Well, it’s here. The final weekend of the NASCAR 2008 season is upon us.
Will history be made by Mr. “potential 3-peat” Johnson, or will the Flip-boy steal his thunder somehow?
Will Clint Boyer take the Nationwide title, or will Mr. Flip take this title also?
And I think the one I’m looking forward to the most is the Craftsman Truck race. GO, JOHNNY BENSON! (Naaw, I’m not partial!)
We’ll see how it all unfolds, and we’ll have the news about it all right here for you in the Stock Car Gazette.
____________________________________________________________
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
____________________________________________________________
The Stock Car Gazette is sponsored by:
Hasco Collectibles
Div. Hasco Services, LLC
701 Mantooth Ave.
Lufkin, TX 75904
www.hascodiecastcars.com
www.diecastcars.net
hasco@diecastcars.net
866-66-HASCO (866-664-2726)
ALL MERCHANDISE ON OUR SITE THAT WE RECEIVED AFTER
JUNE 1, 2008, IS PRICED AT 1/2 OF OUR ORIGINAL PRICES!
LATEST PRE-ORDERS:
NOTE: WE WILL NO LONGER ACCEPT PRE-ORDERS AFTER NOV. 19, 2008.
Dale Earnhardt Jr. 2008 1/24th AMP/NG ‘Ride Along With Jr.’ Impala,
Dale Earnhardt Jr. 2008 1/24th Scale Black-On-Black NG,
Dale Earnhardt Jr. 2008 1/24th Scale Michigan Raced WIN Impala,
Dale Earnhardt Sr. And John Wayne “Dale & The Duke” Monte Carlo,
Ashley Force 2008 NHRA Castrol 1/24th Funny Car.
Visit 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.
ALL IN-STOCK ITEMS RECEIVED BY US AFTER JUNE 1, 2008, ARE 1/2 PRICE!!!
Hasco Collectibles
Div. Hasco Services, LLC
701 Mantooth Ave.
Lufkin, TX 75904
www.hascodiecastcars.com
www.diecastcars.net
hasco@diecastcars.net
866-66-HASCO (866-664-2726)
___________________________________________________________
Stock Car Gazette Columnists Speak Out!
___________________________________________________________
Ford 400 Fantasy Report
by: Mike Wells
Let’s take a look at Homestead under the microscope. This edition will include stats, past winners, hot streak driver (last 5 races) similar track stats (speedway) like who’s hot, manufacturer leaders, records, and much more! No matter if you are a Fantasy League player or just want to know the ins and outs at Homestead, you can get a full dose right here. You won’t leave the table wanting more! Here’s the rest of the article: motorsportsnews.net/archives/2247
Read more of Mike’s columns at motorsportsnews.net/archives/category/water-from-the-wells
__________
Big E is rolling over in his grave
by: Chuck Abrams
The empire Dale Earnhardt built to promote his family racing genes and continue the legacy of his racing prowess has now become watered down to become Earnhardt Ganassi Racing. While rumors have been swirling around both teams for weeks, I am still stunned to see the once powerful DEI merge with anyone. Roll over to here to finish this article motorsportsnews.net/archives/2253
For more from Chuck, click motorsportsnews.net/archives/category/chuckabrams
__________
FastCar Newsdesk for Chase Race Ten at Homestead
by: Doug Turnbull
Though technically a partnership and not a merger, Ganassi and Dale Earnhardt Incorporated officials have announced that their teams will field cars together for the 2009 season. The rest of this article is at motorsportsnews.net/archives/2262
Read more of Doug’s columns at motorsportsnews.net/archives/category/turnbull
___________________________________________________________
N A S C A R * S P R I N T * C U P * S E R I E S
___________________________________________________________
Courtesy of www.Catchfence.com
One-On-One Breakout Session With Ford Racing’s NSCS Driver Carl Edwards - www.catchfence.com/press/111308c.html
David Reutimann to Host Fourth Annual Charity Golf Tournament and Auction: Lutz, FL – David Reutimann, driver of the #44 Toyota in the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series and the #99 Aarons Dream Machine in the NASCAR Nationwide Series for Michael Waltrip Racing, will be hosting his Fourth Annual Charity Golf Tournament, Cook Out and Auction from Silverado Golf and Country Club in Zephyrhills, Florida. “It’s been impressive the generosity we’ve received. I’ve always been proud of where I’m from, so it’s special to come back each year to visit and give back to my community,” said NASCAR driver and Zephyrhills native David Reutimann. The cookout and auction will take place on Friday, November 28th, followed by the Golf Tournament on Saturday, November 29th. Proceeds from all events will go to Florida based charities. “The cookout and auction has become a really great event for not only NASCAR fans but sports fans alike. We encourage everyone to come out and enjoy a relaxing night with good food, friends and family. Plus, the best part - it’s all for a good cause,” said Reutimann. The Cook Out will start at 6:00 p.m., followed by an auction of sports memorabilia from numerous NASCAR drivers, professional sports teams and athletes. “We’ll really have items for auction that appeal to every type of sports fan. I mean, we have NASCAR tickets, uniforms, helmets, and signed sheet metal, plus items from the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Lightning players – the list goes on and on,” stated Shawn Wenkman, Golf Professional and Event Manager at Silverado Golf and Country Club. For more information on attending the cookout and auction, please contact (813) 788- - SportsONE, Inc. Press Release
___________________________________________________________
Courtesy of Stock Car Gazette subscriber Ed B. - thanks!
