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Here’s the pre-race weekend chock-full-of-all-KINDS-of-stuff Stock Car Gazette Thursday edition for you. |
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T H E * S T O C K * C A R * G A Z E T T E
by MotorSportsNews.Net
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E d i t o r ‘ s * N o t e s
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Here’s the pre-race weekend chock-full-of-all-KINDS-of-stuff Stock Car Gazette Thursday edition for you.
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Stock Car Gazette Columnists Speak Out!
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Stock Car Gazette
motorsportsnews.net/archives/3724
TV Times – Crew Chief Change Enough to Put Junior Right Side Up?
By: Lou Modestino
We all knew that this was coming if things didn’t turn around for Jr.
Two shoes hit the floor, last week, with Tony Eury, Jr. now out as Junior’s crew chief and Lance McGrew is in, as interim crew chief, due to changes by team owner Rick Hendrick. Now it all comes down to McGrew and Jr. working together in an effort to put Earnhardt, Jr. right side up on the NASCAR Sprint Cup trail.
For more from Lou, please visit motorsportsnews.net/archives/category/tv-times
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Stock Car Gazette
motorsportsnews.net/archives/3729
Nationwide Series Nashville Bound
by: Steve Langley
(photo by Steve Langley)
This weekend the NASCAR Nationwide Series stars are heading to Nashville for the second time of the 2009 season.
For more of this writer, visit motorsportsnews.net/archives/category/steves-stuff
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Stock Car Gazette
motorsportsnews.net/archives/3735
Pocono – Who’s Hot
by: Mike Wells
Kasey Kahne was last year’s pole and race winner. He would battle back after a pit road miscue, leaving with loose lugs. Other drivers stayed out while he took fuel and tires. He was able to easily outrun the gamblers Brian Vickers and Dale Earnhardt Jr. for the win.
For more by Wells, visit 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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The Pocono 500 from Pocono Raceway will take the green flag Sunday, June 7 at 2 p.m. EDT. Race coverage will be televised live on TNT beginning at 12:30 p.m. EDT, and broadcast worldwide on the Motor Racing Network and Sirius XM Satellite Radio. Qualifying for the 14th race on the 2009 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series schedule will be televised live on SPEED Friday, June 5 at 3:30 p.m. EDT.
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Rain Postpones Prelude to the Dream
Persistent rain has forced officials at Eldora Speedway in Rossburg, Ohio, to postpone the fifth annual Prelude to the Dream. The all-star dirt late model race has been rescheduled for Wednesday, Sept. 9. A decision regarding the broadcast of the event will be made at a later date. The wet weather made it impossible to [...]
clicks.aweber.com/y/ct/?l=MsyAy&m=1ZSFxDMUAxX3DX&b=v.Uqoo.k02PpwLlFL7a8vg
Prelude rained out, rescheduled for Sept. 9
SportingNews.com – USA
Wednesday’s race was to have featured a 26-driver field that included an array of NASCAR’s top stars–Stewart, Jimmie Johnson, Matt Kenseth, Kyle Busch, …
www.sportingnews.com/yourturn/viewtopic.php?t=556298
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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
Carl Long’s penalty harsh, but rules are rules
ESPN – USA
He lost his appeal of the 200-point, $200000 fine and 12-week suspension handed down by NASCAR because the engine he used in the preliminary to the All-Star …
sports.espn.go.com/espn/blog/index?entryID=4229062&name=newton_david
Hey NASCAR, want to boost TV ratings? Get a load of All-Star Race
CBSSports.com – USA
By Pete Pistone Last week’s town hall meeting between NASCAR and a group of owners and drivers was reported to be a productive affair with several ideas …
www.cbssports.com/autoracing/story/11816963
Mayfield forced to wait because of case shift
ESPN – USA
Paul Hendrick, who represents NASCAR, said his firm was not notified of Friday’s hearing until about 5 pm Thursday. Diehl sees the change of venue as …
sports.espn.go.com/rpm/nascar/cup/news/story?id=4227384
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Courtesy of Insider Racing News
Prelude to the Dream Postponed
Persistent rain has forced officials at Eldora Speedway in Rossburg, Ohio, to postpone the fifth annual Prelude to the Dream. The all-star dirt late model race has been rescheduled for Wednesday, Sept. 9. A decision regarding the broadcast of the event will be made at a later date. The wet weather made it impossible to run the event that was slated to benefit four military-themed charities – Wounded Warrior Project, Intrepid Fallen Heroes Fund, Operation Homefront and Fisher House. “We worked really hard to make sure everything was right for the drivers, fans and viewers at home on HBO Pay-Per-View, but the weather was the one element we couldn’t control,” said Tony Stewart, two-time NASCAR Sprint Cup Series champion and owner of Eldora Speedway. Those who have already purchased the Prelude to the Dream on HBO Pay-Per-View, which was slated to begin today at 7 p.m. EDT, will be refunded. Those who purchased a ticket to the event can apply the value of their Prelude to the Dream ticket toward any remaining event on the 2009 Eldora Speedway schedule. To view the schedule, please visit www.EldoraSpeedway.com or call the track office (937) 338-3815.
