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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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The Stock Car Gazette is sponsored by:

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Dale Earnhardt Jr. 2008 1/24th Scale Michigan Raced WIN Impala,
Dale Earnhardt Sr. And John Wayne “Dale & The Duke” Monte Carlo,
Ashley Force 2008 NHRA Castrol 1/24th Funny Car.

Visit Our Pre-Order Web Site At: www.diecastcars.net.
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ALL IN-STOCK ITEMS RECEIVED BY US AFTER JUNE 1, 2008, ARE 1/2 PRICE!!!

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Div. Hasco Services, LLC
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www.diecastcars.net
hasco@diecastcars.net
866-66-HASCO (866-664-2726)
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E d i t o r ‘ s * N o t e s
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The news is slowing down as we work our way toward the weekend. Today’s edition is about half the size of yesterday’s. But we’ll keep putting out the Gazette as long as there’s enough news to do so.
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Stock Car Gazette Columnists Speak Out!
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Speak your mind here.
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MotorSportsNews.Net(work) web site features
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Stock Car Gazette, Wed., November 19, 2008
motorsportsnews.net/archives/2333
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N A S C A R * S P R I N T * C U P * S E R I E S
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Courtesy of Google Alerts

Living the dream, just a different one
HeraldNet - Everett,WA,USA
He moved away in 2000 and now lives in Denver, NC, about 30 miles outside Charlotte, the epicenter of stock car racing. Gunselman learned quickly how …
www.heraldnet.com/article/20081119/SPORTS/711199721

Not convinced? Drive a few miles in their shoes
Sacramento Bee - CA, USA
We’ve also heard the same tired statement from some fans: Stock car racing is not a sport. Yes, NASCAR has been called “43 guys turning left. …
www.sacbee.com/629/story/1410029.html
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Courtesy of Insider Racing News
www.insiderracingnews.com

Layoffs Continue In NASCAR
Five NASCAR teams have apparently laid off some employees this week, but whether the latest layoffs are simply a matter of the typical end-of-the-season adjustments or part of a massive contraction that will see 750 to 1,000 people across the sport lose their jobs because of dwindling sponsorship remains to be seen. Petty Enterprises confirmed 30 employees have been laid off. Sources indicated Roush Fenway Racing released 35 people this week, and Haas CNC Racing laid off 16 people as it gets ready to become Stewart-Haas Racing. Bill Davis Racing has cut its Cup shop to only a handful of people, according to sources, and Wood Brothers Racing also had layoffs. A top Roush Fenway official described his team’s moves as typical and said they reflect a decision to run fewer entries in 2009. …More

ESPN2 Reviews Seasons
The recently-completed NASCAR Sprint Cup and Nationwide Series seasons will be reviewed in a pair of half-hour special programs airing Sunday, Nov. 23, at 1 p.m. ET on ESPN2. The Sprint Cup season review program airs first, followed at 1:30 p.m. by the Nationwide Series review. ESPN and ABC aired the final 17 races of the Sprint Cup season, while ESPN2 was the home of the NASCAR Nationwide Series all season. …Daily Headlines
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Courtesy of Jayski
www.jayski.com

Tony Stewart Live on Sirius ending? Speculation after listening to the final segment of Tony Stewart Live [Sirius Satellite Radio] on Tuesday night is the radio show may be ending after their Stewie Awards champions week show in December. The show has aired two years.(11-19-2008)

USAC driver critically injured in accident: U.S. Auto Club driver Cameron Dodson has been critically injured in a crash along a rural Hancock County road. The 20-year-old Dodson drives for Carl Edwards’ team and was the USAC Silver Crown series rookie of the year in 2007. He won one race in four starts this year. Methodist Hospital spokesman Gene Ford said Dodson was in critical condition Wednesday evening but did not disclose the nature of the injuries. The Daily Reporter in Greenfield reported that authorities said Dodson was not wearing a seat belt and was thrown from his car when it went off a county road into a ditch about 20 miles east of Indianapolis early Wednesday.(AP/ESPN)(11-19-2008)

RIR funds two local classroom projects: In its continuing effort to support the needs of local public school classrooms in the Greater Richmond Metropolitan Area, Richmond International Raceway officials announced recently that they are continuing their donations to various classrooms in need in its community. With the 2008-2009 school year in full swing, Richmond International Raceway Cares—the track’s charitable foundation—made its first two donations of the new school year to two local classrooms this week. In partnership with DonorsChoose.org, a non-profit website that connects classrooms in need with individuals and companies who want to make a difference through financial assistance, Richmond International Cares is funding a project at Arthur Ashe Jr. Elementary School in Henrico County and another project at Elizabeth D. Redd Elementary School in the City of Richmond.
The donation to Arthur Ashe Jr. Elementary School will support Ms. Chmil’s second graders in their quest to master their reading, writing and phonics skills. The students will benefit from hands-on materials that will assist them in this endeavor.
The donation to Elizabeth D. Redd Elementary School will assist Ms. Booker’s kindergarten through fifth grade math classes as they learn mathematical facts and concepts. The students will receive illustration books, enabling them to create stories that incorporate multiplication problems.
DonorsChoose.org is dedicated to addressing the lack of learning materials and experiences in our public schools. All donors are able to select the specific projects that they feel will have the biggest impact. Each project proposal is screened by DonorsChoose.org.(RIR PR)(11-19-2008)
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Courtesy of Race2Win
www.race2win.net

2005 Champion Bobby Labonte on Track Talk Live Today
2005 Sprint Cup Champion Bobby Labonte will be this week’s special guest on Track Talk Motorsports Radio. Listen as Labonte drops in to chat with Race 2 Win’s Jeff Holtzclaw, Blake Feese, Greg DePalma and Heather Meyer on Thursday, November 20th at 1:00 pm ET. Track Talk can be heard on the Prime Sports Network. Listeners are always welcome to join in on the show, call toll-free at 1-877-266-1909 or email us at nascar@primesportsnetwork.com to ask a question for Labonte or to offer your opinions and insight. Eric Darnell, driver of the No. 99 Roush Fenway Racing Ford, and John Daly of The Daly Planet were guests on the Thursday, November 13th show.

