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I am surely hoping THIS weekend’s NASCAR short track racing at Martinsville is more exciting than the snooze-fest we had last week at Bristol. |
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I am surely hoping THIS weekend’s short track racing at Martinsville is more exciting than the snooze-fest we had last week at Bristol.
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Stock Car Gazette Columnists Speak Out!
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Biggest Loser TV Show Challenges Contestants To Pull Cars, Winner Rides W/Clint Bowyer
by: Mike Irwin
NBC’s feel-good weight loss show, The Biggest Loser, removed the horsepower from these cars, instead giving them an unhealthy dose of el gordo power to pull them down the track at California Speedway. When all was said and done, the winner got a chauffeured victory lap in an LS3-equipped Corvette convertible with Nascar driver, Clint Bowyer. See the video and more at http://motorsportsnews.net/archives/3233
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Some up-n-coming drivers to watch for…
by: Robyn Snell
Senior staff writer Robyn Snell takes a look at some of the young-gun drivers she thinks ought to be watched as they gain experience in NASCAR and stock car racing… See who’s she’s watching at http://motorsportsnews.net/archives/3237
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Kyle Busch Truck Series 3-peat?
by: Steve Langley
Heading into Martinsville this weekend, Kyle Busch is looking as the favorite to win. Read more and share YOUR thoughts at http://motorsportsnews.net/archives/3246
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Courtesy of www.Catchfence.com
Donnie Allison 2009 International Motorsports Hall of Fame Inductee
TALLADEGA, Ala. – With the induction of Donnie Allison into the International Motorsports Hall of Fame, it can now be said that the gang’s all here. The Alabama Gang, that is. Allison’s inclusion in the Class of 2009 places all three of the original members of
http://www.catchfence.com/2009/sprintcup/03/26/donnie-allison-2009-international-motorsports-hall-of-fame-inductee/
From Bad to Worse for Yates
The way time slips by, one often doesn’t realize how long five years can be. Yet with word that the Yates Racing #28 team will not race again in 2009, five years suddenly seems like an eternity past. It was five years ago that the team, numbered 38 in 2004, ended a two-year drought by winning at Texas. Elliott Sadler ..
http://www.catchfence.com/2009/arca/03/26/from-bad-to-worse-for-yates/
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Courtesy of Stock Car Gazette subscriber Ed B. – thanks!
Ryan Newman Remembers Helmet Incident at 2002 All-Star Event
By: Bob Pockrass, Associate Editor, Scene Daily
CONCORD, N.C. – Ryan Newman was asked to talk about the 2009 Sprint All-Star Race on Wednesday, but perhaps his funniest remarks came when he reminisced about the past rather than talk about this year’s race.
Newman won the all-star event in 2002, and it was during that year’s event when Elliott Sadler, angry at the driver who was in his first full year at Penske Racing, threw his helmet at Newman’s car after an accident.
http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/stewarthaasfandotcom/~3/0-xJtlmFKdk/
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Your ad could be displayed here… very reasonable rates. E-mail Mike@MotorSportsNews.Net
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Daytona 500 Date May Change
Since 1971, the Daytona 500 has been scheduled for the Sunday prior to the third Monday in February (Feb. 14-20), which has recently been two weeks following the National Football League’s Super Bowl. But the date of the Super Bowl could change. NFL owners talked earlier this week about adding one or two weeks to their regular-season schedule, which, depending on the number of preseason games, could make the entire length of the season up to two weeks longer. That would result in the Super Bowl scheduled on the traditional date of the Daytona 500. The NFL won’t change its schedule, most likely, until its 2011 season, meaning the first potential conflict wouldn’t come until 2012 at the earliest. …More
HOF Details Revealed
The NASCAR Hall of Fame will feature nearly 1,000 artifacts on display, a theater screen that is 65 feet wide and 15 feet high and a video wall with 64 plasma-screen televisions. Visitors will carry a card or wristband that has a computer chip in it that they may use to activate certain interactive parts of the museum, such as the racing simulation area. NASCAR Hall of Fame Executive Director Winston Kelley revealed some of the exhibit plans Monday at a meeting of the Charlotte City Council. The city of Charlotte owns the museum, which is scheduled to open in April or May 2010. The exhibit budget is $31 million. The theater where people will get an introduction to the hall of fame will have 270 seats, and races also will be shown in that theater on the 65-by-15 screen. Kelley hopes the 10,000-square-foot main floor will have a feeling similar to New York’s Times Square, and plans call for different exhibits in May and October so fans coming to the Charlotte races can see something different each time. That area could also be used for private receptions and charity events. …Daily Headlines
Impact Study For Martinsville
Martinsville Speedway officials say a new economic-impact study shows the track generates $174 million for the Virginia economy. The study, done by the Washington Economics Group, analyzed operating and other expenditures by the track, as well as expenditures by those attending races at Martinsville. Martinsville Speedway hosts two NASCAR Sprint Cup races a year, along with several other racing events. The ongoing operations of Martinsville Speedway generate significant quantifiable economic impacts in the areas of employment, worker income, output and public revenues,” Washington Economics Group associate economist Chuck Yaros said in a news release. The study revealed:
2,824 permanent jobs for Virginia residents result directly from the operations of the track.
Track operations and visitor expenditures result in more than $68.2 million of worker income each year.
The ongoing operations of Martinsville Speedway generate more than $30 million of total fiscal revenues each year.
Impact Study For Richmond
Richmond International Raceway officials announced Thursday that a recent economic-impact study showed the track generates $467 million for the state and local economy. The study, completed by the Washington Economics Group Inc., showed direct and indirect impact the track has on the economy. Richmond hosts two NASCAR weekends and one IndyCar weekend per year and hosts various other events through operations of Richmond Raceway Complex. The track’s activities create more than 7,700 permanent jobs in Virginia, resulting in $186 million in annual labor income, the study said. The study also found:
$278 million in direct economic benefit.
