Johnson wins first race at Bristol: #48-Jimmie Johnson won the Food City 500 Sprint Cup Series race at Bristol Motor Speedway for his 3rd win of 2010, 50th of his career and 1st at Bristol. #14-Stewart finished 2nd followed by #2-Busch, #16-Biffle. #17-Kenseth, #99-Edwards, #88-Earnhardt Jr., #1-McMurray, #18-Busch and #31-Burton. Pole sitter #20-Logano finished 27th down 5 laps. Points leader, #29-Kevin Harvick finished 11th and holds on to the points lead by 1 point over #17-Kenseth. 21 cars finished on the lead lap. There were 10 caution periods for 103 yellow flag laps. There were 29 lead changes among 8 drivers.
The race is scheduled to be re-aired, Wednesday, March 24 at 12:00pm/et on SPEED.
See race results, awards, laps led and more on Jayski's Bristol Race Results/Awards page.(3-21-2010)
Drivers with the fewest starts to get to 50 Sprint Cup wins:
DRIVER, STARTS when won 50th
Jeff Gordon, 232
Darrell Waltrip, 278
David Pearson, 293
Jimmie Johnson, 296
Junior Johnson, 303
Ned Jarrett, 332
Richard Petty, 338
Cale Yarborough, 347
Dale Earnhardt, 369
Lee Petty, 392
Bobby Allison, 433
Rusty Wallace, 498
Overall all-time winning percentage: [drivers with over 100 starts]:
1. Herb Thomas -- 21.053% (48 wins, 228 starts)
2. Tim Flock -- 20.856% (39/187)
3. David Pearson -- 18.293% (105/574)
4. Richard Petty -- 16.892% (200/1184)
4. Jimmie Johnson -- 16.892% (50/296)
6. Fred Lorenzen -- 16.456% (26/158)
7. Fireball Roberts -- 16.019% (33/206)
8. Junior Johnson -- 15.974% (50/313)
9. Cale Yarborough -- 14.821% (83/560)
10. Jeff Gordon -- 13.993% (82/586)
(stats from Racing-reference.info and NASCAR Statistics and compiled weekly here)(3-21-2010)
Race Fast Facts - Bristol Motor Speedway:
Jimmie Johnson won the FOOD CITY 500, his 50th victory in 296 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series races.
This is his third victory and third top-10 finish in 2010.
This is his first victory and ninth top-10 finish in 17 races at Bristol Motor Speedway.
Tony Stewart (second) posted his eighth top-10 finish in 23 races at Bristol Motor Speedway. It is his third top-10 finish in 2010.
Kurt Busch (third) posted his 11th top-10 finish in 19 races at Bristol Motor Speedway.
Kevin Conway (28th) was the highest finishing rookie.
Kevin Harvick leads the point standings by 1 points over Matt Kenseth.(NASCAR Statistics)(3-21-2010)
2010 Sprint Cup Driver Points Standings
[after Bristol, race 5 of 36]:
rank, car#, driver, points, behind
1) #29-Kevin Harvick 774
2) #17-Matt Kenseth, 773, -1
3) #48-Jimmie Johnson [3 wins], 760, -14
4) #16-Greg Biffle, 750, -24
5) #14-Tony Stewert, 685, -89
6) #2-Kurt Busch [1 win], 677, -97
7) #31-Jeff Burton, 677, -97
8) #88-Dale Earnhardt Jr., 621, --153
9) #98-Paul Menard, 614, -160
10) #18-Kyle Busch, 606, -168
11) #24-Jeff Gordon, 603, -171
12) #33-Clint Bowyer, 601, -173
Chase for the Sprint Cup - Contenders:
13) #99-Carl Edwards, 585, 16 points out of the chase
14) #83-Brian Vickers 584, -17
15) #1-Jamie McMurray, 581, -20
16) #5-Mark Martin, 579, -22
2009 Chasers not in top 15
13) #99-Carl Edwards, 585, 16 out of the chase
14) #83-Brian Vickers 584, -17
19) #11-Denny Hamlin, 515, -86
22) #42-Juan Pablo Montoya, 508, -93
23) #9-Kasey Kahne, 508, -93
26) #39-Ryan Newman, 452, -149.
See standings on Jayski's Drivers Points Standings page.(3-21-2010)
Top-35 in Owner Points and guaranteed a starting spot at Martinsville:
After Bristol, the current (2010) OWNERS points are used to determine the Top-35 in owners points and the guaranteed starting positions. #37-Conway was able to move back in the top 35 after falling out last week. Teams that started the 2010 season in the top-35 and fell out after five races include #7-Gordon and #26-Said/Stremme. Two drivers/teams were not in the top-35 starting the season and are now in, #82-Speed is solidly in the top-35 at 18th in 2010 Owners points and #71-Labonte who is 29th, 82 points ahead of 36th. Where things stand in the top 35 of Owners Points after Bristol:
30) #12-Keselowski/Penske: 424, +78
31) #38-Gilliland/Front Row: 417, +71
32) #47-Ambrose/JTG: 413, +67
33) #77-Hornish/Penske: 392, +46
34) #34-Kvapil/Front Row: 374, +28
35) #37-Conway/Front Row: 355, 9 points ahead of 36th
these teams/ drivers must qualify by speed:
36) #7-Gordon/RGM/BAM: 346, 9 points out of 35th
37) #26-Said/Stremme/Latitude43: 343 -12
38) #36-Bliss/Baldwin: 307 -48
39) #13-Papis/Germain: 275 -80
40) #55-McDowell/Waltrip/Prism: 230 -140
The teams are NOT locked in past the next race as the owners points change after each race.
For the owner points standings, see my Owners Points Standings page.(3-21-2010)
Infraction Sheet - Bristol Motor Speedway:
Car#, Lap, Reason, Penalty
#46, Pre-Race to the rear, Tail End, Missing drivers intro
#66, 40, Intentionally causing a caution, 2 Laps
#47, 43, Excessive speed EXITING the pits, Tail End
#11, 117, Excessive speed EXITING the pits, Tail End
#11, 119, Excessive speed ENTERING pits, Tail End
#11, 129, Pitting before pit road is open, Tail End
#7, 130, Pitting before pit road is open, Tail End
#46, 139, Pitting before pit road is open, Tail End
#47, 206, Excessive speed ENTERING pits, Tail End
#9, 206, Pitting before pit road is open, Tail End
#11, 292, Pitting before pit road is open, Tail End
#88, 325, Excessive speed ENTERING pits, Tail End
#6, 342, Pitting before pit road is open, Tail End
#42, 342, Pitting before pit road is open, Tail End
#90, 343, Pitting before pit road is open, Tail End
#82, 483, Commitment Line Violation, Tail End
(NASCAR Statistics)(3-21-2010)
There are five race tracks the Sprint Cup Series currently races at that #48-Jimmie Johnson has not won a Sprint Cup race at:
Michigan: 0 for 16 with a best finish of 3rd in 8/2007
Infineon: 0 for 8 with a best finish of 4th in 6/2009
Chicago: 0 for 8 with a best finish of 2nd in 7/2004 & 7/2008
Watkins Glen: 0 for 8 with a best finish of 3rd in 8/2007
Homestead: 0 for 9 with a best finish of 2nd in 11/2004
plus Johnson ran five races at Rockingham Speedway and didn't win there.