nascar-in-2010
berrylaker.blogspot.com/2008/11/nascar-in-2010.html
Mixed emotion for Stewart as JGR departure approachs
www.usatoday.com/sports/motor/nascar/2008-11-12-Stewart_N.htm
Childress : NASCAR will be fine
sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2008/writers/mark_beech/11/13/racing.fan/?eref=sircrc
___________________________________________________________
Courtesy of Google Alerts
Tension high after merger
SI.com - USA
About a month ago, I checked in with Chip Ganassi and asked him if the stock car rumors were true: would his two-car organization be merging with another …
sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2008/writers/tom_bowles/11/13/insidenascar/?eref=sircrc
Kotula’s Gift Catalog Has Goods for Guys, Including an Actual …
MarketWatch - USA
Now’s your chance to look like a race star, in an actual NASCAR race car at less than $70000*, with the help of Roush Fenway Racing. …
www.marketwatch.com/news/story/Kotulas-Gift-Catalog-Has-Goods/story.aspx?guid=%7B497334A3-08C8-457E-AF64-031AEC91B394%7D
___________________________________________________________
Courtesy of Insider Racing News
www.insiderracingnews.com
Keep Ron in your prayers as he recovers from gall bladder surgery.
___________________________________________________________
Courtesy of Jayski
www.jayski.com
No merger for Petty: One thing not in the cards for Petty Enterprises is a merger with another team, said Richard Petty, who earlier this year sold majority ownership in the team to investment banking firm Boston Ventures. “We’ve talked to everybody about everything that could be talked about and we’re still standing here independent,” Petty said when asked about a possible merger. “We didn’t want to take on anybody else’s baggage. We had enough of our own.” The lack of sponsorship is a major worry, the seven-time Sprint Cup Champion admitted Thursday. “I’m concerned about Richard Petty’s future,” he said. “It starts here. And Petty Enterprises’s future and everybody’s future. Because right now, has everything bottomed out? We don’t know how far down we’ll go. … We’re all in this together, whether we like it or not. Racing’s not going to survive without the economy surviving or vice versa.”(SPEEDtv)(11-14-2008)
Layoffs at the #22? hearing that most of the Bill Davis Racing #22 Cup team shop and engine personnel were laid off this week.(11-14-2008)
29 to carry United Way logo at Homestead: Kevin Harvick and the #29 Shell-Pennzoil Racing team will carry the United Way logo on the deck lid of the #29 Richard Childress Racing (RCR) Chevy in the season finale Sprint Cup Series race this weekend at Homestead-Miami Speedway. Shell Oil Company is an avid supporter of the United Way and participated in a “Day of Caring” at the Salvation Army Boys and Girls Club in Houston on October 30, 2008. Approximately 125 Shell employees along with #29 Shell-Pennzoil driver Harvick and members of his crew all took part in making improvements at the facility. Activities included re-tilling a baseball field, sprucing up landscaping, refurbishing the children’s area, and painting and organizing storage rooms at the club. The logo that Harvick will carry on the #29 Shell-Pennzoil Chevy is a way for Shell Oil to say thank you to the United Way and all they do in the greater Houston community.(Shell-Pennzoil PR)(11-14-2008)
Juicy Fruit on the #42 for Homestead: The bright yellow color of Wrigley’s Juicy Fruit Slim Pack will adorn the hood of the #42 Dodge Charger of Juan Pablo Montoya for the 2008 NSCS season finale this weekend at Homestead-Miami Speedway.(CGRFS PR), see images of the scheme on my #42 Team Schemes page.(11-14-2008) www.jayski.com/schemes/2008/42cup.htm
Kurt Busch to test a sports car at Daytona: #2-Kurt Busch will be at Daytona International Speedway on Wednesday (11/12) participating in Penske Racing’s testing for the 2009 Rolex 24 at Daytona Grand-Am Rolex Sports Car Series race. “We had a podium finish there last year,” said Kurt, who teamed with Penske Racing IRL drivers Ryan Briscoe and Helio Castroneves to finish third in the prestigious sports car endurance race. “Knowing Roger like I do, we plan on coming back prepared as ever this time around.” Briscoe is expected to share the driving seat with Kurt on Wednesday. The 47th Annual Rolex 24 is scheduled for Jan. 24-25 with Daytona test days scheduled for Jan. 2-4.(Tom Roberts PR)(11-14-2008) Comment here
Hamlin heading to Japan: from a Joe Gibbs Racing PR: You’ll be heading to Japan and Fuji Speedway for Toyota Motorsports Day during the off season - Are you looking forward to that trip?: Denny Hamlin - “I really am looking forward to it. Usually, when the end of the season rolls around I like nothing more than to go home, turn off my phone and do as little as possible but this is a once-in-a -lifetime opportunity. This is a huge event for Toyota, where they will showcase their Cup and F1 teams for all of their fans - it’s a cool thing to be a part of and I’ll get a chance to visit some new places and meet some new people.”(JGR PR), Kyle Busch was supposed to go, but he has another commitment. Hamlin will not be driving a F-1 car but a Stock Car.(11-14-2008)
Drivers who have not won in 2008 who have a current streak of consecutive seasons with at least one win a year:
drivers and their last win listed:
14, Jeff Gordon, Charlotte, October 2007 [has won at least 2 races a year in this streak]
6, Matt Kenseth, Homestead, November 2007
2, Kevin Harvick, Daytona 500, February 2007
1, Casey Mears, Charlotte, May 2007 [only series win]
1, Martin Truex Jr., Dover, June 2007 [only series win]
1, Juan Pablo Montoya, Sonoma, June 2007 [only series win]
1, Jamie McMurray, Daytona, July 2007.
