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There will not be a Stock Car Gazette on Friday morning, due to the holiday. I’ll be a-sleepin’. Heather will very likely check in with a weekend edition as her time permits.
Let us know what you think of the new website design. Yes, I changed it again. I’m a programmer… that’s what I do. There’s a poll on the site over to the right there … leave your opinion there and feel free to leave a comment with this edition of the Stock Car Gazette if that option interests you. |
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by MotorSportsNews.Net
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E d i t o r ‘ s * N o t e s
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There will not be a Stock Car Gazette on Friday morning, due to the holiday. I’ll be a-sleepin’. Heather will very likely check in with a weekend edition as her time permits.
I would love for each of you to visit the www.MotorSportsNews.net website and let me know what you think of the new website design. Yes, I changed it again. I’m a programmer… that’s what I do.
There’s a poll on the site right now… leave your opinion there and feel free to drop me a note if you want to (mike@motorsportsnews.net)
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Stock Car Gazette Columnists Speak Out!
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We will miss the number 8
by: Chuck Abrams
Eanhardt Ganassi Racing announced that the number made famous by Dale Earnhardt, Jr. — and Budweiser — has shut down operations due to lack of sponsorship, thus leaving driver Aric Almirola looking for a ride. Read the rest at motorsportsnews.net/archives/3367
For more from Mr. Abrams, please visit motorsportsnews.net/archives/category/chuckabrams
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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
Kroger and Richmond International Raceway Team Up for Special …
By Press Release
Kroger customers who purchase $175 in groceries will be eligible to receive two (2) FREE tickets to the Crown Royal Presents The Russ Friedman 400 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series race at Richmond International Raceway on Saturday, May 2. … hosts all of its major events, two NASCAR Doubleheader weekends featuring the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series and NASCAR Nationwide Series and an open-wheel racing weekend featuring the IndyCar Series, under the lights on a ¾-mile D-Shaped oval. …
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Courtesy of Stock Car Gazette subscriber Ed B. – thanks!
The Harvicks and Ron Hornaday visit Walter Reed recovering troops
www.whowon.com/sresults.asp?SanctionID=230&StoryID=267766
Stewart, Harvick Lending A Hand to Veteran Shepherd in Nationwide Series
By Matt Myftiu for the Oakland Press
More than two years ago, NASCAR veteran Morgan Shepherd thought his career has just gone up in smoke.
Driving for his own team, which had a shoestring budget and only one car, Shepherd was run into the wall by a competitor and in the process his only car was destroyed.
feedproxy.google.com/~r/stewarthaasfandotcom/~3/Ig1Ibh3gXXU/
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Your ad could be displayed here… very reasonable rates. E-mail Mike@MotorSportsNews.Net
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Courtesy of Google Alerts
Waltrip team signs Truex’s younger brother
SI.com – USA
Ryan Truex will begin his new association this weekend in the NASCAR Camping World East series season-opener at Greenville-Pickens Speedway in South …
sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2009/racing/wires/04/08/3010.ap.car.auto.racing.briefs.0695/
Harvick, Hornaday and Biffle make most of off-weekend in NASCAR
Los Angeles Times – CA,USA
Greg Biffle will drive in an off-road race in Primm, Nev., before heading to Phoenix International Raceway for the next NASCAR Sprint Cup Series race. …
NASCAR Says Goodbye to the 8 Car
WRCB-TV – Chattanooga,TN,USA
DEI has never been the same since the departure of Dale, Junior. On Wednesday, a sure sign…the car and the number he brought to prominence is no more. …
www.wrcbtv.com/Global/story.asp?S=10155040
NASCAR’s #8 car sidelined indefinitely
WBIR-TV – Knoxville,TN,USA
NASCAR.com reports Earnhardt Ganassi Racing will suspend operations on the #8 car driven by Aric Almirola until a primary sponsor can be found. …
www.wbir.com/sports/story.aspx?storyid=83819&catid=5
UPS Reveals New NASCAR Ad Campaign NASCAR rising star David Ragan won’t be racing the “big brown truck” this year, but he will be learning what it.
www.adoperationsonline.com/2009/04/08/ad-ops-daily-bits-april-8-2009/
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Courtesy of Insider Racing News
Schrader To Race Rockingham
Ken Schrader has narrowly missed driving into Rockingham Speedway’s Victory Lane on several occasions but he will be back in just over a week to try once again. During the 2008 Carolina 200, Schrader led the race with only five laps left in the race only to get passed by Joey Logano who was the most dominant car of the day and also happened to have fresh tires. Carolina 200 race weekend kicks off on Friday April 17th with Thunderfest in downtown Rockingham from 11:00 a.m. until 9:00 p.m. There will be a hauler parade through downtown Rockingham at noon on Friday for the day-long celebration as well as most of the drivers signing autographs at 6:00 p.m.
