There may be no television coverage of NASCAR during the off-season (see John Daly’s column in the Columns/Commentaries section), but we’re still here with all the NASCAR stock car racing news that’s fit to print… er… read.
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There may be no television coverage of NASCAR during the off-season (see John Daly’s column in the Columns/Commentaries section), but we’re still here with all the racing news that’s fit to print… er… read.
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Stock Car Gazette Columnists Speak Out!
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TV Times – Eight Live ARCA RE/MAX Races on SPEED In 2009
by: Lou Modestino
Officials of the ARCA RE/MAX Series and SPEED released the 2009 SPEED TV schedule for the ARCA RE/MAX Series to include 10 events, eight of which will be live, and the remaining two will be same-day-delayed. Read more about this and other “TV Times” here: http://motorsportsnews.net/archives/2430
For more articles by Mr. Modestino, visit http://motorsportsnews.net/archives/category/tv-times
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MotorSportsNews.Net(work) web site features
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BREAKING NEWS: Petty-GEM Deal Off
by Mike Irwin ~ December 16th, 2008 @ 7:15 pm
Sirius Speedway has learned that the much-discussed merger between Gillett Evernham Motorsports and Petty Enterprises has run aground. Anonymous sources say that GEM laid off approximately 50 employees today, and that its NASCAR Nationwide Series team will either be eliminated or cut back dramatically. In addition, multiple sources say that GEM’s #10 Sprint Cup team and driver Reed Sorenson will also run only a partial schedule.
http://motorsportsnews.net/archives/2433
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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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No off-season for Tony Stewart
So what are Tony Stewart’s plans for the NASCAR offseason? Ask Stewart, and he’ll tell you, “What offseason?” Ready to embark on the next stage of his career as a Sprint Cup owner/driver, Tony Stewart knows he has to maximize his time at the race shop to help prepare his own No. 14 Chevrolet and [...]
http://clicks.aweber.com/y/ct/?l=MsyAy&m=1drYhtEsJxX3DX&b=7EjcSiSFVigdBvDJ1T16JQ
Edwards beats Schumacher at ROC
Five-time world rally champ Sebastien Loeb prevailed in the Race of Champions on Sunday, but NASCAR star Carl Edwards provided the night’s biggest upset, downing Michael Schumacher in a second-round clash. Edwards, who represented the USA with drifting standout Tanner Foust, narrowly edged the seven-time Formula One champ on the Wembley Stadium course. Edwards lost in [...]
http://clicks.aweber.com/y/ct/?l=MsyAy&m=1drYhtEsJxX3DX&b=AH9rslFKJ7qvccyxY0hh6w
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Courtesy of www.Catchfence.com
Robby Gordon Motorsports Partners with Toyota for 2009: Robby Gordon Motorsports announced today that they will partner with Toyota beginning in the 2009 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series season for the No. 7, which is guaranteed a spot in the season opener Daytona 500. “We are excited to be partnering with Toyota in NASCAR in 2009. After watching their progress last season, we decided that a switch to Toyota was the right package for our team,” commented Robby Gordon, owner of Robby Gordon Motorsports. “We are confident that fielding a Toyota Camry will add to the success of our organization and the competitiveness of our performance on the race track.” “I’ve known Robby as a driver, team owner and fierce competitor since 1990,” said Lee White, President of TRD, U.S.A. “We’ve raced together in Off-Road, IMSA, SCCA and Indy Car and have shared many memorable challenges and victories. It will be exciting to see how the association between Robby, his team, Toyota and TRD will develop in 2009. I promise you that it will not be boring to watch.” Toyota’s first involvement with Robby Gordon dates back to 1989 when he became the youngest grand national sport truck driver to win a championship in a TRD-powered Toyota truck. Gordon and TRD hope to continue this successful pattern in the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series. – Robby Gordon Motorsports, Press Release
