Thursday, October 1, 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
   by http://MotorSportsNews.Net
 
   Do you know for sure?
   http://motorsportsnews.net/you-can-know-for-sure
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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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Today's notes are G and A flat, since that's what the keys all the hymns at church last night were.  I am thankful for my capo when playing acoustic guitar.  On the string bass, it's just a matter of moving your hand down or up the neck of the instrument, depending on what key you're in.

 

Moving right along (would that be "modulation"?), here's the latest stock car racing news for you.
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    Stock Car Gazette Columnists Speak Out!
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We'd "like" to publish one column per day throughout the week.  You can be one of those column authors.  GIve it a try.
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     MotorSportsNews.Net(work) web site features
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LOGANO CONTINUES SPRINT CUP SERIES EDUCATION AT KENTUCKY SPEEDWAY - http://motorsportsnews.net/archives/1884

 

JTG-Daugherty Announces Sprint Cup Alliance - http://motorsportsnews.net/archives/1877

 

Stock Car Gazette, Wednesday, October 1, 2008 - http://motorsportsnews.net/archives/1869

 

Stock Car Gazette, Tuesday, Sept. 30, 2008 - http://motorsportsnews.net/archives/1867
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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

 

Record $6.6 Million Purse Adds to the Intensity During Oct. 8-11 Bank of America 500 Week: Drivers will battle for a share of the record $6.6 million total purse during the Bank of America 500 Week at Lowe's Motor Speedway. The schedule of events features NASCAR Sprint Cup Series, NASCAR Nationwide Series and World of Outlaws Late Model Series competition. The $5,291,863 in total awards for the Bank of America 500 is $106,767 more than was up for grabs in the same event last year and $3,362,232 more than competitors raced for in the 500-mile event 10 years ago. "Racing in primetime at Lowe's Motor Speedway brings out the intensity in these drivers, especially in a Saturday night race like the Bank of America 500," said Marcus Smith, president and general manager of Lowe's Motor Speedway. "There's a lot boiling to the surface for Oct. 11. The points race is tight and there's record money on the line. And there are several drivers trying to audition for new rides next year. This recipe will cook up a spectacular show for the fans." Featuring nearly 15 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series drivers battling the Nationwide Series regulars, competitors in the Dollar General 300 on Friday night, Oct. 10, will be chasing $1,302,794 in posted prize money and awards, an increase of $34,603 from last year. The Armour Foods Vienna Sausage Showdown presented by Ferris Commercial Mowers on Wednesday night, Oct. 8, at the Dirt Track @ Lowe's Motor Speedway will be highlighted by a 50-lap feature for the World of Outlaws Late Model Series. Drivers will race for $64,760 in posted awards. Tickets for all Bank of America 500 Week events are available by calling the speedway ticket office at 1-800-455-FANS or online at www.lowesmotorspeedway.com. - Lowe's Motor Speedway, Press Release
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Check out Racing Wrecks! 
http://www.racingwrecks.info

 

(advertisement)
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Courtesy of Google Alerts

 

What Got NASCAR On The Map?: How The Sport Became a Pheonomenon
Bleacher Report - San Francisco,CA,USA
In either way, opinions count and I'm curious, BR writers and fans, as to what you think got the National Association for Stock Car Auto Racing, ...
http://bleacherreport.com/articles/63603-what-got-nascar-on-the-map-how-the-sport-became-a-pheonomenon

 

Bobby Allison Coming to Lakeland Car Fest
The Ledger - Lakeland,FL,USA
"Bobby Allison really represents the core of stock car racing" and is "one of the original big stars," he said. Allison, who lives in Morrisville, NC, ...
http://www.theledger.com/article/20080930/NEWS/809300392/1410?Title=Bobby_Allison_Coming_to_Lakeland_Car_Fest

 

Swindell on the move as he tries to get a firm foothold
Nascar - USA
It takes effort to be better at different types of racing, but I think the strategies of stock-car racing suit me the best."
http://www.nascar.com/2008/news/features/09/30/future.star.kswindell/

