Entry List for the Hollywood Casino 400 Sprint Cup Series race at Kansas Speedway is posted, 43 teams/drivers [for 43 spots] are listed, including: #51-Justin Allgaier, #32-Hill, #47-Allmendinger, #95-Sorenson, #40-Raines. Since only 43 cars are entered, all drivers will make the race.
See the full entry list at my Jayski's Kansas Entry List

MWR co-owner working on keeping #56 team: Rob Kauffman, co-owner of Michael Waltrip Racing, calls it a "relatively low probability" that his car company would be the sole primary sponsor for #56-Martin Truex Jr.s team next season. With NAPA recently announcing its departure, Michael Waltrip Racing must find about $15 million in sponsorship to fund Truex's car for next season and keep him. Kauffmans company, RK Motors, has served as a primary sponsor for #15-Clint Bowyer and #55-Brian Vickers cars in six races this year. Kauffman said that his company could "fill in a gap" on Truexs car. That would still leave MWR needing to find sponsorship for a majority of the races next year for the third car. Waltrip said last week that he asked Truex to give the team a little time before making a move elsewhere. Truex said earlier this weekend he had nothing new to report on his future. Kauffman, who is based in London and a founding principal in an investment group, was making his first appearance Sunday at a track since the Richmond race. NASCAR penalized MWR for manipulating the finish at Richmond. The result was that Truex fell out of the Chase and NAPA broke its three-year contract, leaving the team after this season. While Waltrip represents the public face of MWR, Kauffman represents the money. He became a co-owner of the team in Oct. 2007 at a time the organization was facing financial issues.
"If the team breaks even and is competitive, Im happy," Kauffman said. "I'm lucky enough that I don't get my living from NASCAR, but it has to be commercially viable. That's the parameters I work around. I'm generally not a quitter. I'm not a miracle worker, but I'm going to do my level best to power through this." Kauffman said that he plans to remain in Charlotte until the situation is resolved.(Motor Racing Network)

ESPN replaces longtime motorsports announcer Reid: ESPN says motorsports announcer Marty Reid is no longer with the network. Reid had been with ESPN since 1982 and is the only television play-by-play announcer to cover five different North American motorsports series. He's called NASCAR's Sprint Cup, Nationwide and Truck Series, as well as IndyCar and NHRA. An ESPN spokesman says the network is going in a different direction and Allen Bestwick will call the remainder of the Nationwide Series races this season. Reid was the network's lead announcer for IndyCar and that position will be addressed later.(Associated Press)(9-30-2013)

Johnson wins Dover: #48-Jimmie Johnson won the AAA 400 Sprint Cup Series race at Dover International Speedway for his 5th win of 2013, 8th win at Dover (a new track record) and 65th career win.
#88-Earnhardt Jr., the pole sitter, finished 2nd followed by #22-Logano, #24-Gordon, #18-Busch, #29-Harvick, #20-Kenseth, #39-Newman, 16-Biffle and #15-Bowyer
The top 10 finishers were all Chase drivers. #5-Kahne finished 13th with a sour engine, #78-Busch finished 21st after having to make an unscheduled pit stop for a loose wheel and the worst finishing Chase driver was #99-Edwards who had rear hub go bad late in the race and finished 35th.
There were 19 lead changes among 8 drivers and 4 cautions for 21 yellow flag laps.
The average speed was 130.909mph. NASCAR no longer announces the track attendance.
See unofficial race results, awards, money won, laps led, cautions and more on the Unofficial Dover Race Results page (pdf) and check out the Dover Penalty Report (pdf).(9-29-2013)
See OFFICIAL race results & points standings on the Dover Official Race & Points Report (pdf)(9-30-2013)

Race Fast Facts - Dover:
#48-Jimmie Johnson won the 44th Annual AAA 400, his 65th victory in 428 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series races.
This is his fifth victory and 18th top-10 finish in 2013.
This is his eighth victory and 17th top-10 finish in 24 races at Dover International Speedway.
#88-Dale Earnhardt Jr. (second) posted his 10th top-10 finish in 28 races at Dover International Speedway. It is his 16th top-10 finish in 2013.
#22-Joey Logano (third) posted his sixth top-10 finish in ten races at Dover International Speedway.
#17-Ricky Stenhouse Jr. (17th) was the highest finishing rookie.
#20-Matt Kenseth leads the point standings by 8 points over #48-Jimmie Johnson.(NASCAR Integrated Sports Marketing)(9-29-2013)

Where did the 2013 Sprint Cup Chase Drivers finish at Dover:
[listed by driver points position before the race (start pos)]
1) #20-Matt Kenseth, 7th (2)
2) #18-Kyle Busch, 5th (14)
3) #48-Jimmie Johnson, WON (8)
4) #99-Carl Edwards, 35th (4)
5) #16-Greg Biffle, 9th(19)BR> 6) #29-Kevin Harvick, 6th (12)
7) #78-Kurt Busch, 21st (9)
8) #24-Jeff Gordon, 4th (16)
9) #39-Ryan Newman, 8th (3)
10) #15-Clint Bowyer, 10th (23)
11) #88-Dale Earnhardt Jr., 2nd (1)
12) #22-Joey Logano, 3rd (11)
13) #5-Kasey Kahne, 13th (20)
(9-29-2013)

2013 Sprint Cup Driver Chase Championship Points Standings:
[after Dover, race 29 of 36]
1) #20-Matt Kenseth [7 wins], 2149
2) #48-Jimmie Johnson [5 wins], 2141, -8
3) #18-Kyle Busch [4 wins], 2137, -12
4) #29-Kevin Harvick [2 wins], 2110, -39
5) #24-Jeff Gordon, 2110, -39
6) #16-Greg Biffle [1 win], 2108, -41
7) #39-Ryan Newman, 2101, -48
8) #15-Clint Bowyer, 2098, -51
9) #78-Kurt Busch, 2094, -55
10) #88-Dale Earnhardt Jr., 2092, -57
11) #99-Carl Edwards [2 wins], 2084, -65
12) #22-Joey Logano [1 win], 2083, -66
13) #5-Kasey Kahne [2 wins], 2071, -78
See unofficial drivers championship points standings on the Unofficial Drivers Points Standings (pdf).
See the unofficial owner points standings on the Unofficial Owners Points Standings page (pdf).(9-29-2013)
See OFFICIAL race results & points standings on the Dover Official Race & Points Report (pdf)(9-30-2013)

UNOFFICIAL 2013 Sprint Cup Driver Championship Points Standings without Chase:
[after Dover, race 29 of 36]
1) #48-Jimmie Johnson(X) [5 wins], 970
2) #20-Matt Kenseth(X) [7 wins], 941, -29
3) #18-Kyle Busch(X) [4 wins], 936, -34
4) #29-Kevin Harvick(X) [2 wins], 932, -38
5) #99-Carl Edwards(X) [2 wins], 920, -50
6) #15-Clint Bowyer(X), 877, -93
7) #88-Dale Earnhardt Jr.(X), 873, -97
8) #16-Greg Biffle(X) [1 win], 864, -106
9) #24-Jeff Gordon(X), 860, -110
10) #78-Kurt Busch(X), 856, -114
11) #39-Ryan Newman(X), 842, -128
12) #22-Joey Logano(X) [1 win], 831, -139
13) #1-Jamie McMurray, 819, -151
14) #5-Kasey Kahne(X), 810, -160
15) #2-Brad Keselowski, 799, -171
(X) = a Chase driver.
(9-29-2013)

Goodyear Set to Roll Out Multi-Zone Tread 2.0 at Kansas: With the successful debut of its new multi-zone tread tire at Atlanta Motor Speedway earlier this month, The Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company will come back with the second application of the concept at Kansas Speedway next week. Goodyear has employed multi-zone tread technology on passenger car tires for nearly a decade. In its NASCAR application, the multi-zone tire features two distinct tread compounds on the same tire - one for traction and one for endurance.
"We were extremely happy with the maiden voyage of the multi-zone tread tire we brought to Atlanta -- the tire performance was excellent," said Greg Stucker, Goodyear's director of race tires. "We are excited to utilize the same multi-zone tread technology on a different application. Atlanta is a highly abrasive surface that wears tires quickly, but Kansas is recently paved and doesn't wear tires at all. For Atlanta, we knew the Gen-6 car would be faster, thus putting more stress on the right-side tires. But, because the track surface is well worn and lacks grip, just going to a harder compound wouldn't be a good solution. As a result, the multi-zone technology enabled us to maintain the tractive compound on the outside portion of the tread and toughen up the inside three inches to protect the part of the right-side tire that takes the most abuse and sees the most heat. At Kansas, this will be the third race after the repave and we've recognized that the track seems to have lost some grip, but has not yet begun to wear tires. To address that, we increased the grip on the left side of the car with a more tractive compound. With additional grip on the left, the cars will be much faster, again putting more stress on the right-side tire. So, we've utilized multi-zone tread technology to have the same compound that we've run there since the repave on the outside of the right-side tire to keep that level of traction, and paired it with a tougher, more heat resistant compound on the inboard three inches for endurance."
Comparing the two tracks, they are on opposite ends of the wear spectrum. For Goodyear, each presents its own unique challenges. To design a tire for Kansas, like all repaved tracks, it is a delicate balance. If you design a tire with a compound that is soft enough to wear, it will provide too much grip, which will lead to higher speeds, higher heat and diminished endurance. If you simply use a compound that is hard enough to withstand heat, it might not provide an adequate level of grip.
One key part of the tire design process is a track imaging system that Goodyear uses to get the precise characteristics of track surfaces. Goodyear employs an optical device that collects surface data in three dimensions using Dynamic Light Processing technology and a powerful still image camera to capture surface characteristics on a micro scale (one-thirtieth the width of a human hair). Software gathers the raw data, analyzes it and produces a scaled image of the track surface using color graphics. (The track surface images of both the Atlanta and Kansas track surfaces can be found on the attached graphic page.)
This combination of the new Kansas left-side tire (D-4604) and the new multi-zone tread right-side tire (D-4606) came out of a test at Kansas Speedway on July 16-17. Goodyear engineers also decided to run that test at night, to avoid the midday heat and better match the track temperatures we would expect to have in October.
Drivers and teams participating in that session were #16-Greg Biffle, #78-Kurt Busch, #18-Kyle Busch and #39-Ryan Newman. Next weekend at Kansas, only the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series teams will be on the new tire set-up. NASCAR Nationwide Series teams will be on the same set-up they ran at the track in April.(Goodyear), see graphics on the Goodyear News and Tire Test page.(9-29-2013)

Stewart starts rehab on leg: Tony Stewart began a very long rehab assignment this week. Stewart who broke his tibia and fibula Aug. 5 in a sprint car race at Iowa, had surgery following the wreck and a second surgery Aug. 8 to insert a metal rod into his tibia. Stewart will work with a therapist three times a week  Monday, Wednesday and Thursday  until he says Im done. He said he wont push things too fast, thus jeopardizing the task at hand: a full recovery at the end of an expected four months of rehab. Though Stewart says he feels better, he still has both good and bad days. There are days you cant sleep because you just cant get comfortable, Stewart said. Then there are days when you feel like its a hall of fame day all of a sudden. Its just weird because you cant predict when those days are going to happen. Though there had been speculation Stewart could be back in a race car for testing in December, thats out of the question for now. No, Stewart said emphatically. Not until probably the end of January to get back in a race car  maybe February, for sure. The last two weeks at New Hampshire and Dover, each one-mile tracks, Stewart scrapped his power scooter in favor of crutches in order to make getting around a little easier.(FoxSports)(9-29-2013)

Chase For The NASCAR Sprint Cup: Dover International Speedway:
· Dover International Speedway has been one of the 10 tracks of the Chase for the NASCAR Sprint Cup since the playoff's inception in 2004.
· Dover International Speedway hosted the second race of the 10-race Chase for the NASCAR Sprint Cup from 2004  2010. 2011 marked the first season Dover has hosted the third race of the Chase.
· Three times the winner of the Dover International Speedway Chase race has gone on to win the championship. Twice when Dover was the second Chase race: Jimmie Johnson (2009, 2010); and also when it has hosted the third Chase race: Brad Keselowski (2012).
· Jimmie Johnson has won the most Chase races (three) at Dover International Speedway: 2005, 2009 and 2010.
· The worst finish by the eventual champion at Dover International Speedway was Tony Stewart in 2011 (25th).
· Chase Contenders have won eight of the nine Chase races at Dover International Speedway. The only Chase race not won by a Chase Contender at Dover was the 2006 event won by Jeff Burton.
· Chase Contenders have won eight of the nine Coors Light poles for the Chase races at Dover. The only Coors Light pole not won by Chase Contender during a Chase event at Dover was 2011 when Martin Truex Jr. won the pole.
· Nine of the 2013 Chase Contenders are former NASCAR Sprint Cup race winners at Dover International Speedway: Jimmie Johnson (7), Jeff Gordon (4), Ryan Newman (3), Greg Biffle (2), Matt Kenseth (2), Kyle Busch (2), Dale Earnhardt Jr. (1), Carl Edwards (1) and Kurt Busch (1).
· Chevrolet leads the series in Chase wins at Dover International Speedway with four followed by Dodge with three and Ford with two.
· Three times drivers have won the first two races in the Chase for the NASCAR Sprint Cup: Greg Biffle (2008), Tony Stewart (2011) and Matt Kenseth (2013). Biffle went on to finish third in the final 2008 Chase standings; Stewart won the 2011 championship.(NASCAR)(9-28-2013)

A Kurt Busch Kansas Victory Will Net Free Mattresses: Should Furniture Row Racing driver #78-Kurt Busch win the Hollywood Casino 400 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series race, Oct. 6th at Kansas Speedway in Kansas City, Kan., then every customers purchase at a Denver Mattress store in Kansas and Missouri the week prior to the race is free.* To qualify for the We Win You Win promotion, customers must make a purchase at participating Denver Mattress stores between Monday, Sept. 30, 2013 and 12:45 p.m. CDT Sunday, Oct. 6, 2013. For example, if a customer purchases a mattress set for the master suite, another for a guest room, and third for a college students apartment, all three would be free if Busch drives his #78 Furniture Row Chevrolet to Victory Lane at the Oct. 6th Sprint Cup Series race at the 1.5-mile Kansas oval! What a great offer and what a great incentive, said Busch. Ive come close at Kansas Speedway in the past and well be ready to challenge for the win. I would like nothing better than to share the good news to the racing world during the Victory Lane celebration. Busch will be delivering the We Win You Win message in a series of upcoming television and radio commercials in selected Kansas and Missouri markets. *Applies to in-store purchases only. See participating stores for complete details.(Furniture Row Racing PR)(9-29-2013)

Marty Reid out at ESPN: ESPN says motorsports announcer Marty Reid is no longer with the network. Reid had been with ESPN since 1982 and is the only television play-by-play announcer to cover five different North American motorsports series. He's called NASCAR's Sprint Cup, Nationwide and Truck Series, as well as IndyCar and NHRA. An ESPN spokesman says the network is going in a different direction and Allen Bestwick will call the remainder of the Nationwide Series races this season. Reid was the network's lead announcer for IndyCar and that position will be addressed later. Reid erred during the Sept. 21 Nationwide Series race at Kentucky when he called the win for Ryan Blaney one lap shy of the finish. Bestwick called Saturday's race at Dover instead of Reid.(Associated Press)(9-29-2013)

Race Coverage of the AAA 400 Sprint Cup Series race at Dover International Speedway is scheduled for Sunday, September 29, 2013.
Television (TV): ESPN at 2:00 pm/et; Pre-Race show at 1:00 pm/et; green flag approx. 2:15pm/et
Radio: Motor Racing Network (MRN) and Sirius XM Satellite NASCAR Radio 90
Scheduled Race Re-Airs: ESPN2, Monday, September 30 at 1:30am/et

Happy Hour practice for the AAA 400 Sprint Cup Series race at Dover International Speedway is over, after 50 scheduled minutes, the top five, slowest and notes:
#2-Keselowski 156.338
#48-Johnson 156.182
#20-Kenseth 155.986
#39-Newman 155.837
#88-Earnhardt Jr. 155.757
slowest: #40-Raines 148.148 and #87-Nemechek 148.399
no speed listed: #98-McDowell and #35-Wise
notes: Happy Hour practice is scheduled for 2:00 - 2:50pm/et and is scheduled to be televised at 12midnight/et on FS2, same day delay, it is not being televised live. See fastest speeds, number of laps run, some 10-lap averages on the Dover Happy Hour Practice Speeds page (pdf).(9-28-2013)

1st Saturday practice for the AAA 400 Sprint Cup Series race at Dover International Speedway is over, after 55 scheduled minutes, the top five, slowest and notes:
#5-Kahne 157.288
#88-Earnhardt Jr. 157.075
#24-Gordon 156.774
#78-Busch 156.549
#20-Kenseth 156.501
slowest: #87-Nemechek 148.613 & #40-Raines 149.526
notes: the practice was televised on FoxSports2. Happy Hour practice is scheduled for 2:00 - 2:50pm/et and is scheduled to be televised at 12midnight/et on FS2. See fastest speeds, number of laps run, some 10-lap averages on the Dover Friday Practice Speeds page (pdf).(9-28-2013)

Pit Stall Selections: The selections of pit stalls for the AAA 400 Sprint Cup Series race at Dover International Speedway have been made.
Pole sitter #88-Earnhardt Jr. chose pit stall 1 [as do most pole sitters].
Outside pole sitter #20-Kenseth took pit stall 43, the final pit stall.
#39-Newman, who starts 3rd took the 10th pit stall, the 1st stall with an opening in front of it.
The 43rd and final pit stall was taken by #20-Kenseth, who starts 2nd.
To see where the drivers/teams pit stall is, see the pit selection chart on the Pit Stall Selection chart.(9-28-2013)

New crew for the #78 starting at Dover: After weeks of struggles, the #78 Furniture Row Racing pit crew is no more. FRR will use Richard Childress Racing's #2 Nationwide Series pit crew starting this weekend at Dover International Speedway  and for the foreseeable future. The team will retain its gasman Milan Rudanovic. FRR has a technical alliance with RCR. "We had to make a change," driver Kurt Busch said. "As a Chase team, you have to go up to bat each time looking to make contact, and our team had a lot of misses on pit road this year. Each position struggled. The chemistry among the group  it was no one person's fault. As a team, they did not execute. So I talked to (FRR GM) Joe Garone about it and brought in (FRR team owner) Barney Visser and Richard Childress, and we all came to the conclusion together."(FoxSports)(9-28-2013)

Hornish Jr. in the offer-taking stage for a 2014 ride: Sam Hornish Jr. could end the season as 2013 NASCAR Nationwide Series champion  and unemployed. "I'm in the offer-taking stage right now. At this point they don't have anything for me at Penske (Racing) next year," Hornish said during an interview with RacinToday on Thursday. "It's not anything performance-wise. It's strictly money and not on our side of the deal. They're having to shuffle things around to accommodate other people." Hornish, driver of Roger Penske's #12 Ford Mustang, will take a 15-point lead over Austin Dillon of Richard Childress Racing into Saturday afternoon's 5-Hour Energy 200 at the 1-mile Dover International Speedway.
Hornish's "other people" reference was to 19-year-old Ryan Blaney, a developmental driver under contract to Penske Racing but without a fulltime ride heading into 2014. Blaney scored his breakthrough Nationwide Series win in his second start during Saturday night's Kentucky 300 at the 1.5-mile Kentucky Speedway. Blaney's win was Penske's 10th of the season in the #22 Discount Tire Ford among four different drivers. Hornish finished fourth at Kentucky to retain his point lead with six races remaining. Hornish, who is in his second fulltime Nationwide season for Penske, indicated he was blindsided by the decision that likely will end his six-year stock car association with the organization. "There's not a whole lot of anything out there when I was told this," Hornish said during a telephone interview. "If that was the case I should have known at the end of July. I found out a couple of weeks ago and I gave them some time to get ahead of it so it wouldn't look like I'm trying to blow them out of the water."
Hornish said he has begun shopping his services to rival team-owners in the garage area. "And what I get is they have no idea I'm available," said Hornish. "The comments I get from people I do talk to are like, 'We just put something together you would have been a great candidate for.' I'm hoping to have something (in NASCAR for 2014). Don't know what it'll be or what it'll look like, so it's not the best feeling." Neither Penske nor Tim Cindric, Penske Racing president, was available this week for comment on Hornish's future. But Hornish, who will drive the No. 12 Snap-on Ford at Dover, said Penske indicated he would be willing to field him in Nationwide again if proper funding could be secured. Asked if he might change his mind if no NASCAR ride materializes and return to the IndyCar Series, Hornish reiterated: "I don't see myself doing that."(in part from RacinToday)(9-28-2013)

Truex Jr. no real news on his 2014 plans: #56-Martin Truex Jr. said his job search got a little clearer over the last week but he didn't have any real news to report about his 2014 plans. The Michael Waltrip Racing driver is in limbo as sponsor NAPA has opted to leave at the end of the season. "The picture has cleared up (a little)there's still a lot that I don't know," Truex said Friday at Dover International Speedway. "It's really no different today than last week. I've just got to figure it out." #78 Furniture Row Racing still seeks someone to replace Chase for the Sprint Cup qualifier Kurt Busch and team officials have indicated they are willing to wait on Truex to make a decision. "It sounds that way (that they'll wait), so it's nice to know there's a really good option out there at least, that's for sure," Truex said. "If there's no cars available, it would obviously be a whole lot tougher."(Sporting News)(9-28-2013)

Hamlin trying new treatment to avoid back surgery: #11-Denny Hamlin is trying a new treatment on his injured back in an effort to avoid offseason surgery. Painkiller injections in his spine the past two weeks have helped, but he won't know until the season ends if he's made enough progress to skip surgery. "These last two weeks, I've gotten some treatment done, and I've felt as good as I did before the accident," he said. "Now, the 10 races before that, I felt horrible. I had to get out of the car at Richmond during practice because I just couldn't handle it anymore, and there's been several instances where it was really, really bad. But this is hopefully going to buy me enough time to get healthy. That's the problem, there's just not enough time in our schedule to recover fully from an injury." Hamlin had persistent back trouble even before he suffered a compression fracture in a March accident that sidelined him for more than a month. With eight races left in the season, beginning Sunday at Dover, Hamlin said he needs time out of the car to rest and let his back heal.(Associated Press)(9-28-2013)

No Cup race at Road America in 2014: Wisconsin racing fans won't get the NASCAR Sprint Cup race they have craved and that had been rumored, at least not next year. As for NASCAR at Road America, Bruggenthies said the deal for the fifth running of the Nationwide Series in 2014 is all but done and he is confident it again will fall on the third weekend in June. Bruggenthies has made it no secret he'd like to bring NASCAR's premier division to Road America. Changes to the Sprint Cup Series are anticipated in 2015 to coincide with a new television contract, but the fact that the 2014 schedule hasn't been announced had led to speculation they could come sooner. That flared up again last week. "They like our event. They like Road America," Bruggenthies said. "They're not saying no. Will it be next year? No. We're continuing to bring our facility up to a standard for the Cup guys, because, understand, they don't run in the rain, they've got a couple more horsepower and they go a little faster, so what we've done in Turn 1 and Turn 5 with barriers and the fencing are what we're doing at Turn 6 and Turn 8 at the end of this season." The Sprint Cup Series races twice on road courses, although NASCAR has seen some interest in adding a third, possibly as part of the Chase for the Sprint Cup championship shootout. One possibility floated was that Sonoma Raceway in California could move into the Chase, freeing up the Sunday on the weekend Road America typically has Nationwide. "When and if they go more road racing, we hope to be considered," Bruggenthies said. "There's no guarantees, obviously."(Milwaukee Journal Sentinel)(9-28-2013)

Keselowski car sells for $500,000: As was the case Thursday, charity cars continued to dominate the Friday action at the Barrett-Jackson Las Vegas Collector-Car Auction. The big seller was a 2012 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Penske Racing No. 2 Dodge Charger driven by Brad Keselowski last year as he drove to his first Cup championship. Donated by team owner Roger Penske, the car sold for $500,000 with all proceeds going to benefit the NASCAR Foundation, which involves itself in a variety of charitable efforts for children in need.(FoxSports)(9-28-2013)

"Troops to the Track" Program to the AAA 400: The Armed Forces Foundation and NASCAR continue the 2013 Troops to the Track TM program on Sunday, September 29th, by bringing service members based out of Dover Air Force Base's Air Force Mortuary Affairs Operations to the AAA 400 at the Dover International Speedway. Their mission is to fulfill our Nation's sacred commitment of ensuring dignity, honor, and respect to our fallen and care, service, and support to their families. 2013 season of Troops to the Track, a program in which service members are treated to a daylong interactive at-track experience, which includes: a special invitation and recognition at the driver's pre-race meeting, a private tour of the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series garage, pit road access during driver introductions / National Anthem and special seating in the grandstands (AFF)(9-28-2013)

Kenseth Pursues Chase History In Dover: Matt Kenseth quietly is in pursuit of Chase for the NASCAR Sprint Cup history. Okay  maybe not so quietly. Winning the opening two races of the 2013 Chase qualifies as making some noise; a lot of noise. A victory in Sunday's AAA 400 at Dover International Speedway will give Kenseth title to the Chase's first opening "triple." Others have tried and failed: Greg Biffle in 2008 and Tony Stewart in 2011. Biffle's streak ended in Kansas, where he finished third. Stewart, despite finishing 25th at Dover, went on to win his third championship. Kenseth twice has won at the "Monster Mile," most recently in the spring of 2011. He's led four of the past five races and logged eight top-five finishes from 2008 through spring of 2012.
That was then  with Roush Fenway Racing, in whose Fords Kenseth won the 2003 NASCAR Sprint Cup champion  and this is now. Kenseth's first trip to Dover in the #20 Joe Gibbs Racing Toyota was a tease. He qualified fourth and led 29 laps before being relegated to a 40th-place finish by engine failure. Kenseth's New Hampshire victory was his seventh of the season extending a record campaign. His previous best season was 2002 in which Kenseth won five times. JGR teammate Denny Hamlin is the most recent NASCAR Sprint Cup driver to win eight times in a season (2010). To reach that number Kenseth will have to keep the pressure on JGR partner Kyle Busch, who just as easily could be the driver on the long end of a two-race Chase winning streak. Busch chased Kenseth to the checkered flag at Chicagoland and again in New Hampshire and stands second in the standings, 14 points off the lead.
Busch obviously has the fire power to end his teammate's streak  especially at Dover, where he likewise has won twice, finished fourth in June and led 302 laps of last September's AAA 400. Right now, second place is just fine with Busch, who has more than made up for failing to qualify for last year's Chase with his best-ever postseason start. "I've said it for years, if I could finish second in every single Chase race, I'd take it and win a championship  than to win just one Chase race," he said. "It's all about the prize at the end, and I think this team is really focused on that."(NASCAR)(9-28-2013)

Logano fails post-race inspection: #22-Joey Logano's Ford failed post-race inspection at Dover. The car was too low on both front sides. Expect a points penalty to be announced early next week.(9-28-2013)

Logano wins Nationwide race at Dover: #22-Joey Logano won the 5-Hour Energy 200 at Dover International Speedway. It is his 4th Dover race win in a row. #32-Kyle Larson finished second followed by #33-Kevin Harvick, #20-Brian Vickers, #11-Elliott Sadler, #3-Austin Dillon, #77-Parker Kligerman, #54-Kyle Busch, #6-Trevor Bayne, and #19-Mike Bliss. Points leader #12-Sam Hornish, Jr. was penalized for speeding on pit road and finished 17th. His points lead slipped to 4 points over Austin Dillon with 5 race remaining. There were only 2 cautions for 8 laps and 6 lead changes among 4 leaders. Complete results are on the Dover race results page (pdf).(9-28-2013)

Dover Nationwide Race Fast Facts:
Joey Logano(i) won the 28th Annual 5-hour ENERGY 200 benefiting Living Beyond Breast Cancer, his 21st victory in 123 NASCAR Nationwide Series races.
This is his third victory and 10th top-10 finish in 2013.
This is his fourth victory and seventh top-10 finish in ten races at Dover International Speedway.
Kyle Larson (second) posted his second top-10 finish in two races at Dover International Speedway. It is his 15th top-10 finish in 2013.
Kevin Harvick(i) (third) posted his 10th top-10 finish in 17 races at Dover International Speedway.
Kyle Larson (second) was the highest finishing rookie.
Sam Hornish Jr. leads the point standings by 4 points over Austin Dillon.
Logano becomes the first driver in NASCAR national series history to win four consecutive races at Dover International Speedway.
The win today was the 11th victory this season for the No. 22 team and crew chief Jeremy Bullins. 11 victories in a single season is the second most wins by a crew chief in the NASCAR Nationwide Series. (Jason Ratcliff has the series most at 13)
(NASCAR Integrated Marketing)(9-28-2013)

Nationwide Driver standings following Dover (race 28 of 33):
1) #12-Sam Hornish Jr. 989
2) #3-Austin Dillon 985, -4
3) #11-Elliott Sadler 947, -42
4) #7-Regan Smith 946, -43
5) #20-Brian Vickers 942, -47
6) #31-Justin Allgaier 919, -70
7) #2-Brian Scott 916, -73
8) #6-Trevor Bayne 903, -86
9) #32-Kyle Larson # 864, -125
10) #77Parker Kligerman 820, -169
See complete standings on the driver standings page (pdf).(9-28-2013)

Nationwide Owner Standings following Dover are posted (pdf).(9-28-2013)

Logano on Nationwide pole at Dover: #22-Joey Logano won the Coors Light Pole for the 5-Hour Energy 200 at Dover International Speedway with a speed of 155.172 mph. #12-Sam Hornish, Jr. will start second. The rest of the top 10: #3-Austin Dillon, #99-Alex Bowman, #54-Kyle Busch, #19-Mike Bliss, #5-Brad Sweet, #33-Kevin Harvick, #77-Parker Kligerman, and #2-Brian Scott. Did Not Qualify: none. The starting lineup is posted on the Dover starting lineup page (pdf).(9-28-2013)

Dover Nationwide Qualifying Notes:
Joey Logano(i) won the Coors Light Pole Award for the 28th Annual 5-hour ENERGY 200 benefiting Living Beyond Breast Cancer with a lap of 23.200 seconds, 155.172 mph.
This is his 23rd pole in 123 NASCAR Nationwide Series races.
This is his first pole and eighth top-10 start in 2013.
This is his third pole in ten races at Dover International Speedway.
Sam Hornish Jr. (second) posted his 23rd top-10 start of 2013 and his third in five races at Dover International Speedway.
Austin Dillon (third) posted his third top-10 start at Dover International Speedway.
It is his 23rd in 28 races this season. Alex Bowman (fourth) was the fastest qualifying rookie(NASCAR Integrated Marketing)(9-28-2013)

Peters wins Las Vegas: #17-Timothy Peters won the Sam's 350 at Las Vegas Motor Speedway after taking the lead following a restart just three laps from the finish. #98-Johnny Sauter finished second. He was followed by: #32-Miguel Paludo, #3-Ty Dillon, #54-Darrell Wallace, Jr., #9-Ron Hornaday, #7-John Wes Townley, #62-Brendan Gaughan, #31-James Buescher, and #8-Max Gresham. Points leader #88-Matt Crafton finished 11th, ending his streak of top-10s at 16 races. There were nine cautions for 38 laps and 13 lead changes among 9 leaders. Complete results are on the Las Vegas race results page (pdf).(9-28-2013)

Las Vegas Race Fast Facts:
Timothy Peters won the 17th Annual Smith's 350, his seventh victory in 157 NASCAR Camping World Truck Series races.
This is his second victory and 10th top-10 finish in 2013.
This is his first victory and fourth top-10 finish in six races at Las Vegas Motor Speedway .
Johnny Sauter (second) posted his fourth top-10 finish in five races at Las Vegas Motor Speedway . It is his 10th top-10 finish in 2013.
Miguel Paludo (third) posted his first top-10 finish in three races at Las Vegas Motor Speedway . Darrell Wallace Jr. (fifth) was the highest finishing rookie.
Matt Crafton leads the point standings by 41 points over James Buescher.
(NASCAR Statistics)(9-28-2013)

Driver standings following Las Vegas:
1) #88-Matt Crafton 644
2) #31-James Buescher 603, -41
3) #3-Ty Dillon 591, -53
4) #4-Jeb Burton # 571, -73
5) #32-Miguel Paludo 567, -77
6) #17-Timothy Peters 559, -85
7) #29-Ryan Blaney # 552, -92
8) #98-Johnny Sauter 541, -103
9) #54-Darrell Wallace, Jr., # 538, -106
10) #62-Brendan Gaughan 520, -124
See complete standings on the driver standings page (pdf).(9-28-2013)

Owner Standings following Las Vegas: are posted (pdf).(9-28-2013)

Dillon on pole at Las Vegas: #3-Ty Dillon won the Keystone Light Pole for the Smith's 350 at Las Vegas Motor Speedway with a speed of 177.078 mph. #6-Justin Lofton will start second. The rest of the top 10: #31-James Buescher, #4-Jeb Burton, #88-Matt Crafton, #62-Brendan Gaughan, #32-Miguel Paludo, #9-Ron Hornaday, #8-Max Gresham, and #51-Chad Hackenbracht. Every entry made the event. The starting lineup is posted on the Las Vegas starting lineup page (pdf).(9-28-2013)

Las Vegas Qualifying Notes:
Ty Dillon won the Keystone Light Pole Award for the 17th Annual Smith's 350 with a lap of 30.495 seconds, 177.078 mph.
This is his fourth pole in 42 NASCAR Camping World Truck Series races.
This is his first pole and 13th top-10 start in 2013.
This is his first pole in two races at Las Vegas Motor Speedway .
Justin Lofton (second) posted his fifth top-10 start of 2013 and his second in four races at Las Vegas Motor Speedway .
James Buescher (third) posted his third top-10 start at Las Vegas Motor Speedway . It is his 11th in 17 races this season.
Jeb Burton (fourth) was the fastest qualifying rookie.
(NASCAR Integrated Marketing)(9-28-2013)

Dillon fastest in final practice in Las Vegas: #3-Ty Dillon was fastest in final practice for the Smith's 350 at Las Vegas Motor Speedway. Dillon led the way with a fast lap at 176.482 mph. #31-James Buescher was second, followed by: #24-Brennan Newberry, #6-Justin Lofton, #17-Timothy Peters, #19-Ross Chastain, #8-Max Gresham, #4-Jeb Burton, #62-Brendan Gaughan, and #9-Ron Hornaday. 27 of the entered 29 trucks ran at least one lap during the session. See complete results on the Las Vegas practice 2 speeds page (pdf).(9-28-2013)

Paludo fastest in first practice in Las Vegas: #32-Miguel Paludo was fastest in the opening practice for the Smith's 350 at Las Vegas Motor Speedway on Saturday. Paludo ran a fast lap at 175.382 mph. #3-Ty Dillon was second, followed by: #31-James Buescher, #88-Matt Crafton, #24-Brennan Newberry, #6-Justin Lofton, ##19-Ross Chastain, #9-Ron Hornaday, #62-Brendan Gaughan, and #51-Chad Hackenbracht. 25 of the entered 29 trucks ran at least one lap during the session. #4-Jeb Burton and #77-German Quiroga had separate issues and were forced to their back-up trucks. See complete results on the Las Vegas practice 1 speeds page (pdf).(9-28-2013)

#88-Dale Earnhardt Jr. wins Dover pole: #88-Dale Earnhardt Jr. won the pole for the AAA 400 Sprint Cup Series race at Dover International Speedway with TRACK RECORD speed of 161.849mph for his 2nd pole of 2013 and 13th of his career. Earnhardt Jr. has never won a Cup race from the pole.
#20-Kenseth is on the outside pole, followed by #39-Newman, #43-Almirola, #99-Edwards, #2-Keselowsi, #1-McMurray, #48-Johnson, #78-Busch and #56-Truex Jr.
Since only 43 cars were entered, no one missed the race.
See the starting lineup, qualifying results, pole progression, pdf links on the Dover Starting Lineup / Qualifying Page.(9-27-2013)

Qualifying Fast Facts - Dover:
#88-Dale Earnhardt Jr. won the Coors Light Pole Award for the 44th Annual AAA 400 with a lap of 22.243 seconds, 161.849 mph.
This is his 13th pole in 498 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series races.
This is his second pole and seventh top-10 start in 2013.
This is his first pole in 28 races at Dover International Speedway.
#20-Matt Kenseth (second) posted his 20th top-10 start of 2013 and his 10th in 30 races at Dover International Speedway.
#39-Ryan Newman (third) posted his 16th top-10 start at Dover International Speedway. It is his 12th in 29 races this season.
#17-Ricky Stenhouse Jr. (15th) was the fastest qualifying rookie. (NASCAR Statistics)(9-27-2013)

Where the 2013 Sprint Cup Chase Drivers will start at Dover:
[listed by current driver points position]
1) #20-Matt Kenseth, 2nd
2) #18-Kyle Busch, 14th
3) #48-Jimmie Johnson,8th
4) #99-Carl Edwards, 4th
5) #16-Greg Biffle, 19h
6) #29-Kevin Harvick, 12th
7) #78-Kurt Busch,9th
8) #24-Jeff Gordon, 16th
9) #39-Ryan Newman, 3rd
10) #15-Clint Bowyer, 23rd
11) #88-Dale Earnhardt Jr., POLE
12) #22-Joey Logano, 11th
13) #5-Kasey Kahne, 20th
(9-27-2013)

Coverage of Qualifying for the AAA 400 Sprint Cup Series race at Dover International Speedway is scheduled for Friday, September 27, 2013 at 3:10pm/et.
TV: ESPN2 at 3:10pm/et
Radio: Motor Racing Network online at motorracingnetwork.com.
Scheduled Qualifying TV Re-Air: none

Qualifying Order for the AAA 400 Sprint Cup Series race at Dover International Speedway is posted. 43 cars/drivers are listed.
The first of the drivers scheduled to go out is #98-McDowell.
The final driver scheduled to go out is #22-Logano.
Fastest in Friday practice, #20-Kenseth, is scheduled to qualify 38th.
Qualifying order is set by a random draw, held about an hour before the first practice.
See the full qualifying order on the Dover Qualifying Page.(9-27-2013)

Friday practice for the AAA 400 Sprint Cup Series race at Dover International Speedway is over, after 90 scheduled minutes, the top five, slowest and notes:
#20-Kenseth 163.473
#56-Truex Jr. 162.859
#22-Logano 162.624
#78-Busch 162.521
#18-Busch 162.506
13 drivers were faster then the current track record of 161.522mph
slowest: #32-Hill 153.178 & #33-Raines 154.090
See fastest speeds, number of laps run on the Dover Friday Practice Speeds page (pdf).(9-27-2013)

5-Hour Energy still undecided on commitment to MWR UPDATE will be back: Michael Waltrip Racing is still seeking a sponsorship boost from 5-Hour Energy. The president of the energy shot company refused Sunday to give a firm commitment that 5-Hour Energy would remain with MWR and sponsor Clint Bowyer's car in 2014. "We'll see how the year plays out," company president Scott Henderson said Sunday at New Hampshire. Michael Waltrip said Friday he expected 5-Hour Energy to remain with MWR. But Henderson, who had a friendly chat with Bowyer before the race, made it seem like no decision was made. "There's a lot of talk about integrity," he said. "When the guy who's in charge can say, 'I can do whatever I want and I'm going to do it and I just did,' I wonder about integrity. I want to make sure we can win in this sport, OK?" He then walked off. It was unclear if he was referring to Brian France, who said last week as NASCAR chairman he had the authority to expand the Chase field to 13 drivers to accommodate Jeff Gordon. France also lectured the drivers about restoring credibility and integrity to NASCAR following the Richmond debacle.(Associated Press)(9-23-2013)
UPDATE: from 5-hour ENERGY Facebook page: This week the 5-hour ENERGY team met after the New Hampshire race to discuss our future with Michael Waltrip Racing. While our original plan was to announce the status of our sponsorship at the end of the year, this timeframe left many concerned about their future. There are scores of passionate fans, numerous charitable organizations, and hundreds of hard-working MWR employees and their families who are directly impacted by 5-hour ENERGY's NASCAR sponsorship. After several internal discussions and meetings with MWR, we are prepared to announce our decision ahead of schedule. 5-hour ENERGY will be back as a sponsor of MWR and Clint Bowyer for 2014. We look forward to another great year of competitive racing. Go 15! (9-27-2013)

Monster Mile Hosts Round 3 of NASCAR Chase: The Chase for the NASCAR Sprint Cup continues this weekend with a 400-mile race at the Monster Mile, Dover International Speedway, and ESPN will have a live telecast of the third race of NASCAR's playoffs on Sunday, Sept. 29. NASCAR Countdown airs at 1:00pm/et with the race's green flag scheduled for 2:15pm/et. Dover also will host a 200-mile NASCAR Nationwide Series race on Saturday, Sept. 28, airing live on ESPN at 3:30pm/et with the green flag scheduled for 3:46pm. ESPN2 will air NASCAR Sprint Cup qualifying at Dover on Friday, Sept. 27, at 3:00pm/et. All NASCAR programming on ESPN is also available on computers, smartphones and tablets through WatchESPN and the WatchESPN app.

Orange colors for Kenseth at Dover: #17-Matt Kenseth will run the orange colors or Home Depot at Dover, promoting the saying "Lets Do This". See images of the scheme on the #20 Team Schemes page.(9-27-2013)

Ryan Blaney talks about 2014: from a transcript: NASCAR Teleconference with Ryan Blaney:
THE MODERATOR: Welcome to today's press conference with Ryan Blaney, driver of the #29 Cooper Standard Ford for Brad Keselowski Racing in the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series. Blaney won his first NASCAR Nationwide Series race last weekend at Kentucky Speedway, driving the #22 Discount Tire Ford for Penske Racing. He's the first NASCAR Next graduate to win in two different NASCAR national series.
Q). And then also, there's been a lot of talk about you about next year. There's a lot of rumors that Furniture Row is interested, and Roger Penske said on Sunday that he kind of expects you to be in the Trucks next year and do some Nationwide. I'm curious if you kind of have a feeling of what you're going to do next year, and I guess, if you don't, what would be your preference.
RYAN BLANEY: Well, there has been very, very little talks with other teams, but right now my loyalty is to Penske Racing and finishing out this 2013 season very strong, either in that Nationwide car, if I get another race, or finishing out the Truck season very strong for Brad Keselowski Racing. Just really focused on that right now, and then in the offseason, we'll see what doors open up or if we progress here with Penske like planned. So we'll find out here in the coming months, but right now my loyalty is to Penske and finishing out this 2013 season very strong.
Q). Hey, Ryan, hope you're doing well and congratulations. One quick question. Wanted to know if you'd tested a Cup car yet.
RYAN BLANEY: Yeah. First of all, thank you, and I have. I've done a decent amount of testing with Penske last offseason, I mean, their Cup cars. They had me do a bunch of that stuff, whether it's in a Cup car or a Nationwide car. I have a fair amount of experience in the Gen-6 cars. So, yeah, it's pretty nice that I can go out there and test Penske stuff and kind of get a feel for those.(NASCAR/FastScripts by ASAP Sports)(9-27-2013)

Hamlin honored as March of Dimes "Champion For Babies": FedEx Racing driver #11-Denny Hamlin will be honored with the "Champion for Babies" award at Thursday night's March of Dimes Volunteer Leadership Conference dinner and gala in Washington, D.C. Before hundreds of top volunteers from around the country, Hamlin will receive the special recognition for his work in raising awareness about the foundation's signature fundraiser, March for Babies that occurs each spring all across the country. Hamlin drives the #11 FedEx Toyota in the Sprint Cup Series, and is a 22-time race winner at NASCAR's highest level. The Richmond, Va., native has raced a special March of Dimes paint scheme in each of the past six seasons with the assistance from FedEx. Joining efforts, Hamlin and FedEx have hosted the March of Dimes National Ambassador families to NASCAR races to share their stories and encourage fans to sign up for the annual fundraising walks or contribute to walk teams.
"It's an honor to accept this award tonight, and to play a small role in raising the visibility of the great work done by the March of Dimes," said Hamlin. "Their mission hits closer to home as I became a first-time father earlier this year, and I'm grateful that with the help of FedEx, our team has been able to meet and host many families that have been positively impacted by this great organization."
Hamlin becomes the fourth recipient of the prestigious "Champion for Babies" award, joining golf legend Arnold Palmer, Pro Football Hall of Famer Joe Namath and veteran broadcaster Greg Gumbel. "It's an honor to recognize the great work that Denny has provided the March of Dimes," said Dr. Jennifer L. Howse, president for the March of Dimes. "Denny's heartfelt and genuine desire to help families less fortunate than him always shines through. He gives us more than his time. He gives us his heart. Denny is a true champion for babies."(FedEx)(9-27-2013)

NASCAR movie in the works UPDATE: Hollywood producer Neal Edelstein, whose films have included dramas ("Mulholland Drive"), mysteries ("The Ring") and horror movies ("Haunting Melissa"). Edelstein wants to make a movie centered on a NASCAR driver, an idea pitched to him by NASCAR Vice President Zane Stoddard. And they're meeting to discuss how Universal Pictures, which agreed to finance the movie's early development, views the initial script. Why a NASCAR-related film? There's been an "explosion of action sports in this country," Edelstein says during a break. "Well, the original action sport is NASCAR. It has great texture for movies." The film is one of several projects being pursued by Stoddard and his nine-person NASCAR Entertainment Marketing staff to infiltrate pop culture with everything NASCAR in order to boost stock-car racing's sagging popularity. They also arrange driver cameos on television shows, develop new NASCAR-themed programs for TV and online outlets and bring celebrities to NASCAR races. NASCAR Entertainment's strategy is part of a five-year plan NASCAR announced in 2011 to grow the sport. "When we get to the end of that five years," Stoddard said, "we will have a very clear measurement of where we are."(in part from the Los Angeles Times)(9-25-2013)
UPDATE: So what's the movie about? Here's how producer Neal Edelstein, who's working with NASCAR Vice President Zane Stoddard on the project, described in broad terms what he termed the "underdog story:"
"The story is about kind of a misfit kid who was into racing as a youth because of his father's passion for the sport. And his father's death ... pushed him out of the sport and he's a bit of a loner now, kind of on the fringes, [doing] dirt-bike riding, doing odd jobs involving racing and testing and motorcycles. So it becomes really his journey to kind of harness his ability, harness his emotions, and he gets back into the sport ... with the help of some people his father was involved with," Edelstein said. Stoddard added that the driver in the story has "this inherent skill that his dad passed on. But he's turned his back on the sport" as a result of his dad's death. It would be a contemporary movie and its working title is "Finding Speed."(Los Angeles Times)(9-27-2013)

Dover Goodyear Tire Notes: Teams in both the NASCAR Sprint Cup and Nationwide Series will run the same combination of left- and right-side tires at Dover . . . this is the same combination that Sprint Cup and Nationwide teams ran at Dover this past June and twice last season . . . these teams also ran this same tire set-up at Kentucky in 2013 . . . Dover is unique among NASCAR ovals one mile or less in length, in that inner liners are required in all four tire positions . . . air pressure in those inner liners should be 12-25 psi greater than that of the outer tire (Goodyear), see tire codes, pressures, set limits and more on the Dover Race Info page - Goodyear section.(9-27-2013)

Dover News & Notes - Friday - poles:
· David Pearson won the inaugural Coors Light pole at Dover in 1969 with a speed of 130.430 mph.
· 36 drivers have Coors Light poles at Dover, led by David Pearson with six. Mark Martin leads all active drivers in poles, with five, followed by Jeff Gordon and Ryan Newman with four each.
· Nine drivers have won consecutive Coors Light poles at Dover. David Pearson holds the record for most consecutive poles at Dover with three; from 1973 to the spring race of 1974.
· Four active drivers have posted consecutive Coors Light poles at Dover: Mark Martin (fall 1988 and spring 1989), Bobby Labonte (fall 1996 and spring 1997), Ryan Newman (fall 2005 and spring 2006), and Denny Hamlin (fall 2012 and spring 2013).
· 13 of the 87 (14.9%) NASCAR Sprint Cup Series races at Dover have been won from the Coors Light pole; the two most recent were Jimmie Johnson in 2009 and 2010.
· The second-place starting position is the most proficient starting position in the field, producing more winners (15) than any other starting position at Dover International Speedway.
· 28 of the 87 (32.1%) NASCAR Sprint Cup Series races at Dover have been won from the front row: 13 from the pole and 15 from second-place.
· 68 of the 87 (78.1%) NASCAR Sprint Cup races at Dover have been won from a top-10 starting position.
· Five of the 87 (5.7%) NASCAR Sprint Cup Series races at Dover have been won from a starting position outside the top 20  most recently: Tony Stewart, spring 2013 (22nd-place starting position).
· The deepest in the field that a race winner has started at Dover was 37th, by Kyle Petty in the spring of 1995. · Qualifying has been cancelled due to weather conditions in the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series at Dover International Speedway five times: fall of 1984, spring of 2001, fall of 2003, spring of 2005 and spring of 2011.(NASCAR)(9-27-2013)

Kyle Busch Voted Third Quarter Driver of the Year Award Winner: NASCAR's Kyle Busch has been voted the third quarter Driver of the Year by an elite panel of American broadcasters and journalists. Busch, one of the most prolific winners across NASCAR's three-top national series, easily out-tallied drivers across a broad spectrum of racing this summer in the period ending with his victory in the Sprint Cup race at Atlanta on September 2d. The 28-year-old Las Vegas native scored a total of six wins in those three divisions including: two in the Sprint Cup Series, three in the Nationwide Series and one in the Camping World Truck Series. In the voting Busch, who drives the #18 M&Ms/Interstate Battery Toyota Camry for Joe Gibbs Racing, had eight first-place ballots and totaled 124 points according to the Driver of the Year points system. Donny Schatz, the World of Outlaws sprint car driver, earned seven first-place votes and totaled 110 points. New Zealand's Scott Dixon, who drives the Target IndyCar for Chip Ganassi Racing, scored two first-place votes and totaled 89 points. Also from the IndyCar series, France's Sebastian Bourdais also received one first-place vote. A total of 18 drivers scored points in the first quarter voting. In quarterly voting, points are awarded on a declining 9, 6, 4,3,2,1 basis. Kenseth will receive a trophy and a Tissot wristwatch to be presented at a race weekend at to be determined.(DOTY)(9-27-2013)

Mingus to debut in Talladega: Officials from Mooresville, North Carolina-based Win-Tron Racing confirmed today that the team will compete in the upcoming NASCAR Camping World Truck Series fred's 250 powered by Coca-Cola from Talladega Superspeedway on Saturday, October 19 with development driver Mason Mingus. Win-Tron Racing competed in two NCWTS races last year with Portland, Texas native Matt Merrell at Martinsville Speedway and Phoenix International Raceway, respectively. The team finished a personal-best of 11th at PIR. Currently, Mingus, in his first full season of competing on the ARCA Racing Series presented by Menards tour, has assembled 20 starts, two poles, five top-fives and 17 top-10 finishes. The Brentwood, Tennessee native currently occupies second in the championship standings in the arrears to nine-time ARCA champion Frank Kimmel. Mark Rette, the 2009 ARCA champion crew chief will lead the efforts for Win-Tron Racing in the series 19th race of the year. In addition to the fred's 250 powered by Coca-Cola, Mingus and Win-Tron Racing will also compete in the final two NCWTS races of the year from Phoenix (Ariz.) International Raceway (November 8) and Homestead-Miami (Fla.) Speedway (November 15) respectively.(WinTron Racing PR)(9-27-2013)

Special scheme for Bowyer at Dover: Michael Waltrip Racing driver Clint Bowyer has a new paint scheme for his #15 Toyota this weekend at Dover International Speedway. The scheme introduces a new, limited edition, specially marked Raspberry flavor of 5-hour ENERGY and is benefitting Living Beyond Breast Cancer. From now through December 31, 5-hour ENERGY will donate five cents from the sale of every bottle of raspberry flavored 5-hour ENERGY to Living Beyond Breast Cancer, a national nonprofit education and support organization serving women and families affected by breast cancer. The minimum guaranteed donation is $75,000 (MWR), see an image of the scheme on the #15 Team Schemes page.(9-26-2013)

"Drive Sober, Arrive Alive" featured on the #36 at Dover: The Delaware Office of Highway Safety (DOHS) is back on board the #36 "Drive Sober, Arrive Alive" Chevrolet at Dover International Speedway. Tommy Baldwin Racing and the DOHS have teamed up for an action packed weekend at the Monster Mile with several fan events throughout the weekend. To start off, the DOHS will be promoting their "Drive Sober, Arrive Alive" campaign where they are encouraging fans to take a pledge to not drink and drive. In the fan zone, fans can sign the #36 Chevrolet show car, taking a pledge to not drive impaired.
Driver JJ Yeley commented, "It is great to be heading back to Dover International Speedway and teaming up with the Delaware Office of Highway Safety once again. I have been involved with the DOHS for the past couple years and really enjoy getting to help promote driver safety throughout the weekend. We have a lot of really neat stuff planned for the fans, I can't wait to see everyone out at the track this weekend."(TBR/140Buzz), see an images of the scheme on the #36 Team Schemes page.(9-26-2013)

