Friday, February 20, 2009

[Mike Irwin]

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T H E  *  S T O C K  *  C A R  *  G A Z E T T E
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The Stock Car Gazette is sponsored by:
 
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     E d i t o r ' s  *  N o t e s
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It's Friday out there... and jeans day for the Lexington KY campus of Ashland, Inc., the parent company of Valvoline.  This week, we received a recorded message from the Daytona 500 winner, Matt Kenseth himself, letting us know he'd won, and since he runs Valvoline, we would get a jeans day.  I thought it was kind of cool for him to record a message for us, even though it's all part of the sponsorship deal, I'm sure.

 

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    Stock Car Gazette Columnists Speak Out!
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Several start up teams make the long trek to California, despite missing Daytona 500
by: Doug Turnbull  

 

The biggest draw to making the Daytona 500 field, besides the allure of racing in NASCAR's biggest race, is the payday that is assured any team that makes the show. With the consolidation and shut down of several Sprint Cup teams, several spots opened up for new teams to try and run the season schedule. Several teams, like the No. 66 Prism Motorsports team, the Tommy Baldwin Racing No. 36, Travis Kvapil and the No. 28 Yates Racing entry, and Jeremy Mayfield's No. 41, made the Great American Race and are planning a full schedule. Others were not so lucky, but are still attempting Sunday's Auto Club Speedway.   Read about it at http://motorsportsnews.net/archives/2973

 

For more from Doug, visit http://motorsportsnews.net/archives/category/turnbull
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     MotorSportsNews.Net(work) web site features
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Hellmann’s NASCAR Real Fan of the Year Program Announced at Daytona International Speedway
http://motorsportsnews.net/archives/2968

 

The Stock Car Gazette for Thursday, 2/19/2009
http://groups.google.com/group/StockCarGazette/browse_thread/thread/eb712bbdd3086447

 

Kentucky Gov. Beshear Announces Pursuit of Sprint Cup Series Event
http://motorsportsnews.net/archives/2932

 

Dear Brian…
http://motorsportsnews.net/archives/2939

 

Do you blame Junior?
http://motorsportsnews.net/archives/2915

 

Like a race victory burnout, what goes around, comes around.
http://motorsportsnews.net/archives/2948

 

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     N A S C A R * S P R I N T * C U P * S E R I E S
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Courtesy of www.Catchfence.com
 
Crew Member Paul Chodora In Violation Of NASCAR Substance Abuse Policy: Paul Chodora, a licensed crew member in the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series, has been indefinitely suspended from NASCAR for violating the sanctioning body’s substance abuse policy. On Feb. 11, Chodora was found to have violated Sections 12-1 (actions detrimental to stock car racing) and 7-5 (violation of the NASCAR substance abuse policy) of the 2009 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series rule book. - NASCAR, Press Release

 

Statement from Mayfield Motorsports Regarding Paul Chodora: The following is a statement from driver/owner Jeremy Mayfield of Mayfield Motorsports regarding Paul Chodora, who was found to be in violation of the NASCAR substance abuse policy. “Mayfield Motorsports respects the decision by NASCAR to indefinitely suspend Paul Chodora. We as an organization appreciate NASCAR's drug testing policies and policing efforts as it makes the sport stronger overall. If Paul doesn’t comply with NASCAR’s reinstatement process, then he will no longer be an employee of Mayfield Motorsports.” - Mayfield Motorsports, Press Release
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Courtesy of Stock Car Gazette subscriber Ed B. - thanks!
 
Inmate sues : NASCAR Made Me Do It ................
http://www.nashvillecitypaper.com/news.php?viewStory=66199

 

Driver's creative input allows ads to show 'real' Junior
http://www.emailthis.clickability.com/et/emailThis?clickMap=viewThis&etMailToID=1123342135

 

Michael Waltrip Racing -plane-lands- at mccarran in Las Vegas-after-engine-trouble
http://www.lasvegassun.com/news/2009/feb/19/private-plane-lands-mccarran-after-engine-trouble/
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Courtesy of Google Alerts
 
Dale Earnhardt, Jr. Leaves NASCAR (satire)
Bleacher Report - San Francisco,CA,USA
The ARCA Re/Max Series in the press conference held at his Mooresville NC shop Jr said, "The ARCA schedule fits my life better and gives me time to do the ...
http://bleacherreport.com/articles/126551-earnhardt-jr-leaves-nascarsatire

 

Vickers is surprised some take his side against Earnhardt in crash
Los Angeles Times - CA,USA
Instead of siding with Earnhardt, NASCAR's most popular driver, some fans and media members agreed with Vickers in blaming Earnhardt for triggering the ...
http://www.latimes.com/sports/motorracing/la-sp-auto-club-500-nascar20-2009feb20,0,199962.story

 

The Joie of Seating Returns to Support the ASALMS Series and Teams ...
WhoWon.com - Lincoln,NE,USA
In addition, several drivers in the ARCA RE/MAX Series and of course, the ASA Late Model Series, plus more also use the products and services offered by The ...
http://www.whowon.com/sresults.asp?SanctionID=1094&StoryID=265377

 

Team reports: NASCAR stars on course for California
USA Today - USA
Last week: Reutimann finished 12th at Daytona for his best finish ever in the Super Bowl of stock car racing. "It was a great way to start the year," said ...
http://www.usatoday.com/sports/motor/nascar/2009-02-19-team-reports_N.htm

 

Q&A with Ryan Newman
Kansas City Star - MO,USA
Ryan Newman’s first week with his new race team, Stewart-Haas Racing, was not all that wonderful. ...
http://www.kansascity.com/sports/story/1041943.html

 

