Today’s Stock Car Gazette is now available for your reading pleasure. It’s full of NASCAR Sprint Cup, Nationwide Series, and Camping World Truck Series news, stats, and other information.
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T H E * S T O C K * C A R * G A Z E T T E
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E d i t o r ‘ s * N o t e s
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mumble grumble mumble….
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Stock Car Gazette Columnists Speak Out!
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There’s still a spot (or 2 or 3….) open for new staff writers.
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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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Courtesy of www.Catchfence.com
Shelby 427 Weekend Schedule
http://www.lasvegasmotorspeedway.com/documents/2009_nascar_weekend_schedule.pdf
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Courtesy of Stock Car Gazette subscriber Ed B. – thanks!
California track officals happy with only 32,000 empty seats
http://blog.al.com/blogoftomorrow/2009/02/32000_empty_seats.html
dupont_slashes_its_nascar_spending
http://blog.al.com/blogoftomorrow/2009/02/dupont_slashes_its_nascar_spen.html
Buyers snag NASCAR memorabilia, cars at auction
By Jessica Foster
NASCAR fanatics, restaurant owners and people searching for good deals showed up today at an auction at the former NASCAR Sports Grille in Myrtle Beach.
By early afternoon, more than 300 people had turned out to place bids or just take a look. People roamed between tables filled with NASCAR photos and plaques. Stacks of plates and bowls were piled high in one area. Rows of chairs, tables and other restaurant equipment were also on the auction block.
One of the biggest draws, however, was 11 full-size race cars. Those started being auctioned off at noon, and many sold for between $2,000 and $4,000.
More: http://www.thesunnews.com/news/breaking_news/story/795862.html
Ask.com is making a big splash in NASCAR
http://www.sportingnews.com/yourturn/viewtopic.php?t=521169
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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
Ky. Speedway Sprint Cup race dealt blow
Bizjournals.com – Charlotte,NC,USA
That’s because an antitrust lawsuit between the track founders and NASCAR most likely won’t be resolved until at least late May. The US Court of Appeals for …
http://www.bizjournals.com/charlotte/stories/2009/02/23/daily26.html
Auction held at former NASCAR Sports Grille : News : WPDE
By Joel Allen
If you ever wanted a real race car to call your own, Tuesday was your day. Racing memorabilia was auctioned off at the former NASCAR Sports Grille in Myrtle Beach, which closed last August.
http://www.carolinalive.com/news/news_story.aspx?id=264663
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Courtesy of Insider Racing News
http://www.insiderracingnews.com
Autographs and Appearances
Justin Allgaier will sign autographs at the Penske Racing souvenir trailer on Friday, February 27 from 12:30-1:00 pm. PT. The trailer is located on souvenir row on the front stretch at Las Vegas Motor Speedway.
Kurt Busch will be making a special appearance on Friday night from 7:30 p.m. until 9:00 p.m. at the Sierra Gold Tavern, located at 6515 S. Jones Blvd. in Las Vegas.
Kurt Busch is scheduled to make an appearance and sign autographs on Saturday night from 7:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. at the New York New York Hotel & Casino. The casino/hotel is located at 3790 S. Las Vegas Boulevard.
Kurt Busch is scheduled to visit to his souvenir trailer at Las Vegas Motor Speedway this Sunday from 10:15 a.m. until 10:45 a.m. to meet the fans and sign autographs. Please verify that time by visiting the trailer in advance and picking up the free tickets for the autograph line.
Casey Mears will sign autographs at the Jack Daniel’s souvenir trailer located in the Speedway’s display area, outside the front straightaway, on Sun., March 1 at 10 a.m. Autographs will be available on a first come, first served basis and will be limited in number due to time constraints. Mears also will appear at the Jack Daniel’s Experience on Sun., March 1 from 10:30 – 10:45 a.m. The Jack Daniel’s Experience will be located in the display area, outside Gate C, on speedway property.
David Stremme will be signing autographs at the Penske Racing souvenir trailer on Sunday, March 1 at 9:30 am PST. The Penske Racing trailer is located along the front stretch at Las Vegas Motor Speedway
Sam Hornish will be on hand to sign autographs at the Penske Racing souvenir trailer on Sunday, March 1 from 9:30 -10 a.m. PST
Race Ratings Much Improved
According to Nielson Media Research, Sunday’s Autoclub 500 NASCAR race at Fontana, broadcast by Fox, was the top-rated sports event of the week with 10.2 million viewers, beating out Sunday’s final round of the Northern Trust Open golf tournament at Riviera shown on CBS (4.8 million viewers). And there’s no secret who was watching either. The ratings showed that among men between the ages of 25-54 the race was the fifth-most watched program of any kind. More of those guys watched NASCAR than watched “Lost” or “Survivor:Tocantins,” for example. Going against the Academy Awards, Fox was up 28% from its 2007 night against the Oscars. The ratings excluded comparisons to last year when the race was delayed so long by rain that it was preempted from the prime time schedule.