Brian Scott looking to run limited Cup sched in 2014: Brian Scott will make his NASCAR Sprint Cup Series debut at Charlotte Motor Speedway on Oct. 12 in the Bank of America 500. "It's a dream come true and something I've been working toward," said Scott, who is seventh in the points standings on the Nationwide Series, NASCAR's second-best level. Scott is already planning to become a fixture in the Sprint Cup. "It's a huge opportunity. Any time you're getting the opportunity to go up there and race against the big guys, it's for sure a tryout," said Scott, who will drive the #33 Shore Lodge Chevrolet for Richard Childress Racing. "If you go out there and perform well, it opens opportunities for rides at any time. If this race goes good, maybe another race or two this year." Scott is in the first year of a two-year contract with Richard Childress Racing. Part of the deal, Scott said, is a commitment to getting Scott into the Sprint Cup Series. His plan for next season is to run a full-time Nationwide schedule (and to win a championship), while sprinkling in five to 10 Sprint Cup races.(Idaho Statesman)(9-26-2013)

Johnson in New ESPN SportsCenter Campaign - "DaDaDa DaDaDa": #48-Jimmie Johnson is one of many athletes from different sports appearing in a new ESPN promotional spot launched this past weekend. The spot is part of a new ESPN campaign in support of its flagship program, SportsCenter. Entitled "DaDaDa DaDaDa," the campaign focuses on the iconic sound all fans associate with the show, and with great sports moments. The 60-second launch spot features a range of athletes  from professionals to little leaguers  who subtly and not-so-subtly call out their "DaDaDa" moments. Wieden+Kennedy New York is the creative agency. The TV campaign is running across ESPN networks and beyond. After the initial launch phase, will be updated to highlight timely "DaDaDa" moments. Outdoor digital billboards will run in New York, Chicago and Los Angeles, and can also be updated to drive fans to SportsCenter for breaking news and highlights.(ESPN)(9-262-13)

Dover International Speedway News & Notes - Thursday:
· 34 different drivers have won at Dover International Speedway, led by Richard Petty, Bobby Allison and Jimmie Johnson with seven wins each.
· 12 drivers have posted consecutive wins at Dover International Speedway, including three consecutive by David Pearson (fall 1972 and 1973 sweep), Rusty Wallace (fall 1993 and 1994 sweep) and Jeff Gordon (fall 1995 and 1996 sweep).
· Hendrick Motorsports has the most wins at Dover in the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series with 14: Jimmie Johnson (seven), Jeff Gordon (four), Geoff Bodine (one), Ken Schrader (one) and Ricky Rudd (one).
· Nine different manufacturers have won in the NSCS at Dover; led by Chevrolet with 33 victories; followed by Ford with 25.
· Mark Martin leads the series in runner-up finishes at Dover with eight; followed by Dale Earnhardt with five.
· Jeff Burton competed at Dover International Speedway 25 times before winning in the fall of 2006; the longest span of any the 16 active NASCAR Sprint Cup Series winners.
· Among the 16 active NSCS Dover winners Jeff Burton (25), Kurt Busch (22), Mark Martin (22), Matt Kenseth (14), Bobby Labonte (13) and Ken Schrader (12) all made 10 or more attempts before their first win.
· One active NASCAR Sprint Cup Series driver has posted his first career win at Dover International Speedway: Martin Truex Jr. (6/4/07).
· Since the advent of electronic scoring the closest margin of victory (MOV) in the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series at Dover International Speedway was the September 25, 2005 race won by Jimmie Johnson over Kyle Busch with a MOV of 0.08 second.
· There has been one NASCAR Sprint Cup Series race resulting with a green-white-checkered finish at Dover International Speedway (Scheduled No. of Laps/Actual No. of Laps): fall of 2005 (400/404).(NASCAR)(9-26-2013)

Gene Haas Foundation Gifts $1 Million to SME-Education Foundation: When Stewart-Haas Racing (SHR) drivers #10-Danica Patrick and #39-Ryan Newman wheel their Chevrolets onto the track for the Sept. 29 AAA 400 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series race at Dover, their racecars will spotlight the Gene Haas Foundation and its most recent grant recipient: the Society of Manufacturing Engineers  Education Foundation (SME-Education Foundation). The Gene Haas Foundation, formed in 1999 by SHR co-owner Gene Haas, recently gifted $1 million to the SME-Education Foundation with the money designated for scholarships in manufacturing training and education. The scholarships will benefit as many as 1,000 students entering machinist training programs in the United States and abroad. Providing scholarship funds to community colleges and vocational schools for students entering technical training programs, especially machinist-based certificate and degree programs, is of particular interest to the Gene Haas Foundation. Haas is the founder of Oxnard, Calif.-based Haas Automation, the largest and most modern machine tool builder in the western world. Patrick's #10 GoDaddy Chevy will carry the Gene Haas Foundation and SME-Education Foundation logos on its lower rear quarter panels, while Newman's #39 State Water Heaters Chevy will feature SME-Education Foundation logos on its C-post. Students interested in applying for a scholarship can do so by visiting www.smeef.org.(SHR)(9-26-2013)

Cassill gets sponsor for Charlotte: Oskar Blues Brewery is breaking boundaries once again by sponsoring driver Landon Cassill and his JD Motorsports with Gary Keller team in the NASCAR Nationwide Series. Cassill will pilot the #4 Oskar Blues Chevy at Charlotte Motor Speedway for the Dollar General 300. "It's so cool to have a craft beer sponsor, especially Oskar Blues. Craft beer fits so well with our sport, which is casual and accessible," says Cassill. "This feels like a great partnership because our team is a lot like this brewerywe're a homegrown race team working really hard to break through." This partnership will be the first of its kind for the craft brewery industry, featuring Oskar Blues Brewery brands on the racecar and firesuit. The #4 Oskar Blues Chevrolet Camaro will sport the colors of the brewery's thirst-quenching All-American made beers: Dale's Pale Ale and Mama's Little Yella Pils.(Spire Sports + Entertainment)(9-26-2013)

2014 Preseason Thunder Dates Scheduled for Jan. 9-14: Preseason Thunder, the annual NASCAR testing session at Daytona International Speedway featuring the Sprint Cup Series, will expand in 2014 with the addition of the Nationwide Series and Camping World Truck Series. Preseason Thunder marks the official start to NASCAR's "Road To Daytona." NASCAR Sprint Cup Series teams will test on Jan. 9-10 as they shake down their cars in advance of the prestigious season-opening 56th annual DAYTONA 500 on Sunday, Feb. 23. The NASCAR Nationwide Series will test on Jan. 11-12 for their season-opening event  the DRIVE4COPD 300 on Saturday, Feb. 22. The Camping World Truck Series will wrap up Preseason Thunder on Jan. 13-14 as they prep for the NextEra Energy Resources 250 on Friday night, Feb. 21. It's the first time since 2008 that the Nationwide Series and Camping World Truck Series teams have participated in January testing sessions at Daytona International Speedway. All test sessions are scheduled between 9:00am and 5:00pm/et, each day, weather permitting. Each session includes a lunch break from noon until 1 pm.
The Preseason Thunder Fan Fests, the companion events to the January testing sessions in the Sprint FANZONE, are scheduled on Thursday night, Jan. 9 for the Sprint Cup Series and Saturday night, Jan. 11 for the Nationwide Series. There will not be a Fan Fest or infield admissions for the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series testing sessions. Fans can also watch each day's testing at no cost from a section of the Oldfield Grandstands. Tickets for Preseason Thunder Fan Fest for the Sprint Cup Series, which include the autograph session wristbands, will be available for purchase by calling 1-800-PITSHOP on Monday, Nov. 18 beginning at 9 a.m. The schedule of driver question-and-answer and autograph sessions will be finalized closer to the event. Fans who would like to be contacted regarding Preseason Thunder Fan Fest ticket information can sign up online at www.daytonainternationalspeedway.com/thunder.(9-25-2013)

Quicken Loans heads to RCR in 2014: Detroit-based Quicken Loans, the nation's largest online home lender and country's third largest mortgage originator, announced it will join Richard Childress Racing (RCR) for the 2014 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series season and serve as the primary sponsor of Ryan Newman's #31 Chevrolet SS for 12 races and associate sponsor for all remaining races. The move continues a strong partnership between Quicken Loans and Newman, whom they first sponsored in 2012. "Ryan has shown that he is not only an incredible race car driver, but also someone with great integrity and class," said Jay Farner, President and Chief Marketing Officer of Quicken Loans. "The way Ryan has handled some very tough situations this year, while also continuing to ignore the noise and perform at a high-level, made our decision to stick with him a no-brainer. He embodies what we stand for each and every day."
"Quicken Loans has been an integral member of my team and I am very excited to have them join me at Richard Childress Racing, as we continue to build on what has been a fantastic partnership," Newman said. "My relationship with Quicken Loans goes beyond driving their car. I've gotten to know them and their business, becoming friends with them in the process. As they know, I will do my very best to perform on and off the track next year and well beyond."
Quicken Loans will remain as the primary sponsor of Newman's #39 Chevrolet fielded by Stewart-Haas Racing for the remainder of the 2013 Sprint Cup Series season. Newman currently sits ninth in the Chase for the NASCAR Sprint Cup.(RCR)(9-25-2013)

Wonder bread returns; to sponsor the #78 team at Dega UPDATE: Wonder, Merita, Home Pride and Butternut will return to the fresh bread aisle via Flowers Foods, Inc.'s direct-store delivery footprint beginning in late September and into October, Allen Shiver, president and chief executive officer of the Thomasville, Ga.-based baking company told participants at the Barclays Back-to-School Conference held Sept. 3 in Boston. Flowers completed the acquisition of the bread brands from the former Hostess Brands, Inc. in late July, and since that time Mr. Shiver said Flowers has discussed its roll-out plans with trade customers, who have been supportive of Flowers' strategy. Mr. Shiver said Flowers plans to tie the relaunch of Wonder to a NASCAR event. In addition to having a car compete in the races, Flowers plans to use creative marketing to connect the Wonder brand to NASCAR fans, Mr. Shiver said. Flowers also plans to use the Wonder brand to partner with the Children's Miracle Network to help children's hospitals. Under the theme "Wonder's back and Wonder gives back," Flowers has committed to give 5c for every loaf of Wonder Classic and Wonder Whole Grain White that is sold from Oct. 1 through the end of 2013 to the cause.(Food Business News)
AND On Sept. 23, Wonder breads and buns began returning to store shelves within Flowers Foods' fresh delivery territory in the East, South, Southwest, and California.(Wonderbread Facebook)(9-25-2013)
UPDATE: Wonder bread will be the primary sponsor of Kurt Busch's #78 Furniture Row Racing Chevrolet during the Oct. 18-20 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series weekend at Talladega. Inspired by the motion picture Talladega Nights, the colorful paint scheme on Busch's Chevrolet will have a look similar to the #26 Wonder Bread race car (click here to see the #26 car) in the 2006 movie. The motorsports sponsorship is part of the reintroduction of the Wonder brand, which had been off the market since the bankruptcy of its former owner late last year. Flowers Foods, a leading producer and marketer of packaged bakery foods in the U.S. acquired the Wonder brand in July 2013.
"There is nothing more American than Wonder bread and NASCAR," said Keith Aldredge, Flowers Foods' vice president of marketing. "We're thrilled to be partnering with Kurt Busch and the Furniture Row Racing team to debut the Wonder car at the Talladega Superspeedway. Having such an incredible driver wear the bright colors of Wonder will make for a truly memorable all-American race experience."
"This motorsports partnership definitely carries a special feeling with two American icons coming together  Wonder bread and NASCAR  at one of America's legendary racetracks," said Busch. "And the sponsorship also has a nostalgic feel for me since Wonder bread was a household staple while growing up in Las Vegas." Busch added, "Talladega is a track that we can win at and a celebration with the Wonder car in Victory Lane will make this partnership even more special."(Furniture Row Racing)(9-26-2013)

NASCAR movie in the works: Hollywood producer Neal Edelstein, whose films have included dramas ("Mulholland Drive"), mysteries ("The Ring") and horror movies ("Haunting Melissa"). Edelstein wants to make a movie centered on a NASCAR driver, an idea pitched to him by NASCAR Vice President Zane Stoddard. And they're meeting to discuss how Universal Pictures, which agreed to finance the movie's early development, views the initial script. Why a NASCAR-related film? There's been an "explosion of action sports in this country," Edelstein says during a break. "Well, the original action sport is NASCAR. It has great texture for movies." The film is one of several projects being pursued by Stoddard and his nine-person NASCAR Entertainment Marketing staff to infiltrate pop culture with everything NASCAR in order to boost stock-car racing's sagging popularity. They also arrange driver cameos on television shows, develop new NASCAR-themed programs for TV and online outlets and bring celebrities to NASCAR races. NASCAR Entertainment's strategy is part of a five-year plan NASCAR announced in 2011 to grow the sport. "When we get to the end of that five years," Stoddard said, "we will have a very clear measurement of where we are."(in part from the Los Angeles Times)(9-25-2013)

New Hampshire TV Ratings: Ratings and viewership for the live telecast of the Sylvania 300 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series race at New Hampshire Motor Speedway on Sunday, Sept. 22, on ESPN grew from last year, according to Nielsen Media. The telecast of the second race in the Chase for the NASCAR Sprint Cup earned a 2.4 U.S. household rating, averaging 3,705,759 viewers, up from last year's 2.2 rating and 3,516,958 average viewership.
Greenville, S.C., led all metered markets across the country with a 7.2 rating, followed by Greensboro, N.C., with 6.6, Norfolk, Va., with 6.2, Knoxville, Tenn., with 5.8 and Raleigh-Durham, N.C., with 5.3. The rest of the top 10 markets were Fort Myers, Fla., and Nashville, Tenn., (tied at 5.1), Charlotte, N.C., (4.9), Orlando, Fla., (4.8) and Tulsa, Okla., (4.6).(ESPN)
See past races for 2013 and 5-year comparison chart on the 2013 NASCAR TV Ratings page.(9-25-2013)

New sponsor debuts for Newman at Dover: State Water Heaters, in June announced it would sponsor the #39 Chevy of Ryan Newman at Martinsville in October will also sponsor the #39 Chevy in the AAA 400 Sprint Cup Series race at Dover International Speedway in Sept. Newman heads to Dover looking not only for his second win of the season, but also to improve on his ninth-place position in the Chase standings. See images of the car/scheme on the #39 Team Scheme page.(9-25-2013)

Ryan Truex back in the #51 at Dover: Ryan Truex will drive the #51 Shooters Sporting Center Chevy this weekend for Phoenix Racing in the AAA 400 at Dover International Speedway. "I can't wait to get back in the seat of the #51 Shooters Sporting Center Chevrolet for Phoenix Racing at Dover," said Truex. "I am grateful to Harry Scott Jr. for the opportunity to compete in the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series. I'm going to make the most out of this opportunity." Truex has competed in the #51 on two previous occasions this season including at Bristol Motor Speedway under the lights and at Richmond International Raceway two weeks later on September 6, 2013. Truex, 21 from Mayetta, NJ, has raced in 35 NASCAR Nationwide Series races over the past three years with two Top 5 and nine Top 10 finishes. In 2012 Truex captured the pole position in the June NNS event at Dover International Speedway in No. 20 for Joe Gibbs Racing with a strong second place finish. "I love racing at Dover. It is my home track in the national series. The Monster Mile's high banks are fun to drive, I've had a lot of success competing there," said Truex. The primary sponsor on the #51 will be Shooters Sporting Center, which is an indoor shooting range for firearms and archery enthusiasts. Located near Ryan's hometown in Egg Harbor, NJ, Shooters Sporting Centers celebrates its Grand Opening on Saturday, September 28. "I'm proud to have Shooters Sporting Center sponsoring my car at Dover. The Shooters Sporting Center is the perfect place for outdoor enthusiasts to sharpen their skills at the range," said Truex. Another sponsor on the car is a company with local ties. SeaWatch International makes seafood products from high quality offshore clams and was founded in Milford, DE in 1978 and today is headquartered in Easton, MD.(Phoenix Racing), see an image of the scheme on the #51 Team Scheme page.(9-25-2013)

Dover International Speedway News & Notes - Wednesday:
· Mark Martin leads the series in top-five finishes at Dover with 24; followed by Dale Earnhardt with 19.
· Mark Martin leads the series in top-10 finishes at Dover with 33; followed by Richard Petty and Ricky Rudd with 26 each.
· Ryan Newman leads all active drivers in the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series in average starting position at Dover with a 9.304.
· Carl Edwards leads all active drivers in the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series in average finishing position at Dover with an 8.611; Jimmie Johnson (9.000) is the only other active driver with an average finish in the top 10.
· 15 of the 16 active NASCAR Sprint Cup Series winners at Dover International Speedway participated in at least one or more races before visiting Victory Lane. Jimmie Johnson won at Dover in his first two appearances.
· Joe Nemechek leads the series among active drivers with the most NASCAR Sprint Cup Series starts at Dover without visiting Victory Lane at 38; followed by Kevin Harvick with 25.
· Not one of the 87 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series races at Dover International Speedway has been shortened due to weather conditions.
· Four NASCAR Sprint Cup Series active drivers have made their first career start at Dover International Speedway: Bobby Labonte (6/3/91), Matt Kenseth (9/20/98), Kurt Busch (9/24/00) and David Ragan (9/24/06).
· Two active drivers have posted their first career NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Coors Light pole at Dover International Speedway: Matt Kenseth (06/02/02) and Michael Waltrip (6/3/1991).
· Jimmie Johnson leads all active drivers in the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series in laps led at Dover with 2,461 laps led in 23 starts.
· Two female drivers have competed at Dover International Speedway in the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series: Janet Guthrie and Danica Patrick.
(NASCAR)(9-25-2013)

Trucks to return to Daytona for preseason testing: Preseason Thunder, the annual test session held at Daytona International Speedway in preparation for the season-opening races at the 2.5-mile superspeedway, will expand in 2014 to include all three NASCAR national series - the NASCAR Sprint Cup, NASCAR Nationwide and NASCAR Camping World Truck Series. Kicking off the "Road to Daytona" which culminates with the 56th running of the Daytona 500 on Feb. 23, 2014, Preseason Thunder testing begins Thursday and Friday, Jan. 9-10, with the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series participating in two days - and four sessions - of on-track activity. NASCAR Nationwide Series testing will follow on Saturday and Sunday, Jan. 11-12, with the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series testing on Monday and Tuesday, Jan. 13-14. All test sessions are scheduled to run from 9 a.m.-Noon ET, and again from 1 p.m.-5 p.m. ET. Fans can watch each day's testing at no cost from a section of the Oldfield Grandstands on the Daytona International Speedway frontstretch.(NASCAR Integrated Marketing)(9-25-2013)

Nationwide teams will test at Daytona in 2014: Preseason Thunder, the annual test session held at Daytona International Speedway in preparation for the season-opening races at the 2.5-mile superspeedway, will expand in 2014 to include all three NASCAR national series - the NASCAR Sprint Cup, NASCAR Nationwide and NASCAR Camping World Truck Series. Kicking off the "Road to Daytona" which culminates with the 56th running of the Daytona 500 on Feb. 23, 2014, Preseason Thunder testing begins Thursday and Friday, Jan. 9-10, with the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series participating in two days  and four sessions  of on-track activity. NASCAR Nationwide Series testing will follow on Saturday and Sunday, Jan. 11-12, with the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series testing on Monday and Tuesday, Jan. 13-14. All test sessions are scheduled to run from 9 a.m.-Noon ET, and again from 1 p.m.-5 p.m. ET. 'Preseason Thunder at Daytona offers teams an opportunity to prepare for one of the most important race weekends of the season,' said Robin Pemberton, NASCAR vice president of competition. 'Races at Daytona International Speedway are unique to NASCAR competition, and Preseason Thunder will not only give all three of our national series an opportunity to test, but will allow us to settle upon a rules package that will benefit our teams and provide the best on-track action for our fans.' In addition to the on-track action, NASCAR and Daytona International Speedway announced the return of Preseason Thunder Fan Fest, a fan-favorite event featuring driver question-and-answer opportunities, autograph sessions and more. The Preseason Thunder Fan Fests are scheduled on Thursday night, Jan. 9 for the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series and Saturday night, Jan. 11 for the NASCAR Nationwide Series.(NASCAR)(9-25-2013)

Different driver and new sponsor for the #40 at Dover: TheFireStore.com, the leading online source for firefighting professionals, announced they will be the primary sponsor of T.J. Bell's #40 Chevrolet Camaro fielded by The Motorsports Group in Saturday's 5-Hour ENERGY 200 at Dover International Speedway. TheFireStore.com has joined forces with Hero Energy Shot to draw attention to the Memorial Weekend where the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation will honor 81 Fallen Firefighters at the National Memorial on Sunday, October 6. The United States Congress created the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation to lead a nationwide effort to remember America 's fallen firefighters. Since 1992 the nonprofit Foundation has developed and expanded programs to honor our fallen fire heroes and assist their families and coworkers. To learn more about the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation and how to become involved with the organization, log onto www.FireHero.org. Starting October 1st Hero Energy Shot will be donating ten cents from every bottle sold via TheFireStore.com for 12 months with the goal of selling 1,000,000 bottles in order to raise $100,000 for NFFF.(The Motorsports Group), see an image of the car on the #40 team paint schemes page.(9-25-2013)

Driver Sober campaign featured on #7 car: Regan Smith's #7 Chevy will raise awareness for a special cause this weekend in the form of the Delaware Office of Highway Safety's (OHS) Drive Sober Campaign. The OHS combats fatal, alcohol-related crashes through education and enforcement. As part of the enforcement initiative, a Checkpoint Strikeforce, which consists of a DUI enforcement campaign, is put in place utilizing DUI checkpoints and saturation patrols throughout the state of Delaware.(JR Motorsports), see an image of the car on the #7 team paint schemes page.(9-25-2013)

Little hopes to follow his father to Truck Series with new sponsor: Adam Wynsma and his father, Tim, are confident that their Jenison-based JeanSavers business is ready to take off. The fact that the Wynsmas have hitched a ride with one of stock car racing's rising stars should only help. Adam Wynsma, right, and his father, Tim Wynsma, attended this past Saturday's NASCAR K&N race in New Hampshire. Jesse Little, a native of Sherrills Ford, N.C, and the 16-year-old son of former NASCAR Sprint Cup driver Chad Little, raced in this past Saturday's NASCAR K&N Pro Series race at New Hampshire with JeanSavers on the quarterpanel of his #97 Chevy. Little finished sixth overall. Company marketing director Fred VanderPloeg said JeanSavers is hoping to grow with Little, and that means sponsoring him through the end of this season and into the future. Little also is the grandson of Chuck Little, who raced in Sprint Cup in 1975."I worked with Chad for a number of years when he was racing in NASCAR," said VanderPloeg, of Grand Haven, who has enjoyed a lengthy career in motorsports promotion. "Jeans are the uniform of the day at a NASCAR race, and with the company growing and Jesse coming up through the NASCAR K&N ranks, I said 'Let's give Chad a call.' "Jesse's goal is to grow into the Truck Series, and JeanSavers' goal is to grow right up there with him." Chad Little earned 1989 Sprint Cup Rookie of the Year honors, and he continued to race Cup through 2002. He is currently the director of the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series. Little enters the Dover race 11th in the point standings with three top-five finishes through 12 races.(Michigan Live)(9-25-2013)

Trucks to return to Daytona for preseason testing: Preseason Thunder, the annual test session held at Daytona International Speedway in preparation for the season-opening races at the 2.5-mile superspeedway, will expand in 2014 to include all three NASCAR national series - the NASCAR Sprint Cup, NASCAR Nationwide and NASCAR Camping World Truck Series. Kicking off the "Road to Daytona" which culminates with the 56th running of the Daytona 500 on Feb. 23, 2014, Preseason Thunder testing begins Thursday and Friday, Jan. 9-10, with the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series participating in two days - and four sessions - of on-track activity. NASCAR Nationwide Series testing will follow on Saturday and Sunday, Jan. 11-12, with the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series testing on Monday and Tuesday, Jan. 13-14. All test sessions are scheduled to run from 9 a.m.-Noon ET, and again from 1 p.m.-5 p.m. ET. Fans can watch each day's testing at no cost from a section of the Oldfield Grandstands on the Daytona International Speedway frontstretch.(NASCAR Integrated Marketing)(9-25-2013)

Little hopes to follow his father to Truck Series with new sponsor: Adam Wynsma and his father, Tim, are confident that their Jenison-based JeanSavers business is ready to take off. The fact that the Wynsmas have hitched a ride with one of stock car racing's rising stars should only help. Adam Wynsma, right, and his father, Tim Wynsma, attended this past Saturday's NASCAR K&N race in New Hampshire. Jesse Little, a native of Sherrills Ford, N.C, and the 16-year-old son of former NASCAR Sprint Cup driver Chad Little, raced in this past Saturday's NASCAR K&N Pro Series race at New Hampshire with JeanSavers on the quarterpanel of his #97 Chevy. Little finished sixth overall. Company marketing director Fred VanderPloeg said JeanSavers is hoping to grow with Little, and that means sponsoring him through the end of this season and into the future. Little also is the grandson of Chuck Little, who raced in Sprint Cup in 1975."I worked with Chad for a number of years when he was racing in NASCAR," said VanderPloeg, of Grand Haven, who has enjoyed a lengthy career in motorsports promotion. "Jeans are the uniform of the day at a NASCAR race, and with the company growing and Jesse coming up through the NASCAR K&N ranks, I said 'Let's give Chad a call.' "Jesse's goal is to grow into the Truck Series, and JeanSavers' goal is to grow right up there with him." Chad Little earned 1989 Sprint Cup Rookie of the Year honors, and he continued to race Cup through 2002. He is currently the director of the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series. Little enters the Dover race 11th in the point standings with three top-five finishes through 12 races.(Michigan Live)(9-25-2013)

Monster Monument in Victory Plaza now features a new 'Gen 6' Toyota: One of the most recognizable structures in all of motorsports today received a new addition, as the Monster Monument in Victory Plaza at Dover International Speedway now features a "Gen 6" Toyota Camry in the Monster's hand, just in time for the Sept. 27-29, 2013 NASCAR race weekend. One of the most unique features of the Monster Monument, since it was built in 2008, has been the full-sized stock car that rests in its right hand. The all-new Toyota Camry in the Monster's hand will make its official debut this race weekend, as Speedway officials and track partner Toyota felt the updated car's entrance to the sport in 2013 made this the perfect time. "The 'Gen 6' car has been met with a bevy of praise from our loyal fan base," said Mike Tatoian, executive vice president and COO of Dover Motorsports, Inc. "We're excited to work with a great partner like Toyota to update the car in Miles' hand to the new NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Toyota Camry. Not only does this give the Monument a new, updated look, it also refreshes one of the most popular photo destinations on all of NASCAR." In addition to the new car, a marquee plaque honoring NASCAR Hall of Famer David Pearson has been added to the Monument's base. Pearson won five times in only 16 attempts at the Monster Mile, finished in the top-five a total of 12 times and holds the track record for poles won with six.
NASCAR returns to Dover International Speedway Sept. 27-29, 2013 for the Sept. 29 "AAA 400" NASCAR Sprint Cup Series race, the third event in the 10-race Chase for the NASCAR Sprint Cup, the Sept. 28 "5-hour ENERGY 200 benefiting Living Beyond Breast Cancer" NASCAR Nationwide Series race and the Sept. 27 "Drive Sober 150" presented by the Delaware Office of Highway Safety NASCAR K&N Pro Series East race. More info and tickets at doverspeedway.com.(9-25-2013)

PIR to make major announcement on Oct 1st: Phoenix International Raceway President Bryan R. Sperber will make a major announcement regarding the track's history and its future at a media event Tuesday, Oct.1 at The Ritz-Carlton. The event will begin with a reception followed by the announcement at 1:00pm/pt. Sperber will be joined by a number of dignitaries from local and state government as well as the motor sports industry. Arizona Governor Jan Brewer and 1983 Indianapolis 500 winner Tom Sneva are among the special guests expected to participate.(PIR)(9-25-2013)

Terry Fator to sing national anthem at Vegas truck race: Las Vegas headliner Terry Fator will sing the national anthem prior to the start of Saturday's Smith's 350 NASCAR Camping World Truck Series race at Las Vegas Motor Speedway. Fator, a past America's Got Talent TV show winner (2007), performs at the Mirage Hotel & Casino in Las Vegas. Qualifying is scheduled to begin at 3:15 p.m. on Saturday, with the Smith's 350 starting at 5:30 p.m. Each ticket purchased also includes free access to LVMS' fabulous Neon Garage fan experience. To purchase tickets or obtain additional information, please call LVMS at (702) 644-4444 or visit www.LVMS.com.(LVMS)(9-25-2013)

Edwards to appear "The Late Late Show" late night/early morning: #99-Carl Edwards is scheduled to appear on "The Late Late Show" with host Craig Ferguson tonight on CBS. Edwards will make his seventh appearance on "The Late Late Show" since 2006. He will join comedian Ray Romano as a guest premiering at 12:35am/et, Wednesday, Sept 25th.(RFR)(9-24-2013)

Jimmy John's joins Stewart-Haas in 2014: Jimmy John's, maker of gourmet sandwiches with freaky fast delivery since 1983, will joinStewart-Haas Racing (SHR) beginning in 2014 as a primary sponsor of driver Kevin Harvick and the #4 Chevy in the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series. Jimmy John's will be the primary sponsor of Harvick and the #4 team for 12 races, highlighted by the Brickyard 400 at Indianapolis Motor Speedway. For the remaining 26 races on the Sprint Cup schedule, Jimmy John's will serve as a major associate sponsor of the #4 Chevy. Jimmy John's will also be an associate sponsor of the #14 Bass Pro Shops/Mobil 1 Chevrolet of SHR driver/owner Tony Stewart, who will join Harvick in representing Jimmy John's. "We are fortunate to partner with Kevin for many more years in a very meaningful way," said Jimmy John Liautaud, CEO and founder, Jimmy John's. "On and off the track, Kevin and (wife) DeLana Harvick are winners in all they do. And Tony's reputation as a fierce competitor speaks for itself. Game on."
From humble beginnings in Champaign, Ill., in 1983, Jimmy John's has grown to become a dominant entity in the quick-service restaurant industry. With more than 1,700 stores throughout the United States, Jimmy John's success is attributed to an innate desire to simply be the best. Their award-winning bread is baked fresh each day, and its meat and vegetables are sliced fresh daily. Its food contains no additives and no vegetable-based fillers. Augmenting the company's unmatched product is equally unmatched service, with every sandwich made fresh to order in less than 30 seconds.
"I've known Jimmy since 2009 and I've personally seen how driven he is and how his work ethic is embraced by Jimmy John's franchisees," said Harvick, winner of 21 Sprint Cup races, including the 2007 Daytona 500 and 2003 Brickyard 400. "He wants to be the best, period. And he'll out-work everyone to be the best. That's the same mindset we have in racing. I'm proud to continue this partnership with Jimmy John's at Stewart-Haas Racing."
"Jimmy's passion for quality products and service has made Jimmy John's what it is today," said Stewart, a three-time Sprint Cup champion. "He's a savvy marketer who has seen the benefit of a NASCAR team sponsorship. We're pleased to partner with Jimmy John's because combining quality with quickness is what Stewart-Haas Racing is all about."(SHR)(9-24-2013)

Brian Scott to Make Sprint Cup Series Debut at CMS: Richard Childress Racing driver Brian Scott will make his first NASCAR Sprint Cup Series start at Charlotte Motor Speedway on Saturday, Oct. 12. Shore Lodge will serve as the primary sponsor when the Boise, Idaho-native pilots the #33 Shore Lodge Chevrolet SS in the 500-mile event. "I'm really looking forward to making my Sprint Cup Series debut at Charlotte Motor Speedway," Scott said. "It's something I've dreamed about since I got into racing. I really like the track and it will be really cool to do that in front of the NASCAR home crowd. It's a great opportunity, I'm so thankful to everyone at Shore Lodge and Richard Childress Racing for putting this together and giving me the chance to compete against the greatest drivers in our sport." It will be a busy weekend at Charlotte Motor Speedway for Scott as he will be running double duty starting with the 300-mile NASCAR Nationwide Series event the prior evening. He has seven Nationwide Series starts at the 1.5 mile quad-oval, with one top-five and three top-10 finishes. Scott also has two NASCAR Camping World Truck Series starts at the track. "Brian has been doing great with us this year in the Nationwide Series and it's always good to see young talent coming up in our sport," said Richard Childress, president and CEO of Richard Childress Racing. "He's shown a good feel for how to race our cars and that he's qualified to try his hand in the Sprint Cup Series. We're looking forward to having him in that race." Scott joined the RCR Nationwide Series stable in 2013 as driver of the #2 Chevrolet Camaro and currently sits seventh in series championship standings with one pole award, three top-five and 12 top-10 finishes.(RCR)(9-24-2013)

Valvoline returns to sponsor Hendrick teams: Valvoline, a leading marketer, distributor and producer of quality branded automotive and industrial products and services, will be reunited with Hendrick Motorsports after finalizing a multi-year sponsorship agreement that will kick off next season. The Official Lubricants Partner of Hendrick Motorsports beginning in 2014, the Valvoline brand will be featured as a major associate sponsor of the team's full stable of Chevrolet SS race cars through the 2017 NASCAR campaign. The company will utilize Sprint Cup Series drivers #5-Kasey Kahne, #24-Jeff Gordon, #48-Jimmie Johnson and #88-Dale Earnhardt Jr. as spokespeople to promote Valvoline premium motor oil products and services. In addition, Valvoline will be the preferred oil poured by Hendrick Motorsports' sister company, Hendrick Automotive Group, which operates 87 auto dealerships across the United States. The dealerships also will use Valvoline professional series, a line of fuel system preventive maintenance products that increase fuel economy and drivability, and Valvoline antifreeze. Both product lines contain patented technology that provides exceptional performance. Beginning in 2014, Hendrick Motorsports will use Valvoline products in its Chevrolet R-07 racing engines in the elite Sprint Cup Series. Valvoline was a partner of the team from 1993-95, supplying lubricant technology that contributed to the organization's first Cup championship with Gordon.(Hendrick Motorsports), Valvoline will replace Quaker State Oil at HMS.(9-24-2013)

Allmendinger in the #47 at Dover: AJ Allmendinger will race for JTG Daugherty Racing in the next two NASCAR Sprint Cup Series events in the AAA 400 at Dover International Speedway and the Hollywood Casino 400 at Kansas Speedway. He is also slated for the season-finale at Homestead-Miami Speedway. At Dover, Allmendinger's best finish is seventh-place twice (9/27/09 and 10/2/11) and his best start is second twice (5/13/11 and 9/24/10) in 11 starts. The 31-year-old has three top-10 finishes at the track. "We think Allmendinger's record at Dover is really good," JTG Daugherty Racing co-owner Tad Geschickter said. "He has led a good number of laps there, come close to winning and it is a track that suits his style. There is not a more aggressive physical track on the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series schedule than Dover and when you hit there you hit a ton. While Bobby is still recuperating from his broken ribs, Dover is a race that we have decided to put AJ in the #47 House-Autry Toyota."(JTG Daugherty Racing)(9-24-2013)

Kurt Busch gets a car number: A coincidence? A subliminal message? Or perhaps just a number that was available? Whatever the case, sources confirmed to The Charlotte Observer on Monday night that Kurt Busch will drive the #41 Chevy next season, which will be his first with Stewart-Haas Racing. Busch's number turns out to be the opposite of that of team co-owner Tony Stewart, who drives the #14. Also driving for SHR next season: Kevin Harvick in the #4 and Danica Patrick in the #10.(Charlotte Observer)(9-24-2013)

Several teams to test at Martinsville: The roar of NASCAR Sprint Cup engines will be filling the air at Martinsville Speedway this fall long before the green flag falls on the Goody's Headache Relief Shot 500 Powered by Kroger on October 27. Five Sprint Cup teams and a total of nine Sprint Cup drivers will test at Martinsville Speedway October 7-9. The test sessions will be open to the public at no charge. Roush Fenway Racing, Richard Childress Racing, Earnhardt Ganassi Racing, Front Row Motorsports and Furniture Row racing will be on hand those days testing. Cup drivers testing will included #99-Carl Edwards, #16-Greg Biffle and #17-Ricky Stenhouse Jr. (Roush Fenway Racing); #29-Kevin Harvick, #31-Jeff Burton and #27-Paul Menard (Richard Childress Racing); #42-Kyle Larson (Earnhardt Ganassi), #38-David Gilliland (Front Row) and #78-Kurt Busch (Furniture Row). Brad Keselowski Racing, which fields teams in the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series, will also test on October 7-9. There will be more truck series testing later in October, with Red Horse Racing on October 14 and Richard Childress Racing's truck teams on October 14-15. Another Sprint Cup team, Swan Racing, will share the track with the RCR truck teams on October 15. Testing will run from 9:00am-5:00pm/et each day with an hour break at noon. Grandstands will open at 9:00am/et each day and are open to the public free of charge.(Martinsville Speedway)(9-24-2013)

Top 12 Driver Ratings at Dover:
#48-Jimmie Johnson .......... 119.6
#20-Matt Kenseth .......... 107.3
#18-Kyle Busch .......... 105.6
#99-Carl Edwards .......... 102.9
#16-Greg Biffle .......... 101.4
#55-Mark Martin .......... 97.3
#78-Kurt Busch .......... 93.6
#24-Jeff Gordon .......... 92.7
#15-Clint Bowyer .......... 91.1
#56-Martin Truex Jr. .......... 89.9
#39-Ryan Newman .......... 88.4
#31-Jeff Burton .......... 86.4
For point-paying races in current and past eight years, at this track.
Formula combining the following categories: Wins, Finishes, Top-15 Finishes, Average Running Position While on Lead Lap, Average Speed Under Green, Fastest Lap, Led Most Laps, Lead-Lap Finish. Maximum: 150 points per race.(NASCAR)(9-24-2013)

Dover International Speedway News & Notes - Tuesday:
• The official opening of Dover International Speedway, then called Dover Downs International Speedway, was in 1969.
• The first NASCAR Sprint Cup race was held on July 6, 1969  won by Richard Petty.
• The first two races at Dover were 300 miles. The race length was changed to 500 miles in 1971.
• The track surface was changed to concrete in 1995.
• The race length was changed to 400 miles beginning with the second race in 1997.
• The track name was changed to Dover International Speedway in 2002.
• There have been 87 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series races at Dover International Speedway, one race in 1969 and 1970, two races per year since 1971.
• 373 drivers have competed in at least one NASCAR Sprint Cup Series race at Dover International Speedway; 270 in more than one.
• Ricky Rudd leads the series in starts at Dover with 56. Mark Martin leads all active drivers with 54 starts; followed by Terry Labonte with 52. (NASCAR)(9-24-2013)

Cold Stone Creamery on the #30: For the first time this year, Nelson Piquet Jr. will display the Cold Stone Creamery colors on the #30 this weekend in Dover. For more than 25 years Cold Stone has served up the finest, freshest ice cream, cakes, smoothies and shakes using only the highest quality ingredients, and of course, our signature process of preparing your custom ice cream creation on a frozen granite stone.(Turner Scott Motorsports), see an image of the car on the #30 team paint schemes page.(9-24-2013)

SEM sponsoring Allgaier at Dover: SEM Products, Inc. will sponsor the #31 Chevy Camaro driven by Justin Allgaier in this weekend's NASCAR Nationwide Series 5-hour ENERGY 200 race at Dover International Speedway. SEM Products, Inc., whose is in partnership with Turner Scott Motorsports, provides adhesives, sealers and paint products to the organization's teams. SEM Products is a leading manufacturer of products for automotive body repair and refinishing. The company, which was founded in 1948, manufactures a wide array of automotive repair products including adhesives, fillers and sealers; flexible coatings; rust and corrosion prevention and treatment; trim paints and truck bed liners.(Turner Scott Motorsports)(9-24-2013)

Buescher racing Exide EDGE colors in Las Vegas: For the second time this season, the #31 will carry the Exide EDGE color scheme at LVMS. In their first appearance of the season in Iowa, James Buescher came from seventh place with under 50 laps remaining to drive to the team's second victory of the season. Exide Technologies, with operations in more than 80 countries, is one of the world's largest producers and recyclers of lead-acid batteries. The Company's global business groups provide a comprehensive range of stored electrical energy products and services for industrial and transportation applications. Transportation markets include original-equipment and aftermarket automotive, heavy-duty truck, agricultural and marine applications, and new technologies for hybrid vehicles and automotive applications. Industrial markets include network power applications such as telecommunications systems, electric utilities, railroads, photovoltaic (solar-power related) and uninterruptible power supply (UPS), and motive-power applications including lift trucks, mining and other commercial vehicles.(Turner Scott Motorsports PR)(9-24-2013)

Wally Dallenbach Jr. Foundation on board with Gresham in Vegas: Max Gresham could not have picked a better place to launch his partnership with the Wally Dallenbach Jr. Foundation, since Las Vegas Motor Speedway is the site of Gresham's first NASCAR Camping World Truck Series start. As an avid hunter and fisherman, Gresham will be a strong ambassador for the Wally Dallenbach Jr. Foundation during Saturday's Smith's 350 at Las Vegas Motor Speedway and for the season. The foundation is a non-profit organization specifically designed to give children who have lost a parent the opportunity to learn about the outdoors through hunting and fishing expeditions. The Wally Dallenbach Jr. Foundation Chevy will feature a yellow and orange fading sunrise paint scheme with a hunting preserve featured in black on both sides of the truck along with the Wally Dallenbach Jr. Foundation logo. Gresham will also honor the life of former competitor and family friend Beau Slocumb, who lost his battle with cancer on April 8, 2011. The truck will have a special neon orange #8 on the door - Slocumb's car number during his racing career. The Milner, Ga., native honors Slocumb throughout the racing season on his gray helmet with the orange #8.(See an image on the #8 team paint schemes page)(Sharp-Gallaher Racing PR)(9-24-2013)

Texas to install HD Video screen, announces 2014 schedule: Texas Motor Speedway announced] that the world-renown motorsports facility is partnering with Panasonic to create the world's largest high-definition video board and enhance another major aspect of the overall fan experience beginning in 2014. In a state that already boasts seven of the world's 50 largest HD video boards, Texas Motor Speedway will vault to the No. 1 position for a sporting venue in not only Texas but the world with this behemoth creation by Panasonic. The video board display, which will be located in the center of the backstretch, will feature a staggering 20,633.64 square feet of HD display - nearly a half-acre - with dimensions of 218 feet wide and 94.6 feet tall. The entire structure will stand nearly 125 feet above ground level and weigh more than 108 tons. The display size will allow Texas Motor Speedway to succeed its fellow Speedway Motorsports, Inc. facility  Charlotte Motor Speedway (16,000 sf) - as the owner of the world's largest sporting venue hi-definition screen as well as wrestle the state title away from the Houston Texans' Reliant Stadium that recently upgraded its facility with 14,549 square feet of HD video displays. Locally, it will be 79 percent larger than the video board at AT&T Stadium (11,520 sf), home of the Dallas Cowboys. The video board, nicknamed "Big Hoss TV" by speedway officials, will debut April 3-6 at the Texas 500 NASCAR doubleheader weekend. Construction will begin following the Oct. 31-Nov. 3 AAA Texas 500 NASCAR tripleheader weekend and the project is scheduled for completion by March 2014.
AND: The 2014 motorsports schedule for Texas Motor Speedway will once again feature the eighth race of the Chase for the Sprint Cup with November's AAA Texas 500, but also includes variations to its spring NASCAR doubleheader weekend and annual INDYCAR race. The Texas 500 NASCAR doubleheader schedule will be modified to provide both local and visiting fans the ultimate sports weekend with the NCAA Final Four tournament semifinals also being staged that weekend in Arlington. The NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Texas 500 has been run Saturday evening the past three years, but will return to its traditional Sunday afternoon slot for only the 2014 season. The shift to Sunday, April 6, will avoid a head-to-head conflict with the college semifinal basketball games scheduled for Saturday, April 5, and also allow fans that are visiting the Dallas/Fort Worth Metroplex for the college basketball tournament the opportunity to enjoy some NASCAR racing, in particular the Texas 500 since there are no NCAA Final Four games that day. Texas Motor Speedway also will tweak the traditional NASCAR race weekend schedule and run the O'Reilly Auto Parts 300 Nationwide Series race the evening of Friday, April 4, while The Dallas Morning News SportsDay Qualifying Day for the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series will take place the afternoon of Saturday, April 5. The on-track activity officially begins Thursday, April 3, with a pair of Nationwide Series practices and The Dallas Morning News SportsDay Qualifying Day for the Nationwide Series set for Friday, April 4.
The INDYCAR/NASCAR doubleheader remains in its traditional slot - two weeks after the Indianapolis 500 on June 5-7 - but IndyCar Series race fans literally will get more mileage out of their visit next season. "America's Original Nighttime IndyCar Race" will have an additional 50 kilometers of race action and be retitled the Firestone 600 to reflect the change in the race distance. The NASCAR Camping World Truck Series will be paired with the IndyCar Series for the 18th consecutive season, dating to the speedway's opening in 1997. The WinStar World Casino And Resort 400 will be held the evening of Friday, June 6, along with IndyCar Series qualifying.
The Texas Motor Speedway season concludes once again with a NASCAR tripleheader spiced with playoff-type drama as the AAA Texas 500 race week is set for Oct. 30-Nov. 2. The weekend will feature the AAA Texas 500, the eighth race in the Chase for the NASCAR Sprint Cup since its debut in 2005, on Sunday, Nov. 2. The NASCAR Sprint Cup Series will be joined by its other top-tier series as the Camping World Truck Series WinStar World Casino And Resort 350 will be held the evening of Friday, Oct. 31, and the Nationwide Series O'Reilly Auto Parts Challenge on Saturday, Nov. 1.(TMS)(9-24-2014)

Get Well Steve Byrnes: RaceHub co-host/longtime NASCAR on Fox personality Steve Byrnes will take a medical leave of absence for the remainder of the 2013 NASCAR season, effective immediately. Adam Alexander, one of the show's original hosts, will fill in for Byrnes alongside Danielle Trotta. Any updates on Byrnes will come at the discretion of the family.(Fox Sports)(9-23-2013)

Entry List for the AAA 400 Sprint Cup Series race at Dover International Speedway is posted, 43 teams/drivers [for 43 spots] are listed, including: #30-Whitt, #32-Hill, #51-Ryan Truex, #40-Cassill, #47-Allmendinger, #95-Sorenson. With 43 cars entered, everyone will make the race.
See the full entry list at my Jayski's Dover Entry List

Could Truex go to Gibbs? Will NAPA return? UPDATE: #56-Martin Truex, Jr., an innocent victim in this whole thing, is handling things with class. But he points out that he now has to look out for himself, and that means making some quick decisions about 2014. Immediately after NAPA's decision to pull the plug on the Waltrip-Truex team, there were hopes that NAPA, perhaps with Truex, might move to another stock car operation and continue its sports marketing here. NAPA is one of this sport's long-time sponsors. However Sunday here a man close to the situation said NAPA has now decided simply to drop out of NASCAR racing. If so, that could be a devastating blow; the sanctioning body itself just lost Nationwide as sponsor of its Triple-A tour (following the 2014 season). Where Truex might land, if he does move on? Well, Toyota's Joe Gibbs has been looking to fill a long-proposed fourth Cup team slot; Gibbs tried to get Kurt Busch earlier this year. And Richard Childress is still filling out his 2014 roster. Truex says simply "life moves on. I've moved on from it.(MikeMulhern.net)
BUT: According to a tweet by NASCAR.com's Kenny Bruce, "J.D. Gibbs did everything but rule out 4th Cup team for JGR. 'Going from 2 to 3 was so difficult. ... I don't see it.' ".
AND: Sporting News' Bob Pockrass reports, "Joe [Gibbs] said he's devoted to Toyota & MWR & supports them, said he has no idea what's happening and had no talks [about] 4th team w/NAPA-Truex"(9-23-2013)
UPDATE: Waltrip ... said that if Truex could find another deal, he wouldn't hold him back even though two years remain on his contract. Right now, there's only one other real deal out there  the Furniture Row Racing #78 car. That team is self-funded by Barney Visser, who owns the furniture chain. Furniture Row general manager Joe Garone said he was interested in Truex, and he likely could wait a while for Truex to make a decision. The organization likely would go with a young driver if not Truex, meaning all those drivers probably would be available well into November before having to make a commitment for 2014. The big "if" is whether NAPA will return and sponsor another Cup team. NAPA likes to have a car for the full season but several sources in the garage said the $16 million that NAPA is reportedly paying likely includes a hefty Chase bonus and might be too low to garner a full season with other organizations. Team owner Richard Childress said he wasn't going to call NAPA, but he could start a fourth team if there is interest. "You're always interested, but we're going to see what shakes down here with those guys," he said. "I hope NAPA stays in the sport. I really hate it for Martin. I'm sure they'll see the value in our sport and hopefully stay in with whomever. We're not going to beat their door down. We can do a fourth team. I don't believe in going out and chasing somebody in a bad situation. Let them make their decision."
Chip Ganassi had no comment on the possibility of pursuing Truex, while Roger Penske said he is set with his two Cup teams for next year. "Martin's one of the good young drivers here," Penske said. "We're committed (to) two cars next year. We have plenty of drivers. What we need to do is stay focused. & At this point, I don't see us going with Truex or NAPA."(Sporting News)(9-23-2013)

5-Hour Energy still undecided on commitment to MWR: Michael Waltrip Racing is still seeking a sponsorship boost from 5-Hour Energy. The president of the energy shot company refused Sunday to give a firm commitment that 5-Hour Energy would remain with MWR and sponsor Clint Bowyer's car in 2014. "We'll see how the year plays out," company president Scott Henderson said Sunday at New Hampshire. Michael Waltrip said Friday he expected 5-Hour Energy to remain with MWR. But Henderson, who had a friendly chat with Bowyer before the race, made it seem like no decision was made. "There's a lot of talk about integrity," he said. "When the guy who's in charge can say, 'I can do whatever I want and I'm going to do it and I just did,' I wonder about integrity. I want to make sure we can win in this sport, OK?" He then walked off. It was unclear if he was referring to Brian France, who said last week as NASCAR chairman he had the authority to expand the Chase field to 13 drivers to accommodate Jeff Gordon. France also lectured the drivers about restoring credibility and integrity to NASCAR following the Richmond debacle.(Associated Press)(9-23-2013)

NASCAR to test following Charlotte: NASCAR will have a test the Monday after the Charlotte race to try some things for 2014. Each manufacturer will be represented. Ford will be represented by The Wood Brothers and Penske Racing.(Fire in the Hole)(9-23-2013)

T.J. Duke in the #79 at Dover: T.J. Duke will return to the NASCAR Nationwide Series on Saturday September 28th, 2013 for The 5-Hour Energy 200, Benefiting Living Beyond Breast Cancer at Dover International Speedway in Dover, Delaware. T. J. Duke's Go Green Racing #79 Ford Mustang will have primary sponsorship from North Carolina's Brysonfuel along with the secondary sponsorship effort from, T. D. M. Contractors, Duke Masonry and The Darrell Gwynn Foundation all prominent South Florida businesses. Duke gained national attention in 2011 as one of the youngest drivers to attain his NASCAR credential. You may have noticed him in the #07 Merrill Lynch Camping World Truck Series in Martinsville and Daytona or in the #40 Chevrolet Nationwide car which he drove in Phoenix and Homestead.(Duke PR)(9-23-2013)

Nationwide Entry List:There are 39 cars on the preliminary entry list for Saturday's OneMain Financial 200 at Dover International Speedway. A few notes:
Chase Miller is in the Rick Ware #15;
Joey Logano will drive the Penske #22;
Donnie Neuenberger is entered in the #23;
Ken Butler will drive the SR2 #24;
Danny Efland will drive the MAKE #50;
The Mike Harmon #74 is TBA;
TJ Duke will drive the Go Green #79;
Morgan Shepherd is entered in his #89.(9-23-2013)
See the complete list on the Dover entry list page.

Truck Series Entry list: There are 29 trucks on the preliminary entry list for Friday's Smith's 350 at Las Vegas Motor Speedway. Some notes include;
Chris Lafferty is back in the #0;
Justin Lofton returns in the #6;
Chris Jones and the #93 team are entered.(9-23-2013)
See the complete list on the Las Vegas entry list page.