Chase Has Yet to Deliver its Intended Punch
The Chase for the NASCAR Sprint Cup format has generated as much or more debate than any facet of NASCAR since it was implemented in 2004. The radical departure it represented from NASCAR’s roots was hailed as both a revolutionary move by NASCAR CEO Brian France and a slap in the face to the sport’s traditionalists.
Full Story www.race2win.net/wc/08/11/cydip.html

Media Members Almost Perfect, In Predicting 2008 Chase Field
The media proved it did its homework prior to the 2008 NASCAR Sprint Cup season, correctly predicting 11 of the 12 drivers who qualified for the Chase for the NASCAR Sprint Cup.
Full Story www.race2win.net/wc/08/11/mpcf.html
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Courtesy of That’s Racin’
www.thatsracin.com

Cuts in staffs also reduce normal flow of information
NASCAR race teams normally pump out news releases about every aspect of their operation, from one-race associate sponsor deals to weekly paint schemes.
www.thatsracin.com/topstories/story/21212.html

The good news? | Economy mute celebrations, but season wasn’t without highlights
www.thatsracin.com/topstories/story/21210.html

Robby Gordon stays behind wheel at Baja
Most drivers in NASCAR’s Sprint Cup series are looking forward to getting some rest now that the 2008 season is over. Robby Gordon isn’t among them.
www.thatsracin.com/topstories/story/21196.html

USAC driver badly hurt in highway accident - www.thatsracin.com/topstories/story/21214.html

Autograph session set with Nationwide Series champ, other drivers - www.thatsracin.com/topstories/story/21215.html

Johnson, team eye fourth Cup championship - www.thatsracin.com/topstories/story/21191.html
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P R E S S * R E L E A S E S
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Nothing pressing today.
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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
www.jayski.com

Nationwide Series Season Ends on High Ratings Note; ESPN2’s Ratings Up for 2008: A season of improved ratings and viewership for the Nationwide Series on ESPN2 ended on a high note this past weekend as the Ford 300 at Homestead-Miami Speedway delivered a 1.6 household coverage rating, an increase of 33 percent from the 1.2 rating for last year’s race that also aired on ESPN2. ESPN2’s coverage of 23 Nationwide Series races during the 2008 season averaged a 1.5 rating, a seven percent gain from last year’s 1.4 average. The coverage also saw a double-digit increase in the Males 25-54 demographic, averaging 1.3 vs. 1.1 last year. The event at Homestead-Miami Speedway, in which Clint Bowyer wrapped up the series championship, averaged 2,096,644 viewers, up 38 percent from last year’s telecast. Live NASCAR racing returned to the ESPN networks in 2007 and the Nationwide Series immediately became ESPN2’s highest-rated series. ESPN2 airs highlights of the NASCAR Nationwide Series awards banquet on Sunday, Nov. 30, at noon ET.(ESPN PR)(11-19-2008)

Sponsorship woes could leave Cassill without a ride: UPDATE: Landon Cassill doesn’t have a guaranteed seat next year as sponsorship issues will likely limit the #5 team to a part-time schedule with Sprint Cup drivers.(Scene Daily)(11-16-2008)
UPDATE: Cassill can’t really talk about what the future holds for himself because no one really knows what the future holds for NASCAR. NASCAR isn’t going away, of course, but the dicey economic times makes planning for next year more difficult. “It’s still kind of up in the air. We’re working on it, as far as getting the sponsorship,” Cassill said. “It’s a tough time right now and it’s going to be a battle, but hopefully we can fight through this and get back on the other side.(Cadar Rapids Gazette)(11-19-2008)
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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
www.jayski.com

Images added - Homestead: Several images added from Homestead-Miami Speedway including; #30-Lumber Liquidators Toyota, #07-Geico Toyota, #81-Nationrides.com Chevy, #22-Red Bull Toyota, #13-FarmPaint.com Chevy, #6-Con-way Freight Ford, #17-Hayes Iron & Metal/Strutmasters.com Toyota, #08-Gunbrokers.com Dodge, #12-James Carter/CrashedToys.com Chevy, #24-Stocks For Tots Toyota, #40-Westerman Companies Toyota, #76-JandRSupply.com Ford, #57-Benning Racing Chevy, #0-ASI Limited Chevy. Photos can be found on the 2008 Paint Scheme Page.(11-19-2008)
www.jayski.com/schemes/2008trucks.htm
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Courtesy of TruckSeries.Com
www.truckseries.com

Benson Celebrates 2008 Championship
11-19-2008 | TruckSeries.com Report
Johnny Benson became the series’ 10th different champion by finishing seventh in Sunday night’s Ford 200 at Homestead-Miami Speedway. He also became only the second competitor to win the truck series title and the NASCAR Nationwide title, having captured the latter in 1995. Greg Biffle is the other driver to have won both championships. The 13 years between championships is the longest in NASCAR national series history. Owners Bill and Gail Davis and crew chief Trip Bruce also became NASCAR Craftsman Truck champions for the first time as Benson edged Ron Hornaday Jr. by seven points in the third-closest title race since the organization adopted its current national series points structure in 1975.
www.truckseries.com/cgi-script/NCTS_08/articles/000023/002318.htm
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Craftsman paved the way for Truck Series expansion
Nascar - USA
And finally, thank you to the fans who have supported the Craftsman Truck Series.” But it’s difficult not to write the final chapter in Craftsman’s story …
www.nascar.com/2008/news/features/11/19/enterprise.truck.series/
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A R C A (Automobile Racing Club of America)
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Courtesy of ARCA
www.arcaracing.com

That’s a Wrap!
TOLEDO OH (11-19-08)-The ARCA RE/MAX Series will have a new look in 2009.
CGS Imaging, the Official Wide Format Digital Printing Supplier of ARCA, has been spending the last several weeks creating a custom designed wrap for the ARCA RE/MAX Series Transporter. The transporter travels to each ARCA RE/MAX Series race event and serves as a mobile office unit and command center for officials and race teams.