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Courtesy of Jayski
NEXT RACE: Pocono Race Info/Rundown Page
www.jayski.com/next/2009/14poc2009.htm
The Entry List for the Pocono 500 at Pocono Raceway is posted, 46 teams/drivers [for 43 spots] are listed, including:
Not in top 35 of 2009 owners points:
#06-Trevor Boys (51st in owners points/4 attempts)
#09-Sterling Marlin (2009 Race Winner as owner)(40/13)
#36-Patrick Carpentier (41/13)
#51-Dexter Bean (53/4)
#64-Mike Wallace (49/10)
#66-Dave Blaney (42/13)
#71-David Gilliland (37/13)
#75-Derrike Cope (54/3)
#78-Regan Smith (38/7)
#82-Scott Speed (36/13)
#87-Joe Nemechek (39/13)
In the event qualifying is rained out or cancelled:
the eight who would make it [8]: #’s 09,82,71,87,36,66,64,78
missing the race would be [3]: #’s 06,51,75
See the full entry list at my Jayski’s Pocono Entry List.(6-1/2-2009)
www.jayski.com/stats/2009/entries/14poc2009-entry.htm
Top-35 in Owner Points and guaranteed a starting spot at Pocono:
No teams jumped into the top 35, #34-Andretti increases the lead over 36th to 50 points
34) #7-Gordon/Robby Gordon: 1031, +143
35) #34-Rainesi/Earnhart Ganassi: 938, 50 points ahead of 36th
these teams/ drivers must qualify by speed but are close to the top-35:
36) #82-Speed/Red Bull: 888, 50 points out of 35th
37) #71-Gilliland/TRG: 795, -143
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.(5-31-2009)
www.jayski.com/stats/2009/points/13dov2009points.htm#OWN
Career start 300 for Harvick: #29-Kevin Harvick will make his 300th-career NASCAR Sprint Cup Series start this weekend at Pocono Raceway. Dating back to February 26, 2001 the Bakersfield, Calif., native has earned 11 wins, five poles, 58 top-five (19.3%) and 122 top-10 finishes (40.8%) in NSCS competition, in addition to one win each in both the Sprint All-Star Race (2007) and the Budweiser Shootout (2009). He has led 2,991 laps and earned close to $53 million in purse money. Over those 299 starts, Harvick has logged a 17.9 starting average and a 15.6 finishing average. The 11-time Sprint Cup Series winner has been running at the finish in 285 of those 299 races and finished on the lead lap 193 times.(RCR)(6-4-2009)
Pocono Rookie Notes: #20-Joey Logano was the Raybestos Rookie of the Race in the May 31 Autism Speaks 400 at Dover. Logano scored a 15th-place finish on the lead lap and grabbed Raybestos Rookie of the Race honors for the fourth consecutive event and for the 10th time this season. Logano leads #82-Scott Speed by 16 points (146-130) in the Raybestos Rookie standings entering the June 7 Pocono 500 at Pocono. The only Raybestos Rookie to win the Pocono 500 (27 races) is Denny Hamlin. Hamlin won the 2006 race by 1.328 seconds over second-place Kurt Busch He became just the third Raybestos Rookie to score a top-five finish in the June race at Pocono. Hamlin also became the first Raybestos Rookie to lead the most laps (six times for 83 laps) and is one of just seven rookies to lead a lap in the June race at Pocono (since 1989). Two Raybestos Rookies have won pole positions for the June race at Pocono: Kasey Kahne (2004) and Denny Hamlin (2006). Raybestos Rookies Kasey Kahne and Brian Vickers made history at Pocono during time trials for the 2004 Pocono 500. Kahne won the pole while Brian Vickers grabbed the second-place starting position. The 2004 race was the first time in the track’s history that TWO Raybestos Rookies started on the front row at Pocono and only the second time in the sport’s modern-era where there was an all-rookie front row.(Camp & Assoc./Raybestos)
Chase Stats and Notes: #2-Kurt Busch has led a resurgent Penske Racing over the first 13 races, improving from 21st at this time last year to a strong 4th, with a strong 226-point cushion inside the Top 12. Next comes #39-Ryan Newman, who has improved from 14th to 5th, and is the circuit’s top point-getter over the last five races. #88-Dale Earnhardt Jr. (3rd to 18th), #29-Kevin Harvick (10th to 24th) and #33-Clint Bowyer (8th to 16th) are all 2008 Chasers who will have a tough time making a return to the Top 12. Harvick’s streak of three straight Chase appearances is in serious jeopardy, and this is the lowest he’s stood at the halfway point in six years. Stewart-Haas 2 of 2 (100%), Hendrick 3 of 4 (75%), Gibbs 2 of 3 (66%), Roush 3 of 5 (60%), Penske 1 of 3 (33%), Childress 1 of 4 (25%) are the teams currently in the Top 12. Lots of racing left, but #48-Jimmie Johnson and #17-Matt Kenseth look to be on their way to a sixth straight Chase.
Logano to Pull Double-Duty in Sonoma: #20-Joey Logano will compete in the Bennett Lane Winery 200, presented by Supercuts, NASCAR Camping World West Series race at Infineon Raceway on Saturday, June 20. Logano joins road-race veteran Boris Said as the latest two entries for the Camping World West Series race, which is part of the Toyota/Save Mart 350 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series weekend, June 19-21. Logano will pull double-duty for Joe Gibbs Racing, competing in both events. Logano competed in the West Series event at Infineon Raceway two years ago, but was sidelined by engine trouble.(Infineon Raceway)(6-4-2009)
Crew Chief Changes for Germain Racing: Germain Racing has added veteran NASCAR Sprint Cup Series crew chief Peter Sospenzo to lead the efforts of the #13 GEICO Camry and driver Max Papis. This move allows general manager Mike Hillman Sr. to work with the #15 Pilot Travel Centers/HYPE Energy Drinks Camry team and driver Michael Annett in NASCAR’s Nationwide Series. “When we started our season, we knew it would be a learning experience running rookie drivers in each of NASCAR’s top two series. Germain Racing is a very competitive organization. We expect a lot of ourselves and after watching both of our Camry programs at Dover, we saw some opportunities to strengthen each of those teams. Peter Sospenzo is taking over as crew chief for Max Papis and the GEICO Camry, and I’m going to head to Nashville this weekend with Michael Annett and the #15 Camry crew to see if there is more we can bring to the track for Michael,” said Hillman. Peter Sospenzo has been with Michael Waltrip Racing (MWR), which is the engineering partner for Germain Racing’s GEICO Camry program. Mike Hillman Sr. has served as crew chief for Germain Racing in each of NASCAR’s top three divisions. He holds two NASCAR championship titles. Hillman will call the shots for Annett and the #15 Pilot Travel Centers/HYPE Energy Drinks Camry on Saturday at Nashville.(Germain Racing/GEICO Racing.(6-3-2009)
Mayfield Motorsports mulling sponsorship options: The #41 Mayfield Motorsports car did not pull out of Dover because of sponsorship issues, Mayfield Motorsports’ team manager Bobby Wooten said. But it sounds like things are a bit in flux, as you’d expect. Wooten said that they withdrew from the race to give themselves time to organize and catch their breaths a little bit. He said the team would like to get J.J. Yeley back in the car, but very vaguely said that’s in the works. “Everything’s on hold,” Wooten said. Of course, Mayfield has filed suit against NASCAR to lift his suspension [see story below on the lawsuit] at least until the conclusion of a court case. If he succeeds, he can get back in the car. Asked about sponsorship, Wooten said the team is still trying to figure out options. He wouldn’t give any names of companies the team is involved with and said previous sponsors “may or may not be” associated with the team in the future. This season Mayfield Motorsports has been sponsored by All Sport, Big Red Soda and Smallsponsor.com.(Orlando Sentinel). also hearing that the team has been looking for partners or to sell the team, one team being contacted was the #51 team of Dexter Bean.(6-3-2009)
Tire Testing at Indy: Goodyear is back at Indianapolis Motor Speedway this week with several Sprint Cup drivers and teams, conducting a sixth test since last year’s tire meltdown at Indy during the Allstate 400 at The Brickyard. The Allstate 400, seven weeks away on July 26, is NASCAR’s second-biggest event of the year. Only the Daytona 500 ranks higher in terms of prestige and importance. How serious is it? Serious enough that Goodyear invited its biggest critic in the past — Tony Stewart — to make some laps on Monday at Indy. As did #12-David Stremme, who was pleased with the progress Goodyear has made. “They brought a tire that has really even wear,” Stremme said. “We got to a full fuel run [about 30 laps]. Goodyear has done their homework.” Twelve Cup teams will participate in a seventh test later this month. The three-day test this week is closed to the media.(ESPN.com). scheduled to test are #14-Tony Stewart, #42-Juan Pablo Montoya, #9-Kasey Kahne, #7-Robby Gordon, #36-?, #12-David Stremme, #16-Greg Biffle, #21-Bill Elliott and #31-Jeff Burton. The public can view the testing from the infield grandstands in the South chute.(6-3-2009)
Special scheme for Sorenson at Pocono: There aren’t many guarantees in racing but this weekend in Pocono, #43 Valvoline Dodge driver Reed Sorenson will carry a guarantee on the hood of his Dodge. Sorenson will drive the “Valvoline Engine Guarantee” Dodge for Richard Petty Motorsports. The paint scheme is part of Valvoline’s new engine guarantee program. Anyone can go to Valvoline.com and signup and Valvoline will guarantee the engine for up to 300,000 miles. The guarantee program couldn’t come at a better time. The front stretch at the 2.5-mile triangular shaped track is the longest one of the toughest on engines in the sport. Sunday marks TNT’s first race telecast of the 2009 season.(RPM)(6-3-2009)
Martin looks for his first win at Pocono: In 44 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series starts at Pocono Raceway, #5-Mark Martin has scored 19 top-five finishes, 31 top-10s and three pole positions, but has yet to win a Sprint Cup Series race there. Pocono is one of only six active tracks where Martin has yet to visit Victory Lane. Martin has finished in the runner-up position at Pocono six times — a stat that ties his personal best at Dover and Darlington [tracks where he also has wins]. Martin’s 31 top-10 finishes and 36 lead-lap finishes at Pocono are the most for the NASCAR veteran at any active racetrack. Meanwhile, his 19 top-fives rank second for Martin, just behind the 21 he has recorded at Dover. His average start of 8.6 and average finish of 10.7 at the Long Pond, Pa., triangle make Pocono the only non-road course track where both stats are in the top 10.(HMS)(6-3-2009)
Interesting Stewart Stat: #14-Tony Stewart overtook #24-Jeff Gordon (26th) in the Cup standings. For the first time, Stewart-Haas Racing holds the points lead. The last time Stewart led the standings was after the Homestead race in 2005 — his last championship season. In every season Stewart has led the standings, he has gone on to win the championship (2002 and 2005).(NASCAR)(6-3-2009)
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Courtesy of Racin’ Today
Long Shorted, No Big Surprise
By Larry Woody | Senior Writer
Perhaps the great philosopher Gomer Pyle put it best:
“Surprise! Surprise!”
