It seems like all the other e-zines and newsletters have shut down for the Christmas season, but we’re still here, putting out the Stock Car Gazette for you. We will probably take a few days off next week, but if there’s news, you’ll get it from us, the good Lord willing.
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Our owner and webmaster, Mike, has been playing around on Facebook for the last few weeks, and set up a page for the MotorSportsNews.Net(work) there.
motorsportsnews.net/archives/2442
Iowa Speedway replaces Mansfield on 2009 Truck series schedule
motorsportsnews.net/archives/2439
Stock Car Gazette, 12/17/2008
motorsportsnews.net/archives/2437
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Ginn Racing leased engines from Hendrick in 2007 at $12.8M base
If you’re looking to lease engines from Hendrick Motorsports for a NASCAR operation, you’d better be prepared to open up your wallet. A legal battle being played out in North Carolina courts is offering rare insight into the usually secretive world of the sport’s finances as the Hendrick operation seeks compensation from the Ginn Racing team [...]
snipurl.com/8vkz1-gazete
Dodge could go under by end of the month, end NASCAR support
Although Chrysler/Dodge is publicly standing behind its NASCAR involvement for 2009, things look bleak for the ailing automaker. A quote from ESPN.com: The news Wednesday from Chrysler headquarters in Auburn Hills, Mich., was grim — the company will close all 30 of its manufacturing plants for a month beginning Friday because of sagging sales — but indications [...]
snipurl.com/8vl5y-gazete
Chrysler to slash budget but stay in NASCAR
Chrysler plans to slash its overall NASCAR budget by more than 30 percent in 2009, Dodge Motorsports director Mike Accavitti told ESPN.com on Thursday. That reduction is due in part to the team-merger between Dale Earnhardt, Inc. and Chip Ganassi Racing, which removes Ganassi’s former three-team Sprint Cup operation from the Dodge fold. (Earnhardt-Ganassi Racing will [...]
snipurl.com/8vl6a-gazete
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Courtesy of www.Catchfence.com
Is it time for NASCAR to just go away?
www.thatsracin.com/topstories/story/21545.html
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Courtesy of Stock Car Gazette subscriber Ed B. - thanks!
Ailing Chrysler to honor NASCAR pacts
sports.espn.go.com/rpm/nascar/news/story?id=3776677
Ashley Force got married
www.nhra.com/content/news/34442.htm
Leilani Munter To Test Daytona For Nascar Legend James Hylton
leilanimunter.com/08-12.17.htm
Dave Despain re-signs with SPEED CHANNEL
www.superbikeplanet.com/2008/Dec/081218.htm
NASCAR To Test For Doping Next Month
nbcsports.msnbc.com/id/28299634/
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Your ad could be displayed here… very reasonable rates. E-mail Mike@MotorSportsNews.Net
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Courtesy of Google Alerts
Michael Waltrip Racing: ‘08 gains lead to excitement for ‘09 …
“I remember winning my first NASCAR Nationwide Series pole at Memphis in 2003 with NEMCO Motorsports and then the next year winning my first NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series pole for Toyota at Atlanta with Darrell Waltrip Motorsports. …
www.michaelwaltrip.com/ViewArticle.dbml?DB_OEM_ID=16600&ATCLID=3634154
Bobby Labonte in wait-and-see mode after departure from Petty
USA Today - USA
By Nate Ryan, USA TODAY Bobby Labonte has talked to Earnhardt-Ganassi Racing about their No. 41 opening, but said Tuesday morning a deal with the Sprint Cup …
www.usatoday.com/sports/motor/nascar/2008-12-16-labonte-future_N.htm
NASCAR’s most beautiful people: Miss Sprint Cup Monica Palumbo
SportingNews.com - USA
Monica Palumbo is quick to admit that she didn’t grow up a huge NASCAR fan, even though she’s lived in Charlotte, NC, nearly her entire life. …
www.sportingnews.com/yourturn/viewtopic.php?t=497887
Jig-A-Loo USA, Inc. Announces Title Sponsorship of NASCAR’s …
MarketWatch - USA
Jig-A-Loo USA Inc. today announced its first title motorsports sponsorship of one of NASCAR’s newest young drivers, Peyton Sellers for the 2009 season. …
snipurl.com/8vl04-gazete
Chrysler to slash NASCAR budget by 30 percent
ESPN - USA
(Earnhardt-Ganassi Racing will run Chevrolets.) But Dodge will also cut back on at-track car displays, track sponsorships and promotions. …
