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Monday, February 9, 2009

Gordon-Evernham reunion? Jeff Gordon opened the door this week to the idea of a reunion with Ray Evernham but it wouldn't be as a crew chief if it ever happened. "We've always stayed great friends, and I admire him and he's a sharp guy and he's done a lot, obviously, in this sport,'' Gordon said. "We're always looking to find ways to make ourselves better. "If (an Evernham reunion) was ever the case, it wouldn't be in a crew chief role. If it's an engineer, if it's a team manager, whatever options are out there for anybody we always take them serious. With my experience with Ray being so positive in the past, I certainly wouldn't throw it out. It's not something that is happening, but it's not something that I would ever say never would.'' Asked about a possibility of Evernham returning to Hendrick Motorsports in some fashion, car owner Rick Hendrick didn't say no. Instead, he said that he remains close to Evernham. "We consult with each other all the time,'' Hendrick said. "That hasn't changed since he left. He calls me, and I talk to him. We share information. We talked about the fact that the manufacturers were not going to be around as strong as they are three or four years ago. We think a lot alike, and I respect his knowledge a ton. We talk almost every week. We've been consultants to each other.'' (The Roanoke Times)

Golden Corral on Kvapil's No. 28: On Sunday, Feb. 15, all eyes will be on the Golden Corral No. 28 Ford Fusion and its driver Travis Kvapil as he races for the checkered flag for American families and the Disabled American Veterans (DAV) during the 2009 Daytona 500.  If Kvapil finishes in the top 10, Golden Corral will give every kid in America a free buffet* as well as make a $5,000 donation to the DAV.  In celebration of Kvapil's success, Golden Corral, America's favorite family buffet and grill restaurant chain, will turn Monday, Feb. 16, into "Kids Eat Free" Day.  Families who bring a Daytona 500 race ticket or official race results from a newspaper or Web site can receive a free kid's buffet for any child 12 and under with the purchase of an adult buffet at participating restaurants. Golden Corral Chief Marketing Officer Chris Kuehn said, "Golden Corral and Travis are proud to be racing for American families and the DAV.  In tough economic times, this promotion will help make dining out more affordable as well as increase the awareness of the incredible support the DAV provides to American heroes who have served our country and are in need of assistance." In addition to "Kids Eat Free" Day, Golden Corral will also make a $5,000 donation to the DAV, an 87-year-old non-profit organization dedicated to providing services - free of charge through its nationwide network - to disabled veterans and their families.  Through Golden Corral's "Military Appreciation Monday," the company has helped raise more than $3.26 million for the DAV since the program started in 2001. (PR)

Said lands US Chrome sponsorship: The Carter/Simo Racing team with driver Boris Said has added U.S. Chrome Corporation as a sponsor. Said's No. 08 ScottsMiracle-Gro/U.S. Chrome Ford Fusion is vying for a qualifying berth for the Daytona 500. Based in Stratford, Conn. U.S. Chrome has specialized in functional wear, corrosion and friction resistant coatings since 1946. The company has six plant locations -- in Connecticut, upstate New York, Pennsylvania, Ohio, Illinois and Wisconsin. U.S. Chrome features new environmentally friendly electrocomposite coatings for the aerospace, agricultural, solar, automotive, firearms, machining, FAA aircraft repair, oil, gas, powersports and motorsports industries. "We feel fortunate to have another outstanding company join our race team," offered Said. "We have a New England bonding -- U.S. Chrome is headquartered in Stratford, Conn., I'm a native of Stamford, Conn. and our crew chief Frank Stoddard is from New Hampshire. If we qualify for the 500, I think we'll all get together and have a lobster feast." U.S. Chrome has a history in motorsports. The company owned Busch East and Busch South teams in the 1980s. The crew chief on those teams was Stoddard. "U.S. Chrome is thrilled to partner with Boris and Frankie and the entire Carter/Simo Racing team," said Bob Reath, owner of U.S. Chrome. "Our customers are motorsports fans and this is a good fit for our company." Stoddard, a 15-time Cup winner as crew chief, said it's a special feeling to be reunited with U.S. Chrome. "Having U.S. Chrome as a sponsor brings back many pleasant memories," noted Stoddard. "It's a great company, which is led by Bob Reath. We want nothing more than to give them, and all of our sponsors, a solid performance in Daytona."(DMF Communications PR)

