Jeremy Dunn's Blog
Posted by Jeremy Dunn
Following practice on Saturday, Danica Patrick confronted Milka Duno, the other female driver in the IRL, as she felt that Duno should have allowed the faster cars to pass. Patrick, who has been known to have a short fuse, had some choice words for Milka Duno, who did not take to well to the tongue lashing. Duno quickly reacted and even threw a towel in Patrick's face.
"Unfortunately, things involving me tend to evolve," Danica Patrick said. "I'm on the hot seat when I do something and when others do something (connected to me). It's kind of the line that I walk because I'm popular."
Patrick claimed that she just wanted to know if Duno saw her.
Milka Duno later stated that Patrick may be allowed to push the guys around, but not her.
Posted by Jeremy Dunn
Now that it is official that Ryan Newman will not return to Penske Racing in 2009, a replacement must be found. Casey Mears and David Stremme are two leading candidates for that ride. Both drivers are linked to Penske in some form. Casey's uncle Rick Mears spent years driving for Roger Penske in the open wheel ranks.
Stremme is a test driver for Penske . Additionally, he drives for Rusty Wallace in the Nationwide Series. Wallace and Penske remained friends after they parted ways in 2005.
Michael McDowell, Reed Sorenson, and Martin Truex Jr are rumored drivers as well. However, no one has mentioned Steve Wallace as a candidate for the 12 ride. Rusty's son struggled mightily in his first full season in the Nationwide Series, but he is improving. He has two top five finishes and three top ten finishes in twenty starts, which is by no means striking, but it would make sense for Roger to hire young Wallace.
It seems inevitable that Wallace will end up at Penske one day. No offense to Mears or Stremme, but they have been there done that in Sprint Cup . Neither driver enjoyed much success. Of course, everyone deserves a second chance, which is why Stremme or Sorenson could end up in the ride. But Mears has had several chances. Wallace would be a fresh face.
Some new blood could do that organization some good. Obviously, Wallace would wreck a few cars before he becomes a contender.
Stremme is the logical choice based on the fact that he has tested extensively with Penske's COT program and has outperformed Wallace in the same equipment. He is the best candidate unless Penske can lure Truex Jr away from DEI and other opportunities. But would it surprise anyone if Steve Wallace emerged as a candidate to replace Newman?
Posted by Jeremy Dunn
The fact that Ryan Newman did not renew his contract with Penske Racing speaks volumes. The performance at PRS has been downright brutal ever since the tail end of the 2005 season. Newman and Kurt Busch had their bright moments in 2007, but they were inconsistent.
The drivers are not to blame. If you question Newman's ability, take a look at the 2004 champion Busch. Busch's performances has mirrored Newman's ever since he replaced Rusty Wallace in 2006. Even Wallace had a difficult time in his final years at Penske.
The bottom line is that Penske has the resources to be a upper echelon team. However, they cannot seem to break out of mediocrity, and if they do, it is momentary. Other than a three or four year span in the 1990's with Wallace, and in 2003 with Newman, Penske has never been a threat to Hendrick Motorsports, Roush Fenway Racing, Joe Gibbs Racing, or even RCR.
It is not abnormal for a powerhouse team to fall behind. It happened with RCR following the passing of the late Dale Earnhardt. Childress revamped his operation, and after a year and a half of struggles, they began to vastly improve. Penske has not displayed any similar signs.
Busch is growing tired of the mediocre performances, and his contract expires at the end of 2009. If Penske continues as an also-ran, Busch will head to greener pastures.
Casey Mears and David Stremme are possible replacements, but they are significant downgrades. Jamie McMurray is another driver that may emerge as a candidate, but he is a downgrade as well. Martin Truex Jr would be a solid replacement, but why would he leave one midpack team for another?
With potential sponsorship issues on the 12 car, Penske may soon find himself in the same boat as his IRL adversary, Chip Ganassi.
Posted by Jeremy Dunn
Other than the fact that Tony Stewart will drive one of his cars, we do not know much about Stewart Haas Racing specifics. Of course, there are always rumors. Supposedly, Office Depot and Old Spice will sponsor whichever car Stewart drivers. Jack Daniel's, Burger King, and UPS are possible sponsors for the second car that everyone expects Ryan Newman to drive.
The numbers, well, Stewart will probably go for the seldom-used 14 that personified his childhood hero, A.J. Foyt, for over three decades. The other number is likely Morgan-McClure Motorsports' former number 4. However, if Stewart lands Jack Daniel's, the number 7, 07, or 70 would be relevant.
According to multiple Internet sources, Newman will sign with Stewart Haas Racing. Until an official announcement or confirmation from Stewart, I would not count on it. Many acknowledge Newman and Stewart as two of the most cunning poker players in the NASCAR garage. Perhaps they want everyone to believe they will team up. Newman's name has surfaced as a candidate for the fourth RCR car as well as Stewart's replacement in the 20 Toyota. Stewart did not rule out the possibility of retaining Scott Riggs.
Joey Logano is reportedly a candidate to become Stewart's successor in the Home Depot Toyota. The 18 year old driver has impressed a lot of people, but as Clint Bowyer said last week at Daytona, a monkey could win in that 20 JGR Nationwide car. How would Logano fair if he were driving for Phoenix Racing or CJM Racing? There is no denying his talent, but the superior equipment is making him look like the best thing since 'sliced bread'.
Gibbs is a smart businessman, but recall another driver, J.J. Yeley, who had all the potential in the world. Perhaps he should seriously consider Ryan Newman or Martin Truex, Jr.
Posted by Jeremy Dunn
On Monday, there were rumblings that Teresa Earnhardt is looking to sell Dale Earnhardt, Incorporated. On Tuesday those rumors were denied. The reports stated that Max Siegel, currently the President Of Global Operations, had contacted investors in an effort to purchase controlling interest in DEI. Teresa would still own the rights to 'Dale Earnhardt' and 'Intimidator'.
However, the reports were denied on Tuesday.
"We have not engaged Bear, Stearns or Goldman Sachs or anyone else," Siegel said. "We are contacted all the time by outside firms about getting involved in the sport. We are not for sale right now. Nothing is imminent. Are we constantly weighing that as an option? Does that make sense? Quite frankly, we don't know."
One report stated that Teresa Earnhardt is looking to exit the limelight. It is just a rumor, but there are details that insinuate that this could be more than just a rumor.
Meanwhile, DEI and Martin Truex Jr could be closing in on a deal that would keep the two-time Nationwide Series champion in the 1 car until 2012. With Mark Martin's impending departure, DEI can afford to offer Truex Jr a significant raise.
Also, Truex Jr and his DEI team could be facing a 150-point penalty for an infraction discovered last Thursday at Daytont during an inspection. Currently, Truex Jr is 88 points behind 12th place driver Tony Stewart. The rumored penalty would put a damper on his Chase hopes, as he would be a distant 238 points behind.
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Posted by Jeremy Dunn
The rumors were put to rest on Friday when an official announcement was made that Mark Martin will drive for Hendrick Motorsports full-time in 2009. In 2010, Martin could cut back to 26 races, but you never know with him. Initially, he was going to retire following the 2005 season. Three and a half years later, he is still going strong. Currently, Martin drives the 8 Chevrolet for DEI on a part-time basis, but he could not refuse the opportunity to drive for Hendrick Motorsports.
"It just was an opportunity that I absolutely could not, I just couldn't let it go by," Martin said. "I told Arlene when we talked about this that I'm pretty sure the last breath I took on my death bed would be, 'I should have drove Rick's car when I had the chance.'
Martin joins an all-star cast at Hendrick Motorsports- Dale Earnhardt, Jr., Jeff Gordon, and Jimmie Johnson
NASCAR confiscated the 1 car on Thursday as the car did not meet specifications.
"Something about the roof template. I don’t know. I guess NASCAR wasn’t happy with the way it fit. It’s their ballgame, it’s their call. They took the car. We’re trying to get our backup (car) ready, they had to put an engine in it and get everything ready,” said Martin Truex, Jr.
Posted by Jeremy Dunn
Dario Franchitti's much-heralded transition from IRL to NASCAR came to an abrupt ending on Tuesday when Chip Ganassi announced that the 40 team was shutting down. Franchitti was supposed to attract new sponsorship opportunities after Coors Light pulled out last year. Unfortunately, the 2007 IRL champion and Indianapolis 500 winner is on the sidelines.
Ganassi stated that he would like to retain Franchitti, at least in the Nationwide Series. Fastenal is the primary sponsor so Franchitti will get to race.
"This is a difficult decision for [co-owner] Felix [Sabates] and I that did not come without its share of anguish," Ganassi said in a news release. "In this tough business environment, continuing to run the car without proper funding has become increasingly difficult."
Juan Pablo Montoya and Reed Sorenson are expected to remain with their respective teams, at least until the end of the 2008 season.
What is the future of Chip Ganassi's NASCAR program? A couple of months ago, there were rumors circulating the Ganassi and rival Roger Penske could merge. With both teams struggling and losing sponsors and drivers, this may not be too far-fecthed. Kurt Busch, Juan Pablo Montoya, Sam Hornish Jr, and Reed Sorenson could be the Penske/Ganassi driver lineup in 2009, if Sorenson is retained. Again, this is all speculation.
Posted by Jeremy Dunn
For the last season and a half, veteran Mark Martin and youngster Aric Almirola have shared a ride at DEI driving the recognizable number 8 Chevrolet. However, DEI is ready to promote Almirola to a full-time Sprint Cup ride. Almirola has displayed flashes of potential throughout his young career, with both Joe Gibbs Racing and DEI. He finished 8th at Bristol in March. Everyone knows that Bristol is one of NASCAR's most arduous tracks.
With the possible departure of Martin Truex, Jr, Almirola may become the new face of DEI. He should benefit and emerge as one of NASCAR's top young drivers.
Mark Martin, on the opposite spectrum of his career, is expected to return to full-time competition for Hendrick Motorsports in 2009. Casey Mears was recently relieved of his driving duties for 2009. Martin came so close to winning the ultimate prize on several occasions throughout his career, but fell short. Hendrick Motorsports could provide him with last solid opportunity to win that elusive title.
Now, the NASCAR world is waiting for Tony Stewart, Ryan Newman, and Martin Truex Jr.
Posted by Jeremy Dunn
After two mediocre season with one of NASCAR's elite organizations, Rick Hendrick will show Casey Mears the door following the 2008 Sprint Cup season. Mears won the Coca Cola 600 at Charlotte last May, but has failed to measure up to the other drivers that have driven for Hendrick Motorsports since his arrival. Mears' tenure with Hendrick Motorsports began in the 25 ride, and was transferred to the 5 car when Dale Earnhardt, Jr. arrived in 2008.
For some reason, things have not clicked for Mears and Hendrick. Now, Mears must search for another ride. There is speculation that Mears could end up at Richard Childress Racing, but I have a feeling that he is Childress' third or fourth choice. I think Ryan Newman is the driver that Childress covets, but things have yet to fall into place.
Despite the lack of consistency throughout his career, Mears has the ability to attract sponsor, which means that he could be a savior for a team that lacks solid sponsorship, such as DEI or Yates Racing. Also, Penske Racing is another team that may make a bid for Mears. Mears was one of the drivers that was rumored to replace Rusty Wallace three years ago.
Back to the 5 car, it looks as if Mark Martin is going to take over that ride on a full-time basis. Martin just cannot stay away from NASCAR. I think he underestimated his timetable for retirement when he first announced his retirement in 2005. He will warm the seat for Landon Cassill, who will likely take over the 5 ride in 2010. Brad Keselowski is RCR's third choice behind Newman and Martin Truex, Jr. He could end up at RCR or with Tony Stewart's upstart team.
Posted by Jeremy Dunn
Even though Greg Biffle and Clint Bowyer stated that they plan to remain with their respective teams, silly season rumors have included both drivers. Over the past two months, Biffle has publicly declared his desire to remain at Roush Fenway Racing at least until 2011, and this became official today.
"I weighed, certainly, all of my options out and it felt like the 16 car is where I really wanted to spend my next three years driving."
A year ago, I thought Biffle was the odd-man out at Roush Fenway Racing, but his performance has thrown that notion out the window.
Meanwhile, Clint Bowyer's name somehow got thrown into the mix. Supposedly, Hendrick Motorsports courted last year's breakthrough driver. Bowyer is one of NASCAR's most consistent young drivers, and it is unlikely that Childress would allow Bowyer to leave. And why would Bowyer want to leave? He has a great relationship with both Childress and his two teammates Jeff Burton and Kevin Harvick.
Posted by Jeremy Dunn
Several years ago, Kevin Harvick took every opportunity to publicly blast Kurt Busch. Now that the rivalry has cooled off, Kurt's little brother Kyle has drawn the ire of Harvick. Last week, Kyle Busch made contact with Ron Hornaday, who drives for Kevin Harvick, Inc. The contact caused Hornaday to spin and his chances of victory vanished. Both Harvick and Hornaday approached Busch following the race, and the trio engaged in a heated discussion.
Hornaday practically promised retribution, and Harvick went off in a tangent about how young 'punks' disrespect the sport.
On Sunday, Harvick overdrove the hairpin turn while trying to pass David Gilliland; however, he ran into third place driver Jamie McMurray, which set off the domino effect as Tony Stewart was collected as well. Race-winner Kyle Busch enjoyed talking about Harvick's blunder.
"Everybody makes mistakes sometimes, but when Harvick comes up to me and runs his mouth like he did at Michigan [after an incident in a Craftsman Series truck race last weekend] and says all the stuff he did, he kind of stuck it right back in his mouth here this weekend. That was good to see," Busch said with pleasure.
As of now, Harvick has yet to respond, but it is just a matter of time before he let's the world know how he feels about Kyle Busch.
Posted by Jeremy Dunn
The weekend produced some decent racing at Milwaukee and Sonoma, but it also produced more speculation regarding the future of several drivers. The latest rumor has Mark Martin replacing Casey Mears in the number 5 Hendrick Motorsports Chevrolet. Mears has yet to live up to the expectations that Hendrick had for him. In all fairness to Mears, Hendrick has not provided him with any sort of stability. Martin would either drive the car full-time in one last attempt at the Sprint Cup championship, or he would share driving duties with Brad Keselowski.
Also, Greg Biffle is close to a three-year deal with Roush Fenway Racing, which is less than surprising. Joey Logano is expected to run a handful of Sprint Cup events later this year, so he is in the running to replace Tony Stewart in the 20 Toyota if Stewart does leave Joe Gibbs Racing. Ryan Newman has set a deadline for Penske to improve the performance of the 12 car or he will sign with another organization. Richard Childress has expressed interest in Newman.
Childress has narrowed his driver search down to 3 or 4 drivers, which include Newman, Martin Truex, Jr., Scott Wimmer, and another undisclosed driver. He hopes to make an announcement by August 15th, which may coinside with the Newman/Penske deadline.
Posted by Jeremy Dunn
According to Ryan Newman, NASCAR officials should have penalized Dale Earnhardt Jr after he passed the pace car. Conserving fuel with just a handful of laps to go in the LifeLock 400 at Michigan, Earnhardt Jr turned his engine off and coasted past the pace car. NASCAR officials warned Earnhardt Jr to allow the pace car to pass him and he complied. Still, drivers questioned why Earnhardt was not penalized.
The always candid Newman, who spent Tuesday at Kennedy Space Center where he received a commemorative green flag for winning the 50th running of the Daytona 500, said, "Based on the conversations we have in the driver's meeting almost every week (told not to pass the pace car), yes there was preferential treatment. It's a known fact, do not pass the pace car. Whether it's a caution or coming to pit lane, whatever, you do not pass the pace car."
The 2003 Cup champion Matt Kenseth nearly echoed Newman's sentiments.
"I didn't think you could pass the pace car," he said. "I thought you had to stay close up, but if I was in their position, obviously, I'd be doing the same thing, trying to make it to the end on fuel."
Folks, there is no conspiracy theory here. While I agree with Newman that NASCAR has its golden boys, I think they let this one slide only because Earnhardt Jr only needed one warning. Recall last year at Kansas when Greg Biffle ran out of fuel and allowed four cars to pass him before he crossed the finish line. Technically, Biffle did not maintain a reasonable speed, and Clint Bowyer should have won. NASCAR allowed Biffle to keep the win, and Biffle is not considered one of NASCAR's golden boys.
Posted by Jeremy Dunn
After ten seasons sponsoring the 22 car for Bill Davis Racing, Caterpillar will join Richard Childress Racing in 2009, and replace the departing AT&T Wireless brand. Caterpillar was the former sponsor for Jeff Burton's brother Ward from 1999 to 2003. Caterpillar also sponsored Scott Wimmer and Dave Blaney.
AT&T, formerly Cingular Wireless, was a primary sponsor for RCR ever since 2002. So another piece of the silly season puzzle has been filled. RCR still has an opening for the number 33 car sponsored by General Mills. Ryan Newman appears to be the leading candidate for that job, although he has stated that he has received an offer from his current employer Roger Penske.
Bill Davis Racing is now searching for a sponsor for his one-car operation.
Posted by Jeremy Dunn
Could this be the beginning of the end for Reed Sorenson at Chip Ganassi Racing? If the report on Jayski is accurate, Scott Pruett will drive the number 41 Target Dodge for this weekend's Sprint Cup race at Infineon.
Sorenson enjoyed an abundance of success as a rookie in the Nationwide Series in 2005, but he has struggled since replacing Casey Mears in the 41 car. Now, Sorenson has become expendible, and may lose his ride before the season is complete. Sorenson would likely have no trouble finding another decent ride, as he is still young and marketable. But still, marketability can only get you so far in this sport. You still have to perform.
If Sorenson does leave Ganassi before the season's complete, and this is only speculation, Ganassi may finally learn from his past mistakes of rushing a driver's development. He seemed pleased with veteran Jeremy Mayfield's effort at Dover earlier in the month, and he could be a possibility.
Scott Pruett is a phenomenal road course racer, and should give the Cup boys a run for their money.
Posted by Jeremy Dunn
Joey Logano received a multitude of compliments as he embarked upon his Nationwide Series debut in Dover two weeks ago. He posted a solid sixth place finish, but he was far from satisfied. His disappointment showed that he is a true competitor.
In his second start at Nashville, he won the pole and led 64 laps before a four-tire stop dropped him out of the top ten. While trying to force his way back to the front, he spun out after contact from Greg Biffle while they were racing three-wide. Logano did not want to hit the wall so he came down on Biffle, who had the middle lane claimed. His comments following the wreck was troublesome.
He said that the four-tire pit stop 'put us back there in the 'trash'. Now, 'trash' could have meant the 'dirty air', but most drivers just say 'dirty air'. After the crew repaired the damage, Logano rode around and turned laps. He said, "You get out of everybody's way. You don't want to get in the mess, because you have nothing to gain. You don't feel like riding in the back with all the junk."
Isn't it just a little too early in his career to be taking shots at fellow competitors and their equipment? Biffle, a proven winner and 2002 Nationwide Series champion was back there with him. His teammate Kyle Busch was back there with him. There were lap cars in the mix, but to use the word trash is demeaning and disrespectful.
This is the last thing that NASCAR needs, another young arrogant punk thinking he is the greatest thing since sliced bread. Wait, his nickname is 'sliced bread'. Mark Martin and the media are to blame as they stroked this kid's ego too much before he ever strapped into a Nationwide Series car.
Posted by Jeremy Dunn
The 2008 season could not have began any sweeter for Ryan Newman and Roger Penske as they captured the Daytona 500. It has been sour ever since, as the 12 team has encountered one too many mechanical malfunctions in the first thirteen races.
Newman is at the end of his contract with Penske, who he has driven for since 2000. However, with all of the fuss regarding Tony Stewart and his possible availability, NASCAR's second top free agent has flew under the radar. The quiet yet candid driver is a hot commodity in the NASCAR garage. Not only does he boast a Daytona 500 trophy, but he has 12 additional wins, all which occurred in a four-year span.
In 2005, Newman was at the end of his contract, and was on Jack Roush's radar to replace Mark Martin in the famed number 6 Ford, but Newman remained loyal to Penske, re-signing for another three years. However, Alltel, Newman's only primary sponsor since he was in the ARCA Series in 2000, will merge with Verizon Wireless. Eventually, the Alltel brand will be phased out, which means that there will be no more blue and white Alltel Dodge circling the tracks.
As a top free agent, Newman's future is probably not at Penske. There are one too many question marks. Richard Childress Racing has a ride with a full-time sponsor. Sure, the team is not locked into the all-important top 35, but Newman is renowned for his qualifying prowess. Furthermore, somehow, that 33 team will be locked in. Money can buy points. The 20 ride could be vacant if Tony Stewart leaves his Joe Gibbs Racing team. Over the next couple of months, the blurry silly season picture will become clearer. Newman and Stewart will have the greatest impact on how silly season plays out.
Posted by Jeremy Dunn
Jamie McMurray's days at Roush Fenway Racing appear to be numbered. The Charlotte Observer reported that McMurray is already searching for future employment with another team. Although McMurray denied the report, there must be some truth to it. McMurray has underachieved ever since he made the transition from Chip Ganassi Racing to Roush Fenway Racing.
Following the 2009 season, Roush Fenway Racing must downscale to four teams. Currently at five teams, one driver will be the odd-man out. Carl Edwards, Greg Biffle, and Matt Kenseth are three of the most talented drivers in the NASCAR Sprint Cup garage, so clearly, Roush and his staff will do everything they can to keep those drivers in the stable for the duration of their careers. That leaves the twenty-two year old David Ragan, who is beginning to show promise, and Jamie McMurray, who has been in the sport since 2002 and only has two career victories. Clearly, Ragan is the logical choice.
McMurray, once considered one of NASCAR's top rising stars, has stuggled to find any consistency with one of NASCAR's top teams. There is no doubting his talent, as he is typically competitive on tracks such as the road courses, restrictor plates, and short tracks, all tracks that require more from the driver. His struggles on the intermediate speedways could be due to the inability to verbally relay to the crew chief what the car needs to handle better.
If McMurray does leave Roush Fenway Racing after the season, he could land at Roush's sister team, Yates Racing, or perhaps DEI or Richard Childress Racing. McMurray probably has one chance left with a solid organization.
Posted by Jeremy Dunn
Office Depot will no longer sponsor Carl Edwards and the 99 Roush Fenway Racing entry following the 2009 season. Aflac, which is a secdonary sponsor, will replace the office supplies chain. Recently, UPS surfaced as a possible sponsor for Edwards as they appear to be shopping for a new driver to take on a marketable role, similar to Dale Jarrett.
UPS was also linked to Martin Truex, Jr and Penske Racing, not sure how that one started. Truex, Jr is currently under contract with DEI and with an option for 2009, but he is in no hurry to sign any dotted lines. Truex, Jr joining Penske could mean that a fourth team is on the horizon, or that Ryan Newman is leaving. Newman is arguably the top free agent that has no contract signed for 2009. Tony Stewart is not a free agent.
Jeremy Mayfield has returned from a 12-day tour in Iraq. Mayfield has flew under the radar ever since he parted ways with Haas CNC Racing in April. The five-time winner, and two-time Chase for the Championship participant should be a hot commodity, but his track record with car owners has lowered his stock just a bit. He will receive another opportunity at Dover as he will drive the number 40 Dodge for the currently injured Dario Franchitti. I'm not sure that driving for Chip Ganassi will showcase your potential, but it is a step up from Haas CNC Racing.
LMS track promoter Humpy Wheeler announced his retirement on Wednesday after 33 years. Wheeler is the long-time president of LMS and a legendary promoter. He also befriened several of NASCAR"s legends such as Dale Earnhardt, Richard Petty, and David Pearson.
Doug Richert is out as the crew chief on DEI's 01 entry and is replced by Kevin Buskirk.
Posted by Jeremy Dunn
Juan Pablo Montoya's bump 'n', no let me rephrase, wreck 'n' run on his Chip Ganassi Racing teammate Scott Pruett highlighted the weekend in Mexico City last year. Unfortunately, the Colombian driver decided to relish one of his scarce Sprint Cup off-weekends.
Montoya has every right to savor his time off, but the race in Mexico City is designed to attract more Latino fans. Montoya is the top Latino driver in the world, all apologies to Adrian Fernandez. His apearance in this race would have really verfiied to the NASCAR world that this race was important, and that it has a future. Now there are whispers of scratching this race of the Nationwide Series agenda.
Love him or hate him, Montoya is a dang good driver, and provides plenty of excitement wherever he is on the track. Instead, Kyle Krisiloff is driving the second Chip Ganassi Racing entry.
Also absent from the Mexico City race is hometown favorites Jorge Geoters and Carlos Contreras. Canadian driver Ron Fellows is without a ride as well.
Kyle Busch is contemplating running a full Nationwide Series schedule. That would be bad news for Clint Bowyer and Carl Edwards. Bowyer and Edwards are expected to battle amongst themselves for the Nationwide title. If Busch were to run the full sked, it would throw a monkeywrench into the plans of Bowyer and Edwards.
Posted by Jeremy Dunn
No longer is she only the IRL eye-candy that looks better than she races. Danica Patrick won her first IRL race in the rain delayed event at Twin Ring Motegi. She becomes the first female to win in the IndyCar Series, significant indeed. It was her 50th career start in IRL. Patrick was a rookie in 2005.
Patrick took advantage of fuel mileage after Scott Dixon pitted. She passed Helio Castroneves and pulled away to win by over 5.8 seconds.
"It's a long time coming, finally...I was managing to save fuel and keep the speed up and when I saw Helio, I knew he was the one to beat," said the euphoric winner.
Cynics have accused Danica Patrick of being the Anna Kournakova of auto racing. Sure, she has sex appeal, but can she win? Patrick answered those questions in Japan. It is time to take Patrick seriously.
And Helio, you got beat by a girl.
Posted by Jeremy Dunn
Penske hires David Stremme. This could turn out to be a brilliant move for Stremme. He presently drives for Rusty Wallace part-time in the Nationwide Series, and has enjoyed some solid showings. Instead of settling for a third-tier ride, he will test cars for Daytona 500 winner Ryan Newman, 2004 champion Kurt Busch, and three-time IRL champion Sam Hornish, Jr.
Penske is a premier organization that may have an opening in the near future. Hornish, Jr.'s heart may still be in open-wheel racing, though he has denied that he will compete in the Indianapolis 500. If he returns to IRL, Stremme is the frontrunner for the 77. Newman is a free agent and may be exploring his options. Obviously, teams are going to throw some dollar bills at Newman. If Newman leaves Penske, then Stremme would hit the jackpot with the 12 team. Perhaps Penske is gearing up for a fourth team.
Ken Schrader will drive for Haas CNC at Talladega. Haas CNC Racing continues to serve as a revolving door for journeyman drivers. The team dumped Johnny Sauter after he produced a solid season with a rookie team. In comes Jeremy Mayfield, a proven winner, and after seven races, they show him the door. When is this team going to commit to a driver? Schrader will be the next ex-Haas driver.
Ganassi swaps crew chiefs on the 41 and 42. Ganassi lashed out at his underachieving teams at Texas, therefore, he made some changes. Well, the team he called pathetic, the 40 team driven by Dario Franchitti, was not a part of the reorganization. Montoya has carried the banner for Ganassi, and the 41 team has been decent, but they cannot escape bad luck. Donnie Wingo will now be the crew chief for Reed Sorenson, and Jimmy Elledge for Montoya.
Posted by Jeremy Dunn
After qualifying for the Chase for the Championship in 2004 and 2005, Jeremy Mayfield appeared to have overcome the issues that plagued him while he was driving for Penske Racing. However, a feud with Ray Evernham in 2006, less than six months after he finished ninth in the championship standings, ended his tenure with the Evernham organization.
He moved on to Bill Davis Racing in 2007, but that ride ended in October before he joined Haas CNC Racing. Mayfield could not make the situation work and finds himself searching for another ride.
Johnny Sauter will replace Mayfield at Phoenix.
Unfortunately, Mayfield may have worn out his welcome in the Sprint Cup series. He was highly pursued after he left Penske Racing in 2001, and when his contract expired in 2003, several car owners courted the Kentucky native.
Ever since his feud with Evernham, Mayfield's reputation has suffered, as many blame him for his career downward spiral. However, there are two sides to every story. It seems that Mayfield lost every bit of confidence he had after the fallout with Evernham.
“Jeremy’s proven resume behind the wheel of a Cup car was a real benefit to our team,” Haas General Manager Joe Custer said. “He stepped into the seat and did everything we asked him to and more...Ultimately, we were unable to provide him with the right balance, handling and speed he needed to be successful. We wish Jeremy nothing but the best for his future.”
Unlike the Penske and Evernham fiasco, Mayfield has amicably parted ways with Haas and Bill Davis. Maybe he is not all that bad. It looks like Mayfield will end his career in the Nationwide Series, or Craftsman Truck Series.
Posted by Jeremy Dunn
Add Petty Enterprises to the ever growing list of teams that are searching for long-term sponsors. After nine years, General Mills will leave the Petty Enterprises organization and sponsor a fourth Richard Childress Racing team. Many are speculating that Bobby Labonte will follow his sponsor to RCR.
Labonte has spent the last three seasons with the Petty's driving the famed number 43 Dodge, and has built a strong friendship with that group. However, RCR has deeper pockets and is unarguably the better option. Additionally, Labonte drives for RCR part-time in the Nationwide Series, and has driven for Kevin Harvick in the past. Labonte is close friends with Jeff Burton and Harvick.
While Labonte is considered a loyal person, he is a competitor, and he possess that will to win.
Loyalty and alliances run deep in NASCAR, however, performance is key in this sport, especially this day in age.
The Petty's are currently in the process of lining up a partnership that would increase the cashflow. The company that has been mentioned is the Medallion Financial Group.
Kyle Petty will give up his seat at Texas as Chad McCumbee will step in. The 45 team is outside of the top 35 in the NASCAR Sprint Cup owner's standings, so the youngster must qualify his way in.
Posted by Jeremy Dunn
The Jack Roush versus Toyota feud has turned ugly. They traded barbs a few weeks ago after Roush Fenway Racing driver Carl Edwards and his team failed post-race inspection as the lid on the oil reservoir was missing.
Lee White, Toyota Racing Development's General Manager, said, "I guarantee you the cover bolts didn't fall out, because if they fall, the engine leaks and you can't run. If you want something to fall off, you fix it so it can...If you have 21% more downforce, that's like having 50 (extra) horsepower. There's absolutely something going on there where someone knew what they were doing."
Of course, Roush provided us with a discourteous retort to his former employee's comments. He said, "Toyota and Lee White are besieged by the fact that they've wasted a bunch of money for two years, that they haven't gotten the results that they represented to their management."
Well, the battlelines were drawn and the Cat in the Hat has reportedly thrown out some serious accusations in an interview with ESPN The Magazine that would debase Toyota .
“We had a proprietary Roush Fenway part go missing from one of my race teams, and we recovered it from a Toyota team. I’m not going to say which team it is, but we are considering legal action, or getting NASCAR involved," said Roush.
Hopefully, this is false, because anything that can potentially destroy the integrity of the sport is difficult to overcome. And it would give fans another reason to detest Toyota.
It would be the second Toyota debacle...I'm sure everyone remembers the Mikey-gate at Daytona last year.
Posted by Jeremy Dunn
The Goodyear versus Tony Stewart feud is not going away any time soon. Less than a week after Stewart lambasted Goodyear following the Kobalt Tools 500 at Atlanta, the tire company has publicly stated that they have no plans to invite Stewart back to a tire test.
Goodyear representative Greg Stucker comfirmed that it was not because of Stewart's harsh criticism of the tire compound. Stewart participated in a tire test at Las Vegas in December and was supposedly less than thrilled to be involved.
“Tony (and other NASCAR drivers) was invited to the Las Vegas tire test in December because he was very vocal about his displeasure with the Las Vegas race track and our tire recommendation previously...He was there, but I would say he probably really wasn’t involved. He wasn’t into it … If he’s not going to be more constructive than he has been recently or was at that test, no, he won’t get another test. We look for people that want to be engaged that provide us with feedback, to be there to do what we need...Tony made it very clear that he would have (rather) been someplace else and he really wasn’t very cooperative as far as giving us feedback," said Stucker Friday morning at the Bristol Motor Speedway.
Stewart, who has never been a fan of testing, must provide the tire company his assessment of the tire at these tests. If he wants to call out the tire company, at least try to help the situation when given the opportunity. I really like Stewart, and there is a chance that Stucker is exaggerating. We'll see what Stewart's response it later when he addresses the media, because we all know that he will.
Goodyear is refusing to back down from NASCAR's most vocal driver.
Posted by Jeremy Dunn
Despite the family feud at DEI last season, Dale Earnhardt Jr and Martin Truex Jr have remained buddies. The two video game addicts spent a lot of time together during their time together at DEI. Truex Jr won two championship with Chance 2 Motorsports, the team formerly co-owned by Dale Earnhardt Jr and Teresa Earnhardt. In 2006, Truex Jr drove a couple of races for JR Motorsports, the team that Earnhardt Jr founded.
It was recently announced that Truex Jr will drive the #5 Chevrolet, now owned by JR Motorsports and supported by Hendrick Motorsports.
Last year, many fans were critical of Teresa Earnhardt as they felt as if she chased Earnhardt Jr away from DEI by refusing to sell him majority ownership. They became incensed when she decided not to allow the #8 to move to Hendrick Motorsports with Earnhardt Jr. But maybe she is not as wicked as everyone seems to think she is. Obviously, Truex Jr had to receive permission from Teresa, who is the boss lady, to drive a race for a rival team.
“We are extremely happy to have Martin in the No. 5 National Guard Chevrolet at Bristol, and we want to thank DEI for allowing him to drive for us,” said Kelley Earnhardt Elledge, Earnhardt Jr's sister and vice president / general manager at JR Motorsports.
Martin Truex Jr will drive the JR Motorsports entry at Bristol Motor Speedway next weekend.
Posted by Jeremy Dunn
Robby Gordon's future as a NASCAR Sprint Cup owner just received some much-needed help as his 100-point penalty was overturned. He was initially penalized 100 driver and owner points, and his crew chief Frank Kerr was fined $100,000 and suspended for six races.
The penalties involving points were scratched and and the suspension was lifted; however, Kerr's fine was increased to $150,000 and he will remain on probation until December 31.
Gordon was penalized at Daytona as his car wsa found with an unapproved front bumper cover, which ended up being a manufacturer mistake. Gordon will move up from 37th to 21st in both the owner's and driver's championship standings.
Meanwhile, Carl Edwards, who had just won his second race, was penalized 100 driver points, and Jack Roush was penalized 100 owner points after the lid to the oil reservoir was missing in post-race inspection. Additionally, crew chief Bob Osborne was fined $100,000 and will sit out the next six races. Chris Andrews and Robbie Reiser will share the crew chief duties on the 99 car.
Edwards drops for 1st to 7th in the Sprint Cup championship standings.
Posted by Jeremy Dunn
After posting a noteworthy 8th place finish at Las Vegas Motor Speedway last week, Travis Kvapil has landed a sponsor for the Kobalt Tools 500 at Atlanta Motor Speedway this weekend. Zaxby's Restaurants will sponsor the Yates Racing number 28 Ford this weekend. The Zaxby's headquarters is located in Atlanta, and they are a sponsor on the #09 Roush Fenway Racing truck in the Craftsman Truck Series.
The hood and quarterpanel of the 28 Ford has been empty for the past two weeks as Yates Racing has searched for a primary sponsor. K&N Filters sponsored Kvapil at Daytona, but at California and Las Vegas, the car was plain white.
"I'm really thrilled to have Zaxby's as the sponsor of our #28 Ford Fusion for this weekend at Atlanta," stated Kvapil. "Having the opportunity to drive the Zaxby's Ford, and Atlanta being Zaxby's home base for the company, is a great tie-in. I know that we're going to have a lot of success for them on Sunday. Our Cup team has really been able to show our potential over the past few weeks, and I think that this is a great time for sponsors to jump on board to partner with our Yates Racing teams."
For now, this is a one-race deal, but with the way this team has performed over the last two weeks, the sponsor quest may be over soon.
Posted by Jeremy Dunn
Red Bull Racing has announced that Mike Skinner will replace A.J. Allmendinger in the Red Bull Toyota Camry for the time being as the team has yet to qualify for a race in 2008. Skinner drives for Bill Davis Racing in the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series. Davis also represents the Toyota brand.
Allmendinger's teammate Brian Vickers has qualified for all three Sprint Cup event thus far.
"We're at a crossroads where we need to make a change that will elevate the No. 84 team to success," said Jay Frye, the team's vice president and general manager. "A.J.'s our guy and he's a talented driver, but there's a lot being asked of him. In order for him to be successful, we have to get this team pointed in the right direction. We hope we can do that with the help of a veteran driver."
Allmendinger did test for Red Bull Racing at Phoenix on Monday.
