Hendrick Motorsports #24/#48 penalties were announced yesterday… bad dog! (smacks nose with paper)
____________________________________________________________
T H E * S T O C K * C A R * G A Z E T T E
by http://MotorSportsNews.Net
Do you know for sure?
http://motorsportsnews.net/RomanRoad.html
____________________________________________________________
The Stock Car Gazette is sponsored by:
Hasco Collectibles
Div. Hasco Services, LLC
701 Mantooth Ave.
Lufkin, TX 75904
http://www.diecastcars.net
hasco@diecastcars.net
866-66-HASCO (866-664-2726)
CLICK HERE FOR 2007 ITEMS:
http://www.diecastcars.net/cbsearch.asp?Description=2007
CLICK HERE FOR 2006 RELEASE ITEMS:
http://www.diecastcars.net/cbsearch.asp?Description=2006
DALE JR. CAMO, STARS N’ STRIPES, BUD COT,
ELVIS COT, GORDON 76th And 77th WIN Cars.
CLICK HERE FOR DALE JR. 2007 SPECIAL PAINT SCHEMES PRE-ORDERS:
http://www.diecastcars.net/cbsearch.asp?ProductID=DEJ&Description=Pre-Order
CLICK HERE FOR J. GORDON 2007 76th And 77th WIN PRE-ORDERS:
http://www.diecastcars.net/cbsearch.asp?ProductID=JG24&Description=Pre-Order
NEWEST IN STOCK:
2007 D. Earnhardt Jr. Bud Camoflage MC, D. Earnhardt Jr. Bud Sharpie MC,
2007 M. Martin Army Car Of Tomorrow MC, S. Marlin Waste Management MC,
2007 Release 1/64th Raced 12 Car Boxed Set On Stands From ‘Dale The Movie’,
2007 David Gilliland M And M’s Shrek Ford Fusion, S. Huffman 2006 Make-A-Wish,
2007 Dale Earnhardt Jr. JR Motorsports Grand Opening April 2007 MC,
2007 J. Gordon Dupont D.O.D. American Heroes Memorial Day Monte Carlo,
2007 Denny Hamlin Fed Ex Freight American Heroes Memorial Day Monte Carlo,
2007 M. Kenseth Carhartt Ford Fusion, K. Harvick Reeses Monte Carlo,
2007 Release 2006 K. Harvick BNL Richmond Win MC, 2007 J. Burton Prilosec MC,
2007 D. Hamlin Fed Ex Kinko’s Monte Carlo, 2007 J. Gordon Nicorette Monte Carlo,
2006 D. Earnhardt Jr. Color Chrome Autographed 3 Days Of Dale Monte Carlo,
2007 P. Menard Menard’s Monte Carlo, D. Reutimann Burger King Toyota Camry,
And More.
View Our Online Catalog By Following The Link Below:
http://www.diecastcars.net/product.html
Hasco Collectibles
Div. Hasco Services, LLC
701 Mantooth Ave.
Lufkin, TX 75904
http://www.diecastcars.net
hasco@diecastcars.net
866-66-HASCO (866-664-2726)
___________________________________________________________
E d i t o r ‘ s * N o t e s
___________________________________________________________
Hendrick Motorsports #24/#48 penalties were announced yesterday… bad dog! (smacks nose with paper)
___________________________________________________________
Stock Car Gazette Columnists Speak Out!
___________________________________________________________
TV Times – ESPN To Have 11 Hours of Allstate 400/Brickyard Coverage
By: Lou Modestino
More: http://motorsportsnews.net/archives/590
___________________________________________________________
MotorSportsNews.Net(work) web site features
___________________________________________________________
24/48 Penalties Announced! – http://motorsportsnews.net/archives/589
Notable Quotables – J. D. Gibbs/Denny Hamlin/Aric Almirola
http://motorsportsnews.net/archives/587
Track Trash – In-finito – http://motorsportsnews.net/archives/584
Hamlin Takes Checkers, Almirola Gets Win in Busch ATT 250
http://motorsportsnews.net/archives/585
The First Night Home For Ella Sofia Gordon
http://motorsportsnews.net/archives/582
Stock Car Gazette, Tuesday, June 26, 2007
http://motorsportsnews.net/archives/588
___________________________________________________________
N A S C A R * N E X T E L * C U P * S E R I E S
___________________________________________________________
Courtesy of Catchfence.Com
http://www.catchfence.com
Hendrick Motorsports Responds to NASCAR Decision: Car owner Rick Hendrick responded to NASCAR sanctions announced today involving the Nos. 24 and 48 NEXTEL Cup Series teams of Hendrick Motorsports. “We are disappointed in NASCAR’s decision and feel the penalties are excessive,” Hendrick said. “Right now, all of our options are being evaluated, including our personnel situation and a possible appeal to the National Stock Car Racing Commission. “We’ll take some time to decide on a direction and make an announcement regarding our plans for New Hampshire later in the week.” – Hendrick Motorsports, Press Release
___________________________________________________________
Courtesy of Gazette weekend editor, Heather M. – thanks!
Schrader To Compete In “Wednesday Night Thunder” Program At The Plymouth Speedway
NASCAR veteran and former USAC Champion Ken Schrader will compete in this week’s “Wednesday Night Thunder” program at the Plymouth Indiana Speedway presented by the Richard Petty Driving Experience. Schrader will pilot a Seymour Enterprises entry in the Regional Midget portion of the “tripleheader, ” which also showcases the Kenyon and Indiana Ford Focus Midgets.
Schrader’s last appearance in a USAC event came this January at the Ohio State Fairgrounds Expo Center in Columbus where mechanical problems cut short his drive in a 60-lap Midget feature. The last of his 33 USAC National career victories came in 1990 in the Silver Crown cars at Phoenix, Ariz.
__________
Accident victim turns near tragedy into racing success
Colorado Springs’ Steve Smith was just 19 years-old when he fell asleep at the wheel, went off a 32-foot bridge, and became paralyzed from the waist down.
