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Friday’s here… my last day of full time work, for a while, anyway. Due to this, my schedule is going to change somewhat. For example, I will not be getting up at 4:45 AM each morning. I will probably get up at 7:00 or so, which means that your morning Stock Car Gazette might be arriving a little later than you’re used to. |
By the way, if you’re one of those folks who’s missing the “old time” NASCAR racing, I would recommend that you check out the Camping World Series racing, which corresponds to the old “Busch North” and “Busch West” series. Our Nationwide Series was technically “Busch South”. I caught a race that I had DVRd from Tri-County Speedway, Hudson, NC, last night, and it was awesome. It was short track racing at its very best. There was lots of banging and so forth, but the racing was very clean for the most part, and exciting. The winner was Matt DiBenedetto, a development driver for Joe Gibbs Racing. Check it out the next time it’s on.
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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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The Stock Car Gazette is sponsored by:
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E d i t o r ‘ s * N o t e s
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Friday’s here… my last day of full time work, for a while, anyway. Due to this, my schedule is going to change somewhat. For example, I will not be getting up at 4:45 AM each morning. I will probably get up at 7:00 or so, which means that your morning Stock Car Gazette might be arriving a little later than you’re used to.
By the way, if you’re one of those folks who’s missing the “old time” NASCAR racing, I would recommend that you check out the Camping World Series racing, which corresponds to the old “Busch North” and “Busch West” series. Our Nationwide Series was technically “Busch South”. I caught a race that I had DVRd from Tri-County Speedway, Hudson, NC, last night, and it was awesome. It was short track racing at its very best. There was lots of banging and so forth, but the racing was very clean for the most part, and exciting. The winner was Matt DiBenedetto, a development driver for Joe Gibbs Racing. Check it out the next time it’s on.
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Stock Car Gazette Columnists Speak Out!
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http://motorsportsnews.net/archives/3568
Richmond – Who’s Hot and Who’s Not
by: Mike Wells
Richmond produced a wild finish this time last year. Dale Earnhardt Jr. was on a 71 race drought and within just 3 laps of a victory when he slammed into the wall in turn 3 after Kyle Busch slid up the track into his No. 88 as they both battled for the lead on lap 398. Kyle was showered with beer cans over the catch fence as the cars circled the track under caution before the green white checkered.
For more from Mike, please visit http://motorsportsnews.net/archives/category/water-from-the-wells
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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 Google Alerts
Deal helps get Finch back to Victory Lane
ThatsRacin.com – USA
While he loves the sport of stock car racing, only a dozen times in almost 600 starts has he ever had a car make the trip to Victory Lane. …
http://www.thatsracin.com/115/story/8092.html
Flap over safety is no laughing matter
Daily Mail – Charleston – Charleston,WV,USA
NASCAR stock cars are equipped with roof flaps, aerodynamic devices designed to counteract a spinning car’s tendency to act like a wing and fly off the …
http://www.dailymail.com/Sports/200904291042
NASCAR: Richmond can be home to chaotic finishes, too
Atlanta Journal Constitution – GA, USA
Earnhardt was two laps away from victory last spring. Kyle Busch nudge gave Bowyer the win. By Bill Marx Sunday’s wild finish at Talladega has been the talk …
http://www.ajc.com/services/content/printedition/2009/05/01/nascar0501.html
Poole’s family and friends gather – by the hundreds
ThatsRacin.com – USA
NASCAR drivers and officials. Former subjects of Poole’s stories. Golf buddies. Friends from his church. Competitors from the NASCAR media beat, …
http://www.thatsracin.com/158/story/8097.html
NASCAR crash like that at Talladega unlikely at Richmond
Richmond Times Dispatch – Richmond,VA,USA
By Joe Macenka A car traveling at about 180 mph loses control, goes airborne and helicopters off the catch fence during a NASCAR race at Talladega …
http://www.timesdispatch.com/rtd/sports/motor_sports/nextel/article/SAFE01_20090430-223309/265055/