Bristol had been one of those tracks Johnson didn't have a win there until he won there on Sunday,m March 21, 2010, leaving Johnson with five more tracks to winb at.(3-21-2010)
Song Drivers were introduced to at the Food City 500 at Bristol Motor Speedway:
AJ Allmendinger .... "Last Resort'' by Papa Roach
Aric Almirola .... "Back in Black'' by AC/DC
Bobby Labonte ... "People are Crazy'' by Billy Currington
Brad Keselowski ... "Won't Back Down'' by Tom Petty
Brian Vickers ... "Whatever Happened'' by OAR
Carl Edwards ... "Black Betty'' by Spiderbait
Casey Mears ... "Wild Side'' by Motley Crue
Clint Bowyer ... "Burning Love'' by Elvis Presley
David Ragan ... "The Devil Went Down to Georgia'' by Charlie Daniels
David Reutimann ... "The Game'' by Motor Head
Denny Hamlin .. "Theme from Rocky''
Elliott Sadler ... "2001: A Space Odyssey Theme'''
Greg Biffle ... "Welcome to the Jungle'' by Guns N' Roses
Jamie McMurray ... "Let It Rock'' by Kevin Rudoph featuring Lil Wayne
Jeff Burton ... "Welcome to the Jungle'' by Guns N' Roses
Jeff Gordon ... "Boom, Boom, Pow'' by Black Eyed Peas
Jimmie Johnson ... "Ramble On'' by Led Zepplin
Juan Pablo Montoya ... "Goin' The Distance'' by Cake
Kasey Kahne ... "Bulls on Parade'' by Rage Against the Machine
Kevin Conway ... "Big Time'' by Peter Gabriel
Kevin Harvick ... "Rollin -- Airraid Vehicle'' by LImp Bizkit
Kurt Busch ... "Dukes of Hazard Theme song'' by Waylon Jennings
Kyle Busch ... "Amazing'' by Kanye West
Marcos Ambrose ... "Thunderstruck'' by AC/DC
Maritn Truex Jr. ... "NAPA Know How Jingle''
Matt Kenseth ... "Whisky Hangover'' by Godsmack
Paul Menard ... "Paradise City'' by Guns N' Roses
Regan Smith ... "Fight for Your Right'' by Beastie Boys
Robby Gordon ... "Some Beach'' by Blake Shelton
Ryan Newman ... "Hillbilly Rockstar'' by Bridgette Tatum
Sam Hornish Jr. ... "Bad Habit'' by Offspring
Scott Speed ... "Loveshack'' by B-52s
Tony Stewart ... "Eastbound and Down'' by Jerry Reed
Travis Kvapil ... "Kickstart My Heart'' by Motley Crue
Joey Logano ... "Crank dat'' by Soldier Boys
David Gilliland ... "I Got a Feeling'' by Black Eyed Peas
Terry Cook ... "Don't Look Back'' by Boston
Joe Nemechek ... "Boot Scotin Boogie'' by Brooks and Dunn
Mike Bliss ... "Rise Above This'' by Seether
Michael Waltrip .. "Hillbilly Bone'' by Blake Shelton
Dave Blaney ... "Let's Get This Party Started''
Mark Martin ... "If You Want Blood" by AC/DC
Dale Earnhardt Jr. ... ?
(Virginian Pilot)(3-21-2010)
New record for Logano: when #20-Joey Logano won the pole for the Food City 500 at Bristol Motor Speedway, he became the youngest pole sitter ever in the Sprint Cup Series at 19 years, 9 months, 23 days, beating Kyle Busch out by two days. Busch won a pole at Auto Club Speedway on February 27, 2005 at the age of 19 years, 9 months, 25 days. The old record at Bristol was held by Ryan Newman, who was 25 years, 3 months, 15 days old when he won the pole on March 23, 2003.(3-21-2010)
More changes coming to the COT? The Sprint Cup car rear-deck wing, that much-hated piece of the race vehicle originally introduced as the Car of Tomorrow, will make one more run in Sunday's Food City 500 at Bristol Motor Speedway. When teams reassemble next weekend at Martinsville Speedway, the cars will be fitted with the traditional metal spoilers that sat on the back of NASCAR racers for decades before the COT ushered in the wing. The reappearance of the spoiler probably won't be the only significant and maybe not the most significant change in car body armor this season as NASCAR has ramped up its campaign against flying cars in the wake of Brad Keselowski's wild ride two weeks ago at Atlanta Motor Speedway. Ongoing tests are directed at preventing cars from becoming airborne when they turn sideways or backward. Keselowski's flight at Atlanta caused particular concern among NASCAR officials because such problems are relatively rare at 1.5-mile tracks (although Atlanta speeds are seriously fast despite the track size). The switch next week from wing to spoiler is likely to have no measurable effect on holding cars on the ground. Wind tunnel tests and study of videotapes of airborne crashes indicate that the major cause of cars taking flight is the rush of air underneath the car, not the rear-deck wing. Among the solutions, according to long-time Ford Racing engineer Bernie Marcus, an aerodynamic specialist, might be slots in the rear area of the car so that, in an accident, air would have places to escape. "We tested last week in another liftoff test as a result of what happened in Atlanta," Marcus said Sunday at Bristol Motor Speedway. "They're really reacting to it in a very fast way and a proactive way. They're looking at what we can do to prevent this from happening again. There are more things in the pipeline, and they probably will be introduced at some point. We're looking at options to somehow get rid of the air that goes under the car." Part of the problem in studying solutions, Marcus said, is that every accident is different. He said part of the problem in the Keselowski incident in Atlanta was that a section in the rear of the car had been damaged in a previous accident, allowing more air to collect in that part of the car when it turned. "That's the biggest challenge NASCAR faces with all these safety things," he said. "Every spinout is different because there are different angles involved." He said a third roof flap has been tested but that there isn't enough room on the roof of the cars to make that possibility workable. "All this is an ongoing thing," Marcus said. "In the past, NASCAR would react to accidents. Now they want to be more proactive. They have us involved a little more in looking further ahead. But every time you have an accident at a big track, cars can fly. That's just a simple fact of physics."(SPEED)(3-21-2010)
Ford Racing Notes and Quotes - Jack and Carl: #99-Carl Edwards and car owner Jack Roush participated in a meeting with NASCAR officials and Penske Racing owner Roger Penske and driver #12-Brad Keselowski. Both Roush and Edwards commented on the meeting during Nationwide Series qualifying on Saturday.
CARL EDWARDS No. 99 Aflac Ford Fusion
HOW DID THINGS GO IN THE MEETING?
"Everything went really well. I think the biggest thing coming out of that meeting is that now, I think, Brad and I understand one another a little better. I think we're gonna be able to just go forward and go racing, and that's what this is all about. It was really cool to be able to talk with Jack and Roger and Brad all at once. We laughed. We cried. In the end, I think it's gonna be good."
WHAT HAS THIS WEEK BEEN LIKE FOR YOU?
"This last week was really good, actually, for me. I got to spend a lot of time at home, but I guess this is just part of life and part of the way things go, especially with the way the media works. Sometimes people don't understand everything that's going on. It's interesting, I'll say that."
WHAT DON'T PEOPLE UNDERSTAND?
"Well, for instance, with what happened at Atlanta. It's very hard for people to understand that the result is far different from the intent. Things can be presented in a lot of ways, but I guess that's just part of it. What's most interesting to me is that sometimes it's about selling ad time or newspapers and it's not about explaining the story."
YOU HAVE SORT OF BEEN PORTRAYED AS AN ANGRY GUY WHO GETS UPSET. HOW DO YOU FEEL ABOUT THAT?
"I addressed that a little bit yesterday. I think some people would like that to be the case, but let me put it this way it's real easy to stand back and throw stones at someone and make little chirps and say things that make you feel better about yourself, but, in the end, what I said yesterday holds true. The people who know me know that I'm a very fair person. I guess if my biggest fault is standing up for myself, I'll take it. They can fault me all day for that."
