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Friday, June 5, 2009

NASCAR announces double-file restarts: NASCAR announced a change to its race format with the addition of “Double-File Restarts – Shootout Style” throughout each race. Beginning with this weekend at Pocono Raceway, the first- and second-place drivers will line up side-by-side as the green flag flies for each restart. “We’ve heard the fans loud and clear: ‘double-file restarts – shootout style’ are coming to the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series,” said NASCAR Chairman and CEO Brian France. “This addition to the race format is good for competition and good for the fans.”
NASCAR recently used the “double-file” format for its non-points NASCAR Sprint All-Star Race, which produced an unpredictable finish. The format will be adapted for the NASCAR Nationwide Series and NASCAR Camping World Truck Series in the near future. Under the previous format, cars on the lead lap would restart in a single-file line while cars that had been lapped would start in a line next to them. Under the new format, the race leader will have the option to restart on the inside or outside lane. The second-place driver would then restart next to the leader. Regardless of where the leader starts, drivers in odd number positions (3rd, 5th, 7th places, etc.) will restart on the inside lane, while drivers in even number positions (4th, 6th, 8th places, etc.) will restart on the outside. All restarts will use the same format regardless of the number of laps remaining in the race. The first-place driver will continue to control the timing of restarts in a designated zone on the track. Likewise, cars are to stay in line until they reach the start/finish line. The first eligible car a lap or more down will continue to earn one lap back following a caution, which is known as the “free pass.” However, a new element beginning this week will be that the “free pass” will remain in effect the entire race [before it was all race until 10 or less laps to go, then none was awarded]. Lapped cars choosing to remain on the track will be “waved around” the caution car and will restart the race in respective track position, thus picking up a lap to the leader provided the leader also pits. This will also remove lapped cars from behind the pace car, allowing the leaders to take the green without interference.(NASCAR PR)

Cup owner Richard Childress elected to NRA Board of Directors: NASCAR championship-winning team owner Richard Childress realized a long-time dream when he was recently elected to the board of directors of the National Rifle Association. The NRA Board of Directors is elected by the Association’s four million members and has a broad spectrum of constituents with varying backgrounds, from law enforcement to competitive shooting, political activists to elected officials. Notable NRA Board members include Lt. Col. Oliver North, Karl Malone, Ted Nugent and Tom Selleck. The Board of Directors oversees the policies and programs developed by the organization. Childress, of Clemmons, N.C., is a lifelong supporter of the Second Amendment, a big-game hunter and an outdoor conservationist. The 12-time NASCAR championship-winning team owner is a Life Member of the National Rifle Association, Safari Club International, the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation and Grand Slam Club/Ovis (Grand Slam #901). He was named a Board Member of the Congressional Sportsmen’s Foundation in 2008. Childress works with local, state and national agencies on wildlife/outdoor conservation efforts and many related charities. He worked with the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation in 2000 to reintroduce an elk herd into North Carolina for the first time in 200 years. His family recently teamed with Wake Forest University Baptist Medical Center to create the Childress Institute for Pediatric Trauma.(RCR)

Robby Gordon running in Baja 500: Leader of the 2009 SCORE Desert Series points standings and four-time Baja 500 champion, Robby Gordon returns to Ensenada, Mexico hoping to continue his dominance of the dirt in the 2009 season. Following his season-opening win in the Laughlin Desert Challenge and his second place finish in the San Felipe 250, Gordon has a 125-point lead heading into Saturday’s 41st Tecate SCORE Baja 500. On Saturday morning, Gordon and co-driver Andy Grider will climb into the No. 77 Monster Energy / Toyo Tires Chevy CK1500 for 432.51-miles of racing action. The green flag will drop for the car and truck classes at approximately 10:00 a.m. local time. The duo of Gordon and Grider roll off sixth and will race their way towards the coveted Baja 500 title in front more than 100,000 spectators. Upon completion of the race, Robby Gordon will head east to Pocono, where he will race another 500 miles in the Sprint Cup Series event. When it is all said and done, Gordon will have raced more than 950 miles.(RGM PR )

