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Friday, May 29, 2009

Jeremy Mayfield tested positive for amphetamines: NASCAR told Jeremy Mayfield that he had tested positive for amphetamines, his attorneys say, but they also told a judge the suspended driver had been taking medication for allergies and an attention deficit disorder. Mayfield's attorneys are asking the court to overrule the suspension to allow his to return to competition. In presenting their argument, the attorneys also allege that the lab NASCAR used had improperly tested samples and had not followed federal guidelines in its testing. (ThatsRacin.com)

Gunselman Motorsports and Todd Bodine part-ways; team withdraws from race: Gunselman Motorsports and driver Todd Bodine have parted ways so Bodine can concentrate on his championship efforts in the Camping World Truck Series. As a result, team owner Larry Gunselman is searching for a qualified driver who can possibly bring some sponsorship support to the No. 64 Toyota team’s efforts. He has been talking to several drivers, but no firm terms have been reached with anyone at this time. The team withdrew from the Dover race to concentrate on future events. Doug Richert, a NASCAR Champion crew chief, remains with the team in building, setting up and calling the shots atop the pit box. Larry Gunselman, team owner: “First, I want to thank Todd Bodine for his efforts in what we’ve been trying to do here at Gunselman Motorsports. He is a NASCAR championship driver and brought a lot to the team. Second, I totally appreciate him wanting to concentrate on his Truck Series efforts and hope he gets back up to the top of the points chart. I have all the faith in the world he can do it, too. Having someone like Doug (Richert, crew chief) with the team is a great value to me and whoever comes on board with Gunselman Motorports. We both remain very focused on being a part of this sport for quite awhile. As far as who is going to drive the No. 64 next; that’s something I’ve been talking to a few drivers about already. Nothing is solid as of this moment, but I know one thing for sure – we are committed to getting back on the track to achieve our goal of becoming a competitive team. Our search for a sponsorship partner is still ongoing and we remain a very affordable alternative to someone wanting to get involved in NASCAR racing.”(Gunselman Motorsports)

Report: Mayfield expected to file lawsuit today: Sources tell NewsChannel 36 that Jeremy Mayfield's attorney will file a lawsuit today in Mecklenburg County Court. According to the source, it will be a temporary restraining order against NASCAR to keep the organization from enforcing a suspension. (WCNC.com)

12 Different Spring Winners at Dover: Dover International Speedway’s spring race is a fan favorite for a variety of reasons but one in particular stands out: There’s a very good chance someone’s favorite driver may be headed for Victory Lane. The past 12 editions of the Autism Speaks 400 presented by Heluva Good! Sour Cream Dips and Cheese have produced 12 different winners. There hasn’t been a repeat winner in the 21st Century. Jeff Gordon is the only double winner since 1996. Gordon’s most recent Dover spring victory came in 2001. In other words, just about everyone is in the mix when the green flag drops at The Monster Mile. No. 18 Kyle Busch is the defending spring winner at Dover. Sprint Cup Series champions are well represented among the dozen repeat winners: Gordon; No. 48 Johnson; No. 14 Stewart; No. 17 Kenseth; No. 96 Labonte; and Dale Jarrett. Manufacturer winners? Doesn’t matter. All four count victories during the 12-race run with General Motors and Ford tied with five wins apiece.(NASCAR PR)

Hamlin visits DC-area Salvation Army: Denny Hamlin and team owner Joe Gibbs visited Washington D.C. on Thursday to deliver a custom designed Disaster Response Unit to the D.C-area Salvation Army. The vehicle, used in disaster situations to provide food and water to as many as 2,500 people per day, is one of 12 that FedEx has donated to cities both inside the U.S. and around the world. FedEx, a long time partner of the Salvation Army, is uniquely qualified to aide in disaster situations delivering goods and services to affected areas.(FedEx Racing)

J. Gordon to carry PoliceMusuem.org on TV panel: The TV panel on the No. 24 DuPont Chevy of Jeff Gordon will feature www.PoliceMuseum.org at Dover International Speedway, and visitors to the site are encouraged to donate to the National Law Enforcement Museum that will be built in Washington, D.C. “Dover International Speedway offered special race-day ticket packages for law enforcement officers and their families with a portion of the proceeds donated to the museum,” said Gordon. “And DuPont has done a lot to raise awareness and money for this project. “A very worthwhile project that I’m glad to be a part of.”(HMS PR)