Blickensderfer Crew Chief Of Sunday’s Race
Drew Blickensderfer, crew chief of the No. 17 Carhartt Ford Fusion driven by Matt Kenseth, has been named the WYPALL Wipers Crew Chief of the Race for the second straight week following Sunday’s Auto Club 500 at Auto Club Speedway in Fontana, Ca. — Crediting their early successes to the “Drew Factor,” the No. 17 Blickensderfer-led team took their second victory on Sunday following the coveted first place finish in the Daytona 500 a week prior. “Drew has given the leadership and the start that this team needs,” said Kenseth. “This is just a great team, with a great crew.” Although Kenseth started in the 24th position, it didn’t take him long to work his way up to the front of the field. Thanks in part to his pit crew that gained numerous positions during pit stops, he ran in the top-five by lap 62 and moved to the lead for the first time on lap 145. Late in the race, Kenseth battled Jeff Gordon for the lead, after another lightening fast pit stop under caution with 38 laps to go, the No. 17 shot to the front of the pack and stayed there until the checkered flag
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Courtesy of Jayski
http://www.jayski.com
Ambrose’s #47 Toyota to have new look at Las Vegas: the #47 Toyota will have a fiery new look at Las Vegas Motor Speedway as Kingsford Charcoal is the primary sponsor for Marcos Ambrose and the JTG-Daugherty Racing team in the Shelby 427. Kingsford Charcoal, which was created in the 1920’s, has been a proud sponsor of JTG-Daugherty Racing since 1998 and today is the most popular charcoal in America. Ambrose developed a relationship with the sponsor when he made his NASCAR Nationwide Series debut in the #59 Kingsford entry owned by Tad and Jodi Geschickter at Daytona International Speedway in 2007. Now, Ambrose will carry the brand on his #47 Toyota for the big race on Sunday.(MWR/JTG-Daugherty Racing PR), see images of the scheme on my #47 Team Schemes page.(2-25-2009)
http://www.jayski.com/schemes/2009/47cup.htm
Papis hopes to debut at Vegas..and congrats: #13-Max Papis will make his 2009 NSCS debut at Las Vegas Motor Speedway. The Italian driver was the 2004 Grand-Am Daytona Prototype champion after a season in which he registered four wins, eight podium-finishes and 11 poles in 12 races utilizing a Lexus-powered entry. He earned the nickname ‘Mad Max’ for his never give up attitude during the 1996 24 hours at Daytona. Max and his wife, Tatiana, recently welcomed their second son, Matteo Fittipaldi Papis, on February 14. Matteo weighed in at 6 lbs. 10 oz., and measured 18 inches.(Toyota PR)(2-25-2009)
Pop Tarts scheme for Martin at Vegas: Pop-Tarts, Kellogg’s most popular morning food product, will be on the hood of the #5 Chevy of Mark Martin during this weekend Shelby 427 at Las Vegas Motor Speedway. Pop-Tarts will join Carquest as the co-primary sponsor three more times this season — at Bristol in August, Lowe’s Motor Speedway in October and Talladega in November. Martin and his Hendrick Motorsports teammates currently are being featured on Brown Sugar Cinnamon flavored Limited Edition NASCAR Printed-Fun Pop-Tarts. The pastries will be available throughout the 2009 Sprint Cup Series season at major retail outlets across the country.(HMS PR)(2-25-2009)
No blown engine for Harvick: Earnhardt-Childress Racing Engines employees discovered a punctured oil filter on the engine of Kevin Harvick’s #29 Shell-Pennzoil Chevy after hard contact with the outside wall of Auto Club Speedway on lap 208. The filter was replaced and the engine restarted but the damage done to the car prevented the team from returning to the race and ending Harvick’s DNF streak at 81 [3 short of the all-time record].(RCR PR)
Some NASCAR drivers linked with new US F1 team UPDATE: With the new prospective American team USF1 set to be announced officially on Tuesday [Live press conference on SPEED 12noon/et], attention is already turning to the possible occupants of the Charlotte-built race cockpits in 2010. Indycar star Danica Patrick has already played down her reported link with the outfit, but other notable American names have also been mentioned in various quarters of the racing world. #44-AJ Allmendinger’s has been another name associated with USF1, but he said he is concentrating on his NASCAR foray even though he views a formula one opportunity as “intriguing”. The motor sport writer for the Toronto Star claims #18-Kyle Busch should be “a shoo-in” for a USF1 seat, while the 26-year-old veteran of 28 grands prix #82-Scott Speed has also been linked with Ken Anderson and Peter Windsor’s project, as have Conor Daly and Marco Andretti. Windsor is quoted by Britain’s The Independent newspaper as clarifying that no decisions about details including engines and drivers have been made. “We have yet to speak to any drivers, but we are looking at every American with the right credentials, and Danica is definitely on the list,” he said.( motorauthority.com)(2-24-2009)