Thursday, June 4, 2009

Goodyear tire testing at Indy: The process for Goodyear to determine the tire combination for the Brickyard 400 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series race continued this week at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway. With weather and track conditions very near what is expected for the July 26-28 event, more than 1,200 laps of testing was completed with all results indicating they are on target to finalize that recommendation. Goodyear brought nine teams to the Speedway for on-track sessions on Monday and Tuesday, while rain rolled through the area on Wednesday, cancelling the third day of the scheduled test. Drivers and teams that participated were: Greg Biffle, Jeff Burton, Patrick Carpentier, Bill Elliott, Robby Gordon, Kasey Kahne, Juan Pablo Montoya Tony Stewart and David Stremme. Throughout the test,several cars were able to make runs of more than 30 laps, with some even running out of fuel on the track. A fuel stop at the two-and-a-half-mile Indianapolis Motor Speedway is estimated at 32 laps. (Goodyear PR)

Long "I've lost all faith in the appeal system": Statement from Carl Long Following the Appeal --- " I am very disappointed in NASCAR's decision. I am not arguing that the size NASCAR measured is big. Ernie Elliott says this happened because of distortion from heat. Allow me the .17 for expansion or show me metallurgy that states how much a block can change at extreme temperatures. Then take this hole in the rules and make engine companies sign the inspection sheet and take responsibility. Fix the rule! Engine builders can argue with NASCAR and their engineers instead of leaving drivers, owners, and crew chiefs to explain properties of cast iron, nickel, and the growth due to heat. We have the option to appeal to the national board in Daytona. I am trying to overcome my emotions versus the facts. After today's hearing, I have lost all faith in the way the appeal system works.(Carl-long.com)

Jeremy Mayfield Motorsports sitll sponsor hunting: The No. 41 Mayfield Motorsports car did not pull out of Dover because of sponsorship issues, Mayfield Motorsports' team manager Bobby Wooten said. But it sounds like things are a bit in flux, as you'd expect. Wooten said that they withdrew from the race to give themselves time to organize and catch their breaths a little bit. He said the team would like to get J.J. Yeley back in the car, but very vaguely said that's in the works. "Everything's on hold," Wooten said. Of course, Mayfield has filed suit against NASCAR to lift his suspension at least until the conclusion of a court case. If he succeeds, he can get back in the car. Asked about sponsorship, Wooten said the team is still trying to figure out options. He wouldn't give any names of companies the team is involved with and said previous sponsors "may or may not be" associated with the team in the future. This season Mayfield Motorsports has been sponsored by All Sport, Big Red Soda and Smallsponsor.com.(Orlando Sentinel)

Wednesday, June 3, 2009

Rain postpones Prelude to the Dream: Persistent rain has forced officials at Eldora Speedway in Rossburg, Ohio, to postpone the fifth annual Prelude to the Dream. The all-star dirt late model race has been rescheduled for Wednesday, Sept. 9. A decision regarding the broadcast of the event will be made at a later date. The wet weather made it impossible to run the event that was slated to benefit four military-themed charities – Wounded Warrior Project, Intrepid Fallen Heroes Fund, Operation Homefront and Fisher House. “We worked really hard to make sure everything was right for the drivers, fans and viewers at home on HBO Pay-Per-View, but the weather was the one element we couldn’t control,” said Tony Stewart, two-time NASCAR Sprint Cup Series champion and owner of Eldora Speedway. Those who have already purchased the Prelude to the Dream on HBO Pay-Per-View will be refunded. Those who purchased a ticket to the event can apply the value of their Prelude to the Dream ticket toward any remaining event on the 2009 Eldora Speedway schedule. To view the schedule, please visit www.EldoraSpeedway.com or call the track office (937) 338-3815.

