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We’re back with another edition of our world-famous Stock Car Gazette… get your complete stock car racing fix right here. |
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T H E * S T O C K * C A R * G A Z E T T E
by http://MotorSportsNews.Net
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http://motorsportsnews.net/you-can-know-for-sure
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E d i t o r ‘ s * N o t e s
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Stupid hackers… I learned a few lessons from this episode, and I hope you don’t ever have the same problem.
One key is to change your online passwords for your website, e-mail, etc. regularly. I know… I know… it’s a pain, but it might just save your website… or your financial information… or your social security number… or your bank account.
Another key is to keep the file permissions for your website directories as locked-down as is possible and still meet the needs. NO 777 in other words.
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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
Goodyear Tire Test Concludes at Lowe’s Motor Speedway CONCORD, N.C. (March 18, 2009) – Goodyear concluded a two-day tire test Wednesday at Lowe’s Motor Speedway as the tire manufacturer prepared for the NASCAR Sprint All-Star Race and the 50th running of the Coca-Cola 600. Assisting Goodyear in gathering data for the test was a driver from each manufacturer represented in the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series-Marcos Ambrose in the No. 46 Toyota, Jimmie Johnson in the No. 48 Chevrolet, Kasey Kahne in the No. 9 Dodge, and Paul Menard in the No. 98 Ford. Each of the drivers expressed their approval of the tire compound that Goodyear brought to the famous 1.5-mile quad-oval, the same tire first introduced in competition at Las Vegas Motor Speedway in early March. “I’m very encouraged by this ….
http://www.catchfence.com/2009/sprintcup/03/19/goodyear-tire-test-concludes-at-lowes-motor-speedway/
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Courtesy of Stock Car Gazette subscriber Ed B. – thanks!
Cale’s ride for Bristol Legends race
http://www.bdtonline.com/localsports/images_sizedimage_075225349/resources_photoview
Empty seats at Bristol?
http://www.bdtonline.com/localsports/local_story_075230133.html
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Your ad could be displayed here… very reasonable rates. E-mail Mike@MotorSportsNews.Net
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Courtesy of Insider Racing News
http://www.insiderracingnews.com
Marcos Ambrose To Auction Helmet
NASCAR Sprint Cup Series driver Marcos Ambrose is hoping to make a difference for a volunteer fire brigade that was pushed to the limits during recent devastating Victorian bush fires with the auctioning of a “one off” autographed race helmet. Ambrose, who drives the No. 47 Little Debbie® Toyota Camry, has been continually promoting the fund-raising message for the Australian Red Cross in the United States and Australia through the general media and a direct link off his website (www.marcosambrose.com). The Australian driver will wear a helmet donated by Impact and painted especially by American Nick Pastura in this weekend’s Food City 500 at the Bristol Motor Speedway in Bristol, Tennessee, at the Goody’s Fast Relief 500 in Martinsville and the Samsung 500 at the Texas Motor Speedway on April 5. He will launch the campaign to an international television audience of millions and is hoping motorsport fans will dig deep for the Bush Fire cause. Ambrose decided to take his efforts further this week after discovering that a member of his ever-growing fan base was personally affected by the tragic fires.
Earnhardt Contest
Diehard Dale Earnhardt Jr. fans should visit (www.DaleJrGuardGarage.com) and sign up to become part of the Guard Garage fan club. Members will receive a fan club kit that includes No. 88 memorabilia and weekly access to behind-the-scenes videos of Earnhardt. Fans also will have the opportunity to win one-of-a-kind prizes, like one of Earnhardt’s personal Polaris ATVs and a replica 3 Doors Down/Citizen-Soldier No. 88 hood autographed by the band and Earnhardt.
ESPN2 To Air Bristol Old Timers (Legends) Race
ESPN2 will have live coverage as some of the greatest names in the history of NASCAR return to action for a special charity race at Bristol (Tenn.) Motor Speedway on Saturday, March 21, at 6 p.m. ET. And just as many great drivers will be racing again, Ned Jarrett, a mainstay of ESPN’s coverage of NASCAR from 1986-2000, returns to the air to join his son, ESPN lead NASCAR analyst Dale Jarrett, and lap-by-lap announcer Dr. Jerry Punch in calling the action in the Scotts Saturday Night Special. Cale Yarborough, Junior Johnson, David Pearson, Harry Gant and ESPN analyst Rusty Wallace are among the 12 legends of NASCAR who will compete for 35 laps in late model stock cars. The winning driver will earn a $25,000 donation for the charity of his choice. The race airs following ESPN on ABC’s live coverage of the NASCAR Nationwide Series Scotts Turf Builder 300 event at Bristol that day at 2 p.m.