NASCAR shouldn’t blame drivers for unsafe conditions at Talladega …
The Plain Dealer – cleveland.com – Cleveland,OH,USA
In the aftermath of Sunday’s race at Talladega, NASCAR vowed to analyze what happened and what it could do to avoid similar wrecks from happening again. …
http://www.cleveland.com/sportsflash/index.ssf?/base/sports-12/124114814199950.xml&storylist=sports
Video: Teen Soap Box Derby Racer Defeats NASCAR Champion
PR Newswire (press release) – New York,NY,USA
AKRON, Ohio, April 30 /PRNewswire/ — 15-year-old Tyler Shoff defeated NASCAR champion Greg Biffle by more than three car lengths in the Fuel Max Challenge, …
http://sev.prnewswire.com/transportation-trucking-railroad/20090430/NY0845730042009-1.html
Sponsorships remain key for NASCAR
Richmond Times Dispatch – Richmond,VA,USA
Nearly a third of the way through the NASCAR season, a number of Sprint Cup, Nationwide and Camping World Truck series teams are still scrambling to secure …
http://www.timesdispatch.com/rtd/sports/motor_sports/article/SPON01_20090430-214504/264943/
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Courtesy of Insider Racing News
http://www.insiderracingnews.com
Colorado Moves To Attract NASCAR
Colorado took a big step closer to being able to attract a NASCAR racetrack when the House approved a legislative proposal Wednesday that would allow the first-ever state-funded package of incentives geared toward attracting major tourism projects. Senate Bill 173 won final approval on a 46-19 vote one day after extensive floor debate over whether it was an economic-development tool or corporate welfare. Twenty-three Republicans and 23 Democrats backed the measure, while 15 Democrats and four Republicans opposed it. The proposal allows city and county governments to enter into agreements with the Colorado Economic Development Commission to set up special enterprise zones around potential locations for tourism-generating projects. The governments would set a baseline amount of state sales tax collected currently within those zones and put any new tax revenue above that line to improving the infrastructure of the area or even toward helping to build the private tourism facilities. A main goal of bill backers is bringing a NASCAR track to the Aurora area.
Chrysler To File For Bankruptcy
Chrysler will file for bankruptcy after talks with a small group of creditors crumbled just a day before a government deadline for the automaker to come up with a restructuring plan, President Barack Obama said Thursday. The Obama administration said it had long hoped to stave off bankruptcy for the nation’s third largest automaker, but it became clear that a holdout group wouldn’t budge on proposals to reduce Chrysler’s $6.9 billion in secured debt. Clearing those debts was a needed step for Chrysler to restructure by the Thursday deadline. Chrysler will file for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection in New York, giving Chrysler time to galvanize a partnership with the Italian car maker Fiat Group SpA. The government, which has already poured $4 billion in loans into Chrysler, would provide up to $8 billion more to carry the company through bankruptcy, said senior administration officials speaking on condition of anonymity. The government will also help appoint a new board of directors.
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Courtesy of Jayski
http://www.jayski.com
Kyle Busch wins Hamlin charity event: Denny Hamlin spent much of last night chasing after Joe Gibbs Racing teammate Kyle Busch at Southside Speedway. Busch, assuming the lead on Lap 11 when pole-sitter Chris Dodson suffered mechanical failure, led the final 165 laps to win this charity event for the second year in a row. And while Hamlin couldn’t pull ahead of Busch, his foundation may have finished ahead of expectations during his Short Track Showdown, which benefits the Denny Hamlin Foundation. “It was a great night, and we doubled what we did last year,” Hamlin said. “It shows what great fans there are here.” Hamlin may have exceeded his goal of raising $100,000 — twice as much as the foundation earned in the inaugural showdown last year. The foundation received 100 percent of the gate receipts. Hamlin highlighted an all-star charity event that included JGR Sprint Cup rookie Joey Logano, two-time Cup champion Tony Stewart and 1983 Cup champion Bobby Allison, who served as grand marshal. (Richmond Times Dispatch)(5-1-2009)
