Stewart still focusing on recovery, return to racing: There are nights when Tony Stewart swears the pain in his right leg feels as if someone is hammering in a 100 carpenter nails. When this happens, sleeping isn't an option, although doctors have assured him the sensation he's feeling are the nerves working overtime internally to heal the shattered leg -- the tibia and fibula bones he cracked in a sprint car accident on Aug. 5 in Iowa which have required three surgeries since. It takes great effort for Stewart to simply get comfortable. The guy who tussled with Joey Logano on pit road this March and heaved a helmet at Matt Kenseth's car last season struggled to just cautiously extend his leg outward.
As far as Stewart's concerned, the best thing about Homestead being the last race is that he's planning to be driving his #14 Bass Pro Shops/Mobil 1 in the next race, the season-opening Daytona 500. on Feb. 23. "They [doctors] say we're on schedule and they haven't flinched from it, even after the third surgery," Stewart explained. "That one was a three-week setback, but we were a little ahead at that time so it just kind of put us back to being on time. Right now, there's no drama. Barring any new infection or something stupid we have to go in and fix& everything should be fine. To me, it's more about getting healthy again. If we get healthy the rest will come."
Stewart said there is improvement even he can't always see it. It's only in the last few weeks that he is walking on his own, depending less and less on the cane. You can imagine, that for a guy who makes a living on speed, it just doesn't feel fast enough.
Despite the physical discomfort and daily inconveniences of the last four months, Stewart has remained determined to run his race team, which will expand to four cars in 2014 adding drivers Kurt Busch and Kevin Harvick to go with Stewart and Patrick.(NASCAR.com)(11-30-2013)

Geoff Bodine working on new bobsled: Former NASCAR driver Geoff Bodine is spending more time these days at international bobsled courses than American oval tracks. Since 1992, the 18-time NASCAR Sprint Cup winner has helped transform the United States Olympic bobsled team from also-rans into contenders with his Bo-Dyn sleds. The Chemung native's Bo-Dyn Bobsled Project has helped the U.S. earn six Olympic medals, two of them gold. The American team will try to defend its gold medal in four-man competition during the 2013 Winter Olympic Games in Sochi, Russia, in February. Bodine was in Europe last week to oversee the development of his latest project  an affordable and low maintenance multi-use training bobsled that was tailored for use by paralympions. Bodine, who built his first prototype Paralympic sled seven years ago, said other manufacturers build sleds to hold one person while his can accommodate two. They are being fabricated in Mooresville, N.C., and assembled in a shop in nearby Huntersville owned by NASCAR racer Joey Logano and his father, Tom. Bo-Dyn sleds, which are also assembled in the Logano shop, are built solely for American athletes at no charge. Bodine's multi-purpose sleds are built through the for-profit Geoff Bodine Bobsled Company. Besides paralympians, the sleds will also be made available for all athletes from any nation to train on. They'll cost about $20,000. See more at Elmira Star-Gazette.(11-29-2013)

Congrats: to #43-Aric Almirola and wife Janice on the birth of their daughter Abby Lynn Almirola, who was born Thursday. Abby joins big brother Alex. Mother and baby are doing well.(11-29-2013)

Harvick's home suffers damage from fire UPDATE: Kevin Harvick and his family escaped injury when a fire broke out in their Oak Ridge, N.C., home Wednesday morning. Both Kevin and his wife, DeLana, tweeted photos of the fire department at their house saying they were thankful for the response and that they were OK. The fire and fire alarm that went off woke up the Harvicks, his wife tweeted. Kevin Harvick Inc. later tweeted that the Harvicks were fine and suffered no major damage to their home.(Sporting News)(11-27-2013)
UPDATE: Kevin Harvick, Inc, tweeted Wednesday, "Last night the local fire department was called to the Harvick's house where a fire started in the basement in the early morning hours. There was structural and smoke damage within the area. Kevin, DeLana and Keelan were not injured. Thank you all for the outpouring of concern."(11-28-2013)

NASCAR's "Twist" captures top honors for advertising in sports: Building on the success of a new creative vision and brand campaign launched in February, NASCAR edged out all other major sports leagues and governing bodies, taking home the Titanium Award for 'Best Spot' at the PromaxBDA Sports Media Marketing Awards in New York. NASCAR Vice President of Marketing Kim Brink accepted the award for "Twist" - a one-minute television spot portraying the emotion, drama and duality within a sport that changes unexpectedly at a moment's notice - on behalf of NASCAR. The fourth annual PromaxBDA Sports Media Marketing Awards honored the best strategic and creative marketing from the global community. Along with NASCAR, Turner Sports, the National Football League, MSG Media, NFL Network and the Atlanta Falcons were all named Titanium award winners at PromaxBDA's annual Sports Media Marketing Awards. Additional special honorees included ESPN Executive Chairman George Bodenheimer, who received the Lifetime Innovator Award for his contribution as a creative leader in the field of sports marketing, and Red Bull Media House, who received the Game Changer Award for being a cultural innovator as a brand marketer, production house and digital distributor.(NASCAR)(11-28-2013)

Eckrich Wins PromaxBDA Award for Operation Inspiration Campaign: Eckrich, sponsor of the #43 Ford of Aric Almirola, was awarded top honors for its "Operation Inspiration" campaign at this year's PromaxBDA Sports Media Marketing Awards contest. The campaign won Gold in the "Just Cause" category, which recognizes best community outreach initiative. Eckrich, part of the John Morrell Food Group, a subsidiary of Smithfield Foods, launched in 2013 "Operation Inspiration", a campaign designed to honor, thank and support the military families who inspire us. Through the "Operation Inspiration" campaign, Eckrich donated a portion of product sales to Operation Homefront, a non-profit organization which supports military families and wounded warriors. Through the campaign, Eckrich also surprised several military families with well-deserved items and experiences, including a new car, mortgage-free home and special trips, many of which included surprise visits from Al Roker and NASCAR legend Richard Petty among others. The PromaxBDA Sports Media Marketing Awards contest is a celebration of the campaigns that best demonstrate excellence, creativity and strategic promotion, marketing and design, and the winners exemplify the best the industry has to offer.(Eckrich PR)(11-28-2013)

Talladega cutting seating capacity: Talladega Superspeedway, which once boasted some of the largest crowds to see NASCAR races, will see its seating capacity reduced to approximately 80,000 seats by next season, tracks officials confirmed on Wednesday. The largest change will come from the recent demolition of the Allison Grandstands, a large swath of seats located on the backstretch of the 2.66-mile speedway which had a seating capacity this season of 18,000. In recent seasons, many of the track's frontstretch seats have been tarped over while the speedway still sold tickets - usually at lower price - for the backstretch. "The changes are simply a reflection of our current attendance trends," track spokesman Russell Branham told The Observer. "The goal will be a better fan experience and that will be entirely on the frontstretch from now on." As recently as 2007, track attendance estimates had more than 307,000 fans attending Talladega's two Sprint Cup Series race weekends. At the time, the track's listed capacity was 147,000 grandstand seats. This season, the track's listed capacity was listed at 109,000.(Charlotte Observer)(11-28-2013)

Catch holiday movies at Charlotte Motor Speedway: Round the family up and get ready for the holiday season because Charlotte Motor Speedway will once again feature drive-in movie nights throughout Speedway Christmas. If millions of lights and a Christmas Village are not enough, families can enjoy a movie during the spectacular light show every Friday and Saturday night until Dec. 28. There is a movie for everyone, from the classic "A Christmas Story" and comedies like "Christmas Vacation" and "Elf," to more recent favorites like "Polar Express." Before settling down for the movie night, fans are encouraged to enjoy the fantastic light displays and festive activities offered by Speedway Christmas. The 3.1-mile course boasts more than 3 million lights in 800 displays that will excite visitors of all ages. Admission to the movie nights is included with the purchase of a Speedway Christmas ticket. Movies will begin at 7:00pm/et each night and are held every Friday and Saturday. Speedway Christmas is open nightly through Dec. 30 from 6-10 p.m., and is closed Christmas Day. Admission to Speedway Christmas is $15 per car on nights the village is closed and $20 per car on nights the village is open.(CMS)(11-28-2013)

Sonoma Raceway distributes more than 7,300 pounds of food: Sonoma Raceway is at full speed this holiday season, distributing more than 7,000 pounds of non-perishable food to Friends in Sonoma Helping (FISH) and the Napa Valley Food Bank following the raceway's 13th annual Thanksgiving Food Drive. In total, the raceway distributed 7,377 pounds of food this year, bringing the 13-year total to more than 54,077 pounds of non-perishable food items for area food banks. In addition, the raceway also collected more than $1,250 in cash donations for FISH. FISH has been helping Sonoma Valley residents in need since 1970 and provides not only food, but clothing, transportation and emergency rental assistance. The Napa Valley Food Bank serves over 40 non-profit agencies county-wide. In 2012, they served 10,830 individuals 92,926 allotments of food, 38% of which were children. Napa Valley Food Bank continues to feed the hungry, encourage self-sufficiency and assist the elderly in living independently.(Sonoma Raceway)(11-28-2013)

Awards Show Host and Musical Acts Announced: A little bit of country, pop, rock and roll and comedy will equal a show chock full of entertainment when chart-topping musicians John Mellencamp, Dierks Bentley and Sara Bareilles take the stage, and comedian, actor and radio personality Jay Mohr hosts this year's NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Awards. The NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Awards, which will take place at Wynn Las Vegas on Friday, Dec. 6, will begin at 8:00pm/et. The event will crown six-time NASCAR Sprint Cup Series champion Jimmie Johnson and honor the remaining top 10 drivers in the final Chase for the NASCAR Sprint Cup standings. The event will air on FOX Sports 2 and NASCAR.com beginning at 9:00pm/et, with Motor Racing Network and SiriusXM NASCAR Radio also providing coverage starting at 8:00pn/et.
Jay Mohr, who transcended the comedic world from a fixture on Saturday Night Live landing roles in popular films such as Jerry McGuire, Pay it Forward and Hereafter, will host this year's event. His career in show business, which also includes hosting nationally syndicated Jay Mohr Sports and other top radio programs, spans more than three decades. Mohr is no stranger to the spotlight, making him a natural fit to showcase some of NASCAR's most prominent stars. "It may be just a coincidence, but I hosted the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Awards in 2006 when Jimmie Johnson won the first of his five straight titles," said Mohr. "Now, I'm back again to officially crown him champion for a sixth time. I couldn't be more thrilled to host this show again and help honor some of the best drivers  and athletes  in the world."
To get the night started, NASCAR fans will be treated to a special performance by John Mellencamp. With 22 top 40 hits to his credit, Mellencamp has been nominated for 13 GRAMMY Awards and has been the recipient of numerous accolades including Billboard's Century Award, The Woody Guthrie Award, The John Steinbeck Award, induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of FameŽ and the Americana Music Association's Lifetime Achievement Award over the course of his storied career.
Later in the evening, Dierks Bentley, one of contemporary country music's biggest stars, keeps his NASCAR performance streak rolling following his act at Homestead-Miami Speedway during Ford Championship Weekend. Bentley has forged his own artistic path by mixing elements of modern country, classic country, bluegrass and rock, which has helped him maintain an unmistakable identity while constantly reinventing his sound. His most recent album, Home, debuted at number one on the Billboard Country Album Charts and spawned three consecutive chart-topping hits, marking 10 career number one songs for Bentley as a singer and songwriter. His five previous studio albums have sold more than five million copies. Bentley has earned 11 GRAMMY nominations and an invitation to join the Grand Ole Opry. He recently released his new single, "I Hold On," off his upcoming album Riser.
Additionally, three-time GRAMMY-nominated singer, songwriter and pianist Sara Bareilles will perform a song from her fourth studio album, The Blessed Unrest, which features the current hit song "Brave." She achieved initial mainstream success in 2007 with the chart-topping single "Love Song," which was number one on Billboard's Pop 100 list. Since then, Bareilles has sold more than one million records and more than four million singles in the United States.(NASCAR)
More info about the Awards show at 2013 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Awards Show page(11-27-2013)

Harvick's home suffers damage from fire: Kevin Harvick and his family escaped injury when a fire broke out in their Oak Ridge, N.C., home Wednesday morning. Both Kevin and his wife, DeLana, tweeted photos of the fire department at their house saying they were thankful for the response and that they were OK. The fire and fire alarm that went off woke up the Harvicks, his wife tweeted. Kevin Harvick Inc. later tweeted that the Harvicks were fine and suffered no major damage to their home.(Sporting News)(11-27-2013)

Wise leaves Front Row Motorsports UPDATE: Front Row Motorsports posted the following message to their Facebook page Tuesday morning, "Because a lot of you have been asking about the status of the #35 car and Josh Wise, we wanted to give you an update. Josh has accepted an offer to drive for another team in 2014, and we absolutely wish him the best in that new role. He's been a good team member and we've appreciated his contributions over the past two seasons. We do plan to continue running the #35 car in 2014, although the program for that car is still in development. It is our expectation to use more than one driver in that role, and we are currently looking at driver candidates and potential partners to help fund and finalize that program."(11-26-2013)
UPDATE: Josh Wise tweeted Tuesday morning, "Super thankful for @FrontRowNASCAR and my two years there! Was time to make a change and I'm really excited about 2014! I will keep you all posted on my 2014 plans in the coming days".(11-27-2013)

Tyler Walker to enter plea: The lawyer for former NASCAR racer Timothy Tyler Andrew Walker said his client will be entering a plea-by-mail in relation to a high speed chase that ended on the interstate near St. George [UT] in January this year. Meanwhile a one-day trial has been scheduled for Walker's co-defendant, Raelle McDonald. Walker, 34, and McDonald, 31, both of Hermosa Beach, Calif., were involved in a high-speed pursuit on Jan. 11 that crossed from Nevada through Arizona and into Utah. They were ultimately stopped by on Interstate 15 at mile post 6 by the Utah and Arizona highway patrols. Walker and McDonald face a series of class-B and class C-misdemeanors related to drug possession and alcohol. They also face two drug-related third-degree felonies each. In addition to these charges, Walker also faces a class-B misdemeanor for driving under the influence, and a third-degree felony for fleeing from police. Walker and McDonald both pleaded "not guilty" to the charges on July. 16. Douglas Terry, the attorney for Walker and McDonald, told Judge Eric Ludlow that Walker would be entering a plea-by-mail. Ludlow scheduled a hearing for the plea on Jan. 7, 2014.(Dixie Press Online)(11-27-2013)

"Tony Stewart Live" airs December 3 on SiriusXM:Three-time NASCAR Sprint Cup Series champion Tony Stewart will host a special edition of his show Tony Stewart Live on SiriusXM NASCAR Radio on Tuesday, December 3 (7:00-9:00pm/et), at the start of NASCAR Champions Week. Stewart and co-host Matt Yocum will broadcast live from Charlotte, NC, where they will review the year that was in NASCAR. Stewart will share his thoughts on the most memorable moments of the year on the track and off, talk live with 2013 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series champion Jimmie Johnson about his sixth career title, and discuss Stewart-Haas Racing's prospects for 2014 and his recovery from the accident that sidelined him earlier this year. Fans can call in to the show to talk live with Stewart and Yocum (1-800-PIT-LANE) or share their thoughts on the season by tweeting @SiriusXMNASCAR and using hashtag #TSL.(SiriusXM)(11-27-2013)

NASCAR buys Iowa Speedway: In a strategic move designed to expand its commitment to enhancing event experiences and fan engagement, as well as solidify the future of one of the premier racing and entertainment facilities in the Midwest, NASCAR announced that it has purchased Iowa Speedway. The agreement, finalized today under a wholly-owned subsidiary, Iowa Speedway, LLC, is effective immediately. "Iowa Speedway is a great entertainment facility with a very bright future," said Eric Nyquist, NASCAR vice president, strategic development. "The facility has the support of the region, its positioned well in the heart of the Midwest, and year in and year out it provides great short-track racing action for motorsports fans. NASCAR ownership will allow us to draw on the entire resources of our company. It also provides us with the opportunity to execute first-hand a number of entertainment ideas and engagement opportunities with fans  much of which we have outlined repeatedly as the core of our Industry Action Plan." The facility, located 30 miles east of Des Moines in Newton, features a fast, .875-mile asphalt paved tri-oval designed by NASCAR Hall of Famer Rusty Wallace. The Speedway released its 2014 schedule earlier this month, encompassing three weekends, one each in May, July and August. The schedule will include two NASCAR Nationwide Series races, a combination NASCAR Camping World Truck Series and IndyCar Series weekend, plus two additional NASCAR K&N Pro Series support races. NASCAR has no plans for Iowa Speedway to host a NASCAR Sprint Cup Series race next year or in the immediate future. NASCAR will host a special event in Des Moines on Thursday, Dec. 12, to outline additional details on the purchase and plans for the future. Information on this event will be announced soon.(NASCAR)(11-27-2013)

Sale of Iowa Speedway pending UPDATE: The Clement family plans to close on its sale of "substantially all of their assets associated with" the Newton racetrack on Wednesday to a recently-formed company called Iowa Speedway, LLC. The pending sale was announced in documentation provided in advance of a special Newton City Council meeting set for noon Tuesday at city hall. The Newton City Council is being asked to "acknowledge and consent" to Clement's US Motorsport Corporation's intent to assign the development agreements in place with the city in connection with the track to Iowa Speedway, LLC. "The US Motorsport Corporation is proposing to change the ownership entity of the Iowa Speedway property in the near future to a company called Iowa Speedway, LLC," City Administrator Bob Knabel's report to council in advance of Tuesday's meeting states. "In conjunction with this change, the US Motorsport Corporation intends that all current agreements of the Corporation be assigned to Iowa Speedway, LLC." City council consent is not required because the minimum improvements as defined in the agreements have been successfully completed. "However, in recognition of the potential benefits to the City of the proposed transaction, to the extent that any consent by City is required in connection with such assignment, the City hereby grants such consent as evidenced by the signature below," a legal document from US Motorsport to the city states. In addition, the Newton City Council will act on a resolution Tuesday that assigns US Motorsport Corporation's airport use and lease agreement to the new ownership of the track. The terms of both agreements are proposed to stay the same under the assignments. Iowa Speedway, LLC filed its certificate of organization with the Iowa Secretary of State's Office effective Oct. 14. Little information about the company or its ownership can be gleaned from the filing other than its initial registered agent is CT Corporation of Des Moines, a corporate legal provider. Requests for information from Iowa Speedway officials on the planned sale have yet been returned. In early July 2011, the Clement family announced that it had taken over the majority ownership from the original developers of the facility, the Manatt family. The Clements paid more than $19 million for majority ownership. Six months after the change in ownership, the Clements brought a breach of contract lawsuit against Manatt's. The case was settled out of court in August.(Newton Independent)(11-25-2013)
UPDATE: In a span of 3 minutes, 5 seconds Tuesday, Newtons city council ensured that new ownership of Iowa Speedway is simply a signature or two away. Who, though, will be wielding the pens? The identities of the third owners of the 7/8-mile race facility that opened in 2006 remain as guarded as plot details for the final episode of "Seinfield." All thats certain, to this point, is the tire-shredding show will go on.International Speedway Corporation (ISC) often has been considered a contender to jump into the Iowa market. The longtime track operator has NASCARs first family in key positions (chairman James France, CEO Lesa France Kennedy and board member Brian France - NASCARs chairman) and seemed like a logical option. But ISC spokesman Lenny Santiago told The Des Moines Register on Tuesday, though, that his group is not behind the sale. "Were not the ones involved in the deal," he said. (Des Moines Register)(11-27-2013)

Bristol Cyber Monday offer returns:Fans of one of NASCAR's most popular events have a chance Monday, December 2, to reserve their seat for the IRWIN Tools Night Race at Bristol Motor Speedway in a Cyber Monday deal that offers a one-day opportunity to purchase an unlimited number of single day tickets nearly two months ahead of the scheduled sale date. Starting at midnight on December 2 and ending at 11:59 p.m. that same day, fans can visit bristolmotorspeedway.com to purchase their Night Race tickets just in time to gift friends and family with the Bristol experience this Christmas. Tickets are available in most grandstands, and purchases are non-refundable. Fans are encouraged to go online and take advantage of the pre-sale availability. Those without internet access may call (855) 580-5525.(BMS)(11-27-2013)

Jimmie Johnson to guest DJ on SiriusXM's The Spectrum: 2013 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Champion Jimmie Johnson, shortly after winning his sixth career title, was in the SiriusXM studios in New York for a guest DJ session on SiriusXM's The Spectrum channel. Jimmie's song selections will begin airing Wednesday, November 27, at 12:00pm/et on The Spectrum (SiriusXM channel 28) and can be heard throughout the Thanksgiving holiday and through Friday, Nov. 29. Johnson's playlist includes songs from a wide variety of artists including: Bob Dylan, Imagine Dragons, Jack Johnson, Jane's Addiction, The Lumineers, and The Rolling Stones.(SiriusXM)(11-26-2013)

Wise leaves Front Row Motorsports: Front Row Motorsports posted the following message to their Facebook page Tuesday morning, "Because a lot of you have been asking about the status of the #35 car and Josh Wise, we wanted to give you an update. Josh has accepted an offer to drive for another team in 2014, and we absolutely wish him the best in that new role. He's been a good team member and we've appreciated his contributions over the past two seasons. We do plan to continue running the #35 car in 2014, although the program for that car is still in development. It is our expectation to use more than one driver in that role, and we are currently looking at driver candidates and potential partners to help fund and finalize that program."(11-26-2013)

Montoya could still run some NASCAR races: Juan Pablo Montoya might not be finished in NASCAR just yet. On Monday, during a break in IndyCar testing at Sebring, Team Penske president Tim Cindric said that it's possible that the team would be receptive to putting it's newest IndyCar driver back in a stock car if the conditions were just right. "How many guys out there could bounce from series to series like he has?," Cindric said. "I think he has some unfinished business in the stock car. At the right time, we may put him in one of our cars that we feel is competitive. I think it's an interesting thing to do. We have to mutually commit to this. This needs to be where the success needs to be to start with." Montoya is returning to American open-wheel racing for the first time since 2001.(Autoweek)(11-26-2013)

NASCAR pleased with consistency of TV ratings: NASCAR appears to have found its sweet spot on TV. Though viewership remains well below 2005 levels, NASCAR and network executives are happy with the sport's performance this year and expressed confidence that its multiyear ratings decline has been stemmed. NASCAR averaged 5.8 million viewers per race this season on Fox, TNT, ABC and ESPN. This marks the third time in the last four years NASCAR has drawn right around 5.8 million viewers  a consistent performance that stands in contrast to the five seasons of declining numbers NASCAR posted between 2005 and 2010. Coverage on Fox, TNT and ESPN averaged a 3.6 Nielsen rating and 5.8 million viewers for 35 out of 36 Sprint Cup races, equal to a year ago. (The race at Chicagoland Speedway on Sept. 15 isn't counted in the ratings performance because of a five-hour rain delay.) Fox Sports executives say they compare the network's NASCAR ratings with other television programs, rather than with a TV number from eight years ago. Within the coveted male 18-49 demographic, NASCAR was the fourth-highest-rated show on TV in the first and second quarters.
NASCAR and its TV partners will face a challenge maintaining the audience that has been tuning in to the races when their new deals take effect in 2015. Next season the sport will be back with ESPN, Fox and Turner. But in 2015, it will begin new media deals with Fox and NBC. In 2015, a total of 16 Sprint Cup races will air on either Fox or NBC, which is the same number that aired this season across Fox and ABC. But NASCAR could see some audience erosion for the races that are going to cable. Seven races will air on Fox Sports 1, which is in nearly 9 million fewer homes than ESPN, and 13 races will air on NBC Sports Network, which is in nearly 20 million fewer homes than ESPN. NASCAR and its broadcast partners will be challenged to keep fans as the sport moves to those new networks. They're planning to work together to promote the changes next season.(Sports Business Journal)(11-26-2013)

NASCAR adopts new race sponsorship guidelines: NASCAR has set a new guidelines that will govern and require approval for race naming rights sold by racetracks starting in 2014. Call it "The NRA Rule." The new policy - established about six months after the National Rifle Association sponsored the Sprint Cup race at Texas Motor Speedway - was revealed in sanction agreements filed Friday by Dover Motorsports Inc. with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission. "As part of the normal course of annually reviewing our sanction language, there are some changes that take place," NASCAR spokesman David Higdon said Monday. "This is one of those situations. We previously said we'd take a look at this area of the sanctioning agreements, adjust as needed, and that's what we've done." TMS officials have indicated the NRA will not return as the race sponsor. Whether NASCAR would now reject the NRA was not immediately clear since NASCAR has not received a request. But what is clear is that it would face more scrutiny in the past when NASCAR's sanction agreements did not require formal approval and simply said, "NASCAR reserves the right to approve or disapprove any advertising, sponsorship or similar agreement in connection with the event." The 2014 sanction agreement now states that tracks must submit for approval all race entitlement sponsors. "(NASCAR) will disapprove a prospective entitlement sponsor only if such prospective entitlement sponsor's brand has been tarnished by, controversy, crisis or circumstance such that its association with the event would damage the NASCAR brand or the image of the sport or & it would damage the (broadcasting) network's ability to sell advertising," the sanction agreement states.
The other major change in the sanction agreement is that NASCAR says it will pay for the use of its new Air Titan track drying system at events, but it can require its use. In the past, tracks were responsible for all jet fuel used for jet driers.(Sporting News)(11-26-2013)

Texas closing backstretch seating; lowering some ticket prices: Texas Motor Speedway will usher in a new era in 2014 with the arrival of the world's largest HD video board by closing the backstretch seating so all ticket holders can benefit from the new amenity as well as offering the lowest-priced individual frontstretch ticket for NASCAR Sprint Cup Series races in speedway history. Texas Motor Speedway will offer select individual seating on the frontstretch for $30 to both the Texas 500 and AAA Texas 500, the best price point for a NASCAR Sprint Cup event since the speedway opened in 1997. The previous low was $40 in the inaugural year and the 2014 pricing offers a 38 percent savings from the lowest individual frontstretch ticket of $49 available this past season. The price point also will become the most economical for all Sprint Cup race seating as the backstretch grandstand will be closed for those races beginning in 2014. The section offered 1,000 seats in the first two rows for Sprint Cup races at $20 and the remaining 8,955 seats at $40. The section was not being utilized at the present time for any other annual major races (IndyCar Series, NASCAR Nationwide Series, NASCAR Camping World Truck Series) with the exception of the Sprint Cup Series events. The move, which reduces the overall grandstand seating capacity to 112,552, will allow all fans with seats the opportunity to enjoy the world's largest video board beginning with its debut at the Texas 500 NASCAR doubleheader weekend.(TMS)(11-26-2013)

Darlington to offer Black Friday ticket deal: Darlington Raceway will be celebrating its 65th year of racing in 2014. To celebrate, tickets to the track Too Tough To Tame will officially go on sale with a special Black Friday offer on Nov. 29. Starting Friday, Nov. 29, fans may purchase a frontstretch ticket to both the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Bojangles' Southern 500 on April 12 and NASCAR Nationwide Series 200 on April 11 for one low price of $65. That's a savings of nearly $35 to see both races. This limited time offer will be available through Cyber Monday on Dec. 2. Special kids pricing of $34 for both races will also be available for the 65-year anniversary package. Fans may purchase the special $65 package by visiting www.DarlingtonRaceway.com or calling 866-459-RACE (7223).(Darlington Raceway)(11-26-2013)

Daytona Offers "Black Friday" and "Cyber Monday" Ticket Specials: Holiday shoppers can give the gift of racing at Daytona International Speedway as the "World Center of Racing" has put together several $49 "Black Friday" and "Cyber Monday" Thanksgiving holiday ticket specials. On Friday, Nov. 29 (Black Friday) and Monday, Dec. 2 (Cyber Monday), Daytona International Speedway will have the following $49 ticket package specials available for race fans to select from as they conduct their holiday shopping:
• An infield/grandstand ticket for the 52nd anniversary of the Rolex 24 At Daytona on Jan. 25-26 with a Rolex 24 event hat and $10 DAYTONA Dollars (good at any DIS concession stand), a savings of 11%.
• General admission grandstand ticket for The Sprint Unlimited /Lucas Oil 200 presented by MAV TV American Real doubleheader on Saturday, Feb. 15 with a Sprint FANZONE/Pre-Race pass, a savings of 24%.
• General admission grandstand ticket for the Budweiser Duel At Daytona 150-mile qualifying races on Thursday night, Feb. 20 and a Sprint FANZONE/Pre-Race pass, a savings of 24%.
• General admission grandstand ticket for the NextEra Energy Resources 250 NASCAR Camping World Truck Series race on Friday night, Feb. 21 and a Sprint FANZONE/Pre-Race pass, a savings of 24%.
• General admission grandstand ticket and trackside access for the Daytona Supercross By Honda on Saturday, March 8 and $10 DAYTONA Dollars (good at any DIS concession stand), a savings of 11%
• Kids 12 and under are free in general admission seating for the Budweiser Speedweeks events. For the Daytona Supercross By Honda, kids 5 and under are free in general admission seating and kids 6-12 are $10.
• If race fans purchase on either Friday, Nov. 29 or Monday, Dec. 2, they will also receive free shipping (a savings of $14) for all tickets purchased (phone orders only).
To take advantage of the "Black Friday" and Cyber Monday" ticket specials, race fans can call 1-800-PITSHOP between 9 a.m.  5 p.m. or visit www.daytonainternationalspeedway.com/deals.(DIS)(11-26-2013)

JTG Daugherty forms technical alliance with RCR: JTG Daugherty Racing team officials announced a technical alliance with Richard Childress Racing that will include receiving ECR Engines and engineering services during the 2014 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series season with driver AJ Allmendinger behind the wheel of the #47 entry. "We certainly appreciate all the support that TRD (Toyota Racing Development) has provided to JTG Daugherty Racing for five years and we are great fans of their business model," JTG Daugherty Racing co-owner Tad Geschickter said. "As a single-car team, we feel that aligning directly with a successful multi-car organization like Richard Childress Racing is what will work best for us in 2014." After nearly 15 years of success in the NASCAR Nationwide Series, JTG Daugherty Racing ventured into the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series with driver Marcos Ambrose at Indianapolis Motor Speedway in July of 2008. Ambrose went on to score the team's career-best finish with second-place at Watkins Glen International on August 10, 2009. 2000 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series champion Bobby Labonte took the reins in 2011 and delivered his best finish with the team at Daytona International Speedway on February, 20, 2011 when he crossed the finish line in fourth-place. This season AJ Allmendinger has earned the team's best finish of the season (10th-place) at Watkins Glen International in August and will be behind the wheel of the #47 full-time starting in 2014.(JTG Daughterty Racing)(11-25-2013)

Odds to win 2014 NASCAR Sprint Cup: #48-Jimmie Johnson hasn't even completed his victory lap around the television talk show circuit after his 2013 NASCAR Sprint Cup title, yet on Tuesday afternoon William Hill sports books in Nevada opened up their odds to win 2014's Sprint Cup with, of course, Johnson listed as the driver to beat once again at 3-to-1. 2013 Sprint Cup runner-up #20-Matt Kenseth is the second choice at 11-to-2 odds. Last season also saw the defending Sprint Cup winner #2-Brad Keselowski and his Penske Racing team switch manufacturers from Dodge to Ford. The transition proved to be rough as Keselowski failed to make the Chase and didn't win until race No. 31 at Charlotte, his only win of the season. With a year under his belt in the new car and with Ford, Keselowski is 15-to-1 to win in 2014.(Sporting News)(11-25-2013)

Bass Pro Shops to sponsor Ty Dillon: Bass Pro Shops will continue its partnership with Richard Childress Racing in 2014, serving as a primary sponsor on Ty Dillon's #3 Chevrolet Camaro in the NASCAR Nationwide Series. Bass Pro Shops/Tracker Boats will be a primary sponsor for 11 races on the #3 Camaro during Dillon's first full season in the series, beginning with the DRIVE4COPD 300 season opener at Daytona International Speedway. The No. 1 outdoor retailer leader will join Yuengling Light Lager for the 2014 season. The RCR/Bass Pro Shops partnership began in 1998 as an associate sponsor of RCR's #3 GM Goodwrench Chevy Monte Carlo with NASCAR Hall of Fame driver Dale Earnhardt. The relationship continued with Kevin Harvick in the #29 Chevrolet and in 2004 Kerry Earnhardt, Dale's eldest son, drove RCR's #33 Bass Pro Shops Chevy Monte Carlo in six NASCAR Sprint Cup Series races. Austin Dillon carried on the tradition in 2010 earning two victories and the Camping World Truck Series Rookie of the Year honors, before capturing the championship in just his second season in the series. Bass Pro Shops/Tracker Boats was also a sponsor for Ty Dillon's ARCA Series presented by Menards Championship season in 2011.(RCR)(11-25-2013)

Sale of Iowa Speedway pending: The Clement family plans to close on its sale of "substantially all of their assets associated with" the Newton racetrack on Wednesday to a recently-formed company called Iowa Speedway, LLC. The pending sale was announced in documentation provided in advance of a special Newton City Council meeting set for noon Tuesday at city hall. The Newton City Council is being asked to "acknowledge and consent" to Clement's US Motorsport Corporation's intent to assign the development agreements in place with the city in connection with the track to Iowa Speedway, LLC. "The US Motorsport Corporation is proposing to change the ownership entity of the Iowa Speedway property in the near future to a company called Iowa Speedway, LLC," City Administrator Bob Knabel's report to council in advance of Tuesday's meeting states. "In conjunction with this change, the US Motorsport Corporation intends that all current agreements of the Corporation be assigned to Iowa Speedway, LLC." City council consent is not required because the minimum improvements as defined in the agreements have been successfully completed. "However, in recognition of the potential benefits to the City of the proposed transaction, to the extent that any consent by City is required in connection with such assignment, the City hereby grants such consent as evidenced by the signature below," a legal document from US Motorsport to the city states. In addition, the Newton City Council will act on a resolution Tuesday that assigns US Motorsport Corporation's airport use and lease agreement to the new ownership of the track. The terms of both agreements are proposed to stay the same under the assignments. Iowa Speedway, LLC filed its certificate of organization with the Iowa Secretary of State's Office effective Oct. 14. Little information about the company or its ownership can be gleaned from the filing other than its initial registered agent is CT Corporation of Des Moines, a corporate legal provider. Requests for information from Iowa Speedway officials on the planned sale have yet been returned. In early July 2011, the Clement family announced that it had taken over the majority ownership from the original developers of the facility, the Manatt family. The Clements paid more than $19 million for majority ownership. Six months after the change in ownership, the Clements brought a breach of contract lawsuit against Manatt's. The case was settled out of court in August.(Newton Independent)(11-25-2013)

NASCAR has plan to build an international presence: While battling daily to shore up its U.S. audience, NASCAR still draws offers to showcase its brand around the world. Singapore. Malaysia. Russia. NASCAR senior vice president Steve O'Donnell said the sanctioning body turned down opportunities to bring one of its national series to each country. "We get approached every day," O'Donnell, who oversees NASCAR's global strategy, told USA TODAY Sports. "We've had 20 groups approach us from China. But most of them are one-offs. We keep pushing back and saying we're going to do this but in a smart way. If you can show us how we build stock-car racing, that's something we want to pursue." As NASCAR expands its international media rights with new Fox and NBC deals beginning in 2015 (races currently are seen in more than 150 countries in 23 languages), O'Donnell said Brazil, Japan and Russia are viewed as most enticing for building new series. The hope is that foreign drivers will begin gravitating toward aiming at the Sprint Cup Series instead of open-wheel Formula One.(see full story at the USA Today)(11-24-2013)

2013 NASCAR Sprint Cup Yearbook now available: NASCAR Fans will once again have the opportunity to purchase the Official NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Yearbook as Round 5 Books announced that the 2013 edition is now available for pre-ordering at Round5Books.com. The Yearbook which ships in early December 2013 is the same book presented to championship winning drivers, team owners, and race team members for over 25 years.(11-24-2013)

Hornish still unsure of 2014 plans UPDATES: #12-Sam Hornish Jr. is fighting for much more than a NASCAR Nationwide Series championship over the next two weekends. Hes fighting for the chance to stay in NASCAR. During the ESPN prerace show for Saturdays Nationwide race at Phoenix International Raceway, former Penske Racing driver Rusty Wallace reported that Roger Penske is hoping to retain Hornish for next season but a continuation is dependent on securing sponsorship money. Hornish has been advised to shop his services elsewhere just in case Team Penske is unable to seal the deal.(Popular Speed)(11-9-2013)
UPDATE: Hornish met with the media Thursday afternoon at Homestead-Miami;
ANY UPDATE FOR NEXT YEAR? "Nothing new at this point in time. I continue to talk to people and try to figure out what the best options are gonna be and actually what the options are. Theres a lot of uncertainty at this point in time, but I feel as if well be able to make something happen. But, like I've said in the past, its all about trying to position me to move forward in some way. I don't want to take anymore steps backwards or be in something that's not gonna give me the opportunity to go out there and be competitive and have an opportunity to at least run in the top-10."(Ford Racing)(11-14-2013)
UPDATE 2: With Penske Racing cutting back to one Nationwide team for 2014 and with no plans to expand its Sprint Cup operation, Hornish has known for several months that his decade-long professional relationship with The Captain would conclude at seasons end. "Roger has given me some opportunities that maybe a lot of people would have said, 'Why do you do that?' We came really close to proving a lot of people wrong. Regardless of the final outcome, I think we showed a championship performance this year. We raced with a lot of good guys like Brad and Joey, Kyle Busch and Tony Stewart - and we finished second to a lot of them, we beat some of them and just came up shy of the championship." Penske has frequently acknowledged his error in promoting Hornish to Sprint Cup in 2008 instead of guiding him on a progressive path through the Nationwide tour. Communication between driver and crew chief was the greatest challenge for Hornish, who in open-wheel racing had relied on computers to relay the feel he was getting from the car. However, after Hornish spent most of the past three years in Nationwide  ranking fourth in 2012 and second this season  Penske believes his former Indy star deserves a NASCAR ride. "To see Sam race (Saturday) at the level he did with Kyle, right there all night, shows what a great racer he is," Penske said after the event. "My issue with myself is I started him in the Cup level with no practice - one of the greatest open wheel racers we had in IndyCar. I think maybe I started his career backwards." Hornish doesnt feel the need to rush into a deal for 2014. After struggling for three Cup seasons in decent equipment for Penske Racing and producing a career best 28th-place finish in points in 2009, he would rather 'sit home' than run as a back marker. "I feel like Ive come to put myself in a position where Im just going to bang my head against the wall and not have any opportunity to go out there and win," he said. "Where Im at outside of racing, with having a real great family and also having worked real hard to financially secure myself, I do this because I want to do it. Im not going to do it just to be out there and say Im a racecar driver. I have a lot of things in my life that I feel real lucky to have. By putting myself into something thats not capable of winning or not safe enough, I dont need to do it which is a blessed thing to be able to say." Although Hornishs employment status looked bleak the past few months, the phone has recently started to ring. "For a while there, it looked like there wouldnt be any opportunities," Hornish said. "But isnt it just that? Its almost like when you date a girl, you have all these other girls that want to date you and then when you dont have a girlfriend its really hard to find one..."(FoxSports)(11-24-2013)

Darlington Raceway collects thousands of food items during drive: Due to the overwhelming generosity of its local community, Darlington Raceway collected thousands of food items and cash donations during its two-week long can food drive. The drive collected over 3,000 non-perishable items and over $1,100 in monetary donations. The food and monies will benefit two local food pantries, The Lord Cares of Darlington and Harvest Hope of the Pee Dee. The donations were delivered to both organizations on Thursday, Nov. 21 with the help of Darlington Raceway president Chip Wile and members of the track staff. This can drive was unique in that it celebrated one of college footballs biggest rivalries, the University of South Carolina versus Clemson University. USC and Clemson branded barrels were provided during collection times. Fans had the opportunity to place their non-perishable food items in the branded barrel of the team they were rooting for (the game takes place on Nov. 29 in Columbia, S.C.). All cash donations were earmarked for the donors favorite team. After all the food items and cash donations were counted, the winner was the University of South Carolina. Darlington Raceway will now proudly fly the garnet and black flag on racetrack property off of Highway 151 starting this Monday, Nov. 25 for the entire week of the game. For race tickets, visit www.DarlingtonRaceway.com or call 866-459-7223 for more information.(Darlington Raceway)(11-24-2013)

Sonoma Raceway Events Generate $300,000 for North Bay Non-Profits: More than 50 North Bay non-profit organizations will benefit from nearly $300,000 generated during the 2013 motor-racing season at Sonoma Raceway. The Sonoma Chapter of Speedway Childrens Charities (SCC), the charitable arm of Sonoma Raceway, raised $234,670 to help children in need through 10 fundraising events in 2013. The monies were generated through events held during the raceways major-event weekends, including NASCAR, NHRA and INDYCAR. Highlights of the year included the Childrens Champions NASCAR Grand Marshals Banquet and the Ride of a Lifetime NASCAR Charity Auction, which combined to raise more than $67,000 during the Toyota/Save Mart 350 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series weekend in June. The 9th annual Classic Sports Racing Groups (CSRG) Charity Challenge generated $29,490 for the Sonoma chapter and a 3Js Motorcycle Track Day raised an additional $24,401. The majority of those funds were distributed to Sonoma County youth groups at the chapter's annual Board of Trustees meeting earlier this week. Forty-five Sonoma County non-profits will receive grants totaling more than $211,000 from the Sonoma chapter. The chapter has distributed more than $4.5 million to Sonoma County youth groups since 2001. In addition to the proceeds generated by SCC, Levy Restaurants, the official caterer of Sonoma Raceway, hosted several local non-profit groups to support concession stands around the facility during race weekends. In exchange for their hard work, Levy gives back a portion of sales to support those non-profit organizations. These groups, including Boys & Girls Club of Vallejo, Native Sons of the Golden West, Petaluma High School Athletics, Vallejo High School, Vallejo Little League, North Bay Athletics and Woodland Star Charter School, among others, received a total of $65,782 for their work throughout the major event season. For more information on the Sonoma chapter of Speedway Childrens Charities, visit www.racesonoma.com/scc.(Sonoma Raceway)(11-24-2013)

The Michigan Heritage presented to Ford Racing: A new tradition was started Michigan International Speedway after the Pure Michigan 400 in August. Ford Racing won the inaugural Michigan Heritage trophy, a recognition and celebration of the automobile and its importance to the race track and the manufacturers competing in NASCAR. #22-Joey Logano won the Pure Michigan 400 after starting on the pole with a track qualifying mark of 203.949 miles per hour. The victory by Logano gave Ford Racing the Michigan Heritage. MIS presented The Michigan Heritage to Ford Racing on Wednesday, Nov. 13 at the Michigan Science Center (MiSci). The manufacturer will retain the trophy until the Quicken Loans 400 on June 15, 2014. As part of the inaugural Michigan Heritage presentation, each contending manufacturer as well as MIS, committed $10,000 to be given to a youth-focused and science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM)-related charity in Michigan. Ford Racing elected the Michigan Science Center as the recipient. The science center received the $40,000 check to assist in its educational programs on Wednesday. The original bronze artwork sits atop a wooden base similar to the architecture of Detroit landmarks such as the Fisher Building and Guardian Building.(MIS)(11-24-2013)

Pittenger: Jimmie Johnson "a champion on and off the track": On Sunday, Ninth District resident Jimmie Johnson won the NASCAR Sprint Cup Championship, his sixth championship in just eight years. Jimmie Johnson is a remarkable race car driver, but Im even more impressed with his work off the track, commented Congressman Robert Pittenger (NC-09). Since 2006, the Jimmie Johnson Foundation has contributed more than $5 million to charity, with a special focus on improving K-12 education in North Carolina, Oklahoma, and California. Jimmie Johnson is a champion both on and off the track, and while his racing exploits will one day be memorialized in the NASCAR Hall of Fame, his quiet, off-the-track efforts to improve education will be his most significant, lasting legacy. Congressman Pittenger will soon give a speech on the House floor to honor Jimmie Johnsons community involvement, and also plans to extend an invitation to Jimmie Johnson and his #48 Lowes team to attend a special Congressional reception in honor of their championship season.(Congressman Robert Pittenger site)(11-23-2013)

NASCAR Receives Diversity And Inclusion Award: On Nov. 8, NASCAR received the 2013 Diversity and Inclusion Award (DANDI) for its efforts in fostering diversity throughout the sport at a ceremony at the New York Times Building in New York City. Eight days later, on Nov. 16 at Homestead-Miami (Fla.) Speedway, NASCARs diversity efforts reached another milestone when 21-year-old NASCAR Drive for Diversity graduate Kyle Larson became the first Asian-American driver to win the Sunoco Rookie of the Year Award in any NASCAR national series, receiving the honor in the NASCAR Nationwide Series.(NASCAR)(11-23-2013)

