To prep you for the weekend, why not read today’s Stock Car Gazette, so you’ll be up on all the latest NASCAR and other stock car racing news…
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Stock Car Gazette Columnists Speak Out!
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Kyle Petty Speaks His Mind At Sound & Speed Fanfest
by Steve Langley
The economy was the topic of discussion with all the drivers attending the ’09 Sound & Speed Fan-Fest. During the media interviews of the drivers that attended the fund raiser, everyone of them discussed the topic. Read the rest at http://motorsportsnews.net/archives/2547
Read more of Steve’s columns at http://motorsportsnews.net/archives/category/miscellaneous-columns
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Waitaminute! WHO’S driving that part-time Sprint Cup car?
by: Mike Irwin
You might have some concern or confusion about the Sprint Cup cars you’ll see at Daytona, and who’s in them, especially if you’re looking at one of the many part-time Sprint Cup teams. We’re here to help you out. There’s more at http://motorsportsnews.net/archives/2571
We also did a companion chart of the full-time Sprint Cup teams, which can be found at http://motorsportsnews.net/archives/2495
For more articles by Mike, visit http://motorsportsnews.net/archives/category/mikes-musings
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MotorSportsNews.Net(work) web site features
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OFFICIAL: Bobby Labonte to drive #96 Ask.Com Ford for HOF/Yates in 2009
http://motorsportsnews.net/archives/2555
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Courtesy of www.Catchfence.com
Newman, No. 39 Crew Visit Fort Bragg For an Army 101
http://www.catchfence.com/press/011409b.html
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Courtesy of Stock Car Gazette subscriber Kent D. – thanks!
Is Tommy Baldwin crazy or brilliant?
Examiner.com – USA
Ward Burton and Tony Raines are available as well. It would behoove
Baldwin to steer clear of a young gun who has minimal experience. …
http://www.examiner.com/x-2149-Atlanta-NASCAR-Examiner~y2009m1d13-Is-Tommy-Baldwin-crazy-or-brilliant
Lifetime Supply Of Memphis Ribs For Dale Jr.?
Dale Earnhardt Jr. hasn’t competed in a Nationwide race at Memphis since his runner-up finish to Jeff Green in 1999, but that may be getting ready to change. Apparently Dale Earnhardt Jr. according to reports loves Memphis ribs so much he has them FedEx’d to his house, and they can be spotted on his tour of his house on MTV Cribs.
The company that makes his favorite ribs is PIG-N-WHISTLE (The official BBQ of the track), and they have made a deal with Memphis Motorsports Park, to give Dale Jr. a lifetime supply of ribs if Earnhardt competes in the October 24th Nationwide race at Memphis. No word yet from Earnhardt or JR Motorsports, but this is a storyline to keep an eye on.
This of course is not the first time someone has tried to entice Earnhardt to compete in a race to help sell tickets, If you recall Eddie Gossage of Texas Motor Speedway offered Dale Jr. over $500,000 on top of his prize money to compete in an Indy Racing League race at Texas. Author Toby Christie
http://bleacherreport.com/articles/111470-lifetime-supply-of-memphis-ribs-for-dale-jr
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Courtesy of Stock Car Gazette subscriber Ed B. – thanks!
Metris K-Series Qualifies RCR Chassis For NASCAR Victory
http://www.autocentral.com/article.mvc/Metris-K-Series-Qualifies-RCR-Chassis-For-0001
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Courtesy of Google Alerts
Dale ‘Junior’ Gets A Little Time For R&R
AHN – USA
He is partners with a group of investors who are building Alabama Motorsports Park near Mobile, Ala., and it will feature stock car racing, KART racing and …
http://www.allheadlinenews.com/articles/7013706192
Stock Car Science – Top Ten NASCAR Science Stories for 2008
Stock Car Science has been a little quiet over the off season, but we haven’t been taking any time off. I’ve got a lot of really neat things planned for the upcoming year, but for now, it’s time to look backward at the 2008 season. …
http://stockcarscience.com/blog/index.php/2009/01/13/top_ten_nascar_science_stories
TRD prez expects cutbacks to racing program in ’09
The Associated Press
CHARLOTTE, NC (AP) — The president of Toyota Racing Development said Wednesday he expects budget cuts in its NASCAR program as the Japanese automaker feels …
http://www.google.com/hostednews/ap/article/ALeqM5gRzDQbCYlDJxmId9G72Y-BlAK60AD95N8GSG2
NASCAR’s Sadler moving past near-split with team
USA Today – USA
By Jenna Fryer, AP Auto Racing Writer CHARLOTTE, NC — Elliott Sadler called almost losing his job at Gillett Evernham Motorsports “gut-wrenching,” but said …
http://www.usatoday.com/sports/motor/2009-01-14-51128713_x.htm
Siegel leaving DEI to run NASCAR diversity program
The Associated Press
“We are proud to have Max and his team managing the Drive for Diversity efforts,” NASCAR chairman Brian France said Wednesday. …