UPDATE: Kyle Busch’s agent said the young NASCAR star would “certainly leave the door open” to try Formula One “at some point” after Busch’s name was mentioned during a press conference announcing a new American-based F1 team. Officials with the USF1 team, which will be based out of Charlotte, said it would be interested in having Busch drive its car. Busch is under contract at Joe Gibbs Racing through the end of next season [2010]. “Obviously, it’s very flattering for him to be mentioned for a Formula One ride, especially an American-based team,” said Jeff Dickerson, Busch’s agent. “Thanks to Toyota, he was excited at the prospect of getting to test a Formula One car this past offseason. While it didn’t work out then, he would certainly leave the door open to try it out at some point. At the same time, he’s currently focused on winning the NASCAR Sprint Cup and Nationwide Series championships for Joe Gibbs Racing.” IndyCar Series drivers Danica Patrick and Marco Andretti were also among the drivers mentioned as possibilities by the USF1 team.(SceneDaily)(2-25-2009)
Sad News – Dick Beebe: Dick Beebe, died Sunday of a heart attack at the age of 76. Beebe, a Kalamazoo [MI] native who lived in Belding, was best known in the Michigan auto racing community for being the founder and publisher of the Marc Times Racing News. The publication served fans throughout the United States for 47 years, keeping them up to date on a weekly basis about the happenings at Michigan tracks. The operation ceased about a year ago. Beebe, who is survived by his wife Kathy and seven children, was born in Kalamazoo in 1933. He was introduced to racing at a young age because his father, Paul Beebe, raced in the 1920s and ’30s. Paul later opened the Galesburg Speedway in 1948. Beebe also raced motorcycles, and he promoted races, too, including the Dealer’s Choice race that was staged at a number of tracks, including Crystal Motor Speedway and Kalamazoo Speedway. Beebe worked as an announcer, pit steward, scorer and groundskeeper for a half-century. Beebe’s funeral is scheduled for 2 p.m. Thursday at the Bangor Church of Christ, 214 N. Walnut St. in Bangor, Michigan.(Michigan Live)(2-25-2009)
Harrah’s to sponsor #44 at Las Vegas: Harrah’s will serve at the sponsor for the #44 Dodge of A.J. Allmendinger this weekend in Las Vegas. The team is looking for sponsorship to run the full season in 2009.(RPM PR)(2-24-2009)
Robbie Weiss, NASCAR’s Vice President of Broadcasting, will be discharged today from a rehabilitation facility after less than two weeks of treatment. He will now be allowed to recuperate from his brain aneurysm as an out patient. Weiss suffered the aneurysm in late January and has been recovering since. Weiss is looking forward to regaining his normal life away from any and all institutions.(CaptainThunderRacing.com)(2-24-2009)
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Courtesy of Stock Car Gazette subscriber Kent D. – thanks!
919 MARKETING INKS CONTRACT WITH NASCAR LEGEND WARD BURTON
919 Marketing, one of North Carolina’s top sports marketing firms, announced today it has signed a deal with Ward Burton Enterprises, an organization founded by former NASCAR driver Ward Burton to promote Burton and his efforts in wildlife conservation.
“919′s extensive experience working with NASCAR and other high level sports brands was very appealing to me,” said Burton. “Ward Burton Enterprises and the Ward Burton Wildlife Foundation will benefit greatly from 919′s ability to create and manage an overall PR and marketing strategy that will help drive our business for years to come.”
Ward Burton engaged 919 Marketing to develop and implement a marketing strategy to boost brand awareness around Ward Burton Enterprises, including the Ward Burton brand and Ward Burton Wildlife Foundation. As the marketing firm and publicist for Burton, 919 will develop an overall PR and marketing strategy to facilitate relationships between Ward Burton Enterprises and corporations looking to get NASCAR and non-NASCAR related sponsorship opportunities. 919 will also focus on branding strategies, securing media opportunities, executing co-marketing programs, and developing and producing promotional vehicles and marketing projects.
“Ward is not only a racing legend, but a stand-up guy with American values that corporate America is hungry for,” said Chapman. “Ward Burton Enterprises and the Ward Burton Wildlife Foundation are proven brands that are highly recognized and respected in the sports marketing arena. We look forward to maximizing their awareness among companies in the market who want to activate their brand with focused, measurable change.”
