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Remember the Grubb family in your prayers… former Nationwide series driver Kevin Grubb was found dead yesterday. He was only 31. Here’s today’s Stock Car Gazette. |
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E d i t o r ‘ s * N o t e s
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Remember the Grubb family in your prayers… former Nationwide series driver Kevin Grubb was found dead yesterday. He was only 31.
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Stock Car Gazette Columnists Speak Out!
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Earnhardt Jr. Not In Chase? History Says It’s Probably So…
by: Steve Langley
Photo by Steve Langley
Dale Earnhardt Jr. had better be stepping it up a bit, or history is going to repeat itself and he won’t be making the trip to the banquet in Las Vegas. Read more at motorsportsnews.net/archives/3605
For more from Steve, please visit motorsportsnews.net/archives/category/steves-stuff
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Repetitious 88 and 18 news getting old!
by: Becky Davidson
Photos by ICON Sports Media
We all know that 1 + 1 = 2 and 2 + 2 = 4 and by now, unless you live on another planet, Dale Jr. is in a long winless streak and Kyle Bush is the so called, named by me, “King of the Hill” when it comes to racing. More on this at motorsportsnews.net/archives/3611
For more from Becky, please visit motorsportsnews.net/archives/category/beckys-thoughts
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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 Stock Car Gazette subscriber Ed B. – thanks!
all-star-dw-to-light-em-up
nascar.speedtv.com/article/all-star-dw-to-light-em-up/
NASCAR fans already lining up for May races
By: Aaron Mesmer
Former Nationwide Series Regular Kevin Grubb Dead At 31
Kevin Grubb, a former regular in the NASCAR Nationwide Series, was found dead on Wednesday at a hotel just outside of Richmond, Va., according to a report on ESPN.com.
Grubb, of Mechanicsville, Va., was 31 years old.
At the time of his death Grubb was suspended from competing in NASCAR sanctioned events because of his refusal to submit to a drug test in September 2006 following an event at Richmond (Va.) International Raceway.
Grubb made his Nationwide Series debut at New Hampshire Motor Speedway in 1997.
He made 174 Nationwide Series starts from 1997-2006. After two part-time seasons for his family owned team in ‘97 and ‘98, Grubb was hired by Brewco Motorsports to compete in the Nationwide Series in 1999. His 13th place finish in the standings for Brewco in 2000 was a career best.
He went to Team Bristol Motorsports for the 2002 season but issues plagued the team and he finished 19th in the standings.
In March 2004 Grubbs failed a NASCAR mandated drug test and was suspended indefinitely by the sanctioning body. He was reinstated by NASCAR in 2006 and returned to compete in the Nationwide Series and Camping World Truck Series.
He made five Nationwide Series starts and four Truck Series starts before he was again suspended by NASCAR. On September 11, 2006 Grubb crashed on the second lap of a Nationwide Series event at Richmond and refused to take a NASCAR mandated drug test after the accident.
The day after the event Grubb claimed that he had no memory of refusing the test because of a concussion sustained in the crash.
Grubb had 10 top-5 finishes and 32 top-10’s over his career in the Nationwide Series. In eight career Camping World Truck Series starts he never finished in the top-10. Grubb never made a start in the Sprint Cup Series.
According to the ESPN.com story, Grubb was discovered at the Alpine Motel just outside of Richmond at 11:30 a.m. The cause of death was not released but no foul play was suspected.
From blogs.courant.com/autoracing/
Kevin Grubb
news.google.com/news/more?pz=1&ned=us&cf=all&ncl=1346519257
Suspended Nationwide driver Grubb found dead
sports.espn.go.com/rpm/nascar/nationwide/news/story?id=4147991
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Courtesy of www.FrontStretch.com
Mark Martin to Go Full-Time in 2010
In what will be his 22nd full-time Cup season, Hendrick Motorsports’ Mark Martin has announced that he will return behind the wheel of the No. 5 Chevy for the complete 36-race schedule in 2010. In July of 2008, Martin had initially agreed to a two-year deal with Hendrick Motorsports, one that provided for a part-time schedule consisting of 26 races in 2010. His new contract adjusting those terms was agreed upon and signed this week.
Martin, who currently sits 15th in the Sprint Cup Series point standings, still finds joy in racing. Although at age 50 he is decades older than most of his competitors, Martin still has the desire and physical ability to compete at the highest level.