ISC Revenue Drops 15%
International Speedway Corp. is feeling the impact of the economy as its revenues from admissions, corporate spending and food and merchandise sales all have dropped from a year ago. In releasing its results for the months of December, January and February (where the two main events were Speedweeks at Daytona and the NASCAR race weekend at Auto Club Speedway in California), ISC reported admissions revenue dropped 14.8 percent, while food, beverage and merchandise revenue dropped 40.9 percent. Net income was down 31.5 percent. ISC estimates revenues will drop 8.5 to 11 percent overall in 2009 compared with 2008.
Harvick Honorary Starter at Rockingham
Kevin Harvick will be atop of the flagstand at the start of the ARCA RE/MAX Series Carolina 200 race at the Rockingham Speedway on April 19th and will wave the green flag to begin the highly anticipated race. Harvick’s part time Nationwide Series driver, Tony Stewart had the honor during last season’s ARCA race at the historic track. Harvick will be making the trip to Rockingham following the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series race at Phoenix International Raceway where he will be driving the No. 29 Shell/Pennzoil Chevrolet on Saturday night. If weather is a factor in Phoenix, Harvick will not be able to make the trip to Rockingham.
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Courtesy of Jayski
Biffle to tackle desert in new Ford Truck: #16-Greg Biffle is a racer’s racer who will drive anything – anytime, anyplace – and that includes the new Ford F-150 SVT Raptor R at next week’s Best in the Desert Terrible’s 250 at Primm [NV]. Biffle agreed to drive the F-150 SVT Raptor a couple months ago when Ford engineers were looking for some professional feedback. “When I think of Raptor the first thing that comes to mind is a proven off-road piece with its finish in the Baja 1000, and I think it’s a long-time overdue, if you want my opinion,” said Biffle, who is participating in the event’s Fun Run on Thursday, April 16, before heading to Phoenix for Saturday night’s NASCAR event. “Up to this point, no manufacturer has built a truck like this. People had to do it themselves, so there’s a definite market out there and I’m excited about it. I’ve been paying attention and watching some of the desert testing that they’ve done and I can’t wait.” Biffle will be driving the F-150 SVT Raptor R being campaigned by former Ford Rough Riders Rob MacCachren and Steve Olliges in all five Best in the Desert races this year. “I’ve never pre-run Baja or anything like that, and I might do that this year, but I’ve never really been in a specific off-road. I’ve watched the stuff on Speed a lot. It looks fun and it looks exciting to do, so I’d like to mess with it a little bit.(Ford Racing PR)(4-9-2009)
West Coast Stock Car Hall of Fame announces inductees: The West Coast Stock Car Hall of Fame has announced 10 new members for induction in ceremonies to be held July 3 at Irwindale Speedway in Southern California. The 2009 class is the sixth in the history of the Hall which inducted its first members in 2002. The Hall, founded in 2001, memorializes significant contributors to the sport’s development and history — including designers, engineers, mechanics, drivers, race track owners, promoters, publicists and members of the motorsports media. The latest group brings the Hall’s membership to 83. The nomination process began earlier this year followed by a final vote by the West Coast Stock Car Hall of Fame’s Board of Directors. Elected in the Historic category (1930 through 1969) are Ben Gregory, brothers Joe and John Fernandez, Bert Letner, Chuck Meekins, Dick Rathman and Art Watts. Inductees from the Modern era (1970 to present) are Chuck Bown, Rick Carelli, Doug George and Wayne Spears.(NASCAR.com)(4-9-2009)
Kenny Wallace to run Cup race? hearing Kenny Wallace and Jay Robinson Racing [#28 in Nationwide Series] has a Sprint Cup car and could run the Sprint Cup race at Darlington Raceway in May.(4-9-2009)
Testing at the Rock: Dennis Setzer tested a Dodge for Richard Petty Motorsports on Rockingham Speedway’s ‘Little Rock’ on Wednesday while three ARCA teams tested on the 1 mile track.(4-9-209)
Steve Park Ready To Get Rolling: Steve Park’s long and successful racing career has taken him all over the map – from his days running the short tracks of the northeast to racing in the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series for Dale Earnhardt Sr. The winding road has had its up and downs, and it has taken him back to the beginning, as he prepares to enter his second season of his second go-around in the NASCAR Camping World Series East. When he first came through the series back in 1996, it was known as the NASCAR Busch North Series and primarily based in the New England and New York. Park took on the likes of Dave Dion, Kelly Moore, and the late Stub Fadden – guys who have made their careers on the bullrings around the region. Fast forward more than a decade later. The series has evolved, stretching from its New England roots down the Atlantic Coast to South Carolina — where the 2009 season will kick off with Saturday’s season opener at the historic Greenville Pickens Speedway. The faces behind the wheel have changed to, as a fresh crop of development drivers look to replace the likes of Joey Logano, Trevor Bayne and Austin Dillon as stars-of-tomorrow who made their mark in the series and are now looking to establish themselves in one of NASCAR’s three national series.(NASCARHomeTracks.com)(4-9-2009)