Muscle Car of the Week: 1969 Mercury Cyclone Spoiler II ...
By Big_Blocker
Many people only know that Mercury made the Cougar back in the muscle car era, but most are unaware that the Ford sub-division was also invested in stock car racing at the the time. With famed racers like Dan Gurney and Cale Yarbourough ...
http://blog.webridestv.com/2009/02/19/muscle-car-of-the-week-1969-mercury-cyclone-spoiler-ii/

 

Sprint Cup Crew Member Suspended
Bleacher Report - San Francisco,CA,USA
Kevin Harvick, who has repeatedly praised NASCAR for taking action, immediately released crew members from his Camping World Truck Series team after they ...
http://bleacherreport.com/articles/126759-sprint-cup-crew-member-suspended

 

NASCAR feeling effects of economy
Press-Enterprise - Riverside,CA,USA
Budgets are tightening with every team on every level, and for a while there was speculation that the Camping World Truck Series would be among those hit ...
http://www.pe.com/sports/breakout/stories/PE_Sports_Local_S_web_trucks_19.41a340c.html

 

Report: NASCAR Slow to Catch Hispanic Viewers
HispanicBusiness.com - Santa Barbara,CA,USA
Although Hispanics are the nation's fasting growing demographic, NASCAR isn't exactly winning the race to capture a proportionate share of the market, ...
http://www.hispanicbusiness.com/editors_picks/2009/2/19/report_nascar_slow_to_catch_hispanic.htm

 

The five-step program to fix the country's most hated racetrack
SI.com - USA
If Daytona is NASCAR's Super Bowl to start, then California is its red herring that follows. For the past four years, the speedway one hour from the glitz ...
http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2009/writers/tom_bowles/02/19/inside.nascar/?eref=sircrc

 

919 Marketing Inks Contract with NASCAR Legend Ward Burton
MyNC.com - Raleigh,NC,USA
"919's extensive experience working with NASCAR and other high level sports brands was very appealing to me," said Burton. "Ward Burton Enterprises and the ...
http://snipurl.com/cakgd

 

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Courtesy of Insider Racing News
  http://www.insiderracingnews.com
 
California Goodyear Tire Notes
Teams in all three of these NASCAR series will be running the same combination of left- and right-side tire codes at California this weekend, though those for the Sprint Cup and Nationwide Series will be branded "Goodyear Eagle,' while those for the Camping World Trucks will be branded "Goodyear Wrangler" . . . last season, Cup and Nationwide teams ran this same combination at Kansas, while teams in all three series ran this right-side code (D-4150) with a different left-side code here at California . . . the new left-side code at California features a softer sidewall construction than the one run at the track in 2008 . . . this particular construction was integrated with good success into several other Goodyear tire codes last season . . . as on all NASCAR ovals greater than one mile in length, teams are required to run inner liners in all four tire positions at California . . . air pressure in those inner liners should be 12-25 psi greater than that of the outer tire.
http://insiderracingnews.com/Daily/2009/Feb/021909.html
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Courtesy of Jayski
  http://www.jayski.com
 
California Entry List and more in my Next/Last Race Information Section below - http://www.jayski.com/cupnews.htm#race

 

 

MWR plane develops trouble, but is OK: A private aircraft landed safely at McCarran International Airport this [Thurs., Feb 19th] afternoon after the left engine had to be shut down during the flight. Federal Aviation Administration spokesman Ian Gregor said the Canada Air Challenger CL60 was en route to Ontario, Calif. [near Auto Club Speedway], when it diverted to Las Vegas because of the engine trouble. McCarran spokesman Chris Jones said the plane landed without incident on the west side of the airport. The Clark County Fire Department was alerted to the problem. Fire Department spokesman Scott Allison said no injuries were reported and the 48 people on board the regional jet all exited the aircraft safely after the incident, which happened about 4:20pm. It was unclear what caused the engine trouble. Gregor said the aircraft is owned by Michael Waltrip Racing [no word if driver/owner Michael Waltrip was on the plane].(Las Vegas Sun)(2-2-2009)

 

Camping World Truck Series veteran David Starr heads to California looking to make his NASCAR Sprint Cup Series debut this weekend at the Auto Club Speedway. The Texas-native will be behind the wheel of the #51 Dodge fielded by BlackJack Racing. Starr and the team will be sponsored by Allegro Marinade in a one race sponsorship for the Auto Club 500. “I have always dreamed about driving in the Cup Series and I am very appreciative of this opportunity that the Bean family has given me,” said Starr. “This all came together rather quickly last week in Daytona and I jumped at the chance. We were also able to secure sponsorship from Allegro Marinade at the last minute. This is really cool and I hope to put on a good performance for Allegro Marinade and BlackJack Racing.” BlackJack Racing fields the #51 Dodge in the Sprint Cup Series full-time and narrowly missed making the field in the Daytona 500 last week with Kelly Bires behind the wheel. Dexter Bean will make his Sprint Cup Series debut next week in Las Vegas and will be behind the wheel for the remainder of the 2009 season. For more information anbout Allegro Marinade visit allegromarinade.com.(BlackJack Racing PR)(2-20-2009)

 

Mike Wallace looking for ride: The roar of the engines after Daytona Speedweeks has silenced and the series is heading west to Auto Club Speedway in California. For one driver with victories in two out of NASCAR three series racing this weekend, the silence is deafening. Mike Wallace, with four NASCAR Nationwide and four Camping World Truck Series victories to his credit, will not be competing. “I think people thought I was all set during Daytona because I was in both the Cup and Nationwide Series garages,” said Wallace. “I had a one-race deal with TRG to make the Daytona 500 in their #71 car. “Then, I had a one-race deal with JD Motorsports in the Nationwide race down there. We did okay there earning a top-20 in 19th place. In addition to the eight victories; he’s amassed a total of 56 top-fives and 130 top-10 finishes. “Right now, I am open to talking with owners about driving for their team,” said Wallace. “I’m sure there is a need for an experienced driver like myself and I’m willing to talk. If I can obtain a sponsor, I have several quality teams that I can take it to and we can be competitive right from the start. Basically, I just want folks to know I am available and ready to drive.” Wallace will be a co-host on ESPN2’s “NASCAR Now” Sunday morning, March 8 and on ESPN News following the Sprint Cup Series race. The following day, he will be a panelist on the Monday edition of “NASCAR Now” on ESPN2.(PR)(2-20-2009)