Kurt Busch would like to see Pocono race shortened to 400 miles: Since NASCAR Cup racing came to Pocono in 1974, every event has been 200 laps (500 miles). Over the past few years, as rules have changed, including a smaller fuel tank and softer tires, there has been talk in the garage that shortening the race would be ideal. Last year's second Pocono race took over four hours to complete. "One of the concerns is the fact that 500-mile races there seem to be a bit too long and when you can only go 35 laps on a tank of fuel it seems to just add a little bit more to the fact that it does last a long time," Kurt Busch said. "Now, 400 miles, would that make sense for Pocono? I think so, but hey, those 500-mile races are very prestigious and people always want to win on those long, long races." (Pocono Record)

Texas Motor Speedway could lose Chevrolet sponsorship: Texas Motor Speedway general manager Eddie Gossage and Chevy wouldn't disclose contract specifics, but if the deal between them is up this year, it's possible the two partners could drive off in different directions. "I will forever be loyal to Chevrolet for taking that flyer and helping legitimize us when we were just a paper racetrack," Gossage said. "I spoke to someone from Chevrolet yesterday. They don't know if they're going to have a job ... and they've been there for decades. "I feel great empathy for them. I hate to lose a sponsor, but I hate to see people lose their jobs and their programs." NASCAR Sprint Cup racing returns to TMS in November and attendance could reach 200,000. If Chevy's contract with TMS expires this year, those types of numbers will force Chevy to decide if it can afford to renew, or if it can afford not to. (Dallas Morning News)

Could Danica Patrick be in Sprint Cup series by 2011? Danica Patrick-mania is at full boil. The IndyCar Series diva's contract with Andretti Green Racing expires at season's end, and expectations are high that she will make a run at NASCAR. Speculation centers on Patrick signing with one of the sport's big four: Hendrick Motorsports, Roush Fenway Racing, Joe Gibbs Racing or Richard Childress Racing, ending up behind the wheel of a Sprint Cup car in 2011 following a season of seasoning in the Nationwide Series. (Florida Today)

Tuesday, June 2, 2009

NASCAR ask to move Jeremy Mayfield case to federal court: NASCAR on Tuesday moved Jeremy Mayfield's challenge of his indefinite suspension to federal court, a move that could keep the driver out of his car another week. The notification came a day before a North Carolina Superior Court was scheduled to hear arguments pertaining to Mayfield's suspension for failing a random drug test. NASCAR's action automatically stayed that proceeding. Mayfield had hoped a judge would reinstate him in time to compete this weekend at Pocono Raceway in Pennsylvania. His attorneys will now have to either fight the suspension in federal court, or petition the case be moved back to the state level. "Administration of NASCAR's substance abuse policy extends to every state in which it races, which is why the logical forum is federal court," NASCAR spokesman Ramsey Poston said. NASCAR has not revealed what substance Mayfield tested positive for, but his attorneys said in court he tested positive for amphetamines. Bridges warned both sides not to discuss Mayfield's test results.(Associated Press)

Long losses appeal; Upset with NASCAR: As the realization that the National Stock Car Commission on Tuesday upheld the record 200-point, $200,000 penalty against him sunk in, Carl Long became increasingly frustrated. Frustration turned to anger. In minutes, he was livid. "Big Bill [France, NASCAR founder] and Bill Jr. ruled the sport like a father -- at the end of the day they took care of their family," Long said. "These guys don't care. They don't have any heart. Basically, it seems like they don't care about the sport, they just want to make a dollar. "I truly have a sour taste of the management in our sport. They've forgotten the roots of how this sport was created, and who are the people buying the tickets, sitting in the stands. The people in the stands are me." Multiple calls to NASCAR for comment were not immediately returned.(ESPN.com)

Monday, June 1, 2009

Team owner Richard Petty says Chrysler's bankruptcy has affected team: Team owner Richard Petty says the Chrysler bankruptcy has put cash flow from the manufacturer to the Richard Petty Motorsports organization he co-owns with George Gillett "in a holding pattern."From the point of view of the Dodge Motorsports program, however, the commitment to racing is undiminished. "They've stopped everything," Petty said Saturday in the garage at Dover International Speedway. "They went into bankruptcy, and they're sort of in a floating stage right now. They're trying to see where they come out of this at. If they've got new people running the show, are they still going to continue to back everything exactly like they are, or whatever? "They're in a holding pattern right now. I think GM's that way — I don't know about Ford — and I know Chrysler's that way. The rest of them I don't know. I don't deal with them."(FOXSports.com)