“It means a lot to drive the No. 5 Chevy for Rick and for Hendrick Motorsports,” he said Wednesday. “I’m in the best condition of my life, I’m recharged, and I’m motivated. Going to the race track every weekend is still really fun, and that’s the key. There’s more gas in my tank.”
Martin’s high water mark for this season came back on April 18th, when he took home the checkers at Phoenix International Raceway in what was his 36th career win in the NASCAR Cup Series. With that win, Martin became the fourth driver to attain 400 top 10 finishes in Sprint Cup while snapping a victory drought that had lasted since Kansas in the Fall of 2005. Currently, Martin has two top 5 and five top 10 finishes overall through ten starts this season.
When asked about locking the Batesville, Arkansas native up for 2010, Rick Hendrick praised Martin’s effort and his contributions to the HMS team, making him valuable to the point this decision was an apparent no brainer.
“Week in and week out, Mark continues to be one of the best race car drivers in the world,” Hendrick said. “He’s already made an incredible contribution to Hendrick Motorsports, and our entire company is excited about running another full season and winning races with him in 2010.”
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Courtesy of Google Alerts
Sun Drop plops back into NASCAR
Gaston Gazette – Gastonia,NC,USA
The Nationwide Series has been dominated in recent years by drivers and teams from the top NASCAR series, Sprint Cup. Once a proving ground and feeder …
www.gastongazette.com/sports/drop-33494-nascar-plops.html
With stock rising, Keselowski bides time for full-time Cup ride
USA Today – USA
And until the right Cup ride emerges, Keselowski is content racing in the feeder Nationwide Series, mindful that last month’s win carries a lot of capital. …
www.usatoday.com/sports/motor/nascar/2009-05-06-keselowski-future_N.htm
Junior Johnson a proud papa after son’s first win
ESPN – USA
In my mind, there simply could be no better teacher of stock car racing, anywhere, than Junior Johnson, who has had his son testing privately on both dirt …
sports.espn.go.com/espn/blog/index?entryID=4146960&name=hinton_ed
8-Year-Old Racecar Driver is Built for Speed – ParentDish
By Bethany Sanders
H.A. “Humpy” Wheeler, inventor of the Legends cars that Macy’s dad races, talked with Stock Car Racing about the Bandolero and it’s safety record. “We’ve been at it five years, 500 cars, and more than 2000 races,” Wheeler says. …
www.parentdish.com/2009/05/06/8-year-old-racecar-driver-is-built-for-speed/
Grubb, 31, found dead at hotel
ESPN – USA
Grubb was indefinitely suspended by NASCAR on Sept. 11, 2006 after his second violation of nascar’s substance abuse policy. Grubb, the younger brother of …
sports.espn.go.com/rpm/nascar/nationwide/news/story?id=4147991
Speedway Motorsports’ quarterly profits plunge | CharlotteObserver.com
Speedway Motorsports said the revenue dip was caused in part by venues holding five major NASCAR races in the quarter, compared with six in the same period last year. The company also cited the recession and a pullback in fan spending …
www.charlotteobserver.com/business/story/709380.html
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Courtesy of Insider Racing News
RPM To Use New Dodge Engine
Richard Petty Motorsports plans to switch to the new Dodge engine in time for the May 31 race at Dover, vice president of race operations Robbie Loomis said Tuesday. Loomis said only one of the organization’s four drivers likely will use the R6P8 that the other Dodge organization, Penske Racing, has used all season. A decision on which driver will use it will be made in the upcoming weeks. Kasey Kahne could get the nod if the organization believes the engine will help get him back into the top 12 to qualify for the Chase. RPM’s marquee driver is 17th in points after Saturday night’s 29th-place finish at Richmond. If not Kahne, then A.J. Allmendinger (28th), Elliott Sadler (29th) or Reed Sorenson (22nd) will get the engine.
Smith Calls For Better Fences
The chairman of Speedway Motorsports says NASCAR should mandate a standard catch-fence system for all sanctioned tracks following the recent crash at Talladega Superspeedway. He already has begun construction on a new system at New Hampshire Motor Speedway that will be in place when the Sprint Cup series goes there next month. “Let’s fix it because the sport is at risk,” Bruton Smith said on Monday at Lowe’s Motor Speedway. “Cables [that provide strength to the fence] are just like fishing lines. You have a certain test lines. Cables can be like a quarter inch and have a 90,000 PSI [pounds per square inch]. That’s the things we need to do at all these speedways to make sure we have the strongest there is.” Smith said he began changing the fences at New Hampshire before Carl Edwards’ car went flying into the catch fence at Talladega and injured seven spectators. “It needed to be replaced. It was not adequate,” he said.