Combos colors for the #18 at RIR: The Combos colors will adorn the #18 Joe Gibbs Racing Toyota of Kyle Busch this weekend ay Richmond for the first and only time in 2009. The orange Combo’s scheme turned out to be good luck in its only appearance for Busch in 2008, where he won the June event at Dover. Combos is giving guys the chance to upgrade their favorite manly hangouts with the Combos “Ultimate Man Zone Sweepstakes.” The Combo’s Man Zone will be on hand in the fan midway this weekend at Richmond.(JGR PR), see an image of the scheme on my #18 Team Schemes page.(5-1-2009) http://www.jayski.com/schemes/2009/18cup.htm
Cheez-It scheme returns for Martin: Cheez-It again will adorn the hood of the #5 Chevy of Mark Martin this weekend. Cheez-It was also on the hood at Texas Motor Speedway in April where the the #5 Chevy finished sixth. Cheez-It has two more races with the #5 team this year: Darlington in May and Pocono in August.(HMS PR), see images of the scheme on my #5 Team Schemes page.(5-1-2009) http://www.jayski.com/schemes/2009/5cup.htm
Edwards joins up ro help fight hunger: #99-Carl Edwards is scheduled to announce four GroGood edible gardens planted at the Richmond International Raceway. The gardens, a part of the GroGood Campaign, created in partnership with The Scotts Miracle-Gro Company, Plant a Row for the Hungry and Feeding America, will provide fresh produce to those at risk for hunger in the Richmond area. Fans can also take the GroGood pledge during race weekend at the ScottsMiracle-Gro display adjacent to the hospitality pavilion to “grow a garden for the greater good.” Each person who takes the pledge will receive a reusable GroGood grocery bag (while supplies last). To launch the GroGood pledge campaign, The Scotts Miracle-Gro Company will donate 1 million pounds of produce to Feeding America and call on Americans to help double that donation by pledging to grow and donate an additional 1 million pounds of fresh produce to help feed those at risk for hunger. For more information or to take the pledge, please visit www.GroGood.com.(PR)(5-1-2009)
Andretti and Front Row Motorsports Head to Richmond: “Richmond is a favorite of a lot of guys. It’s a short track, but it’s a ‘bigger’ short track too. It’s unique in a lot of ways. It will wear your neck out more than Bristol will. You never stop turning at Richmond. The whole straightaway is a turn. The only rest you get is about the two seconds you go down the back. I like the fact that it’s a ‘racers’ track. I think a lot of guys agree. You can race down at the bottom, run the middle or run the top. You never know where the race is going to be won. It’s been won from all three. It’s a great little track. There is ‘rooting’ and ‘gouging’, but this isn’t Martinsville. We can put on a great show and usually always do. I’m sure after Talladega, a bunch of us are looking forward to it. Our team, Front Row Motorsports with Window World support this weekend, has overachieved in some areas and underachieved in others. We’re looking at the areas that we can get better and trying to capitalize on that. We’re still a new race team. People have spoken about the new teams that have come in this season, but this is a whole new team too. Sure, Front Row Motorsports has been around for while, but this is a whole new team. We have a new location (Statesville, N.C.), new people, new parts, different equipment and a lot of good things going on. The only thing that is the same is the team name, Front Row Motorsports and Bob Jenkins (team owner). We’re getting our legs underneath us. We’re a July, August team. I don’t mean we’re going to be chasing down Hendrick Motorsports at that time, but we’re certainly going to be making strides forward at that point. Right now, it’s one race at a time. The next race is in Richmond. Our hope is to have another good night and continue to build with this team.” This is the last race before Andretti takes a hiatus from Front Row Motorsports to concentrate on the Indianapolis 500 in May. Front Row Motorsports will continue to race at Darlington and Lowe’s with a driver to be announced.(Breaking Limits PR)(5-1-2009)
Richmond Tire Notes: Teams in both the NASCAR Sprint Cup and Nationwide Series will run the same tire codes at Richmond this week . . . this is the same exact combination of left- and right-side tires that teams in these two series ran at Phoenix two weeks ago . . . this tire set-up was tested by A.J. Allmendinger (Dodge), Joey Logano (Toyota), Jamie McMurray (Ford) and Martin Truex Jr. (Chevrolet) at Phoenix back in January . . . this left-side tire (D-4240) is slightly different than the one run at Richmond last season, featuring a compound change to offer more grip . . . as on most NASCAR ovals one mile or less in length, teams will not run inner liners in their tires at Richmond. The estimated pit window id every 100-110 laps, based on fuel mileage.(Goodyear PR). For tire pressures, codes and more, see my Richmond Race Info page.(5-1-2009) http://www.jayski.com/next/2009/10rir2009.htm