Thursday, May 28, 2009

Official announcement - Eury Jr released of No. 88 crew chief duties: Hendrick Motorsports today named Lance McGrew as interim crew chief of the No. 88 Sprint Cup Series team of driver Dale Earnhardt Jr. beginning with the June 7 event at Pocono Raceway. Team manager Brian Whitesell will lead the team this weekend at Dover. "Our performance hasn't been where it should be," said Rick Hendrick, owner of Hendrick Motorsports. "It's impossible to pin that on any one factor, but a change is the right decision at this point. We have a plan in place, and we're going to move forward with it." Whitesell and Rex Stump, Hendrick Motorsports' lead chassis engineer, have been assigned to support McGrew on a full-time basis. Whitesell, who won two of seven races as Jeff Gordon's interim crew chief in 1999, will join McGrew and team engineer Tom Stewart on the No. 88 pit box to assist with race strategy. "We're going to put our full resources toward improving the situation and winning races," Hendrick said. "It's going to be a collective effort that includes all of our drivers, all of our crew chiefs and all of our engineers. Everyone in our company will be involved on some level." Tony Eury Jr. will move from the crew chief position into a key role with Hendrick Motorsports' research and development group. Eury posted one victory, one pole position, 19 top-10 finishes and 11 top-fives in 48 races with the No. 88 team. "I have mixed feelings, and that's just natural," Eury said. "But I enjoy working at Hendrick Motorsports, and this is where I want to be. I'll do whatever I can to help all of our teams and try to be a part of another championship. I think a new challenge will be good." McGrew, 41, earned the 2003 Nationwide Series championship with driver Brian Vickers. He won the October 2006 Sprint Cup race with Vickers at Talladega, and most recently led Cup rookie Brad Keselowski to a seventh-place finish May 9 at Darlington. As a crew chief, McGrew has posted victories in all three of NASCAR's major touring series: Sprint Cup, Nationwide and Camping World Truck. He has won races with drivers Vickers, Jeff Gordon, Ricky Hendrick, Kyle Busch, Mark Martin and most recently Tony Stewart Feb. 14 at Daytona Beach.(HMS PR )

Tony Eury Jr removed as Crew Chief of No. 88: Mired in a 33-race winless streak and ranked 19th in the Sprint Cup standings after a season-worst 40th at Lowe's Motor Speedway, Dale Earnhardt Jr. will have a new crew chief heading into Sunday's race at Dover International Speedway. Team manager Brian Whitesell will call the shots in place of Tony Eury Jr. on Earnhardt's No. 88 Chevrolet at Dover, and Lance McGrew will take over as interim crew chief starting with the June 7 event at Pocono Raceway. "Our performance hasn't been where it should be," team owner Rick Hendrick said in a release. "It's impossible to pin that on any one factor, but a change is the right decision at this point. We have a plan in place, and we're going to move forward with it." The team has assigned Whitesell and Rex Stump, Hendrick's lead chassis engineer to the No. 88 team on a full-time basis. (USA Today)

Developer hopes to build Denver Speedway: The Colorado Springs based Schuck Corporation is going to the races. A proposed $200 million dollar race track designed to draw national races would be spearheaded by the Schuck Corporation and placed in Aurora. "There have been other motor sports entities who have expressed an interest in seeing a speedway in the Denver marketplace." explains Schuck President Bill Schuck. "It will seat approximately 65,000 people initially. It can be expanded to 100,000 ultimately." As for the possibility of stimulus dollars being used for the project, the door is open but nothing is set. (KOAA.com)

Danica Patrick briefly talks about NASCAR: Danica Patrick's contract with Andretti Green Racing ends after the season, which has renewed talk about whether she will switch to NASCAR — a move that would surely raise her profile and bank account even in a tough economy. The difference from three years ago is that Patrick, while coy about her intentions, isn't shying away from the queries — or her curiosity. "I'm being asked about it. I'm not bringing it up or slipping it into conversations (saying), 'Well, it's my contract year,' " Patrick said before the Indy 500. "I'm going to check it all out. I'm more honest about it than last time, but I'm also more open to it than I was last time." No Danica discussion is complete without input as to whether or how she should do it. (USAToday.com)

Did you know: Qualifying is especially critical at Dover Speedway. Only once in 78 races has a driver won after starting 28th or worse, and that was Kyle Petty, who won from the 37th starting position in 1995.