“In the beginning I felt a little sorry for myself,” said Smith. But Smith’s father, Sid Smith, helped motivate Steve. “He said, you’re going to make what you’re going to make out of it, or you’re not going to make it.”
In 2001, over 15 years after the accident, Steve decided to take on a new hobby, stock car racing. Now Smith is a regular at the I-25 Speedway north of Pueblo and competes most every weekend.
“I had a heart attack in January, 2001,” said Sid Smith. “And he gave me something to do and I could spend time with him and he could spend time with me and we just kind of built a race car from that.”
Steve Smith says stock car racing is “a sport that helps equalize the able bodied against the disabled,” because “we all sit in the car.” He has special hand-controls for the gas and brakes and with a low-budget, home-brew car, he competes against high-dollar built-chassis and beats them on a regular basis.
“This is what was dealt to me and I’m trying to make the best out of what it is. I don’t feel like I have a bad life at all.”
Smith hopes to win an A-Main event someday. He also hopes to walk again, so he doesn’t have to use the hand-controls anymore.
Steve has already won a trophy dash this year and has several top-five finishes. He’ll race again on July 14. But there’s a full slate of action this weekend. Gates open at 3:00 p.m . and racing starts at 6:00 p.m. Saturday at I-25 Speedway.
___________________________________________________________
Courtesy of Insider Racing News
http://www.insiderracingnews.com
Sonoma Charities Raise $165,000
It was a banner weekend for Sonoma County youth groups as two events held during the Toyota/Save Mart 350 NASCAR NEXTEL Cup weekend combined to raise more than $165,000 for Speedway Children’s Charities. The Raceway Builder’s NASCAR Grand Marshal’s Banquet generated $101,000, while the 5th annual Race-n-Rock Charity Auction raised $64,200. All proceeds will benefit qualified youth groups in Sonoma County through Speedway Children’s Charities, the charitable arm of Infineon Raceway. The total marked a one-year record since the raceway began hosting both charitable events on the same weekend in 2002.
Motorcycle Ride Nets $19,500
Two months ago when Todd Kluever bought his new Harley-Davidson motorcycle he had the idea to host a charity motorcycle ride to raise money for diabetes. Kluever’s brother, Tim, was diagnosed 25 years ago at the age of nine and since then Todd has always wanted to get involved in a worthwhile cause to raise money and awareness for diabetes. Sunday, June 24, was the first annual “Todd Kluever Ride To Cure Diabetes,” and a day he will never forget. The inaugural ride raised $19,500 which will be split between the American Diabetes Association and the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation.. Just over 100 bikes and 150 riders joined the 75-mile ride on the country roads outside Madison, Wisc.
___________________________________________________________
Courtesy of Jayski
http://www.jayski.com
REVISED Unofficial Driver Points Top-12 Standings after Sonoma [16 of 36 races]:
1) #24-Jeff Gordon 2438
2) #11-Denny Hamlin 2267 -171
3) #17-Matt Kenseth 2105 -333
4) #31-Jeff Burton 2084 -354
5) #48-Jimmie Johnson 2072 -366
6) #20-Tony Stewart 2058 -380
7) #99-Carl Edwards 2019 -419
#29-Kevin Harvick 1964 -474
9) #07-Clint Bowyer 1934 -504
10) #5-Kyle Busch 1905 -533
11) #1-Martin Truex Jr. 1863 -575
12) #8-Dale Earnhardt Jr. 1815 -623
some notables:
#42-Montoya is 21st
#9-Kahne is 26th
For drivers/owners points, see my Jayski’s Drivers/Owners Points Page. (updated after #24/#48 penalties
http://www.jayski.com/stats/2007/standings/16sonoma2007points.htm
Testing update from Milwaukee: There were no incidents, no speeds reported from Tuesday test at The Milwaukee Mile. Wednesday and Thursday, Richard Childress is scheduled to be at The Milwaukee Mile with all three cars. Ford teams will run part or all of Wednesday to complete their 2-day test. Other teams may join Wednesday and/or Thursday. Nextel Cup Testing This Week: Wed. June 26, Thurs. June 27, 9:00am until 5:00pm. Free admission to the grandstands (only) Enter Grandstands at Gate 3, turn one seating.