Posted by Jeremy Dunn
Jon Wood will forego his 2008 Sprint Cup debut this weekend at Las Vegas and Johnny Sauter will drive the Wood Brothers Racing Ford Fusion. Wood, the grandson of team founder Glen Wood, was scheduled to race in the UAW-Dodge 400 before he admitted that he was not ready to compete in NASCAR's new car, formerly known as the Car of Tomorrow.
"Jon didn't feel he was ready," said Eddie Wood. "My gut told me to go with Johnny (Sauter). He ran well with the COT and he's a good qualifier. He tested at Vegas in the Nationwide car so he's familiar with the track. If it gets us into the show it will be great for everyone."
Wood is also scheduled to run eight other races throughout the season. Bill Elliott is the team's primary driver, however, he will not race as he will tend to other commitments.
What does this mean for Jon Wood? Last summer, he stepped out of his Nationwide Series ride after he encountered an adverse reaction to medication that he was taking. Kelly Bires assumed his ride. When Wood returned to the track later in the season, it was in the Craftsman Truck Series.
Wood appeared to be on the fast track to stardom when he began driving trucks for Roush Fenway Racing in 2002, however, he was never able to advance. He struggled in the Nationwide Series driving for the team that his family co-owned.
Posted by Jeremy Dunn
Auto Club 500 results
1. Carl Edwards, Ford
2. Jimmie Johnson, Chevrolet
3. Jeff Gordon, Chevrolet
4. Kyle Busch, Toyota
5. Matt Kenseth, Ford
6. Martin Truex Jr, Chevrolet
7. Tony Stewart, Toyota
8. Kevin Harvick, Chevrolet
9. Kasey Kahne, Dodge
10. Ryan Newman, Dodge
NASCAR Sprint Cup Standings
1. Kyle Busch- 335
2. Ryan Newman- 329
3. Tony Stewart- 316
4. Kurt Busch- 299
5. Carl Edwards- 296
Posted by Jeremy Dunn
The sponsorship quest can be daunting and Jacques Villeneuve is living proof. The established open-wheel veteran had no idea that finding adequate sponsorship support would be this challenging. Villeneuve has expressed his desire to compete in NASCAR's highest level of competition for several years now and finally had his chance with Bill Davis Racing and Toyota.
He was scheduled to compete the entire Sprint Cup schedule and vie for the Rookie of the Year honors along with Regan Smith and fellow open-wheelers Sam Hornish Jr, Dario Franchitti, and Patrick Carpentier. However, the sponsorship search has come up empty and Bill Davis Racing officials have announced that Johnny Benson and Mike Skinner will drive the #27 Toyota for the time being.
Villeneuve's plans are up in the air. He still hopes that a sponsorship package can be established for his Sprint Cup effort, but in the meantime, he is in limbo.
The IROC Series is on the verge of extinction as officials announced that they will auction off the cars and miscellaneous equipment. The IROC Series has produced some of the most exicting racing and has featured some of auto racing's best drivers.
“We’re all very sad to see IROC come to an end, but the competition for major corporate sponsorship is very tough and the car manufacturers have not shown any interest. We kept hope alive as long as we could but now it’s time to look forward and move on," said President Jay Signore.
The series has suffered through the same sponsorship tribulations as aspiring Sprint Cup driver Jacques Villeneuve.
Posted by Jeremy Dunn
Just like his daddy used to, Dale Earnhardt, Jr. is spanking the field during Daytona Speedweeks. After winning the Budweiser Shootout on Saturday, Earnhardt, Jr. backed it up with a win the first Gatorade Duel race. He moved past Ryan Newman with less than 10 laps to go and held of Newman and Reed Sorenson.
Brian Vickers and Kenny Wallace raced their way into the field after posting top ten finishes. Bill Elliott, Carl Long, and Sterling Marlin will not race in Sunday's 50th running of the Daytona 500. It's a shame, Elliott deserves to be there.
Posted by Jeremy Dunn
Following their heated exchange on and off the track on Friday, NASCAR has placed Tony Stewart and Kurt Busch on probation.
Stewart ran into the back of Busch during practice causing damage to Busch's Dodge Charger. The 2004 champion retaliated by bumping Stewart several times as the two drivers headed towards pit road.
Both drivers were called to the NASCAR hauler where things continued to escalate. According to multiple sources, Busch insulted Stewart during their argument, which led to Stewart throwing a punch.
Since then, both drivers have said that the incident is behind them. However, NASCAR handed down punishments for both drivers, which is a six-race probation.
NASCAR vice president Jim Hunter plans to redefine the term probation and how it is utilized in NASCAR.
Posted by Jeremy Dunn
Tony Stewart clipped Kurt Busch late in Saturday evening's Budweiser Shooting, drawing the ire of the 2004 Sprint Cup champion. The two drivers banged on each other as they headed by towards pit road.
NASCAR officials summoned Busch and Stewart to the hauler where the tempers reportedly escalated. Rumors have surfaced that Stewart punched Busch after the discussion became heated. NASCAR officials neither confirmed nor denied the confrontation.
As things cooled off, both drivers said that they have put the incident behind them.
"We're going to move forward. We know we need to help each other out in the future so that doesn't happen again," said Kurt Busch.
Tony Stewart said, "The best thing to do is to go on and move forward and not let this linger between the two of us."
Penalties, if any, will be announced later this week.
Posted by Jeremy Dunn
The sponsor search continues for Yates Racing; however, some of the pressure was lifted when Experian Consumer Direct and FreeCreditReport.com announced that they would endorse the 38 Ford Fusion driven by David Gilliland for the Budweiser Shootout as well as the first six races of the NASCAR Sprint Cup season.
This rumor surfaced about two weeks ago, and has become a done deal right in the nick of time. FreeCreditReport.com was the sponsor for David Gilliland in the Nationwide Series in 2007 when he competed in a partial schedule for Team Rensi.
Yates Racing is still searching for companies to represent the two-car operation. After the sixth race at Martinsville, there is a lot of uncertainty as far as the sponsor on the 38. The 28 car driven by Travis Kvapil is still without a primary sponsor.
Wake up corporate America! Who wouldn't want to sponsor the 28 in its return to NASCAR?
Haas CNC Racing has announced that Junior Johnson's brand of moonshine, Midnight Moon, will be the primary sponsor for Jeremy Mayfield in the Daytona 500. After that, sponsorship is still lacking for Mayfield and the 70 team.
Posted by Jeremy Dunn
For the third consecutive season, Miller Brewing Company has challenged Anheiser-Busch to a friendly wager. Miller has wagered $25,000 on their driver Kurt Busch, placing full confidence that he will finish ahead of Budweiser driver Kasey Kahne in the NASCAR Sprint Cup standings.
Busch is favored to finish 8.5 spots ahead of Kahne in the standings based on the odds.
In addition, Miller has wagered $2,500 that Busch will finish ahead of Kahne in the Daytona 500.
All of the winnings goes to charitable organizations.
The betting lines were opened by The Palms Casino Resort.
So fans, who do you think will finish higher in the Daytona 500? The final Sprint Cup championship standings? Please let us know in the discussion forum!
Posted by Jeremy Dunn
In a rather surprising development, Robby Gordon and his single-car operation has signed a Technological and Marketing Agreement with Gillett Evernham Motorsports. The team co-owned by the Gillett family and Ray Evernham is considered one of the premier organizations in the sport, and Gordon envisions added benefits by collaborating with a team that possesses additional resources.
However, Gillett Evernham Motorsports fields Dodge Chargers, which means that Robby Gordon must quickly adapt to the new body style after a season of fielding Ford Fusions. Fortunately, with the new templates, formerly known as the Car of Tomorrow, there are more similarities with the body styles.
This alliance appears to be similar to that of Hall of Fame and Joe Gibbs Racing, or Roush Fenway Racing and Yates Racing. Clearly, this is a step in the right direction for Robby Gordon and his entire organization.
Gillett Evernham Motorsports fields three teams driven by Kasey Kahne, Elliott Sadler, and Patrick Carpentier.
Posted by Jeremy Dunn
NASCAR completed the second day of testing at Las Vegas Motor Speedway, with Carl Edwards leading the morning practice session with a speed of 184.256 mph (29.307).
Juan Pablo Montoya led the afternoon practice session with a speed of 186.761 mph (28.914).
Posted by Jeremy Dunn
Testing is under way at the Las Vegas Motor Speedway. At first glance, the trio of Joe Gibbs Racing drivers are setting the pace. Denny Hamlin led the morning practice session with a speed of 178.265 mph (30.292). Kyle Busch paced the afternoon practice session with a speed of 183.580 mph (29.415).
Joe Gibbs Racing is fielding Toyota Camry's for the first time after a decade and a half of sporting General Motor products.
Posted by Jeremy Dunn
Juan Pablo Montoya, Dario Franchitti, Scott Pruett, and Memo Rojas capture the third consecutive Rolex 24 Hours at Daytona for Chip Ganassi Racing.
"Everybody on the team ... knows what they're capable of doing and achieving and it's just a matter of giving them the right tools to do it," said a victorious Chip Ganassi.
Pruett has now been involved in three Rolex 24 victories. Montoya was instrumental in last year's triumph as well. This is the first victory for Franchitti and Rojas.
Unfortunately, none of the Rolex 24 at Daytona victories translated into NASCAR Sprint Cup victories.
Kenny Wallace has signed with Fitz Racing to drive a second car for the Nationwide Series team. Wallace joins veteran Mike Bliss on the Fitz Racing driving roster.
Posted by Jeremy Dunn
Gillett Evernham Motorsports is in the process of finalizing their 2008 sponsorship plans. Valvoline and Auto Value/Bumper To Bumper will sponsor the #10 Dodge driven by rookie Patrick Carpentier for select races. Also, McDonald's will act as a primary sponsor for Elliott Sadler and the 19 team for eight races in 2008. McDonald's joins Best Buy and Stanley Tools as sponsors for Sadler.
Kenny Wallace will drive a second Furniture Row Racing car in the Daytona 500. Joe Nemechek is the team's primary driver.
Dale Jarrett will replace Rusty Wallace in the ESPN broadcasting booth. Jarrett will retire from driving following the sixth race of the season. Wallace will become ESPN's lead analyst on NASCAR Countdown and will appear on ESPN's NASCAR news show NASCAR Now. Veteran broadcaster Allen Bestwick will become ESPN's host of race telecasts.
Posted by Jeremy Dunn
NASCAR took a step in the right direction when it comes to their whacked-out qualifying procedure. In the past, the top 35 teams were locked into the field and the rest had to qualify for the race based on their speeds. In 2007, with the addition of several new teams, several key drivers such as Dale Jarrett, Michael Waltrip, Jeremy Mayfield, Scott Riggs, and Brian Vickers missed numerous races.
On several occasions, the drivers would lay blame on their qualifying draw. On most tracks, the later the draw, the better, mainly due to the cooler temperatures and shade.
Yesterday, NASCAR Vice President of Competition announced that all drivers outside of the top 35 in owner's points will qualify as a group at the end of each qualifying session. This will level things out a bit and will allow the best prepared team in the show. Last season, Kenny Wallace or Kevin Lepage may out-qualify Brian Vickers or Scott Riggs based on their qualifying draw. This year, it will be more difficult for teams such as Front Row Motorsports, Furniture Row Racing, and BAM Racing to squeeze into the show.
The Sprint Cup Series will begin this procedure at California, as the qualifying for the Daytona 500 is based on two qualifying races. The qualifying rule will be in place for the Nationwide Series and Craftsman Truck Series as well. However, the top 30 drivers and teams are locked in as opposed to the top 35.
Other changes announced by NASCAR can be viewed here.
Posted by Jeremy Dunn
Here is a list of the cumulative speeds for both Daytona 500 testing sessions.
Kasey Kahne led the Wednesday testing session with a speed of 189.111 mph (47.591). Denny Hamlin, Dario Franchitti, Regan Smith, and Ryan Newman rounded out the top ten.
The buzz around the garage is that NASCAR may be considering increasing the age limit for drivers in the Sprint Cup series. Currently, the minimum age is 18; however, NASCAR may raise it to 21.
NASCAR is also considering altering the gear rule before the Daytona 500. As of now, teams can opt for a 370 or 375 gear. NASCAR would like to lower the RPM.
Posted by Jeremy Dunn
Dale Earnhardt Jr topped the Tuesday morning practice charts with a speed of 185.820 mph (48.434), followed by Toyota drivers Michael Waltrip, Brian Vickers, Dale Jarrett, and Tony Stewart. The Tuesday afternoon session was the first drafting session of the week. Penske Racing driver Ryan Newman led the way with a speed of 188.013 mph (47.869).
Clint Bowyer and Juan Pablo Montoya participated in a Goodyear tire test at Texas Motor Speedway on Tuesday.
"There's definitely things that feel different, but I was pleasantly surprised, I really was," said Bowyer.
Posted by Jeremy Dunn
Week two of Daytona 500 testing is underway and the Toyota boys are fast. In Monday morning's testing session, Michael Waltrip Racing driver Dale Jarrett led the way with a speed of 184.987 mph (48.652). Hendrick Motorsports newbie Dale Earnhardt Jr was right behind Jarrett with a speed of 184.646 mph (48.742).
Bill Davis Racing driver Dave Blaney paced the afternoon practice session with a speed of 185.445 mph (48.532). Once again, Dale Earnhardt Jr was second fastest with a speed of 185.426 mph (48.537).
Boris Said and his SOBE No Fear team plans to run five NASCAR Sprint Cup races in 2008. The five races include both Daytona races, both road course races, and the fall race at Talladega.
Ken Schrader is expected to drive the #49 BAM Racing Dodge throughout Daytona SpeedWeeks, including the Daytona 500. Schrader drove for BAM Racing from 2003 to 2005.
Posted by Jeremy Dunn
Morgan-McClure Motorsports will not run the Daytona 500 due to lack of sponsorship. The #4 team has three Daytona 500 titles with Ernie Irvan and Sterling Marlin.
Posted by Jeremy Dunn
The loss of Dale Earnhardt, Jr has not curtailed DEI's ability to attract sponsorship. Steak-umm and Cub Cadet were added as associate sponsors for DEI. Steak-umm will serve as one of the associates on the #8 car driven by Mark Martin and Aric Almirola.
Cub Cadet will serve as the associate sponsor on the #1 car driven by Martin Truex Jr.
Regan Smith, driver of the #01 DEI team, was spotted sporting the Principal Financial logo on his uniform. No official announcement has been made regarding the sponsor on the #01 car. It is speculated that several companies will share sponsorship for Regan Smith.
Posted by Jeremy Dunn
Gillett Evernham Motorsports announced that Stanley Tools will be the primary sponsor for Elliott Sadler and the 19 team for 12 races as well as the All-Star event in May at Lowe's Motor Speedway. Stanley Tools recently shared sponsorship with Valvoline on the #10 Gillett Evernham Motorsports team in 2006 and 2007 with Scott Riggs behind the wheel. Riggs has left the organization to driver for Haas CNC Racing. Patrick Carpentier will take over driving duties in the #10 car. Valvoline will remain the sponsor for select races.
Stanley Tools and Best Buy will share the sponsorship for Elliott Sadler on the 19 car for the majority of the 2008 NASCAR Sprint Cup season. Best Buy will be on the hood for 15 races.
“We are excited about our increased involvement with Gillett Evernham Motorsports and Elliott Sadler,” said Scott Bannell, Vice President, Brand Marketing at Stanley Works. “We are optimistic about the 2008 season and look forward to seeing the Stanley Tools Dodge at the front of the field.”
"Stanley has been a great partner to the entire Gillett Evernham Motorsports program and I’m honored they will now be one of my primary sponsors,” said Sadler.
Posted by Jeremy Dunn
Jimmie Johnson dominated the first half of the week's first testing session while Kyle Busch dominated the last half. Busch, formerly a teammate of Jimmie Johnson at Hendrick Motorsports, is starting his first season driving for Joe Gibbs Racing and their fleet of Toyota Camry's. In the first testing session Wednesday morning, Kyle Busch led the way with a speed of 187.786 mph (47.927). In the Wednesday afternoon session, Busch led the way with a speed of 188.830 mph (47.662).
In other news, Red Bull Racing has hired Kevin Hamlin to take over the crew chief role for Brian Vickers and 83 team. Hamlin recently served as the crew chief for Dave Blaney on the Bill Davis Racing #22 team. Hamlin was also the Dale Earnhardt's last crew chief before his death at Daytona in 2001. Hamlin became Earnhardt's crew chief in the summer of 1998. He also worked with Kevin Harvick and Jeff Burton in his tenure with Richard Childress Racing. This is not the first time that Vickers has had the pleasure of working a former crew chief of Dale Earnhardt. Last season, Doug Richert worked with Vickers and the 83 team. Richert was 20 years old when he helped lead Earnhardt to his first Cup championship in 1980 with Rod Osterlund.
The Lucas Oil Chili Bowl Midget Nationals will be televised on Pay-Per-View on Saturday. Also, NASCAR.com and Foxsports.com will streamline the qualifying session on Friday night at 10:30 PM. Sprint Cup drivers Tony Stewart and Kasey Kahne will be among those competing in the Chili Bowl as well as Nationwide Series driver Jason Leffler.
Posted by Jeremy Dunn
Hendrick Motorsports driver Jimmie Johnson led the Tuesday morning practice session with a speed of 184.763 mph (48.711) followed by rookie Jacques Villeneuve with at speed of 184.456 mph (48.792).
Hall of Fame driver J.J. Yeley posted the top speed in the Tuesday afternoon practice session with a speed of 187.359 (48.036). In the afternoon session, the drivers and teams worked on their drafting setups, which is the reason behind the significantly faster speeds.
In other news, Joe Gibbs resigned from his head coaching position with the Washington Redskins. Gibbs formed Joe Gibbs Racing in 1992, and the organization has emerged into one of the elite teams in NASCAR Sprint Cup. Tony Stewart, Denny Hamlin, and Kyle Busch are the three Sprint Cup drivers in the Joe Gibbs Racing stables.
Posted by Jeremy Dunn
The first day of testing at Daytona has concluded and Jimmie Johnson posted the fastest speeds in both morning and afternoon sessions. Man, I am shocked that the 48 car is the fastest! That never happens! Sarcasm aside, it appears as if Jimmie Johnson, Chad Knaus, and the 48 boys are ready for an encore.
He posted a speed of 184.782 mph (48.706) in the morning session, and a speed of 184.672 mph (48.735) in the afternoon session. Click here for a full rundown of the morning speeds and afternoon speeds.
Dale Earnhardt Jr was at the Daytona International Speedway throughout the first day of testing; however, he is not set to climb into his Hendrick Motorsports ride until next week's session. His three new teammate were all testing this week, which may have prompted him to attend this session, and kind of get acclimated to how they roll at Hendrick Motorsports.
"I didn't have anything to do today," Earnhardt jokingly said. "And I don't have any teammates in the test next week. It's Daytona. It's the Car of Tomorrow...I just wanted to come see some racing. Been sitting at home, chomping at the bit."
Both Jeff Gordon and Jimmie Johnson were impressed with Earnhardt Jr's enthusiasm. For him to come down, show the team how committed he is to being up front, winning races and championships says a lot to the team, his teammates, to the team members and I thing to the racing public that he's down here, ready to go, ready to get after it," said Johnson.
Jeff Gordon said, "I think the fact that he's here today means a lot. It shows where his focus is and how fired up he is about this season. I think they're going to have a great season."
Posted by Jeremy Dunn
Gillett Evernham Motorsports driver Kasey Kahne pleads not guilty to misdemeanor battery charges filed against Homestead-Miami Speedway security guard Archibald Hutchinson. Kahne allegedly shoved Hutchinson to the ground after Hutchinson refused to allow Kahne into the drivers motorhome lot. Kahne failed to have the proper credentials to enter, and felt as if he should be given preferential treatment.
Kahne was apprehended, and four eyewitnesses supported Hutchinson's accusations.
A lawsuit for $15,000 in damages was filed just weeks following the incident.
Kahne's side of the argument claims that the incident has been blown out of porportion and that money is the motive behind Hutchinson's lawsuit.
Posted by Jeremy Dunn
U.S. District Court Judge William O. Bertelsman dismissed the lawsuit that Kentucky Speedway filed against NASCAR. The Judge stated the the Kentucky Speedway representatives failed to make a reasonable case with their claim that NASCAR refuted any NASCAR Sprint Cup Series races.
NASCAR was pleased with the court's ruling. “It puts an end to any question about which locations and dates NASCAR can operate its races,” said Ramsey Poston, a NASCAR spokesman.
On the other hand, Stanley Chesley, the attorney for Kentucky Speedway was disappointed. “We are disappointed in the court's decision for ourselves, for the Commonwealth of Kentucky, and for all those fans who have been hurt by what we believe are NASCAR's and ISC’s anticompetitive actions."
Kentucky Speedway representatives plan to file an appeal.
Posted by Jeremy Dunn
With a number of veteran drivers still searching for employment, Michael Waltrip opted for the 22-year old ARCA driver to take over the #00 Toyota ride once Dale Jarrett;s five-race tenure in the #44 is over. David Reutimann will start the year in the #00 Aaron's Toyota, but will move to the #44 UPS ride once Jarrett steps out. Jarrett will return for the All-Star at Lowe's Motor Speedway in May.
Michael McDowell finished second in the ARCA series in 2007 driving for Eddie Sharp. He has been doing some testing for Michael Waltrip Racing throughout the off-season along with Josh Wise, another young driver in Waltrip's developmental program. McDowell's first Sprint Cup race will likely be at Martinsville Speedway, one of the most grueling tracks in NASCAR. What a way to break into the Cup level!
The Phoenix, Arizona native will have his work cut out for him. Michael Waltrip Racing struggled immensely throughout the 2007 season. In a situation such as this, an owner traditionally turns to a veteran driver, and there a quite a few available. But Waltrip believes in McDowell, and it will be interesting to see exactly how this kid handles the pressure. In all likelihood, he will be the 2008 version of A.J. Allmendinger.
McDowell, Patrick Carpentier, Sam Hornish Jr, Dario Franchitti, and Jacques Villeneuve have six NASCAR Sprint Cup starts combined.
Posted by Jeremy Dunn
For the first time in its 30-year history, the Dakar Rally will be cancelled due to terror threats and safety concerns for those in that region. The annual race across the Sahara Desert was apparently perceived as a target for terrorist organization.
NASCAR Sprint Cup driver Robby Gordon was scheduled to compete in the event. Instead, Gordon will attend the annual testing for the Daytona 500.
It is a shame that the world conditions can be so bad.
On a brighter note...Petty Enterprises has hired Derrick Finley as a technical director. Finley recently worked with Bill Davis Racing and Michael Waltrip Racing.
Posted by Jeremy Dunn
Tony Stewart has never been shy regarding his disdain for the humdrum testing session at Daytona every January. In fact, he has not attended a Daytona 500 practice session since 2004 as he has admitted that he had better things to do. Personally, I applaud drivers for doing their job, which is practicing for the biggest race of the year.
What if my place of employment held a long, drawn-out, boring meeting every year regarding a prestigious project we are about to undertake? What if I told my boss, 'hey, you know, the meeting is boring and I have other things I need to do. I'll let Joe Blow sit in for me and he can fill me in.' I would eventually be browsing through the Sunday classifieds.
It appears as if Tony Stewart will practice his Home Depot Toyota this year, alowing Mike McLaughlin some much needed time off. The Joe Gibbs Racing operation will be switching from Chevrolets to Toyotas in 2008, so it is vital for all three teams to become acclimated with the Camry body style. In addition, this will be the first race at Daytona in the Car of Tomorrow, or Car of Today. I don't know what to call it anymore. So Tony Stewart may learn something this year by practicing.
Stewart is scheduled to practice with the second group of drivers on Janurary 14 - 16. Dale Earnhardt Jr, Kevin Harvick, Denny Hamlin, Kasey Kahne, and Ryan Newman are also schedule to test on those dates.
On the Daytona 500 testing entry list, Brendan Gaughan will fill in for Robby Gordon in the first session from January 7-9. Gaughan is currently seeking employment for the 2008 season.
Posted by Jeremy Dunn
For all of you concerned Jeremy Mayfield fans, it appears as if sponsorship is lining for the 2008 Sprint Cup season. He will be turning over a new leaf at Haas CNC Racing, so Haas Automation will likely sponsor the 70 and 66 cars for several races. Additionally, Atlas Copco Compressors will serve as an associate sponsor in 2008, and will appear on the hood for the June race at New Hampshire. It is possible that Atlas Copco will add races throughout the season.
Jeremy Mayfield's Haas CNC Racing teammate Scott Riggs is looking for a full-time sponsor in the 66 ride. It is rumored that State Water Heaters may take over that role. State Water Heaters recently served as the primary sponsor for Ward Burton and Morgan-McClure Motorsports in 2007.
Best Buy and Yellow Transportation will not return to Haas CNC Racing in 2008.
Posted by Jeremy Dunn
For 21 races in the 2008 NASCAR Nationwide season, the Army National Guard will sponsor hte #5 car, which will be fielded by JR Motorsports, supported by Hendrick Motorsports. In 19 of the races, 18 year old Landon Cassill will pilot the National Guard Chevrolet, and Dale Earnhardt Jr will handle the remaining races.
Dale Earnhardt Jr will race the National Guard Chevrolet at Daytona International Raceway in February and the season finale at Homestead-Miami Speedway in November. Cassill, the Hendrick Motorsports developmental driver, will continue to be educated by the Hendrick boys.
Dale Earnhardt Jr's #88 Navy car will be driven by Brad Keselowski.
Posted by Jeremy Dunn
The unemployment line in NASCAR is surprisingly higher than usual, and it could be attributed to the open wheel invasion. David Stremme is an example of a casualty due to the International craze. Stremme will split time with rookie Chase Austin in Rusty Wallace's Nationwide Series organization. However, there are several other drivers that are surprisingly without a full time ride in any of the three top series of NASCAR.
Stephen Leicht is the most surprising of all. He captured his first win in the Nationwide Series at Kentucky in June and was solid throughout the year. Yates Racing seems to be focusing on their Sprint Cup effort, therefore, Leicht and the 90 team are the odd men out.
What is surprising is that no other team has snatched up the 20 year old driver. Well, the trend of hiring the young 20 something has kind of faded while hiring an open wheel veteran has become the fashionable trend. The last rumor I heard regarding Leicht was that he may run some Nationwide races for Richard Childress Racing.
Former Roush Fenway Racing driver Todd Kluever is free to explore his options for 2008; however, I have yet to hear his name mentioned. Kluever was originally the reserved replacement for Mark Martin in the 6 car, but somehow David Ragan passed him on the depth chart. Still scratching my head over that one! Kluever may run some Nationwide races for Roush.
Danny O'Quinn is another Roush Fenway Racing development driver that was kicked to the curb. O'Quinn was the 2006 Busch Series Rookie of the Year; and was dumped right after receiving the award. O'Quinn did run some races for MacHill Motorsports.
Craftsman Truck Series veteran Brendan Gaughan is currently unemployed as is former Nationwide Series driver Ashton Lewis.
Posted by Jeremy Dunn
The top 35 qualifying rule has worn out its welcome. There are simply too many quality teams vying for a select few spots on the starting grid. Teams are beginning to search for ways to get around this apparent flaw in NASCAR Sprint Cup's qualifying procedure.
Two years ago, Michael Waltrip and his Bill Davis Racing team bought the owner's points from the 77 Penske Racing team that had disbanded in order to ensure a starting position for Waltrip. Now, Penske's 77 team is involved in another points scheme. Sam Hornish Jr will take over the resurrected 77 team for Penske Racing, and he has encountered some growing pains while transitioning from Indy Cars to stock cars. He only qualified for two NASCAR races in 2007 in 8 attempts.
With that being said, Roger Penske is a brilliant businessman, and he worked his magic again, finding a way around the qualifying system. Kurt Busch, driver of the Miller Lite Dodge, is the 2004 champion and has the champions provisional to fall back on. In all likelihood, Busch will never use it, but he has the security blanket just in case.
So there you have it, Sam Hornish Jr's saving grace. No more will he have to stress about failing to qualify for a NASCAR Sprint Cup event, at least for the first five races. Now, it is up to him to remain there, or he will be back at ground zero, and we saw how that worked out.
The points swapping is clearly legal as NASCAR's Robin Pemberton has signed his approval. But is it fair? That is debatable.
Posted by Jeremy Dunn
In the Race of Champions Nations Cup charity event, Michael Schumacher and Sebastien Vettel earned the international victory for Germany. Schumacher returned to the track after he retired from Formula One following the 2006 season. The seven-time champion along with the rookie Vettel defeated Jensen Button and Andy Priaulx of England in the Race of Champions semifinal, and would go on to capture the crown by defeating Heikki Kovalainen and Marcus Gronholm in the finals.
Representing the United States was NASCAR champion Jimmie Johnson and eight-time X-games champion Travis Pastrana.
Johnson was set to face Michael Schumacher one-on-one at Wembley Stadium in London on Sunday. Heading into the season-ending event, Johnson appeared rather optimistic as he said, “Everyone recognizes Schumacher as a champion, and after winning my second straight championship in NASCAR I hope I'm perceived in that way. Beating him and helping Team USA win The ROC Nations Cup would be a perfect ending to the best year of my career."
But Johnson was defeated by Schumacher in the first heat of the German vs United States quarterfinal of the Race of Champions Nations Cup. Later in the day, Johnson was outpaced in the first round by Champ Car sensation Sebastien Bourdais.
Michael Waltrip Racing is getting a facelift as far as the crew chief situation goes.
Former DEI, Ginn Racing, and MB2 Motorsports employee Ryan Pemberton will join Michael Waltrip Racing in 2008 and serve as the crew chief for David Reutimann. Pemberton most recently worked with Mark Martin, Aric Almirola, and Regan Smith at DEI.
Paul Andrews will become the crew chief on the 55 car driven by Michael Waltrip himself.
Bill Pappas will direct the third entry. No driver has yet to be named for that ride as of now.
Posted by Jeremy Dunn
At a time in NASCAR history when the racing appears bland, and parity is wishful thinking, fans could be treated to legends they may have only heard or read about.
In May, a new series administered by Gene Weaver is expected to begin a 10-race tour which will end in New Smyrna, Florida. The season is set to begin on May 18 at Concord Speedway.
The list of possible drivers include several storied names such as 103 time winner David Pearson, 1986 Daytona 500 champion Geoffrey Bodine, 18 time winner Harry Gant, and five time winner Dave Marcis.
Other notable names on the driver list is Jack Ingram, Larry Pearson, Dick Trickle, Phil Parsons, Joe Ruttman, Carl Long, and Robert Pressley.
The cars have all been built as identical models.
What could the Old School Champions Tour bring to motorsports? If fans take interest, they will learn an a lot about old school racing, the drivers involved, and what it is like to race for the fun of it as opposed to money and prestige. To see David Pearson and Harry Gant back on the track will be a privilege. Many new-school fans do not realized the impact those two drivers, as well as many others in the series had on NASCAR decades ago.
Fans, give the series a chance, don't let it be here today and gone tomorrow. You will be treated to possibly the best racing you may ever see.
Oh yeah, and if the Old School Champions Tour is a success, we may get treated to more retired veterans such as Cale Yarborough, Bobby and Donnie Allison, and maybe even the King Richard Petty.
Posted by Jeremy Dunn
In NASCAR, only a few things are certain, and one of them is that Dale Earnhardt Jr is unarguably the Most Popular Driver in NASCAR, and that will not change until he hangs up his helmet. For the fifth consecutive season, Earnhardt Jr was awarded as NASCAR's Most Popular Driver at the Myers Brothers Luncheon.
"I'm extremely honored to win this award again, because it puts me with a very select group of drivers who I have a lot of respect for," said Earnhardt Jr.
One of the drivers that he is referring to is Bill Elliott. Elliott won an unprecendented 16 Most Popular Driver Awards from 1984 to 2002. That era included Richard Petty, Bobby Allison, Darrell Waltrip, Dale Earnhardt, Jeff Gordon, and Dale Earnhardt Jr. I think they should put Elliott back on the ballot just to see who would win between himself and Earnhardt Jr.
The rest of the top ten in the Most Popular Driver voting was Jeff Gordon, Michael Waltrip, Kasey Kahne, Tony Stewart, Kevin Harvick, Matt Kenseth, Jimmie Johnson, Elliott Sadler, and Dale Jarrett. Sadler? Didn't expect that one. I figured Bobby Labonte or Jeff Burton would be more popular than Sadler. I guess the Trackside gig has expanded his fan base.
Posted by Jeremy Dunn
Penske Racing South's President Don Miller has decided to retire from his position that he has held since 1990. Miller has played an integral role in getting Penske's NASCAR program where it is today.
"It's been a pleasure and an honor to help lead Penske Racing," Miller said. "Under Roger's direction, the organization has seen tremendous growth and I'm proud of all that we accomplished."
Roger Penske also expressed his appreciation for Miller and for what he has been able to accomplish. "On behalf of our 39,000 employees, I want to thank Don Miller for all he's done for Penske Racing over the years. He's been a partner and great friend and he will definitely be missed. "
Miller played a key role in the signing of Rusty Wallace in 1990 and Ryan Newman in 2000.
Speaking of Newman, he will be working with his third crew chief in as many years once Daytona Speedweeks rolls around. Mike Nelson has been promoted to Vice President of Operations after serving one full season as Newman's crew chief. With Nelson atop the pit box, the 12 team was one of the most improved teams in 2007 as far as performance is concerned.
Replacing Nelson will be Roy McCauley. McCauley recently served as Kurt Busch's crew chief in 2006 and the first few races of 2007. McCauley stepped away from his position so he could spend more time with his ill wife. He led the Sam Hornish Jr effort late in the season. Most notably, McCauley and Newman tore up the Busch Series circuit in 2005 as they racked up 6 six wins in only 9 starts.
The Dodge Charger will return in 2008 as the Car of Tomorrow for Daimler Chrysler. In 2007, the Dodge Avenger was featured in the Car of Tomorrow races.
Posted by Jeremy Dunn
When Robert Yates acquired the team formerly owned by Harry Ranier, the #28 was the number he inherited. Davey Allison, Ernie Irvan, Dale Jarrett, and Ricky Rudd all drove the 28 Ford to victory lane. Following Rudd's departure from Robert Yates Racing in 2002, the 28 became the 38. But now that Yates has allowed Hendrick Motorsports and Dale Earnhardt Jr to attain the number 88, which was the second RYR team added in 1996, Doug Yates will bring back the 28 in 2008.
Travis Kvapil will drive the 28 Ford, and Doug Yates will assume majority ownership of the organization which will now be called Yates Racing. Former Roush Fenway Racing GM Max Jones will be co-owner of the organization. As of today, no sponsor has been named for the 28 Ford.
Even before Davey Allison made the 28 a sentimental favorite, legends such as Cale Yarborough, Bobby Allison, Buddy Baker, and Benny Parsons sported that number at some point in time.
"Hopefully, we can do the things we used to do with it," Doug Yates said as he hopes to lead a Yates resurgent in 2008.
David Gilliland will remain the driver of the #38 Ford. Busch (Nationwide) Series driver Stephen Leicht was the casualty of the reorganization at the Yates shop. Despite his win at Kentucky, the 20 year old driver is currently searching for a ride.
It is amazing how Stephen Leicht does not have a ride in any of the three series; however, these open wheelers continue to land quality rides. Leicht would have fit in well at Gillett Evernham Motorsports.
Chip Ganassi Racing announced that Fastenal will be the primary sponsor for Dario Franchitti in the Nationwide Series in 2008.
Posted by Jeremy Dunn
Just a month ago, NASCAR driver Carl Edwards revealed his dark side. Apparently, he isn't the only 'good' guy that has a hot temper. Kasey Kahne has been considered one of the nice guys ever since he was a NASCAR rookie in 2004. However, Kahne has not been on his best behavior his season.
On Friday, Kasey Kahne and his brother Kale were trying to enter the motorcoach lot when a track security guard stopped the two men. Kahne did not attain the proper credentials for his brother to enter the lot, and allegedly shoved the security guard to the ground. (Must have been a small security guard)
The unidentified security guard was eventually released from the infield care center. Nevertheless, Kahne is under investigation by the Homestead Police Department.
"We are looking into the matter; the detective is handling it," said Police Captain Tom Foglia. NASCAR spokesman Kerry Tharp has no comment at the present time. Kahne said that the incident was a misunderstanding. Ya think!
This is not the first time that Kasey Kahne has strayed from his normally quiet and timid demeanor. Earlier in the year, he verbally assaulted David Stremme following an on-track incident at Richmond. His juvenile insults included calling Stremme 'fat'. Is Kahne getting too big for his britches?