Some Cup drivers to run in the Snowball Derby: Five Flags Speedway in Pensacola will hold the Sit-N-Charge Snowball Preview Test and Tune on Saturday - a full day of preparation for the cars, drivers and race teams in seven classifications that will compete on Snowball Derby weekend. For Saturday's preview, the gates at the track open at 8am and testing starts at 9am. The track will remain open for practice until 8pm. Grandstand admission will be free on Saturday. Pit passes will cost $15.
The Snowball Derby at 2pm Dec. 8 is the culmination of all the activity. The super late model race already has attracted more than 60 entries, even though only 37 cars will take the green flag for the feature event. NASCAR Sprint Cup Series driver David Ragan, who won the pole position for last year's Snowball Derby, is on the preliminary entry list for the 2013 race. Landon Cassill also is entered from Sprint Cup. Former Snowball Derby winners Johanna Long (2010), Chase Elliott (2011) and Erik Jones (2012) are returning.(Alabama Live)
Other driver with NASCAR connections include: Mike Garvey, John Hunter Nemechek, Cale Gale, Ross Kenseth, Kyle Grissom, Grant Enfinger, Chris Wimmer, Steve Wallace, Jeff Fultz, Ben Kennedy, Clay Rogers.(51 Sports)(11-23-2013)

Allgaier and Addington to team up in 2014? hearing the Justin Allgaier will move up to the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series to run full time in the #51 Chevy owned by Harry Scott and run for 2014 Rookie of the Year. Been told that Steve Addington will move from the #14 Stewart Haas Racing team and be Allgaier's crew chief. Current #1 crew chief, Kevin Manion will likely move from Earnhardt Ganassi Racing to be the Competition Director at Turner Scott Motorsports.(11-11-2013)
UPDATE: Phoenix Racing announced that Steve Addington will serve as competition director for the team and crew chief of the #51 Chevy for the 2014 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series season. The move brings experienced leadership to the team that will compete fulltime in 2014 under owner Harry Scott, Jr. "In my opinion Steve is the perfect guy for the job," said Scott. "He is part of the Chevrolet family, the Hendrick family and I feel fortunate that he is now part of our family. I also want to thank Jimmy Elledge for stepping in at a critical time this season and serving as the interim crew chief for the past six races. We look forward to hopefully working with Jimmy again down the road."
"I am thrilled to be part of the Phoenix Racing team and working with Harry," said Addington. "Harry has a vision to make this team a championship contender and I am excited to be part of it." Addington has served as a crew chief in the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series for ten years and has amassed 20 wins, 66 Top 5s and 105 Top 10s during that time. Scott purchased Phoenix Racing in September of this year from James Finch. Since then a number of drivers have piloted the #51 including Justin Allgaier, Michael McDowell and Kyle Larson. Additional information about the 2014 driver of the #51 Phoenix Racing Chevrolet and its sponsor will be announced at a later date.(Phoenix Racing)(11-21-2013)
UPDATE 2: "I'm kind of scratching my head on that," Addington told AP. "I don't have any hard feelings or anything like that, I just don't have a real good idea of why the decision was made." Addington knew the performance of the #14 team was not up to par in the early part of the season  in fact, all three teams at SHR struggled early  but believed the team had turned a corner before Tony Stewart's season-ending Aug. 5 injury in a sprint car crash. "It was an option year, and after the accident, I figured we'd go on one more year," Addington said. "It's no secret we had our issues early in the season, but after Charlotte, the 600, we really turned things around. We won at Dover, and other than Sonoma, where we were running top-five before a spin, and Kentucky, where we did struggle, we'd really turned it around. Then came the accident, and we just don't know what could have come from the rest of the season. So I really don't know what happened there." Now he'll likely be paired with Justin Allgaier at Phoenix Racing. The team did not announce a driver Thursday, but Addington made several references to Allgaier in an interview with AP, and Allgaier drove four races in the #51 after Scott bought the team.(Associated Press)(11-22-2013)

ESPN Sees Ratings Growth for NASCAR Sprint Cup Telecasts in 2013: ESPNs telecasts of the final 17 races of the 2013 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series season saw upticks in both ratings and viewership over the 2012 season, with growth for both the full schedule and the Chase for the NASCAR Sprint Cup. According to Nielsen Media, the 17 races aired across ESPN and ABC averaged a 3.0 U.S. household rating, up from a 2.9 for last year, and averaged 4.8 million viewers, up from 4.6 million last year. Fourteen of the races aired on ESPN and three Saturday night events aired on ABC.
The 10-race Chase for the NASCAR Sprint Cup averaged a 2.8 U.S. household rating, up from a 2.7 for last year, and 4.5 million viewers, up from 4.2 million last year. Seven of the nine Chase races that were run and telecast as scheduled saw ratings and viewership growth over last year. The opening race of the Chase at Chicagoland Speedway was rain-delayed and not included in the totals.
The highest-rated race during ESPNs schedule was the Aug. 24 Saturday night event at Bristol Motor Speedway, which earned a 3.9 U.S. household rating on ABC. The second-highest was the July 28 Brickyard 400 at Indianapolis Motor Speedway, which earned a 3.6 rating on ESPN.
The metered market with the highest average rating for the 17 races was Greensboro, N.C., which averaged an 8.3 rating. Greensboro also was the top-rated metered market for nine of the 17 races, was second five times and third twice. Greensboro had ratings of 10.0 and higher for four races, including a 10.3 for the season finale at Homestead-Miami Speedway. Greenville, S.C., was the second-highest metered market for ESPNs portion of the NASCAR Sprint Cup schedule with an average rating of 8.0, finishing first in the nation six times. Rounding out the top 10 metered markets were Norfolk, Va., and Knoxville, Tenn., 6.3; Charlotte, N.C., 6.1; Indianapolis, 6.0; Richmond, Va., 5.8; Birmingham, Ala., 5.6; Nashville, Tenn., 5.1; and Orlando and Jacksonville, Fla., at 5.0.
In addition to having the sixth-highest average rating, Indianapolis also scored the highest single-race metered market rating of ESPNs portion of the season with a 13.7 for the Brickyard 400.(ESPN), see past races for 2013 and 5-year comparison chart on the 2013 NASCAR TV Ratings page.(11-22-2013)

Blaney ponders options: Dave Blaney intends to be around NASCARs top three series next season. He just doesnt know in what capacity. He might be driving again or just watching his son Ryan, who will again race for Brad Keselowski Racing in the NASCAR Truck Series and is expected to see action in the Nationwide Series as a Roger Penske development driver. Right now. the only racing Dave Blaney is assured of doing will be behind the wheel of his sprint cars, after being knocked out of his Sprint Cup ride at Tommy Baldwin Racing in favor of Nationwide driver Michael Annett, who is bringing sponsorship. Thats the way things go, Dave Blaney said. I want to be out with Ryan, watching him race, and Ill be doing that a lot no matter what. And if nothing else comes along, Ill run the sprint car whenever I can. And while he will happy just to be the track watching Ryan race, the elder Blaney isnt ready to let the book close on his Cup career after being on the circuit for the past 14 years. Ive been talking to a couple of the other smaller teams, Dave Blaney said. I want to still do it if I have the opportunity. Im going to be out there at the track with Ryan and if I get something going that would be great. He would also be interested in racing in either the Nationwide Series or NASCAR Truck Series.(High Point Enterprise)(11-22-2013)

Andretti, Evernham, Waid to be inducted into NMPA Hall of Fame: Mario Andretti, the only driver to capture the Daytona 500, Indianapolis 500 and a Formula One world championship, headlines this year's inductees into the National Motorsports Hall of Fame.
Along with Andretti, NASCAR championship-winning crew chief Ray Evernham and veteran motorsports writer Steve Waid will also be honored when the 2013 class is inducted Jan. 25 in Concord, N.C.
During a racing career that spanned more than four decades, Andretti won 33 times in Indy Car, 19 in CART and 12 in Formula One. The versatile driver made 14 starts in NASCAR's top series, winning the 1967 Daytona 500 in only his second start in the premier event.
Evernham, currently a race-day analyst for ESPN, was the crew chief for driver Jeff Gordon when the Hendrick Motorsports tandem won NASCAR titles in 1995 and '97-98. Forty-seven of Gordon's 88 career wins came with Evernham calling the shots. Evernham also helped usher Dodge back into NASCAR competition in 2000, and as a team owner saw his Evernham Motorsports organization win 13 times in Cup.
Waid, who has covered NASCAR for more than four decades, began reporting on NASCAR for daily newspapers before joining the staff of Grand National Scene and eventually GN Illustrated, where he held the position of publisher. He is a former winner of the NMPA's George Cunningham Award and was presented the Henry T. McLemore Award for outstanding lifetime achievement in motorsports journalism in 1989. The NMPA Hall of Fame, located on the grounds of Darlington (S.C.) Raceway, was founded in 1965.(NMPA)(11-22-2013)

Default to run limited schedule for Go Green: Maryeve Dufault will be the first Canadian woman to race full-time in a U.S.-based stock car circuit, joining Team Stange Racing on the ARCA circuit for 2014. Dufault, 31, is scheduled to race Team Stanges Ford Fusion in all ARCA races in 2014. Dufault is the only Canadian woman ever to appear in a NASCAR Nationwide Series race, competing at her home Circuit Gilles Villeneuve track in 2011 for MacDonald Motorsports. Dufault also plans to compete in a dozen Nationwide races in 2014 for #79-Go Green Racing. She competed for Go Green in Chicago on Sept. 14.(Toronto Sun)(11-22-2013)

Hutchens to run for Sharp in 2014? hearing Trey Hutchens (son of JTG/Daugherty Racing's Bobby Hutchens) will go either K&N or partial Camping World Truck Series with Sharp-Gallaher Racing in 2014.(11-22-2013)

Pastrana may enter some truck races: His days as a full-time NASCAR driver may be now behind him. but Travis Pastrana loves the sport too much to walk away from it completely. His focus is turning back toward off-road trucks and rally cars, but he would still like to run a Camping World Truck Series race from time to time. He wouldn't mind starting a K&N Pro Series event every now and then. And one NASCAR race in particular still calls out to him. The biggest one. "I'd love to race the Daytona 500 one day," Pastrana said last weekend at Homestead-Miami Speedway, before his final full-time Nationwide Series start."It was a decision made over a long term. And still, over the last couple of weeks, I was still asking around, and just seeing what can we piece together. It came down to, OK, you've basically got to go back two levels and we'll try to piece together something. And instead of being paid to do your day job, if you will, it was - hey, we're going to put a lot of money into this and basically take up all of our kid's college fund. Or, we can try to keep piecing together small stuff, go back to that, and just have fun with NASCAR. And for me, 30 isn't super old, but I'm not 20. We've got to kind of look a little further."(NASCAR.com)(11-22-2013)

Johnson's Sponsors Benefit from SportsCenter Gig: NASCAR Sprint Cup Series champion Jimmie Johnson's duties as an ESPN SportsCenter anchor last night brought some additional television exposure to 14 of his sponsors. According to research conducted by Joyce Julius & Associates, Inc., which specializes in measuring the scope of sponsorships across all forms of media, Johnson's sponsors as a group appeared for three minutes, 32 seconds (0:03:32) during ESPN's 6 PM telecast Tuesday night. When also factoring in one Johnson sponsor mention, $32,565 of in-broadcast exposure value was amassed. Joyce Julius calculates television exposure value by comparing the in-broadcast visual and verbal exposure to the estimated cost of a national commercial during the telecast and applying Joyce Julius Recognition Gradingwhich takes into account such factors as size and placement of the image on screen, as well as brand clutter and integration of the brand into the activity. The placement of a racing helmet, given by Johnson to his friend, Oklahoma Sooners head coach Bob Stoops, provided significant on-screen time for Lowe's, Kobalt Tools and Chevrolet during a mid-show one-on-one interview segment. Other TV time for the brands originated from highlights of Johnson's sixth championship and a NASCAR-only edition of Not Top Ten.(Joyce Julius & Assoc)(11-21-2013)

NASCAR sets terms for series: NASCAR is asking $12 million to $15 million a year for title sponsorship of its secondary series, which has been held by Nationwide Insurance since 2008. NASCARs asking price is a minimum 20 percent increase above the $10 million in rights fees that Nationwide now pays. The insurer is dropping the title sponsorship after the 2014 season. In addition to the rights fee, NASCAR executives are telling potential buyers they want a 10-year deal that includes a media commitment of more than $10 million and an activation commitment of more than $10 million, putting the overall annual spend at more than $30 million a year. NASCAR officials declined to comment on pricing.(Sports Business Journal)(11-21-2013)

Pinnacle Foods joins JR Motorsports to sponsor Harvick: JR Motorsports announced a new addition to its sponsorship palate, as Pinnacle Foods Armour brand will be the primary sponsor on Kevin Harvicks #5 Chevy for three NASCAR Nationwide Series races in 2014. It will also receive associate sponsorship placement on the #5 for the entire 33-race season. Pinnacle Foods is a leading producer, marketer and distributor of high-quality branded food products, and its brands can be found in more than 85 percent of American households. Its Armour brand specializes in canned meats and includes Vienna sausages, chili, luncheon meat, beef stew and more. Harvick carried Armour in one Nationwide Series race this year, finishing fifth at Bristol on March 16.(JR Motorsports)(11-21-2013)

WIX Filters joins Richard Childress Racing: WIX Filters, a member of the Affinia Group family of brands, announced it will join Richard Childress Racing and serve as the primary sponsor of Ryan Newman for three NASCAR Sprint Cup Series races and one race with Brendan Gaughan in the Nationwide Series during the 2014 season. Newman will drive the black and yellow #31 Chevy SS at Pocono Raceway in June, Daytona International Speedway in July and Michigan International Speedway in August, while Gaughan will carry the WIX Filters colors at Auto Club Speedway in March. WIX Filters will also become a technical partner to both RCR and ECR Engines, providing air and oil filters as well as research and development support. WIX will utilize marketing rights to RCR's drivers, cars and teams in the Sprint Cup Series and Nationwide Series. All RCR race cars will be adorned with the WIX Filters logo under the hood.(RCR)(11-20-2013)

How does Johnson stack up against Petty and Earnhardt? #48-Jimmie Johnsons sixth championship came in his 12th full season; Richard Petty and Dale Earnhardt won theirs in their 15th full season (full season meaning they started at least half of the races). Earnhardts seventh title came in his 16th season, Petty's in his 19th, meaning Johnson has plenty of time left to match and surpass the record. Petty and Johnson were 38 years of age when they won their sixth championship, Earnhardt was 42.(more stats at ESPN.com)(11-20-2013)

Homestead TV Ratings: ESPNs live telecast of the Ford EcoBoost 400 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series race at Homestead-Miami Speedway on Sunday, Nov. 17, the final race of the season, earned a 3.1 U.S. household rating, averaging 5,118,577 viewers, according to Nielsen Media. The rating and audience were up from last years race, which earned a 3.0 U.S. household rating and averaged 4,769,427 viewers.
Greensboro, N.C., was the highest-rated market in the nation with a 10.3 rating for the race telecast, followed by Greenville, S.C., at 8.6 and Norfolk, Va., at 6.9. Charlotte, N.C., was fourth at 6.7 and Knoxville, Tenn., fifth at 6.3. The rest of the top 10 markets were Nashville, Tenn., and Orlando, Fla., at 6.2, Indianapolis at 5.8, Raleigh-Durham, N.C., at 5.4 and Richmond, Va., at 5.2.
NASCAR Nationwide Series ratings information for Homestead event not available yet.(ESPN)
See past races for 2013 and 5-year comparison chart on the 2013 NASCAR TV Ratings page.(11-20-2013)

The King to be a guest of President Obama today: This Wednesday, Richard Petty will be a guest of President and Mrs. Obama at a dinner at the Smithsonian National Museum of American History. The dinner is in commemoration of the 50th Anniversary of the establishment of the Presidential Medal of Freedom. Petty was awarded the Medal of Freedom in 1992 by President George Bush. He was the first motorsports athlete to be given the award. Petty will attend the black-tie dinner with his daughter, Lisa, and be joined by other recipients of the highest civilian Award in the United States. Petty keeps his Medal on display at the Richard Petty Museum which will open back in its original location, Level Cross, N.C. in early 2014 on the site of the former Petty Enterprises. Petty views receiving the Medal of one his proudest accomplishments, Its an Award that I really cherish, maybe the most of all, says Petty. Im honored to be a recipient and look forward to attending this dinner with the President and other recipients this Wednesday. This month, the #43 STP Pontiac that Petty raced to his 200th NASCAR Sprint Cup Victory in front of President Reagan at the Daytona International Speedway, was featured by Smithsonian Magazine as one of the 101 Objects That Made America.(RPM/Breaking Limits)(11-20-2013)

Johnson comments on McNabb's statement: On Friday, while discussing the most dominant athletes in sports, Donovan McNabb said NASCAR driver Jimmie Johnson wasn't an athlete. "He sits in a car and he drives," McNabb told Fox Sports. "That's not athletic. What athletically is he doing?" McNabb went on to rank Johnson third on his all-time list, behind Tiger Woods and Kobe Bryant. On Sunday night - after winning his sixth NASCAR championship in 8 years - Johnson addressed the situation in a Fox Sports interview. "Yes, I am an athlete, and so is every other driver in one of these race cars," said Johnson. "Even Tony Stewart." The Stewart reference was, of course, a joke. But Johnson found nothing funny about McNabb's comments. "I think it came from an uneducated frame of mind because he hasn't been to a race," Johnson said. "I did find it interesting that if I'm not athletic I'm still third on his list. So evidently I fall into athleticism somewhere."(Philadelphia Daily News)(11-20-2013)

NASCAR Names Kenny Mitchell Managing Director Of Brand And Consumer Marketing: NASCAR announced today that Kenny Mitchell has been named Managing Director of Brand and Consumer Marketing, responsible for leading and implementing the companys overall brand direction and overseeing the strategic growth plans for several critical segments, including youth, millennial and multicultural. Mitchell will start on Monday, Dec. 2, and be based out of NASCARs headquarters in Daytona Beach. Mitchell is the next step in the evolution of NASCARs marketing function reporting to Vice President of Marketing Kim Brink. He will be responsible for developing and executing the annual NASCAR marketing plan and overseeing the companys media strategies and planning in close collaboration with other NASCAR departments. Additionally, he will work on advancing the Industry Action Plan strategies aimed at growing and diversifying the sports fan base. Mitchell joins NASCAR from Dew Tour, a Division of Alli and The NBC Sports Group.(NASCAR)(11-20-2013)

NASCAR sets criteria for Series sponsorship: NASCAR is asking $12 million to $15 million a year for title sponsorship of its secondary series, which has been held by Nationwide Insurance since 2008. NASCARs asking price is a minimum 20 percent increase above the $10 million in rights fees that Nationwide now pays. The insurer is dropping the title sponsorship after the 2014 season. In addition to the rights fee, NASCAR executives are telling potential buyers they want a 10-year deal that includes a media commitment of more than $10 million and an activation commitment of more than $10 million, putting the overall annual spend at more than $30 million a year. NASCAR officials declined to comment on pricing.
NASCAR plans to approach some of the brands that looked at the title sponsorship of the Nationwide Series when it was last available in 2007. Dunkin Donuts, AutoZone, KFC and Subway all analyzed the opportunity. Subway was close to finalizing a deal but changed its mind after negotiations began. Brands in the technology, consumer packaged goods and retail categories are other obvious targets. In addition to working with two new network partners, a new sponsor also would bear much of the cost of rebranding the series.(Sports Business Daily)(11-20-2013)

Homestead TV Ratings ESPN's live telecast of the NASCAR Nationwide Series race at Homestead-Miami Speedway on Saturday, November 16, earned a 1.3 U.S. household rating, averaging 1,939,595 viewers. That is up from 1.2 last year, or 1,739,705 viewers.(ESPN)(11-20-2013)

Kentucky New Ticket Prices, Ticketmaster Services for 2014:- Guests purchasing tickets for Kentucky Speedway's five 2014 race events will enjoy lower prices and a simpler price structure in addition to a new suite of Ticketmaster account management and purchase tools. Price structures for five-race Season Ticket packages, three-race June Weekend packages and single-race grandstand tickets for the venue's Quaker State 400 presented by Advance Auto Parts as well as both NNS races are simpler and prices are lower in most sections. NCWTS UNOH 225 and ARS Zloop 150 ticket prices also are reduced. New speedway ticket partner, Ticketmaster, will offer online customers a personal account management tool, enhanced seating maps and views of the speedway from specific grandstand sections. Customers wishing to keep their single-race, Season Ticket Package and June Weekend Package seat as well as campsite locations can renew on or before Dec. 1. All non-renewed locations will be released for public sale Dec. 2. All season ticket and season camping customers will receive an invitation to the Quaker State 400 presented by Advance Auto Parts race-day infield party, automatic membership in a new season ticket holder and camper recognition program, a 50 percent discount on Fan Zone pass purchases, the option to pay for plans in three interest-free installments as well as discounts off the purchase of additional race tickets. Fans can call (859) 578-2300 or visit the Kentucky Speedway ticket office to purchase and renew 2014 tickets and campsites.(Kentucky Speedway)(11-20-2013)

Richmond rolls out kids pricing: Continuing its commitment to the fan experience, Richmond International Raceway is introducing special youth pricing in all of its grandstands for NASCAR Sprint Cup Series races, beginning with the April 26, 2014, Toyota Owners 400. Kids 12 and younger will be admitted at $25 off the adult price in every grandstand, allowing families to save money, while enjoying the race from any grandstand they choose. In addition to this new, fan-friendly perk, RIR continues to offer the Virginia529 College Savings Plan Family Section in Colonial E, where alcohol is prohibited. Pricing for kids 12 and younger are even lower in this special section. For years, RIR has admitted kids 12 and younger free of charge, when accompanied by a ticketed adult, for its NASCAR Nationwide Series races, and that policy continues with the April 25, 2014, ToyotaCare 250. Tickets for the April 2014 TOYOTA OWNERS 400 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series race and ToyotaCare 250 NASCAR Nationwide Series race go on sale January 15.(RIR)(11-20-2013)

Allgaier and Addington to team up in 2014? UPDATE hearing the Justin Allgaier will move up to the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series to run full time in the #51 Chevy owned by Harry Scott and run for 2014 Rookie of the Year. Been told that Steve Addington will move from the #14 Stewart Haas Racing team and be Allgaier's crew chief. Current #1 crew chief, Kevin Manion will likely move from Earnhardt Ganassi Racing to be the Competition Director at Turner Scott Motorsports.(11-11-2013)
UPDATE: Chad Johnston has signed on as the new crew chief for Tony Stewart and the #14 Stewart-Haas Racing team. He'll begin his new position in December. Its a great opportunity for me to be put with someone like Tony Stewart who is a proven winner, a proven champion, Johnston said. Obviously, the expectations are high so Im looking forward to prove what I can do and prove that I deserve this position. The second-generation racer most recently worked for Michael Waltrip Racing as Martin Truex Jr.s crew chief. Johnston replaces Steve Addington on the #14 Chevy; Addington had been the crew chief for the past two seasons. Addington is expected to go to Phoenix Racing as crew chief in 2014. Johnston joins fellow SHR newcomer Rodney Childers, who worked with Johnston at MWR and Evernham prior to accepting the crew chief position on the #4 Chevy with Kevin Harvick.(FoxSports)(11-19-2013)
UPDATE 2: Stewart-Haas Racing has reorganized its competition department as the championship-winning race team expands to field four cars in the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series beginning in 2014. The changes are as follows:
" Greg Zipadelli has been named vice president of competition where he will manage all four Sprint Cup teams, with each crew chief reporting to him.
" Matt Borland has been named vice president of engineering. In this role, Borland will oversee all of the teams technical initiatives and various research and development projects. He will also transition from being an active crew chief to that of a mentor, specifically in regard to the crew chief position on the #41 Haas Automation team of driver Kurt Busch.
" Daniel Knost has been promoted from race engineer on the #39 team to crew chief for the #41 Haas Automation team with Busch. Knost joined SHR in 2008 when it was Haas-CNC Racing after earning master of science and doctorate degrees in mechanical engineering from Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University (Virginia Tech). Knost graduated from North Carolina State University in Raleigh with a bachelor of science degree in mechanical engineering in 2001.
" Chad Johnston has been named crew chief for the #14 Bass Pro Shops/Mobil 1 team of three-time Sprint Cup champion Tony Stewart. Johnston comes to SHR from Michael Waltrip Racing where since June 2011 he was the crew chief for the #56 team and driver Martin Truex Jr. Johnston joined MWR in 2010 as a race engineer. Johnston replaces Steve Addington, who has left SHR to pursue other opportunities.
" Rodney Childers will be the crew chief for the #4 Budweiser/Jimmy Johns team of driver Kevin Harvick. Childers joined SHR in late October from MWR, where since 2009 he was a crew chief, first with the #00 team of driver David Reutimann (2009-2011) and later with the #55 team of drivers Brian Vickers, Mark Martin and Waltrip (2012-2013).
" Tony Gibson remains as crew chief for the No. 10 GoDaddy team of Patrick.(SHR)(11-19-2013)

Changes at Roush Fenway Racing? UPDATE: hearing that Mike Kelley will replace Scott Graves as Ricky Stenhouse Jr.'s crew chief on the #17 Cup team in 2014 and Graves will move to Roush Fenway Racing's Nationwide team with driver Trevor Bayne. Current Roush Fenway Racing General Manager, Robbie Reiser will move to RFR's Competition Director position.(11-11-2013)
UPDATE: Roush Fenway Racing has announced it is reorganizing its crew chief lineup in 2014. Mike Kelley, who has served as the crew chief on the #6 NASCAR Nationwide Series team for the past four seasons, will move to the Sprint Cup Series, where he will reunite with Ricky Stenhouse Jr. on the #17 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series team. "Its really exciting to team back up with Mike," said Stenhouse, the 2013 Sprint Cup rookie of the year and two-time NASCAR champion. "Obviously we have a great chemistry and we have had a great deal of success in the past. Scott (Graves) did a great job of guiding us through our rookie season this year and we look forward to continuing that growth next season." Kelley and Stenhouse partnered to win NNS championships in 2011 and 2012.
Veteran crew chief Chad Norris will take the helm of the #6 AdvoCare team with Trevor Bayne, which will look to be a front-runner for the 2014 NNS title. Scott Graves, who helped lead Stenhouse to the 2013 Sprint Cup rookie of the year award as the crew chief of the #17 NSCS team, will crew chief former ARCA Champion Chris Buescher in the historic #60 car. Seth Barbour, who was impressive in his performance with Buescher and Ryan Reed in 2013, will sit atop the #16 NNS Ford full time with Reed in 2014. On the Cup side, legendary crew chief Jimmy Fennig will again lead the #99 Fastenal team with Carl Edwards and Matt Puccia will once again team with Greg Biffle and the #16 3M team.(Roush Fenway)(11-19-2013)

Hendrick Motorsports' 2013 Championship Notes: *When referencing "major American professional sports," the following have been factored in: Major League Baseball, NASCAR, the National Basketball Association, the National Football League and the National Hockey League.
SIX-PACK: Jimmie Johnson, driver of the #48 Lowe's Chevrolet SS for Hendrick Motorsports, extended his lead among active drivers and inched closer to catching Hall of Famers Richard Petty and Dale Earnhardt Sr. after earning his sixth NASCAR Sprint Cup Series title with a ninth-place finish at Homestead-Miami Speedway on Sunday. Petty and Earnhardt have seven titles apiece, followed by Johnson with six. Hendrick Motorsports teammate Jeff Gordon ranks fourth all-time with four.
11TH TITLE FOR HENDRICK: Johnson's 2013 Sprint Cup title is the 11th for Hendrick Motorsports and car owner Rick Hendrick. Hendrick is the all-time leader in Sprint Cup owner championships and remains the only owner to win titles with three different drivers: Johnson (6), Gordon (4) and Terry Labonte.
ALL-TIME CHAMPIONSHIPS: The 2013 Sprint Cup car owner championship is the 14th for Hendrick Motorsports across NASCAR's three national series, extending the team's all-time record. Richard Childress Racing ranks second among owners with 12 combined titles. In the car owner category, Hendrick Motorsports has won 11 titles in the Sprint Cup Series and three in the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series. Hendrick Motorsports also has won a NASCAR Nationwide Series driver championship, which came in 2003.
NEVER STOP IMPROVING: Lowe's has been the primary sponsor for Johnson since the #48 team's inception in 2001. Since then, the home improvement retailer has been on board for all six Sprint Cup championships, 66 victories and numerous milestones, including two wins in the Daytona 500 and four in the Brickyard 400. Hendrick Motorsports' relationship with Lowe's is one of the longest-running driver-team-sponsor partnerships in NASCAR.
KNAUS SETS THE STANDARD: With six career Sprint Cup championships, crew chief Chad Knaus ranks second all-time behind only Hall of Famer Dale Inman, who has eight Cup titles as a crew chief. Knaus holds the distinction of being the only crew chief to win more than two Sprint Cup titles in a row, a feat he accomplished when he coached the #48 team to five straight from 2006-2010.
KNAUS' CAREER: Knaus has led the #48 team since Johnson's rookie season in the Sprint Cup Series in 2002. In that 12-year span, he has helped Johnson achieve six titles and an average finish of 2.4 in the championship standings. The duo never has finished lower than sixth in Cup points.
YOUNGEST TO SIX: At 38 years and 61 days old, Johnson is the youngest driver (by 83 days) to win six Sprint Cup championships. At 38 years and 144 days old, Petty earned his sixth title in 1975, a little more than two months after Johnson was born. Earnhardt was 42 when he won his sixth title in 1993.
HALL OF FAME VOTE: Johnson will be the first active athlete to have a say in his sport's Hall of Fame voting process. He will cast a ballot for the 2015 NASCAR Hall of Fame class thanks to a new provision that includes the reigning Sprint Cup champion in the process.
CUP VICTORIES: Hendrick Motorsports has tallied 218 Cup victories in 30 seasons, a figure that leads all teams in the modern era and ranks second all-time behind Petty Enterprises (268 wins). This season, Hendrick Motorsports posted nine victories with the new Generation-6 Chevrolet SS race car.
COMPARISONS: In the major American professional sports leagues, Hendrick Motorsports' 11 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series championships are tied for seventh all-time behind the New York Yankees (27 World Series titles), Montreal Canadiens (24 Stanley Cup titles), Boston Celtics (17 NBA titles), Los Angeles Lakers (16 NBA titles), Toronto Maple Leafs (13 Stanley Cup titles) and Green Bay Packers (13 NFL championships). Hendrick Motorsports is tied with the Detroit Red Wings (11 Stanley Cup titles) and St. Louis Cardinals (11 World Series titles).
CHAMPIONSHIP STREAKS: Prior to Johnson's run of five consecutive Sprint Cup titles from 2006-2010, Hendrick Motorsports scored four in a row from 1995-1998 with Gordon (1995, 1997 and 1998) and Labonte (1996). No other organization has won more than three Sprint Cup championships in consecutive seasons.
WINNING PERCENTAGE: Hendrick Motorsports is the most efficient team in major American professional sports, earning 11 titles since its inception in 1984 for a 36.7 all-time title-winning percentage. The Boston Celtics rank second with 17 NBA titles in 67 seasons (25.37 percent), while the Montreal Canadiens are third with 24 Stanley Cup titles in 95 seasons (25.26 percent). The New York Yankees rank fourth with 27 World Series championships in 113 seasons (23.89 percent). Hendrick Motorsports has won 11 of the last 19 Sprint Cup championships (1995-2013), putting the team's title-winning percentage during that span at 57.9.
SINCE 1984: No other major American professional sports team has earned more championships than Hendrick Motorsports since 1984, the organization's inaugural season. In that time, the Los Angeles Lakers have earned eight NBA championships and the Chicago Bulls have recorded six. Both the New York Yankees and Edmonton Oilers have tallied five titles apiece since 1984.
ROAD WARRIOR: Apart from Johnson and Knaus, car chief Ron Malec is the only member of the #48 Lowe's team who has been on the road crew for all six championships. Malec started working as a mechanic with Johnson in the ASA Series in the late 1990s. When Johnson joined Hendrick Motorsports, Malec also came on board. As car chief, he manages the crew members who work on the car both at the shop in Concord, N.C., and during the race weekend. He is responsible for the preparation of the race car and seeing it through technical inspection.
STILL ROLLING: Hendrick Motorsports never has run a Sprint Cup campaign without winning a pole position, recording at least one in 30 consecutive seasons (1984-2013). The team scored seven in 2013, including three from Johnson, two from Dale Earnhardt Jr. and two from Gordon.
WIN STREAK: Hendrick Motorsports has posted at least one Cup-level win in 28 straight seasons, the longest active streak in NASCAR. The streak began Feb. 16, 1986, when Geoff Bodine won Hendrick Motorsports' first Daytona 500.
ANOTHER ONE FOR CHEVY: Chevrolet captured its 37th Sprint Cup manufacturers' championship and 11th straight this season after winning 15 races. Johnson led all Chevy drivers this year with six victories, including the 2013 Daytona 500, as he helped the manufacturer record its first title with the Chevrolet SS race car that debuted this season. Kasey Kahne contributed two victories to the total, while Gordon recorded one.
YEAR IN REVIEW: For the second straight season, all four Hendrick Motorsports drivers were contenders in the Chase for the NASCAR Sprint Cup. The organization posted nine victories and seven pole positions as its drivers finished inside the top 12 in the championship hunt. Johnson finished first, followed by Earnhardt (fifth), Gordon (sixth) and Kahne (12th).
30TH ANNIVERSARY: Next season, Hendrick Motorsports will celebrate its 30th anniversary in NASCAR. The organization began in 1984 with five employees and 5,000 square feet of work space. It has grown to more than 500 employees with a 430,000-square-foot facility that sits on 140 acres.
See notes and slideshow at hendrickmotorsports.com.(11-19-2013)

Tire Explosion Rocks Menard's Chevy on Pit Road UPDATE: Even through the glass windows of the luxury suites at Homestead-Miami Speedway, the loud blast sounded like the explosion of an artillery shell. In reality, what happened on Lap 232 of Sunday's Ford EcoBoost 400 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series race was the detonation on the right rear tire on Paul Menard's #27 Menard's Chevy. The force of the explosion blew the entire wheel assembly off the car and engulfed the crew in black smoke. The trouble for Menard began with a Lap 194 restart, when the outside line stalled. Menard rammed series champion Jimmie Johnson and in turn was hit from behind, sustaining damage to the rear of his car. "On that restart, everybody kind of checked up, and we got some right rear damage and had a flat tire," Menard explained. "I guess a bunch of rubber got wrapped up underneath around the axle. Came in a couple of times trying to fix the damage and try to get the rubber off. We didn't get it all, and I guess it just caught fire. I didn't really know it until there was a little bit of a spark coming in the car and landed on the window net; thought that was kind of weird. About a lap later they said I was on fire; I lost my brakes, then the damn wheel blew right off." Menard was unhurt, and several of his crew members narrowly escaped injury from the flying wheel, but the car was done for the night.(NASCAR Wire Service)(11-18-2013)
UPDATE: Team owner Richard Childress said Monday that his team was still uncertain what caused a pit-road explosion that blasted the No. 27 Chevrolet driven by Team owner Richard Childress said Monday that his team was still uncertain what caused a pit-road explosion that blasted the #27 Chevy driven by Paul Menard in the late stages of Sunday's NASCAR Sprint Cup Series finale at Homestead-Miami Speedway. Childress, involved in the sport either as a driver or team owner for decades, remarked he'd never seen anything like it. "No, never have," Childress said Monday at a luncheon before the awards ceremony for NASCAR's Nationwide Series and Camping World Truck Series. "I've seen tires blow out before sitting right there on pit road, but nothing that turned into a fiery explosion. And we don't have the answer to it yet, so it's really hard for me to comment on what happened." Childress said his team would investigate the incident back at its Welcome, N.C., race shop and report its findings to NASCAR's research and development department.
"It caught on fire on the race track and built a lot of heat, tremendous amount of heat -- about like holding a blow torch on it with the wind blowing under the car and everything," Childress said Monday. "It blew the whole hub, brake rotor, everything off of it. It didn't blow a tire, and that's why we've got to find out why it blew everything off the car." Childress said the impact raised the hood and blew out the car's floorboard. While the damage to the car was severe, Childress said he was thankful that Menard, his crew and nearby NASCAR officials were uninjured.(NASCAR.com)(11-19-2013)

Crew member suspended: Curtis Martin Jr., a crew member in the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series, has been indefinitely suspended from NASCAR for violating the sanctioning bodys Substance Abuse Policy. On Nov. 12, Martin was found to have violated Sections 12-1 (actions detrimental to stock car racing) and 19 (violation of the NASCAR Substance Abuse Policy) of the 2013 NASCAR Rule Book.(NASCAR)(11-19-2013)

NASCAR Sprint Cup Champion Jimmie Johnson To Guest Host SportsCenter: Tuesday nights recipe is simple, yet untested. Take one part Stuart Scott, one part Billy Crystal. Add a handful of Chris Berman, and a pinch of Ken Jeong. The result: Television history, as six-time NASCAR Sprint Cup Series champion Jimmie Johnson becomes the first athlete to guest host ESPNs flagship news and information program SportsCenter. Johnson will join regular anchors John Anderson and Lindsay Czarniak for the 6:00pm/et show on Tuesday, Nov. 19, on ESPN. The aforementioned actors Crystal and Jeong are the only other celebrity guest hosts of SportsCenter in the shows 34-year history. Crystal was the first in 2012 and Jeong hosted earlier this month on Nov. 1.
Johnson, who wrapped up his sixth NASCAR Sprint Cup Series title in 12 full seasons this past Sunday, has appeared on SportsCenter numerous times during his racing career both in-studio and via satellite, but always as a newsmaker. He also appeared in a humorous and memorable This Is SportsCenter commercial in which he used a pickaxe to remove speed bumps in the ESPN parking lot.
But this time the driver of the Hendrick Motorsports #48 Lowes Chevrolet will perform all of the duties of a SportsCenter host, including presenting news and highlights and conducting interviews from around the world of sports. And just like SportsCenter veterans Scott and Berman, and every other anchor who has sat behind the desk, Johnson will spend the day Tuesday preparing for his guest-hosting responsibilities.
I dont know if SportsCenter knows what they are getting themselves into, Johnson joked. Its probably a good thing Im there pretty much all day preparing. Ive got some tough shoes to fill with Billy Crystal and Ken Jeong but Ive met most of the anchors and I am really looking forward to becoming the first athlete to ever guest host SportsCenter. Since its debut on ESPNs launch day of Sept. 7, 1979, SportsCenter has aired more episodes than any television show in U.S. history, reaching the 50,000-episode mark in 2012.
Were always looking for opportunities to change it up and give SportsCenter viewers a different take on the days news, have some fun and do some memorable television, said Jack Obringer, SportsCenter senior coordinating producer. And having a six-time champion like Jimmie Johnson on your set is pretty cool. Fans are encouraged to join in on the conversation using the hashtag #JimmieOnSC. In addition to his SportsCenter guest-hosting duties, Johnson will also appear on Late Show with David Letterman Monday night and LIVE with Kelly and Michael Tuesday morning to talk about winning his sixth NASCAR Sprint Cup Series title.(ESPN)(11-19-2013)

Crew chief change for the #1 in 2014? UPDATE2: hearing that current #1 Earnhardt Ganassi Racing crew chief Kevin Manion, will depart from the team and head to Turner Scott Motorsports in a management role. Supposedly Keith Rodden will take over as Jamie McMurray's crew chief in 2014. Rodden is currently the race engineer for #5-Kasey Kahne.(11-5-2013)
UPDATE: Kasey Kahne engineer Keith Rodden declined last week to confirm rumors that he was headed to Earnhardt Ganassi Racing to be the crew chief for Jamie McMurray next year. EGR spokesman John Olguin said the team is still working on its 2014 plans. Chris Heroy is expected to return to the #42 team as crew chief for Kyle Larson, who is replacing Juan Pablo Montoya.(Sporting News)(11-9-2013) UPDATE2: Earnhardt Ganassi Racing with Felix Sabates (EGR) announced that Keith Rodden has been named crew chief for Jamie McMurray and the #1 Chevrolet SS. Rodden will assume the role effective immediately to prepare for the 2014 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series (NSCS) season. We are very happy to get a crew chief that is the caliber of Keith, said EGR Owner Chip Ganassi. He brings a lot of great experience with him to our organization. We are building the foundation for what we believe will be long-term success in our NASCAR operation and Keith fits into those plans perfectly. I look forward to having him in the organization and leading the #1 team.
Rodden joins EGR from Hendrick Motorsports where he was most recently in the role of lead engineer for the #5 Chevy. In his two seasons as the lead engineer on the #5, the team won four races and made the Chase for the NASCAR Sprint Cup in both seasons. The Denver, NC native has over 10 years of NASCAR racing experience. Rodden began his racing career as a race engineer for Andy Petree Racing. He has also worked for Evernham Motorsports, Richard Petty Motorsports and Red Bull Racing in similar positions. In 2007, Rodden served as crew chief for Kasey Kahne for multiple races while filling in for Kenny Francis.
I am excited and appreciative for this opportunity and cant wait to be just a small piece of an excellent team that Earnhardt Ganassi Racing is building, said Rodden. Chip has quality people and is also building great race cars. This team has shown that they can win races and compete at the highest level of this sport and I look forward to working with Jamie and everyone on the team as we work to prepare for the 2014 season. Rodden is a graduate of North Carolina State University and with his wife Julie and their daughter Emmie, live in Kannapolis, NC.(EGR)(11-18-2013)

Sports Clips continues partnership with JGR: Joe Gibbs Racing (JGR) and Sport Clips Haircuts announced they will continue their partnership during the 2014 NASCAR season with Sport Clips serving as the primary sponsor for a total of nine races. Sport Clips is proud to announce our partnership with Joe Gibbs Racing for the 2014 season, said Sport Clips CEO and Founder Gordon Logan. All of us, including our Team Members at our 1,150 stores in 46 states, value the drive and integrity JGR demonstrates both on and off the track. We are proud to have Denny, Elliott and Drew represent our Sport Clips Brand, and we look forward to an exciting season!
During the 2014 season, Sport Clips will serve as the primary sponsor for Denny Hamlin and the #11 Sport Clips Toyota Camry for two races in the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series (NSCS), marking the fifth season Hamlin has represented Sport Clips Racing. Hamlin will carry the colors of Sport Clips for the night race at Darlington Raceway on April 12 and again for the night race at Atlanta Motor Speedway on August 31. Hamlins best finish for Sport Clips came at Atlanta Motor Speedway where he started seventh and led 105 of 327 laps on his way to securing his fourth of five wins during the 2012 season.
After making his debut with Joe Gibbs Racing in 2013 and representing Sport Clips for seven races in the NASCAR Nationwide Series (NNS), Elliott Sadler will run six races in 2014 in the #11 Sport Clips Toyota. Sadlers best finish in the Sport Clips Toyota came at Darlington Raceway where he finished second in the VFW Sport Clips Help a Hero 200. Returning to the drivers seat for Sport Clips in 2014, Drew Herring will make one start for the long-time JGR partner when the Nationwide Series races at Chicago on September 13. Herring has competed in five races under the Sport Clips banner, earning one pole at Iowa Speedway in 2011 and earning a best finish of fourth at Kentucky Speedway in 2012.(Joe Gibbs Racing)(11-18-2013)

Tire Explosion Rocks Menard's Chevy on Pit Road: Even through the glass windows of the luxury suites at Homestead-Miami Speedway, the loud blast sounded like the explosion of an artillery shell. In reality, what happened on Lap 232 of Sunday's Ford EcoBoost 400 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series race was the detonation on the right rear tire on Paul Menard's #27 Menard's Chevy. The force of the explosion blew the entire wheel assembly off the car and engulfed the crew in black smoke. The trouble for Menard began with a Lap 194 restart, when the outside line stalled. Menard rammed series champion Jimmie Johnson and in turn was hit from behind, sustaining damage to the rear of his car. "On that restart, everybody kind of checked up, and we got some right rear damage and had a flat tire," Menard explained. "I guess a bunch of rubber got wrapped up underneath around the axle. Came in a couple of times trying to fix the damage and try to get the rubber off. We didn't get it all, and I guess it just caught fire. I didn't really know it until there was a little bit of a spark coming in the car and landed on the window net; thought that was kind of weird. About a lap later they said I was on fire; I lost my brakes, then the damn wheel blew right off." Menard was unhurt, and several of his crew members narrowly escaped injury from the flying wheel, but the car was done for the night.(NASCAR Wire Service)(11-18-2013)