Sunday, February 8, 2009

Martin Truex, Jr claims Daytona 500 pole: Martin Truex Jr. and Mark Martin each had long NASCAR winters for different reasons, but Sunday was a beautiful day for both at Daytona International Speedway. Truex won the Daytona 500 pole with a lap at 188.001 mph and Martin got the No. 2 starting spot for next week's race with a speed of 187.817. Bill Elliott, Travis Kvapil, Tony Stewart and Terry Labonte also assured themselves of being in the 51st running of Sprint Cup's biggest race on a warm, sunny afternoon. (ThatsRacin.com) Daytona 500 Qualifying Speeds

Hylton to miss Daytona 500: The hauler of No. #60-James Hylton was leaving Daytona International Speedway on Saturday as Hylton never got out on the track to practice. The Carter Simo Racing driver won’t attempt to qualify for the Daytona 500 on Sunday because he never was able to get a complete lap in practice, and NASCAR typically requires a driver to complete a lap at a reasonable speed to qualify the car. The team had been working on the car for the 74-year-old driver throughout the weekend but apparently never got it to race specifications. So there will be 56 drivers attempting to qualify for the Daytona 500.(SceneDaily.com)

EGR swap No. 8 & No. 42 owner points: Earnhardt Ganassi Racing, whose largely sponsorless No. 8 car was 14th in 2008 owner points, has swapped positions with new teammate Juan Montoya, who was 25th last year while driving for Chip Ganassi Racing. The assumption is that if the 8 was shut down within the first five races, Montoya would have an 11-position advantage if qualifying was rained out. In conjunction with the point swaps, Chip Ganassi now owns the No. 8 and Teresa Earnhardt took ownership of the No. 42 from Ganassi's father, Floyd. (NASCAR.com)

ScottsMiracle-Gro to sponsor No. 08 Boris Said: ScottsMiracle-Gro and Carter/Simo Racing announced that they will sponsor Boris Said in the #08 Ford Fusion for the Daytona 500. The #08 Ford Fusion will feature the Scotts Bonus S Max Lawn Fertilizer paint scheme during Daytona Speedweeks. “I’m really happy that Scotts is on board for the 500,” commented Said. “Between using Scotts products on my lawn and helping Carl (Edwards) with his road racing efforts, I feel like I already have a strong relationship with Scotts. I’m thrilled to represent them over the next week.” “It is great to have an opportunity to team up with Boris Said for the Daytona 500 where he will be driving the Scotts Bonus S Max Ford Fusion,” said Jim Shertzer, Event Marketing and Sponsorship Manager for ScottsMiracle-Gro. “Living in Southern California, Boris has already started to enjoy his Scotts lawn and his Ford Fusion is featuring Scotts Bonus S Max Lawn Fertilizer – with its unique 3-in-1 formula that kills and prevents fire ants for up to six months, kills dollarweed and feeds your lawn!”. Carter/Simo racing is proud to offer fans with a unique way to interact with them at the 51st Daytona 500. Fans will be able to join a social network where they will get an unrestricted view of how the teams prepare for Daytona. Fans will be provided multiple live daily updates of the teams progress. They can also follow the team through practices, Coors Pole qualifying, Gatorade Duel events, and ultimately the Daytona 500. Photos, videos, and messages will all come direct from the team, to the fans at no cost. More info at www.em-motorsports.com.(Carter/Simo Racing PR)

Subway to sponsor No.99 Carl Edwards three races: Subway Restaurants will serve as the primary sponsor of Carl Edwards and the No. 99 Sprint Cup Series Ford for three races in 2009, which includes the Subway Fresh Fit 500 at Phoenix International Raceway in April. Edwards will also pilot the car in the Coke Zero 400 at Daytona International Speedway and then a to be announced race.(RacingOne)

Shelmerdine hopes to attempt full season: #27-Kirk Shelmerdine has reached an agreement with his partners, including Wabash Motorsports as well as other stakeholders including TRD, friends, family and acquaintances. This new Toyota campaign represents a significant move in Kirk’s continuing quest to become a factor in the 2009 Sprint Cup Series. A private equity group has provided KSR something they have not had in the past. An influx of cash that has allowed the team to acquire new Toyotas and all of the pertinent accessories that it takes to start a competitive team. KSR fully intends to attempt every race on the 2009 schedule, however more help is needed. Kirk and his partners are actively seeking sponsorship that is geared to fit the location, size and demographics of businesses who are actively seeking a unique marketing opportunity. A variety of sponsorship packages are available and can be discussed on a case by case basis. We are especially looking for a long term partnership can result in long term benefits for all stakeholders. If interested in sponsoring KSR at (618) 847-7401.(KSR PR)