Posted by Jeremy Dunn
On Sunday afternoon, Dale Earnhardt Jr will fire up the engine to the red Budweiser number 8 Chevrolet for the final time. Three years ago, this would have been unheard of. After winning six races in 2004, as well as the Daytona 500, it appeared as if Earnhardt Jr was destined to be a championship caliber driver. That all changed in 2005 when his team and fleet of cars were transferred to the 15 team.
Earnhardt Jr and new crew chief Pete Rondeau never clicked. In 2006, Earnhardt Jr had Tony Eury Jr back on his side, but they only won a single race. During the off-season, Teresa Earnhardt boldly called out Earnhardt Jr, hence, the beginning of the end for the Dale Earnhardt Jr and DEI relationship.
In May, Earnhardt Jr publicly announced his intentions to leave DEI, and over a month later, he announced that he was going to join Hendrick Motorsports, the team that has overwhelmingly dominated NASCAR in 2007. This was a sting to a lot of fans; however, it will unlikely affect his popularity or souvenier sales in a negative manner.
When the Homestead race reaches its conclusion, it will be final. So many fans spent so much time and money rooting for Earnhardt and buying Budweiser gear. Seeing Earnhardt Jr in anything other than the red number 8 will be bittersweet. We all wanted Earnhardt Jr to succeed with his father's company, but at the same time, he will be more content.
"I never thought we'd be here in 2007 with things like four consecutive most popular driver awards and having a Daytona 500 trophy with my name on it. Those are things I only dreamed about when I was living in a trailer and changing oil at my dad's dealership." Earnhardt Jr.
Posted by Jeremy Dunn
Robbie Reiser and Matt Kenseth have been teamed up since the 1997 season when Reiser hired Kenseth to drive his Busch Series car. Eventually, the duo began to turn heads, especially Mark Martin's. Martin persuaded Jack Roush to hire both Kenseth and Reiser to drive the team's fifth car.
Since Kenseth and Reiser joined Roush's Cup stables, the duo has produced 15 wins, and the 2003 championship. Yes, Kenseth and Reiser have becomed arguably one of the top three driver and crew chief combinations in the sport.
However, the dynamic duo will be separated in 2008. Roush will replace Max Jones with Robbie Reiser as the team's general manager, as Jones will take that same position at Yates Racing.
Chip Bolin will take over as crew chief for Matt Kenseth in 2008.
"I've done this for years for Matt," said Reiser. "Not that I'm sick and tired of it or don't enjoy it or any of that, but somewhere along the line you've got to move to the next challenge. And the next challenge probably would be to oversee an operation in the garage. "
NASCAR announced penalties against Blickensderfer and the 17 Busch team following a rules violation at Phoenix. He was fined $10,000 and the team was docked 25 championship points.
Posted by Jeremy Dunn
The Twin Dodges (#9, and #19) will sport different looks in 2008. Ever since Ray Evernham began fielding two Cup teams in 2001, the 9 and 19 Dodges have been sponsored by the Dodge brand itself, and feature the red and white paint schemes. That will all change next season.
Budweiser will depart from the DEI organization and will become the primary sponsor for Kasey Kahne in 2008. At least the car will remain predominantly red. On Friday, Gillett Evernham Motorsports announced that Best Buy will endorse the 19 car driven by Elliott Sadler. So Sadler's attire will include the blue and yellow colors.
Best Buy has been a sponsor for Haas CNC Racing's Cup effort since 2005. However, legal troubles involving team owner Gene Haas factored into the decision to jump ship.
Ironically, Best Buy is currently the sponsor for Jeremy Mayfield, who is the former driver of the team that Best Buy will sponsor in 2008.
"As any good sponsor should, we wanted to check the market and we looked around and found this opportunity. Having Elliott with our brand and Ray [Evernham] with the performance on the track and the Gillett guys from the [business-to-business] side was just a strong package that we just focused that way," said Brad Morrill, senior motorsports manager for Best Buy.
Posted by Jeremy Dunn
Petty Enterprises, one of the few perpetually administered NASCAR organizations since the golden era, has left Level Cross, North Carolina. The organization has resided in Level Cross since 1949. The Petty's will set up shop in the former building in Mooresville, North Carolina that Robert Yates Racing previously used. The Yates operation is moving closer to Roush Fenway Racing, the organization they are closely affiliated with.
The relocation for the Petty's is bittersweet as their shop has been compared to other storied venues such as the Boston Garden and Yankee Stadium. At the same time, they recognize the importance of operating the team closer to Charlotte.
"Level Cross will always be the home of the wins and championships that the Petty family built. It is where Petty Enterprises was founded and where the team has won and built a legacy in NASCAR. Petty Enterprises and Level Cross are the same as Lambeau Field and the Green Bay Packers, Yankee Stadium and the New York Yankees and Boston Garden and the Boston Celtics," said Richard Petty, team owner.
Petty Enterprises fields the 43 Dodge driven by 2000 champion Bobby Labonte and the 45 Dodge driven by Kyle Petty and Chad McCumbee.
Posted by Jeremy Dunn
Sam Hornish Jr has become the latest open wheel driver to migrate over to the NASCAR neck of the woods. The Ohio native has accomplished just about everything there is to accomplish in Indy Car racing as he owns three IRL championships as well as an Indianapolis 500 trophy.
However, Hornish Jr has really struggled in stock cars. His performance has been lackluster in the NASCAR Busch Series, and he has yet to qualify for a Nextel Cup race in seven attempts. The latest speculation is that team over Roger Penske will shift Sprint Cup owner's points from the 2 team driven by Kurt Busch to the new 77 team that will be driven by Sam Hornish Jr. This would ensure a starting spot for both teams as Kurt Busch has his past champions provisional to fall back on if need be.
Hornish Jr, with full support from Penske Racing and Mobil 1, welcomes the new challenge ahead of him.
"I feel like this is something that is a new and unique challenge for me," Hornish said. "It may or may not be the right way to look at it, but I feel like I accomplished just about everything in Indy cars. I got to do more than I ever thought I would."
He also addressed his lack of qualifying successfully for a Cup race thus far. "I am a much better racer than I am a qualifier, and if I can just get in, I feel confident I can figure it out," said the 28 year old.
Hornish will join Kurt Busch and Ryan Newman at Penske Racing. Busch and Newman have won a plethora of races this decade so the pressure will be on Hornish Jr to perform. Penske fielded three teams in 2004 and 2005 with Brendan Gaughan and Travis Kvapil.
Posted by Jeremy Dunn
Gene Haas was sentenced to two years in federal prison for conspiracy to cheat the govenment out of millions in tax money. The 54 year old pleaded guilty to the charges back in August.
Haas CNC has recently hired former Gillett Evernham drivers Scott Riggs and Jeremy Mayfield.
Current sponsor Best Buy is likely to leave the organization and assume sponsorship at Gillett Evernham Motorsports for driver Elliott Sadler.
Posted by Jeremy Dunn
It was not that long ago when Dale Earnhardt Jr, Tony Eury Sr, Tony Eury Jr, Steve Hmiel, and Ty Norris were all integral components of Dale Earnhardt, Inc. Starting in 2008, none of the before mentioned names will be DEI employees. Norris has moved on to Michael Waltrip Racing. Tony Eury Sr left the company a few months ago for a position at JR Motorsports, the company owned by Dale Earnhardt Jr himself. Dale Earnhardt Jr and Tony Eury Jr will become the faces of Hendrick Motorsports' 88 team. Hmiel has recently been hired by Chip Ganassi Racing as the competition director.
The core of the company built by the late Dale Earnhardt and Teresa Earnhardt has underwent a facelift. Max Seigel, President of Global Operations, and John Story, Vice President, are relatively new to the company. Mark Martin, Regan Smith, and Aric Almirola joined DEI when the company acquired Ginn Racing.
Dave Charpentier has been acting as the crew chief of the 15 team driven by Paul Menard. Effective following Thanksgiving, Charpentier will become the Technical Director. He will be more involved in the engineering aspect of the company. Doug Randolph, currently employed by Petty Enterprises, will become the crew chief of the 15 Chevrolet.
Longtime DEI employees Richie Gilmore and Rex Garrett will remain with the team. Gilmore is currently on medical leave due to a brain aneurysm.
Max Seigel assured fans that DEI is here to stay.
"Everything we hear, everything we read is all about how DEI is done. We're shutting down. It's just ridiculous. Quite frankly, we're sick of hearing it. DEI is here to stay. We're not going anywhere."
DEI has encountered much criticism as a result of the Teresa Earnhardt and Dale Earnhardt Jr fallout.
The four court cases filed against Bobby Ginn have been dismissed.
Posted by Jeremy Dunn
Following the acquisition of the New Hampshire-based venue, Pocono Raceway could be the next independent-owned track that may spark Bruton Smith's interest.
Pocono Raceway is owned and operated by the Mattioli family. The Mattioli's have hosted the Sprint Cup Series ever since 1974. Pocono was granted a second date on the Cup schedule in 1982.
Speedway Motorsports, Inc. recently purchased New Hampshire, and may target the Pennsylvania track next.
According to the Winston-Salem Journal, the 2.5 mile tri-angular shaped facility could be appraised at more then $400 million dollars. That could be the magic number.
What exactly would Bruton Smith's intentions be? Would he remove a date from the schedule? Would he simply shorten the race to a 400 or even 300 miler? As of now, all of this is pure speculation, but the fact remains, when Burton Smith is around, anything is for sale.
Posted by Jeremy Dunn
Bruton Smith, Chairman of Speedway Motorsports Inc., has acquired New Hampshire International Speedway from its orginal owner Bob Bahre on Friday. It was purchased for $340 million, and will be renamed New Hampshire Motor Speedway. Bahre began constructing the 1.058-mile oval in 1990, and held its first NASCAR Cup race in 1993, won by Rusty Wallace.
In 1996, Bob Bahre and Bruton Smith partnered in the buyout of North Wilkesboro Speedway allowing a date for Texas Motor Speedway and a second date for New Hampshire, and completely wiping the old North Wilkesboro track from the NASCAR schedule.
With the acquisition of the Loudon based facility, Smith would likely give one of the two dates to the Las Vegas Motor Speedway. Smith has already expressed his desire to see Las Vegas host two Sprint Cup events. And that is just what we all need, another 1.5-mile race on the NASCAR agenda taking the place of an unconventional track. And if Las Vegas is added to the Chase for the Championship, then six of the ten races would be on cookie cutter venues. Sorry, but that would not be an upgrade to the much-maligned Chase for the Championship format.
It is no secret that New Hampshire is not the most exciting track on the circuit, but it is unique. Some feel that the track has potential if it's banking was increased. Homestead and Las Vegas are two tracks that have seen better racing since their rebanking.
Recently, Bruton Smith has toyed with the notion of building a new track in the Charlotte, North Carolina area.
Posted by Jeremy Dunn
After a week of speculation, we finally know the truth as to why there was fuel in the gas tanks of Denny Hamlin, Dave Blaney, and several other drivers.
The portable dispenser apparently experienced a malfunction, causing water to contaminate the fuel. It was not the Sunoco fueling station itself.
NASCAR spokesman Kerry Tharp spoke on the matter.
"A failure did occur in a piece of portable dispensing equipment that is sometimes used to supplement the permanent pumps on busy race days. This failure allowed a small amount of water to be dispensed. Portable equipment has been used for many years without problem."
Tharp also confirmed that the portable equipment functioned properly for the Craftsman Truck Series event.
Posted by Jeremy Dunn
Roger Penske is still determined to field a NASCAR Sprint Cup car for three-time Indy Racing League champion Sam Hornish Jr. So far, Hornish Jr has yet to qualify for a single Cup race in six attempts. His performance in the NASCAR Busch Series has been nothing to boast about. Nevertheless, Penske may transfer the owner's points from the 2 team to the new team that Hornish Jr is expected to drive in 2008.
The move will allow Sam Hornish Jr to be guaranteed a starting spot as long as he maintains a top 35 position in the Sprint Cup owner's standings. Kurt Busch has his championship provisionals to fall back on if necessary. Busch is one of the better qualifiers in the sport, so he will likely never have to use one of the championship provisionals.
"There are all sorts of discussions, and I see guys buying teams and different things," said Penske. "We're right now trying to focus on getting him in a race. We'll look at our options once we get closer to the end of the season."
From a business standpoint, this brilliant. However, many in the garage believe that a driver must earn his way into the field as opposed to having it handed to him on a silver platter.
Posted by Jeremy Dunn
As if the 2007 NASCAR season has not been interesting enough, now we are hearing about the possibility of water being found in some team's fuel- Joe Gibbs Racing's 11 team driven by Denny Hamlin and Bill Davis Racing's team driven by Dave Blaney. Also, Roush Fenway Racing's 16 team driven by Greg Biffle apparently had the same issue.
John Darby admitted to water solution being found in several cars. "There are multiple teams that are showing positive for some level of water contamination level in their fuel," he said. He also pointed to a possible failed pipe or pump. Sabotage is an unlikely cause for this bizarre problem.
Hamlin was leading as the Pep Boys 500 at Atlanta Motor Speedway was about to take the green flag on lap 321. His car never accelerated, and a small pileup ensued as Martin Truex Jr, the driver that dominated the race, rammed into the back of Hamlin's Chevrolet. Kyle Busch also received damage in the melee.
"I felt we were pretty good on fuel and even felt like we were real close even if it went green-white-checkered," Hamlin said. "All day, we had been getting water in our fuel, we weren’t getting the full potential of the fuel. I feel bad for the guys behind us who got caught up in that wreck.”
Tommy Baldwin, crew chief for Dave Blaney said, “We didn’t know what was going on (with the engine) and we drained (the fuel cell) and it was half water, half fuel. I’m guessing maybe it was because we were one of the first ones, us and (Hamlin), to get fuel this morning."
Posted by Jeremy Dunn
After a substandard season in all aspects, Rusty Wallace Incorporated is making some changes. Rusty Wallace's son Steve Wallace will remain in the 66 car; however, the team will field Chevrolets as opposed to Dodge.
Furthermore, the organization will add a second team with rookie Chase Austin behind the wheel. Austin will share the ride with David Stremme. The number will be 64, which was the same number Wallace's team used in 2005 and 2006.
Posted by Jeremy Dunn
Steve Hmeil did not remain on the unemployment list for too long. He has signed with Chip Ganassi Racing as a competition manager. His duties will include managing race engineering as well as preparation and testing.
Chevrolet has renewed with Dale Earnhardt, Inc. This comes as no surprise considering that DEI is affiliated with Richard Childress Racing, who has long-standing ties with the manufacturer.
Posted by Jeremy Dunn
It was common knowledge that Scott Riggs would be replaced with Patrick Carpentier for the 2008 Sprint Cup season, but the driver change is coming earlier than previously expected. Starting at Phoenix, Patrick Carpentier will take over driving duties of the #10 Dodge fielded by Gillett Evernham Motorsports.
We're going to work real hard to give Patrick what he needs," said CEO Ray Evernham. "We are going to try to get him in a car more and more this year. We're trying to get him in some races. We're trying to surround him with veteran people. We have talked to people likeKenny Schrader We have a lot of great plans."
Carpentier is another component of the open wheel to NASCAR craze. This new-fangled way of finding a NASCAR driver has become the norm ever since Chip Ganassi Racing has found moderate success with former CART champion, and Formula One winner Juan Pablo Montoya. Dario Franchitti will replace David Stremme at Chip Ganassi Racing, and Jacques Villenueve will take over the ride at Bill Davis Racing which was recently vacated by Jeremy Mayfield.
Scott Riggs will join Mayfield at Haas CNC in 2008, possibly replacing Johnny Sauter.
Evernham has had trouble finding veteran leadership ever since Bill Elliot retired in 2003. Mayfield never seemed comfortable in that leadership role, and Kasey Kahne is so darn inconsistent. Elliott Sadler has the charisma, but he appears lost on the racetrack. Evernham feels that Carpentier can spark his team.
"The neat thing about it is that we have a guy that really, really appreciates the opportunity. He is a home run with the media. ... Patrick has brought a little bit of spark to the organization. And we're happy."
Posted by Jeremy Dunn
More silly season....
Earlier this week, Red Bull Racing released Doug Richert, crew chief of the 83 Red Bull Toyota driven by Brian Vickers. Vickers has failed to qualify for 13 of the 32 NASCAR Nextel Cup races held this season. Depsite four top tens, the team is underperforming, and a change was necessary. Randy Cox will assume the crew chief duties for Brian Vickers and the Red Bull Racing team.
Doug Richert was the crew chief for Dale Earnhardt long before he was 'the Intimidator'. He guided the Earnhardt to the 1980 NASCAR Winston Cup Championship in which was only the driver's second full season. Richert also spent some time with Robert Yates Racing in the 1990's before joining Roush Fenway Racing in 2003 when he became the crew chief for Greg Biffle. As a duo, Biffle and Richert won 10 races from 2004 to 2006, however, Richert was released followong the 2006 season.
No word yet on where Richert will end up. Penske Racing, Michael Waltrip Racing, Dale Earnhardt Inc., and Joe Gibbs Racing all seem to be logical destinations for the former championship crew chief.
Also, Johnny Sauter will be replaced with Scott Riggs at Haas CNC Racing in 2008, therefore, the 29 year old driver is looking for another gig. Robby Gordon has expressed interest in Sauter, but can only hire him if sponsorship in included. Could Yellow Transportation or Radioactive Energy Drink follow Sauter to Robby Gordon Motorsports?
Stay tuned for more NASCAR silly season info.
Posted by Jeremy Dunn
Tempers always seem to flare at Martinsville, and we saw some more of that Sunday. Ryan Newman and Jeff Gordon mixed it up a little in the closing laps, and engaged in a little exhange following the race. But they seemed to end the conversation in an amicable manner. The same cannot be said for Roush Fenway Racing teammates Carl Edwards and Matt Kenseth.
As Matt Kenseth was being interviewed by SPEED analyst Bob Dilner, an unexpected visitor abruptly interrupted the interview. Carl Edwards appeared to be joking when he grabbed Kenseth and pulled him away from the interview, however, things didn't turn out so friendly. Edwards drew back as if he was going to punch Kenseth as the heated exchange ended. Edwards walked away, and Kenseth seemed shocked by his teammate's reaction.
Kenseth and Edwards had an issue at Kansas a few weeks ago in the Busch Series race, but that seemed to be water under the bridge. As of now, I am still unsure as to what transpired between the two at Martinsville.
Jack Roush will eventually get to the bottom of this tift, especially since it involves his two biggest stars.
Edwards has been labeled as the Eddie Haskell of NASCAR, and seems to have two polar opposite personalites. The happy-go-lucky Edwards is the guy we are accustomed to seeing, but he has also displayed a hot-tempered side. Last year he threatened Tony Stewart physical pain, and then a couple of weeks later he grabbed Dale Earnhardt Jr in victory lane following an incident in the Busch Series race.
Here is the link to the video of Carl Edwards and Matt Kenseth
Posted by Jeremy Dunn
Effective immediately, Jeremy Mayfield will replace Jeff Green at Haas CNC in the #66 Best Buy/Haas Automation Chevrolet. Jeff Green had been driving the car since the beginning of the 2006 season, but has only recorded five top ten finishes in the time-span.
Mayfield has spent a majority of his first season with Bill Davis Racing on the couch as a spectator as he has only qualified for 13 of the 32 races. Ever since his acrimonious split with Ray Evernham and Evernham Motorsports, now Gillett Evernham Motorsports, Mayfield's career has hit a downward spiral. This opportunity with Haas CNC may not lead him to a NASCAR Sprint Cup championship, but he will have the luxury of utilizing Hendrick Motorsports engine packages.
All three of Jeff Green's top ten finishes have occurred on tracks in which the Car of Tomorrow has been used, so considering that the Car of Tomorrow will be fully implemented in 2008, Mayfield could reel of a few good finishes. Scott Riggs will likely take over the #70 ride that Johnny Sauter currently drives.
"He (Jeremy Mayfield) has been in the Chase two of the last four years and that was a big factor in our decision. We very excited," said Joe Custer, the general manager for Haas CNC.
Now that Mayfield is off the market, David Stremme has become the top free agent.
Posted by Jeremy Dunn
The latest trend for NASCAR owners has been to hire an open wheel star based on his open wheel credentials alone.
Chip Ganassi hired Juan Pablo Montoya in 2006, and more recently Dario Franchitti. Bill Davis has hired Jacques Villenueve and Gillett Evernham Motorsports has hired Patrick Carpentier. And it is not just the international drivers. Last year, Red Bull Racing hired A.J. Allmendinger. Penske Racing has recently fielded cars for Sam Hornish, however he has yet to qualify for a Cup event.
Is this the way to go? Montoya has been impressive at times, but he has endured growing pains. And it is hard to imagine those drivers adapting as well as Montoya has.
Clint Bowyer put it all into perspective when speaking about this latest trend.
“A lot of guys who make a lot of money in other sports are coming over here... I think it’s good for our sport. I just don’t want to see young drivers like myself lose chances of getting here because of a big name getting a freebie. It’s a lot of hard work and dedication on a lot of people’s parts. … I hate to see too many of those spots taken by people with a big name who have already been successful in other sports and just think ‘Hey, let’s try this out, and if it works, it works, and if it doesn’t, then it doesn’t,’” said Bowyer.
Jimmie Johnson feels that these former open wheel stars have a ways to go before they can call themselves NASCAR stars.
"It’s going to take years for these guys to be competitive. I think restrictor-plate racing and road-course racing will come easily for them, and I think you can look at Juan’s stats and we all feel that Juan’s done a great job coming in. "
Posted by Jeremy Dunn
As anticipated, Michael Waltrip revealed his new business partner, Robert Kauffman, on Friday. Kauffman is a managing partner of Fortress Investment Group. Furthermore, 1999 champion Dale Jarrett will run the preseason shootout at Daytona in February, the first five Sprint Cup races, as well as the Sprint All-Star Challenge. He will start the season in the #44 UPS Toyota.
Following Jarrett's departure from the 44 ride, David Reutimann will become the spokesperson for UPS. Reutimann will start the season in the #00 Aaron's Toyota.
Waltrip expressed his intentions to field three full-time teams, however, no full-time sponsor or driver has been named yet for the 00 car. A couple of names that keep popping are Jeremy Mayfield and David Stremme. Mayfield will be leaving Bill Davis Racing following the 2007 season. Stremme's name has been link to several rides such as Gillett Evernham Motorsports, Haas CNC, and now Michael Waltrip Racing. The Gillett Evernham ride is no longer vacant, so Stremme will likely drive for Haas or Waltrip.
You have to give Michael Waltrip credit, he did issue a formal apology to Reutimann and Dale Jarrett for the team's lack of performance.
"I want to apologize to him and David for not having the team that they needed at the start of the season."
Greg Biffle, along with Ryan Newman, will be hot commodities in 2008 as their current contracts will expire. Newman and Biffle have both spent their entire NASCAR careers with the same organization and I do expect that to change. Biffle and Roush Fenway Racing will spend the off-season working on a contract extension. Earlier in the week, Roush Fenway officials announced that 3M will serve as the primary sponsor for the 16 car in 2008.
Newman's performance has been strong enough to warrant a contract extension with Penske Racing.
Posted by Jeremy Dunn
Following the latest fashionable trend of hiring open wheel drivers, Gillett Evernham Motorsports is expected to announce the hiring of Patrick Carpentier to drive the #10 Valvoline Dodge Avengers in 2008. Carpentier, the former IndyCar Series and Champ Car driver, joins Juan Pablo Montoya, Jacques Villeneuve, and Dario Franchitti as international open wheel to stock car converters.
"I guess the news leaked a little early. Patrick will be available for a statement." Carpentier's PR reprenstative said Wednesday all but confirming the report.
Carpentier won the pole and finished second in the Busch Series event at Montreal. A week later at Watkins Glen, Carpentier faced much stiffer competition in theNextel Cup Series race as he scored a 22nd place finish. How has he faired on ovals?
David Stremme was also on the list of possibilities of replacing Scott Riggs.
The logic behind the latest hiring of open wheel veterans is somewhat baffling considering that none have adequate experience in stock cars. These guys are being hired by virtue of their open wheel credentials as well as the limitless sponsorship possibilities. Meanwhile, more experienced stock car drivers are left scrambling for a ride in the form of auto racing that they grew up watching. Why not hire Boris Said? How about up and coming talent such as Stephen Leicht or Brad Coleman?
David Stremme, as well as Jeremy Mayfield, are candidates to join Scott Riggs at Haas CNC Racing.
NASCAR upheld the 25 point penalty assessed to Carl Edwards and the 99 Roush Fenway Racing team.
Reed Sorenson and his owner Chip Ganassi have been penalized 25 points driver and owner points for a rules infraction at Talladega following their 10th place finish.
Posted by Jeremy Dunn
The top NASCAR Sprint Cup ride available is arguably the Valvoline Dodge owned by Gillette Evernham Motorsports. After it was made clear that Scott Riggs would not return and would move on to Haas CNC Racing, Patrick Carpentier's name materialized as a possible replacement. Recently, David Stremme seems to have an added bounce to his step as he mentioned over the weekend that he has something lined up for 2008. The only ride available that is at least equal to his ride at Chip Ganassi Racing is the 10 ride.
Stremme will be replaced by IRL Champion Dario Franchitti in 2008, and could land a ride with Gillette Evernham Motorsports. But the Gillettes may be partial to Carpentier.
Alex Gillette spoke regarding the possibility of hiring the fellow Canadian.
"He (Carpentier) is one guy we like, absolutely. He tested pretty well at Kentucky and drove the car pretty well on the track, so we'll see."
Clearly, Stremme is the logical choice considering he has been through the learning process, however, he never really showed much promise at Chip Ganassi Racing. Add to that, Stremme and Kasey Kahne have had their issues. At Richmond, Kahne called Stremme overweight and out of shape (ironic considering Stremme was the spokesman for TrimSpa a couple of years ago), and admitted that he never liked Stremme. Carpentier is another former open-wheel star looking to amass riches in the Sprint Cup Series.
Reed Sorenson and his Chip Ganassi Racing team could be facing penalties this week after it was reported that there may have been a problem with the front-end height of the Target Dodge. Sorenson finished 10th at Talladega.
Posted by Jeremy Dunn
The 1999 NASCAR champion Dale Jarrett is expected to lessen his workload in 2008 after struggling through what is considered his worst season since joining NASCAR's top series. Jarrett signed with the upstart Michael Waltrip Racing team after 12 years driving for Robert Yates Racing. The sponsorship from UPS followed him. Sure, Jarrett had been struggling for years at Robert Yates Racing, but clearly, the grass is not greener in Waltrip's neck of the woods.
Including the UAW Ford 500 at Talladega, Jarrett has qualified for 20 out of 30 races thus far. Jarrett's best option would be to go ahead and step away from full-time competition. If there is anything negative that can be said about the careers of legends Darrell Waltrip and even Richard Petty, it is that they may have stayed in the sport too long after exiting their prime.
Michael Waltrip expressed his support for Jarrett. "I want him to do whatever he wants. He's a legend, he's a champion. I want him to be happy, so whatever it takes to do that."
Jarrett has been an analyst for ESPN for several Busch Series races this season, so it is possible that he could delve further into that career path.
Speaking of Michael Waltrip, the five-time winner, all on restrictor plate tracks, won the pole for the UAW Ford 500. It is the first Nextel Cup pole for Michael Waltrip Racing. In fact, four of the top five qualifiers are Toyota drivers.
Dave Blaney, Brian Vickers, Joe Nemechek, and David Reutiman round out the top five. Jacques Villenueve qualfied 6th in his Nextel Cup debut.
Kurt Busch and David Ragan failed post-qualifying inspection, hence they will line up 41st and 42nd on the starting grid.
Dario Franchitti finished 17th in the ARCA event on Friday, and Scott Speed finished 7th.
Posted by Jeremy Dunn
Denny Hamlin has encountered quite a bit of scrutiny over the past couple of weeks. Following his highly publicized quarrel with popular veteran Kyle Petty, Hamlin had another tough week at Kansas. He currently sits 12th in the NASCAR Nextel Cup standings, 248 points behind Jimmie Johnson.
Hamlin was hoping to rebound at Talladega, however, once again, he has made the headlines, and not because he was the fastest car in practice. He was parked for 15 minutes in Happy Hour NASCAR considered his bump drafting tactics as 'rough driving'.
NASCAR's decision caught Hamlin by surprise.
"We asked them what was the difference between us and everybody else with the front and back bumpers being off and they said we were on TV while we were doing it, so I guess blame it on the television cameras. We were done anyway. They can park us for 15 minutes. They can park us for an hour. We're done," said Hamlin after he was summoned to pull off the track.
It is clear that NASCAR is trying to send a message to all drivers. But Hamlin was the unfortunate one who NASCAR chose as the example.
Bruton Smith is threatening to abandon Lowe's Motor Speedway due to his current conflict with the city of Concord, North Carolina. The conflict started when the city of Concord changed its zoning to prohibit his proposed drag strip, which would be located adjacent to the speedway.
The first thing I've got do is find some land and we walk it and look and then get an option to purchase and then we will start looking at the permitting and see if we run into any difficulties," Smith said. So is he serious? Would he abandon one of NASCAR's most storied speedways because he couldn't get his way?
Posted by Jeremy Dunn
There is so much to cover when it comes to NASCAR's silly season. The desire to hire open wheel veterans continues as Chip Ganassi, who tends to favor open wheel drivers, hired Dario Franchitti to replace David Stremme in the #40 Dodge. Franchitti absolutely has zero experience in stock car racing, however, he will join the NASCAR Sprint Cup fraternity.
Franchitti will make his stock car debut in the ARCA race at Talladega this weekend. Just a quick question...does Chip Ganassi ever hire seasoned veterans or does he just simply prefer gambling on untapped talent?
While Franchitti and Jacques Villenueve step into their new rides, Busch Series young gun Stephen Leicht is searching for a ride after his release from Robert Yates Racing. If I were a NASCAR Sprint Cup owner, I would put Leicht in a stock car over Franchitti, Villenueve, or Patrick Carpentier anyday. Additionally, Butch Hylton has been released from his duties as crew chief of the 88 car. Cully Barraclough will assume that role.
Nationwide will replace Anheiser-Busch as the title sponsor for the Busch Series. The 'Nationwide Series' just doesn't roll of the tongue quite like Busch Series.
And as expected, M&M's will become the primary sponsor for Kyle Busch and Joe Gibbs Racing in the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series for 2008.
Haas CNC Racing has signed Scott Riggs to drive their Chevrolets for the 2008.
Posted by Jeremy Dunn
Two of NASCAR's most historic tracks, North Carolina Motor Speedway and North Wilkesboro Speedway, have long been scratched from the NASCAR agenda, however, news of a possible resurgence for the two vacant tracks have surfaced.
North Carolina Motor Speedway, better known as Rockingham or The Rock, was auctioned off, and guess who the highest bidder was. No, not some real estate developer looking to put a shopping mall on the land that Rockingham currently sits on. Former NASCAR field filler Andy Hillenburg was the highest bidder. Hillenburg, who will spend at least 4.4 million dollars on the track, hopes to re-open the facility for stock car racing. Unfortunately, NASCAR Sprint Cup is not likely to return to Rockingham. North Carolina Motor Speedway was erased from the NASCAR schedule in 2004.
Andy Hillenburg supposedly has two minority partners.
North Wilkesboro Speedway, which has sat dormant since 1996, may also be re-opened in the near future. Local businessman, Worth Mitchell, is reportedly in negotiations with Bob Bahre, owner of Speedway Motorsports. If things materialize the way Mitchell has envisioned, he hopes to open North Wilkesboro Speedway by 2010. Like Rockingham, the NASCAR Sprint Cup series will not return to North Wilkesboro Speedway, nevertheless, the track could be used for smaller divisions of stock car racing as well as testing.
Other notes- Mike Wallace will drive the #88 Snickers Ford for brother Kenny Wallace at Talladega. Kenny Wallace had been filling in for Ricky Rudd who was injured last month at California. No word on his return.
Jacques Villenueve and Sam Hornish Jr are on the entry list for this weekend's race at Talladega.
Posted by Jeremy Dunn
Greg Biffle was declared the winner of the LifeLock 400 at Kansas; however, he did not cross the finish line first. That would be hometown boy Clint Bowyer. Biffle's car apparently ran out of gas as the field approached the checkered flad. The 16 Aflac Ford pulled down to the apron, and Bowyer, as well as Jimmie Johnson bypassed the race winner. Drivers and crewmembers appeared confused following the wild race that encompassed two lengthy rain delays.
Both Clint Bowyer and Jimmie Johnson questioned NASCAR and Biffle's win, as it is understood that a driver must maintain a reasonable speed during a caution, even if the field is frozen. If that is the case, then Bowyer should be declared the winner. NASCAR will once again be on the hot seat this week as fans and members of the media will scrutinize the finish to the race.
The race did not include a typical green-white-checkered because of darkness. Kansas Speedway does not have lights.
Barring any further review, this would be Biffle's first victory of the 2007 season, and the 12th of his career. Jimmie Johnson finished third, Casey Mears finished fourth, and Jeff Gordon finished 5th.
The current unofficial Nextel Cup championship standings are- 1. Jimmie Johnson 5501, 2. Jeff Gordon 5495, 3. Clint Bowyer 5492, 4. Tony Stewart 5384, 5. Kevin Harvick 5375, 6. Kyle Busch 5370, 7. Carl Edwards 5364, 8. Martin Truex Jr 5343, 9. Jeff Burton 5320, 10. Kurt Busch 5319, 11. Matt Kenseth 5282, 12. Denny Hamlin 5258
So fans, who should be declared the winner- Greg Biffle or Clint Bowyer?
Posted by Jeremy Dunn
If Richard Childress does not add a fourth NASCAR Sprint Cup team to his organization in 2008, this could spell trouble for Jeremy Mayfield and David Stremme. Mayfield and Stremme are leaving their current teams following the 2007 season, and have no plans for 2008 at the present time. An opportunity with Richard Childress Racing would be perfect for these two fledgling NASCAR drivers.
It has been rumored for several months now that Richard Childress Racing would expand into a four-car operation in 2008. Throughout the year, some of the rumored drivers have been Dale Earnhardt Jr (signed with Hendrick), Kyle Busch (signed with Gibbs), Ryan Newman, Scott Wimmer, Jeremy Mayfield, J.J. Yeley (signed with Hall of Fame Racing), and most recently David Reutimann.
Childress recently returned from his 10-day hunting trip in Mongolia, and hinted that the expansion may have to wait at least another season.
"It (fourth team) isn't looking really good right now. There are opportunities out there, but none that we want to pursue. I'd rather hold off a year and make sure that we get the right combination. It has to fit into our whole program. We'll run some races next year with (Scott) Wimmer or something, but right now, we don't know really what we're going to do," said Childress.
Richard Childress Racing has all three of their Nextel Cup teams in the Chase for the Championship, and each driver has a win a piece. Kevin Harvick won the Daytona 500, Jeff Burton won at Texas, and Clint Bowyer recently became NASCAR's newest winner at New Hampshire. Childress was out of the country when Bowyer collected his first win.
The 2008 NASCAR Sprint Cup schedule has been released.
Posted by Jeremy Dunn
After the 2007 NASCAR Nextel Cup season, Budweiser will no longer be the sponsor of Dale Earnhardt Jr, nor will the beer company be considered the Official Beer of NASCAR. Coors Light, which has been the primary sponsor for Chip Ganassi Racing (formerly owned solely by Felix Sabates) since 1995, will take over as NASCAR's beer of choice.
The multi-year agreement between NASCAR and Coors Brewing Company allows Coors to exclusive rights to NASCAR logos in marketing and packaging, as well as the exclusive right to brand the pole award, which is currently known as the Bud Pole Award. Furthermore, Coors could become the primary sponsor of the Busch Series.
"Coors Light is a brand closely connected with and strongly supported by NASCAR's core fan base," said NASCAR's Chief Marketing Office, Steve Phelps.
Coors Brewing Company achieved its greatest success in NASCAR as the sponsor of Bill Elliott while he drove the Harry Melling owned Ford Thunderbirds. Elliott won the Winston Million in 1985 with Coors as the sponsor, and he won the Winston Cup championship in 1988 with Coors as the sponsor.
Speaking of Bill Elliott...he is expected to share the Wood Brothers #21 ride with rookies Jon Wood and Marcos Ambrose in 2008. Elliott replaced Ken Schrader at Lowe's Motor Speedway in May, and has the 21 car back in the top 35 in Nextel Cup owners points. Schrader returned to the 21 car at Loudon two weeks ago.
Posted by Jeremy Dunn
NASCAR handed out a 25 point penalty to Carl Edwards after his Office Depot Ford failed post-race inspection following his win on Sunday at Dover. Additionally, Jack Roush was penalized 25 Nextel Cup owner's points due to the infraction that was considered unpremeditated.
