NASCAR News Dec. 17 - Jan. 5, 2006

Dec. 26, 2005:

• Stewart to present awards: In a role reversal of sorts, on Sunday afternoon, January 8, 2006, reigning NASCAR Nextel Cup champion Tony Stewart will become the 'presenter' rather than the 'receiver'. On that day, Stewart will honor the Eldora Speedway champions and their court, as he concludes his first year as owner of the storied southwestern Ohio speed plant.  Fresh off his recent New York appearance to accept NASCAR's highest honors, Stewart is anxious to similarly reward the Eldora honorees. "I know exactly what these guys went through. A points chase is grueling, for sure, but the end results are gratifying and I'm excited to be able to share this moment of glory with them, and thank them for supporting my first-year efforts at Eldora". Accepting championship honors at the Eldora Ballroom will be Chad Kemenah (Sprint), Aaron Scott (Late Model), Scott Orr (Modified) and Mike Dirksen (Stock Car), while those finishing behind them will be acknowledged as well, with trophies and point fund rewards. As added drama, Stewart has announced the formulation of several 'specialty trophies'. Each of the four divisions will see honorees named for best improved driver, hard luck award and best appearing car award, while an overall sportsman of the year will be named.Geared primarily for the Eldora participants, track officials have announced that a limited number of tickets are being made available for fans wishing to join in the celebration. Priced at $23 per person, ticket requests will be received by mail only (13929 SR 118 - New Weston, OH 45348), and granted in the order of acceptance, until full. Phone and 'in person' sales will not be accepted. Tickets will not be available the day of the event.

• Bill France Honored by Volusia County Sheriff: He's been called everything from a racing titan and sports entertainment visionary to a living legend. His picture hangs in both the International Motor Sports Hall of Fame and the Stock Car Racing Hall of Fame. And today, International Speedway Corporation Chairman of the Board Bill France has a new title to add to his resume -- honorary sheriff of Volusia County. Sheriff Ben Johnson bestowed the honorary title on France earlier this week as a tribute to France and his many contributions to the public safety community. "This is a small token of appreciation for all that you've done to help us protect the community," Sheriff Johnson said on Wednesday as he presented France with a plaque and honorary sheriff's badge. "This is something very special to us, and we hope it's special to you."  France is known the world over for transforming NASCAR racing into a global sports juggernaut. However, what's perhaps less well-known is France's long history of providing equipment, resources and financial support to public safety agencies throughout the county, both during routine times and special events as well as during natural disasters and other emergencies. France's efforts on behalf of the public safety community most often have been behind-the-scenes, with no fanfare. However, Sheriff Johnson said France has always answered the call for help. "You've always been there," Sheriff Johnson told France. "And we'll continue to be there," responded France. "Somebody's got to back you guys up. We're just happy to be a part of it."  Sheriff Johnson, who was joined at the ceremony by Daytona Beach police officers, Volusia County Emergency Management Director Jim Ryan, speedway officials and members of the France family, noted that France's assistance has been invaluable in helping public safety officers fulfill their mission to protect the community. For instance, when the 2001 terrorist attacks underscored the local need for a bomb robot to assist law enforcement in keeping the community and officers safe, France opened his checkbook to help pay for the high-tech apparatus. He has given financial support to a number of children's programs, including DARE and Character Counts. France also supplies public safety agencies with everything from spare motorcycles, radios, traffic cones and light fixtures to the use of Daytona Beach's world-famous Speedway for advanced police motorcycle training and public safety exercises. (Volusia County Sheriffs)

Dec. 25, 2005:

• Busch's court date rescheduled: #2-Kurt Busch has a January court date to face a criminal reckless driving citation he received while in the Valley for the Nextel Cup race last month. Busch was scheduled to appear in Tolleson Justice Court on Thursday but changed the court date to 9:00am on Jan. 27, according to court officials. The 2004 Nextel Cup champion was belligerent and uncooperative when he was pulled over by Maricopa County sheriff's deputies on Nov. 11 near Phoenix International Raceway, according to sheriff's reports. A breath test and field sobriety tests confirmed Busch wasn't drunk, but deputies issued a criminal traffic citation for reckless driving. Busch's 2005 team, #97 Roush Racing [now #26 team, Busch to drive #2 Dodge in 2006], suspended him for the final two races of the season. (East Valley Tribune)

Dec. 24, 2005:

..... no news...