And:
“Gawleeeeeee!”
Everyone who thought the National Stock Car Racing Commission might do Carl Long justice and throw out the absurdly-harsh penalties recently meted out by NASCAR,
www.racintoday.com/archives/5351
NASCAR Newscast: Pocono 500 Preview – www.racintoday.com/archives/5354
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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’
NASCAR expands media credentials to more Web sites
Jim Utter: Let’s just call this what it is: There are fewer and fewer “traditional” media (such as newspaper writers) and we need to fill up media centers – many of them recently expanded or built – with someone.
www.thatsracin.com/140/story/10840.html
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P R E S S * R E L E A S E S
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Reutimann and Wimmer to Appear on June 4th Episode of Race 2 Win Radio
TAYLORS, SC (June 4, 2009) – Joining 11-year NASCAR veteran Jeff Holtzclaw, Heather Meyer of the Stock Car Gazette and professional racecar driver Blake Feese on the Thursday, June 4th edition of Race 2 Win Radio (www.blogtalkradio.com/race2win) will be David Reutimann, driver of the No. 00 Aaron’s Dream Machine Toyota in the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series, and Scott Wimmer, driver of the No. 40 Key Motorsports Chevrolet in the NASCAR Nationwide Series. The show will air LIVE at 1:00 pm ET.
Reutimann, one of the hottest drivers on the circuit right now, was able to follow up his win in the Coca-Cola 600 on Memorial Day with a pole position at Dover merely four days later. Reutimann heads to Sunday’s race at Pocono Raceway only 31 points outside of the coveted 12th spot in the Cup Series point standings.
Wimmer, who won the spring race at Nashville Superspeedway in 2008, will have Federated Auto Parts on board as primary sponsor for this weekend’s event at the concrete track. Wimmer holds the current race record for the NNS at Nashville with a speed of 134.095 MPH.
Mike Calinoff, spotter for Matt Kenseth and the No. 17 DEWALT Ford, will check in with his “Keys to Winning” segment for Pocono. Calinoff will also provide details on how he was able to guide Kenseth to a fourth-place finish at Dover last weekend.
Award-winning journalist Kenny Bruce, assistant managing editor of NASCAR Scene, is back to take his turn on the “Writer’s Block,” a weekly segment he shares with Rick Minter, senior writer for RacinToday.com, in which two of the top writers in the sport discuss the biggest stories in and around NASCAR.
Race 2 Win Radio airs live every Thursday afternoon from 1:00 pm – 3:00 pm ET at www.blogtalkradio.com/race2win. If you miss the live show, you can listen to, or download, any episode on demand.
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 or hosts, you can contact us by sending an email to radio@race2win.net anytime or by calling (646) 200-4485 during the live broadcast.
Fans also have the opportunity to chat with Heather Meyer in the show’s chat room during the broadcast and submit questions or suggest topics with this feature. Users must sign up for an account at www.blogtalkradio.com before they can chat.
Race 2 Win Radio – NASCAR Radio at the Speed of Sound
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Valvoline® Launches Unprecedented Engine Guarantee
Industry-First 300,000 Mile Engine Guarantee Cuts Through Technical Claims
LEXINGTON, Ky. – The motor oil category has seldom been home to bold, game-changing moves. Valvoline® is breaking from tradition with an innovative offer that is without precedent in the automotive aftermarket. Register your vehicle at valvoline.com, use Valvoline motor oil regularly, and your engine can be guaranteed – up to an industry-shattering 300,000 miles.
Amid a number of confusing and convoluted claims, the Valvoline Engine Guarantee stands in contrast, speaking directly to what vehicle owners care about most – staying on the road. It’s no surprise that the maker of the world’s first engine oil is now offering the world’s first 300,000-mile engine guarantee.
“We’re putting our money where our mouth is,” said Sam Mitchell, president, Ashland Consumer Markets (Valvoline). “We want to keep people on the road. Period. Vehicles that use Valvoline continue to perform. We have the utmost confidence in our products, so we’re excited to now offer this best-in-class guarantee.”
Drivers can register to participate in the Valvoline Engine Guarantee program via a simple three-step process at valvoline.com. Vehicles are eligible to be registered only before reaching 75,000 miles. For detailed benefits and limitations of the Valvoline Engine Guarantee, visit valvoline.com.
Participants can choose to opt-in to the Valvoline Engine Guarantee program at various levels: for instance, use Valvoline Premium Conventional motor oil for a guarantee up to 150,000 miles; MaxLife® or DuraBlend® motor oils for a guarantee up to 225,000 miles; and, for maximum protection and a guarantee up to 300,000 miles, use SynPower® Full Synthetic or MaxLife® Full Synthetic motor oils.
About Valvoline
Valvoline, a brand of Ashland Inc., has been serving American motorists longer than any other motor oil. The Valvoline family of products includes Eagle One® appearance products, Car Brite® car restoration products, Zerex® antifreeze, SynPower® performance products, Pyroil® automotive chemicals and MaxLife® products created for higher-mileage engines. With more than 800 locations throughout the United States, Valvoline Instant Oil Change® is a leader in serving the quick lube market.