Sharp-Gallaher relocating: Sharp-Gallaher Racing expects to grow to 40 employees as it moves to Mooresville from Denver, N.C., to occupy an existing building. The NASCAR racing company expects to spend $3.1 million to relocate to a building at 126 Exmore Drive in Deerfield Business Park. The facility totals 46,000 square feet in manufacturing and office space. Sharp-Gallaher has two drivers, Justin Lofton and Max Gresham, who drive in the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series. The company will bring 25 jobs from the Denver area of Lincoln County and add 15 jobs at the Iredell County facility. Salaries for those jobs will average $57,000 per year, the company says. Last week, both the Iredell Board of County Commissioners and the town of Mooresville Commissioners approved incentives grants for the project. The total value of those inducement wasn't immediately available. Eddie Sharp Jr., team co-owner, says the move will allow the team to be closer to vendors and to a pool of racing employees.(Charlotte Business Journal)(9-23-2013)

Armstrong gets new crew chief: Dakoda Armstrong, driver of the #60 WinField Silverado in the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series, and officials from Turn One Racing confirmed the addition of veteran crew chief Doug George to the team. Before joining Armstrong and the team at Canadian Tire Motorsports Park in August as truck chief, George most recently served as crew chief for Jason White and the #23 NCWTS team in 2012. Accepting the leadership role prior to this weekend's event at Las Vegas Motor Speedway, George brings experience from nine years of NCWTS competition, along with two wins in the series. He will join the #60 team and driver Armstrong as crew chief for the remaining six races of the 2013 NCWTS season.(TurnOne Racing)(9-23-2013)

New Hampshire wants night race next season UPDATE: New Hampshire Motor Speedway general manager Jerry Gappens said the track has requested a night race for 2014. NASCAR has not released the schedule. "I haven't gotten a response back from NASCAR," he said. "I plan to address it with them this weekend." While many NASCAR venues have struggled with dwindling attendance woes, Gappens said New Hampshire was close to selling out the 93,500-seat track on Sunday.(Associated Press)(9-21-2013)
UPDATE: New Hampshire Motor Speedway officials are interested in moving the track's July NASCAR Sprint Cup Series race under the lights, according to Executive Vice President and General Manager Jerry Gappens. "We do a lot with our fans; I'm all over this place during race week interacting with fans and & that is the feedback I've gotten," Gappens said Saturday at NHMS. "I've learned one thing, New Englanders don't like 90-95 degree heat and high humidity. And I'm seeing the (ticket) numbers reflect that in renewals for July. I get letters (and) a lot of people who say they had their father or their parents with them and it was just too hot (in July)." The track currently does not have lights in place to accommodate night races. Gappens said before pursuing the matter any further, which would include receiving approval from local authorities, he wanted to put the idea in front of NASCAR officials. "They're working on sanctioning agreements and scheduling (for 2014)," he said. "But before I take any steps at this point, I want to make sure NASCAR is in agreement and our TV partners (are aware), because you've got a broadcast schedule also (that has to be considered). If NASCAR approves the NHMS move, Gappens would need to gain approval from local authorities because the original agreement when the track was built included a stipulation -- the result of a lawsuit -- that no races would be held at night. Gappens said it was likely that the move to racing under the lights, should it be approved, would take place in 2015. "I don't think it's going to happen for '14," he said.(NASCAR.com)(9-23-2013)

Pastrana ticket package at Homestead: X Games and reality TV star turned NASCAR Nationwide Series driver Travis Pastrana is giving fans a new reason to follow him in NASCAR. Pastrana, regarded as one of the most talented motorsports competitors in the world, will participate in a fan Q&A session prior to making his NASCAR Nationwide Series race debut at Homestead-Miami Speedway on Saturday, November 16. Well known among action sports fans, Pastrana has raced just about everything with wheels, from motorcycles to monster trucks. The 11-time X Games gold medalist is currently running his first full NASCAR Nationwide Series schedule. He drives the # 60 Ford Mustang for Roush Fenway Racing. The $120 package -- valued at more than $200 if priced individually -- will benefit the Make-A-Wish Foundation. It includes: One ticket to the Ford EcoBoost 300 on November 16; One ticket to the Ford EcoBoost 400 on November 17; Question and answer session with Pastrana before the Ford EcoBoost 300; Pre-Race Pit Pass (valid for Saturday and Sunday); and Donation to the Make-A-Wish Foundation.(Homestead-Miami Speedway)(9-23-2013)

Kenseth wins New Hampshire: #20-Matt Kenseth won the Sylvania 300 Sprint Cup Series race at New Hampshire Motor Speedway for his 2nd win in a row, 7th of 2013, and 31st career win. He becomes only the second driver (with Richard Petty) to win in his 500th series start. He also becomes the third driver to win the opening two races of the Chase (Biffle did it in 2008 and Stewart in 2011).
#18-Busch finished 2nd (as he did last week in Chicago) followed by #16-Biffle, #48-Johnson, #1-McMurray, #88-Earnhardt, Jr., #55-Vickers, #31-Burton, #99-Edwards, and #56-Truex, Jr.
Pole sitter #39-Newman led the first 2 laps of the race, but finished 16th.
The worst finishing Chase driver was #5-Kahne who had an accident late and finished 37th.
There were 19 lead changes among 11 drivers and 7 cautions for 37 yellow flag laps.
The average speed was 107.573mph. NASCAR no longer announces the track attendance.
See unofficial race results, awards, money won, laps led, cautions and more on the Unofficial New Hampshire Race Results page (pdf) and check out the New Hampshire Penalty Report (pdf).
See OFFICIAL race results & points standings on the New Hampshire Official Race & Points Report (pdf)(9-23-2013)

2013 Sprint Cup Driver Championship Points Standings:
[after New Hampshire, race 28 of 36]
1) #20-Matt Kenseth [7 wins], 2111
2) #18-Kyle Busch [4 wins], 2097, -14
3) #48-Jimmie Johnson [4 wins], 2093, -18
4) #99-Carl Edwards [2 wins], 2075, -36
5) #16-Greg Biffle [1 win], 2073, -38
6) #29-Kevin Harvick [2 wins], 2072, -39
7) #78-Kurt Busch, 2071, -40
8) #24-Jeff Gordon, 2069, -42
9) #39-Ryan Newman, 2064, -47
10) #15-Clint Bowyer, 2063, -48
11) #88-Dale Earnhardt Jr., 2049, -62
12) #22-Joey Logano [1 win], 2042, -69
13) #5-Kasey Kahne [2 wins], 2040, -71
See unofficial drivers championship points standings on the Unofficial Drivers Points Standings (pdf).
See the unofficial owner points standings on the Unofficial Owners Points Standings page (pdf).(9-22-2013)
See OFFICIAL race results & points standings on the New Hampshire Official Race & Points Report (pdf)(9-23-2013)

Where did the 13 Chase Drivers finish at New Hampshire?
[by points standings before the race (start pos)]
1) #20-Matt Kenseth, 1st (9)
2) #18-Kyle Busch, 2nd (12)
3) #48-Jimmie Johnson, 4th (11)
4) #29-Kevin Harvick, 20th (8)
5) #99-Carl Edwards, 9th (26)
6) #78-Kurt Busch, 13th (4)
7) #24-Jeff Gordon, 15th (3)
8) #39-Ryan Newman, 16th (1)
9) #15-Clint Bowyer, 17th (16)
10) #5-Kasey Kahne, 37th (2), Accident
11) #16-Greg Biffle, 3rd (10)
12) #22-Joey Logano, 14th (6)
13) #88-Dale Earnhardt Jr., 6th (17)
(9-22-2013)

Race Fast Facts - New Hampshire:
Matt Kenseth won the 17th Annual SYLVANIA 300, his 31st victory in 500 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series races.
This is his seventh victory and 15th top-10 finish in 2013.
This is his first victory and 14th top-10 finish in 28 races at New Hampshire Motor Speedway.
This is the third time a driver has won the first two races in the Chase for the NASCAR Sprint Cup. Tony Stewart did it in 2011 and Greg Biffle did it in 2008.
106 laps led in the race is a personal best for Matt Kenseth at New Hampshire Motor Speedway. He led a previous best 77 laps in the July 2002 race.
Matt Kenseth is the 12th different driver to win in the last 12 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series races at New Hampshire Motor Speedway.
Kyle Busch (second) posted his eighth top-10 finish in 18 races at New Hampshire Motor Speedway. It is his 16th top-10 finish in 2013.
Greg Biffle (third) posted his ninth top-10 finish in 23 races at New Hampshire Motor Speedway.
Matt Kenseth leads the point standings by 14 points over Kyle Busch.
(NASCAR Integrated Sports Marketing)(9-22-2013)

2013 Sprint Cup Driver Championship Points Standings:
[after New Hampshire, race 28 of 36]
1) #20-Matt Kenseth [7 wins], 2111
2) #18-Kyle Busch [4 wins], 2097, -14
3) #48-Jimmie Johnson [4 wins], 2093, -18
4) #99-Carl Edwards [2 wins], 2075, -36
5) #16-Greg Biffle [1 win], 2073, -38
6) #29-Kevin Harvick [2 wins], 2072, -39
7) #78-Kurt Busch, 2071, -40
8) #24-Jeff Gordon, 2069, -42
9) #39-Ryan Newman, 2064, -47
10) #15-Clint Bowyer, 2063, -48
11) #88-Dale Earnhardt Jr., 2049, -62
12) #22-Joey Logano [1 win], 2042, -69
13) #5-Kasey Kahne [2 wins], 2040, -71
See unofficial drivers championship points standings on the Unofficial Drivers Points Standings (pdf).
See the unofficial owner points standings on the Unofficial Owners Points Standings page (pdf).(9-22-2013)
See OFFICIAL race results & points standings on the New Hampshire Official Race & Points Report (pdf)(9-23-2013)

2013 Sprint Cup Driver Championship Points Standings without Chase:
[after New Hampshire, race 28 of 36]
1) #48-Jimmie Johnson(X) [4 wins], 922
2) #99-Carl Edwards(X) [2 wins], 911, -11
3) #20-Matt Kenseth(X) [7 wins], 903, -19
4) #18-Kyle Busch(X) [4 wins], 896, -26
5) #29-Kevin Harvick(X) [2 wins], 894, -28
6) #15-Clint Bowyer(X), 842, -80
7) #78-Kurt Busch(X), 833, -89
8) #88-Dale Earnhardt Jr.(X), 830, -92
9) #16-Greg Biffle(X) [1 win], 829, -93
10) #24-Jeff Gordon(X), 820, -102
11) #39-Ryan Newman(X), 805, -117
12) #2-Brad Keselowski, 792, -130
13) #22-Joey Logano(X) [1 win], 790, -132
14) #1-Jamie McMurray, 786, -136
15) #5-Kasey Kahne(X), 779, -143
16) #56-Martin Truex, Jr., 752, -170
17) #27-Paul Menard, 742, -180
(X) = a Chase driver.
(9-22-2013)

Penske says no deals made at Richmond: Roger Penske was set to surrender his usual spot on the spotter stand for a seat in a suite. It's one concession from the fallout of the Richmond scandal. But Penske, back at a NASCAR track for the first time since the sport's big embarrassment, insisted his team was in the clear and knew nothing about a deal with Front Row Motorsports to get #22-Joey Logano into the Chase. "We didn't do anything, quite obviously," Penske said Sunday at New Hampshire. "When I heard the crew chief on whatever car it was made all this big noise, we didn't have any deal at all. That's how people role play stuff in NASCAR. I think at the end of the day, it worked out for everybody and we're moving on." Penske said he had only watched one race at a NASCAR track from a spot other than the spotter stand. "I'm going to find a nice spot in the suite," he said, "or maybe I'll stay home and watch on TV."
Penske has plenty on his plate besides dealing with NASCAR's penalties and hoping Logano can rebound from his 12th-place spot in the Chase to work his way into contention. His IndyCar Series team signed former Indianapolis 500 winner Juan Pablo Montoya to mark an open-wheel return and he's trying to find a Cup ride in 2014 for Sam Hornish Jr. Hornish is closing in on a championship in the Nationwide Series but his status for next season is up in the air. With Logano and defending champion Brad Keselowski locked into the two Penske Cup seats, there's no room at Penske in the top series for Hornish, who has made 93 career Nationwide starts for Penske and has run 130 Cup races for him since 2007. Penske said he's yet to make a decision on Hornish's future. "There have been other teams that have contacted him," he said. "I just told him, `Hey, take a good look and see what's out there.' That's what we're doing right now." Penske ruled out any interest in Martin Truex Jr. or expanding his Cup team or Nationwide teams beyond two cars each.(Associated Press)(9-22-2013)

Labonte wants to race next year: For those doubting Bobby Labonte, questioning if he wants to race after this season, consider what he did to get back in the car after a recent cycling accident that broke three ribs and slightly tore a lung. He had acupuncture treatments. Labonte had never had such treatments before. He was poked from his waist to his bruised leg to help aid his recovery after the Aug. 28 accident near his Trinity, N.C. home. The ribs weren't displaced too much, but he said he could feel them clicking at times. Those injuries caused Labonte to miss the past three races but he's back at New Hampshire Motor Speedway.
Labonte wanted to return quickly. It's why he endured acupuncture and why he also had laser treatments on his ribs. The 49-year-old former champion, who will be making his 713th career Cup start, also wants to continue racing after this season. Labonte admits that "some dominoes'' have to fall to see what his options are for next season. To people who suggest that Labonte should leave the sport after this season, relish the fine career he's had - he's won 21 Sprint Cup races and was the 2000 champion - he says: "They're not me, I'm not them. If you enjoy what you're doing and you're able to do it, that's what you want to do,'' he said. Would Labonte take another role in the sport if he wasn't driving after this season? "Racing is Plan A," he said. "We'll worry about Plan B if Plan A doesn't work."(Motor Racing Network)(9-22-2013)

Drivers pleased with new restart rule: The consensus among Cup drivers is that the tweak to the restart rules introduced for the first Chase race last Sunday at Chicagoland has made a potentially gnarly situation less complicated. After the leader of the race, who controls the restart, picks up the pace in the restart zone, the flagman waves the green, and drivers begin racing without changing lanes until they reach the start/finish line. No longer does the lead car have to reach the stripe first - a requirement before the change made last Sunday. Accordingly, NASCAR no longer has to make a judgment call as to whether the lead driver spins his tires, misses a shift or has another issues that would excuse the second-place car from getting to the line first. The rule change also makes it less likely for the second-place car to stack up its line trying to stay behind the leader. "I think NASCAR did a good job by simplifying the restart rules," Carl Edwards said. "I think it makes it easier, because the leader gets to start, and after that it's a race. That's probably the simplest way to do it with the double-file restart."(NASCAR Wire Service)(9-22-2013)

NASCAR to Celebrate National Hispanic Heritage Month: NASCAR will partner with the Hispanic Scholarship Fund to commemorate National Hispanic Heritage Month (Sept. 15  Oct. 15) through a new, dollars-per-lap donation program and five new film shorts highlighting Latino contributors to the sport. In partnership with the Hispanic Scholarship Fund, NASCAR will donate $5 for every lap completed by a Hispanic or Latin American driver in one of the U.S. series. The drivers included in the initiative are: Cuban-American Aric Almirola, Colombian Juan Pablo Montoya, Brazilian Nelson Piquet Jr., Mexican German Quiroga, Brazilian Miguel Paludo, Puerto Rican Bryan Ortiz, Mexican and Spanish-American Jack Madrid as well as Mexico-born Daniel Suarez. The funds will benefit Latino students pursuing an education in STEM (science, technology, engineering and math) programs. To highlight the contributions Latinos are making to the sport both on and off the race track, NASCAR Productions partnered with Latino director Danny Hastings on a five-part series of film shorts. One new film will premiere on NASCAR.com every week during Hispanic Heritage Month, starting with the first one, titled "The Future," that features up-and-coming drivers in NASCAR's regional and touring series.(NASCAR)(9-22-2013)

Top 12 Driver Ratings at New Hampshire:
#14-Tony Stewart .............. 111.0 (injured, not racing)
#24-Jeff Gordon .............. 109.4
#48-Jimmie Johnson .............. 105.1
#11-Denny Hamlin .............. 103.5
#88-Dale Earnhardt Jr. .............. 96.9
#15-Clint Bowyer .............. 96.2
#39-Ryan Newman .............. 93.1
#31-Jeff Burton .............. 92.8
#29-Kevin Harvick .............. 92.1
#5-Kasey Kahne .............. 92.1
#18-Kyle Busch .............. 91.9
#78-Kurt Busch .............. 90.9
For point-paying races in current and past eight years, at this track.
Formula combining the following categories: Wins, Finishes, Top-15 Finishes, Average Running Position While on Lead Lap, Average Speed Under Green, Fastest Lap, Led Most Laps, Lead-Lap Finish. Maximum: 150 points per race.(NASCAR)(9-21-2013)

Final practice for the Sylvania 300 Sprint Cup Series race at New Hampshire Motor Speedway is over after 50 scheduled minutes, the top-five, slowest and notes:
#88-Earnhardt, Jr. 133.059
#20-Kenseth 132.938
#5-Kahne 132.868
#11-Hamlin 132.799
#15-Bowyer 132.591
slowest: #32-Hill 127.718 & #35-Wise 127.419. No speed: #87-Nemechek.
See fastest speeds, laps run and more on the New Hampshire Practice 3 Speeds (pdf).(9-21-2013)

Pit Stall Selections: The selections of pit stalls for the Sylvania 300 Sprint Cup Series race at New Hampshire Motor Speedway have been made.
Pole sitter #39-Newman chose pit stall 1 [as do most pole sitters].
Outside pole sitter #5-Kahne took pit stall 32, with an opening in front of it.
#24-Gordon, who starts 3rd took the 31st pit stall, with an opening behind it.
The 43rd and final pit stall was taken by #42-Montoya, who starts 15th.
To see where the drivers/teams pit stall is, see the pit selection chart on the Pit Stall Selection chart.(9-21-2013)

First Saturday practice for the Sylvania 300 Sprint Cup Series race at New Hampshire Motor Speedway is over after 60 scheduled minutes, the top-five, slowest and notes:
#15-Bowyer 132.688
#88-Earnhardt, Jr 132.406
#78-Busch 132.117
#18-Busch 132.016
#56-Truex, Jr. 131.980
slowest: #95-Riggs 127.726 & #87-Nemechek 117.814. no speed: #35-Wise.
notes: Brian Vickers is at the track today for both practices. He will then fly back to Kentucky for the Nationwide race tonight.
See fastest speeds, laps run and more on the New Hampshire Practice 2 Speeds (pdf).(9-21-2013)

Truex unsure of future plans: #56-Martin Truex, Jr. talked to the media after qualifying Friday afternoon in New Hampshire:
Where do you stand with Michael Waltrip Racing for next season?
"I don't know -- it's too early to tell to be honest with you. I wish I knew and I wish I could say, but a lot of circumstances have to play out and it's so late in the game and late in the season. People already know what they're doing next year -- this is definitely not the time of year you want to find out that you really don't have a ride next year, so to speak. I don't know, it's going to be tough, but we'll have to deal with it and hopefully we'll figure it out."
Would you like to stay at Michael Waltrip Racing?
"I really enjoyed my last four years at MWR (Michael Waltrip Racing) and I feel like we're getting to where we wanted to be when we started four years ago, and this is obviously going to set us back. But,I would love to be there. There's no guarantees right now -- it just depends on how everything goes down."
Is it possible NAPA go to another race team with you as the driver?
"We do have a great relationship and again, this has all happened so fast -- obviously, they're (NAPA) going to need a little time for the dust to settle and figure out what they're next move is. Just have to wait. I guess it's an option, yeah. I feel like we've got a great relationship. I feel like I've represented them well and I know they're happy with the job I've done on and off the race track. We'll just see where that leads. But right now honestly I have no idea what's going to happen." (Toyota Racing PR)(9-21-2013)

Montoya excited about move to IndyCar: Juan Pablo Montoya considered staying in NASCAR and making the jump to Furniture Row Racing. But he says the pull to return to IndyCar and team with Roger Penske made it easy to say no and end his underwhelming stint in stock cars. "When you get a chance to run for Roger, I wouldn't turn that down," Montoya said Friday at New Hampshire Motor Speedway. Montoya won the 1999 CART title, the 2000 Indianapolis 500 and 11 races driving open-wheel for Chip Ganassi. He then moved to Formula One, where he had seven wins and 30 podiums, before reuniting with Ganassi again in 2006 to compete in NASCAR. With a shortened schedule in IndyCar, Montoya could run in select NASCAR races next season, such as the season-opening Daytona 500. Montoya said that decision was up to Penske. At least one 500 awaits. The Indianapolis 500. "Going back to the 500 is a big deal," Montoya said. "I know Roger hasn't won it since `09. I'm one for one there, so hopefully we can make it two for two."(Associated Press)(9-21-2013)

Johnson buys New York apartment: Five-time NASCAR champion #48-Jimmie Johnson has bought a $14.25 million pad at the West Village's Superior Ink. Johnson paid the full asking price for the 3,234-square-foot, five-bedroom apartment at 400 West 12th Street. The racer had earlier sold a sixth-floor, three-bedroom unit in the Robert A.M. Stern-designed building that was listed with Halstead Property's Lisa Rose for $10.5 million, according to the New York Post. Halstead's Brian Lewis represented Johnson in that deal, a spokesperson for the brokerage told The Real Deal. Sales transactions at Superior Ink increased by nearly $1,000 a square foot compared to last year, as The Real Deal reported.(The Real Deal)(9-21-2013)

Sad News - Eric Horn: Eric Horn, 60, passed away on September 14, 2013 at Saint Johns, Arizona. He was born and raised in Yakima, WA, graduating from East Valley High School in 1971. He got his first experience racing at the Yakima Speedway starting in 1969. He got a call in 1983 from friend Larry Pollard to work for Richard Petty's NASCAR team. He and his wife (the former Janet Hoerner, an Eisenhower grad) then moved to North Carolina. He was fortunate to spend his entire career doing what he loved most, working on the NASCAR circuit. Eric was the right rear tire changer and electrical wiring specialist for Robert Yates Racing during the tenures of Larry McReynolds, Davey Allison, Ernie Irvan, and Dale Jarrett. Eric was on the team when Dale Jarrett won the 1999 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Championship. Eric continued to work for Doug Yates at Roush Yates Engines after Robert Yates retired. Eric retired August 30, 2013. He moved with his wife, Janet, to Saint Johns, Arizona to experience off-the-grid living. There will be no local funeral services. There will be a celebration of his life at a future date.(Yakima Herald Republic)(9-21-2013)

Blaney wins at Nationwide race at Kentucky: #22-Ryan Blaney won the Kentucky 300 at Kentucky Speedway for his first career Nationwide win in his 15th race. He is the fourth driver to win in the #22 this year and it is the team's 10th win of the season. #3-Austin Dillon finished second followed by #33-Matt Crafton, #12-Sam Hornish, Jr., #99-Alex Bowman, #54-Drew Herring, #20-Brian Vickers, #34-Jeb Burton (his first Nationwide race), #44-Cole Whitt, and #43-Michael Annett. There were 9 cautions for 44 laps and 6 lead changes among 6 leaders. Complete results are on the Kentucky race results page (pdf).(9-21-2013)

Kentucky Nationwide Race Fast Facts:
Ryan Blaney(i) won the 2nd Annual Kentucky 300, his first victory in 15 NASCAR Nationwide Series races.
This is his first victory and second top-10 finish in 2013.
This is his first victory and second top-10 finish in three races at Kentucky Speedway.
Austin Dillon (second) posted his fourth top-10 finish in four races at Kentucky Speedway. It is his 17th top-10 finish in 2013.
Matt Crafton(i) (third) posted his second top-10 finish in two races at Kentucky Speedway.
Alex Bowman (fifth) was the highest finishing rookie.
Sam Hornish Jr. leads the point standings by 15 points over Austin Dillon.
(NASCAR Integrated Marketing)(9-21-2013)

NationwideDriver standings following Kentucky:
1) #12-Sam Hornish Jr. 962
2) #3-Austin Dillon 947, -15
3) #7-Regan Smith 917, -45
4) #11-Elliott Sadler 908, -54
5) #20-Brian Vickers 902, -60
6) #31-Justin Allgaier 887, -75
7) #2-Brian Scott 883, -79
8) #6-Trevor Bayne 868, -94
9) #32-Kyle Larson# 822, -140
10) #77-Parker Kligerman 783, -179
See complete standings on the driver standings page (pdf).(9-21-2013)

Nationwide Owner Standings following Kentucky are posted (pdf).(9-21-2013)

Hornish on pole at Kentucky: #12-Sam Hornish, Jr. won the Coors Light Pole for the Kentucky 300 at Kentucky Speedway with a speed of 179.235mph. #22-Ryan Blaney will start second. The rest of the top 10: #3-Austin Dillon, #2-Brian Scott, #33-Matt Crafton, #18-Joey Coulter, #54-Drew Herring, #60-Travis Pastrana, #31-Justin Allgaier, and #20-Brian Vickers. Did Not Qualify: #50-Danny Efland. The starting lineup is posted on the Kentucky starting lineup page (pdf).(9-21-2013)

Kentucky Qualifying Notes:
Sam Hornish Jr. won the Coors Light Pole Award for the 2nd Annual Kentucky 300 with a lap of 30.128 seconds, 179.235 mph.
This is his fourth pole in 93 NASCAR Nationwide Series races.
This is his third pole and 22nd top-10 start in 2013.
This is his first pole in four races at Kentucky Speedway.
Ryan Blaney(i) (second) posted his second top-10 start of 2013 and his first in three races at Kentucky Speedway.
Austin Dillon (third) posted his fourth top-10 start at Kentucky Speedway. It is his 22nd in 27 races this season.
Nelson Piquet Jr. (16th) was the fastest qualifying rookie.
(NASCAR Integrated Marketing)(9-21-2013)

Custer to run upwards of 10 truck races in 2014 with help of Schrader, Shear: K&N Pro Series East driver Cole Custer is looking forward to his next step up the NASCAR ladder when he graduates to the Camping World Truck Series next year. Custer, 15, made a nice impression Friday by winning the pole for the North American Power 100 at New Hampshire Motor Speedway with a lap of 128.240 mph. It was his first start at the Magic Mile - behind the wheel of the #00 Ken Schrader Racing Chevy. In addition to running in the K&N Pro tour, Custer is planning to compete in eight to 10 truck races after he turns 16 on January 23. Drivers under the age of 18 can run only on tracks of a mile-and-a-half or less. Veteran crew chief Joe Shear Jr. will oversee Custer's truck program, which will feature Turner Scott Motorsports equipment but will continue to race out of KSR. Shear, 45, worked in the same role with Johnny Sauter for the past seven seasons before they parted ways in August.(FoxSports.com)(9-20-2013)

New Hampshire wants night race next season: New Hampshire Motor Speedway general manager Jerry Gappens said the track has requested a night race for 2014. NASCAR has not released the schedule. "I haven't gotten a response back from NASCAR," he said. "I plan to address it with them this weekend." While many NASCAR venues have struggled with dwindling attendance woes, Gappens said New Hampshire was close to selling out the 93,500-seat track on Sunday.(Associated Press)(9-21-2013)

MAVTV American Real Military Village to debut at Dover: The Dover International Speedway FanZone is getting a big addition this fall, as the largest military expo in all of NASCAR, the MAVTV American Real Military Village, will make its debut at the Sept. 27-29, 2013 race weekend. Presented in conjunction with the USO and USO Delaware, the expo will feature a number of visual and interactive displays from various branches of the military. In addition, more than 100 members from several military branches will be on site to discuss their jobs in the military and the roles they play in protecting the freedom of our country. At more than 40,000 square feet, the scale of the Military Village is fitting for the Monster Mile, as Dover has long been a military town as home to the Dover Air Force Base, which includes the 436th Airlift Wing and 512th Airlift Wing. The Delaware National Guard also has a strong presence in the capital of the First State. The MAVTV American Real Military Village will be open in Dover International Speedway's FanZone throughout the entire fall race weekend. Located just outside Turn 4 of the track, the eight-acre FanZone is also home to numerous interactive displays, games, free sampling stations, driving simulators, live music and much more.(Dover Speedway)(9-21-2013)

Newman wins New Hampshire pole: #39-Ryan Newman won the pole for the Sylvania 300 Sprint Cup Series race at New Hampshire Motor Speedway with TRACK RECORD speed of 136.497mph for his 2nd pole of 2013 and 51st of his career.
#5-Kahne is on the outside pole, followed by #24-Gordon, #78-Busch, #56-Truex, Jr., #22-Logano, #27-Menard, #29-Harvick, #20-Kenseht, and #16-Biffle.
With only 43 cars at the track, no one missed the race
See the full starting Lineup, qualifying results, pole progression, links and notes on the New Hampshire Starting Lineup/Qualifying Page.(9-20-2013)

Qualifying Fast Facts - New Hampshire:
Ryan Newman won the Coors Light Pole Award for the 17th Annual Sylvania 300 with a lap of 27.904 seconds, 136.497 mph. The lap broke the old track qualifying record of 135.922 mph, set by Brad Keselowski on July 14, 2013. Kasey Kahne and Jeff Gordon also surpassed the old track record.
This is his 51st pole in 432 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series races.
This is his second pole and 11th top-10 start in 2013.
This is his seventh pole in 24 races at New Hampshire Motor Speedway.
Kasey Kahne (second) posted his 17th top-10 start of 2013 and his ninth in 20 races at New Hampshire Motor Speedway.
Jeff Gordon (third) posted his 24th top-10 start at New Hampshire Motor Speedway. It is his 15th in 28 races this season.
(NASCAR Statistics)(9-20-2013)

Where the 2013 Sprint Cup Chase Drivers will start at New Hampshire:
[listed by driver points position]
1) #20-Matt Kenseth, 9th
2) #18-Kyle Busch, 12th
3) #48-Jimmie Johnson, 11th
4) #29-Kevin Harvick, 8th
5) #99-Carl Edwards, 26th
6) #78-Kurt Busch, 4th
7) #24-Jeff Gordon, 3rd
8) #39-Ryan Newman, 1st - POLE
9) #15-Clint Bowyer, 16th
10) #5-Kasey Kahne, 2nd
11) #16-Greg Biffle, 10th
12) #22-Joey Logano, 6th
13) #88-Dale Earnhardt Jr., 17th
(9-20-2013)

16 qualifying track records have been set so far 2013
after 25 qualifying session, 3 were cancelled due to rain:
1) Bristol, #18-Kyle Busch, 129.535mph, March 15, 2013 - was 128.709 from March 2003
2) Martinsville, #48-Jimmie Johnson, 98.400, April 5, 2013 - was 98.083 from October 2005
3) Texas, #18-Kyle Busch, 196.299, April 12, 2013 - was 196.235 from November 2006
4) Kansas, #20-Matt Kenseth, 191.748, April 19, 2013 - was 191.360 from October 2012
5) Richmond, #20-Matt Kenseth, 130.334, April 26, 2013 - was 129.983 from May 2004
6) Darlington, #78-Kurt Busch, 181.918, May 10, 2013 - was 181.254 from May 2011
7) Charlotte, #11-Denny Hamlin, 195.624, May 23, 2013 - was 193.708 from Oct 2012
8) Kentucky, #88-Dale Earnhardt Jr, 183.636, June 28, 2013 - was 181.818 from June 2012
9) New Hampshire, #2-Brad Keselowski, 135.922, July 12, 2013, was 135.232 from July 2011
10) Indianapolis, #39-Ryan Newman, 187.531, July 27, 2013, was 186.293 from August 2004
11) Pocono, #48-Jimmie Johnson, 180.654, August 2, 2013, was 179.598 from June 2012
12) Watkins Glen, #9-Marcos Ambrose, 128.241, August 10, 2013, was 127.020 from August 2012
13) Michigan, #22-Joey Logano, 203.949, August 16, 2013; was 203.241mph from June 2012
14) Richmond(2nd time), #24-Jeff Gordon, 130.599, September 6, 2013 - was 130.334 from April 2013
15) Chicago, #22-Joey Logano, 189.414, September 13, 2013 - was 188.147 from July 2005
16) New Hampshire (2nd time),#38-Ryan Newman, 136.497, September 20, 2103 - was 135.922 from July 2013
(9-20-2013)

Friday practice for the Sylvania 300 Sprint Cup Series race at New Hampshire Motor Speedway is over after 90 scheduled minutes, the top-five, slowest and notes:
#78-Busch 134.853
#5-Kahne 134.477
#39-Newman 134.439
#24-Gordon 134.368
#18-Busch 134.302
slowest: #36-Yeley 128.584 & #32-Hill 128.061.
notes: Kenny Wallace is practice and qualifying the #55 for Brian Vickers, who is in Kentucky for the Nationwide Series practices.
Qualifying is scheduled for 3:40pm/et. It will be shown live on Fox Sports 1.
See fastest speeds, laps run and more on the New Hampshire Practice 1 Speeds (pdf).(9-20-2013)

Qualifying Order for the Sylvania 300 Sprint Cup Series race at New Hampshire Motor Speedway is posted. 43 cars/drivers are listed.
The first of the drivers scheduled to go out is #18-Busch.
The final driver scheduled to go out is #38-Gilliland.
Fastest in Friday practice, #78-Busch, is scheduled to qualify 12th.
Qualifying order is set by a random draw, held about an hour before the first practice.
See the full qualifying order on the New Hampshire Qualifying Page.(9-20-2013)

2014 Cup Schedule due out soon UPDATES: The 2014 NASCAR Sprint Cup schedule likely will be out by the end of September, NASCARs Kerry Tharp confirmed Friday at Richmond International Raceway. Tharp said there may be some minor tweaks to the 2014 schedule, but he did not expect a radical overhaul of track dates (FoxSports)(9-7-2013)
UPDATE:The 2014 Sprint Cup schedule is being debated behind closed doors, and some quite interesting twists appear on the table at the moment. Just a few weeks ago it looked like NASCAR didn't plan any major, or even minor, changes for 2014. Now, however, word is things have, for some reason, changed. What NASCAR eventually does with next year's Cup calendar seems up for review, with few sacred cows. Don't make any hotel reservations, but here are some possible moves:
-- Homestead might lose its spot as the season finale;
-- Phoenix might gain the final spot on the 2014 tour;
-- Sonoma could earn a spot in the playoffs, adding a California stop to the chase;
-- Road America, that picturesque road course at Elkhart Lake, Wis., an hour north of Milwaukee, could get a slot in the 2014 Cup schedule (even though NASCAR's Brian France earlier this year said he planned no new tracks on the tour next season);
-- how to fit a new track in the schedule? Dover could lose its late spring Cup weekend (keeping its early fall Cup date, in the chase), track boss Denis McGlynn, not unaccustomed to such speculation, would surely fight hard to keep both;
-- and -- hold your horses -- Darlington might even get its traditional Labor Day weekend Southern 500 back;
-- to fill that Mother's Day Saturday night slot, maybe a swap with Atlanta;
Of course after all this debate NASCAR might simply decide not to make any changes for 2014.(MikeMulhern.net), see the 2014 unofficial schedule page for a look at dates that have been confirmed so far.(9-17-2013)
UPDATE: NASCAR'S 2014 Sprint Cup tour is finally starting to take shape, it appears, with Darlington Raceway officially announcing its Southern 500 again on Mother's Day weekend Saturday, May 10th. Atlanta Motor Speedway is also announcing its 2014 Sprint Cup race date, Sunday, August 31. And Texas Motor Speedway appears ready to announce its 2014 Cup dates too this weekend. Track boss Eddie Gossage says he'll reveal his 2014 dates Monday evening.(MikeMulhern.net)(9-20-2013)

Waltrip to meet media; other sponsors issue statements: Michael Waltrip will hold a media availability at 8:00am/et Friday in the NASCAR Sprint Cup garage in New Hampshire Motor Speedway.
Thursday afternoon, Michaal Waltrip Racing's other primary sponsors issued the following statements:
5-Hour Energy: "Living Essentials, the makers of 5-hour ENERGY shots, is still evaluating its ongoing participation in NASCAR. A decision is not expected until the 2013 racing season is over."
Aaron's: "Aaron's would like to thank NASCAR fans for their continued loyalty during this time of uncertainty. We became a sponsor of MWR 14 years ago and remain dedicated to MWR, to NASCAR and to the fans."(9-20-2013)

Waltrip to meet media; other sponsors issue statements UPDATE: Michael Waltrip will hold a media availability at 8:00am/et Friday in the NASCAR Sprint Cup garage in New Hampshire Motor Speedway.
Thursday afternoon, Michael Waltrip Racing's other primary sponsors issued the following statements:
5-Hour Energy: "Living Essentials, the makers of 5-hour ENERGY shots, is still evaluating its ongoing participation in NASCAR. A decision is not expected until the 2013 racing season is over."
Aaron's: "Aaron's would like to thank NASCAR fans for their continued loyalty during this time of uncertainty. We became a sponsor of MWR 14 years ago and remain dedicated to MWR, to NASCAR and to the fans."(9-20-2013)
UPDATE: Some notes from the press conference, as posted to Twitter by various media members in attendance:
• Michael Waltrip says he can't say he wasn't "overly surprised" by NAPA's decision.
• NAPA wasn't thrilled about the way things were handled "but we put them in this position" says Waltrip
• Waltrip says there was "no master plan to manipulate the race"
• He still insists that #15-Clint Bowyer did not spin on purpose at Richmond
• Waltrip expects Michael Waltrip Racing will remain 3 cars in 2014
• The team's focus is now on finding a sponsor for #56-Martin Truex, Jr.
• He says it's possible that RK Motors - Rob Kauffman's muscle car company - could sponsor the #56 next season
• "There's a lot of concern," says Waltrip. Says he's been "concerned and worried about the future". Will work to regain trust.
• Michael Waltrip: "Yes I was scared and uncertain of our future. After speaking to all our partners, they're going to stick with us."
• Michael Waltrip has talked to Martin Truex Jr. and asked for patience but says team won't stand in Truex's way if he wants to exit.
• Waltrip expects 5-Hour Energy will stay.(9-20-2013)

Harry Scott discusses plans for #51 team: From an interview at Frontstretch:
"Right now, I'm sitting at Phoenix Racing. We're fortunate enough to be in a position that we have secured substantial sponsorship for next year and we know we'll be running full-time. We know we're going to be able to raise the bar and continue to be increasingly more competitive. There's enough sponsorship where we'll be able to make the investments in infrastructure and people and those kinds of things to be more successful, with an eye towards a longer-term goal of being a championship contender. We will more than likely have a single driver in the seat next year, but we may occasionally run a second Cup car in select races, which will obviously be with a different driver.
James (Finch) has expressed an interest in running some races and partnering on some races as well. He doesn't want to totally get out; he just wanted to spend some more time with his eight-year-old, and frankly, I think he was just burnt out from attending a race every weekend for the last however many years. This year, we're probably going to run Larson in the #51 some to give him Cup experience, and we've got Michael McDowell in it this weekend; we're excited about that. We'll have Ryan Truex in the car at Dover. I think Dover will be a good one for him. He should have a really good shot to show what he's made of."(Frontstretch)(9-20-2013)

Swindell will drive for Swan Racing UPDATE:: Swan Racing will have its third different driver in as many weeks as Kevin Swindell takes over the #30 Toyota next weekend in New Hampshire. Swindell is also scheduled to drive the following weekend at Dover. Swindell is a four-time consecutive winner of the Chili Bowl who currently competes in the Nationwide Series. He's run 10 races with Biagi-DenBeste Racing with a season best finish of eighth at Indianapolis. It's also Swindell's best career finish. "They're trying to find somebody full-time for next year and move some different guys in the car and decided to use me," Swindell said on Sunday night when reached by phone. He confirmed he will drive the car the next two weeks. Swindell has never made a Sprint Cup Series start and has just 16 career NNS starts over the past four years.(Popular Speed)(9-16-2013)
UPDATE: Kevin Swindell will make his Sprint Cup Series debut this weekend when the dirt racing star competes at New Hampshire Motor Speedway in the #30 car of Swan Racing. Swan Racing owner, Brandon Davis, parted ways with former driver, David Stremme, after the event two weeks ago at Richmond, and said then he'd be looking at younger drivers the rest of the season with an eye toward filling the seat permanently for next year. "I'm not looking for someone who can bring me money. I'm looking for somebody who can drive. That's the priority," Davis said. "...A young driver is what we're looking for. We want someone we can grow with over a period of time. ... I would like to bring someone in and work with someone that is in their youth as we grow as a team. I'm 34, and if I'm going to have a driver, I'd like him to be younger than me for a lot of reasons, but the biggest one is the marketability of our race team, and what we're all about."(NASCAR.com)(9-20-2012)

Tommy Baldwin Racing names associate sponsor: C&C Audio, Video, and Appliances joins Tommy Baldwin Racing for a four race deal as an associate sponsor on the #36 Chevy of JJ Yeley. Founded in 1975 by Roger and M.A. "Chic" LeBlanc, C&C started out as a small appliance store. Over the years, they expanded to add audio and video to their business. The service provided is unmatched, and the expertise is the top of the line. C&C prides themselves on quality products, reasonable prices, and service before and after the sale.(Tommy Baldwin Racing)(9-20-2013)

Joe Gibbs Racing Launches Chase Digital Magazine: Joe Gibbs Racing currently holds the first and second position in the Chase for the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Championship standings, and now fans will have a unique way to follow the team over the next nine weeks with the launch of a new digital magazine. The magazine will be available on both Apple and Android devices including tablets. It will be available on the Apple App Store and Google Play Store and accessed through the following direct link: www.joegibbsracing.com/chaseapp. The magazine, which will be updated throughout the Chase and through the conclusion of the season, will feature profiles on each of Joe Gibbs Racing's three teams in the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series. The digital magazine will be informative for all NASCAR fans and not just those passionate about JGR's three NASCAR Sprint Cup Series teams. It includes educational pieces that provide in-depth and interactive aspects of the sport including the importance of camber and toe to the performance of a race car. In addition, there is an infographic on each of the race tracks featured in the Chase. Of course there is plenty of information specific to JGR, including photo essays, video profiles of each driver, a feature on driver Darrell Wallace, Jr. and statistical analysis of each driver.(JGR)(9-20-2013)

Final practice canceled due to rain: The final practice session was canceled at Kentucky Speedway on Friday night due to persistent rain. (9-20-2013)

Crafton fastest in first practice: #33-Matt Crafton was fastest during opening practice at Kentucky Speedway with a speed of 173.740mph. The session was shortened due to rain. #3-Austin Dillon was second, followed by: #2- Brian Scott, #20-Brian Vickers, #32-Kyle Larson, #31-Justin Allgaier, #12-Sam Hornish, Jr., #77-Parker Kligerman, #22-Ryan Blaney, and #18-Joey Coulter. 41 drivers practiced during the session. See complete results on the Kentucky practice 1 speeds page (pdf).(9-20-2013)

Custer to run upwards of 10 truck races in 2014 with help of Schrader, Shear: K&N Pro Series East driver Cole Custer is looking forward to his next step up the NASCAR ladder when he graduates to the Camping World Truck Series next year. Custer, 15, made a nice impression Friday by winning the pole for the North American Power 100 at New Hampshire Motor Speedway with a lap of 128.240 mph. It was his first start at the Magic Mile - behind the wheel of the #00 Ken Schrader Racing Chevy. In addition to running in the K&N Pro tour, Custer is planning to compete in eight to 10 truck races after he turns 16 on January 23. Drivers under the age of 18 can run only on tracks of a mile-and-a-half or less. Veteran crew chief Joe Shear Jr. will oversee Custer's truck program, which will feature Turner Scott Motorsports equipment but will continue to race out of KSR. Shear, 45, worked in the same role with Johnny Sauter for the past seven seasons before they parted ways in August.(FoxSports.com)(9-20-2013)

Michigan's Roger Curtis elected chair of Travel Commission: Michigan International Speedway President Roger Curtis has been elected as chairman of the Michigan Travel Commission in recognition for his dedication to growing the tourism industry in the state. His peers on the commission selected Curtis for this top leadership position. Curtis was originally appointed to the Michigan Travel Commission in 2007 and was reappointed for a second term on the commission by Governor Rick Snyder in 2011. He will serve through 2015. As one of only 13 individuals selected by the commission, Curtis and his team are tasked with helping to expand tourism business in the state.(MIS)(9-20-2013)

Hamlin joining Earnhardt Jr at Talladega Experience: Fans who attend the Talladega Experience during the Camping World RV Sales 500 will be given a double dose of NASCAR star-power, as Denny Hamlin joins Dale Earnhardt Jr. on the celebrity appearance lineup at NASCAR's finest hospitality venue race morning. The driver of the #11 FedEx Toyota will be on hand for a question and answer session that all fans are invited to be a part of. Located just outside Talladega's historical frontstretch where countless races have been won and lost at the 2.66-mile facility, the Talladega Experience is just one of the many Camping World RV Sales 500 ticket upgrades available to Talladega Superspeedway ticket holders. It is designed for the FAN, with the ultimate goal of providing each guest with a world-class experience and memories that will last a lifetime. Other celebrities scheduled to appear in the Talladega Experience will be announced in the near future. In addition to the up-close, personal access to both question and answer sessions with Hamlin and Earnhardt, Jr., guests of the Talladega Experience will be treated to unlimited delicious catering and beverages, pre-race pit road tours inside the track, access to the start-finish line during driver introductions, VIP parking, event souvenirs, and more. The Talladega Experience is just one of the many ticket upgrades available to Talladega Superspeedway ticket holders. The package, which must be accompanied by a Frontstretch Grandstand or Tower ticket, is $145 and can be purchased by calling 877-Go2-DEGA or visiting www.talladegasuperspeedway.com.(TSS)(9-20-2013)

McDowell in the #51 at New Hampshire: Phoenix Racing announced that SEM Products, Inc. will sponsor the #51 Chevy SS driven by Michael McDowell in this weekend's NASCAR Sprint Cup Series race at New Hampshire Motor Speedway. SEM Products, Inc., whose partnership with Phoenix Racing begins in 2014, will provide adhesives, sealers and paint products to the organization's NSCS team. SEM Products is a leading manufacturer of products for automotive body repair and refinishing. The company, which was founded in 1948, manufactures a wide array of automotive repair products including adhesives, fillers and sealers; flexible coatings; rust and corrosion prevention and treatment; trim paints and truck bed liners. Michael McDowell, who has been running in the NSCS since 2008, has participated in 24 Sprint Cup Series events this season, earning a best finish of ninth at Daytona International Speedway in February. "I'm really excited about the opportunity to drive for Phoenix Racing this weekend in Loudon," said McDowell. "It's a great organization that has only gotten stronger with the addition of Harry Scott. I appreciate SEM's support this weekend and I hope we can go out and give them a great performance."(Phoenix Racing)(9-19-2013)

NAPA Auto Parts leaving Michael Waltrip Racing at end of year UPDATES: NAPA posted the following message on their Facebook page Thursday morning:
"After thorough consideration, NAPA has made the difficult decision to end its sponsorship arrangement with Michael Waltrip Racing effective December 31, 2013. NAPA believes in fair play and does not condone actions such as those that led to the penalties assessed by NASCAR. We remain supportive of the millions of NASCAR fans and will evaluate our future position in motorsports."(9-19-2013)
UPDATE: Gaylord Spencer, NAPA's Vice President, Marketing Strategy, sent the following company bulletin Thursday morning:
"NAPA announced today that, after due consideration, it has decided to end its sponsorship arrangement with Michael Waltrip Racing (MWR) effective December 31, 2013. As many of you are aware, NASCAR determined that MWR attempted to manipulate race results at Richmond, Virginia, on September 7, 2013. NASCAR assessed a large fine, deducted 50 points from each of the three MWR drivers in the race and suspended or banned other members of the MWR team.
NAPA believes in fair play and we are very disappointed in the actions that led to the NASCAR penalties. We have made NAPA's decision known to MWR and posted a statement on our Facebook page. There will be significant media coverage and discussion among racing fans and we expect that our decision to terminate our sponsorship will generate additional attention. The decision was difficult, but we believe is the right thing to do.
We appreciate in advance your support of our marketing efforts. We will continue to evaluate our future position as it relates to motorsports."
MWR Statement: "Michael Waltrip Racing respects the decision NAPA announced today following the events at Richmond. There is no doubt, the story of Michael Waltrip Racing begins with NAPA Auto Parts, but there are many more chapters yet to be written. MWR has the infrastructure and support of Toyota for three teams plus three Chase-caliber, race-winning drivers. With the support of our corporate partners we are preparing to field three teams in 2014. MWR is a resilient organization capable of winning races and competing for the championship and that remains our sole focus."(MWR)
Michael Waltrip Statement: "NAPA has been with me from winning two Daytona 500s, to missing races with a new start-up team, and back to victory lane again. The relationship grew far past that of just a sponsor, but more of a partner and a friend. We will not be racing a NAPA car in 2014, but I have friendships that will last a lifetime. To the fans and those who made their voice heard through social media, as the owner, I am responsible for all actions of MWR. I sincerely apologize for the role our team played and for the lines NASCAR has ruled were crossed by our actions at Richmond. NASCAR met with the competitors in Chicago and we all know how we are expected to race forward."(MWR)(9-19-2013)

Milestone starts this weekend: #14-Mark Martin, #20-Matt Kenseth and #38-David Gilliland will all hit milestones this weekend - 875th NSCS start for Martin, 500th NSCS start for Kenseth and 250th start for Gilliland. Martin, who is subbing for Tony Stewart, is fifth on the all-time series starts list behind only Richard Petty (1,185), Ricky Rudd (906), Terry Labonte (885) and Dave Marcis (883).(NASCAR)
AND Current points leader, Matt Kenseth, is set to earn a career milestone this weekend at New Hampshire Motor Speedway when he looks to make his 500th Sprint Cup Series start in Sunday's Sylvania 300. Kenseth made his debut in the series in 1998, and has spent 14 full seasons at NASCAR's top level. Kenseth will be driving a special 500th start paint scheme aboard his #20 Home Depot Husky Toyota for this weekend's race events in Loudon, and will be looking to earn his seventh win of the season in this milestone start.(Joe Gibbs Racing), see an image of the car on the #20 team paint schemes page.(9-19-2013)

New Hampshire News & Notes - Thursday:
• All 16 active NASCAR Sprint Cup Series race winners at New Hampshire Motor Speedway participated in at least one or more races before visiting Victory Lane. Ryan Newman and Joey Logano won at New Hampshire in their second appearance.
• Mark Martin competed at New Hampshire Motor Speedway 25 times before winning in 2009; the longest span of any the 16 active NASCAR Sprint Cup Series winners.
• Bobby Labonte leads the series among active drivers with the most NASCAR Sprint Cup starts at New Hampshire without visiting Victory Lane at 37; followed by Dale Earnhardt Jr. with 28.
• Since the advent of electronic scoring the closest margin of victory (MOV) in the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series at New Hampshire Motor Speedway was the July 1, 2007 race won by Denny Hamlin over Jeff Gordon with a MOV of 0.068 second.
• 15 of the 30 NSCS races scored by electronic scoring at New Hampshire Motor Speedway have had a Margin of Victory less than a second.
• Two of the 37 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series races have resulted with a green-white-checkered finish at New Hampshire Motor Speedway (Scheduled No. of Laps/Actual No. of Laps): 2006 (300/308) and 2013 (301/302).
• Four of the 37 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series at New Hampshire Motor Speedway have been shortened due to weather conditions; the most recent was June 28, 2009 - the race was called on Lap 273, 28 circuits shy of the 301 scheduled laps.
• Qualifying has been cancelled due to weather conditions in the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series at New Hampshire Motor Speedway four times: 2001, 2004, 2008 and 2009.
• Three NASCAR Sprint Cup Series active drivers have made their first career start at New Hampshire Motor Speedway: Jeff Burton (9/14/93), Joe Nemechek (7/11/93), and Joey Logano (9/14/08).
• Brad Keselowski (9/19/10) is the only active driver to post his first career NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Coors Light pole at New Hampshire Motor Speedway.
• Four active NASCAR Sprint Cup Series drivers have posted their first career win at New Hampshire Motor Speedway: Joe Nemechek (9/19/99), Ryan Newman (9/15/02), Clint Bowyer (9/16/07) and Joey Logano (6/28/09).
• Jeff Gordon leads all active drivers in the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series in laps led at New Hampshire with 1,316 laps led in 37 starts.
• Danica Patrick is the only female driver that has competed in the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series at New Hampshire Motor Speedway.
(NASCAR)(9-19-2013)

Goodyear Tire Notes: NASCAR Sprint Cup Series teams will run the same combination of left- and right-side tires they ran at New Hampshire this past July . . . they also ran this same tire set-up at New Hampshire last season . . . this is the only track at which either of these two tire codes will be run in 2013 . . . as on most NASCAR ovals one mile or less in length, teams will not run inner liners in their tires at New Hampshire.(Goodyear), see tire codes. pressures. set limits and more on the New Hampshire Race Info page - Goodyear section.(9-19-2013)

Chassis selections for this weeks race: see the list of many teams [that report or post chassis info, some do not] and what chassis were selected by the team to run at New Hampshire Motor Speedway on the New Hampshire Race Info page - Chassis selection area.