Dec. 23, 2005:

• The Brand Exposure Value: For the 21st consecutive season, the primary team sponsor of the NASCAR Cup Series champion (The Home Depot/Tony Stewart) did not earn the most in-broadcast exposure value for the season. The 2005 team sponsor top-five ranked as follows: Budweiser ($149.0 million), Lowe's ($140.2 million), The Home Depot ($125.0 million), NAPA Auto Parts ($105.5 million) and DuPont ($84.7 million). (More Brand Exposure value's Joyce Julius)

• Hamlin meets with FedEx workers: Rolling up his sleeves during FedEx's Peak Week, which are the busiest holiday shipping days, #11 FedEx NEXTEL Cup Series driver Denny Hamlin toursedthe FedEx hub in Memphis, Tenn. Hamlin sorted packages, met with hub employees and signed autographs. On Monday, Dec. 19, 2005, FedEx shipped 8.9 million packages around the world, the busiest night in the company's history. (Weber Shandwick PR)

• Stewart race version die cast available:  A die-cast replica of the NASCAR NEXTEL Cup Series car that Tony Stewart drove to a memorable, emotional victory in the 2005 Allstate 400 at the Brickyard is available now at the Brickyard Authentics Online Store. Fans can visit the Online Store at www.indianapolismotorspeedway.com. The Stewart die-cast also is available at the Hall of Fame Museum Gift Shop at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway and at the Brickyard Authentics locations in Circle Centre in downtown Indianapolis and the Indianapolis International Airport. Indiana native and resident Stewart prevailed over Kasey Kahne in a thrilling late-race duel Aug. 7 to earn his long-coveted dream victory at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway. (IMS PR)

• Hamilton Jr. released: PPI Motorsports (PPIM) announced today that Bobby Hamilton Jr. will no longer be the driver of the No. 32 Tide/Downy Chevrolet. "I want to thank Bobby for his efforts over the past year and a half," said Cal Wells III, owner of PPI Motorsports. In 44 starts for PPIM, Hamilton Jr. has produced three top-15 and 13 top-25 finishes. "I wish Bobby nothing but the best as he pursues his options for next season," stated Wells. PPI Motorsports, based in Hickory, N.C., fields the No. 32 Tide/Downy Chevrolet in the NASCAR NEXTEL Cup Series. Since joining the series in 2000, the team has earned two wins, three pole positions, ten top fives and 26 top tens. The team also owns multiple titles and victories in off-road and open-wheel racing and celebrates its 25th year in racing this season. (PPI Motorsports PR)

Dec. 22, 2005:

• Kvapil and #32 PPI ride: PPI Motorsports (PPIM) announced today that 2003 NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series Champion Travis Kvapil will be behind the wheel of the No. 32 Tide/Downy Chevrolet for the upcoming 2006 NASCAR Nextel Cup season. "PPI Motorsports is excited to have Travis join the Tide Racing team," said Cal Wells III, owner of PPI Motorsports. "I believe he will be a strong addition to our organization especially under the tutelage of crew chief James Ince. The two of them, along with the new crew we have assembled, have the ability to reach the goals set forth by this organization. We have experienced some unfortunate setbacks over the last two seasons and I am determined to get PPI Motorsports back in contention for race victories in 2006. I believe Travis can certainly make that happen for us and I am proud to have him on board." Kvapil, a native of Janesville, Wis., will embark on his second full season in NASCAR's premiere series after competing last year for Penske-Jasper Racing where he recorded two top-10 and 18 top-25 finishes. He was able to join PPIM when Penske-Jasper Racing released him after a joint decision was made by Penske and sponsor Kodak not to field the No. 77 car in 2006. "As the saying goes, when one door closes another will open," said Kvapil. "I feel fortunate that the door to PPI Motorsports has opened to me. I want to thank Cal for giving me the chance to drive one of the most recognizable race cars in NASCAR. Tide has been in the sport for a long time and has experienced a lot of success in the past. I am honored and will do everything I can to become a part of the Tide winning tradition. All of the resources to succeed are in place here at PPI Motorsports so I am excited to get the season started." Kvapil first made his mark in NASCAR during an impressive four season run in the Craftsman Truck Series. During that time, he captured one championship, five victories, one pole, 40 top-fives and 64 top-10s. Plus, he never finished outside of the top-10 in the driver championship points standings. PPI Motorsports based in Hickory, N.C., fields the No. 32 Tide/Downy Chevrolet in the NASCAR NEXTEL Cup Series. Since joining the series in 2000, the team has earned two wins, three pole positions, ten top-fives and 26 top-tens. The team also owns multiple titles and victories in off-road and open-wheel racing and celebrated its 25th year in racing in 2005. (PPI Motorsports PR_