GM files for Chapter 11 bankruptcy; owes $172 billion in debt: General Motors filed for bankruptcy on Monday morning, submitting its reorganization papers to a federal clerk in Lower Manhattan in a move that President Obama said marked “the end of an old General Motors and the beginning of a new General Motors.” President Obama, speaking at the White House, emphasized that investing more billions of taxpayer dollars in General Motors was not something he wanted to do, but something he felt the government had to do to avert a calamity that would hurt millions of people. “We are acting as reluctant shareholders, because that is the only way to help G.M. succeed,” Mr. Obama said, asserting that the government’s backing, coupled with the painful restructuring that the once mighty company is undergoing, “will give this iconic American company a chance to rise again.” “I will not pretend the hard times are over,” Mr. Obama said, adding that the sacrifice needed to be made for the next generation. In its bankruptcy petition, G.M. said it had $82.3 billion in assets and $172.8 billion in debts. Its largest creditors were the Wilmington Trust Company, representing a group of bondholders holding $22.8 billion in debts, and affiliates of the United Auto Workers union, representing nearly $20.6 billion in employee obligations. (New York Times)

GM expected to let some speedway contracts expire: Around NASCAR, expectations are that GM will walk away from more expiring contracts at the end of the year, yet remain invested enough to maintain a profile with NASCAR's legion of brand-loyal fans as it regains footing. GM doesn't disclose its annual investment in NASCAR, including track deals and support to race teams, but estimates run as high as $125 million. "It's fair to say that we know that the odds of them renewing [track sponsorships] at today's levels is zero percent and it wouldn't surprise us if they end up dropping a couple of tracks. We know that very likely could happen," said Roger VanDerSnick, executive vice president and chief operating officer of International Speedway Corp., which operates 12 tracks, including Daytona International Speedway. "And then the tracks where they stay, if we are able to make it work, we do also know that those terms will probably be dramatically different." (Fort-Worth Star-Telegram)

Hendrick releases statement concerning GM bankruptcy: Rick Hendrick, owner of Hendrick Motorsports and chairman of Hendrick Automotive Group, today responded to the announcement by General Motors that it will file for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection: "The products General Motors offers are the highest quality and most fuel efficient in its history, and I have an unwavering faith in the company's leadership team and our government's commitment to support this reorganization. After all of the efforts of the past several months, it's unfortunate that bankruptcy has become the only option, but we at Hendrick Automotive Group and Hendrick Motorsports are certain that GM will emerge from this stronger and better equipped to compete than ever before. Hendrick Automotive Group can say with confidence that the customers of our 27 General Motors franchises can expect the same high level of care and service that our dealerships have always provided, and that the full range of warranties and parts will be available. From a racing perspective, our heritage is with General Motors. In 25 years together, Hendrick Motorsports has won eight Sprint Cup Series titles with Chevrolet, which has more NASCAR championships and wins than any other auto manufacturer. Since I was a kid, Chevy has represented the highest level of performance. I've never wanted to race anything else, and I have every confidence that we will continue to celebrate victories together for many more seasons to come. Speaking for the more than 6,000 teammates at Hendrick Automotive Group and Hendrick Motorsports, it has been a great privilege to be a small part of GM's rich history, and we are looking forward to an even brighter future together."(HMS PR)

Chrysler assets approved for sell to Fiat: A federal bankruptcy judge has approved the sale of most of Chrysler's assets to Fiat, clearing the way for the American automaker to exit court protection shortly. Judge Arthur Gonzalez said in a court filing Sunday that he approved the sale, the major piece of a plan orchestrated by a federal auto task force. The plan gives a 55% stake of the new company to a union-run trust for retirees, a 20% stake to Fiat that can ultimately grow to 35% and smaller stakes to the U.S. and Canadian governments. Chrysler LLC was forced into court protection on April 30. The sale to Fiat means Chrysler could be out of bankruptcy within the government's original timeframe of 30 to 60 days.(ABC News)

Johnson tired of answering questions concerning Dale Jr: Jimmie Johnson was asked about Dale Earnhardt during his press conference and how difficult it was to focus with all the questions swirling about his larger-than-life teammate. "For us, teammates are family," Johnson said. "We want our teammates to be successful and win races and championships and all those things. So, in one respect it's difficult. But at the same time, we have to worry about (my) team and our performance. "The hardest part, truthfully, is answering the questions. Once the helmets go on and the cars fire up and we're on the track, that's really the easiest part. I'm sure Junior would say the same thing." (Cherry Hill Courier Post)

