Safety, the Garage and Pitroad: NASCAR is in the process of conducting safety discussions with the owners and principals for each of the tracks on the Winston Cup schedule. Topics include access plans and safety and security measures to be instituted in 2003. Jim Hunter, NASCAR's vice president of communications, says NASCAR will be "very sensitive to the tracks' needs, but we want to make the garage a more secure area than it has been." Although pit tours still will be available, garage passes are expected to be limited to 25 to 30 per team and to about 75 per track for Winston Cup events. That does not include firefighters and safety personnel. In the past, there were no uniform rules involving issuing passes that covered the entire Winston Cup schedule. The garage also is expected to be closed to those without hard cards (season-long access passes) or garage passes during hot times: practice, qualifying and races.(Sporting News)(12-23-2002)
NASCAR Promotions: The Board of Directors for NASCAR has announced promotions for two members of its senior management team. Executive Vice President Brian France has been named vice chairman, a title he will share with current Vice Chairman Jim France, and Senior Vice President George Pyne has been named chief operating officer (COO). Pyne has also been named to NASCAR's Board of Directors.(NASCAR PR)(12-20-2002)
NASCAR Tech Center Moving: The NASCAR Tech Center is in the process of making a 60-mile move from its original facility in Conover, N.C., to its new 61,000-square-foot complex across from the Concord (N.C.) Airport. NASCAR managing director of competition Gary Nelson says the center's priorities are safety first and competition second.(Sporting News)(12-16-2002)
NASCAR SpeedPark in Concord: NASCAR expanded its effort to reach out to a younger fan base Tuesday by signing off on an officially licensed SpeedPark to be located in the heart of the stock-car racing community. NASCAR SpeedPark will be located in the Concord Mills, N.C., mall and be the third licensed park in the chain started by Burroughs & Chapin Co. The park will sit on more than seven acres and feature five indoor and outdoor go-kart tracks, a multilevel adult track, games, miniature golf, laser tag and other amusements. The facility, which joins its sister parks in Myrtle Beach, SC, and Sevierville, TN, will help develop the sport, Helton said. Ground was broken on the park Tuesday, and it's expected to open next summer inside Concord Mills, a massive retail and entertainment center that ranks as North Carolina's second-largest tourist attraction. Concord Mills is located on Speedway Boulevard, just a few miles from Lowe's Motor Speedway and the heart of NASCAR's community.(ThatsRacin.com/AP)(12-11-2002)
NASCAR to clear up 'Red Flag' rule? Fox's Jeff Hammond says NASCAR expects to do a better job next year of letting fans know when the sanctioning body might red-flag a race. "There's going to be a better and clearer definition of a red-flag situation, so the fans should know what to expect if track conditions warrant a red flag near the end of a race," Hammond writes today on the Fox Sports Web site. "I'm really excited about NASCAR's new approach to let fans know that their decisions aren't pulled out of their hats at the last second." Hammond says that the Fox broadcast team learned of the intention when they met with NASCAR President Mike Helton and Vice Presidents George Pyne and Jim Hunter last week. They talked about the green, white, checkered situation, and while that's not going to happen in the near future in Winston Cup.(FoxSports)(12-10-2002)
Same Tires in 2003? According to Ford Racing's Goodyear sources, the tire line up – and construction practices, have been fixed in stone for the 2003 season. With that comes the reality that a softer, racier, tire apparently won’t be part of the Goodyear offering for 2003. The tires, which one noted Ford driver calls "as hard as stainless steel", were being looked at by NASCAR and a test of a softer compound tire was run in early August of this year. Those tests, which were run in conjunction with a larger greenhouse car, gave the drivers a bit more feel back in their cars – which is something that they've been looking for for some time now. But those hopes of improved feel apparently aren't part of the Goodyear program for 2003 and with the exception of a few stand-alone Busch events the tires will follow the 2002 menu. The one notable exception is the newly designed Dover tire, which was run in September of this year when the tour was at that venue. That tire, and its pleasant handling and wear characteristics, will be carried over to both Dover shows this year.(Ford Racing)(11-27-2002)
Garage Access update: NASCAR officials met with Winston Cup track operators to discuss how both sides can limit the amount of people in the garage area at Winston Cup races. Drivers have complained recently about the large numbers of fans that swarm the garage area each race weekend. The issue came to a head in August when Tony Stewart was accused of shoving a female fan at Bristol Motor Speedway. Stewart was cleared of any wrongdoing in the incident, but NASCAR vowed to look into who gets garage passes to its Winston Cup races.(Las Vegas Sun)(11-20-2002)
Tests to dwindle: The number of official tests on Winston Cup tracks will drop from seven to five per driver next season, NASCAR told teams at Phoenix. Rookies, who had 12 tests each, will have nine next season. The Indianapolis test is no longer mandatory -- only Daytona in January. Teams can test all they want at tracks not on the Cup schedule -- such as Kentucky, St. Louis and Milwaukee -- and teams that have money will.(Sporting News)(11-11-2002)
Some 2003 Rules stuff: On Friday NASCAR released a 15-page technical bulletin outlining the rules as they’ll apply to the cars that’ll compete in the 2003 season. Some of it: The highlight of the document is the two - three pages covering the specifics of the ignition system, its installation and wiring into the car. The key word in regards to the whole ignition system is visibility. Whether it be the wiring or the newly specified, removable mounting plate that will contain the ignition electronics, the MSD boxes and supporting hardware, the ignition boxes must be visible through the car’s side windows. The wires leading to the boxes must also be visible through the side windows. Wire gauges and the routing must provide an inch of give in each wire so that NASCAR inspectors can tug each wire to assure there is nothing illegal tied into the ignition system. The dashboard itself must have an access panel to allow NASCAR inspectors easy entry to areas under the dash to view any present wiring systems. The ignition boxes are to be “NASCAR approved” and are subject to any testing that NASCAR might deem necessary — including any destructive tests the sanctioning body might care to do as part of their post-race testing. Also included in the bulletin are a few new intake manifolds numbers, with Chevy getting two and Ford getting one. The new Ford part number is Edelbrock 2938. The new GM part carries Edlebrock number 2862 (replacing Edlebrock 2923) and GM number 889586217 (replacing GM 12370854). Each manufacturer has only five NASCAR approved intakes from which to choose. Another non-surprise was the standard body mounting location as referenced to the vertical centerline of the rear axle housing. This is standard for all makes and brands. All 2003 car makes will carry a 1.5-inch maximum kickout on the nose. All 2003 models will run a 6.25-inch x 55-inch rear spoiler. No angle was specified in a downforce configuration, but the working number for the speedway setting is 55 degrees. The rear spoilers of the 2001 and 2002 models were all reduced by a half-inch – regardless of make. Again, this pertains to the downforce configuration of the cars. One interesting item is that all approved carbon fiber seats must have a “unique imbedded electronic transponder identifier that matches records on file with NASCAR.” The transponder will help NASCAR track the composite seats, which can be compromised in a severe wreck but display no outward indication of lost integrity.(See much more at Ford Racing)(11-3-2002)
Templates for under the car? NASCAR officials have body templates for just about every part of the car except the bottom. And that may change next season: NASCAR is considering adding under-body templates to the pre-race inspection ritual, according to NASCAR sources. Under-car aerodynamics is one of the newest frontiers for Winston Cup engineers.(Winston Salem Journal)(11-3-2002)
Gas Can Changes: NASCAR on Friday issued a technical bulletin requiring only metal red-painted fuel cans be used to refuel cars in the garage area. The rule change was prompted by a damaged plastic fuel container found by NASCAR officials last weekend at Martinsville. The container had a hole in it, apparently caused by the heat from the exhaust of a generator, said John Darby, Winston Cup series director. In addition, when fuel is added or removed from a car, the car must be outside of the garage stall. The fuel cans can no longer be stored in the garage stall and must be transported from the station to the pit area only in a NASCAR-approved cart.(ThatsRacin.com)(10-25-2002)
Some Costs: Dick Berggren, the executive editor of Speedway Illustrated writes a column in the monthly magazine. He recently did a piece on the cost of NASCAR racing. Did you know Cup drivers, owners and team members don't have to pay to get into the pits, I mean the garage area? They do, however, have to buy a NASCAR license at the beginning of the season. The fees are $1,100 for an owner, $800 for a driver and $475 for the crew guys. And, of course, you can't buy a license if you're not affiliated with a team. There is also an entry fee the team owner has to pay for every race. It's $1,825 per event if they file a timely entry. If you sign up late the fee jumps to $3,425. And if a team has to go to a back-up car the cost increases to $3,420.(Caledonian-Record)(10-25-2002)
No More Dash? Catchfence.com got a tip some three weeks ago that the NASCAR Goody's Dash Series would be nonexistent after the 2003 season, Series Director, Tom Ballos was contacted to shed light on this subject. This series has been around since 1975 and will host some 14 races at the end of the 2002 season, the last being a 150 lap event on October 25 at Atlanta Motor Speedway. In the Dash Series, the cars run 6 cylinder engines and their events are held on dirt and paved tracks from a quarter mile in length to the famous Daytona International Speedway. Said Ballos: "NASCAR has said that they would be willing to do all they could do to help find a home for this series. As it stands right now, it looks as though 2003 will be the last year for NASCAR with this series. The final decision announcement will be made at Atlanta at the last race of the season. They are looking at several things...at maybe finding a sanctioning body to take the series over. They're also looking at making the Dash cars a style of car that will be adaptable to different series, so they are working towards a happy medium on this." Money is always an issue in racing, regardless of the series, divisions or sanctioning body. Many Goody's Dash teams and drivers struggle for every available sponsor dollar to assist them in the season. It is the same in all series, but deep pocketed sponsors always go for the premiere series because of media coverage and television exposure for their product. Look for NASCAR's official decision during this season's last event at Atlanta Motor Speedway.(Catchfence)(10-22-2002)
Even Smaller Fuel Tanks? NASCAR officials are considering even smaller fuel cells for the Daytona 500, according to NASCAR sources. The cells would be small enough, perhaps, that crews would only need to take one 11-gallon can over the wall. Some teams at Talladega got in as many as 14 gallons on a stop.(Winston Salem Journal)(10-14-2002)
Spotter Changes Could Be in the Works UPDATE New Rule: NASCAR says it will make a decision on whether to mandate a spotter presence during practices. Currently, NASCAR does not require drivers to have spotters during practices.(NASCAR.com) UPDATE: NASCAR announced Saturday morning it will now require teams in the Cup, BGN and Truck series to have spotters in the designated spotters' stand before any practice session. The new rule comes after a crash Wednesday at Lowe's Motor Speedway in which ARCA driver Eric Martin was killed. Deborah Renshaw's car hit Martin's in the driver's compartment several seconds after Martin's car had come to a stop off Turn 4 of the Charlotte track. Renshaw did have a spotter stationed on top of her team's transporter in the ARCA garage, but there have been questions about whether that spotter could see the Turn 4 area where Martin's car had come to rest from that spot. ARCA had a rule requiring a team to have a spotter either on top of the hauler or in the spotters' stand. While most NASCAR teams had spotters posted for practices, however, NASCAR had no rule requiring them until now. BGN and National series director Brian DeHart told BGN drivers and crew chiefs about the new rule at the drivers' meeting before Saturday's Little Trees 300 at Lowe's Motor Speedway. Winston Cup teams will be similarly notified before Sunday's UAW-GM 500 and the rule will be in effect next weekend. DeHart said at Saturday's meeting that all teams must have a spotter pick up a pass permitting them to go to the designated spotter's stand before a team's car is allowed to practice. Roll call will be taken before each practice and if a team does not have a spotter that team's car cannot go on the track.(ThatsRacin.com)(10-12-2002)
Mixed Reviews on Smaller Fuel Tanks: NASCAR officials called the smaller fuel cells used for Sunday's EA Sports 500 a "partial success." The move, which reduced the size of the fuel cells from 22 gallons to about 13, was made to try to spread out the tightly packed racing at Talladega. The cars did spread out some for a few laps during the cycle of stops, but bunched back up within a few more laps. A few teams were able to make the 500-mile race on five stops, while most had to come in a sixth time for a gulp of gas in the final laps. That did dramatically reduce the number of cars running for the win at the end of the race. "Tony (Stewart) and Ricky (Rudd) both said it gave them an opportunity to run single-file long enough to sort of catch your breath before anybody caught up," NASCAR spokesman Jim Hunter said. Asked what he thought the fuel cell change did, sixth-place finisher Steve Park replied: "Looked like one big pack to me."