EGR’s #8 car parked UPDATE: The #8 Sprint Cup Chevy, the centerpiece of Dale Earnhardt Inc. before its merger with Chip Ganassi Racing, is the latest casualty of the economy. Sources close to the situation said officials at Earnhardt Ganassi Racing with Felix Sabates are parking the car driven by Aric Almirola until sponsorship is found. An announcement could come in the next 24 hours. EGR officials were not available for comment, but sources said a handful of employees have been let go, and that number could grow to 40 to 50 before all is said and done. Almirola ranks 37th in owner points heading into next week’s race at Phoenix International Raceway. He is 59 points behind rookie Joey Logano, who occupies the final spot for the top 35 guaranteed a position in each race. Almirola has an average finish of 32.9 this season, finishing no better than 21st in seven races and no better than 33rd the past three. Parking that car leaves EGR with two full-time drivers in Martin Truex Jr. and Juan Pablo Montoya. Sources deny a report that Truex has a clause in his contract that would free him and primary sponsor Bass Pro Shops if he doesn’t have at least two fulltime teammates.(ESPN.com)(4-7-2009)
UPDATE: Earnhardt Ganassi Racing president Steve Lauletta is optimistic the #8 car made famous by Dale Earnhardt Jr. will return to the track one day, but not until sponsorship is found. Lauletta confirmed on Wednesday an ESPN.com report that operations for the car driven by Aric Almirola has been suspended until sponsorship is found. Lauletta would not confirm how many employees were released, but sources said the total would be between 40 and 50. “The plan was to run the 8 all season,” Lauletta said. “We worked really hard to get a few sponsors. We’re working really hard to continue to get it back on the track. But when you’re in the position we’re in where you don’t know what sponsor goes on a car a couple of weeks out, how the team is going to progress in order to race two and three weeks out, it takes a lot of focus away from everybody at the shop.”(ESPN)(4-9-2009)
‘Racing Dreams’ to premiere at the Tribeca Film Festival: ‘Racing Dreams,’ a documentary focusing on kids who dream of one day racing for NASCAR, will be screened at the 2009 Tribeca Film Festival. Racing Dreams, directed by Marshall Curry, who was nominated for an Academy Award for his 2005 documentary, ‘Street Fight,’ will follow three young drivers, aged 11-13, who race extreme karts in the World Karting Association’s National Pavement Series. With races at speeds of 60-70 miles per hour, the series is widely seen as the first step in a career racing for NASCAR. The film will chronicle the young drivers’ successes and frustrations, their relationships and their dreams, shedding light on the vast segment of America that is passionate about racing. The three drivers are Joshua Hobson, Brandon Warren and Annabeth Barnes. Barnes has been part of NASCAR’s Drive for Diversity program. “The motivation and talent these kids demonstrate is incredible, and this is an inspiring look at their passion and drive,” said Ben Goldhirsh, Founder and CEO of GOOD, the production company. “The opportunity to work with like-minded individuals like Marshall Curry, allows us to create relevant, entertaining and stimulating content for a broader audience.”(Newsday)
Tire test at New Hampshire: UPDATE: there is a scheduled Goodyear Tire Test at New Hampshire on Tues. and Wed. this week [April 7-8], with drivers scheduled being: #24-Jeff Gordon (Chevy); #18-Kyle Busch (Toyota), #6-David Ragan (Ford) and #12-David Stremme (Dodge)(4-6-2009)
UDPATE: Weather has been a real problem during the two-day Goodyear tire test at New Hampshire Motor Speedway. Because of rain Tuesday, #24-Jeff Gordon, #18-Kyle Busch, #12-David Stremme and #6-David Ragan got on to the one-mile track for only about an hour. On Wednesday, they were turning laps with winds gusting up to 25 mph and the temperature 41 degrees.(PRN Garage Pass)(4-8-2009)
Richard Petty Motorsports announced that Hunt Brothers Pizza will sponsor AJ Allmendinger’s #44 Dodge for six races plus the All-Star race in the 2009 NASCAR Sprint Cup season. The announcement extends Allmendinger’s season through the Sept. 12 Richmond race. The Petty team remains committed to racing Allmendinger in a full season of competition if its success in generating sponsorship continues. “This is awesome news,” said Allmendinger who is 20th in the point standings despite entering the year outside the top 35. “I want to thank Hunt Brothers Pizza for coming on board and supporting us. I know our fans and NASCAR fans in general certainly appreciate all they are doing for the sport. We plan to give Hunt Brothers Pizza a lot to talk about in the coming weeks.” Hunt Brothers Pizza said its interest in Allmendinger and the Petty team would be a huge hit with its team members as well as their customers in over 6,000 locations across the country. “Partnering with Richard Petty Motorsports is exciting for everyone involved with Hunt Brothers”, said Scott Hunt, CEO of Hunt Brothers Pizza. “We feel blessed to be in a position to support AJ while connecting with our convenience store customers, many of whom are NASCAR fans. Getting the opportunity to work with “The King” Mr. Richard Petty, AJ Allmendinger and all the professionals at Richard Petty Motorsports, offers us a unique opportunity. We are excited and looking forward to seeing the Hunt Brothers Dodge on the track.” Tom Reddin, CEO at Richard Petty Motorsports: “AJ has done a heck of a job placing the #44 in the top 20, and we’ve been able to form some great partnerships along the way with Hunt Brothers Pizza, Dodge, Valvoline, Charter Communications, Harrah’s, Super 8 Hotels and Paralyzed Veterans of America,” said Reddin. “The success we are having on and off the track has helped us extend our schedule for the 44 team at least through the second Richmond race, and with a little help from some additional partners, we should have a good shot at making a successful full season. We think the on-track performance of the 44 team, AJ’s personality, and all the assets of the Richard Petty Motorsports organization makes this team a very attractive and unique opportunity for potential partners.” Allmendinger will race the Hunt Brothers Pizza paint scheme April 26 at Talladega, May 16 in the All-Star race and May 24 in The Coke 600 at Lowe’s Motor Speedway, July 11 in Chicagoland, Aug. 22 in Bristol, Sept. 6 in Atlanta, and Sept. 12 in Richmond. Allmendinger joined the Petty team for the final five races of the 2008 season. The Los Gatos, Calif. native is a five-time victor in open wheel racing who made the switch to NASCAR two years ago.