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Well, I’m back, so to speak…. a HUGE THANKS to Heather for filling in during last week. |
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E d i t o r ‘ s * N o t e s
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Well, I’m back, so to speak…. a HUGE THANKS to Heather for filling in during last week.
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Stock Car Gazette Columnists Speak Out!
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motorsportsnews.net/archives/3767
TV Times – If Fans Are Not Going To The Races, Why Aren’t They Watching On TV?
by: Lou Modestino
NASCAR’s TV ratings still are down and the sanction has yet to determine what it can be attributed to.
For more of this writer, visit motorsportsnews.net/archives/category/tv-times
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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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NASCAR to bring Pony cars to Cup and Nationwide
Manufacturers reportedly poured more than a half-billion dollars into the sport last year through factory and technical support to the teams, track support, vehicle programs and advertising. Yet NASCAR turned its back on Detroit with each generation of its race car as it morphed further away from what was on the showroom floor.
Yes, the [...]
clicks.aweber.com/y/ct/?l=MsyAy&m=1aSiaXlm3xX3DX&b=BfG4SuCE5s1qXGklM5DI5g
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Courtesy of www.Frontstretch.com
Top News Stories
by Tom Bowles
Carl Long Appeal Heard, Verdict Expected Later This Week
On Monday, journeyman Sprint Cup driver/owner Carl Long made his case one last time to reduce a pending 12-race suspension and $200,000 fine. Arguing in front of NSCRC head Charles Strang in Chicago, he once again disputed the severity of the penalty assessed for an oversized engine in his No. 46 car discovered at the Sprint Cup All-Star Showdown in May. The fine from NASCAR, assessed to crew chief Charles Swing, has threatened to leave that organization on the sidelines for good, as the underdog operation doesn’t have enough money to pay should Strang uphold the verdict.
Late Monday afternoon, Carl’s wife DeeDee made an announcement inside Carl-Long.com that the plea had been completed. According to Ms. Long, a decision by the commissioner is now expected to be released later this week.
In the interim, Long will continue to work full-time for Front Row Motorsports as a crew member.
Benson Upgraded To Fair Condition Following Wreck
Just days after a vicious crash in a Super Modified Race in Berlin, reigning Truck Series champ Johnny Benson appears to be on the mend. According to the driver’s web site, he was upgraded to fair condition on Monday in a Michigan hospital after being diagnosed with a broken rib, a punctured lung, and other assorted minor injuries.
One of just two drivers to win a title in the Nationwide and Truck Series, Benson was relegated to Super Modified duty after being released from Red Horse Racing operation due to a lack of sponsorship last week. According to fans at the track, contact with another car coming off Turn 4 sent Benson’s car into a hard wreck that ended with his machine bursting into flames. Luckily, technological safety advancements combined with the reportedly quick work of the rescue crew at the track kept Benson’s injuries to a minimum.
Originally, part-time Truck Series driver Kyle Busch was attempting to arrange a deal where Benson would go ahead and pilot his truck in Milwaukee Friday night. However, barring a miraculous recovery, it looks like that will not happen as the veteran’s recovery is expected to take several weeks.
NASCAR Mexico Driver Killed
On Sunday, the NASCAR community lost one of its own as Mexican driver Carlos Pardo was killed in a horrific tragedy South of the Border. Racing at Autodromo Miguel E. Abed in Puebla, Pardo was leading when contact from the car behind him turned him sideways down the back straightaway. Seen here, (WARNING: Video of the wreck could be disturbing to some readers) Pardo immediately hit an opening on the inside wall with the passenger’s side, causing the car to disintegrate on impact similar to Michael Waltrip’s Bristol crash back in 1990.
In that incident, Waltrip made it out with a few bumps and bruises… but Pardo was not so lucky. 45 minutes after hitting the wall, he was pronounced dead at a local hospital from multiple injuries. The brother of part-time Nationwide Series competitor Ruben Pardo, Carlos was the 2004 champion of the Mexico Series and had one career Nationwide Series start, placing 42nd in the 2006 Mexico City road course race for owner Frank Cicci.
Following the wreck, the race was called, with the finishing order reverted to the last completed green flag lap. In a tragic irony, that made Pardo the unofficial race winner.
Half Dozen Road Ringers Populate Infineon Entry List
A look at this week’s entry list for the winding road course of Infineon brings to mind a lot of familiar names … for road courses. The traditional set of “ringers” — drivers hired specifically for the challenge offered by left and right turns — stands at a cool half-dozen for Sunday. However, only one of them is locked into the starting lineup due to their car’s position in owner points; that would be Patrick Carpentier, a lone exception after being tapped to fill in for owner/driver Michael Waltrip in the No. 55 Toyota.
