Wednesday, December 22, 2010
Heather Meyer
T H E * S T O C K * C A R * G A Z E T T E
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E d i t o r ' s * N o t e s
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The Staff of The Stock Car Gazette would like to wish it’s readers a very Merry Christmas and Happy New Year. Please stay safe over the Holidays and we will be back after the first of the year.
Our thoughts and prayers are with the Zipadelli Family and Greg and Scott’s father has more heart surgery.
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Stock Car Gazette Columnists Speak Out!
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http://motorsportsnews.net/archives/5643
Track Trash: Chicken Bones!
by Racing Maniac
Only two more weeks until 2011, and we start looking for the 2011 Champion.
Meanwhile the 'boys' are having fun in the sun in Daytona Beach.
Yeah, I know it's cold down there. Hey....what ever happened to "global warming"???
http://motorsportsnews.net/archives/5650
TV Times: Encouraging News Out Of Daytona About New Track Surface
by Lou Modestino
Some good news: Reports about recent Daytona tire testing on the newly repaved surface are that three-wide action and some even four-wide have taken place.
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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
First-of-its-kind event to culminate with escorted motorcycle run to NASCAR race (PHOENIX, Ariz.) – To celebrate Black History Month this February, Phoenix International Raceway – in conjunction with Talking Stick Resort and Casino and the Second II None Phoenix Motorcycle Club – are hosting a historic “Checkered Flag Run.” The Run, a first-of-its-kind event that offers a weekend’s worth of activity for motorcycle enthusiasts, culminates with an escorted motorcycle ride from Talking Stick Resort in Scottsdale to NASCAR’s SUBWAY Fresh Fit 500 ™ Sprint Cup Series race at Phoenix International Raceway on February 27. “Our new February race date coincides with Black History Month and that presented a great opportunity to celebrate ...
Talladega Superspeedway Announces Fan Advisory Network
TALLADEGA, Ala. – Talladega Superspeedway has selected 30 race fans to serve as the first members of the Talladega Superspeedway Fan Advisory Network (TSS FAN). The TSS FAN will focus on creating constructive dialogue with the Talladega ...
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Courtesy of www.FrontStretch.com
Goodyear Completes Tire Test at Daytona
Last week, Goodyear held a large scale tire test at the newly-repaved Daytona International Speedway in order to determine the proper tire compound and construction for the track. The selections would be used both for the official Sprint Cup Testing in January, but also for Speedweeks in February.
As opposed to a normal tire test, where maybe four teams would show up, roughly 18 teams were in Daytona for the test. Chevrolet was represented by three of Hendrick Motorsports' teams (No. 5 of Mark Martin, No. 24 of Jeff Gordon and No. 88 of Dale Earnhardt, Jr.), all of which were working with new driver-crew chief combinations. Richard Childress Racing was represented by the No. 27 of new driver Paul Menard and the No. 31 of Jeff Burton. Earnhardt Ganassi Racing with Felix Sabates was represented by the 2010 pairing of Jamie McMurray and Juan Pablo Montoya in the Nos. 1 and 42. Furniture Row Racing's No. 78 was also represented by Regan Smith.
In the Ford camp, Roush Fenway Racing was represented by the No. 6 of David Ragan and the No. 17 of Matt Kenseth. Wood Brothers Racing, which is currently planning to return to full-time competition in 2011, was represented in their No. 21 by Trevor Bayne. Penske Racing was holding up most of the Dodge contingent with the No. 2 of Brad Keselowski and the No. 22 of Kurt Busch. K-Automotive Motorsports' No. 92, driven by Brian Keselowski, was also present.
Finally, Toyota was represented by four single car efforts. The Red Bull Racing Team sent their No. 83 team with Reed Sorenson behind the wheel, subbing for Brian Vickers. JTG-Daugherty Racing's No. 47 was present with new driver Bobby Labonte, along with Germain Racing's No. 13 for Casey Mears. Finally, Todd Bodine was at the test in the Gunselman Motorsports' No. 64.
The test session combined single-car runs and drafting sessions. Like any drafting session out on the track, the drivers were not shy. Two and three-wide racing was the norm. Even four-wide racing was sighted on at least one occasion. However, the action did lead to an incident during the first day in the tri-oval involving Menard and Ragan. Both drivers were ok, but their cars were definitely not.
Teams at the test used a variety of different equipment. Some reused equipment from the recently completed 2010 season. Others, like Mark Martin's No. 5, were using the new E-15 racing fuel.
Sentiment from the drivers was overwhelmingly positive about the new track surface and the tire selection.
"Everybody is happy with the surface," Jeff Burton said. "The tire combination seems to be really good."
"Tires, from what we've seen so far, are not going to be an issue [during Speedweeks]," said Jamie McMurray. "The amount of steering wheel input required now, versus what we had here six months ago is maybe half -- you're not really having to turn the steering wheel [in the corners] because the car has so much grip."
According to Goodyear, the test simply confirmed their previous testing. Last August, a tire test was held at Talladega Superspeedway to set a baseline for Daytona. The left side tires that will be used during Speedweeks is the same tire used on the left side at Talladega. The right side tire is a new construction that is relatively similar to tires used last season at intermediate tracks.
The one aspect of last week's testing session that might throw a wrench into the tires during Speedweeks was the cold weather. Florida was in the middle of a cold snap during the test. Early morning sessions were held in below freezing weather. McMurray claimed that tire temperatures were approximately 75 degrees lower than he thought they would be, but low ambient temperatures likely played a significant role in the lower tire temperatures.