For more information on CGS Imaging, visit www.cgs-imaging.com/.
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Volkswagen Releases 2009 Jetta TDI Cup Schedule
WhoWon.com - Lincoln,NE,USA
Sleek German engineering and clean diesel technology will mingle with raw American horsepower when the series joins the ARCA RE/MAX Series September 11 – 13 …
www.whowon.com/sResults.asp?SanctionID=243&StoryID=262897
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U S A R (United Speed Alliance Racing)
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Courtesy of USAR
usarprocup.com

Gordon up for All-American Honors
usarprocup.com/view_article.asp?id=2945
Pro Cup Champion receives second nomination on ballot

BURBANK, Calif. - Voting has begun among more than 300 members of the motorsports press to select the 2008 Auto Racing All-America team.

Benny Gordon, the overall Hooters Pro Cup Champion, is among the drivers vying for first-team honors in the Tour Series Category. Gordon name Honorable Mention All-American by the AARWBA in 2005.

Gordon won a series-high six times during the 2008 season, but the most impressive stat may be the fact that the DuBois, Pa., driver completed every lap during the season-all 2,789 of them.

In all, Gordon finished the season with six wins, 11 top-5s and 12 top-10s. In addition, he led a series-high 898 laps, led 12 of the 13 races in which he competed and finished the season with an average finish of 3.15.

With his second title in hand, Gordon pushed his career earnings in the Hooters Pro Cup Series to $1,396,100 in 99 starts.

In the past four years, Clay Rogers and Bobby Gill made the Second Team All-American, while Shane Huffman and Gordon have received Honorable Mention.

Among those on the ballot are former Jerry Titus Award winners Tony Schumacher (2006), Dan Wheldon (2005) and Tony Kannan (2004). The ballot also includes a driver who is among the top-10 with the most All-America first-team honors — Scott Pruett (nine times), and the only driver ever earning more than honorable mention from write-in votes — Danica Patrick (second team 2005).

Also on the ballot seeking selection in one of seven categories — Open Wheel, Stock Car, Road Racing, Drag Racing, Short Track, Touring Series and At Large — are 13 drivers who could be making their first-ever All-American appearance.

The balloting will also determine a second team of the drivers placing third and fourth in each category, and honorable mentions to all other drivers receiving at least 5 percent of the vote. AARWBA members have annually chosen an All-America Auto Racing Team since 1970.

The drivers listed below are on the 2008 All-America ballot. In endurance road racing, teammates sharing the same car are nominated as a single entity. Numbers in parentheses indicate previous times elected to first team/second team/honorable mention; *** indicates first time on ballot.

OPEN WHEEL
Ryan Briscoe- Fifth in IndyCar, three wins
Helio Castroneves- Second in IndyCar, two wins
Scott Dixon- IndyCar Champion, six wins including Indy 500
Tony Kanaan- Third in IndyCar, one win
Danica Patrick- Sixth in IndyCar, one win, first female driver to win an IndyCar race
Dan Wheldon- Fourth in IndyCar, two wins

STOCK CAR
Greg Biffle- Third in NASCAR Sprint Cup, two wins
Clint Bowyer- NASCAR Nationwide Series Champion, one win; fifth in Sprint Cup, one win
Kyle Busch- 21 wins in NASCAR’s top three series (eight in Sprint Cup, 10 in Nationwide, three in Craftsman Trucks)
Carl Edwards- Runner-up in both Sprint Cup and Nationwide series, nine Cup wins, seven Nationwide wins
Jimmie Johnson- Nextel Cup Champion for third consecutive year, seven wins
Brad Keselowski- Third in Nationwide series, two wins, highest-ranked non-Cup regular in Nationwide

ROAD RACING
Timo Bernhard/Romain Dumas (- ALMS P2 champions, four wins including two times first overall
David Brabham/Scott Sharp- ALMS P2 runners-up, four wins (one overall)
Jon Fogarty/Alex Gurney- Grand-Am Rolex Daytona Prototype runner-up, one win
Lucas Luhr/Marco Werner- ALMS P1 Champions, eight wins (six overall)
Jan Magnussen/Johnny O’Connell- ALMS GT1 Champions, eight wins
Scott Pruett/Memo Rojas- Grand-Am Daytona Prototype Champions, six wins including 24 Hours of Daytona

DRAG RACING
Greg Anderson- NHRA Powerade Pro Stock runner-up, six wins
Jeg Coughlin- NHRA Pro Stock Champion, three wins
Spencer Massey- IHRA Nitro Jam Top Fuel champions in rookie season, four wins
Cruz Pedregon- NHRA Funny Car Champion, three wins
Tony Schumacher- NHRA Top Fuel champion (fifth straight), 15 wins
Tim Wilkerson- NHRA Funny Car runner-up, six wins

SHORT TRACK
Jerry Coons Jr.- USAC K&N Silver Crown Champion, Sprint Car Champion, five wins (1 SC, 3 Sprint, 1 Midget)
Tracy Hines- Leading USAC Midget Series (one race left), third in Sprints, sixth in Silver Crown, three wins
Darrell Lanigan- World of Outlaws Late Model Champion, two wins
Jason Meyers- World of Outlaws Sprint Cars runner-up, nine wins
Donny Schatz- World of Outlaws champion (third straight), 18 wins, also won Knoxville Nationals for third straight year
Cole Whitt- Second in USAC Midgets (one race left), Fourth in USAC sprints, Four wins

TOURING SERIES
Justin Allgaier- ARCA Re/Max Series Champion, six wins
Johnny Benson- NASCAR Craftsman Trucks Champion, five wins
Ted Christopher- NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour Champion, four wins
Benny Gordon- USAR Hooters Pro Cup Champion, also won Northern Division, six wins
Eric Holmes- NASCAR Camping World West Champion, four wins
Matt Kobyluck- NASCAR Camping World East Champion, four wins

AT LARGE
Jorg Bergmeister/Wold Henzler- ALMS GT2 Champions, four wins
Laurie Cannister- IHRA Alcohol Funny Car Champion, six wins
Rob MacCachren- CORR Pro-2 and Pro Buggy leader (2 races left), sic Pro-2 wins, four Pro Buggy wins
Frank Manzo- NHRA Top Alcohol Funny Car champion (his 12th), seven wins; NHRA Div. 1 TAFC champion, 5 wins
Travis Pastrana- Rally America champion, three wins; also won X Games Rally
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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/BW/112008.html
Truck Races More Exciting Than The Cup Cars
by Brian Watkins