http://www.google.com/hostednews/ap/article/ALeqM5i6vjphmU4F9szqsneW02te0ihUwwD95N5T280
Media set to converge on area for annual NASCAR tour
Mooresville Tribune – VA,USA
Some 200 print and electronic journalists from 19 states and as far away as Columbia, the Netherlands and Germany will convene in the heart of NASCAR race …
http://www2.mooresvilletribune.com/content/2009/jan/14/media-set-converge-area-annual-nascar-tour/
Roush Fenway Fords take aim at Johnson, the top
ThatsRacin.com – USA
Kenseth also has a new crew chief, with Drew Blickensderfer moving up from the Nationwide Series. He’ll join Chip Bolin, who remains with Kenseth’s No. …
http://www.thatsracin.com/topstories/story/21736.html
Steady improvement is hallmark of Joe Gibbs Racing – WRALSportsFan.com
To fully appreciate the dominance Joe Gibbs Racing’s NASCAR Nationwide Series teams showed in 2008, turn back the clock to the turn of the century, when JGR first ran a car in what was then known as the Busch Series. …
http://www.wralsportsfan.com/nascar/story/4322876/
Denver-based NASCAR team signs Smith
Denver Post – Denver,CO,USA
Furniture Row signed Smith despite promising him just 12 chances to race in NASCAR’s premier series this year. The fourth-year team has downsized, …
http://www.denverpost.com/ci_11453360
What does a NASCAR writer do in the offseason
Gaston Gazette – Gastonia,NC,USA
Oh, I’ve kept myself occupied during the NASCAR offseason. I’ve written numerous columns about other sports. I’ve gone to a few ballgames as a fan. …
http://www.gastongazette.com/news/nascar_29322___article.html/better_few.html
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Courtesy of Insider Racing News
http://www.insiderracingnews.com
Sadler Missing Passport – Honeymoon In Jeopardy
Elliott Sadler may have endured a stressful NASCAR Sprint Cup offseason, but that might pale in comparison to this weekend. Sadler is getting married Saturday, but he’s still waiting to get his passport, which he needs to go on his planned honeymoon. Sadler, who is marrying Amanda Prince, says that he planned to leave the United States and then realized that his passport was out of date. “So I sent it in to get reinstated, but somehow my passport has been reported lost or stolen,” he said. “So they’ve got a red flag up on security on my passport, so here I am three days before the wedding – we’re supposed to leave Sunday and fly out of the country on our honeymoon – and I don’t have a passport and don’t know if I’m going to get one.” Sadler said thinking about that made it easier to deal with questions concerning his offseason, which included both an offer from his Gillett Evernham Motorsports team to buy out his contract and then a legal filing by Sadler stating his intent to attempt to block such a move, if needed. After discussing that during a national teleconference Wednesday, Sadler said facing questions about how that situation evolved, and how he felt about it, was easy compared to dealing with waiting on his passport.
NASCAR Media Tour Starts Next Week
Approximately 200 print and electronic journalists from 19 states and as far away as Columbia, the Netherlands and Germany will convene in the heart of NASCAR race country next week as Lowe’s Motor Speedway hosts the annual NASCAR Sprint Media Tour. An integral part of NASCAR’s pre-season schedule, the 27th edition of this media event begins Monday morning, Jan. 19, and continues through Thursday afternoon, Jan. 22. With support from sponsors Sprint and NASCAR, the Media Tour gives credentialed participants the opportunity to tour race shops; interview drivers, crew chiefs and team owners; and discuss the latest developments and news with motorsports industry insiders.
Dakar Leader Crashes – Gordon Advances To Third
Robby Gordon finished third in the 12th stage of the Dakar Rally Thursday and climbed to third overall as former leader Carlos Sainz was eliminated following a crash. Gordon, a NASCAR Sprint Cup owner/driver, finished 25 minutes 27 seconds behind stage winner Giniel de Villiers of South Africa in the 12th stage, which ran from Fiambala to La Rioja, Argentina….And…
Dakar leader Carlos Sainz has crashed out during today’s 12th stage from Fiambala to La Rioja in Argentina. Rally organisers said Sainz and his VW Touareg co-driver Michel Perin went off the road and into a ravine 79km into the 220km special stage in high wind and heavy rain. Perin was believed to have injured a shoulder. Sainz and Perin arrived back at Fiambala in a rescue helicopter at about 3.30pm SAST, confirming that they had abandoned the race. At the start of Stage 12 Sainz was leading by 27 min 31 sec. from factory VW teammate Mark Miller with South African Giniel de Villiers, also in a Touareg, almost 14 min. further back. Sainz had already won six of the 10 stages run so far in this his third Dakar, including the last four. Sainz was third at Checkpoint 1, 62km into the stage, behind Miller and Robby Gordon (Hummer) but by Checkpoint 2, after 137km, Miller was leading by 1 min 37sec from Gordon with De Villiers third, 2 min 20 sec off the pace.