ARCA Gets Testing In
After three days of rain that cancelled the ARCA Series open test, eight teams finally made it on the track today at the Rockingham Speedway to test for next month’s Carolina 200. Defending race champion, Venturini Motorsports had two cars on track today with Sean Caisse and Alex Yontz driving for the team. Yontz will be attempting the double – he will race in his own UARA Late Model on Saturday, April 18th and then will race for Venturini on Sunday, April 19th in the Carolina 200. Caisse will be driving the exact same car that Joey Logano took to victory lane one year ago at the first race since the speedway was reopened
Gordon Finishes 2nd In San Felipe 250-Update Below
Second-generation veteran Las Vegas desert racer Brian Collins roared through the rugged trails and washes of Mexico’s Baja California desert Saturday, earning his second straight overall and SCORE Trophy-Truck victory in the No. 12 Collins Motorsports Mopar Dodge Ram 1500 at the 23rd Tecate SCORE San Felipe 250 desert race. Round 2 of the 2009 SCORE Desert Series was held in San Felipe, Baja California, Mexico, along the shores of the picturesque Sea of Cortez. Setting a blistering pace right from the start in San Felipe and driving solo, he covered the sandy, silty, rocky and dusty 232.4-mile course in just three hours, 47 minutes, 49 seconds, averaging a stellar 61.21 miles per hour. Overpowering a strong field of 226 desert racers and mastering the race course with blazing speed and power, Collins’ time beat not only the cars and trucks, but also the motorcycles and ATVs that competed in the popular ‘spring break’ event to earn his fifth class win in San Felipe including his third overall triumph and his sixth career SCORE Trophy-Truck race win in the 15-plus year history of SCORE’s marquee racing division for high-tech, 800-horsepower, unlimited production trucks.It was also just the second time since 1979 that a Dodge-powered vehicle won a SCORE race. Finishing second overall and in SCORE Trophy-Truck in the elapsed-time race, 11 minutes and 31 seconds behind the masterful Collins was NASCAR Cup team owner/driver Robby Gordon, Charlotte, N.C., who finished Saturday’s race in 3:59:20, averaging 58.26mph in the No. 77 Team Gordon Chevy CK1500….MORE AT….(dirtnewz.com) …More
http://www.dirtnewz.com/dr-pressreleases/2009/03-2009/score-results-3-15-09.shtml
Robby Gordon Accused Of Cheating
How far are you willing to go to win? is a question frequently asked in off-road racing. In a difficult and dangerous sport, it takes heroic amounts of dedication and commitment to compete at a professional level. The SCORE racing series in Baja, Mexico is considered one of the most difficult off-road racing series in the world – its roster of competitors boast such racing heroes as Ivan Stewart, Parnelli Jones, and more recently NASCAR legend Robby Gordon. — On Saturday, March 14th at the 2009 Baja 250, several top racing teams filed a formal complaint against Robby Gordon for illegally shortcutting the course approximately 4 miles in order to pass Trophy Truck competitor Ed Herbst who has signed an appeal having witnessed the action. Appeals were filed with the SCORE International race officials and they are currently investigating. Gordon may be facing possible probation.
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Courtesy of Jayski
http://www.jayski.com
NEXT RACE: Bristol Race Info/Rundown Page
http://www.jayski.com/next/2009/5bms2009.htm
The Entry List for the Food City 500 at Bristol Motor Speedway is posted, 45 teams/drivers [for 43 spots] are listed, including:
Not in top 35 of 2008 owners points (top 35 locked in thru race five of 2009):
#09-Sterling Marlin (47/4 attempts 2009)
#14-Tony Stewart [past champ 2005](6/4)
#28-Travis Kvapil (39/4)
#36-Scott Riggs (42/4)
#41-Jeremy Mayfield (44/4)
#44-A.J. Allmendinger (20/4)
#64-Todd Bodine (46/4)
#66-Dave Blaney (41/4)
#71-David Gilliland (34/4)
#87-Joe Nemechek (43/4)
In the event qualifying is rained out or cancelled:
the eight who would make it [8]: #’s 14,44,71,28,66,36,87,41
missing the race would be [2]: #’s 64,09
See the full entry list at my Jayski’s Bristol Entry List.(3-16-2009)
http://www.jayski.com/stats/2009/entries/5bms2009-entry.htm
Top-35 in Owner Points and guaranteed a starting spot:
With a race to go before the 2009 Owners Points lock the top 35 in for Martinsville [still using 2008 owners points thru Bristol] a few teams who were guaranteed in the first five races are outside with a race to go
30) #34-Andretti/Earnhardt Ganassi: 336 +59
31) #77-Hornish/Penske Racing: 328 +51
32) #39-Newman/Stewart Haas: 324 +47
33) #20-Logano/Gibbs Racing: 321 +44
34) #71-Gilliland/TRG: 301 +24 [new team]
35) #5-Martin/Hendrick: 286 +9
these teams/ drivers are looking to get back in the top 35 after Bristol or they must qualify by speed:
36) #8-Almirola/Earnhardt Ganassi: 277, 9 out of 35th
37) #82-Speed/Red Bull Racing: 256 -30
38) #98-Menard/Yates Racing: 238 -48
39) #28-Kvapil/Yates Racing: 214 -72
40) #78-Smith/Furniture Row: 206 -80 [only 2 attempts]
For the owner points standings, see my Drivers/Owners Points Standings page.(3-8-2009)
http://www.jayski.com/stats/2009/points/4ams2009points.htm#OWN
Budweiser to leave NASCAR? #9 car? UPDATE Denied: Now comes word that one of NASCAR’s longest running sponsors and one many fans consider synonymous with the sport is pulling out. Budweiser had already dropped their official status in 2008 after 9 years. Anheuser-Busch was also a longtime sponsor of the sports most popular driver, Dale Earnhardt Junior having sponsored the driver from his debut in 1999 until his defection to Hendrick Motorsports in 2008. It was in 2008 that Bud moved their sponsorship to Gillette-Evernham Motorsports and driver #9-Kasey Kahne [supposedly thru 2010]. Belgian company Inbev purchased Anheuser-Busch [Budweiser] in July of last year, a controversial and unpopular move. Since then the company has been trimming staff and divisions. In December last year the company laid off some 1000 workers or about 6% of its total workforce. And there is talk that when done the layoffs could total up to 15 percent of the total workforce. The company is also rumored to be seeking a buyer for its theme parks, which include Sea World and Busch Garden properties and significantly scaling back their presences in sports. In motorsports Anheuser-Busch recently announced that they would be ending a 30-year partnership with the NHRA’s Kenny Bernstein. First as a driver and more recently as a team owner, Bernstein has won six championships under the Bud colors. A source confirmed that Budweiser’s decisions concerning the NHRA and going forward would be made to redirect dollars to a non-sports-enthusiast audience. Add to that the fact that over the winter, the Gillette-Evernham team merged with Petty Enterprises to form Richard Petty Racing. The Petty family has always been staunchly against sponsorship from any type of alcoholic beverage maker to the point of refusing to display contingency stickers when one of their teams won a ‘Bud Pole” award. Combined with the economy, the new Anheuser-Busch corporate philosophy and the Petty family legacy 2009 will most likely be the last one for Budweiser.(NASCAR Examiner)(3-18-2009)
UPDATE: #9-Kasey Kahne says Anheuser-Busch appears committed to him and the Sprint Cup series even though the beer company on Monday ended its sponsorship with the NHRA and Kenny Bernstein Racing. “We have another year with Budweiser,” Kahne, driver of the No. 9 Budweiser Dodge, said during a Wednesday tire test at Lowe’s Motor Speedway. “They’ve been great to work with. They’ve been my favorite sponsor I’ve ever had. I hope we do things to keep them happy and keep impressing them and keep working with them for a long time.”