(Richard Petty Motorsports PR), see images of the scheme on the #44 Team Schemes page.(4-8-2009)
www.jayski.com/schemes/2009/44cup.htm
Jeff Gordon involved in Niagara Race Track: New details surrounding a proposed $200-million, 65,000-seat international motor speedway in Fort Erie [Ontario, Canada] have surfaced. An article published in the inaugural edition of Professional Motorsport Circuit, an international trade journal, says NASCAR driver Jeff Gordon is involved with the project. Gordon’s name has been tagged with a signature speedway and a driving school that’s part of the proposal. The article was written by Azhar Mohammad – executive director of Emirates Consulting, a Toronto-based subsidiary of Kuwaiti-based investment bank Bayt Al Mal Investment Co., that is financially backing the project. Mohammad could not be reached for comment Tuesday. “After carefully studying the pitfalls and successes of motor-sport initiatives in the North American market for almost two years, (Bayt Al Mal Investment Co.) assembled a high-profile team,” the article states. “The team was spearheaded by multi-NASCAR champion Jeff Gordon, flanked by Paxton Waters Architecture, Derek Daly Design, and Philips Engineering, and supported by a host of local and international strategic partners.” Last October, plans were announced for a motor speedway on lands near the QEW, between Gilmore Road and Bowen Road. Bayt Al Mal, which has been assembling more than 600 acres of land for the project, has done numerous environmental, planning and engineering studies to support its application and has invested several million dollars. The proposal is working its way through the Town of Fort Erie’s planning department. Fort Erie Mayor Doug Martin confirmed there has been talks with Gordon’s representatives. “We have met with them at the region, they have been here,” Martin said Tuesday. “Through the proposal that’s obviously coming on, we were aware that (Bayt Al Mal) were in talks with Jeff Gordon’s (people).”(Niagara Falls Review)(4-8-2009)
Tickets Remain for Subway Fresh Fit 500 at Phoenix: The high-speed intensity of NASCAR action at Phoenix International Raceway is merely one week away, and tickets remain on sale for each night of racing in the Subway Fresh Fit 500 event weekend. Select grandstand seats and pre-race pit passes are available, and can be purchased online at www.phoenixraceway.com or over the phone at 1-866-408-RACE (7223). Tickets are available for PIR’s newest hospitality offering, Budweiser ROLL-BAR. Featuring live music and NASCAR-themed entertainment, the innovative hospitality environment will include a special VIP section for guests and a beer garden area to house the #9 Budweiser Dodge of Kasey Kahne. Guests of Budweiser ROLL-BAR will be treated to driver appearances throughout the weekend, including an appearance by Kahne at the Grand Opening party on Friday, April 17. Phoenix International Raceway has teamed with three-time defending Sprint Cup champion Jimmie Johnson to create a ticketing option that provides unique, once-in-a-lifetime interactive opportunities, as well as a charitable donation. For $148, fans purchasing the Jimmie Johnson Foundation Experience Package will receive a grandstand ticket to the Subway Fresh Fit 500 and admission to a special question-and-answer session with Johnson, along with a pre-race pit pass and a special gift. $48 of every package purchased will be donated to the Jimmie Johnson Foundation and its partner programs. For added convenience, the PIR Ticket Office will open from 9am to 3:30pm on Saturday, April 11 and Sunday, April 12, giving race fans more time to buy tickets in person in the days before the green flag. Normal weekday ticket office hours in the days leading up to the event are 8am to 5pm. The Phoenix International Raceway Ticket Office is located at 125 S. Avondale Boulevard, just south of I-10 at Exit 131 in Avondale.(PIR PR)(4-9-2009)
Kevin Harvick Will Wave the Green Flag at the Carolina 200: Kevin Harvick will be atop of the flagstand at the start of the ARCA RE/MAX Series Carolina 200 race at the Rockingham Speedway on April 19th and will wave the green flag to begin the highly anticipated race. Harvick’s part time Nationwide Series driver, Tony Stewart had the honor during last season’s ARCA race at the historic track. Kevin Harvick Incorporated will also field a car in the Carolina 200 with Ricky Carmichael getting his first laps at the one-mile speedway. For more information about the Carolina 200 or to order tickets, please contact the speedway at (910) 205-8800 or visit our website at www.rockinghamspeedway.com.(4-9-2009)
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Courtesy of Racin’ Today
Cowboy Hats To Have Their Day at Indy 500
By Larry Woody | Senior Writer
RacinToday.com
There’s gotta be some mistake. I didn’t know they raced Pony-acks at Indy.
