Friday, October 10, 2008

[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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     E d i t o r ' s  *  N o t e s
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I think this Carl Edwards/Kevin Harvick scuffle controversy is just what the sport needs right now to liven up things.  Read more below.
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    Stock Car Gazette Columnists Speak Out!
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Stock Car Gazette, Thursday, October 9, 2008 - http://motorsportsnews.net/archives/1962
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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

 

Newman Bulks Up by Getting ‘Army Strong’ in 2009 - U.S. Army to Sponsor Reigning Daytona 500 Champion at Stewart-Haas Racing: Ryan Newman’s strong credentials in the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series just got stronger with the announcement that the U.S. Army will sponsor the reigning Daytona 500 champion and his No. 39 Stewart-Haas Racing Chevrolet in 22 point-paying Sprint Cup races in 2009, along with the non-points NASCAR Sprint All-Star race May 16 at Lowe’s Motor Speedway. For the remaining 14 races, the U.S. Army will serve as an associate sponsor on the No. 39, which will be owned by Tony Stewart. - More http://www.catchfence.com/press/100908h.html

 

2009 Coke Zero 400 Powered By Coca-Cola Tickets On Sale Saturday, Oct. 11: On Saturday, Oct. 11, at 8 a.m. (ET), fans will have their first opportunity to purchase all remaining tickets for the 51st annual Coke Zero 400 Powered By Coca-Cola NASCAR Sprint Cup Series race on July 4, 2009 at Daytona International Speedway. Great seats, including a limited number of premium tower seats, will be available. “The 2009 Coke Zero 400 Powered By Coca-Cola is going to be a special one as the race falls on July 4 – our nation’s birthday,” Daytona International Speedway President Robin Braig said. “The Independence Day holiday weekend at ‘The World Center of Racing’ is a great family tradition combining the stars of NASCAR under the lights with one of the largest fireworks shows in the Southeast. In addition, demand for tickets for next year’s race will be even greater with seats limited to only the frontstretch.” Joe Gibbs Racing’s Kyle Busch will be gunning for two straight July victories at Daytona International Speedway. He nipped Carl Edwards in the 2008 edition of the Coke Zero 400, his first Sprint Cup points-paying victory at DIS. Also available beginning on Saturday will be ticket packages that include tickets to the Winn-Dixie 250 Powered By Coca-Cola NASCAR Nationwide Series race on Friday, July 3 and the Brumos Porsche 250 Rolex Sports Car Series race on Thursday night, July 2. Daytona International Speedway offers several convenient methods for fans to purchase tickets to the mid-summer classic, which start at $55. · Online at www.daytonainternationalspeedway.com · Calling 1-800-PITSHOP · Visiting the Daytona International Speedway ticket office inside the lobby of Daytona 500 Experience Overnight parking packages for the Coke Zero 400 Weekend Powered By Coca-Cola are available only by calling 1-800-PITSHOP. - Daytona International Speedway, Press Release
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Courtesy of Stock Car Gazette subscriber Ed B. - thanks!

 

NASCAR stars learn importance of meet and greet
by Savannah Morning News
CONCORD, N.C. - The only time Kurt Busch will sit down and rest on Saturday night is during the race. Unlike any other sport, stock car drivers are at full speed long before each event, signing autographs and shaking hands with hundreds of fans.
http://savannahnow.com/forward/590467/email_ref
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Check out Racing Wrecks! 
http://www.racingwrecks.info

 

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Courtesy of Google Alerts

 

Ahwatukee girl, 17, chosen for NASCAR combine
Arizona Republic - Phoenix,AZ,USA
The caller informed Gannis that she had been chosen to attend NASCAR's Drive for Diversity Combine on Oct. 13-14 in South Boston, Va., where she will ...
http://www.azcentral.com/community/ahwatukee/articles/2008/10/09/20081009ar-nascargirl1010.html

 

Nothing Mini about youth's NASCAR dream
MLive.com - MI,USA
by Mike Pryson | Jackson Citizen Patriot CITIZEN PATRIOT | SCOTT STONERMorgen Baird, 15, of Grass Lake has dreams of being a NASCAR racer some day. ...
http://www.mlive.com/autoracing/index.ssf/2008/10/nothing_mini_about_youths_nasc.html

 

NASCAR has an unexpected challenge, columnist Dutton writes
Gaston Gazette - Gastonia,NC,USA
Most of the high-profile vacancies have been filled as NASCAR teams look ahead to next year. The bigger story from here on out is going to be about ...
http://www.gastongazette.com/sports/nascar_25834___article.html/people_teams.html

 

Harvick and Edwards have confrontation in garage; rain cancels ...
The Virginian-Pilot - Norfolk,VA,USA
Witnesses reported Thursday that Carl Edwards and Kevin Harvick scuffled in the Nationwide garage and that Edwards was knocked back on to the hood of ...
http://hamptonroads.com/2008/10/harvick-and-edwards-have-confrontation-garage-rain-cancels-qualifying
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Courtesy of Insider Racing News
  http://www.insiderracingnews.com

 