Waltrip Plans Four Full-Time Teams
Michael Waltrip Racing, despite some sponsorship gaps, will field four full-time programs in 2009, including three Sprint Cup teams and one in the Nationwide Series, owner/driver Michael Waltrip said on Wednesday. The Nationwide schedule for MWR’s No. 99 Toyota proves again the cooperative spirit throughout the Toyota camp, as Waltrip said he’ll split most of the schedule with Red Bull Racing newcomer Scott Speed. “I’ll do the majority of the races along with Scott, and when I drive Aaron’s or Best Western will be on the car and when Scott’s in it, it’ll be a Red Bull car,” Waltrip said. “We’ve got two or three [of the 35] races that are unsponsored at this time.”
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Courtesy of Jayski
http://www.jayski.com
McCreadie injured at Chili Bowl: Earlier Wednesday, 2006 Chili Bowl champion Tim McCreadie was injured in a crash during a preliminary event of the Chili Bowl in Tulsa, OK [chilibowl.com]. McCreadie, 34, was leading a qualifying semifinal when something broke in his car’s rear end. The car flipped violently and went over a fence. Examinations at a Tulsa hospital showed a fractured T3 vertebra and other damage. He was fitted for neck and back brace Thursday and was expected to consult with Dr. Terry Trammell, the renowned Indianapolis orthopedic surgeon. McCreadie won the 2006 World of Outlaws late model series championship. Although he has spent much of his career racing on dirt, in 2007 McCreadie competed in six NASCAR Nationwide Series events for Richard Childress Racing. Efforts were being made to set up a fund to assist McCreadie, who has no medical insurance, and offers of assistance with expenses have already started to come in from the racing community. For now, donations can be made to the U.S. Auto Club and sent to USAC c/o Tim McCreadie Support Fund, USAC, 4910 West 16th Street, Speedway, Ind. 46224.(Charlotte Observer)(1-15-2009)
Verizon completes buy of Alltel…so…UPDATE: Verizon Wireless on Friday [1/9/2009] completed its $5.9 billion purchase of Little Rock, Ark.-based Alltel Corp., making Verizon the nation’s largest mobile phone company. Verizon said Friday it will also take on $22.2 billion in Alltel debt. The buyout is expected to result in the loss of many of the best-paying positions among the nearly 3,000 employees at Alltel’s Little Rock headquarters. Verizon picks up Alltel’s 12.9 million customers, though 2.1 million of them are in territory that will be sold. Verizon will have 83.7 million total customers before the divestiture. Verizon says Alltel customers do not need to take any action at present, though they will soon receive a letter explaining the transition. Most will be able to keep their same handsets as Verizon and Alltel are on the same system. Alltel customers will see Verizon begin to place its own brand name starting in the second quarter, a process that will continue through the third quarter, Verizon said. As the transition is being made, Alltel’s retail stores will remain open. Verizon Wireless announced in June it would buy Alltel. The FCC approved the purchase in November after the Justice Department gave its approval in October. Verizon says the purchase will bring more than $9 billion in synergies from capital and operating expenses, after costs.(Associated Press), no word how this will affect the sponsorship of the #12 Alltel Penske Racing Dodge of David Stremme, Penske Racing has said in the past, they were good with Alltel thru 2009.(1-15-2009)
UPDATE: Last night (January 14, 2009) on “Dialed In” on SIRIUS NASCAR Radio, host Claire B. Lang spoke with Penkse Racing president Tim Cindric about Verizon’s purchase of Alltel Corp. and what effect it might have on Alltel’s sponsorship of the #12 Alltel Penske Racing Dodge of David Stremme.
Host Claire B. Lang: “You’re headed to Daytona. Alltel, at this point, is on the car?”
Penske Racing president Tim Cindric: “Certainly as we work through this I wouldn’t speculate in what form or how or how it is all going to turn out because we really haven’t gotten to the point where it makes sense to really speculate on how it’s going to look, how we’re going to present ourselves, what our strategy is going to be. Because we’re looking for some direction and in those situations sometimes you have to sit on the sidelines a little bit to understand exactly what all that means. And right now we’re just starting to get the focus of the people who make those kinds of decisions.”
Lang: “So the contract runs and stays?”
Cindric: “They (Verizon) take on the obligations of the people they acquire, I guess, and obviously they have stipulations with how they have to do their business when these things occur and I don’t pretend to understand it all.”
Lang: “You know for sure that NASCAR’s not going to let you take Alltel off the car and put Verizon on.”
Cindric: “That’s what I’ve understood. We’ve all watched how it all played out in the past. Anything that we do we certainly do in step with everybody else.”
