Jersey Joe's Racin' News-n-Views

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Wall Stadium Speedway 2013
Wall Stadium. A New Era Continues !
American Red Cross
Wal Stadium. A New Era Continues II !
Wall Stadium. A New Era Begins
Attention Site Sponsors !!!
2013 schedules for all 3 NASCAR Series
Sprint Cup Practice Speeds
Sprint Cup Qualifying
Sprint Cup Race Results
Sprint Cup Point Standings
NNS Practice Speeds
NNS Qualifying
NNS Race Results
NNS Point Standings
CWS Practice Speeds
CWS Qualifying
CWS Race Results
CWS Point Standings
End of an Era ? Wall Speedway
Wall Speedway / End of an Era ? Page 2
History of Wall Twp. Speedway
Wall Stadium News
Wall Stadium News Page 2
Wall Stadium News Page 3 !
Wall Stadium / End of an Era II ?
Petition to Save Wall Speedway
NASCAR Raceday Weather
My "Humble" Opinions
ARCA News !
2013 ARCA Series Schedule
Drag Racing
IRL/ Champ Car & F-1 news !
New Egypt Speedway News
New Egypt Speedway News Page 2 !!
New Egypt Speedway News Page 3 !
Strictly Outlaws News !
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Grass Roots Paved Oval News !!!
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NASCAR terminollogy
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100_0412.jpg

 Prayers for the victims of the deadly tornado  outbreak in Oklahoma .

Link to the American Red Cross :

 http://www.redcrossblood.org/.

(5/21/13)

Courteousy NASCAR.com

(http://www.nascar.com/) :

BIFFLE CONFIDENT HE CAN CLIMB IN STANDINGS

'NASCAR: AN AMERICAN SALUTE' HONORS MILITARY

CHARLOTTE ENTRY LISTS

PICK A PACE-CAR DESIGN FOR POCONO 

Courteousy FOX Sports

(http://msn.foxsports.com/nascar):

Where the heart is Kyle Busch, Joe Gibbs Racing help make a home a possibility with Habitat's help.
FULL STORY »  

Pedals Of Fury: Justin Allgaier & James Buescher Tricycle Race (Video)

Try this What would happen if All-Star race was moved? Just imagine ...
FULL STORY »

Courteousy USA Today.com (http://www.usatoday.com/sports/nascar/):

Michael Annett will return to car at Charlotte

Read Story  

Courteousy Yahoo Sports

(http://sports.yahoo.com/nascar/):

Smith picks odd time to play hardball

Courteousy SpeedTv.com

 (http://nascar.speedtv.com/):Charlotte Motor Speedway's days as host of the Sprint All-Star Race may be numbered. (Photo: Getty Images)

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  Joe

Courteousy Sports Illustrated (http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/racing/?eref=sinav&sct=hp_nv_a):

" Big Four No More ? " 

Cary Estes: Big four Sprint Cup teams challenged in NASCAR Power Rankings

Courteousy Sporting News.com (http://www.sportingnews.com/nascar):

Small-team struggles

Even though David Ragan won at Talladega and Kurt Busch nearly won the All-Star race, the small teams of NASCAR face an uphill battle to compete with the multi-car, well-funded teams that consistently land in Victory Lane. 

Yes, he's worthy

The NASCAR Hall of Fame vote is Wednesday and SN's Bob Pockrass knows one person who will be on his ballot: Bruton Smith. Despite his flaws, Smith has done too much for the sport to not be recognized among its greatest.

Courteousy The Stock Car Gazette

 ( http://MotorSportsNews.Net) (Thanks Heather !):

Racin' Today

www.Catchfence.com

20-Year Anniversary of Gordon’s First Start in ’600′
CHARLOTTE, N.C.(May 20, 2013) - In Jeff Gordon's 700th career start at Darlington a fewweeks ago, the 87-time NASCAR Sprint Cup Series winner notched his 300th career top-five. But ...
 
Google Alerts
 
Allgaier thrives despite changes to NASCAR team
Greenfield Daily Reporter
DES MOINES, Iowa — NASCAR Nationwide driver Justin Allgaier started the season with a new car, a new crew chief and a relatively new pit crew. The changes haven't led to a victory just yet. But Allgaier is confident that the No. 31 car will be a ..
 
Johnson wins NASCAR All-Star Race; Danica, Earnhardt Jr. disappoint
AthlonSports.com
Furniture Row Racing, as a single-car team, has just one victory in its near-decade of NASCAR competition. Expect that to change soon. Kurt Busch is on a tear, winning the pole for the All-Star Race (as well as the pole at Darlington the week prior ...
 

Courteousy Frontstretch.com

 (http://www.frontstretch.com/):

Bruton Smith Moving Charlotte Race?

SMI's top dog may be looking to move one of NASCAR's hometown races for 2014. O. Bruton Smith, Chairman of Speedway Motorsports, Inc. told WBTV in Charlotte he's looking to shift the Fall, 500-mile Cup race at Charlotte Motor Speedway out to Las Vegas and make it a postseason event. That 1.5-mile oval, which currently has just one date has done well attendance-wise, has great Fall weather and puts Smith in a position (or so he claims) to do better financially.

"We're discussing a ten-year contract," Smith told the television station. "For a lot of money every year."

Any date change, for 2014 and beyond would have to be approved by NASCAR; Smith is not in control of the schedule. However, the sanctioning body has accommodated the SMI veteran in the past, as long as he maneuvers current dates from his tracks on the schedule. For example, Smith was given an inaugural 400-miler at Kentucky Speedway, in 2011 at the expense of a second race at Atlanta Motor Speedway.

The billionaire businessman controls tracks that have roughly a dozen dates on the current Sprint Cup slate. Charlotte was once one of the "crown jewels," along with Bristol on his track ownership list but attendance at its events has declined in recent years. Despite being the "motorsports mecca" of stock car racing, where most race shops and the Hall of Fame is located Las Vegas has eked ahead based on the latest attendance figures reported, in 2012. That year, the March race out West had 50,000 more fans than the Chase event held during the Fall of that year out in Charlotte, a 1.5-mile oval whose asphalt has struggled to produce quality competition over the last decade.

Smith has also had a rocky relationship with Cabarrus County, where the track has been built. Four years ago, the owner filed a lawsuit claiming government officials never followed through on a deal to help with infrastructure and improvements at the facility. There's also been conflict with town residents over noise at the CMS dragstrip and potential future expansion on the property.
 

Michael Annett Cleared To Race

A Nationwide Series regular sidelined since a vicious crash at Daytona is set to return. Michael Annett, out of the No. 43 Richard Petty Motorsports Ford since the season-opening race at Daytona tweeted Monday doctors have cleared him to slip back behind the wheel. Annett, whose most serious injury was a broken sternum got hurt when he and Austin Dillon made contact with less than four laps left, sparking a multi-car incident that totaled nearly a dozen cars and left the Iowa veteran heading to the hospital.

"Can't wait to get back in the seat!!!" the driver said on his Twitter account. "Thanks for all the excitement for me to get back and thanks for all the support from everyone through these 3 long months."

Good friend Reed Sorenson, a former RPM driver himself has been subbing in Annett's absence, posting a best finish of 10th. He'll return to his full-time employer, Key Motorsports' No. 40 Chevrolet beginning this weekend. Aric Almirola also slipped in the No. 43 car for one race, posting a ninth-place result at Phoenix.

Annett, 26, is in his fifth full season racing the Nationwide Series. However, he remains winless in 139 career starts.

News 'N' Notes

- Don't expect major changes at struggling Stewart-Haas Racing anytime soon. When interviewed by SPEED this week, an anonymous executive at SHR claimed they're not considering firing or reassigning crew chiefs within their three-car organization. The team, which has just one top-5 finish amongst their drivers in 33 starts this season, has no driver better in points than Ryan Newman in 17th.

"Every team goes through this, at one point or another," the executive told SPEED's Tom Jensen. "We'll get through it."

- Roush Fenway Racing will run triple Fastenal-sponsored Fords in this weekend's Coca-Cola 600. Traditionally the sponsor of Carl Edwards in the No. 99, the company will expand its portfolio to back Greg Biffle in the No. 16 and rookie Ricky Stenhouse, Jr. in the No. 17 car. The sponsor has already been to Victory Lane once this year, with Edwards at Phoenix and is looking to continue those winning ways in 2013.
 
Today's Featured Commentary
Cheers or Jeers: Both are Good News During Driver Introductions
Sitting In The Stands: A Fan's View
by S.D. Grady

They cheered.  They booed.  Hands were held out for a high five or a lucky grab for an autographed hat.  The drivers smiled, while the crews did something in between as they pushed their cars down the gauntlet of team intros before the Sprint All-Star Race.  In short, we saw and heard lots of emotion from not only those on camera, but from the well-miked crowd in attendance.

While many segments of the ever-changing All-Star race are clearly contrived, the driver intros have actually become something of an art form over the years.  It is always one of the best parts of the night for the TV audience, mostly because the vast majority of NASCAR fans never get to go to the track and see their favorite driver wave to the crowd on the giant rolling stage, or snap a pic as Junior rides by in this week's sponsored truck.  Even if they did, it is only on All-Star night that the whole crew gets to take a bow.  It really is a special moment of recognition for the teams.

It's a fact that you'd think a few fans missed when we heard their reactions Saturday.  It wasn't just Kyle Busch that paused when he rose into the spotlight, braced himself and smiled away the furious noises of apparently angry fans.  Just about every driver heard the negative cries; heck, even Danica Patrick endured more boos than cheers. 

Still, there was noise.  That's something I don't always hear when I'm sitting 40 rows up and waiting for the engines to crank over.  The trend towards silence in the stands has continued to grow over the years, and I struggle to understand exactly what it is in the crowd mentality that is missing in our present century.  Have we forgotten just how important it is to actively participate, even when we are sitting on the sidelines?  Or is it because we've become far too complacent to have the competition fed to us on whatever digital means we have handy?

It has to be a depressing moment to walk out on a stage, with 80,000 fans in the stands and no one notices you.  Too often, I watch the bottom half of the field just make the motions of taking their bow.  What makes me really angry is that those sitting around me are digging in their coolers, looking at the new T-shirt and trying to figure out the FanVision while the real stars of the show are announced.  They'll give me sideways glances as I continue to applaud through the entire field. It worsens as I clap louder, appreciating when a local boy is called up, driving an unsponsored Cup ride for the first time ever. They deserve attention, too.

Do I boo?  Oh, you betcha.  I'm not touting a cheer for every driver.  I'm talking about letting them know you care.  It matters that the seats are filled with those who come every year, dads that are taking their kids to a special event, and co-workers out for a fun afternoon.  We come from all walks of life, drive top-of-the-line SUV's and the occasional junker.  The NASCAR fan comes from as varied a background as the drivers who pilot the brilliantly colored machines parked in pit lane.  We love what auto racing is.  And if you've ever spoken to a NASCAR driver, it's a bone-deep reality that they love it, too.

So please, when you're sitting in the stands, make some noise!  Besides the $75 you paid for entry into the track, cheering is part of your job as a fan.  If Logano did something stupid last week, remind him.  Maybe Johnson won!  And maybe you think that's awesome.  When your neighbor is a Junior fan and you wear the No. 24 on your hat, enjoy a good-natured rivalry for the day.

Driver Introductions are always a big deal -- even without the All-Star Night coverage -- but they'll only be so if the fans find their voices to cheer and jeer.

Numbers Game: Sprint All-Star Race
by Tom Bowles

0
Laps led by Matt Kenseth Saturday night, just the third time this year he's been in a race and failed to pace the field for at least one circuit.

1
The number of drivers who failed to finish due to a crash (Mark Martin). It's the second time in three years Martin has wrecked out in the All-Star Race.

2
The number of laps Brad Keselowski completed before his transmission expired. The reigning Cup champ has just one top-5 finish, a second last year in five career All-Star Race starts.

3
The number of consecutive top-5 finishes for Kyle Busch in the All-Star Race. He was third on Saturday night but remains winless for his career in the main event.

4
Career All-Star Race wins for Jimmie Johnson, a new NASCAR Cup Series record. He's also the first to capture the event, back-to-back since Davey Allison in 1991-'92.

5
Leaders in Saturday night's All-Star Race out of 22 participating in the race. The Busch brothers, Clint Bowyer, and Kasey Kahne spent time at the front along with Johnson.

6.0
Average finish for both Hendrick Motorsports and Joe Gibbs Racing, the best amongst NASCAR teams. Each one had all of their full-time cars in the All-Star event.

15.7
Average finish of the three Stewart-Haas Racing cars in the All-Star event. None of them led a lap, extending their top-5 finish drought to eleven total races. The best finish for the organization this season is a fifth by Ryan Newman in this year's Daytona 500.

$38,865
How much less sixth place paid, in Saturday night's All-Star Race compared to last year's Coca-Cola 600. In this event, where the purse is heavily skewed towards the winner only six drivers took home $100,000 or more in the main event.

$795,000
The difference, in winnings between first-place Jimmie Johnson and second-place Joey Logano.

Courteousy Yahoo Sports

 (http://sports.yahoo.com/nascar/):

Hot/Not: Enough with all the conspiracy theories

NASCAR is guilty of many things, but fixing races so that Jimmie Johnson can win is not one of them.

J.J. shrugs off haters

Pit work pays off

Courteousy Bleacher Report.com

(http://bleacherreport.com/nascar):

Fantasy NASCAR Picks for Coca-Cola 600 at Charlotte

By Chad Robb

Courteousy SpeedwayMedia.com (http://www.speedwaymedia.com/):

Thoughts on the All Star Race — Hendrick Rules

My friend Monte Dutton, who is one of the best or probably was one of the best writers on the NASCAR beat, tweeted Saturday night that unlike normal races, the format actually seems to encourage all hell breaking loose UNTIL the end.

Ken Schrader Just Having Fun as ARCA’s Newest and Oldest Winner

Ken Schrader may just be the oldest winner in the history of the ARCA Racing Series presented by Menards, but he is no doubt the happiest after taking the checkered flag first in the Menards 200 presented by Federated Car Care this weekend at Toledo Speedway.

Was The New All-Star Race Format a Winner or a Loser?

Now that the All-Star Race is over, the criticism/praise of NASCAR's new format begins! After fairly exciting on track action during the first four segments, Jimmie Johnson stole the show in the final 10 lap dash after battling with teammate Kasey Kahne with 8 to go.

All Star Race Qualifying Procedure Different, But A Positive Change

When NASCAR announced earlier last week the new wrinkle to Sprint All Star qualifying – that there would be no pit road speed limit in the mandatory four tire pit stop which every driver must do in a three lap qualifying session – many people were skeptical.

Riggs, RBR battle to season-best finish at Charlotte

At the end of the night, the truck that Scott Riggs pulled on pit road at Charlotte Motor Speedway did not look like one that was a last-lap pass away from a top-ten finish.

RCR Post-Race Report — NSCS Charlotte Motor Speedway

Richard Childress Racing teammates Jeff Burton and Paul Menard participated in the Sprint Showdown finishing third and fourth, respectively. Kevin Harvick competed in the NASCAR Sprint All-Star Race, capturing an 11th place result.

Somewhat Older News
 
 (5/20/13)

Courteousy USA Today.com (http://www.usatoday.com/sports/nascar/):

Allmendinger isn’t sure if NASCAR team will stay around

Read Story

Courteousy NASCAR.com

 (http://www.nascar.com/) :

JOHNSON NOW AIMS TO RECAPTURE 600 GLORY

 IN THE REARVIEW: ALL-STAR RACE

ANNETT SET TO RETURN FOR CHARLOTTE RACE

ENTRY LIST FOR CHARLOTTE NATIONWIDE RACE

Entry list for History 300 at 2:30 p.m. ET on Saturday

Courteousy SpeedTv.com

 (http://nascar.speedtv.com/):

SPEED ALERT: Race Hub To Broadcast NASCAR Hall Of Fame's 'Class Of…

Ryan Newman, driver of the No. 39 Aspen Dental Chevrolet, is introduced during pre-race ceremonies for the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series All-Star race at Charlotte Motor Speedway on May 18, 2013. (Photo: Getty Images)

 

2 updates from Wall Stadium Speedway tonight !!

 (Thanks Jeff Gravatt !!):

1 .

FACTORY STOCK TWIN 25’S HEADLINES MEMORIAL DAY WEEKEND

SATURDAY (MAY 25) AT WALL STADIUM

 

WALL TOWNSHIP, N.J. ~ The cars and stars of Wall Stadium’s highly competitive Factory Stock division will enjoy top billing this Saturday night (May 25) as they compete in Twin 25-lap championship events. Modifieds, Legend Cars, 4 Cylinder racers and the touring TQ Midgets will also be a part of “Proud To Be American Night.” Grandstand seating opens at 5:00 p.m. and qualifying starts at 6:00 p.m. Main events are slated for 7:00 p.m.

 

            Wall Stadium’s Factory Stock division features an impressive roster of competitors ranging from tested veterans to young up and coming racing stars. Defending champion Scott Riggleman of Manchester, recent winners Ronnie Mullen and Joe Mongeau, both of Brick, John Bowers of Pt. Pleasant, lady driver Tiffany Olejnik of Wall and Andrew Krause of Holmdel are just a few of the drivers expected to see action.

 

            Interest is also high as the powerful Modified stock cars will return after two Saturday’s off due to rain. Early season winners Steven Reed of Freehold and Oakland’s Chris Hamilton will lead the way and brothers Christian and Adam LaCicero, both of Lavallette, multi-time champion Chas Okerson of Freehold, veteran Ken Woolley, Jr. of Howell, Eric Mauriello of Brick and lady driver Shawna Ingraham of Brick will be among those looking for their first win of the season.

 

            In addition to the Factory Stock twin races and the 40-lapper for the returning Modifieds, the Legend Cars, 4 Cylinder racers and the open cockpit TQ Midgets will all see action in 25-lap main events. The Sportsman cars and the Limited late Models will have the night off.

To help honor those lost while defending our country, special pre-race ceremonies will take place early in the evening. The patriotic theme will continue throughout the night.

Saturday’s schedule will see the competitor pit area open at noon with a paid test session set for 1:00 until 3:30 p.m. The regular afternoon practice session will then begin at 3:30 p.m. and run until 5:00 p.m., while spectator seating will open at 5:00 p.m.

On track competition will then begin at 6:00 p.m. with qualifying events to be followed by feature race action for all divisions at 7:00 p.m.

Action will then continue on Sunday (May 26) as Wall Stadium presents the “Sunday Small-Car Series” starting at noon.

2

WALL STADIUM SUNDAY SERIES OPENER RESET TO MAY 26

 

WALL TOWNSHIP, N.J. ~ After steady showers forced the cancellation of the opening event for the popular “Sunday Small Car Series” at Wall Stadium on May 19, racers are ready to celebrate Memorial Day Weekend this Sunday (May 26) with action starting at noon. The series will then continue on most Sunday afternoons through the fall.

 

            Among the vehicles involved in the “Sunday Series” will be go-karts, Micro Stocks and Junior Legend Cars. More information is available on the Wall Stadium Speedway website at wallspeedwayracing.com or by calling the speedway office at 732-681-6400.

 

Wall Stadium presents professional motorsports events on most Saturdays and Sundays from mid-April through November. The speedway is located on Route 34 in Wall Township, N.J., just one mile north of Garden State Parkway exit 98 and Interstate 195 exit 35B. The speedway email address is CKMotorsports@aol.com.

 

Courteousy ESPN.com

(http://espn.go.com/racing/nascar/):

Christmas Abbott

Hyped And Sniped

Christmas Abbott could become the first full-time female pit crew member for a Sprint Cup Series team, but not everybody is on board with how she got there. McGee » Popularity puzzles Patrick Listen

Same Ol' JJ

NASCAR unveiled another new format for Saturday night's All-Star Race at Charlotte. But the end
result was very familiar: Jimmie Johnson celebrating in Victory Lane. Terry BlountSportsCenter 

Courteousy Yahoo Sports

 (http://sports.yahoo.com/nascar/):

Why was race a letdown for so many? 

Future uncertain for Allmendinger

Courteousy FOX Sports

(http://msn.foxsports.com/nascar): 

NASCAR driver Schrader takes title of oldest ARCA winner

Tweets Of The Week: All-Star Edition

Mustang GT + Mark Martin's Engine = 800HP Of Street-Legal Awesomeness

Kurt Busch Is Focused, But Is He A Chase Contender? 

All-Star race brought excitement

Final shootout, exciting qualifying — All-Star race got it right.

 

Courteousy Sporting News.com (http://www.sportingnews.com/nascar):

Boo who?

Danica Patrick has quickly become one of NASCAR's biggest stars and most popular drivers. She even made the Sprint All-Star Race through the fan vote. And then she heard something she rarely experiences — boos.

Earnhardt glad to be back at Charlotte after missing last year's race

New focus

A year ago, AJ Allmendinger was struggling with Penske Racing, trying to make a name for himself in NASCAR. Two months later, he was fired. Now he's back with Penske, running the Indy 500 in what he calls "a crazy year."

Courteousy The Stock Car Gazette 

 (http://MotorSportsNews.Net ) (Thanks Heather !):

Stock Car Gazette

Track Trash – Almost All (of the) Stars
by Racing Maniac
 
www.Catchfence.com
 
2013 Charlotte Motor Speedway May NSCS & NNS Weekend Track Event Schedule
CHARLOTTE MOTOR SPEEDWAY 2013 NASCAR SPRINT CUP SERIES NASCAR NATIONWIDE SERIES EVENT SCHEDULE Wednesday, May 22ND 9:00 AM ..
 
Google Alerts
 
NASCAR's All-Star race fails to shine
Examiner.com
Saturday night's NASCAR Sprint All-Star race at Charlotte Motor Speedway proved to be less than stellar. While there were moments of great racing, overall the no-holds-barred free for all hyped by promoters never materialized.
 

Courteousy The Frontstretch.com

(http://www.frontstretch.com/):

Sprint Cup Race Recap: Johnson Makes History, Wins Fourth All-Star Race
by Justin Tucker

Coming into Saturday night's All-Star Race, Jimmie Johnson had a shot at history.  No driver, over nearly three decades had won four All-Star events; Johnson sat tied with Dale Earnhardt and Jeff Gordon for the most, with three.  Well, when the smoke cleared after 90 laps late Saturday night at Charlotte, Jimmie Johnson would once again claim the $1 million dollar paycheck and set a new record for others to "Chase" after.

The Sprint Showdown would kick off All-Star Saturday night at Charlotte Motor Speedway.  Martin Truex, Jr. would lead the field to green for the 40-lap main event qualifier, but Jamie McMurray would prove to have the fastest car from the jump.  McMurray took the lead on lap 1 and never looked back, leading all 40 circuit en route to his first Sprint Showdown victory.  Rookie of the Year candidate Ricky Stenhouse, Jr. would impress all race long and claim his first berth into the All-Star Race by finishing second.  Danica Patrick would finish ninth and receive the Sprint All-Star Fan Vote for her first All-Star appearance.

But none of those three would factor into the big race. Instead, the Busch Brothers would set the early pace during the All-Star event as they would split the first four segment wins between themselves.  Kurt Busch would win the opening segment of the 90-lap event, followed by brother Kyle winning segments 2 and 3.  Segment 4 was dominated by Kurt, as he trudged on to win and hold the all important best average finish through the first four segments heading into the final pit stop.

Then, what was shaping up to be a Busch brothers kind of night turned on a tire change. Hendrick Motorsports, with their duo of Kasey Kahne and Johnson would beat Kurt and Kyle off of pit road to line up first and second on the final restart. On the drop of the green, Johnson was able to pull in front of Kahne on the bottom after a short battle.  Afterwards, Johnson would never again be challenged as he cruised to victory by almost two seconds over runner-up Joey Logano and Kyle Busch. An 11.8-second stop by his crew made the difference, launching the No. 48 into the track position needed after starting the night hanging out way at the back.

A jubilant Johnson said after the victory, "I really didn't think we had a shot at winning, starting 20th. I don't know how we keep doing it."

Behind Johnson, Logano and Kyle Busch was Kahne in fourth, while Kurt Busch rounded out the top-5 finishers.  Denny Hamlin finished sixth, followed by Dale Earnhardt, Jr.  Sprint Showdown Winner McMurray was eighth, while Matt Kenseth and Carl Edwards rounded out the top 10.

Next up for NASCAR is the Coca-Cola 600, with coverage set to start on FOX with pre-race at 5:30 PM EDT.  Race coverage will start at 6:00 PM, with the green flag shortly afterwards.

Sidebar All-Star Race Stories
by Summer Bedgood

SPEED Graphic Mistake Leads to Controversy

SPEED created controversy during last Saturday’s Sprint All-Star Race when a new graphic incorrectly showed Jimmie Johnson should have entered pit road 11th when instead he entered fourth heading into the fifth segment.  NASCAR rules dictated that the driver’s average finish in the first four 20-lap segments would determine the running order as the drivers headed down pit road for the final mandatory pit stop of the day.

While SPEED’s information was, in fact, incorrect it led to outcry on social media from fans who thought NASCAR had played favorites for the five-time champion. Johnson left pit road second and eventually went on to win the race due to track position.

"People just want to hate," said Johnson post-race.  "That's fine.  I'm just lucky.  NASCAR rigs the races and whatever they want to believe.  I'm going home with a cool trophy and a big check and we all really know what happened.  So whatever."

Johnson’s win was his second in a row and fourth all-time, beating out Dale Earnhardt, Sr. and Jeff Gordon for most career All-Star wins.

Busch Brothers Fall Short of Victory Following Strong Run

While Kyle and Kurt Busch combined to win the first four segments of the All-Star Race, neither one of them was in Victory Lane at the conclusion of the final 10-lap shootout.  Kyle won the second and third segments and finished third, while Kurt won the first and fourth segments and finished fifth.

“Unfortunately, tonight we didn't have the best of stops and came out third and that was the race right there,” said Kyle.  You've got to be on the front row if you're going to win this thing.”

Kurt, meanwhile, led the field into the final pit mandatory pit stop prior to the 10-lap shootout due to having the best average finish in the first four segments.  But his pit crew couldn't follow through, a stop over a second slower than his Hendrick competitors leaving him too far back in the pack to make a run.

“My guys, I’m not getting down on them — we came out top 5,” said Kurt.  “Then we were a little tight that last run in the traffic or we didn’t get aggressive enough with your change.  You’re a half a click off on the stopwatch on a pit stop and half a click off on an adjustment, and you can go from batting 4-out-of-5 to striking out the last time out.”

Jimmie Johnson went on to win the race.

Mixed Results for Showdown Transfers in All-Star Event

Showdown transfers Jamie McMurray, Ricky Stenhouse, Jr., and Danica Patrick (fan vote winner) finished eighth, 16th, and 20th, respectively, in Saturday night’s 22-car field.

McMurray transferred from the Showdown after dominating the race, with Stenhouse right in tow.  Patrick, who finished ninth in the Showdown, was the recipient of the Fan Vote.

While the trio failed to lead any laps and really weren’t factors in the race, they were undoubtedly grateful for the opportunity.

20 other drivers competed in the Showdown and failed to qualify for the race.

Jeff Burton, Bobby Labonte, Ricky Stenhouse, Jr., and Martin Truex, Jr., in no particular order, were also in the top 5 for the fan vote.

Quotes to Remember: Sprint All-Star Race
compiled by Summer Bedgood

“It's incredible, especially in the way we had to go about it tonight.  I didn't do us any favors qualifying yesterday.  With this average that we had through the first four segments, I was really fearful I wouldn't have a shot at a front-row start or a second-row start and I felt like the winner would come from one of those two rows.  Not to state the obvious, but that's really the goal from all of us is to try to be in that front row for the final restart.” - Jimmie Johnson, race winner

“It was entertaining, to say the least.  I thought all my guys did a great job calling the race, keeping that average finish up.  I thought we were a fifth to sixth-place car in the beginning of the race and we just needed to get track position and I felt like if we got our track position, we could run decent.  I think we averaged fifth and then we came down pit road, beat one car out which put us in the second row, and in the back of my mind before the race started I felt like I needed to be in the second row with 10 to go to at least have a shot at this thing.  My guys got me what I needed there and then it was up to me to make of the most of what I had.  The 48 was really, really fast.  Once he got that clean air, he was gone.  All I could do was hope for clean air and try to stack everything up and give it one more shot.” - Joey Logano, finished second

“Yeah, it was really good.  Obviously I felt like we had a really, really fast race car.  The Snickers Bites Camry was awesome, probably the best car here, just ran up front most of the night and had really good runs through the segments there, we had two of them, and average wise we were right there with Kurt.  He beat us out a little bit.  Ultimately, it came down to pit road where my guys always prove their worth.  Unfortunately, tonight we didn't have the best of stops and come out third and that was the race right there.  You've got to be on the front row if you're going to win this thing, and unfortunately there on the restart getting side-drafted and sucked around and hit from behind and loose and everything else, I had to finally get straight and get everybody off me to be able to race, and once I could do that I could go forward.” - Kyle Busch, finished third (won Segments 2 and 3)

“Our pit crew did a great job getting us out first.  I was a little tight in the run before.  Not enough time to really fix it if we wanted to get out first.  So we just tried to get four tires and I thought if I could just get clean air this Farmer’s Insurance Chevy.  Then Jimmie just kinda stayed right there and we couldn’t get rid of him and he beat me off into the corner into three and kinda on exit and it was over after that.  I was tight and fell back to fourth.  The pit crew was great.  It was a good run.  Tried hard and just a little too much.  I bounced off a couple too many cars to really have a car capable of running with him at the end.” - Kasey Kahne, finished fourth

"It was sure a blast to win two segments and lead laps I am very proud of how this team is coming together.  Everyone knew we were here tonight.  We fought hard and felt all along that we could win this race.  The car got tight and was plowing during the final 10 laps.  It just didn’t have the same handling as it did in the first four segments.” - Kurt Busch, finished fifth (Won Segments 1 and 4)

Courteousy SpeedwayMedia.com (http://www.speedwaymedia.com/):

Kurt Busch Has Mixed Feelings About 5th-Place All-Star Finish

Kurt Busch saw a potential victory slip to a fifth-place finish in Saturday night’s rain-delayed NASCAR Sprint All-Star Race at Charlotte Motor Speedway.

Another Million: Johnson Takes His Fourth All-Star Race

For the fourth time in his career, Jimmie Johnson scored victory in the Sprint All-Star Race. He did it in classic Jimmie Johnson fashion by not coming alive until the last segment and then doing an all-out blitz to the finish. The race was rather calm, but the historic run by Johnson makes up for some of the vacant storylines this race had.

Courteousy FOX Sports

(http://msn.foxsports.com/nascar):

Feud of the Week: Joe Gibbs Racing vs. the Sprint All-Star Race

Courteousy New Jersey Motorsports Park

(http://www.njmp.com/):

May 14, 2013
AHRMA Vintage Motorcycle Festival heats up with Atlantic County Harley-Davidson as presenting sponsor - Read More > 
 
AWE Tuning presents Volkstreffen German Festival and Car Show at New Jersey Motorsports Park - Read More >
 
(5/19/13)

Courteousy Bleacher Report.com

 (http://bleacherreport.com/nascar):

Breaking Down Kurt Busch's Return to NASCAR Sprint Cup Contender Status 

NASCAR All Star Race 2013: Biggest Stories From Saturday's Premier Event

by Jesse Reed

History was made in more than one way at NASCAR 's 2013 Sprint All-Star Race. A unique event, the All-Star race consisted of five separate segments—four 20-lap mini-races, so to speak, and one final 10-lap sprint... Read More »

By Geoffrey Miller

Courteousy USA Today.com (http://www.usatoday.com/sports/nascar/):

 NASCAR’s All-Star Race suffers from predictability

Read Story

Courteousy Sporting News.com (http://aol.sportingnews.com/nascar):

Time to tweak again

The Sprint Cup drivers in Saturday night's All-Star race knew well before the final 10-lap segment what would happen. With too much grip on the track, the car that started out front—on this night, Jimmie Johnson—would easily win.

Courteousy NASCAR.com

(http://www.nascar.com/) :

JOHNSON'S HALL OF FAME RESUME CONTINUES TO GROW

PIT ROAD PLAYS BIG PART IN ALL-STAR OUTCOME 

 POST-RACE REACTIONS: SPRINT ALL-STAR RACE

Courteousy Yahoo Sports

 (http://sports.yahoo.com/nascar/):

Same ol' Charlotte story: J.J. a winner

Jimmie Johnson worked his way through rule changes and the field so secure his record fourth All-Star race win.