Harvick and Edwards Scuffle In Garage Area
Carl Edwards accepted the blame for last Sunday's late-race 12-car pileup at Talladega, but apparently he couldn't let Kevin Harvick's pointed criticism of his performance pass without a response. Bump-drafting Roush Fenway teammate Greg Biffle in Turn 3, Edwards accidently spun his teammate, and the wreck that resulted also collected teammate Matt Kenseth, Harvick and two other Chase for the Sprint Cup drivers, Dale Earnhardt Jr. and Kyle Busch. After Nationwide Series practice was halted by rain Thursday afternoon at Lowe's Motor Speedway, Edwards and Harvick scuffled near Harvick's No. 33 Chevrolet, an incident that left a dent in the hood of the car -- the result of Harvick pushing Edwards, multiple witnesses said. Harvick was standing in the garage area talking to Edwards' teammate, David Ragan, when Edwards approached. Ragan said the conversation started as a civil discussion between two drivers. "I thought I'd better get out of there before things got ugly," Ragan said.
http://insiderracingnews.com/Daily/2008/Oct/101008.html

 

Qualifying Rained Out
Jimmie Johnson will start on the pole of Saturday night’s Bank of America 500 at Lowe’s Motor Speedway as a result of qualifying being cancelled due to inclement weather and the field being set by provisions in the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series (NSCS) rule book. As the point’s leader, Johnson will bring the field to the green flag. This is the eighth time this season rain has forced the field to be lined up per the rule book. Carl Edwards will start on the outside of Johnson with Greg Biffle in third and Jeff Burton will roll off in the fourth spot. Clint Bowyer qualified followed by Kevin Harvick, Tony Stewart, Jeff Gordon, Matt Kenseth and Dale Earnhardt Jr. to round out the top ten. The rainout spoils the chances of three drivers that were going to make their Sprint Cup debuts, Bryan Clauson, Brad Keselowski and Scott Speed. Derrike Cope also made the trip home.

 

It's Official, Army Will Sponsor Newman
Ryan Newman’s strong credentials in the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series just got stronger with the announcement that the U.S. Army will sponsor the reigning Daytona 500 champion and his No. 39 Stewart-Haas Racing Chevrolet in 22 point-paying Sprint Cup races in 2009, along with the non-points NASCAR Sprint All-Star race May 16 at Lowe’s Motor Speedway. For the remaining 14 races, the U.S. Army will serve as an associate sponsor on the No. 39, which will be owned by Tony Stewart. “With Tony Stewart’s leadership and Ryan Newman behind the wheel, we know that the new U.S. Army NASCAR Racing team will demonstrate the same mental, emotional and physical strengths found in each Army Strong Soldier,” said Maj. Gen. Montague Winfield, commanding general U.S. Army Cadet Command. “We are confident that this team of Tony Stewart and Ryan Newman will demonstrate the same ethos that guides our Soldiers – putting the mission first, a refusal to accept defeat and a never quit attitude.” Newman, a winner of 13 Sprint Cup races, including this year’s 50th running of the Daytona 500, will be a teammate to Stewart, the two-time Sprint Cup champion who will drive the No. 14 Office Depot/Old Spice Chevrolet in 2009.

 

Thomas Taylor Warren Dies
Thomas Taylor Warren, a photographer who captured thousands of enduring images during his brilliant career, passed away Wednesday night. The man known throughout the NASCAR garage as T. Taylor was 83. Warren’s most famous image was taken at the inaugural Daytona 500 in 1959. Earlier this year, Warren shot photos at the 50th running of that race. He never missed one in between. In 1959 he was positioned on pit road to shoot the winner’s car as it came to the finish of the first Daytona 500. But three cars wound up in his viewfinder. Lee Petty and Johnny Beauchamp were battling side-by-side on the final lap. Petty had Beauchamp to his inside and the lapped car of Joe Weatherly to the outside. Petty and Beauchamp both thought they’d won, but NASCAR called Beauchamp to victory lane. Petty immediately lodged a protest.
http://insiderracingnews.com/Daily/2008/Oct/100908.html
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Courtesy of Jayski
  http://www.jayski.com
 
Friday at Charlotte: The Nationwide Series garage will open two hours earlier than planned and they will have a final practice session at 10am/et. The remainder of the day will run as scheduled, with two Sprint Cup practices planned. The weather forecast looks good for Friday.(10-9-2008)

 

Qualifying cancelled; Johnson on pole at Charlotte: Thursday practice and qualifying for the Bank of America 500 at Lowe's Motor Speedway was cancelled due to rain, for the 8th time this season. #48-Jimmie Johnson, who leads the points, will start 1st, followed by #99-Edwards, #16-Biffle, #31-Burton, #07-Bowyer, #29-Harvick, #20-Stewart, #24-Gordon, #17-Kenseth, and #88-Earnhardt, Jr. Not make the race were #25-Brad Keselowski, #40-Bryan Clauson, #82-Scott Speed [all three trying to make their series debut], and #75-Derrike Cope.