$286 million toward Virginia’s gross state product each year.
Almost $85 million in federal, state and local taxes.
Talladega Lowers Infield Prices
Race fans that want to experience the infield at Talladega Superspeedway will be able to do so at a 40% discount over previous years. The regularly priced $70 Sunday infield admissions have been reduced to $40 for the Aaron’s 499 on April 26th. “Talladega Superspeedway is continuing to combat the tough economy any way we can,” said Talladega Superspeedway President Rick Humphrey. “We have received positive reviews on our $40 ticket promotion, but infield guests wanted to know what we were doing to help them during these troubled times. We have since responded with the $40 Sunday infield admission. It goes without saying that the infield at Talladega is a once in a lifetime experience, but stay tuned, because we have even more surprises coming for our infield guests.”
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Courtesy of Jayski
http://www.jayski.com
Hendrick wants Martin’s decision by July: Rick Hendrick hopes to know by July whether 50-year-old Mark Martin will drive full-time again in 2010. He also reiterated that he’s convinced there’s no better person than Martin, whose original deal called for him to drive a partial schedule next season, for the #5. “He’s delivered everything I thought and more,” Hendrick said during a Wednesday afternoon conference call. “He’s a huge asset to this company.” Martin told ESPN.com last weekend at Bristol Motor Speedway that he would consider driving another full year if Hendrick, sponsors and his team wanted him to. Hendrick said on Sunday and again on Wednesday that it’s “Mark’s call.” Before a decision can be made Hendrick must first settle the sponsorship on Martin’s car. Kellogg’s is up for a renewal, and with the current economic climate there is no guarantee the company will come back.(ESPN)(3-27-2009)
Martinsville Tire Notes: Teams in both the NASCAR series will run the same tire codes at Martinsville this weekend, however the Sprint Cup tires will be branded “Goodyear Eagle,” while the Camping World Truck tires will be branded “Goodyear Wrangler” . . . this left-side code (D-4108) is the same one run by these teams at Martinsville last season . . . this right-side code (D-4230) is brand new to the Goodyear tire lineup . . . this right-side features a slight compound change compared to last year to offer cars more grip . . . while this left-side is unique to Martinsville, this right-side will also be run on all four tire positions on Sprint Cup road courses this season . . . as on most NASCAR ovals one mile or less n length, teams will not run inner liners in their tires at Martinsville. The estimated pit window is every 125-135 laps, based on fuel mileage.(Goodyear PR), see pressures, codes and more on the Martinsville Race Info page.(3-27-2009)
http://www.jayski.com/next/2009/6mar2009.htm
Marlin’s daughter plans to race: Sutherlin Marlin, the 19-year-old daughter of Sterling Marlin, this season launches her racing career at Fairgrounds Speedway [Nashville], the historic track where her grandfather Coo Coo won four championships in the 1960s and her dad collected three more in the 1980s. “I attended my first race there when I was two weeks old,” says Sutherlin. “I’ve been around racing all my life and I can’t wait to give it a try.” A student at Columbia State, Sutherlin is bright and vivacious, and inherited her family’s keen sense of humor. “She’s got talent,” says her dad. “When she was 5 or 6 we went to a go-kart track in Panama City and she raced against (big brother) Steadman and a bunch of other boys and beat them. She’s been on to me to get her a race car and finally we cut a deal.” The deal: Sutherlin goes to college and works on her race car. “I’ll help,” Sterling says, “but she’s gotta work, too.” Sutherlin plans to race in the Speedway’s truck series, a white-knuckle division that runs the swift, high banks of the five-eighths-mile track. It would seem breathless for a beginner.(Nashville City Paper)(3-27-2009)
http://www.nashvillecitypaper.com/news.php?viewStory=67088
In Martinsville? Check out Wood Bros Museum: If you have some extra time this weekend, consider visiting the Wood Brothers Museum at 21 Performance Drive, Stuart Virginia, 24171 – located just 30 miles west of Martinsville off of route 58. Admission is free. The #21, 1971 Wood Brothers Purolator Mercury Cyclone will be on display, along with a host of other Wood Brothers memories. The museum will be open from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm Friday, March 27, 2009 and Saturday, March 28, 2009. More info at www.woodbrothersracing.com.(WBR PR)(3-27-2009)
Todd Bodine looks to make up for Bristol bump in Martinsville: While the gang at Gunselman Motorsports was happy to make the race at Bristol Motor Speedway this past weekend, they returned to their new shop having to bid farewell to a trusted “friend.” After making their second NASCAR Sprint Cup Series race of the season, by qualifying a respectable 16th no less, Todd Bodine and team were ready to race. While running in the top-15 on lap 58, Bodine was forced into the outside wall damaging the car beyond race-return repairs. This left them with a crunched up car and 42nd-place finish. Upon further inspection at the shop Crew Chief Doug Richert, owner Larry Gunselman and crew came to a mutual decision. Chassis No. 5 was no longer useful and had to be “retired” from service. This was the same car the team used at Daytona, California, Las Vegas and Atlanta. So, with another car (Chassis No. 15) Bodine, Richert and team head to historic Martinsville Speedway for this weekend’s 500-lap race. In addition to making the race, they’d like to finish it, too. Having a former Coors Light Pole Award at Martinsville helps their qualifying-day efforts even more. The team will be using Car No. 15 for the first time this year; purchased from Bill Davis Racing.(Gunselman Motorsports)(3-27-2009)