 

NASCAR, meet the electric Chevy Volt
CNN - USA
After the roar of a ceremonial flyover, a Texas Motor Speedway crowd of 200000 rises to its feet in anticipation of NASCAR's signature moment. ...
http://www.cnn.com/2008/TECH/biztech/10/01/volt.car.nascar/

 

ESPN NASCAR Analyst Dale Jarrett on The Chase and Talladega
PaddockTalk - USA
Dale Jarrett, NASCAR analyst for ESPN, was the 1999 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series champion and won 32 Sprint Cup races during his career. ...
http://www.paddocktalk.com/news/html/modules.php?op=modload&name=News&file=article&sid=95611

 

Marketing: Will NASCAR Fans Want a Chevy Volt?
By Lyle
It is of interest that NASCAR fans love the speed, the smells, and the sounds of the racecars. We already know electric cars can be faster off the start due to instant torque. The author of the source article questions though whether ...
http://gm-volt.com/2008/10/01/marketing-will-nascar-fans-want-a-chevy-volt/

 

Wallace: NASCAR Return Plans "Untrue"
"These rumors get started in the Mooresville [NC] area because the [NASCAR team] shops are so close to each other and nothing can be kept secret for long. All I can say is that where there's smoke, there's fire. ...
http://nascar.fanhouse.com/2008/10/01/rusty-wallace-considering-nascar-return/

 

Ford’s US sales fell 34.6 percent in September
Bizjournals.com - Charlotte,NC,USA
Sales of Louisville-made Explorers are down 40.7 percent year-to-date, while F-Series truck sales are down 27 percent. Ford has five dealerships in the ...
http://www.bizjournals.com/albuquerque/stories/2008/09/29/daily24.html
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Courtesy of Insider Racing News
  http://www.insiderracingnews.com

 

Rusty Wallace Denies Rumor
Rusty Wallace denied Wednesday a report by his brother that claims he is considering a return to NASCAR's top level. Kenny Wallace wrote in his SpeedTv.com blog that the 52-year-old former Cup champion is pondering a return to the Sprint Cup Series and said it was rumored he'd fill a seat at Dale Earnhardt Inc. Rusty Wallace retired after the 2005 season and is currently an analyst for ABC and ESPN. "I love Kenny to death; he's been trying to get me back in a car ever since I retired after 2005," Rusty Wallace said in a statement issued through his son, Greg. "While any rumors like this are certainly flattering, they're untrue. I have a long-term commitment to ABC and ESPN and I really love what I'm doing right now."

 

Waltrip Hires "Bootie" Barker
Michael Waltrip Racing (MWR) announced today that NASCAR veteran Robert "Bootie" Barker will be the crew chief of the No. 55 NAPA AUTO PARTS Toyota Camry driven by two-time Daytona 500 champion Michael Waltrip for the 2009 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series season. Bobby Kennedy, who has worked with Waltrip in multiple roles for over a decade, is moving into a crucial management position at MWR. -- "Our organization continues to grow and add depth in several key areas," Waltrip said. "Bringing Bootie on as my crew chief is part of a larger plan that enables Bobby Kennedy to move into a critical management position. We have discussed this move since the summer, but waited until we were able to hire a crew chief of Bootie's caliber and we're really glad to have him join MWR."
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Courtesy of Jayski
  http://www.jayski.com
 
NEXT RACE: Talladega Race Info/Rundown Page
http://www.jayski.com/next/2008/30tss2008.htm

 

Entry List for the Amp Energy 500 at Talladega Supersway is posted, 45 teams/drivers [for 43 spots] are listed, including:
Not in top 35 of 2008 owners points (2008 race attempts/owners pts standings in parens):
#00-Kenny Wallace (29/36)
#09-Sterling Marlin (5/48)
#10-Patrick Carpentier (29/38)
#21-Jon Wood (29/41)
#33-Mike Wallace (2/52)
#45-Terry Labonte [Past Champ 1996] (29/40)
#70-Tony Raines (29/43)
#77-Sam Hornish Jr. (29/37)
#78-Joe Nemechek (29/42)
#96-Ken Schrader (29/39)
withdrew from race
#08-Boris Said (13/46)
In the event qualifying is cancelled:
the eight who would make it [8]: #'s 45,00,77,10,96,21,78,70
missing the race would be [2]: #'s 09,33
See the full entry list at my Jayski's Talladega Entry List.
http://www.jayski.com/stats/2008/entries/30tss2008-entry.htm