McClure happy to be back in racecar: There arrived a moment in Eric McClure's recovery when the prospect of returning to a race car became an indulgence. He had been in a hospital bed for eight days and had undergone a kidney biopsy and a battery of tests, and physicians discussed the efficacy of dialysis. Eventually he had begun to recover from acute renal failure without dialysis and began plotting a return to the Nationwide Series. But plotting a long-term future as a husband and father of five was more important now. The goals could coexist, he knew. But his health couldn't be compromised. Luckily for McClure, that apparently isn't a question anymore. "There wasn't anything I could do but sitting and waiting and trying to rest and that's a hard thing because you're waiting on God and nature," McClure, 34, told ESPN.com. "For me, at this point, it wasn't as urgent as it would have been in the past. There was no ego or challenge to get back in the car this time. It was a little bit larger scare for us, so we wanted to make sure we were doing the right things that would allow me to be a husband and a father 20 years from now other than worrying about getting back in a car. Fortunately it worked out and we came back." Read more at ESPN.(9-19-2013)

Harry Scott discusses plans for next year: From a Frontstretch interview with Harry Scott:
"We do know that [Kyle] Larson will be back in our Nationwide car next year. He won't be running for the championship, but we do know he'll be running as many races as he can in a ride shared with someone else for weekends the two series' schedules conflict. I don't know who that other person is going to be. It might be another developmental driver that Ganassi wants to check out, or it could be one of our drivers. Developing talent is our niche. Dylan Kwasniewski is leading the K&N points right now, so hopefully we'll be able to move him up either to Trucks or directly to Nationwide next year."
Buescher: We're still working on our plans for next season. We have not made a definite decision on James -- he still has the option of doing Trucks or Nationwide. If a Cup opportunity came along for him, I'm sure he would consider that, too. His options are still wide open, and we are right in the middle of negotiating our deals and getting those deals signed. It's interesting because the spots seem to fill up starting with the K&N Series, then Trucks, then Nationwide, so it seems to go from the lower series up to the top series. Nationwide seems to be the last thing we fill."(Frontstretch)(9-20-2013)

Bayne's hauler catches fire on way to Kentucky: Traffic on Interstate 75 North near Merchants Driver is flowing after being snarled by a cargo fire involving a NASCAR Nationwide Series rig and hauler. An E-911 dispatcher said the hauler is carrying the #6 Ford driven by Trevor Bayne of Knoxville. Bayne, 22, drives for Roush Fenway Racing on the Nationwide circuit and Wood Brothers Racing in the NASCAR Sprint Cup series. A message left for a Roush Fenway spokesman was not immediately returned. The race car was not damaged, and the rig was unhooked from the hauler alongside the interstate. The fire was reported at 11:36 a.m. No one was reported injured. Mike Kelley, Bayne's crew chief, tweeted for assistance from any "big rig mechanics near Knoxville," adding, "My race hauler is in need of a little assistance." Bayne was following the hauler in an RV, according to the dispatcher.(Knoxville News)(9-19-2013)

Lepage returns to the #4: Vermont veteran driver Kevin Lepage will return to the cockpit of the JD Motorsports with Gary Keller #4 Chevy in Saturday's Kentucky 300 Nationwide Series race at Kentucky Speedway. Lepage will be competing in the car normally driven by Landon Cassill. Lepage recently drove the #4 car to a 20th-place finish on the Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course.(JD Motorsports)(9-19-2013)

Co-owner Scott dishes on potential 2014 plans: Excepts from Turner Scott Motorsports co-owner Harry Scott's diary: "We're still working on our plans for next season. We have not made a definite decision on James (Buescher) he still has the option of doing Trucks or Nationwide. If a Cup opportunity came along for him, I'm sure he would consider that, too. His options are still wide open, and we are right in the middle of negotiating our deals and getting those deals signed. Dylan Kwasniewski is leading the K&N points right now, so hopefully we'll be able to move him up either to Trucks or directly to Nationwide next year. Chase Elliott has been rumored as a driver for our stable next year, and I think they're going around doing their due diligence. This year, we provided the Trucks for Chase and Hendrick staffed the crew, set up the trucks, and ran them. Those Trucks he's been running are Turner Scott trucks, and it's a really good collaboration between us and Hendrick, and a way for us to give back to Hendrick for as much as they do for us. I would hope that if Chase ends up in a Truck that he ends up with us; if he ends up in anything, I hope he ends up with us."(Frontstretch.com)(9-19-2013)

Goo Goo Dolls to headline prerace concert at Charlotte: One of the most recognized rock alternative bands of the last two decades will help kick off the only Saturday night race in NASCAR's Chase for the Sprint Cup Championship when the Goo Goo Dolls perform during the Fast Cars and Guitars prerace concert at the Bank of America 500 on Oct. 12. Formed in Buffalo, N.Y. in 1985, the multi-platinum-selling group has notched a record 14 Top 10 singles on Billboard's Adult Top 40 charts since it was launched in 1996, including hits like "Name," "Slide," "Here is Gone," "Big Machine," "Let Love In" and "Home."
Charlotte, N.C.-based alternative rock band Paper Tounges will warm up the crowd for the Fast Cars and Guitars event beginning at 4:30pm with a high-energy performance including hits like "Ride To California," "Trinity" and Get Higher. The Goo Goo Dolls are scheduled to take the stage at approximately 5:30 p.m. The concert is free to all Saturday ticket holders, and fans purchase a pit pass upgrade will have stage-front access to the performance.(CMS)(9-19-2013)

2012 Champs to appear at Homestead Speedway Club: Homestead-Miami Speedway announced several unique ticket packages for Ford Championship Weekend, which will return to South Florida for the 12th consecutive year November 15-17, 2013. Highlights include appearances by 2012 NASCAR champions in its top three national series each day of race weekend. NASCAR Camping World Truck Series winner James Buescher will appear at the Speedway Club on Friday (November 15), while NASCAR Sprint Cup Series champion Brad Keselowski will visit with fans in the Speedway Club on Saturday (November 16). Two-time NASCAR Nationwide Series winner Ricky Stenhouse Jr., now a full-time participant in the Sprint Cup Series, will be in the Speedway Club on Sunday (November 17) prior to the weekend's signature event, the Ford EcoBoost 400. The driver appearances will include question and answer sessions. Fans will have access to these driver appearances with the purchase of a Speedway Club ticket, which are on sale now. Speedway Club tickets include: Exclusive hospitality access to all Championship finales, reserved outdoor chair-back seating with armrests and cup holders, Pre-Race Pit Passes for Saturday and Sunday, and VIP parking. The Speedway Club features new amenities including a partially-enclosed area, new flooring, and flat screen TVs.(HMS)(9-19-2013)

Outback Steakhouse renews with Stewart-Haas Racing: Award-winning Outback Steakhouse, with more than 750 locations nationwide, will continue its partnership with Stewart-Haas Racing, the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series team co-owned by three-time series champion Tony Stewart and Haas Automation founder Gene Haas. Outback Steakhouse will be the primary sponsor of SHR's #4 team and driver Kevin Harvick for two races each in 2014 and 2015, and when not serving as a primary sponsor, will be an associate sponsor with placement on the B-post of the #4 Chevy SS. Outback Steakhouse joins Budweiser as a primary sponsor of the #4 team. Whenever Harvick finishes among the top-10 in a Sprint Cup race, a free Bloomin' Onion will be offered to customers on the Monday following the race.(Stewart Haas Racing)(9-18-2013)

Barkdoll leaves Phoenix Racing: Phoenix Racing general manager Steve Barkdoll has parted ways with the NASCAR Sprint Cup team. The move comes one week after new owner Harry Scott Jr., co-owner of Turner Scott Motorsports, formally took control of the # 51 team formerly owned by James Finch. The team made its debut under new ownership last Sunday at Chicagoland Speedway with Justin Allgaier behind the wheel of the #51 Brandt Chevy.(Fox Sports)(9-18-2013)

Image of Austin Dillon's #3 for next year? There are few things that get NASCAR fans fired up more than the idea of the #3 returning to the Sprint Cup Series. Made famous by Dale Earnhardt Sr., the #3 has not been run in the Sprint Cup Series since his untimely death in 2001. Although an official announcement has yet to happen, it is widely expected that Austin Dillon will make the transition to run the in NASCAR Sprint Cup Series season in 2014. The grandson of team owner Richard Childress, it is likely Dillon will drive the #3 car. An image of a #3 Cheerios Chevy Sprint Cup Series car was making the rounds on social media Tuesday, but will this be Dillon's ride for 2014? According to team officials, the picture of the #3 car is a concept RCR was working through with Cheerios at the beginning of the season, and is not the car Dillon will run next season.(Fox Sports), see an image of the car on the 2014 #3 team paint scheme page.(9-18-2013)

Montoya, Edwards featured in Cartoon Network's "Annoying Orange": #42-Juan Pablo Montoya is quite the character; at least he is in the Cartoon Network show called The High Fructose Adventures of the Annoying Orange. He and fellow NASCAR Sprint Cup Series driver Carl Edwards will be featured in the hit show on Wednesday, Sept. 18 at 8:00pm/et. Montoya's character, Juan Papaya, takes part in the adventures as he battles against Hero Carl, Orange, Nerville and other characters in a Cherr-iot race. The High Fructose Adventures of Annoying Orange chronicles the adventures of Orange and pals Pear, Passion Fruit, Marshmallow, Apple, Grapefruit, Midget Apple and Nerville as they travel through time and space in their amazing fruit cart. From the Old West to the race track, Orange and crew drop into crazy adventures and are forced to squeeze their way out. The Cartoon Network created a character specifically for Juan Pablo Montoya named Juan Papaya. Papayas are a typical tropical fruit found in Montoya's native Colombia. The voice-over was filmed earlier this year in California while teams were in town for the race in Fontana, Calif.(Earnhardt-Ganassi Racing)(9-18-2013)

Danica Patrick to co-host American Country Awards: Multi-platinum recording artist Trace Adkins and NASCAR superstar Danica Patrick will co-host the fourth annual AMERICAN COUNTRY AWARDS, airing live from Mandalay Bay in Las Vegas Tuesday, Dec. 10 on FOX. This is Adkins' fourth time serving as a host of the annual awards show, which gives fans the opportunity to vote for their favorite artists in categories such as artists, albums, singles, videos and touring, encompassing the entire spectrum of country music and bestowing honors that no other awards show has. Nominees, performers and presenters to be announced. "I'm so excited to host the AMERICAN COUNTRY AWARDS with Trace Adkins," Patrick said. "I have no doubt he'll be able to keep up with me. I've become a huge fan of country music since I came to NASCAR and have been fortunate to be in videos with Miranda Lambert and Colt Ford. This is going to be a really cool experience and I'm excited to be a part of it. It's going to be a great show!"(Stewart-Haas Racing)(9-18-2013)

New Hampshire News & Notes - Wednesday:
• Mark Martin won the inaugural Coors Light pole at New Hampshire in 1993 with a speed of 126.871 mph.
      • 18 drivers have Coors Light poles at New Hampshire, led by Ryan Newman with six.
      • Five drivers have won consecutive Coors Light poles at New Hampshire: Ken Schrader (1997 sweep); Jeff Gordon (1998-1999); Rusty Wallace (1999-2000); Ryan Newman (twice - 2003-2004 and 2011 sweep); Juan Pablo Montoya (2009-2010).
• 22 different drivers have won at New Hampshire Motor Speedway, led by Jeff Burton with four.
• Two drivers have posted consecutive wins at New Hampshire Motor Speedway: Jimmie Johnson (2003 sweep) and Kurt Busch (2004 sweep).
• Hendrick Motorsports leads the series in wins at New Hampshire in the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series with nine; followed by Roush Fenway Racing with seven.
• Five different manufacturers have won at New Hampshire; led by Chevrolet with 18 victories; followed by Ford with 11 and Toyota with three.
• Jeff Burton is the only driver to win the July race at New Hampshire Motor Speedway three consecutive years in a row (1997, '98 and '99).
• Five of the 37 (13.5%) NASCAR Sprint Cup races at New Hampshire have been won from the Coors Light pole; the most recent was Ryan Newman in 2011.
• The Coors Light pole is the most proficient starting position in the field, producing more winners (five) than any other starting position at New Hampshire.
• Eight of the 37 (21.6%) NASCAR Sprint Cup races at New Hampshire have been won from the front row: eight from the pole and seven from second place.
• 19 of the 37 (51.3%) NASCAR Sprint Cup races at New Hampshire have been won from a top-10 starting position.
• Nine of the 37 (24.3%) NASCAR Sprint Cup races at New Hampshire have been won from a starting position outside the top 20.
• The deepest in the field that a race winner has started at New Hampshire was 38th, by Jeff Burton in 1999.
• Jeff Gordon and Tony Stewart are tied for the series lead in runner-up finishes at New Hampshire with five each.
• Jeff Gordon leads the series in top-five finishes at New Hampshire with 16; followed by Tony Stewart with 14.
• Jeff Gordon leads the series in top-10 finishes at New Hampshire with 22; followed by Tony Stewart with 17.
• Ryan Newman leads the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series in average starting position at New Hampshire with an 8.348.
• Denny Hamlin leads NASCAR Sprint Cup Series in average finishing position at New Hampshire with an 8.800.
(NASCAR)(9-18-2013)

Nationwide will not renew Series sponsorship UPDATE: Nationwide Insurance will exit its title sponsorship of NASCAR's secondary series following the '14 season, but the company plans to increase its spending in the sport by sponsoring a Sprint Cup team, buying media, cutting track deals and maintaining its position as NASCAR's official insurer. Nationwide is in the sixth year of a seven-year series title sponsorship. The title rights and media package cost approximately $8M a year. Nationwide CMO Matt Jauchius said the deal, which was signed in '07, had helped the company expand its business and earn the respect and trust of avid NASCAR fans. By increasing its sponsorship in the Sprint Cup, where it currently sponsors Roush Fenway Racing driver Ricky Stenhouse Jr., and continuing to endorse and feature Danica Patrick and Dale Earnhardt Jr. in advertising during Cup races, he hopes the company can expand brand awareness with casual NASCAR fans. Jauchius said, "Being a series sponsor was the right thing at that particular time but we see Sundays (for Cup races) as the next step. You'll see us lean into this even more at the Cup level. ... I will spend more money in 2014 and 2015 (in NASCAR) by shifting assets around a bit." NASCAR plans to begin searching for a new title sponsor immediately. That effort will be led by Chief Sales Officer Jim O'Connell.(Sports Business Journal)(9-18-2013)
UPDATE: NASCAR and Nationwide Insurance have finalized a new agreement to extend Nationwide's position as the official auto, home, life and business insurance partner of NASCAR through 2017. As part of the new contract, Nationwide Insurance also will become the presenting sponsor of the Betty Jane France Humanitarian Award. The insurer, in its sixth year of a seven-year agreement as title sponsor of the NASCAR Nationwide Series, will pivot from its series entitlement sponsorship and focus its NASCAR marketing programs on the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series beginning in 2015.
"As a series entitlement sponsor and savvy marketer, Nationwide Insurance has been an ideal partner to our sport and we're proud to have them continue to be part of our family of Official NASCAR Partners," said Steve Phelps, NASCAR chief marketing officer. "The company has been highly successful in using our sport as a platform to enhance its brand and drive its business and has stated publicly how much value they glean as a series sponsor. The fact that Nationwide will continue its investment across our sport  in a variety of ways and for many years to come  is encouraging and speaks to the power of NASCAR as a marketing platform."
The insurer began its 15-year motorsports history as a hospitality sponsor with targeted race tracks and progressed to the Official Insurance Partner of NASCAR and the title sponsor for the U.S.'s No. 2 motorsports series. Nationwide Insurance will look to build a more consistent presence in the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series enabling its message to reach an even larger NASCAR audience.
"The NASCAR Nationwide Series is a great proving ground not only for drivers and crew members, but for sponsors too," said Nationwide chief marketing officer, Matt Jauchius. "We're proud of the success Nationwide Insurance has attained through our relationships with NASCAR and the Nationwide Series. It's a natural evolution for Nationwide Insurance to move our marketing investment to the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series and we'll continue to put tremendous effort behind all of our NASCAR marketing platforms in the years to come."
Nationwide Insurance also will sponsor the Betty Jane France Humanitarian Award. The NASCAR Foundation presents the award to a NASCAR fan who embodies the ideals of charity and community that Mrs. France has championed throughout her life. Nominees for the award honor the spirit of NASCAR, demonstrating goodwill and generosity in the interest of helping children in need. One winner receives a $100,000 donation to direct to the children's charity of their choice along with a NASCAR experience of a lifetime. The top three remaining finalists receive $25,000 to direct to their children's charity of choice.
"We approached NASCAR about sponsoring the Betty Jane France Humanitarian Award because it embodies the spirit and culture of giving that Nationwide Insurance values," added Jauchius. "The Nationwide Children's Hospital 200 race is a good example of the collaboration among sponsors, teams and the NASCAR Foundation pulling together to shine the national spotlight on a deserving organization. We look forward to working with Betty Jane and the Foundation to highlight other unique charitable efforts that NASCAR fans support all across the country."
"Nationwide Insurance is a long-standing partner to NASCAR, and more importantly a strong advocate for children, and we are excited to welcome them as presenting sponsor of the Betty Jane France Humanitarian Award," said Betty Jane France, NASCAR Foundation Chairwoman. "At The NASCAR Foundation, we seek to align ourselves with brands and organizations that share our same mission of enhancing the lives of children in this country. For these reasons, Nationwide Insurance is a perfect fit to help us present this special award."(NASCAR)(9-18-2013)

N.C. State Band to play Anthem at Martinsville: Martinsville Speedway announced that the North Carolina State University Marching Band will perform the National Anthem prior to the Goody's Headache Relief Shot 500 Powered by Kroger on October 27. The band, which has over 335 members, is known for its Saturday afternoon performances in Carter-Finley Stadium for Wolfpack football games, but "The Power Sound of the South" has played for United States presidents, performed in the Rose Bowl and marched through the streets of Dublin, Ireland for the annual St. Patrick's Day Parade. They will be playing in Spain in 2014.(Martinsville Speedway)(9-18-2013)

Chicago TV Ratings: The live racing portions of the rain-delayed GEICO 400 NASCAR Sprint Cup race at Chicagoland Speedway on Sunday, Sept. 15, earned a combined 1.8 U.S. household rating on ESPN and ESPN2, averaging 2,688,652 viewers, according to Nielsen Media. Originally scheduled for a green flag shortly after 2 p.m. ET, the race was more than an hour late starting due to rain. It started at 3:15 p.m. and ran live on ESPN until 4:44 p.m. before being halted for more rain. The live portion on ESPN earned a 2.4 U.S. rating, averaging 3,623,308 viewers. After being delayed for more than five hours, the race resumed at 9:55 p.m. and aired on ESPN2 until its conclusion just past midnight. The ESPN2 portion of the race was seen by an average of 2,067,873 viewers with a 1.3 U.S. household rating. Last year's Chicagoland Speedway, which was run and telecast as scheduled, earned a 2.6 U.S. rating, averaging 3,948,966 viewers.(ESPN)(9-17-2013)

Forbes 400 Richest includes some NASCAR-affiliated names: The richest person in or around NASCAR? It isn't even close, in the Forbes 400 Richest Americans released Monday.
John Menard, 73, father and primary sponsor of driver Paul Menard, is 57th on the list with a net worth estimated at $7.5 billion.
Next came Tony Stewart's fishing buddy and primary sponsor, John Morris, 65, of Bass Pro Shops, 110th wealthiest at $4 billion.
Then, if you count the NASCAR association loosely, Frederick Smith, 69, chairman of FedEx, Denny Hamlin's primary sponsor, comes in 243rd at $2.3 billion.
Not until James C. "Jim" France, 68, chairman of International Speedway Corp. and vice chairman of NASCAR, does the Forbes list get to an everyday player in the NASCAR realm. The silent, background power of NASCAR, uncle of chairman Brian France, is worth an estimated $2 billion, ranking him 273rd.
John Henry, 64, owner of the Boston Red Sox and co-owner of Roush Fenway Racing, is 327th at $1.7 billion.
Only one NASCAR team owner, Roger Penske, made the list, and barely squeaked in at that, in a multiple tie for 386th and last. Penske, 76, is worth an estimated $1.3 billion.
Former 400 club member Bruton Smith, chairman of track conglomerate Speedway Motorsports, didn't make the cut this time.
(ESPN)(9-17-2013)

2014 Cup Schedule due out soon UPDATE: The 2014 NASCAR Sprint Cup schedule likely will be out by the end of September, NASCARs Kerry Tharp confirmed Friday at Richmond International Raceway. Tharp said there may be some minor tweaks to the 2014 schedule, but he did not expect a radical overhaul of track dates (FoxSports)(9-7-2013)
UPDATE:The 2014 Sprint Cup schedule is being debated behind closed doors, and some quite interesting twists appear on the table at the moment. Just a few weeks ago it looked like NASCAR didn't plan any major, or even minor, changes for 2014. Now, however, word is things have, for some reason, changed. What NASCAR eventually does with next year's Cup calendar seems up for review, with few sacred cows. Don't make any hotel reservations, but here are some possible moves:
-- Homestead might lose its spot as the season finale;
-- Phoenix might gain the final spot on the 2014 tour;
-- Sonoma could earn a spot in the playoffs, adding a California stop to the chase;
-- Road America, that picturesque road course at Elkhart Lake, Wis., an hour north of Milwaukee, could get a slot in the 2014 Cup schedule (even though NASCAR's Brian France earlier this year said he planned no new tracks on the tour next season);
-- how to fit a new track in the schedule? Dover could lose its late spring Cup weekend (keeping its early fall Cup date, in the chase), track boss Denis McGlynn, not unaccustomed to such speculation, would surely fight hard to keep both;
-- and -- hold your horses -- Darlington might even get its traditional Labor Day weekend Southern 500 back;
-- to fill that Mother's Day Saturday night slot, maybe a swap with Atlanta;
Of course after all this debate NASCAR might simply decide not to make any changes for 2014.(MikeMulhern.net)(9-17-2013)

Chicago Race and Commercial Breakdown: For those of you NASCAR fans that like stats and love to hate commercials, here is the breakdown for Saturday's race. Began recording the times at the Invocation of the race at 3:15 PM, , and stopped at the rain delay at 4:44 PM. Restarted recording the times at the end of the rain delay at 9:55 PM, then stopped at the checkered flag at 12:01 AM (all times are EST). ESPN was the broadcast team for this event.
Total number of commercials: 83
Total number of companies or entities advertised: 51
Number of 'Side-by-Side' commercials during race broadcast (split-screen): 36
Total number of brief promos of products/services during the race broadcast: 25
Total amount of time these brief promos take during broadcast: app. 3 min. 40 sec
Start time to record race/commercial periods: 3:15 PM
Stop time for rain delay: 4:44 PM
Start time to begin recording again: 9:55 PM
End time to record race/commercial periods: 12:01 AM
Total minutes of complete race broadcast: 215
Minutes of race broadcast: 194
Minutes of traditional commercials (not split-screen): 21
Minutes of 'Side-by-Side' commercials (split-screen): 16
Number of missed restarts: 0
Number of 'mystery cautions' (debris not shown): 0 Although extra laps were run before restarts at least twice for debris that announcers referenced, but were not shown on-screen
Total race brdcst time 194 Total comm. brdcst time 21
See past races, links, more info on the 2013 TV Commercials pag.(9-17-2013)

New Hampshire News & Notes - Tuesday:
• Groundbreaking for New Hampshire International Speedway, as New Hampshire Motor Speedway was originally named, was Aug. 13, 1989.
• The 1.058-mile oval is located on approximately 1,200 acres; the multi-use complex is the largest sports facility in New England.
• The first NASCAR Sprint Cup race was on July 11, 1993 - won by NASCAR Hall of Famer Rusty Wallace.
• Speedway Motorsports Inc., agreed to purchase New Hampshire International Speedway from Bob and Gary Bahre on January 11, 2008 and then renamed the track New Hampshire Motor Speedway.
• There have been 37 NASCAR Sprint Cup races at New Hampshire Motor Speedway; one per year from 1993 through 1996 and two per year since.
• 148 drivers have competed in at least one NASCAR Sprint Cup race at New Hampshire Motor Speedway; 120 in more than one.
• Four drivers have competed in all 37 races at New Hampshire: Jeff Burton, Jeff Gordon, Bobby Labonte and Joe Nemechek.
(NASCAR)(9-17-2013)

Herring returns to #54: This week the #54 Monster Energy seat will again see 26-year-old driver Drew Herring in the Joe Gibbs Racing Camry. Herring, a familiar face at JGR, along with the now 10-time 2013 winners, look forward to week 27 running the Kentucky 300 at Kentucky Speedway in Sparta. Herring began his Nationwide Series career in 2010 at Baker Curb Racing with his debut race at Iowa Speedway. He accomplished a 15th-place finish in that inaugural series run and then continued that year with two top-20 finishes in four series starts. The next year, Herring connected with Joe Gibbs Racing and finished 12th or better in all four of his Nationwide Series starts.(Joe Gibbs Racing)(9-17-2013)

Chicago TV Ratings: ESPN2's live telecast of the NASCAR Nationwide Series race at Chicagoland Speedway on Saturday, Sept. 14, earned a 0.9 U.S. household rating, averaging 1,289,185 viewers.(ESPN)(9-17-2013)

Truck drivers filling off weekend with Nationwide runs: It is not uncommon for drivers to list "racing" as an activity they like to do during their down time. For many, a weekend off from their regular job has them itching to find a seat in a car for one of the series that is competing that weekend. Such is the case for five NASCAR Camping World Truck Series regulars who will be moonlighting this weekend in the NASCAR Nationwide Series Kentucky 300 while the trucks head into an open week. Jeb Burton will make his series debut in the NNS at the helm of the #34 Turner Scott Motorsports Chevy this weekend. Dakoda Armstrong will make his fifth start in the series and Kentucky debut this weekend in the #21 Richard Childress Racing Chevy. Joey Coulter will make his NNS Kentucky debut behind the wheel of the #18 Joe Gibbs Racing Toyota. NCWTS points leader Matt Crafton will compete in his third race in the NNS, driving the #33 Richard Childress Racing Chevy. Ryan Blaney will pilot the #22 Penske Racing Ford in his 15th start in the NNS.(NASCAR Integrated Marketing)(9-17-2013)

Former driver Sutton involved in serious motorcycle crash UPDATE: A man is killed and a woman is critically injured in a motorcycle crash on Veterans Highway. It happened Sunday just after 9 p.m. on Veterans Highway near Benfield Boulevard in Millersville when a 2008 Harley Davidson motorcycle crashed after striking a raised cement median/barrier. The driver, 55-year-old Robert G. Wells of Crownsville, was transported to Baltimore Washington Medical Center, where he later died from injuries. The passenger, 41-year-old Kelly R. Sutton of Crownsville, sustained severe injuries from the crash and was transported to Baltimore Shock Trauma in critical condition. Speed and alcohol use appear to be possible contributing factors in the crash. The investigation is ongoing. Sutton has 54 career starts within trucks spanning the 2003 to 2007 seasons.(CBS Baltimore)(4-9-2013)
UPDATE: After two weeks on life support, three months of hospitalization, and continuing therapy, Kelly is once again defying the odds and on a slow but steady path to recovery. Kelly wishes to express her heartfelt appreciation for the outpouring of prayers, cards, flowers and support from the NASCAR family, friends and fans. Kelly's companion R. Gregg Wells was killed in the tragic accident April 7. Gregg was also part of the NASCAR family working for Robert Presley in the early 90's.(Kelly Sutton PR)(9-17-2013)

Entry List for the Sylvania 300 Sprint Cup Series race at New Hampshire Motor Speedway is posted, 43 teams/drivers [for 43 spots] are listed, including: #32-Hill, #47-Labonte, #51-McDowell, #95-Riggs, #98-Sauter. With just 43 teams entered, everyone will make the race.
See the full entry list at my Jayski's New Hampshire Entry List page

Montoya moving to IndyCar with Penske: Team Penske announced that Juan Pablo Montoya will join the team in 2014. Montoya will drive the #2 Team Penske IndyCar for the full season as he will join Will Power and three-time Indianapolis 500 winner Helio Castroneves in the team's IZOD IndyCar Series lineup beginning next season. Montoya, 37, is a native of Colombia and he is one of the most accomplished drivers in the world. His career highlights include race wins in Formula One, NASCAR and the CART Indy Car Series. He is the only driver to produce victories in the Indianapolis 500, the 24 Hours of Daytona and the Monaco Grand Prix. Montoya earned 11 IndyCar wins over two seasons as he captured the CART Series title in his rookie season of 1999 followed by a victory in the Indy 500 in 2000.
"I am really excited to join this legendary team beginning next year," said Montoya. "I have had the opportunity to drive for some of the best racing teams in the world and I have always admired Roger Penske and his organization. I consider it an honor to be offered the opportunity to drive for Team Penske."
"Juan is a proven winner at all levels of motorsport," said Roger Penske. "He has won a lot of races and championships and he has an extremely passionate fan base. We look forward to building on his successes together and we believe he will be a great addition to Team Penske." (Penske Racing)(9-16-2013)

Swindell will drive for Swan Racing: Swan Racing will have its third different driver in as many weeks as Kevin Swindell takes over the #30 Toyota next weekend in New Hampshire. Swindell is also scheduled to drive the following weekend at Dover. Swindell is a four-time consecutive winner of the Chili Bowl who currently competes in the Nationwide Series. He's run 10 races with Biagi-DenBeste Racing with a season best finish of eighth at Indianapolis. It's also Swindell's best career finish. "They're trying to find somebody full-time for next year and move some different guys in the car and decided to use me," Swindell said on Sunday night when reached by phone. He confirmed he will drive the car the next two weeks. Swindell has never made a Sprint Cup Series start and has just 16 career NNS starts over the past four years.(Popular Speed)(9-16-2013)

Why no Air Titan at Chicago? Where was Air Titan, the new-fangled drying system that has been proven to remove moisture from tracks as much as 80% faster than the antiquated method of using jet dryers to blow hot air? Back in Concord, N.C. On a day that the diesel-powered air-compression contraption could have served as savior by ensuring an official finish at a reasonable hour in one of the sport's biggest races. The race was stopped 25 laps - or roughly 15 minutes - short of the halfway point that makes it official. It started one hour and 20 minutes late. It took two hours to dry the 1.5-mile oval (the race was red-flagged for five hours and 10 minutes). Air Titan surely would have cut at least 15 minutes and given NASCAR a chance to declare a winner.
The worst part? Anyone could have seen this coming. Despite being touted as a miracle-working game-changer since the preseason, Air Titan has become NASCAR's No. 1 political football this season as tracks have blanched at a varying cost that sometimes exceeds $100,000.
The absence of the Air Titan was especially conspicuous considering the smaller version of the system (used for track prep to clean the surface for a race weekend) was on property last Thursday. As of Sunday, NASCAR said Air Titan had been returned to its garage. A person who spoke to USA TODAY Sports on the condition of anonymity because he wasn't authorized to disclose the information said the track didn't include Air Titan in its budget.
Track president Scott Paddock called Air Titan "an exciting, emerging technology" but also "a work in progress" that the track elected not to use this year. "It has the potential to be a great advancement for our sport," Paddock told USA TODAY Sports. "I think it could have been an option to have it. I think it's a work in progress. We actually brought in a higher complement of jet dryers. We stuck with the known commodity. The pricetag for having Air Titan at Chicagoland? Apparently $50,000. Who has that kind of money lying around in a sport that has announced $8.2 billion in long-term TV contracts over the past year?(USA Today)(9-16-2013)

Sad News - Jerry Steppe: Mr. Jerry Lytle Steppe, 72, resident of High Point, died September 14th, 2013 at Hospice Home at High Point. Mr. Steppe was born June 26th, 1941 in McDowell County, a son to the late Guy and Anna Howell Steppe. A resident of this area most of his life, he was a member of Oak View Baptist Church and had worked at Huggins Tire Sales. He was a veteran of the U.S. Air Force and later was a pilot, flying for Piedmont Airlines and for several NASCAR racers through his time at Huggins. He loved racing and his racing family. In 1976 he married the former Gail Sauls who survives of the residence. Visitation will be Monday, September 16 from 5:30-7:00pm at Cumby Family Funeral Service  High Point, NC with a funeral service to follow at 7:00pm. Services are under the direction of Cumby Funeral Services.(9-16-2013)

Nationwide Kentucky Entry List:There are 42 cars on the preliminary entry list for Saturday night's Kentucky 300 at Kentucky Speedway. A few notes:
Kevin Lepage will be in the #4 for JD Motorsports;
Joey Coulter returns to the Joe Gibbs #18;
Dakota Armstrong will drive the RCR #21;
Ryan Blaney will drive the #22 for Penske;
Jeb Burton will be in the #34 for Turner Scott;
Drew Herring will drive the #54 for Joe Gibbs;
Mike Harmon's #74 is driver TBA;
Joe Nemechek is listed as the driver of his #87.(9-16-2013)
See the complete list on the Kentucky entry list page.

Nemecheck to debut in Martinsville: John Hunter Nemechek, son of veteran NASCAR driver Joe Nemechek, announced on his Twitter that he will be making his Camping World Truck Sereis debut on the Martinsville Speedway short track next month. Nemechek is the 2012 Allison Legacy Series champion, and has spent part of this season racing in the NASCAR K&N Pro Series East.(9-16-2013)

Kenseth wins Chicago: #20-Matt Kesenth won the GEICO 400 Sprint Cup Series race at Chicagoland Speedway for his 6th win of 2013 and 30th career win.
#18-Busch finished 2nd followed by #29-Harvick, #78-Busch, #48-Johnson, #24-Gordon, #2-Keselowski, #17-Stenhouse, Jr., #15-Bowyer, and #39-Newman.
The start of the race was delayed about 90 minutes because of rain. Rain then started again on lap 109, causing a red flag of 5 hours 10 minutes before the race resumed.
Pole sitter #22-Logano lost an engine cylinder just past halfway. He fell out of the race shortly after and finished 37th.
Chase driver #88-Earnhardt, Jr. also lost an engine and finished 35th.
There were 25 lead changes among 16 drivers and 9 cautions for 46 yellow flag laps.
The average speed was 125.855mph. NASCAR no longer announces the track attendance.
See race results, awards, money won, laps led, cautions and more on the Unofficial Chicago Race Results page (pdf) and check out the Chicago Penalty Report (pdf).(9-15-2013)

Where did the 13 Chase Drivers finish at Chicago?
[by points standings before the race (start pos)]
1) #20-Matt Kenseth, 1st (10)
2) #48-Jimmie Johnson, 5th (9)
3) #18-Kyle Busch, 2nd (12)
4) #29-Kevin Harvick, 3rd (17)
5) #99-Carl Edwards, 11th(8)
6) #22-Joey Logano, 37th (1), engine
7) #16-Greg Biffle, 16th (7)
8) #15-Clint Bowyer, 9th (24)
9) #88-Dale Earnhardt Jr., 35th (18), engine
10) #78-Kurt Busch, 4th (16)
11) #5-Kasey Kahne, 12th (4)
12) #39-Ryan Newman, 10th (20)
13) #24-Jeff Gordon, 6th (6)
(9-15-2013)

Race Fast Facts - Chicago:
Matt Kenseth won the 13th Annual Geico 400, his 30th victory in 500 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series races. He becomes the 22nd driver to reach 30 NASCAR Sprint Cup victories.
This is his sixth victory and 14th top-10 finish in 2013. This sixth win is a single-season career high for Kenseth.
This is his first victory and fifth top-10 finish in 14 races at Chicagoland Speedway.
There were 25 lead changes among 16 different drivers -- both series records at Chicagoland Speedway.
Kyle Busch (second) posted his fourth top-10 finish in ten races at Chicagoland Speedway. It is his 16th top-10 finish in 2013.
Kevin Harvick (third) posted his eighth top-10 finish in 14 races at Chicagoland Speedway.
Ricky Stenhouse Jr. (eighth) was the highest finishing rookie. It is his career-best finish.
Matt Kenseth leads the point standings by 8 points over Kyle Busch.
(NASCAR Integrated Sports Marketing)(9-15-2013)

2013 Sprint Cup Driver Championship Points Standings:
[after Chicago, race 27 of 36]
1) #20-Matt Kenseth [6 wins], 2063
2) #18-Kyle Busch [4 wins], 2055, -8
3) #48-Jimmie Johnson [4 wins], 2052, -11
4) #29-Kevin Harvick [2 wins], 2048, -15
5) #99-Carl Edwards [2 wins], 2040, -23
6) #78-Kurt Busch, 2040, -23
7) #24-Jeff Gordon, 2039, -24
8) #39-Ryan Newman, 2035, -28
9) #15-Clint Bowyer, 2035, -28
10) #5-Kasey Kahne [2 wins], 2032, -31
11) #16-Greg Biffle [1 win], 2032, -31
12) #22-Joey Logano [1 win], 2011, -52
13) #88-Dale Earnhardt Jr., 2010, -53
See drivers championship points standings on the Unofficial Drivers Points Standings (pdf).
See the owner points standings on the Unofficial Owners Points Standings page (pdf).(9-15-2013)

2013 Sprint Cup Driver Championship Points Standings without Chase:
[after Chicago, race 27 of 36]
1) #48-Jimmie Johnson(X) [4 wins], 881
2) #99-Carl Edwards(X) [2 wins], 876, -5
3) #29-Kevin Harvick(X) [2 wins], 870, -18
4) #20-Matt Kenseth(X) [6 wins], 855, -26
5) #18-Kyle Busch(X) [4 wins], 854, -27
6) #15-Clint Bowyer(X), 814, -67
7) #78-Kurt Busch(X), 802, -79
8) #88-Dale Earnhardt Jr.(X), 791, -90
9) #24-Jeff Gordon(X), 790, -91
10) #16-Greg Biffle(X) [1 win], 788, -93
11) #39-Ryan Newman(X), 776, -105
12) #5-Kasey Kahne(X), 771, -110
13) #22-Joey Logano(X) [1 win], 759, -122
14) #2-Brad Keselowski, 758, -123
15) #1-Jamie McMurray, 747, -134
16) #27-Paul Menard, 720, -161
17) #56-Truex, Jr., 717, -164
(X) = a Chase driver.
(9-15-2013)

Rain will be an issue Sunday: The National Weather Service forecast for Sunday at Chicagland Speedway does not look good. It now calls for showers, mainly after 10am/ct with a high near 68. The overall chance of precipitation is 100%. Chances drop to 80% tonight. The hourly forecast calls for a steady chance of rain through the afternoon and evening. There are lights at the track so the race could be run at night if needed. Monday's forecast looks good. For more weather info see the Chicago Race Info Page - weather section.
AND: Due to the forecast, NASCAR has move up the command to start engines to 2:01pm/ct and the green flag is now scheduled for 2:10pm/et.(9-15-2013)
UPDATE: Rain fell at the track from about 12:30-2:00pm/et. Jet dryers then worked to dry the track. Pre-race ceremonies were completed about 3:20pm/et. Engines were fired at 3:29pm/et and the race went green at 3:40pm/et. There will be a competition caution on lap 30. There's another band of rain about 2 hours west of the track.(9-15-2013)

Restart rule changes to be announced Sunday morning UPDATE:: As two Sprint Cup cars running at the speed limit of a two-lane highway approach a designated zone that varies in length from about 60 to 110 feet, a frenzied dance begins. The leader of a restart is in control, and he can stomp the accelerator at any point within two painted lines on the outside wall. The second-place car alongside must keep pace but also allow the leader to cross the finish line first. It sounds simple, but restarts have become among the most complex procedures to administer in NASCAR's premier series.
NASCAR vice president of competition Robin Pemberton said Saturday that changes to restart procedures will be revealed during Sunday's drivers' meeting. While it's unlikely there would be an abolition of the action-inducing double-file restarts, which were added four years ago because of heavy support from a fan council, NASCAR could eliminate the zones and allow the flagman to determine the restart. Another choice might be putting the leader in a separate row and putting the field behind in side-by-side formation.(USA Today)(9-15-2013)
UPDATE: Changes were announced Sunday morning during the drivers' meeting. The restart zone will remain in place and the leader will still control the start within the zone. Once the leader accelerates, the green flag will fly (within the restart zone). The flagman will throw the green if the leaders get to the end of the restart zone and the cars have not accelerated. HOWEVER, once leader goes (or the flag flies), the leader can be passed by the second place car before the start/finish line. Drivers are still not allowed to change lanes before the start. If the second place driver jumps the restart, they will be black flagged.(9-15-2013)

Free M&Ms if Kyle Busch wins the Chase: Racing fans now have 1 million more reasons to cheer for #18-Kyle Busch in the Chase for the NASCAR Sprint Cup. Mars Chocolate North America announced a deliciously unique offer from M&M'S Brand to make this year's NASCAR "playoff races" even 'Better with M.' Here's the deal: Should Kyle, driver of the #18 M&M'S Toyota Camry, capture the 2013 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series championship, the brand will celebrate with America by giving away 1 million free bags of M&M'S. Now that's a sweet deal every race fan can appreciate. The Chase for the NASCAR Sprint Cup is arguably the longest and most competitive playoff system in professional sports - pitting the sports' top 12 drivers from the regular season against each other for 10 grueling races to crown a champion. Busch is making his sixth appearance in the Chase for the NASCAR Sprint Cup  his fourth in the #18 M&M'S Toyota Camry. As the "Official Chocolate of NASCAR," M&M'S brand saw an opportunity to make a victory even sweeter - both for Kyle, and fans across the country.(M&Ms/Mars PR)(9-15-2013)

NASCAR expects 100% from drivers; will also change restart procedures: In the wake of controversy surrounding last Saturday's Sprint Cup race at Richmond, NASCAR unveiled a "100-percent solution" to the issue of collusion and some specific practical changes to the conduct of races. In a mandatory 17-minute meeting with drivers and crew chiefs Saturday at Chicagoland Speedway, NASCAR addressed the concerns that have caused what sanctioning body president Mike Helton earlier termed "a shift in the paradigm."
"At the center of that meeting was what our expectations were going forward," NASCAR chairman and CEO Brian France told reporters in the Chicagoland media center. "And those expectations are that a driver and a team give 100 percent effort, their best effort, to complete a race and race as hard as they possibly can."
'NASCAR requires its competitors to race at 100 percent of their ability with the goal of achieving their best possible finishing position in an event. Any competitor who takes action with the intent to artificially alter the finishing positions of the event or encourages, persuades or induces others to artificially alter the finishing position of the event shall be subject to a penalty from NASCAR.
NASCAR vice president of competition Robin Pemberton also said NASCAR would announce changes to restart rules, effective Sunday, at the drivers' meeting before the GEICO 400.(NASCAR Wire Service)(9-14-2013)

Final practice for the GEICO 400 Sprint Cup Series race at Chicagoland Speedway is over after 50 scheduled minutes, the top-five, slowest and notes:
#5-Kahne 181.068
#42-Montoya 181.056
#22-Logano 181.050
#48-Johnson 180.741
#16-Biffle 180.475
slowest: #7-Blaney 175.194 & #33-Raines 172.161. no speed: #87-Nemechek, #98-McDowell.
notes: #99-Edwards complained of a miss in the engine, but the team changed spark plugs and the problem went away.
See fastest speeds, laps run and more on the Chicago Practice 3 Speeds (pdf).(9-14-2013)

NASCAR Announces Officiating Revisions: NASCAR has announced a set of officiating revisions to further reinforce its in-race rules and regulations following a week-long review of events that transpired during last Saturday's NASCAR Sprint Cup Series race at Richmond International Raceway. NASCAR officials met with drivers, owners and crew chiefs this afternoon at Chicagoland Speedway to address these revisions that will take effect beginning with Sunday's opening race of the Chase for the NASCAR Sprint Cup. The revisions focus on assisting the competitors to understand what is acceptable and what is not acceptable in NASCAR's sole determination when it comes to officiating teams' racing during an event. NASCAR will issue a technical bulletin to the teams later this afternoon that outlines these revisions. "Today's technical bulletin addresses the subject of team(s) artificially altering the outcome of a race and the level of reaction that this will receive from NASCAR," said Robin Pemberton, NASCAR Vice President of Competition. "We reinforced this issue to the teams in our meeting earlier today and conveyed what is considered unacceptable in our officiating of the event." Initial officiating revisions that were announced and will take effect Sunday are:
• Spotters only on spotters' stand (one per team)
• Spotters' stand limits: Two analog radios, scanners, Fan Views
• Video camera will be installed on spotters' stand
(NASCAR)(9-14-2013)
UPDATE: Read the full transcript of the news conference on the Saturday press conference transcript page.(9-14-2013)

First Saturday practice for the GEICO 400 Sprint Cup Series race at Chicagoland Speedway is over after 55 scheduled minutes, the top-five, slowest and notes:
#56-Truex, Jr. 182.383
#24-Gordon 182.328
#5-Kahne 182.291
#88-Earnhardt, Jr. 182.186
#42-Montoya 181.996
slowest: #40-Cassill 176.125 & #33-Raines 173.327. No speed: #35-Wise.
notes: Final practice will be at 2:00pm/et and will be shown live on Fox Sports 2.
See fastest speeds, laps run and more on the Chicago Practice 2 Speeds (pdf).(9-14-2013)

NASCAR to meet with owners, drivers, crew chiefs: For the second time in five days, NASCAR has changed the makeup of the Chase for the Sprint Cup due to manipulation of the sport's regular-season finale. Saturday, officials will hold a meeting with drivers, owners, and crew chiefs with the goal of never having to alter the playoff again. [Penalties this week led] NASCAR to call a mandatory meeting of drivers, owners and crew chiefs Saturday at Chicagoland "to hopefully to address and make more clear the path going forward as it applies to the rules of racing and the ethical part of it," according to NASCAR President Mike Helton.
Teammates have always helped one another on the race track, abiding by a set of unspoken and undefined guidelines that have produced long-accepted tactics like allowing a driver to get a lap back, or allowing a driver to lead a lap to collect a bonus point. But with the championship field at stake, those actions become magnified -- which was certainly the case at Richmond, where Bowyer spun suspiciously on his own and Vickers pitted unexpectedly on the final restart, opening the door for Truex to collect a Chase berth.
"We're going to have as much clarity to where the line is, and obviously we drew a line Monday night with the penalties with Michael Waltrip Racing," France said. "So obviously what we're going to do is & no matter what it takes, the integrity of the sport will never be in question. And that's what we're going to make sure, that we have the right rules going forward that are clear so that the integrity of the competitive landscape of the events are not altered in a way or manipulated. And that will be what we will be addressing."
The meeting will be part of a process that will entail "clarifying in a significant way the rules of racing and the rules of the road going forward," France added. He said the sanctioning body wants suggestions from competitors on how to do that.(NASCAR.com)(9-14-2013)

Drivers react to adding Gordon to Chase: After NASCAR stunned the garage by installing #24-Jeff Gordon as the 13th playoff driver in the Chase for the Sprint Cup - a position which did not exist before Friday  drivers reacted with a mix of shock and confusion. "I'm very happy that Jeff is in the Chase," Hendrick Motorsports teammate #48-Jimmie Johnson said. "But in my opinion, there should be 12 cars. One in, one out should be the deal. It's not."
When NASCAR Chairman Brian France awarded Gordon an extra spot - he said Friday he believed Gordon was the victim of foul play and was at a disadvantage during Saturday night's Chase-setting race at Richmond International Raceway - no one was quite sure how to take it. Except #56-Martin Truex Jr.
"I'm not even sure what to say at this point," he said. "I'm kind of at a loss for words. They kick me out to make a spot for somebody and then they don't do the same for the other guys. It's just unfair and (there's) nothing I can do about it."
Gordon's Hendrick Motorsports teammate #88-Dale Earnhardt Jr. seemed confused. "I was probably just as surprised as anybody that anything happened, because we're so far into the week," Earnhardt Jr. said. "It's just really extraordinary and unprecedented. I don't know what's fair anymore, you know what I mean?" he said.
Johnson wondered why the penalties to MWR were "far different" than the probation given to Front Row Motorsports and Penske Racing for what he believed were similar actions. "Through all of this, we're all just looking for consistency," he said.
Defending Sprint Cup Series champion Brad Keselowski said the decision "hasn't sunk in yet," but added he was "not shocked." "I don't know if that's good or bad that I'm not shocked," he said. "But at some point, you expect the unexpected."(USA Today)(9-14-2013)

Truex talks about wrist, Richmond penalties: From #56-Martin Truex, Jr.'s media availability Friday morning at Chicagoland Speedway:
Do you think the sanctions issued to MWR were fair? "All I did the last two weeks was drive my heart out. I broke my wrist at Bristol. I found out this week that I have two broken bones in there, not just one, which makes things even more difficult. The last two weeks, we raced our hearts out. I didn't -- when the race was over, I wasn't aware of what happened, what the cautions were for. I didn't know the #55 (Brian Vickers) pitted at the end. It's tough to swallow. It's a difficult situation, like I said , for all of us. Just ready to move on. I went from feeling like I really climbed a mountain in that race at Richmond to going to be knocked out of the Chase and all that. Do I think it's fair? You know, I don't know. I don't run the sport, so we'll just have to deal with it."
Have Michael Waltrip (MWR owner) or Ty Norris (MWR general manager) apologized? "Ty (Norris, MWR general manager) did, yeah. He straight up said, 'I screwed up, it was the heat of the moment and made a bad decision.' Things happen. Again, that stuff happened and just gave us a chance. It didn't put us in. I wasn't in until the last lap. I passed the #16 (Greg Biffle) on the very last lap and that's what put us in. We were tied with (Ryan) Newman. It went to second-place finishes -- that's what got us in. It gave us a chance. Obviously, people thought it was unfair and we are where we are."
How did you feel when you first heard about the penalties and that you weren't going to be in this year's Chase? "To be honest with you, I can't even tell you. This week has been kind of surreal -- again, going from Saturday night feeling like we really accomplished something to getting it taken away from us. It's been a tough week, but just have to thank my team and everybody for standing behind me. We're going to come through this just fine. We just -- I'm glad to be back at the race track, like I said. Glad to be back in the race car and try to get this wrist healed up and go win some races."
How would you feel if NASCAR adds Jeff Gordon to the Chase? "Well, my team deserves to be in this Chase as much as any of those teams. If they're going to start putting people back in, they ought to consider us, too."
Where do you draw the line regarding team orders? "I don't even know how to answer that. This is a team sport. I don't own the race car. At the same time, everybody on every team -- driver, crew chief, owner -- it doesn't matter who it is, all they want every weekend is to do the best they can do. Nobody is going to just pull over for the sake of a teammate or something stupid that hurts their reputation or hurts their finish. That's not what we're here for."(Toyota Racing PR)(9-14-2013)

Johnson will be featured in ads for Blue Cross and Blue Shield of North Carolina: Blue Cross and Blue Shield of North Carolina, which has served the people of North Carolina with high-quality health insurance for more than 80 years, has joined Hendrick Motorsports as a corporate partner and will feature #48-Jimmie Johnson in new communications efforts centered on health care reform and wellness. The 2009 Associated Press Male Athlete of the Year and his #48 Hendrick Motorsports team will help educate consumers on how to navigate health care options and live a healthy lifestyle. Among Johnson's initial efforts will be appearances in BCBSNC's "Live Fearless" campaign promoting the value of healthy lifestyles and BCBSNC health coverage, which will begin running across North Carolina on various media platforms, including television and digital, later this year.(Hendrick Motorsports)(9-14-2013)

Busch wins Nationwide race at Chicago: #54-Kyle Busch won the Dollar General 300 at Chicagoland Speedway for his 10th win of the season. He put on another dominating performance, leading 195 of the 200 laps. #22-Joey Logano finished second followed by points leader #12-Sam Hornish, Jr., #3-Austin Dillon, #88-Dale Earnhardt, Jr., #20-Brian Vickers, #18-Matt Kenseth, #77-Parker Kligerman, #33-Kevin Harvick, and #30-Nelson Piquet, Jr. #29-Kenny Wallace, making his 900th NASCAR start, finished 17th.
There were 6 cautions for 27 laps and 4 lead changes among 4 leaders. Complete results are on the Chicago race results page (pdf).(9-14-2013)

Chicago Nationwide Race Fast Facts:
Kyle Busch won the 13th Annual Dollar General 300 Powered by Coca-Cola , his 61st victory in 264 NASCAR Nationwide Series races.
This is his 10th victory and 17th top-10 finish in 2013. With the win, his 2013 is tied for second on the NASCAR Nationwide Series single season wins list. Busch holds the record with 13 wins in 2013.
This is his third victory and sixth top-10 finish in ten races at Chicagoland Speedway.
Joey Logano (second) posted his fifth top-10 finish in six races at Chicagoland Speedway. It is his ninth top-10 finish in 2013.
Sam Hornish Jr. (third) posted his fifth top-10 finish in five races at Chicagoland Speedway.
Sam Hornish Jr. leads the point standings by 17 points over Austin Dillon.
(NASCAR Integrated Marketing)(9-14-2013)

NationwideDriver standings following Chicago:
1) #12-Sam Hornish Jr. 921
2) #3-Austin Dillon 904, -17
3) #7-Regan Smith 885, -36
4) #11-Elliott Sadler 877, -44
5) #20-Brian Vickers 865, -56
6) #31-Justin Allgaier 860, -61
7) #2-Brian Scott 849, -72
8) #6-Trevor Bayne 839, -82
9) #32-Kyle Larson # 811, -110
10) #77-Parker Kligerman 768, -153
See complete standings on the driver standings page (pdf).(9-14-2013)

Nationwide Owner Standings following Chicago are posted (pdf).(9-14-2013)

Busch on Nationwide pole at Chicago: #54-Kyle Busch won the Coors Light Pole for the Dollar General 300 at Chicagoland Speedway with a speed of 178.968mph. #3-Austin Dillon will start second. The rest of the top 10: #22-Joey Logano, #12-Sam Hornish, Jr., #77-Parker Kligerman, #88-Dale Earnhardt, Jr., #11-Elliott Sadler, #99-Alex Bowman, #30-Nelson Piquet, Jr., and #20-Brian Vickers. #29-Kenny Wallace, making his 900th NASCAR start, will roll off 11th. Did Not Qualify: #42-Josh Wise, #15-Carl Long, #89-Morgan Shepherd. The starting lineup is posted on the Chicago starting lineup page (pdf).(9-14-2013)