Cindric: “The good thing with David [Stremme] is he’s really focused on driving the race car and letting the other things around him take their course. And to him, however it sorts out, he said to me, ‘As long as I know that I’ve got the best people behind me and the best efforts going forward the rest of it will sort itself out. I’m just fortunate to have this opportunity.’ That’s really the approach that when you hear that it’s refreshing because you know you have someone that has focus.”(SIRIUS NASCAR Radio)(1-15-2009)
Toyota to cut back in NASCAR: The president of Toyota Racing Development said Wednesday he expects budget cuts in its NASCAR program as the Japanese automaker feels the effects of the global economic crisis. Typically immune from the declining sales that have rocked Detroit’s Big Three automakers, Toyota recently said it anticipates its first yearly operating loss in 70 years for the fiscal year ending March 2009. The losses will have a ripple effect on Toyota’s racing program, TRD president Lee White predicted. “There is probably not anything on this earth here that Toyota is involved with now that is not under some level of review regarding budget expenditure,” White said in a national conference call. “That includes everything that we do, everything that TRD does and everything we do around motorsports. There is a review of everything. Certainly if contracts have expired, it’s very likely that contracts have not been renewed, or if they are being renewed, they are certainly being renegotiated.” As Chrysler, Ford and General Motors have struggled in this economic crisis — needing recent emergency government loans to avoid collapse — Toyota remained relatively healthy. Then came word of the automakers’ own losses:Toyota reported that its U.S. sales in December were down 37% on the year, a worse drop than Ford’s 32% drop and GM’s 31% slide. Toyota has also decided to suspend production at all 12 of its Japan plants for 11 days over February and March. The last time Toyota Motor Corp. halted production at all its Japan plants was in August 1993, when demand plunged because of a rising yen, and that was for only one day. Asked specifically where Toyota will be cutting, White said he didn’t expect any manufacturers to make on-track reductions. “In my opinion, the four automotive manufacturers … the last thing that you’ll see any of them reduce is cars on the race track with numbers on them competing,” he said. “That is what it takes to gain the hearts and minds of the consumer and hearts and minds of the fans. I think you’ll see the four manufacturers still out there, still being represented and still have cars going around the race track. There are different levels of trying to support that, and Toyota does it primarily with technology, parts and pieces, and engineering support. Those things are all under review.”(ESPN/AP)(1-15-2009)
Gilliland out? David Gilliland appears to be the odd man out at Yates Racing, where the team says it will field three cars following its new partnership agreement with Hall of Fame Racing. Along with Paul Menard’s #98 [which supposedly would get the owners points from the #38] and Bobby Labonte’s #96, Travis Kvapil’s #28 team is expected to remain while Gilliland and the #38 appear to be out. “I just heard of the thing today, from the Internet, so that’s what I assume,” Gilliland said Wednesday afternoon. “I haven’t actually had a sit-down with them, but I’m still under contract with them through 2009. So we’re just going to have to work through it, and hopefully, we can get something else going.” Gilliland said he’s sorting through the contract and seeing what he’s able to do and what the next step could be, but he understands that the current economic climate makes it tough. He was “a little bit” shocked that he is now likely without a ride just a few weeks before the Daytona 500 and the start of the new Sprint Cup season. “It’s just kind of a bummer that it’s this late in the [offseason], you know?” he said. “We’ll just have to see what we can come up with and see what we can try and do.”(SceneDaily)(1-15-2009)
Biffle to test at Texas World Speedway: on SPEED’s NASCAR Preseason Thunder show on Wednesday, #16-Greg Biffle said he and his team were going to Texas World Speedway on Thursday, January 15th, to test the 2-mile superspeedway and see how it measures up for a test track in 2009. Biffle didn’t say if other Roush teams/drivers would be part of the test.(1-15-2009)
Skinner looking for a ride, has Daytona 500 ride: There are only three weeks until the NASCAR portion of Speed Weeks 2009 at Daytona International Speedway, and former Truck Series champion Mike Skinner is looking for a ride. Skinner has wheeled a Toyota for Bill Davis Racing since the end of the 2004 season. When Davis sold his team to Marty Gaunt and Mike Held last year, Skinner was told he had a job this season. “Two days before Christmas, I was told, ‘Everything was fine,’ ” Skinner said Wednesday. “New Year’s Day, they called me and said they weren’t racing.” Skinner’s job loss came to light during a media conference call with Lee White, who directs Toyota Racing Development, the car company’s racing arm. “There’s a lot of effort going on right now to find a seat for Mike Skinner,” White said. “Mike has been a great advocate for Toyota for four years. He’s done a lot of great work for us. He and (wife) Angie are loved within the company, and we’re working pretty hard with two or three other teams to find a quality seat in the Truck Series for him this year.” Skinner said he’s had discussions with several teams, including Randy Moss Motorsports. “What a great opportunity that would be,” he said. “It would be a great mix, you know, NASCAR and the NFL. “We haven’t gotten anything put together. I haven’t seen a contract yet. I’m sure we’ll get some help. I’ve only had five or six days to work on this.” Skinner said he was upset not only about losing his ride, but the way the situation was treated by Triad Racing Technologies, owned by Gaunt and Held. “I’ve never had a contract jerked from under me because people handled it wrong,” Skinner said. “I don’t want to bad mouth anybody, but this was not very professional. I’m just glad Toyota is still behind us and wants to help us.” Meanwhile, Skinner said he’s “99 percent” sure he has a ride for the Daytona 500, just a one-race deal. He’s not interested in returning to Sprint Cup as a full-time driver. “The Sprint Cup is fun, but I’m a racer, and I want to drive trucks,” he said.(Daytona Beach News Journal)(1-15-2009)