Richmond Rookie Notes: #82-Scott Speed was the Raybestos Rookie of the Race in the April 26 Aaron’s 499 at Talladega Superspeedway. Speed scored a fifth-place finish, his best in 13 Sprint Cup Series starts. He claimed Raybestos Rookie of the Race honors for the third time this season. #20-Joey Logano grabbed a ninth-place finish at Talladega, his best effort in 12 Sprint Cup Series starts and his first top-10. Max Papis (18th) also scored his best finish in five Sprint Cup Series races. Logano leads Speed by eight points (98-90) in the Raybestos Rookie standings entering the May 2 Crown Royal 400 at Richmond International Raceway. Brian Vickers (2004) and Morgan Shepherd (1981) are the only Raybestos Rookies to win a pole for the spring race at Richmond (since 1975). Since 1975, only one Raybestos Rookie has won the spring race at Richmond: Dale Earnhardt Jr. in 2000. Earnhardt Jr. led once covering the final 31 laps and scored his second Sprint Cup Series win by .159 second over Terry Labonte. Only once since 1975 have TWO or more Raybestos Rookies finished in the top-10 in the spring race at Richmond. In 1979, Joe Millikan finished sixth followed by Terry Labonte, who claimed an eighth place finish.(Camp & Assoc./Raybestos PR), see Rookie history, standings and more on my 2009 Rookies page.(5-1-2009) http://www.jayski.com/stats/2009/roty2009.htm
#88 Team Grabs Tissot Pit Crew Win in Talladega: It’s the 4th Pit Road Win for Hendrick Motorsports Team in Last 5 Races Dale Earnhardt Jr.’s #88 pit crew won the Tissot Pit Road Precision Award in Sunday’s Sprint Cup race at Talladega Superspeedway. It was the fourth pit road win in the last five races for a Hendrick Motorsports team. The other recent Hendrick winning teams were: Jimmie Johnson’s crew (at Bristol) and Jeff Gordon’s crew (at Martinsville and Texas). The quick work on pit road by the #88 crew in Talladega helped Earnhardt Jr. to a second-place finish at the 2.66-mile oval. The team’s Chevrolet Impala SS spent the least amount of time on pit road – 255.440 seconds. Earnhardt’s pit crew consists of: Kip Wolfmeier (front-tire changer), Ben Fischbeck (front-tire carrier), Greg Burkhart (rear-tire changer), Matt Myers (rear-tire carrier), Mark Jacobs (jackman), Chris Fasulka (gasman), Jason Dalrymple (catch can). The team’s pit crew coach is Mark Mauldin. The #88 team will receive $5,000 for winning the Tissot Pit Road Precision Award. After nine of 36 Sprint Cup races Gordon’s #24 crew leads in the Tissot standings and the chase for the $100,000 season bonus which will go to the team with the most pit road wins. Along with prize money, members of the season pit crew championship crew and driver will receive a Tissot watch.(Tissot PR)(5-1-2009)
Chrysler (Dodge) to file for bankruptcy UPDATE: Chrysler will file for bankruptcy after talks with a small group of creditors crumbled just a day before a government deadline for the automaker to come up with a restructuring plan, two administration officials said Thursday. The Obama administration had long hoped to stave off bankruptcy for Chrysler LLC, but it became clear that a holdout group wouldn’t budge on proposals to reduce Chrysler’s $6.9 billion in secured debt, according to the officials, who spoke on condition of anonymity because the filing plans are not public. Clearing those debts was a needed step for Chrysler restructure by the Thursday night deadline. Bankruptcy doesn’t mean the nation’s third largest automaker will shut down. And the privately-held Chrysler is expected to sign a partnership agreement with the Italian company Fiat as early as Thursday as part of its restructuring plan. A Chapter 11 bankruptcy filing would allow a judge to decide how much the company’s creditors would get.(ABC News), NO word how or if this will effect Dodge’s involvement in NASCAR.(4-30-2009)
UPDATE: Chrysler remains committed to the Sprint Cup series despite Thursday’s announcement it will file for bankruptcy protection and form a partnership with Italian automaker Fiat SpA. “The partnership not only will transform Chrysler into a new, stronger car company with many strategic advantages, it will enable the company to better serve our customers with a broader and more comprehensive lineup of vehicles,” said Mike Accavitti, Chrysler’s director of brand marketing and strategy for Dodge Motorsports. “NASCAR is a strategic part of our marketing plan and the Dodge brand. We plan to continue our Dodge sponsorship and relationship into the foreseeable future.” The bankruptcy filing was the first step in wiping Chrysler’s balance sheet clean and beginning the automaker’s rebuilding process. The White House forced the move after talks between the company’s creditors and the Treasury Department failed to reach an agreement.(ESPN)(4-30-2009)