Regardless of how well the tires work during Speedweeks, the Daytona 500 will be a completely different type of race, since it appears that the tires will not wear out during runs. Mark Martin even joked that it could be possible to do the entire 500 mile race distance on one set of tires. Such a scenario has happened before, just not any time recently. Kyle Petty did run his left side tires the full 500 miles in 1991, but that was mainly because of the quirky pit rules that were instituted that year which banned tire changes under caution. As a result, changing left side tires put drivers at a disadvantage.
As is the norm in tire tests, no official lap times were kept. However, the fastest unofficial lap speeds in the draft were clocked at approximately 197.5 mph. Such a speed has NASCAR a little concerned. There is the potential for a slightly smaller restrictor plate to be announced before, or even during Speedweeks, but only time will tell.
Catch Can is Officially Dead
NASCAR officially announced on Friday that the Sprint Cup and Nationwide Series will introduce a new refueling system for the 2011 season. All dump cans will now be self-venting. As a result, the self-venting cans eliminate the need for catch cans, and the men who hold the aforementioned cans on pit stops.
The self-venting dump cans were introduced for the 2010 season in the Camping World Truck Series as part of a move that brought six man pit crews to the series. Previously, only five men were allowed over the wall on pit stops, requiring separate stops for tires and fuel. Teams were allowed to choose between the new vent less dump cans and the old setup. However, they could not have a dedicated crewmember for the dump can. Now, all teams must use the new cans.
NASCAR has multiple reasons why the decision was made. The first has to do with safety. The catch can man was formerly one of the most exposed crewmembers during pit stops because he/she would have their back to the other cars. Another reason is the switch to E-15 fuel.
"[The vent less dump can] better enables us to keep a control on the open container of fuel," said Robin Pemberton, NASCAR's Vice President of Competition. "Because with the E-15 you want to make sure you never get any moisture introduced into that and this better helps that."
With the elimination of the catch can man, all regular pit stops will be done with six men over the wall in NASCAR's main touring series in 2011.
Skinner Out at Randy Moss Motorsports?
TheNASCARInsiders.com reported on Friday that 1995 Truck Series Champion Mike Skinner has been released from the No. 5 Navistar International/Monaco RV Toyota. A likely replacement driver could be 2003 Champion Travis Kvapil, who spent the 2010 season being swapped between the three Front Row Motorsports cars.
Skinner is not saying all that much about the developments.
"I still have a contract with Randy Moss Motorsports through 2011," Skinner told Sirius Speedway's Dave Moody last weekend.
Skinner continued to say that negotiations between himself and Randy Moss Motorsports are ongoing. More news should be revealed about the No. 5 truck in the coming weeks.
Memphis Motorsports Park Sold
On Wednesday, the former Memphis Motorsports Park and everything on the property was auctioned off to the highest bidder. The facility was shuttered at the end of 2009 by Dover Motorsports, Inc. due to lack of profitability, and a failed sale to Gulf Coast Entertainment, a company that is attempting to build a mixed-use motorsports facility near Mobile, Alabama.
Everything from the tracks themselves to all the equipment on site was auctioned off in the garage area inside of the oval. According to the Memphis Daily News, the property was listed by Colliers International for $6 million. However, the bidding opened at $3 million. Finding no takers at the opening price, the bid was dropped to $2 million, then $1.5 million before the bidding began.
After only a few minutes, the winning bid was announced at $1,875,000. The winning bidders? Joe Lubeck, a managing partner of Palm Beach International Raceway (formerly Moroso Motorsports Park) near West Palm Beach, Florida, and his partner, Jason Rittenbury. As a result, there is a good sporting chance that the property will remain a motorsports facility.
"...The facility is in great shape, and with some minor work, both the NHRA and the Motorsports oval could be race ready," said Gary Camp, Director of Communications for Dover Motorsports, Inc.
With a ten percent buyer's premium, the final cost of the property was $2,062,500. As of Wednesday, the official bid had not been accepted by Lubeck, but it was likely to be.
Have news for Phil and the Frontstretch? Don't hesitate to let us know; email us at ashl...@mail.com with a promising lead or tip.
STAT OF THE WEEK: 13. The number represents the number of drivers declared for Cup Series Rookie of the Year in the first two years of the 2000s (Dale Earnhardt, Jr., Matt Kenseth, Dave Blaney, Mike Bliss, Jeff Fuller, Stacy Compton and Ed Berrier declared in 2000, while Kevin Harvick, Ron Hornaday, Kurt Busch, Casey Atwood, Andy Houston and Jason Leffler declared in 2001). So far in the first two years of this decade, we have only had two drivers (Terry Cook and Kevin Conway) declare for top rookie honors.
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Courtesy of Google Alerts
Notes from the NASCAR Nation week 3: A band named Dale Earnhardt Jr. Jr.
Examiner.com
This week as Christmas approaches as fast as a Sprint Cup car at Talladega, NASCAR certainly isn't sleeping with visions of sugarplums dancing in their ...