Drivers/teams excpected to test one of both days: #07-Clint Bowyer, #31-Jeff Burton, #29-Kevin Harvick, #21-Bill Elliott, #6-David Ragan, #26-Jamie McMurray, #7-Robby Gordon and #38-David Gilliland.(The Milwaukee Mile PR)(6-27-2007)
Different colors for Bowyer at NHIS: Clint Bowyer’s #07 Chevy will sport a blue and gold Camping World paint scheme for this weekend’s LENOX Industrial Tools 300. Camping World will also sponsor Bowyer’s #2 Chevy in Saturday’s Camping World 200 presented by Rvs.com Busch Series race. Jack Daniel’s, the team’s standard primary sponsor, will be featured on the car’s deck lid and lower-rear quarter panels.(RCR PR)(6-27-2007)
Start #250 for Green: #66-JeffGreen is scheduled to make his 250th Nextel Cup Series start at New Hampshire International Speedway. Green made his Cup series debut on September, 10, 1994, at Richmond International Raceway, when he was 31 years old. Driving the Sadler Brothers’ #95 Ford, Green completed just 42 of 400 laps before transmission troubles ended his day. In all, Green has 503 total starts in NASCAR’s three national series heading into this weekend (249 Nextel Cup Series starts, 253 Busch Series starts, and one Craftsman Truck Series start). The #66 entry will again carry the logo for the Fisher House Foundation this weekend at New Hampshire International Speedway.(Best Buy/GMR Marketing PR)(6-27-2007)
Andretti Ready for Avenger Debut: John Andretti, for the first time, will step behind the wheel of a Dodge Avenger in competition. Andretti will race the Lenox Tools 300 this Sunday at the one-mile New Hampshire International Speedway. Andretti will pilot the #45 Wells Fargo Dodge Avenger in his second start for Petty Enterprises this season. Andretti is filling in for Kyle Petty who returns to the TNT television booth this weekend. Andretti has had some time to get familiar with the new cars. The team recently tested at the Milwaukee Mile in preparation for Sunday’s race.(Petty Racing PR)(6-27-2007)
TV Ratings Down in 2007 but: NASCAR’s television ratings have continued to decline this year despite the promotional push of ESPN and a news-filled four-plus months of racing, but network executives are encouraged by gains in the younger demographics. Fox reported a 7% improvement (3.1 rating from 2.9) in the male 18-34 demo on its Nextel Cup broadcasts, and ESPN2′s coverage of the Busch Series has produced a 2% increase (182,827 viewers from 179,446) for that group on cable. Fox’s average viewership on nine Nextel Cup races was down 9.1% (9.71 million viewers vs. 10.68 million) overall compared with nine comparable races from 2006, and its rating suffered a 10% drop (5.8 vs. 6.4). That’s a slightly steeper decline than last year’s 7% drop for Fox’s entire package of races. Three of Fox’s races were rained out this year. Two were moved from Saturday night to Sunday afternoon and a third was broadcast on a Monday. ESPN2′s ratings for its coverage of the Busch Series have suffered an even steeper decline compared with last year’s cable ratings, which featured one race on TNT and the rest on FX. Through nine comparable Busch broadcasts, ESPN2′s 1.5 rating is down 14% from the 1.8 on cable last year. Viewership is down 7.3% on ESPN2, with an average of nearly 2 million viewers tuning in for Busch races. Despite the overall declines, Fox and ESPN have reported increases in some key demographics. The male 18-34 demo had experienced three straight years of declines on Fox before this year’s 7% increase. The male 18-49 demo on Fox had dipped steadily since 2001, and it enjoyed a 2% gain in 2007 (4.7 vs. 4.6).(in part from the SportsBusiness JournalSceneDaily.com)(6-27-2007)
Start #250 for Blaney: #22-Dave Blaney hopes to make his 250th career Nextel Cup Series start when the green flag waves Sunday afternoon. He made his first career Cup Series start in October 1992 at [Rockingham] North Carolina Speedway and finished 40th after qualifying 34th for his first Cup Series start in Loudon in 1999. Like this weekend, Blaney was aboard a Bill Davis Racing-owned machine. The Caterpillar Racing team will test two cars at Thompson Speedway Wednesday and will choose between COT 17 and COT 19 as Dave Blaney’s primary car for Loudon once the test is complete.(BDR PR)(6-27-2007)
Harvick’s Team Snares Pit Crew Challenge Win at Infineon: Kevin Harvick’s over-the-wall crew picked up its first Checkers/Rally’s Double Drive-Thru Challenge win of the season in Sunday’s Nextel Cup race in Sonoma, Calif. #29 Shell crew, which spent 106.006 seconds on Infineon Raceway’s pit road, became the ninth different team of the season to earn the weekly honor. The team will be awarded $11,000 by Checkers/Rally’s for winning the competition. The #29 crew, which helped boost Harvick to a runner-up finish in Sonoma, consists of: Nick Terry (jackman), Josh Mick (front-tire carrier), Jason Pulver (front-tire changer), Matt Krueter (rear-tire carrier), Clint Pittman (rear-tire changer), Brian Englehart (gasman), Scott Naset (catch can), Rick Tulbert (2nd gas can) and Gene Pasquale (eighth-man). The team is led by crew chief Todd Berrier.
Mark Martin’s/Regan Smith’s #01 crew leads the season-long Checkers/Rally’s Double Drive-Thru Challenge standings with four wins. An $111,150 prize will be presented to the pit crew team with the most wins at the completion of the 36-race Nextel Cup schedule. To win the Checkers/Rally’s Double Drive-Thru Challenge, teams are required to finish on the lead lap while spending the least amount of time on pit road. Checkers/Rally’s is in its third season as title sponsor for the Pit Crew Challenge. Checkers/Rally’s is the Official Burger and Drive-Thru Restaurant of NASCAR, more info at checkers.com.(DMF Communications PR)(6-27-2007)
2nd Annual Driver Development Clinic Set for October 18th: Mike Calinoff will present the 2nd Annual Driver Development Clinic [on Oct 18th in Mooresville, NC] for drivers who are looking to pursue a career in NASCAR and those in the grassroots divisions who seek advice about moving to the next level. Calinoff has been presenting motorsports seminars and clinics for the past eight years, including the popular “Get Into Racing” seminar, which is held each year in May and October. This ground-breaking opportunity will feature an all-star panel of experts including NASCAR drivers David Stremme, Kyle Busch, David Gilliland, Reed Sorenson and JJ Yeley, plus, Development Specialists, Scouts, Management Experts from NASCAR teams and parents of NASCAR Nextel Cup Series drivers to help guide your pursuit of making it to the top by teaching the crucial elements of the process known as “Driver Development.” This clinic will be the most pivotal point of a young driver’s career. This year, the clinic has been expanded to include two additional sessions “Grassroots Sponsorship Tactics” and “Mastering the Media” as well as a sit-down catered lunch. NASCAR notables Ray Dunlap (SPEED), Claire B. Lang (XM Radio) and Mark Garrow (PRN/DirecTV Hot Pass) will be on hand to discuss critical media skills. This “all-day” event is comprised of some general discussion and individual break-out sessions with the panelists and drivers. For more information, please visit www.driverdevelopmentclinic.com or call (877) 722-3562.(6-27-2007)
Chaffin in the #49 for 2 races; Foyt at Daytona; Bliss resigns: BAM Racing announced Chad Chaffin will drive the #49 Paralyzed Veterans of America Dodge this weekend at New Hampshire International Speedway and in two weeks at Chicagoland Speedway. BAM Racing and Mike Bliss have amiably decided to part ways. Chaffin will make his first Nextel Cup Series attempt of the season this weekend in the Lenox Industrial Tools 300. He has one Nextel Cup Series start at the 1.058-mile oval where he qualified on time and finished in the 34th position. In the Craftsman Truck Series, he has a total of four starts at the speedway with one top-5 and one top-10 start with two top-10 finishes. “I am excited to return to NEXTEL Cup Series racing this weekend,” said Chaffin. “I am looking forward to working with the entire BAM Racing team as it attempts to turn its Car of Tomorrow program around. I’ve have been active on the track since last season and am prepared for the pressures that come with qualifying on time.” Mike Bliss, who started with BAM Racing towards the end of the 2006 season, resigned from the team after a string of missed races. Larry Foyt is slated to drive the Paralyzed Veterans of America Dodge at Daytona International Speedway. To learn more about Paralyzed Veterans, visit its website at www.pva.org.(BAM Racing PR)(6-26-2007)
Mayfield testing at Thompson to pick a car for NHIS: The #36 360 OTC Racing team will test two cars at Thompson Speedway [CT] Wednesday and will choose between COT 15 and COT 12 as Jeremy Mayfield’s primary car for Loudon [NHIS] once the test is complete. Mayfield’s hopes to make his 409th career Nextel Cup Series start at NHIS.(BDR PR)(6-26-2007)
Reutimann looking? UPDATE: hearing the #00-David Reutimann is looking at his options for the 2008 season. Reutimann currently drives the #00 Toyota for Michael Waltrip Racing.