sports.espn.go.com/rpm/nascar/news/story?id=3777985
Some notables may not have Cup rides
FOXSports.com - USA
by Rea White, NASCAR Scene, FOXSports.com The offseason could turn out to be rather long for a slate of NASCAR Sprint Cup drivers, several of whom have yet …
msn.foxsports.com/nascar/story/8956670/Some-notables-may-not-have-Cup-rides
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Courtesy of Insider Racing News
www.insiderracingnews.com
NASCAR Settles Discrimination Suit
At a mediation held in New York on December 3, 2008, Ms. Mauricia Grant settled her discrimination lawsuit with her former employer, NASCAR. Ms. Grant was represented by her attorneys Morelli Ratner PC. NASCAR was represented by Jackson Lewis. Neither NASCAR nor Ms. Grant admits liability or wrongdoing by way of the settlement. “We’re glad to have the case settled on mutually acceptable terms,” said NASCAR Managing Director of Corporate Communications Ramsey Poston. “NASCAR remains dedicated to maintaining a professional work environment for all employees at all times and we wish Ms. Grant well in her future endeavors.” The specific terms of the settlement agreement remain confidential and both sides agreed not to publicly discuss the details of the case or the terms of the agreement going forward.
Mansfield Motorsports Park Closes
Citing economic woes, Mansfield Motorsports Park canceled its scheduled Camping World Truck Series race in 2009 early Wednesday.Later Wednesday evening, the track told the Mansfield News Journal its was closing its doors. “As of right now, we will not be staying open. We have no events planned,” track owner Mike Dzurilla told the News Journal. “I dealt with the unfortunate task of telling my remaining employees that, by Christmas, they would be unemployed. Unfortunately, this has been in the works for quite some time. I tried to pull a rabbit out of the hat, but my last option ran out [Tuesday] night.” — The Mansfield, Ohio, track played host to a truck race for the past five seasons. The event was scheduled for May 23. Dzurilla said the economy forced his hand. “This is a purely economic decision. We were unable to locate a title sponsor [for the truck race],” he told the News Journal. “With the economy the way it is, anybody with money right now is hanging onto it. It’s business.”
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Courtesy of Jayski
www.jayski.com
NASCAR to begin tougher drug testing in January: NASCAR will test drivers for performance-enhancing drugs next month under a tougher policy that also bans using illegal drugs and abusing prescription medications. NASCAR likely will test drivers the third week of January, and crew members must submit results from an approved lab by Jan. 16, according to documents obtained Thursday by The Associated Press. A NASCAR memo sent to teams lists specific banned substances for which crew members must be screened. No similar guidelines were issued for drivers, as NASCAR reserves the right to test competitors for anything. Under the old policy, NASCAR had the right to randomly test based on suspicion of abuse. Under the tougher guidelines first announced in September, everyone will be tested before the season begins, and random testing will continue throughout the year. NASCAR expects to randomly test 12 to 14 individuals per series each weekend in 2009. The memo, dated Dec. 8, is the first time the new policy has been laid out in writing and specifies who falls under the guidelines. Those who must be tested before Jan. 16 include: pit crew members, including “over-the-wall” crew members, the crew chief, car chief, team members responsible for tires, fuel and pit crew operation, spotters and race-day support personnel that includes engineers, engine tuners, shock specialists, chassis specialists and tire specialists.
Among the substances those participants must be tested for are:
- Seven different amphetamines, including methamphetamine and PMA, a synthetic psychostimulant and hallucinogen.
- Three drugs classified under ephedrine.
- 13 different narcotics, including codeine and morphine.
- Ten different benzodiazepines and barbituates.
- Marijuana, cocaine, zolpidem, nitrites, chromates and drugs that can increase specific gravity.