Among those drivers looking to make the race on speed this week will be Ron Fellows, driving for the No. 09 James Finch team that won Talladega with Brad Keselowski; Tom Hubert, driving an unsponsored No. 27 Toyota entry fielded by Kirk Shelmerdine; Brian Simo, driving the unsponsored No. 36 Tommy Baldwin Racing Toyota; Boris Said, driving with patchwork sponsorship for the No. 08 Ford of E & M Motorsports (on loan from RCM No Fear); and Tony Ave, who will be attempting to qualify a second car for Front Row Motorsports.
46 cars are currently listed to compete for 43 spots.
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Courtesy of Google Alerts
Five years after Toyota, NASCAR willing to consider other foreign …
The Canadian Press – CHARLOTTE, N.C.
CHARLOTTE, NC — Fans cringed and teams shuddered when NASCAR opened its doors to Toyota, the first foreign automaker to enter a sport built around American …
www.google.com/hostednews/canadianpress/article/ALeqM5gE76xw7AM8EBzTtSA6ZhB4i6gcOg
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Courtesy of Insider Racing News
Mike Accavitti Named Dodge CEO
Amid all the hoopla over General Motors and its bankruptcy and its future, and its future in NASCAR, and the hot debate in the past few days about the fate of Chrysler and its NASCAR Dodge teams, a huge piece of news seemingly slipped through the cracks: Mike Accavitti, the long-time Dodge racing director, has just been promoted to president and CEO of Dodge itself, a jump up of about three huge rungs on the Detroit ladder. Accavitti, who hasn’t made it to a NASCAR track in some time, has been a strong supporter of NASCAR racing, so his promotion would seem to bode very well for the sport.
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Courtesy of Jayski
NASCAR says Mayfield expert lied: NASCAR has filed a motion in federal court that says an expert witness for suspended driver Jeremy Mayfield lied about his credentials. The motion was filed Tuesday. It claims Dr. Harvey MacFenerstein falsely represented himself on six counts in a May 29 affidavit presented on behalf of Mayfield, who was suspended indefinitely by NASCAR after failing a drug test. NASCAR says MacFenerstein does not have the medical degrees or certifications he listed in his qualifications. In his testimony about NASCAR’s drug-testing policy, MacFenerstein said the policy is flawed and does not meet federal workplace guidelines. His findings were the basis of Mayfield’s argument that he should be immediately reinstated.(Associated Press)(6-16-2009)
Goodyear returns to Indy for another tire test: Goodyear appears to have resolved some of the problems that plagued last year’s Allstate 400 in Indianapolis. Nine cars made it onto the track for testing Monday. Kyle Busch’s #18 car did the most consecutive laps with 17 early in the afternoon. During last year’s Allstate 400, tire problems forced race officials to call competition cautions every 10 to 12 laps. It’s the third time Goodyear has returned to Indy for testing this year. Two cars reportedly ran 30 consecutive laps before running out of fuel at a previous session. Goodyear has one more test session Tuesday.(Associated Press)(6-16-2009)
Carl Long to make final appeal Monday: UPDATE: On Monday, June 15th, #46-Carl Long will present his second and final appeal to National Stock Car Racing Commissioner, Charles Strang, regarding the penalties his team received. Long was penalized for having an illegal engine during the NASCAR Sprint All-Star Race at Lowe’s Motor Speedway last month. The 12-race suspension, 200-point penalty and $200,000 fine are NASCAR records. The hearing will begin at 2 PM Eastern.(Carl-Long.com)(6-14-2009)
UPDATE: According to a post on Carl’s web site by his wife, DeeDee, the verdict of Monday’s hearing will not be known until possibly the end of the week.(Carl-Long.com)(6-16-2009)
Bruton says 2010 Cup race at Kentucky ‘doubtful’: UPDATE: Hours before the NASCAR Nationwide Series Meijer 300 was to go green at Kentucky Speedway, the big question to track owner Bruton Smith was whether there would be a Sprint Cup race at the track next year. Smith, chairman of Speedway Motorsports Inc., sounded as pessimistic that it would happen, and Smith is not known for being pessimistic. “I would like to say, ‘Yes,’ but I don’t know,” Smith said. “It’s doubtful that we get it done. It would take a tremendous cooperation from NASCAR.” NASCAR spokesman Ramsey Poston would not totally close the door on Kentucky’s Cup chances for 2010, but indicated that it is doubtful. “As we’ve said, there can be no consideration of a Cup date for Kentucky while the litigation is pending,” Poston said. “Having said that, the sanctioning process is currently under way.” Once he gets a commitment to a Cup race, Smith said he would add about 50,000 seats to the track, which currently seats 69,000, as well as add additional roads to and from the facility. He would also move pit road closer to the grandstands – “You saw what I did in Vegas,” Smith said.(Scene Daily)(6-14-2009)
UPDATE: Jerry Carroll, one of the five founders and former co-owners of Kentucky Speedway, expects the group’s antitrust lawsuit against NASCAR will continue at least through the appeal scheduled to be heard next month. “Absolutely,” he said Saturday as he stood about 25 feet away from current track owner Bruton Smith, chairman of Speedway Motorsports Inc. Smith and Carroll consider themselves friends, but Smith cannot convince Carroll and his partners to drop the lawsuit filed in 2005 against NASCAR and sister company International Speedway Corp. If the founders win their appeal, the case would go back to U.S. District Court for trial and, with appeals, could drag on for years.(Louisville Business Journal)(6-16-2009)
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Courtesy of Racin’ Today
Woody: Restart of Tomorrow Is A Winner
By Larry Woody | Senior Writer RacinToday.com
The National Football League just announced that midway through the upcoming season it’s going to shorten the field to 90 yards, give each offense five downs instead of four, and limit the defense to nine men on the field.