 

Top-35 in Owner Points and guaranteed a starting spot at Talladega:
No changes in the top 35 after Kansas
The teams are NOT locked in past the next race as the owners points change after each race.
32) #22-Blaney/Bill Davis Racing: 2290 +137
34) #84-Skinner/Red Bull Racing: 2271 +118
34) #66-Riggs/Haas CNC Racing: 2232, +79
35) #7-Gordon/RGM: 2182 29 points ahead of 36th
these teams/ drivers must qualify by speed but are close to the top-35:
36) #00-KWallace/Waltrip Racing: 2153, 29 points out of 35th
37) #77-Hornish/Penske Racing: 2116 -66
38) #10-Carpentier/GEM: 1958 -224
For the owner points standings, see my Drivers/Owners Points Standings page.
http://www.jayski.com/stats/2008/points/29kan2008points.htm

 

Robby and GEM headed to court? #7-Robby Gordon claims he's been defrauded in a failed deal with Gillett Evernham Motorsports and wants a judge to excuse a million dollar bill. Gordon's company made a deal to merge with Gillett Evernham Motorsports. According to legal documents, an investment company was hired to make the deal. But Gordon claims the deal went south because it was "fraudulently induced." As a result, Gordon and Co. want the judge to excuse an obligation to pay a $1,013,656 investment fee.(TMZ.com see the documents posted there)(10-2-2008)
http://www.tmz.com/2008/10/01/nascar-dispute-turns-nasty/

 

Pop-Tart back with Mears: For the third time this season, Pop-Tarts, Kellogg's most popular morning food product, will adorn the hood of the #5 Chevrolet of Casey Mears. Pop-Tarts was also the co-primary sponsor of the #5 Chevy in March at Las Vegas Motor Speedway and in August at Bristol Motor Speedway.(HMS PR), see an image of the scheme on my #5 Team Schemes page.(10-2-2008)  http://www.jayski.com/schemes/2008/5cup.htm

 

Kvapil 100th start: Sunday’s race at Talladega will be #28-Travis Kvapil’s 100th career start in the Sprint Cup series.(Yates Racing PR)(10-1-2008)

 

Talladega Rookie Notes: #10-Patrick Carpentier was the Raybestos Rookie of the Race in the September 28 Camping World RV 400 at Kansas Speedway. Carpentier scored a 29th-place finish and took Raybestos Rookie of the Race honors for the seventh time in 2008. Carpentier was the only Raybestos Rookie to lead a lap in the Kansas race, holding the top spot once for three laps. He became the first Raybestos Rookie to lead a Sprint Cup race since Michael McDowell led once for one lap in the Sylvania 300 at New Hampshire Motor Speedway. Carpentier has now led 11 laps in three races this season. Regan Smith leads Sam Hornish Jr. by Three Points (188-185) in the Raybestos Rookie standings entering the October 5 AMP Energy 500 at Talladega Superspeedway. Two Raybestos Rookies have won the pole for the AMP Energy 500 twice since 1975: Geoffrey Bodine (1982) and Jimmie Johnson (2003).(Camp & Assoc/Raybestos), for standings, history and more, see my 2008 Rookies Page.(10-2-2008)  http://www.jayski.com/stats/2008/roty2008.htm

 