 

Johnson visits child neighborhood: Twice a year, Jimmie Johnson detours through his childhood neighborhood en route to a NASCAR race in Fontana. “I like to stay connected,” the NASCAR champion said recently. “Many of my friends and memories are still rooted in El Cajon.” This week was no exception. Johnson flew into San Diego yesterday before heading north for Sunday's Sprint Cup race at Auto Club Speedway. As usual, Johnson is visiting the site of the four Habitat for Humanity homes his foundation is building near downtown El Cajon and he will stop by the Chevrolet dealership in Kearny Mesa that bears his name. Johnson last night gave the induction speech for Ivan Stewart as the legendary off-road champion was inducted into the Breitbard Hall of Fame during the 63rd annual Viejas Salute to the Champions dinner at the Town and Country Resort. Johnson also was honored at the event, being one of five professionals named Stars of the Year for 2008.(San Diego Union Tribune)(2-19-2009)

 

Kenseth Enjoys Victory Tour Through San Francisco: Daytona 500 champion Matt Kenseth learned how to crack a Dungeness crab, enjoyed world-class chocolates and was given a magnum of Sonoma Valley wine on Wednesday in San Francisco. Kenseth, who won NASCAR's Great American Race on Sunday, celebrated his historic win with a Victory Tour Through the Streets of San Francisco on-board a motorized cable car, complete with a California Highway Patrol escort. Kenseth, and his wife Katie, enjoyed a first-class tour of San Francisco, crossing the Golden Gate Bridge and visiting legendary Fisherman's Grotto No. 9 at Fisherman's Wharf. Kenseth learned how to cook and crack a Dungeness crab under the guidance of co-owner Anthony Geraldi. The tour continued to Ghirardelli Square where the Kenseths received a large basket of gourmet chocolates and were treated to ice cream sundaes. The cable car ride culminated at Willie Mays Plaza at AT&T Park, home of the San Francisco Giants, where Kenseth greeted race fans and the Northern California media. Giants Vice President Russ Stanley presented Kenseth with an official team jersey, complete with Kenseth's name and car number on the back. Kenseth was also surprised at the press conference by a visit from Tony Moll, a Sonoma native who is an offensive lineman on Kenseth's favorite NFL team, the Green Bay Packers. Raceway President Steve Page also presented Kenseth with a commemorative magnum of Sonoma Valley wine. "This was a really fun day and I'm amazed at all of the fans out here," said Kenseth. "I got to see a lot of San Francisco from the front of that cable car and experience a little of everything, so it was great." The appearance also marked the Official Countdown to the Toyota/Save Mart 350 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series weekend at Infineon Raceway, June 19-21 (Father's Day weekend). Race day is just 124 days away. Tickets are now available for the Toyota/Save Mart 350 at Infineon Raceway. Be sure to call 800-870-RACE or visit infineonraceway.com.(Infineon Raceway)(2-19-2009)

LVMS officials urge race fans to use mass transit, alternate routes: More than any previous year, race fans attending Las Vegas Motor Speedway’s Feb. 27-March 1 NASCAR Weekend events are advised to use mass transportation or alternate routes due to a highway improvement project on Interstate 15. Although the ongoing road construction poses a level of inconvenience, Las Vegas Motor Speedway officials are once again working closely with the Nevada Highway Patrol, the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department and the Nevada Department of Transportation to ensure smooth entrance and exit during the weekend. Race fans who do drive to the speedway should arrive early and use alternate routes. Race fans living in Summerlin, Aliante and Southern Highlands are advised to use the 215 Beltway. Race fans coming from Henderson and areas east of the Strip should use Las Vegas Boulevard or Nellis Boulevard. Anyone on the Strip should still use Interstate 15. Speedway officials also are encouraging as many race fans as possible to use buses and shuttles for transportation to the races. Las Vegas Motor Speedway has secured two options for mass transportation to the speedway for the Feb. 27-March 1 NASCAR Weekend. For those who have used the Citizens Area Transit (“CAT”) buses in the past, a new option is Coach America. Coach America will be filling many of the same routes as the CAT buses have in the past. Race fans can contact Coach America at nascar.coachamerica.com or (702) 948-7360. For those wishing to take a private charter to the races, LVMS recommends Key Tours. Key Tours has been providing service to the speedway for several years, and we vouch for the quality of its service. To reserve seats on either the Coach America or Key Tours buses, please go to www.LVMS.com and click on the “Getting to the Races” link in the NASCAR Weekend Quick Links box. For those who are not aware, federal legislation now prohibits government-funded transportation units from serving as a charter service when one or more private bus companies are willing to perform the service. As a result, the federally funded CAT buses in Las Vegas no longer can serve as a charter service to LVMS. The speedway will continue to crack down on the fraudulent use of handicapped placards. Speedway security will be checking the validity of handicapped passes on each vehicle. General parking is free at LVMS.(LVMS PR)(2-20-2009)

 