Edwards claimed that the car was low after his teammate Greg Biffle gave him a congratulatory bump. Following the penalty, Edwards falls from third in the NASCAR Nextel Cup standings to sixth, 28 points behind leader Jeff Gordon. Jimmie Johnson moves to third, Kyle Busch moves to fourth, and Clint Bowyer is now in the top five.
Many fans will question NASCAR's decision, as they typically do when any type of penalty is issued. However, the penalty assessed to Edwards and the 99 team coincided with penalties handed out to Kyle Busch and Johnny Sauter earlier in the season at New Hampshire.
Roush Fenway Racing will appeal the penalty.
Will this be the best Chase for the Championship yet?
It sure has the potential. Obviously Jeff Gordon, Jimmie Johnson, and Tony Stewart are the trio to beat, but Carl Edwards and Clint Bowyer have began to peak at the perfect time. Bowyer was running in the top ten when his car received damage after Denny Hamlin spun Kyle Petty. Additionally, Kyle Busch and Martin Truex Jr are running well, and Denny Hamlin, Jeff Burton, and Matt Kenseth are three of the most consistent drivers in NASCAR, so they can creep back into the hunt. Though Kurt Busch and Kevin Harvick seem to be long-shots, I wouldn't count them out championship race just yet.
Thus far, only 46 points separate leader Jeff Gordon and seventh place Martin Truex Jr.
Posted by Jeremy Dunn
As if the Budweiser & Kasey Kahne, or the conclusion of the Dale Earnhardt Jr sponsor and number search were not enough information to process in one week, it is rumored that M&M's will sponsor Kyle Busch in 2008. Interstate Batteries has been the primary sponsor of the Joe Gibbs Racing #18 car since its debut in 1992.
M&M's, a Mars U.S. product, is currently sponsoring the 38 Ford driven by David Gilliland and owned by Robert Yates Racing. Snickers, a fellow Mars brand, is the sponsor for the team car driven by Ricky Rudd, who is currently injured. Robert Yates Racing has struggled for several years now, and is currently seeking sponsorship for the 2008 season. M&M's appears to be a perfect fit for Kyle Busch, whose antics have made some believe that maybe he consumes too much sugar.
So it appears as if Kyle Busch will switch out the Frosted Flakes for the bite-sized candy that melts in your mouth.
The news surrounding Dale Earnhardt Jr is seemingly perpetual. Earnhardt Jr's crew chief Tony Eury Jr will depart DEI following the UAW Ford 500 at Talladega. Last month, Eury Jr announced that he would join Dale Earnhardt Jr at Hendrick Motorsports in 2008. In order to get prepared for 2008, Eury Jr feels it is necessary to join Hendrick Motorsports a few months early instead of helping Earnhardt Jr get to victory lane.
"Just trying to get a head start on next year," said Eury Jr.
Tony Gibson will assume the crew chief duties after Eury Jr's premature departure. Gibson was the crew chief for Earnhardt Jr following Eury Jr's suspension after violating NASCAR's rules at Darlington in May.
check out full autoracing blog
Posted by Jeremy Dunn
Friday September 21, 2007
11:00 AM- Nextel Cup Series Practice
3:00 PM- Nextel Cup Series Bud Pole Qualifying
Saturday September 22, 2007
11:00 AM- Nextel Cup Series Practice
1:50 PM- Nextel Cup Series Final Practice, or Happy Hour
3:30 PM- NASCAR Busch Series race, RoadLoans.com 200, ESPN 2
Sunday September 23, 2007
1:00 PM- Dodge Dealers 400, at Dover International Speedway, ABC
Posted by Jeremy Dunn
Though I would have liked to seen the number 6.7 on the side of Dale Earnhardt Jr's Hendrick Motorsports Chevrolet, he will sport the number 88. Earnhardt Jr's initial preference was to bring the number 8 with him to Hendrick Motorsports, but that idea was blocked by Teresa Earnhardt and DEI.
The number 88 was recently a number that was feared on the racetrack when Dale Jarrett, driving for Robert Yates Racing, was in his prime. Jarrett won 28 races, including the 1996 and 2000 Daytona 500's, from 1996 to 2006. Moreover, Dale Jarrett flat-out dominated the 1999 Winston Cup season en route to his first and only championship.
But even before Dale Jarrett, the number 88 was a frequent guest in victory lane. NASCAR icons such as Darrell Waltrip, Bobby Allison, Donnie Allison, Benny Parsons, Buddy Baker, Ricky Rudd, and Rusty Wallace have driven the number 88 for various NASCAR owners.
Dale Earnhardt Jr's grandfather Ralph Earnhardt sported the number 88 for a race at Martinsville in 1957.
As previously speculated, Earnhardt Jr will be sponsored by Pepsi Co. products Mountain Dew and Amp Energy Drink. Additionally, the National Guard will appear on the hood of the 88 Hendrick Motorsports Chevrolet for select races.
Rick Hendrick noted that the buzz surrounding Dale Earnhardt Jr's car number has been incredible. "I never thought a car number would create this much excitement," he said.
Just a day before the monumental announcement, Dale Earnhardt Jr revealed his new line of candy bars, Dale Jr's Big Mo, in Chicago.
Posted by Jeremy Dunn
Despite failing to qualify for his first NASCAR Nextel Cup race at Loudon, New Hampshire this past weekend, Sam Hornish Jr and Roger Penske feel optimistic that the 3-time Indy Racing League champion can successfully convert to stock car racing. Hornish has competed in 8 career Busch Series races, and has yet to crack the top ten.
Nonetheless, Roger Penske's gut tells him to add a third Nextel Cup team with Sam Hornish Jr as the driver.
Penske also mentions that he can point out why Hornish qualified so poorly.
"The discussion with him was don't overdrive it in qualifying and he probably didn't realize he's going to have to overdrive to get in. That's part of the learning curve," he said.
Sam Hornish Jr will attempt the remaining races in 2007, which require the Car of Tomorrow, the car that will be utilized full-time in 2008. Roy McCauley will oversee the effort. McCauley spent nearly a year and a half as Kurt Busch's crew chief. He was the crew chief for Ryan Newman in 2005, when Newman won six Busch Series races in nine starts.
Hornish has yet to totally commit to running a full NASCAR Sprint Cup schedule in 2008.
Check out the Suite 101 full blog
Posted by Jeremy Dunn
Anheiser-Busch will remain a sponsor in NASCAR, however, they will market a new driver with a dissimilar demographic. Budweiser has been the primary sponsor for Dale Earnhardt Jr since 1999, and have benefited greatly from endorsing NASCAR's favorite son. You see far more Budweiser cans at a race than Miller Lite and Coors Light combined. But will that continue now that Kasey Kahne will sport a Budweiser paint scheme in 2008?
Kahne is exceedingly popular, however, he is not Dale Earnhardt Jr. Kahne's popularity seems to come from the female demographic. Obviously, this is just speculation, but judging by my trips to the racetrack, about 70% - 80% of Kahne fans are women, and not too many women carry a Bud in their hand all afternoon. Nevertheless, Kahne is very marketable, and should represent the beverage well.
Dodge will a sponsor for Kasey Kahne's #9 Dodge owned by Gillette Evernham Motorsports.
"We welcome the new partnership and look forward to working with Gillett Evernham Motorsports toward the goal we share with all teams in the Dodge family, the Nextel Cup," said Mike Accavitti, head of Dodge Motorsports Marketing & Communications.
It is now official. Kasey Kahne will be sponsored by Budweiser in 2008.
An announcement is set for Wednesay, September 19th at 1:30 PM in regards to Dale Earnhardt Jr's number and sponsor for the 2008 NASCAR Sprint Cup season. It is expected that several Pepsi Co products will share sponsorship, however, the number is still a mystery. The number 88 seems to be the most leading choice, but we'll find out for sure on Wednesday. That could likely mean that Robert Yates will bring back the 28.
Posted by Jeremy Dunn
The twelve contenders in the Chase for the Championship made a special appearance on the Late Show with David Letterman Wednesday as they read off the top twelve, which is normally the top ten, reasons whey they love NASCAR.
If you were unable to stay up to midnight and watch the show, you missed a few clever one-liners. However, Letterman seemed to have cared less that NASCAR's top drivers were in his studio. Letterman typically has a sarcastic sense of humor, so maybe that was it. But back in February, when Daytona 500 winner Kevin Harvick made an appearance on the show, he could not even pronounce Clint Bowyer's last name correctly when they were discussing Bowyer's upside finish in the Daytona 500.
Anyway, in case you missed it, here are what the drivers had to say.
Clint Bowyer: "We've got special mirrors that show objects the size that they actually are."
Kevin Harvick: "Sometimes, back in the garages, there's horseplay with the air hose."
Jeff Burton: "Between the G-forces and the fumes, I'm loopy most of the season."
Kyle Busch: "Switch the R and C in racing and you get caring."
Matt Kenseth: "Can hold 8 gigs of music on my new ihelmet."
Martin Truex Jr: "In a pinch, checkered flags make a lovely tablecloth."
Denny Hamlin: "Two more wins and I get to marry Ashley Judd."
Kurt Busch: "You can talk to your car and pretend you are David Hasselhoff."
Carl Edwards: "How many people can say that their office goes 200 miles per hour."
Tony Stewart: "Driving fast and starting fights."
Jeff Gordon: "It's not one of those sports where you have to inject stuff in your ass to be good."
Jimmie Johnson: "Unlike most guys, I like it when my wife says 'you're too fast'."
Posted by Jeremy Dunn
Kenny Wallace will continue to sub for the injured Ricky Rudd in the # 88 Snickers Ford for Robert Yates Racing. Rudd is still recovering from a separated shoulder which was the result of a crash that occurred at California two weeks ago.
Boris Said will attempt to qualify a fourth car for Gillette Evernham Motorsports this weekend. He will drive the #98 Valvoline Dodge, and must qualify his way into the show. Said runs a limited schedule for Gillette Evernham Motorsports in the Busch Series, specifically the road course races. Not sure if this means that Said is a candidate for a full-time ride for Gillette Evernham Motorsports next year.
Bill Elliott has driven the #21 car owned by the Wood Brothers since the Coca Cola 600 at Charlotte back in May, with exception to the race at Watkins Glen, however, Ken Schrader will return to the 21 car this weekend at New Hampshire. Elliott has helped the team re-enter the top 35 in Nextel Cup owner's points.
Posted by Jeremy Dunn
After twenty-six races, Dale Earnhardt Jr has five DNF's due to engine failures. And that is not including the power steering failure at Chicagoland that plummeted Earnhardt Jr from a potential top five finish, to a 19th place finish.
These mechanical woes have led to some fans questioning DEI, even insinuating that Earnhardt Jr is being sabotage with defective engines. Is such corruption a possibility? One would like to believe that no organization lacks that much integrity, and that these circumstance are merely coincidental.
I do no believe that Teresa Earnhardt is out to screw over Dale Earnhardt Jr. DEI has more to gain with Dale Earnhardt Jr chasing the championship than having him battle Ryan Newman for the 13th place consolation prize.
Regardless of what you think of Teresa, she would not drag the late Dale Earnhardt's company through the mud by intentionally sabatoging his son's championship hopes.
"We tried hard to get him in the Chase. We wanted him to win a championship. We always said that would have been the most appropriate way for him to leave DEI," said John Story, the general manager at DEI.
Speaking of DEI, they have been served. Former Ginn Racing drivers Sterling Marlin and Joe Nemechek, along with two crew chiefs, filed a lawsuit against Ginn Racing, which was absorbed by Dale Earnhardt, Inc. in August. Separate breach of contract suits were filed for Bobby Ginn and DEI. The four former employees claim to have money owed to them.
According to the suit, both Marlin and Nemechek were expected to earn $1.2 million this season, and were promised 45 percent of their race winnings and 33 percent of souvenir sales. Nemechek earned more than $4 million in race winnings last season, while Marlin eanred $3.2 million.
Posted by Jeremy Dunn
The 2007 rendition of silly season has been one of many twists. It's not every year when NASCAR's most popular driver, Dale Earnhardt Jr, and NASCAR's most loathed driver, Kyle Busch, leaves one powerhouse organization for another. It's not every year when one of NASCAR's most successful teams, Joe Gibbs Racing, moves from Chevrolet to Toyota.
Robert Yates Racing had intentions to merge with Newman/Haas/Lanigan Racing back in August, however, plans have now been altered. Doug Yates will assume total control of the racing operation, which will be referred to as Yates Racing starting December 1st. The partnership with NHL Racing will be no more. Moreover, Craftsman Truck Series veteran Travis Kvapil will get a second chance in NASCAR's highest level of competition as he will replace Ricky Rudd in the 88. This ends all speculation that Kenny Wallace will assume that ride.
"I'm closing this chapter of my life, and I cannot wait to see what is in store for me next. Carolyn [Yates, his wife] and I look forward to watching Doug build Yates Racing into a championship caliber team," said Robert Yates.
David Stremme joins Jeremy Mayfield, Scott Riggs, and Tony Raines in the free agent market for 2008. Earlier in the week, Coors Light announced that they would no longer sponsor the 40 car for Chip Ganassi Racing after the 2007 NASCAR season. It appears as if Stremme will be replaced with Dario Franchitti, another open-wheel racer with very limited stock car experience.
Now, for some refreshing news...AT&T logos will be allowed to appear on the hood of the 31 Richard Childess Racing Chevrolet driven by Jeff Burton after reaching a settlement with NASCAR and Sprint Nextel. AT&T will have to be replaced with another sponsor after the 2008 NASCAR Sprint Cup season.
Silly season is still in full swing!
Posted by Jeremy Dunn
Richard Childress, owner of the #31 Chevrolet driven by Jeff Burton, expressed his concerns over the AT&T versus NASCAR legal battle.
“It’s tough right now, with the costs of the sport, the car of tomorrow, the new engine...The money AT&T is spending in NASCAR - not even counting what it’s spending with our team - is three or four times as much as what they’re spending for us. That’s got to be healthy for the entire sport, including Sprint-Nextel.”
Jeff Burton's car has lacked sponsorship logos in the last two races due to the court rulings.
If AT&T is indeed banned from Jeff Burton's Chevrolet, Richard Childress Racing may seek help from Holiday Inn, Burton's sponsor in the Busch Series. Or perhaps they could use DIRECTV logos. DIRECTV was affiliated with BellSouth which is now AT&T.
Hall Of Fame Racing, owned by Bill Saunders, Troy Aikman, and Roger Staubach, have sold majority ownership of the racing operation to Jeff Moorad, part-owner and chief operating officer of the Arizona Diamondbacks. Hall Of Fame Racing is the fourth full-time NASCAR Nextel Cup organization to seek financial backing from an outside source.
Hall Of Fame Racing is closely affiliating with Joe Gibbs Racing, so it is very plausible to believe that they would make the move to Toyota along with Joe Gibbs Racing. J.J. Yeley has emerged as a candidate for this ride.
Sponsorship for the 2008 season has not been made official yet for Dale Earnhardt Jr, however, word around the garage is that Mountain Dew and AMP energy drink will share a majority of the sponsorship of the currently unnumbered Chevrolet. Mountain Dew and AMP are PepsiCo products. Additionally, National Guard, which is currently the primary sponsor for Casey Mears, could appear on the hood of Earnhardt Jr's Chevrolet for selected races in 2008.
Posted by Jeremy Dunn
Casey Mears will transfer from the 25 car to the 5 car starting in 2008. Mears has spent his first season with Hendrick Motorsports in the 25 National Guard Chevrolet, but with the departure of Kyle Busch and arrival of Dale Earnhardt Jr, Mears' plans have been altered. Mears will drive the Kellogg's Chevrolet with Alan Gustafson as the crew chief.
Dale Earnhardt Jr will move to Casey Mears' current ride. No official announcement has been made regarding the number or sponsorship for Earnhardt Jr's future ride. It has been widely speculated that PepsiCo products Mountain Dew and Amp Energy Drink will likely share sponsorship with National Guard.
"My goal is to meet the high standard the drivers before me helped established with the No. 5 Chevrolet, both on and off the track," said Mears.
Tony Eury Jr will join Dale Earnhardt Jr at Hendrick Motorsports and will serve as crew chief. Eury Jr and Earnhardt Jr have spent most of their careers working together.
"With the resources we'll have at Hendrick Motorsports, it's an opportunity to consistently run up front and be in title contention every year. The goals are winning races and winning championships," said Eury Jr.
J.J. Yeley has made his decision regarding his future employment. He will join Hall Of Fame Racing for the 2008 NASCAR Sprint Cup season. Hall Of Fame Racing has been closely afflilated with Joe Gibbs Racing, so Yeley should feel right at home when he joins his new team.
"I've never had to make a decision this difficult in my life, but I'm confident that Hall of Fame Racing will be competitive week in and week out and build the future team around me as their driver," said Yeley
There is no word on Tony Raines' plans for 2008.
Posted by Jeremy Dunn
Sharp Aquos 500 at California Speedway
1. 2-Kurt Busch, Dodge
2. 48-Jimmie Johnson, Chevrolet
3. 9-Kasey Kahne, Dodge
4. 12-Ryan Newman, Dodge
5. 5-Kyle Busch, Chevrolet
6. 19-Elliott Sadler, Dodge
7. 8-Dale Earnhardt Jr, Chevrolet
8. 1-Martin Truex Jr, Chevrolet
9. 11-Denny Hamlin, Chevrolet
10. 16-Greg Biffle, Ford
Other notables
12. 29-Kevin Harvick, Chevrolet
16. 24-Jeff Gordon, Chevrolet
19. 99-Carl Edwards, Ford
22. 20-Tony Stewart, Chevrolet
24. 07-Clint Bowyer, Chevrolet
36. 17-Matt Kenseth, Ford
Posted by Jeremy Dunn
Ever since the debut of Joe Gibbs Racing in 1992, they have been an integral part of GM's NASCAR program. They started with Chevrolet, but switched to the Pontiac Grand Prix in 1997. After the 2003 season, Pontiac left NASCAR and the Joe Gibbs Racing fleet was again represented by Chevrolet.
After sixteen seasons with General Motors, Joe Gibbs Racing is expected to announce their intentions to field Toyota Camry's in 2008. A news conference that will include Joe Gibbs Racing officials as well as drivers Tony Stewart and Denny Hamlin is scheduled for next week.
If this is the case, Toyota will finally get the star power that they have lacked all throughout their inaugural season in NASCAR. Tony Stewart is the 2002 and 2005 champion, and Denny Hamlin is the 2006 NASCAR Rookie of the Year. Additionally, the flamboyant Kyle Busch will join Joe Gibbs Racing in 2008.
The 2007 NASCAR silly season has tested the loyalty of traditional NASCAR fans. First, Dale Earnhardt Jr leaves DEI for Hendrick Motorsports, the same organization that Earnhardt fans have despised for years, and now Tony Stewart may become Toyota's top driver. Many fans have resented Toyota's presence in NASCAR.
Regan Smith is working with DEI official to become the driver of the 01 Chevrolet. Smith was originally signed as a developmental driver for Ginn Racing, but the team was absorbed by DEI last month.
Smith will agree to a one-year deal. No sponsorship details have been released.
"Since the merger, Regan's first choice has always been to stay with DEI," said agent Jeff Dickerson of Motorsports Management Inc.
Aric Almirola and Mark Martin are expected to share the #8 ride.
Posted by Jeremy Dunn
Though ESPN's Marty Smith says it is unlikely, there is still a possibility that Dale Earnhardt Jr will drive the #38 in 2008 for Hendrick Motorsports. After failing to land the #8 for 2008, many numbers such as #81 and #08 have become possibilities for Earnhardt Jr, but the #38 would be perfect. What number could be better? You have the 3 and the 8 on one car driven by an Earnhardt. If this comes to fruition, fans may soon forget about the pain of losing the #8.
Robert Yates has carried the #38 since 2003 when Elliott Sadler replaced Ricky Rudd in what was the #28 Ford. Salder won two races in 2004, however he began to struggle in 2005, leading to his departure in the summer of 2006. David Gilliland replaced Sadler and has yet to bring the #38 back to victory lane.
If the #38 is transferred from Yates to Hendrick Motorsports, it is likely that the #28 would be resurrected.
Haas CNC owner Gene Haas has pled guilty to one count of tax fraud and will spend two years in prison. Haas CNC fields the NASCAR Nextel Cup cars of Johnny Sauter and Jeff Green. Joe Custer, Haas CNC general manager, has been listed as the owner of the 70 and 66 cars.
Greg Biffle is expected to remain at Roush Fenway Racing for the 2008 season, which is the final season of his contract. Officials at Roush Fenway Racing have stated that adequate sponsorship has been found for Biffle and the 16 team for 2008. Busch Series driver Todd Kluever is free to explore other options.
Posted by Jeremy Dunn
It has been a disappointing season for Kasey Kahne, especially after winning a NASCAR Nextel Cup series high six races in 2006. However things appear to be on the upswing as Kahne won the pole for the Sharpie 500 at Bristol with a speed of 119.805 (16.016 seconds).
Rounding out the top ten is Juan Pablo Montoya, Jamie McMurray, David Ragan, Dave Blaney, Carl Edwards, Ryan Newman, Ricky Rudd, Jimmie Johnson, and Jeff Burton.
Other notables- Dale Earnhardt Jr starts 17th, Jeff Gordon starts 18th, Kurt Busch starts 19th, Tony Stewart starts 23rd.
Jacques Villeneuve could be the next former Formula One star to join the NASCAR series. The Canadien is scheduled to test a truck for Bill Davis Racing at Chicagoland Speedway on Tuesday.
"Bill Davis Racing was aware of my interest in NASCAR and approached my management team with a view to allowing me to test within its truck program," said Villeneuve.
And it just so happens that Bill Davis Racing has an open seat for 2008 as Jeremy Mayfield will not return to the #36 Toyota after the season.
Dale Earnhardt Jr is now standing up for Teresa Earnhardt, well, sort of. Many harsh words have been directed towards his stepmother throughout the week, and Earnhardt Jr has had enough.
“It's about time we gave Teresa a break...she hasn’t done anything detrimental to me,” he said.
Also, Earnhardt Jr expressed concerns regarding his step sister Taylor. "She has a daughter (Taylor) who goes to school and has friends and has to put up with that stuff...People have been really, really rude and over the line."
And Kyle Busch threw in his two cents regarding the number ordeal. “It's really not that big of a deal. Slap an 81 on the thing and be happy and go," said Busch.
Posted by Jeremy Dunn
I thought these were interesting quotes from Michael Waltrip and Kelley Earnhardt Elledge on XM Satellite Radio.
Michael Waltrip stated that he desired to bring the #15 with him to Bill Davis Racing, and eventually Michael Waltrip Racing. The #15 had been associated with Waltrip and NAPA Auto Parts since 2001, however, Teresa Earnhardt nixed that idea.
”When I left there I tried to take the 15 just for NAPA and I knew the 15 didn't have any sentimental value to Teresa (Earnhardt), but she certainly made it clear she was going to keep that number, so I didn't have any doubt that she was gonna keep Dale Jr.'s number too," said the two-time Daytona 500 champion.
Perhaps Teresa Earnhardt was less than thrilled when NAPA decided to follow Michael Waltrip out of the DEI front doors.
Speaking of Earnhardt, here are some quotes from Kelley Earnhardt Elledge.
In regards to driving a racecar again- “Well, my mom says never. ...My mind says that I might want to do it again, but my mom says never.”
In regards to working with her brother Dale Earnhardt Jr.- "I say to people all the time his focus is being a Cup driver ... That’s what he does, so I don’t like to bother him with things about our company and things about the Busch team and the things going on because he’s got to focus Thursday through Sunday on his race car and his career because that’s what makes the rest of this go around right now and it what helps build what we’re doing at JR Motorsports.”
Sorry fans, Elledge Earnhardt had no harsh words for Teresa Earnhardt. But I'm sure she had harsh thoughts.
Posted by Jeremy Dunn
According to FoxSports.com, DEI is ready to name the driver, or drivers, of the famous #8 Chevrolet Monte Carlo for the 2008 NASCAR Sprint Cup season. The highly admired veteran Mark Martin will pilot the number 8 car on a part-time basis, splitting seat time with hotshoe rookie Aric Almirola. Almirola is expected to take over the ride full-time in 2009.
This news has materialized just days after Teresa Earnhardt denied Dale Earnhardt Jr the number 8 after the 2007 NASCAR season.
"If there's anyone who can represent Dale Earnhardt Inc. in the No. 8, it's Mark Martin," said Max Siegel, president of DEI's global operations. "But no official decision has been made yet as to what we are going to do."
While many fans will resent any driver that ever climbs into the 8 car, Mark Martin is a likeable driver, and should ease some of the antipahty. Almirola is the former Joe Gibbs Racing developmental driver, who signed with Ginn Racing just days before the DEI/Ginn Racing merger.
As far as the 01 ride in 2008, J.J. Yeley and Regan Smith are the likely candidates. After the 2008 season, there are several attractive names on the market such as Ryan Newman, Greg Biffle, and 2000 champion Bobby Labonte.
Posted by Jeremy Dunn
After 911 starts following his NASCAR Winston Cup debut at Rockingham in 1975, Ricky Rudd will finally retire from stock car racing. Rudd returned to Nextel Cup competition in 2007 after taking a breather in 2006. Rudd, often referred to as the 'Rooster', has recorded 23 victories, including the 1997 Brickyard 400 at Indianapolis Motor Speedway.
"I wasn't sure if I wanted to retire at the end of '05 or not," Rudd said. "That's why I never made a statement. I took a year off and I ended up coming back. I think it's clear to me that I want to do it now. I've enjoyed the sport but it's time for me to do something different."
After Rudd rides off into the sunset, an opening at Yates/Newman/Haas/Lanigan Racing will become available, and word around the garage is that J.J. Yeley is the leading candidate to succeed Rudd in the familiar 88 Ford. Yeley will leave Joe Gibbs Racing following the 2007 season to make room for Kyle Busch.
Yeley has been linked with Dale Earnhardt, Inc, Richard Childress Racing, Wodd Brothers Racing, Bill Davis Racing, and Evernham Motorsports.
Other drivers that could emerge as Rudd's replacement include veteran Jeremy Mayfield, as well as Regan Smith, who's status is currently uncertain. Smith drove for Team Rensi's Ford team in the Busch Series in 2006.
Additionally, open wheel drivers Scott Speed and Dario Franchitti have been rumored as future stock car drivers.
Rain, rain, please just go away! Rain has dampened several race weekends throughout the 2007 season. Not only has races at Richmond, Darlington, Dover, and now Michigan have been postponed due to mother nature, the event held at Pocono in June was rain-shortened. Also, qualifying sessions at Texas, Daytona, and Watkins Glen have been washed out. Never have I witnessed so much rain in a NASCAR season.
Posted by Jeremy Dunn
The number that has personified NASCAR's most popular driver Dale Earnhardt Jr will no longer appear on the side of his car after the 2007 season comes to an end. Hendrick Motorsports officials confirmed that they were unable to reach a suitable agreement with DEI that would allow them to carry the #8.
"We've been working hard to secure the No. 8 for Dale Jr.'s car number next season," said Marshall Carlson, general manager of Hendrick Motorsports.
"Our hope was to carry the No. 8 with Dale Jr. to his new team, but the last proposal Hendrick Motorsports received from DEI just wasn't viable," said Kelley Earnhardt Elledge, his sister and business manager.
For the myriads of Earnhardt Jr fanatics, this has been a season of change. First, Earnhardt Jr announced that he was leaving DEI, the company his late father built, and just over a month later, he announced that he would be joining Hendrick Motorsports, the same team his arch-rival Jeff Gordon drivers for. Not long ago, it was made clear that Budweiser, Junior's sponsor since 1999, would not be joining him at Hendrick Motorsports. And now, the last hope of any familiarity is gone.
So what number will Dale Earnhardt Jr sport in 2008? Just as the number 8 has been sentimental to Earnhardt Jr, the #5 is the same for Rick Hendrick. The #5 car was the original Hendrick Motorsports car when the team formed in 1984 with Geoff Bodine as the driver.
The number 81 has been linked with Earnhardt and the number 08 would be a logical choice as well.
As for who drives the #8 in 2008, they will have the unenviable task of filling the shoes of Dale Earnhardt Jr.
Posted by Jeremy Dunn
The Kyle Busch sweepstakes has officially ended today as it was publicly announced that the young driver will join Joe Gibbs Racing in 2008. Interstate Batteries is expected to remain as the primary sponsor, but at the same time, they are willing to allow other sponsors to advertise on the hood of the 18 car.
"He could have gone to almost any team he wanted to ... What I told our guys, that's a huge compliment to them," said team president J.D. Gibbs. He also admitted that current drivers Tony Stewart and Denny Hamlin encouraged the hiring of Kyle Busch.
"We leaned a lot on Denny and Tony during this process. Both of them said 'Off the track and on the track, there is no one who has the talent this guy does and bringing him on board really gives us three guys who can win week in and week out.' "
Kyle Busch's decision finally puts to rest all of the speculation and rumors that have been swirling around the garage area over the past two months. "It was a great decision-making process that I was able to go through and a great learning experience as well ... I think we went about it in the right way where everybody was pleased with the way it went down. I felt like, for myself and the time in my career, I made the right decision," said Busch.
Kyle Busch is confident that the 18 team will return to its glory days of the late 1990's and early 2000's.
"We'll be able to jump in there and hopefully get the chemistry right right off the bat and be able to get up there and run competitive in the first few races or maybe even take a couple and throw them away and then hopefully be able to run competitive through the middle part of the season and try to get toward the Chase next year," he said.
Gibbs was mum on which manufacturer the team would use in 2008. Joe Gibbs Racing has had conversations with both Chevrolet and Toyota.
NASCAR won their appeal versus AT&T on Monday, which will likely result in the removal of the AT&T decals from Richard Childress Racing's Chevrolet driven by Jeff Burton. Back in April, AT&T was given a temporary injunction which allowed the Cingular logos to be replaced with the AT&T logos. Cingular, the sponsor of the 31 car since 2002, merged with AT&T in December of 2006, and the name is being phased-out.
When Nextel, now Sprint Nextel, became the primary sponsor of the series in 2004, rival telecommunication companies were no longer permitted to advertise their brand on a car in NASCAR's top series, however, Cingular and Alltel were listed in a grandfather clause since they were under contractual obligations with Richard Childress Racing and Penske Racing.
It is uncertain as to which logos will appear on the hood of the 31 Chevrolet this weekend at Michigan.
So Sprint Nextel appears as if they will be successful in running off all telecommunication companies from NASCAR. Roger Penske better have a backup plan for Ryan Newman's #12 team, because Alltel is next on their hitlist.
Posted by Jeremy Dunn
Thanks to FoxSports, another silly season rumor has materialized.
The web site stated that there is a rumor concerning the 1989 champion Rusty Wallace. Wallace stepped aside from his Penske Racing ride following the 2005 season, and is now a broadcaster for ESPN. Richard Childress Racing is the rumored destination for Rusty Wallace. Childress is expected to expand his operation to four cars in 2008.
Rusty Wallace fans, I wouldn't get my hopes up. It is unlikely that he will be allowed out of his current contract with ESPN.
Scott Wimmer and J.J. Yeley have also been mentioned as a candidate for that ride.
Just a few weeks ago, Bobby Labonte's name surfaced as the driver who would join Richard Childress Racing.
Yeley, along with Regan Smith, Greg Biffle, and David Reutimann have recently been linked with DEI. Yeley has become a hot prospect and will likely be the guy that is targeted. Biffle is under contract with Roush Fenway Racing through the 2008 season, so unless there is a mutual parting, his name might as well be scracthed off.
Surprisingly, Jeremy Mayfield's name has not been linked with either DEI, Richard Childress Racing, or any other team looking for a driver. Mayfield's stock has dropped quite a bit since he qualified for the Chase for the Championship in 2004 and 2005, but he has not forgotten how to drive.
How about a return to Penske Racing? Mayfield admitted that he regrets leaving Penske Racing in 2001.
"If I had a dream team, I'd go back to my No. 12 car days at Penske. I wish I had that opportunity now," he said.
Well, you never know, rumor has it that Penske may possibly field a third team in 2008, and Mayfield is much more qualifed than Sam Hornish Jr.
No fines are expected to be handed to either Kevin Harvick or Juan Pablo Montoya following their little altercation, if you want to call it that, on Sunday at Watkins Glen. And apparently the 'a' word is no longer considered a bad word. All I have to say is that if I heard my son say that word, he would no doubt face disciplinary actions.
Oh yeah, Kyle Busch and Joe Gibbs Racing will officially announce their union on Tuesday morning.
Posted by Jeremy Dunn
After a tumultuous weekend in Montreal last week, Robby Gordon will get another chance at a road course victory. Gordon's defiant actions last weekend resulted in him being parked by NASCAR, as he was unable to compete in the Pennsylvania 500 at Pocono.
This week, the NASCAR circuit heads to the road course of Watkins Glen, which is right up Gordon's alley. Ever since Gordon entered NASCAR, road courses have been his strong suit. In 2003, he swept the two road course races while driving for Richard Childress Racing.
Projected Top Ten
1. Robby Gordon
2. Tony Stewart
3. Juan Pablo Montoya
4. Jeff Gordon
5. Ryan Newman
6. Kevin Harvick
7. Kurt Busch
8. Ron Fellows
9. Denny Hamlin
10. Kyle Busch
keep an eye on Jimmie Johnson, P.J. Jones, Patrick Carpentier, and Ricky Rudd.
Posted by Jeremy Dunn
By now, just about every race fan in America, Canada, and Australia saw the comical meltdown of Robby Gordon at Montreal on Saturday. It is simple, Robby Gordon completely lost it. His celebratory yet defiant burnouts were classic. However, NASCAR Busch Series rookie driver Marcos Ambrose took the biggest hit in Robby Gordon's latest outburst.
Robby Gordon has often been known to lose his cool. In 2004, Gordon purposely spun out Greg Biffle, which also took out Chase for the Championship contenders Tony Stewart and Jeremy Mayfield. Just a year later, at the same New Hampshire track, Gordon tossed his helmet in the direction of Michael Waltrip, and proceeded to refer to Waltrip as a piece of feces on national television. So you just knew that it was a matter of time before the ticking timebomb went off again.
Gordon had reason to be upset, he should have restarted in the lead, however, NASCAR has a very confusing rulebook. So everyone knew that Gordon was not going to take NASCAR's ruling lightly.
Gordon intentionally spun Ambrose, preventing the driver from winning his first ever NASCAR race. I must say that Ambrose took it much better than I would have. Basically, he took it like a man.
Here is the twist. Robby Gordon has offered Marcos Ambrose an olive branch. He has invited Ambrose to drive a second Robby Gordon Motorsports car for the race at Watkins Glen this weekend.
"Marcos did a helluva job," Gordon said. "He led a lot of laps on Saturday. It will be great to have him as my teammate...The first reason is that it's unfortunate that Marcos got put in a position in Montreal where I was thinking, 'OK, if I'm not going to win, he's not going to win.' "
Ambrose has apparently accepted the peace offering. "A bit of old outback Australian culture involved playing a game of Australian football, having a fight and then heading to the pub together for a beer - I guess this is a bit like that," he said.
So Robby Gordon does has the ability to show remorse.
Ambrose is expected to drive the #77 Ford.
Posted by Jeremy Dunn
It has been exactly a year since Ray Evernham abruptly fired Jeremy Mayfield after Mayfield went public with his frustration with the team's performance. Mayfield was replaced with Bill Elliott at Watkins Glen, and eventually Elliott Sadler.
A few weeks later, Mayfield and Bill Davis announced that they would team up for the 2007 Nextel Cup season with 360 OTC as the primary sponsor. But the season has been a disaster, and after failing to qualify for 13 of the first 21 races, Davis and Mayfield mutually agreed to part ways following the 2007 season. The writing was on the wall when Davis replaced Mayfield with Butch Leitzinger for the race at Infineon in June.
"Jeremy has done all we asked of him and more as part of what has been an enormous challenge in 2007 for the entire BDR Cup program...Add to that the challenge of facing the healthiest overall car count in years for the Nextel Cup Series, the elements involved with the top-35 watermark, as well as the education of a company that was in its first NASCAR Nextel Cup motorsports sponsorship, and it has made for some trying times for all involved," said Bill Davis.
Mayfield seemed almost relieved in his statements.
"When I made the decision to move here to BDR with an untested car and a sponsor completely unfamiliar with NASCAR, I knew it would be somewhat of a gamble. I believed then, and I believe now, that Toyota has a bright future in the Cup series and is making progress every weekend...But I think I have delivered what I can to the effort and looking at the total picture - what's best for me, what's best for the team - I believe this is the right time for me to consider other opportunities," said the 5-time Nextel Cup race winner.