 

Starting Line
Lowe's Motor Speedway at Charlotte
Bank of America 500
Provided by NASCAR Statistics - Thu, October 09, 2008 @ 05:48 PM Eastern

 

Start
Pos  Car#  Driver  Sponsor/Manu  Reason
1  48  Jimmie Johnson  Chevy  1st in 2008 owners points
2  99  Carl Edwards  Ford  2nd in 2008 owners points
3  16  Greg Biffle  Ford  3rd in 2008 owners points
4  31  Jeff Burton  Chevy  4th in 2008 owners points
5  07  Clint Bowyer  Chevy  5th in 2008 owners points
6  29  Kevin Harvick  Chevy  6th in 2008 owners points
7  20  Tony Stewart  Toyota  7th in 2008 owners points
8  24  Jeff Gordon  Chevy  8th in 2008 owners points
9  17  Matt Kenseth  Ford  9th in 2008 owners points
10  88  Dale Earnhardt, Jr.  Chevy  10th in 2008 owners points
11  18  Kyle Busch  Toyota  11th in 2008 owners points
12  11  Denny Hamlin  Toyota  12th in 2008 owners points
13  6  David Ragan  Ford  13th in 2008 owners points
14  8  Mark Martin  Chevy  14th in 2008 owners points
15  9  Kasey Kahne  Dodge  15th in 2008 owners points
16  12  Ryan Newman  Dodge  16th in 2008 owners points
17  83  Brian Vickers  Toyota  17th in 2008 owners points
18  1  Martin Truex, Jr.  Chevy  18th in 2008 owners points
19  2  Kurt Busch  Dodge  19th in 2008 owners points
20  43  Bobby Labonte  Dodge  20th in 2008 owners points
21  26  Jamie McMurray  Ford  21st in 2008 owners points
22  19  Elliott Sadler  Dodge  22nd in 2008 owners points
23  5  Casey Mears  Chevy  23rd in 2008 owners points
24  42  Juan Pablo Montoya  Dodge  24th in 2008 owners points
25  28  Travis Kvapil  Ford  25th in 2008 owners points
26  44  David Reutimann  Toyota  26th in 2008 owners points
27  15  Paul Menard  Chevy  27th in 2008 owners points
28  38  David Gilliland  Ford  28th in 2008 owners points
29  01  Regan Smith #  Chevy  29th in 2008 owners points
30  41  Reed Sorenson  Dodge  30th in 2008 owners points
31  55  Michael Waltrip  Toyota  31st in 2008 owners points
32  22  Dave Blaney  Toyota  32nd in 2008 owners points
33  66  Scott Riggs  Chevy  33rd in 2008 owners points
34  84  Mike Skinner  Toyota  34th in 2008 owners points
35  7  Robby Gordon  Dodge  35th in 2008 owners points
36  77  Sam Hornish, Jr. #  Dodge  2007 Owner Winner
37  21  Bill Elliott  Ford  Past Champ 1988
38  00  A.J. Allmendinger  Toyota  30 attempts, 36th in owner pts.
39  96  Ken Schrader  Toyota  30, 38
40  10  Mike Wallace  Dodge  30, 39
41  45  Chad McCumbee  Dodge  30, 40
42  78  Joe Nemechek  Chevy  30, 41
43  70  Tony Raines  Chevy  30, 43
DNQ  25  Brad Keselowski  Chevy  none
DNQ  40  Bryan Clauson  Dodge  none
DNQ  75  Derrike Cope  Dodge  none
DNQ  82  Scott Speed  Toyota  none

 

NASCAR Now expands to 1 hour Friday: Ricky Craven will appear on an expanded, one-hour NASCAR Now on Friday, Oct. 10, at 5pm/et, and on two shows Saturday, Oct. 11. NASCAR Now airs Saturday at 10am/et with a preview of that night’s Sprint Cup race at Lowe’s Motor Speedway. The weekend wrap-up edition airs following the race at 11:30pm/et.

 

#11-Denny Hamlin said he considered skipping Saturday night's Bank of America 500 Sprint Cup race at Lowe's Motor Speedway because of last weekend's grinding crash at Talladega Superspeedway. Hamlin lost a tire and slammed into the wall during the Amp Energy 500 at Talladega on Sunday, sending him to University of Alabama-Birmingham hospital for overnight observation. Hamlin opted out of Friday's Nationwide Series race here, even though he has been cleared to race this weekend. But after considering missing Saturday's Cup event, Hamlin decided to race. "The most important thing is long-term health, and that's why we're sitting tomorrow night's race out. If I take a hit there then it's going to be hard for them to clear me on Saturday. I think right now we're good to go." Hamlin said he would not have a relief driver standing by Saturday night.(Scene Daily.com)

 

Red Rocks Café on the #00 at Charlotte: Michael Waltrip Racing announced that Red Rocks Cafe is partnering with the racing organization to be an associate sponsor on the #00 Champion Mortgage Toyota driven by AJ Allmendinger in the Bank of America 500 at Lowe's Motor Speedway on Saturday night. Red Rocks Café is a North Carolina based restaurant with two locations at Southpark in the Charlotte area at Strawberry Hill Shopping Center and Birkdale Village in Huntersville.(MWR PR)(10-10-2008)

 

Aerosmith Guitarist Brad Whitford at visit LMS: Having written his first song, titled Round and Round, Aerosmith rhythm and lead guitarist Brad Whitford may have been thinking about his other passion in life, auto racing. This weekend Whitford will take to the Lowe's Motor Speedway with #43-Bobby Labonte as a guest for Saturday night's running of the Bank of America 500. It will be Whitford's first trip to the track. Whitford will tour the garage, the Cheerios/Betty Crocker transporter and meet with the crew before the race.(Breaking Limits PR)(10-10-2008)