Mars Acquires Wrigley: In a move that ends more than a century of family control, shareholders of Wm. Wrigley Jr. Co. approved the company’s $23 billion sale to Mars Inc., which now becomes the world’s largest candy maker. The deal, which bumps Britain’s Cadbury PLC from the top candy-making slot, will offer gums such as Juicy Fruit and Big Red, M&Ms, Snickers and Skittles under the same corporate banner. Under Mars’ ownership, the firm will be able to grow in new directions, Bill Wrigley Jr. said. Wrigley’s is slated to take over control of Mars’ non-chocolate candy, such as Starburst and Skittles.(csnews.com), no word on how or if it will effect the sponsorship of the #18 M&M's Toyota of Kyle Busch or the #42 Big Red/Juicy Fruit Dodge of Juan Pablo Montoya.(10-2-2008)

 

Rusty Wallace on Wednesday denied a report that he is considering ending his three-year retirement to drive again -- possibly for former rival Dale Earnhardt's team. "I love Kenny to death; he's been trying to get me back in a car ever since I retired after 2005," Rusty Wallace said in a statement. "While any rumors like this are certainly flattering, they're untrue. I have a long-term commitment to ABC and ESPN and I really love what I'm doing right now." DEI president Max Siegel did not immediately return a call for comment.(ESPN)(10-1-208)

 

New look for the #24 in 2009 UPDATE TV on Thurs: Jeff Gordon announced on QVC's shopping show "For Race Fans Only" that the primary paint scheme will change on the #24 DuPont Chevy in 2009. The primary scheme seemingly changes whenever there's a new occupant in The White House. Gordon raced the rainbow-themed DuPont Chevrolet from 1993-2000 while Bill Clinton occupied the highest office in the land. Gordon experienced his greatest career success in the rainbow car. In 2001, he changed to the fire and flames scheme and raced that for the next 8 years while George Bush ran the country. And now, the third -- and likely, final -- incarnation of the DuPoint paint scheme will be raced in 2009 and beyond. The new 2009 DuPont paint scheme is expected to be unveiled during the week leading up to the October 11 race at Lowes Motor Speedway.(Gordonline.com), am hearing the base color will be BLACK.(9-20-2008)
UPDATE: #24-Jeff Gordon and sponsor DuPont are scheduled to unveil his 2009 (and beyond) paint scheme live on the NBC's Today Show Thursday [Oct 2nd] morning at 7:00am/et, Rockefeller Center, New York. It’s his first paint scheme change since 2001 and only the third since 1993.(10-1-2008)
AND Jeff Gordon will be a guest on the Thursday, Oct. 2, edition of ESPN First Take. The news and information program airs at 10am/et on ESPN2. Gordon will tell host Dana Jacobson why his car will have a new look in 2009. Gordon also will discuss the upcoming AMP Energy 500 at Talladega Superspeedway. The race airs live Sunday, Oct. 5, at 1pm/et on ABC.(ESPN PR)(10-1-2008)

 

JTG Daugherty Racing has signed what team co-owner Brad Daugherty called a "technical alliance" with Michael Waltrip Racing, and thus will field Toyota Camrys full-time in the Sprint Cup Series beginning in 2009. The deal will be announced formally Wednesday afternoon. Under the agreement, JTG/Daugherty receives the same chassis, engines and technological information-sharing that Waltrip gets through Toyota Racing Development. "This way we don't come out of the box already behind," said Daugherty, reached by phone Wednesday. "Actually, this puts us about two years ahead of where we would have been otherwise." Daugherty, an ESPN NASCAR analyst, said the alliance includes the #47 team being housed under the MWR roof. Daugherty stressed there was still independence from MWR, however, saying it is not a merger and that the #47 is not a fourth Waltrip team. "We'll work with Toyota Racing Development out of Costa Mesa [Calif.], and all their parts and pieces already flow through MWR," Daugherty said. "It just makes sense for us to be in-house over [at MWR]." Marcos Ambrose will drive the #47 Toyota, with sponsorship from Little Debbie Snack Cakes and Clorox.(ESPN.com)(10-1-2008)

 