About Ward Burton Enterprises
Ward Burton Enterprises was created by former NASCAR driver and 2002 Daytona 500 winner Ward Burton to build awareness of his foundation, the Ward Burton Wildlife Foundation, and his other projects. The WBWF, which was founded in 1996 in Virginia, works to conserve America’s land and wildlife through wise stewardship while educating children and adults about the natural resources that will shape America’s future. Burton is known for his integrity and humility, and his foundation is acknowledged nationwide as being a model for wildlife conservation. For more information, please visit: http://www.wardburton.com
http://pr-canada.net/index2.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=80918&pop=1&page=0&Itemid=65
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Busch, Speed on new US F1 teams’ short list
With the new prospective American team USF1 set to be announced officially on Tuesday, attention is already turning to the possible occupants of the Charlotte-built race cockpits in 2010.
Indycar star Danica Patrick has already played down her reported link with the outfit, but other notable American names have also been mentioned in various quarters of the racing world.
AJ Allmendinger’s has been another name associated with USF1, but he said he is concentrating on his NASCAR foray even though he views a formula one opportunity as “intriguing”. The motor sport writer for the Toronto Star claims Kyle Busch should be “a shoo-in” for a USF1 seat, while the 26-year-old veteran of 28 grands prix Scott Speed has also been linked with Ken Anderson and Peter Windsor’s project, as have Conor Daly and Marco Andretti.
Windsor is quoted by Britain’s The Independent newspaper as clarifying that no decisions about details including engines and drivers have been made. “We have yet to speak to any drivers, but we are looking at every American with the right credentials, and Danica is definitely on the list,” he said.
http://autoracingsport.com/nascar/busch-speed-on-new-us-f1-teams-short-list/
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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
http://www.race2win.net
Race 2 Win Reaches Checkered Flag
TAYLORS, SC (February 25, 2009) – After 11 years of serving the NASCAR community, Race 2 Win has finally reached the checkered flag – the end of the race, so to speak. Race 2 Win (www.Race2Win.net) regretfully announces that it will be shutting down all operations, effective immediately.
During these difficult times, several race teams have been forced to close their doors or lay off many of their work force because of a lack of funding, and we are no exception. Race 2 Win has become just another victim of this unstable economy.
We knew that this day was inevitable. Last September, we announced that we were suspending our Nationwide coverage in a cost-cutting move and an attempt to find the funding that would keep us up and running. Unfortunately, that funding never materialized and the time has come to close the doors.
We would like to take this opportunity to thank all of you for visiting Race 2 Win and for all of your support these past 11 years. Words cannot express our gratitude.
All of the current content at Race 2 Win will remain up for your enjoyment until the end of the 2009 season. You will still be able to check out the series schedule, TV schedules, any archived news or results, the photo gallery, etc., so don’t erase those bookmarks just yet.
This move will not affect Jeff Holtzclaw’s co-hosting duties on Track Talk Motorsports Radio on the Prime Sports Network. Race 2 Win will continue to provide information on upcoming and past shows as we have done in the past.
The door does remain slightly open for a return at some point in the future if the necessary funding can be secured, so keep your fingers crossed.
In closing, let us leave you with one final thought. In life, as well as on the track, no matter what it is that you do, always Race 2 Win!
Many thanks,
The Race 2 Win Team
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Editor’s note: Thanks to Jeff Holtzclaw of Race2Win for all his help …. we’ll miss you!
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Listen to Track Talk at a Special Time on Thursday
The Thursday, February 26th edition of Track Talk will be heard at a special time, due to a scheduling conflict. The show will broadcast live at 11:00 pm ET on the Prime Sports Network. Any guests for this show will be announced at a later date. The February 19th episode of Track Talk featured three-time Truck Series champion Ron Hornaday and 2008 Sprint Cup Rookie of the Year Regan Smith. Be sure to listen to the archive or download the podcast of that show anytime at PrimeSportsNetwork.com.
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Courtesy of That’s Racin’
http://www.thatsracin.com
Ford, Kenseth, Roush love February
Auto Club Speedway in California may be located smack in the middle of Toyota country, but Ford has been a habitual trespasser at the 2-mile oval for years, as it was again over the weekend.
http://www.thatsracin.com/140/story/4200.html
Andretti plugs grandson for American F1 ride
Mario Andretti says his grandson, Marco, can fill a seat on the American team that plans to enter Formula One in 2010.
http://www.thatsracin.com/140/story/4199.html
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Sprint Cup race for Kentucky in 2010 remains in doubt
A court schedule released Monday appears to be another blow for Kentucky Speedway’s chances of obtaining a date on the 2010 Sprint Cup calendar because the antitrust lawsuit between the track founders and NASCAR most likely won’t be resolved until at least late May. The U.S. Court of Appeals for the Sixth Circuit on Monday [...]