"I think the only thing it did was separate the race at the end," said Jeff Burton. "Some people couldn't go as far as others (on a tank of gas), so it made the end of the race not so hectic." Hunter said NASCAR plans to continue to evaluate the new rule with the possibility of continuing its use at the 2003 Daytona 500.(ThatsRacin.com)(10-7-2002)
Pit road access restrictions set for 2003 UPDATE NASCAR says nothing decided: NASCAR will restrict fan access to the garage area and pit road next season with a new pass system, an official said yesterday. ''We have been studying the situation for quite awhile,'' said Jim Hunter, NASCAR's vice president of corporate communications. ''We've decided this is the direction we need to go.'' Congestion in the pits has created security concerns for drivers and safety concerns for fans, with cars roaring in and out of the garage area during practice and qualifying sessions. Hunter said beginning with the Daytona 500 in February, NASCAR will issue ''hot'' and ''cold'' passes for each race. Only licensed competitors and accredited media members will be issued hot passes, which will give them access to the garage and pit road while racing activities — practice, qualifying, the race itself — are in progress. Cold passes will allow access to the garage area and pit road only during periods of inactivity —between practice sessions and qualifying sessions and before and after the race on race day. Hunter said garage passes currently are issued by NASCAR, tracks, teams and sponsors. Generally, such passes are not on sale to the public. Other details about the new pass system will be announced later. Hunter said he does not anticipate a major fan backlash.(Tennessean) UPDATE: NASCAR spokesman Jim Hunter said Saturday no decisions have been made about when or how garage and pit road area access may be restricted to race fans next season, despite published reports to the contrary. "We're looking at all the information that we've gathered and we're continuing to discuss it," Hunter said. "There is no new policy in place at this time." NASCAR officials have considered several ideas, among them requiring those on pit road during the race to wear protective fire suits; and the restricting the times during which fans with garage passes may enter to periods when there is not activity on the race track.(ThatsRacin.com)(10-5-2002)
Drivers may be tested after wrecking: NASCAR is taking steps to keep drivers with concussions off the track, after Dale Earnhardt Jr. revealed he drove in several races while unable to fully concentrate or communicate with his crew chief. From now on, NASCAR president Mike Helton said Sunday, doctors at infield care centers may require a driver to undergo a CT scan if they suspect the driver has a concussion. If the CT scan reveals a concussion, Helton said, a driver will not be allowed to compete until he obtains a medical release. CART, the Indy Racing League and the NFL have similar policies already in place.(ESPN/AP)(9-29-2002)
NASCAR Finances said to be Sound: Moody's Investor Services says NASCAR trails only the National Football League amoung U.S. sports in terms of financial strength, according to a variety of reports today. The Philadelphia Daily News and several reports cited by the Sports Business Daily say the assessment shows up in a 12-page report issued by Moody's yesterday. Moody's ranked the NFL highly because teams share most revenue equally and the league makes teams fund deferred compensation in advance. NASCAR finished second in the study, followed by the NBA, MLB and the NHL. NASCAR was cited for its revenue sharing and attendance growth. Moody's also said that corporate sponsorship is on the rise, contributing more than $1.5 billion to the sport annually.(Winston Cup Scene Daily Newsletter)(9-27-2002)
New Right Side Tire at Kansas UPDATE no new tire: Goodyear will have a new right-side tire next weekend at Kansas Speedway. Goodyear officials have found that since the track has aged a year, its grip has changed. The right side tires, tested by #24-Jeff Gordon earlier this year, should provide that extra grip.(Roanoke Times)(9-21-2002) UPDATE:Contrary to published reports, Goodyear will not introduce a new tire this weekend at Kansas Speedway, says Rick Campbell, Goodyear team leader.(Sporting News)(9-24-2002)
France, France and Smith...on Forbes 400 List: NASCAR folks on the America's Richest - The Forbes 400 - Bill France Jr and Jim France are tied at 209 with 1 billion dollars each and Speedway Motor Sports Bruton Smith is at #232 with $970 million. First? Bill Gates of Microsoft at (gasp) $43 billion (yo! sponsor a car!)(Forbes)(9-18-2002)
Back to Points and Coils? The latest widespread rumor sweeping through the Richmond garage is that NASCAR wants to put a standard set of points and coil in the cars. This move, if it should come to fruition, would replace the magnetic pick-up/MSD ignition system run now in NASCAR’s top series. Many motor builders responded, “Are you kidding,” while others simply walk away shaking their heads. In theory a straight points system will keep traction control out of the garage. But as one motor builder pointed out, “The traction control goes between the MSD and coil, delaying the spark. Why would using points stop a system like that from working? You’d just put the traction control between the points and coil, rather than the ignition box and coil.” The engine builder then added, “Not that I know anything about traction control.”(Ford Racing)(9-7-2002)
Template Meeting Update: NASCAR officials met with all Winston Cup teams Wednesday to explain the plans to use the so-called "greenhouse top" on all cars next season. The greenhouse template, which includes the bottom of the windows up on the body frame, will be the same for all makes. Its purpose is to reduce the problems of aero push, which causes cars to lose traction and slide up the track.(Dallas Morning News)(9-5-2002)
Aero Rules for GM to get another look UPDATE: NASCAR spokesman Jim Hunter said that NASCAR would would review the kick-out on front air dams allowed on the Chevy and Pontiac in Sunday's Southern 500. Hunter said, however, that early indications point to allowing the rule to remain in effect for the rest of the season. A 1-inch kick-out was given to the Chevrolets at Michigan as was a 1/2-inch allowance on Pontiacs. It was retracted last weekend at Bristol, then reinstated this weekend at Darlington on a week-to-week basis.(ThatsRacin.com)(9-2-2002) UPDATE: the GM front air dam rule will stay for the remainder of the 2002 season.(Fox Sports Net Totally NASCAR) AND NASCAR officials have announced that recent NASCAR Winston Cup Series rules modifications regarding Chevrolet and Pontiac air dams, in effect for races at Michigan and Darlington, will be in effect for the remainder of the season. The modifications were not in effect for the Aug. 24 event at Bristol. For the remainder of the season, the leading edge of the Chevrolets' air dam must not extend more than 3½ inches forward of the bumper. For Pontiacs, the leading edge of the air dam must not extend more than 1½ inches forward of the bumper. Prior to the race at Michigan, the Chevrolets' air dams could extend 2½ inches forward, while the Pontiacs' air dams could extend 1 inch forward of the bumper. The leading air dam for Dodges and Fords must not extend more than 1½ inches forward of the bumper.(NASCAR PR)(9-4-2002)
Plate Problems Denied: NASCAR Winston Cup Series Director, John Darby, laughed when he heard of recent published reports of a cheater restrictor plate. NASCAR officials have long been accused of having a "special" plate, which could be parceled out in an attempt to ensure a team wins at either Daytona or Talladega. After recent testing at Daytona, Ford officials questioned the possibility of a cheater plate based on tracings they made during the test. When asked about the situation Darby nearly doubled over in laughter. "Let me help you get this story straight," said Darby. "We noticed several of Ford's factory people making drawings of a plate used during the testing. They laid the plate on a sheet of paper and traced it with a pen or pencil. Days later they came to my office asking how it could be that the plate they measured was different from the plate owned by the race team." Darby's reply included an explanation of the manufacturing and testing process. "We make a batch of 250 plates, which are all stamped with the NASCAR logo and given a serial number, that are then flow tested." NASCAR looks at the results of the flow testing which allows them to cull 100 plates from the batch. Those 100 plates are then placed under lock and key only to be used on race weekends at Daytona Int'l Speedway and Talladega Superspeedway. Of the remaining 150 plates, NASCAR holds back a few for their own testing. The remaining plates are sold to race teams through the suppliers on the circuit. To further ensure the integrity of the system NASCAR has a new batch of plates manufactured at least every two years. "Every year," said Darby, "If there are any questions concerning the performance of the plates."(The Racing Insider)(9-3-2002)
Testing next week at Daytona UPDATE: Next week, NASCAR officials hope to run a second round of testing of proposed new rules at Daytona.(Winston Salem Journal)(8-30-2002) UPDATE: NASCAR officials are considering another test to work on the aerodynamic rules for restrictor-plate races at Talladega and Daytona, where cars tend to travel in packs, increasing the chance of multicar accidents. "I talked to (Winston Cup series director) John Darby a little bit after they went to Daytona a few weeks ago. The last thing they were working on and started to see a little progress on, I guess they didn't get to run because it rained, so they're getting ready to go back pretty soon," said Frank Stoddard, crew chief for Jeff Burton's #99 Fords. "They're going to go to either Talladega or Daytona again and try to simulate what they wanted to do the first time and didn't get to finish."(ThatsRacin.com)(8-31-2002)
Ford Racing News: Ford Racing Technology has leased Kentucky Speedway every Tuesday in the month of September. This is specifically to help the Ford Blue teams as they prepare for the championship point runs. One of the first teams signed-up to attend the Ford-sponsored tests was the Wood Brothers Racing, who intend to take their 2003 driver, Ricky Rudd, to begin the acclamation process between team and driver. The combo hits the track Sept. 10.(Ford Racing)(8-29-2002)
Visible Electronics: NASCAR is writing a new rule mandating a new, more visible ignition box system that will go into effect at Daytona next season, to make sure nothing is connected to the ignition system that isn't supposed to be - like traction control.(Winston Salem Journal)(8-24-2002)
More Pontiac Switches? Bob Kraut, marketing director for Pontiac Grand Prix, said Friday there would be additional announcements forthcoming regarding more teams changing to Pontiac next season. Pontiac lost two flagship teams when Joe Gibbs Racing announced earlier this season it was moving to Chevrolet next year. With the addition of #4-Morgan-McClure and driver Mike Skinner, at least five teams are likely to be in the Pontiac camp next season, including #32-PPI (and maybe a 2nd team), #10-MBV and #36-MB2 Motorsports and #14-A.J. Foyt Racing.(ThatsRacin.com)(8-23-2002)
Air Dam Rule not in effect at Bristol, after that...? NASCAR spokeswoman Danielle Frye said the rule adjustment made to the Chevy and Pontiac last weekend at Michigan will not be in effect for Saturday night's Winston Cup race at Bristol. Chevy teams were allowed to extend their front air dams by one inch, while Pontiac teams were allowed to extend theirs by 1/2-inch at Michigan. NASCAR said at the time of the announcement it would evaluate the change after the race. Frye said no decision had been made beyond this weekend's race at Bristol.(ThatsRacin.com)(8-22-2002)
New Tire for Dover: Goodyear plans to bring a new tire to Dover International Speedway for the MBNA America 400 [actually renamed to the All American Heroes 400] on Sept. 22. That decision could leave teams scrambling with their setups. The new tire will be softer, allowing for more grip in the turns, but also will wear faster. That means lap times should slow dramatically during green-flag runs.(ThatsRacin.com/AP)(8-18-2002)
Talladega Fuel Cell Filler: When NASCAR decided to cut the size of the fuel cells for the Talladega race in October, they decided to leave the fuel cell area the same size so that the teams wouldn't have to make changes to that area. Problem was the extra space around a smaller fuel cell. That area, on both sides of the cell will be filled with a combination of aluminum and foam mixture. The foam block will measure approximately 17 x 9 1\4 x 9 91\4 inches. The aluminum mixed with the foam will give it strength and also keep it light in weight, said John Darby, NASCAR's Competition Director.(Insider Racing News)(8-18-2002)
Pontiac Updates: Pontiac officials, stung by the loss of Tony Stewart and Bobby Labonte, are restocking the pantry, and at least two new Pontiac teams are expected to be announced over the next week, beginning today. Car owner Larry McClure is expected to move from Chevy to Pontiac, and car owner Cal Wells is expected to move from Ford to Pontiac. Pontiac's A. J. Foyt is expected to return next season with Harrah's as sponsor and maybe Larry Foyt driving. However, there is word now that Ricky Craven is not too pleased with Wells' decision to leave Ford. If so, it is unclear if Ford officials might make a play to keep him a Ford next season.(Winston Salem Journal)(8-17-2002)
More on the Daytona tests: The speedway tests, which were performed at Daytona International on Tuesday, gave NASCAR a chance to tweak on the speedway aero package, yet again. Ten cars jumped the hoop and arrived at Daytona Beach, Fla., ready to roll. Representing the Ford effort were Dave Blaney, Geoff Bodine and Elliott Saddler. The tests, which were cut short due to rain in the area, focused mainly on the rear spoilers of the cars. The tests took logical steps and shorted both size and angle of the rear spoiler. The goals were to find a combination that made the cars looser so that the drivers would have to work the throttle to make a lap on Daytona International Speedway’ 2.5-mile high-banks. The test started with the current spoiler configuration (6-inches tall, 57-inches wide), and had the drivers running 49.40’s with their foot mashed to the floorboards. The next step of the test kicked the spoilers down to a 45-degree angle, which picked the lap times up by about .4 of a second. Driver comfort remained constant. NASCAR then whacked 4-inches off the sides of the spoilers and left the angle at 45 degrees. The drivers were, for the most part, able to keep the accelerator matted for an entire lap. The next step got the drivers working the accelerator, some, but the spoiler could be described as tiny with 4-inches cut off each side of the rear blade, and the height shortened to 4.5-inches. TFR’s source said that between the hard tires and the DIS lumpy surface the cars weren’t so much loose, but that they were out of control. A larger restrictor plate (increased from 15/16-inch from 7/8-inch) was put on a couple of cars, which of course worsened the handling problem.(Ford Racing) AND Ryan Pemberton calls it the "retro look," when he describes the aerodynamics of his Daytona 500 Ford for NASCAR's rain-shortened test at Daytona International Speedway yesterday: a shorter 4-1/2-inch rear spoiler laid back almost flat at 25 degrees.(see a HUGE column at Winston Salem Journal - lots more info on the testing there)(8-15-2002)