No such list exists for the drivers, but spokesman Ramsey Poston confirmed NASCAR will test for performance-enhancing drugs. The driver testing, which will be administered by NASCAR, had been scheduled for preseason testing at Daytona next month. But because testing has been suspended for 2009, NASCAR likely will screen drivers when most are in Charlotte next month for the annual media tour of race shops.(Associated Press)(12-18-2008)
been told Bobby Labonte has talked to Earnhardt Ganassi Racing about the #41 ride, but is not close to signing and is still entertaining other offers and rides.(12-18-2008)
Dodge sticking with NASCAR UPDATE: The news Wednesday from Chrysler headquarters in Auburn Hills, Mich., was grim — the company will close all 30 of its manufacturing plants for a month beginning Friday because of sagging sales — but indications are the company’s involvement in NASCAR will not change. An individual with knowledge of the situation said the closings will not alter Dodge’s involvement in NASCAR. Dodge has contracts with Gillett Evernham, Penske Racing and Petty Enterprises. All will be honored next season. “Dodge will be back next year,” the official said. Chrysler said in a release Wednesday that tighter credit markets are keeping potential buyers from the showrooms. With a slowing demand, the company said it must match production and save cash. “Chrysler dealers confirmed to the company at a recent meeting at its headquarters that they have many willing buyers for Chrysler, Jeep and Dodge vehicles but are unable to close the deal, due to lack of financing,” the company said in a statement. “The dealers have stated that they have lost an estimated 20 to 25 percent of their volume because of this credit situation.” Meanwhile, Ford Motor Co. announced late Wednesday afternoon that it will shut down 10 of its North American assembly plants for an extra week in January because of the slumping market in this country. The annual two-week holiday shutdown will now be extended through Jan. 12.(ESPN)(12-18-2008)
UPDATE: Chrysler plans to slash its overall NASCAR budget by more than 30% in 2009, Dodge Motorsports director Mike Accavitti told ESPN.com on Thursday. That reduction is due in part to the team-merger between Dale Earnhardt, Inc. and Chip Ganassi Racing, which removes Ganassi’s former three-team Sprint Cup operation from the Dodge fold. (Earnhardt-Ganassi Racing will run Chevrolets.) But Dodge will also cut back on at-track car displays, track sponsorships and promotions. It will, though, continue to support Penske Racing, Gillet Evernham Motorsports and Petty Enterprises as planned, Accavitti said. “We’ll definitely be on the track in 2009,” Accavitti said in a phone interview. Chrysler announced Wednesday it would, starting Friday, shut down all 30 US-based manufacturing plants for a month. Accavitti said that will have no bearing on any NASCAR relationship. Accavitti said Dodge evaluates return-on-investment annually “on every dime spent on NASCAR” to determine whether NASCAR should remain part of its advertising plan. Some wonder how cash-strapped automakers can choose to spend on auto racing when the market is so poor. To date, Accavitti said NASCAR has helped move product. And, he continued, there is but one way out of the current abyss: sell more cars.(in part from ESPN.com)(12-18-2008)
Testing at the Rock: GEM tested Tuesday and Wednesday at Rockingham Speedway with #9-Kasey Kahne and on Wednesday, Stewart-Haas Racing was at the track with #39-Ryan Newman testing. Bill Elliott was behind the wheel Wednesday of his own ARCA car early in the test session to get a base line set up and then assumed the role of driver coach for Casey Roderick the 16 year old phenomenon who was getting his first laps on a superspeedway. Roderick is hoping to come back next spring and race in the Carolina 200 ARCA Series race on April 19th, 2009 as well as the season ending ARCA race on October 11th, 2009. The first race of the 2009 season for the Rockingham Speedway is the Polar Bear 150 on New Year’s Day. For more information visit www.rockinghamspeedway.com.(12-18-2008)