Hendrick drivers to pop up on Kellogg’s breakfast pastry: Mark Martin, Jeff Gordon, Jimmie Johnson and Dale Earnhardt Jr. are coming to a breakfast aisle near you during the 2009 Sprint Cup season. The Hendrick Motorsports drivers will be featured on Brown Sugar Cinnamon flavored Limited Edition NASCAR Printed-Fun Pop-Tarts. In addition to the drivers, the team paint schemes and hauler designs will be printed on the individual Pop-Tarts pastries, which are Kellogg’s most popular morning food product. The limited edition Pop-Tarts also will include NASCAR, Hendrick Motorsports and driver trivia questions. The Brown Sugar Cinnamon flavored Limited Edition NASCAR Printed-Fun Pop-Tarts will be available throughout the 2009 Sprint Cup Series season at major retail outlets nationwide.(Hendrick Motorsports PR) Martin is scheduled to run special Pop Tart’s paint schemes at Las Vegas, Bristol in Aug, Richmond in Sept and Charlotte in Oct.(1-15-2009)
Sad News – Sam Pistone: father of motorsports reporter Pete Pistone [CBS Sports/RacingOne], passed away in Arlington Heights, IL Wednesday night at the age of 78. Pistone worked with his brother, former NASCAR driver “Tiger” Tom Pistone in the 1950s and 1960s when the family team competed on the stock car racing scene of the Chicagoland area before moving on to the convertible and Grand National circuits of NASCAR. He is survived by his wife Pat and five children; Pete, Terri, Rose, Gina and Angela.(1-15-2009)
David Stremme Racing signs driver: Ryan Glenski is making a big off-track move this year becoming the driver of the #35 Chevy in Pro All-Star Series (PASS) Late Model ride owned by NASCAR driver #12-David Stremme for the 2009 season. The 16-year old Glenski is coming off a successful season of Allison Legacy Series racing winning one race, one pole, eight top fives and 15 top-10 finishes to place fourth in points. He also drove in the Summer Shootout Series at Lowe’s Motor Speedway and won his first Pro Challenge Series race entered, doing so at the historic Bristol Motor Speedway last summer.(Speed51.com)(1-15-2009)
Penske: NASCAR may follow IRL on engines: Roger Penske said Monday the use of smaller race engines might not be just for the IndyCar Series, which expects to announce its powerplant plans later this month. The four-cylinder turbocharged configuration that Indy Racing League officials are considering could end up in NASCAR, too. “I think you’ll see that migrate even into NASCAR because that’s where we are today,” Penske said in a Bloomberg radio interview from the Detroit Auto Show. NASCAR is considering the IRL’s lead in the use of alternative fuel, but chief executive officer Brian France recently said no major engine changes are planned.(Indy Star)(1-14-2009)
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Courtesy of Race2Win
http://www.race2win.net
Cicconi Calls Out Stewart after Atlantic City Fast Time
Lou Cicconi Jr. is known for his expertise of mastering indoor racing circles. So it wasn’t much of a surprise when the Aston, Pa., driver posted a record-lap of 8.982 sec onds in Thursday night’s TQ Midget/600 cc Micro Sprint time trials at Atlantic City�s Boardwalk Hall, topping a field of more than 95 cars that registered time.
Full Story http://www.race2win.net/wc/09/01/lccots.html
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Courtesy of That’s Racin’
http://www.thatsracin.com
Sadler says his focus isn’t on differences with team
http://www.thatsracin.com/topstories/story/21726.html
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Smith Named Driver of No. 78 Furniture Row Racing Chevy
DENVER, Colo. (Jan. 14, 2009) — Furniture Row Racing announced today that Regan Smith, the 2008 Sprint Cup Raybestos Rookie of the Year, will drive the team’s No. 78 Hendrick-powered Chevrolet Impala SS in 2009.
The Colorado-based Furniture Row Racing team is scheduled to enter 12 Sprint Cup races in 2009, beginning with the Feb. 15th season opener — the Daytona 500. (see complete schedule below)
“Furniture Row Racing is thrilled to obtain the driving services of Regan, who is one of the bright young talents in NASCAR,” said team president and general manager Joe Garone. “His competitiveness and enthusiasm on the track speak for itself. In addition, he is a good fit for not only our sponsor but any partners looking for strong corporate representation in the Sprint Cup Series.”
Smith, 25, competed in 34 Cup events for Dale Earnhardt Inc. in 2008 and became the first rookie to finish every race he started. The Cato, N.Y. native (25 miles west of Syracuse) started his Cup career in 2007 as a part-time driver for Ginn Racing. He joined DEI in the middle of 2007 when DEI and Ginn merged their racing operations.
“I look forward to continuing my career in the No. 78 Furniture Row Chevy,” said Smith. “Though it’s a single-car team that battles heavy odds against the mega multicar operations, the organization has always been highly respected in the garage for its use of some of the best equipment as well as an undying commitment to growing a winning team. That’s all a driver can ask for and I can’t wait to get to Daytona and compete in another superspeedway race.”