Been asked, didn't know, here ya go - Seven cars Dyno'd at Indy UPDATE: Seven cars, including the #9 Dodge of race winner Bill Elliott, were put on the chassis dynamometer for testing following Sunday's race at Indy - Brickyard 400. The device measures rear wheel horsepower. The other cars were those of #20-Tony Stewart, #2-Rusty Wallace, #17-Matt Kenseth, #29-Kevin Harvick, #24-Jeff Gordon and #88-Dale Jarrett.(ThatsRacin.com)(8-5-2002) UPDATE: Perhaps you recall several weeks ago NASCAR administered chassis dyno testing. In those NASCAR tests the motor in #9-Bill Elliot’s car turned 685 horsepower at the rear wheels following the Indianapolis win. But all the other cars tested that day showed more than 700 hp, with #2-Rusty Wallace’s Larry Wallace (no relation)-built motor producing 740 horsepower. The others tested following the Indy event all showed power over 700 hp with #24-Jeff Gordon’s SB2 based block running 708 hp, #17-Matt Kenseth’s at 715 hp, #20-Tony Stewart’s SB2 based platform giving 733 hp, #2-Wallace’s at 740 and the monster of the lot coming from the Robert Yates camp in the form of the #88-Dale Jarrett, which turned a generous 749 horsepower. (Ford Racing)(8-17-2002)
Chevy close: Chevrolet team officials expect their new car to be approved soon. Engineers working on the project say NASCAR is expected to approve the 2003 Chevrolet Monte Carlo on Aug. 19.(Winston Cup Scene - need subscribtion to read)(8-15-2002)
Smaller Tanks Official: NASCAR announced that teams will be required to use smaller fuel cells for the EA Sports 500 on Oct. 6 at Talladega Superspeedway. The new fuel cell will reduce the 22-gallon cells used in Winston Cup by about 9 gallons. NASCAR is counting on the change to increase pit stops during the 500-mile race. By spreading out the field, the move is expected to reduce the tight packs that frequently foster big wrecks at Talladega and Daytona, where restrictor plates on the carburetor are used to harness horsepower.(Richmond Times Dispatch)(8-10-2002) UPDATE: NASCAR confirmed Saturday that it would experiment with a smaller fuel cell in the race at Talladega Oct. 6th, in an attempt to break the full-field drafting pack seen at that track in recent races into smaller groups. Customary fuel-box size is 33in by 17in by 9.25in, enclosing a bladder and foam sponge, for a total liquid capacity of 22gal. At Talladega, the tank will be reduced to 20 by 17 by 9.75, giving a capacity of 12.5gal. Teams could go approximately 50 laps between stops at Talladega with the standard size. Under this regulation, teams can expect to go 25 to 30 laps before pitting. The idea is to force teams to pit more often in the hope of breaking the field into smaller cells. Many doubt that will happen, as all cars pit together under green in order not to lose the all-important draft -- regardless of how many times they are pitted. Track position is not important at Talladega, as long as a car can stay with the draft. The fueling cans are 11gal, so the new rule still will require use of two cans. For now, the regulation is for the Talladega race only.(Speed Channel)(8-11-2002)
Points Deduction for off track stuff? No points were deducted from Tony Stewart following last week's altercation with a photographer at Indianapolis Motor Speedway, but NASCAR president Mike Helton says that doesn't mean points penalties can't be used for an off-track incident. "Whether it's on the track or in the garage area, it still could be a situation that could be points," Helton said Saturday at Watkins Glen International. "It doesn't have to be something we find on the car or something that happens on the race track. "If we feel it's detrimental to the sport, we can go any way we want to the same way we can on any other deal." NASCAR has already deducted points from Jimmie Johnson and Dale Jarrett for infractions found on their cars this season. Helton again said he believes that it's part of NASCAR's role to police competitors' behavior in the garage area. "We're in a time where we ask to be considered a professional sport and we need to act like one," he said.(ThatsRacin.com)(8-11-2002)
Cool Down Lap?: In the wake of Tony Stewart's skirmish with a photographer last week at Indianapolis, NASCAR officials are entertaining the idea of a ``cooling- off'' period similar to those in other professional sports. Winston Cup director John Darby said Friday there have been no formal discussions, but ``it's an idea that might be worth considering.'' Jim Hunter, NASCAR vice president for corporate communications, said it probably won't happen soon. "`We'll consider anything,'' he said. "`But we've always left that sort of thing up to the teams. ... I don't think it's in the best interest of NASCAR to change a system that's worked for 53 years, just because of one particular driver.'' Major league baseball, football, basketball and hockey teams have cooling off periods of 10 to 15 minutes after games.(Tampa Tribune)(8-10-2002)
New Qualifying Procedure at Sonoma in 2003? NASCAR officials are close to approving the European qualifying system for next summer's race at Sonoma (Infineno Raceway). That's when the track is opened to all drivers for a 30-minute period, with each man's fastest lap in that period determining his qualifying spot.(Winston Salem Journal)(8-10-2002)
Spencer-Busch and owners meet with NASCAR: #97-Kurt Busch and #41(42)-Jimmy Spencer and their respective car owners, Jack Roush and Chip Ganassi, met with NASCAR President Mike Helton and series director John Darby Friday morning to help “clear the air” between the drivers. Busch and Spencer have been involved in several on-track incidents over the past year, including last weekend at Indianapolis when Spencer hit Busch from behind, putting Busch into the wall. Busch got out of his car and waited for Spencer to come back around and made several gestures toward Spencer. NASCAR required the drivers and car owners to meet before track activity started on Friday. “The meeting went as expected. We’re here in Watkins Glen. What happened in the past is the past,” Busch said before practice started. “Things aren’t necessarily true about certain situations that didn’t come about. We ran real well in Sears Point. Now we’re here in Watkins Glen to go race our car.” Spencer offered only a terse, “That was last week’s news,” on leaving the NASCAR hauler.(ThatsRacin.com) AND "It was a real good meeting. Anytime you get people in there and hash out all your past history and the future what you have to do and what you don't have to do --- time tells. I don't even know what the meeting was for, I don't think I did anything wrong," Spencer continued. "Yet, on the other side of it you have to respect NASCAR for addressing issues. I respect Mike Helton (NASCAR president) and his staff and when you get called to the trailer, you listen to what they have to say."(NASCAR.com)(8-9-2002)
NASCAR Helps Out: New York City Fire Commissioner Nicholas Scoppetta today announced the donation of two driving simulators from the National Association for Stock Car Auto Racing (NASCAR) to the New York City Fire Department (FDNY). The FDNY will become the first municipal fire and emergency medical response program in the country to use full scale, motion-based vehicle simulators to train fire and ambulance chauffeurs. The simulators will be used to help train the city's Fire and EMS personnel in apparatus operations and are expected to help improve response times, reduce accidents and resulting injuries and, ultimately, help save lives. "The driving simulators will have a major, long-term positive impact on both the emergency response system in New York City, and the people and property the Fire Department is sworn to protect," said Commissioner Scoppetta. "We are grateful to NASCAR for helping make this a reality." The announcement was made at a press conference today in New York at the FDNY Engine 23 firehouse on West 58th Street. Dignitaries in attendance included FDNY Commissioner Scoppetta; FDNY Citywide Tour Commander, Chief Joseph Callan; NASCAR President Mike Helton and NASCAR champion driver Jeff Gordon. The donation addresses a need stemming from the terrorist attacks of September 11th, 2001 in which over 100 FDNY-trained chauffeurs perished.. The FDNY worked with NASCAR to identify a specific need that had gone unmet through previous monetary contributions and determined that driver training simulators would have a significant benefit to the department. "We knew that it would take time for the full breadth of the city's needs to become known and understood after last September," said NASCAR President Mike Helton. "The FDNY agreed with us,
and waited to see where it made the most sense for us to step in. We hope the driving simulators will have long-lasting benefits to all New Yorkers." The company building the driving simulators, FAAC, Inc., of Ann Arbor, Michigan, will contribute a portion of proceeds from additional simulators sold to municipalities across the country to the FDNY Fire Safety Education Fund (FSEF).(NASCAR PR)(8-8-2002)
Air Dam changes for MIS: NASCAS announced a half-inch increase to the front air dam for the Pontiac Grand Prix and a 1-inch increase for the Chevrolet Monte Carlo, for next weekend's Pepsi 400 Presented by Farmer Jack at Michigan International Speedway. The leading edge of the air dam for the Pontiacs now must not extend more than 1½ inches forward of the bumper. The leading edge for the Chevrolets now must not extend more than 3½ inches forward of the bumper. Prior to this, Pontiacs™ air dams could extend 1 inch forward, while Chevrolets' air dams could extend 2½ inches forward. These modifications will be in place for this weekend only, pending further assessment by NASCAR officials.(NASCAR PR)(8-8-2002)
Benson tests 2003 car at Lowe's: the #10 Valvoline team tested the 2003 Pontiac Grand Prix at Charlotte on Tuesday and Wednesday this week. James Ince On 2003 Pontiac Grand Prix Test: “So far it is hard to tell. Tuesday and Wednesday were the first days our team has had a 2003 Valvoline Pontiac on the track. Johnny was pretty happy with the car but we had the big green house on it and we really don’t have anything to compare it to. So far we are pleased but we have a lot of work ahead of us.”(Johnny Benson Fanclub)(8-8-2002)
What? No More Burnouts? UPDATE: No more post-race burnouts. That's apparently the word from NASCAR execs after Greg Biffle's Busch victory burnout in St. Louis, which led a blown tire, which in turn brought Biffle's car through the post-race inspection station too low. NASCARis telling teams that any driver who does that again and blows a tire risks having the win taken away.(Winston Salem Journal)(7-22-2002) UPDATE: Winston Cup Director John Darby said in the Aug. 1 issue of Scene that NASCAR is not prohibiting burnouts, but simply warning competitors not to damage their cars or its parts during a post-race celebration.(Winston Cup Scene - need subscription to read)(8-8-2002)
Grooved Tires in 2003? NASCAR officials are looking into a number of ways to try to cut speeds next season. Among the options, grooved tires.(Winston Salen Journal)(8-4-2002)
Bigger Cars Test at Lowes: NASCAR's attempts to develop Winston Cup cars with a bigger "greenhouse area" to improve driver safety and aerodynamics appears to be hitting a roadblock. NASCAR used 2003 versions of three car makes – Dodge, Ford and Pontiac – in a test Tuesday at Lowe's Motor Speedway to gather data on the new greenhouse – the area encompassing the driver compartment. Driver feedback, however, was not what NASCAR officials hoped. "When the drivers come in and say the car is not driving well with this configuration, we pay attention to that. We don't say, 'Deal with it,' and go on," said Gary Nelson, NASCAR's managing director of competition. "We want to find solutions." Nelson said on-track testing results were not turning out similar to wind tunnel tests done with the larger greenhouses on the cars. The teams of #41-Jimmy Spencer, #10-Johnny Benson and #26-Todd Bodine participated in Tuesday's test. The larger greenhouse area is an increase of approximately one to three inches in the roof area and up to four inches in the length measured from the front windshield to the rear. The design would assist larger-sized taller drivers in exiting the cars because of the larger window space more freedom of moment in the driver compartment. "We tested the bigger greenhouse car at Kansas City and we learned a lot. We thought everything was working out really well. Now, we have three cars and we get on the race track and we are actually worse than we thought we were," Spencer said. "Our push is actually worse now than the current aero push we now have. Plus, the cars were unstable. So is it the tire? Is it taking away too much downforce? We don't know, but we're not going to stop working." Nelson said he would not give up on the project. "What we would like to accomplish is an equally as stable car or more stable car with the bigger driver's compartment," he said. "We're just not there yet."(ThatsRacin.com)(8-6-2002)
NASCAR to test 'Bigger' cars at Lowe's: NASCAR has a session scheduled Aug .12 at Lowe's Motor Speedway to further test the bigger cars. Those cars have the larger roof area, which gives drivers extra room inside but also can alter the downforce on those cars, reducing the affects of aero push, some say. At least three cars and as many as six are expected at the test. Series officials tested the larger car in May at Kansas Speedway with Jimmy Spencer's team.(Roanoke Times)(8-4-2002) UPDATE: NASCAR officials will conduct a test Tuesday, following the Brickyard 400. The test, to be held at Lowe's Motor Speedway, is being piggybacked with a Goodyear tire test and done in cooperation with all three manufacturers. The objective of the test is to gauge the aerodynamic effect of a larger upper roll cage, which requires enlarging the greenhouse. The purpose of enlarging the upper roll cage is to put more distance between the head and shoulders of a driver and the surrounding steel bars. A larger roll cage will require a increase in the minimum roof height from the current 51 inches to as much as 52 to 52.5 inches and a comparable increase in the drivers side window.(Insider Racing)(8-5-2002)
NASCAR Considering Smaller Tanks At Other Tracks: NASCAR is also looking into using a smaller fuel cell at the restrictor plates tracks as a way of spreading out the field. However, the smaller cell, set at 12.5 gallons, could also be used at Michigan, California, Pocono, Atlanta, Las Vegas, Texas and Lowe's tracks.(Insider Racing)(8-5-2002)
Blocking to be watched: NASCAR is considering monitoring blocking during the October race at Talladega Superspeedway and could punish drivers who intentionally prevent passing. "It's gotten to be that the larger crashes have been caused by blocking," Winston Cup director John Darby said Sunday. "So we're starting by looking at what is a block because cars change lanes all the time and we have to figure out what the parameters are." There was heavy blocking in both races at Daytona International Speedway this season and the April event at Talladega, but NASCAR said it had no way to police the practice. So officials are now in discussion as to what they can do, and Darby said it's possible drivers will be penalized during the race.(ESPN/AP)(8-5-2002)
Product Loyalty with NASCAR fans: According to data compiled by Performance Research of Newport, R.I.
