASCAR Live SPEED
8:30 pm NCTS Set-Up SPEED
9:00 pm NCTS: Chevy Silverado 350K at Texas SPEED
11:30 pm Trackside at Texas SPEED
Jayski does not list all the programming offered by SPEED; for complete listings go to their website, www.speedtv.com/schedule/
Always CHECK YOUR LOCAL LISTINGS!
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The Stock Car Gazette
Copyright 2002-2008 by MotorSportsNews.Net
All Rights Reserved
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Car Insurance Pontiac Trans Am for sale