Dan McHugh, vice president of media, sponsorship and activation for Anheuser-Busch, said in a statement: “Budweiser remains committed to its presence in the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series, including sponsorship of Kasey Kahne and the #9 Budweiser Dodge, as well as the Budweiser Shootout.” The St. Louis-based division of Anheuser-Busch ended a 30-year relationship with Bernstein’s NHRA team. The brewery said the relationship was the longest in motorsports history, topping STP’s 28-year relationship with Richard Petty. “I’m disappointed to see the Bernsteins without a sponsor,” Kahne said. Budweiser has been a longtime partner of NASCAR, with its most visible years under Dale Earnhardt Jr. before he left Dale Earnhardt Inc. for Hendrick Motorsports two years ago.(ESPN)(3-19-2009)
Sponsor troubles for Mayfield? UPDATE denied by co-owner/sponsor: sources have told Frontstretch that thanks #41-Jeremy Mayfield to missing races at both Las Vegas and Atlanta, and being outside the top-35 in owners points, funding from All Sport and Big Red, Inc. could be in jeopardy as soon as following this weeks race at Bristol. Clearly, this weekend could be a make or break deal regarding their partnership for the 2009 campaign. Representatives of Mayfield Motorsports, when contacted, offered no comment on this report.(Frontstretch)
UPDATE:response from All Sports Gary Smith: “All Sport remains dedicated to Mayfield Motorsports and driver Jeremy Mayfield,” said Gary Smith, Chairman and CEO of Big Red, Inc. and co-owner of Mayfield Motorsports. “As a company, All Sport made a long term partnership commitment and we are prepared to endure the highs and lows of NASCAR Sprint Cup racing. In the event that another sponsor comes on board with Mayfield Motorsports, All Sport will remain involved as a partner.”(All Sport PR)(3-18-2009)
Testing at “Little Rock” Getting ready for the next two weeks of short track racing at Bristol and Martinsville, no less than eight Sprint Cup teams tested this week at “Little Rock”. That’s the nickname of the half-mile oval with concrete turns that was built adjacent to the Rockingham Speedway. The drivers turn laps there were #6-David Ragan, #17-Matt Kenseth, #07-Casey Mears, #29-Kevin Harvick, #31-Jeff Burton, #33-Clint Bowyer, #12-David Stremme and #88-Dale Earnhardt, Jr.
AND Testing (today) Wednesday [March 18th] at “Little Rock” were #1-Martin Truex, Jr., #19-Elliott Sadler, #43-Reed Sorenson, #44-A.J. Allmendinger and #26-Jamie McMurray.(PRN’s Garage Pass Radio Show)(3-18-2009)
F1 champion to be determined by race wins, NASCAR?: Formula One’s championship will be decided by the number of race wins and not accumulated points. Governing body FIA decided Tuesday that the current points system will remain in effect only to determine the driver’s title in the case of a tie, with points also determining the order of finish behind the overall champion. Under the new scoring system, Ferrari’s Felipe Massa would have won the 2008 championship ahead of Lewis Hamilton of McLaren. The Brazilian driver won six grand prix races to Hamilton’s five, but the British racer took the title by one point, 98-97, after finishing fifth in the season-ending Brazilian GP.(Associated Press)
so…NASCAR? If NASCAR would have had this system since 2000, how would the champs look for those season?