Insider Racing News
insiderracingnews.com/Writers/DD/112008.html
Time For a Luxury Tax in NASCAR
by Doug Demmons

RaceTalkRadio.com:
Truck Racing is the Best Racing in the World by Dennis Michelsen
www.racetalkradio.com/soz/id214.htm

The Nascar Insiders
Have You Ever Heard of the NASCAR B2B Council?
Something tells me most of you are answering this question with the word “no.” I didn’t think so.
feeds.feedburner.com/~r/TheNascarInsiders/~3/459083939/

NASCAR Killed My Happy Place
by Carol Einarsson
Maybe it’s the coming holidays, maybe it’s the empty-nest feeling, maybe it’s the sad state of… well… everything, lately. Whatever it is, yours truly is in a funk; darned near a full-blown depression kind of funk.
www.racejournalonline.com/index.cfm?Pagename=column&id=545

Best NASCAR TV Booth Analyst Of 2008?
As we continue our “best of 2008″ conversation, this time we are going to ask for your opinion of the TV booth analysts.
dalyplanet.blogspot.com/2008/11/best-nascar-tv-booth-analyst-of-2008.html

To The Victor Go The Spoils
Here is the new issue of Sports Illustrated with Jimmie Johnson gracing the cover. The issue should be on news stands soon. Many thanks to our friends at Sports Illustrated for providing this sneak peek.
dalyplanet.blogspot.com/2008/11/to-victor-go-spoils.html
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T V * L I S T I N G S
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Courtesy of Jayski
www.jayski.com/pages/tv.htm

Thu Nov 20
12:00 pm NSCS Ford 400 at Homestead Replay SPEED

5:30 pm NSCS Ford 400 at Homestead Replay HDNet

Sun Nov 23
8:00 am NASCAR Angels HALL

1:00 pm NASCAR Sprint Cup Season Review ESPN2

1:30 pm NASCAR Nationwide Season Review ESPN2

7:00 pm SPEED Report SPEED

Jayski does 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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Copyright 2002-2008 by MotorSportsNews.Net
All Rights Reserved

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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

Do you know for sure?
motorsportsnews.net/you-can-know-for-sure
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The Stock Car Gazette is sponsored by:

Hasco Collectibles
Div. Hasco Services, LLC
701 Mantooth Ave.
Lufkin, TX 75904
www.hascodiecastcars.com
www.diecastcars.net
hasco@diecastcars.net
866-66-HASCO (866-664-2726)

ALL MERCHANDISE ON OUR SITE THAT WE RECEIVED AFTER
JUNE 1, 2008, IS PRICED AT 1/2 OF OUR ORIGINAL PRICES!
LATEST PRE-ORDERS:
NOTE: WE WILL NO LONGER ACCEPT PRE-ORDERS AFTER NOV. 19, 2008.

Dale Earnhardt Jr. 2008 1/24th AMP/NG ‘Ride Along With Jr.’ Impala,
Dale Earnhardt Jr. 2008 1/24th Scale Black-On-Black NG,
Dale Earnhardt Jr. 2008 1/24th Scale Michigan Raced WIN Impala,
Dale Earnhardt Sr. And John Wayne “Dale & The Duke” Monte Carlo,
Ashley Force 2008 NHRA Castrol 1/24th Funny Car.

Visit Our Pre-Order Web Site At: www.diecastcars.net.
We Have 2008 AMP/NG/Dupont/Lowes/Cheerios/Home Depot, Bud,
Jack Daniels, Wells Fargo, Bass Pro, Fed-Ex, Nicorette, And
More At Our In-Stock Web Store www.hascodiecastcars.com.

ALL IN-STOCK ITEMS RECEIVED BY US AFTER JUNE 1, 2008, ARE 1/2 PRICE!!!

www.hascodiecastcars.com.

Hasco Collectibles
Div. Hasco Services, LLC
701 Mantooth Ave.
Lufkin, TX 75904
www.hascodiecastcars.com
www.diecastcars.net
hasco@diecastcars.net
866-66-HASCO (866-664-2726)
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E d i t o r ‘ s * N o t e s
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There’s still some stuff happening… so we’re still pumping out the Gazette for you! Now, do you know of any other stock car e-zine not produced by a major media outlet that treats you this good? I don’t think so, Scooter!

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Stock Car Gazette Columnists Speak Out!
___________________________________________________________

Share your thoughts here. Contact me for details.
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MotorSportsNews.Net(work) web site features
___________________________________________________________

MENARD TO DRIVE NO. 98 YATES RACING FORD FUSION IN 2009 NASCAR SPRINT CUP COMPETITION
motorsportsnews.net/archives/2330

… read on the Internet …
motorsportsnews.net/archives/2327

… heard (or “read”) on the Internet …
motorsportsnews.net/archives/2318

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N A S C A R * S P R I N T * C U P * S E R I E S
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Courtesy of Google Alerts

NASCAR teams begin layoffs
The Associated Press
CHARLOTTE, NC (AP) — Hall of Fame Racing, the NASCAR team owned by Arizona Diamondbacks executives, will cut its staff even if it secures sponsorship to run …
www.google.com/hostednews/ap/article/ALeqM5jVtV9hroY3e4sNY2o_5Pdqyb8R7AD94HKQQ00

Column: Edwards wins with a losing proposition
Gaston Gazette - Gastonia,NC,USA
It says that small fuel tanks, generic cars and “aero push” are changing the face of stock-car racing and making strategy, not speed, the most important …
www.gastongazette.com/sports/edwards_27195___article.html/car_race.html

Teams becoming leaner — for good
FOXSports.com - USA
Right now, you’ve got a lot of people in the NASCAR community running scared as they worry about whether they are going to have a job in the near future. …
msn.foxsports.com/nascar/story/8814840/Teams-becoming-leaner—-for-good

NASCAR faces big questions
The Weekender - Wilkes-Barre,PA,USA
For all that NASCAR has done in the past few years to establish itself as a major sport in the United States and abroad, there are many, many questions …
www.theweekender.com/stage/NASCAR_faces_big_questions_11-18-2008.html
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Courtesy of Insider Racing News
www.insiderracingnews.com

Souvenir Blowout at Lowe’s
Shoppers will descend on Lowe’s Motor Speedway the weekend of Nov. 28-30, in anticipation of fantastic savings on 2008 merchandise when Lowe’s Motor Speedway hosts the Souvenir and Race Ticket Blow-Out Sale. The event will not only offer fans great deals, but the chance to drive around the legendary 1.5-mile quad-oval. The 16th annual day-after-Thanksgiving sale offers each fan that spends at least $50 on tickets or souvenirs, or donates $25 to Speedway Children’s Charities, the opportunity to drive their personal vehicle around the speedway for three laps on Friday, Nov. 28. This once-a-year opportunity puts fans in the tire tracks of NASCAR legends such as Richard Petty, David Pearson and Dale Earnhardt. Shoppers who spend at least $50 on tickets or souvenirs, or donate $25 to Speedway Children’s Charities on Saturday and Sunday will receive a free souvenir gift and a tour of zMAX Dragway. Each tour is good for two people. The gift and tours will be redeemable at the gift shop.