Earnhardt laps field in consumer index: #99-Carl Edwards and #48-Jimmie Johnson made gains, but #88-Dale Earnhardt Jr. remained the runaway leader in the Davie Brown Index, which quantifies an athlete’s relevance to consumer behavior. In polling of avid NASCAR fans conducted after the 2008 season by the Charlotte-based Millsport sports marketing agency, Earnhardt ranked first in awareness and nine “attribute” categories: appeal, notice, trend-setter, influence, trust, endorsement, aspiration, exposure and passion. The DBI also is used to quantify Hollywood celebrities, and Millsport vice president Ken Cohn says Earnhardt is creating a separation from other drivers unlike any celebrity the agency has seen. “Avid fans are at least 20% more passionate about Junior,” Cohn says. Rounding out the top five in overall scores were #8-Mark Martin, #20-Tony Stewart, #31-Jeff Burton and Johnson, who advanced two spots from a NASCAR DBI survey in the spring that also was led by Earnhardt. Edwards, who finished second in the Sprint Cup and Nationwide series, jumped 14 spots to sixth overall, ahead of #24-Jeff Gordon, #43-Bobby Labonte, #9-Kasey Kahne and #45-Kyle Petty.(USA Today)(12-18-2008)
Reutimann Presents Donations to Charities and Local Schools: David Reutimann, driver of the #00 Aarons Toyota in the Sprint Cup Series and the #99 Aarons Dream Machine in the Nationwide Series for Michael Waltrip Racing, hosted his Fourth Annual Charity Golf Tournament, Cook Out and Auction at Silverado Golf and Country Club the weekend after Thanksgiving in Zephyrhills, FL. The festivities consisted of a cook out and sports memorabilia auction, followed by a golf tournament. In total the festivities raised around $78,000 for local Florida based charities. This past Friday David Reutimann received the opportunity to present to his affiliated charities, including All Children’s Hospital of Florida, Camp Boggy Creek, Zephyrhills Pregnancy Center and Kid’s Go to Camp. In addition, David donated $3,000 to six local Pasco county schools. “I’m blessed to be able to give back to so many. It’s rewarding to give back to my community and schools that I myself attended,” said David Reutimann.(PR)(12-18-2008)
Comparing NASCAR’s Three-Peats: When Jimmie Johnson won the 2008 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series championship at Homestead-Miami Speedway, he joined Cale Yarborough as one of only two drivers to win three straight championships at NASCAR’s highest level. A comparison of the two feats shows a few similarities along with numerous differences. Please visit www.Jayski.com/cupnews.htm to see these comparisions. There was too much to include here in the Gazette.
been told by GEM that the #10 car will run the full Sprint Cup season and that the GEM-Petty merger talks are going well and the deal is NOT off.(12-17-2008)
Les Ungar, Toyota’s National Motorsports Manager told Sirius NASCAR Radio’s Sirius Speedway Tuesday that Robby Gordon will be welcomed into the Toyota camp, and will receive the same technical support and information as the manufacturer’s other teams. “Robby will be reimbursing us for the engines he receives, and he will receive technical support from Toyota Racing Development the same as everyone else,” he said.” “Like any manufacturer, we are obligated by NASCAR to step up and make the parts and pieces available as part of our agreement to be active in this sport.”(Sirius NASCAR Radio’s Sirius Speedway)(12-17-2008)
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Your ad could be displayed here… very reasonable rates. E-mail Mike@MotorSportsNews.Net
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Courtesy of Race2Win
www.race2win.net
Ambrose Voted Australian of the Year by Auto Action Magazine
Marcos Ambrose has been voted as the Australian Driver of the Year by Australian motor racing magazine Auto Action for the second-consecutive year.
Full Story www.race2win.net/wc/08/12/maaoy.html
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Courtesy of That’s Racin’
www.thatsracin.com
Storylines: Tires, Edwards’ surge
Top 10 stories (Nos. 6 - 10): In any year in any sport, the biggest stories are those with the deepest ties to that sport’s history and those with the greatest potential impact on its future
www.thatsracin.com/topstories/story/21566.html
The case against euthanizing NASCAR
David Poole: After calling your attention yesterday to a piece at slate.com calling for NASCAR to be ‘euthanized,’ I’ve done a considerable amount of thinking about what its author, Robert Weintraub, had to say
turn-lane.blogspot.com/2008/12/case-against-euthanizing-nascar.html
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NASCAR Preseason Thunder Fan Fests Scheduled For Jan. 16-17
DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. (Dec. 18, 2008) – Race fans will receive a sneak peek of DIRECTV Speedweeks 2009 as well as the new NASCAR racing season on Friday, Jan. 16 and Saturday, Jan. 17 with the annual NASCAR Preseason Thunder Fan Fests at historic Daytona International Speedway.