About Ashland
Ashland Inc. (NYSE: ASH) provides specialty chemical products, services and solutions for many of the world’s most essential needs and industries. Serving customers in more than 100 countries, it operates through five commercial units: Ashland Aqualon Functional Ingredients, Ashland Hercules Water Technologies, Ashland Performance Materials, Ashland Consumer Markets (Valvoline) and Ashland Distribution. To learn more about Ashland, visit www.ashland.com.
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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: Federated Auto Parts 300, 7:30 pm/et, Saturday, June 6, 2009 at Nashville Superspeedway
www.jayski.com/nationwide/2009/next/13nashville.htm
Entry List: UPDATE: There are 46 cars on the preliminary entry list for Saturday night’s Federated Auto Parts 300 at Nashville Superspeedway. Some notes:
Sean Caisse is in the RCR #2;
Driver of the #07 was listed is Patrick Carpentier but someone else is expected in the car;
Ricky Stenhouse will be in the #16;
Daryl Harr returns to the seat of the Rick Ware #31;
Cale Gale makes his season debut in the #33;
D.J. Kennington is listed as the driver of the #81, but that could change;
Justin Ashburn is in the #85;
Kelly Bires is listed as driver of the MSPR #91;
The driver of the #96 is TBA. Dennis Setzer was listed but will be in Texas for the CWTS race.
UPDATE: Bobby Hamilton, Jr. is now listed as the driver of the #81.(6-2-2009)
UPDATE 2: Mike Harmon has withdrawn his #84 car and will again be in the #07 for SK Motorsports.(6-3-2009)
The complete list is posted on the Nashville race page.(6-1-2009)
www.jayski.com/nationwide/2009/next/13nashville.htm#entry
Hillman takes over as Annett’s crew chief: Germain Racing has added veteran NASCAR Sprint Cup Series crew chief Peter Sospenzo to lead the efforts of the #13 GEICO Camry and driver Max Papis in the highest level of NASCAR competition. This move allows general manager Mike Hillman Sr. to work with the #15 Pilot Travel Centers/HYPE Energy Drinks Camry team and driver Michael Annett in NASCAR’s number two series.(Germain Racing PR)(6-3-2009)
Portions of Montreal track to be resurfaced: Stock-Car Montréal, promoter of the NAPA Auto Parts 200 presented by Dodge, initiated major track resurfacing work this week on crucial portions of Circuit Gilles Villeneuve for the upcoming August 29-30 NASCAR race. The work, carried out by contractor Construction DJL in close cooperation with Shell Bitumen, will enable drivers of the Grand-Am and NASCAR Nationwide Series to negotiate the Montreal track’s demanding bends on a smooth surface worthy of the great international racetracks.(Stock Car Montreal PR)(6-3-2009)
Federated Auto Parts on the #40 at Nashville: Federated Auto Parts, 14-year sponsor of this weekend’s Federated Auto Parts 300, will appear as primary sponsor for this weekend’s race on the #40. This is Federated Auto Parts’ second race as primary sponsor for Key Motorsports, debuting on the car earlier this year in Las Vegas where Wimmer scored Key Motorsports’ best NNS finish since 1995: 11th.(Key Motorsports PR)(6-3-2009)
Western Kentucky University on the #05: The Western Kentucky University red towel will be waving Saturday night when the greennascar flag drops for the NASCAR Nationwide Series race at Nashville Superspeedway. The WKU logo will appear on the hood of the #05 Chevy at the Federated Auto Parts 300. The car’s back bumper will have a link to www.gowku.com, which will direct Internet users to WKU’s homepage.(Western Kentucky PR), see an image of the car on the #05 paint schemes page.(6-2-2009) www.jayski.com/schemes/2009/nationwide/05nationwide.htm
Clements to fill in for Busch at Nashville: This weekend’s race will serve as a bit of a challenge for #18-Kyle Busch as he will likely miss practice and possibly qualifying due to his obligations with the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series race at Pocono Raceway. Jeremy Clements will serve as the substitute driver in Busch’s absence.(MMI PR)(6-2-2009)
Tornado Relief Fund Autograph Session this Saturday at Nashville: When the tornado roared through Middle Tennessee on Good Friday, April 10, the NASCAR Nationwide Series Drivers were huddled in the Nashville Superspeedway Media Center watching TV reports of the devastation in Murfreesboro, just minutes south of the track. The memory of that day lives on in the minds of many of the drivers, and so when they roll back into town this weekend for the Federated Auto Parts 300 NASCAR Nationwide Series race they wanted to give back to the community. Nationwide Insurance, NASCAR and the Nashville Superspeedway will host a “Tornado Relief Fund Autograph Session” at the Nationwide Display on Expo Row Saturday, June 6 from Noon to 1 p.m. The autograph session is free; however, donations are welcome to benefit the Nashville area American Red Cross.(Nashville Superspeedway PR)(6-2-2009)
Nationwide races for Ryan Truex? While his older brother is in the news with a possibility of switching rides and racing under the Michael Waltrip Racing banner next season, Ryan Truex is carving his own path to success at MWR. At South Boston Speedway (VA) for the NASCAR Camping World East Series event, the younger Truex snagged the pole position and lead early, but faded to third at the end of the race. Truex might not have entered victory lane with his newer Toyota team affiliation, but it appears he will have many chances over multiple years to get there, as well as multiple series as he moves his way up the ranks of racing with Michael Waltrip Racing. “Right now my deal (with Michael Waltrip Racing) is just to run the full Camping World East season this year. It is a one year contract with a two year extension I think, so hopefully next year I will run a few Nationwide races and probably Camping World East again.”(Speed51)(6-2-2009)
2 RCR cars at Nashville: For just the second time in 2009, RCR will field multiple entries in a Nationwide Series event. Stephen Leicht will pilot chassis No. 066 from the Richard Childress Racing NASCAR Nationwide Series stable in this weekend’s Federated Auto Parts 300. Sean Caisse will make his RCR debut this weekend driving the Welcome, N.C.-based race team’s flagship #2 Chevy. The 23-year old driver will have to qualify on time during Saturday’s time trials in order to secure a spot in the race. (RCR PR)(6-2-2009)
Coleman returns to Nationwide Series: The last time Brad Coleman was in a NASCAR Nationwide Series race was August of 2008 when he brought home a Top 10 finish at Watkins Glen. Ten months later, the 21 year-old Joe Gibbs Racing driver is looking to regain momentum when he gets back on track at Nashville in the #20 Rudys.com JGR Toyota at the Federated Auto Parts 300.(Coleman PR)(6-2-2009)
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Busch lets teammate Logano off the hook for Nationwide Series incident
AutoWeek – USA
As it turns out, Cup rookie Joey Logano did not wreck his Joe Gibbs Racing teammate, Kyle Busch, in the final laps of last weekend’s Nationwide Series race …
www.autoweek.com/article/20090602/NASCAR/906029987
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Autograph Signing… Stephen Leicht will sign autographs on Saturday, June 6 from noon to 1 p.m. local time at the Nationwide Insurance mobile display area located outside the main grandstands at Nashville Superspeedway. Donations will be accepted for the local Red Cross to assist with tornado relief efforts that hit the Nashville area in April.