Labonte, White to be inducted into Talladega-Texaco Walk of Fame: Fans voted in July for the 2008 Talladega-Texaco Walk of Fame honorees, and on Saturday, Oct. 4 during Talladega Superspeedway’s AMP Energy 500 weekend, two new names will be added to this prestigious list: Bobby Labonte and Rex White. The Talladega-Texaco Walk of Fame in downtown Talladega is both a focal point saluting NASCAR’s greatest names and a tribute to one of racing’s brightest stars – the late Davey Allison. Developed in 1994, the Talladega-Texaco Walk of Fame has inducted one active driver and up to two inactive drivers since 1995 based on the fans’ vote chosen from a ballot of nominees selected by strict guidelines. In the park, Davey Allison is remembered with a large marble monument, while drivers inducted into the Talladega-Texaco Walk of Fame have bronze plaques placed around the park, accessible by walkways that form the shape of Talladega Superspeedway.
Dr. Jerry Punch, lead announcer and host of ESPN/ABC sports coverage, will make his second appearance as emcee for the Induction Ceremony. Punch took over emcee duties last year after the passing of Benny Parsons. Parsons was a longtime supporter and significant part of the event. He is also credited with being one of the first inactive drivers to be inducted. During this year’s event, Phil Parsons, Benny’s brother, will help unveil a permanent plaque honoring Benny’s longtime duties.(TSS PR), more info at talladegawalk.com.(10-1-2008)

 

Ten 2007 pole winners yet to get a pole in 2008: with seven races to go, ten drivers have not won a pole in 2008, jeopardizng some long streaks:
season streak poles, driver, last race pole, when
2, Kurt Busch, California, August 2007
2, David Gilliland, Daytona, February 2007
1, Clint Bowyer, New Hampshire, September 2007
1, J.J. Yeley, Michigan, June 2007
1, Jamie McMurray, Sonoma, June 2007
1, Dave Blaney, New Hampshire, June 2007
1, Casey Mears, Chicago, July 2007
1, Reed Sorenson, Indianapolis, July 2007
1, Michael Waltrip, Talladega, October 2007
1, Martin Truex Jr., Texas, November 2007.
See the all-time pole winners, 2008 pole winners and more on my Pole Winners page.(10-1-2008)
http://www.jayski.com/stats/polewinners.htm

 

Harvick tests in Ohio: #29-Kevin Harvick is driving laps in his Chevy Impala Monday at the Sandusky Speedway. Harvick and his crew are preparing for an upcoming Sprint Cup series race in Martinsville, Va. which has a track similar to the one in Sandusky. Craftsman Truck Series Champion Ron Hornaday, a driver with Kevin Harvick Inc., is also taking laps with Ricky Carmichael. Carmichael is a new member of the KHI truck series team. The drivers will be at the speedway again today [Tuesday], according to speedway owner Kevin Jaycox.(Sandusky Register)(10-1-2008)
AND Kevin Harvick and the #29 Shell-Pennzoil Racing RCR team tested at the Sandusky (Ohio) Speedway on Monday and Tuesday of this week in preparation for the remaining seven races on the 2008 NSCS schedule.(RCR PR), see new about testing I have heard about on my 2008 Test News page.(10-1-2008)  http://www.jayski.com/stats/testing/testing2008.htm
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Courtesy of the Jeff Gordon Newsletter by Carolyn  cak...@juno.com

 

Jeff Gordon on the Today Show airing on NBC from 7-9am/eastern on Thursday, October 2.
 
Jeff Gordon will appear on 'Trackside' from Talladega on the Speed Channel on
Friday at 7pm/eastern.
 
Jeff Gordon will also be a guest on 'Wind Tunnel' on the Speed Channel on Sunday night at 9pm/eastern.
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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

 

Menard on Track Talk Live Thursday, October 9th
Unfortunately, Paul Menard will be unable to make this week’s episode of Track Talk but instead will appear on the show on Thursday, October 9th. Until then, be sure to tune in as Race 2 Win’s Jeff Holtzclaw, Blake Feese, Greg DePalma and Heather Meyer discuss the latest happenings in NASCAR. The show airs LIVE every Thursday from 1:00 pm to 3:00 pm ET on the Prime Sports Network . Listeners are always welcome to join in on the show, call toll-free at 1-877-266-1909 or email at nas...@primesportsnetwork.com if you would like to offer your opinions and insight.