At 38 years of age, time is running out for Mayfield to resurrect his career. Fortunately, there are still plenty of solid rides left to be filled for 2008. Richard Childress Racing is still considering a fourth team for 2008, DEI still has yet to name a driver for the 8 team, though Aric Almirola has emerged as the frontrunner for that ride, and it is highly doubtful that Ricky Rudd will be back with Newman/Haas/Lanigan/Yates Racing next season.
Mayfield's status for 2008 has been made public while there are still quality rides available.
Posted by Jeremy Dunn
Though it is currently unofficial, Kyle Busch is expected to join Joe Gibbs Racing in 2008 replacing J.J. Yeley in the 18 Chevrolet, or possibly Toyota. Ever since it was announced that Dale Earnhardt Jr would replace Kyle Busch at Hendrick Motorsports, the focus has been shifted to the 22 year old driver from Las Vegas, Nevada, and who he will drive for in 2008.
Over the past few weeks, it was widely speculated that Kyle Busch was headed over to Dale Earnhardt Inc. There was also interest from Evernham Motorsports, now Gillette Evernham Motorsports, Chip Ganassi Racing, and Richard Childress Racing. But it appears as if Joe Gibbs has won the Kyle Busch sweepstakes.
It will be interesting to see how this plays out, having Tony Stewart and Kyle Busch on the same team, considering that those two drivers arguably receive the most negative media coverage of any other driver in the garage. It is not clear as to who will sponsor Busch, however, Interstate Batteries has been the sponsor of the 18 car ever since Joe Gibbs Racing made its debut in NASCAR back in 1992.
In addition to the Kyle Busch rumors, other rumors surrounding Joe Gibbs Racing have been present over the past few weeks. It is no secret that Toyota is in desperate need of star power, so why not target the second best team in NASCAR, statistically speaking. Unofficially, Joe Gibbs Racing could become Toyota's flagship operation.
So what happens to J.J. Yeley? Yeley was signed as a developmental driver at Joe Gibbs Racing in 2003, before Denny Hamlin came into the picture, however, it is Hamlin that has become the star that Yeley was expected to become. For some reason, Yeley has not found that chemistry at Joe Gibbs Racing that Hamlin has found with the 11 team. So in this 'what have you done for me lately' world of NASCAR, Yeley will likely be bounced from his ride in order to make room for Kyle Busch. I read where Yeley may end up at Wood Brothers Racing, but I have also heard that he could end up at Hall Of Fame Racing, or Newman/Haas/Lanigan/Yates/etc. Racing.
Yeley cut his teeth in the USAC ranks, but has been unable to find that success that other USAC graduates such as Tony Stewart, Ryan Newman, and Kasey Kahne have found.
Ryan Newman to Richard Childress Racing, or DEI? Unlikely!
Sebastien Bourdais to Yates? Unlikely!
Red Bull Racing To Chevrolet? Unlikely!
Jeremy Mayfield to Richard Childress Racing? Nothing would surprise me.
Posted by Jeremy Dunn
Last week, a rumor began to swirl around the garage, and it had zilch to do with the Dale Earnhardt Jr sponsor search, Kyle Busch's future whereabouts, or Budweiser and Kasey Kahne. It was regarding Sebastien Bourdais, a three-time Champ Car World Series champion, and a possible move to NASCAR.
It was announced last weekend that Robert Yates Racing merged with Newman/Haas/Lanigan Racing, the Champ Car team in which Sebastien Bourdais currently drives for. As soon as the amalgamation became public knowledge, rumblings that Bourdais would opt for the intricate jump to stock cars grew louder and louder.
Bourdais basically dismissed any notion that he would be driving anything other than an open wheel car in 2008. He told the media, "It (rumors of the transition to NASCAR) also is completely unrelated to what I will end up doing in the future. So I just think people are getting everything mixed up a little bit."
Bourdais, a Frenchman, would become the second major International auto racing star to make an impact in NASCAR. Juan Pablo Montoya, a Colombia native, has already had several impressive showings as a stock car novice.
Before the Champ Car season began, it had been rumored that Sebastien Bourdais would leave the Champ Car Series for Formula One. Formula One is regarded by many as the highest level of open wheel racing in the universe. Earlier this year, Bourdais tested for the Scuderia Torr Rosso team.
Posted by Jeremy Dunn
If the Dale Earnhardt Inc. and Ginn Racing merger really has been completed as several online sources have confirmed, then Regan Smith must be confused. Just a week ago, Ginn Racing officials announced that Regan Smith would become the driver of the #14 Chevrolet after abruptly releasing veterans Sterling Marlin and Joe Nemechek. Despite rumors that Ginn Racing would soon be absorbed by DEI, Regan Smith appeared secure with his job. But now with the latest developments surrounding the Ginn Racing and DEI saga, Smith might not be as secure as he may have thought.
Supposedly, Bobby Ginn would be listed as the owner of the #15 driven by Paul Menard, and the #14 or #13 owner's points would be shifted to that team. Ginn would also be listed as the owner of the #01 driven by Mark Martin and Aric Almirola. Teresa Earnhardt would remain the listed owner of the #8 and #1, and the #13 and #14 teams would dissolve.
Now, just a week ago, Aric Almirola was named as co-driver of the #01, but the question lingers- Why would you sign another young driver (Almirola) when you already have one (Regan Smith), and you are expected to merge with another operation that already has three teams? It looks like Joe Nemechek and Sterling Marlin are not the only ones who lose in this situation. Is there room for Regan Smith? Maybe he will split seat time with Martin and Almirola in the 01. However, it seems unlikely that three drivers would share one ride.
DEI may hold on to Smith, as he could be the backup plan for the #8 car if the deal with Kyle Busch does not work out.
And
Sterling Marlin has received other offers; however, he will have to sit on the sidelines until his contract situation is settled with Ginn Racing. Sterling Marlin must feel as if he is that car on the outside lane at Talladega getting passed by the twenty-car draft on the inside, and no one is jumping out to help him.
"I haven't talked to Bobby [Ginn]. [They] haven't returned calls to my lawyers," Marlin said. "They're kind of just leaving me hanging. ... I'd like to get something worked out and at least finish the year out with somebody if I could."
Posted by Jeremy Dunn
Sterling Marlin, a 10-time winner in NASCAR Nextel Cup, and Joe Nemechek, a four-time winner in NASCAR Nextel Cup, have become victims of the sport's youth movement. Marlin, 50, and Nemechek, 44, were released from Ginn Racing despite the fact that both drivers kept their respective teams in the top 35 in Nextel Cup owner's standings throughout the first-half of the season.
"I know I can get up in the morning and look in the mirror and know I drove my heart out and did all I could do. I don't think that's the case on the other side. They had a lot of problems that still need to be addressed, and maybe they will (address them)," said Marlin, who was obviously disappointed with the decision.
Regan Smith, 23, will take over driving duties of the #14 Chevrolet. Ginn Racing will evaluate the #13 team, as lack of sponsorship kept that team from finishing out the season full-time.
Aric Almirola, 23, will join Ginn Racing and split seat-time with veteran driver Mark Martin in the #01 U.S. Army Chevrolet.
"We are starting our future now," said Jay Frye, Ginn Racing's CEO and general manager. "These two 23-year-old drivers (Smith and Almirola) are the groundwork for future success."
Posted by Jeremy Dunn
The latest silly season buzz, non-Earnhardt and non-Busch related, has Joe Gibbs Racing developmental driver Aric Almirola heading over to Ginn Racing in 2008. This has been speculation ever since Almirola was forced out of the driver's seat while running third at the Milwaukee Mile last month.
Everyone remembers the confusing situation that transpired in the Busch Series race at Milwaukee just a few weeks ago. NASCAR star Denny Hamlin was in Sonoma, California preparing for the Nextel Cup race, and was scheduled to run the Busch Series event as well. Aric Almirola qualifed the car on the pole, and started the race after Hamlin's arrival had been delayed. Almirola led the early segment of the race, and was running in third when he was summoned to the pit box in order to make room for Hamlin.
Despite losing a lap during the driver change, Hamlin rallied and won the race, however, Almirola was credited with the win. Almirola was quite displeased and rightfully so, but Rockwell Automation wanted Hamlin in the car at all costs.
Apparently, Almirola feels as if he deserves better, which could be why it is expected that he will share a ride with Mark Martin at Ginn Racing in 2008. This seems to be a good deal, as long as they do not replace Almirola with Mark Martin during the race.
What makes this silly season move even more intriguing is the fact that Dale Earnhardt, Inc. is expected to merge with Ginn Racing. If this is the case, two of Ginn's teams will have to be disbanded.
Currently, Ginn Racing fields cars for Mark Martin and Regan Smith, Sterling Marlin, and Joe Nemechek. Ginn Racing officials have already stated that Regan Smith will move to full-time in 2008, and the Mark Martin/Aric Almirola duo are expected share a ride. DEI already has three teams, though Dale Earnhardt Jr is leaving at the end of 2007. So, if this merger happens, the DEI lineup could look something like this- Martin Truex Jr in the #1, Paul Menard in the #15, Mark Martin/Aric Almirola in the #01, and Regan Smith in the #8.
Stay tuned...
Posted by Jeremy Dunn
Thus far in 2007, the NASCAR community has lost Bobby Hamilton Sr, Benny Parsons, Bill France Jr, and now Dr. Bruce Kennedy. For those of you who may not be familiar with Dr. Kennedy, he is the husband of ISC President Lesa France Kennedy.
At approximately 8:40 am, the plane that Dr. Kennedy was on crashed into two houses while attempting an emergency landing in Sanford, Florida. At least five people were killed, and three more were severely injured.
The plane was licensed to Competitor Liaison Bureau, Inc., with the late Bill France as the registered agent. Jim France, Bill France's brother, and Lesa France Kennedy and Brian France, Bill France's children, are listed as vice presidents.
Our condolences go out to the France and Kennedy families.
Posted by Jeremy Dunn
You gotta love Tony Stewart. He is debatably the most talented drivers in the garage. But man, the words that come out of his mouth often baffle me.
After the lap 14 accident with his Joe Gibbs Racing teammate Denny Hamlin, Tony Stewart had this to say.
"The No. 11 just stopped for no reason, right in the middle of Turn 4. I'm sure he was getting tight because for three laps in a row we were catching him through the center and the exit of the corner...All of a sudden he just stops on the exit of [Turn] 4 in front of 42 cars and I guess expects all of us to drive around him. I don't know. It's tore up two really good racecars...he tried to crash us on Friday in practice and didn't get it done so he finished it off [Saturday]."
He even went as far as to hint that Hamlin is not a good teammate.
Basically, he wrecked Denny Hamlin, and then publicly chastised the second-year driver. While it is true, Hamlin's car appeared to slow down due to handling issues, Stewart could have taken notice, radioed to his spotter to 'let the 11 know that the 20 is faster and for him to kindly yield. Later in the race in the race, the 20 will return the favor'. Instead, Stewart rear-ended Hamlin, and sounded ridiculous all throughout his interview. He sounded like the junior high class-clown who never accepted blame for firing spitballs.
Hamlin did something most drivers would not have done. He took the high road and accepted blame, even though it was clearly not his fault. The sophomore driver has been criticized this season for throwing his crew under the bus at Darlington, however, he showed some class by not firing back at Stewart.
Hamlin and Stewart have the potential to be the 1-2 punch that Hendrick Motorsports teammates Jeff Gordon and Jimmie Johnson have become. They would be wise to work together throughout the second-half of the season.
Just an observation here, but Denny Hamlin has performed a tad better than Tony Stewart...could that be why Stewart harbors resentment towards his younger teammate? We saw a similar scenario at Penske Racing a few years ago when the new guy came in and won and the past champion was not all that thrilled about it.
And speaking of Hendrick Motorsports teammates, I will delve into that issue later this week.
Posted by Jeremy Dunn
Just six months after the tragic passings of Bobby Hamilton, Sr. and Benny Parsons, NASCAR lost its most influential figure. Bill France, Jr, son of NASCAR founder Bill France, Sr, passed away on Monday.
France, Jr was 74 years old, and was NASCAR's President and Chairman from 1972 to 2000. From 2001 to 2003, he remained as the Chairman before handing over the day-to-day duties to his son Brian France.
NASCAR is what it is today because of Bill France, Jr.
Posted by Jeremy Dunn
It has been a good week so far for Penske Racing, as Helio Castroneves will sit on the pole for the upcoming Indianapolis 500, and Ryan Newman will sit on the pole for the Coca Cola 600. Kurt Busch will start along-side his teammate on the front row. The week will be complete if Penske Racing can sweep the two Memorial Day classics.
Will Greg Biffle become the next driver of the #8 DEI-owned Chevrolet? That is the latest rumor floating around the garage. This would be a pretty good move for Teresa Earnhardt if she could land a driver of Biffle’s caliber. Currently, Greg Biffle is in contract negotiations with Roush Fenway Racing, however, the contract talks are reportedly ‘in limbo’.
Matt Borland, the former crew chief for Ryan Newman and Dale Jarrett, has taken on a new role as the competition director for the upstart Haas CNC Racing team. Currently, Hass CNC fields two drivers, Johnny Sauter and Jeff Green.
It is official, the Car of Tomorrow will be ran in every race starting in 2008.
Greg Biffle’s crew chief Pat Tryson has been parted ways with his Roush Fenway team. Also, AFLAC has been mentioned as a possible replacement for Ameriquest, which has asked out of their sponsorship obligations on the 16 Ford. Robby Gordon’s former crew chief Greg Erwin will replace Tryson atop the 16 team’s pit box.
AT&T won the battle in the courtroom against NASCAR, and will be able to plaster their logos on Richard Childress Racing’s #31 Chevrolet driven by Jeff Burton.
Posted by Jeremy Dunn
Earlier today, the Charlotte Observer reported that Richard Childress Racing and Dale Earnhardt, Inc. will combine their two engine programs, though no formal announcement has been made.
This collaboration will have a heavy impact on silly season, especially considering that Dale Earnhardt Jr announced a week ago that he would leave DEI, the company his late father Dale Earnhardt built, for greener pastures. Many in the garage felt that Earnhardt Jr would land a ride with Richard Childress Racing, however, this latest development may have eliminated RCR from the Dale Earnhardt Jr sweepstakes.
Could this mean that Ginn Racing now has the upperhand?
Additionally, DEI's merging with RCR could mean that a DEI and Robert Yates Racing merger fell through. Robert Yates Racing is backed by Ford, and Richard Childress Racing is backed by Chevrolet.
Silly season is in full force.
Another rumor flying around is regarding the Rocketman, Ryan Newman. Newman struggled immensely in 2006, and when a driver of his caliber struggles, rumors begin to swirl. The latest rumor has Newman headed to Joe Gibbs Racing. However, Newman and his Penske Racing team have reeled off three consecutive top tens, and they have been competitive for the past month and a half, so this is probably one of them rumors that will quickly fade away.
Posted by Jeremy Dunn
Dale Earnhardt Jr was penalized 100 NASCAR Nextel Cup championship points, and Teresa Earnhardt was penalized 100 NASCAR Nextel Cup owner's points after NASCAR officials discovered that the was improperly mounted and the brackets were confiscated.
Earnhardt Jr's crew chief Tony Eury Jr was suspended six races and fined a whopping $100,000. Dale Earnhardt, Inc. will appeal the penalty.
Was the penalty too harsh? Yes, but NASCAR sure did send a stern message to the rest of the garage.
The Wood Brothers are currently 39th in the NASCAR Nextel Cup owner's standings, 163 points out of the top 35, which is the reason for hiring 1988 Champion Bill Elliott to a race-to-race deal starting with the Coca Cola 600 at Lowe's Motor Speedway next weekend. With Dale Jarrett out of Champions provisionals, Elliott would likely be given that starting position if need be. Elliott, however, is one of the better qualifiers and should have no problem getting that 21 into the field.
Ken Schrader and Jon Wood will step aside from their driving duties until further notice.
Bill Elliott quotes:
"I was pretty honored to get a call from the Wood Brothers to drive the 21 car. I've seen them struggle the last few weeks, being outside the top 35, and it breaks my heart to see them miss races. I hope I can get in the car, get us qualified well every week and see what we can make up in the points battle along the way."
Posted by Jeremy Dunn
Dale Earnhardt Jr officially announced his departure from Dale Earnhardt, Inc. following the 2007 NASCAR Nextel Cup season. As of the composing of this blog, nothing has been mentioned regarding the future of Martin Truex Jr.
Press Conference Quotes
"We worked really hard, but we were never close...I am a little sad, but I am trying to remind myself to be excited about what's ahead. I'm sad that I have to leave some employees that I got close to, leave some relationships. We're going to finish this year out, and I told my guys we're going to run hard. I don't want any excuses for us not giving our best effort. I plan on giving everything I've got like I always do, and hopefully that's what I'll get in return."
"At 32 years of age, the same age my father was when he made his final and most important career decision, it's time for me to compete on a consistent basis and contend for championships now. I believe I'd have my father's blessing."
Earnhardt Jr on his future team.
It's not the guy who gives me the biggest paycheck. It's the person I feel like will allow me to accomplish what I want to in my career, on the race track, in this shop itself. There's some things you can't get with money, peace of mind and satisfaction in what you do every day. ... I'm seeking to have that peace of mind and that comfort to be able to really be an asset to somebody. I want to go somewhere and really make things happen for somebody."
Tune in for more news on Dale Earnhardt Jr.
Posted by Jeremy Dunn
Dale Earnhardt Jr is expected to announce that he will leave Dale Earnhardt Incorporated, the house that his late father built, following the 2007 NASCAR Nextel Cup season. Martin Truex Jr, Earnhardt Jr’s protégé, is expected to follow NASCAR’s most popular driver out of DEI front doors. JR Motorsports, which was built by Earnhardt Jr, will field two cars and is expected to use Hendrick Motorsports engines and chassis.
Ever since December, questions have arisen regarding Earnhardt Jr’s future with Dale Earnhardt, Inc., especially since he has a rather frosty relationship with his stepmother Teresa Earnhardt, also the owner of DEI. In March, Earnhardt Jr and his sister Kelley Earnhardt Elledge made it publicly clear they were seeking majority ownership, and the goal was to have a deal signed, sealed, and delivered by the end of May. However, in the meantime, DEI has been negotiating a possible merger with Robert Yates Racing, a team supported by Ford. DEI would apparently trade in their bow-ties for blue ovals.
What does this mean for DEI?
Earnhardt Jr’s pending departure could mark the beginning of the end for DEI as we know it. It is highly likely that key members of DEI such as Tony Eury Jr, Tony Eury Sr, and Kevin ‘Bono’ Manion will trail Earnhardt Jr out of dodge, as well as the Budweiser and Bass Pro Shops sponsorship packages.
Teresa Earnhardt’s primary stars will be David Gilliland and Paul Menard, which may force her to accelerate Jeffery Earnhardt’s career. The fourth generation driver is only 17 years old and is currently cutting his teeth driving Late Models.
End of an era
The anticipated announcement will be the end of an era. Several years ago, it was unimaginable for Earnhardt Jr to drive for anyone else other than his father’s organization, but now it is inevitable. Clearly, this is not what the late Dale Earnhardt had in mind when he started this company back in the early 1980’s.
Posted by Jeremy Dunn
Tony Stewart neglected the media after the Subway Fresh Fit 500 at Phoenix Saturday night, however, he did not hold back his opinions on his Sirius Satellite Radio Show. Stewart claimed that NASCAR is throwing debris cautions as a tactic to manipulate races, especially if the field is beginning to spread out. In fact, here is what Tony had to say.
"To me it's not all about the money, it's about the integrity of the sport, and when I feel our own sanctioning body isn't taking care of that, it's hard to support them and feel proud about being a driver in the Nextel Cup Series when they're throwing debris cautions. It's like playing God. They can almost dictate the race instead of the drivers doing it. It's happened too many times this year. You get so frustrated ... But enough of it's gone on that fans are writing in and talking about it. At what point does NASCAR get the hint? I guess NASCAR thinks, 'hey wrestling worked, and it was for the most part staged, so I guess it's going to work in racing, too...I was coming so fast, it was inevitable I was going to get around those guys, so NASCAR throws a debris caution ... I thought racing was about being better than the other guys."
Then he commented on leaving the track without speaking to the media.
"The aggravation for me was I didn't want to go in the media center and bash NASCAR. I don't mind doing it on my own radio show. Anyone who thinks this debris caution stuff is the right direction for NASCAR, I think you're crazy...The thing with the media is they think it's our obligation to do those things...It's a privilege that they get to (talk to us). That's the way it's always been. Maybe it is in some of these other guys' contracts, but it is not in my contract that says I have to go do any interviews after the race is over."
I agree with Stewart in the fact that NASCAR has no right to manipulate a race by throwing a debris caution if in fact that is what they are doing. If they are going to throw a debris caution, they should at least show the debris on television just to avoid accusations such as these. There have been approximately 20 debris cautions thus far and we have only completed 8 races.
I do have a problem with Stewart failing to acknowledge the media after the race. Sure he was upset and would have probably said something harsh regarding NASCAR officials, but he is not that only driver that has emerged from his car upset after a race. He is a grown man, he should be able to speak to the media and at the same time, keep his emotions in check.
None of us should be surprised by Stewart's actions. This is the same volatile Tony Stewart that we have enjoyed watching ever since he punched Kenny Irwin Jr at Martinsville in 1999, or spun out Jeff Gordon on pit road at Bristol in 2001. Tony is going to be Tony whether we like it or not, bottomline.
Posted by Jeremy Dunn
Everyone living in the United States has the freedom of speech and should very well exercise that right. However, your opinion should always include a little thing called tact. Tact was not used in Jimmy Spencer’s latest rant regarding Kelley EARNHARDT Elledge and the Dale Earnhardt, Inc. and Dale Earnhardt Jr contract negotiation talks.
In case you missed it, which I doubt anyone remotely interested in NASCAR did, here is what Mr. Excitement had to say about Mrs. Earnhardt Elledge.
"The thing is that Teresa Earnhardt gave Dale Jr. his opportunity to race. She's the one that told Dale, her husband, Sr., let's give him a shot. Kelly Earnhardt Elledge, I'm shocked she kept her middle name. I mean you're married, you know, why keep Earnhardt? I think her ego is so big, I think she's backing Teresa and Max in corners. She's not a good negotiator. I think she… if she worked for anybody else they'd probably fire her. But because she's working for Dale Jr. and it's his sister, I think that she's using ego to control this direction. And I think that Dale needs to be careful about that, because that Dale, if he makes the decision to leave DEI, there's a lot of true Dale Earnhardt Sr. fans that will lose respect for Dale Jr. That's the one thing that Dale Sr… I don't think Dale Jr. needs to leave the organization. I think there's more to it. I think Max Siegel is a heck of a negotiator, but the thing is I don't like what Kelley is doing, putting them in corners."
Whoa! Tell us what you really think Jimmy.
Jimmy Spencer has always been exceedingly candid. Sometime Spencer’s candor is warranted, but sometimes he forgets that tact is available for use when expressing an opinion.
Spencer has every right to his opinion regarding Kelley Earnhardt Elledge, and he could have made his point in a less demeaning manner, but instead he chose to spout off and ended up sounding like a total jackass.
Spencer has a history of criticizing anyone with the last name Earnhardt. He was overly critical of Dale Earnhardt Sr regarding his driving style as well as other off-track issues, and he was the first driver to insinuate that the 2001 Pepsi 400 was fixed so that Dale Earnhardt Jr could win the first race at the track that took his father’s life.
Spencer did win over a boatload of fans in 2003 after punching NASCAR villain Kurt Busch at Michigan, but that was a long time ago, and now he has opened himself up to criticism from the fans as well as the not-so forgetful media.
The only ones who benefited from Spencer’s comments are Michael Waltrip and Kyle Busch. Waltrip’s bizarre traffic accident and Busch’s premature exodus from Texas Motor Speedway will be pushed to the background while Spencer’s imprudent comments will dominate the headlines.
Posted by Jeremy Dunn
It is reported that Dale Earnhardt Jr, owner of JR Motorsports, has signed former Supercross champion Jeremy McGrath to a developmental contract. McGrath, 35, will begin his stock car career running Late Models and will eventually graduate to the NASCAR Busch Series.
McGrath will be sponsored by Monster Energy Drink.
The signing of McGrath comes as no surprise as it appears as if the new inclination for NASCAR owners is to sign drivers with limited or no stock car experience. Last year, Chip Ganassi Racing hired Juan Pablo Montoya, a former CART Champion, former Indianapolis 500 winner, and former winner in Formula One, as the driver of the # 42 Dodge.
A couple of months later, A.J. Allmendinger, a former Champ Car winner, was signed by the Toyota-backed Red Bull Racing to pilot one of their two Nextel Cup rides.
Penske Racing has put three-time Indy Racing League champion Sam Hornish Jr in a Busch Series car for selected events in 2007.
It seems as if the traditional way of finding fresh young talent has completely changed over the last ten years or so. Jeff Gordon and Tony Stewart practically changed the way car owners scout new talent. Gordon and Stewart were successful in different forms of auto racing before they became NASCAR superstars. Gordon made a name for himself in USAC in the late 1980's, and Stewart is the 1997 Indy Racing League Champion. In fact, he is the only driver to have won a championship in both IRL and NASCAR Nextel Cup.
Robby Gordon is another driver that came along around the same time as Stewart. Robby Gordon also spent time in the Indy Racing League and is an avid off-road racer as well.
Ryan Newman, Kasey Kahne, Carl Edwards, Casey Mears, and J.J. Yeley all have an open-wheel background. Denny Hamlin and David Gilliland come to mind as the most recent purebred stock car racers that have been given an opportunity in NASCAR Nextel Cup.
And now it appears as if NASCAR owners are stepping even further from tradition. Not only are they looking at the open-wheelers, but now the two-wheelers as well. Ginn Racing recently signed Supercross star Ricky Carmichael to a developmental contract and now Jeremy McGrath will get a crack at stock car stardom. McGrath and Carmichael are debatably the two most successful Supercross racers of all time.
For those of you who are unfamiliar with Jeremy McGrath, he was the Dale Earnhardt, Jeff Gordon, Richard Petty- take your pick- of Supercross racing in the 1990’s. From 1993 to 2001, McGrath won 72 250cc events as well as 7 250cc Championships.
It will be interesting to see how this Supercross icon performs on four wheels.
Note: There are a couple of NASCAR Nextel Cup stars that have a background in motorcycle racing. Scott Riggs was a champion in the American Motorcycle Association as a teenager and Jimmie Johnson began his career racing 50cc and 60cc motorcycles.
Posted by Jeremy Dunn
The writing may be on the wall for Greg Biffle.
After the 2009 season, NASCAR will no longer permit more than four teams in a stable, and Roush Fenway Racing has five. Ever since this new regulation was announced two years ago, it was unclear as to which team in the Roush Fenway stable would be the one to disband. Now, it appears that we have our answer.
When Biffle's previous sponsor National Guard opted to endorse the younger and more marketable Casey Mears at Hendrick Motorsports, Ameriquest stepped in as the primary sponsor for the 16 team. In fact, they signed a three-year deal to be represented by the 11-time NASCAR Nextel Cup winner. However, due to a recent turn of events in the corporate world, they have decided to back out of the final two years of their deal with Roush Fenway Racing. As of now, the 16 team is sponsor-less for the 2008 season.
With the new four-time limit that NASCAR will execute in 2009, what would be the point in sponsor hunting? What company would sign a one-year deal to endorse a driver? Unless Jack Roush is sure that he would be able to sell the team and sponsor package to a rival team, it would not make much sense. So that puts Biffle's future up in the air.
Despite being one of the most frequent winners in NASCAR Nextel Cup racing over the past three seasons, it is no surprise that Biffle is the guy that will have to find a new home. After all, Matt Kenseth is the 2003 champion so he is the star of the organization, Carl Edwards is the likeable and marketable young gun, and too much has been invested in Jamie McMurray and David Ragan.
Biffle will not stay on the market for too long. He may not be a young gun or Mr. Marketable, but he is an incredible talent. Toyota would likely pursue the 2002 NASCAR Busch Series champion considering that they are in need of a star driver. It will be interesting to see if Biffle becomes the first domino to fall in silly season 2007.
Posted by Jeremy Dunn
I have never been one to accuse NASCAR of manipulating the outcome of a race. I tend to believe the ones who cry 'it's a conspiracy' are the ones who are not pleased with the outcome of the particular race.
Unfortunately, NASCAR is digging a deeper hole when it comes to the conspiracy theorists. For the second time in four races, NASCAR has thrown a debris caution late in the race, which set the stage for a mad dash to the finish in both races.
At California, Jimmie Johnson appeared to be well on his way to his first victory of the year, but a debris caution bunched the field up, and Matt Kenseth was the beneficiary after he won the race off pit road. After the race ended, Johnson, who has benefited from a mysterious debris caution on several occasions, took a jab at NASCAR saying that 'they are still looking for the debris'.
And just last weekend at Atlanta, Tony Stewart appeared to be on his way to his first victory of the season; that was until the foreseeable debris caution set up another mad dash to the finish. Johnson would eventually chase down Stewart and avenge his defeat at California two weeks prior.
It is not just the late-race cautions that have worn thin with some fans. NASCAR has called for debris cautions on several occasions throughout a race that has incongruously benefited some of NASCAR's bigger stars.
If these debris cautions are indeed legit, NASCAR has the ability to prove it. Let the fans see the debris for themselves. NASCAR has to have some influence over the TV coverage, so put that camera on the so-called debris and shut these fans up. It seems to be a simple solution.
As I have stated before, I refuse to believe that NASCAR calculatedly influences the outcome of these races, but it would be nice if they would validate some of these mysterious debris cautions, if nothing else, just to prove these conspiracy theorists wrong.
Posted by Jeremy Dunn
Speedway Motorsports chairman Bruton Smith made it clear that he wants a second date on the NASCAR Nextel Cup schedule for the Las Vegas Motor Speedway.
Will it happen? Darn right it will! Why? Because it is Las Vegas, and Bruton Smith gets what he wants! What track will be replaced? Well, I'm not sure, but chances are it will be a track shorter than 1.5-mile in length. Unfortunately, Martinsville comes to mind.
Does NASCAR really need another 1.5-mile race? Even though each 1.5-mile, or 2-mile D-shaped oval has its own distinctive characteristics, they are called cookie cutter tracks for a reason.
Realistically, Las Vegas would be a perfect choice for a second race, but that is from a marketing standpoint. However, from the fans point of view, NASCAR has already butchered a once-versatile agenda of races.
The North Carolina Motor Speedway in Rockingham was a high-speed oval, just a tad over a mile in length. It was a track like no other. Put Darlington, Dover, and Atlanta in a blender and you will get Rockingham. Unfortunately, it was removed from the schedule after the 2004 season.
The defunct short track in North Wilkesboro, North Carolina, which was a .625-mile uphill-downhill oval, was deleted from the schedule a decade ago. North Wilkesboro was a unique short track that was comparable yet contrasting to Martinsville, Bristol, and Richmond.
Darlington Raceway has yet to be completely excluded from the NASCAR schedule, however, the 400-mile spring race is no more, and the 500-mile event was removed from its traditional Labor Day date and rescheduled for a cold November weekend in 2004. To make room in the Chase for the Championship for the contemporary facility in Fort Worth, Texas, the race in Darlington was moved yet again, this time to Mother's Day weekend in May.
We all know that Rockingham and North Wilkesboro have absolutely no chance at hosting a Nextel Cup race in this lifetime, and Darlington will continue to cling on to its one date, so the next best thing is for NASCAR to just leave the schedule alone. Do not add any more cookie cutter races, please!
Posted by Jeremy Dunn
Dale Earnhardt Jr dominated the headlines throughout the NASCAR off-season. First, he traded barbs with his stepmother. Now he is right smack in the middle of contract negotiations, and who could forget about his demands of majority ownership of Dale Earnhardt, Incorporated.
Additionally, the DEI engine woes have triggered a lot of media interest.
Well, for those of you who constantly grumble about all the attention that Earnhardt Jr receives, you finally got what you wanted- another driver stealing his spotlight.
ESPN's coverage of the Juan Pablo Montoya 200, sorry, I mean the Telcel Motorola 200 at Mexico City primarily focused on the former CART champion.
It was apparent from the drop of the green flag that Montoya was 'the story'.
A lot of the attention surrounding Montoya had merit. He intrepidly fought back from 21st position after the overflow tube malfunctioned with less than 30 laps to go. He seemed to pass cars with ease. The comeback was nothing short of spectacular, considering that it was a road course. Road courses are typically one-groove racetracks making it difficult to pass.
Then he brought more attention to himself by spinning out his teammate Scott Pruett with eight laps to go.
However, other key moments in the race were practically disregarded. For instance, something must have happened around the bottom half of the top ten in the closing laps because Regan Smith, Greg Biffle, Stephen Leicht, and Michel Jourdain Jr were all in the top ten, and all of a sudden, they were outside of the top 20 on the leaderboard. What happened to those guys?
Montoya will still be the center of attention as we head to Las Vegas, however, it will not be long before fellow media magnet Earnhardt Jr has the spotlight shining on him again.
Posted by Jeremy Dunn
The Car of Tomorrow hit the track at Bristol Motor Speedway on Wednesday as drivers and teams prepare for the Food City 500 later this month. And whether we like it or not, the Car of Tomorrow is on the verge of becoming the Car of Today.
We have all heard the constant complaints regarding the Car of Tomorrow ever since the car was unveiled. It’s ugly, it’s costly, etc. But lately, it seems as if some fans and drivers are warming up to the new car, which looks more like the Car of Yesteryear.
In fact, Kevin Harvick said that he could see why NASCAR made the decision to phase-in the Car of Tomorrow.
"I think everything has to evolve. Our points system has evolved. Our cars are evolving. The bottom line is, NASCAR has to make the best decision for them. They felt it was time to evolve the car and make it safer, and the teams will figure out the rest…NASCAR didn't get where it is today based on all of our opinions."
Harvick’s teammate Jeff Burton also pointed out the positives with the new car. "I like the fact that it's a safer vehicle. I like the fact that there's more room for the driver. There are a lot of things about that that I really like."
It is vital that these teams become acclimated with the Car of Tomorrow because five of the ten races in the Chase for the Championship are races in which the COT will be used.
On Wednesday during the practice sessions, NASCAR’s Director of Competition John Darby hinted that the Car of Tomorrow could run the full schedule in 2008. "A lot of what's happening is it's settling in to all the competitors that this is the future, this is the car. Why are we going to wait three years? I don't think we will."
So fans, if you are a huge fan of the Car of Today, enjoy the 18 remaining races with the current template, because Homestead could be the official end of an era.
Denny Hamlin has posted the fastest lap so far- 15.706 (122.170 mph)
Posted by Jeremy Dunn
When Mark Martin decided to run a limited schedule for Ginn Racing, many Ford Racing loyalists became disenchanted considering that Ginn Racing, formerly MB2 Motorsports, fields Chevrolet Monte Carlos. But Mark Martin's latest venture will likely grind the gears of the devoted Ford fans .
On Wednesday, Hendrick Motorsports revealed that the 48 year old veteran will drive for the organization in three Busch Series events in 2007- Darlington, Michigan, and Homestead.
Mark Martin spent 19 seasons driving for Roush Racing, and as time progressed, a rivalry developed between Roush Racing and Hendrick Motorsports. It escalated in 1998 when Mark Martin and Jeff Gordon were locked into a heated championship race. When Jeff Gordon and his Hendrick Motorsports team began to gain some momentum and distance themselves from Martin, Jack Roush through out the accusation that the 24 team was soaking their tires.
The allegations surfaced after Mark Martin dominated the fall race at New Hampshire, while Gordon was merely lingering around the top ten. When a late caution came out, Gordon and his crew opted for a two-tire stop in order to come out of the pits ahead of Martin, who opted for four fresh tires.
Logic would have Martin blowing by Gordon shortly after the green flag was waved, however, Gordon walked away with the win, which left the Roush Racing group scratching their heads.
Who would have guessed that nine years later, Martin would be strapping in to a Hendrick Motorsports prepared car.
"This is going to add another great chapter to my career...I have a great respect for Rick and the entire Hendrick Motorsports organization, so I'm excited about this opportunity to be a part of it. Hopefully we can make some Busch Series history in the Hendrick Autoguard Chevrolet," says Martin.
Just music to the ears of Ford fans, right? If they thought Martin was a traitor before, what about now?
Martin will be sponsored by Hendrick Autoguard. Maybe Roush Racing should make a play for Terry Labonte.
Posted by Jeremy Dunn
Do you agree that Tony Stewart is Chevrolet's top driver, or would you give the nod to Jimmie Johnson, Jeff Gordon, or Kevin Harvick? Tell me in the discussion forum.
1. Tony Stewart (Joe Gibbs Racing)- Tony Stewart is arguably the driver of the decade. Chances are that he will be a three-time Nextel Cup champion before the decade is over.