Year: Most Wins, Actual Champ
2008: Edwards [9 wins], Johnson [7]
2007: Johnson [10], Johnson
2006: Kahne [6], Johnson [5]
2005: Biffle [6], Stewart [5]
2004: Johnson [8], Kurt Busch [3]
(2004-2008 have used the Chase format)
2003: Newman [8], Kenseth [1]
2002: Kenseth [5], Stewart [3]
2001: Gordon [6], Gordon
2000: Stewart [6], Bobby Labonte [2]
(stats from ESPN.com/Ed Hinton)(3-18-2009)
Hamlin Can Build On Car Number History at Bristol: Ned Jarrett drove the #11 car to a third-place finish in the first race at Bristol in July 1961. He also drove the car to its first victory at Bristol in July 1965. Since then, the #11 car has been synonymous with Victory Lane at the track. In 86 NASCAR Sprint Cup races since Jarrett’s victory, the #11 car has won the race 17 times. Credit team owner Junior Johnson, who fielded the #11 car for those 17 victories. Three-time champion Cale Yarborough drove for Johnson in the 1970s and made Bristol his personal playground, winning nine of 16 races from 1973-1980. Two that he lost were won by a flashy young driver named Darrell Waltrip. “The 11 number and Bristol certainly go together,” said Darrell Waltrip, who leads all drivers with 12 wins at the track. “With all of the wins Junior has been a car owner for, that makes that number special when you go to Bristol.” When Yarborough decided to scale back his career after the 1980 season, Waltrip gladly moved over to take the ride. “When I got out of the 88 and into the 11, I had my credentials and I was prepared, at the top of my game, and then they gave me that race car to drive … I couldn’t lose,” Waltrip said.(NASCAR PR)(3-18-2009)
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Your ad could be displayed here… very reasonable rates. E-mail Mike@MotorSportsNews.Net
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Courtesy of Race Fans Stockcar Newsletter
http://www.nascarnutscanada.com/
Bobby Ginn believes DEI owes Hendrick 80 percent of $1.5 termination fee
By Bob Pockrass – Associate Editor Tuesday, March 17, 2009
Former team owner Bobby Ginn contends that he owes only 20 percent of the $1.5 million that Hendrick Motorsports is seeking from Ginn Racing and Dale Earnhardt Inc. because of the termination of Ginn’s engine contract with Hendrick in 2007, according to court documents. http://tinyurl.com/dydvqm
MarkMartin.com to help sponsor Tommy Baldwin Racing at Bristol
By Scene Daily Staff Tuesday, March 17, 2009
MarkMartin.com will sponsor Tommy Baldwin Racing’s No. 36 NASCAR Sprint Cup racing entry at Bristol Motor Speedway this weekend. The Web site is the first involved through Tommy Baldwin’s program called Support Small Businesses of America. Driver Scott Riggs will attempt to qualify the entry for Sunday’s NASCAR Sprint Cup Food City 500. http://tinyurl.com/cc7agh
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Remembering Hal Marchman
The long-time Daytona International Speedway preacher Hal Marchman will be remembered for the spirit and lasting impression he brought to “The World Center of Racing.”
http://lists.racingone.com/t/5255487/16487497/14870/0/
Darlington Legend: Junior Johnson
Junior Johnson, the 77-year-old racing pioneer from the mountains of North Carolina, was named as one of NASCAR’s 50 Greatest Drivers in 1998 and is perhaps the best driver at Darlington Raceway
http://lists.racingone.com/t/5255487/16487497/14871/0/
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Courtesy of That’s Racin’
http://www.thatsracin.com
Why can’t it simply resemble a race?
The word is that the format for this year’s NASCAR Sprint All-Star Challenge will be announced in a couple of weeks, and all anybody will say for sure is that the total distance of 100 laps won’t change from last year.
http://www.thatsracin.com/115/story/5338.html
Motorsports Authentics cuts 40
Motorsports Authentics, a joint merchandising venture by the country’s two largest speedway owners, laid off 40 employees today, said Joe Mattes, the company’s new interim president.
http://www.thatsracin.com/140/story/5371.html
Stimulus funds going to road at track
Morehead Road wasn’t on transportation priority list, but it will get $3.5 million for improvements.
http://www.thatsracin.com/115/story/5310.html
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Toyota sticking with NASCAR and Motorsports
Toyota announced it plans to continue engaging in motor sports this year, despite being financially restricted by severe business conditions. TMC plans to focus on these top-class racing series: the FIA Formula One World Championship (F1), Japanese Super GT, Formula Nippon and NASCAR. This will mark TMC’s eighth year in F1 competition. In Japan, TMC [...]
http://clicks.aweber.com/y/ct/?l=MsyAy&m=1azOOKZL_xX3DX&b=rSS7akG73vXc.1SZ7QqX2A
Gordon under investigation for cheating
On Saturday, March 14th at the 2009 Baja 250, several top racing teams filed a formal complaint against Robby Gordon for illegally shortcutting the course approximately 4 miles in order to pass Trophy Truck competitor Ed Herbst who has signed an appeal having witnessed the action. In the most remote part of the course at [...]
http://clicks.aweber.com/y/ct/?l=MsyAy&m=1azOOKZL_xX3DX&b=ZjAoiduAJli5kan9kIDgIA
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P R E S S * R E L E A S E S
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Fan Jam … Clint Bowyer will take part in Bristol Motor Speedway’s Fan Jam on Friday night in the hospitality area at BMS. “The Destroyer” is scheduled square off in a Wii Boxing tournament against Elliott Sadler in one semifinal, while Kasey Kahne and A.J. Allmendinger will meet in the other semifinal. The two winners will then box for the Bristol Wii Boxing Championship. The opening bout is scheduled for 7:00 p.m.
Signing for Fans … Stephen Leicht will sign autographs at the NASCAR merchandise trailer on Fri., Mar. 20 from 7:30 p.m. – 8:30 p.m. Eastern Daylight Time. The NASCAR merchandise trailer is located in the north display and souvenir area outside Turn 3.
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JUNIOR JOHNSON, GANT, INGRAM AMONG THOSE TESTING AT BMS FOR SATURDAY NIGHT SPECIAL
BRISTOL, Tenn. (Tuesday, March 17, 2009) – One look at Junior Johnson strapped into his No. 11 race car with old-fashioned goggles wrapped around his helmet, and it was like taking a step back in time.