Milwaukee Mile signs promoter: Wisconsin Motorsports, LLC has signed an agreement to retain promoter rights at The Milwaukee Mile motor speedway. The historic venue is located on the Wisconsin State Fair Park grounds in West Allis, Wis. and continues to be the oldest active auto racing facility in the country, dating back to 1903. In 2009, The Milwaukee Mile is set to hold the stars of the IndyCar Series the Sunday following the Indianapolis 500 on May 31, the popular NASCAR Camping World Truck Series and NASCAR Nationwide Series events on June 19 & 20, and the return of Wisconsin NASCAR superstar and 2009 Daytona 500 champion Matt Kenseth in a special Wisconsin All-Star 100 super late model event on August 29. The new promoter agreement ensures the near-term and long-term future of auto racing at America’s Legendary Oval. All purchased tickets for 2009 events at The Milwaukee Mile will be honored. Wisconsin Motorsports is led by President & CEO Claude Napier, who has signed a new license agreement with the Wisconsin State Fair Park Board for an initial term of ten years, with the option of up to 30 years. The Wisconsin State Fair Park Board elected to terminate the promoter license agreement it held with former promoter Milwaukee Mile Holdings LLC on February 12th, and worked diligently with Napier in the best interest of the continuance of auto racing going forward.(Milwaukee Mile PR)(2-20-2009)

 

Helton among those to participate in LVMS “Fast Chats”: NASCAR President Mike Helton and #24-Jeff Gordon will be among the NASCAR personalities who field questions from race fans next week in Las Vegas Motor Speedway’s first “Fast Chats” program. There is no charge for race fans to attend Fast Chats as the lively question-and-answer sessions will take place on the LVMS midway, outside the entry gates. Others who will be “on the hot seat” for a 20-minute session include Las Vegas natives Kurt and Kyle Busch. “NASCAR is making a huge push to connect more with the race fans, and we’re taking that a step farther here in Las Vegas,” said LVMS President Chris Powell. “This is an opportunity for any race fan to ask a question of some of the sport’s key players. My guess is that the fans’ question likely will be more probing than those posed by members of the media.” Fast Chats will take place on the SPEED Stage on the LVMS midway at various times throughout the weekend. There will be multiple chats each day, and a complete schedule will be posted to the speedway’s website at www.lvms.com. A daily chat schedule will be posted near the SPEED Stage. A few tickets remain for the Feb. 27-March 1 NASCAR Weekend. The action begins on Friday with zMAX Pole Day for the Sprint Cup Series. The Sam’s Town 300 NASCAR Nationwide Series race is Saturday, Feb. 28 and concludes with the Shelby 427 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series event on Sunday, March 1. For tickets and information, log on to www.lvms.com or call 1-800-644-4444.(2-19-2009)
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Your ad could be displayed here... very reasonable rates.  E-mail Mi...@MotorSportsNews.Net
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Courtesy of Race2Win
  http://www.race2win.net
 
Ron Hornaday, Regan Smith on Track Talk; Skinner and Keller on Tap
The special guests on the February 19th episode of Track Talk are from both ends of the NASCAR spectrum, a veteran champion and a talented young gun. Three-time Truck Series title-holder Ron Hornaday and 2008 Sprint Cup Rookie of the Year Regan Smith called in to chat with the Track Talk crew on Thursday's show. If you missed this episode live, or would like to listen again, visit the archive and download the podcast at www.primesportsnetwork.com or on iTunes. Mike Skinner and Jason Keller are scheduled to appear on the February 26th edition of the program. Track Talk airs live every Thursday at 1:00 pm ET on the Prime Sports Network. If you have a question for Skinner or Keller, send an email to nas...@primesportsnetwork.com to have them answer it live on the air.

 

History is on Kenseth’s Side at Fontana
Matt Kenseth and the No. 17 team have to be excited about this week’s Sprint Cup race at Auto Club Speedway in Fontana, Calif. They are coming off the high of a Daytona 500 victory, and Kenseth has two wins, two fifth-place finishes and three sevenths in his past seven races at the track.
Full Story  http://www.race2win.net/wc/09/02/homks.html

 

Top 5 and 5 to Watch: Fontana
Here’s a look at the top five in points and five drivers to watch in Sunday’s Auto Club 500.
Full Story http://www.race2win.net/wc/09/02/t5w5acs.html
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A NASCAR tripleheader at Auto Club Speedway is on tap this weekend with the Camping World Truck Series and Nationwide Series sharing a twin bill on Saturday and the Sprint Cup Series Auto Club 500 set for Sunday.
http://lists.racingone.com/t/5063224/16487496/14623/0/
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Courtesy of That's Racin'
  http://www.thatsracin.com
 
Maybe not a sign of things to come
Regardless of his finish, Kyle Busch says his performance in the season-opening Daytona 500 was never going to be a good indicator of whether his team was back on track after a disappointing finish to 2008.
http://www.thatsracin.com/115/story/3866.html

The Oscar for best time slot? NASCAR!
David Poole: The next two weekends are, I believe, particularly important for NASCAR in a lot of ways.
http://www.thatsracin.com/135/story/3856.html

 

Pocono award goes to Chris Economaki
Chris Economaki is the 2009 recipient of Pocono Raceway's Bill France Award of Excellence.
http://www.thatsracin.com/140/story/3843.html
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Was Stewart Haas’ strong showing at Daytona a fluke?
Third in the Budweiser Shootout. Second in the Gatorade Duel. Eighth in the Daytona 500. And just for fun, a win in the season-opening NASCAR Nationwide Series race. Not a bad Speedweeks for Tony Stewart at Daytona (Fla.) International Speedway, especially considering that despite it being his 11th year racing around Daytona’s high banks during the [...]
http://clicks.aweber.com/y/ct/?l=MsyAy&m=1aKJw59pExX3DX&b=A_2TcyEZJdUavXybhY84Iw

 