 

Juicy Fruit scheme for Montoya at LMS: The #42 Dodge of Juan Pablo Montota will sport the colors of Wrigley's Juicy Fruit gum this weekend at Lowe's Motor Speedway (LMS). The Juicy Fruit Slim Pack car will be seen once more this season in the Sprint Cup Series season finale at Homestead-Miami Speedway.(CGRFS PR), see images of the scheme on my #42 Team Scheme page.(10-10-2008)  http://www.jayski.com/schemes/2008/42cup.htm

 

Chase Stats/Notes: In the four previous Chases, only eventual champ Tony Stewart had a bigger lead (+75) in 2005 than Jimmie Johnson (+72) carries into Lowe's Motor Speedway this weekend. Greg Biffle has scored the second most points in the four Chase races, and was second in the spring at LMS. Jeff Burton's fourth at 'Dega gained him 22 points on Johnson and he has a fourth and sixth in his last two trips at Lowe's. After his crash at Talladega, Jeff Gordon is going to need the top three or four to have some trouble and he needs to get hot, like a repeat of his fall win at LMS last year. In 2006 after three races, Johnson was 8th in the Chase, 156 points out and won the Championship, the farthest any driver has been to win after three Chase races. See my Chase Stats page for more.(10-10-2008)  http://www.jayski.com/stats/2008/chase/30tss2008chase.htm

 

Harvick/Edwards confrontation: UPDATE: hearing there was a confrontation in the Nationwide Series garages at Lowe's Motor Speedway between Carl Edwards and Kevin Harvick over last Sunday's Talladega wreck. Details as they are found will be posted.(PRN's Garage Pass Radio Show)(10-9-2008)
UPDATE: Witnesses said Edwards approached Harvick in the garage stall housing Harvick's #33 Chevy and engaged in conversation. Following what a witness called a heated discussion, Harvick turned to walk away and Edwards grabbed him by the shoulder and spun him around. According to reports Harvick then shoved Edwards in retaliation, forcing Edwards onto the hood of the #33 Chevy. #33 crew chief Rick Ren pointed to a dent in the hood where he said Edwards landed. Others on site then proceeded to separate the drivers, and witnesses said Edwards was grabbed around the neck in a headlock by Harvick's motor-home driver, Jeff Smith. No punches were thrown, witnesses said. NASCAR did not immediately comment on the issue. Edwards and Harvick were not immediately available to comment. Witnesses claim the verbal exchange Thursday was in reference to a handwritten note Edwards left in a seat on Harvick's airplane following the AMP Energy 500 last weekend at Talladega Superspeedway. The note facetiously thanked Harvick for disparaging comments he made toward Edwards on ABC following a multi-car wreck on Lap 174 of 188, which was triggered when Edwards tapped teammate Greg Biffle. Harvick was collected in the incident.(ESPN)(10-9-2008)
http://sports.espn.go.com/rpm/nascar/cup/news/story?id=3634641

 

Two strong teams joined forces as the U.S. Army announced it will sponsor Ryan Newman and his #39 Stewart-Haas Racing Chevy for the 2009 Sprint Cup season. The 2009 Sprint Cup season will be the U.S. Army's seventh as a primary NASCAR sponsor. The U.S. Army will be the primary paint scheme for 22 point-paying Sprint Cup races in 2009, along with the non-points NASCAR Sprint All-Star race May 16 at Lowe's Motor Speedway. For the remaining 14 races, the U.S. Army will serve as an associate sponsor on the #39, which is owned by Stewart.(GoArmy.com), see an image of the car on my #39 team schemes page.(10-9-2008)  http://www.jayski.com/schemes/2009/39cup.htm
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Testimonial

 

Before Ethos - In a 2002 Honda Odyssey I was averaging 20.1 mpg
After Ethos - I am averaging 23.6 and achieving highway only trips of 26.7(EPA est is 25)

 

Gas tank holds 18 gals
18X3.5=63 extra miles that equals to 2.7 gallons of gas
$3.96 X 2.7 = $10.69 minus cost of 2 ounces of Ethos $2.10 = $8.59 savings every fill-up
 
Increase MPG 7 - 19%
Decrease emissions 30% - or more
Distributorships available
 
Used and endorsed by the Unser family.
'The Official Fuel Reformulator of the Firestone Indy Lights Series'.
 
You can check out the details here: http://snipurl.com/29ohu-gazete
 
(advertisement)
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Courtesy of Race2Win
  http://www.race2win.net

 

Lowe's Motor Speedway Photos
Thursday Photo Gallery
http://www.race2win.net/pg/74

 