25th anniversary of Hendrick’s 1st win: On Sunday at Martinsville Speedway, Hendrick Motorsports will mark the 25th anniversary of its first NASCAR Sprint Cup Series victory. Since the organization began competing as All-Star Racing in 1984, it has grown from five employees and 5,000 square feet of rented work space to more than 500 employees and more than 100 acres straddling Cabarrus and Mecklenburg counties in North Carolina. It was the eighth race of the 1984 Cup Series season, and Geoff Bodine lined up sixth at Martinsville Speedway in the #5 Chevy for Rick Hendrick’s fledgling All-Star Racing team. On that day — April 29, 1984 — Bodine led 55 laps en route to capturing the organization’s first win. Reaching Victory Lane wasn’t easy, though. Bodine had to pass then-defending Cup champion Bobby Allison with 48 laps to go to take the lead. Hendrick wasn’t at Martinsville to experience the first of his 17 Cup wins at the .526-mile oval. The car owner was attending church with his wife, Linda, in Greensboro, N.C., during the race. He received a phone call with the news and headed straight for Bodine’s home in Pleasant Garden, N.C., to celebrate. Frank Edwards, 72, was one of the five original employees at Hendrick Motorsports. Initially a setup specialist, Edwards moved from his home in Danville, Va., when Hendrick told him about his plans to start the race team. Edwards has held many roles within the team and currently works in the company’s show-car department as a fabricator and mechanic.(Hendrick Motorsports PR)(3-27-2009)
TBR Hires for Head Engineer, Team Manager for #36 Team: Tommy Baldwin Racing announced that two NASCAR veterans will take leadership positions with the team. Walter Giles, formerly a race engineer for Dale Earnhardt, Inc. (DEI), will serve as TBR’s head engineer. Jennifer Morrell, formally the team manager for TBR/Evernham Motorsports will serve as team manager. Giles, who has a mechanical engineering degree from Western Sydney Institute in Sydney, Australia, brings to TBR over 32 years of engineering knowledge and driving experience to the team. The native of Australia moved to the U.S. over a decade ago after winning more than 200 races and seven championships in various racing series as a driver. Giles began his NASCAR career working for Richard Jackson Motorsports in 1997. He made several stops before landing at DEI in 2005. He was first hired as the race engineer for DEI’s No. 1 car driven by Martin Truex Jr. In 2007, he was promoted to head of race engineering. Over the last year, Giles has been the crew chief for Robby Gordon, Marcus Ambrose and Johnny Sauter.
Morrell, who has a Bachelor of Science in Sport Management, joins TBR with over nine years of management experience. She worked as a team manager for Baldwin’s team from 2003-2005 before it was sold to Evernham Motorsports. Most recently, she worked for Hay Distribution as a business manager.
Riggs and the #36 team testing at South Georgia Motorsports Park in Cecil, Ga. in preparation for this weekend’s race at Martinsville Speedway. Nexxus Lighting Inc. will be the primary sponsor on the #36 Toyota this weekend at Martinsville Speedway. MarkMartin.com has become the first sponsor to jump on board Tommy Baldwin’s Support Small Businesses of America program.(TBR PRs)(3-26-2009)
Labonte and Andretti Discuss Benefits of 2009 Testing Rules: In response to the troubling economy, NASCAR implemented a new policy for the 2009 season that banned testing at NASCAR sanctioned tracks. Although several teams were skeptical of the change when it was first administered, most teams now agree that it has helped make everyone more competitive with their given budget. NASCAR drivers Bobby Labonte and John Andretti discuss the effects of the new policy.
Bobby Labonte, Driver of the #96 Ask.com Ford and President of Breaking Limits: “I think the new policy that NASCAR implemented this year was the right thing to do. Looking back on it, if they (NASCAR) didn’t do anything and we were testing like normal, it would be disastrous for a lot of teams. I’m sure it’s saving them a lot of money in that area. I’m sure they’re spending it in another. I can’t see the difference at the race track, basically. I’m not sure that you’d want to do this every year, but it’s definitely been good not having some teams waste or spend their money. At this point in time, all the teams are pretty strong because they’ve been able to figure things out pretty fast and they’ve adapted quickly to it.”
John Andretti, Driver of the #34 Front Row Motorsports Chevrolet: “I think the new testing policy has served its purpose. It’s helped reduce the separation between the ‘haves,’ ‘have-nots’ and even the ‘have-less.’ Some of the more well-funded teams have found ways to test. There are still tracks that you can test at that might help you prepare for an upcoming race, but it’s only a slight advantage. When you arrive for a race weekend, there won’t be a team with a head and shoulders advantage over anyone else. Everyone will begin at nearly the same starting point and that’s because of the testing policy, so it’s definitely helped keep the playing field level in the tough economic times.”(Breaking Limits PR)(3-26-2009)
Cope Announces Entry for Martinsville: Derrike Cope, Inc. will enter this weekend’s NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Goody’s Fast Pain Relief 500 at Martinsville. FW1/Fast Wax and flipNbags.com will serve as co-primary sponsors for the team’s entry, which will be driven by Cope. “Our team is gaining momentum with every race,” said Cope. “We are planning to compete this season in the NASCAR Camping World Truck, Nationwide and Sprint Cup Series’ and we are pleased to be working with such great new sponsors while building a stronger racing program.” Also on the #75 Dodge Charger will be associate sponsor Blu Frog Energy Drink.(Derrike Cope, Inc PR)(3-26-2009)