Ryan Newman Foundation raises $155,000 for conservation and animal welfare: NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Driver Ryan Newman raised $155,000 for conservation and animal welfare efforts at the Ryan Newman Foundation’s Fourth Annual Charity Gala and Auction on December 12 and the Third Annual Charity Fishing Tournament on December 13 in Mooresville, NC. The gala, which was presented by Alltel Wireless, featured a concert by country music singers/songwriters Bridgette Tatum and Danny Myrick. The pair wrote the song “She’s Country,” which was performed by Jason Aldean on the 2008 Country Music Awards. The charity bass tournament was presented by Ranger Boats and facilitated by FLW Outdoors. Three hundred and nineteen fishermen competed for the grand prize which was Ryan Newman’s Z-20 Ranger Boat equipped with a 225 H.O. Evinrude, Minn-Kota Maxxum 80 trolling motor, Lowrance x135, and trailer. Alfred Kiesling of Mooresville, NC and Cliff Kirby of Catawba, NC won the tournament and took home the grand prize package, valued at $45,000. The tournament also featured a separate competition between celebrities and pro anglers, which was won by Martin Truex, Jr. and Nick Case. The Celebrity/Pro Angler Big Fish Contest also included Ryan Newman, Tony Stewart, Regan Smith, Scott Lagasse, Jr., Brad Coleman, Colin Braun, Shannon Wiseman, Bridgette Tatum, “Two Foot” Fred Gill, and Pro Anglers, Koby Kreiger, Chris Lane, David Wright, Stephen Griggs, Michelle Armstrong, Maurice Freeze, Mitch Seruya, Ronnie Watts, Lee Haas, Fred Contaoi, Jared Haas and Derrick Hicks. Ninety percent of the proceeds raised will be used to fulfill the mission of the Ryan Newman Foundation Endowment-to educate and encourage people to spay/neuter their pets and to adopt dogs and cats from animal shelters; to educate children and adults about the importance of conservation so the beauty of the great outdoors can be appreciated by future generations; and to provide college scholarship funding through the Rich Vogler Scholarship program to students interested in auto racing careers. Ten percent of the proceeds will be donated directly to the Humane Society of Iredell and the Humane Society of Catawba County, both located in NC. “I’m very proud of all that our foundation has accomplished with our projects like Racing For Wildlife and opening the S.N.I.P. Regional Spay/Neuter Clinic in Catawba County,” Newman said.”Krissie and I are working to make an even larger impact across the nation by supporting more spay/neuter programs, animal shelters and conservation programs. We really appreciate everyone’s support to help us raise funds for these important causes.” – The Ryan Newman Foundation, Press Release
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Courtesy of Google Alerts
Labonte would be great fit at Earnhardt Ganassi, more notes
SI.com – USA
41, in a tough economic environment that is already eating away at the car count for 2009. “In over 15 years of racing in the Sprint Cup Series, …
http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2008/writers/bruce_martin/12/15/inside.racing/?eref=sircrc
Dallenbach, Sr. and Hylton to Play a Major Part in Trenton …
WhoWon.com – Lincoln,NE,USA
Joining Dallenbach as part of the Trenton International Speedway tribute will be NASCAR stock car racing legend James Hylton. Just recently Hylton, 74 years …
http://www.whowon.com/Results.asp?TrackID=2100&StoryID=263444
The Fall of Al Unser Jr.
ESPN Magazine – USA
He walked, talked and drove like a stock car racer and went nose-to-nose with The Intimidator and Co. at places like Talladega and Michigan and never …
http://sports.espn.go.com/espnmag/story?id=3770050
Smith keeps it clean in smooth rookie run
USA Today – USA
“I just don’t know which one and if not, then I’ll look to the other two series (Nationwide and Camping World Trucks) and work hard to get back to this …
http://www.usatoday.com/sports/motor/nascar/2008-12-15-crashes-smith_N.htm
Joe Gibbs Racing will Once Again Give The ASA Member Track …
WhoWon.com – Lincoln,NE,USA
Joe Gibbs Racing is one of the premier organizations in NASCAR, currently fielding three NASCAR Sprint Cup Series teams, two NASCAR Nationwide Series teams …
http://www.whowon.com/sResults.asp?SanctionID=191&StoryID=263441
NASCAR Camping World East Series Champ Matt Kobyluck Helps Out …
But Matt Kobyluck isn’t most drivers nor is the 2008 Camping World Series East champion most people. Kobyluck has spent several 12-hour days in 10-degree, wet weather preparing a building site for Carol Girard’s new home in Voluntown, …
http://nascar-world-order.ning.com/xn/detail/2221078:Topic:11402
NASCAR writer says the sport should be ‘euthanized’ – Blog of …
Continuing to fund stock-car racing would be a sign that Detroit simply cannot function in the new century. When and if U.S. automakers come up with a better alternative to their outmoded product, I’ll be all for getting them out to …
http://blog.al.com/blogoftomorrow/2008/12/nascar_writer_says_the_sport_s.html
Matt Kenseth to have new pit boss in 2009
Rotoworld.com – USA
The 2009 campaign will be the third consecutive year that Matt Kenseth has a new pit boss; Nationwide Series pit boss Drew Blickensderfer has been promoted …
http://www.rotoworld.com/content/playerpages/playerbreakingnews.asp?sport=NAS&id=10&line=8903&spln=1
Labonte looking for work after Petty split
USA Today – USA
ARCHDALE, NC (AP) — Former NASCAR champion Bobby Labonte said Tuesday he’s disappointed equity firm Boston Ventures couldn’t do more for Petty Enterprises. …
http://www.usatoday.com/sports/motor/2008-12-16-3044381118_x.htm
Time for NASCAR to just go away?