Denny Hamlin Raises $100,000
Denny Hamlin, Virginia native and driver of the #11 FedEx Toyota Camry in the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series, announced today that the Short Track Showdown held on April 30, 2009 raised $100,000 for his Foundation. The primary mission of the Denny Hamlin Foundation is to aid in raising awareness and funding for Cystic Fibrosis (CF) research and treatment and aiding children with other debilitating illnesses. Proceeds from the event will be split between the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation and St. Jude’s Hospital. Hamlin has a family member who was diagnosed with Cystic Fibrosis. “Finding a cure is a cause that is near and dear to my heart, and I am extremely proud to take an active role in supporting the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation (CFF),” Hamlin said.
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Courtesy of Jayski
NEXT RACE: Darlington Race Info/Rundown Page
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The Entry List for the Southern 500 at Darlington Raceway is posted, 46 teams/drivers [for 43 spots] are listed, including:
#34-Tony Raines in for John Andretti who is running the Indy 500
Not in top 35 of 2009 owners points:
#09-Sterling Marlin (2009 Race Winner as owner)(38/10)
#13-Max Papis (48/3)
#25-Brad Keselowski (2009 Race Winner as driver)(49/2)
#36-Scott Riggs (42/10)
#41-Jeremy Mayfield (43/10)
#64-Todd Bodine (46/9)
#66-Dave Blaney (44/10)
#71-David Gilliland (37/10)
#78-Regan Smith (40/5)
#82-Scott Speed (36/10)
#87-Joe Nemechek (39/10)
In the event qualifying is rained out or cancelled:
the eight who would make it [8]: #’s 09,25,82,71,87,36,41,66
missing the race would be [3]: #’s 64,78,13
See the full entry list at my Jayski’s Darlington Entry List.(5-4-2009)
www.jayski.com/stats/2009/entries/11darl2009-entry.htm
Top-35 in Owner Points and guaranteed a starting spot at Darlington:
No teams jumped into the top 35, #7-Gordon moved up to 34th and the #34 team dropped to 35th
33) #98-Menard/Yates: 839, +140
35) #7-Gordon/Robby Gordon: 768, +69
34) #34-Raines/Earnhart Ganassi: 743, 44 points ahead of 36th
these teams/ drivers must qualify by speed but are close to the top-35:
36) #82-Speed/Red Bull: 699, 44 points out of 35th
37) #71-Gilliland/TRG: 640, -103
The teams are NOT locked in past the next race as the owners points change after each race.
For the owner points standings, see my Drivers/Owners Points Standings page.(5-2-2009)
www.jayski.com/stats/2009/points/10rir2009points.htm#OWN
Sorenson Completes Test at Infineon Raceway: #43-Reed Sorenson visited Infineon Raceway on Wednesday to hone his skills on the challenging 10-turn, 1.99-mile road course. Sorenson came to the track for the one-day test session in preparation for the Toyota/Save Mart 350 Sprint Cup Series weekend, June 19-21 (Father’s Day). Sorenson has competed twice on the challenging road course (2006, 2007), with a best finish of 29th in 2006. He was joined by his crew chief, Mike Shiplett, at the test. “This is my favorite of the two road courses we visit because it’s more technical. We don’t run as fast, but it’s fun to race here,” said Sorenson. “There are a few places where we can get better on the track. I have to learn not to go too fast.” Sorenson, driver of the #43 Dodge for Richard Petty Motorsports, piloted a late model stock car supplied by Pioneer Motorsports out of Lake Oroville. He was coached by road-course veteran Chris Cook and completed approximately 90 laps in the full-day test. “Reed’s only 23 years old, but I consider him a veteran. It doesn’t surprise me that he picks things up really well. We’re just trying to practice the track as perfectly as we possibly can,” said Cook, who has also worked with NASCAR drivers David Reutimann, Johnny Sauter, Paul Menard and AJ Allmendinger.(Infineon Raceway)(5-7-2009)
National Guard scheme returns on the #24: This weekend at Darlington Raceway, the National Guard’s ESGR program will be showcased on the hood of the #24 DuPont/National Guard Chevy that Jeff Gordon drives. Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve (ESGR) is a Department of Defense initiative that seeks to develop and promote a culture in which all American employers support and value the military service of their employees. It does so by recognizing outstanding employer support, increasing awareness of the law, and resolving conflicts through mediation. For more information on the ESGR program, please visit nationalguard.com. In addition to this weekend at Darlington, Gordon will partner with the National Guard at five other venues: Michigan in June, Chicago in July, Richmond in Sept., New Hampshire in Sept. 20, and Martinsville in Oct.(HMS PR) see images of the scheme on the #24 Team Schemes page.(5-7-2009)