2. Jimmie Johnson (Hendrick Motorsports)- Since his rookie in 2002, no other driver has more victories than Jimmie Johnson. And now he is a Daytona 500 champion, Brickyard 400 champion, and NASCAR Nextel Cup champion.
3. Jeff Gordon (Hendrick Motorsports)- It wasn't easy ranking a four-time NASCAR champion third overall, but Jeff Gordon has been outperfromed by Jimmie Johnson and Tony Stewart over the past three or four years.
4. Kevin Harvick (Richard Childress Racing)- If you combine the Busch Series and the Nextel Cup Series, then Kevin Harvick would be ranked number one, hands down.
5. Dale Earnhardt Jr (Dale Earnhardt, Inc.)- If this ranking was based on popularity, then Dale Earnhardt Jr would be the number one man.
6. Jeff Burton (Richard Childress Racing)- By ranking Jeff Burton sixth further confirms how adept the Chevrolet roster is.
7. Kyle Busch (Hendrick Motorsports)- It's hard to believe that Kyle Busch is entering his third season in Nextel Cup.
8. Denny Hamlin (Joe Gibbs Racing)- It will be hard for Denny Hamlin to improve upon his spectacular rookie season, but it can be done. Tony Stewart, Ryan Newman, and Jimmie Johnson had even better sophomore seasons.
9. Clint Bowyer (Richard Childress Racing)- Clint Bowyer could be the surprise of the 2007 NASCAR Nextel Cup season.
10. Casey Mears (Hendrick Motorsports)- Casey Mears could be one of the few first-time winners in 2007.
Worth mentioning- Martin Truex Jr, J.J. Yeley, Paul Menard
Note- Mark Martin was not listed because he is not participating in a full schedule. Yeah, Ken Schrader and Jon Wood were ranked together on the Ford rankings, but come on, there are only nine full-time Ford teams.
Posted by Jeremy Dunn
Who do you think is the top Dodge driver? Tell me what you think in the discussion forum.
1. Kasey Kahne (Evernham Motorsports)- Kasey Kahne has emerged as Dodge's poster boy. Expect Kahne to win multiple races and compete in the NASCAR Nextel Cup Chase for the Championship.
2. Kurt Busch (Penske Racing)- Kurt Busch had an off-year in 2006, but I wouldn't expect the same in 2007. Busch will return to victory lane, and possibly Chase the NASCAR Nextel Cup championship.
3. Ryan Newman (Penske Racing)- A couple of years ago, Ryan Newman would have been Dodge's number 1 man hands down, but a sub par 2006 season has tainted the 12 team. However, expect a dramatic turnaround for Newman. He will be back in victory lane, and the Chase for the Championship.
4. Bobby Labonte (Petty Enterprises)- The 2000 NASCAR champion gave Petty Enterprises some decent runs in 2006. Both Labonte and the 43 should improve in their second full season together, but a win would be a pleasant surprise.
5. Elliott Sadler (Evernham Motorsports)- Elliott Sadler may win a race, but a spot in the Chase for the Championship is unlikely.
6. Scott Riggs (Evernham Motorsports)- Scott Riggs will be one of the few first-time winners in 2007.
7. Reed Sorenson (Chip Ganassi Racing)- The 21 year old Georgia boy is Chip Ganassi's top gun this year. Expect Reed Sorenson to improve upon his rookie season.
8. Kyle Petty (Petty Enterprises)- Kyle Petty's driving career is reaching it's conclusion. Expect him to retire after the 2007 season.
9. David Stremme (Chip Ganassi Racing)- It's time for David Stremme to show some signs of improvement.
10. Juan Pablo Montoya (Chip Ganassi Racing)- Montoya will not be an overnight success in NASCAR Nextel Cup, but I wouldn't expect him to be listed as the 10th best Dodge for very long either.
Posted by Jeremy Dunn
Tell me who you think is the best Ford driver in our discussion board.
Sometime last summer, I ranked Toyota's Nextel Cup roster. Well, here are how the Ford drivers will rank heading into the 2007 NASCAR Nextel Cup season.
1. 16-Greg Biffle (Roush Racing)- Over the past three years, no other Ford driver has won more. Since 2004, Biffle has ten victories. Expect Biffle to contend for the NASCAR Nextel Cup championship.
2. 17-Matt Kenseth (Roush Racing)- Now that Mark Martin has exited Roush Racing and Ford Motorsports, Kenseth has become Ford's most consummated driver. But Kenseth showed signs of fading as the 2006 season wound down. Still, Kenseth finished 2nd in the Nextel Cup championship standings.
3. 99-Carl Edwards (Roush Racing)- Carl Edwards' first full season in NASCAR Nextel Cup was nothing short of spectacular, but the subsequent season did not live up to expectations. Edwards struggled with consistency, and his temper. Edwards will not repeat his 2005 perfromance, however, he will win a race or two.
4. 88-Ricky Rudd (Robert Yates Racing)- Ever since Ricky Rudd departed the Robert Yates Racing after the 2002 season, neither Rudd nor Yates have enjoyed much success. They may not contend for the Nextel Cup championship as they did in 2000 and 2001, but Rudd may give RYR their first win since 2004.
5. 26-Jamie McMurray (Roush Racing)- Other than Ryan Newman, Jamie McMurray was probably the biggest disappointment of 2006. He never seemed to fit in at Roush Racing. McMurray will improve, but he will not live up to the lofty expectations that were placed upon him.
6. 38-David Gilliland (Robert Yates Racing)- David Gilliland will prove that he is not just a one-hit wonder.
7. 7-Robby Gordon (Robby Gordon Motorsports)- Look for Robby Gordon to possibly win a road course race, but that is about it. Oh yeah, I wouldn't expect any roll bar paddings to come flying out of his window either.
8. 21-Ken Schrader/Jon Wood (Wood Brothers Racing)- With Ken Schrader in the car, the Wood Brothers can run top 20 or 25, but Jon Wood will linger towards the 30's.
9. 6-David Ragan (Roush Racing)- Mark Martin's heir will find it difficult to be competitive at this most high level of NASCAR competition. Ragan will have a J.J. Yeley-like Nextel Cup rookie season.
Posted by Jeremy Dunn
Here is my list of five people who I believe should be selected into the NASCAR Hall of Fame.
Bill France Sr- This is an obvious choice. France Sr is the founder of the National Association for Stock Car Automobile Racing.
Richard Petty- He is the 'King', and the most victorious driver in the history of NASCAR. Richard Petty has 200 wins, 7 championships, and 7 Daytona 500 victories. He also accrued 127 poles, most of any NASCAR driver in history.
Junior Johnson- Possibly the greatest car owner in NASCAR history. As a driver, Junior Johnson won 50 races, but as an owner, he won six championships (three with Cale Yarborough, and three with Darrell Waltrip).
Dale Earnhardt- Dale Earnhardt is debatably the greatest driver of the Modern Era. He has won a grand total of seven championships, 76 wins, and one Daytona 500 victory. Earnhardt, known as the Intimidator, also brought marketing to a whole new level as the sport began to grow in the 1990's. He was the 1979 Rookie of the Year. He was the face of NASCAR right up until his untimely death in February of 2001.
David Pearson- Known as the 'Silver Fox', David Pearson won 105 races, three championships, and 113 poles. Pearson won rookie of the year in 1960, and retired in 1986.
The second group of inductees would include
Bill France, Jr
Bobby Allison
Cale Yarborough
Darrell Waltrip
Lee Petty
Discuss this on our discussion board
Posted by Jeremy Dunn
Martin Truex Jr was in the news this week, albeit not the publicity that he would have preferred. After chilling with his friends at a restaurant in Daytona, the NASCAR driver urinated on the front tire of his Chevrolet Suburban. Okay, we have all done something like that before. Unfortunately for Truex Jr, there was an officer nearby who witnessed the entire ordeal.
Rich Gardner, the officer that busted Truex, alleged that the driver resisted arrest seven times before he cooperated, and that Truex held out a $100 dollar bill.
"I hope that's worth 100 bucks," Garnder hollered. Truex replied, "It is worth 100 bucks."
On Monday, Truex Jr took responsibility for his actions by saying, "I had to take a leak in the corner of a parking garage where no one could see. It was a stupid mistake and I'll never do it again...The incident that recently occurred in Daytona Beach, Fla. was in poor judgment and shouldn't have happened. I want to apologize to Bass Pro Shops, the NASCAR community and my fellow employees of Dale Earnhardt, Inc."
At least he was honest. Truex also noted that he had not planned on getting behind the wheel and that he was not heavily intoxicated. "We had a few drinks, I was not intoxicated and we had a designated driver."
This is the second time in a year and a half that a NASCAR driver has had a brush with the law. Remember the Kurt Busch versus Maricopa County debacle in November of 2005?
Hey, at least Truex Jr learned from Busch's mistakes and did not call the officer a Jeff Gordon fan.
Posted by Jeremy Dunn
The second set of NASCAR Nextel Cup drivers were testing the 2.5-mile superspeedway, and every employee from every team worked this week with a heavy heart. NASCAR Champion and NASCAR TV analyst Benny Parsons passed away Tuesday.
This week, many articles have been written as a tribute to the 1973 champion. He was a highly admired driver, as well as popular television personality. He will be greatly missed, especially in the NASCAR community. He has left a void that will never be filled.
Marred by the tragedy, the teams and drivers had to get down to business. David Gilliland set the standard early on as he posted a lap of 185.090 mph in his Robert Yates Racing Ford. Gilliland was tutored by his new veteran teammate Ricky Rudd, and it apparently paid off. The Yates cars look good to go for the Daytona 500.
Open wheel veteran, and NASCAR rookie Juan Pablo Montoya posted an impressive speed of 184.574, which was fastest among all driver participating in the Tuesday AM session at Daytona. Montoya also responded to criticism from former Formula One rival Michael Schumacher by calling him 'noboby in the U.S.'.
Montoya wasn't the only Dodge driver who shined on Tuesday, Penske Racing's Ryan Newman was the fastest among all drivers participating in the Tuesday PM session at Daytona. He led the pack with a speed of 186.540 mph.
On Wednesday, Newman's teammate Kurt Busch turned heads by posting a blistering speed of 191.188 in, get this, a Car Of Tomorrow. Kurt Busch as well as Newman tested the Car of Tomorrow this week at Daytona as the teams gathered data.
Dale Earnhardt Inc. driver Paul Menard posted the fastest lap in a Car of Today with a speed of 187.099 mph Wednesday evening.
Posted by Jeremy Dunn
The recap of Daytona testing week 1 can be summarized with one word- Earnhardt. The rift between Dale Earnhardt Jr and his stepmother/boss Teresa Earnhardt eclipsed all of the other week's headlines.
Other headlines included:
Toyota hitting the track for the first time- Toyota's preliminary speeds were solid, but Dale Jarrett's candid comments about Toyota's being built in the United States while Fords and Chevrolets were being built in Mexico and Canada dominated this headline.
Jimmie Johnson and Greg Biffle both suffered off-season injuries, but they appear to be ready for the 2007 NASCAR Nextel Cup season.
Ricky Rudd and his reunion with Robert Yates- It's not surprising that Ricky Rudd and Robert Yates Racing posted fast speeds this past week. The Yates cars are always fast at the super speedways. Rudd will be a great darkhorse pick for the Daytona 500.
Tony Raines and Jeff Green were the surprises of the week. Raines posted the fastest speed Monday morning, and Green posted the fastest cumulative speed.
Kasey Kahne and the rest of the Dodge's still seemed to struggle. The real test will be next week when the Penske cars take to the track. Penske has the best restrictor plate program as far as Dodge is concerned.
Posted by Jeremy Dunn
On January 8th, NASCAR Nextel Cup drivers will begin testing for the Daytona 500 except for Tony Stewart and Robby Gordon who apparently have more important things to do. Gordon will be competing in the Dakar Rally from January 6th to the 21st, and I am still unclear as to why Stewart is not participating.
This component of Daytona Speedweeks is less than exciting for the drivers, however it officially marks the entrance into the 2007 campaign.
In my humble opinion, appearing at these monotonous tests is a sign of commitment to your team and the job. Now, I'm not trying to imply that Tony Stewart or Robby Gordon are not committed, but their appearance at these tests would further display their leadership roles on their respective teams. Yeah, I know that Stewart has led more laps than anyone at the 2.5 mile super speedway since 2004, and could contend for the win blindfolded, and he will get his pre-race seat time in the Budweiser Shootout, but this test is a part of the job. Instead, Mike McLaughlin will replace Stewart and P.J. Jones will replace Gordon.
Gordon, on the other hand, is the owner of the team, therefore he is the leader, the bossman. He should be the one representing his company, leading by example. His team is fielding a new manufacturer (Ford), and running a new engine package (Yates/Roush). Shouldn't that give him some extra incentive to be at the track guiding his young team? And unlike Stewart and the 20 team, Gordon is not exactly considered as a threat to win the Great American Race.
What would NASCAR do if more and more drivers decided that Daytona testing was insignificant? What if Jeff Gordon, Jimmie Johnson, Dale Earnhardt Jr, Ryan Newman, Matt Kenseth, Kevin Harvick, etc. had field fillers doing their job?
The first test is scheduled for January 8th to the 10th and will include Dale Earnhardt Jr, Jimmie Johnson, Kasey Kahne, Kevin Harvick, Greg Biffle, Ricky Rudd, Bobby Labonte, and Dale Jarrett. And oh yeah, Mike McLaughlin and P.J. Jones.
The second test is schedule for January 15th to the 17th and will include Matt Kenseth, Jeff Gordon, Carl Edwards, Jeff Burton, Ryan Newman, Kurt Busch, Denny Hamlin, and Mark Martin.
Posted by Jeremy Dunn
Teresa Earnhardt, the widow of the late Dale Earnhardt, is the owner of Dale Earnhardt Inc, which obviously means that she is Dale Earnhardt Jr's boss. That would give her the right to question his commitment, right? Yes, to a certain extent.
Firstly, you don't call the high-profile employer out in public the way that Teresa did. She told the Wall Street Journal, "Right now the ball's in his court to decide on whether he wants to be a NASCAR driver or whether he wants to be a public personality." This comment was based on Earnhardt Jr's contract expiring after 2007.
If this comment was made after the 2005 season, I would totally agree with Teresa. Earnhardt Jr seemed less self-assured on the track, yet he was all over the place off the track. But Earnhardt Jr appeared to have a new-found sense of determination in 2006. As the season progressed, his performance on tracks that he once struggled, appeared to enhance.
He returned to the Nextel Cup Chase for the Championship with a two-car team. He won a race, and was competitive for the most part. That is why I question Teresa's motives. Is she trying to light a fire under Earnhardt Jr, or is she trying to isolate him? Because there are a lot of teams that would move mountains to get Earnhardt Jr on their turf. Richard Childress Racing comes to mind, as that was his father's place of employment for decades. Also, Joe Gibbs Racing, since Earnhardt Jr is close friends with Tony Stewart and Denny Hamlin. And not to mention, he is a huge Washington Redskins fan.
But I would like to see this deal worked out, because Earnhardt Jr should one day be the man in charge of DEI.
Posted by Jeremy Dunn
Usually I am one of the the writers who post quite frequently, however, I have had a busy off-season. I have been doing some NFL stuff, and that has taken up a lot of time. But I haven't forgot about the auto racing fans.
The new year will bring in predictions, and more news from the NASCAR world.
Posted by Jeremy Dunn
December is here, which means it is that time of the year when NASCAR racing seems like an eternity away. Testing for the Daytona 500 will commence in just over a month, but testing is less than exhilirating. The interesting activities begin in mid-February, with the Budweiser Shootout and Daytona 500 qualifying, which is over two months away. So, fans must check the Internet for the latest scoop in NASCAR.
It's clear that Penske Racing driver Ryan Newman will have a new crew chief for 2007 as Mike Nelson will be promoted from his chief engineering duties. He will replace Matt Borland, who actually left with 2 races remaining in the 2006 campaign. Borland is rumored to go to Michael Waltrip Racing.
Doug Richert, the former crew chief for Greg Biffle, will call the shots for Team Red Bull Racing in 2007. Richert, who conceded that he was less than thrilled with Jack Roush's realignment, led Biffle to 10 of his 11 career victories in Nextel Cup. I guess the upside to his career move is that he will no longer have Subway subs thrown at him.
And Johnny Sauter will make a return to Nextel Cup competition with Haas/CNC Racing. Sauter was rumored to become the driver for Robert Yates Racing's number 88 car, which supposedly has a sponsor, but apparently that was blown smoke. Anyway, has anyone heard anything else regarding the 88?
Sauter and Ricky Rudd were the primary names mentioned, but lately, the 88 ride has been seldom acknowledged.
I know that the Yates team is not what they were 5 or 10 years ago, but if the 88 has sponsor, that is an attractive ride, considering the history and success. David Starr, Ricky Craven, Ward Burton, Casey Atwood, Mike Bliss, Kevin Lepage, Ashton Lewis- just some names that come to mind. But, there are not many star quality names available, so it will be interesting to see who gets the gig.
Posted by Jeremy Dunn
Usually I scoff at the countless critics who complain about the Annual NASCAR Awards Ceremony. I usually say- 'Get a Grip'. What kind of Awards ceremony is interesting anyway? None that I can think of. So why expect the NASCAR Awards Banquet to be as exciting as the Sharpie 500 at Bristol, or the Aaron's 499 at Talladega?
This year, however, I was bored stiff watching the ceremony. Jay Mohr was again moderately funny, and even saying that is being generous. His best joke of the night was when he referred to Jeff Gordon's new wife, Ingrid, as the next power forward for the Atlanta Hawks. And the Jimmie Johnson metorsexual crack was rather funny as well. But it was Kyle Busch who stole the show, at leat comedy-wise.
Everyone who watched the ceremony heard Kyle Busch refer to his girlfriend as Eva, his sister-in-law. Wow, talk about having to explain that one to not only his girlfriend, but his brother Kurt as well. But I cannot help but think that he purposely put his foot in his mouth just so the crowd would laugh, since the hired host couldn't do it.
Regardless, you have to admit, rather you like them or not, the Busch boys can get some good looking chicks.
Mohr's rendition of the Kasey Kahne All-State commercial was considered funny by some, but to me it was rather peculiar. Even Kahne appeared uncomfortable after viewing it.
Jewel's musical performance was decent, even though it had nothing to do with NASCAR. I guess since she has been featured in a recurring NASCAR commercial throughout the season, that must be the connection.
Anyway, I fell asleep before Jimmie Johnson even gave his championships speech.
Now, it's time for the off-season blogs.
Posted by Jeremy Dunn
By all standards, Matt Kenseth has had a remarkable 2006 Nextel Cup season. He has four wins, 15 top fives (which leads all Nextel Cup drivers), and 20 top tens. But even in stellar seasons, drivers tend to hit a dry spell.
In 2005, Tony Stewart's dry spell occurred during the first quarter of the season. After that, he struck hot. Kenseth has not been so fortunate in 2006.
Heading into the NASCAR Nextel Cup Chase for the Championship, Kenseth was the odds-on favorite to win his second title. He had just won two of the final four regular season races at Bristol and Michigan, and appeared to have the 1.5-mile intermediate tracks nailed.
But it is almost like someone turned off a switch, and now the 17 team is running like garbage. Well, garbage in their standards, top fifteen and top twenty isn't bad for a lot of teams these days.
It's hard to pinpoint when and where things went wrong for Kenseth and Robbie Reiser. Was it at Dover, when they ran out of gas? I don't think so, I mean, they dominated the race. Perhaps it was Kansas. Everyone thought that Kenseth would be a player at Kansas, but he ran midpack all day, and could not find the handle. Was that when Kenseth lost confidence in their program?
Kenseth struggled at Lowe's and Texas, but was back in form at Atlanta where he finished fourth. But then came Phoenix. Again, Kenseth was just unable to find that cozy balance. And now, he finds himself 63 points behind the red hot Jimmie Johnson with one race remaining.
Three months ago, these roles were reversed. It was Kenseth who could do no wrong, and Johnson was struggling to find a comfortable balance. Johnson went several months without a top five, if I remember correctly. Now he can do no wrong.
It's funny how this whole momentum thing works!
Posted by Jeremy Dunn
Discuss this blog on the discussion board
Ryan Newman made his NASCAR Nextel Cup (then Winston) debut at Phoenix in 2000 with crew chief Matt Borland by his side. So it's ironic that for the first time in his career, Newman will have another crew chief, MIke Nelson, atop the pit box at Phoenix this weekend, six years later.
Newman and Borland, both engineers, became masterminds almost immediately, and played the fuel mileage game better than anyone else in the garage. And you could almost count on that 12 car winning the pole about every other week, as Newman has 37 career poles just five years into his career. From 2002 to 2005, Newman and Borland won 12 races together, 8 coming in 2003.
They have finished in the top ten in the Cup standings every season since 2002, until now.
The duo was considered by some as possibly the best driver/crew chief combo since Jeff Gordon/Ray Evernham.
So what happened? Newman and the 12 team's struggles, especially on the intermediate tracks, have been one of season's biggest mysteries. How do you go from being one of NASCAR's top five teams, to barely clinging on to 18th in the Nextel Cup standings?
You can point out this here and this there, but when a team struggles as badly as the 12 team has in 2006, there are serious problems, and it's deeper than just the Dodge Chager's instability.
It's been rumored for a while that Matt Borland would no longer be the crew chief for Newman and the 12 team in 2007, but recently, it was revealed that he would 'take personal time off' and relinquish the pit box for the two remaining races.
I know that it has not been made official...but it seems highly unlikely that Borland would take time off with only two races to go in the season if he was going to remain with the team next year.
Reports have him going Red Bull Racing, or maybe stay with Penske Racing in another capacity, but I think it's a foregone conclusion that the Newman/Borland combo has not been near as effective as it once was, and a fresh start is imminent.
Mike Nelson is the interim crew chief, and like Borland, Nelson has an engineering background. Rumors also have Roy McCauley moving over to the 12 team in 2007.
But a change of leadership could be what breathes new life into one of NASCAR's biggest stars.
Posted by Jeremy Dunn
Go to the discussion board to discuss this blog!
Usually Kevin Harvick is the guy who flies off the handle and becomes the instigator in near physical confrontations. In 2001 at Richmond, Harvick got in Greg Biffle's face, and a year later at Bristol, he grabbed Biffle's collar with that crazed look in his eyes after the two engaged in an on-track duel.
In 2003, after being wrecked by Ricky Rudd at Richmond with just a couple of laps to go, Harvick abruptly pulled alongside Rudd's Ford, and even stood on his hood. As we walked off he threw his HANS Device at the old veteran.
Harvick verbally attacked Kurt Busch at Bristol in the spring, basically admitting that he should have 'whipped' his rival by now. He also took a couple of shots at Busch's physical appearance.
But at Texas, Kevin Harvick was the victim of hotheadedness.
With just a handful of laps remaining in the Dickies 500 at Texas, Scott Riggs got loose, therefore, Harvick, who had a steam of momentum, hit the back of the # 10 Dodge. Riggs would ultimately slam the outside wall, destroying a car that had ran in the top ten for most of the afternoon.
Riggs was understandably upset, and at first glance, it looked as if Harvick just ran over Riggs.
But Riggs apparently cooled off, and from what I understand, resisted any contact with Harvick after the race concluded.
The same cannot be said for crew member Craig Curione. Curione allegedly shouted obscenities into the direction of Harvick as he and his wife were headed to the haulers. I'm not sure how Harvick retaliated, but Curione proceeded to shove the driver, knocking both he and his wife Delana to the ground. Delana was hurt by the fall.
"Those guys decided they wanted to take matters into their own hands and trip my wife in front of their pit box," Harvick said. "That's a little bit unnecessary, so we're not too happy about that."
Instead of taking matters into his own hands, NASCAR stepped in and suspended Curione indefinitely.
Harvick's actions showed that he has changed quite a bit since he was that young 'punk' who took over the late Dale Earnhardt's ride five and a half years ago.
As for Curione, at least his name broke the headlines this week, something that would have likely never happened if he hadn't lost his cool.
Posted by Jeremy Dunn
It's been a season full of tribulations for Robert Yates Racing. In a matter of months, the organization that won the 1999 championship lost two drivers and a big money sponsor. But after several personnel changes, Robert Yates Racing may be turning the corner.
For most of the season, Dale Jarrett and Elliott Sadler have ran in the bottom half of the field, with the exception of Daytona and Talladega. In fact, at Lowe's in May, Elliott Sadler may have had the slowest car on the track.
Jarrett was often found buried back in the 30's on the race leaderboard. Eventually, Jarrett and UPS were lured away from Yates' organization as they will move on to Michael Waltrip Racing in 2007.
And even before Jeremy Mayfield was released from Evernham Motorsports, it was a foregone conclusion that Sadler would become the driver of the 19 Dodge.
Yates hired the Busch Series Cinderella Man David Gilliland to replace Sadler in the 38 Ford. In June, Gilliland shocked the NASCAR world when he drove around Denny Hamlin and J.J. Yeley at Kentucky to win the Busch Series event. Gilliland was driving for the unknown Clay Andrew Racing.
Gilliland had trouble with the Nextel Cup cars at first. But he is beginning to come around and is no longer that moving chicane. He gained some momentum after he won the pole at Talladega, and finished 15th. At Atlanta, he consistently hung around the top 20, and ultimately scored his second 15th place finish in four races. Now Gilliland is running better in that 38 Ford than Sadler was before he bolted, and a lot of that can be credited to the return of Todd Parrott.
Jarrett drove from the back at Atlanta, and was easily a top fifteen, if not top ten car for a majority of the afternoon at Atlanta, but unfortunately, no one really noticed.
It wasn't long ago when both the 38 and 88 teams struggled just to run in the top 30, now they have seemingly become a consistent top fifteen organization. That's a huge jump for the Robert Yates Racing organization.
Posted by Jeremy Dunn
The speculation that Robby Gordon purposely tossed a roll bar padding on to the racetrack so he could benefit from a caution has been the talk of the week following the Atlanta race.
NBC showed video footage of some kind of debris hitting the racetrack and it apparently came from the 7 car driven by Robby Gordon. But even though he is the lead suspect after viewing the video, NASCAR conceded that it was inconclusive.
And poor Robby Gordon. After a rare top ten finish, he was being interviewed by NBC, and not because of his tenth place finish.
"I definitely did not throw anything out of the window," is Gordon's story and he is sticking to it.
The reason that so much is being made out of this whole ordeal is the because it may have had an impact on where championship contender Jeff Burton finished. Burton was running near the top ten when a tire went down forcing him to make a green flag pit stop.
It likely would have been his final pit stop of the day, and if the race would have remained under green, all of the leaders would have had to stop for tires and fuel. Once everything would have cycled back around, Burton would have probably been running somewhere around 7th or 8th.
He finished 13th, which isn't really a devastating blow, but every point lost is crucial.
Burton was not shy in expressing his displeasure regarding the caution by manipulation.
"NASCAR should stop every car on pit road and check for roll bar pads and whoever threw theirs out should be fined 185 points and $100,000 because it was a huge impact on the race. "
Even though the NBC video footage was inconclusive, NASCAR is still investigating Robby Gordon and the possibility that he purposely forced a caution.
If Robby Gordon is guilty, then this would mark the third time in three seasons that he has done something bizarre during the Chase for the Championship.
In 2004, Gordon purposely dumped Greg Biffle at New Hampshire, causing a pileup that collected championship contenders Tony Stewart and Jeremy Mayfield.
In 2005, Gordon was wrecked by Michael Waltrip, and proceeded to back his damaged vehicle into Waltrip's right in front of the packed field. He then jumped out of his car and vehemently tossed his helmet at Waltrip's car, right in front of championship contender Tony Stewart.
And to top it all off, Gordon referred to Waltrip as a piece of feces on national TV.
I have always admired Robby Gordon. I think he is a driver that could have been in the same class as Stewart or Jeff Gordon. However, he doesn't seem to deal well while working for someone else as he always ends up self-employed.
But if Gordon did purposely cause a caution, there must be repercussions.
Posted by Jeremy Dunn
As the debut of NASCAR’s Car of Tomorrow nears, the critics grow louder and the moans and groans become more apparent. As everyone know, the Car of Tomorrow is scheduled to make it’s highly anticipated debut at Bristol in March. But drivers and crew members continue to question the bigger and boxier cars.
And the fans and media have also joined in on the COT bashing. ‘It’s butt ugly’ and ‘it’s a step backwards in technology’ and ‘it drives just the same as the cars we have now’ has been the omnipresent grievances.
My personal opinion on the Car of Tomorrow is that I cannot wait to see it in action, just because I am naturally curious. I want to see myself how the cars will perform under racing conditions, and I’m sure some of the inquisitive COT detractors feel the same way.
If it enhances safety for the drivers, then it is a good move, no matter how ugly the cars may appear. Hopefully, in time the Car of Tomorrow will evolve into a much more attractive figure.
No one really knows exactly how the Car of Tomorrow will actually perform, ones can only speculate. But there are valid concerns from professionals who obviously know what they are talking about.
Here are some recent quotes from drivers and team members in the garage.
"It's a step backwards as far as technology. We're all here for safety and a good competitive race, but some of what they're doing is a step backwards." Doug Yates
"I'm more concerned that they have consistency in their inspection, because we've spent a lot of money to get ready to do this." Ray Evernham
Basically, Ray is wondering how far he can push that gray area with the Car of Tomorrow.
“It's not like you can roll it into the fab shop and get it back by lunch time and have a side on it. You have to cut the body off and put another body on it. You can't turn them around as fast." Todd Berrier
Valid concern!
"Where [larger teams] get the cars built and make them better, we'll just be building cars.” Larry McClure
It's supposed to help the little guys like Morgan-McClure
"It is still really ugly. When you're used to seeing real slick racecars and you see that, it doesn't look like it's a step forward." Tony Stewart
Yeah, we all are aware of the fact that the Car of Tomorrow is an eyesore.
"The car may look different, but it really drives about the same." Greg Biffle
No one will really know for sure until they hit the track in race conditions.
"If it's a better change in safety then it's worth it, but it's not all that it's made out to be at this point." Ryan Newman
Basically, Newman feels that the COT is overhyped.
"I call it the car of yesterday, because it looks like something those legends used to drive, just with a new nose and a 2021 rear wing. It does look old and boxy, like something the legends in the sport used to race a long time ago.” Scott Riggs
And no one complained back then, did they?
What do you think?
Posted by Jeremy Dunn
At Rockingham, in the fall of 1995, Ward Burton won his first career Winston Cup race driving for Bill Davis Racing. Burton was only 34 years old, and in 1995, 34 was considered 'young gun' status.
It appeared that Burton was about to embark on a vastly successful career. Instead, his little brother Jeff got the ride with Roush Racing and became the Burton family star. Meanwhile, Ward struggled over the next three seasons. Finally, in the spring of 2000 at Darlington Raceway, the elder Burton brother won his second career Cup race in dominating fashion. Ward finished in the top ten in the Winston Cup standings for the second consecutive season, and it appeared that the South Boston, Virginia native was geared up for a championship run in 2001.
Ward's team switched from Pontiac to Dodge, which apparently through the 22 team for a loop. Other than his win at Darlington in September, the 2001 season was a flop.
In 2002, Ward won the Daytona 500, and things appeared to be heading in the right direction. Unfortunately, Ward limped through the remainder of the season, and despite stealing a win at New Hampshire in July, he finished the season 25th in the final championship standings.
A year later, Dodge abruptly took away their factory support from Bill Davis Racing, which severely downgraded the team's resources. And before the season's conclusion, Ward Burton was relieved of his driving duties. He joined the single car effort at Haas/CNC Racing, but that correlation never blossomed, and he was released with just two races remaining in the 2004 season.
Since his acrimonious breakup with Gene Haas, Ward has been nothing more than a spectator for all NASCAR sanctioned events. He has turned down multiple opportunities in the Busch Series and Craftsman Truck Series with the aspirations of returning to Nextel Cup in a competitive ride.
Obviously, things have not have not worked out the way he envisioned. Last year, Ward was in the rumor mill incessantly. Reports had him joining his brother at Richard Childress Racing, other reports had him going to Evernham Motorsports. He was rumored to take over the 11 ride at Joe Gibbs Racing, or the 21 ride with the Wood Brothers, and supposedly he nearly signed with the newly formed Hall Of Fame Racing.
This season, he has been one of the lead candidates to replace Dale Jarrett in the 88 Robert Yates Racing ride, but due to his age, lack of marketability, and the team's lack of sponsorship, that deal may just become a pipe dream.
Reality has set in and Ward no longer desires to sit on the sidelines. He will make his much anticipated return to NASCAR's highest level of competition, with a third tier team. Morgan-McClure Motorsports failed to grow along with NASCAR, therefore, for the past five or six seasons, they have lost sponsorship, and have cycled through a number of drivers- Mike Skinner, Kevin Lepage, Robby Gordon, Johnny Sauter, Jimmy Spencer, Mike Wallace, Todd Bodine, and Scott Wimmer just to name a few.
Ward will get his opportunity to race again in Nextel Cup, but he will not be able to show his full potential driving for Morgan-McClure. And if you look at the above list of former Morgan-McClure drivers, only Robby Gordon has a full-time ride, that he owns. So Ward still has his work cut out for him.
Posted by Jeremy Dunn
As of the composing of this blog piece, the word on the street is that Jimmie Johnson is in no mood to forgive and forget.
Last week, Brian Vickers clipped the right quarter panel of Jimmie Johnson's Chevy as he was passing Dale Earnhardt Jr. Johnson and Earnhardt Jr wrecked and Vickers celebrated his first career NASCAR Nextel Cup victory.
While Earnhardt Jr seemed more focused on Jeff Gordon and his comments- which is another story of interest- Johnson and crew chief Chad Knaus blasted their former teammate. Yeah, former, any driver who is not allowed to attend team meeting is no longer a team member. Basically, Vickers is keeping the seat warm for Johnson's good ole buddy Casey Mears.
Vickers has made several attempts to contact Jimmie Johnson, with hopes of possibly working out this little tift. Unfortunately, for the time being, Johnson would rather let the friendship fizzle. Johnson has an opportunity to take the high road. He was the one who was wronged, and Vickers has admitted to that. But when a driver wants to make piece, it would be mature to at least try to talk things out.
Johnson's quotes show no indication that he is ready to rekindle a once close friendship with Vickers.
"I know it wasn't intentional...But I have a hard time feeling like he's sorry for what he's done."
Okay, it's Thursday, four days after the whole ordeal went down. It's time to at least hear Vickers out.
And I need some enlightenment. Did Jimmie Johnson attempt to contact Elliott Sadler last season when he caused the big one? Did he explain to Carl Edwards why he ran into the back of him earlier in the event, which actually took out Jeff Gordon?
Additional Rant
And Foxsports has a poll asking, which driver would likely be leading the points after the race at Lowe's, and Jeff Gordon, who is 147 points behind has 92% of the votes. Huh? Fox webmasters need to take a look and check for some robot voting. NASCAR fans are not stupid people, even Jeff Gordon fans know that he has about as good as chance as leaving Charlottee with the Nextel Cup points lead as I do. Over 16,000 people have voted and Gordon has over 13,000 or 14,000? Jeff Burton has 2% of the votes, and he currently leads, Matt Kenseth is 6 points out of 1st place and he has 2 %. Why even have a poll?
Posted by Jeremy Dunn
David Ragan was officially named as Mark Martin's replacement in the faned #6 Roush Racing Ford on Wednesday following weeks of speculation as to which of Roush's development driver were most ready to the colossal leap to NASCAR Nextel Cup competition.
And Roush chose the one who is arguably the least ready. David Ragan has split time with Mark Martin in the Craftsman Truck Series, and has filled in for Danny O'Quinn on several occasions in the Busch Series. Ragan has qualified for one Nextel Cup race, and was no more impressive than Todd Kluever in his handful of Cup starts.
Kluever is easily the most experience of the young Roushketeers as he has a full season of Craftsman Truck Series under his belt, and almost a full Busch Series season, and he was originally Roush's chosen one to take over the reigns of the famous #6 in the post-Martin era.
Kluever has struggled mightily in the Busch Series this season, and has yet to show any vast improvement, and Roush obviously lost his confidence in the young man. Kluever is 10th best among non-Nextel Cup regulars in the Busch Series standings.
Danny O'Quinn has displayed flashes of potential in the Busch Series, and typically qualifies well, but he is no more ready for the Nextel Cup series than Juan Pablo Montoya.
Erik Darnell has yet to really stand out in the Craftsman Truck Series as he sits 14th in the championship standings.
So did Jack Roush just pick Ragan's name out of one of his trademarked hats? Considering that none of these drivers appear ready for NASCAR Nextel Cup, that may have been the case.