Chicago Nationwide Qualifying Notes:
Kyle Busch won the Coors Light Pole Award for the 13th Annual Dollar General 300 Powered by Coca-Cola with a lap of 30.173 seconds, 178.968 mph.
This is his 34th pole in 264 NASCAR Nationwide Series races.
This is his eighth pole and 16th top-10 start in 2013.
This is his first pole in ten races at Chicagoland Speedway.
Austin Dillon (second) posted his 21st top-10 start of 2013 and his fourth in four races at Chicagoland Speedway.
Joey Logano (third) posted his sixth top-10 start at Chicagoland Speedway. It is his seventh in 12 races this season.
(NASCAR Integrated Marketing)(9-14-2013)

Extended ticket office hours at Martinsville: Martinsville Speedway's ticket office is expanding its hours so fans will have plenty of time to purchase tickets for the Goody's Headache Relief Shot 500 Powered by Kroger weekend, which is just six weeks away. The ticket office will extend its hours to Saturdays and Sundays, beginning this Saturday, Sept. 14 through the Goody's Headache Relief Shot 500 Powered by Kroger on October 27. The ticket office will be open on Saturdays from 9:00am-3:00pm and on Sundays from 12:00pm-4:00pm. Normal ticket hours, Monday through Friday, are 9:00am-5:00pm.(Martinsville Speedway)(9-14-2013)

Logano wins Chicago pole: #22-Joey Logano won the pole for the GEICO 400 Sprint Cup Series race at Chicagoland Speedway with TRACK RECORD speed of 189.414mph for his 2nd pole of 2013 and 7th of his career.
#22-Keselowski is on the outside pole, followed by #42-Montoya, #5-Kahne, #17-Stenhouse, Jr., #24-Gordon, #16-Biffle, #99-Edwards, #49-Johnson, and #20-Kenseth.
With only 43 cars entered, everyone made the race.
See the full starting Lineup, qualifying results, pole progression, links and notes on the Chicago Starting Lineup/Qualifying Page.(9-13-2013)

Qualifying Fast Facts - Chicago:
Joey Logano won the Coors Light Pole Award for the 13th Annual Geico 400 with a track qualifying record lap of 28.509 seconds, 189.414 mph. The previous record was set by Jimmie Johnson in July 2005 (188.147 mph / 28.701 sec).
This is his seventh pole in 174 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series races.
This is his second pole and 14th top-10 start in 2013.
This is his first pole in five races at Chicagoland Speedway.
This is the 15th track qualifying record broken this season with the Gen-6 race car.
Brad Keselowski (second) posted his 12th top-10 start of 2013 and his second in five races at Chicagoland Speedway.
Juan Pablo Montoya (third) posted his second top-10 start at Chicagoland Speedway. It is his 10th in 27 races this season.
(NASCAR Statistics)(9-13-2013)

Where the 2013 Sprint Cup Chase Drivers will start at Chicago:
[listed by driver points position]
1) #20-Matt Kenseth, 10th
2) #48-Jimmie Johnson, 9th
3) #18-Kyle Busch, 12th
4) #29-Kevin Harvick, 17th
5) #99-Carl Edwards, 8th
6) #22-Joey Logano, 1st
7) #16-Greg Biffle, 7th
8) #15-Clint Bowyer, 24th
9) #88-Dale Earnhardt Jr., 18th
10) #78-Kurt Busch, 16th
11) #5-Kasey Kahne, 4th
12) #39-Ryan Newman, 20th
13) #24-Jeff Gordon, 6th
(9-13-2013)

15 qualifying track records have been set so far 2013
after 23 qualifying session, 3 were cancelled due to rain:
1) Bristol, #18-Kyle Busch, 129.535mph, March 15, 2013 - was 128.709 from March 2003
2) Martinsville, #48-Jimmie Johnson, 98.400, April 5, 2013 - was 98.083 from October 2005
3) Texas, #18-Kyle Busch, 196.299, April 12, 2013 - was 196.235 from November 2006
4) Kansas, #20-Matt Kenseth, 191.748, April 19, 2013 - was 191.360 from October 2012
5) Richmond, #20-Matt Kenseth, 130.334, April 26, 2013 - was 129.983 from May 2004
6) Darlington, #78-Kurt Busch, 181.918, May 10, 2013 - was 181.254 from May 2011
7) Charlotte, #11-Denny Hamlin, 195.624, May 23, 2013 - was 193.708 from Oct 2012
8) Kentucky, #88-Dale Earnhardt Jr, 183.636, June 28, 2013 - was 181.818 from June 2012
9) New Hampshire, #2-Brad Keselowski, 135.922, July 12, 2013, was 135.232 from July 2011
10) Indianapolis, #39-Ryan Newman, 187.531, July 27, 2013, was 186.293 from August 2004
11) Pocono, #48-Jimmie Johnson, 180.654, August 2, 2013, was 179.598 from June 2012
12) Watkins Glen, #9-Marcos Ambrose, 128.241, August 10, 2013, was 127.020 from August 2012
13) Michigan, #22-Joey Logano, 203.949, August 16, 2013; was 203.241mph from June 2012
14) Richmond(2nd time), #24-Jeff Gordon, 130.599, September 6, 2013 - was 130.334 from April 2013
15) Chicago, #22-Joey Logano, 189.414, September 13, 2013 - was 188.147 from July 2005
(9-13-2013)

Hendrick Motorsports statement on adding Gordon to Chase: Rick Hendrick, owner of Hendrick Motorsports:
"I applaud NASCAR for taking the time for a full review. What occurred at Richmond was not of their making, and they've had to wrestle with some very difficult decisions throughout the week. I know everything done by NASCAR has been a sincere effort to be fair and ultimately do what's best for our sport and our fans.
"We're extremely proud to have all four cars in the Chase for the second consecutive season. Jeff (Gordon) and the No. 24 team earned this spot, and we're going to leave everything on the racetrack during these last 10 (races). The support this week from our fans and partners has been incredible, and I'm proud of everyone at Hendrick Motorsports for the effort that's gotten us here. The Chase is going to be exciting."(Hendrick Motorsports)(9-13-2013)

Penske deal with Front Row at Richmond to help Logano? UPDATES - Gordon added to Chase: Penske Racing may have cut a deal with Front Row Motorsports in the closing laps at Richmond for track position to help get #22-Joey Logano in the Chase for the Sprint Cup championship. In radio communications reviewed Wednesday by The Associated Press for Front Row driver #38-David Gilliland, his spotter informs the team of a request to let Logano pass him in the final laps of Saturday night's race. Logano was trying to claim a spot in the 12-driver Chase field. Both Penske and Front Row are Ford teams and thus considered partners. A voice on the radio, believed to be crew chief Frank Kerr, asks who the request is coming from. The spotter replies: "We've got the big dog and all his cronies." Kerr then says: "Travis knows what I've been asking for," an apparent reference to Penske Racing competition director Travis Geisler. Logano passed Gilliland on a restart and finished 22nd, one spot ahead of Gilliland and good enough for a berth in the Chase field. "Good job, good job, man," the spotter says after the race. "Hopefully we'll get something out of that." Statistics analyzed by AP also show Gilliland's lap times dropped off by almost 1 second from the times he was running prior to the radio communication.(Associated Press)(9-11-2013)
UPDATE: "NASCAR is aware of reports about the #22 and #38 radio communications at Richmond International Raceway and is looking into it, but has yet to see anything in full context that requires any action."(NASCAR)(9-11-2013)
UPDATE 2: Thursday morning release from NASCAR: "NASCAR is continuing to gather all the facts from last Saturday night's NASCAR Sprint Cup Series event at Richmond International Raceway. NASCAR will have no further comment until all the facts have been examined. "(NASCAR)(9-12-2013)
UPDATE 3: NASCAR officials met with Front Row Motorsports crew chief Frank Kerr and spotter David Keith at Chicagoland Speedway on Friday morning to discuss Saturday's incidents at Richmond International Raceway. A separate meeting was held with Penske Racing vice president Bud Denker, competition director Travis Geisler, vice president of operations Michael Nelson, crew chief Todd Gordon and spotter Tab Boyd. Both teams reviewed radio communications and tape from the Richmond NASCAR Sprint Cup race. FRM general manager Jerry Freeze and Penske Racing's Denker said the teams would not comment until after a decision was made by NASCAR. NASCAR spokesman Kerry Tharp said no decision had been made on whether a 13th team would be added to the Chase for the Sprint Cup.(Fox Sports)(9-13-2013)
UPDATE 4: Following a comprehensive review of all available audio and video communications from last Saturday night's NASCAR Sprint Cup Series race at Richmond International Raceway, along with interviews with team personnel, NASCAR announced Friday the following decision:
• Both the Front Row Motorsports and Penske Racing organizations have been placed on NASCAR probation until Dec. 31 for violating Section 12-1 (Actions detrimental to stock car racing).
• A 13th car  the #24  would be added to this year's Chase for the NASCAR Sprint Cup.
"Based on all of our findings this week, we determined both Front Row Motorsports and Penske Racing organizations would be placed on probation for the remainder of this season," said Brian France, NASCAR Chairman and Chief Executive Officer. "Additionally, based upon the totality of our findings, to be totally fair and equitable we decided that adding a 13th car to this year's Chase is the appropriate action.
"Beginning with our decision Monday, which resulted in an unprecedented team penalty, and continuing with further examination of actions involving two other race teams, it is clear to us that attempts to manipulate the results impacted the Chase field.
"The integrity of our sport remains the cornerstone of NASCAR, and our actions this week speak to our commitment to ensure a level playing field for all competitors."
Additionally, NASCAR will conduct a mandatory meeting with drivers, owners, crew chiefs and other team personnel [Saturday at 3:00pm/et] to address this issue moving forward.(NASCAR)
AND see a full transcript of the announcement on the Second NASCAR Richmond Penalty Transcript Page.(9-13-2013)

First Friday practice for the GEICO 400 Sprint Cup Series race at Chicagoland Speedway is over after 90 scheduled minutes, the top-five, slowest and notes:
#17-Stenhouse, Jr. 187.669
#78-Busch 187.643
#99-Edwards 187.578
#48-Johnson 187.188
#42-Montoya 187.156
slowest: #7-Blaney 180.439 & #33-Raines 173.891
notes: Qualifying is scheduled for 5:10pm/et. It will be shown live on ESPN2.
See fastest speeds, laps run and more on the Chicago Practice 1 Speeds (pdf).(9-13-2013)

Qualifying Order for the GEICO 400 Sprint Cup Series race at Chicagoland Speedway is posted. 43 cars/drivers are listed.
The first of the drivers scheduled to go out is #38-Gilliland.
The final driver scheduled to go out is #42-Montoya.
Fastest in Friday practice, #17-Stenhouse, Jr., is scheduled to qualify 19th.
Qualifying order is set by a random draw, held about an hour before the first practice.
See the full qualifying order on the Chicago Qualifying Page.(9-13-2013)

Dale Jr's tire changer out with broken wrist: This past Tuesday night the #88 Hendrick Motorsports team of Dale Earnhardt Jr. suffered a big blow to the pit crew. Rear Tire Changer Joe Slingerland was injured during a team outing and ended up with a broke wrist and concussion. It all went down at the U.S. National White Water Center in Charlotte on Tuesday night. During one of the events, the low ropes course, Tire Changer Joe Slingerland jumped from a log and went for the Cargo Net. "I had just gotten to the end of the log and when I went to jump for the Cargo Net I missed. My feet went through the net and my when I put my wrist down to break my fall it broke." Not only did Joe break a small bone in his wrist, but when he fell back wards he hit his head on a tree root and it knocked him out. The injury is not good but there might be some hope after all. Joe plans on seeing a doctor Friday and will get a better idea of the time table he's looking at. It could be as early as 3-4 weeks if things go good. Taking his place is veteran Tire Changer David Mayo. David was on the #48 HMS team during the middle of the year and spend 5 years with Penske Racing before that. The #88 team is a very good pit crew but rest easy Jr. fans, Mayo is a good veteran Changer and will be just fine during the Chase.(Pit Talks)(9-13-2013)

Kurt Busch will skip IndyCar season finale: #78-Kurt Busch is saying hello to NASCAR's Chase, goodbye to thoughts of competing in IndyCar's season-ending race at Auto Club Speedway. Busch had hoped to use an IndyCar race this season as a trial run for next year's Indianapolis 500. But a sponsor hasn't been secured, and the deadline to order a Chevrolet engine has passed. Meanwhile, the Chase begins Sunday at Chicagoland Speedway, and Busch is positioned for a run at his second series championship. "It was something that was very important in the month of May this year; it's not as important with it being the middle of September right now," he said Thursday of driving an Indy car. Busch said it doesn't "eliminate" the possibility of running the 500, one of his bucket-list items.(Autoweek)(9-13-2013)

Allgaier ready for Cup debut: Justin Allgaier will make his NASCAR Sprint Cup Series debut on Sunday in the GEICO 400 at Chicagoland Speedway. Allgaier will drive the #51 BRANDT Professional Agriculture Chevy SS for Phoenix Racing, in what is also the team's debut race under the ownership of Harry Scott Jr. Scott, a South Carolina businessman and co-owner of Turner Scott Motorsports, purchased Phoenix Racing from James Finch earlier this month. Allgaier, 27, is a native of Riverton, Ill, and drives for TSM in the NASCAR Nationwide Series. Allgaier's current NNS sponsor BRANDT will be the primary sponsor on the #51 Chevy this weekend at Chicagoland. BRANDT will also sponsor the #51 car at Charlotte Motor Speedway and Talladega Superspeedway, with Allgaier behind the wheel for both races. "Making my first start in the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series is a dream come true," said Allgaier. "I've been working towards this goal for 22 years, and I am so excited that it's finally time to make it happen. It's made even more special since it's my home track and that I'm racing for Harry Scott Jr. with the support of BRANDT. The people at BRANDT have become family to me and I intend to make them very proud."(Tuckahoe Strategies)(9-13-2013)

Logano featuring Manufacturing Day logo: The #22 Shell-Pennzoil Ford Fusion will be carrying a special logo on the deck lid this weekend at Chicagoland. The logo highlights the upcoming Manufacturing Day on Friday, October 4. Manufacturing Day is an occasion during which U.S. manufacturers open their doors to demonstrate the potential of modern manufacturing and to foster interest in manufacturing careers.(Penske Racing)(9-13-2013)

Gene Haas orderd to forfeit $1 million on home sale: Let this be a lesson to those in the market for a pair of South Florida oceanfront mansions. Instead of sending someone to bid $12.4 million of your fortune at a live auction, consider showing up to wave the paddle yourself. That mistake may have cost California businessman and NASCAR team owner Gene Haas more than $1 million. A Miami-Dade judge ruled this week that Haas reneged on his high-stakes winning bid for two Golden Beach homes in 2011 and must fork over his deposit plus interest. Haas sent a proxy to the auction, which took place in the living room of one of the two palaces up for bid. Brothers Robert and Steven Fox owned their estates at 229 and 401 Ocean Blvd. since 1990. When the retired cardiologists and their wives decided to downsize into neighboring Hollywood Beach condos a few miles north on A1A, they put their Golden Beach homes up for sale for about $24 million total. But after two years with no buyers, the brothers took a radical approach: They held an absolute auction on Nov. 10, 2011. About 15 bidders applied and were vetted, including Lake Worth developer Albert Wadsworth, who represented Haas. Haas, bidding through Wadsworth, didn't want just one of the houses - he wanted both. The auction ended with Haas' successful $12.4 million offer for the two luxury properties. But when it came time to sign the paperwork, Wadsworth backed out. Haas never bought the homes. The brothers sued Haas' company, Haas Automation, for breach of contract, demanding the $1 million deposit that Haas placed in escrow in advance of the auction. Miami-Dade Circuit Judge Beth Bloom ruled in favor of the Foxes, and on Tuesday ordered Haas to turn over the deposit and about $87,000 in interest. Haas plans to appeal the decision, his attorney said.(Miami Herald)(9-13-2013)

Gretchen Wilson Joins ESPN for NASCAR Chase for Sprint Cup Coverage: Grammy Award-winning singer/songwriter Gretchen Wilson will be featured in ESPN's telecasts of the 10 races in the Chase for the NASCAR Sprint Cup, which begins with the Sunday, Sept. 15, event at Chicagoland Speedway. Wilson, who has appeared at numerous NASCAR races and had a connection to racing as a child, will narrate and appear in the opening teases of the telecasts of the 10 races, with each tease tailored to the racetrack hosting that week's event. In addition, her music will be featured through the entire Chase for the NASCAR Sprint Cup on ESPN. Wilson's musical contributions to ESPN also will be featured online at www.espn.com/music with updates on Twitter at @espnmusic and @ESPNNASCAR. Wilson is on Twitter as @gw27.(ESPN)(9-13-2013)

Dillon fastest in Nationwide happy hour: #3-Austin Dillon was quickest during happy hour for the Dollar General 300 with a speed of 179.748mph. He was followed by: #33-Kevin Harvick, #30-Nelson Piquet, Jr., #98-Kevin Swindell, #5-Brad Sweet, #99-Alex Bowman, #77-Parker Kligerman, #6-Trevor Bayne, #2-Brain Scott, and #60-Travis Pastrana. 39 drivers participated in the session. See complete results on the Chicago practice 2 speeds page (pdf).(9-13-2013)

Larson fastest in first Nationwide practice: #32-Kyle Larson was fastest during opening practice at Chicagoland Speedway with a speed of 177.055mph. #99-Alex Bowman was second, followed by: #31-Justin Allgaier, #54-Kyle Busch, #3-Austin Dillon, #5-Brad Sweet, #22-Joey Logano, #12-Sam Hornish, Jr, #7-Regan Smith, and #20-Brian Vickers. 42 drivers practiced during the session. See complete results on the Chicago practice 1 speeds page (pdf).(9-13-2013)

Busch wins Chicagoland: #51-Kyle Busch won the EnjoyIllinois.com 225 at Chicagoland Speedway on Friday night. #19-Brad Keselowski finished second. #29-Ryan Blaney, #88-Matt Crafton, #3-Ty Dillon, #7-John Wes Townley, #24-Austin Dillon, #31-James Buescher, #4-Jeb Burton, and #98-Johnny Sauter close out the top-10. There were five caution flags for 27 laps, and 12 lead changes among four drivers. Complete results are on the Chicagoland race results page (pdf).(9-13-2013)

Chicagoland Race Fast Facts:
Kyle Busch won the 5th Annual EnjoyIllinois.com 225, his 34th victory in 112 NASCAR Camping World Truck Series races.
This is his fourth victory and seventh top-10 finish in 2013.
This is his third victory and fourth top-10 finish in four races at Chicagoland Speedway.
Brad Keselowski (second) posted his first top-10 finish in one races at Chicagoland Speedway. It is his third top-10 finish in 2013.
Ryan Blaney (third) posted his first top-10 finish in one races at Chicagoland Speedway.
Matt Crafton leads the point standings by 41 points over James Buescher.(NASCAR Statistics)(9-13-2013)

Driver standings following Chicagoland:
1) #88-Matt Crafton 609
2) #31-James Buescher 568, -41
3) #3-Ty Dillon 550, -59
4) #4-Jeb Burton # 539, -70
5) #29-Ryan Blaney # 527, -82
6) #32-Miguel Paludo 526, -83
7) #17-Timothy Peters 512, -97
8) #98-Johnny Sauter 499, -110
9) #54-Darrell Wallace, Jr., # 498, -111
10) #62-Brendan Gaughan 483, -126
See complete standings on the driver standings page (pdf).(9-13-2013)

Owner Standings following Iowa: are posted (pdf).(9-13-2013)

Burton on pole for the EnjoyIllinois225.com at Chicagoland Speedway: #4-Jeb Burton won the pole for Friday night's EnjoyIllinois.com 225 Speedway, running a fast lap at 175.148 mph. #3-Ty Dillon will start second. He is followed by: #32-Miguel Paludo, #6-Justin Lofton, #62-Brendan Gaughan, #18-Joey Coulter, #51-Kyle Busch, #88-Matt Crafton, #31-James Buescher, and #24-Austin Dillon. 36 teams entered the event, giving every entry a starting spot. See complete lineup on the Starting lineup (pdf) page.(9-13-2013)

Chicagoland Qualifying Notes:
Jeb Burton won the Keystone Light Pole Award for the 5th Annual EnjoyIllinois.com 225 with a lap of 30.831 seconds, 175.148 mph.
This is his fifth pole in 21 NASCAR Camping World Truck Series races.
This is his fifth pole and 12th top-10 start in 2013.
This is his first pole in one races at Chicagoland Speedway.
Ty Dillon (second) posted his 12th top-10 start of 2013 and his second in two races at Chicagoland Speedway.
Miguel Paludo (third) posted his third top-10 start at Chicagoland Speedway. It is his 10th in 16 races this season.
(NASCAR Statistics)(9-13-2013)

Burton fastest in final practice in Chicago: #4-Jeb Burton was fastest during final practice at Chicagoland Speedway. He 175.347 mph. #3-Ty Dillon was second quick, followed by: #6-Justin Lofton, #88-Matt Crafton, #98-Johnny Sauter, #19-Brad Keselowski, #32-Miguel Paludo, #24-Austin Dillon, #77-German Quiroga, and #31-James Buescher. 32 of the entered 36 trucks ran at least one lap during the session. See complete results on the Chicagoland practice 2 speeds page (pdf).(9-13-2013)

Keselowski fastest in first practice in Chicago: #19-Brad Keselowski was fastest in the opening practice session at Chicagoland Speedway on Friday, topping the charts with a fast lap at 176.085 mph. #3-Ty Dillon was second. He was followed by: #51-Kyle Busch, #31-James Buescher, #9-Ron Hornaday, Jr., #4-Jeb Burton, #18-Joey Coulter, #24-Austin Dillon, #54-Darrell Wallace, Jr., and #32-Miguel Paludo in the top-10. 34 of the entered 36 trucks ran at least one lap during the session. See complete results on the Chicagoland practice 1 speeds page (pdf).(9-13-2013)

2014 Tundra unveiled: Toyota's 2014 entry into the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series will have a new look next season. Longtime Toyota driver Kyle Busch helped unveil the new model year Tundra that will hit the track next season, showing off a blunt, redesigned nose to fans and media Thursday at NASCAR Contenders Live, a fan-driven event at Chicago's Navy Pier. The debut was another step in NASCAR's push to achieve a more similar look to automakers' road-going counterparts, but also a step toward greater brand identity. Les Unger, the National Motorsports Manager for Toyota, said that the 2014 street model Tundra was not radically different from its production predecessor, but that new styling cues in the bumper and grille help distinguish it.(Yahoo Sports)(9-13-2013)

Cast of "Chicago Fire" serving as Chicago Grand Marshals: In honor of the 12th Anniversary of Sept. 11th, 2001, Chicagoland Speedway announced cast members of NBC's hit television series "Chicago Fire" and representatives from the Chicago Police Department, Joliet Police Department and Joliet Fire Department as the collective Grand Marshals for the GEICO 400 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series race, Sunday, Sept. 15. The cast members of "Chicago Fire," including Jesse Spencer (Lieutenant Matthew Casey), Taylor Kinney (Lieutenant Kelly Severide), Eamonn Walker (Battalion Chief Wallace Boden), David Eigenberg (Firefighter Christopher Herrmann) and Randy Flagler (Capp), will deliver the most famous line in motorsports, "Drivers, start your engines," prior to the green flag of the GEICO 400. The NBC drama, "Chicago Fire," provides an edge-of-your-seat view into the lives of everyday heroes committed to one of America's most noble professions. For the firefighters, rescue squad and paramedics of Chicago Firehouse 51, no occupation is more stressful or dangerous, yet so rewarding and exhilarating.(Chicagoland Speedway)(9-13-2013)

Bristol ticket purchasers can get racing print: With 11 laps to go in the 2013 IRWIN Tools Night Race, Kasey Kahne moved his car to the inside of race leader Matt Kenseth, and stuck there for several laps as the two engaged in a battle worthy of the Last Great Colosseum. While Kenseth ultimately prevailed at the stripe, the race's waning laps provided NASCAR fans with breath-catching, edge-of-your-seat action on par with the famed bullring's legendary reputation, and thanks to renowned motorsports and live art painter Bill Patterson guests reserving their seats for a 2014 trip to the World's Fastest Half Mile can own an indelible image of this year's Bristol battle. Fans wanting to harness the power of the 2013 IRWIN Tools Night Race and guarantee they don't miss a minute of next year's Bristol brawls can reserve their 2014 season tickets now by clicking here or calling (855) 580-5525. Those renewing by October 23rd not only receive a poster of Patterson's commemorative painting as long as supplies last but are also entered to win an all-expense paid trip to the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Championship Week in Las Vegas.(BMS)(9-13-2013)

Toyota not commenting on MWR penalties: Toyota has elected not to release a statement regarding the recent NASCAR sanctions against Michael Waltrip Racing stemming from what NASCAR vice president Robin Pemberton characterized as an attempt "to manipulate the outcome of the race" at Richmond International Raceway on Saturday night. On Thursday, Ed Laukes, vice president for marketing communications and motorsports with Toyota Auto Sales, said the manufacturer's "focus was on the three drivers remaining in the Chase"  #20-Matt Kenseth, #18-Kyle Busch and #15-Clint Bowyer. "As far as the Waltrip organization goes, absolutely nothing's changed with us," Laukes said. "We're not going to really talk about it  we're just going to focus on exactly where we're at with our three guys. I think, at the end of the day, we have to look at how we support our teams, and what happened in this situation is really between Michael Waltrip Racing and NASCAR. It's unfortunate, but it's part of the sport. There's a long history, long before Toyota got into the sport, of things that happened, and it's really between Michael Waltrip racing and NASCAR. At this point we just have to stay focused on everything that's going on with the three guys and try to get a first Sprint Cup championship for Toyota."(Fox Sports)(9-12-2013)

RCR, Furniture Row to continue alliance: Richard Childress Racing and Furniture Row Racing have agreed to continue their successful technical alliance in NASCAR Sprint Cup Series competition. The alliance includes technology sharing, engineering, research and development provided to FRR's #78 Chevy from RCR. The partnership, which started in 2010, also includes FRR utilizing the highly reliable and powerful engines of ECR Engines. This season, the # 78 Furniture Row Chevrolet driven by Kurt Busch qualified for the Chase for the NASCAR Sprint Cup Championship on the strength of one pole, seven top-five and 12 top-10 finishes. Busch has eight front row starts this season, which is the most he has earned in any year of his career.(RCR)(9-12-2013)

Penske deal with Front Row at Richmond to help Logano? UPDATES: Penske Racing may have cut a deal with Front Row Motorsports in the closing laps at Richmond for track position to help get #22-Joey Logano in the Chase for the Sprint Cup championship. In radio communications reviewed Wednesday by The Associated Press for Front Row driver #38-David Gilliland, his spotter informs the team of a request to let Logano pass him in the final laps of Saturday night's race. Logano was trying to claim a spot in the 12-driver Chase field. Both Penske and Front Row are Ford teams and thus considered partners. A voice on the radio, believed to be crew chief Frank Kerr, asks who the request is coming from. The spotter replies: "We've got the big dog and all his cronies." Kerr then says: "Travis knows what I've been asking for," an apparent reference to Penske Racing competition director Travis Geisler. Logano passed Gilliland on a restart and finished 22nd, one spot ahead of Gilliland and good enough for a berth in the Chase field. "Good job, good job, man," the spotter says after the race. "Hopefully we'll get something out of that." Statistics analyzed by AP also show Gilliland's lap times dropped off by almost 1 second from the times he was running prior to the radio communication.(Associated Press)(9-11-2013)
UPDATE: "NASCAR is aware of reports about the #22 and #38 radio communications at Richmond International Raceway and is looking into it, but has yet to see anything in full context that requires any action."(NASCAR)(9-11-2013)
UPDATE 2: Thursday morning release from NASCAR: "NASCAR is continuing to gather all the facts from last Saturday night's NASCAR Sprint Cup Series event at Richmond International Raceway. NASCAR will have no further comment until all the facts have been examined. "(NASCAR)(9-12-2013)

Royal Teak Collection sponsoring Nemechek: As NASCAR moves to the Midwest for the weekend, Royal Teak Collection.com and the #87 Sprint Cup Team will again be partnering for the GEICO 400 at the Chicagoland Speedway. The Royal Teak Collection.com car is primed for a challenging race in the Windy City. Joe Nemechek said, "We are excited to continue our relationship with Royal Teak Collection.com, if there are any NASCAR Fans looking for premium patio furniture, The Royal Teak Collection is top of the line." Claus Villebro, President & CEO of Royal Teak Collection stated how pleased he was with the amount of attention the brand received over the summer months. "This has been a wonderful time for our company, and Chicago is a great place to continue our sponsorship with the #87 car".(NEMCO-JRR)(9-12-2013)

Johnson wants changes to NASCAR officiating: #48-Jimmie Johnson called for major changes to the way NASCAR officiates races on Wednesday, four days after two high-profile incidents at Richmond International Raceway continued to be the talk of NASCAR. Johnson proposed halting a race with a red-flag to review any questionable circumstances, similar to an NFL-style replay timeout. "In my opinion, if there is a question they don't know, they need to stop the race immediately," Johnson said during a promotional event at Charlotte Motor Speedway. "Red flag, pits are closed, figure it out and make the best judgment they can. Because trying to go back on Monday or Tuesday to fix the situation is just too much, and then I learn something about a ripple effect." NASCAR announced the largest penalties in its history late Monday night after reviewing actions taken by the Michael Waltrip Racing team to manipulate the outcome of NASCAR's Chase for the Sprint Cup field. Initially, NASCAR said it saw nothing wrong with what MWR did  which included having Brian Vickers make a late-race pit stop to give up a position in the race, which helped teammate Martin Truex Jr. make the Chase. NASCAR later removed Truex from the Chase with its penalty. Stopping the race for an incident like Clint Bowyer's suspicious spin -- he said after the race and in his first public comments Tuesday since the penalties that he did not spin on purpose -- would have been hard for some people to swallow, but also "the lesser of the evils," Johnson said.(USA Today)(9-12-2013)

Gordon say code of conduct was violated at Richmond: #24-Jeff Gordon said he's dealt with an unprecedented level of anger and disappointment after his team was essentially robbed of a Chase for the Sprint Cup berth on Saturday night at Richmond International Raceway. In the final laps, Clint Bowyer and teammate Brian Vickers made unnecessary pit stops that allowed Joey Logano to pass them on the track; Logano ended up with one more point than Gordon to remain in the top 10 and secure a Chase slot. "When I found out later how they manipulated it, that was anger on a whole 'nother level," Gordon said Wednesday before playing a charity kickball game to benefit pediatric cancer research. "It's hard to describe and it's disappointing. You realize people all want to do things for their teammates to help them, but you also know there are certain lines that have to be drawn with that." Gordon said after hearing about everything that happened during the race, his team "deserves to be in this thing." He spoke as if the possibility of making the Chase still existed after learning of suspicious radio chatter involving David Gilliland and Logano, but he declined to comment on that situation until he knows more.
Though Gordon said he could have been more aggressive on the final restart  like shoving other cars out of the way or possibly even wrecking them  he only went as far as he deemed fair under the code of sportsmanship. "There are certain morals that are still involved with what you're comfortable with doing and not comfortable with doing," he said. "And it has an effect on far more people than we could ever understand. That's what I've really learned through this situation: It's way beyond me and you, it's way beyond the sport, it's beyond the fans. It reaches out much further than that. And that's what is so important for NASCAR to work on maintaining  and also us as competitors, we have a responsibility there as well."(USA Today)(9-12-2013)

NASCAR Green Summit held in Chicago: An assortment of global influencers, accomplished dignitaries and high-profile executives headlined the 2013 NASCAR Green Summit Delivered by UPS in Chicago. Commemorating five years of innovative changes to the sport's environmental footprint, the event examined the substantive initiatives that have helped make NASCAR the sports sustainability leader. Founded on NASCAR Chairman & CEO Brian France's vision, NASCAR Green has grown exponentially into one of the most powerful environmental awareness platforms in the country. NASCAR owns the largest recycling, tree planting and renewable energy programs in all of sports. It also put nearly five million competition miles on Sunoco Green E15, a biofuel blended with 15 percent American-made ethanol made from American-grown corn. The 2013 NASCAR Green Summit delivered by UPS recognized a number of Official NASCAR Partners that continue to push the bar in driving sustainable behavior. The program included executives from some of the world's most influential brands, such as Coca-Cola, Ford Motor Company, Eaton, General Motors, Liberty Tire, Safety-Kleen, Sprint, Sunoco, Toyota and presenting partner UPS.
NASCAR formally announced it will enter into strategic collaborations with the Department of Energy (DOE) and the NRDC. NASCAR and the DOE will collaborate on advancing the adoption of clean energy technologies. NASCAR and the NRDC will collaborate on several initiatives in the areas of energy usage, waste management and food consumption.
Additionally at the summit, NASCAR honored a number of sanctioned tracks for their dedication to making a positive impact on the environment. Auto Club Speedway, Darlington Raceway, Daytona International Speedway, Kansas Speedway, Las Vegas Motor Speedway, Michigan International Speedway, Pocono Raceway, Richmond International Raceway, Sonoma Raceway and Watkins Glen International all received special awards.(NASCAR)(9-12-2013)

Fans' names on #24 car: If Jeff Gordon wins Sunday's Geico 400 at Chicagoland Speedway, it will not be his first trip to Victory Lane at the Joliet track. But it will be for 516 others. The Drive To End Hunger "Ride with Jeff Gordon" promotion allowed fans who donated $124 to have their name appear on the #24 Chevy SS's hood during this weekend's race. In a perfect world, Gordon's name would be the 517th to cross under the checkered flag. "My name is above the door, so all those on the hood will cross the line first," said Gordon. "I want to thank all those that participated in this cool program." Gordon, whose lone win here occurred in 2006, also has one pole (2004), six top-fives and seven top-10's in 12 starts at the 1.5-mile track. Last year, the four-time NASCAR Cup Series champion was running in the top five before a stuck throttle and contact with the wall ended his strong run.(Performance PR)(9-12-2013)

News & Notes - Chicagoland Speedway:
• Construction of the Chicagoland Speedway began in August 1999.
• The first NASCAR Nationwide Series race at Chicago was July 14, 2001.
• The first NASCAR Sprint Cup Series race was held on July 15, 2001  won by Kevin Harvick.
• This weekend marks the third year Chicagoland Speedway has been included in the 10-race Chase for the NASCAR Sprint Cup  Sept. 18, 2011.
• There have been 12 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series races at Chicagoland Speedway, one race per season since the first event in 2001.
• 105 drivers have competed in at least one NASCAR Sprint Cup Series race at Chicagoland Speedway; 81 in more than one.
• 10 drivers have competed in all 12 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series events at Chicagoland Speedway; four of which are Chase Contenders: Dale Earnhardt Jr., Matt Kenseth, Kurt Busch and Kevin Harvick.
• Todd Bodine won the inaugural Coors Light pole at Chicago in 2001 with a speed of 183.717 mph.
• 10 drivers have Coors Light poles at Chicago, led by Jimmie Johnson with two.
• Nine different NASCAR Sprint Cup Series drivers have won at Chicagoland Speedway, led by Tony Stewart with three; followed by Kevin Harvick with two (first two series events at speedway).
• Three Chase Contenders are former winners at Chicagoland Speedway: Harvick, Kyle Busch and Dale Earnhardt Jr.
• Kevin Harvick (2001, 2002) is the only driver to post consecutive NASCAR Sprint Cup Series wins at Chicagoland Speedway.
• Joe Gibbs Racing has the most wins at Chicago in the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series with three: Tony Stewart (two) and Kyle Busch (one). Richard Childress Racing, Penske Racing and Hendrick Motorsports each have two.
• Three different manufacturers have won in the NSCS at Chicago; led by Chevrolet with eight victories; followed by Toyota and Dodge with two each. Ford has yet to win at Chicago.
• One of the 12 (8.3%) NASCAR Sprint Cup Series races at Chicago have been won from the Coors Light pole; Kyle Busch in 2008.
• Four of the 12 (33.3%) NASCAR Sprint Cup races at Chicago have been won from a top-10 starting position.
• Three of the 12 (25%) NASCAR Sprint Cup Series races at Chicago have been won from a starting position outside the top 20.
• The deepest in the field that a race winner has started at Chicago is 32nd, by Kevin Harvick in 2002.
• Kyle Busch swept the weekend at Chicagoland Speedway winning the NASCAR Sprint Cup and NASCAR Nationwide Series races in 2008.
• Jimmie Johnson leads the series in runner-up finishes at Chicago with three; followed by Jeff Gordon and Matt Kenseth with two each.
• Tony Stewart leads the series in top-five finishes at Chicago with eight; followed by Jimmie Johnson, Kevin Harvick and Jeff Gordon with six each.
• Tony Stewart leads the series in top-10 finishes at Chicago with 10; followed by Jeff Gordon with nine.
• Brian Vickers leads all active drivers in the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series in average starting position at Chicago with a 5.833.
• Tony Stewart leads all active drivers in the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series in average finishing position at 8.500.
• Eight of the nine active NASCAR Sprint Cup Series winners at Chicagoland Speedway participated in at least one or more races before visiting Victory Lane. Kevin Harvick won at Chicago in his first two appearances (2001, 2002). Ryan Newman won in his second appearance (2003).
• Mark Martin competed at Chicagoland Speedway eight times before winning in 2009; the longest span of any the nine Chicago NASCAR Sprint Cup Series winners.
• Jeff Burton, Kurt Busch, Bobby Labonte, Joe Nemechek and Matt Kenseth lead the series among active drivers with the most NASCAR Sprint Cup Series starts at Chicago without visiting Victory Lane at 12.
• Since the advent of electronic scoring the closest margin of victory (MOV) in the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series at Chicagoland Speedway was the July 12, 2008 race won by Kevin Harvick over Jimmie Johnson with a MOV of 0.159 second. It is the 75th closest finish scored by electronic scoring in the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series.
• Eight out of the 12 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series races at Chicagoland Speedway have had a Margin of Victory less than a second.
• Only one NASCAR Sprint Cup Series race has resulted with a green-white-checkered finish at Chicagoland Speedway (Scheduled No. of Laps/Actual No. of Laps): 7/9/2006 (267/270).
• None of the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series races at Chicagoland Speedway have been shortened due to weather conditions.
• Qualifying has been cancelled due to weather conditions in the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series at Chicagoland Speedway once  the 2008 event.
• Two active NASCAR Sprint Cup Series drivers have posted their first career start at Chicagoland Speedway: David Stremme (7/10/2005) and Josh Wise (9/19/2011).
• Jimmie Johnson leads all drivers in the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series in laps led at Chicago with 537 laps led in 11 starts.
• Danica Patrick is the only female driver that has competed at Chicagoland Speedway in the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series; Shawna Robinson attempted to in 2001 but failed to qualify for the event
(NASCAR)(9-12-2013)

Chassis selections for this weeks race: see the list of many teams [that report or post chassis info, some do not] and what chassis were selected by the team to run at Chicagoland Speedway on the Chicago Race Info page - Chassis selection area.

Brett Butler returns to the #24: Brett Butler will return to the track this weekend in the Dollar General 300 at Chicagoland Speedway as he jumps in the driver's seat of SR2 Motorsports #24 Toyota Camry. The Five Star Lodge and Stables, located in Morgantown, GA and RE/MAX of Georgia are teaming up with Brett once again for 300 miles of high-stakes NASCAR Nationswide racing. The Five Star Lodge and Stables logo will adorn the hood with RE/MAX of Georgia taking the real estate on the Upper Quarter Panels.(SR2 Motorsports)(9-12-2013)

Go Green names Chicago sponsor: Go Green Racing announced Maryeve Dufault as driver of the #79 SK Hand Tools Ford Mustang in this weekend's NASCAR Nationwide Series race at Chicagoland Speedway. This will mark the first NNS oval start for the Canadian-born racer and only the second of her career. Dufault has tested with Go Green Racing earlier this season and finished 10th at Chicagoland in a 2011 ARCA race.(Go Green), see an image of the car on the #79 team paint schemes page.(9-12-2013)

Jeb Burton to make Nationwide debut at Kentucky: Jeb Burton will make his NASCAR Nationwide Series debut in the #34 Arrowhead Camaro at Kentucky Speedway on Saturday, September 21. The driver of the #4 Arrowhead Chevrolet Silverado for Turner Scott Motorsports is currently competing for the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series championship. A native of South Boston, Virginia, the 21-year-old Sunoco Rookie of the Year contender currently sits fourth highest in the NCWTS Driver Point Standings. In just fifteen starts, Burton's continued to prove himself on the track, earning one win and four Keystone Light Pole Awards so far this season. Burton will bring along his current crew chief Mike Hillman Jr. as well as his regular NCWTS team for the NNS race at Kentucky.(Turner Scott Motorsports)(9-12-2013)

New look for McClure: To generate excitement for the launch of the new Hefty Ultimate with Arm & Hammer odor control trash bags, Eric McClure's #14 Toyota Camry will take on a different look for the last eight NASCAR Nationwide Series races in 2013. The base of the car will sport the Hefty Ultimate silver color, featuring blue and orange highlights. The Hefty and Reynolds brand logos will occupy the quarter and TV panels respectively. Hefty Ultimate with Arm & Hammer odor control trash bags provide all you need in one bag. Its unique combination of odor control, a gripping drawstring, and incredible strength innovations combat pesky odors and help manage messes in the kitchen.(TMI), see an image of the car on the #14 team paint schemes page.(9-12-2013)

NASCAR Chase drivers headline LVMS's annual fanfest on Dec. 4: Las Vegas Motor Speedway will kick off NASCAR Champion's Week in Las Vegas with a fanfest at the Fremont Street Experience on Wednesday, Dec. 4. This will be the first event involving the 12 Chase drivers during this year's celebration of the NASCAR Sprint Cup champion. The event is free to the public. The highlight of the event will be a Deal or No Deal-type show involving the 12 Chase drivers.
"The fanfest has become one of the top highlights of NASCAR Champion's Week," said LVMS president Chris Powell. "This downtown event allows fans to get close to the drivers, and gives them an opportunity to see the drivers in a much more laid-back environment without their fire suits and helmets. This is one of the best fan events in NASCAR. We're very appreciative to our friends at Boyd Gaming, Sprint and Coca-Cola who make it possible for us to put on this show and to keep it free for everyone."
The event, which will be held on the Third Street Stage on Fremont Street adjacent to the Fremont Hotel and Casino, will begin at 1:30 p.m. The drivers will walk a red carpet through the crowd en route to the stage. The speedway and Sprint also will be helping choose six fans who could win big prizes if their team of drivers wins the game show. Fans will be selected through social networking, media promotions and two lucky fans will be chosen on site to be matched up with a racing pair. The fan paired with the winning team will receive tickets to Friday's Champion's banquet at the Wynn Las Vegas as well as weekend suite passes for the March 7-9, 2014 NASCAR Weekend at LVMS.(LVMS)(9-12-2013)

Truex, Jr. Comments on Richmond: #56-Martin Truex, Jr. posted the following message on Twitter Wednesday evening:
"I just want to take a min to thank my fans, NAPA AUTO PARTS, Toyota, NASCAR, my fellow competitors, & MWR for their support. I was very excited for my team when I learned that we clinched a wild card spot Sat night in Richmond. I drove the hardest race of my life that night & was unaware of any other circumstances other than needing to finish as high as I could to have a chance. This has been a very difficult situation for everyone involved. I hope we can all move on. Im looking forward to Chicago, seeing all my fans & getting back in my #56 NAPA Toyota. Thank you for all the messages. They are much appreciated."(9-11-2013)

Penske deal with Front Row at Richmond to help Logano? UPDATE: Penske Racing may have cut a deal with Front Row Motorsports in the closing laps at Richmond for track position to help get #22-Joey Logano in the Chase for the Sprint Cup championship. In radio communications reviewed Wednesday by The Associated Press for Front Row driver #38-David Gilliland, his spotter informs the team of a request to let Logano pass him in the final laps of Saturday night's race. Logano was trying to claim a spot in the 12-driver Chase field. Both Penske and Front Row are Ford teams and thus considered partners. A voice on the radio, believed to be crew chief Frank Kerr, asks who the request is coming from. The spotter replies: "We've got the big dog and all his cronies." Kerr then says: "Travis knows what I've been asking for," an apparent reference to Penske Racing competition director Travis Geisler. Logano passed Gilliland on a restart and finished 22nd, one spot ahead of Gilliland and good enough for a berth in the Chase field. "Good job, good job, man," the spotter says after the race. "Hopefully we'll get something out of that." Statistics analyzed by AP also show Gilliland's lap times dropped off by almost 1 second from the times he was running prior to the radio communication.(Associated Press)(9-11-2013)
UPDATE: "NASCAR is aware of reports about the #22 and #38 radio communications at Richmond International Raceway and is looking into it, but has yet to see anything in full context that requires any action."(NASCAR)(9-11-2013)

Michael Waltrip Racing sponsor statements on Richmond rac: From NAPA:
"The actions taken by Michael Waltrip's Racing team this past weekend leading to the penalties assessed by NASCAR, are very concerning. We are disappointed that a partner associated with our organization would make such a significant error in judgment. In addition, we have launched our own review to determine the future of our partnership with Michael Waltrip's Racing team. The NAPA AUTO PARTS organization is proud of its long-standing NASCAR relationship. We share a passion with our customers for high quality racing and seek to determine the best course of action for our customers, NASCAR fans, and the NAPA organization.(NAPA Facebook page)
AND From 5 Hour Energy:
"We respect NASCAR's penalties against MWR & are addressing our sponsorship relations internally. We appreciate your understanding & patience."(5 Hour Energy Twitter account.(9-11-2013)

Waltrip defends organization: Car owner Michael Waltrip said that there was no plan to ensure that #56-Martin Truex Jr. made the Chase last weekend at Richmond, but admits he might have made some similar decisions. Waltrip spoke Tuesday to "Race Hub" on FOX Sports 1, which also employs him. His interview came a day after NASCAR's penalties knocked Truex out of the Chase, allowing Ryan Newman to make it in. NASCAR penalized each of MWR's teams for a series of actions late in the race. It started with Clint Bowyer spinning and purposely losing two laps. It continued with Ty Norris, the team's general manager, ordering Brian Vickers to pit to give up positions. Waltrip defended his organization Tuesday in the "Race Hub" interview. "We're not immoral, we're not irresponsible," he said. "The decisions were made just based on circumstances. As we look back, obviously, we would have been smarter and done things differently had we had that option. What the penalties were for (was Vickers) coming down pit road to give up a spot that enabled (Truex) to make the Chase. It was impossible to defend because we did it. The caution was out and Ty was looking at the numbers and it's like, 'Pit, pit ... we need that position,' so we pitted. I don't know if I would have done it any differently. We've seen people give up positions all the time in this sport to give a teammate a point. It happens. We've seen the leader pull over so another guy can lead. I would have screwed that one up, too."
Asked if Bowyer intentionally spun - Bowyer has repeatedly denied that, Waltrip defended his driver. "You saw the video, you heard the audio," Waltrip told FOX Sports 1. "I stand by my driver."(Motor Racing Network)(9-11-2013)

Hendrick says Gordon was 'robbed': Hendrick Motorsports team owner Rick Hendrick said he was just as mad as his driver, #24-Jeff Gordon, over the penalties NASCAR handed down Monday night regarding Michael Waltrip Racing's attempt to manipulate the outcome of Saturday night's race at Richmond, Va. Hendrick went on to say, "Jeff Gordon got robbed. On to the Chase and try to win it." Gordon, and his wife, Ingrid Vandebosch, posted several messages on Twitter following NASCAR's announcement expressing their displeasure with the decision. Gordon was in position to make the Chase in the closing laps by finishing in the Top 10 in points but with MWR's cars pitting and pulling off the track and losing positions Joey Logano ended up with claiming a position in the Top 10, leaving Gordon out. Gordon went on to say, even he was taken out of the equation, he didn't agree with NASCAR effectively allowing Bowyer to contend for the series championship with no further penalty.(Charlotte Observer)(9-11-2013)

Bobby Labonte to miss Chicago: JTG Daugherty Racing's Bobby Labonte will miss one more race while he continues to recuperate from broken ribs suffered in a cycling accident near his home in Trinity, NC. A.J. Allmendinger will drive the #47 Kingsford Toyota car Chicagoland Speedway this weekend.(JTG Daugherty Racing's Twitter)(9-9-2013)
UPDATE: Bobby Labonte has decided to take another week to recover and will not race the #47 Kingsford Charcoal Toyota at Chicagoland Speedway as originally planned. Labonte suffered three broken ribs in a cycling accident near his Trinity, N.C. home on the morning of Wednesday, August 28. "I feel better every day," Labonte said. "My ribs still hurt and that's something that takes time. I figure with the way things are, another week is not that big of a deal. It gives me another week to heal up. Obviously, the plan now is to get back in the car at New Hampshire Motor Speedway, which is a good track and I look forward to going back there. With my goal being Loudon (N.H.), it gives me another 10 days to prepare for that. It's better to wait another 10 days."(JTG Daugherty Racing)(9-11-2013)

Top 12 Driver Rating at Chicago:
#48-Jimmie Johnson..................116.2
Tony Stewart........................109.8 (injured, not racing)
#55-Brian Vickers...................101.5
#20-Matt Kenseth....................101.5
#18-Kyle Busch.......................99.4
#29-Kevin Harvick....................95.8
#24-Jeff Gordon......................94.6
#15-Clint Bowyer.....................91.8
#99-Carl Edwards.....................90.9
#2-Brad Keselowski...................90.2
#55-Mark Martin......................89.6
#88-Dale Earnhardt Jr............... 89.5
Note: For point-paying races in past eight years, at this track.
Formula combining the following categories: Wins, Finishes, Top-15 Finishes, Average Running Position While on Lead Lap, Average Speed Under Green, Fastest Lap, Led Most Laps, Lead-Lap Finish. Maximum: 150 points per race.(NASCAR)(9-11-2013)

Richmond TV Ratings: ABCs live telecast of the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series race at Richmond International Raceway on Saturday night, Sept. 7, saw an increase in viewership from last years race. The telecast was viewed by an average of 5,153,453 people with a U.S. household rating of 3.3, according to the Nielsen Company. Last years race, which also earned a 3.3 rating, had an average viewership of 5,078,987. Richmond led all metered markets across the nation with a 9.8 rating, with Greenville, S.C., second at 8.4 and Norfolk, Va., third at 7.8. Knoxville, Tenn., (7.1) and Greensboro, N.C., (6.9) completed the top five. The rest of the top 10 markets were Charlotte, N.C., (6.7), Indianapolis (6.5), Dayton, Ohio (6.1), Nashville, Tenn., (5.5) and Columbus, Ohio (5.3).(ESPN)(9-11-2013)

Ingersoll Rand on the #44 at Chicago: Ingersoll Rand, a global leader in air compressors, tools fluid management and material handling equipment, will serve as primary sponsor on the #44 Toyota Camry of Chad Hackenbracht for this Saturday's Dollar General 300 at Chicagoland Speedway. Throughout the 2013 NASCAR Nationwide Series season, Ingersoll Rand has sustained an associate sponsor partnership at TriStar Motorsports on the #44. "Working with Ingersoll Rand this year has been great," said Mark Smith, Owner of TriStar Motorsports. "We're lucky to have them as partners and to use their first-class products each week in the race shop and at the track." This is not the first time Hackenbracht and Ingersoll Rand have teamed up. The pair have had a budding relationship since 2011 when Hackenbracht raced in the ARCA Racing Series.(TriStar Motorsports), see an image of the car on the #44 team paint schemes page.(9-11-2013)

McClure cleared to race: #14-Eric McClure tweeted Wednesday morning that he has been cleared to return to racing this weekend at Chicagoland Speedway. McClure had missed the last 4 races after kidney problems.(9-11-2013)

Sweet finishing out the year in the #5: Chicago is the beginning of an eight-race stretch that will see Brad Sweet finish out the season in the #5 car. Sweet has made nine starts for the team, totaling two top-10s and an average finish of 18.0. This is the first time Sweet will see more than three consecutive races with the #5 team.(JR Motorsports)(9-11-2013)

Final Nationwide start of the year for Earnhardt, Jr.: Dale Earnhardt Jr. will pilot the #88 Great Clips Chevy Camaro for JRM this weekend at Chicago in his fourth and final Nationwide Series race of 2013. Earnhardt Jr. competed previously at Daytona International Speedway, Las Vegas Motor Speedway and Texas Motor Speedway, amassing two top-five finishes. His average finish with the team this year is 7.3.(JR Motorsports)(9-11-2013)

Rock Band O.A.R. to Headline New Hampshire Pre-Race Show: Mixing classic favorites and new hits, alternative rock band Of A Revolution (O.A.R.) will headline the pre-race concert for the SYLVANIA 300 on Sept. 22 at New Hampshire Motor Speedway. O.A.R. will perform for free on the frontstretch stage at 12:10 p.m. EST as part of the pre-race festivities prior to the start of the SYLVANIA 300, the second race in NASCAR's Chase for the Sprint Cup championship. To see O.A.R. perform live on the New Hampshire Motor Speedway frontstretch prior to the SYLVANIA 300 on Sept. 22, purchase tickets by calling (603) 783-4931 or by visiting www.nhms.com. For an up close look from right in front of the pre-race stage, pre-race pit passes are available for $100 per adult and $50 for children 14 years old and younger.(NHMS)(9-11-2013)