Richardson hopes to run 2009 Daytona 500: Robert Richardson Jr. and the R3 Motorsports team [#23 Chevy in the Nationwide Series] plan to attempt to run the 2009 Daytona 500.(11-13-2008)
Homestead Rookie Notes: #01-Regan Smith was the Raybestos Rookie of the Race in the November 9 Checker O’Reilly Auto Parts 500 at Phoenix, scoring a 23rd-place finish. Smith grabbed top rookie honors for the 10th time in 2008. Sam Hornish Jr. leads Regan Smith by three points (199-196) in the Raybestos Rookie standings entering the November 16 Ford 400 at Homestead-Miami. Tony Stewart is the only Raybestos Rookie to win a Sprint Cup Series race at Homestead-Miami Speedway. Stewart captured the inaugural Ford 400 in 1999. The most laps led by a Raybestos Rookie in eight previous races at Homestead is 52 by Casey Atwood in 2001. The only Raybestos Rookie to win a pole in nine Sprint Cup races at Homestead is Jamie McMurray. McMurray won his first-career pole at the 2003 Ford 400. The most recent Raybestos Rookie to win a Sprint Cup Series race is Juan Pablo Montoya. Montoya captured the 2007 Toyota/Save Mart 350 at Infineon (Sonoma, Calif.) Raceway (55 races). The most recent Raybestos Rookie to win a pole position in the Sprint Cup Series is Patrick Carpentier. Carpentier captured the top starting spot for the 2008 LENOX Industrial Tools 301 at New Hampshire Motor Speedway (19 races). The 2008 season marked the first time in NASCAR’s modern-era (since 1972) that THREE drivers shared the lead in the Raybestos Rookie standings. After the second race of the season, Sam Hornish, Jr., Dario Franchitti and Regan Smith were all tied at the top of the standings. Ryan Newman holds the all-time Raybestos Rookie record for most poles (6), most top-fives (14) and most top-10s (22). Denny Hamlin is the only Raybestos Rookie to qualify for the Chase for the Sprint Cup since the program was created in 2004. Hamlin holds the record for most earnings by a Raybestos Rookie ($6.6 million in 2006). The record for most wins by a Raybestos Rookie is three, shared by Tony Stewart (1999) and Jimmie Johnson (2002).(Camp & Assoc/Raybestos), see rookie standings, history and more on my 2008 Rookies page.(11-14-2008) www.jayski.com/stats/2008/roty2008.htm
Chase stats going into Homestead: In 49 Chase races, Jimmie Johnson has accomplished the following:
Won 14 of 49 Chase Races (28%)
Finished 1st, 2nd or 3rd in 23 of 49 Chase races (47%)
Finished in the Top 10 in 35 of 49 Chase races (71%)
Even though #6-David Ragan just missed The Chase, he has scored the seventh most points (1169) of all drivers during the nine races of The Chase thus far. Ragan will be a strong candidate for The Chase next season. #11-Denny Hamlin went from worst to 9th at Phoenix with a fifth place finish. #88-Dale Earnhardt Jr. moved into 10th with his sixth at PIR, #18-Kyle Busch fell back to seven points out of 10th in the standings with his 8th and #20-Tony Stewart’s 22nd at Phoenix dropped him all the way from 9th to 12th, 28 points behind Dale Jr. See my Chase Stats after Phoenix page.(11-14-2008) www.jayski.com/stats/2008/chase/35phx2008chase.htm
Homestead Tire Notes: Teams in all three NASCAR series will run the same tire codes at Homestead this weekend, though those for the Sprint Cup and Nationwide Series will be branded “Goodyear Eagle,” while those for the Craftsman Truck Series will be branded “Goodyear Wrangler” . . . Goodyear held a tire test at Homestead on October 14 . . . participating in that test were the #42 Chip Ganassi Racing Dodge with Juan Pablo Montoya and the #83 Red Bull Racing Toyota with Brian Vickers . . . “Our confirmation test at Homestead went well. The early wear rates were high, as expected, but as the teams tested and the track ‘rubbered in,’ wear improved significantly. By the end of the day, both cars were running full fuel runs with good performance,” said Rick Campbell, Goodyear’s NASCAR project manager . . . this is the same combination of left- and right-side tires that Goodyear brought for teams to run at both Texas and Chicagoland this season . . . NASCAR teams have also run this left-side tire code (D-4134) with a different right-side code at Dover, Michigan and Kentucky in 2008 . . . as on all NASCAR ovals greater than one mile in length, teams will are required to run inner liners in all four tire positions at Homestead . . . air pressure in those inner liners should be 12-25 psi greater than that of the outer tire. The estimated pit window is every 50-55 laps, based on fuel mileage.(Goodyear PR), see the full report with pressures and codes on my Homestead Race Info page - Goodyear section.(11-14-2008) www.jayski.com/next/2008/36hms2008.htm#goodyear