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Dollar General Race Day: Dollar General will hold its employee “Race Day” on Thursday, June 4th at Dollar General headquarters in Goodlettsville, Tennessee. Burney and wife, super model, Niki Taylor will sign autographs for employees from 12-12:45 p.m.
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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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The WinStar World Casino 400 from Texas Motor Speedway will take the green flag this Friday, June 5th at 9 P.M. Eastern. Race coverage will be televised live on SPEED, beginning at 8:30 P.M. Eastern, and heard live on select affiliates of MRN Radio and Sirius-XM NASCAR Radio Channel 128, beginning at 9 P.M. Eastern.
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Courtesy of Jayski
WinStar World Casino 400 – Texas Motor Speedway, Friday, June 5, 2009, 9:00pm Eastern
www.jayski.com/cts/next/2009/8texas2009.htm
SPEED/TV: Prerace – 8:30pm; Race – 9:00pm
Preliminary Entry List: There are 33 trucks on the preliminary entry list for the WinStar World Casino 400 at Texas Motor Speedway. Complete entry list is posted on the Texas Race Page.(6-1-2009)
Notes:
#4-Ricky Carmichael returns to the KHI Monster Energy Chevy
#15-Aric Almirola, driver of the BBM Samsung Instinct Toyota
#22-TBA driver, Gunbroker Racing Dodge
#51-Brian Ickler, fills in for Kyle Busch in the Miccosukee Resort/Samsung Instinct Toyota
#73-JJ Yeley, returns in the County Building Centers/Circle M Inspection Chevy
#75-Ryan Mathews, driver of the Ray Hackett Racing Ford(6-1-2009)
UPDATE:
#21-Marc Mitchell named as driver, GunBroker Racing Dodge(6-3-2009)
www.jayski.com/cts/next/2009/8texas2009.htm#entry
Images Added: Photos added for the following trucks from Dover: #4-KHI/Equipment Express Chevy; #00-Aaron’s Dream Machine Chevy; #07-tiwi.com Chevy; #12-LiveWire Energy Chevy; #24-Zachry/AustismSpeaks.org Toyota; #88-Australian Gold Chevy. From Lowe’s; #30-Copart.com Toyota; #87-Safe Surfin Foundation/Copy Wizard Chevy. Check them out by visiting the 2009 Paint Scheme Page.(6-4-2009)
www.jayski.com/schemes/2009trucks.htm
Tiwi returns as McCumbee sponsor; green dot mystery revealed: Ever wonder what the green dot on the windshield of NASCAR racecars and trucks is for? As Chad McCumbee and the #07 SS Green Light Racing team take to Texas Motor Speedway for this weekend’s Windstar World Casino 400k with sponsor tiwi on board for the second-consecutive weekend, the secret is revealed. The green dot placed in the upper right-hand corner of the windshield is inthinc inc.’s tiwi brand logo placed on the lap counter, which ensures accurate timing and scoring information for NASCAR. Although the logo is only apparent on the windshields in the Nationwide and Camping World Truck Series, the tiwi lap counter is also used by NASCAR in the Sprint Cup Series. inthinc’s Crash Data Recorder is also on board each vehicle in NASCAR’s top three series. This technology is similar to “black box” data recorders used in the airline industry. The information gathered and evaluated from such recorders often lead to higher safety standards.((PPR PlusS Green Light Racing PR)(6-3-2009)
Fan efforts ensure Hall of Fame Bricks for Benson: JB Fans will be represented at the NASCAR Hall of Fame located in Charlotte, North Carolina. Thanks to the efforts of Ray Patten and donations from JB fans, there will be a permanent memory of Johnny’s 2008 Craftsman Truck Championship and his 1995 Busch Championship. Once the information is distributed on where the bricks are located, it will be posted on the board [Benson web site]. Photos are posted on the site.(JohnnyBenson.com)(6-3-2009)
MRD & Setzer set through Memphis; then may cut-back? Plans for the #8-MRD Motorsports Chevy with driver Dennis Setzer, remain unclear for the remainder of the season. Following a season-high second place finish at Dover and gaining momentum in the point standings, lack of sponsorship nonetheless continues to plague this team. As a result Team MRD may be forced to limit races entered for the rest of the 2009 season. Right now the plan is to run the next four races, and then run only select races if no additional funding is obtained. Dennis Setzer is a former two-time winner at Texas Motor Speedway and both he and team owner, Dave Malcomson look forward to a great run in the WinStar World Casino 400.(MRD Motorsports)(6-3-2009)
Hackett Racing brings two entries to Texas & MIS; picks up sponsor for Michigan: Hackett Racing and driver Ryan Hackett are pleased to announce The Great American Spice Company will serve as sponsor for Hackett’s #76 Ford F-150 in the June 13th Camping World Truck Series Race at Michigan International Speedway. Nicknamed the “The World’s Largest Spice Store” The Great American Spice Company’s primary sales medium is online at www.americanspice.com, though local customers can also visit their retail outlet and warehouse located at 1411 N. Coliseum Blvd in Fort Wayne, IN. Hackett Racing will also be debuting their second truck, the #75, which will be driven by Ryan Mathews this weekend in Texas at the WinStar World Casino 400. The team plans on bringing both trucks to Michigan as well.(Hackett Racing PR)(6-3-2009)
Bischoff Racing to make first start at Milwaukee UPDATE Crew Chief named: Duane Bischoff Racing will be making their first NCWTS start with the #27 truck at the Milwaukee Mile on June 19th. Co-owner and driver Duane Bischoff, along with his wife (Doty) and family have been racing in the ARCA Lincoln Welder Truck series for six years and have recently purchased two trucks from Xpress Motorsports. The team intends to make five races if funding can be secured. PartBuddy.com is the primary sponsor now, but the team is also in talks with other potential partners. PartBuddy.com is a retail and wholesale parts company selling OEM manufacturer parts.(Duane Bischoff Racing PR)(4-24-2009)
UPDATE: Duane Bischoff Racing #27 has named Ryan Sebek (formerly of Bill Davis Racing),as their crew chief for the season. This will be his first time as crew chief in the truck series but has worked as crew chief in the Whelan Late Model Series for 3 years.(DuaneBischoffRacing.com)(6-3-2009)
First person with Brian Scott: Xpress Motorsports driver Brian Scott earned his first NASCAR Camping World Truck Series win in Saturday’s AAA Insurance 200 at Dover International Speedway. Here’s a closer look at who he is, in his own words:
Most enjoyable stop on the NASCAR circuit: Daytona. Nothing is more exciting than Speedweeks and starting the season all over again.
Biggest influence on my career: My father. He is the reason I got started racing and the reason I am where I am today. He was a racer in his own right [jet boat racer and won the 1992 world championships in jet boat racing] and has always inspired me to follow my dreams, then supported me doing it.