New camping options now available at Dover: Race fans will have a new alternative to hotels when it comes to race weekend accommodations this fall at Dover International Speedway, with the addition of an all-new camping program for the Sept. 27-29, 2013 race weekend. All-inclusive Premium Camping introduces fans at the Monster Mile to a turnkey option that provides added convenience on race weekend, and includes a luxury tent; two comfortable cots with blankets and pillows; two shower passes per day; and a parking spot right at your campsite. Premium Camping costs $289 for the duration of the stay. The package also includes a Trackside Access pass for each NASCAR Sprint Cup Series ticket on a customer's account, providing access to the frontstretch of the track on Sunday morning before the green flag waves. Standard Tent Camping, available for just $100, provides fans with the option to bring their own tent and setup for race weekend at their leisure. A parking spot on-site is included, along with nearby restroom access. Showers are available for a nominal fee. The only ticket requirement for either package is one adult ticket for any of the weekend's three races.
Both Premium Camping and Tent Camping are located in Lot 9, in close proximity to the track's FanZone and Monster Monument in Victory Plaza. Fans that stay on-site can easily experience all the Monster Mile has to offer all weekend long, including free autograph sessions, driver question-and-answer sessions, the family friendly Monster FunZone, live music and more. To reserve your Premium Camping or Tent Camping spot for race weekend, call the Dover ticket office at 800-441-RACE.(Dover International Speedway)(9-11-2013)

Bowyer comments on Richmond, penalties: #15-Clint Bowyer stumbled through an uncomfortable interview during a Tuesday afternoon edition of ESPN's SportsCenter, his first public comments since Michael Waltrip Racing was given the largest penalty in NASCAR history. Bowyer, who largely was unaffected by the penalty despite a suspicious spin that triggered a controversial sequence of events, apologized several times during the interview. But when pressed on why he was apologizing, Bowyer danced around the question.
"No, let's not dig too much into this," Bowyer said when asked if his apology referred to the spin. "I've dealt with a lot of opinions and a lot of things that happened. I gave my interview after the race as to what happened. We've been penalized with the biggest penalty in NASCAR history and we're going to get through this as a race team." Bowyer acknowledged calling to apologize to Ryan Newman ("I felt horrible," he said) and also apologized to any fans "who don't agree and are upset." But pushed to explain his comments further, Bowyer refused to explain himself. "It's a bad deal all the way around for MWR," he said. "Again, we've been penalized for this, we stand by our actions, we own up to them and we're going to get through this together and go on."
Bowyer said he'd enter the garage at Chicagoland this weekend like normal and approach it as he does every weekend, though he admitted the events of the past few days would make it "harder." "I don't want this story to be the story of the Chase," he said.(USA Today)(9-10-2013)

The Chase Begins at Chicagoland Speedway with ESPN: The Chase for the NASCAR Sprint Cup, NASCAR's playoffs, begins this weekend at Chicagoland Speedway with the GEICO 400. ESPN will have a live telecast on Sunday, Sept. 15, with NASCAR Countdown at 1:00pm/et and the race's green flag is scheduled for 2:16 pm/et. Also from Chicagoland, ESPN2 airs NASCAR Sprint Cup qualifying at 5:00pm/et. on Friday, Sept. 13. All NASCAR programming on ESPN and ESPN2 is also available on computers, smartphones and tablets through WatchESPN and the WatchESPN app.
Two NASCAR Now Specials to Preview Chase; Weekend Wrap-up Show Returns ESPN's daily NASCAR news and information program NASCAR Now will help NASCAR fans get ready for the Chase for the NASCAR Sprint Cup with a pair of special programs on Thursday, Sept. 12. ESPNEWS will air coverage from Chase Media Day at Navy Pier in Chicago from 12:00pm/et until 2:30 pm/et, with host Mike Massaro, analyst Ricky Craven and reporter Marty Smith speaking with the Chase drivers and other NASCAR newsmakers. Massaro, Craven and Smith will be back with a one-hour NASCAR Now Chase Preview at 7:00pm/et on ESPN2. NASCAR Now's weekend wrap-up show returns to the air Sunday, Sept. 15, at 11:30pm/et.(ESPN)(9-10-2013)

Chicago Goodyear Tire Notes: Teams in all three NASCAR series in action at Chicagoland this weekend will run the same tire codes, though the Sprint Cup and Nationwide tires will be branded "Goodyear Eagle," while the Camping World Truck tires will be branded "Goodyear Wrangler" . . . this is the same combination of left- and right-side tires that teams in all three series have run at Chicagoland since 2011 . . . this is also the same exact tire set-up that these teams have run at Homestead over that same span . . . NASCAR teams have also run this left-side tire code with a different right-side code at both Texas (all three series) and Darlington (Cup and Nationwide) earlier this season . . . as on all NASCAR ovals greater than one mile in length, teams are required to run inner liners in all four tire positions at Chicagoland . . . air pressure in those inner liners should be 12-25 psi greater than that of the outer tire (Goodyear), see tire codes. pressures. set limits and more on the Chicago Race Info page - Goodyear section.(9-10-2013)

Carquest joins Riggs, team announces races: After a 12-year separation, Carquest is reuniting with driver Scott Riggs in the Camping World Truck Series. Carquest, along with sister company Worldpac, will serve as primary sponsors for the Ricky Benton Racing Enterprises #92 Chevy Silverado in Friday's EnjoyIllinois.com 225 from Chicagoland Speedway. Carquest and World Pac will also be on the #92 at Texas Motor Speedway in November. In addition to Chicago and Texas, the team plans to run Martinsville in October, a race in which Riggs piloted the #92 to a fifth-place finish in 2012.Goodyear FleetHQ will also be on the truck as an associate sponsor.(Ricky Benton Racing PR)(9-10-2013)

Speculation grows for Rockingham date next season as NASCAR cancels K&N race UPDATE: NASCAR announced today the NASCAR K&N Pro Series East event scheduled for Rockingham Speedway on Saturday, November 2 has been cancelled."It is unfortunate any time a race must be cancelled," said George Silbermann, NASCAR vice president, regional and touring. "However, the race track failed to meet its obligations and we were forced to terminate the sanction agreement."(NASCAR.com)(9-9-2013)
UPDATE: Officials from three different series have confirmed that all the events that were scheduled for November 2 at Rockingham Speedway have been cancelled. Shortly after NASCAR made its announcement, the UARA-STARS Late Model Series announced it has also cancelled its event at Rockingham.The third and final series, the CARS X-1R Pro Cup Series, released a statement Monday afternoon confirming that they to would be canceling their event that was scheduled for November 2. Series officials announced earlier this year that the event would offer a $20,000 payout to the race winner. The events of Monday call into question Rockingham Speedway's future. That is expected to be addressed sometime Tuesday by Andy Hillenburg.(Speed Sport News)(9-10-2013)

Richmond TV Ratings: ESPN's live telecast of the NASCAR Nationwide Series race at Richmond on Friday night, Sept. 6, earned a 1.1 U.S. household rating, averaging 1,833,813 viewers. Last year's race earned a 1.2 rating with 1,857,065 viewers.(ESPN)(9-10-2013)

Iowa Speedway CEO resigns; track financial problems? UPDATE: Iowa Speedway CEO Doug Fritz has resigned from that position, Speedway officials confirmed to the Des Moines Register. Speedway spokesperson Craig Armstrong confirmed the departure of Fritz, who left in recent weeks to pursue another opportunity. Armstrong declined to say what that other position could be. Fritz was formerly the president at Richmond International Raceway before being named CEO at Iowa Speedway in September of 2011. Fritz was not able to immediately be reached for comment. Also today, two Speedway officials told the Register that the 7/8-mile Newton track is lagging behind on some payments to vendors. Speedway chairman Conrad Clement told the Register that a press release is scheduled for later today or early Wednesday. Clement said the release would include news about Fritz and would address the track's efforts to refinance, in addition to a status update on next season's race schedule.(Des Moines Register)(9-10-2013)
UPDATE: Iowa Speedway officials announced that track CEO Doug Fritz tendered his resignation in August to pursue another opportunity on the east coast, which was effective on Monday. "We wish Doug the very best in his new venture, and thank him for all of his efforts on behalf of our racetrack," said Conrad Clement, Chairman of the Board and principal owner of Iowa Speedway. "Stan Clement will continue in his role as President of the track, and will consolidate the duties of CEO as well. Right now, our senior staff is focused on assembling a very attractive schedule for our 2014 racing season," Clement noted. "We are discussing specific race dates with all of the sanctioning bodies, and plan to have a final schedule approved within the next two weeks. Season Ticket packages will be available for sale shortly after approval of the 2014 schedule. Thanks to the great fan support we have enjoyed over the last seven years, Iowa Speedway has a very bright future ahead," Clement said. "We have many facility improvements and fan amenities on the books for next season, and we are looking forward to another outstanding year in 2014."(Iowa Speedway)(9-10-2013)

Hauler parade at Joliet: For the third consecutive year, NASCAR and Chicagoland Speedway will team up to bring the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Hauler Parade to Downtown Joliet on Thursday, Sept. 12. More than 30 haulers, from Dale Earnhardt Jr. to Jimmie Johnson to Matt Kenseth, will thunder through the streets of Joliet for fans to enjoy as the first race in the Chase for the NASCAR Sprint Cup returns to Chicagoland Speedway. Race fans are invited to gather at Hollywood Casino Joliet at 4:00 pm (trucks depart at 4:30 pm), to get up close to the haulers and take photos prior to the start of the Parade, which is scheduled to begin at 5:00 pm. The parade will stage west of the river bridge on Jefferson Street before heading east bound on Jefferson and making a left on Scott Street. The Chicagoland Speedway pace car and fire safety vehicles will lead the parade north on Scott Street, before making a left onto Jackson, and then a left on Ottawa to head south en route to Chicagoland Speedway.
Fans can watch the Hauler Parade from anywhere along the route (including the start at Hollywood Casino), but are encouraged to attend designated viewing areas at McBrody's Bar and Grill (73 W. Jefferson St.), The Joliet Historical Museum (201 N. Ottawa) and the Joliet Public Library (150 N. Ottawa). The Hauler Parade is part of Joliet's Race Fan Rally, taking place from 4:00 pm to 10:00 pm on Sept. 12. Race Fan Rally is celebrating its 12th anniversary and features games, a classic car show, driver appearances, live music and fun for the entire family. Chicagoland Speedway campers already on-site will also have a designated viewing area in the Gate 5 reserved parking lot, located on the north side of the facility. The Hauler Parade is estimated to arrive at The Speedway by 6:00 pm. The lot will not be open to the public.(Chicagoland Speedway)(9-10-2013)

Entry List for the GEICO 400 Sprint Cup Series race at Chicagoland Speedway is posted, 44 teams/drivers [for 43 spots] are listed, including: #51-Justin Allgaier (Cup debut), #32-Hill, #47-Allmendinger currently listed, #19-Bliss. #19-Bliss needs to get in by speed, being in the top 36 in speed as the team is too far down the owners points list to use a provisional.
If qualifying were to be rained out, #40-Cassill would not make the starting field.
See the full entry list at my Jayski's Chicago Entry List

NASCAR Penalizes MWR following Richmond, Truex out of Chase, Newman in: NASCAR has issued penalties to Michael Waltrip Racing following the sanctioning body's review of Saturday's race at Richmond International Raceway. MWR was found to have violated Section 12-4 (Actions detrimental to stock car racing). As a result, MWR's three teams in the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series (#15, #55, #56) have been penalized with the loss of 50 championship driver and 50 championship owner points, respectively.
These point penalties are assessed following the season's 26th regular season race and not after the seeding for the Chase for the NASCAR Sprint Cup. Therefore, the point total for the #56 car driven by Martin Truex Jr. is reduced to 691, putting him in 17th position and eliminating him from the second Wild Card berth for the Chase field. Ryan Newman, driver of the #39 car, now moves up into the Chase as the second Wild Card participant.
NASCAR has also fined the MWR organization $300,000 and indefinitely suspended Ty Norris, MWR Executive Vice President/General Manager and spotter for the #55 car, for violating Section 12-4. The three crew chiefs  Brian Pattie (#15), Scott Miller (#55) and Chad Johnston (#56)  have all been placed on NASCAR probation until Dec. 31.
"Based upon our review of Saturday night's race at Richmond, it is our determination that the MWR organization attempted to manipulate the outcome of the race," said Robin Pemberton, NASCAR vice president of competition. "As the sport's sanctioning body, it is our responsibility to ensure there is a fair and level playing field for all of our competitors and this action today reflects our commitment to that."(NASCAR)
AND Monday evening there was a NASCAR Press Conference with NASCAR President Mike Helton and NASCAR vice president of competition Robin Pemberton, see the full transcript of the press conference at NASCAR Richmond Penalty Transcript page.(9-9-2013)

2013 Sprint Cup Driver Championship Points Standings [REVISED]:
[after Richmond, race 26 of 36]
1) #99-Carl Edwards [2 wins], 842
2) #48-Jimmie Johnson [4 wins], 841, -1
3) #29-Kevin Harvick [2 wins], 828, -14
4) #18-Kyle Busch [4 wins], 811, -31
5) #20-Matt Kenseth [5 wins], 807, -35
6) #88-Dale Earnhardt Jr., 781, -61
7) #15-Clint Bowyer, 779 [was 829], -63
8)#78-Kurt Busch, 762, -80
9) #16-Greg Biffle [1 win], 759, -83
10) #22-Joey Logano [1 win], 751, -91
WC1) #5-Kasey Kahne [2 wins], 14th in pts
WC2) #39-Ryan Newman [1 win], 12th in pts (moved into 12th and Chase after penaty to #56)
was WC2) #56-Martin Truex Jr. [1 win], now 17th in pts and drops out of Chase
(Truex was tied in pts with #39-Newman, tiebreaker was Truex having a 2nd place finish until the penalty)
2012 Chase drivers who missed the 2013 Chase
#24-Jeff Gordon, 11th in points (1 pt out of 10th)
#2-Brad Keselowski, 16th in points (31 pts out of 10th)
#56-Martin Truex Jr, from 12th to 17th in pts with penalty and out of the Chase.
#14-Tony Stewart [1 win], 23rd [will miss rest of season](-157)
#11-Denny Hamlin, 26th [missed 4 races with injury](-266)
Drivers who were not in the 2012 Chase: #99-Edwards, #18-Busch, #78-Busch, #22-Logano.
See drivers championship points standings [NOT: revised yet] on the Unofficial Drivers Points Standings (pdf).(9-7/9-2013)

2013 Sprint Cup Driver Chase Points Standings [REVISED]:
[after Richmond, race 26 of 36]
(reset after Richmond)
1) #20-Matt Kenseth [5 wins], 2015
2) #48-Jimmie Johnson [4 wins], 2013, -3
3) #18-Kyle Busch [4 wins], 2012, -3
4) #99-Carl Edwards [2 wins], 2006, -9
5) #29-Kevin Harvick [2 wins], 2006, -9
6) #16-Greg Biffle [1 win], 2003, -12
7) #22-Joey Logano [1 win], 2003, -12
8) #15-Clint Bowyer, 2000, -15
9) #88-Dale Earnhardt Jr., 2000, -15
10) #78-Kurt Busch, 2000, -15
11) #5-Kasey Kahne [2 wins - wildcard1], 2000, -15
12) #39-Ryan Newman [1 win - wildcard], 2000, -15
#56-Martin Truex Jr. was the wildcard before penalized 50 points
As for the Owners points, no teams with multiple drivers made it in the Owners chase.
See drivers championship points standings [not updated yet] on the Unofficial Drivers Points Standings (pdf).
See wild card report on the Unofficial Wildcard Standings page (pdf).
See the owner points standings on the Unofficial Owners Points Standings page (pdf).(9-7/9-2013)

Statements from SHR Regarding NASCAR Ruling: The following are statements from Stewart-Haas Racing regarding NASCAR's ruling to include Ryan Newman and the #39 team in the 2013 Chase for the NASCAR Sprint Cup. "Obviously, we're very pleased with NASCAR's decision to provide Ryan Newman's rightful place in this year's Chase. NASCAR was put in a very difficult position Saturday night at Richmond and we commend the sanctioning body for taking the time to do the necessary due diligence to ensure that the right call was made."  Tony Stewart, co-owner of Stewart-Haas Racing
"I am proud that NASCAR took a stand with respect to what went on Saturday night at Richmond. I know it was a tough decision to make. With that being said, myself, Matt Borland (crew chief) and this entire #39 team are looking forward to competing for the 2013 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series championship."  Ryan Newman, driver of the No. 39 Quicken Loans Chevrolet for Stewart-Haas Racing.(SHR)(9-9-2013)

Michael Waltrip Racing Statement: Michael Waltrip Racing accepts the penalties issued by NASCAR this evening and plans to move forward in the 2013 season. Michael Waltrip, founder and co-owner of MWR: "What occurred on the #55 radio at the end of Saturday night's race in Richmond was a split-second decision made by team spotter Ty Norris to bring the #55 to pit lane and help a teammate earn a place in the Chase. We regret the decision and its impact. We apologize to NASCAR, our fellow competitors, partners and fans who were disappointed in our actions. We will learn from this and move on. As general manager, Ty Norris has been an integral part of Michael Waltrip Racing since its founding and has my and (co-owner) Rob Kauffman's full support."(MWR)(9-9-2013)

Newman still not over spinout: For #39-Ryan Newman, not even joining Richard Childress Racing after five years of intermittent discussions could ease the sting of "the toughest thing I've ever gone through in any kind of racing in my 30 years of driving." He meant being robbed, as a lot of evidence indicates, of a potential race win and a Chase berth by Clint Bowyer's highly suspicious spinout at Richmond Saturday night. Newman made that telling statement during Monday's announcement that he'll be joining RCR next season. Intentional or not, Bowyer's spin while Newman was leading with seven laps to go put Bowyer's Michael Waltrip Racing teammate Martin Truex Jr. into the 12th and final Chase berth, leaving Newman to ride out his lame-duck season with Stewart-Haas Racing. "Right now it's tough to comment on it because I know it's being reviewed," Newman said, referring to NASCAR's ongoing investigation of the Bowyer incident. "But I do know that based on my opinion inside a race car, and watching [video of the incident] and listening [to recorded radio conversation between Bowyer and his crew] and understanding the communication that there was then, it was not entirely an accident."(full post at ESPN) and see the full press conference transcript here.(9-9-2013)

Bobby Labonte to miss Chicago: JTG Daugherty Racing's Bobby Labonte will miss one more race while he continues to recuperate from broken ribs suffered in a cycling accident near his home in Trinity, NC. A.J. Allmendinger will drive the #47 Kingsford Toyota car Chicagoland Speedway this weekend.(JTG Daugherty Racing's Twitter)(9-9-2013)

Newman named to drive the #31 CAT Chevy for RCR: Richard Childress Racing has signed Ryan Newman to drive the #31 Caterpillar Chevrolet SS in the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series starting in 2014. Newman, 35, is a 17-time NSCS race winner with 50 pole awards to his credit; and is the 2008 Daytona 500 and 2013 Brickyard 400 champion. "This is a great opportunity for our team," said Richard Childress, president and CEO of RCR. "I am very proud to have Ryan in our #31 Caterpillar Chevrolet starting next year. We have high expectations for this #31 team. Ryan has proven himself to be a great driver and I'm looking forward to winning races with him. Luke Lambert will be his crew chief and the team is staying together next year. That team is building momentum to not only finish out this year strong, but to get even better in 2014. Ryan will be a great fit with CAT and RCR in many ways. He's an outdoorsman, a conservationist and is very familiar with CAT equipment as an owner of some of their products."
A native of South Bend, Ind., Newman earned an engineering degree from Purdue University in 2001. "I'm very pleased Richard and I were able to put this deal together for me to drive RCR's #31 Caterpillar Chevrolet," Newman said. "About five years ago, Richard and I talked about me joining RCR before I signed with my current team, but things just didn't work out. However, we were able to make it happen this time and I'm looking forward to the next chapter of my career. RCR has a long history of winning races and championships, and I want to add to that tradition. I am very excited to work with Caterpillar. They are a world-class company and I look forward to learning more about them. Since I'm already a customer of theirs, I can honestly say they make incredible equipment. One important thing I sincerely want everyone to know is how much I respect and admire Jeff Burton as a person and driver. He handled his recent announcement and situation with respect, class and dignity. We're going to finish this season strong with the #39 team and give it our all to win races. Then, I'll concentrate on working with Luke Lambert and the other members of RCR as we get ready for 2014." Announcements on sponsors in addition to Caterpillar will be made at a later date.
"We are excited to have Ryan Newman driving the #31 Caterpillar Chevrolet SS in 2014," said Greg Towles, NASCAR Program Director for Caterpillar. "Ryan's racing accomplishments are well known and, when coupled with his knowledge of machinery and passion for the outdoors, he aligns well with Caterpillar customers, dealers and employees."(RCR)(9-9-2013)

Did Bowyer spin out on purpose at Richmond? UPDATE Investigation: As questions swirled around #15-Clint Bowyer's late-race spin at Richmond International Raceway on Saturday night  an incident that altered the Chase for the Sprint Cup field with a caution  NASCAR said it did not believe Bowyer did anything intentional. "Not at all," Sprint Cup Series director John Darby told USA TODAY Sports. "Although we watch it  we make a point of mentioning it in the drivers' meeting and everything  I don't think anybody realistically believes that was the case with the 15 car." Bowyer's spin with seven laps remaining fell under scrutiny because it happened by himself  though #88-Dale Earnhardt Jr. was in the proximity  and ultimately helped Michael Waltrip Racing teammate #56-Martin Truex Jr. make the Chase. "He just spun right out," Earnhardt said afterward. "That's the craziest thing I ever saw. & He was hemming around on the brakes and jerking the car around, and then the thing just spun out. It was crazy. I don't know what was going on."
"I think we had something going wrong," Bowyer said after the race. "I had so much wheel, by the time I got to the gas, he was underneath me. I spun out. I know it's a lot of fun for you guys to write a lot of wacky things. Go ahead if you want to. Get creative. But don't look too much into it."(see full story at the USA Today)(9-8-2013)
UPDATE - NASCAR Investigating: With one suspicious snap of the steering wheel, Clint Bowyer changed the outcome of a race and maybe the championship, too. Accidental or intentional, his spin in the closing laps at Richmond International Raceway set in motion a chain of events that has shrouded the start of the Chase for the Sprint Cup championship and raised many questions about the potential for a race team to manipulate pivotal moments of a race. Now NASCAR is reviewing evidence to determine if Michael Waltrip Racing deliberately altered Saturday night's race, potentially costing both #39-Ryan Newman and #24-Jeff Gordon spots in the Chase, to benefit MWR driver #56-Martin Truex Jr.
NASCAR President Mike Helton told The Associated Press before Sunday's Truck Series race at Iowa that officials in the scoring tower did not immediately see anything to believe Bowyer's spin with seven laps remaining at Richmond was suspicious. The spin came while Newman was leading and brought out the caution that set in motion a chain of events that cost Newman both the race and a berth in the 12-driver Chase field. He was battling Truex for the final spot.
"We didn't see anything that indicated that anything like that was taking place. And it's natural when everything was as close as it was between who was going to get in and not go in to scratch your heads and try to figure out and wonder why," Helton said. "But we didn't see anything initially (Saturday) night that indicated that, but certainly we'll go back through all the video and everything to be sure, because we take the responsibility very serious to be sure that it's  that everybody has had a fair chance."
But an ESPN replay that included communication between Bowyer and his team implied the spin was deliberate. Bowyer was shown the video after the race and denied he spun intentionally, a claim he repeated throughout the post-race activities.(in part from the Associated Press)(9-9-2013)

History­-Making Feat Puts Busch, Furniture Row Racing in Chase Playoffs: With the season on the line to qualify for the Chase playoffs, #78-Kurt Busch and the Denver-based Furniture Row Racing saved the best for last, and in the process made history. Thanks to an impressive season-best runner-up finish in the final pre-Chase race Saturday night at Richmond International Raceway, Busch secured a post-season playoff berth. The feat will go into the record books as the first driver from a single-car team to qualify for the Chase since the 10-race, 12-driver championship format began in 2004. "It's an amazing feeling to go up against these big teams and to put a little lone Chevrolet from Colorado into the Chase against the big boys," said Busch, who is now a seven-time Chase participant.
Team owner Barney Visser was equally elated during a post-race news conference. "I don't know if it's a dream come true as much as I'm kind of in awe of Kurt and Joe (Garone, general manager) and the whole team and what these guys have been able to do," said Visser. "They put in a lot of hard work and a lot of hours and it's incredible what they were able to do."
"This feels incredible," said Busch, the 2004 NASCAR champion. "The way that we worked together as a team  it's amazing that we have come this far and put ourselves in this position. We came close tonight, but haven't won a race yet this year. I was happy to guide the ship, but I had a great skipper, the way that Todd Berrier (crew chief) led this group into the off season last year and the way Todd followed Barney Visser's dream. We are in the Chase and we have a shot at the championship so we are not done yet. It feels great to deliver and to achieve something very special tonight."(Furniture Row Racing)(9-9-2013)

Montoya honored: Juan Pablo Montoya, driver of the #42 Target Chevy, was honored September 5th by the Hispanic Heritage Foundation in Washington, D.C. The 26th annual Hispanic Heritage Awards took place at the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts and was a ceremony to celebrate Hispanic cultural pride, contributions and accomplishments. The awards were established in 1987 by President Ronald Regan to commemorate the creation of Hispanic Heritage Month. Since its creation, the awards honor top Latino leaders in various categories for their impact on America and the world. Montoya received an award for sports and was joined by eight other honorees. Target was the presenting sponsor of the awards ceremony and the television broadcast. A one-hour special of the awards will be broadcast on MundoFOX on Sunday, Sept. 15 at 6:00pm/et.(EGR)(9-9-2013)

Nationwide Series Entry List:There are 43 cars on the preliminary entry list for Saturday's Dollar General 300 at Chicagoland Speedway. A few notes:
Blake Koch returns to the SR2 #00;
Brad Sweet will be in the #5 for JR Motorsports;
Jeff Green is listed back in the #10 as Eric McClure is on the entry list for the #14;
Scott Riggs is entered in the RWR #15;
Juan Carlos Blue will be in the #23;
Kenny Wallace returns to the RAB #29;
Chad Hackenbracht is back in the TriStar #44;
Derrike Cope will make another attempt in his #73;
Maryeve Dufault will drive the GoGreen #79;
Dale Earnhardt, Jr. returns to the #88.(9-9-2013)
See the complete list on the Chicago entry list page.

Kenny Wallace to make 900th NASCAR start at Chicago: RAB Racing with Brack Maggard, driver Kenny Wallace, ToyotaCare and American Ethanol announce a milestone in NASCAR racing, as Wallace will be making his 900th NASCAR start at Chicagoland Speedway on Saturday, September 14th in the Dollar General 300. Joining the "900 Club", Wallace will be amongst an elite group of drivers including Richard Petty, Ricky Rudd, Terry Labonte, Mark Martin, Darrell Waltrip, Bobby Labonte, Jeff Burton, Dale Earnhardt, and Dale Jarrett. Wallace will be behind the wheel of the RAB Racing #29 ToyotaCare, American Ethanol Toyota Camry, in a special paint scheme to commemorate the NASCAR milestone. Keith Hinkein will serve as crew chief for the #29, making his fourth start with Wallace and RAB Racing. Wallace currently sits at 898 NASCAR starts, but will also compete in the Camping World Truck Series race at Chicagoland Speedway in the #81 SS Green Light American Ethanol Toyota Tundra on Friday night, September 13th, thanks to Illinois farmers and the Illinois Corn Marketing Board. To put into perspective 900 NASCAR starts over his 24-year career, Wallace has traveled over 276,000 miles across the Sprint Cup, Nationwide, and Camping World Truck Series, garnering nine wins, 75 top five finishes, 204 top 10 finishes, and an astonishing 198,164 completed laps. Wallace has also been named the Nationwide Series Most Popular Driver three times in his career.(RAB Racing)(9-9-2013)

Entry list: There are 35 trucks on the preliminary entry list for Friday's EnjoyIllinois.com 225 at Chicagoland Speedway. Some notes include;
Ben Kennedy was entered in the #96 and TSM #30, the #96 since withdrew;
Brad Keselowski (#19) and Kyle Busch (#51) are in their own entries;
Danny Efland returns to the #50;
Dakoda Armstrong was not on the initial entry list, but expected in the #60;
Scott Riggs returns to the #92;
The #84 is TBA; (9-9-2013)
UPDATE: Mike Harmon will be in the #84; (9-9-2013)
UPDATE 2: Kenny Wallace will be in the #81;
See the complete list on the Chicagoland entry list page

NASCAR Statement Regarding Saturday Night's Race: "NASCAR is reviewing Saturday night's race at Richmond International Raceway per protocol and has no plans for further statement until that process is complete."(NASCAR)(9-8-2013)

Richmond restart being questioned: At Richmond International Raceway, the finish in the Federated Auto Parts 400 came down to "balls and strikes" on Saturday night. As questionable as the timing of Clint Bowyer's spin on Lap 393, so was the final restart with three laps remaining in the race. Technically, race leader #27-Paul Menard should have crossed the start-finish line first  controlling the restart. But eventual race winner #99-Carl Edwards was nearly a full car length ahead at the line. When NASCAR vice president Robin Pemberton addressed the teams in the pre-race drivers meeting, he promised competitors that while many "may have some questions on restarts tonight" the sanctioning body reserved the right make "a judgment call on. OK?"
"There are balls and there are strikes. Sometimes you don't like the call; sometimes we don't even like the call we have to make," Pemberton said. "I just want to remind everybody: Do not put us in that position where we have to make the call. Because more times than not, it isn't going to be in your favor  and we don't want to do that, OK?" Ironically, in the same meeting, Edwards had a question regarding another element of restarts. He broached the possibility of future use of video replay to review the driver's positions for the "lucky dog" or beneficiary position where the first car one lap down returns to the lead lap.
Although NASCAR insisted it would continue to use scoring loops to line up the cars, a review of the final restart would have clearly shown Edwards' car beating Menard to the line. At Dover earlier this year, #48-Jimmie Johnson was black-flagged for a similar offense and was assessed a drive-through penalty that cost him a potential win.
On Saturday night, however, Menard took two tires on his last pit stop to gain track position. His #27 Menard's Chevy was first off pit road. But coming to the line, Edwards claimed Menard was at a "big disadvantage with grip" after electing to take two tires. "He took off," Edwards said. "I waited until he went to go. As we were going, his car actually touched my door. I think it surprised him a little bit or something. He turned a little bit. I heard his engine speed up. He spun the tires. At that point, I mean, I really have a choice to either lift off the throttle and wait for him to try to gather it up  I've never seen a guy able to gather up too quickly when they spin that bad  or go and hope NASCAR understands that he spun his tires. In this case they did. They understand he came up and hit me and spun his tires."(FoxSports)
AND from a Team Chevy transcript of post race comments:
Menard: "We just had a really good long run car. Restarts, especially that last restart old left side tires, we had to try something. We weren't going to beat those guys heads up so we had to try a little strategy, but awesome Chevrolet on long runs. Just couldn't take off very good."(Team Chevy)(9-8-2013)

Did Bowyer spin out on purpose at Richmond? As questions swirled around #15-Clint Bowyer's late-race spin at Richmond International Raceway on Saturday night  an incident that altered the Chase for the Sprint Cup field with a caution  NASCAR said it did not believe Bowyer did anything intentional. "Not at all," Sprint Cup Series director John Darby told USA TODAY Sports. "Although we watch it  we make a point of mentioning it in the drivers' meeting and everything  I don't think anybody realistically believes that was the case with the 15 car." Bowyer's spin with seven laps remaining fell under scrutiny because it happened by himself  though #88-Dale Earnhardt Jr. was in the proximity  and ultimately helped Michael Waltrip Racing teammate #56-Martin Truex Jr. make the Chase. "He just spun right out," Earnhardt said afterward. "That's the craziest thing I ever saw. & He was hemming around on the brakes and jerking the car around, and then the thing just spun out. It was crazy. I don't know what was going on."
"I think we had something going wrong," Bowyer said after the race. "I had so much wheel, by the time I got to the gas, he was underneath me. I spun out. I know it's a lot of fun for you guys to write a lot of wacky things. Go ahead if you want to. Get creative. But don't look too much into it."(see full story at the USA Today)(9-8-2013)

Richmond Race and Commercial Breakdown: For those of you NASCAR fans that like stats and love to hate commercials, here is the breakdown for Saturday's race. Began recording the times at the Invocation of the race at 7:31 PM, and stopped at the waving of the checkered flag at 10:39 PM (all times are EST). ABC was the broadcast team for this event.
Total number of commercials: 106
Total number of companies or entities advertised: 50
Number of 'Side-by-Side' commercials during race broadcast (split-screen): 0
Total number of brief promos of products/services during the race broadcast: 21
Total amount of time these brief promos take during broadcast: app. 3 min.
Start time to record race/commercial periods: 7:31 PM
End time to record race/commercial periods: 10:39 PM
Total minutes of complete race broadcast: 188
Minutes of race broadcast: 141
Minutes of traditional commercials (not split-screen): 47
Number of missed restarts: 0 One near-miss, as Kurt Busch's angry radio transmissions were replayed and commented on
Number of 'mystery cautions' (debris not shown): 1 Also, one visual of the emergency vehicle, but not what they picked up
Total race brdcst time 141 Total comm. brdcst time 47
See past races, links, more info on the 2013 TV Commercials page.(9-8-2013)

Waltrip says parking Rodney Childers was a business decision: It wasn't personal. It was strictly business. After crew chief Rodney Childers confirmed two weeks ago he was leaving Michael Waltrip Racing for Stewart-Haas next year, team owner Michael opted to relieve Childers of his duties on the #55 Toyota driven by Brian Vickers, rather than allowing him to finish out the season. "Rodney and I are buddies, and he has been a tremendous asset at Michael Waltrip Racing, but we are going to have meetings and build cars and put processes in place that we think will help us win a championship in 2014," Waltrip told the NASCAR Wire Service on Friday at Richmond International Raceway. "When he said he was going to leave MWR& that is just business. It's our information to protect, and we felt like that was a smart way to protect it. I know he understands. In this world we live in& we've had some very pleasant texts over the last couple weeks about where he is and where we are and how that situation was handled. No one did anything mean--it's just business." Director of competition Scott Miller is serving as interim crew chief for Vickers as MWR searches for Childers' replacement. Waltrip said MWR has made progress toward that end but didn't have anything specific to report.(NASCAR Wire Service)(9-8-2013)

Buescher wins Iowa: #31-James Buescher won Sunday's Fan Appreciation 200 at Iowa Speedway after taking the lead from #19-Ross Chastain following a late restart. Chastain led a race-high 116 laps and finished second, followed by: #3-Ty Dillon, #98-Johnny Sauter, #54-Darrell Wallace, Jr., #77-German Quiroga, #88-Matt Crafton, #4-Jeb Burton, #51-Erik Jones, and #29-Ryan Blaney. There were six caution flags for 35 laps, and 12 lead changes among six drivers. Complete results are on the Iowa race results page (pdf).(9-8-2013)

Iowa Race Fast Facts:
James Buescher won the 2nd Annual Fan Appreciation 200 presented by New Holland, his sixth victory in 109 NASCAR Camping World Truck Series races.
The race set a track record for the most lead changes in a NASCAR Camping World Truck Series race at Iowa Speedway with 12 lead changes. The old record was seven, set Sept. 15, 2012.
This is his second victory and ninth top-10 finish in 2013.
This is his first victory and fourth top-10 finish in seven races at Iowa Speedway.
Ross Chastain (second) posted his first top-10 finish in four races at Iowa Speedway. It is his fourth top-10 finish in 2013.
Ty Dillon (third) posted his third top-10 finish in four races at Iowa Speedway.
Darrell Wallace Jr. (fifth) was the highest finishing rookie.
Matt Crafton leads the point standings by 37 points over James Buescher. (NASCAR Statistics)(9-8-2013)

Driver standings following Iowa:
1) #88-Matt Crafton 569
2) #31-James Buescher 532, -37
3) #3-Ty Dillon 511, -58
4) #4-Jeb Burton # 503, -66
5) #17-Timothy Peters 495, -74
6) #32-Miguel Paludo 494, -75
7) #29-Ryan Blaney # 485, -84
8) #98-Johnny Sauter 455, -104
9) #54-Darrell Wallace, Jr., # 465, -104
10) #62-Brendan Gaughan 464, -105
See complete standings on the driver standings page (pdf).(9-8-2013)

Owner Standings following Iowa: are posted (pdf).(9-8-2013)

Federated Auto Parts extends naming rights for Richmond race: Federated Auto Parts will return to Richmond International Raceway for many more NASCAR Sprint Cup Series races at America's Premier Short Track. The partnership began last year with the inaugural Federated Auto Parts 400, and today both parties announced an extension that will keep the Virginia-based auto parts distributor's name on the traditional September NASCAR Sprint Cup Series race for future seasons. In addition to its contract extension, Federated Auto Parts, which hosts nearly 2,000 guests in hospitality and suites on race weekends at RIR, remains the Official Auto Parts Supplier of Richmond International Raceway.
"All of us at Federated Auto Parts are proud to extend our relationship with Richmond International Raceway and its premier spot on the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series schedule," said Rusty Bishop, CEO of Federated Auto Parts. "Our members and their customers love the fun-filled activities and hospitality provided at RIR, providing our partners with lasting memories. We are ready to continue the memory-making process with tonight's Federated Auto Parts 400, a race we expect to be unforgettable, as drivers try to race their way into The Chase tonight."
"I can't tell you how excited the Richmond International Raceway team is to share in this announcement," said RIR President Dennis Bickmeier. "We added Federated Auto Parts to a growing list of Virginia-based companies last year, and knowing they'll be part of our family solidifies our partnership for years to come. There's no better way to celebrate this announcement than by hosting an amazing Federated Auto Parts 400 tonight, under the lights, at America's Premier Short Track."
Federated Auto Parts is no stranger to NASCAR. Now in its 18th year in the sport, Federated has served as the primary sponsor for Ken Schrader and Kenny Wallace, as well as the entitlement partner at Nashville Superspeedway, prior to joining RIR as the entitlement sponsor of "One Last Race to Make The Chase."(RIR)(9-8-2013)

Carl Edwards wins Richmond: #99-Carl Edwards won the Federated Auto Parts 400 Sprint Cup Series race at Richmond International Raceway for his 2nd win of 2013 and 21st career win. There was some controversy that Edwards jumped the last restart but NASCAR didn't make a call on it due the leader #27 and #99 making contact.
#78-Busch finished 2nd followed by #39-Newman, #1-McMurray, #27-Menard, #20-Kenseth, #56-Truex Jr., #24-Gordon, #14-Martin and #17-Stenhouse Jr. (best career finish).
Points leader #48-Johnson had to start from the rear after Regan Smith qualified the car 10th as Johnson missed qualifying due to the birth of his 2nd daughter on Friday. Johnson had trouble most of the evening, having a battery cable burn and a tire go down, hitting the wall, finishing 40th and losing the points lead to race winner Edwards by 1 point.
There were 17 lead changes among 9 drivers and 5 cautions for 29 yellow flag laps.
The average speed was 105.028mph. NASCAR no longer announces the track attendance.
See race results, awards, money won, laps led, cautions and more on the Unofficial Richmond Race Results page (pdf) and check out the Richmond Penalty Report (pdf).(9-7-2013)

Race Fast Facts - Richmond:
#99-Carl Edwards won the 56th Annual Federated Auto Parts 400 , his 21st victory in 327 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series races.
This is his second victory and 13th top-10 finish in 2013.
This is his first victory and 10th top-10 finish in 19 races at Richmond International Raceway.
#78-Kurt Busch (second) posted his ninth top-10 finish in 26 races at Richmond International Raceway. It is his 13th top-10 finish in 2013.
#39-Ryan Newman (third) posted his 14th top-10 finish in 24 races at Richmond International Raceway.
#17-Ricky Stenhouse Jr. was the highest finishing rookie at 10th, his best career finish.
(NASCAR Integrated Sports Marketing)(9-7-2013)

2013 Sprint Cup Driver Championship Points Standings:
[after Richmond, race 26 of 36]
1) #99-Carl Edwards [2 wins], 842
2) #48-Jimmie Johnson [4 wins], 841, -1
3) #15-Clint Bowyer, 829, -13
4) #29-Kevin Harvick [2 wins], 828, -14
5) #18-Kyle Busch [4 wins], 811, -31
6) #20-Matt Kenseth [5 wins], 807, -35
7) #88-Dale Earnhardt Jr., 781, -61
8)#78-Kurt Busch, 762, -80
9) #16-Greg Biffle [1 win], 759, -83
10) #22-Joey Logano [1 win], 751, -91
WC1) #5-Kasey Kahne [2 wins], 14th in pts
WC2) #56-Martin Truex Jr. [1 win], 12th in pts
(Truex was tied in pts with #39-Newman, tiebreaker was Truex having a 2nd place finish)
2012 Chase drivers who missed the 2013 Chase
#24-Jeff Gordon, 11th in points (1 pt out of 10th)
#2-Brad Keselowski, 16th in points (31 pts out of 10th)
#14-Tony Stewart [1 win], 23rd [will miss rest of season](-157)
#11-Denny Hamlin, 26th [missed 4 races with injury](-266)
Drivers who were not in the 2012 Chase: #99-Edwards, #18-Busch, #78-Busch, #22-Logano.
See drivers championship points standings on the Unofficial Drivers Points Standings (pdf).
See wild card report on the Unofficial Wildcard Standings page (pdf).
See the owner points standings on the Unofficial Owners Points Standings page (pdf).(9-7-2013)

2013 Sprint Cup Driver Chase Points Standings:
[after Richmond, race 26 of 36]
(reset after Richmond)
1) #20-Matt Kenseth [5 wins], 2015
2) #48-Jimmie Johnson [4 wins], 2013, -3
3) #18-Kyle Busch [4 wins], 2012, -3
4) #29-Kevin Harvick [2 wins], 2006, -9
5) #99-Carl Edwards [2 wins], 2006, -9
6) #22-Joey Logano [1 win], 2003, -12
7) #16-Greg Biffle [1 win], 2003, -12
8) #15-Clint Bowyer, 2000, -15
9) #88-Dale Earnhardt Jr., 2000, -15
10) #78-Kurt Busch, 2000, -15
11) #5-Kasey Kahne [2 wins - wildcard1], 2000, -15
12) #56-Martin Truex Jr. [1 win - wildcard2], 2000, -15
As for the Owners points, no teams with multiple drivers made it in the Owners chase.
See drivers championship points standings on the Unofficial Drivers Points Standings (pdf).
See wild card report on the Unofficial Wildcard Standings page (pdf).
See the owner points standings on the Unofficial Owners Points Standings page (pdf).(9-7-2013)

How did the 'bubble' drivers do at Richmond? the ten drivers who were in the running for a spot in the Chase for the Sprint Cup and went into Richmond not having clinched a spot. Where these ten drivers finished in the Federated Auto Parts 400 at Richmond International Raceway on Saturday night and who made the chase and who didn't:
#88-Dale Earnhardt Jr., finished 13th, IN
#22-Joey Logano, 22nd, IN
#16-Greg Biffle, 12th, IN
#78-Kurt Busch, 2nd, IN
#24-Jeff Gordon, 8th, out
#56-Martin Truex Jr., 7th, IN, wildcard
#39-Ryan Newman, 3rd, out
#2-Brad Keselowski. 17th, out
#1-Jamie McMurray, 5th, out
#27-Paul Menard, 5th, out
#5-Kahne had already clinched a wildcard spot and made the chase using it.
#56-Truex Jr. and #39-Newman both had a win and tied in points, but Truex get the wildcard with more 2nd place finishes, 1 for Truex and 0 for Newman.(9-7-2013)

Possibilities abound for final Chase spot: Last year at this time, 10 of the 12 Chase spots were decided heading to the regular-season finale at Richmond. The race to the Chase was still dramatic, though, as Jeff Gordon surpassed Kyle Busch in the closing laps to take the 12th and final spot. This season, there are still five spots unclaimed heading to Richmond. Ten drivers remain alive for those spots, with seven still controlling their own destiny.
Which drivers raced way into Chase in final race
Season: Driver, Final Points position
2012: Jeff Gordon, 10th
2009: Brian Vickers, 12th
2006: Kasey Kahne, 8th
2005: Ryan Newman, 6th
2004: Jeremy Mayfield, 10th
Only 10 drivers made Chase from 2004-06
See a breakdown and prediction of the complete race finish and the Chase at ESPN.com Stats & Info.(9-7-2013)

Owners' Chase Wide Open: For the first time in the 10-year history of the Chase for the NASCAR Sprint Cup, the 12 cars in the owners' Chase might not have their corresponding drivers in the drivers' Chase. The #14 Stewart-Haas Racing Chevrolet and the #55 Michael Waltrip Racing Toyota could each make history, earning a spot in the owners' Chase while neither of their drivers makes the drivers' Chase. With one win apiece heading into this weekend, a victory at Richmond would guarantee at least a Wild Card spot in the owners' Chase.
The possible rarity comes from two different 2013 scenarios for the #14 and #55. Throughout, the #55 has planned for a multiple-driver campaign for 2013, shared by Mark Martin, Brian Vickers and Michael Waltrip. The #14 had to move to a multiple-driver lineup because of Tony Stewart's broken leg prior to Watkins Glen. Since the injury, sustained in a Sprint Car race, the #14 has been piloted by Max Papis, Austin Dillon and Mark Martin. Vickers and Martin will drive the #55 and #14, respectively, at Richmond on Saturday. At Richmond, Martin has one win and 30 top 10s in 55 starts. He has finished in the top 10 in three of his last four Richmond starts. Vickers has three top 10s in 15 starts, with a best finish of seventh in 2009. Currently, the top two Wild Cards for the owners' Chase are the #5 Hendrick Motorsports Chevy and the #56 Michael Waltrip Racing Toyota.(NASCAR), see the owners standings on the Official Race Results & Points Page (pdf).(9-7-2013)

Special scheme for Gordon at Richmond: September is Feeding America's "Hunger Action Month." AARP and AARP Foundation are teaming up with Feeding America to take action. Federated Auto Parts 400 pole sitter Jeff Gordon will run a special Drive to End Hunger "Hunger Action Month" scheme at Richmond (Drive to End Hunger Facebook), see images of the scheme on the #24 Team Schemes page.(9-7-2013)

Montoya visits Furniture Row Racing UPDATE: #78-Furniture Row Racing general manager Joe Garone confirmed to FOX Sports that Juan Pablo Montoya visited the Denver-based shop on Tuesday and remains on the team's shortlist to replace Kurt Busch in 2014. Garone also told FOX Sports that there has not been discussion between Furniture Row Racing and Jeff Burton, who will part ways with Richard Childress Racing at the end of the year (FoxSports)(9-5-2013)
UPDATE: Furniture Row Racing has not decided on its driver for 2014 but is continuing discussions with Juan Pablo Montoya, who visited the shop earlier this week. Montoya and Furniture Row Racing General Manager Joe Garone confirmed the Wednesday visit at the team's Denver shop. "We're down to a couple of guys," Garone said Friday at Richmond International Raceway. "It's just a process. Part of it is you just identify where you want to go  do you want to stay with a veteran or do you want to go with a younger rookie and bring a kid up? We're just trying to get through that decision. You've got to take Juan seriously. He's been around a while and obviously can win races." Reportedly considering a return to open-wheel racing or possibly another form of sports-car or road racing, Montoya declined to elaborate on what other teams he is considering. Garone said he expects the crew to remain, including crew chief Todd Berrier.(Sporting News)(9-7-2013)

2014 Cup Schedule due out soon: The 2014 NASCAR Sprint Cup schedule likely will be out by the end of September, NASCAR's Kerry Tharp confirmed Friday at Richmond International Raceway. Tharp said there may be some minor tweaks to the 2014 schedule, but he did not expect a radical overhaul of track dates (FoxSports), see an unofficial - tentative 2014 Sprint Cup Series schedule page, so far only seven dates are confirmed.(9-7-2013)

Cassill in the #40 CRC Brakleen Chevy at RIR: Hillman Racing announced that CRC Automotive will be the primary sponsor of the #40 Hillman Racing Chevrolet SS this weekend at Richmond International Raceway. CRC Industries, a manufacturer of an extensive arsenal of automotive maintenance repair products, will promote its industry-leading CRC Brakleen brake parts cleaner on the hood of the Sprint Cup Series entry driven by Landon Cassill in conjunction with an online promotion on the company's Facebook page. Cassill, who has split time between the #33 and #40 Sprint Cup entries this season, will pilot the #40 CRC Brakleen Chevrolet in Saturday night's Federated Auto Parts 400. "We've developed a relationship with CRC from a product side and use their full line of automotive products for the preparation of our fleet of race cars," stated Hillman Racing team owner Mike Hillman, Sr. "From CRC's Brakleen to the recently launched QC-82 Degreaser, their products are hands down the best on the market. I was asked many times last week why we didn't run the Wildfire Camo car at Atlanta, so we're bringing that scheme back as the backdrop for the CRC Brakleen logo under the lights at Richmond. With this being the last race before the start of the Chase, all of the teams will be bringing their best stuff to the track on Saturday night and we're no different as we continue to build this #40 program."(Hillman Racing), see an image of the car on the #40 Team Schemes page.(9-7-2013)

Chastain on pole for the Fan Appreciation 200 at Iowa Speedway: #19-Ross Chastain won the pole for Sunday's Fan Appreciation 200 at Iowa Speedway, running a fast lap at 137.147 mph. It is his first career pole award. #51-Erik Jones was second, followed by: #31-James Buescher, #62-Brendan Gaughan, #3-Ty Dillon, #17-Timothy Peters, #94-Chase Elliott, #4-Jeb Burton, #29-Ryan Blaney, and #54-Darrell Wallace, Jr. in the top-10. Every entered truck qualified for the event. See complete lineup on the Starting lineup (pdf) page.(9-7-2013)

Iowa Qualifying Notes:
Ross Chastain won the Keystone 21 Means 21 Pole Award for the 2nd Annual Fan Appreciation 200 presented by New Holland with a lap of 22.968 seconds, 137.147 mph.
This is his first pole in 36 NASCAR Camping World Truck Series races.
This is his first pole and fifth top-10 start in 2013.
This is his first pole in four races at Iowa Speedway.
Erik Jones (second) posted his second top-10 start of 2013 and his second in two races at Iowa Speedway.
James Buescher (third) posted his fourth top-10 start at Iowa Speedway. It is his ninth in 15 races this season.
Jeb Burton (eighth) was the fastest qualifying rookie. (NASCAR Statistics)(9-7-2013)

Wallace fastest in practice in Iowa: #54-Darrell Wallace, Jr. led the one and only practice session at Iowa Speedway on Saturday. He ran a fast lap at 136.175 mph. #31-James Buescher was second. He was followed by: #29-Ryan Blaney, #4-Jeb Burton, #62-Brendan Gaughan, #51-Erik Jones, #19-Ross Chastain, #3-Ty Dillon, #88-Matt Crafton, and #96-Ben Kennedy in the top-10. #32-Miguel Paludo hit the wall and his team was forced to go to the back-up truck. Every entered truck ran at least one lap during the session. See complete results on the Iowa practice 1 speeds page (pdf).(9-7-2013)

Race Coverage of the Federated Auto Parts 400 Sprint Cup Series race at Richmond International Raceway is scheduled for Saturday, September 7, 2013.
Television (TV): ABC at 7:30 pm/et; Pre-Race show at 7:00 pm/et; green flag approx. 7:44pm/et
Radio: Motor Racing Network (MRN) and Sirius XM Satellite NASCAR Radio 90
Scheduled Race Re-Airs: ESPN2, Sunday, September 8 at 4:00am/et

Gordon wins Richmond pole: #24-Gordon won the pole for the Federated Auto Parts 400 Sprint Cup Series race at Richmond International Raceway with new track record speed of 130.599mph for his 1st pole of 2013 and 73rd of his career. Gordon breaks a tie with David Pearson, now winning a pole in 21 consecutive seasons
#78-Busch is on the outside pole, followed by #2-Keselowski, #15-Bowyer, #20-Kenseth, #11-Hamlin, #1-McMurray, #22-Logano, #16-Biffle and #48-Smith/Johnson. Regan Smith practiced and qualified the #48 Chevy for Jimmie Johnson, who was back in Charlotte after the birth of his 2nd daughter. Johnson plans to run the race and will have to start the race at the rear of the field due to a driver change. The #48 team will be 10th to chose their pit stall.
Missing the race was: #19-Mike Bliss.
See the full starting Lineup, qualifying results, pole progression, links and notes on the Richmond Starting Lineup/Qualifying Page.(9-6-2013)