http://clicks.aweber.com/y/ct/?l=MsyAy&m=1aqtpZpxQxX3DX&b=C5DZpjtYgaNG5gghvl7Myw
Hendrick motor issues due to bad parts
Hendrick Motorsports officials say a bad batch of parts led to engine failures by Dale Earnhardt Jr. and Mark Martin in Sunday’s Sprint Cup race at Auto Club Speedway in Fontana, CA. “Both cars had valve train failures that were related to a specific batch of parts from a vendor,” said Doug Duchardt, HMS’ vice [...]
http://clicks.aweber.com/y/ct/?l=MsyAy&m=1aqtpZpxQxX3DX&b=VCx05DzOcNmZ0UQXznUTvA
Obama could force GM-Chrysler merger
As rumors continued to swirl today about the future of troubled automaker Chrysler LLC, one analyst said there’s a chance the U.S. government could force a merger between the company and rival General Motors. Chrysler said in its restructuring plan submitted to the U.S., Canadian and Ontario governments last week that it still believes the best [...]
http://clicks.aweber.com/y/ct/?l=MsyAy&m=1aqtpZpxQxX3DX&b=WgecjMUCaFiprxkm.30JqQ
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P R E S S * R E L E A S E S
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Stratosphere Casino Hotel & Tower
Thursday, Feb 26, 2009
Kasey Kahne
Autograph Session
In Casino
4:00 pm – 6:00 pm
Limited to 500 people.
Wristbands will be given out on Weds & Thurs starting at 12:00 Noon.
Friday, Feb 27, 2009
Meet the Drivers Autograph Session
Stratosphere Casino
Hermie Sadler
Scott Wimmer
Todd Bodine
Scott Riggs
Regan Smith
David Green
Terry Cook
Eric McClure
Dexter Bean
Dave Blaney
John Andretti
Casey Atwood
Chris Meyer – Fox Sports
Photo Opportunity with Evander Holyfield
Kyle Busch # 18 NOS Sprint Cup Car at Casino 2/26 from 2 pm – 6 pm
Coca –Cola Racing Simulator & Show Car at Casino 2/26, 2/27 & 2/28 11 am – 7 pm daily
Iracing.com simulators 2/28/09 from 6 pm to 9 pm
GEICO Sprint Car Max Papis 2/25 – 3/04
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Meet the Driver … Casey Mears will sign autographs at the Jack Daniel’s souvenir trailer located in the Speedway’s display area, outside the front straightaway, on Sun., March 1 at 10 a.m. Autographs will be available on a first come, first served basis and will be limited in number due to time constraints.
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Total NASCAR Cup wins by Corporation, 1949 – To Date 2008
GM: 968
Chevrolet: 633
Pontiac: 155
Oldsmobile: 115
Buick: 65
Ford: 694
Ford: 594
Mercury: 96
Lincoln: 4
Chrysler: 450
Dodge: 202
Plymouth: 189
Chrysler: 59
Toyota: 10
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NASCAR MODIFIED CARS BREAK BMS TRACK RECORD
BRISTOL, Tenn. (Tuesday, Feb. 24, 2009) — Four NASCAR Whelen Modified Series champions were among six drivers who challenged the “World’s Fastest Half-Mile” during a test session on Tuesday.
The fastest time of the day was clocked by L.W. Miller of Dushore, Pa. Miller circled the .533-mile oval in 14.742 sec., breaking Ryan Newman’s Cup Series track record of 14.908 sec. set in 2003.
The cars were running with carburetor restrictor-plates for the test session. Later in the afternoon, a few drivers removed the plates, resulting in even faster times.
Ted Christopher, the 2008 Whelen Modified Tour Champion, jumped at the chance to test his car on the concrete track with the engine unrestricted. Christopher turned an incredible lap of 14.479 sec., a mind-blowing proposition.
“It’s crazy. It’s sick. It’s intense,” said the Plainville, Conn. native. “The one thing you have to remember is to breathe. I’ve never been anywhere that you can drive without lifting [the throttle].”
Christopher said race fans should be in for quite a show when the Whelen Modified Tour returns Aug. 19 for a doubleheader event with the NASCAR Camping World Series.
“We will have to have some give and take,” he continued. “We’re going to be able to do some cross-over moves. I think it’s going to be a very technical race.”
“We appreciate the opportunity to be here,” said Christopher. “The cars run around here pretty good. They’re very fast.”
Other drivers participating in the test were Matt Hirschman, Brian Loftin, Ronnie Silk and Todd Szegedy.
Szegedy said the track is unlike any other.
“There are a lot of G’s pushing you down into the seat,” he said. “It will take time to get used to it, but it is definitely a lot of fun.”
All of the drivers were excited about getting the opportunity to test at Bristol Motor Speedway.
“It is an honor to be here,” said Loftin. “I think this will become one of the crown jewels of modified racing. This is one of the most fun places to race and I think we will put on a good show later this year.”