• Army drops NASCAR series sponsorship:  The U.S. Army will no longer sponsor NASCAR, Street & Smith¹s SportsBusiness Journal reports, but it will continue as sponsor of MB2 Motorsports' No. 01 Chevrolet driven by Joe Nemechek in NASCAR's Nextel Cup Series. The publication reports that the decision was based on price and says the Army will spend the money it would have used in NASCAR for "grassroots programs supporting the Army's primary sponsorship objective of generating recruiting leads." The story says NASCAR will leave representation of the armed forces with individual teams.  (NASCAR Scene Daily)

Dec. 21, 2005:

• Ky. Busch to run double duty in '06: Lowe's and Hendrick Motorsports announced that Kyle Busch is scheduled to drive the No. 5 Lowe's Chevrolet in every NASCAR Busch Series race in 2006. "It's good to be back in the Lowe's Chevrolet and back full time in the Busch Series," said Busch, who was named the series' Rookie of the Year and finished second in the championship standings in 2004. "Hopefully we can repeat the success we had in my first season. I love the Busch Series, so I'm excited that Lowe's, its vendor partners and especially Lowe's employees are enthusiastic about having me back. I know its going to make for a pretty hectic schedule, but I'm a racer. The more I race, the happier I am. " The 20-year-old's six career NASCAR Busch Series victories have all come in the No. 5 Lowe's Chevrolet, including a win at Lowe's Motor Speedway in May. Busch drove a partial NASCAR Busch Series schedule last season while competing full time in the NASCAR Nextel Cup Series, where he won twice and claimed Rookie of the Year honors. Busch will continue in the No. 5 NASCAR Nextel Cup Series car in addition to his new NASCAR Busch Series duties for Hendrick Motorsports. "Kyle Busch is a phenomenal talent, and everyone at Hendrick Motorsports is excited about having him back in the No. 5 Lowe's Chevy," said Marshall Carlson, general manager of Hendrick Motorsports. "We're honored to represent Lowe's and their vendors in the NASCAR Busch Series, and we've prepared to perform against a very competitive field next season." Kobalt, a line of tools and accessories available exclusively at Lowe's, will join returning vendor partners Spectracide, Sta-Green, Hitachi Power Tools, Shop-Vac, and Pella as associate sponsors of the No. 5 Chevrolet in 2006. (Hendrick Motorsports PR)

• Parrott and Labonte test at Kentucky: Crew chief Todd Parrott and driver Bobby Labonte ushered in a new era for the storied Petty Enterprises No. 43 NEXTEL Cup Series car with a test at Kentucky Speedway today. Labonte, the 2000 series champion who finished 24th in the 2005 standings with Joe Gibbs Racing, and Parrott, who helped Dale Jarrett win the 1999 series title with Robert Yates Racing, will join new Exec. VP of Operations Robbie Loomis, who guided Jeff Gordon to 23 wins and the 2001 championship with Hendrick Motorsports, in an attempt to rejuvenate a Petty program that hasn't scored a series race win since Loomis last worked there in 1999. Temperatures in the low to mid 20s didn't curb the enthusiasm both crew chief and driver expressed for their new project during their first test together. The new team agreed that the focus of the one-day test was to begin to establish solid team communications. "It's different," Labonte said. "I was kind of jittery at first because it's been 11 years since I've had anything like this go on. It's a little too cold here for me, but, so far, so good. "I'm just real excited to work with Todd and all these guys. Hopefully, I understand Todd and when I talk, he can understand the language I'm talking. For us, today is about getting a feel for everybody and everybody getting a feel for Todd. He's the main character here that everyone will have to look up to. When I'm on the racetrack, they've got to know what to do next and he's the guy leading them." Parrott was encouraged by his team's early results. "Not to say that we're not looking for great success right off the bat, but I'm throwing things at him, he's feeling it and that's good. Just from some things he's said this morning, I think it's going to be a great year." Both veterans also spoke about the reasons behind their respective moves to Petty Enterprises. "I just thought that I needed something different at Gibbs," Labonte said. "Those people treated me great and I had a great time there, but I felt like a change was needed. The Petty operation is very similar in that the people are real sincere. I felt like I could fit in here, kind of like when I went to Gibbs. I had some other opportunities, and they were awesome, but this is the No. 43. When I put my heart to it in terms of my family and myself, I felt like this was the place I'd like to be. "Robbie was the first domino that fell into place here and that attracted me because I know his leadership will be a plus. Then, we were able to get Todd. What a no-brainer that was. I guess it goes to show you that the Pettys weren't happy with just sitting there after the way they've run the past couple years." (Kentucky Speedway PR)