And one other thing – all field-goal kickers have to wear pink
www.racintoday.com/archives/6190
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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’
Gordon gains ground on Stewart in rankings
Top 10s might not keep Tony Stewart at the top of the heap the rest of the way, but will ensure his place in the playoffs.
www.thatsracin.com/115/story/11953.html
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Courtesy of www.Valvoline.com
Yes, He REALLY Said That
Jeff Burton, on a recent tire test at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway. “I was really happy with what went on there. I went there very skeptical. Nervous about it. I don’t like doing tire tests in places you know you have tire problems. Kind of feel like Chuck Yeager.”
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Kyle Busch, Scott Speed to Make Rolex Series Debut with Chip Ganassi Racing with Felix Sabates in Brumos Porsche 250 at Daytona
NASCAR standouts will pilot the No. 02 Waste Management Lexus Riley
DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. (June 15, 2009) – Three-time Grand-Am Rolex Sports Car Series with Crown Royal Cask No. 16 Daytona Prototype champions Chip Ganassi Racing with Felix Sabates (CGRFS) will field a second entry for NASCAR Sprint Cup Series drivers Kyle Busch and Scott Speed in the July 4 Brumos Porsche 250 at Daytona International Speedway.
The race will take the green flag at 2 p.m. ET, and will be televised live on SPEED.
The duo will make their Grand-Am Rolex Series debut piloting the No.02 Waste Management Lexus Riley alongside defending Grand-Am series champions Scott Pruett and Memo Rojas in the No.01 TELMEX Lexus Riley. The team is the defending winner of the Brumos Porsche 250, with Pruett executing a last-lap pass in the trioval to beat Alex Gurney to the checkered flag last July. Pruett and Rojas won their first race of 2009 at Watkins Glen International last weekend to capture a share of the Daytona Prototype point lead.
“I am really looking forward to seeing Kyle and Scott in one of our Grand Am cars,” Ganassi said. “Kyle is one of the best racecar drivers in the world and Scott is a young talent with a lot of road course experience. Also, I think having the opportunity for them to work with a road course veteran like Scott Pruett should make for a great experience for them. It will be exciting to see what they can do.”
Since the team’s introduction into the Grand-Am Series in 2004, Chip Ganassi Racing with Felix Sabates has won the Rolex 24 At Daytona three consecutive times, in addition to capturing three Daytona Prototype team championships and winning 22 races in a six-year span. Last season, Pruett became the first two-time Daytona Prototype champion and Rojas became the first Mexican driver to win a major racing championship in the United States.
Currently, Busch is the leading winner in all three of NASCAR’s stock car national touring series. He won three events in Sprint Cup competition in the Joe Gibbs Racing No. 18 M&M’s Toyota and is ranked ninth in the point standings, in position to make the Chase for the NASCAR Sprint Cup. In the Nationwide Series, he has four victories and leads the point standings. Busch also has two victories to share the lead in Camping World Truck Series competition. Last year, the 24-year-old native of Las Vegas, Nev., won a record 21 races in the three series.
Prior to moving to stock cars, Speed raced in Formula One, making 28 starts in 2006 and 2007 for Scuderia Toro Rosso. A 2008 winner in the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series, Speed is ranked second in the Raybestos Rookie of the Year standings behind Joey Logano. The 26-year-old native of Manteca, Calif., was fifth in the Aaron’s 499 at Talladega Superspeedway in April at the wheel of the No. 82 Red Bull Toyota.