www.jayski.com/schemes/2009/24cup.htm
Special AMP/Dale Jr. Tradin’ Paint can: AMP Energy has announced the launch of Tradin’ Paint, a new limited time only Dale Earnhardt Jr. themed energy drink. The beverage is a collision of three flavors: Orange, Lime and Berry, with all the energy ingredients and great taste that consumers expect from AMP. Featuring the same paint scheme as Hendrick Motorsports’ #88 AMP Energy/National Guard Chevy, Tradin’ Paint has all the marks, dings and paint streaks that show up on cars during a hotly contested race, which fans refer to as “tradin’ paint.” Tradin’ Paint is currently available in a 16-oz can nationwide through the end of the summer.(Pepsi PR)(5-7-2009)
Congrats to Justin “Tweek” Hines of the #6 UPS Roush Racing team and wife Carrie as they welcomed Isabelle Marie Hines into the world on April 21, 2009.(5-7-2009)
MtnDew scheme for Dale Jr. at Darlington: Dale Earnhardt Jr. will drive a special #88 Mountain Dew/National Guard Chevy this weekend at Darlington Raceway. The #88 machine will display on its hood the new Mountain Dew logo unveiled earlier this year. The car will be painted in a metallic silver, black and “Mountain Dew” green. Mountain Dew has been a part of the sport since 1981, when Darrell Waltrip won his first of two championships in the Dew car. Last year’s paint scheme had an “old school” retro feel, and this weekend’s car will have a “new school” look. AND Later this month, Earnhardt’s #88 machine will have a different look at the May 16 NASCAR Sprint All-Star Race. The 34-year-old driver chose white as the primary color for his Chevy, which will sport a paint scheme showcasing the Dale Jr. Foundation that weekend. Hendrick Motorsports’ next top-five finish will be the organization’s 700th in Sprint Cup competition. Since 1984, Hendrick drivers have scored 178 wins, 699 top-five finishes and 1,154 top-10s.(HMS PR), see images of the schemes on my #88 Team Schemes page.(5-6-2009) www.jayski.com/schemes/2009/88cup.htm
Martin to run full Sprint Cup season in 2010: Mark Martin will return to drive the #5 Chevy of Hendrick Motorsports for the entire 36-race NASCAR Sprint Cup Series season in 2010. It will be the 22nd full-time Cup campaign of Martin’s career and his second with car owner Rick Hendrick. Last July, Martin signed a two-year contract with Hendrick Motorsports covering one full Sprint Cup season in 2009 and one part-time schedule of 26 events in 2010. The revised agreement was signed this week. “Week in and week out, Mark continues to be one of the best race car drivers in the world,” Hendrick said. “He’s already made an incredible contribution to Hendrick Motorsports, and our entire company is excited about running another full season and winning races with him in 2010.” With his April 18 victory at Phoenix, Martin became just the fourth driver to record 400 top-10 finishes in Sprint Cup competition. It was his 36th career win in NASCAR’s top series. “It means a lot to drive the #5 Chevy for Rick and for Hendrick Motorsports,” said Martin, 50, of Batesville, Ark. “I’m in the best condition of my life, I’m recharged, and I’m motivated. Going to the racetrack every weekend is still really fun, and that’s the key. There’s more gas in my tank.” Martin will continue to work alongside crew chief Alan Gustafson in 2010. Gustafson has led the #5 team since 2005, recording five wins and two berths in NASCAR’s Chase for the Sprint Cup. The #5 team’s sponsorship lineup for 2010 has not been determined.(HMS PR)(5-6-2009)