NASCAR's fashion police: Scott Speed, who could duel with 18-year-old Joey Logano for rookie of the year honors in this year's Cup series, isn't shy. The 26-year-old's personality is sometimes over the top, often demonstrated by his choice of clothing, the dyed white hair he sported for a while and, most of all, a penchant for saying exactly what's on his mind. "I've definitely got in trouble once or twice for wearing inappropriate T-shirts in the garage," the Red Bull Racing driver said. "I still have them. I have one of them in the motorhome. I just have to use better judgment. It's a much different culture to be in the NASCAR Cup garage than in the Formula One paddock." (ThatsRacin.com)

Saturday, February 7, 2009

Harvick wins Bud Shootout: Kevin Harvick received a huge push from Denny Hamlin to power into the lead and steal a win in Saturday night's exhibition Budweiser Shootout. Jamie McMurray appeared headed for the win at Daytona International Speedway until a late wreck set up a two-lap overtime sprint to the finish. Harvick was in fourth on the restart, and didn't seem to have anything for McMurray. But as they closed in on the finish line, he used the push from Hamlin to slide past McMurray on the outside. He coasted to the win as Hamlin, Jimmie Johnson and Kyle Busch all crashed behind him. (Associated Press) 2009 Bud Shootout Results

Mears tested three times in offseason: Casey Mears and the No. 07 Richard Childress Racing crew tested three times prior to Speedweeks in an effort to get to know one another and be better prepared for 2009. The group was at Nashville Superspeedway on Nov. 4, 2008, at GM’s Desert Proving Grounds in Mesa, Ariz., from Jan. 12-14 and at New Smyrna Speedway in New Smyrna, Fla., on Tues., Jan. 27.(RCR PR)

Petty unhappy about owner points: Richard Petty was feeling a little bait-and-switched on Friday. The sponsors that Richard Petty Motorsports have been courting for the No. 44 Dodge felt even more so, he said. NASCAR's recalibration of owner points for the start of the 2009 season put Petty driver A.J. Allmendinger 36th, one spot below the cutoff for automatic entry into the first five races of the season. Clint Bowyer's No. 33 Chevrolet — a new fourth car at Richard Childress Racing — and Sam Hornish's No. 77 Dodge garnered top-35 spots by bringing in points-possessing former car owners as partners. Bowyer's car will now be listed under former team owner Bobby Ginn, and Bill Davis has formed a partnership with Roger Penske to own Hornish's car. RPM has only an eight-race deal with Valvoline and is courting sponsors, a less-arduous process if the team is guaranteed of making races. Petty said NASCAR told him at the end of last season that the points of the No. 10 Gillett Evernham Dodge (now applied to the No. 44 after Petty merged with GEM) would be in the top 35. (St. Petersburgh Times)

NASCAR appoves No. 12 paint scheme: NASCAR has approved a paint scheme and uniform for Penske Racing’s No. 12 car and driver David Stremme that has the Verizon and Penske red and black colors but neither with the Verizon logo featuring a thin red check. NASCAR must approve all uniforms and paint schemes, and the Penske team had to go through a more scrutinized process because of the Cup series sponsorship from Sprint. NASCAR is responsible for making sure that none of Sprint’s rivals have branding in the garage, and Verizon, which bought out Penske sponsor Alltel earlier this month, is a sponsor of the organization and has its logos on the Nationwide Series car. Penske Racing crewmen spent part of Friday morning covering up a little bit of red striping near the front of the car with black strips. NASCAR spokesman Ramsey Poston said NASCAR asked for the minor change but the rest of the paint scheme has been approved. (SceneDaily.com)

Kyle Petty rideless in '09: Fifty-seven cars are entered for the Daytona 500, but absent from the list is Kyle Petty, who hasn't missed it since 1989. Petty said he had a couple of opportunities for rides, but they weren't worthwhile. "I'm not at the stage where I want to come down and beat your head against the wall and be there," he said. "I've been doing that for the last five or six years, coming down here with cars that were uncompetitive. I don't want to get in somebody else's car that is uncompetitive. "I just ended up without a ride. I'm on the other side of the fence looking in, but not at my choice." (The Virginian-Pilot)