The Brumos Porsche 250 will be a one-day show on July 4, with practice beginning at 8:30 a.m. The NASCAR Sprint Cup Series will follow the two and a half hour race with the 8 p.m. Coke Zero 400 Powered By Coca-Cola.
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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
Nationwide Series In Prime Time from Milwaukee: The NASCAR Nationwide Series makes its only appearance of the season at the Milwaukee Mile this weekend and ESPN2 will have a live, high definition telecast in prime time on Saturday, June 20, at beginning at 8 p.m. ET with NASCAR Countdown. The green flag flies at 8:45 p.m. and the telecast is presented by Toyo Tires. ESPN2 is the home of the NASCAR Nationwide Series all season, with selected races on ESPN and ABC. The race re-airs Sunday, June 21, at 7 a.m. on ESPN Classic. ESPN2 airs same-day coverage of NASCAR Nationwide Series qualifying at 6:30 p.m. Saturday. Ray Evernham, a regular analyst on ESPN2’s NASCAR Now, joins anchor announcer Dr. Jerry Punch and Rusty Wallace in the booth to call the race. Reporting from the pits will be Dave Burns, Jamie Little and Shannon Spake, with Tim Brewer 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)(6-15-2009)
Able Body Labor to sponsor Phoenix race: Phoenix International Raceway announced that Able Body Labor has joined PIR’s team of corporate partners and will be the title sponsor of the track’s November NASCAR Nationwide Series race – the Able Body Labor 200. The race entitlement is the first such partnership for Able Body Labor in NASCAR.(Phoenix Raceway PR)(6-15-2009)
Hornaday in the #33 at Milwaukee: This weekend when Ron Hornaday takes the green-flag at The Milwaukee Mile from behind the wheel of the #33 Jimmy John’s Chevy, he will make his 10th career Nationwide Series start at Milwaukee. In nine previous starts at the track in the Nationwide Series, Hornaday has one win, three top-five and five top-10 finishes and has led 119 laps.(KHI PR)(6-15-2009)
Almirola to drive for Key Motorsports: Two years after being awarded his first NASCAR Nationwide Series in arguably the strangest scenario in the Series’ history, Aric Almirola will finally return to the Milwaukee Mile in hopes of actually taking the checkered flag. Key Motorsports has confirmed that Almirola will be driving their #40 StopRepairBills.com Chevy in five races starting this weekend in Milwaukee. Almirola will get his shot at a second Nationwide Series victory at the Milwaukee Mile, plus he will also be behind the wheel for four other races this season including ORP, Iowa, Richmond and either Bristol or Kansas.(Hardcore Race Fans)(6-15-2009)
Pony cars coming with Nationwide COT: NASCAR is bringing sexy back — and in the case of race cars, it’s long overdue. If the Car of Tomorrow comes to fruition in the Nationwide Series in 2010, the vehicle list will include “pony cars” from the manufacturers that choose to use the series to market those models to the public. That includes the iconic Mustang — the quintessential pony car. Ten-fold better than a Cup car,” the official said of the designs, which must be submitted for approval by June 26 according to the NASCAR Rule Book. The new cars are expected to be closer to stock than any vehicle that the sanctioning body has run in the top two series since the dreaded term “aero-matching” rolled off spin-doctor tongues in 2000. Currently, only Ford and Dodge will compete with models that differ from Cup. Despite Chevy rolling out the new Camaro to dealers, there doesn’t seem to be an urgency to promote that brand or the Malibu in NASCAR other than for pace cars at this time. Toyota has discontinued its two-door Solara, so expect the Camry nameplate in NNS.(FoxSports)(6-14-2009)
Bryan Berry suspended by NASCAR: UPDATE 3: NASCAR announced today that Bryan Berry, crew chief for the #62 Chevy in the NASCAR Nationwide Series, has been indefinitely suspended due to a rule violation that occurred during this past Saturday’s event at Nashville Superspeedway. Berry was suspended for violating Section 12-1 (actions detrimental to stock car racing; involved in an altercation with another team) of the 2009 NASCAR Nationwide Series rule book. The infractions occurred on June 6.(NASCAR PR)
AND: Statement from Marc Davis [who was involved in the incident with Brendan Gaughan on pit road]: “NASCAR has clear and precise policies covering all racing conduct and procedures. Mr. Gaughan and his crew actions do not merit response. NASCAR has resolved the issue.”(6-11-2009)