Valvoline to Pay Tribute to Inman, Crew Chiefs at Darlington: Valvoline will pay tribute to legendary crew chief Dale Inman, and all crew chiefs, with a special paint scheme on the Richard Petty Motorsports #43 Dodge Charger for Saturday night’s NASCAR Sprint Cup race at Darlington Raceway. The Valvoline Dodge, piloted by Reed Sorenson, will feature the names of Valvoline crew chiefs from both NASCAR and NHRA, and a crew chief-tribute logo on the hood. The decklid will feature Inman, who was a crew chief for eight NASCAR Cup championships — seven with Richard “The King” Petty and one with Terry Labonte. Inman, 72, who continues to be involved at Richard Petty Motorsports, said he was proud of the crew chief recognition on the famed #43 car. “I am biased, but in my opinion crew chiefs are the backbone of a racing operation and I salute Valvoline for not only being a great technological partner but also for this special tribute,” said Inman. Valvoline captured 60 professional victories with its sponsored NASCAR and NHRA teams in 2008, and has already notched 13 wins in 2009, including Matt Kenseth’s Daytona 500 victory. Valvoline is used by about one-third of the Sprint Cup field. In addition to the Richard Petty Motorsports No. 43, some of the other teams include the rest of the Richard Petty Motorsports stable, Roush Fenway Racing and Robby Gordon Motorsports.(DMF Communications PR), see an image of the scheme on my #43 Team Schemes page.(5-6-2009) www.jayski.com/schemes/2009/43cup.htm
Star Trek scheme back at Darlington: The #12 Dodge Charger of David Stremme will have a new look for the Saturday night race in Darlington. For the second consecutive week, the #12 Dodge Charger will sport a special paint scheme to help promote the theatrical release of “Star Trek.” The movie hit theaters nationwide yesterday. The #12 Penske Racing Star Trek Dodge team will use chassis PRS-610 during Saturday night’s 500-mile race at the famed Darlington Raceway. PRS-610 is a new car to the #12 Penske Dodge Charger team.(Penske Racing PR), see images of the scheme on my #12 Team Schemes page.(5-6-2009) www.jayski.com/schemes/2009/12cup.htm
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Courtesy of Stock Car Gazette subscriber Kent… thanks!
Coca-Cola Sponsoring a 1/4 Mile Cookout at 600 Race The Lincoln Tribune
NASCAR driver Jeff Burton and Coca-Cola today announced plans for a Quarter Mile Cookout at Lowe’s Motor Speedway….
www.lincolntribune.com/modules/news/print.php?storyid=12055
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Courtesy of Racin’ Today
Marcos Ambrose Panning For Stardom in Sprint Cup – www.racintoday.com/archives/3400
Woody: The Lady In Black Has A Very Firm Grip – www.racintoday.com/archives/3340
Chasing Tracks Is A Chase That Never Ends – www.racintoday.com/archives/3326
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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’
Mark Martin is coming back
Mark Martin will return as a fulltime driver in the Sprint Cup Series next season to drive the No. 5 Chevrolet at Hendrick Motorsports at least one more season, HMS officials announced on Wednesday.
www.thatsracin.com/137/story/8523.html
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P R E S S * R E L E A S E S
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One week to go to! Fans have just one week left to “Get to Know Logano,” on HomeDepotRacing.com. The fan promotion ends this Sunday, May 10. Fans can go to www.homedepotracing.com to try and answer seven random questions about Logano. They are then entered in for a chance to win a $2,000 shopping spree with Logano at their local The Home Depot Store. Other prizes include autographed No. 20 Home Depot diecasts, autographed pit caps and $20 Home Depot gift cards.
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Friday, May 8th will be Bobby Labonte’s 45th birthday.
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On Friday, May 22nd Yates Racing will open its doors for the Inaugural Yates Racing Fan Day. Fans are encouraged to come out and see the Yates campus and receive a VIP view of the Yates shop. Special autograph appearances from Bobby Labonte, Paul Menard and Doug Yates will begin at 10 a.m. Vendors will also be onsite with free give-aways.
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Kasey Kahne on the Car of Tomorrow, the length of the season, and much more
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Gunsleman Motorsports to Sponsor May 7th Edition of Race 2 Win Radio
Episode to Feature David Stremme and Larry Gunsleman as Special Guests; Tim Packman to Serve as Co-host
TAYLORS, SC (May 6, 2009) – Jeff Holtzclaw and Race 2 Win proudly announce that Gunsleman Motorsports (www.gunselmanmotorsports.com) will be the presenting sponsor for the May 7th episode of Race 2 Win Radio (www.blogtalkradio.com/race2win).