In his last superspeedway competition — the October event in Talladega, Ala. — Smith appeared to have won the Cup race after passing Tony Stewart on the final lap. But shortly after Smith led the field to the checkered flag, NASCAR assessed a controversial penalty on Smith for passing Stewart below the yellow line. The win was awarded to Stewart while Smith was relegated to an 18th-place finish.
Team crew chief Jay Guy is also excited about Smith’s signing.
“I look forward to continuing the growth of this Furniture Row team with Regan behind the wheel,” said Guy. “After racing against him in the Nationwide Series and seeing how much raw talent he has, I find myself both excited and optimistic for the 2009 season.”
Smith’s NASCAR career includes extensive action in the NASCAR Nationwide Series, competing in more than 100 races since 2002. He has also competed on a limited basis in the Camping World Truck Series.
Smith was 4-years-old when he began his racing career in upstate New York, driving quarter-midget type cars. He joined the World Karting Association (WKA) at the age of 12 and won the WKA Grand National championship in 1996 and the WKA Manufacturer’s Cup in 1997. He also claimed the Canadian Grand National (KART) championship in 1998.
He later competed in the Allison Legacy Series, winning the 1999 championship as well as Rookie of the Year honors. In 2000 and 2001 he drove in the USAR ProCup Series.
2009 Furniture Row Racing Sprint Cup Schedule
Feb. 15 Daytona, Fla.
March 1 Las Vegas, Nev.
April 18 Phoenix, Ariz.
April 26 Talladega, Ala.
May 31 Dover, Del.
June 21 Sonoma, Calif.
July 4 Daytona, Fla.
Aug. 9 Watkins Glen, N.Y.
Sept. 12 Richmond, Va.
Sept. 27 Dover, Del.
Nov. 1 Talladega, Ala.
Nov. 15 Phoenix, Ariz.
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Baker Curb to use Ernie Elliott Motors: Baker Curb racing announced that they have reached an agreement with legendary engine builder Ernie Elliott to provide the engines for the #27 Kleenex Racing Ford Fusion in the Nationwide Series in 2009. The new engine program is one of many exciting things in store for the 2009 season at Baker Curb Racing. The team will be celebrating Kimberly-Clark’s 15th season in NASCAR, the longest standing, continuous primary sponsorship in the Nationwide Series. Piloting the car will be Nationwide Series veteran Jason Keller.(Baker Curb PR)(1-15-2009)
Congrats: Jeff and Teresa Kirkendall announce the birth of their daughter, Alyxandra Olivia. She was welcomed into the world by her parents at 1:53pm on Thursday, January 15th. Alyxandra Olivia weighs 7lbs 15oz and is 19.25 inches long. Jeff is an engineer for Rusty Wallace Incorporated and Teresa is the travel coordinator for CJM Racing. Both mother and baby are doing great.(1-15-2009)
O’Quinn to drive #0 in 2009: Johnny Davis and JD Motorsports, Inc. announce that 2006 Nationwide Series Rookie of the Year, Danny O’Quinn has been signed to drive the #0 Chevy for the entire 2009 NNS Series.(Johnny Davis Motorsports PR)(1-15-2009)
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Courtesy of The Hot Lap
http://www.TheHotLap.com
To help kick off DIRECT TV Speedweeks 2009, John Wes Townley, driver of the No. 09 Zaxby’s Ford will attend the NASCAR Thunder Preseason Fan Fest at Daytona on Friday, January 16. NASCAR Preseason Thunder Fan Fest is a two-day event at Daytona International Speedway where fans can get their “racing fix” prior to DIRECT TV Speedweeks and the 51st annual running of the Great American Race. Numerous activities are planned with drivers from the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series, Nationwide Series and the Camping World Truck Series. All events will take place in the Sprint Fan Zone located inside Daytona International Speedway. Along with John Wes Townley, other drivers that are schedule to make an appearance 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, and former NASCAR Camping World Truck Series champion Mike Skinner.Townley, a 2009 Raybestos Rookie of the Year contender, will be signing autographs from 8-8:45 p.m. (RAB) (01-15-09)
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C A M P I N G * W O R L D * T R U C K * S E R I E S
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Courtesy of Jayski
http://www.jayski.com
Key Motorsports to run full season; Westerman returns as sponsor for six: Key Motorsports has announced that Westerman Companies will return as a sponsor in 2009. Westerman Companies will serve as primary sponsor of the #40 Key Motorsports Chevrolet for at least six NASCAR Camping World Truck Series races this season. The Ohio-based company, which performs a variety of design, engineering, manufacturing, and machining services for the oil, nuclear, and marine industries, will be entering its third consecutive season as a sponsor of the Key Motorsports Chevy Silverado, having first come on board in 2007. The green and white Westerman paint scheme will appear on track for the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series events scheduled at Martinsville Speedway (March 28, October 24), Kentucky Speedway (July 18), O’Reilly Raceway Park (July 24), Bristol Motor Speedway (August 19), and Gateway International Raceway (September 12). Key Motorsports has also confirmed that it will once again compete in the full 25 race season in the Camping World Truck Series. Truck Series veteran Lance Hooper will return as Crew Chief in 2009. Driver and additional sponsorship information is forthcoming and will be announced in the coming weeks.(Key Motorsports PR)(1-15-2008)