UPDATE: NASCAR suspended crew chief Bryan Berry indefinitely on Thursday for what his team owner, Rusty Wallace, termed “an alleged racial slur” against African-American driver Marc Davis at last Saturday night’s Nationwide race. NASCAR spokesman Ramsey Poston termed the violation “an inappropriate comment that won’t be tolerated.” Berry is crew chief for Brendan Gaughan on the Wallace team. During Saturday night’s race at Nashville Superspeedway, Gaughan was entering his pit and hit Davis, who was trying to turn left through a gap in the pit wall. Both cars were heavily damaged. Gaughan returned to the track, but on the radio he ordered his crew to not let Davis, 19, leave the track until “he sees me.” Gaughan also complained vehemently to ESPN reporters after the race. The reasons for the penalty “were his [Berry's] actions and what he said,” Poston said. “Bryan looked me in the eye and told me he didn’t say it,” Wallace said. “But NASCAR said they had two people, two sponsorship representatives [for the Davis team] who heard it. I don’t know who to believe.” Wallace said he did tell Berry directly, “I hope to God you didn’t do what they said you did.” Wallace said he scheduled a team meeting for the entire Rusty Wallace Racing team for Friday at 8 a.m., with the intention of telling all personnel, “I’d better not ever hear that out of our team.” Wallace said NASCAR told him that “their goal is to get Bryan back into NASCAR as soon as they can,” and that part of the conditions for Berry’s return include sensitivity training. In Berry’s absence, Wallace said, car chief Shane Huffman will move to crew chief for Gaughan, beginning with Saturday night’s race at Kentucky Speedway.(ESPN.com)(6-11-2009)
UPDATE 2: NASCAR Nationwide Series team oner Rusty Wallace said Friday at Kentucky Speedway that he will not appeal the suspension of crew chief Bryan Berry despite disagreeing with the penalty handed down Thursday. Wallace said he hopes the suspension lasts two weeks at the most and that NASCAR President Mike Helton told him his goal is to get Berry back as soon as possible.(Scene Daily)(6-12-2009)
UDPATE 3: Harry Davis did call Rusty Wallace to apologize for the situation that resulted in Rusty Wallace Racing crew chief Bryan Berry being indefinitely suspended for allegedly saying a racial slur against Marc Davis after Davis made contact with RWR driver Brendan Gaughan on pit road. Wallace has been saying that Davis called him to apologize for the situation from last week’s race at Nashville Superspeedway, where Gaughan was darting into his pit when Davis was turning into the garage and the two cars collided, causing tempers to escalate. But Harry Davis, Marc’s father, said that he was apologizing for Gaughan, whom he believes should be blamed for what transpired. Harry Davis said Gaughan’s anger and saying that Georgetown University was better than Howard University, whose radio station sponsored the 19-year-old African-American driver, inflamed the situation.(Scene Daily)(6-14-2009)
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here is a link (www.flickr.com/photos/nationwide/sets/72157619624719635/) to the pictures that Nationwide took and Twittered (twitter.com/Nationwide) from the Kentucky Speedway.
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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
Almirola returns to #15 at The Milwaukee Mile: Aric Almirola will take to the track at Milwaukee Mile Friday, June 19, 2009 in the #15 Zaxby’s NASCAR Camping World Series truck at Milwaukee. Almirola previously piloted the #15 Billy Ballew Motorsports entry at Texas Motor Speedway, and will step in for Brian Ickler who will drive the #51 Miccosukee Resort Toyota Tundra. Richie Wauters is the crew chief for the #15 Zaxby’s Toyota. (Billy Ballew Motorsports PR)(6-16-2009)
Raybestos Rookie News & Notes – Milwaukee: Brian Ickler was the Raybestos Rookie of the Race in the June 13 Michigan 200 at Michigan International Speedway. Ickler scored a third-place finish, his best in five NASCAR Camping World Truck Series races. He collected his second top-five and second top-10 of the 2009 season and grabbed Raybestos Rookie of the Race honors for the first time this season. Ickler won his first career pole position at Michigan, joining Jamie McMurray (2000) as the only Raybestos Rookie pole winners in 10 previous races. He has qualified inside the top-10 in four of his five starts. A Raybestos Rookie has won the pole position for last two consecutive races: Johnny Sauter at Texas Motor Speedway (race No. 