GM terminates its high performance division
GM today disbanded High Performance Vehicle Operations, which is based at the company’s suburban Detroit technical center, and redeployed its engineers, said spokesman Vince Muniga. “All high-performance projects are on indefinite hold,” Muniga said. “The engineers are moving into different areas of the organization, and they will work on Cadillacs, Buicks, Chevrolets and Pontiacs.” The unit created [...]
http://clicks.aweber.com/y/ct/?l=MsyAy&m=1aKJw59pExX3DX&b=66tdnNve_i2QY94QNQI46g

 

Mayfield crew member suspended by NASCAR for violating substance abuse policy
Pit crew member Paul Chodora of Jeremy Mayfield’s No. 41 Sprint Cup team has been suspended indefinitely by NASCAR for violating the new substance abuse policy. Chodora is the first person to be punished under the policy that was amended last season to mandatory preseason testing and random testing throughout the season. Kevin Harvick fired two members [...]
http://clicks.aweber.com/y/ct/?l=MsyAy&m=1aKJw59pExX3DX&b=iYAANacdsAjRTOiRru8xBw
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     N A S C A R * N A T I O N W I D E * S E R I E S
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Courtesy of Jayski
  http://www.jayski.com
 
Jessie James preforming National Anthem in California: Mercury Records recording artist Jessie James, who's song "Blue Jeans" is featured in the current hit film Confessions of a Shopaholic, will perform the National Anthem prior to the Stater Bros. 300 NASCAR Nationwide Series race on Saturday, Feb. 21.(Auto Club Speedway PR)(2-19-2009)

Penalties expected for #0 & #84 teams: UPDATES: Nationwide Series Director Joe Balash said penalties can be expected for JD Motorsports and Mike Harmon Racing after the sanctioning body found violations with their cars in inspection after Saturday’s Camping World 300 at Daytona. Balash said NASCAR confiscated both front springs from JD Motorsports’ #0 Chevy driven by Danny O’Quinn to a 23rd-place finish. “We have a spring-rate rule that measures the individual spring’s rates and the total on the front of the car,” Balash said. “The numbers did not match what the rule is.” Balash said the rates of the front springs weren’t close to the minimum required. Mike Harmon Racing’s #84 Chevy, which finished 29th with driver Mike Harmon, was discovered to have ballast – weight that can be shifted around for chassis balance – outside the frame rail, a violation of a rule instituted this year. “We made those changes as a safety precaution, moved the weight underneath the car and inside the frame rail,” Balash said. Any penalties would likely be announced Tuesday at the earliest.(Scene Daily)(2-14-2009)
UPDATE: A statement from Johnny Davis: "Nationwide Series #0 owner Johnny Davis expresses his apology to the fans, the sponsors, the crew and driver Danny O'Quinn for his oversight in re-checking the spring rates from last time they ran them."(JD Motorsports PR)(2-15-2009)
UPDATE 2: NASCAR announced today that three Nationwide Series teams have been fined and penalized due to rule violations discovered during last week’s event at Daytona.
Blake Bainbridge, crew chief of the #09 Ford driven by John Wes Townley, has been fined $15,000 and placed on NASCAR probation until June 30, 2009 for violating Sections 12-1 (actions detrimental to stock car racing); 12-4-I (any determination by NASCAR officials that the race equipment used in the event does not conform to NASCAR rules) and 20A-18A (Once constructed and installed, the roll cage must be acceptable to NASCAR officials. Main roll bar (#1) was not round; was altered for clearance) of the 2009 NASCAR Nationwide Series rule book. Jay Robinson was penalized with the loss of 100 Nationwide Series championship owner points while Townley was docked 100 Nationwide Series championship driver points. Those infractions were discovered on Feb. 10 during opening-day inspection. George Bartlett, crew chief of the #84 Chevy driven by Mike Harmon, has been fined $10,000 and placed on NASCAR probation until June 30, 2009 due to rule violations discovered during opening-day inspection and post-race inspection on Feb. 14, respectively. Bartlett was found to be in violation of Sections 12-1, 12-4-I and 20A-2.3A (Weight containers welded to the outside of the main frame rails must not contain added weight in any form; added weight to the outside frame rail) and 20A-13E (Invalid SFI label). Team owner/driver Harmon was penalized with the loss of 25 Nationwide Series championship owner points and 25 Nationwide Series championship driver points for each infraction, totaling 50 points in each category.
Additionally Michael Hobson, crew chief for the #0 Chevy driven by Danny O’Quinn Jr., was fined $5,000 and placed on NASCAR probation until June 30, 2009 for violation of 12-1, 12-4-I and 20A-12.1A(8) (Combined spring rate was less than specified. The left front spring rate was less than specified). Johnny Davis was penalized with the loss of 25 Nationwide Series championship owner points and O’Quinn forfeited 25 Nationwide Series championship driver points due to the violations, which also were found during post-race inspection.(NASCAR PR)(2-19-2009)
UPDATE 3: A statement from Mike Harmon: "The penalties and fine that were issued to us at Daytona were due to an incorrect SFI sticker on the quick disconnect coupler of the steering wheel that was discovered by the officials upon inspection and corrected immediately, the issue with the weight was due to the lead weight being 3 inches out of place, which was a safety issue and not a performance enhancing issue. We have volunteers working at the shop night and day and it is hard to keep up with all of the NASCAR rules and regulations that are new for the season. We are aware that NASCAR has no leniency in regards to the safety of the drivers and crew, and have taken all steps required to correct the issue with the car. We appreciate all of the support we received during speedweeks at Daytona, and thank all of the fans who have stood by us throughout the years."(Mike Harmon PR)(2-19-2009)

 

Danny O'Quinn will drive the #01 Team Too Chevy and JC Stout will be in the #0 www.sponsordavis.com entry in this weekend's Stater Bros. 300 at the Auto Club Speedway.(JD Motorsports PR)(2-19-2009)