JACK ROUSH, Owner No. 99 Aflac Ford Fusion
WHAT WAS TALKED ABOUT INSIDE?
"The ultimate responsibility that we all have that NASCAR has, the owners have and the drivers have to keep everybody safe in this business. It's a sport that needs to be contentious, but it needs to be safe too and we've got to be careful to respect that line."
DO YOU FEEL THIS IS BEHIND BOTH DRIVERS?
"Carl and Brad both said things that would indicate that they're willing to put it behind them and let bygones be bygones, to give one another racing room, and that's what's needed. They need to give one another a little extra room for awhile."
DO YOU AND ROGER SEE EYE TO EYE ON THIS?
"Oh, yeah. Roger and I are on the same page."
WHAT DID YOU SAY TO CARL REGARDING THIS SITUATION?
"I told him I did not condone what he did, but I did understand it."
DO YOU THINK BRAD AND CARL SEE EYE TO EYE?
"No, but I think that they will give one another enough respect that we won't see another occurrence like that. I think Carl is not likely to have incidental contact with Brad and cause a wreck, and I think Brad is not like to have incidental contact with Carl and cause a wreck in the foreseeable future."
WHAT ABOUT CARL AND KEVIN HARVICK?
"I don't know about that. I didn't read the things that they said about one another and I've had no contact with either one."(Ford Racing/Roush Fenway)(3-21-2010)
Wilson wins Scotts EZ Seed Showdown at BMS UPDATE: For Rick Wilson, it was de ja vu during Saturday's Scotts EZ Seed Showdown at Bristol Motor Speedway. Wilson said the finish of the race played out just like his win in 1989 when he spun the wheels on a late race restart and saw drivers stream by him. "This was identical to the 1989 race," said Wilson of Bartow, Fla. "The car was great and the key was getting out ahead early. I was just riding at one point, because I knew I had a great car. "It was just like 1989. Phil (Parsons) got around me on the restart, but I just waited and got back around. I wish we could have gone 200 laps." Several other drivers echoed Wilson's thoughts. Cale Yarborough was excited to behind the wheel again, but disappointed that it didn't last longer. "It was fun," he said, "just not long enough to do what I wanted to do. Something happened to the car." Dave Marcis' day also was cut short, but he was glad to lace up his famous wingtips once more. "I was having fun, the car was good, but I ran over something and it cut one of the belts," he explained. "I think I got it shut off before I caused a lot of damage. It was fun and I enjoyed it. I'm glad to be back." Jimmy Hensley was glad just to be on the track. "I wish I could have been more competitive," he said. "I didn't hit anything, so that was good."(BMS)
AND Rick Wilson passed Phil Parsons with two laps to go to outlast 11 other retired NASCAR drivers Saturday in an exhibition race at Bristol Motor Speedway. Wilson, best known as the driver who took over the #43 following Richard Petty's 1992 retirement, dominated the race but lost the lead late to Parsons. Wilson passed Parsons shortly after a restart following a lengthy red-flag for a frightening accident between Charlie Glotzbach and Larry Pearson. Pearson, the son of three-time NASCAR champion David Pearson, spun into the outside wall with five laps remaining. As his car slid down the banking, Glotzbach rounded Turn 2 and ran directly into Pearson's driver-side door. Glotzbach gingerly walked from his car, but the roof had to be cut off Pearson's car. He was placed onto a stretcher, but was moving his arms as he was loaded into an ambulance. Pearson, the winner of consecutive titles in what's now called the Nationwide Series in 1986 and 1987, was immediately transported to Wellmont Regional Medical Center for further evaluation. Glotzbach, who won a caution-free Cup race at Bristol in 1971, was seen first in the infield care center before leaving for the same hospital. David Pearson did not continue the race after his son's accident. He drove his car off the track and stopped racing after the ambulance left so that he could travel to the hospital.(ESPN/Associated Press)(3-20-2010)
UPDATE: Hours later, Jim Wozniak, a Welmont Health System spokesman, said Pearson would undergo surgery on a compound fracture of the left ankle, and that he suffered a fractured pelvis and fractured right hand. "He is awake and alert, and in good spirits," Wozniak said of Pearson, who was listed in fair condition late Saturday night. Wozniak also said that Glotzbach was in good condition, but provided no further details regarding his injuries.(Bristol Herakd Courier)(3-21-2010)
Congrats: to Marc Hendricksen, Race Engineer for Front Row Motorsports Car #37, who was married on Saturday, March 13, 2010 to Heather Anne Bartone at Childress Vineyards in Lexington, NC.(3-21-2010)
The NASCAR-Edwards-Keselowski Meeting - Keselowski: from a Dodge Motorsports PR, #12 Penske Racing driver Brad Keselowski discusses the meeting between NASCAR, the #99 Roush Fenway / Penske Racing drivers / owners:
WHAT HAPPENED AT THE MEETING WITH NASCAR THIS MORNING? "I don't know how Carl feels about it, but I don't think it's cool to say everything that was said in there. Hopefully, it will be productive to where we can move forward and continue to race each other hard and not have any more incidents like we had at Atlanta. We hadn't talked before. I wouldn't say there was anything said that surprised me. You have to understand, Carl and I have a mutual respect for each other in a sense we're almost the same people. We come from similar backgrounds. We drive the same way. I have a lot of respect for him before and after the accident. Hopefully, that will stay the same."
HOW DOES THIS AFFECT THE WAY YOU WILL BE RACING? "Carl and I have talked before about leaving each other more room, but it seems like when it came down to it, it just never worked out. It's racing. The biggest thing to me, you know, is incidents are going to happen because we race against each other more than 60 times. We're going to run by (beside) each other. We just each have to build up a tolerance for that."
WHAT ROLE DID JACK ROUSH AND ROGER PENSKE HAVE IN THE MEETING? "Jack and Roger are two different people for sure, but they are both extremely supportive of us. Carl and I both put a lot of emphasis and trust into our car owners, where we listen to them and talk to them. I think we both see the same things in them. They're kind of mentors to us."(Dodge Motorsports NASCAR PR)(3-20-2010)
The NASCAR-Edwards-Keselowski Meeting - Penske: from a Dodge Motorsports PR, #12 Penske Racing owner Roger Penske discusses the meeting between NASCAR, the #99 Roush Fenway / Penske Racing drivers / owners:
ROGER PENSKE (Chairman & CEO Penske Racing)
WHAT CAME OUT OF THE MEETING WITH NASCAR THIS MORNING? "Obviously it was important that we all got together from the standpoint of just having open conversation the drivers, Jack (Roush) and myself. I think it was good conversation. I think Carl (Edwards) realized that what had happened last week wasn't what he expected the car flying. To me, it was just good, open communication. The guys agreed that they're going to race hard. They're going to race fair and give themselves some room on the race track so that we don't become the poster boys every weekend on what's happening. I said, 'Hey, at the end of the races, if we're racing for the lead and there's a lap or two to go, you guys are gonna have to run hard, but try and stay out of each other's way during the race.' It was a good conversation. They're both good guys. To me, it's just great that we have an environment where we can sit down."
HAVE YOU EVER TOLD BRAD TO BACK DOWN? "Brad has only driven for us for this year. He's a terrific talent. I don't tell my drivers to run hard or to run soft. I think he knows what he has to do on the race track with his peers and quite honestly, he's not making any statements about what he's gonna do or not do. I think the media has taken some of that and moved it further and made him with a bigger circle around him. What I want him to do is run fair on the race track and be competitive. But he's got to respect the other drivers. They have to respect him."