UPDATE: MWR denies Reutimann had talked to any team about 2008.(6-26-2007)
Bass Pro re-signs with DEI: Bass Pro Shops will continue as sponsor of the #1 Chevy and driver Martin Truex in 2008. Terms of the contract extension between Bass Pro and Dale Earnhardt Inc. were not disclosed.(Springfield, MO News Leader)(6-26-2007)
2007 Pepsi 400 Purse Exceeds $6 Million: The stars of the Nextel Cup Series will vie for a purse of more than $6 million under the lights at the “World Center Of Racing” in the 49th annual Pepsi 400 Nextel Cup Series race on Saturday, July 7th at Daytona International Speedway. The posted awards for this year’s mid-summer classic will be a record $6,202,439, an increase of almost $200,000. The posted awards for the 2006 Pepsi 400, which was won by Tony Stewart, was $6,074,820. The winner of this year’s Pepsi 400 will collect a minimum of $284,550. The second, third, fourth and fifth-place finishers in the Pepsi 400 will receive a minimum of $195,575, $160,725, $131,425 and $118,725 respectively. The posted awards for the Winn-Dixie 250 Busch Series race presented by PepsiCo on Friday, July 6th will be $1,552,701. Tickets to any of the 2007 Pepsi 400 Weekend events are available by calling 1-800-PITSHOP.(DIS PR)(6-27-2007)
___________________________________________________________
Courtesy of Stock Car Gazette subscriber Kent D. – thanks!
Is NASCAR’s focus on rules undermining innovation? SI.com – USA
NASCAR’s goal is to put the race back in the hands of the driver, not the team that has the most money or the manufacturer that can build the best car. …
http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2007/writers/tom_bowles/06/26/innovation/
NASCAR pulling in younger TV viewers
SportingNews.com – USA
NASCAR’s television ratings have continued to decline this year despite the promotional push of ESPN and a news-filled four-plus months of racing, …
http://www.sportingnews.com/yourturn/viewtopic.php?t=228411
Tories rev up core support with NASCAR ad, poll suggests Edmonton Sun – Alberta, Canada
A new poll by Decima Research suggests that 24% of Canadians either love or like NASCAR, while 62% are indifferent and 13% either dislike it or outright …
http://www.edmontonsun.com/News/Canada/2007/06/26/4292253.html
___________________________________________________________
Purebred Blue American Pit Bull Terrior Puppies. Born Mar. 16, 2007. Many colors. Short, stocky build with big heads. $500++ or trade for equal value. Great Temperaments. Shots/wormings up to date. ShowChamp/GrandChamp lines include / Razor’s Edge / Watchdog / Gaff. 864-488-0361 or 864-425-2516. Visit our website @ www.winright.us and click on the Winright’s Pits and Pals link for more information.
(paid ad)
___________________________________________________________
Petty, Labonte – Dodge COT interview
The Car of Tomorrow continues to be a new challenge for NASCAR Nextel Cup drivers, crew chiefs and team members. Bobby Labonte, driver #43 Cheerios/Betty Crocker Dodge and Kyle Petty, driver #45 Wells Fargo/Marathon/Tire Kingdom Dodge discuss the Car of Tomorrow and the …
http://www.motorsport.com/news/article.asp?ID=258739
Dodge Motorsports Teleconference
Tuesday, June 26, 2007
BOBBY LABONTE (No. 43 Cheerios/Betty Crocker Dodge Avenger)
THINGS LOOKED REAL GOOD AT SONOMA UNTIL THE LAST LAP “Yeah, we unloaded and we were probably the most prepared for this race than …
http://www.motorsport.com/news/article.asp?ID=258734
Week 17: The NASCAR NEXTEL Cup Series Top 12 – And Beyond
DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. (June 25, 2007) — Below is a look at the NASCAR NEXTEL Cup Series Top 12 along with some other notable drivers, going into the Lenox Industrial Tools 300 at New Hampshire International Speedway on July …
http://www.motorsport.com/news/article.asp?ID=258643
___________________________________________________________
*————– Guaranteed to Roll Your Eyes —————*
“What is that sound?” a woman asked at our nature center.
“It’s the frogs trilling for a mate,” Patti, the naturalist, explained. “We have a pair in the science room. But since they’ve been together for so long, they no longer sing to each other.”