The open-wheel machines, which put out 600 horsepower and weigh 2,610 lbs., will return to Thunder Valley during the August Sharpie 500 race week.
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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
Nationwide Series from Las Vegas on ESPN2: The NASCAR Nationwide Series, the highest-rated TV series on ESPN2, makes its only appearance of the 2009 season at Las Vegas Motor Speedway this weekend, and ESPN2 will have live, high definition coverage of the 300-mile race on Saturday, Feb. 28, beginning at 4 p.m. ET with NASCAR Countdown. ESPN2 will be the home of the NASCAR Nationwide Series all season, with selected races on ESPN and ABC. The race re-airs Monday, March 2, at 9 a.m. on ESPN Classic. Dr. Jerry Punch will be the lap-by-lap announcer for ESPN2′s coverage, joined in the booth for analysis by Dale Jarrett and Andy Petree. Dave Burns, Jamie Little, Mike Massaro and Shannon Spake will report from the pits, while Tim Brewer will be in the ESPN Craftsman Tech Garage. Allen Bestwick will host NASCAR Countdown with analysis by Brad Daugherty and Jarrett in the ESPN pit studio.(ESPN PR)(2-23-2009)
Congrats: to #0 & #01 team co-owners Johnny Davis & Lori Morgan who plan to get married this week in Las Vegas “if they get the cars ready”.(Hufco Pro-Motion JDM PR)(2-24-2009)
California TV Ratings: ESPN2′s live coverage of the Nationwide Series race from Auto Club Speedway in Fontana, Calif., earned a 1.9 household coverage rating with more than 2,512,000 viewers. The telecast aired Saturday night. Last year’s race was delayed by rain until Monday and earned a 1.2 rating.(ESPN PR)(2-24-2009)
Klondike on the #88: Unilever brands will make its debut on the hood of Brad Keselowski’s #88 Chevy with Klondike as the primary sponsor this weekend. This is the first of 11 times Unilever brands will adorn the hood of the #88 and the first of three times for Klondike.(JR Motorsports PR)(2-24-2009)
Earnhardt driving NNS race with GoDaddy.com sponsorship: #5-Dale Earnhardt Jr. will drive the first of two races with the familiar green and black paint scheme of GoDaddy.com at Las Vegas this weekend. In his last oval start with GoDaddy on board, the 34-year-old secured a seventh-place finish at Texas Motor Speedway.(JR Motorsports PR)(2-24-2009)
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Courtesy of The Hot Lap
http://www.TheHotLap.com
Justin Allgaier will sign autographs at the Penske Raci ng souvenir trailer on Friday, February 27 from 12:30-1:00 pm. PT. The trailer is located on souvenir row on the front stretch at Las Vegas Motor Speedway. Allgaier will join with fellow Penske Racing dri vers David Stremme and Sam Hornish Jr., will be at Pole Position Raceway in Las Vegas on Thursday, February 26 to help the Kurt Busch Foundation. The first annual Kurt Busch Spring for the Kids will benefit the Victory Junction Gang Camp. Allgaier will race with other top NASCAR drivers as well as fans in a one-hour endurance kart race. The event starts at 6 pm PT. Also on Thursday, February 26, Allgaier and oth er NASCAR Nationwide Series drivers, will be at the ESPN Zone in Las Vega s to test their cooking skills against one another. The Fourth Annual Raybestos Rookie Cooking Challenge will commence at 2 pm PT.
Kevin Harvick and the No. 33 Kevin Harvick Inc. (KHI) Rheem Chevrolet team started the Stater Bros. 300 at the Auto Club Speedway from the ninth position, and after running the entire race in the top 10, crossed the finish-line in the second position. “Our Rheem Chevrolet was good all weekend,” said two-time Nationwide Series champion Kevin Harvick. “The car was fast in practice, but way too loose during qualifying. We made adjustments throughout the night and the Rheem Chevrolet was really coming around. The team made a great stop at the end of the race and put me in position to have a shot at Kyle (Busch), but I got a little loose and he was able to hold me off. I’m really proud of everybody tonight and for coming back and making that last stop of the night count. It was a solid night for our Rheem Chevrolet.”