Stenhouse Jr. is NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Rookie of the Year: Though #17-Ricky Stenhouse Jr. didn't enjoy as much success as he might have liked in 2014, his performance was strong enough to secure Sunoco Rookie of the Year honors. Stenhouse, who finished 22nd Sunday, beat out girlfriend #10-Danica Patrick for the recognition as top rookie in the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series. "It means a lot, looking at all the other names that have won this award," Stenhouse said. "It definitely wasn't the season that we wanted, but we slowly but surely got a little bit better throughout the season. I was proud of what we did, of getting better, qualifying better, having runs up front, leading laps throughout this year. I thought we had a chance at winning some races there, at least being in contention. I was proud of those moments. All in all, it was a huge learning experience. Thankful we made it through; it's behind us now. We can move on to next year, look on improving every spot at every track that we can in the final points standings."(NASCAR Wire Service)(11-18-2013)

Martins's SHR role not yet defined: Stewart-Haas Racing competition director Greg Zipadelli said that Mark Martin's 2014 role with the team "is not completely identified yet," but predicts the veteran will be a valuable addition after ostensibly running his last Sprint Cup for the foreseeable future race on Sunday. Martin may consult or test, but beyond his technical experience, Zipadelli said, Martin could be invaluable to a lineup of vocal, strong-willed personalities comprised of owner Tony Stewart, Kurt Busch, Kevin Harvick and Danica Patrick. "A guy with that kind of experience, he's been to a lot of different race teams, he's worked for a lot of different manufacturers," Zipadelli told ESPN.com. "He was that guy that was a hot-head at one time. I think he can help all our drivers and myself with dealing with a lot of those things and sort of steer the ship a little bit." Martin will test Stewart's car until the three-time series champion is cleared to return from multiple leg fractures sustained in a Sprint Car wreck in August. Martin said last week he was available for "whatever they ask me" and that he expected to attend SHR tests, but not necessarily drive.(ESPN)(11-18-2013)

Penske, Hornish part ways: Sam Hornish Jr. drove his final race for Roger Penske when he finished 12th in the Nationwide Series season finale Saturday at Homestead-Miami Speedway. Hornish came up three points shy of going out with a championship. He ended up second to Austin Dillon in the final standings. Sprint Cup regular Kyle Busch won the race. Hornish was near the front for much of the 200 laps, but faltered down the stretch on worn tires. Now, he faces an uncertain future.
"To see Sam race at the level he did with Kyle, right there all night, shows what a great racer he is," Penske said. "My issue with myself is I started him in the Cup level with no practice. One of the greatest open-wheel racers we had in IndyCar. I think maybe I started his career backwards." So far, Hornish has no ride set up for 2014. He declined to even talk to Chip Ganassi Racing about replacing Dario Franchitti, the four-time IndyCar champion who abruptly retired earlier this week because of injuries and health concerns. With Hornish committed to stock-car racing, some wonder where he will land next season. Penske, though, doesn't believe Hornish's NASCAR career is over.
"I think people want him," said Penske, who still managed to win the Nationwide owners' championship. "I think he's going to have a chance to drive something next year. A couple things out there look quite promising. I would support him always. He needs to have a good ride because he's a quality guy, a family man. Remember, he won an Indy 500 for us. That's pretty special." But Penske told the 34-year-old Hornish he needs to be racing in the Cup series, where he doesn't have a spot for his longtime driver.
Hornish hasn't even hinted about his future, only saying he'd rather be a NASCAR test driver than an IndyCar regular. "There's a lot of uncertainty at this point in time, but I feel as if we'll be able to make something happen," Hornish said. "But, like I've said in the past, it's all about trying to position me to move forward in some way. I don't want to take any more steps backward or be in something that's not going to give me the opportunity to go out there and be competitive and have an opportunity to at least run in the top 10. It wouldn't be optimal to run a part-time schedule, but it might help me out. I might be able to go and do testing. I might be able to learn a lot of other things and to be able to forge forward and to be even better in the next go-round."(Associated Press)(11-18-2013)

Driver Changes for 2014:
announced:
#4 [was #39] Kevin Harvick moves from the #29 to Stewart Haas Racing #4
#7 Michael Annett brings Flying J sponsorship and replaces Dave Blaney in the #7
#31 Ryan Newman replaces Jeff Burton
#41 Kurt Busch moves to a brand new 4th Stewart Haas Racing team
#42 Kyle Larson replace Juan Pablo Montoya who heads back to Indycar
#47 A.J. Allmendinger replaces Bobby Labonte
#55 Brian Vickers(if healthy) takes over the ride full time after sharing it last two years
#78 Martin Truex Jr. moves from the #56 and replaces Kurt Busch
#95 Michael McDowell replaces Scott Speed / Reed Sorenson, team could run full time
not announced / unknown:
#3 [was #29] Autin Dillon moves up from Nationwide Series to replace Harvick and changes to #3
#12 third Penske team, could run Ryna Blaney in a few 2014 Cup races
#30 looks like either Cole Whitt or Parker Kligerman replace David Stremme
#32 Schrader retires from Cup, no word of Timmy Hill returns and if Terry Labonte comes back for restrictor plates races
#33 Circle Sport / Richard Childress Racing colaboration plans unknown
#35 Josh Wise to return?
#36 J.J. Yeley to return?
#40 Hillman Racing, no word on 2014 plans
#51 supposedly Justin Allgaier will be the driver, replacing a slew of drivers
#56 Michael Waltrip runs Daytona 500, Jeff Burton could be in the car part time
#83 no word from BK Racing if David Reutimann returns or team plans
#87 indications are that Joe Nemechek will return in 2014
#93 no word from BK Racing if Travis Kvapil returns or team plans
#98 Phil Parsons Racing, no word on 2014 plans
See the 2014 Driver/Team Chart fro more changes and how the teams are shaking out for the 2014 season.(11-18-2013)

Homestead Race and Commercial Breakdown of the 2013 Ford Ecoboost 400: For those of you NASCAR fans that like stats and love to hate commercials, here is the breakdown for Sundays race. This was the last race of the 2013 season. Began recording the times at the Invocation of the race at 3:02 PM, and stopped at the waving of the checkered flag at 6:25 PM (all times are EST). ESPN was the broadcast team for this event.
Total number of commercials: 110
Total number of companies or entities advertised: 52
Number of traditional commercials (not split-screen): 64
Total number of companies or entities advertised: 36
Number of Side-by-Side commercials during race broadcast (split-screen): 46
Total number of companies or entities advertised: 30
Number of times ESPN utilized Side-by-Side commercials during this broadcast: 9
Total number of brief promos of products/services during the race broadcast: 23
Total number of companies or entities advertised in brief promos or crawlers: 16
Total amount of time these brief promos take during broadcast: app. 2 min. 55 sec.
Start time to record race/commercial periods: 3:02 PM
End time to record race/commercial periods: 6:25 PM
Total minutes of complete race broadcast: 203
Minutes of race broadcast: 173
Minutes of traditional commercials (not split-screen): 30
Minutes of Side-by-Side commercials (split-screen): 23
Number of missed restarts: 0
Number of mystery cautions (debris not shown): 1
Total race brdcst time 173 Total comm. brdcst time 30
See past races, links, more info on the 2013 TV Commercials page.(11-18-2013)

NASCAR Nationwide Series, NASCAR Camping World Truck Series Champions Celebrate In South Beach: Two champions, two organizations and two heralded rookies are sharing the South Beach spotlight tonight, at the NASCAR Nationwide and NASCAR Camping World Truck Series Awards, held at the Loews Miami Beach Hotels Americana Ballroom.
Austin Dillon and Matt Crafton headline the evening as both will be presented with championships rings and trophies for their respective NASCAR Nationwide Series and NASCAR Camping World Truck Series championships.
Dillon is only the third driver in NASCAR history to win the NASCAR Nationwide and NASCAR Camping World Truck championships, joining Greg Biffle and Johnny Benson. Dillons championship campaign comes one year after winning the NNS Sunoco Rookie of the Year honors, duplicating his success in the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series.
In his 13th fulltime season in the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series, Crafton was a model of consistency, posting 19 top-10 finishes in 22 races, including 16 consecutive to start the season. The veteran won the spring Kansas race and finished on the lead lap in every event.
Penske Racings No. 22 Ford Mustang narrowly edged out the No. 54 entry of Joe Gibbs Racing by one point in the NASCAR Nationwide Series owners championship battle. The No. 22 visited Victory Lane under the control of four different drivers: Brad Keselowski (six times), Joey Logano (three), AJ Allmendinger (two) and Ryan Blaney (one).
The owners championship race in the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series came down to the last laps of the season with the No. 51 Kyle Busch Motorsports Toyota claiming the title based on wins over the No. 88 ThorSport Racing Toyota. Both cars finished the season tied in points, but the Kyle Busch Motorsports entry had six wins to the No. 88s one.
On Saturday at Homestead-Miami Speedway, Kyle Larson, 21, became the first NASCAR Drive for Diversity graduate and Asian-American driver to capture Sunoco Rookie of the Year honors in any of NASCARs three national series. The previous night, 19-year-old Ryan Blaney won the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series Sunoco Rookie of the Year Award on the strength of one win and 13 top 10s during the 2013 campaign.
Sam Hornish Jr., Regan Smith, Elliott Sadler and Justin Allgaier were second through fifth in the championship standings and will be honored along with Dillon in the NASCAR Nationwide Series.
Ty Dillon, James Buescher, Johnny Sauter and Jeb Burton were second through fifth in the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series final points and joined Crafton on stage.
In addition to the aforementioned honors, each series Most Popular Driver was announced after a fan vote on NASCAR.com. Regan Smith and Ty Dillon received the distinction in the NASCAR Nationwide and NASCAR Camping World Truck Series, respectively.
FOX Sports Rick Allen and Krista Voda will host the event, which will air at 8 p.m. ET on Sunday, Nov. 24, 2013, on FOX Sports 1. Rock band Parachute will provide entertainment during the show.(NASCAR)(11-18-2013)

Larson's team penalized after Homestead: The #32 team that competes in the NASCAR Nationwide Series has been penalized due to rule violations discovered during post-race inspection this past Saturday at Homestead-Miami Speedway. The #32 team was found to have violated Sections 12-1 (Actions detrimental to stock car racing); 12-4J (Any determination by NASCAR officials that the race equipment used in the event does not conform to the NASCAR rules detailed in Section 20-A of the 2013 NASCAR Rule Book or has been approved by NASCAR prior to the event); and 20A-12.8.1(B) (The car failed to meet the minimum front car heights). As a result, crew chief Trent Owens has been fined $10,000 and placed on NASCAR probation until April 2, 2014. The team also has been docked with the loss of six championship driver (Kyle Larson) points and six championship car owner (Harry Scott) points.(NASCAR)(11-18-2013)

SportClips to return to Joe Gibbs Racing: Joe Gibbs Racing and Sport Clips Haircuts announced they will continue their partnership during the 2014 NASCAR season with Sport Clips serving as the primary sponsor for a total of nine races. During the 2014 season, Sport Clips will serve as the primary sponsor for Denny Hamlin and the #11 Sport Clips Toyota Camry for two races in the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series (NSCS), marking the fifth season Hamlin has represented Sport Clips Racing. Hamlin will carry the colors of Sport Clips for the night race at Darlington Raceway on April 12 and again for the night race at Atlanta Motor Speedway on August 31. After making his debut with Joe Gibbs Racing in 2013 and representing Sport Clips for seven races in the NASCAR Nationwide Series (NNS), Elliott Sadler will run six races in 2014 in the #11 Sport Clips Toyota. Returning to the drivers seat for Sport Clips in 2014, Drew Herring will make one start for the long-time JGR partner when the Nationwide Series races at Chicagoland Speedway on September 13.(Joe Gibbs Racing)(11-18-2013)

OneMain Financial to continue sponsorship of Sadler: OneMain Financial announced it will continue its partnership with Joe Gibbs Racing in 2014 as the primary sponsor of the #11 OneMain Financial Toyota driven by Elliott Sadler in the NASCAR Nationwide Series. OneMain Financial will also continue to have associate sponsorship on two additional Joe Gibbs Racing Nationwide Series entries. The 2014 season will mark OneMain Financials 11th season as a sponsor in NASCAR and the second season as the primary sponsor for JGRs #11 Toyota. Driver Elliott Sadler finished fourth in the final 2013 standings, with nine top-five and 20 top-ten finishes.(Joe Gibbs Racing)(11-18-2013)

Roush Yates Engines and Ford Racing Win Nationwide Manufacturers' Championship: #48-Brad Keselowski passed nine cars with five laps to go at Homestead-Miami Speedway on Saturday night, winning the race for Penske Racing and capturing the Nationwide Manufacturers' Championship for Ford Racing. Teammate #22-Joey Loganos sixth place finish earned Penske Racing the Nationwide Owners Championship. Following an extended caution period for a multi-car crash with 17 laps remaining, Keselowski went from 10th to first during the final restart to win his seventh race of the 2013 season. Keselowski led the way to Fords manufacturer title with seven wins; followed by three from Joey Logano, two from AJ Allmendinger, and one each from Sam Hornish Jr., Ryan Blaney, and Trevor Bayne to give Ford Racing and Roush Yates Engines an impressive 15 wins in 2013. Roush Yates Engines finished off the 2013 NASCAR season with 6 Sprint Cup Wins, 15 Nationwide Wins, and 1 Camping World Truck Series win. Rookie of the Year winners included Ricky Stenhouse Jr. in the Sprint Cup Series and Ryan Blaney in the Camping World Truck Series.(Roush Yates)(11-18-2013)

NASCAR Nationwide Series, NASCAR Camping World Truck Series Champions Celebrate In South Beach: Two champions, two organizations and two heralded rookies are sharing the South Beach spotlight tonight, at the NASCAR Nationwide and NASCAR Camping World Truck Series Awards, held at the Loews Miami Beach Hotel's Americana Ballroom. Austin Dillon and Matt Crafton headline the evening as both will be presented with championships rings and trophies for their respective NASCAR Nationwide Series and NASCAR Camping World Truck Series championships. In his 13th fulltime season in the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series, Crafton was a model of consistency, posting 19 top-10 finishes in 22 races, including 16 consecutive to start the season. The veteran won the spring Kansas race and finished on the lead lap in every event. The owners' championship race in the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series came down to the last laps of the season with the No. 51 Kyle Busch Motorsports Toyota claiming the title based on wins over the No. 88 ThorSport Racing Toyota. Both cars finished the season tied in points, but the Kyle Busch Motorsports entry had six wins to the No. 88's one. On Saturday at Homestead-Miami Speedway, Kyle Larson, 21, became the first NASCAR Drive for Diversity graduate and Asian-American driver to capture Sunoco Rookie of the Year honors in any of NASCAR's three national series. The previous night, 19-year-old Ryan Blaney won the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series Sunoco Rookie of the Year Award on the strength of one win and 13 top 10s during the 2013 campaign. Ty Dillon, James Buescher, Johnny Sauter and Jeb Burton were second through fifth in the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series final points and joined Crafton on stage. In addition to the aforementioned honors, each series Most Popular Driver was announced after a fan vote on NASCAR.com. Regan Smith and Ty Dillon received the distinction in the NASCAR Nationwide and NASCAR Camping World Truck Series, respectively. FOX Sports' Rick Allen and Krista Voda will host the event, which will air at 8 p.m. ET on Sunday, Nov. 24, 2013, on FOX Sports 1. Rock band Parachute will provide entertainment during the show.(NASCAR)(11-18-2013)

Quiroga going the distance UPDATE: If taking on a full-time Camping World Truck Series schedule and running for Rookie of the Year title wasn't enough, three-time Mexico Series Champion, Germán Quiroga has decided to take on an additional endeavor. The NASCAR driver has accepted a challenge from Red Horse Racing sponsor, OtterBox, and will compete in the Las Vegas Rock 'n' Roll Marathon on Sunday, November 17. Quiroga will have a weekend full of racing and will log many miles not just on land but in the air as well. He will compete behind the wheel of his #77 NET10 Wireless Toyota Tundra in the last race of the season at Homestead-Miami Speedway on Friday, November 15 then fly to Las Vegas Saturday morning to prepare for the 26.2 miles he will run the following day. On Monday, the driver will return to Miami for the Camping World Truck Series banquet. Looking at the task ahead, the Mexico City native will have to work through some potential hurdles. A CrossFit regular, he never chose running as part of his workout routine. Before training, his longest running distance was seven miles. Perhaps another challenge, Quiroga will face a shortened training program. A typical training program for a marathon for a rookie runner is anywhere between 18 - 20 weeks. The driver will compete with only 14 weeks of training.(Red Horse Racing PR)(8-29-2013)
UPDATE: Qurioga finished the race in a little over three hours and fifty minutes.(running.competitor.com)(11-18-2013)

2nd Annual Championship Taste Event Gives Back To Homestead Community: Building on its commitment to support childrens health care in the South Miami-Dade area, The NASCAR Foundation hosted its second annual Championship Taste event Thursday night at Homestead-Miami Speedway. NASCAR drivers, fans and friends gathered at Homestead-Miami Speedway to enjoy a unique dining experience while raising money for the Speediatrics unit at Homestead Hospital, culminating with a $100,000 check presentation. The donation ensures that Miami-area children will continue to receive premium care and treatment in a colorful and fun NASCAR-themed environment. Located at Homestead Hospital, the Speediatrics unit is dedicated to caring for the local communitys children. The NASCAR-themed, eight-bed unit includes a pediatric trauma room where the most severely ill or injured children can be stabilized, and is staffed by highly experienced pediatric emergency physicians and skilled nurses. Featuring colorful artwork and décor designed to ease anxiety and lift the spirits of young patients, Speediatrics has provided hope and comfort to thousands of children and their families. See the full press release at the NASCAR Foundation site.(11-18-2013)

Jimmie Johnson Wins 2013 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Championship: #48-Jimmie Johnson took another step closer to stock car racing history on Sunday, claiming his sixth NASCAR Sprint Cup Series championship at Homestead-Miami Speedway. Johnson, who entered the race with a 28-point lead over 2003 series champion #20-Matt Kenseth, finished ninth in the Ford EcoBoost 400, putting his final margin over Kenseth at 19 points.
The championship is a record-extending 11th in the series for Hendrick Motorsports. Rick Hendricks organization also won four titles with Jeff Gordon, co-owner of Johnsons #48 Chevrolet, and one with Terry Labonte. Johnsons crew chief, Chad Knaus, has led the team to all six titles.

Hamlin wins at Homestead: #11-Denny Hamlin won the FORD EcoBoost 400 Sprint Cup Series race at Homestead-Miami Speed for his 1st win of 2013, his 2nd win at Homestead and 23rd career win. The win allowed Hamlin to extend his season winning streak to at least one win in eight straight seasons.
Points leader #48-Jimmie Johnson finished 9th and won his 6th NASCAR Sprint Cup Championship by 19 points over #20-Kenseth. Polesitter #20-Kenseth finished 2nd and led the most laps with 144 of 267 laps run.
#20-Kenseth finished 2nd followed by #88-Earnhardt Jr. #56-Truex Jr., #15-Bowyer, #2-Keselowski, #18-Busch, #22-Logano, #48-Johnson and #29-Harvick.
There were 22 lead changes among 8 drivers and 8 cautions for 37 yellow flag laps.
The average speed was 130.693mph. NASCAR no longer announces the track attendance.
See unofficial race results, awards, money won, laps led, cautions and more on the Unofficial Homestead Race Results page (pdf) and check out the Homestead Penalty Report (pdf).(11-17-2013)

FINAL 2013 Sprint Cup Driver Chase Championship Points Standings:
[after Homestead, race 36 of 36]
1) #48-Jimmie Johnson [6 wins], 2419
2) #20-Matt Kenseth [7 wins], 2400, -19
3) #29-Kevin Harvick [4 wins], 2385, -34
4) #18-Kyle Busch [4 wins], 2364, -55
5) #88-Dale Earnhardt Jr., 2363, -56
6) #24-Jeff Gordon [1 win], 2337, -82
7) #15-Clint Bowyer, 2336, -83
8) #22-Joey Logano [1 win], 2323, -96
9) #16-Greg Biffle [1 win], 2321, -98
10) #78-Kurt Busch, 2309, -110
11) #39-Ryan Newman [1 win], 2286, -133
12) #5-Kasey Kahne [2 wins], 2283, -136
13) #99-Carl Edwards [2 wins], 2282, -137
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).(11-17-2013)

UNOFFICIAL 2013 Sprint Cup Driver Championship Points Standings without Chase:
[after Homestead, race 36 of 36]
1) #48-Jimmie Johnson(X) [6 wins], 1248
2) #29-Kevin Harvick(X) [4 wins], 1207, -41
3) #20-Matt Kenseth(X) [7 wins], 1192, -56
4) #18-Kyle Busch(X) [4 wins], 1163, -85
5) #88-Dale Earnhardt Jr.(X), 1144, -104
6) #99-Carl Edwards(X) [2 wins], 1118, -130
7) #15-Clint Bowyer(X), 1115, -133
8) #24-Jeff Gordon(X) [1 win], 1087, -161
9) #16-Greg Biffle(X) [1 win], 1077, -171
10) #22-Joey Logano(X) [1 win], 1071, -177
11) #78-Kurt Busch(X), 1071, -177
12) #2-Brad Keselowski [1 win], 1041, -207
13) #39-Ryan Newman(X)[1 win], 1027, -221
14) #5-Kasey Kahne(X) [2 wins], 1022, -226
15) #1-Jamie McMurray [1 win], 1007, -241
(X) = a Chase driver.
(11-17-2013)

Race Fast Facts - Homestead:
#11-Denny Hamlin won the 15th Annual Ford EcoBoost 400, his 23rd victory in 291 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series races.
This is his first victory and eighth top-10 finish in 2013.
This is his second victory and fifth top-10 finish in nine races at Homestead-Miami Speedway.
#20-Matt Kenseth (second) posted his sixth top-10 finish in 14 races at Homestead-Miami Speedway. It is his 20th top-10 finish in 2013.
#88-Dale Earnhardt Jr. (third) posted his second top-10 finish in 14 races at Homestead-Miami Speedway.
#10-Danica Patrick (20th) was the highest finishing rookie.
#48-Jimmie Johnson leads the point standings by 19 points over #20-Matt Kenseth.(NASCAR Integrated Sports Marketing)(11-17-2013)

Where did the 2013 Sprint Cup Chase Drivers finish at Homestead:
[listed by driver points position before the race (start pos)]
1) #48-Jimmie Johnson, 9th (7th)
2) #20-Matt Kenseth, 2nd (POLE)
3) #29-Kevin Harvick, 10th (6th)
4) #18-Kyle Busch, 7th (11th)
5) #88-Dale Earnhardt Jr., 3rd (21st)
6) #24-Jeff Gordon, 11th (26th)
7) #16-Greg Biffle, 24th (16th)
8) #15-Clint Bowyer, 5th (25th)
9) #22-Joey Logano, 8th (3rd)
10) #78-Kurt Busch, 21st (2nd)
11) #39-Ryan Newman, 17th (15th)
12) #5-Kasey Kahne, 13th (13th)
13) #99-Carl Edwards, 12rg (18th)
(11-17-2013)

Lucky Dogs - Who got a lap back on each caution at Homestead: (and their finish)
Caution 1: no driver a lap down
Caution 2: none, driver who caused the caution was the only car a lap down
Caution 3: #30-Kligermnan, 25th
Caution 4: #10-Patrick, 20th
Caution 5: #10-Patrick(2), 20th
Caution 6: #5-Kahne, 13th
Caution 7: #31-Burton, 23rd
Caution 8: #9-Ambrose, 26th
(11-17-2013)

Ken Schrader's long Cup series racing career is about over: Sunday marks the end of the 30-year NASCAR Cup series racing career of Fenton (MO) native Ken Schrader. Also on Sunday, the book will close on the 2013 Cup season when NASCAR crowns a champion in Homestead, FL. Ive walked around the garage area and I didnt see very many other 58-year-old drivers, he said in a recent phone interview. I have enjoyed what Ive done and what Ive accomplished. But I want to do other stuff. Its not like its been a job. Its been fun and I have definitely enjoyed it. The biggest thing weve done in the Cup car is being able to milk it for 30 years. Just being able to hold on that long. Every race that you didnt win, you wanted to win. Schrader, whose first Winston Cup start came on July 14, 1984 when he begged owner Elmo Langley for a ride at Nashville and finished 19th, will have earned more than $38 million (hes at $37,976,968 entering Sundays race). Columbia, Mo., native Carl Edwards, who is a second cousin to Schrader, calls Schrader a great racer, first and foremost. Hes a great guy, a guy that a lot of people demand respect from. I dont think there is one person in the garage area that hates Kenny. Hes a racer to the core. Edwards, 34, said Schrader gave Edwards his start by letting him hang around and work at (Kennys) shop for two years. Mow the grass, sweep. Whatever I could do. While Schrader is retiring from the Cup circuit, he will continue in NASCAR in 2014 running in the Camping World truck series, although the stop at Gateway Motorsports Park on June 14 is not on his schedule. This past July, when the trucks made their first dirt stop ever at Eldora (Ohio) Speedway, Schrader became the oldest driver in NASCARs three series (Cup, Nationwide, trucks) to win the pole. But, he wound up 14th in the Mudsummer Classic. He will also continue running his ARCA car in 2014, in which this year he became the oldest driver to win a race, capturing the Menards 200 at Toledo (Ohio) Speedway on May 19. Most importantly, though, he will climb in his dirt modified. He has three more dirt races this season. Its not retirement from NASCAR, he said. Theres just no plans to come back. If you dont have any other plans ... I wouldnt change anything. There are other programs we can do.(St Louis Post Dispatch)(11-17-2013)

Only four drivers made up points deficit in finale: Since the inception of the position-based points system in 1975, only four drivers have made up a points deficit in the season finale: Richard Petty in 1979 (made up two points on Darrell Waltrip), Alan Kulwicki in 1992 (made up 30 points on Davey Allison), Jimmie Johnson in 2010 (made up 15 points on Denny Hamlin) and Tony Stewart in 2011 (made up three points on Carl Edwards). Note: Stewarts comeback is the only one made under the current one-point-per-position structure.(NASCAR)(11-17-2013)

2013: A Season Of Competition Highlights :
16: Thats the number of different winners this season, which eclipsed last years figure by one (15).
10.1 and 19.4: The average number of leaders and lead changes this year (compared to 9.4 and 18.9 at this point last year.
1.291 and 19: The average margin of victory and the number races with an MOV under one second (compared to 1.758 and 17 at this point last year).
19: The number of track qualifying records broken this season.
124,061: The number of green flag passes over the course of this season (compared to 106,528 at this point last season  a difference of 17,533).
944: Number of green flag passes for the lead this season (compared to 914 at this point last season).(NASCAR)(11-17-2013)

Dale Earnhardt Environmental Leadership Campus Monument Sign Unveiled: A new sign and a new name were unveiled Saturday for the Girl Scouts camp on Turnersburg Highway [Iredell County, NC]. The Girl Scouts Hornets Nest Councils (GSHNC) nearly 700-acre property at 1919 Turnersburg Highway is now known as the Dale Earnhardt Environmental Leadership Campus at Oak Springs. The Dale Earnhardt Foundation awarded a $2 million gift to the Charlotte-based GSHNC a year ago for development of the leadership campus. The money was used in the past year to construct a dam and build a 25-acre lake on the property.(Kanapolis Indpendenet Tribune)(11-17-2013)

NASCAR Bring "Troops to the Track" Program to Homestead: The Armed Forces Foundation and NASCAR will conclude the 2013 Troops to the Track TM program on Sunday, November 17th, by bringing service members assigned to the Special Operations Command South (SOCSOUTH) to the Ford EcoBoost 400. SOCSOUTH is a joint (military members from all four services) Special Operations headquarters that plans and executes special operations in Central & South America and the Caribbean, principally employing Special Operations Forces provided by U.S. Special Operations Command (USSOCOM) and the Services' Special Operations Forces (SOF) component commands and its command vision is to enhancing security and stability in the Americas with our interagency partners and partner nations by establishing an in depth networked defense that will detect, deter, disrupt, and defeat illicit transnational elements. 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.(AFF)(11-17-2013)

Tickets for the 2014 Preseason Thunder Fan Fest Go On-Sale Monday, Nov. 18: Beginning Monday, Nov. 18 at 9:00am/et, race fans can purchase tickets as well as make their autographed session reservations for the annual Preseason Thunder Fan Fest at Daytona International Speedway. 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. Its 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 a.m. and 5 p.m. each day, weather permitting. Each session includes a lunch break from noon until 1 p.m. More info at www.daytonainternationalspeedway.com or by calling 1-800-PITSHOP.(DIS)(11-17-2013)

Cup Champ to help save money on Atlanta pit passes: The 2013 NASCAR Sprint Cup Champion will earn fans more than 50% off a Sunday Pre-Race Pit Pass for the Aug. 31, 2014 NASCAR Sprint Cup Race at Atlanta Motor Speedway with the purchase of an infield or grandstand ticket. With the final race of the 2013 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series this Sunday, fans will have the opportunity to purchase a Sunday Pre-Race Pit Pass for $48 if Jimmie Johnson, driver of the #48 car, captures the championship while a title by Matt Kenseth behind the wheel of the #20 car, will push the price to $20. A championship by Kevin Harvick, who drives the #29, will earn fans a $29 Pre-Race Pit Pass. Regularly-priced at $100 for a Sunday-only Pre-Race Pit Pass, this extremely limited-time offer will only be available for five days, beginning on Monday, Nov. 18 at 9:00am/et and will run through Friday, Nov. 22 at 5:00pm/et. To take advantage of this offer, fans must purchase a reserved grandstand or infield admission for the event for each discounted Pre-Race Pit Pass they wish to purchase. Those who have already secured their tickets for the NASCAR Sprint Cup Race on Aug. 31 at Atlanta Motor Speedway are also eligible for this special limited time offer. To purchase, fans may visit the Atlanta Motor Speedway ticket office in person or via phone at 770-946-4211. A Pre-Race Pit Pass provides access to pit road until one hour prior to the start of the NASCAR Sprint Cup Race in addition to stage-front access to driver introductions located on the front-stretch at the start-finish line.(AMS)(11-17-2013)

Race Coverage of the Ford EcoBoost 400 Sprint Cup Series race at Homestead-Miami Speedway is scheduled for Sunday, November 17, 2013.
Television (TV): ESPN at 3:00 pm/et; Pre-Race show at 1:00 pm/et; green flag approx. 3:16pm/et
Radio: Motor Racing Network (MRN) and Sirius XM Satellite NASCAR Radio 90
Scheduled Race Re-Airs: ESPN2, Monday, November 18 at 1:00am/et

Pit Stall Selections: The selections of pit stalls for the Ford EcoBoost 400 Sprint Cup Series race at Homestead-Miami Speedway have been made.
Pole sitter #20-Kenseth chose pit stall 1 [as do most pole sitters].
Outside pole sitter #78-Busch took pit stall 4th, the first pit stall in front of it.
#22-Logano, who starts 3rd took the 3rd pit stall, the 1st stall with an opening behind it.
The 43rd and final pit stall was taken by #27-Menard, who starts 12th.
Points leader #48-Johnson took pit stall 34, the 5th stall with an opening in front of it.
The other Chase contender, #29-Harvick, who starts 6th, took pit stall 6.
To see where the drivers/teams pit stall is, see the pit selection chart on the Pit Stall Selection chart.(11-16-2013)

Happy Hour practice for the FORD EcoBoost 400 Sprint Cup Series Season Finale at Homestead-Miami Speedway is over, after 50 scheduled minutes, the top five, chase contenders, slowest and notes:
#20-Kenseth 171.980
#48-Johnson 171.647
#2-Keselowski 171.559
#56-Truex Jr. 171.342
#29-Harvick 170.864
slowest: #35-Wise 163.503 & #98-McDowell 163.731
no speed: #40-Raines, #87-Nemechek
#48-Johnson had the Best 10 Consecutive Lap Average at 167.905mph.
See fastest speeds, laps run. 10 consecutive lap average and more on the Homestead Happy Hour Practice Speeds page (pdf).(11-16-2013)

First Saturday practice for the FORD EcoBoost 400 Sprint Cup Series Season Finale at Homestead-Miami Speedway is over, after 55 scheduled minutes, the top five, chase contenders, slowest and notes:
#20-Kenseth 173.700
#22-Logano 173.527
#16-Biffle 173.466
#78-Busch 173.132
#29-Harvick 172.480
Champ Contenders
#48-Johnson 15th fastest
#20-Kenseth 1st
#29-Harvick 5th
slowest: #40-Raines 159.773 & #32-Schrader 162.045
no speed: #35-Wise & #98-McDowell
See fastest speeds, laps run and more on the Homestead Practice 2 Speeds page (pdf).(11-16-2013)

Dillon and the #3 to Cup?...announcement soon: The announcement is "pretty close," Austin Dillon said. Two years after winning a NASCAR Truck series title in a #3 Chevy fielded by his grandfather's NASCAR team, possibly still basking in the glow of a first Nationwide Series title he could clinch on Saturday at Homestead-Miami Speedway in the same number for the same organization, the 23-year-old under the ever-present cowboy hat is expected to steward the iconic number back into the Sprint Cup Series for the first time in 13 years.(ESPN)(11-16-2013)

CAT says - Thank You Jeff: In recognition and appreciation for representing Caterpillar at the highest level of NASCAR racing, the #31 Chevrolet will have a special "Thank you Jeff" message on the upper-rear quarter panels this weekend at Homestead-Miami Speedway. For the past six seasons, Burton has been a great ambassador for the CAT Racing program and his fans while working with Caterpillar dealers and employees, signing autographs and posing for photographs with tens of thousands of CAT Racing fans across the world (RCR), see an imagew of the car on the #31 Team Schemes page.(11-16-2013)

Mike Helton: NASCAR did the right thing: NASCAR president Mike Helton held a press conference on Friday at Homestead-Miami Speedway, a few questions were about the MWR scandal at Richmond:
Q. It's been 10 weeks since the MWR scandal and the fallout. What, if any, impact do you think that had on the season or the Chase? Does that leave a stain on the season, or have things kind of moved on to the point that you think the sport has recovered from it?
MIKE HELTON: Well, I think it was a defining moment, and we spoke a lot about it back in Chicago when we were making steps toward what we would do as a league, and I think it was important for us to do that quickly so that we could move on. One of the tough things about our sport is the length of the season, but it's also an asset at times, and so you move on fairly quickly. And I think in the case of Richmond this year in September, I suspect that that moment will be reflected on for many years to come, but the decisions that we made, the reaction in the industry that self-polices itself is indicative of our environment, and we've kind of moved on from that.
Certainly because of the uniqueness of having a 13th competitor in the Chase, it made a difference on the 2013 Chase format, so to speak, but I think we made the decisions we made after Richmond before we even started the races in Chicago, which was the right thing for us to do. We did it with a lot of thought and engagement by a lot of people in the business to make sure we took the next step correctly to decide what we needed to do and then go on, but I think we've moved on.
Q. I wanted to follow up on the question about Richmond and the fallout from that. I believe you said that the decisions that NASCAR made were the right decisions, so looking back, you're confident you would not change anything in the way NASCAR handled that situation?
MIKE HELTON: That's correct. We're confident in what we did.(NASCAR/FastScripts by ASAP Sports)(11-16-2013)

Johnson named NASCAR Illustrated Person of the Year: As he puts the finishing touches on yet another remarkable season, Jimmie Johnson has been named NASCAR Illustrateds 2013 Person of the Year. Johnson, who will be racing for his sixth Sprint Cup championship Sunday at Homestead-Miami Speedway, has won six races this season and carries a 28-point lead into the seasons final race. Perhaps more importantly, Johnson is being honored for helping others. The five-time champs Jimmie Johnson Foundation has raised more than $5.6 million to help children, families and communities across the country. See full story at the Sporting News.(11-16-2013)

Hornish not interested in replacing Franchitti: Sam Hornish Jr. said Friday he has no interest in returning to IndyCar to replace Dario Franchitti at Target Chip Ganassi Racing. Hornish said the team reached out to his representatives this week when Franchitti was told by doctors he can no longer race because of the risk of injury is too great. "I expressed I was very grateful even for the call," Hornish said. "A door opens and the reason still stands to not do it. It's just any time I've had a thought or thought about that at all, it's been like very minimal." Even though he heads into Saturday's final Nationwide Series race of the season with no job lined up for 2014. Hornish believes he should have a Cup ride next year. "I definitely feel I belong in the Cup Series," Hornish said. "Taking the step back was to prove what I've known for a long time: given the equipment, the right people around me, what I would be capable of. Because I'd been so successful on the IndyCar side, I was going to pick up the car and carry it on my back if it wasn't good enough."(Associated Press)(11-16-2013)

What's up with Dave Blaney? Dave Blaney understood Tommy Baldwins need to make a move. So when Michael Annett offered to bring the Pilot Flying J sponsorship to the #7 Chevy, it was an offer Baldwin couldnt refuse. While Blaney understood the addition of Annett would be beneficial to Tommy Baldwin Racing, it came at the expense of his job. I really dont know what Im going to do next year, Blaney said. Obviously, I have no plans at the moment. I would like to run Sprint Cars more. Id like to be out here with my son (Ryan) a lot. So those are the two things I would for sure like to do. Other than that, well see if something comes up here, its feasible with one of these small teams. When Blaney was asked if he was OK with the fact that Sunday could be his final Cup start, he replied with a laugh, I guess it doesnt matter if Im OK with it or not. Honestly, Ive done this for a while to kind of support Ryan and Ryan is in good shape where hes on his own here. Im going to enjoy watching him and being a part of that.
The younger Blaney, who turns 20 next month, signed a development deal with Penske Racing last year after finishing seventh at Richmond International Raceway in his Nationwide Series debut  ironically for Tommy Baldwin Racing. His first win came 14 races later at Kentucky Speedway in the #22 Penske Racing Ford. Ryan Blaney competes for Brad Keselowski Racing full-time in the truck series. He is currently sixth in the point standings. His first win in trucks came at Iowa Speedway in his third start. His second victory came this season at Pocono Raceway in August. It was announced earlier this week that Blaney will continue driving the #29 Cooper Standard Ford for BKR, but his additional NNS races  as well as his Cup debut next year has yet to be announced.(FoxSports)(11-16-2013)

Different look for the #7 at Homestead: Tommy Baldwin Racing welcomes the Florida Lottery back onboard the #7 Chevy with driver Dave Blaney. This weekend the Florida Lottery will be promoting an upcoming promotion that they will be running next month. On December 3, the Florida Lottery will launch the $2 chocolate-scented Scratch-Off game, Chocolate Covered 7'S. This holiday-themed game offers Florida Lottery players 16 top prizes of $30,000 and more than 3.4 million winning tickets. "The Florida Lottery is proud to once again have Dave Blaney behind the wheel of the #7 Lottery-sponsored car," said Florida Lottery Secretary Cynthia O' Connell.(TBR), see an imagew of the car on the #7 Team Schemes page.(11-16-2013)

UME Finishes the Season with TBR: Tommy Baldwin Racing welcomes back United Mining Equipment aboard the #36 Chevy as they look to end the season as strong as they started. UME has been a primary sponsor on board the #36 with JJ Yeley for several races throughout the 2013 season, including Charlotte, where they ran a special Breast Cancer Awareness paint scheme.(TBR)(11-16-2013)

"Fresh From Florida" Motorsports Campaign to be Led by RPM: The marketing arm of Richard Petty Motorsports announced they will lead a fully integrated motorsports marketing campaign for the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services beginning this weekend at the Homestead-Miami Speedway and extend through 2014. "Fresh From Florida" is a marketing, advertising and promotional campaign focused on building awareness and sales of fresh seafood, produce and other Florida products. In 2014, the "Fresh From Florida" campaign will include various marketing elements centered around motorsports including race promotion, team sponsorship, track sponsorship, marketing services, public relations, experiential marketing and retail partnerships along with traditional and digital media. The campaign will be executed across the state of Florida and throughout the Southeast at motorsports events including NASCAR, IMSA, and NHRA events at iconic motorsports venues.
Richard Petty Motorsports will brand the message with primary sponsorship beginning this weekend on its #43 Nationwide Series entry and continuing into 2014 with primary sponsorships at Bristol in March, Charlotte in May and Daytona in July. "Fresh From Florida" will also appear as the primary sponsor on the famed #43 Richard Petty NASCAR Sprint Cup Series entry of Aric Almirola at Darlington in April 2014 and be positioned as an associate sponsor throughout the season.(RPM)(11-16-2013)

Chase For The NASCAR Sprint Cup: Homestead-Miami Speedway:
ˇ Homestead-Miami Speedway has been a part of the Chase for the NASCAR Sprint Cup since the playoffs inception in 2004. This season the track will host its 10th Chase event.
ˇ The winner of the Homestead-Miami Speedway Chase race has gone on to win the championship during the Chase era once: Tony Stewart (2011).
ˇ Greg Biffle leads the series in Chase race wins at HMS with three (2004-2006); followed by Carl Edwards with two (2008, 2010).
ˇ The worst finish in a Chase race by the eventual series champion at HMS is 15th (three times), Tony Stewart in 2005, Jimmie Johnson in 2008 and Brad Keselowski in 2012.
ˇ Chase Contenders have won seven of the nine previous Chase races at HMS. The only non-Chase contender to win a Homestead-Miami Speedway Chase race was Greg Biffle (2004 and 2006).
ˇ Four of the 2013 Chase Contenders are former NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Chase race winners at HMS: Greg Biffle (three), Carl Edwards (two), Matt Kenseth and Jeff Gordon (one each).
ˇ The average Chase race finish by the eventual series champion at HMS is 8.2. In four of the nine previous Chase races at HMS the eventual series champion has finished in the top five.
ˇ Roush Fenway Racing leads the series in Chase race wins at Homestead-Miami Speedway with six, including five consecutive: Greg Biffle (2004-2006), Matt Kenseth (2007) and Carl Edwards (2008).
ˇ Ford leads the series in Chase wins at HMS with six; followed by Chevrolet with two.
ˇ The most dominant performance by a Chase race winner at HMS is Carl Edwards victory in 2010. He posted a Perfect Driver Rating of 150.0 and led 190 of the 267 laps (71.1% of his laps completed) - most by a Chase race winner at the track.
ˇ Jimmie Johnson has competed 122 times on 1.5/1.54-mile tracks in the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series and has finished worse than 23rd a total of 21 times in his career (17.2%). Of those 21 finishes worse than 23rd-place on 1.5/1.54-mile tracks, four have come at Homestead-Miami Speedway, including each of the last two. Johnson finished 32nd in 2011 and 36th in 2012 at HMS.(NASCAR)(11-16-2013)

Future of Kyle Busch Motorsports uncertain UPDATE: What does the future hold for Kyle Busch Motorsports? At 28, Busch is doing his best to give back to the sport. He currently fields trucks in the Camping World Series for 23-year-old up-and-comer Joey Coulter, and for Drive for Diversity standout Darrell Wallace Jr., 20. Parker Kligerman, 23, drives the #77 Toyota on the Nationwide tour. But with just four months to prepare before 2014 Speedweeks at Daytona International Speedway, a lack of sponsorship could force Kyle Busch Motorsports to downsize again. In the last week, KBM was forced to release an additional 10 employees. And it pains Busch to have to make those calls. "You never want to see that happen. Certainly, it's tough. We hate having to go through what we did. This was our most prosperous year of being in the business. We had four teams. We had 82 employees  or something like that. It was great to have that feeling to be able to take care of that many families, but you have to make sure you don't go broke doing it." While Busch would love to keep going, particularly with the promise of his young stable, he's still "waiting on the 'yes' '' from sponsors before he can settle on a lineup for 2014. "A lot of that comes from the unknown with what's going on in the world of sponsorship," Busch said. "For the truck series, it's very tough. For Kyle Busch Motorsports, it's been very tough. You know obviously without the support of Toyota that we get, we probably wouldn't be here, so we appreciate them as much as they do for us, as much as they do for JGR, MWR (Michael Waltrip Racing) and all the Toyota teams. "It's a little frustrating to not have a better plan organized right now, and I'd certainly like to keep it the same if not better than what we've got, but it doesn't look like much is materializing and it's really late in the game. [For] ... trucks especially, it's year to year, whether it is even year to year if you can keep yourself afloat."(Fox Sports)(10-20-2013)
UPDATE Kyle Busch said he is closing his Nationwide Series team because of a lack of sponsorship. Parker Kligerman ran the entire season for Busch in the #77 Toyota and had 13 top-10 finishes. Busch drove the car in 2012, when he went winless in the Nationwide Series. He went back to driving Joe Gibbs Racing's cars in Nationwide this year -- winning 12 times -- and used Kligerman in his Kyle Busch Motorsports car. Busch also fields three entries in the Truck Series and won Friday night's race at Homestead-Miami Speedway. It clinched the owners' championship for Busch, who won eight races as an owner. Busch had six victories and Darrell Wallace Jr. and 17-year-old Erik Jones also won for the team.(Associated Press/ESPN)(11-16-2013)