“I love everything that Larry Gunsleman and the No. 64 team stands for,” said Holtzclaw, host of Race 2 Win Radio. “Larry is a racer and he really wants to race. Hopefully this will provide the extra attention that this organization deserves and help them to land the sponsor – or sponsors – that they need to race each week on the NASCAR Sprint Cup circuit and be competitive in doing so.”
Gunselman, owner of the No. 64 Toyota driven by brothers Todd and Geoff Bodine, will also be a special guest on Thursday’s show and discuss the many obstacles that his team must overcome in order to make the races each week.
David Stremme, driver of the No. 12 Penske Racing Dodge, will also stop by the program and talk about his return to Sprint Cup Series racing, after running for Rusty Wallace in the Nationwide Series.
Rick Minter, senior writer for RacinToday.com, will debut “The Writer’s Block,” a new weekly segment designed for the top writers in the business to discuss top news in NASCAR. The segment was originally scheduled to premiere during the April 30th episode but was postponed due to the funeral of David Poole.
Minter joined The Atlanta Journal-Constitution in 1991, where he covered motorsports as well as serving as a bureau chief. From 2000-2008 he focused on racing exclusively, traveling the NASCAR circuit as the paper’s motorsports writer and winning awards from several organizations including the Georgia Automobile Racing Hall of Fame Association and the City of Atlanta.
Mike Calinoff, spotter for Matt Kenseth and the No. 17 DEWALT Ford, will check in with his “Keys to Winning” segment for the “Track too Tough to Tame,” Darlington Raceway, as well as discuss Kenseth’s 13th-place finish last week at Richmond.
Serving as co-host for this week’s show will be award-winning writer and radio veteran Tim Packman. Packman kicked off his racing career as a track announcer in Buffalo, until he was hired by NASCAR.com in 2000, where he won three writing awards. From 2003 – 2007, he worked as Website Editor for Dale Earnhardt, Inc. Packman was hired as a pit reporter for MRN from 2005 – 2007 and later served as News Director for the network. He also co-hosted a post-race show on Sirius Satellite Radio in 2007. Packman published his first book, Bobby Allison – A Racer’s Racer, in 2003, with two more in the works.
Tune in to Race 2 Win Radio every Thursday from 1:00 pm – 3:00 pm ET at www.blogtalkradio.com/race2win or listen to the archive and download the podcast at your convenience.
Listeners are always welcome to join in on the show. If you would like to comment on any topic or if you have a question for any of our guests, you can contact us by sending an email to radio@race2win.net anytime or by calling (646) 200-4485 during the live broadcast.
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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: Diamond Hill Plywood 200, 7:30pm/et, Friday, May 8, 2009 at Darlington Raceway
www.jayski.com/nationwide/2009/next/10darlington.htm
Entry List: There are 46 cars on the preliminary entry list for Friday night’s Diamond Hill Plywood 200 at Darlington. Some notes:
Mark Green is back in the #0 for Johnny Davis;
Scott Wimmer makes his season debut in the #5 for JR Motorsports;
The #31 for Rick Ware Racing is TBA;
Ryan Newman returns to the KHI #33;
Jeff Green will be in the #40 for Key Motorsports;
Paul Menard is back in the #98;
The complete list is posted on the Darlington Race Page.(5-4-2009)
www.jayski.com/nationwide/2009/next/10darlington.htm#entry
Nationwide Series Racing Under the Lights at Darlington: The NASCAR Nationwide Series makes its only appearance of the 2009 season at historic Darlington Raceway this weekend, and ESPN2 will have a live, high definition telecast from the 1.366-mile track on Friday night, May 8, at 7 p.m. ET, as the series races in prime time. ESPN2 is the home of the NASCAR Nationwide Series all season, with selected races on ESPN and ABC. The race re-airs Saturday, May 9, at 1 p.m. on ESPN Classic. Dr. Jerry Punch will be the lap-by-lap announcer for ESPN’s coverage from Darlington, 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.(ESPN PR)(5-4-2009)