And as Jamie McMurray has proven, you just cannot climb into a Roush Racing prepared car and expect to contend for wins.
Posted by Jeremy Dunn
The weekend is closing in and I'm ready to roll with my weekend predictions- from Talladega, Alabama, US all the way to Suzuka, Japan.
NASCAR Nextel Cup- UAW Ford 500 at Talladega
1. Dale Earnhardt Jr- Earnhardt Jr is well overdue for a restrictor plate victory, if you call 2 years overdue. His last win at the 2.66-mile super speedway was during the 2004 NASCAR Nextel Cup Chase for the Championship, and everyone remembers his little four word slip-up in his victory lane speech that cost him 25 championship points.
2. Tony Stewart- Stewart is Dale Earnhardt Jr's unofficial teammate at Talladega and Daytona.
3. Jeff Gordon- Okay, the top three is very conventional, but it's hard to neglect the track records of Gordon, Stewart, and Earnhardt Jr.
4. Ryan Newman- Because Newman is having such a pitiable season, it is easy to overlook his two top five finishes in the previous four restrictor races.
5. Dale Jarrett- Why not! Jarrett is the defending champion of this race, and he finished fourth last weekend at Kansas. Could there be some momentum escalating?
Other favorites- Jimmie Johnson, Kevin Harvick, Jeff Burton, and Matt Kenseth
Darkhorse picks-Clint Bowyer and Elliott Sadler
Formula One- Japanese Grand Prix
1. Michael Schumacher- When Schumacher gets hot, he's virtually impossible to beat, and after two straight wins in Italy and Shanghai, it's safe to say the he has caught fire.
2. Kimi Raikkonen- Raikkonen is arguably the best driver not to win a race in 2006. He may give Schumacher all he can handle.
3. Felippe Massa- Massa may be able to slide past Giancarlo Fisichella for the third spot in the Formula One standings.
4. Fernando Alonso- While Schumacher has caught fire, Alonso has finished outside of the top ten in two of the previous four races.
5. Giancarlo Fisichella- Expect Fisichella to be among the frontrunners.
Other favorites- Jensen Button
Darkhorse pick- Rubens Barrichello
Posted by Jeremy Dunn
Mark Martin becomes yet another long-time Ford ambassador to switch manufacturers. Earlier in the season, Dale Jarrett, who has driven a Ford since 1995, announced that he will drive Toyota Camry's for Michael Waltrip Racing in 2007.
A few months later, Elliott Sadler, who has driven Fords since 1999, bolted Robert Yates Racing for the Dodge's of Evernham Motorsports.
And now, Mark Martin, a Ford emissary since 1988, is expected to drive 20-25 races for MB2 Motorsports, which fields Chevrolet's. Rookie Regan Smith will drive the remaining races.
It is reported the Martin will drive the 01 car, Joe Nemechek's current ride. I am assuming that Nemechek has not been fired, but will drive another MB2 Motorsports car.
And judging by the faithful Ford devotees reaction to Dale Jarrett's move to Toyota, the reaction, or fall-out, from Martin's decision will intriguing. General Motors has been Ford's biggest adversary for decades.
Martin has been one of NASCAR's most popular drivers for a while now, how will this impact his immense fanbase?
An official announcement is supposedly scheduled for 10:30am on Friday at Talladega.
I don't think anyone saw this silly season move coming.
Posted by Jeremy Dunn
Many were taken aback when Brian Vickers announced that he was leaving the powerhouse team of Hendrick Motorsports for the brand new Red Bull Racing (Toyota) team. After the announcement was made, Vickers had a few strong performances- Pocono and Loudon come to mind.
But recently, things appear to be falling by the wayside for Vickers and the 25 team in 2006. It all started a couple of weeks ago at Loudon, New Hampshire when Vickers and Hendrick Motorsports teammate Jeff Gordon had a couple of intense battles while racing towards the front of the pack. After the race, the Chase for the Championship contending Gordon was highly disparaging of his younger teammate.
Just days after Gordon's criticism, it became public that Vickers was no longer allowed to attend the team meetings at Hendrick Motorsports.
"It's been going on for a while now," said Vickers last weekend at Kansas.
From what I have gathered, fans are about evenly mixed as far as this matter is concerned. It can be viewed two ways.
Vickers is the one who chose to depart from Hendrick Motorsports at season's end to join Red Bull Racing. And Toyota will become a heated rival to Chevrolet when it debuts in 2007. I guess it could be viewed as a conflict of interests.
However, Vickers is still an integral of that 25 team. He is the driver, the quarterback of the team. If Hendrick wants that 25 car in victory lane in 2006, Vickers needs to be present at team meetings. After all, Vickers is moving to Red Bull Racing in 2007, not 2006.
And is Vickers' attendance really that much of a threat. If Vickers can't make the 'team secrets' work while he is with Hendrick Motorsports, what makes them think that he can make them work with a brand new team and manufacturer.
I understand Hendrick's motives regarding Vickers, but personally, I don't see how Vickers' attendance at team meetings would work against the organization.
Vickers will likely carry some of his Hendrick influence over to Red Bull Racing anyway, just like Ray Evernham carried some Hendrick influence over to his own operation.
And I haven't heard, but is Dale Jarrett banned from Robert Yates Racing team meetings? Is Casey Mears banned from Chip Ganassi Racing team meetings?
Posted by Jeremy Dunn
The term cookie cutter has often been used when referring to speedways 1.5 or 2-miles in length. Tracks such as the forthcoming Kansas Speedway are notorious for long green flag runs, the spreading out of the field, and very little side by side action.
Many fans will agree that these type of cookie cutter tracks generally produce humdrum, sleep inducing races. Still, these racetracks dominate the NASCAR Nextel Cup schedule and put the most money into NASCAR's bank account.
In the mid to late1990's, 1.5 and 2-mile speedways began popping up all over the U.S. in big market cities. In 1997, the 1.5-mile Texas Motor Speedway located in Fort Worth, TX, and the 2-mile California Speedway located in Fontana, Cal. (outside of Los Angeles) were added to the NASCAR schedule. That same year, the .626-mile uphill downhill track located in North Wilkesboro, NC was expunged from the schedule.
In 1998, the 1.5-mile oval located in Las Vegas, NV was integrated in to NASCAR's agenda. A year later, the flat 1.5-mile oval located in Homestead-Miami became NASCAR's newest attraction.
The invasion of cookie cutter venues didn't end there. In 2001, Joliet, IL boasted the Chicagoland Speedway and Kansas City brought NASCAR to the heartland when the Kansas Speedway was added to the schedule.
So in a span of five years, six new facilities, all 1.5 or 2-miles in length became apart of the NASCAR schedule.
To the drivers, Texas Motor Speedway and Atlanta Motor Speedway may drive totally different from each other, but to the fan watching the race from their living room, those two tracks incredibly similar. Same goes for Chicagoland and Kansas, California and Michigan, etc.
From my encounters wiht NASCAR fans, they do not mind watching a race at one of these cookie cutter venues every once in a while, but they would much rather prefer a race at the egg-shaped 1.366 mile oval of Darlington, or the .0533 high banked bull-ring in Bristol, TN. The .75-mile D-shaped oval in Richmond gives NASCAR a unique short track which has the feel of a speedway.
But races held at Texas, Las Vegas, and Kansas continue to sell out, and until those seats become regularly vacant, fans will continue to spend a portion of the NASCAR Nextel Cup seasons dozing off in front of the TV.
-
tracks under 1-mile in length- Bristol, Martinsville, Richmond- 6 races
tracks 1-mile to 1.499- Dover, Phoenix, New Hampshire, Darlington- 7 races
tracks either 1.5-miles or 2-miles in length - Atlanta, Lowe's, Texas, Chicagoland, Kansas, Homestead, Las Vegas, Michigan, California - 14 races
2.5 mile non-restrictor plate tracks- Indianapolis, Pocono- 3 races
SuperSpeedways- Talladega, Daytona - 4 races
road courses- Infineon, Watkins Glen- 2 races
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Posted by Jeremy Dunn
On Monday, Juan Pablo Montoya officially began his career as a stock car driver. The former open-wheel star (Formula One, Champ Car) opted to jump on the NASCAR Nextel Cup bandwagon when the recognizable #42 Texaco Havoline Dodge lost it's current driver Casey Mears for 2007.
The move was staggering considering that Chip Ganassi already has two rookies, David Stremme and Reed Sorenson, on his current driver roster. Montoya will be a rookie in every sense of the word when he attempts to qualify for the Daytona 500 next February.
Montoya tested a Chip Ganassi prepared ARCA car at Talladega, and appeared to be a little overwhelmed.
"It was like, 'Oh, my God," Montoya said. "I came out of the pits and I went into (turn) 3 and 4. I just went full-throttle and went into it. It felt pretty quick. It moves a lot more than what I'm used to."
Montoya will be guided by Donnie Wingo and Brad Parrott throughout his daunting conversion to stock cars.
Last week, Montoya was released from his Formula One obligations.
At New Hampshire a couple of weeks ago, 5-time Champ Car winner A.J. Allmendinger finished an impressive 13th at the 1.058-mile oval.
Allmendinger could be the next open-wheel star to attempt NASCAR. Paul Tracy and Michel Jourdain Jr have recently attempted the laborious transition.
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Posted by Jeremy Dunn
Last weekend at New Hampshire, Jeff Gordon and Brian Vickers engaged in a couple of hard nosed battles throughout the 300-lap event.
And afterwards, Gordon's feathers were ruffled. You see, here before us is a conflict of interest. Gordon is one of the ten Nextel Cup championship contenders, and Vickers is still searching for that long awaited first win.
Early in the Sylvania 300, Vickers had the faster car and was forced to work his way around Gordon. Gordon felt as if Vickers may have worked him too hard.
And then during the closing laps, Vickers was riding along in second place when Gordon closed in. Instead of being the 'good little teammate', Vickers did was he's being paid to do. It's called RACING!
Vickers raced Gordon, and made him work for 2nd place. Gordon was the faster car, so he eventually passed him, but he was none to pleased with his teammate as he dislayed in an interview on Friday.
"He's my teammate, but he's not my teammate because he's moving on next year...It did cost us time...Right now he's in a tough position. He's moving on to a new team. He hasn't been able to win races like other guys at Hendrick Motorsports. He wants it bad and he's driving hard and I think it was just a little lapse in judgment."
To a degree I understand Gordon's frustration, but to call out Vickers five days later...that seems a little unfair.
Vickers is moving on to Red Bull Racing in 2007, so I guess he's expendible, but I applaud the kid for standing his ground, and racing like a man.
Gordon and Tony Stewart are true champions and well-respected, and the two most accomplished drivers of our time, but I just don't think they've earned the right to determine how everyone should race them. This isn't a family trip down I-95 South, not everyone is going to yield to a faster car.
This is NASCAR, not the series of Mark Martin clones.
My opinion of the day. Have a good race weekend.
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Posted by Jeremy Dunn
If you thought that Richard Childress Racing drivers Kevin Harvick and Jeff Burton were dangerous before, the recent allegations by SPEED TV reporter Bob Dilner and former disgruntled employee may have just lit additional fire under both championship contenders.
In case you missed it, Dilner reported that the 31 and 29 teams illegally enhanced their performance by laser cutting their rims to release air pressure. The report was deemed as 'false' and 'misleading' by NASCAR's very own Jim Hunter.
But that wasn't the last attempt to drag Richard Childress Racing into the mud.
Anthony Corrente, who was fired from his position as assistant manager for engine research and development for RCR this year, filed a wrongful termination lawsuit against his former employer and proceeded to accuse Richard Childress Racing designed engines which defeated NASCAR rules and regulations.
In fact, the lawsuit reads "Inserts were placed in the four outside corners of the cylinder head where the manifold is attached."
This maneuver would allow air to flow between the intake manifold and cylinder head, which would ultimately add power.
Childress denied the allegations, but even he would admit that this was the worst possible time for this to new issue to materialize.
The Childress operation has vastly improved from the previous few years, thanks to hard work and determination, but now their integrity will be in question as a result of these rumors.
Will it have an effect on the performance of Harvick and Burton in these remaining nine races? Sure, but I think it will motivate these drivers even more.
Harvick already drives with profound fortitude, but this may put him over the edge.
Harvick's response to last week's report was simple, "I think based on Chris Long's reports this week and what he said, I think it's pretty obvious that they don't want to believe the truth. They want to keep the reports going on their shows."
Burton's comments regarding these accusations display his fiery side.
"If anyone thinks our success or our lack of success in the next nine races is due to a story that was created about our wheels - and by the way I wish we were smart enough to create such a thing - (that) is someone that believes that NASCAR and Richard Childress Racing have conspired against the rest of the field to create an advantage for RCR," he said. "If you believe that, you're best served leaving the sport. You're best served not being part of it because if our sport doesn't have credibility, if our sport doesn't have respect, if our sport doesn't have the ability to separate fact from fiction then our sport is in major, major trouble."
Yeah, I would say that these guys are fired up.
As for this Corrente guy, this may just be an example of a disgruntled ex-employee. I guess we'll see how it all plays out.
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Posted by Jeremy Dunn
Most race fans who watch the SPEED Channel are familiar with Bob Dilner. He's the tall, goofy guy with the slow raspy voice. He's also the guy that revealed to Dave Despain on Sunday evening the allegations against Richard Childress Racing- The Nos. 29 and 31 Nextel Cup teams had manipulated their rims to release air pressure, basically working as a bleeder valve, which is prohibited in NASCAR Nextel Cup competition.
A day later, both Richard Childress and NASCAR steadfastly denied these allegations. According to Jim Hunter, the report was 'false' and 'misleading'.
But where do these rumors stem from? And where is Dilner getting his information?
I never post anything unless it's a hard fact, or from a very reliable source, and you would think that Dilner would be the same way. But if NASCAR denies the allegations...I mean, after all, they have the final say and there word is the bottomline.
It's understandable that Richard Childress would deny the accusations, but I seriously doubt that NASCAR would deny them if they were somewhat true. What do they have to hide. They sure didn't hide the 29 team's rule infringement at Las Vegas last year, nor did they deny the 48 team's multiple infringements, so why start now?
I'm not sure how Dilner got this info, and how this rumor came about. But it's not unusual for cheating allegations to run rampant when a driver or team is winning and running up front.
I remember in 2003, when Ryan Newman was winning recurrently, a lot of folks in the garage swore that the 12 team had some kind of illegal fuel mileage system going on. NASCAR had to practically tear apart the 12 car just to prove that nothing fishy was going on.
But anytime a cheating allegation leaks out, especially the way that Dilner handled situation, the wins will be in question because a cheating allegation tends to stick within the brain, no matter if the allegations are true or false.
Remember when Jack Roush accused Jeff Gordon's team of soaking their tires? Yeah, me too, and that was eight years ago.
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Posted by Jeremy Dunn
As we embark upon the third season of NASCAR's Nextel Cup Chase for the Championship, the ten drivers as a group that qualified in 2004 ranks higher than the Chase for the Championship groups of 2005 and 2006.
Here's why, not only were NASCAR's three biggest stars- Dale Earnhardt JR, Jeff Gordon, and Tony Stewart all apart of that group, but also the fact that every driver who was in the top ten heading into the 27th race of the season had won at least 1 race. Also, the 2004 Chase for the Championship class produced the most wins heading into the final ten races. Here's a quick breakdown of each season.
Heading into the Nextel Cup Chase for the Championship
2004
1. Jeff Gordon- 5 wins;
2. Jimmie Johnson- 4 wins;
3. Dale Earnhardt Jr- 4 wins;
4. Matt Kenseth- 2 wins;
5. Tony Stewart- 2 wins;
6. Elliott Sadler- 2 wins;
7. Kurt Busch- 2 wins;
8. Mark Martin- 1 win;
9. Jeremy Mayfield- 1 win;
10. Ryan Newman- 1 win;
24 wins total
---------------
2005
1. Tony Stewart- 5 wins;
2. Greg Biffle- 5 wins;
3. Rusty Wallace- 0 win;
4. Jimmie Johnson- 2 wins;
5. Kurt Busch- 3 wins;
6. Mark Martin- 0 win;
7. Jeremy Mayfield- 1 win;
8. Matt Kenseth- 1 win;
9. Carl Edwards- 2 wins;
10. Ryan Newman- 0 win;
19 wins total
2006
-----------------
1. Matt Kenseth- 4 wins;
2. Jimmie Johnson- 4 wins;
3. Kevin Harvick- 3 wins;
4. Kyle Busch- 1 win;
5. Denny Hamlin- 2 wins;
6. Dale Earnhardt Jr- 1 win;
7. Mark Martin- 0 win;
8. Jeff Burton- 0 win;
9. Jeff Gordon- 2 wins;
10. Kasey Kahne- 5 wins;
22 wins total
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Posted by Jeremy Dunn
Dan Wheldon won the Peak Antifreeze Indy 300 on Sunday and tied Sam Hornish Jr for the IndyCar points lead, but the championship was awarded to Hornish based on his four wins compared to Wheldon's two.
Hornish Jr gives Roger Penske something to smile about amidst one of his worst seasons in NASCAR.
"That's about as excited as I have ever been," said Hornish. "Winning the Indy 500 was the highlight of my career, but this is close."
Final Indy Racing League standings
1 Sam Hornish Jr * 475 ---
1 Dan Wheldon 475 ---
3 Helio Castroneves 473 2
4 Scott Dixon 457 18
5 Vitor Meira 411 64
6 Tony Kanaan 384 91
7 Marco Andretti 325 150
8 Dario Franchitti 311 164
9 Danica Patrick 302 173
10 Tomas Scheckter 298 177
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Posted by Jeremy Dunn
Mark Martin's farewell to the NASCAR Nextel Cup series could be placed on hold for yet another season. In 2004, Martin announced that 2005 would be his finale, but returned to the #6 Roush Racing Ford after the whole Jamie McMurray/Chip Ganassi/Kurt Busch/Roger Penske ordeal materialized.
So 2006 is positively Martin's last hurrah, right? Well, not according to sources in the NASCAR Nextel Cup garage.
Martin may join forces with Robert Yates Racing and take over the #88 seat vacated by 1999 NASCAR Champion Dale Jarrett.
We know that this would be a significant downgrade for Martin as far as his being competitive, but this could also be a downgrade for the Yates group as well.
When Robert Yates Racing was at their peak, they could have still been considered inferior to Roush Racing, yet Dale Jarrett won a championship and Martin has played the role as bridesmaid on multiple occasions. I know it may not be fair, and the Martin fans may become outraged, but going by that simple fact, Jarrett is the driver that gets more out of his equipment.
I could be wrong, and Martin could be the medication that Robert Yates needs. Martin is a heck of a driver, and obviously, judging by his opting to return to NASCAR racing in 2006, he is a dedicated and loyal individual. And maybe the timing is perfect for the Martin/Yates marriage. I guess we'll have to wait and see if this rumor is just that, or if there is any truth to it.
After the many Jarrett and Martin battles in the late 1990's, it would be somewhat strange watching Martin wheel that #88 Ford.
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Posted by Jeremy Dunn
Michael Schumacher, possibly Formula One's most successful driver, is expected to reveal his intentions to end his auto racing career.
With Juan Pablo Montoya moving over to NASCAR Nextel Cup in 2007, Formula One will have lost two of their most recognizable faces.
For those of you who are not very familiar with Formula One racing, Schumacher is a seven-time champion, and his presence is equivalent to Dale Earnhardt's in NASCAR. He is the King of open-wheel racing.
At age 37, Schumacher feels the timing is right to step away from the limelight.
Speaking of open-wheel stars departing their current situations, Penske Racing driver, and 2006 Indianapolis 500 winner Sam Hornish Jr is rumored to be headed to stock car racing in 2007. It's possible that he could compete in a handful of ARCA and Busch Series races, and maybe even a couple of Nextel Cup events, meanwhile maintaining his full-time status in the Indy Racing League.
Hornish would fit in well with Penske Racing's NASCAR group. He may be able to breath some new life into the struggling organization. Both Ryan Newman and Kurt Busch have failed to live up to their high expectations in 2006.
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Posted by Jeremy Dunn
Remember that old Michael Waltrip commercial, when he's rambling on and on, and suddenly he realizes that he's at the wrong track. Well, in my personal, not professional opinion, I believe that every Labor Day since 2004, all of NASCAR has found themselves at 'the wrong track'.
I may be a NASCAR writer, but I am also a huge NASCAR fan, and grew up watching the time-honored Labor Day classic Southern 500 at Darlington Raceway with my father. Ever since 1985, when I was only a mere seven years of age, up until 2004, there wasn't a race on the NASCAR schedule that I looked forward to more than the Southern 500.
In 1988, I attended my first Southern 500 with my father. My father wore his red Coors cap representing Bill Elliott, while I wore my black and gray GM Goodwrench cap representing Dale Earnhardt. The race consisted of classic battles between Bill Elliott, Dale Earnhardt, and Rusty Wallace. It was a memorable race no doubt, with Elliott edging out Wallace.
I am positive that I am not alone in my desire to bring Darlington back to it appropriate Labor Day date on the schedule.
The two Labor Day races in California have without a doubt failed to measure up to timeless races such as Elliott winning the Winston Million, or Jeff Gordon edging out Jeff Burton to become the second driver to win the Winston Million. You know, the races that you may see on ESPN Classic.
But the professional side of me comprehends why the scheduling modification was set in motion. The races held in Fontana, California are much more lucrative than races held in the humble town of Darlington, South Carolina. It seems coherent that if NASCAR wants to continue to grow, then the change was essential, much to the consternation of the majority of NASCAR's fan base.
Most of NASCAR fans will tune in for the Sunday night event in California, but our hearts will still be in Darlington, South Carolina.
Enjoy your race weekend.
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Posted by Jeremy Dunn
Toyota has added Jeremy Mayfield to their 2007 NASCAR Nextel Cup roster along with Dale Jarrett, Michael Waltrip, Brian Vickers, and Dave Blaney.
Whenever a brand new manufacturer enters into the sport of NASCAR, struggles are expected. Five years after Daimler Chrysler brought Dodge back into NASCAR, they have yet to really catch up with Chevrolet and Ford.
With incredibly deep pockets, Toyota may not have to undergo the same growing pains as Dodge.
Here's a quick look at Toyota's five drivers that are locked in for 2007.
1. Dale Jarrett: What can you say? Jarrett is a NASCAR champion, so naturally he is expected to carry the Toyota banner. If any Toyota driver is going to grace victory lane in 2007, it will likely be Jarrett. Jarrett will drive Toyota Camry's fielded by Michael Waltrip Racing.
2. Jeremy Mayfield: After his bitter divorce from Evernham Motorsports, Mayfield will embark on a new venture with Bill Davis Racing and Toyota. Mayfield has won two races since 2004, and qualified for the NASCAR Nextel Cup Chase for the Championship in both 2004 and 2005. Mayfield will become the #1 guy at Bill Davis Racing, and with factory support, the organization will improve as a whole.
3. Brian Vickers: While Jarrett and Mayfield become the veteran faces of Toyota, Vickers will be the future of Toyota. After an unsuccessful stint with Hendrick Motorsports, Vickers' move to the newly formed Red Bull Racing is a risk. This is new team with a new manufacturer.
4. Michael Waltrip: Waltrip will tackle the role as driver/owner, which will observably be an arduous task. And just because your name is plastered on the building doesn't mean you'll be the top dog, just ask Kyle Petty. Waltrip may have some solid runs, but if I was to bet on any Toyota driver in 2007, it would be Jarrett or Mayfield.
5. Dave Blaney: Blaney could be the darkhorse of the Toyota camp. Remember in 2001, no one expected Sterling Marlin to carry the Dodge banner. He won twice that season, and twice more a year later.
Michael Waltrip Racing and Red Bull Racing still have a seat to fill, and it's possible that Bill Davis Racing could add another driver, at least part-time.
Bill Elliott?
Ricky Rudd?
Ward Burton?
David Reutimann?
Bill Lester?
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Posted by Jeremy Dunn
Mario Andretti was a legend in his own right and his son Michael Andretti carried on the tradition. But when third generation Marco Andretti, at only 19 year old, was moved up to the Indy Racing League Series, many scoffed at the notion.
Marco Andretti won the Indy Grand Prix of Sonoma at Infineon Raceway, becoming the youngest driver to win at this level since his grandfather Mario.
Marco Andretti stretched his fuel mileage as far as it would go en route to his memorable victory.
His teammate Dario Franchitti finished 2nd.
In Formula One news, Felippe Massa won the Turkish Grand Prix.
Posted by Jeremy Dunn
It's late in the week, and I'm sure every NASCAR fan, and even non-NASCAR fans are aware of the incident that occurred in the Busch Series event at Michigan between Dale Earnhardt Jr and Carl Edwards, so I will spare you the details, or just read the article Jeff Gordon Cannot Catch Matt Kenseth.
For the first time that I can recollect, Earnhardt Jr's victory lane celebration was tainted with overwhelming boos from the grandstands. Definitely not something that we're used to, right? I guess it just proves that fans are quick to react to a drivers mistake, regardless of who the driver is. I never though I would see the day when Earnhardt Jr was getting booed.
Even though I sincerely admire Earnhardt Jr, it was refreshing to know that he can do wrong in the fans eyes.
Carl Edwards also caused a stir. Not only did he ram into Earnhardt Jr's car under caution, but he crashed Earnhardt Jr's victory lane party. The two drivers had words, and NASCAR felt the need to have a good old sit-down.
Earnhardt Jr and Edwards played nice during Sunday's Nextel Cup event at Michigan, as they both battled for the lead on several occasions.
Edwards received a $20,000 fine, and placed on 'probation' until December 31st. As angry as Edwards was, that $20,000, which would be equivalent to $20 for me, was well worth the retaliation.
Earnhardt Jr has yet to receive any penalties, but he really didn't do anything to warrant any. I do not believe that Earnhardt Jr purposely wrecked Edwards, as far as I know the two had no beef before the weekend began, though at first, I was inclined to think that Earnhardt Jr smelled victory and was willing to do anything to get there.
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Posted by Jeremy Dunn
On Tuesday, Jeremy Mayfield spoke with the media for the first time regarding his sudden split with Ray Evernham.
By now, most NASCAR fans are aware that Mayfield was fired from Evernham Motorsports last week, and replaced by the semi-retired Bill Elliott for the race at Watkins Glen. And now that Mayfield is out of the 19 ride, he mulls his future options.
It's no secret that Mayfield is expected to begin his tenure with Toyota and Bill Davis Racing in 2007, but what about now? Apparently, Mayfield will not drive the 38 Robert Yates Racing car that Elliott Sadler has vacated. By the way, Sadler is Mayfield's replacement.
David Gilliland will relinquish his rookie status for 2007, as he'll finish out the season in the 38.
Anyway, back to Mayfield. When speaking to reporters, Mayfield still appeared a little bitter about the divorce from Evernahm.
"We weren't running good, we weren't making changes on the team, and the owner says, 'If you want to, you can start looking.' Mayfield said. "That told me all I needed to know, so I did just that.'
"I knew then the writing was on the wall."
Mayfield felt even more unwanted after it became public that Evernham was pursuing Elliott Sadler to drive the 19 car.
Also, Mayfield explained his intentions for filing an injunction on Friday. He stated that Evernham was not willing to pay him monies earned in compliance to the contract. "That's what he wanted to do initially ... pay me nothing."
The good news for Mayfield is that he will likely become Bill Davis' premier driver, and this whole ordeal with Evernham may just light a fire under him.
Champ Car star Paul Tracy has been reprimanded again, just two weeks after his skirmish with Alex Tagliani, when he was fined, placed on probation, and docked seven championship points.
Towards the end of the Grand Prix of Denver, Tracy was bypassed by Sebastien Bourdais, and immediately locked his breaks. Tracy and Bourdais would make contact, and both cars were taken out of contention.
Bourdais confronted Tracy, and reportedly shoved him. Tracy's probation was extended until late October, and he was docked three more Champ Car championship points. As of now, Champ Car officials have not penalized Bourdais.
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Posted by Jeremy Dunn
Everytime the NASCAR Nextel Cup circuit heads to either Infineon or Watkins Glen, the trio of road racing aces Jeff Gordon, Robby Gordon, and Tony Stewart are by far the odd-on favorites. And to validate the trio's road course dominance, here's a little trivia question, who were the last two drivers to win a road course race, besides Jeff Gordon, Robby Gordon, or Tony Stewart.
Ricky Rudd won at Infineon in 2002, and you have to go back even further into the archives to find Steve Park's surprise win at Watkins Glen in 2000.
Neither Ricky Rudd nor Steve Park run with the Nextel Cup circuit any longer, so who is the current driver who could break this Gordon(s) and Stewart road course supremacy?
It's easy to overlook Ryan Newman, simply because his season never really got off the ground. With just two top fives, and five top 10's, Newman is buried back in 18th in the NASCAR Nextel Cup standings.
But the bright spot for Newman and the 12 bunch is the fact that he is a rising road course ace. As a rookie, Newman finished 2nd to Tony Stewart at Watkins Glen.
In Newman's magical 2003 season, he finished 5th at Infineon, and 9th at Watkins Glen.
In 2004, Newman struggled on the two road courses, but recorded a 9th place finish at Infineon in 2005. At Watkins Glen, Newman won the Busch Series race, a race that included Robby Gordon and Tony Stewart. In the Nextel Cup event, Newman clearly had a top five car before mechanical woes ended his chances of challenging Tony Stewart.
And just two months ago at Infineon, Newman finished 2nd to Jeff Gordon. Many would argue that Newman was faster than Gordon on the long run, and may have won the race if he could have passed Terry Labonte sooner.
If Newman can qualify well, and keep his nose clean, this could be the weekend where he turns things around.
Other full-time Nextel Cup regulars who could score their first road course win this weekend include Kevin Harvick, Kurt Busch, and Jimmie Johnson.
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Posted by Jeremy Dunn
After weeks of rumors and gossip, Ray Evernham will replace Jeremy Mayfield at Watkins Glen with 1988 champion Bill Elliott. Elliott is guaranteed a spot in the field of 43 by virtue of the Champion's provisional.
This move appears to be a protection for the floundering #19 team as they have fallen out of the top 35 in NASCAR Nextel Cup owners points. But I don't buy into it.
If Mayfield would have restrained from speaking out against his team at Chicagoland last month, would Evernham have made this decision? Unlikely. Evernham was called out by his driver, and he obviously didn't like it.
Why does this keep happening to the Owensboro, Kentucky native? He seems like a really down to earth guy? Mayfield states the obvious. When he spoke out against Evernham, he did what most drivers would not have done. He did what Elliott Sadler, Dale Jarrett, and Brian Vickers would not dare.
Mayfield's personality usually rather serene, but if you get him riled up, he isn't afraid to speak his mind. Apparently, tension had been building up throughout the season between Mayfield and Evernham. In 2001, a similar situation occurred with Penske Racing. A week later, Mayfield was relieved of his duties.
Evernham has a track record of pulling the carpet out from under people. In 1999, less than a year removed from one of the best seasons in NASCAR history compiled by himself and Jeff Gordon, Evernham bolted the #24 group to resurrect Dodge Motorsports. We see how that has worked out as his operation has underachieved ever since it's debut in 2001.
He signed the young Casey Atwood for 2001, and after just one sub par season, Atwood was replaced, ironically by Jeremy Mayfield. Atwood struggled, but in all fairness, he was 21 years old, driving for a brand new team with a brand new manufacturer. By season's end, Atwood and the #19 team had found some chemistry as he won a pole and nearly won two of the final three races of the 2001 season. Atwood has yet to recover.
Last off-season, Evernham removed the team that Mayfield had qualified for the Chase for the Championship with in 2004 and 2005. That top ten team was transferred over to Evernham's golden boy Kasey Kahne, while Mayfield was stuck with the R&D effort.
And now, Mayfield will watch the Nextel Cup race at Watkins Glen from his home. "It's not professional, that's for sure,' said Mayfield about Evernham's decision to replace him, without any prior notification.
Mayfield is expected to turn over a new leaf at Bill Davis Racing next season, and wave goodbye to his second-rate status at EMS. Good riddance Evernham!
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Posted by Jeremy Dunn
Mark Martin is widely respected by his peers in the garage, not just because he practices give and take every weekend. He's respected because he's a great driver. Lately, every driver that complains about the lack of give and take always points to Martin as the give and take ambassador in NASCAR.
Would NASCAR really be better off if all 43 competitors raced with the same approach as Martin, Jeff Burton, or Bobby Labonte?
I think the give and take complaint has been blown out of porportion. Every driver has their own style.
Ryan Newman doesn't just move out of the way when a faster car approaches him. He races them as hard as he can fo any position at any point during the race. He has every right to. And he shouldn't be crucified for it.
At Darlington in 2005, Newman was pressured by the faster Kasey Kahne for second position, but he persistently raced Kahne, and eventually he pulled away and passed Greg Biffle for the lead. Newman would have won that race if it weren't for a caution flag with less than four laps to go.
As soon as Tony Stewart and some of these other guys accept the fact that NASCAR is made up of a variety of driving styles and personalities, the more at ease they'll be.
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Posted by Jeremy Dunn
Indy Racing League:
Helio Castroneves recaptures the IRL points lead from his teammate Sam Hornish Jr with his win in Sunday's Firestone Indy 400. Meanwhile, Danica Patrick left the track disgusted with her 17th place finish.
Sam Hornish Jr finished 19th.
Champ Car:
Sebastien Bourdais continued his assault on the Champ Car circuit with his 5th win of 2006 by claiming the San Jose Grand Prix, and his first since June 4th at Milwaukee.
Bourdais' win may have been upstaged by a confrontation between Paul Tracy and Alex Tagliani. Tagliani would virtually attach Tracy after the two departed their wrecked vehicles.
Formula One:
After taking the lead on lap 10, Michael Schumacher dominated the German Grand Prix. Schumacher has cut Fernando Alonso's lead in the Formula One standings to only 11 points.
Posted by Jeremy Dunn
Tony Stewart's statement regarding the Pocono incident with Clint Bowyer and Carl Edwards
"I'm taking 100 percent responsibility for the final incident that occurred on lap 32 between myself, the 07 (Bowyer) and the 99 (Edwards). It was totally my fault.
"At the same time, there were circumstances that led up to that wreck, and after talking with Clint [on Monday] morning, we both have a better understanding as to what happened. He was trying to get out of my way and didn't realize that I had gone to the outside. He thought I was to his inside, and when he tried to give me some room, he slid into us and it put us into the outside wall. I reacted, causing the wreck that I take responsibility for and regret."
Tony Stewart's way of apologizing is no doubt a step in the right direction, but his actions on Sunday spoke louder- much louder.
Clint Bowyer was mum regarding the incident Sunday after he approached Stewart after the race. But as reported by the Kansas City Star, he may not forget Stewart's latest antics any time soon.
"He wrecked me for the sake of wrecking me. I've wrecked before, but I have never been wrecked to where he completely, 100 percent on purpose wrecked me. It goes way beyond what happened on the track. It was not me he wrecked, but it was we. My team works their butts off to put fast cars on the track. And he takes it away from us."
He also mentioned that he had to ask Stewart several times if he was calling to apologize, when they spoke Monday morning.
He also implied that the feud may be just getting started.
Bowyer quoted, "it's probably not over."
Bowyer is a hard-nosed racer who has had a solid rookie season, but he has been overshadowed by fellow rookie Denny Hamlin, as well as his two veteran teammates Jeff Burton and Kevin Harvick, who are both in contention for a spot in the Nextel Cup Chase for the Championship.
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Posted by Jeremy Dunn
Benny Parsons is the 1973 Winston Cup Champion, a 21-time winner in NASCAR's highest level of competition, and has competed in 526 NASCAR events. Parsons has been the voice of ESPN and NBC as a NASCAR broadcaster/analyst for nearly two decades.
Everyone who is involved in NASCAR, or a fan of NASCAR, wishes Benny Parsons and his family nothing but the best as he faces lung cancer. Parsons will begin treatment immediately, but is expected to continue his duties with NBC.
NASCAR.com has a message board for fans to post their thoughts and get-well wishes.
Despite recent speculation that IRL's most heralded female, Danica Patrick, will crossover to NASCAR- she has signed a new deal with Andretti-Green Racing that will begin in 2007.
Patrick currently drivers for Rahal-Letterman, but her current contract expires at season's end. Patrick's motivation for the change is simple- she feels that her chances of winning are much higher with a more established organization.
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Posted by Jeremy Dunn
A few weeks back, Danica Patrick noted that she wasn't interested in NASCAR's hectic schedule- a schedule that takes up 38 weekends a year, not including pubilc appearances. And then, all of a sudde, Patrick's name has been floating around Jayski as a possible NASCAR Nextel Cup rookie in the near future.
Now it appears that Patrick prefers the lighter schedule the Indy Racing League has to offer. The word is that she'll remain in the series, but may depart from her ride at Rahal-Letterman and join Andretti-Green Racing.