Phoenix to offer “Hot Laps for the Troops”: To benefit Phoenix International Raceway’s annual Salute to Military Families program just prior to the events of the April NASCAR weekend, the track is offering race enthusiasts the chance to visit PIR for a high-speed ride around the track at $50 per person, with the Bondurant School of High Performance Driving. The annual promotion, Hot Laps for the Troops, will take place on Wednesday, April 15 and Saturday, April 18. All proceeds from “Hot Laps for the Troops” will benefit the Salute to Military Families program, helping to provide tickets and race day entertainment for the many men and women of the United States Armed Forces. Without the military’s support and commitment to the liberty and freedom of the American population, the entertainment of NASCAR racing at PIR and venues across the country would not be possible. Tickets are currently available online at phoenixraceway.com, by calling 1-866-408-RACE (7223), or by visiting the Gate 3 ticket office at the track (for Saturday session laps only). To pay additional honor to the many current and past members of the American military forces, PIR has unveiled a limited edition “Stars and Stripes” logo hat in time for the SUBWAY Fresh Fit 500, while supplies last. Each special edition hat – navy and embroidered with a red, white, and blue Phoenix International Raceway logo – costs $30 and can be purchased online at www.phoenixraceway.com/starsandstripes or during the event weekend at PIR souvenir locations or the PIR Midway display. In addition, the Stars and Stripes hat will serve as the “Official Uniform Hat” at PIR for the event weekend. To top the American celebration off, one lucky fan wearing the Stars and Stripes hat will be spotted by a PIR representative and given the opportunity to ride in the patriotic-themed Phoenix International Raceway pace car to open the SUBWAY Fresh Fit 500 on Saturday, April 18. All proceeds from the special edition hat will support the Salute to Military Families program.(PIR PR)(3-27-2009)
More Than 40 Items Marked Down at Texas: Race fans will be greeted with some big discounts on souvenir items during the upcoming Samsung 500 weekend at Texas Motor Speedway as Speedway Motorsports, Inc., Properties has slashed prices from 18 to 55% on more than 40 standard items. The items include an assortment of t-shirts, jackets, caps, novelty items and more that can be found at any of the 40 Speedway World souvenir locations around Texas Motor Speedway during the Samsung 500 race weekend set for April 2-5. SMIP also will entice fans with a special clearance tent located outside Gate 1 during race week. The tent sale will offer Texas Motor Speedway, race event and driver items at huge discounts. More than 150 items will be marked at their lowest price, including some as low as $1. Also, for those fans that spend $25 or more on merchandise in the Speedway World Gift Shop on Friday, April 3, they will receive a poster of the Samsung 500 program cover created by renown NASCAR artist Sam Bass, who will be on hand to personally autograph the item. Bass will be at the gift shop when it opens at 9 a.m. and will have posters available while supplies last. Markdowns on souvenir prices are just the latest in a long list of economically friendly ways that Texas Motor Speedway has continued in its effort to give back to the fans this year during these trying economic times.(TMS PR)(3-27-2009)
Seats available for Martinsville races: Plenty of good seats remain for all three days of action and may be purchased by calling 877.RACE.TIX, visiting martinsvillespeedway.com or at the Martinsville Speedway ticket office. Tickets for pole day on Friday are $15 and include NASCAR Sprint Cup qualifying, Sprint Cup practice and two practice sessions for the Kroger 250. Tickets for Saturday’s Kroger 250 are $30 in advance and $35 on race day. In addition to the race, fans will get to see two Sprint Cup practice sessions and qualifying for the Kroger 250. Tickets for Sunday’s Goody’s Fast Pain Relief 500 range from $35 to $77.(Martinsville Speedway PR)(3-26-2009)
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Courtesy of Race Fans Stock Car Newsletter
http://www.nascarnutscanada.com/
Hendrick: I’m committed to Dale Jr. … and Eury Jr.Associated Press
CONCORD, N.C. (AP) – Team owner Rick Hendrick won’t split Dale Earnhardt Jr. and his embattled crew chief despite their slow start to the season. Tony Eury Jr. has always been under intense scrutiny as crew chief for NASCAR’s most popular driver, but it has hit a new level this year as the No. 88 team has just one top-10 finish through five races.
http://msn.foxsports.com/nascar/story/9378504/Hendrick:-I’m-committed-to-Dale-Jr.-…-and-Eury-Jr.
Should Hendrick separate Dale Jr., Tony Jr.?by Jeff Owens, NASCAR Scene, Special to FOXSports.com
Nothing gets Dale Earnhardt Jr. riled up more than hearing criticism aimed at his cousin and crew chief, Tony Eury Jr. Eury, of course, is Hendrick Motorsports’ biggest scapegoat, getting most of the blame for his team’s struggles over the last year, and Earnhardt Jr. doesn’t like it. When he hears it — which is quite often these days — he quickly goes on the defensive, defending Eury and begging fans and the media to back off.
http://msn.foxsports.com/nascar/story/9374464/Should-Hendrick-separate-Dale-Jr.,-Tony-Jr.?
All-star race to have 10-lap final segment by Lee Spencer
CONCORD, N.C. – NASCAR announced the return of the 10-lap shootout to conclude the Sprint All-Star Race at Lowe’s Motor Speedway on May 16. The 100-lap race’s first segment will consist of 50 laps with a mandatory pit stop, followed by two 20-lap segments with optional stops and a 10-lap (green-flag only) finale. Last year’s format was four 25-lap segments.
http://msn.foxsports.com/nascar/story/9379792/All-star-race-to-have-10-lap-final-segment
Power Rankings
MARTINSVILLE Week 6 of 36 By: Mark Aumann
http://www.nascar.com/news/features/power_rankings/index.html
Out front? Yeah, that’s your winner By David Poole – dpoole@charlotteobserver.com
Some midweek musings on NASCAR, motorsports and more: MY TWO CENTS
NASCAR officials should have been wincing in pain during the post-race interviews at Bristol Motor Speedway on Sunday. Kyle Busch, Denny Hamlin and Jimmie Johnson all three said after the Food City 500 they believed the car that got off pit road first would have won the race. http://www.thatsracin.com/140/story/5835.html
Rowdy Busch no ‘Intimidator’ By Marty Smith
Kyle Busch didn’t stand up and wave his hand and ask for the comparisons, so in truth they’re not even fair. But because he drives every lap like his lady’s in labor in the passenger seat at rush hour and hurling obscenities that would make Ron White blush, he got them anyway.