Kyle Larson Wins NASCAR Nationwide Series Sunoco Rookie Of The Year Award: In what has been an already impressive first full season in the NASCAR Nationwide Series, #32-Kyle Larson added another accolade to his resume Saturday at Homestead-Miami Speedway - the Sunoco Rookie of the Year Award. In doing so, he becomes the first NASCAR Drive for Diversity (D4D) graduate and first Asian-American driver to receive the award in a NASCAR national series. Additionally, Larson was a member of the 2012 "NASCAR Next" class, an initiative designed to identify the sports next generation of stars. "Kyle's Sunoco Rookie of the Year Award marks a historic moment for NASCAR and the NASCAR Drive for Diversity program," said Marcus Jadotte, NASCAR vice president of public affairs and multicultural development. "We couldnt be happier for Kyle and with the progress we have made in increasing minority and female on-track participation in the sport." Larson captured the rookie honors by 82 points over runner-up Alex Bowman. Larson, from Elk Grove, Calif., finished second four times (Bristol-1, Michigan, Dover-2 and Homestead) this season and overall compiled nine top-five and 17 top-10 finishes He made headlines in April, winning the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series race at Rockingham Speedway to become the first graduate of the NASCAR Drive for Diversity program to win a NASCAR national series race. Larson will compete in the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series in 2014, driving the #42 Chevy for Earnhardt Ganassi Racing with Felix Sabates.(NASCAR)(11-16-2013)

Helton says NASCAR ok with Cup drivers in other series: NASCAR President Mike Helton reaffirmed Friday that its in the sports "best interest" not to restrict Sprint Cup drivers in other series. Helton made those comments in a 35-minute session with reporters at Homestead-Miami Speedway. One issue that has gained prominence lately is that #3-Austin Dillon could win the Nationwide title Saturday despite not winning a race this season. Sprint Cup drivers have won 25 of the 32 Nationwide races this season. #12-Sam Hornish Jr., who is challenging Dillon for title, has only one Nationwide victory this season. "We believe that it's in NASCAR's best interest currently to have an open model for its three national series and not restrict who participates in them," Helton said. "As we go forward we always look at what's next as far as possibilities are concerned. But our general philosophy is to make our products be competitive and open, and we want to have the best competition, if it's for 400 miles or 300 miles, and the guy who ends up in Victory Lane is the guy who deserves to be there. If the guy that wins the championship deserves to be the champion, whether he has a win or not, the emphasis was on him earning the championship as opposed to earning a win."(Motor Racing Network)(11-16-2013)

Keselowski wins Nationwide race at Homestead; Dillon clinches Championship: #48-Brad Keselowski won the Ford Ecoboost 300 at Homestead-Miami Speedway. #32-Kyle Larson finished second followed by #54-Kyle Busch, #18-Matt Kenseth, #6-Trevor Bayne, #22-Joey Logano, #77-Parker Kligerman, #12-Sam Hornish, Jr., #44-Cole Whitt, and #30-Nelson Piquet, Jr. #3-Austin Dillon finished 12th and clinched the Nationwide Series championship by 3 points over Hornish.
#32-Kyle Larson is the 2013 Nationwide Series Rookie of the Year.
The #22 team of Penske Racing captured the owners points championship by 1 point over #54 Joe Gibbs Racing.
There were 10 cautions for 49 laps and 19 lead changes among 7 leaders. Complete results are on the Homestead race results page (pdf).
(11-16-2013)

Homestead Nationwide Race Fast Facts:
Brad Keselowski(i) won the 19th Annual Ford EcoBoost 300, his 27th victory in 205 NASCAR Nationwide Series races.
This is his seventh victory and 10th top-10 finish in 2013.
This is his second victory and fourth top-10 finish in seven races at Homestead-Miami Speedway.
Kyle Larson (second) posted his first top-10 finish at Homestead-Miami Speedway. It is his 17th top-10 finish in 2013.
Kyle Busch(i) (third) posted his sixth top-10 finish in seven races at Homestead-Miami Speedway.
Kyle Larson (second) was the highest finishing rookie and in doing so claimed the Sunoco Rookie of the Year honors for 2013.
Austin Dillon leads the point standings by 3 points over Sam Hornish Jr.
(NASCAR Integrated Marketing)(11-16-2013)

Nationwide Driver standings following Homestead:
1) #3-Austin Dillon 1180
2) #12-Sam Hornish Jr. 1177 -3
3) #7-Regan Smith 1108 -72
4) #11-Elliott Sadler 1090 -90
5) #31-Justin Allgaier 1090 -90
6) #6-Trevor Bayne 1086 -94
7) #2-Brian Scott 1053 -127
8) #32-Kyle Larson # 1001 -179
9) #77-Parker Kligerman 993 -187
10) #20-Brian Vickers 970 -210
See complete standings on the driver standings page (pdf).(11-16-2013)

Nationwide Owner Standings following Homestead are posted (pdf).(11-16-2013)

Hornish on Nationwide pole at Homestead: #12-Sam Hornish, Jr. won the Coors Light Pole for the Ford Ecoboost 300 at Homestead-Miami Speedway with a speed of 165.843mph. #99-Blake Koch will start second. The rest of the top 10: #48-Brad Keselowski, #22-Joey Logano, #18-Matt Kenseth, #54-Kyle Busch, #5-Brad Sweet, #32-Kyle Larson, #6-Trevor Bayne, and #2-Brian Scott. Points leader #3-Austin Dillon will start 11th. Did Not Qualify: #74-Carl Long. The starting lineup is posted on the Homestead starting lineup page (pdf).(11-16-2013)

Homestead Nationwide Qualifying Notes:
Sam Hornish Jr. won the Coors Light Pole Award for the 19th Annual Ford EcoBoost 300 with a lap of 32.561 seconds, 165.843 mph.
This is his fifth pole in 99 NASCAR Nationwide Series races.
This is his fourth pole and 27th top-10 start in 2013.
This is his first pole in six races at Homestead-Miami Speedway.
Blake Koch (second) posted his first top-10 start of 2013 and his second in four races at Homestead-Miami Speedway.
Brad Keselowski(i) (third) posted his fifth top-10 start at Homestead-Miami Speedway. It is his 12th in 16 races this season.
Kyle Larson (eighth) was the fastest qualifying rookie.
(NASCAR Integrated Marketing)(11-16-2013)

Vote for final five Lady in Black contestants: The final five contestants have been selected! Now its time to vote on who will become Darlington Raceways next Lady in Black!. Fans can visit www.DarlingtonRaceway.com/LadyinBlack and cast their vote for the next Lady in Black. Voting will conclude on Wednesday, Dec. 11, with the winner being announced in mid-January. The position is an integral part of Darlington Raceways efforts to focus on the fans and represent the track in the local community, which has supported it since 1950.(Darlington Raceway)(11-16-2013)

Kenseth wins Homestead pole: #20-Matt Kenseth won the pole for the Ford EcoBoost 400 Sprint Cup Series race at Homestead-Miami Speedway with speed of 177.667mph for his 3rd pole of 2013, 1st at Homestead and 11th of his career. Kenseth has won two races from the pole out of 10 previous poles.
#78-Busch is on the outside pole, followed by #22-Logano, #2-Keselowsi, #11-Hamlin, #29-Harvick, #48-Johnson, #56-Truex Jr., #17-Stenhouse Jr. and #55-Sadler.
Since only 43 cars were entered, no driver missed the race.
See the starting lineup, pole progression, qualifying results, qualifying order and pdf links on the Homestead Lineup/Qualifying Page.(11-15-2013)

Qualifying Fast Facts - Homestead:
#20-Matt Kenseth won the Coors Light Pole Award for the 15th Annual Ford EcoBoost 400 with a lap of 30.394 seconds, 177.667 mph.
This is his 11th pole in 508 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series races.
This is his third pole and 24th top-10 start in 2013.
This is his first pole in 14 races at Homestead-Miami Speedway.
#78-Kurt Busch (second) posted his 17th top-10 start of 2013 and his seventh in 13 races at Homestead-Miami Speedway.
#22-Joey Logano (third) posted his second top-10 start at Homestead-Miami Speedway. It is his 19th in 36 races this season.
#17-Ricky Stenhouse Jr. (ninth) was the fastest qualifying rookie.(NASCAR Statistics)(11-15-2013)

Starting positions for the 2013 Sprint Cup Chase Drivers at Homestead:
[listed by current driver points position]
1) #48-Jimmie Johnson, 7th
2) #20-Matt Kenseth, POLE
3) #29-Kevin Harvick, 6th
4) #18-Kyle Busch, 11th
5) #88-Dale Earnhardt Jr., 21st
6) #24-Jeff Gordon, 26th
7) #16-Greg Biffle, 16th
8) #15-Clint Bowyer, 25th
9) #22-Joey Logano, 3rd
10) #78-Kurt Busch, 2nd
11) #39-Ryan Newman, 15th
12) #5-Kasey Kahne, 13th
13) #99-Carl Edwards, 18th
(11-15-2013)

Coverage of Qualifying for the Ford EcoBoost 400 Sprint Cup Series race at Homestead-Miami Speedway is scheduled for Friday, November 15, 2013 at 6:10pm/et.
Television: ESPN2 at 6:00pm/et
Radio: Motor Racing Network at motorracingnetwork.com.
Scheduled Qualifying TV Re-Air: none

Qualifying Order for the Ford EcoBoost 400 Sprint Cup Series race at Homestead-Miami Speedway is posted. 43 cars/drivers are listed.
The first of the drivers scheduled to go out is #56-Truex Jr.
The final driver scheduled to go out is #2-Keselowski.
Fastest in Friday practice, #56-Truex Jr., is scheduled to qualify 1st.
The three Chase contenders are scheduled to go out:
#48-Johnson 35th
#20-Kenseth 16th
#29-Harvick 31st
Qualifying order is set by a random draw, held about an hour before the first practice.
See the full qualifying order on the Homestead Qualifying Page.(11-15-2013)

Friday practice for the FORD EcoBoost 400 Sprint Cup Series Season Finale at Homestead-Miami Speedway is over, after 85 scheduled minutes, the top five, chase contenders, slowest and notes:
#56-Truex Jr. 176.661
#5-Kahne 176.494
#27-Menard 175.787
#15-Bowyer 175.598
#17-Stenhouse Jr. 175.575
#48-Johnson was 11th fastest
#20-Kenseth was 19th
#29-Harvick was 16th
slowest: #40-Raines 166.554 & #87-Nemechek 167.916
note: with rain in the area all afternoon, if qualifying was to be canceled, this practice would set the starting lineup.
See fastest speeds, laps run and more on the Homestead Practice 1 Speeds page (pdf).(11-15-2013)

Annett to Tommy Baldwin Racing in 2014, run for Rookie of the Year: Tommy Baldwin Racing (TBR) has signed driver Michael Annett and partnered with Pilot Flying J for the 2014 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series season. Annett, whose NASCAR career began at Bill Davis Racing under the tutelage of Baldwin, reunites with his mentor after five seasons of competing in the NASCAR Nationwide Series. Baldwin will continue as the #7 team's crew chief next season. TBR will field a fleet of Richard Childress Racing cars and utilize Earnhardt-Childress Racing engines. Tommy Baldwin, Owner, Tommy Baldwin Racing: "To have Michael on board for next year, and to have a great partner like Pilot Flying J, is big for our team. Since we went Cup racing about five years ago, we've grown and gotten better with each passing season. This is the next logical step, and I believe there's a lot of potential for Michael to come in and do good things in our racecars."
Michael Annett, Driver, #7 Pilot Flying J Chevrolet SS: "Driving in the Cup Series has been my goal ever since I started racing, and to start this next chapter with Tommy, who is one of the main reasons I made the move to North Carolina in the first place, makes this extra special. I'm looking forward to continuing what we started - winning two races in the ARCA Series and running well in Trucks. Pilot Flying J has been with me just as long, they have been a tremendous partner and I'm honored to represent them on the sport's biggest stage."
Laura Palenkas, Vice President of Marketing and Merchandising, Pilot Flying J: "As a long-standing and proud sponsor of Michael Annett, Pilot Flying J is thrilled that he is moving to the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series. Our partnership with Michael began more than six years ago and we have watched him grow into the successful driver he is today. We are so proud and excited to see him take the next step in his career. Daytona is just around the corner and we can't wait to watch him pull ahead this season."(TBR/Rising Star Management Group)(11-15-2013)

NASCAR Sprint Cup Season Finale in Miami Live on ESPN: The NASCAR Sprint Cup Series season comes to a close Sunday, Nov. 17, with the Ford Ecoboost 400 at Floridas Homestead-Miami Speedway and ESPN will have a live telecast of the race. A special two-hour NASCAR Countdown airs at 1 p.m. ET to set up the title battle between Jimmie Johnson and Matt Kenseth, while the green flag will fly at 3:15 p.m. for the final race in the Chase for the NASCAR Sprint Cup. Also from the 1.5-mile Homestead track, ESPN2 will televise NASCAR Sprint Cup qualifying on Friday, Nov. 15, at 6 p.m. and practice earlier that day at 1:30 p.m.
ESPN will also have a live telecast of Saturdays Ford Ecoboost 300, the season finale for the NASCAR Nationwide Series. NASCAR Countdown airs at 4 p.m. with the green flag at 4:46 p.m. All NASCAR programming on ESPN and ESPN2 is also available on computers, smartphones and tablets through WatchESPN and the WatchESPN app. The Ford Ecoboost 400 will be reviewed in the NASCAR Now episode airing Sunday night, Nov. 17, at 11 p.m. Host Chris Cotter will be joined in the studio by ESPN NASCAR analyst Ricky Craven with Smith reporting from the track.

#21 to feature Ford new Service Parts Warranty: The Wood Brothers of Stuart, Va., and their Motorcraft/Quick Lane team will end their 63rd season of motorsports competition in a manner most appropriate for a team that has never raced anything other than Fords, Mercurys and Lincolns. Theyll race their iconic #21 Ford Fusion, with Trevor Bayne at the wheel, in the Ford EcoBoost 400, the season-ending race for the Sprint Cup Series and the marquee event of the Ford Championship Weekend at Homestead-Miami Speedway. Featured on the sides of the storied #21 will be Ford Customer Service Divisions new Service Parts Warranty, announced just last week. The new warranty provides unlimited mileage coverage for 24 months from time of purchase or installation.(Wood Brothers Racing)(11-15-2013)

Franchitti retires from racing: Target Chip Ganassi Racing (TCGR) announced that three-time Indianapolis 500 Winner and four-time IndyCar Series Champion [and former NASCAR driver] Dario Franchitti will be unable to continue his auto racing career. The IndyCar Series legend ends his career with 31 Indy car wins (tied for eighth on the all-time list) and 33 poles (sixth on the all-time list).(CGR)(11-15-2013)

Final scheduled NASCAR race for Martin: The Ford EcoBoost 400 at Homestead will be #14-Mark Martins last scheduled Sprint Cup race. The first of what will be 882 career Sprint Cup starts came on April 5, 1981 at North Wilkesboro Speedway. He started fifth and finished 27th in a Bud Reeder-owned Pontiac. In that race were such legends as Richard Petty, Bobby Allison, Darrell Waltrip, Richard Childress, Tim Richmond, Benny Parsons and Harry Gant. James Hylton, also in that race, was a young 46. Hylton retired earlier this year at age 79. Homestead will be Martins 1,144th start across all NASCAR series. For Mark Martin, this years edition of the series finale means the last scheduled Sprint Cup race of his storied career. In 31 years of competing at NASCARs highest level, Martin has earned 40 wins, 56 poles, 271 top-fives, 453 top-10s and led a total of 12,879 laps in 881 career Sprint Cup starts. Although Martin never experienced the glory of a Sprint Cup title, he certainly put forth his share of championship-worthy seasons. Seventeen times Martin finished among the top-10 in points, and in five of those seasons, Martin was runner-up to the champion, finishing second in 1990, 1994, 1998, 2002 and 2009.(SHR)(11-15-2013)

Elliotts and Hendrick meet with NAPA? hearing earlier this week that Chase and Bill Elliott, Rick Hendrick and Kelley Earnhardt Miller met with officials at the NAPA Auo Parts headquarters in Atlanta. No definite word on what the meeting was about. Chase Elliott, a Hendrick Motorsports development driver, is looking for a sponsor for whatever series he may run in 2014. His former sponsor, Aaron's, decided not to sponsor Elliott in 2014 and ramp up their sponsorship of Brian Vickers in the #55 Michael Waltrip Racing Sprint Cup Series team for all the races in 2014 & 2015. NAPA Auto Parts had been a long time sponsor of Waltrip and his #56 team with soon to be former driver Martin Truex Jr. NAPA canceled their sponsorship of the #56 team and MWR after the "Richmond Scandal" in September. It'll be interesting to see what NAPA may do as rumors had them not returning to sponsor any NASCAR team in 2014 and sitting out the season and then rethinking their sponsorship plans. Have heard reports that NAPA did not want to sponsor a team in the Nationwide Series or Camping World Truck Series. Have heard that NAPA does not wish take over for Nationwide as the series sponsor what is now called the Nationwide Series when Nationwide leaves at the end of the 2014 season. Been told that NAPA only wants to sponsor a Sprint Cup Series team for a full season. Rumors also had NAPA moving over to the #78 Furniture Row Racing team with Martin Truex Jr. in some capacity.(11-15-2013)

Homestead Facts and Notes - Friday:
ˇ David Green won the first Coors Light pole at Homestead in 1999 with a speed of 155.759 mph (34.669 sec.).
ˇ There have been 10 different Coors Light pole winners, led by Kurt Busch, Carl Edwards, Jimmie Johnson and Kasey Kahne with two each.
ˇ Jamie McMurray (November 2003) and David Reutimann (November 2008) won their first career Coors Light poles at HMS.
ˇ Two of the 14 (14.2%) NASCAR Sprint Cup races at HMS have been won from the Coors Light pole: Bill Elliott (2001) and Kurt Busch (2002).
ˇ Five of the 14 (35.7%) NASCAR Sprint Cup races at HMS have been won from the front row: two from the pole and three from second place.
ˇ Nine of the 14 (64.2%) NASCAR Sprint Cup races at HMS have been won from a starting position inside the top 10.
ˇ Denny Hamlin won the 2009 race from the 38th-place starting position, the furthest back a race winner has started.(NASCAR)(11-15-2013)

Calinoff Launches New Company: NASCAR notable, Mike Calinoff [current #17 spotter], has spent a good part of his career creating mutually-beneficial business relationships and designing creative funding models in the motorsports arena. Now, Calinoff has created a separate entity from his successful Public Relations, Social Influence and Branding company, 140BUZZ, to serve drivers and teams in their quest for sponsorships. GENER8PARTNERS, LLC with offices in Huntersville, NC and New York, NY will specialize in experiential marketing, leveraging consumer products and business-to-business relationships to develop sponsorship programs in motorsports with a dedicated staff. "We're not 'sponsor hunters', we're more like matchmakers," said Calinoff. "We're about creating opportunities for companies to not only gain exposure, but increase their businesses as a result of product leverage and creative relationships. The days of just vinyl on sheet metal are long gone."(140 BUZZ)(11-14-2013)
UPDATE: Mike Calinoff leaves the spotters stand following this weekends NASCAR Sprint Cup Series finale at Homestead-Miami Speedway. Starting in 2014, Calinoff will spend more time with family and continue to grow his five companies, 140BUZZ, ENCORE140, GENER8PARTNERS, Mike Calinoff Driver Development and PopularSpeed.com which serve both the motorsports and music industries. "I've been so fortunate to have worked with such a great organization like Roush Fenway and amazing talents like Matt Kenseth, Ricky Stenhouse Jr. and Trevor Bayne. I never dreamed that I would be able to enjoy the successes that I have been blessed with." Calinoff will continue to be an engaging figure on both Twitter and Facebook. For more information on his companies visit mikecalinoff.com.(11-15-2013)

Larson fastest in first Nationwide practice: #32-Kyle Larson was fastest during opening practice at Homestead-Miami Speedway with a speed of 168.908mph. #18-Matt Kenseth was second, followed by: #22-Joey Logano, #12-Sam Hornish, Jr., #54-Kyle Busch, #6-Trevor Bayne, #99-Blake Koch, #7-Regan Smith, #5-Brad Sweet, and #11-Elliott Sadler. All 41 drivers practiced during the session. See complete results on the Homestead practice 1 speeds page (pdf).(11-15-2013)

McClure hospitalized again; Green in the #14 at Homestead UPDATE: TMI announced that Jeff Green will pilot the #14 Hefty Ultimate Toyota during Saturdays NASCAR Nationwide Series season-finale at Homestead-Miami Speedway. The teams regular driver, Eric McClure, was admitted to a Las Vegas, Nevada hospital on Sunday, November 10, while on a business trip, with an undisclosed illness. McClure remains hospitalized and its unknown when he will be able to return home.(TMI)(11-14-2013)
UPDATE: McClure tweeted Friday, "I appreciate all the kind words from each of you. This entire fall season been very frustrating & difficult for Miranda & our family. We will spend offseason getting answers, getting healthy, & go from there. Our family will be together. Thx 2 you all. Im not done yet!"(11-15-2013)

Richard Petty Motorsports partners with "Fresh From Florida" The marketing arm of Richard Petty Motorsports announced they will lead a fully integrated motorsports marketing campaign for the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services beginning this weekend at the Homestead-Miami Speedway and extend through 2014. "Fresh From Florida" is a marketing, advertising and promotional campaign focused on building awareness and sales of fresh seafood, produce and other Florida products. In 2014, the "Fresh From Florida" campaign will include various marketing elements centered around motorsports including race promotion, team sponsorship, track sponsorship, marketing services, public relations, experiential marketing and retail partnerships along with traditional and digital media. The campaign will be executed across the state of Florida and throughout the Southeast at motorsports events including NASCAR, IMSA, and NHRA events at iconic motorsports venues. Richard Petty Motorsports will brand the message with primary sponsorship beginning this weekend on its #43 Nationwide Series entry and continuing into 2014 with primary sponsorships at Bristol in March, Charlotte in May and Daytona in July. "Fresh From Florida" will also appear as the primary sponsor on the famed #43 Richard Petty NASCAR Sprint Cup Series entry at the Darlington Raceway in April 2014 and be positioned as an associate sponsor throughout the season.(Richard Petty Motorsports), see an image of the car at Homestead on the #43 team paint schemes page.(11-15-2013)

#74 team gets Homestead sponsor: Eneos Motor Oil will be sponsoring Mike Harmon's #74 this weekend in Homestead. Carl Long will at the wheel. MHR is very happy to partner with Akinori Performance for the final race of the year. Carl Long qualified 24th in Phoenix last week and brought that momentum with them to Homestead by being 21st in the 1st NNS practice this morning . The #74 team and Eneos are looking forward to a good weekend. (Mike Harmon Racing)(11-15-2013)

Annett moving to Cup with Tommy Baldwin Racing: Tommy Baldwin Racing has signed driver Michael Annett and partnered with Pilot Flying J for the 2014 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series season. Annett, whose NASCAR career began at Bill Davis Racing under the tutelage of Baldwin, reunites with his mentor after five seasons of competing in the NASCAR Nationwide Series. Baldwin will continue as the #7 team's crew chief next season. TBR will field a fleet of Richard Childress Racing cars and utilize Earnhardt-Childress Racing engines.(Rising Star Management)(11-15-2013)

Busch wins Homestead: #51-Kyle Busch won the season finale Ford EcoBoost 200 at Homestead-Miami Speedway on Friday despite multiple late race cautions. #29-Ryan Blaney finished second. He was followed by: #4-Jeb Burton, #62-Brendan Gaughan, #34-Ron Hornaday, Jr., #7-John Wes Townley, #77-German Quiroga, #19-Ross Chastain, #17-Timothy Peters, and #33-Cale Gale. Champion Matt Crafton finished 21st position on the lead lap. He finished every lap of competition this season. There were eight caution flags for 37 laps and 13 lead changes among six drivers. Complete results are on the Homestead race results page (pdf).(11-15-2013)

Homestead Race Fast Facts:
Kyle Busch(i) won the 18th Annual Ford EcoBoost 200, his 35th victory in 115 NASCAR Camping World Truck Series races.
This is his fifth victory and ninth top-10 finish in 2013.
This is his second victory and sixth top-10 finish in seven races at Homestead-Miami Speedway.
Ryan Blaney (second) posted his first top-10 finish in two races at Homestead-Miami Speedway. It is his 13th top-10 finish in 2013.
Jeb Burton (third) posted his first top-10 finish in one races at Homestead-Miami Speedway.
Ryan Blaney (second) was the highest finishing rookie. Blaney also claimed the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series Sunoco Rookie of the Year honors tonight, becoming the youngest driver (19) in series history to win the award.
Matt Crafton leads the point standings by 40 points over Ty Dillon.
(NASCAR Integrated Marketing)(11-15-2013)

Championship Fast Facts:
Matt Crafton won his first NASCAR Camping World Truck Series championship. His previous best championship points finish was second in 2009.
Crafton is the 13th different driver to win the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series championship.
2013 marked Crafton's 14th year competing in the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series. He leads the series in consecutive starts with 316 - the most before winning NCWTS championship.
Crafton finished 40 points ahead of second-place Ty Dillon.
Crafton finished the 2013 season with one win, seven top-five and a series-high 19 top-10 finishes.
Crafton's 2013 Season Driver Rating is 96.7.

Owner: ThorSport Racing
This is ThorSport Racing's first NASCAR Camping World Truck Series driver championship. ThorSport Racing's previous best championship standings finish was third in 2009.
Owners Duke and Rhonda Thorson fielded their first truck in the series with driver Terry Cook at the Milwaukee Mile on July 6, 1996. ThorSport Racing has fielded at least one truck in 409 races, a run of 391 consecutive starts beginning at Walt Disney World Speedway in January 1998 - both are series records.
ThorSport Racing fielded one other full-time truck this season - the No. 98 driven by Johnny Sauter. Sauter finished the season fourth in the standings. He posted three wins, nine top fives and 14 top 10s in 2013.

Crew Chief Champion: Carl Joiner Jr.
This is Carl Joiner Jr.'s first career NASCAR Camping World Truck Series championship.
Joiner's previous best points finish was in 2012, when he finished sixth with Crafton.

Owner Champion: Kyle Busch Motorsports
This is Kyle Busch Motorsport's second NASCAR Camping World Truck Series owner championship. Kyle Busch Motorsports previous owner championship was in 2010. KBMs No. 51 tied ThorSport Racings No. 88 in owner points but is awarded the championship due the tiebreaker (wins).
Five drivers started a race in the No. 51 Toyota (Kyle Busch, 11; Erik Jones, 5; Chad Hackenbracht, 4; Denny Hamlin, 1; Scott Bloomquist, 1).
(NASCAR Integrated Marketing)(11-15-2013)

Driver standings following Homestead:
1) #88-Matt Crafton, 804
2) #3-Ty Dillon, 764, -40
3) #31-James Buescher, 761, -43
4) #98-Johnny Sauter, 732, -72
5) #4-Jeb Burton, 731, -73
6) #29-Ryan Blaney, 726, -78
7) #62-Brendan Gaughan, 717, -87
8) #54-Darrell Wallace, Jr., 704, -100
9) #32-Miguel Paludo, 697, -107
10) #17-Timothy Peters, 683, -121
See complete standings on the driver standings page (pdf).(11-15-2013)

Owner Standings following Homestead are posted (pdf).(11-15-2013)

Blaney on pole for Ford EcoBoost 200: #29-Ryan Blaney won the pole award for the Ford EcoBoost 200 at Homestead-Miami Speedway. Blaney won the pole with a fast lap at 168.120 mph. He is followed by: #98-Johnny Sauter, #3-Ty Dillon, #9-Nelson Piquet, Jr., #19-Ross Chastain, #31-James Buescher, #6-Austin Dillon, #88-Matt Crafton, #33-Cale Gale, and #32-Miguel Paludo. Did not qualify: #10-Jennifer Jo Cobb and #50-Brad Riethmeyer. See complete results on the Starting lineup (pdf) page.(11-15-2013)

Homestead Qualifying Notes:
Ryan Blaney won the 21 Means 21 Pole Award for the 18th Annual Ford EcoBoost 200 with a lap of 32.120 seconds, 168.120 mph.
This is his second pole in 31 NASCAR Camping World Truck Series races.
This is his second pole and 11th top-10 start in 2013.
This is his first pole in two races at Homestead-Miami Speedway.
Johnny Sauter (second) posted his ninth top-10 start of 2013 and his fifth in seven races at Homestead-Miami Speedway.
Ty Dillon (third) posted his third top-10 start at Homestead-Miami Speedway. It is his 17th in 22 races this season.
Ryan Blaney (first) was the fastest qualifying rookie.
(NASCAR Statistics)(11-15-2013)

Burton fastest in final practice at Homestead: #4-Jeb Burton was fastest during the one and only practice for Fridays Ford EcoBoost 200 season finale at Homestead Miami Speedway. Burton ran a fast lap at 167.354 mph. He was followed by: # #3-Ty Dillon, #31-James Buescher, #34-Ron Hornaday, Jr., #29-Ryan Blaney, #19-Ross Chastain, #8-Max Gresham, #9-Nelson Piquet, Jr., #77-German Quiroga, and #88-Matt Crafton. 38 trucks practiced during the session. Practice speeds are posted on the Homestead Final Practice page (pdf).(11-15-2013)

Piquet to close the season for NTS UPDATE: Brazilian Nelson Piquet, Jr. will take over driving duties of the #9 NTS Motorsports Chevy for the season finale at Homestead-Miami Speedway, making his first career start for NTS Motorsports. Piquet has two previous starts at the 1.5-mile Florida track, finishing fourth in both the 2011 and 2012 races while running the full NASCAR Camping World Truck Series. This weekend will mark Piquet's second NCWTS start of the 2013 season, as well as the 90th NASCAR race that he has competed in after moving over from Formula One racing in 2010.(NTS Motorsports)(11-13-2013)
UPDATE: hearing that Nelson Piquet Jr. will run the #9 NTS Motorsports truck full time in 2014 with Worx as the sponsor.(11-15-2013)

Classic Car Show at Homestead: Homestead-Miami Speedway will host a Ford Classic Car Show in conjunction with the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Ford EcoBoost 400 championship race on Sunday. Ford Motor Company Board Member Edsel Ford II will serve as a judge for the Best in Show contest, along with Penske Racing Owner Roger Penske and Roush Fenway Racings Co-owner Jack Roush. The show will be held at the tracks lower display (inside the admission gates), and will feature more than 75 cars that have already signed up to participate. Any fan with an admission ticket can visit the car show area. Participation is open to anyone with a show-ready Ford automobile and includes a ticket package that comes complete with a reserved spot in the show and one ticket to the season-ending Ford EcoBoost 400 race. Fans interested in participating should call 305.230.5210 or visit HomesteadMiamiSpeedway.com/FordCarShow. Tickets are going fast for Sundays Ford EcoBoost 400. Tickets also remain for the other two championship races during Ford Championship Weekend  Friday nights Ford EcoBoost 200, where a champion will be crowned in the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series, and Saturday afternoons Ford EcoBoost 300, the NASCAR Nationwide Series championship finale.(HMS)(11-15-2013)

HMS Grants $25,000 tp Local Organizations: Homestead-Miami Speedways charitable arm, Driving for a Cause, will award $25,000 in grants to four local organizations during Ford Championship Weekend. Homestead-Miami Speedway President Matthew Becherer made the announcement. The donations come in addition to the tracks donation of more $300,000 annually to dozens of South Florida organizations that donate their time to work Ford Championship Weekend in lieu of individual payment, and then receive a donation for their particular organization. The Farm Worker Association of Florida, Boys & Girls Club of Broward County, Branches (formerly South Florida Urban Ministries) and Homestead South Dade Kiwanis Foundation were selected as the initial recipients during in the recent Driving for a Cause grant review process. Each organization will be recognized during pre-race ceremonies Sunday prior to the Ford EcoBoost 400.(HMS)(11-15-2013)

AMS announces promotion of Dustin Bixby: Atlanta Motor Speedway President and GM Ed Clark has promoted Dustin Bixby to the position of Director of Marketing & Promotion. Bixby replaces Marcy Scott, the long-time Director of Marketing & Promotion at Atlanta Motor Speedway who passed away earlier this month following a courageous battle with cancer. Bixby was previously the Marketing & Promotion Manager at Atlanta Motor Speedway, joining the staff at the Speedway in July after ten seasons with the Gwinnett Gladiators of the ECHL, the Premiere AA Hockey League, where he was most recently the Vice President of New Media Sales and Communications. Bixby is a native of Crofton, Md., and currently resides in McDonough with his wife, Jessica. Bixby will lead Atlanta Motor Speedways marketing and promotion efforts for all Atlanta Motor Speedway events, ranging from the Labor Day Weekend of NASCAR night racing and the Summit Racing Equipment Atlanta Motorama to Thursday Thunder and Friday Night Drags & Show-N-Shine.(AMS)(11-15-2013)

added more 2014 schemes #11 FedEx: Express, Freight, Ground, Office schemes and #88 Diet Mountain Dew scheme.(11-14-2013)

NASCAR to change Hall of Fame selection process and eligibility; Cup champ to get a vote: before the 2013 NASCAR Championship Contenders Press Conference at Homestead-Miami Speedway on Thursday, NASCAR's Brett Jewkes made a special announcement:
BRETT JEWKES: "At Champions Week in Las Vegas, NASCAR will announce a number of different significant changes to the Hall of Fame selection process and eligibility. There is one we want to announce today because it's relevant to the proceedings that we'll have on Sunday afternoon. As we meet to select the 2015 Hall of Fame class this May, NASCAR will become the first major sport to include a current competitor on the voting panel. Moving forward, the reigning Sprint Cup Series champion will have a vote for the NASCAR Hall of Fame. One of these gentlemen [Jimmie Johnson, Matt Kenseth, Kevin Harvick] will be invited into that closed-door meeting and cast one of those precious votes to seat the 2015 class.(NASCAR)(11-14-2013)

3M Racing to salute the fans on the #16 at Homestead: To celebrate and thank fans for their support, Greg Biffle's car for Homestead is the #16 3M Fan Appreciation Ford Fusion, featuring the names and/or Twitter handles of the fans behind selected messages on the trunk. Each week, a #StickWithBiff message was selected, written on a Post-it Note and photographed at the track to share on social media with fans. Visit www.3M.com/racing to see an interactive close-up of the car, and view some of the #StickWithBiff messages submitted throughout the season.(Roush Fenway Racing), see an image of the car on the #16 Team Schemes page.(11-14-2013)

Kurt Busch wants top-10 points finish: Closing out the season at a racetrack where he achieved his greatest moment as a NASCAR driver, Kurt Busch is looking for some more magic at Homestead-Miami Speedway, site of Sunday's final Sprint Cup Series race of 2013. It was at the 1.5-mile intermediate South Florida track where Busch held off Jimmie Johnson and Jeff Gordon to capture the 2004 Cup championship, the first year of NASCAR's Chase playoff format. "Since 2004 there's been a nostalgic feeling when I get to Homestead," said Busch. "Winning the championship in the first year of the Chase was a magical time for me. But right now the focus is on the present, not the past. This will be my final ride with Furniture Row Racing and I want to make it a good one. We have plenty to shoot for when the green flag drops on Sunday." Busch, who is coming off a fifth-place finish at Phoenix, is positioned in 10th place in the Chase driver point standings. "We want to be 10th or better in the final point standings," said Busch, a seven-time Chase participant. "Being in the top-10 not only has a better ring to it, but it shows how far this single-car team out of Colorado has come in a short period of time and how well it has fared against the big dogs of the sport." An added perk for finishing in the top-10 is that Busch would be invited to speak at the NASCAR's awards banquet, Dec. 6 at the Wynn Hotel in his hometown of Las Vegas.
But there's more to shoot for at Homestead than a podium appearance at the annual awards gala. "This is our last chance to take the Furniture Row/Denver Mattress Chevrolet to Victory Lane," said Busch, a 2002 winner at Homestead. "There's nothing I want more for these Furniture Row guys who have worked so hard all year to give me a fast race car. Though we have a bunch of top-fives (11) and top-10s (16) we don't have that W. A victory would cap off an already successful season for our single-car team. It's been a great ride with a great bunch of guys and with an outstanding organization led by team owner Barney Visser." Speaking of top fives, Busch is tied for third with 11 top-five finishes this season. He also is one top-five finish shy of equaling his most top-fives in a season of 12, set in 2002.(FRR)(11-14-2013)

Calinoff Launches New Company: NASCAR notable, Mike Calinoff [current #17 spotter], has spent a good part of his career creating mutually-beneficial business relationships and designing creative funding models in the motorsports arena. Now, Calinoff has created a separate entity from his successful Public Relations, Social Influence and Branding company, 140BUZZ, to serve drivers and teams in their quest for sponsorships. GENER8PARTNERS, LLC with offices in Huntersville, NC and New York, NY will specialize in experiential marketing, leveraging consumer products and business-to-business relationships to develop sponsorship programs in motorsports with a dedicated staff. "We're not 'sponsor hunters', we're more like matchmakers," said Calinoff. "We're about creating opportunities for companies to not only gain exposure, but increase their businesses as a result of product leverage and creative relationships. The days of just vinyl on sheet metal are long gone."(140 BUZZ)(11-14-2013)

Special MS stickers on the #34 & #38 at HMS: The #34 Taco Bell Ford of David Ragan and the #38 Long John Silver's Ford of David Gilliland will carry a decal for the National Multiple Sclerosis Society this race weekend. The Society mobilizes people and resources to drive research for a cure and to address the challenges of everyone affected by this unpredictable disease affecting the central nervous system.
Ragan: "We're carrying a decal for the MS Society on our car this week. Our team has a personal connection to multiple sclerosis and we wanted to draw some attention to it and raise awareness about the good work the Society is doing and encourage NASCAR fans to join the movement. And this week it hit even closer to home in our sport hearing about Trevor's (Bayne) diagnosis. We hope everybody will go to nationalMSsociety.org and see how they can help."
Gilliland: "Our car will have a decal for the National Multiple Sclerosis Society this week. We have team members with loved ones affected by this disease and we wanted to show our support and raise some awareness among the NASCAR audience. And now we just heard that Trevor Bayne has been diagnosed with it, so we aren't the only team affected by it. We obviously wish him the best and expect he'll be on track rubbing fenders with us for a long time. Advances in treatments have come a long way and with more support, there might actually be a cure someday for everyone affected."(FRM)(11-14-2013)

Congrats: to #22-Joey Logano on his engagement to finace, Brittany Baca. Logano tweeted Thursday, "Yes it's true, I asked her last night. I'm so lucky to be engaged to my best friend. Thanks for all the congrats My fans are the best."(11-14-2013)

Homestead Facts and Notes - Thursday:
" There have been nine different NASCAR Sprint Cup race winners at HMS, three have won more than once, led by Greg Biffle and Tony Stewart with three each. Carl Edwards (two) is the only other driver with multiple wins at Homestead.
" Of the three drivers with multiple wins at HMS, Tony Stewart is the only driver to win in two different manufacturers: Pontiac (1999, 2000) and Chevrolet (2011).
" Two drivers have won consecutive races at HMS: Tony Stewart (1999, 2000 and 2012) and Greg Biffle (2004-2006).
" Carl Edwards leads the series in average finish at HMS with a 6.0; only two other drivers have an average finish inside the top 10: Kevin Harvick (7.9) and Martin Truex Jr. (9.8).
" Roush Fenway Racing leads the series in wins at HMS with seven, followed by Joe Gibbs Racing with four.
" Jimmie Johnson and Kevin Harvick lead the series in runner-up finishes at HMS with two each.
" Jeff Gordon leads the series in top-five finishes at HMS with seven; followed by Carl Edwards and Kevin Harvick with five each.
" Eight of the nine NASCAR Sprint Cup drivers who have won at HMS participated in at least two or more races before visiting Victory Lane. Tony Stewart (1999) is the only driver to win at the track in his first appearance.
" Since the advent of electronic scoring the closest margin of victory in the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series at HMS is the (4/10/2010) race won by Greg Biffle with a MOV of 0.017 seconds.
" Danica Patrick will have the opportunity to become the first female driver to compete in the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series at HMS this weekend.(NASCAR)(11-14-2013)

Hornish still unsure of 2014 plans UPDATE: #12-Sam Hornish Jr. is fighting for much more than a NASCAR Nationwide Series championship over the next two weekends. Hes fighting for the chance to stay in NASCAR. During the ESPN prerace show for Saturdays Nationwide race at Phoenix International Raceway, former Penske Racing driver Rusty Wallace reported that Roger Penske is hoping to retain Hornish for next season but a continuation is dependent on securing sponsorship money. Hornish has been advised to shop his services elsewhere just in case Team Penske is unable to seal the deal.(Popular Speed)(11-9-2013)
UPDATE: Hornish met with the media Thursday afternoon at Homestead-Miami;
ANY UPDATE FOR NEXT YEAR? "Nothing new at this point in time. I continue to talk to people and try to figure out what the best options are gonna be and actually what the options are. Theres a lot of uncertainty at this point in time, but I feel as if well be able to make something happen. But, like I've said in the past, its all about trying to position me to move forward in some way. I don't want to take anymore steps backwards or be in something that's not gonna give me the opportunity to go out there and be competitive and have an opportunity to at least run in the top-10."(Ford Racing)(11-14-2013)

BKR renews sponsorships and Blaney for 2014: Brad Keselowski Racing announced today that the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series team owned by the 2012 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series champion and 2010 NASCAR Nationwide Series champion has signed one of its primary partners, Cequent Performance Products , to a multi-year contract extension. Cequent, a leading designer, manufacturer, and marketer of a broad range of towing and trailer accessory products, has partnered with BKR since 2012 and is currently in the middle of an existing agreement with the race-winning team that runs through the 2014 season. The new agreement takes effect in 2015 and will continue through 2017, during which time Cequent brands such as Draw-Tite and Reese will be featured as the primary sponsor on the #19 BKR Ford F-150 for at least ten races each season. Cequent will also continue to receive associate sponsor branding on the #19 entry for the balance of the races and be featured on the #29 BKR Cooper Standard Ford F-150 as an associate sponsor for every Truck Series race each season.
AND: Brad Keselowski Racing announced today that the team has signed one of its primary partners, Cooper Standard, to a contract extension. 2014 will mark Cooper Standard's fourth consecutive season with BKR and second campaign as a full-season partner. Cooper Standard, a leading global supplier of systems and components for the automotive industry, enhanced its 2011 and 2012 involvement with the team and currently serves as the primary partner on the #29 Ford F-150 with rising NASCAR star and Penske Racing driver Ryan Blaney behind the wheel. The Novi, Michigan-based company will continue its relationship with BKR as primary sponsor for all the 2014 Truck Series races on the #29, and Blaney will return to the team to compete for the 2014 Truck Series drivers championship.(Brad Keselowski Racing)(11-14-2013)

Crafton, Menards renew with ThorSport for 2014 NASCAR Camping World Truck Series veteran and imminent 2013 champion Matt Crafton and primary sponsor Menards have renewed their agreements that will keep Crafton in ThorSport Racings #88 Menards Toyota Tundra for the 2014 Truck Series season. The 2014 Truck Series campaign will mark the 10th consecutive year that Crafton, who owns the series record for consecutive starts, 315, going into Fridays season finale, will drive the #88 Menards truck for ThorSport, and his 13th overall for the team based near Lake Erie.(ThorSport Racing)(11-14-2013)

ThorSport announces sponsor, Sauter through 2015 UPDATE: Cleveland-based Nextant Aerospace, the world leader in business aircraft remanufacturing, today announced it will join ThorSport Racing for the 2014 and 2015 NASCAR Camping World Truck Series seasons. The #98 Nextant Aerospace Toyota Tundra, piloted by championship contender Johnny Sauter, is due to take flight as primary sponsor beginning in Daytona for a total of 12 races per season as well as associate sponsorship throughout the duration of the alliance. Nextant and ThorSport Racing are proud of their shared Ohio heritage. For ThorSport, its geographical location far from the majority of other teams in North Carolina, makes the organizations NASCAR success including 12 wins, 110 top-5, 245 top-10 finishes and 14 pole awards, all the more significant. To make its competitive efforts more efficient, ThorSport Racing has acquired a Nextant 400XTi to support racing logistics. The truck was unveiled today, in Las Vegas, Nevada at The Business Aviation Convention & Exhibition. One of the premier aviation events of the year, the partnership between Nextant Aerospace and TSR was introduced to 25,000 attendees, over 100 journalists and more than 45 media partners. The truck will make its on-track debut February 21, 2014 at Daytona International Speedway, where Sauter is the defending race winner.(See an image on the #98 team paint schemes page)(ThorSport Racing PR)(10-21-2013)
UPDATE: Veteran NASCAR driver Johnny Sauter has signed a multi-year contract extension with ThorSport Racing that will keep the pilot that's won nine races in his five years with ThorSport in owners Duke and Rhonda Thorson's #98 Toyota Tundra in the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series. In 2014 Sauter will split time with a variety of color schemes on his #98 Tundras representing Nextant Aerospace / Curb Records and Carolina Nut Co. / Curb Records.(ThorSport Racing)(11-14-2013)