My best friend in the garage: My crew chief [Jeff Hensley]. You need to be able to almost complete each other’s sentences and be exactly on the same page.(Complete interview found at: SceneDaily.com)(6-2-2009)
Rookie Malsam makes first trip to Texas: Friday’s race at Texas Motor Speedway will be Tayler Malsam’s [#81 One Eighty Randy Moss Motorsports Toyota] first race at the Fort Worth track. After his 12th-place finish at Dover International Speedway, Malsam held his lead in the Raybestos Rookie of the Year point standings. The Seattle, Washington native is currently tied with Johnny Sauter with a total of 71 points. Malsam has won the Rookie of the Race award twice in thefirst seven races of the season..(Randy Moss Motorsports PR)(6-2-2009)
NCWTS continues to grow ratings on SPEED: The rain-delayed NASCAR Camping World Truck Series race from Dover enjoyed a five-percent Nielsen Household Ratings increase year-to-year, scoring a .86 (626,000 households) and peaking at a 1.11 (811,000 households). In 2008, the Dover Truck race earned a .82 (597,000 households) Nielsen Rating, peaking at just .99 (719,000 households). After a year of double-digit ratings growth in 2008, the Dover race marks the third time in five races that ratings have increased on SPEED for the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series in 2009. Daytona numbers were up 21 percent and Atlanta was up 23 percent. Charlotte was down slightly during All-Star week and Kansas was run on a Monday afternoon after being rained out over the weekend. In 2008, 19 of 22 NCWTS races on SPEED enjoyed ratings growth, 15 in double digits. In addition, the popular NASCAR Camping World Truck Series pre-race show, NCWTS Setup with Krista Voda, was up 58 percent from a year ago, earning a Nielsen Rating of .57 as compared to .36 in 2008.(SPEEDtv PR)(6-2-2009)
Skinner’s stats impressive, looking for win at Texas: Mike Skinner, driver of the #5 Randy Moss Motorsports Toyota has competed in 10 NASCAR Camping World Truck Series races at Texas Motor Speedway. In those 10 NCWTS races, Skinner has recorded six top-five finishes and eight top-10 finishes, which include the past two races at the Fort Worth track (2008 – fall and spring). Skinner has also claimed five pole positions, most recently in 2007 (fall). The 1995 Truck Series Champion has completed every lap of competition (1580 of 1580) and led a total of 458 laps at the 1.5-mile track. Skinner’s average starting position is 3.7 and his average finishing position is 5.5.(Randy Moss Motorsports PR)(6-2-2009)
Braun hopes to break into win column at home track: Colin Braun, driver of the #6-Con-way Freight Roush Fenway Racing Ford considers Texas Motor Speedway his home track and he’s hoping to break out during this weekend’s race. A native of Ovalo, Texas, Braun has shown great promise in 2009 leading both the Charlotte and Dover races before contact with Kyle Busch and a blown right front tire respectively, took him out of contention. Braun has one top-five finish at Texas in only his second start there last year.(Roush Fenway Racing PR)(6-2-2009)
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Courtesy of TruckSeries.Com
Repeat Winners Commonplace At Texas Motor Speedway
06-02-2009 | TruckSeries.com Report
Like grapes, NASCAR Camping World Truck Series winners come in bunches at Texas Motor Speedway. The track, which hosts Friday night’s 400K race, boasted eight consecutive different winners from its debut on the schedule in 1997 through the fall race of 2002.
www.truckseries.com/cgi-script/NCTS_09/articles/000005/000593.htm
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Ickler Knows It’s Risky To Be Subbing for Rowdy – www.racintoday.com/archives/5334
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AUTOGRAPH SESSION: Mike Skinner and his Randy Moss Motorsports teammate Tayler Malsam will join other NASCAR Camping World Truck Series drivers to sign autographs on Friday afternoon from 4:30 p.m. to 5:15 p.m. CT in the TM Interactive area.
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A R C A (Automobile Racing Club of America)
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Courtesy of ARCA
Ansell Gives Kimmel Fan Boost for Pocono
RED BANK NJ (6-4-09) – Ansell Protective Products, the Official Safety Gloves of ARCA, will be giving a big boost to Frank Kimmel’s fan base this weekend at Pocono Raceway.
Ansell, which is also Kimmel’s team sponsor, will have a large contingent of guests in attendance cheering the team on in Saturday’s Pocono ARCA 200.
With its US headquarters in nearby Red Bank, New Jersey, Ansell, a worldwide corporation, is going to bring 150 extras along for the show.
“Having so many people from Ansell in attendance will be a real treat for Kimmel Racing,” said Frank Kimmel.
“It doesn’t really add any pressure or anything because we always like to run well and we put that kind of pressure on ourselves to do just that week in and week out, but we’ll definitely be aware that we have so many fans in the stands and we’d love to take all 150 of them with us to victory lane on Saturday.”
www.arcaracing.com/news.cfm?contentid=8075
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U S A R (United Speed Alliance Racing)
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Courtesy of USAR
USARacing Pro Cup Series Lucas Oil 200 this Weekend at Winchester Speedway
Erica Kron – Media Relations
Tuesday, June 02, 2009 5:45:00 PM
Winchester, IN (June 2, 2009) – The Lucas Oil 200 is rapidly approaching as it is the only true Northern stop on the USARacing Pro Cup Series circuit. The event will be held at Winchester Speedway in Winchester, IN on Saturday, June 6 at 7pm.
usarprocup.com/view_article.asp?id=3048
Entry List for Lucas Oil 200, Winchester Speedway, Saturday, June 6, 2009 @ 7pm
usarprocup.com/view_article.asp?id=3047
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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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NASCAR Canadian Tire Series News And Notes – Delaware
Beauchamp Back In A Better State Of Mind
The reasons are many and varied, but Ron Beauchamp Jr. is tired of talking and hearing about hard-luck races.
Just like any sport, racing is a game of inches. The difference between standing on the podium and loading a wrecked race car into the hauler can be too close to measure. Over the last two seasons for Beauchamp (No. 60 Mopar/Mobil 1/Exide Batteries Dodge), though, it might as well been measured with a yardstick. Regardless of the steps that he or his team took for the sake of improvement, very little worked.
“It’s been a rough couple of years. We kept looking to catch a break, but never could,” said Beauchamp.
With a 13-race schedule, playing catch up is not the place to be. In the 2008 season opener, the No. 60 Dodge finished third, but NASCAR officials found an impropriety at the post-race technical inspection. As a result, Beauchamp was relegated down to a last-place finish.
“We thought we had a great start to the year after a nightmare in 2007, but it didn’t turn out that way,” he said. “We got behind and got in a hole. We just never could get in front of it.”
Even though the hole, seemingly surrounded in sand, kept sliding in on them, the return of Chris Couvillion as crew chief raised the morale at the shop and the game at the track.
“It got to be a drag at the shop. I needed a jumpstart,” explained Beauchamp. “The shop is my happy place and it wasn’t for a while.”
Couvillion left Beauchamp in 2007 for another job in the racing industry, but his heart was at the track. With the way things had been going, it didn’t take long for the Beauchamp team to welcome him back with open arms.
“I think at the time his decision to leave was that it was for a better offer, but, I guess it didn’t turn out to be that way. It’s definitely our gain,” Beauchamp said.
After finishing outside the top 10 in eight of the first nine races in 2008, the return of Couvillion manifested itself in three top-five finishes in the final four races of the year.
The 2009 season opened with another top five—a third-place effort in St. Eustache—giving him three consecutive finishes in third dating back to last year. He led the race on four separate occasions for a total of 19 laps.