The No. 24 Hefty® Odor Block™ Ford will be sporting an in-car camera, sponsored by Cars.com, during the Sam’s Town 300; this will mark McClure’s first in-car camera since his Nationwide Series debut in 2003.Special Appearances-Wednesday, February 25, 2009: Arizona Charlie’s Hotel & Casino ( Decatur Ave); 11am – 12pm;Thursday, February 26, 2009: Stratosphere Hotel & Casino Slot Tournament: 5pm – 7pm; Friday, February 27, 2009: Stratosphere Hotel & Casino Driver Autograph Session: 7pm – 8:30pm. (02-24-09)
In only two Nationwide Series starts at Las Vegas Motor Speedway, Dale Earnhardt Jr. has one top-five and two top-10s. He has an average starting position of 10.5 and an average finish of 4.0. Earnhardt Jr.’s most recent start at Vegas came in 1999. GoDADDY PAINT SCHEME – Earnhardt Jr. will drive the first of two races with the familiar green and black paint scheme of GoDaddy.com at Las Vegas this weekend. In his last oval start with GoDaddy on board, the 34-year-old secured a seventh-place finish at Texas Motor Speedway
In addition to running in the NASCAR Nationwide Series at LVMS this weekend, Keselowski will be attempting to make the field in the Sprint Cup Series event driving the No. 25 GoDaddy.com Chevrolet for Hendrick Motorsports. PACING THE FIELD – Keselowski led laps in each of the first two races this season and competed in the top-10 before late-race accidents ruined chances for good finishes. At Daytona, Keselowski led once for six laps, and in California he led once for two laps. FIRST FOR UNILEVER – Unilever brands will make its debut on the hood of Keselowski’s No. 88 Chevrolet with Klondike as the primary sponsor this weekend. This is the first of 11 times Unilever brands will adorn the hood of the No. 88 and the first of three times for Klondike.
Burton will pilot the No.29 green and blue machine this weekend following a sixth place effort last Saturday at Auto Club Speedway. This event at LVMS marks the third straight year that Burton will pilot the Holiday Inn Racing Chevy in Las Vegas. In 2007, he scored RCR’s second NNS victory there (the first was Kevin Harvick in 2004.)Top of the Charts … The South Boston, Va., native has three of his 27 NNS career wins at LVMS and he is currently tied with Mark Martin (the 2008 winner) for all-time wins at the Nevada oval. Burton also leads all drivers in laps led (362) and is tied with Harvick and Joe Nemechek with five top-five’s each, best all-time among drivers at the mile-and-a-half oval. Burton’s average starting position of 9.4 is fifth best among drivers competing in this weekend’s event. Dan Deeringhoff returns to calling the shots atop the No.29 Holiday Inn Racing pit box this weekend after he and his wife, Sandy, celebrated the birth of their daughter Addison Lynne last Wednesday.
Scott Lagasse Jr. was looking to redeem himself after the season-opener at Daytona was not so kind to the CJM Racing team. In his first NASCAR Nationwide Series race at Auto Club Speedway, the Raybestos Rookie-of-the-Year contender was able to do just that. The chemistry was apparent as the team was able to recover from a slight handling condition and a prolonged pit stop to finish out the Stater Bros. 300 in the 12th position.
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Holiday Inn Racing Wins, You Win … The Holiday Inn No. 29 team is bringing the thrill and excitement of race day to NASCAR and Holiday Inn Racing fans with a promotion that rewards them for the team’s victories. At the end of every race, registered fans will receive an email announcing the winners of that race. If Holiday Inn Racing wins, 290 winners will be selected to win a free night at Holiday Inn® Hotels and Resorts or Holiday Inn Express® hotels in the U.S. For more details please visit www.holidayinn.com/car29. The promotion runs through the March 21st event at Bristol Motor Speedway.
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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
Former motocross star Ricky Carmichael had been scheduled to race fourteen Camping World Truck Series races this season for Kevin Harrick, Inc. with Monster Energy as the primary sponsor of the #4 truck. It now appears that Carmichael will race more than the 14 races originally schedule. According to sources close to Carmichael, team owner Kevin Harvick will pick up the tab for next weekend’s truck series race at Atlanta, a race Carmichael was not scheduled to run. Carmichael is coming off a career best finish of 8th at California where he ran up front with the leaders for much of the race. Harvick feels the former motocrosser has made enough progress to warrant funding him out of his own pocket for the American Commercial Lines 200 on March 7th. The only catch? Monster Energy will get a free ride. Sources confirmed that Carmichael’s contract does not allow him to race without Monster Energy on the truck. Therefore, Monster Energy will enjoy free exposure on Carmichael’s truck while Harvick picks up the tab. No word on whether Harvick will fund future races, but you can expect to see Carmichael at Atlanta in the black #4 Chevy.(CaptainThunderRacing.com)(2-24-2009)
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Courtesy of TruckSeries.Com
http://www.truckseries.com
2009 Truck Series Championship Predictions
TruckSeries.com – Dallas,PA,USA
After fourteen years with Craftsman, the NASCAR Truck Series awarded it’s naming rights to Camping World. I think this new association is going to be better …
http://www.truckseries.com/cgi-script/NCTS_09/articles/000001/000163.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
Asphalt Outlaw Mike Harmon in a Hurry; Featured Guest on ’30 at 30′ Wednesday, February 25
TOLEDO OH (2-25-09) – Mike Harmon’s ARCA RE/MAX Series car reads ‘Outlaw’ down the B-Post. That’s probably a pretty good description these days of the Birmingport, Alabama driver who finds himself all over the United States in an effort to keep his racing career alive.