Johnson was one of several former Bristol Motor Speedway winners testing Tuesday at the .533-mile oval in preparation for this weekend’s Scotts Saturday Night Special. Also taking to the track was Harry Gant, Jimmy Spencer, Jack Ingram, Rusty Wallace, L.D. Ottinger, and Phil Parsons.
The last time Johnson, who won the 1965 Southeastern 500 at BMS, raced at BMS the track was asphalt – and it was much different.
“When it was first built, you run off in the first and second turn like you went down a hill,” said the 77-year-old Johnson. “Now, it is so much smoother. I haven’t been on it since the last time they redid it, but I can tell it is a lot smoother. The pavement was kind of humpy and bumpy, so it’s got to be better (than it was).
“I can’t say that I’ve raced any of these guys that are out here. I might have raced against Harry, but I’m not sure that I did. I haven’t raced against Rusty, or Spencer, or Cale (Yarborough) — any of those boys.
“I really can’t see how it has changed much… maybe it has. I ran seven laps at Tri-County a few days ago to practice. First time I’ve been in a race car in 45 years. It feels the same and everything as it did when I quit.”
Johnson, who still leads all car owners at BMS with 21 victories, cannot wait for the green flag to fall Saturday.
”I think it will be a big success,” he said. “The charitable thing is great, but racing against these boys is the best part. I’m coming with as good as a setup as anyone.”
Jack Ingram, who earned 31 victories and two championships in what was then the Busch Series, now the Nationwide Series, won the second race in that series ever held at BMS, in 1982.
Now 72, Ingram didn’t seem intimidated by anyone on the track.
“The only guy I haven’t raced against out here is Junior,” he said. “And I have outrun all the rest of them many, many times.”
Harry Gant, winner of 18 Sprint Cup victories and 21 in the Nationwide Series, was the 1992 Budweiser 250 winner at BMS.
Like the others, the 69-year-old Gant is looking for a competitive race.
“I expect it to be a good race,” he said. “I don’t know how many cars we’re going to have, but it is going to be plenty for us because we haven’t been in one in so long. It is going to be pretty exciting.
“It’s been a while since I’ve been in a car, but it will all come back to you when you get in the car. At least that’s what Junior says anyway.”
Gant feels race fans, old and new, will have fun watching some of NASCAR’s greatest return to the track on Saturday.
“Each of us in this race had a lot of fans over the years, and we’re hoping that they’ll come out to watch us again,” he said. “And a lot of these kids under 20 or 30 that never watched us race will get to see us for the first time, so that will be good, and I think they’ll enjoy it.”
Other drivers expected to compete in the Saturday Night Special are David Green, Terry Labonte, Sterling Marlin, Phil Parsons and Larry Pearson.
Former BMS winner Larry Pearson will be subbing for his father, David, who was scheduled to be in the race. Track officials learned earlier this week that reoccurring issues with the elder Pearson’s back will prevent him from taking part in the event.
Among the celebrities testing Wednesday was Ray Everham, Andy Petree, Brad Daugherty, and former NFL star Brad Compton. Other competing in the race are Frank Beamer, Terry Bowden, David Akers, Bill Jordan, Riki Rachtman, Doug Herbert, Ron Capps and Greg Anderson.
The celebrities will run 15-lap or 10-minute heats to help determine the starting spots of their pro driver teammates, who then will run 35 laps.
The Saturday Night Special will take place after the completion of the Scotts Turf Builder 300 Nationwide Series race and will be followed by a 100-lap UARA late model event.
Tickets, which include the Scotts Turf Builder 300 and the 100-lap UARA race, start at $45 and are available by calling the BMS ticket office at 423-989-6900 or by visiting www.bristoltix.com.
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SECOND ANNUAL “TECATE PREMIOS DEPORTES” AWARDS SHOW CELEBRATING HISPANIC ATHLETIC ACCOMPLISHMENTS RETURNS TO UNIVISION
MIAMI, FL (March 16, 2009) – It was announced today that the Premios Deportes Sports Awards program will return for a second year on Univision, the most-watched Spanish-language television network in America, with Tecate, one of the country’s leading imported Mexican cervezas, as the show’s title sponsor. The star-studded red carpet event, which will take place in Los Angeles’ historic Orpheum Theater, will honor the character and sportsmanship of Hispanic athletes and is scheduled to air on July 5, 2009.
Once again, Premios Deportes, produced by Los Angeles based, LatinPointe Productions, will feature 11 award categories and tributes to some of the most important athletes of our time, and will be hosted by popular actress/comedienne Angélica Vale, comedian/impressionist Gilberto Gless, Univision’s “Republica Deportiva” host Fernando Fiore, and Univision Radio personality Eddie “Piolin” Sotelo. Award categories include Boxer of the Year; Soccer Player of the Year; All-Star Soccer Team of the Year; Baseball Player of the Year; Auto Racer of the Year; Basketball Player of the Year; All-Star Baseball Team of the Year; American Football Player of the Year; Rising Star of the Year; Athlete of the Year; and Lifetime Achievement Award.
“There is no doubt about the high level of passion Hispanics hold for their beloved sports heroes,” said Otto Padron, senior vice president of programming and promotions, Univision Television Network. “And Univision is proud to team up once again with Tecate to honor these world-class athletes and celebrate the recognition they so richly deserve.”
“The show pays homage to athletes con carácter and we are excited to give our consumers the opportunity to celebrate and enjoy their favorite sports stars in a way that no other network or awards show has done before,” said Carlos Boughton, brand director for Tecate. “We are committed to making this year’s show an even bigger success with a marketing and promotions platform that will generate tremendous excitement leading up to the event. We look forward to our collaboration with Univision and to celebrating a great year in sports.”