Back-to-back winner

 Earnhardt Jr's special Charlotte connection

Courteousy Sporting News.com (http://aol.sportingnews.com/nascar):

Earnhardt, Stewart voice complaints about their cars during All-Star race

Courteousy SpeedTv.com

(http://nascar.speedtv.com/):

Jimmie Johnson, driver of the No.48 Lowe's Patriotic Chevrolet, celebrates in Victory Lane after winning the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series All-Star race at Charlotte Motor Speedway on May 18, 2013 in Concord, North Carolina. (Photo: LAT Photographic)

Courteousy The Stock Car Gazette

 (http://MotorSportsNews.Net) (Thanks Heather !):

Google Alerts

5 NASCAR personalities to help children
The Seattle Times
Sprint Cup points leader Jimmie Johnson, Kasey Kahne and Clint Bowyer, as well as NASCAR team owners Rick Hendrick, Michael Waltrip and Rob Kauffman will be raising money for children. The Associated Press
 

PitTalks.com

Crewman talk about the All Star Qualifying pole run for the #99 team
 

Courteousy FOX Sports

(http://msn.foxsports.com/nascar):

Johnson makes history once more
Johnson makes history with fourth All-Star victory.
 
 

Courteousy  SpeedTv.com

(http://nascar.speedtv.com/):Jimmie Johnson, driver of the No. 48 Lowe's Patriotic Chevrolet, pulls into Victory Lane after winning the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series All-Star race at Charlotte Motor Speedway on May 18, 2013 in Concord, North Carolina. (Photo: Getty Images)

 For the latest news from Bridgeport Speedway (http://www.bpspeedway.com/ ) { Ya'...like Wall Stadium Speedway. It rained here too last night } .But they did race on Friday ! See my Bridgeport Speedway page :Bridgeport Speedway !  .

 Re. New Egypt Speedway (http://www.newegyptspeedway.net/).

As of 11:30 AM, EDST.  I still haven't seen the news from last night's racing action there.IF they raced.   But I do know that  the  Billy Pauch Racing School for today (Sunday) has been cancelled .

Courteousy Sporting News.com (http://aol.sportingnews.com/nascar):

Earnhardt memory alive and well at Charlotte Motor Speedway

Great debate

Jimmie Johnson surpassed Dale Earnhardt and Jeff Gordon Saturday night when he won his fourth Sprint All-Star Race. Johnson is gaining on Earnhardt and Gordon in another important category, too—greatest driver ever.  

League of his own

When it comes to the Sprint All-Star Race, Jimmie Johnson is in a class of his own. He passed teammate Kasey Kahne on the final restart and picked up his fourth career win in the prestigious race, the first driver to do it.

Left empty-handed

Kyle and Kurt Busch were sitting pretty in the Sprint All-Star Race. They had the fastest cars and had split the first four segments of the five-segment race. But in the end, the two drivers went home disappointed.

Courteousy ESPN.com

(http://espn.go.com/racing/nascar/):

Starry, Starry Night

Some people just love to hate Jimmie Johnson. Well, the five-time Sprint Cup champ -- who won his record fourth All-Star Race -- has a message for his critics: Whatever. David Newton » HighlightsSportsCenter 

Courteousy Bleacher Report.com

 (http://bleacherreport.com/nascar):

Winners,Losers at NASCAR Sprint All-Star Race 2013

By Joe Menzer 

NASCAR Sprint All-Star Race Results, Analysis

by Rob Goldberg

In a race featuring the best in the sport, Jimmie Johnson came away with the win at the NASCAR Sprint All-Star Race. This exhibition win gives him a nice payday of $1 million... Read More »

Courteousy SpeedTv.com

(http://nascar.speedtv.com/):Kyle Busch, driver of the No. 18 Snickers Bites Toyota, leads a group of cars during the NASCAR Sprint Cup Showdown at Charlotte Motor Speedway on May 18, 2013 in Concord, North Carolina. (Photo: Getty Images)

Courteousy NASCAR.com

(http://www.nascar.com/) :

JOHNSON REPEATS FOR FOURTH ALL-STAR VICTORY

Last stop dooms Kurt Busch’s bid for $1 million

SLIGHT FADE FOILS KAHNE IN ALL-STAR HOME STRETCH

Courteousy Amanda Vincent

 (Thanks Amanda !):

 
Jimmie Johnson claims fourth NASCAR Sprint All-Star win
 
Amanda Vincent

Courteousy SpeedTv.com

(http://nascar.speedtv.com/):Jimmie Johnson, driver of the No.48 Lowe's Patriotic Chevrolet, won the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series All-Star race at Charlotte Motor Speedway on May 18, 2013 in Concord, North Carolina. (Photo: Getty Images)

 (http://www.nascar.com/) :

TROUBLING SEGMENT 4 FOR KYLE BUSCH

Courteousy FOX Sports

(http://msn.foxsports.com/nascar):

Jimmie Johnson wins All-Star race - again | Results 

Keselowski suffers transmission failure early in All-Star race

Race Day Blog: Sights and Sounds From the Sprint All-Star Race

Daryl Wright Breaks It Down With Pit Road Rapper Kenyatta Houston

Daryl ' Vodkatime ' Wright Takes To Charlotte Motor Speedway

 
(5/18/13)

   Courteousy SpeedwayMedia.com (http://www.speedwaymedia.com/):

Kenseth continues to add wins, emotion to early season success

Matt Kenseth enters NASCAR’s All-Star weekend as the hottest driver in the Cup Series and a favorite to take home the $1 million prize on Saturday night. Coming off his third win of the season last weekend at Darlington, Kenseth has been walking on air. His emotional celebration after winning his first Bojangles’ Southern 500 [...]

Paludo Leads 33 Laps En Route to Seventh-Place Finish in Charlotte

Miguel Paludo and the No. 32 Turner Scott Motorsports team continued their strong start to the 2013 season, exhibiting clever strategy and skillful driving in the fifth race on the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series (NCWTS) schedule at Charlotte Motor Speedway. Earning their third top-10 start of the year, Paludo went on to lead 33 laps and dominate on late restarts before bringing home a seventh-place finish in the Levine Children's Hospital Chevrolet.

Rebound From Early Set Back Yields 12th Place Finish for Armstrong at Charlotte

Dakoda Armstrong and the No. 60 WinField Silverado team entered the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series (NCWTS) NC Education Lottery 200 on Friday night with high hopes after successful practice sessions and a top-10 qualifying effort.

Matty’s Picks 2013 – Vol. 9 Sprint All-Star Race – Charlotte Motor Speedway – May 18, 2013

We're 1/3 of the way through the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series season, and it’s onto Speedweeks at Charlotte. A million bucks is up for grabs this week (actually 2 million), and unlike the NHL, the NBA, and the MLB, we're already on to the All-Star weekend.

MAX GRESHAM EMBRACES A MEMORABLE THIRD-PLACE FINISH AT CHARLOTTE MOTOR SPEEDWAY

It was difficult for Max Gresham to pinpoint his favorite part of Friday's North Carolina Education Lottery 200 at the Charlotte Motor Speedway.

Courteousy NASCAR.com

 (http://www.nascar.com/) :

PATRICK WINS SPRINT FAN VOTE TOP 

 TOP FIVE IN SPRINT FAN VOTE ANNOUNCED

Courteousy SpeedTv.com

 (http://nascar.speedtv.com/):Ricky Stenhouse Jr. , driver of the No. 17 Best Buy Ford will compete in the All-Star race at Charlotte Motor Speedway. (Photo: Getty Images)

Kasey Kahne and Kyle Busch have some history of hard racing in the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series. (Photo: Getty Images)

Courteousy Bleacher Report.com

(http://bleacherreport.com/nascar):

NASCAR All-Star Race 2013: Drivers to Watch in Unique Charlotte Race

By Alex Ballentine

Courteousy SpeedTv.com

(http://nascar.speedtv.com/):Tonight's Sprint All-Star Race will be broadcast live on SPEED. (Photo: LAT Photographic)

  Personal Note !

 Well I was @ Wall Stadium Speedway(( http://www.wallspeedwayracing.com/?from_fb=1):   early this evening but Mother Nature decided to move up her shower plans for tonight ,and washed things out !

Courteousy Bleacher Report.com

 (http://bleacherreport.com/nascar):

Problems NASCAR Must Fix to Broaden Its Appeal

By Joseph Shelton

Courteousy ESPN.com

 (http://espn.go.com/racing/nascar/):

Something To Prove

Brad Keselowski doesn't feel like he drives with a chip on his shoulder. But in an interview with
ESPN NASCAR analyst Ricky Craven, Keselowski admits past snubs motivate him. WatchVideo 

Making It In

Danica Patrick wants to make the All-Star Race through the Showdown, but if not ... Newton blog » 

  Racing Live! 7:30 ET »

Courteousy SpeedTv.com

 (http://nascar.speedtv.com/):Matt Kenseth stands by Friday at Charlotte Motor Speedway. (Photo: Getty Images)

Courteousy The Stock Car Gazette

( http://MotorSportsNews.Net) (Thanks Heather !):

www.Catchfence.com

 
 
Google Alerts
 
Ex-NASCAR racer to court after NV-AZ-UT chase
San Francisco Chronicle
GEORGE, Utah (AP) — A former NASCAR driver who led police on a high-speed chase through Nevada, Arizona and Utah has been ordered to appear in Utah state court next month. The (St. George) Spectrum reports (http://tinyurl.com/ayhsrln) a preliminary ...
 
Insider Racing News
       Kyle Busch Breaks “Drought” With NASCAR Camping World Truck Series Win at Charlotte
 
Winless in his last seven starts in NASCAR’s Camping World Truck Series, Kyle Busch broke what was for him a major drought with a victory in Friday night’s North Carolina Education Lottery 200 at Charlotte Motor Speedway. Busch, who owns his own truck, charged from the back of the field after a pit road penalty to win in the series for the first time since Sept. 24, 2011 at New Hampshire. The victory was Busch’s fifth at Charlotte and the 31st of his career in 107 starts.
Brendan Gaughan ran second, .468 seconds behind Busch, with the race decided in an eight-lap green-flag run to the finish after the eighth caution of the night. Max Gresham finished a career-best third, followed by series leader Matt Crafton and Ty Dillon. “It was an eternity -- the starts were spread over a year and half,” Busch said of his seven-race winless streak. “It certainly was frustrating last year that (crew chief) Eric (Phillips) and I weren’t able to get to Victory Lane. We only ran three starts, and in all of those three starts, we were a really good truck and had a shot to win in all three of those. “We’ve been fast. These guys do a good job, (crew chief) Rudy (Fugle) here, taking over for my stuff on the No. 51with a smaller team -- it’s only him and a couple of other guys that are full-time for it. These guys do a lot of work for being so small and just coming out here trying to knock out some wins.”
 
Busch had led 66 laps by the time Tyler Young’s spin caused the fourth caution of the race on Lap 82. On a fuel-only pit stop under yellow on Lap 84, Busch drew a penalty for dragging his gas can out of the pit stall and restarted on Lap 88 at the rear of the field. Undeterred—and using the penalty as an opportunity to take four fresh tires -- Busch carved his way through the field and had just taken over the seventh position when hard contact between the trucks of Ron Hornaday Jr. and Jake Crum—after Hornaday cut his right front tire -- brought out the fifth caution on Lap 94. After a spate of cautions, Busch finally regained the lead, passing Miguel Paludo for the top spot a lap before a pair of simultaneous wrecks caused caution No. 8 on Lap 122. A crash near the front of the field eliminated Darrell Wallace Jr. and damaged the truck of Brad Keselowski.
 
Note: The victory was the first as a crew chief for Fugle…Busch now has 113 wins in NASCAR’s top three series combined…Gaughan scored his third straight top-five finish and climbed three spots to fourth in points… Crafton leads in the series standings by 22 points over polesitter Jeb Burton, who finished 13th. (NASCAR Wire Service)
 
Quick Work on Pit Road Nets Carl Edwards Pole for Sprint All-Star Race
Needless to say, Carl Edwards loved the new qualifying format for Saturday night’s Sprint All-Star Race. Benefiting from a high-speed trip down pit road and a quick pit stop during the unique three-lap regimen in Friday’s time trials, Edwards won the pole for the 29th running of NASCAR’s non-points all-star event. With the pit road speed limit waived for the qualifying session, Edwards ran three laps—including a mandatory four-tire pit stop—in one minute 51.297 seconds, averaging 145.556 mph. The 15th of 19 drivers to make a qualifying attempt, Edwards knocked Kurt Busch (144.398 mph) off the provisional pole. Dale Earnhardt Jr. posted the second fastest average speed (144.398 mph) but drew a five-second penalty for a loose lug nut and will start 13th, leaving Busch on the front row beside Edwards.
Greg Biffle will start third, followed by Kyle Busch and Joey Logano, in an event that pays $1 million to the winner -- and another potential $1 million to a driver who can win all five segments. The event will be contested in segments of 20, 20, 20, 20 and 10 laps. “This is so unbelievable, because we tried so hard,” Edwards said. “This is such an exciting qualifying format. There’s so much pressure, and to get the pole -- it’s spectacular. Our car was fast. Our pit crew was fast. It was awesome. This is the way we want to start this weekend. We want to win this thing. We want to win all $2 million, all the segments. It’s part of our plan… I vote we did this at every race track. It’s so cool. It’s a lot of fun.”
 
Defending race winner Jimmie Johnson was fourth out and first to blow the pit stop. Johnson screamed down pit road, but his No. 48 Chevrolet slid through his pit stall, forcing Johnson to back up before his crew could begin its work. With a stop of more than 20 seconds, Johnson averaged 135.608 mph. A penalty for a loose lug nut added five seconds to his time and cut his average speed to 130.160 mph. Johnson will start 18th on Saturday night. Kevin Harvick also slid through his pit stall, and had his time disallowed because his crew started service before the No. 29 Chevy was back in the box. But the miscue didn’t matter, given that an engine change after Friday’s practice will send Harvick to the rear of the field for the start of the race. In a conventional two-lap qualifying session that preceded the Sprint All-Star Race time trials, Martin Truex Jr. won the pole for Saturday’s Sprint Showdown at 193.424 mph (27.918 seconds), edging Jamie McMurray (192.699 mph) for the top starting spot.
 
The top two finishers in the Showdown, which features a field of 23 cars this year, will transfer into the main event. Winless since 2007, Truex is a veteran of the Showdown, and he confessed to being envious of those who were exempt into the All-Star Race. “I’m definitely jealous that I’m not out there tonight,” Truex said after winning the pole. “For an event like this, it’s neat to see them mix it up and do something different because it’s an all-star race. There’s not points here. You don’t have to go by the book. This is the weekend where you want to throw out the rules and make new stuff up, which generally they like to do.” (NASCAR Wire Service)
 
Is Winning Bruton Smith’s $1-million Bonus a Realistic Possibility?
Jimmie Johnson, on the other hand, doesn’t discount the prospect of winning Bruton’s Big Bonus nearly that much. Track owner Bruton Smith, chairman of Speedway Motorsports Inc., has offered a $1-million bonus to any driver who can win all five segments of Saturday night’s Sprint All-Star Race at Charlotte Motor Speedway. That’s in addition to the $1-million top prize already on the line for the winner of the non-points NASCAR Sprint Cup Series race. “I think there’s a chance, (but) I think it’s a long shot,” said Johnson, who won last year’s exhibition event. “With the competition that exists in the All-Star Race, it’s going to be a long shot, but it’s worth it, and it will bring some excitement. If somebody does ring that bell, it will be a hell of a party.”
Busch facetiously took credit for a rule change that should motivate drivers to race hard in each of the four 20-lap segments leading up to the final 10-lap shootout. Last year, Johnson won the first segment and, knowing he would be first to pit road before the final 10 laps, ran in the back during segments 2, 3 and 4. This year, drivers will enter pit road for a mandatory four-tire stop based on best average finish in the four segments combined. “I don't know if you have my transcript from last year, but I said the rules were stupid and they need to change it to this year's rules, so I take full credit and responsibility for them changing the rules,” Busch said. “I think the rules are right this year. (This year), you have to run each segment as hard as you can. You have to stay up front to keep your average finish as good as you can. There's going to be a lot of things playing out in between the segments with pit stops, tire strategy -- do you take two (tires), do you stay out, do you come in and get four if there's a yellow in the middle of a segment? Do you pit then and get yourself ready for the next segment? There's a whole bunch of different things that could certainly lie in the race, and I think it's going to make it a lot more fun not only for the fans, but for the crew chiefs as well. I say fun, but I'm sure they will have some headaches after it, too. I think this year is going to be a heck of a lot better.” --/-- Though the prospect of winning Bruton’s Big Bonus will enliven the action, too, Busch thinks it will be extremely difficult for one driver to win all five segments. “Realistically, winning all the segments, if I were a sports bookie, I would put a 300-to-1 on it." (NASCAR Wire Service)
 
P R E S S  *  R E L E A S E S
 
LIONEL RACING UNVEILS FIRST MISS SPRINT CUP CAR
CONCORD, NC. (May 17, 2013) – They’re three of the most recognized faces on race weekend.  They wear fire suits. They sign autographs. They always make it to Victory Lane.
But until now, they’ve never had their own race car.
Today at Charlotte Motor Speedway, Lionel Racing and Sprint unveiled the first-ever Miss Sprint Cup paint scheme!
Designed by Lionel Racing, The Official Die-Cast of NASCAR, the Miss Sprint Cup car is a first for the famous trio and the die-cast makes a fun NASCAR collectible for fans.
"The Miss Sprint Cup representatives are tremendous ambassadors for both Sprint and the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series. Since the program began in 2007 they have amassed a large fan following on social media and at the racetrack,” said Kimberly Meesters, Sprint’s NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Sponsorship Manager.
“Thanks to Lionel Racing, they now have a great-looking die-cast as the first piece of collectible merchandise ever produced featuring the Miss Sprint Cup team.”
Designed on a Generation 6 stock car, the Miss Sprint Cup die-cast is just like the die-cast of any NASCAR Sprint Cup series driver – from the Goodyear tires and window net to the “Miss Sprint Cup” name on the windshield.
Miss Sprint Cup Brooke Werner is already a big fan of the die-cast car. "The Miss Sprint Cup die-cast really is one of a kind,” said Werner. “And I think fans are going to get a kick out of the fun design Lionel came up with for our first-ever die-cast!  Kim (Coon), Jaclyn (Roney) and I are looking forward to this collectible."
Howard Hitchcock, Senior Vice President and General Manager of Lionel Racing, anticipates the Miss Sprint Cup car will not only be a hit with die-cast collectors, but also more casual fans of the sport who may not have purchased die-cast before.
“We’re always looking for ways to reach the next generation of NASCAR fans and engage new fans in the hobby of die-cast collecting,” Hitchcock said. “Each member of the Miss Sprint Cup team is a star of the sport and fans of all ages love them – no matter who their favorite driver is. This may be the first die-cast that truly appeals to every fan at the track.”
The Miss Sprint Cup die-cast is available for pre-order through the NASCAR.com Superstore, LionelRacing.com and authorized dealers. The die-cast will be available to purchase at track in July. The car is produced under Lionel’s Action Racing Collectable brand and is available in 1:24 scale.
###
“Ten Days Of Giving” Tour Culminates With NASCAR Day Celebration
The NASCAR Foundation Brings Industry Together Through Philanthropic Activities
 
DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. (May 17, 2013) – The NASCAR Foundation and the NASCAR industry celebrate the 10th Annual NASCAR Day today at Charlotte Motor Speedway, the final stop on the “Ten Days of Giving” tour. This special day is an unprecedented celebration of drivers, corporate partners, media and fans uniting with The NASCAR Foundation to support a range of charitable causes that are relevant and meaningful to those within the NASCAR family.
 
“We are proud of the NASCAR industry’s contributions to communities through NASCAR Day over the past 10 years,” said Betty Jane France, chairwoman of The NASCAR Foundation. “The industry has responded as we envisioned, when we began the foundation, helping us raise almost $12 million for various charities, with an emphasis on children’s causes. These funds have helped more than 100,000 children through numerous organizations including those participating with the tour.”
 
As part of the day’s festivities, The NASCAR Foundation is hosting a celebratory cake-cutting ceremony in the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series garage at Charlotte Motor Speedway that includes appearances by NASCAR drivers and industry representatives. Additionally, the foundation is presenting a check to Victory Junction for $3,385,454 symbolizing donations collected for the camp over the past 10 years of NASCAR Day.
 
For the first time, The NASCAR Foundation launched a “Ten Days of Giving” tour that included philanthropic activities in several markets across the country. At each stop on the tour, which began May 8 in Atlanta, the foundation partnered with various organizations to deliver surprise acts of kindness. The tour also visited Winston-Salem, N.C.; Brooklyn, Mich.; Darlington, S.C.; Kansas City, Kan.; New York, and Daytona Beach, Fla.
 
Some of the highlights from the last 10 days are listed below.
 
Day One: The NASCAR Foundation visited the George Washington Carver Boys & Girls Club in Atlanta, Ga., and surprised the kids with a new flat-screen TV and video gaming equipment. In addition, The NASCAR Foundation celebrated The Coca-Cola Company’s 10 years of contributions, totaling $500,000. NASCAR Camping World Truck Series driver John Wes Townley participated in the day’s activities. Atlanta Motor Speedway joined the celebration by giving the kids race tickets to the track’s NASCAR Nationwide Series Great Clips 300 race in September.
 
Day Four: The NASCAR Foundation and Darlington Raceway honored Stephanie Decker and her family with an all-inclusive VIP race experience. Decker, a mother of three, lost both her legs after a tornado ripped through Henryville, Ind., in 2012 and leveled their home. Stephanie used her body to shield her children from the falling debris, and, as a result, the kids survived unharmed. The Stephanie Decker Foundation’s mission is to assist children in need of prosthetics and to help others gain access to cutting-edge prosthetics. Decker was recognized and presented with a $5,000 donation from The NASCAR Foundation for her charity onstage as part of the pre-race festivities prior to the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series race.
 
Day Five: The NASCAR Foundation, along with NASCAR driver and Kansas City native Jennifer Jo Cobb, surprised mothers staying at Ronald McDonald House Charities of Kansas City with beautiful, fresh flowers in honor of Mother’s Day. In 2010, as part of its seventh annual NASCAR Day celebration, The NASCAR Foundation and Sprint donated a playground for children at the facility in honor of Tom Murphy, former board member of The NASCAR Foundation and Sprint Vice President of Corporate Brand Marketing, who was tragically killed in 2009.
 
Day Eight: The NASCAR Foundation surprised all past Betty Jane France Humanitarian Award finalists with donations of supplies needed for their charities. The eight charities include: Alabama Institute for Deaf and Blind (Robert Weaver), Andrew McDonough B+ Foundation (Ali McDonough), Autism Academy of South Carolina (Lorri Shealy Unumb), Autism Speaks (Jake Bernstein), Bridge of Books Foundation (Patty Aber), Camp Sunshine of Sebago Lakes (Ron Eby), PBJ Connections, Inc. (Brenda Doner) and Starlight Children’s Foundation (Michael Jackson).
 
Camping World, the Official Outdoor and RV Retailer of NASCAR, joined the cause this year and offered the limited edition pin, designed by NASCAR’s first officially licensed artist Sam Bass, at Camping World SuperCenters nationwide for a $10 donation to The NASCAR Foundation. NASCAR fans and supporters can pick up their collectible pins through the end of the season at track during select race weekends or online at NASCAR.com/foundation.
 
To read a recap on each of the stops during the tour, please visit http://nas.cr/g4zP. Fans and supporters can join the conversation on Twitter using hashtag #NASCARDay.
 
N A S C A R * C A N A D I A N * T I R E * S E R I E S
 
Family ties drive DJ Kennington
CANOE
For D.J. Kennington the highlight of 2012 was not the record-breaking NASCAR Canadian Tire Series season where he collected his second championship and won in seven of 12 races — it was the birth of his and his wife Jaime's son Chase on Nov. 28.
 
 
 
Courteousy Sporting News.com (http://aol.sportingnews.com/nascar):

Legend of The Intimidator

Two weeks in Charlotte bring memories of Dale Earnhardt, whose presence remains strong at his home track. A seven-time Cup champion, The Intimidator is represented by his son and a legion of fans.

  3 articles,courteousy Amanda Vincent

(Thanks Amanda !!!):

http://stockcarspin.com/2013/05/18/kyle-busch-claims-truck-series-win-at-charlotte/

 
Kyle Busch claims Truck Series win at Charlotte

http://stockcarspin.com/2013/05/18/carl-edwards-claims-pole-for-sprint-all-star-race/

 
Carl Edwards claims pole for Sprint All-Star Race
 
 
Martin Truex Jr. on pole for Sprint Showdown
 
Amanda Vincent

Courteousy SpeedTv.com

(http://nascar.speedtv.com/):Dale Earnhardt Jr. won the 2000 Sprint All-Star Race. (Photo: Getty Images)

 
(5/17/13)

Courteousy NASCAR.com

(http://www.nascar.com/) :

BUSCH WINS TRUCK SERIES RACE AT CHARLOTTE  

CONTACT AND PENALTIES PLAGUE PIT STOPS

SAUTER CRASHES AFTER CONTACT WITH BUESCHER 

DOUBLE TROUBLE EARLY FOR QUIROGA

CALAMITY FOR HORNADAY AND OTHERS

 WALLACE JR. SPINS LATE OFF TURN 2

Courteousy SpeedTv.com

(http://nascar.speedtv.com/):Kyle Busch celebrates winning the NASCAR Camping World Series North Carolina Education Lottery 200 at Charlotte Motor Speedway. (Photo: LAT Photographic)

Courteousy SpeedwayMedia.com (http://www.speedwaymedia.com/):

Previewing the 29th Running of the NASCAR All-Star Race

NASCAR comes home this weekend to kick off what in my opinion is the best two weeks on the motorsport schedule. $2,000,000 is on the line this weekend at Charlotte Motor Speedway and the best stock car drivers in the world will lay it all out on the line hoping to hoist that check when the dust settles. 

CHEVY NSCS AT CHARLOTTE ALL-STAR RACE: Danica Patrick Press Conf. Transcript

DANICA PATRICK, NO. 10 GODADDY CARES CHEVROLET SS, met with members of the media and discussed, how she approaches the Sprint Showdown, the potential of winning the Sprint Fan Vote and other topics.

Trevor Bayne looks for Michigan win and better success this year

Trevor Bayne was out at Michigan International Speedway earlier this week testing with Wood Brothers Racing in preparation for the event in June. Speeds were hitting over 200 mph as Michigan has become one of the fastest tracks since the repave last year.

CHEVY NSCS AT CHARLOTTE ALL-STAR RACE: Jimmie Johnson Press Conf. Transcript

JIMMIE JOHNSON, NO. 48 LOWE’S PATRIOTIC CHEVROLET, met with members of the media at Charlotte Motor Speedway and discussed last year’s All-Star Race win, his thoughts on the format for this year’s All-Star race and other topics.

Todd Peck Announces Return to Truck Series in 2013

Todd Peck isn't about to let arthritis slow him down. As a matter of fact, he plans on going faster than ever in 2013. He announced today that he will return to drive his family-owned Peck Motorsports No. 40 Arthritis Foundation Chevrolet Silverado in a limited NASCAR Camping World Truck Series schedule.

Toyota NSCS Charlotte Mark Martin Notes & Quotes

"Dick (Trickle) made himself a mentor to many, Rusty (Wallace), myself, Alan Kulwicki -- you know we wouldn't have been the racers that we were when we got here had we not come under his influence. Of course, you have to change, after a while you have to adapt to circumstances as well. I was proud of who we were and the racers we were."

Courteousy NASCAR.com

(http://www.nascar.com/) :

EDWARDS POSTS TOP SPEED IN ALL-STAR RACE QUALIFYING  

Trickle’s impact goes well beyond results

Courteousy Sporting News.com (http://aol.sportingnews.com/nascar):

HEAR IT: Trickle makes 911 call before apparent suicide

 Patrick says she knows nothing about so-called 'Danica rule'

Courteousy ESPN.com

(http://espn.go.com/racing/nascar/):

All-Out All-Star

The All-Star Race calls for a no-holds-barred approach, which suits Kyle Busch's style just fine. Is it dirty? No, just fast. David NewtonVideo    Racing Live! Saturday, 7:30 p.m. ET »

Courteousy NASCAR.com

(http://www.nascar.com/) :

Truex Jr. speeds to Sprint Showdown pole

Courteousy SpeedTv.com

( http://nascar.speedtv.com/):

Martin Truex Jr. will attempt to race his way into the All-Star race from pole position on Saturday.

ON THE POLE — Martin Truex Jr. won the pole for tomorrow night’s 40-lap Sprint Showdown preliminary race at Charlotte Motor Speedway. The top two finishers in that race, as well as the winner of the Sprint Fan Vote, will transfer into the Sprint All-Star Race and race for a $1 million winner’s purse.

Truex, the last of 23 drivers to go out, lapped the 1.5-mile CMS track at 193.424 miles per hour in his Michael Waltrip Racing Toyota. “I hope to get in the big show,” Truex said. “That’s what it’s all about.”

Second was Jamie McMurray at 192.699 mph, which was barely enough to edge his Earnhardt Ganassi Racing with Felix Sabates teammate Juan Pablo Montoya, third with a lap of 192.342 mph. Ricky Stenhouse Jr. was fourth, followed by Casey Mears, Jeff Burton and Danica Patrick.

NASCAR analyst Jeff Hammond (Left) and professional rodeo competitor Taylor Earnhardt (Right) teach Ricky Stenhouse Jr (Center)how to rope during a press event highlighting the Wild West-themed NASCAR Sprint All-Star Race. (Photo: CMS)

Courteousy Truck Series.com

(http://truckseries.com/):

SAUTER: Has Truck To Beat'

Courteousy FOX Sports

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Dale Earnhardt Sr., Father of the All-Star Paint Scheme 

CUP: Ambrose Wrecks, Harvick Blows Up - All-Star Practice 2013 NASCAR: Marcos Ambrose breaks a rear axle and Kevin Harvick loses his engine min...
 
Courteousy USA Today.com (http://www.usatoday.com/sports/nascar/):
 
Busch details dustups with Kahne ahead of All-Star Race

Read Story

Danica Patrick not focused on All-Star fan vote

Courteousy SpeedTv.com

(http://nascar.speedtv.com/ ):Jeb Burton will start from the the pole for tonight’s North Carolina Education Lottery 200 NASCAR Camping World Truck Series race at Charlotte Motor Speedway. (Photo: Getty Images)

Courteousy NASCAR.com

(http://www.nascar.com/) :

Kyle Busch sets pace in final practice

Bad luck for Ambrose during practice

NOTEBOOK: KESELOWSKI DISPLAYS MOSAIC ON CAR

FOR BUSCH, RUN-IN WITH KAHNE MERELY HARD RACING

Courteousy Sporting News.com (http://aol.sportingnews.com/nascar):

Preparing for payback

Kyle Busch can dish out payback as well as any driver. He's done it throughout his career. So Busch expects Kasey Kahne to retaliate for being wrecked by Busch three times this year. 

NASCAR wonders why

Dick Trickle is remembered as a hard-nosed racer and a short-track legend. But the NASCAR community is wondering why the former driving star and popular figure took his own life.

Courteousy ESPN.com

(http://espn.go.com/racing/nascar/):

Andrew Collier and Sean Collier

Door-To-Door

It's been nearly a month since Hendrick Motorsports employee Andrew Collier lost his brother, slain MIT police officer Sean Collier. The hurt is still there. But so are many fond memories. Marty Smith »

Courteousy SpeedTv.com

(http://nascar.speedtv.com/):

Jimmie Johnson, driver of the No. 48 Lowe's Patriotic Chevrolet, celebrates in victory lane after winning the NASCAR Sprint All-Star Race at Charlotte Motor Speedway on May 19, 2012 in Charlotte, North Carolina. (Photo: Getty Images)

Courteousy NASCAR.com

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Stenhouse shows the way in Sprint Showdown practice

Courteousy FOX Sports

(http://msn.foxsports.com/nascar):

Truex blends charity with racing effort
Truex puts competition aside to raise money for children's hospital.