ThatsRacin.com – USA
By David Poole Is it time for the sun to set on NASCAR? At least one writer thinks the sport’s time has passed. You knew it was coming. …
http://www.thatsracin.com/topstories/story/21545.html
Absence of testing hits NASCAR
Lexington Dispatch – Lexington,NC,USA
Testing in NASCAR’s Sprint Cup, Nationwide and Camping World Truck Series competition has been banned for the 2009 season and beyond as a way to save money …
http://snipurl.com/8m2tb-gazete
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Courtesy of Insider Racing News
http://www.insiderracingnews.com
Chevrolets For Earnhardt Ganassi Racing
The new Earnhardt Ganassi Racing team will run Chevrolets and work out of the Chip Ganassi Racing shop, a team spokesman confirmed Tuesday. The team still has not named a driver nor a crew chief for the No. 41 car, and it needs a a half-season sponsorship for Juan Pablo Montoya. The new organization resulted from a merger of Dale Earnhardt Inc. and Chip Ganassi Racing, which was announced in mid-November. Doug Randolph will serve as crew chief for Aric Almirola’s No. 8 team, a spokesman said. Dodge had a contract with Ganassi at least through 2009, but Dodge officials had indicated that they would let Ganassi out of its commitment if it was in the best interest of the team.
GEM Cuts Back On Engine Department
Another NASCAR Nationwide Series (team) has decided to cut back, as Gillett Evernham Motorsports officials said Tuesday its No. 9 Dodge would run a partial Nationwide schedule in 2009. GEM lost sponsor Unilever to JR Motorsports after the ’08 season and was unable to find adequate sponsorship to run all 35 Nationwide races. Reddin also said the team will restructure its engine department to align with a reduced number of engine leasing customers next season. GEM started 2008 with Petty Enterprises and Robby Gordon Motorsports leasing engines for three full-time Cup cars. With GEM now in merger talks with Petty and RGM going to Toyota, GEM likely will have two fewer Cup engine programs to lease as well as not have the need for as many Nationwide engines.
Reutimann Raises $78,000 For Charity
Michael Waltrip Racing’s David Reutimann has presented donations to four Florida charitable organizations – All Children’s Hospital of Florida, Camp Boggy Creek, Zephyrhills Pregnancy Center and Kid’s Go to Camp – after raising close to $78,000 at his fourth annual charity golf tournament and cookout. In addition, Reutimann donated $3,000 to six schools in the Pasco County area of Florida. Reutimann’s fundraiser, which included a sports memorabilia auction, was held the weekend after Thanksgiving at Silverado Golf and Country Club in Zephyrhills, Fla.
Help For Displaced Team Workers
The motorsports employment task force being set up by the North Carolina Motorsports Association has set up a program for displaced NASCAR team workers who are having credit and mortgage problems. The workers can get help through United Family Services’ office in Cornelius. UFS is a non-profit dedicated to assisting families in need. Unemployed race team workers can contact UFS at 9624 Bailey Road, Suite 290, Cornelius, N.C. 28031, or call (704) 655-8745.