Given the choice of two products of equal cost, 72 percent of stock car fans would nearly always or frequently pick the brand they associate with NASCAR over one that is not.
Forty-six percent would buy a brand costing up to 10 percent more if linked to NASCAR over a less-expensive brand that is not.
Forty-three percent were so influenced by sponsorships that they would switch from their usual grocery store brand to try another linked to the sport, such as Tide or Cheerios.
According to a SponsorEM .com study, fan/product loyalty is highest among NASCAR fans, at 72 percent compared with 52 percent with tennis, 47 percent with golf -- and is twice as strong as that among NFL fans.
Self-expression. Just as fans identify with a driver who fits their values, people identify with a brand that fits who they are as a person.
Group-expression. Buy that case of Bud or box of Tide in the store and you herald your allegiance to a particular driver.
Influencing outcome. Some fans who highly identify with drivers "have this perception that if they buy those products that the company will make more money and give more money to the sponsorship of the athlete," said Christian End, a professor in the psychology department at the University of Missouri in Rolla.
See full story at the Indianapolis Star: NASCAR fans' zeal fuels brand loyalty.(8-3-2002)
Chevy Templates being made: NASCAR officials are making templates for the new Chevrolet, which will debut next season. The car, which was tested at Atlanta earlier this week [by Terry Labonte], is expected to be approved soon.(Roanoke Times)(8-3-2002)
Smaller Fuel Tanks at Talladega? UPDATE: NASCAR officials are considering requiring smaller gas tanks for the season’s final restrictor-plate race, at Talladega Superspeedway in October. The idea is that, by requiring tanks with a capacity of 13 gallons instead of 22, additional pit stops will create greater space between the cars and reduce the likelihood of multi-car pileups.(Gaston Gazette)(7-29-2002) UPDATE: As expected, earlier this week a NASCAR bulletin informed teams that the teams would have to equip their cars with 13-gallon fuel tanks for the October race at Talladega Superspeedway. The tanks normally hold 22 gallons, and officials apparently think more pit stops – they will seem to be happening constantly — will allow the field to string itself out and lessen the potential for crashes. One question: Why not save the teams some expense and force them to put only one can of fuel, not two, in during stops?(Gaston Gazette)(8-1-2002)
NASCAR, Craven, Nadeau and the Soap Box Derby: NASCAR's recently announced affiliation with the All-American Soap Box Derby (AASBD) will be highlighted Saturday, as Jerry Nadeau and Ricky Craven are scheduled to attend the derby's World Championships in Akron, OH. NASCAR and the All-American Soap Box Derby announced a multi-year partnership on July 5. NASCAR's involvement with the tradition-rich event is part of NASCAR's Youth Program initiative, designed to introduce young people to the motorsports industry, and more specifically NASCAR, and its numerous opportunities. NASCAR's Youth Program initiative also includes the Diversity Summer Internship Program and support of the Urban Youth Racing School. Nadeau and Craven are scheduled to fly from Pocono Raceway to Akron Saturday afternoon, after the final practice session for the Pennsylvania 500. Both are eager to view the AASBD World Championships, being held for the 65th year. The All-American Soap Box Derby is for competitors ages 9-17, who work with family members to build competitive cars, hoping to reach the World Championships. Through their presence on Saturday, Craven and Nadeau plan to send a message that the All-American Soap Box Derby is a huge event and a great American tradition, encouraging young people everywhere to participate. Nadeau competed in the AASBD, and nearly qualified for the Akron event. At the age of nine, he finished third in a regional qualifier in his hometown of Danbury, CT. "I'm excited about going to Akron and seeing the kids there," said Nadeau, driver of the #44 Georgia-Pacific/Brawny Dodge. "I've got something to share with them. I can remember my and my dad building my soap box car. And I remember I was so nervous the first year I raced."(NASCAR PR)(7-27-2002)
Electronics on Dashboard? NASCAR put up a display in New Hampshire to illustrate a proposal that all ignition wiring and ignition boxes be mounted on top of the dashboard but out of the reach of the driver, to prevent traction- control tampering. The governing body also proposes to make it illegal for any wiring to run on the right side of the car. Ben Leslie, crew chief for Mark Martin, said putting everything on the dashboard would give cars an ugly look. He suggests wiring and boxes be located on the passenger side of the floorboard.(Tampa Truibune)(7-24-2002)
Nelson to talk to drivers about NHIS: Gary Nelson, NASCAR's managing director of competition, said he would talk with drivers in Sunday's New Hampshire 300 to see where the drivers feel the problems with the track lie. "We would like the competitors to be able to race and feel comfortable with the way the cars, the tires and the track all work together." "I have to talk to some of the drivers. My observation was (Turns) 1 and 2 did not appear to be a problem. (Turn) 3 didn't appear to be a problem. I think when you listen to their interviews they say they couldn't get any grip, but I want to sit down with some of them and try to break it down into, 'Was it a Turn 4 problem, or was it bigger than that?' My observation is it was not a problem on the other end." "I saw a lot of lead changes, a lot more racing than I've seen when I was standing down there." "We'll find out what the problem was."(ThatsRacin.com)(7-22-2002)
Ford Motorsports Mgr to retire: Sam Scott, Ford Division Motorsport Manager, is planning to retire from Ford Motor Company at the end of the month. Best wishes Sam.(7-17-2002)
No Bigger Greenhouse? NASCAR officials are telling Winston Cup teams that the 'big greenhouse' project, for larger, safer roll cages, is all but dead. Testing will continue, but NASCAR said the 'big greenhouse' cars won't be on the track until the fall of 2003, if then.(Winston Salem Journal)(7-20-2002)
Larger 'Greenhouse' not gonna happen? Some top stock-car racing aerodynamicists say that NASCAR is apparently abandoning plans for a larger "greenhouse" roll cage. Drivers and crews have, for several years, been calling for larger greenhouses as a safety measure to keep the driver's head away from the roll bars. Detroit car makers have built "common template" versions of the big greenhouse stock car for NASCAR to study and wind tunnel. At one point, the big greenhouse car appeared to be in the cards for this fall's Talladega 500, as a preview for next year's Daytona 500. Then the debut date was pushed back to next April at Talladega. And within the past few weeks the date was pushed back even further, to the October race at Talladega in 2003.(Winston Salem Journal)(7-15-2002)
2003 Monte Carlo Ready For Testing UPDATE: Chevrolet officials will present to NASCAR a completed 2003 Monte Carlo for approval on July 29 at Atlanta Motor Speedway. The new design, said to look more like a Dodge than a Ford, will undergo on-track testing on July 29 and then be transported to Marietta, GA, for a run in the Lockheed wind tunnel. A group of Hendrick Motorsports employees, led by Eddie Dickerson, built the car to be submitted in Atlanta. The final version is an adaptation of two cars built by Dale Earnhardt Inc. employees. Confidence is high among the Chevrolet camp that the 2003 Chevrolet will sail through the final approval process. Slugger Labbe, crew chief for Michael Waltrip, winner of the Pepsi 400 at Daytona International Speedway, already has ordered the body for the new chassis earmarked for the 2003 Daytona 500.(Tampa Tribune)(7-10-2002) UPDATE: Hendrick Motorsports and driver Terry Labonte will test the 2003 Chevrolet Monte Carlo at Atlanta Motor Speedway this July 29-30. The test is closed to both the public and the media, per Hendrick Motorsports' request.(AMS PR)(7-10-2002)
Pontiac dropping out? With Joe Gibbs' two headliner Pontiac teams [#18 and #20] set to switch to Chevrolets next season, perhaps even sooner, GM executives are worried that they won't be able to fill enough Pontiac slots to keep that division in this sport. Unless there are five solid teams under contract to run Pontiacs next season, GM is expected to pull the plug on that brand, according to Detroit sources. And at the moment only three teams appear in the Pontiac camp and there are questions surrounding the #14 A. J. Foyt operation.(Winston Salem Journal)(7-7-2002)
No Room for another off day? Winston Cup drivers [and crew members, teams, media] begin a grueling stretch of 20 consecutive weeks of racing to end the season. Some have complained that the schedule is too unrelenting, and wish NASCAR could schedule an off-week as the season winds down. NASCAR chairman Bill France doesn't see it happening, however. "I'm not sure where a whole lot of changes are going to come from," he said Saturday. "There are only 52 weekends in a year. Maybe we can get a legislative group to see if we can make Sundays out of Wednesdays -- turn it into 104 weeks, or something."(NASCAR.com/AP)(7-7-2002)
NASCAR Talks - says no Traction Control being used: NASCAR officials spent an hour Saturday explaining why they believe, contrary to rampant rumors in the garage, that electronic traction control is not being used in Winston Cup, Grand National and Truck series racing. "We cannot say anything for sure. But we can say it's very highly unlikely that anybody has run it," said Gary Nelson, NASCAR's managing director of competition. "If they did, they're pretty slick. Any car that we've looked at it hasn't had anything like that. We would react if we found it." Nelson, Winston Cup director John Darby and Winston Cup technical director Steve Peterson said the key reason NASCAR believes it can police its rule against traction control is that no electronic processors are allowed in its racing vehicles.(story at ThatsRacin.com and see the Transcript of traction control discussion)(7-6-2002) AND NASCAR has started using a special listening device at the curves to monitor engines during races. If they are running on a traction device, it would make a distinct sound and teams could be caught. At least that's NASCAR's claim. John Darby of NASCAR said if a team is caught, it "would probably be one of the largest (fines) that NASCAR has ever levied."(Florida Today)(7-7-2002)
NASCAR and the Soap Box Derby UPDATE: The All-American Soap Box Derby, which has been looking for ways to get broader national exposure, is about to get a boost from one of the best-known racing organizations in the land. NASCAR, confirmed Tuesday it is planning a ``youth initiative'' with the Akron-based derby. Neither side would provide details, but said they would make a formal announcement Friday [July 5th] in Daytona, FL. Tony DeLuca, executive director of the All-American Soap Box Derby, also declined to comment. ``It's really premature,'' he said. ``We really can't make any statements right now.'' The 65-year-old derby, which once boasted a large following and attracted the likes of James Stewart, Rock Hudson and Eddie Rickenbacker to Akron, has seen its popularity wane over the decades. It struggled in recent years to find a large financial backer before Goodyear Tire & Rubber Co. agreed to become the national sponsor in 1998, contributing $300,000 a year to the event. Goodyear became the first high-profile national sponsor since Chevrolet pulled out in 1972. The Akron tire maker also helps to promote the race at its retail centers and gives out free tickets. In return, it gets its name prominently displayed at the derby and on derby merchandise. The announcement on Friday will come on the cusp of the next soap box derby. The July 27 championship event will attract 415 racers from 43 states plus Germany, the Philippines, Japan and Canada -- a record number, DeLuca said. The event will be held at Derby Downs on Akron's southeast side, near the Rubber Bowl and Akron Fulton International Airport. NASCAR already has a loose connection to the derby. One of NASCAR's directors is part owner of Brand Sense Marketing, a Los Angeles-based marketing services company. That firm announced last fall that it had been named the exclusive marketing agent for the derby.(Akron Beacon Journal)(7-3-2002) UPDATE: NASCAR announced on Friday, a multi-year partnership with the All-American Soap Box Derby, a national property with grassroots applications founded in 1934, which will benefit from the relationship through NASCAR's media awareness and resources. The All-American Soap Box Derby, based in Akron, Ohio, is looking forward to working with NASCAR after enjoying so much success with one of its partners, Goodyear Tire & Rubber Co. The All-American Soap Box Derby maintains a strong relationship with Akron-based Goodyear, which also possesses a long-standing and successful partnership with NASCAR. The All-American Soap Box Derby will become part of NASCAR's Youth Program initiative, which was established to expose America's future generation to the motorsports industry, and more specifically NASCAR, and its numerous opportunities. NASCAR's Youth Program initiative also includes the Diversity Summer Internship Program and support of the Urban Youth Racing School. The Diversity Summer Internship Program, established in 2000, is a 10-week, fulltime, paid summer internship program designed to expose diverse youth to the motorsports industry, which includes NASCAR, sponsors, licensees, teams and tracks. More than 40 interns have participated in the program. Since 1999, NASCAR has been supporting the Urban Youth Racing School, a non-profit organization based in Philadelphia that provides inner-city youth ranging in age from 8-18 with an opportunity to learn about the industry through a 10-week curriculum. Due to the growing number of applicants, the Urban Youth Racing School doubled the number of sessions it was offering to accommodate the interest level. The All-American Soap Box Derby is an annual season-long competition, which runs from March to July. The All-American Soap Box Derby sanctions nearly 350 local events throughout the United States each year that showcases its three major divisions as well as points-accumulating "rally" races. The major divisions are Stock, for first-time builders ages 9-16; Super Stock, for experienced builders ages 9-16; and Masters, for advanced builders ages 11-17. All local winners advance to the Championship Race in Akron in July. The 65th running of this week-long championship event is scheduled for July 27.(NASCAR PR)(7-6-2002)