 

Butler making NNS debut: Ken Butler III, better known as KBIII, is finally getting his own dream come true by piloting the famous Aaron's Lucky Dog Dream Machine in NASCAR competition. Through R3 Motorsports, Butler will be making his first Nationwide Series attempt in the #23 at the Stater Bros 300 this weekend.(Aarons PR)(2-19-2009)

 

Gatorz on the #11 at California: California based Gatorz Precision Built Eyewear will introduce their name brand eyewear to millions of NASCAR fans this weekend as they will premier as the primary sponsor of the #11 CJM entry this weekend in California.(CJM Racing PR)(2-19-2009)

 

Auto Value to sponsor 2 NNS Race for RPM: Moving into their fifth season of NASCAR sponsorship, Auto Value/Bumper to Bumper has contracted with Richard Petty Motorsports (formerly Gillett Evernham Motorsports) as the primary sponsor for four 2009 Cup races. Auto Value/Bumper to Bumper will be making their first Nationwide Series race start of 2009 with the #9 Auto Value Dodge on the track at the New Hampshire Motor Speedway, June 27, 2009 with longtime fan favorite Elliott Sadler taking the wheel. Kasey Kahne returns to the Bumper to Bumper cockpit in the #9 Dodge on October 16, 2009 at Lowe's Motor Speedway in Concord, NC.(Auto Value PR), see an image of the car on the #9 Nationwide Paint Schemes page.(2-19-2009)  http://www.jayski.com/schemes/2009/nationwide/9nationwide.htm

 

Nationwide Race most viewed ever on ESPN2: The Nationwide Series Camping World 300 at Daytona was the most-viewed Nationwide Series race ever on ESPN2 with an average of 3,238,062 viewers. ESPN2 had live, flag-to-flag coverage of the event on Saturday, Feb. 14. The viewership number represented a slight increase over the telecast of last year's race, which also set a viewership record. The race earned a 2.4 household coverage rating, down from the 2.5 earned for last year's race that also aired on ESPN2, and even with the rating earned for the event on ESPN2 in 2007.ESPN2 will again be the home of the Nationwide Series in 2009, with select races televised on ESPN and ABC. Season ratings for the series on ESPN2 were up seven percent in 2008 from 2007.(ESPN PR)(2-18-2009)
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Courtesy of The Hot Lap
  http://www.TheHotLap.com
 
NASCAR driver Tony Raines will be driving for owner Bob Jenkins in the NASCAR Nationwide Series.Raines has four Truck series victories in his career, the last in 1998. He has competed in 128 Cup races and 194 Nationwide events, without winning in either series (though he did have a good showing sharing the DLP Chevy with Terry Labonte)."It might start off as a B-level team, and it may stay that all year—or it might get better," Raines said. "That’s my goal, to try to help any way I can and improve it. At the same time, I enjoy racing.
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     C A M P I N G * W O R L D * T R U C K * S E R I E S
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Courtesy of Jayski
  http://www.jayski.com
 
Qualifying on SPEEDtv: Qualifying for the San Bernardino 200 at Auto Club Speedway will be televised on SPEEDtv beginning at 4:30pm/et on Friday, February 20.

 

Bodine quickest in Happy Hour: #30-Todd Bodine turned in a top speed of 171.278 mph to lead the final practice session at Auto Club Speedway. Rounding out the top ten were; #33-Ron Hornaday Jr., #4-Ricky Carmichael, #88-Matt Crafton, #16-Brian Scott, #25-Terry Cook, #81-Tayler Malsam, #14-Rick Crawford, #07-Chad McCumbee, #51-Kyle Busch. The two slowest; #47-Brandon Knupp, #89-Mike Harmon. There were 32 trucks on track for the final session. Final practice speeds are posted on the California Race Page.(2-19-2009)
http://www.jayski.com/cts/next/2009/2california2009.htm#prac2

 

Crafton leads first practice session: #88-Matt Crafton was the fastest on track with a speed of 171.156 mph to lead the first practice session for the San Bernardino 200 at Auto Club Speedway. Rounding out the top ten were; #6-Colin Braun, #33-Ron Hornaday Jr., #5-Mike Skinner, #51-Kyle Busch, #30-Todd Bodine, #16-Brian Scott, #1-Johnny Benson, #17-Timothy Peters, #4-Ricky Carmichael. Two slowest; #48-Dennis Setzer, #57-Norm Benning. There were 33 trucks on track for the first session. Complete practice speeds are posted on the California Race Page.(2-19-2009)
http://www.jayski.com/cts/next/2009/2california2009.htm#prac1

 

NASCAR Camping World Truck Series veteran David Starr heads to California looking to make his NASCAR Sprint Cup Series debut this weekend at the Auto Club Speedway. The Texas-native will be behind the wheel of the #51 Dodge fielded by BlackJack Racing. Starr and the team will be sponsored by Allegro Marinade in a one race sponsorship for the Auto Club 500. Starr, drives the #24 Zachry Toyota Tundra full-time.(David Starr PR)(2-19-2009)

 

#33 Team penalized for Rule infractions at Daytona Int'l Speedway: NASCAR announced today penalties and fines to the #33 team that competes in the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series, as a result of rule infractions found last Friday at Daytona International Speedway. The #33 truck was found to be in violation of Section 12-1 (actions detrimental to stock car racing); Section 12-4-1 (any determination by NASCAR Officials that the race equipment used in the event does not conform to NASCAR rules); and Section 20B-12.3B (all approved shock absorbers must be of nitrogen-gas pressurized mono-tube, deflective disc valve type with an integral gas reservoir with all components as displayed on each manufacturer's display board: unapproved shock absorber piston) of the 2009 NASCAR Camping World Truck Series rule book. The violations were found during post-race inspection on Feb. 13. Driver Ron Hornaday Jr. has been penalized with the loss of 25 NASCAR Camping World Truck Series championship driver points and truck owner DeLana Harvick has been penalized 25 NASCAR Camping World Truck Series championship owner points due to the violations. Crew chief Rick Ren has been fined $5,000 and placed on probation until June 30, 2009 as a result of the infraction.(NASCAR PR)(2-19-2009)