Video: Thursday News Conferences at Charlotte
 Jimmie Johnson talks about starting up front for the Bank of America 500 (30 seconds) [Watch Video]
http://www.race2win.net/video/2008lmsoctnscsqualifyingjohnsononpole.html
 Greg Biffle explains why Jimmie Johnson is in a good spot in the Chase (32 seconds) [Watch Video]
http://www.race2win.net/video/2008_lowes_oct_nscs_prerace_greg_biffle_on_jimmie_johnson_lead.html
 Greg Biffle wants a win at Lowe's to boost morale on his team (30 seconds) [Watch Video]
http://www.race2win.net/video/2008_lowes_oct_nscs_prerace_greg_biffle_win_would_boost_morale.html
 Clint Bowyer admits it's not easy to the close gap on drivers who have won championships (45 seconds) [Watch Video]
http://www.race2win.net/video/2008_lowes_oct_nscs_prerace_clint_bowyer_hard_to_close_gap.html
 Clint Bowyer talks about racing in both Nationwide and Sprint Cup series (57 seconds) [Watch Video]
http://www.race2win.net/video/2008_lowes_oct_nscs_prerace_clint_bowyer_racing_both_series.html
 Jeff Burton thinks Saturday night's race will be interesting (19 seconds) [Watch Video]
http://www.race2win.net/video/2008_lowes_oct_nscs_prerace_jeff_burton_race_will_be_interesting.html
 Jeff Burton talks about upcoming tracks will prove who's on top of their game (31 seconds) [Watch Video]
http://www.race2win.net/video/2008_lowes_oct_nscs_prerace_jeff_burton_who_is_on_top_of_game.html
 Jimmie Johnson has a lot to be excited about (36 seconds) [Watch Video]
http://www.race2win.net/video/2008_lowes_oct_nscs_prerace_jimmie_johnson_is_excited_about_race.html
 Jimmie Johnson says anything can happen so he won't change his strategy (33 seconds) [Watch Video]
http://www.race2win.net/video/2008_lowes_oct_nscs_prerace_jimmie_johnson_anything_can_happen.html
 Matt Kenseth says all races are a big deal right now (25 seconds) [Watch Video]
http://www.race2win.net/video/2008_lowes_oct_nscs_prerace_matt_kenseth_all_races_are_big.html
 Matt Kenseth thinks Jimmie Johnson and No. 48 team are the ones to beat (40 seconds) [Watch Video]
http://www.race2win.net/video/2008_lowes_oct_nscs_prerace_matt_kenseth_48_team_is_best.html

 

Joe Gibbs Racing Announces FanFest Changes
Kyle Busch and Joey Logano will not be able to attend the seventh annual Joe Gibbs Racing (JGR) Fall FanFest held at the team’s headquarters tomorrow, Friday, Oct. 10, due to the postponement of NASCAR’s Nationwide Series practice that had been scheduled for Thursday afternoon but was moved to tomorrow morning at 10 AM due to rain.
http://www.race2win.net/wc/08/10/jgrffc.html
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Courtesy of That's Racin'
  http://www.thatsracin.com

 

Being top gun - and being gunned for - is tough getting used to, Johnson says
Points leader has pole after rainout
CONCORD, N.C. - After winning the Sprint Cup race at Kansas Speedway two weeks ago, Jimmie Johnson provided a remarkable bit of self-evaluation.  http://www.thatsracin.com/topstories/story/19708.html

 

Harvick, Edwards exchange words, scuffle in garage
CONCORD, N.C. - If Carl Edwards was hoping to put his involvement in Sunday's 12-car wreck at Talladega Superspeedway behind him, he found no satisfaction on Thursday.   http://www.thatsracin.com/topstories/story/19692.html

 

Scott Fowler | Kyle Busch a villain who could use more of a bite - http://www.thatsracin.com/news/story/19727.html

 

Tight Childress-Gibbs battle could be big in Friday night's race - http://www.thatsracin.com/topstories/story/19719.html

 

Newman has Army on car for 22 points races, all-star event - http://www.thatsracin.com/topstories/story/19725.html

 

Photographer-craftsman Thomas Taylor Warren dies at 83 - http://www.thatsracin.com/topstories/story/19679.html

 

NASCAR GALLERIES
Thursday at the track
Clint Bowyer - like the rest of the drivers, team members, fans and everyone else - waits for the rain to stop Thursday at Lowe's Motor Speedway.
http://www.thatsracin.com/239/gallery/19713.html
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     P R E S S  *  R E L E A S E S
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Nothing "pressing" here... har har.
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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 Insider Racing News
  http://www.insiderracingnews.com

 

Memphis Race To Be Simulcast
NASCAR, ESPN and SPEED have announced broadcast plans for the Oct. 25 NASCAR Nationwide Series race at Memphis Motorsports Park. The Kroger on Track for the Cure 250 presented by the Southern Dodge Dealers will be simulcast live on ESPN Classic and SPEED. Online broadcasts of the race will also be streamed live on ESPN360.com and NASCAR.com. “The simultaneous broadcasts on SPEED and ESPN Classic, along with live streaming on NASCAR.com and ESPN360.com, will provide our fans with a wide range of opportunities to watch the race on various platforms,” said Robbie Weiss, NASCAR’s vice president, broadcasting. “This is a busy time of year for live sports and we really appreciate ESPN and SPEED working together to come up with a plan that takes care of our fans. ESPN and SPEED will work aggressively to promote this simulcast."
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Courtesy of Jayski
  http://www.jayski.com
 
Friday at Lowe's Motor Speedway: The Nationwide Series garage opens at 9 a.m. and NNS final practice will be held from 10 - 11 a.m. The remainder of the day will run as scheduled.(LMS PR)(10-9-2008)

 