But I’ve re-read the story – real slow, moving my lips and everything – and that’s what it …
www.racintoday.com/archives/1348
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Your ad could be displayed here… very reasonable rates. E-mail Mike@MotorSportsNews.Net
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Courtesy of That’s Racin’
Lack of sponsorship parks EGR’s No. 8 car
Aric Almirola became NASCAR’s latest casualty of the economic crisis when Earnhardt-Ganassi Racing was forced to park the No. 8 car because of a lack of sponsorship.
www.thatsracin.com/115/story/6695.html
Timely message as zMax street racing opens
David Poole: The grassroots TV franchise for Speed Network is on hand to promote “Pinks All Out,” and send a message about where street racing is appropriate, on the heels of tragic death last weekend.
www.thatsracin.com/137/story/6689.html
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P R E S S * R E L E A S E S
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Reutimann, Wallace and Riggs on Track Talk on April 9th
Tune in each week as Race 2 Win’s Jeff Holtzclaw joins Greg DePalma and Heather Meyer for Track Talk Motorsports Radio on the Prime Sports Network – www.primesportsnetwork.com. Track Talk airs live every Thursday afternoon from 1:00 – 3:00 pm ET.
David Reutimann, driver of the No. 00 Aaron’s Dream Machine Toyota who is fresh off of his pole-winning performance at Texas Motor Speedway, Kenny Wallace, driver of the No. 28 U.S. Border Patrol Chevrolet and co-host of the popular RaceDay and Victory Lane programs on SPEED, along with Scott Riggs, driver of the No. 36 Toyota for Tommy Baldwin Racing – who missed last week’s show due to unforeseen circumstances – will be this week’s special guests on the April 9th edition of the program. The Track Talk crew will also delve into round three of the G.O.A.T. (Greatest of All Time) tournament where the matchups will be Junior Johnson vs. Carl Edwards and Ned Jarrett vs. Dale Jarrett.
If you have a question for any of our guests – or to cast your G.O.A.T. vote – send an email to nascar@primesportsnetwork.com or call the toll-free line at 1-877-266-1909 during the live broadcast.
The April 2nd edition of Track Talk featured special guests Alli Owens, driver of the No. 19 ARCA car for Eddie D’Hondt, and former drag racer and philanthropist Darrell Gwynn. Lee Petty defeated Rusty Wallace and Terry Labonte took the win over brother Bobby Labonte in round two of the Track Talk G.O.A.T. tourney. Did we make the right choices? Let us know by email.
Listen to the archive or download the podcast of these, or any episodes, anytime at PrimeSportsNetwork.com or on iTunes – itunes.apple.com/WebObjects/MZStore.woa/wa/viewPodcast?id=305572488.
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Hunt Brothers Pizza To Sponsor AJ Allmendinger in Six Races & All Star Race
Petty Team’s No. 44 Dodge Will Race Through September Richmond Race
STATESVILLE, N.C. – Richard Petty Motorsports announced today that Hunt Brothers Pizza will sponsor AJ Allmendinger’s No.44 Dodge for six races plus the All-Star race in the 2009 NASCAR Sprint Cup season.
The announcement extends Allmendinger’s season through the Sept. 12 Richmond race. The Petty team remains committed to racing Allmendinger in a full season of competition if its success in generating sponsorship continues.
Allmendinger will race the Hunt Brothers Pizza paint scheme April 26 at Talladega, May 16 in the All-Star race and May 24 in The Coke 600 at Lowe’s Motor Speedway, July 11 in Chicagoland, Aug. 22 in Bristol, Sept. 6 in Atlanta, and Sept. 12 in Richmond. Allmendinger joined the Petty team for the final five races of the 2008 season. The Los Gatos, Calif. native is a five-time victor in open wheel racing who made the switch to NASCAR two years ago.
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IN SEARCH FOR REAL FANS: The online contest announced by Dale Earnhardt Jr., Mark Martin and Brad Keselowski at Daytona in February is officially underway, as Hellmann’s has teamed up with NASCAR to find the biggest, most loyal fans with the Hellmann’s NASCAR Real Fan of the Year contest. Fans can enter for a chance to receive a VIP trip for two to Charlotte, N.C. to meet Earnhardt Jr., and finalists will see their faces on the No. 88 JR Motorsports Chevrolet during the October Nationwide Series race at Lowe’s Motor Speedway. For more details, log on to www.RealFanOfTheYear.com (No purchase necessary. Must be 18 to enter. Void where prohibited. Ends 8/31/09. Go to www.RealFanOfTheYear.com for complete rules.)