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Courtesy of Jayski
http://www.jayski.com
Petty-GEM Deal Off? Sirius Speedway has learned that the much-discussed merger between Gillett Evernham Motorsports and Petty Enterprises has run aground. Anonymous sources say that GEM laid off approximately 50 employees today, and that its Nationwide Series team will either be eliminated or cut back dramatically. In addition, multiple sources say that GEM’s #10 Sprint Cup team and driver Reed Sorenson will also run only a partial schedule. While not commenting on the reported demise of the Petty deal, Gillett Evernham Motorsports CEO Tom Reddin confirmed today that major changes are underway. “We are a Sprint Cup team first and foremost, and winning in that series needs to be our primary focus,” he said. “The Nationwide Series is a fantastic series and we certainly look forward to racing a partial schedule in 2009, but we will not run the full season next year. We will remained focused on putting all of our effort behind the Cup program in 2009. GEM is very fortunate to have nearly all of our Cup sponsors returning in 2009 in addition to the new arrival of others.” Reddin said that GEM will also restructure its engine department for 2009, to align with a reduced number of engine leasing customers next season.(Sirius Speedway/Motorsports Soapbox)
AND Over the last week, Gillett Evernham Motorsports released 65 employees between its Nationwide Series team and engine shop. Due to a downturn in the economy and the inability to secure sponsorship, GEM was forced to cease operation of its NNS team on Tuesday. GEM is still in open discussions with Petty Enterprises regarding a possible merger. However, the option of Petty Enterprises not leasing engines in the future led to the company’s decision to downsize its engine department by nearly half. The organization will continue to employ nearly 300 workers at its Statesville, N.C. facility and field three teams in the Sprint Cup Series with drivers Kasey Kahne, Elliott Sadler and Reed Sorenson, who will join the team from Chip Ganassi Racing in 2009.(FoxSports)(12-16-2008)
EGR will run Chevy’s; all move to Ganassi’s shop: Director of Dodge Motorsports Mike Accavitti told Sirius NASCAR Radio’s Sirius Speedway Tuesday that Chip Ganassi Racing will race Chevrolets as part of its recent merger with Dale Earnhardt, Inc. Accavitti’s announcement was the first public admission of an anticipated manufacturer change by the Ganassi team. (Sirius NASCAR Radio’s Sirius Speedway)
Bud Shootout Changes: With Earnhardt Ganassi Racing going to Chevy and Robby Gordon Motorsports going to Toyota, #42-Juan Pablo Montoya [from Dodge to Chevy] will fall out of the 2009 Budweiser Shootout and the #10-Gillette Evernham Motorsports Dodge will move in. See what the lineup looks like now on my 2009 Budweiser Shootout page.(12-16-2008)
http://www.jayski.com/stats/2009/bud2009.htm
Bruton Smith’s daughter charged with DWI: The daughter of NASCAR racing mogul Bruton Smith has been charged with DWI in connection with a crash last week that left her seriously injured. Anna Smith remains hospitalized at Carolinas Medical Center. On Tuesday, Huntersville police charged her with DWI and driving with a revoked license. The accident on Dec. 10 happened on Gilead Road near Beatties Ford Road around 5 a.m. Authorities found Smith’s wrecked vehicle off the road in a field. Smith was reportedly thrown about 40 feet from the car.(WCNC.com)(12-16-2008)
Less wrecks in 2008: Accidents and spins in NASCAR’s Sprint Cup Series fell to their lowest levels in five years, USA TODAY database research shows. The taller, boxier, sturdier new-generation car, which began full-time duty this season after a 16-race trial in 2007, was involved in 211 incidents resulting in a caution, according to data compiled from NASCAR race reports. That’s a 12% drop from last season and marked the lowest total since 2004, when the 10-race, playoff-style Chase began. Wrecks during this year’s Chase also fell 33% from 89 in ’07 to 60 this year, the lowest in the playoff’s five-year existence. One huge surprise was Rookie of the Year Regan Smith, who had the third-lowest accident rate (12%) and became the first Cup rookie to finish every race. Rookie Sam Hornish Jr., a former Indianapolis 500 and three-time IRL IndyCar Series champion, topped the list with 20 accidents in 34 starts (59%). Drivers with the highest total of crashes and spins in NASCAR’s Sprint Cup Series, according to USA TODAY database research:
2008 — Sam Hornish Jr.*
2007 — David Ragan*
2006 — J.J. Yeley*
2005 — Michael Waltrip
2004 — Robby Gordon
2003 — Steve Park
2002 — Steve Park
See more at USA Today.(12-16-2008)
http://www.usatoday.com/sports/motor/nascar/2008-12-15-crash-analysis_N.htm