Phoenix Final TV Rating slightly down: ABC’s coverage of the Sprint Cup event at Phoenix International Raceway earned a final national rating of 3.6, down slightly from the 3.7 earned for last year’s event that also aired on ABC. The telecast averaged 5,656,949 viewers. The final 30 minutes of the race aired on ESPN2 and earned a 3.3 rating, averaging 4,610,804 viewers. The Chase for the Sprint Cup ratings on ABC continue to be essentially even with last year through nine races. ESPN2’s live coverage of the Nationwide Series race at Phoenix earned a 1.3 household coverage rating, up from the 1.1 earned for last year’s race that also aired on ESPN2. The telecast averaged 1,651,486 viewers. ESPN2’s ratings for the Nationwide Series are up 7% from last year.(ESPN)(11-13-2008)
Hellmann’s to sponsor Sadler at Homestead: Elliott Sadler is finishing his 11th season as a Sprint Cup Series driver, and his 10th as a full-time driver, but he has never had an off-season like the one that is ahead of him this year. Sadler is getting married to his fiancée, Amanda, on Jan. 17 in his hometown of Emporia, Va. When he returns to Daytona International Speedway in February to start the 2009 Sprint Cup season he will do so as a married man for the first time in his career. “I’m really excited to start this chapter of my life,” said Sadler. “Racing and family have always been the most important things in my life. Now, I’m going to be taking the first step towards starting a family of my own with my best friend in the world. “It’s going to be a great off-season, but I have some unfinished business to take care of at Homestead-Miami this weekend. We want to win a race and this is our last chance to do that this season. All of the guys on the #19 team have worked hard all season and a win this weekend at Homestead would be the best way to say thank you for all their hard work.” The #19 Dodge is racing with Hellmann’s as the primary sponsor for the weekend.(GEM PR)(11-13-2008)
___________________________________________________________
Testimonial
Before Ethos - In a 2002 Honda Odyssey I was averaging 20.1 mpg
After Ethos - I am averaging 23.6 and achieving highway only trips of 26.7(EPA est is 25)
Gas tank holds 18 gals
18X3.5=63 extra miles that equals to 2.7 gallons of gas
$3.96 X 2.7 = $10.69 minus cost of 2 ounces of Ethos $2.10 = $8.59 savings every fill-up
Increase MPG 7 - 19%
Decrease emissions 30% - or more
Distributorships available
Used and endorsed by the Unser family.
‘The Official Fuel Reformulator of the Firestone Indy Lights Series’.
You can check out the details here: snipurl.com/29ohu-gazete
(advertisement)
___________________________________________________________
Courtesy of Race2Win
www.race2win.net
Listen to Race 2 Win’s Jeff Holtzclaw on Track Talk
Listen in as Race 2 Win’s Jeff Holtzclaw joins Greg DePalma, Blake Feese and Heather Meyer 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. Eric Darnell, driver of the No. 99 Roush Fenway Racing Ford, and John Daly of The Daly Planet were guests on the Thursday, November 13th show.
Chase Press Conference: Jimmie Johnson and Carl Edwards
NASCAR Sprint Cup Series championship contenders Jimmie Johnson and Carl Edwards held a press conference today at Homestead-Miami Speedway in advance of Sunday’s Ford 400.
Full Story www.race2win.net/wc/08/11/ctjjce.html
Ford to Unveil New-Look NASCAR Fusion
Race fans will be the first to see the new-look Ford NASCAR Fusion that will compete in 2009 when Edsel Ford and Brian Wolfe unveil the car at the Ford display, located outside turn one of the Homestead Miami Speedway on Friday, Nov. 14.