Happy Hour cancelled: Rain has washed out Nationwide Series happy hour.(10-9-2008)

 

Ragan leads rain shortened first practice: #6-David Ragan was fastest in the opening practice session for the Dollar General 300 with a speed of 179.438mph. The session was cut short by rain. #29-Jeff Burton was second fastest followed by #60-Carl Edwards, #64-David Stremme, #20-Joey Logano, #66-Steve Wallace, #59-Marcos Ambrose, #12-Justin Allgaier, #17-Jamie McMurray, and #32-Brian Vickers. Only 40 drivers practiced during the session. Complete results are posted on the Lowe's Race Page.(10-9-2008)  http://www.jayski.com/nationwide/2008/next/31lowes.htm#practice

 

Gibbs, five other teams to test COT at Charlotte:  Joe Gibbs Racing plans to test a Nationwide Series car of tomorrow next week at Lowe’s Motor Speedway, NASCAR and track officials confirmed Thursday. In addition to the JGR Toyota, five other teams plan to test in what is the second official test of the Nationwide COT. Michael Waltrip Racing will test a Toyota, Roush Fenway Racing will test a Ford, Chip Ganassi Racing will test a Dodge and Richard Childress Racing and Davis Motorsports will test a Chevy. All but JGR participated in the first official test of the Nationwide COT at Richmond International Raceway last weekend.(Scene Daily)(10-9-2008)

 

Dollar General Renews with Braun Racing: UPDATE: Braun Racing and Dollar General Corporation announced an agreement in which the Goodlettsville, Tenn.-based discount retailer will continue to serve as primary sponsor of Braun Racing's Nationwide Series #32 Toyota . Dollar General will serve as the primary sponsor of the car for all 35 Nationwide Series races in 2009. The 2009 driver line-up of the #32 Dollar General stores Camry will be announced at a later date.(Braun Racing PR)(9-25-2008)
UPDATE: Braun Racing and Dollar General Corporation are pleased to announce the driver line-up of the #32 Dollar General Toyota in 2009. The car will be shared by two drivers who are both familiar faces in the yellow and black Dollar General firesuit. Sprint Cup Series driver Brian Vickers will return to the seat of the #32 for 17 races in 2009. He will be sharing the ride with Burney Lamar who drove a Dollar General-sponsored car in the 2006 season.(Braun Racing PR)(10-9-2008)

 

Donatos' Pizza sponsoring Barrett: Donatos' Pizza Carolinas announced the company would sponsor the #30 Nationwide Series car and driver Stanton Barrett in Friday night's Dollar General 300.(Lowe's Motors Speedway PR)(10-9-2008)

 

NOS Energy Drink on the #18: Kyle Busch will drive a #18 NOS Energy Drink Toyota Friday night at Lowe's Motor Speedway. See an image of the car on the #18 team paint schemes page.(10-9-2008)  http://www.jayski.com/schemes/2008/nationwide/18nationwide.htm
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Courtesy of The Hot Lap
  http://www.TheHotLap.com

 

 Oct. 9 NASCAR Nationwide Series: Qualifying Order for Dollar General 300
http://thehotlap.com/modules.php?name=Press_Releases&op=view&rid=2622

 

Representatives for The NASCAR Foundation presented Victory Junction Gang with a $450,000 check today from funds raised through the NASCAR Day 2008 celebration. Mike Helton, NASCAR president and The NASCAR Foundation board member, and Jim Hunter, NASCAR vice president of corporate communications and The NASCAR Foundation board member, made the presentation to camp founder Kyle Petty and Victory Junction camper Collin McCord at the camp in Randleman, N.C., prior to a service project carried out by members of The NASCAR Foundation Volunteer Network.(NASCAR) (10-09-08)

 

Quotes from Carl Edwards on reported NNS Garage altercationWAS THERE AN ISSUE BETWEEN YOU AND KEVIN HARVICK?  “The deal with me and Harvick is between me and him and there’s nothing else to talk about.  I’m not talking about it.”  WAS IT ABOUT COMMENTS FROM LAST WEEKENKD?  “We know where each other stands and that’s it.”  THERE WERE PICTURES OF YOU GUYS SHOVING EACH OTHER.  CAN YOU TALK ABOUT THAT?  “No.” (Ford Racing)  (10-09-08)

 

Harvick, Edwards involved in NNS garage altercation, witnesses say. Read more (ESPN.com) (10-09-08)
http://sports.espn.go.com/rpm/nascar/cup/news/story?id=3634641

 