The woman nodded sympathetically, “The trill is gone.”
http://www.cleanlaffs.com/
___________________________________________________________
Courtesy of Scene Daily
http://www.scenedaily.com
Elliott has Wood Brothers team on the right track
Bill Elliott says the Wood Brothers/JTG Racing team is slowly improving.
http://www.scenedaily.com/ct/c/22921231
Andretti set to finally race in car of tomorrow
John Andretti has driven the No. 45 Petty Enterprises entry once this season, but he has never raced in a car of tomorrow.
http://www.scenedaily.com/ct/c/22921242
Waltrip ready to return to driving at New Hampshire
Michael Waltrip returns to the driver’s seat this weekend in his Michael Waltrip Racing No. 55 Toyota.
http://www.scenedaily.com/ct/c/22921233
Forty-nine drivers are on the preliminary entry list for Sunday’s NASCAR Nextel Cup Series race at New Hampshire International Speedway
http://www.scenedaily.com/ct/c/22921235
NASCAR files response in AT&T lawsuit
http://www.scenedaily.com/ct/c/22921243
NASCAR TV ratings continue to decline
NASCAR’s television ratings have continued to decline this year despite the promotional push of ESPN and a news-filled four-plus months of racing, but network executives are encouraged by gains in the younger demographics.
http://www.scenedaily.com/ct/c/22921240
___________________________________________________________
Courtesy of That’s Racin’
http://www.thatsracin.com
Gordon, Johnson penalized; crew chiefs suspended 6 races
NASCAR Nextel Cup Series director John Darby said penalties levied against Hendrick Motorsports on Tuesday are aimed at removing any lingering doubt that the car of tomorrow is not to be monkeyed with.
http://www.thatsracin.com/247/story/5121.html
Jerry Rice’s interest in NASCAR gaining speed
http://www.thatsracin.com/242/story/5120.html
That’s Racin’ Photo Galleries – http://www.thatsracin.com/photos
___________________________________________________________
P R E S S * R E L E A S E S
___________________________________________________________
Wingo Wins WYPALL* Wipers Crew Chief of the Race
SONOMA, California (June 24, 2007) – The first road course race for the 2007 Nextel Cup season brought with it varying strategies for crew chiefs. Known for being among the toughest tracks to plan a race strategy, Infineon Raceway had crew chiefs working over time, debating with the idea of making it a two pit stop race and calculating how to gain all important track position. For Donnie Wingo and his No. 42 Texaco / Havoline crew, the task was going to prove even harder after a not so impressive qualifying lap by rookie driver, Juan Pablo Montoya, placing the No. 42 Dodge 32nd on the starting grid. However, Wingo and his Formula 1 star turned NASCAR driver put together a perfectly calculated fuel and track position strategy to give the Colombian native his first Nextel Cup victory. For his precise strategy which led the team to their first win for the 2007 season, Wingo was awarded the WYPALL* Wipers Crew Chief of the Race.
Over the Hill … Jeff Burton will celebrate his 40th birthday on Friday, June 29.
Testing, One, Two, Three, Testing … Jeff Burton and the AT&T Racing team will test at The Milwaukee Mile on Wednesday, June 27 and Thursday, June 28 in preparation for this weekend’s LENOX Industrial Tools 300 at New Hampshire International Speedway.
LENOX Day … Following his test session at The Milwaukee Mile on Thursday, June 28, Burton will fly to East Longmeadow, Mass. to meet with LENOX executives at his weekend sponsor’s headquarters. Burton will also speak to all LENOX employees on the importance of racing, utilizing racing as a metaphor for business and collaboration. Following his motivational speech, Burton will be given a VIP tour around the LENOX plant, observing how tools are made.
Testing One, Two, Three, Testing … All three of RCR’s NEXTEL Cup teams are testing at The Milwaukee Mile on Wednesday and Thursday of this week. Kevin Harvick along with teammates Jeff Burton and Clint Bowyer will log laps at the flat, one-mile West Allis, Wis., oval as they prepare for this weekend’s LENOX Industrial Tools 300.
__________
Looking Towards Loudon
Sunday’s event at New Hampshire marks the latest for the Car of Tomorrow-NASCAR’s new-generation race car that will compete fulltime in 2008. At New Hampshire the #78 team can tap their notes from previous races at similar tracks to fine-tune setups.
New Hampshire’s relatively flat, 1.058-mile surfaces echoes Richmond and Phoenix,both similar in length and banking.
New Hampshire International Speedway,also known as Loudon, is one of the most unusual tracks on the Nextel Cup Series. The track has been described as”Martinsville on steroids.”
The #78 Furniture Row Racing team is looking forward to tackling Loudon and moving forward after a DNQ at Infineon last weekend.