No Toyota soon? Despite claims to the contrary from sources inside NASCAR, and consistent claims from Dodge, Chevy and Ford truck teams, Toyota says it is not entering the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series in 2003 and not necessarily even in 2004.(Autoweek). NOTE: the Jayski Toyota car Don drew is just for fun and a goof, not to be taken seriously.(6-30-2002)
Traction Control being used? Some engine builders and car owners are becoming increasingly concerned about what they insist is the growing use of illegal traction control devices on Winston Cup cars and what they consider NASCAR's seeming inability to police it. At Martinsville in April, NASCAR officials announced they were cracking down on the devices, and showed teams some that they had been able to find through distributors. According to crews, one of those devices, about half the size of a pack of cigarettes, would be plugged into the ignition box in the car after the driver climbed in; then after the race the driver could simply unplug it, stick it into his driving suit and crawl out of the car. To stop that, NASCAR inspectors began sealing ignition wiring, to keep drivers from unplugging any wires. Now, however, engine men say they have been offered - surreptitiously, of course - new traction control devices that are supposed to be undetectable. One of the new devices is reported to be inside the ignition box itself and triggered by a cell phone from the pits. "It's a shame ... it's so blatant right now," one engine man said. "You can look at last year's results versus this year's results, track by track, and see what's going on. If NASCAR really wanted to police it, they could set up special microphones to listen to the cars coming off the corner; the sound is distinctive enough. And they need to go hire some more sophisticated engineers to analyze these ignition boxes. Or else NASCAR will simply have to make it legal." Car owner Richard Childress says he's convinced his teams have been beaten by teams running traction control: "Oh yes, I feel for certain we have."(Winston Salem Journal)(6-24-2002)
Drivers lobby for less spoiler UPDATE: Rusty Wallace said Saturday that he and other Winston Cup drivers are lobbying NASCAR to reduce the size of the rear spoilers on all of the cars on the circuit to reduce downforce and attempt to limit effects of the so-called "aero push." "I'm politicking real hard now, and a lot of drivers are, to get the rear spoilers downsized on the cars," Wallace said. Wallace said that as NASCAR has increased the size of the rear spoilers in recent years, the increased downforce has forced Goodyear to go to a harder tire compound. "Goodyear has the tire real durable, and they have told me that if we can get NASCAR to take the rear spoiler off and get the downforce off, they'll soften the tires back up," Wallace said. "When they soften the tires back up, then the tires will wear and we'll see the passing come back." Wallace said he is among a number of veteran drivers who've tried to resist going to aggressive shock and spring combinations that would have been abusive on the softer tires used before Goodyear's change to a harder compound. As more drivers have had success with the aggressive set-ups, however, Wallace said more drivers are going to it. Wallace said he thinks cutting a half- to three-quarters of an inch off the rear spoilers would do the trick. He thinks the front air dams should be left alone, however. "The air dam needs to be low to the ground so the front end sticks," he said. "But you've got to take some off the back so you can't charge into the corner so hard. ...We've got to keep working on it. We've got to get the tire softened back up and get the downforce off so the softer tires can live."(ThatsRacin.com)(6-23-2002) UPDATE: XM Radio reports - that Jim Hunter - NASCAR Spokesman said "I think any time a guy like Rusty Wallace is talking we're going to be listening to him. And, of course, Rusty is one of the veterans on the circuit and I think John Darby our Winston Cup Director is well aware….actually from an aero-push standpoint you could just take the spoiler off the cars. The drivers don't want to do that. So I think there's a balance somewhere in there and I think that's where Rusty's coming from that we need to spend some time researching and looking at it…Yes, to answer your question directly we certainly listen to Rusty." (AM Radio Q:) How soon might we see a solution to the problem? "I think we'll probably look at some things between now and probably the first of August. Maybe by the time we get to Indianapolis, maybe even earlier. We may share some ideas with the guys when we have them all together for testing at Indianapolis because we're going to give them an update on some other things while we're up there - so I think that will probably be a good place to get their input and also to let them know where we're coming from"(XM Radio - NASCAR Radio)(6-23-2002)
Chevy Behind UPDATE nope: The development of the 2003 Monte Carlo, isn't moving forward as smoothly as the Pontiac. The car is nearly six weeks behind schedule, and GM is expected to ask NASCAR for an extension beyond the July 1 submission date. The car has been to the GM wind tunnel three times in the last two weeks.(Sporting News)(6-17-2002) UPDATE: According to John Darby, the new 2003 Monte Carlo currently meets all the criteria of a NASCAR submission. This assertion by Darby answers the question on whether the new Monte Carlo will make the July 1 date for new car submissions. “Its initial concept submission has already happened,” says Darby of the 2003 Chevrolet hardware. “We have already been invited to go look at a 2003 Monte Carlo. The concept is there. Actually the car was probably about 70 percent complete. Enough of it was complete that we understood very easily that number one, it was a Chevrolet Monte Carlo and that the car was being built in regards to the NASCAR race car templates and so on and so forth. So that part’s already happened.”(Ford Racing, direct link doesn't work)(6-20-2002)
Secret rules/template change? NASCAR officials have [supposedly] quietly made a secret rules change to help Pontiacs, and the secrecy is bothersome to several rival teams that insisted that NASCAR should be following a more open policy by announcing any rules changes. That raises the question of what other rules NASCAR might be adding to the rule book from behind closed doors. The new rule is an alteration to the "long" template, which stretches the silhouette of the car from the nose to the tail; the alteration is a new hump in the middle of the hood, which allows Pontiac engine men to run a taller intake manifold. The change, Pontiac team members say, is worth seven to eight horsepower, which some rivals confirmed yesterday.(Winston Salem Journal) AND Earlier this week NASCAR announced that the Pontiac Grand Prix was the recipient of a concession on the nose and tail. The changes that NASCAR announced included an additional half-inch of kickout to the nose and an extra quarter-inch on the rear spoiler. But there was another change to the Pontiac that was not announced by NASCAR. This undocumented change allows the Pontiac teams to raise the rear point of the hood by three-quarters-of-an-inch. The modification is in place here at Michigan. The change allows the Pontiac teams more flexibility on how they mount their motors in the Grand Prix with the increase in clearance above the motor. Until this change the Pontiac teams were juggling the motor low in the car to accommodate a larger air filter/spacer /intake setup. Or, if they decided that the motor needed to be raised for some chassis or suspension consideration, a low profile air cleaner and intake arrangement needed to be used. NASCAR officials were not available for comment, but the Pontiac teams seemed excited to have the added headroom.(Ford Racing - sorry, their direct links don't work)(6-17-2002)
Points Instead of Money? NASCAR chairman Bill France said Sunday he would like to see the sanctioning body turn to a penalty system that takes points away from teams instead of the standard fines. NASCAR almost never takes points away from a team because its the core of the race for the Winston Cup championship. Instead, teams are fined and the money is put into the point fund that is split among the drivers at the end of the season. But NASCAR president Mike Helton recently warned teams that deduction of points could become the norm because of a recent rash of cars failing postrace inspections. France said he favored that route because monetary penalties on the lower-tier teams creates a lingering hardship.(ThatsRacin.com/AP)(6-17-2002)
Dodge wants some help: After Pontiac got a rule change last week intended to help its teams, Dodge officials were vocal in their need for a some help after Sunday's race at Michigan International Speedway. #9-Bill Elliott was the top-finishing Dodge, placing 11th. "In talking to the drivers, there seemed to be a universal complaint of a lack of downforce, especially in the front," said Tim Culbertson, program manager for Dodge's Winston Cup program. "I think there's been some changes that have allowed the competition to get a little bit better."(Roanoke Times)(6-17-2002)
2003 Pontiac close: Pontiac is expected to sign off on its templates from NASCAR this week, the final step in the approval process for the 2003 Grand Prix. #18-Crew chief Jimmy Makar, who was instrumental in the car's development, says Joe Gibbs Racing almost is finished building the first car and expects to have it in the wind tunnel later this month. Though those test results will determine whether Gibbs' teams stay with Pontiac or convert to the new Chevrolet, Makar says the focus is on Gibbs' current program and trying to help Bobby Labonte get back on track.(Sporting News)(6-17-2002)
Some Pontiac Teams Notes: The big question remains: who will step up to the Pontiac plate and fill the void once [Joe] Gibbs [Racing] leaves? There has been rumors of Johnny Benson and James Ince shopping their package for next year, but Ince says that after investing three years in the #10 program and his contribution to building the new Pontiac, that they would like to stay with Valvoline next year. The M&M's sponsorship is in question on the #36 car as is Conseco with A.J. Foyt's #14 team. General Motors has approached several teams in the garage about moving to Pontiac including Cal Wells, Travis Carter (before Kmart left) and Andy Petree. But insiders say that this week Petree has been on a six-figure shopping spree buying cars and parts from Penske. Despite the Pontiac's struggles up to now, [crew cheif Greg] Zipadelli is optimistic about the 2003 Pontiac and expects the templates by July. But whether he'll be building a new Grand Prix, remains to be seen.(Sporting News)(6-15-2002)
Smaller Spoiler? and Bigger Greenhouse?: NASCAR officials intends to decrease the size of the cars' spoilers significantly and end what has become an aerodynamic war among manufacturers. If the measure works, the racing should become more mechanically dependent, meaning there will be a greater emphasis on engines and shocks and less on body style. After drivers ran smaller spoilers in recent tests at Kansas Speedway, NASCAR discovered that Goodyear must develop a tire with more grip to accommodate the loss of rear downforce. AND NASCAR is working with Altair Engineering in Troy, MI, to develop a larger greenhouse -- two inches taller and wider -- that should make the cars and drivers safer. GM isn't thrilled that the design isn't expected to be ready until next season because it is building and testing 2003 Pontiacs and Monte Carlos and likely will be forced to alter them.(Sporting News)(6-11-2002)
Ten Years Ago Friday: The late Bill France Sr. William Henry Getty [Bill] France passed away -- June 7, 1992.(story at the Daytona Beach News Journal about him)(6-7-2002)
Points and maybe wins taken away? UPDATE: during FX's Stacker2 pre-race show and FSN's NASCAR This Morning, it was mentioned that NASCAR may take championship points and maybe even a win if rules infractions like a car being too low is found during post race inspection as it is happening too often. UPDATE: NASCAR President Mike Helton offered a stern warning to Winston Cup owners and crew chiefs during Sunday’s pre-race driver meeting regarding the number of recent violators of NASCAR’s minimum height requirement. Last week, NASCAR fined driver Mark Martin’s crew chief $50,000 after his #6 Ford failed to meet the minimum 51-inch height requirement following Martin’s win in the Coca-Cola 600. In the past year, drivers the cars of Dale Earnhardt Jr. and Matt Kenseth have failed to meet the minimum height following race victories, as well. Up to now, NASCAR has typically fined the crew chief for the violation. Helton said Sunday that may change. "We seem to have a rash of cars after the race is over with that cannot meet the minimum height," Helton said. "So far, we have chosen only to use a fine as a reaction. I just want to make sure that everybody understood there are other options NASCAR can use if it keeps going this way."(ThatsRacin.com)(6-2-2002)
More Toyota to NASCAR rumors: NASCAR officials have confirmed talks with Toyota about what Toyota would have to do in order to compete on the truck tour in 2003. That effort is seen as a preliminary move toward an eventual move to the Winston Cup tour in 2005. The V-8 Toyota that would have to build to race in NASCAR would, like the current Dodge Cup engine, be a purpose-built racing engine designed to meet NASCAR specifications.(Winston Salem Journal), also Toyota runs in the NASCAR Goody's Dash Series.(6-1-2002)
Seat Company Signs Deal: Toronto's Globe & Mail newspaper is reporting that NASCAR has signed a two-year licensing deal with Toronto-based back rest maker Obus Forme, according to today's Sports Business Daily. Obus Forme paid about $200,000 for the NASCAR mark, as well as for the signature and car number of four drivers -- Rusty Wallace, Mark Martin, Bobby Labonte and Tony Stewart. Obus Forme will also pay NASCAR a royalty of 10 to 12 percent of sales. The standard driver's seat model retails in Canada for C$44 (about $29 in U.S. currency), while the deluxe model, with heat and massage features, sells for C$90 (about $59).(Winston Cup Scene Newsletter)(5-30-2002)