Johnson at Ease Heading into Homestead Finale
Jimmie Johnson is 400 miles from making history. With his third consecutive Sprint Cup Series championship at hand, all Johnson has to do is finish 36th or better in Sunday’s Ford 400 at Homestead-Miami Speedway to join Cale Yarborough as the only drivers to win three consecutive championships.
Full Story www.race2win.net/wc/08/11/jaehh.html
___________________________________________________________
Courtesy of That’s Racin’
www.thatsracin.com
It isn’t history till it’s over, 2nd-place Edwards notes
Numbers don’t point his way with Johnson poised to win third title
CORAL GABLES, Fla. - Don’t ask Carl Edwards where he thinks three straight Sprint Cup championships for Jimmie Johnson would rank among NASCAR accomplishments
www.thatsracin.com/topstories/story/20942.html
Good times, bad times | Former NASCAR champions hoping for the best - www.thatsracin.com/news/story/20943.html
Hendrick’s prediction? | Industry will get help, Johnson will win - www.thatsracin.com/topstories/story/20933.html
Tom Higgins’ blog | Jimmie chases Cale - blogs.thatsracin.com/scuffs/
Krissie Newman’s blog | One to go - blogs.thatsracin.com/krissieskorner/
Video | Weekend preview - videos.thatsracin.com/vmix_hosted_apps/p/media?id=2384593
Racer dies after weekend crash in West Virginia - www.thatsracin.com/topstories/story/20924.html
___________________________________________________________
P R E S S * R E L E A S E S
___________________________________________________________
Appearances – Robby Gordon, the driver of the No. 7 Jim Beam Dodge will be making many appearances around the track this weekend. On behalf of Jim Beam, Gordon will appear at Sailfish Landing Liquors on Thursday from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. The appearance is located at 35202 S Dixie Hwy. Florida City, FL 33034. On Sunday, he will be at his merchandise trailer on Sunday at noon signing autographs for his fans.
__________
AIR FORCE ANNOUNCES NASCAR SPONSORSHIP FOR FISCAL 2009
First sponsorship with Gillett Evernham Motorsports No. 10 car driven by Reed Sorenson
RANDOLPH AIR FORCE BASE, Texas – Air Force officials announced today that it will begin a new NASCAR partnership with Gillett Evernham Motorsports when it sponsors the No. 10 car driven by Reed Sorenson for the 2009 NASCAR Nextel Cup season. GSD&M Idea City, the Air Force’s advertising agency, organized the sponsorship and will roll out a multimedia advertising campaign to support the partnership in early 2009.
The Air Force is both a primary and associate sponsor of the No. 10 car driven by Reed Sorenson, a 22-year-old three-time winner in the Nationwide Series. As a primary sponsor, the car will feature the Air Force paint scheme in four of 38 NASCAR races this season.
___________________________________________________________
N A S C A R * N A T I O N W I D E * S E R I E S
___________________________________________________________
Courtesy of Jayski
www.jayski.com
JoeTheRacer.Com Specialty Sports Apparel will sponsor David Green in the #0 and Danny Efland in the #01 JD Motorsports team cars at this weekend’s Homestead Miami Event.(Johnny Davis Motorsports / hufcopromotion.com PR)(11-13-2008)
Mahindra to sponsor Richardson in 2009: Erohs Group LLC announced a 17 race primary and 18 race associate sponsorship for the 2009 Nationwide Series. Robert Richardson Jr. will be driving the #23 Mahindra Tractor Chevy.(R3 Motorsports PR)(11-13-2008)
___________________________________________________________
Courtesy of The Hot Lap
www.TheHotLap.com
What will it take for those involved to claim the NASCAR Nationwide Series driver and owner championships at Homestead? The following are the clinch scenarios for the final chance at title chases: Driver Championship: Bowyer needs to finish eighth or better without leading a lap regardless of what Carl Edwards does. Bowyer can finish ninth with one lap led and clinch regardless of what Edwards does. Bowyer can finish 11th and lead the most laps and clinch regardless of what Edwards does. Edwards needs to finish 24th or better in order to stay in contention until the end of the race assuming Bowyer starts.Owner Championship: The No. 20 can finish second with no laps led and clinch regardless of what the No. 2 does. The No. 20 can finish third with one lap led and clinch regardless of what the No. 2 does. The No. 20 can finish fourth and lead the most laps and clinch regardless of what the No. 2 does. The No. 2 needs to finish 33rd or better in order to stay in contention until the end of the race assuming the No. 20 starts(NASCAR) (11-13-08)
Following the crowning of the series champion – or champions – at Homestead, the series will celebrate its inaugural season with title sponsor Nationwide Insurance during Champions’ Week and the Awards Banquet the week of Nov. 17.The driver champion will travel to Columbus, Ohio, the headquarters city for Nationwide, Tuesday, Nov. 18. There he will have a full day of activities including a meet and greet with company executives and associates, a visit to Nationwide Children’s Hospital and meet with the local media, in addition to taking part in pre-game activities at the Columbus Blue Jackets-Edmonton Oilers NHL game at Nationwide Arena. Thursday evening, Nov. 20, Nationwide Insurance will congratulate the driver and owner champion team (if split titles) with a celebratory dinner in Orlando, Fla.Friday, Nov. 21 the driver champion, owner champion (if split titles), Top 10 drivers and Raybestos Rookie of the Year will attend Champions’ Week Media Day at the ESPN Club at Disney’s BoardWalk in Orlando. The 2008 Awards Banquet follows from the Portofino Bay Hotel on Saturday night, Nov. 22.(NASCAR) (11-13-08)