and Ickler at Michigan. Tayler Malsam scored a sixth-place finish, his best in 11 NASCAR Camping World Truck Series starts and his fourth top-10 this season. Malsam leads Sauter by two points (98-96) in the Raybestos Rookie standings entering the June 19 Copart 200 at The Milwaukee Mile. Marc Mitchell was the Raybestos Rookie of the Race in the 2008 Copart 200 at Milwaukee, logging a 12th-place finish. Mitchell also led the race once for two laps.(Raybestos PR)(6-16-2009)
Carmichael returns to the #4 for KHI: Ricky Carmichael returns to the #4 Kevin Harvick Inc. Monster Energy truck this weekend at The Milwaukee Mile for his first career Truck Series start at America’s Legendary Oval. Not only will Carmichael be making his first appearance at the track, but this will also mark his first trip to Wisconsin. Carmichael spent much of last week in California, shooting a segment for the popular BBC-TV show “Top Gear.” Carmichael rode a motorcycle on an obstacle course in conjunction with Monster Energy rally car driver Ken Block for the automotive enthusiast show which is seen worldwide. The show is telecast in the United States on the BBC America channel.(Kevin Harvick Inc. PR)(6-15-2009)
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A R C A (Automobile Racing Club of America)
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Courtesy of ARCA
Lessons from the Classroom: Kligerman Wins at Michigan
Cunningham Motorsports’ Parker Kligerman, a development driver for Penske Racing, spent the weekend between his Senior Prom at Staples High School in Westport, Conn., and high school final exams winning the Racing for Wildlife 200 ARCA RE/MAX Series race at Michigan Int’l Speedway. It was Kligerman’s second win of the 2009 ARCA RE/MAX Series and seventh top-10 finish in eight starts this season. Austin Dillon, who finished a career best second in a No. 31 RCR Chevrolet, just recently completed his senior year of high school.
As a rookie in the ARCA RE/MAX Series, Kligerman has not previously competed at a majority of ARCA RE/MAX Series host racetracks. The 18-year-old driver recently explained his reasoning for succeeding in new environments in his high school speech class.
“This is all about expectations,” said Kligerman. “I just gave a speech in my high school speech class about this. When I head into a race weekend I don’t know anything about the track or the car so I really don’t have any expectations about how I am going to do or how the weekend will turn out. That is how I have been able to do so well.”
Kligerman heads into the next event on the ARCA RE/MAX Series Schedule-the Tim Richmond Memorial ARCA RE/MAX 200 at Mansfield Motorsports Park on June 20-as the Series’ Point Leader. Austin Dillon, who finished second in the Racing for
Youth Excels at Michigan
The average age of the top-5 finishers in Friday’s Racing for Wildlife 200 at Michigan Int’l Speedway is 19 years old and four of the top-5 finishers are still considered teenagers. At 22-years-old, third-place finisher Chase Miller is the oldest of the top-5 finishers and no driver who finished in the top-10 has yet reached their 30th birthday.
Twelfth-place finisher Frank Kimmel, easily the most recognizable name in the ARCA RE/MAX Series with nine championships and 378 career starts, made his career first ARCA RE/MAX Series start at Toledo Speedway on July 1, 1990–one month before race winner/current point leader Parker Kligerman was born.
Mechanical Woes for Lofton; Still second in points
Justin Lofton headed into the ARCA RE/MAX Series race weekend at Michigan leading the point standings but relinquished the Series’ lead to Parker Kligerman after posting a 30-place finish in the Racing for Wildlife 200, his first finish worse than 30th since finishing 36th at New Jersey Motorsports Park in September of 2008. Lofton led the first 39 laps of Friday’s race before mechanical issues forced him into the garage area.
Lofton, who debuted a new paint scheme for sponsor Valvoline Instant Oil Change this weekend, has led or tied the ARCA RE/MAX Series point standings at the conclusion of five of eight race weekends this season.
Qualifying Rained Out (Again and again and again)
The starting field for Friday’s Racing for Wildlife 200 was set by current Car Owner Points after track officials cancelled on-track activity at Michigan Int’l Speedway as a result of heavy rain showers in Brooklyn, Michigan, and the surrounding area on Thursday. The last four consecutive Menards Pole Qualifying Sessions presented by Ansell (Kentucky, Toledo, Pocono, Michigan) have been scratched due to uncooperative weather. This is the only time in ARCA’s 57-year history that four consecutive qualifying sessions have been scratched.
Owens Just Misses Third Consecutive Top-10 Finish
Alli Owens was on-track to earning her third consecutive top-10 finish in the ARCA RE/MAX Series this weekend but finished 16th after her engine expired on the final lap of the race while running eighth. She was still able to finish on the lead lap in her No. 12 ElectrifyingCareers.com Toyota fielded by D’Hondt Motorsports.
“Unfortunately the motor blew on the final turn of the last lap,” said Owens. “It didn’t give any warning; it just let go all at once. Our motors have been strong all year and have been a big part of our success. Sometimes these things happen. We won’t let this get us down. We’ll be back next time and get the finish we deserve.”