NASCAR randomly drug tests crew members during rain delay: NASCAR randomly drug-tested 10 crew members from 10 teams during the rain delay at the Coca-Cola 600, an apparent tweak to the first three months of in-season testing. Prior to Sunday night, crew chiefs said NASCAR typically informed them when the garage opened if a team member had been selected to give a sample. The individual had four hours to report to testing. Drivers can be tested on any day of the race weekend. (AP/Silfy)

Atlanta Motor Speedway sells out of tent camping sites: Having sold out of reserved tent camping, Atlanta Motor Speedway has opened two new campgrounds to accommodate fans attending AMS’ first NASCAR Sprint Cup night race on Labor Day weekend, Sept. 5 and 6. The Legends Reserved Tent Campground and Elliott Reserved Campground have been created by Atlanta Motor Speedway to meet surging camping demand for Atlanta’s first full weekend of night racing. "With a host of fans eager to camp at Atlanta Motor Speedway on Labor Day weekend for our first NASCAR Sprint Cup night race, it was critical that we add additional camping spaces to meet fan demand," said Atlanta Motor Speedway president and general manager Ed Clark. "Two groups specifically – handicap camping and tents and pop-ups – sold out rather quickly, so we wanted to provide additional camping opportunities for fans with these needs." (AMS PR)

Drivers talk about NASCAR town-hall meeting: No solutions, but plenty of ideas. That appeared to be the consensus among drivers and team owners who participated in two town-hall-style meetings earlier this week at NASCAR’s research and development center. “We talked about everything — about the drug policy, about marketing, about where the sport is today, about the fans, about the races, things we can do to make the sport better,” said driver Mark Martin, who attended the Tuesday morning session. “Whenever you put a group together like that, you typically get a lot of people who don’t agree. Everybody has their own ideas.” Suggestions included changes to the Sprint Cup car, changes to the tires and reduction in engine horsepower. “It was interesting to hear different people’s opinions about the speed of the cars, talking about the engines and what the racing would be like if we didn’t have as much horsepower,” said driver Ryan Newman. “In the end, I think to me personally, it’s important to have driver control. Driver control is what we’re out there to see.” NASCAR president Mike Helton said a true sport is “where the athletes can do things that normal people can’t, or people on the street can’t. The more we have control of the cars as drivers, the better the racing is in my opinion.” (KC Star)

Wednesday, May 27, 2009

Robby Gordon docked 50 driver/owner points: NASCAR has issued penalties to the No. 7 team that competes in the Sprint Cup Series as a result of rules violations committed at Lowe’s Motor Speedway earlier this week. The No. 7 Toyota, driven and owned by Robby Gordon, was found to be in violation of Sections 12-1 (actions detrimental to stock car racing); 12-4I (any determination by NASCAR Officials that the race equipment used in the event does not conform to NASCAR rules); and 20-10.6H (rear axle housing exceeded the maximum specified toe of plus or minus one degree) of the 2009 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Rule Book. The violation was found during post-race inspection on May 25. As a result, Gordon has been penalized with the loss of 50 championship owner and 50 championship driver points. Crew chief Kirk Almquist has been fined $50,000 and placed on NASCAR probation until Dec. 31.(NASCAR PR)

Scott Riggs hopes to find new ride: Driver Scott Riggs is looking for a new NASCAR ride, and he's determined to find one that truly will allow him to again put the pedal to the metal. Riggs said Tuesday that he has departed Tommy Baldwin Racing because the first-year team's financial situation wasn't allowing him to race to win. "I'm a racer. I love to race," Riggs said. "Of course I want to make a living at it and make money, but money isn't what drew me to racing. My heart, my passion and my love for the sport is what has drawn me here. "I can't do away with that part just to make a paycheck. That's not me; that's not the way I was raised or way I'm built." Riggs said that a lack of sponsorship dollars was crippling the team's ability to field a competitive car, financial concerns that prompted Baldwin to ask Riggs to "start and park," a practice in which race teams compete hard enough to qualify but then bow out of races early to save money while still pocketing money for making the field in the first place. (Sun-Herald)

Tainted gasoline causes trouble for race fans: Several NASCAR fans who had to endure the weather problems at Lowe's Motor Speedway this weekend had another surprise waiting for them when they tried to go home -- car problems. The rain apparently flooded the gas tanks of a nearby gas station and people unknowingly fueled up their cars with water-tainted gas. It happened at the Petro Express on North Tryon Street at Mallard Creek Road. Police say they responded to at least eight calls of stranded motorists affected by the tainted gasoline. (Charlotte Observer)