Final Talladega TV Ratings: NASCAR Sprint Cup Racing posted a 5.0/12 (8.1 million viewers) on Sunday for the race from Talladega. Though that’s down -12% from last year’s 5.7/13 for the same race, Sunday’s telecast was the top-rated event of the weekend, and was FOX’s highest-rated and most-watched NASCAR event in nearly two months. Sunday’s race opened with a 4.4/12 (6.9 million viewers), and grew steadily throughout the race peaking at a 6.6/15 (10.8 mill). Season-to-date, NASCAR Sprint Cup Racing on FOX is averaging a 5.5/11 (9.2 million viewers), down -13% from last year’s 6.3/13, but remains the highest-rated and most-watched sport in season.(4-30-2009), see race-by-race chart and more on my 2009 TV Ratings page. Comment here
Katy Poole scheduled to be on Sirius Radio: On Friday, May 1st, Katy Poole [wife of David] is scheduled to be on Sirius XM Satellite Radio, NASCAR Channel 128 The Morning Drive show with host Mike Bagley at 10:40am/et.(4-30-2009) http://www.sirius.com/nascar
UPS Unveils new scheme for Richmond: NASCAR fans will see a different look for the #6 UPS Ford this weekend when David Ragan hits the track at Richmond International Raceway for the Russ Friedman 400 presented by Crown Royal. Taking a break from the traditional brown UPS paint scheme, Ragan’s car will feature a special UPS Freight design to promote the Richmond, Va.-based division of UPS. The design incorporates the gray of UPS Freight with new brown and gold trim using a unique paint formula that includes crushed glass to make the vehicle sparkle. UPS Freight offers a wide range of ground freight shipping options for customers who need to ship anything from a single oversized package to a heavy pallet or full truckload of freight across North America, Puerto Rico, Guam and the U.S. Virgin Islands. To kick off the Richmond race weekend, Ragan will make a special appearance at the UPS Freight headquarters today to spend time with local UPS employees. UPS Freight employs nearly 2,000 people in the Richmond area and roughly 17,000 total around the country. In addition to the special UPS Freight paint scheme, the UPS Freight Charlotte Service Center will be featured on the wing of Ragan’s #6 Ford as part of UPS’s ‘Maximum Center’ program. UPS launched the program this year to recognize UPS operating facilities for accomplishments in service, safety and performance.(UPS Racing PR), see an image of the scheme on my #6 Team Schemes page.(4-30-2009) http://www.jayski.com/schemes/2009/6cup.htm
Race Fans Caution – Swine flu, Richmond safe: The swine flu outbreak has caused Henrico County Health Department officials to advise race fans to take precautions when attending events this weekend at Richmond International Raceway. “There is no reason for fans not to attend and enjoy the events this weekend,” said acting Health Director Dr. Robert B. Stroube. “However, as with any large public event, there is a risk of spreading viruses, but there are very simple yet effective precautions you can take to avoid exposure.” People who are sick, experiencing flu-like symptoms or have a fever should stay home. Other precautions include frequent hand washing and covering your mouth when coughing or sneezing. There are no confirmed cases of swine flu reported in the state, according to the Virginia Department of Health.(Richmond Times Dispatch)(5-1-2009)
Colorado House OKs incentives for NASCAR track: Colorado took a big step closer to being able to attract a NASCAR racetrack when the House approved a legislative proposal Wednesday that would allow the first-ever state-funded package of incentives geared toward attracting major tourism projects. Senate Bill 173 won final approval on a 46-19 vote one day after extensive floor debate over whether it was an economic-development tool or corporate welfare. Twenty-three Republicans and 23 Democrats backed the measure, while 15 Democrats and four Republicans opposed it. A main goal of bill backers is bringing a NASCAR track to the Aurora area, but the enterprise zones also could be used to build everything from Winter Olympics facilities to museums that might draw visitors across state borders.(Denver Business Journal)(5-1-2009)
The Top 10 Things You Need To Know About Your Trip to RIR: 1) Plan to get here early on Race Day!