Small crowd at Sunday's Cup race: The nation's troubled economy was reflected in the attendance at yesterday's NASCAR Sprint Cup race at Dover International Speedway. The smallest crowd since seating capacity was expanded to 140,000 in 2001 watched the race. The track never announces the actual attendance for races, but a safe estimate is the crowd was under 100,000. A significant number of vacant seats were visible in the upper levels of the grandstands between Turns 1 and 2 and between Turns 3 and 4. As the speedway has done for the last few races, sections of grandstands in Turns 2 and 3 were covered with advertising banners. (Philadelphia Daily News)

General Motors to file for bankruptcy today: President Obama will push General Motors into bankruptcy protection on Monday, making a risky bet that by temporarily nationalizing the onetime icon of American capitalism, he can save at least a diminished automaker that is competitive. The bankruptcy, to be filed in New York, is a moment of reckoning for an industry that was once at the heart of the American economy. It culminates a remarkable four months of confrontation between Washington and Detroit that is expected to result in a drastic downsizing of the company. It also places the government in uncharted territory as a business owner, as it takes a 60 percent ownership stake in the company during its restructuring. Reflecting the government’s extraordinary intervention in industry, aides say, Mr. Obama plans to tell the nation on Monday that he believes G.M. can be brought back from the brink of insolvency, even if the company looks almost nothing like the titan of old. (NY Times)

NASCAR likely to introduce double-file restarts at Pocono: NASCAR distributed proposals to crew chiefs regarding possible procedures for double-file restarts which could be introduced as early as Pocono Raceway next week. The proposal states all starts will be double file. The race leader will have his choice of which lane to use for the restart. The third-place car will always start in the inside lane. There will be no changes in the free pass or "lucky dog," and cars that are one lap down can choose not to pit, therefore regaining a lap during a caution. The new rule appears to be a work in progress but Pocono is a 2.5-miler with plenty of space and opportunity to figure it out.(FOXSports.com)

Sunday, May 31, 2009

Robby Gordon to appeal penalty: No. 7 Robby Gordon says he will appeal NASCAR penalties levied against his Robby Gordon Motorsports team May 27. Gordon was penalized 50 owner and 50 driver points while crew chief Kirk Almquist was fined $50,000 and placed on probation until Dec. 31. Officials said the rear axle housing of the no. 7 Toyota, which was taken following a third-place finish by Gordon in the May 25 Coca-Cola 600, exceeded the maximum specified toe of plus or minus one degree. “The bottom line is we were no more ‘body yawed’ than anybody else,” Gordon said May 30, “even though our rear end had more toe. We ... pulled our right-side trailing arm forward and our left-side trailing arm backwards. We fit the template on the right side before the race. So we aren’t doing anything funny there; there was no advantage.”(SceneDaily.com)

Carl Edwards wins Budweiser Celebrity Billiards Shootout: Hundreds of race fans gathered on race weekend inside of the Rollins Center at Dover Downs Hotel & Casino to be a part of the “Budweiser Celebrity Billiards Shootout,” a nine-ball billiards contest won by Carl Edwards. Edwards topped NASCAR on ESPN pit reporter Shannon Spake to win the $10,000 prize for his charity of choice, Speedway Children’s Charities. After sinking the clinching shot, Edwards wowed the crowd in attendance by performing his trademark back flip off of the pool table. The Friday, May 29 tournament featured some of the biggest names in the sport, including defending champion Casey Mears, Clint Bowyer, Ryan Newman and Brad Keselowski and other familiar names such as NASCAR on ESPN pit reporter Jamie Little, NFL legend Herschel Walker, SPEED reporter Hermie Sadler and American Builder host Brian Gurry. The Budweiser Celebrity Billiards Shootout is expected to return as part of the Sept. 25-27, 2009 Dover race weekend. More details will be posted on DoverSpeedway.com.