Former NASCAR Driver Kevin Grubb found dead: Suspended Nationwide Series driver Kevin Grubb was found dead on Wednesday in a Richmond, Va., area hotel. He was 31. Henrico Co. Lt. Richard Cosby said Grubb was discovered at the Alpine Motel just outside of Richmond at 11:30 a.m. The cause of death has not been released pending the notification of next to kin, but Cosby said no foul play was suspected. Grubb was indefinitely suspended by NASCAR on Sept. 11, 2006 after his second violation of NASCAR’s substance abuse policy. Grubb, the younger brother of former NASCAR driver Wayne Grubb, began his Nationwide career in 1997 with four starts for Grubb Motorsports. He ran in 16 Nationwide events for his father’s team in 1998 with a top finish of second at Dover. Grubb drove for Brewco Motorsports from 1999 through 2001, collecting 18 top 10s. After several failed seasons with two other teams he was scheduled to drive for Team Rensi Motorsports in 2004, but failed a substance abuse test in March and was suspended. The suspension in 2006 came after Grubb refused to take a drug test following a second-lap crash at Richmond. Failure to take the tests is considered an automatic failed test. The next day Grubb claimed that he declined the test because of a concussion suffered during the accident and offered to take a test at that time. He reportedly claimed no memory of the refusal due to the head injury. Grubb was a native of Mechanicsville, Va., a suburb of Richmond.(ESPN)(5-7-2009)
Giles takes over as crew chief of #23 team: R3 Motorsports has added veteran engineer and crew chief Walter Giles to their #23 Chevy team. Giles will begin his crew chief duties immediately with Robert Richardson, Jr. in the car at Darlington Raceway this weekend. Giles, a native of Australia, comes from Dale Earnhardt, Inc., where he was the Head of Race Engineering, and Robby Gordon Motorsports, where he was the engineer and crew chief. Prior to his coming on board with R3 Motorsports, Giles was helping Tommy Baldwin Racing on an interim basis.(R3 Motorsports PR)(5-6-2009)
MC2 joins Johnny Davis at Darlington: MC2 Energy Drink, Beverage Plus Inc, have agreed on a one race partnership with the #01 Johnny Davis Motorsports team and Danny O’Quinn for the Diamond Hill Plywood 200 on May 8, 2009, in Darlington, SC.(Hufco Promotion / Johnny Davis PR)(5-6-2009)
Carpentier replacing David Green at Darlington? Patrick Carpentier will make a return to driving a car from the NASCAR Nationwide Series Friday [at the] Diamond Plywood 250 at Darlington Raceway. The race takes place Friday evening and Carpentier will drive #07…Carpentiers agent confirmed the news. The last-minute agreement is valid for one race, but Carpentier thinks it could have the opportunity to compete in other events with the team.(translated from RSS.ca via Google Translate)(5-6-2009)
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Courtesy of Racin’ Today
Johnny Davis is NASCAR’s Past – And Future?
By Rick Minter | Senior Writer
David Green has become a fixture in the NASCAR series now known as Nationwide. Over 19 years, he has nine wins and was the 1994 champion. He’s driven for some …
www.racintoday.com/archives/3429
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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
Billy Ballew Motorsports & RAB Racing enter Townley at Lowe’s: As part of a joint venture, RAB Racing and Billy Ballew Motorsports will field the #09 Toyota Tundra sponsored by Zaxby’s in the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series North Carolina Education Lottery 200 at Lowe’s Motor Speedway on May 15, 2009. The truck will be piloted by RAB Racing’s Nationwide Series driver, John Wes Townley. RAB Racing’s NASCAR Nationwide Series team will also service the #09 Tundra with the veteran crew chief Brad Parrott calling the shots. The 19-year-old Townley has one career start at Lowe’s Motor Speedway. He finished 27th in the Nationwide Series Dollar General 300 on Oct. 10, 2008. Billy Ballew Motorsports fields two full-time NASCAR Camping World Truck Series entries: the #15 and 51 Toyota Tundra’s. The organization has posted two wins, two top-five and five top-10 finishes at Lowe’s Motor Speedway.(Billy Ballew Motorsports PR)(5-7-2009)
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A R C A (Automobile Racing Club of America)
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Courtesy of ARCA
Live Streaming Video/Audio Returns for Kentucky’s Drive Smart Buckle-Up Kentucky 150
SPARTA KY (5-6-09) – For those in need of an ARCA RE/MAX Series race-fix, you’re in luck. Live streaming video and audio returns to ARCAracing.com this Saturday, May 9 from Kentucky Speedway for the Drive Smart Buckle-Up Kentucky 150.