http://proxy.espn.go.com/rpm/nascar/cup/columns/story?columnist=smith_marty&page=DoorToDoor
Junior has popularity; Kyle has wins
CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Many of you are wondering why Kyle Busch took a shot at Dale Earnhardt Jr. following Sunday’s victory at Bristol Motor Speedway. It’s simple. Because he can. To be fair, Busch was placed in a position to take the shot when asked first about being compared to the elder Earnhardt and then about how his souvenir sales are picking up. http://sports.espn.go.com/espn/blog/index?entryID=4014483&name=newton_david
Travis Kvapil’s Absence at Martinsville Is a Shame By David Phillips
This weekend in the Goody’s Fast Pain Relieve 500 at Martinsville will be without the No. 28 Yates Racing Ford and driver Travis Kvapil. Yates Racing’s No. 28 crew seized operations; most of the crew were placed in other area’s of the organization or were laid off.
http://bleacherreport.com/articles/145495-travis-kvapil-not-at-martinsville-and-its-a-shame
Kyle Petty uses Facebook to build support for charity ride, Victory Junction Gang Camp
by Matt Humphrey
Kyle Petty no longer has a NASCAR ride, but he isn’t letting that stop him from being a champion for the Victory Junction Gang Camp. http://tinyurl.com/cfpee6
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Your ad could be displayed here… very reasonable rates. E-mail Mike@MotorSportsNews.Net
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Courtesy of Jayski
http://www.jayski.com
Shepherd gets Beachbody associate sponsorship: Beachbody, the world’s leading in-home fitness and weight loss provider and the creator of the Tony Horton’s 10-Minute Trainer® DVD program, will join Faith Motorsports as an associate sponsor of Morgan Shepherd’s #89 Chevy for NASCAR’s 2009 Nationwide Series campaign. The company has created a special website, www.TenMin.com, for the sponsorship and is now offering all NASCAR fans the ability to try the same program Mr. Shepherd uses, risk free.(Beachbody PR)(3-26-2009)
Driver change at ML Motorsports: UPDATE: hearing that ML Motorsports #70 has released Mark Green and that Shelby Howard will take over the driving duties at Texas.(3-25-2009)
UPDATE: Based in Indiana, ML Motorsports has hired an Indiana driver to pilot the #70 Chevy for the rest of the 2009 NASCAR Nationwide Series season. ML Motorsports parted ways with driver Mark Green Monday and will put 23-year-old Greenwood, Indiana driver Shelby Howard behind the wheel of Mary Louise Miller’s Biomet/Foretravel Motorcoach ride beginning April 4th at Texas Motor Speedway.(ML Motorsports PR)(3-26-2009)
Nationwide Series Ratings from Bristol: ABC’s live coverage of the NASCAR Nationwide Series Scotts Turfbuilder 300 from Bristol Motor Speedway earned a final national rating of 1.7, down from the 2.0 rating earned for last year’s race that also aired on ABC. The race averaged 2,324,048 viewers airing against the highly-rated first round of the NCAA tournament. The Scotts Saturday Night Special, which aired live on ESPN2 from 6-7 p.m. on Saturday from Bristol, earned a final national rating of 0.9.(ESPN PR)(3-26-2009)
CJM helping bring awareness to autism: CJM Racing and America’s Incredible Pizza Company will team up this season with the Autism Society of America to help bring awareness to a disorder that affects one in 150 American children. The complex disability is something America’s Incredible Pizza Company CEO Rick Barsness and his wife Cheryl are all too familiar with. “Our grandson was diagnosed with autism very young. We put this ribbon on our car to bring awareness to the struggle that so many families, as well as our own, face with the diagnosis of autism,” remarked Cheryl Barsness. “We also wanted to declare loudly that there is hope for these children. Children with autism have hope through prayer, early intervention, biomedical intervention and lots of support. We have hope.” The month of April marks Autism Awareness month, the #11 America’s Incredible Pizza Company Toyota will proudly display the Autism puzzle piece ribbon on the hood at the upcoming O’Reilly 300 at Texas Motor Speedway. The new relationship will continue throughout the 2009 season as the Autism ribbon will be located on the c-post for the remaining America’s Incredible Pizza Company races.(CJM PR)(3-26-2009)
NOS sponsoring Busch: UPDATE 2: Coca-Cola Co.’s NOS Energy Drink will sponsor Kyle Busch’s car in 14 NASCAR Nationwide Series races, according to NOS and Joe Gibbs Racing. Busch’s first race in the NOS car is scheduled for April 4 at Texas Motor Speedway.(Atlanta Journal Constitution)(3-6-2008)
UPDATE: NOS Energy Drink and Joe Gibbs Racing (JGR) jointly announce a 14-race Nationwide Series sponsorship of the #18 NOS Energy Drink Toyota driven by Kyle Busch.(Joe Gibbs Racing PR), see the sponsorship schedule on the 2009 Nationwide Team Chart.(3-6-2009)
UPDATE: See an image of the car on the #18 Nationwide Series Paint Schemes page.(3-26-2009)
http://www.jayski.com/schemes/2009/nationwide/18nationwide.htm
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Courtesy of The Hot Lap
http://www.TheHotLap.com