Clint Bowyer may feel like the cavalry has arrived.Jeff Burton (No. 21 Prilosec OTC Chevrolet), last year’s race winner, will drive a third Richard Childress Racing entry at Homestead.Burton won the 2007 event in the No. 29 Holiday Inn Chevrolet; Scott Wimmer will be making his final start for RCR in the No. 29 this weekend. Both drivers shared the stage with owner Richard Childress last year as NASCAR Nationwide Series owner champion.(NASCAR) (11-13-08)
With a start at Homestead, Kenny Wallace will surpass Tommy Houston for second on the all-time list with 418 starts. Jason Keller (No. 27 Kleenex Ford) holds the mark at 456 starts and counting.“It’s a feather in my cap and I’m very grateful that I’ve been able to race for so long in the Nationwide Series,” Wallace said. “This series has always been there for me. It’s been a wonderful time and I look forward to the next 82 races.”Wallace has 772 starts across each of NASCAR’s national series, but his NASCAR Nationwide start resumé is the longest. (11-13-08)
Second-place in points-#60 Carl Edwards, on racing at Homestead-Miami Speedway: “Wow, I can’t believe the season will be over this weekend. We have a legitimate shot for the championship this weekend and we are definitely focused on winning it. The guys are motivated and understand what we need to do. Homestead is a great 1.5-mile track for us with lots of grooves, just like I like. I plan on pressing it hard and going for the win. It would be great to cap off the season with a victory for Save-A-Lot and another championship.” Crew chief Drew Blickensderfer on racing at Homestead-Miami Speedway: “We got a big win last weekend and we have closed the point margin to just 56 points. The Save-A-Lot team is going into Homestead with a full head of steam. It is a cool track with progressive banking. Carl likes the track and we are taking our best Ford Fusion, so we can give it our all to win the race and bring home another championship.” (RFR) (11-13-08)
His bags are packed and he’s eager to fly home to Tasmania for a well-deserved holiday break. But there’s still a little work remaining for Marcos Ambrose and the No. 59 Kingsford Tailgate and Home Ford. Not only does Ambrose still have 300 miles of racing left in the NASCAR Nationwide Series season, he’s eager to make an appearance in the season-ending awards banquet. After that comes an 18-hour flight home.“You don’t want to go home on a bad note,” Ambrose said. “I want to spend the holidays with a smile. The best way to do that is finish the season strong at Homestead.”Ambrose is essentially guaranteed to finish on a strong note. The team had two basic goals in 2008 – to win a race and finish among the Top-10 drivers in the standings. Ambrose and JTG Daugherty Racing are on the verge of accomplishing both.“The win at Watkins Glen was the high point, but to be in the Top 10 is an equally-important accomplishment,” said crew chief Gary Cogswell. “We have a 145-point lead over 11th place, so we have some breathing room. We haven’t closed the deal yet, but that’s our goal.”Ambrose can clinch his spot in the Top 10 – and the awards banquet – by finishing no worse than 34th Saturday at the Homestead-Miami Speedway during the Ford 300. He’s only five points from ninth place and 98 from eighth. (JTG DaughertyRacing) (11-13-08)
___________________________________________________________
C R A F T S M A N * T R U C K * S E R I E S
___________________________________________________________
Courtesy of Jayski
www.jayski.com
Busch fastest in Happy Hour: #51-Kyle Busch was quickest during the final practice session at Homestead-Miami Speedway with a speed of 167.245. Rounding out the top ten were; #22-Scott Speed, #5-Mike Skinner, #2-Kevin Harvick, #6-Colin Braun, #59-Terry Cook, #99-Erik Darnell, #17-Timothy Peters, #16-Brian Scott, #60-Jack Sprague; points leaders - #23 Johnny Benson 24th; #33-Ron Hornaday Jr. 14th. There were 37 trucks on track for the final session. Complete final practice speeds are posted on the Homestead Race Page.(11-13-2008) www.jayski.com/cts/next/2008/25homestead2008.htm#prac
Darnell leads first practice: #99-Erik Darnell was the fastest on track with a speed of 166.001 to lead the first practice session for the Ford 200 at Homestead-Miami Speedway. Rounding out the top ten were; #2-Kevin Harvick, #22-Scott Speed, #33-Ron Hornaday Jr., #7-T.J. Bell, #51-Kyle Busch, #30-Todd Bodine, #09-Travis Kvapil, #18-Dennis Setzer, #17-Timothy Peters. Points leader, #23-Johnny Benson was 19th. Complete practice speeds are posted on the Homestead Race Page.(11-13-2008) www.jayski.com/cts/next/2008/25homestead2008.htm#prac
Chaffin back in the #40 for season finale: Chad Chaffin will be back in the drivers seat of the #40 Westerman / Pollo Tropical Chevy for the Ford 200 Truck race at Homestead-Miami Speedway on Friday, November 14. 2008. (Key Motorsports PR)(11-13-2008)
NASCAR and newly named title sponsor Camping World will unveil the official NASCAR Camping World Truck Series logo during SPEED’s coverage of Truck qualifying from Homestead, Friday,, November 14th at 5:00pm/et.(SPEEDtv PR)(11-12-2008)
___________________________________________________________
Benson’s three-point lead over Hornaday is the closest in the 14-year history of the NASCAR Truck Series going into the final race and the second closest in a NASCAR national series since the current points system was adopted in 1975. The closest point margin with one race remaining was in 1979 when Darrel Waltrip had a two-point lead over Richard Petty. Petty went on to win the 1979 NASCAR Winston Cup championship.