Courteousy NASCAR.com

(http://www.nascar.com/en_us/sprint-cup-series.html):

Peters topS final Trucks practice at Charlotte

Courteousy Sporting News.com (http://aol.sportingnews.com/nascar):

Brother says Dick Trickle suffering from chest pains before death

Courteousy Bleacher Report.com

(http://bleacherreport.com/nascar):

Reviewing New Incentives for NASCAR All-Star Weekend

By Matt Fitzgerald

Complete NASCAR Sprint Showdown Preview

by Mike Chiari

While all eyes will be on Saturday night's NASCAR Sprint Cup All-Star Race, there are still three spots up for grabs, and they will be decided by the annual Sprint Showdown... Read More »

Previewing NASCAR Sprint All-Star Race 2013

by Tim Daniels

Defending All-Star race champion and current Sprint Cup Series leader Jimmie Johnson headlines the annual showcase of elite NASCAR drivers... Read More »

Courteousy Amanda Vincent

(Thanks Amanda !)

http://www.examiner.com/article/mike-harmon-accused-of-stealing-jennifer-jo-cobb-s-trailer

Mike Harmon accused of stealing Jennifer Jo Cobb's Trailer

Amanda Vincent

Courteousy The Stock Car Gazette

(http://MotorSportsNews.Net) (Thanks Heather !):

PitTalks.com

 
  #48 makes changes on crew and #99 front changer suffers a major injury in practice
 

www.Catchfence.com

CONCORD, N.C. (May 16, 2013) – Pop music sensation Kaya Jones will perform the national anthem preceding Saturday night’s NASCAR Sprint All-Star Race. Jones came to prominence as a member of ..
 
Top 10 Can’t-Miss Activities for Fans to Experience During the 10 Greatest Days in Racing
CONCORD, N.C. (May 16, 2013) – Every year, Charlotte Motor Speedway packs as much entertainment as possible into the 10 Greatest Days in Racing to give fans an ...
Google Alerts
 
NASCAR's Jeff Gordon helps out at Gleaners in Detroit
Detroit Free Press
His appearance Thursday morning at the Gleaners Community Food Bank of Southeastern Michigan on Beaufait Street was further proof that there is life outside the race car for the NASCAR veteran, who also has his own Jeff Gordon Children's Foundation ...
 
NASCAR Hall of Fame adds Danica Patrick exhibit - USA Today
USA TODAY
CHARLOTTE — It will be decades before she likely will be eligible — or perhaps even worthy — of induction, but Danica Patrick is in the NASCAR Hall of Fame. The Charlotte shrine to stock car history added a display saluting her as the first woman in ...
 
NASCAR driver feels 'in danger' after rival arrested - USA Today
USA TODAY
Jennifer Jo Cobb said she feels "in danger" of racing Friday night at Charlotte Motor Speedway against another NASCAR driver who was arrested for allegedly stealing her team trailer last weekend. Cobb said the trailer and its contents, valued at $279 .
 
NASCAR: Kurt Busch striving to stay relatively calm
Claremore Daily Progress
NASCAR fined him $50,000 for reckless driving on pit road at Darlington and a post-race altercation with Ryan Newman's crew members. It sent him into the All-Star Race in a surly mood, and he quickly grew impatient with reporters attempting to talk to
 
Racin' Today
 
 
N A S C A R * C A N A D I A N * T I R E * S E R I E S
___________________________________________________________
 
CTV To Carry Live Coverage For First Time Of
NASCAR Canadian Tire Series Opener
• TSN Live Telecast On Deck For September Canadian Tire Motorsport Park Date
• Full Bilingual Broadcast Schedule Announced
 
DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. (May 16, 2013) – CTV, Canada’s most-watched television network for the past 10 years in a row, is broadcasting the 2013 NASCAR Canadian Tire Series presented by Mobil 1 season opener for the first time live from Canadian Tire Motorsport Park on Sunday, May 19.
 
Coverage of Sunday’s Pinty’s presents the Vortex Brake Pads 200 will begin at 1 p.m. ET. (visit CTV.ca for local listings).
 
The NASCAR Canadian Tire Series will also air live on TSN for the Sunday, Sept. 1 race at Canadian Tire Motorsport Park. The 2.459-mile road course is located near Bowmanville, Ontario, and is an hour drive from Toronto.
 
The two live broadcasts highlight the 2013 television schedule, announced today, for the NASCAR Canadian Tire Series.
 
“Kicking off the season live on CTV is a huge opportunity to showcase the NASCAR Canadian Tire Series and its competitive brand of racing to fans across Canada,” said George Silbermann, NASCAR vice president for touring and weekly series. “This is a tremendous opening to a television package that brings fans all the action and excitement of Canada’s top motorsports series. The historic broadcast coverage is a direct result of the dedication that our partners, Canadian Tire and TSN, have to motorsports in Canada.”
 
The Sept. weekend is shared with the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series, and the historic date marks the first race held outside the United States in the more than 18-year history of the series.
 
The 10 remaining Canadian Tire Series events in 2013 will have a one-hour show telecast nationally on a tape-delayed basis on both the TSN and RDS platforms, with the exception of the Sept. 21 championship finale at Kawartha Speedway which will be a 90-minute special.
 
Additionally, TSN will air a season in review show telecast on Saturday, Nov. 30.
 
TSN, Canada’s Sports Leader, has been the television home for the series since its inception in 2007, while RDS and RDS2 – the French-language sister stations to TSN – are telecasting all of the races for the third consecutive season. The French-language telecasts all will be carried by RDS2. The three Quebec events – Circuit ICAR, Autodrome St. Eustache and Grand Prix de Trois-Rivieres – also will be shown on RDS.
 
The programs are produced by Fuel MediaLab and NASCAR Productions which include race coverage, driver interviews and features. All coverage will be broadcast in HD.
 
For the NASCAR Canadian Tire Series broadcasts on TSN, Dave Bradley will handle the play-by-play duties with Billy Rowse Jr. and Adam Ross will provide color analysis. They will be joined by pit reporters Todd Lewis and Spencer Lewis. TSN’s Vic Rauter will join the team for the live telecasts. Didier Schraenen and Eric Descarries will handle calling the action on the RDS side.
 
Along with their NASCAR Canadian Tire Series coverage, TSN and RDS are the official broadcasters of the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series and NASCAR Nationwide Series in Canada. 
 2013 NASCAR CANADIAN TIRE SERIES BROADCAST SCHEDULE ON TSN & RDS
Race Date
Venue
TSN/TSN2 Premiere
RDS/RDS2 Premiere
May 19
Canadian Tire Motorsport Park (road course)
Sun., May 19, 1 p.m. *
Fri., June 14, 9 p.m.
June 15
Delaware Speedway
Sun., June 23, 1 p.m.
Mon., July 8, 9 p.m.
June 22
Canadian Tire Motorsport Park (speedway)
Sun., June 30, 1 p.m.
Fri., July 19, 11 p.m.
July 7
Circuit ICAR
Sun., July 14, 11 a.m.
Fri., July 26, 11 p.m.; Sat., July 27, 10 a.m. (RDS)
July 13
Motoplex Speedway
Sun., July 21, 1:30 p.m.
Sat., Aug. 3, 7 p.m.
July 17
Auto Clearing Motor Speedway
Sun., July 28, 11 a.m.
Fri., Aug. 16, 11 p.m.
July 27
Autodrome St. Eustache
Sun., Aug. 4, 11 a.m.
Sat., Aug. 24, 11 p.m.; Sun., Aug. 25, 10 a.m. (RDS)
Aug. 11
Circuit de Trois-Rivieres
Sun.., Aug. 18, 11 a.m.
Fri.., Aug. 30, 7 p.m.; Sun., Sept. 8, 10 a.m. (RDS)
Aug. 17
Riverside International Speedway
Sun., Aug. 25, 1 p.m.
Fri., Sept. 13, 7 p.m.
Sept. 1
Canadian Tire Motorsport Park (road course)
Sun., Sept. 1, 11 a.m. ‡
Fri., Sept. 27, 8 p.m.
Sept. 7
Barrie Speedway
Sat., Sept. 14, 2 p.m.
Fri., Oct. 4, 8 p.m.
Sept. 21
Kawartha Speedway
Sun., Oct. 6, 5:30 p.m. ^
Fri., Oct. 18, 9 p.m.
 
2013 Year In Review
Sat., Nov. 30, 1 p.m.
----
 
Subject  to change. Check local listings for updated broadcast times. All times ET.
 

Courteousy The Frontstretch.com

 (http://www.frontstretch.com/):

Frontstretch Live: At The Track
Be sure to follow your Frontstretch feed on both Facebook and Twitter as two of your favorite writers are live with All-Star Race coverage. Amy Henderson (@Writer_Amy) and Mike Neff (@MNeffShortTrack) will be manning the ship down in Charlotte.

 
Friday Racing Schedule: Charlotte
Sprint Cup and Camping World Truck Series teams are back in action at the 1.5-mile oval that's home to most of the organizations in the sport. Here's a TV schedule to get you primed for the upcoming weekend...

10:30 AM - 12:00 PM  Camping World Truck Series Practice  SPEED
11:30 AM - 6:00 PM  IZOD IndyCar Series Indianapolis 500 Practice Day 6  Indycar.com
12:00 - 1:30 PM  Sprint Cup Series Sprint Showdown Practice  SPEED
1:30 - 3:00 PM  Sprint Cup Series All-Star Practice  SPEED
4:00 - 5:00 PM  Camping World Truck Series Qualifying  SPEED
5:00 - 6:00 PM  Sprint Cup Series Sprint Showdown Qualifying  SPEED
6:00 - 7:30 PM  Sprint Cup Series Sprint All-Star Race Qualifying  SPEED
8:00 - 10:30 PM  Camping World Truck Series North Carolina Education Lottery 200  SPEED
Childress Earns Honorary Degree From UNOH

Richard Childress has had many honors bestowed upon him during his long career as a car owner in NASCAR. Childress has won 12 championships, most notably six NSCS championships with the late Dale Earnhardt, four Nationwide Series driver / owner championships, and two in the Camping World Truck Series. On Wednesday evening he was bestowed another honor as he received an honorary Doctor of Laws degree from the University of Northwestern Ohio (UNOH).

With a crowd of more than 100 in attendance including his wife Judy, daughter Tina Dillon, son in law Mike Dillon, and grandsons Austin and Ty Dillon. Dr.Jeffrey Jarvis, president of UNOH presented the degree to Childress based on his achievements in the high performance / motorsports industry, his commitment to assist the school's goal of achieving educational excellence, and his achievements in auto racing.

"Obviously , Dr.Childress is an icon in all of motorsports." said Steve Farmer, V.P. of Corporate Development for UNOH. "We are recognizing him for his accomplishments on and off the track, what he has done for all of motorsports and the great relationship we have with Dr.Childress and RCR."

During the ceremony, his many achievements in auto racing, successful business ventures, and commitment to various charitable causes were mentioned. Most notably of which being Childress' work with the Childress Institute for Pediatric Trauma, the Congressional Sportsmen's Foundation, and numerous outdoor conservation causes. Childress was also recognized for his success with Childress Vineyards, Yadkin Angus River Farm, Sapona Ridge Country Club, and Richard Childress Racing.

"This is a great honor to receive this honorary degree from UNOH," Childress said. "I would like to thank everyone in racing,the vineyard, and CIPT for being part of this, too."

Michigan National Guard to Sponsor Truck Series Race at MIS

The Michigan National Guard and Michigan International Speedway announced earlier this week that the organization will continue its partnership with the track to include the August Truck Series race, the Michigan National Guard 200. The partnership will use the opportunity market the Michigan National Guard's brand while spreading its message to their target audience.

"Our partnership with Michigan International Speedway connects many of our troops to a sport they really enjoy while also providing us a venue to show the public what the Michigan National Guard is all about," Maj. Gen. Gregory Vadnais said. "Michigan is the automotive capital of the world and it only makes sense that our Guard members are at the forefront of such a spectacular event."

Tickets can be purchased at MISSpeedway.com or by phone at 800-354-1010.

Bell Equipment Joins Bryan Silas at Charlotte

Bryan Silas and T3R2 announced on Thursday that Bell Equipment has joined the organization and will adorn the hood of the Florida-native's No. 99 Ford Friday night at Charlotte. Bell Equipment was founded in 1954 and remains under the Bell family's control today, employing 2400 people worldwide.

"Everyone at T3R2 is excited to welcome Bell Equipment onboard for this weekend's race at Charlotte," Silas said. "Gary (Cogswell, crew chief), the team and I are really clicking, so I'm looking forward to getting back to business and having a good run, not only for us but for everyone at Bell Equipment too."

In four races this season, Silas boasts a best finish of 19th in a DNF at Kansas Speedway. He sits 25th in the standings.

TODAY ON THE FRONTSTRETCH:

by Matt Stallknecht

by Amy Henderson

by the Frontstretch Staff

by Jeff Meyer

Like what you see on this site ?

Want to sponsor / contribute to this site ?

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Here's how to contact me :Attention Site Sponsors !!!  . I really , REALLY ,would appreciate it  !

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Courteousy SpeedTv.com

 (http://nascar.speedtv.com/):Dick Trickle (Left) talks with Rusty Wallace (Right) at Atlanta Motor Speedway in 2001. (Photo: Getty Images)

 The next few days @ New Egypt Speedway(http://www.newegyptspeedway.net/) will be busy ! Saturday night racing. Billy Pauch racing school on Sunday,and the W.o.O.tour on Tuesday ! Please visit my New Egypt Speedway News Page 3:New Egypt Speedway News Page 3 !  , for all the details !

Courteousy Yahoo Sports

 (http://sports.yahoo.com/nascar/):

Happy Hour: Stewart, Gordon woes

 Danica holding Stewart-Haas back

 For the weekend schedule of events @ Bridgeport Speedway (http://www.bpspeedway.com/ ). Please visit my Bridgeport Speedway page :Bridgeport Speedway !   !

 Wall Stadium Speedway (http://www.wallspeedwayracing.com/?from_fb=1# ) also has a busy weekend ahead. Saturday night racing,and the Sunday Series !. Please visit my Wall Stadium 2013 page : Wall Stadium Speedway 2013 , for the details !

Courteousy FOX Sports

 (http://msn.foxsports.com/nascar):

Charlotte Television Schedule: Sprint All-Star Weekend

Courteousy Bleacher Report.com

 (http://bleacherreport.com/nascar):

Most Exciting Sprint Cup All-Star Moments Ever

By Joe Menzer

Courteousy Sporting News.com (http://aol.sportingnews.com/nascar):

Best bets to win the Sprint All-Star Race

A racing legend

Dick Trickle was known as a short-track legend whose unique name led to a cult following among race fans and sports fans alike. But to his former NASCAR peers, he is remembered as a mentor and a friend.

Courteousy SpeedTv.com

(http://nascar.speedtv.com/):The Sprint Cup Series is back at Charlotte Motor Speedway. (Photo: LAT Photographic)

 
(5/16/13)

Courteousy SpeedwayMedia.com (http://www.speedwaymedia.com/):

EARNHARDT GANASSI RACING PARTNERS WITH ALL(R) DETERGENT AND SNUGGLE(R) FABRIC SOFTENER AT CHARLOTTE MOTOR SPEEDWAY FOR LAUNDRY PIT STOP

Target racing partner, Sun Products and their all and Snuggle laundry care brands, will introduce race fans to a new type of pit stop during Charlotte race weeks.

Landon Cassill to run Red, “Brite”, and Blue Flex Seal Chevy at Charlotte

Swift Response LLC, makers of Flex Seal and Flex Seal Brite, are pleased to announce the running of the No. 4 Red "Brite" and Blue Flex Seal Chevy driven by Landon Cassill, at the History 300 at Charlotte Motor Speedway on May 25th.

Carl Edwards – Sprint All-Star Race

Carl Edwards will make his eighth appearance in the Sprint All-Star Race at Charlotte Motor Speedway this weekend. In his previous starts he has one win, three top-five and four top-10 finishes.

MIS NEWS: Jeff Gordon and Drive to End Hunger teams with MIS and Quicken Loans for a month-long food drive

The speeds are sure to be fast and the action non-stop on June 16 when the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series rolls into Michigan International Speedway for the Quicken Loans 400.

A Conversation with Jeremy Clements

When you drive for a family owned team, everyone has to do their part. Each week is a struggle. Winnings are usually poured right back into the car in a never ending battle to keep the car on the track every week.

Courteousy NASCAR.com

(http://www.nascar.com/) :

NASCAR RESPONDS TO SAD NEWS OF TRICKLE'S PASSING

TEN DAYS OF GIVING REWARDS CHARLOTTE STUDENTS  

Throwback Thursday: Wallace spins Waltrip

NASCAR meets Hollywood at sport's Hall of Fame

LAST CHANCE: NASCAR SPRINT ALL-STAR RACE FAN VOTE

ALL-STAR WEEKEND VIEWER'S GUIDE  

BY THE NUMBERS: CHARLOTTE

MARTIN TRUEX JR.'S CATWALK FOR A CAUSE

Courteousy FOX Sports.com

(http://msn.foxsports.com/nascar):

Hammond: Gordon's legendary career had rocky start Video

What a save! Dale Earnhardt's so-called 'Pass in the Grass' still epic All-Star Race moment.
WATCH »  

{Boooooooo !!!!! LOL !!! I was ,and still am,a huge Bill Elliott fan !!!}

Charmin Billboard: Skid Marks Are For Racetracks (Not Your Underwear)

It's A Pillow. It's A Pet. It's On Trevor Bayne's Car

Here's Your Crash Course On The NASCAR Sprint Cup All-Star Race (Video)

Change of pace What's going on with Dale Earnhardt Jr.? Crew chief Steve Letarte examines recent run.
WATCH »

Courteousy Bleacher Report.com

(http://bleacherreport.com/nascar):

 Analyzing Latest Buzz Surrounding NASCAR All-Star Race 2013

 NASCAR Leaders Won't Lose Points in Sprint All-Star Race

Did Danica Make Jump to Sprint Cup Too Early?

Courteousy Yahoo Sports

(http://sports.yahoo.com/nascar/)

Sad News

Dick Trickle dead in apparent suicide

The 1989 NASCAR Rookie of the Year was found dead of an apparent self-inflicted gunshot wound. He was 71.

 Career in photos

Tragic end for short-track legend

 Veteran known for smoking in race cars

Courteousy ARCA

(http://www.arcaracing.com/):

Remembering ARCA winner Dick Trickle

tricklejohnsonvlatlanta1991.jpgARCA's thoughts and prayers are with the family and friends of stock car legend Dick Trickle. The Wisconsin native made 10 ARCA Racing Series starts over his long career, earning one ARCA victory at Atlanta Motor Speedway in 1991 driving for NASCAR legend Junior Johnson. Trickle's ARCA tenure reaches all the way back to 1969 when he finished 14th at Daytona in his series debut. He also finished second at Atlanta in 1993 driving for the Roulo Brothers. Trickle made his final ARCA starts in 1994 with best finishes of second and fourth at Pocono, and fourth at Atlanta, where he also earned the pole award. RIP.

Courteousy SpeedTv.com

 (http://nascar.speedtv.com/):Dick Trickle gets ready to start his engine at the Autoworks 500. Dick Trickle made his debut driving for Miller High Life at the age of 48. He was voted Rookie of the Year by NASCAR. (Photo: Getty Images)

Danica Patrick

Danica, Meet Patrick

Danica Patrick just missed the birth of her namesake, but she got there in time to dry him off and help him up. However, there was one thing she couldn't do. Brant James » Danica: Five Observations »

Pastrana's World

Besides competing in the X Games, Travis Pastrana has had a lot on his mind of late -- like his
No. 1 goal: winning a Nationwide Series race. WatchVideo  Catching up with Darrell Wallace Jr.Video 

Courteousy Sporting News.com (http://aol.sportingnews.com/nascar):

The stars will shine

With no points awarded and $1 million on the line, the Sprint All-Star Race is one of NASCAR's most unpredictable events. Who will survive the crumpled sheet metal and produce some fireworks in the star-studded show?

Showdown field

These drivers need to win the Sprint Showdown

VIDEO: Darrell Waltrip-Rusty Wallace wreck a classic all-star moment

Courteousy The Stock Car Gazzette

(http://MotorSportsNews.Net) (Thanks Heather !):

Well NASCAR has figured out how to screw up the All-Star race 1) qualifying will be wild no speed limit entering or exiting the pits 2) fan vote doesn’t have to be on lead lap  just race able car. Many are calling this the Danica rule.
Forecast for the races this weekemd:
  • FridayA chance of showers and thunderstorms, mainly after 1pm. Partly sunny, with a high near 85. Light and variable wind. Chance of precipitation is 30%.
  • Friday NightA chance of showers and thunderstorms, mainly before 11pm. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 62. Calm wind. Chance of precipitation is 30%.
  • SaturdayA chance of showers and thunderstorms, mainly after 9am. Partly sunny, with a high near 83. Calm wind becoming southwest around 6 mph in the afternoon. Chance of precipitation is 40%. New rainfall amounts of less than a tenth of an inch, except higher amounts possible in thunderstorms.
  • Saturday NightA chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 65. Chance of precipitation is 40%. New rainfall amounts of less than a tenth of an inch, except higher amounts possible in thunderstorms.

Stock Car Gazette

Kenseth Takes It All at Darlington
by Lou Modestino
 
 
Tony Stewart – All-Star Hierarchy
KANNAPOLIS, N.C., (May 15, 2013) – The NBA has Kobe Bryant, Kevin Garnett and Shaquille O’Neal on its list with 15 All-Star appearances. Baseball greats such as Brooks ...
 
Google Alerts
 
NASCAR Top 10 Power Rankings: Week 11
Sports Central
1. Jimmie Johnson: Johnson finished fourth in the Bojangles' Southern 500 at Darlington, posting his sixth top 5 of the year and increasing his points lead. He now leads Carl Edwards by 44. “I've finished outside of the top 12 only once this year ...
 
NASCAR: Kurt Busch can Lead Furniture Row Racing to The Chase
Rant Sports
The NASCAR season is entering its summer swing, with many teams already having experienced incredible highs and lows. During the summer stretch, it seems the cream always rises to the top. The races between the Coca-Cola 600 and the regular-season ...
 
NASCAR won't change communication rules for suspended crew chiefs
SportingNews.com
CHARLOTTE — While teams continue to expand communications with suspended crew chiefs and crewmen, NASCAR does not plan to change its rules on teams communicating with personnel not allowed at the track. Last weekend, pit crew members were .
 
Autopsy planned after NASCAR fan's body found
San Francisco Chronicle
TALLADEGA, Ala. (AP) — An autopsy has been planned for the body of a NASCAR fan who went missing from a campground outside the Talladega Superspeedway, but investigators say they don't suspect foul play in the man's death. The body of ..

An early look as NASCAR season's surprises, disappointments - Philly.com
Philly.com
Kenseth and his team withstood the huge penalties levied by NASCAR following their Kansas victory after their race car failed inspection. Kenseth was docked 50 points. An appeals decision reduced the points loss to only 12 and Kenseth is now third on ...
 
NASCAR Sprint All-Star Race: Team Chevy – Drivers' Pre-Race Notes & Quotes
Auto Racing Daily
78 Furniture Row/Sealy Chevrolet SS, has one All-Star Race victory ('10). o Dale Earnhardt Jr., No. 88 National Guard Chevrolet SS, has taken the checkered flag at the All-Star Race one time ('00). o Kevin Harvick, No. 29 Rheem/Budweiser Chevrolet SS, .
 
Snickers NASCAR Wrap - Amazing Time Lapse of Kyle Busch's car
YouTube
Stats have been disabled for this video. Report. Published on May 15, 2013. Kyle Busch will drive this Snickers Toyota in the NASCAR All-Star race in May, 2013! See how this unique paint scheme came together in time-lapse! Actual Wrap Time: 2hr. 50min.
 
P R E S S  *  R E L E A S E
 
Speed Thrills: NASCAR Sprint All-Star Race Week Unlike Any In All Of Sports
 
DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. (May 15, 2013) – History collides with the present, as names including Johnson, Gordon and Busch build upon a foundation laid by the likes of Waltrip, Yarborough and Earnhardt.
 
This Saturday night, the most thrilling all-star exhibition in all of sports roars under the lights at the historic Charlotte Motor Speedway, with the 29th running of the NASCAR Sprint All-Star Race. There are no points in this one, but one major prize – a $1 million payout to the victor courtesy of Sprint.
 
In 1985, NASCAR held its inaugural all-star clash, with Darrell Waltrip coming home first among a field of 12. This year, 22 cars will take the green on Saturday at 7:30 p.m. ET, live on SPEED, Motor Racing Network Radio and SiriusXM Satellite Radio. Nineteen of those drivers have already locked up a spot; three more will earn entry moments before driver introductions.
 
A primer on the all-star eligibility…
 
-       Drivers who have won NASCAR Sprint Cup Series points races in 2012 and 2013
-       Drivers who are past NASCAR Sprint All-Star Race winners in the last 10 years
-       Drivers who are past NASCAR Sprint Cup Series champions in the previous 10 years
-       The top-two finishers in the Sprint Showdown, the 40-lap race that precedes the NASCAR Sprint
-       All-Star Race
-       The top Sprint Fan Vote driver who finishes the Showdown and whose car is in “raceable” condition as determined by the series director per the 2013 entry blank. Fans may vote for their favorite driver by using the NASCAR Mobile ’13 application or online at www.NASCAR.com/SprintFanVote. Votes cast from the NASCAR Mobile ’13 application count double.
 
Format changes will greet the world’s best drivers this weekend, all with one central theme: speed.
 
The need for speed begins Friday night with Coors Light Pole qualifying at 6 p.m. ET on SPEED. Qualifying will consist of three laps and a mandatory four-tire pit stop. Pit road speed, entering and exiting, will not be enforced. The team with the quickest time wins the Coors Light Pole and will lead the field to green on Saturday night.
 
Like last year, the 2013 NASCAR Sprint All-Star Race will consist of five segments – four 20-lap segments and a 10-lap shootout. The winner earns a $1 million pay day from Sprint.
 
But unlike last year, the running order at the completion of the fourth segment (Lap 80) will be repositioned based on the average finish for the first four segments – putting a premium on strong finishes throughout the entire event. The new lineup will be placed directly behind the caution car prior to the opening of pit road for a mandatory four-tire pit stop, placing a spotlight firmly on the unsung heroes of NASCAR – the pit crews. The order of the cars returning to the track will determine the starting order of the fifth segment. Running order ties will be broken by the finish of the fourth segment. In the fifth and final segment, only green flag laps will count.
 
This year there is even an added incentive: if a driver wins all five segments, he or she will take home “Bruton’s Big Bonus” – an extra $1 million paid by Charlotte Motor Speedway and Bruton Smith, Chief Executive Officer, Speedway Motorsports, Inc.
 
All of this action takes place this Saturday evening, the grand finale of a week packed with fan-friendly activities on and off the race track.
 
See below for a full schedule of events for the upcoming week. All on-track activity will take place at Charlotte Motor Speedway:
 
Friday, May 17, NASCAR Day – The NASCAR Foundation and NASCAR industry will come together on Friday at Charlotte Motor Speedway (CMS) to celebrate the 10th Annual NASCAR Day. This special day is an unprecedented celebration of drivers, corporate partners, media and fans uniting with The NASCAR Foundation to support a range of charitable causes that are relevant and meaningful to those within the NASCAR family. Fans can get the commemorative NASCAR Day pin and make a donation at www.NASCAR.com/foundation.
 
Friday, May 17, 6 p.m. ET – NASCAR Sprint All-Star Race Coors Light Pole Qualifying. For tickets, call 1-800-455-FANS or log onto www.charlottemotorspeedway.com. SPEED will televise the event.
 
Friday, May 17, 8 p.m. ET – NASCAR Camping World Truck Series North Carolina Education Lottery 200. For tickets, go to www.charlottemotorspeedway.com or call 1-800-455-FANS. SPEED, Motor Racing Network Radio and SiriusXM Satellite Radio will broadcast the event.
 
Saturday, May 18, 7:30 p.m. ET – Sprint Showdown (top-two finishers qualify for the NASCAR Sprint All-Star Race). For tickets, go to www.charlottemotorspeedway.comc or call 1-800-455-FANS. SPEED, Motor Racing Network Radio and SiriusXM Satellite Radio will broadcast the event.
One final option remains for those not already locked in after the Sprint Showdown – the Sprint Fan Vote. Fans may vote for their favorite driver by using the NASCAR Mobile ’13 application or online at www.NASCAR.com/SprintFanVote. Votes cast from the NASCAR Mobile ’13 application count double.
Saturday, May 18, 9 p.m. – NASCAR Sprint All-Star Race. For tickets, call 1-800-455-FANS or go to www.charlottemotorspeedway.com. SPEED, Motor Racing Network Radio and SiriusXM Satellite Radio will broadcast the event.
 
The drivers already locked into the main event are: Marcos Ambrose, Greg Biffle, Clint Bowyer, Kurt Busch, Kyle Busch, Dale Earnhardt Jr., Carl Edwards, Jeff Gordon, Denny Hamlin, Kevin Harvick, Jimmie Johnson, Kasey Kahne, Matt Kenseth, Brad Keselowski, Joey Logano, Mark Martin, Ryan Newman, David Ragan and Tony Stewart.
 
Keep up to date with all the week’s events by following @NASCAR or @CLTMotorSpdwy on Twitter (Hashtag: #SprintAllStar).
 
The next NASCAR Sprint Cup Series race will be the NASCAR Sprint All-Star Race at Charlotte Motor Speedway on Saturday, May 18 at 7:30 p.m. on SPEED, Motor Racing Network Radio and SiriusXM Satellite Radio.

N A S C A R * C A N A D I A N * T I R E * S E R I E S

 
 NASCAR champ DJ Kennington and Castrol sign multi-year sponsorship ...
Inside Track Motorsport News
TORONTO, ON – Continuing what has been a model relationship between Castrol and two-time NASCAR Canadian Tire Series Champion DJ Kennington, the two parties
 

Courteousy NASCAR.com

(http://www.nascar.com/) :

LOFTON RETURNS TO DEFEND CHARLOTTE RACE WIN

Amid partial season, ESR driver hopes strong showing will prevent sponsorship issues in 2014

North Carolina Education Lottery 200 practice speeds

HARMON DENIES THEFT OF COBB'S HAULER

Courteousy The Frontstretch

(http://www.frontstretch.com/):

Jennifer Jo Cobb’s Transporter Stolen; Harmon Arrested
 
For Jennifer Jo Cobb, her 2013 season has gotten off to a very tough spot.  A series of bad finishes will force Cobb to qualify for Friday night’s North Carolina Education Lottery 200 on speed.  Now, just getting to the track might be impossible.
 
JJC Racing put out a statement on Wednesday morning that stated that her team’s transporter was stolen from her shop on Saturday morning.  According to said report, Cobb values the transporter and contents at $279,000.
 
The Sheriff’s Department issued warrants for the arrest of Nationwide Series driver/owner Mike Harmon and Sheila Rice on Wednesday, then quickly apprehended them and charged them with felony larceny and breaking and entering.   Both are out of jail after posting $10,000 bonds.
 
Cobb is just hopeful that she’ll be able to run this weekend at Charlotte Motor Speedway.
 
“It is my sole concern to get the transporter back so that we can make Friday night’s NASCAR Camping World Truck Series race at Charlotte Motor Speedway,” Cobb said.  “We are working with other teams right now to borrow the necessary items in the event our hauler and it’s contents are not returned.  We are pleased with the diligent work of the Rowan County Sheriff’s Department has shown in solving this crime."
 
Harmon is very angry over the situation and professed his innocence on Twitter.
 
“I want it known that I have never stolen so much as a piece of bubble gum in my life,” Harmon tweeted.  “I did not take [Jennifer Jo Cobb’s] hauler, [and] there is no video of me anywhere near the shop.  Today, she was the windshield and I was the bug, but when we get in Federal Court in a couple of weeks, there will be a boulder coming.”
 
Harmon and Cobb have worked together in the past.  A couple of years ago, Harmon was the team manager for Cobb’s No. 13 when she attempted to race in the Nationwide Series.
 
Qore-24 to Sponsor Newberry for Remainder of Season
 
NTS Motorsports announced on Wednesday that they have signed Qore Systems to a multi-year deal to serve as the new primary sponsor for rookie Brennan Newberry in the Camping World Truck Series.  Qore Systems will be launching their new product, Qore-24, a brand new antimicrobial hand purifier, via the partnership.
 
According to Qore Systems’ website, Qore-24 is an alternative to alcohol-based hand sanitizers that have become quite ubiqutous.  It is said to provide 24 hours of protection from just one application, while not being harmful to humans or other animals.  In addition, it can also be used as a moisturizer.  The product is currently available in spray and wipe form.
 
To better advertise the new sponsorship, the team will change the number of Newberry’s truck from No. 14 to No. 24 for the rest of the season.  Previously, the No. 24 was used for a part-time third truck for NTS Motorsports that was raced by Kevin Harvick at Martinsville.  That truck will likely now use the No. 14.
 
Entry List Update:
Note: These entries are accurate as of Wednesday night.  However, they are still subject to change.
 