Richard Petty in Anheuser-Busch safety campaign: An NASCAR legend Richard Petty is the spokesperson for a new Anheuser-Busch campaign reminding racing and beer fans to use designated drivers. The responsibility campaign's theme, "Designated Drivers...Preferred By Kings Everywhere," alludes to Petty's "King of the Road" nickname and Budweiser's "King of Beers" brand tag. (Media Post)

Coca-Cola 600 tops Indy 500 in tv ratings; Coke 600 down 20% from last year: ABC's Indy 500 coverage drew just 3.9% of U.S. TV households. That's down 13% from last year, down 40% from coverage four years ago -- and the lowest rating since the 500 got live start-to-finish TV coverage in 1986. And if the recession kept some viewers off the roads this Memorial Day weekend, it didn't mean they wanted to watch cars on TV. Fox's NASCAR Coca-Cola 600 drew a 3.5 overnight rating -- translating to 3.5% of households in 56 urban TV markets -- which is off 20% from last year. But the rating not dropping off even more suggests the loyalty of NASCAR fans: After being rained out in Sunday primetime, the race was forced into a noon start Monday -- then rained out 223 laps into what was scheduled to be a 400-lap race. (USA Today)

Tuesday, May 26, 2009

Rick Hendrick leaves open the possibility of crew chief change for Earnhardt: Rick Hendrick said Tuesday no personnel changes have been made on Earnhardt's No. 88 Chevrolet, he declined to give Eury Jr. a vote of confidence a day after NASCAR's most popular driver had his worst finish of the season. Hendrick even left open the possibility that Earnhardt could have a new crew chief this weekend in Dover, Del. (AP/FOXSports.com)

Toyota drivers finish well in Coca-Cola 600: Toyota drivers took four of the first six positions and led 219 of the 227 laps. (Gaston Gazette)

New team working to revive the DEI brand Dale Earnhardt Inc. is planning a series of events at its Mooresville, N.C., campus that reflect the late driver's personality and lifestyle, much the same way Graceland offers an insight into the life of Elvis. A new leadership team, put in place less than two months ago. (Sports Business Journal)

Crew Chief change coming for Earnhardt? SportsIllustrated's Tom Bowles is reports... I had a reliable source tell me Tony Eury Jr. won't be the crew chief of the No. 88 as of Dover this weekend. Whether that actually happens or not remains to be seen, but the two weeks in Charlotte made it obvious both driver and team need a change. (SI.com)

NASCAR responds to NAACP: NAACP members are also considering an economic boycott of Chamber of Commerce member businesses, as well as the National Association for Stock Car Auto Racing (NASCAR), which holds championship races for the league’s top three series in Homestead during the month of November. NASCAR already bans Confederacy memorabilia and symbols, including the flag, according to a spokesman. “Our policy is that the flag and its symbol is prohibited on anything we control. You won’t find it on cars, uniforms, in our promotions, or any of our marketing materials,” said Ramsey Poston, NASCAR’s managing director of corporate communications. “We have had this policy in place for nearly twenty years. Obviously, it’s a divisive symbol and we have been very stout about enforcing the policy.” Poston said the organization has little control over fans who might bring Confederate flags to race tracks – which NASCAR does not own – or wear the flags on their personal clothing. But he said NASCAR is eager to discuss the controversy with the NAACP. “We have not heard from them, and obviously we will be happy to speak with them, but while NASCAR races at the Homestead track, we don’t own it, or any other track, and are quite a bit removed from the situation,” Poston explained. (South Florida Times)

Driver line-up for Tommy Baldwin Racing: Mike Skinner, Patrick Carpentier and Brian Simo will share the driving duties of the Tommy Baldwin Racing Toyota for the remainder of the 2009 Sprint Cup Series season. Skinner will drive 17 of the remaining 24 races on the 2009 schedule. Carpentier will be behind the wheel during both Poconos, the June 28 race at New Hampshire, the September 12 race at Richmond and wrap up with the September 27 race at Dover. Brian Simo will navigate the #36 machine during the two road course events.(TBR)

NASCAR drivers wants list of banned products: Some drivers would still like to receive a list of products that NASCAR considers to be banned substances. As of now, there is no such list. Jeff Gordon believes that just keeping an open line with Black should be plenty for the drivers. "It's our job to work with our doctors as well as work with Dr. Black and some of the liaisons to make sure they know like I have bad allergies, so I take Allegra every day," Gordon said. "It's important for us to share all of that information with them. "I think what they're doing is setting a new standard and precedent, and there's going to be some time to learn how it works. I feel confident what I'm doing. I feel confident what they're doing." (News Journal)