On the horizon for Beauchamp is the debut of a brand new car built over the off-season. Surprisingly, he is not at all hesitant to christen the new car with the season underway.
“I’m really not worried about it. Maybe I would, but the geometry and construction of this car is perfect,” he said. “I’m done with excuses. It’s time for results.”
Fast Facts
The Race: Delaware 200 presented by Belfor Restoration Services
The Place: Delaware (Ont.) Speedway
The Date: Saturday, June 6
The Time: 8:30 p.m. ET
TV Schedule: TSN, June 14, 11:30 a.m. ET
Track Layout: Half-mile paved oval
Race Purse: $85,298 CAD
2008 Winner: Event Not Held
2008 Pole: Event Not Held
Schedule: Practice 1-2:30 p.m.;Time Trials 5:15 p.m.
Track Contact: John Houghton, (519) 652-5068, ext. 201, info@delawarespeedway.com
NASCAR Contact: Shon Sbarra, (704) 309-5493, ssbarra@nascar.com
2009 DRIVER STANDINGS
1. Dave Whitlock 185
2. Kerry Micks 175
3. Ron Beauchamp Jr. 170
4. Scott Steckly 165
5. Andrew Ranger 160
6. Mark Dilley 155
7. Jason White 151
8. Don Thomson Jr. 143
9. Jason Hathaway 142
10. Miguel Duhamel 134
11. Derek White 130
12. Kent Nuhn 127
Micks Taking Full Advantage Of Spec Engine Program
When word reached NASCAR Canadian Tire Series teams over the winter that NASCAR’s spec engine program was going to be an option in 2009, several teams had questions, but not Kerry Micks (No. 02 Beyond Digital Imaging Ford). He only wanted to know where to sign and how to get started.
The lower cost alternative for powering the car is perfect for Micks, a true tactician always looking for an edge over his competition, in this age of increasing costs.
“Once I was reasonably sure it would be competitive, it made perfect sense for us,” he said. “We were at a bit of a crossroads with our engine program and the chance to put a competitive car on the track for less money than we had been spending was a pretty simple choice.”
In the season opener, Micks, racing out of Mt. Albert, Ont., logged a runner-up finish, and led 28 laps along the way, proving the engine could stand up to the custom-built motors in many of the other cars.
“It was a great start, but there is a lot of racing left. My whole team pours their heart and soul into this program just like I do,” Micks said. “We’re going to keep our head down and do whatever we can do to win the championship. That’s our goal.”
Last year, Matt Kobyluck (East) and Eric Holmes (West) won NASCAR Camping World Series titles with spec engines under the hood.
News & Notes
The Race: This event is the second of 13 races on the NASCAR Canadian Tire Series schedule. It is the series’ first visit to the track.
The Procedure: The starting field is 24 cars, including provisionals. The first 21 cars will be determined from two-lap time trials. The remaining three spots will be awarded through the provisional process. The race will be 200 laps (100 miles).
The Track: Delaware Speedway is a half-mile, paved stock-car track located just west of London, Ontario. For more than 55 years, Delaware Speedway has been the home to some of the finest stock car racing in Canada. Its unique natural amphitheatre-like setting allows maximum enjoyment for the fans. The track has undergone extensive remodeling over the past several months under the ownership of Arlen Scherba.
First-time Visit: This will be the first time the NASCAR Canadian Tire Series has competed at the facility. Many competitors are already familiar with the surroundings. The track was a stalwart of the CASCAR Super Series. In fact, it was considered to be the ‘Home of CASCAR.’
For Real This Time: Several teams had the opportunity to test at the track five weeks ago. In a May 2 test session, Kerry Micks (No. 02 Beyond Digital Imaging Ford) registered the quickest lap at 19.028 seconds (94.597 mph). Defending series champion Scott Steckly (No. 22 Canadian Tire/Tow Truck in a Box Dodge) was just off that pace at 19.030 seconds (94.587 mph).
Also On Tap: It’s a full weekend of racing action at Delaware Speedway. On Friday evening, the Auto-Value Super Sprints will compete in an 8 p.m. ET feature. Joining the NASCAR Canadian Tire Series on Saturday will be the Delaware Super Stock division as they compete for honors in the NASCAR Whelen All-American Series.
Full Circle: After beginning his racing career at Delaware Speedway in the street stock division, Dave Whitlock (No. 39 Dickies/NMT Dodge), who will retire as a driver at the close of the 2009 season, looks to extend his winning streak to two races after winning the season opener at Autodrome St. Eustache.
NCATS Notebook: Tufoil 250 Post-Race
Done At 25: With his Tufoil 250 win at Autodrome St. Eustache, Dave Whitlock (No. 39 Dickies/NMT Dodge) ended his NASCAR Canadian Tire Series winless streak at 25. He has competed in every event since the series’ inception in 2007.
A Matter of Time: Dating back to last season, Andrew Ranger (No. 27 Wal-Mart/Tide Ford) has been inching closer and closer to his first oval-track win in the series. At St. Eustache, he led a race-high 144 laps before settling for a finish in sixth place. For his career, the 22-year-old former open-wheel competitor still has less than 30 starts in a stock car on ovals.
High-Water Marks: World-class motorcycle racer Miguel Duhamel (No. 7 Jacombs Racing Ford) finished 10th and posted his first series career top-10 finish in just his third start. Jason White (No. 21 A&W/Zimmer-Wheaton GMC Chevrolet) equaled his series career-best finish of seventh, previously accomplished on two occasions.
Loosened Grip: By earning his first series career pole position on an oval track, Scott Steckly (No. 22 Canadian Tire/Tow Truck in a Box Dodge) snapped Fitzpatrick Motorsports’ string of eight consecutive poles on ovals. Last season, Don Thomson Jr. (No. 4 Home Hardware Chevrolet) picked up seven of those while teammate JR Fitzpatrick (No. 84 Fitzpatrick Motorsports Chevrolet) collected one.
Mobil 1 Command Performance of the Race Award: As a reward for his NASCAR Canadian Tire Series victory at Autodrome St. Eustache, Whitlock collects $1,500 from Mobil 1 for his effort. It was his first series win.
Mopar Quick Three: This program awards the top three finishing Dodges in the race. In the Tufoil 250, the victorious Whitlock was the highest-finishing Dodge and thus earned a $2,000 bonus. Third-place finisher Ron Beauchamp Jr. (No. 60 Mopar/Mobil 1/Exide Dodge) was the second-highest finishing Dodge, which earned him $1,000. Picking up $500 for finishing as the third-highest Dodge was Steckly.
Coca-Cola Move of the Race Award: Improving his position the most over the course of the race was Whitlock. After starting 11th on the grid, he bided his time before working his way forward for the win. As a result, he earned the $1,000 award from POWERade.
MAHLE Clevite Engine Builder of the Race Award: In a new program for 2009, the driver who compiles the most points in a specialized system involving qualifying, race finish and leading laps collects the $1,000 award. In the Tufoil 250, Steckly with his start on the pole and fourth-place finish edged Ranger for the honor.