A lot will be determined at Texas in terms of who will have to qualify on time or will be locked into the NASCAR Nationwide Series 300 at Nashville the following week. In fact, a top-10 finish at Texas doesn’t automatically guarantee a starting position at Nashville.The O’Reilly 300 will be the last race in which teams finishing in the top 30 in the 2008 owner point standings will be guaranteed a starting spot. After Texas, the top 30 in the 2009 owner points will be guaranteed starters.Currently, teams occupying positions 25-30 are separated by only 24 points, and 32-37 are separated by 44 points. That’s 12 positions separated by 64 points. Fulltime teams on the bubble, or those on the outside looking in, include, in order of position:Drivers in peril: Brandon Whitt (No. 61 Specialty Racing Ford), Danny O’Quinn Jr. (No. 01 JD Motorsports Chevrolet), DJ Kennington (No. 81 Northern Provincial Pipeline Dodge), Morgan Shepherd (No. 89 Victory In Jesus Chevrolet), Michael Annett (No. 15 Pilot Travel Centers/Hype Energy Drink Toyota) and the duo of Robert Richardson Jr./Ken Butler III (No. 23 R3 Motorsports Chevrolet) are 30 through 25 in reverse order, respectively. On their heels: Scott Wimmer (No. 40 Key Motorsports Chevrolet), 31st; Kenny Hendrick (No. 42 Smith-Ganassi Dodge), 32nd and Brian Keselowski (No. 26 K-Automotive Chevrolet), 34th, all are within 36 points of 30th.(NASCAR) (03-26-09)
Since the first weekend of points-paying competition in NASCAR Sprint Cup, NASCAR Nationwide and NASCAR Camping World Truck Series, Kyle Busch (No. 18 Z-Lines Design Toyota) has won at least one race. If that trend continues this weekend at Martinsville Speedway, Texas could also bode well. Busch won both NASCAR Nationwide races at Texas last year. He also won the O’Reilly 300 in 2006.Peyton Sellers Making Nationwide Debut: Peyton Sellers (No. 77 SFP Chevrolet), who won the NASCAR Whelen All-American National championship in 2005 to become the series’ youngest-ever champion, will make his NASCAR Nationwide debut at Texas, the first of 10 scheduled races.Sellers, 25, is part-owner of a newly formed team, Cardinal Motorsports. His brother, H.C. Sellers, will be the team’s crew chief.(NASCAR) (03-26-09)
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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
Trail Motorsport & Austin returning at Kansas? UPDATE Still in limbo, 99% sure of Kansas race: Hearing that the Trail Motorsport #32 team is planning to be back on the entry list at Kansas with Chase Austin driving. Also hearing that the team is lacking equipment on hand, and along with financial constraints [resulting from the recent lease of the Petty shop], have this team in the midst of reevaluating how many races they’ll run.(3-25-2009)
UPDATE: Another Truck race, another absence for African-American prodigy-in-limbo Chase Austin, who was supposed to run the full season for African-American owned Trail Motorsport. What continues to be up – or down – as Austin’s name goes missing from the entry list for Saturday’s Truck race at Martinsville? “It’s because we’re still doing all the stuff we need to do to get our house in order,” Trail managing director Patrick Shelton said Tuesday in a telephone interview. Austin, 19, ran the first two races of the season, at Daytona and Fontana, and finished 13th and 23rd respectively. But that was in vehicles rented from other teams. “Everything that was originally laid out is still in place,” Shelton said Tuesday. “We had to modify, based on what’s transpired in the last month. But we still have Nationwide plans, Camping World East and then Camping World Truck series plans.” So now, with the regrouping, Austin is scheduled to run in the next Truck race, at Kansas City on April 25. Austin said he still doesn’t have a full-season contract, as had been planned, but that he has been paid for the Daytona and Fontana races. Shelton said a contract for Austin is “in the final stages,” as well as one for Johnson, and for a Nationwide driver still to be named.(ESPN Insider)(3-6-2009)
Hermie Sadler to return to the track at Martinsville UPDATE 2 TNA Wrestling & Acredale sponsoring: Former Nationwide Series Rookie of the Year and current SPEED analyst Hermie Sadler will return to the track for the NASCAR Camping World Series race on March 28 at Martinsville Speedway. Sadler will pilot the #48 Chevrolet owned by Fast Track Racing and Rockingham Speedway owner Andy Hillenburg. Acredale Vending will be on as an associate sponsor. Primary sponsorship opportunities are still available. (Hermie Sadler PR)(3-4-2009)
UPDATE: Acredale Vending (VA Beach) is proud to return to Hermie Sadler as an associate sponsor at Martinsville. Owner Scott Abshire is excited about the deal. This is our 25th. year in business and I cannot think of a better way to celebrate. Abshire also serves as a part time pit crew member for Jay Robinson Racing (Nationwide teams #28 & #49)(Acredale Vending PR)(3-11-2009)
UPDATE 2: Hermie Sadler who is returning to the track this weekend in the truck series race at Martinsville will be sponsored by TNA Wrestling. Sadler according to sources is good friends with TNA Owner Dixie Carter.(Pro Westling Journal)(3-26-2009)
Martinsville, new experience for Papis: Awaiting ‘Mad’ Max Papis’s arrival this week is the half-mile paperclip-shaped oval of Martinsville Speedway. He will be attempting to qualify the #9-GEICO Toyota Tundra in his third of seven scheduled NASCAR Camping World Truck Series races. Built in 1947, Martinsville is one of the most historic tracks on the NASCAR circuit and provides a challenge to even NASCAR’s most experienced veterans. A week from now, Papis will be traveling to Texas Motor Speedway to attempt to qualify the #13 GEICO Camry in his second NASCAR Sprint Cup Series race of the 2009 season. (Player Mgmt/Germain Racing PR)(3-26-2009)
Images added: Schematic for the #30-Whelen Toyota being driving by Todd Bodine at Martinsville and #30-Tilted Kilt Toyota photo at Atlanta; #84-Glendan Enterprises Chevy of Chris Fontaine are posted on the 2009 Paint Scheme Page.(3-26-2009)
Ryan Sieg to drive Gun Broker Racing entry at Martinsville: Gun Broker Racing announced today that Ryan Sieg, younger brother of NASCAR Camping World Truck Series driver Shane Sieg will make his first NCWTS start Saturday afternoon at Martinsville Speedway driving the #21 GunBroker.com Dodge Ram. Sieg will make his first start in NASCAR’s top-three divisions in Saturday’s Kroger 250, the fourth installment on the 2009 schedule. Gun Broker Racing is still actively seeking funded drivers for its NASCAR Camping World Truck Series campaign.(Gun Broker Racing PR)(3-26)