DEI Leaves DEI
The Dale Earnhardt Inc. transporters are expected to start moving inventory to Chip Ganassi Racing on Monday — the first step to uniting the two companies. By now, what is left of the original DEI will begin the pilgrimage to their new home, 17 miles across town. It seems like just yesterday that DEI was moving into the Ginn Racing building, though the merger between the two outfits was actually a year ago. This time, however, the mood will be much different as it won’t include all their co-workers and friends, many of whom have been laid off. This time the move is to unfamiliar territory, with unfamiliar faces and unfamiliar management calling the shots. But these crews have become accustomed to a nomadic life; it’s the price racers pay to compete at this level. There were still people like crew chief Kevin “Bono” Manion who believed that as long as the Earnhardt name was on the door, they were racing for the Intimidator’s memory. But every year since Dale Earnhardt’s death was another year removed from his vision

Homestead Ratings Down
ABC’s broadcast of Sunday’s Ford 400 NASCAR Sprint Cup season finale from Homestead-Miami Speedway earned an overnight Nielsen Media Research rating of 3.6, Street & Smith’s SportsBusiness Journal reports. The figure is 5.3 percent less than the 3.8 ABC earned overnight for the 2007 race
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Courtesy of Jayski
www.jayski.com

Chat Stats - End of Season: #48-Jimmie Johnson managed to win his first Chase championship in 2006 by scoring 1430 points, the lowest winning total in the five-year history of the Chase. Since then, he has rung up 1663 points (1643 if you adjust for the 5-point increase rule in 2007) in 2007 and 1644 (1629) to win the 08 title. Here are the champion chase points scored and runnerup for the first five years of the Chase:
2004: 1st-Kurt Busch 1486, 2nd-Jimmie Johnson 1453
2005: 1st-Tony Stewart 1483, 2nd-Greg Biffle 1453, 3rd–Carl Edwards 1483
2006: 1st-Jimmie Johnson 1430, 2nd-Matt Kenseth 1369, 3rd-Denny Hamlin 1377
2007: 1st-Jimmie Johnson 1663, 2nd-Jeff Gordon 1606
2008: 1st-Jimmie Johnson 1644, 2nd-Carl Edwards 1560
Matt Kenseth and Dale Earnhardt Jr get to pass on banquet week, Tony Stewart and Kyle Busch made the top-10 and the trip to NYC. Brian Vickers gets the top spot by improving 19 positions from 2007, finishing in 19th this season. David Reutimann gained 17 spots and boss/teammate Michael Waltrip improved 15 positions in 08. Kurt Busch suffered the largest decline in 08, dropping 11 spots from 7th to 18th this season. Reed Sorenson was next, falling 10 spots to 32nd. See full 2008 Chase Stats page and my 2008 Chase News, Rules, Wins, History page for more.(11-19-2008)
www.jayski.com/stats/2008/chase/36hms2008chase.htm
www.jayski.com/teams/chase2008.htm

OF Racing layoffs? UPDATE: on Monday, a large layoff at #96 Hall of Fame Racing, supposedly due to lack of full sponsorship. Also, the current Hall of Fame Racing shop building is up for sale.(11-18-2008)
UPDATE: Hall of Fame Racing, the NASCAR team owned by Arizona Diamondbacks executives, will cut its staff even if it secures sponsorship to run a full 2009 season. HoF general manager Tyler Epp said Tuesday employees were told no one will be laid off before the end of November, as team officials search for more funding. But with 44 employees for a single car operation, Epp said the team is overstaffed. “The reality is we ran 39th in points this year and personnel changes are going to be made,” Epp said. “And we simply have too many people for a one-car team. We’re going to have a reduction no matter what happens.” Epp said the team is close on several possibilities, but a merger with another small NASCAR team is not likely at this time. The team has partial sponsorship from DLP HDTV for next season. Hall of Fame originally was formed by former Dallas Cowboys quarterbacks Troy Aikman and Roger Staubach, but they sold their interest in the team last year to Diamondbacks executives Jeff Moorad and Tom Garfinkel. Moorad is the Diamondbacks’ chief executive officer, and Garfinkel is the chief operating officer. The team had a technical alliance with Joe Gibbs Racing, but Epp said the agreement most likely will not carry into 2009 as the team searches for a new partner. Depending on whom they lease their motors from - and JGR is still a possibility, Epp said - the team could also have a manufacturer switch.(Associated Press)
AND: Epp said it was unlikely his team – whose ownership group is led by Arizona Diamondback executives Jeff Moorad and Tom Garfinkel – would merge with another team for 2009. “It’s been a rough year of transition, but that doesn’t change the intent and the model we’re trying to build,” Epp said. “Whenever you merge two different groups, you have to compromise on things, and we don’t want to compromise [certain] things.” As far as a driver for next year, Epp said he has had talks with at least six drivers whom he would be interested in having for 2009. “I can’t say enough about Ken Schrader and the job he’s done this year,” Epp said. “He’s certainly on the list.” Epp added that the team most likely will not be an affiliate of Joe Gibbs Racing next season, but he would like to remain with Toyota. He said the team likely would contract a body hanger, and the team also would need to find an engine supplier. Epp also said the team also is working on extending its lease for the building from Herzog Motorsports. The lease runs through December.(SceneDaily)(11-19-2008)