Fans can get their “racing fix” prior to DIRECTV Speedweeks 2009 and the 51st annual Daytona 500 with numerous activities with their favorite drivers from the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series, Nationwide Series and Camping World Truck Series in the Sprint FANZONE located in the heart of “The World Center of Racing.”
Among the activities planned for both days include:
Interactive fan forums
Autograph sessions
Show cars, displays, music
Online auction
Blood drive
In addition, Richard Petty Driving Experience will be on track with ride and driving packages available. The ride-only packages can be purchased on-site while the driving packages must be purchased in advance at 1-800-BE-PETTY.
Tickets, which go on sale Saturday, Dec. 20 at 9 a.m., are $15 with autograph session availability limited to only 100 people per driver in advance. To purchase tickets and request access to the special autograph sessions, call 1-800-PITSHOP.
Drivers scheduled to make appearances on Friday, Jan. 16 beginning at 6 p.m. include 50th running of the Daytona 500 winner Ryan Newman, two-time NASCAR Sprint Cup champion Tony Stewart, Jeff Burton, Kyle Busch, Reed Sorenson, Aric Almirola, Casey Mears, Greg Biffle, Travis Kvapil, David Gilliland, former NASCAR Camping World Truck Series champion Mike Skinner and Jon Wes Townley.
Scheduled to appear on Saturday, Jan. 17 during the noon - 4 p.m. session include three-time NASCAR Sprint Cup champion Jimmie Johnson, former NASCAR Sprint Cup champion Matt Kenseth, 2008 NASCAR Sprint Cup runner-up Carl Edwards, Mark Martin, Denny Hamlin, David Ragan, Colin Braun, Erik Darnell, Ricky Stenhouse Jr., Paul Menard and Alex Garcia.
In the 4 p.m. – 8 p.m. session on Saturday, Jan. 17, drivers scheduled to appear include former Daytona 500 winners Dale Earnhardt Jr., Michael Waltrip and Kevin Harvick, Brad Keselowski and three-time NASCAR Camping World Truck Series champion Ron Hornaday Jr.
Additional drivers and more details about the NASCAR Preseason Thunder Fan Fests will be released in the coming weeks
“We’re excited to be able to announce the dates to the NASCAR Preseason Thunder Fan Fests,” Daytona International Speedway President Robin Braig said. “These two days are going to be a great opportunity for the fans to interact with the drivers and get pumped up about the upcoming DIRECTV Speedweeks and the new NASCAR season.”
DIRECTV Speedweeks 2009 is highlighted by the season-opening 51st annual Daytona 500 on Sunday, Feb. 15. Other events include the Camping World 300 Nationwide Series race on Saturday, Feb. 14, the Daytona 250 Camping World Truck Series race on Friday, Feb. 13, the Gatorade Duel At Daytona qualifying races on Thursday, Feb. 12, Daytona 500 Qualifying Presented by Kroger on Sunday, Feb. 8 and the Budweiser Shootout and ARCA 200 on Saturday, Feb. 7.
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Litigation Resolved
DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. (Dec. 18, 2008) – At a mediation held in New York on December 3, 2008, Ms. Mauricia Grant settled her discrimination lawsuit with her former employer, NASCAR. Ms. Grant was represented by her attorneys Morelli Ratner PC. NASCAR was represented by Jackson Lewis. Neither NASCAR nor Ms. Grant admits liability or wrongdoing by way of the settlement.
“We’re glad to have the case settled on mutually acceptable terms,” said NASCAR Managing Director of Corporate Communications Ramsey Poston. “NASCAR remains dedicated to maintaining a professional work environment for all employees at all times and we wish Ms. Grant well in her future endeavors.”
The specific terms of the settlement agreement remain confidential and both sides agreed not to publicly discuss the details of the case or the terms of the agreement going forward.