Possibilities abound for final Chase spot: Last year at this time, 10 of the 12 Chase spots were decided heading to the regular-season finale at Richmond. The race to the Chase was still dramatic, though, as Jeff Gordon surpassed Kyle Busch in the closing laps to take the 12th and final spot. This season, there are still five spots unclaimed heading to Richmond. Ten drivers remain alive for those spots, with seven still controlling their own destiny.
Which drivers raced way into Chase in final race
Season: Driver, Final Points position
2012: Jeff Gordon, 10th
2009: Brian Vickers, 12th
2006: Kasey Kahne, 8th
2005: Ryan Newman, 6th
2004: Jeremy Mayfield, 10th
Only 10 drivers made Chase from 2004-06
See a breakdown and prediction of the complete race finish and the Chase at ESPN.com Stats & Info.(9-7-2013)

Pit Stall Selections: The selections of pit stalls for the Federated Auto Parts 400 Sprint Cup Series race at Richmond International Raceway have been made.
Pole sitter #24-Gordon chose pit stall 1 [as do most pole sitters].
Outside pole sitter #78-Busch took pit stall 17, the first pit stall in front of it.
#2-Keselowski, who starts 3rd took the 30th pit stall, the 2nd stall with an opening in front of it.
The 43rd and final pit stall was taken by #10-Patrick, who starts 36th.
To see where the drivers/teams pit stall is, see the pit selection chart on the Pit Stall Selection chart.(9-6-2013)

Qualifying Fast Facts - Richmond:
#24-Jeff Gordon won the Coors Light Pole Award for the 56th Annual Federated Auto Parts 400 with a track qualifying record lap of 20.674 seconds, 130.599 mph. Matt Kenseth held the previous track record, set earlier this season in April.
This is his 73rd pole in 715 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series races, third on the all-time list. Gordon has now won at least one pole in 21 consecutive seasons, breaking a record he shared with David Pearson. This is his first pole and 13th top-10 start in 2013. This is his sixth pole in 42 races at Richmond International Raceway. This is the 14th track qualifying record set this season in the Gen-6 race car. #78-Kurt Busch (second) posted his 12th top-10 start of 2013 and his fourth in 26 races at Richmond International Raceway. This is Busch's eighth front-row start this season.
#2-Brad Keselowski (third) posted his sixth top-10 start at Richmond International Raceway. It is his 11th in 26 races this season.(NASCAR Statistics)(9-6-2013)

14 qualifying track records has been set so far 2013, Richmond twice
after 23 qualifying session, 3 were cancelled due to rain:
1) Bristol, #18-Kyle Busch, 129.535mph, March 15, 2013 - was 128.709 from March 2003
2) Martinsville, #48-Jimmie Johnson, 98.400, April 5, 2013 - was 98.083 from October 2005
3) Texas, #18-Kyle Busch, 196.299, April 12, 2013 - was 196.235 from November 2006
4) Kansas, #20-Matt Kenseth, 191.748, April 19, 2013 - was 191.360 from October 2012
5) Richmond, #20-Matt Kenseth, 130.334, April 26, 2013 - was 129.983 from May 2004
6) Darlington, #78-Kurt Busch, 181.918, May 10, 2013 - was 181.254 from May 2011
7) Charlotte, #11-Denny Hamlin, 195.624, May 23, 2013 - was 193.708 from Oct 2012
8) Kentucky, #88-Dale Earnhardt Jr., 183.636, June 28, 2013 - was 181.818 from June 2012
9) New Hampshire, #2-Brad Keselowski, 135.922, July 12, 2013, was 135.232 from July 2011
10) Indianapolis, #39-Ryan Newman, 187.531, July 27, 2013, was 186.293 from August 2004
11) Pocono, #48-Jimmie Johnson, 180.654, August 2, 2013, was 179.598 from June 2012
12) Watkins Glen, #9-Marcos Ambrose, 128.241, August 10, 2013, was 127.020 from August 2012
13) Michigan, #22-Joey Logano, 203.949, August 16, 2013; was 203.241mph from June 2012
14) Richmond(2nd time), #24-Jeff Gordon, 130.599, September 6, 2013 - was 130.334 from April 2013
(9-6-2013)

Coverage of Qualifying for the Federated Auto Parts 400 Sprint Cup Series race at Richmond International Raceway is scheduled for Friday, September 6, 2013 at 5:35pm/et.
Television (TV): ESPN2, 5:30pm/et
TV Internet: WatchESPN, 5:30pm/et
Radio internet: Motor Racing Network (MRN), 5:30pm/et
Scheduled Qualifying Re-Air: none

Qualifying Order for the Federated Auto Parts 400 Sprint Cup Series race at Richmond International Raceway is posted. 44 cars/drivers are listed.
The first of the drivers scheduled to go out is #11-Hamlin.
The final driver scheduled to go out is #55-Vickers.
Fastest in 1st Friday practice, #2-Keselowski, is scheduled to qualify 38th.
Fastest in Happy Hour (final) practice, #24-Gordon, is scheduled to qualify 33rd.
Qualifying order is set by a random draw, held about an hour before the first practice.
See the full qualifying order on the Richmond Qualifying Page.(9-6-2013)

Happy Hour practice for the Federated Auto Parts 400 Sprint Cup Series race at Richmond International Raceway is over, after 45 scheduled minutes, the top-five, slowest and notes:
#24-Gordon 127.292
#18-Busch 126.606
#88-Earnhardt Jr. 126.310
#56-Truex Jr. 126.198
#31-Burton 126.162
Regan Smith was 22nd fastest in the #48 Chevy.
slowest: #33-Raines 119.090 & #32-Schrader 120.214
notes: Regan Smith is practicing the #48 for Johnson who is back in Charlotte after his wife gave birth this morning.
See fastest speeds, laps run, best 10 Consecutive lap average and more on the Richmond Happy Hour Practice Speeds (pdf).(9-6-2013)

First Friday practice for the Federated Auto Parts 400 Sprint Cup Series race at Richmond International Raceway is over, after 110 scheduled minutes, the top-five, slowest and notes:
#2-Keselowski 127.083
#15-Bowyer 125.821
#18-Busch 125.558
#20-Kenseth 125.209
#24-Gordon 125.133
slowest: #33-Raines 119.474 and #87-Nemechek 121.682
notes: Regan Smith is practicing the #48 for Johnson who is back in Charlotte after his wife gave birth this morning.
no rain in today's forecast, but this practice would set the lineup for the race if qualifying was to be cancelled.
See fastest speeds, laps run and more on the Richmond Practice 1 Speeds (pdf).(9-6-2013)

Stremme out of ride after Richmond? UPDATE: Sources in the NASCAR Sprint Cup garage have confirmed that Saturday's NSCS Federated Auto Parts 400 at Richmond international Raceway will be the final race for driver David Stremme at Swan Racing. Stremme is also a minority owner in the team. Nationwide Series driver, Cole Whitt, is expected to race the car at Chicagoland Speedway next week.(Popular Speed)(9-6-2013)
UPDATE: Swan Racing announced that Cole Whitt will drive the #30 Toyota beginning at Chicagoland Speedway on September 15, 2013. Whitt replaces veteran driver David Stremme who drove every race for Swan Racing this season except for the Daytona 500. "We welcome Cole Whitt to Swan Racing as the team builds for the future," said team owner Brandon Davis. "Cole is a very talented driver with a bright future and we are eager to see him compete for Swan Racing. I also want to thank David Stremme for his commitment to the team and for helping me learn so much about the sport in my first full season in NASCAR." Whitt is currently scheduled to drive the #30 in 4 other races this season including Kansas, Charlotte, Talladega, and Phoenix. The team will finish off the season using as many as two other drivers. Those drivers will be named at a later date. "We are going to take a look at a number of young drivers this year as we begin to prepare for 2014. It is important that this team take continued steps forward in every aspect," Davis said. "I am thrilled to get back to racing in the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series for Swan Racing. I told Mr. Davis that I will give him all I have to make this team successful," said Whitt.(Swan Racing/Tuckahoe Strategies)(Swan Racing/Tuckahoe Strategies)(9-6-2013)
AND David Stremme appeared surprised by an internet report that he would be out of the Swan Racing Toyota after Richmond International Raceway. "I'll be honest, I don't know what the hell is going on," Stremme said by phone Friday morning. "No one has told me anything. I thought was going to Chicago (next week)." When FOXSports.com asked Stremme if he had ownership in Swan Racing, he elected not to comment.(FoxSports)(9-6-2013)

Congrats to the Johnsons - baby is born: Chandra and #48-Jimmie Johnson are pleased to announce the birth of their daughter. She was born Friday, Sept. 6, at 2:02am/et at a Charlotte, NC, hospital. She weighed 5 pounds, 10 ounces and was 19 inches long at birth. Big sister Genevieve Marie, 3, is said to be very proud of her new baby sister. Mother and baby and are doing fine and are expected to remain in the hospital overnight.
Johnson will miss today's events (practices & qualifying) at Richmond International Raceway. Regan Smith will serve as interim driver with Johnson returning to drive the #48 Kobalt Tools Chevrolet SS in Saturday's NASCAR Sprint Cup Series event.(Team Lowes PR)(9-5-2013)

Tony Kanaan meets with JGR about NNS ride: RACER has learned that Joe Gibbs Racing has made 2013 Indianapolis 500 winner Tony Kanaan an offer to run Nationwide in 2014, with a chance to move to Sprint Cup for one of NASCAR's best operations. Kanaan was reportedly on his way to Brazil and couldn't be reached for comment and J.D. Gibbs didn't return a phone call, but a source close to the Gibbs' team revealed that T.K. had spent most of Tuesday at the Gibbs' shop in Charlotte. Kanaan has talked with Chip Ganassi about his fourth seat, Michael Andretti if free agent James Hinchcliffe departs, Bryan Herta's second car and continues to be a candidate to stay at KV Racing, where he's been the past three seasons. But, in a story on RACER.com three weeks ago, Kanaan was understandably miffed that every team he's talked to about a job needs him to bring money. "At this point in my life, if you still have to prove yourself you make have to re-think what you are doing," he said on Aug. 20. "I love open-wheel but maybe I need to look at NASCAR as an option."(RACER)
UPDATE: Reports that popular Brazilian IndyCar Series driver Tony Kanaan is considering an offer to drive for Joe Gibbs Racing in the Nationwide Series in 2014 may be premature at best. Yes, the 2013 Indianapolis 500 winner visited the Joe Gibbs Racing shop in Huntersville, N.C., and met with team principals earlier this week. But according to JGR spokesperson Chris Helein, that's as far as it went. "There is no deal," Helein told the NASCAR Wire Service in an e-mail response to a request for comment. "Just had an initial meeting. Nothing even being formally discussed."(NASCAR Wire Service)(9-6-2013)

NASA to teach NASCAR fans at RIR: NASCAR fans in Virginia will have an opportunity to learn about an upcoming NASA mission to the moon during races at Richmond International Raceway. NASA's Langley Research Center says education specialists will be at Richmond International Raceway on Friday and Saturday. NASA officials will speak with the public about the Lunar Atmosphere and Dust Environment Explorer, which is set to launch from Wallops Island on Friday night. NASA says Richmond International Raceway is a designated viewing area for the LADEE lift-off. The robotic mission will orbit the moon to gather information about the lunar atmosphere, conditions near the surface and environmental influences on lunar dust. A model of the LADEE spacecraft will also be on hand at Richmond International Raceway for the public to view.(Associated Press)(9-6-2013)

Richmond Tire Notes: Teams in both the NASCAR Sprint Cup and Nationwide Series will run the same tire codes at Richmond this week . . . this is the same combination of left- and right-side tires that teams in both series ran at Richmond earlier this season . . . in fact, this tire set-up has been run at Richmond since the beginning of 2011 . . . Sprint Cup and Nationwide teams have also run this left-side tire code with a different right-side code at Bristol in 2013 . . . as on most NASCAR ovals one mile or less in length, teams will not run inner liners in their tires at Richmond (Goodyear). See tire codes, pressures, set limits and more on the Richmond Race Info page - Goodyear section.(9-6-2013)

Newman doesn't think he was lied to; knows his 2014 plans: from a Wild Card Contenders Press Conference at Richmond on Thursday nights, one of the interviews was with #39-Ryan Newman, discussing Tony Stewart and 2014 plans:
Q.) Did you watch Tuesday with Tony? (press conference Tony Stewart held)
RYAN NEWMAN: No.
Q.) Fans have been hard on him. He's been bothered by it, people feeling like he lied to you or deceived you. Do you feel that?
NEWMAN: I don't think Tony lied to me. I don't think anybody lied to me. I don't have any of that feeling or emotion. I don't think any of that matters because the plans they made are for 2014 and I'm not part of that. I knew that going in. I don't think there were any hidden agendas on Tony's behalf. I had a good relationship with him and been up front with him. My communication has been mostly with him in my whole relationship at Stewart-Haas Racing. No surprise.
Q.) No hard feelings?
NEWMAN: No hard feelings. I know a lot of things became tough for Tony once he was injured. That all kind of happened at the same time. Kind of like what we do in our business, you have to get through the tough times.
Q.) This week did you do a lot of things not making your car go fast?
NEWMAN: I spent some time this week working on next year, which I can't really talk anything about. I also spent a lot of time around my farm. It was the first week we've had no rain. I was actually able to do some of the things I wanted to get done. To me that helps balance out some of the mental sanity of dealing with next year, dealing with this year. I think everybody has to have that in some shape or form.
Q.) You said you're not ready to say anything about next year.
NEWMAN: I'm ready to say it (laughter).
Q.) Just not allowed?
NEWMAN: It's not that I'm not allowed. It's just not the right time.
Q.) When do you think you can say something about next year?
NEWMAN: Shortly (laughter).
(NASCAR Transcript)(9-6-2013)

Keselowski picks Logano to win Championship: from a Wild Card Contenders Press Conference at Richmond on Thursday nights, on of the interviews was with defending NASCAR champion #2-Brad Keselowski, one comment was about teammate #22-Joey Logano:
Q) What have you learned about Joey Logano over the last two-thirds of the season?
BRAD KESELOWSKI: I've been impressed watching him build confidence. I don't know if that's really a learning question, but that's what I've seen in him. I've definitely seen him build a lot of confidence and help lead his group to be in a pretty strong position. Quite honestly, as it stands right now with how he's ran over the last I think six weeks, he would be my favorite to win the championship. He's definitely got the momentum. His team has got things going for them in so many different directions. There's a lot of confidence that comes with that. He's been catching the breaks, too. That stuff seems to be a little perpetual. When it's good for you it's perpetual, when it's bad for you it's perpetual.(NASCAR Transcript)(9-6-2013)

Truex Jr. gets a new cast on wrist: #56-Martin Truex Jr. is one of the drivers fighting for a spot in the Chase for the Sprint Cup and is 13th in the standings, 15 points out of 10th, but holds the second wild card position. Truex finished third in Atlanta despite driving with a cast on his right wrist after suffering a scaphoid fracture and sprain during the Bristol race on Aug. 24. Truex Jr. comments on the cast: "The cast did its job at Atlanta. It got a little soft in the palm area during the race but all and all, everything went fine. I've had it checked over again and had a new cast put on. We've made a few adjustments to this new cast and I expect it to be a whole lot better. Everything has gone well so far. I cannot complain. I mean to go to Atlanta and to have a shot at the win at the end, at that point, what pain I felt was gone."(MWR)(9-6-2013)

Vickers comments about 2014 and the crew chief search: from a Michael Waltrip Racing RIR preview:
#55-BRIAN VICKERS ON 2014 PREPARATION: "We go out there and do our best and we never give up. We can't thank Aaron's enough for coming on board and having me in the car the rest of the season and next year. That's what this year is about, preparing for next year and that's what we're doing. Obviously Scott Miller (MWR executive vice president of competition) has been helping on the pit box, but we have Billy Scott (MWR engineer) who has been a phenomenal race engineer. As you know this sport has changed, there's not one man at the top anymore and those two guys have to play an integral role in these cars. "
WHAT INPUT WILL YOU HAVE ON SELECTING THE #55's CREW CHIEF? "I certainly have a say, and I have a voice in it. They're most definitely going to want my opinion, but my experience with most companies, the guy writing the check is the guy with the final say. And, that's not me. I'm going to defer to them on that one. I think within the organization, as a whole, obviously in the team structure, the drivers are always going to have some input."
POTENTIAL CREW CHIEFS: "From our standpoint, everybody is an option. MWR is a phenomenal organization with a great culture. They have a lot of depth and we want to grow that depth. You always want to try to promote from within, but no decision has been made. Right now Billy is filling his roles that he's always fulfilled and doing an excellent job of it. He's a great race engineer. Whether or not we change his title going into next year, we don't know yet. Scott's (Miller) helping  the reality is one person can't do that job anymore. It's a combo deal. You have to have a crew chief and a race engineer and I don't know that one job is any more important than the other, they're just different. We have Scott and Billy doing both of those roles. What we do next is really a factor of what the group and team want, what's best for the team and what each individual wants moving forward."
The #55 will carry a special paint scheme this weekend honoring LG as its 2012 partner of the year.(MWR)(9-6-2013)

Richmond Facts & Stats - Friday, Poles:
· Buck Baker won the inaugural Coors Light pole at Richmond in 1953 with a speed of 48.465 mph.
· 52 drivers have Coors Light poles at Richmond, led by Richard Petty and Bobby Allison with eight each. Jeff Gordon and Mark Martin lead all active drivers with five each.
· Seven drivers have won consecutive Coors Light poles at Richmond. Bobby Allison holds the record for most consecutive poles at Richmond with five (1972-1974).
· 22 of the 114 (19.2%) NASCAR Sprint Cup races at Richmond International Raceway have been won from the Coors Light pole. Only three active drivers have been able to accomplish the feat: Kasey Kahne (2005), Jimmie Johnson (2007) and Kyle Busch (2010).
· The pole starting position is the most proficient starting position in the field, producing the more winners than any other starting position at Richmond (22).
· 35 of the 114 (30.7%) NASCAR Sprint Cup Series races at Richmond have been won from the front row: 22 from the pole and 13 from second-place.
· 90 of the 114 (78.9%) NASCAR Sprint Cup races at Richmond International Raceway have been won from a top-10 starting position.
· 12 of the 114 (10.5%) NASCAR Sprint Cup races at Richmond International Raceway have been won from a starting position outside the top 20.
· The deepest in the field that a race winner has started at Richmond International Raceway was 31st, by Clint Bowyer in the spring of 2008.
· Qualifying has been cancelled due to weather conditions in the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series at Richmond International Raceway six times; most recently the fall of 2008.
· Bobby Labonte (9/11/1993) and Brian Vickers (5/15/2004) posted their first NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Coors Light poles at Richmond.(NASCAR)(9-6-2013)

Armed Forces Foundation "Troops to the Track" Program heads to Richmond: The Armed Forces Foundation and NASCAR continue the 2013 Troops to the Track program on Saturday, September 7th by bringing service members of the Explosive Ordnance Technicians (EOD Techs) from the Capitol Region. EOD Techs are responsible for the disarming and disposal of Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs). These service members are highly-trained military professionals serving in the Army, Marines, Navy, and Air Force and will get to enjoy a special day of NASCAR-style VIP activities at the racetrack. 2013 season of Troops to the Track, a program in which service members are treated to a daylong interactive at-track experience, which includes: a special invitation and recognition at the drivers' pre-race meeting, a private tour of the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series garage, pit road access during driver introductions / National Anthem and special seating in the grandstands. See the attached document for more information about the program.(AFF)(9-6-2013)

ESPN and NASCAR Partner in Joint Marketing Campaign: For the first time ever, NASCAR and ESPN are working together to launch an integrated marketing campaign to elevate the 10th Chase for the NASCAR Sprint Cup on ESPN. The Chase for the NASCAR Sprint Cup is NASCAR's version of the playoffs, where the sport's top 12 drivers compete to become the next NASCAR Sprint Cup Series champion. With the tagline "12 Drivers. 1 Champion.," the multi-platform initiative debuted on ESPN on Sept. 2 with a series of brand spots. The first one, "Generations," is a 30-second ad that features five-time NASCAR Sprint Cup Series champion Jimmie Johnson and the likenesses of some of NASCAR's greatest legends, including three-time champion Cale Yarborough, "The King" Richard Petty and seven-time champion Dale Earnhardt Sr. The campaign highlights the elevated stakes and significance of the Chase and the opportunity drivers have to build a legacy through the 10-race postseason. The joint campaign will introduce four TV spots, two produced by ESPN and two by NASCAR, as well as print, radio and local market executions at each of the ten Chase for the NASCAR Sprint Cup tracks. Additionally, the initiative will feature mobile and digital elements along with an extensive social media program called #Fandorsements.(ESPN)(9-6-2013)

Keselowski wins Nationwide race at Richmond: #22-Brad Keselowski won the Virginia 529 College Savings 250 at Richmond International Raceway, the 1000th race in the history of the Nationwide Series. He took the lead with 10 laps to go and held on to win. #2-Brian Scott finished second after leading the first 240 laps of the race, but spinning his tires on a late restart to lose the lead. He was followed by #7-Regan Smith, #54-Kyle Busch, #6-Trevor Bayne, #12-Sam Hornish, Jr., #20-Brian Vickers, #11-Elliott Sadler, #16-Ryan Reed, and #5-Jamie McMurray. There were 7 cautions for 35 laps and 3 lead changes among 2 leaders. Complete results are on the Richmond race results page (pdf).(9-6-2013)

Richmond Nationwide Race Fast Facts:
Brad Keselowski won the 33rd Annual Virginia 529 College Savings 250, his 25th victory in 201 NASCAR Nationwide Series races.
With the win, Keselowski takes sole possession of eighth on the all-time series wins list.
This is his fifth victory and eighth top-10 finish in 2013.
This is his third victory and seventh top-10 finish in 14 races at Richmond International Raceway.
Brian Scott (second) posted his first top-10 finish in nine races at Richmond International Raceway. It is his 12th top-10 finish in 2013. Scott led 239 laps.
Coming into this race, Scott had led a total of 38 laps in his career.
Regan Smith (third) posted his second top-10 finish in eight races at Richmond International Raceway.
Sam Hornish Jr. leads the point standings by 16 points over Austin Dillon.
(NASCAR Integrated Marketing)(9-6-2013)

Nationwide Driver standings following Richmond:
1) #12-Sam Hornish Jr 880
2) #3-Austin Dillon 864, -16
3) #7-Regan Smith 854, -26
4) #11-Elliott Sadler 852, -28
5) #31-Justin Allgaier 828, -52
6) #20-Brian Vickers 827, -53
7) #2-Brian Scott 819, -61
8) #6-Trevor Bayne 810, -70
9) #32-Kyle Larson # 799, -81
10) #77-Parker Kligerman 732, -148
See complete standings on the driver standings page (pdf).(9-6-2013)

Nationwide Owner Standings following Richmond are posted (pdf).(9-6-2013)

Scott on Nationwide pole at Richmond: #2-Brian Scott won the Coors Light Pole for the Virginia 529 College Savings 250 at Richmond International Raceway with a speed of 124.327mph. #18-Matt Kenseth will start second. The rest of the top 10: #3-Austin Dillon, #22-Brad Keselowski, #12-Sam Hornish, Jr., #99-Alex Bowman, #54-Kyle Busch, #7-Regan Smith, #20-Brian Vickers, and #29-Kenny Wallace. Did Not Qualify: #50-Danny Efland, #74-Carl Long, #89-Morgan Shepherd, #73-Derrike Copy, #00-Brett Butler. The starting lineup is posted on the Richmond starting lineup page (pdf).(9-6-2013)

Richmond Nationwide Qualifying Notes:
Brian Scott won the Coors Light Pole Award for the 33rd Annual Virginia 529 College Savings 250 with a lap of 21.717 seconds, 124.327 mph.
This is his second pole in 134 NASCAR Nationwide Series races. His last pole came at Chicago in Sept. 2011, 63 races ago.
This is his first pole and 15th top-10 start in 2013.
This is his first pole in nine races at Richmond International Raceway.
Matt Kenseth (second) posted his ninth top-10 start of 2013 and his 12th in 20 races at Richmond International Raceway.
Austin Dillon (third) posted his fourth top-10 start at Richmond International Raceway. It is his 20th in 25 races this season.
(NASCAR Integrated Marketing)(9-6-2013)

Kligerman fastest in Nationwide final practice: #77-Parker Kligerman was fastest during the only practice at Richmond International Raceway with a speed of 124.792mph. #29-Kenny Wallace was second, followed by: #18-Matt Kenseth, #32-Kyle Larson, #6-Trevor Bayne, #22-Brad Keselowski, #3-Austin Dillon, #31-Justin Allgaier, #2-Brain Scott, and #12-Sam Hornish, Jr. All 45 drivers practiced during the session. See complete results on the Richmond practice 1 speeds page (pdf).(9-6-2013)

Tony Kanaan to Nationwide? UPDATE: Tony Kanaan is the 2013 Indianapolis 500 winner, past champion and a fan favorite on the IZOD IndyCar circuit. He's searching for sponsorship to try and stay with the series he's been with for a decade and loves. But what if another team from another discipline offered him a paying ride where all he had to bring was his helmet, talent and personality? RACER has learned that Joe Gibbs Racing has made the popular Brazilian an offer to run Nationwide in 2014, with a chance to move to Sprint Cup for one of NASCAR's best operations. Kanaan was reportedly on his way to Brazil and couldn't be reached for comment and J.D. Gibbs didn't return a phone call, but a source close to the Gibbs' team revealed that T.K. had spent most of Tuesday at the Gibbs' shop in Charlotte. Kanaan has talked with Chip Ganassi about his fourth seat, Michael Andretti if free agent James Hinchcliffe departs, Bryan Herta's second car and continues to be a candidate to stay at KV Racing, where he's been the past three seasons. But, in a story on RACER.com three weeks ago, Kanaan was understandably miffed that every team he's talked to about a job needs him to bring money.(Racer)(9-6-2013)
UPDATE: Reports that popular Brazilian IndyCar Series driver Tony Kanaan is considering an offer to drive for Joe Gibbs Racing in the Nationwide Series in 2014 may be premature at best. Yes, the 2013 Indianapolis 500 winner visited the Joe Gibbs Racing shop in Huntersville, N.C., and met with team principals earlier this week. But according to JGR spokesperson Chris Helein, that's as far as it went. "There is no deal," Helein told the NASCAR Wire Service in an e-mail response to a request for comment. "Just had an initial meeting. Nothing even being formally discussed."(NASCAR Wire Service)(9-6-2013)

Iron Source sponsoring Mike Wallace: Iron Source, a Delaware-based equipment sales, rental and service company, will sponsor driver Mike Wallace's run in Friday night's Virginia 529 College Savings 250 Nationwide Series race at Richmond International Raceway. Iron Source serves the construction and farm industries, as well as homeowners, in the DELMARVA Region. Iron Source represents several equipment manufacturers, including Gehl, Manitou, Wacker Neuson and Bandit.(JD Motorsports)(9-6-2013)

Brett Butler in the #00 at Richmond: SR2 motorsports is excited to have Brett Butler pilot the #00 Toyota Camry in Friday night's NASCAR Nationwide Virginia 529 College Savings 250 at Richmond International Speedway. The Five Star Lodge and Stables, located in Morgantown, GA are ready to saddle up and take a ride in the fast lane with Brett Butler this weekend. After cheering on his brother, Ken Butler III, in Atlanta last weekend, Brett is ready to jump in the driver's seat.(SR2 Motorsports)(9-6-2013)

Kroger bringing on-site grocery store to RIR: Fans looking to stock up on tailgating items this weekend at Richmond International Raceway can visit a new, on-site Kroger store for their race day needs. Kroger is setting up shop in Parking Lot D this Friday and Saturday at RIR from 8:00am to 7:00pm Click here for a map to locate the store. The list of items available for purchase include hot dogs and hamburgers, Coca-Cola products, Gatorade, bagged ice, charcoal grills and much more. Tickets for the Nationwide and Sprint Cup Series races can be purchased by clicking here or calling 866-455-7223.(RIR)(9-6-2013)

Free Amenities & Fan-Favorite Activities This Weekend at RIR: When fans flock to Richmond International Raceway this weekend, they will enjoy many free amenities and fan-favorite activities. Those who don't already have tickets for the Federated Auto Parts 400 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series race and the Virginia529 College Savings 250 NASCAR Nationwide Series race can click here for tickets. Here is a list of the great amenities awaiting fans:
Free Parking General automobile parking at Richmond International Raceway has always been and continues to be absolutely FREE.
Bring Your Own Food & Beverage Did you know fans are allowed to bring in their own food and beverage inside the gates of Richmond International Raceway? The maximum allowed cooler size is 14"x14"x14"  large enough for 36 12-oz beverages. No glass containers are allowed.
Video Scoring Tower RIR's Video Scoring Tower remains one of the most impressive in NASCAR, displaying live race action, pre-race ceremonies, post-race Chase celebration and various events happening on Raceway property. Additionally, fans can stick around after the checkered flag to watch Gatorade Victory Lane celebrations and post-race driver interviews from the Media Center.
Virginia529 Kids Zone powered by the Science Museum of Virginia Kids 12 and younger can enjoy their race day in the Virginia529 Kids Zone powered by the Science Museum of Virginia, which is a playful and educational environment featuring inflatable moon bounces, as well as scientific exhibits that will enrich their minds. While there, parents can sign their kids up for the free RIR Kids Club, with benefits including an official membership card, Kids Club gift, e-newsletter, birthday e-card, special ticket offers and contest opportunities. NASCAR Sprint Cup Series driver Joey Logano will be reading a book to children at 4:00 p.m. on Saturday.
Mobile App Available on Apple and Android devices, RIR's free mobile app provides fans with a customizable schedule with reminder notifications; interactive GPS map with search capabilities; detailed Midway, parking and facility maps; seating charts; first aid, Will Call and ATM locations; "Friend Finder" to locate your friends on property and a race weekend postcard where you can take a photo with an RIR background to upload to your social media accounts.
Miller Lite Party Zone Miller Lite brings the ultimate tailgate party to fans on race weekend, featuring live music, tailgate games, a mechanical bull, the Miller Lite show car and cash bar serving great tasting Miller Lite and food items for sale. Located near the Midway on the Amphitheater Hill, the Miller Lite Party Zone is the place to be from 3:00pm to 7:00pm. Friday and 11:00am to 7:00pm. While in there, fans have access to the Miller Lite Party Bar, which is loaded with big screen televisions.
Concourse Televisions More than twenty 42" televisions have been installed throughout the concourse, underneath the grandstands.
The Midway Outside of the grandstands, Richmond International Raceway offers one of the best interactive and shopping experiences in all of racing, the Midway. The Midway features track and driver souvenir merchandise rigs, interactive displays, games, giveaways, music and more.
V.I.B.E. The Virginia Industry Business Expo (VIBE), located on the Midway, adjacent to the Old Dominion Building, is an indoor display area, featuring displays and exhibitions from regional businesses, open to the public on Friday and Saturday.
This weekend is NASCAR race weekend at Richmond International Raceway, featuring Saturday night's Federated Auto Parts 400  "One Last Race to Make The Chase" NASCAR Sprint Cup Series race. Ten drivers are looking to fill five positions to complete the 2013 Chase for the NASCAR Sprint Cup field. The emotions are high and the anticipation is unparalleled. Tickets start at $50 and can be purchased by clicking here or calling 866-455-7223.
Friday night's Virginia529 College Savings 250 NASCAR Nationwide Series race is a great family value because children 12 and younger are admitted free with a ticketed adult in general admission sections. Tickets start at $35 and can be purchased by clicking here or calling 866-455-7223.(RIR)(9-6-2013)

Tire testing at Phoenix open to public: Phoenix International Raceway announced that the grandstands will be open to the public for the Goodyear tire test on Tuesday, September 10. Five NASCAR Sprint Cup Series teams are expected to participate in the test: #10-Danica Patrick, #17-Ricky Stenhouse Jr., #42-Juan Pablo Montoya, #55-Brian Vickers, #31-Jeff Burton. The tire test is expected to run from 9am to 2pm and admission is free. Fans can enter the facility through Gate 7 and sit in the Bryan Grandstands. Limited concessions locations will be open and PIR staff will be on-site to answer any questions. The Gate 7 ticket office will be open during testing hours for fans who have not yet purchased their tickets for the November race weekend. Tickets for the November 10 AdvoCare 500 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series race, as well as all other events throughout the November race weekend at Phoenix International Raceway, start at $25 and are available at www.phoenixraceway.com or by calling 1-866-408-RACE (7223).(PIR)(9-5-2013)

Montoya visits Furniture Row Racing: #78-Furniture Row Racing general manager Joe Garone confirmed to FOX Sports that Juan Pablo Montoya visited the Denver-based shop on Tuesday and remains on the team's shortlist to replace Kurt Busch in 2014. Garone also told FOX Sports that there has not been discussion between Furniture Row Racing and Jeff Burton, who will part ways with Richard Childress Racing at the end of the year (FoxSports)(9-5-2013)

Sorenson replaces Speed in the #95, looking for 2014 driver: Reed Sorenson will pilot the #95 Leavine Family Racing (LFR) Ford Fusion in the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series (NSCS) event this weekend at Richmond. Sorenson will drive for Leavine Family Racing this weekend and for the foreseeable future - with the exception of the Dover and Phoenix events. Leavine Family Racing is in discussions with multiple drivers in search for a driver of the #95 car for the 2014 NASCAR Sprint Cup season.(LFR)(9-5-2013)

Ryan Truex to Make Second Cup Start at Richmond: Richard Petty Motorsports (RPM) development driver Ryan Truex will make his second NASCAR Sprint Cup Series start at the Richmond International Raceway on Saturday night. Truex will drive the #51 entry for Phoenix Racing as a continued agreement with the organization. While this will be his first Cup start at the .75-mile track, Truex has four starts at Richmond in the NASCAR Nationwide series, earning one top-five and two top-10s. His last race at the Virginia track was in September of 2012 where he finished in the 16th position.(RPM)(9-5-2013)

Danica wins on Food Network's 'Chopped': #10-Danica Patrick, NASCAR driver and self-proclaimed foodie, took on three other athletes in the Sept. 3 episode of "Chopped," the Food Network show hosted by Carmel, Ind., native Ted Allen. Patrick, who has taken classes at The Culinary Institute of America at Greystone in St. Helena, Calif., won the cooking competition, beating former NFL running back Tiki Barber, celebrity bodyguard and Hells Angel Chuck Zito and 12-time Olympic medalist swimmer Natalie Coughlin. The athletes competed to win $10,000 for their favorite charity. Patrick's charity of choice was the COPD Foundation; her grandmother died of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.(USA Today)(9-5-2013)

Kyle Busch to make a stop in Williamsburg; special logo at RIR: Before Kyle Busch heads to Richmond for Saturday night's NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Federated Auto Parts 400 behind the wheel of his #18 M&M's/American Heritage Chocolate Toyota for Joe Gibbs Racing (JGR), he'll make a stopover Thursday in historic Colonial Williamsburg to take a turn at a different kind of horsepower. Busch's visit to Williamsburg is part of the "History Meets Horsepower" program  a unique partnership between Colonial Williamsburg, Richmond International Raceway and Mars Chocolate North America with its American Heritage Chocolate brand. The three parties have come together to celebrate our country's storied transportation past and rich culinary history, showcasing the evolution of both through modern times. As a part of his visit, Busch is scheduled to meet with fans in Merchants Square, take part in a colonial chocolate history demonstration by American Heritage Chocolate, and explore the "Revolutionary City" with his wife Samantha. And, at the racetrack this weekend, Busch's #18 M&M's/American Heritage Toyota will be adorned with the American Heritage logo in addition to the usual colorful M&M's paint scheme to celebrate the unique and exciting partnership. Sharing the #18 M&M's Toyota this weekend will be American Heritage Chocolate, an authentic and historic line of products made with all-natural ingredients that celebrates chocolate's important role in the culture and heritage of America. The brand was created by Mars Chocolate North America to help educate consumers about how Americans enjoyed chocolate in the 17th and 18th centuries, and how it was woven into the fabric of their lives.(JGR)(9-5-2013)

New sponsor for Wise at Richmond: #35-Josh Wise will take a new primary partner to Richmond International Raceway on Saturday night, introducing NASCAR fans to The Pete Store, LLC. The Pete Store is a Peterbilt dealer group with nine full-service locations from Delaware to Georgia, and is the provider of Front Row Motorsports' race haulers. The company has been an associate sponsor with Front Row for previous races, but Saturday night's Federated Auto Parts 400 will be The Pete Store's first primary sponsorship with the team. The three-quarter-mile raceway takes the 30-year-old Wise back to his early racing days when he competed on Saturday nights under the lights of neighborhood short tracks. Currently in the Sprint Cup Series, Wise has three career starts at Richmond. He finished 28th in his last trip to the track in April (TRM), see an image of the scheme on the #35 Team Schemes page.(9-5-2013)

Farm Rich Returns to the #34 at Richmond: The last time NASCAR fans saw Farm Rich on David Ragan's #34 Ford, he was celebrating in Victory Lane. Four months after Front Row Motorsports' historic win at Talladega Motor Speedway, the frozen snacks and appetizers brand returns to Ragan's car for this weekend's Federated Auto Parts 400 at Richmond International Raceway. Farm Rich partner Kroger will be included on the #34 car and host Farm Rich product demonstrations at more than 650 stores nationwide on race day. Ragan will also make a special appearance at the Kroger store at 9351 Atlee Road in Mechanicsville, Va., on Thursday, Sept. 5, from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. to greet fans and sign autographs. Richmond International Raceway is a track that Ragan enjoys and a place where he has seen success. He has three top-five and three top-10 finishes at the three-quarter-mile track (TRM), see an image of the scheme on the #34 Team Schemes page.(9-5-2013)

Busch, Furniture Row Racing in position to make Chase history: #78-Kurt Busch and the single-car Furniture Row Racing team are on the cusp of a history-making feat heading into Saturday night's Sprint Cup Series race at Richmond. The Federated Auto Parts 400 is the final event before the 12-driver Chase field is set for the ensuing 10-race playoffs that will determine the 2013 Sprint Cup Series champion. Following his fourth-place finish in Sunday night's race at Atlanta Motor Speedway, Busch moved into 10th place in the driver point standings, the final guaranteed Chase spot before the two-wildcard entries. He is six points ahead of 11th place. A berth in the Chase, which began in 2004, would give Busch the distinction of being the first driver from a single-car team to qualify for the Chase. "We're in position to make history and that's pretty exciting for everyone associated with Furniture Row Racing," said Busch, who won the NASCAR championship in the inaugural Chase season. "It's been our goal at Furniture Row Racing from the beginning of the year to make the Chase and we enter the final pre-Chase race controlling our own destiny. We need to get it done on our own Saturday night and not worry about what the other Chase contenders are doing."(FRR)(9-5-2013)

Richmond Facts & Stats - Thursday:
· NASCAR Hall of Famer Richard Petty leads the series in starts at Richmond with 63. Terry Labonte and Mark Martin lead all active drivers with 55 starts.
· 47 different drivers have won at Richmond International Raceway, led by Richard Petty with 13. Kyle Busch leads all active drivers with four.
· Petty Enterprises has the most wins at Richmond in the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series with 15; followed by Hendrick Motorsports with 10, Joe Gibbs Racing and Richard Childress Racing with nine each.
· Chevrolet leads the series in wins at Richmond with 36 victories; followed by Ford with 28 wins.
· Bobby Allison and Richard Petty are tied for the lead in runner-up finishes at Richmond with nine each. Jeff Gordon leads all active drivers with six.
· Richard Petty leads the series in top-five finishes at Richmond with 34. Mark Martin leads all active drivers with 18; followed by Jeff Gordon with 16.
· Richard Petty leads the series in top-10 finishes at Richmond with 44. Mark Martin leads all active drivers with 30; followed by Terry Labonte with 28.
· Jeff Gordon leads all active drivers in the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series in average starting position at Richmond International Raceway with a 7.805.
· Kyle Busch leads all active drivers in the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series in average finishing position at Richmond International Raceway with a 6.529.
· Three active drivers have a NASCAR Sprint Cup Series average finish in the top 10 at Richmond: Kyle Busch (6.5), Denny Hamlin (8.0) and Clint Bowyer (9.0).
· There have been two NSCS race resulting with a green-white-checkered finish at Richmond International Raceway: spring of 2008 (400/410) and spring of 2013 (400/406).
· Tony Stewart (9/11/1999) and Kasey Kahne (5/14/2005) posted their first NASCAR Sprint Cup Series wins at Richmond.
· Eight drivers in the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series have posted consecutive wins at Richmond International Raceway. Richard Petty leads the series in consecutive wins at Richmond after posting seven consecutive wins from the fall of 1970-1973. Terry Labonte (1994-1995) and Jimmie Johnson (2007 sweep) are the only two active drivers with consecutive wins at Richmond.
· Bobby Labonte leads the series among active drivers with the most NASCAR Sprint Cup starts at Richmond without visiting Victory Lane at 41.
· Since the advent of electronic scoring the closest margin of victory in the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series at Richmond International Raceway was the (9/12/1998) race won by Jeff Burton with a MOV of 0.051 second.(NASCAR)(9-5-2013)

Defiant Whisky returns to the #50: Danny Efland will attempt the entire Nationwide race in Richmond Virginia on Friday night. Defiant Whisky has come on board to sponsor the MAKE Motorsport's Chevy for the race. Efland has been driving for the team most of the season in both the NASCAR Truck series as well as in limited Nationwide appearances . "Usually we do not have the resources to go the distance," said Efland, "but, thanks to Defiant Whisky, we hope to compete successfully for the entire race. I look forward to representing them at Richmond and in the future." Efland, an engineer, has over 70 NASCAR races to his credit with many top 20 finishes. He hails from Irmo, South Carolina.(Efland PR)(9-5-2013)

Kennedy eyeing second start: Ben Kennedy will attempt to make his second career start in the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series on Sunday, September 8. While Kennedy is attempting to make his first career NCWTS start at Iowa Speedway, he's no stranger to the Newton, Iowa track. Kennedy has five starts at Iowa in the NASCAR K&N Pro Series East. He's been there twice this year already, with a best finish of ninth in the June NKNPSE race. Kennedy's #96 truck entry is not locked in on owner's points and he will have to qualify his way into the race on time.(Ben Kennedy Racing PR)(9-5-2013)

Atlanta TV Ratings: ESPN's live telecast of the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series race at Atlanta Motor Speedway on Sunday night, Sept. 1, earned a 3.2 U.S. household rating, averaging 5,322,850 viewers, according to the Nielsen Company. The rating was down from the 3.4 for last year's race, which also aired on ESPN and averaged 5,557,932 viewers.
ESPN2's live telecast of the NASCAR Nationwide Series race at Atlanta on Saturday night, Aug. 31, earned a 1.0 U.S. household rating, averaging 1,610,513 viewers. Last year's race, which also aired on ESPN2, earned a 1.2 U.S. rating with 1,989,407 viewers.(ESPN)
See past races for 2013 and 5-year comparison chart on the 2013 NASCAR TV Ratings page.(9-4-2013)

Burton out of the #31 after 2013; Newman to RCR? UPDATE 3: Wendy Venturini reported at the end of Fox Sports1's Race Day that the latest rumor in the garage has Ryan Newman on his way to Richard Childress Racing, but only as the third team, with #31-Jeff Burton moving to a "satellite team" for Childress. The #30 Swan Racing team was mention as the team for Burton, possibly with Caterpillar sponsorship. She also stated that David Stremme, current driver of the Swan Racing #30, is a part owner of that team, possibly complicating the deal.(9-1-2013)
UPDATE: hearing that besides Swan Racing rumor, Jeff Burton could wind up driving a car owned by Tommy Baldwin (#7, #36) with chassis and engines from RCR.(9-3-2013)
UPDATE 2: Jeff Burton will not return to Richard Childress Racing in 2014, sources close to the organization told ESPN on Wednesday. Sources say financial concerns played a key role in the decision. Asked for comment, Burton said only that an announcement about his future will be made at 12:30 pm/et on Wednesday, and a press conference will follow at 1:00pm/et. Burton did, however, note that, "I've had no conversations with anyone about 2014, concerning my driving future." Attempts to contact RCR personnel were not immediately returned. For weeks, Burton has been the subject of much speculation, as rumors began to swirl in the Sprint Cup garage that Ryan Newman was a candidate for Burton's #31 car in 2014. One report earlier this week had Burton leaving RCR and moving to Swan Racing, to drive the #30 car. Swan Racing general manager Bray Pemberton told ESPN on Tuesday that "we haven't even spoken with Jeff Burton." Burton confirmed he has had "zero discussions" with Swan Racing.(ESPN)
UPDATE 3: Jeff Burton, driver of the #31 Caterpillar Chevrolet SS for Richard Childress Racing, has announced he will not be driving that car after the 2013 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series season. Burton, 46, has driven for RCR since 2005. The native of South Boston, Va., has won four of his 21 NSCS victories with the team. He also earned seven NASCAR Nationwide Series wins with RCR and was an integral part of their 2007 NNS Owner's Championship. "I strongly believe in the #31 team as to what we can achieve this year, and for the team in seasons to follow," Burton said. "However, the financial realities for next year were obvious to both Richard (Childress) and me. So, we talked about it and both made the decision to make this move for the team's future. I would like to thank the dealers, customers and employees of Caterpillar for all we've achieved together. You can't ask for a better and more supportive sponsor than those people, and it's been an honor to wear their black and yellow colors on my uniform." Caterpillar will continue to sponsor the #31 Chevrolet SS. "Jeff has been a true professional in every sense of the word," said Greg Towles, Cat Racing Program Director. "On behalf of Caterpillar dealers, customers and Cat employees, we thank Jeff for his commitment to the #31 team and the Cat Racing program." A new driver (Ryan Newman rumored) for the #31 Caterpillar Chevrolet SS will be named in the future.
"We have been working hard to try and get all the funding in place to have four Sprint Cup teams in 2014," said Richard Childress, president and CEO of Richard Childress Racing. "With the date on the calendar getting closer to 2014, we just couldn't run partially funded teams next year. Knowing what Jeff's plans were in 2015, he and I worked out an agreement for him to step out of the #31 Caterpillar Chevrolet after this season. Jeff has been nothing but a professional driver, an asset to RCR and a great person for our organization since coming on board in 2005. Jeff has also been a great ambassador for Caterpillar and the other partners we've had on the car throughout the years. I can't thank him and Caterpillar enough for how great they've been as we work through this transition. We intend to finish out 2013 in a strong way and I look forward to the possibility of Jeff still being part of RCR in the near future, just not driving the #31 car. I have been watching his son, Harrison, and the success he's having. Hopefully, we can have another Burton in one of our cars someday."(RCR)(9-4-2013)

Time Warner Cable to sponsor #88 and adds to #5 package: Time Warner Cable Inc. will be the primary sponsor in more NASCAR Sprint Cup Series races after broadening its relationship with Hendrick Motorsports. The expanded partnership makes Time Warner Cable primary sponsor of the #5 Chevrolet SS team with driver Kasey Kahne for six races in 2013 and five races in both 2014 and 2015. Previously, Time Warner Cable committed to sponsor four primary events per season from 2013 through 2015.
In addition, Time Warner Cable will be a primary sponsor of the #88 Hendrick Motorsports team with driver Dale Earnhardt Jr. for five events in 2013, including four during the Chase for the NASCAR Sprint Cup. The #88 Time Warner Cable Chevrolet SS will appear Sept. 7 at Richmond, Sept. 15 at Chicago, Sept. 22 at New Hampshire, Oct. 6 at Kansas, and Oct. 12 at Charlotte.
"We've been extremely happy with the results from our NASCAR initiatives," said Jeffrey Hirsch, Time Warner Cable's executive vice president and chief marketing officer, Residential Services. "The on-track performance of Hendrick Motorsports is well documented, but they've also put significant resources into building a world-class marketing operation. It's been a team effort, and we're seeing terrific exposure and return." As part of the new sponsorship agreement, Time Warner Cable will collaborate with Hendrick Motorsports' sister company, Hendrick Automotive Group, as a marketing partner. The organizations will work together to develop marketing solutions specific to the automotive industry using Time Warner Cable product offerings. With the expanded Time Warner Cable relationship, all remaining primary sponsorship inventory for Kahne's #5 Chevrolet SS team has been filled for the 2013 and 2014 seasons.(Hendrick Motorsports), see an image of the #88 car on the #88 Team Schemes page.(9-4-2013)

Martin expects to test for SHR in 2014: Mark Martin said Tuesday he expects to continue to work with Stewart-Haas Racing in 2014, after Tony Stewart returns back to the cockpit of the #14 SHR Chevy. Martin and his wife, Arlene, were at SHR's shop in Kannapolis, N.C., on Tuesday during Stewart's first press conference since breaking his right leg in two places in a sprint car accident in August. Afterward, Martin told FOXSports.com he likely will do testing for SHR next year, as well as work with Danica Patrick on helping her get more comfortable behind the wheel of her #10 SHR Chevy. Martin is currently filling in for Stewart, driving the #14 as the team driver/co-owner recovers from his injuries. Stewart hates to test and said he would welcome having Martin continue on with the team next year  and with Stewart not expected to get back in the car before Daytona in February 2014, SHR needs someone to test. Martin is the logical candidate. Martin said discussions with SHR on continuing testing and consulting have been ongoing. "We were already talking about working together next year before Tony got hurt," Martin said.(FoxSports)(9-4-2013)

Labonte to miss Richmond, plans to return at Chicago: Bobby Labonte will not race the #47 BUSH'S Beans Toyota Camry this weekend at Richmond International Raceway after suffering three broken ribs in a cycling accident near his Trinity, N.C. home on the morning of Wednesday, August 28. "I am feeling a lot better, but I don't want to put the race team in any compromising position this weekend," said Labonte. "It just makes more sense to focus on my rehab one more week to ensure that I'm ready to go at Chicago (Chicagoland Speedway) with no issues. I plan to be back with the team then and back behind the wheel." AJ Allmendinger is filling in for Labonte during the Federated Auto Parts 400 in Richmond. "Bobby means a lot to the JTG Daugherty Racing team and to our sport," Allmendinger said. "For me, it's a tough situation. I do not want to get more races with the team because someone is injured. Bobby is a guy that I believe is a Hall of Famer and he is a champion. It's tough to have that type of injury. Hopefully, he gets better as soon as possible to get back into the #47 BUSH'S Beans Toyota."(JTG Daugherty Racing)(9-4-2013)

Sad News - Dave Tatman: David Michael Tatman, 68, of Mooresville, NC passed away in his sleep, Tuesday September 3, 2013. David served honorably with the US Army during the Vietnam War. David proudly worked as an engine builder for Hendricks Motorsport; he loved hunting, fishing and was a crossword puzzle master. For full obituary, service info, guest book, memorial contributions and more, go to the Raymer-Kepner Funeral Home website.(9-4-2013)

Top 12 Driver Rating at Richmond:
#11-Denny Hamlin........................... 117.8
#18-Kyle Busch............................... 113.0
#29-Kevin Harvick........................... 111.1
#15-Clint Bowyer............................. 100.4
Tony Stewart.............................. 96.5 (injured, not racing)
#24-Jeff Gordon................................ 95.7
#14-Mark Martin................................ 92.2
#39-Ryan Newman............................ 91.1
#48-Jimmie Johnson......................... 90.9
#78-Kurt Busch................................. 90.0
#99-Carl Edwards............................. 88.9
#5-Kasey Kahne.............................. 87.3
Note: Driver Ratings compiled from 2005-2013 races (17 total) among active drivers at Richmond International Raceway.
Formula combining the following categories: Wins, Finishes, Top-15 Finishes, Average Running Position While on Lead Lap, Average Speed Under Green, Fastest Lap, Led Most Laps, Lead-Lap Finish. Maximum: 150 points per race.(NASCAR)

Richmond Facts & Stats - Wednesday:
· Originally known as the Atlantic Rural Exposition Fairgrounds, Richmond International Raceway held its first race in 1946 as a half-mile dirt track.
· The first NASCAR Sprint Cup race was April 19, 1953 won by Lee Petty.
· The spring 1964 race was run on a Tuesday night under temporary lighting.
· The track name changed to Virginia State Fairgrounds in 1967.
· The track surface was changed from dirt to asphalt between races in 1968.
· The track name changed to Richmond Fairgrounds Raceway in 1969.
· The track was re-measured to .542-mile for 1970.
· The track was rebuilt as a three-quarters-mile D-shaped oval following the Feb. 21, 1988 race.
· The first race under permanent lights was Sept. 7, 1991.
· The first season with both races as night races was 1999.
· There have been 114 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series races at Richmond International Raceway, one NSCS event from 1953-1958 and two races per year since 1959.
· Only four of the 114 races at Richmond International Raceway have been shortened due to weather conditions: spring of 1962, spring of 1977, spring of 1982 and spring of 2003.
· 471 drivers have competed in at least one NASCAR Sprint Cup race at Richmond; 304 in more than one.
· Four drivers have come from outside the Chase for the NASCAR Sprint Cup cut-off to make the Chase at Richmond:
· Jeremy Mayfield in 2004 made up a 55-point deficit
· Ryan Newman in 2005 made up a one-point deficit
· Kasey Kahne in 2006 made up a 30-point deficit
· Brian Vickers in 2009 made up a 20-point deficit.(NASCAR)(9-4-2013)