2) What you can bring. What you can’t bring
3) Hungry? There are plenty of new food options on race weekend
4) Get on Pit Road, and see drivers up close and personal in fan hospitality
5) Good times and good tunes are on the way
6) Experience the Midway! There’s so much to do and see
7) Let us show you the way! Download maps to get here and there quickly
Getting here is easier than ever with free shuttle service
9) Don’t miss a thing! The weekend schedule of events
10) Don’t forget your Fan Guide and have a great time
See the full list with explanations at rir.com.(4-29-2009)
http://www.rir.com/fan_info/top_10_things_to_know_before_you_go/
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Courtesy of Racin’ Today
http://www.racintoday.com
Ingram: 200 mph, Four-Wide, Nose-to-Tail; What Could Possibly Go Wrong?
http://www.racintoday.com/archives/2969
David Poole Issued A Fond Farewell – http://www.racintoday.com/archives/3005
A Few Words With: Tony Stewart – http://www.racintoday.com/archives/2992
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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
Talladega TV ratings down: ABC’s live telecast of the Aaron’s 312 NASCAR Nationwide Series race at Talladega Superspeedway earned a final national rating of 1.8, down from the 2.6 earned for last year’s race that also aired on ABC. The telecast averaged 2,675,244 viewers. Last year’s Talladega event set a record for the largest audience ever for a NASCAR Nationwide Series event on ABC. The 2007 edition of the race earned a 2.1 rating.(ESPN PR)(4-30-2009)
Westerman Companies to sponsor Key Motorsports: Just a few days after announcing that Key Motorsports would discontinue its full-time effort in the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series, team owner Curtis Key has announced that Westerman Companies will sponsor the #40 Key Motorsports Nationwide Series entry for five races. Westerman Companies has opted to transfer their support from Key’s NCWTS program, putting their sponsorship dollars behind the full-time NNS team for races at Kentucky Speedway (June 13), O’Reilly Race Park (July 25), Bristol Motor Speedway (August 21), Richmond International Raceway (September 11), and Lowe’s Motor Speedway (October 16). The driver of the #40 Westerman Companies Chevy for those selected races has yet to be announced. Scott Wimmer has piloted the Key Motorsports NNS ride for the first 8 races of 2009, his best finish of the season being 11th at Las Vegas Motor Speedway in February. Wimmer is not running a full-time schedule with Key Motorsports, but is committed to at least seven more races this season with StopRepairBills.com and Federated Auto Parts as sponsors.(Key Motorsports PR)(4-30-2009)
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Courtesy of The Hot Lap
http://www.TheHotLap.com
This weekend is Mark Martin’s first and only race of the season driving the No. 5 Lipton Chevrolet for JR Motorsports in the Nationwide Series. In 2008, Martin had five starts in the No. 5 and earned one win (Las Vegas). In three of those races he finished inside the top five. His most recent start came at Texas Motor Speedway last fall.Read more (JRM) (04-29-09)
http://thehotlap.com/modules.php?name=Press_Releases&op=view&rid=3590
#32 driver Burney Lamar is an outdoors and fitness enthusiast. One of the things this driver does when he arrives at each hotel is to scope out the nearest gym for a workout. This past weekend Lamar took the workout to the great outdoors and enjoyed the beautiful Nashville weather and by logging over 15 miles on his two-wheeled speed machine – his mountain bike! This is the latest hobby for the 28-year-old and it seems to fit him quite well. Lamar is already planning to bring his bike to Charlotte for the Lowe’s race weekend and challenge some of his crew on their Friday day off. Read more (BR) (04-29-09)
http://thehotlap.com/modules.php?name=Press_Releases&op=view&rid=3592
Drivers will attempt to break a five-year-old track record in qualifying Friday at 4:10 p.m. Kyle Busch set the track record of 20.874 seconds (129.348 mph) back in May, 2004.The race record is even older — with Dale Jarrett winning the fall 1997 event in 109.047 mph.While the pole winner has gone on to win nine of the 50 NASCAR Nationwide Series races at Richmond, the most winners (10) have come from the third starting position. Half of the winners have started in the top three, with six winners coming from the outside front row. No other starting position has won more than three races at RIR. Kyle Busch is a two-time pole winner at RIR, and went on to win both races (2004 and 2007). Those are his only two victories here.Kevin Harvick won three consecutive races at RIR from Fall 2005 through both 2006 races. The only other driver to win three consecutive races here was Harry Gant in 1991-92.The last winner from outside the top 10 was Johnny Sauter, who started 30th in 2003.(NASCAR) (04-29-09)