Last year, among those honored in the various categories were Fernando Valenzuela (Sports Legend), Oscar de la Hoya (Golden Eagle Award), Miguel Cotto (Boxer of the Year), Lorena Ochoa (Female Athlete of the Year), Carmelo Anthony (Basketball Player of the Year), Helio Castroneves (Auto Racer of the Year), Alex Rodriguez (Baseball Player of the Year), and Mexican soccer great Cuauhtémoc Blanco (Athlete of the Year, North American Soccer Player of the Year), to name a few.
The first-ever Premios Deportes featured not only some of the leading names in sports, but also performances by some of today’s biggest Latin music stars. Viewers were entertained by regional Mexican group Banda El Recodo, red-hot reggaeton crooner Flex, Mexican singer/actress Paty Manterola, Puerto Rican merengue great Elvis Crespo, duranguense singer Diana Reyes, and urban recording artists A.B. Quintanilla and the Kumbia All Starz.
Tickets for fans wishing to attend the event in person will be made available to the public; details to be announced at a later date.
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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
NEXT RACE: Scotts Turf Builder 300, 2:30pm/et, Saturday, March 21, 2009 at Bristol Motor Speedway
http://www.jayski.com/nationwide/2009/next/04bristol.htm
Bristol Entry List: UPDATE: There are 52 cars on the preliminary entry list for Saturday’s Scott’s Turf Builder 300 at Bristol Motor Speedway. Some notes:
Steve Grissom will be in the #0 for Johnny Davis. He has a past champion provisional availabe (behind #16-Greg Biffle and #87-Joe Nemechek)
Kelly Bires will be back in the #10 for Braun Racing
Burney Lamar makes his season debut on the #32 Dollar General Toyota
Marc Davis will attempt his first race of the year in his #36 Toyota
Trevor Bayne will be in Jimmy Mean’s #52
Brad Teague is listed as the driver of the #55 owned by Mark Arellano
Joe Ruttman is listed as the driver of the #71 of Earl Owens
Benny Gordon is in the Frank Varischetti owned #72
Kevin Lepage returns to the seat of the #73 for Derrike Cope Racing
Paul Menard make his season debut in the Menards #98
Will not attempt (confirmed by the team): Trail Motorsports #22
UPDATE: Kevin Hamlin will be in the #81, rather than DJ Kennington.(3-17-2009)
UPDATE 2: Matt Kenseth will be in the #16 in place of Greg Biffle.(3-18-2009)
The complete list is posted on the Bristol Race Page.(3-16-2009)
http://www.jayski.com/nationwide/2009/next/04bristol.htm#entry
Nationwide Series from Bristol on ABC : The NASCAR Nationwide Series makes its first appearance of the 2009 season on ABC this weekend when ESPN on ABC has live, high definition coverage of the Scotts Turf Builder 300 at Bristol (Tenn.) Motor Speedway on Saturday, March 21, beginning at 2 p.m. ET with NASCAR Countdown. ESPN2 is the home of the NASCAR Nationwide Series all season, with selected races on ESPN and ABC. The race re-airs Sunday, March 22, at 8 a.m. on ESPN Classic. Dr. Jerry Punch will be the lap-by-lap announcer, joined in the booth for analysis by Dale Jarrett and Andy Petree. Dave Burns, Shannon Spake and Vince Welch 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 Rusty Wallace and Brad Daugherty in the ESPN pit studio.(ESPN PR)(3-16-2009)
Menard making first start of 2009: This weekend, Paul Menard will make his first start in the Nationwide Series in 2009, running the #98 Richmond / Menards Ford.(Yates Racing PR)(3-18-2009)
Changes at SK Motorsports? UPDATE: hearing that several employees, including crew chief Jon Wolfe, and have left the #07-SK Motorsports team. Lack of sponsorship was the reason cited. [see note below].(3-17-2009)
UPDATE 1: Have confirmed that Wolfe and a number of other crew members are no longer with the team.(3-18-2009)
A two-race sponsorship deal intended for SK Motorsports’ Nationwide Series entry with driver David Green and St. Clair Foods was withdrawn today. “I regret that the two parties could not reach an agreement,” said David Goodman of Mountain Empire Sports Marketing Group, who was involved in brokering the agreement. “A failure to finalize exclusivity rights for St. Clair Foods by my company was central to the failed agreement.” St. Clair withdrew from the agreement because of the inability to reach an exclusive sponsorship agreement with SK Motorsports for this weekend’s Scotts Turf Builder 300 at Bristol Motor Speedway and a series race scheduled for later this year in Memphis.(Scene Daily)(3-18-2009)
StopRepairBills.com to Sponsor Key Motorsports: StopRepairBills.com has officially announced their sponsorship debut in the NASCAR Nationwide Series. The company is launching a multi-race deal with Key Motorsports and the #40 Chevy driven by Scott Wimmer. The sponsorship deal is the first for StopRepairBills.com in the NASCAR Nationwide series with StopRepairBills.com brand as the primary sponsor for an initial 12 races. StopRepairBills.com and Key Motorsports will debut their new partnership in this Saturday’s Nationwide Series race at Bristol Motor Speedway.(Key Motorsports PR)(3-18-2009)
JD Motorsports Names Sponsors: Johnny Davis Motorsports announces a multi race sponsorship from Cash4Gold, America’s #1 Gold Buyer and Refiner. A no-obligation request for a “Free Refiners Kit” through the team’s link or the toll free 1-800-527-1801 number will result in direct support of the team.