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RACING RETURNS TO THE FAMED MONTGOMERY MOTOR SPEEDWAY!
After a three year absence, racing returns to the legendary half mile Montgomery Motor Speedway!
The Knox family from Clanton, Alabama put up a great fight to rescue this beautiful, historic speedway from land developers to race once again!
The speedway was already one of the best facilities in the country with Musco lighting, concrete pit lane & wall, inside and outside walls and fences but now the final element has been put into place… new grandstands. The Knox family owns Shelby Concrete and has constructed an awesome set of grandstands with a concrete base while utilizing the aluminum seats and backs from the former Birmingham International Raceway.
Join us to usher in a new era of racing in Alabama with the Dennie & Lois Rewis 100 lap Super Late Model race on April 25th. This race will honor Dennie & Lois for over 40 years of service to Montgomery Motor Speedway.
Log on to www.superstarsracing.com or www.montgomerymotorspeedway.com for more information.
(courtesy of Dale Terry)
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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
NEXT RACE: Nationwide Series 300, 3:00pm/et, Saturday, April 11, 2009 at Nashville Superspeedway
www.jayski.com/nationwide/2009/next/06nashville.htm
Entry List: UPDATE: There are 48 cars on the preliminary entry list for Saturday’s Nationwide Series 300 at Nashville Superspeedway. Some notes:
No driver for the #0 has been announced;
Brian Scott will be in the #10 for Todd Braun;
Ricky Stenhouse Jr. makes his series debut in the Roush Fenway #16;
Stephen Leicht runs his first race of the season in the #29;
Tim Andrews will attempt to make his seires debut in the Rick Ware #31;
Kelly Bires is in the #33 for Kevin Harvick, Inc.;
Jeremy Clements is entered in his #50;
Benny Gordon returns to the series in his #72;
Ryan Hackett will make his first attempt of the year in the #76;
D.J. Kennington returns to the Mac Donald Motorsports #81;
The complete list is posted on the Nashville Race Page.(4-6-2009)
UPDATE: Mark Green will drive the #0 for Johnny Davis.(4-7-2009)
www.jayski.com/nationwide/2009/next/06nashville.htm#entry
Nationwide Series Live from Nashville on ESPN: The NASCAR Nationwide Series takes center stage this weekend with an event at Nashville Superspeedway, and the series will make its first appearance of the season on ESPN for a live, high definition telecast of the 300-mile race on Saturday, April 11, at 3 p.m. ET. The telecast is presented by Pennzoil. ESPN2 is the home of the NASCAR Nationwide Series all season, with selected races on ESPN and ABC. The race re-airs Sunday, April 12, at noon on ESPN Classic.
The race is the first of four events that make up the Nationwide Insurance Dash 4 Cash, a competition program involving four stand-alone races on the NASCAR Nationwide Series this season and providing Nationwide Series drivers an opportunity to race for their own bonus program. In the Nashville race, if an eligible driver takes the victory, he will receive an additional $25,000 bonus from Nationwide. At the end of the season, the eligible driver with the highest accumulated points from the four races will win an additional $50,000.
Marty Reid will be the lap-by-lap announcer for ESPN’s coverage from Nashville, joined in the booth for analysis by Rusty Wallace and Andy Petree. Dave Burns, Jamie Little, Mike Massaro and Shannon Spake will report from the pits, while Tim Brewer will be in the ESPN Craftsman Tech Garage.
Allen Bestwick will host the pre-race NASCAR Countdown program with analysis by Wallace and Brad Daugherty in the ESPN pit studio.
ESPN2 will televise NASCAR Nationwide Series final practice from Nashville on Friday, April 10, at 6 p.m., as well as qualifying on Saturday at 11 a.m.(ESPN PR)(4-6-2009)
Nationwide on the #01 at Nashville: Nationwide Insurance will be co-primary sponsor with www.sponsordavis.com as associate at Nashville on the #01 for Johnny Davis and driver Danny O’Quinn.(Hufco Promotion / Johnny Davis PR)(4-8-2009)
Aldean on the #11 at Nashville: The #11 entry will go country this weekend as Jason Aldean’s new album Wide Open will be displayed on the hood of the America’s Incredible Pizza Company race car.(CJM Racing PR)(4-8-2009)
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Courtesy of The Hot Lap
NASCAR Nationwide Series drivers Brendan Gaughan (#62 South Point Hotel & Casino Chevrolet) and Scott Wimmer (#40 Chevrolet) went from behind the wheel to behind the reel yesterday off the coast of Virginia Beach, Virginia. In the area to promote the Lipton Tea 250 NASCAR Nationwide Series race at Richmond International Raceway on Friday, May 1, the drivers had an adventurous excursion in the Chesapeake Bay Read more (RIR) (04-08-09)
thehotlap.com/modules.php?name=Press_Releases&op=view&rid=3413
Leffler to Take on Media Members and Toyota Drivers for the Go-karting Crown: Jason Leffler and crew chief, Scott Zipadelli, will go up against members of the media and Toyota drivers for the go-karting crown on Thursday night from 6-7:30pm at Cedar Creek Sports Center in Mt. Juliet, Tenn. Other participants include Leffler’s Braun Racing teammate, Burney Lamar, and his crew chief, Trent Owens, Joey Logano and Michael McDowell. Read more (BR)
thehotlap.com/modules.php?name=Press_Releases&op=view&rid=3408
You may think you have double vision this weekend when two Dollar General Toyotas take the green flag for Saturday afternoon’s Pepsi 300! Brian Scott will pilot the No. 10 Dollar General Camry and Brentwood, Tenn. – resident Burney Lamar will drive the No. 32 Dollar General Camry for Braun Racing. Brian Scott Making his Nationwide Series Debut in the No. 10 Dollar General Toyota.This weekend’s Pepsi 300 will mark Scott’s Nationwide Series debut. The Boise, Idaho-native is currently in his second year of full-time competition in the Camping World Truck Series for Xpress Motorsports. (BR)
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Scott Wimmer Shifts Into Survival Mode
By Rick Minter | Senior Writer
Fame and good fortune can be fleeting things, especially in racing. Scott Wimmer knows all about that. He’s shown flashes of brilliance behind the wheel in NASCAR’s top divisions, but he can’t seem to capitalize on them.