Mike Skinner, who won the inaugural NASCAR Truck Series championship in 1995, said he’s had discussions with several teams, including Randy Moss Motorsports. Skinner said the slumping economy has been a headwind in this unexpected search for employment. “The same people that have wanted to hire me for the last two or three years are backing away,” said Skinner, who has 25 career truck wins. “Everybody is afraid of this economy. “When you got an opportunity to hire a former champion, who comes with a strong endorsement and help from Toyota, something will happen. We’ll put something together.” Meanwhile, Skinner said he’s “99 percent” sure he has a ride for the Daytona 500, just a one-race deal. He’s not interested in returning to Sprint Cup as a full-time driver. “The Sprint Cup is fun, but I’m a racer, and I want to drive trucks,” he said.(Daytona Beach News Journal)(1-15-2009)
Kyle Busch will make between 12 and 15 starts for Billy Ballew Motorsports this season in the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series, team owner Billy Ballew said on Wednesday. Busch, who is slated to drive the truck mainly on weekends when the Sprint Cup and Truck series compete at the same track, will share the seat for a second straight year with driver Shane Sieg. Ballew’s other team truck, the #15 entry shared by several drivers last season, including Marc Mitchell, David Stremme, John Andretti, Denny Hamlin and James Buescher, has no primary sponsorship and may not run past the season’s first four races, Ballew said. A driver for those first four races has not been named. If the #15 does acquire a primary sponsor, Ballew says his preference would be to have one driver in the seat for the entire season. If multiple drivers end up sharing the ride again, Ballew expects [Denny] Hamlin to be among them.(Scene Daily.com)(1-15-2009)
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A R C A (Automobile Racing Club of America)
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Courtesy of ARCA
http://www.arcaracing.com
RE/MAX TO END ARCA SERIES TITLE SPONSORSHIP AFTER 2009
TOLEDO, OH (1-14-09)–Officials from the Automobile Racing Club of America (ARCA) and RE/MAX International announced today in a joint statement that the real estate industry leader would end its series title sponsorship of ARCA following the 2009 season.
“Economic conditions continue to present challenges to all segments of the business community, and especially those in the real estate industry,” said Ron Drager, ARCA President. “The challenge RE/MAX faces led them to inform us of their need to address a change in our relationship.”
The announcement signals the end of a nine-year run by RE/MAX as ARCA Series title sponsor, among the longest-running motorsports marketing programs of its type. ARCA has crowned a national stock car champion since 1953, and RE/MAX has been the title sponsor of the tour since 2001. The company will reduce its ARCA sponsorship role in 2010 to that of series presenting sponsor.
“The leadership RE/MAX has provided to our flagship property and their immense contribution to the ARCA organization will be sincerely missed,” Drager continued. “We at ARCA look forward to a great 2009 as the final year of the ARCA RE/MAX Series, and we have begun the search for a new series title sponsor for 2010 and beyond.”
The construction and housing industry has been hard hit by the current recession, and even worldwide real estate leader RE/MAX has been forced to react to the economy.
“In business, we are all called upon to make difficult decisions, and the decision to reduce our role from series title sponsor to presenting sponsor has been very, very difficult to say the least,” said Randy Morse, RE/MAX International Vice President.
Morse and Drager crafted the series title sponsor marketing plan in 2000 to specifically fit RE/MAX corporate goals within the company’s National Ad Fund objectives. With more agents and more sales than any other real estate entity over the last decade, RE/MAX became the worldwide leader, with ARCA as its lead sports marketing property.
“The ARCA RE/MAX Series has consistently exceeded expectations in its deliverables as a part of our national advertising mix,” Morse stated. “Without hesitation, I highly recommend those interested in placing marketing dollars into motorsports to strongly consider the opportunity to work with ARCA.”
The 2009 ARCA RE/MAX Series kicks off with the Lucas Oil Slick Mist 200 at Daytona Int’l Speedway Saturday Feb. 7, with live television coverage on the Speed network.
Venturini Motorsports Prepared for Daytona with Stellar Lineup
CONCORD, NC (1-15-09) Venturini Motorsports, who scored two wins, two poles, eight top five’s, 11 top ten’s and finished 12th in owner’s points only completing a partial schedule in 2008, are ready to get back racing at Daytona in 2009. They have spent their entire off-season preparing for the upcoming Lucas Oil Slick Mist 200 at Daytona International Speedway, and have amassed an outstanding line-up of drivers to help kick-start the season.