Larson, Piquet fail post race inspection: The Turner Scott Motorsports cars of #32-Kyle Larson and #30-Nelson Piquet failed postrace inspection Saturday night following the Nationwide Series race at Atlanta Motor Speedway. Both cars were too low in the front following the Great Clips/Grit Chips 300. Any penalties likely would be announced Tuesday, although the standard penalty for being too low would be six points. Assuming a six-point penalty, Larson, who was fifth Saturday so his car had automatic postrace height inspection, would fall from a tie for seventh in the standings to ninth, 73 points behind leader Sam Hornish Jr. Piquet, who was 12th in the race and a random selection for postrace height inspection, would fall from 11th to 12th in the standings, 207 points behind Hornish. (Sporting News)(9-1-2013)
UPDATE: Penalties have been issued to teams in the NASCAR Nationwide Series following last weekend's events at Atlanta Motor Speedway. The #30 and #32 teams have been penalized for violating Sections 12-1 (Actions detrimental to stock car racing); 12-4J (Any determination by NASCAR Officials that race equipment used in the event does not conform to the NASCAR rules detailed in Section 20-A of the NASCAR rule book, or has been approved by NASCAR prior to the event); and 20A-12.8.1(B) (Car failed to meet the minimum front car heights). These infractions were all discovered during post-race inspection Aug. 31.As a result of these violations, crew chiefs Pat Tryson (#30 car) and Trent Owens (#32 car) have each been fined $10,000. In addition, drivers Nelson Piquet Jr. (#30) and Kyle Larson (#32) have been docked with the loss of six championship series driver points. Owner Harry Scott Jr. has been docked with the loss of six championship owner points for each of the two cars (#30 & #32).(NASCAR)(9-4-2013)

Atlanta TV Ratings: ESPN2's live telecast of the NASCAR Nationwide Series race at Atlanta on Saturday night, Aug. 31, earned a 1.0 U.S. household rating, averaging 1,610,513 viewers. Last year's race, which also aired on ESPN2, earned a 1.2 U.S. rating with 1,989,407 viewers.(ESPN)(9-4-2013)

Congrats to the Pastrana's: X Games legend and NASCAR Nationwide Series driver #60-Travis Pastrana and his wife, pro skateboarder Lyn-z Adams Hawkins Pastrana, have announced the birth of their first child, born Monday. "Lyn-z Adams Hawkins Pastrana and I are so stoked to have welcomed our healthy baby girl into this world on Labor Day September 2nd, 2013," the proud father posted to Facebook on Wednesday morning with the first public photo of the baby with Mom and Dad. The Pastranas have not released the baby's name or other details yet, but have been using the hashtag #199andAhalf, in reference to the racing bib number Travis made famous in his motocross career. The baby will have no shortage of shiny baubles to play with around the Pastrana house. The couple's trophy case in Annapolis, Md., is filled with X Games medals -- 14 of them gold -- including Travis' 11 gold, four silver and two bronze from a 17-year motocross and rallycross career that has helped define the X Games. Lyn-z's three gold, four silver and one bronze from Women's Skateboard Vert and Skateboard Park help fill out the collection.(ESPN)(9-4-2013)

Snickers Bites sponsoring Larson for 2 races: Mars Chocolate North America announced the company's SNICKERS Brand inked a new partnership with Earnhardt Ganassi Racing with Felix Sabates that will feature development driver Kyle Larson taking the wheel of a SNICKERS Bites car during upcoming NASCAR Nationwide Series races in Richmond and Chicago. Larson will pilot the #32 SNICKERS Bites Chevrolet Camaro at the Virginia 529 College Savings 250 at Richmond International Raceway on September 6, as well as the Dollar General 300 Powered by Coca-Cola on September 15 at Chicagoland Speedway. SNICKERS Bites are a new hunger-satisfying innovation introduced earlier this year that offers the trademark SNICKERS combination of chocolate, peanuts, caramel and nougat shrunk down in small, no fuss milk chocolate cubes.(Earnhardt Ganassi Racing)(9-4-2013)

Ryan Ellis in the #24 at Richmond: Ryan Ellis has been signed by SR2 Motorsports for their #24 Toyota Camry to run the Virginia 529 College Savings 250 at Richmond International Raceway. Primary sponsor on the #24 for this event will be Kappa Sigma Fraternity. The sponsorship is a tribute to help advance the values and educational programming of his college fraternity, as well as raise awareness for its Military Heroes Campaign and Scholarship-Leadership Award program for Undergraduate students. Ryan Ellis is a 2008 initiate of the Kappa-Phi chapter of Kappa Sigma Fraternity at George Mason University. Kappa Sigma's Military Heroes Campaign honors and aids the thousands of military veterans and their families in communities throughout the U.S. and Canada. Since its inception in 2007, the campaign has donated nearly $500,000 to non-profit organizations who advocate on behalf of servicemen and women and those wounded in combat.(Ellis PR)(9-4-2013)

Reed to make 3rd start of year: Ryan Reed is set to return to Richmond International Raceway in the #16 Drive to Stop Diabetes Roush Fenway Ford Mustang Friday, September 6, 2013. Reed made his NASCAR Nationwide Series debut with Roush Fenway Racing in April posting a solid 16th-place finish on the ¾-mile Richmond, Virginia racetrack. Reed will continue to support the American Diabetes Association's "A Day in the Life of Diabetes" campaign at Richmond International Raceway.(Reed PR)(9-4-2013)

Papis suffers dislocated jaw UPDATE 3: Max Papis told ESPN.com that he suffered a dislocated jaw following Sunday's Camping World Truck Series race in Bowmanville, Ontario, when another driver's girlfriend slapped him on the left side of the face in a post-race rage. Papis did not know the name of the female who struck him, but said she was driver Mike Skeen's girlfriend."This crazy lady comes shouting at me, and I had no idea, didn't even understand her, she just started shouting," Papis told ESPN.com some four hours after the altercation at Canadian Tire Motorsport Park. "And all the sudden, she took a full hand and she slapped me so hard. I'm not kidding. My jaw got dislocated and my left ear is still ringing, big time." Papis did not retaliate. While battling for second-place in the final corner of the race, Papis said Skeen made an ill-advised aggressive move, which ultimately wrecked both trucks. The drivers exchanged hand gestures during the cool-down lap. And that was just the beginning. As Papis unbuckled his seatbelt, he said one of Skeen's crew members grabbed him inside his truck. Skeen, though, said Papis entered his team hauler after the incident and tried to pull his girlfriend down the stairs as he tried to get past her while looking for the driver. Papis said he approached Truck Series director Chad Little with the request that NASCAR take some action against Skeen's girlfriend.(ESPN.com)(9-1-2013)
UPDATE: Mike Skeen Comment Regarding Incident at Canadian Tire Motorsport Park: "First and foremost, I want to say that I am proud of the Sharp-Gallaher Racing team and my performance in Sunday's race. The last-turn incident can be interpreted different ways as most altercations in racing can. Max escalated the situation beginning on the cool down lap and as soon as we got behind the wall. We spoke face to face and then I left to return to the garage. I was unaware of the incident with Kelly (Heaphy) until later. Max further escalated the situation by coming in our trailer and grabbing Kelly aggressively. I hope we can put this unfortunate incident past us and get back to racing. I'd like to thank SGR for the opportunity to make my first NASCAR Camping World Series start, and both NASCAR and Ron Fellows for hosting a first class event at Canadian Tire Motorsport Park."(Sharp-Gallaher Racing PR)(9-2-2013)
UPDATE 2 - penalties issued: Bryan Berry, crew chief of the #6 team, has been fined $2,500 for violating Sections 12-1 and 9-4A (Crew chief assumes responsibility for the actions of his team members) following Sunday's race at Canadian Tire Motorsport Park. Kelly Heaphy, who was with the #6 team at Canadian Tire Motorsport Park, has been fined $2,500 and denied access to all NASCAR events indefinitely for her involvement in an altercation with a competitor following Sunday's race.(NASCAR Integrated Marketing)(9-4-2013)
UPDATE 3:Sharp-Gallaher Racing would like to issue the following statement in response to the penalty assessed by NASCAR to crew chief Brian Berry for the actions of team members, which is inclusive of guests, following the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series race at Canadian Tire Motorsport Park. The team will not be appealing the penalty. "I'd like to apologize to our sponsors, Canadian Tire Motorsport Park and especially the fans on behalf of everyone at Sharp-Gallaher Racing for the incident that occurred following Sunday's race," said team co-owner Eddie Sharp Jr. "Although Kelly Heaphy is not an employee of SGR, we absolutely do not condone actions such as these from anyone associated with our organization. It is a shame that this overshadowed the first class event that NASCAR delivered in Canada. We have nothing but respect for NASCAR, and will not appeal the penalty assessed to crew chief Bryan Berry."(Sharp-Gallaher Racing PR)(9-4-2013)

Larson, Piquet fail post race inspection: The Turner Scott Motorsports cars of #32-Kyle Larson and #30-Nelson Piquet failed postrace inspection Saturday night following the Nationwide Series race at Atlanta Motor Speedway. Both cars were too low in the front following the Great Clips/Grit Chips 300. Any penalties likely would be announced Tuesday, although the standard penalty for being too low would be six points. Assuming a six-point penalty, Larson, who was fifth Saturday so his car had automatic postrace height inspection, would fall from a tie for seventh in the standings to ninth, 73 points behind leader Sam Hornish Jr. Piquet, who was 12th in the race and a random selection for postrace height inspection, would fall from 11th to 12th in the standings, 207 points behind Hornish. (Sporting News)(9-1-2013)
UPDATE: Penalties have been issued to teams in the NASCAR Nationwide Series following last weekend's events at Atlanta Motor Speedway. The #30 and #32 teams have been penalized for violating Sections 12-1 (Actions detrimental to stock car racing); 12-4J (Any determination by NASCAR Officials that race equipment used in the event does not conform to the NASCAR rules detailed in Section 20-A of the NASCAR rule book, or has been approved by NASCAR prior to the event); and 20A-12.8.1(B) (Car failed to meet the minimum front car heights). These infractions were all discovered during post-race inspection Aug. 31.As a result of these violations, crew chiefs Pat Tryson (#30 car) and Trent Owens (#32 car) have each been fined $10,000. In addition, drivers Nelson Piquet Jr. (#30) and Kyle Larson (#32) have been docked with the loss of six championship series driver points. Owner Harry Scott Jr. has been docked with the loss of six championship owner points for each of the two cars (#30 & #32).(NASCAR)(9-4-2013)

Wallace to make second start: The winner of Iowa Speedway's inaugural ARCA event in 2006, Steve Wallace (#97 Adrian Carriers / Liz Girl Logistics Chevy) will look to add to his Hawkeye State success this weekend, in Iowa Speedway's 200-lap event for the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series. The event will mark his second start for Quad Cities, Iowa-based Adrian Carriers Racing. The first truck start of the year for both Wallace and the Gary and Liz Adrian-owned team came earlier this year at Iowa. In that event, Wallace started 26th and stayed out of trouble to earn a 17th-place finish for the upstart truck operation. This time around however, Adrian has made an additional investment in the team's performance. Wallace will be piloting a former Ty Dillon-driven truck-newly acquired from Richard Childress Racing-in the Iowa event.(Rusty Wallace Sports PR)(9-4-2013)

Free Festival at Richmond on Thursday: There's no better way to kick off NASCAR race weekend in Richmond than with a free festival on Thursday, September 5, at Richmond International Raceway. RVA's Stars of NASCAR Festival features some of the top drivers in a Q&A session with fans, followed by live music from The Killing Daylights. Additionally, RVA food trucks will be on hand, with lots of tasty food options available for purchase. The driver Q&A lineup is still to be determined. Drivers who are eligible for the 2013 Chase for the NASCAR Sprint Cup, but have not yet locked in their spot, will be on hand for the question and answer session, which is free and open to the public. Depending on how this Sunday's race shakes out, there could be nearly a dozen drivers participating! In addition to food trucks, beer will be sold. Ten percent of all food truck sales that night will be donated to FeedRVA. Fans may enter RIR at Gate 4, located off of Laburnum Ave. between Carolina Ave. and Meadowbridge Rd.(more info at RIR.com)(9-4-2013)

Richmond Coliseum offering off-site parking and shuttle service: Fans attending the Federated Auto Parts 400 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series race at Richmond International Raceway on Saturday, September 7, will once again be able to take advantage of the "Park and Ride" shuttle program from downtown Richmond at the Richmond Coliseum parking lot. The shuttle service allows fans to park their vehicles and take a free shuttle to the main gate of America's Premier Short Track. The Richmond Coliseum parking area at North 7th Street in downtown Richmond opens and begins offering free shuttle rides to fans at 1:00 p.m. on Saturday, September 7. The shuttle runs continuously back and forth throughout the afternoon and evening, with pick-up/drop-off at the track's main entrance. The shuttle is free, but a $6 parking fee applies at the Coliseum lot. The Richmond Coliseum parking area is conveniently located less than five minutes from the intersections of I-95 and I-64. To see a detailed map of the Richmond Coliseum area visit: rir.com. Shuttle service is no longer available at The Showplace on Mechanicsville Turnpike.(RIR)(9-4-2013)

Cushioned Seat Rentals available at Richmond: Richmond International Raceway and IMG Seating are teaming up to offer padded seat rentals for the September 6-7 NASCAR weekend at RIR. Seat rentals are $8 per event and available for both the Saturday, September 7, Federated Auto Parts 400 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series race and the Friday, September 6, Virginia529 College Savings 250 NASCAR Nationwide Series race. The seats feature three-inch padded cushion and back support and will be attached to your seat and waiting for you before you enter the grandstand gates on race day.* To reserve your seat, you can add on during your purchasing process; or, if you already have tickets, click here to add your cushioned seat rental for Saturday. Go to rir.com or call 866-455-7223 for more info. This service is not available for guests who sit in the Commonwealth Tower Grandstand, as these seats already have seat backs. Guests who have general admission seating for the Friday, September 6 race must pick up their cushioned seats at any customer service location on-site with a photo ID.(RIR)(9-4-2013)

Atlanta Motor Speedway Changes Smoking Policy: Atlanta Motor Speedway officials announced that all grandstand and suite seating areas at the facility will be smoke free for events beginning in 2014, including the annual NASCAR Labor Day race weekend. Smoking will still be permitted in designated areas on the concourse levels in each grandstand and within the outdoor areas including the infield and fan zone. Atlanta Motor Speedway has designated smoke free areas for this weekend's events in Section 113 of the Petty Grandstand, Section 48 of the Elliott Grandstand and the entire Winners Grandstand. The announcement was made in order to notify fans of the change as tickets go on sale for the 2014 Labor Day NASCAR weekend(AMS).(9-4-2013)

Entry List for the Federated Auto Parts 400 Sprint Cup Series race at Richmond International Raceway is posted, 44 teams/drivers [for 43 spots] are listed, including: #95-Reed Sorenson, #47-Allmendinger, #51-Ryan Truex, #32-Timmy Hill, #19-Bliss, #40-Cassill. #19-Bliss needs to get in by speed and be in the top 36 in speed as the team is too far down the owners points list to use a provisional. If qualifying was to rained out, the #40 car would miss the race due to lowest race attempts.
See the full entry list at my Jayski's Richmond Entry List

Stewart expects to return fully healed, OK with Busch as teammate; full transcript: Tony Stewart asserted Tuesday at the Stewart-Haas race shop that his broken bones would mend in time for the 2014 Daytona 500 and that the organization he co-owns with Gene Haas was never fractured in the first place. "They're looking at the beginning of February, which isn't a bad deal," said Stewart, who broke the tibia and fibula in his right leg during a Sprint Car accident Aug. 5 in Iowa. "I guess if you had to have this injury happen -- it could have happened a month later, and it would have gotten us in a really big bind for next year." Next year's Daytona 500 is scheduled for Feb. 23, and Stewart expects to be in the field, barring unexpected complications with his recovery. Stewart arrived at the dais for Tuesday's press conference in a wheelchair and maneuvered into a seat behind a podium that featured the Twitter hashtag "#SmokeWillRise," a nod to his widely known nickname. As expected, the subject of Haas' unilateral hiring of Kurt Busch was a hot-button topic, but Stewart was quick to dispel talk of a rift or a power struggle within his organization. For the first time reporters heard Stewart's graphic description of the wreck that has caused the three-time NASCAR Sprint Cup Series champion to miss the final 14 races of the season as he recuperates. Stewart described a dust cloud at Southern Iowa Speedway, somewhat like the cloud of smoke in the movie "Days of Thunder," that obscured his view of the car in his path. Stewart wore shorts to the press conference, with his knee exposed, revealing a long scar held intact by a series of butterfly bandages. On his foot was a large insulated boot, protecting the lower leg in which a titanium rod was inserted during surgery to reinforce the tibia. The accident also reinforced Stewart's resolve to help make Sprint Car racing safer, but it won't stop him from participating in the sport.(NASCAR Wire Service), see full transcript on my Tony Stewart press conference transcript page.(9-3-2013)

Newman to RCR? Burton to Swan Racing? UPDATE Baldwin? Wendy Venturini reported at the end of Fox Sports' Race Day that the latest rumor in the garage has Ryan Newman on his way to Richard Childress Racing, but only as the third team, with #31-Jeff Burton moving to a "satellite team" for Childress. The #30 Swan Racing team was mention as the team for Burton, possibly with Caterpillar sponsorship. She also stated that David Stremme, current driver of the Swan Racing #30, is a part owner of that team, possibly complicating the deal.(9-1-2013)
UPDATE: hearing that besides Swan Racing rumor, Jeff Burton could wind up driving a car owned by Tommy Baldwin (#7, #36) with chassis and engines from RCR.(9-3-2013)

Chase clinch scenarios at Richmond: Below are the 2013 Chase for the NASCAR Sprint Cup clinch scenarios for Saturday night's Federated Auto Parts 400 at Richmond International Raceway, the final race before the Chase field is set. Six drivers have clinched top-10 spots in the Chase: #48-Jimmie Johnson, #15-Clint Bowyer, #29-Kevin Harvick, #99-Carl Edwards, #18-Kyle Busch and #20-Matt Kenseth. #5-Kasey Kahne, on the strength of two wins, has clinched at least a Wild Card spot. Four drivers control their top-10 clinching destiny. Regardless of the finishes of any other driver...
#88-Dale Earnhardt Jr., currently seventh in points, will clinch a top-10 spot with a finish of 32nd or better, 33rd with at least one lap led or 34th with the most laps led.
#22-Joey Logano, currently eighth in points, will clinch a top-10 spot with a finish of 11th or better, 12th and at least one lap led or 13th and the most laps led.
#16-Greg Biffle, currently ninth in points, will clinch a top-10 spot with a finish of ninth or better, 10th and at least one lap led or 11th and the most laps led.
#78-Kurt Busch, currently 10th in points, will clinch a top-10 spot by winning, finishing second with at least one lap led or finishing third with the most laps led.
The remaining mathematically eligible drivers need help to clinch a top-10 spot. Some, however, control their own Wild Card destiny (a win would guarantee at least a Wild Card spot). Clinch scenarios for the remaining eligible drivers follow...
#24-Jeff Gordon: Currently 11th in points, Gordon would clinch at least a Wild Card spot with a victory at Richmond. Gordon, currently six points outside the top 10, remains eligible for a top 10 spot.
#5-Kasey Kahne: Kahne, currently 12th in points, has already clinched at least a Wild Card spot. Ten points outside the top 10, Kahne remains eligible for a top 10 spot.
#56-Martin Truex Jr.: Currently 13th in points, Truex would clinch at least a Wild Card spot with a victory at Richmond. Fifteen points outside the top 10, Truex remains eligible for a top 10 spot. Truex, currently holding the provisional No. 2 Wild Card spot, could clinch a Wild Card spot without a victory.
#39-Ryan Newman: Currently 14th in points, Newman would clinch at least a Wild Card spot with a victory at Richmond. Twenty points outside the top 10, Newman remains eligible for a top 10 spot. Newman could clinch a Wild Card spot without a win (Logano and Biffle must remain in the top 10 or be replaced by Kahne; Newman must out-point Truex by six points; Gordon must not win; and Brad Keselowski or Jamie McMurray cannot win and overtake Newman).
#2-Brad Keselowski: Currently 28 points outside the top 10, Keselowski remains eligible for a top-10 spot. Currently winless, Keselowski must win to be in contention for a Wild Card spot. Mathematically there will be at least two drivers outside the top 10 with wins. To clinch, Keselowski would need to win and outpoint Truex by 13 and Newman by eight (and would only need to outpoint one of these drivers if Kahne would displace a winless driver from the top 10). If Truex or Newman displaces Kurt Busch from the top 10, he would need to outpoint the other one-win driver remaining outside the top 10 by the requisite amount.
#1-Jamie McMurray: Currently 39 points outside the top 10, McMurray remains eligible for a top-10 spot. Currently winless, McMurray must win to be in contention for a Wild Card spot. To clinch, McMurray would need to win and outpoint either Truex by 25 and Newman by 19 (and would only need to outpoint one of these drivers if Kahne would displace a winless driver from the top 10). If Truex or Newman displace Kurt Busch from the top 10, he would need to outpoint the other one-win driver remaining outside the top 10 by the requisite amount.
#27-Paul Menard: To clinch, Menard would need to win and outpoint Truex by 47 and Newman by 42 (and would only need to outpoint one of these drivers if Kahne would displace a winless driver from the top 10). If Truex or Newman displace Kurt Busch from the top 10, he would need to outpoint the other one-win driver remaining outside the top 10 by the requisite amount.(NASCAR)(9-3-2013)

JTG Daugherty considering manufacturer change: A less pressing dilemma, but with greater ramifications, is which manufacturer #47-JTG Daugherty Racing will align with in 2014. When the company shared a technical alliance with Michael Waltrip Racing the first two seasons with Marcos Ambrose behind the wheel and Toyota Racing Development engines, the team finished 18th in 2009 and 26th in 2010. Labonte was 29th in the standings the following year and 23rd in 2012. But this year, the JTGD is 30th in the owner standings. As a single-car operation, JTGD has struggled to be a top-20 competitor. Co-owner Brad Daugherty said that, for now, the organization is "working to get the most that we can out of our Toyota relationship" but has not decided whether to stay the course with that brand and the Triad engines or become a technical partner of Richard Childress Racing and Chevy. Furniture Row Racing, another single-car operation that also shares a similar association with RCR, is enjoying its best season since the team began running full time in 2008. "We'd like nothing more than to have a relationship opportunity with Toyota," Daugherty said. "But as we look at our entire program, we're looking at every aspect of it and trying to see what will benefit us. We're going to be selfish with that as we get into next year to see what gives us the best opportunity to be competitive. We haven't decided that 100 percent. Right now we're committed to Toyota to get through this season and give them our best effort. Hopefully, they will as well. We expect them to and they have."(Fox Sports)(9-3-2013)

Race and Commercial Breakdown for Atlanta: For NASCAR fans that like stats and love to hate commercials, here is the breakdown for Sunday's race. Began recording the times at the Invocation of the race at 7:15pm, and stopped at the waving of the checkered flag at 11:18pm (all times are EST). Did not keep records for the pre- and post-race coverage. ESPN was the broadcast team for this event.
Total number of commercials: 151
Total number of companies or entities advertised: 71
Number of 'Side-by-Side' commercials during race broadcast (split-screen): 0
Total number of brief promos of products/services during the race broadcast: 36
Total amount of time these brief promos take during broadcast: app. 3 min. 30 sec.
Start time to record race/commercial periods: 7:15 PM
End time to record race/commercial periods: 11:18 PM
Total minutes of complete race broadcast: 243
Minutes of race broadcast: 177
Minutes of traditional commercials (not split-screen): 66
Number of missed restarts: 0
Number of 'mystery cautions' (debris not shown): 0
Total race brdcst time 177 Total comm. brdcst time 66
See past reports, races, links on the 2013 TV Commercial page.(9-3-2013)

Nationwide Entry List:There are 42 cars on the preliminary entry list for Friday night's Virginia 529 College Savings 250 at Richmond International Raceway. A few notes:
Brett Butler will drive the #00 for SR2;
Chase Miller remains in the #10 while Jeff Green continues to drive the #14 for Eric McClure;
Ryan Reed returns to the Roush Fenway #16;
Kenny Wallace is back in the #29 for RAB Racing;
Ty Dillon returns to the RCR #33;
The TriStar #44 will be driven by Hal Martin; Derrike Cope is back in his #73;
The Mike Harmon #74 is TBA.(9-2-2013)
See the complete list on the Richmond entry list page.

Ehrgott to make NNS debut at Richmond: Ricky Ehrgott will attempt to make his NASCAR Nationwide Series debut this Friday night at Richmond International Raceway driving the #86 Rev1 Power Services / Platinum Wealth Partners Chevrolet Camaro for DRG Motorsports.(9-3-2013)

1000th Nationwide race this week at Richmond: On February 13, 1982, Dale Earnhardt crossed the finish line first in the Goody's 300 at Daytona International Speedway to win the inaugural race in what is now known as the NASCAR Nationwide Series. Twenty-three champions and 136 race winners later, NASCAR's No. 2 series approaches an historic milestone  its 1,000th race, on Sept. 6 at Richmond International Raceway. Through the years, drivers, owners and fans have witnessed some of the best racing in motorsports in the NASCAR Nationwide Series, beginning with Jack Ingram's championship run in 1982, the series' inaugural season. Ingram drove the self-owned #11 Pontiac to seven wins that season, followed by five victories in 1985 to claim his second title. Next Friday at Richmond, Elliott Sadler will pilot the No. 11 Joe Gibbs Racing Toyota carrying a paint scheme honoring Ingram's upcoming enshrinement into the NASCAR Hall of Fame on Jan. 29, 2014. "The NASCAR Nationwide Series always has been a perfect blend of young and veteran drivers, providing some of the most compelling and entertaining racing in motorsports," said Mike Helton, NASCAR president. "We are very pleased with the progress the series has made over the last 32 years and continues to make in terms of competition, technology and providing a truly memorable experience for its legions of fans."
Over the last 999 races, there have been a multitude of highlights that weave together the colorful tales of its drivers and epic battles on the track. Some of the top moments from the NASCAR Nationwide Series' stories history include:
• Dale Earnhardt's wins the series' inaugural event  the Goody's 300 at Daytona International Speedway on Feb. 13, 1982.
• Jack Ingram captures the inaugural series championship at Martinsville Speedway on Oct. 31, 1982.
• Sam Ard becomes the first driver to win two titles in the series on Oct. 28, 1984, at Martinsville, becoming the first of eight drivers to earn the distinction. The other seven are Jack Ingram, Larry Pearson, Randy LaJoie, Dale Earnhardt Jr., Kevin Harvick, Martin Truex Jr. and Ricky Stenhouse Jr.
• Jeff Gordon captures a series-record 11th pole of the season in late October 1992 at Rockingham Speedway  the most poles by one driver in one season.
• Nationwide Insurance becomes the title sponsor in 2008, renaming NASCAR's No. 2 series the NASCAR Nationwide Series.
• Dale Earnhardt Jr. wins the debut race of the new NASCAR Nationwide Series car at Daytona on July 2, 2010. Earnhardt's #3 Chevrolet carries the #3 Wrangler paint scheme his father made famous early in his career.
• Kyle Busch wins the Food City 250 at Bristol on Friday, August 20, 2010. He had already won the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series event at the .533-mile track two days earlier and would go on to win the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series race the following night, becoming the only driver to sweep all three national series events at a track.
• On August 26, 2011, Kyle Busch claims his 50th series victory in the Food City 250 at Bristol Motor Speedway to surpass Mark Martin as the all-time wins leader. Busch continues to win consistently in the series, notching his 60th victory on August 23, 2013, at Bristol.
• Kenny Wallace passes Jason Keller as the all-time series' starts leader with 521 on November 12, 2011. Wallace's tally of race starts currently sits at 541.
• Ricky Stenhouse Jr. becomes only the sixth driver in the series to claim back-to-back titles in 2012, following in the footsteps of Sam Ard, Larry Pearson, Randy LaJoie, Dale Earnhardt Jr. and Martin Truex Jr.
The NASCAR Nationwide Series long has been a proving ground for drivers trying to earn a seat in the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series. There are eight NASCAR Sprint Cup champions who competed in the NASCAR Nationwide Series before making their way to NASCAR's top level: Alan Kulwicki, Dale Jarrett, Bobby Labonte, Jeff Gordon, Tony Stewart, Matt Kenseth, Jimmie Johnson and Brad Keselowski. Keselowski and Labonte are the only drivers to have won titles in NASCAR's top two series.(NASCAR)(9-3-2013)

Hal Martin gets Richmond sponsor: Hal Martin has announced his recent partnership with U.S. Forensic for this weekend's NASCAR Nationwide Series event at Richmond International Raceway. U.S Forensic will sponsor Martin's #44 TriStar Motorsports Toyota Camry during the Virginia 529 College Savings 250.(Martin PR)(9-3-2013)

Entry list: There are 36 trucks on the preliminary entry list for Sunday's Fan Appreciation 200 at Iowa Speedway. Some notes include;
Steve Smith is entered in the #12;
Brandon Jones returns in the #33;
Erik Jones returns in the #51;
Ben Kennedy returns in the #96;
Steve Wallace is back in the #97;
Matt Kurzejewski was not on the initial entry list, but expected in the #81; (9-3-2013)
UPDATE: Jimmy Weller will be in the #07 instead of Grant Galloway, as entered.(9-3-2013)
See the complete list on the Iowa entry list page

Hornaday to break starts record: It seems a long time ago when Ron Hornaday Jr. started the very first NASCAR Camping World Truck Series race from the pole in the in the 1995 Skoal Bandit Copper World Classic at Phoenix International Raceway. Hornaday didn't win that first race (finishing ninth) but the Palmdale, Calif., competitor has done just about everything else in the series. Hornaday already holds records in several categories (series titles: four; wins: 51; top fives: 151; top 10s: 221; most years with consecutive poles: seven). He will add to the record book this Sunday in Iowa. Hornaday will make his 337th career start in the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series when he takes the green flag, the start eclipsing the mark of 336 he shares with Rick Crawford.(NASCAR Integrated Marketing)(9-3-2013)

Sad News - Elton Hildreth: Legendary race car driver Elton "Wild Man'' Hildreth, 95, died Monday afternoon at Cumberland (NJ) Manor nursing home. According to Eastern Motorsport Press Association, Hildreth was one of most colorful drivers to ever compete in the Modifieds. Hildreth is best known for his exploits in his orange and black No. 16-J, a 1937 Chevrolet coupe that was powered by a small-block Chevy engine. A resident of Bridgeton, actually began his racing career in open-cockpit cars back in the 1930s. Then, as an alignment shop/garage owner and Nash dealer with his Hildreth Motors, he got involved with NASCAR's new late-model racing series. From 1950 through 1954, Hildreth ran a virtually-stock #1 Nash in most of NASCAR's early Grand National (now Sprint Cup Series) events. With this underpowered car he competed on half-mile dirt tracks, the famed old Daytona Beach-Road Course (where he once led the race with two laps to go before running out of gas on the last lap) and on the legendary Darlington International Raceway. In all, he had seven Top-10s in 51 starts with his best finish of fourth in a 200-lapper on the old half-mile Bloomsburg (Pa.) Fairgrounds in 1953.(NJ.com)(9-3-2013)

Sad News - Bob Bilby: former NASCAR team owner Robert D. Bilby, of Kewadin, passed away Tuesday, August 27, 2013. He was 71. He made tracks in USAC Midget racing, then set his sights on the big leagues  NASCAR. He came to Winston Cup in 1989 with his own team, Automotion, then partnered with legendary racer Bobby Allison to form Bobby Allison Motorsports the following year. For full obituary, service info, guest book and more, go to Covell Funeral Home website.(9-3-2013)

Goodyear pleased with Atlanta tire: Following the Advocare 500 Sprint Cup Series race at Atlanta Motor Speedway, Greg Stucker, Goodyear's director of racing, commented on the tires run at the race: "Without question, the debut of our multi-zone tread technology at Atlanta was a success. The right-side tire -- with the firmer, heat resistant compound on the inboard portion of the tire and the more tractive compound on the outboard -- enabled the cars to put on great races in both the NASCAR Sprint Cup and Nationwide Series. In fact, in the Cup race, we saw several full fuel runs with great performance and lap times faster than what we've run here in the recent past. Certainly this confirms our plan to utilize this technology for the October race weekend in Kansas, and actively evaluate its application at other tracks."(Goodyear Racing PR)(9-2-2013)

Gordon, Edwards have discussion after race: #24-Jeff Gordon and #99-Carl Edwards didn't expect each other to drive the way they did Sunday night, and both seemed flabbergasted by the other's explanation of their near-crashes at Atlanta Motor Speedway. The two drivers spoke for about five minutes shortly after the race before Gordon walked away. They spoke again briefly in the driver motorhome lot about 15 minutes later and shook hands. While Edwards made a point to say he didn't think the hard feelings would linger, it was obvious that both weren't satisfied with at least the initial discussion. Early in the race, Gordon slid in front of Edwards for position. Edwards and Gordon were later battling side by side and made contact.
"I really felt like he was looking for another excuse to be mad at me," Edwards said. "And I don't understand it. I'll give him the benefit of the doubt. That's out of character. We don't have these kind of problems. So we'll just move on and hopefully laugh about it when we're both in the Chase."
Gordon thought Edwards' reaction to the initial slide-job was out of character. "I've never seen him drive me like that," Gordon said. "It was pretty wild. He didn't like that I slid him early in the race. We went into (Turn) 1 and he took my line away to keep me behind him and I was a lot better than him and I just dove inside.(Sporting News)(9-2-2013)

Kenny Wallace to make 898th start: RAB Racing with Brack Maggard and driver Kenny Wallace announced that Wallace will be making his 898th NASCAR start at Richmond International Raceway this Friday, September 6th for the Virginia 529 College Savings 250. Wallace will be behind the wheel of the familiar #29 American Ethanol Toyota Camry, at one of his favorite tracks on the schedule. Wallace boasts three wins, 18 top 10 finishes, and 432 laps lead at the 3/4 mile D-shaped oval. Keith Hinkein will be the the crew chief for the #29, making his third start with Wallace and RAB Racing. Hinkein spent last season as crew chief in the ARCA Racing Series securing one win with Kevin Swindell and has prior experience in the Hooter's Pro Cup Series winning 10 races with drivers Trevor Bayne and Joey Logano.(RAB Racing)(9-2-2013)

Jeffrey Earnhardt gets Richmond sponsor: Keen Parts, a leading supplier of Corvette registration parts and accessories, will sponsor Jeffrey Earnhardt in the Virginia College Savings 250 at Richmond International Raceway. Tradition continues with a General Motor affiliated company sponsoring an Earnhardt in the Nationwide Series. The #79 Ford Mustang will feature GM Licensed Keen Parts on the #79.(Earnhardt PR)(9-2-2013)

Papis suffers dislocated jaw UPDATE: Max Papis told ESPN.com that he suffered a dislocated jaw following Sunday's Camping World Truck Series race in Bowmanville, Ontario, when another driver's girlfriend slapped him on the left side of the face in a post-race rage. Papis did not know the name of the female who struck him, but said she was driver Mike Skeen's girlfriend."This crazy lady comes shouting at me, and I had no idea, didn't even understand her, she just started shouting," Papis told ESPN.com some four hours after the altercation at Canadian Tire Motorsport Park. "And all the sudden, she took a full hand and she slapped me so hard. I'm not kidding. My jaw got dislocated and my left ear is still ringing, big time." Papis did not retaliate. While battling for second-place in the final corner of the race, Papis said Skeen made an ill-advised aggressive move, which ultimately wrecked both trucks. The drivers exchanged hand gestures during the cool-down lap. And that was just the beginning. As Papis unbuckled his seatbelt, he said one of Skeen's crew members grabbed him inside his truck. Skeen, though, said Papis entered his team hauler after the incident and tried to pull his girlfriend down the stairs as he tried to get past her while looking for the driver. Papis said he approached Truck Series director Chad Little with the request that NASCAR take some action against Skeen's girlfriend.(ESPN.com)(9-1-2013)
UPDATE: Mike Skeen Comment Regarding Incident at Canadian Tire Motorsport Park: "First and foremost, I want to say that I am proud of the Sharp-Gallaher Racing team and my performance in Sunday's race. The last-turn incident can be interpreted different ways as most altercations in racing can. Max escalated the situation beginning on the cool down lap and as soon as we got behind the wall. We spoke face to face and then I left to return to the garage. I was unaware of the incident with Kelly (Heaphy) until later. Max further escalated the situation by coming in our trailer and grabbing Kelly aggressively. I hope we can put this unfortunate incident past us and get back to racing. I'd like to thank SGR for the opportunity to make my first NASCAR Camping World Series start, and both NASCAR and Ron Fellows for hosting a first class event at Canadian Tire Motorsport Park."(Sharp-Gallaher Racing PR)(9-2-2013)

Kyle Busch wins Atlanta: #18-Kyle Busch won the Advocare 500 Sprint Cup Series race at Atlanta Motor Speedway for his 4th win of 2013 and 28th career win.
#22-Logano finished 2nd followed by #56-Truex, Jr., #78-Busch, #39-Newman, #24-Gordon, #42-Montoya, #88-Earnhardt, Jr., #29-Harvick, and #55-Vickers
Pole-sitter #17-Stenhouse, Jr. led one lap and finished 16th.
Points leader #48-Johnson suffered some damage in an early accident and had a late race spin. He finished 28th. #15-Bowyer was in position to take the points lead, but lost an engine on laps 195, while leading the race, and finished 39th.
There were 28 lead changes among 13 drivers and 9 cautions for 47 yellow flag laps.
The average speed was 135.128mph. NASCAR no longer announces the track attendance.
See race results, awards, money won, laps led, cautions and more on the Unofficial Atlanta Race Results page (pdf) and check out the Atlanta Penalty Report (pdf).(9-1-2013)

Race Fast Facts - Atlanta:
Kyle Busch won the 54th Annual ADVOCARE 500, his 28th victory in 318 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series races.
This is his fourth victory and 15th top-10 finish in 2013.
This is his second victory and fifth top-10 finish in 16 races at Atlanta Motor Speedway.
Joey Logano (second) posted his first top-10 finish in seven races at Atlanta Motor Speedway. It is his 14th top-10 finish in 2013.
Martin Truex Jr. (third) posted his fourth top-10 finish in 15 races at Atlanta Motor Speedway.
Ricky Stenhouse Jr. (16th) was the highest finishing rookie.
Jimmie Johnson leads the point standings by 28 points over Clint Bowyer.
(NASCAR Integrated Sports Marketing)(9-1-2013)

2013 Sprint Cup Driver Championship Points Standings:
[after Atlanta, race 25 of 36]
1) #48-Jimmie Johnson [4 wins], 837
2) #15-Clint Bowyer, 809, -28
3) #29-Kevin Harvick [2 wins], 795, -61
4) #99-Carl Edwards [1 win], 795, -42
5) #18-Kyle Busch [4 wins], 739, -42
6) #20-Matt Kenseth [5 wins], 768, -69
Drivers above have clinched a Chase spot
7) #88-Dale Earnhardt Jr., 750, -87
8) #22-Joey Logano [1 win], 729, -108
9) #16-Greg Biffle [1 win], 727, -110
10)#78-Kurt Busch, 719, -118
2012 Chase drivers not currently in the 2013 Chase
#24-Jeff Gordon, 11th in points (6 pts out of 10th)
#5-Kasey Kahne [2 wins], 12th in points (10 pts out of 10th) - has clinched at least a wild card spot
#2-Brad Keselowski, 15th in points (28pts out of 10th)
#14-Tony Stewart [1 win], 23rd [will miss rest of season](-125)
#11-Denny Hamlin, 26th [missed 4 races with injury](-257)
See drivers championship points standings on the Unofficial Drivers Points Standings (pdf).(9-1-2013)

2013 Sprint Cup Chase Wild Card Standings:
[after Atlanta, race 25 of 36]
Current Wild Cards:
WC1) #5-Kahne [2 wins], 12th in points (10 points out of 10th
WC2) #56-Truex Jr. [1 win], 13th in points (15 points out of 10th)
other wild card contenders
#39-Ryan Newman [1 win], 14th in points (20 pts out of 10th)
#24-Jeff Gordon, 11th in points (6 out of 10th)
#2-Brad Keselowski, 15th in points (28 out of 10th)
#1-Jamie McMurray, 16th in pts (39 out of 10th)
#27-Paul Menard, 17th in pts (61 out of 10th)
#43-Aric Almirola, 18th in pts (79 out of 10th)
#42-Juan Pablo Montoya, 19th in pts (91 out of 10th)
#9-Marcos Ambrose, 20th in pts (98 out of 10th)
#14-Tony Stewart, 23rd in pts (125 out of 10th)
#12-David Ragan, 25th in pots (245 out of 10th)
The top-10 drivers will make the Chase for the NASCAR Sprint Cup. Positions 11 and 12 in the 12-driver Chase for the NASCAR Sprint Cup are Wild Cards, and will go to drivers outside the top 10 with the most wins, as long as they are ranked in the top 20 in points. If multiple drivers outside the top 10 tie for wins, the tie-breaker will go to the race winner with the highest points position.
(ties broken by 1sts, 2nds, 3rd place finishes, etc)
See wild card standings on the Unofficial Wildcard Standings page (pdf).(9-1-2013)

2013 Sprint Cup OWNER Championship Points Standings:
[after Atlanta, race 25 of 36]
(note: owner points are different then drivers points)
1) #48-Hendrick Motorsports [4 wins], 837
2) #15-Michael Waltrip Racing, 809, -28
3) #29-Richard Childress Racing [2 wins], 795, -42
4) #99-Roush Fenway Racing [1 win], 795, -42
5) #18-Joe Gibbs Racing [4 wins], 786, -51
6) #20-Joe Gibbs Racing [4 wins], 768, -69
7) #88-Hendrick Motorsports, 750, -87
8) #22-Penske Racing [1 win], 729, -108
9) #16-Roush Fenway Racing [1 win], 727, -110
10) #78-Furniture Row Racing, 719, -118
Owners Wildcards
WC1) #5-Hendrick Motorsports [2 wins], 12th in OWNER points (10 points out of 10th)
WC2) #56-Michael Waltrip Racing [1 win], 13th in pts (15 out of 10th)
#39-Stewart-Haas Racing [1 win], 14th in pts (20 out of 10th)
#14-Stewart-Haas Racing [1 win], 15th in pts (23 points out of 10th)
#55-Michael Waltrip Racing [1 win], 18th in pts (48 out of 10th)
See the owner points standings on the Unofficial Owners Points Standings page (pdf).(9-1-2013)

Burton to Swan Racing? Wendy Venturini reported at the end of Fox Sports' Race Day that the latest rumor in the garage has Ryan Newman on his way to Richard Childress Racing, but only as the third team, with #31-Jeff Burton moving to a "satellite team" for Childress. The #30 Swan Racing team was mention as the team for Burton, possibly with Caterpillar sponsorship. She also stated that David Stremme, current driver of the Swan Racing #30, is a part owner of that team, possibly complicating the deal.(9-1-2013)

Martin focused on finishing out 2013: #14-Mark Martin was asked Saturday about his plans for 2014:
Martin: "You know I was thinking about it and had some discussions before Tony's (Stewart) injury. I will be real honest with you I could care less about 2014 right now because I am doing all I can to tread water. Making this change was pretty huge because not only is it different crew guys work on the car which really isn't a huge thing, but it's a whole different thought process, it's a whole different bunch of guys that I didn't have a chance to go to test in February and go hang out in the shop. Just jumping right in it added, I don't know, about three races to my schedule what I had so I picked up three additional races. So I am really pushed and driven to try to get immersed in this team and figure out what I like in these cars so that we can start putting that in there week to week. This is not like making a change over the winter. It's not like stepping out of a MWR (Michael Waltrip Racing) Toyota into even a (Joe) Gibbs Toyota like I did at Martinsville. There is just a lot going on.
So, for me, making a decision on what I do in 2014 is not important right now. I'm in no hurry because I'm not really worried about what I do. I do have a focus on what I can do in NASCAR. I want to do more in NASCAR than drive race cars. I want to do more than that. I had a good time at MWR and they let me be a part of that organization a little bit more than just to show up and drive, driver; and I want to grow more of that. So that's of great interest to me and is where my primary focus was before Tony's (Stewart) #14 car came up. After that, it's like I'm not worried. I've got to stay focused on what's in front of me."(Chevy PR)(9-1-2013)

Allmendinger could run more races in #47 while Labonte recovers: Tad Geschickter, co -owner of the #47 team was asked how Bobby Labonte's rib injury could impact the team's plans for the remainder of the year and if A.J. Allmendinger could run more races for them:
"Bobby (Labonte) is pretty banged up right now. He has another doctor's appointment on Monday, so I guess as a football head coach says, 'It may be a game-time decision.' Bobby still has a burning passion to drive the race car and see his contract through the end, but having said that we obviously don't want to him to risk further injury or push the issue, so more to come. I wish I could give you a straight answer, but I think that's Bobby's decision with his doctors and we'll just take it a day at a time on that."(Toyota Racing PR)(9-1-2013)

150 starts for Keselowski: This weekend, #2-Brad Keselowski will make the 150th NSCS start of his young, championship career. So far the Rochester Hills, MI native has recorded nine wins, 31 top-five finishes and 54 top-10 results since making his debut at Texas Motor Speedway in November of 2008.(Penske Racing)(9-1-2013)

Only Three Birthday winners so far: Cale Yarborough, Kyle Busch and Matt Kenseth are the only NASCAR Sprint Cup drivers to ever win a points paying race on their birthday. Yarborough, birthday March 27, in 1977 at North Wilksboro Speedway and a second time in 1983 at Atlanta Motor Speedway.
Kyle Busch won at Richmond on May 2, 2009, to become only the 2nd driver EVER to win on their birthday, and only the third time ever.
Matty Kenseth won at Las Vegas on March 10, 2012, to become only the 3rd driver EVER to win on their birthday, and only the 4th time ever.(4-7-2013)
TODAY: #9-Marcos Ambrose and the DEWALT team ride their current momentum into Atlanta Motor Speedway and hope to celebrate Ambrose's 37th birthday in Victory Lane.(RPM)(9-1-2013)

Sad News - Ida Mohamet Key: Ida "Geneva" Mohamet Key, 78, of Cypress Place, Chesapeake, VA, passed away on Friday, August 30, 2013. Born in Norfolk, VA, she was a retired Office Manager for Curtis Key Plumbing Contractors, Inc. She was a member of Atlantic Shores Baptist Church. Ida "Geneva" is survived by her three sons, Alex Rowe of Florida, Raymond J. J. Key, Jr., and [Nationwide Series owner] Curtis W. Key, Sr., both of Chesapeake, VA; one daughter, Geneva Lamb of Portsmouth, VA; two sisters, Yvonne Poole of Nevada and Silvia Mowery of Virginia Beach, VA; eleven grandchildren, Tonya, Tressa, Amber, Hunter, Jason, Josh, Brittney, Leonard, Richard, Curtis and Kyle; and ten great grandchildren. The family will receive friends at Hollomon-Brown Funeral Home, Kempsville Chapel on Tuesday, September 3, 2013, from 6 to 8 p.m. The funeral will be held at 11:00 a.m. Wednesday in the funeral home chapel. Burial will follow in Woodlawn Memorial Gardens. Condolences may be offered to the family at www.hollomon-brown.com.(9-1-2013)

Larson, Piquet fail post race inspection: The Turner Scott Motorsports cars of #32-Kyle Larson and #30-Nelson Piquet failed postrace inspection Saturday night following the Nationwide Series race at Atlanta Motor Speedway. Both cars were too low in the front following the Great Clips/Grit Chips 300. Any penalties likely would be announced Tuesday, although the standard penalty for being too low would be six points. Assuming a six-point penalty, Larson, who was fifth Saturday so his car had automatic postrace height inspection, would fall from a tie for seventh in the standings to ninth, 73 points behind leader Sam Hornish Jr. Piquet, who was 12th in the race and a random selection for postrace height inspection, would fall from 11th to 12th in the standings, 207 points behind Hornish. (Sporting News)(9-1-2013)

Elliott wins Canada: #94-Chase Elliott won the Inaugural Chevrolet Silverado 250 on the road course at Canadian Tire Motorsports Park, after contact with Ty Dillon on the last lap sent Dillon into a barrier. #51-Chad Hackenbracht finished second, followed by: #32-Miguel Paludo, #54-Darrell Wallace, Jr., #9-Ron Hornaday, Jr., #14-Max Papis, #19-Ross Chastain, #17-Timothy Peters, #31-James Buescher, and #88-Matt Crafton. There were five caution flags for 10 laps, and seven lead changes among six drivers. Complete results are on the Canada race results page (pdf).(9-1-2013)

Canada Race Fast Facts:
Chase Elliott won the Inaugural Chevrolet Silverado 250, his first victory in six NASCAR Camping World Truck Series races.
Elliott is the youngest NCWTS winner ever at 17 years, 9 months, 4 days. Previous youngest race winner in the NCWTS was Ryan Blaney at 18 years, 8 months, 15 days.
This is his first victory and sixth top-10 finish in 2013.
This is his first victory and first top-10 finish in one races at Canadian Tire Motorsport Park (Road Course).
Chad Hackenbracht (second) posted his first top-10 finish in one races at Canadian Tire Motorsport Park (Road Course). It is his first top-10 finish in 2013.
Miguel Paludo (third) posted his first top-10 finish in one races at Canadian Tire Motorsport Park (Road Course).
Darrell Wallace Jr. (fourth) was the highest finishing rookie.
Matt Crafton leads the points standings by 47 points over James Buescher.
(NASCAR Statistics)(9-1-2013)

Driver standings following Canada:
1) #88-Matt Crafton 532
2) #31-James Buescher 485, -47
3) #3-Ty Dillon 469, -63
4) #4-Jeb Burton # 467, -65
5) #32-Miguel Paludo 464, -68
6) #17-Timothy Peters 462, -70
7) #29-Ryan Blaney # 450, -82
8) #62-Brendan Gaughan 444, -88
9) #54-Darrell Wallace, Jr., # 426, -106
10) #98-Johnny Sauter 425, -107
See complete standings on the driver standings page (pdf).(9-1-2013)

Owner Standings following Canada: are posted (pdf).(9-1-2013)

Papis suffers dislocated jaw UPDATE: Max Papis told ESPN.com that he suffered a dislocated jaw following Sunday's Camping World Truck Series race in Bowmanville, Ontario, when another driver's girlfriend slapped him on the left side of the face in a post-race rage. Papis did not know the name of the female who struck him, but said she was driver Mike Skeen's girlfriend."This crazy lady comes shouting at me, and I had no idea, didn't even understand her, she just started shouting," Papis told ESPN.com some four hours after the altercation at Canadian Tire Motorsport Park. "And all the sudden, she took a full hand and she slapped me so hard. I'm not kidding. My jaw got dislocated and my left ear is still ringing, big time." Papis did not retaliate. While battling for second-place in the final corner of the race, Papis said Skeen made an ill-advised aggressive move, which ultimately wrecked both trucks. The drivers exchanged hand gestures during the cool-down lap. And that was just the beginning. As Papis unbuckled his seatbelt, he said one of Skeen's crew members grabbed him inside his truck. Skeen, though, said Papis entered his team hauler after the incident and tried to pull his girlfriend down the stairs as he tried to get past her while looking for the driver. Papis said he approached Truck Series director Chad Little with the request that NASCAR take some action against Skeen's girlfriend.(ESPN.com)(9-1-2013)

Hauler parade set for Dover: Dover International Speedway announced a special kickoff to the Sept. 27-29, 2013 race weekend with an all-new fan event, the NASCAR Hauler Showcase and Parade. The event is set for Thursday, Sept. 26 from 4:00-6:00pmet at the Blue Hen Corporate Center in Dover. Fans are invited to the Blue Hen Corporate Center, located at 655 S. Bay Road just four miles south of the Monster Mile on Route 113, to see the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series haulers before they take off at 6 p.m. on a parade route through Downtown Dover. The trucks will be lined up in order based on the current NASCAR point standings. The Hauler Showcase and Parade is free and open to the public. The parade will create quite a spectacle in the state capitol. Approximately 40 brightly painted NASCAR Sprint Cup Series driver haulers, measuring approximately 80-feet in length, will make their way through town on their way to the Speedway.(Dover Speedway)(9-1-2013)

Chicago Nationwide race National Anthem singer announced: Jim Cornelison, the Chicago Blackhawks national anthem singer, will perform "The Star-Spangled Banner" prior to the Dollar General 300 Powered by Coca-Cola on Saturday, Sept. 14, at Chicagoland Speedway. Cornelison, who has belted out the anthem for the current Stanley Cup Champions on a full-time basis since 2007, is a 1992 graduate of Indiana University's Masters of Music program has also performed at numerous Chicago Bears games and at Medinah Country Club for the 2012 Ryder Cup. Cornelison moved to Chicago in 1995 at the invitation of the Lyric Opera of Chicago, recognized globally for world-class artistic excellence, and after a successful stint, left to pursue his career as a professional opera singer. As a leading tenor, Cornelison's talents took him around the world while performing for various opera companies in places such as London, Brussels, Bordeaux, New York, San Francisco, Seattle, Miami and Hawaii.(Chicagoland PR)(9-1-2013)