www.racintoday.com/archives/1342
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Good Morning with Burney! Burney Lamar, driver of the No. 32 Dollar General Toyota, will appear on Tennessee Mornings (Fox 17, Nashville) on Thursday, April 9th, 2009. The morning show is broadcast from 7-9am.
Vanderbilt University visit: Lamar and crew chief, Trent Owens, will visit with Vanderbilt University School of Engineering students on Thursday, April 9th, from 1-3 pm. They will tour the School of Engineering’s motorsports facility and give advice to students as they prepare their formula-style race car for the upcoming collegiate competitions in Virginia, April 22-25, and in Michigan, May 13-16. The visit is part a unique program developed by Braun Racing and Dollar General Corp. with the School of Engineering that was announced in January.
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Nashville Superspeedway gives fans access for a price
The Tennessean – Nashville,TN,USA
Season tickets are $149 for two Nationwide races and a Camping World Truck Series race. After this weekend, all-access passes will be available for the two …
www.tennessean.com/article/20090408/SPORTS09/904080425/1002/SPORTS
First ‘Dash 4 Cash’ adds incentive for drivers in Nashville race
Who is that? That’s Jamie Mcmurray. He is a true diamond in the …
Nascar – USA
In 2001 and 2002, he competed full-time in the NASCAR Nationwide Series, driving the #27 Williams Travel Centers Chevrolet Monte Carlo for Brewco …
community.nascar.com/blogs/70524
‘Sperienced Keller eager as ever to hit the …
Nashville City Paper – Nashville,TN,USA
While Keller has made the most starts in the history of the Busch/Nationwide Series, he has never won the championship in his 18 years on the circuit. …
www.nashvillecitypaper.com/news.php?viewStory=67400
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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
Camping World looks forward to the long term sponsor relationship we have arranged with the NASCAR Truck Series and firmly deny we have any interest in departing and have not been informed of any discussions about replacement. The Camping World East/West Series sponsorship ends in 2009, per our announcement last November. Additionally, when Camping World signed the NCWTS deal in 2008, we were already committed to Ron Hornaday for a partial schedule in 2009. The decision was made to focus all our efforts and resources into one entire series to benefit all teams rather than one particular team. As a result, we have been diligently working with KHI and introducing new companies into the series using the sponsorship inventory we are committed to in 2009.”(Camping World PR)(4-8-2009)
Lori Hamilton urges cancer screenings during Oral, Head & Neck Cancer Awareness Week: For the second year in a row, Lori Hamilton, wife of late NASCAR racing legend Bobby Hamilton, is urging Americans to get screened for cancer during the 2009 Oral, Head & Neck Cancer Awareness Week (OHANCAW), being held nationwide April 27 – May 3. In addition to the more than 150 sites nationwide that annually offer free oral, head and neck cancer screenings during OHANCAW, screenings also are being offered at select NASCAR races this year, including the Allstate 400 at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway on July 26, 2009. Further information about the free screenings can be found at OHANCAW.com.(PR Newswire)(4-8-2009)
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Courtesy of TruckSeries.Com
CARELLI: Induction into West Coast Stock Car HoF
04-08-2009 | TruckSeries.com
Ten set for induction into West Coast Stock Car Hall of Fame…
www.truckseries.com/cgi-script/NCTS_09/articles/000003/000336.htm
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A R C A (Automobile Racing Club of America)
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Courtesy of ARCA
Weds. Talladega Testing Wrap-up
TALLADEGA, Ala. (April 8, 2009)–Day one of a two-day ARCA RE/MAX Series Open Test at Talladega Superspeedway concluded on Wednesday with Cartersville, Georgia’s Mark Thompson, in a Venturini Motorsports-prepared Toyota, at the top of the speed charts among close to 20 testers.