Five most bizarre moments of 2010 in NASCAR and IndyCar
Yahoo! Sports
The 2010 NASCAR Sprint Cup and IZOD IndyCar seasons saw great racing, fierce competition - and bizarre confrontations between competitors. ...
http://sports.yahoo.com/nascar/news?slug=ycn-7426758
Year in Review: For Johnson, fifth championship the most fulfilling
Nascar
By David Caraviello, NASCAR.COM The magnitude of what Jimmie Johnson had achieved in winning his fifth consecutive championship on NASCAR's highest level ...
http://www.nascar.com/news/101221/jjohnson-season-recap/
2011 Bobsled Challenge canceled
Wall Street Journal
AP Held the first weekend after New Year's for the past five years, the event brought NASCAR and NHRA drivers together in Lake Placid, NY, to race modified ...
http://online.wsj.com/article/APc4c6b03b07674345a3b16cd16d021330.html
NASCAR wish list, Danica's racing future, more mailbag
SI.com
Whether Danica Patrick will enter NASCAR full-time in 2012, depends largely on her performance next season. There's a fan who's been writing incessantly ...
http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2010/writers/tom_bowles/12/21/NASCAR.mailbag/
CUP: Schedule Has Twists And Turns
Fox News
In under eight weeks, NASCAR Sprint Cup engines will be fired in anger once more as the stock car portion of Daytona SpeedWeeks opens with the Feb. ...
http://www.foxnews.com/sports/2010/12/21/cup-schedule-twists-turns/
ISC, NASCAR make donation
Daytona Beach News-Journal
By CLAYTON PARK, Business writer DAYTONA BEACH -- International Speedway Corp. and NASCAR officials on Friday gave the United Way of Volusia-Flagler ...
http://www.news-journalonline.com/business/local-business/2010/12/21/isc-nascar-make-donation.html
Kentucky Speedway gets state incentives for NASCAR race
Bizjournals.com
The Kentucky Tourism Development Finance Authority has approved incentives for Kentucky Speedway, which is scheduled to hold a NASCAR Sprint Cup race July 9 ...
http://www.bizjournals.com/louisville/news/2010/12/20/kentucky-speedway-gets-state.html
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Courtesy of The NASCAR Insiders
Christmas is upon us! And our gift to you is the 105th edition of Ask The Insiders Wednesday. If you don’t know what this post is, we answer any and all reader questions every Wednesday, right here. So if you’ve got one, click on the ”Ask the Insiders” tab at the top of the page and send one to us. On to the questions…
1. From Al:
Why is NASCAR getting a 40 million dollar tax break to repair its tracks? This pork is being added to tax cuts going to senate this week. Is NASCAR going to cut ticket prices?
Well, NASCAR isn’t the beneficiary of the tax breaks, tracks are. Certainly ISC and SMI could stand to benefit from the breaks, but NASCAR won’t, at least directly. As far as why they were included in the bill, the Washington Post says:
I hope that answers your questions. – Journo
2. From Bryan:
I don’t know how close to the situation you guys are, but can someone please let us know what Jeremy Mayfield hopes to accomplish by continuing to pursue legal action against NASCAR? Surely Mayfield or someone around him has got to see the futility of this. Why can’t he just admit his wrongs and try to possibly salvage a career that was mediocre at best?
I can’t really provide any insight here. One of two things is possible: (1) he really wasn’t using and is determined to clear his name whatever the cost (and this has cost him a lot); or (2) he was using, and he thinks this provides him cover – lets him save face if you will. Either way he knows he won’t be racing again – whether he admits responsibility or not – and money is the end goal. I, like all people, have an opinion given the facts of this, but that’s irrelevant. All I know is I’m ready for this to be over. – Journo
3. From Marcus:
With only 34 events scheduled on the 2011 Nationwide Series Schedule do you think a 35th event will be added? I know thats what they usually have and was just wondering if you guys knew anything more. Thanks!
I don’t believe NASCAR is looking to fill the 35th date. When they released the schedule, they released it with only 34 races and there wasn’t a 35th race listed as TBD. I believe when they did this with the Truck Series, the extra date was listed as TBD. Something could change between now and the beginning of the season, but don’t bet on it. – T.C.
4. From Chuck:
Whatever happened to Casey Atwood? I was really expecting him to be a good driver, and while I understand that he really couldn’t pass up the opportunity that Ray Evernham gave him to move to Cup, he should have stayed in Busch for another year or two. Really seems like he got screwed over. Your opinion on that and what he might be doing now? Thanks
Atwood ran some races in the Nationwide Series in 2009 for Wayne Day, but since then hasn’t done anything at the national level. I don’t know specifically, but I’d imagine he’s living back in Nashville (maybe a reader knows?). I don’t disagree that he maybe could have benefited from some more time in the Busch Series developing, but not many would pass up the opportunity to go Cup racing. I’m not really sure you can say he was screwed over though. He was given two full season in the Cup Series, on top of several seasons in the Busch Series. A lot of drivers would kill for the opportunities he was given. But as it goes with drivers, some take full advantage of their chances, and some just can’t. – T.C.
5. From Lost in Texas:
Will the Herminator be competitive in new ride?
I think Kenny Wallace (who is driving for RAB Racing for 2011) will be fairly competitive next season. The team is getting support from Toyota and have about half their races paid for. Will he be competing for wins? I highly doubt it. I do think though that he will regularly be a top 25 runner, and could sneak up into the top ten or 15 occasionally. – T.C.
And that brings yet another “Ask The Insiders Wednesday” to a close. Thanks to everyone who sent in questions. And remember, if you’d like to be a part of next week, click on the ”Ask the Insiders” tab at the top of the page and send your question in!