Sprint Cup Series Sprint Showdown: 23 cars entered
 
Driver Change:
No. 95
- Michael McDowell is in the seat, replacing Scott Speed.  Speed is in Barcelona this weekend for Rallycross at X Games Barcelona.
 
Entries:
No. 1
- Jamie McMurray for Earnhardt Ganassi Racing
No. 7- Dave Blaney for Tommy Baldwin Racing
No. 10- Danica Patrick for Stewart-Haas Racing
No. 13- Casey Mears for Germain Racing
No. 17- Ricky Stenhouse, Jr. for Roush Fenway Racing
No. 19- Mike Bliss for Humphrey-Smith Racing
No. 27- Paul Menard for Richard Childress Racing
No. 30- David Stremme for Swan Racing
No. 31- Jeff Burton for Richard Childress Racing
No. 32- Timmy Hill for FAS Lane Racing
No. 33- Landon Cassill for Circle Sport, LLC
No. 36- JJ Yeley for Tommy Baldwin Racing
No. 38- David Gilliland for Front Row Motorsports
No. 42- Juan Pablo Montoya for Earnhardt Ganassi Racing
No. 43- Aric Almirola for Richard Petty Motorsports
No. 44- Scott Riggs for Xxxtreme Motorsports
No. 47- Bobby Labonte for JTG-Daugherty Racing
No. 52- Brian Keselowski for Hamilton-Means Racing
No. 56- Martin Truex, Jr. for Michael Waltrip Racing
No. 83- David Reutimann for BK Racing
No. 87- Joe Nemechek for NEMCO Motorsports
No. 93- Travis Kvapil for BK Racing
No. 95- Michael McDowell for Leavine Family Racing
 
Not Entered:
No. 35
- Josh Wise for Front Row Motorsports
No. 51- Regan Smith for Phoenix Racing
No. 98- Phil Parsons Racing
 
Sprint All-Star Race: 19 cars entered currently, 22 will start
Note: Eligibility will be shown in parentheses.
 
Entries:
No. 2
- Brad Keselowski for Penske Racing (2012 Champion, five wins in 2012)
No. 5- Kasey Kahne for Hendrick Motorsports (Bristol winner, March 2013)
No. 9- Marcos Ambrose for Richard Petty Motorsports (Watkins Glen winner, August 2012)
No. 11- Denny Hamlin for Joe Gibbs Racing (five wins in 2012)
No. 14- Tony Stewart for Stewart-Haas Racing (2005, 2011 Champion, three wins in 2012)
No. 15- Clint Bowyer for Michael Waltrip Racing (three wins in 2012)
No. 16- Greg Biffle for Roush Fenway Racing (two wins in 2012)
No. 18- Kyle Busch for Joe Gibbs Racing (two wins in 2013)
No. 20- Matt Kenseth for Joe Gibbs Racing (2003 Champion, three wins in 2013)
No. 22- Joey Logano for Penske Racing (Pocono winner, June 2012)
No. 24- Jeff Gordon for Hendrick Motorsports (two wins in 2012)
No. 29- Kevin Harvick for Richard Childress Racing (Richmond winner, April 2013)
No. 34- David Ragan for Front Row Motorsports (Talladega winner, May 2013)
No. 39- Ryan Newman for Stewart-Haas Racing (Martinsville winner, April 2012)
No. 48- Jimmie Johnson for Hendrick Motorsports (2006-2010 Champion, two wins in 2013)
No. 55- Mark Martin for Michael Waltrip Racing (2005 Nextel All-Star Challenge Winner)
No. 78- Kurt Busch for Furniture Row Racing (2004 Champion)
No. 88- Dale Earnhardt, Jr. for Hendrick Motorsports (Michigan winner, June 2012)
No. 99- Carl Edwards for Roush Fenway Racing (Phoenix winner, February 2013)
 
Additional Entries:
No. 1
. Winner of the Sprint Showdown
No. 2. Second-place finisher in the Sprint Showdown
No. 3. Fan Vote Winner (Subject to additional rules for eligibility)
 
Camping World Truck Series North Carolina Education Lottery 200: 38 trucks entered
 
Manufacturer Change:
Wauters Motorsports No. 5 switches from Ford to Chevrolet.
 
Number Change:
NTS Motorsports' No. 14 switches to No. 24.
 
Drivers Ineligible to Earn Points:
No. 02
- Brad Keselowski for Brad Keselowski Racing
No. 28- Blake Koch for FDNY Racing
No. 50- Danny Efland for MAKE Motorsports
No. 51- Kyle Busch for Kyle Busch Motorsports
No. 92- Scott Riggs for RBR Enterprises
 
Driver Changes:
No. 07
- Chris Cockrum returns to the seat, replacing Jamie Dick.
No. 6- Justin Lofton returns to the seat, replacing Danny Efland.
No. 19- Ross Chastain returns to the seat, replacing Joey Logano.
No. 28- Blake Koch is in the seat, replacing Andy Seuss.
No. 84- Chris Fontaine returns to the seat, replacing Mike Harmon.
 
Drivers who must qualify on speed:
No. 01
- Jake Crum for Jake Crum Racing
No. 02- Tyler Young for Young's Motorsports
No. 02- Brad Keselowski for Brad Keselowski Racing.  If both No. 02 trucks qualify for the race, one will have to change numbers for the race.
No. 10- Jennifer Jo Cobb for JJC Racing
No. 24- Brennan Newberry for NTS Motorsports
No. 28- Blake Koch for FDNY Racing
No. 50- Danny Efland for MAKE Motorsports
No. 57- Norm Benning for Norm Benning Racing
No. 75- Caleb Holman for Henderson Motorsports
No. 84- Chris Fontaine for Chris Fontaine, Inc.
No. 92- Scott Riggs for RBR Enterprises
No. 93- Chris Jones for RSS Racing
No. 99- Bryan Silas for T3R2
 
Not Entered:
No. 0
- Scott Saunders for JJC Racing
No. 21- Spencer Gallagher for Gallagher Motorsports
No. 38- JJ Yeley for RSS Racing
No. 63- Justin Jennings for MB Motorsports
No. 68- Clay Greenfield for Clay Greenfield Motorsports
 
Today's Featured Commentary
Putting Money on The 20, The Bane of Kahne, MWR & RTR
What's Vexing Vito
by Vito Pugliese

So after two weeks of hand wringing, speculation, and bewilderment over what would become of Matt Kenseth’s season, all of that was put to rest last week.  His points standing essentially reaffirmed, and his crew chief's one week absence resulted in a win.  If you aren’t putting Vegas money on him right now for the title, you’re an idiot.
 
This team is but four months old, they’re up to speed and jelling like that decoy bomb in Die Hard With A Vengenace, and the driver has been reduced to a blubbering snot pile of emotion on the radio after their third win of the year at last week’s Southern 500.  It always confused me why JGR never put Jason Ratcliff together with Kyle Busch on the Cup side of things, given all of the success they had in Nationwide together.  Kenseth is proving to be the missing piece of the puzzle that Joe Gibbs Racing has needed since Tony Stewart’s departure in 2008 – and possibly his arrival.  Maybe it’s for the best that they didn’t land Carl Edwards after all back in 2011.
**********
Kasey Kahne was upset following his incident with Kyle Busch with 34 laps to go at Darlington.  Despite having led 265 of 354 laps, a flat right rear tire conspired to deny Busch his third win of the year. A desperation dive bomb run into Turn 1 caused Busch to slide up the track and nearly make contact with Kahne – but not quite.  The disturbance of air however caused Kahne to wreck, the third such incident in 11 races this year with Busch – and second in three weeks.
 
That being said, Kasey is being a bit precious over the incident, saying that he expects another “I’m sorry” call from Kyle Busch.  The previous two incidents were plate wrecks, where Kahne was drafting with Busch and got turned.  Either because the new cars don’t match up well, he moved where Kyle was going, or whatever.  Busch doesn’t exactly have a reputation of wrecking Cup guys or causing superspeedway disasters. There was a time when Jimmie Johnson was the cause of a couple of Talladega pile-ups and wiped out half of the field in the 2004 Daytona qualifying races.
 
I guess he’s in good company in that respect, but perhaps The Sprint All-Star Race might be the site of some retribution?
**********
Michael Waltrip Racing this week terminated crewman Lee Dodson, after Dodson was indefinitely suspended by NASCAR for violating the sanctioning body's substance-abuse policy.  Dodson had been a crewman on the No. 15 Toyota of Clint Bowyer.  Some may ask why he was not given the same option of completing the Road To Recovery program that A.J. Allmendinger was by Penske Racing, rather than just being fired.  First answer is easy: crewman are more expendable than drivers.
 
Young drivers with talent have a long shelf life and a bit of Teflon coating to them.  Allmendinger got popped with a DUI a few years ago when with RPM, prior to his failed drug test in 2012.  Remember Scott Wimmer?  He barrel rolled a Dodge Ram through a road sign, ran home, and hid behind the bed while the cops busted in and hauled him off for DWI a few weeks before the 2004 season started.  Teams and sponsors have a lot invested in drivers: die cast cars, marketing materials, cardboard cutouts with hands on hips – more so than they do with crewmen.
 
Secondly, it’s a workplace issue.  If an employee is known to have a substance abuse issue, and causes another employee to be injured it is a workplace issue – not a racin’ deal – and they’re subject to litigation just like another other business operation.  There is the matter of Bowyer’s sponsor, 5-Hour Energy.  With the FDA cracking down on anything remotely related to caffeine or alertness, it might be best not to have someone associated with it that has a documented substance abuse issue – whatever that might be.  That being said, here’s hoping that Lee Dodson is able to complete the RTR program, resolve whatever it is he might be dealing with, and is able to work himself back into the sport soon.

Frontstretch Line of the Week

From Beyond the Cockpit: Landon Cassill On Improvement, Lessons, And Lasting Friendships

"I love the fans. I’ve had so many great experiences with them; I really enjoy it. One thing that’s amazing with our sport is the things we can do with our fans. I actually have fans that I’ve developed friendships with—I can’t tell you how many people that I communicate with, not just on Twitter, but on my cell phone. There’s a handful of fans that I’ve given my phone number to because they’re good people and I made friends with them. They like to talk about racing and so do I!" - Landon Cassill, on some of the experiences that he's had with race fans.

TODAY ON THE FRONTSTRETCH:

Mirror Driving: All Apologies
by the Frontstretch Staff
by Jeff Wolfe

NASCAR Mailbox: Missing Fans, Employees, And Ghosts Of All-Stars Past
by Summer Bedgood

Truckin' Thursdays: Beating Busch At Charlotte
by Beth Lunkenheimer

Courteousy SpeedwayMedia.com (http://www.speedwaymedia.com/):

Toyota NASCAR Notes & Quotes Charlotte All-Star May 2013

Camry driver Matt Kenseth was victorious in Saturday night's NASCAR Sprint Cup Series (NSCS) race at South Carolina's Darlington Raceway -- his third win of the 2013 season. Kenseth was previously triumphant at Las Vegas Motor Speedway in March and Kansas Speedway in April.

Pillow Pets to Partner with Bayne; “Welcome Home Troops”

Roush Fenway Racing has announced a multi-race partnership with Pillow Pets. The leader in plush toys will serve as the primary sponsor on Trevor Bayne’s No. 6 Ford Mustang in the May 25th Nationwide Series race at Charlotte Motor Speedway. As part of the Memorial Day Weekend festivities, Pillow Pets will take part in Charlotte Motor Speedway’s “Welcome Home our Troops; Let Freedom Race” program, billed as the largest welcome home ceremony for returning troops.

Kurt Busch’s Car Will Pay Tribute to Armed Forces Day at Sprint All-Star Race

With Armed Forces Day being celebrated on Saturday (May 18), Kurt Busch’s No. 78 Furniture Row/Sealy Chevrolet will observe the annual holiday with a special paint scheme for Saturday night’s Sprint All-Star Race at Charlotte Motor Speedway. 

NASCAR Nationwide Series Crew Chief Fined; Crew Chief, Car Chief Placed On Probation For Infractions At Darlington Raceway

NASCAR announced today that NASCAR Nationwide Series crew chief Adam Stevens (No. 54 team) has been fined and placed on probation for violations during this past weekend’s event at Darlington Raceway. In addition, the team’s car chief Christopher Landis has been placed on probation for the remainder of the year.

Experience the Thrill of Atlanta Motor Speedway with Special Offer from Richard Petty Driving Experience

Fans looking to get out of the grandstands and truly experience the raw speed and power of a 600-horsepower NASCAR race car on Atlanta Motor Speedway’s 1.54-mile surface can do so this summer with a special offer from Richard Petty Driving Experience (RPDE).

Courteousy Sports Illustrated (http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/racing/?eref=sinav&sct=hp_nv_a):


 

100_0415.jpg

Even Older news
 
 (5/15/13)

Courteousy NASCAR.com

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Power Rankings: Hamlin back in the mix

 TRUEX JR. CAN USE ALL-STAR WEEK AS CATALYST

DARLINGTON SETS STAGE FOR TITLE RACE TO COME

Gen-6 car tests fast at New Hampshire

Dates set for Nationwide, Truck Series awards

Eldora adds Truck Series practice day

NASCAR All-Star race unlike any other competition 

  ALL-STAR QUALIFYING ADDS PIT-ROAD TWIST

Six pack of pop: Mario Lopez

Ten Days of Giving: Past BJFHA finalists

 SHERWIN-WILLIAMS' IMPACT TO BE FELT ON MANY LEVELS

HOT LAP: CHARLOTTE MOTOR SPEEDWAY

Courteousy FOX Sports

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Despite run-ins, Kahne enjoying strong season

Better days should be just around the corner.
 
Kenseth stuns competition, stakes claim as title contender. 
 

Nothing To Lose, $2M To Gain. It's The NASCAR Sprint Cup All-Star Race

Bubba's Ride Rules: Darrell Wallace Jr. & His '67 VW Beetle

 

Courteousy SpeedTv.com

 (http://nascar.speedtv.com/):Teammates Matt Kenseth (Right) and Denny Hamlin (Left) finished 1-2 last weekend at Darlington. (Photo: LAT Photographic)

Courteousy ESPN.com

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Payback Coming?

Kyle Busch wrecked Kasey Kahne for the third time this season in the Southern 500 at Darlington. Should Kahne retaliate? What say you? Your Turn » Newton: Kahne at boiling point? » 

Sam Hornish Jr.

Indy Or Bust?

Sam Hornish Jr. won the "The Greatest Spectacle in Racing" in 2006. Today, he's just fine with being a spectator of the famed Indianapolis 500. Sam Hornish Jr. blog » Nationwide Series home »

NASCAR lifts pit speed limit for All-Star race

Courteousy Yahoo Sports 

(http://sports.yahoo.com/nascar/):

Stage is set for another All-Star letdown

The All-Star Race will give one team $2 million while giving fans nothing they don't see just about every week.

Rule clarification may favor Patrick

Courteousy Sporting News.com (http://aol.sportingnews.com/nascar):

The real deal

With four top-10s and ninth in the standings, Aric Almirola is the biggest surprise of the Sprint Cup season. But his rise at Richard Petty Motorsports actually started a year ago at Charlotte Motor Speedway. 

Team transported reported stolen, NASCAR driver suspected in theft

Dale Earnhardt Jr. plummets on SI's list of highest paid drivers

NASCAR won't prohibit suspended crew chiefs from communicating with team  

Courteousy Bleacher Report.com

(http://bleacherreport.com/nascar):

Kenseth's Risky Move Paying off Big

Why NASCAR Needs to Take Sprint All-Star Race on the Road

Why NASCAR's Sprint All-Star Race Is a Must-Watch

By Jerry Bonkowski

Saturday's Sprint All-Star Race at Charlotte Motor Speedway (live on Speed at 7 p.m. ET) brings out both the best and worst in NASCAR's top stars...

Courteousy The Stock Car Gazette

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Google Alerts

NASCAR - Sprint Cup - All-Star Race Preview
MiamiHerald.com
Capacity: 135,000 (Grandstand Seating). Total purse: Payouts: Year: 29th. On TV: Speed. Announcers: On Radio: Motor Racing Network (MRN)/SIRIUS NASCAR Radio. Race record: 185.022 mph - 70 laps (30/30/10) - Jeff Gordon, 2001). Qualifying record:
 
NASCAR drivers Kurt Busch, Bayne testing out new cars at MIS
Detroit Free Press
BROOKLYN, MICH. — While they weren't on record pace, NASCAR Sprint Cup drivers Kurt Busch and Trevor Bayne spent valuable time testing at Michigan International Speedway on Tuesday in advance of the Quicken Loans 400 here on June 16
 
NASCAR - Camping World Truck - NC Education Lottery 200 Preview
MiamiHerald.com
Track: 1.5-mile oval. Laps: 134. Miles: 201. Capacity: 135,000 (Grandstand Seating). Total purse: Payouts: Year: 11th. On TV: Speed. Announcers: On Radio: Motor Racing Network (MRN)/SIRIUS NASCAR Radio. Race record: Kyle Busch, 2006 (124.845 mph) ...
 
NASCAR All-Star Race flashback: Kurt and Kyle Busch tangle in '07
NBCSports.com
He resumed in his day job in the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series on Friday, when he qualified on the pole at Darlington Raceway for Furniture Row Racing with a new track record. This week, NASCAR takes the gloves off and eliminates the points for the Sprint .
 
PitTalks.com
1st. Annual Pittalks Charity Golf Tournament
 
N A S C A R * C A N A D I A N * T I R E * S E R I E S
 
Former series champion Steckly hungry for road win
TSN
In 27 career NASCAR Canadian Tire Series road course starts, the Milverton, Ontario driver has recorded 17 top-five and 20 top-10 finishes which includes ...
 
NASCAR: Pearn engineering his success
London Free Press
He graduated to stock cars and spent three seasons racing in the old CASCAR series, the predecessor to today's NASCAR Canadian Tire Series that starts its ...
 
C O L U M N S / C O M M E N T A R I E S
 
 
2 articles ,courteousy Amanda Vincent

(Thanks Amanda !!):

http://stockcarspin.com/2013/05/15/nascar-nationwide-seires-crew-chief-fined-for-bumper-cover-issue-at-darlington/

 
NASCAR Nationwide Series crew chief fined for bumper cover issue at Darlington

http://stockcarspin.com/2013/05/15/two-nascar-crew-members-fail-drug-tests/

 
Two NASCAR crew members fail drug tests
 
Amanda Vincent

Courteousy The Frontstretch.com

(http://www.frontstretch.com/):

Testing Continues Across Multiple Racetracks

Tuesday was a busy day in NASCAR Nation, with cars and drivers testing at several racetracks across the country. Dover had the most on hand, with six Sprint Cup Series teams and five Nationwide Series ones testing for their May 31st – June 2nd race weekend. The three-car team of Stewart-Haas Racing, with drivers Ryan Newman, Tony Stewart, and Danica Patrick were in attendance along with Germain Racing’s Casey Mears. Juan Pablo Montoya and Jamie McMurray, both with Earnhardt Ganassi Racing rounded out the Sprint Cup crowd, all of whom were impressed with the speed at the Monster Mile.

“Everywhere we’ve been with this car, it’s been quite a bit faster than the car that we had last year,” said Jamie McMurray. “Normally, at a test you can run faster than you can at the race. The track is clean, there’s not a lot of rubber on it, so yeah, our speeds today have been quite a bit quicker than what we ran in race trim last year. It’s got a lot of grip and the track is really fast.”

New Hampshire Motor Speedway was also the site for extra practice, as a Goodyear tire test for the July race included drivers from all three manufacturers. Dave Blaney, Jeff Burton, and Jeff Gordon represented Chevrolet, Joey Logano held up the Ford banner solo while both Clint Bowyer and Matt Kenseth were there for Toyota. The 1.017-mile oval was chilly – the high, according to the National Weather Service was 59 degrees – but all indications are the test was productive in creating an effective compound for NASCAR’s new Gen-6 chassis.

Finally, Kurt Busch and Trevor Bayne joined forces to conduct a test at Michigan International Speedway. “We’re just trying to get a feel for the Goodyear tires,” said Busch. “There’s so many little things you have to learn with this car.” Teams are also concerned about Michigan speeds, which after the repave last year rose to well above 200 miles an hour. Marcos Ambrose won the pole last June, driving the Gen-5 with an average speed of 203.241 MPH.

News ‘N’ Notes

- Two crew members from NASCAR teams were suspended indefinitely Tuesday for violating the sport’s substance abuse policy. Lee Dodson, who worked for Clint Bowyer’s team has been terminated following the public announcement. Nationwide Series crew member Frank Earnhardt was also named in the official NASCAR release, which claimed both men failed testing during the Darlington race weekend.

Today's Featured Commentary

Time To Rev Up The All-Star Race Before Everyone Falls Asleep
WTF Wednesdays

by Ellen Richardson

As this Saturday Night’s All-Star race approaches and Fox’s 2013 Saturday Night Sprint Cup race television ratings continue to plummet (3.5 overnight following the Southern 500 – second lowest in 2013), my thoughts have been on how this event can and needs to be improved for future success.

Before I get into my ideas, I am asking each fan reading this to think about what you consider a NASCAR All-Star.

In my mind an All-Star in any form of motorsports, including NASCAR, is one that not only wins but who works hard to learn every aspect of the sport, dreams every day of getting in the next car that will go fast, and is willing to put in any and all effort to achieve his or her dream.

Thinking about this definition, does that really paint a picture of only those drivers competing in the Sprint Cup Series?  The answer is a resounding no.

While I look up to many of the Sprint Cup drivers who worked hard to get where they are today--those who did anyway--what about those hard working drivers that compete in the other two top NASCAR series? With that vein, what about those hard working Sprint Cup Series pit crews who are now going to be left out of the All-Star weekend due to what was reported by Yahoo Sports as “limited funding”?

Being promoted as the “Biggest Night in NASCAR”, the current NASCAR All-Star race has continued to discount and leave out the hard working drivers and teams who compete in both the NASCAR Camping World Truck and Nationwide Series.

If the NASCAR All-Star race is truly the “Biggest Night in NASCAR” why wouldn’t you allow all three of your top-series a chance to compete?  I realize that this would be a near impossibility for all three full-series to compete in one night, it wouldn’t be so far-fetched for an all weekend event.

Think Daytona Speed Week on steroids!  In fact, my ideal All-Star Weekend would not only give Sprint Cup drivers as well as Speedway Superstar singers a chance to shine, but those drivers who won races last season in the Camping World Truck and Nationwide Series that should compete in their own All-Star races throughout the weekend.  I would also give fans from each series a chance to vote in one new rookie driver to be entered into each race.

The biggest stipulation for each would be that Sprint Cup Series drivers could not compete in either of these additional races.  This is whether they qualified for the Sprint Cup Series All-Star race or not.

If possible, I would even have a short track late model shootout All-Star race on the quarter-mile oval, located on the speedway’s front straightaway.  I would even add to the excitement of this race by having each competitor choose a Sprint Cup driver to serve as his or her crew chief.  This would be a great way for these drivers to be true All-Star mentors to those with high hopes to someday compete on their level.  Not to mention being rewarded with the type of major financial award that these already wealthy Sprint Cup Series drivers receive following Saturday night’s Sprint Cup Series race.  I believe these teams could use this kind of money a little more than Cup drivers?

Let’s not forget the pit crews who pour blood, sweat and tears into assisting these drivers with their success.  Allow the fans who view each race to tweet their selections for the hardest working pit crew for each series.  The winners would receive their own trophies and financial awards.  This team would also receive first pit selection for the 2014 events.
   
As I come to a conclusion on what I hope to be an All-Star idea, I wanted to give fans a chance to also chime in on something that Danielle Trotta said on NASCAR Race Hub Tuesday night, regarding the All-Star race.  As she explained the new rules for this Saturday Night’s race, Trotta mentioned that the one item that remains constant is that “the competition is between NASCAR’s best drivers.” 

One question for you Danielle, why do we have three top-series in NASCAR if only the best drivers are in the Sprint Cup Series?  WTF?

TODAY ON THE FRONTSTRETCH:

Did You Notice? ... Saturday Night Slowdowns, Clinching The Postseason Early And Quick Hits

by Amy Henderson

by Ellen Richardson and Jeff Wolfe

by the Frontstretch Staff 
 
Happiness Is...Early May
by Huston Ladner

 

  Some sad news today

Courteousy Sporting News.com (http://aol.sportingnews.com/nascar):

Body of missing race fan Nick Bower found near Talladega

Courteousy Truck Series.com

 (http://truckseries.com/):

BUESCHER: Confident Heading Into CMS

Courteousy SpeedwayMedia.com (http://www.speedwaymedia.com/ ):

Riggs, RBR back on track at Charlotte

After sitting out the last two NASCAR Camping World Truck Series (NCWTS) events, Scott Riggs is excited about his return behind the wheel of the Ricky Benton Racing (RBR) Enterprises No. 92 BTS Tire and Wheel Distributors/Goodyear fleetHQ/QMI Chevrolet at Charlotte in the North Carolina Education Lottery 200.

Surprising and Not Surprising: Bojangles’ Southern 500

On what has become a Mother’s day weekend tradition at the historic Darlington Raceway, here is what was surprising and not surprising in the 64th annual Bojangles’ Southern 500.

The Final Word – Leaving Darlington, Kenseth is again riding high

What a difference a couple of weeks can make. Matt Kenseth had just won at Kansas, only to be docked 50 points, among other team fines, penalties, and suspensions. Not good. After taking it in the teeth he rebounded to finish seventh at Richmond, eighth at Talladega, and then things really perked up. NASCAR gave him back all his points from Kansas, except for a 12 point slap, and they reduced his crew chief's suspension to just one race. The last one he ran.

Ford Racing — Trevor Bayne Michigan Speedway Testing Quotes

Trevor Bayne, driver of the No. 21 Motorcraft/Quick Lane Ford Fusion in the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series and the No. 16 Cargill Beef Ford Mustang in the NASCAR Nationwide Series is on hand at Michigan International Speedway with his Wood Brothers Racing team, testing their car in advance of the June race at the Speedway. Bayne took time during the test to chat with media in attendance.


Kevin Harvick No. 29 Rheem/Budweiser Chevrolet SS NASCAR Sprint All-Star Race Advance

Last weekend Harvick and the No. 29 Budweiser team finished fifth at Darlington Raceway and advanced two spots to 10th in the 2013 driver point standings.

Gilliland Ready to Take Risks in Showdown

David Gilliland has never raced in NASCAR's Sprint All-Star Race, but he feels like his chances of earning a spot in that line-up this weekend are better than ever. The driver of the No. 38 Long John Silver's Ford feels more confident about his team's capabilities than ever before as they prepare for Saturday night's Sprint Showdown, the precursor to the All-Star event.

Watkins Glen Win Earns Ambrose a Spot in the Sprint All-Star Race

Marcos Ambrose earned a spot in this weekend's Sprint All-Star Race with his dramatic win at Watkins Glen (N.Y.) International last season. The road course ace wheeled passed Sprint Cup Champion Brad Keselowski in the final turns to capture his second consecutive win at the New York road course.

Almirola Aims to Win Showdown, Compete in All-Star Race

Aric Almirola will compete in Saturday's Sprint Showdown looking for a win to gain a spot in the headline Sprint All-Star Race. To qualify for the All-Star Race, the No. 43 Smithfield Ford team will have to finish first or second in the Sprint Showdown 40-lap qualifier race. The race will have two 20-lap segments and an optional pit stop between them.

David Starr to Race the Build Your Future Toyota in Charlotte

No. 81 NASCAR Camping World Truck Series driver David Starr will race the BYF Toyota Tundra in the N.C. Education Lottery 200 at Charlotte Motor Speedway on May 17. The race will be televised live on SPEED Network at 8:00 p.m. EST and will be broadcast via the Motor Racing Network on SIRIUSXM NASCAR Radio Channel 90.

 
(5/14/13)

Courteousy SpeedTv.com

 (http://nascar.speedtv.com/):Martin Truex Jr. wants to earn a spot in the Sprint All-Star Race. (Photo: Getty Images)

Courteousy Sporting News.com (http://aol.sportingnews.com/nascar):

A MWR crew member fired for violation of substance-abuse policy

JGR Nationwide crew chief of Kyle Busch car fined, suspended

What does he do next?

Kyle Busch has unintentionally taken out Kasey Kahne three times this season—the latest at Darlington—and all eyes will be on how Busch handles racing Kahne and how he answers questions media will be asking. 

Vintage Kenseth

Joe Gibbs Racing nearly sweeps Darlington on Saturday with Matt Kenseth winning, Denny Hamlin second and Kyle Busch sixth. Kenseth's third victory makes him the biggest threat to Jimmie Johnson and Brad Keselowski.

Courteousy FOX Sports

(http://msn.foxsports.com/nascar):

Don't mistake good racing for feuding

Busch, Kahne both aggressive, but that doesn't mean they're feuding.
 
 
 

Courteousy USA Today.com (http://www.usatoday.com/sports/nascar/):

Matt Kenseth confident of maintaining his momentum

Read Story

Courteousy Yahoo Sports

 (http://sports.yahoo.com/nascar/):

Power Rankings: No lead is safe

Jimmie Johnson actually extended his points edge at Darlington, so why are we discussing a new No. 1?

All-Star Race lets drivers have fun

Courteousy ESPN.com

 (http://espn.go.com/racing/nascar/):

Rough Patch

Whether hampered by poor qualifying, caught in a late wreck or confounded by the Gen-6 race car, Danica Patrick has struggled of late. James »

Courteousy Bleacher Report.com

 (http://bleacherreport.com/nascar):

FYI WIRZ: NASCAR, NHRA and IndyCar Drivers Define the Feel of Racing Momentum

by Dwight Drum

Encarta Dictionary defines momentum as the power to increase or develop at an ever growing pace. They also call momentum the speed or force of forward movement of an object... Read More »

How to Convince Others NASCAR Drivers Are Athletes

by Christopher Leone

"Why do they put NASCAR on ESPN and SportsCenter ? It's not a sport. Those guys aren't athletes." Yawn . We've heard it all before... Read More »

Debunking the 5 Biggest Myths About NASCAR

by Jim Folsom

What are the five biggest myths in NASCAR ? That's hard to say in a sport with as many myths as NASCAR has. It has mythical figures all throughout its rich history... Read More »

FYI WIRZ: NASCAR's Matt Kenseth, Top Drivers Talk Darlington Final Flag

by Dwight Drum

Maybe the final flag at Darlington Raceway should be called the tattered flag, not the checkered flag, owing to the winning walls that surround the 1.366-mile oval with 25-degree banking... Read More »

FYI WIRZ: NASCAR, NHRA and 

Courteousy The Stock Car Gazette

( http://MotorSportsNews.Net) (Thanks Heather !):

Stock Car Gazette

Kenseth Making Up for Lost Points
by Chuck Abrams

www.Catchfence.com

 
Justin Lofton And Eddie Sharp Racing Return To Charlotte With MadVapes
"E-Cig Brand Backing Defending Charlotte NCWTS Race Winners!!" DENVER, N.C. (May 13, 2013) - Justin Lofton returns to ESR this weekend to defend his 2012 Charlotte Camping World Trucks ...
 
Google Alerts
 
 Kyle Busch still an enigma at No. 9 in my Power Rankings
SI.com
That had to be a scary prospect for the rest of the teams in NASCAR. Busch was in his mid-20s at the time and appeared poised to become the most dominant driver in the sport. All he needed to do was mature a bit and learn to control his emotions, and .
 
We compare V8 Supercars to their NASCAR equivalents
NEWS.com.au
THEY say everything is bigger in America, but while NASCAR stock cars certainly have more grunt than V8 Supercars, the Aussie vehicles are more technically advanced in almost every respect. From afar, the vehicles look quite similar, although the V8 is
 
IN THE PITS: Kenseth's steadiness and hard work at shop help JGR roar back ...
Washington Post
CHARLOTTE, N.C. — When Joe Gibbs publicly addressed the illegal part found in Matt Kenseth's engine, the team owner was respectful of NASCAR's inspection process but adamant about the importance of not sullying Joe Gibbs Racing's reputation over an ...
 
 
Courteousy The Frontstretch.com

(http://www.frontstretch.com/):

NASCAR's Sprint Cup ratings for Darlington left the Lady In Black starving for attention. A 3.5 overnight, tied for the second-lowest rating of FOX's 2013 Sprint Cup coverage also tied a 12-year low for the track since the network first televised races there in 2001. Only Richmond, with a 3.4 had a lower Nielsen number so far this season. It's interesting to note the sport's three least-watched telecasts - Richmond, Texas, and Darlington - have been run on Saturday nights. The NBA Playoffs, televised alongside drew both a larger audience overall and in the coveted 18-to-49 age group.