Patrick has began to pick up momentum after a disappointing start to the 2006 season. She finished fourth at the Milwaukee Mile, her second straight top four finish.
Tony Kanaan won the IRL event at the Milwaukee Mile
Denny Hamlin won the NASCAR Nextel Cup race at Pocono
Posted by Jeremy Dunn
First, I must say, I like Tony Stewart a lot. I think he's a great driver- quite arguably the best in NASCAR since Dale Earnhardt driver for driver and track for track. And he drives with so much heart and passion. But it gets extremely tiresome to hear his finger pointing interviews after an incident with another driver.
On lap 91 of the 300-lap race at New Hampshire, Ryan Newman, who was two laps off the pace after he pitted for four fresh tires, attempted to pass the leader Stewart, whose tires were much older and weathered. Instead of yielding to a car that was 3 to 5 miles per hour faster a lap, he played the mulish card, which he later admitted to.
Earlier in the race, Stewart became annoyed with Newman, who didn't pull over and allow his teammate Kurt Busch nor Stewart to pass as soon as they reached his back bumper.
So when Newman came flying to the inside of the Home Depot Chevrolet, they collided, sending Stewart into the wall, and into the garage.
"It was just Ryan trying to get his lap back, and after a while, you finally get tired of giving guys spots, and them not doing the same thing," Stewart said. "He's been that way since he started.
"And he's not the only one. We've had problems with both Busch brothers and problems with Greg Biffle. But as time goes on, they learn it and they get it."
Isn't this the same Tony Stewart that flat-out wrecked Jeff Gordon at Dover, and flat-out wrecked Matt Kenseth at Daytona, and flat-out wrecked Kasey Kahne at Chicagoland a couple of years ago? I understand Stewart's frustration, and his desire for drivers to race clean and give a little on the track, but he's no Mark Martin or Jeff Burton. Stewart has never been a giver on the track. He takes and takes, and drivers are going to race him the way he races them.
There is a reason why Stewart is involved in more on and off-track feuds than any other driver in NASCAR.
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Posted by Jeremy Dunn
It's becoming a new trend these days in auto racing- drivers of open-wheel racing- Formula One, Champ Car, and Indy Racing League- expressing earnest interest in jumping on the NASCAR bandwagon.
Since Tony Stewart, John Andretti, and Robby Gordon departed their lucrative open-wheel careers in the 1990's, and became winners in NASCAR, several open-wheel drivers have endeavored the same feat. Unfortunately, it doesn't work out too well-just ask Christian Fittipaldi, Michel Jourdain Jr, and Paul Tracy.
And now Chip Ganassi has added the renowned Colombian open-wheeler Juan Pablo Montoya to his roster which already includes 20-year old rookie Reed Sorenson, and beleaguered rookie driver David Stremme.
Chip Ganassi Racing has yet to really evolve into an upper echelon organization in NASCAR, despite their achievements in IRL. To date, Ganassi's best season as a NASCAR owner came in 2001, when Sterling Marlin won twice and finished third in the Nextel Cup standings.
Since then, Ganassi has risked his equipment with rookie drivers such as Jamie McMurray, Casey Mears, Reed Sorenson, and David Stremme. And now he will insert another rookie driver into the lineup in 2007 . Not only will Montoya be a rookie in NASCAR, but in stock cars in general. Yeah, Montoya traded cars with Jeff Gordon in a 2003 special, but his stock car credentials, or lack thereof, prompt me to doubt Ganassi's recent transaction.
I think it's great that a driver of the Hispanic descent, with such a huge international following may help diversify NASCAR, but has he earned a place in auto racing's most prestigious series? I'm not convinced, but time will tell if Ganassi made the right call, something he hasn't done much of in NASCAR.
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Posted by Jeremy Dunn
What I love most about this job is that I get to convey my opinion to a wide audience of NASCAR fans. And I always call it like I see it, even if I know that my opinion will be not well-received. There are times when I am bombarded with a mailbox full of hatemail for stating my opinions, but I actually welcome that, it fuels me.
But what really irritates me is these TV announcers.
Benny Parsons and the rest of the NBC crew convinced themselves that Jeff Gordon did not intentionally punt Matt Kenseth. And they actually tried to convince the national audience that Gordon inadvertantly got into the back of Kenseth, as if NASCAR fans are stupid. Jeff Gordon fans are likely the only ones who believe that the incident was unintentional. That's why fans of every other driver were furiously tossing whatever they could get there hands on in the direction of the DuPont Chevrolet.
There's too much irony in this whole ordeal. Everyone remembers the Bristol incident between Gordon and Kenseth. But you know who remembers that ordeal the most? Jeff Gordon. And as he was closing in on Kenseth, I fully believe that he was having flashbacks of Bristol, when Kenseth spun him around on the last lap.
It was the perfect opportunity for retribution. Gordon had the faster car and would have won the race regardless, but he chose to follow his ego.
Yeah, it's true, Matt Kenseth's car appeared to have slowed down right before the bump, but not only was Kenseth lapping Casey Mears, but he was consistently slower than Gordon in the turns. Gordon knew exactly when and where he could beat Kenseth.
Dale Earnhardt was famous for similar driving tactics, but the difference is, Earnhardt wouldn't deny his intentions. A clever 'I just tried to rattle his cage' would be his typical response, followed by a mischievous grin.
Regardless of what Jeff Gordon fans think of this blog piece, I am not a Jeff Gordon basher. I repect his accomplishments. And if this was Dale Earnhardt Jr, Tony Stewart, Kevin Harvick, or any other big name driver, I would have written the exact same piece.
But the bottomline is that he wrecked Kenseth on purpose!
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Posted by Jeremy Dunn
The driver of the year in 2006 may not necessarily be a NASCAR Nextel Cup driver. Champ Car World Series Sebastien Bourdais has dominated that series, while Fernando Alonso and Michael Schumacher have combined for every win except one in the Formula One series. Sam Hornish Jr has struck hot in the Indy Racing League and may vie for top driver in 2006. Here is my list of candidates for driver of the year.
1. Jimmie Johnson (NASCAR)- Once again Jimmie Johnson is a force to be reckoned with in NASCAR Nextel Cup. Johnson has three wins in 2006, four if you include the Nextel Cup All-Star event. After eighteen races, Johnson has accumulated 8 top fives, and 14 top tens, and leads the Nextel Cup standings.
2. Fernando Alonso (Formula One)- The defending Formula One champion is unwilling to relinquish that title, and the proof is in the results. After ten races in the 2006 Formula One campaign, Alonso has six wins, 10 top fives, 10 top tens. Alonso paces the F1 standings over Michael Schumacher by 19 points.
3. Matt Kenseth (NASCAR)- The 2003 Winston (Now-Nextel) Cup champion is in the hunt again in 2006. Kenseth has won twice, and marginally trails Jimmie Johnson in the Nextel Cup standings by eight points. Kenseth leads all NASCAR drivers with 10 top fives after 18 races, and has accumulated 11 top tens.
4. Sebastien Bourdais (Champ Car)- Sebastien Bourdais began the Champ Car World Series season by winning it's first four races of 2006. Bourdais currently leads the Champ Car driver standings by 26 points over Justin Wilson. After six races, Bourdais has 5 top fives, and 5 top tens.
5. Sam Hornish Jr (Indy Racing League)- The 2006 Indianapolis 500 winner has emerged as the man to beat in the Indy Racing League. Sam Hornish Jr has posted three wins, 6 top fives, and 7 top tens after eight races.
6. Ron Capps (NHRA)- In the Funny Car division of the NHRA, Ron Capps continues his successful 2006 campaign as he leads the standings for that division by 106 points over John Force.
Capps have five wins in eleven NHRA Funny Car events.
7. Kasey Kahne (NASCAR)- While Jimmie Johnson and Matt Kenseth have been the most consistent, Kasey Kahne leads the NASCAR Nextel Cup series with four wins. Currently, Kahne is positioned in fourth spot in the Nextel Cup standings, with 6 top fives, and 10 top tens. Kahne also has five poles.
8. Michael Schumacher (Formula One)- Seven-time Formula One champion Michael Schumacher has raced in the tire tracks of Fernando Alonso for most of the 2006 season, but he isn't far behind. Schumacher has won three races, posted 8 top fives, and 9 top tens. Schumacher is still within striking distance of Alonso.
9. Helio Castroneves (Indy Racing League)- Helio Castroneves has recorded three wins, 4 top fives, and 6 top tens after 8 races in 2006.
10. Tony Stewart (NASCAR)- Tony Stewart, the two-time NASCAR Nextel Cup champion, has recorded two wins, 8 top fives, and 9 top tens after 18 races in 2006.
Tie: A.J. Allmendinger (Champ Car)- A.J. Allmendinger was fired and hired in 2006, but nothing has distracted him from his goal of catching Bourdais. Allmendinger has two wins, 4 top fives, and 5 top tens after six races in 2006. He is third in the Champ Car standings.
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Posted by Jeremy Dunn
After Jeff Gordon wrecked out of the Pepsi 400 at Daytona, he was obviously frustrated, and it sounded like he called out Greg Biffle.
"The No. 18 (J.J. Yeley) was backing up in the middle and I got to the outside. And the No. 16 (Greg Biffle) was going around him and just turned down on him. There were so many guys that were complete idiots out there, and I want to bad-mouth every one of them." Quoted the four-time NASCAR champion.
Wow, strong words, I wonder who else out there was a complete idiot?
Greg Biffle and J.J. Yeley's little incident was a product of restrictor plate racing. Nothing really idiotic about it. Even Gordon almighty has had a slight brain freeze at Daytona or Talladega.
His teammate Jimmie Johnson got loose and ran Bobby Labonte's Dodge into the wall. It wasn't necessarily idiotic on Johnson's part, but hey if Jeff's calling out drivers who blipped, he might as well deem his teammate an idiot.
Idiot is a strong word, but if you are going to call another driver an idiot, call out the guys who incessantly bump draft. Carl Edwards could be considered an idiot Friday night when he bump drafted Michael Waltrip in the corner causing a pileup in the Busch Series event. Edwards did apologize and it seemed sincere, but his move was the bonehead move of the weekend.
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Posted by Jeremy Dunn
Fernando Alonso has been the man to beat in Formula One this year, but Michael Schumacher returned to victory lane at Indy. It was his first win since the Grand Prix of Europe back on May 7th, which was also the last time anyone other than Fernando Alonso won a Formula One event.
Only Giancarlo Fisichella's win at the Malaysian Grand Prix back on March 16th, no one other than Schumacher or Alonso have celebrated victory. Where's the parity?
Posted by Jeremy Dunn
For the second successive season, Tony Stewart dominates the Pepsi 400 at Daytona. He didn't lead 151 of 160 laps as he did in 2005, but clearly no other driver posed a serious challenge. Road racing ace Boris Said, who also won the pole, finished a career high of 4th on an oval.
Jeff Gordon was unable to tie Dale Earnhardt record of 11 restrictor plate victories as he was wrecked out of contention.
Jimmie Johnson still leads the NASCAR Nextel Cup standings by 13 points over Matt Kenseth.
Posted by Jeremy Dunn
Sam Hornish Jr wins his second straight Indy Racing League race as he victored at the Kansas Speedway. It was his third win overall in the 2006 campaign. Hornish Jr nows leads the Indy Racing League standings over Helio Castroneves by 24 points.
Hornish Jr was able to fend off rival Dan Wheldon to seal the win for Penske Racing.
Posted by Jeremy Dunn
Dale Earnhardt Jr totally dominated the Winn Dixie 250 at Daytona last night. It wasn't even close. At one point in the race, he owned a 10 second lead. Definitely a reminder of the mid-80's when Bill Elliott dominated the Super Speedways in the pre-restrictor plate era.
It's rumored that DEI may expand into a four-car operation in 2007. We know that Paul Menard will drive a third car, but the fourth remains to be seen.
Posted by Jeremy Dunn
Kevin Kalkhoven, Champ Car World Series boss, told the Associated Press that they have reached and agreement with Indy Racing League to ownership sharing. This would be monumental for open-wheel racing, possilby in the U.S.
Meanwhile, Sam Hornish Jr won the IRL event at Richmond on Saturday.
A.J. Allmendinger won his second consecutive Champ Car event. I bet RuSport is feeling some regret after firing him just over two weeks ago.
Fernando Alonso won his fourth consecutive Formula One race at the Canadian Grand Prix. It was his sixth won of the 2006 season.
Posted by Jeremy Dunn
A.J. Allmendinger ended Sebastien Bourdais' winning streak in Champ Car.
It was his first win of his Champ Car career, and came just daysafter being fired by RuSport.
Justin Wilson finished second, Bourdais finished third, and Bruno Junquiera and Christian da Matta rounded out the top five. da Matta was the driver that replaced Allmendinger in the RuSport ride.
Posted by Jeremy Dunn
The feel good story of the decade occured last night in the Busch Series event at Kentucky when David Gilliland victored.
Before the race began, Gilliland was unknown by the majority in the NASCAR community. Not anymore. Gilliland, whose team uses in-house engines and chassis, passed J.J. Yeley in the closing laps. Yeley drives for the powerhouse organization Joe Gibbs Racing.
Posted by Jeremy Dunn
Kasey Kahne edged Jeff Gordon to capture the pole at Michigan for the 3M Performance 400, his fourth of the year.
Ryan Newman spun out during his qualifying effort and he'll go to the back.
Brian Vickers, Jimmie Johnson, and Bobby Labonte rounded out the top 5.
Posted by Jeremy Dunn
Fernando Alonso won his third consecutive Formula One event, his fifth overall in 2006 after winning the Fosters British Grand Prix. Michael Schumacher, Kimi Raikkonen, Giancarlo Fisichella, and Felipe Massa rounded out the top five.
Alonso has distanced himself from the rest of the Formula One competition including Michael Schumacher, after extending his point lead to 23 points.
In Indy Car Racing, Penke Racing driver Helio Castroneves won his third race of 2006 after taking the checkered flag in the Bombardier Learjet 500 at Texas.
Chip Ganassi Racing drivers Scott Dixon and Dan Wheldon finished 2nd and 3rd, Sam Hornish Jr and Scott Sharp rounded out the top five.
Posted by Jeremy Dunn
Scott Dixon won his first race of 2006 by winning the Watkins Glen Grand Prix. 2005 Indy Racing League champion Dan Wheldon stumbled and Marco Andretti had some harsh words for open-wheel veteran Eddie Cheever after Cheever spun out the 19-year old. Danica Patrick and Sam Hornish Jr all spun out within the first 19 laps of the Watkins Glen Grand Prix.
Sebastien Bourdais has completely owned the 2006 Champ Car season as he won his fourth out of four races this year. He easily dominated the Time Warner Cable 225 at the Milwaukee Mile. Surprisingly, it was Bourdais' first victory on an oval track.
Matt Kenseth passed his Roush Racing teammate Jamie McMurray with three laps to go en route to the Neighborhood Excellence 400 victory at Dover, AKA The Monster Mile.
Posted by Jeremy Dunn
Fernando Alonso won his fourth Formula One race of 2006 after capturing the Grand Prix Of Monaco.
1. Fernando Alonso, #1 Renault
2. Juan Pablo Montoya, #4
3. David Coulthard, #14
4. Rubens Barrichello, #11 Honda
5. Michael Schumacher, #5 Ferrari
F1 Standings
1. Fernando Alonso, 64
2. Michael Schumacher, 43
3. Giancarlo Fisichella, 27
4. Kimi Raikkonen, 27
5. Juan Pablo Montoya, 23
Coca Cola 600 at Lowe's Motor Speedway
1. Kasey Kahne, #9 Dodge
2. Jimmie Johnson, #48 Chevrolet
3. Carl Edwards, #99 Ford
4. Mark Martin, #6 Ford
5. Matt Kenseth, #17 Ford
NASCAR Nextel Cup standings
1. Jimmie Johnson, 1861
2. Matt Kenseth, 1752
3. Mark Martin, 1652
4. Tony Stewart, 1630
5. Dale Earnhardt Jr, 1590
Posted by Jeremy Dunn
Penske Racing driver Sam Hornish Jr caps off a great week after passing third generation Andretti, Marco on the last lap. Marco's father Michael Andretti rounded out the top 3.
1. Sam Hornish Jr, #6 Honda
2. Marco Andretti, #26 Honda
3. Michael Andretti, #1 Honda
4. Dan Wheldon, #10 HOnda
5. Tony Kanaan, #11 Honda
IRL standings
1. Helio Castroneves, 153
2. Sam Hornish Jr, 144
3. Dan Wheldon, 139
4. Scott Dixon, 120
5. Tony Kanaan, 119
Posted by Jeremy Dunn
Scott Riggs won the pole for the Coca Cola 600 at Lowe's Motor Speedway in Charlotte. His Evernham Motorsports teammate Jeremy Mayfield will start along side of him in second place.
1. Scott Riggs, #10 Dodge
2. Jeremy Mayfield, #19 Dodge
3. Jimmie Johnson, #48 Chevrolet
4. J.J. Yeley, #18 Chevrolet
5. Bobby Labonte, #43 Dodge
Posted by Jeremy Dunn
Sebastien Bourdais has won all three Champ Car events in 2006. Where's the parity?
Bourdais is on top of the Champ Car Series world after winning the Tecate/Telmex Monterrey Grand Prix.
Top five
1. Sebastien Bourdais, #1 Ford
2. Justin Wilson, #9 Ford
3. A.J. Allmendinger, #10 Ford
4. Paul Tracy, #3 Ford
5. Alex Tagliani, # 15 Ford
Champ Car pts standings
1. Sebastien Bourdais, 102
2. Justin Wilson, 77
3. Mario Dominguez, 69
4. Andrew Ranger, 58
5. Alex Tagliani, 56
Posted by Jeremy Dunn
Sam Hornish Jr followed up his fast practice sessions with a pole winning qualifying effort at Indianapolis.
The front row will consist of Hornish, Helio Castroneves, and Danica Patrick. Scott Dixon, Tony Kanaan, and Vitor Meira make up row 2.
The rest of the Indianapolis 500 lineup
Row 3
7. (55) Kosuke Matsuura, Dallara, 225.503
8. (8) Scott Sharp, Dallara, 225.321
9. (26) r-Marco Andretti, Dallara, 224.918
Row 4
10. (16T) Danica Patrick, Panoz, 224.674
11. (2) Tomas Scheckter, Dallara, 224.659
12. (20) Ed Carpenter, Dallara, 224.548
Row 5
13. (1) Michael Andretti, Dallara, 224.508
14. (15T) Buddy Rice, Panoz, 224.393
15. (90) r-Townsend Bell, Dallara, 224.374
Row 6
16. (7) Bryan Herta, Dallara, 224.179
17. (27) Dario Franchitti, Dallara, 223.345
18. (52) Max Papis, Dallara, 222.058
Row 7
19. (51) Eddie Cheever, Dallara, 222.028
20. (91) r-P.J. Chesson, Dallara, 221.576
21. (14) Felipe Giaffone, Dallara, 221.542
Row 8
22. (92) Jeff Bucknum, Dallara, 221.461
23. (41) Larry Foyt, Dallara, 221.332
24. (21) Jaques Lazier, Panoz, 221.151
Row 9
25. (5) Buddy Lazier, Dallara, 220.922
26. (17T) Jeff Simmons, Panoz, 220.347
27. (31) Al Unser Jr., Dallara, 219.388
Row 10
28. (12) Roger Yasukawa, Panoz, 218.793
29. (88) Airton Dare, Panoz, 218.170
30. (97) Stephan Gregoire, Panoz, 217.428
Row 11
31. (61) r-Arie Luyendyk Jr., Panoz, 216.352
32. (98) PJ Jones, Panoz, 215.816
33. (18) r-Thiago Medeiros, Panoz, 215.729
Posted by Jeremy Dunn
Despite poor weather, Sam Hornish Jr recorded the fastest lap in Indy Practice with a speed of 226.789 mph. Hornish has emerged as the early favorite to win the pole for the 90th running of the Indianapolis 500. Dan Wheldon was second with a speed of 226.008 mph.
Fernando Alonso won the F1 Grand Prix Of Spain. It was Alonso's 3rd win of 2006.
1. Fernando Alonso, #1 Renault
2. Michael Schumacher, #5 Ferrari
3. Giancarlo Fisichella, #2 Renault
4. Felipe Massa, #6 Ferrari
5. Kimi Raikkonen, #3
F1 Standings
1. Fernando Alonso, 54
2. Michael Schumacher, 39
3. Kimi Raikkonen, 27
4. Giancarlo Fisichella, 24
5. Felipe Massa, 20
Sebastien Bourdais has swept the first two Champ Car events of 2006 after winning the Grand Prix of Houston.
1. Sebastien Bourdais, #1 Ford
2. Paul Tracy, #3 Ford
3. Mario Dominguez, #7 Ford
4. Nelson Philippe, #4 Ford
5. Justin Wilson, #9 Ford
Champ Car standings
1. Sebastien Bourdais, 68
2. Mario Dominguez, 50
3. Justin Wilson, 48
4. Andrew Ranger, 40
5. Alex Tagliani, 35
Greg Biffle finally won his first race of 2006 by conquering the Dodge Charger 500 at Darlington
1. Greg Biffle, #16 Ford
2. Jeff Gordon, #24 Chevrolet
3. Matt Kenseth, #17 Ford
4. Jimmie Johnson, #48 Chevrolet
5. Dale Earnhardt Jr, #8 Chevrolet
Nextel Cup standings
1. Jimmie Johnson, 1686
2. Tony Stewart, 1593
3. Matt Kenseth, 1592
4. Mark Martin, 1487
5. Dale Earnhardt Jr, 1460
Posted by Jeremy Dunn
Grand Prix of Europe
1. Michael Schumacher, #5 Ferrari
2. Fernando Alonso, #1 Renault
3. Felipe Massa, #6 Ferrari
4. Kimi Raikkonen, #3
5. Ruben Barrichello, #11 Honda
F1 Standings
1. Fernando Alonso, 44
2. Michael Schumacher, 31
3. Kimi Raikkonen, 23
4. Giancarlo Fisichella, 18
5. Juan Pablo Montoya, 15
Crown Royal 400 at Richmond,
1. Dale Earnhardt Jr, #8 Chevrolet
2. Denny Hamlin, #11 Chevrolet
3. Kevin Harvick, #29 Chevrolet
4. Greg Biffle, #16 Ford
5. Kyle Busch, #5 Chevrolet
Nextel Cup Standings
1. Jimmie Johnson, 1521
2. Tony Stewart, 1466
3. Matt Kenseth, 1422
4. Mark Martin, 1345
5. Kevin Harvick, 1313
Posted by Jeremy Dunn
The 2005 Indy Racing League champion Dan Wheldon may be contemplating a move to Formula One. Wheldon hasn't been shy in stating that Formula One is his passion.
"I did have offers to go to Formula One," Wheldon stated in a recent interview. "I do love Formula One .... It's what I grew up knowing."
If Wheldon makes the move to Formula One, will other IRL stars follow his lead? What will that do to the IRL series?
Danica Patrick will release an autobiography in the days approaching the Indianapolis 500. Patrick is only 23 years old.
Posted by Jeremy Dunn
The Aaron's 499 at Talladega was rained out on Sunday, so Monday it is!
IRL, F1, and Champ Car were all off this past weekend.
Overall it was a quiet and rainy weekend in auto racing!
Posted by Jeremy Dunn
Jimmie Johnson didn't have the fastest car, but led the race when it counted most. He held off Tony Stewart for the Aaron's 499 win at Talladega.
1. Jimmie Johnson, #48 Chevrolet
2. Tony Stewart, #20 Chevrolet
3. Brian Vickers, #25 Chevrolet
4. Jeff Burton, #31 Chevrolet
5. Jamie McMurray, #26 Ford
Posted by Jeremy Dunn
Indy Japan 300
1. Helio Castroneves, # 3 Honda
2. Dan Wheldon, #10 Honda
3. Tony Kanaan, #11 Honda
4. Sam Hornish Jr, #6 Honda
5. Buddy Rice, #15 Honda
IRL Pts Standings
1. Helio Castroneves 143
2. Dan Wheldon 104
3. Sam Hornish 94
4. Scott Dixon 92
5. Tony Kanaan 89
Foster's Grand Prix of San Marino
1. Michael Schumacher, #5 Ferrari
2. Fernando Alonso, #1 Renault
3. Juan Pablo Montoya, #4
4. Felipe Massa, #6 Ferrari
5. Kimi Raikkonen, #3
F1 Pts Standings
1. Fernando Alonso, 36
2. Michael Schumacher, 21
3. Kimi Raikkonen, 18
4. Giancarlo Fisichella, 15
5. Juan Pablo Montoya, 15
Subway Fresh 500 at Phoenix
1. Kevin Harvick, #29 Chevrolet
2. Tony Stewart, #20 Chevrolet
3. Matt Kenseth, #17 Ford
4. Carl Edwards, #99 Ford
5. Clint Bowyer, #07 Chevrolet
NASCAR Nextel Cup Pts Standings
1. Matt Kenseth, 1218
2. Jimmie Johnson, 1209
3. Kasey Kahne, 1167
4. Mark Martin, 1152
5. Tony Stewart 1141
Posted by Jeremy Dunn
Helio Castroneves will start from the pole for the Indy Japan 300 after qualifying was rained out.
1. Helio Castroneves, #3 Honda
2. Scott Dixon, # 9 Honda
3. Dan Wheldon, #10 Honda
4. Sam Hornish Jr, #6 Honda
5. Tony Kanaan, #11 Honda
Kyle Busch will lead the field to the green flag at Phoenix for the Nextel Cup Subway Fresh 500.
1. Kyle Busch, #5 Kellogg's Chevrolet
2. Greg Biffle, #16 Subway Ford
3. Tony Stewart, #20 Home Depot Chevrolet
4. Matt Kenseth, #17 DEWALT Ford
5. Carl Edwards, #99 Office Depot Ford
Posted by Jeremy Dunn
If your an auto racing fan of any of the four major series, then this would be a good weekend to catch up on some yard work or other neglected chores.
The IRL returns to action on April 22nd for the Indy Japan 300 at Twin Ring Motegi
FI will return on April 23rd for the Fosterapos Grand Prix of San Marino.
Champ Car drivers will not hit the track until May 13th for the Grand Prix of Houston at Reliant Park.
NASCAR will return next Saturday night for the Subway Fresh 500 at Phoenix.
The Busch Series will be in action this weekend for the Pepsi 300 at Nashville on Saturday at 3:30 PM.
Posted by Jeremy Dunn
Sabastien won the 32nd annual Toyota Grand Prix to become the first Champ Car series winner of 2006.
1. Sebastien Bourdais, #1 Ford
2. Justin Wilson, #9 Ford
3. Alex Tagliani, #15 Ford
4. Mario Dominguez, #7 Ford
5. Cristian Da Matta, #19 Ford
Kasey Kahne won the NASCAR Samsung Radio Shack 500 at Texas.
1. 9-Kasey Kahne, Dodge
2. 17-Matt Kenseth, Ford
3. 20-Tony Stewart, Chevrolet
4. 11-Denny Hamlin, Chevrolet
5. 29-Kevin Harvick, Chevrolet
Posted by Jeremy Dunn
Kurt Busch won the O'Reilly 300 at Texas in his first ever Busch Series start.
1. 39-Kurt Busch, Dodge
2. 16-Greg Biffle, Ford
3. 42-Casey Mears, Dodge
4. 5-Kyle Busch, Chevrolet
5. 17-Matt Kenseth, Ford
Posted by Jeremy Dunn
Samsung/Radio Shack 500 at Texas
1. 9-Kasey Kahne, Dodge
2. 18-J.J. Yeley, Chevrolet
3. 6-Mark Martin, Ford
4. 66-Jeff Green, Chevrolet
5. 16-Greg Biffle, Ford
Don't miss the Champ Car opener Toyota Grand Prix of Long Beach, April 9th
Posted by Jeremy Dunn
Tony Stewart held off Ryan Newman and Martin Truex Jr to win the Crown Royal IROC race at Texas.
It was Stewart's first ever win at Texas.
1. Tony Stewart
2. Ryan Newman
3. Martin Truex Jr
4. Mark Martin
5. Matt Kenseth
Posted by Jeremy Dunn
DIRECTV 500 at Martinsville; 1. Tony Stewart, 2. Jeff Gordon, 3. Jimmie Johnson, 4. Dale Earnhardt Jr, 5. Kyle Busch---
Nextel Cup Standings; 1. Jimmie Johnson 933; 2. Mark Martin 874; 3. Matt Kenseth 873; 4. Kasey Kahne 832; 5. Kyle Busch 832.----
HONDA GRAND PRIX of St. Petersburg; 1. Helio Castroneves, 2. Scott Dixon, 3. Tony Kanaan, 4. Bryan Herta, 5. Vitor Meira---
IRL Standings; 1. Helio Castroneves 90; 2. Scott Dixon 70; 3. Dan Wheldon 64; 4. Sam Hornish Jr 62; 5. Kosuke Motsuura and Tony Kanaan 54-----
AUSTRALIAN GRAND PRIX; 1. Fernando Alonso, 2. Kimi Raikkonen, 3. Ralf Schumacher, 4. Nick Heidfeld, 5. Giancarlo Fisichella---
F1 Standings; 1. Fernando Alonso 28; 2. Giancarlo Fisichella 14; 3. Kimi Raikkonen 14; 4. Jenson Button 11; 5. Michael Schumacher 11
Posted by Jeremy Dunn
1. 48-Jimmie Johnson, Chevrolet --
2. 26-Jamie McMurray, Ford --
3. 20-Tony Stewart, Chevrolet --
4. 12-Ryan Newman, Dodge --
5. 9-Kasey Kahne, Dodge --
Posted by Jeremy Dunn
Paul Dana had a promising career ahead of him in Indy Car Racing. He was hired to drive for the prominent Rahal Letterman Racing as teammate to Buddy Rice and Danica Patrick. He was tragically killed during a practice session at the Homestead-Miami Speedway while preparing for Sunday's IRL season-opener. Both Rice and Patrick withdrew from the event out of respect for their deceased teammate. Dana was married to Tonya and the couple resided in Indianapolis. The auto racing world will miss Paul Dana.
Posted by Jeremy Dunn
Kasey Kahne held off a valiant challenge from veteran Mark Martin in the closing laps of the rain delayed Golden Corral 500 in Atlanta. Dale Earnhardt Jr finished 3rd, Jeff Gordon was 4th, and Tony Stewart rounded out the top 5.---- Points standings; 1. Jimmie Johnson 690; 2. Kasey Kahne 640; 3. Matt Kenseth 612; 4. Mark Martin 600; 5. Casey Mears 554.---
For the second consecutive week, a Renault driver graces their presence in victory lane. Giancarlo Fisichella won the second Formula One race of 2006 as his teammate and winner of last week's Bahrain Grand Prix Fernando Alonso finished runner-up. Honda driver Jenson Button finished 3rd, Juan Pablo Montoya finished 4th and Felipe Massa rounded out the top five. Seven-time champion Michael Shumacher was forced to make an engine change which relegated him to a sixth place finish. The next race on the Formula One schedule is the Foster's Australian Grand Prix on April 2nd.---- The F1 points standings--- 1. Fernando Alonso 18; 2. Michael Shumacher 11; 3. Jenson Button 11; 4. Giancarlo Fisichella 10; 5. Juan Pablo Montoya 9.
Posted by Jeremy Dunn
Giancarlo Fisichella won the pole for the F1 Malaysian Grand Prix.--- Jeff Burton wins the Busch Series Nicorette 300 in Atlanta. Kahne finished 2nd.---
Kasey Kahne scored his first Bud Pole Award since last May at Richmond. Fellow Dodge driver Ryan Newman will start along side of Kahne. Kahne breaks Newman's streak of six consecutive Bud Pole Awards at the Atlanta Motor Speedway. Bill Lester became the first African-American driver to qualify for a Cup race since Willie T. Ribbs back in August of 1986. Lester will start the Golden Corral 500 from the 19th position.
Posted by Jeremy Dunn
Jimmie Johnson edges out Matt Kenseth to win the UAW-DaimlerChrysler 400 at Las Vegas. ----
1. Jimmie Johnson, Lowe's Chevrolet----
2. Matt Kenseth, DeWalt Ford----
3. Kyle Busch, Kellogg's/Ice Age2 Chevrolet----
4. Kasey Kahne, Dodge Dealers/UAW Dodge----
5. Jeff Gordon, DuPont Chevrolet----
6. Mark Martin, AAA Ford----
7. Jeff Burton, Cingular Wireless Chevrolet----
8. Greg Biffle, National Guard Ford----
9. Casey Mears, Texaco/Havoline Dodge----
10. Denny Hamlin, FedEx Freight Chevrolet----
11. Kevin Harvick, GM Goodwrench Chevrolet----
12. Robby Gordon, Harrah's Chevrolet----
13. Joe Nemechek, U.S. Army Chevrolet----
14. Elliott Sadler, M&M's Ford----
15. Clint Bowyer, Sopranos/HBO Chevrolet----
Bahrain Grand Prix---
1. Fernando Alonso----
2. Michael Shumacher----
3. Kimi Raikkonen----
4. Jenson Button----
5. Juan Pablo Montoya----
Posted by Jeremy Dunn
Greg Biffle wins the pole for the UAW-DaimlerChrysler 400 at Las Vegas. It was his first since winning the pole for the 2004 Daytona 500. Tony Stewart will start from the outside of the front row. ----
1. Greg Biffle, National Guard Ford --
2. Tony Stewart, Home Depot Chevrolet --
3. Jimmie Johnson, Lowe's Chevrolet --
4. Kyle Busch, Kellogg's Chevrolet --
5. Kasey Kahne, Dodge Dealers/UAW Dodge --
6. Kurt Busch, Miller Lite Dodge --
7. Joe Nemechek, U.S. Army Chevrolet --
8. Jeff Burton, Cingular Wireless Chevrolet --
9. Matt Kenseth, DeWalt Power Tools Ford --
10. Brian Vickers, GMAC Chevrolet --
Sam's Town 300 qualifying- 4:30 PM
Sam's Town 3000- 6:30 PM
Posted by Jeremy Dunn
IT'S OFFICIAL! The NASCAR Hall Of Fame will be located in Charlotte, North Carolina.
BORDER BASH--Sunday's Busch Series race in Mexico City was filled with some intense moments and some bruised feelings. It all started when Busch Series regular Paul Menard ran over J.J. Yeley. Fortunately for Yeley, he was able to bounce back with a fourth place finish. Menard's front bumper stayed busy as he later ran into the back of Clint Bowyer. Bowyer was unable to rebound, especially after his little brush with rookie Burney Lamar. Mexico's version of Dale Earnhardt Jr, Adrian Fernandez, had a trying day as he would get tangled up with Jamie McMurray. Jon Wood was spun around by Mario 'the Goose' Goossens. But the most significant altercation occured with some 20-plus laps remaining. Kyle Busch attempted to pass Michel Jourdain Jr for the lead when the two got together sending Jourdain hard into the wall and into the garage. Busch recovered and finished 7th, but the hometown fans were enraged. Luckily, Busch got out of Mexico alive. Oh, by the way, Denny Hamlin won the race.
--The Indy Car Series recently tested at the Homestead-Miami Speedway road course. Penske driver Helio Castroneves set the pace while Ganassi driver Scott Dixon turned in the second fastest lap. Both the Penske and Ganassi teams familiarized themselves with the Honda engines.
Posted by Jeremy Dunn
The Nextel Cup boys will take a breather this weekend, well, most of them at least. Kevin Harvick, Clint Bowyer, Kyle Busch, J.J. Yeley, Denny Hamlin, Reed Sorenson, Carl Edwards, Jamie McMurray, and Michael Waltrip will be showcased in NASCAR's second trip to Mexico City for the Telcel-Motorola 200 presented by Banamex. The race will be televised Sunday at 2PM EST on FOX. ----
Long-time veteran Ken Schrader will pass up an opportunity to relax this weekend as he'll make an appearance at the Texas Motor Speedway Dirt Track on Friday and Saturday competing in the Pro-Cuts World Dirt Track Championships. The 4/10-mile clay oval will host the Late Models and Modified racing events.
Other events in the wide world of auto racing include:
Friday March 3rd- Hooters Pro Cup Series, USA International 12PM EST on SPEED ----
Saturday March 4th- Grand Am Cup Series, at Daytona
11:30 EST on SPEED ----
AMA Supercross Lite
6PM EST on SPEED ----
Lucas Oil On The Edge- Figure 8 World Finals
7PM EST on SPEED ----
Rolex Sports Car Series, at Mexico City
8PM EST on SPEED ----
Sunday March 5th- FIM World Superbike Championship, Phillip Island
12PM EST on SPEED