Ford leapfrogged from third to take the lead in the NASCAR Nationwide Series Manufacturer’s Championship standings. Chevy led Toyota by two points entering Saturday’s Aaron’s 312 at Talladega Superspeedway, with Ford another two points back.David Ragan’s victory gave Ford a one-point lead with 51 points, with Chevy and Toyota only one point behind. Chevy had a five-race winning streak at Richmond snapped last season. Denny Hamlin won the Lipton’s Tea 250 for Toyota, while Carl Edwards captured the fall race for Ford. (NASCAR) (04-29-09)
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Wallace long on numbers at short tracks such as RIR
Nascar – USA
Wallace has made 28 starts at RIR in the Nationwide Series, more than any other driver in the 50-race history at the three-quarters of a mile track. …
http://www.nascar.com/2009/news/features/04/30/numbers.nwide.richmond.1/
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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
#90 Crew member suspended for rules violations at Kansas: Wesley Lane, a crew member for the #90 team in the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series, has been suspended from the next six NASCAR Camping World Truck Series events and all NASCAR activity until July 1 for rule violations at Kansas Speedway. Lane was found to be in violation of Section 12-1 (actions detrimental to stock car racing) and Section 3-5 (permitting someone else to use your NASCAR License). Lane has also been placed on NASCAR probation until Dec. 31.(NASCAR PR)(4-30-2009)
Germain Racing welcomes Copart to #30 Toyota: Germain Racing is proud to announce Copart as the primary sponsor of the #30 Copart Tundra driven by Todd Bodine for six NASCAR Camping World Truck Series races. “Copart is an exciting company and we are glad to have them sponsor Germain Racing. We’re looking forward to developing the relationship with Copart both at the race track and at our dealerships. Copart wants to get the message out that people can find a variety of cars at Copart.com and the #30 Copart Tundra will help deliver that message to the NASCAR fans,” said team owner Bob Germain. The Copart Tundra will race first at Lowe’s Motor Speedway in Charlotte on Friday night, May 15, 2009. Also sponsoring: May 29, Dover International Speedway; June 5, Texas Motor Speedway; June 13, Michigan International Speedway; June 27, Memphis Motorsports Park and July 18, Kentucky Speedway.(Germain Racing PR)(4-30-2009)
Images added: New images added of the #5-Bad Boy Mowers Toyota driven by race winner, Mike Skinner & the #33-Copart.com Chevy driven by Ron Hornaday Jr. at Kansas. Images are posted on the 2009 Paint Scheme Page.(4-30-2009)
http://www.jayski.com/schemes/2009trucks.htm
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Ricky Carmichael Trades Pain For Pressure
By Jim Pedley | Managing Editor
RacinToday.com
Kansas City, Kan. _ From the quiet, comfortable air-conditioned safety of his transporter, Ricky Carmichael pointed first to his wrist, then to his shoulder and then his collar bone. All, …
http://www.racintoday.com/archives/2952
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A R C A (Automobile Racing Club of America)
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Courtesy of ARCA
http://www.arcaracing.com
Silas, New Focus in 2009; 4th in Points and Way Confident Headed to Kentucky Speedway
SPARTA KY (4-30-09) – In cars fielded by Andy Hillenburg, Stuart, Florida’s Bryan Silas finished ninth in championship points in his rookie season back in 2007. Not bad. With high hopes from there, Silas, with the same team, sputtered in 2008, finishing 12th overall in points. Now fast-forward to 2009 where Silas is headed in a different direction.
“Our team chemistry is so much better this year,” Silas said. “We’ve always had a decent team, but our communication if much better now. We know what each other is thinking. It’s very cool.”
Whatever is going on, it’s working. Silas, after four events, is tied for fourth in points with Patrick Sheltra headed to Kentucky Speedway for the next event on tour – the Drive Smart Buckle-Up Kentucky 150 Saturday, May 9.