Updates on Team Layoffs: nothing official but heard that Stewart-Hass Racing [formerly Haas CNC Racing] laid off 16 people Monday, November 17th. Also .(11-18-2008)
UPDATE: Wood Brothers Racing has downsized its Sprint Cup and Craftsman Truck Series operations [supposedly 25 people] effective immediately. The Wood Brothers expect to continue the 58-year tradition of the #21 Ford when racing resumes in February. “This economic downturn has been tough on everyone and racing is not immune,” team owner Eddie Wood said. “What we’re experiencing now is a dramatic correction but we will be geared up for the 51st running of the Daytona 500. We will be racing in 2009. We’re just not sure what that schedule looks like at this time. We’re going to do whatever is necessary to survive.”(FoxSports)
UPDATE 2: hearing 23 people were laid off at Petty Enterprises on Tuesday.(11-18-2008)
UPDATE 3: Petty Enterprises, The Wood Brothers, Bill Davis Racing and Ernie Elliott’s engine shop all reduced their staffs in the two days since Sunday’s season finale. Although exact numbers are hard to pin down, Petty chief marketing officer Mike Bartelli said the company released 30 employees.
The Wood Brothers are believed to have let go more than 20 employees.
BDR, which has no sponsorship lined up for its Sprint Cup program, has cut its staff to all but a handful of employees. Elliott, who built engines for Chip Ganassi Racing, did the same since it’s unlikely Ganassi will use his motors once he completes a merger with Dale Earnhardt Inc. Just last week, 100-plus employees were released from DEI so the team can move forward with its merger with Ganassi.
Ganassi let go of 71 people in July, starting a wave that has hit all teams regardless of their level of funding. Hendrick Motorsports, Joe Gibbs Racing and Roush Fenway Racing all had small staff reductions over the past month, and Roush let additional employees go this week as the organization adjusts to running fewer entries in the Truck Series next season.(Associated Press)(11-19-2008)

Sad News - Don Hunter: Award-winning motorsports photographer Donald A. Hunter of Charlotte passed away on Nov. 6 following a brief illness. Hunter, 79, worked as a photographer for the Charlotte Observer for many years and was the director of photography for Charlotte Motor Speedway, according to an obituary in the Observer. Considered a pioneer in motorsports photography, Hunter won close to 100 awards, and was best known for his black- and-white photographic work. Many of his best photos captured the legends of NASCAR. In 1967, Hunter was nominated for the Pulitzer Prize for photography, and one of his images remains in the collection of the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York City. Hunter is survived by his wife, Jean A. Hunter: daughter, Donna H. Franklin; and granddaughter, Marie R. Franklin. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the American Heart Association and the Alzheimer’s Foundation.(SceneDaily)(11-19-2008)

Menard to drive #98 for Yates in 2009: Yates Racing announced Paul Menard as the driver of the #98 Menards Ford Fusion in 2009 Sprint Cup Series competition. Following his first full season in the Sprint Cup Series, Menard finished 26th in the point standings, while earning his first career pole at Daytona International Speedway and his first career top-five finish at Talladega Superspeedway. “I’m really looking forward to starting this new chapter of my life with Yates Racing and behind the wheel of the No. 98 Ford Fusion,” said Menard. “The #98 has been to victory lane 25 times, many times with Marvin Panch and Lee Roy Yarbrough. It’s exciting to be starting with Max (Jones) and Doug (Yates), and having Larry Carter on the box making the calls. I’ve seen how solid the Roush/Yates engine program has been over the years and I know we can have a really good season in the #98 Menards Ford Fusion.” Helping Menard make the transition to Yates Racing and Ford Motor Company will be veteran crew chief Larry Carter. Carter comes to Yates Racing from Roush Fenway Racing, where in 2008 he helped Jamie McMurray earn four top five and 11 top-10 finishes. Prior to working with McMurray, Carter worked with veteran driver Rusty Wallace in his final season of Sprint Cup racing. Yates Racing co-owner Max Jones is pleased with the addition of the #98 to the team’s racing stable. “Paul is a focused and determined young man. His efforts combined with the strength and compatibility of our sponsor partners, and with Ford, will take him to new levels,” Jones said.(Yates Racing PR)
AND: hearing that Yates Racing laid off quite a few people Tuesday and could end up being only a two car team at the start of the 2009 season.(11-18-2008)

Pemberton leaves MWR for Red Bull: After asking for his release, #44 crew chief Ryan Pemberton is expected to reunite with his friend and former boss Jay Frye at Team Red Bull. Pemberton, 39, spent this year working with David Reutimann and the #44 Toyota after weathering the MB2 Motorsports buyout and the Ginn Racing/Dale Earnhardt Inc. merger last fall. The Pemberton-led crew won the pole at Homestead, but finished 20th on Sunday. Pemberton’s official position has yet to be determined.(FoxSports)(11-18-2008)

Parrott leaves Yates: Todd Parrott, a second-generation racer with more than two decades of racing experience, was released from Yates Racing after leading the #28 Ford and driver Travis Kvapil to a 23rd-place finish in the point standings.(FoxSports), no word where Parrott ends up or who will be Kvapil’s crew chief in 2009.(11-18-2008)

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Courtesy of Race2Win
www.race2win.net

Listen to Race 2 Win’s Jeff Holtzclaw on Track Talk
Listen in as Race 2 Win’s Jeff Holtzclaw joins Greg DePalma, Blake Feese and Heather Meyer every week for Track Talk on the Prime Sports Network. Track Talk airs live every Thursday from 1:00 pm - 3:00 pm ET. If you miss the live show, you can listen to the archive or download the podcast anytime at PrimeSportsNetwork.com. Eric Darnell, driver of the No. 99 Roush Fenway Racing Ford, and John Daly of The Daly Planet were guests on the Thursday, November 13th show.