• NW track gains more support: Add the Silverdale Chamber of Commerce to the list of business groups supporting a plan to build a speedway in Kitsap County.  The chamber issued a written endorsement Tuesday speculating that race fans would spend a lot of money locally, that the proposed financing package would not cost local taxpayers additional funds and that the facility could be used for other purposes. "We see the potential for use by the Scouts, youth groups, car clubs, camping groups, equestrians and more," Chamber board president Gene Straw said in a press release. "It will bring people into our area from all interest groups and allow us to showcase the best aspects of life in the Northwest." International Speedway Corp., through its wholly owned subsidiary Great Western Sports, proposes a $345 million NASCAR-style speedway on 950 acres near Bremerton National Airport. The Silverdale chamber's announcement continues a trend of business organizations that are offering support for the plan. The Bremerton, Port Orchard and Shelton chambers, the Kitsap Peninsula Visitor & Convention Bureau and the Kitsap Economic Development Council all offered earlier endorsements. (Kitsap Sun)

• Petty Driving Experience at Iowa Track: The Richard Petty Driving Experience (RPDE) has just announced they will be visiting the brand new Iowa Speedway next summer. The visit will mark the first time RPDE has been to Iowa and the first time a driving program has been offered at the new facility. The inaugural visit to Iowa Speedway will take place August 10th and run through August 13th, as students get the opportunity to challenge the 12-14 degree banking on this brand new 7/8-mile tri-oval layout. Participants can ride-along with professional drivers making a 3 lap mock qualifying run and/or drive themselves around the speedway in 3 different programs to be offered; the 8 lap Rookie Experience, the 18 lap Kings Experience and a 30 lap Experience of a Lifetime program. "We are really excited about bringing our programs to that part of the country", says seven-time NASCAR Champion Richard Petty, who hopes to be on hand as well for the debut. "The sport continues to grow so fast out in middle-America and I think the fans are hungry to see what it feels like to be behind the wheel of a real stock car." Costs will range from the $99 Ride-Along up to the $1,249 Experience of a Lifetime. Richard Petty Driving Experience, headquartered Concord, N.C., will operate more than 1,100 track days at more than 20 locations nationwide in 2005, including permanent locations at Las Vegas Motor Speedway, Atlanta Motor Speedway, Walt Disney World Speedway(R), Lowe's Motor Speedway in Charlotte and Chicagoland Speedway in Joliet, Il. For more information, call 1-800-BE-PETTY or visit our web site at www.1800bepetty.com. Iowa Speedway, located in Newton, Iowa, will be home to four different racing events in 2006 including a Hooters Pro Cup Series and USAC Silver Crown/Sprint Car Series race on September 15 and an ASA Late Model Series and ARCA RE/MAX Series Race on October 15. For more information goto www.iowaspeedway.com.

Dec. 20, 2005:

• Developer loses verdict in So. Cali track judgement: A San Diego federal jury has rejected developer Rocque de la Fuente II's request for a multimillion judgment against the federal government for more than 17 acres condemned in Otay Mesa for a border fence. De la Fuente argued that the government should pay him $48 million to $72 million because its project ruined his plans to build a racetrack big enough for 70,000 to 100,000 NASCAR fans. Federal lawyers argued that the strip of land, about 150 to 300 feet wide and a half-mile long, was worth about $265,000, based on what similar property nearby sold for in 1999 when it was condemned. The jury awarded de la Fuente more than $1.2 million Friday after a three-week trial. Both sides called the verdict a victory. In the verdict, the jury rejected de la Fuente's request for the government to pay the cost of a massive parking garage to make up for the lost land had the track been built. He presented testimony from NASCAR executive Jim Hunter, who told jurors that once a rival track, California Speedway, opened in Fontana in 1997, the stock car racing series no longer sought expansion in Southern California. (San Diego Union Tribune)

• Rusty Wallace to test at Daytona 24hrs: Rusty Wallace, the 1989 NASCAR champion, will test a Howard-Boss Motorsports Daytona Prototype and will join a host of Rolex Series regulars and confirmed Rolex 24 At Daytona drivers at the session. Other confirmed drivers include: Bill Lester, Paul Menard and Patrick Carpentier for Cheever Racing, Patrick Long for Alex Job Racing, and Hurley Haywood, JC France, Darren Law, David Donohue and Ted Christopher for Brumos Racing.