Today's Featured Commentary

Luring in the New NASCAR Fan: 1993 vs. 2013
Sitting In The Stands: A Fan's View
by S.D. Grady

Jeff Gordon posted one heck of a stat on Saturday night when he took the green flag for the Bojangles' Southern 500: 700 consecutive starts in the Sprint Cup Series.  In case you were wondering, that represents over 20 years of showing up to work every single week.  During those two decades, he's become the No. 3 all-time race winner in NASCAR history, proud owner of four Cups and three-time Daytona 500 champion.  I'm a little chuffed to say I've watched him, week in and week out achieve these stellar feats. 

Then I paused and realized, 20 years?  I've been a devout follower of NASCAR for all that time?  It might actually be a bit longer, but Gordon's entrance into the Cup Series is one of the hallmarks I place my stock car nuttiness next to.  However, it wasn't really Gordon that won me over -- not entirely.  After all, he spent much of the 1993 season bumping into walls and other assorted moving objects.  14th in points that year, with 11 DNFs he was in all possible ways a rookie.  There had to be somebody else out there that got me tuning in.

To satisfy my lagging memory, I pulled up the results for the 1993 Mountain Dew Southern 500 and found my answer, memories jumping off the page describing the glory days of NASCAR in the '90s.  Besides running on an assortment of aging, cracking short tracks that have since been removed from our schedule, we had one of the best rivalries running in the sport.  Those were the days of Rusty Wallace and Dale Earnhardt, Sr., single-car efforts battling for total supremacy atop the standings.  Neither was ever "my" driver, but I was guaranteed an exciting Sunday whenever the cars in black cranked their engines.  Besides the drivers' wisecracking ways, I loved watching them aim for one another's bumpers and drive the wheels off their cars.

However, two drivers does not a lifetime fan make.  Mark Martin won that day driving his signature No. 6 Valvoline Ford.  Even then, the wiry little guy was always in the hunt, offering up thrills here and there (Editor's Note: Martin's victory was his fourth consecutive, tying a modern-day NASCAR record).  Brett Bodine, Rusty Wallace, Earnhardt, Ernie Irvan (in his first race driving the once-famous No. 28), Ricky Rudd, Harry Gant, Morgan Shepherd, Kenny Schrader and Kenny Wallace rounded out the top 10.  The list of names conjured memories of classic wrecks, a little name-calling in the pits, a green car and personalities that became the face of NASCAR as they vacated their rides.  Jeff Gordon, in case you're wondering, finished 22nd five laps down -- barely a blip on the day's radar.

We had just instituted electronic scoring.  The networks were getting more interested in what happened in North Wilkesboro and the stands were jam packed.  Beer, tobacco and auto parts still reigned supreme on the hoods of the machines we felt we could actually buy on Monday.  All in all, I was sold on the dust, dirt, and mayhem.

But what about today?  With drivers like Stenhouse Jr. taking their virgin flights on the cookie cutters, is NASCAR able to garner the interest of a new fan?  Do we have the rivalries, veterans and stories needed to continue to build the allegiance of that random sports enthusiast who just clicked on FOX?  What would they see?

They would learn of a five-time champion still seeking his sixth, the reigning one who loves to tweet and one hot chick rolling around in the back of the pack.  Joey Logano and Denny Hamlin stare at one another across pit road, frustration evident before decorating the other's door with rubber.  Mark Martin talks to the camera, wrinkles and enduring smile still included.  A few faces from 1993 chatter in the booth, giving depth to the telecast for those who didn't know the brakes glow in the corners.  And on the random occasion, NASCAR will visit a short track where it won't be all aero and engine. Instead, it's guts and determination that takes the winner to Victory Lane.

We've got a new car and technologies.  Meanwhile, crew chiefs listen to their drivers through a headset that belongs to the '80s.  The tracks are a network of sensors and yet, the teams can't mount one on their car.  NASCAR remains a mix of throwback and testing the barriers of speed.  It offers an intriguing option to the international auto racing scene, one that features high octane computers aimed down the middle of the road by a human.

Yes, the new guy might notice empty seats in the grandstands. But if they are a "car guy," they will be enamored by the roar of the engines and non-stop action that a four-hour marathon provides.  If they're really lucky, the resident bad boys will mouth off at the TV cameras, call their competitors names on the radio and maybe hunt down a rival on the cool-down lap.

All in all, NASCAR in 2013 has all the ingredients 1993 had which resulted in millions of fans following a sport that once belonged to the back roads of the Deep South.  Over the decades, we've managed to retain that curious generational mix of drivers, sponsors, locations, and competition that remains unique to this form of auto racing.

With all the negative press that NASCAR fans heap upon their favorite pastime, it might seem inconceivable that we still have that magical mix of drama and competition that existed 20 years ago, drawing this fan into a life devoted to 43 teams taking to the track every week.  But we do.

Those 700 starts certainly flew by.  Twenty years have passed without a blink.  And after careful consideration, I can gladly say I'm looking forward to 700 more.

Kyle Larson Stat

Series: Nationwide Series
Track: Darlington Raceway
Car: No. 32 Cessna Chevrolet
Qualified: 7th
Finished: 6th
Points Standings: 10th

Want to follow Kyle Larson yourself?

Twitter: @KyleLarsonRacin
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/KyleLarsonRacing
Website (under construction): http://kylelarsonracing.com/
Looking for a little history? Try... http://kylelarsonracing.net/

Numbers Game: Bojangles' Southern 500

by Tom Bowles

0
Top-5 finishes for Kyle Busch in the last four events, after his late-race fade to sixth at Darlington. It's easily his longest drought of the year in the Cup Series.

1
The starting spot for Kurt Busch at Darlington, his first time winning a pole position since leaving Penske Racing. He last started up front June, 2011 at Michigan, a span of 67 Cup races.

1
Driver within a full points race of Jimmie Johnson after eleven events. Carl Edwards is the only one who could “catch” Johnson after the Coca-Cola 600 depending on where the two finish.

2nd
Finishing position for Denny Hamlin Saturday night, his best run of the year despite missing four-plus races after Fontana due to an L1 Compression Fracture injury in his lower back.

3
Consecutive top-10 finishes for Carl Edwards, including a seventh on Saturday night to keep him second in points.

3.155 seconds
The margin of victory for Matt Kenseth in the Southern 500, the highest for any race at Darlington since Sterling Marlin "edged" Elliott Sadler by 3.5 seconds in the Spring of 2002.

4
The number of drivers to lead the race Saturday night. All of them led at least 16 laps: winner Matt Kenseth, third-place Jeff Gordon, sixth-place Kyle Busch (who led the most, with 265) and fourteenth-place Kurt Busch.

5
The number of cautions at Darlington, which tied a season low. It was also the least amount of yellow flags thrown during a 500-mile race there in fifteen years (two, 1998).

6
The number of DNFs suffered, combined within BK Racing in their debut NASCAR season of 2012.

7
The number of DNFs suffered, combined within BK Racing through eleven races so far in 2013. David Reutimann was the latest victim, crashing out with less than 100 laps to go Saturday night.

9
The number of lead changes Saturday night, the fewest for any Sprint Cup race this season. (Previous low: 12, Phoenix & Martinsville.)

18
The number of races since Brad Keselowski last won, at Dover in the Fall of 2012. It’s his longest victory drought since he stepped foot behind the wheel of the No. 2 car.

21.2
Average finishing position of Joey Logano since tangling with Denny Hamlin at Fontana. He was 22nd at Darlington Saturday night, never a factor.

34.0
Average finish this season for rookie Timmy Hill, in his first year driving for FAS Lane Racing. Hill was a distant 33rd, nine laps off the pace in his first Darlington start as the team struggles to find its place in the Cup Series.

35
Total number of laps completed by Mike Bliss in the last two races he’s qualified for. Driving for Tri-Star Motorsports, he’s collected $105,886 during that stretch, leaving his “salary” at $3,025.31 per lap.

48
Number of laps led by Dale Earnhardt, Jr. this season. He's paced the field for just one in the last nine Sprint Cup events (Kansas).

$293,423
Difference in money won for David Ragan between Talladega and Darlington. Last week's winner collected just $79,685 at the Lady In Black after blowing an engine down the stretch. He ran 39th.

TODAY ON THE FRONTSTRETCH:

Racing To The Point: Just Who Is Making The Decisions In NASCAR?
by Brett Poirier

Who’s Hot / Who’s Not In Sprint Cup: Darlington-All Star Edition
by Brad Morgan


Going By The Numbers: Which NASCAR Team Is Off To Their Best Start Ever?
by Kevin Rutherford

Five Points To Ponder: Titanic Teams And The Deaththroes Of A Network
by P. Huston Ladner

Couch Potato Tuesday: The Darrell Waltrip Effect On Kyle Busch
by Phil Allaway


Courteousy SpeedwayMedia.com (http://www.speedwaymedia.com/):

Matt Kenseth: The Man To Beat In 2013

Yes, Jimmie Johnson has a considerable margin over the field right now (44pts) but Matt Kenseth who sits 3rd in the standings has put up performances as good as if not better than the 5-time NASCAR Sprint Cup Series champion. Through just 11 races, he's led 781 laps which is already more than 9 of his 13 previous Cup seasons including his 2003 championship run.

THREE-TIME ALL-STAR RACE WINNER GORDON PLANS TO BE AGGRESSIVE

Saturday night's NASCAR Sprint All-Star Race may be pointless, but it provides a valuable learning tool for Jeff Gordon and the No. 24 Cromax® Pro team.

Kangaroo Express Hops on Board the No. 4 Arrowhead Machine

Jeb Burton and the No. 4 Arrowhead team is thrilled to announce the addition of Kangaroo Express to their Turner Scott Motorsports Silverado for the Friday, May 17 NASCAR Camping World Truck Series (NCWTS) event at Charlotte Motor Speedway (CMS).

MICHAEL WALTRIP RACING’S SEVENTH ANNUAL FAN FEST MOVED TO FALL

Michael Waltrip Racing will host its annual Fan Fest in the fall at the height of NASCAR’s “Chase for the Sprint Cup.” The event at MWR’s headquarters in Cornelius, N.C., has traditionally been held during Charlotte Motor Speedway’s May events, but this season the race shop is undergoing some capital improvements to further enhance the visitor and employee experience.

A Jeff Gordon story – Sometimes the little things mean the most

A few times a year, I’m privileged to be able to go to a NASCAR race as part of the media. It’s a unique experience that allows me to be a small part of something that has an enormous impact on so many. What may surprise you is that it is often the little things that make it so special.

Courteousy Yahoo Sports

 (http://sports.yahoo.com/nascar/):

Hot/Not: Kenseth hot on Johnson's heels

Jimmie Johnson's 44-point lead in the Sprint Cup Series isn't as impressive as Matt Kenseth's early line.

  And now for some very interesting news from New Egypt Speedway(http://www.newegyptspeedway.net/)  ,  AND ... Wall Stadium Speedway ( http://www.wallspeedwayracing.com/?from_fb=1#)  !

World of Outlaws coming to New Egypt Speedway on Tuesday,May 21st !

  (Thanks Nick &, or Pete !!) :

World of Outlaws Purse Increase For One Lucky Non-Regular


Tour Set To Invade New Egypt Speedway For Outlaw Classic

 


New Egypt, NJ-- On Tuesday, May 21st, the World of Outlaws sprint tour will invade New Egypt Speedway for the first time since 2007 for the Napa Auto Parts Outlaw Classic. Many local Tri-State area sprint teams are expected to run as well including Billy Pauch, Jr., Davey Sammons, Robbie Stillwagon, and Kyle Reinhardt. As an extra bonus for the local sprint teams, the first non-regular World of Outlaw sprint to cross the finish line will receive at least $500 cash.


“We have a bunch of teams that could travel pretty far to race with us,” said General Manager Allyse Wolfinger. “We know the cost is high to come race with us and we want to thank the area race teams that are choosing to do so.”


Local sprint teams are set to go head to head with World of Outlaw regulars Daryn Pittman, Cody Darrah, Steve Kinser, Donny Schatz, Craig Dollansky, Sammy Swindell, Joey Saldana, Chad Kemenah, Paul McMahan, Jason Sides, Kraig Kinser, and Kerry Madsen. Daryn Pittman was the winner of last year’s Jersey Rush and has been on a tear in his first year racing for Kasey Kahne Racing. Steve Kinser was the winner of the last World of Outlaw event held at the Speedway in 2007.


All drivers will be required to purchase a DIRTcar membership, if they have not already done so, in order to race. The race pays $6,000 to win and $500 to take the green. There is tow money that depends on the driver’s finish in their consolation race. The $500 cash to the first non-regular across the line is in addition to their feature winnings.


Tickets are currently on sale through the World of Outlaws http://dirtcar.ticketforce.com/. Main grandstand seating in sections 4 and 5 along the front stretch are reserved seating selling for $35. General admission tickets are $30, teens 12-15 are $15, and children 11 and under are free. Pit admission will be $40 but only sold the day of the event. Reserved seating tickets on the day of the event will only be sold at the front ticket entrance.


Pit gates will be opening at 3:00 pm on the day of the event. Front gates will be opening for advanced ticket holders and Will Call at 3:30 pm and will open to the general public at 4:00 pm. Hot laps will begin at 6:15 pm with the first green flag waving at 7 pm.


Overnight camping is permitted in the designated camping area located behind the Speedway. Camping is free of charge. The Speedway asked fans to respect our neighbors and there are no open fires permitted.


For all of our younger fans looking to enter the pit area, it is the New Jersey State law that anyone under the age of 16 is not permitted into the pit area. Fans 16 or 17 years of age must present a copy of their birth certificate and be accompanied by a parent to sign the Minor Parental Consent Form. All younger fans and their parents can fill out the necessary paperwork in the Speedway office located next to the front ticket windows.


For more information on the Outlaw Classic, visit with Speedway’s website www.newegyptspeedway.net, “Like” us on Facebook /newegyptspeedwayofficial, or follow us on Twitter @nesspeedway.

Wall Stadium Speedway's weekend plans  (Saturday night &  the Sunday Series opener ! )

(Thanks Jeff Gravatt !!) :

Saturday :

LITTLE LEAGUERS TO BE HONORED AT WALL STADIUM AUTO RACES SATURDAY (MAY 18)

 

WALL TOWNSHIP, N.J. ~ Youngsters from area Little League baseball teams will be admitted to Wall Stadium Speedway’s stock car races free of charge this Saturday night (May 18) when wearing their team jersey when they arrive at the ticket booth. Grandstand seating will open at 5:00 p.m. on Saturday, with qualifying starting at 6:00 p.m. and main event racing starting at 7:00 p.m.

 

            The 4 Cylinder division, led by defending champion and new father Brien Crosby of Wall, will be in the spotlight with twin main events. The Sportsman, Limited Late Model and Factory Stock racers will also see action. The Modified and Legend Cars will have the night off.

 

            Saturday’s schedule will see the competitor pit area open at noon with a paid test session set for 1:00 until 3:30 p.m. The regular afternoon practice session will then begin at 3:00 p.m. and run until 5:00 p.m., while spectator seating will open at 5:00 p.m.

 

On track competition will then begin at 6:00 p.m. with qualifying events to be followed by feature race action for all divisions at 7:00 p.m.

 

            Action will then continue on Sunday (May 19) as Wall Stadium kicks off the “Sunday Small-Car Series” starting at noon.

 

Sunday :

 

WALL STADIUM SUNDAY SERIES OPENER MAY 19

 

WALL TOWNSHIP, N.J. ~ Competitors in the very popular “Sunday Series” of kart and small car racing held on Wall Stadium’s fifth mile paved “inner oval” will kick off for the 2013 campaign this Sunday afternoon, May 19. The series will then continue on most Sunday afternoons through the fall.

 

            “I want to welcome everyone with either a racing kart or a small car to participate,” Sunday Series Race Director Alan Brenner said. “We want everyone to know that they are welcome.”

 

            Among the vehicles involved in the “Sunday Series” will be go-karts, Micro Stocks and Junior Legend Cars. More information is available on the Wall Stadium Speedway website at wallspeedwayracing.com or by calling the speedway office at 732-681-6400.

 

Wall Stadium presents professional motorsports events on most Saturdays and Sundays from mid-April through November. The speedway is located on Route 34 in Wall Township, N.J., just one mile north of Garden State Parkway exit 98 and Interstate 195 exit 35B. The speedway email address is CKMotorsports@aol.com.

 
(5/13/13)

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JOHNSON'S POINTS LEAD LOFTY AS ALL-STAR BREAK HITS  

Five-Time stands 44 points ahead of second-place Carl Edwards

Slowly, Darlington returning to its old self

MOBIL 1 DRIVER OF THE RACE: DARLINGTON 

IN THE REARVIEW: RECAPPING DARLINGTON

DARLINGTON'S GREATEST HITS

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Beware Joe Gibbs Racing

Sure, Matt Kenseth got the win Saturday night at Darlington. But his Joe Gibbs Racing teammates, Denny Hamlin and Kyle Busch, put on one heckuva show in their own right. BlountSportsCenter 

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Search continues for NASCAR fan missing since Talladega race

No more sandbagging

Last year, Jimmie Johnson dominated the first segment of the Sprint All-Star and then laid back the rest of the night, riding around until the final 10-lap segment. With new rules in place, he won't be able to do that this year.

Vegan driver wants NASCAR fans to eat less meat, have some veggies

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 (http://nascar.speedtv.com/): Jimmie Johnson has won the All-Star Race numerous times including in 2012. (Photo: Getty Images)

Brad Keselowski, driver of the No. 2 Miller Lite Ford, stands on the grid during qualifying for the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Bojangles' Southern 500 at Darlington Raceway. (Photo: Getty Images)

Jimmie Johnson, driver of the No. 48 Lowe's Emerald Green Chevrolet, walks on the grid during qualifying for the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Bojangles' Southern 500 at Darlington Raceway. (Photo: Getty Images)

Kurt Busch and Jimmie Johnson lead the field before the start of the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Bojangles' Southern 500 at Darlington Raceway on May 11, 2013 in Darlington, South Carolina. (Photo: Getty Images)

Matt Kenseth, driver of the No. 20 The Home Depot / Husky Toyota, celebrates with his crew in victory lane after winning the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Bojangles' Southern 500 at Darlington Raceway. (Photo: Getty Images)

CUP: Sherwin-Williams Boosts Investment In Sport, Becomes ‘Official…

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Who's Hot, Who's Not After Darlington

By Christopher Leone

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Sprint Cup Race Recap: Kenseth Tames the Lady, Wins at Darlington
by Justin Tucker

Matt Kenseth came into Saturday night's Bojangles' Southern 500 already a winner this week. On Wednesday, the NASCAR Appeals Board reduced the penalties assessed to the No. 20 and Kenseth from violations stemming from the STP 400 at Kansas last month.  Kenseth's crew chief Jason Ratcliff saw his six race suspension reduced to just one race.  Kenseth would also see his 50 point penalty reduced to 12.  Other penalities, including a rare ban on the team earning owners' points for six weeks were thrown out as well.

 
Saturday night would prove to be the cap on a perfect week for Kenseth and Joe Gibbs Racing as Kenseth would pass his JGR teammate Kyle Busch with 13 laps to go to claim his first Darlington win and his 27th career NSCS win.

"This is a dream come true," Kenseth shouted on his radio.  "Thank you guys very much."
 
Kenseth's JGR teammate, Kyle Busch, would have the dominant car on the night leading 265 of 367 laps on the night, but a cut right rear tire in the closing laps would derail his night relegating him to a sixth-place finish.  Busch left the track after Saturday's race without comment after being involved in another on track incident with Kasey Kahne, his third such incident this season. Meanwhile, Denny Hamlin completed his first full race since being injured in a last lap crash at Auto Club Speedway in March and sent a statement to the rest of the NSCS field that he is indeed 100 percent by finishing second to his JGR teammate Kenseth.
 
In a race that was slowed by just one caution during the first 302 laps, Jeff Gordon celebrated his 700th career start in style by bringing his Cromax Pro Chevrolet home third for his second top 5 of 2013.  Gordon would improve to 12th in the NSCS standings with this finish. Points leader Jimmie Johnson would continue to solidify his hold to the top spot of the NSCS standings by finishing fourth on Saturday night.  This was Johnson's series-best sixth top 5 and eighth top 10 of 2013.  Johnson increased his series points lead to 44 over Carl Edwards.
 
Kevin Harvick would rebound from bad luck at Talladega to score a top-5 finish on Saturday night.  Rounding out the top 10 were Kyle Busch, Carl Edwards, Juan Pablo Montoya, Dale Earnhardt, Jr. and Ryan Newman.
 
It appeared for most of the closing stages of the race that Kasey Kahne would be the closest competitor to Kyle Busch for the race win.  After the fourth restart, Kahne was able to keep pace alongside Busch for a full lap.  It appeared that Kahne had cleared Busch entering Turn 1, but the back end of Kahne's No. 5 Time Warner Cable Chevrolet snapped loose and slammed into the wall.  It was a move that left Kahne anything but impressed.
 
"Three times this year me and Kyle had contact and I had a chance, capable-winning cars, it's disappointing on the points side and not winning some of these races," Kahne said. "Whether he hit me or just blew the air off, whatever it was, he blew his entry.  I'm not sure what he was thinking on that."
 
Darlington proved to be the same old tough Darlington on Saturday night.  A true throwback to what stock car racing should be.  Lots of great racing through the field and a great finish at the end.  The Gen 6 race car passed another huge test on Saturday night.
 
The Sprint Cup Series returns home next week to begin the 10 greatest days of racing with the Sprint All Star race.  Coverage gets underway with the Sprint Showdown at 7:00 PM EDT on SPEED.
 
Chasing the Chase: Johnson Maintains Advantage by Staying Out of Trouble
by Phil Allaway

As the season continues on, one thing has become quite clear.  It is very unlikely that anyone will be able to gain on Jimmie Johnson in the points if he keeps earning 40 points a week.  That is what Johnson accomplished at Darlington by finishing fourth.  With Carl Edwards' seventh-place finish, Johnson expanded his points lead up to 44 points.  The combination of Matt Kenseth's victory on Saturday night on the track and in the R&D Center on Wednesday has moved Kenseth up to third in the standings.  At this time last week, he was 11th and hoping for a wild card.

Dale Earnhardt, Jr. had an up-and-down night at Darlington but brought home a decent ninth-place finish.  However, since so many of the drivers around him in the standings finished in front of him, he dropped one place to fourth.  Clint Bowyer carried last-minute sponsorship from Yum! Foods' Kentucky Fried Chicken (specifically, their current ad campaign for Boneless Original Recipe chicken).  However, he had a relatively quiet night on his way to a 11th-place finish.  That was enough to maintain his fifth-place in points.

Kasey Kahne had a great car on Saturday night and was in position to win.  However, controversial contact with Kyle Busch resulted in Kahne going into the Turn 1, then the engine dying.  Kahne's crew fixed up the Time Warner Cable Chevrolet as best as they could, but it just was not the same.  Another encounter with the wall didn't help things as Kahne struggled to finish 17th.  However, that finish was still good enough to move him up into a tie for sixth with Brad Keselowski.  Keselowski was doing ok until an unscheduled stop for tires dropped him two laps down.  After getting one of those laps back, Keselowski happened to be in the wrong place at the right time and ran into the back of Casey Mears' GEICO Ford, damaging his own Fusion.  Keselowski would eventually finish nine laps down in 32nd.
 
Kyle Busch moved up two positions to eighth after finishing sixth, but was very unhappy with his result after cutting a tire late in the race.  Aric Almirola dropped one place to ninth after a 20th-place run, which snapped his streak of four consecutive top 10s.  Kevin Harvick's fifth-place finish was good enough to move him into a tie with teammate Paul Menard for tenth in points (Harvick officially gets the spot thanks to his win at Richmond).

Standings: 1) Jimmie Johnson 423, 2) Carl Edwards -44, 3) Matt Kenseth -59, 4) Dale Earnhardt, Jr. -64, 5) Clint Bowyer -74, t-6) Kasey Kahne -97, t-6) Brad Keselowski -97, 8) Kyle Busch -98, 9) Aric Almirola -106, t-10) Kevin Harvick -108, t-10) Paul Menard -108.

Best of the Rest: t-12)
Jeff Gordon, -112, t-12) Greg Biffle -112, 14) Martin Truex, Jr. -122, 15) Jamie McMurray, -128, 16) Ricky Stenhouse, Jr. -141, 17) Ryan Newman -147, 18) Kurt Busch -161, 19) Joey Logano -164, 20) Jeff Burton -165.

Wild Cards: 1) Paul Menard (tied for tenth in points, loses tiebraker with Harvick due to lack of a win), 2) Jeff Gordon (12th in points, wins tiebraker over Greg Biffle)
Currently Ineligible for Wild Card: 1) David Ragan (26th in points, one win)

Race Winners: Jimmie Johnson (Daytona, Martinsville), Carl Edwards (Phoenix), Matt Kenseth (Las Vegas, Kansas, Darlington), Kasey Kahne (Bristol), Kyle Busch (Fontana, Texas), Kevin Harvick (Richmond), David Ragan (Talladega)

Underdog Selection No. 1: Travis Kvapil for BK Racing; started 28th, finished 23rd

2013 has been a tough year for BK Racing as a whole.  The team, which a year ago had the disadvantage of having equipment from the defunct Red Bull team that was a year or more old, should be caught up to their peers by now in terms of equipment.  And with improved equipment, a newer, smaller team like this one should be looking at improving over last year and making gains each week.  Until Darlington, they had failed to even keep up with last year's performance for the first part, with Kvapil's average race finish falling seven full positions from 25.7 in 2012 to 32.7 in 2013.

This week, though, Kvapil finally seemed to gain a little ground.  He finished 23rd, nearly ten positions above that average, and his run was his second-best through eleven races this year.  His best finish of 22nd came at Texas last month. Kvapil and Company need to be consistently posting top-25 runs this year to be on track for overall improvement, so perhaps they can build on a solid night at the Lady in Black.

Underdog Selection No. 2: Dave Blaney for Tommy Baldwin Racing; started 37th, finished 27th

While it's true that Bobby Labonte had a better finish than Blaney, what gives Blaney the edge this week is the number of positions Blaney was able to gain from start to finish.  Blaney picked up ten spots on Saturday nights, which is one indicator that the team is making the right calls during the race.  Being able to keep up with the racetrack (especially one as notoriously difficult as Darlington) is one key to teams being successful.  Simply maintaining, or perhaps even losing spots (as Labonte did) when it's not due to an on-track incident, isn't something a team can do each week and hope to reach the next level.

Underdog Selection No. 3: Landon Cassill for Circle Sport; started 32nd, finished 30th

For the team that is perhaps the poorest even among the poor, Circle Sport is showing a lot of gumption in 2013.  Consider this: a year ago, this team was pulling in early each week.  So far in 2013, they've already been running at the conclusion of more races than they were in all of 2012—and that's a big step.  Two weeks ago at Richmond, Cassill brought home the team's first lead-lap finish of the year.  A week later at Talladega, he grabbed their best finishing position of 2013 with a 22nd-place result.  That might make his 30th-place run at Darlington seem like a step back, and if the story ended there, it might have been…but before the race, Cassill told me he wasn't sure the team would be able to go the distance at all.  Yet, when the checkered flag fell, Cassill was still out there running—the team made the last-minute commitment to take the chance running old and used equipment, to finish the race.  That takes heart and determination, and this team is showing an abundance of both.
 
Sidebar Darlington Stories
by Phil Allaway

Hamlin's First Full Race Back a Success
 
After starting last weekend's Aaron's 499 at Talladega and a really good week leading up to Darlington, Denny Hamlin was all set to go the full 500 mile distance Saturday night.  How did it go?  It went really well.  Then again, Darlington went well for anybody working for Joe Gibbs Racing, regardless of the series.Hamlin qualified a strong sixth, fell back in the early part of the race, then gambled on a two-tire stop on the first caution.  When full darkness fell on the 1.366 mile oval, Hamlin's car appeared to come to life.  By the end of the race, Hamlin had a well-deserved and much-needed second-place finish.

How did Hamlin feel after the race, physically?
 
"I'm tired.  This is a tough, grueling race, so that's nothing to hang our heads about," Hamlin said to FOX Sports' Krista Voda after the race. 
 
Hamlin did not mention any issues with his back during the interview.  That sounds like Hamlin passed the Darlington test with flying colors.
 
Kasey Kahne Angry with Kyle Busch After Late Crash
 
Late in Saturday night's race, Kasey Kahne appeared to be the only person who could legitimately challenge Kyle Busch at the front of the field.  On the restart from the fourth caution, Kahne spent the entire first lap side-by-side with Busch for the lead in a truly exciting battle.  However, when the two drivers entered Turn 1 on Lap 334, there appeared to be ever so slight contact between the two cars.  Kahne's car ended up in the Turn 1 wall, while Busch continued on.  It is the second week in a row--and the third time this season--that the two drivers have come together on-track.

After the race, Kahne voiced his displeasure to MRN.
 
"I don't know what his deal is with me," Kahne said.  "[Busch] blew that entry into Turn 1.  The car moved and then spun out.  I don't know if he actually touched me or not.  If he would have just entered normal like he entered the whole race, there would have been no issues and I would have been leading off [Turn] 2.  He just didn't want that to happen, so he blew Turn 1 [intentionally]."
 
As for Busch, he was very upset at the end of the race after his right rear tire was cut.  Even though he still finished sixth, he stormed off after the race and did not speak to reporters or PR representatives.

Busch's crew chief, Dave Rogers, stated that Busch was "somber and disappointed that [the wreck] happened, but...it's part of the sport."  Rogers also stated that he couldn't tell whether Kahne and Busch had touched in Turn 1 to precipitate the crash.

Phil Allaway is the Newsletter Manager and a Senior Writer for Frontstretch. He can be reached via e-mail at phil.allaway@frontstretch.com. Follow him on Twitter at @Critic84.