Buescher makes first visit to Martinsville: James Buescher will be making his first visit to Martinsville Speedway driving the #10-Maxx Force Diesel Ford this weekend. Buescher, who will celebrate his 19th birthday on Thursday, March 26, is scheduled to compete in his fifth career NASCAR Camping World Truck Series race. Adam Crawford, the son of driver Rick Crawford, is the rear-tire carrier for Buescher’s #10 team on race day. This is younger Crawford’s first year performing over-the-wall duties.(Circle Bar PR)(3-26-2009)
New crew chief for Compton at Martinsville: Marcus Richmond has come onboard as the new crew chief for Wyler Racing’s #60-Wyler.com Toyota with driver Stacy Compton. [Richmond was the crew chief for the #18 BHR-VA team and Dennis Setzer in 2008]. “We’re excited to have Marcus Richmond on board. Obviously we hated that things didn’t work out with Gary [Cogswell], said Compton. “Gary is a great guy and a great Crew Chief, but things just didn’t work out. I think he had some other opportunities as well.”(Wyler Racing PR)(3-25-2009)
Kile to make series debut with BKR at Martinsville: Mikey Kile has partnered with Brad Keselowski Racing and Greased Lightning for seven Camping World Truck Series races during the 2009 season beginning with the Kroger 250 at Martinsville Speedway this weekend. Kyle piloted the #29 Greased Lightning Chevy in the season-opening ARCA event in Daytona and is also slated to run eight additional races in ARCA with BKR. That team will be led by crew chief Wayne Setterington Jr., a veteran crew chief and former racer. Bolstering Kile’s efforts in 2009 will be the addition of Greased Lightning as primary sponsor. Greased Lightning has a storied history in motorsports marketing and Kile hopes to add a few chapters this season.(BradKeselowskiRacing.com)(3-25-2009)
Harvick in the #2 at Martinsville; Bounty to sponsor: Kevin Harvick Inc. co-owner and driver, Kevin Harvick, will be making his eighth career start at Martinsville Speedway in NASCAR Camping World Truck Series competition this week in the Kroger 250. Harvick will pilot the #2 Bounty Chevrolet Silverado in the 250-lap event, marking his second series start for the 2009 season. In seven previous Truck Series starts at Martinsville, Harvick has recorded two top-five and three top-10 finishes. Harvick is being sponsored by Bounty; America’s most popular paper towel for over 30 years. In the U.S., P&G offers the following premium two-ply paper towel products: Bounty Select-a-Size; Bounty White; Bounty Extra Soft; and Bounty Fun Prints. Additionally, P&G offers Bounty Basic, a quality one-ply paper towel as well Bounty Quilted Napkins.(Kevin Harvick Inc. PR)(3-24-2009)
Congrats to TJ & Alexis: TJ Bell, driver of the #11-Red Horse Racing Toyota became engaged to long time girlfriend Alexis Gamboa this past weekend in Las Vegas. There has been no date set for the upcoming wedding.(RHR PR)(3-24-2009)
Benson heads to Martinsville to defend win; still searching for sponsor: The Kroger 250 will mark 2008 NCWTS Champion Johnny Benson’s 12th Camping World Truck Series start at Martinsville Speedway. In 11 previous races, he has earned one win, three top-five and five top-10 finishes. When the Camping World Truck Series last visited Martinsville Speedway, Benson earned his first win at the Virginia “paperclip” shaped short track. The reigning 2008 Camping World Series Champion is still seeking sponsorship for his #1 Tundra. Red Horse Racing is currently running both the #1 Toyota Tundra driven by defending Champion Johnny Benson as well as the #11 driven by TJ Bell, without primary sponsorship.(Red Horse Racing PR)(3-24-2009)
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A R C A (Automobile Racing Club of America)
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Courtesy of ARCA
http://www.arcaracing.com
Mark Gibson Rock-Solid ARCA Fixture Since 1982; Featured Guest on ’30 at 30′ Friday, March 27
TOLEDO OH (3-26/27-09) – Perhaps no other driver in the ARCA RE/MAX Series transcends the ARCA experience in the modern era more than Mark Gibson.
Outside of Frank Kimmel, Gibson is the only active driver that can say he’s raced in more than 300 ARCA RE/MAX Series races.
[Read More] – http://www.arcaracing.com/news.cfm?contentid=7758
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www.RobbBrentRacing.com has been re-launched in preparation for Robb Brent’s full-season of ARCA RE/MAX Series competition which commences with the Kentuckiana Ford Dealers 200 at Salem Speedway set for Sunday, April 5.
Gun Broker Racing (GBR) announced today that Ryan Sieg, younger brother of NASCAR Camping World Truck Series (NCWTS) driver Shane Sieg will make his first NCWTS start Saturday afternoon at Martinsville Speedway driving the No. 21 GunBroker.com Dodge Ram.
ARCA RE/MAX Series (ARS) driver Patrick Sheltra has been medically cleared to return to racing competition just in time for the ARCA RE/MAX Series to pick up with their second race of the season, the Kentuckiana Ford Dealers 200 by Federated Car Care at Salem Speedway next Sunday, April 5.
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U S A R (United Speed Alliance Racing)
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Courtesy of USAR
http://usarprocup.com
GRAMMY AWARD NOMINEE MICHAEL PETERSON NAMED GRAND MARSHALL FOR USARacing’s PRO CUP SERIES SEASON OPENER
http://usarprocup.com/view_article.asp?id=2972
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Other motorsports….