Friday, February 6, 2009

Past and Former Champions to run charity race at Bristol: Darrell Waltrip, Harry Gant, David Pearson, Junior Johnson and other champion drivers are scheduled to be a part of the first Saturday Night Special at Bristol Motor Speedway Saturday, March 21. Paired with celebrity partners, these legendary racers will run 35 circuits of a 50-lap event to benefit charity and send race fans on a trip down memory lane. Assigned teammates will start the race and run 15 laps. At the end of that segment, some of Bristol’s best will start the second portion of the race in the order of finish of the first. Drivers will be competing in late model stock cars and $25,000 will be donated to the charity of choice of the winning team. The second-place team will have $10,000 given to the charity of its choice and $5,000 will go to the designated charity of the other entrants. But that big Bristol trophy they get to keep for themselves. “It’s been a while,” said Johnson, who has one win as a driver, but 20 at BMS as a car owner. “But I think I can still turn some laps around this place. Darrell better buckle up.” Terry Labonte, Sterling Marlin, Jimmy Spencer and Phil Parsons also are expected to compete. Dale Jarrett, Richard Petty, Rusty Wallace and Cale Yarborough were extended invitations. The Saturday Night Special will take place after the completion of the Scotts Turf Builder 300 Nationwide Series race and the 100-lap UARA late model event. (BMS PR)

Skinner lands Daytona 500 sponsorship: R3 Motorsports announced Friday that Mahindra Tractors will serve as the primary sponsor on the team’s No. 23 Chevrolet that Mike Skinner will attempt to qualify for the 2009 Daytona 500. R3 Motorsports, which fielded a part-time NASCAR Nationwide Series effort last season for driver Robert Richardson Jr., will attempt to qualify for its first Cup race with Skinner behind the wheel. Skinner, who plans to run a full NASCAR Camping World Truck Series season in 2009, has 15 previous Cup starts at the 2.5-mile Daytona trioval. “I first want to thank R3 Motorsports and Mahindra Tractors for this opportunity to race," said Skinner. "The Daytona 500 is one of those things, that as a racer, it is an honor to be able to compete in. The crew has been busy working back at the shop to put a car out there that will be strongly competitive and qualify for the big show. “Even though the team is very young and it is their first Cup race, there is a tremendous amount of knowledge and expertise at R3 Motorsports. I hope with my veteran status that I can lend a hand and produce strong results at Daytona." (SceneDaily.com)

Thursday, February 5, 2009

Ambrose guaranteed a spot in the Daytona 500: JTG Daugherty Racing’s Marcos Ambrose will have a guaranteed spot in the Daytona 500 and the next four NASCAR Sprint Cup races, but Phoenix Racing’s Brad Kesolowski will have to race his way into the events, Ambrose and Keselowski said Thursday morning. Sanctioning body officials decided that allowing the transfer of a car number for a rookie to run a fifth car wasn’t the intent of the points-transfer rules and won’t allow a transfer of Chip Ganassi Racing points from last season to Phoenix Racing’s Keselowski. The move will lock Ambrose into the season’s opening five events. Ambrose was told of the situation Thursday morning, and when the haulers entered the track, Ambrose and that of Richard Childress Racing’s Clint Bowyer were among the top 35 while Keselowski was not. “It is with caution that I say that it looks like we are in the 500,” Ambrose said Thursday. “NASCAR spoke to us this morning and yesterday. If nothing changes, we’re going to be lining up for the 500, which is a huge relief.” (SceneDaily.com)

Roush defends NASCAR in slowing economy: Jack Roush, co-owner of the NASCAR team Roush Fenway Racing, contended that "the disappointing ticket sales and souvenir sales are an indicator of the health of the world's economy and not the referendum on the popularity of NASCAR." Instead, auto racing "has some economic challenges that are not unique to businesses around the world," he said. (LA Times)

Indy tire testing planned for April and June: Goodyear plans to test twice more at Indianapolis Motor Speedway. The tire company had three tests at that track last fall after the disastrous race there last year in which tires wore out within a few laps. One test is scheduled for April and will likely have three or four cars. The other test is expected to be held sometime in June and could be open to several more Cup teams. (Virginian Pilot)