 

Wisconsin Motorsports signs on as promoter of Milwaukee Mile: Wisconsin Motorsports, LLC has signed an agreement to retain promoter rights at The Milwaukee Mile motor speedway. The historic venue is located on the Wisconsin State Fair Park grounds in West Allis, Wis. and continues to be the oldest active auto racing facility in the country, dating back to 1903. The new promoter agreement ensures the near-term and long-term future of auto racing at America's Legendary Oval. All purchased tickets for 2009 events at The Milwaukee Mile will be honored. Wisconsin Motorsports is led by President & CEO Claude Napier, who has signed a new license agreement with the Wisconsin State Fair Park Board for an initial term of ten years, with the option of up to 30 years. The Wisconsin State Fair Park Board elected to terminate the promoter license agreement it held with former promoter Milwaukee Mile Holdings LLC on February 12th, and worked diligently with Napier in the best interest of the continuance of auto racing going forward.(Milwaukee Mile PR)(2-19-2009)

 

KHI & Geogia Boot extend partnership: Georgia Boot, America's Hardest Working Boot is once again partnering with and serving as the official boot sponsor of Kevin Harvick Inc. (KHI) for 2009. In 2008, Georgia Boot was a proud sponsor of the KHI #2 Chevrolet entry in the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series. In 2009, Georgia Boot will move over as an associate sponsor of KHI's #33 Chevrolet Silverado driven by three-time NCWTS champion Ron Hornaday. Georgia Boot will also serve as the primary sponsor for Hornaday in the NCWTS race at Bristol Motor Speedway on August 19. In this role, Georgia Boot will see the $33 Truck painted to feature its logo and colors. Additionally, Hornaday will wear a Georgia Boot fire suit and his crew will sport Georgia Boot crew shirts. A hospitality chalet and garage tours will also be available for select Georgia Boot guests.(Kevin Harvick Inc. PR)(2-19-2009)

 

During an interview on ESPN's NASCAR Now program, Todd Bodine said that GEICO would be sponsoring the #30 truck at California -- a one race deal.(2-19-2009)

 

Keystone Light makes smooth entry into NCWTS: The official beer sponsor of the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series, is giving fans yet another reason to reach for the "Always Smooth" beer as they tune into the racing action each week: The complete 2009 NASCAR Truck Series schedule is printed along the side of limited-edition, 24-ounce cans of Keystone Light. The collectable, 24-ounce Keystone Light "schedule can" is available as a single serve beer nationwide in convenience stores, liquor stores and supermarkets. "The NASCAR Camping World Truck Series will benefit from this unprecedented nationwide exposure on Keystone Light packaging," said Jim O'Connell, VP of Corporate Marketing for NASCAR. "This is a great wayfor fans to keep up with the Truck Series 25-race schedule. As the series has grown and entered new markets, you need a tall, 24-ounce can to list all those events." Built on a foundation of great beer brands and more than 288 years of brewing heritage, Miller/Coors continues the commitment of its founders to brew the highest quality beers. Miller/Coors is the second largest beer company in America, capturing nearly 30 percent of U.S. beer sales.(Miller/Coors PR)(2-19-2009)

 

Double Duty weekend for Bodine: Todd Bodine, just as planned, will drive the #64 Toyota for Gunselman Motorsports at the Auto Club Speedway in the Auto Club 500. The youngest of the racing Bodine brothers takes over for Geoff, who attempted the Daytona 500. The team is doing the West Coast swing consisting of the California and Las Vegas races. Larry Gunselman, team owner: "Everything is going to plan. We are putting Todd in the car for the races that don't conflict with his Truck Series schedule. [First up for Daytona winner, Bodine will drive the #30-Germain Racing Toyota in the San Bernardino 200 in the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series race on Saturday.](Gunselman Motorsports PR)(2-19-2009)

Thompson to make first start of season at Calif: Brett Thompson is looking to make his fifth career NCWTS start and first of the 2009 season. The team will enter their #61 Rich Thompson Trucking, Inc/Windmill Inn & Suites Dodge in three NCWTS races this year. This will be Thompson's first start at Auto Club Speedway. Crew chief for the #61 team is Lonnie Rush Jr.(Thompson Motorsports PR)(2-18-2009)

 

The (last) Friday night race, won by Todd Bodine, scored a Nielsen mark of 1.90, making it the No. 1 show on cable during that time period. The next Truck race will be on FOX Saturday at 3 p.m. ET from Auto Club Speedway in California, with Darrell Waltrip, Larry McReynolds and Mike Joy in the booth; Chris Myers, Jeff Hammond and Phil Parsons in the Hollywood Hotel and Krista Voda, Dr. Dick Berggren and Matt Yocum in the pits. .(SPEEDtv PR)(2-18-2009)
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     A R C A (Automobile Racing Club of America)
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Courtesy of ARCA
  http://www.arcaracing.com
 
Lucas Oil Slick Mist 200 at Daytona Draws Record Audience
DAYTONA BEACH, Florida (2-19-09)--The ARCA RE/MAX Series opened its 57th year of competition with a record television and website audience as more than one million households tuned into SPEED on Saturday evening, February 7th to watch the Lucas Oil Slick Mist 200 and an additional 40,000 followed the race on ARCA's web-based properties, arcaracing.com and ARCA Nation.
[Read More] - http://www.arcaracing.com/news.cfm?contentid=7669
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     C O L U M N S / C O M M E N T A R I E S
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Insider Racing News
http://insiderracingnews.com/Writers/DD/022009.html
Buying Race Tickets? Shop Around
by Doug Demmons