More new Chevy/Pontiac for 2003 news: Richard Childress [owner of the #'s 29,30,31] says he expects NASCAR to approve a significantly modified Chevrolet Monte Carlo body style for 2003. Pontiacs also are due for a change (has submitted a 2003 Grand Prix body to NASCAR for approval, Chevy has not). Childress hopes the new Monte Carlo will narrow a perceived aerodynamic disadvantage to rival Ford and Dodge teams. NASCAR cars' bodies are only loosely based on street cars', and NASCAR officials regularly tinker with the aerodynamic characteristics of different car makes' bodies to keep competition equal. That causes teams to argue over which make has an advantage and lobby for changes. Winston Cup series director John Darby hopes to reduce the bickering next year by making all four car makes almost identical, primarily different in the nose and tail. The current Ford and Dodge bodies already are similar; Chevys and Pontiacs likely will get more rounded-off roof sections in 2003. Darby says making the cars more similar also will make it easier to accomplish NASCAR's broader goal of making its cars less dependent on aerodynamics to stick to the track, a move it hopes will make racing more competitive.(USA Today)(5-29-2002)
Latest NASCAR/Toyota news, CTS in 2004? UPDATE: Toyota's invasion of NASCAR continues to evolve. And Wade Lopez is on the front lines. The Abingdon businessman fields Toyota Celica's for drivers Tim Nichols (Abingdon) and Reece Milton (Blountville) in the Goody's Dash Series. While industry insiders speculate when Toyota will make its next move up the NASCAR ladder, Lopez is building and learning with his Bristol-based Highlands Motorsports team. "My goal is to have serious advancement in this sport every year and I feel we can do that through our relationship with Toyota," Lopez said. "Toyota is hoping to debut in the Craftsman Truck Series in 2004. That's where I want to be." Toyota has sent a factory representative to each Dash race, including Saturday night's event at LPR.(Bristol Herald Courier)(5-14-2002) UPDATE: Toyota, which has tested the waters in NASCAR with several entries in the Goody's Dash Series, is looking at the possibility of competing in the Truck [CTS] series. Lee White, vice president of Toyota Racing Development, said Wednesday, "Toyota is participating in a cooperative study with the NASCAR organization expanding our NASCAR involvement to include the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series with our made-in-America full-size Tundra pickup trucks." NASCAR has traditionally limited participation in its premier series to American-made vehicles. White, participating in a panel discussion during the Open-Wheel Racing Summit at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway, was asked if TRD would build a new engine for the truck series. "What we end up doing motorwise, I don't think anyone expects NASCAR to change their rules for us, so you can draw your own conclusions." Currently Dodge, Ford and Chevrolet compete in the truck series. Several teams are running Toyota Celicas in the six-cylinder Dash Series. "Frankly," White said, "it's given us good exposure for the Celica throughout the Southeast in addition to being a venue and a vehicle for developing relationships with the NASCAR organization."(ThatsRacin.comAP)(5-23-2002)
NASCAR looking at Gordon-Busch incident: An incident in the final segment of The Winsotn involving drivers #97-Kurt Busch and #31-Robby Gordon has Gordon still steaming and has raised the ire of NASCAR officials. With #12-Ryan Newman seemingly driving away from the rest of the field in the final 20-lap segment, Busch had closed in behind Gordon, who was trying to move #20-Tony Stewart from second place. Busch then tagged Gordon's car from behind, spinning him out and causing a caution. In addition to the accident itself, Gordon was even more upset with Busch's comments after the race. "It was just a good learning deal for us and we had a shot at the win and hated to use Robby Gordon as a yellow, but I think we needed a yellow there at the end," Busch said. "Cars were checking up. Stewart got a little loose in the middle of one, Robby Gordon got underneath him. When two cars race side-by-side that third car picks up the draft. He got loose right before I hit him. I bumped him, that's part of it. I think we needed a yellow so we could put on a good show there at the end." NASCAR spokesman Jim Hunter said Wednesday the sanctioning body was reviewing both the incident on the track and Busch's comments following the race. "It is safe to say we're looking into it," Hunter said. In the past, NASCAR has come down hard on drivers who intentionally attempt to bring out a caution flag. Although some leeway is a given for an all-star event like The Winston, Busch's willingness to admit to his intent has several in the sport. Even before the Busch-Gordon incident, NASCAR was already unhappy with several drivers' actions on the track. Elliott Sadler, Kevin Harvick and Newman were all admonished for incidents during the race. Newman pushed Sadler up into the wall causing a wreck. Sadler responded by waiting for Newman's car to come back around the track and Sadler threw his helmet at the car. Harvick and Newman got into their own bumping match while under a caution. Lowe's Motor Speedway President Humpy Wheeler said he was surprised Busch admitted to his actions.(ThatsRacin.com)(5-21-2002)
Pontiac Awaits NASCAR OK: After completing wind tunnel and on-track testing last week, Pontiac officials have submitted the completed 2003 Pontiac Grand Prix for NASCAR approval. Former Winston Cup champion Bobby Labonte tested the car last week at Atlanta Motor Speedway. Gary Nelson, Winston Cup managing director of competition, said NASCAR was working on "mostly minor testing." "We have to make templates and compare them" to the other manufacturer entries, Nelson said. Jimmy Makar, Labonte's crew chief, said the test went smoothly. "There were a few little things, nothing major. We're still working through the templates with (NASCAR)," he said. "We've already gone up there one time and worked over somethings with them. They were all pretty minor issues."(ThatsRacin.com)(5-19-2002)
New Pontiac testing UPDATE: Pontiac, seeking approval of its 2003 Grand Prix, had Bobby Labonte test the car Thursday before NASCAR officials at Atlanta Motor Speedway. Labonte, who drives Pontiacs for Joe Gibbs Racing in Winston Cup competition, completed 22 laps at more than 180 mph before the new car was taken to the wind tunnel in Marietta, Ga., for the final part of the submission test. "This is a whole new car," said Ray Smith, Winston Cup program manager for Pontiac. "We think it's a good one." The Grand Prix being campaigned in NASCAR's top series is the oldest current model in use. If approved, the new Grand Prix would be introduced at the start of the 2003 season.(AP/Sporting News)(5-10-2002) UPDATE: Bobby Labonte completed 22 laps, averaging in the mid-180s (mph), during a submission test with NASCAR for the 2003 Pontiac on Thursday at Atlanta Motor Speedway. After the half-day test was completed, the new Pontiac was headed to the wind tunnel in
Marietta to complete the submission test. “This is a whole new car,” said Ray Smith, Pontiac Winston Cup Program Manager. “We think it’s a good one, but we’ll know more by the end of the day.”(Atlanta Motor Speedway)(5-12-2002)
'Bigger' car tested at Kansas UPDATE: In an attempt to make racing safer and better, NASCAR has been looking into making the "greenhouses" of Winston Cup cars larger. An experimental car with a bigger greenhouse took to the track for the first time this week, and the track was Kansas Speedway. Those taking part in the test said things went well. Target Chip Ganassi Racing with Felix Sabates has been recruited by NASCAR to help develop a test car. That car was at Kansas Speedway on Tuesday and Wednesday. Ganassi driver Jimmy Spencer was driving it, and NASCAR's managing director of competition Gary Nelson was monitoring the tests. Andy Graves, team manager for Ganassi, said, "It was a pretty successful test." Graves said the car was loose at first, but "We got mechanical grip to bring it back." Mechanical grip is applied with shock absorbers, springs and tires. The greenhouse of the test car is 2 inches taller and 4 inches wider than that of a standard Winston Cup car.(more at the Kansas City Star)(5-9-2002) UPDATE: NASCAR officials got their first feedback from this week's testing at Kansas Speedway of an experimental Winston Cup car with an enlarged "greenhouse." And the feedback was mostly positive. "We're on the right track," NASCAR vice president for corporate communications Jim Hunter said. "The drivers said it was OK." The car with the bigger greenhouse -- which is the part of the car surrounded by the windows -- was tested on a race track for the first time by Target Chip Ganassi Racing with Felix Sabates. Despite the positive results of the test, Hunter said, don't expect to see the car in a race this year. He said the earliest that such a car would see race conditions would be early next year. "We're shooting to have the bigger car at the earliest, in February at Daytona," he said. "At the latest, Talladega or Daytona later in the year."(Kansas City Star)(5-10-2002)
Gibbs to Chevy (again)? UPDATE 2 Pontiac testing at AMS: [Joe] Gibbs [Racing] has decided to switch from Pontiacs back to Chevrolets for the 2003 season, according to Chevrolet sources. The move comes after 18 months of intransigence by NASCAR officials for rules relief requested by Pontiac teams. That would put Stewart and teammate Bobby Labonte back in Monte Carlos, which would be a serious blow to General Motors' Pontiac division, perhaps serious enough for the division to leave this branch of the sport and take it's $35 million racing budget somewhere else.(Winston Salem Journal)(5-4-2002) UPDATE: hearing an announcement could come as soon as Charlotte/Lowes during The Winson/Coca Cola 600 weeks.(5-5-2002) UPDATE 2 but.... Officials from Joe Gibbs Racing said they'll test the new 2003 Pontiac Grand Prix Winston Cup race car at Atlanta Motor Speedway on May 20. The car will be driven at speed on the track and then taken by NASCAR officials to the Lockheed wind tunnel in Marietta for further tests. Gibbs' team is leading the development of the new Pontiac body, but if the new car doesn't turn out to be as competitive as they hope, the team is preparing to switch to the Chevrolet Monte Carlo before the start of the 2003 season.(Atlanta Journal Constitution)(5-5-2002) UPDATE 3: NASCAR and Pontiac Racing will conduct a developmental test for the 2003 Pontiac Thursday at Atlanta Motor Speedway. The test will be closed to both the public and the media.(AMS PR)(5-7-2002)
NASCAR Plans New Safety Test Center: The Charlotte Business Journal says NASCAR plans to open an expanded safety research and testing operation in Concord, N.C., next January with a staff of 20 technicians and administrative personnel. Sources told reporter Ken Elkins that the NASCAR Research and Development Center will cost up to $8 million. Employment could eventually double to 40 as the sanctioning body develops ways to make the sport safer and refines its race car of the future, Kevin Triplett, NASCAR managing director of business operations, told the paper. A Conover, N.C.-based NASCAR R&D center that opened in January 2001 will remain in operation, but the bulk of its work will shift to the Concord center.(Winston Cup Scene Daily Newsletter)(5-7-2002)
Common Templates? Toyota? NASCAR's move to common template cars should be completed in time for next season's Daytona 500, when Pontiac and Chevrolet are expected to debut their own versions of the common template model. Insiders are wondering if that simply opens the door wide for Toyota to step into this sport: if all the bodies are the same, all Toyota has to do is come up with a 358 stock block V-8, and NASCAR probably won't be giving the OK to any overhead cam versions.(Winston Salem Journal)(4-29-2002)
Pontiac looking for teams: Officials with Pontiac are attempting to gauge interest among Winston Cup teams to see if any are interested in switching manufacturers when the 2003 Pontiac Grand Prix debuts next season [see pictures on my NASCAR Past News page]. The PPI Motorsports team owned by Cal Wells, which fields the #32 Fords for driver Ricky Craven, is apparently at the top of the list, with Pontiac officials already having conversations with Wells about a potential move, sources confirmed Saturday. Craven is in his second season with PPI and is currently 15th in series points with two top-five finishes in nine starts. He earned his first Winston Cup win last season at Martinsville. Currently, five Winston Cup teams run the Pontiac, those of #20-Tony Stewart, #18-Bobby Labonte, #10-Johnny Benson, #36-Ken Schrader and #14-Stacy Compton. The manufacturer had 10 teams as recently as the 2000 season, then dipped to six in 2001 when it lost several teams to the Dodge camp. Pontiac officials elected not to push expansion of their presence in the series until the new model was on schedule to be completed. NASCAR is expected to give final approval to the 2003 Pontiac by early October.(ThatsRacin.com)(4-28-2002)
Bigger Car...sooner? Johnny Benson's fiery exit from Sunday's Talladega 500 once again raises the issue of how difficult it seems for drivers to get out of their cars after wrecks, and it could prompt NASCAR to move even faster on its proposed "big greenhouse" car. The new design, which has been studied for more than a year, is tentatively scheduled to debut at Talladega in April 2003. But there is the possibility that NASCAR might bring it out earlier, at Talladega this fall. The chief obstacle is economics; teams would have to build new cars because crews and drivers are reluctant to cut and weld any greenhouse roll bars, for fear of weakening the safety roll cage. Benson's #10-Valvoline Pontiac caught fire when he was caught up the 26-car crash on the backstretch late in the race. And Benson had trouble getting out of his car, which he said points out the need for NASCAR to move faster on its plans to widen the driver's window. At Texas Motor Speedway three weeks ago, Michael Waltrip had similar difficulty getting out of his burning [BGN] car.(Winston Salen Journal)(4-26-2002)