 

Sprint Cup Series News & Notes - Talladega
In days gone by, Talladega Superspeedway’s second race each NASCAR Sprint Cup Series season was held in late July, with impressive competition meeting oppressive heat. Seeking to enhance the first but lose the second, NASCAR moved the event to October.
http://www.race2win.net/wc/08/09/notests2.html

 

‘In the Loop’: Johnson’s 2008 Has Familiar Feel
Here is the bad news for those drivers aiming to dethrone two-time defending NASCAR Sprint Cup Series champion Jimmie Johnson: Johnson’s 2008 is looking a lot like his championship winning 2007 – only better.
http://www.race2win.net/wc/08/10/itljhsf.html

 

TUMS Top 10 Moments from Kansas
The latest stop of the 2008 racing season at the Kansas Speedway for the Camping World RV 400 in Kansas City, Kan. had stars and fans of the Sprint Cup Series experiencing heartburn.
http://www.race2win.net/wc/08/10/tums29.html
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Paul Menard's confidence in Yates Racing's potential led to move
The performance of the Yates Racing teams in their first season under team owners Doug Yates and Max Jones helped sway Paul Menard to join the organization's NASCAR Sprint Cup program beginning next season.
http://click.email.scenedaily.com/?qs=bd7afbe40397afa6fad7376819a3653556171d6d3e7909abe02b80fe4ab147d0
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Banned for life by NASCAR, Shane Hmiel is winning races again

 

Former NASCAR driver Shane Hmiel, who was banned for life from NASCAR in 2006 after failing a third drug test, has taken hard, careful and serious steps to revive his career.

 

They've landed him back in a race car. Last Saturday night, Hmiel won a USAC Western Sprint Car Series race on a quarter-mile paved track in Roseville, Calif. It was the first time he had driven a Sprint Car. But there's never been any doubt that Hmiel has talent. His trouble has stemmed from illegal use of drugs.

 

http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2008/writers/tim_tuttle/04/17/hmiel/index.html
(older article but still interesting... read a commentary in the columns section by John Daly that relates to this)
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Courtesy of That's Racin'
  http://www.thatsracin.com

 

Common courtesy isn't necessarily customary
THATSRACIN.COM OPINION
I don't know that anything could be done from a rulebook perspective, but NASCAR should at least have a chat with the teams at this week's drivers' meeting about how pit road courtesy can go a long way
http://www.thatsracin.com/topstories/story/19360.html

 

Comeback talk 'untrue,' Wallace statement holds
Is Rusty Wallace contemplating a Sprint Cup comeback with Dale Earnhardt Inc.? That may depend on which member of his family you listen to.
http://www.thatsracin.com/topstories/story/19347.html
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     P R E S S  *  R E L E A S E S
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RCR at Talladega … Richard Childress competed as a driver in Talladega’s inaugural race in 1969 and used his winnings from that race weekend to help start RCR. Childress lays claim to nine victories at the Talladega oval - all of them coming with Dale Earnhardt. Additionally, in 108 starts, RCR boasts four poles, 27 top-five, 44 top-10 finishes and just over $7.3 million in earnings.
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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
 
NEXT RACE: Dollar General 300, 8:00pm/et, Friday, October 10, 2008 at Lowe's Motor Speedway
http://www.jayski.com/nationwide/2008/next/31lowes.htm

 

Record Purse for Lowe's Race: Featuring nearly 15 Sprint Cup Series drivers battling the Nationwide Series regulars, competitors in the Dollar General 300 on Friday night, Oct. 10, will be chasing $1,302,794 in posted prize money and awards, an increase of $34,603 from last year.(Lowes Motor Speedway PR)(10-1-2008)
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Courtesy of The Hot Lap
  http://www.TheHotLap.com

 