New associate sponsor for Vickers: The familiar blue paint scheme of the #83 Red Bull Toyota driven by Brian Vickers will sport a new logo for the 2009 Sprint Cup Series season as Mighty Auto Parts joins Red Bull Racing Team as an associate sponsor. Since 1963 Mighty has provided automotive service professionals with leading-edge sales tools, renowned training, outstanding business acumen, and parts and products that have helped some of NASCAR’s finest drivers to victory lane. Red Bull Racing Team will utilize Mighty’s technical expertise to engineer professional performance- grade air and oil filters designed to endure the grueling demands of the racetrack. “I see a natural fit between the philosophies of Red Bull Racing Team and Mighty Auto Parts,” said Ken Voelker, President of Mighty Auto Parts. “The opportunity to partner with a company such as Red Bull Racing that brings passion, an inventive style of thinking and marketing acuity to everything they do, mirrors Mighty’s own modus operandi. We look forward to developing a long-term relationship with RBRT, continuing our long-standing relationship with Jay Frye, and seeing the results of such a synergistic partnership.” Mighty has been involved with NASCAR and Red Bull Racing Team General Manager and Vice President Jay Frye for ten years, most recently as an associate sponsor of Mark Martin at MB2. “It is a privilege to continue my relationship with Mighty,” said Frye. “As a team we have high expectations for next season; the quality products Mighty provides will help improve our on-track performance and take us to that next level.”(RBRT PR)(12-16-2008)
Logano to test at Daytona for ARCA: Joey Logano, 2009 Raybestos Rookie of the Year Candiate, is scheduled to among the more than 40 drivers expected to take part in the three-day ARCA Series test on Dec 19, 20, 21. The test is open to the public. Guests can purchase a tram-only $10 at Daytona 500 Experience for transportation into the Sprint FANZONE inside the infield of Daytona International Speedway.(ARCA PR), Logano is scheduled to run the ARCA races at Daytona and Pocono in 2009,(12-16-2008)
Kyle Busch named to 4th qtr Pocono Spirit Award: #18-Kyle Busch’s generosity to a former driver prompted voters to name him the fourth-quarter recipient of the National Motorsports Press Association Pocono Spirit Award. Busch was recognized for donating $100,000 to Sam Ard and his family after tying Ard’s single-season victory mark with his 10th win of the NASCAR Nationwide Series season, a win that came at Texas Motor Speedway. Ard, a two-time series champion, suffers from both Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s diseases, creating massive medical bills. “Sam Ard is one of the pioneers of this [series], and to be tied with at 10 wins is something that’s pretty spectacular and really, really special to me,’’ Busch said after the win. “I’m going to try to help him out and see what I can do. It’s not much, but it’s something that can try to help.’’ The NMPA Pocono Spirit Award is designed to recognize character and achievement in the face of adversity, sportsmanship and contributions to motorsports. Each year, quarterly winners are selected, and an overall winner is selected by a vote of the NMPA membership. The 2008 overall winner will be announced during the NMPA’s annual convention and awards ceremony in January 2009. Also receiving votes were Jamie McMurray, Jeff Gordon and NASCAR. Sprint Cup driver Juan Pablo Montoya was the first-quarter winner. Longtime NASCAR photographer T. Taylor Warren was the second-quarter winner, and team owner Richard Childress claimed the third-quarter honor.(SceneDaily)(12-16-2008)
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Courtesy of Race2Win
http://www.race2win.net
Gibbs Moves Exclusively to New Raybestos Braking System
When approaching treacherous turns at speeds roaring close to 185 mph, even the gutsiest NASCAR drivers grip their steering wheels a little tighter when tires begin to squeal and the rubber starts to burn.
http://www.race2win.net/wc/08/12/jgrrbs.html
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Courtesy of That’s Racin’
http://www.thatsracin.com
Labonte free agent for first time in Cup career
Bobby Labonte has driven for four Sprint Cup teams in his 17 years in NASCAR’s biggest series, and after signing a lengthy contract extension this year with Petty Enterprises, didn’t plan on a fifth.
http://www.thatsracin.com/topstories/story/21549.html
Robby Gordon, Ganassi switch out of Dodges
http://www.thatsracin.com/topstories/story/21550.html
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UTI Foundation Awards the First Brienne Davis Memorial Scholarship
NASCAR Official’s Legacy Opens Door for Young Woman Seeking Career in Automotive Technology and NASCAR
PHOENIX, Dec. 16, 2008 – The Universal Technical Institute (UTI) Foundation today selected Kenna Primm of Greenwood, Ark. as the first Brienne Davis Memorial Scholarship recipient. Named in honor of the UTI graduate and NASCAR Sprint Cup official who died tragically in April of this year, the $10,000 scholarship will fund a portion of Primm’s technical education at UTI’s NASCAR Technical Institute, NASCAR Tech in Mooresville, N.C.