Guitar Hero to be featured on No. 1 and No. 8 EGR cars: Earnhardt Ganassi Racing with Felix Sabates announced a partnership with Activision Publishing, Inc., the publisher of the top-selling Guitar Hero video game franchise, for a multi-race deal that will include primary sponsorship of multiple races with Aric Almirola and his No. 8 Chevy, and multiple races with Martin Truex Jr. and his No. 1 Chevy. In the 2009 Daytona 500, the first race to feature a Guitar Hero branded car, the No. 8 will race around the track with a paint scheme of Activision’s latest #1 music-based video game - Guitar Hero World Tour. The orange and black car will sport the familiar Guitar Hero World Tour logo and the same graphics as the game’s packaging. Subsequent races will feature the No. 8 or the No. 1 cars branded with upcoming Guitar Hero titles. Aric Almirola: Driver,No. 8 Chevy: “I was excited about running my first Daytona 500 to begin with, but now having the Guitar Hero brands on my car will make it even that much more fun. I can’t think of another brand that I would rather have on my car. I play the Guitar Hero games all the time and to now be representing it is very cool.”
Martin Truex Jr.: “I am really looking forward to pairing up with Activision and Guitar Hero. It is one of my favorite video game brands and I can’t wait to see it on my car.”
Steve Lauletta: President, Earnhardt Ganassi Racing: “I really love to see big brands come into the sport and it is even better when they are on one of our cars. I don’t know if there is a bigger or hotter video game brand right now than the Guitar Hero franchise. We had an opportunity to work with them last season and now look forward to a long and mutually beneficial partnership with Activision.”(Aric Almirola site)

Wednesday, February 4, 2009

Terry Labonte hopes to compete in 10-12 races: Terry Labonte has competed in 44 races in the four years since he retired, and he will attempt to make this year’s Daytona 500 in Prism Motorsports’ No. 66 Toyota. So far, that’s Labonte’s only scheduled race this year, but things could change. “I wouldn’t mind running eight or 10 or 12 races, something like that,” Labonte said. “It would depend who it was. I’ve got to know them. I had a blast last year. It was actually fun.” (SceneDaily.com)

Penske Racing now Penske Championship Racing: Bill Davis has become a minority owner of the team now known as Penske Championship Racing, a move giving Sam Hornish Jr. points that will guarantee him a spot in the season's first five races. With the addition of Davis, the team changed its name to Penske Championship Racing from Penske Racing. Bud Denker, the senior vice president of Penske Corporation, confirmed the move on Wednesday. Denker said Davis was brought on board to assure that Hornish and his sponsor, Mobile 1, were a part of the upcoming Daytona 500 and the next four races. (ESPN.com)

Grant lawsuit officially dismissed: The sexual and racial discrimination and harassment lawsuit filed in June by former NASCAR official Mauricia Grant has officially been dismissed in U.S. District Court in New York, according to court filings. NASCAR had announced Dec. 18 in a news release that it had reached a settlement in the suit, and that the terms of the settlement are confidential and neither NASCAR nor Grant admits liability nor wrongdoing by way of the settlement. NASCAR and Grant filed jointly Friday to voluntarily dismiss the case. No terms were listed in the filing, which was just one paragraph stating that both sides had agreed to discontinue the case. (SceneDaily.com)

Tuesday, Fabruary 3, 2009

Bill Davis now an owner in Penske Racing? Bill Davis is now a minority owner in Penske Racing. Penske has acquired Davis' No. 22 and will keep the number for further consideration to align with the Nos. 2 and 12. But for now, the No. 77 Mobil 1 Dodge driven by Sam Hornish Jr. will take the 22's owner points and start the 2009 season 31st, which guarantees it a position in the Daytona 500. "As a business person, you have to look at what your options are," Penske said by phone. "I think the key thing right now is it's too bad that anyone who has run a full season whether they're in the top 35 or not — and I don't mean the ones that run a half season — but if you run the full season last year, every car in every race, you hope you would be given some kind of priority." (FOXSports.com)