Quotes to Remember: Bojangles' Southern 500
compiled by Beth Lunkenheimer

“Overall the weekend went pretty good just due to the preparation of the 20 guys, Jason Ratcliff (crew chief) — they put a lot of effort, several test plans — we had our plan all weekend. It actually went pretty smooth. Once the race started, I noticed we were able to hang in there for a while. I knew at that point we’d be okay if we just kept up with the track positions that we would have a good night.” - Wally Brown, crew chief for Matt Kenseth
 
“We ran good. We didn’t run as strong as what I hoped throughout the day. We were kind of mired in the fifth to eighth positions for most of the day. Track position was so key. You had two to three laps on restarts to get your positions and after that you were in defense mode. For me, we kept grinding away. Pit crew picked us up some stops obviously throughout the night. It was one of those days where we got our car better, pit crew picked us up positions and took us to the most optimum spot we could get to and that was second.” - Denny Hamlin, finished second
 
“Well we all wanted this 700th start to be a memorable one and not one like we had last year. So, it was a great effort by this Cromax Pro Chevrolet team. Alan (Gustafson) called great calls and the pit stops were fantastic; especially when it counted the most there at the end. We were just bouncing between tight and loose and right there at the end, it was about the best that it had been all night. That’s what you want, you know? To be able to have good track position and have the car pretty well working for you; so, it was a really solid night. I’m very proud of this.” - Jeff Gordon, finished third
 
“It was just a great 500 miles here at Darlington. There is nothing easy about this race track. It keeps you on your toes all night long. We had a great car. We lost a little tack position at the end. But we still got back into the Top-5; but I kind of ran second and third all night long; wish I was a little bit better, but this Emerald GreenLowe’s Chevrolet was doing a good job. We had fun (laughs). I love this place. I wish we could race here three or four times a year. I wasn’t prepared for the track to change as much as it did there; and then it kind of stayed there all night long. But my first run or two was far different than I expected.” - Jimmie Johnson, finished fourth
 
“That was a pretty good run for this whole Budweiser Chevrolet team tonight. We were loose for most of the race and those long green-flag stops didn’t help us any, either. When we got caught a lap down there, I thought it was going to ruin our night. But, we overcame that, had great stops on pit road and took advantage of things out of our control to finish fifth. It was a good night for this team.” - Kevin Harvick, finished fifth
 
“We struggled a lot tonight and we ended up coming back to seventh, so I’m proud of our effort. But it’s like Jimmy and I talked about, we’re just missing something. We have been really good at this size of race track and I thought our Geek Squad Ford was gonna be really good. Qualifying was great, other than my mess up, but it was just a struggle all night. That’s a long race when you’re just hanging on to the lead lap and trying to make something happen.” - Carl Edwards, finished seventh
 
“Well, we didn’t unload as good as we wanted, but we got into it really good. We did a really good job. Everybody on the Target Chevy has been doing a great job. We have been running like this all year. We’ve just had all kinds of mistakes and things. I keep telling the guys we have got to execute. If every person here does their best we are going to be looking like heroes here.” - Juan Pablo Montoya, finished eighth
 
“We had a real good car all weekend. Just never really got great track position. The last half of the race the car was a little bit up out of the race track, but we were still pretty happy. Traffic was terrible, just real dirty air out there. We were faster than the No. 42 at the end of the race, just couldn’t pass him. Probably faster than the No. 99 and No. 29 too, but got to be in front of them.” - Dale Earnhardt, Jr., finished ninth
 
“That was a really good comeback by our Quicken Loans team. Our race car was loose pretty much all night up until that last run, but Matt Borland (crew chief) and the guys kept adjusting on it and working on it trying to make it better. They really just didn’t give up, and we were able to get the ‘Lucky Dog’ two different times to get back on the lead lap, and we ended up with a top-10 finish. I’m just really proud of how hard these guys battled tonight.” - Ryan Newman, finished tenth
 
“It’s a little disappointing. I know it’s different being out front. The car will drive a lot different, but we still don’t have the grip that we need. We’re missing it ever since the season started with this car. We’ve got to figure it out.” - Greg Biffle, finished 13th
 
“We were wicked free and could not keep up with the changing conditions of the track. We made a number of chassis and air pressure adjustments but couldn’t get the car hooked up. We let it slip away and that’s disappointing. But we won the pole, led laps, ran up front for a good portion of the race and came away with a respectable finish.” - Kurt Busch, finished 14th
 
“Oh, we were racing hard. I had a great Time Warner Cable Chevrolet. The car was getting better and better as the race went, but they had to make a lot of adjustments and things. But, I don’t know. Three times this year me and Kyle (Busch) have had contact. And I’ve had capable of winning cars. It’s disappointing on the points side and not winning races. But that was close racing. He entered so early and he was just going straight to the corner. So whether he hit me or just blew the air off, whatever it was, he blew his entry and I’m not real sure what he was thinking on that.” - Kasey Kahne, finished 17th
 
“It was a tough night for the No. 27 Pittsburgh Paints/Menards crew. We struggled with handling issues for the majority of the day, and I put us behind late with a pit road penalty. Slugger (Labbe, crew chief) made adjustments all night and we were able to catch a break at the end with those caution flags to get a couple of our laps back. We’ll learn from tonight and move on to Charlotte next weekend, try to have some fun and race our way into the big show (All-Star Race) on Saturday night.” - Paul Menard, finished 19th
 
“That’s not the result we wanted at all. That was a tough night. We fought hard, but just weren’t quite good enough. We were slipping and sliding all over the place, so we’ll regroup and go to Charlotte and have another go at it. It makes things really difficult when you don’t have very many opportunities to work on your car, but it is what it is.” - Aric Almirola, finished 20th
 
“That was a rough night for No. 31 Caterpillar team. We definitely didn’t get the rotation we wanted to in the middle of the turns which pretty much set the tone for the evening. These guys never gave up and we were able to play strategy and gain some positions in the end. I’m proud of their effort. I’m confident our team will bounce back at Charlotte Motor Speedway these next two weekends.” - Jeff Burton, finished 21st
 
“Those long green flag runs just killed us,” Patrick said. “It’s tough because you get behind, and it’s hard to get caught back up when the pace is that fast and there are so little yellows at the beginning. We had a setback in practice, and that cut into our practice time and because of that we didn’t get to make any qualifying runs, which led us to going out cold in qualifying, which is not a strength of mine anyway. So it was just a tough weekend. Nothing is wasted. No run or no lap is wasted, but sometimes the fruits of your labor aren’t realized until later on.” - Danica Patrick, finished 28th
 
“We honestly weren’t that bad. We weren’t great, but I thought we were pretty good. Early on we had a tear-off on the front of the car that blocked the whole thing and we had to come in and get that off because it was overheating, so that put us a lap down. Then we left a right-rear tire loose and had to come in for that and were four laps down. And then there at the end we were just trying to get the wave around and get a lap back and we got three-wide and I think the 27 got loose and got into us. It’s unfortunate, but the good thing about this weekend was that we had speed. I was pretty happy with the progress we made as a team. We just didn’t get a chance to show it.” - Casey Mears, finished 37th
 
“It looked like we got some trash on our grille, so we came down and we knew we were gonna lose a lap or two, but we were fortunate and we caught a caution so our penalty wasn’t gonna be that bad. We got some water put back in it and pulled some tape, and went back out and it skyrocketed temperature-wise again, so I don’t know if we’ve got something clogged up in our radiator duct work or the radiator itself, but we lost water a second time. It’s unfortunate not to finish the race here, but I’m proud of our guys. We worked hard and had a decent car. We’ll take some time to recuperate and get ready for the All-Star Race.” - David Ragan, finished 39th

TODAY ON THE FRONTSTRETCH:


 
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Track Trash – A Ton, Darling
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Saturday's Broadcast Ratings: NBA Tops Demos, NASCAR Wins Viewers
The Futon Critic
ABC (4.899 million viewers, #3; adults 18-49: 1.9, #1) was the top demo draw on Saturday with its coverage of the "NBA Conference Semifinals: New York at Indiana (Game 3)" (4.899 million viewers, #3; adults 18-49: 1.9, #1). The silver then went to FOX ...
 
World's Spotlight Shines on May Race Weeks
PaddockTalk
“In the next two weeks, hundreds of thousands of fans will attend race events at the speedway, enjoy Food Lion Speed Street and visit area race shops and the NASCAR Hall of Fame,” said Marcus Smith, president and general manager of Charlotte Motor ...
 
NASCAR: Matt Kenseth fulfills dream of Darlington win as crew chief serves ...
Detroit Free Press
DARLINGTON, S.C. — Matt Kenseth's dream season with Joe Gibbs Racing now includes Darlington Raceway — the historic oval where he's been dreaming of an inaugural victory for his entire NASCAR career. And with his regular crew chief on the ..
 
Drivers envy Kurt Busch's Indy experience - Huffington Post
Huffington Post (blog)
"That's amazing, an amazing experience. I'm proud of him," said five-time NASCAR champion Jimmie Johnson. "I'm really happy that a NASCAR driver has had a chance to go get in good equipment over there and go to a track and show what we can do.
 
Earnhardt cooking a brisket for Mother's Day - Huffington Post
Huffington Post (blog)
CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Armed with a new cookbook, NASCAR's most popular driver had big plans for Mother's Day. Dale Earnhardt Jr. has been trying to learn how to make barbecue and figured his mother, Brenda Jackson, would be a good judge of how far .
 
Racin' Today
 
 
N A S C A R * C A N A D I A N * T I R E * S E R I E S
 
 NASCAR truck series coming to Canadian Tire Motorsport Park ...
... Canadian debut of the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series, Aug. 31 to Sept. 1. The NASCAR Canadian Tire Series and the Canadian Touring Car … top …
 

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Darlington – Matt Kenseth Understands

Matt Kenseth is a man of history. Rarely have we seen anyone more excited than Matt Kenseth for winning Darlington’s Southern 500. In my youth, this was one of the sacred crowns of the NASCAR Sprint Cup circuit until the powers that be decided that the old track was not worthy of two races a few years ago. The track is tough and it takes a special talent to win at the egg-shaped track, but few had as much fun winning a race here than Matt Kenseth.

NASCAR Is Turning Racing Into Welfare On A Race Track

NASCAR is that one sport we have in America that has just as many pros as it has cons, but the cons unfortunately outweigh the pros. What it is going to take for NASCAR to grow a pair and make the right calls? What is it going to take for NASCAR to realize that their stupidity doesn't bring more fans to the track?

At 700 and counting, Gordon’s Cup career still going strong

Jeff Gordon’s never had a problem racking up impressive statistics. He’s a four-time Sprint Cup champion, has 87 career wins and 72 poles. But Saturday night in Darlington Gordon added two equally important numbers to his racing resume. He made his 700th career start and capped it off with a third place finish, which earned [...]

RCR Post-Race Report — NSCS Darlington Raceway

Richard Childress Racing teammates finished fifth (Kevin Harvick), 19th (Paul Menard) and 21st (Jeff Burton).

Persistent No. 6 Team Keeps Bayne on “The Lady in Black”

Roush Fenway Racing’s Trevor Bayne got tangled up in a wreck less than 25 laps into Friday night’s VFW Sport Clips Help a Hero 200. The No. 6 Cargill team worked hard and fast during a series of pit stops at Darlington Raceway to make rear-end body repairs and keep the car on the track. By the checkered flag, Bayne was fewer than 10 laps down from the leader and finished in 32nd place.

Kurt Busch Finishes 14th in Darlington; Sets Team Record for Laps Led in Race

After starting on the pole and leading a race total of 69 laps, Kurt Busch slipped to a 14th-place finish in Saturday night's Bojangles' Southern 500 at Darlington Raceway.

CHEVY NSCS AT DARLINGTON: Jeff Gordon Post Race Press Conf. Transcript

In his 700th NASCAR Sprint Cup Series career start, Jeff Gordon took the lead for Team Chevy by scoring a third-place finish at the Bojangles’ Southern 500 in his No. 24 Cromax Pro Chevrolet SS. A seven-time winner at Darlington, this marked Gordon’s 300th top-five finish in the sport; which recognizes him as becoming the fourth driver to accomplish this feat (joining David Pearson, Bobby Allison and Richard Petty).

Ford Darlington Post-Race Cup Quotes

DAVID RAGAN – No. 34 Peanut Patch Boiled Peanuts Ford Fusion – “It looked like we got some trash on our grille, so we came down and we knew we were gonna lose a lap or two, but we were fortunate and we caught a caution so our penalty wasn’t gonna be that bad."

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Denny Hamlin passes first test in comeback

 
(5/12/13)

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NASCAR HONORS MOTHER WHO LOST LIMBS TO SAVE KIDS  

GORDON SAVORS 700TH START, TOP-FIVE FINISH

Gordon glad milestone was a memorable race that put him back in contention 

HAMLIN'S RETURN COULDN'T HAVE GONE SMOOTHER  

COOL DOWN LAP: CHASE FIELD TOUGH TO PREDICT  

ONE-RACE DEAL NETS ONE BIG WIN FOR BROWN

Courteousy Sporting News.com (http://aol.sportingnews.com/nascar):

Hurting but happy

Denny Hamlin sat on the sidelines for four weeks and most of last week after starting and exiting the car and watched his team plummet in the points standings. But he returned Saturday and built momentum with a strong run.

Keeps getting better

Just days after the Joe Gibbs Racing team for Matt Kenseth had its penalties greatly reduced, Kenseth races to victory in the Sprint Cup race Saturday night after teammate Kyle Busch captured the Nationwide race Friday.

Courteousy The Stock Car Gazette

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Insider Racing News

       Matt Kenseth Surges To Third 2013 Victory At Darlington
 
Unsinkable Matt Kenseth capped a banner week for unsinkable Joe Gibbs Racing with a victory in Saturday night's Bojangles' Southern 500 at Darlington Raceway with a substitute crew chief on his pit box -- the unsinkable Wally Brown. The past four days could hardly have been better for JGR, with Wednesday bringing a substantial reduction in penalties on appeal for an engine infraction Apr, 21 at Kansas. On Friday, Gibbs cars ran 1-2-3 in the Nationwide Series race at Darlington, and the organization followed that Saturday with a 1-2 finish from Kenseth and Denny Hamlin in the 11th NASCAR Sprint Cup Series race of the season.
Kenseth took the lead from JGR teammate Kyle Busch on Lap 355 of 367 and pulled away to win by 3.155 seconds over Hamlin, as Busch faded to sixth. Hamlin also had much to celebrate in his first full race back from a compression fracture to his first lumbar vertebra, sustained during a last-lap crash at Fontana, Calif., in late March. It was a race of significant numbers. Jeff Gordon finished third in his 700th Cup start, all consecutive. Jimmie Johnson ran fourth and extended his series lead to a massive 44 points over seventh-place finisher Carl Edwards. In a race that saw just four drivers pace the field, Kyle Busch led 265 laps but faded to sixth at the finish, thanks to a cut tire on the final 30-lap green-flag run.
 
Journeyman Brown won his first race as a Cup crew chief, after serving with four different drivers before his one-week shot on the pit box with Kenseth, who will get regular crew chief Jason Ratcliff back next week at Charlotte after Ratcliff's six-race suspension for an underweight connecting rod was reduced to one event on appeal. But the day belonged to Kenseth, whose resilience under trying circumstances was emblematic of the organization he joined this season. "Honestly, I've only dreamed about winning the Southern 500," said Kenseth, who notched his first victory at Darlington, his third of the season and the 27th of his career. "This to me probably feels bigger than any win in my career. I really feel bad that Jason isn't here. This is obviously his team and his effort, but Wally did a great job filling in. We had a fifth- or sixth-place car, fighting loose, (and) those last two adjustments (on pit road) were just awesome."
 
For Hamlin, second place was the best he could have hoped for, given the strength of Kenseth's car in the closing laps. "For me, we kept grinding away," Hamlin said, clearly tired from the effort of his first race back at one of NASCAR racing's most demanding tracks. "Pit crew picked us up some spots, obviously, throughout the night. It was one of those days where we got our car better, pit crew picked us up positions, took us to the most optimum spot we could get to—and that was second." --/-- From a physical standpoint, Hamlin admitted the race took its toll. "Really, it's just like starting your season over," he said. "To start it back over at Darlington for 500 miles, there's some muscles that have gotten weak. I've gotten pretty sore and tired, mentally tired as well. We'll have a couple of weeks really to rest until the next long event (Coca-Cola 600 at Charlotte), and we'll be good to go then."
 
A caution for Regan Smith's spin off Turn 2 on Lap 302 of 367 -- only the second yellow of the race—interrupted a cycle of green-flag pit stops. After Juan Pablo Montoya took a free pass as the highest scored lap car, and Harvick availed himself of a wave-around, there were 11 cars on the lead lap for a restart on Lap 309. By then, Kyle Busch had led 218 laps and had dominated the race ever since he wrested the lead from his brother, polesitter Kurt Busch on Lap 74. But the pit stops on Lap 303 put the lead-lap cars on the edge of their fuel windows. They need not have worried. On Lap 311, Casey Mears tangled with Kurt Busch and reigning series champion Brad Keselowski off Turn 4 to cause the third caution. All but the top-four cars came to pit road for fuel under the yellow, leaving Kyle Busch, Kenseth, Kasey Kahne and Gordon out front on slightly older tires.
 
Johnson was first off pit road with new tires and quickly moved to third. Busch fended off a challenge from Kahne right after the restart and held a lead of .850 seconds when an accident involving David Reutimann and Josh Wise brought out the fourth caution and gave the lead-lappers a chance to pit for tires. Kahne briefly took the lead after a restart on Lap 333, but one lap later, Kahne's Chevy slapped the wall near the apex of Turns 1 and 2 and the race went yellow for the fifth time. The result was the same. Busch pulled away after the restart and opened a comfortable advantage, this time over Kenseth, only to have Kenseth run him down and pass him on Lap 355. (NASCAR Wire Service)
 
Kyle Busch Dominates Darlington For 56th Nationwide Series Victory
 
Kyle Busch kept it simple Friday night at Darlington Raceway. The strategy was basic—win the pole, stay out front and win the race with the strongest car, and Busch did an admirable job in every category. He dusted the rest of the field at the venerable track in the South Carolina sandhills, pulling away to win the VFW Sport Clips Help a Hero 200 by .935 over Elliott Sadler, who recovered from an early spin to finish second. Brian Vickers came home third, followed by Joey Logano and Matt Kenseth. With cars in first, second, third and fifth, Joe Gibbs Racing became the first organization to place four cars in the top five of a Nationwide Series race.
Rookie Kyle Larson ran sixth, followed by Regan Smith, who extended his series lead by 28 points over eighth-place finisher Sam Hornish Jr. The victory was Busch's fifth in eight NNS starts this season. Busch, who led 107 of 147 laps, extended his career win record in the series to 56. Busch scored a perfect Driver Rating of 150.0, his 16th perfect rating since NASCAR started keeping the statistic in 2005. Busch won the race on a track that has started to regain the abrasive characteristic of the racing surface that was a hallmark of the Darlington before a repaving project in 2008. Realizing that, Busch insisted on a four-tire stop on lap 121, even though his tires were only eight laps old, and that move helped win the race.
 
Busch also was able to pull away from his rivals trough Turns 1 and 2, the wider end of the egg-shaped track. "You want to be good at both ends here, but there's a lot of speed in 1 and 2, so you're going to have to take advantage of that as best you can," Busch said. "Three and 4 is an end where—I'm not going to say slower is faster—but maintaining a minimum speed is faster down there. But it seems like it's a little easier to do than not having a good-handling car in 1 and 2. There's a littler margin of error in Turn 1 and 2."
 
Sadler found that out the hard way when he spun in that corner while trying to keep up with Busch. Sadler explained that he simply misjudged the corner and got loose. "I was pushing it, trying to keep up with the 54 (Busch)," Sadler said. "I wanted to get up there and try to lead some laps and just went in there too hard and got loose and had to make a decision whether to spin out or try to correct it, and I overcorrected and spun out. "Lady Luck helped me from not hitting anything." --/-- About the only thing that could slow Busch's progress was an issue on pit road. Busch came out sixth after a slow stop on Lap 51 under yellow for Sadler's spin.
 
Charging forward after the restart, Busch was on Kenseth's bumper, challenging for the lead by the time the race reached Lap 74, just past halfway. For the next eight laps, Busch hounded Kenseth, finally clearing his teammate for the lead on Lap 82. Busch held the top spot until a caution on Lap 119 for Kyle Fowler's wreck changed the running order again. Logano and Austin Dillon stayed out on old tires and led the field to a Lap 125 restart. Sadler restarted third after a two-tire stop, while Busch took the green in fourth on four fresh tires. Busch made short work of the drivers on older rubber and passed Logano for the lead on Lap 130. Game over. (NASCAR Wire Service
 
N A S C A R * C A N A D I A N * T I R E * S E R I E S
 
Veterans Fitzpatrick, Thomson chase reversal of fortunes
Hamilton Scores!
If you only took JR Fitzpatrick's side of the story, you'd think he hadn't had a good result in five years in the NASCAR Canadian Tire Series.

C O L U M N S / C O M M E N T A R I E S

 
 
 
 
 
SUBSCRIBE  INFORMATION

Courteousy ESPN.com

(http://espn.go.com/racing/nascar/):

Oh, Darlington!

Matt Kenseth said his victory in the Southern
500 at Darlington "probably feels bigger than any win in my career." That's saying something, considering he's a two-time Daytona 500 winner. David NewtonSportsCenter 

Courteousy FOX Sports

 (http://msn.foxsports.com/nascar):

Comeback kid What injury? Denny Hamlin makes racing look easy in return from injury.
WATCH NASCAR ON FOX »

Kenseth snags coveted Darlington win
Kenseth passes teammate late for Darlington win.

Courteousy Sporting News.com (http://aol.sportingnews.com/nascar):

Foiled again — by the same driver

Kasey Kahne is starting to learn what he needs to do to win — stay away from Kyle Busch. Kahne wrecked for the third time this year while battling Busch, spoiling a chance to win at Darlington.

Oh, brother

First Kurt Busch dominated, starting from the pole and leading early at Darlington. Then his brother, Kyle, took over, running roughshod over the field. But in the end, they both went home reeling from disappointing finishes. 

 SCANNER CHATTER: Radio talk not so tame at Darlington

Courteousy SpeedTv.com

(http://nascar.speedtv.com/):Kasey Kahne (5) scrubs the wall after contact with Kyle Busch (18) late in the Bojangles' Southern 500. Matt Kenseth (20) went on to win. (Photo: Getty Images)

Courteousy Amanda Vincent

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http://stockcarspin.com/2013/05/12/matt-kenseth-gets-first-southern-500-win/

 
Matt Kenseth gets first Southern 500 win
 
Amanda Vincent

Courteousy Bleacher Report.com

(http://bleacherreport.com/nascar):

Tracing Jeff Gordon's Ageless Excellence

by Geoffrey Miller

Every element of why Jeff Gordon remains a competitive NASCAR threat at in his 22nd season shone bright in Saturday night's Southern 500 at Darlington Raceway—a timeless venue in and of itself... Read More » 

 Winners and Losers from Darlington

By Christopher Leone

Matt Kenseth Wins Southern 500

by Brian Mazique

Matt Kenseth came on late to win the 2013 Bojangles Southern 500. He overcame teammate Kyle Busch with just 12 laps to go to grab the win. Busch had led for 265 laps before relinquishing the lead... Read More »

Courteousy Sporting News.com (http://aol.sportingnews.com/nascar):

How sweet it is

Matt Kenseth had always dreamed of winning the Southern 500 at Darlington Raceway. He finally did it Saturday night, but it came at the expense of teammate Kyle Busch.

 Danica photobombs David Ragan at Darlington

Courteousy ESPN.com

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Matt Kenseth

Southern Comfort

Matt Kenseth visited Victory Lane at Darlington for the first time, taking interim crew chief Wally Brown with him. It's Kenseth's third win of the Sprint Cup season. Recap »

Courteousy SpeedTv.com

(http://nascar.speedtv.com/):Kyle Busch, driver of the No. 18 Double Mint Gum Toyota, pits during the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Bojangles' Southern 500 at Darlington Raceway. (Getty Images)

 
(5/11/13)

Courteousy NASCAR.com

(http://www.nascar.com/) :

KENSETH WINS SOUTHERN 500 AT DARLINGTON

JGR driver earns first victory at Darlington

 JGR'S SUCCESSFUL APPEAL COULD BENEFIT HAMLIN

KAHNE DAMAGED BATTLING BUSCH FOR LEAD 

MEARS, KESELOWSKI RUN OUT OF SPACE

Courteousy SpeedTv.com

(http://nascar.speedtv.com/): Matt Kenseth, driver of the No. 20 Home Depot/Husky Toyota wins the Bojangles’ Southern 500 at Darlington Raceway on May 10, 2013 in Darlington, South Carolina. (Photo: Getty Images)

Courteousy Yahoo Sports

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Kenseth edges JGR teammates for Darlington win

Matt Kenseth passed Kyle Bush late and held off Denny Hamlin to secure a 1-2 finish for Joe Gibbs Racing.

Newman: No response from NASCAR

Courteousy Sporting News.com (http://aol.sportingnews.com/nascar):

Matt Kenseth spoils Kyle Busch's dominant run at Darlington

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Matt Kenseth wins showdown at Darlington | Results

Lady's night: Sights and sounds from Darlington

Stepping up: Richard Petty bringing team back to top Video

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Gordon proud of NASCAR milestone

Courteousy ESPN.com

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Meaningful Moment

Jeff Gordon's 700th career start -- coming Saturday at Darlington -- is meaningful beyond the number. That he's still competitive makes it truly special. David NewtonVideo 

Courteousy USA Today.com

 (http://www.usatoday.com/sports/nascar/):

Courteousy Bridgeport Speedway

 (http://www.bpspeedway.com/):

5/8 Mile track 

UPDATE 5/11 - 1:30 PM- BRIDGEPORT SPEEDWAY IS RACING TONIGHT

 

 

TONIGHT 5/11 - MOTHERS NIGHT

FREE FLOWERS FROM FLOWER TRANSFER LOGISTICS & CREAMY ACRES FARM FOR MOMS & $15 ADULT ADMISSION    

BIG BLOCK MODS, CRATE/SPORTSMAN, OUTLAW STOCKS,  AND ROOKIES

MUSIC BEFORE THE RACES ALONG WITH MOON BOUNCE 

 

RACING STARTS AT 6:30 PM

Courteousy The Stock Car Gazette

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Stock Car Gazette

Atop the Spotters’ Stand – The Lady in Black
by Heather Meyer
 
www.Catchfence.com
 
 
Google Alerts
 
NASCAR: Penske Racing Has A Challenge Ahead
Rant Sports
When NASCAR first penalized the teams of Brad Keselowski and Joey Logano, it was going to cost both teams a lot not only within the point standings, but performance-wise as well. Despite the 25-point deduction in the driver and owner standings, both ...
 
Ragan says Gen-6 car has equalized field
MiamiHerald.com
In 2011, Regan Smith captured the Darlington race for tiny Furniture Row Racing. Ragan acknowledged that Smith used a different pit strategy than much of the field and was able to hold on to the victory. Ragan, though, said he's coming in with the hope
Sebastien Loeb Finds the Peugeot 208 T16 Pikes Peak "Incredible"
Carscoops (blog)
Sadly, modern WRC rules are rather limiting, and in order for the Peugeot engineers to stretch their wings, they need to look elsewhere, and more specifically, the Pikes Peak hill climb, for which they created the 208 T16 Pikes Peak. Nine-time WRC ...

P R E S S  *  R E L E A S E S

___________________________________________________________
 
Richard Childress featured in "A Racer's Life" this Sunday on SPEED TV
Personal account of team owner's life to air at 8:30 p.m. ET
 
WELCOME, N.C. (May 10, 2013) - Richard Childress, president and CEO of Richard Childress Racing, will be featured in the next installment of SPEED TV's on-going series, "A Racer's Life: Richard Childress" this Sunday at 8:30 p.m. ET.
 
The hour-long show takes viewers for an in-depth and personal account of the driver-turned-championship-owner's life and career. He talks about how he got into racing, the glory years with Dale Earnhardt, and after, and the growth of Richard Childress Racing to where it is today.
 
The interview was conducted in four different places with four different people. Austin Dillon, Childress' grandson and driver of RCR's No. 3 Advocare Chevrolet in the NASCAR Nationwide Series, and former RCR driver, Ricky Rudd. A rare interview with Judy Childress, Richard's wife, adds even more of an in-depth and first-hand account of the 14-time championship team owner, family man, outdoorsman and businessman.
 
Childress and host Steve Byrnes head to where it all began for the Winston-Salem, N.C. native at Bowman Gray (N.C.) Stadium. After talking about his early battles - on and off the track - they conduct another segment in a place near and dear to the RCR owner, his personal "trophy room" at his home. Also featured is the picturesque Childress Vineyards in Lexington, NC and the RCR Museum on the RCR campus in Welcome.
 
"I've been around Richard Childress for 28 years and I learned things about him through this that I didn't know -- who and what inspired him to go into racing and how he became a man at a very young age when his father died," Byrnes said. "When we started talking about Dale, he got really emotional. When Dale was starting his own race team, he had lots of organizational questions and always called Richard for advice. Dale would say, 'I know you're sitting down having a glass of wine, but I have some questions for you.'
"Richard said that to this day, at a certain time of night, he looks at his watch and waits for that phone call, but it hasn't come since 2001. I'd always respected him as a self-made man, but didn't really know how hard he had to work to make it. Judy was great about recounting those tough times and helping us understand just how much they lived race-to-race. His truly is a rags-to-riches story."

In the program, Childress details his path to NASCAR greatness through key milestones, including his first visit to the track to his stint as an independent NASCAR racer; the difficult decision to hang up his helmet and put Earnhardt in his car; hiring Rudd; Earnhardt's return to RCR and his and Childress' triumphs and eternal bond; Childress' vision for the future of RCR; and his regrets over the years.
Viewers tuning in to SPEED TV at 8:30 p.m. ET on Sunday, May 12 will hear it all during the 60-minute show, "A Racer's Life: Richard Childress."
#*#*
Daytona International Speedway Launches New Mobile Ticketing Site
DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. – Daytona International Speedway, which will next showcase the stars of NASCAR on July 5-6 for the Coke Zero 400 Weekend Powered By Coca-Cola, launched a new, mobile-friendly option that makes it even easier for race fans to purchase tickets to a wide variety of events directly from their smartphones.
The new mobile ticketing site gives race fans the ability to easily purchase event tickets at the “World Center of Racing,” Sprint FANZONE/Pre-Race access and much more. Fans can simply visit daytonainternationalspeedway.com on a mobile device and select the “Tickets” link next to an event.
“This new mobile ticketing site makes it easier for fans to purchase admission to their favorite races at Daytona International Speedway,” Track President Joie Chitwood III said. “As technology evolves, it’s important for us to continuously improve our mobile offerings to enhance the fan experience, be it during a race weekend at Daytona International Speedway or leading up to one of our great events.”
Moovweb helped launched the new mobile ticketing site at Daytona International Speedway as well as the other 12 International Speedway Corporation facilities.
The stars of NASCAR return to Daytona International Speedway on July 5-6. Tickets to the Coke Zero 400 Powered By Coca-Cola NASCAR Sprint Cup Series race and the Subway Firecracker 250 Powered By Coca-Cola NASCAR Nationwide Series race are available by calling 1-800-PITSHOP or online at www.daytonainternationalspeedway.com.
Fans can follow NASCAR on Twitter (@NASCAR) and stay up to speed on the latest news by using hashtags #NASCAR and #COKEZERO400. Fans can also stay connected with Daytona International Speedway on Twitter, Facebook and Pinterest for the latest news all season long.
 
N A S C A R * C A N A D I A N * T I R E * S E R I E S
 
 NASCAR truck series coming to Canadian Tire Motorsport Park
durhamregion.com
CLARINGTON -- Ron Fellows, owner of Canadian Tire Motorsport Park, is gearing up for the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series. April 29, 2013 Sabrina Byrnes ..
 
Inside Track Short Track Notebook presented by StreamLine Race ...
Inside Track Motorsport News
Former Lucas Oil TQ Can Am Midgets champion Daniel Bois (main image above) has announced he will make his NASCAR Canadian Tire Series debut in 2013.
 

Courteousy Sporting News.com (http://aol.sportingnews.com/nascar):

Sprint Cup crew chiefs have track presence despite suspensions  

Denny Hamlin prepares for long, tough Darlington race

Courteousy SpeedTv.com

(http://nascar.speedtv.com/):Darlington Raceway tests drivers' patience. (Photo: LAT Photographic)

Rainout @ Wall Stadium (http://www.wallspeedwayracing.com/?from_fb=1#):

The races scheduled for this evening have been cancelled due to weather conditions. The Legend Twin 25s and the Moms Race will be rescheduled, date TBA. Happy Mother's Day to all moms, enjoy your weekend and we will see you next week for Little League Night!

Rainout @ New Egypt Speedway too (http://www.newegyptspeedway.net/) :

 ATTENTION:
Due to inclement weather expected throughout the day,
tonight's races have been canceled.

Courteousy SpeedTv.com

 (http://nascar.speedtv.com/):Kurt Busch is the 2004 Sprint Cup Series champion. (Photo: Getty Images)

(5/10/13)

Courteousy Sporting News.com (http://aol.sportingnews.com/nascar ):

Driver tested

It's one of the longest Sprint Cup races of the season, but fans love the Darlington tradition, especially when drivers get their "Darlington Stripe." SN's Bob Pockrass breaks down the field for Saturday's Bojangles Southern 500.

Kyle Busch wins fifth Nationwide race this season

Courteousy Bleacher Report.com

(http://bleacherreport.com/nascar):

Complete Southern 500 Preview

By Brian Mazique

Courteousy NASCAR.com

(http://www.nascar.com/) :

GORDON'S 700TH START APPROPRIATELY AT DARLINGTON

Denny Hamlin plans to play through pain  

Ragan still on Cloud Nine, accepts Keselowski apology

RYAN NEWMAN REMAINS FRUSTRATED OVER TALLADEGA

BUSCH WINS FROM POLE AT DARLINGTON

BAYNE COLLECTS SILAS AT DARLINGTON

Courteousy SpeedTv.com

(http://nascar.speedtv.com/): Kyle Busch, driver of the No. 54 Monster Energy Toyota, won the NASCAR Nationwide Series VFW Sport Clips Help A Hero 200 at Darlington Raceway on May 10, 2013 in Darlington, South Carolina. (Photo: Getty Images)

Courteousy SpeedwayMedia.com (http://www.speedwaymedia.com/):

Kurt Busch Captures Pole in Darlington; Furniture Row Racing Driver Sets Track Record

Kurt Busch blistered the daunting Darlington Raceway oval Friday, setting a track record en route to claiming the No. 1 starting position for Saturday night's Bojangles' Southern 500 Sprint Cup Series race.