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N A S C A R * N A T I O N W I D E * S E R I E S
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Courtesy of Jayski
http://www.jayski.com
Cardinal Motorsports to Run 2009 Nationwide Series: A group of NASCAR notables has assembled a multi-faceted team with a new take on the old model. Cardinal Motorsports Inc., headquartered in Lexington, NC, will run 10-15 Nationwide Series races and select ARCA races in 2009. Sponsorship announcements for the team are forthcoming. Will Spencer, President of JKS Motorsports Inc., is part-owner of the new team. Over the past 25 years, JKS Motorsports, Inc. has built a reputation for providing high quality executional services and products for marketing companies, teams, sponsors and manufacturers. The company creates and executes showcar programs, at-track simulator and promotional displays, track signage, and other racing related activation programs. The team’s shop will be located within a JKS Facility. Ed Berrier, a former Nationwide Series race winner himself, will also own part of the team. Berrier will serve as General Manger of the team. Ed has also had a long-time working relationship in the sport with his cousin Todd Berrier, crew chief to RCR’s Kevin Harvick. Todd Berrier will provide some additional oversight to the team. Cardinal Motorsports will run Chevy bodies, and motors from Earnhardt-Childress Racing. Former Whelen All-American National Champion Peyton Sellers will not only be the team’s driver, but is also part owner – something relatively unheard of for a 25 year old, which brings a level of sponsor accountability directly to the driver’s seat. Seller’s brother and noted crew chief, H. C. Sellers, will occupy the crew chief position for Cardinal Motorsports.(Cardinal Motorsports PR)(12-16-2008)
Ford wants to run Mustang as COT: Director of Ford Racing Technology Brian Wolfe told Sirius NASCAR Radio’s Sirius Speedway Tuesday that when NASCAR’s new Nationwide Series Car Of Tomorrow returns to the front burner, both Ford and NASCAR would like to see the Ford Mustang approved for competition. “We would like to see it, and we are doing aero work and working hard with NASCAR on that possibility. It would also be very popular with the fans, I believe.”(Sirius NASCAR Radio)(12-16-2008)
Dillon to run 7 races in 2009: Austin Dillon, the 18-year-old grandson of NASCAR Sprint Cup team owner Richard Childress, said Tuesday that he will attempt to qualify for seven Nationwide Series races next season. Dillon made two Nationwide starts in 2008, coming home 26th at Richmond and fourth at Memphis, in addition to a full season in NASCAR’s Camping World East Series. The son of RCR Vice President of Competition Mike Dillon plans to run the entire Camping World East slate once again in 2009 in addition to the seven Nationwide races, which will preserve his rookie status in the series for 2010, when he hopes to run a full schedule. Dillon is uncertain which races he’ll run – he is still waiting on NASCAR approval to compete at the two superspeedways, Talladega and Daytona – but says Richmond and Iowa Speedway will likely be among them. In 2009, Dillon expects to share seat time with another driver in the No. 21 Nationwide entry for RCR. That’s the number his father used when he last drove for the organization in 2001.(Scene Daily)(12-16-2008)
Partial Schedule for GEM Nationwide Team: Sirius Speedway has learned that the much-discussed merger between Gillett Evernham Motorsports and Petty Enterprises has run aground. Anonymous sources say that GEM laid off approximately 50 employees today, and that its NASCAR Nationwide Series team will either be eliminated or cut back dramatically. In addition, multiple sources say that GEM’s #10 Sprint Cup team and driver Reed Sorenson will also run only a partial schedule. While not commenting on the reported demise of the Petty deal, Gillett Evernham Motorsports CEO Tom Reddin confirmed today that major changes are underway. “We are a Sprint Cup team first and foremost, and winning in that series needs to be our primary focus,” he said. “The Nationwide Series is a fantastic series and we certainly look forward to racing a partial schedule in 2009, but we will not run the full season next year. We will remained focused on putting all of our effort behind the Cup program in 2009. GEM is very fortunate to have nearly all of our Cup sponsors returning in 2009 in addition to the new arrival of others.” Reddin said that GEM will also restructure its engine department for 2009, to align with a reduced number of engine leasing customers next season.(Sirius Speedway)(12-16-2008)