NASCAR Opens "Speediatrics": On Tuesday, they held the grand opening of the Betty Jane France Pediatric Center called "Speediatrics" at Homestead Hospital. The 14-bed pediatrics unit received a $600,000 renovation with a motorsports theme. It has colorful racing cartoon characters, cars, tracks and checkered flags painted on the walls. It also has miniature replica NASCAR cars in many of the rooms. France, the wife of NASCAR chairman and CEO Bill France, founded Speediatrics in 1999 when the first racing-themed pediatric center opened at the Halifax Medical Center in Daytona Beach. The one at Homestead Hospital is the second. Renovations began last September and were completed earlier this month. Homestead-Miami Speedway has agreed to raise $300,000 for the project. Speediatrics is designed to make children feel as comfortable as possible during a hospital stay. Officials hope the cheerful atmosphere will make a difference in the spirit and recovery of sick children. Jeff Gordon stopped at each hospital room, signing autographs, posing for pictures and leaving smiles on dozens of children's faces Tuesday. "You see firsthand kids that are sick, kids that need good care and need a smile put on their face," Gordon said. "You see that enough and you realize that there's too much of that going on, and then it's like how can you help? How can you contribute? I grew up healthy and strong and became very successful -- all my dreams have come true. I want to see these kids' dreams come true. These kids are going through an awful lot: doctors are poking and prodding on them and it's not a lot of fun," Gordon said. "The goal is to get them out of the hospital, so they can go back home and have fun and be normal kids. But while they're here, it helps to be able to look at things and take their thoughts off of what's going on with the doctors. It brings a fun atmosphere to the pediatrics center." Gordon, helping unveil the new center because of his past work with kids through the Jeff Gordon Foundation and the Make-A-Wish Foundation, headed a tour of the facility with dozens of NASCAR officials, community leaders and journalists. Ryan Winter, 5, had no idea Gordon was stopping by his room to chat. When Gordon walked in, Winter's eyes widened as he recognized his favorite NASCAR driver. Winter, who has had several operations to remove a tumor from his kidney and had countless radiation and chemotherapy treatments to send his bone marrow cancer into remission, had little to say to Gordon. All he did was smile as the NASCAR star gave him an autograph.(Daytona Beach News Journal)(4-24-2002)
Cars Dyno'd: Six cars were tested on the chassis dynamometer, used to measure horsepower delivered to the rear wheels, following the race. They were the Dodges driven by #40-Sterling Marlin and #22-Ward Burton, Fords driven by #88-Dale Jarrett and #09-Geoffrey Bodine and Chevys driven by #8-Dale Earnhardt Jr. and #48-Jimmie Johnson. No Pontiacs were tested.(ThatsRacin.com)(4-22-2002)
Teams Warned Against the use of Traction Control: NASCAR President Mike Helton offered a stern warning to Winston Cup drivers and crew chiefs during their prerace meeting Sunday about use of traction-control devices. Helton held up two such devices used to prevent cars from spinning their rear wheels exiting turns as examples of what are available for purchase. Helton said, however, NASCAR will not tolerate their use. "Everybody, I think, understands our rules and regulations in regards to traction control. In an effort to police that, we have spent a lot of time and money buying parts and pieces you've been offered so we can figure out what to look for," he said. "There's not much we can do to the people who manufacture these things to try to get around the rules. It's the crew chiefs and drivers we will react to when we find these or if we ever find these in a car."(ThatsRacin.com)(4-14-2002)
More 2003 Pontiac News UPDATE and some more: Winston Cup series director John Darby confirmed Friday morning NASCAR has examined a completed 2003 Pontiac Grand Prix and finished its initial analysis. "We basically have completed a walk-around view of it and an initial template fit," Darby said. "We’ve talked about some different areas of the car, which they are now going back and going to work on. The next step from them will be to make an official presentation and the car will go to the wind tunnel and then for a track test." The final presentation by Pontiac officials must be complete by July 1, with NASCAR making final approval by Oct. 1. #18 crew chief Jimmy Makar said he hoped to have a final version of the 2003 Pontiac within a month-and-half. "We’ll have something we feel we can submit by then," Makar said. "Things are gong well. We’ve been to the wind tunnel several times, NASCAR has looked at the car. I think all the beginning process is done." Darby also confirmed officials with Chevrolet have indicated they, too, plan to submit changes to the Monte Carlo body style in time to use in the 2003 season.(ThatsRacin.com)(4-12-2002) UPDATE: The final version is still in the works, but the 2003 Pontiac is being reviewed by officials. The car could be submitted for NASCAR approval within six weeks. Right now, NASCAR officials are taking a look at the preliminary model and making suggestions for potential changes. The car has a unique nose, but is in many ways similar to existing cars competing in the series. "[NASCAR has] seen it, they've been in the wind tunnel with it," said Bobby Labonte's crew chief, Jimmy Makar, who has helped develop the car. "They've told us the things they want us to change on it. I think they're fairly happy with what we've got now." Makar said the NASCAR track test could take place at Atlanta Motor Speedway.(Richmond Times Dispatch) AND NASCAR held a wind-tunnel test last week of Pontiac's new common-template Grand Prix, and to study some of its 2003 car design options, particularly the 'big greenhouse' model, which would provide more headroom. NASCAR would like to cut 20 percent of the downforce off these cars for next season, according to engineering sources, and part of the testing so far has included raising the front air dam five inches off the asphalt.(Winston Salem Journal)(4-13-2002)
Big Cars in 2003? NASCAR is leaning toward OKing the new 'big greenhouse' model for the April 2003 race at Talladega and phasing in the new car, first at Talladega and Daytona, then at the intermediate tracks, and finally at the short tracks. Such a phase-in would keep car owners, who have nearly two dozen cars each, from taking such a big financial hit all at once. NASCAR is also testing what is being called 'the two-by-four,' a greenhouse that is two inches taller and four inches wider, to move the driver's head away from the rollbars.(Winston Salem Journal)(4-13-2002)
Abuse of Testing? Some Winston Cup crews complain that other teams are abusing NASCAR's seven-test limit lately by claiming to be testing ARCA cars. NASCAR officials said they would review the situation.(Winston Salem Journal)(4-13-2002)
Common Templates in 2003? UPDATE: With plans for a newly designed Pontiac Grand Prix already in motion, NASCAR also has told General Motors to have a common template Monte Carlo ready for the 2003 Daytona 500. A minimum of three different Monte Carlos are being developed collectively by Richard Childress Racing, Hendrick Motorsports and Dale Earnhardt Inc. However, the construction of a new Monte Carlo for the 2003 racing season was not by choice of GM. The sanctioning body met with GM's NASCAR Key Partners Group -- JGR, RCR, Hendrick's and DEI -- and requested that they have a "common template" Monte Carlo ready to roll for the 2003 Daytona 500. A common template car will incorporate a universal design among all four makes where the construction of the greenhouse is nearly identical. Only subtle cosmetic changes would differentiate one car from another. But in principle, the cars would be aerodynamically equal. Speculation is that NASCAR was not happy with the continual lobbying for aerodynamic concessions that stole the headlines over Speedweeks. A common body style shared by all four manufacturers would eliminate the constant arguing over who has the best car. RCR is working on the Monte Carlo for submission that is a combination between a speedway car and a downforce car. DEI is working on the speedway (Daytona/Talladega) specific car, while Hendrick concentrates on the baseline intermediate piece that will be ready for the wind tunnel in the next two weeks. While Chevrolet contends it currently is six percent deficient in aero horsepower, the new changes should make the cars more competitive. But GM is certainly under extreme time constraints with just four months remaining to have the cars ready for initial submission to NASCAR in July, and for final submission by Oct. 1.(in part from the Sporting News)(4-11-2002) UPDATE: So what about the common template Chevrolet? "Not a 'common template' car, but we have discussed doing a (new) 2003 Monte Carlo," Car Owner Ricchard Childress said. "Heck, there isn't a common-template car out there. The Dodges and Fords don't have the same templates because they don't run the same every week; they're not under the same rules.".(Winston Salem Journal)(4-13-2002)
Simpson vs NASCAR: NASCAR claims in court documents filed this week that it did not defame seat-belt pioneer Bill Simpson because its officials told the truth without malice about the death of Dale Earnhardt and his torn seat belt. NASCAR also stated that it never said that Earnhardt was killed as a result of seat-belt failure. Simpson filed an $8.5 million defamation suit against NASCAR in February. In the suit, Simpson contends that he suffered financially after NASCAR said Earnhardt's seat belt resulted in the death of the seven-time Winston Cup champion in the 2001 Daytona 500. Attorney Bob Johnstone, representing NASCAR, filed a response Monday to the suit in U.S. District Court in Indianapolis.(see full story at the Daytona Beach News Journal)(4-11-2002)
New Chevy Body in 2003? UPDATE: hearing that Chevrolet will roll out a new body for the 2003 season which basically be a Pontiac with a new nose and tail.(4-8-2002) UPDATE: Chevrolet officials are exploring the possibility of introducing a new body style for the 2003 Winston Cup season, or at least making major modifications to their current Monte Carlo, which was last changed in the 2000 season. "I think it will end up falling more in line with the cars that are out there right now," said Robbie Loomis, crew chief for four-time Winston Cup champion Jeff Gordon. "We got a great race car with the one we got but you always have to be out there looking ahead and trying to get in shape. Like anything, you try to plan ahead of time. We’re always looking for ways to make it better, and not just once a year, but every weekend we’re at the race track." Loomis said the biggest change is likely to occur in the front end of the car. "If you look at our car and you look at the shape of the Dodge or the shape of the Ford, it’s pretty clear to see, especially from the front windshield forward, we’re off on the shape pretty big aerodynamically," he said. Richard Childress, who the Chevrolet teams of Kevin Harvick, Jeff Green and Robby Gordon, said there was "nothing definite" in regards to changing the Chevrolet body. "From what I understand, this is the last year that particular nose of the car is approved. I don’t know the exact details," he said. "But there is some preliminary talk right now about some changes."(ThatsRacin.com)(4-9-2002)
NASCAR and Wheel of Fortune: The game show Wheel of Fortune has teamed up with NASCAR for "NASCAR Week", airing nationwide April 22-26, 2002. All week, the die-hard NASCAR fans that were chosen as contestants will compete on a NASCAR-outfitted Wheel of Fortune set featuring everything from stock cars to checkered flags for great NASCAR-themed prizes, such as Gasoline for Life from TOSCO/76, a Ford F 150 Truck, and VIP fantasy trips to some of NASCAR's premiere events. The April theme week marks the first partnering of Wheel of Fortune and NASCAR. Drivers who will appear on the show include Bobby Labonte, Jeff Gordon, Rusty Wallace, Ward Burton, Jeff Burton, John Andretti, Buckshot Jones and 7-time NASCAR Winston Cup Champion, Richard Petty, will be featured in show segments shot with Vanna White will be featured in show segments shot with Vanna White on location at the Las Vegas Speedway in March. Kyle Petty, Jeff Green, Stacy Compton, Ricky Craven and Jimmie Johnson also make appearances during Wheel of Fortune "NASCAR Week" to introduce the great NASCAR-themed prizes from sponsors Lowe's Home Improvement, Tide, Conseco, Daytona USA, NASCAR Speed Park, America Online (AOL) and the Richard Petty Driving Experience. Wheel of Fortune "NASCAR Week" will be promoted nationwide on over 200 Wheel of Fortune affiliates and online at nascar.com. Hosted by Pat Sajak and featuring Vanna White, Wheel of Fortune is televised in 40 territories worldwide, reaching more than 100 million weekly viewers, making it the most popular television show on earth. Since its 1983 syndication launch, the game show has awarded more than $125 million in cash and prizes to contestants.(NASCAR PR)(4-9-2002)
Spring Rubbers: NASCAR is allowing teams to install up to one-half of a spring rubber in either or both front springs prior to the start of Sunday’s Samsung/Radio Shack 500 at Texas. Teams can’t start races with spring rubber in the front of their cars; they may only add them during pit stops. Spring rubbers are allowed in the rear springs at the start of the race.(CNN/SI)(4-7-2002)
New Ford in 2004? UPDATE: Looks like the redesign of the Ford scheduled for 2004 might include more than just a sleek new Taurus. Ford announced plans last week to unveil a new sedan it is calling the Ford 500 for now.(Sporting News)(4-1-2002) UPDATE: Ford Motor Co. officials say they have no plans to change its entry in NASCAR’s Winston Cup or Grand National series for the foreseeable future. They caution, however, plans can change and quickly. Ford’s debut of a new Sedan, the Ford Five Hundred, has been mentioned as a possible replacement for the Taurus in NASCAR, which replaced the Ford Thunderbird in 1998. "Ford has no plans to replace the Taurus as our race model in the NASCAR Winston Cup and the NASCAR Busch Series for the foreseeable future. Predictably, I have a disclaimer," said Greg Specht, North American Operations Manager for Ford Racing Technology. "Product plans are fluid, and that fluidity sometimes causes us to have to react quickly, like we did when we needed to get Taurus ready for its NASCAR debut in 1998 on nine or 10 months notice. Given that, I can say with relative certainty that Ford will still be racing Taurus in 2004."(ThatsRacin.com)(4-3-2002)
a Ford 500 image from the Ford Racing site, thanks Jim Utter for the heads up.