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Courtesy of Jayski
- Bayne in the #21 at Daytona testing, Bill Elliott? UPDATE: Trevor Bayne will be working with Wood Brothers Racing. He made one start for the legendary team last year, starting 28th and finishing 17th at the Texas Motor Speedway. "Anything that's brand new is exciting," said car owner Eddie Wood. "It's special for us because our dad drove on the new pavement in 1959 when the track was built and here we are all these years later running at Daytona with a 2011 Ford Fusion and the same number 21." Bill Elliott will move from the Wood Brothers to the #09 Chevy at Phoenix Racing.(Augusta Chronicle), this was before testing at Daytona last week, Elliott did not test the #09 at
Daytona but will run the #09 in the first five races for Phoenix Racing in an effort to get the team in the top 35 of owners points.(12-20-2010)
UPDATE denied? James Finch [Phoenix Racing] says he has no plans to put Bill Elliott in his #09 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Chevy for the opening five races of the 2011 season. Published reports claimed Elliott would drive for Finch's Phoenix Racing Team at the start of the season, in an effort to earn the operation a spot in the Top 35 in owners' points. But Finch told Sirius-Speedway.com that he knew nothing of the deal until reading about it online earlier this week (Sirius Speedway)(12-22-2010)
AND Wood Brothers Racing will continue its long NASCAR odyssey in 2011 when it begins its 58th year of competition. As it has for the past few seasons, in an effort to get the most out of performance and sponsorship, it will race on a limited schedule out of its shops in Harrisburg, N.C., with veteran driver and 1988 champion Bill Elliott wheeling its Fords.(Motorsports Unplugged)(12-22-2010) - Front Row looking for a crew chief UPDATE: hearing Front Row Motorsports #34 crew chief Brian Burns has left the team, no word on who will replace Burns as Travis Kvapil's crew chief in 2011 but the team is supposedly looking for a crew chief. Hearing plans are to run Kvapil full time in the #34 Ford and David Gilliland full time in the #38 [using #37 owners points] with the #37 Ford being run part time [using #38 owners ppoints, which are not in the top 35 for the first 5 races].(12-20-2010)
UPDATE: statement by Brian Burns, former Front Row Motorsports crew chief: "I have decided to pursue other opportunities in racing. I would like to thank Bob Jenkins (team owner) and the rest of the organization for the last two years, and wish them the best of luck in the future."(12-22-2010)
- Robby Gordon readies for Dakar Rally: 2011 marks the 33rd running of the international test of endurance and determination known as the Dakar Rally, which for the third consecutive year will take place in the South American countries of Argentina and Chile after security threats in Mauritania in 2008 caused the ASO, the race organizers, to move the race from Africa. With more than 9,500 km (5,903 miles) to be completed from January 1st to 16th, 2011, the Dakar Rally is easily the "world's most grueling race." Based on fourteen stages, known as "specials", the winner of the rally is the team with the shortest elapsed time over the fifteen day event. The terrain that competitors traverse is extremely difficult. Most of the competitive specials are off-road, crossing dunes, mud, camel grass, rocks among other
elements. To be successful at the Dakar Rally, a team must possess three things: state of the art equipment, first rate driving and navigational skills, and true determination and perseverance. The slightest mistake by man or equipment can cost a team valuable seconds in their effort to achieve the ultimate objective: winning the Dakar Rally.
Known as one of the best off-road racers in the world, Robby Gordon will be participating in his seventh Dakar Rally and piloting the #303 Speed Energy / Toyo Tires Hummer. Gordon will depend on his navigator, Kellon Walsh, to maneuver through the ever changing terrain of the cross country race. Team Hummer will be fielding two entries in the rally-raid. A formal announcement regarding the second HUMMER entry will follow early next week.(see more info and ways to follow Gordon at Planetrobby.com)(12-22-2010) - Waltrip's 2011 Racing Plans: Michael Waltrip will join MWR co-owner Rob Kauffman behind the wheel of a Ferrari sports car in Portugal, Dubai and probably several other tracks across the globe in 2011. Waltrip will also run a Sprint Cup car for another shot at the Daytona 500, the new race at Kentucky Speedway and possibly a few more races along the way.(see more of Waltrip's 2011 plans at MWR)(12-21-2010)
- Sad News - Gib Repass: Gilbert "Gib" Repass Jr., a long-time series director for NASCAR, died Saturday at the age of 76. Repass of Bremerton, Wash., worked for NASCAR in several capacities from 1986 through 2006. Soon after starting work for NASCAR, Repass was appointed as the director of the former NASCAR Northwest Tour, a post which he held through 2001. He also worked with the NASCAR K&N Pro Series West, which was then known as the NASCAR Winston West Series. Repass was initially the technical director for that series and later served as the series director through 1997. He remained with NASCAR as the Northwest Regional Director for the NASCAR Whelen All-American Series through February of 2006. Repass was a native of Bland, Va., but made Bremerton his home after retiring from the U.S. Navy in 1975. In addition to NASCAR,
Repass also worked for the Kitsap County School District following his military retirement.