BRAD HAS SAID THAT HE'S NOT GOING TO BACK DOWN, CHANGE HIS STYLE: "He hasn't said that to me as far as I'm concerned. He wants to race. He wants to have his car in the race at the end. Consequently, if you're not keeping your car underneath you, you're gonna get yourself in trouble and not be there in the end. As far as I'm concerned, it's behind us. It's an issue that was between the two drivers. I think it mounted because of accidents that had happened. Maybe it was their fault, maybe it wasn't. At the end of the day, nobody got hurt last week. We're here to have a good race."
WHAT GOES THROUGH YOUR HEAD WHEN YOU SEE YOUR DRIVER INVOLVED IN AN ACCIDENT LIKE THAT? "I heard on the radio from the spotter that said, 'Look like he's trying to wreck you back over in (Turn) 3.' I looked over in 3 because Kurt (Busch) was leading the race at that point and I saw that there was no contact. And then I was watching Kurt going into Turn 1 and I heard them say "yellow" on my radio and I looked down and saw the car barrel rolling. Obviously, I was concerned for Brad and his safety and anybody else's. Brad on the radio the first thing he said to me was, 'Did anybody get hurt in the stand?' That was the first thing that came out of Brad's mouth. And then he said, 'I'm fine.' At that point I was worried about Kurt winning the race after that."
HOW DO YOU FEEL THAT BRAD IS FITTING IN THE GARGAGE? "I'm not taking a poll in the garage area about what driver personalities are and what other people feel about them. He's a competitor out there. He drives for Penske Racing and I'm going to support him."
DO YOU THINK BRAD NEEDS SOME "FRESHMAN HAZING" TO BE ABLE TO RUN WITH HIS PEERS? "I think Brad has raced with his peers on the Nationwide Series, with many of these people. I think he knows how to race. I've got all the respect for him. He'll earn his respect in the garage area by winning and finishing strong. To me, we need to put this behind us."(Dodge Motorsports NASCAR PR)(3-20-2010)
NASCAR-Edwards-Kelesowski meeting - all smiles: The big meeting between #99-Carl Edwards and #12-Brad Keselowski ended with both drivers smiling as they left NASCAR's office. Edwards, Keselowski and their car owners met for about 40 minutes Saturday at Bristol Motor Speedway with top NASCAR officials. Edwards intentionally wrecked Keselowski two weeks ago at Atlanta as retaliation for earlier contact. NASCAR called the drivers together to resolve their ongoing feud. They hustled to Nationwide Series qualifying immediately after the meeting. When they finished running their laps, they parked side-by-side on pit road. Edwards leaned over the hood of Keselowski's car to briefly speak to him, and the drivers again smiled as they separated.(Associated Press)(3-20-2010)
Special scheme for Dale Jr at Martinsville: Dale Earnhardt Jr is scheduled to drive the #88 AMP Energy Sugar Free Lightning Chevy at Martinsville Speedway on March 28, 2010. See image of the scheme on my #88 Team Schemes page.(3-20-2010)
Man Who Risked Life in Church Hill, TN, Fire Named Honorary Crew Chief: Without a second thought, Gary Meade rushed to the aid of neighbors at a Church Hill, Tennessee, condominium fire and rescued an elderly man just moments before an explosion turned the residence into a raging inferno. For his heroic act, Meade has been named an 'ExtenZe Local Hero' and will be the #37 ExtenZe Racing Honorary Crew Chief at Bristol Motor Speedway for the March 21 NASCAR Sprint Cup race. More info see www.ExtenZeRacing.com or to nominate their own local heroes or review who has been previously chosen.(ExtenZe Racing/Breaking Limits)(3-20-2010)
MTV Latin America and the Inter-American Development Bank Recognize Montoya: MTV Latin America and the Inter-American development Bank have recognized Earnhardt Ganassi Racing with Felix Sabates' driver, #42-Juan Pablo Montoya, for his charitable work with the Formula Smiles Foundation. Montoya was presented with a "Chiuku" award by MTV News correspondent Ilana Sod in Miami, Florida. The special award presentation premiered on MTV Latin America's screens Friday in one-minute spots with several encore presentations over the next two weeks. As part of the on-going "MTV Agents of Change," initiative MTV created the "Chiuku" to recognize those "Agents of Change" who are committed to the betterment of their communities and use their influence to become a catalyst for effecting change and spreading their message all over the world. "I was very honored and surprised when MTV Latin America reached out to me about this award," Montoya remarked. "Connie and I started this Foundation years ago with the hope of changing a few lives and to see it grow into what it is today is just amazing." The Formula Smiles Foundation founded by Montoya and his wife Connie to benefit Colombian children in need has become one of the NASCAR's most active charities. Following the model of "Education + Sports = The Best Formula," Formula Smiles integrates sports, physical education, recreation and academics. With projects in such vulnerable regions of Colombia as San Andres, Cartagena, Ibague and Villavicencio, Formula Smiles seeks to strengthen values such as honesty, tolerance, respect, solidarity, responsibility and humility, thus encouraging children to stay on a positive path, and away from drugs and violence.(EGR with Felix Sabates)(3-20-2010)
Edwards: Harvick just a 'bad person': #99-Carl Edwards insists his issues with #12-Brad Keselowski go no deeper than incidents that have happened on the track and that they will address them during a meeting Saturday at Bristol Motor Speedway. Edwards' issues with #29-Kevin Harvick apparently go much deeper.
"I have absolutely no respect for Kevin Harvick," he said before Friday's first practice at Bristol Motor Speedway. "I think he's a bad person. That's my opinion. I've told him. We've had our deal before and his actions through that interaction were so devious and underhanded and cowardly that, it's like, I just have no respect for him.
When people like that question me, it makes me feel better because if those people were lined up patting me on the back I'd be on the wrong side of what's right and wrong. And I truly believe that." Edwards and Harvick got into a physical confrontation in 2008 at Charlotte Motor Speedway that ended with one of Harvick's friends dragging Edwards away in a headlock. Keselowski and Edwards are scheduled to meet on Saturday to speak for the first time since the wreck, which was magnified when Keselowski's car went airborne, flipped upside down and landed on its roof. Keselowski said last week he believed Edwards' issue with him went beyond what happened on the track. "It's no deeper than that," Edwards insisted. "It's only between him and I and what happens on the track." That's when Edwards lit into Harvick, who after their incident said, "Not a big fan. I think he's a fake." Edwards said he's not trying to be the good or the bad guy. "All those people that say whatever they say, know that if I have an issue with them I go speak to them," he said. "I don't go talk behind their back like little girls. That's what a lot of them do. I learned that wasn't cool in about the fifth grade. It's really simple. I treat everyone the best way I can possibly treat them. That's the way I was raised, but I stand up for myself. That's simple. If somebody doesn't respect that, then that's their problem. Doesn't really matter."
Team owner Jack Roush does not condone Edwards wrecking Keselowski at Atlanta, "but I do understand it."
"If my drivers had wrecked somebody three times I would have had issue with that in my camp," Roush said. He agreed with NASCAR's decision not to suspend Edwards, who was placed on a three-race probation.(ESPN.com)(3-19-2010)
And Kevin Harvick: #29-Kevin Harvick met with members of the media at Bristol Motor Speedway and discussed the Carl Edwards/Brad Keselowski situation some of the transcript:
WHAT DO YOU THINK WILL COME OUT OF THE MEETING TOMORROW BETWEEN CARL (EDWARDS) AND BRAD (KESELOWSKI)?
"There are a lot of things that could come out of it. Obviously there is a pretty deep history it seems like between the two of them. Hopefully they can get things squared away and not get everybody else involved in what is going on."
HOW CLOSE DO YOU THINK EVERYONE WILL BE WATCHED ON SUNDAY?
"I think most everybody is tired of hearing about it from our standpoint. I mean, that is what I think about it."