Fulltime ARCA RE/MAX Series competitor Patrick Sheltra, driver of the No. 60 Buffalo Wings & Rings Toyota, also experienced engine woes at Michigan, a track notoriously rough on motors. Sheltra completed 73 of 100 laps and finished 33rd-just one week after earning an impressive third-place finish at Pocono Raceway. Other drivers with engine troubles listed as the official “reason out” in the Michigan Post-Race report included Michael Simko (No. 27 Wolverine Power Systems Chevrolet/finished 29), Jesse Smith (No. 25 Lloyd’s BBQ/Hormel/Venturini Motorsports Chevrolet/finished 31 after leading three laps) and Darrell Basham (No. 34 Anti Monkey Butt Powder Chevrolet/finished 34).
Back to the Short Tracks for ARCA RE/MAX Series Competitors
After back-to-back speedway races at Pocono Raceway and Michigan Int’l Speedway, the diverse ARCA RE/MAX Series returns to short track competition for the Tim Richmond Memorial ARCA RE/MAX 200 presented by National Speed Sport News on Saturday evening, June 20. Several ARCA RE/MAX Series drivers-including Patrick Sheltra, Chris Buescher and Stephan McCurley-are testing at the half-mile short track Monday in preparation for Saturday’s race.
ARCA RE/MAX Series Hauler Parade through Mansfield Friday
The ARCA RE/MAX Series will kick off the Mansfield race event weekend with a hauler parade through Mansfield, Ohio on Friday, June 19. Haulers will stage at Mansfield Motorsports Park beginning at 3 p.m. on Friday for a 4 p.m. departure.
Up to 20 ARCA RE/MAX Series Team Haulers will depart Mansfield Motorsports Park, travel South on Main Street and turn West on State Route 30 to the Richland Mall in Ontario. The Haulers will return to Mansfield Motorsports Park via Park Avenue, North Diamond Street and North Main Street as a tribute to the late Tim Richmond in his home state of Ohio. Race fans are invited to watch the Hauler Parade from any point along the parade route.
Also on Friday, race fans that have purchased advance tickets to the Tim Richmond Memorial 200 presented by National Speed Sport News are invited to a 7 p.m. celebration at the track. Several ARCA RE/MAX Series drivers will be in attendance.
Discount advance tickets to Saturday’s Tim Richmond Memorial ARCA RE/MAX 200 presented by National Speed Sport News are available at www.mansfieldmotorsportsonline.com or by calling (419) 524-0183 for $20. Tickets purchased the day of race tickets are $25.
WAM Poker Run to Benefit ARCA Crew Member Matt Daniels
The Women’s Auxiliary of Motorsports, Inc. will host a Poker Run on June, 27, 2009 at Pat Rogers Speedway Harley Davidson, 10049 Weddington Rd., Concord, NC 28027 (704-979-0529). The cost is $20 per person, $30 per couple and $5 per extra hand. All proceeds will benefit Matt Daniels, an ARCA RE/MAX Series crew member from Eddie Sharp Racing who is currently hospitalized as he battles Guillain-Barre Syndrome, an uncommon inflammatory disorder. For more information on the Poker Run contact Julie Seligman (jeligman@waminc.org, 704-799-9299) or Michelle Thompson (mmluv2ride@msn.com, 704-609-6871).
For information on additional fundraising initiatives in support of Matt Daniels, contact Trina Arpin at Eddie Sharp Racing (teamesr@hotmail.com, 704-489-8809).
Follow ARCA on Twitter
ARCA is now on Twitter. Follow us at www.twitter.com/ARCA_Racing.
In addition to twitter, keep up with all ARCA Racing properties at www.arcaracing.com and www.arcanation.com.
Upcoming ARCA RE/MAX Series Races
Tim Richmond Memorial 200 at Mansfield Motorsports Park; Saturday, June 20
Prairie Meadows 200 at Iowa Speedway; Saturday, July 11
Drive Smart! Buckle-Up Kentucky 150 at Kentucky Speedway; Saturday, July 18
Wolverine Power Systems 200 presented by Generac at Berlin Raceway; Saturday, July 25
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U S A R (United Speed Alliance Racing)
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Courtesy of USAR
Rogers Looks for Three in a Row This Weekend at Myrtle Beach Speedway
Erica Kron – Media Relations
Monday, June 15, 2009 12:54:00 PM
Concord, NC (June 15, 2009) – The USARacing Pro Cup Series is heading back to Myrtle Beach Speedway this weekend, June 20th for the Grand Strand 250 presented by Blacks Tire Service. Clay Rogers comes into the fifth race of the season as not only the point leader, but as the only two-time winner so far this season.
“We’ve had a lot of success here at Myrtle Beach Speedway. It really is a difficult track though. You have to conserve your car for the first 90% of the race; it’s pretty challenging mentally. You have to really take care of the equipment,” explained Rogers.