A viewing will be from 4-8 p.m. on Thursday, Dec. 23, at the Tuell-McKee Funeral Home at 2215 Sixth Ave., in Tacoma, Wash. Funeral services and burial will follow in Bland, Va. A viewing will be from 5:00-7:00 pm on Monday, Dec. 27, at the Highland Chapel and Funeral Home in Bland, with funeral services at 1:00 pm on Tuesday, Dec. 28. Repass is survived by his wife of 56 years, Jean Repass; son, Ed Repass; and sister, Betty Kelly.(NASCAR Hometracks)(12-21-2010) - Race Track Holiday Lights: more info for events at Bristol Motor Speedway, Charlotte Motor Speedway and Las Vegas Motor Speedway. All three are decoration their tracks with Holiday lights and events, more infor for each at:
bristolmotorspeedway.com [thru Jan 8th]
VisitCarolinaChristmas.com [thru Jan 2nd]
(NOTE: went to the CMS show on 12/20 and it was awesome, really enjoyed it, saw Sam Bass and had some gotten eatin')
lvms.com [thru Jan 2nd]
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Courtesy of Racin' Today
Minter: Clark’s Voice Makes You Feel At Home
http://www.racintoday.com/archives/23561
Woody: Kyle Busch Plays Rough But Not Dirty
http://www.racintoday.com/archives/23545
http://www.racintoday.com/archives/23542
Ingram: Promoter Full Bore On Austin F1 Circuit
http://www.racintoday.com/archives/23538
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P R E S S * R E L E A S E S
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MICHAEL WALTRIP WON’T SLOW DOWN IN 2011
New Book, Racing, TV, Comedy Garage On Tap As New Year Begins
If you thought Michael Waltrip’s 2010 season was a bit out of the mainstream just wait until you see what 2011 has in store for the two-time Daytona 500 winner and owner of Michael Waltrip Racing.
Book and comedy tours, welcoming an action sports star to NASCAR, tons of television work and a return to racing are on tap for the 47-year-old Waltrip as he begins his second full season of what he calls “semi-retirement.”
Waltrip’s first book “In the Blink of an Eye” marking the tenth anniversary of his 2001 Daytona 500 victory hits the shelves in February. “DALE, DAYTONA AND THE DAY THAT CHANGED EVERYTHING,” is the book’s subtitle describing Waltrip’s minute-by-minute account of the day that saw him break a 0 for 462 slump and climb to the pinnacle of his racing career. Minutes later he learned of the tragic loss of his car owner and NASCAR great Dale Earnhardt. Waltrip’s struggle to come to grips with the aftermath and build a successful career and race team also highlights the manuscript.
You’ll not only find Waltrip in bookstores across America promoting the book this year but in comedy clubs as well. The Michael Waltrip Comedy Garage tour begins its second season with shows featuring topflight comedic talent like John Reep, Henry Cho, Tim Wilson plus a standup routine by Waltrip. The tour includes even more dates in 2011 including stops in Kansas City, Ontario, Canada and Las Vegas.
If you can’t find Waltrip in a bookstore or comedy club near you then you’ll certainly see him on television. Waltrip continues his television work in 2011 as host of Showtime’s weekly “Inside NASCAR” program and he’ll return as a popular television personality on SPEED-TV as an analyst for its NASCAR Camping World Truck Series. Also, count on Aaron’s to feature Waltrip in its commercials airing during race programming.
Despite his full schedule with the book, comedy tour and television work, Waltrip’s priority remains guiding Michael Waltrip Racing in its fifth full year of NASCAR Sprint Cup competition. In 2010 MWR visited victory lane with David Reutimann at Chicagoland in July and won its second consecutive K&N Pro Series East title with 18-year-old Ryan Truex. Capitalizing on the speed Martin Truex Jr. showed winning the pole at Dover, Sprint Showdown at Charlotte and in the final weeks of the 2010 season will be a priority for Waltrip and MWR as they work to return longtime sponsor NAPA AUTO PARTS to victory lane and a place in the “Chase for the Championship.”
Waltrip will also play a key role in the newly formed Pastrana-Waltrip Racing Nationwide team owned by MWR, action sports star Travis Pastrana and Gary and Blake Bechtel. The team expects to field Toyotas in seven races for Pastrana in 2011 and 20 in 2012. The Truex brothers will likely drive in the non-Pastrana Nationwide races for the team formerly called Diamond-Waltrip Racing.
At heart, Waltrip isn’t an author, comedian, or television personality. He’s a racer and the 2011 season promises a variety of races. He’ll join MWR co-owner Rob Kauffman in a Ferrari sports car in Portugal, Dubai and probably several other tracks across the globe. He’ll climb behind the wheel of a Sprint Cup car for another shot at the Daytona 500, the new race at Kentucky Speedway and possibly a few more races along the way. He’s doesn’t race to just ride around. In 2010 Waltrip led laps at both Talladega races and finished 18th in the Daytona 500.
Despite his limited NASCAR schedule, Waltrip’s still a fan favorite with a growing Twitter following exceeding 45,000 and at sponsor appearances across the country for the Aaron’s, NAPA AUTO PARTS, Toyota, TUMS and Best Western.
Team HUMMER Dakar Rally Preview
Charlotte, NC (December 21, 2010) – 2011 marks the 33rd running of the international test of endurance and determination known as the Dakar Rally, which for the third consecutive year will take place in the South American countries of Argentina and Chile after security threats in Mauritania in 2008 caused the ASO, the race organizers, to move the race from Africa. With more than 9,500 km (5,903 miles) to be completed from January 1st to 16th, 2011, the Dakar Rally is easily the “world’s most grueling race.”
Based on fourteen stages, known as “specials”, the winner of the rally is the team with the shortest elapsed time over the fifteen day event. The terrain that competitors traverse is extremely difficult. Most of the competitive specials are off-road, crossing dunes, mud, camel grass, rocks among other elements. To be successful at the Dakar Rally, a team must possess three things: state of the art equipment, first rate driving and navigational skills, and true determination and perseverance. The slightest mistake by man or equipment can cost a team valuable seconds in their effort to achieve the ultimate objective: winning the Dakar Rally.