New Crew Chief for Kenseth? Nationwide Series pit boss Drew Blickensderfer has been promoted to head the team. Chip Bolin, who held the position last year, will go back to work as an engineer at Roush Fenway Racing. Although Blickensderfer started 2008 as crew chief for Roush’s #17 Nationwide Series team, he swapped places with Pierre Kuettel and joined Carl Edwards’ #60 team. The pair went on to win seven of the final 19 races.(FoxSports)(12-16-2008)
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The #30 Tundra team needs to finalize primary sponsorship for 2009. Lumber Liquidators has informed team officials they will not return as the primary sponsor for the truck, which has Germain Racing and driver Todd Bodine searching for the right fit to take over title sponsorship on the #30 Tundra. Bodine and the #30 Tundra team brought Toyota it’s first Truck Series championship and the team has earned more wins than any other Tundra team. “Given the caliber of this team and its performance over the past four years, we’re confident that we can find support for the #30 Tundra program with champion driver Todd Bodine. We will be at Daytona to defend last year’s win…hopefully with a new primary sponsor who understands the tremendous value of the Camping World Truck Series and a championship team like Germain Racing,” said owner Bob Germain Jr.(Germain Racing PR)(12-16-2008)
Red Horse Racing makes formal announcement; two teams Benson & Starr: Red Horse Racing formally announced today that they will expand to two teams for the 2009 NASCAR Camping World Truck Series season with the addition of defending series champion Johnny Benson to the team’s roster. Benson, the 1995 NASCAR Nationwide Series champion and 1996 Sprint Cup Series Rookie of the Year, will join teammate David Starr in the Red Horse Racing Toyota Tundra’s. Fittingly, Benson will pilot the team’s #1 Toyota with Starr back behind the wheel of the familiar #11 Tundra.(Red Horse Racing PR)
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Camping World paid half what Sears did to sponsor the Truck Series …
The truck series’ official sponsor is now Camping World, the largest retailer of recreational vehicle equipment. Nascar gave the retailer a substantial discount: Camping World will pay approximately $2 million a year, half of what …
http://blog.al.com/blogoftomorrow/2008/12/camping_world_paid_half_what_s.html
FDNY Honors Jim Rosenblum, NASCAR Truck Owner
TruckSeries.com – Dallas,PA,USA
Jim Rosenblum, Nascar team owner, has used his race team to raise funds for the Widows’ & Children’s funds for the FDNY as well as the NYPD and other local …
http://www.truckseries.com/cgi-script/NCTS_08/articles/000023/002324.htm
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A R C A (Automobile Racing Club of America)
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Courtesy of ARCA
http://www.arcaracing.com
D’Hondt Motorsports Releases 09 ElectrifyingCareers.com Car Design for Alli Owens
MOORESVILLE, NC (12-16-08) – D’Hondt Motorsports, LLC (DMS) released the design of the # 19 ElectrifyingCareers.com Toyota which will be driven by Alli Owens in 2009.
http://www.arcaracing.com/news.cfm?contentid=7469
Logano, Davis, Fischer Scheduled to Test at Daytona for Venturini Motorsports Dec 19, 20, 21
DAYTONA BEACH FL (12-15-08) – Joey Logano is one of three drivers listed under the Venturini Motorsports banner to participate in the ARCA RE/MAX Series open test this weekend (Dec 19, 20, 21) at Daytona Int’l Speedway. Logano, who won in his career-first RE/MAX Series start at Rockingham Speedway back in May, is a development driver for Joe Gibbs Racing (JGR). Logano is slated to run the full NASCAR Sprint Cup Series schedule in 2009 in the no. 20 JGR Toyota. But first, the Middletown, Connecticut driver will put in a little more seat-time in the ARCA 200 at Daytona in preparation for his ascent to the Cup division. Logano also ran the ARCA RE/MAX Series race at Talladega in October, 2008, finishing second to ARCA champ Justin Allgaier.
http://www.arcaracing.com/news.cfm?contentid=7466
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What: ARCA RE/MAX Series testing for the Feb. 7 ARCA 200 during DIRECTV Speedweeks
When: Friday, Dec. 19 through Sunday, Dec. 21, 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Where: Daytona International Speedway
Who: Among the more than 40 drivers expected to take part in the three-day test include:
Heralded Joe Gibbs Racing and heralded NASCAR Sprint Cup Series rookie driver Joey Logano
Five-time ARCA 200 champion Bobby Gerhart
Will Kimmel, son of nine-time ARCA RE/MAX Series champion Frank Kimmel
Local Daytona Beach racer Alli Owens
The test is open to the public. Guests can purchase a tram-only $10 at Daytona 500 Experience for transportation into the Sprint FANZONE inside the infield of Daytona International Speedway.