Sunday’s Lenox Industrial Tools 300 at New Hampshire International Speedway marks the first of 10 NASCAR NEXTEL Cup Series events that will shape the field for the 2007 Chase for the NASCAR NEXTEL Cup. Known as the “Race to the Chase,” this 10-weel stretch features 10 different venues and corresponding challenges, culminating in the cutoff event- race No. 26 at Richmond International Raceway -on Sept 8.. (Thanks, Heather)
___________________________________________________________
N A S C A R * B U S C H * S E R I E S
___________________________________________________________
Courtesy of BGNRacing.Com
http://www.bgnracing.com
Tidbits entering New Hampshire: Carl Edwards’ points lead is 432 points higher than Kevin Harvick’s was after 17 races in 2006, but he has scored just 39 more points through 17 races in 2007 than Harvick did in 2006. Edwards could expand on that this weekend. He has finished second and first in his two Loudon starts. Scott Wimmer has competed in 11 races in 2007. In the first five races his average finish was 18.6 with only two top-10 finishes, in the last six it is 5.2, with all top-10 finishes. Milwaukee was Wimmer’s fourth consecutive top-five finish. Wimmer will also run New Hampshire. David Ragan leads the Raybestos Rookie of the Year standings, nine Top-15, four top-10 finishes. (Compiled via NASCAR PR) Owner’s title more interesting: Last weekend’s second-place finish at The Milwaukee Mile was Scott Wimmer’s season best behind the wheel of the No. 29 Holiday Inn Chevrolet and advanced the team 23 points in the NASCAR Busch Series owners’ championship point standings. The team sits second and is now just 188 markers behind Jack Roush’s No. 60 machine. This is the second straight week that the Richard Childress Racing team has advanced in the owners’ point standings. (RCR PR) (06-26-07) (06-26-07)
With over a century of history and a proud reputation for great-tasting, quality smoked sausages, breakfast meats, cold cuts and franks, the Eckrich brand today announced the launch of their Feed Your Need for Speed campaign which will be supported by a multi-race NASCAR Busch Series sponsor partnership with Team Rensi Motorsports. At each 2007 Team Eckrich race event, the Feed Your Need for Speed campaign will feature the logos of Eckrich and a select Eckrich retail partner on a specially-designed #35 Team Rensi Ford Fusion driven by NASCAR Busch Series veteran Bobby Hamilton, Jr. Eckrich and their select retail partners will serve as primary sponsors during the USG Sheetrock 300 at Chicagoland Speedway on July 14, the Kroger 200 at Indanapolis’ O’Reilly Raceway Park on July 18 and the O’Reilly Challenge at Texas Motor Speedway on November 3. (TRM PR) (06-26-07)
Gerling Sports Travel has three rooms still available at the Best Western Concord for this weekend’s race in New Hampshire. The hotel is located 15 miles from the track. For more information, email Gerling (06-26-07)
mailto:shayla@gerlingsports.com
Brad Keselowski has been hired to practice the #40 Curtis Key Plumbing Chevrolet Silverado for Key Motorsports this weekend in Memphis, TN. The 23-year-old Rochester, Michigan native will practice the truck throughout Friday’s schedule at the Memphis Motorsports Park, helping to set the truck up for veteran driver Chad Chaffin. After agreeing to drive for Key Motorsports last Friday, Chaffin agreed to also drive the #49 BAM Racing Dodge in several, upcoming NASCAR Nextel Cup Series races – the first of which will be this weekend’s Lenox Industrial Tools 300 at the New Hampshire International Speedway. Chaffin will practice and attempt to qualify the car on Friday at the 1-mile Loudon, NH track and will then fly down to Memphis on Saturday to qualify and race the truck. (KEY PR) (06-23-07)
___________________________________________________________
Courtesy of Jayski
http://www.jayski.com
Possible performance issues are calling for team officials at Chip Ganassi Racing to make a crew chief swap in its Busch Series operation this weekend at the New Hampshire International Speedway. Ganassi officials met Tuesday and will make an official announcement Wednesday. Crew chief Brad Parrott will move to the #41 of Reed Sorenson. Brian Pattie will crew chief Montoya’s #42.(NASCAR.com)(6-26-2007)
Driver Standings a Blowout, but Owner Points Much Closer: Last weekend’s second-place finish at The Milwaukee Mile was Wimmer’s season best behind the wheel of the #29 Holiday Inn Chevy and advanced the team 23 points in the NASCAR Busch Series owners’ championship point standings. The team sits second and is now just 188 markers behind Jack Roush’s #60. This is the second straight week that the Richard Childress Racing team has advanced in the owners’ point standings.(RCR PR)(6-26-2007)
Racing Against Cancer on #11 This Weekend: Racing Against Cancer (RAC) will partner with CJM Racing this weekend in effort to bring awareness and help raise money for the American Cancer Society. The RAC decal will be displayed as an associate sponsor on the #11 of Jason Keller.(CJM PR)(6-26-2007)
Camping World Sponsoring Busch Race and 2 cars at New Hamphire: Camping World and RVs.com have joined together to sponsor the Busch Series race at New Hampshire on Saturday, June 30. The Camping World 200 will be broadcast live on ABC beginning Saturday at 2:30pm/et. Camping World colors will be carried by Clint Bowyer in the #2 Camping World Chevy as well as the #10 Toyota with Dave Blaney aboard.(Camping World PR)(6-26-2007)
Eckrich to Sponsor Rensi & Hamilton Jr. in 3 Races: The Eckrich brand announced the launch of their Feed Your Need for Speed campaign which will be supported by a multi-race Busch Series sponsor partnership with Team Rensi Motorsports. At each 2007 Team Eckrich race event, the Feed Your Need for Speed campaign will feature the logos of Eckrich and a select Eckrich retail partner on a specially-designed #35 Team Rensi Ford Fusion driven by Bobby Hamilton, Jr. Eckrich and their select retail partners will serve as primary sponsors during the USG Sheetrock 300 at Chicago, the Kroger 200 at Indanapolis’ O’Reilly Raceway Park and the O’Reilly Challenge at Texas.(Eckrich PR), see an image of the car on my Busch Series Paint Schemes page.(6-26-2007)
Raybestos Rookie Notes for New Hamphshire: Brad Coleman was the Raybestos Rookie of the Race in the AT&T 250 at The Milwaukee Mile. Coleman finished fourth, his second top-five and third top-10 finish in 10 Busch Series starts. He took Raybestos Rookie of the Race honors for the third time in 2007. David Ragan leads Marcos Ambrose by 12 points (172-160) in the Raybestos Rookie standings entering the Camping World 200 at New Hampshire. Ragan is third in the Busch Series championship standings, best of any Raybestos Rookie. He is 70 points behind second-place David Reutimann and leads fourth-place Dave Blaney by seven.(Raybestos PR)(6-26-2007)
Almirola to Ginn in 2008? Hearing Aric Almirola, who was credited with the Milwaukee Busch Series race win Saturday night, will join Ginn Racing in 2008 as a protege to #01-Mark Martin. Supposedly the plan is for Almirola to run part-time Cup, Busch and Trucks in 2008 and take over the #01 Chevy full-time in 2009.