NASCAR Teleconference: 2008 Champion Jimmie Johnson
The final NASCAR Sprint Cup Series teleconference for the 2008 season features three-time series champion Jimmie Johnson, who captured his third consecutive title at Homestead Miami Speedway. He became the first driver in 30 years to win three consecutive titles, joining Cale Yarborough.
Full Story www.race2win.net/wc/08/11/ntjjc.html

Menard to Drive No. 98 Yates Racing Ford Fusion in 2009
Yates Racing is pleased to announce Paul Menard as the driver of the No. 98 Menards Ford Fusion in 2009 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series competition.
Full Story www.race2win.net/wc/08/11/pm98.html

12 Gauge: The Final Edition after Homestead
Welcome to the final 12 Gauge of the season. Our theme this week for the finale is famous threes. Enjoy it as you would a … three-course meal.
Full Story www.race2win.net/wc/08/11/tg36.html

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Courtesy of That’s Racin’
www.thatsracin.com

Johnson, team eye fourth Cup championship
After winning three Cup titles in a row, Jimmie Johnson is ready to chase after another. ‘We want four. Why not?’ crew chief Chad Knaus said.
www.thatsracin.com/topstories/story/21191.html

Is NASCAR’s Jimmie Johnson a dynasty? - www.thatsracin.com/topstories/story/21190.html

Five memorable moments from NASCAR Chase - www.thatsracin.com/topstories/story/21189.html

Johnson, No.48 team the next dynasty in professional sports - www.thatsracin.com/275/story/21183.html

It took a daredevil to make NASCAR respectable - www.thatsracin.com/topstories/story/21188.html

Financial crunch is speeding big layoffs at NASCAR - www.thatsracin.com/topstories/story/21184.html
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P R E S S * R E L E A S E S
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Robby Gordon Gears Up for the 41st Tecate SCORE Baja 1000
CHARLOTTE, NC (November 18, 2008) – Proving once again that he never tires of racing, Robby Gordon left this weekend’s NASCAR Sprint Cup Series finale in Homestead, Florida and headed straight for Ensenada, Mexico to compete in the 41st annual Tecate SCORE Baja 1000, one of the most grueling off-road races in the world. Gordon, a three-time overall winner, hopes to pilot his No. 77 Monster Energy / Toyo Tires Chevy CK 1500 to his fourth victory when the race commences on Friday, November 21st.

The Baja 1000 is the world’s longest non-stop and most famous desert race. This year’s race will be a challenging 631.35-mile journey around the northern Baja California peninsula, beginning and ending in Ensenada. It will be trying even to the most skilled racers as they weave their way over rocky desert landscape and mountain terrain. For a map of this year’s loop course, please visit www.score-international.com/webresources/files/1091/results/Complete.pdf.

When asked about this year’s event, Gordon commented, “This year’s course is very technical, very rough and very fast, which plays right into our team’s strengths. The team has done a good job building up the reliability in our Monster Energy / Toyo Tires / 4Wheel Parts trophy truck. We’ve been in Mexico pre-running the course over the past few weeks. Having covered the course twice, I feel very confident of our chances. With the assistance of both our Off-road and NASCAR team personnel, we have a really good support staff in place. Everyone is well informed on our race strategy and goals for this week. If all goes according to plan, we should bring home our fourth overall Baja 1000 victory.”

Pre-race activities will start on Wednesday, November 19th. As a prelude to the 41st annual Tecate SCORE Baja 1000, Gordon will participate in a media conference on Thursday at 11:30 a.m. along with other notable drivers and celebrities. Later that evening, he and his No. 77 Monster Energy / Toyo Tires trophy truck will appear that the AM PM store across from the navy base in downtown Ensenada from 5 p.m. to 6 p.m. The pre-race driver/rider briefing will be held Thursday at 7 p.m.

The green flag will drop for the car and truck classes at approximately 10:30 a.m. on Friday. All starters will have a 31-hour time limit to finish the legendary race. Over 300,000 spectators are expected to line this year’s course to watch over 375 entries from around the world compete in the historic race.

Live internet coverage will be available at www.2008SCOREBaja1000.com with a special one-hour NBC Sports special scheduled to be televised at 1pm (EST) on Sunday, December 14th.

For more information on Robby Gordon and updates on his progress in the enduring race, please visit www.robbygordon.com.

For more information regarding the Baja 1000, visit the official website of the SCORE Desert Series at www.score-international.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
www.jayski.com

Future of Fitz Motorsports in doubt: Nationwide Series team owner Armando Fitz isn’t sure if he wants to bring his Fitz Motorsports team back for 2009. Fitz has had a difficult year, personally and professionally, and doesn’t know if he wants to fight the battle as an independent team owner. Fitz lost both of his parents in 2005 but said this year has been nearly as difficult. “I really never thought I could have a year worse than what I had in ’05, losing my parents within six months of each other,” Fitz said. “This year has been right there. It’s not just the competition side of it. It’s the sponsors and employees, just everything. It’s been a bad year, a hard year.” Fitz is currently separated from his wife, Mimi. And now, Fitz doesn’t know if he’ll be back or not. Fitz has talked to investors about buying into the team, saying he has let investors know about his financial struggles and what debt any potential partner would need to assume. Fitz said a merger with another Nationwide team isn’t likely. “I would love to do that, but let’s not kid ourselves,” Fitz said. “My deal is a struggling deal. There are vendors that are owed money – and there are vendors who have been incredible with me and worked with me. Some of these other teams that are struggling, they’re like, ‘Why do I want to merge with another struggling team?’” Fitz said he has sponsorship for 15 races for next season.(Scene Daily)(11-18-2008)
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Courtesy of The Hot Lap
www.TheHotLap.com

Michael Annett says he will run a full NASCAR Nationwide Series season with Germain Racing in 2009.Annett made his series debut in Germain’s No. 03 Toyota at Homestead-Miami Speedway, but he said he wasn’t sure what number he would run next year. Germain had fielded the No. 7 for Mike Wallace this season, but sponsorship for that team has moved on.“We’re really excited about it,” Annett said at Homestead. “We’re taking this weekend, just because I’ve never driven one of those cars, to get used to everybody and get used to these cars.“It’d be nice to be the [No.] 7 and be locked in going into Daytona [in 2009]. The 7 team’s had a great year this year and has been in the top 10 in points about all year.”