Terre Haute, IN-Jason Leffler, who won the classic 100 lap USAC National Midget Series event in 1997, takes a break from his current NASCAR schedule to be in Terre Haute for Saturday's race at Action Track, Terre Haute, while 2004 Hut 100 winner Bobby East returns looking for his second victory. Both Leffler and East announced their intentions to attempt to qualify for the "Hut" just days after J.J.Yeley confirmed that he would compete.(Terre Haute Action Track) (10-01-08)

 

Just two races ago, Brad Keselowski’s season suddenly looked in shambles.He had come off two consecutive finishes outside the top 20, had fallen out of second place in the NASCAR Nationwide Series standings and looked as if he were in a 2008 free fall. In actuality, the mini-slump was a minor blip in what has been an extraordinary season for Keselowski. He followed up those two poor runs at Auto Club Speedway and Richmond International Raceway with finishes of third and sixth at Dover International Speedway and Kansas, respectively. Keselowski is still in third, and has some of the top Loop Data statistics in the series this season. He has a Driver Rating of 95.6, an Average Running Position of 12.1, 250 Fastest Laps Run and a Laps in the Top 15 percentage of 73.8%.His passing numbers are phenomenal. He leads the series in Quality Passes (passes of cars in the top 15 under green) with 820, and has the best Pass Differential (passes minus times passed) with 187.He heads a list of series-only regulars enjoying strong years. Another is Joey Logano, who has made his transition into the NASCAR Nationwide Series with ease. In 14 races, Logano has a win, three poles and 10 top 10s. He also has racked up some impressive Loop Data statistics.Logano has a Driver Rating of 103.9, an Average Running Position of 10.1, 150 Fastest Laps Run and a Laps in the Top 15 percentage of 82.0%. His Pass Differential is a strong 48.Another series-only regular quietly having a strong year is Mike Bliss. The veteran — who is fourth in the standings — has 13 top 10s on the year, and finished second two races ago at Dover. Bliss has a Driver Rating of 91.5, an Average Running Position of 13.0, 184 Fastest Laps Run and a Laps in the Top 15 percentage of 75.2%. He also claimed his only series win to date in October 2004 at Lowe’s Motor Speedway, the site of next week’s race (NASCAR) (10-01-08)
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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

 

NEXT RACE INFO
Talladega Superspeedway
Mountain Dew 250 - Saturday, October 4, 2008
SPEED/TV - Prerace 3:30pm/et; Race 4:00pm/et

 

Preliminary Entry List: There are 34 trucks listed on the preliminary entry list for the Mountain Dew 250 at Talladega Superspeedway. Complete entry list is posted on the Talladega Race Page.(9-29-2008)  http://www.jayski.com/cts/next/2008/20talladega2008.htm#entry

 

News & Notes: NASCAR's prerace news & notes for the Mountain Dew 250 at Talladega Superspeedway are posted on the Talladega Race Page.(9-29-2008)  http://www.jayski.com/cts/next/2008/20talladega2008.htm#notes

 

Joey Logano is entered in Friday's ARCA RE/MAX Series 250 in the #15 Toyota owned by Venturini Motorsports. Logano took part in ARCA testing at Talladega last month, and he's in the ARCA race to help him hit the ground running in 2009.(Press Register)(10-1-2008)
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     A R C A (Automobile Racing Club of America)
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Courtesy of ARCA
  http://www.arcaracing.com

 

Championship Chase Heats Up Headed to Talladega

TALLADEGA AL (10-1-08) - It's coming down to a duck and a bull at Talladega and Toledo.
http://www.arcaracing.com/news.cfm?contentid=7268

 

NEXT RACE
ARCA RE/MAX 250 Talladega Superspeedway
Friday, October 3rd at 5 p.m.
event schedule
http://www.arcaracing.com/schedule.cfm?contentid=1234&display=event_schedule#details
entry list
http://www.arcaracing.com/schedule.cfm?contentid=1234&display=event_entry#details
factsheets
http://www.arcaracing.com/schedule.cfm?contentid=1234&display=event_factsheet#details
previous winners
http://www.arcaracing.com/schedule.cfm?contentid=1234&display=event_prevwin#details

 