New sponsor for Reutimann at Homestead: Race fans will have to keep a keener eye for the #83 BK Racing Toyota in Sunday's NASCAR Sprint Cup season finale at Homestead-Miami Speedway. The red and white has been replaced with Mardi Gras colors of purple and gold for Prairieville, LA based VooDoo BBQ & Grill. VooDoo BBQ & Grill opened its first location in New Orleans, LA on Mardi Gras Day 2002 and has expanded to reach 57 planned locations in six states. VooDoo serves competition-style barbecue beef, pork and chicken with unique side dishes, plus salads and sandwiches, in a clean, colorful fast-casual environment. VooDoo currently has nine locations in Louisiana, Florida and South Carolina. They have been the recipient of many taste and business awards, as well as charitable support of many worthwhile causes throughout the state of Louisiana. "We're thrilled to have this opportunity to be associated with NASCAR and the BK Racing Team at one of the most important races of the year," said Tony Avila, Chief Executive Officer of VooDoo BBQ & Grill. "This level of exposure for VooDoo is unparalleled. We appreciate Ron Devine and the entire team at BK racing for this tremendous opportunity."
"VooDoo's unique offering is something NASCAR fans have never seen," said team owner Ron Devine. "I feel that VooDoo's continued growth, along with BK Racing's will make for a great partnership."(BK Racing), see an image of the car on the #83 Team Schemes page.(11-13-2013)

Kvapil adds associate sponsor for Homestead: Travis Kvapi's #93 Dr Pepper Toyota Camry team will carry associate sponsorship from Sarasota, FL based MobileBits Corp., provider of Samy, a leading mobile marketing & engagement network, in Sunday's NASCAR Sprint Cup season finale at Homestead-Miami Speedway. The Samy logo will be prominently displayed on the rear deck lid and the quarter panels of the BK Racing Toyota. Additionally, BK Racing will create its own branded mobile store within the Samy network, making it available to race fans everywhere. Consumers and fans can connect with the team and drivers as well as browse merchandise through Samy on their mobile devices. "We are very excited to be part of BK Racing in this multifaceted approach," said Walter Kostiuk, President and CEO of MobileBits. "We know a lot of our customers are NASCAR fans and this is a great opportunity to showcase the Samy brand." Download Samy for free and connect with the BK Racing Team today for exclusive alerts and merchandise offers.(BK Racing), see an image of the car on the #93 Team Schemes page.(11-13-2013)

Phoenix TV Ratings: ESPNs live telecast of the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series race at Phoenix International Raceway on Sunday, Nov. 10, earned a 2.7 U.S. household rating, averaging 4,271,141 viewers, according to Nielsen Media. The rating and viewership numbers were slightly lower than those for last years race, which earned a 2.8 rating with 4,423,473 average viewers. Of the 8 races in the Chase for the NASCAR Sprint Cup that have been run and telecast as scheduled, six have had ratings and viewership that were higher than last year. The first race at Chicagoland Speedway was rain-delayed.
ESPN2s live telecast of the NASCAR Nationwide Series race at Phoenix on Saturday, Nov. 9, earned a 1.0 U.S. household rating, averaging 1,391,586 viewers. The rating was the same as the 2012 rating while the viewership average for 2012 was 1,532,748.(ESPN), see past races for 2013 and 5-year comparison chart on the 2013 NASCAR TV Ratings page.(11-13-2013)

Allmendinger returns to the #47: AJ Allmendinger wraps up the 2013 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series season for JTG Daugherty Racing behind the wheel of the #47 SCOTT Products Win My Car Toyota Camry at Homestead-Miami Speedway. In four starts at Homestead, Allmendingers performances include one top-five and two top-10 finishes. His best start and finish is fifth (11/21/10). His average start is 18.250 and his average finish is 10.250.(JTG Daugherty Racing)(11-13-2013)

Need for Speed Mustang to Pace Ford Championship Weekend: Race fans planning on attending Ford Championship Weekend at Homestead-Miami Speedway Nov. 15-17 already know theyre going to see stock cars racing side-by-side at breathtaking speeds. Its the speed of another sort, however, that Ford Motor Co. hopes has them talking even more. When the cars of the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series take the track on Nov. 17 for the Ford EcoBoost 400 season finale, they will be led by a one-of-a-kind Mustang that is a featured star in the upcoming Hollywood movie and Electronic Arts video game entitled Need for Speed. In addition to the Need for Speed Mustang, Ford will be using the all-new F-150 Tremor to pace the Ford EcoBoost 200 NASCAR Camping World Truck Series event on Friday, Nov. 15, and the Mustang GT500 for the NASCAR Nationwide Series Ford EcoBoost 300 on Saturday, Nov. 16. The Need for Speed Mustang was created solely for the movie and features a custom-designed wide body created specifically for this new role with unique 22-inch alloy wheels, capable of supporting 900 horsepower, and larger intakes to feed its supercharged V-8 engine. Also keeping the engine cool is the enlarged lower grille with corner air intakes to cool the front brakes. Designers also worked on reducing aerodynamic drag by using low profile mirrors and extended rocker panels. The splitter was also redesigned to provide better handling at high speeds. The rear spoiler and diffuser were created to improve airflow, reducing drag and giving additional traction for high-speed acceleration. The movie, starring Aaron Paul, Michael Keaton, Dominic Cooper and Imogen Poots, is scheduled to debut in the Spring of 2014 while fans of the popular Electronic Arts video game series by the same name will be able to buy the latest version later this month. This marks the 12th year Ford has served as title sponsor of Ford Championship Weekend.(Ford Racing), see images of the pace car and some other pace cars from 2013 on the 2013 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series pace car images page.(11-13-2013)

A Special Tribute for Harvick: In honor of his time at Richard Childress Racing, #29-Kevin Harvick will wear a special helmet for Sundays race to recognize all of the accomplishments and milestones achieved during his time with the team. The helmet features images from several of his key wins and NNS championships, as well as other special moments from his career.(RCR)(11-13-2013)

Homestead-Miami Top Three Driver Stats:
1 - #48-Jimmie Johnson
ˇ Season-to-Date Driver Rating: 110.3
2013 Rundown
ˇ Six wins, 16 top fives, 23 top 10s; three poles
ˇ Average finish of 10.7
ˇ Led 23 races for 1,985 laps
Homestead-Miami Speedway Outlook:
ˇ Four top fives, seven top 10s; two poles
ˇ Average finish of 15.3 in 12 races
ˇ Average Running Position of 13.8, ninth-best
ˇ Driver Rating of 95.1, sixth-best
ˇ 62 Fastest Laps Run, 13th-most
ˇ 1,533 Laps in the Top 15 (71.7%), fifth-most
ˇ 339 Quality Passes (passes of cars in the top 15 under green), fifth-most
2 - #20-Matt Kenseth
ˇ Season-to-Date Driver Rating: 110.0
2013 Rundown
ˇ Seven wins, 11 top fives, 19 top 10s; two poles
ˇ Average finish of 12.4
ˇ Led 25 races for 1,639 laps
Homestead-Miami Speedway Outlook:
ˇ One win, three top fives, five top 10s
ˇ Average finish of 17.6 in 13 races
ˇ Average Running Position of 9.3, third-best
ˇ Driver Rating of 106.0, third-best
ˇ 84 Fastest Laps Run, ninth-most
ˇ Average Green Flag Speed of 162.167 mph, third-fastest
ˇ 1,717 Laps in the Top 15 (80.3%), second-most
ˇ 328 Quality Passes, ninth-most
3 - #29-Kevin Harvick
ˇ Season-to-Date Driver Rating: 95.0
2013 Rundown
ˇ Four wins, nine top fives, 20 top 10s; one pole
ˇ Average finish of 11.2
ˇ Led 11 races for 261 laps
Homestead-Miami Speedway Outlook:
ˇ Five top fives, 10 top 10s
ˇ Average finish of 7.9 in 12 races
ˇ Average Running Position of 10.6, fourth-best
ˇ Driver Rating of 100.1, fourth-best
ˇ 68 Fastest Laps Run, 11th-most
ˇ 561 Green Flag Passes, 13th-most
ˇ Average Green Flag Speed of 162.022 mph, fourth-fastest
ˇ 1,607 Laps in the Top 15 (75.2%), third-most
ˇ 339 Quality Passes, fifth-most
(NASCAR)(11-13-2013)

Nitro Circus on the #60 at Homestead: Eleven time X-Games Gold Medalist, US Super-Cross Champion, four time US Rally Champion and NASCAR driver Travis Pastrana will run a Nitro Circus and Nitro City themed paint scheme for the final race of the 2013 NASCAR Nationwide Series season on November 16 at Homestead-Miami Speedway. The #60 Roush Fenway Racing Ford Mustang will celebrate Patranas Nitro Circus Live North American Tour and Action Sports Resort, Nitro City Panama. The Nitro Circus crew is currently touring their live show in Russia and Europe and will hit North America from January 3 - 26 for a 13 city tour. Nitro Circus Live's show is an action-packed event, featuring the best athletes in the action sports world. The show is a fully choreographed action sports spectacle that combines big stunts and outrageous feats on an array of contraptions launched off Nitro Circus Live's multi-million dollar set and famous 50-ft. 'Gigant-A-Ramp'.(Nitro Circus), see images of the car on the #60 team paint schemes page.(11-13-2013)

Piquet to close the season for NTS: Brazilian Nelson Piquet, Jr. will take over driving duties of the #9 NTS Motorsports Chevy for the season finale at Homestead-Miami Speedway, making his first career start for NTS Motorsports. Piquet has two previous starts at the 1.5-mile Florida track, finishing fourth in both the 2011 and 2012 races while running the full NASCAR Camping World Truck Series. This weekend will mark Piquet's second NCWTS start of the 2013 season, as well as the 90th NASCAR race that he has competed in after moving over from Formula One racing in 2010.(NTS Motorsports)(11-13-2013)

Dillon, SGR team up: Sharp-Gallaher Racing announced today that NASCAR Nationwide Series Championship points leader and 2011 NASCAR Camping World Truck Series Champion Austin Dillon will drive the #6 Chevy in the Camping World Truck Series season finale at Homestead-Miami Speedway on Friday, Nov. 15. Sharp-Gallaher Racing won the 2012 event at the 1.5-mile South Florida racetrack in an exciting last lap pass by Cale Gale. Dillon is no stranger to the Camping World Truck Series. In his rookie season of competition in 2010, Dillon earned Rookie of the Year honors and finished fifth in the Driver's Championship Point Standings, becoming only the second rookie to do so in nine seasons. He followed up his rookie season success by claiming the 2011 Camping World Truck Series Driver's Championship title in RCR's #3 Chevy, becoming the youngest champion in series history at 21 years, six months and 22 days.(Sharp Gallaher Racing)(11-13-2013)

Daytona 500 Winner Trevor Bayne Diagnosed with MS: Daytona 500 winner and Roush Fenway Racing (RFR) driver Trevor Bayne has announced that he has been diagnosed with multiple sclerosis (explanation of MS). Bayne - 22 years old - has undergone extensive testing at the Mayo Clinic and has been cleared by doctors and NASCAR to compete behind the wheel. "I've never been more driven to compete," said Bayne. "My goals are the same as they've been since I started racing. I want to compete at the highest level and I want to win races and championships. I am in the best shape I've ever been in and I feel good," added Bayne. "There are currently no symptoms and I'm committed to continuing to take the best care of my body as possible. I will continue to trust God daily and know that His plan for me is what is best. As for now, I want to close out the season strong this weekend at Homestead and then shift my focus on getting ready to compete for the NASCAR Nationwide Series (NNS) Championship in 2014. I have a great team, a great family and great people all around me. I have been truly blessed in life and I look forward to what my future holds."
"We are 100% supportive of Trevor and his ability to compete in a race car," said Roush Fenway team owner Jack Roush. "I have full confidence in Trevor and his partners have all expressed that same confidence and support. As with all of our drivers, we look forward to standing behind Trevor and providing him with all of the tools he needs as he continues to develop in his young career."(see full press release at Roush Fenway Racing's website)(11-12-2013)

No Crew Chief Changes for Hendrick: Team owner Rick Hendrick said before Sunday's race at Phoenix that there's no basis to rumors of impending crew chief changes among his four NASCAR Sprint Cup teams. "That's right -- no changes," said Hendrick, who swapped crew chiefs among three of his teams at the end of the 2010 season, leaving only the combination of driver Jimmie Johnson and crew chief Chad Knaus intact. "I don't know where any of that came from, but there's not going to be any changes. Nobody's even discussed anything. Everybody's pretty happy with what we've got& good momentum in the Chase and winning races. Take the things like blown tires and engines out of the equation, and it's one of the best Chases we've had, so there's no reason to change anything."(NASCAR Wire Service)(11-12-2013)

Only four drivers made up points deficit in finale: Since the inception of the position-based points system in 1975, only four drivers have made up a points deficit in the season finale: Richard Petty in 1979 (made up two points on Darrell Waltrip), Alan Kulwicki in 1992 (made up 30 points on Davey Allison), Jimmie Johnson in 2010 (made up 15 points on Denny Hamlin) and Tony Stewart in 2011 (made up three points on Carl Edwards). Note: Stewarts comeback is the only one made under the current one-point-per-position structure.(NASCAR)

Top 13 Driver Rating at Homestead:
#99-Carl Edwards...................... 119.0
#56-Martin Truex Jr................... 110.8
#20-Matt Kenseth...................... 106.0
#29-Kevin Harvick..................... 100.1
#24-Jeff Gordon.......................... 95.8
#48-Jimmie Johnson................... 95.1
#15-Clint Bowyer......................... 92.2
#18-Kyle Busch........................... 91.5
#16-Greg Biffle........................... 91.0
#5-Kasey Kahne........................ 90.2
Tony Stewart........................ 89.7
#11-Denny Hamlin....................... 88.8
#39-Ryan Newman...................... 85.7
Note: Driver Ratings compiled from 2005-2012 races (eight total) among active drivers at Homestead-Miami Speedway.
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)

Homestead Facts and Notes - Tuesday:
ˇ Groundbreaking for Homestead-Miami Dade Motorsports Complex  as the track was originally named  began Aug. 24, 1993.
ˇ The first race held at Homestead-Miami Speedway was a NASCAR Nationwide Series event on Nov. 5, 1995  won by NASCAR Hall of Famer Dale Jarrett.
ˇ The original configuration was a four-turn, rectangular oval based on Indianapolis Motor Speedway's layout.
ˇ The first NASCAR Sprint Cup Series race at HMS was held on Nov. 14, 1999  won by Tony Stewart.
ˇ 2002 was the first season of the Championship Weekend at HMS, with all three of NASCARs national series holding their season finale at the same track.
ˇ There have been 14 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series races at Homestead-Miami Speedway, one per season since 1999.
ˇ 110 drivers have competed in at least one NASCAR Sprint Cup race at HMS; 87 in more than one.
ˇ Four drivers have started all 14 NASCAR Sprint Cup races at HMS: Jeff Burton, Jeff Gordon, Tony Stewart and Bobby Labonte.
(NASCAR)(11-12-2013)

Phoenix TV Ratings: ESPN2s live telecast of the NASCAR Nationwide Series race at Phoenix on Saturday, Nov. 9, earned a 1.0 U.S. household rating, averaging 1,391,586 viewers. The rating was the same as the 2012 rating while the viewership average for 2012 was 1,532,748.(ESPN)(11-12-2013)

Koch joins RAB Racing at Homestead: Homestead-Miami Speedway will see it's hometown driver, Blake Koch make his first start with RAB Racing on Saturday, November 16th in the Compassion Racing Toyota Camry. For 61 years, Compassion International has been dedicated to the long-term development of children living in poverty, and currently helps 1.4 million children around the world. Compassion is the world's leading authority for holistic child development. GodSpeaks will serve as an associate sponsor for the Homestead-Miami event and has been a partner with Koch for over five years, including his first starts in late models. GodSpeaks aims to interrupt our crazy-busy lives to deliver simple yet compelling messages signed by God. GodSpeaks places these messages where most of us live, work and play.(RAB Racing)(11-12-2013)

Winfield sponsoring Armstrong at Homestead: TriStar Motorsports will join forces with WinField for the final NASCAR Nationwide Series race of the 2013 season at Homestead-Miami Speedway. A leading agribusiness company, WinField will serve as the primary sponsor on the #19 Toyota Camry, driven by 21-year-old NASCAR Nationwide Series rookie Dakoda Armstrong.(TriStar Motorsports), see an image of the car on the #19 team paint schemes page.(11-12-2013)

Lajoie to make Nationwide debut at Homestead: Richard Petty Motorsports Development Driver Corey LaJoie will make his first NASCAR Nationwide Series start at Homestead-Miami Speedway this weekend. RPM will field a second NNS entry at the one-and-a-half mile track for the rookie driver. LaJoie will pilot the #9 Victory Junction Ford Mustang. Mike Shiplett, current car chief of the #9 Sprint Cup team, will be the crew chief and the #43 Cup crew will pit the car. LaJoie has turned heads in 2013 after making three trips to Victory Lane in just five ARCA Racing Series starts. The wins have showcased the bright future of the 22-year-old who has also competed in the NASCAR K&N East Series and NASCAR Whelen Modified Series before joining the RPM organization earlier this year. Since 2009, LaJoie has 35 starts in the K&N East Series. In those 35 starts, he's accumulated five wins, 17 top-five finishes, 20 top-10 finishes and one pole. LaJoie also has a total of six ARCA starts since 2009, earning a total of three wins and four top-five finishes. LaJoie will carry the colors of Victory Junction, a year-round camping facility that serves children, ages 6 to 16, with chronic medical conditions or serious illnesses. During the summer, Victory Junction offers disease-specific sessions with up to 128 children per session. During the fall, winter and spring, family weekends are offered to up to 32 families per weekend. Victory Junction is a member of the SeriousFun Network founded by Paul Newman and is accredited by the rigorous guidelines of the American Camping Association. The camp was found to honor the memory of Adam Petty.(Richard Petty Motorsports), see an image of the car on the #9 team paint schemes page.(11-12-2013)

Hornaday out at NTS UPDATE 4: Fox Sports reporter Ray Dunlap posted on his Twitter on Firday evening that Ron Hornaday, Jr. would not finish the season in the #9 Chevy of NTS Motorsports at Homestead-Miami Speedway, adding that Turner Scott Motorsports driver Nelson Piquet, Jr. will be in the truck.(11-8- 2013)
UPDATE: Ron Hornaday, Jr. confirmed in an interview during the Phoenix race broadcast that he was informed before the race that he would not be driving for NTS in Homestead. Steve Turner, co-owner of Turner Scott Motorsports, in turn offered Hornaday a ride for the season-finale.(11-8-2013)
UPDATE 2: Four-time champion Ron Hornaday is looking for a ride for next season after being told that Friday night's Camping World Truck Series race would be his last with NTS Motorsports. Hornaday said that Steve Turner contacted him and will put him in a Truck for next week's season finale at Homestead-Miami Speedway. Hornaday's run with NTS Motorsports ended after a tire blew and sent him into the wall. He finished 28th. The 55-year-old Hornaday said he was told 10 minutes before the race that Friday would be his last ride with team. "We left on good terms,'' he said. "If you don't want me there I don't want to be there. We shook hands. We'll go on.'' Hornaday is 11th in the points with nine top-10 finishes in 21 starts. Hornaday, the winningest driver in series history, said he still wants to race and will look for a ride for next season.(MRN.com)(11-9-2013)
UPDATE 3: NTS Motorsports has released Ron Hornaday, Jr. of his driving duties, following the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series race at Phoenix International Raceway. The driver for the #9 NTS Motorsports truck will be announced prior to the season finale at Homestead-Miami Speedway. "We at NTS Motorsports appreciate everything Ron (Hornaday) has done this year to help build NTS Motorsports in its first year competing at the national level in NASCAR," said team owner Bob Newberry. "Ron has been a great asset to our organization and we wish him the best in his future endeavors." (NTS Motorsports)(11-9-2013)
UPDATE 4: Hornaday will be driving the #34 Smokey Mountain Herbal Snuff Chevy at Homestead.(See an image on the #34 team paint schemes page)(Turner Scott Motorsports)(11-12-2013)

Zendaya to sing the National Anthem prior to the Ford EcoBoost 400: Actress and Hollywood Records recording artist Zendaya will present the National Anthem prior to the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series championship race, the Ford EcoBoost 400, at Homestead-Miami Speedway on Sunday, November 17. Zendaya recently released her self-titled debut full-length album featuring her hit single Replay. She also stars as Raquel Rocky Blue, one half of the comedic duo of young dancers trying to dance her way to stardom, in the hit Disney Channel series Shake It Up! Zendaya was the break out star and runner-up on Season 16 of ABCs Dancing with the Stars. Tickets are going fast for the Ford EcoBoost 400. Tickets also remain for the other two championship races that are part of Ford Championship Weekend -- Saturdays Nationwide Series finale, the Ford EcoBoost 300 (Nov. 16), and Fridays Camping World Truck Series championship, the Ford EcoBoost 200 (Nov. 15).(HMS)(11-12-2013)

Dierks Bentley to perform at Homestead pre-race: Country music superstar Dierks Bentley will take the stage at Homestead-Miami Speedway for an hour-long concert prior to the start of the Ford EcoBoost 400 on Sunday, November 17. The multi-platinum and 11 time Grammy-nominated artist will headline the popular pre-race concert on the tracks frontstretch just before NASCARs biggest and brightest stars settle the season-long Sprint Cup Series championship. The concert will begin at 12:30 pm/et, and fans with any Sunday Ford EcoBoost 400 ticket will be able to watch the concert. In addition to the concert, Homestead-Miami Speedway and Bentley have teamed up to create a ticket package. The package includes a ticket to the Ford EcoBoost 400 and a Pre-Race Pit Pass to allow fans an up-close view of the concert for $105 (valued at $175 if priced individually). For more information about Ford EcoBoost 400 tickets and other entertainment during Ford Championship Weekend, please visit homesteadmiamispeedway.com, or call 305.230.5255.(HMS)(11-12-2013)

Entry List for the Ford EcoBoost 400 Sprint Cup Series race at Homestead-Miami Speedway is posted, 43 teams/drivers [for 43 spots] are listed, including: #51-Kyle Larson, #32-Ken Schrader (supposedly his final Cup race), #30-Kligerman, #47-Allmendinger, #21-Bayne, #33-Raines, #40-Cassill. Since only 43 cars are entered, all drivers will make the race.
See the full entry list at my Jayski's Homestead Entry List

Changes at Roush Fenway Racing? hearing that Mike Kelley will replace Scott Graves as Ricky Stenhouse Jr.'s crew chief on the #17 Cup team in 2014 and Graves will move to Roush Fenway Racing's Nationwide team with driver Trevor Bayne. Current Roush Fenway Racing General Manager, Robbie Reiser will move to RFR's Competition Director position.(11-11-2013

Allgaier and Addington to team up in 2014? hearing the Justin Allgaier will move up to the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series to run full time in the #51 Chevy owned by Harry Scott and run for 2014 Rookie of the Year. Been told that Steve Addington will move from the #14 Stewart Haas Racing team and be Allgaier's crew chief. Current #1 crew chief, Kevin Manion will likely move from Earnhardt Ganassi Racing to be the Competition Director at Turner Scott Motorsports.(11-11-2013)

Phoenix Race and Commercial Breakdown: For those of you NASCAR fans that like stats and love to hate commercials, here is the breakdown for Sundays race. Began recording the times at the Invocation of the race at 3:02 PM, and stopped at the waving of the checkered flag at 6:15 PM (all times are EST). ESPN was the broadcast team for this event.
Start time to record race/commercial periods: 3:02 PM
End time to record race/commercial periods: 6:15 PM
Total minutes of complete race broadcast: 193
Minutes of race broadcast: 163
Minutes of traditional commercials (not split-screen): 30
Minutes of Side-by-Side commercials (split-screen): 18
Number of missed restarts: 0
Number of mystery cautions (debris not shown): 0
Number of Ford commercials cut short to come back to a caution: 1
Total race brdcst time 163 Total comm. brdcst time 30
Total number of commercials: 101
Total number of companies or entities advertised: 45
Number of traditional commercials (not split-screen): 61
Total number of companies or entities advertised: 32
Number of Side-by-Side commercials during race broadcast (split-screen): 40
Total number of companies or entities advertised: 27
Number of times ESPN utilized Side-by-Side commercials during this broadcast: 8
Total number of brief promos of products/services during the race broadcast: 29
Total number of companies or entities advertised in brief promos or crawlers: 14
Total amount of time these brief promos take during broadcast: app. 3 min. 10 sec.
See past races, links, more info on the 2013 TV Commercials page.(11-11-2013)

Hendrick thinks Martin may race again: Mark Martin says he doesnt plan to race in the Sprint Cup Series next year. But one of his bigger fans and former car owners isnt so sure. Hes still super-competitive, and I wouldnt bet that he doesnt show up again, Rick Hendrick said before Sundays AdvoCare 500 at Phoenix International Raceway. Martin won five races for Hendrick from 2009-11. Everywhere he goes, hes made a difference, said Hendrick, whose current stable includes Jimmie Johnson, Jeff Gordon, Dale Earnhardt Jr. and Kasey Kahne. At his age (54), he deserves to take a break if he wants to, but hes still an awesome driver.Im just telling you, I wouldnt be surprised, as good as he is, if someone (team) gets in a jam and needs a driver, theyll be calling him. And I bet he comes back. Asked about that possibility by azcentral sports Friday, Martin admitted, I cant imagine not getting called. Im prepared to deal with that on a one-on-one basis. ... I wont be in the Daytona 500 under any circumstances.(Arizona Republic)(11-11-2013)

Four 2012 race winners have ONE race left to continue streaks: four drivers that won a Sprint Cup Series race in 2012 have not won a race in 2013 with only one race left in the 2013 season. #11-Denny Hamlin has won at least one race in seven straight seasons, the list of drivers looking to extend their streaks:
seasons with at least a win, driver, track/date that continued streak, time period of streak
7, Denny Hamlin, Phoenix, March 2012 [2006-2012]
3, Clint Bowyer, Sonoma, June 2012 [2010-2012] 2, Marcos Ambrose, Watkins Glen, August 2012 [2011-2012] 1, Dale Earnhardt Jr., Michigan, June 2012 [2012]

Congrats Pete Williams: Roush Fenway Racing's Pete Williams and wife Storee welcomed a baby girl (7lbs 21 inches), born on Sunday, Nov 10, 2013.(11-11-2013)

Congrats Greg Fornelli: CEO Stock Car Steel & Aluminum on the birth of daughter Georgia Lee Fornelli, born on November 7, 2013 to wife Jenny. Stock Car Steele & Aluminum is the main supplier to all of the race shops fielding NASCAR Teams.(11-11-2013)

Pastrana will not return to NASCAR: #60-Travis Pastrana posted the following message on his Facebook page:
This past season of NASCAR has been an awesome experience. I have made a lot of great friends, had a lot of fun and gained a new appreciation for all aspects of this sport. Jack Roush and everyone at Roush Fenway Racing have gone above and beyond to try and help me succeed and I am truly grateful for their support. I would like to thank them and all of the other people who stuck behind me during the last two years as I tried to learn how to make a successful career in NASCAR. Its tough to step back now and prove the critics were right, but unfortunately my results were not good enough to get the sponsors I needed to appropriately fund next season.
My wife Lyn-z has been more then supportive of my foray into NASCAR, often times being my biggest source of encouragement and support. But as my wife had to take a step back from being a professional skater to let me chase my goals in racing, I too need to take a step back and look at my situation as a father and husband. The NASCAR schedule is grueling and takes enormous sacrifices from those you love to make work. With a lack of funding next year, now is my opportunity to sit back and offer support as she chases her goals.
I hate to quit and I hate to fail, but sometimes things work out as they should. I've never been able to figure out the finesse required in pavement racing and that is disappointing, but I'm looking forward to driving more rally and racing more off-road trucks and there will be some announcements on those fronts shortly!(11-11-2013)

Changes at Roush Fenway Racing? hearing that Mike Kelley will replace Scott Graves as Ricky Stenhouse Jr.'s crew chief on the #17 Cup team in 2014 and Graves will move to Roush Fenway Racing's Nationwide team with driver Trevor Bayne. Current Roush Fenway Racing General Manager, Robbie Reiser will move to RFR's Competition Director position.(11-11-2013)

Allgaier and Addington to team up in 2014? hearing the Justin Allgaier will move up to the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series to run full time in the #51 Chevy owned by Harry Scott and run for 2014 Rookie of the Year. Been told that Steve Addington will move from the #14 Stewart Haas Racing team and be Allgaier's crew chief. Current #1 crew chief, Kevin Manion will likely move from Earnhardt Ganassi Racing to be the Competition Director at Turner Scott Motorsports.(11-11-2013)

Entry list: There are 36 trucks on the preliminary entry list for this Friday's season finale at the Homestead-Miami Speedway. Some notes include;
Austin Dillon in the #6;
Frank Kimmel in the #13;
Benjamin Kennedy in the #30;
Cale Gale in the #33;
Mason Mingus in the #35;
Travis Kvapil in the #93;
Chad McCumbee in the #99;
Ron Hornaday, Jr. was entered in the #9, but he will not be in the truck, rather an additional Turner Scott Motorsports entry. Additionally, the #8 of Max Gresham is not on the preliminary list. (11-11-2013)
UPDATE: Hornaday is expected to drive the #34 and Gresham is expected in the #8.(11-11-2013)
See the complete list on the Homestead entry list page.

Future of Kyle Busch Motorsports uncertain UPDATE: What does the future hold for Kyle Busch Motorsports? At 28, Busch is doing his best to give back to the sport. He currently fields trucks in the Camping World Series for 23-year-old up-and-comer Joey Coulter, and for Drive for Diversity standout Darrell Wallace Jr., 20. Parker Kligerman, 23, drives the #77 Toyota on the Nationwide tour. But with just four months to prepare before 2014 Speedweeks at Daytona International Speedway, a lack of sponsorship could force Kyle Busch Motorsports to downsize again. In the last week, KBM was forced to release an additional 10 employees. And it pains Busch to have to make those calls. "You never want to see that happen. Certainly, it's tough. We hate having to go through what we did. This was our most prosperous year of being in the business. We had four teams. We had 82 employees  or something like that. It was great to have that feeling to be able to take care of that many families, but you have to make sure you don't go broke doing it." While Busch would love to keep going, particularly with the promise of his young stable, he's still "waiting on the 'yes' '' from sponsors before he can settle on a lineup for 2014. "A lot of that comes from the unknown with what's going on in the world of sponsorship," Busch said. "For the truck series, it's very tough. For Kyle Busch Motorsports, it's been very tough. You know obviously without the support of Toyota that we get, we probably wouldn't be here, so we appreciate them as much as they do for us, as much as they do for JGR, MWR (Michael Waltrip Racing) and all the Toyota teams. "It's a little frustrating to not have a better plan organized right now, and I'd certainly like to keep it the same if not better than what we've got, but it doesn't look like much is materializing and it's really late in the game. [For] ... trucks especially, it's year to year, whether it is even year to year if you can keep yourself afloat."(Fox Sports)(10-19-2013)
UPDATE: Team owner Kyle Busch suddenly seems fairly confident he can field Camping World Truck Series teams next year for two of NASCAR's most promising youngsters. Both of them - Darrell Wallace Jr. and Erik Jones - have won Truck Series races in Kyle Busch Motorsports-prepared Toyotas in recent weeks."From a sponsorship prospective, you hope it would be very rewarding (because) it shows that our team is capable of running up front. We're capable of winning with younger drivers, younger talent, not just Cup guys like me or Denny (Hamlin). It proves our capabilities and what KBM is all about. We've understood and now recognize that the Truck Series is a capable playground where we can be competitive. We feel we have a good handle on the Truck Series, so that's where we'll put our focus." Busch then outlined what he expects to happen next year. He sounded far more optimistic than several weeks ago, when he and team general manager Rick Ren said they weren't sure of their 2014 plans. "We're really looking forward to bringing Darrell back," Busch said of 2014. "It's not final, but we're close and looking to have two trucks. We'll focus on that effort and making sure we have the best trucks in the business and try to funnel some young drivers through and on to (technical partner) Joe Gibbs Racing."Next year, the plan is the same with Erik. My idea, in the grand scheme of things, in a perfect world, would be for me to run 10-12 Truck Series races in the number 51 and Erik fill in the other 10-12 at mile-and-under tracks where he can run and however the schedule works out. And we'll have Darrell back full time in the number 54 truck."(AutoWeek)(11-11-2013)

Weller, Engine Parts Plus partner with SS for finale: Ohio native Jimmy Weller will get behind the wheel of the SS Green Light Racing #81 Toyota for the season-ending NASCAR Camping World Truck Series Ford EcoBoost 200 Friday night at the Homestead-Miami Speedway. Engine Parts Plus of Detroit, MI will support Weller and the SS Green Light team at Homestead with added backing from Hopek Hardware Plus. The Ford EcoBoost 200 is the 313th consecutive NCWTS start for the SS Green Light Racing team and the fifth career start for Weller in the Truck Series, all this season.(SS Green Light Racing)(11-11-2013)

Toby Keith named Grand Marshal for Ford EcoBoost 400: Singer-songwriter, actor, and music producer Toby Keith will serve as Grand Marshal for the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Ford EcoBoost 400 at Homestead-Miami Speedway on Sunday, November 17. Keith will deliver the most famous words in motorsports, Drivers start your engines, to commence the 15th NASCAR Sprint Cup Series race in South Florida and the 12th consecutive championship finale at Homestead-Miami Speedway. For more information about Ford EcoBoost 400 tickets and other entertainment during Ford Championship Weekend, please visit homesteadmiamispeedway.com, or call 305.230.5255.(HMS)(11-11-2013)

NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Championship Clinch Scenarios Set For Homestead: #48-Jimmie Johnson leads #20-Matt Kenseth by 28 points in the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series standings, going into Ford Championship Weekend at Homestead-Miami Speedway. Regardless of any other drivers finish, Johnson will clinch his sixth NASCAR Sprint Cup championship with a finish of 23rd or better at HMS; or 24th or better and at least one lap led; or 25th or better and the most laps led in Sundays Ford EcoBoost 400. #29-Kevin Harvick, 34 points behind Johnson, remains the only other driver eligible for the 2013 championship.(NASCAR)(11-10-2013)

Harvick wins at Phoenix: #29-Kevin Harvick won the AdvoCare 500(k) Sprint Cup Series race at Phoenix International Raceway for his 4th win of 2013, his 4th win at Phoenix and 23rd career win. Harvick led the most laps with 70 of 312.
Pole sitter and points leader #48-Johnson finished 3rd with #20-Kenseth having a tough day and finishing 23rd, Johnson now leads the points 28 over Kenseth and 34 over Harvick with one race left.
If #48-Johnson finishes 23rd or better at Homestead he will clinch his 6th NASCAR Sprint Cup Series championship.
#5-Kahne finished 2nd followed by #48-Johnson, #88-Earnhardt Jr. #78-Busch, #42-Montoya. #18-Busch #56-Truex Jr., #22-Logano and #39-Newman.
There were 23 lead changes among 13 drivers and 8 cautions for 49 yellow flag laps.
The average speed was 105.733mph. NASCAR no longer announces the track attendance.
See OFFICIAL race results & points standings on the Official Phoenix Race & Points Report (pdf)

Where did the 2013 Sprint Cup Chase Drivers finish at Phoenix:
[listed by driver points position before the race (start pos)]
1) #48-Jimmie Johnson, 3rd (Pole)
2) #20-Matt Kenseth, 23rd (14th)
3) #29-Kevin Harvick, WON (9th)
4) #18-Kyle Busch, 7th (4th)
5) #88-Dale Earnhardt Jr., 4th (11th)
6) #24-Jeff Gordon, 14th (5th)
7) #15-Clint Bowyer, 20th (6th)
8) #16-Greg Biffle, 13th (18th)
9) #22-Joey Logano, 9th (3rd)
10) #78-Kurt Busch, 5th (8th)
11) #99-Carl Edwards, 21st (23rd)
12) #39-Ryan Newman, 10th (17th)
13) #5-Kasey Kahne, 2nd (7th)
(11-10-2013)

Race Fast Facts - Phoenix:
#29-Kevin Harvick won the 26th Annual AdvoCare 500, his 23rd victory in 465 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series races.
This is his fourth victory and 20th top-10 finish in 2013.
This is his fourth victory and 11th top-10 finish in 22 races at Phoenix International Raceway.
#5-Kasey Kahne (second) posted his seventh top-10 finish in 19 races at Phoenix International Raceway. It is his 14th top-10 finish in 2013.
#48-Jimmie Johnson (third) posted his 17th top-10 finish in 21 races at Phoenix International Raceway.
#17-Ricky Stenhouse Jr. (12th) was the highest finishing rookie.
#48-Jimmie Johnson leads the point standings by 28 points over #20-Matt Kenseth.(NASCAR Integrated Sports Marketing)(11-10-2013)

2013 Sprint Cup Driver Chase Championship Points Standings:
[after Phoenix, race 35 of 36]
1) #48-Jimmie Johnson [6 wins], 2384
2) #20-Matt Kenseth [7 wins], 2356, -28
3) #29-Kevin Harvick [4 wins], 2350, -34
4) #18-Kyle Busch [4 wins], 2327, -57
5) #88-Dale Earnhardt Jr., 2321, -63
6) #24-Jeff Gordon [1 win], 2304, -80
7) #16-Greg Biffle [1 win], 2301, -83
8) #15-Clint Bowyer, 2297, -87
9) #22-Joey Logano [1 win], 2287, -97
10) #78-Kurt Busch, 2285, -99
11) #39-Ryan Newman [1 win], 2259, -125
12) #5-Kasey Kahne [2 wins], 2252, -132
13) #99-Carl Edwards [2 wins], 2250, -134
See OFFICIAL race results & points standings on the Official Phoenix Race & Points Report (pdf)

UNOFFICIAL 2013 Sprint Cup Driver Championship Points Standings without Chase:
[after Phoenix, race 35 of 36]
1) #48-Jimmie Johnson(X) [6 wins], 1213
2) #29-Kevin Harvick(X) [4 wins], 1172, -41
3) #20-Matt Kenseth(X) [7 wins], 1148, -65
4) #18-Kyle Busch(X) [4 wins], 1126, -87
5) #88-Dale Earnhardt Jr.(X), 1102, -111
6) #99-Carl Edwards(X) [2 wins], 1086, -127
7) #15-Clint Bowyer(X), 1076, -137
8) #16-Greg Biffle(X) [1 win], 1057, -156
9) #24-Jeff Gordon(X) [1 win], 1054, -159
10) #78-Kurt Busch(X), 1047, -166
11) #22-Joey Logano(X) [1 win], 1035, -178
12) #2-Brad Keselowski [1 win], 1002, -211
13) #39-Ryan Newman(X)[1 win], 1000, -213
14) #1-Jamie McMurray [1 win], 993, -220
15) #5-Kasey Kahne(X) [2 wins], 991, -222
(X) = a Chase driver.
(11-10-2013)

MWR to run three cars in 2014: Despite NAPAs decision not to return to MWR in 2014, and driver Martin Truex Jr. and crew chief Chad Johnston opting to move on, team owner Rob Kauffman told FOXSports.com that three teams will operate out of the shop next year. "Well have two full-time cars and a third car that will run part-time, Kauffman said. Its really kind of as simple as that. Its not going to run for the championship  so it will have the flexibility to try stuff  but the same as everybody else has to pass tech each week and make sure everythings correct. But it is a third car. It will help us keep the core of the team a little bit more substantial by keeping the engineering staff full, the pit crews are still able to keep in practice and keep going through the motions, so if in 15 we can scale back up to a third car, the infrastructure would still be in place. Its kind of a little bit of a diet, then maybe you can get back to a playing weight by 15. When asked who the driver would be for the third car, Kauffman said coyly, There is one. Pressed whether that driver was Jeff Burton, he replied, There is a list.(FoxSports)(11-10-2013)

Stewart-Haas Racing Honors Fallen Firefighters: On the side of the #14 Stewart Haas Racing Chevy at Phoenix International Raceway, which is being driven by Mark Martin, is a decal honoring the 19 members of the Granite Mountain Interagency Hotshot Crew who perished fighting a savage wildfire near the rural Arizona town of Yarnell earlier this year. In addition to the lives of the 19 elite firefighters, the blaze destroyed more than 100 buildings. "It wasn't that long ago when the firefighters lost their lives," said Mike Arning, SHR's director of communications. "And coming out here, you look at all the first responders, who not only take care of the competitors, but take care of the fans, and we just felt it was a small way to let folks know we haven't forgotten. Whether it's a corner worker who works for a fire department or folks making sure the fans coming to this race track remain safe, somebody probably has a connection to those firefighters in Prescott. And we wanted to just do something small just to let folks know that their sacrifices will never, ever be forgotten."(FoxSports)(11-10-2013)

Labonte Uncertain About His Future: Former champion #47-Bobby Labonte doesnt know where or if hell race next season, but as he prepares for his final Sprint Cup race of the season Sunday at Phoenix International Raceway, he says he still wants to drive. Labonte will not compete for JTG Daugherty next week at Homestead-Miami Speedway, making Sunday his final race of the season. AJ Allmendinger, who will take over the ride next season, will drive the car at Homestead. Labonte would like to remain in Cup but finds the idea of racing in the Camping World Truck Series intriguing. That would be something I probably wouldnt have thought of three or four years ago, said the 49-year-old Labonte, who is finishing his 22nd year in Cup. Should Labonte go to the Truck series, it could give him the opportunity to become the first driver to win a championship in each of NASCARs top three series. He won the Cup title in 2000 and a Nationwide crown in 1991. Trucks would be just an option for Labonte, who also would consider a Nationwide ride if there wasnt something suitable in Cup. Labonte admits hed be willing to go with a smaller team to help it. With being a former champion, he could be inviting to some teams because of the past champions provisional.(Motor Racing Network)(11-10-2013)

Richard Petty's #43 Stock Car Featured in Smithsonian Magazine: The November Issue of the Smithsonian Magazine features Richard Petty's famed #43 stock car as a part of a feature entitled, 101 Objects That Made America. After sourcing over 137 million artifacts held by 19 different museums, the Smithsonian selected 101 items to be featured. Included in the list is the 1984 #43 Pontiac Grand Prix that carried "The King" Richard Petty to his 200th NASCAR Sprint Cup Series win at the Daytona International Speedway in July of 1984. The fact that Petty won the race with President Ronald Reagan in attendance, the first sitting United States President to visit the track, helped carry the moment, the car and "The King" into American history.
The STP-sponsored, red, white and Petty Blue machine is featured along other iconic American objects such as the Bald Eagle, the Discovery Space Shuttle, the Model T, the Barbie, the U.S. Olympic Hockey Jersey and more. Writer Jeff MacGregor writes about the car and Petty in a look at what made the #43 stock car make this exclusive list. MacGregor points out that the "genius of this car lies not in what it is, but in what it did." He also singles out Petty as a "throwback" with his signature jean and cowboy look as he explained Petty's place in the history of stock car racing. Petty himself is honored to be featured in the magazine.
"I just think the fact that it's the Smithsonian, and they had all these pieces of history or objects to look at, and they picked our car is what makes it special," said Petty. "That just made us feel pretty good that they include the car and mentioned a little about what we did. You look at everything on that list, it's our history, and it's humbling that they think we're a part of that." You can find the complete list and read more by visiting www.smithsonian.com.(RPM)(11-10-2013)

Furniture Row Racing Salutes Team Members who Served in the Military:- Veterans Day, an annual federal holiday on Nov. 11 that honors Americas military veterans for their patriotism and service to the country, takes on a special meaning for Furniture Row Racing, which will be competing in this weekends AdvoCare 500 NASCARs Sprint Cup Series race at Phoenix International Raceway. What makes the Phoenix race special for the Denver-based Furniture Row Racing is that seven members of the team served in the United States military  David "Bugzee" Hicks (Navy), Charlie Krauch (Army), Chuck Lemay (Navy), Andy Morgan (Army), John Parks (Marines), Craig Phillips (Air Force) and Barney Visser (Army).
I want to first thank all veterans past, present and future for their bravery and sacrifices in preserving our freedom, said Furniture Row Racing driver Kurt Busch. I urge American citizens to make an extra effort on Veterans Day to thank those who served. Its pretty special to have seven team members who are veterans, including our team owner Barney Visser. I am very proud of them as I am of all of our veterans.
Busch, who is actively involved with the Armed Forces Foundation (AFF), spends considerable time fundraising for the nonprofit organization as well as being an AFF spokesman in educating Americans about the hidden wounds of war, including post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and traumatic brain injury (TBI).(FRR Facebook)(11-10-2013)