CHEVY NSCS AT DARLINGTON: Qualifying Notes and Quotes

KURT BUSCH, NO. 78 FURNITURE ROW RACING/SERTA CHEVROLET SS – POLE WINNER - YOU JUST CUT A NEW TRACK RECORD. DID IT FEEL LIKE IT? “It did and it didn’t. There is still maybe a little bit more time out there. I might have to hold my breath for 27 more seconds for a couple more other guys"

Ford Darlington Qualifying Quotes

ARIC ALMIROLA – No. 43 Smithfield Ford Fusion – “The draw hurts us. It’s not ideal for us at all, but it is what it is. We can’t do anything about that. It’s supposedly a random draw, so we just do the best we can with what we’ve got. It’s not a great lap there for us. I messed up a little bit and the car was a little bit tight, so that’s OK. We’ll go race them.”

Previewing The Bojangles Southern 500 At Darlington Raceway

This weekend, NASCAR heads to the track nicknamed "too tough to tame" and rightly so. Darlington Raceway is a 1 mile egg-shaped oval nestled in a small town in South Carolina and once a year, NASCAR awakens this legendary speedway and will adorn the lady with her signature black walls before the race is done.

CHEVY NSCS AT DARLINGTON: Jeff Gordon Press Conf Transcript

JEFF GORDON, NO. 24 CROMAX PRO CHEVROLET SS met with media and discussed his 700th start, contracts, his experiences in driving with back pain, racing at Darlington, and more.

Toyota NSCS Darlington Notes & Quotes – Denny Hamlin

DENNY HAMLIN, No. 11 SportClips Toyota Camry, Joe Gibbs Racing - How was the first practice today at Darlington? "It was good. Obviously it takes a little while to get the rust kind of knocked off, but I feel very comfortable and excited to kind of get back to the competitive spirit again."

CHEVY NSCS AT DARLINGTON: Danica Patrick Press Conf. Transcript

DANICA PATRICK, NO. 10 GODADDY.COM CHEVROLET SS, met with members of the media at Darlington Raceway and discussed going to a back-up car following a practice accident, her confidence going into this race after last years’ experience at this track and other topics.

Daytona International Speedway Launches New Mobile Ticketing Site

Daytona International Speedway, which will next showcase the stars of NASCAR on July 5-6 for the Coke Zero 400 Weekend Powered By Coca-Cola, launched a new, mobile-friendly option that makes it even easier for race fans to purchase tickets to a wide variety of events directly from their smartphones.

CHEVY NSCS AT DARLINGTON: Jimmie Johnson Press Conf. Transcript

JIMMIE JOHNSON, NO. 48 LOWE’S EMERALD GREEN CHEVROLET SS, met with members of the media at Darlington Raceway and discussed the rich history of the track, his successful start to the 2013 season, his thoughts on Hendrick Motorsports teammate Jeff Gordon making his 700th start and other topics.

Bowyer To Drive KFC’s “I Ate The Bones” Paint Scheme in Darlington

At some point this weekend at Darlington Raceway Clint Bowyer is sure to look into a television camera and say: “I Ate The Bones.” That’s because Bowyer’s No. 15 Toyota will carry Kentucky Fried Chicken’s “I Ate The Bones” paint scheme Saturday night when the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series races at the 1.366-mile South Carolina track.

Dale Earnhardt Jr. Appearance Highlights "No. 88 Package" for July 6 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Race At Daytona

Daytona International Speedway will offer a special ticket package for the upcoming NASCAR Sprint Cup Series event on Saturday night, July 6 at the “World Center of Racing” that includes a question and answer session with No. 88 National Guard driver Dale Earnhardt Jr.

Richard Childress featured in "A Racer’s Life" on SPEED this Sunday

Richard Childress, president and CEO of Richard Childress Racing, will be featured in the next installment of SPEED TV's on-going series, "A Racer's Life: Richard Childress" this Sunday at 8:30 p.m. ET.

 

Courteousy Sporting News.com (http://aol.sportingnews.com/nascar):

After fast Indy test, Kurt Busch earns pole with record qualifying speed  

Newman still frustrated over Talladega, has not spoken with NASCAR

Courteousy ESPN.com

 (http://espn.go.com/racing/nascar/):

Door-To-Door

Ricky Craven edging Kurt Busch at Darlington in 2003 is perhaps the greatest finish in NASCAR history. Truthfully, it's even better than you remember, especially when they re-tell it. Marty SmithVideo 

Courteousy FOX Sports

 (http://msn.foxsports.com/nascar ): 

Kurt Busch sets track record, wins Darlington pole

Results 

Fast Facts: Darlington Raceway

Courteousy SpeedTv.com

(http://www.speedtv.com/ ) :Cup driver Dale Earnhardt Jr.s Pontiac G8 was custom fitted with components from Holden performance tuner HSV. (Photo: Drive)

Courteousy Sports Illustrated (http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/racing/?eref=sinav&sct=hp_nv_a):

" Fresh Start "

Lars Anderson: Re-engergized Gibbs racing could surprise at Darlington

Courteousy USA Today.com (http://www.usatoday.com/sports/nascar/):

Read Story

Courteousy Yahoo Sports

(http://sports.yahoo.com/nascar/):

Almirola ready to earn his stripes at Darlington

Aric Almirola's lack of experience at the tricky track isn't deterring his goal of a top-10 finish for the No. 43.

Courteousy SpeedTv.com

(http://nascar.speedtv.com/):Denny Hamlin, driver of the No. 11 SportClips Toyota, looks over his car in the garage during practice for the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Bojangles' Southern 500 at Darlington Raceway on May 10, 2013 in Darlington, South Carolina. (Photo: Getty Images)

CLEAN SWEEP — If qualifying is any indication, the Joe Gibbs Racing Toyotas will be really tough in tonight’s VFW Sport Clips Help A Hero 200 NASCAR Nationwide Series race at Darlington Raceway. For the first time, JGR swept the top four starting spots in a Nationwide race, with Kyle Busch on the pole at 172.584 miles per hour.

Busch’s pole lap was just 0.01 seconds faster that Elliott Sadler, who qualified at 172.523 mph. On Row 2 will be the JGR Toyotas of Matt Kenseth and Brian Vickers, while Row 3 will belong to a pair of Chevrolets, with Justin Allgaier inside and Kasey Kahne outside. Completing the top 10 will be Kyle Larson, Austin Dillon, Sam Hornish Jr. and Trevor Bayne. Series points leader Regan Smith will roll off 11th

Courteousy FOX Sports

(http://msn.foxsports.com/nascar): 

Menard 'close' to extension with Childress Cup team

Kurt Busch considers running IndyCar races with Andretti

Courteousy Sporting News.com (http://aol.sportingnews.com/nascar):

Still in charge

NASCAR suffered two big losses this week when penalties against Penske Racing and Joe Gibbs Racing were drastically reduced upon appeal. But NASCAR President Mike Helton says NASCAR is still in control.

Courteousy SpeedTv.com

(http://nascar.speedtv.com/):

HAPPY TIME, PEOPLE — The second and final NASCAR Sprint Cup practice for tomorrow night’s Bojangles’ Southern 500 is in the books. Juan Pablo Montoya was fastest in Happy Hour, lapping the 1.366-mile track at 177.070 miles per hour in his Earnhardt Ganassi Racing with Felix Sabates Chevrolet SS.

Second behind Montoya was rookie Ricky Stenhouse Jr., 176.809 mph in the No. 17 Roush Fenway Racing Ford. His teammate Carl Edwards was next at 176.543 mph. Completing the top five were Jeff Burton and Kurt Busch.

Greg Biffle made it three Roush Fenway Fords in the top six. He was followed by Matt Kenseth, Jeff Gordon, Martin Truex Jr. and Kyle Busch, with Dale Earnhardt Jr. 11th.

Qualifying begins at 5 p.m. and will be televised on SPEED. Tune in for all the action from Darlington.

CUP: Kurt Busch Drives Fenderless

Jimmie Johnson drives through the garage area during practice for the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Bojangles' Southern 500 at Darlington Raceway on May 10, 2013 in Darlington, South Carolina. (Photo: Getty Images)

Is Bill Elliott retired, or still interested in racing?

Danica meets 'Lady In Black' in crash at Darlington

Courteousy FOX Sports

(http://msn.foxsports.com/nascar):

Jeff Gordon’s $30 Million New York Condo For Sale

Ragan, little guys front and center
Gilliland, Ragan offer hope for less powerful Sprint Cup teams.

This Jeff Gordon Back Tattoo Is Absolutely Incredible

Five time Bill Elliott earns nickname in his own right with historic victories at Darlington Raceway.
WATCH VIDEO »

She's no lady Just how did Darlington Raceway get its unusual nickname?
WATCH »

She's no lady Just how did Darlington Raceway get its unusual

Courteousy NASCAR.com

 (http://www.nascar.com/) :

JGR'S VICKERS FASTEST IN NATIONWIDE PRACTICE

BY THE NUMBERS: DARLINGTON

Courteousy ESPN.com

(http://espn.go.com/racing/nascar/):

Around The Track

Matt Kenseth is feeling a sense of relief, Jeff Gordon's ready for start No. 700, and "The Lady in Black" is waiting. Keep up with all the news and action -- live -- at Darlington. David NewtonVideo 

Courteousy SpeedTv.com

(http://nascar.speedtv.com/):It has been a good week for Matt Kenseth. (Photo: Getty Images)

Courteousy The Stock Car Gazette

(http://MotorSportsNews.Net) (Thanks Heather !):

Google Alerts

Who Will Win The Prestigious 2013 Southern 500 At Darlington?
Beyond the Flag
Kurt Busch and the Furniture Row Racing #78 have looked competitive this season and along with having a couple poles at Darlington, Kurt has shown he can be near the front. One other thing in favor of this longshot pick: Furniture Row has only one win
 
Bowyer and NASCAR stars make visit to Myrtle Beach Speedway
MyrtleBeachOnline.com
MYRTLE BEACH — Clint Bowyer has won eight times on the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series and collected dozens of top-five finishes over the years while establishing himself as one of the sport's top drivers, but on Thursday evening he found himself thinking .
 
Auto Racing: Chris Williams' Green-White-Checkered blog
DesMoinesRegister.com
If I am Kurt Busch's current employer, Furniture Row Racing, I'm not only cool with him attempting to pull this off but I am encouraging him to do so. Just think of all of that extra exposure Busch's team and sponsors would get if he goes this route ...

Newman: NASCAR needs to keep cars on the track - Philly.com
Philly.com
Ryan Newman holds his daughter Brooklyn Sage Newman during driver introductions prior to the start of the Toyota Owner's 400 NASCAR Sprint Cup series auto race at Richmond International Raceway in Richmond, Va., Saturday April 27, 2013.

 
PitTalks.com
 
The Kings Cup is coming May 21st. at Victory Lane Karting
 
ARCA
ARCA Trucks kick off 2013 season at Flat Rock Saturday; Bobby Dale Earnhardt among entrants
(FLAT ROCK, Mich. - May 10, 2013) - The ARCA Truck Series is kicking off its 15th season of competition this Saturday, May 11 at Flat Rock Speedway in Flat Rock, Michigan with a 100-lap feature event.
 
And a name familiar to stock car fans across the world will be a part of the festivities. Bobby Dale Earnhardt, grandson of Dale Earnhardt, Sr., will be making his ARCA Truck Series debut.

N A S C A R * C A N A D I A N * T I R E * S E R I E S
 
 2013 race season starts Saturday
News Talk 650 CKOM
The 2013 racing season begins at Auto Clearing Motor Speedway on Saturday at 2 pm -The NASCAR Canadian Tire Series Velocity Prairie Thunder 250 presented by ...
 

Courteousy Sporting News.com (http://aol.sportingnews.com/nascar):

2 articles,courteousy Amanda Vincent

(Thanks Amanda !!):

http://stockcarspin.com/2013/05/10/interim-crew-chiefs-report-for-duty-at-darlington/

Interim crew chiefs report for duty at Darlington

http://www.examiner.com/article/nemechek-heads-to-darlington-for-400th-nationwide-series-start

Nemechek heads to Darlington for 400th Nationwide Series start

Amanda Vincent

Mom's will be honored @ all 3 New Jersey oval tracks this weekend .

  Bridgeport Speedway (http://www.bpspeedway.com/ ) is set for another busy weekend ! See my Bridgeport Speedway page :Bridgeport Speedway !  , for all the details !

Wall Stadium Speedway ( http://www.wallspeedwayracing.com/?from_fb=1#) is  also set for some serious racing action this weekend ! See my Wall Stadium 2013 :Wall Stadium Speedway 2013 , for the details !

It's also going to be another busy Saturday night @ New Egypt Speedway (http://www.negyptspeedway.net/)! See my New Egypt Speedway News Page 3 :New Egypt Speedway News Page 3 !  , for the details !

 

Also ! 

  For those of you who like their race cars and bikes to go straight,and incredibly fast ! I have posted some news from Old Bridge Twp. Raceway Park ( http://www.etownraceway.com/),aka Englishtown ,on my Drag Racing page :  Drag Racing !

Courteousy Bleacher Report.com

(http://bleacherreport.com/nascar):

Most Dominant Seasons in Sprint Cup Series History

By Christopher Leone 

Strangest Accidents in NASCAR History

by Joseph Shelton

Tighten your belts, you are now entering the Speedway Zone. Accidents in NASCAR are as commonplace as breathing in your everyday life... Read More »

Breaking Down Jimmie Johnson's Dominance in the First Half of the 2013 Season

by Michael Guadalupe

Jimmie Johnson has been one of the most dominating drivers so far this season in NASCAR. It shouldn’t be a surprise to see Johnson running well, especially after having a solid season last year... Read More »

Courteousy Sports Illustrated (http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/racing/?eref=sinav&sct=hp_nv_a):

Courteousy The Frontstretch.com

 (http://www.frontstretch.com/):

Friday Racing Schedule: Darlington
Sprint Cup and Nationwide teams are back in action at the 1.33-mile speedway that's steeped in tradition. Here's a TV schedule to get you primed for the upcoming weekend...

11:30 AM - 1:30 PM    Sprint Cup Series Practice No. 1    SPEED
2:00 - 3:00 PM   
Sprint Cup Series Happy Hour    SPEED
3:30 - 5:00 PM   
Nationwide Series Qualifying    ESPN 2
5:00 - 6:30 PM   
Sprint Cup Series Qualifying    SPEED
7:30 - 10:00 PM  
Nationwide Series VFW Sport Clips Help a Hero 200    ESPN 2
Brown to Serve as Crew Chief for Kenseth

Joe Gibbs Racing announced on Thursday evening that Wally Brown will serve as the interim crew chief for Matt Kenseth in this weekend's Bojangles Southern 500. Brown is no stranger to being on top of the pit box, serving as the crew chief for Carl Edwards during the 2006 season for 27 races.  He's also worked with Jamie McMurray, Joey Logano and David Gilliland in the Sprint Cup Series.

Kenseth's regular crew chief Jason Ratcliff is suspended for this weekend's race at Darlington for violations stemming from April's STP 400 at Kansas Speedway. The original six-race suspension was reduced in Wednesday's appeal hearing. Ratcliff will return for next weekend's All Star Race at Charlotte Motor Speedway.

Nemechek Lands Sponsor for Darlington

Joe Nemechek's No. 87 Toyota will sport a brand new sponsor this weekend at Darlington Raceway. Royal Teak Collection.com will make their debut as a primary sponsor in Saturday night's Bojangles' Southern 500. 

"I am very excited to have RoyalTeakCollection.com on our No. 87 car and look forward to promoting the premium brand of teak wood casual furniture," Nemechek said.

Royal Teak Collection.com is celebrating their first race as primary sponsor by offering a special promotion for race fans on their web site. Royal Teak is one of the world's largest manufacturers of patio/casual furniture,offering a range of solid teak and all weather wicker collections.
 
Peanut Patch Returns as Ragan's Sponsor

Just days removed from Front Row Motorsports' victory at Talladega Superspeedway, McCall Farms, Inc. announced that Peanut Patch would sponsor David Ragan's No. 34 Ford in Saturday night's Bojangles' Southern 500 at Darlington Raceway. The company made its debut last season at Darlington.

"It's great to have Peanut Patch back on our car this year, especially here in Darlington for their first primary race of the season," Ragan said. "Not only is the Southern 500 one of the most prestigious and historical races in NASCAR, but Darlington is right up the road from McCall Farms' headquarters. So you could say that Peanut Patch is the home team at this race."

Prior to his victory last weekend, Ragan's best finish on the season came in the form of a 20th-place result at Richmond under the lights. He currently sits 26th in the points standings.

Gresham Picks Up Two Race Sponsor

Earlier this week, Eddie Sharp Racing announced a new partnership at the National Hardware Show in Las Vega. Trimmer Assist, a "revolutionary new string trimmer and blower suspension system," will partner to serve as primary sponsor for Max Gresham's Chevrolet for two races. The Georgia-based company is scheduled to back the No. 8 team for next weekend's North Carolina Education Lottery 200 at Charlotte and at Dover on May 31st.

"We are so proud to partner with Max Gresham in the No. 8 Chevrolet for Eddie Sharp Racing," Tony Hanes, inventor of Trimmer Assist said. "Gresham represents the same fundamental principles of our Trimmer Assist brand--cleverness, strong work ethics, and commitment to success."

In 20 career Truck Series starts, Gresham boasts a best finish of 11th at Martinsville last fall. He currently sits 19th in the points standings after four events.
 
Frontstretch Folio: Bojangles' Southern 500
by Beth Lunkenheimer


The Sprint Cup Series heads to Darlington Raceway this weekend for a Saturday night showdown. The Bojangles' Southern 500 is the 11th race of the 2013 season and will be broadcast live on FOX at 6:45 PM ET. The race can also be heard on your local MRN affiliate or SiriusXM Radio Channel 90. Drivers will compete for 367 laps (501.322 miles) en route to the checkered flag.

Records and Facts:

Kasey Kahne holds the record for fastest qualifying lap with a speed of 181.254 mph, set for the 2011 Showtime Southern 500. Kahne led a race-high 124 laps but was left to settle for a fourth-place finish. Regan Smith went on to take the win, just 0.196 seconds ahead of Carl Edwards. Brad Keselowski and Ryan Newman finished third and fifth, respectively.

Jimmie Johnson is the defending winner of this weekend's race. After starting on the outside pole, the driver of the No. 48 Chevrolet led a race-high 134 laps en route to his third career win at the storied track. Denny Hamlin, Tony Stewart, Kyle Busch and Martin Truex, Jr. rounded out the top 5.

Track Facts:

Track / Race Length: 1.366-mile egg-shaped oval, 367 laps, 501.322 miles
Degree of Banking: Turns 1 and 2: 25 degrees; Turns 3 and 4: 23 degrees
Frontstretch: 1,229 feet, banked 3 degrees
Backstretch: 1,229 feet, banked 2 degrees
Grandstand Seating: 68,000
Pit Road Speed: 45 mph
Opened: 1950

Pre-Race Schedule

Practice: Friday, May 10, 11:30 AM - 1:30 PM ET on SPEED
Happy Hour: Friday, May 10, 2:15 - 3:00 PM ET on SPEED
Qualifying: Friday, May 10 at 5:10 PM ET on SPEED

VIPs

Grand Marshal / Command:
Cup drivers' mothers plus Stephanie Decker, a mother who lost both of her legs shielding her children from a tornado that destroyed their home in March, 2012
National Anthem: Outshyne's lead singer Waylon Owings

Race Day Forecast

Saturday:
PM Thunderstorms; Chance of Rain 50%
High: 85
Low: 64

They Said It:

"We're still all smiling and in a great mood from Talladega. Darlington is an awesome race track. It's unique. Richmond you can relate to Phoenix, Bristol you can kind of relate to Dover. Darlington you can't relate to anywhere. It's its own plas, and there's no other race track in the country, at least that I've ever raced on, that's even close. It's a tough track. It definitely lives up to its nickname each and every year. It's very challenging, but it's a lot of fun." David Gilliland

"I love tracks with character and Darlington certainly has it. Tire wear used to be a big deal there, but not so much now with the track trying to come back in. It's aging slowly. It's still not quite like the old track. Track position and strategy will be very important. If actually has the highest sensation of speed. It was build in the '40s and '50s for cars to go 120 mph, and we are going 200. It's also very narrow. I'm looking forward to it. It's one of my favorite tracks." Jimmie Johnson

"[Darlington is] one of the places we go to where you have to race the track. If you get caught up in racing someone too hard or lose focus for just a second, you are int he fence. I think that's why I love the place so much. It is definitely one of my favorites. I love the challenge and running up against the fence. I love everything Darlington throws at us. I mean, when you go into Turn 1, the car slides. You don’t know when the car is going to stop. We are so close to the wall. There are parts of that track where you feel like you are out of control. I think that’s why it is so fun to be able to go out and do that for 500 miles. I’m not superstitious, but whatever we’ve been doing of late seems to work so we aren’t changing anything and if it takes a troll riding on the dashboard, I don’t mind the company in the car." Martin Truex, Jr.

TODAY ON THE FRONTSTRETCH:

by Ellen Richardson

by Amy Henderson

by Kevin Rutherford

as told to Beth Lunkenheimer
 
Courteousy SpeedTv.com
 (http://nascar.speedtv.com/):Jimmie Johnson delivered Sprint Cup win No. 200 for team owner Rick Hendrick at Darlington in 2012. (Photo: Getty Images)
 
(5/9/13)

Courteousy SpeedwayMedia.com (http://www.speedwaymedia.com/):

James Buescher: The performance is not reflected by the results

"We just haven’t finished the way we’ve ran. We’ve been running really strong; just don’t have the results to show for it. Gotta keep building on Kansas and go from there."

NASCAR’s Losing Streak – Will They Make Changes?

After a week of tremendous joy with David Ragan slaying the giant on Sunday, things got a little testy on Tuesday and Wednesday of this week. First, NASCAR’s Chief Appellate Officer, John Middlebrook, weakened NASCAR’s penalties to Penske Racing’s No. 2 and No, 22 teams.

NASCAR Consistency Called Into Question After Newman’s Comments At Talladega

Recent comments made by NASCAR drivers continue to raise questions and cause controversy as the 2013 NASCAR season approaches its eleventh race this Saturday at Darlington Raceway.

TriStar Motorsports Pre-Race Notes & Quotes – Darlington

There’s a lot that goes into a two-step routine with famed Darlington Raceway. Car handling and driving ability are two elements that help ‘balance’ the driver’s efforts from earning a ‘Darlington Stripe.’ Mike Bliss, Jeff Green, Hal Martin, Eric McClure and their teams have been prepping all week for their soiree with “The Lady In Black”

David Ragan Races His Way Out of Sprint Fan Vote, Into Sprint All-Star Race

David Ragan’s dramatic win at Talladega Superspeedway vaulted him into the NASCAR Sprint All-Star Race for just the second time in his career. If the Front Row Motorsports driver earns a trip to Victory Lane at Charlotte Motor Speedway on Saturday, May 18, he’ll pocket at least $1 million. If he wins all five race segments …make it $2 million.

Nine-Time GRAMMY Winner Sheryl Crow to Perform Pre-Race Concert for the 55th Annual Coke Zero 400 Powered By Coca-Cola

Nine-time GRAMMY winner Sheryl Crow, whose long list of hits include “All I Wanna Do,” “Soak Up The Sun” and her latest single “Easy,” will perform a hour-long pre-race concert prior to the 55th annual Coke Zero 400 Powered By Coca-Cola NASCAR Sprint Cup Series race on Saturday, July 6 at Daytona International Speedway.

Treasure Hunters From Around The World Gathering At Darlington Raceway

Darlington Raceway, along with the Florence Visitors Bureau, and the Pee Dee Geocachers, have teamed up to give fans attending the Bojangles Southern 500 this weekend a unique opportunity to hunt for treasure located around the hallowed grounds of the Track To Tough To Tame.

Mark Martin on Larry Phillips/Darlington Preview

No. 55 Aaron’s Dream Machine driver and future Hall of Famer Mark Martin doesn’t want to influence the 54-member voting panel that will convene May 22 to vote for the next five members of the NASCAR Hall of Fame.

Courteousy ESPN.com

(http://espn.go.com/racing/nascar/):

Ready For 700

It's been a heck of a career for Jeff Gordon, and it's far from over. Take a look back with "NASCAR Now" as he gears up for his 700th career start this weekend at Darlington. WatchVideo 

Chase Chances

It's a question that will eventually have an answer, but we have 16 weeks to watch it unfold. Will Tony Stewart, Denny Hamlin or David Ragan charge to the Chase? Terry BlountVideo  Blount chat wrap » Kurt

Kurt Busch passes rookie test for Indy 500 Video

Courteousy FOX Sports

(http://msn.foxsports.com/nascar):

Hammond: Did NASCAR make correct penalties decision?
Jeff Hammond weighs in on Penske and Gibbs' penalties.
 
Hammond: Put 'Dega behind you
Jeff Hammond on how teams involved in wrecks at Talladega move forward to the co...
 
NASCAR Race Hub: Stenhouse's New Team - 2013
Steve Byrnes talks to Ricky Stenhouse Jr. about the wreck at Talladega, his new ...

Lady's night Blazing speeds will mean another Darlington thrill ride.
LARRY MCREYNOLDS »

Original approach They say the couple that cooks together, stays together, right? Wonder if this really counts ...
THAT'S NEW »

 Michael McDowell Has A Really, Really Bad Sunburn

Courteousy NASCAR.com

(http://www.nascar.com/) :

YOUNGEST EARNHARDT ALSO THRIVES ON HORSEPOWER

Taylor Earnhardt an established horse sportswoman

HARVICK BEHIND DECISION TO FINISH TALLADEGA RACE

ALMIROLA, NO. 43 RPM CAR STREAKING TO DARLINGTON

RICKY STENHOUSE, DANICA PATRICK COMFORTABLE AS COUPLE

Courteousy SpeedTv.com

(http://nascar.speedtv.com/) :Greg Biffle and Danica Patrick race during the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Bojangles' Southern 500 at Darlington Raceway on May 12, 2012 in Darlington, South Carolina. (Photo: Getty Images)

From Auto Racing SpeedTv.com

(http://auto-racing.speedtv.com/):

Kurt Busch got a premium ride for his IndyCar debut at Indy: The No. 1 car of reigning champion Ryan Hunter-Reay. (Photo: IMS Photo)

Courteousy Yahoo Sports

 (http://sports.yahoo.com/nascar/):

Do underdogs stand a chance at Darlington?

David Ragan led a 1-2 finish for Front Row Motorsports at Talladega, but don't count on a surprise this week.

 Darlington a pillar of NASCAR history

Kurt Busch turns laps at Indianapolis

Courteousy Sporting News.com (http://aol.sportingnews.com/nascar):

Hamlin cleared to run full race at Darlington

 Brian France divorce documents show net worth of NASCAR Chairman

Too Tough?

Regan Smith stunned the NASCAR world when he won Darlington's Southern 500 in 2011. Don't expect it to happen again. Upsets are rare at the track "Too Tough To Tame."

'Hey, look at me'

Ricky Stenhouse Jr. is getting used to being overshadowed by his famous girlfriend. Like being ignored by fans and getting cut out of photos. Such is life when you're dating NASCAR star Danica Patrick. 

Paying off

Dale Earnhardt Jr. knew his JR Motorsports team had tremendous potential with Regan Smith. Smith already has Earnhardt Jr.'s team in a position it has never been before — atop the Nationwide points standings. 

Courteousy Bleacher Report.com

(http://bleacherreport.com/nascar):

Sprint Cup Disappointments Having Excellent 2013 Seasons

By Jerry Bonkowski

FYI WIRZ: NASCAR's Fastest with Dale Earnhardt Jr. Talk Wall Hits at Darlington

by Dwight Drum

Darlington Raceway walls always win. Ask any NASCAR driver, past or present. The NASCAR Sprint Cup Series roars to action during the Bojangles’ Southern 500 May 11 at Darlington Raceway in Darlington , South Carolina... Read More »

Courteousy The Stock Car Gazette 

(http://MotorSportsNews.Net ) (Thanks Heather !):

This weekend’s weather for Darlington:
  • FridayA slight chance of showers after 2pm. Mostly sunny, with a high near 87. Southwest wind 5 to 11 mph. Chance of precipitation is 20%.
  • Friday NightA slight chance of showers. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 62. South wind around 9 mph. Chance of precipitation is 20%.
  • SaturdayA chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 84. Southwest wind 9 to 13 mph. Chance of precipitation is 40%. New rainfall amounts of less than a tenth of an inch, except higher amounts possible in thunderstorms.
  • Saturday NightA chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 62. Chance of precipitation is 50%. New rainfall amounts of less than a tenth of an inch, except higher amounts possible in thunderstorms.
Stock Car Gazette
The 8 Hours of Talledega
by Lou Modestino
 
Stock Car Gazette
SHORT TRACK: Five Minutes with Hoosier Hundred Promoter Bob Sargent
by Stephen Cox
 
www.Catchfence.com
 
Ambrose, Amirola Complete Two-Day NASCAR Test at Sonoma Raceway
SONOMA, Calif. (May 8, 2013) – Richard Petty Motorsports teammates Marcos Ambrose and Aric Almirola completed a successful two-day test session at Sonoma Raceway on Wednesday. It marked the . http://www.catchfence.com/2013/sprintcup/05/08/ambrose-amirola-complete-two-day-nascar-test-at-sonoma-raceway/

Google Alerts


NASCAR - Nationwide - VFW Sport Clips Help a Hero 200 Preview
MiamiHerald.com
Capacity: 60,000 (Grandstand Seating). Total purse: Payouts: Year: 31st. On TV: ESPN 2. Announcers: On Radio: Motor Racing Network (MRN)/SIRIUS NASCAR Radio. Race record: Michael Waltrip, 1992 (138.140 mph). Qualifying record: Carl Edwards,
 
Great Drivers Dominate But Surprises Happen
Auto Racing Daily
Smith recorded two firsts – his initial victory and that of Furniture Row Racing, a single-car team. Could lightning strike again? Perhaps – especially coming six days after Front Row Motorsports' one-two upset by David Ragan and David Gilliland at ..
It's been 10 years since Kurt Busch and Ricky Craven had this finish at ...
NBCSports.com
Then he'll return to Darlington Raceway for his usual NASCAR Sprint Cup Series duties with Furniture Row Racing. Busch and Darlington have something of a checkered past. Last year he was in a dust-up on pit lane with Ryan Newman. But 10 years ago ..
 
Upset Special: the Biggest Upset in NASCAR History
Sports Media 101
It was Furniture Row Racing's and Regan Smith's first victory in the Cup Series. It was a huge upset win. While there are several upset victories to be considered and some I may even be forgetting David Ragan's victory at Talladega has to rank among ...
 
 
CourteousyThe Frontstretch.com

 (http://www.frontstretch.com/):

Joe Gibbs Racing Receives Substantial Reductions at Appeal

Joe Gibbs Racing had many of their penalties for the No. 20 team reduced during the appeal process on Wednesday.

Following a dominant win at Kansas Speedway a few weeks ago, Kenseth’s car failed post-race inspection when it was found that a connecting rod was 2.7 grams below the minimum weight. Toyota Racing Development accepted the blame for the incident, claiming that the offending connecting rod was sourced from a European vendor.

Driver Matt Kenseth and owner Joe Gibbs had their points penalties reduced from 50 to 12 points.  The reduction moves Kenseth from 11th up to fourth in points, 66 points behind leader Jimmie Johnson. 

Revised Sprint Cup Series Points after Talladega:

1. Jimmie Johnson            383
2. Carl Edwards                  -41
3. Dale Earnhardt, Jr.         -59
4. Matt Kenseth                  -66
5. Clint Bowyer                  -67
6. Brad Keselowski            -69
7. Kasey Kahne                 -84
8. Aric Almirola                 -90
9. Paul Menard                  -93
10. Kyle Busch                   -98
11. Greg Biffle                  -103
12. Kevin Harvick             -107
t-13. Martin Truex, Jr.       -114
t-13. Jeff Gordon              -114
15. Jamie McMurray        -116
16. Ricky Stenhouse, Jr.  -127
17. Ryan Newman             -141
18. Joey Logano               -146

Current Wild Cards: 1. Kevin Harvick (12th in points, one win), 2. Greg Biffle (11th in points, no wins)

Crew chief Jason Ratcliff’s suspension has also been dropped from seven races to one, though he will still be forced to pay the $200,000 fine.

Not all of the penalties were reduced, however. Toyota Racing’s manufacturer points penalty was increased from five points to seven.

All other penalties were dropped, including the suspension of Joe Gibbs’ owners license, the loss of bonus points for the Chase earned at Kansas Speedway, and the loss of eligibility into the Sprint Unlimited garnered from the pole at Kansas Speedway.

JGR has accepted the penalties and will not appeal further.

JGR has not announced who will replace Ratcliff this weekend in Darlington.