By winning the 2008 title, Ron Hornaday would become the first driver in Truck Series history to win four championships. The only other drivers to win at least four championships in NASCAR’s three elite divisions (Sprint Cup, Nationwide and Truck Series) are Richard Petty, Dale Earnhardt and Jeff Gordon.
Hornaday will be attempting to become the first driver to win back-to-back titles and four championships in the series and the first 50-year-old to take a NASCAR national series (KHI PR)
___________________________________________________________
Benson and Hornaday take their chase down to the wire
HOMESTEAD, Fla. - Trying to capture his second consecutive NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series championship and fourth overall, Ron Hornaday found himself in trouble last weekend at Phoenix.
www.thatsracin.com/topstories/story/20925.html
Truck practice | Kyle Busch, Scott Speed fastest in final session - www.thatsracin.com/news/story/20953.html
___________________________________________________________
U S A R (United Speed Alliance Racing)
___________________________________________________________
Courtesy of USAR
usarprocup.com
When Robert Brooks, founder of the Hooters restaurant chain and the Hooters Pro Cup Series, passed away in 2006, question marks surrounded the ultimate fate of the series.
The Brooks estate and Hooters restaurants announced they were pulling their sponsorship of the series at the end of the 2008 season, meaning the Rockingham race may be the final event ever for what was arguably the strongest and most successful short track touring series of this era.
“I don’t really have any earth-shattering news for you, but we’re not throwing in the towel by any means,” said Series Director Tony Cox, and a search for a new title sponsor is underway. “We’re working hard and hopefully we’ll keep things moving forward. I can tell you that probably within three weeks … we will be letting everyone know the future as far as our progress moving forward. We will not keep you hanging in the balance … hopefully something will get solidified so we can continue in ’09.”
Estimates put the sponsorship at $2 million per season. Participants at Peach State for the World Crown reported that the Series had already lost it’s office space, provided by Hooters.
(In part from: www.speed51.com) and also from “GEORGIA STOCK CAR RACING”
___________________________________________________________
N A S C A R * C A N A D I A N * T I R E * S E R I E S
localracing.nascar.com/news/6
___________________________________________________________
Minto resident Dwight Robinson helps NASCAR driver win Canadian …
Wellington Advertiser - Wellington,ON,Canada
Steckly is the second champion in NASCAR Canadian Tire Series history. Andrew Ranger won the inaugural championship in 2007. Mayor David Anderson pointed …
www.wellingtonadvertiser.com/index.cfm?page=detail&itmno=2127
___________________________________________________________
C O L U M N S / C O M M E N T A R I E S
___________________________________________________________
The Nascar Insiders
Now Thats What I Call a Championship Race
Three points. That’s all that separates Johnny Benson and Ron Hornaday in their quest for the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series title.
feeds.feedburner.com/~r/TheNascarInsiders/~3/452600007/
SPEED Dusts Off “Ole DW” For Friday’s Truck Race
It has been many months since Darrell Waltrip has been on the air handling a live NASCAR race. Memories of the Daytona 500, the Kyle Busch controversy and an emotional close to the NASCAR on Fox season come to mind where “ole DW” is concerned this year.
dalyplanet.blogspot.com/2008/11/speed-dusts-off-ole-dw-for-fridays.html
Trouble Brews When Earnhardt Loses Value - by Jonathan Lintner
With a Ganassi Racing-Dale Earnhardt Inc. merger complete, the late Dale Earnhardt’s legacy has taken another shot. With Dale Earnhardt Junior’s Nationwide operation struggling, the biggest name in NASCAR may no longer be enough.