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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
Stillman to be Edwards’ crew chief: Roush Fenway Racing has hired Green Bay native Dan Stillman to be crew chief for Carl Edwards’ championship-caliber #60 Nationwide Series team. The move came as a domino effect from the change the team made earlier this week, when it promoted Drew Blickensderfer to lead Matt Kenseth’s Sprint Cup team. [Stillman] led Dale Earnhardt Inc.’s Regan Smith to the rookie of the year title in Nextel Cup in 2008.(Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel)(12-18-2008)
Save-A-Lot returns to sponsor Edwards: Save-A-Lot food stores has extended their relationship with Roush Fenway Racing signing on as a primary sponsor for Carl Edwards and the #60 Ford for 13 races in the Nationwide Series in 2009. The Sam’s Town 300 at Las Vegas Motor Speedway will mark the first race for Save-A-Lot as the primary sponsor.(Roush Fenway PR)(12-18-2008)
Partial Schedule for GEM Nationwide Team: UPDATE: 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)(12-16-2008)
UPDATE: been told by GEM that the #10 car will run the full Sprint Cup season and that the GEM-Petty merger talks are going well and the deal is NOT off.(12-17-2008)
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Courtesy of The Hot Lap
www.TheHotLap.com
At this point in December most are finishing up their last minute shopping and preparing for the holidays. RAB Racing and driver, John Wes Townley have a completely different agenda on their minds; attending a three-day open test at Daytona International Speedway this weekend starting December 19th. Although the 2008 season just wrapped up two weeks ago when Townley took home 7th place honors at the ARCA RE/MAX Series Awards Banquet, the team has already started looking ahead to 2009, first and foremost, Daytona. Townley, who is slated to run a full schedule in the NASCAR Nationwide Series, is also in line to run two ARCA RE/MAX Series races starting with the 46th annual ARCA 200 at Daytona on February 7th followed by the Talladega ARCA 250 on April 25th. “Our RAB Racing Ford Fusion has always been strong at the superspeedways,” stated Townley. “I feel this test will not only help us improve on our 2009 speedway results, but also give me much needed seat-time.”(RFR) (12-18-08)
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Courtesy of Jayski
www.jayski.com
Citing economic woes, Mansfield Motorsports Park canceled its scheduled Camping World Truck Series race in 2009 early Wednesday. Later Wednesday evening, the track told the Mansfield News Journal it was closing its door. “As of right now, we will not be staying open. We have no events planned,” track owner Mike Dzurilla told the News Journal. “I dealt with the unfortunate task of telling my remaining employees that, by Christmas, they would be unemployed. “Unfortunately, this has been in the works for quite some time. I tried to pull a rabbit out of the hat, but my last option ran out [Tuesday] night.” The Mansfield, Ohio, track played host to a truck race for the past five seasons. The event was scheduled for May 23.(ESPN.com)(12-18-2008)
Skinners’ visit Daytona Speediatrics Unit: Several of Halifax Health Medical Center’s pediatric patients got a special treat when NASCAR driver Mike Skinner and his wife Angie, along with members of the Speedway Ambassadors, showed up to the Speediatrics Unit bearing gifts and holiday cheer. Halifax Health - Betty Jane France Center for Pediatrics-Speediatrics - is a 36-bed unit that cares for more than 2,000 children annually, with another 400 or more receiving critical care in the area’s only Pediatric Intensive Care Unit. As part of that commitment, The NASCAR Foundation has donated more than $160,000 to Speediatrics in 2008, bringing our total to over $450,000 to Speediatrics since 2006.(NASCAR PR)(12-17-2008)
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Courtesy of TruckSeries.Com
www.truckseries.com
Familiar Faces Join Benson at Red Horse Racing
12-15-2008 | TruckSeries.com Report
Red Horse Racing formally announced that they will expand to two-truck operation 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 No. 1 Toyota with Starr back behind the wheel of the familiar No. 11 Tundra. “I couldn’t be happier than I am joining Tom DeLoach and Red Horse Racing for 2009,” Benson said. “Tom has a long history in the sport and has always done things the right way. He has built a great racing team. The shop, the equipment and the people are all top notch. There will be some familiar faces from the championship-winning team that comes over to Red Horse Racing so we hope that minimizes the adjustment time. We really plan on not having any adjustment time at all; we want to hit the ground running and fight for wins starting with the first race at Daytona. I’m looking forward to teaming up with David (Starr) too. He’s always been a hard competitor on the track but he’s a lot of fun to be around. I can tell we’re going to have a lot of fun in 2009. We’re going to enjoy the off-season – I’ve been looking forward to spending time with my family and working on some of my other racing projects during the winter – but I can’t wait to get to Daytona and get the season started.”