Home Tracks Update: Delaware Speedway Returns To NASCAR Family Of Tracks
For the staff and management of Delaware (Ont.) Speedway, the beginning of the race season signals a couple of things—the dawn of a new ear and a chance to catch their breath.
In late January, track officials announced that Arlen Scherba had bought out his partners and became the sole owner of the facility. He promptly declared that the half-mile track would rejoin the NASCAR family.
Delaware Speedway became the first Canadian track to hoist the NASCAR banner for its weekly racing program in 2004, but the relationship came to an end following the 2005 season.
With Scherba’s focus and commitment, the track began an unprecedented phase of renovations.
Pit road was completely demolished and new concrete was poured. The frontstretch, which had become a handful for the drivers over the years, has a brand new coat of asphalt. And several fan areas have been improved to add to their enjoyment of the racing action.
“We are very pleased to have Delaware return to the NASCAR Whelen All-American Series,” said George Silbermann, NASCAR Managing Director of Racing Operations. “Canada is home to very passionate NASCAR fans and Delaware is another great example of the exciting short-track racing that is the foundation of NASCAR.”
On the track, the season is still quite young. Ron Sheridan has a win and a slim two-point advantage over Jesse Kennedy, who also earned a victory, in the standings after just two outings, so far. The two Delaware drivers also sit atop the Ontario provincial standings in the latest NASCAR Whelen All-American Series points update.
Drivers from both Delaware and Barrie (Ont.) Speedway will battle all season long for the coveted Ontario provincial championship. National and state, or province, champions in the NASCAR Whelen All-American Series are determined by drivers’ highest 18 finishes at NASCAR-sanctioned tracks within a state or province.
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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/CA/060309.html
Double File Restarts, Maybe This Week?
by Chuck Abrams
The Nascar Insiders
Ask The Insiders Wednesday #26
The big three NASCAR series all shared the same track this last weekend in Dover, but they all split up this weekend.
feedproxy.google.com/~r/TheNascarInsiders/~3/KpiDThJ1WBM/
Insider Racing News
insiderracingnews.com/Writers/DD/060409.html
Extracting Blood From Turnips, NASCAR Goes Too Far This Time
by Doug Demmons
The Nascar Insiders
Carl Long Did The Crime. Now He Needs To Serve The Time
On Tuesday the National Stock Car Racing Commission, NASCAR’s version of an appellate court, upheld most of the penalties against driver Carl Long.
feedproxy.google.com/~r/TheNascarInsiders/~3/19qX7VnGK5k/
RaceTalkRadio.com:
Missing Turn Four and FOX, Fantasy Insight- Pocono 1 by Dennis Michelsen
www.racetalkradio.com/soz/id278.htm
Kyle Busch Is No Dale Earnhardt
By Carol Einarsson | 06/04/2009
An Excerpt:
Dale Earnhardt raced guys the way they could handle. He wasn’t aggressive towards guys that he knew couldn’t control a loose race car (made loose, of course, by him). If he were, there wouldn’t have been any rookies left. Rather, he raced them as much as he knew they could manage. And when all was said and done, he had the respect of his peers. He had the friendship of his peers. Sure, they’d get mad at him (“Have you ever heard him say he means to spin ANYbody out?” – Terry Labonte), but they’d also forgive him and laugh about it later. Terry Labonte had a smile on his face even that night in Bristol after the infamous wreck in 1999.
Read more… www.racejournalonline.com/index.php?page=read&article=427
Kyle Petty Sightings Now Underway
dalyplanet.blogspot.com/2009/06/kyle-petty-sightings-now-underway.html
The Ponytail Express Is Ready To Roll
dalyplanet.blogspot.com/2009/06/ponytail-express-is-ready-to-roll.html
NASCAR’s Newest Reporter Could Be You
dalyplanet.blogspot.com/2009/06/nascars-newest-reporter-could-be-you.html
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T V * L I S T I N G S
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Courtesy of Race Fans Stockcar Newsletter
THURSDAY, JUNE 4
5:00 P-5:30 ESPN 2 NASCAR Now, HD, L
FRIDAY, JUNE 5
12:00 N -1:30 SPEED NASCAR Sprint Cup PRACTICE, Pocono 500, Pocono Raceway, Long Pond, PA, HD, L
3:30 P-6:30 SPEED NASCAR Sprint Cup QUALIFYING, Pocono 500, Pocono Raceway, Long Pond, PA, HD, L
6:00 P-7:30 ESPN 2 NASCAR Nationwide Series PRACTICE, Federated Auto Parts 300, Nashville Super speedway, Lebanon, TN, HD, L
7:00 P-8:00 VS IRL Indy Car Series QUALIFYING, Bombardier Learjet 550, Texas Motor Speedway, Fort Worth, TX, HD, SDD
7:30 P-8:00 ESPN 2 NASCAR Now, HD, L
8:30 P-9:00 SPEED NASCAR Camping World Truck Series SETUP, Win Star World Casino 400, Texas Motor Speedway, Fort Worth, TX, HD, L
9:00 P-11:30 SPEED NASCAR Camping World Truck Series Win Star World Casino 400, Texas Motor Speedway, Fort Worth, TX, HD, L (expect green at 9:20P)
SATURDAY, JUNE 6
10:00 A-11:00 SPEED NASCAR Sprint Cup PRACTICE, Pocono 500, Pocono Raceway, Long Pond, PA, HD, L
11:00 A-12:30 SPEED NASCAR Sprint Cup FINAL PRACTICE, Pocono 500, Pocono Raceway, Long Pond, PA, HD, L
3:00 P-4:30 ESPN 2/TSN NASCAR Nationwide Series QUALIFYING, Federated Auto Parts 300, Nashville Super speedway, Lebanon, TN, HD, L
4:00 P-6:00 SPEED ARCA RE/MAX Series Pocono 200, Pocono Raceway, Long Pond, PA, HD, SDD
7:00 P-7:30 ESPN 2/TSN NASCAR Nationwide Series COUNTDOWN, Federated Auto Parts 300, Nashville Super speedway, Lebanon, TN, HD, L
7:30 P-10:30 ESPN 2/TSN NASCAR Nationwide Series Federated Auto Parts 300, Nashville Super speedway, Lebanon, TN, HD, L (expect green at 7:45P)
9:00 P-12:00 M VS/TSN 2 IRL Indy Car Series Bombardier Learjet 550, Texas Motor Speedway, Fort Worth, TX, HD, L
SUNDAY, JUNE 7
10:00 A-11:00 ESPN 2 NASCAR Now, HD, L
10:30 A-12:30 P SPEED NASCAR Race Day. Preview of today’s Pocono 500, Pocono Raceway, HD, L
1:30 P-2:00 TNT/TSN NASCAR Sprint Cup COUNTDOWN TO GREEN, Pocono 500, Pocono Raceway, Long Pond, PA, HD, L
2:00 P-6:30 TNT/TSN NASCAR Sprint Cup Pocono 500, Pocono Raceway, Long Pond, PA, HD, L (expect green at 2:15 P)
7:00 P-8:00 SPEED The SPEED Report, HD, N
8:00 P-9:00 SPEED NASCAR Victory Lane at Pocono 500, Pocono Raceway, HD, SDD, 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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Used Jeep Wrangler