Team HUMMER will be fielding two entries in the rally-raid. Known as one of the best off-road racers in the world, Robby Gordon will be participating in his seventh Dakar Rally and piloting the No. 303 Speed Energy / Toyo Tires HUMMER. Gordon will depend on his navigator, Kellon Walsh, to maneuver through the ever changing terrain of the cross country race. Gordon knows how to win in the rally, becoming the first American to ever win a stage. “To win a stage of the event was great, but to be the first American to win the Dakar Rally would mean so much more,” says Gordon. “With experience also comes the understanding that you have to beat the rally before you can beat your competitors.”
A formal announcement regarding the second HUMMER entry will follow early next week.
To aid in their effort to challenge the Dakar Rally and factory teams, Team HUMMER will be touting a new sponsor, SPEED Energy Drink. “This company is based on a commitment to SPEED, energy and relentless determination. No one personifies those values better than Robby Gordon and no race encompasses those qualities more than the Dakar Rally, which makes partnering with Team HUMMER a perfect fit for our new SPEED Energy brand,” commented SPEED Energy representative, Steve Nichols.
“We’re excited to have SPEED Energy Drink on our HUMMER’s for the rally this year. SPEED is a new company that is gaining a lot of attention in the U.S., and I’m looking forward to introducing it to the international market as part of our team’s branding exercise. In addition to representing SPEED Energy, I will also be representing our long list of elite partners. We just signed a three-year extension with Toyo Tires, and I couldn’t be happier to have them as a co-primary for this event,” says Gordon.
About SPEED Energy – SPEED Energy is available in three flavors: Unleaded, Fuel, and Octane, which provides the human machine with the fuel it needs to keep up with the SPEED of life. Each drink contains a potent energy blend of B-vitamins, caffeine, taurine and ginseng. SPEED is packaged in 12 ounce sleek cans that have a stylish black top and sexy body and are available in singles, four-packs, and cases. SPEED Energy is available in the United States in major retailers, convenience stores, grocery stores, bars and nightclubs. For more information, please visit speedenergy.com.
Race Coverage – For fans tracking the Dakar Rally at home, please visit speedenergy.com, planetrobby.com, dakar.com along with Facebook and Twitter for daily updates on the team’s performance including a daily recap, photos and videos. The team will also be doing a preview daily leading up to the Rally that details their Dakar program and what it takes to get the team ready to participate in the 14-stage event. The Versus Channel will provide coverage throughout the United States. A 30-minute daily program featuring highlights from that day’s racing will be aired on Versus daily at 3:30 p.m. with a replay airing later in the day. Check your local listing for exact show times.
www.youtube.com/user/thespeedenergydrink - DAILY VIDEO UPDATES
www.facebook.com/pages/Speed-Energy-Drink/171315372883715 -OFFICAL FACEBOOK PAGE
www.twitter.com/speed_energy - OFFICAL TWITTER FEED
NEW for 2011 – The SPEED Energy APP featuring exclusive updates of Robby Gordon and his SPEED Energy / Toyo Tires HUMMER during the 2011 Dakar Rally. Follow Robby as he competes in the world's toughest race through Argentina and Chile. Be the first to hear updates from the driver himself and get exclusive videos and photos during the team's quest to win the coveted Dakar Rally. You'll be able to keep up with Robby during the rally from your iPhone or iPad!
Robby Gordon and Team HUMMER Dakar Statistics
2005
- First American to win a stage in Dakar Rally while driving for the VW Touareg Factory team
- Two stage victories
- Overall 12th place in a field of more than 460 competitors
2006
- Gordon began his own Dakar effort with the creation of Team HUMMER
- Campaigned a purpose built Hummer H3 in conjunction with General Motors
- Ran as high as fifth in a field of more than 500 competitors before a hole in the radiator led to mechanical failure
2007
- Returned to Dakar with new sponsor and greater factory engineering support from General Motors
- Won one stage (longest stage overall)
- Overall 8th place finish
2008
- The Dakar Rally was cancelled due to security threats in Mauritana, but Gordon ran in the replacement Rally, the Central European Rally, which took place through Hungary, Romania and Budapest
- Campaigned as a two-race vehicle team and both vehicles finished in overall top-10 (7th and 10th)
2009
- The Dakar Rally was moved to South American and took place in Argentina and Chile
- Campaigned again as a two-race vehicle team
- Robby Gordon finished 3rd overall and the second team Hummer finished 13th overall
2010
- Campaigned as a three-race vehicle team throughout Argentina and Chile
- Robby Gordon finished 8th overall, the Vanguard Hummer finished 20th and the Chile Hummer ended on Stage 3 after the transmission expired
Jennifer Jo Cobb on CNN's 'Anderson Cooper 360'
Discusses Extreme Living with Dr. Sanjay Gupta
MOORESVILLE, N.C. (December 22, 2010) - NASCAR driver and team owner Jennifer Jo Cobb appeared on CNN's "Anderson Cooper 360" this week to discuss extreme living with Dr. Sanjay Gupta. The interview was recorded in New York City on December 21 and is tentatively scheduled to air on Tuesday, December 28.
Cobb's fast-paced lifestyle made her a natural focus on the subject of extreme living. As a team owner and driver in the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series (NCWTS) and NASCAR Nationwide Series, she is ready to thrash out the thrills, risks and rewards associated with stock car racing. The interview will focus on the on-track and off-track exploits of the driver's lifestyle.
"It was exciting to talk with Dr. Sanjay Gupta about extreme living," Cobb said. "This was a great opportunity to discuss the lifestyle associated with a NASCAR driver. Most race fans only see what takes place at the race track. They don't get to see what we're like when we aren't at a speedway. I get lots of questions about what I do in my spare time and what I enjoy doing when I'm not racing. Hopefully this will give the folks at home some insight into the sport, and what drivers are all about."