 

RaceTalkRadio.com:
Don't Fear the Weepers, Fantasy Insight - California Spring by Dennis Michelsen
http://www.racetalkradio.com/soz/id230.htm

 

The Nascar Insiders  
Kentucky, Really?
Bruton Smith amped up his Kentucky Speedway rhetoric this week, with the help of Kentucky Governor Steve Beshear, as they announced plans for a $75 million expansion (with help from the state) to aid them in their quest for a Sprint Cup Series date.
http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/TheNascarInsiders/~3/543791244/

 

I Was Just Wonderin' - Dirty Laundry at the King's House
by Carol Einarsson
I wonder how long this curse will follow Jeremy Mayfield. First he loses a jack man after loaning him out to Kirk Shelmerdine, and now he's lost a tire carrier to a dirty drug test. Maybe he should start racing in the truck series where they only allow five crew members over the wall. Either that, or he could do the Morgan Shepherd trick and pit his own car by himself.
http://www.racejournalonline.com/index.cfm?Pagename=column&id=570

 

 

Blame Earnhardt If You Must, But You Are Wrong If You Do
I had thought we were all done talking about the infamous Daytona 500 moment when Brian Vickers went sailing in front of the field. From what I read, that does not seem to yet be the case.
http://www.speedwaymedia.com/Articles/09/022009Thornton.asp

 

New Math, New Economy & New Time Standards
The semi-annual trek to the left coast, while always being an event which “sets the standard” for mediocrity, has fallen victim to the scheduling malady currently afflicting most....
http://www.speedwaymedia.com/Articles/09/022009VanZandt.asp

 

Everyone’s got something to say about the Vickers / Earnhardt Jr. incident
Jr. Nation is in an uproar about Vickers cutting Jr. off and forcing him not only below the yellow line, but all the way to the grass.
http://www.speedwaymedia.com/Articles/09/022009Mattern.asp

 

Making an impact, RPM style (Richard Petty Motorsports)
A new team, new players, and the desire to win turned into a recipe for success for Richard Petty Motorsports (RPM). Unfortunately that recipe does not include one special ingredient: Kyle Petty.
http://www.speedwaymedia.com/Articles/09/021909Benscoter.asp
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     T V  *  L I S T I N G S
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Courtesy of Jayski
  http://www.jayski.com/pages/tv.htm
 
FRIDAY - February 20th
1:00 A.M. - NASCAR Now ESPN2
12:00 P.M. - NASCAR Live SPEED
12:30 P.M. - NASCAR Nationwide Series - Practice SPEED
3:00 P.M. - NASCAR Sprint Cup Series - Practice (90 minutes) SPEED
4:30 P.M. - NASCAR CWTS - Pole Qualifying SPEED
6:30 P.M. - NASCAR Sprint Cup Series - Coors Light Pole Qualifying SPEED
8:30 P.M. - NASCAR Nationwide Series -  Final Practice SPEED
10:00 P.M. - Trackside at Auto Club Speedway SPEED
11:00 P.M. - NASCAR Sprint Cup Series - Coors Light Pole Qualifying (re-air) SPEED
 
SATURDAY - February 21st
1:00 A.M. - NASCAR Now ESPN2
1:00 A.M. - Trackside at Auto Club Speedway SPEED
11:00 A.M. - Trackside at Auto Club Speedway SPEED
12:00 P.M. - NASCAR Live SPEED
12:30 P.M. - NASCAR Nationwide Series - Coors Light Pole Qualifying SPEED
3:00 P.M. - NASCAR CWTS - San Bernardino County 200 FOX
5:00 P.M. - NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Final Practice (approx 105 minutes) SPEED
7:00 P.M. - NASCAR Nationwide Series - Countdown ESPN2
7:45 P.M. - NASCAR Nationwide Series - Stater Bros. 300 ESPN2
 
SUNDAY - February 22nd
4:00 A.M. - NASCAR Nationwide Series - Stater Bros. 300 ESPN2
9:00 A.M. - NASCAR Nationwide Series - Stater Bros. 300 ESPNC
8:00 A.M. - NASCAR Angels HALL
10:00 A.M. - NASCAR Now ESPN2
2:00 P.M. - NASCAR Performance SPEED
2:30 P.M. - NASCAR Smarts SPEED
3:00 P.M. - NASCAR in a Hurry SPEED
3:30 P.M. - NASCAR RaceDay SPEED
5:00 P.M. - NASCAR Sprint Cup Series - Pre-Race Show FOX
6:00 P.M. - NASCAR Sprint Cup Series - Auto Club 500 FOX
7:00 pm SPEED Report
9:00 P.M. - Wind Tunnel with Dave Despain SPEED
10:00 P.M. - NASCAR Sprint Cup Series - Victory Lane SPEED

 

MONDAY - February 23rd
2:00 am SPEED Report
4:00 A.M. - NASCAR Sprint Cup Series - Victory Lane SPEED
8:00 A.M. - NASCAR Sprint Cup Series - Victory Lane SPEED
9:00 A.M. - Wind Tunnel with Dave Despain SPEED
12:00 P.M. - NASCAR CWTS - San Bernardino County 200 (re-air) SPEED
5:00 P.M. - NASCAR Now ESPN2
5:00 P.M. - 1985 Valleydale 500 ESPNC
8:00 P.M. - This Week in NASCAR SPEED
 
Jayski does not list all the programming offered by SPEED; for complete listings go to their website, http://www.speedtv.com/schedule/
 
Always CHECK YOUR LOCAL LISTINGS!
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