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N A S C A R * C A N A D I A N * T I R E * S E R I E S
http://localracing.nascar.com/news/6
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Rick Young’s ‘Rick at the Races’ December 14, 2008
By GREGM(GREGM)
It’s been obvious to everyone that the youngster has talent and it was no surprise when this past Friday (12 Dec) it was announced that he’d been offered a NASCAR CANADIAN TIRE SERIES ride for 2009. Recently retired, former Canadian …
http://insidetracknews.blogspot.com/2008/12/rick-youngs-rick-at-races-december-14.html
I really never have anything exciting to post about in the winter …
By Morgie(Morgie)
As for more racing news.. we werent as successful in the 2008 NASCAR Canadian Tire series as 2007, but we ended up 3rd in Owners Points. Andrew ended up doing the nationwide race the weekend of our last race. …
http://mustangmorgies.blogspot.com/2008/12/i-really-never-have-anything-exciting.html
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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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Petty Enterprises,Wood Brothers Prisoners OfThe Past
http://www.closefinishes.com/cgi-script/csArticles/articles/000008/000837.htm
Insider Racing News
http://insiderracingnews.com/Writers/AM/121608.html
Racer Profile: Kyle Petty
by Allen Madding
The Nascar Insiders
I Got Swag
Well… I do. But don’t worry, it isn’t some horrible disease or condition. I promise. What it is, is all the race team and sponsor gear we all collect through the years working for different teams and having different sponsors.
http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/TheNascarInsiders/~3/486169184/
Short Pitting: Chumps, Champions And A Few Other Things To Chew On …
We weren’t able to properly partake in the formal pomp and festivities of the Camping World East Series and Whelen Modified Tour banquets this past weekend at the Mohegan Sun Casino, though we did get the chance to do some late mingling …
http://blogs.courant.com/autoracing/2008/12/short-pitting-chumps-champions.html
Insider Racing News
http://insiderracingnews.com/Writers/CA/121708.html
2008 Was Just One Big Silly Season
by Chuck Abrams
RaceTalkRadio.com:
Time for a Full Time NASCAR Network by Dennis Michelsen
http://www.racetalkradio.com/soz/id215.htm
A Christmas Blessed
by Carol Einarsson
So here it is Tuesday again. Usually I have something planned, but not this week.
http://www.racejournalonline.com/index.cfm?Pagename=column&id=559
Live Question-And-Answer Session On Wednesday
Thanks for stopping by The Daly Planet during this busy week. Before we go to the Christmas break, we are going to try a final Q-and-A session for 2008. This post will go up Tuesday night, so folks who have to work on Wednesday can post their questions in advance.
http://dalyplanet.blogspot.com/2008/12/live-question-and-answer-session-on.html
Fans In A Lurch With No NASCAR TV News
Last December, TDP talked about the role of the various NASCAR-related Internet websites when it came to keeping fans up to date during the off-season.
http://dalyplanet.blogspot.com/2008/12/fans-in-lurch-with-no-nascar-tv.html
NASCAR Shocked To Discover That It Ain’t Formula One – by Larry VanZandt
The Party is over. Can someone clean the beer bottles out of the dishwasher, please? And while you’re at it, can someone get Frank out of the clothes dryer? He stopped banging on the door twenty minutes ago.
http://www.speedwaymedia.com/Articles/08/121708VanZandt.asp
The Absolutely Worst Sprint Cup Rides Of 2008 – by Ron Thornton
They all look so shiny and sleek, in a boxy sort of way, and even speedy. Compared to your own car, they probably are, but not all shiny, sleek, and speedy race cars are created equal. Some are good enough to stay in the Top 35 and get to avoid having to qualify, some do not, and others are victims of the weather than washes qualifying out.
http://www.speedwaymedia.com/Articles/08/121708Thornton.asp
Scary Times for NASCAR – by Ron Fleshman
The economic turn of events of the last three months has everyone wondering what is going to happen next. The simple fact that at least 630 jobs have been lost at NASCAR teams is a sobering figure and makes the future look bleak. Couple that with the financial situation that exists for the three American auto makers and you have a disaster waiting to happen.
http://www.speedwaymedia.com/Articles/08/121608Fleshman.asp
Kyle Busch Foundation an Extension of a Maturing Driver – by Jonathan Lintner
Dale Earnhardt Jr., Jimmie Johnson, Denny Hamlin, and a slew of other NASCAR drivers have more than their profession in common. Outside the track, the same intense personalities that run 500 miles a weekend like to give back, and give back a lot.
http://www.speedwaymedia.com/Articles/08/121608Lintner.asp
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T V * L I S T I N G S
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Courtesy of Race Fan TV
http://www.racefantv.com
WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 17
12:00n-1:00P SPEED SCCA Runoffs, D Sports Racer, Heartland Park, Topeka, KS, Oct 11/08, N
1:00P-2:00 SPEED SCCA Runoffs, Showroom Stock C, Heartland Park, Topeka, KS, Oct 11/08, N
Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series SPEED Channel Broadcasts:
12/20/08, 3:00pm EST- KC Raceway, Ohio
Race Fan TV does not list all the programming offered by SPEED; for complete listings go to their website, http://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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