Monday, May 25, 2009

Robby Gordon's rear axle housing confiscated by NASCAR: During post-race inspection, NASCAR found a possible issue with the rear axle housing on the No. 7 Jim Beam/Operation Home Front Toyota driven by Robby Gordon, who finished third in the Coca-Cola 600. NASCAR will take the housing to their Research and Development Center for further examination this weekend. If NASCAR finds a violation, forthcoming penalties will be announced later this week. (Fanzone Sports)

Reutimann wins Coca-Cola 600: David Reutimann stared at the gray sky and silently prayed for one more heavy rain. A gamble had put the journeyman driver in position for his first Sprint Cup Series victory, and so long as the clouds lingered over Lowe's Motor Speedway, it would come in the crown jewel Coca-Cola 600. Reutimann didn't like his chances. "These things don't ever go our way," the 39-year-old thought. "I don't know why it should now." For most of his nondescript career, Reutimann never got the lucky break. It finally came Monday after 75 races, three rain delays, a moment of silence, a spat with Tony Stewart and a 2-hour wait. NASCAR declared Reutimann the winner when an ominous weather forecast indicated it would be impossible to run the longest race of the season to its conclusion. (ESPN.com)

Riggs no longer at Tommy Baldwin Racing: Scott Riggs will step down as the driver of the No. 36 car after Monday's rain-delayed Coca-Cola 600, saying team owner Tommy Baldwin asked him to start and park going forward due to a lack of finances and sponsor money. Riggs said his competitive nature would not allow him to remain with the team under those circumstances. He didn't know who would replace him. "I'm a free agent," said Riggs, who started Monday's rain-delayed race 43rd. "I'm open to listen to any opportunity. I'm just not willing to start and park. That's why I need to leave." (ESPN.com)

Carl Long appeal set for June 2nd: Carl Long says his appeal is scheduled for June 2, the Tuesday after Dover. Long is appealing the NASCAR penalty for the oversized engine in his car last week. NASCAR fined his crew chief $200,000 and suspended Long and his wife (listed as the owner) for 12 events. Long says his engine size was 358.17 cubic inches. The limit is 358.0, although supposedly NASCAR allows up to 358.09 cubic inches.(Virginian Pilot)

Indy tire test scheduled: Goodyear has two tire tests scheduled next month at Indianapolis Motor Speedway as the tire manufacturer tries to find a way to avoid last year's debacle. Nine cars are scheduled to test June 1-3. Those scheduled to test are Tony Stewart, Juan Pablo Montoya, Kasey Kahne, Robby Gordon, Scott Riggs, David Stremme, Greg Biffle, Bill Elliott, and either Casey Mears or Jeff Burton. The second test is expected to have at least a dozen teams June 15-17. (Roanoke.com)

NASCAR has no plans to settle dispute if suit is filed: Chairman Brian France says NASCAR has no plans to settle the dispute with suspended Sprint Cup driver Jeremy Mayfield out of court if a lawsuit is filed. "We'll defend the policy," France said before Sunday's Coca-Cola 600 at Lowe's Motor Speedway. "We're very confident about the policy." Mayfield hired Charlotte-based attorney Bill Diehl to challenge his positive test that resulted in an indefinite suspension as a driver and owner for violating the substance abuse policy. Mayfield's denial has raised many questions among drivers about the policy. France said the mandatory meeting that NASCAR called for drivers and owners on Tuesday at the Research and Development Center in Concord was scheduled before the suspension. "It's not related to the drug issue or the substance abuse policy, although we'll take questions on that," he said. (ESPN.com)

Truex to Michael Waltriip Racing? The word on the street is that Martin Truex to Michael Waltrip's team in 2010 is a 'done deal,' but Truex and Ty Norris, the general manager for Waltrip's operation, both insist their 2010 deals are still up in the air, for at least another three weeks. "We've been hearing the same things," Norris concedes. "But we're still in discussions with NAPA and trying to figure out things (sponsorship) for 2010 and beyond. There are a lot of decisions that need to be made before we can even pursue something or get anything done. The biggest issue right now is we're in negotiations right now with NAPA and Michael, to see what the future looks like. We met a week ago and decided to give ourselves three or four more weeks, and then we'll make some decisions. So we're three or four weeks away from making the decision about what Michael and NAPA are going to do. Only after we make that decision can we look at the second decision." All that would seem to imply that Waltrip himself has to make a good case for sponsorship-driver renewal with NAPA between now and the July Fourth 400 at Daytona.(mikemulhern.net)