YOU WERE PRETTY OUTSPOKEN ABOUT HIS PENALTY AND USED THE WORD "FAKE" ON TWITTER AND THE RADIO, COULD YOU ELABORATE ON THAT?
"I don't think I ever said anything about his penalty being one way or the other, I made a crack about maybe I got in trouble in the wrong era and it was more expensive then. (SMILES) Things change and the sport changes and I'm not up-in-arms about anything like that. As far as the fake comment, I mean, you can't be the nice guy; you can't be the bad guy and you can't be the bully. So&.that is just how I feel about that."(Chevy/GM Racing)(3-19-2010)
No plans for payback by Brad K: #12-Brad Keselowski says "the slate is clean," and anticipates no escalation of the feud that has festered between himself and #99-Carl Edwards when they line up again this weekend at Bristol. "I don't have any hard feeling; it's over as far as I'm concerned," Keselowski said Thursday during a media luncheon at the Country Music Hall of Fame & Museum to promote the April 3 NASCAR Nationwide race at Nashville Superspeedway. Keselowski has been in the news for the past two weeks including an appearance on Good Morning America! after taking an upside-down airborne ride at Atlanta Speedway. Keselowski, who was not injured, was sent sailing after being intentionally tagged in the rear by Edwards. Keselowski earlier in the race had wrecked Edwards. Keselowski said he has had no communication with Edwards since the crash. The Sprint Cup Series had an open date last week. Their next meeting will be at Bristol on one of the toughest, most physical races on the circuit. While track's close-quarter racing often has tempers flaring, Keselowski said he doesn't expect any "carryover" from the Atlanta incident. He added, however, that he won't change his aggressive driving style. "This is how I race," he said. "It's what got me where I am today, and I think the fans appreciate it."(Nashville City Paper)(3-19-2010)
ESPN Publishing to Release Dale Earnhardt Commemorative Bookazine: As NASCAR prepares to welcome the inaugural class into its Hall of Fame, ESPN pays tribute to Dale Earnhardt, the sport's greatest hero, with a collector's edition commemorative bookazine: "Dale Earnhardt: The Legend Lives" available nationwide March 30 for $9.99. The 100-page book celebrates every step of Earnhardt's rise through NASCAR's ranks, from turning a wrench on his daddy's late-model sedans to showing his youngest boy, Dale Jr., the quickest way around a track. The stories and rich photography show sides of Earnhardt rarely seen by fans, told by those who knew him best: his son, Dale Jr., his team owner, Richard Childress, his gas man, Chocolate Myers, and NASCAR's CEO, Brian France; along with a team of the most respected motorsports writers in the businessEd Hinton, Ryan McGee and Marty Smith, to name a few.(ESPN PR)(3-19-2010)
Gordon Goes Back To School In Martinsville: It's been a while since Jeff Gordon last attended elementary school, but on Thursday he got a refresher course from the students at Patrick Henry Elementary School in Martinsville. In town to help promote the March 28th Goody's Fast Pain Relief 500 at Martinsville Speedway, Gordon spent a couple of hours with third and fourth graders at Patrick Henry Elementary School. It was an eye-opener to say the least. "Things have changed a lot, a whole lot since I was in school," said Gordon, who has a four-year-old daughter and a second child on the way. "Especially now that I'm a parent it's an education for me to see what I'll be going through in a few years, seeing what the kids are learning these days. It's been a while since I've visited a school&don't think I have since I've been a parent and I see it in a whole different perspective now." Patrick Henry principal Dr. Joan Montgomery led Gordon and a large media contingent on a tour of the school, making stops along the way in classes outfitted with electronic and computer learning aids that would rival the electronics in Gordon's race shop. Patrick Henry Elementary School is a 2009 Distinguished Title 1 School and a School of Excellence, according to the Virginia Board of Education. Martinsville Speedway tickets may be purchased by calling 1.877.RACE.TIX or online at www.martinsvillespeedway.com.(3-19-2010)
ESPN Motor Sports Coverage Earns Five Sports Emmy Nominations: ESPN's coverage of motor sports earned five Sports Emmy Award nominations, among an industry-leading 54 nominations earned by ESPN, Inc., it was announced today by the National Academy of Television Arts and Sciences. For the ninth time in 10 years, ESPN earned the most nominations of any submitting company. The winners will be announced Monday, April 26. The five nominations in motor sports included both NASCAR and the Indianapolis 500.
Outstanding Live Sports Special: The Indy 500
Outstanding Technical Team Remote: NASCAR on ESPN
Outstanding Technical Team Studio: ESPN Pit Studio and ESPN Craftsman Tech Garage
Outstanding Production Design/Art Direction: The Indy 500
Outstanding Editing: NASCAR Sprint Cup Season in Review (produced by NASCAR Media Group for ESPN2)
In addition, ESPN's marketing department received a nomination for Outstanding Sports Promotional Announcement: NASCAR on ESPN - Feel Your Heart Race.(ESPN)(3-19-2010)
Marlin done racing: Sterling Marlin, retired after 30 years as a driver in NASCAR's Cup Series, is involved in the sport in a new role: team owner. Well, sort of. Marlin is listed as co-owner of a new team, BD Racing, which plans to compete in the Sunoco National Tour this season, but Marlin said his role is mostly as an "advisor.'' BD Racing is named for Bryan Dant, an acquaintance of Marlin's from Nashville's Fairgrounds Speedway. The team is fielded out of Performance Motorsports shop in Richmond, Mich. Brian Oritz, a 21-year-old kart champion from Puerto Rico, will drive for the team. The first of the 10-race schedule starts March 27 at New Smyrna Speedway in Florida. As for his own driving plans, Marlin who had run a limited Cup schedule the last few years has a Late Model car that he may race some at the Fairgrounds. A promoter hopes to run a final few races on the old track that's scheduled to close this summer. Marlin said he may also take an occasional trip to Montgomery. As for Sterling's Sprint Cup career: "It's over," Marlin said. "I won't be racing any more." Marlin said he hasn't attended any races this year, not even to Daytona as a spectator. "I don't think I'd enjoy just standing around watching," he said. "I might go down to Talladega when they run there & I haven't decided for sure." The budding racing career of his daughter Sutherlin has been put on hold while she undergoes treatment for an eye problem. Son Steadman has no ride prospect on the immediate horizon.(Racin' Today)(3-18-2010)
Sad News - Joe Lewis: Joe Lewis, known as Big Joe in the NASCAR community, passed away late Tuesday night. He was the transport driver for the Copenhagen teams of Rick Mast and Terry Labonte in the late 1980s and into the 1990s. Later, he worked for Penske Racing, driving a test rig and handling other duties around Penske Racing. Gary Brooks, who works at Penske Racing, is his son-in-law. His daughter is Teri Brooks, who handled hospitality for U.S. Tobacco. His wife, Gloria, was the office manager for the Copenhagen team and worked for Humpy Wheeler at Robin Wood Speedway. Visitation is scheduled for Friday, March 19th from 6-9 p.m. at South Point Baptist Church in Belmont, NC and the service is 3:00pm/et on Saturday, also at South Point Baptist Church.(3-18-2010)
Spoiler's replace the wing starting at Martinsville: The spoiler officially will replace the wing on Sprint Cup cars for the March 28 race at Martinsville Speedway, NASCAR vice president of competition Robin Pemberton said Wednesday. The process of shipping spoilers to all the teams began on Monday. "We feel it should go fairly smooth," Pemberton said. NASCAR has targeted Martinsville for months, believing it will be best to start with the spoiler at a short track where aerodynamics won't be a major factor. The spoiler has been used at intermediate tracks such as Texas and Darlington during tire tests with no complications. "It ran better and had a little more downforce," Pemberton said. A full test with all teams is scheduled for Tuesday and Wednesday at Charlotte Motor Speedway. Officials were pleased with the results from a 24-team test at Talladega Superspeedway on Tuesday. Pemberton said a standard four-inch high spoiler will be used at all short tracks and intermediate tracks. The height and width of superspeedway spoilers has not been finalized for Talladega and Daytona.(ESPN.com)(3-18-2010)
#90 team signs sponsors for Bristol: Keyed-Up Motorsports announced that it welcomes the return of Juice Air Fresheners and SMELLmyCAR.com to co-primary sponsorship of its #90 Chevy and driver Casey Mears for the Food City 500 at Bristol Motor Speedway. Juice Air Fresheners and SMELLmyCAR.com will run as a primary sponsor on select races and an associate sponsor of the team throughout the 2010 season. SMELLmyCAR.com is the prime outlet available for purchase of the newest air fresheners on the market. Juice Air Fresheners CEO Abraham Hakim said, "It was very unfortunate that Casey and the team did not qualify for our first race as sponsor at Atlanta, but we were very impressed with the exposure Juice Air Fresheners and SMELLmyCAR.com received for the small amount of on air time of the misfortunate practice session (blown motor)." Continuing its motorsports marketing efforts of its air freshener line, Juice Air Fresheners is offering free shipping on all orders from SMELLmyCAR.com through March 28th by entering coupon code: RACE90 at checkout.(Keyed-Up Motorsports)(3-18-2010)