Read more – usarprocup.com/view_article.asp?id=3065
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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/AM/061609.html
Racing – Lessons in Humility
by Allen Madding
The Nascar Insiders
Attracting ‘Foreign’ Automakers Is A Good Idea
For quite some time I have been an advocate of NASCAR speaking with other “foreign” manufacturers about the possibility of them entering the sport. I was delighted this weekend to hear from Brian France that in fact the sport has been engaged, if even just preliminarily, in those discussions.
feedproxy.google.com/~r/TheNascarInsiders/~3/Xe7AdRWnOB0/
Cheers and Jeers: And On the Last Lap, a Race Broke Out!
By Carol Einarsson | 06/16/2009
An excerpt:
CHEERS to Tony with a shout-out to Johnny; why nobody at TNT did that on the pre-race, I have no idea. Rather disappointing, really.
www.racejournalonline.com/index.php?page=read&article=439
TNT’s Digger Slam Upsets Fox Sports Chief
dalyplanet.blogspot.com/2009/06/tnts-digger-slam-upsets-fox-sports.html
Manske Struggles With The “NASCAR Now” Roundtable
dalyplanet.blogspot.com/2009/06/manske-struggles-with-nascar-now.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
TUESDAY, JUNE 16
5:00 P-5:30 ESPN 2 NASCAR Now, HD, L
WEDNESDAY, JUNE 17
5:00 P-5:30 ESPN 2 NASCAR Now, HD, L
THURSDAY, JUNE 18
5:00 P-5:30 ESPN 2 NASCAR Now, HD, L
FRIDAY, JUNE 19
3:00 P-4:30 SPEED NASCAR Sprint Cup PRACTICE, Toyota/Save Mart 350, Infineon Raceway, Sonoma, CA, HD, L
5:00 P-5:30 ESPN 2 NASCAR Now, HD, L
6:30 P-8:30 SPEED/ TSN 2 NASCAR Sprint Cup QUALIFYING, Toyota/Save Mart 350, Infineon Raceway, Sonoma, CA, HD, L
8:30 P-9:00 SPEED NASCAR Camping World Truck Series SETUP, Camping World RV Sales 200, The Milwaukee Mile, West Allis, WI, HD, L
9:00 P-11:30 SPEED NASCAR Camping World Truck Series Camping World RV Sales 200, The Milwaukee Mile, West Allis, WI, HD, L (expect green at 9:20 P)
SATURDAY, JUNE 20
12:30 P-1:30 SPEED NASCAR Sprint Cup PRACTICE, Toyota/Save Mart 350, Infineon Raceway, Sonoma, CA, HD, L
1:30 P-3:00 SPEED NASCAR Sprint Cup FINAL PRACTICE, Toyota/Save Mart 350, Infineon Raceway, Sonoma, CA, HD, L
6:30 P-8:00 ESPN 2/ TSN 2 NASCAR Nationwide Series QUALIFYING, NorthernTool.com 250, The Milwaukee Mile, West Allis, WI, HD, SDD
8:00 P-8:30 ESPN 2/ TSN NASCAR Nationwide Series COUNTDOWN, NorthernTool.com 250, The Milwaukee Mile, West Allis, WI, HD, L
8:30 P-12:00 M ESPN 2/ TSN NASCAR Nationwide Series NorthernTool.com 250, The Milwaukee Mile, West Allis, WI, HD, L (expect green at 8:45 P)
SUNDAY, JUNE 21 (FATHERS DAY)
10:00 A-11:00 ESPN 2 NASCAR Now, HD, L
1:00 P-3:30 ABC/ TSN 2 IRL Indy Car Series Iowa Corn Indy 250, Iowa Speedway, Newton, IA, HD, L
1:30 P-3:30 SPEEDNASCAR Race Day. Preview of today’s Toyota/Save Mart 350, Infineon Raceway, HD, L
3:30 P-4:30 TNT/ TSN 2 NASCAR on TNT Live!, HD, L
4:30 P-5:00 TNT/ TSN 2 NASCAR Sprint Cup COUNTDOWN TO GREEN, Toyota/Save Mart 350, Infineon Raceway, Sonoma, CA, HD, L
5:00 P-8:30 TNT/ TSN 2 NASCAR Sprint Cup Toyota/Save Mart 350, Infineon Raceway, Sonoma, CA, HD, L (expect green at 5:20 P)
7:00 P-8:30 SPEED The SPEED Report, HD, N
8:30 P-9:30 SPEED NASCAR Victory Lane at Toyota/Save Mart 350, Infineon Raceway, HD, SDD, N
9:30 P-10:30 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
All Rights Reserved
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