NASCAR Bring "Troops to the Track" Program to Phoenix: The Armed Forces Foundation and NASCAR continue the 2013 Troops to the Track TM program on Sunday, November 10th, by bringing service members of a Marine Detachment group from Luke Air Force Base to the AdvoCare 500 on the Marine Corps 238th birthday. This group provides general and engineering support to the Marine Expeditionary Force that includes survivability, counter-mobility and mobility enhancements. 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.(AFF)(11-10-2013)

Logano helps UTI launch Military Transition Support program: With the help of #22-Joey Logano, the Universal Technical Institute (UTI) Foundation launched the Military Transition Support program (MTS) over Veterans Day weekend to ensure veterans of the U.S. military and members of their families have the necessary resources available to achieve their career ambition of receiving a technical degree or certification. Managed by the Universal Technical Institute Foundation, the program provides grants to cover day-to-day expenses related to school including rent, relocation costs, food and childcare, that place a financial burden on veterans, making it harder for them to transition back into civilian life. Penske Racing driver Logano helped launch the new program by surprising one young disabled veteran, Starrbuck Long, and his family with news that they would receive the first disbursement of $5,000 from the program, which was made possible through a donation from the Joey Logano Foundation. In addition, Shell Oil Company, sponsor of Loganos #22 Shell-Pennzoil Ford Fusion NASCAR Sprint Cup Series car, surprised the family with a $500 Shell V-Power gift card.(PR)(11-10-2013)

Crafton one start away from two championships for ThorSport: Matt Crafton has a 46-point lead over Ty Dillon heading into the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series finale. Crafton will clinch the series championship by starting Friday nights Ford EcoBoost 200 at Homestead-Miami Speedway.The #88 ThorSport Racing Toyota currently leads the #51 Kyle Busch Motorsports Toyota by 23 points in the owner standings. To clinch the 2013 NASCAR Camping World Truck Series owner championship, regardless of any other trucks finish, the #88 must finish 18th or better; or 19th or better with at least one lap led; or 20th or better with the most laps led.(NASCAR)(11-10-2013)

Quicken Loans to Sponsor Phoenix Cup Race: Quicken Loans, the nations largest online mortgage lender, partnered with Phoenix International Raceway (PIR) to announce it will sponsor the Veterans Day weekend NASCAR Sprint Cup Series race on November 9, 2014. An official name and race logo will be announced at a later date. The race will conclude PIRs 50th Anniversary season and a year-long celebration of the tracks rich history and contributions to motor sports in the West. Founded in 1964, PIR hosted its first NASCAR-sanctioned event in 1977 with a Winston West Series race. NASCAR's premier circuit, now known as the Sprint Cup Series, made its debut in Phoenix on November 6, 1988, and for the past 25 years, the fall race in Phoenix has been on or near Veterans Day weekend. Quicken Loans, who has an office of more than 550 team members in nearby Scottsdale, Arizona, has a strong tradition of honoring active military and veterans. Most notably, the company sponsored the Quicken Loans Carrier Classic on Veterans Day 2011, a first-of-its-kind basketball game that was played on a U.S. Navy aircraft carrier and attended by President Obama and this year will run a special veteran themed paint scheme in this Sundays Sprint Cup Series race at PIR. The partnership with PIR comes on the heels of Quicken Loans announcement that it will join Richard Childress Racing (RCR) in 2014 and serve as primary sponsor of driver Ryan Newmans #31 Chevrolet SS for 12 races and associate sponsor for all remaining races, marking the companys third year in the sport. Quicken Loans will also continue as sponsor of Michigan International Speedways Quicken Loans 400 Sprint Cup Race on June 15, 2014.(PIR)(11-10-2013)

Race Coverage of the AdvoCare 500(k) Sprint Cup Series race at Phoenix International Raceway is scheduled for Sunday, November 10, 2013.
Television (TV): ESPN at 3:00 pm/et; Pre-Race show at 2:00 pm/et; green flag approx. 3:15pm/et
Radio: Motor Racing Network (MRN) and Sirius XM Satellite NASCAR Radio 90
Scheduled Race Re-Airs: ESPN2, Monday, November 11 at 1:00am/et

Happy Hour practice for the AdvoCare 500(k) Sprint Cup Series race at Phoenix International Raceway is over, after 55 scheduled minutes, the top-five, slowest and notes:
#15-Bowyer 134.862
#24-Gordon 134.842
#78-Busch 134.720
#88-Earnhardt Jr. 134.710
#20-Kenseth 134.559
#48-Johnson is 10th fastest
slowest: #33-Raines 129.725 & #40-Cassill 130.440
#29-Harvick had the best consecutive 10-lap average at 133.709mph.
See the fastest speeds, laps run on the Phoenix Happy Hour Practice speeds page (pdf).(11-9-2013)

Saturday first practice for the AdvoCare 500(k) Sprint Cup Series race at Phoenix International Raceway is over, after 55 scheduled minutes, the top-five, slowest and notes:
#78-Busch 136.065
#29-Harvick 135.491
#48-Johnson 135.481
#24-Gordon 135.394
#56-Truex Jr. 135.384
#20-Kenseth was 9th fastest
slowest: #33-Raines 130.534 & #87-Nemechek 131.253
no speed listed: #98-McDowell
See the fastest speeds, laps run on the Phoenix Saturday Practice 1 speeds page (pdf).(11-9-2013)

Pit Stall Selections: The selections of pit stalls for the AdvoCare 500(k) Sprint Cup Series race at Phoenix International Raceway have been made.
Pole sitter #48-Johnson chose pit stall 1 [as do most pole sitters].
Outside pole sitter #11-Hamlin took pit stall 33, the fourth pit stall with an opening in front of it, just before the start-finish line.
#22-Logano, who starts 3rd took the 25th pit stall, the 3rd stall with an opening in front of it.
The 43rd and final pit stall was taken by #78-Busch, who starts 8th.
To see where the drivers/teams pit stall is, see the pit selection chart on the Pit Stall Selection chart.(11-9-2013)

Chase For The NASCAR Sprint Cup:
ˇ Phoenix International Raceway has been a part of the Chase for the NASCAR Sprint Cup since the playoffs inception in 2004. This weekend the track will host its 10th Chase event.
ˇ The winner of the Chase race at Phoenix International Raceway has gone on to win the championship three times: Jimmie Johnson (2007-2009).
ˇ Jimmie Johnson leads the series in Chase race wins at Phoenix with three (2007-2009); followed by Kevin Harvick with two (2006, 2012).
ˇ The worst finish in a Chase race by the eventual series champion at Phoenix International Raceway is 10th, by Kurt Busch in 2004. Busch was in the Chase standings lead following the 2004 Phoenix Chase race.
ˇ Chase Contenders have won seven of the nine previous Chase races at Phoenix International Raceway. The only non-Chase contenders to win a Phoenix Chase race were Kyle Busch (2005) and Kasey Kahne (2011).
ˇ Six of the 2013 Chase Contenders are former NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Chase race winners at Phoenix: Jimmie Johnson (three), Kevin Harvick (two), Carl Edwards, Dale Earnhardt Jr., Kasey Kahne and Kyle Busch (one each).
ˇ The average Chase race finish by the eventual series champion at Phoenix International Raceway is 3.7.
ˇ Hendrick Motorsports leads the series in Chase race wins at Phoenix with four: Kyle Busch (2005), Jimmie Johnson (2007-2009).
ˇ Chevrolet leads the series in Chase wins at Phoenix with seven; followed by Ford and Toyota with one each.
ˇ The most dominant performance by a Chase race winner at Phoenix International Raceway is Kevin Harvicks victory in 2006. He posted a Perfect Driver Rating of 150.0 and led 252 of the 312 laps (80.7% of his laps completed)  most by a Chase race winner at Phoenix.
ˇ The Phoenix Chase race has been won from the Coors Light pole twice: Jimmie Johnson (2008) and Carl Edwards (2010).
ˇ Since the inception of the Chase for the NASCAR Sprint Cup in 2004, the eventual champion has not held the No. 1 point standings position twice following the Chase race at Phoenix:
o 2010  Jimmie Johnson was 15 points behind Denny Hamlin heading into Homestead-Miami.
o 2011  Tony Stewart was three points behind Carl Edwards heading into Homestead-Miami.
ˇ There have been four Chase race Perfect Driver Rating performances since the inception of the Chase for the NASCAR Sprint Cup in 2004: Kevin Harvick (Phoenix, 2006), Clint Bowyer (New Hampshire, 2007), Carl Edwards (Homestead, 2010) and Jimmie Johnson (Texas, 2013).(NASCAR)(11-9-2013)

RCR Announces hiring of Mike Coughlan as Technical Director: Richard Childress Racing has hired Mike Coughlan as the team's new Technical Director, effective immediately. Coughlan, a native of Surrey, England, brings to RCR more than two decades of motorsports experience, with a heavy concentration and success in Formula 1. During his 15 years in F1, Coughlan was a chief designer with teams such as Arrows, Benetton, Ferrari, McLaren and Williams; earning more than 20 victories. He has also served as a chief engineer and technical director with several teams. Coughlan also has prior NASCAR experience, having worked with Michael Waltrip Racing in late 2010 and early 2011 before returning to his F1 roots.
The addition of Coughlan greatly adds depth to the RCR competition organization. That area will now be managed with two major approaches and perspectives: race operations and engineering. Mark McArdle, who joined RCR full-time in August 2013, will continue in his role as Director of Race Operations, with Coughlan now serving as Technical Director. Both will report to Dr. Eric Warren, RCR's Director of Competition. Their combined depth of experience and established leadership with championship winning teams, in multiple forms of racing, provides even more strength to RCR's culture of rapid performance development and efficient execution at the track.
"I have known Mike Coughlan for many years and have a tremendous amount of respect for both his personal skills as an engineer and as a leader of people," Dr. Warren said. "He is a tremendous talent and has a rare combination of experience in leading teams and development programs in Formula 1, along with prior experience and exposure to NASCAR. To be successful in any form of racing, you have to push hard to find performance gains and his experience will strengthen RCR with regards to our competition."
Coughlan is looking forward to applying his combined experience, success and knowledge with his new role. "This is a great opportunity for me to become involved with a team like Richard Childress Racing," Coughlan said. "This is one of the great teams in NASCAR and their commitment to winning is second-to-none. I feel with the increased technical focus of the Sprint Cup Series and the direction that the sport is moving, it makes a perfect fit for me. I look forward to helping Eric Warren, and the rest of the team, in bringing more success to the organization through the next few years."(RCR)(11-9-2013)

Addington's status up in the air at Stewart Haas: With most of the major rides settled for 2014, the next part of Silly Season to unravel will be crew chiefs. At the top of the list is what will happen at Stewart-Haas Racing, which still needs a crew chief for new driver Kurt Busch [supposedly the new #41 team] and possibly could make a change for three-time Cup champion #14-Tony Stewart. Stewart crew chief Steve Addington said Friday that he has no clue about what he would be doing in 2014 or whether he would be back as Stewarts crew chief. SHR competition director Greg Zipadelli declined comment on who would be the crew chiefs for SHR next year, saying he hoped to finalize things in the next week as SHR expands from three to four teams. Chad Johnston, a crew chief at Michael Waltrip Racing who was out of a job when NAPA pulled its from Martin Truex Jr.s #56 team, said Friday that he did not have anything finalized for next year. A move to SHR is a possibility. SHR already has hired Rodney Childers from MWR to be the crew chief for incoming driver Kevin Harvick, who is replacing Ryan Newman [switching from #39 to #4]. That also could leave Newman crew chief Matt Borland looking for a spot with another team.(Sporting News)(11-9-2013)

Crew chief change for the #1 in 2014? UPDATE: hearing that current #1 Earnhardt Ganassi Racing crew chief Kevin Manion, will depart from the team and head to Turner Scott Motorsports in a management role. Supposedly Keith Rodden will take over as Jamie McMurray's crew chief in 2014. Rodden is currently the race engineer for #5-Kasey Kahne.(11-5-2013)
UPDATE: Kasey Kahne engineer Keith Rodden declined last week to confirm rumors that he was headed to Earnhardt Ganassi Racing to be the crew chief for Jamie McMurray next year. EGR spokesman John Olguin said the team is still working on its 2014 plans. Chris Heroy is expected to return to the #42 team as crew chief for Kyle Larson, who is replacing Juan Pablo Montoya.(Sporting News)(11-9-2013)

Helton talks about three veteran drivers: NASCAR President Mike Helton paid tribute to veteran drivers #31-Jeff Burton, #47-Bobby Labonte and #14-Mark Martin, whose 2014 plans are unclear. I dont know that theyll ever get their just rewards for what theyve contributed, Helton said. All in their own unique way, unique style, which is exactly what NASCAR is made of. Jeff has been one of the best statesmen this sport has ever had. He has a great pragmatic approach to what goes on. Bobby comes from a traditional racing family in Texas and brought that flare along with two championships (Cup and Nationwide). It was very unusual to have Mark in a situation where, if it were his fault, he didnt take responsibility for it. They contribute immensely to the sport.(Arizona Republic)(11-9-2013)

France helping families of military personnel: With a donation of $50,000, NASCAR Chairman & CEO Brian France and wife Amy France helped raise nearly $1 million in support of the families of military service men and women wounded in action. The Frances attended the "Stand Up For Heroes" benefit Wednesday at Madison Square Garden in New York City, an event presented by the Bob Woodruff Foundation and the New York Comedy Festival to raise money for post-9/11 service members and their families. "Brian and I were honored to make this donation to support our military servicemen and women and their families, who make incredible sacrifices each and every day to help protect our nation," Amy France said. Renowned musicians Bruce Springsteen and Roger Waters performed at the benefit, as did iconic comedians Jerry Seinfeld and Bill Cosby.(NASCAR Wire Service)(11-9-2013)

Latest on Burton's 2014 plans: #31-Jeff Burton met with members of the media Friday at Phoenix International Raceway and discussed his role in the sport in 2014, the transcript in part:
Q) A FEW WEEKS AGO YOU SAID THAT YOU WERE PRETTY CONFIDENT IN YOUR 2014 PLANS. SHOULD WE TAKE THE SILENCE TO MEAN THAT THINGS HAVE CHANGED?
Burton: No, really nothing has changed. I feel that I know what I am going to be doing its just you all dont (laughs). Some things have taken a little longer than I thought they would take and some of that is because of me. Some of that is because I slowed some stuff down and wanted to really think about it. Some of it is because some situations have popped up that werent there a little bit ago. I feel very confident. I know exactly what Im going to be doing part of next year and there is another part of it that Im still working on, but really close on. Im just not the kind of person that is going to talk about it until we need to be talking about it.
Q) IS PART OF THAT PLAN DRIVING?
Burton: Yeah, part of it is, yes. (Team Chevy)(11-9-2013)

Martin's racing career may be over after Homestead: #14-Mark Martin's legendary racing career may be over after next week. While he wouldn't use the "retirement" word Friday while talking with reporters  he says the word has burned him in the past  Martin strongly hinted he would not race in 2014 and beyond. Martin said he made the decision not to race in January and has kept it between his friends and family. When he finished third in February's Daytona 500, he said he was pleased knowing it would be his last one. "It's time for me to open a new chapter," Martin said during a 24-minute interview Friday at Phoenix International Raceway. Martin will do testing next season for Stewart-Haas Racing, where he currently drives. He will test Tony Stewart's No. 14 car in January at Daytona, then attend most or all of SHR's tests in 2014 to provide feedback or a second opinion.(USA Today)(11-9-2013)

Johnson hopes history doesn't repeat: With his win in Sunday's AAA Texas 500, Jimmie Johnson moved ahead of Matt Kenseth by seven points heading into the final two races of the Chase for the NASCAR Sprint Cup. The position of being seven points up with two to go is all too familiar for Johnson. Just last year, Johnson also won the AAA Texas 500 to move seven points ahead of Brad Keselowski only to lose the lead the following week at Phoenix International Raceway after a blown tire resulted in a 32nd-place finish. Ultimately, it cost Johnson his sixth Sprint Cup Series crown. "I hope history doesn't repeat itself," Johnson said after his record-tying, third Sprint Cup Series victory at Texas Motor Speedway. "That is the perfect example of this thing isn't over until it's over. Last year, we had eight races and two bad ones and didn't get the championship. Very important to finish strong. There are two very important races left." For Johnson, this year's momentum he carries into the final two races has a different feel than last year. A dominating performance in the AAA Texas 500 where he led a race-high 255 laps, coupled with a recent test session at Homestead-Miami Speedway, has him confident about the stretch run. "I feel better about Phoenix, honestly, than I did last year leaving here," Johnson said. "Then last year we did not test Homestead and we just came back from Homestead, and that test went really well. So I'm optimistic. I feel good. But man, it's so weird because I've been in position before where I've had these amazing sensations and feelings that a championship was going to happen, and we were able to do it for those five years in a row."(TMS)(11-9-2013)

Gordon raising awareness about whooping cough: #24-Jeff Gordon is famous for winning on the racetrack, but during his downtime he is involved in several charitable causes, including the battle against whooping cough. Gordon is an ambassador for the National Sounds of Pertussis Campaign, a campaign that helps spread the word about whooping cough and the importance of vaccination. Whooping cough is extremely contagious and can cause serious, potentially deadly illness, especially in babies. "Many babies who get whooping cough are infected by parents, older siblings, or other caregivers who might not even know they have the disease," according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. "Anyone who comes in close contact with your baby, from older siblings and cousins to grandparents and caregivers, should be up-to-date with whooping cough vaccination."
"We as older adults aren't recognizing that immunizations we got when we were younger have now worn off," Gordon said.(Arizona Family)(11-9-2013)

Ancient Chaseology, seasons before 2004 and the Chase: Way back in 1975, NASCAR decided to change its points system, using an idea jotted down on a cocktail napkin at the Boot Hill Saloon in Daytona Beach, Fla. Pretty humble beginnings, no?
What if the Chase had become a part of NASCAR back in 1975? How would history have changed with a Chase back then?
Drivers probably would have driven differently, which would have led to changed results and altered points championships during the years covered here. But let's play the "what if?" game and take the historical results and translate them into the current Chase system.
See the following articles for each:
same champs in 1975-1979, but in 1980-1984, 3 of the 5 would have had different champions, none for Earnhardt, 3 for DW and Gant would had won one; in 1985-1989 all five chase's produce the same champ as the regular system did.
Whew, some shake ups in the 1990-1994 chases, Earnhardt, who won 4 championships in the classic points, Earnhardt would had won only two Chase in that span and Kulwicki would not had won his championship with Kyle Petty winning in 92, Gant in 1991 and Rusty Wallace in 1993.
in the 1995-1999 block, Earnhardt would had won in 1995 instead of Gordon, but Gordon would had won in 1996 instead of Terry Labonte, in 1997 Jarrett would had took it and not Gordon, Gordon in 1998 and Bobby Labonte would had won in 1999 not Jarrett, so only Gordon in 1998 would had been the same.
and in the final block 2000-2003: Bobby Labonte still wins in 2000, Marlin beats out Gordon in 2001, Kurt Busch in 2002 instead of Stewart and in 2003 Johnson would had gotten his first championship, Kenseth, who won using the old system that year, would had been 8th in the 2003 chase. Here are the links to each block, with standings and Ancient Chaseology: 1975-1979
Ancient Chaseology: 1980-1984
Ancient Chaseology: 1985-1989
Ancient Chaseology: 1990-1994
Ancient Chaseology: 1995-1999
Ancient Chaseology: 2000-2003
as Matthew Willis calculated all the seasons 1974 thru 2003.(9-11-2012) and see more history on Jayski's Chase History page and the 2013 Chase News page

Hornish still unsure of 2014 plans: #12-Sam Hornish Jr. is fighting for much more than a NASCAR Nationwide Series championship over the next two weekends. Hes fighting for the chance to stay in NASCAR. During the ESPN prerace show for Saturdays Nationwide race at Phoenix International Raceway, former Penske Racing driver Rusty Wallace reported that Roger Penske is hoping to retain Hornish for next season but a continuation is dependent on securing sponsorship money. Hornish has been advised to shop his services elsewhere just in case Team Penske is unable to seal the deal.(Popular Speed)(11-9-2013)

Busch wins Nationwide race at Phoenix: #54-Kyle Busch won the Servicemaster 200 at Phoenix International Raceway for his 12th win of the season. #31-Justin Allgaier finished second followed by #3-Austin Dillon, #7-Regan Smith, #12-Sam Hornish, Jr., #18-Matt Kenseth, #6-Trevor Bayne, #11-Elliott Sadler, #33-Kevin Harvick, and #48-Ryan Blaney. Dillon has an 8 point lead going into the season ending race at Homestead.
There were 7 cautions for 34 laps and 7 lead changes among 4 leaders. Complete results are on the Phoenix race results page (pdf).
(11-9-2013)

Phoenix Nationwide Race Fast Facts:
Kyle Busch(i) won the 15th Annual ServiceMaster 200, his 63rd victory in 269 NASCAR Nationwide Series races.
This is his 12th victory and 21st top-10 finish in 2013.
This is his sixth victory and 12th top-10 finish in 16 races at Phoenix International Raceway.
Justin Allgaier (second) posted his sixth top-10 finish in 11 races at Phoenix International Raceway. It is his 16th top-10 finish in 2013.
Austin Dillon (third) posted his fourth top-10 finish in five races at Phoenix International Raceway.
Alex Bowman (11th) was the highest finishing rookie.
Austin Dillon leads the point standings by 8 points over Sam Hornish Jr.
(NASCAR Integrated Marketing)(11-9-2013)

Nationwide Driver standings following Phoenix:
1) #3-Austin Dillon 1148
2) #12-Sam Hornish Jr. 1140, -8
3) #7-Regan Smith 1093, -55
4) #31-Justin Allgaier 1065, -83
5) #11-Elliott Sadler 1062, -86
6) #6-Trevor Bayne5 1047, -101
7) #2-Brian Scott 1041, -107
8) #20-Brian Vickers 970, -178
9) #32-Kyle Larson # 957, -191
10) #77-Parker Kligerman 956, -192 See complete standings on the driver standings page (pdf).(11-9-2013)

Nationwide Owner Standings following Phoenix are posted (pdf).(11-9-2013)

Busch on Nationwide pole at Phoenix: #54-Kyle Busch won the Coors Light Pole for the Servicemaster 200 at Phoenix International Raceway with a speed of 133.422mph. #3-Austin Dillon will start second. The rest of the top 10: #33-Kevin Harvick, #22-Brad Keselowski, #2-Brian Scott, #12-Sam Hornish, Jr., #18-Matt Kenseth, #77-Parker Kligerman, #48-Ryan Blaney, and #20-Drew Herring. Did Not Qualify: #89-Morgan Shepherd and #92-Dexter Stacey. The starting lineup is posted on the Phoenix starting lineup page (pdf).(11-9-2013)

Phoenix Nationwide Qualifying Notes:
Kyle Busch(i) won the Coors Light Pole Award for the 15th Annual ServiceMaster 200 with a lap of 26.982 seconds, 133.422 mph.
This is his 36th pole in 269 NASCAR Nationwide Series races.
This is his 10th pole and 20th top-10 start in 2013.
This is his sixth pole in 16 races at Phoenix International Raceway.
Austin Dillon (second) posted his 27th top-10 start of 2013 and his fourth in five races at Phoenix International Raceway.
Kevin Harvick(i) (third) posted his 16th top-10 start at Phoenix International Raceway. It is his seventh in 11 races this season.
Kyle Larson (13th) was the fastest qualifying rookie.
(NASCAR Integrated Marketing)(11-9-2013)

Labonte would run trucks full-time: Bobby Labonte is one of only two drivers to own championships on NASCAR's top two circuits. Should the right opportunity arise for next season in the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series, the veteran driver might be willing to make a run at the sport's triple crown. The 49-year-old Labonte hasn't yet announced any plans for next season, and admitted this weekend his phone hasn't rung as much as he'd hoped. Labonte has been a fixture at NASCAR's premier level since 1993, winning 21 races - the most recent a decade ago - as well as the 2000 championship. His preference, it seems, would be to remain in the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series next season. But if an offer doesn't materialize, Labonte said he wouldn't dismiss a competitive ride in the Truck Series, which is the only title at NASCAR's national level the Texas native hasn't won. "If an opportunity came (in the Truck Series) to race for a championship, that would be awesome. Again, it's not easy. I'm not saying you're going to pop in and do it. But it would be great to have that opportunity. If that can happen, heck, I'd do it, I believe, just because of the fact that I've done this for 20 years." The opportunity to claim all three national series titles seems to appeal to Labonte, as does the reduced Truck Series schedule. "It's kind of one of those things where at this point in time, you know, a Truck Series deal would be really, really nice to run 22 races," he said. "That would be something that I might not have thought about three or four years ago, but today I'm like, you know, that's probably not a bad thing." (NASCAR.com)(11-9-2013)

Hornaday out at NTS UPDATE 3: Fox Sports reporter Ray Dunlap posted on his Twitter on Firday evening that Ron Hornaday, Jr. would not finish the season in the #9 Chevy of NTS Motorsports at Homestead-Miami Speedway, adding that Turner Scott Motorsports driver Nelson Piquet, Jr. will be in the truck.(11-8- 2013)
UPDATE: Ron Hornaday, Jr. confirmed in an interview during the Phoenix race broadcast that he was informed before the race that he would not be driving for NTS in Homestead. Steve Turner, co-owner of Turner Scott Motorsports, in turn offered Hornaday a ride for the season-finale.(11-8-2013)
UPDATE 2: Four-time champion Ron Hornaday is looking for a ride for next season after being told that Friday night's Camping World Truck Series race would be his last with NTS Motorsports. Hornaday said that Steve Turner contacted him and will put him in a Truck for next week's season finale at Homestead-Miami Speedway. Hornaday's run with NTS Motorsports ended after a tire blew and sent him into the wall. He finished 28th. The 55-year-old Hornaday said he was told 10 minutes before the race that Friday would be his last ride with team. "We left on good terms,'' he said. "If you don't want me there I don't want to be there. We shook hands. We'll go on.'' Hornaday is 11th in the points with nine top-10 finishes in 21 starts. Hornaday, the winningest driver in series history, said he still wants to race and will look for a ride for next season.(MRN.com)(11-9-2013)
UPDATE 3: NTS Motorsports has released Ron Hornaday, Jr. of his driving duties, following the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series race at Phoenix International Raceway. The driver for the #9 NTS Motorsports truck will be announced prior to the season finale at Homestead-Miami Speedway. "We at NTS Motorsports appreciate everything Ron (Hornaday) has done this year to help build NTS Motorsports in its first year competing at the national level in NASCAR," said team owner Bob Newberry. "Ron has been a great asset to our organization and we wish him the best in his future endeavors." (NTS Motorsports)(11-9-2013)

Johnson wins Phoenix pole: #48-Jimmie Johnson won the pole for the AdvoCare 500(k) Sprint Cup Series race at Phoenix International Raceway with a track record speed of 139.222mph for his 3rd pole of 2013 and 32nd of his career. Johnson has won 13 races from the pole.
#11-Hamlin is on the outside pole, followed by #22-Logano, #18-Busch, #24-Gordon, #15-Bowyer, #5-Kahne, #78-Busch, #29-Harvick and #56-Truex Jr.
Missing the race was: none, only 43 drivers entered.
See the full starting lineup, pole progression, qualifying results & order on the Phoenix Starting Lineup / Qualifying Page.(11-8-2013)

Starting positions for the 2013 Sprint Cup Chase Drivers at Phoenix:
[listed by current driver points position]
1) #48-Jimmie Johnson, POLE
2) #20-Matt Kenseth, 14th
3) #29-Kevin Harvick, 9th
4) #18-Kyle Busch, 4th
5) #88-Dale Earnhardt Jr.,11th
6) #24-Jeff Gordon, 5th
7) #15-Clint Bowyer, 6th
8) #16-Greg Biffle, 18th
9) #22-Joey Logano, 3rd
10) #78-Kurt Busch, 8th
11) #99-Carl Edwards, 23rd
12) #39-Ryan Newman, 17th
13) #5-Kasey Kahne, 7th
(11-8-2013)

Qualifying Fast Facts - Phoenix:
#48-Jimmie Johnson won the Coors Light Pole Award for the 26th Annual AdvoCare 500 with a lap of 25.858 seconds, 139.222 mph. He breaks Kyle Busch's 11/11/12 record of 25.943 seconds, 138.766 mph)
This is his 32nd pole in 434 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series races.
This is his third pole and 22nd top-10 start in 2013.
This is his second pole in 21 races at Phoenix International Raceway.
#11-Denny Hamlin (second) posted his 19th top-10 start of 2013 and his eighth in 17 races at Phoenix International Raceway.
#22-Joey Logano (third) posted his fifth top-10 start at Phoenix International Raceway. It is his 18th in 35 races this season.
#17-Ricky Stenhouse Jr. (27th) was the fastest qualifying rookie.(NASCAR Statistics)(11-8-2013)

19 qualifying track records has been set so far 2013, three tracks twice
after 31 qualifying session, 4 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(2), #39-Ryan Newman, 136.497, September 20, 2013; was 135.922 from July 2013
17) Dover, #88-Dale Earnhardt Jr., 161.849, September 27, 2013; was 161.522 from June 2004
18) Martinsville(2), #11-Denny Hamlin, 99.595, October 25, 2013 - was 98.400 from April 2013
19) Phoenix, #48-Jimmie Johnson, 139.222, November 8, 2013 - was 138.766 from November 2012
(11-8-2013)

Coverage of Qualifying for the AdvoCare 500(k) Sprint Cup Series race at Phoenix International Raceway is scheduled for Friday, November 8, 2013 at 5:40pm/et.
Television (TV): FoxSports2, 5:30pm/et
Radio: Live online at Motor Racing Network (MRN)
Scheduled Qualifying Re-Air: none

Qualifying Order for the AdvoCare 500(k) Sprint Cup Series race at Phoenix International Raceway is posted. 43 cars/drivers are listed.
The first of the drivers scheduled to go out is #7-Blaney.
The final driver scheduled to go out is #27-Menard.
Fastest in Friday practice, #48-Johnson, is scheduled to qualify 41st.
Qualifying order is set by a random draw, held about an hour before the first practice.
See the full qualifying order on the Phoenix Qualifying Page.(11-8-2013)

Friday practice: for the AdvoCare 500(k) Sprint Cup Series race at Phoenix International Raceway is over, after 120 scheduled minutes, the top-five, slowest and notes:
#48-Johnson 138.921 [faster than track record 138.766]
#42-Montoya 138.900
#18-Busch 138.355
#78-Busch 138.111
#22-Logano 138.047
#20-Kenseth was 6th at 137.825
slowest: #40-Cassill 131.124 & #33-Raines 132.081
See the fastest speeds, laps run on the Phoenix Friday Practice speeds page (pdf).(11-8-2013)

Chassis selections for this weeks race: see the list of many teams [that report or post them] and what chassis were selected by the team to run at Phoenix International Raceway on the Phoenix Race Info page - Chassis selection area.

Horizon Corporation to sponsor the #83 at Phoenix: David Reutimann and the #83 BK Racing team will have a different look on his red and white Toyota Camry as the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series returns to Phoenix. Reutimann will carry the colors of Chandler, AZ based Horizon Corporation. Horizon has served as an associate sponsor of both BK Racing cars since the team's inception last year. Horizon is the only full-service distributor specializing in irrigation systems, landscape products, outdoor equipment, and specialty items like lighting, ponds, BBQs, pavers and misters. Horizon currently has 60 retail locations nationwide. "We are very excited to be part of the NASCAR family," said Mary Martinez, Director of Marketing for Horizon. "We know a lot of our customers are NASCAR fans and this is a great opportunity to showcase the Horizon brand."
"Horizon has been a tremendous partner for BK Racing these past two seasons," said team owner Ron Devine. "We hope to make the Horizon name even more familiar with the NASCAR faithful with this full primary scheme."(BK Racing), see an image of the car/scheme on the #83 Team Schemes page.(11-8-2013)

CAT Mining scheme on the #31 at PIR: The #31 Caterpillar Chevrolet will help launch the new Caterpillar Global Mining Twitter account this weekend at Phoenix International Raceway. @CatMining will provide updates and information about the organization and their ongoing commitment to the mining industry. Wherever you go in the mining world, you'll find Caterpillar. From underground coal mines in the United States to gold mines in Africa and iron ore mines in Australia, Caterpillar products are hard at work and CAT people are right there too with building and supporting products, training operators, helping customers mine more profitably and wo rking with schools, organizations and communities. As industry leaders, Caterpillar is engaged in the mining industry at every level. Empire Southwest will be featured on the deck lid of the #31 Chevy this weekend at Phoenix.(RCR).(11-8-2013)

Kyle Petty / Terry Labonte candidates for U.S. Congress? According to an article on RollCall.com, former NASCAR driver and now Fox Sports TV analyst Kyle Petty [also mentions Terry Labonte as a candidate] could be a candidate for U.S. Congress in 2014 in North Carolina. The district would be the one currently represented in North Carolina by Republican Howard Coble, who announced Thursday this would be his last term.(Charlotte Observer)(11-8-2013)

Phoenix Facts and Notes - Friday - poles:
ˇ Geoff Bodine won the first pole in 1988 at a speed of 123.203 mph (29.220 sec.)
ˇ There have been 19 different Coors Light pole winners, led by Ryan Newman with four.
ˇ Ryan Newman, Jeff Gordon and Carl Edwards are the only drivers to win consecutive poles. Newman won three straight (2002-04), while Gordon won the fall of 2006 and the spring of 2007. Edwards won the fall of 2010 and spring of 2011.
ˇ Denny Hamlin (November 2005) and AJ Allmendinger (April 2010) won their first career Coors Light poles at Phoenix International Raceway.
ˇ Four of the 34 (11.7%) NASCAR Sprint Cup Series races at Phoenix have been won from the Coors Light pole: Jeff Gordon (spring 2007), Jimmie Johnson (fall 2008), Mark Martin (spring 2009) and Carl Edwards (fall 2010).
ˇ Seven of the 34 (20.5%) NASCAR Sprint Cup races at Phoenix have been won from the front row: four from the pole and three from second place.
ˇ 16 of the 34 (47%) NASCAR Sprint Cup races at Phoenix have been won from a starting position inside the top 10.
ˇ Ricky Rudd won the 1995 race from the 29th-place starting position, the furthest back a race winner has started.
ˇ Matt Kenseth won the 2002 race from the 28th-place starting position, the furthest back an active race winner has started.(NASCAR)(11-8-2013)

Finalists Named for 2014 International Motorsports Hall of Fame: The renowned International Motorsports Hall of Fame, located in Talladega, AL, announced its 22 finalists for the 2014 induction class. The list of finalists reads like a "Who's Who" across numerous forms of motorsports which include open wheel, sports car, drag and stock car racing. The top 20 and ties (as is the case this year) will be on the second ballot to an esteemed motorsports media voting panel. The panel will select the final individuals who receive 51 percent of the total number of votes to be the 2014 induction class. Those names will be announced in December. The 2014 International Motorsports Hall of Fame induction ceremony is scheduled for Thursday, May 1. To be eligible for the International Motorsports Hall of Fame, an individual must be retired in his or her line of work in motorsports for at least five years. However, that person may still be active in the sport in a different capacity. The 22 individuals eligible for the 2104 International Motorsports Hall of Fame are listed alphabetically, along with a quick description at Talladegasuperspeedway.com. Opened in April of 1983, the International Motorsports Hall of Fame and Museum is dedicated to the preservation of the history of motorsports. Each year the annual International Motorsports Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony is held on the grounds of the Museum to honor those men and women chosen for induction from among the greatest names in all of motorsports.(TSS)(11-8-2013)

Harvick golf tournament a success: Kevin Harvick took a detour on his way to Phoenix International Raceway on Wednesday, stopping in his hometown of Bakersfield, Calif., to host the Fourth Annual Happy's Classic Golf Tournament Presented by Advanced Distribution and Blackhole Technologies. Proceeds from the tournament, held at Bakersfield Country Club, benefit the Kevin Harvick Foundation, dedicated to the support of programs that positively enrich the lives of children throughout the United States.(KHF)(11-8-2013)

Sad News - Wallie Branston: One of Canadian motorsport's pioneer racers who went on to become a famous race official and continued throughout his life to be an all-'round booster of the sport, Wallie Branston, has died at age 90. An energetic and vigorous man until just a few years ago, Branston had been in ill health recently and that old heart  the heart of a lion  gave out on him Thursday morning. He was one of a half-dozen original stock car racers in the Toronto area. He was one of the first stock car racers in Canada to have major sponsorship. He raced on both dirt and pavement and on road courses as well as ovals. He was a performer in an automobile thrill show that scared the living daylights out of the people watching. He raced sports cars and was a rally driver. When Mosport opened in 1961, Branston was the flagman/starter and he did that job for 15 years.(Toronto Star), Branston ran one Sprint Cup Series race, at Rochester, NY in 1954.(11-8-2013)

Allgaier fastest in Nationwide happy hour: #31-Justin Allgaier was quickest during happy hour for the Servicemaster 200 with a speed of 132.827mph. He was followed by: #33-Kevin Harvick, #3-Austin Dillon, #99-Alex Bowman, #43-Michael Annett, #54-Kyle Busch, #20-Drew Herring, #2-Brian Scott, #6-Trevor Bayne, and #32-Kyle Larson. 41 drivers participated in the session. See complete results on the Phoenix practice 2 speeds page (pdf).(11-8-2013)

Scott fastest in first Nationwide practice: #2-Brian Scott was fastest during opening practice at Phoenix International Raceway with a speed of 133.586mph. #3-Austin Dillon was second, followed by: #7-Regan Smith, #32-Kyle Larson, #6-Trevor Bayne, #48-Ryan Blaney, #60-Travis Pastrana, #33-Kevin Harvick, #54-Kyle Busch, and #22-Brad Keselowski. 41 drivers practiced during the session. See complete results on the Phoenix practice 1 speeds page (pdf).(11-8-2013)

Hornaday out at NTS UPDATE: Fox Sports reporter Ray Dunlap posted on his Twitter on Firday evening that Ron Hornaday, Jr. would not finish the season in the #9 Chevy of NTS Motorsports at Homestead-Miami Speedway, adding that Turner Scott Motorsports driver Nelson Piquet, Jr. will be in the truck.(11-8- 2013)
UPDATE: Ron Hornaday, Jr. confirmed in an interview during the Phoenix race broadcast that he was informed before the race that he would not be driving for NTS in Homestead. Steve Turner, co-owner of Turner Scott Motorsports, in turn offered Hornaday a ride for the season-finale.(11-8-2013)

Chastain looking for 2014 ride: Despite his second pole of 2013, Ross Chastain ranks only 19th in championship points, and said he had no set ride for next season. "Things aren't looking too good right now," admitted Chastain. "There is nothing in place right now for me at BKR, or anywhere else, for that matter. Hopefully, winning this pole and maybe a race or two before the end of the season will help, but as of now, there's nothing. "My goal for the 2014 season is to be at the race track every week and not back on the farm. But right now, it's not looking very good."(Godfather Motorsports)(11-8-2013)

Jones wins Phoenix: #51-Erik Jones won the Lucas Oil 150 on Friday night at Phoenix International Raceway and became the youngest race winner in series history. #19-Ross Chastain finished second after battling Jones back and forth for the lead throughout the night. Jones took the lead for the final time following a restart with less than 10 laps to go. The remainder of the top-10 were: #62-Brendan Gaughan, #3-Ty Dillon, #88-Matt Crafton, #33-Cale Gale, #29-Ryan Blaney, #98-Johnny Sauter, #31-James Buescher, and #94-Chase Elliott. There were seven caution flags for 42 laps and six lead changes among three leaders. #88-Matt Crafton simply has to start the season-finale in Homestead to lock up the championship. Complete results are on the Phoenix race results page (pdf).(11-8-2013)

Phoenix Race Fast Facts:
Erik Jones won the 16th Annual Lucas Oil 150, his first victory in five NASCAR Camping World Truck Series races.
This is his first victory and fifth top-10 finish in 2013.
This is his first victory and first top-10 finish in one races at Phoenix International Raceway.
Ross Chastain (second) posted his first top-10 finish in two races at Phoenix International Raceway. It is his sixth top-10 finish in 2013.
Brendan Gaughan (third) posted his second top-10 finish in 11 races at Phoenix International Raceway.
Ryan Blaney (seventh) was the highest finishing rookie.
Matt Crafton leads the point standings by 46 points over Ty Dillon.
(NASCAR Integrated Marketing)(11-8-2013)

Driver standings following Phoenix:
1) #88-Matt Crafton, 780
2) #3-Ty Dillon, 734, -46
3) #31-James Buescher, 730, -50
4) #98-Johnny Sauter, 703, -77
5) #4-Jeb Burton, 690, -90
6) #29-Ryan Blaney, 682, -98
7) #62-Brendan Gaughan, 677, -103
8) #54-Darrell Wallace, Jr., 675, -105
9) #32-Miguel Paludo, 664, -116
10) #17-Timothy Peters, 648, -132
See complete standings on the driver standings page (pdf).(11-8-2013)

Owner Standings following Phoenix are posted (pdf).(11-8-2013)

Chastain on pole for Lucas Oil 150: #19-Ross Chastain claimed his second Keystone Light pole award of the season on Friday at Phoenix International Raceway after running a top speed at 133.398 mph. #51-Erik Jones will start second. He is followed by: #62-Brendan Gaughan, #31-James Buescher, #8-Max Gresham, #33-Cale Gale, #98-Johnny Sauter, #39-Ryan Sieg, #88-Matt Crafton, and #18-Joey Coulter. See complete results on the Starting lineup (pdf) page.(11-8-2013)

Phoenix Qualifying Notes:
Ross Chastain won the Keystone Light Pole Award for the 16th Annual Lucas Oil 150 with a lap of 26.987 seconds, 133.398 mph.
This is his second pole in 40 NASCAR Camping World Truck Series races.
This is his second pole and eighth top-10 start in 2013.
This is his first pole in two races at Phoenix International Raceway.
Erik Jones (second) posted his third top-10 start of 2013 and his first in one races at Phoenix International Raceway.
Brendan Gaughan (third) posted his second top-10 start at Phoenix International Raceway. It is his 14th in 21 races this season.
German Quiroga (11th) was the fastest qualifying rookie.
(NASCAR Statistics)(11-8-2013)

Indy adds former NASCAR executive to staff: Hulman & Company CEO Mark Miles has completed the formation of his leadership team by naming two accomplished sales and marketing executives with extensive automotive and racing industry roots as the leaders of the sales, licensing, marketing and communications functions of Hulman Motorsports.
Connell J. (C.J.) O'Donnell, who has worked in key marketing positions for various brands within Ford Motor Company, will join Hulman Motorsports as chief marketing officer, and Jay Frye, a racing executive who successfully transformed two teams into NASCAR Sprint Cup contenders, is the new chief revenue officer.
The appointments complete a reorganization that began earlier this year. This includes combining the commercial functions of INDYCAR and IMS, including sales, licensing, marketing and communications, into Hulman Motorsports, which O'Donnell and Frye will lead. In May, Derrick Walker was named as president of INDYCAR operations and competition. Other members of the Hulman leadership team include Jeff Belskus, president and chief financial officer of Hulman & Company; Gretchen Snelling, vice president and chief legal counsel; Robby Greene, president of IMS Productions; and Doug Boles, president of Indianapolis Motor Speedway Corporation.
Frye led the transformation of the Red Bull Racing Team in NASCAR Sprint Cup into a contender that earned a berth in the 2009 Chase for the Championship during his tenure as vice president and general manager from 2008-11. In addition, he spent 12 years at MB2 Motorsports, LLC, a NASCAR Sprint Cup team he helped build from the ground up into a multi-team operation. As the chief executive officer and general manager, he negotiated what was an industry-first - a sponsorship/ownership package with The Valvoline Company. Frye also has other sales and marketing experience, including several years with Anheuser-Busch. Frye will lead a combined team of INDYCAR and IMS sponsorship sales, licensing and account services staff. IMS suite and hospitality sales will remain an IMS function under Boles' direction.
O'Donnell recently served as Ford's group marketing manager for electric vehicles in Detroit, where he was recognized for the launch of several hybrid vehicles and has orchestrated a record year for hybrid and electric vehicle sales. During his 20-year career with Ford, he also has led marketing for the Lincoln and Jaguar brands domestically and abroad and was a member of a small team that led the turnaround of the Mazda brand. O'Donnell will lead a combined team of INDYCAR and IMS marketing and communications staff.(IMS)(11-8-2013)

Chassis selections for this weeks race: see the list of many teams [that report or post them] and what chassis were selected by the team to run at Phoenix International Raceway on the Phoenix Race Info page - Chassis selection area.