Special Patriotic schemes for Hendrick cars UPDATE: The four Hendrick Motorsports drivers are scheduled to drive special "Honoring Our Soldiers" patriotic paint schemes on Memorial Day weekend in the Coca-Cola 600 at Charlotte Motor Speedway on May 30, 2010.(2-24-2010)
UPDATE: Added images of the cars with the spoilers and not the wings. See my #5 Team Schemes page, #24 Team Schemes page, #48 Team Schemes page and #88 Team Schemes page for images of the schemes.(3-18-2010)
NASCAR Sprint All-Star Race Adds Exciting New Wrinkle: The 26th running of the NASCAR Sprint All-Star Race will once again feature a 10-lap shootout as its final segment and will add a new wrinkle that should make the competition even more exciting for the fans. The NASCAR Sprint All-Star Race, set for Saturday, May 22 at Charlotte Motor Speedway (SPEED, 7pm), will consist of four segments, concluding with a 10-lap sprint and a $1 million pay-out to the race winner. There's an added twist this year before the green flag drops for the final segment: once the field takes a lap behind the pace car, all cars must enter pit road for a four-tire stop. The order in which the cars exit off pit road is how they will line up for the final 10 laps, placing an even greater premium on the efficiency of the pit crews.
The 2010 format is as follows:
· Segment 1: 50 laps with a mandatory green-flag pit stop on Lap 25 at which time teams must pit and take on four tires. Following the end of Segment 1, the caution flag will be displayed for an optional pit stop.
· Segment 2: 20 laps with the caution flag displayed at the end of Segment 2 for an optional pit stop.
· Segment 3: 20 laps with a 10-minute break at the end of Segment 3. Teams may make normal adjustments to their cars during this break. The finishing order after the third segment determines the field's lineup for the pace lap prior to the start of the fourth segment.
· Segment 4: Once the field takes a lap behind the pace car, all cars must enter pit road for a four-tire stop. The order in which the cars exit pit road is how they will line up for the 10-lap shootout with only green-flag laps counting.
The eligibility standards for the NASCAR Sprint All-Star Race remain the same:
race winners from either the 2009 or 2010 season through May 16 or any past champions of the all-star event or NASCAR Sprint Cup Series (over the previous 10 years) are eligible for the race. In addition, the top-two finishers in the Sprint Showdown, a 40-lap preliminary race scheduled for 7:30 p.m. and the winner of the Sprint Fan Vote, all advance into the all-star race lineup. Joey Logano won the Sprint Fan Vote last year.
Individual tickets for the NASCAR Sprint All-Star Race and CREED pre-race concert start at just $39, and four-pack prices with four tickets, four hot dogs and four soft drinks start at just $35 per person. Tickets can be obtained by calling the Charlotte Motor Speedway ticket office at (800) 455-FANS or online at www.charlottemotorspeedway.com
The sixth annual NASCAR Sprint Pit Crew Challenge presented by Craftsman returns to kick off the all-star week's competition, Wednesday, May 19 at 7 p.m. at the Time Warner Cable Arena. The event's finishing order determines pit selection for the NASCAR Sprint All-Star Race. The No. 31 Caterpillar Chevrolet team is the defending Pit Crew Challenge champion. Tickets for the NASCAR Sprint Pit Crew Challenge presented by Craftsman start at $15 and can be purchased online at www.pitcrewchallenge.com or by calling the Charlotte Bobcats ticket office at (800) 495-2295.(NASCAR) for eligible drivers, past results and more, see my
Fin to be implemented with spoiler: The 3½ inch fin that NASCAR implemented for the left side of the rear deck lid and window for the Daytona 500 will be used at all tracks once the spoiler is introduced, expected to be at Martinsville on March 28, to help keep cars on the ground. It was determined during wind tunnel tests after #12-Brad Keselowski's car went airborne in the closing laps at Atlanta Motor Speedway two weeks ago that the fin would decrease the probability of liftoff. They were introduced at the Daytona 500 with the intent of being used only at restrictor plate tracks. "It is an asset we can use everywhere," series director John Darby said. Kurt Romberg, the chief of aerodynamics at Hendrick Motorsports, said the fin helps break up the air and prevent a low pressure area from developing across the top of the car that creates liftoff.(ESPN)(3-17-2010)
Spoiler/Tire test news from Talladega UPDATE: Twenty-four NASCAR Sprint Cup Series teams assembled Tuesday at Talladega Superspeedway in an R&D test session that was used to confirm that the gear ratio was compatible with the restrictor plate size for next month's running of the Aaron's 499. The cars ran with the spoiler on the rear of the cars, as NASCAR announced in January that it was going to transition from the wing to the traditional spoiler sometime during the first quarter of this season. Teams started the day with a 1 1/32-inch sized restrictor plate. For the majority of the morning session, the teams participated in single-car runs over the 2.66-mile superspeedway. However, five cars hooked up for some drafting shortly before the lunch break and the speeds picked up a bit, with #48-Jimmie Johnson putting up the quickest speed of 196.467 mph. Teams began drafting in earnest after lunch. The plate size went down to 31/32" and the teams adjusted the size of their rear spoilers in order to find that happy medium between high speeds and handling. Robin Pemberton, NASCAR's vice president of competition, was pleased with how the adjustments went during the afternoon practice. "We saw that the closure rates were a little too quick in the initial drafting session after lunch," said Pemberton. "So, we had the teams make some adjustments, including going down on the plate size and trimming the spoiler back some. We believe we came away here today with a good starting point and are looking forward to coming back here next month with a great race." More than 1,500 fans participated in a Fan Q&A session during the lunch break. Sitting in the track's newly renovated grandstands on the frontstretch, the fans heard from drivers #2-Kurt Busch and #31-Jeff Burton, along with NASCAR Managing Director of Competition John Darby. Some of the fans were seen waiting in line outside the gates as early as 6 a.m. Tuesday. NASCAR also has a test planned next week March 23-24 at Charlotte Motor Speedway for NASCAR Sprint Cup Series teams to test the spoiler on a 1.5-mile race track.(NASCAR)(3-16-2010)
UPDATE: Tuesday's Sprint Cup series test at Talladega Superspeedway was all about cutbacks. First NASCAR reduced the size of the restrictor plate hole from 1-1/32 inches to an inch to 31/32ths of an inch after speeds reached 213 mph. Then it trimmed two inches off the height from the outer edges of the spoiler that will replace the wing in two weeks and an inch from each side. #88-Dale Earnhardt and others agreed handling with the spoiler, despite more downforce, was about the same as the wing with the exception of more vibrations and shaking. The real test for the spoiler won't come until next Tuesday and Wednesday [March 23-24] at Charlotte Motor Speedway where handling will be an issue. Talladega is mostly about speed, and as NASCAR and the 24 teams discovered the first to plate holes created way too much in large drafts. "When I got to 208 [mph] I knew that was crazy stupid," Ryan Newman said. Speeds still were in the 203 mph range after NASCAR reduced the hole from 1-1/32 inches -- 7/64ths of an inch larger than the hole used at Talladega in October and 3/64ths larger than the hole used earlier this year in the Daytona 500 -- to one inch. It later was reduced to 31/32nds of an inch, where speeds dropped to the mid-190s that satisfied the governing body, whose main concern was excessive closing speed. NASCAR originally planned this test to determine the size of the plate hole, but then added the spoiler since that will be used when the series runs here on April 25. For the most part teams were pleased with the spoiler, saying it added more rear and front end downforce as advertised. They were pleased with the way the car handled in the draft, although some complained that it was hard to separate after pulling up tight to bump draft. That prompted NASCAR to reduce the overall height of the spoiler from 6½-inches on the outside to 4½ inches all the way across. The spoiler is projected to be four inches all the way across for all non-restrictor plate tracks, beginning with its likely debut on March 28 at Martinsville. Initial speeds during single-car runs were around 188 mph, in range with last year's pole speed of 188.171 mph. They increased to the mid-190s when Gordon, Jimmie Johnson, Tony Stewart, Brian Vickers and Scott Speed hooked up in a five-car draft to close out the morning session.(ESPN.com)(3-17-2010)
Gordon and wife having a boy: from NASCAR's weekly teleconference with #24-Jeff Gordon
JOSH HAMILTON: Before we get into this test, could you talk to us about the off weekend and how you spent the last week.