www.speedwaymedia.com/Articles/08/111408Lintner.asp
Why does Dodge bother with NASCAR? - by Larry VanZandt
Meanwhile, back at the ranch… As I sat on my new couch (I found one I liked!) and watched The Most Boring Spectacle On Earth, otherwise known as the Checker/O’Reilly/Corporate Merger Auto Parts 500 at Phoenix…
www.speedwaymedia.com/Articles/08/111408VanZandt.asp
NASCAR of tomorrow (NOT) - by J.R. Franq
Every car company that builds a car or truck in the United States should be invited to race in NASCAR Truck, & Cup Series. Nationwide needs to go to a different type of car, but that’s another discussion.
www.speedwaymedia.com/Articles/08/111408Franq.asp
___________________________________________________________
T V * L I S T I N G S
___________________________________________________________
Courtesy of Jayski
www.jayski.com/pages/tv.htm
Fri Nov 14
12:00 pm NSCS Homestead Practice ESPN2
1:00 pm NNS Homestead Practice SPEED
3:00 pm NSCS Homestead Pole Qualifying ESPN2
5:00 pm NCTS Homestead Pole Qualifying SPEED
6:30 pm NNS Homestead Final Practice SPEED
7:30 pm NCTS Set-Up SPEED
8:00 pm NCTS: Ford 200 at Homestead SPEED
10:30 pm Trackside at Homestead-Miami SPEED
11:30 pm NCTS Set-Up SPEED
Sat Nov 15
12:00 am NCTS: Ford 200 SPEED
12:30 am NASCAR Now ESPN2
2:30 am Trackside at Homestead-Miami SPEED
3:30 am Back in the Day SPEED
11:00 am NASCAR Live SPEED
11:30 am NNS Homestead Pole Qualifying SPEED
1:00 pm NASCAR Live SPEED
1:30 pm NSCS Phoenix Practice SPEED
2:30 pm NASCAR Live SPEED
3:00 pm NSCS Phoenix Final Practice ESPN2
4:00 pm NNS Countdown ESPN2
4:30 pm NNS: Ford 300 at Homestead ESPN2
7:30 pm NASCAR Live SPEED
8:00 pm Tradin’ Paint SPEED
8:30 pm NASCAR Performance SPEED
Sun Nov 16
4:00 am NNS: Ford 300 at Homestead ESPN2
8:00 am NASCAR Angels HALL
10:00 am NASCAR Now ESPN2
10:30 am Tradin’ Paint SPEED
11:00 am NASCAR Performance SPEED
11:30 am NASCAR in a Hurry SPEED
12:00 pm NASCAR RaceDay SPEED
3:00 pm NASCAR Countdown ABC
3:45 pm Ford 400 at Homestead-Miami ABC
7:00 pm SPEED Report SPEED
8:00 pm NASCAR Victory Lane SPEED
9:00 pm Wind Tunnel with Dave Despain SPEED
10:00 pm NASCAR Now ESPN2
10:00 pm The SPEED Report - Special Edition SPEED
Mon Nov 17
2:00 am The SPEED Report - Special Edition SPEED
2:30 am NSCS Ford 400 at Homestead-Miami ESPN2
4:00 am NASCAR Victory Lane SPEED
8:00 am NASCAR Victory Lane SPEED
9:00 am Wind Tunnel with Dave Despain SPEED
10:00 am NSCS Ford 400 at Homestead-Miami ESPNC
12:00 pm NCTS Set-Up SPEED
12:30 pm NCTS: Ford 200 SPEED
5:00 pm NASCAR Now ESPN2
8:00 pm This Week in NASCAR 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!
___________________________________________________________
The Stock Car Gazette
Copyright 2002-2008 by MotorSportsNews.Net
All Rights Reserved
SUBSCRIBE / UNSUBSCRIBE INFORMATION
groups.google.com/group/StockCarGazette
Miss an edition of the Stock Car Gazette? Visit the E-ZINE ARCHIVE:
motorsportsnews.net/archives/category/stock-car-gazette/
IMPORTANT PRIVACY NOTICE: The Stock Car Gazette mailing list is maintained completely by MotorSportsNews.Net. Therefore, we can tell you we have not and will not ever share your e-mail address with anyone for any reason.
IMPORTANT LEGAL NOTICE: ALL broadcast, publication, retransmission to e-mail lists, WWW or any other copying or storage, in any medium, online or not, is STRICTLY PROHIBITED without PRIOR written permission from the editor. However, you MAY manually forward an issue by e-mail to your friends IF 1.) The text is forwarded IN ITS ENTIRETY including all subscription and web page information, and 2.) NO FEE is charged. We ALWAYS appreciate readers who report violations of the copyright to webmaster@motorsportsnews.net.
IMPORTANT PERSONAL NOTICE: Do you know for sure? You can. motorsportsnews.net/you-can-know-for-sure
___________________________________________________________
Car Insurance