RFR Driven scheme for Stenhouse at Phoenix: Ricky Stenhouse, Jr. heads to Phoenix International Raceway in 17 #RFRDriven Ford. You could win the hood signed by the RFR crew. After 25 "Winning Years", a record 300 wins and numerous championships, Roush Fenway Racing remains "Driven" to succeed. To drive the point, RFR launched its 2013 "Driven" campaign at the 2013 NASCAR Media Day. The "Driven" program will include new and increased fan interaction, as well as partner promotions and special events throughout the season (RFR), see an image of the car/scheme on the #17 Team Schemes page.(11-7-2013)

Latest on some possible 2014 rules changes: NASCAR has been looking at new technical rules to tweak the cars for 2014. A mid-December test at Charlotte Motor Speedway, yet another NASCAR test there, should help set things. NASCAR is now expected to bring the 'tapered spacer' to the Cup series, to try to take 90 horsepower out of these 900 horsepower engines. NASCAR has tested a roof 'wicker,' running left-to-right, designed to disturb the air; that design was used some 10 years ago, briefly, but it appears the sanctioning body is rejecting that change. NASCAR will be using larger rear spoilers next season. And NASCAR is expected to add some holes in the rear bumpers, to vent under-car air flow.(MikeMulhern.net)(11-7-2013)

Biffle's car goes green at Phoenix: Greg Biffle will drive the #16 3M Scotch Ford Fusion at Phoenix International Raceway. Scotch Cellulose Tape was invented in 1930 by Richard Drew, a 3M scientist. Later renamed Cellophane Tape, the tape was originally designed to be an attractive, moisture-proof way for grocers and bakers to seal cellophane wrap. Roughly 5.5 million miles' worth of ScotchŽ Transparent Tape is made each year. That's 645 miles of tape per hour, or enough to circle the earth 235 times! (RFR), see images of the car/scheme on the #16 Team Schemes page.(11-7-2013)

Sorenson to Make Phoenix a Springboard for 2014 Season: Sunday's AdvoCare 500 may be the final selected race of the 2013 racing season for #95 Leavine Family Racing (LFR), but the independent team considers the race at the Phoenix International Raceway their beginning of the 2014 campaign. Reed Sorenson will close out the season of the #95 Jetset Getset (JSGS) Ford in the 312-lap race in the Arizona desert. Jetset Getset, a teenage country music group, will adorn Sorenson's #95 Ford as an associate sponsor on the car's deck lid in celebration of their free song download. Jetset Getset is the official band of Leavine Family Racing. "It's our intention to create solid momentum for next year," Sorenson said. "We want to finish this season strong so they can hit 2014 at full speed." Earlier this year the team celebrated its first top-10 finish with a ninth-place effort at the Talladega Superspeedway, and the team will have Michael McDowell behind the wheel next year. "This is an important time for us because we have one last chance to put all the positive things we've learned into one final race," crew chief Wally Rogers said. "We feel good about Phoenix. It's a good racetrack for us and for Reed. I can't think of a better place to create a positive impression for the future." The Jolly Roger colors will be again be flying this weekend in the Arizona desert on the #95 Ford Fusion. The Peachtree City, Ga., native will drive the all-black Ford with the white skull and crossbones on the hood.(LFR).(11-7-2013)

Rheem featured on the #27: The #27 Rheem/Menards Chevy of Paul Menard will sport a different look this weekend at Phoenix carrying a special paint scheme combination of Rheem red and black, in addition to Menards yellow. Rheem Manufacturing Company is privately held with headquarters in Atlanta and U.S. operations in Alabama, Arkansas, California, Indiana, North Carolina and Texas. Rheem is the official heating, cooling and water heating supplier to Richard Childress Racing, and is a primary sponsor of RCR's #29 Chevy in the Sprint Cup Series and RCR's #33 Chevy in the NASCAR Nationwide Series (RCR), see images of the car/scheme on the #27 Team Schemes page.(11-7-2013)

Phoenix Goodyear Tire Notes: Teams in all three NASCAR national series will run the same tire codes at Phoenix this week, though the Sprint Cup and Nationwide tires will be branded "Goodyear Eagle," while the Camping World Truck tires will be branded "Goodyear Wrangler" . . . while Sprint Cup and Nationwide teams ran this right-side tire code at Phoenix in March, this is a new left-side tire code . . . compared to what was run earlier this season, this left-side code features both compound and construction changes . . . the compound change is designed to give the cars more grip, while the construction change brings this tire in line with what is run at New Hampshire . . . this tire set-up came out of a Goodyear test at Phoenix on September 10-11 . . . Sprint Cup teams participating in that test were the #10 Stewart Haas Racing Chevy, #17 Roush Fenway Ford, #31 Richard Childress Racing Chevy, #42 Earnhardt Ganassi Racing Chevy and #55 Michael Waltrip Racing Toyota . . . as on most NASCAR ovals one mile or less in length, teams will not run inner liners in their tires at Phoenix (Goodyear), see full notes, tire codes, pressures on the Phoenix Race Info page - Goodyear section.

Phoenix Facts and Notes - Thursday:
ˇ There have been 23 different NASCAR Sprint Cup race winners at Phoenix, eight have won more than once, led by Jimmie Johnson, with four  ('07 Chase race, '08 spring race and Chase race, '09 Chase race).
ˇ The eight drivers who have won more than once at Phoenix: Jimmie Johnson (four), Kevin Harvick (three), Davey Allison (two), Jeff Burton (two), Dale Earnhardt Jr. (two), Jeff Gordon (two) Carl Edwards (two) and Mark Martin (two).
ˇ Of the eight drivers with multiple wins at Phoenix International Raceway, Mark Martin is the only driver to win in two different manufacturers: Ford (1993) and Chevrolet (2009).
ˇ Alan Kulwicki (11/6/1988) and Bobby Hamilton (10/27/1996) are the only two drivers to post their first NASCAR Sprint Cup career wins at Phoenix International Raceway.
ˇ Jimmie Johnson leads the series in average finish at Phoenix with a 6.4; the only other driver with an average finish inside the top 10 is Mark Martin with a 9.4.
ˇ Five drivers have won consecutive races at Phoenix: Davey Allison (1991,1992); Jeff Burton (2000, 2001); Dale Earnhardt Jr. (2003, 2004); Kevin Harvick (swept 2006); Jimmie Johnson is the only one of the five to win three consecutive races (fall 2007, swept 2008).
ˇ Hendrick Motorsports leads the series in wins at Phoenix with nine, followed by Roush Fenway Racing with seven.
ˇ Two perfect Driver Ratings of 150.0 have been recorded at Phoenix, Kurt Busch in April 2005 and Kevin Harvick in November 2006.
ˇ Mark Martin leads the series in runner-up finishes at Phoenix with five; followed by Jimmie Johnson and Tony Stewart with three each.
ˇ Mark Martin and Jimmie Johnson lead the series in top-five finishes at Phoenix with 12 each.(NASCAR)(11-7-2013)

Top Three Drivers Phoenix Specific Stats:
1 - #48-Jimmie Johnson
ˇ Season-to-Date Driver Rating: 110.0
2013 Rundown
ˇ Six wins, 15 top fives, 22 top 10s; two poles
ˇ Average finish of 11.0
ˇ Led 22 races for 1,984 laps
Phoenix International Raceway Outlook:
ˇ Four wins, 13 top fives, 16 top 10s; one pole
ˇ Average finish of 6.5 in 20 races
ˇ Series-best Average Running Position of 7.0
ˇ Series-best Driver Rating of 116.4
ˇ Series-high 538 Fastest Laps Run
ˇ 665 Green Flag Passes, 13th-most
ˇ Series-best Average Green Flag Speed of 125.519 mph
ˇ Series-high 4,749 Laps in the Top 15 (88.2%)
ˇ Series-high 466 Quality Passes (passes of cars in the top 15 under green)
2 - #20-Matt Kenseth
ˇ Season-to-Date Driver Rating: 111.2
2013 Rundown
ˇ Seven wins, 11 top fives, 19 top 10s; two poles
ˇ Average finish of 12.1
ˇ Led 25 races for 1,639 laps
Phoenix International Raceway Outlook:
ˇ One win, five top fives, nine top 10s; one pole
ˇ Average finish of 17.2 in 22 races
ˇ Average Running Position of 16.0, 15th-best
ˇ Driver Rating of 87.0, 11th-best
ˇ 717 Green Flag Passes, sixth-most
ˇ 3,210 Laps in the Top 15 (59.6%), 12th-most
3 - #29-Kevin Harvick
ˇ Season-to-Date Driver Rating: 93.7
2013 Rundown
ˇ Three wins, eight top fives, 19 top 10s; one pole
ˇ Average finish of 11.5
ˇ Led 10 races for 191 laps
Phoenix International Raceway Outlook:
ˇ Three wins, six top fives, 10 top 10s
ˇ Average finish of 12.9 in 21 races
ˇ Average Running Position of 11.0, fifth-best
ˇ Driver Rating of 99.0, fifth-best
ˇ 245 Fastest Laps Run, seventh-most
ˇ 678 Green Flag Passes, 12th-most
ˇ Average Green Flag Speed of 125.133 mph, fifth-fastest
ˇ 4,035 Laps in the Top 15 (75.0%), fifth-most
ˇ 365 Quality Passes, ninth-most
(NASCAR)

SK Hand Tools Returns to Go Green Racing: Go Green Racing welcomes Jeffrey Earnhardt back behind the wheel of the #79 Ford Mustang with support from SK Hand Tools for this weekends NASCAR Nationwide Series race at Phoenix International Raceway. Leading up to the race at PIR, Jeffrey and fellow teammate Maryeve Dufault took part attending the SEMA show in Las Vegas, NV to showcase the quality tools that are designed and manufactured right here in America. Both drivers look forward to further their relationship in 2014.(Go Green Racing), see an image of the car on the #79 team paint schemes page.(11-7-2013)

Mike Wallace gets Phoenix sponsor: #01-Mike Wallace is ready to get the Phoenix ParTea started. Wallace will ride with sponsorship from Verve! ParTea, the "insanely healthy" energy drink in Saturdays ServiceMaster 200 Nationwide Series race at Phoenix International Raceway. ParTea is a non-carbonated energy drink with a bright fruit tea flavor. Verve! is making its second run with Wallace in the JD Motorsports with Gary Keller 01 Chevy.(JD Motorsports)(11-7-2013)

Harr returns to the #4: Daryl Harr will return to the cockpit of the iWorld Connect Chevrolet for Saturdays ServiceMaster 200 Nationwide Series race at Phoenix International Raceway. The race will be Harrs sixth of the Nationwide season. He last drove the JD Motorsports with Gary Keller #4 Chevy in August at Iowa, finishing 25th. Harr will be sponsored by iWorld Connect, an Apple premium reseller of computer equipment with four locations in western Canada. (JD Motorsports)(11-7-2013)

Jones fastest in final practice at Phoenix: #51-Erik Jones was fastest during the final practice for Friday's Lucas Oil 150 at Phoenix International Raceway. Jones ran a fast lap at 134.394 mph. He was followed by: #33-Cale Gale. #29-Ryan Blaney, #4-Jeb Burton, #19-Ross Chastain, #9-Ron Hornaday, Jr., #32-Miguel Paludo, #62-Brendan Gaughan, #24-Brennan Newberry, and #88-Matt Crafton. 35 trucks practiced during the session. #54-Darrell Wallace, Jr. and #38- Chad Frewaldt wrecked during the session, with both truck suffering heavy damage. Wallace's team quickly pulled out the back-up. A confrontation took place following the wreck and both drivers had to meet with series director Chad Little following the session. Practice speeds are posted on the Phoenix Final Practice page (pdf).(11-7-2013)

Quiroga fastest in first practice at Phoenix: #77-German Quiroga led the opening practice for Friday's Lucas Oil 150 at Phoenix International Raceway. Quiroga's fastest lap was 129.940 mph. He was followed by: #51-Erik Jones,#17-Timothy Peters, #3-Ty Dillon, #9-Ron Hornaday, Jr., #32-Miguel Paludo, #98-Johnny Sauter, #29-Ryan Blaney, #24-Brennan Newberry, and #62-Brendan Gaughan. 32 trucks practiced during the session. Practice speeds are posted on the Phoenix Practice One page (pdf).(11-7-2013)

Entry list: There are 35 trucks on the preliminary entry list for this Friday night's Lucas Oil 150 at Phoenix International Raceway. Some notes include;
Daniel Hemric in the #6;
Steve Smith in the #12;
John Hunter Nemechek in the #22;
Cale Gale in the #33;
Mason Mingus in the #35;
Chase Elliott in the #94; Steve Wallace in the #97; (11-4-2013)
UPDATE: DJ Kennington has been named as the driver of the #1 this week. It was listed as TBA.(11-7-2013)
UPDATE 2: Chad Frewaldt has been added in the #38.(11-7-2013)
See the complete list on the Phoenix entry list page.

NASCAR clears the air following Wallace, Frewaldt confrontation: Darrell Wallace Jr. won't be punished by NASCAR for an on-track altercation with Chad Frewaldt Thursday after the two drivers crashed during practice at Phoenix International Raceway. Wallace, sixth in the Camping World Truck Series standings, had just passed Frewaldt on the outside in Turn 3 when the two made contact going through Turn 4. Wallace's Kyle Busch Motorsports truck spun around and up against the wall in front of Frewaldt's RSS entry before sliding back down the track and into the inside wall. Frewaldt was still in his truck, his window net down, when Wallace charged up the banking and appeared to attempt to strike the driver. Neither driver was injured and both spoke with NASCAR officials behind closed doors after the incident."You remind everyone these are young men, they're competitive , this is the heat of the moment," Robin Pemberton, NASCAR vice president of competition, said afterward."He (Wallace) did slap at the helmet. And it's a race car helmet and a race car. So I'm pretty sure the helmet is OK. & He was just frustrated and you get that."(NASCAR.com)(11-7-2013)

Nemechek to make second start in Phoenix: John Hunter Nemechek, son of NASCAR legend Joe Nemechek, will have his second NASCAR touring series start at age 16 for NASCAR's Camping World Truck Series at Phoenix International Raceway. Nemechek is driving the #22 SWM Racing entry for the Lucas Oil 150 in Arizona this weekend. John Hunter is driving the #22 truck for the newly formed SWM-NEMCO Racing, owned by Sid Mauldin alongside Nemco Motorsports. Mauldin is also owner of the team sponsor SWM International, based in Texas. The #22 truck will debut sporting loyal sponsors SWM International, Wood Pellet Grills, and D.A.B. Constructors.(NEMCO PR)(11-7- 2013)

Brickyard 400 Tickets on sale: Tickets are on sale for the 21st Kroger Super Weekend at the Brickyard and the seventh Red Bull Indianapolis GP, as the exciting NASCAR/TUDOR United SportsCar Championship and MotoGP World Championship events return to the Indianapolis Motor Speedway in 2014. The Kroger Super Weekend at the Brickyard takes place July 24-27, while the Red Bull Indianapolis GP is scheduled for Aug. 8-10. Fans have three quick, convenient methods to buy tickets: Online, Phone or In Person. Information on parking and camping at IMS events is available at www.ims.com/tickets. A variety of special offers are available to fans who buy reserved seats for the Kroger Super Weekend at the Brickyard or Red Bull Indianapolis GP. Fans who buy reserved seats for the Crown Royal presents the "Your Hero's Name Here" 400 at the Brickyard for the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series on Sunday, July 27 and the Indiana 250 NASCAR Nationwide Series race Saturday, July 26 will receive a free track walk during pre-race ceremonies Sunday, July 27.(IMS)(11-7-2013)

Daytona International Speedway Honors Longtime Ticketholders As "Fans Of Steel": As part of the ongoing effort to recognize Daytona's loyal fans for their dedication and support throughout the DAYTONA Rising redevelopment project, Daytona International Speedway today recognized longtime Speedway account holders as the "fans of steel" during a special ceremony at the construction site. Nearly two dozen race fans and guests, some from as far away as Colorado and Ohio, kicked off the day by taking a "hot lap" around Daytona International Speedway in a pace car and then received a personal DAYTONA Rising project update from Daytona International Speedway President Joie Chitwood III. The fans literally became part of history after personally signing a massive 30-foot, 1,300-pound steel beam that will be used to build the new frontstretch grandstands. The day concluded with a guided tour of the DAYTONA Rising construction site, highlighted by the recent steel installation, pile cap installation and completion of water and fire lines. Key November construction activities include:
Ongoing steel installation
Completion of pile cap installation
Continued asphalt paving and other "race-ready" preparation for the 52nd Rolex 24 At Daytona and Budweiser Speedweeks 2014.(DIS)(11-7-2013)

Lexar partners with EGR on the #1 at PIR: Earnhardt Ganassi Racing with Felix Sabates (EGR) and Lexar announced an extension of their continued partnership with Chip Ganassi Racing Teams (CGRT), to be the primary sponsor on the #1 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series (NSCS) Chevrolet SS of former Daytona 500 Champion Jamie McMurray. Lexar, a long-time partner of CGRT, began its relationship with the team back in 2001 when it became an associate sponsor. The #1 Lexar Chevy will make an appearance at Phoenix International Raceway (PIR) for the AdvoCare 500 on Sunday. Lexar boasts one of the most comprehensive portfolios of high-performance, award-winning products in every major flash memory category, including memory cards, card readers, and USB flash drives. Lexar products are backed by outstanding customer support, industry-leading warranties, and an ever-expanding selection of products that are designed to meet the growing needs of quality-oriented customers. With more than 15 years of experience in the memory industry, the Lexar brand has long been synonymous with reliability and high performance. Jeff Cable, Director of Marketing, Lexar: "We're excited to extend our sponsorship with Earnhardt Ganassi Racing and watch Jamie McMurray lead the pack in the No. 1 Lexar Chevrolet SS. When it comes to great performance, high speeds, and reliability, Jamie's got all three, and these are the same attributes the Lexar brand supports, which is why we're excited to team up with him and EGR this coming week."(EGR), see an image of the car/scheme on the #1 Team Schemes page.(11-6-2013)

Ultra Wheel Joins Tommy Baldwin Racing's #7 at PIR: As Tommy Baldwin Racing prepares to roll into Phoenix International Raceway this week, they are doing so with some extra grip. Ultra Wheel joins TBR as a primary sponsor of Dave Blaney's #7 Chevy. Based out of Fullertown, CA, Ultra Wheel is a custom wheel shop that doesn't base themselves off of a slogan or icon to create their identity like others. Ultra Wheel has an unyielding core principle of building strong durable wheels with precise fitments. Jim Smith, owner of Ultra Wheel, has an aggressive passion for auto racing that led him to win countless individual races within the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series and the Baja 1000. That passion and core principle catapulted the company to become the preeminent truck wheel company in the US, and it continues today. Whether you're looking at their Truck and Off-Road wheels, high end Platinum line-up, or their trend setting Focal designs, they only sell Championship-Caliber Quality wheels. When you own a set of Ultra wheels, you too will be riding on their core principle of delivering the strongest, most durable wheels on the market today. Owner and previous Craftsman Truck Series winner Jim Smith commented on the sponsorship, "Ultra Wheel is proud to be on board the #7 Chevy of Dave Blaney and Tommy Baldwin Racing." Team Owner and Crew Chief Tommy Baldwin also commented, "We are happy to be teaming up with Ultra Wheel for the upcoming race weekend at Phoenix International Raceway. Jim Smith is familiar with the motorsports industry and how things work, which helps to create a great partnership for both TBR and Ultra Wheel."(TBR), see an image of the car/scheme on the #7 Team Schemes page.(11-6-2013)

#42 Target Chevy in Camo: The #42 Target Chevy of Juan Pablo Montoya's will sport a special paint scheme this weekend for Veteran's Day. The signature red paint scheme will go camo at Phoenix International Raceway to honor veterans (EGR), see an image of the scheme on the #42 Team Schemes page.(11-6-2013)

Last race in the #47 for Labonte, special scheme: Bobby Labonte's journey behind the wheel of the #47 Toyota with JTG Daugherty Racing comes to a close at Phoenix International Raceway (PIR). The 2000 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series champion has one pole award, three top-five and nine top-10 finishes and has led 68 laps in 29 starts at PIR. His average start is 23.034 and his average finish is 18.448. The #47 Toyota will carry a special Clorox / Wounded Warrior Project scheme at Phoneix. "I think Wounded Warrior Project is a great organization and we are grateful to have them on our Toyota and help raise more awareness," Labonte said. "It is a great program to help out young men and women that fight for our freedom in a battle where things happen and their lives are changed forever. It is good to have someone to help them through the tough times," said Labonte.
"The last two years the team went out on their own," Labonte said. "It was without support from being a part of a big organization and that has been tough. The choice they made to go out on their own I supported. They needed to go in that direction. The battle was still to get the team in position to go forward. We went through the trenches together to get there. At the end of the day, I was a part of the puzzle where I got to help put the pieces together where the puzzle did not fall apart. I always woke up everyday and put my best foot forward."
"It has been a pleasure to have Bobby in our car the past few seasons," JTG Daugherty Racing co-owner Brad Daugherty said recently. "He is a true champion and a Hall of Famer. He is a tremendous racecar driver and person. We have leaned on him heavily, as well as, TRD (Toyota Racing Development) in testing parts and pieces. He has been a constant professional and we appreciate him and everything he has done for us."(JTG Daugherty Racing), see images of the scheme on the #47 Team Schemes page.(11-6-2013)

Jimmie Johnson Foundation Announces $470,000 in Education Grants: During a visit on Tuesday to the NASCAR Hall of Fame, five-time NASCAR Sprint Cup Series champion Jimmie Johnson announced the recipients of the 2013 Jimmie Johnson Foundation/Lowe's Toolbox for Education Champions Grants. The grants, which are awarded to schools in Chandra and Jimmie Johnson's respective hometowns of Muskogee, Okla., El Cajon, Calif., and where they currently reside in Charlotte, N.C., totaled $470,000. Students from the three Charlotte schools that were awarded grants attended as Johnson made the announcement on behalf of the foundation he cofounded with his wife, Chandra, in 2006 as well as partner Lowe's. Johnson shared that these schools, along with six others from Muskogee and the San Diego area, have been selected to receive the grants.(JJF), see full PR on Jayski's NASCAR Racing Charities page.(11-6-2013)

New scheme for Keselowski in 2014: supposedly Miller will bring back the retro white Miller Lite can and run a promotion over the winter and as part of that promotion, Brad Keselowski will drive a white #2 Miller Lite Ford sometime in 2014, possibly at the 2014 Sprint Unlimited at Daytona. See images of the scheme on the 2014 #2 Team Schemes page.(11-6-2013)

2014 Sprint Unlimited field almost set: As the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series season nears its conclusion, a star-studded list of drivers have already punched their ticket for next season's first event -- The Sprint Unlimited At Daytona scheduled for Saturday night, Feb. 15 at Daytona International Speedway (TV -- FOX Sports One, Radio -- MRN Radio and Sirius XM Satellite Radio). Twenty NASCAR Sprint Cup Series drivers have earned starting positions in the 2014 edition of The Sprint Unlimited, the 75-lap non-points event that kicks off the stock car portion of Budweiser Speedweeks 2014. For the second straight year, eligibility requirements for The Sprint Unlimited will consist of the previous season's pole winners and past winners of The Sprint Unlimited who have attempted to qualify for at least one NASCAR Sprint Cup Series race during the 2013 season. Seventeen drivers have earned their starting spots by winning pole positions while three others will qualify as past winners of the event. More details on the format, competition elements and the at-track experience opportunities for race fans will be announced in January. Tickets for The Sprint Unlimited as well as the other events surrounding Budweiser Speedweeks 2014 are available online at daytonainternationalspeedway.com or by calling 1-800-PITSHOP.(DIS), see Jayski's 2014 Sprint Unlimited page for the drivers eligible and for more info and go to the 2013 Sprint Unlimited page for past info.(11-6-2013)

Jeff Burton to make 1,000th-Career NASCAR Start: Jeff Burton, driver of the #31 @CATMining Chevy, will make his 1,000th-career NASCAR start when the Sprint Cup Series heads to Phoenix International Raceway on Sunday, Nov. 10, 2013. During a NASCAR career spanning more than 25 years, Burton has amassed 48 wins including victories in the Southern 500 at Darlington Raceway and the Coca-Cola 600 at Charlotte Motor Speedway. The South Boston, Va., native has earned more than 250 top-five and 400 top-10 finishes, was named the 1994 Sprint Cup Series "Rookie of the Year" and co-piloted the #29 Richard Childress Racing Chevrolet to the 2007 NASCAR Nationwide Series owner's championship. "It's hard for me to imagine that I have driven in 1,000 NASCAR races," said Burton. "I've been lucky and blessed to have family and friends that have given me all this support. I also have good relationships with everyone that I've worked with over the years to show for it, which is most important to me."
Overall, the 46-year-old driver has made 689 Sprint Cup Series starts along with 306 starts in the Nationwide Series and four starts in the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series driving for Richard Childress Racing, Roush Fenway Racing and the Stavola Brothers among others. Burton is the last driver to lead 100% of the laps in a NASCAR-sanctioned event, pacing the field for all 300 laps en route to victory at New Hampshire Motor Speedway in 2000 and was the 2007 NASCAR Illustrated "Person of the Year." He currently sits 19th in the 2013 Sprint Cup Series driver championship point standings on the strength of two top-five and six top-10 finishes.(RCR)(11-6-2013)

NASCAR Speeds Into Las Vegas For Annual NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Champion's Week: For the fifth-consecutive year, NASCAR will return to Las Vegas for the postseason NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Champion's Week, a star-studded, entertainment-filled celebration for the series champion and fans, culminating with one of NASCAR's marquee events, the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Awards. Since 2009, the awards have been held at Wynn Las Vegas and have grown in stature and prestige with each passing year. This year's awards will take place Dec. 6, returning to Wynn Las Vegas with FOX Sports 2 and NASCAR.com providing coverage from 9:00 pm/et  12midnight/et. Motor Racing Network and SiriusXM NASCAR Radio Channel 90 will provide live coverage beginning at 8:00pm/et. The show will also re-air on FOX Sports 1 at 12:00noon/et on Dec. 8 (NASCAR), see full PR and info on the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Awards on the 2013 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Awards page.(11-6-2013)

Drivers who won a pole in 2012 but none in 2013: Seven drivers won at least one pole in 2013 but have failed to do so in 2013 with only two races left in the season. One of the drivers is Tony Stewart who is out for the season with an injury, but he is already locked into the 2014 Sprint Unlimited due to winning the race before. A.J. Allmendinger is not scheduled to run at Phoenix but is scheduled to run the #47 Toyota at Homestead. The drivers and their streaks:
4, Kasey Kahne, Kansas, October 2012 (4 poles in 2012)
4, Martin Truex Jr., Texas, April 2012
4, Juan Pablo Montoya, Watkins Glen, August 2012 (2 poles)
2, Greg Biffle, Charlotte, October 2012 (3 poles)
2, Tony Stewart, Atlanta, August 2012
1, A.J. Allmendinger, Kansas, April 2012
1, Aric Almirola, Charlotte, May 2012

Reed debuts special scheme at Phoenix: Ryan Reed, driver of the #16 American Diabetes Association Drive to Stop Diabetes presented by Lilly Diabetes Ford Mustang, will make his first NASCAR Nationwide Series start on the 1-mile Phoenix International Raceway this Saturday. This will be Reed's fifth start with Roush Fenway Racing. Reed finished 14th in his last outing at Charlotte Motor Speedway in October. Reed's #16 Lilly Diabetes Ford Mustang will showcase photos from the American Diabetes Association's A Day in the Life of Diabetes mosaic at PIR as part of American Diabetes Month. Reed worked with the Association to encourage the public to submit a personal image to the Association's Facebook mosaic representing what A Day in the Life of Diabetes means to them. The simulator version of the American Diabetes Association Drive to Stop Diabetes presented by Lilly Diabetes Ford, will be onsite at PIR and will also feature the photos. Reed, who was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes in February 2011, joined forces with the American Diabetes Association's efforts and created the Drive to Stop Diabetes campaign, with awareness and educational events at select NASCAR Nationwide races as well as at several off track health and wellness initiatives throughout 2013 and 2014. Drive to Stop Diabetes is supported by Lilly Diabetes, the program's National Presenting Sponsor.(Roush Fenway Racing), see an image of the car on the #16 team paint schemes page.(11-6-2013)

fuelxx sponsoring Bowman at Phoenix: fuelxx joins RAB Racing this weekend as primary sponsor of the #99 Toyota Camry. A solution for large diesel consumers, fuelxx significantly reduces the detrimental environmental impact and the cost of running diesel engines. The partnership with RAB Racing at Phoenix International Raceway was the result of a trial to test the fuelxx unit on one of the team's haulers. The results of this field test showed significant improvement on one of the team's haulers with fuelxx installed over the same truck traveling the same route, but without fuelxx installed.(RAB Racing)(11-6-2013)

Kimmel to drive in season finale: Frank Kimmel, the 10-time ARCA Racing Series presented by Menards champion who claimed that iconic title a month ago, will be part of NASCAR's championship weekend at Homestead-Miami Speedway in two weekends where he'll drive a #13 Ansell / Menards Toyota for ThorSport Racing in the Camping World Truck Series finale. Kimmel, whose truck will be virtually identical to the #88 Ideal Door / Menards Tundra driven by ThorSport's Truck Series championship leader Matt Crafton, will be part of a three-truck ensemble from ThorSport in the Friday night Ford EcoBoost 200 that includes fourth-place point man Johnny Sauter's #98 Carolina Nut Co. / Curb Records Toyota. Kimmel's truck will be tended by his champion ARCA team, including crew chief Jeriod Prince and truck chief Rich Lushes.(ThorSport Racing PR)(11-6 2013)

Crafton can clinch at Phoenix: Matt Crafton leads James Buescher by 46 points and Texas race winner Ty Dillon by 47 going into this Friday's Lucas Oil 150 at Phoenix International Raceway. If Crafton can score his second win of the season at Phoenix, or exit leading the second-place competitor by 49 or more points, he will clinch the title before the series reaches Homestead-Miami Speedway for the Nov. 15 season finale. In 12 previous starts at PIR Crafton has eight top-10 finishes highlighted by a third-place finish in 2004. Crafton's team, ThorSport Racing, also hopes to clinch the owner's title this weekend as well. Prior to the Texas race, the #88 Toyota team held a small lead over the #51 Kyle Busch Motorsports Toyota shared by Kyle Busch and several additional drivers. That lead grew from 15 to 32 points after Busch experienced engine issues to end his night early, making it a little more difficult to challenge for the title. After the race Busch announced he would not be competing at Phoenix where he's won twice. Erik Jones will pilot the truck this weekend. If ThorSport Racing wins the owner's title it will be the first in the 18-year history of the Sandusky, Ohio-based team and owners Duke and Rhonda Thorson.(NASCAR)(11-6-2013)

Crew chief change for the #1 in 2014? hearing that current #1 Earnhardt Ganassi Racing crew chief Kevin Manion, will depart from the team and head to Turner Scott Motorsports in a management role. Supposedly Keith Rodden will take over as Jamie McMurray's crew chief in 2014. Rodden is currently the race engineer for #5-Kasey Kahne.(11-5-2013)

Texas TV Ratings: ESPN's live telecast of the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series race at Texas Motor Speedway on Sunday, Nov. 3, earned a 2.6 U.S. household rating, averaging 4,179,369 viewers, according to Nielsen Media. The rating and viewership rose from last year's race, which earned a 2.5 rating with an average of 3,943,274 viewers. Of the seven races in the Chase for the NASCAR Sprint Cup that have been run and telecast as scheduled, six have had ratings and viewership growth over last year. The opening race of the Chase at Chicagoland Speedway was delayed by rain.
Greenville, S.C., led all metered markets in the country with an 8.9 rating for the Texas race, followed by Greensboro, N.C., at 7.8. Birmingham, Ala., Knoxville, Tenn., and Norfolk, Va., tied for third with a 6.1 rating. Rounding out the top 10 were Indianapolis, 5.4; Jacksonville, Fla., 5.3; Charlotte, N.C., 4.9; Richmond, Va., 4.8 and Nashville, Tenn., 4.7.
ESPN2's live telecast of the NASCAR Nationwide Series race at Texas on Saturday, Nov. 2, earned a 0.9 U.S. household rating, averaging 1,395,260 viewers. Last year's race earned a 1.0 rating with an average of 1,663,629 viewers.(ESPN)
See past races for 2013 and 5-year comparison chart on the 2013 NASCAR TV Ratings page.(11-5-2013)

AutoZone joins the #22 in 2014: Penske Racing announced that AutoZone will join the organization as an associate sponsor for the 2014 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series season. AutoZone and Penske Racing will embark on an extensive business-to-business relationship as the company's logo will be prominently featured on the C-post of the #22 Shell-Pennzoil Ford Fusion driven by 2013 Chase driver Joey Logano beginning next season. AutoZone will also work with other Penske Racing partners to increase its presence in the racing community. In addition, the Memphis, Tenn.-based company will launch a marketing campaign focused around Penske Racing and Logano. AutoZone is the nation's leading retailer and a leading distributor of automotive replacement parts and accessories with more than 5,000 stores in the US, Puerto Rico, and Mexico. AutoZone has an extensive history in motorsports, including various sponsorships in NASCAR, powerboat racing and regional racing series around the country. This marks the automotive company's first sponsor relationship in the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series.(Penske Racing)(11-5-2013)

Spotter Calinoff Not Returning to Roush Fenway in 2014: Mike Calinoff, a fixture atop the spotter's stand for Roush Fenway Racing since 2000, will not return as spotter for #17-Ricky Stenhouse, Jr. in the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series, or Trevor Bayne in the NASCAR Nationwide Series in 2014. "Jack Roush, Robbie Reiser and Matt Kenseth took a chance on me in 2000 and afforded me the opportunity to build a career in NASCAR that has far exceeded my expectations," said Calinoff. "I've worked with a number of amazing drivers and crew chiefs who will continue to be great friends."
"I've enjoyed working with Mike," said Stenhouse, "and I appreciate his help over the past four years."
Calinoff's resume at Roush Fenway Racing includes 47 victories in NASCAR's three National Touring Series with Kenseth, Stenhouse and Ricky Craven. He won the 2003 Sprint Cup title and two Daytona 500s (2009 & 2012) with Kenseth, in addition to back-to-back Nationwide crowns with Stenhouse in 2011 and 2012. "Even though I will not return to RFR in 2014, I remain focused on trying to win a Sprint Cup race with Ricky Stenhouse, Jr.," said Calinoff. "That would be an awesome way to end the season."(Godfather Motorsports)(11-5-2013)

Petty Museum moving back to Level Cross: The Richard Petty Museum is coming home. After 10 years of being located in downtown Randleman, North Carolina, the museum that holds memorabilia and personal collections of the most decorated American stock car driver in history is going back home to Level Cross. The Museum will be located on the site of the original Petty Engineering and later Petty Enterprises race shop. The site currently is the home of Petty's Garage and the Petty Family Foundation. The Museum was founded at the race shop in Level Cross in 1988 by Lynda Petty but moved to Randleman in 2003 after space demands of the expanding race operation. Randleman, the neighboring city where Richard Petty went to high school, then became the home of museum. With the race operation, Richard Petty Motorsports, now operating in Concord, North Carolina, it was decided to move the museum back to its original location.
After it's relocation and renovation, the museum will not only recover its spot in the building first built to house Kyle Petty's race program but will eventually expand to include the "Reaper Shed," first home of Petty Engineering where Lee Petty found the family dynasty. The museum will also include the Dodge Barn, built in the days of the team's close connection to Dodge and Plymouth. Finally, fans will be able to also visit the Lee Petty House, birthplace of both The King and his brother Maurice. The new-look museum will also feature exhibits of the Petty family's four members in the Hall of Fame (Lee, Richard, Dale Inman and Maurice), of "Mr. and Mrs. The King" from the Pixar film "Cars" and of the family's many contributions to the sport of stock car racing.
The move is effective immediately, and while the new exhibits will not open until February of 2014, the museum will provide limited tour opportunities at the Level Cross facility during the move and renovation period.(Richard Petty Motorsports)(11-5-2013)

Phoenix Facts and Notes - Tuesday:
• Construction was completed in January 1964. The facility consisted of a one-mile oval and a 2.5-mile road course.
• Alan Kulwicki won the first NASCAR Sprint Cup Series race at Phoenix on Nov. 6, 1988.
• The first spring race was held on April 23, 2005 (it was also the first night race), won by Kurt Busch.
• The track underwent its first repave in 2011. Construction began in March and ended in September of that year.
• The following changes were made during the construction period (March  September 2011):
     • Widened the frontstretch from 52 to 62 feet
     • Reconfigured pit road with the installation of concrete pit stalls
     • Pushed the dog-leg curve between Turn 2 and Turn 3 out 95 feet
     • Tightened the turn radius of the dog-leg from 800 to 500 feet
     • Implemented variable banking to ensure the immediate use of two racing grooves, including 10-11 degree banking between Turn 1 and Turn 2; 10-11 degree banking in the apex of the dog-leg; and 8-9 degree banking in Turn 4.
• There have been 34 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series races at Phoenix International Raceway, one per season from 1988-2004 and two each season since.
• 185 drivers have competed in at least one NASCAR Sprint Cup Series race at Phoenix; 135 in more than one.
• Mark Martin leads series in starts at Phoenix with 33; followed by Jeff Gordon and Bobby Labonte with 29 each.
• Since the advent of electronic scoring the closest margin of victory in the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series at Phoenix was the (4/10/2010) race won by Ryan Newman with a MOV of 0.13 seconds.
• Two drivers have won at Phoenix and the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series championship in the same season: Jimmie Johnson (2007, 2008 sweep and 2009); Dale Earnhardt (1990).
• Danica Patrick is the only female driver that has made a NASCAR Sprint Cup start at Phoenix International Raceway.
• Car numbers that have produced three or more Phoenix wins: #48  Jimmie Johnson (2007, 2008 sweep and 2009); #99  Carl Edwards (2010 and 2013) and Jeff Burton (2000, 2001); #29  Kevin Harvick (2006 sweep and 2012); #5  Mark Martin (2009), Kyle Busch (2005) and Terry Labonte (1994).(NASCAR)(11-5-2013)

Top 13 Driver Rating at Phoenix:
1) #48-Jimmie Johnson............116.4
2) #99-Carl Edwards..............100.6
3) #11-Denny Hamlin..............100.3
4) #14-Tony Stewart...............99.2
5) #29-Kevin Harvick..............99.0
6) #24-Jeff Gordon................98.8
7) #78-Kurt Busch.................97.7
8) #18-Kyle Busch.................97.5
9) #55-Mark Martin................97.5
10) #16-Greg Biffle...............92.0
11) #20-Matt Kenseth..............87.0
12) #39-Ryan Newman...............86.8
13) #31-Jeff Burton...............85.0
Note: Driver Ratings compiled from 2005-2013 races (17 total) among active drivers at Martinsville Speedway.
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)(11-5-2013)

Texas TV Ratings: ESPN2's live telecast of the NASCAR Nationwide Series race at Texas on Saturday, Nov. 2, earned a 0.9 U.S. household rating, averaging 1,395,260 viewers. Last year's race earned a 1.0 rating with an average of 1,663,629 viewers.(ESPN)(11-5-2013)

Herring steps into the #20: While Brian Vickers, the regular fulltime driver of the #20 Dollar General Toyota, is out of the car dealing with health issues, Joe Gibbs Racing development driver Drew Herring will have the opportunity to get behind the wheel. Filling in for Vickers, Herring will be piloting the Dollar General Camry for the final two races of the 2013 season at Phoenix International Raceway and Homestead-Miami Speedway. Herring's talent was discovered by JGR driver Denny Hamlin while the two raced Late Models against each other on short tracks throughout Virginia and North Carolina. Although Saturday's 200-lap Nationwide Series event will be 26-year-old Herring's first time racing at Phoenix International Raceway, his short-track racing background should be fitting for competing on the one-mile Avondale, Ariz.-oval.(Joe Gibbs Racing)(11-5-2013)

Jamie Dick returns at Phoenix: After spending the last three weeks on the sidelines, Jamie Dick and his #55-Viva Motorsports with Frank Cicci team are ready and roaring to go racing again at the exciting 1 mile Phoenix International Raceway for the Servicemaster 200. This weekend will mark Jamie Dick's tenth career start at Phoenix International Raceway, and his 33rd career Nationwide Series Start. Jamie's previous nine starts include four in the K&N Pro Series West, two in the Camping World Truck Series, and three in the Nationwide Series. With the series returning to Phoenix International Raceway, it also is the closest track to sponsor Viva Auto Group based out of El Paso, Texas. Viva Auto Group sells and services Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep, Ram, Nissan, Chevrolet, Ford, Kia, Mitsubishi, and Suzuki vehicles in the greater El Paso area.(Viva Motorsports)(11-5-2013)

Canadian drivers eyeing Trucks for 2014: Canada has produced many great open wheel race car drivers including Formula 1 world champion and Indianapolis 500 winner Jacques Villeneuve, Champ Car champion Paul Tracy, IndyCar stars such as Scott Goodyear, Patrick Carpentier and Alex Tagliani. Then there were two who were tragically taken before their time; Gilles Villeneuve and Greg Moore. And right now Canadian James Hinchcliffe is a legitimate star in the IndyCar series, having won three races this past season. On the stock car side of motor racing, however, Canada has come up short with really, only Ron Fellows having more than one win in any of NASCAR's top three national series. All that, however, might be about to change with three teenagers of the cusp of making big noise in NASCAR. Cameron Hayley, the 17-year-old NASCAR K&N West Series regular from Calgary, goes into the final race of the season at Phoenix International Raceway this week, just 18 points back of the championship leader. Hayley has already caught the eye of NASCAR executives, being named as part of a handful of young drivers expected to be the next generation of Sprint Cup stars. In his season thus far Hayley has a win and 11 top-five finishes and 14-top 10 results in 14 K&N starts. Next up for him is the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series. The youngest of the home grown phenoms is 17-year-old Alex Guenette, of Mascouche, Que., who won rookie of the year honours this past season in the NASCAR Canadian Tire Series. Guenette has an ambitious schedule for 2014, with plans to race in the Camping World Truck Series, the U.S. based ARCA Series as well as returning for a sophomore season in the NATCS.(Toronoto Sun)(11-5-2013)

Paludo recognizing American Diabetes Month: November is American Diabetes Month, with World Diabetes Day falling on November 14. Miguel Paludo, who was diagnosed with the disease at age 21, is especially focused on bringing awareness to the cause this month. The #32 AccuDoc Solutions Chevy will sport a special American Diabetes Association 'Stop Diabetes Now' decal on its tonneau cover in support of the 26 million people living with diabetes in the United States.(Turner Scott Motorsports PR)(11-5-2013)

Homestead extends deal with artist Guy Harvey: Homestead-Miami Speedway announced that it is expanding its partnership with iconic marine wildlife artist Guy Harvey. The partnership includes a series of activities surrounding Ford Championship Weekend. Widely recognized as the world's finest marine life artist, Harvey's work will be featured during each of the three season-ending races in NASCAR's top three national series.
- This year's Ford Championship Weekend official souvenir program again features the artwork of the renowned artist and conservationist. The cover includes a sailfish superimposed on an image of the Homestead-Miami Speedway frontstretch alongside NASCAR's top national touring series championship trophies that will be awarded after each contest.
- Dr. Harvey's art can also be seen by way of a giant seascape installation in Turn 1. It's located at the bottom Sections 180-200, where seats were removed due to the fact that spectators couldn't see a majority of the track following the 18-20 degree banking that was added in 2003.
- Harvey's designs are also available on commemorative posters, T-shirts and travel cups that will be for sale at Homestead-Miami Speedway, both during race weekend and throughout the year.
- Additionally, NASCAR stock cars that include Guy Harvey Custom Wraps have been on display during Homestead-Miami Speedway community appearances throughout Florida.(HMS)(11-5-2013)

Entry List for the AdvoCare 500(k) Sprint Cup Series race at Phoenix International Raceway is posted, 43 teams/drivers [for 43 spots] are listed, including: #30-Whitt, #32-Hill, #40-Raines, #51-Allgaier, #95-Sorenson. Since only 43 cars are entered, all drivers will make the race.
See the full entry list at my Jayski's Phoenix Entry List

IRS says Montoya owes $2.7 million: The Internal Revenue Service is demanding $2.7 million in extra taxes and penalties from race car driver Juan Pablo Montoya, who, it asserts, had $9.5 million in taxable income in 2007 and 2008, nearly four times the $2.4 million he and his wife reported on their joint tax returns for the two years. In a previously unreported lawsuit filed in U.S. Tax Court, Montoya concedes that in those two years he had nearly $800,000 more in gross receipts, interest and partnership income than originally reported, but challenges the IRS' other, even bigger dollar adjustments. Montoya, a 38-year-old Colombian citizen who now lives in state and local income tax free Miami with his wife, Connie Freydell, and three children, is hardly the first driver to run into trouble with the IRS. Coincidentally, he recently signed to drive in 2014 on the IndyCar team of Roger Penske, the billionaire CEO of Penske Automotive Group. That team already includes Brazilian Helio Castroneves, who placed second this year on the IndyCar circuit and is known beyond the track for winning Dancing With The Stars and for his 2009 jury acquittal on federal felony tax evasion charges.(full article at Forbes)(11-4-2013)

Special Veteran's Day scheme for Newman at Phoenix: In honor of Veteran's Day, Ryan Newman's #39 Quicken Loans Chevy for Phoenix will feature photographs of over 120 U.S. military veterans. The photos were compiled by the Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America (Quicken Loans Racing Facebook). See an image of the car on the #39 Team Schemes page.(11-4-2013)

Texas Race and Commercial Breakdown of the 2013 AAA Texas 500: For those of you 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 3:02 PM, and stopped at the waving of the checkered flag at 6:38 PM (all times are EST). ESPN was the broadcast team for this event.
Total number of commercials: 130
Total number of companies or entities advertised: 62
Number of traditional commercials (not split-screen): 71
Total number of companies or entities advertised: 45
Number of 'Side-by-Side' commercials during race broadcast (split-screen): 59
Total number of companies or entities advertised: 33
Number of times ESPN utilized 'Side-by-Side' commercials during this broadcast: 10
Total number of brief promos of products/services during the race broadcast: 27
Total amount of time these brief promos take during broadcast: app. 3 min. 35 sec.
Start time to record race/commercial periods: 3:02 PM
End time to record race/commercial periods: 6:38 PM
Total minutes of complete race broadcast: 216
Minutes of race broadcast: 179
Minutes of traditional commercials (not split-screen): 37
Minutes of 'Side-by-Side' commercials (split-screen): 27
Number of missed restarts: 0
Number of 'mystery cautions' (debris not shown): 1
Total race brdcst time 179 Total comm. brdcst time 37
See past races, links, more info on the 2013 TV Commercials page.(11-4-2013)

Four 2012 race winners have two races left to continue streaks: four drivers that won a Sprint Cup Series race in 2012 have not won a race in 2013 with only two races left in the 2013 season. #11-Denny Hamlin has won at least one race in seven straight seasons, the list of drivers looking to extend their streaks:
seasons with at least a win, driver, track/date that continued streak, time period of streak
7, Denny Hamlin, Phoenix, March 2012 [2006-2012]
3, Clint Bowyer, Sonoma, June 2012 [2010-2012] 2, Marcos Ambrose, Watkins Glen, August 2012 [2011-2012] 1, Dale Earnhardt Jr., Michigan, June 2012 [2012]

Phoenix Nationwide Entry List:There are 41 cars on the preliminary entry list for Saturday night's Servicemaster 200 at Phoenix International Raceway. A few notes:
Ryan Reed will be in the Roush #16;
Matt Kenseth returns to the #18 for Joe Gibbs;
Drew Herring will drive the #20 in place of Brian Vickers;
Timmy Hill will be in the #23 for Rick Ware;
Chad Hackebracht returns to the TriStar #44;
Ryan Blaney will drive the #48 for Penske.
Kelly Admiraal had announced that he would attempt the race in the #56 but is not on the preliminary list.(11-4-2013)
See the complete list on the Phoenix entry list page.