[Read More] – http://www.arcaracing.com/news.cfm?contentid=7682
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Inside Track Breaking News Blog: Interview with Canadian ARCA …
By GREGM
Just Lofton is returning to ESR for his second season in the ARCA Re/Max Series. I think we are going to have a very strong team this year. All four of us are all getting along great and talking openly with each other on what our cars …
http://insidetracknews.blogspot.com/2009/02/interview-with-canadian-arca-driver.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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Insider Racing News
http://insiderracingnews.com/Writers/CA/022509.html
Kenseth Proves Strong in a Snoozer
by Chuck Abrams
Insider Racing News
http://insiderracingnews.com/Writers/LV/022509.html
The Better Race This Past Sunday Was In Phoenix
by Larry Van Zandt
RaceTalkRadio.com:
Can Team 17 Make It Three? by Dennis Michelsen
http://www.racetalkradio.com/soz/id233.htm
The Nascar Insiders
Ask The Insiders Wednesday #12
We are half way between California and Vegas, and that means its time for more questions and answers.
http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/TheNascarInsiders/~3/546793814/
Auto Club 500, Brought To You By Rain-X and No-Doze!
I watched the ‘Auto Club Me To Death Please 500’ yesterday, which was ran somewhere in the bowels of Southern ‘Caleefohnya’ (Thanks, Governor ‘Ahnuld’!), and I think I just found a new ‘most-despised’ track to add to my collection.
http://www.speedwaymedia.com/Articles/09/022409VanZandt.asp
Formula One “Skunkworks” In NASCAR Country?
The interesting saga of an American-based Formula One team played out on Tuesday with the formal announcement carried live on SPEED. The network is clearly caught-up in the fact that Peter Windsor, longtime SPEED F-1 analyst, will be a team principal.
http://dalyplanet.blogspot.com/2009/02/formula-one-skunkworks-in-nascar.html
SPEED Still Dialing-In New HD Studios
http://dalyplanet.blogspot.com/2009/02/speed-still-dialing-in-new-hd-studios.html
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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
Wednesday, February 25
NASCAR Now,12:00 a.m. ESPN 2
NSCS Replay, 12:00 p.m. SPEED
NASCAR Now, 05:00 p.m. ESPN 2
Thursday, February 26
NASCAR Now, 12:00 a.m. ESPN 2
NSCS Replay, 12:00 p.m. SPEED
NASCAR Now, 05:00 p.m. ESPN 2
Friday, February 27
NASCAR Now, 01:00 a.m. ESPN 2
NASCAR Confidential,12:00 p.m. SPEED
NASCAR Live, 01:00 p.m. SPEED
NNS Practice, 01:30 p.m. SPEED
NSCS Practice, 03:00 p.m. SPEED
NNS Final Practice,04:30 p.m. SPEED
NASCAR Live, 06:00 p.m. ESPN 2
NASCAR Now, 06:00 p.m. ESPN 2
NSCS Coors Light Pole Qualifying, 06:30 p.m. SPEED
Track side at Las Vegas, 08:30 p.m. SPEED
NASCAR Live, 09:30 p.m. SPEED
NNS Practice, 10:00 p.m. SPEED
Track side at Las Vegas, 11:30 p.m. SPEED
Saturday, February 28
NSCS Practice, 12:30 a.m. SPEED
NNS Final Practice, 02:00 a.m. SPEED
NASCAR Confidential, 03:30 a.m. SPEED
Track side at Las Vegas Sat, 11:00 a.m. SPEED
NSCS Practice, 01:30 p.m. SPEED
NSCS Final Practice, 02:30 p.m. SPEED
NNS Countdown, 04:00 p.m. ESPN 2
NNS: Sam’s Town 300, 04:30 p.m. ESPN 2
Sunday, March 1
NNS: Sam’s Town 300, 02:30 a.m. ESPN 2
NASCAR Angels, 08:00 a.m. Hallmark
NASCAR Nationwide Series at Las Vegas – Replay, 09:00 a.m. ESPN Classic
NASCAR Now, 10:00 a.m. ESPN 2
NASCAR Performance, 2:30 p.m. SPEED
NASCAR Smarts, 01:00 p.m. SPEED
NASCAR in a Hurry, 01:30 p.m. SPEED
NASCAR Race Day, 02:00 p.m. SPEED
NSCS Pre-Race Show, 05:00 p.m. FOX
NSCS: Shelby 427, 06:00 p.m. FOX
NASCAR Victory Lane, 08:30 p.m. SPEED
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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