JEFF GORDON: We stayed at home, which was really nice for a change. Normally we're always going somewhere. We had some exciting news during the off week that we announced on JeffGordon.com that we're going to have a boy. So that was certainly great news to find out over our off week. Other than that, it was nice and relaxing, opportunity to get some things around the house.
Q. Jeff, I have a baby question. I was wondering if you were secretly rooting for a boy? Not to discredit Ella and any potential talent she has, but what are your thoughts now that you are having a boy on potentially raising a racer?
JEFF GORDON: Haven't even thought about it. I think we're going to approach it the same way we do with Ella. There's no doubt we were rooting for a boy. I think for us, you know, the ultimate would be to have a boy and a girl. We want two. We want both. But the most important thing is just for a healthy baby. So we were gonna be totally content and fine and stop at two no matter what, even if it was a girl. But as far as from whatever it is that is going to be their passion in life, I want to support them in whatever that may be. If it's racing, that's great. I'll support either one of them. You know, but we're just gonna try to present as many opportunities as we possibly can and see if there's something that they're really truly passionate about, interested in. Kind of do it the same way I feel my parents did with me. You know, I don't think they thought I was going to be a racecar driver when I was born. I think that they were just interested in trying to pursue opportunities with their children and find their passion. For me, I was fortunate that I got introduced to racing and loved it right away.(GM/Chevy Racing)(3-16-2010)
Gibbs to be named to Texas Motorsports Hall of Fame: Joe Gibbs will be the latest motorsports icon inducted into the Texas Motorsports Hall of Fame. Gibbs, who owns three NASCAR Sprint Cup Series championships (2000, '02, '05) as owner of Joe Gibbs Racing, will be honored Friday, April 16, during the Texas Motorsports Hall of Fame Gala held in the Speedway Club's Grand Ballroom at Texas Motor Speedway during the Samsung Mobile 500 race weekend. Along with Gibbs' induction, Texas Motor Speedway and Speedway Children's Charities-Texas Chapter will help recognize other outstanding individuals in motorsports renown Sprint Cup Series team owner and engine builder Robert Yates, Kyle Busch, Jeff Gordon, JTG-Daugherty, Marcos Ambrose, veteran motorsports reporter John Sturbin as well as recognize the top moment from the 2009 season at "The Great American Speedway!" Gibbs will become the 12th member of the Texas Motorsports Hall of Fame, joining previous inductees A.J. Foyt (2003), Johnny Rutherford (2003), Terry Labonte (2004), Lee Shepherd (2004), Kenny Bernstein (2005), Jim Hall (2005), Eddie Hill (2006), Mark Martin (2007), Jim McElreath (2007), Bobby Labonte (2008) and Bruton Smith (2008). With his induction, Gibbs becomes the first Sprint Cup Series team owner to earn a spot in the Texas Motorsports Hall of Fame. Gibbs has established one of the premier organizations in motorsports since opening the doors to Joe Gibbs Racing in 1992. He has won four championships in NASCAR competition (three Sprint Cup Series, one Nationwide Series), with his most recent coming last year as Busch was crowned Nationwide Series champion. Gibbs' most dominate driver at Texas Motor Speedway, Kyle Busch, will be honored as this year's Texas Motor Speedway Racer of the Year. Yates, veteran team owner of Robert Yates Racing and accomplished NASCAR engine builder, will be recognized as this year's Bruton Smith Legend Award recipient. Ambrose and Gordon will both receive the Texas Motor Speedway Sportsmanship Award. The newest award, the Excellence in Motorsports Journalism Award, will be awarded to Sturbin. He has covered motorsports for more than 35 years, most notably with
the Fort Worth Star-Telegram and currently for RacinToday.com. His work has been recognized by those in the industry as he received the prestigious Bloys Britt Award, as judged by The Associated Press, for a feature on Indy-car icon A.J. Foyt and his rehabilitation from devastating foot and leg injuries.
A new twist this year will allow fans to take part in the Texas Motorsports Hall of Fame ceremony as they will vote on Texas Motor Speedway's top moment from the 2009 season in the Fan Choice Award presented by 1310 The Ticket. Gordon's first victory at Texas Motor Speedway; Helio Castroneves' record-tying third career IndyCar Series win in June's Bombardier Learjet 550k; and Jimmie Johnson's early-lap wreck in the Dickies 500 that changed the complexion of the championship race at the time are the three moments being featured. Fans can vote at www.texasmotorspeedway.com to decide the winner and one lucky fan will have the opportunity to announce the winner and present the award during the festivities.