Cobb finished 17th in the final 2010 NCWTS point standings, making her the highest-finishing female in history in one of NASCAR's top-three national touring series. Her accomplishments have been written about in the Associated Press and Professional Motorsports World magazine. SPEED and ESPN2 have also covered her progress since joining the NASCAR ranks full-time this season
We are "William's Garden Ministries" : A non-profit organization offering facilities for services centered around children diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorders. Our goal is to help to unlock the hidden potential in children with Autism, and to promote awareness about ASD's.
All tax deductable donations and contributions welcome!
For more information please go to www.williamsgarden2010.com
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N A S C A R * N A T I O N W I D E * S E R I E S
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Courtesy of Jayski
- Gordon to be Keselowski's crew chief? Looks like Todd Gordon, who spent this season as race-day engineer for Diamond-Waltrip Racing's Nationwide team, will become the new crew chief for Penske Racing's #22-Brad Keselowski in the Nationwide Series. Gordon joined Diamond-Waltrip in January. Keselowski is fresh off winning the series championship with help from an astounding 26 top-five finishes in 35 races. His crew chief in the series this season, Paul Wolfe, moves to Keselowski's Sprint Cup team in 2011.(Charlotte Observer)(12-22-2010)
- Kenny Wallace to RAB UPDATE:: Kenny Wallace will announce he is driving a full season for the RAB Racing team in the Nationwide Series, a source close to the team told SB Nation. Wallace had pledged to do everything he could to race in 2011, and he appears to have achieved that goal with RAB. Sponsors (including UNOH, Federated Auto Parts and a corn/soy bean farmer coalition) have signed on for 16 races, and RAB owner Robby Benton has committed to run Wallace in the remaining events, the source said. The union between Wallace and RAB stands to be beneficial to both parties. Wallace gets to race for a team seemingly on the rise after last season's win with Boris Said at Montreal and an offseason switch to Toyota; RAB gets some much-needed familiarity in its seat after piecing together a schedule that included 14
different drivers last season. In addition to Wallace, the team plans to field a second entry for Said in the three road course races (Montreal, Watkins Glen and Road America).(SB Nation)(12-21-2010)
UPDATE: RAB Racing with Brack Maggard and veteran driver Kenny Wallace are teaming up to compete full-time in the NASCAR Nationwide Series in 2011. Wallace, who has over 20 years of experience in stock car racing, will make his debut for RAB Racing driving the #09 Toyota Camry beginning on Saturday, February 19, 2011, in the DRIVE4COPD 300 at Daytona International Speedway. Currently, RAB Racing has 16 races with primary sponsorship, beginning with the University of Northwestern Ohio at Daytona International Speedway in February. Additional sponsors include Federated Auto Parts and Family Farmers, a coalition of corn and soybean farmers. Sponsorship opportunities are still available for the remaining 18 events.(RAB Racing)(12-21-2010) - Lepage working on 2011 plans: Kevin Lepage, who drove much of the 2010 season for the #56 MacHill Motorsports team, has been meeting with sponsors and teams since the season ended and expects to make an announcement on his plans after the first of the year.(12-18-2010)
- MacDonald Motorsports looking for 2011 driver: MacDonald Motorsports is still looking for drivers for the 2011 NASCAR Nationwide Series and NASCAR K&N East Series. The team also has cars available to buy, rent for a test day, or even rent for a race.(MacDonald Motorsports) Michael McDowell drove for the team in 2010.(12-16-2010)
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Courtesy of The Hot Lap
The Latest News
- Roush Fenway Racing Names Steve Newmark President 0 CommentsPosted by THL on December 20, 2010 under Cup Series News, Nationwide News
Roush Fenway Racing has announced that Steve Newmark has been named president of its multi-car racing organization. Newmark will succeed Geoff Smith in the position; Smith is retiring at the end of December after serving in the role for the previous 13 years. Newmark, who previously was a shareholder at the law firm of Robinson, Bradshaw and Hinson, joined the organization as senior vice presid... more.
- NEWS from Tony Stewart: Application Process for Children’s Hospitals to Become Beneficiaries of 2011 Prelude to the Dream 0 CommentsPosted by THL on December 18, 2010 under Other News
The seventh annual Prelude to the Dream all-star dirt Late Model race at Eldora Speedway in Rossburg, Ohio is slated for June 8, and just as last year’s event benefitted four of the nation’s top children’s hospitals, the 2011 edition will do the same – with a slight twist. Applications are now being taken for children’s hospitals from across the nation to win one of the coveted four p... more.