[Read More] – http://www.arcaracing.com/news.cfm?contentid=7910
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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
http://localracing.nascar.com/news/6
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Thiering born to race
Canada.com – Don Mills,Ontario,Canada
… and her father’s coaching, the Bev Facey High School graduate has her eyes set on a racing career headed to the NASCAR Canadian Tire Series. …
http://www.canada.com/Thiering+born+race/1549151/story.html
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C O L U M N S / C O M M E N T A R I E S
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Insider Racing News
http://insiderracingnews.com/Writers/RG/050109.html
Fixing Talladega Would Be a Fitting Legacy
by Rebecca Gladden
Carl Edwards Wasn’t Quite Right
by Kurt Smith
http://www.frontstretch.com/ksmith/24051/
Second and Third Fiddle Sharing One Bow Is A Sour Note
by Amy Henderson
http://www.frontstretch.com/ahenderson/24038/
Scott Speed Driver Diary: Momentum From Talladega and Beluga Whales!
by Scott Speed
http://www.frontstretch.com/sspeed/24041/
Driven to the Past: The Day I Lost It…
by John Potts
http://www.frontstretch.com/jpotts/24024/
Nuts for Nationwide: The Heroes of Tomorrow Really Are Racing Today
by Bryan Davis Keith
http://www.frontstretch.com/bkeith/24061/
RaceTalkRadio.com:
Back to Work (Take Junior to Win), Fantasy Insight – Richmond 1 by Dennis Michelsen
http://www.racetalkradio.com/soz/id261.htm
The Nascar Insiders
Mark Martin: Nice Guys Finish Last (Or Second)
If you are a regular to TNI, and you spend time in the comment section of posts, one name you have no doubt seen is that of Neon.
http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/TheNascarInsiders/~3/_yb6ooIYvhM/
Saying Goodbye to a Friend
by Carol Einarsson
It’s hard to say what David Poole meant to me. Honestly I’d never thought of it until I saw the headline that he was gone.
http://www.racejournalonline.com/index.cfm?Pagename=column&id=600
Top 20 Over Past Ten – Kurt Busch Is Set To Pounce At Richmond
Since Homestead last November, Jeff Gordon has averaged nearly 146 points per race. Pretty impressive, though he has not exactly been showing the same prowess over the last two events. Story – by Ron Thornton
http://www.speedwaymedia.com/Articles/09/050109Thornton.asp
The Business of NASCAR is the Business of Richmond, Virginia
As the only state to host four NASCAR Sprint Cup Series races, the business of NASCAR is truly the business of the city of Richmond as well as the business of the state of Virginia. Story – by Larry Taylor
http://www.speedwaymedia.com/Articles/09/050109Taylor.asp
Ask Side Ways?
Now that’s what I’m talking about! Wow what a great finish to an interesting and mostly entertaining race at Talladega. As my wife was quick to point out, we are starting to see drivers mix it up a little more than what we were seeing prior to Phoenix. Story – by SideWays
http://www.speedwaymedia.com/Articles/09/050109Sideways.asp
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T V * L I S T I N G S
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Courtesy of Race Fan TV & Race Fans Stockcar Newsletter
http://www.racefantv.com / http://www.nascarnutscanada.com/
FRIDAY, MAY 1
12:00 N-1:30 P SPEED NASCAR Sprint Cup PRACTICE, Crown Royal presents the Russell Friedman 400, Richmond, VA, HD, L
2:00 P-3:30 SPEED NASCAR Sprint Cup FINAL PRACTICE, Crown Royal presents the Russell Friedman 400, Richmond, VA, HD, L
4:00 P-5:30 SPEED NASCAR Nationwide Series QUALIFYING, Lipton Tea 250, Richmond International Raceway, Richmond, VA, HD, L
5:30 P-7:00 SPEED NASCAR Sprint Cup QUALIFYING, Crown Royal presents the Russell Friedman 400, Richmond, VA, HD, L
7:00 P-7:30 ESPN 2/TSN2 NASCAR Nationwide Series COUNTDOWN, Lipton Tea 250, Richmond International Raceway, Richmond, VA, HD, L
7:30 P-10:00 ESPN 2/TSN2 NASCAR Nationwide Series Lipton Tea 250, Richmond International Raceway, Richmond, VA, HD, L
SATURDAY, MAY 2
10:00 A-11:00 ESPN 2 NASCAR Now, HD, L
5:00 P-7:00 SPEED NASCAR Race Day. Preview of today’s Crown Royal presents the Russell Friedman 400, Richmond International Raceway, HD, L
7:00 P-7:30 FOX/TSN NASCAR Sprint Cup PRE-RACE, Crown Royal presents the Russell Friedman 400, Richmond, VA, HD, L
7:30 P-11:00 FOX/TSN NASCAR Sprint Cup Crown Royal presents the Russell Friedman 400, Richmond, VA, HD, L
SUNDAY, MAY 3
9:00P-10:00 SPEED Wind Tunnel with Dave Despain, HD, L
We do 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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