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NASCAR news closes Mansfield track
snipurl.com/8vl3g-gazete
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A R C A (Automobile Racing Club of America)
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Courtesy of ARCA
www.arcaracing.com
What to do during the off season…
ARCA RE/MAX Series Race Broadcasts are available on DVD for $29.95 per race (for standard shipping). Call Sherry Miller at the ARCA Office to place your order (734) 847-6726.
Many races are available for delivery before Christmas!
[Read More] www.arcaracing.com/news.cfm?contentid=7475
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TRG Tabs Beau Slocumb for ARCA Test at Daytona
Mooresville, N.C. (December 18, 2008) – Beau Slocumb is the latest driver to sign on under the banner of TRG Motorsports, and the 23-year-old will turn his first laps with the team on Friday at Daytona International Speedway when the ARCA RE/MAX Series takes on the historic 2.5-mile tri-oval for a three-day open test that is scheduled to begin at 9 a.m. ET. It will be a day of first appearances for the Georgia native who will be making his debut for TRG Motorsports and his first laps in an ARCA RE/MAX Series car.
“I am really looking forward to testing this weekend at Daytona with TRG Motorsports,” explained Slocumb. “I think any driver that is coming up through the ranks of short track racing with their sights set on NASCAR can’t help but dream about running at Daytona. It’s going to be an awesome experience.”
Slocumb is no stranger to stock cars. He has worked his way through the ranks, competing in the Legends cars, Pro Late Models, and the ASA Late Model South Division, earning several wins and podium finishes along the way. Slocumb has 129 feature wins to date, including four wins and seven top-five finishes in only 10 races while competing in a limited schedule in the ASA Series in 2007.
Slocumb will drive the No. 71b TRG Motorsports Chevrolet in the three-day test which begins on Friday, December 19th and runs between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. through Sunday. Slocumb will have a teammate in 2006 CASCAR Super Series Champion, J.R. Fitzpatrick.
“This is my first time in an ARCA car and my first time at Daytona so I’ve got a lot to learn in three-day’s time,” Slocumb continued. “Thankfully, Fitzpatrick and I will be getting some valuable help from Tony Raines. I’m really looking forward to learning a lot from him this weekend.”
“We’re looking forward to taking Beau down to Daytona and look forward to developing a long term relationship with him, his family, and his supporters,” said Team Principal, Kevin Buckler. “I understand that Beau is quite talented and has won several State and National Championships.”
Slocumb’s team will be lead by veteran Crew Chief Butch Hylton. “Working with Butch is great for my confidence as a driver,” said Slocumb. “He has been extremely successful in all levels of stock car racing and came highly recommended by Kevin Harvick who I really respect as a driver and team owner.”
“My goals for this test are to get acclimated to the feel of an ARCA car, learn the best way to get around Daytona with help from Tony and Butch, and build a good relationship with the guys on the crew at TRG,” said Slocumb. “It’s so important to be able to communicate well with your team so I’m looking forward to getting to know them better. Looking ahead to 2009, my first priority is to get some valuable experience on intermediate tracks and get through the NASCAR approval process. I hope to have some really good races in 2009 and have the opportunity to run a full Truck Series schedule in 2010.”
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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
localracing.nascar.com/news/6
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Napanee’s Raabe headed to NASCAR
Napanee Guide - Napanee,Ontario,Canada
“What we have put together is a five-race deal in the NASCAR Canadian Tire series, which is the Canadian series, with Peter Gibbons motor sports,” explained …
www.napaneeguide.com/ArticleDisplay.aspx?e=1350450
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CASCAR Champion Hits Daytona’s High Banks for ARCA Testing with TRG
Mooresville, N.C. (December 17, 2008) – J.R. Fitzpatrick, the youngest ever CASCAR Super Series Champion, will make his first appearance at the historic high banks of Daytona International Speedway this weekend as the ARCA RE/MAX Series descends upon the 2.5-mile tri-oval in Daytona Beach, Florida for the first open test in preparation for the 2009 season. Fitzpatrick will reunite with TRG Motorsports, the team he ran three NASCAR Camping World Truck Series races with towards the end of the 2008 season.