The appeal was heard by Mark Arute of Stafford Motor Speedway, Dover Motorsports CEO Denis McGlynn, and former car owner Jack Housey.


NASCAR cannot appeal the revised penalties.
 
Gibbs Sponsor Ceases Sales

Wednesday did not bring 100 percent good news for Joe Gibbs Racing.  Wrigley announced that they are pulling the caffeinated Alert Energy gum off the market temporarily.  The product removal is in respect to the Food and Drug Administration's current investigation into foods with caffeine added to them and whether they are safe for the general public, and in particular, children.

At Talladega, Sadler was supposed to run Alert Energy's purple and orange colors on his No. 81 Toyota.  However, the team made a wrap change at the track to Doublemint.  Sadler was the sole driver to miss the field for Sunday's Aaron's 499 due to qualifying being rained out.  It is currently unclear as to whether this will affect Sadler's one remaining Cup race in the No. 81.

Entry List Update:
Note: These entries are accurate as of Wednesday night.  However, they are still subject to change right up to race day.


Sprint Cup Series Bojangles' Southern 500: 44 cars entered

Drivers Ineligible to Earn Points:
No. 19
- Mike Bliss for Humphrey-Smith Racing
No. 35- Josh Wise for Front Row Motorsports
No. 51- Regan Smith for Phoenix Racing
No. 87- Joe Nemechek for NEMCO Motorsports/JRR

Driver Changes:
No. 32
- Timmy Hill returns to the seat, replacing Terry Labonte.
No. 55- Mark Martin returns to the seat, replacing Michael Waltrip.

Drivers who must qualify in the top-36:
No. 52
- Brian Keselowski for Hamilton-Means Racing

Drivers most at risk of failing to qualify, but could still have a provisional available:
No. 19
- Mike Bliss for Humphrey-Smith Racing (44th in owners' points)
No. 32- Timmy Hill for FAS Lane Racing (38th in owners' points)
No. 87- Joe Nemechek for NEMCO Motorsports/JRR (40th in owners' points
No. 93- Travis Kvapil for BK Racing (39th in owners' points)
No. 95- Scott Speed for Leavine Family Racing (41st in owners' points)*
No. 98- Michael McDowell for Phil Parsons Racing (42nd in owners' points)*

Not Entered:
No. 21
- Trevor Bayne for Wood Brothers Racing

Nationwide Series VFW Sport Clips Help a Hero 200: 43 cars entered

Drivers Ineligible to Earn Points:
No. 00
- Michael McDowell for SR2 Motorsports
No. 4- Landon Cassill for JD Motorsports with Gary Keller
No. 5- Kasey Kahne for JR Motorsports
No. 18- Matt Kenseth for Joe Gibbs Racing
No. 22- Joey Logano for Penske Racing
No. 23- Harrison Rhodes for R3 Motorsports/Rick Ware Racing
No. 33- Ty Dillon for Richard Childress Racing
No. 42- JJ Yeley for The Motorsports Group, LLC
No. 47- Scott Riggs for The Motorsports Group, LLC
No. 54- Kyle Busch for Kyle Busch Motorsports/Joe Gibbs Racing

Driver Changes:
No. 00
- Michael McDowell returns to the seat, replacing Blake Koch.
No. 16- Chris Buescher returns to the seat, replacing Ryan Reed.
No. 23- Harrison Rhodes returns to the seat, replacing Robert Richardson, Jr.
No. 52- Joey Gase returns to the seat, replacing Donnie Neuenberger.
No. 54- Kyle Busch returns to the seat, replacing Joey Coulter.
No. 79- Kyle Fowler is in the seat, replacing Jeffrey Earnhardt.
No. 92- Dexter Stacey returns to the seat, replacing Tim Andrews.

Drivers who must qualify on speed:
No. 00
- Michael McDowell for SR2 Motorsports
No. 4- Landon Cassill for JD Motorsports with Gary Keller
No. 10- Jeff Green for TriStar Motorsports (Guaranteed to start via the Past Champions' Provisional)*
No. 15- Stanton Barrett for Rick Ware Racing
No. 16- Chris Buescher for Roush Fenway Racing
No. 17- Tanner Berryhill for Vision Racing
No. 18- Matt Kenseth for Joe Gibbs Racing
No. 42- JJ Yeley for The Motorsports Group, LLC*
No. 46- Chase Miller for The Motorsports Group, LLC*
No. 47- Scott Riggs for The Motorsports Group, LLC*
No. 52- Joey Gase for Jimmy Means Motorsports
No. 73- Derrike Cope for Derrike Cope Racing
No. 92- Dexter Stacey for KH Motorsports

Not Entered:
No. 34
- Danica Patrick for Turner Scott Motorsports
No. 37- Matt DiBenedetto for Vision Racing (announced)
No. 55- Jamie Dick for Viva Motorsports
No. 85- Bobby Gerhart for Bobby Gerhart Racing
No. 89- Morgan Shepherd for Shepherd Motor Ventures
*- Expected to Start-and-Park

Today's Featured Commentary
Charting The Suspendables and Expendables
What's Vexing Vito
by Vito Pugliese

When it was made known that Penske Racing and Joe Gibbs Racing were going to appeal their respective penalties, many were skeptical of the outcome. After all, National Stock Car Racing Commission Chief Appelate Officer John Middlebrook has connections to GM!  He’s friends with Rick Hendrick!  Penske fields Fords!  Gibbs is nearly guilty of treason running Toyotas!

In actuality what happened was after failing in the initial appeal, Middlebrook reduced the initial fines imposed by NASCAR in the final appeal to those that most feel reasonable, equitable, and within the scope of the infractions in question.  Penske Racing will get their crew chiefs, car chiefs, and team manager back after three weeks instead of seven.

Joe Gibbs Racing had their fine reduced from 50 points to 12, a six-race suspension for crew chief Jason Ratcliff will now just be one, the wins and pole count towards the title and next year’s Sprint Unlimited – and Joe Gibbs is eligible for owner’s points.  Satisfied with that result, JGR declined to appeal the rulings any further.

Which begs the question: Why not make Middlebrook the one in charge of issuing penalties in the first place?  Whoever is on the panel that decides such things, they apparently have a greater grasp of the parts, pieces, and processes involved than the guillotine of points, prize money, and personnel that has been wielded in recent years.

**********

With that being said, NASCAR has opted not to fine Ryan Newman after the late race accident at Talladega saw another car end up in his lap, in about the same spot he had a blowover a couple of years back. Newman’s comment that, “They can't get their heads out of their asses far enough to keep them on the race track, and that's pretty disappointing.  I wanted to make sure I get that point across.  Y'all can figure out who 'they' is."  NASCAR was not happy with the remarks, but said they opted not to fine him because he “did not disparage the racing product.”

Uh, what?  So Denny Hamlin is fined for saying the cars aren’t racing like the used to – yet – , but Newman tells the sanctioning body on TV to get their heads out of their ass, and he gets a thank you for not trashing the sport?  At this rate, I can only imagine what will happen the next time Johnny Sauter thanks Jesus for a win and a safe race…

**********

While David Ragan was sailing past former teammates Carl Edwards and Matt Kenseth for the win on the final lap at Talladega last Sunday, I couldn’t help but marvel at yet another talent Roush Fenway Racing has allowed to walk out the door and find success in recent years.  After he got the boot from the No. 26 in 2009, Jamie McMurray promptly won the Daytona 500 and Brickyard 400 -- while just missing out on the Southern 500 and Coca-Cola 600.  Matt Kenseth left the only home he had known after 13 seasons this year, and already has two wins, and has dominated all but a few races thus far.  To think that they almost lost Carl Edwards a couple of years ago as well, should be a splash of wake up water to RFR.

Between losing sponsorships, foundation laying personnel, and mothballing iconic car numbers, the days of it being simply Roush Racing seem eons ago. Sure, Nationwide titles are nice, but Cup wins are what make headlines and reign in the sponsorship and top talent.  What was supposed to be a marketing boon and sponsorship bonanza has nearly gone bust in recent years, between shutting down cars, losing drivers, losing a title on a tie-breaker, and chasing their tails for almost two years with faulty simulation software. 

**********

David Ragan’s win at Talladega will go down as one of the greatest finishes in that track’s history.  If you have a few minutes, check out my compilation of the
10 Most Amazing Talladega Finishes  -- there is a new one that needs to be added shortly.

Frontstretch Line of the Week

From
Five Points to Ponder: Firsts, Families And Failing Pit Crews

"You never forget your first loveWhether it’s a high school sweetheart, a faithful old hunting dog, or a fickle race track in South Carolina with a contrary disposition. And, if you happen to be a race car driver there’s no victory so sweet, so memorable, as whipping Darlington Raceway."- The late Dale Earnhardt, on Darlington Raceway.

TODAY ON THE FRONTSTRETCH:

by Jeff Wolfe

NASCAR Mailbox: Harsh Comments and Penalties Galore
by Summer Bedgood

Truckin' Thursdays: Peters' Roots, King's Return and Newberry's Experience
by Beth Lunkenheimer

Courteousy SpeedwayMedia.com (http://www.speedwaymedia.com/):

Bobby Labonte’s Career Is One of Trials, Triumphs and Raw Deals

Bobby Labonte made his 700th career NASCAR Sprint Cup Series (NSCS) start at Talladega Superspeedway this past Sunday leading laps under green before being swept up in a late race wreck finishing 20th. 

Gilliland Still Smiling over Big Day for Little Team

David Gilliland is probably the happiest second-place finisher around. After pushing his teammate David Ragan to victory for Front Row Motorsports' first Sprint Cup victory last weekend at Talladega Superspeeday, Gilliland has been just as central to the team celebration as the guy who crossed the finish line first.

Busch and Craven were ‘two guys taking the gloves off’ at Darlington in 2003

It’ll be 10 years late next week since the thrilling finish between Kurt Busch and Ricky Craven at Darlington, but it still brings a smile to both their faces. Speaking to the media on Tuesday, both Busch and Craven retold of that magical day in which they crossed the finish line virtually linked together. Craven [...]

Crunching The Numbers: Darlington

With a weekend full of rain delays, wild wrecks, close finishes, and underdog winners at Talladega Superspeedway behind them, the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series and NASCAR Nationwide Series head to Darlington Raceway, NASCAR’s first superspeedway, for some night racing on Mother’s Day weekend at the track that is “Too Tough To Tame”.

Surprising and Not Surprising: Talladega Aaron’s 499

With a three hour plus rain delay pushing the Aaron’s 499 from day into a Talladega Night, here is what was surprising and not surprising from the Alabama 2.66 mile oval.

Hot 20 over the past 10 – Kenseth heads to Darlington 38 points richer

Funny what 38 points can do for a driver. That is the amount NASCAR gave back to Matt Kenseth after hearing the appeal for that engine violation that bit him after Kansas. For the 2003 champion, the change of mind moved him from outside a Chase place all the way up to fourth in the standings.

Courteousy Sporting News.com (http://aol.sportingnews.com/nascar):

Details emerge as court documents unsealed

Courteousy Bleacher Report.com

(http://bleacherreport.com/nascar):

 Complete Preview of NASCAR Sprint Cup Series at Darlington

By Chad Robb

 
(5/8/13)

Courteousy NASCAR.com

 (http://www.nascar.com/) :

JOE GIBBS RACING PENALTIES REDUCED IN APPEAL

Power Rankings: Kenseth shoots to highest rank yet  

APPEAL DECISION KESELOWSKI'S BIGGEST ESCAPE YET

 TO STEWART, THINGS CAN ONLY GET BETTER

SIX PACK OF POP: ROMA DOWNEY, MARK BURNETT

Inside Access with Miss Sprint Cup: Go-karts with Ricky

NASCAR Air Titan Rises above Talladega turbulence

Ten Days of Giving: Countdown to 10th NASCAR Day

Two roads at Sonoma test for Almirola, Ambrose

SIX PACK OF POP: ROMA DOWNEY, MARK BURNETT

Courteousy SpeedTv.com

(http://nascar.speedtv.com/):Aric Almirola has been fast and consistent so far this season. (Photo: Getty Images)

Courteousy FOX Sports

 (http://msn.foxsports.com/nascar):

Joey Logano to run Nationwide race in Iowa

Dega Winner David Ragan Has A Goat Hotel & Mini Donkeys

Ready For The Lady In Black? Let’s Preview Darlington

Dega In-Car Highlights: Busch’s Day In One Word – “Mother(Expletive)!”

Courteousy USA Today.com (http://www.usatoday.com/sports/nascar/):

Penalties reduced for Joe Gibbs team

Read Story

Courteousy Sporting News.com (http://aol.sportingnews.com/nascar):

Courteousy USA Today.com

(http://sports.yahoo.com/nascar/):

Significantly lighter punishments for Joe Gibbs Racing

An appeals board reduced the Kansas penalties, moving Matt Kenseth from 11th in the standings to fourth.

Engines not touched by JGR 

Stewart sees glimmer of hope

2 artcicles,courteousy Amanda Vincent

 (Thanks Amanda !!):

 
Joe Gibbs Racing penalties reduced
 
 
Jeff Gordon to hit 700 mark at Darlington
 
Amanda Vincent
 
Courteousy ESPN.com
(http://espn.go.com/racing/nascar/):

Big Win For Kenseth

Matt Kenseth roared from 11th place to fourth in the Sprint Cup standings after an appeals panel reduced penalties against his team Wednesday. StorySportsCenter  Blount blog: Lighten up, NASCARSportsCenter 

Beware The 18

Brad Daugherty expects plenty of beatin' and bangin' Saturday night at Darlington. He also expects to see a familiar face in Victory Lane: Kyle Busch. Moment of ClarityVideo  Stewart still strugglingVideo 

 
Courteousy The Stock Car Gazette

(http://MotorSportsNews.Net ) (Thanks Heather !):

www.Catchfence.com

KANNAPOLIS, N.C., (May 7, 2013) – She’s a mature lady with a robust personality and a devil-may-care attitude. A little rough around the edges, she has broken the 
 
Viva Motorsports Looking for Drivers for Remainder of 2013 NASCAR Nationwide Series Season
May 6, 2013 -­‐ Viva Motorsports is looking for drivers to fill out the rest of the season. Fresh off their 12th place finish at Talladega, Viva
 
Google Alerts
 
Philippine Racing Team to Compete in Nascar Special Event
Wall Street Journal (blog)
By joining the event, doors for the ultimate goal of eventually seeing a Filipino in the big NASCAR races could open for members of Team Philippines. Stefano Marcelo, the youngest driver of the team, has already been endorsed by Mr. Monozca to enter ...
 
NASCAR won't fine Ryan Newman for post-Talladega comments
Washington Post
Not fining Newman is consistent with NASCAR chairman Brian France's decision to give drivers' permission to criticize anything but the cars and the on-track product. Denny Hamlin was fined $25,000 in March for saying he didn't think NASCAR's new car
 
Ratings: NASCAR Drives Fox to Win, Mentalist Finale Up
Daily American Online
A NASCAR overrun powered Fox to a victory Sunday.The network averaged 5.8 million viewers and a 2.1 in the adults 18-to-49 demographic after NASCAR delayed prime time by 25 minutes.Get the scoop on 39 must-watch finalesCBS took second, but was
 
NASCAR: Coble's Racing Notes
Brainerd Daily Dispatch
Busch has a commitment with the No. 78 Furniture Row Racing Chevrolet to race in the 600 on Memorial Day weekend. Adding Indianapolis would require precision and luck with travel connections to be at Charlotte on time for the start of the race. Stewart ...
 
NASCAR's inconsistent penalties fuel continued controversy
Orlando Sentinel
Let's call it "NASCAR Family Feud." The premise is simple: Every week, a NASCAR driver or prominent owner gets into some contentious squabble. In the real world, NASCAR officials usually have the last word on any issue. But not on NASCAR Family Feud.
 
Joey Logano commits to running NASCAR Nationwide race at Iowa Speedway
Washington Post
NEWTON, Iowa — Joey Logano will run a NASCAR Nationwide race in Iowa in June, the night before competing in a Sprint Cup event at Pocono. The Iowa Speedway says Logano will return to its 0.875-mile track for its Nationwide opener on June 8. Logano ...
 
P R E S S  *  R E L E A S E S
 
Statement from Joie Chitwood III on the missed Economic Development and Job Creation Opportunity for the State of Florida
The following statement can be attributed to Daytona International Speedway President Joie Chitwood III:
“We are clearly disappointed by the outcome last week in the Florida Legislature.  We made a very compelling case for what could have been a successful public / private partnership with the State of Florida to create jobs and generate real economic growth.  We also had substantial local, regional and statewide support. 
“However, given this setback to our project, we are forced to reassess the proposed redevelopment and closely examine a number of factors such as its timing, size and scope, before we decide on next steps.”
#*#*
NASCAR’s Air Titan™ Delivers At Talladega
NASCAR Sprint Cup, Nationwide Races Defy Rain Thanks To Track-Drying Technology
 
DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. (May 8, 2013) – Last Saturday and Sunday, May 4-5 at Talladega Superspeedway, a strong spring storm deposited more than an inch of rain on the grounds around the largest venue in the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series. Despite some breaks in the clouds both days, the 2.66-mile track was soaked at the most inopportune times – just before the start of the NASCAR Nationwide Series (May 4) and NASCAR Sprint Cup Series (May 5) races.
 
However the innovative first phase of the NASCAR-developed Air Titan™ track-drying system was on site at Talladega and was dispatched for both events. That deployment was the official beginning of a stretch goal charged by NASCAR Chairman Brian France less than a year ago: Significantly reduce the time it takes to dry the track to benefit the fans in the stands and those watching on television.
 
Until this year, scenarios like these would have led to protracted drying time with jet dryers and vacuum trucks, shortened races due to long track-drying time or postponement of the events altogether.

“We’re pleased with the Air Titan’s first official on-track results,” said Steve O’Donnell, NASCAR senior vice president of racing operations. “This was a great collaboration between NASCAR, our top-tier vendors and the Talladega track services staff.”  Ring Power supplied 16 large Sullair air compressors to power the Air Titans. Those, in addition to the jets and vacuums, were the components of this system.
 
“Both days, we saved at least an hour if not more in drying time,” O’Donnell said. “We ran the system while it was still raining to stay ahead of the weather and also ran it twice each day, successfully drying the track only to see more rain after we’d gotten it dry. We were able to minimize the drying time for both races so that our fans saw exciting finishes on the scheduled days of the events instead of being forced to alter their plans due to postponements.”
 
O’Donnell also noted that the Air Titan™ still was able to enhance drying time despite the conditions at Talladega (colder temperatures, dampness and ongoing mist). With sunshine following a rain shower, drying time should improve significantly.
 
O’Donnell said the NASCAR Air Titan™ team also took away operational learnings specific to a track the size of Talladega and believes it will be even more effective the next time the technology is used. “We’ve still got some work to do with the power units (air compressors). We’ve already prepared mock-ups and have assembled more research to prepare for tests very soon on the next phases of development, cost containment and logistics,” he said.
France originally challenged NASCAR’s R&D Center to have the Air Titan™ ready for use for if needed for the 2013 Daytona 500. That goal was met and the system was in place at Daytona International Speedway for the sports’ biggest event. The technology also was on site this year at Martinsville Speedway (where it was successfully used prior to a NASCAR Sprint Cup practice) and Kansas Speedway before its first race-day assignment at Talladega. Discussions are ongoing between NASCAR and its track partners on use of the Air Titan™ at their venues as the season progresses.
 
How The Air Titan™ Works
NASCAR’s R&D team took an advanced scientific approach during the production of Phase 1 of the Air Titan™. It uses compressed air to efficiently and reliably push water off of the racing surface and onto the apron where vacuum trucks remove the remainder of the moisture. Jet dryers follow each Air Titan™, drying any excess water that remains on the racing surface. That model worked seamlessly at Talladega, resulting in the opportunity to provide fans with two of the most exciting finishes to date this season.
Currently there are three types of the Air Titan™ – a single Air Titan™ where the power unit is on the apron and six feet of the Air Titan™ is on the track. A triple Air Titan™ where an 18-foot power unit is a tractor trailer equipped with three compressors. There is also “in-line, where a truck pulls a compressor, which in turn pulls an Air Titan™ for use on the apron and on pit road.
Another benefit of the Air Titan™ is that it’s capable of operating next to the SAFER barrier. Because of their nozzle, jet dryers create a “gap” of approximately 10 feet where they cannot reach. The Air Titan™ doesn’t have that limitation. Also the jets are not capable of operating at full power in some areas due to damaging the infield grass, whereas the Air Titan™ doesn’t have that issue.
More On The Air Titan™ 
Air Titan photos: http://bit.ly/NASCAR-Air-Titan-photos
Air Titan B-Roll and Animation Video: http://bit.ly/NASCAR-Air-Titan-Video
 
 

Courteousy The Frontstretch.com

 (http://www.frontstretch.com/):

Penske Has Suspensions Reduced On Appeal

Roger Penske’s team got some relief Tuesday from NASCAR’s Chief Appellate Officer John Middlebrook, as he chose to reduce penalties assessed to that organization at Texas Motor Speedway in early April. Middlebrook, after hearing the evidence from both sides Tuesday chose to reduce all suspensions in the case from six to two weeks, plus NASCAR’s All-Star Race on May 18th. That means the final consequences for both teams are the following: 

No. 2 car

Brad Keselowski – loss of 25 driver points

Roger Penske – loss of 25 owner points

$100,000 fine (assessed to crew chief Paul Wolfe)

Two-race suspensions (plus the All-Star Race) for Wolfe, car chief Jerry Kelley and engineer Brian Wilson

No. 22 car

Joey Logano – loss of 25 driver points

Roger Penske/Walt Czarnecki (listed owner) – loss of 25 owner points

$100,000 fine (assessed to crew chief Todd Gordon)

Two-race suspensions (plus the All-Star Race) for Gordon, car chief Raymond Fox, and team engineer Samuel Stanley

Other

Two-race suspension (plus the All-Star Race) for team manager Travis Geisler (services both cars)

Middlebrook’s official statement was short, simply stating, “After looking at all the facts, data, and interpretations from the rule book, I have decided to uphold the original fines and points penalties. However, I have decided to reduce the suspensions of the seven team members involved from six points races and the All-Star race to two points races and the All-Star Race.” However, it seemed both sides, after presenting their cases were far more pleased with how the case was handled during this portion of the appeal.

“We were able to talk about areas we worked in,” said Roger Penske, referring to the “gray area” of the NASCAR rulebook officials ultimately felt stepped over the line. “I’m very happy with the outcome. This sport has been built on innovation. All of us have tried to innovate in areas not defined in the rulebook. We were in that area.”

In conversations with the parties involved, it was clear the controversy surrounded parts designed to increase the rear-end angle at the back of both cars. In past years, with innovation limited through the Car of Tomorrow templates teams have played around with suspension systems designed to make the rear end of the car easier to “move.” The more the car skews in the corner, the easier it can be to handle and gain extra speed.

However, NASCAR had made rules designed to curb those types of innovations this year and made the determination Penske parts to build the rear suspension were unapproved. Why they had gone undetected in previous inspections was never addressed, along with claims someone else in the garage had alerted officials to possible inappropriate car construction. One thing Penske did admit, though is had this decision been issued by the initial appeals panel, he would not have pressed his luck with Middlebrook.

“All of us,” he said. “Have lost points for certain infractions over the years. The key thing is to have people back at the racetrack operating in full control.”

The end results leave Logano 18th in points, 146 behind championship leader Jimmie Johnson and 43 outside a Chase position. Keselowski is far more stable; fifth in points, he’s 69 behind and 45 _ahead_ of 11th-place Matt Kenseth. Neither of the Penske cars have won a race this season.

“Moved on from last few weeks,” Keselowski tweeted Wednesday morning. “And ready to focus on @TooToughToTame (Darlington Raceway).”

Today's Featured Commentary

Bring Back the Excitement
WTF Wednesdays

by Ellen Richardson

While viewing the final laps of the Aaron’s 312 and 499 Nationwide and Cup Series races last weekend, my faith in the excitement that made me love this sport began to return.  For the first time in a very long time, I was actually jumping up and down in my living room as I witnessed two drivers drive to dream wins at Talladega Superspeedway.

This weekend, both series will travel to another very exciting track, Darlington Raceway.  The track “Lady In Black” has had an extensive history of real door-to-door racing.  As many fans may remember, this 1.366-mile egg-shaped oval has played host to some of the best racing that NASCAR competition has ever seen.

I don’t think that race fans will ever forget the closest finish in NASCAR history, in March 2003, where Ricky Craven edged Kurt Busch for the Cup win by only .002 seconds.  This track also played host to the first win for Saturday’s Aaron’s 312 winner, Regan Smith in a race that brought out the tempers of both Kevin Harvick and Kyle Busch on pit road for NASCAR Illustrated Magazine’s Best Feud.

While I am looking forward to this weekend’s racing, I continue to question NASCAR’s decision to eliminate a second race at the 'The Track Too Tough To Tame.'  Despite the supercharged racing that has continued at the sport’s first superspeedway twice a year since 1960, NASCAR decided to eliminate a race on the schedule in 2005 so that Phoenix International Raceway and Texas Motor Speedway could pick up additional races.

While I am the first to admit that I have enjoyed some of the racing at Texas and Phoenix, this weekend’s battle at Talladega was reminiscent of the type of David and Goliath battles that were once witnessed at Darlington. 

With NASCAR's eyes continuing to focus on the cash prize, I am afraid that many of the wrong decisions are being made , and that will take away what both competitors and fans are hoping to see: true competition. As Kevin Rutherford so poignantly made clear in Tuesday’s Going By The Numbers, both fans and competitors seemed disappointed and frustrated that many historically competitive tracks, like Darlington and Atlanta, have been stripped of a race.  Lest we also forget Rockingham, whom may never be in the running for a Nationwide or Cup Series race again? 

I have to agree with Rutherford, who brings up a good point, “Imagine if some of these tracks were visited more than once (Darlington and Atlanta once were, of course). Could we have seen better championship finishes?”  I believe not only better championship finishes, but increased fan excitement.

As this has been on the top of my mind this week, I decided to take a number from today’s young drivers who cling to social media for fan input.  I took to Facebook to ask a few friends and fans their thoughts on adding a second Darlington race to the future top series schedules. 

Chase O’Brien, a long time NASCAR fan who also spends a lot of his Saturday night’s at several local NASCAR Home Tracks, said it is time to bring tracks like Darlington back to their past glory. 

“The races are great at this drivers track,” said O’Brien.  “One groove tracks always put on a show and while some drivers may not like this fans do.  Why do you think fan attendance at tracks like Bowman Gray Stadium are consistently high?”

Paul Heath, Motorsports Social Media Consultant, said that he was disappointed when Darlington’s Labor Day race was taken away in the past and would like to see this return. 

“Tracks that are a part of when and where NASCAR got its roots are now basically being disrespected and forgotten,” said Heath.  “Darlington deserves to have two races a year and never should have lost one. I think you would be hard pressed to find a driver in the Sprint Cup series that wouldn't like to see Darlington get its two races back.”

So as NASCAR continues to try to drive its way into the future, let’s hope that some of these continuously perplexing changes don’t take away the kind of excitement that us long-time fans have all come to know and love.
 

Courteousy Sports Illustrated (http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/racing/?eref=sinav&sct=hp_nv_a):

Sporting News: Angst over NASCAR's TV future

Courteousy SpeedwayMedia.com (http://www.speedwaymedia.com/):

NATIONAL STOCK CAR RACING CHIEF APPELLATE OFFICER STATEMENT

On May 7, 2013 the Chief Appellate Officer heard and considered the appeal of the penalties from the No. 2 and No. 22 Penske Racing NASCAR Sprint Cup Series teams. These penalties stemmed from pre-race inspection for the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series at Texas Motor Speedway April 13.

The Final Word – Talladega, a place where all your dreams can come true

Talladega, where we watched Matt Kenseth dominate, where we saw Jimmie Johnson and Carl Edwards contend, and where we watched a lot of cars torn up. It is also where we saw two cars from an underfunded operation charge up from out of nowhere to claim the top two spots at the finish line.

Burton’s Cup Future Rests Solely on His Performance

As a new generation of drivers enters the Sprint Cup Series, the veterans are finding it tougher and tougher to remain competitive. Other than a few breakout weekends, Jeff Burton hasn’t been much of a threat over the past few seasons.

Reutimann Involved in ‘The Big One’ at Talladega Superspeedway

David Reutimann and the No. 83 Burger King / Dr. Pepper Toyota team finished 41st at Talladega (Ala.) Superspeedway on Sunday afternoon after being involved in "the big one" on lap 42. Involved in the accident entering turn one, Reutimann's Camry suffered extensive damage and the BK Racing team was forced to retire from the Aaron's 499.

Contact Removes Kvapil from Contention at Talladega Superspeedway

Travis Kvapil and the No. 93 Burger King / Dr. Pepper Toyota Camry finished 38th at Talladega (Ala.) Superspeedway on Sunday afternoon after sustaining damage during a lap 20 incident.

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Born on date  11/14/08
 
Now for the reason for creating this site
 
This site was created by me because of frustations with other internet service providers, and is for the use of anyone who's interested in anything about NASCAR. 
 
  However,over time I hope to add other auto racing news,from other auto racing series / venues ,in the hopes of having something here for everyone to enjoy.
 
Now for a little bit about me ,
 
 
I'm Joe,from New Jersey. I've lived in the Garden State for most of my life.  It's also where I've been fighting,to get a major NASCAR track built somewhere in the NYC/NJ area for many years now.
I am also "foot soldier" / bill collector for the electric company.So I do work days. Therefore the best time to check for any updates is after 8 pm,on weeknights.  But just about any time on weekends !!!
My favorite current driver : KASEY KAHNE
I'm also a fan of :Martin Truex Jr. ( Hey ! He's a "Jersey Guy" !!! I was rooting for him since I first saw him racing .and winning,as a 17 year old,in the modified division at Wall Stadium ( now known as Wall Speedway ) !!!
My favorite all time driver : "Awesome Bill From Dawsonville" ... BILL ELLIOTT !!!
Needless to say .My favorite car owner is fellow "Jersey Guy"...Ray Evernham
My favorite NASCAR Track : Dover
My favorite local tracks : Wall Speedway (paved),and New Egypt Speedway (dirt)
 
My favorite actors/actresses : Tom Hanks, John Wayne,Kiefer Sutherland ,Catherine Zeta-Jones,Rene Zellweiger
 
My Favorite movies : Star Wars ( all 6 of them),
Lord of the Rings (ALL OF THEM),
Gone With the Wind,
Fort Apache,
She Wore A Yellow Ribbon,
The Longest Day,
Saving Private Ryan.
Zorro (especially the Antonio Banderas ones !)
Batman ( the ones with Michael Keaton,and Christian Bale ! The rest of them...blech ! Sorry Adam West ! I used to like the old "campy" BATMAN tv shows. But then I grew up !)
 
Favorite TV shows :
MASH !!!
Cheers,
Seinfeld,
Bones
 
House
 
 
24 !!!  & House !, & Fringe !!! , &  Terra Nova ! , & Alcatraz !(Always,and forever !!!)
 
The Following ! (my newbie for 2013 !)
 
 
Law and Order : SVU
 
 
Touch
 
 
Person of Interest
 
 
 
 
Favorite all time master sleuth :
Sherlock Holmes !
(as portrayed by Jeremy Brett !)
 
Favorite Comedy Routine :
"Who's on First ? "
Needless to say my favorite comedy team is ....
Abbott & Costello !!!
 
My other interests other than NASCAR :
My family
The New York Yankees ( I was BORN a Yankee fan !!!)
The New York Giants
The New Jersey Nets
The New York Knicks
The Hawthorne Caballeros "all age" & Alumni Drum & Bugle Corps
The Golden Knights Alumni Drum & Bugle Corps
The Bayonne Bridgemen Alumni Drun & Bugle Corps
The Cadets Drum & Bugle Corps (formerly of Garfield NJ.Now they currently are based in Allentown,Pa.)
Do I give you the impression that I also love Drum & Bugle Corps? I could go on with the many corps that I really enjoy !
I was a snare drummer in high school !
 
I truly hope that you enjoy visiting my site. I also hope that you will come back often,and that you tell your friends & family about it.
 
P.S.
As I type this ( Nov.25,2006). My current 1/24 scale NASCAR diecast car collection is @ 175 + cars !!!
Personal note from me. ( AKA Site disclaimer...or something like that ! )
If you see something here that you would like to use on your website / newsletter / whatever. Please feel free to do so.
HOWEVER !!! 
I do ask that you give credit where credit is due ( as I do here). Please indicate something  (somewhere / somehow ),that you got it from this website.
Thank You,
Joe

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