[Read More] – http://www.arcaracing.com/news.cfm?contentid=7539
Featured Driver: Donny Kelley
TOLEDO OH (1-15-09)–Donny Kelley, who finished 18th in the 2008 ARCA RE/MAX Series Point Standings driving for Wayne Hixon Motorsports last year, has described his 2008 race season as a learning experience. Keep reading to find out whats in store for 2009…
[Read More] – http://www.arcaracing.com/news.cfm?contentid=7534
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C O L U M N S / C O M M E N T A R I E S
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Insider Racing News
http://insiderracingnews.com/Writers/DD/011509.html
It’s a Buyer’s Market for Race Tickets, But is it Enough?
by Doug Demmons
Insider Racing News
http://insiderracingnews.com/Writers/BW/011509.html
It’s ‘Detroit Auto’ Showtime
by Brian Watkins
The Nascar Insiders
Meet NASCAR’s Appellate Court
So you’ve spent the entire off-season getting ready for Daytona. When you get there you make it through pre-race inspections, qualify and race. After you win the Great American Race, NASCAR pulls you into the garage for the obligatory post-race inspection. Uh-Oh. NASCAR finds that there were improper weights added to the car and they take away the win. What do you do now?
http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/TheNascarInsiders/~3/512603113/
The Daly Planet: “Mr. Excitement” Returns To SPEED
By Daly Planet Editor
Ray Dunlap will be the reporter on Thursday and fans will hear the first real TV update on the health of the Camping World Truck Series heading into Daytona. Roberts will also return to host the program. Since SPEED is the TV network of …
http://dalyplanet.blogspot.com/2009/01/mr-excitement-returns-to-speed.html
Insider Racing News
http://insiderracingnews.com/Writers/RG/011609.html
One on One With Aric Almirola: “I’ve Got a Lot to Prove”
by Rebecca Gladden
The Nascar Insiders
Need Bargaining Help? Use the Media for Leverage
As the clock ticks ever closer towards Daytona, desparation is starting to set in. Teams are scrambling to lock down deals, and drivers are trying to grab those last couple of chairs before the music stops. But even with the desperation, all parties involved are still vying for the best possible agreement they can negotiate. Need help with your deal? Try the media.
http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/TheNascarInsiders/~3/513559019/
On The Edge: My Story – A Review
by Carol Einarsson
Monday nights on BBC America, there is a most delightful show on called Top Gear. Many of you are already familiar with it, but if you’re not, I encourage you to check it out. I sometimes feel like I came late to the movie, so on occasion, I’ll go to YouTube and look for program segments from past episodes that I’ve missed. It was there that I saw an ad for Richard Hammond’s book, “On the Edge: My Story.” It was an amusing ad, but honestly, even if it hadn’t been, I’d still have wanted to read it.
http://www.racejournalonline.com/index.cfm?Pagename=column&id=564
“Preseason Thunder” Drifts Off Course
Let’s all take just a moment and say it together. There is no testing at Daytona this season. That means SPEED’s TV series called Preseason Thunder relocated from the Daytona International Speedway to the SPEED studios in Charlotte, NC for the past four days.
http://dalyplanet.blogspot.com/2009/01/preseason-thunder-drifts-off-course.html
Tommy Baldwin Showing Potential at NASCAR Ownership
With just over a month to prepare for NASCAR’s premier race, Daytona 500-winning crew chief Tommy Baldwin announced Tommy Baldwin Racing and its intention to run a full season of Sprint Cup racing in ’09.
http://www.speedwaymedia.com/Articles/09/011609Lintner.asp
Labonte Finds a Ride in a Ford
The latest Silly Season (my apologies to Jayski) news concerns Bobby Labonte. Labonte, if you remember, has been a winner 21 times in his career with Bill Davis and Joe Gibbs.
http://www.speedwaymedia.com/Articles/09/011509Fleshman.asp
2009 NASCAR Predictions In A Sluggish Economy
With NASCAR embarking on a new era characterized by economic limitations, drivers, teams, racetrack, fans, and the sport itself will be forced to make changes to survive the turmoil caused by the economic downturn.
http://www.speedwaymedia.com/Articles/09/011509Boswell.asp
Random observations that I was observant enough to observe
GEM Racing announces that Elliot Sadler will be driving the #19 Dodge. Well, isn’t that nice. How kind of them to simply honor a contract.
http://www.speedwaymedia.com/Articles/09/011409VanZandt.asp
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T V * L I S T I N G S
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Courtesy of Jayski
http://www.jayski.com/pages/tv.htm
Fri Jan 16
1:30 am Dakar Rally, daily highlights VS
3:30 pm Dakar Rally, daily highlights VS
6:30 pm Dakar Rally, daily highlights VS
Sat Jan 17
1:00 pm NASCAR PreSeason Thunder-Daytona Fan Fest SPEED
3:30 pm Dakar Rally, daily highlights VS
6:30 pm Dakar Rally, daily highlights VS
Sun Jan 18
8:00 am NASCAR Angels HALL
3:30 pm Dakar Rally, daily highlights VS
6:30 pm Dakar Rally, daily highlights VS
Jayski 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 2002-2009 by MotorSportsNews.Net
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