In addtion, #01 driver Danny O’Quinn is receiving associate sponsorship from Food City and its 93 locations in Kentucky, Virginia and Tennessee.(Johnny Davis Motorsports/Hufco Pro-Motion PR)(3-18-209)
http://www.cash4gold.com/racing
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Courtesy of The Hot Lap
http://www.TheHotLap.com
Former Series Champion Steve Grissom to drive the No. “0″ JD Motorsports, entry in the Scotts Turf Builder 300 this weekend at the World Famous Bristol Motor Speedway. Sponsor Update JD Motorsports NNS Team “0″ and “01″ Johnny Davis Motorsports is also proud to announce a multi race sponsorship from Cash4Gold, America’s No. 1 Gold Buyer and Refiner.JD Motorsports and No. 01 driver Danny O’Quinn is receiving “Associate” sponsorship from Food City and its 93 locations in Kentucky, Virginia and Tennessee. Food City has been a supporter of Danny and his career for many years. Read more (JDM) (03-18-09)
http://thehotlap.com/modules.php?name=Press_Releases&op=view&rid=3288
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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
Many images added… Added 38 new images from the first three races of the season. Check them out on the 2009 Paint Scheme Page.(3-18-2009)
http://www.jayski.com/schemes/2009trucks.htm
“Toyota Skinner Round UP” raises big bucks for Charity: Celebrities gathered at Daytona International Speedway and Spruce Creek Country Club in Daytona Beach, Fla last week to raise money for charity during the 2009 Third Annual Toyota Skinner Round Up hosted by Mike and Angie Skinner. Over $134,000 was raised to benefit Volusia County charities over the two-day event.(Mike Skinner PR)(3-18-2009)
Whelen to sponsor Bodine at Martinsville: been told that Whelen will be the primary sponsor for #30-Todd Bodine at Martinsville Speedway. The hood will display the familiar Whelen logo with “All Products Made In America” and the Whelen logo will also be on the rear quarter panels.(3-17-2009)
Benson to compete in Toyota Pro/Celebrity Race: A star-studded field of Hollywood’s elite will attempt to outpace and out-maneuver each other Saturday, April 18 in the Toyota Pro/Celebrity Race, part of the 35th annual Toyota Grand Prix of Long Beach.. The field of 20 drivers will compete in brand new race-ready Scion tCs in what has become the world’s longest-running, most successful celebrity racing event. Jamie Little, ESPN/ABC pit reporter for the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series, who was the celebrity and overall winner of the 2008 Toyota Pro/Celebrity Race, returns to compete in the “Pro” category this year against Al Unser, Jr., the two-time Indianapolis 500 winner, two-time CART Series Champion and overall winner of the 1985 Toyota Pro/Celebrity Race, Johnny Benson, 2008 NASCAR Camping World Truck Series champion and Coy Gibbs, owner of the JGRMX Supercross/Motocross Team.[For more information on the event, see the Jayski Charities Page.](Toyota Pro/Celebrity Race PR)(3-16-2009)
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A R C A (Automobile Racing Club of America)
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Courtesy of ARCA
http://www.arcaracing.com
Crew Chief Dave Leiner Born & Bred Racer; Featured Guest on ’30 at 30′ Thursday, March 19
TOLEDO OH (3-18/19-09) – It’s hard not to take an interest in racing when your uncle’s Butch Miller. Actually, it was the only choice for ARCA RE/MAX Series veteran crew chief Dave Leiner, who wouldn’t have it any other way.
“I grew up in racing; my mom tells me I was at the track before I was a year old,” said Leiner, the crew chief for Tom Hessert (Andy Belmont Racing).
[Read More] – http://www.arcaracing.com/news.cfm?contentid=7741
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U S A R (United Speed Alliance Racing)
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Courtesy of USAR
http://usarprocup.com
USARacing Announces “Cool Shirt” As New Contingency Sponsor in 2009
http://usarprocup.com/view_article.asp?id=2966
USARacing ANNOUNCES OFFICIAL FUEL PROVIDER FOR 2009 SEASON
http://usarprocup.com/view_article.asp?id=2965
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Other motorsports….
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The Dirt Track @ Lowe’s Motor Speedway, in Concord, NC, hosts the Circle K Colossal 100 next Fri. and Sat. (Mar. 27-28) with the World of Outlaws Late Model Series. The Purse and Awards total $200,000, with $50,000 earmarked for the winner. Each starter in the 36-car field for the 100-lap finale is guaranteed a minimum of $2,000.
Tentative Schedule:
< Friday, March 27
7:30 p.m. WoO Late Model Group Qualifying
8:15 p.m. Opening Ceremonies
8:25 p.m. CRASHCar Feature (15 laps)
8:40 p.m. WoO Late Model Heat Races
10:10 p.m. C Features (Top 2 transfer to B Features)
< Saturday, March 28
4:30 p.m. Driver Autograph Session (Guests must have ticket and a Thirst Buster Cup of any size)
6:30 p.m. Opening Ceremonies
7:20 p.m. B Features
8:20 p.m. CRASHCar Feature (15 laps)
8:40 p.m. CHARLOTTE 30 (30 laps) for non-qualifiers, $2000 to win
9:00 p.m. Circle K Colossal 100 Feature (100 laps)
More than 80 of the nation’s top dirt late model drivers are expected to compete in the Circle K Colossal 100. The entry list reads like a “Who’s Who” of dirt late model racing and includes: Scott Bloomquist, Billy Moyer, Donnie Moran, Josh Richards, Steve Francis, Rick Eckert, Shannon Babb, Chub Frank, Clint Smith, Shane Clanton, Earl Pearson Jr., Darrell Lanigan, Dale McDowell and Ken Schrader.