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The Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series has a special two-hour broadcast of the SuperClean Diamond Nationals airing just two weeks after the May 8-9th event at the Lucas Oil Speedway in Wheatland, MO. Lucas has 14 TV race dates scheduled and a Best of “Year in Review Show” for a total of 15 TV air dates. www.lucasdirt.com
SPEED will show a one-hour condensed version of NASCAR Camping World East and West races tape-delayed Thursdays at 3:00 p.m.
April 2 (Thurs.) 3:00 p.m. SPEED Camping World West, Thunderhill (TX) Raceway
April 16 (Thurs.) 3:00 p.m. SPEED Camping World East, Greenville Pickens
May 28 (Thurs.) 3:00 p.m. SPEED Camping World, Iowa Speedway
Oct. 1 (Thurs.) 3:00 p.m. SPEED Camping World East, Dover (DE)
Oct. 8 (Thurs.) 3:00 p.m. SPEED Camping World West, All American (CA) Speedway
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/RG/032709.html
“Pit Stop in a Southern Kitchen”…a Must Read
by Rebecca Gladden
RaceTalkRadio.com:
Trip Back in Time, Fantasy Insight – Martinsville 1 by Dennis Michelsen
http://www.racetalkradio.com/soz/id248.htm
The Nascar Insiders
EGR Reaching Out To Social Media
Last week we got an e-mail from Earnhardt Ganassi Racing’s media relations department asking us if we wanted to join their mailing list. TC sent a response thanking them for asking before they added us but said we would likely not use anything they sent. They of course added us anyway.
http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/TheNascarInsiders/~3/l7iPwp2evfE/
Sorry…
by Carol Einarsson
I know it’s Bristol, my favorite track.
http://www.racejournalonline.com/index.cfm?Pagename=column&id=579
Double Dose Of “Digger” On Tap For Martinsville
http://dalyplanet.blogspot.com/2009/03/double-dose-of-digger-on-tap-for.html
IRL Driver Leads ESPN’s “NASCAR Now”
http://dalyplanet.blogspot.com/2009/03/helio-castroneves-leads-espns-nascar.html
Sprint Excludes Fans From Special All-Star Coverage
http://dalyplanet.blogspot.com/2009/03/sprint-excludes-fans-from-special.html
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T V * L I S T I N G S
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Courtesy of Race Fan TV
http://www.racefantv.com/USTV.htm
FRIDAY, MARCH 27
12:00 M-12:30 A ESPN 2 NASCAR Now, HD, R
11:00 A-12:00 N SPEED NASCAR Camping World Truck Series PRACTICE, Kroger 250, Martinsville, VA, HD, L
12:00 N-1:30 P SPEED NASCAR Sprint Cup PRACTICE, Goody’s Fast Pain Relief 500, Martinsville, VA, HD, L
1:30 P-3:30 SPEED NASCAR Camping World Truck Series FINAL PRACTICE, Kroger 250, Martinsville, VA, HD, L
3:30 P-5:00 SPEED NASCAR Sprint Cup QUALIFYING, Goody’s Fast Pain Relief 500, Martinsville, VA, HD, Ln
5:00 P -5:30 ESPN 2 NASCAR Now, HD, L
7:00 P-8:00 SPEED Trackside at Martinsville Speedway, HD, N
8:00 P-9:30 SPEED NASCAR Sprint Cup QUALIFYING, Goody’s Fast Pain Relief 500, Martinsville, VA, HD, SDD, R
SATURDAY, MARCH 28
12:00 M-12:30 A ESPN 2 NASCAR Now, HD, R
12:00 M-1:00 A SPEED Trackside at Martinsville Speedway, HD, R
9:00 A-10:00 SPEED NASCAR Camping World Truck Series QUALIFYING, Kroger 250, Martinsville, VA, HD, L
10:00 A-10:30 SPEED NASCAR Live at Martinsville Speedway, HD
10:30 P-11:30 SPEED NASCAR Sprint Cup PRACTICE, Goody’s Fast Pain Relief 500, Martinsville, VA, HD, L
11:30 A-1:00 P SPEED NASCAR Sprint Cup FINAL PRACTICE, Goody’s Fast Pain Relief 500, Martinsville, VA, HD, L
2:00 P-4:30 FOX NASCAR Camping World Truck Series Kroger 250, Martinsville, VA
8:00 P-8:30 SPEED NASCAR Performance at Martinsville Speedway, HD, N
SUNDAY, MARCH 29
10:00 A-11:00 ESPN 2 NASCAR Now, HD, L
10:00 A-10:30 SPEED NASCAR Performance at Martinsville Speedway, HD, R
11:00 A-11:30 SPEED NASCAR in a Hurry at Martinsville Speedway, HD, L
11:30 A-1:30 P SPEED NASCAR Race Day. Preview of today’s Goody’s Fast Pain Relief 500 at Martinsville, VA, HD, L
1:30 P-2:00 FOX NASCAR Sprint Cup PRE-RACE SHOW, Goody’s Fast Pain Relief 500, Martinsville, VA, HD, L
2:00 P-6:00 FOX NASCAR Sprint Cup Goody’s Fast Pain Relief 500, Martinsville, VA, HD, L
7:00 P-8:00 SPEED The SPEED Report, HD, N
8:00 P-9:00 SPEED NASCAR Victory Lane at the Goody’s Fast Pain Relief 500, Martinsville, VA, HD, SDD, N
9:00 P-10:00 SPEED Wind Tunnel with Dave Despain, HD, L
Race Fan TV does not list all the programming offered by SPEED; for complete listings go to their website, http://www.speedtv.com/schedule/
Always CHECK YOUR LOCAL LISTINGS!
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The Stock Car Gazette
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