• Impound rules at cut-back:  The impound rule is not dead yet, but the number of races where it will be used will be drastically reduced for 2006. NASCAR will impound the Nextel Cup cars at five races in 2006: Both Talladega events, both Richmond events, and the Pepsi 400 at Daytona, according to a memo sent to teams last week. NASCAR used the impound rule at 21 of the 36 races in 2005. (NASCAR.com)

• Petty at Disney: NASCAR driver Kyle Petty and Herbie introduce Disney-MGM Studios' Lights! Motors! Action! Extreme Stunt Show attraction when Walt Disney World Resort in Florida invites America to celebrate its 22nd annual Christmas Day Parade telecast from the heart of the Magic Kingdom, with special performances from the Disneyland Resort in California. Ryan Seacrest, will host the festivities from Disneyland Resort while Regis Philbin and Kelly Ripa, hosts of "Live with Regis and Kelly," co-host in Walt Disney World. The Walt Disney World Christmas Day Parade telecast airs on ABC Christmas Day from 10:00am/et to 12:00noon/et. Viewers should check their local listings for any changes in programming times. (Williams Company)

• Wimmer in #4 Officially: Morgan-McClure Motorsports President and Team Manager Larry McClure has announced the signing of a contract with AERO Exhaust as the primary sponsor and with Scott Wimmer as driver of the # 4 AERO Exhaust Chevy for the 2006 season. "We are very pleased to have AERO Exhaust partner with us going into the 2006 season. AERO has experience in racing with both the Grand Am series and NASCAR's AutoZone Elite Division series and we are happy to extend their involvement into the NASCAR Nextel Cup series level. We are looking forward to a long-term relationship with AERO that will bring success to their business and to this race team. We have won three Daytona 500's, something no other single car team can say, and we are ready to be that winning team again. I believe we are on the right track to make that happen," said McClure at the Abingdon, VA based race shop on Monday morning. McClure continued, "At the same time, I am very excited to have a young, aggressive, knowledgeable driver like Scott Wimmer join our team. Scott brings a history of building his own race cars along with a winning career to our team and I believe we have a great combination of talents that will put us back in the winner's circle. We are very happy to have Scott and his family become a part of our racing 'family' here at Morgan-McClure." When Wimmer spoke with his new team at the race shop, he found support from everyone including the team member who brought all three Daytona 500 rings in for him to see. "I'm very happy to be a part of the Morgan-McClure team. This team has won the Daytona 500 three times and I believe we can win again. I'm excited to be in a position where I can be more hands on with the cars and I know we can be successful if we all work together. I want everyone on the team to talk to us about their ideas so we can bring out the best each of us has to offer. I'm excited to get in the cars and start testing. . .how long is it before we go to Daytona? I really appreciate the opportunity to continue my Nextel Cup career with this team." The team will be testing at Daytona International Speedway the second week in January. (Morgan-McClure Motorsports PR)

Dec. 19, 2005:

• Kenny Wallace to run some Cup race: From Kenny Wallace.com: Kenny also tells us that he will run several Nextel Cup races in 2006. "I am going to run for sure the first five races of year in the #78 Furniture Row Racing Cup car. (Team owner) Joe Garone has asked me to run as many Cup races as I can this year. Furniture Row Racing had decided to quit running in the NASCAR Busch Series, and they will put all their effort into a Cup team. It is their decision to do this."

• UPS crew picks up a few crew member: Robert Yates Racing picked up two new pit crew members for Dale Jarrett's No. 88 team: Cory Quick, previously a tire changer for Jimmie Johnson, and jackman Tim Boatwright, who joins the squad after the dismantling of the No. 77 Penske Cup team. Former Dale Earnhardt Inc. crew member Shannon Myers, a former Dolphins draft pick, will move to the No. 90 Busch program.  (Sporting News)