The Texas Motorsports Hall of Fame, located in the outdoor atrium adjacent to The Speedway Club, is open year round and free to the public. The Hall of Fame atrium
features pedestals of the inductees, including their career highlights. The Texas Motorsports Hall of Fame Gala benefits Speedway Children's Charities-
Texas Chapter. A VIP reception hosted by previous Texas Motorsports Hall of Fame inductees will take place prior to the awards ceremony beginning at 6:30pm/ct on the ninth floor in the Grand Ballroom.(TMS)(3-16-2010)
Racing Electronics becomes the Official Radio Communications Supplier for the Indianapolis Motor Speedway: Fresh off announcing their new role as the Official Radio Communications Provider for the Indy Racing League earlier this week, Racing Electronics [longtome Jayski.com sponsor] has also announced that they have entered into a multi-year agreement with Indianapolis Motor Speedway to become the Official Radio Communications Supplier of IMS, the Indianapolis 500, Brickyard 400, Indianapolis GP and all other racing events held the historic Indiana racing facility. The partnership between Racing Electronics and Indianapolis Motor Speedway brings together the leader in professional racing products worldwide and the most recognizable racing facility in the world. RE's Team Services personnel will be in attendance for the most prestigious racing events in the world held annually at "The Brickyard," including the Indianapolis 500 IZOD IndyCar Series event and the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series' Brickyard 400. RE's fan sales and rental units will also be available at the track for fans to rent or purchase communications products such as scanners, headsets and other two-way communications materials. Racing Electronics manufactures and supplies a complete line of race communication products and accessories and has been serving the professional drivers and pit crews, as well as the race fan, for more than 20 years. In addition to its worldwide headquarters and full showroom in Concord, North Carolina, In addition to being the Official Radio Communications Provider for the Indy Racing League, Racing Electronics has mobile offices at all NASCAR Sprint Cup, Nationwide and Camping World Truck Series events, along with all NHRA races and short-track events throughout the United States,(Racing Electronics)(3-16-2010)
Roush gets 400th win: Jack Roush Sr. celebrated his 400th all-time win last weekend when his son, Jack Roush Jr., and co-driver Billy Johnson won the Homestead 200 (Grand Sport Class) at Homestead-Miami Speedway.(Ford Racing)(3-16-2010)
Drivers could face legal troubles over intentional contact: If NASCAR drivers are going to retaliate against their fellow competitors, they might get more than three weeks probation because of it. They could find themselves in trouble with the law. Drivers should be aware that if they intentionally wreck another driver and someone is injured, they could face criminal penalties, according to Winston-Salem, N.C., attorney John Morrow, whose firm has represented Richard Childress Racing. Whether the charges would stick and whether those injured could successfully bring civil claims against the driver is a matter of debate, according to lawyers and educators who follow sports law. While race fans and fellow drivers might be hesitant to file lawsuits against a driver, a local prosecutor in the spotlight would face outside pressures and influences on whether to charge a race-car driver. William Bray, a Charlotte attorney who has taught sports law classes at the University of North Carolina-Charlotte, said if Keselowski had been injured and tried to sue Edwards, the Roush Fenway Racing driver would need to be found to be reckless and not just simply negligent. By competing in NASCAR, a driver consents to a level of contact, much like a boxer in the ring, Bray said. Bray said a driver would be more susceptible to a lawsuit for intentional contact if the driver was coming out of the pits and directly T-boned another driver rather than a push or nudge on the track that leads to injury or death.(Scene Daily)(3-16-2010)
Jayski's - 2010 Sprint Cup Race Results Page and/or Jayski's - 2009 Sprint Cup Race Results Page
(pole and race winner with speed and starting/finishing position, links to race results, drivers & owners points, pit stall selections, qualifying results/starting lineup, practice speeds and chase stats as well as link to race track and race information page for each race)
NASCAR Now Nation: Have something to say about a story on this week's ESPN2's NASCAR Now? Get out your videocam and tell ESPN what you think. Your video may be seen on an upcoming NASCAR Now. Choose a video file on your hard drive, then click the upload button. More info at ESPN.com
Update On Jeff Byrd From Bristol Motor Speedway: Bristol Motor Speedway officials issued an update on the status of President and General Manager Jeff Byrd, who recently took a leave of absence to deal with a medical matter. Byrd's condition, which will prevent him from involvement in this weekend's Food City 500 activities, has been identified and doctors last week began specific treatment. "Things are going well, "said Byrd. "It is going to be very difficult for me not to be at Bristol Motor Speedway this weekend to be with more than 150,000 of my closest friends. But I will be there in spirit and as I have said before, I expect to see everyone in August (for the second NASCAR weekend at Bristol). "Claudia, the rest of the family and I have been overwhelmed by everyone's thoughts and prayers. I hope they keep it up and appreciate so many people coming to Bristol this weekend."(BMS)(3-19-2010)
Martinsville Speedway
Martinsville, VA
Fox, 12:00pm/et
Motor Racing Network (MRN)
Sirius NASCAR Radio 128
Qualifying:
Friday, March 26, 3:10pm/et
SPEED
subject to change, check local listings
(all times are eastern time zone)
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Born in MARCH
21 Larry McClure, Fonty Flock, Jeff Krogh, Bob Hayden, Joe Menzer, Mike Moore
22 Marianne Fairlie, Billy Hagan, Pam Miller, Todd Trickle, Ronald Hayden, Eric Bilyeu, Mike Bodick, Jerry Wittig, Randy Heffner, Darrel Haskins, Tim Harrison
23 Andrew Fairlie, Erin Crocker, Mike McCarthy, Wes Adams, chaplain Tim Griffin, Johnny Beauchamp
24 Jimmy Makar, Jim Makar, Austin Petty, Scott Pruett
25 Peg Adamczyk, Dave Moody, Donnie Disharoon, Justin Marks, John Ray, Doyle Ford, Bobby Calkins, Aaron Eaton
26 Austin Green, Doug Williams, Natalee Jarrett, Dan Ford, Blaise Alexander
27 Cale Yarborough, Andy Hall, Maurice Petty, Keith Wilson, Jeff Fuller, Bob Kelly, Rodney Combs, Gary DeHart
28 Shelby Pressley, Chris Meyers, Peter Jellen
29 Kim Wood Hall, Carole Houchins, Olivia Andretti
30 Pam Bickford
31 Angus Young, Richard Jackson, Scott Houston, Dana White, Rocky Ryan
Born in APRIL
1 David Gilliland, Ruben Garcia
2 Sam Johns, Dan Pardus, Ricky Hendrick
3 The Garrow's, Speedy Thompson, Shorty Rollins
4 Bill France Jr., Justin Diercks, Robert Richardson, Scott Brzozowski
5 Mike Bliss, Buffy Waltrip, Brandy Wallace, Eric Kerley, Herb Thomas
6 Ken Bouchard, Jeffrey Overcash, Chris Carrier, Ramo Stott, Herb Thomas, George Elliott
7 Loy Allen Jr., Chandler Parrott, Brittany Elliott, Russell Crowe, MRO's Billy Mauldin, Bill Carpenter
8 Matt Yocum, Bill Fleischman, Butch Mock, Junie Donlavey, Eddie Wood, Robert Pressley, Mark Green, Kathy Ehret, Connie Champion
9 Suzanne Belber, Ed Schafer, Jacques Villeneuve, Chuck White, Hunter Nicole Dodson, Richard Brown
10 Steve Bisciotti, Kasey Kahne, Robby Pearson, Neil Castles Jr., D.K. Ulrich, John Dowd
11 Karsyn Jarrett, Bass Master, Al Keller
12 Mike Calinoff, Tim McCreadie, Richard Hutcherson Jr., Bob Strait, Duane Cross, Curtis Turner
13 Dr. Joe Mattioli, Dalton Buice, Dan Gurney, Mike Ford, Jessica Punch
14 Tony Raines, Dick Brooks, Steve Byrnes, Lee Montgomery, Johnny Rumley
15 Bobby Hutchens, Marty Smith, Kevin Conway, Jason Rudd, Brian Holshouser
16 Alicia Lingerfeldt, Bob Flock
17 Tony Glover, Len Wood, Brandon Thomas, Carl Larson, Brooke McReynolds, Carol Mears
18 Geoff Bodine, Tyler Labonte, Kale Kahne, Melanie Self
19 Robert Yates, Richard Yates, Jack Roush, Greg Erwin, Kevin Grubb, Al Unser Jr., Aaron Keuhn
20 Frank Stoddard, James Barnwell, Ron Barfield, Adrian Fernandez, Dustin Skinner, James Barnwell
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