Braun Racing and Dollar General Corporation are pleased to announce the driver line-up of the No. 32 Dollar General Toyota Camry in 2009. The car will be shared by two drivers who are both familiar faces in the yellow and black Dollar General firesuit.  Sprint Cup Series driver Brian Vickers will return to the seat of the No. 32 for 17 races in 2009. He will be sharing the ride with Burney Lamar who drove a Dollar General-sponsored car in the 2006 season. Vickers, who currently drives for Red Bull Racing in the Sprint Cup Series, has driven the Braun Racing No. 32 entry in select races for the last two seasons.  In 2003, which was his first year of full-time competition in the series, Vickers brought home the Nationwide Series Championship to become NASCAR’s youngest-ever champion at age 20. In 90 career Nationwide Series starts, Vickers has captured three wins, three poles, 21 top-fives and 38 top-10 finishes with a total of 849 laps led. Lamar, a native of Sacramento, Calif., started racing go-karts at age five. As a youngster, he earned 25 go-kart track championships in addition to nine International Karting Federation Regional championships.  Since then, Lamar has found success in a number of different series including the USAC Western States Sprint Car Series and the NASCAR AutoZone Elite Series.  By 2005, Lamar was recognized as an up and coming talent by a number of NASCAR’s top teams. He was contracted by Kevin Harvick Inc. that year as a developmental driver and competed in a limited number of NASCAR Grand National Division West Series, Craftsman Truck Series and Nationwide Series races. In 2006, Lamar drove a partial Nationwide Series schedule with sponsorship from Dollar General.  Since that time, Lamar has driven in select Nationwide Series races and has been involved in charity work for Victory Junction Gang Camp and Sound and Speed. He also served as a member of the Celebrity Cabinet for the American Red Cross. (Braun Racing)

 

Final practice for the Nationwide Series has been csncelled due to rain at Lowe's Motor Speedway. Only 40 cars made it out for the first practice, which was shortened due to bad weather. David Ragan posted the fastest time during the earlier session; a make-up practice is planned for 10-11am Friday. Qualifying will be at 3:05pm tomorrow. Cup qualifying was also cancelled today, so the field will be set on points. Unfortunately this means Nationwide drivers Brad Keselowski and Bryan Clauson will not have the opportunity to qualify and start their first Cup race. Mike Wallace will still get to compete in the Bank America 500, running in the 00 this weekend for Michael Waltrip Racing. (thehotlap) (10-09-08)
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     C R A F T S M A N * T R U C K * S E R I E S
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Courtesy of Jayski
  http://www.jayski.com

 

Dugger to make series debut at Martinsville: Russ Dugger will be making his NASCAR Craftsman Truck debut behind the wheel of the #89 Lafferty Motorsports Duct Seal Technologies / "Damn Good Jerky" Chevy at Martinsville Speedway for the Kroger 200 on October 18th. Much of Dugger's short track experience comes by way of the United States Super Truck South racing series. Dugger and Lafferty hope that experience transfers well to the NASCAR stage.(Lafferty Motorsports PR)(10-10-2008)

 

Terry Cook to the #59 for the remainder of the year: HT Motorsports team owner Jim Harris announced that Craftsman Truck Series veteran Terry Cook will complete the remainder of the 2008 season driving the team’s #59 Team ASE/Harris Trucking Toyota. Cook drove for the team in 2007 with one top-five and four top-10 finishes. He will rejoin the team for next weekend’s Kroger 200 at Martinsville Speedway.(HT Motorsports PR)(10-9-2008)
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Courtesy of TruckSeries.Com
  http://www.truckseries.com
 
Cook Named Driver of No. 59 Toyota
10-09-2008 | TruckSeries.com Report
HT Motorsports team owner Jim Harris announced that Terry Cook will complete the remainder of the 2008 season driving the team’s No. 59 Team ASE/Harris Trucking Toyota Tundra.
http://www.truckseries.com/cgi-script/NCTS_08/articles/000019/001945.htm

 

10-08-2008 | Johnny Benson, NASCAR Driver
Although my No. 23 Bill Davis Racing Toyota team lost the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series points lead to Ron Hornaday last weekend at Talladega Superspeedway and now trails by 39 points, we’re not complaining too loudly. Talladega is just Talladega and there is only so much you can do about it. It’s one of those races where a lot can go wrong that is none of your doing. You rely on others, to a degree, for a good finish, and that always presents its own unique challenges. We knew going into Talladega that the race and its pitfalls could work 100-percent for us or 100-percent against us. Approaching a race, our team’s mindset needs to be such that we try not to open ourselves up to a situation that will ultimately hurt us.
http://www.truckseries.com/cgi-script/NCTS_08/articles/000019/001941.htm
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     A R C A (Automobile Racing Club of America)
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Courtesy of ARCA
  http://www.arcaracing.com

 

Kimmel Going for 10 Grand & 10 Titles at Toledo
TOLEDO OH (10-9-08) - In looking back, it was May 22nd, 1994 at Toledo Speedway when and where a young, strappin' buck by the name of Frank Kimmel, in an Oldsmobile believe it or not, held off Dave Weltmeyer to earn his career-first ARCA RE/MAX Series victory.
[Read More] - http://www.arcaracing.com/news.cfm?contentid=7319

 

ARCA Nation 2.0 released for ARCA Championship Weekend
TOLEDO OH (10-9-08)--ARCA Nation, motor racing's first and most sophisticated social network, is proud to announce the release of ARCA Nation 2.0. This new release features an all new front page design and user interface.
[Read More] - http://www.arcaracing.com/news.cfm?contentid=7322
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     U S A R (United Speed Alliance Racing)
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Courtesy of USAR
  http://usarprocup.com

 

Race City Hampton Inn&Suites to Host John Gibson on October 10, 2008
TEAM RELEASE
Thursday, October 09, 2008 2:15:00 PM

 

Statesville, N.C.-In celebration of the race fans descending on North Carolina this weekend for the NASCAR events at Lowe’s Motor Speedway, the Race City Hampton Inn and Suites in Mooresville, N.C., is hosting an event for local race fans and out of town guests on Friday evening, October 10 from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.