2008 NNS Champion, Clint Bowyer travels to Columbus, Ohio today, home of Nationwide Insurance headquarters. There, he will take part in a multitude of activities including a visit to Nationwide Children’s Hospital, a meeting with company executives and a question and answer/autograph session with company associates. He’ll also meet with Columbus-area media before attending the Columbus Blue Jackets – Edmonton Oilers hockey game at Nationwide Arena. In addition to taking in the game, he’ll participate in an on-ice activity during the first intermission. To see more of the Champion’s Week activities, click here. (NASCAR)
thehotlap.com/modules.php?name=Press_Releases&op=view&rid=2902
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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
www.jayski.com

Congratulations to 2008 Craftsman Truck Series Champion Johnny Benson
(Photo Credit: Marc Serota/Getty Images for NASCAR)

Benson, BDR Celebrate 2008 titles; Benson named Most Popular Driver: In a season of firsts - and the final one for longtime series sponsor Craftsman - Johnny Benson and his Bill Davis Racing team celebrated the 2008 NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series championship Monday night during the series’ awards banquet at the Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino. Benson, 45, became the series’ 10th different champion by finishing seventh in Sunday night’s Ford 200 at Homestead-Miami Speedway. He also became only the second competitor to win the truck series title and the NASCAR Nationwide title, having captured the latter in 1995. Greg Biffle is the other driver to have won both championships. During 2008, Benson and the team collected awards of $1,181,997 - most in series history. Benson was also named the series’ Most Popular Driver for the third consecutive season. It marked the first time that fans could vote for the award.(NASCAR PR)(11-18-2008)

Starr returning to #11 in 2009; Zachry returning as sponsor: David Starr has confirmed that he will be returning to the #11 Toyota with Red Horse Racing in 2009. Starr also said that Zachry Holdings would be returning as sponsor.(11-18-2008)
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Courtesy of TruckSeries.Com
www.truckseries.com

Fans Deliver Highest-Rated Truck Series Season Ever
11-18-2008 | Megan Englehart, SPEED
The dramatic NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series finale on SPEED peaked at more than one million households and put an exclamation point on the most-watched season since the series moved to the network in 2003. SPEED will air highlights from the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series Championship Banquet on Dec. 8 at 8 p.m. ET.
www.truckseries.com/cgi-script/NCTS_08/articles/000023/002317.htm
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Truck champ Johnny Benson not big on auto bailout
Detroit Free Press - United States
BY MIKE BRUDENELL • FREE PRESS COLUMNIST • November 18, 2008 New NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series champion Johnny Benson still believes in the racing …
www.freep.com/article/20081118/SPORTS16/811180320/1048/sports

Crawford & Gaughan Comment on Camping World Truck Series Announcement
TruckSeries.com - Dallas,PA,USA
“Craftsman has been one of the best associates in business that I have ever had. From the time that I was welcomed into the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series in …
www.truckseries.com/cgi-script/NCTS_08/articles/000020/002074.htm

Bill Davis Wins Craftsman Truck Series Title as OWNER
By Gregg
For Davis, the 2008 Craftsman Truck Series championship was the culmination of a dream that started out as merely a weekend hobby. In high school, Davis helped out at a Little Rock, Ark., top fuel drag racing team, then raced motocross …
kgkiradio.com/?p=1653
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A R C A (Automobile Racing Club of America)
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Courtesy of ARCA
www.arcaracing.com

Congratulations to the Jarretts
Congratulations to Jason and Christina Jarrett, who welcomed Anthony Ford Jarrett into their family on November 14th, 2008.

2008 Aaron’s Lucky Dog Team in Review
DENVER, NC (11-18-08) - Ken Butler, III completed his first full ARCA RE/MAX Season behind the wheel of the No. 22 Aaron’s Lucky Dog Toyota in 2008 after a partial run in 2007.
www.arcaracing.com/news.cfm?contentid=7416

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U S A R (United Speed Alliance Racing)
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Drew Herring Takes Miller Lite Rookie of the Year

While most rookies would have been doing burnouts along the front stretch after clinching the Miller Lite Rookie of the Year title, a sullen Drew Herring slipped from his machine following the Black’s Tire American 200 at Rockingham Speedway and simply leaned up against the pit wall. Despite winning top rookie honors and a $20,000 bonus, Herring was in no mood to celebrate. And his dejection was understandable.

With 10 laps remaining in the race, Herring was pulling away from Clay Rogers, inching ever closer to his first Hooters Pro Cup win. His faithful followers were on their feet with anticipation, and Herring was up on the wheel. Eight laps around Rockingham Speedway was all he needed for a breakout win.

“I was on cruise control,” said Herring. “I knew we had it.”

Then, the unthinkable happened.
www.usarfans.com/article.php/20081112071401321
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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/LV/111908.html
An Alternate Outlook For The Sport Of NASCAR? A Demented Look Into The Future….Part One
by Larry Van Zandt

The Nascar Insiders
Does Anyone Care Jimmie Won?
Not long after the final race of the season had concluded and the festivities had died down I got on my computer to search around news and sports news sites.
feeds.feedburner.com/~r/TheNascarInsiders/~3/458063466/

To The Victor Go The Spoils
Click on the picture for a full-size image of Jimmie Johnson gracing the cover of the Sports Illustrated edition that comes out later this week. Many thanks to our friends at Sports Illustrated for providing this sneak peek.
dalyplanet.blogspot.com/2008/11/to-victor-go-spoils.html

Best NASCAR TV Play-By-Play Announcer of 2008?
Rather than hand-out awards, this seems to be a good time to take a deep breath and remember what we all liked best about the hundreds of hours of national TV offered to NASCAR fans this year. To start-off this post-season project, we are going to ask you to pick one of four men as the best NASCAR play-by-play announcer this season.
dalyplanet.blogspot.com/2008/11/best-nascar-tv-play-by-play-announcer.html

Truck Series Finale Gets Big TV Ratings
Here is the official scoop from the folks at SPEED:
dalyplanet.blogspot.com/2008/11/truck-series-finale-gets-big-tv-ratings.html
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T V * L I S T I N G S
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Courtesy of Jayski
www.jayski.com/pages/tv.htm

Thu Nov 20
12:00 pm NSCS Ford 400 at Homestead Replay SPEED

5:30 pm NSCS Ford 400 at Homestead Replay HDNet

Sun Nov 23
8:00 am NASCAR Angels HALL

1:00 pm NASCAR Sprint Cup Season Review ESPN2

1:30 pm NASCAR Nationwide Season Review ESPN2

7:00 pm SPEED Report SPEED

Jayski does 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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