However: in a press conference at Sonoma, JGR president J.D. Gibbs said of Almirola: “Really, for us, he [Almirola] is a huge part of our future. We have invested a lot in him both time wise and financially but more importantly, just getting to know him. No one wants him to succeed more than us. He is a perfect fit all the way around to race here for JGR and will be in this sport for years to come.” and “He’ll run another race for them [Rockwell, sponsor of JGR Busch team] here down the road this year and they’ll line up and do a full deal with him next year. That’s what I hope.” and “Rockwell has been a great partner for many years. For us, they are kind of evaluating where they go next year.”(GM Racing PR)(6-25-2007)
___________________________________________________________
RCR development driver Tim McCreadie will make his NASCAR Busch East debut this weekend at NHIS behind the wheel of the No. 33 Camping World Chevrolet. Last weekend, “T-Mac” made his first NASCAR Busch Series start for RCR at The Milwaukee Mile where he started 24th and finished 28th after he was collected in an incident of another driver’s making. Prior to last weekend, McCreadie, 33, of Watertown, N.Y., had only three career asphalt starts to his credit and finished fourth in his ARCA Series debut two weeks ago at Michigan International Speedway. Before that, McCreadie finished 11th in his NASCAR West Series debut in April at Phoenix International Raceway and followed that up with a 10th-place run on May 20 at Iowa Speedway. McCreadie is the 2006 Chili Bowl Midget Nationals winner and the defending World of Outlaws Late Model Series Champion. (RCR PR)
___________________________________________________________
Busch Series entry lists shows 45 cars
Forty-five drivers are on the preliminary entry list for this weekend’s Camping World 200 NASCAR Busch Series race at New Hampshire International Speedway.
http://www.scenedaily.com/ct/c/22921236
___________________________________________________________
C R A F T S M A N * T R U C K * S E R I E S
___________________________________________________________
Courtesy of Jayski
http://www.jayski.com
Bobby Hamilton remembered at Memphis: The late Bobby Hamilton, who passed away from complications of head and neck cancer in January, will be honored in pre-race ceremonies being carried live on SPEED. Tennessee Gov. Phil Bredesen has proclaimed June 30 “Bobby Hamilton Day.” A street within the racing complex will be renamed in Hamilton’s honor. Each truck participating in the O’Reilly 200 will carry a special Bobby Hamilton memorial decal on the B post.(NASCAR Media)(6-26-2007)
First time at Memphis for Schrader: Ken Schrader will be making his first career start at Memphis Motorsports Park when he pilots the #18 Fastenal Dodge on Saturday night. Schrader will pilot “Slim” this weekend at Memphis. Schrader drove this particular chassis to a third place finish at Mansfield and to a 12th place finish at Martinsville earlier in the season.(BHR PR)(6-26-2007)
Hamlin back in the #4 this week: Kevin Hamlin will drive the #4 Open Joist Dodge this weekend at Memphis Motorsports Park. He will be making his fifth career Craftsman Truck Series start on Saturday. In four previous races Hamlin has an average starting position of 26th and finishing position of 17th.(BHR PR)(6-26-2007)
Raybestos Rookie News & Notes: Tim Sauter was the Raybestos Rookie of the Race in the June 22 Toyota Tundra Milwaukee 200 at The Milwaukee Mile. Sauter finished 16th and took top rookie honors for the first time this season.. Aaron Fike leads Sauter by 32 points (122-90) in the Raybestos Rookie standings entering the June 30 O’Reilly 200 at Memphis Motorsports Park. Fike is ninth in the Craftsman Truck Series championship standings, best of any Raybestos Rookie. Erik Darnell was the Raybestos Rookie of the Race in the 2006 O’Reilly 200. Darnell finished second, .251 seconds behind race winner Jack Sprague and scored the best finish by a Raybestos Rookie in eight Craftsman Truck Series races at Memphis. Greg Biffle is the only Raybestos Rookie to win a pole at Memphis, grabbing the top starting spot in 1998.(Raybestos PR)(6-26-2007)
___________________________________________________________
NASCAR – Craftsman Truck – O’Reilly 200 Preview Miami Herald -
Miami,FL,USA
All nine NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series races at Memphis Motorsports Park have been won from a start of fifth or higher. Three drivers have won from the …
http://www.miamiherald.com/625/story/151875.html
The Greater Cincinnati Ford Dealers, Ford Racing and Kentucky Speedway announce the three-year extension of entitlement partnerships associated with the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series (NCTS) “Built Ford Tough 225 Presented by the Greater …
http://www.kentuckyspeedway.com/newsline/news.asp?sid=616
(Thanks, Kent)
___________________________________________________________
Truck entry list shows 35 teams
Thirty-five trucks are on the preliminary entry list for the O’Reilly 200 NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series race at Memphis Motorsports Park.
http://www.scenedaily.com/ct/c/22921238
___________________________________________________________
Courtesy of TruckSeries.Com
http://www.truckseries.com
Sprague All ‘Jacked Up’ for Memphis
http://www.truckseries.com/cgi-script/NCTS_07/articles/000117/011715.htm
Memphis, Fellow Competitors Remember Hamilton
http://www.truckseries.com/cgi-script/NCTS_07/articles/000117/011709.htm
Hornaday Loves Doing It the Hard Way
http://www.truckseries.com/cgi-script/NCTS_07/articles/000116/011667.htm
___________________________________________________________
A R C A (Automobile Racing Club of America)
___________________________________________________________
Courtesy of ARCA
http://www.arcaracing.com
Steering for Berlin, McDowell, McGilton McTied in Rookie Points
TOLEDO OH (6-26-07) – The ARCA RE/MAX Series is gearing up for a short track thriller at Berlin Raceway in Marne, Michigan, where a full field of talented stock car racers will battle for the win in the Request Foods-GFS 200 on Saturday night, July 7. And, while the starting field will be composed of a diverse mix of rookies, veterans and hometown favorites, it is perhaps the 2007 Rookie of the Year contenders that have the most on the line.