Richard Petty may consider fielding a car at Indianapolis 500 again? Richard Petty might be looking at a repeat trip to the Indianapolis 500. NASCAR's "King" fielded an Indy 500 entry for the first time in his prolific career when he put John Andretti behind the wheel last Sunday. Petty enjoyed the pageantry of race day, but couldn't stick around for the finish because of his NASCAR obligations. About an hour after the green flag dropped at Indy, Petty hopped a plane to Charlotte, N.C., for the Coca-Cola 600. Andretti finished 19th and the NASCAR race was rained out. Petty enjoyed his day so much at the IRL spectacle, that he would consider another run next season. "I told John that being that we ran pretty good up there, maybe we can get him in a couple of other races and get him practiced-up so when we get back to Indy he can do a better job," Petty said on Saturday.(AP/ESPN.com)

Saturday, May 30, 2009

Martin Truex comments on future plans: During Friday's Q&A witht he Media t Dover Intl. Speedawy Driver of the No. 1 Bass Pro Shops Martin Truex commented on his future plans:
DO YOU HAVE A GUT FEELING ABOUT WHERE YOU ARE GOING? “Yes, but I ain’t going to tell you though. I am just not going to tell you anything. The picture is pretty clear for me right now. I am in a good place. I am pretty happy with the way things have gone and I have been having fun at the race track and things are going well right now. I think in the next few weeks, everybody will know what is going on. I have just been concentrating on racing because I the picture is kind of clear so I am not really worried too much about it too much.”
DOES YOUR BROTHER BEING AT WALTRIP HAVE ANY IMPACT ON YOUR DECISION? “Well I think with my brother being there has a big impact. I have more of an insight on how they do things which has been good.”
SO IS YOUR NEXT MOVE GOING TO BE MORE LONG-TERM SO YOU DON’T HAVE TO DEAL WITH THIS AGAIN ANY TIME SOON? “Yeah, this time around it’s going to have to be.”
WILLYOUR SPONSOR FOLLOW YOU? “I don’t know. That’s something we’ll have to look at down the road once we figure everything out. We’ll see.”
HOW IMPORTANT IS IT FOR YOU TO HAVE SPONSORS THAT IDENTIFY WITH YOU? “I think it’s very important. Obviously you want to be yourself and you want to be true to your fans and real. When you go out and sell something you don’t want to just say hey use this because I do. When you’re promoting somebody’s product you want to be sincere about it. At least I have. That’s why Bass Pro has been such a great fit for me. It’s a no brainer. It would be easy for me to go to their stores and meet their customer because I’m a customer of theirs and I have been. I think it’s important to do that with your fans. To promote the sponsor and put 100 percent into it you need to be connected.”(Chevy Racing PR)

Dale Jr's speedway still trying to secure financing: The faltering economy has driven them to nontraditional sources, but race track developers hope by summer’s end to have complete financing for the $640 million Alabama Motorsports Park, a Dale Earnhardt Jr. Speedway, off Interstate 65 in Prichard.   ``We’ve examined a number of options, and there are several we are tracking,‘’ including private money, said Bill Futterer of PSE-3, Partners In Sports and Entertainment, a Raleigh, N.C., marketing firm working on the project. ``We feel confident we are going to secure financing during the summer.‘’ (Opelika-Auburn News)

Tony Eury Jr. to oversee No. 48's road course testing next week: Tony Eury Jr. is getting off to a quick start in his new role with Hendrick Motorsports' research and development group. On Tuesday, Eury will accompany the No. 48 Chevy team to Carolina MotorSports Park in Kershaw, S.C., to supervise road course testing with three-time Sprint Cup champion Jimmie Johnson. The private two-day session is closed to the public and the media. Eury will lead the effort and refine the No. 48 team's setup for the June 21 Sprint Cup event at Infineon Raceway -- the first road race of the 2009 season. In addition to his research and development duties, Eury will crew chief Hendrick Motorsports' No. 25 GoDaddy.com Chevy Sprint Cup effort with driver Brad Keselowski for the remainder of 2009. "Having someone of Tony's caliber in this role is an asset," said Doug Duchardt, vice president of development for Hendrick Motorsports. "He will be partnering with our lead chassis engineer on various projects, and his experience will make him a great fit with Brad. Having that veteran leadership is important for a young driver." Keselowski and the Eury-led no. 25 team will next attempt to qualify at Chicagoland Speedway in July.(HMS PR)