Mayfield set to return full-time in Sprint Cup series: Jeremy Mayfield returns to NASCAR Sprint Cup competition in 2009 as both team owner and driver. Thanks in part to NASCAR and sponsor All Sport, Mayfield plans to field a full time entry in the series. He will assume driving duties of the team’s No. 41 entry beginning with the season opener at Daytona International Speedway. “Team ownership is something I’ve always wanted to pursue,” said Mayfield. “Things have really fallen into place this year with the NASCAR rule changes and with All Sport coming on board as a partner.” Mayfield’s ownership aspirations were given new life when NASCAR announced one key rule change for the 2009 season – a ban on testing at NASCAR sanctioned tracks. “I have to give NASCAR a lot of credit for the things they’ve done in the sport over the last two years to make it possible for people like me to get involved as a team owner,” continued Mayfield. “The new COT car and even more importantly the testing ban have made it a reality for me to come in and compete in the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series.” Mayfield will be joined in ownership by Gary Smith, Chairman and CEO of Big Red, Inc. and co-owner of Mayfield Motorsports. Smith’s All Sport brand will sponsor the team during the 2009 Sprint Cup season. “We are excited to continue our involvement in the NASCAR Sprint Cup series by teaming up with Mayfield Motorsports to sponsor the No. 41 All Sport Toyota,” said Smith. “All Sport has been a key partner in many auto racing sponsorships in the past and as a result, our plan is to capture the thrill of racing through in-store programs designed to get consumers excited about our connection to motorsports.” Mayfield’s level of commitment is bolstered by his dual role in the organization and supplemented by the support of a strong team with leadership provided by veteran crew chief Tony Furr. In addition, Mayfield will be utilizing Triad Racing Technologies engines and chassis to support his racing efforts. “Mayfield Motorsports is a collaboration of a lot of good people and friends of mine,” explained Mayfield. “With this opportunity, we we’re able to put a lot of people who were out of work back into a job, which has given everyone working here a real connection to the team. I grew up drinking All Sport, so to enter into a partnership with Gary Smith and to represent the brand is a fantastic opportunity for me. Auto racing is a very physically demanding sport and as a driver it is important for me to stay hydrated. All Sport gives me the hydration I need for a grueling race.” Mayfield’s plans may begin with the Daytona 500, but they have an undertone of endurance similar to what the driver has shown in his 20-year racing career. “We’re here for the long haul,” said Mayfield. “This isn’t something I’m going into with short term aspirations. Together with All Sport, we’re going to compete this year with the goal to build a solid team for many years to come.” For more info about All Sport see www.drinkallsport.com.(Co-Pillot PR)

Monday, February 2, 2009

Said in the No. 08: Carter/Simo Racing is proud to announce that Boris Said and James Hylton will now team up and prepare to qualify for the 2009 Daytona 500. Said will pilot the No. 08 Ford, while Hylton will pilot the No. 60 Dodge. Both cars must make the field on speed, or through the "Gatorade Duel" qualification races. In addition to the Daytona 500, Hylton will also race the Lucas Oil Slick Mist 200 ARCA Remax Series Event. Full and Partial sponsorship opportunities are still available visit EM-Motorsports.com for more info.(EM-Motorsports PR)

Sunday, February 1, 2009

Marlin rideless in Daytona; to attempt 12-14 Cup races: Marlin has been swapping paint at Daytona for some three decades, and before that helped his dad Coo Coo’s Daytona efforts. Last year he just missed cracking the lineup in his qualifying race. This year he won’t even get to try. “I thought I might have something lined up but it didn’t work out,” Marlin said earlier this week. Marlin will still be in Daytona doing some PR work for Coors Beer, with a possibility of landing a ride in the second-tier Nationwide Series. Despite the Daytona disappointment, Sterling is not hanging up his helmet in the Sprint Cup Series. He is scheduled to run “12 to 14” races this year, sharing a ride in James Finch’s No. 9 with Ken Schrader and Mike Bliss. (Nashville City Paper)

NASCAR Hall of Fame television rights available: NASCAR has announced who will be eligible and how the voting will be conducted for the NASCAR Hall of Fame, which is scheduled to have its first induction ceremony in May 2010, but no decision has been made yet on the awarding of television broadcasting rights. As part of its contract with the City of Charlotte, which will own and operate the hall of fame, NASCAR owns all broadcast rights for the event. NASCAR spokesman Ramsey Poston said the induction ceremony is not packaged in the current television deal and the negotiation process on the rights is just beginning. Fox, Speed, TNT and ABC/ESPN are the current NASCAR television partners as part of a racing contract that currently runs through 2014, an eight-year deal worth a total of $4.48 billion. Obviously, Speed, which is owned by Fox, would love to have that hall induction ceremony programming. “Speed is totally fired up about working on programming covering the inaugural NASCAR Hall of Fame induction ceremony,” said Speed President Hunter Nickell. “In fact, the brainstorming has long been under way, and we are in the process of developing a specific approach to this historical event.” (SceneDaily.com)