www.arcaracing.com/news.cfm?contentid=7807
Talladega Morning Testing Complete: Venturini’s Mark Thompson Fast
TALLADEGA, Ala. (4-8-09)–ARCA RE/MAX Series veteran Mark Thompson, in a Venturini Motorsports Toyota, topped 17 drivers who took times during the first session of a two-day ARCA RE/MAX Series test at Talladega Superspeedway on Wednesday afternoon.
www.arcaracing.com/news.cfm?contentid=7803
Local Alabama Racer Enfinger Tests at Talladega Superspeedway
Charlotte, (April 8, 2009) – The dream of racing at Talladega Superspeedway will be closer to a reality for Fairhope, Ala., native Grant Enfinger during Wednesday and Thursday’s ARCA RE/MAX Series Open Test.
www.arcaracing.com/news.cfm?contentid=7802
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N A S C A R * C A N A D I A N * T I R E * S E R I E S
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Kawartha and Brighton Speedway drivers head to Cobourg’s …
Inside Track Motorsport News – Toronto,Ontario,Canada
Highlights of the year include the American-Canadian Tour Summer Sizzler Sunday, July 12th and the NASCAR Canadian Tire Series season finale Saturday, …
insidetracknews.blogspot.com/2009/04/kawartha-and-brighton-speedway-drivers.html
Rye student lives in the fast lane
The Eyeopener – Toronto,Ontario,Canada
Now 23, he is gearing up for his fourth season of racing in the Canadian Tire Series. A typical race day for McColm means showing up early to the track, …
www.theeyeopener.com/articles/4112-Rye-student-lives-in-the-fast-lane
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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
insiderracingnews.com/Writers/DD/040909.html
Lousy Economy Swallows Up The No. 8 Team
by Doug Demmons
Insider Racing News
insiderracingnews.com/Writers/BW/040909.html
Can Kyle Busch Crack Nashville Superspeedway?
by Brian Watkins
The Nascar Insiders
TheNASCARInsiders.com: One Year In The Books
I can’t believe it. Today, April 9th, 2009 is the first birthday for TNI.
feedproxy.google.com/~r/TheNascarInsiders/~3/9MO5kUG6wzg/
NASCAR Top 10 Power Rankings: Texas
Jeff Gordon: Gordon snapped his 47-race winless streak, winning the Samsung 500 for his first win since October of 2007. Gordon, in the #24 Chevy sporting a special National Guard paint scheme, used a quick pit stop during the race’s final caution to go from third to first…
www.speedwaymedia.com/Articles/09/040909Boswell.asp
The World Doesn’t Revolve Around NASCAR: My, how the mighty have fallen
NASCAR isn’t the only racing series to have their ranks decimated by the economic recession, but since NASCAR gets the lion’s share of the media coverage, it’s kind of hard to remember that folks are hurting in almost every type of racing venue.
www.speedwaymedia.com/Articles/09/040909VanZandt.asp
Some NASCAR Series Still Get No TV Coverage
During a week where NASCAR needed as much positive energy as possible hopes were running high that in this third season of ESPN2’s NASCAR Now there might be some changes. Unfortunately, there were not.
dalyplanet.blogspot.com/2009/04/some-nascar-series-still-get-no-tv.html
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T V * L I S T I N G S
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Courtesy of Race Fan TV
THURSDAY, APRIL 9
4:30P-5:00 espn2 NASCAR Now, HD, L
FRIDAY, APRIL 10
5:30P-6:00 espn2 NASCAR Now, HD, L
6:00P-7:30 espn2 NASCAR Nationwide Series FINAL PRACTICE, Pepsi 300, Nashville Superspeedway, HD, L
SATURDAY, APRIL 11
11:00A-1:00P espn2/TSN2 NASCAR Nationwide Series QUALIFYING, Pepsi 300, Nashville Superspeedway, HD, L
3:00P-4:00 ESPN/TSN2 NASCAR Nationwide Series COUNTDOWN, Pepsi 300, Nashville Superspeedway, HD, L
4:00P-7:00 ESPN/TSN2 NASCAR Nationwide Series Pepsi 300, Nashville Superspeedway, HD, L (expect green at 4:15P)
10:00P-11:00 SPEED AMA PRO Prime Time: American Superbike from Road Atlanta, Braselton, GA, Apr 5/09, N
SUNDAY, APRIL 12 (EASTER)
7:00P-8:00 SPEED The SPEED Report, HD, N
8:00P-9:00 SPEED FIM 250 World Championship Commercialbank Grand Prix of Qatar, Losail International Racetrack, Doha, Qatar, SDD, N
9:00P-10:00 SPEED Wind Tunnel with Dave Despain, HD, L
10:00P-11:00 SPEED FIM MotoGP World Championship Commercialbank Grand Prix of Qatar, Losail International Racetrack, Doha, Qatar, SDD, N
RFTV does not list all the programming offered by SPEED; for complete listings go to their website, www.speedtv.com/schedule/
Always CHECK YOUR LOCAL LISTINGS!
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The Stock Car Gazette
Copyright 2002-2009 by MotorSportsNews.Net
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