 

John Gibson, driver of the No. 13s The Works/Spray Paint&Equipment/Innovative Cooling Equipment car will be on hand along with car. In addition to signing autographs and giving out samples of Greased Lightning, John will also be building excitement for the upcoming USAR Hooters Pro Cup Championship Race in Kenly, N.C., next weekend.

 

Read more - http://usarprocup.com/view_article.asp?id=2909
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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/RG/101008.html
Hot Laps with Kyle Busch
by Rebecca Gladden

 

The Nascar Insiders  
The Tarnished Gem
In 1959 Curtis Turner and O. Bruton Smith set out to seperately construct a large speedway in the Charlotte area. After a lengthy battle, the two agreed to join together to build what is today Lowe’s Motor Speedway.
http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/TheNascarInsiders/~3/416455648/

 

Edwards vs. Harvick Might Give TV Ratings A Shove
There are 53 Nationwide Series cars waiting to qualify for 43 starting slots on Friday afternoon at Lowe's Motor Speedway. Whether qualifying is rained-out or not, we can expect two cars in the field to be piloted by Carl Edwards and Kevin Harvick.
http://dalyplanet.blogspot.com/2008/10/edwards-vs-harvick-might-give-tv.html

 

Rain-Out At LMS While Harvick and Edwards Scuffle In The Garage Area
http://dalyplanet.blogspot.com/2008/10/thursday-at-lms-on-speed-and-espn2.html

 

SPEED And ESPN Classic Will Simulcast Memphis Nationwide Series Race
http://dalyplanet.blogspot.com/2008/10/speed-and-espn-classic-will-simulcast.html

 

Top 20 Over The Past 10 - Can Johnson Avoid Repeating His Spring Result At Charlotte? - by Ron Thornton
Officially, Jimmie Johnson is closing in on an 80 point bulge over Carl Edwards and Greg Biffle. Yet, over the course of the last ten events, Edwards and Johnson are in a virtual tie. The significance of this is that with the Chase format, among those who actually made the Chase, you add up their points from their last ten events, tally in their pre-Chase win bonus, and you have the season champion.
http://www.speedwaymedia.com/Articles/08/100908Thornton.asp

 

Aggressive Edwards Puts Johnson in Driver's Seat - by Ron Fleshman
I glory in Carl Edwards' spunk. Last week, we defied all odds in making a hot pass of Jimmie Johnson and still finished second while going for the lead. Great stuff. On Sunday, he showed his aggressiveness by "pushing" teammate Greg Biffle, hoping to get in line for the victory
http://www.speedwaymedia.com/Articles/08/100908Fleshman.asp
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     T V  *  L I S T I N G S
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Courtesy of Carolyn's Jeff Gordon Newsletter
Carolyn S. Hastings - cak...@juno.com

 

FRIDAY - October 10th
12:00 P.M. - Racing Across America Martinsville SPEED
1:30 P.M. - NASCAR Confidential SPEED
2:30 P.M. - NASCAR Live SPEED
3:00 P.M. - NASCAR Nationwide Series - Charlotte Pole Qualifying ESPN2
5:00 P.M. - NASCAR Now ESPN2
6:30 P.M. - NASCAR SPRINT CUP SERIES Charlotte Practice ESPN2
7:30 P.M. -NASCAR Nationwide Series - Countdown ESPN2
8:00 P.M. - NASCAR Nationwide Series -: Charlotte Dollar General 300
11:00 P.M. - Trackside at Charlotte SPEED
11:00 P.M. - NASCAR SPRINT CUP SERIES Charlotte Practice ESPN2

 

SATURDAY - October 11th
2:00 A.M. - NASCAR Nationwide Series -  Lowe's Motor Speedway Dollar General 300 ESPN2
10:00 A.M. - NASCAR Now ESPN2
11:00 A.M. - Trackside at Charlotte SPEED
2:30 P.M. - NASCAR Confidential SPEED
3:30 P.M. - Tradin' Paint SPEED
4:00 P.M. - NASCAR Performance SPEED
4:30 P.M. - NASCAR in a Hurry SPEED
5:00 P.M. - NASCAR RaceDay SPEED
7:00 P.M. - NASCAR SPRINT CUP SERIES Countdown ABC
7:25 P.M. - NASCAR SPRINT CUP SERIES: Lowe's Motor Speedway Bank of America 500 ABC

 

SUNDAY - October 12th
12:30 A.M. - NASCAR Now ESPN2
2:30 A.M. - NASCAR SPRINT CUP SERIES: Bank of America 500 ESPN2
10:00 A.M. - NASCAR SPRINT CUP SERIES: Bank of America 500 ESPNC
7:00 P.M. - SPEED Report
8:00 P.M. - NASCAR SPRINT CUP SERIES Victory Lane SPEED
9:00 P.M. - Wind Tunnel with Dave Despain SPEED

 

MONDAY - October 13th
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. - Racing Across America Stafford, CT SPEED
5:00 P.M. - NASCAR Now ESPN2
8:00 P.M. - This Week in NASCAR SPEED
 
This listing 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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