[Read More] – www.arcaracing.com/news.cfm?contentid=7941
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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/050709.html
Five Drivers Who Should Break Through This Season
by Doug Demmons
RaceTalkRadio.com
The New But Not Improved Southern 500, Fantasy Insight – Darlington by Dennis Michelsen
www.racetalkradio.com/soz/id265.htm
The Nascar Insiders
You Want My Picture?
This may come as a shock to some of you, but I too was once just a race fan.
feedproxy.google.com/~r/TheNascarInsiders/~3/u30rDrHb9HE/
One More Season With Mark Martin Is A Good Thing
by Tommy Thompson
www.frontstretch.com/tthompson/24185/
From Yellow Lines To Yellow Flags
by Jeff Meyer
www.frontstretch.com/jmeyer/24189/
Matt McLaughlin Mouths Off: Appreciating The Lady In Black
by Matt McLaughlin
www.frontstretch.com/mmclaughlin/24163/
Fanning The Flames: Appreciating NASCAR’s Spring Slate
by Matt Taliaferro
www.frontstretch.com/mtaliaferro/24187/
Frontstretch Fantasy Insider: Taming The Lady In Black
by Bryan Davis Keith and Mike Neff
www.frontstretch.com/picksnpans/24186/
Hot 20 Over The Past 10 – Kyle Busch Seeking To Repeat At Darlington
It is back. The Southern 500, though at a different time of year, returns to Darlington and so does the defending race winner from a year ago. Kyle Busch might not lead the official standings even with a repeat on Saturday night, unless both his brother and Jeff Gordon finish outside the Top Thirty.
www.speedwaymedia.com/Articles/09/050709Thornton.asp
NASCAR Top 10 Power Rankings: Richmond
Jeff Gordon: During a caution on lap 299, Gordon stayed on the track while the leaders pitted, gambling that track position would be enough to carry him to victory.
www.speedwaymedia.com/Articles/09/050709Boswell.asp
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T V * L I S T I N G S
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Courtesy of Race Fans Stock Car Newsletter
THURSDAY, MAY 7
5:00 P-5:30 ESPN 2 NASCAR Now, HD, L
FRIDAY, MAY 8
11:30 A-1:00 P SPEED NASCAR Sprint Cup PRACTICE, Southern 500, Darlington, SC, HD, L
1:30 P-3:00 SPEED NASCAR Sprint Cup FINAL PRACTICE, Southern 500, Darlington, SC, HD, L
3:00 P-4:30 SPEED NASCAR Nationwide Series QUALIFYING, Diamond Hill Plywood 200, Darlington Raceway, Darlington, SC, HD, L
4:30 P-5:00 ESPN 2 NASCAR Now, HD, L
5:00 P-7:00 SPEED NASCAR Sprint Cup QUALIFYING, Southern 500, Darlington, SC, HD, L
7:00 P-7:30 ESPN 2/TSN 2 NASCAR Nationwide Series COUNTDOWN, Diamond Hill Plywood 200, Darlington Raceway, Darlington, SC, HD, L
7:30 P-10:00 ESPN 2/TSN 2 NASCAR Nationwide Series Diamond Hill Plywood 200, Darlington Raceway, Darlington, SC, HD, L
SATURDAY, MAY 9
10:00 A-11:00 ESPN 2 NASCAR Now, HD, L
12:00 N-6:30 P VS IRL Indy Car Series QUALIFYING SESSIONS – POLE DAY, Indianapolis 500, Indianapolis Motor Speedway, HD, L
5:00 P-7:00 SPEED NASCAR Race Day. Preview of today’s Southern 500, Darlington Raceway, HD, L
7:00 P-7:30 FOX/TSN NASCAR Sprint Cup PRE-RACE, Southern 500, Darlington, SC, HD, L
7:30 P-11:30 FOX/TSN NASCAR Sprint Cup Southern 500, Darlington, SC, HD, L
SUNDAY, MAY 10 (MOTHERS DAY) Happy Mother’s Day
12:00 N- 6:30 P VS IRL Indy Car Series QUALIFYING SESSIONS – DAY 2, Indianapolis 500, Indianapolis Motor Speedway, HD, L
8:00 P- 9:00 SPEED NASCAR Victory Lane at Southern 500, Darlington Raceway, May 9/09, HD, N
9:00 P-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, 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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Toyota Supras for sale