NASCAR Partners with Soap Box Derby; May Include NBC Exposure: NACAR has designated the All-American Soap Box Derby as an official youth program. Soap Box, organized for the most part by local community associations, currently runs close to 500 races each year with 15,000 competitors. Finals are held each year in Akron, Ohio. Goodyear is Soap Box Derby's long-standing sponsor. "The NASCAR tie-in is added validation and brings lots and lots of exposure," said Robert Hollander, president of L.A.-based Brand Sense Marketing, which engineered the partnership. NASCAR will give editorial and promotional exposure to Soap Box in its media assets, and will support with ads in USA Today timed to the Finals, which take place in July. Hollander said Soap Box is in talks with NASCAR partner NBC to produce a special for its kids' programming block this summer. He also hopes the NASCAR link will attract sponsors, whose participation can range from event signage to logos on helmets to scholarship offerings.(Brandweek via MotorsportsTV)(4-1-2002)
What is up with Pontiac? Speculation is rampant about the General Motors brand's future in the sport. Joe Gibbs Racing [#'s 18 and 20] is trying to quell the rumors, pointing to the 2003 model under development as proof of Pontiac's staying power in the sport. First, the make dwindles to only five full-time Winston Cup teams. Then Pontiac teams start building Chevrolets, admittedly a common practice among teams, but drivers test these cars. And the make's sponsorship contract for the Pontiac Excitement 400 [Richmond] is in the final year of a multiyear contract.(Richmond Times Dispatch)(3-31-2002)
Changes at Talladega? UPDATE: this weeks Speedway Scene [March 15th edition] reports that NASCAR will likely bump up the spolier on the Fords and increase the size of the restrictor plate [for everyone] at Talladega.(3-27-2002) UPDATE: NASCAR announced a ¼-inch increase for the rear spoiler height on the Ford Taurus to be used in next month's Talladega 500 at Talladega Superspeedway. Measurements for the rear spoilers on the Ford Taurus will now read at 6 inches tall by 57 inches wide. During the Daytona 500 in February, the Ford's rear spoiler was 5 ¾ inches tall. The Chevrolet and Dodge teams rear spoiler will remain at 6 ¼ inches tall, while the Pontiac teams will measure at 6 ½ inches tall by 57 inches wide.(NASCAR PR)(3-28-2002)
43 cars or No Pay? UPDATE 2: this is interesting, didn't know this: NASCAR almost had a short field (fewer than 43 cars) last weekend at Darlington. If so, it would have been the first time since 42 cars ran at Talladega in October 1997. #49-Shawna Robinson and #71-Andy Hillenburg were late entries and ran only a few laps. Didn't matter ... they'd earned their money by showing up and filling the field. NASCAR probably will have to make midweek phone calls to rustle up enough cars to get to 43.(see story below, looks like 43). There's a good reason for that number: The contract with NBC and Fox says NASCAR must present 43 cars each weekend. If not, the networks aren't obligated to pay as much for the rights to televise the event.(Daily Press). NOTE: being told that NASCAR has asked the #49 BAM Racing and #71 Marcis Racing teams to go to the Cup race in California to insure a full field. The race is not on either teams schedule and Bristol could be the last race for the #26 car and Joe Nemechek unless a sponsor is found.
UPDATE: But California is already on the #49's planned scheduled, the #16 Ford with Greg Biffle is supposed to run, and the #74 BACE Motorsports team with Chad Little plans on debuting there.(3-20-2002) UPDATE 2: Despite reports to the contrary, NASCAR executive George Pyne said that NASCAR TV contract with the networks doesn't require that 43-car fields be provided in order to collect the full rights fees.(Winston Cup Scene - need sub to read)(3-28-2002)
NASCAR Helps Out: James Doherty came to Daytona Beach early this month to enjoy his Bike Week vacation when a terrible accident left him an amputee and put his career as a New York City patrolman in question. But as he left Monday, aboard a NASCAR jet, the 31-year-old officer was upbeat and thanked those who helped him since a terrible accident three weeks ago. On March 7, while cruising on his Harley-Davidson motorcycle on State Road A1A, Doherty was struck by a car whose driver left the accident scene, the Volusia County Sheriff's Office said. His arm was broken, his femur was shattered and doctors at Halifax Medical Center had to amputate part of his left leg. Hospital officials weren't sure how Doherty could go home because a commercial flight wasn't possible. Halifax first contacted the Sheriff's Office, but the department is selling its own airplane, so deputies turned to NASCAR. "We were happy to accommodate him not only because it was a good thing to do but we feel indebted to the New York police personnel and the NY fire personnel for the unfortunate events of Sept. 11," said John Graham, president of Daytona International Speedway.(Orlando Sentinel)(3-26-2002)
NASCAR Cafe to open: Doors of the Nascar Cafe in Greensboro will open April 2, the restaurant chain said. The 10,000-square-foot restaurant at Four Seasons Town Centre will seat 290 people. The Greensboro location will be a little different for the Nascar Cafe, which is owned by Knoxville, TN,-based H&C Racing Inc., in that it is the first one that is designed for a market where the customer base will be primarily area residents. Other Nascar Cafes are in locales such as Myrtle Beach, SC, and Orlando, FL, where tourists make up a large part of the customer base. The restaurant will feature the sights and sounds of Nascar and will have a small retail shop for officially licensed Nascar merchandise. Nascar Cafe operates under an exclusive license from Nascar.(The Business Journal)(3-26-2002)
Chevy's get measured different starting at Texas UPDATE: Officials for NASCAR announced modifications in the inspection and measuring process, specifically for the Chevrolet Monte Carlo, beginning with the NASCAR Winston Cup event weekend at Texas Motor Speedway on April 5th. The current NASCAR Winston Cup Series inspection process utilizes reference lines for inspection located on the inspection-room floor to help determine the overall length of the front of the car for each manufacturer. The Chevrolet's reference line has been moved to the same point as the Ford Taurus and Dodge Intrepid. It will now be measured at 100 ¼ inches in length. (Prior to this modification, the Chevrolet was measured at 99 inches). The Pontiac Grand Prix is measured at 100 ½ inches.(NASCAR PR)(3-22-2002) UPDATE: Chevy team owners call NASCAR's newest rules break "just a bone they're throwing us," according to car owner Andy Petree. NASCAR's John Darby hinted he planned to follow up this rule with one cutting back something on the Dodges. General Motors' Alba Colon said GM would welcome that move: "I would be very glad to hear that. We asked (NASCAR) to do something with the Dodges and the Fords, but they replied 'What can we do for the Chevrolet? We don't want to take anything away from them. What can we do for you?'" The new Chevy rule, Darby says, will give that make more front downforce. However, Chevy crew chiefs dismiss that, saying it may add only 10 pounds of downforce; NASCAR wind tunnel tests last week showed the Dodge with more than 130 pounds more front downforce than the Monte Carlo, out of nearly 1400 pounds of total downforce.(Winston Salem Journal)(3-23-2002)
No Common Templates: Common templates are not on the horizon, according to NASCAR President Mike Helton. “I don’t know that you’ll ever reach a point where there’s definitively a set of templates that are uniquely common. I think there is a benefit for Chevrolet, Pontiac, Dodge and Ford to have brand identity in these garage areas,” Helton said March 16. “That’s the backbone of the competition and the business. So the controversy that surrounds that, I don’t think will ever go away. You look at the NASCAR stock car that’s in the Cup and the Busch garages, and they’re uniquely NASCAR race cars. They have bowties and blue ovals and ram shields and Pontiac triangles in them, but they are NASCAR race cars. If you took a set of templates from a Pontiac and went to a showroom, they’re not going to fit that car. They’re going to fit the NASCAR race car that carries the Pontiac brand on them."(Winston Cup Scene - need sub to read)(3-21-2002)
Suspension Changes UPDATE: NASCAR announced new parameters for suspension and coil springs.(Daytona Beach News Journal) {doesn't say what those changes are](3-17-2002) UPDATE: Effective March 20, NASCAR is requiring several changes that will affect a car’s suspension. The maximum height of the panhard bar frame mount, when measured from the center of the panhard bar mounting bolt to the ground, must not be more than 15 inches. And the difference in height between the center of the panhard bar truck arm mounting bolt and the panhard bar frame mounting bolt must not be more than three inches at any time. The other change is with the front coil springs. The minimum number of active coils for each spring will now be 4 1/2 coils. And all coils must be evenly spaced after the first coil on the closed end of the spring. In addition, all coils must have the same inside and outside diameter.(Winston Cup Scene - need sub to read)(3-21-2002)
Helton leaves MRO: MRO founder and senior pastor Max Helton is leaving the racing ministry to start another designed to work with some other series worldwide. The new ministry will be called International Motorsports Services, and he’ll work with Formula One and other worldwide series. Helton will also work with a nationwide program that will try to help troubled marriages stay together. Helton retired from his role as full-time chaplain two years ago but remained employed by MRO. He founded the ministry nearly 14 years ago.(RacingOne)(3-18-2002)
NASCAR Honored: NASCAR was honored Wednesday with the 2002 American Legion National Commander's Public Relations Award, in recognition of the sanctioning body's tradition of patriotic displays during the televising of pre-race ceremonies.
NASCAR President Mike Helton accepted the award during a luncheon at the Hyatt Regency Capitol Hill, site of the American Legion's annual Washington Conference. The award was presented to Helton by American Legion National Commander Richard J. Santos. The national anthem is