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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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I Was Just Wonderin'
Mutiny on the SS Petty
by Carol Einarsson
Y'know, when I hear rumors here and there, sometimes I give them credibility and sometimes I don't. But when I hear that Rusty wants to come back as a driver and none other than his brother Kenny is writing an article for SPEED about this "rumor", I have to wonder when we'll see Rusty in his fire-suit.
http://www.racejournalonline.com/index.cfm?Pagename=column&id=532

 

Shane Hmiel Returns To NASCAR...Almost
The nationally syndicated TV series Three Wide Life has been undergoing some major renovations. Just like many NASCAR teams outside of The Chase, the producers of this TV show are making changes now with an eye for 2009. One of those changes is the addition of Shane Hmiel to the line-up.
http://dalyplanet.blogspot.com/2008/09/shane-hmiel-returns-to-nascar.html

 

NBC's "Today Show" A Curious Choice For Gordon
A while back, NASCAR packed-up all twelve of The Chase drivers and shipped them off to New York City. This "media tour" was aimed at putting these personalities in front of a national television audience.
http://dalyplanet.blogspot.com/2008/10/nbcs-today-show-curious-choice-for.html

 

Rusty Out And Petty In At ESPN? (Updated - Rusty Says No)
Leave it to little brother Kenny Wallace to get things stirred-up just a couple of days before Talladega.
http://dalyplanet.blogspot.com/2008/10/rusty-out-and-petty-in-at-espn.html
 
Insider Racing News
http://insiderracingnews.com/Writers/BW/100208.html
Three Races In and I’m a Cliché
by Brian Watkins
 
Insider Racing News
http://insiderracingnews.com/Writers/DD/100208.html
What Has Happened to Dale Earnhardt Inc.?
by Doug Demmons

 

Long Island Press
What's Your 20? Press Sprint Cup Rankings
by Josh Stewart
http://www.longislandpress.com/main.asp?SectionID=20&SubSectionID=201&ArticleID=16690&TM=85307.46

 

RaceTalkRadio.com:
Gotta Pick Junior at Dega - Fantasy Insight Talladega 2 by Dennis Michelsen
http://www.racetalkradio.com/soz/id196.htm

 

The Nascar Insiders  
The Most Powerful Men In NASCAR
Power within the NASCAR world is all important. Those who wield it, wield a great amount. Those without it are at the mercy of those with it. Such is the case with the most powerful men in NASCAR, the three series directors.
http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/TheNascarInsiders/~3/408966620/
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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

 

Thu Oct 2
12:00 am NASCAR Now ESPN2

 

12:00 pm NSCS Kansas Replay SPEED

 

1:00 pm 1994 Winston Select 500 ESPNC

 

5:00 pm NASCAR Now ESPN2

 

5:30 pm NSCS Kansas Replay HDNet

 

Fri Oct 3
12:00 am NASCAR Now ESPN2

 

12:00 pm NCTS Talladega Pole Qualifying SPEED

 

2:00 pm NSCS Talladega Practice SPEED

 

3:30 pm NSCS Talladega Final Practice SPEED

 

4:30 pm NASCAR Live SPEED

 

5:00 pm NASCAR Now ESPN2

 

7:30 pm Trackside at Talladega SPEED

 

8:00 pm For Race Fans Only QVC

 

8:30 pm NSCS Talladega Practice SPEED

 

10:00 pm NSCS Final Talladega Practice SPEED

 

11:00 pm Trackside at Talladega SPEED
Sat Oct 4
12:00 am NASCAR Now ESPN2

 

2:30 am NSCS Talladega Practice SPEED

 

4:00 am NSCS Final Talladega Practice SPEED

 

1:00 pm NSCS Talladega Qualifying (SDD) SPEED

 

3:30 pm NCTS Set-Up SPEED

 

4:00 pm NCTS: Mountain Dew 250 at Talladega SPEED

 

11:00 pm NASCAR Performance SPEED

 

11:30 pm Tradin' Paint 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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Copyright 2002-2008 by MotorSportsNews.Net
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