- CMS-NASCAR Stars Share Their Favorite Holiday Memories 0 CommentsPosted by THL on under Cup Series News, Track News
Charlotte Motor Speedway has always been known for making memories that last a lifetime, from those created by families who witness their first race together to the NASCAR drivers who cherish their first win at the legendary superspeedway. Known mostly for racing memories however, Charlotte Motor Speedway has branched-out to create some lasting holiday memories as well with Carolina Christma... more
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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
- Skinner out at RMM? Kvapil in? UPDATE: Skinner not saying much: We're hearing this afternoon that Mike Skinner has been let go from Randy Moss Motorsports. This ends a two year relationship. We're also hearing Travis Kvapil is the likely replacement for Skinner at RMM. Kvapil's last full season in the Truck Series was 2007 with Roush Fenway Racing. He spent 2010 driving for Front Row Motorsports in the Cup Series.(TheNASCARInsiders.com)(12-18-2010)
UPDATE: Former NASCAR Camping World Truck Series champion Mike Skinner is saying little about published reports that he has been released by Randy Moss Motorsports with a year remaining on his contract. Skinner told Sirius NASCAR Radio's Sirius Speedway with Dave Moody only that, "I still have a contract with Randy Moss Motorsports through 2011." He declined to comment further, citing ongoing negotiations between himself and the team. The 2010 season was disappointing one for Skinner, with an eighth-place finish in points and only two Top-5 finishes in 25 starts. His best finishes were a pair of fourth-place showings at Texas and Bristol Motor Speedways. While Skinner remains silent, sources within Randy Moss Motorsports say he is unlikely to drive for the team again in 2011. Multiple sources say the team is negotiating with former series champion Travis Kvapil about replacing Skinner, with an official announcement expected once the details of Skinner's exit are finalized. Kvapil drove for Front Row Motorsports in the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series in 2010, finishing 35th in points.(Sirius-Speedway.com)(12-20-2010) - ESR signs Bruce as crew chief: Eddie Sharp Racing announced Tripp Bruce as the crew chief for the No. 46 NASCAR Camping World Truck Series team on Wednesday. Bruce will serve as leader for the No. 46 Greenville Toyota of N.C. Toyota Tundra of Craig Goess. Last season, Bruce worked with Stringer Motorsports and rookie Brad Sweet in the NCWTS. In the 2011 season, Bruce will take on the NCWTS with ARCA Racing Series sensation Craig Goess. Bruce and Goess will take to the track for the start of the NCWTS season at Daytona International Speedway on Feb. 18, 2010.(Eddie Sharp Racing PR)(12-15-2010)
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A R C A (Automobile Racing Club of America)
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Courtesy of ARCA
|
ARCA Family Busy, Festive for Christmas |
|
(TOLEDO, Ohio - December 21, 2010) - The 2010 season for the ARCA Racing Series presented by Menards is long over, and testing for 2011 is still 20 days away, but the many citizens of the vast ARCA community are staying busy throughout the holiday season. |
http://www.arcaracing.com/news.php?contentid=10316
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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/CA/122210.html
Tired of the Chase or Just Tired?
By Chuck Abrams
Wallace heads to RAB Racing
http://www.examiner.com/nascar-nationwide-series-in-national/wallace-heads-to-rab-racing
Insider Racing News
http://insiderracingnews.com/Writers/AM/122110.html
Another New Racetrack? Wait a Second!
By Allen Madding
Kenny Wallace To Drive For RAB Racing In Nationwide Series
ESPNews To Give Update On Dale Earnhardt Jr. 'Wish' Kid
http://www.racejournalonline.com/index.php?page=read&article=714
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T V * L I S T I N G S
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Courtesy of Race Fan TV
|
WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 22 | ||
|
12:00n-1:00P |
SPEED |
FIA GT1 World Championship, Round 7, Autodromo International do Algarve, Portimão, Portugal, Sept 19/10, N |
|
1:00P-2:00 |
SPEED |
FIA GT1 World Championship, Round 8, Navarra, Spain, Oct 24/10, N |
|
1:30P-2:00 |
TSN |
Planet Speed |
|
6:00P-7:00 |
VS |
Lucas Oil Motorsport Hour, #43, Lucas Oil Off Road Racing #07, Las Vegas, NV, Nov 6/10 |
|
11:30P-12:00m |
TSN2 |
2010 NASCAR Nationwide Series: season review, HD, N |
|
THURSDAY, DECEMBER 23 | ||
|
1:00P-1:30 |
TSN |
2010 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series: season review, HD, N |
|
1:30P-2:00 |
TSN |
2010 NASCAR Nationwide Series: season review, HD, R-TSN2 |
|
6:00P-7:00 |
VS |
Lucas Oil Motorsport Hour, #44, Endurocross-Finals #06, Las Vegas, NV, Nov 20/10 |
|
FRIDAY, DECEMBER 24 | ||
|
SATURDAY, DECEMBER 25 (CHRISTMAS DAY) | ||
|
SUNDAY, DECEMBER 26 | ||
|
4:00P-5:00 |
VS |
Lucas Oil Motorsport Hour, Lucas Oil Drag Boats #4, Irwindale, CA, Nov 27/10 |
|
MONDAY, DECEMBER 27 | ||
|
1:00A-1:30 |
TSN |
Planet Speed, N |
|
8:00A-9:00 |
SPEED |
The SPEED Report, the top motor racing stories of 2010, HD, R |
|
12:00n-1:00P |
SPEED |
British Touring Car Championship, Round 4, Oulton Park, England, June 6/10, N |
|
1:00P-2:00 |
SPEED |
German Touring Cars (DTM), Round 4, Norisring, Nurenberg, Germany, July 4/10, N |
|
2:00P-3:00 |
SPEED |
FIA World Touring Car Championship, Rounds 7 & 8, Zolder, Belgium, June 20/10, N |
|
TUESDAY, DECEMBER 28 | ||
|
WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 29 | ||
|
12:00n-1:00P |
SPEED |
FIA GT1 World Championship, Round 9, Interlagos, São Paulo, Brazil, Nov 28/10, N |
|
1:00P-2:00 |
SPEED |
FIA GT1 World Championship, Round 8, San Luis, Argentina, Dec 5/10, N |
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THURSDAY, DECEMBER 30 | ||
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FRIDAY, DECEMBER 31 | ||
|
12:00m-3:00A |
ESPN-CL |
NASCAR: 2010 Sprint Cup Ford 400, Homestead, Fl, Nov 21/10 |
We do 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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