Steve Francis collected a $50,000 first-place paycheck as the 2008 Circle K Colossal 100 winner. The Ashland, Ky., driver started from the pole, and managed to stretch his fuel mileage to lead the entire race. Francis survived 16 caution flags to take the win and became the first driver to lead the Circle K Colossal 100 from start to finish. As Francis was cruising at the front, Chris Madden was charging through the field and settled for the $20,000 runner-up prize for the second-consecutive year, while Josh Richards started 13th and earned $10,000 for finishing third.
Reserved tickets for both Friday and Saturday nights are $39 for adults and $10 for children ages 12 and under. Tickets are $15 for Friday and $35 for Saturday. www.lowesmotorspeedway.com/colossal (courtesy Georgia Stock Car Racing newsletter)
Get GEORGIA STOCK CAR RACING free via email weekly:
send ‘subscribe’ to ddrrtt@earthlink.net
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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/031809.html
Drivers On The Outside Looking In
by Chuck Abrams
Insider Racing News
http://insiderracingnews.com/Writers/LV/031809.html
The All-Star Race Is Undergoing Some ‘Changes’….Oh, Joy
by Larry Van Zandt
The Nascar Insiders
Ask The Insiders Wednesday #15
It’s Bristol race week for the Nationwide and Cup Series! Teams will head into the Tennessee mountains this weekend to tackle the “World’s Fastest Half Mile.” But before they do, we’ve got the 15th edition of Ask The Insiders.
http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/TheNascarInsiders/~3/hJWtGPPhrEQ/
Insider Racing News
http://insiderracingnews.com/Writers/DD/031909.html
One More Thing That Isn’t Tony Eury Jr.’s Fault
by Doug Demmons
Insider Racing News
http://insiderracingnews.com/Writers/FY/031909.html
From The Track: Rained Out and Good Luck Charms
by Frank Youtzy
RaceTalkRadio.com:
It’s a Better Bristol, Fantasy Insight – Bristol 1 by Dennis Michelsen
http://www.racetalkradio.com/soz/id244.htm
The Nascar Insiders
On The Bubble
This weekend’s race at Bristol is the last chance for Cup Series teams to make their way into the top-35 in owner’s points before the points are reset. I thought it might be interesting to take a look at who may not be locked in.
http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/TheNascarInsiders/~3/amfea4pv-9M/
FIA, Bristol, and Helping Kyle Petty!
by Carol Einarsson
http://www.racejournalonline.com/index.cfm?Pagename=column&id=577
Jimmy Spencer Cuts A Wide Path In NASCAR TV
http://dalyplanet.blogspot.com/2009/03/jimmy-spencer-cuts-wide-path-in-nascar.html
NASCAR Journalists On TV: What A Concept
http://dalyplanet.blogspot.com/2009/03/nascar-journalists-on-tv-what-concept.html
“General Hospital” Sneak Peek With Jeff Burton
http://dalyplanet.blogspot.com/2009/03/general-hospital-sneak-peek-with-jeff.html
Are You Watching More NASCAR Video Online?
http://dalyplanet.blogspot.com/2009/03/are-you-watching-more-nascar-video.html
Camping World Races Get 3PM On SPEED For TV
http://dalyplanet.blogspot.com/2009/03/camping-world-races-get-3pm-timeslot-on.html
Darrell Waltrip The Missing Piece Of Bristol Charity Race Pie
http://dalyplanet.blogspot.com/2009/03/darrell-waltrip-missing-piece-of.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
Thu Mar 19
5:00 pm NASCAR Now ESPN2
Fri Mar 20
12:00 am NASCAR Now ESPN2
12:00 pm NSCS Bristol Practice SPEED
1:30 pm NNS Bristol Practice SPEED
3:00 pm NASCAR Live SPEED
3:30 pm NSCS Bristol Pole Qualifying SPEED
4:30 pm NNS Final Bristol Practice SPEED
6:00 pm NASCAR Now ESPN2
7:00 pm Trackside at Bristol SPEED
7:30 pm NASCAR Now ESPN
8:00 pm NSCS Practice SPEED
8:00 pm Truth in 24 / Audi team 24 Hours of Le Mans ESPN
9:30 pm NNS Practice SPEED
11:00 pm Trackside at Bristol SPEED
Sat Mar 21
12:00 am NASCAR Now ESPN2
12:00 am NSCS Bristol Pole Qualifying (re-air) SPEED
1:00 am NNS Final Practice SPEED
12:00 pm NNS Bristol Pole Qualifying SPEED
1:00 pm NSCS Final Bristol Practice SPEED
2:00 pm NNS Countdown ABC
2:30 pm Nationwide Series at Bristol (green flag 2:43pm) ABC
6:00 pm Saturday Night Special at Bristol ESPN2
Sun Mar 22
3:00 am Nationwide Series at Bristol (re-air) ESPN2
8:00 am NASCAR Angels HALL
10:00 am NASCAR Now ESPN2
10:00 am Saturday Night Special at Bristol ESPNC
10:00 am NASCAR Performance SPEED
10:30 am NASCAR Smarts SPEED
11:00 am NASCAR in a Hurry SPEED
11:30 am NASCAR RaceDay SPEED
12:00 pm Nationwide Series at Bristol (re-air) ESPNC
1:30 pm NSCS Pre-Race Show FOX
2:00 pm NSCS: Food City 500 Bristol (green flag 2:13pm) FOX
7:00 pm SPEED Report SPEED
8:00 pm NASCAR Victory Lane SPEED
9:00 pm Wind Tunnel with Dave Despain 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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The Stock Car Gazette
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