Entry list: There are 35 trucks on the preliminary entry list for this Friday night's Lucas Oil 150 at Phoenix International Raceway. Some notes include;
Daniel Hemric in the #6;
Steve Smith in the #12;
John Hunter Nemechek in the #22;
Cale Gale in the #33;
Mason Mingus in the #35;
Chase Elliott in the #94; Steve Wallace in the #97; (11-4-2013)
See the complete list on the Phoenix entry list page

NRA might not sponsor 2014 race at Texas: With its 2013 racing season finished, the next task for Texas Motor Speedway is finding a sponsor for its next Sprint Cup race on April 6, 2014. The National Rifle Association (NRA) sponsored this season's spring Cup race, triggering controversy. On Sunday, TMS president Eddie Gossage acknowledged that the race does not have a sponsor. David Higdon, managing director for NASCAR Integrated Marketing Communications, said in April that the group annually reviews its policies for sponsors. "We have a more focused attention on our brand and how the brand gets affected, and every year we learn different things," Higdon told USA Today. "Certainly, this has been an education process."(Dallas Morning News)(11-4-2013)

Johnson dominates Texas: #48-Jimme Johnson won the AAA Texas 500 Sprint Cup Series race at Texas Motor Speedway for his 6th win of 2013, his 3rd at Texas and 66th career win. Johnson led the most laps with 255. Johnson took the lead of the Chase, leading #20-Matt Kenseth by 7 points.
#88-Earnhardt Jr finished 2nd followed by #22-Logano, #20-Ksenth, #5-Kahne, #2-Keselowski, #11-Hamlin, #29-Harvick, #39-Newman and #15-Bowyer.
Pole winner, #99-Edwards lost an engine midway and finished 37th. #24-Gordon, who came into Texas down 27 points, hit the wall early in the race and finished 38th after returning to the track to pick up a few spots and points. Gordon drops to 6th in points, down 69 points and out of the championship hunt.
#30-Parker Kligerman, making is Sprint Cup Series debut, finished 18th. There were 28 lead changes among 10 drivers and only 5 cautions for 26 yellow flag laps.
The average speed was 151.754mph. NASCAR no longer announces the track attendance.
See unofficial race results, awards, money won, laps led, cautions and more on the Unofficial Texas Race Results page (pdf) and check out the Texas Penalty Report (pdf).(11-3-2013)

Where did the 2013 Sprint Cup Chase Drivers finish at Texas:
[listed by driver points position before the race (start pos)]
1) #20-Matt Kenseth, 4th (6th)
2) #48-Jimmie Johnson, WON (3rd)
3) #24-Jeff Gordon, 38th (8th)
4) #29-Kevin Harvick, 8th (19th)
5) #18-Kyle Busch, 13th (5th)
6) #15-Clint Bowyer, 10th (26th)
7) #88-Dale Earnhardt Jr., 2nd (7th)
8) #16-Greg Biffle, 12th (18th)
9) #78-Kurt Busch, 17th (31st)
10) #99-Carl Edwards, 37th (1st)
11) #39-Ryan Newman, 9th (13th)
12) #22-Joey Logano, 3rd (12th)
13) #5-Kasey Kahne, 5th (11th)
(11-3-2013)

Race Fast Facts - Texas:
#48-Jimmie Johnson won the 9th Annual AAA Texas 500, his 66th victory in 433 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series races.
Johnson led 255 laps, the second-highest figure in Texas history (Tony Stewart, 278 on Nov. 5, 2006).
This is his 24th victory in Chase for the NASCAR Sprint Cup history.
This is his sixth victory and 22nd top-10 finish in 2013.
This is his third victory and 16th top-10 finish in 21 races at Texas Motor Speedway.
#88-Dale Earnhardt Jr. (second) posted his 13th top-10 finish in 23 races at Texas Motor Speedway. It is his 20th top-10 finish in 2013.
#22-Joey Logano (third) posted his third top-10 finish in 11 races at Texas Motor Speedway.
#48-Jimmie Johnson leads the point standings by 7 points over #20-Matt Kenseth.(NASCAR Integrated Sports Marketing)(11-3-2013)

2013 Sprint Cup Driver Chase Championship Points Standings:
[after Texas, race 34 of 36]
1) #48-Jimmie Johnson [6 wins], 2342
2) #20-Matt Kenseth [7 wins], 2335, -7
3) #29-Kevin Harvick [3 wins], 2302, -40
4) #18-Kyle Busch [4 wins], 2290, -52
5) #88-Dale Earnhardt Jr., 2280, -62
6) #24-Jeff Gordon [1 win], 2273, -69
7) #15-Clint Bowyer, 2273, -69
8) #16-Greg Biffle [1 win], 2269, -73
9) #22-Joey Logano [1 win], 2251, -91
10) #78-Kurt Busch, 2246, -96
11) #99-Carl Edwards [2 wins], 2226, -116
12) #39-Ryan Newman [1 win], 2224, -118
13) #5-Kasey Kahne [2 wins], 2209, -133
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).(11-3-2013)

UNOFFICIAL 2013 Sprint Cup Driver Championship Points Standings without Chase:
[after Texas, race 34 of 36]
1) #48-Jimmie Johnson(X) [6 wins], 1171
2) #20-Matt Kenseth(X) [7 wins], 1127, -44
3) #29-Kevin Harvick(X) [3 wins], 1124, -47
4) #18-Kyle Busch(X) [4 wins], 1089, -82
5) #99-Carl Edwards(X) [2 wins], 1062, -109
6) #88-Dale Earnhardt Jr.(X), 1061, -110
7) #15-Clint Bowyer(X), 1052, -119
8) #16-Greg Biffle(X) [1 win], 1025, -146
9) #24-Jeff Gordon(X) [1 win], 1023, -148
10) #78-Kurt Busch(X), 1008, -163
11) #22-Joey Logano(X) [1 win], 999, -172
12) #2-Brad Keselowski [1 win], 968, -207
13) #1-Jamie McMurray [1 win], 966, -205
14) #39-Ryan Newman(X)[1 win], 965, -206
15) #5-Kasey Kahne(X) [2 wins], 948, -223
(X) = a Chase driver.
(11-3-2013)

Pole sitter Edwards car suffers engine failure at Texas: #99-Carl Edwards, who won the pole for the AAA Texas 500 Sprint Cup Series race at Texas Motor Speedway, suffered engine failure at Texas, he comment:
Q) WHAT HAPPENED WITH THE ENGINE?
Edwards: "I think a valve spring broke and now they can't get the spark plug out or anything so it beat up that cylinder pretty bad. We don't usually have a lot of engine trouble. Doug Yates and the guys at Roush Yates Engines build great engines. I feel bad for everyone at Aflac. We had such a great weekend going. The car, during the middle part of the race we were struggling but we were starting to get it worked out. Aflac has coverage for just about everything but I don't think they cover sick engines which is too bad. We will just go on to Phoenix and hopefully get another win there and go to Homestead. We gotta get in the top-10 so we can go to Vegas one way or another."(Ford Racing)(11-3-2013)

Jeff Gordon quotes about Texas accident: #24-Jeff Gordon talks about the on-track incident that sent his car to the garage for repairs at Texas on lap 75:
Q) ON WHAT HAPPENED?
Gordon: "I just know that the left front went down as I was going down the front straightaway. I felt it before I got there, and I just couldn't get it slowed down enough. I don't know; the wind was so strong that the car was doing funky things down the straightaways. I don't know if that was a slow leak, or if it just went all of a sudden. Our car just didn't take off very good, but boy was it strong on the long runs. We just needed to get some better track position; get on the inside on those restarts, and we actually had a really, really good race car. But, unfortunate. This is definitely going to hurt. We just get what we can out of this day and go on to Phoenix."
Q) DID YOU HAVE ANY WARNING WHATSOEVER?
Gordon: "It is hard to say. I drove around to come in the garage area, and sometimes that will do that. It didn't give me enough of a warning, that is for sure. I was going down the front straightaway and I felt the car move around a little bit. That was odd. But, the wind was buffeting and blowing so strong, the cars are moving around anyway. Just before I got to turn one, I felt it go down. I did everything I could to slow it down. I even had time to come on the radio and say 'Ut oh'. Well, I might have not said that, I said something else. I knew I was going to hit the wall. It is so unfortunate. This Drive to End Hunger No. 24 team has done such an amazing job. I am so proud of them to get us where we are. You just can't have things like this happen if you are going to make a run at a championship or battle with those guys. We had a great race car. We just didn't take off good on the restarts, but once we got going by eight to 10 laps into it, boy were we really strong."(Team Chevy)(11-3-2013)

NAPA Could Join Truex Jr. at FRR: Martin Truex Jr. commented about NAPA sponsorship during a Team Chevy press conference on Friday at Texas Motor Speedway:
Q) HAS NAPA LEFT THE DOOR OPEN TO ANY FUTURE DISCUSSIONS OF POSSIBLY COMING BACK WITH YOU IN YEARS TO COME?
TRUEX  "I think that really at this point anything is possible. We have got a lot of great partners that we have worked with over the years. That I've worked with personally that have shown interest in the program that we are going to put together. Yeah, I can't really say much right now about it, I'm not sure, but they have been great supporters of mine the last four years. Hopefully we will be able to do something together. We have got a lot of great partners that are interested in the program and hopefully moving forward we will be able to put some things together with them."(Team Chevy)(11-3-2013)

Future Uncertain For Burton: "I'm not good at that. I'm so into the present," said #31-Jeff Burton, whose 20-year fulltime Cup career likely is heading into its final three races. "I never get too far ahead of myself, or too far behind. That's one of the things I regret, to be honest. I never really took time to stop and enjoy. I really just haven't gotten there because I really don't know what next year holds yet. Emotionally, I haven't put myself there. I don't know what I'm doing. I've had the unique experience of having a lot of success then not having much then having success again and then not having much. I think I've seen the sport from a different perspective than a lot of people do." Burton announced in early September that he would be leaving Richard Childress Racing at season's end after a nine-plus-year run. Burton said primary sponsor Caterpillar's financial backing alone was not enough to run a proper program in 2014. Team-owner Richard Childress since has hired Ryan Newman, currently with Stewart-Haas Racing, as Burton's replacement in the #31 Chevrolet SS.(RacinToday)(11-3-2013)

NASCAR Raceday features segment about bond between fallen MIT Officer Sean Collier and brother: While Boston and much of the country celebrate the Boston Red Sox World Series championship this week, reflection simultaneously turns to the city's "Boston Strong" resiliency following the April 15 Boston Marathon bombing. Sean Collier was the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) police officer killed April 18 in the aftermath of the marathon tragedy. He was gunned down that evening while on duty in his patrol car -- allegedly by the bombing suspects. Sean's brother, Andrew Collier, and his family recently sat down for their first in-depth, on-camera interview since the tragedy. Andrew Collier is a machinist in the engine department of 10-time NASCAR Sprint Cup Series champions Hendrick Motorsports. Narrated by actor/singer and Boston native Donnie Wahlberg, the feature premieres Sunday, Nov. 3 at 1:00pm/et on NASCAR Raceday on Fox Sports 1. "Collier Strong" re-airs Sunday night on Fox Sports Live on Fox Sports 1 at 11:00pm/et. Andrew Collier has worked tirelessly since his brother's death to lobby Congress to designate a federal holiday honoring America's first responders, creating a petition toward this goal. For more information on Collier's initiative, please visit change.org.(Fox)(11-3-2013)

Penske Racing partners with Jergens Workholding Solutions: Jergens Inc. is proud to announce it has been named the Preferred Workholding Solutions Supplier of Penske Racing. Working together with Penske Manufacturing, Jergens Workholding Solutions is bringing advanced quick-change fixturing to Penske machine shop operations. In the fast-paced world of NASCAR Racing, speed behind the scenes is critical to success on the track. Jergens Quick-Change Fixturing provides Penske Racing the ability to accelerate production and prototyping to improve their "Speed to Track." Penske Racing also named Jergens Tooling Components Division the Preferred Supplier of Kwik-Lok quick release pins, hoist rings and lifting hardware.(Penske / Jergens PR)(11-3-2013)

Darlington Raceway, NASCAR Green donate trees: Darlington Raceway and NASCAR have once again partnered to donate 80 trees to the local Darlington, S.C. community through the NASCAR Green Clean Air Tree Planting Program Delivered by UPS. This year, the recipient of the 80 trees is the Darlington County School District. Darlington Raceway will also plant an additional 10 trees on its property, bringing the total donation to 90 trees. A ceremonial tree planting took place at Carolina Elementary School in Hartsville, S.C. to celebrate the donation. Several schools throughout the Darlington County School District will receive a part of the tree donation. Over the past two years, the program has planted over 160 trees in the local communities surrounding the track. The program was developed to plant trees in various communities around NASCAR-sanctioned racing facilities to help offset the carbon emissions that occur during an event weekend.(Darlington Raceway)(11-3-2013)

Race Coverage of the AAA Texas 500 Sprint Cup Series race at Texas Motor Speedway is scheduled for Sunday, November 3, 2013.
Television (TV): ESPN at 3:00 pm/et; Pre-Race show at 2:00 pm/et; green flag approx. 3:16pm/et
Radio: Performance Racing Network (PRN) and Sirius XM Satellite NASCAR Radio 90
Scheduled Race Re-Air: ESPN2, Monday, November 4 at 1:00am/et

Final practice for the AAA Texas 500 Sprint Cup Series race at Texas Motor Speedway is over after 50 scheduled minutes, the top-five, slowest and notes:
#20-Kenseth 189.434
#2-Keselowski 189.434
#27-Menard 189.175
#18-Busch 188.930
#56-Truex, Jr. 188.818
slowest: #36-Yeley 180.044 & #7-Blaney 179.838. No speed: #87-Nemechek.
See fastest speeds, laps run on the Texas Practice 3 Speeds page (pdf).(11-2-2013)

Pit Stall Selections: The selections of pit stalls for the AAA Texas 500 Sprint Cup Series race at Texas Motor Speedway have been made.
Pole sitter #99-Edwards chose pit stall 1 [as do most pole sitters].
Outside pole sitter #2-Keselowski took pit stall 14, with an opening in front of it.
#48-Johnson, who starts 3rd, took the 43rd and final pit stall.
#20-Kesenth, who starts 6th, too the 34th pit stall, with an opening behind it.
To see where the drivers/teams pit stall is, see the pit selection chart on the Pit Stall Selection chart.(11-2-2013)

First Saturday practice for the AAA Texas 500 Sprint Cup Series race at Texas Motor Speedway is over after 55 scheduled minutes, the top-five, slowest and notes:
#15-Bowyer 188.422
#18-Busch 188.350
#2-Keselowski 188.107
#56-Truex, Jr. 187.878
#16-Biffle 187.859
slowest: #7-Blaney 180.204 & #32-Hill 179.922. No speed: #98-McDowell & #35-Wise.
See fastest speeds, laps run on the Texas Practice 2 Speeds page (pdf).(11-2-2013)

Furniture Row hires Truex, Jr's pit crew as well:
Joe Garone of Furniture Row said Friday that the team has hired Martin Truex, Jr's pit crew from Michael Waltrip Racing to pit the team in 2014:
IS THE RCR ALLIANCE A MULTI-YEAR THING OR AN INDIVIDUAL YEAR-BY-YEAR? THE TEAM ITSELF, YOU MADE SOME CHANGES AROUND DOVER, CREW MEMBERS, ETC. WHAT KINDS OF THINGS ARE YOU DOING TO STRENGTHEN THE TEAM FOR NEXT YEAR?
Joe Garone, General Manager of Furniture Row Racing: "It is a continual process. Our RCR deal is that we do them year-to-year, and that has been a strong program. Richard (Childress) made a commitment to make sure that that program ran as a complete open-book type of relationship, and they have stood by that. It is certainly something that we utilize. But, as Martin said earlier, one of the big advantages that we have as a single-car team with that type of alliance, is our ability to move quick. We are real agile, and focus out in Colorado is 100% is about what we are doing in that shop with a staff of about 60 people, and that makes it really strong. The RCR deal is real important. As far as personnel goes, we've had some struggles, it's not a secret, on pit road. We have been working hard to overcome that. Our pit crew didn't grow as fast as the performance of the car did last year. We've been able to secure Martin's pit crew; actually bring them on-board in full-time positions for 2014. I think that is going to really help that part of our program."(Chevy PR)(11-2-2013)

Gordon said he need to close points gap to have a chance at Homestead: #24-Jeff Gordon is 27 points out of the lead heading into Texas:
HOW CLOSE DO YOU NEED TO BE TO GET [KENSETH & JOHNSON] TO TALK ABOUT YOU BEING A VERY CLOSE CONTENDER GOING INTO PHOENIX OR GOING INTO HOMESTEAD?
Gordon: "I'm probably more thinking about going into Homestead of what those points need to be; it's hard to make up more than 10 points on either one of those guys in a single race. So, I would think that you'd need to be within 10 or 12 points at Homestead. I do know we had a great test at Homestead. I felt like we have a very fast race car and I would love to be in that position at Homestead because I do think we could put some pressure on them. Those guys make very few mistakes. We're not expecting anything out of them this week, next week, or the week after that. Again, all we're doing is trying to do our job the best that we can. But it would be pretty exciting for our race team to go into Homestead and be maybe 10 or 12 points out. That would be pretty exciting."(Chevy PR)

Keselowski wins Nationwide race at Texas: #22-Brad Keselowski won the O'Reilly Auto Parts Challenge at Texas Motor Speedway. #20-Denny Hamlin finished second followed by #12-Sam Hornish, Jr., #18-Matt Kenseth, #3-Austin Dillon, #7-Regan Smith, #11-Elliott Sadler, #2-Brian Scott, #32-Kyle Larson, and #5-Brad Sweet. There were 4 cautions for 19 laps and 15 lead changes among 6 leaders. Complete results are on the Texas race results page (pdf).(11-2-2013)

Texas Nationwide Race Fast Facts:
Brad Keselowski won the 9th Annual O'Reilly Auto Parts Challenge, his 26th victory in 203 NASCAR Nationwide Series races.
This is his sixth victory and ninth top-10 finish in 2013.
This is his first victory and 10th top-10 finish in 14 races at Texas Motor Speedway. His previous best finish at Texas was second, twice.
This is the 12th win of 2013 by the No. 22 Penske Racing Ford. The record is 13 by the No. 18 Joe Gibbs Racing Toyota in 2010.
Denny Hamlin (second) posted his eighth top-10 finish in 11 races at Texas Motor Speedway. It is his first top-10 finish in 2013.
Sam Hornish Jr. (third) posted his third top-10 finish in eight races at Texas Motor Speedway.
Kyle Larson (ninth) was the highest finishing rookie.
Austin Dillon leads the point standings by 6 points over Sam Hornish Jr.
(NASCAR Integrated Marketing)(11-2-2013)

Nationwide Driver standings following Texas:
1) #3-Austin Dillon 1107
2) #12-Sam Hornish Jr. 1101, -6
3) #7-Regan Smith 1053, -48
4) #11-Elliott Sadler 1026, -81
5) #31-Justin Allgaier 1022, -85
6) #2-Brian Scott 1010, -97
7) #6-Trevor Bayne 1009, -98
8) #20-Brian Vickers 970, -137
9) #32-Kyle Larson # 945, -162
10) #77-Parker Kligerman 924, -183
See complete standings on the driver standings page (pdf).(11-2-2013)

Nationwide Owner Standings following Texas are posted (pdf).(11-2-2013)

Bowman on Nationwide pole at Texas: #99-Alex Bowman won the Coors Light Pole for the O'Reilly Auto Parts Challenge at Texas Motor Speedway with a speed of 186.194mph. #22-Brad Keselowski will start second. The rest of the top 10: #12-Sam Hornish, Jr., #6-Trevor Bayne, #3-Austin Dillon, #54-Kyle Busch, #16-Ricky Stenhouse, Jr., #7-Regan Smith, #2-Brian Scott, and #33-Ty Dillon. Did Not Qualify: #89-Morgan Shepherd. The starting lineup is posted on the Texas starting lineup page (pdf).(11-2-2013)

Texas Qualifying Notes:
Alex Bowman won the 21 Means 21 Pole Award for the 9th Annual O'Reilly Auto Parts Challenge with a lap of 29.002 seconds, 186.194 mph.
This is his second pole in 35 NASCAR Nationwide Series races.
This is his second pole and 13th top-10 start in 2013. He also won the pole for the spring Texas race.
This is his second pole in two races at Texas Motor Speedway.
Brad Keselowski (second) posted his 10th top-10 start of 2013 and his seventh in 14 races at Texas Motor Speedway.
Sam Hornish Jr. (third) posted his third top-10 start at Texas Motor Speedway. It is his 25th in 31 races this season.
(NASCAR Integrated Marketing)(11-2-2013)

Grandstands sold out at Phoenix: Phoenix International Raceway President Bryan Sperber announced that the track's grandstands are sold out for the AdvoCare 500 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series race on Sunday, Nov. 10. "We're thrilled that NASCAR fans have once again chosen to attend the AdvoCare 500 and we are all looking forward to another wonderful and exciting race weekend," Sperber said. "We recognize that fans have a number of choices as they decide where to go and we're honored that they have chosen to support Phoenix International Raceway." Race fans wishing to attend NASCAR's final West Coast race of the season  the semi-final race in the Chase for the NASCAR Sprint Cup  may still purchase general admission tickets to PIR's hillside area by calling 866-408-RACE or visiting PhoenixRaceway.com.(PIR)(11-2-2013)

Martinsville tickets on sale: Just a few days after fans witnessed one of the most exciting races of the NASCAR Sprint Cup season at Martinsville Speedway, tickets go on sale for the next amazing Martinsville race, the STP 500 on March 30. Tickets for the STP 500 NASCAR Sprint Cup weekend at Martinsville Speedway are now on sale. Tickets can be purchased by calling 877.RACE.TIX or by visiting www.martinsvillespeedway.com. Martinsville Speedway tickets remain the most affordable in racing again in 2014, with STP 500 tickets starting at $35 and Kroger 250 tickets at $25. This guaranteed special pricing is available for a limited time, now through December 3. The 2014 season roars to life at Martinsville Speedway March 28-30, with Pole Day on Friday, March 28, the Kroger 250 on March 29, and the STP 500 on March 30.(Martinsville Speedway)(11-2-2013)

Edwards wins Texas pole: #99-Carl Edwards won the pole for the AAA Texas 500 Sprint Cup Series race at Texas Motor Speedway with speed of 196.114mph for his 2nd pole of 2013 and 13th of his career.
#2-Keselowski is on the outside pole, followed by #48-Johnson, #27-Menard, #18-Busch, #20-Kenseth, #88-Earnhardt, Jr., #24-Gordon, #17-Stenhouse, Jr., and #9-Ambrose.
With only 43 cars at the track, everyone made the race.
See the starting lineup, qualifying results, qualifying order, pole progression on the Texas Starting Lineup - Qualifying Page.(11-1-2013)

Starting positions for the 2013 Sprint Cup Chase Drivers at Texas:
[listed by driver points position before the race]
1) #20-Matt Kenseth, 6th
2) #48-Jimmie Johnson, 3rd
3) #24-Jeff Gordon, 8th
4) #29-Kevin Harvick, 19th
5) #18-Kyle Busch, 5th
6) #15-Clint Bowyer, 26th
7) #88-Dale Earnhardt Jr., 7th
8) #16-Greg Biffle, 18th
9) #78-Kurt Busch, 31st
10) #99-Carl Edwards, 1st
11) #39-Ryan Newman, 13th
12) #22-Joey Logano, 12th
13) #5-Kasey Kahne, 11th
(11-1-2013)

Qualifying Fast Facts - Texas:
Carl Edwards won the Coors Light Pole Award for the 9th Annual AAA Texas 500 with a lap of 27.535 seconds, 196.114 mph.
This is his 13th pole in 335 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series races.
This is his second pole and 18th top-10 start in 2013.
This is his first pole in 18 races at Texas Motor Speedway.
Brad Keselowski (second) posted his 15th top-10 start of 2013 and his fourth in 11 races at Texas Motor Speedway.
Jimmie Johnson (third) posted his 14th top-10 start at Texas Motor Speedway. It is his 21st in 34 races this season.(NASCAR Statistics)(11-1-2013)

Sad News - Marcy Scott: The following is a statement from Atlanta Motor Speedway President Ed Clark:
It is my sad duty to inform you that our dear friend and colleague Marcy Scott has lost her courageous battle with cancer. Marcy died this morning at her parent's home in Lilburn, GA.
Marcy's contributions to Atlanta Motor Speedway as our Promotion and Marketing Director were numerous. For over eight years, she guided the promotional and advertising efforts for the speedway and its events. In addition, before joining the speedway in April of 2005, she worked for a number of teams and sponsors in the sport with the list of drivers including Matt Kenseth, Jeff Green and Ricky Craven.
We will all miss her charisma, her penchant for detail and her way of making any task fun and enjoyable. To people throughout the NASCAR and the Atlanta media communities, she was a great friend and a consummate professional.
Please keep Marcy's parents Buck and Charlotte and her brother Stewart in your thoughts and prayers during this time. We will provide further information when arrangement details are available.(Atlanta Motor Speedway)(11-1-2013)
Arrangements: Viewing is Sunday from 4-7pm at Crowell Brothers Funeral Home. 5051 Peachtree Industrial Blvd, Peachtree Corners, GA. Celebration of Life is set for Monday, November 4 at noon at Eastminster Presbyterian Church. 5801 Hugh Howell Rd, Stone Mountain Ga. In addition to flowers, donations in memory of Marcy may be made to the Piedmont Heathcare Foundation. 2001 Peachtree Road NE, Suite 400. Atlanta, GA. 30309 Attn: Marcy Scott/Cancer Wellness.(11-1-2013)

Coverage of Qualifying for the AAA Texas 500 Sprint Cup Series race at Texas Motor Speedway is scheduled for Friday, November 1, 2013 at 4:40pm/et.
Television (TV): ESPN2, 4:30pm/et
Radio: Live online at Performance Racing Network(PRN)
Scheduled Qualifying Re-Air: none

Qualifying Order for the AAA Texas 500 Sprint Cup Series race at Texas Motor Speedway is posted. 44 cars/drivers are listed.
The first of the drivers scheduled to go out is #22-Logano.
The final driver scheduled to go out is #9-Ambrose.
Fastest in Friday practice, #56-Truex, Jr., is scheduled to qualify 21st.
Qualifying order is set by a random draw, held about an hour before the first practice.
See the full qualifying order on the Texas Qualifying Page.(11-1-2013)

Friday practice for the AAA Texas 500 Sprint Cup Series race at Texas Motor Speedway is over after 90 scheduled minutes, the top-five, slowest and notes:
#56-Truex, Jr. 195.298
#48-Johnson 194.791
#99-Edwards 193.840
#17-Stenhouse, Jr. 193.791
#18-Busch 193.673
slowest: #87-Nemechek 183.362 & #7-Blaney 180.409.
notes: Qualifying is scheduled for this afternoon at 4:40pm/et and will be shown on ESPN2.
See fastest speeds, laps run on the Texas Practice 1 Speeds page (pdf).(11-1-2013)

Truex, Furniture Row still finalizing deal UPDATES: When is a deal with terms acceptable to all parties not quite a done deal? When the parties involved have accepted those terms, but haven't yet put pen to paper to confirm those acceptable terms. Other than that small detail, it's a done deal and in this case, everyone knows it. That's the situation at Furniture Row Racing, the home of Martin Truex Jr. after this NASCAR season. According to knowledgeable sources close to and inside the Denver, Colo.-based Sprint-Cup company, Truex and team owner Barney Visser have agreed to terms. They just haven't gotten around to signing the contract to make it official. Thus the delay in formally announcing what everyone knows is eventually coming. Broadcasters and bloggers have reported for weeks that Truex is going to Furniture Row and the announcement will be made & well, any day now. Last weekend, at Martinsville Speedway, team general manager Joe Garone said most of the details are done and acceptable to everyone. But he added that Truex has one small detail to clear up before moving forward. "I don't know where people are getting their information," Garone said. "Yes, we've agreed to terms, but we just haven't signed anything yet. The timing isn't a big priority because we know it's going to happen. It might even get done by the end of next week [when the tour is in Fort Worth]."(Autoweek)(10-29-2013)
UPDATE: Furniture Row Racing has scheduled a "major team announcement" Friday at 11:00am/et at Texas Motor Speedway.(10-31-2013)
UPDATE 2: Furniture Row Racing general manager Joe Garone announced that the Denver, Colo.-based organization has entered into a multiyear agreement with Martin Truex Jr. to drive the team's #78 Chevy, beginning with the 2014 Sprint Cup Series season. "We couldn't be happier to have landed one of the top drivers in NASCAR," said Garone. "Martin's talents  both on and off the track -- have been well documented and everyone at Furniture Row Racing feels that he is an excellent fit to continue the success that we have enjoyed this season."
"Furniture Row Racing has been high on my radar," said Truex. "The team has done a great job this year. It's a talented organization and it has been impressive to see what they've accomplished over the past few seasons. What influenced my decision is team owner Barney Visser and that the team really wants me as its driver. Everything else is important, but I really felt like Furniture Row Racing genuinely wanted me to drive for them."(Furniture Row Racing)
AND Michael Waltrip Racing congratulates Martin on his announcement today. We are very happy to see him in a competitive ride next year and appreciate the professionalism everyone showed throughout this entire process.(MWR)(11-1-2013)

SaferCar.gov returns to the #34: As he prepares to run nearly 200 miles per hour around Texas Motor Speedway this weekend, David Ragan has vehicle safety on his mind and intends to make it top of mind for NASCAR fans, too. Ragan's #34 Ford will once again promote the message of SaferCar.gov, the vehicle safety website established by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). The online one-stop shop provides vehicle safety ratings, information on auto recalls, air bags and child safety seats, and other safety resources. The blue and yellow scheme last adorned Ragan's Ford Fusion at Talladega Superspeedway, where the Front Row Motorsports driver finished sixth. Ragan has a history of success at Texas also. He has earned two top-10 and six top-15 finishes and one pole at the 1.5-mile oval.(Front Row Motorsports), see an image of the car on the #34 team paint schemes page.(11-1-2013)

Danica will appear in GoDaddy.com Super Bowl commercials again:Sex will be seriously sidelined at the upcoming Super Bowl. That, at least, is the decision of the game's traditionally raciest advertiser, GoDaddy, which on Thursday will announce plans to air two spots during the Feb. 2, 2014, game, but without so much as a jiggle, wiggle or double-entendre giggle. Even #10-Danica Patrick, who will also return for the eighth consecutive year, will no longer be relegated to the role of sex kitten. Both of GoDaddy's Super Bowl spots will be humor-laden with a new brand message - but drop all sexual suggestiveness. "We have to move on to the next phase," says Barb Rechterman, chief marketing officer. "We polarized some. I understand that. But I'm not ashamed of our past. Now we need to take this brand to a new level." Patrick, who has starred in more Super Bowl spots than anyone, says she's ready for the change. "I love what's going on at GoDaddy," she says. GoDaddy has lots to show for its decade of Super Bowl efforts. When it aired its first Super Bowl spot in 2005, GoDaddy was a $100 million company, Today, it's a $1.3 billion company. Two years ago, GoDaddy founder Bob Parsons told USA TODAY that his $70 million in Super Bowl ads were directly responsible for much of the additional $1 billion in business.(USA Today)(11-1-2013)

Texas Facts and Notes - Friday:
• Jeremy Mayfield was the first Coors Light pole winner, in 1998 with a speed of 185.906 mph. The inaugural Coors Light pole at Texas Motor Speedway in 1997 was cancelled due to weather conditions.
• 18 drivers have Coors Light poles at Texas, led by Dale Earnhardt Jr., Jeff Gordon, Bobby Labonte, Ryan Newman and Martin Truex Jr. with two each.
• Two drivers have won consecutive Coors Light poles at Texas Motor Speedway: Bobby Labonte (2003 and 2004) and Ryan Newman (2005 sweep).
• 17 different drivers have won at Texas Motor Speedway, led by Carl Edwards with three.
• Seven drivers have multiple wins at Texas Motor Speedway: Carl Edwards (three); Greg Biffle, Jeff Burton, Denny Hamlin, Jimmie Johnson, Matt Kenseth and Tony Stewart each have two.
• Roush Fenway Racing leads the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series in the most wins at Texas Motor Speedway (nine); followed by Hendrick Motorsports and Joe Gibbs Racing with four each.
• Three of the 25 (12%) NASCAR Sprint Cup Series races at Texas Motor Speedway have been won from the Coors Light pole; Kasey Kahne (2006), Jimmie Johnson (2012) and Kyle Busch (2013).
• The third-place starting position is the most proficient starting spot in the field at Texas Motor Speedway producing more wins than any other starting position in the field (four).
• Six of the 25 (24%) NASCAR Sprint Cup Series races at Texas Motor Speedway have been won from the front row: three from the pole and three from second place.
• 19 of the 25 (76%) NASCAR Sprint Cup races at Texas Motor Speedway have been won from a top-10 starting position.
• Four of the 25 (16%) NASCAR Sprint Cup Series races at Texas Motor Speedway have been won from a starting position outside the top 20.
• The deepest in the field that a race winner has started at Texas Motor Speedway is 31st, by Matt Kenseth in 2002.(NASCAR)(11-1-2013)

Jeff Green in the #14 at Texas: TMI announced that former NASCAR Nationwide Series Champion Jeff Green will pilot the #14 Toyota for tomorrow's O'Reilly Auto Parts Challenge at Texas Motor Speedway. Eric McClure and team decided it would be in his best interest to sit out this weekend's Nationwide Series event due to medical reasons.(TriStar Motorsports)(11-1-2013)

Bayne fastest in Nationwide happy hour: #6-Trevor Bayne was quickest during happy hour for the O'Reilly Auto Parts Challenge with a speed of 182.989mph. He was followed by:#33-Ty Dillon, #22-Brad Keselowski, #31-Justin Allgaier, #3-Austin Dillon, #54-Kyle Busch, #16-Ricky Stenhouse, Jr., #18-Matt Kenseth, #2-Brian Scott, and #44-Cole Whitt. 39 drivers participated in the session. See complete results on the Texas practice 2 speeds page (pdf).(11-1-2013)

Bowman fastest in first Nationwide practice: #99-Alex Bowman was fastest during opening practice at Texas Motor Speedway with a speed of 182.180mph. #33-Ty Dillon was second, followed by: #77-Parker Kligerman, #12-Sam Hornish, Jr., #22-Brad Keselowski, #98-Kevin Swindell, #54-Kyle Busch, #3-Austin Dillon, #32-Kyle Larson, and #11-Elliott Sadler. 40 drivers practiced during the session. See complete results on the Texas practice 1 speeds page (pdf).(11-1-2013)

Dillon wins Texas: #3-Ty Dillon won the WinStar World Casino 350K on Friday night at Texas Motor Speedway. #98-Johnny Sauter was second. He was followed by: #9-Ron Hornaday, Jr., #62-Brendan Gaughan, #6-Justin Lofton, #31-James Buescher, #54-Darrell Wallace, Jr., #32-Miguel Paludo, #7-John Wes Townley, and #88-Matt Crafton. There were three caution flags for 15 laps and eight lead changes among five leaders. Complete results are on the Texas race results page (pdf).(11-1-2013)

Texas Race Fast Facts:
Ty Dillon won the 15th Annual WinStar World Casino 350, his third victory in 45 NASCAR Camping World Truck Series races.
This is his second victory and 11th top-10 finish in 2013.
This is his first victory and fifth top-10 finish in five races at Texas Motor Speedway.
Dillon scored a perfect Driver Rating of 150.0, his first career perfect rating.
This is the 100th victory for the Richard Childress Racing-owned No. 3 in NASCAR national series history.
Johnny Sauter (second) posted his ninth top-10 finish in 11 races at Texas Motor Speedway. It is his 13th top-10 finish in 2013.
Ron Hornaday Jr. (third) posted his 12th top-10 finish in 22 races at Texas Motor Speedway.
Matt Crafton leads the point standings by 46 points over James Buescher.
(NASCAR Integrated Marketing)(11-1-2013)

Driver standings following Texas:
1) #88-Matt Crafton, 741
2) #31-James Buescher, 695, -46
3) #3-Ty Dillon, 694, -47
4) #98-Johnny Sauter, 667, -74
5) #4-Jeb Burton, 657, -84
6) #54-Darrell Wallace, Jr., 651, -90
7) #32-Miguel Paludo, 651, -90
8) #29-Ryan Blaney, 218, -67
9) #62-Brendan Gaughan, 211, -74
10) #17-Timothy Peters, 209, -76
See complete standings on the driver standings page (pdf).(11-1-2013)

Owner Standings following Texas are posted (pdf).(11-1-2013)

Burton on pole for WinStar World Casino 350k: #4-Jeb Burton claimed his seventh pole award of the season on Friday at Texas Motor Speedway after running a top speed at 181.129 mph. #6-Justin Lofton will start second. He is followed by: #3-Ty Dillon, #32-Miguel Paludo, #8-Max Gresham, #31-James Buescher, #62-Brendan Gaughan, #98-Johnny Sauter, #17-Timothy Peters, and #9-Ron Hornaday, Jr. All of the entries made the event. See complete results on the Starting lineup (pdf) page.(11-1-2013)

Texas Qualifying Notes:
Jeb Burton won the Keystone Light Pole Award for the 15th Annual WinStar World Casino 350 with a lap of 29.813 seconds, 181.129 mph.
This is his seventh pole in 25 NASCAR Camping World Truck Series races.
This is his seventh pole and 16th top-10 start in 2013.
This is his first pole in two races at Texas Motor Speedway.
Justin Lofton (second) posted his sixth top-10 start of 2013 and his third in seven races at Texas Motor Speedway.
Ty Dillon (third) posted his fifth top-10 start at Texas Motor Speedway. It is his 16th in 20 races this season.
(NASCAR Statistics)(11-1-2013)

Pole winners to receive Racing Helmets at Texas: Renown sports artist David Arrigo has created his second edition of unique Wild Asphalt Circus-themed racing helmets that will be awarded to the pole sitters for this weekend's NASCAR Nationwide Series O'Reilly Auto Parts Challenge and Camping World Truck Series WinStar World Casino 350 at Texas Motor Speedway. The artwork features a helmeted maniacal clown behind the wheel while resourcefully incorporating the race sponsor and speedway-themed "No Limits" logos in the design. The helmets also include flames and pin striping coupled with metallic, pearl and flake colors to provide it with a brilliant appearance. The helmets are identical in design, with the WinStar World Casino 350 capturing the red of the sponsor logo and the O'Reilly Auto Parts Challenge utilizing the blue from its logo. It took Arrigo approximately 30 hours to transform two white Simpson racing helmets into his artwork through various techniques, including his specialty of airbrush painting.(TMS)(11-1-2013)

Talladega Superspeedway Fan Advisory Network Taking Applications for 2014: Beginning Friday, November 1 through Friday, December 6, Talladega Superspeedway's Fan Advisory Network, also known as TSS FAN, will be taking applications from fans who would like to join the esteemed committee to share their observations and make suggestions on how the track can continue to improve the Talladega Superspeedway event experience. TSS FAN was started in 2010 and has been an invaluable resource ever since for the TSS administration to communicate directly with the most important part of Talladega--the loyal fans. The goal is to identify, discuss and make proactive recommendations that will benefit fans who attend Talladega Superspeedway events.
The topics for discussion will not be limited to traditional facility improvements, but will encompass a fan's total interaction with Talladega Superspeedway, starting with the purchase encounter all the way through attendance of an event, including all of the service interaction with the fan in between. The suggestions made by the TSS FAN are used to help the track staff stay up-to-date with what a typical race fan expects from their experience while at NASCAR's Most Competitive Track.
All applications must be downloaded, completed, and mailed to Talladega Superspeedway in order to be considered. Applications can be found at www.talladegasuperspeedway.com/tssfan. FAN committee members will begin their duties in January 2014. Members will be asked to meet during each event weekend and participate in two teleconferences during the year. The committee will consist of 20 members and is collected from a demographic and geographic cross-section of fans. Members in office will serve the two NASCAR race weekends (May & October) at Talladega in 2014 before new members will be chosen for 2015.(TSS)(11-1-2013)

ISC to install video screens, improve wireless at tracks: International Speedway Corporation unveiled its plan to provide race fans with the sport's first fully-integrated multi-media race-day experience across all its motorsports facilities over the next few years. In addition to the thrilling live on-track racing action, fans will be able to enjoy rich multi-media content directly on their Sprint smartphones and other handheld devices, and on new high-definition video screens located throughout the racetrack. They will also enjoy enhanced connectivity to instantly share their raceday experience with friends inside and outside the track via Twitter, Facebook, and other social media platforms. These enhancements, which began in 2013 and will continue in 2014 and 2015, focus on several key areas:
-- Digital High-Definition Video Screens: Beginning with Talladega Superspeedway in 2014, new large high-definition video boards will be installed across all ISC tracks. These video boards will be located throughout each facility to ensure all fans in attendance have a clear view of the screens to enjoy all the great content that it will deliver. -- Unique At-Track Content: ISC has deployed a fully-integrated multi-media content strategy to deliver up-to-the-second live in-race and in-car cameras views, instant race data and other interactive race-day content to enhance the live on-track action and provide fans with a raceday experience unlike any other in the industry.
-- Enhanced Connectivity: Wi-Fi service will be provided in premium camping and fan areas, as well as in high-traffic areas. These services were already installed at Michigan International Speedway and Auto Club Speedway of Southern California in 2013, and will be rolled out to other venues in the ISC family in 2014 and 2015. In addition, ISC is working with American Tower Corporation to provide improved cellular coverage to include 4G connectivity for fans during race weekends.(ISC)(10-30-2013)
AND have heard that Talladega is moving any fans who had renewals in the Allison Grandstand on the backstretch in 2014 and move them to the front stretch grandstands. The Allison Grandstand will be torn down. No word if other grandstands will be renamed.(11-1-2013)