Read more… – http://www.arcaracing.com/content/view/5126/2/
___________________________________________________________
U S A R (United Speed Alliance Racing)
___________________________________________________________
Courtesy of USAR
http://usarprocup.com
Gordon Carries Momentum into Lucas Oil 200
By Paul Warner
Tuesday, June 26, 2007 1:37:00 PM
Defending Northern Division champion closing in on St. Amant, point lead
Myrtle Beach, S.C.-In racing, confidence is key. And Benny Gordon has always had more than enough. That is, until after last year.
After three consecutive Northern Division titles and one overall Hooters Pro Cup title, Gordon found himself in the position no racer likes to be in: looking for a ride.
Fortunately, for Gordon, Predator Performance and Johnny Dangerfield merged to create North-South Motorsports, giving Gordon a home for the 2007 season. But the deal happened late, and Gordon was behind for the first time in his Pro Cup career.
“Anytime you have a bunch of changes in the off-season, it beats you down, whether you think it does or not,” said Gordon, driver of the No. 66 Samuel Metals Ford.
Read more – http://usarprocup.com/view_article.asp?id=2273
___________________________________________________________
C O L U M N S / C O M M E N T A R I E S
___________________________________________________________
Insider Racing News
http://insiderracingnews.com/Writers/SS/062707.html
Could Kyle Busch Be The Next Great Driver?
by Sharon Sherwood
A message for our sponsor: Rockwell Automation made mess of Busch race
By John McPoland
http://www.gazetteextra.com/mcpoland062607.asp
SO MUCH FOR THAT OLD WIVES’ TALE
Well, there goes the idea over in NASCAR land that at Sonoma one must start “up front” so as to win.
No driver has started any worse than 13th and won before Juan Pablo Montoya’s Sunday win at Infineon Raceway in his No. 42 Havoline …
http://www.motorsport.com/news/article.asp?ID=258700
Cheers & Jeers
Berrier Gives Harvick’s Win Away
by Carol Einarsson
http://www.racejournalonline.com/index.cfm?Pagename=column&id=316
Repeat Offenders Working the Grey Areas
by Carol Einarsson
http://www.racejournalonline.com/index.cfm?Pagename=column&id=317
___________________________________________________________
T V * L I S T I N G S
___________________________________________________________
Courtesy of Jayski
http://www.jayski.com/pages/tv.htm
TV Listings
Wed June 27
12:00 am NASCAR Now ESPN2
6:30 pm NASCAR Now ESPN2
TV Listings
Thurs June 28
12:00 am NASCAR Now ESPN2
12:00 pm Busch Series Milwaukee SPEED
2:30 pm Back in the Day with Dale Earnhardt, Jr SPEED
3:00 pm Nextel Cup Replay Infineon Raceway SPEED
6:30 pm NASCAR Now ESPN2
8:00 pm Toyota/Save Mart 350 at Infineon Raceway [Hi-Def] HDNet
TV Listings
Fri June 29
12:00 am Toyota/Save Mart 350 at Infineon Raceway [Hi-Def] HDNet
12:00 am NASCAR Now ESPN2
1:30 am American Muscle Car The History of Trans Am Racing SPEED
9:30 am American Muscle Car The History of Trans Am Racing SPEED
11:00 am NASCAR Live! New Hampshire (LIVE) SPEED
12:00 pm Nextel Cup Practice New Hampshire (LIVE) SPEED
1:30 pm Busch Practice New Hampshire Final Practice (LIVE) SPEED
3:00 pm Nextel Cup Qualifying New Hampshire (LIVE) SPEED
4:30 pm NASCAR Live! New Hampshire (LIVE) SPEED
5:00 pm Nextel Pit Crew Challenge SPEED
6:30 pm NASCAR Now ESPN2
7:00 pm Trackside New Hampshire SPEED
8:00 pm Survival of the Fastest Infineon SPEED
8:30 pm Nextel Cup Qualifying New Hampshire SPEED
10:00 pm Nextel Cup Practice New Hampshire SPEED
11:30 pm Trackside New Hampshire SPEED
Always CHECK YOUR LOCAL LISTINGS!
___________________________________________________________
The Stock Car Gazette
Copyright 2002-2007 by MotorSportsNews.Net
All Rights Reserved
SUBSCRIBE / UNSUBSCRIBE INFORMATION
http://lists.motorsportsnews.net/mailman/listinfo/stockcargazette
IF YOU DO NOT HAVE YOUR PASSWORD, you can have it e-mailed to you from the above SUBSCRIBE/UNSUBSCRIBE link.
Miss an edition of the Stock Car Gazette? Visit the E-ZINE ARCHIVE:
http://motorsportsnews.net/archives/category/stock-car-gazette/
IMPORTANT PRIVACY NOTICE: The Stock Car Gazette mailing list is maintained completely by MotorSportsNews.Net. Therefore, we can tell you we have not and will not ever share your e-mail address with anyone for any reason.
IMPORTANT LEGAL NOTICE: ALL broadcast, publication, retransmission to e-mail lists, WWW or any other copying or storage, in any medium, online or not, is STRICTLY PROHIBITED without PRIOR written permission from the editor. However, you MAY manually forward an issue by e-mail to your friends IF 1.) The text is forwarded IN ITS ENTIRETY including all subscription and web page information, and 2.) NO FEE is charged. We ALWAYS appreciate readers who report violations of the copyright to webmaster@motorsportsnews.net.
CONTACT INFORMATION
Mike Irwin, Owner/Webmaster
E-mail: Mike@MotorSportsNews.Net
AOL IM: motorsportsnews7
www.MotorSportsNews.Net
P. O. Box 668
Nicholasville, KY 40340-0668
859-750-1973
By the way, do YOU know for sure?
http://motorsportsnews.net/RomanRoad.html
___________________________________________________________