“I am really looking forward to my first trip to Daytona,” said Fitzpatrick, who is eager to build up his superspeedway skills. This test is critical for Fitzpatrick who hopes to gain approval by NASCAR to compete in the Camping World Truck Series full-time in 2009. “I know the guys in the TRG shop have prepared a really nice car for me to go down there with and I will have Tony Raines there to help me figure the drafting out.”
Fitzpatrick, who has never raced in the ARCA RE/MAX Series before, will drive the No. 71a TRG Motorsports Chevrolet in the three-day test which kicks off on Friday, December 19th and runs between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. through Sunday. Fitzpatrick will have a teammate in 23-year-old Macon, Georgia’s Beau Slocumb.
“We’re super excited to have J.R. down in Daytona representing TRG Motorsports in the ARCA RE/MAX Series test,” said Team Principal, Kevin Buckler. “J.R. has already proven that he can do the job. He’s a great talent and we’re all looking forward to watching him turn his first laps at Daytona International Speedway.”
Fitzpatrick’s effort will be led by veteran Crew Chief, Jon Wolfe, who also serves as the team’s General Manager. The crew will be taking chassis No. 106, which is a brand new car in TRG’s fleet. This chassis was purchased from Dale Earnhardt, Inc. and was last raced by NASCAR Sprint Cup star, Martin Truex Jr.
“This is a dream come true for me,” said Fitzpatrick. “I can’t wait to make my first couple of laps there.”
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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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The Nascar Insiders
Ask The Insiders Wednesday #2
Ask The Insiders Wednesday is back for edition number 2!
feeds.feedburner.com/~r/TheNascarInsiders/~3/487236026/
Insider Racing News
insiderracingnews.com/Writers/BW/121808.html
Jimmie Johnson’s Fans ~ I Found Them!!
by Brian Watkins
Insider Racing News
insiderracingnews.com/Writers/DD/121808.html
Should NASCAR Go To A Crate Engine?
by Doug Demmons
The Nascar Insiders
Iowa on My Mind
Word came down today that Mansfield Motorsports Park was pulling out of its deal to host the NASCAR Craftsman (excuse me, Camping World) Truck Series race over Coca-Cola 600 weekend in 2009.
feeds.feedburner.com/~r/TheNascarInsiders/~3/488286847/
Insider Racing News
insiderracingnews.com/Writers/RG/121908.html
Victor Pfluger: Next-Generation NASCAR Young Gun
by Rebecca Gladden
The Nascar Insiders
Where They’ve Been and Where They’re Going: Part 3
This is part three in the series, looking at how Cup teams fared in 2008, and where they are headed in 2009. Each post will feature two teams and we will iron out details for the upcoming season and give our own projection for what to expect in ‘09.
feeds.feedburner.com/~r/TheNascarInsiders/~3/489255780/
Media Reaction To Grant Settlement Should Be Interesting
dalyplanet.blogspot.com/2008/12/media-reaction-to-grant-settlement.html
Despain Inked For Two Years By SPEED
dalyplanet.blogspot.com/2008/12/blog-post_18.html
Krista Voda Heads To Cotton Bowl For Fox
dalyplanet.blogspot.com/2008/12/krista-voda-heads-to-cotton-bowl-for.html
Thanks For The Great Questions, New Readers Can Check The Comments
dalyplanet.blogspot.com/2008/12/live-question-and-answer-session-on.html
Fellowship of the Car of Tomorrow - by Larry VanZandt
Since there really isn’t a whole lot of good news out there that we don’t already know, and I am wanting to have a fun Christmas season, I am going to deviate from reporting about NASCAR current events, and ask a really odd question:
www.speedwaymedia.com/Articles/08/121808VanZandt.asp
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T V * L I S T I N G S
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Courtesy of Race Fan TV
www.racefantv.com
Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series SPEED Channel Broadcasts:
12/20/08, 3:00pm EST- KC Raceway, Ohio
SUNDAY, DECEMBER 21
5:00P-6:00 SPEED Atlantic Championship Series, Road America, Elkhart Lake, WI, #2, Aug
10/08, and Trois-Rivières, QC, Aug 17/08, N
6:00P-7:00 VS Lucas Oil Motorsports Hour, USAC Lucas Oil Turkey Night Grand Prix
8:00P-9:00 HD Theater Why We Race: The Mustang Challenge 2008. #3. N
Race Fan TV 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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